The Eagle Has Landed

September 12, 1943 -

German paratroopers snatched Mussolini from his mountain-top prison in Italy.

This daring and successful exploit stunned the world.

Inspired by the rescue of his ally,

Hitler ordered an even more daring bid - to capture his greatest enemy.

Morning. Good morning, Herr Admiral.

Send Oberst Radl to me at once. I have notified him.

Thank you.

KNOCKING

-Come in, Radl.

-Herr Admiral.

-Come and sit down.

The meeting went well? The Fuehrer had something specific in mind?

A simple exercise in logistics. Nothing very complicated.

He merely wants Winston Churchill brought from London to Berlin(!)

We are ordered to make a feasibility study.

Today's Wednesday. By Friday, he will forget it.

But HIMMLER will not.

Reichsfuehrer Himmler approved?

Only of my being put on the spot.

You should have seen that meeting!

There was Hitler, ranting, cajoling, then perfectly rational,

then raging and stamping like the ringmaster of a freak circus!

Goebbels, hopping from foot to foot like a...like a schoolboy!

Bormann - a vulture!

Perched in the corner, watching, listening, never speaking!

And Mussolini...Mussolini!

An automaton!

I looked round, and I wondered, "Am I the only one who can see it!?"

And if so, what must I look like to THEM...?

Admiral, the feasibility study...

..will be a total and unnecessary waste of time!

Make it immediately.

Complete for the last month.

If Herr Oberst could give me a rough idea of our problem...

-The Fuehrer has instructed us to kidnap Churchill.

-Good God!

Do a feasibility study on it, Karl.

Something which might fit our needs came in yesterday.

If I may, sir...

Eh...no... Ja, here it is.

From Codename Starling. A village in England called Studley Constable.

-How do we receive reports from this Starling?

-By radio and the Spanish Embassy in London.

Exactly where is Studley Constable?

The east coast of England, the county of Norfolk.

-Let's have a look.

-Yes, sir.

-Larger scale.

-Jawohl, Herr Oberst.

Here...

Ah! Herr Oberst...

-Isolated coastline, very rural, wide beaches, salt marshes.

-Ideal!

Now, a man to lead it, Karl !

"Crash-landed glider assault, Belgium.

"Dropped into Crete, '41... Wounded at Maleme, Knight's Cross.

"Led volunteer assault, Leningrad.

"Stalingrad - Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Sword.

"Dropped into Kiev, with 167 surviving in unit, to get two cut-off regiments out of Russia.

"Oberst Kurt Steiner."

-What is the language?

-"Educated in England."

AIR RAID SIREN

Third time this month! Despite Goering's personal guarantee (!)

Are you familiar with Jung's works?

I am aware of them, not familiar, sir.

A great thinker, a rational man... And yet he speaks of something called "synchronicity" -

events having a coincidence in time, so that one feels a much deeper motivation is involved.

-Ja, I understand.

-Take this affair.

The Fuehrer has the absurd idea that we abduct Churchill.

We are prodded into making a worthless report on this.

-Suddenly, synchronicity rears its disturbing head.

-Ja, I see that.

We receive a routine report

that next weekend Churchill will spend the weekend

in a country manor just 7 miles from a deserted coastline.

At any other time, this report would mean nothing.

At this particular time, in that particular file...

it becomes a circumstance which titillates,

-a coincidence to...tease us...

-NEARBY EXPLOSIONS

You surely don't really believe it can be carried off...?

A wink from a pretty girl results rarely in climax, Karl.

But a man is a fool not to push the idea as far as it will go.

EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE

Find this man for me, Karl. He's been out of Germany too long.

COMMANDS BARKED IN GERMAN

ENGINE STOPS

Hans... Hans!

-Hmm?

-Let's stretch our legs.

Stay on the train! No-one allowed off the train!

I beg your pardon, sir.

-Sir, you must remain on the train.

-If memory serves me, the Polish Army surrendered in 1939.

-Sir...?

-Who are these people?

-Well, Jews, sir.

-Jews?

-We are razing the ghetto to the ground.

-They put up a hell of a fight.

-How? With umbrellas and crutches?

Halt!

-I'll take the prisoner.

-"Prisoner"!?

What is...

-What is your name?

-Brana...

Good luck, Brana.

GUNSHOT

Identify yourself.

Oberst Kurt Steiner, commanding the Twelfth Parachute Detachment.

A salute is customary to a General, Herr Oberst, even to one of the SS.

You didn't seem quite so... discriminating a moment ago.

I have nothing for or against the Jews personally,

I have seen too many good men die for cause

to watch a young girl be killed for SPORT!

Straub was doing his duty...

He reminds me of something I pick up on my shoe in the gutter!

If you have the dubious honour of commanding this slaughter,

I advise you to keep him downwind at all times!

-That's if you can tell the difference.

-For God's sake, Kurt.

What am I to do with you?

You're a military hero,

awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Sword.

Yet you aided an enemy of the state,

abetted by the mutinous conduct of your men!

By rights, you should all be court-martialled!

Difficult decisions are the privilege of rank, Herr Gruppenfuehrer.

But...as for my men, I...

They seem to feel a certain...loyalty to me.

I...eh...don't suppose you could content yourself with my head

and overlook THEIR part in this?

There you are, you see, Hans?

It's infallible.

-Herr Oberst?

-In here, Karl.

-Good morning.

-Good morning, sir.

The material arrived from Starling. It is excellent, truly excellent.

-Ja, ja, that is good...

-What news of Oberst Steiner?

Well, he appears to be back in Germany,

but we can't find exactly where.

There are even rumours of a court-martial. But we'll find him.

Now... Here, a possible undercover operative.

He is currently lecturing at the University here in Berlin. Send for him immediately.

-Yes.

-And, Karl, send this message to Starling.

Yes, Herr Oberst!

-Where is Herr Oberst Radl?

-In the map room, Herr Admiral.

-This message has been sent out. Did you originate it!?

-I did, Herr Admiral.

"Very interested in your visitor of 6th November.

"Would like to drop some friends in to meet him in the hope they might persuade him to return with them."

You've exceeded your authority! You were told to prepare a study, not embellish a joke!

Sir, it could be done.

-In my opinion, it SHOULD be done.

-What if Churchill prefers to die?

What if abduction becomes assassination?

No-one specified dead or alive.

God in heaven!

Kill Churchill, when we've already lost the war!?

I'm sure you've done a good job, Radl. Very thorough.

But this "operation" could make the Charge of the Light Brigade

look like a sensible military exercise!

Drop it!

KNOCK

Herr Oberst...he has arrived.

-IRISH ACCENT:

-Colonel Radl?

Top o' the morning to you. It's not Irish whiskey, but it'll do to be going on with.

-Better for you to drink than me.

-I've a feeling I'll be needing it.

-May I?

-Ja.

The last time I was invited up here to Section Three,

one o' the lads persuaded me to jump out of a Dornier,

5,000 feet above Ireland, in the dark!

And me with a terrible fear of heights!

You planning a holiday to England? Brighton's lovely this time o' year.

Mother of God! What is THAT!?

They're Russian, Mr Devlin.

-They're probably the only thing that kept you awake in the snow(!)

-Yeah...yeah.

Now...I had a proposition to put to you, Mr Devlin.

"Had"?

Have.

I'm working, you know, Colonel.

At the University.

For a man like you, that must be like a thoroughbred race horse

finding himself pulling a milk cart.

You want me to go back to Ireland? Well, I can't do it.

-I wouldn't last a week...

-I don't want you to go back to Ireland.

Now, you're still a supporter of the Irish Republican Army?

Soldier of, Colonel. Once in, never out.

But you're here in Germany. Why?

I don't like soft target hits.

I don't want to blow the arms and legs off passers-by.

My fight is with the British Empire.

If it's a rabid fanatic you want, they sent you the wrong man.

Your aim is total victory against England?

No, that's your aim. MY aim is a united Ireland.

Either way, it would be necessary for Germany to win the war.

And pigs might fly, Colonel(!)

Mr Devlin... I want you to go to England for me.

Colonel, I barely know you(!)

To assist in the kidnapping to Germany of Winston Churchill.

Give me another one o' them Bolshevik firecrackers.

I think I fell asleep in the snow.

KNOCK

-Herr Oberst...

-Good evening, Herr Oberst.

I'm Sturmbandfuehrer Tuberg of the SS.

Reichsfuehrer Himmler requests you to bring him the entire file of the plan known as "Eagle".

-When is that to be?

-NOW, Herr Oberst.

You seem nervous, Herr Oberst.

Please relax.

May I smoke, Herr Reichsfuehrer?

No.

-A masterful job.

-Thank you, Herr Reichsfuehrer.

But there are some people who would say that such an operation

could make the Charge of the Light Brigade

look like a sensible military exercise.

Have you heard that phrase before?

I don't immediately recall, Herr Reichsfuehrer.

I know about your plan. I know what is written on every single page,

even the one you haven't got yet -

the court-martial of Herr Oberst Steiner and his men.

The arrogance of this Steiner is dazzling.

An unusual man, this, eh...this Steiner.

Intelligent, ruthless, a brilliant soldier,

but, above all, a romantic fool.

He threw away EVERYTHING - rank, career, the future.

He's presently in a penal colony on the island of, eh...Alderney.

And all for the sake of some little Jewess!

Do you know he's a veteran of five successful commando raids?

SIX, I believe.

Educated in England.

He speaks the language perfectly.

The ideal man for the job, eh?

If you think so, Reichsfuehrer.

And so do you. But the Herr Admiral, Canaris, doesn't think so.

My loyalty to Herr Admiral...

..is exceeded only by your loyalty to the Fuehrer. Isn't that so?

I'm sure of it...

Now, this Churchill business - our Fuehrer wants it seen through.

You have considerable autonomy

in running your office.

Use it to prevent Canaris from knowing what's going on.

What kind of authority would I have to carry such a project through?

Aloud, if you please.

"Oberst Radl is acting under my personal orders on a matter of great importance to the Reich.

"All military and civil personnel

"will assist him in any way

"that Oberst Radl sees fit to demand. Adolf Hitler."

So, you see, Radl... under the terms of that document,

-even

-I

-find myself under your personal command.

Good luck. I can only envy you your inevitable success.

Heil Hitler.

Heil Hitler.

Major Neuhoff, Commandant of the Island of Alderney. A pleasure, Herr Oberst...

Read this, please.

I see! What do you wish of me...?

You have a penal unit - Steiner and 29 men. It terminates NOW.

There are only 18 now...

The men are required to ride the torpedoes into enemy shipping.

-The torpedoes detach, of course?

-Of course.

-Most of the time (!)

Burial detail - usual letters of commendation.

-Thank you, Herr Neuhoff.

-But I...

-Thank you!

Herr Steiner?

Yes, I'm Steiner. What is it?

My name is Radl.

Well, what is it? I have two men to bury and no office to make small talk in.

Your credentials are hopelessly impeccable, Herr Oberst. What can I do for you?

Lead a raid to England to kidnap Churchill.

-You don't seem very impressed.

-I haven't seen your plan yet.

Here.

While he makes his decision, I'm going to that pub up there.

The only time this plan makes any sense to ME is when I'm drunk.

-You are in command here?

-Oberlieutenant Koenig, Oberst.

These configurations seem somewhat abnormal for an E-Boat.

She's actually a converted captured British MTB, Herr Oberst.

Sir.

Do you know the east coast of England?

For five years, I was first mate on a cargo ship out of England.

This could work, you know.

It's the Fuehrer's direct order.

I stood opposite Adolf once, when he gave me this...

Oh, I forgot. One of those.

-You're a German officer. You have no choice.

-Of course I do.

I'm going to die here anyway.

You forget, Radl, that I am under suspended sentence of death.

Officially disgraced.

I do not retain my rank, only my authority,

because of the...peculiar circumstances of this job.

I offer you reinstatement of rank

and complete vindication for you and your men.

My men need no vindication.

-You said it could be done.

-Maybe.

Of all the world's leaders, Churchill is probably the least protected...unlike the Fuehrer.

Is thumbing your nose at the Fuehrer more important to you than the lives of your men?

31 of you a few weeks ago. How many left?

16.

You owe them this chance to live.

Or to die in England instead(!)

I will put it to my men. They are entitled to know.

Only the destination for now. Revealing the target would be going too far.

I will put it to my men.

Steiner...

It would make them think about a negotiated peace. Hmm?

A negotiated peace?

I will put that to my men also.

God bless all here. Give us a glass of your strongest, please.

-So that's how the Gestapo dresses in Berlin these days.

-Gestapo...?

Drink?

I haven't sucked my thumb in years.

Would you be kind enough to do it for me?

-Sir?

-Suck it!

Now, about your Mr...Devlin?

A man of considerable resource and guile, I assure you.

Tell me, Mr Devlin, just why are you coming along?

Can't you tell? I'm the last of the world's great adventurers!

Ooohhh! Oh, sweet Mary, Mother of God!

They're a tough bunch o' lads.

-What did he say?

-He insisted on the consent of his men.

-I'm not surprised!

-If they agree, you leave tonight.

-Tonight!?

-Ja, to southern Ireland.

-But what about my papers and...?

They will be provided.

Starling's found you a job as a marsh warden, whatever that is.

What about the money?

-£10,000...

-I asked for £20,000!

£10,000 has been deposited in Geneva, as per instructions.

-10,000 more on completion of the mission

-You think I'd sell out?

-It's just that you've been so expensive to buy.

-LOUD CHEERING

You're jumping in those clothes!?

I might look a bit silly going down, but I'll be a hell of a lot safer when I land.

There's an old poem which, freely translated from the Irish, says,

"I realised fear one morning,

"to the blare of the fox hunters' sound.

"When they're all chasing after the poor bloody fox,

"It's safer to be dressed like a hound."

-You're quite a literary man.

-I'm a literary genius!

-Your complete instructions.

-All of it? Everything? No cyanide pill?

I couldn't think of a situation which would make you take one.

FEROCIOUS BARK

HIGH-PITCHED WHISTLE

A little trick I learned from an uncle in Belfast.

In the Middle Ages, they'd have burned you for that.

Goodbye, Mr Devlin. I'll see you in England.

I'll be there.

How do I jump out o' this thing?

Release your safety belt. I turn the plane upside-down, you drop out.

The signature on that authorisation could just be a clever forgery!

Fly to Berchtesgaden and ask him!

Oh, let's not bother the man!

Mrs Joanna Grey?

That's right.

Liam Devlin. I could do with a cup of tea. It was a hell of a journey.

Come inside.

SNARLING

WHISTLES

-That's a neat trick.

-Your wolfhound and me are both Irish.

-What's her name?

-Patch.

-Patch.

Sit down, Mr Devlin.

It's lovely, your countryside.

You'd hardly know there was a war.

They lack the discipline the Fuehrer has brought to Germany.

-You'll need these papers.

-I'll give you the ones they gave me.

Sir Henry is away. Only the servants are in the manor house.

-Who else knows Churchill will be here?

-Only Father Verecker.

Your duties will be mainly gamekeeping.

I've got you a motor-bike and you can have this shotgun. It is loaded.

You know the way to the cottage?

I go down the road, there's a pub on me right,

through the manor house gates and it's at the end of the lane.

Here's the keys.

By the way, petrol for the motorbike -

the ration allowance is only three gallons a month.

I hope I won't be here that long.

-Good day to you.

-Good morning.

Good day to you, Colleen.

-God save the good work.

-Watch your back!

-My back!?

-Mr Devlin.

-MR Devlin, is it?

-Mrs Grey told us all about you

-at the last WVS meeting.

-You're with Woman's Voluntary Service?

I help out when I have the time.

Sort of...servicing the troops?

-I don't mind.

-Miss, I do believe you're a little bit of a tease.

Children tease, Mr Devlin. I'm almost 19.

Go on!

God bless all here. Can I have a glass of your strongest, please.

-I'm George Wilde.

-Liam Devlin,

-marsh warden.

-That's Arthur Seymour.

By the fire is Laker Armsby.

-Will you join me in a drink?

-A pint of bitter wouldn't be a burden.

-Sir?

-I buys me own!

Coming here all grand, with a shotgun and your motorbike.

Buying drinks for us who's worked the estate for years

-for less than he gets!

-It must be my good looks!

Make fun of me, boy, and I'll squash you like a slug.

Arthur!

You walk soft around here! And you stay away from Molly Prior!

If I've caused offence, I'm sorry.

Arthur, now get out!

Today, I leave, boy. But from now on, when YOU see ME, you leave!

1/9d, please.

-Good day to you, Father.

-Oh, good afternoon.

-Liam Devlin. I'm Sir Henry's new marsh warden.

-Oh, I'm Father Verecker.

This is my sister, Pamela. She's on a weekend leave.

-How do you do?

-How do you do?

-I'll be back for tea. Bye.

-Bye.

We have a small congregation here. I look forward to your adding to it.

-You ARE Catholic?

-Oh, yes, Father.

Did you come for Confession?

Father, I'm afraid this poor soul is well past redemption.

God forgive me, but I could do with a spicy revelation

every now and then!

-And remember, "The last shall be the first".

-Then I'm assured a place at the head of the line!

Where did you find this!?

A DC3, captured almost intact.

-Gericke?

-Herr Oberst?

-Will it be ready in time?

-Yes, sir.

Where did she go, eh?

-HORSE SNORTS

-All right, my friend.

What kept you?

What KEPT me?! Why, you little devil!

-God, I'll know you till the crack o' Doomsday!

-What does that mean!?

It's a saying they have in Ireland.

-Do you smoke?

-No.

-Good for you.

They stunt your growth, and you with your green years ahead of you.

Almost 19, eh?

-What month?

-February.

-25th?

-22nd.

But I was right, though, that you're a little fish.

You and me should get along well,

me being a Scorpio. Never marry a Virgo, though.

-I've a hunch Arthur is a Virgo. Watch it with him.

-Arthur...?

-Arthur Seymour!? Are you crazy?

-No, but I think he is.

Pure, clean, virtuous... and not very hot, that's a Virgo.

Are you laughing at me?!

What else would you have me do with you, Molly Prior?

-Don't answer that.

-How do you know my name?

-George Wilde told me in the pub.

-I see. And Arthur, was he there?

-You could say that.

I get the feeling he looks upon you as his personal property.

He can go to hell! I belong to no man!

You know your nose turns up?

And when you're angry, your mouth turns down.

I'm sure you could find a hundred things wrong with me, Mr Devlin.

A thousand. But you wouldn't throw me out of your bed

on a wet Saturday night, I'm sure.

-But that's men for you. Anything's better than nothing!

-Wait! Wait!

You don't know the first thing about me,

because if you did,

you'd know that I much prefer a warm afternoon under the pines

to a wet Saturday night any day.

The sand has a terrible way of getting where it shouldn't do.

Now get out of here, before I let my mad passion run away with me!

Go on!

They told me all Irishmen were mad! Will you be at Mass on Sunday...?

-Do I look like I will?

-Yes, I think you do.

Oh, Devlin, you bloody idiot!

You never learn!

You never bloody learn.

Himmler sends personal wishes for success from the Fuehrer himself.

You've altered the parachutes. Why?

Unfortunately, we have high tide when we drop, so we may land in the surf.

These slots enable us to guide the 'chutes.

The landing velocity is high, but we have no choice.

-I assume they've been tested?

-Jawohl, Oberst.

I have one request... a demand, actually.

Blackmail at this point, hm?

We are not spies, and we will not be treated as such by the British,

if anything goes wrong.

We will wear our own uniforms under the Polish outfits,

and, if necessary, we will fight and die as what we are -

German paratroopers.

Max, it is not a subject for negotiation.

-In that case, agreed.

-Thank you.

Oh, hello, Liam.

My compliments on the dress.

-Why pick on me...?

-Because you're lovely,

because you could never fall in love with me.

But I might, just for spite.

It wouldn't matter. I could never fall in love with you.

I'm no good for you at all. I tell you that cos it's the truth.

I'm here!

It's YOUR turn to leave!

(Oh, God...!)

CHURCH BELL RINGING

Arthur, did I ever tell you about my uncle in Belfast?

No, of course I didn't.

He earned his living as a bare-knuckle boxer.

It's all right, Father. I'm just telling him about the Holy Trinity.

Do you know it?

Footwork...

timing and hitting!

And a little bit of dirty work!

Learn these, my uncle said, and you'll inherit the earth.

LIAM!

Well, Arthur, looks like he bought you a drink after all!

Perfect! Which way is England(?)

You! Tell Oberst Radl who you are.

Kapral Andrej Jankowski, Pulkownicu.

-You!

-Kapral Stanislaw Kunickski, Pulkownicu...as you very well know!

Get back in line!

GIVES COMMAND IN POLISH

I'm very much impressed.

You know, it all started as a joke.

I hope that Winston Churchill appreciates our sense of humour.

-Good luck, Steiner.

-Thank you, Max.

WAVES CRASH

GULLS CRY

RADIO SIGNAL

GERMAN ACCENT: 'Falcon, this is Eagle. Are you receiving me?'

Eagle, this is Falcon, receiving you.

'What are conditions over the nest?'

-Visibility good. Cloud cover low. Wind freshening.

-'Eagle, out.'

CHORUS OF BIRDSONG

Well, what do you think his game is? Black market...or worse?

There's two army trucks outside, without numbers on...YET.

This - German!

It's worse.

Arthur, if you love me, you won't say a word...

I'll have him arrested within the hour!

I've never meant to tease you.

I love him, Arthur!

What you do to him, you do to me, as well.

You can both rot in hell!

Stop! Arthur!

I won't let you go!

AEROPLANE ENGINE

Mother o' God... Flyin' pigs.

-Have you found out who Starling is yet?

-Of course.

-Why?

-Because I'm hoping it's not HIM.

It isn't. I want him buried.

-Brandt, bring two men!

-Jawohl, Herr Oberst!

Reichsfuehrer, I have the honour to announce...the Eagle has landed.

I am very pleased to hear it.

I return to Alderney shortly.

I would be honoured if you would tell our Fuehrer.

I will tell the Fuehrer nothing.

For a variety of reasons, I would prefer this to come... as a surprise to him.

-How much of a surprise could it be?

-You have the letter?

These are difficult times, Herr Oberst. The destiny of Germany rests on his shoulders.

It is essential we avail ourselves of this opportunity to please him.

We are all in Oberst Steiner's hands now.

-Hello, Grandfather.

-Foreigners?

-Polish. Corporal Kunickski.

Kunickski? That's not YOUR fault.

CHURCH ORGAN PLAYING

Oh, please, don't stop.

My apologies, Father. I am Corporal Andrej Jankowski. I was sent to find you.

You play marvellously. Bach needs to be played well.

I remember it with frustration every time I take that seat.

I'm sorry, Father, my Colonel...

-Father Verecker, is it?

-Yes.

-Colonel Miller, assigned to command the Independent Polish Parachute Unit.

-What can I do for you?

Well, we're on an exercise. I only have a handful of my men here. The rest are scattered over Norfolk.

There IS a rendezvous tomorrow,

but I'd like to take these chaps on manoeuvres through the village.

If that wouldn't be too much of a burden for you?

We could do with some excitement.

I'm sure that the villagers will help.

Well, I shall be counting on...

..counting on that, Father.

Phillip, this is Captain Harry Clark of the American Rangers.

-How do you do?

-My sister's told me about you.

-Pamela, this is Colonel Miller. My sister, Pamela.

-How do you do?

-And Captain Clark.

-Colonel.

-Captain.

-Are you staying for tea?

-I'm sorry. I must go, Father.

We had no idea you guys were here.

YOU'RE quite a surprise to OUR group.

-Free Polish Paratroopers, huh?

-Yes.

-Listen, we've got some Polish guys.

-Maybe you'd like to meet them?

-Maybe later. Where are you staying?

Eight miles away, at Meltham House.

-What strength are you?

-We're just a company.

-Meltham House. I'll remember that. Miss Verecker... Father, thank you.

-Not at all.

-Captain.

-Have the men hang on by the truck.

-ORDERS ARE SHOUTED IN POLISH

Let's see the rest of the village. Don't drive too slowly...

..and on the left-hand side of the road.

-Foreigners. Poles.

-And Yanks, too.

-And Irish.

-Get back in your foxhole, Laker. You're being invaded.

A WOLF-WHISTLE Smart uniform, Captain(!)

Moss, mind your own business.

-Is the new outfit arriving?

-No, sir. He wants to see you.

Sir!

Eight years...

Eight years in the National Guard, every other weekend.

Two weeks a year up to my ass in swamp water. And those mosquitoes!

But I made it. I got my rank.

I got my Command. The best goddamn outfit a man could hope to have!

11 weeks' training for this mission.

In two days, we hit the beach!

My last chance to get into action before it's all over.

And now THIS!

You won't be leading us in, sir?

Goddamit, they're sending me home!

Read this! Go ahead... Top line! Pitts, Clarence E. 016838621.

Re-assignment - Fort Benning, Georgia.

Air transportation, Priority 2. They're not even in a hurry!

Can't you do anything, Colonel?

Look at the signatures on it! Not one of those men saw combat! Not one!

What do you want? Why are you here?

Sir!

Fort Benning, Georgia(!) I could have been in on the finish!

Wait till my daddy hears about it!

COMMANDS SHOUTED IN POLISH

Keep up this foolishness for a while, Hans, then gradually establish the roadblocks.

Slowly. Two men at a time.

-Yes, that's coming along nicely!

-Thank you, sir.

-Very impressive.

-Thank you, Father.

We have to head for the marshes soon. Do you know of anyone...?

Colonel, I am the official marsh warden.

-Liam Devlin at your service.

-What luck.

-Colonel...

I'm Mrs Grey. As Mr Devlin has been in my employ for less than two days,

I might suggest a third person along to ensure we don't lose you both.

I don't suppose I could impose...?

I'd be delighted.

-Why don't we, eh...?

-Yes, please do.

-Here.

-I'll get in the back.

-Any further news of Churchill?

-Yes, the party's left King's Lynn.

In the house, is there another escape route?

There as an entrance at the rear, another opposite the church.

Let's hope it won't be necessary.

What a lovely day for fantasies.

The Colonel's - that he'll be able to pull this thing off.

Mine - a cup of tea and a country girl.

And Mrs Grey's - that she'll still be asked to be Lady Willoughby.

Sir Henry is a pleasant dullard.

He and my late husband were partners in a South African venture.

South African - that's what I can hear in your voice, Afrikaans.

My mother... She and my sister died there, in a British concentration camp.

Or did you think the Nazis invented them?

Revenge - a classic motive. I congratulate you.

Do YOU have a motive, Mr Devlin?

Regrettably, no.

So, if someone else had asked you to abduct Adolf Hitler,

you would be in Berlin right now?

If all this lunacy doesn't work out, Colonel, that's not a bad idea.

Not a bad idea at all.

SHOUTS IN POLISH

Thank you, Colonel.

-Can I buy you a drink, Colonel?

-Not right now.

-Mrs Grey?

-No.

-Then, I'll be off. I hope I've been of help.

-You have.

Perhaps we'll meet later...in the marsh.

It's a very large marsh, Colonel.

Good luck with your manoeuvres. Success. Ma'am.

A SHOUT IN POLISH >

SHE SCREAMS

Stop the wheel!

Get his body off the wheel.

- Father, look at that uniform! - It's a German.

It's the Ger... My God, YOU'RE a German.

More bloody foreigners.

-Altman, the switchboard.

-Jawohl!

-Get these people into the church!

Colonel, I know what you're doing. You won't stand a chance.

Well, I insist on giving it a try!

-Hans, get the men in position. Don't let anyone out of the village.

-Jawohl.

Molly...what is it?

I must see Father.

-I have to talk to him.

-Yes, of course you can.

Something terrible has happened.

It's all right. Stay here.

I'll get Phillip now.

Molly! Come with me!

Mr and Mrs Wilde, will you take a seat, please?

Mr Laker, sit over there.

This door is locked. Why?

It's the Sacristy. It's where I keep the church records and my vestments.

-The key is at my house. I'll go and fetch it if you like.

-That won't be necessary.

So, you intend to assasinate Mr Churchill as he passes through here today?

What an astonishing notion.

Give it up. There's no surprise left.

Perhaps just ONE surprise left, Father...

..your good Lord willing.

God, these are Germans. I must tell... I must tell Harry.

Oh, Phillip's probably got the keys to his car.

Mrs Grey's got one, and Liam's got his bike.

Oh, good! Don't worry, Molly.

Go to Liam, and then go and tell Captain Clark what's happened.

-But there must be...

-Molly!

-I'll try and find him.

At times like these, there's very little left but prayer, and it frequently helps.

What do you think our chances are?

The E-boat is off the coast, Hans.

Churchill is on schedule. Anything is possible.

Joanna! Joanna!

HAMMERING ON DOOR I'm coming! I'm coming!

-Oh, Joanna...!

-What's happened?

Colonel Miller and his men, they're Germans!

They've got the villagers. We must tell the Rangers!

-Does anybody else know?

-No.

-I'll get my car keys.

-What kept you?

-I killed Arthur.

-Did you tell anybody about it?

-Are you a traitor?

-I don't betray what I believe in.

Your bloody Germans have locked everyone in the church. They're going to kill Churchill.

You're a bloody traitor!

Only they don't stand a chance, because Pamela's gone for the Rangers!

Don't try and run!

Run away?! Don't you know me better than that?

Do you think I could leave them in the lurch?

I wrote you a letter. Here it is, for what it's worth.

It's on the table, if you're interested.

A BADLY-TUNED RADIO SIGNAL

'This is Albatross. This is Albatross'

Pamela knows everything. She's gone to Meltham House, for the Rangers. I shot at her. I'm sure I hit her.

No matter what the reason...

No matter how deeply felt the cause...

You lived with us, Joanna.

You accepted our admiration...

..our kindness...and our trust.

May God grant you time to relive this moment in shame!

Are you able to communicate with the E-boat?

Tell them to go to Position One immediately.

-This really is a beautiful spot, you know.

-Yes.

I understand, Mrs Grey. No matter how you feel about the British,

you must hate to leave here.

That's just it, Colonel.

Until this moment, in spite of all I've set in motion,

I never actually believed I'd have to go.

-What the hell's goin' on, Haley?

-Dunno. The Colonel said, "Wait".

Your girl's OK, Clark. She's in hospital. She took a bullet from an enemy agent named Grey.

Those Poles you met are Krauts. They're here to kill Churchill.

-Churchill's left King's Lynn...

-Have you notified the War Office?

-That'll take too long.

-If YOU don't notify the War Office,

-I

-will...sir.

Moss, get a hold of the War Office.

If anything happens to Churchill because you're late, this country will swing you from Big Ben.

Cancel that call, Moss.

-Put the windshield down, Haley.

-Yes, sir!

-Give me a handful of those grenades.

-Yes, sir.

-Sergeant!

-Yes, sir.

-How're you doin'?

-Fine, sir.

-Where are you from?

-Omaha, sir.

By this time next year, pigeons are going to be crappin' on statues of you all over Nebraska!

All right.

Move ahead.

OK!

CONVERSATION INAUDIBLE

-Did you spot anything, sir?

-No. Hang on to this, Lieutenant.

-I think I can take this place without firing a single round.

-Yes, sir.

-Get out, Haley!

Well, this looks like it.

This is Colonel Clarence E Pitts, United States Army!

You are surrounded. Send out your Commanding Officer!

-Do you speak English?

-Yes.

-I'll give you five minutes to lay down your arms and surrender your hostages. Do you understand?

-Yes.

-Where's your Commanding Officer?

-Yes.

Are you makin' fun of me, soldier?

Well, goddammit!

Goddamn Krauts think they're going to kick Clarence E Pitts around...

I'll blow their asses outta there!

Delta Two, to Mallory.

'Where are you, Mallory?

'Mallory, where are you?'

This is Mallory. We're all set.

-Stand by. Becker...?

-Ready, Colonel.

Stand by. We're going to move in!

Come on, we're movin' out!

Shouldn't we look the place over?

And have men shot to find out somethin' I already know?!

There are a lot of places for an ambush, sir. Plus that church is full of civilians.

You question one more of my orders, and I'm going to bust your ass down to Private!

Yes, sir.

Go, Beck! Go, Mallory!

Get out! Come on, get down!

Get a missile for the bazooka.

Beck! Come in, Beck!

Beck here. We're gettin' fire from all round.

-There are four dead and we're pinned down.

-Four dead?!

This is Frazier, Colonel. We got three dead.

Pull yourself together. Re-group. Do something, Frazier!

Re-group(?)

This is Mallory. I got that truck, with the bazooka.

A truck! What do they want, a medal(?)

Jake!

MOSS: Frazier radioed this in, sir.

Ohhh, Holy...!

-Did you get the Colonel?

-No, sir.

I've got the whole outfit ready to move.

Colonel Pitts is a man of limited combat experience.

-Apparently no longer.

-Nope.

Major Corcoran here. We have an incident involving Empire...

I'm going to go up on the second floor to find out where we are.

Give me those binoculars. Fix that flat tyre.

God, this is where Grey lives! Bring that gun!

Mrs Grey!

Mrs Grey!

PATCH WHIMPERS >

Sir...

Mrs Grey!

-I have a suggestion, Herr Oberst.

-Yes, Brandt?

-We should leave immediately.

-Yes, Brandt.

Get back to the church!

COVER!!

I'll let you know when I need you, Father.

Get to your positions!

I think we're about to take up permanent residence here.

Another white flag has arrived.

Unfortunately, THIS officer seems to know his business.

-Well, thanks to my sister, your plot has failed.

-Really?

It failed because one of my men died saving that little girl.

Father, you had better join your flock.

-Captain Clark, what can I do for you?

-Surrender.

Surrender?!

Mr Churchill is safe and under guard.

Mrs Grey is dead, and her radio has been confiscated.

It's all over, Colonel.

I have hostages.

Well, I can't see you bringin' them out, women and kids in front of you.

No.

Let the villagers go, Altmann.

Father, your people, please.

Colonel, I don't wish you well,

-but I'm grateful for the life of my child.

-So am I.

Don't forget, Father... "The last shall be first."

Let me go!

HE SHOUTS

Father! Father!

Father, I've got to get you out of here! Pamela's all right. She's in the hospital.

-Father!

-Yes.

-Goodbye, Captain Clark.

-Colonel...

There's no such thing as death with honour, just death.

I have no intention of dying now

but, if I'm going to, allow me to choose where and how.

-What are YOU doing?

-Getting the keys to his car.

How did you get in here?

There's a tunnel. It's an ancient escape route that leads up to the Vicarage.

The car is parked at the end of it.

Mr Devlin, you are an extraordinary man.

Colonel Steiner, you are an extraordinary judge of character.

There is a way out now.

It is still possible for us to capture Churchill.

Not US, Herr Oberst, YOU.

-If we all attempt to leave, we will fail.

-Very probably.

Do you have a suggestion, Brandt?

YOU go, and WE stay and hold this place as long as possible.

Shall we say covering fire in about 30 seconds, Herr Oberst?

Yes.

Hans, you come with ME.

It has been a privilege to serve with you.

Go!

One-two-three, go!

-We can stay one step ahead if the radio is still inside.

-If the E-boat is still OUTSIDE.

It's out there.

I love you. That doesn't mean I like what you've done...

or what I'VE done... or even understand it.

I only know I couldn't have let you die.

-Did you read my letter?

-Yes.

Well done, Captain. Congratulations.

There are three survivors, sir -

Steiner, Devlin, and one German who we know is badly wounded.

I'd like to go and pick 'em up.

-I can't stay for long. The tide.

-Get on board.

-I'm not leavin'.

-What?

-I'm stayin'.

Hans...

-Take Herr Hauptmann aboard.

-Herr Hauptmann...

-I will not leave without you.

-Get on board, Hans.

I will not. I'm coming with you.

How long have we known each other?

Since the day you kicked me out the plane, at Narvik.

Three years.

Hauptmann Ritter von Neustadt...

in all that time, you have never once disobeyed an order of mine.

And I will not let you start now.

Herr Oberst.

Take the boat off shore

and stay there as long as possible.

He'll be heavily guarded.

-Yes.

-You don't know where he is.

-That's right.

You're still going after him?

The time has come when I no longer control things...

THEY control ME.

Goodbye, Mr Devlin.

You're a lovely fellow, Colonel.

I hope you find what you're looking for.

I already have. I hope I haven't lost it in the finding.

Herr Oberst.

A message from Albatross.

-It, eh...

-Read it.

-It's garbled. We could have misunderstood.

-Please.

"One wounded fledgling left... return nest." Then it's unintelligible.

"No tide at present...for..."

Then it's unintelligible again.

Em... "God save..." That's all they could understand, sir.

Get out of here, Karl. Back to Berlin.

By plane, car, anything you can commandeer with my authorisation.

You have a wife and children, huh?

I was measured for my casket months ago.

-Do you understand me, Karl?

-I...I think so, sir.

You were following my orders. The Admiral's a decent man. He'll understand.

Goodbye, Karl.

Go!

-But...

-Go.

FAINT CONVERSATION ON RADIO

'We've checked the beach...

'Beck here. We've checked the beach road. Not a damn thing.

-CLARK:

-'Run it again. Check for turn-offs.

-Understood.

-Come in, Wilson.

'Moving west...

'Results - negative.

'Work back towards five and four. Frazier, this is Delta Two.'

Frazier here, sir. Negative on anything.

'OK, Frazier. The convoy is being moved to original destination.

-'Stay off the air until I call.'

-Frazier. Out.

'Frazier, this is Delta Two.

'Come in, Frazier.

'Frazier, this is Delta Two.

'Frazier, this is Delta Two.'

-Frazier.

-'New position, Frazier. Cover the mouth of Estuary One.'

-Will do.

-'Delta Two. Out.'

VOICE OUTSIDE: This looks like the place.

DOGS YELP

-There's somebody in there.

-Let's take it.

No way. The door's open. We'll let the dogs do it.

THE DOGS GROWL AND BARK

A HIGH-PITCHED WHISTLE - THE DOGS STOP BARKING

I told you those dogs are no damn good!

Your pardon, Herr Reichsfuehrer. Message received from Albatross.

< It's fragmentary.

Get me Hauptsturmfuehrer Fleischer, in Cherbourg.

Jawohl!

Herr Oberst Radl? You are under arrest.

May I be permitted to know the charge?

-Exceeding your orders, to the point of treason to the State.

-Oh.

Now, put your men round there... OK, Moss, over there.

-DISTANT VOICES:

-Put two men on the perimeter!

-Right, sir.

Check back here in five minutes. Let's move out.

Whisky? >

No, I won't, thanks.

Well, he's settled with his cigars and brandy.

CURTAINS ARE DRAWN OPEN

There is some question as to the identity of an American officer

-who preceded the convoy to here...

-None of MY men led the convoy.

One moment, please. Captain Clark!

Captain Clark speaking.

You're WHAT?!

What do you mean, he's unconscious?

His jeep is missing?!

..He's here.

DISTANT SHOUTS

Through here! The terrace! Prime Minister!

Poor sod.

No-one will ever know what he did.

Never know?! You crazy? That's Winston Churchill lying there!

No, Captain.

That is one George Fowler lying there.

He's a variety artiste of a sort, and a very brave man.

Incredible. He knew this sort of thing could happen.

He didn't even call out. He played it to the end.

Where is Mr Churchill?

Well, I suppose you'll read about it soon enough...

He's in Persia, with your President and Mr Stalin.

Tehran, Captain. That's where the reality is.

This...this never happened.

It did not occur...MAJOR.

Right.

'Molly, my love...

'As a great man once said,

"I have suffered a sea-change, and nothing can be the same again."

'I came here to Norfolk to do a job, not to fall in love.

'By now, you'll know the worst of me. Try not to think it.

'To leave you is punishment enough.

'But it will not end here.

'As they say in Ireland, "We have known the days." Liam.'

MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH