Kennedy Incident, The (2021)

[bunniefuu]

We don't need to change trains yet, do we?

What a goose you are, Linda!

We're barely out of the city!

We change at Lelle,

Monika and Renate will ride on.

We should be together on New Year's Eve!

My dad has prepared a feast for us and my

brothers will have made beer and wine...

Can't! Got a date!

And we live in such a distant place

that there are no Russian soldiers!

Stop cadging,

we've got plans of our own!

Attention! Customer alert!

Edgar, get over here!

Who was that? I haven't seen this one!

It was before your time!

Who was he with? Vivian, with you?

Indeed - Vivian's suitor!

Well? And how was he?

We'll have no gossiping about the customers!

It's all right between ourselves!

I'm sure you're dying to know too!

It's not all right! And there's

nothing I don't already know.

Well perhaps you don't know

quite everything.

What is it I don't know? What?

Well...

He's a fine geezer for sure,

but his 'love whistle'...

Well?

Let's say it whistles a very shortlived tune.

Some news. We all knew about that.

But do you know that one night

I caught the good sir

admiring himself in the mirror -

wearing my stockings?

What?!

He was trying on my garter but this

was several sizes too small.

Somehow he had managed

to clasp my bra, though.

Really? That's rather unexpected...

Wait for it, wait for it...

Is this seat free?

Sure, a gentleman just left.

Aah, good!

Gosh! Look! I don't believe that!

How cute can you get? Koochie koochie!

What might his name be?

Can I pet him?

Why not, he's used to that.

Maali, you?

Monika! Me.

And this... Your baby?

Yes, my little...

So what is his name?

Jaak. But we call him Jack.

How old is he?

Ten months last week...

"Visitors in Tallinn"

Jack...

Thank God, it's still here!

A work of art!

So, what do you reckon?

Willing to buy a share?

It's pretty, of course...

But it's a considerable expense!

It's the best investment of your life!

It will earn it's value back in no time!

Well... All right then!

Good afternoon, ladies!

One moment. Mademoiselle Claudette, please!

Yes, madam! Welcome...

Goodness! Monika!

Maali! What are you doing here?

Have you become a modiste?

Hush! It's Claudette nowadays!

I'm just helping out here.

On evenings I'm a waitress at Gloria restaurant

and model at fashion shows there.

I thought you were abroad - in England?

Au pair work?

A grant from the English College

only lasts one year.

So I'm back, living at mother's again.

But ladies! This is not a tearoom!

Did you come to shop or to chitchat?

We're here to shop.

And not for any old stove pipe -

the Schiaparelli hat!

The ladies are aware of its cost?

We are.

It's priced twenty-five crowns!

Let's not dilly-dally then.

And what did it cost?

- Only twenty-five crowns!

Twenty-five?!

Like a roasted pigeon on a plate.

It's all the rage in Paris!

And in Hollywood!

And which one of you can pull it off

like a Hollywood film star?

We were all indoctrinated!

I think Madame should have a first try.

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing this!

Yes, give it a try!

- You'll look gorgeous!

No, girls! Leave me alone!

Oh, girls...!

Well then...

One...

Two...

Three!

Like a movie star!

Oh, girls..!

And who will get to be the first one

to wear it in public?

Me!

We'll draw lots and then

draw up a schedule.

Fair enough.

Except when one of us has a very,

very good reason!

Like you do, tomorrow, right?

Of course, as Mister Lauritz will

take me on a joyride tomorrow!

Mister Lauritz is taking you

to the beach.

And what's the point in rolling

in the sand with it?

Linda is claiming priority.

I can't tomorrow... I'm entertaining

Mister Tamm here.

There you are!

And Stassi will entertain that actor

from the Russian Drama Company.

You shan't be wearing it indoors!

However, I have a day off.

I might want to advertise our establishment!

Then let's draw lots!

You have time to brawl

about it tomorrow.

Look at the time!

We have customers

arriving in half an hour!

Monika, have you taken care

of the snacks?

The gents promised to treat us

to some crayfish.

No wonder, Mister Braun

owns a delicatessen.

Uhh, despicable cockroaches.

So don't have any, leaves more for us!

They're here!

Who?

Mister Braun with two gents.

Girls, get changed in a flash!

Oh my! What drove them here so early?

This hat has messed up my hair!

I'll put the kettle on.

Yes, do!

I get it now:

they have to leave for Berlin

on the midnight express,

so the cheapskates expect

to get their pennies worth!

No rest for the weary...

Through painful toil

will you earn your livelihood!

Through painful toil, I say!

We were expecting you, gentlemen!

What's going on?

What's going on, what's going on.

The girls have food poisoning!

That's what's going on!

Who asked them to stuff themselves

with those cockroaches!

Does it say anything about

crayfish poisoning?

Doesn't seem to mention it separately...

You've taken ill as well?

Don't even mention...

I feel like hell.

Have you tried to throw up?

What do you think I've been

doing the whole night?

That's the gents we deal with.

Faded roses, second hand

perfume, and now carrion!

Let's hope this will pass by tomorrow;

we have the bankers visiting....

What's that then?

So.

The short one wins!

I knew it! The hat is calling for me!

I declare the draw invalid!

But by what right?

Force majeure!

This is a cablegram from Riga,

from the wife of the US ambassador, Irena.

How do you know her?

We go way back.

She's Polish.

This was sent a week ago,

but to our old address!

And it was delivered only now.

Oh, what to do, what to do...

What's wrong?

She requires two girls,

and it's for today!

Girls for the American ambassador...?

No-no, don't be daft!

She's arriving today

on an airplane from Riga,

with a guest who needs

to be entertained.

Who's the guest, a Latvian?

She writes it's a son of

an important American,

and she asks,

could I organize a 'chance meeting'

with a couple of

English speaking girls this noon.

Girls with a fashionable hat.

I want to come too!

You don't even speak English.

I say! Not worse than you!

You've got your picnic today!

Monika, put on the hat, and double march

to negotiate with the Americans!

So who's the other then?

Monika! Who do you have in mind?

Claudette!

Closet?

Pretty?

Well... She wouldn't work at the Gloria,

were she not!

That's it then!

Chop yourself up.

Irena wants us to be on the terrace

of the Cafe Kultas at noon.

I'll be the old friend,

and the guest will

be served a couple of girls

who can be nice and

hold their tongues afterwords...

Wait ... this... Closet?

Can she hold her tongue?

She'll be working at the cafe and I'll

be making love to the American!

I renounce my right to the hat.

Cheerio, Monika!

What are you scouting for?

What took you so long? I've been

biting my nails here for fifteen minutes!

Looks like a handsome chap.

So what are we supposed to do?

Whatever, but in English!

"Okay".

Let's find out what he wants.

Perhaps he doesn't fancy girls.

Neither do I.

Good afternoon, auntie!

Stop staring at the guest!

(in German) Tell him it's too hot and we'll go inside.

Hey, that's a good idea!

I've got a couple of hours -

why don't we go to the beach?

Darling, would you mind...?

Your turn, Monika!

Fancy if he drowned. We'd have an

international incident on our hands.

At what time do you need

to be at work?

Oh yes, eager to get rid of me,

are you?

Don't worry, I'll be along soon.

You can toast yourselves all you want -

unless he decides to watch the sunset

in the city with me.

And how is Einar doing?

What has this to do with it?

With what? I'm merely inquiring

about your fianc.

He wants to get married in the summer.

Supposed to get a raise then.

Well I'm not sure.

What do you mean? Weren't you two

head over heels in love?

Love, love.

Fine love, me sharing a

room with mother

and him bunking with

his brother in some slums.

In the evenings he's dead on his feet -

the sorry thing needs to get up at six

for the shift at the power plant.

As if it's my fault

I can afford to sleep late.

You'd need to find someone

from the restaurant then,

sharing your night shift.

Whom, I'd like to know?

The kitchen staff's all

ancient Russians, all 'imperials' -

used to cook for the Tsar

and for the grand dukes.

The waiters are all double-gaited,

most don't even fancy dames.

One wouldn't

play around with a minstrel -

these are no better than crickets,

what would they have to offer me?

And the patrons are all coupled up.

Damn, I should get going.

I told you I could recognize

this laugh, eyes closed!

Lo, Maali it is!

Oh, Hanno, cheerio!

What are you doing in Tallinn?

That's where I live now.

Max and Lauri, we're

test driving my new Lincoln.

You bought a car? Really?

That's Monika, and that's Jack.

Well hello Monika, and hello Jaak!

Jack is a legitimate American!

The second American in one day.

The first being the Lincoln.

You're off to the city?

Yea, we parked behind the Summer Garden.

Wanna join us?

Yes!

I don't think I can fit you all in...

I'll be coming, they'll stay here.

You go ahead, slowly,

I'll join in a jiffy!

Deal. A pleasure.

OK, mister.

Hanno is kinda cute, ain't he?

And an American car?!

Maybe he's got a business of his own.

Or perhaps won a lottery?

I didn't notice a ring on his finger.

Seems to be eligible.

I'm coming!

To the Liberty Square,

Hotel Palace.

But Jack... Tomorrow?

We heard music from the records.

It's midnight and Estonian Broadcasting

Service signs off.

Good night.

Shall I take you somewhere?

Yes. Veerenni Street.

From riches to rags.

Did everything go well?

Sure.

The American was satisfied?

He was.

How are the girls?

Stassi and Renate are with clients.

They're not quite well, but they'll

grin and bear it.

Vivian won't be back

until the morning.

My experience says it's either

infatuation or intoxication.

But since I can't smell

anything on you...

I guess it must be the worst option.

Why should love be wrong?

There are two threats in our

occupation: love and syphilis.

One must take precautions

against both,

or treat these with urgency.

How can you even put these words in

the same sentence?

Why must things be so dirty?

We operate a sausage factory.

No-one wants to see what goes

into the tender, pink sausages.

As I saw this kid today,

I was thinking -

how nice that Monika can

spend time with such a cute boy.

But then I realized:

this could end badly.

This could end with Monika

fancying herself an ordinary girl,

who has long yearned for love and

who now believes this love will purge her.

Well, love is not forbidden to us.

But we can only play

with open cards.

Yet, you are attempting to bluff.

The stakes are high, your bluff

is called and you'll be punished.

Step out of the game

while you still can!

It's Jack's decision.

I left him our number.

If he chooses to, he'll call me.

If not - there's nothing I can do.

Insisting everything is possible

won't make things easier.

Because nothing is possible!

The kid leaves Estonia in a day

and will never think of you again.

All right. You know...

Go to bed.

Should he call for you tomorrow,

you must be fresh and graceful.

Take care that you have your best lingerie

and a new dress,

And... your new hat?

God, God...

What? You didn't lose the hat?!

I...

Where did you go?

Did you leave it at a restaurant or...?

I... I have to go...

It's past midnight!

Where do you think you would go?

The restaurants will be closed.

Where would you go, dear child?

If you lost anything tonight,

the hat is the least of your troubles.

Jack...

Need me!

Hear me!

Miss me!

Love me!

I would need to get to the city, but

I've forgotten my wallet.

Ee... The young lady would need to buy

a ticket, like everyone else.

I can promise to bring the fare

to the office of the Motor Company.

That's not how these things work...

Take the lass to the city,

how long are we supposed to wait?

I've got my regulations.

I'll give you these fifteen cents myself.

My butter is going to melt.

All right, all right.

Thank you, madam.

Come on, take your seat!

How could you --- You shouldn't have ---

Didn't I tell --- I had this feeling---

I'll buy a new one.

By God, I'll fornicate for a month

without a fee and buy a new one.

We were saving up for a year ---

Such carelessness ---

That's enough, girls.

Monika, we've

got customers tonight.

You look as if you have

escaped from a prison camp.

Why don't you lie down.

Vivian isn't home yet,

so you can sleep in peace.

It would have been my turn...

Why did she have to ---

You're of no use looking like this.

Get some shut-eye.

Sleep until late, for all I care.

Madame Kukk... Should anyone call me...

Should Jack call...

I'll be sure to wake you up.

He will call, I know he will...

I know.

Learn to see

the bright side of things.

What do you mean..?

Be grateful for the moments of

happiness we're permitted to have.

Never say to yourself: I'm worth it.

These words are not for us.

We don't come free,

but we must pay a high price

for things that come free to others.

Ooh, Miss Monika has hardly

touched the liquor!

Is something the matter?

Misss Monika is waiting for her beau!

Her beau?

What one would give to be

Miss Monika's beau tonight...

Let's dance rather!

Monika, get a hold of yourself!

You're insulting the customers!

Mister Veidenbaum is here

only for you!

I don't give a damn.

Behave yourself! Real life takes

precedence over a fantasy world!

Are you sure he didn't call

while I was asleep?

No-one has called!

And won't call!

It's half past eleven! I'm really

angry with you right now!

He didn't call...

Monika, I feel sorry for you,

but now sh**t down that booze

and go dance with Mister Veidenbaum!

Right then!

I'm sorry, I...

Is a Mister Kennedy staying here,

from the United States?

Yes, miss...

I need to see him!

What's his room number?

I'm afraid that

won't be possible, miss.

You don't get it... I need to!

He's expecting me!

Miss! Mister Kennedy

is not alone.

Is... Not alone...?

Mister Kennedy is... with a lady.

You do realize it's

out of the question to disturb him.

Who is it?

Is it a blond girl,

about my age?

I think it would be wiser

to leave, miss.

This is a respectable establishment.

You...?

You drove us

to the city last night!

The young lady

must be mistaken...

I'm not!

And you... You are

one of Maali's friends!

What's going on?

Who are you?

While you're still uninvolved, it's

better you should forget this meeting.

You're spying on Jack!

For who?

The Germans? The Russians?

Are you aware there are spies in your hotel,

snooping on the son of the US ambassador?

Paul, why don't you pour

the young lady a strong drink.

If she's lucky, she won't have any memory

of her stupid questions in the morning.

I'll remember everything!

If you stop me from seeing Jack,

I'll go straight to the police!

Really?

Perhaps mister receptionist here

should call the police?

A drunken whore makes a scene

at a prominent hotel

and harrasses foreign embassy staff?

Whose word will they take?

I'll... I'll find a way,

I'll remember everything.

Perhaps you also remember your

one-time colleague, Miss Nora?

Nora... used to work with us...

She was k*lled in a car crash,

two years ago...

Good. You do remember.

She had an admirer

from the German embassy...

We were hoping she'd get married,

but then the accident...

Let's hope an accident like that

doesn't have to be repeated.

If you value your life,

and the lives of your friends,

go back to your establishment,

sober up and move on.

Deal?

That's fine.

Let's drink to that.

Monika!

May I?

I'm very sorry you hate me now.

I know I lied to you.

Last year, when you called me

if I knew anything about the American.

Of course my first reaction

was to say No...

I didn't want to hurt you,

as I actually did know.

No need. All is forgotten.

Be grateful you don't have a 'souvenir'

to remind you to forget.

God! Not you too...?

Heavens!

And what happened..?

Did you terminate it..?

What were my options?

I hated Jack back then...

Madame Kukk arranged everything.

Are you... at all sorry?

No. We were nothing

but toys for Jack.

Yes. He pulled us out like cigarettes

and threw the stubs away.

He's a spitting image of Jack...

Indeed, little Jack, as it were of no

importance who's his mother.

We could've had him

between ourselves.

Let's go back.

They'll start wondering, whether

I have kicked you off the train.

Ladies, I'm sorry about the halt.

Oh dear! We have stopped!

Where are we?

Snowbound!

What? For how long?

Never can tell. A disgrace -

on New Year's Eve...

It could take hours.

Well you took your time, Monika!

I did some thinking.

What about?

This and that.

Isn't the baby cold?

Oh no, he's a tough little chap.

Just like his dad.

I'm coming!

You really came as a heaven's-send.

If not for you, I must've

suffered a bus ride.

Glad to be of service!

So, tell me, Hanno!

How did you get a car like that?

Bought it today?

Today!

Incredible! How can you have

that kind of dough?

In what line of business

are you these days?

Let's put it that way:

I didn't spend a nickle!

Who did then?

The German embassy!

German embassy paid for your car..?

Look here, are you a German spy?

Well, Lauri, am I or am I not?

You're not really on our payroll

as a spy.

You too, Lauri?

Or... I mean, Mister...

No need for formalities, I hope!

But yes, we're all

on the Fhrer's pay.

And Hanno, how did you get

in Fhrer's favour?

So that he buys you a car?

I'm the embassy's driver!

So that's how it is.

I thought you're a millionaire.

I might soon be one.

The Fhrer must be a generous guy.

Can't complain, he takes

good care of his own.

I wouldn't mind being 'his own',

if it pays so well.

Perhaps an opportunity

will present itself.

Why do I get the feeling, our meeting

wasn't quite by chance?

Or am I being stupid?

Perhaps not quite.

Would you gentlemen be spying on John?

I wouldn't call it spying.

It's our work to observe

and prevent delicate situations.

We live in complex times.

Am I terribly mistaken to say

I caught a glimpse of you

at the Kultas Cafe this morning?

Lauri, you're not such a smooth operator

you think you are!

We have no need to hide;

we're no assassins.

But yes - we did have the

hotel under observation

and when Mrs Wiley met with

the young gentleman at noon,

we sort of floated along.

Good afternoon, auntie!

I know the blond one. She's a waitress at the Gloria.

I think she had a fling with Hanno once.

Cutie.

Missis Kukk is a brothel madame.

I don't think this meeting is quite coincidental.

You better call Hanno.

Let him round up a couple of guys and park nearby.

We might go for a drive.

Tell him to take the best car.

The American car!

So. The Gloria girl is looking at her watch.

I think she sets off.

And the others?

They seem to linger on.

So: Hanno, Max and Lauri, go.

I'll be observing the American.

If necessary, I'll put the top sign on

and provide a taxi service.

Go!

I told you I could recognize this

laughter eyes closed!

Lo, Maali it is!

I feel I'm in a crime movie!

So, what are your plans?

Nothing - our duties are merely to

report his actions and meetings.

And then it turns out we have a common

friend!

Me?

You!

Is the American keen to have another

meeting with you, before he leaves?

But why do you inquire?

Well... It would be

our pleasure to cooperate.

With me?

If we could learn more about the

purpose of Mister Kennedy's little trip,

everyone would profit!

And what's in it for me?

It depends.

As noted, the embassy

isn't stingy

and the Fhrer's

gratitude is very generous.

But John will hardly want

to meet me at all.

I presume he'll call Monika

and spend the day with her.

But would you want to? If we could

encourage your meeting?

How?

We could make sure that

Mister Kennedy's phone calls

to a certain establishment

wouldn't be connected?

And that you would have

a nice private residence

where to entertain the guest?

That kind of private where you

could also be 'entertained'?

Oh, miss.

No need to feel coy -

we've seen much worse.

And finally: evening gowns

for this coming summer of 1939

For our lovely ladies!

You are the loveliest of ladies.

You are the prettiest of babies.

Yours is the perfect face

of charm and grace

an undisputed case of gorgeous!

You are the loveliest of ladies.

Your smile disarms the gods of Hades!

Your youthful air will bring

eternal spring,

You're loveliest of all the ladies!

Champagne?

Thank you.

The gentleman wishes

to uncork the bottle himself.

But of course.

Pardon. I'm sorry, sir...

Miss Claudette!

The patrons are upset

you're not showing the dress!

They want to feel the material.

We might have a

potential buyer there!

Did the gentleman just say...

...he will pay for this dress.

(mouthes in Estonian)

I love you!

Nothing interesting so far.

You wouldn't find another man

to say that in these circumstances!

'This is my first time...!'

Then learn.

Politics are discussed post coitus.

At least in this apartment.

Good girl!

Lunacy. England hasn't got it in it.

Ask about the United States, ask...

That's it!

Go to your prescious Monika then...

But sir, I'm naked!

Aren't we all..?

Anyhow, you will be

handsomely rewarded.

And feel free to keep

the place until tomorrow.

However, bear in mind

that the Fhrer's

generosity to the loyal

is only matched by his

ruthlessness to the traitors.

What was that supposed to mean?

You'll have the whole night

to figure that out.

Oh - and should the services

of the ladies' doctor be required,

Dr Werner of the embassy has stopped

many unwanted babies from entering this world.

No need to worry.

I won't get pregnant.

I've been living with

my fiance for a year.

Should it turn out that the fault lies

in your suitor...

You know where to turn to.

Yes..?

Is it all right to play with him?

Yes, of course!

It was about time!

Thank heaven, I thought we'd be

camping here for ever!

Do you suppose we'll get home

before midnight?

So!

Ladies and... ee...

Comrades and... comrades!

We're finally moving along.

I hope you'll make it on time,

and if you don't...

Keep in mind our

actual Estonian new year

arrives one hour later than

currently decreed by the Kremlin..!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld lang syne

Oh! How did you get that?

We grabbed a couple of bottles

from the club,

but since it appears we'll be

welcoming nineteen forty one in the train,

let's pop one open!

All right then, lets have it!

Let's drink to... to...

Say it. To John.

Yes, I was kind of thinking about him,

just now...

It seems we'll never be free from him.

He's like a curse upon our hearts...

I wonder, where he is

right this moment.

In America, where else.

What's the time over there?

Must be five or six...

John is at a bar,

having a drink...

...pondering, where to go tonight...

...and what to wear...

And then he'll be dancing on the

ceiling of a sky scraper

the whole night,

like Fred Astaire!

To Jack!

To Jack!