Nurse Edith Cavell (1939)

[bunniefuu]

[music playing]

[singing christmas carols]

[laughter]

Now, matron, we mustn't

keep Santa Claus waiting.

Santa Claus!

Santa Claus!

[singing christmas carols]

Merry Christmas.

Oh, Countess!

Merry Christmas, [inaudible].

But Countess!

Merry Christmas, doctor.

You have no right to be here!

You can't keep me out of this.

But...

Me, I've never been fond of

children's Christmas parties,

- and I'm [inaudible].

- But...

After all, this is much my

nursing home as it is yours.

- But...

- Or hers.

Well, nearly as much.

Of course it is, but you have just

had a very serious operation.

Whose fault's that?

It was you who kept on

about my grumbling appendix.

Grumbling appendix, indeed.

I believe you invented

the whole thing.

[singing christmas carols]

[inaudible]

Happy Christmas.

Happy Christmas, Jean.

Happy Christmas, Francois.

May we see mother?

We'd like to show her the cake.

Oh, I'm sure it'll be all right.

Miss Cavell's not about.

She's not supposed to know this.

Yes, I know, Jean.

She's in the children's room.

I'm sure it'll be great.

Thanks.

Matron, the Countess has called.

Countess?

Yes, she's with Dr. Depage

in your sitting room.

[inaudible].

[inaudible], the cake is here.

Would you like to see it?

Look.

Jean made it all by

himself, didn't you, Jean?

Good boy, Jean.

[inaudible]

I made the icing.

Countess, what are you doing here?

I'm walking.

Merry Christmas.

I told her to rest,

but she's [inaudible].

Oh, stuff and nonsense.

Clear off.

Clear off.

I don't need you.

Who's is that?

Madame [inaudible], Suzanne.

She's quite a character.

Do come here.

Want to go to the Countess?

Would you [inaudible]

come to Madame?

Matron, could you come to the

small ward at once, please.

I have to go and see

young Madame Rappard.

She's very poor.

I may need you doctor.

The excitement...

the boys were here.

They have a surprise for you.

A cake for the children starving.

And she wanted so much to see it.

I'm not supposed to know.

I understand.

Don't spoil it for them.

No, I won't.

Merry Christmas, children.

Merry Christmas, [inaudible].

[cheering]

Waiting for you.

Please, go.

[SOFTLY] Stay with her yourself.

Send down if you need me.

Yes.

[children cheering]

What a beautiful cake!

This is you, I suppose.

It was Madame Rappard's

idea, wasn't it, Jean.

Yes, mother wanted to thank you.

We all did.

How very kind.

Is it as good as it looks?

Would you like to

try it, Miss Cavell?

I think you better

cut it, Francois.

[music playing]

Oh.

Your mother, rest her soul,

would be so proud of you.

Thank you, grandmammy.

Oh, goodbye, grandmammy.

Don't worry.

It'll soon be over.

Goodbye, Francois.

Be sure and take care

of grandma and the shop.

Of course.

Look, Jean.

My first bake!

Ah, it's as light as a feather!

Don't worry, [inaudible].

Keep [inaudible].

[music playing]

Goodbye, Jean.

Be brave.

Be brave!

[music playing]

[scream]

Madame [inaudible]!

Madame Countess, why don't we

go before we are all k*lled!

Leave the Chateau?

Certainly not.

Nothing would induce me to.

[b*mb sound]

Madame la Countess,

Madame la Countess!

Stop making a noise

like a stuck pig.

Charlotte, pick up that bell.

[FEARFULLY] All right,

Madame la Countess.

Straighten the picture.

You know how I hate

crooked pictures.

But what is the use?

In a few moments we

will be all dead!

It would only be anticipating

the inevitable by a few years.

[b*mb sound]

Albert...

Yes.

The picture.

The picture.

[music playing]

They're only a few miles off.

[inaudible].

Did you hear what [inaudible]?

Burning the village

and k*lling the wounded!

[loud] They are [inaudible]!

[music playing]

Your poor mother, rest her soul,

would rather you'd been

born blind than to have

you look on such a sight.

[music playing]

[soft music playing]

Good evening, Madame Rappard.

Matron, I am glad to see you.

I'm so worried about Jean.

Why, what's happened?

They said he's been

captured by the Germans.

Madame Rappard, you musn't

believe all you hear.

Brussels is so full of rumors.

Yes, but they say they're

sh**ting all the prisoners.

[inaudible]

Jean!

Oh, Jean!

[inaudible]

[inaudible], my boy.

I was captured, but I escaped.

They saw me in the square

and they're after me!

Don't let them catch me!

No!

Atten hut!

Madame Rappard.

[german word] hut!

Quick!

Quickly.

Oh.

Oh.

[inaudible].

[speaking in german].

Ah, English.

I am.

Who lives here?

This lady.

As you see, she is not very well.

Are there any

questions I can answer?

We are building troops.

How many she take here?

Four.

Jean.

They are building

soldiers in the house.

Keep very quiet.

[speaking german].

Madame Rappard.

Madame Rappard.

[speaking german]

Where [inaudible]?

You have to be very brave.

They're building

soldiers in the house.

Oh, what are we going to do?

What are we going to do?

Now, don't worry.

But they'll be sure to find him.

Keep him hidden until after curfew.

Get some of his old

things together,

and I'll come back and take

him to my nursing home.

Oh!

Oh, God bless you!

[bell ringing]

[dog barking]

Fraulein, do you know

it is past curfew?

I do.

You should be in your house.

I'm on my way to

a very urgent case.

[bell ring]

We might be able to get him away.

One of the soldiers is

asleep in there by the stove.

We must try.

Is everything ready?

Yes, he's got his

clothes in there with him.

Come along then.

[loud noise]

Oh.

What happened?

Oh, I've taken every

bit of skin off my knee.

That's what comes of having

a horde of men in the house.

Oh.

Oh.

[music playing]

Reported numerous escapes.

Prisoners of w*r

from temporary camps.

Probably seeking

refuge in Brussels.

Immediate action demanded.

Captain, you will take the

necessary steps to apprehend

any refugee soldiers and

advise the civil population of

the penalty for harboring them.

[inaudible]

What is it?

Search all houses.

And if you find anyone

looking suspicious,

arrest him, and report

immediately to your sergeant.

I'm one of the lucky ones.

If you can see some of the others

lying wounded in

trenches and shell holes.

If you can only do something

for them like you did for me.

We have to think of you now, Jean.

We must do something quickly

to get you out of Brussels.

Miss Cav... Miss Cavell.

I must see her at once!

I'll call [inaudible].

Will you wait in the sitting room?

[inaudible].

Oh!

Oh, my dear!

They're making a house-to-house

search for the prisoners!

Oh, sister.

Please return to the ward.

Now, what is it?

Soldiers.

The soldiers, I heard them talking.

Madame Rappard, you must keep calm!

Where is he?

Where is he?

He's quite safe.

He's up in one of the small wards.

Oh, they'll be sure

to find him there!

They'll be sure to find

him there, [inaudible].

You must rest quietly.

I'll bring him down and

we'll take him to the cellar.

Oh, yes!

Yes, um, that will be much safer!

Halt!

[speaking german]

[inaudible]

Go there, Jean.

Over here.

Now bolt the door inside and don't

open unless you hear my voice.

Yes.

Wait!

Listen up.

Help me with this.

[speaking german]

[music playing]

[inaudible].

You cannot go up there without

the permission of the matron.

What is it, sister.

They say they have

an order to search

the home for escape prisoners.

Very well, they will search.

[inaudible]

[music playing]

Good evening, Madame [inaudible].

Why, Mason, what brings you here?

Is there somewhere

we can talk quietly.

Why yes.

Down in the cabin.

There's only my good

for nothing husband

cooking supper down

there, and you know him.

That's as good as being alone.

You remember Madame Rappard?

You mean that poor thing in the bed

next to mine who left

those two nice boys?

It's about the older boy Jean.

He was taken prisoner

but he managed

to escape and make his way

back to his grandmother.

I have been hiding him, and now I

wonder would you help by

taking him across the frontier

into Holland?

Of course I will.

When will he be here?

We're due to leave at

7:00 in the morning.

Oh, I'll see that he gets here.

And when you're

across the frontier,

would you send this

card just to let his

grandmother know that he's safe.

Of course, I will.

[bells chiming]

God bless you, Miss Cavell.

[music playing]

Jean!

We're at the frontier.

They'll search.

Keep quiet.

What happened [inaudible]?

Oh.

In there?

Oh, cognac ala masa moulya.

Well, how about one?

[speaking german]

Bottoms up.

[speaking german]

You're welcome.

Oh, Colonel.

Would you be an angel and

post this card for me?

What?

You post the card for me?

Oh, yeah. [speaking german]

Yes.

Thank you, General.

[music playing]

Madame la Countess!

Madame la Countess?

[inaudible]

What is.

What is.

[inaudible].

They must have caught

them hiding in the woods.

What are they doing with them?

The... They're going to sh**t them!

Madame la Countess!

[speaking german]

Don't be a fool, Charlotte.

Of course they're not.

You don't sh**t prisoners of w*r.

[g*n shots]

[inaudible], you hear?

[inaudible]

You foul brute.

You're a disgrace to your uniform.

You hear me?

Do you understand what I'm saying?

I can't speak very

much your language.

But I know what you say.

Then why did you do it?

Why did you do it?

It was commanded.

You mean... oh, my God, [inaudible].

That's horrible!

Madame, w*r is horrible.

They were in civilian clothing.

According to the log of

w*r, that makes them spies.

They shot them.

I never thought I'd

live to see such things.

Horrible.

Everywhere, all

over the countryside

they're hiding out

in barns and ditches.

Most of them wounded, sick.

Charlotte, told me that if you

go to the far side of the woods

you can hear them

moaning, crying for help.

Is the matron in?

Yes.

Can I see her?

Oh, I have such good news for her.

Well, I'm sure she'll

see you, Madame Rappard.

Thank you.

He's safe!

He's safe!

I just got the card!

Oh, God bless you.

God bless you.

Oh, Madame la Countess,

she saved my boys' life.

God will bless her.

[crying] God will bless her.

[music playing]

JEAN [VOICEOVER]: I'm

one of the lucky ones.

You can see some of the

others lying wounded

in trenches and shell holes.

If you can only do something

for them like you did for me.

MADAME COUNTESS [VOICEOVER]:

Charlotte told me

that if you go to the

far side of the woods

you can hear them

moaning, crying for help.

[music playing]

[inaudible], an

angel from heaven.

Not quite, but I'm well on my way.

Snatched from the jaws

of death, I called it.

[inaudible] you'll be

quite safe in the ward

as civilian patients.

And then we shall arrange

to get you into Holland.

I'm afraid it will be some

time before you can move,

though... your foot is septic.

Go on, is it?

Yes. [inaudible].

Bungey, the name is, Miss... Private

Bungey of the East Kent regiment,

commonly known as the Buffs.

We'll have to be

especially careful, Bungey,

or your English will give you away.

Ello, ello, ello.

Woah.

Careful over the cobbles, cabby.

Yes, it is a little unsteady,

but the Countess has never

driven an ambulance before.

Oh, I see.

Blimey!

Oh, sister.

I have four cases outside I

wish to isolate in a small ward.

Will you see that it's made ready?

Yes, matron.

Um, there's a villager to see you.

I'll deal with that later.

But the officer said it was urgent.

- Officer?

- Yes.

He's a German officer.

He's in your sitting room.

What is his regiment?

He didn't say.

He said he wished to

speak to you personally.

Very well. I will see him.

Attend to the ward, sister.

Yes, ma'am.

An officer has called to see me.

Drive around the back of the

house and wait for me there.

Madame Cavell?

I'm Dr. Gunther of

the Army Medical Corp.

We are transferring the first

contingent of our wounded

here today.

You will remove all civilian

patients to their own houses.

All Belgium, French and

British wounded must be handed

over to the German authorities.

Very well, Dr. Gunther.

They're bringing German

wounded into the home.

Well, what are we going

to do with these men?

We can keep them down in

the cellar for a few days.

That's where I keep Jean Rappard.

All Belgium and French

soldiers hiding in the town

are to be delivered up

as prisoners of w*r.

They don't know us

yet, Madame Rappard.

They don't know us

yet, [inaudible].

Remember [inaudible]?

What are you looking

for, my friend?

They've rolled into [inaudible].

How many?

Four.

[music playing]

[gasping]

I'm afraid it's hopeless.

Just a few minutes now.

Poor boy.

So young.

[speaking german]

What is he saying?

He thinks he's a prisoner of w*r.

He wants to be set free.

[speaking german]

You shall be free.

[speaking german]

Very soon now.

Sorry if I'm late, ladies.

Oh, no, Madame la Countess.

We were learning.

Eager for your work, eh?

Yes, indeed, ma'am.

Good.

He's sleeping.

If I can be of any help, please

don't hesitate to send for me.

Thanks.

What is it, nurse?

The Countess is here.

She's in your private sitting room.

I have to go down to the

small isolation ward first.

Please stay here, nurse.

Some friends have

promised to help and

we're making plans to leave.

Tomorrow night, I hope.

Use the identification

cards coming through.

[speaking french], bien.

Merci.

How about me?

Oh, no Bungey.

You must wait until

your foot is better.

I thought you said it

wasn't skeptic anymore.

No, I didn't, but you'll be

too dangerous for the others.

I'm sorry, Bungey.

Good night.

Bonsoir.

[inaudible], Bungey.

[inaudible]

Good evening, Countess.

Only three of the

men will be leaving.

The English lad is not

fit for the journey.

He must go later.

Were you able to get the

identification cards?

[inaudible]

Madame Moulin, when

can barge will leave?

Whenever you wish, matron.

Tomorrow night then.

And Madame Rappard,

is everything ready?

Everything is ready, matron.

Francois will guide

them to the back.

Francois will watch

the back of the house.

You will watch the front.

[bells ringing]

Courage, Madame Rappard.

You have your identification cards?

Oui Madame la Countess.

[knock on door]

[inaudible]

Four men [inaudible].

All clear.

Follow your instructions implicitly

and you'll soon be out of danger.

Bon voyage.

[inaudible]

[inaudible]

Well, Bungey, your turn.

Don't think so, [inaudible].

Unkind word and I shall

cry my bloomin' eyes out.

Would you be an angel

again, [inaudible]?

[speaking german]

[music playing]

Gentlemen, the new military

governor of Brussels,

[inaudible] General [inaudible].

General, [inaudible], head

of the political department

[inaudible].

Captain Heinrichs, Chief of

the [inaudible] espionage.

Lt. Schmidt, [inaudible].

Captain Heinrichs, [inaudible].

Captain Heinrichs, you

are head of [inaudible].

Yavolt, Excellence.

Will you look at that.

Would you mind, Excellence, tell me

how this came into your hands?

It was taken from

a derelict Belgium

soldier who was captured last night

on the outskirts of Brussels.

But Excellence, this should

have come directly to me.

I have given instruction

that all papers referring

to the traffic of escape

prisoners and derelict soldiers

shall pass through my hand.

[inaudible], Excellence...

I want no argument,

Captain Heinrichs.

I have been sent to

[inaudible] to restore

discipline amongst the population

and the [inaudible] occupation.

And I mean to do so.

This traffic and escape prisoners

has been going on long enough!

I am convinced there is

an organization behind it.

This map is the clear proof.

Unravel this, and we'll get to

the heart of your organization.

[singing]

One of these days, I

suppose these simple Germans

will wonder, if no other cargo goes

over the frontier, [inaudible].

[inaudible] poker player,

I'd say we had a full house.

Patrick Doland?

Yes, ma'am.

Issac Rosenthal?

Yes, [inaudible].

James Colsac?

Ey, [inaudible].

What about me, Miss?

Can't I go on the next load?

We'll see how you are, Bungey.

Oh, I'm all right.

Look at me!

London [inaudible] it is.

It's all right.

It's all right.

I did it on purpose.

[inaudible]

Oh, I'm not, am I?

Now will all those whose

names I've called give me

their Army identification card.

Good night, you all.

Good night.

Here.

Thank you.

You know, [inaudible].

I don't want to grumble, sir.

I [inaudible] with a nice

square meal after [inaudible].

We're lucky to get in at all.

It must be very

different [inaudible].

[inaudible].

But what wouldn't I give for

a nice pint of [inaudible].

Perhaps [inaudible].

And then perhaps a nice

stable kidney pudding

with plenty of

kidneys and the gravy

running all over the base.

How many can you take on

the next trip, Madame Moulin.

As many as you like.

I don't think these [inaudible].

There's seven more

will be here on Friday.

Then 11 must go tomorrow night.

I can take them.

[inaudible] off and

transferred to the German

identification cards.

Can that be done by tomorrow night?

Yes.

You, Madame Rappard?

It's all arranged.

Francois and I will guide you

as far as the [inaudible].

And the other boys, we'll take

them on the tram [inaudible].

Mama, look out!

[music playing]

[inaudible]!

British!

Yes.

We must take him to Brussels.

Oui.

We must hide him.

[speaking german]

[speaking german]

[inaudible], clean

up [inaudible].

[inaudible]

Edith, my dear, this

must be the last.

We must stop it.

How can we stop?

While any of these men

are needing our help,

we must go on.

If one of them should

be caught and shot

will be our fault. Swab.

But we searched the

whole wood, Herr Captain

and can find no trace of him.

Lt. Schmidt.

Offer a reward, 500

francs, for any information

leading to his

arrest, dead or alive.

Search every hospital, and instruct

all doctors and officers to

report any unusual cases.

Yavolt, Herr Captain.

Lean heavily on me.

That's right.

[inaudible], but I must

get you downstairs.

If we meet anyone on

the way, don't speak.

Ah, Lt. von Schultz.

Your promotion is overdue.

Donka, el Captain.

Now this map indicates

a secret organization

going on [inaudible]

escape prisoners.

Yavolt, Herr Kapitan.

And I'm relying on you to uncover

this entire organization,

uh, Captain Schultz.

I will earn my

promotion, Herr Captain.

Madame la Countess.

Another one has arrived.

[inaudible] is he stable?

No, Madame la Countess.

This one came to the lodge.

He's waiting outside in the hall.

Ask him in.

Madame la Countess,

you have the reputation

for being a good friend.

Well?

I have escaped from

a German prison camp.

From what prison

camp did you escape?

[inaudible]

What nationality are you?

French.

What do you expect

me to do for you?

Help me to get out of

Belgium and back into France.

I am anxious to fight

again for my company.

Charlotte, take care

of this poor man.

See that he has food

and drink, and lock

the kitchen so that he won't

be disturbed while he's there.

Wee, Madame la Countess.

Merci, Madame la Countess.

This way, please.

Brussels 9046.

This Brussels 9046.

May I speak to the chief of police?

This is the Countess Mavon.

Would you send an escort to

the Chateau Mavon at once.

I have a French refugee

prisoner of w*r here.

I'm keeping him locked in

the kitchen until you arrive.

Not at all.

It's a very great pleasure.

Cavell.

We're being watched, my dear.

I was followed here by the

man talking to those workmen.

And last night a stool pigeon

flew into my [inaudible].

What did you do?

Pinched his wings

a bit and handed him

over to the German authorities.

I thought they'd understand

the same language.

He had the loveliest

Franco Prussian accent

you've ever heard, my dear.

Francois Rappard.

One.

What are you looking

for, my friend?

A safe road and a quick journey.

Who sent you?

Number 33.

Read it again.

"I have almost earned my

promotion, Herr Kapitan.

But I have not yet reached the

heart of the organization."

How [inaudible]?

Through Dr. Gunther.

Was addressed to him

to be delivered here.

Where is Countess?

At 149 [inaudible].

Oh, let me see.

That's the nursing home run by...

The English woman, Cavell.

I'm sure.

[buzzer sound]

Dr. Gunther.

This note.

I found it on my desk.

It must have been put there

by someone who knows the house.

Have you seen anything

suspicious here?

No, Herr Kapitan.

I've carried out the instructions,

but I've seen nothing.

What about the woman Cavell?

She's cooperative

and a generous person.

[inaudible] she's an English

woman and must be watched.

Fraulein Cavell.

Where does that lead to?

The boiler house.

I should like to see it.

Very well.

I will take you down myself.

You can hay or sneeze no, man.

I don't want to.

Now I've gone past it.

Fraulein Cavell.

A number of escape

prisoners have been making

their way out of the country.

It would be a very serious matter

for those who engage

in this traffic

if they should be caught.

Whether they were men or

women, Fraulein Cavell,

they would incur the

severest penalties.

It is our duty.

It is your duty.

Matron, are you all right?

So tired.

It's too much for you, matron.

Why don't you lay down...

[inaudible] suspect.

These men are in great danger.

We must get them away at once.

[inaudible], he's

not fit to be moved.

Send word to the

Countess, Madame Rappard,

Madame Moulin for tonight.

Yes, matron.

Now you know the routine.

You follow the guide

and in pointed groups

as far as Moulin.

There you will be handed

over to the other guide.

You have your identification cards?

Yes.

You know the password, safe

road and a quick journey.

Now I'll see if all is clear.

Goodbye, Bungey.

Don't forget your promise.

Not a drink till you are

safely across the frontier.

Nor you, Pierre.

No, we won't forget, Miss Cavell.

There's other things that I won't

forget neither... no

[inaudible], none of us.

God bless you.

Bye.

Bye.

Au Revoir, Pierre.

Godspeed, Jacques.

Bonsoir.

Bungey.

Oh.

[inaudible]

What's that for?

Your supper.

Oh.

I thought that you wanted

me to get inside it.

It's a good one.

Comic.

I'll see you later.

Ey.

And maybe bring you some cognac.

Oh.

That's different, isn't it?

Here, here, what about Pierre

and the other [inaudible]?

I'll give them just five more

minutes and then we're off.

[inaudible].

I wonder what [inaudible].

Fantastic!

The whole of the German secret

service fooled by a few women!

Yes, [inaudible].

And I can tell you more than that.

I'm sure you can.

You're the clever one.

Yes.

And shall I tell you something?

Yes.

You know who I am?

No.

I am Captain William Schultz of the

German military intelligence.

How many?

One.

Madame la Countess,

you will come with me

to Captain Heinrichs' office.

England, and to

play some cricket,

and to see [inaudible] again.

Norridge.

Yes, do you know it, matron?

It's my home.

Give it my love.

I demand to know why

I've been brought here.

You do not know?

I do not.

You are under arrest for

assisting prisoners of w*r

out of the country.

Now, all you do is follow the guide

and you will soon be safe.

Yes, matron.

I understand perfectly.

Don't you ever want to

go back home, not here

among all these foreigners?

There's only one

human race, my dear.

Yes, I suppose that's true.

What would they do if they found

out you had gotten me here?

I mean ought'n you to

hand me over to them

now that I'm all right again?

You think I've nursed

you back to life

to hand you over to be shot?

I'll see if everything's ready.

How dare you.

Officer [inaudible],

[speaking german].

Do you know this man?

Or this?

An informer and the worm.

I congratulate you on your

friends, Herr Captain.

We'll have to go without

your identification card.

Nothing's gone wrong, matron.

Oh, no, no.

You have your emergency ration?

- Yes, ma'am.

- Your money?

Yes.

Come along then.

All clear.

Goodbye, Richard.

Goodbye, matron.

I shall never be able

to thank you enough.

God bless you.

[inaudible] Miss Cavell,

I arrest you for harboring

escape prisoners of w*r.

[speaking german]

[speaking german]

I've just seen the signal!

We're at the frontier.

There's danger.

You'll have to swim

forth 100 yards upstream,

and you'll be safe.

You Madame Moulin.

I am.

You're under arrest.

[speaking german]

Get your hands off me!

I don't like it, [inaudible].

I don't like it.

You can get no information

from the military authorities.

I hear unofficially

trial is imminent.

If you could establish

espionage it would be simple.

Yeah.

But we have no

[inaudible] evidence.

But there is an alternative.

We can charge her on a Section

58 of the military code which

makes furnishing

the enemy with men,

an offense punishable by death.

Go yourself and see the lawyer

representing Miss Cavell.

Tell him to impress upon the court

that she is a woman who has

sacrificed her life in all

this storm of hatred,

trying to create a refuge

of goodwill and forgiveness.

I will, sir.

But you mustn't stress yourself.

I will bring out all the

points made by your ministry

in my speech for her defense.

But your presence at the trial

would cause a great prejudice.

The German judges would feel

that you were exercising

a kind of supervision.

Oh, I wouldn't have that happen.

But you will keep us

well advised, won't you?

Of course.

I suppose at the worst it could

only be a term of imprisonment.

That's the worst.

Thank you.

Of course, you are

the public prosecutor

and I have no wish to

interfere with your conduct

of the case, [inaudible].

Certainly.

There may be a [inaudible]

of checks [inaudible]...

[inaudible]

that the military code

applies only to Germans

supplying the enemy with men.

A law which is good

enough for Germans

is good enough for these people.

Of course, we would have been

to see you before, matron,

if I'd been able to get a permit.

Yes, I know.

It seems more like seven

years than seven weeks

since you left.

It has been a long time.

Everything has progressing quite

satisfactorily with the home.

Oh, yes, matron.

We've been carrying on as

though you were with us.

That's right.

And you'll soon be back again

for the directors of Institute

have arranged for an advoca...

You're not permit to discuss

any matter in connection

with the trial.

Surely, I'm permitted to

tell Miss Cavell what...

You will discuss nothing with her

in connection with her case.

That is the condition

of your [inaudible]

under German military law.

That may be all right for

Germans, but I'm an American

and I think it's...

I'm not interested what you think.

They can't stop me from telling you

an attorney has been

engaged for your defense.

Mary, my dear, don't

distress yourself.

It can do no good.

It's all so unfair

to those of us who

know how much good you've done.

Oh, [inaudible].

I know just how you feel.

GERMAN GUARD [OFFSCREEN]:

Fraulein [inaudible].

Sister, take her back

and let her rest a while.

Yes, matron.

We'll come and see you soon.

That situation calls

for the severest penalty.

Pity [inaudible].

Leniency would only be

mistaken for a weakness.

OFFICER [OFFSCREEN]: The

charge then is to be [inaudible]

through the death penalty.

I wish an example made.

The network of conspiracy unravels,

but it's still [inaudible].

As far as purpose, the furnishing

of soldiers to the enemy.

Directed in Brussels

by this woman, Cavell,

and her accomplices

who are here on trial.

There has been steady traffic

to [inaudible] Germany,

and [inaudible] enemies under

this woman, Cavell's direction.

Men of military age have succeeded

in passing the frontier.

It remains to be seen

whether what has been charged

against them constitutes

their [inaudible],

or whether the true purpose

of this organization

was that of espionage.

[SARCASTICALLY] Espionage.

[inaudible]

Spying.

Spying

I wish to call the head of

our counter espionage, Captain

Heinrichs.

Captain Heinrichs.

You know [inaudible] Miss Cavell?

Yes.

Will you produce a

statement taken by yourself?

I do.

The statement taken

correct in every detail.

It was taken with every precaution.

No possibility of error.

Is it suggested that this

organization existed not only

for the purpose of providing

the enemy with men,

but also for espionage?

I have no proof of

that, [inaudible].

All of your witnesses

has been drawn from

military intelligence service.

Is there no independent

or civilian witnesses?

[speaking german]

[inaudible], I have one

important witness whose

evidence alone should be sufficient

to convict all the prisoners.

I call Francois Rappard.

Francois Rappard.

Francois Rappard.

Francois!

Francois!

Francois Rappard, do you

know the accused, Miss Cavell?

Yes.

Did you, at the request

of the woman Cavell,

conduct fugitive soldiers

through [inaudible] border?

Yes.

Did you hear them

say that they were

going back to join the Army

and fight against Germany?

Francois Rappard!

Did you hear them say they were

going back to join the Army

and fight against Germany?

[scream] Don't

tell them, Francois!

[crying] [inaudible]

I know, [inaudible].

I know, dear.

We are doing

everything in our power.

Yes, we know, Mr. Gibson,

and we're very grateful.

But we can't understand

why they wouldn't allow

you to be present at the trial.

Her defending counsel said it

would prejudice her if I did.

But he assured me she would

receive a perfectly fair trial,

and that he would do

his utmost independent

and the best of his ability.

Let the court put itself in

the position of this woman.

Dedicated as she had

been throughout her life

to the service of the helpless.

And ask themselves what they

would have done in the face

of the irresistible impulse to

assist those unhappy fugitives

whom she had hidden in her house,

or given assistance from her purse.

Her only motive in

acting as she has done

was to save men whom she

thought to be in danger

and help them escape

from the country.

She never for a moment

had it in her mind

to do an injury to Germany.

The law of Miss Cavell is

far above any military code.

A law infinitely higher than

w*r and the idea of [inaudible].

The life of that woman belongs

to the sick and wounded.

The lives that many Germans

soldiers owe to her skill

in the early days of the w*r dries

out against the

shedding of her blood

by the German authorities.

If what she has done is

deserving of punishment,

then detention for the

duration of the w*r

is the maximum penalty

that should be inflicted.

Could it be doubted

that this organization

was a premeditated

conspiracy to undermine

the German authorities?

Was it not plain from the fact

that the enemy was benefited

and Germany injured

by their action?

By their breach of law, these

people put in danger the lives,

and probably cause for

death of brave German

soldiers in the front line.

The head of this organization was

undoubtedly the woman Cavell.

It will be said that

she was a nurse.

A nurse has obligations

beyond military code.

To make use of her calling

as a cloak for recruiting

soldiers to the enemy

was a gross abuse

of her noble profession.

[german]

Miss Cavell, please.

Do you wish to say

anything further to what

has been said on your behalf?

I have nothing further to say.

You admit having assisted

soldiers to cross the frontier?

I do.

How many of these men did you

assist in leaving the country?

About 200.

Did you know the offense

is punishable with death?

I did.

Against the woman Cavell, I

demand the penalty of death.

[music playing]

The case against the

woman Cavell is closed.

Sentence will be discussed

and put to the vote.

[music playing]

[inaudible].

Please do not be afraid.

He demands the extreme

penalty, but they

would never carry it out.

Thank you.

You are very kind.

[bell ring]

[inaudible]

I think we all seem sentimental

because she's a woman.

Precisely.

Is there any thought in your mind

this woman was the leading spirit?

None whatever.

Then there is no more to be said.

I confirm the sentence.

[inaudible]

Have an order drawn

up for my signature,

directing it to be carried

out as early as possible.

Gentlemen, good day.

[inaudible] Thank you.

My dear nurses.

Your charming letter

gave me great pleasure,

and your lovely flowers

have made my cell g*y.

The roses are still fresh.

But the chrysanthemums did not

like prison any more than I do.

Hence, they did not live very long.

If you were in my

place you would realize

how precious liberty is.

But I hope by the time

this letter reaches you,

you will have better

news [inaudible].

[speaking german]

Fraulein Cavell, I

have to read to you

the sentence of the court.

Judgment given this day by

military tribunal of the Courts

of Justice Brussels against

Edith Cavell, directors

of the Berkendael Medical

Institute for treason

commit in time of w*r.

Sentence, death.

We carry it out at dawn.

Is there anything you wish?

I would like to see

an English chaplain.

[inaudible], Fraulein.

[speaking german]

I [inaudible].

Gentlemen, what can I do for you?

Will you inform,

Mr. Excellency,

if the sentence in the Cavell

affair has been promulgated?

Any information that

you are entitled to

will reach you at the

proper time, Mr. Gibson.

I... I understand that.

But would you tell me

if the court has passed

sentence on the prisoner.

The court has not yet

published its findings.

Then I presume no sentence

would be carried out

until it has been made public.

The sentence will be carried out

when the legal requirements

of the Imperial [inaudible]

has been fulfilled.

Good day, Mr. Gibson.

Good day, [inaudible].

[playing music]

[speaking german]

Firing squad, you'll meet

5 o'clock tomorrow morning.

- Kirk?

- Ya.

- [inaudible]

- Ya.

Rammler?

May I have leave

of parade, Sergeant?

I wish to report sick.

Yellow fever, Private Rammler?

I am... I am sick.

There's an ugly word for

this complaint of yours.

I don't mind fighting,

but this is m*rder.

You refuse to be ordered?

I do.

Private Rammler, you are

arrest for insubordination.

[speaking german]

[music playing]

Would you please be seated.

I have called Mr. Gibson.

This note has just

come for you, sir.

It's very urgent.

Oh, thanks.

Oh, Sister Watkins has just

called to see you, Mr. Gibson.

Better go and see her.

She may have news.

Mr. Gibson, Miss Cavell

has been sentenced to death.

What?

Yes, and it's tomorrow morning.

It can't be possible!

I assure you it is so.

We were told by the deputy

governor, Mr. Gibson.

Excuse me, sir.

Mr. Whitlock wishes to

see you immediately.

Wait here, I'll be right back.

[inaudible] we're being fooled.

Read that.

This confirms what

Sister Watkins told me.

I want to write a note.

They're going to k*ll her, sister.

I know it.

They can't.

They couldn't.

If only I weren't tied to this bed!

Couldn't have caught

it at a worse time, sir.

Get that to [inaudible].

See that he reads it himself.

Very well, sir.

If you will forgive

me, I'm a little dazed.

I'm distressed to meet you

under these circumstances.

If there is anything

I can do to help.

So much to do before

my work was finished.

[inaudible] Institute,

the [inaudible].

It is God's will.

God's will.

Sometimes so difficult

to comprehend.

That is what my mother

would say if she were here.

Will you see that a

message reaches her?

Tell her that I am

quite happy, that I have

no regret for what I have done.

Oh, Gibson.

[inaudible]

Your Excellency, I have the honor

to bring you a personal note.

[inaudible] from my minister.

I can do nothing in this matter.

But surely, your Excellency, you

don't wish me to

understand that you intend

the sentence to be carried out.

I have no say in the

matter, Mr. Gibson.

Decision rests with the military

government, [inaudible].

But your Excellency...

The military governor of Brussels

is the confirming authority,

and no one can interfere.

I know, but couldn't...

I doubt if the Kaiser

himself could do so.

You mean this woman is in

the grip of your w*r machine?

I mean nothing, Mr. Gibson.

When is the sentence

to be carried out?

I have not been informed.

Governor.

They've treated you considerately

whilst you've been here?

Oh yes, they've all been very kind.

But thank God for these few

quiet weeks before the end.

Life has always been hurried

and full of difficulties.

This time of rest has

been a great mercy.

[inaudible], Mr. Gibson's

here to see Excellence.

He's out.

His Excellence is out, Herr Gibson.

I wish to see him.

I'm afraid that's not possible.

But this is most urgent.

I have a message for him

from the American minister.

I'll see he gets it first

thing in the morning.

You know perfectly

well, Captain Heinrichs,

that would be too late.

As the Governor's had a

very trying day, Herr Gibson.

I dare not take the responsibility

of disturbing him.

Oh, don't worry about

the responsibility.

The American minister

would take that.

Unfortunately, Herr Gibson,

this is military headquarters,

not the American embassy.

I have my orders.

Why this is...

Mr. Gibson, at the opera.

Thank you.

[music playing]

Please, I'll tell him

at the end of this act.

But this is my [inaudible].

I must see him immediately.

This is the general's

own private box.

You cannot go in.

I wish to see General Von Ehrhardt.

He cannot be disturbed.

My name is Gibson.

I'm from the American Embassy.

Please tell him I'm here.

Mr. Gibson, [inaudible].

Most irregular I know.

But my minister will

take the responsibility.

What is your business?

General, there is a rumor or I

have been told that Miss Cavell

has been sentenced to death.

Yes, sir.

Moreover, the sentence is to

be carried out in the morning.

At dawn.

[gasp].

Well, don't you

realize what it means

if you execute this woman?

German will be banded

throughout the civilized world.

Don't you realize what a

terrible disservice you

are doing your own [inaudible]?

To fail in my duty would

be a far worse disservice.

The maintenance of

good order in Brussels

requires these penalties

be carried out.

The maintenance of

order could never

require the m*rder of a woman.

Your language is hardly

diplomatic, Mr. Gibson.

Moreover, it is most inexact.

One doesn't apply the term

m*rder to the execution

of those who have

been very convicted

on their own admissions

of capital offenses.

Tried before a secret tribunal.

Denied all communication

with her legal advisor.

Is that your [inaudible]...

I have no wish to discuss the

procedure of our German courts

[inaudible].

If that is all you have

to say, Mr. Gibson.

I have much to say.

A sense of horror so

strong, your Excellency

will make allowance.

This affair, it all seemed

so simple and logical to you.

[inaudible] and tragedy.

A crime against humanity.

You regard is a

crime against humanity

the punishment of people

for a military offenses

in time of w*r?

Yes, but your Excellency, a woman?

[inaudible] mixed up in

these affairs, Mr. Gibson.

Very well, then imprison her.

Put her out of the way

until the w*r's over.

No recommendation

to mercy was made.

The court has decided to

punish her with death.

Who knows thy cross before

my closing eyes shine

through the gloom and point

me to the skies, heaven

and morning grace, and

earth's [inaudible] shadows

flee in thy, in death

alone abide with me.

Amen.

[marching]

[speaking german].

EDITH CAVELL [VOICEOVER]: I

have no fear nor shrinking.

I have seen death so often.

It is no longer strange

or fearful to me.

[speaking german].

[music playing]

[singing]

Standing, as I do, before

God and eternity, I realize

that patriotism is not enough.

I must have no hatred or

bitterness towards anyone.

[music playing]