Cologne 1925
You have no right. I am a cousin. You have absolutely no right.
I'm family too, aren't I? They're better off with us.
I'm not trying to be difficult, but...
So many nice things. Music, a big house...
Aren't we good enough? Not posh enough? Are you any better?
They will have every opportunity with us.
Be honest. I'm not saying that we're any better than you, but really...
You can have the sick one. Just the sick one. Final offer.
It's a disgrace. Twins belong together.
Be quiet, Ferdinand. We'll go along with it. Everyone will get something.
Not bad, eh, Jet?
It turns with the sun.
No Swiss sanatorium could match it.
For you.
We're going to get Lotje well again.
Lotte is going to be well cared for in her new country.
Go on.
When is Lotte coming? - When you've finished.
Start at the front.
Not all in one go.
Lotte won't be coming. She has consumption. So that's that.
Look, this is my mummy. She's not alive anymore.
Just like your mummy.
And now I'm your new mummy.
Give me that handkerchief.
You know these words, don't you? Handkerchief? Mummy?
Say 'mummy'. They are Dutch words. Say it.
Dear Lotte, when are you coming?
What are you writing? - A letter.
To whom? - Lotte.
And where will you send it to? - Holland.
Do you know the address?
She thinks we know the address.
We don't have the address either.
They don't want us to know it. Afraid we'll drop by.
Stuck up lot.
Maybe Lotte will write to you.
If she's still alive.
Dear Anna.
Tomorrow I will get on the train and come to you.
Tomorrow I will be with you again.
You'll never guess what delicious things I've got here.
That's good. Write a nice letter to your sister.
Later. After your meal.
Dinand? We have to decide now.
Do we send it?
And then?
She'll want to go there when she's better.
And then they'll keep her.
I can't bear to see it.
They're barbarians, Jetje.
Stupid farmers.
Stupid, Catholic farmers.
Do you want her to grow up there? - No.
She has to forget Anna.
Believe me, Jetje.
For her own good.
She simply has to forget Anna.
Why is there no letter?
Harder. - No.
Because there won't be a letter. - Why not?
I'll tell you some day. Go on. - No.
Lotte doesn't want anything to do with you. She thinks you're stupid and dirty.
And besides, she's dead.
Sweetie...
Did something make you call out for Anna?
Shall I tell you about Anna?
You understand me perfectly, don't you? Clever little girl.
Anna is living with the barbarians.
They are really stupid people who have no stationery...
and that's why there is never a letter. But not to worry.
Anna is very happy with the barbarians. She likes it there.
With all the animals...
And she wants Lotte to be happy, too.
Anna doesn't want Lotte to cry.
You have to go to sleep now.
Sleep well.
Sleep well, Anna.
What is it now? What do you want? - I want to have a bath.
What's with the girl?
I want to have a bath.
Is she getting milk?
The milk is to sell.
And why don't I see her in school?
Really?
She doesn't seem that way to me. In fact, she seems rather clever.
What is it?
'The grace of help is a supernatural assistance...
through which God lightens our understanding and moves us...
to shun evil and do good.'
I want to go to school. - You're coming with me.
My hands, you see.
I don't play the piano any more.
Both hands? - Only the right. Arm and hand.
I have everything low in the kitchen. But other than that...
My biggest passion was gardening.
Now, my grandson comes and weeds for me. That's nice too.
We just have to make the best of it.
I'll see you tomorrow.
What's wrong with you?
Arthritis?
Me, too. I have that, too.
It runs in our family. - Oh, well. Not in mine.
Yes, it does.
It does.
It certainly does.
Lottchen.
Why are you looking in the mirror?
Your father had consumption.
So did your sister.
And your mother had cancer.
But I'm still alive.
Our Lord, the most splendid of all
so gentle and so kind
beautiful lips
Our Lot has been on the radio twice already.
With a choir.
purposeful and determined
like there in the blue depths
bright and shiny, every star
Our Lord, in my heaven
It's not about you, you know. - Sing, sing.
Third year conservatory.
I'm a rotten player. Go on.
The farmer who marries you... - Does not exist.
Oh no? - No.
I won't marry a farmer. I won't be a farmer's wife.
What then?
I want to go to school And then to university.
Go to the blacksmith.
We're busy.
Busy? Do I have to go myself?
You have a beautiful voice.
Are you coming to the conservatory?
No, I'm going to study German.
Pity. Why? Why German?
I think German is a beautiful language.
Are you the milkman's?
You don't look like your sisters at all.
Yet they're sisters all the same. Imagine.
You're much more beautiful.
The axle of our hay cart. Is it ready? - Not yet.
What are you doing?
He looks like he wants to fight. - He does.
Fight for us. For all of us.
Against unemployment and against poverty.
That man has big plans for us.
It's incredible...
that this Hitler, this mudslinger, is so successful.
Germany, Germany...
It's in the papers every day. I'm sick of it sometimes.
Our Bram has just returned from Germany.
Oh really? - Yes.
A born raconteur, my brother.
They said that you had to go to Germany for proper training in violin making.
And?
He was back after fourteen days, devastated.
Why?
Oh, I don't know...
I can listen to him for hours.
Tell us, go on. - It's just not easy to get a position there.
For Jews, he means. He was given the cold shoulder everywhere he went.
We're no longer welcome there.
Oh, you shouldn't take those Nazis too seriously, you know.
We belong to the First Class, did you know that?
Farmers belong to the First Class.
If he succeeds, everything will be better.
Then you can take on a workman and I can go to school.
Who gave you this paper? - Bernd Möller. He told me all this.
Bernd Möller is an idiot.
We are Catholics.
Adolf Hitler is fighting for us. It says so right there.
You'll get a workman, I'll go to school.
Never let me catch you near that boy. - Why? I only want to go to school.
Never let me catch you near that bastard, you hear me?
So that's how they do it. Enlisting young people.
Idiots. Bunch of sheep. And you're falling for this as well.
Never again, do you hear?
If I ever catch you near that stupid ass...
Let them talk, ignorant farmers.
Your uncle is an ignorant farmer.
Obedient Catholics. They don't know any better.
Like animals who have lived too long in a cage. Open the door and they stay inside.
What has the Church ever done for us?
Do you want to spend the rest of your life in filth?
We'll do it differently.
If there were more women like you we'd have the new Germany in no time.
Well, what do you think? - Nice.
I've joined, Anna.
A new order, and I'm part of it.
You should join as well. - Yes.
Do you want to make me happy?
And Germany? And our Führer? - I want to go to grammar school.
I'll build you a house. With a gable roof. And shutters.
A Bavarian veranda. And a solid oak door.
I have to go home. They don't know where I am. And there's a storm coming.
Heinrich, come here.
Anna kissed him.
Would you have dared if your father were still alive?
Would you?
Would you have dared if your father were still alive? Come here, you.
Answer me.
What's wrong?
Separating twins... what an idea. It's just criminal.
I've written so many letters.
Sitting up in my bed...
'Anna, where are you. Anna, write back. Anna, Anna, Anna...'
But she never replied.
I talked to her in my head.
They thought I was a quiet child, but I was talking all day.
Like this I can see both of you.
But which one is Anna?
Why don't you visit her?
She never gave me a sign she was alive.
Shall I go with you? I'll go with you.
David, you cannot talk about this.
We never talk about it at home. - Why not?
I told you. Now you must forget it again.
That does it. I'm taking you away from here.
St. Joseph's Domestic Science School
That cupboard on Monday morning, I told you.
The outside only.
And the floor? - I wanted to do that later.
Come here, girl.
I check everything myself, like this.
There can be no dust, no dirt anywhere.
So no rest until all the dirt is gone.
It's a struggle. Dust plagues our lives.
And don't forget the portrait of our Führer.
I can't find it. Schumann.
Higher, I think.
That's not very gentlemanly.
No, it's not.
What is that?
It's cruel.
All those letters.
My sister.
How could you? Something so terrible.
You don't know what you're talking about.
Where are her letters?
Or did you throw them away?
No, darling. No... - Give me those letters then.
No letter ever came.
Why not?
Did she know where I lived?
All that time she was waiting for a letter from me?
Who would do such a thing?
Why? Explain it to me.
We saved you from a bunch of illiterate barbarians.
Why didn't you save her then?
You were sick. And if you had gone to visit Anna, they would have kept you there.
Your life wouldn't have been as nice. - I would have still had my sister.
You would now both be marching behind Mr. Hitler, waving flags.
Does she still live there? With the barbarians?
Why?
Because I'm going to her.
You don't always have to spend your evening off in your room.
I don't mind.
Come and join us. Take a seat.
Of course we're not going to just sit here.
Every young woman should master that.
Go on.
Herr Stolz?
Do you think I could read a book? - Of course. Do you have any preferences?
The Sorrows of Young Werther. - Goethe?
But that's far too difficult. - Have you read it?
No, but... - Well, then let her.
Nowadays, culture belongs to everyone.
Hereditary Health Department. Could we have a word with you?
According to our information, you have a servant called Anna Bamberg.
May we come in?
What about Anna Bamberg?
As you know, Anna Bamberg is mentally retarded.
She looks quite normal, I thought. - Yes, yes. That's not unusual.
But these papers leave no doubts.
What do you want from her?
You know the government is looking to solve the problem of retarded people?
It has been decided that Anna Bamberg is to be sterilized.
Sterilized?
Such things are hereditary, Madam. Surely you know that.
Anna Bamberg, retarded?
It's right here in the guardianship deed.
'Anna Bamberg, foster daughter of Heinrich and Martha, is retarded...
and too delicate of health to be educated.
She is so weak...'
That they had to keep her home from school. And so on.
Read for yourself.
He was paid?
She's right in front of you, Anna Bamberg.
I'm the delicate, retarded girl you're looking for.
I could read and write when I was six years old.
My uncle kept me home to work for him for free.
He allowed his wife to terrorize me, he beat me up. And no-one...
No-one ever came to check whether what he'd written was true.
And now you're going to sterilize me? I've had quite enough of this. Out.
Get out.
Don't you worry. I won't break any more of your vases.
You know what your problem is?
You have ideas above your station.
Good luck. - You're a servant and you always will be.
My dear sister.
This is my first letter to you, but also my hundredth.
I'm writing this with thumping heart, because I think, dear Anna...
that we will see each other again soon. I have found you.
So you're still alive. Lotte...
What a surprise. I've asked myself a hundred times why you didn't write.
We were both lied to.
Your letter took five weeks to get here.
Dear Anna, do you know where you're going yet?
I'm tutoring in German. I have nearly enough for the trip. Will you write to me?
Dear Lotte. Your letter came yesterday, after eight weeks.
It was opened at Customs.
I have a new position. Near Cologne, with a countess.
We live in a villa with a swimming pool. Can you imagine?
The countess is a beautiful woman.
And she smells so nice, of powder and cigarettes.
Are you coming soon?
I've gone ahead and bought one.
I have to go to the station. - Today? That's completely impossible.
But I told you. My sister. - Not now. I can't do without you.
You're the only one who keeps her head. - But you promised.
Careful with the chandelier.
Please. - Oh, dear...
How will you get to the station? Günther.
Hermann, take over from him.
But quickly. Hurry.
Do you remember me?
Everything.
Your eyebrows... Everything.
Your eyes.
Daddy's eyes.
This car belongs to the countess.
Everyone else's cars are commandeered.
Nice car.
You can only stay one night.
I couldn't reach you. Everything has changed again.
We're heading east. The countess is afraid.
Afraid that the English will start bombing us.
There she is. Charlotte von Garlitz Dublow, Countess of Falkenau.
They have an old castle on the Oder. That's where we're going.
Beautiful, isn't she?
Is this all right?
When do you have to leave?
Tomorrow morning.
The countess can't do without me.
Tomorrow? - Yes. Pity. The war...
I have to go downstairs.
What about me?
Can I come? I'll help you.
Why not? You'll find out what a proper maid's life is like.
You're like a board. As straight as an arrow.
Thanks. - Not too tight?
I taught them.
Come.
Why are they here? - They're on leave. Guests of the count.
Hannele. My sister.
My sister Lotte.
I don't know what it's like there or how long we'll stay.
It's madness, but we're taking everything with us.
The whole family is dining here. Plus spouses and children.
The officers...
the guests... Let me think... Who is serving?
We used to have the same glasses. - Hannele and I. And Lotte.
Hermann will pour the wine. Did we have crystal?
No, in Holland. At my mother and father's house.
Anna, the silverware. We can't find it. Has it been packed?
Madam, this is my sister.
Not now, darling. Silverware. Come, rescue me.
What's it like, university?
Oh, nice.
But I don't study enough.
I much prefer singing.
I've got an accompanist at the moment.
I can play, but he's much better.
Do you still play the piano?
A very nice boy.
Do you want to know a secret?
We're going to get engaged.
Anna, dear Anna. What would I do without you?
Engaged? Really? Tell me about it. - When are you finished?
Is it the champagne, or are there more maids here?
for the Jews live shamelessly in our German fatherland
soldiers, comrades put the Jews against the wall
when the soldier goes into battle he is in high spirits
with the Jew's blood dripping from his knife, things look even better
for we are going into battle
against England, England
Our side has suffered the first casualty.
This is the hardest I've ever worked.
Do you want to stay here?
Why?
You can come with me to Holland.
There is no war there.
And I'm sure my... mother would be pleased.
Go with you to Holland...
I don't have anything for you.
That many?
You don't have to read them now.
Silly children's letters.
If I had received all those letters...
Remember this?
Mum's.
Now you can have it for a while.
She couldn't embroider.
What are they doing?
Why are they doing that?
They've gone mad.
Anna, you have to leave. You can't stay here.
Come with me. Come with me to Holland.
Please.
Why not?
I can't abandon the countess right now.
She was so kind to me.
Two weeks. Three, at the most. Until we settle in there. Then I'll come.
Two weeks...
I don't understand. I couldn't stick it here for another day.
Until we've settled in. Then I'll come.
Why can't you decide for yourself?
Forty-five rooms. She doesn't know what to do.
It's not up to that woman. It's your life.
Three weeks. Then I'll come. I promise.
I want to meet everybody. Your sisters. Your fiancé.
Want to see him?
What's the matter? - Oh, nothing. He's handsome.
What was it?
For a moment I thought he was a Jew.
Madam.
If you want me to take you to the station, you'd better come now.
Safe journey.
See you soon.
Bye.
Bye, Lotte.
Bye.
Everyone is waiting for you.
Lotte, come. Please, Lotte. Come.
This endless running... I'm old.
Then don't. I didn't ask you to run after me.
I'm your sister. I'm alive, I exist. - I didn't ask you for anything.
I've looked for you, I've telephoned.
Telephoned?
Yes, telephoned. I asked for you. And then she doesn't know who I am.
Your daughter. - Did you call Hester?
I said: Anna. Nothing. Anna Grosalie, Nothing. Anna Bamberg. Nothing.
She must have thought I was crazy. - Bother my daughter? How dare you?
All this time you pretended that I didn't exist.
But I'm alive. I want to talk to you.
Why are you bothering me? You were gone. Why didn't you stay away?
Why didn't you tell anyone about me?
What should I have told my children?
Were you ashamed of me?
I'll walk with you and we will talk. - I don't want to talk.
Then I'll talk.
I've had time. Plenty of time to think things over, Lottchen.
Don't call me Lottchen.
Let me do the talking, okay? - Fine. Say what you want.
We'll walk and I'll talk.
I can't hear anything.
My God, what a pigsty.
Forty-five rooms.
You have to help me.
The emperor Wilhelm slept here.
You can still smell him.
Stuffy and sour.
I'd like to go to Holland in two weeks, to visit my sister. Is that all right?
Of course not.
The rooms, I don't know where everything is. The linen and such like.
But after that I want to go to visit my sister.
Darling, that's impossible. Then we have to get the cellars ready for the Poles.
Which Poles? - Forced labor.
Coming to replace our workers, who have to fight in Poland. Funny, isn't it?
You see? You really can't leave.
Dearest Lotte.
It will take a while longer...
but then...
I'm really coming to see you.
She's an anti-Semite.
Don't be silly. Just because she thought I was a Jew?
You want to know something? I am a Jew. I look like three Jews put together.
So bring your sister over.
I won't have anything to do with that whole German thing.