presents a Feliks Falk film
JOANNA
Starring
Makeup
Costumes
Sound
Music
Production Designer
Producer
Photography
Written and Directed by
We shouldn't come here.
We shouldn't go out at all.
But for your birthday... I wanted you...
Forget it. Eat up the cake and off we go.
Thank you for bringing me here.
And for the present.
Hide it!
I wish Daddy
- were with us today. - We've talked about it.
You're a big girl now.
- You know where he is, right? - Yes, I do.
We must be off. Excuse me...
- Enjoyed it? - Very much.
Like I thought.
Bring her here more often.
Kids should have a little good time now.
If it's possible, of course. Sweet...
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Keep the change.
May I have a word?...
- We're really in a hurry. - You'd better wait a while.
Your daughter's bracelet...
She's your daughter, right?
Wait for me at the church across the street.
I'll be there right away...
What do you want?
Don't you know? The bracelet...
A birthday present. Besides, it's worthless.
Really? You may have something more valuable.
Such a woman...
Maybe not here.... Let's leave.
Faster!
Silence!
Up against the wall! Out! Out!
Where are you going? You mustn't leave now.
Where are your parents? Go to them.
All right. We can go out.
Mom! Mom!
What is it? Silence!
Where are you?
Mom...
What're you doing here?
Hey! Hey!
Is that you?
You were with your mom at the cafe yesterday?
Where's your mom? She stayed there?
Get up. Let's go.
Come on!
I want to help you. We'll look for your mom.
You can't stay here.
Come in.
I'll make you tea and something to eat.
What's your name?
I'm Joanna. And you?
I must know what to call you.
I understand.
Come to the kitchen.
See?
I don't want to poison you.
Rose.
Oh... Rose? A very pretty name.
Ma'am, can you take me to my mum?
Don't call me ma'am.
- I'm your auntie. - You are not my auntie.
That's right. But you'd better call me that.
Understand?
Yes, but... Will you take me to Mom?
I don't know where she is.
But I'll look for her. I give you my word.
How did you get away from the caft'?
Don't tell me if you don't feel like it.
Mom told me to leave and wait in the church.
All because of a man.
- Who? Someone you know? - No.
I see. I know who... And next?
You know what happened?
I only saw trucks and many soldiers.
What happened to Mom?
You're a big girl, so you must know everything.
The Germans took some of the people away.
- And Mom? - Mom too.
- Where did they take her? - I don't know.
But I'll try to find her. I'll ask around.
It'll take a while. You must be patient.
You'll stay here until we find your mom.
I must leave now.
To look for a new job. They closed down the caft'.
You'll stay alone for a while I hope you won't be afr...
I'm leaving for a while. If...
Hello.
I know everything... I know you made it.
I ran away, but they took away a dozen people...
Roundups all the time. Be careful.
I know. I must look for a new job.
I heard of an opening at the post office.
Thank you. I'll go there right away.
Miss Joanna. No news whatsoever?
Unfortunately.
Don't worry. You should trust in God.
I pray all the time.
He'll return. Things will look up.
Thank you.
You crazy? How should I find out where?
There're some in the Town Hall who contact the cops.
But no one will tell me anything.
Those people could've been taken to various places.
If there were any Jews there, they must've been deported.
Why do you ask?
There was a relative of my friend there.
Her name?
I forgot to ask.
What?
- You don't even know the name? - You're right ... I'm sorry.
Coming to Kazik Saturday? They got something.
Yes, of course.
Come when you know the name.
- A difficult case, that. - I know. Thank you.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Don't get your father involved. He's not going anywhere.
And he's got no friends in those offices.
Let him stay away. He barely avoided deportation.
He was lucky with that railroad job.
He looks after accounts and has peace of mind.
- His heart condition... - That's right.
She's your good friend?
I don't know her. Someone asked me.
Well, it happened. Air raids, deportations...
You were lucky to get away.
They're mostly after Jews. Poor people...
Horrible things about that ghetto in Podgůrze.
I heard...
They try to hide in town. It's not so easy.
No wonder folks are scared.
Come...
It'd be quite becoming...
Lovely, indeed.
But for the war you wouldn't know you're suited for work.
True. That's better than nothing.
I'll get some pretty penny for this.
I'm off. About a job at the post office.
- Post office?! Not for you. - Mom!
Neither is Father doing what he should.
The railroad is no College of Economics. Good times are over.
I won't work at the museum like I used to.
I'll be happy if I get that job at all.
All right. What I worry about is your apartment.
It's a miracle it's still yours. You must register someone.
How about the Krasuckis? Having been displaced,
they're crammed together with their family.
I know, but not yet. What if Zbyszek returns?
I know. I'll talk to Father about it.
I must hurry, Mom. Bye.
Joanna...
Joanna!
- What is it? - About a job...
The boss isn't in now. At 3 p.m. Did you make an appointment?
No. Mr. Gutkowski recommended me.
- Who's he? - The boss's friend.
- Drop in at 3 p.m. - Good. Thank you.
Rose!
Rose! It's me...
Joanna.
I'm alone.
Rose, come out... It's just me.
I'm sorry. I had to leave. Something happened?
Someone called?
I understand...
Sit down.
Have you found Mom?
No. I asked around, but nobody knows anything yet
- Today or tomorrow I'll try again. - I'll go with you.
A serious talk now.
- I want you to know that I know. - What?
That you are Jewish.
No, I'm Catholic. I have a holy medal.
- Very good. - I can pray.
That's better. But as it happens
you don't even have a baptism certificate.
And until we find your mom or dad. You have a dad, right?
I do.
Is your dad... in the ghetto?
And you won't tell me where you live either?
You don't have to tell all, but I must know a couple of things:
- What's your name? - Rose.
I know. Your last name?
- Krawicka. - Is that your parents' name?
Yes.
All right... Let it be.
Until we find your parents,
you must stay with me in this apartment. Understand?
You can't hang around the city alone or you'll get killed.
We must both be alert. Understand?
That's why do exactly what I tell you.
There are 2 most important things. You won't go out in the daytime.
Maybe some evening. We'll see...
I'll get you a hiding place,
where you'll hide when someone comes here.
Come, I'll show you.
Look.
This is a duty room.
When someone comes to me, you'll hide in here quickly.
I'll let you out later.
This is the door to the other staircase.
Nobody must find out that you're here.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
Good. I'll boil some water and you'll take a bath.
Wait here.
Do you have children?
No.
Why?
Not enough time. The war came,
- my husband joined the army and... - And what?
He's not here.
You need a husband and wife to have kids.
I know. I'm not that stupid.
Of course, you aren't. Unfortunately, no husband.
- Will he return? - Certainly.
I've been waiting for news from him.
He sure will, like my Daddy and Mom.
Why are you crying?
- It's nothing... - Don't cry...
This is an encyclopedia.
These are albums about Egypt and Rome
with lots of pictures.
Take a look at them. I must be off.
For long?
An hour or two...
I'll try to come back as fast as I can.
If anybody rings the doorbell, you're as quiet as a mouse.
Don't turn on the lights when it gets dark.
- Don't look out the window. - Good.
You can draw too.
Oh, it's you. Come on in.
Thank you.
- What job is it, you know? - I don't know... Something...
The boss will tell you.
The name of the one who sent you?
- Gutkowski. - Aha...
Wait. I'll ask if he can see you.
Come on in, please.
Good afternoon.
We have an opening for a charwoman. OK?
Yes.
You start at 6 a.m.
before the office opens. Right after the curfew.
You and another woman.
Things must be in order before 8 a.m. Clear?
- Yes. Only those two hours? - That's enough.
- You have children? - No, not yet.
Good. We won't have trouble.
I must have everything clean.
Go to Room 25, sign the papers and tomorrow...
report for work at 6 a.m. They'll tell you everything.
You can go now.
Thank you...
And that Gutkowski fellow... you invented yourself?
Yes.
Go now.
Here.
You sure you won't need them? Won't you miss them?
Auntie, I'm too big for these toys.
They'll certainly be useful in the orphanage.
Certainly. You're right.
Do we have to listen to Fogg all the time? Turn it off.
Quite recently I still read Them to Ola.
They'll certainly be of use.
So here they are... Let me find something to pack them in.
Where's that orphanage?
I don't know. A friend asked me.
The one I worked with.
Mom said, you're looking for a job at the post office.
- I got it. As a cleaning lady. - That's always something.
Why don't you teach to play the piano?
- Who would want to study today? - You'd be surprised. Then sell it.
No, it's not for sale.
It's his family piano. I'll play it for him someday.
- Bye, Ola. - Bye!
It's 2 months now. Comes back from work and drinks.
- Neither does he talk nor... - You didn't tell me...
- And you manage? - No other way out.
Don't tell Mom, please. I'll do it myself.
Rose?
It's me.
Where are you?
Rose.
Thank you for washing up.
You really are a clever girl.
You were right to hide. I could've come with someone.
Come, look at what I've brought you:
Building blocks... A nightshirt...
A dress, sweater... Crayons...
My dear little girl...
- Little girl? - Mom always calls me that.
There's more.
With pictures: Andy's Fairy Tales,
120 Adventures of Goat the Halfwit...
Will you read the Goat to me now?
I will:
All the wise Polish she-goats, To count them - an impossible task
Called a goatee conference At which they decided thus...
Call it a day. Why are you so meticulous?
Don't you know that the boss checks it out?
Oh, come on. Give it a rest.
Maybe you're right. I'm overdoing it...
- You know what? - Yeah?
We've been working 2 weeks and you're always sad.
I've already told you...
So what that he's not back. Not the only one.
Neither is mine. Some return, others don't.
- So why worry your head off? - Nothing to be happy about.
You see how it is.
But you can't help it. This may take ages.
One needs to adjust.
One can't live off this job, and I have mouths to feed...
You work on the side?
Oh, come on. There's this guy who fancies me.
We sometimes see each other.
A peddler, so in the money and... likes to bring presents.
Some clothes for me and candy for the kids.
All in all, he's no miser. And even nice.
- Meaning? - Oh, God, girl.
But you have a husband.
Am I divorcing him? He's not here.
When he returns, I'll still be his wife.
I'm not doing it with a Kraut, but a Pole.
Now I'm sending kids off to my sister.
So Heniek and I can have time for ourselves.
Need to have some fun, right?
You have it easier without kids.
It's always nice to have someone to cuddle up to.
I don't know. I have my husband.
How do you know he's alive?
I just do.
He's a live.
I'm not trying to talk you into anything.
Everyone to his own devices.
I'll be fine. What matters is for the kids to survive.
I can't be alone...
God! The same mistake again. How can you spell like this?
- I'm sorry. - I don't want you to be sorry,
but to spell correctly at last.
But for the war, you'd be in the 1st grade.
Write this word 30 times as punishment.
Why do I have to again?
Yesterday I wrote Christ 30 times. And today again?
Exactly. You spell Christ right. Now you must learn this word.
If you want to write your mom a letter, it should've no mistakes.
Otherwise she will be angry with me for having taught you nothing.
Mom won't be angry. Don't worry. I know her.
All right. I'll write it.
When I was little, Mom and I were in the mountains.
Have you tried climbing?
A little.
Zbyszek and I have been to Zakopane a few times
before we were married.
This was taken on top Mt. Wołowiec. See what a beautiful view?
That's where he proposed.
- How about going there together? OK? - Great!
Good, but first write what I asked you to.
I'll make something to eat.
Go hide.
Hello, Mrs. Joanna. May I come in?
Hello. Yes, please.
Aren't you bored, alone in such a big apartment?
- I still hope it'll fill up. - Hope so too...
Someone should've moved in here long ago.
I know. I've talked to a few people.
- Good. You better hurry. - Why?
Someone seems to fancy this apartment.
- Who? - I don't know.
A guy came this morning.
From the housing office, he said, and asked about your apartment.
- I didn't like the way he looked. - Asked anything specific?
How large it is, how many occupants, and if there are kids?
- Why about kids? - He asked about everything.
This apartment makes people jealous. Have someone move in quick.
Do you sometimes play it?
I haven't tickled the ivories since the war started.
May I see it?
Oh, I'm sorry. What a beautiful doll!
My niece told me to give it to an orphanage.
Well groomed.
Yeah. Ola has cherished it for years.
Kids get emotionally attached. It's a fact.
A friend taught me a little. How did it go...
Oh, wrong...
And it winks...
Good?
Good.
A fine piece of furniture. Would you like to sell it?
Who would buy a piano today?
If one wanted badly, he'd sell an elephant.
Why, you can barely make ends meet.
No, thank you.
I have a job and don't need much.
Only asking.
Just in case, I'll give you the address.
I'll be going now.
My work is done. I've warned you.
That guy won't give up and will sniff around.
God forbid he doesn't sniff it out.
- Meaning? - Don't you know?
If dead set on something, one will always find it.
Thank you. Be seeing you.
She's gone. You may come out.
I've finished wirting.
- What? - That word 30 times.
Yes, indeed.
Shall we write Mom a letter?
We will, but not now. I need some time to think.
- Bad news? - Unfortunately, not the best.
Will I have to leave?
No...
Of course not.
Ever been to Sukiennice?
When I was little. A few times with Mom and Dad.
Must be closed now. We couldn't enter anyway.
Maybe someday
and we'll have a cream cake at Noworol's.
- With Mom? - Of course.
- But we must go home now. - I'd like to see the dragon.
- What dragon? - There at the Wawel Castle.
Oh, that one was chased out long ago.
Now a very bad one resides there. He hates girls like you.
I'd bewitch him and order to find Mom...
and your husband.
Thank you, but we'd better go.
When he sees us, he'll eat us despite our charms.
Joanna? What're you doing here?
The curfew starts in a moment.
I live near here. We'll make it.
My niece. She's staying with me tonight.
You don't contact us at all.
The boys asked about you.
I had no time. Father's heart condition...
I had to help my mother.
I see... Have you found out about your relative?
Unfortunately, not.
- I tried but they told me... - No matter...
We're going. See you.
- Good evening. - Good evening, councellor.
I was wondering who's still so strong to run up these stairs.
Cold outside. I wanted to warm up.
Getting colder and colder.
I'm going to the cellar to fetch coal. We're in for a tough winter.
Are things OK with you?
Thank you.
No news whatsoever? Such a long time.
I feel sorry for you. But hope for the best.
I don't lose hope.
Chin up. No one has it easy today.
And you're brave, which we all see.
- Thank you. Good night. - Good night.
I'm here.
Lucky, weren't we?
One of you will have to go. That's what they ordered.
Besides, you were late a couple of times...
- But... - Ordnung muss sein.
You are young and free, so you'll manage, right?
That's all. Only Mrs. Kopeś reports tomorrow.
Goodbye.
- What're you going to do? - I don't know.
I'll look for work. People may help me...
You're sure to find something.
If you have problems, come to me at once.
Who knows? I can help you too.
Thanks. Nice to have met you. We may meet someday.
Open up!
House search! Open up!
Open up!
Your documents!
Wait a minute!
- Who else lives here? - My husband.
Where's your husband?
I don't know. He hasn't returned since the war started.
Is he dead?
I don't know. I've been waiting for news.
We've been informed that you harbor Jews.
I harbor nobody.
See for yourself, please.
That's why we're here.
You speak French?
- Yes. - So we can speak French.
Yes, please.
- You play it? - Yes.
Many Poles do.
I teach a little.
Do you have pupils?
One, but he doesn't come regularly.
- We've been misinformed. - But the informer...
- We're going! - Yes, sir.
Search over!
We're going.
We'll check it out. And the husband's whereabouts.
Will you lend it to me?
You can take it.
No, I'm borrowing it.
Goodbye.
It's me. Let me in...
- Why did they come? - I don't know.
Looking for someone... they thought was hiding here...
It was that guy. I told you he was up to no good.
I must really take a lodger.
- I can help if you want. - I'll ask around too.
I got so scared when they woke me up to let them in...
- Luckily, they found no one. - There's no one here.
Sure thing...
Get a good sleep. Goodnight.
Not a word...