THE SCORPION
The Netherlands 1956.
Hey Wolff.
- A beer? - No.
- Are we playing? - Why?
I wanted to go on a holiday.
Go to a travel agent.
That'll get you far.
Are we playing or not?
I won't get into trouble, will I? Play that money then.
No more bets.
17 black.
Place your bets.
No more bets.
21 red.
Place your bets.
Play the game.
Place your bets.
No more bets.
Did they pay?
No. What no? All this trouble.
I'll call them right away.
I can go get the money tomorrow.
They didn't have that much cash. 6,000 guilders isn't that much.
If this continues, I'll quit.
And what about me?
Didn't you want to go to America? Plenty of work there.
I told you from the start it could be temporary.
Russian troops have started the assault of the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
Apparently, they are already controlling most of the city.
Fighting started around 4 o'clock in Budapest.
Couple of assholes.
They only have guts when they're together.
Helma.
Helma. What happened?
Two guys were bothering her. I told you not to go with those yanks.
I need the money. Come, we're almost done.
I'm so tired. Can you see that I've cried?
- No, you can't see. - Really?
Aren't my eyes red? No, come on.
Do you want a drink?
Those yanks think they can do anything. Most people wouldn't have helped.
They don't care. Especially in this neighbourhood.
We should call the police. As if that does any good.
I'm looking for a hotel or a pension. For tonight?
Somewhere quiet where they leave me be. Why not at your place?
That's not what I meant. No, she means in my pension.
Would I have to register? It's not much.
As long as it's quiet. More quiet than you'd like.
- Who's that? - Me.
All rooms are available. You can choose.
What are you doing? He wants a room.
I'll do it.
He wants peace and quiet so leave him alone.
Have you got anything to drink?
- Only red wine. - That's fine.
Here you are. Do you want some too?
No, I have to go back to work.
The car has clocked over. This type is indestructible.
They only want the new model. Do something about the price.
I can do that. See me tomorrow at 5 pm.
WISSING IRON WORKS
How long does it take a freight boat?
When can I leave? Do you have a visa?
A visa? What's that?
You can get one at the American embassy.
How long does that take? Two weeks.
Do you want me to make a reservation?
No, never mind.
Will you leave your key here?
They don't want it, Lou.
You and I are going to have a chat.
I'll repay you. What do you think of my proposal?
Didn't you want to go to America? To see your wife and child?
My ex-wife. Then why don't you go?
How do I pay for it? I'll help you.
I see. Why would you?
I've been trying for months to get a Hungarian engineer to the Netherlands.
He wants to leave and would do well in our factory.
But I can't get a work permit for him, so I need a passport.
The way things work in this bloody country, I need an existing name.
Do you care what your passport says? No, I don't.
It's in my interest, but I'm prepared to do something in return.
That's a lot of money for a passport.
We could also go to the police.
With a criminal record, you won't get into America.
I have to think about it. No, I need to know now.
I'll take care of everything and you'll be gone in two days.
Why not? Where can I find you?
The Regina pension.
Have you thought about it?
I'll pay you well.
Ask the others here. Some will do it.
- So you won't? - No.
Think you're too good? In two years, I'll get you for half the price.
You in a joint like this? Why are you here then?
- I have a date. - Sure.
Why am I not the type for this joint?
Only men who can't get any other women, come here.
You should know what they do to you here.
Why do you do it then? To make some money during off season.
My pension's empty around this time of year.
Don't sit next to me. They'll give me fake champagne that'll cost you a lot.
What do you want to drink? A beer.
Beer.
You're as big an idiot as the others.
I have to go to work. When is your night off?
- Why? - I want to see you.
No.
Not even before I leave for America? Maybe.
I had a good time tonight.
I haven't talked to anybody like this for a long time.
You don't know how horrible it can be.
Some guys are doing it while they're dancing with you.
They come against your hip.
Have you ever been married? Yes, for a year.
It was terrible.
My husband solved his problems with his fists.
He beat me up over nothing.
Towards the end, I'd be surprised if he wouldn't hit me.
I've often thought it was me. That I did something wrong.
I was afraid to talk to anybody. I was ashamed of my own misery.
I was sure things would change one day.
But they aren't changing.
How did you get rid of him?
Suddenly, out of the blue.
One day, he was going on and said something he shouldn't have.
My father was dying and he said...
"I hope he kicks the bucket tonight."
He could have done anything to me, except start on my father.
I've never told this to anybody.
Maybe because I'll never see you again.
I'd swap places with you right away. It's the best place to start a new life.
You'll be free and nobody will be asking any questions.
Americans don't like questions.
Here everybody's watching each other. Just like in bloody Hungary.
Why did you never go there yourself?
- That's not possible. - I see.
That's another story altogether.
Is this the best you can think of? Sit here and talk bullshit?
Americans defend their freedom.
Go to America and see your wife and child.
My ex-wife. Whatever. Been a long time.
Two years.
That's why. I'm giving you a new life, a new opportunity.
Who cares? It can't get any worse.
Over there, you might become somebody.
They like that.
As long as you pay for it. As long as you pay for it, darling.
Free as a bird.
Here's your ticket, passport, money and visa.
You're leaving tomorrow afternoon at 3.
Careful, darling. Don't fall.
Well, you're in a hurry.
Bad accident on the highway... driver L. Wolff died... car on fire...
Fatal accident on highway 16 ...L. Wolff died...
- Isn't my mother here? - No.
- Did you want to pay? - No.
I'm staying for a couple more days.
Can I take this one? Yes, of course.
So you've seen this before.
It's a surprise each time. Prepare for the worst.
That coffin will be more like an ashtray.
Completely burnt. You wouldn't wish that on anybody.
Have a look. This is about the worst I've ever wrapped up.
There's not much left.
He ran off with the money. His boss identified him.
I also have pictures for you. Useful for your investigation maybe.
No, thank you. I've seen them at the office.
Isn't it true? The deal was you'd leave.
Why did you make me come here? I don't want anybody to see us.
Why don't you go?
I've met a woman. That wasn't the deal.
I paid you to leave and never come back.
What does it matter? You're the only one who knows I'm here.
Take that woman with you. I don't know if she wants to.
Why is this so important for you?
If you don't leave immediately, I'm not responsible for what'll happen.
You're on your own then.
And? Did it work with the Hungarian?
Yes, it worked. Good. I'm happy.
Kemp, William Kemp.
Oosterburgh.
Who are you? I'm here to see Mr Kemp.
He's not home. Do you know when he'll be back?
No, I don't know.
Can I come in for a moment? No, I can't let anybody in.
I know there are problems. Maybe I can find out where he is.
You're the man from the appointment. Mr. Ducroo.
Yes. Yes.
It's terrible, sir.
He left in the afternoon and we haven't heard since.
Nothing, sir. I don't know what to do.
And you also don't know where he is.
But what happened? I already told you.
I warned him, but he can't forget about the past.
He keeps saying: "They used me and they'll pay for it."
You can't always tell the truth. No matter how much you want to.
There are unknown forces that are stronger than us.
Did he have another appointment that day?
No, Mr Ducroo. Only with you.
He was going to tell you everything that day.
But the past should be left to rest.
You can't write everything in the newspaper either.
- You may be right. - Oh yes.
Your letter hasn't even been opened. Maybe I should take it with me.
I'll get it for you.
William Kemp.
I think William should keep his mouth shut, don't you?
Do you know what he wanted to tell me? No, I don't know anything.
I told them everything. Don't you believe me?
I never cleaned anything up. They wrote it all down.
I don't want to talk about it anymore. I didn't clean anything up.
But I'm glad you can find out where he is.
"I didn't clean anything up." No, neither did I.
He's got to be there.
Can I have a look upstairs? Hello? Hello?
Hello?
I'll go have a look.
He's not there. I'll wait here. I'm a good friend.
What's wrong? They're after me.
There's a man in my room that I don't even know.
What do you want me to do? To come with me.
What do I have to do with it? Why don't you tell me what's going on?
If I knew I'd tell you.
You don't believe me.
I'll finish work at 1. I'll wait for you outside.
What's wrong? What happened?
I don't know. Why aren't you telling me?
Solve your own problem then.
Come on. Come on.
They messed up your room. Maybe they're looking for that passport.
It's the only proof I have. I've got it on me.
How could you make that deal with this Karl?
Because I'm an asshole.
- And now? - I can't go back.
Mr Kemp, I agree to your conditions. E. Ducroo
Lou Wolff, does that ring a bell? No, it doesn't.
You have an appointment at 11.
What does he want? He won't say. Private.
Let him in.
Please keep it short. Mr Ducroo doesn't have much time.
Wolff.
What can I do for you?
I'm being threatened and I don't know by whom.
You're not the only one to have that feeling every now and then.
But why are you telling me this?
I understand you're investigating the disappearance of a man called Kemp.
- Kemp? - William Kemp.
Is that true? How do you know that?
His housekeeper told me you had an appointment with him...
just before he disappeared.
She said that? Can you tell me what you know?
If this was really an important matter...
do you think I'd tell you? I don't know you.
You just walked in here. Do you really think...
Yes, hello? Mr Van der Putten is here for you.
Ask him to wait a moment. I need a few minutes.
Do you understand, Mr Wolff? Why are you so interested?
How did you get this?
What do you know about this case?
I wanted to ask you that.
Try not to get involved in this case.
I almost have all the information and it will all be published.
What does Kemp have to do with it? I met him before he disappeared.
But he never showed up at our last appointment.
Listen, Mr Ducroo. I understand I'm not important.
I was always told to shut up and do what everybody told me to.
But I'm not always able to.
I want to know who's behind this and why.
You're walking around with the name of a man...
who killed three people in the Dutch East Indies.
Yes. Mr Van der Putten is still waiting.
Yes, I'm coming. Sorry, I have an appointment.
How can I reach you? It's better if I contact you.
I'll be in Indonesia for a couple of weeks to check out some files.
If you need help, go to my friend at the Ministry of War, Colonel Snijder.
Tell him I sent you.
Somebody called for you. He'll call back. Anna.
Budapest is surrounded by the Russian army.
There's heavy fighting going on in the city.
International communications have been disrupted.
It started with the arrival of hundreds of Russian tanks.
Soon after, the prime minister spoke on Radio Budapest.
He read a statement in various languages.
- Are you coming too? - Where to?
With the yanks. There's another party at the basis.
- Go as what? - What do you mean?
Go there as what? We can always make some money.
I don't feel like playing the whore.
Don't think you're too good for it.
Oh, you're so innocent. Whose idea was it to make a bit on the side?
Doesn't mean you have to go with them. But you'll never learn.
I understand it, though. It's about that guy.
He can't find out that you... That I what?
The lady's in love. Gets paid by her pension guest.
I'm not in love.
Sorry.
Drop dead.
Lou... I'm so happy you're here.
I was afraid something had happened.
I feel so dirty. I don't care.
I'm here to see Mr Ducroo.
We just heard that Mr Ducroo died last night.
- He died? - A stroke.
They found him last night on his boat. That's all we know for now.
Is there anything I can do for you? No... no.
It's impossible. Impossible. Just before the publications.
Anybody can have a stroke. Anna, it's impossible.
Lou, stop this. We'll get our things and leave together.
You can't stay here anyway.
That's exactly what they want.
Lou, please.
Is there a directory anywhere?
Sorry to keep you waiting. You were here to see me about...
I'm here because of your friend Ducroo, the journalist.
I see. Don't you know he died?
Really? What happened?
He was on the way to Indonesia for his investigation.
Which investigation?
But Colonel Snijder, don't you know what he was working on?
I'm not Colonel Snijder.
He's getting on and he spends most of his time on his studies.
I'm his substitute and I'm well informed.
But I don't know anything about an investigation.
Could you call him for me? Certainly. Follow me.
I'm beginning to think I can't leave anything to you.
Not at all, don't worry. I checked out those papers.
Mr Wolff, where can we reach you?
I'll contact you.
I just heard some strange things have happened.
We'll get Ducroo's papers tomorrow and we'll get to the bottom of this.
You don't need to worry.
Can I ask you something? Certainly.
Do you know a man called Wissing? Wissing... Wessing?
Karl Wissing. I worked for him and... No, never heard of him.
Mr Wolff.
I've always liked bugs and I'd rather be here than at the ministry.
You were hard to find.
People have a hard time understanding preservation of insects.
But if you learn to look at them well, they're so beautiful.
Every detail has a perfect, aesthetic appearance.
Take a scorpion: It's almost more a mechanical device than a living being.
You never see them, but you know they can hide under any rock.
Colonel Snijder, I don't have much time. Yes, I understand.
Most people find my studies rather bizarre.
Your journalist friend Ducroo died suddenly and...
Yes, it's terrible. It's all I've been thinking about.
It can't be a coincidence. You know what he was working on.
Yes, that investigation. He told me.
But I doubt that had anything to do with it. It's all so long ago.
Do you know how many lies people tell about the old Indies?
It's hard to separate the nonsense from what really happened.
I transferred that whole case to my substitute. He's very good.
But he didn't know a thing about it. He's very capable.
Anyway, what can I do for you?
Returned from a severely damaged Budapest.
The terrible ordeals of the past couple of days.
Budapest, a city full of...
Dear Mr Ducroo, please find the documents attached.
I have enough proof to press charges against high-ranking officers.
Especially against my superior in Bandung...
who ordered me to liquidate reliable people.
William Kemp
I couldn't get close enough to the coast.
The gear has been checked. Everything's fine.
Wish me luck then.
Good luck, Captain.
These are very serious accusations.
It means large part of the Dutch army's corrupt.
Make sure nobody hears about this for now.
That mess with the rice on the the black market was one thing...
That rice was meant for the people.
Yes, hey!
We can do something about that, but... And those weapons?
Weapon trading with the enemy. Our own soldiers are being killed with them.
You know what this could mean for you, if it isn't true.
- Who has the proof? - I do.
- Are you the only one? - Yes.
Are there any copies of the evidence?
I'll make them before I hand it over.
Keep everything to yourself for now.
Can I get protection for a while? Why?
Haven't two people been killed already? Yes, of course.
They must have known too much as well.
Move in with Kemp for now. You'll be safe there.
Unload.
Damn, Wissing.
And those weapons?
Weapon trade with the enemy. Our own soldiers are being killed with them.
What would you think of a hunting party gone wrong?
Up to you. The other two went well too.
And whatever you do, I'll cover you.
Who else will, actually?
The chief in Bandung, of course. He knows about it?
When should it happen? As soon as possible.
Can I check it first? Of course. You should.
It's becoming a big mess here. Pretty big.
Sit down. I had something special prepared for you.
No thanks. I've decided to drive back tonight.
I have to take care of a few things that can't wait.
But we were going to go hunting together, tomorrow.
We'll do that another time. You can't go back tonight.
It's not that far. You know how dangerous it is.
It's not that bad. I fear our own people more than the terrorists.
- Why? - This is good.
I'll tell you one time.
Mop the floor. Hurry.
I didn't clean anything up.
You won't believe what I found.
I need to talk to you, Lou.
I know everything. I want you to listen to me.
This has been going on since '49. I want you to stop.
Kemp and Wissing have been going for it.
Lou, listen to me. I now have what I need.
I'll get them all.
I'll explain. I don't want to hear it anymore.
It's really important. I have all the proof.
I don't want to hear it anymore, Lou.
It's important for me. I don't want to be involved.
It's the only way to defend myself. I don't care.
No. If you continue, I don't want to see you anymore.
Doesn't matter from where I'm calling. I know where the file is, Karl.
Where?
Don't do anything until we talk.
What do you have to tell me? Tomorrow evening, same place.
I'll see.
I'll tell you who ordered Kemp's murder.
I already know. Be careful or you'll get the blame.
Lou? Lou? Are you still there?
Tomorrow evening, same place. I'll see.
I'll tell you who ordered Kemp's murder.
You lied. You're not Mr Ducroo.
I didn't clean anything up. I didn't clean anything up.
You cleaned up the murdered officer's blood.
You were there when Kemp killed him.
Or am I wrong? Why don't you leave me alone?
I have nothing to do with it. I only did what they said.
Who's Kemp's superior? What do you mean?
Who was the superior in Bandung? I don't know.
I won't leave you be until you tell me who gave the order.
I don't know him. I have to know.
Do you want to know where William is? Yes.
Who gave the order? Is it one of them?
I don't know him.
I only know he once gave something to William.
- What? - That.
Sir?
William's dead, yes?
Whose is this? How would I know?
I think you know better than I do. Who was the superior in Bandung?
Who was the superior in Bandung?
There were many superiors in Bandung.
What do you want from me? Kemp's superior.
Kemp? It's been so long.
I don't remember. And what does it matter?
Kemp's superior is trying to kill me.
You're dreaming. These things don't happen in a civilised country.
People tell crazy stories about those days in the Indies.
Even people who were there don't always see things clearly anymore.
For me, it's all history.
You were Kemp's superior.
Lou?
Mother, is that you?
When he arrives, you calmly open the door. Understood?
Understood?
Lou! Lou!
What's wrong? Why are you crying all the time?
He left, didn't he? I just don't know where he is.
They're all the same. When they don't need you anymore, they dump you.
There's nothing wrong about being in love.
Why did he leave? I would have gone with him.
Anna, phone call for you.
There are police downstairs. I called them myself.
But why? To tell them the whole story.
They won't believe you, Lou.
They've got all the documents. I can prove everything.
They'll never believe you.
They're blaming it on me.
The others walk free, of course. That kind!
Can I bring you something?
Lou. I'm tired, Anna. I can't help it.
No, you can't help it.
Lou. See you next week.
Or we'll say he's a communist. Journalists will believe that too.
We've said that a lot lately. We can't keep coming up with that.
That's true. Alright, let him go for now.
If he doesn't shut up, we'll pin Wissing's murder on him.
Make that clear to him. Will you tell him?
Another thing: No more messing around with his name.
His name's Wolff, nothing else.
Sign here for receipt.
It all ended well, didn't it, Wolff?
DUTCH ARMY CLEARED OF BLAME