Atlantic Crossing (2020) s01e02 Episode Script

1
Oh God
Father!
Father!
Thank you, son.
The peaceful waters along the shores
of Norway are peaceful no longer.
In these neutral waters, Germany
claimed sanctuary for her ships.
The Allies mined the Norwegian coast-
-to force Germans ships out into
the open sea to meet the Royal Navy.
When the Allies met force with force,
Germany marched to aggression.
No one outside Germany believes that
the invasion of Norway and Denmark-
-and occupation of strategic Danish
bridges were not planned long ago.
In blood and fire, Norway pays
the price for unpreparedness.
Sothe battle is lost.
Not yet.
The Norwegian forces are stalling-
-while they're waiting for
the Brits to come to their rescue.
And the Royal Family?
The King
and the government are fleeing north.
We've had reports that
the Crown Princess and the children-
-are in Sweden
close to the Norwegian border.
-Tell our ambassador to find them.
-Well, and then what?
The voters are strongly against us
getting involved in Europe's war.
Of course they are,
but we can't just sit quietly-
-and watch Hitler take Europe.
Personally I agree,
butif you stick to these views,-
-I'm afraid the next president
will be Wendell Willkie.
Welcome, Your Highness.
There's been skirmishes
here and here.
We expect that the Germans
will advance through both valleys.
-Where are the British?
-British forces-
-are on their way from Dombås.
But they're not equipped for
a winter war. They can hardly ski.
And even worse,
they're mainly reserves.
Yes
I don't have a formal role,
but can I say something?
Yes, of course.
We are inferior to the Germans
in regard to materials and numbers.
But our boys know the terrain
and can move faster in the snow.
How do we exploit the few resources
we've got to the fullest extent?
The challenge is
to synchronize the efforts.
How about letting the units
act more independently?
Small units can do
great harm to the enemy.
That would buy us time
until the Allied forces are in place.
This German attack was meant
for the King and Crown Prince.
But for the grace of God,
they survived.
But in Elverum there were
many civilian casualties.
Women, children
Why go after civilians?
Innocent people?
-What?
-Listen.
We've had word that
the Germans might bomb this hotel.
-They don't even know we're here.
-They have spies everywhere.
They found the King and your husband.
But this is Swedish territory.
Until a few days ago, no one believed
Norway or Denmark would be attacked.
You must leave!
Mrs. Østgaard.
We have to pack again.
Hambro has proposed a new position -
chief of defense.
This would be Norway's
highest ranking military leader-
-under the King,
and military advisor to the Cabinet.
We could use that.
You're the right man, General Ruge.
Thank you, but
we have our eyes on someone else.
The Crown Prince
has military expertise-
-and is closer
to the Cabinet than I could ever be.
With the permission
of the Crown Prince,-
-we'd like to suggest you
to be chief of defense.
It would be my pleasure
and a great honor.
Then we are agreed.
We'll put this proposal
before the Cabinet.
What about dad?
We were supposed to wait for him.
What if he comes
and we're not there?
I've left him a message
that we're going to Stockholm.
It'll be nice to see
grandma and grandpa again.
-And uncle Mulle.
-Yes.
Mom!
Dad!
Märtha.
How are the children today?
They're fine,
but they're tired after the journey.
-They miss their father.
-Yes, of course they do.
-You still haven't heard from him?
-Mom!
If I'd heard from Olav,
I would've told you.
Yes, yes I'm just asking.
I'm allowed to do that.
Märtha, come here.
-Mr. Ambassador. You are early.
-Your Majesty.
So, it's true. Your Majesty
is housing a political refugee.
Political refugee?
That's my niece.
Who is the Crown Princess of Norway.
Which has declared war
against Germany.
Right now
she's the princess of nothing.
Some may question your loyalty.
Are you prepared to put
your own sentimentality-
-above the possible consequences
this could have for Sweden?
-Is that a threat?
-No.
I do not speak
as Germany's ambassador,-
-but as an old friend.
Take this as a friendly warning.
Your niece is trouble.
Your Majesty?
Your Majesty?
Is Olav back yet?
Not yet, Your Majesty.
But don't you want something to eat?
No, thank you. Just leave me alone.
-But Your Majes
-Stop!
-Get out.
-But
Get out!
-Where's my father?
-I must recommend that-
-the Crown Prince does not
leave the King for such a long time.
-What's going on?
-His Majesty-
-hasn't touched
any food or drink.
He has refused to talk
since you left.
We need our king to be strong.
So What did General Ruge
have to report?
He told me about a proposal
that has come up.
About creating a new position:
A high command.
One leader
of the entire armed forces.
That's an excellent idea.
And Ruge is perfect for the job.
I presume he put himself
forward as a candidate?
No, he actually suggested me.
We've talked
with the Minister of Defense.
We believe you would make
an excellent chief of defense.
I'll bring it up at the council
meeting at Stuguflåten.
Thank you.
When the Cabinet said-
-that they wouldn't mobilize
out of fear of a German attack,-
-Gustav Adolf became so angry-
-that he broke
his most valuable Chinese vase.
With a man like Hitler,
one has to be firm and speak out.
He understands that better-
-than friendly conversation
and cultured behavior.
It's just so sad that you can't
openly show where you stand.
Of course you can't!
Under the present circumstances,-
-we have to be very careful
how we deal with Germany.
We must do all we can-
-to keep Sweden out of this war!
Isn't it more important for
a country to preserve its soul-
-than to keep the peace?
It's a question of survival.
Our neutrality-
-is the only thing that keeps Germany
from swallowing us whole.
I'm not the least bit neutral.
A toast to the King of Norway,
my daughter Märtha and her family.
May they soon return
to a free Norway!
-Hip, hip
-Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
Well, I believe, and the Minister
of Defense agrees with me,-
-that it will be important for
our relationship with our allies-
-if Crown Prince Olav would take on
the leadership of our armed forces.
Not to mention
the symbolic effect on the people.
We'll vote on the proposal.
Let me point out
that the successor to the throne-
-has another
symbolic position to look after.
In these times,-
-the Crown Prince should
first and foremost be Crown Prince.
And be at the King's side.
I think we should vote now.
While we're still alive.
Who's in favor of appointing
Crown Prince Olav-
-as high command
of the Norwegian Armed Forces?
The proposal has not been carried.
The meeting is adjourned.
Well
I'm sorry.
I know what you're thinking.
You'd like to put on some skis,
toss a rifle across your shoulder.
And head for the mountains
to fight the Germans.
Your time will come, Olav.
My time is now.
I need you here.
-You're my son. My only one.
-But I'm not a child.
What do you want to prove?
That you're one of the brave lads?
-Don't you understand?
-No, I don't.
You were elected
to be king by the people, father.
I just came as part of the deal,
like a third wheel.
Everything I do now, will
follow me for the rest of my life.
The people's verdict will not wait.
They're judging me.
And you, as we speak.
I haven't seen any newspapers here.
Not since we came here.
I'd like to follow the events.
Little Märtha
shouldn't worry about that.
-Please, uncle Gustav.
-Märtha. It's late.
Time to go to bed.
-Good night.
-Good night, uncle Gustav.
It feels so strange to walk here.
It's like the war out there
doesn't exist.
Yes, I know.
Have you heard anything from Olav?
No, I'm not allowed to hear
anything or know anything.
He hides the newspapers from me.
I feel like a prisoner.
-He doesn't want you to worry.
-But the opposite happens.
The less I know, the more I worry.
Hey
Maybe I can cheer you up a little.
Uncle Mulle!
Thank God!
Look!
THE KING IS ALIVE!
This is not good.
A Swedish magazine printing
such a blatantly biased article.
It's almost propaganda!
The last thing we should do,
is to provoke Hitler.
-I'm happy they're alive, at least.
-What?
Yes, of course.
I'm grateful that you
let us stay here, uncle.
No one must know that you're here.
Stockholm is crawling with spies.
If Hitler finds out
that the King of Sweden-
-is housing political refugees
I hope you understand
the risk I'm taking.
It will only be for a short period.
The Allies are coming to our aid,
and then we'll be back at Skaugum.
We'll see.
Time for tennis.
What is it, Harry?
Our intelligence intercepted this
a few hours ago.
This can't be true.
-Hambro?
-Your Highness.
This is unexpected.
-Is everything all right?
-I'm afraid I have bad news.
-Is it Olav?
-The Crown Prince and King are safe.
They're hiding outside of Tromsø.
-But?
-The Allies
They're pulling out of Norway.
There's nothing left to do
but surrender.
-Your Highness.
-General Fleischer.
We were so close.
The Allies' withdrawal
is a catastrophe.
-We could've kept Northern Norway.
-Yes, but
let us focus on
what our next move will be.
There are rumors that several
Cabinet members will flee to England.
We can't expect anyone to
stay when they fear for their lives.
Is it true that the King is thinking
about leaving the country?
That would be
in conflict with the Constitution.
I will respect the King
no matter what his choice may be.
But I ask you to think through
the consequences thoroughly first.
Here is my evaluation
of the situation.
Father?
Father?
The ship is on its way from England.
How will the people react to
their king leaving the country?
They will say
that he put his own safety-
-above the fate of the country.
A deserter.
What good would it do the country
if you surrender to the Germans?
You'd be their prisoner, incapable
of communicating with your people.
A king is also a symbol.
Yes, but a symbol of what?
Surrender?
Like your brother in Denmark?
Is that what you want to be?
From General Fleischer.
-What does he want?
-He wants us to surrender.
Make peace with the Germans.
He's afraid our legitimate nation
will cease to exist if we leave.
Yes.
And everything will be lost.
No, not necessarily.
There is another solution.
You continue fighting from England.
The Constitution states that the king
can reign from abroad "in the field".
If we organize
a new Norwegian force in England,-
-Norway will continue
to exist as a nation.
No surrender.
No so-called "peace".
The battle goes on.
For Norway.
But the people will still feel
betrayed and abandoned.
Yes.
Which brings me to my next point.
I'll stay.
To show that no one is fleeing.
You go, and I'll stay.
As a collateral
for continued resistance.
And what do you think will happen
when the Germans tell me-
-that they will execute you if I
don't acknowledge their occupation?
My dear boy.
I really do not want
to hold you back.
But you must understand that
you mean more than I do right now.
-No
-You do, Olav.
I'm old.
Most of my reign is behind me.
But you
You are the future!
That is why you need
to be by my side.
When the time comes,
you must be ready.
Ready to take over.
Get hold of Märtha and the children
and bring them with you to London.
While you still can.
Your Highness!
They're sending a plane for us.
We're going to Tromsø.
And then to London.
Finally!
There it is!
The boat will sink
if we bring all of this with us!
Mother, I want to bring this!
No, we'll have to leave
that one behind.
Do they have cake on the ship?
And balloons?
You know what? We'll throw
a big birthday party for you-
-when we get to London.
Yippee!
They'll be here soon.
Where are Märtha and the children?
The RAF can't guarantee their safety.
They refuse to fly them here.
I just found out.
We'll wait for Märtha
and the children.
-That damn plane has to take off.
-It isn't possible, Your Highness.
-What about ground transport?
-That would take at least two days.
Most of the passengers
have boarded. It's time to go.
Can't we do as the Crown Prince says
and wait until they come?
Then the ship will leave without us.
-No. We'll leave now.
-Good.
We'll arrange a new transport
for them. Directly to England.
Your Highness.
I'm so sorry.
Are you coming?
It's her 10th birthday today.
-And here I am.
-Here we are.
And we're alive.
-That's something, at least.
-Yes.
Action stations!
All action stations!
Your Majesty, please follow me.
We need help loading this!
Wilson, come! Give me a hand!
Captain, what's going on?
A distress call
from the carrier ship Glorious.
They're under attack by two German
battle ships some 40 miles away.
And?
We must come to their aid.
We're under strict orders to avoid
battles or rescue operations.
We are the ones
the Germans are after.
How large is the crew on that ship?
-1500 men?
My orders are to get you
safely to England.
The German warships are superior.
They're waiting for a rescue attempt.
It would mean certain death for us,
and it would be completely in vain.
I thank You, my heavenly Father,-
-for keeping me
in Your grace this day.
And pray that You keep me
in Your grace this night.
I pray that Your Holy Angel
will be with me,-
-so the evil foe has
no power over me.
And that You will watch over
those we hold dear.
-Especially Vimsa.
-And daddy.
And daddy.
-Amen.
-Amen.
-Good night, Harald.
-Good night.
Did you have a nice birthday?
That's good.
-Is daddy in England now?
-Yes, I hope so.
-I want to be with him.
-Me too.
Go to sleep.
Sleep well.
Your Majesty,
His Majesty, the King of Norway,-
-and His Royal Highness,
the Crown Prince of Norway, are here.
Uncle.
-Hi, Bertie.
-Olav.
I'm sorry to hear
about Märtha and the children.
I'll arrange for them to come over
as soon as possible.
You don't want to press your luck,
old chap.
You're lucky to be here now.
It could've been your ship
the Germans sank yesterday.
Yes, but there must be a way
to arrange a flight from Sweden.
Not with the German blockade.
The Germans can't control
the entire air space here.
-People travel to England every day.
-And every day-
-people get shot down,
and ships are sunk.
The journey is simply too dangerous,
dear cousin.
-Thanks for taking us in.
-Of course.
That's what family is for.
What about via Shetland?
Or by plane over Northern Norway?
It's simply too dangerous.
You mean that as long as Germany
is occupying Norway,-
-we won't be able to see Olav?
There's something else
I'd like to talk to you about.
What do you think
about going home to Norway?
-To To Norway?
-Yes.
This is a report from
the Swedish Embassy in Oslo.
Okay?
It's rumored,
now that the battles are over,-
-most Norwegians will return
to their everyday lives.
There are negotiations
with the Germans-
-to find a peaceful solution,
as in Denmark.
Haakon and the Cabinet
will never agree to that.
Allow me to put it bluntly
Many Norwegians feel
that the King and the Cabinet-
-have abandoned the country
by fleeing to England.
It would be
of great symbolic value-
-if you and the children
returned home.
What happens if I refuse?
The Germans will depose
the Cabinet and the King-
-and form their own government.
That's the end of the Royal House-
-and Norway as a nation.
Yes, the end of everything.
-Hello?
-Your Highness, this is the operator.
We can't get a line through
to the Swedish Royal Palace.
-I will keep trying.
-All right. Thank you.
Be faithful to Him and his House
Make the Crown light upon his Head
And all your faith in Him invest
Thou, people of high renown
Be faithful to Him and his House
Make the Crown light upon his Head
And all your faith in Him invest
Thou, people of high renown
Four hoorays for the King of Sweden.
Long may he live!
Hooray! Hooray!
Hooray! Hooray!
This is obviously Haakon's fault.
He and the Cabinet should have
followed Denmark's sensible decision.
How much unnecessary suffering
has his stubbornness cost-
-both his countrymen and his family?
What does the Prime Minister
think of the situation?
Well, even the Belgian King-
-stayed
and surrendered with his troops.
Which was a much better solution.
King Haakon has abandoned
his subjects, and as a result,-
-Hitler will do away with
the Norwegian Royal House.
The only way to save Norway's
Royal House and independence-
-is to install Prince Harald
as child monarch,-
-with you as regent.
Has the Crown Princess considered
the option of returning to Norway?
I'm considering it.
The Norwegian Administrative
Council's deadline is tomorrow.
I don't know
what the Germans think about this.
I might be able to help.
Your Majesty, please permit me-
-to request that you not put Sweden
in a compromising situation.
We must stand firm
on our neutrality principle.
I don't think Hitler
would see it as a provocation-
-if I asked for an exception
concerning the Norwegian Royal House.
-Hitler?
-Yes.
Why take the long route when
you can go straight to the source?
I have to consult my husband first.
But my dear Märtha,
there isn't any time!
The deadline is tomorrow.
The Norwegian monarchy is at stake,
as well as your son's future.
Hitler is not an unreasonable man.
And this will not be seen
as an unreasonable request.
I'll send a telegram to Hitler.
It's my birthday, after all!
Surely one can ask
an old friend for a gift!
My dear
Imperial Chancellor
That bastard!
That damn, treacherous coward
of a Nazi sympathizer!
I knew it! I've been expecting
Gustav to stab us in the back!
-This can't be Märtha's idea.
-Of course not! She's been pressured.
Gustav runs Hitler's errands,
but I'll let him know!
Take dictation!
The proposal of a regency-
-during the German occupation
goes against the Constitution.
And will never,
I repeat never, happen!
We have to get them
out of Sweden fast.
There is no way
to bring them safely here.
They can go to America.
-We have to be realistic here.
-I'm trying to solve this!
-Such a journey is also dangerous.
-They're in more danger in Sweden.
What do you think would happen-
-if the Germans took Märtha
and the children as prisoners?
They'd be used as hostages
to force you to abdicate-
-and to force
the Cabinet to concede!
And how do you suggest
they travel to America?
-A ship?
-Yes, sir, a ship.
-To get Crown Princess Märtha?
-Yes, and her children.
What a wonderful idea.
Sir, this ship has to sail
through German controlled waters.
-Oceans full of submarines.
-We could always ask Hitler-
-for permission first.
We are neutral,
so there'd be no reason to protest.
-Oh Ask Hitler?
-Yes.
We don't need to give the Germans
a passenger list.
Sir, I'm concerned
that the Germans will find a way-
-to get their hands on
the Crown Princess and young Prince.
We tell the Germans that the ship
is carrying Americans going home.
-But sir, that's
-Thank you, Harry.
Get somebody to paint the American
flag on the sides of the ship.
Huge,
so the damn submarines can see it.
Rosy maiden, maiden
Maiden, maiden
Here's the carousel
To ride until nighttime
Ten pennies for adults
And five for kids
Hurry up, hurry up
The carousel will go now!
I know you're trying to stay strong,
Märtha.
But it all seems so unpredictable.
It makes me anxious.
I know, but right now
there seems to be no alternative.
But then you'll be forced
to deal with those Nazi pigs.
All the Norwegians back home
have to do the same now.
A telegramfrom London.
What does it say?
That old man has lost his mind!
This seems to be coming from Olav.
It doesn't matter who suggested it.
They're not going to America!
You can go east
on the Trans-Siberian railway
-Hello?
-Your Highness,
I'm so sorry,
but I still can't get through-
- to the Swedish Royal Palace.
-I see.
-Please keep on trying.
-Of course, sir.
If I remain in Sweden,
there will be political consequences.
And if I go back to Norway,
there will be political consequences.
-And now this.
-Listen
I know a decision
like this must feel
must feel impossible, but
there's something else
I think you should know.
The Germans have asked
the Swedish government-
-to allow their troops
free passage to Norway.
They would never go along with that.
It'd be a breach of their neutrality.
Yes. The Swedish Cabinet refused,
but the King threatened to abdicate-
-if they didn't agree
to Germany's request.
-What?!
-I'm sorry.
-Are we no longer safe here?
-I know.
There is a snake in paradise.
What's that?
It's
cyanide.
The Germans are merciless
toward their enemies.
Are you serious?
The last thing
cousin Nikolai had to endure,-
-was to see
his children being executed.
So
So this is where you are?
-Mom. I'm sorry that
-No, no.
Don't worry about that.
If anything goes wrong, sell it.
-No.
-Yes.
Take care of your children, Märtha,
and take care of yourself.
Mom.
Our Father, who art in heaven.
We pray that You hold Your hand-
-over our daughter Märtha-
-and our grandchildren,
Ragnhild, Astrid, and Harald.
They're on a dangerous journey now.
And need Your loving protection
and guiding hand.
Shine Your light
so that they will find their way.
Through the darkness of evil
that has descended on Earth.
God Almighty,-
-let us one day again see
and hold those we hold dear.
-Amen.
-Amen.
There.
Come now, girls.
Märtha!
-Florence.
-You made it.
-Yes, finally.
-This way.
The passenger ship
is anchored in the bay.
A small boat will take us out there.
The Lunde family.
I've heard that there are many
Norwegian fishermen here.
Best to keep your head down
so you don't get recognized.
We don't want the Germans
to know you're on board.
I never thought that if I did
another Atlantic crossing,-
-it would be as a refugee.
All aboard!
All aboard!
Hey, guys, look!
It's the Crown Princess!
Look! It's the Prince!
-It's the Prince!
-Look, mother! Norwegian flags!
Hooray for Prince Harald!
-Harald!
-Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
Yes, we love this country of ours
As it rises forth
Text: Morten B. Helland