Christmas Truce

1

Christmas 1944.

World War II is at its climax

as the German army embarks

on a last chance offensive

in the Ardennes forest, Belgium.

This offensive will become known

as the Battle of the Bulge.

The allied armies were

pushed back nearly 40 miles.

For those of us who lived

within the bulge,

Germany ruled once again

prevailed.

I am so tired of this mud.

I blame the Germans.

Mother.

Pauline told me the village

agrees with her about canceling

the Christmas Eve

celebrations again.

And the other half still thinks

we should celebrate.

When we were liberated,

it makes sense to celebrate

but now that the Germans

are back,

it's too much risk.

Christmas is God's day.

We should celebrate no

matter our conditions,

that's not what you said

last year.

Last year was different.

We've gone long enough without.

Alina, this war will end

and there will be many more

Christmases to come.

We should do as

we've always done.

Keep out of sight.

We live longer that way.

Oh, Peter.

Do you think he'll give us

a good price?

He always gives us a good price.

Gives you.

Mother.

He's a widower,

and he's rich.

He likes you.

It's perfect.

I'm not willing to settle

on love for money.

I have to feel something,

and I don't.

Jensen, we're a no-go.

Again?

I'm almost done loading up.

Yeah, unload again.

The entire front just got socked

by a winter storm.

The guys are having a Christmas

party over at Mulligan's,

you should stop in.

They never let me in there.

I'll make sure no one messes

with you?

Don't want all the guys not to

care about the Sugar Ray fight.

Ok, yeah.

Maybe.

Captain Myers.

Berkowitz.

Get that plane loaded up

and ready to go.

Sir?

We're grounded.

Not anymore.

Hey Jensen,

where are the pilots?

They're in the hangar.

Go find them.

We don't have time to delay.

Yes sir.

Captain?

I um...

I was wondering if you

considered my transfer

to the front?

I have and it's still a no.

Come off it!

I want to see some action,

you know?

Really help someone.

I didn't become a medic

to handle supply drops.

You're an only child,

Berkowitz.

I want to see at least one

of my men go home alive.

Come on, hurry up.

Let's finish loading up

this plane, let's go.

Captain, please.

One week, even.

We can talk about it tomorrow.

You say that every time.

You never know,

tomorrow might be better.

Excuse me, madam,

would you like some wurst

for your little boy?

Ya, that's very kind of you.

If I had known about the attack

we would have stayed home.

We never miss a Christmas

together.

The advance was unexpected.

It's getting like that

in Berlin.

More and more people

in the streets, hungry.

Excuse me?

Yes Madam?

I want a few more slices

of wurst, if you don't mind.

It's my pleasure.

It's that good?

It's not for him.

My father always says

"if you want to win the hearts

of people,

"then feed their bellies".

Kommstau Phillip.

Merry Christmas,

your steaks are on me.

Here.

Peter.

Ah, Helena, Alina.

I have the pork belly here,

and I would like 50 marks

this time, please.

50 marks?

Fine, but I only do this because

it's the Christmas season.

Did you hear Pauline wants

to cancel our Christmas

celebration?

I heard.

Alina, I made you head of

the Kerstavond

and I think it's about time

we celebrate.

I would, but the risk

is too great.

We'll postpone another year.

Perhaps we three could celebrate

together here.

I cook, we drink.

That's a very kind invitation,

but if not for the festival

I'd rather stay home.

Thank you.

Gentlemen,

sorry for the delay,

I know this is short notice

but it came down

the pipe this morning

so we had to move fast.

We're currently about five miles

behind enemy lines.

The Germans are using

two bridges

to cross the Orr River

here and here.

You guys are going to blow

the one located in Dasburg.

So we infiltrate the Germans

as refugees

and then once we get to Dasburg

we put on the German uniforms

to gain access to the bridge.

Affirmative.

Now this mission is going to

take both of you to accomplish.

Timing the explosives

on each side of the bridge

is very important,

it's the only way to get

the bridge down.

You guys are the best team

of demolition experts

I can find that speak

fluent German.

What is all of that?

Are you writing a book?

It's one of them dirty stories

like in Esquire.

Bigger words, Jensen.

Bigger words.

Here we go.

Three minutes to drop...

May Day, May Day, going down!

Going down!!!

Mother, the record player

is too loud.

It comforts me.

I'm going to feed the animals.

Oh, and make sure the oven has

plenty of wood for the night.

I don't want the animals

to freeze.

I know, mother. I know.

Oh, come on!

Meyers!

I didn't think I'd make it.

I barely got out of

the airplane.

Hey, where are we?

I think we're uh-

Help!

That's Jensen!

Follow me. Stay tight.

Help! Help! Help!!!

Keep it down, Jensen!

Shut it!

My leg, I think it's busted!

You have

to quiet down!

Where's Lefeuvre?

He didn't make it.

But I've got his gun

and his pack.

Gimme that!

We need to get Jensen

to shelter,

find some medical supplies.

God, his leg is busted up

pretty bad.

No, it's ok,

it's gonna be fine.

Alright, we gotta move.

Can you guys get him?

Yeah, come on.

I got you, let's go.

Dubois.

Halt!

Alina?

Don't move!

Wait!

There are no Germans here.

Not here.

Please, we-

we are peaceful.

You're English?

Half.

On my father's side.

Bradford.

My mother is Belgian.

My family has always

lived here,

but we take no allegiance

to the Germans.

Do you know where

the Germans are?

Not here.

I promise.

Dubois?

I've got a wounded man who

needs shelter or he'll die.

Will you help us?

The barn is warm.

We have a stove

for the animals.

If the Germans find out...

Mother.

I will not turn away a wounded

man to die.

Not tonight.

Thank you.

Do you mind if I check

your home?

Yes.

I mean no, please.

Come with me.

Ok, I have to set the bone,

close the wound,

stop the bleeding.

I need boiling water

and some bandages.

I'm Captain John Myers,

this is Lieutenant Berkowitz,

Private Jensen.

We have hot water and I can

make some bandages.

The cottage is clear.

Dubois, can you help her

get some hot water, please?

I didn't ask for help.

We don't have much,

but I'll do what I can.

I can't delay any longer.

I've studied the bridge,

I can complete

this mission alone.

No, no, no.

You know that's not true.

The timing on those charges

is too precise.

Yes, but all I have

to do is-

Dubois.

I brought some drinks.

Thank you for your help.

I would have done the same

for anyone.

Oh, this is very good.

Coffee with a little chocolate.

It was for our Kerstavonds.

Kerstavonds?

Kerstavonds.

Christmas Eve dinner.

A Belgian tradition.

It's been a long time

since we celebrated it.

And this year?

The risk is too great.

Captain, Jensen is stable.

I've set the bone,

but he needs rest.

But you can't stay here.

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