Taking Sides Page #4

EXT. STEVE'S OFFICE BUILDING, BERLIN - DAY

Steve's car swerves round the corner and comes to a halt.

A small crowd watch workmen on ladders hammering away at a

stone swastika above the portico. American soldiers

supervise. Steve gets out of the car, carrying an attache

case, and he, too, watches as the stone swastika falls and

crashes into pieces on the road. One or two people clap,

most just stare.

The American soldiers immediately hoist the Stars and

Stripes. Steve goes into the building. The sentry salutes.

The driver of the car goes to the trunk and takes out a

labelled duffel bag, cans of film, a case which holds a 16-

mm projector. A small BOY sidles up to him:

BOY:

Cigarettes, chewing gum?

INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY

Steve and Sergeant Adams ascending a grand, winding but

damaged staircase to the rear of a spacious entrance hall.

A once impressive building. Signs of bomb damage everywhere.

German workmen doing repairs. American military personnel

coming and going, saluting Steve, who barely acknowledges

them.

They reach the landing. Adams opens double doors and they

go through.

ADAMS:

We're gonna have the heating fixed

by tonight.

A few gilt chairs, a workman trying to repair the stove.

Adams opens another door for Steve.

INT. STEVE S OFFICE - DAY

EMMI is hanging the standard photograph of President Truman

on the wall. She turns to see Steve and Adams and is covered

with confusion. She gives Steve a little curtsey.

ADAMS:

Fräulein, this is Major Arnold.

Sir, this is your secretary,

Fräulein Emmi Straube. Her file's

on your desk. They sent her over

from Admin. I'll leave you to it.

He goes. Steve scrutinises Emmi. She's embarrassed, keeps

her eyes downcast. Steve goes to his desk, opens a file,

reads.

STEVE:

You live here, in Berlin?

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