Decision Before Dawn Page #3

- Since '41, unfortunately.

- And before that?

I worked in a Panzer factory in Hamburg,

and before that I was with the circus.

Yes, sir. I took care of two tigers

and a lion- a lioness to be exact.

- I lost my job when the old woman died.

- Have you ever been in jail?

- Yes sir, in '36 in Dsseldorf

and in '42 in Norway.

- And what were the charges?

In civilian life, theft,

and in the army-

how shall I say-

uh, insubordination.

I hope it won't

count against me.

- And what are your political convictions?

- My political convictions?

- Never been able to afford any.

- Then why do you want to work for us?

Because you are winning the war.

Isn't that a good enough reason?

Well, good or bad,

I suppose it's a valid one.

In other words, you don't mind the general

disaster, as long as you come out ahead.

If you want to put it that way.

I guess a few years ago, for the same reason,

you were shouting, "Sieg heil."

No. Not that.

That was one swindle I never fell for.

They were too much like my cats

to suit me- dangerous to turn your back on.

Would you work for us

even if it meant risking your life?

I didn't expect the job

to be safe or pleasant.

Why should you take Germans for safe work

when your own people are in danger?

- All right, Sergeant. We'll think about it.

- Next.

This next guy's supposed to be

an experienced radioman.

- Pardon me. May I ask you

a question now, sir?

- What is it?

How much do you pay?

Thanks a lot, Sergeant. Don't forget to keep

our guys separated from the others.

I know what you mean, sir.

I'll take care of it. This way, sir.

- Look.

- I wonder what he's doing here.

Don't you know? They look for

volunteers who will work for them.

- Have they found any?

- Yes. But there are men here

who will remember their names.

And someday, when we've won,

they'll be taken care of.

"When we've won"? You still believe in that?

Here they come-

the volunteers.

Look at them. They are ready to do

anything just to save their own hides.

- Like most of us.

- What did you say?

Yes, we are no different

from them.

We didn't care what happened to others

as long as they didn't bother any of us.

We just closed our eyes and went along

until we found ourselves

forced to fight the wrong enemy.

You sound as if you're all set

to join the Americans yourself.

I don't know.

That takes courage.

The trouble with me is I want to stay alive.

Like most of us, I talk but I do nothing.

Paul? Paul, are you asleep?

No. What is it?

Did you see their faces

this morning out in the yard?

Yes. For some of them,

nothing is changed- even now.

Richter, the Amis

want you for questioning.

- The Americans want me now?

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