Uncle Kruger (Ohm Krüger)

UNCLE KRUGER

Freely adapted from themes taken from the novel,

"Man without a Nation", by Arnold Krieger

Calm down!

President Kruger will talk to no one.

Mr. President is very tired. He's not receiving anyone.

But my turn is not until eight this evening!

But I already told you a hundred times. It is absolutely impossible.

President Kruger is not to be disturbed.

But if I could only--

I represent the New York Herald! I must see him!

Have you read my article in the eight o'clock evening Paper?

Tell me, does he already know about the English?

I've got to see the President! I come direct from London.

I'm the chief reporter of the Times.

Here's the Berlin Daily Paper. Circulation 835,000.

I need a report about how Uncle Kruger is living in exile

and what he says to the peace treaty with England. By tomorrow.

For the last time.

It is against our hotel's policy to disturb our guests.

Don't give me that! I'll have a word with him.

Kind sir, won't you let me go up to see the President?

It won't be to your disadvantage. One hand washes the other.

One hundred francs? Thank you.

There you go! I knew it.

- I'll pass it on to the Red Cross. - Don't kid around.

You still can't see the president, however.

Who are those two?

- Criminal investigators. - How interesting!

Switzerland wants to protect itself

so that nothing happens to the famous guest.

One moment.

Hello, professor. How is our honored patient?

I hope everything works out.

It would be very unpleasant for the reputation of our hotel

if something were to happen.

Well, it is a very complicated case.

Goodbye, professor.

Who's that man that just took the elevator?

- You don't know him? - No idea.

But that's Professor Nagel of the University of Zurich.

I see.

The professor.

- Where are you going? - Just one moment.

It's much too bright!

I told you every ray of light is harmful.

But he doesn't even feel the light anymore.

- When did he say that? - Yesterday.

Last night I thought it was all over.

- Pulse? - 35.

- Steady? - No. Unsteady.

Well, I already have a new job for you.

A 60-year-old lady, very wealthy.

- Uremia. You can start next week. - Thank you very much, professor.

Good morning, Mr. President.

May I?

So how are you feeling today?

Newspapers? Newspapers are poison for you.

You're not allowed to worry

about what's happening in the world anymore.

Here's the Berlin Daily Paper. This will just take a minute.

It's a great honor, Mr. President.

- May I ask a few questions? - Absolutely impossible!

What do you say about the political situation?

What do you say?

Then at least a picture, please. May I open the curtains a little?

Don't! The president has an eye disease.

An eye disease?

I'll use the flash then!

Thank you, Mr. President. This issue will be a sensation!

Goodbye, Mr. President, goodbye...

What an impudent man!

It's looking good. But like I said, no excitement.

See you tomorrow, Mr. President.

Goodbye, professor.

Goodbye, nurse. I'll be back tomorrow morning.

- Are we alone, nurse? - Yes, Mr. President.

- Is it bright in the room? - The curtains are shut.

Please open them.

- Is it sunny out? - Yes, Mr. President.

I can feel the warmth on my skin.

Now please read the newspapers to me.

"The negotiations between the Royal English Government and the Boers

have led to the completion of the peace treaty.

The whole of South Africa will become a part of the British Empire.

Although the Boers thus lose their independence,

they will gain an enormous advantage.

They have become Englishmen."

Go on.

"Finally, the defiance and obstinacy of this close-minded nation

has given way to a peaceful, rich South Africa."

Peaceful, rich, and English.

"The leaders of the Boers, generals as well as politicians,

have been pardoned by their noble victor.

With only one exception--" The rest is not that important.

I know. I am the exception. Just read on.

"This old man,

who rushed his nation into battle with criminal carelessness,

and has now settled into luxurious retirement in Switzerland..."

No one who knows you will believe this.

The world forgets quickly.

And if a lie is repeated time and again, it will finally be believed.

Just now as you read this, were you not thinking, too:

"Why didn't he negotiate with the English?"

Why didn't you?

You can't negotiate with the English.

Did you know that my ancestors lived happily

in Cape Land for 200 years?

Then came the English and took away their farms.

Then our shepherds told themselves, it can't be the will of our God

that a whole nation should live in slavery.

Hence we moved deeper into Africa

in search of new pastures and new land.

This trek lasted month after month, year after year,

through dreary deserts and endless prairies.

The perpetual creaking of our wheels was our children's lullaby.

It was in the saddle that our boys became men.

No struggle, no hardship discouraged this nation

that only had one goal: to live in freedom and peace.

Across the Vaal River, we finally found our new home.

We worked very hard, and God's blessing was with us.

Thus, our new fatherland, Transvaal, was born,

eked out with our blood, drenched in our sweat.

Here, we thought, we could live in peace.

But then the Englishman followed us.

This Africa...

Doesn't it stir a man's imagination?

These vast and unexplored spaces. Brimming with mysteries.

I love this Africa the way you love a woman.

Love a continent? What an absurd idea!

You're dreaming, my dear Rhodes.

Dear Flora, women don't understand

that you have to be a dreamer to be a ruler.

- You're not a dreamer. - But?

A shrewd businessman.

Because I know that the boldest dreams can come true.

Read this.

I know nothing about formulas.

Dr. Jameson! Please bring us our map.

And explain the meaning of these writings here.

We were able to find the highest and purest gold source on Earth.

- Here in South Africa? - Yes, in South Africa.

But, unfortunately, there is one hitch.

The sites aren't located near us in the Cape Colony--

- But? - On Boer territory.

The map, please.

Look.

Here's the border.

And here, near Johannesburg, are the goldfields.

- Did you get it, Flora? - Completely!

England has to declare war on the Boers.

I'm pleased with your keen perception.

But there's more to it than that.

What do you plan on doing, Dr. Jameson?

I assume riots will erupt in these borderlands soon.

- When are you taking off? - Tomorrow morning.

Guns and ammunition are already packed.

May you be successful.

And what shall be my job?

Your ship departs tonight.

You will immediately call on the colonial secretary in London--

- Chamberlain? - Yes.

He has to support me

so that I can exploit the area without any disturbance.

I'm already having purchases made.

Will you give me a letter?

No, nothing in writing.

Just tell him we are dealing with the biggest gold source on Earth

and that I expect his support.

In the event of riots in the borderlands,

he must intervene at once.

When may I return, Cecil?

It won't be long until I succeed.

After all, I have competent agents.

You, Jameson, and the English missionaries.

Winchester rifle. Definitely made in England.

Alignment chamber.

Traction lock.

How can you deliver such weapons into the hands of the blacks?

You ought to be hanged!

I protest against this illegal restraint!

You have no right to arrest me!

I am English! Take off these handcuffs at once!

They stay on!

One has to be on guard against people of your caliber!

You are a spy!

I protest!

It's an impudence to handcuff me!

Stop shouting like that!

I'll shout as much as I want!

I have no dealings with you!

I want to talk to the president!

Good morning, Mr. President.

Good morning, Reitz.

Good morning, Uncle Paul.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning, father.

Cronje, what's going on with this guy?

Arrested for gun smuggling.