1 00:02:06,640 --> 00:02:10,120 New York, 4th of August. 2 00:02:10,120 --> 00:02:11,600 I had to free myself. 3 00:02:13,640 --> 00:02:16,240 Tomorrow, the Graf Zeppelin takes off 4 00:02:16,240 --> 00:02:18,720 for a journey around the world. 5 00:02:18,720 --> 00:02:21,360 I shall be on board. 6 00:02:21,360 --> 00:02:24,000 The financier is William Randolph Hearst, 7 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:26,640 the newspaper king. 8 00:02:26,640 --> 00:02:30,040 He was looking for one woman journalist 9 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:32,680 and I made sure he found me. 10 00:02:34,440 --> 00:02:38,240 I shall write for him as if my life depended on it. 11 00:02:46,080 --> 00:02:48,720 I had a bitter struggle for years, 12 00:02:48,720 --> 00:02:51,960 scribbling for English women's magazines. 13 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:55,600 The latest weddings, smart cocktail parties. 14 00:02:57,120 --> 00:03:01,280 This is my chance to write for a big, serious American paper. 15 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:09,600 For Hearst, it's a supreme opportunity to gain publicity and sell newspapers. 16 00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:11,320 TYPEWRITER CLATTERS 17 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:18,000 What could provide better sales than a glamorous young thing like myself? 18 00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:21,960 The excitement of the Graf Zeppelin's departure 19 00:03:21,960 --> 00:03:25,240 has the whole city in its grip. 20 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:29,480 The journey will be in four stages. 21 00:03:29,480 --> 00:03:34,120 From Lakehurst Airport in New York to Friedrichshafen in Germany. 22 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:37,040 Via Moscow, over Siberia to Tokyo. 23 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:45,480 Across the Pacific Ocean to Los Angeles and over the Midwest back to New York. 24 00:03:48,760 --> 00:03:53,720 At the airport, men are working immensely hard to complete all the preparations. 25 00:03:57,560 --> 00:04:01,560 70,000 cubic metres of gas is being injected into the Zeppelin. 26 00:04:04,360 --> 00:04:08,080 2,040 pounds of food will be on board. 27 00:04:09,920 --> 00:04:12,600 I love machinery. 28 00:04:12,600 --> 00:04:17,680 The works of this giant airship are exquisite. 29 00:04:17,680 --> 00:04:21,360 As perfect, as minute in their beauty 30 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:26,600 as those in my tiny platinum and diamond wristwatch. 31 00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:29,920 This is the last day before take-off. 32 00:04:29,920 --> 00:04:31,680 I buy a paper in the street. 33 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:36,880 The papers are full of the flight around the world. 34 00:04:36,880 --> 00:04:40,880 Big headlines, the latest news. 35 00:04:44,120 --> 00:04:47,800 Around lunchtime, I have a last meeting with Hearst. 36 00:04:51,600 --> 00:04:57,000 He tells me my mission is to report on the journey from a woman's point of view. 37 00:04:57,000 --> 00:05:02,160 Women are, after all, an important part of his paper's readership. 38 00:05:02,160 --> 00:05:05,720 He says, "My lady, there is something special about you 39 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:08,960 "but you are a journalist with very little experience. 40 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:13,120 "So, you shall be working under the supervision of an experienced journalist, 41 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:14,640 "Karl von Wiegand." 42 00:05:17,640 --> 00:05:19,560 I feel the blood drain from my face. 43 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:23,680 It is six months since Karl broke off our affair. 44 00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:27,320 And I haven't seen him since. 45 00:05:31,040 --> 00:05:34,240 I treat myself to a bench on the promenade. 46 00:05:36,280 --> 00:05:39,160 To calm down and to look at the American women. 47 00:05:41,920 --> 00:05:44,240 I met Karl on one of our working journeys. 48 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:49,200 It was love at first sight. 49 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:54,000 In his eyes I recognised my soul mate. 50 00:05:56,000 --> 00:05:58,440 But Karl is a married man... 51 00:05:58,440 --> 00:06:00,360 with a wife who is mentally ill. 52 00:06:03,520 --> 00:06:06,480 It was his decision we should stop seeing each other. 53 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:10,560 He thought it was his duty to look after his wife. 54 00:06:18,680 --> 00:06:22,280 Run out into Fifth Avenue like a headless chicken. 55 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:27,520 In record time spent hundreds of dollars buying last-minute things. 56 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:34,960 I buy a fantastic hat, three new dresses, gorgeous materials. 57 00:06:34,960 --> 00:06:38,400 I even measured myself for a leather suit. 58 00:06:42,680 --> 00:06:47,880 God knows what I'm about to experience... Or who with! 59 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:50,320 So, I must be prepared for everything. 60 00:06:52,640 --> 00:06:57,120 I'm taking all my jewellery, plenty of gloves 61 00:06:57,120 --> 00:07:00,040 and Chanel No. 5. 62 00:07:00,040 --> 00:07:03,080 Hearst felt it was his duty to warn me. 63 00:07:03,080 --> 00:07:07,200 We could crash in Siberia, far from help. 64 00:07:07,200 --> 00:07:11,400 Die slowly, drown, burn. 65 00:07:13,840 --> 00:07:16,160 His warnings only made me more determined. 66 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:25,840 New York, 7th August. 67 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:27,960 The last night. 68 00:07:27,960 --> 00:07:30,120 I am all nerves. 69 00:07:32,480 --> 00:07:35,760 Tonight, everyone will be at the Zeppelin ball. 70 00:07:44,960 --> 00:07:47,040 Some people here are immensely rich. 71 00:07:47,040 --> 00:07:50,120 Each family has its own aeroplane 72 00:07:50,120 --> 00:07:53,320 and some of them - father, mother and daughter - 73 00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:56,840 have three, like three cars, with pilots! 74 00:07:58,240 --> 00:08:00,280 Getting drinks is no problem for them! 75 00:08:07,680 --> 00:08:12,920 Through the crowd of dancers I see Karl. 76 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:15,960 For a moment, we look each other in the eyes. 77 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:20,600 He comes up to me. 78 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:28,720 Karl is cool, 79 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:30,800 he's distant. 80 00:08:30,800 --> 00:08:32,760 He keeps it short. 81 00:08:32,760 --> 00:08:34,680 Asks if I'm prepared. 82 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:38,440 That's all he says. 83 00:08:38,440 --> 00:08:42,000 Then before I know it, he turns around and leaves the place. 84 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:45,160 I can't take any more of the party. 85 00:08:46,760 --> 00:08:48,520 I want to walk, 86 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:50,320 for miles, 87 00:08:50,320 --> 00:08:55,200 on my own legs, whilst I still have the chance. 88 00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:04,120 'Thank you, Jack! It's a beautiful morning down here! 89 00:09:04,120 --> 00:09:07,520 'And it's the day of the greatest aerial adventure in history! 90 00:09:07,520 --> 00:09:10,120 'Crowds are gathering here at Lakehurst, New York, 91 00:09:10,120 --> 00:09:13,360 'to take a last-minute glimpse of the beautiful Graf Zeppelin 92 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:16,920 'and they're here to watch the departure 93 00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:18,600 'of her flight around the world. 94 00:09:18,600 --> 00:09:22,480 'The band is playing out a stirring farewell!' 95 00:09:23,520 --> 00:09:28,200 I arrive at the airport with my heavy suitcases only just in time. 96 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:32,680 I feel like Alice in Wonderland. 97 00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:39,080 It's impossible to keep your eyes off this aerial colossus. 98 00:09:39,080 --> 00:09:40,720 Lying in the hangar, 99 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:45,360 the airship reminds me of a huge pregnant creature, 100 00:09:45,360 --> 00:09:47,840 ready to fulfil her promise. 101 00:09:47,840 --> 00:09:51,640 Then German Commander Eckener comes in. 102 00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:56,120 This whole expedition will be under his command. 103 00:09:56,120 --> 00:09:58,160 He is the Zeppelin, 104 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:04,240 so closely has he identified himself with this giant airship. 105 00:10:04,240 --> 00:10:07,480 The flight of the Graf Zeppelin around the world, 106 00:10:07,480 --> 00:10:10,040 which we are about to start, 107 00:10:10,040 --> 00:10:17,840 will be the fulfilment of our hopes regarding the airship, by air. 108 00:10:17,840 --> 00:10:19,920 Auf wiedersehen. 109 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:21,360 When everything is ready, 110 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:25,000 I am suddenly pushed into the spotlights, next to Karl. 111 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:28,600 All right, Lady Hay, a few words, please. 112 00:10:28,600 --> 00:10:32,520 I am looking forward to the trip very much indeed 113 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:37,040 and I realise what a great honour and a great privilege it is 114 00:10:37,040 --> 00:10:41,200 to be the first woman to travel round the world by air. 115 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:45,120 We expect to have quite an exciting time 116 00:10:45,120 --> 00:10:48,000 and experience many thrills. 117 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:50,480 Hooray! Thank you very much. 118 00:12:45,040 --> 00:12:47,320 Unless one was shot to the moon, 119 00:12:47,320 --> 00:12:49,800 a passenger to Mars 120 00:12:49,800 --> 00:12:53,400 or climbed the unconquered Mount Everest, 121 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:57,000 I cannot conceive a greater thrill 122 00:12:57,000 --> 00:13:01,120 than this trip around the world through air. 123 00:13:44,320 --> 00:13:46,360 MORSE CODE BLEEPS 124 00:13:50,480 --> 00:13:53,760 RADIO BROADCAST: Her silver radiance is dimmed to a dull slate 125 00:13:53,760 --> 00:13:55,800 in the shadows of the clouds. 126 00:13:55,800 --> 00:13:58,720 From under her sides twinkle the yellow cabin lights, 127 00:13:58,720 --> 00:14:01,880 indicating where the 20 passengers are located. 128 00:14:01,880 --> 00:14:03,880 And one of them is a woman. 129 00:14:03,880 --> 00:14:06,760 Her name is Lady Grace Hay. 130 00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:13,720 RADIO TRANSMISSION: Graf would appreciate weather reports 131 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:20,240 for vicinity of 40 degrees 12 northwest, 60 degrees 53 west, 132 00:14:20,240 --> 00:14:25,640 720 miles east of New York, no fog, all is well. Over. 133 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:28,400 Graf, here is the weather report. 134 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:31,360 Clouds and showers, west wind moving to the northwest. 135 00:14:31,360 --> 00:14:33,320 We wish you a good journey 136 00:14:33,320 --> 00:14:35,080 and good luck. Over. 137 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:42,360 I'm still trembling all over. 138 00:14:44,920 --> 00:14:47,360 The sensation of being airborne, 139 00:14:47,360 --> 00:14:49,480 seeing everything fall away below us 140 00:14:49,480 --> 00:14:53,280 and then the endless horizon, 141 00:14:53,280 --> 00:14:58,600 that view from north to south, from east to west. 142 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:01,840 All around us the virgin sky. 143 00:15:04,440 --> 00:15:07,200 I am filled with wonder. 144 00:15:27,640 --> 00:15:30,800 All the passengers gather in the drawing room. 145 00:15:30,800 --> 00:15:32,400 Tea and coffee is served, 146 00:15:32,400 --> 00:15:34,600 sandwiches and a light snack. 147 00:15:35,640 --> 00:15:39,000 All journalists from important agencies. 148 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:43,640 Some seem mightily interested in "the only woman" 149 00:15:43,640 --> 00:15:46,160 and ask to be introduced. 150 00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:51,360 Others stare unashamedly at me and follow me with their eyes. 151 00:15:51,360 --> 00:15:54,440 I stare back at them, charmingly. 152 00:15:56,320 --> 00:15:59,840 They don't know that I know the passenger list by heart. 153 00:16:01,720 --> 00:16:04,480 Sir Hubert Wilkins, the doyen of explorers, 154 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:07,400 just back from Antarctica. 155 00:16:07,400 --> 00:16:10,040 He mapped undiscovered land from a plane. 156 00:16:13,920 --> 00:16:16,800 Heinz von Lichtenstein, German journalist. 157 00:16:16,800 --> 00:16:19,920 His colleagues despise him but he has a huge readership. 158 00:16:22,040 --> 00:16:26,360 Professor Karklin, the only Russian correspondent. 159 00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:29,520 He will report from the airship when we are over Moscow. 160 00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:34,200 Professor Fujiyosi, the Japanese scientist, 161 00:16:34,200 --> 00:16:37,560 with us as far as Tokyo at the request of his government. 162 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:43,000 Very conspicuous, the American William Leeds, 163 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:45,800 the youngest and richest passenger, 164 00:16:45,800 --> 00:16:49,840 the only one who could pay for his own ticket. 165 00:16:52,360 --> 00:16:54,920 And then Karl. 166 00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:58,560 I know he doesn't look like Hearst's star reporter. 167 00:16:58,560 --> 00:17:02,800 But I have never met a journalist who looks at the world 168 00:17:02,800 --> 00:17:06,320 in such an open, unprejudiced way as he does. 169 00:17:06,320 --> 00:17:11,480 He is one of the most distinguished foreign correspondents in America, 170 00:17:11,480 --> 00:17:14,600 and everybody on board looks up to him. 171 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:16,320 He offers me a chair. 172 00:17:18,120 --> 00:17:21,360 It feels close, 173 00:17:21,360 --> 00:17:23,480 sharing the same view again. 174 00:17:23,480 --> 00:17:25,520 RADIO MESSAGE IN GERMAN 175 00:17:25,520 --> 00:17:27,560 SPEAKS GERMAN 176 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,560 During the first hours above the ocean, 177 00:17:45,560 --> 00:17:50,640 it is easy enough to spend the day simply sitting by the open window, 178 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:53,080 feeling the wind in my face, 179 00:17:53,080 --> 00:17:56,000 observing the magical colours of the sea. 180 00:18:02,440 --> 00:18:05,120 Everything is so well-organised. 181 00:18:05,120 --> 00:18:07,480 The best wines at dinner, 182 00:18:07,480 --> 00:18:12,080 a nice young steward who goes to an enormous trouble to look after us. 183 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:18,440 At tea time, we have an editorial meeting. 184 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:22,840 Karl and I make a division of tasks. 185 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:26,160 I shall write short daily travel impressions. 186 00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:30,000 Karl will do a long article about European politics. 187 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:32,600 After Berlin, 188 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:36,840 he wants me to write a long piece about Russian politics. 189 00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:42,480 I am alarmed, but keep a grip on myself. 190 00:18:46,440 --> 00:18:50,720 I tell my neighbour that although I once had an interview with Mussolini 191 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:54,760 for a British ladies' magazine, I don't dare get close to Stalin. 192 00:18:56,800 --> 00:19:00,760 Karl falls into one of his chilly silences. 193 00:19:00,760 --> 00:19:04,920 "Look around," he says. "Get close to Karklin." 194 00:19:10,440 --> 00:19:15,680 At twilight, fog and clouds come down low. 195 00:19:15,680 --> 00:19:18,400 Commander Eckener keeps us under the clouds 196 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:20,240 until the darkness envelops us, 197 00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:22,800 forcing us to go higher. 198 00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:24,840 RADIO MESSAGE IN GERMAN 199 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:27,880 Oh, my word! 200 00:19:27,880 --> 00:19:30,040 There it is - 201 00:19:30,040 --> 00:19:32,680 an Arabian night's dream! 202 00:19:36,080 --> 00:19:39,760 Karl stands in the doorway in the half-light. 203 00:19:39,760 --> 00:19:43,920 He comes in, hands me my article with his corrections. 204 00:19:46,120 --> 00:19:48,400 The moon shines clear. 205 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:52,160 Playful dashes of light fall on the mirror of the sea. 206 00:19:54,040 --> 00:19:56,600 When I move towards him, 207 00:19:56,600 --> 00:20:01,160 Karl holds up his hands like a wall between us. 208 00:20:01,160 --> 00:20:03,840 "I am sorry, Grace," he says. 209 00:20:03,840 --> 00:20:08,520 "Our relationship must remain purely professional." 210 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:10,680 He says good night. 211 00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:37,440 After two days flying above the Atlantic, at 5.40 in the morning, 212 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:42,200 Captain Lehmann comes around calling out, "Land, land!" 213 00:20:42,200 --> 00:20:45,200 The men on the bridge are wildly excited, 214 00:20:45,200 --> 00:20:49,560 which brings us all out in greatest haste to see it. 215 00:20:53,480 --> 00:20:55,800 RADIO BROADCAST: Yes, dear listeners, 216 00:20:55,800 --> 00:20:59,640 so far the passengers have not experienced the slightest thrill. 217 00:20:59,640 --> 00:21:02,320 They tackled their meals with good appetites. 218 00:21:03,400 --> 00:21:06,400 Karl von Wiegand, correspondent on board, 219 00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:08,240 said in his dispatch 220 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:11,760 that crossing the Atlantic from New York to Land's End 221 00:21:11,760 --> 00:21:17,640 took the ship 44 hours with an average speed of 75 mph. 222 00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:20,400 If the Zeppelin is able to maintain this speed, 223 00:21:20,400 --> 00:21:23,760 she will arrive at a fully booked and crowded Friedrichshafen 224 00:21:23,760 --> 00:21:25,480 by early afternoon. 225 00:21:25,480 --> 00:21:28,680 It is wonderful to see people on the ground again. 226 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:36,680 Karl and I often used to go down to the sea. 227 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:38,880 We both love the scent of the sea breeze. 228 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:41,720 It was a lovely time then. 229 00:21:43,520 --> 00:21:45,080 We delighted in each other. 230 00:21:45,080 --> 00:21:48,560 He showed his warm, gentle side. 231 00:21:51,800 --> 00:21:54,000 But we were never completely carefree. 232 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:56,840 There was always the shadow of Karl's wife, Inez. 233 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:17,440 I had only recently buried my husband. 234 00:22:17,440 --> 00:22:19,240 Robert was 50 years older than me. 235 00:22:19,240 --> 00:22:23,080 I met him through connections of my father's. 236 00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:25,760 I thought he was a good match. 237 00:22:27,480 --> 00:22:30,840 The marriage suffocated me. 238 00:22:30,840 --> 00:22:35,440 God, how I longed for tenderness, 239 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:37,000 for closeness. 240 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:45,600 ACCORDION MUSIC 241 00:22:45,600 --> 00:22:50,160 En route for Friedrichshafen, 11th August. 242 00:22:50,160 --> 00:22:54,960 German Captain Lehmann comes by at regular intervals, 243 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:56,880 takes an interest in my welfare, 244 00:22:56,880 --> 00:22:59,320 makes sure the steward takes good care of me. 245 00:23:01,040 --> 00:23:03,960 He plays the accordion wonderfully. 246 00:23:03,960 --> 00:23:07,720 I'm feminine enough to revel in small attentions. 247 00:23:15,160 --> 00:23:17,200 MORSE CODE BLEEPS 248 00:23:18,200 --> 00:23:24,120 We are flying over the remains of the war where our compatriots lie buried, 249 00:23:24,120 --> 00:23:27,800 having died in the mass slaughter of a heroic struggle. 250 00:23:29,320 --> 00:23:32,720 World leaders are still talking about the German reparations 251 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:36,320 that are to last for the next 59 years, 252 00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:37,640 until 1989. 253 00:23:44,680 --> 00:23:46,920 The discussions have become heated. 254 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:51,000 Europe is seen as a hotbed of conflict. 255 00:23:51,000 --> 00:23:52,520 Opinions are divided. 256 00:23:54,360 --> 00:23:58,240 Optimists like Leeds see a golden financial future. 257 00:23:58,240 --> 00:24:03,760 Karklin is a rock-solid believer in the Communist utopia. 258 00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:07,280 Karl takes no part in the discussions. 259 00:24:07,280 --> 00:24:09,400 He's a man of few words. 260 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:12,560 What he has to say, he says in his articles. 261 00:24:21,880 --> 00:24:24,040 We fly over Ypres and Verdun. 262 00:24:24,040 --> 00:24:30,000 German crew members drop a wreath for their fallen compatriots. 263 00:24:42,080 --> 00:24:46,800 The water of the Bodensee and the small town of Friedrichshafen 264 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:50,200 lie in the distance on the horizon. 265 00:24:58,360 --> 00:25:03,480 "The Zeppelin is Germany's national showpiece," says Captain Lehmann. 266 00:25:03,480 --> 00:25:07,280 The money to build it was raised by the German people. 267 00:25:11,400 --> 00:25:14,320 The airship is a symbol of national unity. 268 00:25:15,840 --> 00:25:17,760 "This is their airship," he says. 269 00:25:19,360 --> 00:25:22,240 Their Zeppelin has come home. 270 00:26:35,800 --> 00:26:37,840 BRASS BAND MUSIC 271 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:17,960 CROWD CHEERS 272 00:27:24,360 --> 00:27:29,560 The people of Friedrichshafen are ecstatic, full of pride. 273 00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:31,920 Their little town has become important, 274 00:27:31,920 --> 00:27:34,360 thanks to the Zeppelin. 275 00:27:36,400 --> 00:27:41,040 This great German achievement has restored their national pride. 276 00:27:43,280 --> 00:27:47,600 "The Germans are not as happy as they look," says Lehmann. 277 00:27:54,680 --> 00:27:58,600 The original plan was to fly from Friedrichshafen to Friedrichshafen. 278 00:28:01,560 --> 00:28:04,040 Germany has no more money to spend, 279 00:28:04,040 --> 00:28:06,200 so Hearst pays. 280 00:28:06,200 --> 00:28:09,760 He owns the journey and flies from New York to New York. 281 00:28:32,520 --> 00:28:35,840 The warm sun of August shines gently. 282 00:28:35,840 --> 00:28:39,440 It's lovely to be in the park and to enjoy all the festivities. 283 00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:43,920 Lehmann and I join some crew members 284 00:28:43,920 --> 00:28:46,200 in the company of German girls. 285 00:28:48,440 --> 00:28:51,320 Karl is with them. 286 00:28:51,320 --> 00:28:54,200 The afternoon is bright and joyful. 287 00:28:58,200 --> 00:29:03,720 We enjoy the moment completely, with childlike abandon. 288 00:29:03,720 --> 00:29:06,840 I can't take my eyes off Karl. 289 00:29:10,120 --> 00:29:12,280 I force myself to look away. 290 00:29:20,920 --> 00:29:23,760 I sleep badly at night. 291 00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:26,760 Too warm and stifled. 292 00:29:26,760 --> 00:29:29,560 And dream that there are lots of snakes, 293 00:29:29,560 --> 00:29:34,440 all chasing me, trying to bite me. 294 00:29:34,440 --> 00:29:38,680 One big one comes after me, wants me to kiss it. 295 00:29:40,240 --> 00:29:43,320 It is almost piteously aware of its repellent appearance, 296 00:29:43,320 --> 00:29:46,560 and kind of shy. 297 00:29:46,560 --> 00:29:47,920 And it knows I hate it. 298 00:29:48,880 --> 00:29:50,200 I am frightened. 299 00:29:51,960 --> 00:29:53,880 I beg and beg. 300 00:29:53,880 --> 00:29:57,160 And it says that if I would only kiss it, 301 00:29:57,160 --> 00:29:58,960 it would acquire a soul. 302 00:30:00,520 --> 00:30:01,880 I'm in a dreadful fix. 303 00:30:01,880 --> 00:30:05,480 For I see its fangs and fear it to be poisoned. 304 00:30:06,520 --> 00:30:08,920 But I do let it touch my lips. 305 00:30:13,120 --> 00:30:16,280 I wake up early, sweaty, 306 00:30:16,280 --> 00:30:18,760 sicky and not well. 307 00:31:18,600 --> 00:31:20,280 The morning of our departure, 308 00:31:20,280 --> 00:31:23,160 there is a complete fuss about Commander Eckener. 309 00:31:24,760 --> 00:31:25,920 In a talk he gave, 310 00:31:25,920 --> 00:31:29,680 he said that the Graf Zeppelin is actually out of date 311 00:31:29,680 --> 00:31:33,400 but that Germany is working on a technically more advanced airship. 312 00:31:34,720 --> 00:31:38,080 Some of the passengers are highly agitated. 313 00:31:38,080 --> 00:31:39,240 No wonder. 314 00:31:39,240 --> 00:31:42,800 The most dangerous stage lies ahead of us. 315 00:31:42,800 --> 00:31:46,520 We're not referring to Berlin or the plains of Poland, 316 00:31:46,520 --> 00:31:51,400 but to the vast, desolate expanse of Russia and Siberia. 317 00:31:51,400 --> 00:31:57,120 We have fuel for 150 hours to get us across 11,000 kilometres. 318 00:32:00,720 --> 00:32:04,560 One of the passengers gives a radio interview full of self-importance. 319 00:32:04,560 --> 00:32:07,560 "I must be very careful in view of the pledge of silence 320 00:32:07,560 --> 00:32:08,760 "expected from me. 321 00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:12,320 "I want to consult some fellow lawyers before I say anything." 322 00:32:13,160 --> 00:32:15,040 Eckener addresses us. 323 00:32:15,040 --> 00:32:17,040 He is honest and direct. 324 00:32:18,560 --> 00:32:21,120 He has spoken to Stalin's staff. 325 00:32:21,120 --> 00:32:25,360 Russia has opened her gates so that we may fly over her vastness. 326 00:32:25,360 --> 00:32:28,080 This is an expedition! 327 00:32:28,080 --> 00:32:31,400 Eckener will give his life for our safety. 328 00:34:21,680 --> 00:34:23,640 Now we're heading for Berlin. 329 00:34:25,760 --> 00:34:29,320 Everybody is happy to be on the move again and eager to see Berlin. 330 00:34:31,320 --> 00:34:34,400 I find it hard to concentrate. 331 00:34:37,720 --> 00:34:41,320 Political disagreements have melted away. 332 00:34:41,320 --> 00:34:44,640 Everyone is singing, laughing and dancing, 333 00:34:44,640 --> 00:34:47,040 looking like a bunch of idiots. 334 00:34:55,240 --> 00:34:57,280 MORSE CODE BLEEPS 335 00:34:57,280 --> 00:35:01,240 RADIO BROADCAST: In the last hour, the city has become thronged with people. 336 00:35:01,240 --> 00:35:03,040 The traffic is chaotic, 337 00:35:03,040 --> 00:35:05,800 businesses have shut down for the day. 338 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:08,080 People are standing on every flat roof. 339 00:35:57,920 --> 00:36:01,640 Not everybody is celebrating the arrival of the Zeppelin. 340 00:36:01,640 --> 00:36:04,080 Hundreds have assembled in the streets 341 00:36:04,080 --> 00:36:06,240 to protest against the reparations. 342 00:36:09,560 --> 00:36:11,600 SHOUTS IN GERMAN 343 00:36:15,360 --> 00:36:17,480 CROWD SHOUT IN GERMAN 344 00:36:27,120 --> 00:36:30,000 SHOUTING AND WHISTLING 345 00:36:39,440 --> 00:36:41,080 EXPLOSION 346 00:36:47,920 --> 00:36:49,760 GUNFIRE 347 00:36:55,960 --> 00:37:00,400 Just passed the Polish frontier, 15th August. 348 00:37:04,600 --> 00:37:06,120 The violence was horrible. 349 00:37:12,200 --> 00:37:15,680 Commander Eckener looks worried, like all the Germans on board. 350 00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:20,120 Deep down, I know I should write about it. 351 00:37:21,240 --> 00:37:25,760 That it's important to take note of the present extremist violence. 352 00:37:28,280 --> 00:37:30,600 I prefer to ignore it. 353 00:37:32,440 --> 00:37:36,360 The crew have now warned us very seriously of what is coming 354 00:37:36,360 --> 00:37:39,160 and put us all on a limited ration of water. 355 00:37:40,680 --> 00:37:42,480 The men were advised not to bother 356 00:37:42,480 --> 00:37:44,600 with shaving and washing from now on. 357 00:37:47,400 --> 00:37:49,360 They make an exception for me. 358 00:37:49,360 --> 00:37:52,720 Who wants to sit at a table with an unwashed woman? 359 00:37:57,240 --> 00:37:59,880 I need to be alone for a bit, 360 00:37:59,880 --> 00:38:02,480 to let all the experiences sink in. 361 00:38:05,400 --> 00:38:09,880 I long for privacy but the walls here are paper-thin. 362 00:38:19,240 --> 00:38:22,040 Tried to work all night on my article about Russian politics. 363 00:38:22,040 --> 00:38:25,920 But everything I wrote I rejected, threw it away. 364 00:38:41,080 --> 00:38:43,120 KNOCK AT DOOR 365 00:38:43,120 --> 00:38:47,400 Karl comes in to collect my latest copy, to send it to Hearst. 366 00:38:47,400 --> 00:38:50,680 I haven't written a word, the paper is still blank. 367 00:38:53,760 --> 00:38:55,960 "For heaven's sake," he says. 368 00:38:55,960 --> 00:38:57,720 "Do what you're good at. 369 00:38:59,080 --> 00:39:00,840 "Write!" 370 00:39:41,800 --> 00:39:47,600 Above Russia, 150 miles from Moscow, 16th August. 371 00:39:47,600 --> 00:39:51,040 All my colleagues are busy writing. 372 00:39:51,040 --> 00:39:53,320 Russia seems to inspire everyone. 373 00:39:53,320 --> 00:39:55,880 I overcome my resistance and talk to Karklin. 374 00:40:02,120 --> 00:40:04,000 He tells me that, in Moscow, 375 00:40:04,000 --> 00:40:07,400 thousands of people are awaiting the Zeppelin. 376 00:40:09,600 --> 00:40:11,080 He talks about this area, 377 00:40:11,080 --> 00:40:15,040 a desolate territory where the revolution has never penetrated. 378 00:40:15,040 --> 00:40:17,840 Collective farms are the way to bring the revolution 379 00:40:17,840 --> 00:40:19,480 to the backward countryside. 380 00:40:21,600 --> 00:40:24,280 I tell him that the stagnation of the revolution 381 00:40:24,280 --> 00:40:26,680 seems an unquestionably positive matter. 382 00:40:28,680 --> 00:40:31,080 The Bolshevik is distinctly annoyed. 383 00:40:36,080 --> 00:40:38,120 MORSE CODE BLEEPS 384 00:40:41,320 --> 00:40:42,880 The Pravda writes lyrically 385 00:40:42,880 --> 00:40:46,040 about the blessings of Communism for the people. 386 00:40:46,040 --> 00:40:49,840 The Russians expect that the revolution will spread to Germany 387 00:40:49,840 --> 00:40:51,960 and then to the rest of Europe. 388 00:40:52,960 --> 00:40:55,720 Below us lies a land that has sunk deep. 389 00:41:48,760 --> 00:41:53,040 Suddenly, the airship makes a sharp turn to the north. 390 00:41:54,000 --> 00:41:56,760 We all have to keep our balance. 391 00:41:56,760 --> 00:41:59,240 Breathless moments pass. 392 00:42:02,640 --> 00:42:06,560 Eckener has taken the unthinkable decision not to fly over Moscow. 393 00:42:09,680 --> 00:42:12,240 A low-pressure area over the Caspian Sea 394 00:42:12,240 --> 00:42:14,720 is creating contrary easterly winds. 395 00:42:16,680 --> 00:42:19,960 It might be suicidal to waste eight or ten hours' fuel 396 00:42:19,960 --> 00:42:21,680 merely to fly over Moscow. 397 00:42:24,200 --> 00:42:28,440 Karklin storms into the wheelhouse, shouting at Eckener, 398 00:42:28,440 --> 00:42:31,320 "This is an offence against Bolshevism and Stalin." 399 00:42:31,320 --> 00:42:33,480 But there is little the Bolshevik can do. 400 00:42:36,080 --> 00:42:37,600 Eckener stays calm. 401 00:42:53,680 --> 00:42:57,680 The illegal Russian government is furious that we didn't go to Moscow. 402 00:42:57,680 --> 00:42:59,360 They warn Eckener that, 403 00:42:59,360 --> 00:43:02,040 if he wants a direct air route from Germany to Japan, 404 00:43:02,040 --> 00:43:04,040 he should have stopped in Moscow. 405 00:43:05,400 --> 00:43:08,800 They say that Russian airplanes were standing by to give us help. 406 00:43:08,800 --> 00:43:10,480 In my opinion, Eckener was right 407 00:43:10,480 --> 00:43:13,320 in not wanting to exchange information with the Soviets. 408 00:43:28,520 --> 00:43:32,200 I am sick and tired of all the political talk in the drawing room. 409 00:43:33,640 --> 00:43:36,320 Here in my cabin, I can get away from it. 410 00:43:45,240 --> 00:43:47,280 KNOCK AT DOOR 411 00:43:47,280 --> 00:43:49,640 Why does he keep coming to see me? 412 00:43:51,840 --> 00:43:53,720 "Grace," he says, 413 00:43:53,720 --> 00:43:56,080 "I would like to point out to you 414 00:43:56,080 --> 00:43:57,800 "why Karklin is so hostile. 415 00:43:57,800 --> 00:44:00,200 "Eckener is ignoring the Russian government 416 00:44:00,200 --> 00:44:02,360 "to please America, Germany and Japan." 417 00:44:04,480 --> 00:44:08,360 I tell him I'm not interested. 418 00:44:12,200 --> 00:44:16,640 He says, "You would do well to confront reality for once." 419 00:44:20,680 --> 00:44:24,400 I ask him, "What is the reality of this?" 420 00:44:26,040 --> 00:44:27,760 I want to push him out of my cabin. 421 00:44:41,120 --> 00:44:47,240 From crude gorgeousness to mysterious pastel depths. 422 00:44:47,240 --> 00:44:51,440 From harsh jaggedness to the seduction of the intangible. 423 00:44:52,960 --> 00:44:55,160 Falling night weaves a spell of romance 424 00:44:55,160 --> 00:44:58,080 over the twilight-dimmed landscape. 425 00:45:02,920 --> 00:45:08,880 Like a beautiful woman slowly and luxuriously decking herself with diamonds, 426 00:45:08,880 --> 00:45:13,240 the mountains of Russia take on gleaming clusters 427 00:45:13,240 --> 00:45:16,320 of sparkling lights as, one by one, 428 00:45:16,320 --> 00:45:20,160 the tiny villages illuminate themselves against the darkness. 429 00:45:30,120 --> 00:45:33,520 When I wake up, there is an entirely different landscape. 430 00:45:39,400 --> 00:45:44,440 We look out at innumerable lakes and marshes 431 00:45:44,440 --> 00:45:48,120 and the sinuous cold, black river Tunguska, 432 00:45:48,120 --> 00:45:54,360 slithering 1,160 miles through endless forests, 433 00:45:54,360 --> 00:45:57,680 where there is seldom a sign of human habitation. 434 00:46:24,640 --> 00:46:27,440 I wrote Karl a letter last night. 435 00:46:27,440 --> 00:46:33,120 I cancelled our collaboration in view of the incompatibility of our characters. 436 00:46:34,960 --> 00:46:37,200 My decision is firm. 437 00:46:38,720 --> 00:46:42,240 I shall continue as a one-man editorial staff. 438 00:46:43,800 --> 00:46:46,600 This does feel wonderful. 439 00:47:24,800 --> 00:47:28,640 The cook has found a stowaway in the storage area. 440 00:47:30,840 --> 00:47:35,760 He's still a boy, no older than 16 - 441 00:47:35,760 --> 00:47:39,720 on his way to Los Angeles to become a film star. 442 00:47:39,720 --> 00:47:41,880 He's been given a hero's welcome. 443 00:47:48,840 --> 00:47:50,760 Karl hasn't shown his face. 444 00:47:52,240 --> 00:47:56,280 He's even had his dinner served in his cabin. 445 00:47:56,280 --> 00:47:58,120 And I've informed him in a letter 446 00:47:58,120 --> 00:48:00,520 that I claim the stowaway for my article. 447 00:48:00,520 --> 00:48:03,280 He will do well to respect that. 448 00:48:13,320 --> 00:48:18,520 30 hours above Siberia is exhausting. 449 00:48:18,520 --> 00:48:21,400 The solitude feels poisonous. 450 00:48:24,720 --> 00:48:27,440 There's a dark mood on board. 451 00:48:29,360 --> 00:48:34,880 For much of the day, I lie in my eiderdown sleeping bag - 452 00:48:34,880 --> 00:48:38,440 there's no other way to keep out the cold. 453 00:48:50,640 --> 00:48:52,160 The Tunguska flows 454 00:48:52,160 --> 00:48:55,360 into the northernmost ice lake of Siberia. 455 00:48:55,360 --> 00:48:57,200 This must be Yakutsk, 456 00:48:57,200 --> 00:49:02,680 a community of tens of thousands exiled by the tsarist regime - 457 00:49:02,680 --> 00:49:04,840 criminals and political dissidents. 458 00:49:08,480 --> 00:49:11,520 If you consider the distance we have travelled, 459 00:49:11,520 --> 00:49:15,960 this place is a bleak wilderness of cold and isolation 460 00:49:15,960 --> 00:49:18,600 from which nobody can ever escape. 461 00:50:29,840 --> 00:50:34,240 The Stanovoy Range rises before us like a wall. 462 00:50:34,240 --> 00:50:37,120 We assemble in the drawing room. 463 00:50:38,640 --> 00:50:43,120 The inadequate map shows peaks of 3,400 feet, 464 00:50:43,120 --> 00:50:47,680 but Eckener reckons we are facing peaks of 6,000 feet. 465 00:50:47,680 --> 00:50:51,560 To prevent the airship smashing itself against the mountains, 466 00:50:51,560 --> 00:50:55,000 it will have to rise to a height nobody considers possible. 467 00:50:56,240 --> 00:50:58,400 The drawing room is jam-packed. 468 00:50:58,400 --> 00:51:00,440 We go up in jerks. 469 00:51:00,440 --> 00:51:03,080 Then, for a moment, we are stable. 470 00:51:03,080 --> 00:51:06,680 Hundreds of litres of water are being discharged. 471 00:51:06,680 --> 00:51:10,600 Then, with a jolt, we shoot up again. 472 00:51:15,760 --> 00:51:17,080 I can't see anything. 473 00:51:17,080 --> 00:51:21,640 And with every shock, I am pressed indecently close to those around me. 474 00:51:23,920 --> 00:51:27,920 When I can stand no more, I wrestle myself free, 475 00:51:27,920 --> 00:51:32,440 out of the drawing room, back to the wheelhouse. 476 00:51:36,880 --> 00:51:39,120 I find myself next to Karl. 477 00:52:03,920 --> 00:52:08,600 More water is discharged with a hard bang. 478 00:52:08,600 --> 00:52:13,440 We shoot several metres up in the air and just clear the peaks. 479 00:52:13,440 --> 00:52:15,920 The airship feels out of control. 480 00:52:15,920 --> 00:52:19,400 We go up and up, higher and higher. 481 00:52:21,920 --> 00:52:23,520 I catch Karl's eye. 482 00:52:30,120 --> 00:52:32,000 We climb up through the clouds. 483 00:52:32,960 --> 00:52:35,920 At last, through the gaps we see the West Pacific. 484 00:52:37,880 --> 00:52:39,840 We have survived. 485 00:53:02,480 --> 00:53:07,280 In the jubilation, Karl takes my hand. 486 00:53:07,280 --> 00:53:10,320 "I'm sorry about my harsh words," he says. 487 00:53:10,320 --> 00:53:14,520 "The thought that something might happen to you was the worst thing of all." 488 00:53:16,800 --> 00:53:20,800 His eyes are soft and affectionate, 489 00:53:20,800 --> 00:53:22,800 so I tell him it's all right. 490 00:53:26,120 --> 00:53:29,280 Only because of the look in his eyes. 491 00:53:30,680 --> 00:53:32,120 Only for that. 492 00:54:33,160 --> 00:54:36,000 RADIO BROADCAST: This unprecedented air cruise, 493 00:54:36,000 --> 00:54:40,280 as planned by the Hearst newspapers, has greatly impressed the Japanese. 494 00:54:40,280 --> 00:54:43,920 Japan will never forget that moment when this wonderful airship 495 00:54:43,920 --> 00:54:46,440 appeared in the blue sky above. 496 00:54:47,720 --> 00:54:52,360 The Zeppelin has flown 6,600 miles 497 00:54:52,360 --> 00:54:56,080 in a record time of 102 hours 498 00:54:56,080 --> 00:55:01,200 and has arrived at Tokyo 22 hours earlier than expected. 499 00:55:01,200 --> 00:55:04,320 RADIO BROADCAST: This brilliant success 500 00:55:04,320 --> 00:55:07,680 of Germanic science and energy has shortened the distance 501 00:55:07,680 --> 00:55:10,920 between the East and West to an extent hitherto unimagined. 502 00:55:10,920 --> 00:55:13,880 It will have a tremendous effect on the development 503 00:55:13,880 --> 00:55:17,160 of German air traffic with, we hope, great strengthening 504 00:55:17,160 --> 00:55:19,160 of German-Japanese friendship. 505 00:55:19,160 --> 00:55:21,480 Tokyo, 19th of August. 506 00:55:21,480 --> 00:55:27,840 A continuous round of parties, receptions and interviews. 507 00:55:27,840 --> 00:55:32,160 Hearst has instructed me to give as many interviews as possible. 508 00:55:37,600 --> 00:55:41,000 Everywhere he goes, Eckener receives a hero's welcome. 509 00:55:44,880 --> 00:55:46,920 CHEERS 510 00:55:46,920 --> 00:55:48,520 Banzai! 511 00:55:48,520 --> 00:55:50,240 CROWD CHEERS 512 00:55:51,760 --> 00:55:54,560 Banzai! Banzai! 513 00:55:54,560 --> 00:55:55,760 CROWD CHEERS Banzai! 514 00:55:55,760 --> 00:55:57,600 CROWD CHEERS 515 00:55:57,600 --> 00:55:59,880 Downstairs, in the hotel lobby, 516 00:55:59,880 --> 00:56:03,600 the official festivities continue undiminished - 517 00:56:03,600 --> 00:56:07,000 the banquet, the ball, the garden party. 518 00:56:11,840 --> 00:56:14,240 Karl has excused himself, 519 00:56:14,240 --> 00:56:16,280 he's too tired after the journey. 520 00:56:21,160 --> 00:56:24,280 The hotel IS exquisite - 521 00:56:24,280 --> 00:56:26,560 just like a temple. 522 00:56:26,560 --> 00:56:32,480 After the hell of Siberia, this is a fairy tale. 523 00:56:32,480 --> 00:56:36,840 The garden is full of flowers and ponds full of goldfish. 524 00:56:38,720 --> 00:56:40,840 It's warm, thank heaven. 525 00:56:42,040 --> 00:56:44,720 I'm feeling so starved of warmth. 526 00:56:50,760 --> 00:56:55,840 I can't take my eyes off the geishas in the hotel. 527 00:56:55,840 --> 00:57:00,880 The little girls who serve us, so delicate and refined. 528 00:57:02,760 --> 00:57:05,960 Next to them, I feel so clumsy. 529 00:57:05,960 --> 00:57:07,920 LIGHT TAPPING 530 00:57:07,920 --> 00:57:10,520 Karl comes to my door. 531 00:57:10,520 --> 00:57:16,040 He's wearing a light, white linen suit and looks very handsome. 532 00:57:17,800 --> 00:57:20,360 He takes me by the arm. 533 00:57:22,360 --> 00:57:25,280 We sneak out of the hotel. 534 00:57:25,280 --> 00:57:29,560 As we wander through the streets, we talk about no matter what. 535 00:57:31,080 --> 00:57:33,640 I feel a lot more myself again. 536 00:57:55,960 --> 00:57:59,840 The warmth of the day has receded, 537 00:57:59,840 --> 00:58:02,680 the air is soft and sultry. 538 00:58:05,320 --> 00:58:09,480 I have put on my Eastern nightdress of black silk 539 00:58:09,480 --> 00:58:12,920 embroidered with fierce green-eyed dragons, 540 00:58:12,920 --> 00:58:14,880 with slippers to match. 541 00:58:18,840 --> 00:58:21,000 Karl stands before me. 542 00:58:23,280 --> 00:58:24,840 We say nothing. 543 00:58:27,680 --> 00:58:29,880 I hesitate a moment, 544 00:58:29,880 --> 00:58:31,880 then take his hand. 545 00:58:34,640 --> 00:58:38,000 His fingers entwine gratefully with mine. 546 00:59:41,360 --> 00:59:45,640 Hearst has sent me a warm, fatherly message. 547 00:59:45,640 --> 00:59:49,320 He says that my articles are brilliant front-page material 548 00:59:49,320 --> 00:59:53,200 and the sales are enormous. 549 00:59:53,200 --> 00:59:56,120 I feel well, had a good night's sleep. 550 00:59:56,120 --> 00:59:59,560 I'm full of energy and joyful expectation. 551 00:59:59,560 --> 01:00:02,840 Karl looks happier than he has done for ages. 552 01:00:06,200 --> 01:00:09,000 But then the steward appears, 553 01:00:09,000 --> 01:00:10,960 holding a telegraph in his hand. 554 01:00:12,480 --> 01:00:14,360 It's from Karl's wife, Inez. 555 01:00:16,200 --> 01:00:18,600 My heart sinks. 556 01:00:25,000 --> 01:00:27,200 She must have a sixth sense. 557 01:00:29,240 --> 01:00:31,880 She announces that she'll be waiting for Karl 558 01:00:31,880 --> 01:00:34,200 in the hotel in Los Angeles. 559 01:00:47,120 --> 01:00:50,080 THUNDER RUMBLES 560 01:00:56,800 --> 01:00:59,400 RADIO TRANSMISSION: Graf will appreciate 561 01:00:59,400 --> 01:01:07,240 weather reports en route for 150 degrees east, 54 degrees north. Over. 562 01:01:07,240 --> 01:01:10,520 RADIO TRANSMISSION: Graf, here is the weather report. 563 01:01:10,520 --> 01:01:14,400 Clouds and showers. Very strong wind west, moving to the northwest. 564 01:01:14,400 --> 01:01:17,680 Devastating storm expected, and typhoon. 565 01:01:17,680 --> 01:01:19,880 Try to return to Japan. Over. 566 01:01:19,880 --> 01:01:21,680 Thank you for your help. 567 01:01:21,680 --> 01:01:26,920 We cannot turn around, the wind is sucking us in, there is no way back. 568 01:01:26,920 --> 01:01:30,360 May God help us to get through. 569 01:01:30,360 --> 01:01:32,520 MORSE CODE BEEPS 570 01:02:02,360 --> 01:02:05,520 CLANGING 571 01:02:21,760 --> 01:02:26,320 I see Karl fall, his glasses spinning across the floor, 572 01:02:26,320 --> 01:02:29,800 groping helplessly around him. 573 01:02:35,760 --> 01:02:37,840 It was too short for us. 574 01:02:40,040 --> 01:02:43,800 The step between life and death is a small one. 575 01:02:46,520 --> 01:02:48,120 I'm not afraid. 576 01:02:50,440 --> 01:02:52,520 I'm NOT afraid. 577 01:02:54,440 --> 01:02:58,520 RADIO BROADCAST: There are fears that a tragedy has taken place. 578 01:02:58,520 --> 01:03:01,400 It appears that the Graf may be lost. 579 01:03:01,400 --> 01:03:04,400 As far as is known, the airship ran into a storm. 580 01:03:04,400 --> 01:03:07,280 Since that moment, radio contact has been broken. 581 01:03:07,280 --> 01:03:10,320 RADIO BROADCAST: The Graf appears to have disappeared 582 01:03:10,320 --> 01:03:12,400 in a storm above the Pacific. 583 01:03:20,880 --> 01:03:23,280 BOY: Extra! Paper! 584 01:03:24,400 --> 01:03:26,840 Morgen Post! Morgen Post! 585 01:04:04,080 --> 01:04:07,680 We are still alive after all. 586 01:04:09,240 --> 01:04:12,600 But I don't know if we shall ever see America again. 587 01:04:16,440 --> 01:04:18,160 We were blown off course 588 01:04:18,160 --> 01:04:22,080 and came to rest in a bay of a small unpopulated island. 589 01:04:24,040 --> 01:04:26,400 It's clear that this distresses Eckener. 590 01:04:28,040 --> 01:04:31,320 It is his heavy responsibility to get us away from here. 591 01:04:34,400 --> 01:04:36,440 The crew tries to repair the damage. 592 01:04:38,880 --> 01:04:42,080 A sort of no-man's-land. 593 01:04:42,080 --> 01:04:45,840 All the urgency of the journey has melted away. 594 01:04:45,840 --> 01:04:49,040 Around us is nothing but water. 595 01:04:49,040 --> 01:04:51,800 A calm ocean - 596 01:04:51,800 --> 01:04:53,560 serene and estranging. 597 01:05:19,320 --> 01:05:23,760 RADIO BROADCAST: No one knows if those on board are still alive. 598 01:05:23,760 --> 01:05:27,840 Search operations from Japan and America are underway. 599 01:05:27,840 --> 01:05:30,600 We can only pray for the lives of Commander Eckener, 600 01:05:30,600 --> 01:05:32,680 his passengers and his crew. 601 01:05:35,040 --> 01:05:38,840 It's incredible that we have survived. 602 01:05:38,840 --> 01:05:41,480 Just a few people slightly injured. 603 01:05:43,760 --> 01:05:48,160 We take turns at keeping watch by the window day and night, 604 01:05:48,160 --> 01:05:49,920 looking out for land. 605 01:06:10,760 --> 01:06:14,160 We all realise we can do nothing. 606 01:06:14,160 --> 01:06:16,000 Just keep calm, 607 01:06:16,000 --> 01:06:18,680 hoping, waiting. 608 01:06:24,000 --> 01:06:25,960 Everyone feels anxious... 609 01:06:29,520 --> 01:06:31,280 ..but not me. 610 01:07:20,480 --> 01:07:23,880 RADIO MESSAGE: An airship, by all odds the Graf Zeppelin, 611 01:07:23,880 --> 01:07:27,480 has flown over us, the Edward Luckenbach, 612 01:07:27,480 --> 01:07:31,840 13 miles from Point Sur, Monterey County, at 8.40pm. 613 01:08:29,240 --> 01:08:31,800 The drawing room has changed into a news room. 614 01:08:31,800 --> 01:08:33,040 We bring the good news - 615 01:08:33,040 --> 01:08:36,600 we are back and we have survived. 616 01:08:36,600 --> 01:08:38,840 We are all in competition. 617 01:08:38,840 --> 01:08:41,760 I am working like mad to finish my dispatch 618 01:08:41,760 --> 01:08:43,920 whilst trying to be civil to people. 619 01:08:43,920 --> 01:08:46,840 I want to be the first to go into the radio room. 620 01:08:51,600 --> 01:08:56,760 RADIO BROADCAST: Here is Radio San Francisco. 621 01:08:56,760 --> 01:08:59,960 The Graf Zeppelin has been found again after being missing 622 01:08:59,960 --> 01:09:03,760 for two days, and is now flying over our city. 623 01:09:03,760 --> 01:09:07,600 The Graf has managed to cross the great Pacific Ocean. 624 01:09:18,160 --> 01:09:21,040 We set course for Los Angeles, 625 01:09:21,040 --> 01:09:22,560 our last stop. 626 01:09:24,400 --> 01:09:27,560 The Americans stand in their hundreds along the road, 627 01:09:27,560 --> 01:09:29,680 they are delirious. 628 01:09:40,880 --> 01:09:42,840 We are back in reality. 629 01:09:46,520 --> 01:09:50,040 I am scared to death of coming face to face with Inez. 630 01:10:02,520 --> 01:10:04,480 CROWD MURMURS 631 01:10:20,360 --> 01:10:23,960 People are all around, grabbing at me. 632 01:10:23,960 --> 01:10:27,320 A car whisks me away as soon as I arrive. 633 01:10:27,320 --> 01:10:29,440 In my hand, there is a piece of paper 634 01:10:29,440 --> 01:10:33,240 that appears to be a programme for the next few hours - 635 01:10:33,240 --> 01:10:36,640 talks, receptions, interviews. 636 01:10:42,960 --> 01:10:46,160 I'm exhausted when I get to this jam-packed hotel. 637 01:10:47,280 --> 01:10:48,880 This crowd of merrymakers 638 01:10:48,880 --> 01:10:51,920 consists of local politicians and businessmen. 639 01:10:53,440 --> 01:10:55,280 They all want a piece of the pie. 640 01:11:00,200 --> 01:11:02,240 I torment myself by waiting. 641 01:11:05,120 --> 01:11:07,960 Karl is going to arrive with Inez. 642 01:11:19,440 --> 01:11:24,360 When I see them dance affectionately, 643 01:11:24,360 --> 01:11:26,720 so close... 644 01:11:26,720 --> 01:11:31,040 I know it can't be. It cannot be. 645 01:11:34,120 --> 01:11:35,760 I must move on. 646 01:11:37,880 --> 01:11:39,560 I write him a letter. 647 01:11:41,240 --> 01:11:43,000 "My dearest Karl..." 648 01:11:43,000 --> 01:11:44,640 A letter of farewell. 649 01:11:46,000 --> 01:11:50,000 "..I am ALWAYS thinking of you. 650 01:11:50,000 --> 01:11:53,600 "I have never known a love so powerful. 651 01:11:53,600 --> 01:11:58,200 "Do not forget the exquisite beauty of what we've shared... 652 01:12:00,480 --> 01:12:04,360 "..I will always love you. 653 01:12:04,360 --> 01:12:06,360 "Your Gracie." 654 01:12:11,160 --> 01:12:14,120 MUSIC: Doin' The New Lowdown by Cab Calloway 655 01:13:07,320 --> 01:13:12,600 One new passenger has come onboard, GD Godfrey, stockbroker. 656 01:13:13,560 --> 01:13:17,720 He wants to be the first man to deal in shares on board an airship. 657 01:13:27,680 --> 01:13:32,320 There is a feverish atmosphere since Godfrey started trading in shares. 658 01:13:35,480 --> 01:13:37,480 In the radio room, 659 01:13:37,480 --> 01:13:41,840 Godfrey is in contact with his assistant on the exchange floor. 660 01:13:41,840 --> 01:13:45,160 He constantly buys and sells shares. 661 01:13:45,160 --> 01:13:48,560 He earns an immense amount of money. 662 01:13:48,560 --> 01:13:51,120 It has an infectious effect on the other men. 663 01:13:51,120 --> 01:13:55,520 They get greedy and try to follow in Godfrey's footsteps. 664 01:13:57,440 --> 01:14:00,120 We glide over the Midwest. 665 01:14:00,120 --> 01:14:03,840 All that seems to matter to them is the Stock Exchange. 666 01:14:08,760 --> 01:14:11,720 Karl and I don't talk any more. 667 01:14:11,720 --> 01:14:16,240 He maintains a deep silence about my letter. 668 01:14:28,600 --> 01:14:33,120 In 21 days, we flew over mountains, valleys, 669 01:14:33,120 --> 01:14:38,200 over fields full of flowers, dark virgin forest. 670 01:14:38,200 --> 01:14:42,200 We explored countries where people live as prisoners, 671 01:14:42,200 --> 01:14:45,000 where human life has no value. 672 01:14:46,640 --> 01:14:51,400 Here, in the land of the free, there seems no limit to the horizon. 673 01:14:55,560 --> 01:14:59,440 To see this world, to live this journey. 674 01:15:01,280 --> 01:15:03,680 Nothing can ever be the same. 675 01:15:07,840 --> 01:15:11,320 RADIO REPORT: We ARE in radio contact with the Graf. 676 01:15:11,320 --> 01:15:13,320 We hear that, after a good rest, 677 01:15:13,320 --> 01:15:17,640 Eckener has come out of his cabin to fly the airship over New York. 678 01:15:20,160 --> 01:15:23,320 The old man is back in front. 679 01:15:24,760 --> 01:15:27,440 After sending my last dispatches to the news room, 680 01:15:27,440 --> 01:15:31,680 I get an enthusiastic message back from Hearst. 681 01:15:31,680 --> 01:15:34,120 "You'd better prepare yourself, girl, 682 01:15:34,120 --> 01:15:38,280 "for a splendid reception in New York." Gosh! 683 01:15:42,160 --> 01:15:44,560 RADIO BROADCAST: What a glorious moment. 684 01:15:44,560 --> 01:15:47,360 The airship salutes our Statue Of Liberty. 685 01:16:11,720 --> 01:16:14,640 We have all gathered in the wheelhouse. 686 01:16:14,640 --> 01:16:18,360 It's a breathtaking and solemn moment. 687 01:16:19,920 --> 01:16:22,480 We are silent and moved. 688 01:17:00,880 --> 01:17:03,800 Karl comes to me. 689 01:17:03,800 --> 01:17:06,440 I tell him I'm not afraid. 690 01:17:07,960 --> 01:17:09,480 I must move on. 691 01:17:11,760 --> 01:17:15,320 He says, "Believe me, 692 01:17:15,320 --> 01:17:17,640 "you're the lucky one." 693 01:17:26,480 --> 01:17:30,240 RADIO REPORT: Yes, people, 5,000 men, women and children 694 01:17:30,240 --> 01:17:32,760 are sitting on newspapers in the park. 695 01:17:32,760 --> 01:17:38,000 The streets are PACKED, all available parking places have been taken. 696 01:17:38,000 --> 01:17:42,000 Deafening cheers rise up when the Zeppelin appears on the horizon. 697 01:17:42,000 --> 01:17:44,320 But, when the airship flies over, 698 01:17:44,320 --> 01:17:49,080 the thousands standing to watch are silent. 699 01:17:50,440 --> 01:17:53,560 RADIO BROADCAST: Drivers are breaking all the rules, 700 01:17:53,560 --> 01:17:57,760 putting the brakes on and climbing onto the roofs of their automobiles. 701 01:17:57,760 --> 01:18:00,800 The police are trying to keep everything under control. 702 01:18:00,800 --> 01:18:03,960 They issue warnings and blow their whistles, 703 01:18:03,960 --> 01:18:06,080 but no-one pays any attention. 704 01:18:06,080 --> 01:18:09,520 Pretty soon, the officers give up, shrug their shoulders 705 01:18:09,520 --> 01:18:12,960 and turn their eyes up to the sky to join the watchers. 706 01:18:12,960 --> 01:18:17,120 Yes, people, New York has gone crazy. 707 01:18:46,880 --> 01:18:50,040 Well, well, well. Here we are, right at the official stand. 708 01:18:50,040 --> 01:18:55,480 Within a few moments, the Graf Zeppelin will be back home. 709 01:19:08,600 --> 01:19:10,680 CHEERS 710 01:19:55,280 --> 01:20:00,920 Leeds, Wilkins and Lehmann are the first to disembark. 711 01:20:00,920 --> 01:20:03,480 They are given a hero's welcome. 712 01:20:12,560 --> 01:20:15,800 Eckener is received with great enthusiasm. 713 01:20:15,800 --> 01:20:17,320 I can see that he's happy. 714 01:20:27,040 --> 01:20:30,680 I wait until it is my turn. 715 01:20:30,680 --> 01:20:36,920 Then I realise that outside, the crowd is clamouring for me. 716 01:20:38,880 --> 01:20:40,440 For me. 717 01:20:40,440 --> 01:20:42,880 CHEERS 718 01:21:10,840 --> 01:21:13,880 Here we are now in front of City Hall, 719 01:21:13,880 --> 01:21:16,360 waiting for the parade to start, 720 01:21:16,360 --> 01:21:18,280 and millions of people are waiting. 721 01:21:23,880 --> 01:21:26,080 BRASS BAND MUSIC 722 01:21:42,480 --> 01:21:45,120 I ride in the parade behind Eckener. 723 01:21:47,440 --> 01:21:49,880 What I see is overwhelming. 724 01:21:57,160 --> 01:21:59,080 I have enjoyed the privilege 725 01:21:59,080 --> 01:22:02,320 of being the first woman to fly around the Earth. 726 01:22:06,200 --> 01:22:09,960 I am the luckiest girl in the world. 727 01:22:31,880 --> 01:22:34,920 Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd 728 01:22:34,920 --> 01:22:37,960 E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk