STOCKHOLM 1945 7th May - Hurry, Calle!

- I've got time.

- Your hair will be under a cap.

- But I want to make a good impression.

- Just arrive on time.

- Yes, yes... - When will you be home?

- I don't know.

I think it'll be a long ni Goodbye!

- Nina, are you coming?

- Yes!

What is it?

I'm meeting Agnes.

I want to talk about what you'll do this autumn.

"Household management school"?

- Where is Skarhult?

- In Skåne, a lovely rural environment.

- Thank you, but no thank you.

- That's one of Sweden's best schools!

- I'm not moving to Skåne!

- There's a lot of nobility down there.

Even if I were interested in home management, I wouldn't go to Skåne.

- There must be better schools here.

- Do you have any in mind?

Jenny Åkerström's?

All the princesses went there.

Is that not good enough?

Jenny Åkerström, that's not a bad idea.

My, my, I actually have a brochure from that school.

No... How do you even have the energy to keep trying?

...arrested and thrown in prison.

From Oslo we have confirmation that the German surrender is definite.

Radio Moscow reports that Germany has surrendered unconditionally.

It's over!

See you later!

Peace!

Pardon me... Pardon me... Thank you.

- Nina!

Nina!

Hello!

- Hello!

- It's fantastic!

What a celebration!

- Nina!

- Where can we celebrate tonight?

- The restaurant's banquet hall!

- See you then!

- Tell everyone you know!

- I didn't know you were having a party!

- Neither did I, I just thought of it!

- Pardon me... - No problems.

Pardon me... Oh!

Sorry!

- Are you hurt, miss?

- No, I'm fine.

Pardon me, miss... I apologise.

But the war is over!

That was a cocky one!

- But nice-looking!

- Yes.

OUR TIME IS NOW (THE RESTAURANT) Episode 1 PEACE - Gustaf Löwander.

- This is Nilsson at the Credit Bank.

We're very eager to have a meeting with you.

In fact, we demand it.

We propose... I greet thee, thou loveliest land on the earth Thy sun, thy skies, thy verdant meadows smiling Please tone it down!

We're in the middle of lunch!

SILENCE!

- They hear you in the dining room!

- Apologies, Mr Löwander.

I tried to stop them, but they're impossible!

Forgive us, Mr Löwander, but we're celebrating the end of the war.

- You have a job to do, Ethel.

- Yes, but there are no orders waiting.

That's enough of this.

Back to work!

- Shall I tell the guests?

- No, I'll do it.

Ladies and gentlemen, I apologise if the noise from the kitchen bothered you.

As some of you may have already heard, today there is peace in Europe!

Thank you.

I can't take the credit, of course!

But I'm sure we're all glad that the nightmare of war is finally over.

We at the Royal Djurgård want to treat you to a dessert of your choice.

Provided you always remember where you were when you heard the news!

Mr Lundborg, gentlemen, is everything to your satisfaction?

- No.

- I apologise if my staff were disruptive.

Here, of all places, I expected not to hear such vulgarity.

- Is Germany's surrender a good thing?

- Of course not.

May I offer the gentlemen some form of compensation?

- Greta, can you give me four cognacs?

- Where is the ticket?

Please, Greta, try to be reasonable.

I know it's... Maggan, ring up four cognacs and take them to Lundborg, table 6.

Yes, Mr Löwander.

- So, is he a Nazi like they say?

- I haven't noticed anything.

But maybe he was.

Ethel says the German embassy always came here.

- Excuse me, are you Head Chef Backe?

- You're 20 minutes late.

I apologise, sir.

Carl Svensson.

Kungsgatan was so crowded I... I don't care if God Himself stopped traffic!

- In my kitchen you come on time.

- Understood, Chef.

- Where have you worked before?

- At Hasselbacken.

Well, no one is perfect.

Go in and change.

- How does tonight look?

- Plenty of reservations!

- A full house?

- Maybe.

- Just tell me how many reservations.

- Right now five or six parties.

- Only five or six, when the war's ended?

- Relax, Mother, more will come.

- Hello!

- Hello.

I want the banquet hall tonight, I want to hold a peace banquet!

- A peace banquet?

- Yes, a peace banquet.

- How will you do that at short notice?

- It doesn't have to be fancy.

A bit of champagne, some beer, a few standard dishes.

- There's no staff.

- I just need help setting up.

I'll serve.

- You have no experience.

Another time.

- The next time a world war ends?

- Is the banquet hall free tonight?

- Yes, but this is the Royal Djurgård.

- We need to maintain standards.

- I've already invited a lot of people.

- You've done what?

- Why even ask, if that's the case?

I know I was bad, Mother.

But don't worry, I'll arrange everything.

I can even talk to the staff.

- Fine, you can try.

- Good!

We need space for dancing here, so take the round tables out there.

- Where do you want the fish?

- On the counter.

There should be two salmons here, where's the other one?

One tournedos and a steak.

Orders up!

More salt in the broth.

- What are you doing?

- I'm dicing carrots.

Are those all the same size?

No, Chef.

May I ask you, Calle, did someone here ask you for a variety of sizes?

No, Chef.

Every bit should be a cube.

Those bloody well aren't cubes!

- Do you think you're bloody Picasso?

- No, Chef.

- But I thought... - You thought?

...I wanted to use as much of the carrots as possible, to minimise waste.

- They taper... - I know what a bloody carrot looks like!

And an idiot, too, for that matter.

- Right, pick up the pace, people!

- Four tournedos, table 8.

- Four turns ordered!

- Four turns.

Two quail for table 2.

- Mr Löwander, the quail for table 2.

- I'll take that.

Two quail here.

- Mr Löwander, what is that awful noise?

- A peace banquet.

I do apologise.

What do you say about the surrender, Mr Löwander?

- I was just about to ask you the same!

- It was the German cavalry that failed!

My husband still thinks horses are the latest military invention.

No machine can replace the symbiosis of a seasoned rider and a war horse!

- You won't go too light on the cognac?

- For you, madam, I'll add a bit extra.

I saw an air show at Ljungbyhed, I think it was autumn 1918.

The flying machine crashed, of course, killing the pilot instantly.

Then I turned to Colonel Leijonhielm who had arranged the show, and said, "Colonel, I'm sorry, but what business did he have up there?"

We were never invited to another air show.

Nina!

Hi!

We're going sailing on Friday, do you and Agnes want to come along?

- Just the four of us?

- Yes.

There are four bunks.

- What about your fiancée Ria?

- She doesn't have to know.

- No, thank you.

- I know you really want to.

Oh, do I?

- Sture... - Yes...?

Stop badgering me or I'll tell Ria next time I see her.

- Nina!

- Henning, hello!

- May I have this dance?

- Of course!

- You can go home.

- Thank you, Chef.

Clean up the rest of this, including the cold buffet, empty the ashes and coal.

- And wash the kitchen floor.

- Yes, Chef.

- How will I lock up?

- Well... ...Andersson comes at 4 a.m.

Stay until then.

- Tired?

- I haven't sat down since 6 a.m.

- Was it a big crowd?

- Not really.

- It will pick up now the war's over.

- I think so too.

In time for Peter's arrival.

What do you mean?

I don't know what his plans are, but Mother caters to his every whim.

He gets everything he points at.

What if he points at the restaurant?

- Helga knows you're the expert.

- I don't trust her in these matters.

Mummy!

- Mummy!

- Coming, Hilma.

Time to sleep.

- Hello!

- Hello.

- You work here?

- Yes, I started today.

- What are you doing here?

- I'm hungry.

- How did you get in?

- I never left.

That's the trick.

My name is Calle.

Louise.

- How did no one see you here?

- I was in the banquet hall.

- There's a banquet hall?

- Yes.

Nina, who runs it, is my friend.

Fancy something?

- The first one is ready.

- Thank you.

Divine!

- Milk?

- Yes!

- Mr Calle, you're a genius.

- Please, miss, just first names.

You too then.

- And you're a kitchen hand?

- Yes.

- But someday I'll own a restaurant.

- Like the Royal Djurgård?

Yes.

It will take a few years, but I won't give up.

- You don't think it will be a lot of work - Definitely.

But I love that.

I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

Another one?

I'd love one.

- It was idiotic trying to cycle today.

- That's true.

How is your leg?

- You see, it's practically falling off.

- Wow, you should have a cast.

It's a miracle that I can walk at all.

Anyway, I was late and Chef Backe was angry, so that's why I'm still here.

Stickan isn't exactly the world's most forgiving person.

How did you know Backe was called Stickan?

- Everyone knows Stickan... - Yes... - Were you called up?

- Yes, I was on Gotland last year.

I was supposed to be called up this autumn, but now the war's over.

It feels as if life is starting over, and anything is possible.

Thank you for the best rösti I've ever had.

Thank you for the company.

Who are you, Louise.

Thank you for everything.

- I'm Calle.

- Andersson.

Hello.

- Did you get the job?

- Yes.

I had to work late.

There's coffee.

- Real coffee?

- No, ersatz.

Maybe I can get it at the restaurant.

- Hansson's had no work for me today.

- There must be other employers.

Maybe people won't patch clothes anymore now the war's over.

I don't think that's true, Mum.

- What are you talking about?

- Lelle!

Are you awake now?

We're talking about how good things will be now the war's over.

- You smell funny.

- It's cooking fumes.

No, it smells like a flower.

Yes, maybe.

- If it isn't Manager Löwander!

- Ragnarsson.

- Do you have a moment?

- Not really.

- This won't take long.

- I know what it's about, Kurt.

Your payment?

You must be a bloody mind reader, Gustaf!

- We're a bit low on cash right now... - Just like last week.

- It's unfortunate that... - And the week before, and so on.

It's temporary.

I'm going to talk to the bank and get our credit extended.

My patience is wearing thin.

I'm doing what I can to resolve this.

You know, there's another option that might be good for both of us.

Ration coupons.

I'm sure many of your fine guests would like an extra ration.

You sell them and get paid for your trouble.

- Are they counterfeit?

- No, no, the genuine article.

Right from Sundsvall.

The chap who steals them is on the Ration Board.

- This is risky for me and the restaurant.

- It's your choice, of course.

But if you plan to pay, be quick.

I haven't always been a wholesaler, I've done other things.

And I know who to turn to if I don't get paid on time.

- Good morning!

- Good morning.

- It was a late night last night.

- Yes.

- What is it?

- Your neck and chin are red.

- Have you been hugging a hedgehog?

- Not that I recall.

- Then it must be stubble.

- I've done nothing improper.

I'm sure you have, and it's allowed.

- But you must be careful.

- You needn't worry.

I had a nice time yesterday, but that's all it was.

Thank you, Inger.

I gave Inger time off, apparently her brother is dying.

Can you send someone up with my supper tonight?

- Do you know Peter's plans?

- Yes, unfortunately I do.

- Unfortunately?

- He's staying at the camp until August.

Why?

New buses are coming from the concentration camps... - ...and "he's needed more than ever."

- Why come here when the war is over?

It's as if he cares more about those people than his own family!

- Do you know what he'll do after that?

- No.

- Afraid of a bit of competition?

- No.

But the restaurant is my job.

- Is it?

- Day-to-day operations.

You always have the final say, of course.

Speaking of which, that banquet was a mistake.

- Was it?

- The dining guests complained.

- The few who were there, you mean.

- Things will change now the war's over.

I got a letter from the bank saying that our credit account is overdrawn.

I'm going there this afternoon to take care of it.

Ask the cold buffet if they have any Roquefort or Gorgonzola left, and put that in too.

- Hello.

- Hello, Chef!

- Talk to the new kitchen hand.

- Why?

When Andersson came this morning, he made some interesting discoveries.

Hello, Chef.

Did you have company last night?

Yes, Chef.

- Andersson said there was food out.

- No, that's not true.

A guest who'd stayed late in the banquet hall came down.

I made her rösti and gave her a glass of milk.

I hadn't cleaned up when Andersson arrived, but no food was out.

You're a sneaky little bastard.

I truly apologise, Chef.

It won't happen again.

No... You can work your shift today, then I never want to see you again.

- So you want to extend your credit?

- For a transitional period, yes.

We face many changes and I'm convinced we must take the offensive.

- You've already exceeded the limit.

- Perhaps.

But rules change frequently.

Mr Löwander, in the past two years your debt has grown worryingly.

- We've requested many meetings.

- Well, now I'm here.

- I hope we can resolve any issues.

- Mr Löwander... Extending your credit at this point in time is absolutely out of the question.

- I am shocked.

- That wasn't my intention.

But I must... We've been with this bank since 1911.

How long have you been here?

With all due respect, that is irrelevant.

- Your manager will hear from me.

- Don't take it that way.

I'm confident that we can work together to arrive at a solution.

But you must understand our position as well.

- Good day, sir.

- Good day.

Confound it!

- Was your name Calle?

- Yes.

You're not likely to get very good references.

No.

First day at work and you come late and leave food out.

That's something.

- Have you heard when Peter's coming?

- No.

I hope he'll come back.

He's needed here.

- Who is Peter?

- The manager's younger brother.

He was a baby when I started here.

So he'd be...25 this year.

He'd run round the cold buffet as a child.

He loved herring.

- He'd give me a kiss for a piece.

- How sweet!

Peter and Gustaf each have their own charm.

Shady people are showing up here these days.

- You mean Ragnarsson's lads?

- For example.

Those "shady people" have kept us well-supplied, thanks to Gustaf.

Peter would never have managed it.

Soon the rationing will be over, thank God.

Chef?

- Could I have a word in private?

- We have nothing to talk about.

Just a few words.

In fact, I insist, Chef.

I want to ask you to give me another chance.

- Is that all?

- Yes.

The thing is, sir, my family is completely dependent on my income.

My mother's an out-of-work seamstress and I have a little brother to support.

A hundred boys are queuing to work in my kitchen.

You had your chance, but you didn't take it.

You're careless, unreliable, arrogant and have no character.

So keep your bloody sob story to yourself.

Here you are, two Belle Hélène.

- Are you a waiter now, Löwander?

- Some guests deserve extra respect.

- I see.

- I hope you enjoy this.

I wonder if you might have a moment to talk in my office before you go.

- That would be fine.

- Excellent.

- I can't!

- You can't just leave us hanging!

- I take it all back.

- Tell us!

- Spill the beans!

- Stop that!

Oh, all right... You know that bloke we met yesterday on Kungsgatan?

- The one who kissed me?

- Yes... - He works here.

- No!

- What are you talking about?

- After the party I went to the kitchen... - And there he is!

Mopping the floor!

- Unbelievable!

- Is he handsome?

- Yes.

Or mostly nice-looking.

Incredibly nice-looking!

Is he working tonight?

I want to see him!

- Call him!

- No!

I can't!

Of course you can!

You own this place!

No!

You must realise that if I call in a kitchen hand, people will start talking.

What if we go to the banquet hall?

- Who is Calle?

- That's me.

Your presence is requested in the banquet hall.

- Hello.

- Hello.

- Someone was asking for me?

- That was me.

I just wanted to say that the anchovy salad is delicious today.

I'm glad to hear that, Miss Louise.

Louise?

- Stop it.

- Wait... - So you don't know who she is?

- Agnes!

Sorry, I won't say anything.

Have you had a nice evening, Miss Louise?

- Is there anything else?

- Just one thing... Could I ask for a rösti?

I'm so terribly hungry!

- Oh my, I think he's upset... - He's very nice-looking, Nina.

Calle!

Calle!

- Why would I do that?

- You'll get it back with interest!

I'm not running a bank.

Mr Lundborg, please look at it from my position.

And what's that?

In a way, you bear some responsibility for the restaurant's problems.

I don't understand.

You recommended investing in German war bonds when the war started.

- I took your advice... - I didn't force you to buy anything.

It was an implied expectation.

And I borrowed the money.

We thought it was a good investment.

Don't blame me if you've overreached.

- I'm just asking for a loan... - Löwander, you can be very tedious.

This conversation is over.

And don't expect to see me here again.

Mr Lundborg, let's not be too hasty... Mr Lundborg?

- Good evening, we'd like a table.

- Let's see what I can do... - You're Bellan, right?

- Head Waiter Roos.

- The place doesn't look packed, Bellan.

- Follow me, please.

- Here you are.

- We'd like the VIP area there.

There are no tables available there.

Löwander!

Come here.

- Ragnarsson.

- We want to sit in the VIP area.

But Bellan here says we can't.

I'll see what I can do.

One moment.

They can settle for a regular table or leave!

- Mr Ström is about to pay.

- Who shouts across the dining room!

- Let's just fix this!

- We'll take that table.

- It's occupied!

- They haven't started eating yet.

- General Drugge always sits there... - Will you shut up?

I'm talking to Gustaf.

- Good evening.

Is everything all right?

- As always, Mr Löwander!

I'm glad to hear that.

We've accidentally double-booked this table tonight.

- I'm sure you'll take care of it.

- I humbly ask if you'd switch tables.

- Out of the question!

- We'll treat you to any dessert.

- We like this table.

- And of course dessert wine.

Your impertinence is shocking!

A bottle of Garrafeira, a port wine, anno 1893, for example.

- A legendary year.

- It will have to be a generous amount.

We will not move!

I've sat at this table since 1815!

- 1915, August.

- Oh, sorry.

1915.

No one can say that August Drugge abandoned his post!

A thousand apologies, General, but the thing is... Mr Ragnarsson is one of Sweden's best horse breeders.

And he's currently working on a top-secret project for the army.

It's about creating a hybrid of the North Swedish and Arabian.

Mr Ragnarsson is the future of the cavalry.

My word!

- Where do you want us?

- There's an excellent table over here.

- What's the name of that wine?

- Garrafeira, madam.

I want it filled to the brim.

Mr Ragnarsson, men like you are the future of this country!

Come, girls!

Thank you.

- Gustaf... - Not one word!

Bloody hell!

You!

Tell the chef to send someone up with supper to Mrs Löwander.

- Excuse me, Mrs Löwander?

- The lady upstairs.

You know who?

- Of course, Mr Löwander.

- Good.

Orders up!

- Who is "the lady upstairs"?

- The manager's mother.

She lives in the flat upstairs.

- What does she eat for supper?

- How should I know?

- But... - Out of the way!

- What's that?

- Creamed mushroom on toast.

Accompanied by a fine Chablis.

- This isn't what I'm usually served.

- I apologise if I've disappointed you.

- But it's good!

- I'm glad to hear it, Mrs Löwander.

- It's even hot.

- I hurried as fast as I could.

- Who made it?

Chef Backe?

- Actually, it was me, Mrs Löwander.

- Really?

- On my honour.

Tell me your secret for success with a toast dish.

The creamed mushroom mustn't be too wet and make the toast soft.

And it should be served hot.

- And alcohol in the sauce, right?

- A touch of brandy.

- You can't fool me.

- You're a connoisseur, Mrs Löwander.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

- I've been busy.

How did it go?

- Superbly.

I've just been served the best supper I've had in years.

- Perhaps this boy should be in charge.

- Perhaps.

- What's your name?

- Carl, Mrs Löwander.

- And you're a kitchen hand?

- Yes, for a few more hours.

- What do you mean?

- I was sacked today, Mrs Löwander.

What?!

Why?

I was the last person here last night, and a banquet guest came down.

- She wanted food and I made her some.

- And Stickan fired you for that?

- Chef Backe.

- He needs to simmer down!

- Did you know this?

- No.

- I want this boy to stay on.

- But Chef Backe... This boy is a good cook.

He looks nice and is well-spoken.

He's a genius compared to many others in the kitchen.

- Mother, I... - Don't talk back!

He stays!

And if Stickan bothers you again, just come and talk to me.

- Yes, Mrs Löwander.

- That's all, you can go.

Excuse me, Chef... I'm not sure how to put this, but Mrs Löwander wants me to stay.

- Mrs Löwander?

- Yes.

- You can ask her yourself.

- Well, stay then.

Thank you, Chef.

I promise you won't regret it.

You'll resign by the end of the week.

- I realise it isn't my place to complain.

- That's exactly right.

But we cannot treat our guests that way!

Anything else you want to add?

No, that's all.

By the way, I always see how you purse your lips, so you've no need to speak.

But you are right, of course.

It won't happen again.

Mr Löwander, Mr Ragnarsson wishes to speak with you.

- Was everything satisfactory?

- It was.

- It's on the house, right?

- Of course.

Good.

But I didn't really come here to eat supper.

You were given a choice, Gustaf, and it's time to decide.

I want an answer by tomorrow night.

You know where to find me.

Come, girls.

I'm looking for a kitchen hand named Calle.

Calle?

He's off for a few hours.

I think he went home.

- You don't know where he lives, Ethel?

- No.

But if you'd like, I can ask the other kitchen hands.

Thank you, that would be kind.

And I won't tell them who wants to know.

Have you read about the scandal at Operakällaren?

"The middleman was an internationally known conductor, who provided his partners with stolen and counterfeit ration coupons."

Marton.

I know who it is.

- Has he offered them to you?

- No, only to Operakällaren.

"The ringleader, who is believed to have made a lot of money, risks being sentenced to three years' hard labour."

Hello... Hello.

I wanted to apologise.

- Oh?

- My name isn't Louise.

It's Nina Löwander.

And I want to apologise for that evening in the banquet hall.

- We were drunk and I wasn't myself.

- Or maybe you were.

- Did you hate me the first time we met?

- No.

- Suppose that was the real me?

- It must be so hard for you.

- What do you mean?

- Using a fake name to be yourself.

If you'd known who I was, would it have made a difference?

- It wouldn't have happened.

- Then I'm glad.

My wages support three people.

Should I risk all that for...?

- ...a fling?

- Calle, dinner time!

I didn't mean it that way.

Come on, the soup's getting cold.

- Gustaf, you've made the right choice.

- I just want this to be done discreetly.

- I don't want to take risks like Marton.

- They say he made 300,000 kronor.

I'm doing this to pay off my debt.

After that, it's over.

- You say that now.

- I'm serious.

This will be like having your own mint.

We'll see if you can give it up.

Unlikely!

Oh, can we have a bottle of Veuve Clicquot?

Eva, come here, we're celebrating!

It's wonderful.

AUGUST 1945 - Peter, would you...?

- Oh, sorry.

- Suzanne, welcome to Stockholm.

- Thank you.