Henri Goidsen

Espionage movie about a German-Belgian family in occupied Brussels, and besides, an ode to the heroîsm of the Belgian soldier.

Kaatje, the daughter of the miller Schoonejans, and Jef, a little shepherd, who live near Delft, are happy together. In a floral parade, the carriage the two children have decorated with tulips wins the first prize. The next day, during a thunderstorm, lightning destroys the mill and kills Schoonejans. A life of misery starts for his widow and daughter. Remembering how the theatre manager Boolmans had applauded the dancing of Kaatje and Jef at the floral parade, the widow takes her daughter to Amsterdam, where Boolmans engages Kaatje. The years pass, and Kate has become a famous dancer.

The very height of the patriotic film, including authentic footage, about the background and distribution of the Belgian newspaper 'La Libre Belgique' during WOI and Gabrielle Petit's part in the resistance movement, her heroism and stoicism being strongly emphasized. The narrative on the espionage activities is rather fragmented. 'La Libre Belgique' focusses mainly on the distribution and the final prosecution of Gabrielle Petit.

An army pilot is visiting the home of another army pilot in a neighboring country, and falling in love with his sister, when war breaks out.