

Episode 3
Episode 3 | 53m 5sVideo has Closed Captions
President Roosevelt extends a special invitation to Martha and her children.
While bombs fall on Olav and the king in London, Martha and the children are in the U.S., where President Roosevelt extends a special invitation.
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Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking and Raymond James with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust, created to help ensure the series’ future.

Episode 3
Episode 3 | 53m 5sVideo has Closed Captions
While bombs fall on Olav and the king in London, Martha and the children are in the U.S., where President Roosevelt extends a special invitation.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
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What Happened Next?
Wondering what happened to Martha and the Norwegian royal family after the events of Atlantic Crossing? Learn all about what came next for Martha and Olav’s family, for Norway, and where they all are today!Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship♪ ♪ So the battle is lost.
♪ ♪ HOPKINS: Not yet.
The Norwegian forces are waiting for the Brits to come to their rescue.
The crown princess and the children are in Sweden.
ALL: Hurrah!
FLORENCE: They have spies everywhere.
Märtha, I'm sorry.
We're no longer safe here.
A ship to get Crown Princess Märtha.
MÄRTHA: I never thought if I did another Atlantic crossing, it would be as a refugee.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (airplane engine droning) (birds squawking in distance) (speaking Norwegian): COMMANDER: (indistinct chatter) FLEISCHER: (match strikes) ♪ ♪ MAN 1: Can you see anything?
MAN 2: No.
It's so dark.
How are we supposed to spot anything?
MAN 3: Shh, keep quiet.
Mine port side.
What?
Where is it?
Mine port side!
MEN (shouting): Mine port side!
Mine port side!
(alarm ringing) RAGNHILD and MÄRTHA (speaking Norwegian): (alarm blaring, people shouting) MAN: Evacuate!
(alarm and shouting continue) (Märtha speaking Swedish) ASTRID and MÄRTHA (in Norwegian): MAN: Where's the mine?
MAN: I can't see it.
(indistinct chatter) (shouting continues, baby wails) ♪ ♪ (Märtha breathes unsteadily) (metal creaking) (creaking) (all sighing in relief) God, that was close.
(man retching) ASTRID: ♪ When can I see you again?
♪ ♪ I've been waiting out here ♪ ♪ For so long ♪ ♪ And I don't seem ♪ ♪ To find a reason ♪ ♪ To keep building these castles ♪ ♪ Out of snow ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ They only melt away ♪ ♪ When spring is arriving ♪ ♪ And you won't be here ♪ ♪ Waiting to drag me down ♪ ♪ Into your pond ♪ (Astrid and Ragnhild speaking Norwegian) SIGNE (speaking Norwegian): (indistinct chatter) (Ragnhild and Astrid speaking Norwegian): (indistinct chatter) It was a book about animals... (Harald speaking Norwegian) (Märtha sighs) (door creaking) (purse snaps open) RAGNI (speaking Norwegian): ♪ ♪ (gasps) (panting) (exhales) (Harald moaning) ♪ ♪ FLEISCHER (on phone, both speaking Norwegian): (thunder rumbling) (chuckles) ♪ ♪ (waves crashing, seagulls squawking) EINAR (in Norwegian): ♪ ♪ EINAR and RAGNI: (children laughing) ASTRID and MÄRTHA: (Märtha laughing) (people cheering) RAGNHILD and MÄRTHA: (ship horn blowing) ♪ ♪ (people cheering) (camera film rolling) (film stops) ASTRID: RAGNHILD: (gasps): Oi.
(crowd cheering) (cheers erupt) ♪ ♪ (camera bulbs flash) SIGNE: (relieved sigh) (both speaking Norwegian) RECEPTIONIST (on phone): Your Highness, this is the front desk.
Yes?
RECEPTIONIST: We have established a secure line to Buckingham Palace.
Thank you.
RECEPTIONIST: One moment.
(phone clicking, static) (Olav speaking Norwegian, Märtha speaking Swedish) (chuckling) (sniffles) (laughs) MORGENSTIERNE (in Norwegian) and MÄRTHA: OLAV and MÄRTHA: (sets receiver down firmly) (breath trembles) (unsteady breathing) (distorted): (audio distorted) (shuddering and gasping) (audio distorted) (gasping) (Ragnhild and Märtha speaking Norwegian) (in Norwegian, distorted): (audio distorted) (people shuffling, coughing) RADIO ANNOUNCER: Earlier today, Crown Princess Märtha of Norway arrived safely in America with her three children after an arduous journey across the Atlantic.
Now, we proudly present to you, live from the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the crown princess, who will address the public.
(camera film rolling) (equipment buzzing softly) (flashbulb pops) MORGENSTIERNE (in Norwegian): (slowly): Less than a year ago, my husband, the crown prince, and I visites... (on radio): visited this wonderful country for the first time.
Now we have returned as refugees.
(flashbulb pops) I...
I am inf... (wavering): ...infinitely grateful and happy that president... (flashbulb pops) ...of the United States has reached out a helping hand to me and my children.
♪ ♪ (on radio): All Norwegians look forward to the day when we can return to a free and independent Norway.
May that day come soon.
(reporters talking over each other) One at a time, please-- yes, sir.
Archer, "New York Times."
Is it true the crown princess was put under pressure to declare regency in Norway with Prince Harald as king?
(flashbulb pops) There was no pressure put upon me of any kind.
So why did you come?
JOURNALIST 2: Will Prince Olav join you soon?
JOURNALIST 3: How's the king?
(questions blending together) Thank you for coming.
(lights switch off) MISSY: She sounded exhausted.
Yes, she did.
It's no wonder, considering the long journey.
(sighs) At least she'll have time to rest now, providing the press leaves her alone.
Hm.
Let's invite her up to Springwood for the weekend.
All right-- I'll schedule it.
Thank you, Missy.
♪ ♪ (car engine stops, dog barking in distance) Ah... Märtha.
I'm so glad you came.
Oh...
So lovely-- to see you again.
Hm.
Thank you.
Yes, of course.
You remember my secretary, Missy.
Crown Princess.
Nice to meet you.
I am sorry Eleanor is not here to greet you.
She's too busy running the country while I pretend to be president.
(Franklin and Märtha laugh) Ah, and you must be Princess Ragnhild?
What a pleasure.
I have something for you.
Welcome.
Thank you, Mr. President.
You're very welcome.
And you must be Princess Astrid.
Yes?
I have something for you.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
And this is Harald.
Ah, the future king, an honor.
This is for you.
Thank you.
You're very welcome.
(chuckling) And who is this?
A chaperone?
Wilhelm von Munthe af Morgenstierne.
I'm ambassador to Norway.
Ah, well, what a pleasant surprise.
It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. President.
Mm.
Well.
You must be thirsty after your trip.
How about some of Mrs. N.'s famous lemonade?
That would be lovely, thank you.
Come on.
I'm so glad you're here safely.
MÄRTHA: Yes...
Ambassador Morgenstierne.
Oh!
Marguerite LeHand-- how do you do?
MORGENSTIERNE (softly): You have to understand, I really need to speak with the president.
MISSY: Well, Mr.
Ambassador, you have to get an appointment.
MORGENSTIERNE: It won't take long, I promise.
Come on, let's go for a drive.
A drive?
Mm, come on, come on.
You'll have to excuse us, Mr.
Ambassador.
Of course, Mr. President.
More lemonade?
Come on.
I want to show you my stomping grounds.
Just you and me?
Well, just you, me, and the Secret Service.
Or would you like to bring your chaperone?
(chuckling): Absolutely not.
(sighs) Goodbye, Mr.
Ambassador.
♪ ♪ ♪ Happy days are here again ♪ (Franklin singing along) ♪ The skies above ♪ ♪ Are clear again ♪ ♪ Let us sing a song of cheer again ♪ ♪ Happy days are here again ♪ (laughs) That's my campaign song.
Seems appropriate for today.
(both laugh) I'm sorry about the Norwegian ambassador.
Oh, don't worry about it.
Did you find a place to stay yet?
Apparently the ambassador has sorted something out for us in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts?
Yes.
Well, why Massachusetts?
I would prefer to live closer to New York.
Well, of course you would.
Who wants to live in the grand old Bay State when you can have a taste of the Big Apple?
I guess I have no choice.
Well, yes, you do.
Because unlike me, you're not up for re-election.
You can do pretty much whatever you want, and they can never get rid of you.
(both laugh) Right?
That's true.
(both laugh) All right, Princess, hold onto your britches.
(engine revving) ♪ All dressed up and some place to go ♪ ♪ Some place fine for those in the know ♪ ♪ Come with me where we can be ♪ ♪ Dancing the night away ♪ ♪ Got myself some fabulous clothes ♪ ♪ You look great as everyone knows ♪ ♪ Ten o'clock, it's time to rock ♪ ♪ Dancing the night away ♪ (laughing quietly) You know, I always wondered why they're called the Secret Service.
They're not secret.
And the service?
Not so good, either.
(laughs) Come on.
♪ Everyone knows you got the touch ♪ ♪ By the way, I love you so much ♪ ♪ Tell me true, do you love me, too?
♪ ♪ Dancing the night away ♪ BERTIE: Cheers to Märtha and the children's safe landing.
And to your family, too, Nikolai.
Cheers.
OLAV: Cheers.
Cheers.
BERTIE: One no trump.
Pass.
OLAV: Two of clubs?
Alert.
Speaking of "alert," what would actually happen if German paratroopers suddenly started pouring down over Buckingham Palace?
Here we go again.
No, but, Bertie, believe me, it is a likely scenario.
(stammering): The guards would probably take care of them quite quickly.
Hm-- pass.
Two hearts.
So you do have a contingency plan.
Of course.
If a critical situation arises, I can trigger an alarm, and the guards would mobilize immediately.
So, you have some sort of bell.
(stammers slightly): An alarm button in my study.
(chuckles): I would like to see that work in a practical situation.
(quickly): It bloody well works.
Bertie, have you tested it?
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ That looks like an ordinary light switch to me.
Why is it behind a curtain?
Because it's not an ordinary light switch.
We don't want to risk the chambermaid wreaking havoc by turning off the light when she leaves the room.
Satisfied?
Try it.
What are you afraid of?
You are the king, after all.
Very well.
(switch clicks) (alarm bells ringing) Now, let's go and watch all hell break loose.
(alarm bells continue) MAN (in distance): Soldiers, report.
(man speaking indistinctly) MAN 2: Nothing to report, sir!
MAN 1: Okay, that's fine.
OLAV: I'm impressed, cousin.
MAN 1: About turn.
It's going to be all right, Bertie.
I'm certain the German paratroopers will get caught in those rose bushes.
(men chuckling) (chuckling) My mother, I'm sure.
(chuckling) ELIZA: Oh, hello!
Oh, Eliza!
Come join us!
We're having a picnic.
ELIZA: Ooh, nice!
I see you've met!
ELIZA: We have!
This is Mrs. Eliza Forbes.
According to my mother, you are the best masseuse this side of the Mississippi.
Just this side?
Yes.
(giggles) It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.
Nice to meet you, too.
Yeah, please, sit.
Oh, thank you.
Yes.
RAGNI: Mrs. Forbes was actually born in Norway.
FRANKLIN: Oh.
(in Norwegian): Oh, I don't speak Norwegian.
I was just a little child when we emigrated, so...
I don't remember much about Norway at all.
Ah, well, I bet you remember eating that lutefisk stuff.
ELIZA (laughing): Well, I wouldn't know... What's... Don't ask, you don't want to know.
(laughter) So, I've been thinking about this Massachusetts stuff.
And I don't think you should move to Massachusetts.
No?
Don't get me wrong.
It's very nice, it's just, the two of you aren't compatible.
Imagine Massachusetts as a stalwart old farmer.
Now, that is not a good match.
(Eliza giggling) Well, then, who is a good match for me?
FRANKLIN: Hmm... A European princess needs someone with class.
Elegance, sophistication.
Experience.
A cultured world citizen with a strong background.
Which is?
Well, Washington, D.C., of course.
(all chuckling) I had perhaps imagined a more festive, outgoing type, like New York.
Oh, no.
Good choice-- you've got some friends there, don't you?
Yeah.
No, not New York.
Too young, temperamental, impatient.
No, totally unreliable.
No, no, Washington, D.C., is perfect for you and your children.
No.
I vote, I vote no.
No, I've made the decision, I'm the president, and I make, I'm the decider.
Really?
My vote goes to New York, as well.
FRANKLIN: Don't argue with me, missus.
I know exactly what I'm talking about.
(chuckling) (whispering): Sorry to bother you...
I've just had some very bad news, um... ♪ ♪ (whispers inaudibly) ♪ ♪ London is being bombed.
(shuddered breath) ♪ ♪ I have, I have to call Olav.
Harry.
Yes, of course.
FRANKLIN: Missy... (explosions rumbling in distance) (air raid sirens wailing) SERVANT: We've checked all the floors-- the ground floor is clear.
SERVANT 2: Very good, move on to the upstairs.
Your Majesty, can you please follow us to the basement?
(explosions continue, glass tinkling) ♪ ♪ (planes roaring low overhead) (speaking Danish): (explosions and sirens continue) (planes overhead, sirens blaring) HAAKON: (explosions and sirens continue) There's no operator on the line-- it's not even ringing.
Let's try again later.
How bad is it?
(clears throat): It's, it's bad.
Large parts of the city are on fire from the Nazi bombing.
We're talking about several hundred German bombers, maybe... (clears throat): Maybe... yeah.
(breathing rapidly, murmurs) FRANKLIN: Keep in mind, the basements under Buckingham Palace run deep.
Shelters no German bombs can reach.
Olav and the king are there, safe and sound.
(sobbing quietly) ♪ ♪ Why don't you and the children come stay with us at the White House for a while, hm?
There's plenty of room, it's great for kids.
There's an indoor swimming pool.
And a direct line to London.
Yes, that is, uh... That's very kind of you, I just don't know what to say at the moment.
No, no, no, you don't have to decide just now.
No.
Just think about it.
Thank you.
Nonsense.
It's what friends are for.
Try and get some sleep.
HOPKINS: I'll make sure to let you know as soon as we have news of Olav.
Yes.
♪ ♪ MÄRTHA (in Swedish): (sobbing) (bombing overhead, rumbling, clinking) (Olav speaking Norwegian, Haakon speaking Danish) NIKOLAI (speaking Norwegian): ♪ ♪ ELIZABETH (softly): Goodness me, what a mess.
BERTIE: Bloody mess.
ELIZABETH: Oh, here... BERTIE: Good morning.
Good morning.
ELIZABETH: Morning.
Morning.
BERTIE: It was a close call.
There was also a direct hit in the quadrangle.
Pulverized the palace chapel.
I guess no place is safe.
ELIZABETH: Aren't your headquarters on this side?
A few windows were shattered, that's all.
Oh.
Thank God no one was killed.
A few members of the staff were injured, though.
HAAKON: Did you ever consider evacuating the children while this whole thing is going on?
The girls wouldn't leave without me, I won't leave without Bertie, and Bertie would never leave under any circumstances whatever.
(stammering): That's a... bloody fact.
No hard feelings on our part if you choose to find safer quarters.
No.
I'm actually rather glad we've been bombed.
Now we can look the East End in the face.
Ah.
Darling... ♪ ♪ (flashbulb pops) OLAV (speaking Norwegian): (speaking Danish): OLAV: (door shuts firmly, Olav sighs) MÄRTHA (speaking Swedish): (speaking Norwegian): (phone line buzzing) (connection breaks up briefly) (phone line buzzing) MÄRTHA (in Swedish) and RAGNHILD (in Norwegian): (sighs, speaking Norwegian): RAGNI (in Swedish) and MÄRTHA (in Norwegian): ♪ ♪ FRANKLIN: Go, Harald!
They're gaining on us!
(laughs) (shutter clicks) (all laughing and exclaiming) FRANKLIN: Keep swimming, Harald!
They're gaining on us!
You can do it!
Keep swimming!
♪ ♪ (both speaking Swedish) Whoo-hoo!
(all cheering and laughing) Very good race, Harald.
HARALD: Thank you!
FRANKLIN: How about we all get a prize for effort, hm?
Signe, would you bring me my robe, please?
(grunts) You're not going to be happy.
There, ah?
(both in Norwegian): I'm the president, so I decide.
(Ragnhild exclaims) FRANKLIN: One for you.
RAGNHILD: Thank you!
One for you.
And one for me.
(chuckles) I feel like a rematch.
You want to race?
No.
No?
Can I tempt you with a lollipop?
(both laugh) They're very good.
(both chuckle) (grunts) (laughs) MISSY: Your breakfast is ready, Mr. President.
FRANKLIN: Hm?
(Franklin clears throat) MISSY (loudly): Your breakfast is ready, Mr. President.
No, I'm about to have a race with Märtha.
(all laughing) Well, I am sure Her Highness can wait.
You don't want to miss your first appointment.
What does a president have to do to catch a break around here?
(laughing) Maybe not run for re-election, again.
(laughter) FRANKLIN: That's not going to happen.
(both speaking Swedish) RAGNI: (Ragni laughs) (humorless chuckle) (sighs) MISSY (voiceover): Why can't you collect stray dogs like other normal people, instead of stray royals?
They are refugees, Missy, in dire need.
It is not your bleeding heart that I am concerned about.
How long can you house her before the Republicans start claiming that you're going soft on isolationism... Oh, I will house her as long as I damn well please.
...and neutrality?
HOPKINS: Oh, there you are.
Harry.
Uh, Eleanor's back.
She asked me to give you this.
(phone ringing in distance) The S.S. Quanza.
Yeah, the ship that's held up in New York with the Jewish refugees?
(sighs) She wants you to grant them political asylum.
And I have to agree with her.
There's no telling what destiny awaits them if they're sent back to Europe.
It seems we have a lot of space here at the White House, so what's another couple refugees?
Tell Eleanor I will take a look at it.
Right.
Thank you, Harry-- oh, remind her, she gets two notes tonight.
Ah, we'll see about that.
(chuckles): Two, Harry.
Fine.
MAN: 200 lives, Jesus.
(speaking Norwegian) NIKOLAI and OLAV: Oh... NIKOLAI: OLAV: (Fleischer chuckles) NIKOLAI: FLEISCHER: FLEISCHER: ♪ ♪ NYGAARDSVOLD (in Norwegian): Mm-hmm.
(door opens) (Haakon speaking Danish, Olav speaking Norwegian) "Little Norway."
OLAV: HAAKON: (door opens) MRS. NESBIT: For you, Mr. President.
Again?
Why not eggs for a change?
It's not Sunday.
Whoa, Mrs. Nesbit, look at this.
Wilma's Waffles, says here they almost make themselves.
Less work for you, Mrs. N. Porridge is good for you.
Now finish up, Mr. President.
(giggling) MISSY: Hello, everyone!
MRS. NESBIT: Oh, good morning.
FRANKLIN: Morning.
Huh.
Like papier-mâché, yuck.
Yuck!
(laughs): That's right!
(speaking Norwegian): Thank you, Godfather!
(chuckling) "Godfather"?
Well, they have to call me something.
What's wrong with "Mr. Roosevelt"?
What's wrong with "Grandpa"?
(laughter) (clears throat): So... Have you thought more about your more permanent living arrangements?
FRANKLIN: She'll stay here as long as she likes.
Of, of course, but... A home of your own would probably make things more bearable.
Especially for the children.
I mean, it would be naive to think this war will be over soon.
Pay no attention to Missy.
No, she's right.
We can't expect the war to end anytime soon.
I could probably introduce you to some realtors I know in New York.
Actually, I plan to stay here in D.C. FRANKLIN: Ah!
What happened to Massachusetts?
The Norwegian Embassy is here, and besides, I, I like it here.
FRANKLIN: Well, splendid.
Let's find you a house, hm?
You mean now?
Yes, come on!
MISSY: You can't reschedule an entire morning-- we're in the middle of a campaign!
Oh, that's right, how silly of me, I forgot.
Reschedule the entire day.
Thank you, Missy.
Come, Märtha.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ MÄRTHA: I thought the house was quite nice.
I liked it, too.
Not sure it was the right fit.
I think it needs a little more room for the children.
You might be right.
What about that one?
Oh, this is nice.
Looks like a farm to me.
I don't think a farm is suitable for a princess.
Well, we actually live on a farm at home.
Do you?
Yes.
Oh, here I thought it was a castle.
Is it far away, the next one?
No.
Oh, look at this place-- can you slow down?
(sighs): It's beautiful.
Yes, it is.
I'm not sure it's for rent, though.
No, no, I just wanted to have a look.
Heck, let's ask them.
(chuckles) No-- no.
♪ ♪ ♪ Happy days are here again ♪ ♪ The skies above are clear again ♪ ♪ Let us sing a song of cheer again ♪ ♪ Happy days are here again ♪ MAN (on radio): And now a word from our sponsor.
MAN 2 (on radio): Every housewife knows how important good-quality wax is to make her floors shine... MAN (outside): All right, people, look alive, the president's here!
(car pulls up) (music playing on radio) MAN: Welcome back, Mr. President.
(laughing) Welcome, Your Highness.
(indistinct chatter) (door shuts) So you found a house.
Yes, Pooks Hill.
Mm-hm.
We can move in in just a few weeks.
And it's only 30 minutes' drive from here.
Well...
Isn't that convenient?
Forgive me for being so blunt, Miss LeHand, but I feel this needs to be said.
I represent no threat to you.
Of course not-- why would you?
I am the future queen of Norway and I have no intention of trading that with your role.
My role.
As soon as we move out, things will go back to normal around here.
Don't be too sure.
About what?
If Hitler wins this war, you'll be queen of nothing.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ FRANKLIN (on radio): The United States will remain a neutral nation.
MÄRTHA: Anyone can carry out the will of the voters, but it takes a strong person to do what's right.
Franklin, help my country.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.
To order this program, visit ShopPBS.
"Masterpiece" is available with PBS Passport and on Amazon Prime Video.
♪ ♪
Video has Closed Captions
Preview: Ep3 | 30s | President Roosevelt extends a special invitation to Martha and her children. (30s)
Uncovering Crown Princess Martha
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Clip: Ep3 | 1m 57s | Sofia Helin and more discuss bringing Princess Martha's story to light. (1m 57s)
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Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking and Raymond James with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust, created to help ensure the series’ future.