Ergens in Nederland (1940)

The film is set in Haarlem in 1940. Frans van Loon is a serious former sailor who works as a lawyer, although the blood of a seaman still runs through his veins. He has recently married Nellie, a former singer who is adored by the stage actor Erik Detmar. Frans is unhappy in his marriage and cannot stand his job. For that reason, at the beginning of the mobilization he enlists in the Royal Navy. Nellie is deeply unhappy about this decision, but thinks her husband will be doing simple tasks. In reality, he is involved in dangerous work: dismantling naval mines. During his training with the navy, Frans transforms from a depressed man into an enthusiastic sailor. Nellie blames herself for her husband’s unhappiness before and becomes jealous of his love for the sea. While he is away, Erik seduces her, proving to be a true charmer. Frans’s long voyages cause them to grow apart. When she discovers that her husband is in the Minesweeping Service and sees him dancing with the beautiful farmer’s daughter Marijke, she tells him she loves someone else. He is furious and refuses to lose her. This leads to a huge argument. Before Frans can reconcile with his wife, he is called away for work in Vlissingen. Two naval mines there are in danger of exploding, which would cause a dike to give way. At the end, Nellie watches her husband in action and realizes how much she loves him. He risks his life to dismantle the mines, and succeeds. When he returns safely, he is reunited with his wife. She tells him that from then on, she is proud to be a sailor’s wife.