Number the Stars

Annemarie and Ellen are stopped by German soldiers while racing home from school. They describe the weight of occupation — the soldiers on every corner, the food shortages, the absence of butter and sugar — as the routine background of their ten-year-old lives.

Annemarie tells Kirsti the fairy tale of the Danish king who would wear a yellow star if the Nazis required it of his people. The story illustrates Danish national solidarity and the unusual relationship between the Danish people and their Jewish neighbors.

Annemarie discovers that the Rosens' neighborhood button shop has been closed overnight by German orders. She and Ellen realize the danger to Jewish businesses and families is accelerating, and Ellen's parents grow quietly afraid.

Ellen sleeps at the Johansens' apartment when her parents must flee. German soldiers arrive in the night demanding to see all children. Papa shows old photographs to prove Ellen is his daughter and the soldiers leave.

The Johansens learn from Peter Nielsen that Danish Jews are to be 'relocated' on the night of the New Year — Rosh Hashanah. The family makes plans to travel immediately to Uncle Henrik's farmhouse on the coast.

The family arrives at Uncle Henrik's farmhouse in Gilleleje. Annemarie experiences the coastal landscape and begins to understand the geography of escape — Sweden is visible across the Øresund on a clear day.

Mourners arrive at Henrik's farmhouse for the 'funeral' of Great-Aunt Birte. Annemarie realizes the coffin is real but the death is fictional — the gathering is cover for the Jewish families who need to reach Henrik's boat.

A Nazi officer disrupts the funeral gathering and forces the coffin opened. The rabbi quietly continues with a Hebrew prayer. The officer finds only clothes and blankets — but his presence has put everyone at risk.

Annemarie's father discovers the packet meant for Henrik was forgotten. Annemarie volunteers to carry it alone through the dark forest at dawn, lying her way past Nazi soldiers to reach the harbor before the boat departs.

The Rosens and the other Jewish families safely cross to Sweden. Annemarie learns about the special packet, reflects on the meaning of courage, and waits for the end of the war. The epilogue reveals Lise's death and Peter's fate; Annemarie holds Ellen's Star of David necklace, waiting to return it.