The
spies are frequently depicted as out of touch with the realities of Irish life. They are also often depicted as individuals highly unsuited for espionage. At times, the absurdities take on a comic dimension - such as in the arrest of Henry Obed, an Indian working for Abwehr. It is notable that the German plans for
Operation Green (the intended invasion of Ireland) also included a considerable amount of outdated information. Whilst dramatised (and some names have been changed, notably that of Schütz to "Schultz") the plots in
Caught in a Free State are based on actual events and persons. The anachronistic reference to "Free State" is deliberate as the
Irish Free State had been superseded by the new
Constitution of Ireland of 1937, which is a recurring theme. Both Günther Schütz and Dan Bryan were still alive during the filming (in 1983), hence the change of names. •
Episode 1: Hermann Görtz is parachuted into Ireland. He tries to return to Germany by boat but is intercepted by the
Irish Navy and interned. •
Episode 2: Ernst Weber-Drohl, a 60-year-old former circus strongman, is landed by submarine on the coast of
County Wexford. •
Episode 3: "Gunter Schultz" is arrested, interrogated and threatened with execution for spying. •
Episode 4: The end of the War. Herman Görtz commits suicide rather than face deportation. ==Cast==