This was one of the very few Chequerboard episodes to be filmed outside of Australia. One of the filming locations for this program was in Berlin. This was in 1973 during the Cold War period and producer/director Neil Munro decided to film their 17 year old student, Chris, crossing from Checkpoint Charlie into Communist East Berlin to meet up with his East German pen pal. The East German authorities had earlier refused permission for Chequerboard to film in East Berlin so Munro decided to shoot the crossing from the American checkpoint, then go as tourists into East Berlin and take still photos of Chris and his friend for inclusion in the documentary. But when he, Chris and his crew arrived at Checkpoint Charlie, the American guard told them that the East German guards in the tower opposite didn't like being filmed. He pointed to recent bullet holes in the side of the sentry post and said: "They REALLY don't like being filmed!". After discussion with Chris and the crew it was decided to still proceed with the filming. The 16mm cinecamera was setup on an exposed viewing platform adjacent to the American checkpoint and with the East German guards watching every move through their binoculars, Chris began the long lonely walked across no man's land. He was halfway across when a loud shout from the East German side froze him in his place. The East Germans' binoculars were now looking down at the young student and the crew all muttered the same thing to themselves: "Please don't run! Please don't run!". Chris held his nerve and some muffled instructions had him continue his journey to the East and out of sight. The camera and sound gear was quickly packed away and Munro and his team traveled to East Germany via the subway to meet up with Chris under the World Time Clock in Alexanderplatz. But Chris was nowhere to be seen. However his pen pal was there as arranged, and also worried when told what had happened. After many anxious minutes, Chris eventually appeared, looking a little 'shaken but not stirred'. He explained that he had been questioned at length by the East German officials: what were the crew doing, what was the film about, who was he, where did he live, how much money did his father earn. The questions went on and on he said. Munro took still photos of Chris and his friend as arranged plus the depressing surroundings that was East Berlin at that time, then they headed back to the West. Munro admits that he still feels a little guilty that Chequerboard involved their student in such a tense experience. But then again Chris was game and got back to the West unscathed, with a Cold War story he can tell his grandkids about.