Night People (1954) Movie Script

Getting kind of cute, huh?
How are ya?
I tell ya what we could do.
If I can get off at noon on next Saturday
we'll go out to Wannsee and have a swim.
Would you like that?
Oh, I'd love it.
Mama!
Well, it's about time!
That's what you always say, Mrs. Gerhardt.
Because you're always out, Johnny.
Do you realize it's nearly midnight?
Your clock must need fixing.
It's just 10:30.
Sure, good Mama! I'll be
up in just one minute.
I'll be asleep, Patti. Goodnight, Johnny!
Goodnight, Mrs. Gerhardt.
Patti?
Goodnight, honey.
- Goodnight.
Will you call me?
I will.
- Bye.
Hey, Johnny.
Yeah?
Feuer, bitte.
There's a telephone message for you, Mr.
Leatherby.
You've gotta go home right away.
Mrs. Leatherby's sick.
Thanks.
You guys go ahead.
Who called?
Uh, the doctor. I think the operator
said to tell you he was there already.
The secretary of the army has
asked me to inform you that
your son, Corporal John Leatherby...
How is she?
I've given her a sedative.
She'll be asleep soon, but I think I
better stay here for a while anyway.
I wish you wouldn't look in there Mr.
Leatherby.
We'll get him back alright, darling.
Don't you worry.
This is not Joe Doke's son this time.
We've got some pretty powerful friends.
Fletcher. Get me on a plane to
Washington around 6, 6:30 tonight.
If there's any argument call the
manager and tell him who it's for.
Yeah, that's right.
Now, give me the senator,
person to person.
Come back at 11.
- Yes, sir.
They don't match.
They do to me.
The stockings, I mean.
Guten morgen, mein Colonel.
- Guten morgen, mein Sergeant.
Hoffy call yet?
Hoffy?
Yeah, I left word for her at that
tobacco store. I hope she's still around.
Why?
Because it's beginning to look
like she's our last chance.
She can't dig up something on
that boy, we're really in a box.
What are those?
More cablegrams about him from
the commanding general's office.
What is it this time?
Congressmen or senators?
Two senators, another governor.
How many does that make all together?
Three governors, seven
senators, fifteen congressmen.
Man seems to have some very
powerful associations.
Colonel Van Dyke's office.
Colonel Van Dyke.
He's right here, Frau Hoffmeier.
Hoffy. How are ya, kid?
Fine, thank you, Steve. I'm sorry I'm late.
Oh, that's alright. Listen,
are you in the clear?
I think so. It's a public phone.
Well, alright then. It's about this
Leatherby boy. What do you hear?
Nothing so far. Only
what's in the newspapers.
Well, you know what we're
up against, don't you?
No, I don't.
It's that old "we don't know
nothing" routine again.
Nobody over there ever heard of Cpl.
Leatherby.
You think we could find
out something about that?
I can try.
You don't mind?
Of course not.
Well, you don't have to if
you don't want to. You know.
I understand. I want to.
You're still in there pitching, huh?
If you mean what I think you mean...
Yes.
Ok, then, but don't take too many chances.
I'll see what I can find out.
You can call me here anytime. The
switchboard will know where I am.
I'll call you the minute I learn something.
I'll be waiting for you.
Well, that's some woman no matter
which way you look at her.
She's got her own private war.
And it won't matter to her how
many peace treaties they sign.
Not as long as there's a
Russian or a Nazi left.
What's the matter, Rick?
How would you like to go climb a tree?
Rick's worried the Frau won't get hung.
Col. Van Dyke knows what I'm worried about.
You mean you don't think she's true blue?
I mean the woman is hooked on absinthe.
And I wouldn't trust an absinthe drinker
as far as I could throw that desk.
So, what's so bad about absinthe?
To somebody that drinks air with nothing.
But, someday that stuff's
going to hit her at
the wrong time and she's
going to goof off.
You'd been through all she's been through
you'd be looking for a little
something to help you forget, too.
Ever see that knife scar
she's got on her neck?
Yeah. Compliments of one of Mr.
Hitler's boys.
Too bad he was interrupted.
Is there anything else, sir?
Nothing else. Thank you.
Blood thirsty little schnitzel, isn't she?
She's really got a thing on Hoffy.
You reckon the Frau will really
be able to set up a connection?
Don't ask me.
I'll bet you something if she does.
- What's that?
I'll bet they're gonna
want to do it at night.
Do what at night?
- I don't care. Don't make any difference.
Talk English, will ya?
Those creeps over there. Don't they
ever do anything in the daytime?
Do burglars?
Every single thing no matter what it is...
got to be done at night.
Do you ever notice that?
Life over here seems to be turning
you into quite a philosopher.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised,
because if I lost one
I must have lost a dozen dolls on
account of all of this night work.
There's one of them kids, a
little fat one named Fritzi
I wouldn't have swapped
for a Micky Mantle.
Freddy?
- Tommy?
Wie geht's
- Come on in.
Be with you in second.
Take this.
Dear Senator,
Appreciate your interest and concern
regarding Cpl. John Leatherby.
And assure you every effort being
exerted to find and return him to duty.
Hobart.
Department of State. That's all. Thank you.
This guy must know more
senators than Harry Truman.
What's with you?
I bring you the compliments
of the Commanding General.
And I return them.
And would the State
Department be good enough
to meet a V.I.P.
arriving this afternoon?
Well, there goes my dinner, but Ok.
Who is it?
Name of Mr. Charles Leatherby.
Is this a gag?
- No. Strictly official.
But, why'd they let him? What
does he think he can do about it?
Influence, dear boy.
Don't tell me that a
member of the State.
Department has never heard
of influence before?
Is he really such a big shot?
Plays golf.
Oh.
Mr. Leatherby?
Yeah, that's right...
- I'm Fred Hobart from the State Department.
How are ya?
- Very good to see you, sir.
Any news yet?
- Not too much, I'm afraid.
Anyhow, I had a wire from
the secretary and she
assured me that everything
is going to be alright.
I haven't had any report from
the office this afternoon.
In other words, Hobart,
the situation is the
same as it was the night
my boy was taken.
In spite of everything we've been
able to do, that's about it.
I want to see the
Commanding General tonight.
You can't see him tonight I'm afraid.
Why not?
He's in rather a big huddle
with the Russians tonight.
About Johnny?
Well, there's a bit more to it
than Johnny, you understand.
How do you mean?
It's another big squeeze apparently. We
get them from time to time, you know.
Yesterday, they held up traffic
on the autobahns again
and this afternoon they cut the
phone service to East Germany.
Anything they can think of to
make nuisances of themselves.
What do you think they want really?
Well, for one thing, they
want us out of here.
Alright, so we get out.
Maybe they'll take a
fancy, then, to Toledo.
Are you trying to be funny?
Furthest from it, sir.
I mean only that nothing that
happens here is ever isolated.
They kidnap a 19-year-old boy, your son.
And we can't tell, yet, whether
it's just a local needle
or another Korea.
Sure you fellas aren't being too
melodramatic about the whole thing?
No, sir, we're not sure.
You may be, but we're not.
Hello, Hoffy.
- How are you, Steve?
You look just great.
- Thank you.
Well, you certainly didn't waste any time.
I was lucky.
For Auld Lang Syne?
Alright.
For Auld Lang Syne.
So, Ok.
What's the pitch?
They've got him, alright.
- Who's got him?
Would you mind not asking the questions?
The person who told me I shouldn't
like to get that person in trouble.
Oh, that's alright with me, but how
can we do business? Or can we?
We can, but...
I'm afraid I have to be a
little mysterious about it.
I'm not asking anything else. You tell me.
Well...
It's a trade.
What do you mean "a trade"?
It seems that they want somebody
from the American sector.
Two somebody's, in fact.
And what they want to know is
whether you'd be interested in
hearing the rest of the proposition.
You mean they want to swap the
soldier for these two somebody's?
Apparently.
Who are the people they want?
That I don't know yet.
How can I say whether I'd
be interested or not?
Maybe they want me and the General?
No. Not this time anyway.
They just want to know if you'd
consider such a leading principle.
In principle, sure. I'll listen
to anything in principle.
Just so long as it doesn't
commit me to anything.
Would you really consider such a deal?
Well, what other choice have I?
Such a shocking idea.
Yeah, I know. They really
kill me, these guys.
There just ain't no bottom for
them, but what else can I do?
I've still gotta get the soldier back.
Then, is that what you
want me to tell them?
We have to get started somewhere.
When do you think you'll
know something else?
Tonight perhaps.
Well, I'll be ready any time.
Shall I call you at your office?
No, use that other number.
How about the boy? Is he Ok?
I was told he is.
Look...
You're safe in this deal, aren't you?
- Perfectly.
I was exactly what they were looking for.
Someone in position to talk to both sides.
Well, you don't have to be too brave.
You know what I mean?
No fear. I've been through too
much to take chances now.
Well, I'll say this for you kid...
You certainly don't look it.
You can't tell by that.
It's what's inside.
Don't you ever relax anymore?
You mean am I in love again?
No.
Why not?
I'm no good for that anymore, Steve.
I just tried with you.
It never actually worked.
Not that you cared one way or the other.
Oh, now just a minute.
No, I know you, Steve.
At least I was trying to be in love.
Trying very hard, in fact.
You. You couldn't have cared less really.
Honey, you've got me all wrong.
Why even now...
- Let's not talk about it, will you?
There was no feeling there
then and there is none now.
I just haven't got it anymore.
You think not?
I know not.
Well, may I remind you of something?
I think I'd better be going now, Steve.
Ok.
But...
Play it safe, will ya?
I'm alright. Truly.
You don't want another one of those
so-and-so's whittling on your neck, you know?
I'll call you later.
Auf wiedersehen.
Mr. Leatherby?
Yeah, that's right.
- I'm Norman Lakeland of the U.P.
Oh, how are you?
Freddy Hobart just phoned to
say he'd be a few minutes late.
Would you like to have a
drink at the bar with us?
Yeah, I'd like that.
- Good.
Is this your first flight over?
No, no. I've been over here
quite a few times before.
Oh, good. Did you have a nice flight?
Very nice. No trouble at all.
This is Eddie Whitby of the A.P.
Mr. Charles Leatherby.
How do you do?
- How do you do, Mr. Leatherby?
Won't you sit down?
- Thank you, I will.
What'll you have?
Uh...
Manhattan cocktail.
- Yes, sir.
Dress club service, sir.
- Best bar in Berlin.
Have a pleasant flight?
- Yeah, very nice. Thank you.
And now that you're here, what
do you expect to be able to do?
I'm not stupid enough to
think that I can do anything.
I'm here to make sure that
somebody else does something.
And you don't think that
enough has been done yet?
That's not exactly right.
I'm sure the authorities feel that
what they've done is right, but.
Well, look, you boys know as
well as I do that the military
can fall into a polite bureaucracy
the same as the politicians can.
Especially when the stake, as you
might say, is only an enlisted man.
To the military mind the
life of one enlisted man
is probably not worth
rocking the boat about.
You understand what I mean?
I think I do.
Except that in this case the enlisted
man is not exactly a nobody.
His father is a man of some influence
and used to getting results.
And the only way I know to
get results is get in there
myself and make sure they
don't go to sleep on the job.
Stir them up a bit.
- Yeah, yeah that's it exactly.
Is that what you intend to say to Col.
Van Dyke?
Who's Col. Van Dyke?
He's the cop on the case.
Cpl. Marshall's office.
Oh, he's the man in charge. Why not?
Just wondering.
I take it that this Van Dyke is something
of a terror around here, hmm?
He's very good at his job, I believe.
Thank you.
Oh, gentlemen...
I don't want you to be
offended at this, but...
Well, my guess is that you've allowed
yourself to be pushed around by the military
for so long now you're starting to
take them on their own imperial terms.
Well, I don't.
I've got four ex-colonels and an
ex-brigadier general working for me
in my business. Now I'm no longer
awed by military rank.
I'm here to get some action
and if this Col. Van Dyke
is the man to get it
out of, that's who I
intend to get it out of.
Well, you approach him in that way and...
I don't imagine you'll have any
difficulty getting it out of him.
Ranch is going against
Boston tomorrow I hear.
Pass.
Open.
Steve!
I'm out.
Who is it?
- Mata Hari.
Hello, Hoffy?
Can I see you right away?
I think you'd better meet me at my flat.
I'll be there in 15 minutes.
At her apartment, did she say?
I got a very funny feeling about this deal.
What do you mean?
I don't know how, but I
can already see myself
right in the middle of the fly paper.
Another dirty one?
Who cares about that?
They wanna swing low I'll swing lower.
They never saw the day
they could teach an old
pro-football player
anything about dirty pool.
What is it?
Well, I don't know yet.
But what they've got in mind this time
is a very, very nervous proposition.
You scare me to death sometimes, Steve.
Well, there's no use worrying about it.
It's the new diplomacy. We
just gotta get used to it.
Right now I'm probably on
my way to meet the official
representative of a great sovereign power.
And you know where?
Right up a dark alley
just like Mickey Spilane.
Will you be back?
- I don't know. Can't tell you.
I often wonder what would
happen if one of our
soldier diplomats got
tough with these people.
Not phony tough, but real tough.
The way I've
had to be tough in my
business on the way up.
I wonder what would happen?
I don't know, but it's an
extremely interesting idea.
You think they wouldn't show
us a little more respect?
You can bet your last dollar they would.
Well, there's one of them
sitting right over there now.
Let's ask him.
One what?
Russian.
- In here?
I'll go get him.
Russian birth he means.
Actually he's an American.
He used to teach at Smith College.
He's one of our liaison officers now.
Mr. Leatherby, I'd like you to meet Mr.
Petrochine.
How do you do?
- How do you do, Mr. Leatherby?
Sit here, Petey.
- Thank you.
May I offer you my sympathy, sir.
Thanks, but I'd rather have a
little more action around here.
We're doing all we can, sir.
Except that they're a little less
cooperative than usual this time.
Tell me has anybody on our side ever
actually spoken to a Russian about my boy?
I have.
- What'd they say?
I spoke to Col. Lodejinski, the opposite
number to Col. Van Dyke only last Monday.
It's no secret now.
Lodejinski denied even
having heard of the incident.
And you let him get away with that?
I had no power to alter
what he had to say to me.
Do you see what I mean?
Mr. Petrochine.
Has anybody ever tried
money on these people?
Money?
- Money. Cold hard American dollars.
Did you ever think about that
when you were dealing with them?
No sir, I don't think I ever had.
- How about thinking about it right now.
I'm not the richest man in the world, but
I'm rich enough for a Russian colonel.
Can you see him again?
I suppose I could?
- How about trying it on him?
Nevermind the diplomatic notes and the red
tape and the bowing and the scraping.
Offer him whatever he wants that
I've got in return for my boy.
I'm sorry Mr. Leatherby.
But this is a situation where your money
is not of the slightest importance.
Where's Van Dyke?
- Second floor, room 203, sir.
Thanks.
I understand.
I'll tell him just as soon as he wakes up.
Bye.
Ricky, this is Mr. Leatherby.
Ms. Cates, Col. Van Dyke's secretary.
How do you do?
- How are you?
Colonel's expecting us, I believe.
- That's right.
Will you sit down for just a few minutes?
- Certainly.
Did I understand you to say he was asleep?
Yes, sir.
- On the case last night?
Til a couple of hours ago,
but it won't be long now.
Ms. Cates?
I'll tell him now.
Is that fellow here yet?
Yes, he's here with Mr. Hobart.
Can you get rid of Freddy?
I think I can.
Get rid of him then. Send
the other one in here.
Yes, sir.
Colonel says can he see you later?
That's alright. I understand.
There's nothing more I can do anyway.
Will you call me this afternoon?
Yeah, I will.
- Good luck, sir.
Thanks.
Will you come in, sir?
Mr. Charles Leatherby, Colonel.
Mr. Leatherby, isn't it?
- It is.
Mr. Charles Leatherby?
- Yes, that's right.
Somebody send for you?
- No.
Then what are you doing here?
You know very well what I'm
doing here Col. Van Dyke.
Oh, yeah. I remember now.
You're the guy that came over
here to tell me how to do my job.
No, that's not it at all.
You're a big wheel in the
axle grease business.
So, naturally you're a big wheel anyplace
else you want to poke your nose into.
Colonel, if you'll be kind enough to
let me explain my position here...
So, you're a personal friend
of Senator, uh, McDinglehoffer
and you've got a letter to
the Commanding General.
You're going to get a
little action around here.
Stir 'em up a bit. Get 'em off their
big fat behinds. Isn't that it?
Look...
- Why don't you stay home where you belong!
Because I've got a boy in
trouble over here and I've
got to get him out of it.
Do you understand that?
How?
How are you going to get him out of it?
I have every right in the
world to be here, Colonel.
I'm a citizen and a tax payer. A very
big tax payer, as a matter of fact.
That's not what I asked you.
You said you're going to get your boy out
of this trouble and I want to know how.
I'm very interested in that.
I warn you, Van Dyke, you've got
no right to talk to me like this!
Alright, then I'll change the questioning.
How do you think you're
going to help him by coming
over here and making a bloody
nuisance out of yourself?
Anything that burns me...
is an amateur trying to tell
a pro how to do his job.
I have no intention of telling you or
anybody else over here how to do their job.
Oh no! You're going to do it for me.
You're going to buy the boy out of it.
I heard all about that.
In front of a dozen people
you tackled one of my men
and tried to take the
matter our of my hands.
You're going to do it for yourself.
Cash and carry. Send him some dough.
Dough fixes everything.
Don't you know I could have you
thrown in the jug for that?
Trying to make a personal deal
with a foreign government.
That wasn't the idea at all.
It just so happens that this is not a
cash and carry business, Mr. Leatherby.
You're not dealing with the A & P now.
These are cannibals, Mr. Leatherby.
Head-hunting, blood-thirsty
cannibals who are out to eat us up.
Would you care for a drink?
Yeah, I sure would.
- Have a chair.
Thanks.
Ms. Cates?
What is it?
- Root beer.
No, thanks.
Mr. Petrochine is here.
Petey?
What about Col. Lodejinski?
You're right, Colonel.
Something has happened.
What it is I haven't been
able to find out, yet.
But he hasn't been in either his
office or his home for three days now.
And no talk?
Very definitely no talk.
Well, what about Nadia and the kids?
No sign of anybody. The house is empty.
I had a friend of mine look inside.
Well, stay with it, will you?
- I intend to, sir.
Tap every contact you've got.
If you need any
help call me or Ms. Cates.
Understand?
Oh, yes, sir.
- Ok. Hop to it.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning.
Have they picked up another soldier?
No, it's a Russian. A friend of mine.
Lodejinski.
Isn't he the colonel you were
dealing with about Johnny?
That's right.
The one who says he
knows nothing about it?
Well, that was his job.
Those were his orders.
And he's still a friend of yours?
One of the best.
In any case.
Let's get one thing settled any way.
Maybe we're not as emotionally
involved as you and Mrs. Leatherby
but otherwise we want your boy
back just as much as you do.
Colonel, if I've
been at all hasty...
The terms are going to be
pretty stiff, Mr. Leatherby.
You've heard something?
What branch of the axle grease
business are you in any way?
Leatherby products manufacture valves.
You have much experience
in swapping human beings?
No.
- How does the idea appeal to you?
I don't know what you mean.
Well.
There are a couple of Germans in
this sector that the Russians want.
They want them so badly,
as a matter of fact,
that they're willing to
trade us Johnny for them.
We deliver the Germans,
they give us Johnny.
How does a deal like that sound to you?
If they're Germans and if they've
done something wrong...
Who said they've done anything wrong?
Well, they must've otherwise why
would the Russians want them?
In Toledo, Ohio that would be
a very shrewd observation.
Over here it's half-witted.
They could be just as innocent
as your son and still be wanted.
Supposing just for the sake of
argument that they were innocent.
How would you feel about it then?
I'd still want my son.
What are you doing for dinner tonight?
I have no plans.
- Will you eat with me?
If you wish.
Alright, I'll meet you at the
Katacomby restaurant at 8:00.
Just off the Schloss Strauss.
Anybody can find it for you.
Oh, Colonel?
Is my boy alright?
As far as I know they
haven't laid a hand on him.
Thanks.
Ms. Cates.
Is she here?
- She's waiting now.
You haven't been crying again, have you?
No, sir, not today.
Well, maybe you won't have to anymore.
Did you see that man who
just went out of here?
Yes.
- Well, that's Johnny's pop.
He's a very big, powerful man.
With tremendous influence everywhere.
He's just come all the way
over here to help us out.
Isn't that wonderful?
It's the biggest break we've had.
But I'm not going to tell you anything yet.
Nothing at all until there's
something definite, you understand?
Yes, indeed, Colonel.
So, you just keep all of this
strictly under your hat, will you?
Of course, sir.
Just sit steady and I'll call you
the minute I know something.
Thank you so much, sir.
- It's Ok, dear.
Goodbye.
- Bye bye.
My wife's heart hasn't been
right since the last one.
We had another boy, you know?
Yeah, I know.
He was killed towards the end of the
war at The Battle of the Bulge.
That's why we're so concerned about Johnny.
Yeah.
Well, there's a lot of guys
got it during the war.
How do you like her?
Like who?
Thought you were looking
at the piano player.
No, no.
That's a very attractive woman.
You still know how to take
it if you want to ask me.
Who's the fella?
Under that ape over there.
Oh. Him?
You mean the one with the dark glasses?
- Mmhmm.
That's her husband.
What's the matter with him? Is he blind?
Yeah. He's another one Mr.
Hitler didn't like.
Well, she supports him, I suppose.
- That's it.
That's the people I want for him.
Want for whom?
For Johnny.
I thought you meant men.
So did I at first.
That's the deal they want.
We send them that broken down piano
player and her blind husband
they send us Johnny. Just like the
Cubs and Phillies. Straight swap. No catch.
There must be some kind of charges
against them. Aren't there?
Oh sure. They're charged
with an unspecified crime. Unquote.
Were you able to get a
look at their papers?
Yes, sir. They're really beauts.
No question about that.
- Oh, no sir. They're fakes from way back.
Not that that means anything. If I had
a dime for every set of phony papers
in Berlin I could be in the
axle grease business myself.
She must be just about your
wife's age, isn't she?
Yeah.
Just about.
How do you feel about it now?
I'm not trying to grind you.
You're a very smart cookie.
And you're over here just to give
us the benefit of your experience.
So, what I'd like to know is...
how would you handle this proposition?
Colonel, I'll tell you exactly how I feel.
I don't care who they are
or what they've done.
Giving them to the
Russians means getting
Johnny back, that's it
as far as I'm concerned.
You through?
All through, sir.
Keep it as quiet as you can.
- Ok, sir.
What are they doing now?
Checking their papers, I suppose.
What's the pitch?
They don't like it. That's all.
Did you tell them what it was for?
I didn't have to. That's the first thing
she asked, "Was it the Russians?"
Well, they've been waiting for it, I guess.
Where are they now?
- Downstairs getting their nightshirts.
They live down there in
some kind of a dungeon.
You mean there's a cellar
under this cellar?
It's more like an old sewer.
No windows or anything.
He's calling you.
Uh oh.
You think they got away?
Not the way you mean, anyway.
Taken some kind of poison, sir.
Both out cold.
Call the hospital. Tell Dr. Foster
to be ready when they get there.
Tell him I need these people very much.
- Yes, sir.
C'mon, Leatherby. Let's get out of here.
What's the matter, pal?
You look a little woozy.
They still with us?
- So far, sir.
Either of them say anything?
- No, sir.
You got a cigarette?
Yes, sir.
Thanks.
Light?
Thanks.
Look, I want a very quick
report on these people.
Quick as I can, sir.
Where's a phone I can use, nursey?
- There's one right down here, sir.
Get Ms. Cates, Eddy.
- Yes, sir.
Anybody using this room tonight, nursey?
- I don't think so, sir.
Well, then I am.
- Very well, sir.
You want me to stay here,
Colonel, or get out?
You better stay.
I pray, because if those people
conk out, we're out of business.
Ricky?
Here she is, sir.
I'm at the hospital. Room, uh...
- 15, sir.
Room 15. Now look, those two
people tried to duck out
with some junk and we've
got to siphon them out.
What about Hoffy? I've gotta
get a hold of her right away.
I don't know, sir. I haven't
heard from her since 8:30.
Well, I told her to call me
every half hour tonight.
I know, but she didn't call at 9.
You want me to check around for her?
Yeah, yeah. See what you can find out.
I need her right away.
That dame's banging away
at the absinthe tonight
I'll shoot her straight
through the head so help me.
Well, what are you doing here, Petey?
I'm afraid I have some
bad news for you, sir.
Alright let's have it.
Colonel Lodejinski's dead.
How do you know?
- They had it on the radio over there.
What'd they say?
Brain hemorrhage.
I'll bet.
They say when?
- No, sir.
Anything about his family?
- Gone back to Moscow, they said.
I'm very sorry, sir.
Well, we all gotta go some time.
I'll keep in touch with Ricky.
Yeah, alright. Thanks.
Goodnight, sir.
What a break.
He must've been quite a fellow.
Hmm? What's that?
This Lodejinski, I said,
must've been quite a fella.
Yeah, he was alright.
Uh, Colonel, do you need me right away? I
just have to remember there's a fella here
owes me some money and
I'd like to pick it up, sir.
Where is he? In the nurses room?
Well, sir, as it just so happens...
Ok, Ok, but don't get lost will you?
If this dame can't speak any English
you have to handle it for me.
Thank you very danke schon, sir.
I'll be right down the hall.
Who's ahead?
- The Sox, 3-2.
I think we can save her, but
I don't know about him.
You'll have to do better than that.
I need them both.
I'll try of course.
- What was it? Strychnine?
As usual.
How soon can we talk to her?
You can talk to her right now if you want.
The man's delirious, but
she makes sense alright.
Does she talk any English?
- Not to me she didn't.
My name's Foster, sir.
Leatherby.
Have you got a cigarette, sir?
Eddie?
- Right here, sir.
Get your money?
Ah, no sir. Not yet sir.
Ah, look, the doc says we
can talk to this woman now.
Here's what I want you to tell her.
Tell her first to take
it easy in here.
She's got nothing to worry about.
Understand that?
Yes, sir.
Then, tell her that we're not going
to send her back to the Russians.
I see, sir.
Tell her that the Russians
say they don't want her.
They can talk to her husband
for a little while.
And that the husband's Ok and he's
agreed to this so that we can save her.
You got that straight?
- Yes, sir.
Alright.
Tell her that. Let's see what happens.
- Yes, sir.
The husband keeps saying he's a General.
General Von Kratzenhauer or something.
Does that mean anything to you?
Not a thing.
Do you know his eyes have been gouged out?
You mean removed?
No. Gouged out.
Colonel?
What are you going to
do if one of them dies?
I don't know.
You think they'll take just one of them?
There's no use asking me things like that.
I don't even know whether this
deal is on the level or not.
How can you make any plans at all?
Who's making any plans?
Look, Mister. All I can
figure to do with these
buzzards is just keep punting
and wait for a fumble.
How'd Bera do?
Struck out with two on.
That's my Bera, alright.
I think you better talk to this dame,
Colonel. There's a gimmick here somewhere.
How can I talk to her.
I don't speak German.
That's the gimmick. She's not German.
She's English.
Are you kidding?
- That's what she says.
She wants to talk to somebody
from British Intelligence.
Holy Moses.
What else did she say?
Nothing much. Just moaned when I told
her her husband would have to go
and put up a squawk for somebody English.
That's all we needed in this goulash.
A friend of the family.
Did anybody else hear this?
Yes, sir. Major Foster.
He was there with me.
Well, if this ain't a mess
I hope to kiss your uncle.
You mean this might effect the
situation, the fact that she's English?
For one thing, it could effect
my tail right out of the United.
States Army into a United
States jail if it ever got out.
So far I'm as clean as a whistle on a
couple of Germans with phony papers.
If the British ever got the idea that I'm
using one of their ladies in a swap shop
they could blast me right into Leavenworth.
Especially if she's dead.
Listen you jerk head you go tell Major
Foster I say keep his big mouth shut.
Do you understand?
- Yes, sir.
And you keep yours shut, too, if you
don't want me to break your neck.
Yes, sir. I understand, sir.
I knew it.
I knew it right from the beginning.
No matter which way you turn it.
Tango foot.
You sure you want me here, Colonel?
Of course. That's what you're
over here for, isn't it?
To see that we handle things Ok?
I'm Col. Van Dyke, Madam.
It's my duty to warn you that anything
you say may be used against you.
Do you understand that?
I understand.
But, I want to see a British official.
From Intelligence.
Why?
Because I'm English. English Born.
That's not what it says on your papers.
- I know. I can explain all that.
Alright then. Suppose you explain it to me.
What do you want to know?
Your name's not Schindler, is it?
No.
- What is it?
Cameron.
Rachel Cameron.
English?
- Yes.
What's your husband's name?
He's General Garrett Von Kreshner.
And when did you marry him?
- In 1931.
Where were you during the war?
With him.
In Germany?
- Yes.
Turned on your own country, eh?
I stayed with my husband.
And with the Nazis?
- No!
He wasn't a Nazi. Truly.
I know. Nobody was.
I don't know how that rumor ever got
started that there were Nazis in Germany.
He wasn't! I swear it!
It was the Nazis that put out his eyes.
Himmler's men.
For what?
He was in the July plot against Hitler.
And why didn't they kill him?
They were going to, only...
Well, he got away when the Americans
bombed the prison in Munich.
You're not really going to
send him east, are you?
I'm sorry, Madam, but I'm here to
ask questions not to answer them.
Is he alive?
He's still alive.
One thing more now.
Why do the Russians want
you and your husband?
It's not the Russians. It's Himmler's men.
They're working for the Russians, now.
They still want to kill us.
Oh, why didn't you let us die?
Why do you send us to them?
Colonel.
Ricky on the phone, sir.
She says it's important.
Ok.
That's all right now.
Hello, Cates?
I'm sorry to break in on you, but Lt.
Col. Stanways is here to see you.
He says it's very important.
Stanways? Who's he?
That sandy haired fellow
from British Intelligence.
British Intelligence.
Holy Moses. What does he want?
He didn't say, but he's very
anxious to see you right away.
Want me to send him over there?
Look, you keep him away from
here if you have to shoot him.
You didn't tell him where I was, did you?
Oh no.
It just occurred to me. Wasn't he
a friend of Col. Lodejinski's?
That's it. That's where I met him.
Uh...
You tell him to wait there.
I'm coming right over.
Get the briefcase, will you?
- Yes, sir.
You stay here, Leatherby.
I'll be right back.
What about the man?
Keep both of those people
alive, you understand?
Colonel?
- Yeah?
I think I'll go back to my hotel.
Oh, you do?
Well, I'm not needed here, so I'll
go back to my room and wait there.
Choked up, huh?
That's not it at all.
- What's the idea of bugging out?
Well, I'm not need here so I thought...
- You want your boy back, don't you?
You know I do.
- Then, you're not going anywhere.
You're going to stay right
here where you can see what
it takes to get him back.
Is that asking too much?
No, of course not, but I
thought I might as well...
Yeah, I know. You're only thinking
it was Ok for us to play it dirty
but you don't even want
to have to look at it.
Well, you should have thought
of that before you left Toledo!
Look, Mr. Leatherby, I want you here when
I get back. You understand? Right here.
Where you can see what all those
big fat taxes of yours go for.
I'm heading out.
- Yankees, 6-4. Last half of the 8th.
Thanks.
I used to think that guy
was a little crazy.
But, I've changed my mind about that.
He's big crazy.
You wouldn't happen to have another
cigarette on you, would you?
What about Hoffy?
- Not a word.
How are you, Stansy? Where
you been keeping yourself?
Oh, here and there.
Just got back this evening from a little
holiday behind the jolly old curtain.
That's right. You speak
that stuff, don't you?
Enough to get the general loddy.
What happened?
Of course you know he's dead.
- Yeah, but how?
Shot himself.
After shooting Nadia and the children.
They got something on him
in Moscow apparently.
I don't know what it was. Perhaps you do?
No.
Anyway, on Tuesday he had
orders to pack up, family
and all, and report back
to Moscow immediately.
Late that night, when the kids
were asleep, he finished them off.
Then Nadia.
Then himself.
Took almost two years of wire pulling to
get Nadia and the children out of Russia.
So I heard.
You know where he wanted to go?
Paris, Texas.
Odd choice, if I may say so.
Well, during the war he used
shuttle B-17s from Alaska.
He and some fellow from Paris,
Texas got to be buddies.
So, that's where he wanted to go.
I had it all set for him. The whole family.
Leaving here tomorrow night.
So I understood.
Anybody you know?
No, who is it?
Name of Stan.
Lived in Liverpool before the war. Worked
for Himmler and the SS during the war.
And now for the Ruskies.
They're top right, I believe.
So?
So, that's who got the dirt on
poor old Loddy and turned him in.
May I keep this?
- Yes, by all means.
Might come in handy some day.
I hope so.
Well, I'm sorry to be the bearer
of such bad news, Colonel, but...
I thought you'd want to hear it.
Yes, he was a nice guy.
- Yes. One of the best.
Well, goodnight.
- Goodnight.
Oh, Stansy?
Hello?
You ever by any chance hear of
a woman named Rachel Cameron?
Crikey, where did you dig that one up?
- Who is she?
Well, she's dead now you know?
- Oh, is she?
Yes, she and her husband both caught
a packet during a raid on Munich.
Oh, she lived here during the war?
Well, there's no harm in
telling you now, I suppose.
She was an English woman married to
a German officer before the war and
stuck with him when war broke out.
But, she used to send us bits of
information from time to time.
I remember reading a memorandum once...
You don't know where I can get some more
detailed information on her, do you?
Oh, I doubt that there'd be any we...
burned that sort of stuff pretty quickly,
you know reports from informants
who had to go on living here or
had families here or anything.
Why?
Oh, name cropped up in a case. Just
thought you might have heard of her.
She was very attractive I was told.
Well, thanks very much.
- Not at all.
Cheerio.
Excuse me. I wonder if
you can tell me what it
was I had in that little
brown bottle in there.
Root beer, sir.
Curious sort of stuff. Don't you think?
Root beer.
Why didn't he yell?
Let's go see.
What happened, Colonel?
Take a look in that briefcase.
See if those Lodejinski
papers are still there.
All here, sir.
I was wondering when she could
have got a crack at him.
Who?
You mean Hoffy turned in Lodie?
Looks like it. Stanways says she did.
Well, how could she?
I don't get it!
I've got a record on that woman
from the day she was born.
I've got every house she ever lived
in, every move she ever made
almost week by week and
is as clean as whistle.
Absolutely air tight.
Was there more than one copy of that stuff?
Not identifying him. No.
She ever come to your flat?
Nope.
Did you ever go to her...
What a stoop.
Well, that cooks the Leatherby
deal, too, I guess.
I'm terribly sorry, Steve.
I'd have sworn on a stack
of bibles a mile high.
Col. Van Dyke's office.
Yeah, he's right here, sir.
Cap Petrochine, sir.
Hello, Petey.
Do you know where Frau Hoffmeier is?
No. Where?
G-2 picked her up. She's
in Major Burns' office.
Well, they've got a nerve! What do they
mean by picking up one of my people?
I don't know anything
else about it, sir.
Just that they picked her up
and took her down there.
Look, do you know where they grabbed her?
Across the street from the Katacomb.
Around 8:30.
Ok, Petey. Thanks.
They got her upstairs.
Rick, you go down and wait in the car.
Eddie, you come with me.
We've got to get this deal rolling again.
Well, you're not going to
use here again, are you?
What else can we do, kid?
It's the only wheel in town.
Just like I told you, too. Remember?
Nothing but night work with those cruds.
What they need over there
is a good, strong union.
Come to think of it maybe I could
do with one of those myself.
Burnsy?
Who is it?
- It's Van Dyke. Let me in.
What's the idea, Burnsy?
We had orders to pick her up, sir.
Her name was on a list.
Did she tell you she was working for me?
Yes, sir.
- Well, don't you check a thing like that?
Yes, sir. Ordinarily. But I had my
orders direct from Col. Henderson.
What was the list for?
- Interrogations.
So, what do you think Col.
Henderson would say if I picked up
one of his people for interrogation.
I don't know.
Well, I do! He'd blow his
stack from here to Hoboken!
And you know it.
Do you have any objection if I talk
to her for a few minutes alone?
I suppose not, sir.
Steve, I'm frightened.
I'm frightened.
It's alright, baby.
It's alright. Nothing is
going to happen to you.
You will help me, won't you?
Why sure I will.
Come on over here now.
Sit right down here.
First, have they got anything on you?
On a good day.
You've got my records.
I fought the fascists, I fought the Reds.
I risked my life.
Alright, then. Now, tell me this,
what about these two people I got.
What do I do with them now?
That's what I was coming to tell you.
They want to make the exchange tonight.
Tonight? Who pulled that one?
Some of them want to send 'em east.
You could wait til tomorrow.
They got the boy over there now?
I understand they have him in Portstown.
If you could have the copy ready?
Well, I could have one of them ready.
What do you mean?
Well, didn't you hear?
They took strychnine.
Oh, great mother in heaven, no.
Yeah, the woman is still around,
but the man may be a goner.
What do you think they'll say to that?
What a dreadful thing. Those poor people.
Alright, honey. Save it, will ya?
What I gotta know right now is
whether we can still make the deal
with just one of them Do you know that?
No, I have to ask about that.
But, how can I do anything, Steve.
I can't get out of here.
I'm scared darling. I don't
know what they mean.
You've got to get me out of here darling.
You've just got to!
Alright.
I'm gonna get you out of here alright.
First, just take it easy for
a minute, will you, and listen to me.
Go ahead. I'm listening.
I want you to tell them something.
Tell them that if the man's
still alive I'm going
to deliver them both strictly
as advertised. You got that?
Yes.
- Otherwise, the best I can do is the woman.
Will she be alright?
Look, did you ever take strychnine?
- No.
Well, then you know as much as I do about
whether she's gonna be alright or not.
All I'm saying is that if she is alright
I'll have her there. Is that clear?
- Yes, I understand.
Now, get this.
It's 11:30.
I want this boy delivered
to the hospital at 1:00.
In an ambulance.
I want it backed into that entrance
where they take out the stiffs.
They'll know the one I mean.
- Yes.
The driver of the ambulance...
and whoever else is with him...
are not to get out of the front
seat of the car at any time.
They're not to set foot
on West Berlin soil.
And the transfer will be made entirely
by our personnel. Is that clear?
But, who will make the identifications?
You will.
You're going to handle the
whole deal for both sides.
Identifications, exchange, everything.
And if they don't like that...
You can tell them to go climb
a tree with my compliments.
Is that clear?
I'll tell them, of course.
Alright.
Maybe we're back in business.
You mean...
I can go?
What did I tell you?
I'll never forget this, Steve.
Thank you, darling.
No more feelings, huh?
I'm going to let her go,
Major, and it's entirely my
responsibility. You can tell that to Col.
Henderson.
Whatever you say, sir.
Alright, Hoffy.
You ever know me to pull
rank on you before, Burnsy?
No, sir.
Well, then, take my word for it.
This time it was necessary.
I gotta little job for
Frau Hoffmeier tonight.
Except for that isn't Frau Hoffmeier.
Who says it isn't.
That's the dame that got rid of
Frau Hoffmeier and took her place.
You know that scar on her neck.
She did it herself.
To fit the record because
Frau Hoffmeier had one.
Colonel, you've fallen smack
on your keister this time.
Thanks a lot, Burnsy.
I'll try to throw something
nice your way some time.
Let's go, Eddie.
This seems to be shaping up into
quite a fancy situation, Colonel.
If you figure it out let me know, will you?
And pretty unethical, too, if you ask me.
Remember the last time they tried
to give us a quick shuffle?
What was the name of that guy? Uh...
Ploopsky?
Bloopsky?
Droopsky?
Hey, Colonel!
Where's the old soldier?
He's trapped in that dumbwaiter again.
I must be slowing down. That's
my third round trip this week.
Are we gonna have to get dirty, too?
Only in case of a tie.
What are you going to do
if she doesn't show up?
What can I do? Just keep putting.
That's all.
Get Foster and find out
how those people are.
Yes, sir.
Just get me through to Toledo, Ohio. I'll
talk to anybody there. That's all I want!
Hi, Freddy.
I know there's a delay.
Will you try it again and call me back?
I'll be waiting at this number.
You know a nurse here, don't you?
That Collier girl.
Yes, sir.
See if you can get me about
10 grams of this burner.
What is it?
Male hormones. Will you stop
asking so many questions.
Oh, and look, make a
note: Send 3 dozen red
roses to Major Burns'
wife tomorrow morning.
Yes, sir.
Now, you fellas mind clearing
out of here for a little while?
Well?
- I want to know what you're up to, Steve.
Why?
I don't care what you think
of that government over there.
You can't make any kind of
a crooked deal with it.
Who's dealing with any government?
- Aren't you?
Now, look Freddy. We asked them over
there about Cpl. Leatherby, didn't we?
Yes.
- So, what did they say?
That they'd never heard of him of course.
Oh, alright. How can I
be making a deal with
a government that never
even heard of him?
You know very well that that's
only their way doing things.
Not in my book. If a big, friendly
power like the Russians
tells me they never heard of Cpl.
Leatherby, that's good enough for me.
Now, won't you run along and
let me get on with this job.
Then whom are you dealing with?
Now, look Freddy, for Pete's sake.
Don't you think the Russians
like a little piece
of private enterprise as
well as anybody else?
As far as I'm concerned
I'm dealing with a small
group of progressive
businessmen over there.
What I think you Americans call a "mob".
Now, is there anything wrong with that?
Yes, sir?
- Well, how are they?
Well, the woman's coming
around Ok, but the
man's on dead center.
He might go either way.
Look, Fred, win, lose or draw I'm
going to play poker tonight.
Now, why don't you run along over to the
press hall and get the game started now.
When I get there I'll give you the
complete run-down. So help me.
Ok, Steve, but I'm warning you right now.
If you blow up any
trouble here don't look for me
to back you up. You understand?
I know. I...
No matter how you put it there's
absolutely no excuse, no justification
for any such high-handed action.
Unless, of course, you get the boy.
Yeah?
Colonel?
Ok, what's the answer?
It's all agreed to.
- Nice going, baby.
But, they insist that they must
have both our people.
Well, if they're still alive they
can have them. I already said that.
But, what if one of them dies?
Is the deal off?
I'm afraid I have to explain that
part of it to you when I get there.
Why? Aren't you alone?
No.
Well, listen, tell them I can't
sit around here all night
while they scratch their
lousy heads over this thing.
Either that ambulance is here by 1:00 or
I'm going to the press hall to play poker.
I understand.
- Alright then.
Now, look.
What time do you think you can get here?
I'll try to be there by 12:30.
Ok, see you then.
Oh, goodnight, Morris.
You're right.
This deal is getting trickier
than a basket full of eels.
Something new?
Well, I can't tell yet.
But, get this. It's important.
- Yes, sir.
Alert border control
there's going to be an East Zone ambulance
on the line at Checkpoint Charlie
between 12:30 and 12:45.
This ambulance is to be passed
through the line without
examination or delay of any kind.
You got that?
Yes, sir.
Identification of personnel in
the ambulance is to be waived.
Completely and without qualification.
Got it?
Yes, sir.
- And then I want you to signal the M.P.'s.
Same alert along the route and tell them to
buzz you the minute the ambulance passes.
Ok, sir.
That all, sir.
- No.
I want you to get me a bottle of absinthe.
Absinthe.
- Yeah, you think you could swing that?
Well, I could try.
- It's a must. I gotta have it.
Well, as it just so happens I
know a doll who loves that stuff.
Ok, Ok.
And then tell that sentry on the gate,
when a woman named Hoffmeier shows up
send her straight in here.
Got you, sir.
Doc, I want you to tell
me something in detail.
Alright.
I want you to tell me
exactly what it was
that you did for those two people
when we brought them in here tonight.
What do you mean?
- The treatment.
Sergeant.
Is Col. Van Dyke busy?
Well, yes he is right now, sir. Is
there anything I can do for you?
I'd like to see him when he's free.
- Well, I'll tell him, sir.
You know what he's going to do?
Haven't the foggiest, dear boy, sir.
If he isn't committed for this one, I
don't know a looney when I see one.
Good?
You never taste it?
No, sir. I've been so busy with beer.
She can have my part of it.
Uh, Colonel?
Yeah.
I was just wondering sir, uh...
Wondering what, Sergeant.
Well, sir, the
doll that I borrowed that
from speaks so highly of it that, uh...
That what?
Well, sir, I mean she even cooks with it.
Does she really?
What I was thinking, you
kind of hate to have a doll
that you're going around
with know more than you do.
Especially about important things.
Like liquor.
Ok, one swallow.
That's all I want, sir. Just
enough to make me sophisticated.
Serves you right, you pig.
Those dames must have...
Those dames must have
stomachs like Emory wheels.
You get that ambulance
deal lined up alright?
All set, sir.
Well, get back on the phone
and stay with it, will you?
Ok, sir.
Oh, I almost forgot, sir.
Uh, the tycoon wants to talk to ya.
About what?
I don't know. He didn't say, sir.
But, he's not looking too well.
I don't think
this waiting around is
doing him any good.
Tell him to come in here.
- Yes, sir.
Go right in, sir. He's waiting for you.
- Thank you.
C'mon in.
You got any money on you?
I have.
- I mean American money.
How much do you want?
- All you've got.
Well, that's great. That's exactly what I
need. I'll give it back to you if I can,
but if we're lucky you won't want it back.
That doesn't matter.
That's right. I forgot you're loaded.
I take it that this woman's
story has been checked.
Enough of it. She's apparently
what she says she is.
If she and her husband go back...
What do you think they'll
really do to them?
What do you care?
Well, I feel a responsibility
towards them. That's all.
Not four hours ago, sir.
You expressed to me a
total indifference to
what happened to them.
Your only concern, you told me,
was for your son and your wife.
I know more now than I did then.
They'll kill them, I suppose. Torture
them first probably, and then kill them.
They got her pegged now, tipping
off the British during the war.
And this is just a little unfinished
business they want to polish off.
They're a methodical bunch of guys,
you know. What time do you got?
12:22.
Hey, soldier. See if you can find my
secretary, will you? Ms. Cates. Ask anybody.
Yes, sir.
Colonel.
What do you think they'll do to my boy?
No idea.
Sometimes they dope 'em up and run them
through some kind of kangaroo court.
Sometimes you just never hear
anything more about them.
Do they ever kill them?
That I can't tell you.
Why?
What would you say if I told you I changed
my mind about this whole business?
What whole business?
I feel we oughta let Johnny
take his chances over there.
I just can't send this woman back to
what you say she's going back to.
Are you sure you really
know what you're saying?
I do.
And what about his mother?
I'm sure that I speak for her, too.
If you live to be 100, Mr.
Leatherby, you'll never
do or say anything more
becoming to you than that.
But, the truth is your wishes have nothing
to do with the matter. They never have had.
These are decisions that have
to be made by a soldier.
Well, it's about time.
Not easy to get.
Wunderbar.
All I need now is Hoffy.
You should have heard what I had to go
through to get that stuff. What is it?
Goofer dust.
Are you nuts?
It's Ok.
Tastes even better.
Hey, mac, where do you want to go?
To the hospital, Gould and Valdyke.
Ok. Follow me.
Ambulance just crossed the border, sir.
Holy Moses, if that dame stands me up!
Are you sure they're watching the gate?
I'll tell them again, sir.
Is that the ambulance my son is in?
It's the one he's supposed to be in.
Where you from, Colonel?
Huh? Oh, Wisconsin. A little town called
Prairie Du Chien. You never heard of it.
I've heard of it.
There's a college there, isn't there?
Yeah, that's right. Campion
College a little Catholic school.
Used to have pretty good
football teams there in my day.
Before all this two platoon stuff.
May happen again, now.
Campion College.
Toledo, Ohio.
We're along way from home tonight, Colonel.
My name is Frau Hoffmeier. I have
an appointment with Col. Van Dyke.
Straight down the road, Miss. To the right.
Thank you.
You Frau Hoffmeier?
Yes.
Col. Van Dyke is waiting
for you in room 15.
Thank you.
Come in.
I thought Col. Van Dyke was in here.
He just went downstairs to check on a man.
He'll be back in a moment.
Will you be kind enough
to go tell him I'm here?
With pleasure.
You know I thought
something happened to you.
No.
But, I'll be glad when it's over.
Won't we all.
Everything Ok over there?
So they told me.
Well, the ambulance has
started already, you know?
That's good.
And the man's alright?
Apparently. As far as
they can tell, anyway.
Oh, this whole thing makes
me a little sick, Steve.
I don't think I could do it again.
Aw, forget it, baby. You
did it in a good cause.
Ambulance just rounded the far turn, sir.
Hi ya, Hoffy.
Hi, Ed.
- Get back on the phone, will you.
Just like a minute ago, sir.
Well.
Nothing left to do now
then but wait, I guess.
I suppose so.
So, alright, then?
What are you doing later on tonight?
Straight to bed.
The minute this is over.
I can't tell you how terrified I was.
My idea was that you and I would step
out afterwards and lift a couple.
Oh, now Steve.
Just for you.
Eddie got it.
From one of his dolls around here.
Well.
That's although awfully sweet of him.
But, I don't think I could tonight, Steve.
Not yet anyway.
Stop kidding.
If we can't use a drink now, we never will.
Well...
Just one, I suppose.
Wunderbar.
You know that Burnsy, he must
be hitting the pipe these days.
He's got me mixed up with somebody else.
That's what I mean. He had a
real dipsy doodle this time.
That you were working
both sides of the street.
I know.
He told me.
Well, the trouble with those
bubble heads down there
is they think that
everybody's jerky but them.
What did you tell him?
You know that briefcase of mine?
Yes.
Well, when I showed Burnsy
what I had in there about you
his eyeballs almost fell out.
I got stuff in there about you that you
probably don't even know yourself.
I don't doubt it.
I got you pegged within an
inch of your life, kid.
You know that?
I'm sure you have.
If I don't know you, honey...
I don't know anybody.
To Auld Lang Syne.
You're a beast.
But...
What's the matter?
Aren't you with me tonight?
I don't think I'd better handle afterward.
Not even one?
Just for a foundation.
Not until we've got this done with.
Come in.
It's alright. She's with us.
I'm sorry, sir, but the man checked out.
You mean he's dead?
Yes, sir.
But, you told me he was
going to be alright.
I thought he was.
- You didn't say "thought"!
You told me his heart was coming
around and he was going to make it.
Now, what did you butchers do to him?
Look, Colonel, we gave him oxygen and
I just gave him a dose of adrenalin.
Alright. Get out.
I'm sorry, sir.
There it is. You heard it.
Take it or leave it. I don't care which.
Is the woman alright?
Would you like to go and feel her pulse?
- Please, Steve.
You can if you want to.
- It won't be necessary.
But, I'm afraid I will have to see the man.
But, he's dead.
That's what they told me to do.
What's the point in that?
I've got to, Steve, if I'm
to go on working with them.
You know how
suspicious they are.
Yeah, huh. Ok.
Finish your drink. We'll
go take a look at him.
I'll have it afterward.
Don't be a dope. You don't want to look
at a stiff on an empty stomach, do you?
I think I'd better.
I don't feel so good anyway.
Hey, Colonel!
They're here.
Hey, you! Get back in there.
Don't you sprechen sie English?
Nein.
You tell him to either follow his
instructions or get this tank out of here.
I'll talk to him.
Didn't she drink it?
No, but I did.
This thing is locked.
I don't think he meant any harm.
Just stupid.
Open it up.
Now what do you think
you're going to prove?
May I talk to him first?
- Go ahead.
What's your name?
Can't you hear me?
Yes, ma'am.
Then give me your name, please.
Leatherby.
Cpl. John Leatherby.
Serial number?
Where's Rick?
In with the woman, sir.
Well, tell her to get
that bottle in there.
Yes, sir.
And get back here quick.
Can't you give me the pitch, sir?
I'm not sure yet.
It's beginning to look like a tie.
Will you talk to him?
Hello, Johnny.
Dad.
What are you doing here?
You're alright now, son.
Banks, Ernie.
Hiya, boy.
Hi.
- Sorry to get home?
Oh boy.
Oh, the woman's in here.
That's alright. I'll see her
when they bring her out.
Alright.
Let's go check the man
and get it over with.
Where is he?
If he's not in here, Foster
will have him brought up.
I'm very sorry for this, Steve.
Get Major Foster.
- Yes, sir.
You know what this is for, don't you?
You got that bottle?
- Yes, sir.
Pour a slug of it down her, will ya?
Holy Moses. What happened?
When they won't fumble, they only
thing you can do is steal the ball.
Strap her down, will ya?
You are the darndest man.
What about that escort?
All set, sir. Just waiting for the whistle.
Alright, let her explain them
apples to her buddies over there.
They're coming.
She's all yours, Matt.
Hey, you, comrade!
They're roasting 'em.
Come on, Colonel, they're gone now.
Please, Steve.
Yeah, where's the woman?
- Here she is right now.
Take her down where her husband is.
So they can wake up together.
- Yes, sir.
Now, where are you going to do this siphon?
Right here in surgery.
Won't you please come in?
Oh, Rick?
- Yes?
Uh, call that kid, Cathy.
- I will.
Is it going to hurt much?
- No!
Colonel!
- Ok, Ok, but I can't stand much pain!
Please, Rick.
It's just a little poison.
What was that final score?
The Yanks took it in the 10th. 7-6.
They're going to have to
break up that team yet.
Excuse me, sir, but there is a Mr.
Leathersby who wants to see you.
Where?
- At the terrace.
I'll be there in just a minute.
- Thank you, sir.
Oh, I guess not.
I'm out.
You got a cigarette?
- Nope.
Never carry them anymore.
Only way to break yourself of the
habit, they tell me. How many?
Well, the whole family, huh?
At ease, Corporal. Glad to
see you on your feet again.
Thank you, sir.
- Morning, Colonel.
Morning.
Well, Cathy, how do you feel now?
I feel just fine now. Thank you, sir.
How about you?
Oh, I'm going to have to give
up this game for a while.
It's beginning to cut
too much into my sleep.
Well, I hate to break in on you, but my
son has something he wants to say to you.
With the Colonel's permission.
Ok, can you keep it short?
Well, all I wanted to say, sir, was...
Well, my father told me what
all you did for us and...
Well, it meant a lot to all the men.
It meant a lot to all of us.
I think that just about covers it, Corporal.
You don't have to spread yourself.
While we're about it, I think I
ought to tell you that your old man
pulled one last night, too.
A little decision.
Right from here.
It was really big league stuff.
But, you'll have to take
my world for it because
neither of us is ever
going to mention it again.
That right?
You're in charge, Colonel.
- Oh, really?
Well, that's finally clear, maybe I'll keep
my nose out of the axle grease business.
Well, goodbye Johnny.
Goodbye, sir, and thanks again.
- And good luck to you.
Anything else I can do for you?
No, you've done about everything.
Thank you, Colonel.
Well, if you lose him again, call me.
Well, goodbye, honey.
Good luck.
- Goodbye, Colonel.
Best to you.
- Thank you, sir.
See you in Toledo.
We interrupt this program for an announcement
from American military headquarters here.
The return of Cpl. John J.
Leatherby of Toledo, Ohio
who was picked up by the
Russians ten days ago
has been effected through regular channels.
The promptness to which the Russians
responded to diplomatic conversations
is interpreted by many here
as still further indication
that they are now genuinely anxious for the
resumption of normal, peaceful relations
with the Western powers.