The Hour (2011) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
1 Fine! Who sent you? Did they send you? Come out quietly.
You are surrounded.
Hey, johnny! You didn't think I'd give up that easily, did you? Oh, please, no! He's going to jump! Don't shoot.
Please don't shoot! - Oh! - He's gone.
The Man Who Knew.
He's gone.
Smoke around these lights again and you won't be back next week.
Three o'clock.
And how are you enjoying the part, Mr Le Ray? It's very exciting.
Terrific.
One does one's best with the script.
You're staring.
He was surprisingly good.
For a man in mourning.
- Great show, Ron.
- Bloody actors.
Ron - What are we doing here? - The drinks are free.
Oh good, she's coming over.
Hector's awful.
He says you've declined, but I refuse to believe it.
Tell me you will come this weekend.
She's very persistent.
I did try.
Wasn't my husband simply brilliant last night? - You dropped that second question.
- Talk to Lix.
I did.
So what do we think of our Man Who Knew? Wasn't it ridiculous? I knew who'd done it five minutes in, didn't I, Hector? - I said.
- Yes.
But don't tell Adam.
He's one of my brother's bestest friends.
And he's had a terrible time.
It's all trés, trés trag/que.
Tell me more.
I'm going to grab that Wonderful show, Adam.
Good evening, good evening.
Hmm.
Here comes our shadow again.
And even when we are not working, you are always near.
- We just cannot shake you, Mr McCain.
- Remaining vigilant.
Miss Rowley is worried that you have no life outside of work, Angus.
None as captivating as Miss Rowley and The Hour.
Damned fine programme last night, I must say.
And transatlantic telephone cable systems have never seemed so interesting.
I thought the live call was a stroke of genius.
Thank you.
It was Miss Rowley's idea.
Oh.
Wallace, there you are.
Do excuse me.
Wallace, I hear you're shooting this weekend Wave and smile.
I hate that man.
On the contrary.
It's a mark of how well you're doing that you've rattled McCain's cage.
Please come this weekend.
The people are awful and you'll be screaming to go home by Sunday but Darling, this man is brilliant.
You didn't tell me they were all so interesting.
Did you know a python could swallow a baby whole if it had a mind to? No.
Well, she won't be persuaded.
A Town Like Alike is opening at the Coronet.
We could go next weekend.
I'm driving down with Daddy tonight, but Hector's bringing the car first thing.
I know he'd like the company.
- And you must come too, Mr Lyon.
- I must.
- You might find it quicker on the train.
- Surely not.
Come on, love.
- You hate the country.
- I lied.
Excuse me.
Mr Kish? We've missed you.
You're surprisingly elusive.
- And yet you're here tonight.
- Yes.
Everyone says how hard you work at the World Service.
And yet whenever I try to get hold of you, you're never at your desk.
I hope they pay you overtime, whoever they are.
Were you following me yesterday? Coming out of Embankment Station? - Why would I do that? - You knew Ruth Elms.
I have you on film with her, with her and Peter Darrall.
Looks like it was a sunny day.
You sat at my desk with her obituary stuck on the wall.
- You said what a pretty girl - She was.
Both are now dead.
That might unsettle some people.
Did you kill him? - Peter Darrall? - Yes.
Every time we played at cards.
The holiday I presume you're referring to was more of a weekend.
I don't recall anyone making a film.
Perhaps, Mr Lyon, we might have a drink sometime? - Steady, steady.
Ladies was blocked.
Is he good-looking, do you think? Would you classify that as a good-looking face? It's all to do with symmetry and the balance of the left and the right of your face.
You see, the more even you are, the more beautiful you are.
You see this eyebrow? It's wider than the other one.
And me nose, I got a dip right here.
But a good-looking person, it'll all be the same, equal.
Hmm.
Well, he doesn't really do much for me but Isaac.
just the man.
- Tomorrow, I want you in.
- It's Saturday.
Your commitment has been duly noted.
Mr Albert has had a film of mine for weeks.
I gave it to him to look over.
You're to pick it up first thing.
Don't let it out of your sight.
- Magpie.
- Damn.
Six to your two.
What are you scribbling, Freddie? I'm surprised we can lure you away from your desk.
"What is he writing?" I often ask myself.
Mainly the words that will come out of your mouth.
Whenever Sissy thrusts those hot little sheets of paper into my hand, I wonder if at last I'll find out why Mr Lyon is so intrigued by a debutante's suicide? My first girlfriend was a debutante.
I wrote her pages of godawful poetry during the war.
Line? - Line? - Happily forgotten.
I don't think I've ever been sent love poetry.
Yes, you have.
"I do not know what it is about you "that closes and opens; only something in me" No.
Can't remember the rest.
Meanwhile, British and French governments are in close discussion in an attempt to resolve the crisis immediately.
The Suez Canal Company has been occupied with keeping working.
But the power remains in Colonel Nasser's hands and there is growing unease as to which direction he will take.
You're late! Daddy's furious.
Leave the bags.
- Jemima.
- Darling.
Oh, you're freezing.
You're all freezing.
- You missed the morning's drive.
- Sorry, darling.
Come, come.
The pictures, I know, I know.
Daddy thinks they're awfully creepy but they're all Mummy's relatives.
Thieves and liars, every one of them.
Each room is a different decor.
Not entirely to modern taste, but poor Mummy has very little imagination.
Miss Rowley, this is you.
And you're in the green one.
I wasn't sure if you were together, but Hector thought not.
Even so, I put you close.
We're trés libéral here.
Thank you, but there was really no need.
One never can tell how things will work out.
Bugger! How the hell did Hector get out of it? He hasn't.
I've sent him off to change.
Ralphie, meet our guests.
This is my brother.
- He's a monster.
- Hello.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hello.
I've been sent back.
Wrong socks.
Did you tell Mother Adam was coming down? Ralphie, don't be boring.
She's invited those appalling Roedean girls again.
Well, good.
We're a little short of girls.
- You did bring a dress? - Mummy! Ralphie, don't be mean.
She's lying down.
Lunch is at 1:00.
Then we always have a big walk afterwards.
C 'est magn/f/que/ Shut up and go and change, please.
Swot! - It's Saturday.
Leave immediately.
- Mr Lyon wanted me in.
Curiouser and curiouser.
And I had some work to do on my Jackson Pollock piece.
Hmm.
Mr Kish, almost a full house.
- No one told me to expect you in.
- Didn't they? I rather enjoy the place to myself for the weekend.
I've got the most horrible wallpaper.
What's yours like? Remind me to lock that.
And your bed's softer than mine.
- What are we doing here? - I don't know.
I've missed a gripping Saturday of Scrabble with man papa, then sardines on toast for afters in front of the TV.
What's your excuse? Oh, Christ.
I won't actually have to hold a gun, will I? - Settling in? - Oh, yes.
Very well, thank you.
You'll need boots.
It gets pretty muddy this time of year.
Thank you.
Well, see you later.
At lunch.
Oh, what? He's being kind.
The Man Who Knew.
Shoots for real.
- And I didn't even bring a dress.
- You can have mine.
Oh, hell! I'm surprised hell can spare him.
It was shot on 8mm.
Mr Albert said it was professionally developed, but he doesn't think over here.
The scratches on the lens could be sand.
And the pot looks Eastern.
- What else? - I don't know.
I've left the rest of the notes on your desk.
- Then go and get them.
-1 can't.
- He's sitting at it.
- Who? Mr Kish.
He's in? What's he doing? Eating a sandwich.
If it's of any interest, I think he's been drinking.
- It takes one to know one, sweetheart.
- What do I do? Just watch him, and don't let that film out of your sight.
Away, away! - May I? - Yes, please.
We saw your show last night.
You do that news programme.
The odd outside broadcast.
Did you like it? The Man Who Knew? Ingenious title.
We're still waiting on the reviews.
You haven't got today's paper, have you? - No.
- Have we met before? I covered your engagement party.
Frederick Lyon.
Adam Le Ray.
My condolences on your loss.
Ralph, whose idea was it to sit me next to a journalist? - Marnie arranged the seating.
- We're all friends here.
You've known each other a long time? No, not long.
It's all a bit of a whirlwind.
- Still - Leave the boy alone, Mr Lyon.
It's the weekend.
He's an awfully good shot.
You wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him.
Gold reserves have taken a tumble.
Down £800,000 since July.
Does Eden know what he's going do about it? Let's solve this problem in Egypt, shall we, Wallace? And then I'll talk to you about gold.
And when are you going to solve it? The Soviets have just sent in "volunteers" to help Nasser run the canal.
That's very worrying, darling.
Please do not worry yourself, dear Mrs Sherwin.
I can assure you there is a solution in hand, and our prime minister will guide us through this crisis.
You and your boys at Westminster have been feeding us that line for weeks.
It's growing a little tired.
We've offered Nasser Egyptian representation on the Suez Canal Company board, with a share in its profits.
And any pact is seen by Nasser as veiled colonialism.
The truth is you don't know what to do.
He's doing too little to provoke a war, but just enough to provoke our prime minister.
And why you think it's a good idea to let him on air, exposing his frailty, is Well, I'm sure Angus will dutifully pass on your good thoughts to the Prime Minister, Freddie.
Well, someone ought to.
Otherwise he may not take the country with him.
Marilyn Monroe's been sick with gastritis.
Yes, they've had to delay the shooting of The Sleeping Prince for four days.
Olivier is apparently livid.
I'd have gastritis if I was married to that Mr Miller.
And his plays, Hector and I went to see one last week.
- What was it called again, Hector? - It escapes me now.
Oh, damn.
- Bad luck! - It's the wrong weight.
- I prefer something lighter.
- Stop fussing, Angus.
You're a little liverish today.
I've never understood the point of shooting.
That's because you live in London.
The only thing they shoot in London is films or each other.
It grows on you.
Especially if you manage to When you actually hit something.
Did you get a chance to talk to him? I thought you'd be interested.
I'm not an idiot.
I know you think you're onto something with Ruth Elms.
I am.
Well, you won't have much luck with Adam.
Obvious as hell he wasn't in love with her.
Well, then he's a fool.
Girls like Ruth Elms are a rare breed.
You don't get it, do you? You'll see.
He comes alive after dinner.
Marnie's got us all dancing in the dining room.
You shoot, we jive.
- How many did you miss? - As many as I could.
I don't like shooting things.
Well, how do you think they killed that beef you had for lunch? - With boredom? Are you going to help me pluck them? No, sorry.
Have to jive.
Isaac, you've been slurping that coffee for nearly an hour.
- Surely it's gone cold by now? - Mr Fendley Working the weekend? Very good.
Mr Lyon wanted me to cover a couple of things.
Oh? What might those be? What's he paying you? - A pint and a bag of chips.
- You've been had.
He's not sure about Mr Kish.
Then he's 'gust one on Mr Lyon's very hang âst.
You are the definition of enigma, Mr Lyon.
You clean a gun as if you've done it before.
Your father? A poacher, I bet.
Tell me your secret, do.
Did you put pressure on Clarence to drop my interview with Lord Elms? It was you, wasn't it? The buck stops with your producer, I'd say.
You will encourage Miss Rowley and her team to work with us, Hector? That's a little presumptuous, isn't it? - What do you mean "will"? - It is to be advised.
Things in Suez will only get worse and the BBC may find itself coming under increasing pressure in the coming weeks if they don't.
You are a guest in my family's house, Angus.
Don't outstay your welcome.
Angus Got a light? The Lord Elms film didn't blow.
Did it? I'm starving, so you're going to have to wait until after dinner if you want to fight.
I couldn't run them both.
I couldn't risk Hafiz and Lord Elms speaking out of turn.
It's censorship.
It's political sabotage Hafiz was the better story.
You would have done the same thing.
- No.
- Yes.
But I can't even get near him now.
He refuses even to take my calls.
Can you let it go just for one weekend? Gist, Bright, Tree, Rest, Tribe, Tone, Stone, Rover How the hell do you bloody decode it? I don't know, because I'm not a spy.
Well, it can't be that difficult! Are you all right? Bloody dog hair.
What's he doing now? Translating Nasser's rejection of Menzies' proposals.
And Clarence is in.
Talking to Lix.
- Have you told him anything? -No.
Uh, yes.
Not much.
Not good, Mr Wengrow, not good.
Please will you not just - Oh, I've seen it all before.
- Not on me.
- Who are you talking to? - Isaac.
- Ask him what he's working on.
- Pollock.
- He's getting up.
- To do what? Put his wrapper in the bin.
Isaac, anything else in? Swedish ship scuttled in King George Dock, Hull.
Mine squished over everything in my bag.
Apparently, it's on fire.
Tell him that Pollock only runs if he can get an interview.
He died four weeks ago.
It's all right.
Oh Iwas worried you might not have towels.
- I forgot toothpaste.
- Hmm.
Careful not to get any on your silk.
Is it silk? One can't tell any more, what with all the marvellous new cheap synthetics.
Damn.
He's leaving.
Follow him.
How the hell does Lix know what you're doing as well? Obvious, darling.
He's hardly Poirot.
Don't let him follow him with the film.
Tell him to lock it in my desk drawer.
Lix Do you hear? God.
Marniejust saw me coming of your bathroom.
And? I think Marnie's fun.
I'm sorry.
I should have told you the truth about the Lord Elms film.
Yes.
Just because you're one of them, don't act like them.
I won't.
I promise.
What if I've got it wrong? What if there's nothing in this bloody crossword and I'm just bored and Avoiding a grown-up life? You? You're right.
A momentary lapse.
They're very even.
Your ears.
Dinner.
Darling? - I knew it.
- What? Miss Rowley and Mr Lyon.
I've just seen her coming out of his bathroom.
- Really? - Didn't I say? What's wrong? Don't put me near McCain at dinner.
What? Nothing.
Freddie, you can't possibly wear that jacket and those shoes.
It's a little long in the leg, but you can make up for it with the shoes.
The jacket will be Here's one of my old ones.
I was a little trimmer then.
I mean, no one gives a monkey's what you're wearing.
It's bloody ridiculous.
We're just sitting down to eat.
No one's getting married or buried or anything but we just do it.
We just obey these ridiculous rules because Christ help us if we don't! It's only a suit.
You'll need cufflinks.
- Here.
- Thank you.
She's a wonderful woman.
Bel.
Yes.
Well, don't be late.
There's never enough soup.
And now for news from abroad.
Talks between the five-nation Suez committee and Colonel Nasser failed dramatically last night when the Egyptian president rejected the proposals put to him? by Australian prime minister Robert Menzies.
Looks like he's turned down your proposal.
- May I use your telephone? -Of course, in the hall.
The only reason why they sent Menzies is because America won't agree to help.
And now look.
Complete farce.
If Eisenhower wasn't running for re-election, the Americans would have stood by us a little more instead of hiding behind the United Nations and opening the door to Russia.
Perhaps the President knows something we don't.
Like how to win an election.
That was a very good point you made earlier, though.
Can you inform the Prime Minister that I'm trying to get a hold of him? This country's become far too entrenched in what it thinks it's entitled to.
Perhaps it needs the likes of you and I to shake things up a bit.
- I'm off.
- All quiet? Israel's becoming increasinglyjumpy.
They don't like the Soviets in their backyard.
They'll be in Suez before us at this rate.
- I saw.
- Does Edith ever see you? I pity that poor woman, Clarence.
I really do.
- And who should I pity, Lix? - No one.
- That's the way I like it.
- Mr Kish gone? No, not yet.
World Service speak very highly of him.
Well, his Arabic's brilliant.
Though I haven't found a single programme he's worked on in the eight years that he's been at the BBC.
Night-night.
Mr Kish.
Still here? I'm just making final amendments to Nasser's rejection of Menzies' proposals.
Lix wanted it all down.
"What we have ever to do with ease, we must first do with diligence.
" - So beautiful on the page.
- There are 28 basic letters.
It's the style that varies the form.
- It's remarkable.
- I think so, yes.
"Kish".
Hungarian? Russian.
On my father's side.
Well, don't work too late.
I'll be off, then.
- Goodnight, Mr Wengrow.
- Night.
- You don't dance, Angus? - No.
Don't dance, can't shoot.
What are you doing here? Eden's called an emergency meeting.
I may have to leave early.
Oh, we'll try not to miss you too much.
They're insisting everyone attends.
"They" again? The mysterious "they".
"They" don't want you to know who "they" are, do they, Angus? Have you read it? Middle section.
"Adam Le Ray has all the charisma and threat of a carpetbagger.
"One can forgive Mr Le Ray most things, but a basic lack of talent "is suspect in a man so devoid of anything else.
" Well, I just did what you said.
And now the papers crucify me.
You need to get to bed.
Hector, take him up.
Yes, I think some sleep would do him good.
You said marry her and everything would be all right.
- Now she's dead.
- Get him out.
- Freddie, could you - I'm all right.
I remember you now.
Get him out! I did what you said! - I'm going to be sick.
- What was he talking about? God knows.
- What do you mean? - Slap him.
Reawl? Ah! Ow! Bastards! What the hell did you mean? You did what he said.
Who? Was it McCain? - What did McCain tell you to do? - Marry her.
- Marry her.
- Ruth? Sorry.
Well, you didn't think it was for love, did you? - A girl in trouble and me.
- What? If I married her, then no one would know what I am.
You should have bloody cared.
You should have bloody loved her! Let him sleep it off.
Here.
- Is he all right? - Why'd you let him get drunk like that? Every time, Ralph! - We were just having a bit of fun.
-Oh, yes, of course.
Always fun.
No.
Leave him.
Did you hear what he said? These silent deals are struck all the time, Freddie.
- No.
- Then consider yourself fortunate.
One learns to recognise it.
A slow deadening in the eyes, acceptance of defeat.
I lived with the Elms family.
During the war.
On and off.
My mother, she worked as a secretary for Lord Elms, before she met my father.
They took me in during the Blitz, the odd summer, Christmas.
I hated shooting then.
I don't understand this world.
I've never understood it, how any of you live.
There lies the rub.
Have you seen them? - Who? - Any of them.
67, 68, 69 Sardines.
- Oh God.
I'm so sorry.
Why do grown-ups insist on playing party games? Didn't we do enough of that as children? I never had parties as a child.
- Everyone had birthday parties.
- Not me.
- Well, not until I met Marnie.
-Oh, you're in it for the cake.
97, 98, 99 Coming! Not here.
-- Shh! I think she's coming.
Sardines! Bel? Precautionary measure.
"Revert âto Bfughtstone "Better rovers tonight, "Sherbert invert grotto, "brighteners veto tort.
" It's a fair point but - It just jumps out at you.
-Mmm.
Like "Observe trotter night.
" Why would you marry someone you didn't love? Are you asking? Because you were lonely.
Because you had to.
- Because you were in trouble.
- Pregnant? Is that That is what "trouble" means? Poor, innocent boy.
Because you had something to hide? Because there was a promise of a career at the end of it? Because the person that you loved was doing something that they shouldn't? Because the person you loved was a spy passing secrets? Freddie, it's one o'clock in the morning.
"He knows.
"He knows, revert to Brightstone.
" You need to sleep.
Good idea.
Not with me.
- Boring Moneypenny.
- And stop calling me that.
"I don't know what it is about you "that closes and opens; "only something in me understands the voice of your eyes "is deeper than all roses.
"Nobody, not even the rain, "has such small hands.
" E.
E.
Cummings.
That's the one.
Hector.
You've just missed a wonderful game of sardines.
Where were you? Nowhere.
I'm awfully tired, aren't you? Yes.
- Hello? - Frederick? Sorry? Frederick? Everyone is still asleep here.
Help! - Let me come with you.
- It's fine.
Stay.
He's all right.
Someone broke in last night and he'sjust a bit shaken up.
- Mrs B went over straight away.
- Ready? Really.
Can you slow down a bit? You know, you're very interesting to me, Mr Lyon.
I'd be more interesting alive than dead.
For all your socialist principles, no one does as well as you without help.
Can you please just You can let me out here.
I'll take the train.
Don't be ridiculous.
There's only one, it won't get you to London until the middle of next week.
You think you heard something last night.
Hmm.
What you actually heard were the drunk ramblings of an actor whose career is faltering at the starting gate.
I give The Man Who Knewa week.
I think you're wrong.
I think Adam Le Ray is a very interesting man with a lot to say for himself.
And I plan to listen.
And find out as much as I can.
I'm a big supporter of the spirit of enquiry.
A different time and I may well have offered you a job.
- Work with us, Freddie.
- I'd rather not.
The hours are appalling and the people are tedious.
I don't think it's privilege you dislike.
I think it's fear that in spite of it, you still won't be let in.
You'll drive carefully, won't you, darling? We will, we will.
Come on, Ralph, let's get a move on.
Safe journey.
- Bye, my dears.
- Bye, Mummy.
Shall I take these? - You really don't have to drive me.
- I insist.
Look after him.
Precious cargo.
Hmm.
Drive carefully.
Yes, do be careful, Hector.
Let's get you a cup of tea.
- What are you doing here? - There was a break-in.
At my father's.
Good grief, I'm so sorry.
Is he all right? He's sleeping.
I just needed to get out.
- Was anything taken? - Nothing, except a photo of me with my mother.
What's your excuse? Oh, dinner with a dreadful great-aunt, I'm stalling for as long as I can, but The Egyptians have issued a new set of proposals.
Is Isaac in? Somewhere, knee-deep in Pollock.
No, I can't put it off any longer.
She gets rather spiteful if I'm not by the entrée.
- Did he give you the film? - No, he didn't.
He hasn't been seen all day, our Mr Kish.
Be careful, Freddie.
It's Sunday.
It looks sad.
Go home.
Or people will talk.
Are you going to say anything? You haven't spoken the whole journey.
Bel, just say if you want this.
I left my raincoat.
Perhaps we could go for that drink now? Coffee.
I want coffee.
They really, really do the best.
Shall we? Goodnight! Did you break into my house last night, Mr Kish? - Of course I didn't, Mr Lyon.
- You're lying.
You came into my house and you frightened my father.
Is that what you do? Frighten people? You've got a very active imagination, Mr Lyon.
I don't think so.
Who do you work for? The same people you do, Mr Lyon.
Then why are you spying on me? You look like you were very good friends.
With Ruth and Peter.
You must miss him.
I do.
Then why aren't you helping me? I know you know something, something you're not telling me.
Why? I could help you.
You can't help me.
You are an amateur, Mr Lyon.
You know nothing about me.
I know everything about you.
I know that you live with your father.
That you go to the laundrette on Wednesdays.
You have no luck with girls.
You work too much.
You don't know what you've got yourself into.
And now you know too much.
You're in the middle of a very dangerous world, but you've convinced yourself that you are somehow immune.
You're not.
We can do this one of two ways.
You can stop playing games with me and tell me everything that you know.
Gr? You don't have to do this, Mr Kish.
Mr Kish? "It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution.
" My mother always said that to me, it always worked.
Stolen cake, "bum" scrawled on a piece of paper.
If you kill me, you might not meet someone so interested in the truth.
I don't want to die in the bloody office! Mr Kish.
"He knows.
" It's you, isn't it? What do you know? Huh? Better rovers tonight? Brighteners veto tort? Sherbert invert grotto? Revert to Brightstone? It's Brightstone, isn't it? What is Brightstone? "Who" The question is "who".
- Hello? - Can I come over? Freddie, it's nearly midnight.
- Is it? - Go to bed.
I can't.
I can't sleep.
- Are you all right? - Yes.
Night.
You are surrounded.
Hey, johnny! You didn't think I'd give up that easily, did you? Oh, please, no! He's going to jump! Don't shoot.
Please don't shoot! - Oh! - He's gone.
The Man Who Knew.
He's gone.
Smoke around these lights again and you won't be back next week.
Three o'clock.
And how are you enjoying the part, Mr Le Ray? It's very exciting.
Terrific.
One does one's best with the script.
You're staring.
He was surprisingly good.
For a man in mourning.
- Great show, Ron.
- Bloody actors.
Ron - What are we doing here? - The drinks are free.
Oh good, she's coming over.
Hector's awful.
He says you've declined, but I refuse to believe it.
Tell me you will come this weekend.
She's very persistent.
I did try.
Wasn't my husband simply brilliant last night? - You dropped that second question.
- Talk to Lix.
I did.
So what do we think of our Man Who Knew? Wasn't it ridiculous? I knew who'd done it five minutes in, didn't I, Hector? - I said.
- Yes.
But don't tell Adam.
He's one of my brother's bestest friends.
And he's had a terrible time.
It's all trés, trés trag/que.
Tell me more.
I'm going to grab that Wonderful show, Adam.
Good evening, good evening.
Hmm.
Here comes our shadow again.
And even when we are not working, you are always near.
- We just cannot shake you, Mr McCain.
- Remaining vigilant.
Miss Rowley is worried that you have no life outside of work, Angus.
None as captivating as Miss Rowley and The Hour.
Damned fine programme last night, I must say.
And transatlantic telephone cable systems have never seemed so interesting.
I thought the live call was a stroke of genius.
Thank you.
It was Miss Rowley's idea.
Oh.
Wallace, there you are.
Do excuse me.
Wallace, I hear you're shooting this weekend Wave and smile.
I hate that man.
On the contrary.
It's a mark of how well you're doing that you've rattled McCain's cage.
Please come this weekend.
The people are awful and you'll be screaming to go home by Sunday but Darling, this man is brilliant.
You didn't tell me they were all so interesting.
Did you know a python could swallow a baby whole if it had a mind to? No.
Well, she won't be persuaded.
A Town Like Alike is opening at the Coronet.
We could go next weekend.
I'm driving down with Daddy tonight, but Hector's bringing the car first thing.
I know he'd like the company.
- And you must come too, Mr Lyon.
- I must.
- You might find it quicker on the train.
- Surely not.
Come on, love.
- You hate the country.
- I lied.
Excuse me.
Mr Kish? We've missed you.
You're surprisingly elusive.
- And yet you're here tonight.
- Yes.
Everyone says how hard you work at the World Service.
And yet whenever I try to get hold of you, you're never at your desk.
I hope they pay you overtime, whoever they are.
Were you following me yesterday? Coming out of Embankment Station? - Why would I do that? - You knew Ruth Elms.
I have you on film with her, with her and Peter Darrall.
Looks like it was a sunny day.
You sat at my desk with her obituary stuck on the wall.
- You said what a pretty girl - She was.
Both are now dead.
That might unsettle some people.
Did you kill him? - Peter Darrall? - Yes.
Every time we played at cards.
The holiday I presume you're referring to was more of a weekend.
I don't recall anyone making a film.
Perhaps, Mr Lyon, we might have a drink sometime? - Steady, steady.
Ladies was blocked.
Is he good-looking, do you think? Would you classify that as a good-looking face? It's all to do with symmetry and the balance of the left and the right of your face.
You see, the more even you are, the more beautiful you are.
You see this eyebrow? It's wider than the other one.
And me nose, I got a dip right here.
But a good-looking person, it'll all be the same, equal.
Hmm.
Well, he doesn't really do much for me but Isaac.
just the man.
- Tomorrow, I want you in.
- It's Saturday.
Your commitment has been duly noted.
Mr Albert has had a film of mine for weeks.
I gave it to him to look over.
You're to pick it up first thing.
Don't let it out of your sight.
- Magpie.
- Damn.
Six to your two.
What are you scribbling, Freddie? I'm surprised we can lure you away from your desk.
"What is he writing?" I often ask myself.
Mainly the words that will come out of your mouth.
Whenever Sissy thrusts those hot little sheets of paper into my hand, I wonder if at last I'll find out why Mr Lyon is so intrigued by a debutante's suicide? My first girlfriend was a debutante.
I wrote her pages of godawful poetry during the war.
Line? - Line? - Happily forgotten.
I don't think I've ever been sent love poetry.
Yes, you have.
"I do not know what it is about you "that closes and opens; only something in me" No.
Can't remember the rest.
Meanwhile, British and French governments are in close discussion in an attempt to resolve the crisis immediately.
The Suez Canal Company has been occupied with keeping working.
But the power remains in Colonel Nasser's hands and there is growing unease as to which direction he will take.
You're late! Daddy's furious.
Leave the bags.
- Jemima.
- Darling.
Oh, you're freezing.
You're all freezing.
- You missed the morning's drive.
- Sorry, darling.
Come, come.
The pictures, I know, I know.
Daddy thinks they're awfully creepy but they're all Mummy's relatives.
Thieves and liars, every one of them.
Each room is a different decor.
Not entirely to modern taste, but poor Mummy has very little imagination.
Miss Rowley, this is you.
And you're in the green one.
I wasn't sure if you were together, but Hector thought not.
Even so, I put you close.
We're trés libéral here.
Thank you, but there was really no need.
One never can tell how things will work out.
Bugger! How the hell did Hector get out of it? He hasn't.
I've sent him off to change.
Ralphie, meet our guests.
This is my brother.
- He's a monster.
- Hello.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hello.
I've been sent back.
Wrong socks.
Did you tell Mother Adam was coming down? Ralphie, don't be boring.
She's invited those appalling Roedean girls again.
Well, good.
We're a little short of girls.
- You did bring a dress? - Mummy! Ralphie, don't be mean.
She's lying down.
Lunch is at 1:00.
Then we always have a big walk afterwards.
C 'est magn/f/que/ Shut up and go and change, please.
Swot! - It's Saturday.
Leave immediately.
- Mr Lyon wanted me in.
Curiouser and curiouser.
And I had some work to do on my Jackson Pollock piece.
Hmm.
Mr Kish, almost a full house.
- No one told me to expect you in.
- Didn't they? I rather enjoy the place to myself for the weekend.
I've got the most horrible wallpaper.
What's yours like? Remind me to lock that.
And your bed's softer than mine.
- What are we doing here? - I don't know.
I've missed a gripping Saturday of Scrabble with man papa, then sardines on toast for afters in front of the TV.
What's your excuse? Oh, Christ.
I won't actually have to hold a gun, will I? - Settling in? - Oh, yes.
Very well, thank you.
You'll need boots.
It gets pretty muddy this time of year.
Thank you.
Well, see you later.
At lunch.
Oh, what? He's being kind.
The Man Who Knew.
Shoots for real.
- And I didn't even bring a dress.
- You can have mine.
Oh, hell! I'm surprised hell can spare him.
It was shot on 8mm.
Mr Albert said it was professionally developed, but he doesn't think over here.
The scratches on the lens could be sand.
And the pot looks Eastern.
- What else? - I don't know.
I've left the rest of the notes on your desk.
- Then go and get them.
-1 can't.
- He's sitting at it.
- Who? Mr Kish.
He's in? What's he doing? Eating a sandwich.
If it's of any interest, I think he's been drinking.
- It takes one to know one, sweetheart.
- What do I do? Just watch him, and don't let that film out of your sight.
Away, away! - May I? - Yes, please.
We saw your show last night.
You do that news programme.
The odd outside broadcast.
Did you like it? The Man Who Knew? Ingenious title.
We're still waiting on the reviews.
You haven't got today's paper, have you? - No.
- Have we met before? I covered your engagement party.
Frederick Lyon.
Adam Le Ray.
My condolences on your loss.
Ralph, whose idea was it to sit me next to a journalist? - Marnie arranged the seating.
- We're all friends here.
You've known each other a long time? No, not long.
It's all a bit of a whirlwind.
- Still - Leave the boy alone, Mr Lyon.
It's the weekend.
He's an awfully good shot.
You wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him.
Gold reserves have taken a tumble.
Down £800,000 since July.
Does Eden know what he's going do about it? Let's solve this problem in Egypt, shall we, Wallace? And then I'll talk to you about gold.
And when are you going to solve it? The Soviets have just sent in "volunteers" to help Nasser run the canal.
That's very worrying, darling.
Please do not worry yourself, dear Mrs Sherwin.
I can assure you there is a solution in hand, and our prime minister will guide us through this crisis.
You and your boys at Westminster have been feeding us that line for weeks.
It's growing a little tired.
We've offered Nasser Egyptian representation on the Suez Canal Company board, with a share in its profits.
And any pact is seen by Nasser as veiled colonialism.
The truth is you don't know what to do.
He's doing too little to provoke a war, but just enough to provoke our prime minister.
And why you think it's a good idea to let him on air, exposing his frailty, is Well, I'm sure Angus will dutifully pass on your good thoughts to the Prime Minister, Freddie.
Well, someone ought to.
Otherwise he may not take the country with him.
Marilyn Monroe's been sick with gastritis.
Yes, they've had to delay the shooting of The Sleeping Prince for four days.
Olivier is apparently livid.
I'd have gastritis if I was married to that Mr Miller.
And his plays, Hector and I went to see one last week.
- What was it called again, Hector? - It escapes me now.
Oh, damn.
- Bad luck! - It's the wrong weight.
- I prefer something lighter.
- Stop fussing, Angus.
You're a little liverish today.
I've never understood the point of shooting.
That's because you live in London.
The only thing they shoot in London is films or each other.
It grows on you.
Especially if you manage to When you actually hit something.
Did you get a chance to talk to him? I thought you'd be interested.
I'm not an idiot.
I know you think you're onto something with Ruth Elms.
I am.
Well, you won't have much luck with Adam.
Obvious as hell he wasn't in love with her.
Well, then he's a fool.
Girls like Ruth Elms are a rare breed.
You don't get it, do you? You'll see.
He comes alive after dinner.
Marnie's got us all dancing in the dining room.
You shoot, we jive.
- How many did you miss? - As many as I could.
I don't like shooting things.
Well, how do you think they killed that beef you had for lunch? - With boredom? Are you going to help me pluck them? No, sorry.
Have to jive.
Isaac, you've been slurping that coffee for nearly an hour.
- Surely it's gone cold by now? - Mr Fendley Working the weekend? Very good.
Mr Lyon wanted me to cover a couple of things.
Oh? What might those be? What's he paying you? - A pint and a bag of chips.
- You've been had.
He's not sure about Mr Kish.
Then he's 'gust one on Mr Lyon's very hang âst.
You are the definition of enigma, Mr Lyon.
You clean a gun as if you've done it before.
Your father? A poacher, I bet.
Tell me your secret, do.
Did you put pressure on Clarence to drop my interview with Lord Elms? It was you, wasn't it? The buck stops with your producer, I'd say.
You will encourage Miss Rowley and her team to work with us, Hector? That's a little presumptuous, isn't it? - What do you mean "will"? - It is to be advised.
Things in Suez will only get worse and the BBC may find itself coming under increasing pressure in the coming weeks if they don't.
You are a guest in my family's house, Angus.
Don't outstay your welcome.
Angus Got a light? The Lord Elms film didn't blow.
Did it? I'm starving, so you're going to have to wait until after dinner if you want to fight.
I couldn't run them both.
I couldn't risk Hafiz and Lord Elms speaking out of turn.
It's censorship.
It's political sabotage Hafiz was the better story.
You would have done the same thing.
- No.
- Yes.
But I can't even get near him now.
He refuses even to take my calls.
Can you let it go just for one weekend? Gist, Bright, Tree, Rest, Tribe, Tone, Stone, Rover How the hell do you bloody decode it? I don't know, because I'm not a spy.
Well, it can't be that difficult! Are you all right? Bloody dog hair.
What's he doing now? Translating Nasser's rejection of Menzies' proposals.
And Clarence is in.
Talking to Lix.
- Have you told him anything? -No.
Uh, yes.
Not much.
Not good, Mr Wengrow, not good.
Please will you not just - Oh, I've seen it all before.
- Not on me.
- Who are you talking to? - Isaac.
- Ask him what he's working on.
- Pollock.
- He's getting up.
- To do what? Put his wrapper in the bin.
Isaac, anything else in? Swedish ship scuttled in King George Dock, Hull.
Mine squished over everything in my bag.
Apparently, it's on fire.
Tell him that Pollock only runs if he can get an interview.
He died four weeks ago.
It's all right.
Oh Iwas worried you might not have towels.
- I forgot toothpaste.
- Hmm.
Careful not to get any on your silk.
Is it silk? One can't tell any more, what with all the marvellous new cheap synthetics.
Damn.
He's leaving.
Follow him.
How the hell does Lix know what you're doing as well? Obvious, darling.
He's hardly Poirot.
Don't let him follow him with the film.
Tell him to lock it in my desk drawer.
Lix Do you hear? God.
Marniejust saw me coming of your bathroom.
And? I think Marnie's fun.
I'm sorry.
I should have told you the truth about the Lord Elms film.
Yes.
Just because you're one of them, don't act like them.
I won't.
I promise.
What if I've got it wrong? What if there's nothing in this bloody crossword and I'm just bored and Avoiding a grown-up life? You? You're right.
A momentary lapse.
They're very even.
Your ears.
Dinner.
Darling? - I knew it.
- What? Miss Rowley and Mr Lyon.
I've just seen her coming out of his bathroom.
- Really? - Didn't I say? What's wrong? Don't put me near McCain at dinner.
What? Nothing.
Freddie, you can't possibly wear that jacket and those shoes.
It's a little long in the leg, but you can make up for it with the shoes.
The jacket will be Here's one of my old ones.
I was a little trimmer then.
I mean, no one gives a monkey's what you're wearing.
It's bloody ridiculous.
We're just sitting down to eat.
No one's getting married or buried or anything but we just do it.
We just obey these ridiculous rules because Christ help us if we don't! It's only a suit.
You'll need cufflinks.
- Here.
- Thank you.
She's a wonderful woman.
Bel.
Yes.
Well, don't be late.
There's never enough soup.
And now for news from abroad.
Talks between the five-nation Suez committee and Colonel Nasser failed dramatically last night when the Egyptian president rejected the proposals put to him? by Australian prime minister Robert Menzies.
Looks like he's turned down your proposal.
- May I use your telephone? -Of course, in the hall.
The only reason why they sent Menzies is because America won't agree to help.
And now look.
Complete farce.
If Eisenhower wasn't running for re-election, the Americans would have stood by us a little more instead of hiding behind the United Nations and opening the door to Russia.
Perhaps the President knows something we don't.
Like how to win an election.
That was a very good point you made earlier, though.
Can you inform the Prime Minister that I'm trying to get a hold of him? This country's become far too entrenched in what it thinks it's entitled to.
Perhaps it needs the likes of you and I to shake things up a bit.
- I'm off.
- All quiet? Israel's becoming increasinglyjumpy.
They don't like the Soviets in their backyard.
They'll be in Suez before us at this rate.
- I saw.
- Does Edith ever see you? I pity that poor woman, Clarence.
I really do.
- And who should I pity, Lix? - No one.
- That's the way I like it.
- Mr Kish gone? No, not yet.
World Service speak very highly of him.
Well, his Arabic's brilliant.
Though I haven't found a single programme he's worked on in the eight years that he's been at the BBC.
Night-night.
Mr Kish.
Still here? I'm just making final amendments to Nasser's rejection of Menzies' proposals.
Lix wanted it all down.
"What we have ever to do with ease, we must first do with diligence.
" - So beautiful on the page.
- There are 28 basic letters.
It's the style that varies the form.
- It's remarkable.
- I think so, yes.
"Kish".
Hungarian? Russian.
On my father's side.
Well, don't work too late.
I'll be off, then.
- Goodnight, Mr Wengrow.
- Night.
- You don't dance, Angus? - No.
Don't dance, can't shoot.
What are you doing here? Eden's called an emergency meeting.
I may have to leave early.
Oh, we'll try not to miss you too much.
They're insisting everyone attends.
"They" again? The mysterious "they".
"They" don't want you to know who "they" are, do they, Angus? Have you read it? Middle section.
"Adam Le Ray has all the charisma and threat of a carpetbagger.
"One can forgive Mr Le Ray most things, but a basic lack of talent "is suspect in a man so devoid of anything else.
" Well, I just did what you said.
And now the papers crucify me.
You need to get to bed.
Hector, take him up.
Yes, I think some sleep would do him good.
You said marry her and everything would be all right.
- Now she's dead.
- Get him out.
- Freddie, could you - I'm all right.
I remember you now.
Get him out! I did what you said! - I'm going to be sick.
- What was he talking about? God knows.
- What do you mean? - Slap him.
Reawl? Ah! Ow! Bastards! What the hell did you mean? You did what he said.
Who? Was it McCain? - What did McCain tell you to do? - Marry her.
- Marry her.
- Ruth? Sorry.
Well, you didn't think it was for love, did you? - A girl in trouble and me.
- What? If I married her, then no one would know what I am.
You should have bloody cared.
You should have bloody loved her! Let him sleep it off.
Here.
- Is he all right? - Why'd you let him get drunk like that? Every time, Ralph! - We were just having a bit of fun.
-Oh, yes, of course.
Always fun.
No.
Leave him.
Did you hear what he said? These silent deals are struck all the time, Freddie.
- No.
- Then consider yourself fortunate.
One learns to recognise it.
A slow deadening in the eyes, acceptance of defeat.
I lived with the Elms family.
During the war.
On and off.
My mother, she worked as a secretary for Lord Elms, before she met my father.
They took me in during the Blitz, the odd summer, Christmas.
I hated shooting then.
I don't understand this world.
I've never understood it, how any of you live.
There lies the rub.
Have you seen them? - Who? - Any of them.
67, 68, 69 Sardines.
- Oh God.
I'm so sorry.
Why do grown-ups insist on playing party games? Didn't we do enough of that as children? I never had parties as a child.
- Everyone had birthday parties.
- Not me.
- Well, not until I met Marnie.
-Oh, you're in it for the cake.
97, 98, 99 Coming! Not here.
-- Shh! I think she's coming.
Sardines! Bel? Precautionary measure.
"Revert âto Bfughtstone "Better rovers tonight, "Sherbert invert grotto, "brighteners veto tort.
" It's a fair point but - It just jumps out at you.
-Mmm.
Like "Observe trotter night.
" Why would you marry someone you didn't love? Are you asking? Because you were lonely.
Because you had to.
- Because you were in trouble.
- Pregnant? Is that That is what "trouble" means? Poor, innocent boy.
Because you had something to hide? Because there was a promise of a career at the end of it? Because the person that you loved was doing something that they shouldn't? Because the person you loved was a spy passing secrets? Freddie, it's one o'clock in the morning.
"He knows.
"He knows, revert to Brightstone.
" You need to sleep.
Good idea.
Not with me.
- Boring Moneypenny.
- And stop calling me that.
"I don't know what it is about you "that closes and opens; "only something in me understands the voice of your eyes "is deeper than all roses.
"Nobody, not even the rain, "has such small hands.
" E.
E.
Cummings.
That's the one.
Hector.
You've just missed a wonderful game of sardines.
Where were you? Nowhere.
I'm awfully tired, aren't you? Yes.
- Hello? - Frederick? Sorry? Frederick? Everyone is still asleep here.
Help! - Let me come with you.
- It's fine.
Stay.
He's all right.
Someone broke in last night and he'sjust a bit shaken up.
- Mrs B went over straight away.
- Ready? Really.
Can you slow down a bit? You know, you're very interesting to me, Mr Lyon.
I'd be more interesting alive than dead.
For all your socialist principles, no one does as well as you without help.
Can you please just You can let me out here.
I'll take the train.
Don't be ridiculous.
There's only one, it won't get you to London until the middle of next week.
You think you heard something last night.
Hmm.
What you actually heard were the drunk ramblings of an actor whose career is faltering at the starting gate.
I give The Man Who Knewa week.
I think you're wrong.
I think Adam Le Ray is a very interesting man with a lot to say for himself.
And I plan to listen.
And find out as much as I can.
I'm a big supporter of the spirit of enquiry.
A different time and I may well have offered you a job.
- Work with us, Freddie.
- I'd rather not.
The hours are appalling and the people are tedious.
I don't think it's privilege you dislike.
I think it's fear that in spite of it, you still won't be let in.
You'll drive carefully, won't you, darling? We will, we will.
Come on, Ralph, let's get a move on.
Safe journey.
- Bye, my dears.
- Bye, Mummy.
Shall I take these? - You really don't have to drive me.
- I insist.
Look after him.
Precious cargo.
Hmm.
Drive carefully.
Yes, do be careful, Hector.
Let's get you a cup of tea.
- What are you doing here? - There was a break-in.
At my father's.
Good grief, I'm so sorry.
Is he all right? He's sleeping.
I just needed to get out.
- Was anything taken? - Nothing, except a photo of me with my mother.
What's your excuse? Oh, dinner with a dreadful great-aunt, I'm stalling for as long as I can, but The Egyptians have issued a new set of proposals.
Is Isaac in? Somewhere, knee-deep in Pollock.
No, I can't put it off any longer.
She gets rather spiteful if I'm not by the entrée.
- Did he give you the film? - No, he didn't.
He hasn't been seen all day, our Mr Kish.
Be careful, Freddie.
It's Sunday.
It looks sad.
Go home.
Or people will talk.
Are you going to say anything? You haven't spoken the whole journey.
Bel, just say if you want this.
I left my raincoat.
Perhaps we could go for that drink now? Coffee.
I want coffee.
They really, really do the best.
Shall we? Goodnight! Did you break into my house last night, Mr Kish? - Of course I didn't, Mr Lyon.
- You're lying.
You came into my house and you frightened my father.
Is that what you do? Frighten people? You've got a very active imagination, Mr Lyon.
I don't think so.
Who do you work for? The same people you do, Mr Lyon.
Then why are you spying on me? You look like you were very good friends.
With Ruth and Peter.
You must miss him.
I do.
Then why aren't you helping me? I know you know something, something you're not telling me.
Why? I could help you.
You can't help me.
You are an amateur, Mr Lyon.
You know nothing about me.
I know everything about you.
I know that you live with your father.
That you go to the laundrette on Wednesdays.
You have no luck with girls.
You work too much.
You don't know what you've got yourself into.
And now you know too much.
You're in the middle of a very dangerous world, but you've convinced yourself that you are somehow immune.
You're not.
We can do this one of two ways.
You can stop playing games with me and tell me everything that you know.
Gr? You don't have to do this, Mr Kish.
Mr Kish? "It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution.
" My mother always said that to me, it always worked.
Stolen cake, "bum" scrawled on a piece of paper.
If you kill me, you might not meet someone so interested in the truth.
I don't want to die in the bloody office! Mr Kish.
"He knows.
" It's you, isn't it? What do you know? Huh? Better rovers tonight? Brighteners veto tort? Sherbert invert grotto? Revert to Brightstone? It's Brightstone, isn't it? What is Brightstone? "Who" The question is "who".
- Hello? - Can I come over? Freddie, it's nearly midnight.
- Is it? - Go to bed.
I can't.
I can't sleep.
- Are you all right? - Yes.
Night.