The Persuaders (1971) s01e09 Episode Script

Yes? Mr Alton's here, Mr Maskell.
Oh, good.
Ask him to come in.
Would you come this way? David! It's good to see you, it really is.
- Nice to see you, Scott.
- Come on in.
How long has it been? Five years? Six? - Quite a while.
- Sit, make yourself comfortable.
Thank you.
It was quite a surprise to hear from you again.
Ah, but I've thought about you often.
Naturally, when this job came up, you were my first choice.
In fact, I had hoped we might have met last week.
Yes, well, I've been in hospital.
Yes, so you said in your letter.
Ah, well.
You're here now.
That's all that matters.
- What exactly is this job? - Oh, plenty of time for that.
We've old times to talk over first.
Let me get you a drink.
- What will you have? - Dry sherry? Splendid choice.
I have something rather special.
We take all the output from a bodega in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
A tiny place.
I believe it's the only wine still shipped in amphora.
Of course, it's best perfectly chilled, but frankly, my palate isn't as discerning as it might be.
It always has a quite different bouquet when drunk straight from the cask.
I've killed him.
He's dead.
I've killed him! Oh, don't you understand? I killed him! He's dead! I killed him! Yes, absolutely perfect.
I'm totally confident that we can now go ahead.
Bye.
Now, what about that drink? Sherry, I think you said.
- How long will you be gone? - Six days at the most.
Believe me, I'm not going to stay there any longer than I have to.
Daniel, stop fooling.
The van's going to be here for it soon.
- Why are you giving it away? - The jumble sale's the highlight.
Each year, the family contributes its old clothes.
Who did this coat belong to? I imagine my great grandfather.
Oh! He was also a magician on the side.
I've seen you do that a dozen times and I'm still unimpressed.
One day I'll teach it to you.
Who? - Ginger Rogers.
- Got it! Well, I presume you're out of impressions, so kindly put all of that back.
Yeah.
Here, let me carry this for you.
Have a nice week, see you later.
- I'll introduce you to Sam Milford.
- Right.
I've waited seven years.
When you're the richest man in the world, you will also be choosy.
Yes, sir.
- Now, make sure that hamper goes.
- Yes, sir.
Goodbye.
Your Lordship.
Hmm.
His family goes back even further than he thinks.
Help me! Please help me! Over here! Help me! What's the matter? No, don't try and talk for a minute.
Let me make you a little more comfortable first.
W-what? What? There.
Now I must tell Dr Fowler that you're awake.
Please Please? Where am I? Blantyre General Hospital.
You've had a very bad accident.
Accident? I don't remember.
I don't remember.
Don't try and hurry it.
It will all come back.
Good morning, Lord Sinclair.
Well, I must say, you're a man who enjoys his sleep.
You've been out cold for, what? A little more.
Now, then.
How do you feel? Terrible.
I thought you'd feel worse than that.
Right.
Let's have a look.
'Dr Averley, Dr Averley.
' What happened to me? We don't know.
Well, your pulse is good.
You were found at the bottom of a quarry.
Your arm's broken in two places, you've got 23 stitches in your leg, multiple bruises.
You were quite a mess.
Breathe in, will you? My head is splitting.
I forgot that.
You've got a bump as big as a duck's egg.
I was hit.
There was a girl Someone came up behind me.
Yes, that makes sense.
Hit with a tree branch, I'd think.
We found tiny fragments of bark in the hair around the wound.
Get me four CCs of Contra Aph.
Have you got any idea why you should be attacked? - No ideas about anything.
- That's understandable.
Still some concussion.
You need a lot more rest.
Don't you worry.
You're going to mend very nicely.
- Did you feel that? - Yeah.
Good, good.
Well, a few days and you'll be as good as new.
Mentally, that is.
Of course, the broken bones will take a bit longer.
Right.
There we are.
I'll be in to see you tomorrow.
Nurse! Nurse? Nurse! Nurse! 'Dr Averley.
Dr Averley ' Alton? Alton! - Alton? Where the devil is he? - Perhaps he's Oh, never mind.
We'd better go up and look at Sinclair.
Have a look for Alton.
He must've fallen asleep somewhere.
You check upstairs, I'll take this floor.
He's down here.
Your dose wasn't big enough.
It was all I dared.
He's at the limit.
- Give him another shot.
- It's too risky.
Give it to him! Alton's dead! - What?! - An accident, from the look of it.
He must have fallen.
It complicates things.
I want to bring the operation forward 24 hours.
- No reason we shouldn't.
- What about him? No, I don't need him any more.
Another day was just a luxury.
Then we'll go ahead.
You're, er You're entitled to think I'm going out of my mind if you like.
I'm not sure you wouldn't be right.
But everything I've told you is true.
It happened.
I believe you.
I believe you cos you couldn't make up a story like that.
I've I've been over it in my mind step by step.
Well, let's go over it again step by step, every detail.
Only this time, out loud.
There are an awful lot of blank spaces.
OK, so fill them in.
Why don't we start at the top? Well, it, uh started here.
I, uh took my bag down to the car.
- That was midday yesterday.
- What? I took my bag down I mean about the time.
What about the time? - Midday yesterday.
- You're wrong.
That was seven days ago, Brett.
Oh, no.
It can't be.
It can't be.
Look, before you came over, I called my doctor.
I am going to see him later this morning.
He can make some suggestions, maybe.
Yeah, that's a good idea.
Anything I can do for you? Yes.
The house with the hospital room.
Yeah.
That was real, I didn't imagine it.
There was an estate agent's board on the front door.
The name was Sumrie Phillipson and Hurst.
The place was for sale.
It was called Lynsted House.
OK.
There must be some association of these estate agents.
Good lead.
The hospital room is on the upstairs landing.
I'll find your house and your hospital room.
If it turns out the house doesn't exist don't tell me.
Come on, cheer up.
See you later.
Sinclair.
The x-rays show no broken bones and you certainly have no stitches.
- And the back of my head? - An abrasion that's almost healed.
From the look of it, it's been healing a week or more.
And the punctures in my arm? Yes, you've had some shots.
But even with a blood test, I doubt I could establish what was injected.
Just what have you been up to, Brett? You wouldn't believe me even if I told you.
Anyway, what is the diagnosis? As always, you're in first class physical shape.
Stop pussyfooting, Phillip.
Mentally? Well, these days we all live under considerable stress.
It gets on top of us sometimes.
You could probably use a couple of weeks' holiday.
Thank you, Phillip.
At least I What are these? They're surgeons' reference drawings.
The lady's going to have a new nose.
Third in two years.
- Do they always use these? - Usually.
Plastic surgery is an art form, you know.
Sculpting in human tissue.
If somebody wanted to create a double, a perfect likeness - of me, for instance - would they use these or the real thing? Well, I imagine a bit of both.
When a painter does a portrait, he makes sketches, but usually the subject sits for him, too.
Thank you, Phillip.
You really are a remarkable doctor.
Twenty minutes with you and I feel 100% fitter.
I can't imagine why.
Well, one of these days I shall tell you.
Peace.
- Hello, Charles.
- M'lord.
- How's business? - Fine, business is fine.
I notice I'm overdue for service.
Can you take me in next week? What's the gag? It's no gag.
I'm due for service.
But it's all arranged.
The car's coming in on Monday, isn't it? - Not that I know of.
- Here.
Here, look at this.
Lord Sinclair.
Aston Martin.
Full service.
Collect on Monday, 8am.
Uh who arranged this? You did, sir.
That's your signature, isn't it? - Yes.
When was this sheet made out? - You should know.
You were in here less than a couple of hours ago.
You all right, sir? Now, this may sound strange, and I want you to bear with me.
Are you sure, absolutely sure, that I was here? Unless you've got an identical twin, with exactly the same car and registration number.
Thanks, Charles.
Well, I don't think it's too early for a celebratory drink.
It is going exactly as we hoped, but there's still a long way to go.
So, let's drink to the next stage.
Why do you always need an excuse to drink? Just fill the glasses.
By the way, I had a cable.
Everything's confirmed for Wednesday.
Oh, yes, the timing's absolutely perfect.
- Your patient will be fully primed? - He's ready now.
You should stand next to the bottle.
It'll save me walking so much.
He went to the garage this morning.
No problems.
Excellent.
What else do you have lined up for him? Well, the big one's tonight.
If he passes it, we're home and dry.
You know Wilde's movements? Oh, yes.
The phone tap was most informative.
How will he react? Exactly as I expect him to, naturally.
I shall be there as an observer but I'm quite confident.
He'll fool Wilde.
How do you think he'll take the news? Well, it'll confuse him.
- Hello, Danny.
- Here's your house.
That's it.
That's fantastic! Cause for celebration.
Get yourself a drink.
Did you get inside? Did you see the hospital room? There's no hospital room, no house, nothing.
- What are you talking about? - It burned down this morning.
We're on to something.
Daniel, I don't know how but I believe they've created a perfect double of me.
A total mirror image.
Someone who looks like me, talks like me, dresses like me even drives the same car.
What's the matter? Don't you believe me? Oh, yeah, yeah.
I believe you.
But why? Mr Wilde is gonna be late for his date.
Hey, I got a date tonight.
Why don't you call somebody you know and we'll make it a foursome? - Thanks all the same, Daniel.
- Oh, it'll help you relax.
- That's what I intend to do, relax.
- OK.
Curl up with an old Scottish friend.
All right.
- Have a nice evening.
- I'll see you tomorrow.
Thanks for this.
There he goes.
Now, don't lose sight of him.
Just drive on past.
I saw it on television.
You had to see it to believe it.
It was a miracle that's been around for years.
I'll show you.
Oh, Stanley? Could I have an egg? - An egg, sir? - Yeah, an egg, please.
It's an astounding thing.
- Is that uncooked? - A fresh egg.
A fresh egg.
Look how delicate and fragile it is.
One little and you got an omelette, don't you? You wouldn't believe this is one of the world's strongest structures.
Let me show you what I mean.
Just take it in your hand, you just can squeeze as hard as Very good, sir.
- Stanley, you gave me the wrong egg.
- You'll want this.
Sinclair.
- Evening, sir.
- A Scotch and water, please.
Brett.
Hey.
Hey, Brett! That's my buddy, see him standing at the bar? I'm gonna go talk to him.
I'll be right back, OK? Well Quiet night at home, huh? - Daniel.
- With an old Scottish friend, eh? - What Scottish friend? - Scotch.
Scottish friend, remember? I felt like coming out for a while.
Good.
Come and meet the eighth wonder of the world.
Her name's Annabelle, she sits there.
We'll call her grandmother and make it a foursome.
No, Daniel.
I, er I don't think I'd be very good company tonight.
OK.
You're the only guy in the world I'm gonna do this for.
- I'm gonna bring Annabelle over.
- I'd rather you didn't.
One good turn deserves another.
Not that I can remember when you did me a good turn, but I'm gonna do it anyways.
Meet this friend of mine, he's Now where did he go? Here, finish our drinks.
I'll be back in a minute, OK? Stanley Danny! Danny! Danny! - Brett? - Over here.
Brett? Brett! Hello, Doctor.
I'm pleased.
Very, very pleased.
Anything more tonight? No, you go home and get some rest.
You've surpassed my highest expectations.
I'll be in touch with you on Wednesday.
That's the big day.
Good night.
Daniel! I thought you had a date.
Didn't she show up? Never mind.
One day you'll find a short-sighted girl who won't care how you look.
- What is it? - You tried to kill me tonight.
Kill you? What are you talking about? You know what happened.
Don't play any games.
I'm not.
What do you mean, tried to kill you? You met me in a bar.
You walked outside.
When I followed, you jumped me.
- And tried to kill you? - Yeah.
Did you tell me where you were going? No.
Well, that's proof.
They've created a double.
Oh, come on! Not somebody who looks like me, I mean a flawless copy.
They couldn't fool me.
They have.
I haven't set foot out of this apartment all evening.
Cable, sir.
You're not taking any chances.
He won't be shooting at you.
I know.
One of my most engaging qualities is extreme cowardice.
When the bullets start to fly, I'll want all the protection I can get.
Well, I'd better be moving.
Good luck.
I hope we've removed any dependence on luck.
I'll see you when it's over.
Just a minute! Haven't you forgotten something? Don't make any more mistakes, will you? There's no question about it.
You are the real Lord Brett Sinclair.
- No one makes coffee as bad as you.
- I've improved.
- You have, it's only disgusting.
- Thank you.
I've been thinking about this double.
For a start, plastic surgery is a big deal.
No, thank you, nothing is gonna help.
It's one thing to do a face job.
But then you gotta find a guy and coach him in the mannerisms.
You gotta pitch his voice, he's gotta learn gestures, walks A thing like that would take months! You're right.
For so much trouble, it must be something enormous, important, right? - Mm-hmm.
- What special privilege do you have? What is there about your face that causes so much trouble, hmm? Well, I spent the entire night thinking about it All I did was hurt my ego.
Your ego? Why? Daniel, there's nothing about me that's worth all that endeavour.
Oh, I wouldn't say that.
There must be some As a matter of fact, you're right.
You'd be crazy to want to be you.
Money? Lands? Titles? Estates? They're so tied up in trusts even I can't get near them.
Oh, I forgot.
This came from Sam Milford.
He arrives today, wants to see us.
Sam Milford.
Well, that's it, Daniel.
- That is why they want a double.
- What? Think about it.
What do you know about Sam Milford? Not many people get to see him any more.
'He's one of the wealthiest ship owners in the world, I know that.
'Five or six years ago, he used to run around a lot, 'then all of a sudden, shut up like a clam.
' 'And very few people know why.
I do.
'Five years ago there were three attempts on his life.
'There have been a few since.
'Now he never moves without a regiment of bodyguards.
'His homes, offices, all over the world, are like bank vaults.
'He's better protected than Fort Knox.
' - Morning, Mr Milford.
- Morning.
- Morning, sir.
- Morning.
Hello, Sam.
Welcome back to London.
Hello, Scott.
Nice to see you.
You're looking fine.
Don't you see it? Sam Milford's one of my oldest friends.
I come and go as I please.
The guards all know me, no checks.
My face is an unquestioned passport to Sam Milford.
- Try and get him on the phone.
- OK.
- The number's on the phone pad.
- Got it, pal.
- Found the number? - Milford.
What is it under? - You know which letter it's under.
- M, right.
Milford, under M.
I don't see any Milford anywhere at all.
There we are.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
When did it happen? When they were holding me at the house, I imagine.
Why? Brett, the guy I fought last night was you.
There's no double.
If anybody's primed to kill Sam Milford, it's you.
I shall make the telephone call in exactly five minutes from now.
My bet is they've programmed you to carry out a sequence of actions.
The main one is to kill this guy Milford.
That's not possible.
I'd have some memory of it.
There'd be something.
Well, the techniques now are pretty sophisticated.
They've got hypnotic drugs, auto suggestion, mind implants.
They can key you into any action they want.
Assuming what you say is true, then why last night? Why did I attack you? It's probably some phrase or word.
When you hear it, it acts like a switch, and you'll do or say anything they want.
When it's over, there's a word that'll switch you off.
And you don't remember anything that's happened.
- It's like being a human grenade.
- One thing's sure.
I can't let you near this Sam Milford until I can get some expert help.
As a matter of fact, I'm not gonna let you near anybody.
Because that pin doesn't go off unless someone, somebody delivers the trigger word.
Right.
- Why don't you answer it? - Let it ring.
What's happened? What's happened? He's not answering.
I'm going up there.
Give me the gun.
Well, I can't stay here for the rest of my life.
It's only been ten minutes.
You'd be some partner on a desert island.
Well, I'm not on a desert island, I'm in the middle of London.
I have things to do, people to see! Look, Milford leaves tomorrow morning.
Then you can bust out.
Until then, relax.
I know, we'll play some gin.
The cards are in the desk.
You always cheat at gin.
Look, that's the only way I win.
Humour me and get the cards.
Give in to my little peccadilloes.
Get in the bedroom.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda! Good afternoon, Lord Sinclair.
Mr Milford is expecting you, sir.
Thank you.
Come on, get up! Get up! Get up! All right, what did you do? How did you trigger Brett to kill this guy Milford? - How? How did you do it? - Ah! You can't stop it now.
You can't stop it! We've done experiments, tests! Sinclair will kill Milford! Hello, Sam.
Hello, Brett.
Good to see you.
It's been too long.
You look marvellous, Sam.
I don't know how you do it.
You're not exactly falling to pieces yourself.
Come on, sit down, let's talk! I've got a million things to ask you.
And a couple of things I want to tell you.
Like what? Well, I don't whether you're prepared for this but so hold on.
Well, don't keep me in suspense, Sam.
I got married.
Well, that is fantastic.
The last of the natural bachelors, hooked! - When am I gonna meet her? - Right now.
Hello, Lord Sinclair.
Sam's told me so much about you.
You're the only man in the world he really trusts.
All right! Now.
How did it happen? There's a trigger word.
He'll pull the gun, fire, he's got no control over his actions at all.
- Like last night? - Yes.
- How do you stop him? - An eraser word.
- What's the word? - It won't work this time.
He is compelled to go through a course only he can end.
- Now, what's the word? - It's not a word, not this time.
It's a sound.
The sound of a gunshot as he kills Milford! Thanks, kiddo! Oh Good night! So, when did all this happen? Five months ago.
We honeymooned in Trinidad then I went to the States.
And in all that time, we've only had a couple of months together.
- I've been here.
- This calls for a celebration.
I leave the fancy business to Scott.
Got anything special? Yes, we have a sherry.
In fact, I'd rather like Lord Sinclair's opinion of it.
It's something rather unique.
It would be my pleasure.
- Hi.
- Excuse me, sir.
Please, don't stop me, I'm really in a hurry.
It's from a tiny bodega in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the only wine that's still shipped in amphora.
What's the matter, Brett? It was you! Both of you.
They planned this, Sam.
Sam - As hard as I can? - As hard as you can.
World's strongest structure.
- Seen this egg before? - No.
- You'll buy me a new suit? - Can't possibly break it.
Come on.
I give in, you're right, Daniel.
Shall we, children? - Your transport awaits.
- How? Oh, Daniel.