The Persuaders (1971) s01e13 Episode Script

Brett, your phone.
House of Car House of Lords.
OK.
Don't.
I'll take that.
Brett Sinclair.
Listen, I've got it.
Everything we talked about.
With the rest, you'll have a cast-iron case against Krane.
I promise you this stuff will blow him wide open.
It's the final link.
Cliff! I've got to go now.
I'll be in touch.
What was all that about? Hmm? What was all that about? I'll tell you tomorrow when the Judge arrives.
Oh, come on, Cliff.
Cliff! Well, Your Judgeship? Beautiful day, isn't it? No and I'd be very grateful if you didn't ask me how my flight was.
OK, I won't ask.
How was your flight? - Terrible.
- Terrible, huh? Cheer up, I've got some good news.
Here.
What are they? Seven parking tickets I got while waiting for you.
There's very little I could do about that.
You can't leave a plane in flight.
Brett's cable said it was urgent.
- What's it all about? - I don't know.
It had better be good.
I was holding a very important meeting.
I thought you were spending the weekend with your rich widow lady.
Well, ah she was good enough to ask me to spend the weekend at her house.
- Easier to discuss business.
- Right.
We're very old friends.
You wouldn't want to spend the weekend with an enemy.
Ah! Now I know I'm back in London.
Nothing else like it in the world.
Tradition, pageantry piece of history.
And it slows up the traffic.
Pagan! What do you what do you call those guys? Lifeguards.
Oh, they'll never float dressed like that.
- Good morning, Judge.
Daniel.
- Morning.
- Good flight? - Terrible.
Freighter carrying racehorses.
But it was the first available and you said it was important.
Whose family tree is this? Look at that Krane shipping I know that face.
Thaddeus Krane! I've wanted to get something on him for years.
I think I can deliver him.
It all started with this.
'Brett Sinclair.
Who is this? ' 'It's not important.
But we have something in common.
'We'd both like to see Thaddeus Krane get what he deserves.
'I work for him.
I can give him to you.
' - 'Wait a minute.
' - 'Just listen.
'This is strictly between you and me.
Do you agree? ' - 'All right.
' - 'Fine.
'That way I'll stand a chance of staying alive.
'I'll give you Krane on a plate piece by piece.
'That's all.
I'll be in touch.
' The first piece of evidence arrived the next day.
And it's been arriving ever since.
Nothing that would get a conviction.
But each piece a link in a chain that's been building up ever since.
This guy on the tape with you, do you trust him? Yes, I do.
What's more important, he trusts me.
But only just.
After that first call, he's never used that number again.
He insisted on a special arrangement, so I had another line put in.
Only he and I have the number.
It's the only contact I have.
He sounds like a very cautious gent.
Yes.
He called again last night when you nearly answered the phone.
He said he had the final piece of evidence that would lock the rest of this together.
The piece that would put Krane away for the rest of his natural life.
And it fits right there.
Cliff! I've been looking everywhere for you.
Krane wants to see you right away.
- Did he say why? - No.
- You don't think he suspects? - No, I've been far too careful.
But, just supposing I want you to give this to Lord Brett Sinclair.
Hand it to him in person, no one else.
Trust no one.
You don't mail it, you don't let anybody else take it, you give it directly into his hands.
I'd better go before he starts screaming for me.
His number is 5559400.
Now, don't worry.
No one but Sinclair.
You see that? Video camera.
Part of our security system.
And I thought that you, as one of my most trusted accountants, should know about it.
How does it work? A device attached to the safe.
Break the beam, camera starts recording.
Looks rather like you, Cliff photographing my private papers.
Why, Cliff? I've seen what you do to people.
I've watched you destroy and corrupt.
People's businesses, whole countries manipulated.
You've grown fat on famine, rich on war.
You're a truly evil man.
Oh, dear, dear, dear.
An idealist, and I thought it might've been for money.
I could've understood that.
- Where's the film? - And your accomplice.
Yes, you have an accomplice as well as the film.
Colonel, a little touch of market research on Mr Turner.
Do you mind? Stop knocking and drumming like that.
It's just a nervous habit.
Why don't you bite your nails? It's quieter.
Pacing like a caged tiger isn't exactly soothing.
There is nothing to be gained by getting excited.
So just keep calm.
We've got to wait until the red phone rings and he says be calm.
Well, until it rings, there's nothing we can do.
It could ring within the next few minutes or hours or possibly the next few days.
Why don't you just take a break? Go out, get some air.
Buy yourself a coffee, a sandwich, or better still, a tranquilliser.
He's right, come on.
And since we're using this place as a base, you'd better take a key.
Thank you.
On second thought, maybe I'd better stay.
What happens when this guy Krane finds out you're involved? I think that's one thing we don't have to worry about.
Only two people in the world know that number, and one of them is me.
Judge, wait for me.
If we could find out who he was teleph You know, I think we can.
Run that back again, and slow it down.
Five Five Five Nine Four '0' Prentice, four witnesses saw Turner jump from the roof.
- Right away, sir.
- '0'.
Turner spoke about ill health an unhappy love affair pressures.
Somebody tried to stop him.
I'll leave it to your imagination.
Yes, sir.
Brett Sinclair Hello? Brett Sinclair.
Prentice, special rush job - man called Brett Sinclair.
- Send two of your best men.
- Will do.
- Questions and answers? - Yes.
Colonel Wright, the street's full of police, what's happened? - Cliff Turner, poor chap.
- Cliff? Committed suicide dreadful business.
Thank you, Inspector.
Hmm? No, for the moment I'd just like a list of the companies Krane is known to control.
Yes.
I'll pick them up in an hour or so.
Goodbye, Inspector.
- All right, sir? - Yes, thank you.
- Get what you wanted? - Mm-hm, preparing them now.
Why don't you take the weight off? Want me to help you up? Let me order you some milk or some nice, hot broth.
Will you stop treating me as if I was in my dotage? I'm in prime condition.
Oh! And I want to keep you that way for that nice widow of yours.
Stop talking about her.
- Drink? - Yes.
Innkeeper.
What would you like? Scotch, straight.
Make it a large one.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- That's OK.
To your health.
Is he really that big? Krane, I mean.
Colossal.
He's got a business empire and all legitimate.
Established with the proceeds of his crimes.
It's going to take a lot to pull him down, eh? Yes.
But when he does fall, you'll hear the crash in outer space.
Waiting at Brett's was difficult, but this is twice as bad.
I think I'll get back.
- I'll go get the Scotland Yard list.
I'd be obliged.
And my best wishes to the widow.
I'll see you at Brett's.
- Yes? - Lord Brett Sinclair? Yes.
Oh, you have those letters for me to sign, Ann? - Yes, Mr Krane.
- Thank you.
Come back for these.
You'd better get ready.
- Ready? - Mm, the auction.
Had you forgotten? - I employ you to remind me.
- Of course, I'm sorry.
The auction.
- Boo! - Boo! Well, he's not here.
- Where is he? - I don't know.
There's no message nothing.
What if the phone rings, Judge? I've been willing it not to, not till he gets here, anyway.
He should be here.
Welcome back.
- Was it you that hit me? - Yes.
Good punch, wasn't it? Excellent.
I look forward to returning the compliment in the not so distant future.
Once, I could drive a six-inch nail through a piece of teak in just one punch.
Not any more, though.
I'm delighted I've met you in your declining years.
If you two gentlemen have finished your chat, perhaps we can get on with the business at hand.
What is your business? Ah we're interrogators.
Quiz masters, if you like.
- Mr Lloyd, would you pass my case? - Certainly.
Now, the choice is yours, Lord Sinclair.
You can make it either hard or easy.
So.
Let's start with the first question.
What do you know about Cliff Turner? - Who? - That's the wrong answer.
- Never heard of him.
- Two wrong ones in a row.
Oh, dear.
I'll give you a clue.
He's an employee of Thaddeus Krane.
I've heard of HIM.
He's been in touch with you at least once.
Cliff Turner, that is.
So it's fair to assume it's happened more than once.
The point is, we want to know why, and what he's said to you so far.
This is the part of the quiz show I'm not going to like.
I can't answer your questions, so we're back to the six-inch nail through the teak, only with my face.
Nothing so crude.
But have no doubt you will talk.
Science is a wonderful thing.
You'll chatter like a parakeet.
Well, what do we do? - Mustn't scare him off.
- Yes.
But if we don't, they may not call back.
I think I have to answer it, I really do.
All right.
But try and speak like Brett.
Hello, Sinclair here.
I've not got much time, so just listen.
It's a woman.
- My dear, I don't think - 'Quiet! Listen.
' Definitely a woman.
I've got what you want.
I shall be at the Speakington Auction today at 2:30.
Be there.
My dear, it's hardly I'll find you and hand it over.
Toodle-oo! Mr Krane is waiting.
Now, look, Judge, she's going to be expecting Brett Sinclair, right? So what do we do? I don't know.
There's precious little time.
Well, he'd better get here if he knows what's good for him.
How did Cliff Turner first contact you? What did he tell you about Krane? Did he give you anything? Documents? Photostats? Answer the questions! Answer! Answer! He's gone again.
- He's unusually resistant.
- Pump some more in.
I'm over the limit now.
Perhaps we should try some of the older, more traditional methods.
He won't wake up for another hour.
Come on, let's have a drink.
Perhaps you're right.
Can't be too careful, eh? Judge, it's getting late.
Somebody's gotta be there to make contact.
- Be quiet, I'm cogitating.
- Well, do it faster.
What do we do? I was considering the difference between Americans and an Englishmen.
You say "to-may-to" and I say "to-mah-to.
" It's a question of voice, dress, attitude.
Stop! I've got it.
- Got what? - Give me that voice again.
- The voice you used on the phone.
- I haven't time to Will you! Say, "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plains.
" - No.
- Say it.
Yes.
"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plains.
" Very good.
Now all I have to do is marry an English professor.
Better than that.
You get elevated to the English peerage.
I'm elevated enough, believe me.
Thanks a lot.
It's our only chance, Danny.
It's not my chance.
I'm not going to impersonate anybody, so forget it.
It's not gonna work.
It worked on the phone.
You're asking for a personal appearance.
- I don't want to do it.
- So we'll create another appearance.
It's worth a try and we don't have much time.
Well? Well, Danny? Actually, it's Sinclair Lord Brett Sinclair.
You know, it's not so tough doing Brett, all you have to do is think ugly.
By George, we've done it.
Wait here, Fotheringay, until I need you.
Toodle-oo.
The items you've marked come up at the end.
Good.
And the Rembrandt? The National Gallery will be bidding for it.
Make sure I get it, then I'll donate it to the gallery, anonymously.
Just be sure it leaks out it was I who presented it.
- Yes, Mr Krane.
- Good.
Let's have a drink, shall we? Oh, good afternoon.
- Would you sign the visitors' book? - Of course, thank you.
Miss.
Thank you.
Oh, Lord Brett Sinclair.
Yes, you're so kind.
Au revoir.
Excuse me.
I told you to send our best men.
- They were - Lloyd and Mather.
- They've bungled.
- They'll be dealt with.
- That's not the problem.
- It's what is he doing here? - Thank you.
Excuse me, Lord Sinclair? - Of course! - We've not met.
- How do you do.
- Thaddeus Krane.
- Of course, how are you? - The name rings a bell.
Naturally, I know of your reputation as a collector.
Is there anything particularly that interests you? I don't think so, just browsing.
- You're being a little cagey, sir.
- Perhaps.
Let's go somewhere more private and talk.
Yes, perhaps later.
I think I see a friend.
Would you excuse me, please? - Of course.
- Thank you.
As he's here, his apartment must be empty.
I'll see to it myself, sir.
Wright.
Anything, just find some clue to what he's doing.
Oh, bless you, you're an angel.
Sinclair.
Excuse me, Sinclair.
Any advance on 230? Sold! Telephone for you, Mr Krane.
Take it over there, if you like.
Thank you.
Mr Krane, the Vercellini goblet should be put up soon.
- Shall I make your bid? - Of course.
- Yes? - Mr Krane? They've an almost complete case against you, sir.
Oh, yes, I'm quite sure.
It's all laid out here.
But with one vital link missing.
- The film Turner took.
- Yes, sir.
And, ah there's a note.
There's a note says it will be collected by Sinclair at the auction.
That explains why he's here.
Good work, Colonel.
Destroy all the evidence, then get back.
Ah there's one slight complication, sir.
There was somebody in the apartment when I got here.
Yes, I understand.
Destroy everything.
Stay close to Sinclair.
Somebody will hand him the film.
- When they do, close in.
- Right.
Lot 52.
A pair of vases.
Can I have 30? Thank you, sir.
One.
Two.
Three four.
Five.
Do I hear an advance? Sold at 35.
May I have your name, sir? Don't turn around, Sinclair.
- Are you the contact? - Yes.
Lot 53, a gilt clock of the Second Empire period.
Do I hear 85? Thank you, sir.
85.
Have you got the goods? Not now, we're being watched.
Sold for 105.
May I have your name, please, sir? A little stage dressing.
A sneak thief broke in You surprised him There was a fight you fell back and struck your head! Come on, on your feet.
There was a fight and YOU fell back and struck your head.
- Hmm? - A not very funny private joke.
Do you mind if we sit down before I give a not very amused laugh? Well, ah you see if you find this any funnier.
Danny's gone to the Speakington Auction.
And he's impersonating you.
Daniel? Me? He'll never get away with it.
Would you be good enough to sign the visitors' book? Sure.
How lovely! Brett Sinclair is here.
Where is the lovely man? I must see him.
Will you look after this? Thank you.
When you didn't turn up, we had to do something, so Danny went in your place.
It's ridiculous! Desperate situations call for desperate remedies.
It's impossible.
I'll be barred from the royal enclosure for life, it won't work.
- It is working, it HAS to.
- He doesn't even look like me.
He said that wouldn't be difficult, all he had to do was think ugly.
We gambled there'd be no one there who knew you personally.
At the Speakington Auction? There's bound to be.
Thank you, sir.
I have 20.
Do I hear 21? 21.
Don't follow me, but I'll meet you outside in a couple of minutes.
There's an alcove under the steps.
Yes, sir.
The bid is now at 25.
Are you raising to 26? Sir? Me? - The bid is now at 25, sir.
- Oh, 30.
Round figure, makes it easier.
I have 30, ladies and gentlemen.
Do I hear any advance? I am bid 30,000 for this very rare item.
May I have your name, please, sir? Sinclair Lord Brett Sinclair.
Excuse me, have you seen Lord Sinclair? - He's in the auction room, madam.
- Thank you.
Toodle-oo.
- Congratulations, sir.
- Thank you so much.
You must be deeply interested in Egyptology.
Terribly.
Even so, 30,000 is a lot to pay for a mummy.
Everybody should have a mummy.
Where's Lord Sinclair sitting? He just went out, madam.
You passed him in the doorway.
Sold at 950.
'Him pretending to be me 'Preposterous! ' - Lord Sinclair.
- Well, if it isn't Krane.
- I hear you've made a purchase.
- Something for the hallway.
I'm quite interested in ancient Egypt, perhaps we could go and talk about it? I'd like to, but I've got to pick up an item.
- Brett? - Here it is.
Excuse me.
- What's happening? You're not Brett.
- I'm Danny Wilde.
I've heard of you.
We're trying to buy this Chinese vase, so I'm masquerading as him.
Oh, I see.
He's here, see if you can find him.
- I'll bring him here.
- Thank you.
You'll never get away with that accent.
What?! Just go find him.
There she is.
This lot is exceptional.
A fine example of its kind.
Thank you, sir.
10, I have 10.
Oh, dear.
Oh, Daniel? Excuse me.
Daniel, nice to see you, old chap.
Just pretend you're me.
You're looking marvellous.
I want to show you Krane, nice to see you.
This is a friend of mine, Daniel Wilde Esquire from New York.
Right proud to meet you, sir.
That's New York, Louisiana.
How do you do? - How do you do? - Oh, purty, sir.
I do very purty.
Would you please excuse us? Come along, Daniel.
Who are you supposed to be, Scarlett O'Hara? You're not exactly Cary Grant yourself.
Watch what you're doing with that wand.
Whatever we are we stay.
Now on your left, by the door, turn slowly, you'll see a woman a girl.
- Very pretty.
- Right, well, she's my contact.
I'm going to do that now.
But stay out of my way.
Just mingle.
Daniel, do me one favour, will you? Don't talk.
I just ran into myself.
Excuse me.
Thank you, madam.
10.
Hello, good-lookin'.
Take the film and, ah put it in the ah catalogue.
Any advance on 80? I'll bump into you and we'll switch 'em.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry, excuse me.
Let me get that.
So clumsy.
Here you are, my dear.
Thank you.
Wrong catalogue.
Sold at 850.
Danny! - Can't find him.
- I can't either.
Why don't you look outside? I'll check the other room.
- See you later.
- OK.
Oh hello.
That was very clever, Mr Krane, very clever.
You win, but then, you always do win, don't you? And Cliff died for nothing! Right, what is this? What do you mean about Cliff Turner? You don't have to pretend any more.
It's over.
It was clever - I'll admit that.
You get someone to impersonate Brett Sinclair, an impostor, and I fall for it.
I believed it.
I gave him the film, just like that.
I believed it! I see.
Right.
Here's what you do.
Why, I've been looking for you everywhere.
Hello.
Cut out the accent.
Let's get out of here.
I've got the film.
Not a moment too soon.
The place has suddenly become very heavy.
We're surrounded.
- Who's turn is it to have an idea? - Mine.
OK, think.
They can't do anything in here.
What are we gonna do, then? How dare you, sir! Pose as a peer of the realm, you're an impostor! - That hurt! - Don't threaten me! Call the police.
I wish to prefer charges.
Everybody knows me here.
I'm Lord Brett Sinclair.
- The paysan pushed me! - Assault! This chap is trying to I demand the fuzz! We've got the girl.
I shall be glad to be a witness.
I'll drive you to the station.
Brett, darling, what's going on? Prue, sweetheart, I thought you were in Paris.
Listen, Danny Is that yours? Excuse me.
Sinclair! Quick! OK I'll get you the film, you let us go.
All in good time.
We'll discuss it in detail later.
Where are you taking us? Somewhere a little more discreet than a public highway.
Come on, put your foot down a bit.
We'll catch up with them before they get to the farm.
Someone's in a big hurry.
Let 'em go past.
You're becoming a regular back-seat driver.
Watch it! Watch it! Your nerves are showing.
Look out! All right, where are they? Now, come on, I hate noise.
Don't make me use this.
Where are they? - Sorry, I should've trusted you.
- That's all right.
It's unlikely we'll be disturbed, so let's get down to business.
This is what we'll do.
You let us go and I'll give you the film.
You're in no position to dictate terms, hand it over.
I don't have it.
I left it back at the ranch.
I think you're lying.
I'm quite sure you could withstand a good deal of physical discomfort, so we'll see how you react to Ann's pain.
All right, OK.
Everybody relax.
I've got it right here.
That's more sensible.
Here, that what you want? Just wanted to return the compliment.
Nicely done.
Daniel, where are your manners? Never leave the lady holding the gun.
- I'm very rich.
Name your price.
- All we want is you.
So why don't you get in your car, sit there and wait for the police.
One day, you'll find out incorruptibility is a weakness.
Well, that appears to be that.
We can't do anything about the film, you threw it away.
No, I didn't, it looked like I did.
I threw away some candy.
Here is the film.
No here's the candy.
I threw it over there.
It's right here.
All around in here.
Well let's cross out Mr Krane, shall we? His future seems very secure.
Well done, gentlemen.
You, too, Judge.
And to your health.
What happens to a guy like him now? The Fraud Squad, the FBI, Scotland Yard, Interpol they'll all be standing in line for him.
You're smart for a judge.
Answer that, Daniel.
I must do something about my staff problems.
I can't even keep an au pair for more than three nights.
You know, I don't find that very surprising.
For a High Court Judge, you have an exceedingly low mind.
Oh, Your Lordship, Your Judgeship, see you later.
- Who was at the door? - I've gotta be going.
What?! I've just opened another bottle of champagne.
I'll have a drink later.
But we're taking the girls to dinner.
You pick 'em up and I'll maybe meet you later.
- Daniel, who's at the door? - Wrong number.
Bye.
Wrong number? What the devil is he talking about? To your health.
It's a little early for Christmas presents.
What's this? - Lord Sinclair, sign here, please.
- Thank you.
Bought at auction by Lord Sinclair for Daniel? Daniel! Come back here! I bought this for £30,000?! Yes, well Well, maybe I did.
I just wasn't myself at the time, was I?