The Persuaders (1971) s01e16 Episode Script
A Home of One's Own
Now, this is my plan if we get through customs.
You check into your hotel.
Tonight I'll take you to Nemo's here in London.
After that Just because we had such a nice time on the plane, you're not obligated.
Are you kidding? It's a privilege, a beautiful creature like yourself.
Excuse me, sir, can I see your passport? OK? Well You've been so charming and hospitable, I just can't refuse.
And provided we can get a baby-sitter, my husband and I would just love to have you show us London.
The line is moving, excuse me.
Please come along to the interview room, Mr Lomax.
All right.
What's it all about? This way, sir.
Darling, how lovely! It's so good to see you again.
The car's waiting.
George will take the bags.
I can't wait to get home! Darling, you're so thin.
- Is that your friend? - Yes, er - In you go.
- Excuse me, I - That's his sister.
- Oh.
They seem very close.
Yes, they Oh, they are.
All right.
You can relax now.
Thanks, George.
Strictly a performance in case we were being watched, Mr Lomax.
All right, George.
Get started.
You're sure he'll make our double date tonight? Because if my sister doesn't come, I'm not coming either.
He'll be there.
You can count on it.
This is for you, exactly as arranged - $10,000.
That's a lot of money for a kiss.
- Look, Miss - The name's Charlie.
Charlie.
Oh, this is my lucky day.
Charlie, eh? I'm Carl Harris.
Welcome to England, Mr Lomax.
What would you say if I told you I wasn't Lomax? We'd probably have to kill you.
Well, I'm Lomax, believe me if I tell you I'm Mr Lomax.
Lived here long? Nice.
What happens now, kid? - We wait.
- I don't wanna wait.
It'll only take one minute, Mr Lomax.
There's something about you that doesn't quite gel.
- You know, the feeling is mutual.
- I think we've got the wrong guy.
Don't be stupid.
Everything went exactly as arranged.
Mitchell will be here soon.
He'll vouch for Lomax.
He'd better.
I'm going back to the hotel.
When Mitchell comes, you tell him I'm there kid.
Aren't you forgetting something? Like $10,000 you still owe us.
That's enough.
It doesn't take you long to make enemies, Lomax.
Mitchell.
- How do you do? Pleasure.
- Delighted.
Now, what's this all about? - I think he's a phoney.
- The pick-up went just as planned.
Oh.
Well, it looks as though I'm both judge and jury.
Nothing personal, but I'm sure you'd complain about our security - if I didn't check you out.
- Of course.
Oh.
Er, look.
Just the passport.
Oh, right.
- Daniel Wilde? - I never use Lomax.
Of course.
But it doesn't prove anything.
The case, Charlie.
Label Oh.
Perfect match.
- Nice coat.
- Yes, isn't it? Oh, Lomax! - Mitchell.
- I'm so proud to work with you.
Wonderful.
All right, Mr Lomax.
Why are you visiting the country? - I've told you three times.
- Tell us again.
- I'm a tourist.
- Who are you going to visit? - Nobody.
Don't know a soul.
- You've got a lot of phone numbers.
I've got a lot of phone numbers.
The FBI told us you were coming in.
You must be here for a reason.
What? I'm a tourist.
Well, plenty of time.
You'll tell us.
Here we are.
Oh, do you know, I think this is a propitious moment for a toast.
I give you the undisputed mastermind of crime, a planner of true genius, Harvey Lomax.
Oh.
Thank you.
- Charlotte's a tremendous fan.
- Is she? Mind if I call you Harvey? Well, I wish you'd call me Danny.
Danny Wilde, that's my cover.
- All right.
Danny.
- Thanks, Mitchell.
I've read your reports on the Boston caper.
Yes, the big Boston caper.
Superb strategy, immaculate timing, masterful execution.
Nice of you to say so.
It was nothing.
Nothing! You call $4 million nothing? Well, easy come, easy go Charlotte, you can talk to Danny about past triumphs later.
- A word.
- Yes, excuse us, Charlie.
Now, you wrote to me in your letter that security was absolutely vital.
In my letter I stated that security was absolutely vital, right.
Yes, you did.
So I followed your suggestion.
Oh, did you? Good.
And no one is to leave this flat, except myself, until we strike.
Good thinking.
No one should leave except you and me, until we strike.
What was that? - I see.
A little test to try me out.
- Well No, I remember exactly what you said.
- Oh, yes? - I quote "A leader cannot get the respect of his followers "unless he shares the same rigours as they.
" Right.
I'm glad you spotted that, Mitchell.
- So you stay here.
- Right.
I plan to stay here.
Oh, with your planning, we can't fail! - Think so? - It's astonishing, isn't it? A little piece of film like this is the key to the theft of 9 million in gold bullion.
- I don't think he's coming.
- Oh, he'll be here, I promise you.
Daniel wouldn't miss this date.
We've never been stood up in our entire lives.
And you're not going to be now.
Excuse me.
Dead man.
Oh, speak of the devil! Joan? Oh, how do you do? Well, you took your time getting here.
- I beg your pardon? - Well, it doesn't matter, then.
- Come in.
- Thank you.
Here he is.
Better late than never.
- Hello, Daniel, it's - Hello, my boy.
- Judge.
- A judge, too.
Nice.
Actually, he's not Danny.
Not Danny? Oh, yes, you told me.
- Danny's a much younger man.
- Let's not worry about it.
- We like the more mature type.
- I'm delighted.
Well, the guest room's all ready for you.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- We are expecting Danny.
- He has some New York papers for me.
- He should be here any time.
- I thought you went to the airport? I did.
You see, we've had this double date for a few weeks now.
We're going to a new discotheque.
You know Danny, he's probably having a whale of a time somewhere else.
Driver.
Oh, driver - Hello.
- Driver? Carl said you'd try and get away, to break your own rule.
I just wanted to get a little breath of air.
- Yes, I know.
Where shall we go? - Well, erm Well, why don't we go to We'll go the Trocadero.
- Where's that? - Driver, the Trocadero.
Shouldn't we stop him? No.
No, we'll see who he contacts, then we'll deal with him.
Didn't I tell you this place had atmosphere? It's great.
Stupid Carl thought you'd contact somebody.
Stupid Carl.
Hello.
- Do you know her? - Never saw her before.
- She was looking at you.
- I was looking at her.
Come on, kid.
Let's sit down and have a drink.
I'll order a little champagne while you powder your noses.
Well, my dear, what'll you have? - Buck rabbit punch.
- A buck rabbit punch coming up.
Thank you.
Just a magnum, I'm not planning on - Terribly sorry, madam.
- I'm not a madam.
I'm Danny.
- Danny? Danny Wilde? - Shh, yeah, right.
- Have you had plastic surgery? - No, I'm in bad trouble.
You're not kidding.
The bookends are about to leave.
- I'm also being watched.
- Watched by whom? See the booth on the end, the blonde? - Very pretty.
- That's Charlie.
Charlie? - Daniel, now I know you've flipped.
- And two other guys.
Don't tell me - Beryl and Mary.
They all seem to think I'm a guy named Lomax.
I've got it.
Sylvia Lomax! Jean, Joan, at last, the moment you've been waiting for.
I'd like you to meet my friend Danny What about some champagne? - Hi.
- Oh, hello.
- It has wonderful atmosphere.
- Yes, wonderful.
Excuse me, but do you have a pencil? Yes, I think so.
You some sort of writer? Yes, a writer, like War And Peace, How Green Was My Valley.
Things like that.
There's a guy standing at the bar with two girls that look alike.
- Well, he's a spy.
- A spy! Shh! Keep it to yourself.
He's a spy and I'm a spy now.
- You're? - Right.
Please give him this message.
It's a matter of life and death.
- What is your name? - Sophie.
Sophie.
Go get him, baby.
- Leave it to me.
- Yes, I shall.
Now, Sophie, take this napkin Sophie, I want you to meet the boys.
Boys, meet Sophie.
- Say good night, Sophie.
- Good night, Sophie.
She's a sweet kid.
Back to business.
Let's get back to the hideout.
Girls, I'm afraid I have some bad news.
He just left.
- Oh.
- You don't believe he was here.
- What would you like to do now? - Go.
Go.
What did I do wrong? - There you are, Mr Anderson.
- Thank you.
Listen, that business last night was no security test.
- That was a put-on! - You're wrong, Carl.
He's never met any of us before and he wants to be certain he's working with top-flight operators.
- I'd have done the same.
- I don't believe him.
Once you've seen his blueprints for the job you'll have no more doubts.
They've got the Harvey Lomax trademark in every detail.
Shouldn't Grant be here by now? - Yes.
Go find out what's happened.
- Look Go find out what's happened to him, there's a good boy.
Charlotte, you can tell Mr Lomax we're ready.
Come on, Kramer.
Let's get started.
Good.
Now, let me say at the outset that the very high cost of hiring Mr Lomax has already been amply repaid.
He has created what I consider to be the perfect crime.
All your specialist talents have been used.
I've listed the particular requirements.
Transport Electronics And Charlotte for coordination.
Look, this is all fine, but isn't it time we knew about the job? The where, the when and most important - the how.
Well, Mr Lomax can explain it himself in detail.
- This is Mr Anderson.
- What does he do? - Electronics.
- Any good? - Very good.
- Sit down, fellas.
Kramer.
Nice to have you aboard, Anderson.
- The target's 9 million in gold.
- Right.
What we don't know is how we get it.
That's a good question, Anderson.
Well, would you like to tell us? Al Capone! Hmm? Pretty Boy Floyd.
Edward G Robinson, Legs Diamond.
Do you know what these guys had in common? Intellect.
Brains.
Genius.
Organisation.
They ran their outfits like the army.
Just like a general, huh? Flank attacks for diversion, frontal for the main attack The pincer movements destroy the rear Essential.
Remember the big Boston caper? Let me tell you.
What was the most important thing? Timing.
Speed.
Efficiency.
Fast cars.
Each man in exactly the right position at exactly the right moment.
The exact second.
Now, if we can accomplish that we will be successful.
- Mr Lomax? - Yes? Could you be a little more specific? No, I can't, Anderson.
That would be breaching my security regulations.
Yes, but if we could just know when? When, huh? All right, Anderson.
I'll tell you when.
Tell him.
Oh.
Well, thank you, Danny.
We make the hit in exactly 48 hours.
The man your friend was mistaken for is Lomax.
- Our department's holding him.
- Hmm.
Our Danny has got himself mixed up in something pretty big.
Like what? There have been underworld rumours of a huge job in the planning stage.
We think Lomax was bringing in a blueprint for the crime.
That's why we picked him up.
- How long can you hold him? - Not long.
Best we can do is deport him.
Well, you deport him, he makes one phone call and our Daniel is as dead as mutton.
Leave me alone! Oh.
- What happened? - I lost.
Oh, yes.
Very funny.
You were supposed to be at a meeting.
So, I'm a little late.
Can't you leave that stuff alone? Look, you hired me to fly a plane.
I don't want to hear a lecture on temperance.
- Did Lomax get here yet? - Yesterday.
Yesterday? I thought he would have called me.
You know him? Sure, I met him flying in the States.
We're good buddies.
Well, well, well.
You really did lose last night, didn't you? Tell me, where do you get this kind of money? Why don't you mind your own business? It stinks in here.
- The police are coming.
- So? I'm clean.
You aren't making extra cash on the side, turning police informer? Oh, don't be stupid! What are you doing? You'd better just hope they don't come through that door.
Well, we'll have to postpone.
We can't.
If we don't hit now, the chance is gone forever.
No, we have to find another pilot.
- I'll put the word out.
- Thank you, Carl.
- I don't like it.
- There's no risk.
He won't be out of our sight and afterwards he's dispensable.
Yeah, I understand.
Thank you.
Well? A man called Grant's been found dead.
Small-time crook.
Used to be a pilot.
What has all this got to do with Danny? His number was in Lomax's address book.
We're checking all the numbers.
- How long will that take? - We're doing our best.
Then you won't mind if I do something on my own.
Where are you going? Judge, for your information, I'm going to buy myself some information.
Good afternoon, Your Lordship.
I'd hardly call it that.
How's the planting going, Farmer? Oh, late, sir.
Very late.
Ground's too wet, can't get the plough in.
Then how about some information about a man called Grant? He's dead.
I can tell you that for nothing.
The next answer will be more expensive.
I don't have time to bargain.
Well, it's all whispers and rumours, but the word is there's a big job coming up.
- American planner.
- Go on.
Well, it's my bet Grant was in on it.
You see, under an hour ago, I heard that certain parties were interested in hiring a pilot.
A replacement for Grant.
I want the job.
I am a qualified pilot.
- I wouldn't get mixed up in this.
- You name your own price.
- Stay by your phone.
- I thought that would persuade you.
You think so, huh? Well, I'm not so sure Gentlemen, it's time to go.
- Mitchell, let me help you.
- Thank you, Danny.
There you are.
Have a nice trip, chaps.
- It's time to go to headquarters.
- Of course.
Come along, there.
Kramer, shut the door behind you.
- Sinclair.
- They're interested.
Stand on the corner of Hall Street and Chester Road at five o'clock and they'll look you over.
If they like what they see, they'll make contact.
Thank you, Farmer.
- Gentlemen, success.
- What is it? - I have an interview for a job.
- If you get it, contact us at once.
It may make a dishonest man of me.
You have the real Lomax under wraps, don't you? He's being moved to a detention centre.
Gentlemen, in 14 hours and 31 minutes we'll make the hit.
We can reveal details of the target.
Danny? - Mitchell, tell them everything.
- Oh.
Very well.
Tomorrow morning at 1000 hours an aircraft will land for refuelling.
Its cargo - gold bullion.
We'll take control and fly it to North Africa.
- Easy as that? - Like candy from a baby.
What sort of opposition can we expect? Go on, Mitchell.
Tell them.
Spare them nothing.
Well, the opposition is the United States Air Force! Ohh Kramer.
We've found ourselves a pilot.
The name is Roberts.
OK.
Thank you.
- Nothing from Sinclair.
- Lomax? Not a trace.
- What are you doing here? - Freezing to death.
- What took you so long? - You're always first! - I was a premature child.
- Come on.
- No keys.
- Right.
I Right, come on.
Ooh! - Haven't got a hairpin, have you? - I wouldn't bother.
Oh, OK.
Now, you listen to me! I'm tired of being shoved around.
I want an explanation! Who's he? Harvey Lomax.
You're some kind of a phoney.
I think you're an undercover agent for the fuzz.
- You planned the gold heist? - Every detail.
Tell me about it.
Listen, wise guy, YOU tell ME about it! - Aircraft flies in from Geneva - Right.
For secrecy it lands at Manswell.
Practically deserted.
- Uh-huh.
- It's on the ground for 35 minutes.
Exactly right.
He knows every detail.
There's a bad security leak here.
- Now you tell me something.
- Anything! What wavelength is being used for security check-up? What's the call sign of the aircraft? The name of the Base Commander? Irving.
Sol? You think you got me with these questions? Right? - Wrong.
- Wrong.
- Nice try, though.
- Thanks.
Sorry, Mitchell.
Oh, shut up! You.
How did you get into this? - I heard you wanted a flyer.
- You mean, you are a pilot? Certainly.
But it's really not important any more, is it? - The point is, what will you do now? - I'd have thought that was obvious.
Now, hang on a moment, Carl.
Just for the moment, lock them up in that room.
That room there? Toodle-oo! Sit down, Your Lordship.
Anybody got any ideas? Without a pilot, we're dead.
And there's no time to find a substitute.
- I could make him do it.
- I doubt that.
That's only half the problem.
We need them both.
- What's the problem? I'll take over.
- It's not that easy.
Security passes.
All the documentation.
Made out for the wrong man now.
So we do a set with the right picture.
They took 36 hours to prepare.
It can't be done.
There's a way.
It's agreed we need these two men, right? - Yes.
- Then, it's simple.
Each one will act as hostage for the life of the other.
Each one will do what he's told, knowing that if he doesn't, the other one gets eliminated.
It could work It could just work! After you.
Thank you.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
I'll have bacon, eggs toast - Ah, good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning.
I trust you slept well.
You've got a big day ahead of you.
The floor was most comfortable, the room service appalling.
Last night I thought, "I'll have to call the whole thing off.
" But today I think it is possible, if I can persuade you both to help us.
How do you plan on doing that? Well, during the operation, you'll both be separated.
Each will be assigned to a guard equipped with a small transmitter - by courtesy of Anderson Electronics.
- What is all this leading to? - It's quite simple.
If you should try to inform the authorities, refuse to help us or refuse to cooperate, if that should happen the other guard is informed and your friend eliminated.
And it works both ways! You've each got a gun pointed at the other's head.
Here's your costume, jokers.
Smythe? What sort of a name is that? Ah.
Jolly good, Kramer.
The raid is on! General Cooley to see the Commander.
General Cooley? Yes, sir! Right away, sir.
Play it rough and tough.
Remember your men call you Fireball! - Lieutenant? - Sir.
I mean, there's been some foul-up in communications.
l-I What did you want, a singing telegram? So you'd have time to hide the crap tables and the broads?! Identification! Mine, Lieutenant, mine! G-G-General Harry L Cooley.
That's fine, sir.
Major, check the guardhouse.
You got a problem, Major?! Lieutenant, come here.
I want triple security, nobody in or out of the base without me knowing, or you.
And never take your eyes off me! Yes, General, I've got all of that.
And be ready! When I give you the word - General, we're on a tight schedule.
- OK, Major.
- We're due at the Colonel's.
- I'll just check - Lieutenant! Open that car door.
- Yes, sir.
What is it with you?! Now close it! Go! Yeah? What? General who? You know we've got a security alert on here, Lieutenant? All right, it's not your fault.
I think they're here now.
Right.
General Cooley, sir.
This is an unexpected pleasure.
You're not in this man's army for pleasure.
- Colonel Adler? - Sir.
- Major Lomax.
- Major.
- Let me ask you something.
- Sir? - Is this your office here? - Yes, sir.
- Have you checked it for bugs? - Bugs? Electronic bugging devices.
- Sir, I hardly think - That's your problem, Colonel.
You hardly think.
You don't use the noodle.
The base facilities are at your disposal, but we do have a security operation in progress.
The General knows about the bullion shipment.
Oh, I see.
So that's why you're here.
Well, you could say that.
Oh, sorry to disturb you all, sir.
It's flight 104, sir.
Yes, of course.
Now, when he comes back, we get rid of him.
This is the Base Commander, Colonel Adler.
'We need a code reference, sir, before we can land.
' I have it.
The security reference is AG Geneva.
'Thanks, Colonel.
We'll commence our approach.
' Handing you back to the tower, 104.
Out.
Oh, Colonel, could I ask you to do something for me? I have an attaché case in the back seat of the limousine.
- Could you fetch it? - I'll send somebody.
No, I was thinking of you doing it for me, Colonel.
You see, it's an attaché case with all the security papers - But sir - It can't fall into the wrong hands.
- You don't - Thanks a lot.
Wonderful to see you.
Now, don't overdo it.
Major Lomax here.
Right, I'll put you through to General Cooley.
Truck's at the gate.
General Cooley here.
Pass the truck through, it's under my command.
OK, in there.
- Lieutenant, Sergeant.
- At ease.
Just a routine security check.
OK.
Go keep that Colonel busy.
There.
A complete radio blackout should give us a good start.
You know, Carl never did believe Danny Wilde was Lomax, did he? Must have been frustrating.
Still, he will have his amusement.
What do you mean? Mitchell had a quiet word with our sadistic friend.
- What did he say? - You didn't imagine they'd go free? You mean Carl's going to kill them? What else? - You all right? - Yes.
Now, where's the main supply? Now, Colonel, if I want to check the soup of the day, I'm gonna check it! General Cooley! General Cooley, sir! Lieutenant, is something wrong? Hold this.
Lomax.
- One or two minor points.
- Come along.
You, over there.
Move.
All right, keep quiet and move.
Move! What do you think you're doing? All right, take him to the stockade.
Stockade? Do you think I'm an Indian? Stop poking me with that thing! Release that man! Daniel, explain.
My good friend Lord Brett Sinclair, Colonel Adler.
That's the culprit there, Mitchell.
Sinclair? Weren't we at school together? - I sincerely hope not.
- You were a snotty-nosed kid.
You wouldn't believe what's been going on.
- We have a pressing appointment.
- Goodbye! Keep up the good work! And then when I wink, you say, "Funny, I'm a Gemini, too.
" "I'm a Gemini, too.
" I say this to Jean or Joan? - To Joan.
- How do you tell them apart? - Jean has a birthmark on her - Ah.
Hi! I don't know from experience, Joan told me.
- Hello, girls.
- Hello! At last, may I present Mr Danny Wilde? I told you he existed.
This is Joan, this is Jean.
- Super to finally meet you.
- Yeah.
- How's your sister? - Charlie, at the airport.
- She's gonna be in London for a bit.
- Yes, for a long bit.
- Are you Jean or Joan? - Joan.
- Why don't we - Want to dance? - You're a little cutie.
- Thank you.
- Hey, the writer.
- Sophie, how are you, my dear? Fine.
I read some of your books last night.
War And Peace.
I also wrote The Rise And Fall Of The Roman Empire.
- Who's she, then, his big brother? - Funny.
I thought you said tonight would be different.
- It is, isn't it? - We're leaving.
Well, it's no different.
Daniel, see what you've done? This is Sophie.
Lord Brett Sinclair, my very best friend.
How do you do, Sophie? - Say goodbye, Sophie.
- Goodbye, Sophie.
You check into your hotel.
Tonight I'll take you to Nemo's here in London.
After that Just because we had such a nice time on the plane, you're not obligated.
Are you kidding? It's a privilege, a beautiful creature like yourself.
Excuse me, sir, can I see your passport? OK? Well You've been so charming and hospitable, I just can't refuse.
And provided we can get a baby-sitter, my husband and I would just love to have you show us London.
The line is moving, excuse me.
Please come along to the interview room, Mr Lomax.
All right.
What's it all about? This way, sir.
Darling, how lovely! It's so good to see you again.
The car's waiting.
George will take the bags.
I can't wait to get home! Darling, you're so thin.
- Is that your friend? - Yes, er - In you go.
- Excuse me, I - That's his sister.
- Oh.
They seem very close.
Yes, they Oh, they are.
All right.
You can relax now.
Thanks, George.
Strictly a performance in case we were being watched, Mr Lomax.
All right, George.
Get started.
You're sure he'll make our double date tonight? Because if my sister doesn't come, I'm not coming either.
He'll be there.
You can count on it.
This is for you, exactly as arranged - $10,000.
That's a lot of money for a kiss.
- Look, Miss - The name's Charlie.
Charlie.
Oh, this is my lucky day.
Charlie, eh? I'm Carl Harris.
Welcome to England, Mr Lomax.
What would you say if I told you I wasn't Lomax? We'd probably have to kill you.
Well, I'm Lomax, believe me if I tell you I'm Mr Lomax.
Lived here long? Nice.
What happens now, kid? - We wait.
- I don't wanna wait.
It'll only take one minute, Mr Lomax.
There's something about you that doesn't quite gel.
- You know, the feeling is mutual.
- I think we've got the wrong guy.
Don't be stupid.
Everything went exactly as arranged.
Mitchell will be here soon.
He'll vouch for Lomax.
He'd better.
I'm going back to the hotel.
When Mitchell comes, you tell him I'm there kid.
Aren't you forgetting something? Like $10,000 you still owe us.
That's enough.
It doesn't take you long to make enemies, Lomax.
Mitchell.
- How do you do? Pleasure.
- Delighted.
Now, what's this all about? - I think he's a phoney.
- The pick-up went just as planned.
Oh.
Well, it looks as though I'm both judge and jury.
Nothing personal, but I'm sure you'd complain about our security - if I didn't check you out.
- Of course.
Oh.
Er, look.
Just the passport.
Oh, right.
- Daniel Wilde? - I never use Lomax.
Of course.
But it doesn't prove anything.
The case, Charlie.
Label Oh.
Perfect match.
- Nice coat.
- Yes, isn't it? Oh, Lomax! - Mitchell.
- I'm so proud to work with you.
Wonderful.
All right, Mr Lomax.
Why are you visiting the country? - I've told you three times.
- Tell us again.
- I'm a tourist.
- Who are you going to visit? - Nobody.
Don't know a soul.
- You've got a lot of phone numbers.
I've got a lot of phone numbers.
The FBI told us you were coming in.
You must be here for a reason.
What? I'm a tourist.
Well, plenty of time.
You'll tell us.
Here we are.
Oh, do you know, I think this is a propitious moment for a toast.
I give you the undisputed mastermind of crime, a planner of true genius, Harvey Lomax.
Oh.
Thank you.
- Charlotte's a tremendous fan.
- Is she? Mind if I call you Harvey? Well, I wish you'd call me Danny.
Danny Wilde, that's my cover.
- All right.
Danny.
- Thanks, Mitchell.
I've read your reports on the Boston caper.
Yes, the big Boston caper.
Superb strategy, immaculate timing, masterful execution.
Nice of you to say so.
It was nothing.
Nothing! You call $4 million nothing? Well, easy come, easy go Charlotte, you can talk to Danny about past triumphs later.
- A word.
- Yes, excuse us, Charlie.
Now, you wrote to me in your letter that security was absolutely vital.
In my letter I stated that security was absolutely vital, right.
Yes, you did.
So I followed your suggestion.
Oh, did you? Good.
And no one is to leave this flat, except myself, until we strike.
Good thinking.
No one should leave except you and me, until we strike.
What was that? - I see.
A little test to try me out.
- Well No, I remember exactly what you said.
- Oh, yes? - I quote "A leader cannot get the respect of his followers "unless he shares the same rigours as they.
" Right.
I'm glad you spotted that, Mitchell.
- So you stay here.
- Right.
I plan to stay here.
Oh, with your planning, we can't fail! - Think so? - It's astonishing, isn't it? A little piece of film like this is the key to the theft of 9 million in gold bullion.
- I don't think he's coming.
- Oh, he'll be here, I promise you.
Daniel wouldn't miss this date.
We've never been stood up in our entire lives.
And you're not going to be now.
Excuse me.
Dead man.
Oh, speak of the devil! Joan? Oh, how do you do? Well, you took your time getting here.
- I beg your pardon? - Well, it doesn't matter, then.
- Come in.
- Thank you.
Here he is.
Better late than never.
- Hello, Daniel, it's - Hello, my boy.
- Judge.
- A judge, too.
Nice.
Actually, he's not Danny.
Not Danny? Oh, yes, you told me.
- Danny's a much younger man.
- Let's not worry about it.
- We like the more mature type.
- I'm delighted.
Well, the guest room's all ready for you.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- We are expecting Danny.
- He has some New York papers for me.
- He should be here any time.
- I thought you went to the airport? I did.
You see, we've had this double date for a few weeks now.
We're going to a new discotheque.
You know Danny, he's probably having a whale of a time somewhere else.
Driver.
Oh, driver - Hello.
- Driver? Carl said you'd try and get away, to break your own rule.
I just wanted to get a little breath of air.
- Yes, I know.
Where shall we go? - Well, erm Well, why don't we go to We'll go the Trocadero.
- Where's that? - Driver, the Trocadero.
Shouldn't we stop him? No.
No, we'll see who he contacts, then we'll deal with him.
Didn't I tell you this place had atmosphere? It's great.
Stupid Carl thought you'd contact somebody.
Stupid Carl.
Hello.
- Do you know her? - Never saw her before.
- She was looking at you.
- I was looking at her.
Come on, kid.
Let's sit down and have a drink.
I'll order a little champagne while you powder your noses.
Well, my dear, what'll you have? - Buck rabbit punch.
- A buck rabbit punch coming up.
Thank you.
Just a magnum, I'm not planning on - Terribly sorry, madam.
- I'm not a madam.
I'm Danny.
- Danny? Danny Wilde? - Shh, yeah, right.
- Have you had plastic surgery? - No, I'm in bad trouble.
You're not kidding.
The bookends are about to leave.
- I'm also being watched.
- Watched by whom? See the booth on the end, the blonde? - Very pretty.
- That's Charlie.
Charlie? - Daniel, now I know you've flipped.
- And two other guys.
Don't tell me - Beryl and Mary.
They all seem to think I'm a guy named Lomax.
I've got it.
Sylvia Lomax! Jean, Joan, at last, the moment you've been waiting for.
I'd like you to meet my friend Danny What about some champagne? - Hi.
- Oh, hello.
- It has wonderful atmosphere.
- Yes, wonderful.
Excuse me, but do you have a pencil? Yes, I think so.
You some sort of writer? Yes, a writer, like War And Peace, How Green Was My Valley.
Things like that.
There's a guy standing at the bar with two girls that look alike.
- Well, he's a spy.
- A spy! Shh! Keep it to yourself.
He's a spy and I'm a spy now.
- You're? - Right.
Please give him this message.
It's a matter of life and death.
- What is your name? - Sophie.
Sophie.
Go get him, baby.
- Leave it to me.
- Yes, I shall.
Now, Sophie, take this napkin Sophie, I want you to meet the boys.
Boys, meet Sophie.
- Say good night, Sophie.
- Good night, Sophie.
She's a sweet kid.
Back to business.
Let's get back to the hideout.
Girls, I'm afraid I have some bad news.
He just left.
- Oh.
- You don't believe he was here.
- What would you like to do now? - Go.
Go.
What did I do wrong? - There you are, Mr Anderson.
- Thank you.
Listen, that business last night was no security test.
- That was a put-on! - You're wrong, Carl.
He's never met any of us before and he wants to be certain he's working with top-flight operators.
- I'd have done the same.
- I don't believe him.
Once you've seen his blueprints for the job you'll have no more doubts.
They've got the Harvey Lomax trademark in every detail.
Shouldn't Grant be here by now? - Yes.
Go find out what's happened.
- Look Go find out what's happened to him, there's a good boy.
Charlotte, you can tell Mr Lomax we're ready.
Come on, Kramer.
Let's get started.
Good.
Now, let me say at the outset that the very high cost of hiring Mr Lomax has already been amply repaid.
He has created what I consider to be the perfect crime.
All your specialist talents have been used.
I've listed the particular requirements.
Transport Electronics And Charlotte for coordination.
Look, this is all fine, but isn't it time we knew about the job? The where, the when and most important - the how.
Well, Mr Lomax can explain it himself in detail.
- This is Mr Anderson.
- What does he do? - Electronics.
- Any good? - Very good.
- Sit down, fellas.
Kramer.
Nice to have you aboard, Anderson.
- The target's 9 million in gold.
- Right.
What we don't know is how we get it.
That's a good question, Anderson.
Well, would you like to tell us? Al Capone! Hmm? Pretty Boy Floyd.
Edward G Robinson, Legs Diamond.
Do you know what these guys had in common? Intellect.
Brains.
Genius.
Organisation.
They ran their outfits like the army.
Just like a general, huh? Flank attacks for diversion, frontal for the main attack The pincer movements destroy the rear Essential.
Remember the big Boston caper? Let me tell you.
What was the most important thing? Timing.
Speed.
Efficiency.
Fast cars.
Each man in exactly the right position at exactly the right moment.
The exact second.
Now, if we can accomplish that we will be successful.
- Mr Lomax? - Yes? Could you be a little more specific? No, I can't, Anderson.
That would be breaching my security regulations.
Yes, but if we could just know when? When, huh? All right, Anderson.
I'll tell you when.
Tell him.
Oh.
Well, thank you, Danny.
We make the hit in exactly 48 hours.
The man your friend was mistaken for is Lomax.
- Our department's holding him.
- Hmm.
Our Danny has got himself mixed up in something pretty big.
Like what? There have been underworld rumours of a huge job in the planning stage.
We think Lomax was bringing in a blueprint for the crime.
That's why we picked him up.
- How long can you hold him? - Not long.
Best we can do is deport him.
Well, you deport him, he makes one phone call and our Daniel is as dead as mutton.
Leave me alone! Oh.
- What happened? - I lost.
Oh, yes.
Very funny.
You were supposed to be at a meeting.
So, I'm a little late.
Can't you leave that stuff alone? Look, you hired me to fly a plane.
I don't want to hear a lecture on temperance.
- Did Lomax get here yet? - Yesterday.
Yesterday? I thought he would have called me.
You know him? Sure, I met him flying in the States.
We're good buddies.
Well, well, well.
You really did lose last night, didn't you? Tell me, where do you get this kind of money? Why don't you mind your own business? It stinks in here.
- The police are coming.
- So? I'm clean.
You aren't making extra cash on the side, turning police informer? Oh, don't be stupid! What are you doing? You'd better just hope they don't come through that door.
Well, we'll have to postpone.
We can't.
If we don't hit now, the chance is gone forever.
No, we have to find another pilot.
- I'll put the word out.
- Thank you, Carl.
- I don't like it.
- There's no risk.
He won't be out of our sight and afterwards he's dispensable.
Yeah, I understand.
Thank you.
Well? A man called Grant's been found dead.
Small-time crook.
Used to be a pilot.
What has all this got to do with Danny? His number was in Lomax's address book.
We're checking all the numbers.
- How long will that take? - We're doing our best.
Then you won't mind if I do something on my own.
Where are you going? Judge, for your information, I'm going to buy myself some information.
Good afternoon, Your Lordship.
I'd hardly call it that.
How's the planting going, Farmer? Oh, late, sir.
Very late.
Ground's too wet, can't get the plough in.
Then how about some information about a man called Grant? He's dead.
I can tell you that for nothing.
The next answer will be more expensive.
I don't have time to bargain.
Well, it's all whispers and rumours, but the word is there's a big job coming up.
- American planner.
- Go on.
Well, it's my bet Grant was in on it.
You see, under an hour ago, I heard that certain parties were interested in hiring a pilot.
A replacement for Grant.
I want the job.
I am a qualified pilot.
- I wouldn't get mixed up in this.
- You name your own price.
- Stay by your phone.
- I thought that would persuade you.
You think so, huh? Well, I'm not so sure Gentlemen, it's time to go.
- Mitchell, let me help you.
- Thank you, Danny.
There you are.
Have a nice trip, chaps.
- It's time to go to headquarters.
- Of course.
Come along, there.
Kramer, shut the door behind you.
- Sinclair.
- They're interested.
Stand on the corner of Hall Street and Chester Road at five o'clock and they'll look you over.
If they like what they see, they'll make contact.
Thank you, Farmer.
- Gentlemen, success.
- What is it? - I have an interview for a job.
- If you get it, contact us at once.
It may make a dishonest man of me.
You have the real Lomax under wraps, don't you? He's being moved to a detention centre.
Gentlemen, in 14 hours and 31 minutes we'll make the hit.
We can reveal details of the target.
Danny? - Mitchell, tell them everything.
- Oh.
Very well.
Tomorrow morning at 1000 hours an aircraft will land for refuelling.
Its cargo - gold bullion.
We'll take control and fly it to North Africa.
- Easy as that? - Like candy from a baby.
What sort of opposition can we expect? Go on, Mitchell.
Tell them.
Spare them nothing.
Well, the opposition is the United States Air Force! Ohh Kramer.
We've found ourselves a pilot.
The name is Roberts.
OK.
Thank you.
- Nothing from Sinclair.
- Lomax? Not a trace.
- What are you doing here? - Freezing to death.
- What took you so long? - You're always first! - I was a premature child.
- Come on.
- No keys.
- Right.
I Right, come on.
Ooh! - Haven't got a hairpin, have you? - I wouldn't bother.
Oh, OK.
Now, you listen to me! I'm tired of being shoved around.
I want an explanation! Who's he? Harvey Lomax.
You're some kind of a phoney.
I think you're an undercover agent for the fuzz.
- You planned the gold heist? - Every detail.
Tell me about it.
Listen, wise guy, YOU tell ME about it! - Aircraft flies in from Geneva - Right.
For secrecy it lands at Manswell.
Practically deserted.
- Uh-huh.
- It's on the ground for 35 minutes.
Exactly right.
He knows every detail.
There's a bad security leak here.
- Now you tell me something.
- Anything! What wavelength is being used for security check-up? What's the call sign of the aircraft? The name of the Base Commander? Irving.
Sol? You think you got me with these questions? Right? - Wrong.
- Wrong.
- Nice try, though.
- Thanks.
Sorry, Mitchell.
Oh, shut up! You.
How did you get into this? - I heard you wanted a flyer.
- You mean, you are a pilot? Certainly.
But it's really not important any more, is it? - The point is, what will you do now? - I'd have thought that was obvious.
Now, hang on a moment, Carl.
Just for the moment, lock them up in that room.
That room there? Toodle-oo! Sit down, Your Lordship.
Anybody got any ideas? Without a pilot, we're dead.
And there's no time to find a substitute.
- I could make him do it.
- I doubt that.
That's only half the problem.
We need them both.
- What's the problem? I'll take over.
- It's not that easy.
Security passes.
All the documentation.
Made out for the wrong man now.
So we do a set with the right picture.
They took 36 hours to prepare.
It can't be done.
There's a way.
It's agreed we need these two men, right? - Yes.
- Then, it's simple.
Each one will act as hostage for the life of the other.
Each one will do what he's told, knowing that if he doesn't, the other one gets eliminated.
It could work It could just work! After you.
Thank you.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
I'll have bacon, eggs toast - Ah, good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning.
I trust you slept well.
You've got a big day ahead of you.
The floor was most comfortable, the room service appalling.
Last night I thought, "I'll have to call the whole thing off.
" But today I think it is possible, if I can persuade you both to help us.
How do you plan on doing that? Well, during the operation, you'll both be separated.
Each will be assigned to a guard equipped with a small transmitter - by courtesy of Anderson Electronics.
- What is all this leading to? - It's quite simple.
If you should try to inform the authorities, refuse to help us or refuse to cooperate, if that should happen the other guard is informed and your friend eliminated.
And it works both ways! You've each got a gun pointed at the other's head.
Here's your costume, jokers.
Smythe? What sort of a name is that? Ah.
Jolly good, Kramer.
The raid is on! General Cooley to see the Commander.
General Cooley? Yes, sir! Right away, sir.
Play it rough and tough.
Remember your men call you Fireball! - Lieutenant? - Sir.
I mean, there's been some foul-up in communications.
l-I What did you want, a singing telegram? So you'd have time to hide the crap tables and the broads?! Identification! Mine, Lieutenant, mine! G-G-General Harry L Cooley.
That's fine, sir.
Major, check the guardhouse.
You got a problem, Major?! Lieutenant, come here.
I want triple security, nobody in or out of the base without me knowing, or you.
And never take your eyes off me! Yes, General, I've got all of that.
And be ready! When I give you the word - General, we're on a tight schedule.
- OK, Major.
- We're due at the Colonel's.
- I'll just check - Lieutenant! Open that car door.
- Yes, sir.
What is it with you?! Now close it! Go! Yeah? What? General who? You know we've got a security alert on here, Lieutenant? All right, it's not your fault.
I think they're here now.
Right.
General Cooley, sir.
This is an unexpected pleasure.
You're not in this man's army for pleasure.
- Colonel Adler? - Sir.
- Major Lomax.
- Major.
- Let me ask you something.
- Sir? - Is this your office here? - Yes, sir.
- Have you checked it for bugs? - Bugs? Electronic bugging devices.
- Sir, I hardly think - That's your problem, Colonel.
You hardly think.
You don't use the noodle.
The base facilities are at your disposal, but we do have a security operation in progress.
The General knows about the bullion shipment.
Oh, I see.
So that's why you're here.
Well, you could say that.
Oh, sorry to disturb you all, sir.
It's flight 104, sir.
Yes, of course.
Now, when he comes back, we get rid of him.
This is the Base Commander, Colonel Adler.
'We need a code reference, sir, before we can land.
' I have it.
The security reference is AG Geneva.
'Thanks, Colonel.
We'll commence our approach.
' Handing you back to the tower, 104.
Out.
Oh, Colonel, could I ask you to do something for me? I have an attaché case in the back seat of the limousine.
- Could you fetch it? - I'll send somebody.
No, I was thinking of you doing it for me, Colonel.
You see, it's an attaché case with all the security papers - But sir - It can't fall into the wrong hands.
- You don't - Thanks a lot.
Wonderful to see you.
Now, don't overdo it.
Major Lomax here.
Right, I'll put you through to General Cooley.
Truck's at the gate.
General Cooley here.
Pass the truck through, it's under my command.
OK, in there.
- Lieutenant, Sergeant.
- At ease.
Just a routine security check.
OK.
Go keep that Colonel busy.
There.
A complete radio blackout should give us a good start.
You know, Carl never did believe Danny Wilde was Lomax, did he? Must have been frustrating.
Still, he will have his amusement.
What do you mean? Mitchell had a quiet word with our sadistic friend.
- What did he say? - You didn't imagine they'd go free? You mean Carl's going to kill them? What else? - You all right? - Yes.
Now, where's the main supply? Now, Colonel, if I want to check the soup of the day, I'm gonna check it! General Cooley! General Cooley, sir! Lieutenant, is something wrong? Hold this.
Lomax.
- One or two minor points.
- Come along.
You, over there.
Move.
All right, keep quiet and move.
Move! What do you think you're doing? All right, take him to the stockade.
Stockade? Do you think I'm an Indian? Stop poking me with that thing! Release that man! Daniel, explain.
My good friend Lord Brett Sinclair, Colonel Adler.
That's the culprit there, Mitchell.
Sinclair? Weren't we at school together? - I sincerely hope not.
- You were a snotty-nosed kid.
You wouldn't believe what's been going on.
- We have a pressing appointment.
- Goodbye! Keep up the good work! And then when I wink, you say, "Funny, I'm a Gemini, too.
" "I'm a Gemini, too.
" I say this to Jean or Joan? - To Joan.
- How do you tell them apart? - Jean has a birthmark on her - Ah.
Hi! I don't know from experience, Joan told me.
- Hello, girls.
- Hello! At last, may I present Mr Danny Wilde? I told you he existed.
This is Joan, this is Jean.
- Super to finally meet you.
- Yeah.
- How's your sister? - Charlie, at the airport.
- She's gonna be in London for a bit.
- Yes, for a long bit.
- Are you Jean or Joan? - Joan.
- Why don't we - Want to dance? - You're a little cutie.
- Thank you.
- Hey, the writer.
- Sophie, how are you, my dear? Fine.
I read some of your books last night.
War And Peace.
I also wrote The Rise And Fall Of The Roman Empire.
- Who's she, then, his big brother? - Funny.
I thought you said tonight would be different.
- It is, isn't it? - We're leaving.
Well, it's no different.
Daniel, see what you've done? This is Sophie.
Lord Brett Sinclair, my very best friend.
How do you do, Sophie? - Say goodbye, Sophie.
- Goodbye, Sophie.