The Avengers (1961) s02e06 Episode Script

1 (theme music playing) (jazz music playing) Godard, you need a facility, I can offer it, but I'm not giving it away.
At 100,000 new francs, monsieur, your idea of a gift is an expensive one.
- Seems to me we don't have a deal.
- Let us not rush things.
- We've been sitting here since 7:00.
- Monsieur Either we call the deal off, or we talk business.
- You say 100,000 francs? - Yes.
We cannot offer more than 75,000.
See you around.
Wait.
(music ends, applause) I could, of course, discuss it with my principals.
Sure, you could.
Look, Godard, we've worked for you before, but nothing ever this big.
100,000 new francs.
It, uh, must be done before the end of the week.
We've agreed all that.
All right, 100,000.
He'll be dead by Sunday.
(glass clatters) (cocks hammer) Good evening, Mrs.
Dragna.
Who are you? What do you want? Come right on in.
Sorry.
Hold on a minute.
Here.
My husband will kill you.
Your husband's in Italy on business.
By the time he comes back, I'll be miles away.
- There aren't that many miles.
- We'll see.
Oh, he shouldn't go away so often.
Enjoy yourself.
Next time, it's on you.
Well, what now? I want you to take me to the bathroom.
Bathroom? Why? Hmm? I want a head start.
What'll I do all night, talk to the john? You won't stay there long.
Your maid comes at 7:00.
Okay, shall we go? It will be ready on Thursday, madame.
Hi, Charlie.
You wanted me? Yeah.
Something very interesting.
- What? - Yesterday afternoon, I telephoned your apartment, but you hadn't got back from your trip.
I say to Cecile, "I got to talk to Mr.
Dragna urgent.
" I got information for Mr.
Dragna.
" All right, Charlie, come to the point.
3:00 yesterday afternoon, a customer comes in the shop, Englishman.
Doesn't look like a tourist.
He's got a pocketful of "tom.
" Doesn't want to sell it.
Just wants to know what it's worth.
He's heard I'm interested in jewelry.
Then what? I look the stuff over.
It's all good.
Worth a lot of money.
- He just wants to know is it genuine.
- Well, was it? Sure, it was genuine.
And not only that, it was yours.
Describe him, Charlie.
Well-built guy, dark, snazzy dresser, thinks life's a big joke.
- That could change.
- That's what I thought.
I say to myself, "You are smiling now, but I bet you don't smile when Mr.
Dragna finds you.
" - You followed him? - Sure, I followed him.
And here's the interesting part.
You know where he went? - You tell me, Charlie.
- Siegel's place.
- The Center.
- Yeah.
- Anything else? - Is that not enough? Thank you, Charlie.
I'm beholden to you.
You what, Mr.
Dragna? Look it up, Charlie.
Improve yourself.
But for now, get your coat.
You're coming with me.
Yeah.
All of my clothes are unsightly All of my hats are a crime If, dear, in you I picked rightly It's for the very first time You came along, say I think you're wonderful I think you're grand but I may be wrong.
Yeah.
How was that? - Fine.
Let's try this evening's.
- Okay.
Would you like a drink? Uh, no.
It's a bit early for me.
- All right.
Well, I'll see you later.
- All right, sweetness.
- Hello.
- Oh, no.
- How's it going? - Great up till now.
What are you doing here? I'm having a nice seaside holiday.
I'm entitled to a holiday.
Shops and factories, that.
What'll you have? Something long and cool to help me get my breath back.
Citron pressé, please.
Citron pressé and a very large cognac.
- Monsieur.
- Thank you.
- How long are you here for? - Couple of weeks.
How about you? Was supposed to be a month.
Fast paying, good contracts, sun shining, charming people.
Very nice place to work in.
Sounds too good to be true.
It was.
Look, why can't you leave me alone? I know it'll be very difficult to begin with, but I will manage somehow.
- That's what I intend to do.
- What? - Leave you alone.
- Ha.
You're joking, of course.
Oh, I'm not.
I'm here for a peaceful holiday.
- Are you serious? - About leaving you alone? Yes.
No, I mean are you really on holiday? - Is it so strange? - Yes.
No.
I don't know.
But it's just very funny you happen to pick this place.
- Let's call it coincidence.
- Yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Well, cheers and goodbye.
Hey, wait a minute.
What hotel are you staying at? - You want to set fire to it? - Why do I bother? I've got a beautiful villa 12 miles out of here, a housekeeper, hot and cold running water, and a private beach.
Private beach? That sounds rather nice.
Don't I get invited for the occasional swim? - I was under the impression - All right, all right.
You can hardly blame me for being on the defensive now, can you? And the best defense is attack.
We start all over again.
- Yeah.
- Good morning, Mr.
Siegel.
- Have a good day.
- Hi.
Hi.
- When did you arrive? - Last night.
If I'd known you were here, I'd have come in.
- Do they like you? - They seem to.
And I've got something to tell you.
- Oh, go on.
I'm listening.
- You're too matter-of-fact.
It's exciting.
I want you to be excited, too.
Consider me excited.
Last night, while I was singing, there was someone special in the audience.
- There was? Who? - A film producer.
- That's what he told you.
- I believed him.
He gave me his card.
- Yeah, and guess what he was.
- He's every inch a gentleman.
He wants me to do a screen test for his next picture.
Well, good luck.
So now you see why I was worried when I found you here.
And you thought that I'd come in and have it all arranged.
- Yeah.
- Yes.
- Well, you can hardly blame me.
- I suppose not.
As a matter of fact, I do have a little business.
Business? Personal.
- Personal? - Yes.
I'm, uh I'm thinking of retiring.
- You are? - I don't see why not.
I'm still young enough to enjoy it.
Yes, I suppose so.
It just seems a bit funny, that's all.
Where would you go? Here.
Here? Shh.
I've made Siegel an offer for this place or rather I'm going to.
I could see myself, you know, a nightclub owner.
- And he doesn't know about it yet? - Well, of course not.
I'm not gonna let him.
Now, this place makes a lot of money, - but I don't know how much.
- How are you going to find out? That's the problem.
Look, perhaps I could help you there.
Oh? How? Oh, I don't know.
Snoop about a bit.
- I might even manage to get a look at the books.
- Oh.
They're much too dodgy.
No, I should think it'd be easy.
You leave it to me.
Well, if you're sure, but I wouldn't like to Like to get you into trouble.
Oh.
Company.
- Didn't tell me.
- I didn't know.
Mr.
Duran.
Well, aren't you going to introduce me? Blow.
I think the gentleman wants you to leave us.
- He's right.
- You better go, love.
- Charming.
- Enjoy yourself and be good.
(whistles) Very nice, too.
Play something, something loud.
(lively music plays) Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I think you and I have something in common.
- Really? - Some jewels.
You're Jack Dragna.
How do you do? - How do you do? - I met your wife.
- Yes, she told me.
- Ah, let's hope we all get on very well.
Oh, I'm sure we will.
Uh, the jewelry? They've been an awful worry to me.
I went fishing yesterday afternoon.
I nearly dropped them over the side.
Terrible thing if all those black opals had ended up in a cod's belly.
Yes, wouldn't it.
Hey, have a cigarette.
No, thank you.
Uh the jewels? What's this? Details of a safe deposit.
They're all inside, safe and sound.
- A joker.
- Yeah, it has one virtue.
Happens to be true.
You know, I believe you.
Do you, uh, mind coming with us? Certainly not, no.
Are we ready? After you.
- I forgot to pay for my drink.
- Have it on the house.
Thank you.
Coming? See you after the show tonight, kid.
Yeah.
Hey, Dave, do you know who they are? I should know.
Hey, something's been done to this.
It has? The necklace? Oh, yeah.
- I had to cleaned and restrung.
- What for? Those pearls were all gummed up with powder.
Seemed an awful waste.
Why steal them in the first place? To see if they were genuine.
You think my wife would wear artificial jewelry? When I join a firm, I like to know it's in a healthy state.
Wait a minute.
Who's joining who? I'm joining you.
- He's as mad as a cock snipe.
- Now look at it this way.
Two days ago, you didn't know I existed.
- So where's the improvement? - You need me.
- Like the plague.
- Now wait a minute, Siegel.
- Let him go ahead.
Maybe he's got something.
- Not for me.
Siegel.
You know, I have an idea you're trying to impress us.
- What's your name? - Steed.
I'm sorry, Mr.
Steed, but we've got a full team at the moment.
- Oh, that's too bad.
- Where you living? The Miramar.
Good.
Maybe I'll call on you.
I'll look forward to it.
Or maybe I will.
Mm.
Mr.
Steed.
Oh.
Uh, were you in there long? Too long.
Tsk tsk tsk.
- Impressed? - No.
Are you? Ask around.
Find out what you can about him.
He's got a certain style.
He might prove useful.
About as useful as an old brown dog howling 14 miles off in the bush.
- Garcon.
- Monsieur.
- Who mixed this drink? - The bar man, monsieur.
It's certainly not scotch whiskey.
Merci, monsieur.
C'est scotch whiskey.
It's not, and why has it got bubbles in it? I didn't ask for soda.
You did not get soda, monsieur.
Yesterday you told me it is dangerous to drink tap water, so today I bring you mineral water.
How much is it? Two francs a bottle, monsieur.
Young man, only your nation could get away with bottling river water, sending it to the south of France, and selling it for three shillings a bottle.
It is not my fault, monsieur.
- Hi.
Is this sand occupied? - Help yourself.
It only costs 13 francs to lie on it.
- 19 and six.
- Tsk tsk tsk.
Here, bring another large whiskey and water.
Ah.
I wouldn't worry too much.
You're on expenses.
How's it going? Not bad.
Contact's been made.
They're checking my credentials.
What are my credentials? Oh, how's my front looking? Medium rare.
Yes, well, the information on you is your exactly the same as Dragna was 10 years ago, and you operate the same games as he did.
- What were they? - A little theft, confidence tricks, and being very nice to rich old ladies.
Oh, thank you, sir.
More recently, the story is you were the one who got away with that emerald job in Nice That's better.
What cooperation from the French? They're as much concerned about it as we are.
Now, we know that Siegel did that political killing in Italy last week.
We can't prove anything.
This is a group of businessmen whose profession is murder.
They meet a client, arrange the fee, kill the victim.
And if he's not spotted, there's no connection.
We must get the whole group, only it's a bit tricky politically.
Exactly.
Some of them want to make Aluda independent, others want to keep Aluda French.
Of course, Dragna couldn't care less as long as he gets paid.
How do you get on with him, by the way? - Quite well.
I really rather like him.
- Yes, you would.
Don't underestimate him, Steed.
Oh, I've got a healthy respect for him.
Yes, well, let me know if you want any help.
I do.
I want Binaggio, the fence, picked up.
Yeah? Well, I dare say that can be arranged.
Why? - To create a vacancy in Dragna's group.
- Which you will fill.
They're planning, obviously, a new political killing.
I'm gonna join up, see how they work, the way it's operated, and then you can come in and catch the lot of us, eh? - Very well, Steed.
- Anything else? Yes.
I wonder if you'll be good enough to put some oil on my back.
Lawyer's a fine profession.
- More of a calling, I suppose.
- It's just a profession.
Interesting work.
You think you get him out? I expect so.
Still, you know, you're not really supposed to see him.
Well, he is allowed to see his lawyer.
It's a human right, isn't it? - You said 10,000 francs.
- Five now, five later.
I want to make sure I'll get out.
We wouldn't think of locking up a lawyer.
- This way, I'm sure, aren't I? - All right.
Ten minutes.
No more.
- A lawyer to see you, Charlie.
- Morning, Mr.
Binaggio.
Just brought you a few cigarettes.
- Lawyer? What does he mean? - Take it easy.
You better tell me what happened.
They picked me up, they brought me in.
- They found some stuff in the shop.
- Whose fault was that? The gendarmes haven't touched me in three years.
Sounds as if you're being overconfident, Charlie.
Dragna wouldn't let me down, would he? Nah, he wouldn't dare.
- I know too much.
- He hasn't forgotten you.
How's he going to get me out of here? It's as easy as pie.
Come over to the window.
I'll show you.
See the square out there? The bell at the back, next door to the pharmacy? - Yeah.
- Now, at half past 11:00 tonight I shall be out there in a panel truck.
As soon as the square is quiet, I'll back up to the window, fix a chain around the bars Hi.
- This time, I was invited.
- I know.
Thanks.
I'll put them in the bathtub.
- Sit down.
- Thank you.
Jack's not back yet.
We can keep ourselves amused.
- Can't we? - Yes.
Thank you.
Tell me about yourself, Mr.
Steed.
- There's nothing much to tell.
- What about the police record? Oh, that, yes.
Yeah, Jack's been making inquiries.
What did you do? You can tell me.
I don't shock easily.
I can believe it.
You were telling me about your police record.
- No, you were telling me about it.
- Why so shy? - Retiring nature.
- What does that mean? It means I want to live long enough to retire.
And if you made a pass at me, you don't think you would? I wouldn't have to tell Jack.
Wouldn't you? But you like him too much, don't you? Let's say I have a healthy respect for him.
You have a respect for me? Enormous respect.
Thank you.
But then, we're all very respectful people, aren't we? Including that little singing friend of yours? - What little singing friend? - Oh, you know the one appearing twice nightly at the Center.
Venus Smith? She got a good voice? Good everything.
Does that worry you? Does it matter? There's a 40-foot placard around you, and it's got a very plain notice - "Keep Off the Grass Widow.
" - Sorry to have kept you waiting.
You didn't, I was very well entertained, thank you.
Either he doesn't like me or he really does want the job.
- Which is it, Steed? - I want the job.
Good.
Sweetheart, could you find something to do? No trouble at all.
I'll knit.
- It's a very nice place you got here.
- We like it.
It's a splendid view and a wonderful harbor.
- Great lines.
- The bikinis? The boats.
Steed, we've lost one of our men.
- How? - Police picked him up.
What for? Usual reasons.
He got careless.
Oh.
I thought your men were usually pretty bright.
- Who was it? - Charlie Binaggio.
- The fence? - Yeah.
Somebody must've tipped off the police.
Well, you still want the job, Steed? Well, I'm not so sure now.
- What kind of an answer is that? - Well, it's just cautious.
Look, I admired you.
You had it down to a fine art.
- And? - Oh, Binaggio.
How do I know the same thing's not gonna happen again to me? You don't.
In or out, Steed? Uh, huh.
In.
Good.
I've been hearing some very nice things about you.
I'm glad to hear that.
How much did you make off that emerald heist? Let's change the subject.
What about Binaggio? - Any chance he'll talk? - No chance at all.
Suppertime, Charlie.
Well, they certainly seem to have gone for this.
Binaggio suicide story, look.
Mm.
Siegel knows his business.
There was even a note.
Why's Steed taking so long? Sit down, will you? You're making me nervous.
Well, I don't get it.
Why'd you want to take him on? And how can you trust him to go and meet Godard? - Steed's all right.
- Yeah.
Does he know who Godard is? All he knows about Godard is that he's arriving on the 4:30 plane and he's to bring him here.
Jack, we're getting in too far with Godard.
- He's an important customer.
- That's just it.
All his jobs are front page like that Italian one.
- Too much publicity.
- So what do you want? I want to quit for a while.
What do you think, Siegel? I'm not paid to make decisions.
Okay, darling, I've always listened to you.
We quit.
- Just like that we quit? - Sure.
I've known you for 12 years, and you still surprise me.
What about Steed and Godard? Oh, tell 'em to jump in the ocean and take his quarter of a million dollars with him.
Quarter of a million? Godard's paying that much.
That's a lot of money, Jack.
It was a lot of money.
It's too good to turn down, isn't it? Oh, you were showboating, sweet-talking me along, and I believed you.
I meant it.
We quit.
After this one.
- (doorbell buzzes) - There's our company.
We are gonna do this one, eh, Jack? Maybe.
Come on in.
We meet again, Monsieur Godard.
Monsieur Dragna, Madam Dragna.
Good evening.
- When do you return to Paris? - Tonight.
Is Steed staying? Yes, Mr.
Steed is staying.
Would you sit down? Is the money all right? I have discussed it with my principals, and under the circumstances, they are in agreement on the sum involved.
Better fill in the new boy, huh? That's Nicole Cauvin.
Well, it ain't Ned Kelly.
Nicole Cauvin, the uncrowned queen of France.
Sex symbol and one of the cinema's biggest box-office stars.
She starts to film in the studios here tomorrow.
Why kill a pretty little film star? What's the point? Every profession has its ethics.
It's code of behavior.
In our business, Steed, we don't ask questions, as you well know.
I will be happy to tell you why.
- I'd rather you didn't.
- I would prefer it.
If I were going to kill one of the world's most famous women, for money, I think I would like to know the reason.
You are certainly aware of the popular belief in this country that the Aluda Coast is more French than France herself.
The 14th department.
My principals are most anxious that the Aluda Coast should not gain independence.
Nicole Cauvin was born there.
And has recently donated, with considerable publicity, a million francs towards the university in Aluda.
And most unwisely, she has put her name to an article in favor of independence in a national magazine.
I read the article.
Least I looked at the pictures.
- She's being killed for that? - That is correct.
She has given publicity to her cause, her death will give the publicity to ours.
Now, she will be arriving at the film studios - at 3:00 tomorrow.
- Good.
You will find this contains 50% of the sum agreed in 1,000-dollar bills.
- Thank you.
- Now if you will excuse me.
Certainly.
Siegel.
- Hmm? - Will you show Mr.
Godard out? - What about the new boy? - Drive him wherever he wants to go.
How much is this job worth? Quarter of a million dollars.
That's a lot of money.
- It's an expensive service.
- Ah.
How you gonna do it? I'm not.
You are.
Where's the fire? You're always in a hurry.
- I am, yes.
- Busy little bee, aren't you? - Why don't you stay and have a drink? - All right, I will.
- What's it to be? - Pineapple, please.
Pineapple.
All right.
What happened to you last night? I thought you were gonna stick around.
I'm sorry about that.
Something came up.
Ah, that's a pity.
Thought we might have had a little chat.
What about? Oh, I don't know.
This and that.
I hardly know you, do I? Do you like running a nightclub? Oh, it's a living.
Very useful down here to run a club.
Anyway, it's only a sort of part-time thing.
I got my finger in all sorts of other pies, you know.
Such as? Oh, deals.
I've got all sorts of big deals cooked up.
I might even quit the club altogether.
- You mean you'd sell? - Yeah.
- How much for? - Don't tell me you want to buy it.
No, not me, but I've got a friend who might.
- Seriously? - Yeah, seriously.
Well, why don't you bring him down here one night? I could show him over the place.
Come to think of it, you ain't seen much of it, have you? Come into the office Look, I must go, you see.
I've got a date.
That's a pity, well, uh, after the show tonight, then.
- Yes, yes, after the show.
- All right.
"These blossoms will fade.
Yours never will.
"Ring me, George.
" Hah.
He still knows what it's about, doesn't he? What a remarkable man.
Hey, do you think his blossoms bit is corny? Oh, after 26 years in the business, you still expect me to know if a thing is corny? Jack.
Jack? Who's Jack? Jack No.
Oh, he's very helpful, isn't he? Hey, listen, Anna Marie hopes that I'm better.
She knows very well I have never been ill.
And did you see her last film? Oh, Nicole, be nice to them going up.
You will meet them all coming down.
Oh, you have an appointment, remember.
No.
Who with? A gentleman who wants to show you the new script.
Who's that? Homeric Studio.
A Mister ah, Mr.
McGraw.
- What's he like? - Oh, I did not ask him.
- (telephone rings) - Why not? Hello? Yes, this is Miss Cauvin's phone.
Oh, it is him.
- Ask him what he looks like.
- Oh, Nicole.
Oh, all right.
Send him up, then.
Hello.
Tell him to come up, please.
Thank you.
What am I going to wear? Oh, do not worry.
Everything is ready.
(humming) There.
I hope he got an open car.
It's much too hot to be shut up inside.
Well, if he has not, then you can take yours.
Oh, no.
Men are very touchy about that sort of thing.
It is, uh, a slur on their masculinity.
- Keep still.
- Oh, hurry up.
I will if you will keep still.
There.
- That's fine.
- Shall I wait for you? - No.
You go and have some lunch.
- All right.
Can I bring something for you? Oh, you know very well it's my no-lunch day today.
Oh, I forgot.
Of course.
I'm so sorry.
Come in.
Mademoiselle Cauvin.
My name is McGraw, Homeric Studios.
May I offer you these flowers? How lovely.
Daffodils.
Roses.
Oh, I'm sorry, but they all look the same to me.
- Really? - Yes.
Well, I never.
Mademoiselle Cauvin we have the happiest memories of you at Homeric, and I have taken the liberty of coming down myself personally with your new script.
That's very kind of you.
Thank you very much, monsieur.
- Not at all.
I hope you enjoy it.
- I hope so, too.
- There's something else.
- Yes.
- My car is parked outside.
- Yes.
There's a man behind it in another car watching my car.
- Well, perhaps he's a policeman.
- I'm afraid not.
He's there to make certain that I kill you.
(chuckles) Oh, what on earth are you talking about? Look, you've got to trust me.
Did you recently publish an article on the Aluda Coast? Yes, I did.
And did you receive threatening letters as a result of it? I got many letters and phone calls.
One of those letters was serious.
- Have you got a car? - Yes.
- Where is it? - Downstairs in the studio garage.
- All right, let's go.
Come on.
- Now look just a minute, please Now you look! I'm gonna take you to a safe hiding place.
You're in great danger.
Now we're going now.
And I'll tell you all the details in the car.
- All right? - All right.
All right.
Now look here.
If I was gonna kill you, I'd do it now.
There'd be nothing you could do to stop me, would there? Let's get your car.
Come on.
Hey, Steed.
(razor buzzing) (man speaking on radio) An attempt will be made today to recover the car.
The last in the succession of fast Italian sports cars, which played an important and tragic part in Miss Cauvin's sensational career.
The only unexplained element in this sad story is the report by Miss Cauvin's personal assistant, Miss Charlie Bonet, that the last visitor to the dressing room was a Mr.
McGraw representing the Homeric Studios.
Yesterday evening, the head of Homeric Studios denied all knowledge of Mr.
McGraw.
Fat lot of point there was in me dropping in with the morning papers.
They're even reading about it in London.
- That was the best yet.
- Well, I don't like it.
It's too messy.
No body, no proof.
What could be better than whipping her off of a cliff? By noon, you won't be able to get on the corniche for people doing the same thing.
Yeah, but wait a minute.
What if Godard won't pay? Why wouldn't he pay? If he doesn't, I'll shake it out of him or you will.
I suppose you know what you're doing.
I better open up the club.
Good morning.
Very clever, Steed.
Very clever.
Well, thank you very much.
What's eating him? He decided to follow you.
Didn't trust you to do the job, and you lost him.
I thought there was someone on my tail, so I lost him.
It wasn't really that difficult.
- Hi.
- Morning.
Just been hearing about you.
Coffee? - Please.
- Black or white? - Black, please.
- Sugar? No, thank you.
What was she like? Young, lively, pretty.
Tragic.
Moral leave politics alone.
Stick to being a sex symbol.
- Whatever that is.
- Well Now that that's over, why, we can afford to sit back and relax a little.
Oh, you haven't given us the details yet, Steed.
Oh.
Thank you.
"To Nicole, the greatest.
Pierre.
" Oh, he directed her first film, Pierre Ginsberg.
It's broken.
It was a tight fit.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
(slow piano music playing) You were sensational tonight, V.
Absolutely sensational.
What do you make of this accident? - What accident? - Nicole Cauvin.
Oh, that.
Yes, very sad.
I think it's very suspicious.
I saw her just before it happened.
- Saw who? - Nicole Cauvin.
Where'd you see her? She was leaving the studios yesterday afternoon with a friend of mine.
- Friend? What friend? - John Steed.
You met him down here in the club.
Oh, yes, Steed, well, if I were you, I wouldn't worry any more about a fella like Steed when I'm on the All right, wrap it up, will ya? Me? (dialing) Hello, Cecile.
Let me speak to Jack.
Oh, Jack, Steed slipped up.
Yeah, somebody saw him leaving the studio with Nicole Cauvin.
Well, this little singer of mine here, Venus Smith.
Yeah, we'll have to get rid of her.
Her or Steed.
(jazz music playing) Yeah, I thought they'd be warming up this afternoon.
Come on in.
Come over and meet the boys.
Hold it, will ya, fellas? I want you to meet a mate of mine from the Harbor Control Office.
- He's a way-out modern jazz fan.
- Very pleased to meet you.
He used to fire a gun on Brubeck.
- Would you like a drink? - I'm most grateful.
- A beer? - Beer.
Play that Brubeck arrangement of yours.
No.
Please, I'm sure you have something of your own, monsieur.
You should not encourage copiers, monsieur.
Musicians are artistes.
They create.
Besides, on my salary, I cannot usually afford to listen to good jazz in places like this.
- Aw, they keep you pretty underpaid, do they? - Shh, please.
(jazz music playing) They're very inventive.
The piano is introspective.
Reminiscent of Bill Evans when he was playing with Miles Davis.
I envy you, Monsieur Siegel, to have a life such as this.
Bit more colorful than working down at the harbor, eh? Well, we have our moments, monsieur.
Like this Nicole Cauvin business? Ah, yes.
Reporters all over the place.
Well, that can't help you much, can it? I hear the car was salvaged today.
- That's right.
- Any sign of her in it? - Huh? - Any sign of Nicole Cauvin in it? It was an open car, monsieur.
Washed out to sea probably.
- Is that official or a guess? - Well, unofficial guess.
She was the eighth since I came here.
There was a German tourist in '57 he's a fine pianist.
It's pretty deep there off the corniche, isn't it? 42 fathoms.
Well, not much chance of finding her, then.
They're still looking? - Yes.
- Got many divers down there? - Huh? - How many divers they got down there? Oh, two officially and half the Riviera looking for kicks.
- Let's hope they find her.
- Yes, let us hope so, indeed.
You don't sound too sure.
Well, uh, frankly, monsieur, I think it is all a hoax, publicity.
I don't believe she was in the car at all.
There is no current, no tide to speak of.
Anyone who has gone into the sea off the corniche has been washed up within 24 hours.
Personally, I think it is a fake.
Yeah, I'm beginning to agree with you.
I'm disappointed, Steed.
Really disappointed.
- Oh? Why? - You don't know? - No.
- Already forgotten the Nicole Cauvin job.
Of course not.
- You said no witnesses, no suspicions.
- Yeah.
It wasn't true.
- I-I don't know what you're talking about.
- Don't you? - Your little songbird.
- Venus? - Yeah, she saw you at the studio.
- What? Saw you leaving with Nikki Cauvin.
- But that's impossible.
- She told Siegel she saw you.
- Can you fix me an alibi? - How can I? - What are we gonna do? - We've got a choice.
Either we lose her or you.
Which is it to be, Steed? (knock on door) Come in.
Good morning.
Studio security.
Just checking to see you're not being bothered in any way.
Oh, no, monsieur, everyone has been most understanding.
Can we help you with your baggage, anything like that? Oh, no, thank you.
The studio are coming to collect.
These I am sending to Nikki's mother.
Oh, yes, of course, her mother.
She lives near Fréjus, doesn't she? No.
In the north.
- The north? - Yes.
Well, it's all been a shocking affair, hasn't it? You're quite sure there's nothing we can do for you? - Oh, no, thank you, monsieur.
- Well, if you think of anything, all you've got to do is pick up the telephone.
Thank you, monsieur.
I will remember.
Not at all.
Hello.
Get me a call to Aix-En-Provence, please.
Yes, it's 8-1-9.
Thank you.
You won't be needing this anymore.
(jazz music playing) - I've been looking for you all day.
- I've been out on the beach.
Yeah, well, you'll get more than a tan if you stay around here.
Directly after the show, get to the airport and get straight back to London.
- Why? - Don't argue.
Look, I'm not leaving.
I haven't been paid.
I'll see to that.
Now do as you're told.
By the way, what were you doing at the studios with Nicole Cauvin? Change subject quickly.
Hello, hello, hello.
- I thought I'd find you here.
- Venus, may I introduce Jack and Cecile Dragna.
- Yes, we almost met.
- That's right.
So we did.
- Hello.
- Hello.
I'm looking forward to hearing you, Miss Smith.
I've heard so much about you.
Really? Excuse me, please.
She's great.
Come on, sit down.
You're pushing your luck, Steed.
I've been looking for her all day.
I'm taking her out after the show.
Let's hope it's not too late.
- Where's Siegel? - I haven't seen him.
He's a scare character these days.
- They still haven't found Nicole Cauvin's body.
- Shut up.
- They won't.
- Jack: You seem pretty sure.
I am.
- Hello.
Madame, monsieur.
- I want a scotch.
(fanfare plays, applause) (lively music plays) In the Pacific And everything about it is terrific I got the sun to tan me, palms to fan me and An occasional man I love my island, it's very lazy If I should ever leave it, I'd be crazy I got papayas, peaches, sandy beaches and An occasional man When I go swimming, I am always dressed in style 'Cause I go swimming wearing just a great big smile My little island was made for pleasure And in the cool of evening, it's a treasure But when the hour grows later, what is greater than An occasional man? (music continues) My little island, it's such a beauty You may forget to heed the call of duty But if you give the slip to your ship Miss your trip, take a dip and blame The occasional dame.
(applause) Where you been? I've been doing one or two very interesting things.
- Such as? - Taking pictures.
- Didn't I tell you photography was a hobby of mine? - No.
I thought I told Mr.
Steed, surely.
No, but I have a feeling you're going to.
- Too right I'm going to.
- Jack: Let's hope it's worth the build-up.
Oh, it will be.
I've just come back from Aix-En-Provence.
Beautiful little city, isn't it, Steed? I managed to get one or two very good pictures.
Taken this morning.
Nicole Cauvin.
Take the car, go home and pack.
- Everything? - Everything.
And get back here fast.
We're going to need the car.
Ah-ah-ah.
Not tonight.
- She'll be all right.
- Want me to clear the place? It'll be easier.
Leave it to me.
Well, well, well.
I don't approve of a sudden death.
You will after tonight.
What are you, the police? - Private enterprise.
- Why pick on me? Don't be so modest.
You caused me a lot of trouble, Steed.
Apparently not enough.
Excuse me, Monsieur LeCompte.
Your wife has just telephoned.
- You didn't - Oh, no, no, no.
Of course not, Monsieur LeCompte.
We're always very discreet.
Thank you very much.
Come on.
So you just pushed her car to the side of the road.
More or less.
Have any difficulty persuading the lady to play along with your little scheme? - Not very much.
- No, you wouldn't.
You're the persuasive type.
I ought to know.
Binaggio.
Did you shop him, too, of course, huh? Of course.
Pardon me, monsieur.
Please don't be alarmed but I have reason to believe we're about to be raided by the police.
I think it might be a good idea if you left as quickly as you can.
All right, boys, wrap it up.
- It's only 2:00 - Knock it off, that's all.
- What do you mean, wrap it up? - Not you, darling.
- But it's so early.
- Come on over to the table.
I just wanted a few words with you.
I wanted to make sure that we didn't lose the other half of the act.
- She knows nothing about this.
- You can hold your breath.
What's going on? Hmm, I think this calls for some wine.
What do you say? Champagne.
- You'll be lucky.
- Why not? All right, George.
Nip upstairs and see we're not interrupted, will you? Go on.
What's the weather like in Aix, eh? About F11.
That's a good exposure.
Well, this must make you How many farewell parties have you had, eh, Jack? This is the last one.
I'm closing up shop.
But that's a most terrible waste.
It's a great talent lost to the wor Hey, tell Venus just how many people you've, uh killed in your time, huh? - Couple of dozen.
- Up till now.
Oh, don't be so modest.
Must be nearer 30.
25, 30.
I'd have to check the account.
Drink up, love.
No, I'm afraid it'll have to be the corniche, Mr.
Steed, and you seem attached to it.
We're gonna need the car for that, and she's taking her time, isn't she? Why'd you let the band go? Little Venus and I could've had a little twisting session.
Well, she could always sing for you.
That's a great idea.
Would you mind? Have to be something I can play.
Anything you like.
Jack: Sure, why not? Wait a minute, Jack.
He's up to something.
Aw, what can he do? Let her sing.
Hold it, Steed.
All right.
Sit down, quietly.
Sing for your supper, and you'll get breakfast Songbirds always eat If their song is sweet to hear Sing for your luncheon, and you'll get dinner Dine with wine of choice If romance is in your voice I heard from a wise canary Trillin' makes a fellow willin' So, little swallow, swallow now Now is the time to sing for your supper And you'll get breakfast Songbirds are not dumb They don't buy a crumb of bread 'tis said So sing, just sing Ah-ah.
La-la la la la la la la Out of the way, Venus, quick! They keep the gun in the till! (gunshot) - Jack.
- Yeah? - He's got the gun.
- Get the girl.
That'll bring him out.
(groans) - How about it, Dragna? - How about what? - Throw your gun out.
- That's a laugh.
Everybody would've heard that, you know.
This is place is like Brighton on a Sunday.
I can afford to wait for the police.
I don't think you can.
How do I know you won't shoot when I shove my head up? - Oh, you don't.
- I trusted you once, Steed.
And that was once too many.
You just have to trust me again.
All right.
It's coming out.
Now come out yourself.
Slowly.
(gunshot) Jack! Jack! Jack.
So sorry for the delay on your film, but it's vital I keep you under protection until Godard and all these others are safely locked up.
- When will that be? - Two or three days perhaps.
It might be safer if you move a little further down the coast.
Oh, well, where were you thinking of going? Well, Antibes perhaps.
Do you know the Bains Auberge? It's four-star.
Oh.
All right.
Yes, well, sooner we get out of here, the better.
Oh, look, there's Monsieur Steed.
Yes.
Come on, my dear.
110.
Still batty.
Tsk tsk tsk.
Oh.
Ah.
Ah, isn't the weather lovely, then, eh? Are you comfortable like that, love? I've been thrown out of my hotel.
Oh, dear.
Oh, change into a bathing suit.
Very funny.
It's packed.
I can't pay my hotel bill and I've lost my ticket back to London.
Oh, don't talk about London in this beautiful weather.
Why don't you have any money? Because you shot my boss.
Oh, yes, yeah.
Going a bit far, wasn't it, just to buy a club? (chuckles) Buy that place? It's got a terrible reputation.
(theme music playing)