The Avengers (1961) s02e25 Episode Script

1 (theme music playing) Man: And the third item? Man #2: Lethbridge Shipping.
Total capitalization, £130 million, embracing building plant, subsidiary industries, feeder corporations, foreign holdings, principally in newly developing South and Central American territories.
Tonnage figures laid up.
200,000, 40% due for scrapping.
An additional 130,000 tons on order are being built.
Price disclosed, £1,200,000, to be paid over a 10-year period with interest in addition.
Ship mortgages to be taken over by subsidiary companies.
Principal and interest due will generate £3,500,000.
For this to be made available for purchase of all carriers over a period not exceeding five years.
Thank you, Julian.
Is that everything? Yes, for today.
Good afternoon, gentlemen.
That leaves only one item of unfinished business What to do about Herbert Collier.
He won't come to heel, but he's committed his yard, so that's that.
I don't see why.
We're not going to give in that easily, surely.
What do you mean, we've got a choice? No.
He has to be killed.
- Oh, good morning, sir.
- Morning, Thomas.
- Mr.
Brian Collier's waiting in your study, sir.
- Thank you.
Do something about the heating.
It's freezing in here.
It's working at full capacity, sir.
Brian, I'm so glad you could come over.
Your father's death was a great shock to me.
- Have you seen Rosalind? - She's still out riding.
Well, she shouldn't be long.
You know, Brian, I know your father didn't exactly see eye to eye with me over this new line, but that was no reason for you to stay away from this house.
We're all very fond of you here, especially Rosalind.
Thank you, sir.
Perhaps in a day or two we can have a talk about your firm's policy now that you'll be taking over.
Oh, here they come now.
Would you like me to tell Rosalind? No, thank you, sir.
I'd rather tell her myself.
All right, I'll let her know you're here.
Excuse me.
(hoofbeats clopping) (chatter) - Man: Ah, there we are.
- Woman: Hello.
Hello, Agnes, how are you? You missed an invigorating ride this morning, Oliver.
Yes, I'm sorry I couldn't join you.
Oh, yes.
- Help yourself to breakfast.
- Ah.
Well, George, how was that new saddle now? I'm afraid I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for this sort of caper.
You know, the trouble with you young people is we have to keep up with you.
(both laugh) - That's funny.
- Hello.
- Did you enjoy the drive? - Yes, thank you.
Oh, it was perfect.
Well, except for that patch of ground mist over at the Pattersons' place.
And you should've seen Cathy taking those fences.
I wasn't as rusty as I thought.
Mm.
Ros, Brian's here.
He wants to see you.
Oh, that's marvelous.
I haven't seen him for ages.
He's in my study.
Run along and say hello.
I say, Cathy.
Save me some food, will you? Yes, of course.
Well, are you glad you came? Yes, thank you for asking me.
It's been lovely seeing Ros again.
I'd forgotten how long it had been.
Too long, as far as I'm concerned.
- There we are.
- Hey, I'll never eat all that.
Go on, it'll do you good.
- Do I look undernourished? - No.
Here give us a hand, girl.
If I don't sit down soon, I shall collapse right here in the middle of the floor.
Let's go here.
At least there's room to sit down.
Oh, get me a cup of coffee, will you? Hot this time.
This stuff must have come out of the fridge.
- All right, darling.
- There's a good girl.
Mr.
Stanley obviously isn't used to riding.
Ah, he doesn't get enough exercise.
I had to drag him over here.
Do you have these parties every weekend? Well, almost.
Since my wife died, the place seems rather deserted.
I like to have people around, even though I have squabbled with them all week at the office.
Yes, Sir Charles was telling me something about your problems.
Of course, I read about it in the papers, too.
Why are you so against the French building a nuclear-powered liner with us? Well, I have nothing against the French, it's just that I don't see that we need any outside help from anyone.
We're perfectly capable of doing the job ourselves.
We've got the men, the resources, and what's more important still, the know-how.
- I see.
- Excuse me, sir.
Mr.
Seabrook would like a word with you.
All right.
Excuse me.
Ah, I didn't have much chance to talk to you when we were out.
Oh, he's, uh certainly sparkling this morning.
I must say, they look very pleasant together.
Maybe this time he'll take the plunge.
Apparently, she was at school with Rosalind.
- Oh.
- Anthropology, eh? No, that's a bit out of my line.
I'm much more interested in what is than what was.
Do you think you've hurt your leg? Hmm? No, a bit higher up.
I can't sit, stand, walk, or keep still.
- I'm in a hell of a fix.
- (laughs) Oh, so you're at the British Museum, are you? - Yes, at the moment.
- Well, I'll have to look in one day and take you out Out to lunch.
- Your coffee.
- Thank you very much, love.
Julian, I don't think you've met Mrs.
Gale.
Cathy, this is Julian Seabrook.
- How do you do? - Have you had breakfast? Yes, I have, sir.
I wouldn't have troubled you, sir, but it is rather urgent.
All right.
Cathy, would you like to come for a drive later? After I change, I'd love to, yes.
- 20 minutes? - Mm-hmm.
Fine.
Come on, then.
Let's go.
- Mrs.
Gale.
- Mr.
Seabrook.
Cathy the most dreadful thing.
Brian's father he was killed last night in a car crash.
Oh, I am sorry.
Poor Brian.
I I felt so inadequate.
I just couldn't think of a thing to say.
- Is he still here? - No, he's gone home now.
He told me and then walked out.
It was awful.
Do you know how it happened? No, not yet.
The police are investigating that now.
Oh, he's saved us the trouble.
Assuming that it was an accident.
Julian, I'm sorry you had to come all the way out here on a Sunday morning.
Part of the job, regardless of the day.
Even so, we do appreciate it.
The proposals for the Collier Art Center are on your desk.
Good.
Well, there's no need to keep you, is there? Why don't you join the rest in the saddle room? Are you sure there's no more I can do here, sir? We will call if we want you, Julian.
Thank you, sir.
I don't like it.
Well, you knew what was at stake, the same as the rest of us.
- But there are limits.
- Not on this one, there isn't.
You've said so yourself often enough.
Oh, stop it, you two.
The man was a fanatic.
Stanley: He might have been right.
Reniston: Half the industrial potential in this country, including ourselves, are prepared to gamble and he wasn't.
Communication, Charles, or the lack of it, has always been your problem.
I thought the issue was settled.
Now, just where do you stand? Isn't it about time we knew? Collier was the thin end of the wedge.
Any fool could see that.
What do we want the French for? Since when have we been unable to finance our own projects? Oh, we've been over all this before.
Is that all it means to you? An obituary in a newspaper? May I remind you that Herbert Collier was a colleague of ours, a friend.
Well, don't bother to tell us how you feel.
We know how you feel.
Can't you understand? A man has been killed.
I mean, discussing the possibility was bad enough, but now when it has actually happened I never doubted the stand we took and I still don't.
But this has gone too far.
The project is one thing.
Murder, I didn't bargain for.
It was an accident.
An accident.
What do you want, Reniston? Franco-German cartels on your doorstep? They would have been here now if old Collier had had his way.
It's a staggering investment, and the French have lots of know-how.
Why, their patents alone can take over 12 months off the construction schedules.
All right, Charles.
We know that you'll weep at the funeral - (scoffs) - But remember, you're committed.
We build the ship ourselves or we go under together.
Brian, dear boy.
We've just read the news.
And now that my father's dead, you'll have to deal with me.
Why, hello, Bert.
Hello, Ralph.
I'm waiting to see Mr.
Collier, all right? Well, he shouldn't be too long.
He's touring a party of bigwigs from the Board of Trade along the yards.
Ah, so they're here again.
Never give us any peace.
What could they learn in an hour strolling down yards this size? Hey, one of them came up to me the other day.
I was working on a generating plant, you know, and he wanted to know what it was all about.
Well, he had two of them.
And he stood there nodding his head like he understood every word I was saying.
I could've been speaking Chinese for all the difference it made.
He was miles away.
Probably working out his traveling expenses.
I'll have to be getting back.
Will you tell Mr.
Brian when he gets here I'll be waiting on for him? He'll know where to find me.
Okay.
Hey, how's it going? Well, the lads are settling down now.
We shouldn't have any more trouble.
All right.
And when the shift flex starts in a fortnight's time, this yard'll be working right around the clock.
- Hello, Ralph.
You still here? - I'm just going, sir.
Oh, the shop steward was waiting to see you, sir.
- He said you'd know where to find him.
- Thanks.
- Good night, sir.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
I particularly liked your floating dry dock.
That's a very impressive piece of machinery.
Well, what are these? Scale drawings that the French are after that we're gonna put in our ship.
(paper shuffling) It's revolutionary.
Look at the limited space requirements in relation to the overall size of the engine room.
It's years ahead of its time.
Well, the propulsion unit's hardly any bigger than a nuclear submarine.
No, they're not, but they power a ship 20 times the tonnage.
That's very impressive.
I was sorry to hear about your father.
He was alone in the car, wasn't he? Yes.
There's been a full report of the accident.
Yes, I read it.
(paper rustles) Just what is your business here, Mr.
Steed? Purely routine liaison.
I have an opposite's number in Le Havre.
He and I deal with material requirements as they come up when the project gets underway.
- I see.
- Anything that needs expedition when we get the green light to go ahead.
Any idea when that's likely to be? Your guess is as good as mine.
Well, they're certainly taking their time.
Inevitable in a project this size.
International agreements, signing by both sides.
- It takes months.
- Mm.
Didn't your father come up against - very formidable opposition? - Yes, he did.
The Reniston Group is determined to keep the French out and build the ship themselves.
What about you? I see no reason to change my father's policy.
(ringing) Mr.
Oliver Waldner's residence.
Oh, yes, would you hold the line a moment, please? Thank you.
It's the press again, sir.
You said you'd speak to them if they called.
Thank you, Thomas.
Yes? Waldner here.
Well, of course you can print it.
That was the statement I made.
Well, to get the answer to that one, you'd have to go to Paris and ask the great man himself, wouldn't you? (laughs) Well, who else could I be referring to? There's nobody over there but him.
Won't be a minute.
Chunnel tunnel? What would I know about that? I'm a shipbuilder.
No, not at all.
Well, I appreciate your interest.
Anytime.
Thanks so much.
Good-bye.
Well you're going to knock them dead at the Savoy in that.
The Savoy? Yes, we're flying down.
I booked for 9:00.
Unless, of course, you'd rather go to Paris.
I'll settle for London.
All right.
How's Ros? Should we ask her to join us, do you think? I already have.
She's gone to bed early.
Thank you.
She's very depressed about Brian's father.
I had no idea they were so close.
Yes, they almost grew up together.
There's not much of a life for Ros here, you know.
Not many people of her own age about, and I'm away such a lot.
(sighs) How do you like it here? I love it.
It's been a marvelous week.
Why don't you stay on? I could hardly do that.
Well, why not? I always do what I want.
I always have.
I need you, Ros.
On your terms? On your terms, if you like.
We could get your man Seabrook to arrange the contract.
I arrange my own contracts.
What's happened to that call? Woman on intercom: I'm putting you through now, sir.
Oh.
I don't know why we don't employ local girls instead of these debs.
(rings) Excuse me? Yeah? Stanley: Oh, Oliver, can you go over to the Collier Yards right away? What, at this time of night? Our young Collier's going ahead with the French project and we've got to talk some sense into him.
Waldner: Well, have you managed to reach Charles? He's over there already.
Look, must it be tonight? Yes, I'm afraid it must.
It's now or never.
This is serious.
All right.
(sighs) I've got to call on one of the other yards on the way.
It shouldn't take long.
Do you mind? - No.
- Fine.
Uh, is Seabrook still here? Woman on intercom: He's in his office.
Ah, he would be.
All right, tell him to come in.
Ah, Julian.
I've just been looking at your proposals.
Very interesting.
- You have reservations? - A few.
How else do you propose dealing with the Collier Yards? It isn't as if we had all the time in the world.
Collier proposes to carry on his father's policy.
Mm, Julian, do you have stomach trouble? No.
Anything troubling you? I mean, maybe you're wearing your shoes a size too small.
Oh, life can be fun, you know.
I've got nothing against your suggestions, it's just that I don't like your methods.
My function in this organization is not to pander to the individual likes and dislikes of its directors.
I'm just here to get the job done.
(laughs) Bravo.
There is only one way to settle this affair.
The terms of reference are clearly stated in my proposals.
Oh, get out.
There's one more thing.
Oh, you've got a heart like a rhinoceros.
- My increment.
- Your what? Oh, your rise.
It's long overdue.
You seem to be the only one holding it up.
- Why? - You'll be after my job next.
Everything in its own good time.
(laughs) All right, you can have your blasted rise.
And the proposals? Julian, you're strictly neutral in this business, aren't you? You have no strong inclinations one way or the other.
- No partisan feelings.
- None whatsoever.
The decline of the power and prestige of this country doesn't concern you, does it? They're merely national obstructions.
They may elect politicians, but they don't interfere with the normal routine of business.
Not if it's directed along the right lines, no.
We could operate anywhere.
(chuckles) Dear boy.
Oh, we need you, Julian.
How we need you.
We might muddle through, even if it does take some assistance from whatever it is that stands up in your clothes.
At the Bethlehem Shipyards in Newport, Virginia, the hull of a similar vessel is already under construction.
If we're gonna launch before the Americans, we've got to get a move on.
Nonsense, they're months behind schedule.
They're not.
My father toured their yards last month.
They've caught up.
So there's no alternative if we have to launch before the Americans.
Well, now we know where he stands until he changes his mind again.
I'm sure Brian won't do anything hasty.
Well, what about all this? He'll be tucking up monsieurs over the gents next.
I'm merely carrying on where my father left off.
Now, Brian, you know the opposition's stand in the matter.
You know the line the government backbenchers are taking.
I wouldn't be too hasty.
I don't believe that we can go ahead by ourselves.
Not in the middle of a shipping slump.
Well, there's no more to be said, is there? I thought you knew us better than that.
Come along.
Good night.
You mustn't be so impatient, Brian.
It isn't easy for some of us to break the habits of a lifetime.
Look, we are still a great industrial power, and our technical knowledge is second to none.
But we can't buy time.
We've had our backs to the wall before, Brian.
We're perfectly capable of building this ship without any outside help.
Well, whatever you decide I'll do what I can with the others.
Thanks, Sir Charles.
- Night.
- Good night.
Well? Your offer is most interesting.
I just need time to consider it.
- How much time? - I can't say as yet.
Well, that's not good enough.
You came to me.
There are others equally qualified.
Find them.
All right, but I warn you, there is a limit as to how long I can wait.
I'm perfectly aware of that.
Mrs.
Gale.
Good evening.
Do you know where Brian is? He's in the office.
Thank you.
Come in.
Cathy, come in.
My goodness, you look nice.
Thank you.
Has Oliver gone? I've been waiting for him in the car.
Everything all right? Oh, it's just been one of those days.
Why don't you pack it in? You look tired.
Oh, I promised to phone Rosalind by 9:00.
I've been rather neglecting her lately.
She was just going to bed when we left.
Oh.
How long have you known Rosalind? Ever since we were children.
So you've known Oliver for some time, too? No, we actually only met recently.
He's in love with you.
- I know.
- And you? Why do you ask? You'd be better out of it, Cathy.
You let me worry about that, eh, Brian? All right.
Come on, let me show you out.
Thank you.
Man: Look out! (gasps, screams) (music playing) (winces) Try not to move it, lad.
- I called the doctor.
- Are you all right? - I think he's broken his arm.
- I think it's Oh.
Well, you take care of things here, Barnes.
Darling, I think you'd better go back to the house.
Did anybody see what happened? Well, not really.
It all happened so quickly.
Could it have been deliberate? Well, of course not.
Who'd want to hurt you? I don't think it was meant for Cathy.
I think someone was trying to kill me.
(rings) Hello? Oh, would you hold the line a moment, Mr.
Seabrook? I think Mr.
Waldner's in the stables.
Thank you, sir.
Mr.
Seabrook on the telephone for you, sir.
Thank you.
I'll take it in here.
- Yes, Julian? - Seabrook: Hello, sir.
Tell me, what was the outcome of our little effort last night? There's going to be a strike.
Who took that decision? The shop stewards.
Waldner: Uh-huh.
When's it happening? Tomorrow morning, sir.
Dangerous working conditions.
Unsatisfactory safety precautions.
And, as they say, the strike starts first thing in the morning.
Waldner: Well done.
I'll see you later at the office.
(Waldner hangs up phone) - Oh, Cathy.
- Good morning, Oliver.
- How do you feel? - Fine this morning, thanks.
Good.
Brian's all right.
His arm wasn't broken.
He was lucky.
Oh, that's a relief.
There's a big row about it there.
Might lead to another work stoppage.
The men are saying it's too dangerous.
That would suit you, wouldn't it? Yes, it would.
You've been keeping your ears open.
How could one help it? It's been the main topic of conversation around here the past few days.
Yes, I gain to win if there's a strike at the Collier Yards, but do you think I like to capitalize on the misfortunes of my friends? Do you think that was an accident last night? Cathy, Brian's had his fair share of bad luck recently, but I would never use it to further a strike.
You must believe that.
Reniston: I don't like it.
First old man Collier's car accident, and now Brian and Mrs.
Gale are nearly killed.
I suppose you expect me to believe that that was an accident, too.
Well, of course it was.
It's not our fault if Collier's men get their wind up and come out on strike.
Anyway, I think they were quite justified.
It's too much of a coincidence.
I think Waldner's up to something.
Now, look, if we're gonna achieve our ambitions, we've gotta take a few risks.
We've managed all right so far.
Ah, but up to now it's been chicken feed.
A couple of small yards on Tyneside, three on the Mersey.
This kind of buying is not gonna make us wealthy and this country a great seafaring nation again.
- Ah, I suppose not.
- That's what you want, though, isn't it? Britain for Britain, and the Commonwealth and the Empire expanding instead of shrinking? Yes, that's what we want.
What are you doing here? Go out and come through the front door like a civilized human being.
I don't fancy navigating that wall again.
It's very steep.
Well, he has set you up nicely, hasn't he? Say what you have to say, Steed, and then leave.
That accident last night wasn't an accident.
Which makes me wonder what Shh, you've got a voice like a saw.
Makes me won Like a saw? Look, it makes me wonder whether they were after you or Brian what's-his-name.
Perhaps they were using one stone to kill two birds.
One block and tackle.
That's interesting.
Still in there, love? Shh.
You're guessing, Steed, or do you know? I wandered round the yard.
Someone had tampered with the chain holding up the block and tackle.
Any idea who? Not yet.
(chuckles) Well, he's in every one.
Hey, you could take some color ones of him.
I'll get you some film Very fast, very special.
Have you finished playing games? Yes, I've finished.
It's very possible that your handsome Harry here may be up to his neck in this affair.
Have you proof of that? Oh, it's merely calculated speculation.
Now, that's what you're here to find out.
Have you found out anything? Nothing concrete.
Have you found out anything about Collier's car crash? Yeah, he'd had a few drinks, but nothing much more.
Anyway, he was a very good driver.
Well, he had nothing to do with it.
Oliver? Why not? Because he was with me when it happened.
Oh, he must have had his hands full.
Well, that's quite an alibi.
What about Sir Charles Reniston and Stanley? Sir Charles seems to be sitting on the fence, but Stanley's right behind Waldner.
Between the three of them, they must have quite a bit of capital.
Mm, a couple of hundred million, approximately.
That's quite some buying power.
They're not doing anything illegal at the moment, but all's fair in love and commerce.
As, of course, you'll find out.
Is there anything else? I'm terribly sorry.
I'm the pig in the middle in this.
(laughs) Never you mind, Mrs.
Gale.
It'll all come out in the wash.
(groans) - (branches snap) - (item clatters) Cathy.
Oliver.
What are you doing with that gun? I thought I heard someone prowling about outside.
What's the matter, couldn't you sleep? No, I just came down for a book.
(chuckles) Do you always keep that gun loaded? Well, we've had raiders twice before.
I have some very valuable paintings here.
I didn't want it to happen again.
Did you see who it was out here? No, probably my imagination.
What about this one? What is it? I haven't the faintest idea.
Oh, good morning.
Can I help you? I wondered if Sir Charles was in.
Oh, no, I'm sorry.
He isn't in yet.
Oh, dear, what a pity.
Tell him I called, will you? Good day, young lady.
- Hello, Rosalind.
- Hello, Brian.
- How's the arm? - Oh, not too bad, thanks.
I wish you could've got over earlier.
I missed you.
I wanted to, but you know how things have been since my father died.
I know.
Listen, Rosalind, I'm on my way to see your father now.
What about? Oh, it's a directors' meeting.
I wanted to ask you that no matter what happens between your father and me will I still be welcome here? Brian, you know how I feel.
But I don't, Rosalind.
We've seen a lot of each other in the past, but we were only kids then.
- I wanted to know - Don't say anymore.
Oh.
What's keeping them? Oh, we got here early.
Nobody ever knows the time in our lives.
I've just about had enough of this.
Oh, well, get off, then.
We'll take up your shares.
He's not back yet.
Oh.
That man gives me the creeps.
(laughs) That's what I like about him.
He gives you the creeps.
Sit down, Brian.
Sorry to have kept you waiting, gentlemen.
All right, Julian.
Explain it to him.
Well, briefly, it amounts to this.
The Reniston Group of companies has acquired 45% of the controlling shares of Collier Shipyards, Ltd.
, leaving 6% outstanding.
These to be transferred to Sir Charles Reniston's private holdings.
- (whispers) No, I - This last merely a bookkeeping matter, of course.
The said holdings being part of the overall capital.
But you can't do that! - We already have.
- I refuse.
According to the terms of your merger, Sir Charles, you're contractually bound.
You were planning this even when my father was alive.
Brian, I promise I won't take up those shares.
To think I practically grew up in your house.
Well, what if he doesn't buy them? What's to stop me from raising the money myself? How can you? You're into Lloyds of London for over £6 million.
You and every shipyard in the country.
You haven't won yet, Waldner.
Not yet.
(groans) What's wrong? I put a miniature transistor tape recorder under the Reniston boardroom table.
Well done.
The trouble is, I can't get back to collect it.
My contact there has let me down.
And you want me to fill in for her.
Well, it'd be very Well, you're practically one of the family.
They wouldn't balk at showing you around.
- When? - As soon as possible.
Have you got anything your end? I tried to search the study last night, but due to your noisy exit, people were out with guns.
Well, I hear your boyfriend uses much more ingenious methods than that.
Has Sir Charles been in here? Well, his secretary's been trying to get him all morning.
Apparently left home as early as usual.
I say, can we turn the heat up? The heating? It's rather cold in here.
Thank you.
Julian, you remember Mrs.
Gale.
Hello.
As you see, it's the boardroom.
This is where we make all the big decisions.
If you'll permit me, Mrs.
Gale.
Yes, of course.
Yes, Julian, what is it? Reniston has acquired the outstanding 6% of the Collier shares - Mm-hmm.
- In Brian's name.
What? Stanley's waiting to see you in his office now.
Waldner: Cathy, excuse me.
I shan't be a minute.
Right.
It's quite a coincidence your meeting Mr.
Waldner and his daughter at that London theater, wasn't it, Mrs.
Gale? Coincidences have been known to happen.
Frankly, I can't see what it has to do with you.
The sudden blossoming of a schooltime friendship.
Seems rather sudden after so long an interval.
And you and Miss Waldner have so little in common, Mrs.
Gale.
Your interest is touching, Mr.
Seabrook.
You really don't care what impression you make on people, do you? The impression people usually endeavor to create is conditioned by their needs.
What are your needs, Mrs.
Gale? For no apparent reason, you insist on being rude to me.
Why? We can't all bow down and worship the idol, Mrs.
Gale.
I do hope you're enjoying the tour of the offices.
There's so much here to interest you.
Um, would you thank Mr.
Waldner and tell him I've gone on ahead? He'll probably be some time.
Yes.
Mr.
Seabrook's office, please.
(yells) (grunts) (grunts) (yells) (both yell) (music playing) Here, take these first.
Oh.
Thanks.
Did you see who it was? No, didn't you? He hit me from behind.
- How's it feel now? - Not too bad, thanks.
It's a good thing you turned up.
You probably frightened him off.
What are you doing here anyway? I wanted you to hear this.
(Seabrook on recording) No, don't bother.
Until we get under construction for the fiscal year 1962, indicates 20% drop over the previous 12 months.
Orders for new oil carriers will balance the tonnage capacity in 1963.
(Waldner on recording) Now, when are we gonna discuss the merger? (Reniston on recording) I want to talk to you about that.
(phone ringing on recording) (Waldner on recording) Hello? Speaking.
Yes, about Brian Collier, you should find him in his office.
And this time I want the job done properly.
(Waldner hangs up phone) Now, what were you saying? (Stanley on recording) Well, I think that we've really got to buckle down Recognize the voice? Where did you get this? Come here, I'll tell you on the way there.
You're walking out at a very awkward moment, Julian.
Admirable sense of timing.
I gave you both sufficient notice of my intentions.
Good day, gentlemen.
Julian, I think you owe us an explanation.
I had a better offer.
What, from the Collier Yards? What are they gonna use for money, rivets? They've been quite generous.
You'll regret this, Julian.
You're going over to the losing side.
That remains to be seen.
We haven't seen the last of him.
Still, it's good news from the Tyneside.
They're backing us to the hilt.
And Belfast will be coming through.
We're away now.
(laughs) The French haven't got a hope.
I don't know what's the matter with me.
I should be dancing a jig.
George, do you think young Collier called the police? - Oh, what'd he tell him? - I don't know.
Oh, I'm sorry, Oliver.
Young Collier had what was coming to him.
I'd be lying through my teeth if I said otherwise.
Anyway, kid should've had more sense.
Oh.
I've just come to tell you that I've decided to sever my connection with this group.
You'll be kept informed, but I wish to make it quite clear that I want to have nothing further to do with you.
(laughs) Why? You dare to ask me that after what happened to Brian Collier last night? Now tell us the real reason.
Now, hold it, Oliver.
You crash in here, you air a lot of tripe about getting out, you suggest that we're involved in a murder attempt.
All right, Charles.
Get on with it.
- Say your piece.
- (stutters) Waldner: Yes, perhaps we'll have the girl in to take it all down.
He'll change his tune three times before he gets back to the beginning.
(laughs) The man's phenomenal.
Well, come on, Charles.
You have our full attention.
Come here.
Look at it, Charles.
There's nothing like it afloat.
A dream.
Only a poet on a drawing board could've imagined her.
And every rivet of her born right here on the Clyde.
Remember the general strike? Remember Jarrow? They said we were finished then, didn't they? "Britain was spent," they said.
"A century behind the times.
" And then they launched the queens.
(chuckles) Not bad for a pack of has-beens, eh, Charles? We're gonna build her, you know.
And she'll be launched from our slipway.
Oh, all right, Reniston.
Do what you like.
But I tell you this If you leave this room, you will never launch so much as a coal barge.
You can talk, George, but this time I'm not listening.
I made it quite clear that I'm not gonna listen to you again in the future.
Oh, get him out of here.
Charles? (clicks tongue) You've got it all out of proportion again, haven't you? I know what I am and I know what I've done, and I'm not making excuses for myself.
But now now I know what to do.
Well, I will say one thing for Charles.
He's good entertainment value.
Yeah, but he's right.
This whole thing's getting out of control.
Is that you, Cathy? I've been looking for you everywhere.
Cathy, why do these things keep happening to Brian? It doesn't seem possible.
He is all right, isn't he? Yes, he's just badly shaken up.
Thank heavens for that.
Ros, Brian's in a rather difficult situation at the moment.
He could go right out of business.
Are you planning to marry him? I don't care if he's broke.
I'd marry him anyway.
In spite of Oliver.
Is Oliver against it? Well, he's never been very keen.
Sometimes I wonder who he's saving me for.
Cathy what were you doing up there with Brian? I went on a tour of the yards.
Afterwards, I went in to thank him.
Is that all? Oh, come off it, Ros.
I'm not interested in Brian.
And Oliver? I'm not sure.
- Missus - Gale.
Yes, of course.
Please, do come in.
Yes, you're quite right.
I shouldn't be going through his desk like this.
It's really none of my business, Sir Charles.
I'm only a houseguest.
You're more than that if what Oliver says is true.
Do you have to tell him you found me here? No.
Leave this house, Mrs.
Gale.
Leave now while there's still time.
- Why? - You don't know Oliver.
It's too late for me.
I'm weak, you see, and superficial.
That's my trouble And greedy most of all.
Oliver knows that.
That's how he's got me involved.
Involved in what? Oliver preys on one's weaknesses.
What is it you're involved in, Sir Charles? Perhaps it's safer for you not to know.
You're asking rather a lot of me.
I find you going through the desk, you ask me not to mention it to Oliver.
You tell me to leave this house while it's still safe, and yet you offer no explanation.
Forgive me, I should have known better.
I've said too much already.
Waldner: The combination is 16 all the way clockwise, back to two, forward to 33 again.
Allow me.
Help yourself.
Thank you.
Waldner and Stanley now have only a 45% holding in your company, and the shares today have dropped to 29 and tuppence.
So, the way things are going on, we should be able to make a move by the end of the week.
If they fall any lower, say below a pound, I wouldn't be able to hold on any longer.
And they could buy me out.
As long as the strike goes on.
And that's a risk.
How long is the strike likely to last? We should know more about that when I see Mr.
Collier.
What was the reason for it? There was an accident here the other evening.
You sure it was an accident? The matter has been fully investigated, Mr.
Steed.
- Who by? - Me.
Oh.
I saw the shop steward come in.
- Who's that with him? - A chap called Steed from the Ministry of Works.
Does he know why the strike was called? Probably.
Any reason why he shouldn't? I suppose not.
- (knocks) - Come in.
Good morning, Barnes.
Steed, this is Mr.
Seabrook.
Good morning.
Ah, Mr.
Seabrook.
How do you do? Have you any idea when the strike might finish? Or haven't you quite decided? And five years ago, we decided to pool our financial resources.
Between us, we had enough capital to buy a small yard on the Tyneside.
By doing this, we were able to build an oil tanker which otherwise would've been built in Germany.
Then we acquired more property and built more ships.
How could you afford to buy more property? Well, I'll tell you.
We started staging lightning strikes in the other yards, cultivating a feeling of unrest.
Share prices fell, we bought out the companies concerned, called off the strike, started production.
And as the stakes grew bigger, your methods became more ruthless.
What do you mean by that? Collier was murdered, wasn't he? Well, that's that, then.
We'll get the men back right away.
When's the earliest we can call a union meeting for? About an hour.
- Your office? - Aye.
All right, I'll meet you there, then.
Right you are, Mr.
Brian.
And after that, both Reniston and myself resigned from the company.
Do Waldner and Stanley know exactly why? No, it shouldn't be too long before they find out.
Where is Reniston now? Well, he ought to be here.
He went to see Waldner this morning, but he's not back yet.
I see.
Gale: What are you going to do now? We can still win.
We have the capital and the backing to beat Collier and Reniston.
They're all with the common market.
We don't need 'em.
Yeah, the trouble is, we're the only ones who'd try to prove it.
Others will take the lead from us, not only the shipping industry, but every facet of commerce.
If you can't join 'em, beat 'em.
If Brian Collier has the majority holding of his own company again, why is there still a strike at his yard? You can't just snap your fingers and expect 2,000 men to go back to work.
Yeah unless he's playing us at our own game.
(phone rings) Yeah? Oh.
Thank you.
Yes? Thank you.
We'll soon know the answer to your question, Cathy.
Reniston's here.
How does he always manage to turn up at the most inopportune moment? This won't take long.
May I come with you? I'd like to hear what he has to say.
No, I'd rather you stayed here, Cathy.
(door opens) Thomas? Thomas! Yes, sir? Now, listen.
No one is to leave the estate until I say so.
Put the cars away and lock the garage.
- And Mrs.
Gale, sir? - Naturally.
Very good, sir.
Oh, Charles.
So glad you could come over.
I have something I want to ask you.
All this must have come as rather a shock to you, Cathy.
Yes, it has.
Oh, well, don't worry.
Oliver knows what he's doing.
Yes, but this time I'm afraid he's gone too far.
Oh, you mean Collier's death? Oh, well, nobody ever need know.
Somebody already does.
- Who? - The police.
I telephoned them.
You did what? Where did Oliver go? So, if you want to play with the big boys, Charles, you've gotta be prepared to take the consequences.
(gasps) Hey! Don't be a fool, Oliver.
We won't get away with it.
- Oh, yes, we will.
- Steed: I'm afraid not.
Don't stand there.
You'd better get in touch with your solicitor.
Accessory to murder.
Indictable offense in this country.
Yeah, but it was an accident.
The steering column was half sawn through.
I'm afraid you're out of business, old boy.
Mr.
Seabrook here of Collier and Seabrook has taken you over, lock, stock, and barrel.
He was worth every penny you were paying him.
I told you we hadn't seen the last of that little worm.
And we stood around with our heads in the clouds beating a patriotic drum.
Get 'em out of here.
The police are waiting.
Sir Charles, the inspector would like to take a statement from you.
Yes, yes, of course.
After you, gentlemen.
You've been living it up here in pretty good style.
I had a look round the grounds.
Terrific view from the lake.
It has its disadvantages.
I know what you mean.
He was quite a powerful gentleman.
I had a talk to Seabrook on the way out.
He seems to have got things pretty tied up.
I think he's really prepared to go ahead with the French.
Good.
It was a pity they resorted to murder.
You know, what they were planning was really quite a good idea.
Yes, quite a good idea.
Well, I think I'd better be going.
Unless, of course, you'd like to give me a lift.
There doesn't seem to be a horse in sight.
(laughs) (theme music playing)