Original subtitles

And tell us now what you can see.

I can see a man.

He's very faint.

He... He's talking,

but it's difficult to hear him.

How old is he?

He's an old man.

Now he's talking again.

His name is Wills.

He says he has a brother.

Is there a Mr Wills here or Mrs Wills?

He's fading away.

It's... It's difficult to hear him.

He's almost gone now.

Will nobody speak with him?

Is there anyone else on the other side

who wishes to make contact with us?

Yes. There's another man.

His name is Paignton.

He... He says he wishes to speak with his son.

Is there anyone here called Paignton?

Listen very closely.

I have a message from the other side.

Marshall is waiting for you.

There may be danger, but you must act quickly.

Marshall must join our friends on the other side.

Now, brethren, we shall continue with our efforts

to contact those on the other side with the help of this table.

DOORBELL BUZZES

Oh, what's all this?

I'd have thought you'd have had your bath by now.

Oh. - I'm giving a lecture tonight

at the London Institute of Anthropology.

I'm using these to illustrate my paper.

JOHN: Very nice.

Oh. Talking of papers.

Need any help? - No.

Talking of papers, have a look at that.

"David Marshall found murdered."

He was a colleague of mine.

"Found shot dead in an alley

"not far from Bridlington's Research Centre."

They're electronics, aren't they?

Anything from wires, valves, circuits.

They're the most brilliant engineers since Merlin.

Now they're developing at the moment an underwater tracking device.

You seem to be well briefed.

I was up all night going through

a three-inch thick file on the thing.

Now, this underwater tracking device

is a very brilliant and complicated piece of machinery.

- And somebody's after it? - Somebody's almost getting it.

I think that David Marshall knew who that someone was.

What we've got to do is to keep it on the secret list.

We've got a week, cos it's going to the Pacific for testing.

They've only got a week, too.

I suppose they're bound to try something.

They'll try all sorts of things, most of them dirty.

There are no more gentlemen in this game.

Is, er, Bridlington's worth investigating?

Yeah. Oh, and don't you worry. They'll be expecting you.

What as? An anthropologist?

No, I don't think so.

You just make a report on their behaviour

to our elders and betters in Whitehall.

Oh, ha-ha, not theirs.

Bridlington's.

What are you gonna do?

I'm going through the dead man's effects.

I can't see a thing.

Neither can I.

How about going into the kitchen?

That's a very good idea.

Where is the kitchen?

Oh. HE SNAPS FINGERS

You did a good job.

- I brought this back. - A very good job.

Still, that was only expected of you.

Here, take it.

You seem very upset, Freddy.

You shouldn't be, though.

You did very well, and we're pleased with you.

We might even consider using you again.

No, not again.

I introduced my brother to Marion Howard

just as you wanted.

I've committed murder for you. Isn't that enough?

Well, I'm sorry, Freddy.

But there's no going back now.

What do you mean?

As you, yourself said you committed murder.

You'll never be able to get away from that.

You mean you won't let me.

That's right, Freddy.

Still, don't worry.

We never keep our people on for very long.

They grow out of their usefulness.

But we do need new contacts all the time

and that's where you'll help us in future,

by introducing people. You're so good at that.

So that you can blackmail them just as you blackmailed me?

Oh, no. Not blackmail, Freddy.

I like to think of myself as a sort of...

..well, a go-between.

Cliff, I've brought Mrs Gale to see you.

Huh? Oh! Oh, I'm sorry.

Who... Oh, who did you say? I'm afraid I was rather absorbed.

This is Mrs Gale. And this is my husband.

- How do you do? - Oh, I'm delighted to meet you.

Oh, yes, of course.

We were warned about you. - Cliff!

That's all right, Mrs Howard. People always look upon us

as snoopers. We're used to it.

Oh, I didn't mean anything as brutal as that.

I'm afraid you'll find my people a bit cagey.

They rather resent Ministerial interference.

What they forget, of course, is that it's the Ministry

that foots the bill for our research.

Only Cliff and I know just how much we owe to Whitehall.

We need you just as much.

You only need us

for as long as we can produce what you want.

If we don't come up with new ideas,

you'll forget about us soon enough.

Mrs Gale, this is Jim Carey,

my husband's chief assistant.

Jim Carey. - How do you do?

I do hope you won't be staying with us long, Mrs Gale.

Oh?

Your predecessor was here for nearly a month.

He practically drove us all mad with his questions.

I think a week should be long enough for me.

Good.

What was it you wanted to see me about, Jim?

Oh, it's the number two circuit. We've got the calculated voltage,

but we still aren't getting the right reaction.

Oh, I see. Well, we better set it up again.

Oh, I'm sorry. Would you excuse us? - Yes, of course.

Well, it looks as though I shall have to be the one

to show you around.

Yes. It does, doesn't it?

TELEPHONE RINGS Excuse me.

Bridlington's. Good morning.

Yes, speaking.

Oh, it's you.

No, he's not. But...

Well, it's a bit difficult right now.

I see. You're not alone?

Well, I won't be a second. I just wanted to ask you.

What about seeing you this evening?

This evening?

Yes. I think I can manage that... if it's really important.

I love your business voice.

Yes, of course, it's important.

It's always important.

My place, the usual time?

Of course. I'd be delighted.

Yes, certainly.

You know that I have...

..precisely the same feelings in this matter.

Of course.

Goodbye.

Shall we go, Mrs Gale? - Yes.

Who were you speaking to?

- Marion. - Hmph.

You're seeing a lot of her these days, aren't you?

Yes. Thanks to your introduction.

Shouldn't you be at work?

It's bad enough having one idle brother in the family.

No, I'm taking a morning off.

I don't feel so good. - I see.

What do you fancy for the 2.30?

Oh, don't you ever think of anything but horses?

I, er, know it's none of my business,

but where were you last night?

As you say, it's none of your business.

All right.

You're sure you're feeling OK then?

You look pretty groggy to me.

No. It's all right.

It's just a night on the tiles.

Well, I hope she was worth it.

So do I.

Are you going out again tonight?

Has that got anything to do with you?

If you were in any sort of trouble,

you would tell me, wouldn't you?

Yes.

Yes, of course.

Beautiful.

Of course, it's not a wine I let anyone taste.

Mm. Very stimulating Chambertin.

Oh, we know the climate, the vineyards.

Ah, You must with the burgundy, huh?

Very important, the soil.

Oh, and the grape.

- Pinot Noir? - Of course.

JOHN LAUGHS

Now, er, try this.

What a charming atmosphere you have in this place.

Have you been here long?

No, no.

My partner and I bought the place a year ago.

All we changed was the name.

Everything else has been here more than a century.

JOHN CHUCKLES

Oh, Sauternes. Don't like Sauternes.

Mm. Pity.

And it's not Chateau d'Yquem.

Well, it's a very good one all the same.

Of course, if you don't like Sauternes...

I think a fellow should have freedom of choice.

Maybe a Rayne Vigneau.

Oh, yeah. Well, let me give you something else.

You, yourself, of course, have been

in the wine business for some time, huh?

Oh, yes. Indeed. As a merchant and customer 20 years.

Mm-hm.

Er, so someone recommended us to you, Mr Steed?

Yes. They gave me your card.

Oh, well, well. Oh, well it shows we...

..we've pleased someone at any rate.

BOTH LAUGH

Now, then. Tell me what you think of this.

Er, can you remember the gentleman's name?

Er, let me see, erm...

Oh, this is good. Now, this is very good.

But you're cheating, giving me hock after Sauternes.

Well, of course they're all Rieslings now.

Too right. They're all Rieslings. When the hauptstadt grape went out,

my father took a solemn vow never to drink another hock.

He kept it, too.

A man of character, I see.

- Uh-huh. It killed him. - Oh.

Hmm, it comes to me, the name of that fellow, Marshall. Marshall.

Marshall? No, I don't think I can recall the name.

He didn't have exact dealings with you, no.

But the word spread.

Ah, but our business depends upon that.

And your business is my pleasure.

Now, then. Would you like to taste some more?

I think not. Enough is enough.

The taste buds will begin to rebel.

Yes. Now, well, shall we go back to the shop?

If there is an order form ready, I'm in the mood to sign it.

After the temptation, the fall.

Oh, well, no time like the present.

JOHN LAUGHS Mind the beads.

Now to the burdens of choice.

Oh.

JOHN GRUNTS Allow me, young fellow.

Oh, thank you, sir.

- There. - Thank you.

Now they're all mixed up.

They're all the same, aren't they?

I think first of all we'll have half a dozen

of that delicious Chambertin.

- Oh, the '52? - Oh, yes.

What have we got in the way of a claret?

Well, Lafite Rothschild.

You can really do that?

WALLER LAUGHS

Only a half a dozen bottles, I'm afraid.

Put me down.

That's not a wine. It's an inspiration.

Oh, what's that peculiar bottle there?

- What? - Just behind you.

Oh. Oh, that one.

Er, shaped like Napoleon?

Well, it's what you'd expect.

A brandy making unwarranted insinuations about its age.

Well, er, do you want a cognac? I can let you have a good one.

Ah, my Waterloo.

Er, Vichy water, too.

- My Waterloo, Napoleon? - Oh.

BOTH LAUGH

No. I think I'll defer it to later.

Oh, by the way could I have a wine list?

Well, of course, sir. Yes.

Thank you so much.

I've had a really marvellous, spiffing time.

Goodbye, then.

Oh, and t-t-the address?

With wine like that, I'll be around to collect it in person.

Goodbye. DOORBELL RINGS

Goodbye.

Well, well.

Anything wrong, Freddy?

No.

You were rather careless just now, weren't you?

- Yes, I know. I'm sorry. - Mm, yes.

Well, I mean the mailing list is private, you know?

I said I'm sorry.

Yes.

Yes, but do be careful next time. I want you to be careful.

Ah. How'd the lecture go?

Very well, thank you.

What did you find out at Bridlington's?

Well, there's one thing I'm tolerably certain of.

Good, it's time we had some certainty in this business.

The chief designer's wife has a lover.

Apart from that, everything's in apple-pie order.

A lover can be good for business.

We need something.

I've been through everything that Marshall left.

Telephone numbers, addresses, shopkeepers.

Oh, don't mind if I do.

The only odd thing that happened is

at this wine shop Waller & Paignton.

What was that?

Waller made lot of fuss about some envelopes

that were lying about waiting to be addressed.

So I helped myself to one. All it was, was a wine list.

You know? Just like the common garden one.

Anyway, as far as I could see.

Yes, but how far can you see?

Why not let the forensic people have a look at it?

Tenuous.

One has to be pretty certain before one bothers those boys.

- Oh, but you're willing. - True.

Well, I better be getting back.

I didn't sleep much last night.

Of course, that three-inch thick file.

Eh? Oh, yes.

I'll see you tomorrow. Good night. Good night.

- Good night. - Open sesame. Thank you.

MUSIC PLAYING ON RADIO

I can't stay much longer. Cliff will be home at ten.

HE CHUCKLES

- Have some more wine. - Mm, I adore this wine.

Why don't we get a barrel of it?

I'll get Freddy to fix it.

I can drink it all night.

We'll have a chance to do that next week.

What do you mean?

Well, they're having a wine tasting party at the shop.

We've been invited.

Would you like to come?

I'd love to.

I can still just remember part of the last one.

Which part?

When Freddy introduced us.

I must go.

Zip me up.

SHE CHUCKLES

Let me go.

All right.

BOTH CHUCKLE

I'll see you Tuesday.

Wild horses couldn't keep me away.

I'll phone you.

MARION: Bye.

MUSIC STOPS

DOORBELL RINGS

Oh, good evening.

Are you Mr Allan Paignton?

Er, well, yes. What can I do for you?

I wonder if I might talk to you for a moment?

Well, come in, won't you, er...

Mrs Wilson. Thank you so much.

A very charming flat you have, Mr Paignton.

What did you want to see me about, Mrs Wilson?

I'm afraid it's about your brother.

HE GRUNTS

I thought you were supposed to be going to bed early?

Touche.

I can't see a thing.

Where's the torch? - Here.

- Did you find anything interesting? - No.

What are we looking for, separately or jointly?

I haven't the slightest idea.

Well, then we might as well case the joint, as they say.

Come and have a look, quick.

Do I understand you to mean that my brother

has done something criminal?

Well, yes, I'm afraid so, Mr Paignton.

And how do you know about it?

At this moment I prefer to keep my source

of information secret.

Then how can I be sure that what you're telling me is the truth?

Because I'm sure that your brother would confess his crime

if you were to confront him with your knowledge of it.

Yes, perhaps. But I think he can probably handle his own affairs.

Personally, I wouldn't be too sure about that.

However, it wasn't only to talk about your brother

that I came here tonight, Mr Paignton.

And who else have you been collecting scandal about?

You and Marion Howard.

I see.

And are you suggesting that we, too, have done something criminal?

Not at all.

It's just that I thought Mr Howard

would be interested in your friendship.

Yes. I'm sure he would.

Why don't you tell him?

At the same time,

would you like me to tell the police about your brother?

Well, that rather depends on what

he's supposed to have done, doesn't it?

He's committed a murder, Mr Paignton.

HE LAUGHS

And assuming it's true, what do you want? Money?

I assure you, it is perfectly true.

No. I don't want money.

I want you to make sure that Marion Howard

cuts the alarm system at Bridlington's...

..next Tuesday night.

Look, I told you. I must know tonight.

Let me think about it tomorrow.

For heaven's sake, I know it's difficult to understand,

but Freddy is in trouble and I have to help him.

- At my expense? - Not at all.

Do you want your husband to find out about us?

- No. - Do you?

No, of course not.

If we go to the police, heaven alone knows

what will happen to Freddy.

We string along with these people, what do we have to lose?

- Cliff's work is at stake. - Nonsense.

Look, I promise you it's nothing to do with Cliff's work.

Oh, I know it isn't easy,

but... we've got to think of ourselves.

Yes, I suppose you're right.

Then you'll do it?

DOORBELL RINGS

- Good morning, sir. - Good morning.

Mr Waller not at home?

No. Not this morning, sir. Can I help you?

I'm his partner.

Oh, the fellow who dropped his envelopes, eh?

- You must be Mr Steed. - Ha-ha. That's right.

You've come to pick up your order.

There you are, sir.

I've been looking forward to this. Lafite Rothschild.

Is there anything else I can get you, sir?

Yes. I want to buy a present for a friend of mine.

I think, er, a liqueur.

Some people have lamentably bizarre tastes,

and actually prefer them to cognac.

Oh, perhaps a brandy re-flavoured.

Apricot, peach.

Well, if you're looking for something really unusual, sir,

may I suggest a bottle of the Polish plum?

You could, but I think I'll take the apricot.

Very good, sir.

I consider your place something of a find, you know?

Oh, thank you very much, sir.

I think you ought to have a copy of our wine list.

Well, as a matter of fact I have one.

Oh, we're bringing out a new list, sir.

Your bill. Perhaps we could send the list to you?

- A new list? - Yes, sir.

We're expecting a worthwhile consignment of Portuguese verde

and some other interesting items.

Really?

I think that you'll find that exact. - Thank you.

Yes. Perhaps you could send me one?

Certainly. Will you let me have your address?

Uh-huh.

There we are. - Thank you, sir.

I shouldn't like to miss something that I was entitled to, eh?

Huh, good morning, young man.

Good morning, sir.

Oh, Mr Steed?

Terrible mistake. Without me crate, huh?

JOHN LAUGHS

Oops! DOORBELL RINGS

That, I take it, was Mr Steed?

Yes.

Odd, isn't it?

Mr Steed, who we've never seen before,

finds time to visit us once a day?

Well, I don't think that means very much.

He's probably keen on wine.

Yes. And if keen,

would have a wine merchant of his own.

Wouldn't he?

Now this is the actual power unit

of the tracking device, Mrs Gale.

As you can see, this is now complete.

Of course, you wouldn't have much space in a submarine.

I suppose your main problem was trying

to keep the unit compact enough? - Hmm, quite right.

Water absorbs radio signals at 50 times the rate of air.

Most tracking devices until now have been severely limited in range.

Oh, thank you, George.

How secure is this place?

Oh, secure enough, I think.

We have a fairly elaborate alarm system,

the pattern of which can be changed at regular intervals.

The same time, all the papers are kept in two separate safes.

Does anybody else know of these precautions apart from yourself?

Only my wife and Jim, Gale.

CATHERINE: I see.

Yes. The '57 should be ready in another six months, Freddy.

I thought you might add it to our new list.

Very well. How much?

Oh, 18 shillings.

I thought...

I thought we might try half a dozen bottles

at the party on Tuesday night.

Have you sent out all the invitations?

Oh, yes. Not too many this time.

Just a few of our more influential customers.

Have you invited your brother? - Yes.

- Is he bringing a guest? - Of course.

HE CHUCKLES

Good. Good.

Is there anybody else you want to invite?

Well, I was thinking about Mr Steed.

You got his address, didn't you?

Yes.

Yes. Well, he seems a gentleman of some means.

I think he might brighten up the proceedings a bit.

JOHN: Hey. Hey.

JOHN KNOCKS

By Jove, you nearly got me that time.

You could have rung the bell.

I'm not gonna be on your telly screen again.

Not till you've got colour.

Here's a present. - Oh!

Oh.

What makes you think I have depraved tastes?

I can't imagine, my dear.

I've got the lab report on the Waller & Paignton wine list.

Now they did the usual things and nothing showed up.

So they enlarged it. And when they enlarged it,

they found a full stop with all sorts of marks on it.

So, they enlarged the full stop. And what do you think was on it?

The tiniest wine list in the world?

Part of the plans of the breach mechanism

of a new anti-tank gun.

Even NATO didn't know it was ready for testing.

- But only part of the plan? - Yes. Intriguing isn't?

I wonder if the other parts of the plan

are in the ancient premises of Waller & Paignton?

Oh, this is more interesting.

Maybe Waller & Paignton

are only part of a series of reception centres.

I should think that's extremely likely what it is.

And then they each transmit.

They get one special piece to transmit of a secret.

They can't... - So nobody can double cross

anybody else, you mean? - Exactly.

That would mean that it would have to be an immense organisation.

Yes. Well, it wouldn't surprise me.

Now I'll leave you with that little thought.

Where are you off to?

I'm, er, going to a wine-tasting party.

Do you really think you have the palate?

I thought you'd probably like an early night.

Yes. Indeed, I would.

I hope you mean it this time, my dear.

Aren't you ready yet, Cliff?

Hmm? What time is it?

Well, it's half past seven.

You promised you wouldn't work late tonight.

Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

Anyway, I thought you were going out.

I am.

Off you go, then. I'll see you at home later.

Well, we've only got my car here.

Never mind. I'll catch the last bus.

Oh, Cliff, please don't work tonight.

You know how you need a good night's rest.

Please. Come home now.

Look, I've got to get this done tonight.

Otherwise, Jim can't get started in the morning.

Well, will you promise not to be late?

- Promise. - Home by ten?

By ten.

All right. I'll be back by then.

I'll see you at home.

Enjoy yourself.

Thanks.

Well, my dear, Freddy and I hope to get to France before long.

It's very difficult, you know? Excuse me a moment.

Er, Mr Steed, how very good of you to come.

It's a pleasure. I can never resist the opportunity

of putting my palate to the test. - Oh, well, now.

I'll think you'll find this very much to your fancy.

Oh, this must be a busman's holiday to you, isn't it?

Oh, I indulge, I indulge.

Now, what have we got here?

Nuits-Saint-Georges. - Oh, that's right.

Oh! May I introduce you to Mrs Howard, Mr Steed?

- How do you do? - How do you do?

And my partner's brother, Allan Paignton.

- How do you do? - Oh, excuse me.

I think Mr Waller's cellar is absolutely unbeatable.

It's a most exquisite taste.

Oh, I'm afraid I don't taste it.

I just drink it. Excuse us.

Very droll. Very droll.

Now, are you sure Cliff will leave by ten?

He promised he would.

Then all right. Nothing to worry about.

I wish you'd tell me what this is all about.

I told you. You know as much as I do.

So you might as well try and relax and enjoy yourself.

Where's Freddy?

I thought he was going to be here.

Yes. I thought so, too.

I... I don't know where he's got to.

Lily, I want you to meet Mr Steed. Er, Mrs Wilson.

- It's an honour, madam. - How do you do?

And her daughter, Julia.

Help yourself to anything you fancy, Mr Steed.

That's very generous of him.

HE SIGHS

- Oh, no. - Oh, do.

Well, if you insist.

It's the most delicious burgundy.

Yes. It's Pomerol.

Hmm, '52 I should say.

- It is. - Ha-ha.

Do you know the mixture of this delightful company

and, er, and the wine is really going to my head.

- Oh. - Oh, Mr Steed.

Have you hurt yourself?

I don't think so.

But I'll just have to reconnoitre. Ugh, there we go.

I need a refill, I'm afraid. - Oh, dear. Of course, you do.

- Oh, Mr Steed. I apologise. - That's quite all right.

I just fell into one of your... Oh, I'm so sorry.

Sorry. My fault.

Only trouble is we've wasted some good wine.

Is that a dark room or something?

A dark room in a dark basement?

Oh, well, it's another of my little indulgences, Mr Steed.

Very clever, isn't it?

You see, Jack likes his hobby on the premises.

Yes. Yes. With a, with a model close to hand.

Standard rates, Mr Steed. JOHN CHUCKLES

JOHN LAUGHS

What the devil do you think you're doing here?

Huh. Mr Howard.

You shouldn't have come back.

You're wasting your time. The alarm's been fixed.

ALARM BLARES

Get out of my way. - Put that thing away.

I said, get out of my way.

GUNSHOT FIRES

MRS WILSON: Thank you, Bruno.

- WALLER: Lily. - Oh, hello. Have they all gone?

Yeah. Get lost.

Lily, erm, Mr Steed was the last to leave.

Oh, yes. Now, what do you think about him?

- Well... - Do you think he fell deliberately?

I don't know. It could have been an accident.

I don't think it was.

Well, unfortunately we can't be sure.

I think we ought to deal with Mr Steed. Bruno could handle him.

Shall I go and see? - We'll wait a bit.

- But I think it's important. - Lily, I said we'll wait.

Oh, very well. After all, you're in charge.

Yes.

Now then, what have you got here?

Well, it looks like the last part of the Fielding job.

Yes, it is.

I better deal with this at once.

Any news of Freddy?

No, not yet.

Yeah, he should be back by now.

Do you think something could have gone wrong?

I don't think Mrs Howard

would be so silly as to double-cross us.

I hope not, for her sake.

HE CHUCKLES Well, we shall know soon enough.

Allan, you've got to tell me.

Did you know what was going to happen?

Of course not. It was an accident.

It was murder. My husband's murder.

Well, all right.

If you'd done the job properly, he mightn't have been killed.

Do you think I don't realise that?

I'm sure you do.

The point is, what are you going to do about it?

Do?

Well, you could either get us all into trouble or keep quiet.

Say nothing?

But it was Cliff!

Marion, I swear I didn't know anything

like this was going to happen,

but it has, and you've got to be sensible.

I don't know what to do. I can't bear it.

I can't bear the thought of what I helped to do.

You've got to be sensible. You've got to keep calm.

And I can't face this alone.

Darling, you don't have to.

This is all very irregular. Visitors aren't allowed.

You're sure it's important?

- It's a matter of life and death. - Yes, so you keep saying.

I, er... I suppose you know that Mr Howard

was shot here last night?

I do. It was very tragic, wasn't it?

Yes. Well, I better go and find Mrs Howard for you.

Thank you.

Oh, Marion. This is Mrs Wilson.

She insists on speaking to you.

I'm afraid I don't know you.

I know you don't, Mrs Howard, but I know you.

And my name is Wilson. Mrs Wilson.

I've come here to offer you the help of myself

and my circle in your great distress.

I'm sorry. I don't understand.

Oh, dear. But what a pity.

Allan Paignton was so sure I could help you.

Well, perhaps since you've been so kind

as to come and see me.

Ten minutes. Would that be enough? I can't spare any more.

Oh, more than enough, Mrs Howard.

And I promise you won't regret it.

There's so much that my circle and I can do for you.

You achieved nothing.

There wasn't anything else I could do.

- Howard was the key man. - I know that.

You panicked!

You told me Marion would have fixed the alarm.

- Well? - Well, she made a mess of it.

She didn't cut the internal alarm. It went off. I had to get away.

- But you didn't have to kill him. - I had no choice.

I see.

Well, now you've made your quota of mistakes.

From now on, we're out of it.

A different branch of the organisation

will take over the work.

As for Marion Howard, she's completely unreliable.

And thanks to your stupidity, she'll have to be eliminated.

Eventually. - You can't do that.

When that time comes, we may be able to use you again.

And my brother?

I don't want him involved in all this.

HE LAUGHS Oh, he's involved already.

I don't think he'll mind doing another little job for us.

What do you mean?

Well, for a start, he'll have to destroy

all traces of his affair with Marion Howard.

MRS WILSON: Love, of course, is a great principle.

A pure and very powerful principle.

You have found it so, Mrs Howard?

My husband and I were very close.

Oh, I'm sure you were.

And then there's the love which those who've passed on

are so often unable to express

towards those who are left behind.

And we, too, have difficulty

in finding that love and giving it expression.

But your difficulty, of course,

was of a different nature, wasn't it?

Perhaps you'd better come to the point, Mrs Wilson.

Very well, I will.

With you,

it was a case of exploring new horizons.

And then you found love going out

from you toward...

Well, how shall I put it?

A liaison dangereuse.

I'm sorry. I have no idea what you're talking about.

Oh, please. Let me try to explain.

You see, some of this world's veils have been lifted from our eyes.

There are things we know.

Our little circle meets tomorrow,

and we shall try to contact your husband.

Oh, there's so much I'm sure he will be able to tell us

about the manner of his passing.

You will join us, won't you, Mrs Howard?

MARION: I don't think spiritualism can be of any possible use to me.

You think us fakes?

And yet we know so much about you.

So much more, Mrs Howard, than I have as yet told you.

For that reason also you might like to consider

the invitation seriously.

I can't help feeling you're threatening me.

Oh, Mrs Howard, no. I wouldn't dream of such a thing.

It's just that if you were there,

all those in the circle would be able to help you

toward a new tranquillity. Don't you see?

And then when we talk to your husband

he'll be able to speak out of knowledge.

A full knowledge of all that happened.

All, Mrs Howard.

And for your own happiness, it would be so much better

if he were to speak before friends. Don't you agree?

I must admit, you've made me rather curious.

Then you will come?

Very well.

Oh, thank you. Till tomorrow then. I assure...

I'll show you the way out, Mrs Wilson.

Thank you, Mrs Howard.

TELEPHONE RINGS

Hello?

Oh, where are you?

I'm still at Bridlington's.

Marion Howard has been talking to a Mrs Wilson.

'Oh, Mrs Wilson? Oh, yes. I met her at a wine-tasting.'

She said something about a seance.

You keep close to Mrs Howard.

If they're still after the plans,

which I'm sure they are, she's their only hope.

'Where will you be?'

Partaking of a few wines with Mr Frederick Paignton.

SHE SCOFFS What, again?

Oh, Mrs Howard. - Did you want to see me, Mrs Gale?

No. I was just making use of your office.

Shouldn't you be at home? You've had a terrible shock.

It was all my fault.

If only I'd realised.

If I'd made sure my husband left early last night,

this would never have happened.

DOOR KNOB RATTLING

Anybody home?

MRS WILSON: There is one here with us much troubled.

As yet she's still tied to this Earth,

the flesh and the bondage of time.

She has come here to ask our help.

And on the other side,

divided from us by that first and last illusion which is death,

is a spirit still tied to her

whom we shall help through the eternal chains of love.

He waits, I know, to be called into our circle.

Our sister comes to speak with us.

Shut out the tumult of time.

Shut out the motion of the stars.

Reach out.

Reach out and bend your will to hers.

Lend her power.

Reach out toward the stillness of eternity.

There's a man.

He's tall and thin...

..and he's smiling.

Yes, he's happy.

I hear a bell.

It's shrill and piercing.

It's a warning. He's afraid.

MARION GASPS

Come with me, please, Mrs Howard.

JULIA: But he will not tell me his name.

He says, "Not yet."

Oh, he's got a wound.

It's open.

He wishes to speak with someone here.

There's somebody here who wants to communicate with him,

but he will not tell me his name.

Lend me.

HE GROANS

HE YELLS

What?

Oh, Mrs Howard. How nice to see you again.

Why have I been brought here?

Oh, didn't Mrs Wilson tell you?

She insinuated she knew certain details

about my private life. - MRS WILSON: And so I do.

But what have you got to do with it? Why have I been dragged here?

Well, you see, Mrs Wilson and I are old friends.

We rather hoped, Mrs Howard, that you might help us again.

Again?

Yes. And I'll hope that this time you'll make a better job of it.

Last time I understand the alarm wires

were only partly cut.

That was very foolish of you.

It cost you the life of your dear husband.

SCREAMS: Why was I ever such a fool?

Oh, there, there, my dear.

You mustn't upset yourself.

After all, you've still got Allan.

Or rather, you will have if you do as we ask.

What do you want?

Oh, a mere bagatelle.

We want you to go back to your office,

and bring us accurate copies of your husband's work.

OK. That's it. Let's call it a day.

- Mr Carey? - Who the devil are you?

- My name is Steed. John Steed. - How did you get in here?

- I'm a colleague of Mrs Gale. - Another Ministry spy.

I'll give you a more official title.

If you're looking for Mrs Gale, she's not here.

- I'm looking for you. - You found me. What do you want?

- I need your help. - Oh, not you as well.

Tell me, who was in the laboratory

the night that Cliff Howard was killed?

Look, I've been all through this with the police.

I know. That's true, yes.

Oh, very well.

Most of the staff left at five o'clock.

I think I was here for about another hour.

Cliff and Marion were still here when I left.

Now, is that enough for you?

For a start. Am I right that only three people knew

how the elaborate alarm system worked?

Yes. That's quite true.

So Cliff Howard wouldn't have cut the wires,

and I believe that you didn't.

How very trusting of you, Mr Steed.

Oh, it's quite all right.

The police report said that you were at a Young Socialist meeting

in St Pancras town hall at the time.

Now that only leaves one person.

Marion? But that's absurd.

Is it?

Now, listen, Mr Carey.

For some time, an organisation has been

trying to steal or at least copy the plans of the tracking device.

Now, I think that Mrs Howard

is being blackmailed into helping them.

When the first one didn't work, they're coming back to her again.

Now, do you see how much I need your help?

Yes, of course,

but how could they be blackmailing her?

Is it possible that, er,

she was unfaithful to her husband?

Well, not to put too fine a point on it, did she have a lover?

Well?

Yes. As a matter of fact, she did.

Who?

A man called Allan Paignton.

Paignton? That's very interesting.

I think we better get him down here.

Come over here, Mr Paignton. This is Mr Steed.

How do you do? We met with Mrs Marion Howard

at Waller's wine-tasting function. - Yes, I remember.

You mind telling me what this is all about?

It's about Mrs Howard.

Now I may be wrong, but I think she's being blackmailed by somebody.

Absolutely ridiculous.

Paignton, I think perhaps we ought to tell you

that we're aware of your relationship with Marion Howard.

This is very important. If you know anything, you must tell us.

I'm sorry, I can't.

Even if I wanted to, there are other people to think of.

- Your brother, for instance? - What about him?

If you're trying to protect him, I'm afraid it's too late. He's dead.

We have crossed the abyss and nullified the decay of time.

We've given voice and love to the departed,

and now there are none left who await our help.

So go in peace, my friends.

Very soon we shall all be summoned here again.

But in the meanwhile, go in peace.

OVERLAPPING CONVERSATIONS

Oh, dear. Oh, dear. You silly fools.

Well, you did all right, Julia.

Only just. I couldn't have kept it up much longer.

Why were you such a time? Something go wrong?

Well, not really wrong.

Marion Howard proved even more tiresome

than we'd expected. That's all.

- She agreed? - Well, naturally.

Ah, we might as well call it a day.

You can go and tell Bruno that he can lock...

Where is he?

I thought he went out with you.

No, he didn't.

Now that's strange.

I think Mr Waller better be told about this at once.

Allan? Well, what are you doing here?

I was waiting for you.

- I just came in to see... - I know why you came, Marion.

They persuaded you to get your husband's plans from the safe.

- I don't know what you're... - How'd they threaten you this time?

Listen to me, Marion. You must tell me.

They've killed Freddy. They're not gonna stop there.

Was it just Mrs Wilson or was there somebody else?

It was Mrs Wilson and Waller.

They persuaded me to go to a seance,

and then they took me next door to Waller's wine shop.

I think it's their headquarters.

Allan? - Is that enough for you, Mr...

- Where's he gone? - To the wine shop, I think.

Wait for me.

Well, Marion, I think perhaps I better lock up those plans again.

I'm sorry, Jim.

It seems our man from the Ministry has his uses after all.

SHE SOBS

I wouldn't, Mr Steed.

Mummy wouldn't like it.

This way, please.

That's very kind of you, my dear.

Saves me the trouble of breaking in.

Well, the whole place seems to be deserted.

I wonder where they all are, eh? - Not far away.

Good!

In that case, perhaps you'd call them for me?

Go on.

- Mr Waller? - WALLER: Yes?

Could you come down here a minute? Someone wants to see you.

Well, it's very awkward. You know, I've gotta do the accounts.

I've gotta get it all tied up by tonight.

Well, my dear. Who is it?

What are you doing here? - I came for the last of the wine.

- Oh, very funny. - Join him.

WALLER: You stupid little fool.

Now, where's Mummy?

Get out.

BOTH GRUNT

JOHN GROANS

Mind the burgundy, Mr Waller.

It's a bad year, Mr Steed.

DOORBELL RINGS

WALLER: Bruno!

WALLER GROANS

Now, all we need is Mummy.

Ah, the whole family.

"Device arrived safely. Stop.

"Pacific terrific. Stop.

"No shortage water for testing. Stop.

"Carey." That's good.

Oh, it's a pity that Waller's wine was confiscated.

Well, er, not quite all of it.

Huh, cheers.

HE SIGHS Rather good.

Rhone. Chateau-Grillet '53?

Discreet, yet richly bodied.

It's a combination of delicacy and power.

Perhaps a little young.

But of noble lineage.

No visible sparkle.

Subtle strength.

BOTH CHUCKLE

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