All language subtitles for The Avengers S03E24 1080p WEB DL H264 BTN_track3_[eng]

PIANO PLAYING

Oh, good morning.

Good morning. I have an appointment
with Mr Veliko.

I'm afraid he's just
started practising.

Yes, I'm not sure that
we should disturb him now.

Was it important?
- I'm from Interest Magazine.

I have an appointment
to interview him.

Oh, well, I suppose
it'll be all right.

We were just dashing off.
Would you excuse us?

Excuse me.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

PIANO PLAYING

Hello? Hello, reception?

Oh, please, please,
will somebody help me?

I've been attacked.

Yes, yes, I'm in suite number 39.

What is it?

What's happened, madam?
I'm the hotel manager.

Oh, it's... it's that man in there.
He attacked me.

WOMAN SOBBING
Mr Veliko?

Yes, yes. I came here
to interview him

and he... he assaulted me.

Oh, please, do something.
- Very well, madam.

I'll deal with the matter
straight away.

SHE GASPS

SHE YELPS

PIANO MUSIC PLAYING

- Well, what do you think of him?
- I think he's very good.

How about you, Junior, eh?

Aw.
HE CHUCKLES

- Come on, down, Junior.
- Down you go, old girl.

HE CLEARS THROAT

Personally, I prefer Van Cliburn
amongst the younger boys for Chopin.

Stefan Veliko is probably the finest
young concert pianist in the world.

And that's a very proper attitude
in one who is organising his tour.

Personally, I think
there should be more

of these interchanges
of artists between countries.

I think the British Cultural Council
has done very well

to get him over here.
- Hear, hear.

What's more, the fact that
his government allowed him to come

is a move in the right direction.

HE CHUCKLES

Which is more than
can be said for that.

Check.
- Oh, blast.

Particularly since
our two governments

are embarking on a series
of trade talks.

You think Veliko's tour is
part of a political manoeuvre?

Some people might think so.

Anyway, I should keep your dime
in your garters if I were you.

Why?

Well, if this treaty goes through,
it could be good for Britain

but some individuals
are gonna lose a lot of money.

What individuals?

Well, Veliko's government
aren't taking any chances.

They sent a man
called Zalenko with him...

..and his knowledge
of classical music

is just about like mine.

But I bet he's a great deal
better at chess.

HE CHUCKLES

Well, I hope
there isn't gonna be any trouble.

Before Veliko starts his tour
tomorrow at the festival,

he's got a recital tonight

before a very
distinguished audience.

The trade minister
is gonna be there.

You're very well informed
on the subject.

I read the papers, my dear.

That hasn't been
in the papers, my dear.

I've been wondering
why the Council asked me

to look after Veliko
while he was here.

Yeah, strange, isn't it?

You had something to do
with it, didn't you?

About the trade minister coming on?

I have been a member
of the British Cultural Council

ever since I came back from Africa,
and this is the first time

they've asked me to do
anything on this scale.

They finally recognised
your potential.

TELEPHONE RINGING

Will you answer that,
my dear, please?

HE SNAPS FINGERS
Excuse me.

Uh-huh.

Hello?

Yes, he is. Hold on.

Thank you.

Hmm. Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
Er, what?

Yes.

Yes.

I'll be right along.

If you're going to Veliko's hotel,
perhaps you'll give me a lift.

Why should I be going?

Since you're organising his tour,
you might be interested to know

they found a young lady
in his suite.

She's dead.

Well?

I'm asking you again, what happened?

- I've told you twice.
- Tell me again.

Mr Peterson and Mrs Gale
had been here

to talk about organising the tour.

They left,
and I started to practise.

A concert pianist must practise
several hours a day.

You ought to know that
by now, Zalenko.

The piece you were practising?

It was the A-Flat Polonaise
by Chopin,

which is exactly the same answer
I gave you twice before.

Go on.

I finished the piece
and I wished to go to the bathroom.

You want to know what for?
- No.

I went into the hall
and I found this girl.

So, somehow she got
into the vestibule, was strangled,

and you heard nothing?

When I'm practising,
I'm listening to what I'm playing.

Zalenko, you don't really think
I killed her, do you?

It's not a question of what I think.

It's how it's going to look
to the rest of the world.

While you're here you are
a representative of your country.

I'm a representative
of my country's art,

and I'm not going to be made
into a political showpiece.

That is not for you to decide.

You're already involved
whether you like this or not.

If what you tell me is true

and you really know nothing
about this girl,

then we must presume
that she was planted here

to incriminate you.

- Who would do a thing like that?
- Stefan, not everyone here

is going to appreciate
our country's arts.

DOOR BUZZER BUZZES
Eh. That will be the newspapers.

Their government has
no control over them.

Yes?

BOTH SPEAKING RUSSIAN

I was expecting you.

But I thought the British
Cultural Council

was only sending one person.

Mrs Gale and I met on the doorstep.

BOTH SPEAKING RUSSIAN

My name is John Steed.

Eh... I was expecting you too.

I am Zalenko.

Sir, I would have recognised
you anywhere.

How is Madam Zalenko?

I have not seen her
for three months.

I've been busy.

Of course,
that sightseeing trip in Turkey.

JOHN SCOFFS

The one that took you past
all the American bases.

I was on leave.

Well, I'm not questioning that.

I saw some marvellous
pictures of you,

holidaying on the Black Sea.

It was taken by that, er,
amiable British hiker.

Hmm. The one
with the telescopic camera.

HE CLEARS THROAT
Madam, you will want to meet Veliko.

- Yes.
- This way, please.

Stefan.

This is Stefan Veliko.

This is Mrs Gale
from the British Cultural Council,

who combines an interest in music
with a PhD in anthropology.

Yes, we met this morning.

Very nice to see you
again, Mrs Gale.

And this is Mr John Steed,

who is what is known as
"man about town."

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

His other activities
are rather obscure.

Then he must have a great deal
in common with you, Zalenko.

TELEPHONE RINGING

Er, is this your first visit
to London, Mr Veliko?

Yes, and I'm looking
forward to it very much.

- Mr Steed, for you.
- Thank you. Will you excuse me?

Of course.

- I told them I'd be here.
- Them?

Er...

JOHN LAUGHS
Oh.

Steed.

Stefan, I thought you might
like to have a look

at the guest list for this evening.

Yeah, but, could we discuss this
a little later, Mrs Gale?

You see, a girl was found dead here
this morning, murdered.

I've got so much on my mind, I...

Stefan, there is no need to trouble
with Mrs Gale with all this.

Or perhaps Mrs Gale already knows?
- No, I knew nothing about it.

You mean somebody was murdered
in this hotel?

- No, no, here in my apartment.
- Did you call the police?

Mr Zalenko has dealt with that.
It's all going to be hushed up

and the murderer is
going to go unpunished.

But nothing must prejudice
the success of my tour.

I'm not forgetting the trade talks,
of course.

May I have a word with you, Zalenko?

I'll see you out.

Mrs Gale, it's been
a great pleasure meeting you.

- And you, Mr Steed.
- And goodbye, Mr Veliko.

Goodbye.

Well?

The evidence suggests
Veliko's telling the truth.

The dead girl
was called Polly White.

She has a long criminal record
for blackmail and extortion.

She made a living off of it?

- Sure. She had a taxable income.
- Taxable?

Her speciality was to get
into a railway carriage

with a man on his own

and then claim that
she'd been assaulted.

- What was she doing in this hotel?
- Well, I don't know.

Maybe she'd run out
of railway carriages.

I don't understand.

She probably came here
to smear Veliko's name.

So he might have killed
her in a panic, huh?

Yes, he might have done.

Now, Polly White shared a flat
with another girl.

She may be able
to tell us something.

But I think that she was
killed by her employer.

To carry the smear
to its natural conclusion.

Remember the trade talks?

They reached a point
of crucial negotiation.

I thought we were the ones
that put politics before legality.

JOHN CHUCKLES
Well, we live and learn.

Hmm.

BELLS CHIMING

HE SIGHS

BELL CHIMES

Thank you.

Excuse me, sir, are you a member?

No, I'm afraid not.

Well, if you'd just fill this in,
please, sir.

Well, yes, of course.

It's just a formality, sir.

Now, we must do everything properly,
mustn't we?

But we always do here.
That'll be 25 guineas, please.

Hmm.

John Smith,
care of the Warrick Hotel.

Yes, that's fine.

25, well, there's £26.

And these, er, guineas.

- Thank you, sir.
- And... and now?

Through there.

The garden of delight.
HE CLICKS TONGUE

JOHN CLEARS THROAT

INDISTINCT CHATTER

Won't keep you a moment, sir.

DRUMS BEATING

I say, you keep
popping up everywhere.

They really keep you busy,
don't they?

- Will you have a drink?
- Yes, I'd like a brandy.

PEOPLE APPLAUDING

- Well, cheers.
- That'll be 15 shillings, please.

Really? Ha!.

Now, where is it?
You'll keep the change, my dear?

- Thank you.
- I wonder if you could help me?

I'm looking for a girl
called Darleen.

- I've never heard of her.
- I was told that she worked here.

- Who told you?
- A girl called Polly White.

All right.

I'm Darleen. What do you want?

You shared a flat with Polly White,
didn't you?

- Maybe.
- Have you seen her recently?

She's away on business.
PEOPLE APPLAUDING

HE LAUGHS
What sort of business?

I don't know. Why?

- Because she's dead.
- But I'm meeting her tonight.

Well, I don't think she'll turn up.
She was murdered this morning.

- I don't believe you.
- No, I don't expect you to.

PEOPLE APPLAUDING

But if she doesn't turn up,

we may want to know
what sort of business she's in.

You can give me a ring,
and here's my card.

What's the matter?

This job you sent Polly on,
what was it?

How should I know?
It was for a friend of mine.

- Didn't he tell you?
- I don't ask questions.

Look, I told her on the phone
where to go to and who to see.

I've never met her, and I don't know
anything more about it.

I just wondered when she'd get back.

My friend said the job would take
two or three days.

But she told me this morning
she'd be back tonight.

Oh, no. I can definitely tell you
she won't be back tonight.

PEOPLE APPLAUDING, CHEERING

WHISPERS: For you.

HE CLEARS THROAT

Then that means
Stefan Veliko could be arrested.

No, I don't think so.

The evidence suggests
it was an elaborate frame-up.

To think I let her in.

Oh, you can't blame
yourself for that.

It was just sheer coincidence
she happened to arrive as we left.

I know, but that poor girl
was strangled

just a moment after we saw her.

And what about Veliko?
It must be a terrible shock for him.

Mm.

Do you think we should postpone
the recital tonight?

I don't think that'll be necessary.

But the minister has
definitely promised to be here.

We can't involve him
in any hint of scandal.

I don't think
there's going to be any.

You see, the people
who framed Veliko

obviously wanted a scandal,
and for that very reason,

the authorities are going
to try and keep it quiet.

Well, I suppose
they know what's best.

You don't think
there's any possibility

that Veliko might be guilty?

Oh, you imagine, Mr Peterson.

Yes, it does seem
so incredible, though.

I can't stop thinking
about that poor girl.

I feel as though I was
somehow responsible myself.

DOOR BUZZER BUZZING

Ah-ha.

I was told you wanted to see me
on some important business.

- Yes, come in.
- Thank you very much.

ZALENKO: I have been making
one or two discoveries.

You see this telephone?
- Mm-hm.

Where do you think the line leads?

At a guess, the hotel switchboard.

No. Look.

A switch has been put
onto the circuit,

so that calls can be intercepted
in the next suite.

Now, that suite has been unoccupied
for the past three weeks.

Who told you that?

The hotel management
have been very cooperative.

JOHN CHUCKLES

- Come in.
- Thank you.

- Sit down.
- Oh, thank you very much.

- Here. Would you like a drink?
- Yes, I'd very much like a...

Brandy, I believe.

Er, well, unless you have
any of that vodka of yours,

that red hot stuff,
90% proof Azerbaijani, eh?

No, no, no, no, no, no.
JOHN CHUCKLES

Look...

this is from my own village.
- Aw.

ZALENKO SIGHS

- Where's Veliko?
- Oh, he is resting.

Now...
- Well, cheers.

Nazdarovya!
JOHN CHUCKLES

HE EXHALES

Now, while Stefan was practising,
the woman came in here.

She prepared herself
to look assaulted.

I know she smeared lipstick
across her face

because it was found
all over her fingers.

She then picked up the telephone...

..thought she was calling reception,
but instead...

..she was speaking
to her own murderer.

He came in a few moments later,
pretending to be the manager.

He killed her and then went...

That's a very sound reconstruction.

You seem to know an awful lot
about what happened.

ZALENKO CHUCKLES

I don't expect you
to trust me, Mr Steed,

but I think you must agree
my reconstruction is logical.

I remember you got top marks
at college for deduction.

Mm.
JOHN CHUCKLES

Nazdarovya!

Who knew where
you were staying in London?

Well, I knew, of course,
and the people from my embassy

and this British Cultural Council.

They made the hotel reservations.

Would anyone in the embassy,

would they want
to blacken Veliko's name?

You know who Veliko's uncle is.

- Ah.
- Important men have enemies.

Yes, but I was thinking
of this British Cultural Council.

Yeah, I thought you'd
be thinking of them.

- Well?
- It's possible.

There's still a good
deal of opposition

in this country
to the projected trade talks.

Wait!

No doubt you will be
investigating this Cultural Council.

Yes, but it's all an upgrade.
ZALENKO GRUNTS

- Nazdarovya.
- Cheers.

BOTH EXHALE

JOHN CHUCKLES

Now, the dead girl...

Oh, yeah.
JOHN EXHALES

Would you have
another little one there?

Did you get any, er, information
from the friend of the dead girl?

HE CHUCKLES
Not yet.

On the other hand,
she may change her mind.

Which reminds me, I really think
I better stand by the telephone.

Oh, no, no, no,
you don't have to leave yet?

I was going to tell you
a funny story about a funeral.

JOHN LAUGHING
I think I'd really better go.

Well, then, you'll let me know
if you learn anything?

But you will be the first to know.
ZALENKO CHUCKLES

- Er... your glass.
- Oh.

JOHN LAUGHING

JOHN SPEAKS RUSSIAN

Hello? Hello?

This is Darleen.

You saw me today in the club
about my friend.

Look, I'd like to see you again.
No, no, not at the club.

This is my address,
can you take it down?

Yeah...

NW3.

When do you want me to be there?
- In an hour's time.

Good girl.

- What are you gonna do with him?
- Don't worry.

We just want him...
out of the way this evening.

KNOCKING ON DOOR

MAN YELLS, GROANS

PIANO PLAYING

TELEPHONE RINGING

Hello?

I'm afraid he's practising.
Is it urgent?

Oh, hold on a minute.
Stefan, it's for you.

- For me?
- She says she has to speak to you.

But I don't know anybody in London.

- All right, I'll take it.
- Oh, no, please, let me.

Thank you.

HE CLEARS THROAT
Hello?

Yes, I'm Stefan Veliko speaking.

I've got some information
about the girl who was murdered

in your room.

- Who are you?
- If you want to talk to me,

come to the Stud Club,
number three, Soho Court.

Ask for Miss Lomax.

You'd better come, Mr Veliko.

All right. I will do as you ask.

Was it important?

No, just someone
who wanted a photograph.

I promised to send her one.

It's... it's a bit chilly in here.
Excuse me, I must get my jacket.

Oh, would you like
to help yourself to a drink

and kindly make me one as well?

- All right.
- Thank you.

HE GRUNTS

HE GROANS

Stefan?

Stefan?

Mrs Gale.

What is the matter?

Where is Stefan?

I don't know. He must have gone out.

- Out?
- Of course, that telephone call.

- What phone call? Who was it from?
- I don't know, a girl.

- Why didn't you stop him?
- That's your job, Mr Zalenko.

DOOR BUZZER BUZZING

- Please, answer that.
- This might be him.

No, he has a key.

- Is Stefan all right?
- I don't know, he's gone.

- Gone? Where to?
- We don't know.

What's been happening to you?
- Someone's been making

pretty strenuous steps
to get rid of me.

- Where's Zalenko?
- In here.

I thought it was your job
to look after Veliko.

Please, sit down, Mr Steed.

Veliko has been lured
away from here.

I am going to find out where.

Now, this should interest you.

He had a telephone call.
You're just in time to hear it.

You don't trust anybody, do you?

It is necessary to take
special precautions.

'Hello?
Yes, I'm Stefan Veliko speaking.'

DARLEEN: 'I've got some information

'about the girl who was murdered
in your room.'

'Who are you?'

'If you want to talk to me,
come to the Stud Club,

'number three, Soho Court.
Ask for Miss Lomax.

'You'd better come, Mr Veliko.'

'All right. I will do as you ask.'

- Do you know this club?
- Hmm.

This should interest you.

I happen to be a member.

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

Good evening, sir. Can I help you?

Erm... please, I'm... I'm looking
for a Miss Lomax.

My name is Stefan Veliko.
- Oh, yes, she's expecting you.

If you'd like to leave
your coat, sir,

and go straight through there,
you'll find her at the bar.

Thank you.

Can I help you?

Erm, please, I'd like
to speak to Miss Lomax.

- Yes, who are you?
- My name is Stefan Veliko.

- Never heard of you.
- But you telephoned me

about the girl
who was killed this morning.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

- But you asked me to come here.
- Listen, I don't know who you are

or what you're talking about,
now go away.

Miss Lomax, it was your voice
on the telephone.

It wasn't. Now stop pestering me
and get out.

- Please, listen to me.
- Take your hands off me.

VELIKO GRUNTS

MEN GRUNTING

- Are you all right?
- Perfect. Veliko, quick.

ZALENKO SPEAKING RUSSIAN

TELEPHONE RINGING

Peterson.

I thought I told you
not to phone me here.

Is Mr Peterson in his office?

He is, but I just put
a call through to him, Mrs Gale.

All right, I'll wait.

But you know how busy I am today.

All right, then, I suppose
I'll have to come over there.

LINE DISCONNECTS
Mrs Gale, he's free now.

Thank you.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

Oh, Mr Peterson, I've made
those notes on Veliko's tour.

Oh, thank you very much.

I'm afraid I can't
discuss it now, though.

I'm late for an appointment.

Well, could I type them out
and leave you a copy?

- Well...
- Maybe I could use this machine?

Well, there'll be nobody else here.

Then I shan't be in anybody's way,
shall I?

No.

Well, make yourself at home.
- Thank you.

Oh, Mrs Gale's alone in my office.

I've got to go out for an hour.
Look after her, will you?

Yes, Mr Peterson.

The tea's here.

I thought you might like
Mr Peterson's cup.

That's very kind of you. Thank you.

A fine representative
of your country that you look.

I'm sorry.

I thought he behaved
himself very well.

I must congratulate you
on the use of your umbrella.

Thank you. And may I compliment you?

What was it you were trying
to do to your friend?

Disjoint his left arm

from its socket
over my right shoulder.

HE SIGHS

And where did you learn
that particular piece of nastiness?

Saturday afternoons,

British television,
last time I was here.

You should watch.
Now, change your clothes and pack.

But the recital tonight...

There will be no recital.
There'll be no tour.

But surely you can't mean that?

Mr Steed,
there have been two attempts

to blacken Stefan's name.
If we stay, there may be a third.

Remember, Stefan
is my responsibility.

You're not fulfilling
his responsibility

by cancelling the tour.

Mr Steed is right.
I've got to play tonight.

I am not asking you your opinion.

I'm not blaming you
for this morning,

but what happened this afternoon

was entirely your own
responsibility.

Look, I wanted to help you
to find out who killed the girl.

- That is no concern of yours.
- It is his concern.

Whatever you do now,
his name's gonna be

in the papers tomorrow.

But I have been given
every assurance

the matter would be dealt
with discreetly.

Up till now.
There's the little matter

of the inquest tomorrow
at ten o'clock.

Then I must speak
to my embassy at once.

This inquest must be stopped.

Now, look, even your government
can't cancel an inquest.

Then we shall have
to leave immediately.

Well, how's it gonna look
at the inquest

if you and he aren't there
to say what really happened?

That is of no account to me.
Our people will know the truth.

But the rest of the world
will think he's a murderer

just protected
by diplomatic immunity.

Look, for me, I must play tonight.

If he goes back to his country
labelled a murderer,

what's gonna happen
to our trade talks?

All right. But on these conditions,

Stefan, you will stay here
till I take you to your recital.

You will admit no-one

and you will speak to no-one
on the telephone.

- Thank you, Comrade Zalenko.
- Mr Steed...

..I shall want to check

the security arrangements
personally.

I shall want to see this
recital room for myself.

That can be arranged.

I hope for your own sake, Mr Steed,

that you have not
underestimated these people.

We must see that it is not,
as you say,

"third time lucky" for them.
- As you say, Mr Zalenko.

Sit down.

And which of them did this?

- Zalenko.
- Really?

And not one of you here
was able to stop him?

Oh, we weren't expecting
anything like that.

Bloke in the bowler hat,
the English one,

he's not as harmless
as he looks, you know.

You mean our friend Mr Steed?

I thought you told me
you were going to take care of him.

I told the boys to look after him.

All right, we can deal
with him later.

So, this is all you've got to show?

Do you think that's
good enough, Burns?

Aren't we paying you enough
to get something on Veliko?

- Darleen?
- I sent you round that photograph

of Veliko and Steed
coming out of here,

can't you do anything with that?

Who is this Steed, anyway?
Some sort of policeman?

Seems too prosperous.

Policemen aren't so free
with their fivers.

Besides, he must have
some pretty high connections

to have hushed up
our Polly's unfortunate accident.

Burns, I think our photograph
is going to help us.

As you know,
Veliko is giving a recital tonight

at the British Cultural Council.

Miss Walters,
this is the final invitation.

Thank you, Mrs Gale.
INTERCOM BUZZES

No sign of him. He's not back yet.

Yes, sir, of course,
I'll give him the message.

Can I help you?
- I've come to see Mr Steed.

- Who?
- Steed.

I phoned his flat,
and someone said he'd be here.

- For the recital, you mean?
- Yes.

I'll check the invitation list.

Yes, there is a Mr Steed.
He's a guest of Mrs Gale,

but I don't think
he's in the building now.

Oh, Mrs Gale, this young lady
is asking for a Mr Steed.

I believe he's your guest tonight.
- Yes, can I help you?

Well, I don't know. I-I really ought
to see him personally.

It's to do with Stefan Veliko.
- Oh, will you come into the office?

Now, look, I represent Stefan Veliko
while he's over here,

so whatever you have to say

will probably interest me
more than Mr Steed.

I want money for my information.

I can arrange that, too.
What exactly have you got for sale?

Someone's gonna be murdered
at this recital tonight.

And for £500 I could tell you who.

Why should you want
to sell out your friends?

Maybe they're not
my friends any more.

They murdered someone I knew.

Look, I'd tell you for nothing,
except I need the money to get away.

All right. Wait here.

- Where are you going?
- To get the £500.

- You keep that much here?
- Hardly. I'm going to the bank.

And come back with the police?
No, thanks.

You come around to this address
tonight at 8:00,

and I'll be watching.

When I see you go in there alone,
I'll follow.

All right.

Don't forget, will you?

Otherwise someone else
will get killed.

METRONOME TICKING

DOOR BUZZER BUZZING

DOOR BUZZER BUZZING

HE COUGHS

- Who is it?
- It's Peterson.

Peterson?

Yes,
from the British Cultural Council.

- I'm not supposed to let anyone in.
- Oh, but you know me, Mr Veliko.

I want to discuss your programme
for the recital tonight.

All right.

But you mustn't stay very long.
- Thank you.

Is Mr Zalenko out?

I thought he was with you looking
at the recital room.

Oh, I must have missed him.
I was called away this afternoon.

What is it you want to see me about?

I have here a photograph of you
in the company of a British agent

coming out of a London strip club.

I thought it might
interest your friends at home.

I do not understand this.

But I think you do.

If I were to send copies of this
to your security people,

you can imagine what conclusions
they might draw.

I'm sure you wouldn't like
to embarrass your uncle.

I want you to do something for me.

I see.

So you are the person responsible
for all these terrible things

including the death
of that poor girl.

I want nothing to do with you.
Now, get out of here.

I don't think you quite realise
how much trouble you're in.

Now, supposing at that fight

at the club this afternoon
a girl was killed?

Hit on the head
with a bottle perhaps,

and I have witnesses
who are prepared to say

they saw you hit her.

Nobody was killed at that fight,
and well you know it.

- No.
- Well, then get out of here.

But, you see, it could be arranged.

What do you mean?

You mean you'd kill someone else
just to incriminate me?

As I say, it could be arranged,
if you make it necessary.

I'm going to call the police.

Your word against my witnesses?

What is it you want me to do?

Well, now, the trade minister
will be at your recital tonight.

I want you to shoot him.

Now, Stefan,
you've been a long time.

I've been checking

the security arrangements
with Mr Steed

and I must say I do not find them
particularly impressive.

Just a couple
of plainclothes detectives

on guard outside the door.

That doesn't seem much
for a minister.

Are you expecting trouble
for the minister?

I'm always expecting trouble.

But in this case, perhaps not.

There hasn't been a successful
political assassination

in this country since 1812. Here.

Well... have you had any callers?

No, nobody called.

How are you feeling?

I'm always nervous before a recital.
You ought to know that by now.

HE WINCES IN PAIN

Don't forget, these hands
are valuable property of the state.

Maybe you don't agree.

Maybe you only appreciate
hard-working, rough hands.

I do not denigrate your country...

Ah, yes, Karl Marx,
"Workers by hand and brain."

Paragraph 69, page 23.

You see, I learned my lesson.
- What is the matter with you?

I don't know.
I cannot forget that dead girl.

Let me worry about that. Trust me.

Who can one trust?

- How long have you been smoking?
- Me? You know I never smoke.

No, I didn't think you did.

And you say there
have been no callers?

But there is ash in the ashtray.

You are right.

Who can one trust?

Have there been any calls for me?

A man phoned several times
but he wouldn't leave his name.

I see. And is Mrs Gale
still in my office?

- No, she went out some time ago.
- She leave a message for me?

Not for you, Mr Peterson,
but she left a note for a Mr Steed.

- Oh, I'll look after that.
- Who is Mr Steed?

There was a young woman
asking for him earlier this evening.

Really?
Well, let's find out, shall we?

Maybe I can help you.
My name's Steed.

Well, then, er, this is for you.

I suppose it is.
SWITCHBOARD BUZZES

HE CHUCKLES

I rather enjoy opening
other people's letters myself.

British Cultural Council.

Yes, sir, he's just come in.

It's for you. It sounds like
the same man as before.

I'll take it in my office.
Excuse me, would you?

Er, of course.

Charming fellow.

Well, I'm afraid
I have to be going now.

Now, if there are
any other letters for me,

perhaps you'd, erm,
keep them for me?

No, no, I can't possibly
leave here now.

Yes, all right, I'll see you later.

Well, you'll just have
to keep her there

until after the recital.

Oh, and, Burns, erm...

..see what you can get out of her.

BURNS: Now, for the last time,
what's the game?

All right then,
we'll try it another way.

Ever heard of Russian roulette?

Because that's what
we're gonna play, Mrs Gale.

Do you wanna tell me
what you're up to?

No?

Very well, then.

GUN CLICKS

You were lucky that time.
Shall we try again?

Only this time the odds
will be four to one.

I'll count to three, shall I?

One...

..two...

..three.

GUN CLICKS

Well, your luck's really in,
isn't it?

Now... it'll be two to one
this time.

GUN CLICKS
POUNDING ON DOOR

Think of the odds
while I get rid of them,

because they'll be even this time.

All right, all right, who's there?

MAN SLURRING: I wanna see a girl
undo that little old golden chain.

There's no show tonight,
so we're closed.

Well, I'll call the police.
Hey, officer!

Oh, that's very good of you,
dear fellow,

I'm a newly pledged member.
Paid my 25 quid

and I wanna see
that little, little gal

undo that little old golden chain.

She's not here tonight.
So, now, you go along home.

You'll wake the neighbours.
- Oh, now, I better come inside.

BOTH GRUNTING

- Are you alone?
- As far as I know.

SHE SIGHS
I got your note.

What did Darleen have to say?
- Nothing, I was too late.

She was dead.
Burns was waiting for me.

We've been playing
one-sided Russian roulette.

I'll tell you,
gambling will be the death of you.

Come on here. You all right?
- Yes.

Medicinal.
SHE LAUGHS

Now, I just wonder what your friend,
Mr Peterson,

is planning at this recital tonight.

She didn't know, except that
someone's gonna get killed.

- That better?
- Mm.

- All right, let's go.
- What, like, this?

This is no time to worry
about haute couture. Come on.

PIANO PLAYING

You're late.
The recital has started.

I'm very sorry. I was picking up
my girlfriend.

- Where is she then?
- A little tied up at the moment,

but she'll be here.
Did you check the invitation list?

Well, of course, I was here on time.

No-one has come in,
who shouldn't be here.

Has it occurred to you that the man
we're looking for,

might have been here all the time?

AUDIENCE APPLAUDING

I'm sure we all agree
it is a great privilege for us

to hear Stefan Veliko's first
performance in this country.

MURMURED AGREEMENTS

It has always been my belief

that art transcends
all national frontiers

and I may add, national differences.

Later this evening Mr Veliko
will play for us again.

There will now be a short interval.

HE SIGHS

You ready now, Mr Veliko?

Do you seriously want me
to shoot him?

Do I have to remind you
of the alternatives?

Mr Peterson, just what exactly
are you getting out of this?

Hmm?

- Money.
- Money?

There's nothing
to worry about, my dear fellow.

Your government will walk you out
of this country

with full diplomatic immunity.

Your newspapers will proclaim you
the victim of a foreign plot

and for once,
they'll be quite right.

Then you would do all this
just to wreck the trade talks?

Don't underestimate it.

There's a great deal
of money involved.

If these talks go through,

certain individuals
stand to lose heavily.

Of course, I can't expect you
to understand.

I think I do understand,
Mr Peterson...

..and it seems
I have no other choice.

No, in actual fact...

..you haven't.

Have you an invitation card, sir?

I have a letter of introduction
from Mr Peterson.

- Yes, sir, that's quite all right.
- Thank you.

Good evening, Mrs Gale.

Good evenings, Miss Walters.
I'm terribly late.

Is everything all right?

- Yes, of course.
- Good.

- How will I know when?
- Just watch me.

You'll see me
get into conversation with him.

I'll take him over to look
at our manuscript collection.

Now, when I step away,
that'll be your signal.

Quite simple, isn't it?
Do you understand?

Yes, it's quite simple.

Where is this man Peterson?
I don't see him.

I'll go and see what's
happened to Stefan.

I shall wait here.

Good evening, Lady Kensingham.

Nice of you to come.
- Thank you.

INDISTINCT CHATTER

Excuse me.

- Where's Stefan?
- I don't know.

The last time I saw him
he was talking to Peterson.

Well, Peterson's over there.

I thought these would
interest you, sir.

They're a particularly rare
collection of originals.

Well, did you find him?

I told him to stay
in his dressing room.

Well, he wasn't there.

Just a moment.

WHISPERS: Shoot!

You didn't really think
I would do it, did you?

Did you?

PETERSON GRUNTING

WOMAN SCREAMS

Good boy, Stefan.
Come on, now get out of here.

HE GRUNTS

We don't wanna spoil
anybody's evening, do we?

HE GROANS

SLURRING: And then in '48,

I moved with my family
to Gherkinskoy.

Ah, '48, I was living
in Herefordshire at the time.

- Ah.
- What a spring that was.

- Nazdarovya!
- Cheers.

Wisteria, japonica, what a blaze...
a blaze of colour.

Agreed, like Leningrad.
What a beautiful city in the snow.

JOHN LAUGHS
I remember as a boy,

the Nevsky,
the horses, the droshkies.

Beautiful.
- But that was old Russia.

- Eh?
- You're a naughty boy.

No, no, no.

I was just remembering
how miserable I was.

- Ah. Cheers.
- Nazdarovya.

- And checkmate.
- Hmm?

Mate?

- Good morning.
- Oh, good morning, fair lady.

How many games is that?

- That is, er, o-one.
- Mm.

Can we have another one, old friend?

Er... no.

Perhaps next time we meet
I take my revenge

unaccompanied by personal
reminiscences.

JOHN LAUGHS
Now, I must go.

Oh... may I?
- Of course, be my guest.

ZALENKO CHUCKLES
JOHN: May I?

Do.

Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

ZALENKO CHUCKLES
HE SPEAKS IN RUSSIAN

SHE REPLIES IN RUSSIAN

Ah! Do svidanya.

JOHN LAUGHING

Oh.

Oh!
ALL CHUCKLING

I can only hope the trade talks
are as successful.

But the outcome
not quite as ridiculous.

HE SPEAKS IN RUSSIAN

BOTH CHUCKLING

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