Original subtitles

What is it?

Yuri?

Look away.

If they're here, you haven't seen me.

Good morning, Jim. Grigor Antonov is one of Europe's ranking chess masters and a

scientist in a major Soviet defense project.

His wife died five years ago, and he has become increasingly disenchanted with

his work in the arms race.

The killing of Antonov's son, an outspoken critic in the anti -nuclear

has made Antonov determined to defect to the West with his 15 -year -old

daughter, Sasha.

Soviet officials are aware of this.

and security around Antonov is ironclad.

This week, Antonov will be competing in the World Chess Championships in

Czechoslovakia. Security will be extremely tight, perhaps impregnable.

Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is to smuggle Antonov and his

daughter out of Czechoslovakia.

As always, should you or any of your I .M. force be caught or killed, the

Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.

Self -destructive. Five seconds.

Good luck, Jim.

Major Natalia Zoboskaya. She'll be in direct charge of Gregor Antonov while

in Prague.

Pretty tough -looking chaperone. Yes, she is. Political assassination, murder,

torture, you name it.

Our Moscow sources link her with the death of Antonov's son.

Well, does Antonov know that? No.

And he mustn't know until we get him out of there.

But she knows that he's ripe for defection, and she knows if he gets

spends the rest of her life in Siberia.

Joseph Rutka. In his time, he was known as the Houdini of Europe. He's now

retired and living quietly outside Prague, and he wants to help us.

A magician?

A man after my own heart.

I did some magic when I was at school.

Magic is going to be very

important to us.

Getting Gregor Antonov and his daughter out of Czechoslovakia is going to be

quite a trick.

The international express train from Moscow, Warsaw and Ust

-Karabakh is now arriving.

Could you tell us, please, how do you feel? No questions. There will be press

conference at the hotel.

Mr. Antonov, would you consider this a grudge match between yourself and

Bakunin?

I bear no grudges. I say, no questions.

Oh, please, can we have one more picture? No more photographs. You will

till we get to the hotel.

Make way, my friends, for Sandu.

And come and see the greatest illusion created on any stage in Europe.

No, no. No autographs, please.

Tonight, the Hotel Pilsen.

Take him to the car.

See you tonight, my friends. The Lion of Pilsen Hotel.

One show only. Tickets at the door.

Reservations from the concierge.

Now, you suppose that's just hot air, or is that old boy any good?

I've never heard of him.

Ah, excuse me, sir.

May I?

I wonder if I could put that back in the States along with these here chess

players.

Oh, Mosley, ma 'am. Ferguson Mosley, Longhorn, Texas.

Yes.

Mr. Knox, Josef Rutka.

We have much work to do.

Come with me, please.

Magic is illusion.

The eye will see and the brain will believe whatever you want them to.

Are you ticklish, young lady?

Illusion.

All is illusion.

I see you don't do things by hand.

Well, come now, Mr. Max.

Let me see what you have learned.

How many years have you been playing this game?

Since I was a boy, I would not... I'd like to say how many years that is.

Bakuna is a much younger man, Mr. Antonov. Do you consider his age an

Age is an illusion.

There is no advantage.

You defeated Bakunin in Leningrad, Mr. Antonov. Will you play as well in

We are not playing football, my friend.

One chessboard is the same as another.

Do you have any qualms as to whether or not you're going to win or lose this

game? No, no, I never worry. Before the game, I worry like hell all the way

through the game. Mr. Antonov, do you have any plans to play any matches in

England or the United States?

That is difficult for me to say.

Comrade Antonov, it would be best to win championship before planning world

tours. I see no one here who could stop me winning.

I am here, comrade, and I will stop you. I have not been the one who has been

avoiding our match. What are you implying? I fear no one. A man who fears

is a fool.

You think I am a fool, comrade. I think you are a boy.

Look at this, gentlemen. This old man wins by one day. And

you can quote me on that, gentlemen.

Old boy.

Old man.

Slowly, using the power of the mind, you concentrate.

Concentrate, raising up, up. Very good, very good. Now, you try with this one.

Excuse me, partner. I wonder if I just might have a word with you.

No, no, I'm sorry. It's not that.

This is about travel arrangements for you, for you and your daughter, Sasha.

Perhaps I could spare you a moment.

Later.

Well, you just call me any time you're ready to go on tour. I promise you, it

will be magical.

Comrade, it is time.

Take Comrade Antonov to his match.

You, you come with me.

chessboard is the same as another.

Mr. Antonov, do you have plans to play matches?

Uh...

Now, ma 'am, if I'd known that you were Mr.

Antonoff's manager, I would have come straight to you. I mean, if we don't

professional courtesy, what do we have? I always say that. I don't know what you

are talking about. What were you saying to Comrade Antonoff? Well, of course,

that was kind of private, you know. Not anymore.

Well, seeing as how you're very interested, I was asking Mr.

Antonoff if he'd be prepared to come back to Texas with me.

You are inciting him to defect.

Oh, hell, ma 'am, nobody's inciting anything. I want Mr. Antonoff to play

against the American champion. Now, that's provided he beats Mr. Bakunin

of course.

Now, there's first -class accommodations, first -class air

and back, and a percentage of the TV rights.

Comrade Antonoff is not interested.

Well, then, of course, there's always maybe a little bonus for the manager, if

you get my meaning.

Mr. Mosley, it is not wise to offer bribe to party officials.

It is not wise to attempt to subvert Soviet citizens.

If you do not wish your travel documents to be revoked, I suggest you approach

me before making your capitalist offers.

Do you understand me, Mr. Mosley?

Yes, I do understand you, ma 'am. That's wonderful.

Business is business the world over. Now you just call me anytime you're ready

to talk about the details.

I want him watched.

Mr. Mosley is not as stupid as he would have us believe.

I call it cheating.

You're accusing Antonov of cheating, Mr. Bakunin? What is this playing with the

ring and the brushing of the cheek?

What is this? It is stalemate. What sort of man plays for the stalemate? No,

I've had enough.

Stalemate.

No, but what sort of champion plays for stalemate? You seem to be having a

little trouble with your boys, Miss Zurbuskaya.

Maybe a trip to Texas would do them both good.

Major.

Major Zurbuskaya.

There is no trouble, Mr. Mosley.

And there will be no trip to Texas.

Is this good enough to keep me out of the salt mines?

You look just like a chess master, man.

But can I think like a chess master?

I am not interested in your hurt feelings or your pride.

The gala tonight has been arranged to honor two Soviet chess masters you will

attend. I have been publicly humiliated.

Accused of cheating.

Now I am to be paraded like a prize cow.

You do not seem to understand.

There is no point of discussion here.

No alternatives to be considered.

You will attend the gala, you will behave discreetly, and you will bring

to the Soviet.

Oh, and you will, of course, enjoy yourself.

it's very nice to meet you

No, you damn little bookworm.

Rudensky. So good to see you. We haven't seen each other since university.

This teacher's pet won every damn prize that a student could win.

He's an intellectual Olympian with more medals than a rabbit has rabbits.

We are going to get drunk and talk about the old days.

He's sitting with the bookworms.

Commissar Redentor.

Honored guests and comrades.

Get my cigars and my plastic vodka.

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight you're about to see feats of legitimate,

acts of illusion and prestidigitation such as you have never before

in your life.

we proceed with this tableau of trickery.

Let me introduce you to the reason for our presence here tonight.

Those champions of chess, comrade Mikhail Bakunin and comrade Gregor

Ladies and gentlemen.

We are about to ask one of our champions to join us here on stage for the

first... and most spectacular of the magical and mysterious marvels, the

-famous illusion of the floating phantom.

Comrade Antonov, will you come with us on a magical mystery tour?

Gregor, do it. Do it. I would be happy to oblige. No. Ladies and gentlemen,

Comrade Antonov has gallantly volunteered to be the first

In the floating phantom.

Well, just a little bit of trickery, man.

Sit down, Major.

Follow me.

Where is he?

Where is Comrade Antonov?

Where is he?

Where is Comrade Antonov?

Tell me now.

We're getting you out of here, Professor.

But they will know I have gone.

Are those people watching me? No, sir.

They'll be watching him.

Good luck, Professor.

Come on, let's go.

I give you five seconds to return, Antonov.

One, two, three.

You're safe, Professor.

Here, sit down over there.

Oh, thank you.

Your new identity.

Yours?

And your daughters.

They'll both be out of the country by midnight.

You have made fool of yourself and of me.

Perhaps I have made a fool of myself.

As for you, Comrade Major, I don't think you need my help.

I will remember those words.

Believe me, I will not last.

Of course, I was back in the bad old days of Longhorn, Texas.

Man, that magician was so bad, Tim, we had to run him out of town on a rail.

Perhaps he didn't know magic was all illusion.

J .C., the train with Antonov's daughter arrives in an hour.

I'll be there.

Mr. Mosley?

Mr. Sandu, I'll be in touch.

I'll throw him. I have to play again tomorrow.

You always were a swine.

Remember the girl in the coffee shop?

One who only liked intellectual types.

What was her name?

The girl in the coffee shop.

There were so many.

So many.

You and another.

So many girls?

So many.

And don't for a moment imagine that your friendship with Commissar Rudensky will

mean any relaxation of security here. It never entered my mind. There will be

guards posted outside your door and outside your window all through the

Where's my daughter? Where's Sasha?

The express has been delayed.

There's been a derailment somewhere up the line.

Sasha won't be here for another 12 hours.

Then she'll have to follow later.

No, no.

Mr. Antonoff, you know how tight security is around Nicholas.

We can't exchange you back for him, and we can't get him away from them before

you're safely across the border.

I won't leave without my daughter.

She'll be safe here with us. Like my son.

Maybe Nicholas could keep up the impersonation for another day. Except

thing. He'd have to play chess tomorrow against Bakunin.

I'm sorry.

He would betray himself within three moves.

Mr. Antonoff, could I take a look at that ring?

Please.

I made a duplicate of this ring for Nicholas to wear.

If we could exchange the duplicate for this one after I modify it.

Modify it?

so that it could receive a slight electrical pulse from a transmitter.

Like Morse code.

Exactly like Morse code.

Nicholas would feel the impulse through his ring finger, and we could let him

know what happened.

Tomorrow at the tournament, Mr. Antonoff, you could decide his moves,

could relay them to him.

You can tap into the satellite television broadcast and relay it?

Yeah. As far as the border?

Not a problem.

Further. Then maybe Nicholas can play tomorrow.

And win.

I'm sorry your supper is late, comrade, but the Prague Express doesn't get in

until tomorrow and everything is upside down.

Thank you. I'm hungry.

It is only boiled eggs. But an egg is full of everything you need.

I just hope Nicholas has put that ring on.

And that he got the message.

Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated.

This boy will make a champion when he gets older, as long as it's not today.

Okay.

Let's see if Nicholas is on our wavelength.

He's got the message.

This will keep us in touch with the match until we reach the border.

The match will now begin.

Comrade Bakunin will play white and will move first.

White, pawn to king, pawn four.

It's time, Mr. Anthony. Now, we are getting back on the train, Sasha.

Soon, we will be safe.

Bishop, to night seven.

Bishop, night...

Black,

Bishop to Knight 7.

your seat until inspection has been completed and the train is given

to proceed, please have your passports ready.

Very good, Bakunin.

Very clever.

Document must be ready for inspection.

Do not leave your seat until inspection has been completed.

Guards. Wait, wait.

He has us in difficulties.

Passport.

15 seconds,

Mr. Antonov.

Mr. Antonov.

Black. Night to King's Bishop Six.

What's happened?

He's made a move on his own.

And it was brilliant.

Bakunin is finished.

Knight to queen, too.

Knight to queen.

Black, knight to queen two.

I concede.

Ladies and gentlemen, comrade Bakunin concedes the second game of the World

Chess Championships to comrade Antonov after 21 moves.

He's conceited.

Nicholas is done it.

I have won.

I suppose congratulations would not be out of place.

It is only a game.

Like life, Antonov.

Yes.

Like life.

Come on.

Win or lose, Comrade Antonov is still headed for Siberia.

Keep your eyes on him.

Well, I thought you reporter fellows never missed anything.

There was old Antonoff upstairs giving a press conference in his room, and you

were missing it all.

What do

you want, sir? Well, you see, I got this problem here. This bag belongs to Major

Zorbiskaya. You know Major Zorbiskaya? Of course.

Well, she's gone off to the train station and kind of left me holding the

if you understand what I mean.

Now, I have 100 U .S. dollars for you if you'll get this to her before she gets

on the train. It's just on the QT. Nobody knows but you and me. Thank you

much, sir.

I am holy. I am holy. What?

I don't know. What are you doing here? No press allowed here. You have no

permission. Leave now. No photograph.

No interview.

Excuse me. This means you also.

Leave.

You fools, he's gone. Get me a car.

Move, get that car.

It would seem, my comrade Major Zurbuskaya has been planning a trip.

A very long trip.

United States currency.

A car, Pyotr, and a motorcycle escort. We will see who will be first to the

railway station.

What is the meaning of this?

Major Zorboskaya, you are under arrest.

I don't know what you are talking about.

single piece.

A train!

You must let me get on that train!

Oh, you will get on the train, Major.

The train to Siberia.

It appears special travel arrangements are being made for Majors Overskaya.

How about her? other travelers.

I just received word that the trains crossed the border.

Antonov and his daughter have reached Vienna.

Check.

Mate.

Engage.

I

just

did... Mission Impossible won't be on next week.

In two weeks, we move to our new time slot Saturday night at 8 o 'clock.

We've had some pretty impossible missions lately, but you should see

coming up.

In Hawaii, the IMF team haunts a serial killer.

I know what you've been doing to all those pretty girls.

Can you give us another time?

In the Himalayas, we must protect the life of a young prince and save a 3 ,000

-year -old kingdom.

In Greece, we have to bring an international drug smuggler to justice.

Remember, Mission Impossible will be back in two weeks, Saturday nights at 8

'clock. Your mission is to be there.

This is Joan Lunden. Tomorrow, what you should know about breast cancer and the

pill. Plus a special tribute to the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

And later in the week, Vice President -elect Dan Quayle and his wife Marilyn

Good Morning America.

Now stay tuned for Raw Deal, the ABC Sunday Night Movie starring Arnold

Schwarzenegger. Next.