Original subtitles

Ladies and gentlemen.

Ladies and gentlemen, silence please.

Thank you.

I, Bertrand Willis -Cander, returning officer for the Parliamentary Division

South East Anglia, do declare the results of the election held this day to

follows.

William Arthur Frederick Briggs, 13 ,847.

Michael Osborne Diter, 17 ,152.

I therefore declare Michael Osborne Deiter to have been duly elected.

along, dear.

Now, don't lag behind.

We've a lot to see, and I don't think we should go out very late at night.

Excuse me.

I'm the president of the Bentwood Ladies Guild. You may remember I wrote to you

about the guide hall.

Guide hall, madam?

Yes. And it's happening every Saturday night now.

The police seem quite unable to stop these young girls. I think we should see

your local MP.

That's why we've come to the house. You are so gentle. I'm afraid I can't claim

that honour. Excuse me, lady. Oh, dear, I do hope this isn't the opposition.

You can never tell these days. Oh, Mr Swinburne. My name is Steve.

I'm one of your constituents.

Delighted to meet you. I thought we might have a small chat.

Well, I'm terribly sorry, but I've got a committee meeting in a few minutes. But

I shall be seeing constituents at three o 'clock this afternoon.

Is it about the fat stock subsidies? It's about Michael Diter.

Diter? I'm a very old friend of his.

I'm making inquiries on behalf of a relative about his death. I thought you

might be able to help. I should have thought your best course would have been

go to the police, Mr. Steed. They haven't been very helpful.

Well, I'm sure they know more about his death than I do. But he was your private

secretary. Up until three months ago, yes, then he resigned to fight this by

-election. So you would know something about the political motives behind his

death? My dear chap, you're surely not suggesting that this was a political

assassination. That sort of thing doesn't happen in this country. All the

someone did shoot him. I understand it was an overexcited heckler who fired off

a sporting gun by accident. We at least haven't found him yet. I've read the

official report, too. I'm afraid it's the one we all have to accept for the

being. Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Seed.

Oh, mate, uh...

This political scandal that Dieter was threatening to expose, do you think that

could have anything to do with his death? I'm afraid I can hardly discuss

with a stranger. But you are my MP, Major, so democratically speaking, I'm

entitled to your political opinion.

I'll give you that with a pleasure. In my opinion, the so -called scandal was a

lot of electioneering eyewash. A campaign gimmick to win votes.

Exactly. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. Perhaps

can have a longer talk some other time. I'll keep you to that, Major.

Oh, ladies, I'm extremely sorry. Sir Gerald doesn't seem to be in the house.

how annoying. How kind of you to ask. Not at all.

Follow the Major, please. Of course, Mr. Stephen.

Come along, dear.

Not bad.

Not bad.

That studio certainly takes a good photo, I'll say that for them.

Even if they do overcharge a bit. Probably because he pays dividends,

they? Yes.

Yes, that's what he keeps on telling me.

although I worked my way up from the factory floor without it. Things have

changed. Politicians have to create an image. These days, that's a professional

job. Well, since you're paid by results, I can't argue with you.

Anyway, that's not what I'm here to discuss.

Now, what have you got to tell me about this data business?

Well, that rather depends on how much you know already.

Well, let's take it that I know nothing, eh? Except that certain ministers are

going white at the gills every time the subject's mentioned.

Perhaps they're afraid our friendly, excitable heckler might have a go at one

them next, huh? No, it's far bigger than that, and you know it.

Oh, no.

No, they wouldn't clamp down with a nationwide blackout security just

some maniac runs loose with a shotgun.

Oh, excuse me.

Yes, Andrew.

Oh, ask him to come in, will you?

Oh, I didn't know we were going to have company.

Ah, do come in, Major.

I need hardly introduce you to the Right Honourable Arthur Dove.

Hardly. Now, what is this syndrome? Some sort of a joke or something?

Swinburne and I can see each other any day of the week. Yes, but on the other

side of the house. Yes, and that's where he belongs.

Swinburne and I have got nothing in common and never will have. You make a

song and dance about national security from your side of the house now.

Am I to take it this is just for your personal political advantage? You know

very well it isn't. Then that at least is something we have in common. Now

tell me you're standing out against the party whips on this issue. I've done it

before. Do you want to know why Dighter was murdered?

Now you listen to me. Please, please.

I brought you both together because I know that each of you in your own way

places security of country above everything else.

I'm... merely providing the opportunity for you to discuss the matter on neutral

ground. I'd like to make it clear for my part that anything said here must be

treated in the strictest confidence. Yes, of course. I've already taken that

granted.

Well, gentlemen, shall we begin?

This must be the shortest political career on record.

Michael died to hold his seat for exactly one and a half seconds.

Still no trace of the gentleman with the shotgun?

Oh, hey, what do you think of this campaign material?

Well, it was obviously effective.

In getting him in or getting him shot?

Both.

I was on to a friend of mine in Fleet Street this morning.

Diter was paying a publicity consultant to handle him, a gentleman called Mark

St. John.

St. John specializes in promoting politicians.

Who besides Diter?

Well, he'd hardly issue a list, but I did get the names of some of his

commercial clients.

A couple of international trade fairs.

Fine government, Slimarama Keep... Slimarama Keep Fit School. Have you

that? It is the Keep Fit Come Ski School in Victoria.

Personally, I'm surprised a man like St. John bothers with it.

How do you like to take a few skiing lessons now? I might give you a little

holiday in St. Moritz this winter.

Come to think of it, it could be quite a place to be if someone starts fooling

about with that warhead. What warhead?

A five -megaton nuclear warhead has been lost.

What do you mean, lost?

Well, it was travelling by road a week ago to an RAF station in East Anglia,

at half -past two in the morning, it ran into heavy fog and an armed ambush, and

when the fog had lifted, the truck in which it was travelling was found ten

miles away, all on its own.

How could anyone carry away a thing that big?

I don't know, a sort of mini -bomb, I suppose.

Anyway, it was a brilliant piece of work.

There you are. Thanks.

So that was Diter's security scandal.

Yeah, somebody wanted him out of the way, so now there's a spare seat going

the area. 80 ,000 voters disenfranchised. It hardly seems the

thing at the moment. Well, it is a point, because when they run the by

again, they're going to have a lot of trouble finding candidates. What's

laughing, you know, is a hot seat.

What would you say to standing for Parliament?

No. Oh, I deny you'd be very good. I'd vote for you.

You'd pull out before polling day, Paul.

Oh, look, I'll pay your deposit.

I'll even kiss a few babies for you tonight. Hey, wait.

Whoops.

How does it... This is sheer incompetence.

Typical. Absolutely typical of the way you lot have been running this country.

think we did agree to try and steer clear of party politics. All right.

But why all this secrecy? Why wasn't Parliament told about this? With half a

dozen lobby correspondents sitting in the press gallery?

Even with a security hold in the British press, the foreign papers would have

headlined it. But this warhead, it's capable of wiping out a couple of

Parliament and the public are entitled to know the danger. Personally, I agree

with you. That's why I thought the matter was so grave we might forget our

political allegiances.

However, if you find yourself incapable of doing that... No, no, no, no. Wait a

minute, Swindon. Wait a minute.

You're right. I'll say this for you.

I don't like your politics, as you well know.

But I do admire a man who's got the guts to put his country before his party. I

think we all agree that this is the essential thing.

Yes.

Point is, though, what are we going to do about it?

Are we going to force a debate?

The leaders of all three parties met last night and decided there should be

debate. I might have guessed that. Obviously, if this business is to be

it will have to be raised under the privilege of Parliament by an individual

member who knows the facts.

Very well.

I'll place a question in the order paper first thing tomorrow morning. Now,

wait. Do you think that's wise? If you raise it, the government are bound to

deny it outright.

It'll be regarded as an opposition slander.

But if one of their own backbenchers raises it...

Yes. That'll really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

That's what I thought.

I would, of course, expect total support from your side of the house. In the

event of a debate and a division, I think I can muster enough support among

own colleagues.

To bring down the government?

Is that what's in your mind, Swinburne?

I think we have both agreed.

Well, if that's all, gentlemen.

Don't you bother to see me out.

Well, I've met some fly ones in my time.

But that one takes the biscuit.

You'd better take the tape, Arthur.

I'll put it on the bill.

I'd really like to regard this place as a winter sports center, Mrs. Gale.

But apart from ski instruction, which is the basis of the center...

We also run keep -fit classes and a swimming school.

Although, of course, at this time of year, most of our clients come for the

short course and drive.

Is it only for women?

Oh, no, this is our ladies' morning.

No, the gentlemen come in the afternoons and mix classes in the evenings.

Max, could you spare a minute?

Max is my chief instructor.

Max, this is Mrs. Gale, who's going to join us for a few weeks. Delighted to

meet you, Mrs. Gale. How do you do?

Max will be taking you for more advanced instruction.

I look forward to that.

Now, Mrs. Gale, I assume you would prefer to start with the beginner's

Yes, I think so. Fine. Now, Mrs. Dove here is doing exercises to strengthen

leg and stomach muscles.

Mrs. Gale, Mrs. Arthur Dowell. Pleased to meet you. You'll excuse me not

stopping, won't you?

Would you excuse me one moment?

They're very good here, you know. They'll look after you. Well, that's

comforting. Especially Max.

He used to be a chump, didn't he, though? Really? Ah, you'll like him.

Here, Max.

When can I get off this flaming bag?

Just a few more minutes, Mrs. Dove. We must strengthen those little muscles,

know. Start the monkey.

Mrs. Gale, perhaps you might be trying the training machine. Yes, sir.

Just sit down there.

Thank you.

Thank you, I know how it works.

Good for you.

Weren't you in Germany last year?

No. Oh, I thought I saw you there.

Art and I had three weeks there during the recess.

You in politics?

Why do you ask that? Oh, they mostly are here, you know. That woman over there,

she's Brigadier Gatlin's wife.

Ministry's defence?

That's right.

You must have some interesting discussion.

Oh, it's mostly House of Commons gossip, you know. I don't take much interest

myself. But Arthur likes me going on these winter sports, larks. You know,

have to keep up with the social thing.

All right, Mrs. Dodd, that'll do for now. Oh, thank goodness for that.

I should give it a rest now, though.

He don't want to strain himself too much on the first day.

He'll get me in trim for canvassing. Canvassing?

Yes. I'm fighting a by -election.

By -election?

But there's no by -election coming up except... You're not standing for South

East Anglia, are you? That's right.

Your husband went up to South East Anglia, didn't he? During Dieter's

He went up there a couple of times, yes. Though not backing Dieter, of course.

No, no, of course not. No, Dieter got in. Much good he did.

On the farmer's vote.

Yes, I know.

Now, Mrs. Dowling, if you'd like to go and take your rest. With pleasure.

Cheerio. Bye.

Mrs. Gale, I've just been checking through our class lists. I was wondering

we could arrange a little extra instruction for you. Yes, if you think I

it. I'm sure you'll soon feel the benefit.

How would tonight suit you?

Yes.

Ah, Major Stenburn.

Remember me, Steve?

Friend of Michael Dyer's?

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

You said we might have a longer chat sometime.

I thought if the house wasn't sitting for a couple of hours, might as well be

now, eh? This terrace is reserved for members, you know.

Members and their friends.

I said that I was a friend of yours and they let me in very decently.

I don't know about you, old boy, but I think you'd better chill. Just a minute,

Gavin. I don't think I've had the pleasure.

Mr. Steve Marks and John.

How do you do?

You knew Michael Dyer then, Mr. Steve? We served together during the war.

Oh, he'd have been about 15 at the time, wasn't he?

He was a boy bugler.

Even then he was trying to inveigle me into politics.

Now, it's not until his death I've decided to follow his advice.

Oh, really? In what capacity? Oh, not very grand.

Election agent. Election agent?

For which division?

Well, there's only one going, you know, at the moment. If you mean in Anglia,

the writ hasn't been issued yet. I believe in starting early. Ah,

there you are, Mrs. Gale.

How many orbits, my dear?

Come on up. Meet Major Swinburne.

Mr. Marks and John.

How do you do? This is our prospective candidate. I hope one of your future

colleagues. I hope so too, Mrs. Gale. Though I expect you know that

traditionally the seat has been won by a farmer's candidate.

Until data came along.

And do you intend to fight the same campaign?

Exactly the same.

Except that I shan't wait until I'm elected to make my expose.

I shall do it from the moment I start campaigning.

That's my candidate.

Well, gentlemen, we won't keep you. I'm sure you're very busy.

Well... Now, wait a moment.

Mrs. Gale.

Yes, Major? I'd like to think you were bluffing.

But you can't be sure.

We can't very well discuss it here. Could I meet you both this evening?

But won't you be in the house this evening, Major? I see by the order paper

have a private member question to put.

I'd like to speak to you before I put the question. Mrs. Gale has an

this evening at the Slimmerama Key Pit School.

Well, I know where it is. Could I meet you there? I shall be there. Good. At

half past seven.

I think we've caught a little fish.

I hope things are not getting out of hand, Sundern. Is there any reason why

there should be?

Oh, I thought you looked a bit worried, that's all. I'm sure Gavin has

everything under control.

I hope you're right.

Because if you don't break this data scandal, I will.

I can handle it.

You got here early, then.

Not quite early enough.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, as your independent candidate in this by

-election... Boo!

Don't you like it? I was just heckling. What did you say?

I was just heckling. Right, I'll give you another one.

Good people. Good people, that's good. Some of you are aware that this campaign

is being fought at a vital moment... In the history of our nation, we must stand

firm, put our shoulders to the wheel. Look, I'm trying to help you now. It

starts in a week, your campaign.

Couldn't I write my own clichés? I've got some very powerful stuff just

on here. That truck would have had time to get 40 or 50 miles, wouldn't it,

before the fog lifted? You see, my rhetoric is wasted on you. I'm still

to work out where you could hide a five -megaton warhead. Almost anywhere.

Perhaps it would be a built -up area.

Well, the biggest built -up area within a 50 -mile radius of where that truck

was ambushed is London.

Yeah, I suppose that would be about the biggest.

And if they had time to get it to London, they might also have had time to

it out of the country.

No, I doubt it, because it was a late October fog that day.

All air traffic and shipping were being stopped when the fog lifted.

Everything was being searched.

Even more to the point, why would anyone steal a warhead? I mean, what do you do

with a thing like that when you've got it? You could let it off.

Did it have a priming mechanism?

No, but anyone who was smart enough to pinch a warhead, a priming mechanism, no

bother at all.

How much would a weapon like that be worth? Well, it depends who wants it. I

think of at least half a dozen non -nuclear countries...

We'll give a couple of million to get some in their armory. Yes, I suppose you

can name your own price.

Worth murdering a brand new MP for now.

Well, I'm in no danger of being the next, judging by the speeches you're

for me.

You're not satisfied?

No.

All right, I'll get you an expert, Mr. Marks and John. Nothing but the best for

you. Fine.

He did pretty well for Dieter, didn't he?

Publicity agents don't start work till about ten.

I'd like to be there in good time.

Thank you very much.

Oh, Angela, get me Henson at the Board of Trade, will you?

What appointments do I have this morning?

Mr. Steed?

Yes, ask him to come in, will you?

Good morning.

Well, what can I do for you, Mr. Steed?

Oh.

I need your professional advice.

In what capacity?

You ran Michael Diter's campaign. I understand you did a brilliant job of

I'd like you to do the same thing for Mrs... Mrs. Gale.

I'm afraid that might not be quite so easy.

Why not? We're running the same campaign, you know. It should be a piece

cake. Not quite the same campaign, Mr. Steed.

You remember Diter won his seat by threatening to expose the government

was elected.

Uh -huh. From what you've told me, you plan to do it as soon as your client is

nominated. That, um...

Could get us both into rather serious trouble. Official secret, sir? To name

one of the problems. And that's why we need you, St.

John's.

Your reputation in Fleet Street, you know just how far to go without going

the edge, eh?

I'm sorry, Mr. Steed.

I think you should try someone else.

Yes.

Oh, keep trying him, will you?

Can offer you a fee in the region of 1 ,000 quid.

Reasonable, Mr. Steed, but I shouldn't like to lose another client before it

a chance to pay the bill.

Fifteen hundred in advance. The remainder when she's elected.

Precisely what would you expect me to do for that? Publicity, public relations,

and market research.

Market research? Yes, find out anything you know and all you can find out on the

missing warhead. Oh, don't say what missing warhead.

Where do you get your information, Steed? Sort of the same places as

think.

Why should I do this?

Well, if you don't, I shall have to assume that you're earning more out of

affair than the fee that I'm prepared to offer you. Which is?

Ten thousand quid. In cash.

All right. Good!

I'll see it sent to you later in the day.

When can we expect results, eh? Well, perhaps you're inclined by not to come

see me tomorrow evening.

Uh, I, uh... I can't promise to get you the information you want. You must

understand that. I merely arrange for people to get together under the right

circumstances. The rest is up to Mrs. Gale.

She has my fullest confidence.

That was a beautiful dinner, Mrs. Gale.

Help yourself to brandy. It's over there. Thank you.

I see you've got my book.

The Great Hunger Marches.

You haven't read it, though, I'll bet.

You put it here for my benefit, did you? As a matter of fact, I've read it

twice. I particularly like the chapter on the Rhonda.

Yes, I wrote that from experience.

Bitter experience.

Yes, it sounded like it.

I'll never forget those Hunger Marches as long as I live.

In those days, when you fought a by -election, you fought it on plain,

straightforward issues.

A man fought it according to how much he had in his belly.

Don't you think the Anglia election is a straightforward issue?

Oh, nothing's straightforward these days.

Not even on something as simple as the defence of this country.

Now, when I get up on my hind legs in the house and talk about defence... But

you do quite frequently.

Well, I'm considered something of an expert, you know.

Anyway, when I talk about defence, I'm thinking of the Tommy out there in the

trenches and the poor little working -class homes that were destroyed during

war.

To some of them, of course, it's just a political game.

You're talking of Major Swinburne, are you? The late Major?

I don't like walking over corpses, Mrs. Gale, but when he disobeyed the party

whips and decided to break this tighter scandal in the house, he wasn't doing it

out of patriotism, you know?

Oh, no, no, no.

No, he'd got his eye on Downing Street.

I don't understand.

The government had to resign.

Well, you see, he thought he'd be the one to lead his party in the next

election. The only one with the guts to put his country first.

You show me a rebel and you show me a budding careerist.

Well, to get back to my campaign, Mr. Dowd. Yes, well now, how is it going?

I'm going to need an ally.

An experienced political ally who knows something of what's going on behind the

scenes. Well, we do have a candidate of our own, you know, standing in East

Anglia. Yes, but not on this issue.

Oh, no.

And in any case, he's an idiot.

Personally speaking, I'd rather back you.

Good. In that case, why don't we leave me to talk over the tactics with your

election agent, eh?

Seems a shame to waste the evening talking politics.

What would you like to discuss?

Well, you've met my old woman.

What do you think?

I got on very well with her.

Yes, yes, I didn't mean to suggest anything else.

No, no, she's a fine woman, Miss Ellen.

Stuck by me through thick and thin.

Yes, I'm sure of that.

Yes, if only she didn't bore me to ruddy tears.

I'm sorry to sound a bit hard about this, but I'm telling just the plain

you see.

Oh, Ellen knows that I've got an eye for the girls.

She's not that much of a fool.

Anyway, she's got her own amusements.

Fiona?

I want to talk to you.

I'm busy.

This isn't something I could discuss on the telephone.

Is Mrs. Gale here?

She's in the changing room. Why?

I want you to find out exactly what she's up to. What do you think she's up

I don't know.

To begin with, I thought she was trying to ride away into Parliament on the

strength of this warhead scandal.

What's made you change your mind?

Her agent, Steed, came to me and offered £10 ,000 to handle her campaign.

There are plenty of rich men playing politics.

No, I think he's more interested in the missing warhead than in getting Mrs.

Gale into Parliament.

I also think he's been searching my office.

It's about time you learned to look after your end of things, isn't it,

Why, your friends just stay hidden.

What's happened to that cool, bland exterior of yours?

Listen, Fiona.

One way or another, I'm going to make a lot of money out of this business.

And when it's all over, I shall have to retire gracefully to some sun -drenched

island. Sounds nice.

Yes, it could be.

We're the right company.

No, thanks.

Now, what do you want me to do about Mrs. Gale?

Find out just how much she knows.

But be careful.

I want information, not trouble.

We just have to see how it goes, darling.

Good morning, Uncle Tom. Oh, yes.

We're being shown over the house today, Sir Gerald. Sir Gerald, that's very kind

of him. What do you enjoy, sir?

Thank you.

Sorry if I kept you waiting.

I was held up in committee.

That's all right, Mr. Dove. Time to persuade your party to force a security

debate.

I wouldn't waste my time.

I imagine the party and the government have an understanding over national

security. Yes, that's it.

We're supposed to keep our ruddy mouth shut.

Why don't you put a private question, like Swindon?

It's a complicated political position.

That's a classic politician's remark.

All right, Steed.

I think you've got some information I need, and if you give it to me, I'm

prepared to help Mrs. Gale.

I heard you had a chair.

Yes. Yes, she's quite a girl, isn't she?

Well, that's what counts as taking skiing lessons, you know.

Yes. Well, anyway, we decided to leave the tactics for you and me to discuss.

Well, let's hear your proposals first.

Well, I'm prepared to see that Mrs. Gale gets a clear field in the Angler

Division by having our candidate pull out.

Well, it's a bit generous of you, but are you sure that can be done?

Well, it can't, um, national standards, but I have got friends in the

constituency party.

Oh. And in return?

I want you to put your cards on the table, Steve. What exactly do you want

know?

Where's that warhead? Is it still in the country? I'm sure it is. What makes you

so certain? Late last night, the government got a blackmail note.

They were told if they paid out half a million pounds, they'd be told where to

find the warhead.

Are they going to pay it?

Well, I don't know. See, I'm not the government.

No, but you do seem to have some pretty good source of information.

I keep my ear to the ground, you know.

They pay, of course.

You think so?

Hmm?

Yes.

Yes, it's in their interest to do so.

If they can get that warhead back fast without anyone knowing, they'll remain

power. If not, they're out.

Well, if you want to get them out, you've got to move fast.

Yes.

Yes, but in politics, you've sometimes got to box a bit clever. You're the

expert.

Yes, and you're not doing so badly yourself for a beginner.

Hello again.

Ah, there you are. Do you have the time?

Yes. Isn't it wonderful to think that in this fine old Gothic building, all the

decisions that affect our lives are taken? It's comforting, isn't it? Oh,

Well, I expect you'd like us to be trotting. If you trip over a missing

let me know.

Oh, we shall.

Yes, I shall never forget those days, Mrs. Gale. We trot our feet off day

day. And Arthur was marvellous. He used to hold those crowds spellbound.

Oh, you were a great orator in those days.

Isn't he now? Well, he doesn't practice it now, you know.

It's all committee work.

All he can talk about when he comes home now is this bloke or that bloke who's

after his position.

Oh, I know I shouldn't say this, Mrs. Gale, but it just bores me to tears.

I'm sorry.

Well, that's the way it is.

I suppose I shouldn't complain.

Still, he's regarded as a very important figure, isn't he? Oh, yes, he's

favourite for a minister if we get him the next election.

I think a lot of him. He could become prime minister. Oh, you like to think

daft, Mrs Gale, but I hope he never does.

Don't you see yourself at number ten? I don't even like the bunch he mixes with,

as it is.

Well, most of them, they're all smiles to your face, but I know what they say

soon as your back's turned.

Cheese from the back streets.

Well, I'm proud of it. And so was Arthur at one time, till he started talking

bars.

All right, ladies, that'll do for today.

A bit sharp on the clock, aren't you?

Now, Mrs. Dove, Max will give you an extra ten minutes on your own tomorrow.

I'll bet he will.

Well, let's go and get changed, then. Would you like to come and have dinner

with me? Yes, I'd love to.

Oh, Mrs. Gale, I wonder if I might speak to you for a few minutes.

I'll catch you up.

Mrs.

Gale, I don't think we've apologized for not attending to your instruction the

other night.

Oh, that's all right.

I got your message.

But from our information, you don't seem to have acted on it.

If Swinburne's murder was supposed to warn me of standing for election, I'm

afraid you're wasting your time.

What are you and Steve trying to get out of this, Mrs. Gale?

A political career, perhaps?

How did Steve find out about that blackmail note?

If I knew, I wouldn't tell you.

We want an answer, Mrs. Gale.

I forgot my handbag.

Oh, it's over here, Mrs. Dove.

Well, have you finished then?

Unless there were any other questions you wanted to ask me.

No, not in the meantime.

Good.

Thank you.

Let's go and have that dinner. Right.

Dodger? Dodger!

I was expecting to be received by Mark St. John.

I'm afraid that pleasure has been denied you. He's dead.

When did this happen? A few minutes ago. When I arrived, he was being carted

away in an ambulance.

Do you know how he died?

He had been shot.

The curious thing is that the police haven't arrived and one wonders who

the ambulance.

Isn't there anyone else in the building? No, all place deserted.

He could hardly have had the chance to call it himself, so it looks like

killed him.

Yeah, a friend with a shotgun.

The cupboard's bare, see?

Did you make this mess?

No, it was like this in my life. I've been trying to piece together these

on St John's clients. I think that's what our little friend there was

in. Did you write this file there?

No, neither does.

See, when an emergency call is made for an ambulance, the message is

automatically relayed to the police, isn't it?

Yes.

Have you found any press cuttings on the South East Anglia by -election?

Yes, somewhere.

Hey, these election photographs.

You got any more of them?

Yeah,

yeah, yeah.

Any negatives? Yes.

Bundles of them.

Now's the time.

Now's the time. For all good men to come to the

aid of the party.

If I can get some prints made of some of these, it might solve one at least of

our problems.

Lunteth, squint eye, H above the line.

What's that?

A very good description of my Auntie Queenie.

You know, I solved another small problem. The blackmail note sent to the

government was typed on this machine.

So do I.

one of these days.

What are you doing here?

Well, we have to make final arrangements.

But why here? You could have been followed.

Dead men cast no shadows.

Is St. John coming?

No, we don't need him for phase two of the operation.

But the government were ready to pay the ransom. I'm not interested in their

half a million pounds. I never have been.

Blackmail might be as far as St. John's imagination would stretch.

But I'm playing for bigger stakes.

What?

I've been approached by another party.

They want the warhead, but we don't have to move it.

They're going to explode it?

Yes. When?

In 24 hours' time.

I've timed the operation for Tuesday, November the 5th.

Rather appropriate, don't you think?

In the meantime, there are one or two things to be tidied up.

Max?

Yes?

Max, I have a job for you.

Yes?

Come in.

I'm in the darkroom.

I haven't any change.

For a prospective candidate, you're extremely stingy. Remind me not to vote

you. Oh, you're doing that.

Think I've got this ambulance business sorted out.

These four pictures were taken by St. John's photographer when Diter was

Now, number one.

Diter shot.

Don't see a thing.

It's coming up.

Ah.

That was the photograph that went on the front page of the National Press,

remember? I remember, yes.

Number two.

Someone quickly covers Diter's head and shoulders with a coat. Now, if you look

closely, you can see who's doing that.

Yeah, it's on John.

Number three.

Two ambulance men shifting, Geiter.

Now, look at the time on the town hall clock in that one.

It's only a minute later. They must have been standing by.

Number four.

The ambulance disappearing down the street. Now, I've had that detail blown

so you can just read the number plate.

The ambulance was stolen some weeks before.

They'd have to get hold of a body for the local coroner.

That's comparatively easy.

Look at number one again.

And the print from the original negative.

No bloodstains on this one. No bloodstains on that. The bloodstains

touched in artery.

That was the photograph St. John Publicity Service has indicated to the

press. The one with the bloodstains. I don't think it's the shotgun in the

office. It was brand new. Neither barrel had been fired.

Blanks.

He went into an awful lot of trouble, didn't he?

Yes, that's what I don't understand.

Why this elaborate fake?

It certainly explains the blackmail angle, I tell you.

Now, Dieter and Sir John get together. They steal a warhead and they put

pressure on the government, threatening them with scandal and exposure if they

don't pay up.

And the government doesn't play ball.

So they arrange a fake killing, Dieter, at the by -election, where they can be

sure of maximum publicity.

Yeah, but then the government don't play ball again.

And Sir John gets hold of Swinburne and Dove.

To step up the pressure, exposure in the house.

But Swinburne's death was certainly no fake. Neither was St John's. That

suggests, then, that the thieves have fallen out. That puts Diter on top. I

don't think blackmail was his intention. Otherwise, he'd have got the money

first and bumped his fells off afterwards.

Hello?

Yes, it is.

Oh, yes, Mrs. Dow.

I see.

All right, look, you stay where you are. I'll come right over.

Arthur Dove's disappeared.

Not a stolen ambulance, though.

I hope not. I'm just going to find out.

There's another thing. In the blackmail note that St John sent to the

government, he said there was a detonating primer to go with the

No one is inclined to disbelieve him.

Warheads work on a timing mechanism, don't they?

That's right.

And tonight is Guy Fawkes' night.

Tonight could be the biggest bumper Guy Fawkes night of all time.

All right, hold on a moment.

Max is still on his tail. All right, give it to me.

Hello, Max.

Which way is he heading?

Yes, I thought so.

All right, Max, you can leave the rest to me.

How much does Arthur Dove know about that warhead?

Well, it won't take any chances.

You'll get rid of him.

I might use him as live bait first.

It's Steed and Mrs. Gale I'm more concerned with at the moment.

What time was he due here?

Two hours ago.

Oh, it's quite possible he'd just been delayed. It might be nothing serious.

Oh, no.

He'd have been here all right.

He has his name down for a private question on the order paper.

He wasn't there to put it.

Do you know what this question was?

Well, he never told me, but I can guess.

You see, Mrs. Gale, ever since Swinburne died, Arthur's been blaming himself.

He knew he ought to expose this business. It's just that, well, I

didn't have the courage, that was all.

There could be other reasons.

After all, he was pretty closely tied up with St. John. Oh, no.

No. As far as Arthur was concerned, it was just a question of playing politics.

When he found out this bomb had been stolen, he realised he had this chance

lifetime to attack the government and saying John was supposed to be helping

him. Oh, but this isn't helping us to find him, is it? It might be. Oh, I

shouldn't have rung you up. It was just on the outside chance you might have

known where he is.

Mrs. Duff, will you be all right if I leave you here?

Well, of course, love.

This place is like a second home to me. Good. I will contact you as soon as we

know anything.

Thank you, love.

You don't know how grateful I am.

I thought you were dead. A gross exaggeration on the part of my

What do you want?

You. Now listen, Ryder, listen.

I don't know what your game is, but all I want to do is get out of this whole

business. With your career intact.

Now, please. So you came here to destroy any evidence that might have connected

you with the late Mr. St. John. Listen, Ryder, please, please listen.

I really didn't know what he was up to.

What do you know?

Enough to realize that I should never have allowed myself to get involved.

Peter, please. Politics is my business, not crime. Yes. I started out with St.

John to embarrass the government.

But I'm not a traitor. I didn't agree to blackmail. It's too late now. Look, if

necessary, I'll go to the police.

I'll resign the house. For queen and country?

Yes.

Yes, but that's something you wouldn't understand.

I wouldn't even like to try.

Now pick up that phone and call your wife.

Tell her to meet you in one hour's time at the Slimmerama Club with Steed and

Mrs. Gale.

Arthur! Arthur!

Good evening, Mrs. Duff. Oh, Fiona.

Did Steve and Mrs. Gale come with you? Mrs. Gale was still in the house. She

should be here soon.

Yes, I heard you'd had a long chat with her. What were you talking about, Mrs.

Duff? Oh, you're trying to work out where Arthur could be. Is that all?

What do you mean?

You've become very friendly with Mrs. Gale. What's that to you?

Now, look.

I came here to meet my husband, not to answer your questions. Where is Arthur?

There. Arthur!

Oh, Arthur!

What have you done to him?

He'll be all right, Mrs. Dubb, providing you tell us what we want to know.

You say you are asking Mrs. Gale to look for your husband. I just told you that.

Did you also learn that she was looking for the warhead? Why did you talk about

that to her?

Did you talk about Steed? I know nothing about him. You're not prepared to help

us, Mr. Dove? We can't help you. We don't know anything.

For the last time, Mrs. Dove, where is Steed?

He's been delayed.

All right, I know, but I'm here now. All right, well, I'll set the fuse for

midnight. Midnight?

That's coming to a good time, isn't it? The ambulance is standing by. We should

be well clear of the blast area by that time. Now, come on, get on it.

I suppose you know it's an offence to fire those things off within 50 yards of

the street.

Thank goodness he wasn't about to sit there.

He's a liar, praise be, and that's what really matters. Yes, of course. You

know, I don't think he'll have done him any harm.

Ah, there you are.

Well, I suppose you won't be standing for South East Anglia now, Mrs Gale. No,

I'm afraid not. I'm very sorry to hear it. I always thought you stood a good

chance. Thank you.

Well, I expect I'll be seeing you both at the sports centre.

I understand. It's under new management.

Yes.

Yes, I suppose it would be.

Pity about young Max.

Be seeing you.

I wonder who will stand for the South East Anglia by -election.

You, if the letter I sent them offering your resignation doesn't arrive by nine

o 'clock this morning.

Steve, I think you've missed a point there. Eh?

Dieter's still legally their representative until his trial opens.

can just see you holding that farmer's feet.

Just exactly what did he have against this place?

Nothing personal. It just happened to be a suitable detonating point.

From the stone's throw from here, it's right in the middle. The War Office,

Ministry of Defence, the Admiralty. Yes, whoever was paying him would certainly

have got their money's worth.

Guy Fawkes himself couldn't have wished for more.

Thank you.