Original subtitles

What's up?

This is our design room, Mrs. Gale.

Look, come over here and I'll show you what we're busy with.

This is Royal Marling. I think it's the finest bone china we've

ever made.

This lot's going to Leipzig for the trade fair. That's right, isn't it,

Yes, Mr. Howard. It's lovely.

It should sell well.

I hope so.

The main pottery shop's through there.

It's all very small, isn't it? Yes, yes. Space is one of our big problems.

We just can't afford larger premises.

Here we are.

This is where we make our china work.

Is it all handmade?

Oh, yes. We don't make any mass -produced stuff.

Only the best is good enough for Marley.

My laboratory's still there. Would you like to see it? Yes, I would, very much.

I won't help you write a book on fine china, I'm afraid.

Why, it's just far more practical, isn't it?

Here you are.

Do you always use tiles for your experiments?

Yes, yes, I do. They're a handy shape, and of course they're made of the same

material as the stuff we manufacture.

At least they are when I start.

All these tiles are brittle.

See?

I'm trying to make one. You could bounce off a wall.

Unbreakable china.

Do you really think it's possible?

Yes, I know it is. It's a question of what you mix with it, and the molecular

structure has to be exactly right. Sorry I'm late. Hope Alan's been looking

after you. Yes, thanks, Richard.

You shouldn't bother Cathy with your world -shattering theories, Alan.

Unbreakable ceramic.

It's not the one.

Oh, it's all rubbish, you know.

Yeah, come with me. I'll show you something really interesting.

Thanks, Alan.

This is where it all starts.

Mud.

Honest -to -goodness mud.

You put it in.

You mix it up.

You get...

Yes, not bad.

Not bad at all.

Now, Steve, just business about the pottery.

Marling's is a small company, very small.

It may only produce quality stuff, remember that.

Also in grave danger of going bankrupt. I don't think they can afford very much

in the way of laboratory equipment.

But surely we can put that in the... Now, let me finish, Steve.

Now, Marling's making a claim that's well nigh impossible, I know that.

He's also published his findings in that scientific journal, Forbes.

I'm sure he'd be bound to check what he wrote.

He's only given the general idea of what he's working on.

According to my experts, he could be right. Could be.

It's up to you to find out if he is.

It'd be great not to break a cup every time I watch out, but I don't see what

that's got to do with security.

Pottery is just mud seed. It's plentiful and cheap.

And easy to move.

As hard as Alan Marling claims it is, they've cut through tempered steel.

Think of all the uses that has. All the jigs and dives and drills. Millions of

them.

And I can think of other uses for it, too.

The nose cones of rockets, for example.

But other people have been trying to make an unbreakable plastic.

Experts all over the place.

And Alan Marling's the last one who should have succeeded.

He's made claims before, and they've all failed.

Well, then?

Well, the trouble is that if he's right, a lot of people would like to know his

secret. And there are a few people who specialize in stealing other people's

ideas and selling them to whoever will pay.

And one of them was killed at Marling's yesterday.

A man called Lambert.

How do you know? Mrs. Gale told me.

I told you before, Seed, I don't approve of amateurs.

She knows all about ceramics. She's writing a book on it. That's how she met

Marlings. Yes, maybe.

But go there yourself, Seed. I've arranged for you to be an expert from

Ceramics Research Council.

Here's the current copy of form.

An expert, eh? Yes, it usually takes ten years.

How long have I got?

Twenty -four hours.

Joy Tracy's going to have a film test.

Who? Joy Tracy. This year's Miss England.

Beautiful, raven -haired Joy Tracy has been offered a film test by producer Roy

Birch. Miss Tracy, a secretary, is 37, 23, 36.

Here, look. How bad is she?

Now she's pretty good.

Not a patch on you, though, Mara.

That's what I thought.

You know, I could be where she is.

Just imagine a big contest with all those people looking at me.

Oh, if only I had the chance. But you start entering, you win every time.

Well, there's no need to sound so sad about it. Well, you'll go away then,

you? I hope so.

Oh, Harry, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean... Just a minute.

Where did you get that dress from?

Mr. De Groot bought it for me.

I've told you before, Mary, you couldn't let him buy your things.

You buy me things? But that's different.

Is it? Of course it is.

Mara. Oh, Harry. Mr. Allen.

He's out in the pottery shop.

Been to the bank?

The wages are almost ready.

It's all right for them, isn't it?

There's been a murder here, so they lose two days' work, and I still have to pay

them a full week's wages.

Well, it might be worth it at that.

At least he can't run off with you now. Richard, please, I've told you, Lander

wasn't anything to me.

I just went out with him a couple of times. Now the whole town knows it.

You must have been out of your mind.

When did you last take me out?

When did you last want to? You're talking like that blasted inspector.

He thought I was jealous of Lander, too.

Well, he's right, I was.

I haven't even an alibi for the night he died. They were on to that quickly

enough. I had the means.

And the motive.

If they think I had the opportunity, too.

If I hadn't enough to worry about at the moment.

De Groot wants all the royal marling we can give him for the Leipzig trade fair,

and he leaves in three days' time.

This one has to be a success.

If it isn't, we're really in trouble. We haven't had a really successful new

line in over 18 months.

You wouldn't think Miller could have done that, would you?

Spends half his time falling over our glamour girl in the design shop. But he

made that.

Created it out of nothing.

If Royal Marling fails, I shan't be able to afford him any longer.

It's the last chance we've got.

Mrs. Gale, how's the book going? Ready for publication?

I won't even finish it if I can't complete my research.

Oh, Marlene's turned out some very fine stuff, hasn't she?

Unfortunately, there's not a great demand for it.

Who runs the business?

Richard keeps the books, if that's what you mean. Alan has the brains.

They inherited the business from their father.

They've both been in it since they left school.

Would you say Alan was a good potter? Yes, I would.

Though I'm afraid he's held back by his brother.

It's a pity.

He'd be a much happier person if he were allowed to get on with his research.

It's bad to feel sorry for people in our business.

Slows you up.

I'm not in your business.

Might as well remember that.

All right.

Look, Steve, that's the best there is. But it's hard to sell because it costs

much. Was any incriminating found on Lander's body?

No, nothing.

Do you think anyone could drown in liquid gas?

I doubt it.

More likely someone surprised him, murdered him, and popped him in the slip

tank. Oh, well, it's out of our way.

What do you mean, out of our way? Who was Lander?

He was a seller of secrets, a middleman in a business which buys and sells

industrial information.

Have you read Alan Marley's article in form?

Not as I could.

Now, he's trying to produce a ceramic, a piece of pottery, that is, that won't

break. Yes, 110 told me that.

What's his interest?

If Alan Marley's theory is right, this will be a breakthrough in the problem of

solving the problem of friction in high -speed aircraft and rockets.

If he's right, it'll be the hardest man -made material ever produced.

And he and his brother -in -law will be millionaires.

Can you get me some more like this?

And say, but not so many cracks or some flaws.

Josh, what are you doing here?

Payday, Mr. Allen.

Oh, yes, of course.

Right, Susan, as soon as you can.

I haven't seen you since... No, better not either.

Please, they're getting nosy enough.

I burned your clothes like you told me to. They were full of clay.

It didn't burn so easy. Oh, and I lost a glove, one of them.

Lost? Yeah.

I looked everywhere for it. I'm sorry.

It must have slipped out, you know, when I was bundling your things together.

Don't worry. But it was covered in clay from the tank.

There's a lot of gloves there covered in clay. Not like these, mine especially,

mate. Besides, it had my name on it.

Look, there's someone coming. You'd better go. Oh, I don't worry, Mr. Ali.

haven't done anything wrong.

Bad luck, old chap.

Have a chocolate.

No, thank you.

It's not my best attempt, you know, but it's still pretty hard.

That's not bad. Have you got a better one?

Oh, yes. Another tie like that.

I should very much like to see. You will, Mr. DeGroote.

Everybody will when the time comes.

And I promise you this.

You'll be able to hit it with a sledgehammer and it won't even crack.

ceramic is bound to break, surely.

It's part of nature. Not mine.

You'll see when the time comes. I look forward to it.

Oh, can you tell me, is my Royal Marling consignment ready yet? Oh, you'd better

ask Miller.

Thanks.

Ah, working on my order at last.

We've been out the last two days, Mr. De Groot. The police have been all over

the place.

Leipzig won't wait, Mr. Miller.

It'll be ready in time.

Oh, Mr. De Groot, I got my new dress today.

It's lovely.

Would you like to see it? Of course.

Mara, see if you can find some coffee, will you? And tell Mr. Marl and Mr. De

Groot here.

It won't take a minute.

Go on, Mara.

Go now!

What did you have to come filling ahead full of this bathing beauty still for?

Riding around like that with a lot of dirty -minded men looking at her. It's

investment. An investment I'm perfectly willing to turn over to you.

All you have to do is buy me out.

I haven't any money.

The way things are going, I'll be lucky if I keep my job. If you do as I'm

suggesting, you won't need a job.

You know, you really need Mara before the top of your head blows off.

With 20 ,000 pounds, you could have her.

And what would I give you in extra?

Hey, let's imagine you have 20 ,000 pounds.

You can give Mara all the things she likes.

You can help her and encourage her, and the glamorous Miss Little becomes Miss

World. Think how kind she would be to Harry Miller.

All you have to do is bring me a tile.

Alan Marling style.

Do you really believe he's made it? I really do.

And I want it every bit as much as you want £20 ,000.

Look around all you want to, Cathy.

Sorry, I can't finish showing you around myself.

Oh, don't worry about me, Richard.

This is still a craft, you know.

You take the clay.

Shape it.

If your hands are wrong, you end up with rubbish.

It's pretty difficult to find real craftsmen these days.

You know, you're being very helpful. This is just the kind of information I

use. You're welcome.

I must leave you now. I don't keep De Groot waiting. He can be rather

He's my best customer.

If he does well at Leipzig, all our troubles are over.

They're selling to Leipzig?

I'll sell to anyone who'll buy.

Politics doesn't come into this. I make cuts and thwarts.

Not H -bombs.

Oh, I smile it.

Are you interested in pottery then, miss?

Yes, I'm writing a book about it. The fine stuff, you know. Chinese porcelain,

Dresden and Meissen.

I've made the stuff myself, you know.

Even that delicate, too.

I've often wondered how me hands could hold it.

Not any more, though.

I used to be the best potter, you know, in the five towns until I had a car

accident a couple of years back.

Would you like to see some of my work?

Yes, I'd love to. Over here.

Now, there's a nice bit... Oh!

Oh, thank you, miss.

I'd have hated to see that go.

We've worked really hard on that. Yes, it's beautiful.

You know, I'm not fit to be let loose in the pottery these days.

If it wasn't for Mr. Marlin and Mr. Allen, I wouldn't even have this night

watchman's job. They've been very good to me, you know, both of them.

The car accident, it was my fault, miss. See, I didn't get any compensation.

I see.

So I owe quite a lot to the Marlins.

You'll find things in rather a mess, I'm afraid. We've, um... We've had... A

murder, yes.

It's not a very easy thing to keep a secret, is it?

Did you know Lander?

Yes. Yes, I did. Not very well, but... Was he interested in pottery, too?

Yes, he was.

That must have been quite a shock for you and your husband.

Did he know Lander? I suppose he must have done. He wouldn't have let him in

pottery. Richard didn't let him in, nor did I.

Don't tell me he broke in.

It's not a very friendly thing to do, is it?

Mrs. Gale, Mr. Steed of the Ceramics Research Council.

How do you do, Mrs. Gale? I'll tell my husband you're here, Mr. Steed. Thank

you. Do make yourself at home. Thank you.

Oh, hello, my dear.

They're very pretty, aren't they?

Marlin creamware, hollow cast, manganese glaze, 1810.

1810?

You've worn very well.

Steve, there's a man here called Groot.

He's exporting a consignment of Royal Marlin to Leipzig for the trade fair.

Might he also be exporting a tile?

He might have that. I'd better have a look at him. It's a very good cover,

respectable businessman, boosting our export trade.

I've just been talking to the night watchman here.

Has he any help?

Well, I couldn't tackle him right off about the murder, but it strikes me he

must have been here when Lander was killed. You'd think he'd hear Lander

breaking in.

What makes you think he broke in?

Mrs. Marlin told me.

He didn't steal.

He had a key.

This will do well in Leipzig, I'm sure.

It will do well in America, too. But you need money, and you need it soon. Isn't

that true?

You've got a lot of debts, Mr. Marling. Have I?

How do you know? It's my business to know.

If this new line of yours takes, you'll have to expand. You can't refuse

capital. We're quite happy as we are, thank you. I don't want you out of

business yet.

I expect a lot from Marling.

Mr. Steak's here.

Yes, of course.

How do you do? How do you do?

Mr. DeGroote, this is Mr. Steed of the Ceramics Research Council. How do you

Mr. DeGroote is one of our best customers. Beautiful, isn't it?

That's a very fine glaze. Where are you going to sell it?

Leipzig, at the trade fair. A business before politics, eh, Mr. Steed? I had

better go. How soon will my order be ready?

Tomorrow, if you like.

Three days will do nicely, thank you, Mr. Steed.

Good day.

I'm very pleased with Royal Marling.

I had no idea the research people were interested there.

Let me show you around the pottery.

Oh, the plate's not still there, eh?

Nobody been, nobody been arrested?

No, if you'll come through to the pottery shop. I'd very much like to meet

brother. Well, Alan's not concerned with this. Well, it's not bone china as such

we're interested in. It's your brother's experiment we'd like to see.

See if he's in the lab, will you?

My brother has made discoveries before, you know.

Not all of them have quite turned out the way we hoped.

Hello, Alan. There was the cheap way of making porcelain. Three thousand pounds,

I think that cost us.

One of the electrical insulators, the teapot with an on -drip spout.

Flame -proof kitchenware. All very good ideas, of course.

Why should this one be any different?

It might.

We think it will.

I hope you're right.

Alan's on his way here, Richard.

Good. Now, here's a line we know will sell, Mr. Steed.

What do they want me for, Mara? Oh, there's a Mr. Steed here. He's very

important. He's from the Ceramics Research Council.

How on earth do you know?

The girl in reception told me. There are no secrets in a pottery, Mr. Alan.

Has he come about your invention?

Yes, I expect he has.

You do look tired.

You've been working much too hard lately.

Yes, well, now the worst of it's over. The tile's finished.

Oh, I am glad.

Mara. Yes?

I was wondering if you... What if we... Look, I'd like you to have dinner with

me sometime to celebrate, you know.

Of course, if you're too busy... Oh, no, I'm not busy at any time. Good. What

about next Wednesday, then?

Wish me luck.

I'll do better than that.

Pottery seems the wrong sort of place for a... a cream patio now.

Oh, is that what it was?

I think he was going to meet someone, don't you think, Mrs. Marling? I have no

idea what he was going to do. Somebody must have let him in. I hardly think it

need worry the research council. Well, I think it might. Now, supposing someone

was trying to sabotage your brother's work?

He wouldn't want to do that.

Well, he probably arranged to meet somebody here. I think you've said quite

enough, Mr. Steed.

For your information, I knew all about Lander and my wife. Richard, please.

Look, I'm sure you are. Murder him. Take it easy, dear. Easy? He's practically

accused me of murdering Lander.

Who are you?

My name is Steed, the Ceramic Research Council.

How do you do? It's very good of you to come up here, Mr. Steed, but there's no

need to insult my brother. All right.

Be as quick as you can, will you, Mr. Steed? We're rather busy here. You won't

need me, will you? Will I?

Mr. Seed, my laboratory's along there through the pottery shop. I wonder if

mind going and waiting for me. I won't keep you a minute. Of course, yes. Thank

you.

Oh, how do I get in? Just open the door.

Thank you.

I've done it, Richard. The tile's finished. I wish you'd come with me.

I really am very busy.

Look, this is important to me, very important.

This time it works, I swear it does.

We'll be rich.

You and me and Anne will make a fortune.

Honestly, Dick, this time there's nothing that can go wrong. I promise.

You must go. He's been working on this for months. All right. All right.

Come on.

Good luck, Alan.

Thanks, Anne.

This time I don't need it.

Thanks, Suzanne.

brutal, aren't they?

What on earth's going on here? It's one of those attacks for wear -putting. One

of your staff hit me on the head. What?

What did he look like?

He was pretty big. He was about 16 stone. He was bald. I think he had a

there. Well, nobody here like that.

I hope you're ceramic safe.

Yes, I'm not quite as careless as that. I'd better get the police. No, wait a

minute.

Well, you know, with the experiment, I don't want to waste time laying evidence

against a sneak thief. As you wish. Are you sure you're all right? Yeah, I'm

quite all right, thank you.

Adam? Yes, just let me get my stuff set up.

I haven't got the visitor.

I'd like to show him his unbreakable tile.

Oh, I do hope it works.

What's he want the gloves for?

It's not dangerous, is it? Might be.

For him.

He'll need gloves before he's finished.

You're not still gone on him, are you?

Why, shouldn't I be? He's always been nice to me. When?

You've not been out with him, have you?

Oh, Harry, for heaven's sake. I just like him, that's all.

I think he's wonderful.

And as for the other one, he's dreamy.

Any better treasures than money, and then that's you.

Right, I think we're ready.

First of all, Mr. Seed, I'd like you to look at that.

What do you make of it?

Ordinary ceramic.

Carolinetic, high in albiter.

Are you lacious?

I should think so.

And the glaze?

Phosphatic, I should think.

How will it wear, then?

It'll stand up to heat.

It's bound to be brittle.

You really do know your ceramics, Mr. Seed.

Did you say brittle?

Let's have a look at the one that won't brittle. Now, just a minute.

There's something else to think about first.

This tile I've made is very valuable, isn't it? If it works, yes.

What's it worth?

That depends. If you market it yourself, you'll have a turnover of five or six

million a year. You'll have the monopoly, at least for a time.

Five or six million? Maybe more, if it works. Oh, it works, you'll see.

Now, I've published some of my findings in form. Some of your people read it and

sent you to me.

That so? Right.

Anybody can buy form.

And if a crook who knew something about pottery read my article, he could come

here and try to steal my design, couldn't he? You mean Lambert? Exactly.

But he's dead. But suppose another one had also read my article.

And met Lander here at Dead of Night and murdered him.

Alan, for heaven's sake. Look, there it is. The only one there is and it's worth

five or six million.

Isn't it likely someone would kill for that? It's possible. It's the one

explanation for Lander's murder that makes sense.

And he puts Richard completely in the clear.

And that really is the only tile you have left?

Yes.

It took me a long time to make it. Our equipment isn't very up to date, you

know, but this one's enough.

Now, Dick, I want you to hit that tile as hard as you can.

Go on, hit it. It won't break.

Good afternoon, darling.

Oh, Harry, it's terrible.

I've just measured myself, and I'm 23 and a half inches round the waist. Well,

can't be more than 23.

I mustn't be.

Harry? Yes?

Mr. De Groot wants to see you at his hotel right away.

All right.

What's he want to see you about?

That, uh, that stuff for Lapsick, I suppose.

Marla? Yes?

You weren't serious about that on Marlin, were you?

What about Alan?

Well, you said you liked him and that you're going out with him.

Well, I do and I am.

Listen to my accent, Ali. I think it's coming on.

My name is Mara Little and I am 20 years old and I work as a painter in a

pottery in Staffordshire. Oh, and then there's the other bit.

Ladies and gentlemen... Mara, please!

What's wrong?

He doesn't love you, does he?

Not yet, but he might one day. Listen, if I had money...

A lot of money. Would you marry me, then?

How much?

£20 ,000.

Maybe more than that, maybe £50 ,000.

Then where would you get £50 ,000?

Why, from up in the pools.

All right, eh? You win the pools and we'll get engaged.

Now, watch.

I need to apologize. My name's Steve, Ceramics Research Council. My name's

Miller. I'm the designer.

This is Miss Little.

Myra Little.

How do you do, Myra Little?

What can we do for you?

Well, I was looking for Mr. Alan Marling's missing ceramic.

Oh, yes.

I heard there was a chap broke into the lab yesterday.

Yes, he laid me out.

Oh, but he didn't get the tile.

How do you know?

It had been pinched already. Another one substituted in its place.

This, uh...

Another explanation, Mr. Steed, if you're interested.

Of course, yes.

It never was stolen. It never could be.

It just didn't exist.

Mr. Alan Marling told me he'd already carried out the test.

Might be.

But did anyone ever see him, Mr. Steed?

I don't know what to do, Cathy.

If Alan's right and that tile was stolen, I shall have to tell the police.

Suppose the tile you smashed was the one he thought was unbreakable. Smashed

would be the laughing stock of the industry.

And the bad publicity just now will finish me.

Where's Anne? She's late.

Well, there's plenty of time. We're not supposed to eat till one.

I suppose Alan couldn't have made that tile, could he? Why not?

Yes, why not, Richard?

Alan can't succeed at anything.

He's always had to be nursed, and that's been my job.

Can you imagine Alan coping with someone like De Groot? I know Alan's soft

-hearted, but he's got guts, too.

De Groot would have bought him up years ago.

Why should he?

Forgive me, Richard, but Marling's doesn't seem a very sound investment at

moment. It could be.

And Alan told her the truth. I know he did.

That tile was stolen.

Let's go, shall we?

Alan Marling swears the real tile was pinched. You believe him?

He's proved before lots of times. He's desperately anxious to help his brother.

Why? They need the money.

And the police suspect Richard of killing Lander.

Alan's trying to prove that it was done because of the tile.

That's bright of him.

What do you make of that?

Uh, rum.

Blaster. Sunderland. An expert in ceramics.

Miss Lander was off the tower. We've checked.

And so was somebody else, that's obvious.

Any idea who?

There's a man called De Groot. He's got connections with the Leipzig trade fair.

And he's trying to buy into Marley.

Leipzig? Behind the curtain?

Does that make sense?

If the thing exists.

I'm betting that it does.

The trade fair opens next week.

I'll have the ports watched, of course, but I'd like to get it back here.

A little bit of tile's easy enough to hide, and I don't want any fuss.

Besides... Yeah?

If I'm right, Steed, you let the tile be stolen.

It's up to you to get it back.

Richard's coffee will be cold.

I've never known anyone take so long to telephone as Richard does.

But I suppose you've noticed that already.

No. Should I? Well, he seems to spend rather a lot of time with you.

That's nonsense and you know it. Is it? Well, he certainly doesn't spend much

time with me anymore.

Apart from business lunches, I haven't been out with Richard for months.

He works 12 hours a day in that pottery.

We can go on for weeks and not say a word unless it's about designs or

or China clay deliveries.

He's bound to be preoccupied. He's trying to save the firm.

You should know that better than anyone.

Yes, I do.

But he's not working on the right lines, and he's going to lose. He's bound to.

People don't want the things he makes anymore.

What can he do about that?

Help Alan's research, perhaps?

You believe in Alan, don't you? Yes, of course I do.

But you try and persuade Richard that he's right.

He doesn't seem to have much faith in him, does he?

Richard hasn't any time for people.

Not now.

He's changed so much, he's become so bitter.

Richard can't love anybody anymore.

Maybe that's why I went out with Landa.

I didn't like him very much.

Does Richard know about this?

No.

And I'd rather you didn't tell him.

Of course I shall.

Sorry I've been so long.

So much red tape attached to exporting China.

I'm afraid I have to get back to the pottery.

So if you'll excuse us. Yes, of course. May we give you a lift, Cathy?

No, thanks. There's somebody I have to meet here first. Right then. See you

later, Cathy.

I'm going to do business without you. He told me to bench that car and then sent

him after it.

Blumberg's a lot cheaper. Maybe, but he didn't get it.

Why didn't you tell me?

I got it myself, that's why.

All right, Blumberg.

Why didn't you tell me?

Why didn't I tell me? I had to think it over first.

Very sensible of you. Twenty thousand pounds.

It's not enough.

Oh, I do hope you are not going to get greedy.

I'll be reasonable, Mr. De Groot. They're saying that car's worth

Well, I don't want millions, but I must have...

50 ,000 pounds for Mara and me.

You have managed with less.

You and Mara. Am I to congratulate you then?

It's possible.

So I am to be the very good father, eh?

All right, Cinderella.

50 ,000 pounds.

You won't regret it.

I hope you won't be foolish enough to cheat me. Of course not. I told you I

it, didn't I?

You could do anything to that tile.

And it just won't break.

There's something else you can have.

This.

Alan Marling, what does this prove?

It was lying right beside the slip tank the morning they found Lanta's body.

But the police were all over the place. I've heard it before they ever called

the police.

I've got to try these things, Mr. De Groot. You'd be surprised how often they

come in useful.

This glove won't prove anything, you know. No, but it's a good hint that Alan

did it, isn't it?

You can have it.

You're very kind.

Have a chocolate.

Thank you.

It must be very satisfying to hate somebody the way you hate Alan Marling.

Mara's too fond of him. She's not fond of me, and if she were, you'd do better

to keep out of it.

£50 ,000.

All right, but I want to see it. It's at the pottery.

What? Don't worry, it's well hidden. Bring it here, then.

No!

That tile should mould on the flame.

Make it into a cup for me, a Royal Marling cup. Paint it.

and put it in with a set for Lapswick.

If those repellent customs men see it, they won't find a thing.

You can't think how undignified they can make one feel.

Don't worry.

I've got enough to pay you.

Well, you better.

I don't suppose you're the only one that's interested.

All right, Blomberg.

Miller, there is one thing you must understand. You work for me and nobody

You provide the goods.

And leave me to do the haggling. The people I shall haggle with would kill

for that tile. I would myself if I didn't need you, but I do.

So finish your job and keep your mouth shut.

Otherwise... But I leave that sort of thing to Blomberg. He's very good.

Well?

All right.

As long as I'm pied.

When will it be ready?

Saturday. They've been up and working at the pottery.

Give me two hours.

Blomberg and I will call for it.

And be careful, Mella.

Be very careful.

Ah, thank you.

Mmm, excellent brandy.

Very warming.

If you need warming, you should come down to the pottery.

And a couple of the big ones I went into, the heat was unbearable. One turn

be unbearable if I don't find this time.

Ah, that's the price you pay for being a professional.

Talking of being a professional, do you have any idea who it was who knocked you

out in Alan Marling's laboratory?

No, except he was very big, about 17 stone bald, and he had a scar on his

You are the distinct one.

Yeah, but if you ever run into him, hit him with something very big.

Like you did?

Do you happen to know where De Groot is staying?

Hotel in the High Street, I think.

Sweeter room.

Anyway, I want to have a look at it.

Now, will you invite him round here for tea?

Say that you want him to see some porcelain you're thinking of selling.

Tang be all right?

Soon would be better.

Not that I've got any.

Tang will have to do it anyway. I've arranged for a museum to lend you some

other very valuable pieces.

Priceless. Worth thousands of pound a piece.

What if he makes a bid for them?

You'll have to stall him. One tenant really hit the roof if anything happened

them.

And you might tell him you're in the market for an unbreakable ceramic.

Who am I acting for?

You could have contacts in Leipzig, too.

All right.

I wish I didn't have to have a meal with him. You should see him eat.

It's all in a good cause. Now, he may be after that tire already, so get a move

on. All right. I'll go and ring him now.

Oh, Mrs. Gale.

You take care of those figures, won't you?

My figure?

Those figures.

All right.

I'll do my best.

Thank you. I'll have another.

Large.

I'm sorry, Mr. Miller. I didn't know there was any bullet. What do you want?

Oh, I'm just going me rounds.

Mr. Marlin asked me to start early and all on account of that fellow breaking

in.

Ah, that's local. Don't touch it!

The pipe's wet.

I'm sorry, Mr. Miller. I'm sure.

Look, Joss. Go away, will you? I'm busy.

Aye, I can see you are.

It is very, very beautiful.

And valuable, too.

Of course. How much, Mrs. Gayle? I'm not selling. I'm buying.

Oh, I have nothing in this class.

Perhaps you have something even more valuable.

Oh, Goya's portrait of Wellington.

No, I was thinking of a ceramic in the shape of a tile.

One that won't break, even if you hit it with a hammer. Oh, Mrs. Gayle, the

unbreakable tile is like the alchemist's stone.

Just a legend.

Alan Marling doesn't think so.

I don't think his experiments were very successful.

I do.

I can go up to 200 ,000 pounds.

Cash? If that's how you want it. But now, why do you think I have it? I deal

only in beautiful things, like this.

Who are you acting for?

If you haven't got it, why should it concern you?

Now, what do you think of this one?

Oh, exquisite.

Quite exquisite.

Oh, I wish I could help you, Mrs. Gale.

Hello, Miss Little. Nice to see you again.

It's no use waiting, Mr. DeGroote's not here. I'm in no hurry.

How did you get in?

I told a maid I'd lock myself out, and she loaned me a purse key.

Such fear.

Now, take it easy. We're supposed to be burglars.

How did you come by this? You weren't wearing it by any chance, eh?

It was in that drawer.

Ah, will you show me where exactly?

There, under that shirt.

Hmm?

Like that?

No, it was pointing the other way.

No, you didn't really come for that.

What was it then?

Alan Marling ceramic?

Of course not. Harry wouldn't take that. Harry?

Harry Miller, the designer. You met him this morning.

Yes, I remember.

Go on.

Oh, it's all such a mess.

Well, I'm very fond of Alan, you see.

And Harry, he's so jealous.

You know, doesn't like other men even looking at me.

Trouble is, other men do look at me. I can't help it.

And I don't suppose they can either.

It's not as if I was going to marry him. Harry, I mean. But I can't get him to

understand that.

Yes, but what's all this got to do with you being here?

Well, Harry says that Alan's mixed up in that murder, you know.

Landa? And he says he can prove it, too.

How? Well, he's got one of Alan's gloves.

And I'm sure he brought it here.

Oh, you've just got to help me get it back, Mr. Steele.

These figurines, Mrs. Gayle, I like them very much. You have exquisite taste.

Thank you. A cake?

No, thanks.

I'm not really worried about my waistline, if that's what you were

Well, you are like another young friend of mine, always worried about your

waistline. Now, could you tell me, if I could show you where you can get this

tie, could you come to an understanding with me about these figurines and the

tie? You know where it is, then? I might do.

After tea, I have an appointment at Marling's. When that is over, I might be

able to carry on this conversation.

Oh, this one, I particularly like.

Until then, Mr. de Groot, shall I take care of them? They're very fragile.

The car is waiting, sir.

Oh, indoors, Blomberg. It is customary to remove one's headgear, even if one is

bald. Excuse me, Mrs. Gale.

While you are waiting, I want you to go to my hotel.

There is a little piece of machinery in the center drawer under the shirt. You

understand what I mean? Yes, Mr. DeGroote. Bring it back to me. Yes, sir.

Splendid. Now we have time for another cake.

You know, people are afraid of Blumberg. I can't think why.

I know he is terribly strong and he has a nasty temper, but he would never dream

of hurting a friend of mine. Never.

You've nothing to worry, Mrs. Gale?

That's very reassuring.

All right, then, young lady, let's have a look, eh?

Oh, Mr. Allen, I brought the pieces you wanted for firing.

Keep going.

See you later.

Hello?

Oh, just one moment, please.

It's Alan.

Mr. De Groot on the phone for you.

Alan Marling.

Yes?

I don't believe you.

My name on it.

I see.

Yes, I'll wait here.

De Groot's found my glove.

Couldn't have done it.

He's got it all the same.

It's just as well, isn't it, Josh, the police had fought a good case against

Richard. What's De Groot after?

I've no idea.

I'm not a very good subject for blackmail, am I?

Whatever it is, it's nothing to do with you. But I helped you. No!

Nobody helped. Nobody had anything to do with it but me. I did it all myself,

right? All right, Mr. Allen.

Whatever you say.

After you, Mrs. Gale.

Everything's under control. Good, now we won't be interrupted. Take Mrs. Gale's

handbag. Your bag, please.

The figurines, too.

I never trust anybody I do business with, Mrs. Gale, and you see I'm right.

Alan Marling is waiting for me in his lab. Take Mrs. Gale there.

Oh, I'll have this.

Blomberg is dangerous enough without it.

I shouldn't try to run away, Mrs. Gale.

He can be very nasty sometimes, can't you?

But you've no reason to run away, Mrs. Gale, have you? You want that time.

You're nervous, Miller. No need. I brought your money.

Of course not. I'm very careful, always.

Where's the cup?

In there.

Packed already? For life's sake, that's very nice. May I see it, please?

That's all nailed down.

Do I look really so stupid?

Open it up.

This way, Mr. Marley.

I don't understand. Where's DeGroote? He'll be here soon. You wait.

What are you doing here, Cathy?

I've got some business to finish with Mr. DeGroote. I've got some Chinese

porcelain he wants to buy.

Well, that reminds me. I must make a phone call.

There's a phone in the lab.

No. The phone is out of order.

Nonsense. I used it a few minutes ago.

The phone is out of order.

Your nerves are in a terrible state.

I thought I heard the watch. I can assure you, you didn't. He's been

around all afternoon.

Did he see you working on the cup?

No, I don't think so.

The cup, please.

Let's see the money first.

Of course.

You too, Mrs. Gale.

Who the devil do you think you are? Get out of the way!

Stop it!

Where is the cup, Marlene?

What cup? The place is full of them. I know. This used to be a tile, an

unbreakable tile. Miller made it into a cup.

Where is it?

How should I know? The tile's mine. I want it back.

No, I didn't think you had it. Well, Mrs. Gale. I told you. I want to buy it.

So do you, apparently.

Quiet!

It's not too bad, Blomberg. We haven't got the tile, but we have got Mr.

Marling. And he could make another one for us.

Couldn't you?

Now that we have found your glove.

out to Mr. Marling's office, phone the police. Wait for me till I get back.

You took everything?

Yes, sir.

So now we have you and all your notes.

You could make another ceramic for me.

Or I can even sell you as a going concern.

And you, Mrs. Gale, you are right.

I really will have to shoot you.

Look out!

I'm very grateful to you, Steve.

You really must be interested in my ceramics. I think of nothing else.

I must have been going about with my eyes closed.

Well, a lot's come out in the open, but not all.

You let Lander in that night, didn't you, Mrs. Mowling?

He used a key, and it was your key.

Yes.

He wanted to look around the place before he put any money up.

So he said.

And then he made a pass at you, eh?

Yes.

I yelled and Alan heard me.

They fought and Lander bumped his head on the tank. He fell in before Alan had

chance to reach him.

Then Alan went in after him and got him out.

It was ghastly.

He had to go in there and lift him out, but he was already dead.

And he sent me home and put Lander's body back in the tank.

Nobody heard you?

Josh did.

He got rid of Alan's clothes.

Except his glove.

What's going to happen to him, Steve?

Man slaughter.

Some of that is jury, probably.

Better look at this, Mr. Marlin.

That's one of the Leipzig batch, isn't it?

Better throw it away with the rest, Josh. Have a look at it first, Richard.

Drop it, Mr. Marlin.

But, Josh, that's it. Where did you find it? I saw Miller do that, miss.

Drop it, I mean.

When he was out of the well, I swapped it for another.

I gave it to Mr.

Steadier. I thought it would be safer with him than anyone else. It works.

Adam was right.

Well, Mrs. Gale, you'll be able to get on with your book now.

Yes, I will.

Where will you be dashing off to?

I've got to return those figurines to the museum.

Ah, yes.

All that fuss over a little piece of mud.

Would you say that was the official view of the Ceramics Research Council?

Undoubtedly.