Original subtitles

Shall I lead the way?

If you would, Anna.

This way.

Through here.

Great. Will you sit here? Thank you.

And George, here.

And Olivia, would you sit there, please?

Mmm, it looks delicious.

I hope you're going to enjoy it.

Oh, how charming.

Yes, we had them at our home in Singapore.

They'll catch any little breeze.

They're supposed to make you feel cooler. Well, at this rate, we'll all be

refrigerated.

There must be a window open.

Excuse me.

John!

Milner! John!

Who is he?

John.

My husband.

John Watkin, one of the country's top physicists. He disappeared a couple of

years ago.

Oh, yes, I remember.

He went up to London for a routine meeting, booked into a hotel, booked out

few hours later, and after that, nothing until last night, and he suddenly

popped up in the middle of the chop suey.

No explanation?

Not as yet. Well, I hope he'll be able to tell us something. He might be able

give us a lead on the others.

Others?

Physicists. Seven of them.

All disappeared over the past year or so.

Seven?

Now we see what Watkins has to say for himself.

Oh, and Varnals will be there, too. Treat him gently, won't you?

What do you mean?

We seconded from the Ministry. Eager beaver. Everything in triplicate.

I wonder what he'll think of you.

The Ministry is happy to expect you, Steed, but they gave me no instructions

about you, Mrs. Steele. Perhaps they wanted to put your initiative to the

Not to worry. I'll be responsible for Mata Hari.

Just the same. I think I should ring the Minister.

Won't do any good, old boy. Be on the golf course for now.

Well, the Junior Minister, then. Out for his early morning ride.

Oh, the senior secretary.

Oh, you get him all right. But we must take this situation seriously.

Now, where is Wordkin? The first rule of security is to double -check everyone.

I'll sign for her later.

Have you seen him? Have you spoken to him?

Yes. Is he in bad shape?

Very. Is he answering questions?

Well, is he?

Hardly. He now has the intellect of a cabbie.

Oh, it's quite horrifying, really. A man of his stature.

Brilliant physicist, potential Nobel Prize winner, and now... What was his

particular field?

Cryogenics, if you know what that means.

The science of cooling things.

Well, we'd better go in and see him.

This way, please.

Perhaps I should warn you, it's not a pretty sight.

Oh, well, if it worries you, you stay outside.

After you, Mrs. Pym.

So, um...

Three, four... I've made a preliminary investigation.

The psychological state is consistent with intensified reorientation and

autosuggestion techniques carried out over a long period. You mean he's been

brainwashed?

I have also made a reaction comparison in accordance with the procedure laid

down in the official charts, you know.

evaluated the psychological techniques used against him, and I think I would

that beyond any possible shadow of doubt, he has until recently been held

prison camp in Manchuria.

Manchuria? Yes, furthermore, I think it extremely likely that the camp was

Nisand Camp in the north.

All that from the official chart.

Well, they are very scientifically prepared, you know, Steve.

Almost infallible, I'd say.

Oh, good.

Since they are an official publication, I'm rather surprised you haven't

familiarized yourself with them.

Ni Sam can, I swear to it.

Psychologically, he measures up with other prisoners we've received from

and then there's his physical condition.

Low blood count, malnutrition.

It's consistent with a prolonged low -calorie diet.

Rice husks, gruel, shavings of bad pork and water.

Brackish water, tasting of dust.

Unfriendly sort of place, Ni Sam.

There's nothing to do all day but lie in a cell listening to the world go by and

marching feet, foghorns on the ships going up river.

And the chiming of the clock.

There's no sense of time because whatever the hour in Nice, the clock

strikes three.

Three o 'clock.

Three, three o 'clock.

Three o 'clock.

He disappeared in London.

And you're suggesting he was shipped to Manchuria for two years.

Proved conclusively by what we've just seen.

And then, of course, there's the question of his attitude to Mrs.

My husband can't stand the sight of me.

He can't bear to have me anywhere around him.

I don't know what they did to him, but now he's terrified of me.

Would you like some tea?

Thank you.

Do you mind? Perhaps he'd take it from you.

Oh, yes, of course.

It's because I'm Chinese that my husband's frightened of me.

It's like that bad joke.

Now we all look alike to him.

It's most refreshing.

For most, some tea.

Excellent.

Mr. Steed, inscrutability is supposed to be my ploy.

Do you wish to ask me some questions?

The day your husband disappeared... I drove him to the station.

He caught the afternoon train.

I didn't see him again until last night.

Did he phone you from the hotel?

Yes, later.

He said he'd arrived safely.

The room was comfortable.

And then I learned he'd left a few minutes later.

That's all?

Yes. Where did you first meet your husband, Mrs. Watkins?

In Singapore, when he was teaching at the university there.

Was Singapore your home?

No, I was born in Peking.

And your parents, they still live there?

I forgot to give you some rice cakes. I'll go and fetch them. Excuse me,

Well?

I'd trust her.

Is that what you want me to say? You feel sorry for her? Of course.

It doesn't necessarily color my judgment.

Naturally.

Still peek in, though, and she ducked the question about her family.

May have had unhappy associations for her. I wish I had your trusting nature.

I must leave you now, Mrs. Peel.

Please give my apologies to Mrs. Wadkins.

Oh, are you off, Steve?

Yes, I am, but Mrs. Peel is staying on for a while. I've searched her for

weapons.

An old colleague of Wadkins is coming here very soon. I'd like them to meet.

might produce a spark.

Leave you to it.

Steve, it would help if you told me the colleague's name.

I'm terribly sorry, my dear. Um, uh, Cullen. Dr. Cullen.

Mr. Varnold, come and sit down. You haven't had any tea.

John, you must remember.

Try again, Dr. Cullen. It's hopeless. You can see it's hopeless. Please try

again from the beginning.

Look, John.

This is Cullen.

George Cullen.

Dr. George Cullen.

Well, don't you remember all the work we did together?

The breakthrough, the day everything began to make sense.

It's no good.

It's like talking to a fish in a tank.

Try just once more.

But I'm not getting through.

I don't know what happened to him or where he was held, but... Say...

Six. Six, two.

Six, two.

Six, two, one.

That's very good.

Six, two, two, one.

That's right. Six, two, one.

Six hundred and twenty -one.

Six, two, one.

Does that have any special meaning, Mr. Watkins?

Six, two, one.

Mr. Watkin.

No.

We're not getting anywhere either.

It'll need patience and a great deal of time.

I'm sorry, but that's something I have very little of. You've made that

obvious. This man needs help. But not from me. Not the thought I can give.

He doesn't even know me.

I'm very sorry.

I believe he once helped you.

Pushed you into a research fellowship.

Yes, that's true.

It's also true that he's a traitor.

I think we'd better finish this elsewhere.

So you're convinced he's a traitor?

Well, he cracked, didn't he?

We don't know what pressures he was subjected to.

Whatever they were, he didn't resist very long.

Three weeks after his disappearance, all our research became common knowledge.

Because of him.

Good day, Mrs. Beale.

I thought you might like some coffee.

That's very kind of you.

Who are those men?

What are they doing?

See ya.

Just a minute, you...

I

most rightly saw you.

Nothing.

Oh, not even a footprint?

Oh, yes, several.

Size nine, heavy brogue type.

Well, then.

Oh, yes.

I'll take another look round in there.

Must have been some party. Have all the guests gone, or is Cullen still here?

What do you want?

Cullen, Dr.

George. I was told he was here.

Well, he isn't.

Look, I was told.

I've called his laboratory, and they said... Dr. Cullen left half an hour

Say where he was going.

Passhold, Leonard Martin.

Well, I've no idea where Dr. Cullen went.

Well, next time you see him, tell him to call me.

Tell him, Mr. Passhold?

Ask.

But say it's urgent.

Very urgent.

A matter of life and death.

Pat's old. I've never heard of him. Why?

Well, he walked into the study as though he owned the place. It's a really open

house here today, isn't it? You can't blame me for that.

I'm not blaming anyone.

It's a pity we lost Wadkin, though, before he was able to tell us anything.

There was one thing. The number 621 seemed to mean something special to him.

621. A project he was working on? Or the number of his cell at Nissan.

Perhaps.

This chap Passhold, what did he have to say, then?

Well, he was looking for Dr. Cullen.

Cullen? Mm -hmm.

This will give you a chance to re -establish yourself with the minister.

There's another physicist travelling to London today, one night away from home

for a routine conference.

But I think we ought to keep an eye on him. Dr.

Cullen, he's checking into the Chessman Hotel at eight.

Dr. Cullen? Yes? It's my pleasure to welcome you to Chessman Hotel, sir.

Fine room, facing south.

Good. Room 621, sir.

Desire can see I wish that your stay with us would be a happy one.

Yes, I'm sure it will be.

Well, I shall excuse me. I am getting a little tired.

Oh, yes, of course, sir. This way, if you please.

For your amusement, sir.

Wherever you are in the Chessman Hotel, you may pit your wits against the chess

grandmasters. The games are changed each day.

Very interesting. Excuse me.

Your room, sir.

Very fortunate. The sixth floor has the finest view of London you could hope

for. I shan't be spending much time looking through the window.

If you don't mind, sir, Mr.

Chessman prefers not.

Gratuities do suggest a service beyond the norm. In a Chessman hotel, all

service is superlative.

Good night, sir. Thank you.

Dr. Cullen, I've waited a long time for this.

Sir, may I have some more butter, please?

Certainly, sir.

Salted or unsalted?

Unsalted.

Hope I'm not depriving the late risers. No, sir. Dr. Cullen had breakfast in his

room about an hour ago. Lucky man.

Thank you.

Room 621, please.

Porter. Thank you. Thank you for Dr. Cullen, please.

Hope we'll have the pleasure of serving you again, Dr. Cullen.

11 -4 lights out.

7 -45, he opened his curtains.

And he... Excuse

me.

8 -25, he came down to the foyer. He bought his paper, went back upstairs to

room and disappeared into thin air.

But he didn't, Steve. He couldn't have got past me. I didn't leave my post all

night.

You searched his room?

Oh, sorry.

Yes, of course. That is standard procedure.

Clean as a whistle.

Reception didn't notice the change.

Hmm? New girl.

Night star.

Day star.

Oh, yes.

Um... Who's going to tell the Minotaur?

I will.

Probably have to hand him my umbrella.

It isn't our fault.

By the way...

I came across a rather interesting coincidence in one of the files.

Watkin.

What about him? The day he disappeared, he was staying at the Chessman Hotel

too.

I absolutely refuse to do it.

I refuse to do it.

It'll grow on you.

I dislike the idea of working in a hotel.

Then it'll be a new, fascinating experience.

I've had my fill of new, fascinating experiences.

Now, it wasn't easy, but it's already fixed.

I got you the job, you start on.

That's him.

That man I told you about.

Passhold.

I'll see you soon.

What do you mean he's checked out? I had an appointment with Dr.

Cullen for lunchtime.

I'm sorry, sir, but he has checked out. See for yourself.

I don't want to see the files.

I want to see Cullen.

Good morning, Mr. Passhold. Now, what's the trouble?

I had a lunch appointment with Dr. Cullen. Oh, yes?

He's late.

I asked the girl to phone his room, and she tells me he checked out after

breakfast. Well, that is correct.

But he was staying here all day. He told me!

Truth. He had changed his mind.

What are you trying to tell me?

Mr. Pearsall, I trust you're a man of the world.

Try me.

A young lady in his room.

Small scene.

Of course we hushed it up. Naturally, we had to ask him to leave.

No doubt he'll contact you, but now, if you would excuse me, I should be in the

dining room.

Coffee and brandy, sir.

Thank you.

And a game of chess.

May I join you, Mr. Passhole?

Give me one good reason.

Colour.

Excuse me, sir.

And for me, on Mr. Passhole's count.

Sir. You can afford it, Mr. Passhole.

Or rather, McBain's chemicals can afford it.

You've been checking up on me.

Fascinating game, chair.

Fitting of width, strategy, point, counterpoint.

Not unlike war.

What's your interest in Dr. Curran?

Thank you.

You've heard of the brain drain.

Well, meet one of the drains.

Hence Dr. Curran. As if you didn't know.

Don't let me hog the conversation.

You say something.

Like who you are, who you represent.

How much you offered him.

Have you seen Cullen?

Seen, signed and delivered.

Cheer. You beat me to it by day.

I had a message from my New York office late last night. Signed Cullen.

But you got there first.

Kidnapped. Right under my nose.

That's how the prune wrinkles.

Order some more brandy, will you?

Keep the home fast burning. I'll be back.

Everything all right, Mr. Seed?

Thank you.

I wondered if you had any complaints.

Should I? I just happened to notice you talking with Mr. Passhold just a few

moments after his little contretemps.

And also, you do seem, if I may say so, to have spent a lot of time around the

hotel. I must confess something, Mr. Carter.

I underestimated you.

Really? You've heard of Monsieur Gourmet?

Oh, the poppy verve. Oh, yes, of course.

There isn't a gaston over the world who hasn't heard of him.

You... C 'est moi.

I wanted to keep it a secret. No special menu, no extra service. But, well, you

forced my hand.

Mr. Steele, I had no idea.

Of course, you were asking Mr. Passhold if he had any complaints.

Natural, ma 'am.

You checked his house?

You're sure?

What about his office?

Plane tickets, that sort of thing.

Leave it to me.

I won't let this one off the hook.

Sixth floor.

Thank you.

Where is this place?

Somewhere.

Yes, somewhere.

What year is it?

Yeah?

1965, of course.

Too much salt?

Oh,

definitely.

Ah, red grouse. The only 100 % all -British bird.

Cooked within half a second of perfection, sir. The meat flakes breaks

slightest touch.

It's aromatic, savory.

A hint of spice.

A rare haunting bouquet.

And the taste, Carter.

The taste.

Superbly delicious, sir.

A tang of bacon.

Delicately basted. The meat firm yet tender.

Flakes to the tongue.

The natural juices mingling with the sauce.

Black pepper.

Faintest hint of black pepper.

As you say, sir.

Mania.

Now, my lunch.

Am I allowed any mineral water today?

Yes, sir.

No banana.

Now, Carter, report to me on the hotel.

We are fully booked for the next three months.

Naturally. Naturally. And rather a stroke of luck, sir, we have an exciting

guest. Oh?

Monsieur Gourmet.

In this hotel?

Yes, sir.

Why, wasn't I told?

I only found out myself a little while ago.

A vice president of the Epicurean Circle, a guest in my hotel, and I'm not

told... I'm sorry. ...key to it that he dines with me this evening.

I hope you'll give us your award of merit, sir.

You mustn't doubt that.

Makes me quite nervous.

Likely to get quite severe indigestion.

Wouldn't want that, sir.

Nor would Mr. Chessman.

He insists that you dine with him, sir. The king sweet at eight.

He's very much looking forward to testing your reputation as a gourmet,

I'd be delighted.

Reception. Yes, sir?

Oh, it's you, Mrs. Peel. And how are we settling in? Very well, thank you, sir.

Go.

Thank you. Excellent.

Sir? Keep smiling.

I'll try.

Cullum was in room 621 when he vanished. So probably was what, Kim?

Or alternatively, sir, you would always try our mystery tour.

Does that include the grottoes?

Check back and see.

It's not as easy as that.

Why? Well, they change the register every year.

Well, it must be about somewhere.

And where will you be?

Dining.

Gourmandizing, I hope, with Chessman.

Well, don't come to me for the bicarbonate of soda.

My dear fellow, I've waited a long time for this. I was not aware you were a

disciple. I've read every word you've written. I wouldn't like to picture you

young, old, thin, fat.

I'd have bet you a Frenchman.

Gaelic only in matters of taste.

I see that business is flourishing.

Il faut profiter.

Hotels going up everywhere, overlooking Acropolis, overlooking Repulse Bay.

You know what they say about Max Chessman. He never overlooks anything.

Pity it doesn't apply to your staff.

I prefer his watercolour. What did you mean about my staff?

Sure you must have noticed.

Noticed what?

The malasol caviar at lunch. What was wrong with the caviar?

There was nothing wrong with the caviar.

Then what?

The butter on the rye bread.

What's wrong with the butter?

Normandy butter?

Yes. It was salted.

I can't believe it.

I do beg your pardon. I don't mean to question you. I must admit I was

surprised. Un peu de sou. Say no more. Leave it to me.

Mr. Chessman, forgive me.

It is a little hot here, don't you think?

Look at me.

One of nature's jokes. A fat man with thin blood. I had to keep the

to steady 80 degrees.

Quelle dommage.

Would you mind if I... Of course.

Allow me.

Merci bien.

Now, Mr. Steed.

You're going to have to work for your supper.

My doctors won't let me eat. They won't let me drink.

But they can't prevent me from watching.

Toast?

Reception?

Yes, sir. I'll make a note of it.

Three, four -minute egg,

black coffee, orange juice, and the time at 7 .30.

Right, sir.

Why have you got this out?

I was checking, sir. Checking? What on?

Oh, a letter we had from Senor Juan Alvarez Hernandez Gonzalez Fuente

Yes. From Valencia.

Yes, I know the senor.

Oh, well, he wrote asking for his usual suite, and I was just checking out to

see which one it was.

Second floor, bishop's suite.

Thank you, sir.

Why didn't you ask me?

I thought it my business to find out.

No, no, no. The service entrance around the back.

One of the great dishes of the world. Tried it just the other week.

Tell me, is it as great as it was?

Greater.

Impossible. He told me himself.

What did he tell you?

He's changed the recipe.

I don't believe it.

Cut down a soup sauce on the conger eel.

Was it a favorite of yours?

Oh, I used to drive three or four hundred miles just for a bowl of it.

Used to be a favorite of a friend of mine, too, John Watkin.

Watkin?

I don't think I know him. You should. He used to stay here.

Host to the world, Mr. Seed. That's what the papers say.

But I don't come into contact with many of my guests.

Unless, of course, they're of special interest, like yourself.

Oh, this chap is of special interest. He disappeared two years ago. How

intriguing. He's back again, though, now.

Remarkable story to tell.

What kind of story?

Cuban.

Sun -dried and rolled.

Rolled against the thigh during June Feast.

You were saying about this man, Watkins.

exactly this distance from the thigh from the leaf honey

looking for you.

I understand that you've seen entering the laundry room.

Yes, sir. A lady in 5 .30 lost an article of clothing, and she thought it

have been taken down by the laundromat.

I see.

For a receptionist, you undertake a great many tasks, Mrs. P. As a

Mr. Carter, I expect to.

Commendable. In that case, you won't mind undertaking another small task.

Now, a special guest is arriving, very young.

Insist that his room is nice and airy when he arrives.

Of course, I've given instructions, but if you would double -check.

Yes, sir. Room 621.

Well, Mrs. Peel?

Right away, if you please.

Rose or carnation, which do you think?

Really, Steve, how can you?

Lovely heady scent at this time of year.

You see the man just inside the bar with snow on his boots?

Name's Pushkin, chess grandmaster.

Well? Brother of their minister of interior. Perfect cover, don't you

over here to play chess.

When talking of chess, did you know that Chessman was planning to build a string

of hotels in the Black Sea?

Impossible.

Why, they'd never give him permission.

Unless they got something pretty big in return.

Carnation, I think.

Mrs. Peel's going up to the 6th.

Got a pen?

Well, that's funny. They've changed the shift.

There's a new receptionist. Where's Mrs. Peel got to?

Room 621.

When was this?

Just now, sir. She was asked to check the preparations.

What the fuck is this?

There's one way, just one, via Chessman. He must know where she is. We haven't

tied him in with it yet. We will.

We can't risk everything just for one girl. It's against official procedure.

Maybe we won't have to.

You won't mind taking the service lift?

Right. Thank you.

Pushkin's on his way up, sir.

He did a good job in Cullen.

Very thorough.

He was, sir. Easy, sir.

Cracked like an old stick.

About the girl, sir. What girl?

Mrs. Peel, the receptionist.

Oh, yes.

I'm afraid I shall have to dispose of her, sir. Very well, very well.

Just tell me when it's done.

Now... About the refreshments. It's all laid out, sir.

A beluga caviar, stone crabs, and plenty to drink. An ample sufficiency of

vodka.

Slivovitz. That's his particular poison. Very good, sir.

First, luxury hotel on the Black Sea.

Then, cross east.

Napoleon couldn't do it.

But I will.

Carter. Hotel manager. Would you come this way? It took 19 seconds for this

to arrive.

This would not be tolerated at home.

No, sir.

You take the one on the left.

What?

His jacket will fit you better.

Who are you working for?

Who sent you to the Chessman Hotel?

I asked you a question, Mrs. Beale.

Mr. Carter asked me to go up to room 621.

And the laundry. Did he tell you to go there?

I was looking for something.

Oh, yes.

We know that.

Why were you checking the register?

Someone asked for the same suite.

And I was checking.

You underestimate me, Mrs. Beale.

We have never had a woman in this camp before.

Never.

You will tell us everything in a little while.

Are you quite sure you won't take off your jacket?

Quite sure.

You look very hot.

Let us talk terms.

Terms? That suggests an element of bargaining.

Oh, no, my dear fellow, there can be no suggestion of that. You do know what I'm

selling. Not exactly.

A service.

A unique service.

Information at leisure, without risk.

Dr. Cullen, Wadkin, half a dozen more others are here at your disposal.

Right here.

You don't have the problem of smuggling them out of the country. They're here.

Ready for questioning under the most ideal conditions.

Without risk, you said.

I heard a rumor.

Watkin... Watkin was at liberty for a few hours.

But he knew nothing, so he could tell nothing. It was the merest chink in our

security. It shan't happen again.

Now, my dear fellow.

What are you asking?

Fifty thousand plus permission to build my hotels.

Fifty thousand?

A modest price for such a service.

I will see what I can do.

Not good enough.

I need more than vague promises.

Come in.

Put the drinks over there.

Now, if I'm not at the Black Sea by next summer, my five -year plan is ruined.

And my five -year plan is to span the world with Chester's hotel.

The name of Chester.

The businessman against the politician, the soldier.

All tried it, you know, but they failed and wrecked the entire globe.

My way's different.

Subtle as the sauce, Marianne.

As forceful as a haunch of venison.

As insidious as the flavor of chilled polygred sauce.

You don't need your armies.

Your fleets are ships.

You see, Pushkin, you... What are you doing?

Cooling you off.

The temperature mustn't drop.

Where is Mrs. Peel? Must be steady, 80.

You'll kill me. Mrs. Peel, where is she?

All right, I can wait. Take your time. Please, please.

Much better in here. Still a little close. Open a few windows. No, no.

Seventh floor, room 61.

Seventh floor.

Chessman hotels all over the world.

Chessman Empire.

rang, madam?

Yes. I want to change my room. There's a honeymoon couple next door.

You should see the other fella.