Original subtitles

(BRIGHT MUSIC)

(LIVELY MUSIC)

(LIGHT MUSIC)

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE)

- Oh, just a moment. - Yes.

My dear, how very nice that you were able to come.

Is your father with you?

- He's so sorry, but he was held up. - Oh, dear.

Well, never mind. Now, let's see who you know among all these people.

I don't think you've even met my husband yet.

A bit nervous really, considering.

I think she looks ravishing, don't you?

That veil!

Do you think so? I thought it a bit overdone, myself.

I always thought you were all right, unless the penny turned green.

Right old mummy, she was. Furious!

And said I must never speak to any of them again.

And I think Daddy did something about it at the office,

because the next time I saw him, he looked distinctly sheepish.

Could I have a light, please?

Where does she get her clothes? Anyone would think...

Thank you.

- Watch it! - I'm so sorry.

Oh, darling, it was absolutely marvellous!

..if he wanted to behave like that,

he really ought to get a bigger car.

So, I said to him straight out,

"Damn it, she's dishing with her left fore.

"I wouldn't give him 50 shillings for a nag like that,

"let alone guineas."

They were looking for you over there.

- Who was? - Don't know.

- Tall chap, hair in his nostrils. - Oh.

- Hello. - Hello.

My name is Dominic. What do they call you?

Seraphina Yokami.

Seraphina? Seraphina, that's charming.

People usually shorten it to Fina.

- And what do you do, Fina? - Must I do something?

Certainly! In the human race's grim struggle for survival,

nobody should stand idle.

What do you contribute to survival?

That's changing the subject. One interrogation at a time.

Allow me to present Julian Tod Hunter,

cousin of the bride. Seraphina Yokami.

How do you do?

Fina is one of our great unemployed.

- I didn't say that. - You mean, you do do something?

Yes, I'm a student at the Royal Academy of Music.

Ah.

Dominic, what about our appointment?

I tell you what, you go and do the deal for me.

- But Dominic... - Don't worry, you can do it.

Come back to the flat when you're through.

We'll go and have a drink, shall we?

I've been trying to place the accent.

I come from Siba.

- Ah... Where exactly is that? - In the East Indies.

- A wonderful place. - Have you been there?

Alas, no, but my father was in the Philippines for a time.

Ah.

Now we've got the small talk out of the way,

what are you actually doing here?

I told you - studying music.

It's a long way to come to practise a few scales, isn't it?

My father is ambassador.

Ah, that accounts for it.

- What? - The diplomatic charm,

with which you were listening to that steeplechaser.

Oh. I thought he was very sweet.

Look, let's get out of here, shall we?

These things give me the screamers.

I just only arrived.

Ah, well, I tell you what.

I'll go home, get out of these glad rags.

Do you know a coffee bar called The Toreador off Park Lane?

I think so.

Well, I'll see you there in an hour.

Do we have a contract?

We have a contract.

(SOFT MUSIC)

1-2-7.

There's a party on tonight. Would you like to come?

I couldn't do that. My father is very strict about where I go.

- What about now? - Oh, that's different.

It's daytime.

What would happen if you did come with me tonight,

and your father found out?

Oh, he would be very angry,

and probably send me home to marry some "toshuri".

Some what? (SHE GIGGLES)

It's very rude of me. I can't translate.

I'm surprised you know any rude words.

But you could always refuse to go, couldn't you?

You don't understand.

In Siba, the women has not the same freedom as they have here.

But you're not in Siba.

Oh, yes, it's the same for me, anyway.

All right then, supposing we're there now.

You're introduced, by some impeccable reference,

to a young man who thinks you're the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.

Overcome by emotion,

he kisses you.

What would happen?

On the mouth?

On the mouth.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

You weren't at the flat. I thought I'd find you here.

How did you get on with Furkenheimer?

I'll tell you later.

Are you on holiday here, Fina?

I'm with my family.

Ah.

Edward rang while I was at the flat.

There's a do on tonight.

- Where? - His place.

I think we ought to run you back to the embassy,

or His Excellency will be sending out a posse.

(JAZZ MUSIC)

Bit risky, isn't it, Edward using his own flat?

That's his lookout.

(MUSIC STOPS)

Can you get anyone for tonight?

I'll get in touch with Hugh Mycroft and Gavin Arthur.

Oh, Lord, we ought to be able to do better than that.

Hi, Mouse.

Go and brew up some char, will you?

Now then, who can we get?

- I know. - Who?

- Preedy. - Ew!

What did you think of my little cherry blossom, eh?

There's nothing there, is there?

Those Orientals are too well watched.

It's the challenge that fires me.

- Where is this Siba? - It's one of the spice republics.

Hello, Preedy? Dominic.

You remember those parties I was telling you about?

Well, there's one tonight. Yes, 10pm.

Flat 5, 323 Hanover Row. It's on the second floor.

Ask for Edward Humphries.

Right, see you there.

Well, if you can get your two,

that'll make three at ten quid a nob,

twenty-four for me, six for you, OK?

Is Preedy all right?

I mean, he's an out-and-out crook, isn't he?

- What do you think you are, then? - You know what I mean.

He talks like one.

I don't think Edward will care about his accent,

as long as his money's all right. Which reminds me...

What did Furkenheimer say, exactly?

He tried to make out they weren't worth more than 300

because he's had to hold on to them till the rumpus died down.

Lying chiseller! They're worth 5,000 over any kind of...

He could sell them again for a couple whenever he wanted.

- That's what he said. - Well, if he thinks he can push me

just because they're hot, he's got another think coming.

I wouldn't part with them for less than 1,000,

certainly not to a cheap crook like that one.

- Mouse, what are you doing? - I dropped the teapot.

Oh, no, not again!

What do you use for crockery at your place? Reinforced concrete?

- There's another blue one. - Don't you dare.

Come on out here. Keep out of mischief.

- Is it wise to leave them here? - Where else would be safe?

Supposing the police start interviewing everyone who was there?

I was only a gate-crasher. My name isn't on any list.

Mine is.

Well, they won't arrest the bride's cousin.

- You coming tonight? - I'm taking Mouse to the jazz club.

Sorry I shouted at you.

You know, she's not a bad little scrubber, is she?

The bank stands at £50.

- Bunco. - Bunco over there.

The bank stands at £90.

- Bunco. - Bunco green.

- Mr Humphries. - Evening.

(DOORBELL BUZZES)

- Hello, Albert. - Hello, sir.

- How are you? - My word! Smooth!

Thank you, sir. I was a bit worried about the shoulders.

All right, Albert. You're late.

I hadn't realised this was one of those jobs where I had to clock in.

That fellow you sent, the square-looking one.

- Preedy? - What does he do?

He's a leading figure in the smuggling and allied trades.

- He got any money? - I hope so.

He's by way of being my employer. Why?

He's been losing pretty heavily,

and I've already taken his cheque for 4,000

against my better judgment.

I didn't want to refuse him until I'd got his strength from you.

I don't go guarantor for them. You want the mugs, I provide them.

After that, it's each man for himself.

- You see what I mean? - Hm.

Not pretty, is he?

- Who's she? - That's his wife.

Excuse me.

How's he doing?

He doesn't know a spade from a club.

- I thought he was a great gambler. - So does he. That's the trouble.

- Where were you tonight? - Business dinner.

Blonde or brunette?

As a matter of fact, he was bald.

Oh, what a deceitful little swine you are, Dominic.

Sh! People will think we're in love.

Let's go and have some of Edward's champagne.

It's free.

- Here. - You'll have to see Mr Humphries.

Are you suggesting it's no good?

No, I'm not authorised to take cheques.

Fine sort of dump this is!

Fine joint you brought me to here!

All smiles and old school tie when you're losing,

but when you want a chance to win some of it back,

- it's a different bloody story! - What's wrong? He's your contact.

Tell him either he cashes this,

or I'll see his games are smashed up so regularly

that none of these nancies will dare come here any more.

I keep a kind of scrapbook here, Mr Preedy.

These were the duds I was landed with in my early days.

Must be £30,000, thereabouts.

Quite a load for a one-man business to carry.

Then I hired Albert, whom you met out there in the hall.

I never enquired into his methods,

but since I've been employing him,

this is the only stumer that I've been passed.

In that case, when the man concerned came out of hospital,

he brought me round the cash here in person himself.

I keep it as a souvenir.

Do you still want to pass another cheque, Mr Preedy?

5,000. That makes 9,000 in all.

All right.

Tell the dealer you've seen me, will you?

- Nice people you work for. - I'll take money from anyone.

Which reminds me...

By the way, would you be interested in a sure thing?

A woman, no. A horse, yes.

What about an attractive piece of jewellery,

worth every penny of 6,000, and going now for 3,000 in hard cash.

Oh, so that was you.

- Are you interested? - Trouble with you, Dominic,

is that you want it so quick, it clouds your vision.

Snatching presents from a wedding reception?

They even blackball you from Borstal for that.

I'd sneer, too, if I was sitting on your bank balance.

Well, come on, there's a certain sort of good form, even in crime.

Don't you start preaching at me!

You haven't got the necessary qualifications.

Oh, dear. It seems I trod on a corn.

Hell, I'm sick of being lectured to

by people who've had it handed to them on a plate.

You sounded like my perishing stepfather.

Well, I'm sorry for that, anyway.

All the same, old man, do me a favour,

and don't pick any pockets while you're here.

It gives the house a bad name, you know.

£200 in the bank.

Look at them!

Mincing and twitting like a lot of women!

A lot of bloody chinless wonders.

I'd put them all down the mines, knock some spunk into them.

Joe, be quiet.

I'd love to see this shower under fire.

Look, look at this one. Look.

What a clown!

Oh, I say, I'm terribly sorry, sir, but would you be so very kind?

No, I would not!

And the compliments of the season to you too, sir.

IMITATING MAN: I say, I'm terribly sorry, would you be so kind?

Doesn't it make you puke?

You've got some marvellous friends here, Dominic.

Especially that manly type there. What does he do?

- Who? Harry Prentice? - Yeah.

Nothing much. He was the chap who carried

the others' hot-water bottles up Everest.

Yeah?

I thought you'd have broken the bank by now.

There wasn't a seat.

Ah, there's one now.

- What's-his-name show up today? - No.

Be there every day till he does, if you know what's good for you.

Yes.

- I can see why you married him. - Take me away from here, Dominic.

You know I can't do that.

- When do we meet? - If there's a delivery tomorrow,

I'll call round in the afternoon and we can fix something up then.

New card.

It's a seven. The bank wins again.

- The bank stands at £800. - Sweetie!

Yeah, well, could you help me out for a week?

I'm expecting a consignment any minute.

Yeah, OK, I got the message.

When I think of the people that I've helped in this town.

And now, when all I need's a few lousy grand...

You're a sinking ship, Preedy. The rats can always tell.

Now don't you start!

If I sink, you sink with me.

I didn't lose 9,000 quid and give the man a dud cheque.

It's not my ears he's going to be slicing off.

Whose side are you on, anyway?

Where can that idiot Dominic be?

And where does your father think you'll be tonight?

At the ballet with a girlfriend.

Ah.

It looks as if you might be spending a lot of evenings at the ballet.

That would be nice.

Not frightened?

Do you see them shaking?

I can see you've never done a day's work in your life.

On the contrary...

..I was spending all morning carrying heavy parcels.

- New clothes? - Money.

What was that? Your week's allowance?

I was helping my father to put them in the safe.

- And this is work? - Oh, yes.

When you have to count over £100,000 in old dirty notes, it is.

My hands were filthy!

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

We haven't decided what we're going to do.

- Would you like to see a picture? - If you like.

- Anything in particular? - I don't mind.

I tell you what, you choose something.

Shan't be a minute.

Interesting raincoat you have there.

Yes, I bought it in Milan a few days ago.

You'll find it useful in this country.

- Good trip? - Oh, so-so.

- Where is it? - The end one.

- You're very nervous. - You're not, I suppose.

Are you sure you weren't followed?

If I was, he must have been invisible.

I went on a right dance.

- Is this, er...? - Thanks.

Thanks a lot.

So long.

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

- Found one you like? - I can't make up my mind.

There's no hurry.

I've got to deliver something to a friend.

You can be thinking about it on the way. Come on.

We had two coffees.

- Didn't she give you the bill? - I'm afraid not.

Arabella.

(TENSE MUSIC)

You had two coffees, sir.

Dominic, are you all right?

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

- Anything the matter? - No, no, nothing.

Not a thing.

- Damn fool! - Is that Dominic?

Yeah, and he's got a girl with him.

I thought I told you I don't want women on jobs.

She's nothing. I just used her for cover.

Don't. I don't like it.

There's something I want to talk to you about.

I told you before, the rate for the job is £30.

That's all they're worth. It will stand.

It's not that.

Would you be interested in something big?

- How big? - £100,000.

- Cash? - Yes.

Where?

- In a safe, in a building I know. - You're out of your Chinese mind!

It's a straight deal, money for old rope.

It's not my line of business. Come on, hurry up.

All I need from you is enough capital to set the deal,

and contact with a good safe-blower.

I'd do the rest, and cut you in to a percentage.

You going to go on this joint yourself?

Why not?

Look, take a tip from me. Stick to what you know.

That sort of thing is man's work. Get some hair on your chest first.

I told him 1,000 times to...

What the hell is this?

- They're dummies. - Didn't you check them?

Not all of them. There wasn't time.

This is all I need!

How many real ones are there?

- I don't know. - Who was the courier?

Never seen him before.

I'll crucify that Lapine, sending a crook.

As for you, I should have known better

than to employ a society jackass on man's work.

Oh, simmer down. Look, I'm sorry about the watches,

but why don't you cut your losses and come in on this deal with me?

You can make more in one night than you'd make in a year

at this penny ante smuggling racket of yours.

"Penny ante"? "Penny ante," he says!

I've seen more thousands out of this game

than you've had hot dinners, my lad!

And as regards your precious deal,

I wouldn't touch anything you're in with a ten-foot pole.

Go on, you miserable little squirt! Run back to mater and pater

and live on charity, like the rest of your useless mob!

But keep out of my way, that's all!

(FOOTSTEPS RECEDE DOWNSTAIRS)

(HE SIGHS)

- Where is this? - I live here.

Look, don't start that now.

I've got a headache, I'm feeling lousy.

I want to go into my own home,

have a quiet drink, and listen to some music.

If you're going to act as if that's tantamount to losing your honour,

I'll put you in a cab right now and you can go home.

Well?

If you've got some aspirin, I'll make a drink for your headache.

(GENTLE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Could you give me a light, please?

Oh, no...

Please...

..I must go back home.

Why?

No, you will not respect me.

I respect you... very, very much.

Is there something wrong?

(JAZZ MUSIC)

Should there be?

You seem so far away.

When I'm in this mood, I hate everything about myself.

It all seems so...

Poor Dominic. Won't you tell me what's the matter?

Too complicated to explain.

Won't you try? I might be able to help you.

I do want to do something for you, very much.

Do you?

Then go and get my drink.

Let me see now. There were two cheques, weren't there?

Yes.

It's the second one for £5,000 you tell me you can't meet.

I was expecting a shipment of goods.

And the one for £4,000 is all right?

Yes, that's...

What do you propose to do, Mr Preedy?

Well, I'll pay, of course. I just want a little time.

I'm in a good way of business, as I'm sure you know.

Bit short of liquid cash at the moment.

Do you live in a house or a flat, Mr Preedy?

A house.

- And do you run a car? - Of course.

Your wife dresses very well. That mink must be worth quite a bit.

Well, I...

I, er...

I know what you're driving at, but it's no good.

All those things...

..everything, in fact... is in her name.

- It belongs to her by law. - Look, Preedy,

I don't give a damn how you treat your other creditors.

I...

You came blustering in here last night,

- said you were a man of substance. - Well, I...

Against my better judgment, I cashed you two cheques.

One is going to bounce, all right.

But I'm damned if I see why I should carry your debt

when you have property on which you can raise money.

Sell your car, mortgage your house, mortgage your wife, for all I care--

Steady on!

I want that £5,000, and I want it quickly.

I'm not trying to welch on you.

It just so happens that...

my...

..my wife has chosen this moment to be difficult, that's all.

I'll straighten it all out.

But...

..the legal situation being what it is,

I can't force her hand.

But you'll get your money, I guarantee that.

All right.

It isn't that I'm squeamish about unleashing Albert on you,

but I'd rather have my money than put you out of business entirely.

We'll look on it as a loan at 15 percent.

15 percent?!

By the month. Take it or leave it.

All right.

You'll get your cash four weeks from today.

Just to copper the risk. Albert...

..see Mr Preedy home, will you?

I've got my own car.

Good, then you can give Albert a lift.

He likes the chance to study the people he may be called upon

to, shall we say... 'service' in a professional capacity.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

(TENSE MUSIC)

(UNDERGROUND TRAIN RUMBLES BELOW)

(PHONE RINGS)

'10 Downing Street. Harold speaking.'

Oh, I wanted... I must have the wrong number.

- Fina, don't be an ass! It's me. - 'Dominic...

'My father knows where I was last night.'

A friend saw us together. There has been a terrible row.

He's going to send me home.

Whoa, just a minute. Where are you now?

- 'In a phone box.' - And your father?

He's on his way to Rome.

He accused me of all sorts of terrible things.

He was like a madman.

All right, sweetie, now you calm down.

Look, we'll talk about this this afternoon.

I'll pick you up at the Academy at two.

Dominic...

..do you really love me?

Well, you know I do, darling.

Look, try not to fret.

We'll find some way out of this. See you.

Phew.

- What was all that about? - Fina's father has discovered all.

My life won't be worth a cent in Siba.

Judging by these, it's not worth very much more here, either.

"Dear Sir, unless..."

"Dear Mr Colpoys-Owen, with reference to our..."

Ah! You'll have to get rid of the car.

I've got a trick or two left up my sleeve before it comes to that.

- Toddy... - Mm?

Did I tell you there was £100,000

lying in a safe at the Siban embassy?

A-ha.

That's a bit out of our class, isn't it?

All we need is some capital to get organised on,

a safe-blower, and Fina to cooperate.

I thought you said she was a good girl?

Ha-ha, when good girls start shedding their principles

in the sacred name of love, they peel off down to the bone.

(ROMANTIC MUSIC)

Imagine living in our own home.

A white villa on the side of a hill, overlooking the Mediterranean.

Nobody else for miles around, just the two of us,

and the rest of our lives before us.

I'd do anything for that.

Would you? Anything?

Yes. Dominic, will you really take me away with you?

Oh, what's the use of daydreaming?

You know when I was so upset yesterday?

I'd just heard that my partner has been playing the fool

and the business has gone bust.

I'm flat broke.

I do love you, you know that.

I don't mind if you are poor.

Darling, without money, we couldn't even get out of the country.

There must be a way,

there must be.

That money that was in your father's safe...

Was it his own, or did it belong to the government?

The government.

If we took that, I could be out of the country in 24 hours.

As soon as the fuss died down,

I'd make arrangements for you to join me.

But that would be stealing.

But you said you'd do anything.

I couldn't do that.

Couldn't you?

Well, that's the end of it then, isn't it?

No!

Dominic...

..what do you want me to do?

(TENSE MUSIC)

First, which room is the safe in?

Documents room.

Which is in the basement, here.

And here, behind this wall,

is a disused tunnel, which runs into the Piccadilly Line underground

and can be reached quite easily from Belgravia station.

- I don't like the risk. - What risk?

One, you may be caught breaking in. Two, you may not get in.

Three, you may get in, but you may not succeed in cracking that safe.

And four, even if you do, the money may not be there.

We've no proof of that. And five, even if it is,

and you're not caught coming out,

one of you is bound to start bragging round the town

about how clever you've been, and when the police pick you up,

I don't want that trail leading straight back to Uncle Edward,

as an accomplice before the fact.

But I'll be the only one who knows where the stake comes from.

I won't talk. It wouldn't be worth my while.

All the same, there are too many unknown factors.

I only gamble if the percentage is on my side.

In this case, it's not. Sorry.

Isn't it fantastic?

Here am I, the only man in London

who knows where there's £100,000, just waiting to be picked up,

and I can't get anybody interested.

- Who else have you approached? - Only Preedy.

If that hombre's got any money lying about,

he'd better invest it in repaying his debts.

- That cheque of his bounced? - Sky-high.

I also know that he owes money to at least two bookies.

How long have you given him to pay?

A month.

You're mad! I happen to know there won't be another consignment

of his wretched watches for weeks.

I give you ten to one he skips town.

So?

If you put the pressure on... shorten his time to, say, a week,

that would put the fear of God into him.

He wouldn't be able to clear up and go in that time,

and the only way he could raise the wind quickly

would be through the skill and ingenuity

of his old friend and ex-employee, me.

Why do you want him so particularly?

Only because he's got good contacts for this sort of thing.

And I know he's too stupid to carry it out by himself.

Supposing I do it, how do you know Preedy will come to you?

I'm pretty certain I can have his brain washed in my direction.

- Right, I'll call him now. - No, wait.

Make it about 4.15.

That will give me time to prepare the ground.

Well, what are you going to do with your share?

Take that harem of yours on a grand tour?

Don't be ridiculous!

This is the break I've been waiting for.

If the job's successful, it'll give me the capital I need to go legit.

As what?

It doesn't matter as what. A man with £40,000 behind him

can buy his way into a dozen businesses.

Come on, Chrissie, darling. It will help me,

but it won't exactly do you any harm, either.

It'll get Preedy out of debt,

and the flusher he is, the easier it will be for you.

I don't want Preedy, flushed or unflushed.

All right then, I'll cut you in on my percentage.

- I could let you have, say... - I'll do it on one condition.

That you take me away from Preedy for good.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

All right, Chrissie.

All right.

You've got a deal.

How can you be so sure about Preedy?

I waved a magic wand.

I'll lay you ten bob he calls before half-past.

You must know he will, or you wouldn't take the risk.

- Well, are you on? - Will I get any peace if I'm not?

Your five... and another ten.

- I'll see that. - Full house.

Aces over kings.

Well, I, er...

I flogged the watches

and I paid Harry Kidd something on account, anyway.

Everything is going to turn out just fine.

Chrissie...

All right, Chrissie!

I give up.

I know I'm not the man you thought I was,

and I know the marriage is a wreck.

But, for pity's sake, can't you forget that for a minute?

Can't you look at me, and see that I'm right down on my uppers?

Well, what do you want me to do?

Well, I'd like to feel

there was some place I could go where there's...

not someone barking and threatening me all the time. I'd like to feel...

..I'd come home.

(PHONE RINGS)

Yes?

Who is it?

- Hold on. Humphries. - What does he want?

- Yes, old man. - 'Preedy, about that debt.

- 'I'll have to shorten the limit.' - What do you mean?

A week from today. That's as far as I can go.

A week?! That's impossible!

Look here, Humphries, you can't do this to me!

We've got a deal!

It was only a courtesy that I gave you any time at all.

And don't shout at me. I don't like it.

Oh, and Preedy, don't try anything funny.

Albert takes his duties very seriously.

That supercilious swine!

Where the hell am I going to get £5,000 in a week?

I've got a mind to get a few of the boys together

and teach that bloody Burlington Bertie a few facts of life!

Oh...

..What am I going to do?

If you're seriously in a spot, why turn your back

on one sure way of getting out of it?

And making a profit into the bargain.

What are you on about?

That £100,000 Dominic was talking about.

41, 42, 43...

Come on, Preedy!

47, 48, 49...

(PHONE RINGS)

- Hello? - 'Dominic?'

Who speaks?

- 'Mr Preedy.' - Preedy!

Well, well, what can Dominic do for Preedy?

'You remember that proposition of yours?'

Yes.

'I've been thinking it over, and I may have been a little hasty.'

I'm afraid I have another party all ready to sign.

'Now, look, don't rush it.

'Why don't you come round here for a drink this evening

- 'and talk things over?' - No harm in talking, I suppose.

- 'About six?' - I'll bring my partner. Bye.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

Now, let's get one thing straight.

This is my scheme.

I discovered the money, I know the way in.

That makes me the automatic leader of the expedition.

What do you want us to do? Salute you, call you General?

Call me anything you like, as long as you do as I say.

Assuming there's a flat £100,000,

for conceiving, planning and leading the sortie, I get 40 percent.

For putting up the operating expenses, you get 30 percent.

The safe-blower gets 20 percent,

and Toddy here 10 percent for tagging along and making the tea.

Wait a minute! If I'm putting up the operating capital,

I take the biggest cut.

Come on, Toddy.

'Night, Christine.

All right, don't go flying off the handle

like a couple of hysterical schoolgirls!

- What was that percentage again? - 30.

Make it 35, you've got a deal.

- Night. - All right! 30.

Turn that damn thing off.

(MUSIC STOPS) Right, now who's the safe-blower?

He's one of the top boys in the country...

..if we can get him.

Well, he's in constant demand.

How much did you say was in it again?

The thick end of 100 grand.

And are those two gentlemen coming along?

Yes.

No offence. In fact, it's a compliment...

but they don't look as if they're exactly practised

- in this kind of work. - Well, don't worry about them.

What we want to know is, are you interested?

My dear Preedy, I'm an artist.

In 20 years' careful application of my craft,

I was only lagged once.

And that, through no fault of my own!

I retired with a neat but sizeable stake,

which I invested in various flourishing enterprises,

and I have no intention whatever of jeopardising myself

by hasty or precipitative action.

Colonel Whitfield, are you interested

in coming in with us, or aren't you?

Let us suppose, for a moment, that I am.

How do we carve the cake?

You get 20 percent, and provide your own tools.

(HE CHUCKLES)

My dear young man, you're not only wasting my time,

you're insulting me.

What would you do it for, then?

Consider, for the moment, our relative contribution

to the success of the venture.

It's true you might force your way in without me,

but, once inside, what would you do?

Jump up and down on the safe, and hope the lock bursts?

No, no, it's the traditional principle

that the screwsman is the fulcrum of a deal of this nature.

I'll accept 30 percent.

Well--

Oh, what the hell! One percent, one way or another, I'm in!

All right, we all adjust our takes accordingly.

Splendid. One thing more, gentlemen.

It's understood, of course, that none of us carry arms.

Of course.

I have never been involved in anything of that kind before,

and I don't intend to start now.

Now then, how are you planning to effect your entry?

Now, this is the tunnel we want.

The last train through is at two minutes past midnight.

We'll make our way to this point here,

arriving no later than midnight.

There's only one porter on duty then,

and after he's flagged the train out,

he goes into here. That's our moment.

We duck down over here, and enter the tunnel.

Don't worry about the electrified rail.

There's plenty of room to walk beside it,

and anyway, they turn it off a few minutes afterwards.

Once we're in the tunnel, it's all plain sailing.

We make our way slowly along here, beside the live rail,

till we reach a point about here...

(JAZZ MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH)

Well, what do you think of it?

- Colonel, hey! - Hm?

Oh, I'm sorry, yes. I was just observing

what the Baron's diet has done for the young English girls' figures.

Rather pert in front, and very commodious behind.

- Colonel-- - The Chinese had a word for it...

- Colonel, for the love of... - Yes, of course, I'm sorry.

We're here on business. A very ingenious plan, of course,

but it does rather depend on the type of safe.

If it's one of the latest heat-resisting jobs,

it may take us three times as long as you've allowed.

In that case, we go in over the weekend,

and work through Sunday.

How do you know we won't be disturbed?

I can find out the movements of the people inside.

When were you thinking of doing it?

How much time do you need?

That depends on how soon you can get me

detailed information about the crib.

What I want to know is, who the manufacturer is,

whether it's cemented in the wall...

(TRAIN RUMBLING)

(TENSE JAZZ MUSIC)

The safe is about six-feet high,

and a dark reddy-brown colour.

The maker is given as James Oliver And Son,

serial number F10476. No date.

There are two key-operated locks, no combination.

The back's against the wall,

and appears to have been partly cemented into it.

The room's about 20-foot square, one door, no windows.

Bookshelves, ledgers, filing cabinets around the walls.

- How about a power point? - A 13.15 amp socket.

Well, I'm going to the pictures. Bye-bye, everybody.

- Goodbye. - Goodnight.

- Something wrong? - What?

Something wrong?

- The Oliver... that's a tough one. - It's a standard safe, isn't it?

It's heat-resisting, an inner and outer layer of steel,

packed with alum and sawdust.

Devilish stuff to burn.

I'm afraid I can't do it with my present equipment.

We'd be there for a week,

and even then, I might not get through.

What else would you need to get?

I shall have to blow her, that's all,

and for that, I shall need a new drill,

brace, cutting edges, jelly.

And I must warn you, it can't be done without some noise.

Well, forget the noise for a minute. How much for new tools?

Ooh, £300, something in that region.

(PREEDY WHISTLES) I'll get you the best bargain I can.

All right, banker. Pass to you.

Not me! I'm not laying out more money!

(THEY TALK OVER EACH OTHER)

He's the bang artist. He should provide his own tools!

He's right, you know.

I'm sorry I can't oblige you, gentlemen,

but all my available funds are... fully employed.

That's fine. What are we going to do?

Well, you're the self-appointed general.

You figure out something.

So far, I'm the only one who's put his hand in his pocket.

Would you mind passing the sugar, please?

For Pete's sake, get me a drink.

What are we going to do?

What are we going to do? What are we going to do?

Don't you ever have any ideas of your own?

There's always them.

£300!

I'm not giving them away, and that's flat!

Well, you asked for ideas.

Oh, I'm sorry, Toddy.

I'm just whacked, that's all.

If I don't come up with a better idea by morning,

I suppose we'd better have a go at flogging them, after all.

That Preedy makes me sick!

- What's this in aid of? - I've got to have that coat.

Why?

The Colonel needs a new set of tools.

What's that to do with me?

Without them, the whole deal falls through.

And if I give you the coat?

I'll give you a dozen minks. Anything you ask.

- What did you say your cut was? - 30 percent.

30 percent, huh? Well, let's see...

£5,000 to Humphries, plus 15 percent,

£7,500 to Ade thingummy

and about £8,000, at least, to that other crook.

Then there is the mortgage of the house,

and £2,000 outstanding to builders, and people like that.

You know, I don't think there's going to be enough change

of £30,000 to buy myself a dozen wool vests.

Uh-uh.

I know that look.

Somebody's going to get double-crossed.

You think I'd let that chinless wonder order me around like he does,

unless I saw big profit in it?

I'll let him have his hour of glory

but he'll be laughing out the other side of his head

- when I take the lot! - How are you going to do it?

Are you kidding?

I could break him in two with one hand, and his little chum!

Suppose you can't?

I don't think I'm going to have any trouble, somehow.

How about the Colonel?

Well, he's a pro, even though he's an idiot.

I'll pension him off with something.

I wouldn't underestimate Dominic, if I were you.

- What? - He might make trouble.

How? Complain to the Queen? Get me banned from Ascot?

(CHUCKLES) Don't make me laugh!

Come on, Chrissie. Let's have the coat.

It'll be the best investment

you ever made in your life, I promise.

(DIAL TONE RINGS)

(PHONE RINGS)

Hello.

Oh, thank goodness! I thought you were out.

What, at this hour?

There's been a telegram from the ambassador.

He's coming back earlier... on Friday.

Is that definite?

'Yes. Dominic, I thought you ought to...'

Good girl, thanks.

We'll have to get weaving. I'll call you.

Dominic?

All right, Dominic, I'll tell him.

I've got to see you urgently, alone.

'What is it?'

- I can't talk over the phone. - Who's that?

'I'll be at the corner with the car in half an hour.'

All right.

- Who was that? - Dominic.

- What did he want? - He wants a meeting here at 3.30.

The ambassador is coming back a day ahead of schedule.

Did you tell him I could get the money?

Yes.

Where are you going in such a hurry?

To buy myself some woollen vests.

What?

- What do you want? - Toddy asked me to bring these.

He's coming along later.

When he arrives, tell him there's been a change of plan.

We have to go in a day early.

Tell him Preedy's going to get the money,

and we're meeting at his place at half-past three.

(LIGHT JAZZ MUSIC)

- I'm scared. - There's no need to be.

Now I know what he's up to, I'll be ready for him.

How?

Well, when we come back into the tunnel,

- I'll be carrying the bag. - What if he won't let you?

It's always been agreed that I should.

He won't want to start anything in the embassy.

How can you be sure of ducking them in the tunnel?

Oh, that's easy.

I just let them go through towards Hyde Park, as arranged,

I go back the other way towards Belgravia.

Did he say anything about the earrings?

Only that there was to be this meeting at 3.30.

Didn't he say anything else?

Um... it was something about...

..somebody getting the money.

How am I supposed to flog these in a couple of hours?

Hm! (HE TUTS)

- Where can that boy have got to? - Calm down, he'll be here.

The important thing is, can we be ready in time now?

We've got to be.

I don't see why the ambassador coming back

should make all that difference.

He may move the money out of the safe.

As far as I'm concerned, we either go in now, or not at all.

I hate rushing a job of this magnitude.

It won't be a rush. Everything's worked out to the split second.

We have everything we need except your gear.

Haven't you got them yet?

Yes, I'm picking it up this evening, and the jelly.

- At what time? - Got a match?

- What time? - Half-past six.

Then we'll meet here again at seven. I'll get the rest of the stuff over,

and we'll have a dummy run for detail.

Where can that boy be?

I don't know, but you can be sure of one thing...

knowing Toddy, there'll be a good reason for his absence.

Hello, Mouse, what are you doing here?

- Dominic, I've been going crazy. - Where's Toddy?

He's been arrested!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

What are you talking about? What for?

He tried to sell those earrings.

Didn't you tell him Preedy's got the money?

Oh, that was the name... I couldn't remember.

How did you hear about this?

The police came round to our flat this afternoon,

- turned the place upside down. - Had Toddy told them about me?

- No, I don't think so. - What did they want to know?

Who his friends were, where he worked...

You didn't say anything about me, did you?

No, of course not!

Crazy little fool!

Stupid moronic idiot!

Oh, Dominic, I'm so frightened.

So, you did it all on your own, eh?

I've told you I did.

Despite the fact that you were seen in the company

of a dark-haired man, about 30, of medium height?

That's crazy! I spoke to a dozen men like that at the reception.

Yeah, only this one was a gate-crasher.

- Where did you put the earrings? - I carried them around with me.

Did your accomplice agree to that?

I've told you, I didn't have an accomplice. I worked alone!

I don't care. I don't like it.

It doesn't smell right to me. It's like an omen.

Forget it, there's nothing to connect the kid with Clarence here.

Apart from anything else, we're a man short.

What are you going to do about that?

Share Toddy's work. It won't be much extra.

It's that much more jam to spread between the three of us.

- Doesn't that make you happy? - Not entirely.

But I do submit to the majority opinion,

whilst at the same time registering my dissentions as a minority report.

Good. In that case, we'd better get this equipment packed up.

It's now 8.15. We've got three and three-quarter hours.

(DOORBELL BUZZES)

How did you shake him?

I'm at the pictures, establishing his alibi.

- Are you all packed? - Yes.

My stuff's in the car already, except for these.

Now then...

Here are the tickets, my passport, the AA documents.

The car's booked on the 10AM flight from Ferryfield in the morning.

Here are the keys.

- You've driven it before? - Yes.

Leave the house at 4.30 in the morning,

park outside Belgravia station entrance,

down that one-way street I showed you.

Supposing we finish the job by 5AM at the latest,

I should be with you by half-past with the money.

We get the hell out of London, stop at a hotel,

where I can shave and change. What about that, eh?

Oh, um... what time was that plane again?

Ten o'clock. We'll be on the road in France by eleven.

Are you sure you can handle Preedy? I don't like that gun.

Snap.

You won't use it, will you?

- Not unless he makes me. - What about the Colonel?

He'll be paid in full.

I'll send Toddy enough for his trial,

and a consolation prize as well.

That'll leave us about £68,000.

You're never going to regret this, Dominic.

I'd better not, or I'll sell you to an Arab!

- Take care of yourself. - You bet.

Come on.

The car's parked round the corner, to the left.

(BIG BEN CHIMES)

(TRAIN RUMBLING)

(TENSE MUSIC)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(GATE RATTLING)

- What gives? - It's locked.

Somebody must have been through here.

You didn't even check this place. We're going to be here all day!

- These nuts unscrew. - Nuts unscrew!

- Come on! - Excuse me.

A bit of wire? Boy, you're well-equipped!

Why don't you keep your voice down?

It's the blind leading the blind.

(LOCK CLANGING)

Tape.

Coming through.

(HAMMERING ECHOES)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in.

Do you have everything you want, Miss Fina?

- Thank you. - Well, good night.

Massa, there's noone downstairs, is there?

No, I've locked up everywhere. They've all gone home.

I don't like to be alone here at night.

His Excellency will be back tomorrow.

I'll be just above you, in case you need anything.

Thank you.

- Good night. - Good night.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

- When's he going to take HIS turn? - That was the arrangement.

Take his turn? We're a man short!

I may be drilling on my own up to three hours in there.

What do you want me to do? Ruin my hands?

- Come on, I'll-- - No!

I don't like pasengers, that's all.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(HE TUTS)

(PREEDY COUGHS)

- What's the matter now? - What do you think, you idiot?

- Swallowed a lump of earth. - Here, give me that!

(PREEDY COUGHS)

(CLOCK CHIMES)

He's through!

About time. We're an hour behind as it is.

When I told your mother the news, she collapsed.

Julian, if there's anything at all you can do to help yourself,

you must do it.

You know why I'm saying this, don't you?

Any more shocks might kill her.

Tell them what they want to know, won't you?

All right.

What's his name?

- Colpoys-Owen. - How do you spell that?

- C-O-L-P-O-Y-S. - Address?

Flat 6, Hereford Mansions, Cadogan Crescent.

Right, we'll pick him up in the morning.

That'll be too late.

Oh?

Why?

Nothing, I... I didn't mean it.

Now, look! You heard what your uncle just said, didn't you?

This little job you've just done can get you 12 months,

even if we put in a good word.

But if you're withholding information on something else,

you can double that!

Is that the way you want to help your mother?

How does it look?

I think it's all right.

- Where's the plug? - It's behind there.

You'd better go and have a look outside.

(DRILL WHIRRING)

(DRILLING CONTINUES)

Can't you keep it down?

(THE COLONEL SIGHS)

It's all right. The servants are on the top floor.

There's nobody else in, except the girl.

There's no time for that! It's half-four!

- Perhaps you'd like to try, my boy! - Cut it out! Get on with it.

- Was that cop out front? - Yes, where he always is.

I wonder if he'll hear the explosion.

Not unless he makes a muck-up of it, and that seems likely.

Come on, let's get the stuff ready.

(TENSE MUSIC)

- How long have we got? - Exactly two minutes.

How loud will it be?

I didn't use much. It won't be too bad.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(EXPLOSION BOOMING)

Couldn't you blow the thing properly?

Wake the whole bloody neighbourhood!

(LIVELY MUSIC)

Get the bag! Get the bag!

That's the lot.

Let's go!

- I'll take the bag, Preedy. - It's all right.

- I said I'll take the bag. - It's all right.

That was the arrangement.

What does it matter who carries the bag?

- Let's get out of here! - All right.

If that's how you feel about it, we'll share out now.

Are you mad?

Let him take it.

- OK? OK? - All right, yeah.

(UNDERGROUND TRAIN RUMBLES)

You damned old fool! It's your fault for taking so long!

- If you think-- - Shut up!

If that cop's back in front,

we stand a chance of getting out this way.

We won't get far carrying this stuff this hour, you idiot.

If you have a better idea, let's have it.

Fina.

Dominic! I was so frightened.

It's all right, it's all right. Let's take a look out front.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Hey. Don't be a fool!

Give me that bag.

Give me that... bag!

Dominic, he's dying.

He's dying.

(UNDERGROUND TRAIN RUMBLES BY)

(GUN FIRING)

Come on, come on!

(CLATTERING)

(GUN FIRING)

(GUN CLICKS)

Well, well...

(PUNCHES THUDDING)

Argh!

(MEN GRUNTING)

(GUN FIRING)

You'd better go back upstairs, Miss.

You can give us the full story in the morning.

You've got them blocked off in the cellar?

Yes, sir. Three men.

Tell them to be careful. They may be armed.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH)

They probably went through here.

They can't have done. It's locked!

(PADLOCK RATTLING)

(UNDERGROUND TRAIN APPROACHES)

(TENSE MUSIC)

Hey, mister!

(LIVELY MUSIC)

(ENGINE REVVING)

(TYRES SCREECHING)

(CARS CRASHING)

This one's dead.

So is she.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)