Original subtitles

Help,help!

Be careful where you walk when you come back stage.

Your advice comes a bit late.

What are you looking for in this theatre?

That's a silly question... I came to see the show tonight.

- Every evening? - I like it. - Which part?

Who are you working for, and how much do you know?

About what?

- I'm talking about,"Operation X" - "Operation X"?

Never heard of it.

Why did you want to get into the dressing room of Liane Martin?

- I'm an autograph hunter. - Sense of humour,eh?

I just don't appreciate it.

Just what do you know about "Operation X"?

I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about.

Then I'll help you to remember.

Max,I have a job for you.

This guy won't co-operate, he doesn't want to talk.

See if you can persuade him,Max

I hope this convinces you.

It is much easier to talk, and less painful.

Be more careful Max, torture is a delicate art.

You must learn when to stop.

You can't learn anything from a corpse.

You went too far Max,he can't even see me.

But I can hear you, and I know who you are!

Then I have to send you on a very long journey.

Another customer must have forgotten his coat.

- From New York,a yank. - That's what happens every night.

Well,I'll leave it out. Someone may come by and pick it up.

- Goodnight Rudi. - Goodnight.

Goodnight Rudi.

What are you moving the trunk,for? What is it this time?

Keep your nose out of our business!

I was only asking...

Go away! Get away I said!

Mistakes like that,shouldn't happen.

Nick Prado should have been food for the sharks,long ago.

Number seventeen,come over here.

How did it happen that the trunk was left on the pier so long,

that the dogs got at it?

The longshoremen called a surprise strike.

For 24 hours we were faced with a complete lockout.

- Something nobody could foresee. - You must foresee everything.

And when your adversary is the FBI, nothing must be left to chance

Who saw the trunk being loaded?

One of our own guys,a driver and a stage door attendant

He just happened to see it.

No no no, I saw absolutely nothing.

I have a wife and children..

Stop your sniveling! This is just a warning.

You have your choice to keep your mouth shut,or be liquidated.

- Take him away. - You can trust me,I won't say a word.

Not a word,I swear I won't.

- Number 12 and 13,keep an eye on him. - Yes sir!

That's one more FBI man Eliminated, and the next one will get the same.

We'll soon achieve our objectives,

but you must be even more vigilant than before.

More thoroughly prepared and ready to carry out my orders without question.

- When does our man arrive? - The plane will land in 20 minutes,sir.

- Have you anything to declare? - No,just my personal belongings.

And an old Indian blanket from Oklahoma.

There's no duty on Indian Blankets.

- What can I do for you? - I'd like some eyeglasses.

- Preferably with tortoiseshell frames. - Near or far sighted?

Bi-focals,as prescribed by an eye clinic in Washington.

There is a stigmatism in the left eye.

- And a weakness of the inner eye muscle. - Yes,that's right,this way.

If you don't mind.

In here.

Now,would you please read off five letters on the third line from the bottom.

E D G A R

- Joe Como! - Inspector Brown.

- You've been expected. Come in. - Thank you.

Sit down,please.

- Coffee? - Please.

Perhaps you're surprised at our rather complicated security precautions.

But,our situation is such,that our security division finds it imperative right now.

Yeah,I can see that. How's the optometry business?

Smooth. What do you expect with so many short sighted people.

However,our real business is terrible.

Only yesterday the police discovered the body of a man, in a trunk.

I have a feeling the the body,is that of your colleague Nick Prado,of the FBI.

- Prado? - And you'll have to identify him.

And you brought me all the way from Washington,for that?

You were recommended to me by a colleague.

He claims that at the time Dr Mabuse disappeared,

- you gathered valuable information. - Who are we up against?

I don't know.

But he has to be the head of a very active organisation.

Mysterious. Intangible. Just like Mabuse.

A controlling force in the dark that reaches its claws for "Operation X"

Willing to beat us.

So. What is "Operation X"?

I have no information. As you know every individual knows only small details,

so they can never reveal the whole scheme. Not even under torture.

But I know this much:

The importance and implications of "Operation X"

might even succeed all super bombs and missiles.

- That dangerous? - Fatal!

And Nick Prado,your colleague from the FBI, must have had proof of something.

But,unfortunately,where he is now, he can't tell us.

Well it�ll be easy for me to identify him.

He has red hair and a mustache.

And he had one wisdom tooth. And it wasn't much use to him.

- For you Mr. Como,here. - There must be some mistake!

Stay away from dead people,Como! Death is contagious.

There aren't many who survive it like I did.

An old friend who wants to help you.

Excuse me,but I'd like to see that body that was found in the trunk.

You too? He seems to be our most popular guest.

There's a lady who wants to see him,also.

The police were here too, after the autopsy.

But so far, nobody even knows his name.

You can view him together.

Number six.

- A friend of yours? - I never saw him.

May I take you out for some fresh air?

- Is he the one you're looking for? - I don't know him.

Excuse me,but I'm frightened by death.

Dead people,or seemingly dead ones.

May I take you home?

No thank you, I feel much better. Very much better.

I thought we might have something to talk about. - And?

We're in the same situation, we're both looking for someone.

- I'm not looking for anybody. - But..

What were you doing here at the morgue,then?

I'm not obliged to give you an explanation. Good day.

Oh I'm sorry,I haven't introduced myself. My name is Joe Como.

Excuse me,I really haven't got the time for this.

Taxi.. Taxi!

You don't need a taxi, you're coming with me.

- Who are you? - My name is Hase,from the police.

- Police,you? - Why not?

David was small,he slew Goliath, what's my size got to do with it?

Did you bring your slingshot with you?

Oh,there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Hey! Look over there!

Here we are. Come on,let's go.

Bravo Mr. Hase,you're efficient. Very efficient.

Please,spare the compliments.

Am I being arrested?

No,just going for a ride,that's all. My chief wants to speak to you.

- About what? - About the special interest you seem to show in that corpse.

I was more interested in that beautiful brunette.

She was requested to come,too.

Her phone number was found in the victims pocket.

Very interesting.. It's a number I'd like to have.

- I can imagine. - Who is she?

A dancer, Liane Martin of the metropol theatre.

And where are we going now, if I'm permitted to ask?

- In prison? - Yes, under lock and key. He is at your disposal.

Very efficient, My dear Mr. Hase Very efficient.

That�s the thing you like to hear from your boss.

You arrested a famous colleague. Joe Como of the FBI.

A secret agent? And you kept that a secret?

No hard feelings,eh?

Great move!

You see, I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well.

Let�s get down to facts.

- The dead man was Nick Prado. - As I thought.

- Well,is that the end of my mission? - On the contrary,it's just beginning.

- Have a seat,would you please. - Thank you.

When we find Nick Prado�s' murderer, and we must find him,

then we'll have the clue to "Operation X" that he was following.

I know the clue. Dr Mabuse.

- Mabuse? He's dead. - If he is,then the dead write letters.

Let me see that.

- It's a blank page. - What!

The writings gone.

If I'd done that to my exam paper at school,I might have graduated.

- It's typically his style. - What did it say before?

Nothing,as you can see.

To return to Nick Prado.

We found his raincoat in a musical revue house named the Metropol theatre.

How do you know it was his coat?

The trunk in which the body was found was a theatrical wardrobe trunk.

We investigated all the revue palaces

but were unable to find out about the trunk.

But by looking for it,we came upon a raincoat left behind.

With a label by a New York maker.

So you found his coat in a theatre.

Yes, it is almost certain that Nick Prado was there.

- And is that everything? - No,there is something else.

On his jacket we found a long blonde hair.

You could get a pretty close shave, with that thing,eh.

I'm all for using an electric razor.

Let me try something.

Pretty sharp...

This theatre reminds me of Maestro Diablo, the great magician.

He stood on the stage with an elephant, and made it disappear.

With a person it would be quite easy.

Transportation of the body would be no problem.

Wasn't Transas the same firm that moved that trunk with the body?

Transas is a large transport company with a warehouse in Stern Stra�e.

The trunk was to be sent to a non existent address in Australia.

- And who was the sender? - Well,he was another phantom.

What did you find out at Transas?

All the drivers haven't come back yet with their vans.

Besides,the owner won't come back till tomorrow morning. He's out of town.

OK. See you tomorrow.

- Where's he going? - Don't ask me.

Hands up!

What are you doing here,Mr?

- Who are you? - I'm the owner of this warehouse.

And your identity,will be determined by the police.

That won�t be necessary, I'm from the police myself.

- You? - That's right Mr. Transas.

If you don't believe me,my identification papers are in my breast pocket.

Well,that's different.

Oh,by the way,my name is Droste.

- You weren't expected until tomorrow. - It so happens,I got back early.

However,I'd like to find out what brings you here at this hour of the night.

- I had a certain suspicion... - I suppose it's about that trunk murder.

My assistant told me about it.

The police think that our firm is mixed up in the undertakers business.

Well,in a manner of speaking,you're both in the transport business.

We transport everything, even bodies.

All officially declared. In tin coffins.

We don�t know anything about a body in a trunk.

This is not customs, we are not responsible for the contents.

On the night in question,one of your vans went to the metropol.

We have more than 200 vans, with more than 300 drivers.

And I will look into the matter, as soon as the drivers are all in.

The road was perfectly clear,they obviously planted a fake detour.

The driver knew where the trunk came from,so he had to die.

I think this whole trunk affair, must be the scheme of a woman.

The hair was blonde, so it must be a blonde killer.

This case can hardly be that simple.

Do you also agree with our friend Hase' theory?

I don't even believe in my own theory.

Our profession is based on a series of false theories.

And out of our wildest mistakes, we sometimes reach a solution.

When it comes to making mistakes,I'm a genius.

Meet the genius. What have you got there?

Unless I'm mistaken,it's a stage hands hook,from the theatre.

- I saw nothing,I saw nothing! - You were at the stagedoor,weren't you?

You must know something, you're shaking with fear.

- What are you afraid of? - What have I got to be afraid of?

I don't know anything. Absolutely nothing,I tell you.

What was loaded on that van, was it a wardrobe trunk?

- Well sir,I... - Hello Rudi...

- Any mail for me tonight? - No no,nothing... I'm sorry.

Maybe I'll get something tomorrow.

I hope this kind gentleman will forgive the intrusion.

Alright now,tell me what you know.

- Nothing! - Out with it! Come on!

Nothing.

Who was that man that came in looking for his mail?

Bobo,the clown.

His hair was long and blonde.

Excuse me,I was just about to knock.

- How long are you here? - I just got here this moment.

Weren't you just in my dressing room?

I told you,I just got here.

No,it wasn't you,I'd have seen your reflection in the mirror.

What are you talking about?

Someone was in my dressing room. He stood behind me and...

I felt certain that I felt breathing on the back of my neck.

When I turned around, no one was there.

Well you've just finished your scaffold scene,

no wonder you have a strange feeling on the back of your neck.

Stay with me,please. He's still here,I...

There,behind the screen.

It was just your imagination, there's nothing to be scared of.

I'm scared.

Perhaps it's the same fear that prevented you from recognising the dead man.

I never saw that man in my life.

I'll do all I can to help you,but you're hiding something.

Yes,who is it?

Oh,excuse me. I don't want to interrupt.

The gentleman was just about to leave.

He brought me an offer from New York, but..

at the moment I�m not interested in Broadway right now.

In contrast to me.

If you ever need a musical clown, maybe you'll think of me.

Don't worry,I'll remember you. Your face is very telling.

And your hair is wonderfully blonde.

It's all very clear. The man was completely drunk,

he was run over by someone.

He must have been coming from over there.

No trace of tyre marks

Now the question is was it an accident or a murder.

This was no accident,the janitor was a witness,so he had to die too.

Did you learn that in your correspondence with Dr Mabuse?

Excuse me inspector,but you can't handle this case with conventional police methods.

You're too great a genius for us, Joe Como

What a good policeman needs is a head to think,

a pair of legs to walk, and a backside to sit on.

It gets complicated when people think with their backsides.

We need to find out how it happened that the porter was drunk.

Someone gave him a bottle of cognac last night.

Someone named Liane Martin.

Does that surprise you?

Yes,hello?

- Am I speaking with 28 Beethoven Stra�e? - Yes

I'd like to speak to miss Liane Martin,please.

She isn't at home.

- Would you tell her that... - You have nothing to say to her!

And if you are the man that's been bothering her for the last few days,this is a warning.

- Who is this speaking? - Her husband!

- You! - I'm sorry,the door was open.

It looks like you're moving out. What's wrong?

I've got no time to waste talking to you.

I didn't come to see you, I wanted to talk to your husband.

My husband? I don't have a husband.

When I phoned a half hour ago, a man said he was your husband.

I've been home for more than half an hour.

There's been nobody in my apartment,nobody.

He talked on that phone, and I heard him.

On the telephone? That's impossible

- Well anyway,a voice. - I don't believe it.

- Liane... - What do you want from me?

You seem to be hiding some secret.

- What secret? - That's what I want to ask you.

- What are you running away from? - I'm moving,that's all.

Yes,but in a panic.

Liane,I beg of you,for your own good, tell me the truth.

What are you hiding?

So many peculiar things have been happening to me.

Yes,I know. There are men standing behind you,

- and suddenly they aren't there. - Be careful,they may hear you.

Liane listen,

there are atoms and electrons and Einstein's theory,but no ghosts.

- Miss,we've finished upstairs. - Thank you.

If I ask,would you mind telling me where the moving men are going?

I'm moving to a hotel. My furniture is being stored by Transas.

I'd like to recommend the Grand Hotel. I guarantee there are no ghosts there.

- And it has one advantage. - What's that?

I live there,too.

I'd like to change my room,please.

- Anything wrong with the room you have now? - No,nothing at all.

But I heard the dancer, Liane Martin moved in.

Yes,she has rooms 315 and 316

- Well I'd like room 317 please. - Just a second,Mr Como.

Oh yes,someone phoned a minute ago, with a message for you.

- Your eyeglasses are ready. - Thank you.

I got your message,what's new?

I've received a communication from the ministry.

We've signed an agreement with Washington, providing for

a mutual exchange of information.

And I've been given information on "Operation X"

I'm also authorized to tell you about it.

Well,if we know what it's about, we can get somewhere.

"Operation X" is a criminal operation,

who's purpose is to apply the secret invention of professor Erasmus.

The Nobel prize winner.. The one who didn't appear at the ceremony?

The professor never comes out in the open.

He never leaves the secret laboratory of the Cosmographic institute

where he works behind armoured doors.

- All that counts is his work. - What is he working on?

He has invented a machine to render matter invisible.

To render matter invisible...

- Even human beings? - Yes,humans too.

There can be ghosts...

Ah,the living dead who write invisible letters,no...

Let us stick to human beings of flesh and blood.

Take Dr. Bardorf for example, the assistant of professor Erasmus.

As every man with a conscience he is worried that this device

might fall into the wrong hands and so he puts it at our disposal.

He will provide you with the technical details of "Operation X"

Please visit him immediately. Here's your entry card.

A trip to the moon. Afternoon performance at the planetarium

Yes,but be sure you don't take the wrong seat number.

It's a very special seat, provided with a hearing aid.

The man who just arrived. Seat four,in the second row,

is requested to go to the meteorite exhibition room,

and to wait next to meteorite number four,until he is approached.

- Please come in. - Dr Bardoff?

I've been requested to give you the technical details concerning "Operation X".

or at least to explain the main principals. This way please.

This is our satellite receiving station.

We keep in close contact with all satellites revolving around the earth.

And what are those signals?

Every beep you hear, is a signal from explorer 7

And the humming sound comes from vanguard number one.

The chirping comes from sputnik four.

Just what do satellites have to do with "Operation X"?

Quite a lot. They've shown us that cosmic dust was the first form of matter.

- It's invisible to the human eye. - And that means?

That the visibility of matter is a recent development.

But matter need not be re-converted to cosmic dust to be invisible again.

An airplane propeller is invisible when it's made to rotate at a certain speed.

Just like this electric fan.

Now suppose as an experiment we place a target behind the rotating blades.

And that we try to fire bullets at it.

There are two alternatives. Our bullets find gaps between the blades and slip through.

Or our bullets will strike the propeller blades,and fail to reach the target.

But if we fire a machinegun which has been syncronised with the speed of the rotation.

then,the bullets will succeed in going through the fan,without touching the blades.

I know what you're driving at. But your comparison doesn�t fit.

Yes,the validity of any comparison is limited,of course.

Suppose the target we're aiming at, is the human eye.

And the bullets,are light rays.

Here,we have: Matter Light rays must find gaps in matter.

When you say,gaps. You mean the space between the electrons.

That's correct. And every atom is just like a solar system.

In which electrons,protons and neutrons revolve.

The universe merely consists of a series of vibrations of varying frequencies.

And solid matter is only one of them.

Right,and if we can co-ordinate the vibrations of matter...

With the frequency of the vibration of lightwaves,

Then the lightrays will go through the matter, like bullets through the propeller.

That is to say,reach the target: the human eye.

In which case,matter becomes invisible.

The principle is clear to me,but...

How do you co-ordinate the different frequencies?

That is the great secret of professor Erasmus.

A frequency co-ordinator...

A frequency co-ordinator,that is no larger than a transistor radio.

It looks simple,but by merely turning a dial, it can make a man invisible.

And is this modern miracle,ready?

I suppose the professor has made some progress.

You suppose? You're his assistant, shouldn't you know?

I haven't seen professor Erasmus since the day of his car accident.

- Was it serious? - The clinic furnished no information.

- Well then,after his release, - He hasn't been seen.

He's locked up in the laboratory, behind those armoured doors.

Is he protecting himself from others, or protecting others from himself?

He opens to nobody, not even to the police.

Are you absolutely sure,this man in the secret laboratory,is professor Erasmus?

Well,who else?

Someone might have been exchanged for him in the clinic.

- What an absurd idea! - Perhaps..

The performance in the planetarium is about to end.

- You can go back to your seat. - I'll be glad to.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye. And thank you.

Excuse me,but that's my seat.

Excuse me please...

Keep your seats. Nobody touch the body.

The man is dead,how did you get here so fast?

I've been here for sometime,sir. Special detail for your protection.

That's good. You're so efficient, I could be the one that's dead.

We've looked everywhere, without success.

There were only three people who knew where I was going to sit.

You inspector,Dr bardoff, and Hase.

- You're forgetting a fourth,yourself. - I'm neither my own murderer,nor Mabuse.

Why are you looking at me like that, do you think I'm Dr Mabuse?

- You serve his interests - me?

Yes,anyone who refuses to believe in the existence of Dr Mabuse,

helps him unconsciously.

Also,anyone who hasn't got the courage to follow his own intuition.

Intuition can lead you astray.

The blond hair from the clowns wig,

is not the same as the hair we found on Nick Prados body.

So that means the clown, is not the murderer.

Unless he has more than one wig.

In any case,all our leads wind up at Transas,or at the metropol.

These are our rat holes, only the rat remains invisible.

What do you mean by that?

Are you sure inspector,that we haven't already lost the race for "Operation X"?

- There's a fair chance of that. - Well we have to know.

And I'm gonna find out at any price.

I know someone I'm not going to let out of my sight.

What's happened?

Liane,can you hear me?

What is it,her heart?

- Please call a doctor. There may be one in the audience. - Right.

- He's still here? - Who,who was it?

You had a visitor?

I was just taking a sip of champagne, as I do every night after the show.

- When all of a sudden... - He was here again?

Yes,this time he kissed me.

- What happened then? - You think I'm going crazy.

If I think you're crazy, then I must be,too.

- You believe me? - Every word.

Only,don't speak to anyone about it.

or we'll both end up in the nut house.

I feel ashamed to speak about it.

Being kissed by a man you can't see... I sound like an old maid.

My god! He's still here.

I'm Dr Krone,director of the hospital for nervous diseases.

It was fortunate I was here. I came to see the show this evening.

I do appreciate that,doctor.

But it was just a fainting spell. It happens to me sometimes after I dance.

I'm glad to see,your head is back on your shoulders where it belongs.

Come on please, everybody outside,please.

There we are,now you'll be able to rest. You'll feel much better.

And don't worry,you're as strong as a horse.

Oh, thank you.

- I mean that as a compliment,I love horses. - I understand.

In order to impress you,I suppose I should give you a complicated prescription.

But,you really don't need it. You should rest for a while.

Do you know the country around Wallgraben?

- Where is Wallgraben? - The air is wonderful there,

And It isn't far by car.

Ask for a room in Wallgraben, in the Schlos hotel.

The drive out there alone, will make you feel better.

When you come back, you'll feel like another person.

Another person... I wish I were.

Now you go to sleep. Goodnight.

I'd like a room,please.

I can give you a large room on the second floor.

It's a nice room. I'm sure you'll be pleased with it.

I'll show it to you. No obligation on your part.

This hotel,is an old arsenal,it's a national historic monument.

This room here,was the detention room, where the knights were imprisoned.

We use it now,as a bathroom.

The stove burns wood,just as it did in the old days.

If you want to take a bath,madam, you must let us know beforehand.

- We have to heat the water. - I'd like to take one now,please.

Seventeenth century.

But the mattress is new, you'll be able to sleep well.

- Shall I have your bags brought up? - Yes,I'll take the room.

My luggage is down in the car.

I must have left my keys there,too.

- But,there they are. - But,that's impossible.

- Is there anything else we can do for you,madam? - No,thank you.

I simply must pull myself together, I can't lose my nerve.

It's just my imagination. Yes,that's what it is.

Yes,what is it?

The water is hot now,madam. Shall I run your bath?

Just a second,I'm coming.

Just a minute,please.

- Do you like your bath very hot,madam? - Don't bother,I'll run it myself.

- Very well. You can ring if you want me. - Thank you,goodnight.

Goodnight.

- No,no help! - Liane,what's the...

I can't stand anymore.

- I just can't stand anymore. - Liane..

- What on earths the matter? - He's in the bathroom.

- The invisible man? - I locked him in there.

He must have been there before I was.

I was getting ready to take a bath, and then..

suddenly I saw the bath towel begin to move.

I'm telling you,it's unbearable, I'll go crazy.

Look,go to your room,lock the door, and don't open to anyone but me.

- There's nothing to be afraid of. - You shouldn't go in there.

Please,go on.

Give up, doctor! Your silence is futile.

This room is too small for you to escape me.

You'll regret this. But as you wish. I'm coming.

Go to the door. Give me the key.

If you want the key,why don't you come and get it?

Too bad. You�ll be sorry for this.

- I can't breathe! - I want to see you first.

Who are you. Who are you?

I am,professor Erasmus.

At least I was,professor Erasmus.

This is what I was, before...

And this is what I am now. An accident caused this.

Believe me, I would rather have been burned alive,

- instead of having to live like this. - I understand

I cannot face people like this.

And certainly not,the woman I love.

- Liane? - Yes

- Does she know you? - She�s never even seen me.

I always loved her from a distance.

- Invisibly? - Yes

Without hope. And yet, this woman is my life.

I take it that little device on your chest is the frequency co-ordinator?

- Yes - The device to rule the world.

To me, it's just a measure to get close to the woman I love.

I must protect her. She's in great danger.

Someone has discovered my love for Liane, and wants to capture her.

If he has her, he has me and thus the invention.

- Who is this man? - A genius of crime.

- Mabuse - Liane!

Professor Erasmus!

Get her out.

A sleeping doll.

It won't be long before, the sleeping doll speaks,

she will say what I want her to, and do what I want her to.

- She's dreaming. - Joe.. Joe..

- That's the American - It won't be long before we get him too.

We'll have them both. Joe Como and professor Erasmus.

And then I'll have the invention power and dominion.

With her in my hands,I will have it all.

What did you say?

I saw professor Erasmus,I saw him!

I had him right in my hands, but something diverted me.

And what,was it diverted you, if I may ask?

- A pretty girl? - That's just it.

- Mabuse has kidnapped Liane Martin. - Mabuse? Are you completely mad?

It's impossible Erasmus got away, just because of this fool idea of yours.

We stand to lose the fight for "Operation X" because of some girl!

Joe! Isn't it clear to you what this means to us?

I know exactly:

With Liane his prisoner,Mabuse can extort the invention from Erasmus.

- If he hasn't already done so. - Are you serious?

- I certainly am! - Then I'll look for professor Erasmus.

Thinking logically,he can be in only one place. His laboratory.

That's exactly where he won't be.

He'll be where Liane is. He's in love with her.

- Him? - I've got to find her,no matter what.

We'll both find her. But we are on different paths.

You are looking for the girl, I am looking for the man.

But that may lead us to the same place. Come.

I am sorry, gentlemen, but I have no idea where professor Erasmus might be.

I have not seen him since the day of his car accident.

and we only had occasional contact over the home telephone...

And he hasn't even answered it for days.

I assume he left while invisible.

Through this door, while I was not here.

Is that the entrance to his secret laboratory?

Yes. Behind this armoured door, there's another door.

But we can�t enter. Only he knows the combination..

Great. Safe combinations are my specialty.

- Just a moment. - Please,don't!

I'm sorry,I tried to warn him.

Hase! You aren't hurt. Come on,try to stand up.

- Where am I,mummy? - You're with daddy.

- Children shouldn't touch everything. - What happened?

Professor Erasmus is a cautious man.

- The high voltage of door two,is fatal. - Surely for a reason.

Dr Bardoff,if you have any idea where the professor is,

it's your duty to tell us at once!

I can't tell you exactly where he is, but you'll find him close to that woman.

- Is that him? - Yes,

he gave me that photo shortly before his accident.

He's about 50 years old,dark eyes normal features straight nose.

Any special characteristics?

- Yes,he's invisible. - Send out alarm at once.

Wanted,invisible man with dark eyes.

Cosmographic institute,satelite section.

Professor Erasmus? Where are you calling from?

- Near the Metropol theatre. - Try to keep him on the phone,will you?

- Dr Bardoff - Hello,yes professor?

The battery of my frequency co-ordinator is almost burned out.

I may become visible at any moment!

- Mabuse is after me. - Stay where you are.

Help is already on the way.

I need you doctor. Come as soon as possible.

That must be it.

- But it's occupied. - That's what I call a quick connection.

- I was just calling you. - What are you doing here?

- I've been in the Metropol for nothing... - And when did you get here?

Just now,the booth was empty.

There's something fishy about this whole business.

Now do you believe Mabuse is alive?

No,there are many men in insane asylums who think they're Napoleon.

This must be one who believes he's Mabuse.

How do you do,professor.

I know you,you're the surgeon who operated on me after my accident.

Yes,that's right.

And I'm proud that I was able to save the life of such a great man.

What are you doing here? Where am I?

Have I fallen into the hands of Dr Mabuse after all?

Then show yourself doctor. I want to talk to you.

You are talking to me.

It's difficult to track down invisible game,

but at last I have the great pleasure,professor.

- Where is Liane? - Just a few steps away.

She's in good hands. You can see for yourself.

No,she mustn't see me.

She won't see you. She's in a deep sleep.

You may go closer,the drug is most effective.

Liane will only awake when I have need of her.

What have you done to her?

Give me your invention and the woman shall be yours.

- This is cruel. - I can be even more,cruel.

- It's either your invention,or her life. - No!

Her guest appearance has been interuppted,but the guillotine is still there.

The choice is yours. Well?

My invention... Is at your disposal.

But the battery has to get recharged. It's power is exhausted.

- Recharge it then! - It's not that simple.

It's not like some electric razor, which you can just plug into a socket.

The source of energy from which my battery is recharged is the ionosphere.

And to recharge it,I must have the help of Dr bardoff,my assistant.

Oh you may be sure,that my respect for your scientific genius

is such, that I will spare no effort and recoil before no sacrifice.

If you want your assistant, you shall have him.

- Dr Bardoff? - Yes,are you the man I was supposed to meet here at eleven?

That's right. The professor is expecting you. Get in,please.

- I'm sorry you have to see me like this. - Professor!

- You must help me - You can have confidence in me

I am Mabuse' prisoner, he's blackmailing me.

I am forced to give him my invention.

Your invention in the hands of that criminal?

- Do you realise what that means? - Of course,

that's why I want you to help me in making the frequency co-ordinator ineffectual.

What should I do?

The combination to open the armoured doors of my secret laboratory,is as follows.

123, left 456, right, 789, left.

- It's quite simple. - Yes.

This co-ordinator has a burned out battery.

It needs recharging. In the lab,you'll find a dozen others I must give to Mabuse.

Neutralise them,by exchanging the batteries for our vibration filters...

- The vibration filters, and? - Electron screens.

You haven't forgotten the basis of our system,doctor?

Of course not,however it's hard to hear you, you're whispering so softly.

Alright,go quickly,please.

That's not Bardoff...

Now,my dear Doctor Bardof.

You would be astounded by my mask.

Not even your boss recognised me.

Wake up!

- What time is it? - Time for you to get up.

Is it morning or evening?

It's evening. And you're going to spend it in pleasant company.

- Joe Como is waiting for you - Where is he?

He'll be wherever you tell him to meet you.

And I want you to be a seductive as you can.

You will wear these earrings.

They're special earrings, they can whisper to you.

I have only one lord and master, Dr Mabuse

I have only one lord and master, Dr Mabuse.

- Any messages for me? - Not a thing.

Oh Mr. Como,a call just came through for you.

- Take it across the lobby in the booth. - Thank you.

- Hello? - Joe darling, I want to see you.

- Liane! Where are you calling from? - From my room.

We're neighbours, had you already forgotten?

No I hadn't forgotten. But where have you been?

I'll explain it all to you. Come on up.

He's coming to my room,doctor.

You'll be gentle and seductive. Offer him a drink.

Very well doctor, as you wish.

You will put the pill in his drink.

- Liane,it's me - Answer him!

Come in.

Liane,what happened to you, I thought you'd been kidnapped.

Kidnapped? By whom?

There is only one man who could do that.

- But you've been gone for days. - It was foolish of me.

In a sudden panic, I just ran away.

Blinded and confused.

Until I realised that there's only one place for me.

- With you - Did anyone follow you here?

Why, no.

But you can't stay here, your life is in danger.

I feel perfectly safe with you.

We should celebrate our reunion,Joe. What would you like to drink?

I have an excellent cognac.

- What is wrong with you? - With me? Absolutely nothing.

Yes, there is. Your attitude seems strange to me..

I don't know what you mean..

You're not the same Liane Martin I know.

- You're putting on some act. - What shall we drink to, Joe?

Oh, I already know. We'll drink to our future together.

- Pardon me, but I'm here on duty. - Hase!

Well, you certainly seem to be very unsparing with alcohol.

What do you want here?

The police need the lady's statement. You'll have to come with me.

A splendid idea. Lock her up.

- At least she'll be safe for a while. - Am I under arrest?

No, he calls it "a special invitation". You should go ahead and accept it.

- I'll come along anyway. - May I have the pleasure?

Just give me a moment. I'd like to get changed.

That went smoothly. We should drink to that.

What will you question her about?

About that bottle of cognac she gave to the stage porter.

Cheers

That porter was quite a dear. Such gifts aren't unusual.

Hase!

- What shall we do with the other one? - Just leave him there.

The drug's effect lasts for two hours and we'll be long gone when he comes to.

I have won the race for "Operation X", Joe Como.

I am now in possession of the secret of invisibility

and you are all in my hands. You,the professor and Liane.

As you see,she is in good hands.

So that was it.

You're a coward,Dr Mabuse.

You haven't got the courage to come out and fight in the open.

I will fight in the open, before the whole world!

My fight will mean death, invisible death.

Until all mankind trembles before me, and I dominate the entire world.

Why don't you start? What are you waiting for?

My first victims will be the chiefs of state.

I know they're well protected but they shall die,

so as to sow confusion and fear.

Everything has been planned in advance.

On the 8th of December,at 0:05 hours, a bomb explosion will open a new era.

It's not as simple as that

If you were smart,you'd join forces with me.

You might be useful to me.

In any case,I'll give you time to think it over.

- Professor... - Quiet!

Who let you in here?

You must try to free Liane, only you can do it.

Right now, we have a chance. Mabuse is in my laboratory.

He wants to take Liane away!

So Mabuse has your invention now? - Yes, and he took on my assistant's face!

When I recognised him,it was too late.

You must go to my laboratory.

The combination is,12...

We left the door open so you see how we handle people

who are no longer of use to us.

Alright,tie him up again.

He's getting away! Shoot to kill!

Look out!

Liane!

What's your hurry,Joe Como? You have plenty of time.

The gas will slowly suffocate you.

That's against the rules. Six jokers in one pack.

- They all look just the same. - Yeah,but I want the right one.

They may look the same, but they don't smell the same.

Go on,Rex,get him!

Get him!

- Call off your dog,I want that man! - Rex! Here Rex! Here!

Good evening,how are you?

And stay there.

Well well... Boss and clown in one person.

The elegant Mr. Droste managing the business.

And the clown doing the dirty work.

Listen,I'm not finished.

Stay where you are!

Don't take another step.

Otherwise, I'll give a demonstration of the effectiveness of this guillotine.

If you fire,I'll pull the release as I fall.

Now throw me the gun.

I'll count to three! One!

Two!

Seventeen.

Three

We shall attack in two groups.

Turn on your co-ordinators.

The 8th of December,0:05 hours.

There must be some reason Mubuse plans his attack for that date and time.

I've made inquiries to all governments,

and to all secret police and information services there are.

However,I've no idea what the mysterious 8th of December really is.

It's like me at school I knew all the dates in history.

But I didn't know what they stood for.

Central!

There it is!

- Date? - December 8th. 12:05 AM.

Jet "orinxa3" on its way to Washington.

Landing. Refueling. Leading figure on board.

- Maximum security. - Leading figure, can that be...

This is our last chance to get Mabuse, before he can act.

- This is the spot where it will land. - The police force will be here.

The terminal building, the waiting room and customs,

will be completely blocked off.

They'll come through the open field.

Mabuse has a great advantage: Invisible men don't need cover.

Just one man has to slip through, and throw that bomb.

But he won't succeed,this is what'll give him away.

Black string?

All the finest electronic devices will be utilized by our opponent.

We're setting up a wide circle around the landing field.

Our vehicles will be tied together with this black string.

An alarm will sound as soon as one of the invisible men slips through.

You see,we need something to warn us beforehand

Mabuse has in his possesion,the most modern weapon in the world.

So we'll combat it by using the oldest and most efficient warning system there is.

They're coming! Is the equipment ready?

Go! Everybody ready?

Start the hoses!

The laboratory! If Mabuse is still alive,he must still be there.

Stretcher bearers Stretcher bearers!

Well?

Report!

All our men are dead or arrested.

I'm wounded, I must have help.

- A blood transfusion. - You miserable failure.

Everything went wrong and that is your fault!

You will die, and die right now!

We will both die, I changed the combination and...

No! Give me the combination! Give it to me!

Surround the building!

Blast open the armoured doors!

And be careful not to touch the dial wheel.

Take cover!

Now the second one!

Bullet proof glass. No point in trying.

Mabuse...

The explosives are ready,take cover!

He's gone crazy.

You must all,all surrender.

And I,am victorious Victorious!

- Well? - He's incurably insane.

- Apparently, he's been mad for a long time. - No doubt.

Shall we go?

- Can I drop you somewhere? - Thanks,but I'm being picked up.

That also looks like a case of mental derangement.

You might try it someday,Hase. Come on