Original subtitles

A CCC FILM

METROPOL THEATRE

THE DANCER, THE EXECUTIONER AND THE CLOWN

THE INVISIBLE DR. MABUSE (The Invisible Claws of Dr. Mabuse)

Screenplay: LADISLAUS FODOR From an Idea by: ARTUR BRAUNER

Music: PETER SANDLOFF

Set Design: GABRIEL PELLON, OSKAR PIETSCH

Cinematography: ERNST W. KALINKE Effects: K.L. RUPPEL

Editor: HERMANN HALLER

Asst. Director: CARL v. BARANY Costumes: IRMS PAULI

Furs for Karin Dor supplied by Pelzhaus Berger Berlin-Hamburg

Sound: GERHARD MÜLLER

Production Managers: HEINZ GÖTZE, MANFRED KORYTOWSKI

FILMED AT CCC STUDIOS BERLIN

WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION BY OMNIA

Executive Producer: WOLF BRAUNER

Producer: ARTUR BRAUNER

Director: HARALD REINL

Help! Help!

No!

No!

No, no!

Be careful where you walk when you come backstage.

It's a bit late for that advice.

What are you doing here in the first place?

A silly question! I came to see the show.

- Sure, I bet. - I love operetta.

You do, why?

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

About what?

I'm talking about Enterprise X.

Enterprise X?

Never heard of it.

Why did you want to get into Liane Martin's dressing room?

I'm an autograph hunter.

You clearly have a sense of humour.

But I don't appreciate it.

Just what do you know about Enterprise X?

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

I think I'll refresh your memory.

Max, I have a job for you.

This guy won't cooperate.

Doesn't want to talk.

See if you can persuade him, Max.

I hope that now you understand.

It's easier if you talk.

Be more careful, Max. Torture is a delicate art.

You must learn that a corpse can't tell you anything.

Now, I'll ask you a question.

Just what do you know about Enterprise X?

Get him on his feet.

Look at me.

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

I can hear you. I know who you are.

Well, it's the last thing you'll ever know.

Another customer who forgot his coat.

From New York. An American?

It happens every night.

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

- Goodnight, Rudy. - Goodnight.

Open! Move it!

- You finished? - Yes, in a minute.

Why are you moving the trunk?

What is it this time?

Why do you want to know? That's our business!

I just wanted to know.

Go on! Go away I said.

Mistakes like this shouldn't happen.

Nick Prado should have been shark bait a long time ago.

Number 17, come over here.

Why is it that the wardrobe trunk

was left on the pier long enough for the dogs to get at it?

The clock workers went on strike, there was nothing we could do!

Work has completely stopped for the last 24 hours!

We couldn't have foreseen that.

You must foresee everything!

When your adversary is the FBI, nothing can be left to chance.

Who saw the wardrobe trunk being loaded?

Only our own guys, the driver,

and the shore attendant - he stumbled across it.

No! I saw nothing! Not a word passed my lips!

I have a wife and children!

Stop your snivelling, this is just a warning.

Keep your mouth shut or you'll be eliminated. Take him away.

You can trust me! I swear, I won't say a word!

Not a word, I swear I won't!

Not a word! I won't say anything! I swear I won't!

Number 12 and 13, keep an eye on him.

Yes, sir!

That's one more FBI man eliminated.

The next one will get the same treatment.

We will soon achieve our objectives.

But you must be even more vigilant, more thoroughly prepared.

Ready to carry out my orders without question.

When does our man arrive?

The plane is expected at...

It'll land in about 20 minutes, sir.

Do you have anything to declare?

No, just my belongings.

And an old Native American blanket from Oklahoma.

There's no duty on Native American blankets.

What can I do for you?

I'd like some eyeglasses with tortoiseshell frames if possible.

Near or far-sighted?

Bifocals, as prescribed by an eye clinic in Washington.

You have an astigmatism 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, please read all five letters on the third line from the bottom.

E, D, G, A, R.

- Joe Como. - Inspector Brahm.

We've been expecting you. Come in.

Thank you.

Please, sit down.

- Coffee? - Please.

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

However, the situation is such

that our security division finds it imperative right now.

Yeah, I can see that.

How's the optometry business?

Smooth as glass.

What do you expect with so many short-sighted people?

However, our real business is in terrible shape.

Yesterday the police found the body of a man in a wardrobe trunk.

I have a strange feeling that the body...

is that of your colleague, Nick Prado of the FBI.

- Prado? - 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 tells me you were most valuable in investigating the Dr Mabuse case.

- Who are we up against? - I don't know.

Whoever it is must be the head of a vast criminal organisation.

An enormous racket. Unimaginable.

It reminds me of Mabuse... a Machiavellian power

that wants to get its hands on Enterprise X.

And it will stop at nothing.

I see. And what is Enterprise X?

I've no idea myself. You know how it is.

It's a need-to-know operation, then you can't give much away.

Not even if you're tortured. But what I do know is this:

Enterprise X is more important in its potential applications

than either the atom bomb or the space shuttle.

- That bad? - It's terrifying.

And Nick Prado, your colleague from the FBI,

must have had proof of something.

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

Well, it'll be easy for me to identify him.

He has red hair and a moustache.

And he had one wisdom tooth.

It wasn't much use to him.

MORGUE

For you, Mr Como... here.

There must be some mistake.

"STAY AWAY FROM THE DEAD.

“DEATH IS CONTAGIOUS AND ONLY A FEW SURVIVE, LIKE ME."

— An old Friend, who you can always count on.

Mabuse.

Excuse me, but I'd like to see the body.

- The one found in the trunk. - You too?

Well, he seems to be our most popular guest.

There's a lady who wants to see him too.

The police were here after the autopsy as well.

But so far, nobody even knows his name.

You can look at him together if you like.

Number six.

A friend of yours?

I've never seen him before.

May I take you out for some fresh air?

Is he the one you're looking for?

No, I guess not.

Excuse me, but I'm frightened by dead bodies.

Dead bodies or seemingly dead ones?

May I take you home?

No thank you. I feel much better now.

I thought we should talk.

- What? - We're in the same situation.

We're both looking for someone.

I'm not looking for anybody.

What were you doing in the morgue then?

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

I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself.

My name is Joe Como.

I'm sorry, but I really haven't got the time.

Taxi! Taxi!

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

- Who are you? - My name is Hase. Police.

- Police? You? - Yes!

Why not? David was small, and he slew Goliath.

What's my size got to do with it?

Did you bring your slingshot with you?

There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Hey, look over there!

There we are, my boy. Come on, let's go.

Bravo, Mr Hase. You're efficient, very efficient.

Spare the compliments.

I hope I'm not being arrested.

We're just going for a ride. My chief wants to speak to you.

About what?

About the special interest you showed in that corpse.

I was more interested in that beautiful brunette.

She'll be coming as well.

Her telephone number was found in the victim's pocket.

Very interesting.

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

- I can imagine. - Who is she?

Liane Martin. A dancer for the Metropol Theatre.

And where are we going, if I may ask?

You put him in jail?

Yes, sir. Under lock and key. He's ready for questioning.

You're efficient, my dear Hase. Very efficient.

Praise from you is high praise indeed, sir.

May I present the famous Joe Como of the FBI.

What, the FBI?!

You could've told me sooner. No hard feelings I hope?

Say, that's not fair.

You see... I know a few tricks of my own.

Let's get down to facts.

The dead man was Nick Prado.

I thought so.

Well, is that the end of my mission?

On the contrary, it's just beginning. Please, have a seat.

Thank you.

When we find who killed Prado, and we will find him,

then we'll also find whatever lead he had on Enterprise X.

I already know who did it. It was Dr Mabuse.

Mabuse? He's dead.

If he is, then the dead can now write letters.

Well, let me see it then.

- It's a blank page. - What?

The writing's gone.

If I'd done that to my exam paper at school,

I might have graduated.

It's typical of 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 we found his body in was a theatrical wardrobe trunk.

We investigated thoroughly but couldn't find anything about the trunk,

but we did come across a lost raincoat while we were looking for it

with a label from a New York tailor.

So Nick went to the theatre the night he died?

Yes, it seems that's where Nick Prado was.

And then what happened?

There's another clue.

We found a long blonde hair On Prado's jacket.

Nice little razor blade, isn't it?

I prefer electric.

Let me try something.

Pretty sharp.

This theatre reminds me of Maestro Diabolo,

the great magician who stood on 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 it Transas that moved the trunk with the body in it?

Transas is a large transport firm

with a warehouse on the Sternstrasse.

The trunk was to be shipped to a nonexistent address in Australia.

And who was the sender?

Well, he was another ghost.

And what did you find out at Transas?

Well, not all of their drivers had returned yet.

Besides, the owner won't be back before tomorrow morning.

He's out of town.

See you tomorrow.

Where's he going?

Don't ask me.

Hands up!

What are you doing here, mister?

Who are you?

I happen to be 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 ID is in my breast pocket.

That's alright then.

And by the way, my name is Droste.

You weren't expected until tomorrow.

I happened to get back early.

Tell me, what brings you here so late at night?

I want some information.

I suppose it's about that trunk murder.

My assistant told me about it.

The police must think that this is a funeral home.

Well, in a manner of speaking.

You're both in the transport business.

We transport anything, including the dead,

as long as it's officially declared by the sender.

We don't know anything about corpses in trunks.

Customs have a job to do.

We're not responsible for the contents of the trunk.

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

We own more than 200 vans and employ 300 drivers.

I will of course look into this as soon as all of my drivers have returned.

DETOUR

The road was perfectly clear. Someone must have faked a diversion.

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

I think there's a woman behind this mystery.

So you're sticking to your theory of a blonde murderess?

This case isn't that romantic.

Do you agree with our friend Hase's theory?

I don't even believe in my own theory.

Our profession is based on us being wrong.

A series of mistakes which sometimes lead to the solution.

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

Meet the genius. What have you got there?

Well, unless I'm mistaken...

It's a stagehand's hook from the theatre.

Metropol.

I saw nothing, honest!

You were at the stage door, weren't you?!

I swear, nothing!

You must know something, you're shaking with fright!

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...

Hello, Rudy!

Any post for me tonight?

No, no, nothing. I'm sorry.

Well, 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!

I know nothing.

Well, at least tell me who that character was?

Bobo the Clown.

His wig was an unusual shade of blond.

Help!

No!

Excuse me, I was just about to knock.

How long were you standing there?

I only just got here.

Were you just in my dressing room?

I told you, I just got here.

No, it wasn't you... I would have seen you in the mirror.

What are you talking about?

Someone was here... he stood behind me and I'm certain

I felt his breath on the back of my neck.

When I turned around, no one was there.

You just finished the guillotine scene.

No wonder the back of your neck feels strange.

Stay with me, please.

He's still here. There, behind the screen!

I don't know if it's your imagination or wishful thinking.

I'm scared.

Perhaps the same fear that stopped you from recognising the dead man.

I swear, I never saw that man before.

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

Yes, who is it?

Excuse me, I didn't mean to disturb you.

The gentleman was just leaving.

He's a manager from New York.

But I'm not ready for Broadway just yet.

How interesting.

If you ever need a musical clown for a show...

perhaps you'll think of me.

Don't worry, I'll remember you.

Your wig is unique. Such an unusual shade of blond.

An open and shut case, isn't it? The man was drunk and hit by a car.

He must have been coming from over here... let's take a look.

No trace of tyre marks.

Now the question is, was it murder or an accidental hit and run?

This was no accident.

The porter knew too much, so they put an end to him.

Did you learn that from your correspondence with Dr Mabuse?

Pardon me, Inspector.

But this case won't be solved with conventional methods.

You're too clever for us, Joe Como. All a good policeman needs is

a head to think, legs to walk and a backside to sit on.

Some get confused and think with their backsides.

That'll do, now let's get down to business.

We need to find out how the porter got so drunk.

Someone gave him a bottle of cognac last night.

Someone named Liane Martin.

Does that surprise you?

Liane Martin.

Yes, hello?

Am I speaking with Beethoven Strasse 28?

Yes.

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

She isn't home.

Will you tell her that...

You have nothing to say to her.

If this is the man who's been bothering her, this is a warning.

- Who is this speaking? - Her husband.

You?

I'm sorry, the door was open.

Looks like you're making a quick move... what happened?

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 have no husband.

I phoned half an hour ago and spoke to a man who said he was your husband.

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

There's nobody else in my apartment.

He spoke to me on that very telephone... I heard him.

On the phone? A man?

Well, a man's voice at least.

I don't believe it.

Liane.

What do you want from me?

- You're hiding a secret. - What secret?

That's what I wanted 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 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 anymore.

Be careful, he may hear you.

Liane, listen to me.

There are atoms, electrons and Einstein's theories.

But there are no ghosts!

Miss Martin? We've finished upstairs.

Thank you.

Would you at least tell me where the moving men are going?

I'm moving to a hotel. My furniture is being stored at 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?

No, nothing at all.

But I heard the dancer Liane Martin moved in.

Yes, she has rooms 315 and 316.

I'd like 317, please.

Just a second, Mister Como.

Someone telephoned just a minute ago

with a message for you. Your eyeglasses are ready.

Thank you.

I got your message, what's new?

I have a letter here from the Ministry of the Interior.

My government has made an agreement with Washington to share information.

I have just been briefed on Enterprise X.

And I'm authorised to brief you as well.

It's about time we finally heard the truth.

Enterprise X is a criminal organisation, with the purpose to acquire

the secret invention of Professor Erasmus.

The Nobel Prize winner?

The one who didn't appear at the ceremony?

The Professor never appears in public.

He never leaves his secret laboratory at the Cosmographic Institute,

where he works behind locked doors.

All he cares about is his work.

What is he working on?

He has invented a machine that renders matter invisible.

Renders matter invisible?

Even human beings?

Yes, humans too.

So ghosts do exist.

Dead men writing invisible letters? No.

Let's stick to flesh and blood.

For example, Dr Bardorf, assistant to Professor Erasmus.

Bardorf has placed himself at our disposal.

He fears that the professor's invention

may fall into the wrong hands.

He'll brief you on the technical details of Enterprise X.

Go and see him at once. Here's your entry card.

"Trip to the Moon"? An afternoon performance at the planetarium?

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

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

The eternal movement of these heavenly bodies

has always fascinated mankind.

Shepherds watching their flocks on the hills of ancient Greece

were enthralled by the spectacle of the stars and the planets.

Eternally unchanging, yet moving across the heavens each night.

Science is just beginning to understand the mysteries,

which were hidden from mankind for thousands of years.

But maybe that is precisely why the star...

The man who just sat down in seat four in the second row

should go discreetly to the Meteorite Exhibition

and wait next to meteorite number four

until he is approached.

But we now have a scientific basis of knowledge

from which to work, though it is, as yet, incomplete.

We do not yet know the limits of the great universe.

Nor the limitations of human understanding and creativity...

- Hello, Mr Como. - Dr Bardorf.

I have been asked to brief you concerning Enterprise X.

Or, at least explain the basic principles. 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?

That noise you hear is a signal from Explorer Seven.

And the humming sound comes from Vanguard Number One.

The chirping is from Sputnik Four.

And just what do satellites have to do with Enterprise X?

A lot! They show us that cosmic dust, the first form of matter,

is invisible to the human eye.

And that means?

That the visibility of matter is a recent development.

But matter doesn't need to be reverted to cosmic dust to be invisible again.

An airplane propellor is invisible

as soon as it's made to rotate at a certain velocity.

Just like this electric fan.

Now suppose as an experiment we might

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 propellor blades,

and fail to reach the target.

But if we fire a machine gun,

which has been synchronised with the velocity of the rotation,

then the bullets will succeed

in passing through the fan without touching the blades.

I understand what you're getting at,

but I'm afraid your comparison isn't exact.

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

Let's suppose the target we're aiming at is the human eye,

and the bullets are light rays.

Between the eye and the source of light,

we have the obstacle: in this case, matter.

Light rays must find gaps in the matter.

When you say gaps, you mean the spaces between electrons?

That's correct.

Every atom is just like a solar system,

in which electrons, protons and neutrons revolve.

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

And solid matter is only one of them.

Right, and if we can coordinate the vibrations of matter

with the frequency of the vibrations of light waves,

then the light rays will pass through like bullets through a propellor.

That's to say they will reach their target, the human eye.

And in that case, matter becomes invisible.

I understand the basic principle.

But how do you coordinate the different frequencies?

That is the great discovery made by Professor Erasmus.

A frequency coordinator...

A frequency coordinator no larger than a transistor set.

It looks simple.

But by merely turning a dial, it can render a man invisible.

And is this modern miracle ready for use?

I would guess the professor has made some progress.

You guess?

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 wouldn't give me any information.

Well, what about when he left the clinic?

He hasn't been seen since.

He's locked up in the lab behind that door.

Is he protecting himself from others?

Or protecting others from himself?

He won't open the door for anyone, not even the police.

Are you absolutely sure that the man

in this secret laboratory is Professor Erasmus?

Well, who else?

Someone might have switched places with him in the clinic.

That's absurd!

Perhaps.

The performance at the planetarium is about to end.

Return to your seat discreetly.

Gladly.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

And thank you.

And so we return from our voyage to the moon.

Our spaceship returns to the Earth's gravitational pull.

We have come back from a voyage into the mysterious world of...

Excuse me, but that's my seat.

Excuse me, please.

Stay in your seats! Nobody touch the body.

The man's dead.

How did you get here so fast?

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

Good!

So good that I could have been the body lying here!

We've been investigating with no success.

Only three people knew where I would be sitting.

You, the inspector, Dr Bardorf and Hase.

You're forgetting the fourth: yourself.

I am not my own murderer, nor am I Mabuse.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Do you think I'm Dr Mabuse?

You serve his interests.

- Who, me? - Yes!

Anyone who refuses to believe

in the existence of Dr Mabuse helps him unconsciously.

As does anyone without the courage to follow his own intuition!

Intuitions can lead you astray.

The blond hair from the clown's wig

is not the same as the one we found on Prado's body.

So that means the clown's not the murderer.

Unless he has more than one wig.

In any case, all our leads take us to Transas or the Metropol.

Those are our rat holes, but the rat remains invisible.

What do you mean by that?

Are you sure, Inspector, that we haven't already lost

the race to Enterprise X?

There's a fair chance of that.

Well, we have to know.

And I'm going to find out at any cost.

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

What's happened?

Liane, can you hear me?

What's wrong, is it her heart?

Get a doctor... there might be one in the audience.

Right.

Is he still here?

Who? Who was it?

You had a visitor?

I was just having some champagne, as I do after every show...

- Then, all of a sudden... - He was here again?

Yes, this time he kissed me.

The invisible man?

You must think I'm going out of my mind.

If you're crazy, then I am as well.

You believe me?

Every word.

But don't tell anyone about it.

Otherwise we'll both wind up in the madhouse.

I'd be ashamed to tell anyone about it.

Being kissed by a man you can't see.

I sound like some wishful old maid.

My God, he's still here!

I am Dr Krone.

Head of the Segendorf psychiatric clinic.

It's fortunate I was here to see the show tonight.

I appreciate you coming, Doctor.

But it was just a fainting spell. It happens sometimes after the show.

I'm glad to see your head is back on your shoulders,

where it belongs.

Come on, please. Everybody out, please.

There we are, now you'll be able to rest.

You will feel much better.

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

Well, thank you.

I meant that as a compliment, I'm very fond of horses.

- I understand. - I could try to impress you

and give you a more complex prescription.

But you really don't need it. Just rest for a while.

Do you know the country around Wallgraben?

Where is Wallgraben, Doctor?

It isn't far by car.

It's a pleasant ride and the air is wonderful there.

You should find a nice room in their local hotel.

When you come back, you'll feel much better.

Like a different person entirely.

A different person... How does that work?

Through deep sleep. Goodnight.

SIHLOK HOTEL WALLGRABEN

I'd like a room, please.

I can offer 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, of course.

- Yes, thank you. - This way, please.

This hotel used to be an armoury.

It's a national historical monument.

This room here was used as a cell for imprisoned knights.

It is now a bathroom.

It has a wood burner just as it did in the old days.

If you would like to take a bath, please let us know in advance.

We have to heat the water.

I'd like to take one immediately.

Seventeenth century, but the mattress is new.

You will get a good night's sleep.

Shall I have your bags brought up?

Yes, I'll take the room. My luggage is in the car.

I must have left my keys there too.

Aren't they over there, madam?

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 all it is.

Yes, what is it?

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

Just a second, I'm coming.

Just a minute.

Do you like your bath very hot, madam?

Don't worry, I'll run it myself.

Very well... please just ring if you need me.

- Thank you, goodnight. - Goodnight.

No! No! Help!

Liane, what's wrong?

I can't stand it anymore.

I can't stand it anymore! I just can't stand it anymore!

Liane, what on Earth is the matter?

- He's in the bathroom. - The invisible man?

I locked him in there. He was waiting for me.

I was getting ready to take a bath,

and suddenly I saw the bath towel begin to move.

I tell you, it's unbearable! I'll go crazy!

Go back to your room, lock the door and don't open it for anyone but me.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

- You shouldn't go in there. - Go on.

Speak up, Doctor.

Hiding is pointless, you won't get past me in a room this small.

You will regret this. But have it your way, Como.

Open the door! Give me the key!

If you want the key, then come and get it!

Too bad. You'll suffer for this.

Let go! I can't breathe!

Show your face first!

Who are you?

Who are you?

I am...

Professor Erasmus.

At least I was Professor Erasmus.

This is who I was, before.

And this is what I am now. Horribly disfigured by an accident.

It would have been better if the accident had killed me.

Rather than to go on living like this.

I understand.

I can't show myself to others like this!

And certainly not to the woman I love.

- Liane? - Yes.

- Does she know you? - No, of course she doesn't.

I've spent months watching her. But she was unaware of it.

- Because you were invisible? - Yes, it's pathetic.

Yet only she gives my life meaning.

That device on your chest, is it the frequency coordinator?

Yes.

The means by which you can rule the world?

For me, it is only a means to bring me closer to the woman I love.

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

My love for Liane is being manipulated by a man who wants her under his power.

Through her, he'll get me. And with me, the invention.

Who is this man?

A threat to all humanity.

Mabuse.

Liane!

Professor Erasmus?

Alright, take her out.

A sleeping beauty.

And it won't be long before she speaks.

She will say what I want and do what I tell her to.

She's dreaming.

Joe?

Joe?

The American?

It won't be long before we get him as well.

We'll have them both, Joe Como and Professor Erasmus.

Then with his invention, I'll have power and dominion!

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

What did you say, Como?

I saw Professor Erasmus. I had him right in my hands.

But I got distracted.

And what distracted you, may I ask?

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

Mabuse has kidnapped Liane Martin.

Mabuse?

Have you gone mad? It's impossible!

Erasmus escaped because of this foolish theory of yours!

We might lose our lead to Enterprise X because of some girl.

Joe, do you understand what this means?!

I do!

With Liane as his prisoner,

Mabuse can extort the invention from Erasmus,

if he hasn't already done so.

Are you serious?

Perfectly serious.

Then I'll look for Professor Erasmus.

Logically, there's only one place he's likely to be.

In his lab, at the planetarium.

That's exactly where he won't be!

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

What?

I've got to find her no matter what.

We must work together.

Our goals differ... you're after a woman, I'm looking for a man.

But if your hypothesis is correct our aims should align... come on.

Sorry gentlemen, but I haven't any idea where Professor Erasmus is.

He hasn't been seen since his accident.

We only get a few messages on the telephone.

But I haven't even had those lately.

I guess he must be invisible,

and leaves through the vault doors when I'm not here.

Is this the only way in to the laboratory?

Yes, there's a second door behind this one

but we can't get through it.

Only the professor knows the combination to this door.

Wonderful... Safe combinations are my specialty.

- One moment. - No, wait!

I'm sorry, I tried to warn him.

Hase!

You're fine, stop messing around and try to stand up.

Mama, where am I?

Never mind, darling... you can have pancakes for breakfast.

What happened?

Professor Erasmus is a very cautious man.

Door two would have been fatal.

Well at least he's efficient!

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

it is your duty to tell us at once.

I don't know but he'll be wherever that woman is.

- Is that him? - Yes, he gave me that photo

shortly before his accident.

About 50 years old, dark eyes, normal features, straight nose.

Any special characteristics?

Yes, he's invisible.

Send that description out at once. Wanted, invisible man with dark eyes.

Cosmographic Institute, satellite laboratory.

Professor Erasmus! Where are you calling from?

From a phone booth near the Metropol Theatre.

Try to keep him on the phone.

- Dr Bardorf? - Hello, Professor?

The battery of my frequency coordinator is burning 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. Get here as soon as you can!

- 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 visited the Metropol for nothing. It wasn't even...

When did you get here?

Just now, the booth was empty.

There's something fishy about this whole thing.

Do you finally believe that Mabuse is alive?

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

This is just 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.

That's right... I'm proud that I was able to save such a great man.

What are you doing here?

Where am I?

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

Reveal yourself, Doctor. I want to talk to you!

You are talking to me.

Invisible prey isn't easy to hunt.

But I have succeeded at last, Professor.

Where's Liane?

Don't take another step!

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 move closer. The drug works very well.

Liane will only wake up when I need her to.

What have you done to her?

Give me your invention, and she will be yours.

- You're a monster! - I can be far worse.

- Your invention, or her life. - No!

She may not be on the stage right now, but that guillotine is still there.

What is your decision, Professor?

Well?

My invention is at your disposal.

However, it won't work. The battery's burnt out.

- It needs recharging. - Then recharge it.

It's not that simple.

This isn't a vacuum cleaner or an electric razor you can just plug in.

The battery needs to charge from the ionosphere.

I need my assistant, Dr Bardorf, if you want me to recharge it.

Oh, rest assured that I treat scientists

of your standing with the utmost respect.

You may call your assistant any time you like.

Dr Bardorf?

Yes... are you the man I was supposed to meet here?

That's right. The professor is expecting you.

Hop in, please.

I'm sorry you have to see me like this, Bardorf.

Professor?

You must help me.

You can rely on me.

I know. I am Mabuse's prisoner. He's blackmailing me.

He is forcing me to give my invention to him.

Your invention in the hands of that criminal?

Do you realise what that means?

Of course, and that's why I want you to help me

by making sure the frequency coordinator doesn't work.

What should I do?

Listen, the combination to open the door

to my secret laboratory is left one, two, three.

Right four, five. Left seven, eight, nine.

- It's quite simple. - Yes.

This coordinator has a burned out battery.

It needs to be recharged... you will find dozens more in the lab that

I am supposed to surrender to Mabuse.

Neutralise them by exchanging the batteries

with vibration filters and...

Vibration filters and...?

And electron grids.

Have you forgotten the basics of our work, Doctor?

Of course not, but it's hard to hear you when you're whispering.

Alright, go quickly please.

That wasn't...?

If only you were awake to see this, Dr Bardorf.

You would be so surprised by the mask I'm wearing.

Even the professor didn't recognise me.

Wake up now.

What time is it?

Time for you to get up.

Is it morning or evening?

Evening... and you'll spend it in pleasant company.

- Joe Como's waiting for you. - Where is he?

He will be wherever you tell him to meet you.

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

You will wear these earrings.

They are special earrings. They can whisper to you.

I have only one lord and master: Dr Mabuse.

- Any messages for me? - Not a thing.

Mr Como, a call just came through for you.

The telephone booth across the lobby.

Thank you.

Joe, finally! I've been waiting for you!

Liane, where are you calling from?

I'm in my room.

We're neighbours, remember? Or have you forgotten?

No, but I thought... Where have you been?

I'll explain when I see you. Come on up.

He's coming to my room, Doctor.

Good... I want you to remember my instructions.

I will obey you, Doctor.

Be sure to slip the drug I gave you into his drink.

Liane, it's me.

Answer him.

Come in.

Joe?

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

Kidnapped? By whom?

You're the only man I'd go away with.

But you've been gone for days.

It was foolish of me. Iran away in a panic.

I didn't know what to do.

But I'm alright now.

Suddenly, everything is clear.

Now I know where I am supposed to be.

Here with you.

- Did anyone follow you here? - Of course not.

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 a wonderful cognac.

What's the matter with you?

The matter? Is something wrong?

You're just acting strange.

I'm sure I don't know what you mean.

You're not the Liane Martin I know.

It's as though you're performing.

What shall we drink to?

I have an idea, we'll drink to our future together.

- Excuse me, I'm here on business. - Hase?

That looks like a very tasty cocktail.

- What are you doing here? - The police have questions for Miss Martin.

Please come with me.

Excellent idea. Lock her up!

Do you mind if I come along with her?

Am I being arrested?

No, just an invite to go down to the station.

It'll be simpler if you go. I'll come along too.

Ready, madam?

Would you wait a minute, please? I'd like to change my dress.

That was easier than I thought. This calls for a toast.

What does the Inspector want with her?

Something to do with some cognac she gave to the janitor. Cheers!

The janitor was very well liked. I'm sure he received many gifts.

Hase?!

What shall we do with this one?

Leave him... he'll be out for two hours.

By the time he's awake, we'll be far away.

I have won the race for Enterprise X, Joe Como.

I now possess the secret of invisibility, and you are all under my control.

You, the professor and Liane.

As you can see, she is in good hands.

So, that was your plan.

You're a coward, Dr Mabuse!

You haven't the courage to show yourself and fight in the open!

I will fight, in front of the entire world.

My fight will bring death! Invisible death!

Then humanity will tremble before me and I will have dominion over the world.

Then why not get on with it?

What are you waiting for?

My first victims will be world leaders.

They may be well protected, but they will still die.

Their deaths will sew confusion and fear.

Everything has been planned in advance.

On 8 December at 5am, an explosion will birth a new era.

It won't be as simple as that!

If you're smart, you'll join forces with me.

You might be useful to me.

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

Professor?

Quiet!

How did you get in?

You must try to free Liane.

Only you can do it, it's our last chance.

Mabuse is in my lab. Save her before it's too late.

Has Mabuse got your invention?

Yes, he disguised himself as my assistant.

By the time I realised it was too late.

Go immediately to my lab.

The combination is as follows: one, two...

We left the door open so that you could see for yourself

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?!

Liane?!

What's your hurry, Joe Como?

You have plenty of time.

The poison gas will slowly suffocate you.

That's against the rules, six jokers in one pack.

They all look the same.

Sure, but I want the right one.

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

A power failure!

- What happened? - Where are the lights?

Find him, Hasan! Get him!

Call off your dog, that man is mine!

Hasan! Hasan! Here!

A very good evening to you!

So, that's it.

Well, well... the boss and a clown in one person.

The respectable Mr Droste managing the business...

And the clown doing the dirty work.

I'm not finished, not yet.

Stay where you are! Not another step!

Otherwise I'll show you how authentic this guillotine is.

If you shoot, I'll pull this lever as I fall to the ground.

Now throw me the revolver... go on!

I'll count to three!

One!

Two!

Number 17.

Number 3.

We will attack in two groups.

Turn on your coordinators.

8 December at 5am.

There must be a reason for Mabuse's timing.

I've spoken to every government and every intelligence agency.

But I'm no closer to knowing why 8 December is so special.

When I studied history, I knew all the dates but not what they meant!

- This might be news. - It's from Central!

That's it.

What does it say?

8 December, 5am.

A Clipper aircraft is flying into Washington DC.

It will stop to refuel with a VIP on board.

Maximum security.

A VIP, why then it's someone...

It's our last chance to get Mabuse before he can act.

This is the spot where it'll land.

The police will be here.

The terminal building, the waiting rooms,

and customs will be completely locked down.

They'll approach through the open field.

Mabuse has the advantage. Invisible men don't need cover.

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

But he won't succeed.

- This will give him away. - Black twine?

Our opponent might have the finest technology there is,

but we'll set up a perimeter around the airfield

with our vehicles and connect them together with this black twine.

A bell will sound if an invisible man slips through.

But we need something to warn us beforehand.

Mabuse has the most advanced weapon in the world.

We'll stop him using the oldest and best warning system there is.

Look out, they're coming. Is the equipment ready?

Go!

Everybody ready?

Go.

Fire!

Fire!

There's more coming!

The laboratory... if Mabuse is alive, then he'll be there!

Paramedics! Paramedics!

Well?!

Report!

All of our men were killed or arrested.

I was wounded myself.

I need help... A blood transfusion...

You miserable failure!

If things went wrong, it's because you failed!

You deserve to die! You've lived too long!

We shall both perish together.

I have changed the combination.

No!

What is it?! Tell me!

Surround the building!

Blast open the door! Don't touch the dial!

Take cover!

Now the second door!

It's bulletproof glass, there's no point in trying.

Mabuse.

The explosives are set! Take cover!

He's lost his mind.

You must all...

You must all surrender!

I am victorious! Victorious! Victorious!

- Done. - And?

He's incurably insane.

It seems he's been mad for a long time.

Shall we go?

Can I drop you somewhere?

Thanks but somebody's picking me up.

That also looks like a case of mental illness, sir.

You should try it one day, Hase.

Come on.

THE END A CCC FILM