Original subtitles

(Morse code beeping)

(Man) One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight,

nine, ten, eleven, twelve...

...thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine.

(Seagulls crying)

(Engine chugging)

(Man) Of course war is inevitable, we're both aware of that.

But it won't come this year.

I presume you've read my reports.

If their plans for the 15th are successful,

all Europe will be plunged into war immediately.

We still have the fleet, Scudder. Karolides can hold the Balkans together.

If you don't act, the fleet will be endangered and Karolides assassinated.

Sir Hugh, have I ever cried wolf before?

All right, give us the details.

I don't know their English names but every other fact I can verify.

You've been retired too long, you're seeing phantoms.

Lord Harkness, you spend too much time at your club!

- Enough. - I cannot tolerate complacency.

(Engine chugging)

(Sir Hugh) Incivility doesn't strengthen your hand.

(Scudder) So you're prepared to ignore the warnings?

- I'll do what I can for you, for my... - Case!

I'm not in this for my pride.

Scudder!

Don't you understand? The peace of the world is in danger now.

I'm in danger. So are you and your colleagues.

(Footsteps)

(Rapid footsteps)

(Harkness) It's always been Scudder's obsession.

Sees Prussians in every wardrobe.

(Sir Hugh) He's always been reliable. (Harkness) In the past.

(Sir Hugh) I believe him.

(Harkness) Well, I'll speak to you in the morning.

(Driver) Night, m'lord. (Harkness) Good night.

Appleton, what an unexpected pleasure.

- (Sword unsheathing) - What? (Gasps)

(Cries out)

- Lord Harkness. - (All) Lord Harkness.

No one here will underestimate the tragedy of the death of Lord Harkness.

He stood against aggression, his guarantee to Serbia is well-remembered

and had full backing from every one of us here,

every member of this society, which has worked tirelessly for peace.

(Car horn honks)

- Empire Rooms - urgent! - Righto, guv.

But I am now convinced we are entering upon the last hours of that peace.

War is not only inevitable, gentlemen,

its shadow has already fallen on us.

You ready, Hugh?

- Your carriage or mine? - Internal combustion or horse-drawn?

Horse, let's stick to the old order while we may.

(Crowd chanting) Votes for women!

(Car horn honking)

Votes for women.

Oh, it'll come. Has to.

(Crowd continues chanting)

Stay back, you can't come through.

(Woman) We want the vote! We want the vote!

(Women scream)

(Policeman) Move back, give us some room.

Good evening, my name's Scudder. Colonel Scudder.

I need your help. May I come in?

- You have an apartment here. - It's really rather urgent, Mr Hannay.

I dislike bothering you but I have no alternative.

This is a novel introduction. How did you know my name?

I know a good deal about you, Mr Hannay.

Enough to believe I can rely on your help.

Sit down.

And if I don't wish to? Help, that is.

Keep away from the door.

Snap.

But mine's loaded.

Move away from the door and put the gun down on the desk.

If you please.

I don't relish being threatened in my own apartment.

Go to the window, look down into the street and tell me what you see.

- Watching your place? - Yes.

He's a member of the Prussian intelligence service.

Two of his associates are searching my apartment upstairs.

I need sanctuary for perhaps 24 hours.

Can you help?

I'm convinced that on the 15th

an attempt will be made to assassinate Karolides.

The Greek premier.

As long as he can hold the Balkans together,

war can at least be delayed until Britain and France are better prepared.

My research is all in here, Mr Hannay.

I need time to collate it.

Time and a safe place in which to work.

I don't understand half your stuff about "sleepers"

or how it affects the British fleet.

I'm not even sure it's the truth.

You're welcome to stay in the smoking room

but I'm going to Scotland the day after tomorrow.

- Scotland. - Mm.

Strathallan. I spent the first years of my life there.

It's what they'd call in South Africa a one horse dorp.

Would it be a safe place to hide...

from people hunting for you?

It isn't there. We searched thoroughly.

Scudder and his notes have to be found.

He must be somewhere in the building - he can't have got out.

We've investigated the tenants, only four have any reason to shelter Scudder.

I want their apartments searched.

Morning, Hannay!

Good morning.

Impressive.

One should always have a line of retreat available.

I may need to leave here unrecognised.

I'm sorry there's nothing more amusing for breakfast.

I've let the staff go.

Colonel,

just out of curiosity, why don't you simply go to the police?

- I've no proof. - Ah.

- May I ask where you'll be today? - At my bank.

Then to Union-Castle to get a ticket to Cape Town

and St Pancras to reserve a seat to Scotland. Why?

Just habit.

- Mr Hannay. - Yes?

If I need to disappear but need a last ally...

may I find you in Strathallan?

Yes, of course.

(Bells chiming)

(Lock clicks)

(Dog barking)

Scudder's hat.

Oh, excuse me.

Morning!

Morning, Mr Scudder! Didn't recognise you!

Cab!

(Man) Scudder's in that cab.

(Sailor) OK, lads, pick up your bags.

(Whistle blows)

Hannay!

Oi, what's your game? Get out of it!

Excuse me.

Someone's fainted.

(Crowd gasp)

(Screams)

(Struggles to speak)

- That man had a knife. - (Woman) Yes, I saw it too.

Get the police!

- (Woman) Stop him! - (Crowd yelling angrily)

Just a minute, sir. Steady on.

Damned idiots! That's the one!

He pulled a gun on me, he said men were after his blood

and something about the 15th and a plot to murder Karolides.

- You can prove that? - Why else would they kill him?

- But you didn't believe him. - Of course I...

Well, I... I wasn't quite sure what to believe then.

So you emptied his gun, locked him in and booked passage to Cape Town.

When he escaped you prepared a second chance for them at St Pancras.

Why would I want Scudder killed?

I've been in England for ten weeks.

I was bored so I decided to go back to South Africa.

That is why I booked a passage to Cape Town.

- Have you lived in South Africa long? - 25 years, since I was a child.

- How many years in the German colony? - Five.

- Doing what? - I'm a mining engineer.

- Prove it. - Do you want me to sink a shaft?

- Write to them! Ask them! - The German authorities in Africa?

- What are you trying to say? - What are you trying to say?

(Sighs) Can't you get it into your head that Scudder was on to something big?

So big it involves a war between this country and Germany!

- And Scudder told you this. - It was in his notebook.

The black notebook he was trying to give me when he was killed.

- We didn't find any notebook. - I don't believe this is happening.

- Ich glaube, Sie lügen. - Und ich glaube, dass Sie unfähig sind.

- Where did you learn your German? - In Africa, where did you learn yours?

Right...

I want a solicitor and I want bail.

Everything you've said and done is involved with the defence of the realm.

There'll be no question of bail with murder and treason.

(Man) The evidence assembled against you by the Metropolitan Police

in regard to the death of Colonel Scudder,

a former agent of the British Intelligence Service,

and possible involvement in the deaths of Lord Harkness and Sir Hugh Porton

satisfies me that you should be kept in custody pending trial.

Bail cannot be admitted.

Here he comes!

- (Crowd yelling and jeering) - (Man) Traitor!

(Car approaching)

(Honking horn)

(Neighing)

(Shouting)

Where's the notebook, Mr Hannay?

What notebook?

(Groans)

Scudder's notebook.

Bring him a chair.

(Gasps)

We've saved you from the gallows, don't we deserve some cooperation?

- If I knew what you were talking about... - Mr Scudder stayed in your apartment,

surely you must have had a conversation with him.

I thought he was a harmless lunatic!

He was obviously frightened of something.

But he wouldn't tell me what.

I felt sorry for him.

I let him stay the night and he promised a full explanation the next evening.

Your...

colleagues prevented that.

Remove the handcuffs. Give him a meal and something to drink.

By the way...

what do you know of the 39 steps?

The what?

Perhaps he's as innocent as he makes himself out to be.

What about the notebook?

If he knows where it is, he'll try to reach it.

It's his only way of establishing his innocence to the police.

Leave him to his own devices for a little while.

(Groaning)

(Ringing thud)

He's out.

(Whistle blows)

(Train chuffing)

- Where's that train going? - Nowhere, it's empty.

(Man) I dropped my diary here last night.

Check down there.

I'm extremely grateful.

'Lt's what we'd call in South Africa a one horse dorp.

'Strathallan.'

(Footsteps approaching)

(Priest humming Onward Christian Soldiers)

- (Whistle) - (Man) Scots Express, platform one!

Dumfries, sir. Platform one, better hurry.

Thank you.

(Train whistle blows)

Overpowered a vicar in a lavatory at St Pancras?

Left his own suit behind? What kind of a?

Check all trains that left St Pancras this morning. Every one to be searched!

(Brakes squealing)

(Whistle blows)

(Brakes screeching)

(Yells)

(Muttering)

(Girl) What's happening?

- What's happening, Officer? - Nothing to worry about.

Climb down the riverbank, see if he's under the bridge.

Don't get out of the carriage, madam, please.

- He's not down there. - Must still be aboard.

Aye, but where?

Come on! There's another train due! Come on!

(Policeman) Come back, you two! All back on the train!

We'll raise the alarm at the next station, get a search party out.

(Train whistle toots)

(Aeroplane engine approaching)

(Thunder rolls)

- (Exhales) - (Coughing)

Good evening.

(Scudder) 'My research is all in this notebook, Mr Hannay.

'Mr Hannay, if I have to disappear, may I find you in Strathallan? '

And when you get him mind I want my hat back!

(Men shouting in distance)

(Policeman) Keep your eyes open for him, sir.

(Man) How will we recognise him?

(Policeman) Well, he's disguised as a tramp.

Found him.

(Whistling happily)

(Man) Oi!

What are you doing here?

This wood is private property!

What the hell's going on here?!

This is private property and you are trespassing.

I'm sorry, we're looking for a friend of ours.

Some fool went in there a minute ago.

- Well, we'll get him out for you. - No, you won't.

I'm responsible...

(Man shouting)

- Yours, Vivian! - (Gunshot)

- (2nd man) My bird! - (Gunshot)

(Man) Shot, Vivian!

Hold it, everybody!

What the devil are you doing, man?

- Lost my way. - Lost your way?

You're on a private estate, damn it!

I'm extremely sorry. Did I startle the birds?

What birds? Only had a brace all day.

Anyway, it's Hamilton's shoot.

You might have been shot!

- Yes, I might. - What were you doing?

- Doing? It's a wager. - (Man) Wager?

- Yes. - What sort?

- I have 500 guineas on it. - That's pretty strong.

(Woman) What's it about?

I bet two friends that I couldn't reach Inverness before they caught me.

A manhunt?! How marvellous!

Enormously exhilarating.

Sleeping rough, changing clothes with a tramp to throw them off the scent.

Forgive the expression. However...

not only do I smell to high heaven, I am extremely hungry.

Well, David, he must come back for refreshments.

What? Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

I'm Hamilton, this is Miss Mackenzie.

- Lord Rohan. - Here here.

- Royce! Dick Royce! - How do you do?

All right, everybody, let's get back!

(Hamilton) After 36 hours I expect you need a bath.

(Hannay) That should throw them off the scent.

(Mackenzie) And a civilised dinner.

(Hamilton) Yes, they'll never look here. Stay to dinner.

I'll have a whisky. I read an article in the papers...

(Woman) Thank you very much.

Excuse me.

I wouldn't have recognised you.

You even smell different.

You look breathtaking.

Thank you. To the good fortune that sent me here.

Come and meet some of the other guests.

I can't see any other guests.

At dinner, will you take Lady Nettleship in?

Who takes you in?

David, my fiancé.

- Ah. - (♪ Bagpipes)

Mr Renfrew, I have to see the master at once.

Porton was a damn good man.

So was Harkness. No peace mongering with those two.

You believe Germany had a hand in the murders?

We shan't know until this Hannay is caught,

that scoundrel.

- He lost 200 guineas. - (All laughing)

Stuart wants a word with you, sir. He says it is most urgent.

- I'm sorry, excuse me a moment. - Indeed.

What do you think, Mr Royce?

Will there be war?

Yes.

Murdered?

That's what Constable Forbes says.

Where?

Near Duncan Spinney.

They want statements from anyone who was in the woods.

Yes. Yes, of course.

Sir.

And all because this Greek, um, what's his name?

Er, Karolides, is addressing both houses.

- Karolides? In London? - Yes.

- When? - 15th.

(Woman) A foreigner addressing the House of Commons and the Lords!

What's wrong, David?

One of my keepers...

has been murdered up in the woods.

Oh, David!

The police will want statements from everyone.

I shall have to ask you, Mr Royce, to stay until morning.

Yes, of course.

(Big Ben chiming)

- Superintendent Lomas, Sir Walter. - Come in.

You wanted to see me, sir?

It seems you've been jumping to conclusions.

- Hannay was involved. He is involved. - Only as an innocent bystander.

He's not in the clear yet.

Everything he told you about his life is confirmed by irreproachable authority.

He was decorated for his services against the Boers.

- His years in the German colonies? - As a mining engineer

and a prospector for a British firm.

Very well, sir. You have your opinion.

His story about Scudder's notebook is true.

The booking office clerk confirmed that.

Now... the foreign agents will be out to murder him and get it back.

Issue a statement that Hannay is innocent, then he can come in safely.

No! Sir.

If we stop looking for him, the enemy will have a clear field.

We must find him before they do.

Constable Forbes to see you, sir.

- I'm sorry to bother you so late, sir. - Lan, come on in.

- You'll have heard about poor Donald? - Aye. Aye, I have.

It's more than possible that it's somehow connected with this man Hannay.

Hannay? The fellow who escaped from London?

They know he left the express at Drumbriggs viaduct.

He's heading in this general direction.

He's said to be a highly dangerous man so we're just warning people.

We've asked anybody to let us know if they see any strangers at all.

- Any description? - I've no details yet, sir.

- There is some... - If we see anyone we believe to be him,

we'll let you know immediately.

You can be sure of that.

Aye, fine. Well, thanks, ma'am.

- Sir. - Will you have a dram?

That's very kind but I'll be away to my bed. It's been a long day.

- Thank you, lan. Good night. - Good night!

Why?

Why didn't you tell him about Royce?

Because the idea is ridiculous. He obviously isn't a criminal.

- You're rather taken with him. - I don't believe he's a murderer.

(Knock at door)

The local bobby was here.

Looking for Richard Hannay.

What did you tell him?

Nothing.

- David? - He likes you but he has his duty.

I don't have much time, then, do I?

I'm not a murderer.

I'm being pursued by Prussian agents who think I can stop their plans.

- They'd kill you? - They won't.

I've hunted in Africa for 20 years.

Can't I help - hide you?

No. By the 15th the police will know I'm innocent.

Maybe I'll see you in London.

I'm engaged to David.

Yes.

Take care.

(Car approaching)

(Dogs barking excitedly)

(Aeroplane approaching)

- I need a push! - (Man) Men, Sir Harry needs a push.

You there! Are you the Liberal spokesman?

- Yes! - Then get in, you're half an hour late.

I thought you'd never make it. I couldn't speak for an hour on my own. Push!

- (Men, straining) Push! - (Gears grinding)

(Grinding, engine stops)

Friends, neighbours and, er, fellow Liberals,

I should like, on your behalf, to welcome this evening

the prospective Liberal candidate for our borough,

Sir Harry McLean.

We are also gratified to have on this occasion

a notable campaigner for the Liberal cause, Mr, er...

Mr?

- Rolls. - Mr Rolls.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Rolls!

From Peebles!

(Applause)

(Applause dies)

(Clears throat)

Er, Mr Chairman, Sir Harry McLean,

ladies and gentlemen.

(Hannay exhales)

As I was, er...

being introduced just now...

a question occurred to me.

What is a Liberal? What does he believe?

Now, can anyone enlighten me?

- You, sir, what do you believe? - Aren't you the expert?

Well, I know what I believe but do you?

(Sighs)

What about the Irish question? Foreign policy?

Stop asking us questions and tell us something!

Very well, I will tell you.

You're not awake, the country isn't awake.

You don't think! You've no idea if...

You've no idea if those two men who just came in are fellow Liberals...

or agents of a foreign power. That's right.

Look at them. Ask questions.

Are they what they seem to be?

- Are you what you seem to be? - Yes! I'm a true Briton

and I believe all men should be free and equal under God!

(Crowd mutter in agreement)

Do they or are they impostors?

Steady on, old chap!

We must be on our guard always

against those who would draw Europe into chaos and carnage.

Aye, that's the Tories for ye!

That's right, so there's only one thing to do, isn't there?

- What, vote for Sir Harry? - Right!

Vote for Sir Harry McLean! Ladies and gentlemen, Sir Harry McLean!

A great wee speech but what did it mean?

- You're due to speak for half an hour. - Stomach cramp.

(Chairman) Ladies and gentlemen, please!

I'm sure we were all most gratified to hear Mr, er...

Rolls' fearless denunciation of the Tory party.

(Man) Hannay is going somewhere specific.

We've checked, he goes always in a north-westerly direction.

He's here tonight so he'll go on to there. Clanrith. Is there an hotel there?

There's a hydro there. A health resort. Favoured by Scottish hypochondriacs.

We shall take rooms there.

(Aeroplane approaching)

(Dogs barking)

I've caught up with you at last.

You killed Donald!

- What the hell are you talking about?! - Donald!

Oh, no, not again.

What can you do with a man who's prepared?!

Now, try and keep your head up, Mr Murcheson.

He's due for a treatment. Shall we sign in later?

Certainly, sir.

(Knock at door)

Good afternoon.

Can you understand what I'm saying?

A gentle restorative.

(Voice echoing, indistinct)

Never underestimate an amateur!

Your brain is clear now, you can see perfectly well and hear well enough.

Sensation will return to your arms and body and lastly to your legs.

After dinner you and I will talk. I want the real notebook.

(Orchestra tuning up)

- Good evening, Mr Hamilton. - Mary. Donald.

- Mr Hamilton, delighted to see you. - Evening, Crombie.

- Good house tonight. - Every seat taken, sir.

But remember, Hannay, I'm a patriot.

I will do my duty, however distasteful.

I will have that real notebook or I shall kill you.

(Knock at door)

Good. Time for a pink gin before the recital.

(Gasping)

- Liqueur, madam. - Thank you.

Thank you.

- (Whispers) There's that same man. - What?

One of the Prussians Mr Hannay warned us about.

(Bell rings in distance)

(Bell ringing)

(Man) Room service.

Oh, blast.

(Bell rings)

(Muttering) Why can't they make up their stupid minds?

Good evening, sir. What can I do for you?

- (Grunts) - Oh, a foreign gentleman.

A wee bite to eat, sir?

A dram?

That's the ticket. And what might be your pleasure, sir, the whisky?

Drop of brandy, perhaps?

Neat, sir?

Water?

Soda?

Ah. Large or small?

Sorry, sir. Large.

Very good, sir. Large brandy and soda.

I'll be with you in a jiffy.

Thank God for Braille.

(♪ Gentle classical)

(lnaudible)

I've been recognised.

Good evening. I wonder if you could help us?

We'd be delighted.

We're looking for our cousin, his name's Hannay.

Would you know where he is?

Hannay. I've heard that name somewhere.

Out and about, Mr Murcheson?

Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please.

The recital will begin in 15 minutes...

First I should like a moment to mention the activities of the British Red Cross.

(All) Oh! (Woman) What was that?

(Woman) There's plenty of time for the soiree, sir.

(Crowd gasping)

- I'm so sorry! - We were just talking about you.

Look, this is entirely my fault.

See that this gentleman's clothes are cleaned at my expense.

- I insist. - We must get our cousin to his doctor.

- May I help? - No, you're a guest.

- Campbell, I'll borrow your chaps. - Yes, sir.

- Send the coats to the car. - Yes, sir.

Sir, may I suggest you change clothes as soon as possible?

Yes, of course. Who is that young gentleman?

I should like to return his hospitality sometime.

(Hamilton) Poor fellow. Did he say anything before he died?

(Hannay) What I think Scudder said, well, it sounded like "host of us".

- Doesn't make sense. - No, it doesn't.

- "Host of us"? Coast of us? - Most of us?

Toast of us, roast of us... It's impossible, the man was dying.

Ghost of us?

You do understand, I'd insist on coming with you

but with poor Donald's funeral, I have to take the servants.

No, you've done more than enough. I don't have far to go.

And they won't be looking for you in those clothes.

Why did he want you to go to... Strathallan?

- If I knew that... - Between your rooms and St Pancras,

Colonel Scudder must have got rid of the real notebook in a safe place.

Good thinking. But where? And how?

I know what I'd do.

Simple. I'd put it in a pillar box, the first I could find.

"Post Office".

"Post Office"!

Will you sign there, Mr Scudder?

Thank you.

Whoa. I'll get David's car ready.

- Mm. - Is it all in code?

Yes, except for this one phrase.

- Ariadne's Thread? - That's a question they asked me.

What did I know of the 39 steps?

Ariadne gave a thread to her lover

so he could escape the labyrinth after slaying the monster.

Escape after a slaying. Karolides? At 11:45?

(Dog barking)

Richard, there's something wrong.

Of course!

Wait here.

Downstairs.

(Yells)

(Gunshot)

(Hannay) Alex, go!

(Yelps)

(Grunts)

- (Knock at door) - Yes?

Mr Appleton, we've decoded the message from Berlin.

"British fleet: Affirmative. Karolides: Affirmative.

"Urgent you confirm requirements for Ariadne on 15th."

What was the last message from Scotland?

They're both on their way back, sir.

Then reply,

"The sleepers will proceed as planned".

(Train whistle)

All right, no need to hold your breath any longer.

Danke schön.

- How's the head? - It's fine. Just a graze.

Here.

- Where are we? - Just south of Sheffield.

My train nearly missed the connection.

By the way, I've brought you the announcement of your death.

- That should stop our friends. - It doesn't give us much time.

Tomorrow Karolides addresses Parliament at 11:45.

- 11:45? - That's the time of the assassination.

We're not amateurs, Mr Hannay! Karolides will be guarded.

And the best code breaker at the War Office is waiting for this.

Oh, if you approve, that is.

(Train whistle)

He only eats once a year, Sir Walter.

This is the first breakfast I've had in a week!

- (Knock at door) - Come in.

- Good morning, gentlemen. - Morning, sir.

- Care for a cup of coffee? - No, thank you, sir.

- Your clothes, Mr Hannay. - Thank you.

How's Tillotson doing with the notebook?

It was Scudder's own personal code, sir.

But Tillotson cracked it half an hour ago.

- When shall we have the details? - He wants to see us at 11 o'clock.

That'll leave us 45 minutes!

I have a meeting at 10:15, that usually takes about an hour.

Does it have anything to do with the safety of the British fleet?

Mr Hannay, we owe a great debt to your courage and resourcefulness

but there are still some matters classified as highly confidential.

Yes, I do understand that.

And you must realise

that I'm not exaggerating about these three Prussians.

They are men of extraordinary courage and devotion.

(Mackenzie) Courage?!

Yes, I know.

But they are courageous. And dangerous.

- We are taking as many... - Lomas!

Lines of policemen won't safeguard Karolides!

They won't rush up with a bomb!

They were chosen as sleepers because they can pass as natives of this country,

not so much by disguise as by outrageous bluff!

Are you suggesting we shouldn't guard Mr Karolides?

No. I want to remind you both

that Scudder's not, so far, been wrong about anything.

And today at 11:45...

(Sighs) Karolides will be killed.

(Chimes)

(Knock at door)

What the devil?!

Get the girl!

(Gasps)

That's the house where they held me.

Martins, find out who lives there.

Superintendent, it's Edmund Appleton's house.

You've got it wrong this time.

He's a successful businessman and a friend of half the Cabinet.

Edmund Appleton has shot grouse with King George!

Scudder told me one thing about the man we want -

he was standing beside Porton when he was assassinated.

So was Edmund Appleton.

(Lomas) Hannay! Come here!

- (Martins) Superintendent! - Yes?

Somebody's been trying to copy Sir Walter Bullivant's signature.

(Chimes)

Superintendent, the man who took the minutes of this meeting was Sir Walter.

- He wasn't. - Damn it, I've known him for years!

- You must answer our questions. - "Must"? Are you insane?

You may judge that when Mr Karolides is assassinated.

- What was discussed at the meeting? - Your career is in danger.

So is Mr Karolides, sir, and so is the British fleet.

Gentlemen, would you please just answer three questions?

- Did Sir Walter sign anything? - No. No, he didn't.

- Does "the 39 steps" signify anything? - Really...

- Ariadne's Thread? - Ariadne?

- It's the name of a ship. - What ship?

A German cruiser. She's lying off Gravesend.

Dropped anchor there last night.

That's how they plan to escape!

I've been to Sir Walter's, sir. The butler was tied up in a cupboard.

Sir Walter and Miss Mackenzie were both abducted.

Now, sir, will you answer our question?

You haven't a moment to lose.

We were discussing the role of the navy in the event of war with Germany.

The bogus Sir Walter has the battle dispositions of the entire fleet.

Uniform, sir.

Scudder unearthed some extraordinary stuff - I remember once...

- Tillotson... - Mm?

Tell us what you found out. The Greek premier may be assassinated.

Yes, I know, their timetable is quite remarkable.

The volume of background research these Prussians carried out is...

Tillotson!

Do you know how they will carry out the assassination?

Ah. Scudder only refers to it as "the 39 steps".

- But what does it mean? - I don't know.

- It isn't in the book? - No.

Do you know how they're going to reach the Ariadne?

No.

(Knock at door)

- It had better be good news. - It doesn't make sense, sir.

- Well? - After Sir Walter was abducted,

he went to his office for 20 minutes before that meeting.

(Chimes)

The man at the meeting may not have been the real Sir Walter

but the man who came here most certainly was.

What exactly did he do while he was here?

He read the urgent mail I gave him, he signed two memoranda I drafted,

took a telephone call from his tailor and signed a Ministry of Works permit.

- He signed three papers. - Let me see those.

Please!

(General chatter)

Gentlemen. Gentlemen, please!

We would ask you to take your seats within ten minutes.

- Mr Karolides? - Yes?

- You will be escorted in in 15 minutes. - Thank you.

The signatures are quite genuine.

Why would he risk coming here? It doesn't make any sense.

Because there's something here vitally important to their plans!

(Chimes)

Scudder's let us down. He didn't have the answer.

I don't suppose you know what the 39 steps are?

Anyone with any knowledge of Westminster knows.

- What?! - It's common knowledge.

The steps to the various levels of Big Ben were built in multiples of 13.

- Caused an outcry. - What are the 39?

39 steps lead you from Lauderdale door

- to the belfry of Big Ben itself. - Big Ben.

Appleton signed a permit for routine work on the clock!

Lauderdale Door.

- 39. - Clever Scudder.

- Up there. - Break it down.

(Gunshot)

(Man) We have Sir Walter Bullivant and Miss Mackenzie.

- You hear? - We hear.

And send someone in we can talk to.

He's to come alone and unarmed.

He's ready!

(Lock turns)

- Hannay. - Yes. One step ahead of you, as usual.

You're really not very bright, are you?

Listen carefully, we have Sir Walter and the girl, they're our passports.

If we reach Bremen safely, they will be released unharmed. Clear?

Bremen? You won't even reach the Ariadne.

Hannay, there is one thing that you cannot know.

If we don't reach our rendezvous, they will both be killed.

By Appleton.

Go back down, Hannay!

And if you really value their two lives, ask Mr Lomas to call off his men.

No interruptions, we've got four minutes. There's a device.

It must trigger an explosion when the minute hand reaches 11:45.

So?

It mustn't reach 11:45.

How do you think you're going to stop it?

Stop the hand. Rifle!

- You're not going to? - There's no alternative!

They may be able to set it off by hand anyway!

That's your problem.

(All murmuring)

(Straining)

(Police whistle)

Load your rifle. And you.

(Horn tooting)

(Police whistle)

(Grunting)

(Grinding)

(Crowd gasps and screams)

(Rapid clicking, grinding)

(Grinding)

Right, Scott, take over here, the rest of you stand by with me.

(Rapid clicking, grinding)

Shoot that lock off.

(Ricochet dings bell)

(Steady gunfire continues)

(Yells)

(Gun clicks)

(Screaming)

(All gasping and exclaiming)

- (Yells) - (Bell dongs)

Right, look after the wounded.

And tell Scott to bring Hannay in once I stop this thing!

(Gasps)

Bring Hannay in!

- (Sharp snap) - (Grunting)

(Gasping)

- Give me your hand. - Don't be bloody stupid!

- Get a line to him. - Tie it to the post.

I'm lowering a rope to you.

Put your foot through the loop. A little to the left.

That's it.

Look.

And there's a police launch by the pier.

Pull out!

(Yelling)

(Man on pier grunting)

After you, Mr Appleton.