Original subtitles

No, no!

Yes?

Come on, dear.

- What do you think you're doing? - In you go, darling!

- Pardon me, all. - Here! What you...

Hello? What's going on here?

What are you lot doing in here?

Shut up! Shut up!

Stand over there and you won't get hurt.

Come on. Wait here.

- Mind what you're doing! - Oh, darling, keep still.

Well, I'd say that somebody doesn't like you, mr Moffat.

Inspector Sayers. Who sent for you?

Someone with more sense than you, obviously. Who was it, Frankie farmer?

Wasn't like that at all.

Some of the members got excited and started a bit of a ruck.

Oh, sure, sure.

Are you going to pay them what they want now?

And if I don't? How many men can you spare to guard me for the rest of my life?

Are you going to make a charge about this?

What do you think?

Come on.

If some of these people had the guts to take 'em to court,

we'd cut this protection racket in two before it got off the ground.

Well, you heard him. We can't watch 'em round the clock.

It's a nasty alternative.

Want to do anything about Frankie?

Any idea where he is?

My information is, he's usually at Maggie seely's place about this time.

Why can't these villains work decent hours?

You know, that's the third club he's done this week.

Things are hotting up.

What we want's an iron man in this town.

Someone like old Percy sillitoe up in sheffield.

- Remember? - Yeah.

What we want are laws designed to catch villains and not hamper the police.

Now drive on, macduff, and less chat.

I've got to work out an explanation for the wife

why I haven't been home before midnight all month.

Well, what do you think?

I think you're in trouble, mr Wingrove.

Well, of course I am. That's why I've come to you.

I can't help you, my friend.

Look, all I need is ?20,000 to bridge the gap.

You've raised more than that in the past.

Oh, yes, very much more, but only when the risk was infinitesimal.

I can't recommend investment in a company like Wingrove construction,

not on these figures.

But we're under way. The contracts have all been signed.

We've been working on the building for a month now.

You've got a tight schedule, mr Wingrove.

In my opinion, you'll be extremely lucky to complete on time.

And look at that penalty clause if you overrun.

?2,000 a week.

We won't overrun, there's too much at stake.

All the same,

I'm sorry.

Miss rush.

Yes, mr Zhernikov.

Would you get mr Wingrove his hat and coat, please?

Yes, sir.

But haven't you got any suggestions?

How am I going to get out of this?

Mr Wingrove, I'm an accountant not Houdini.

But one word from you... "Words are but sands.

Money buys lands." And old Russian proverb.

See Harvey gonning. He's got resources.

Goodbye, mr Wingrove.

J but I'm not laughing

j now j.

Anya, please.

In moderation?

Everything in moderation.

I'm sorry, darling.

- How's it going? - Waldo...

Can't you help me to get some work?

I know I'm ready.

- Yes, miss rush? - Oh, mr Foulcher telephoned earlier, sir.

- He wants to make an appointment. - Yes, miss rush? Go and make one then.

Yes, sir.

Oh, miss rush.

Did you telephone the ministry of labour about a work permit for miss bergolin?

Oh, yes, sir. I've made a note of it.

Um... "The granting of work permits to foreign artists

is governed solely by the availability of British performers

of similar talent and experience."

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

So where's the problem?

Pretty girl like you and with a voice as well.

How unique do you need to be?

No one will give me a job without experience

and I can't get experience without a permit.

Oh, Waldo, all I need is for someone to give me a chance.

But I don't know anybody in that line of business, my darling.

Ordo I?

Wait.

Miss rush.

- One moment, please. - Mr Foulcher?

Ask if it's convenient for me to call at his place. Er, what is it?

- The taboo club. - Right.

But this is a business appointment, sir. Well?

Well, it's just that I thought as you never...

So, I've changed the habits of a lifetime.

Does the entitle you to flounder like a fish?

- I'm very sorry, sir. - Get on with it then.

Waldo, what sort of place is the taboo?

Well, it's not exactly the palladium, but, er...

It's got a certain distinctive style of its own, shall we say?

J what a marvellous lie you told me

j' in your arms on our wedding day

j when you promised to have and to hold me

j and to love and adore all the way

j when life tore us apart, you were sure you could wait

j now you've found out that the odds are too great

j what a marvellous lie you told me

j but I'll never believe you again.

I hope your interest is purely professional, mr Zhernikov.

I was just reflecting.

Herein lies the nub of all trade.

They've got it, we want it, so up spring a thousand crafts to smooth the exchange.

You know what you're doing, Harry. Sex is a wonderful thing for business.

I'm happy to say.

J in your arms... j

- pretty girl. - Well, if you're interested, I...

Not the way you think. Is she good?

Well, her voice isn't so hot but she seems to know what the customers want.

How would you like a girl with equal sex appeal and also a voice?

You going into the agency business, mr Zhernikov?

Just this once.

Well, send her down, I'll audition her myself.

Thank you. Harry.

Audition only the voice, not the sex appeal?

This girl is my, er... A relative of mine.

I wouldn't cross you, you know that, mr Zhernikov.

Come right in.

And, Harry, no need to advertise the connection?

Anything you say.

So now, what did you want to see me about?

Well, something very much in your line.

Just a little problem I've run into.

This is a problem?

It will be when the revenue ask where I got it.

- I'm your adviser, tell me. - Well, let's say, insurance premiums.

Protection?

If you like.

And your own accountant doesn't want to know?

He'd have a blue fit.

He's just a straight man I use for the legit books in the club.

What opportunities they miss, these scout masters.

I'm in a sweet position here.

On the surface.

With a club for a front, I've got the perfect answer

for any reasonable amount of bent income that comes my way.

But this is getting to be an embarrassment.

I can't bank it. The bogeys know all the strong rooms.

It's too much to write up to gambling wins.

And if I invest it, the tax boys will find out eventually.

If I leave it lying around here much longer,

sure as ?ggs are ?ggs, some crook's gonna try and lift it.

I've got a couple of companies with international contacts.

I think I can lose it for you through them.

What's the bite?

Twenty per cent.

I'm in your hands, mr zhernikowv.

All right, Harry.

- Glass of bubbly? - No, thank you.

Tell me, how much do you make this way?

- The thick end of 300 last week. - And net?

Hundred and, er... Hundred and forty-six.

Why so big a drop?

Legal fees, operating expenses, boys' cut, mainly.

How many boys you got?

Three right lunatics full-time and a dozen on reserve.

- How often do you use the reserves? - Most of the time, lately.

Some of the other mobs are trying to creep on to my manor.

What's the average fee you extract from each place?

About a tenner a week, I'd say.

What kind of places?

Pubs, clubs, coffee bars,

striptease joints, car dealers, delicatessens, things in that line.

Something the matter?

I'm getting a feeling.

I've got a nose for profit, Harry.

So have I. There's the proof.

Oh, more than that, much more.

You wouldn't be interested in this level of operation, would you, mr Zhernikov?

Not as it is, but it might become interesting.

How many gangs are working this way?

About a dozen, I'd say, but most of those are tearaways with no organisation.

There aren't more than six real mobs.

And every one of them is wasting its time fighting off the others?

That's about the ticket, yeah.

Could you get the other five top men together?

Together?

I suppose I could, yeah. Why?

Why?

Do you realise the potential here?

If you six split up the town between you,

think how that would increase your turnover and reduce your outgoings.

Nah. It'll never work. These are suspicious animals.

This is a job for public relations, Harry. The theme is unity.

Form a trade union!

I don't quite get your interest, mr Zhernikov.

All the boys will be in your spot, won't they?

Well, I serve them the same way then, at the same price, 20%.

Sounds reasonable.

This can be a once-in-a-lifetime thing, Harry, but we've got to think big.

Listen, we'll have to make a fighting fund,

for bribes, legal advice and general emergencies.

We shall have to agree that each gang puts 10% of its take into a central kitty.

I'll match whatever sum you put in for a few months to help get things floated.

That kitty's gonna be a pretty big cat before very long, isn't it?

Every six months we distribute it in the form of a dividend,

leaving just enough in for running expenses.

- Now, is this making sense? - Oh, yeah, yeah, very much so.

Right.

Your first job then, Harry, is to get the boys together.

Well, what's the matter?

I was just thinking, the law would go bleedin' potty if they knew about this.

They will, when it's too late.

Come in.

- Hello, Dave. - Sir.

- What's the trouble now? - It's Sayers again, I'm afraid, sir.

Sayers?

That man's beginning to haunt me. What's wrong with him?

Well, he's a good officer, sir, and his record of arrests

is better than anyone we've had on the squad for years.

Yes, that's all very well.

Fellow seems to have no sense of discretion.

All right. What is it this time?

The letter, sir.

- Morning, Bob. - Morning, guv.

- Who's this? - Replacement for jock.

The name's hood, sir. I'd like to say how glad I am to be in your squad, sir.

You must be mad! Well, what's the first disaster on the agenda, Bob?

Nothing like that today. 揥hat?

No writs from indignant villains,

stating that by arresting them while beating up some poor old cripple,

I was unlawfully invading their privacy?

You surprise me, sergeant, you surprise me muchly.

Message book, nothing for us there.

Well, who knows?

We may yet see the day clear for some good old-fashioned police work.

You're in a very good mood today.

I'm always in a good mood when it seems possible

I'll get a minute or two away from paperwork.

Knock off a few tearaways, Bob, you know that.

Hello.

Right, sir, I'll tell him.

The assistant commission of crime wants to see you, sir.

Immediately.

Oh?

Well, what do you think, constable? Should I go?

Well, I...

You planning to stay with us long?

Or is it an early retirement for you and a book of reminiscences,

telling how you solved all my best cases?

- Well, it's, er... - Hostile witness, Bob.

Only one thing for it, get out the old rubber truncheon.

Blimey! What's up with him?

Cirrhosis of the heart, constable.

Comes from loving your job and an overindulgence in duty.

Don't worry, you'll never suffer from it.

Come in.

Oh, Sayers.

Sit down.

Thank you, sir.

Gunter's solicitors have complained that you

broke into his premises without a warrant, is that true?

I'm afraid it is, sir.

Well, they've been in touch with a member of parliament,

and now we've got the home office on our tails.

Well, what are they getting so fussed about?

We found the jewels there, didn't we?

That, I Grant you, goes a long way in mitigation, Sayers.

But why take these risks?

If you'd guessed wrong, you'd have been for the high jump after last time.

Well, we weren't guessing. We had definite information the gear was there.

Then why didn't you take out a warrant in the proper manner?

Well, it was midnight when I got the tip.

I couldn't find a magistrate at the hour.

I knew if we waited till morning the stuff would all have been out of the country.

It's still unlawful entry.

Now, please try and look at it from my side.

The detective complement is woefully undermanned as you know.

An officer with your experience is too valuable to lose,

even for the sake of a fence of gunter's calibre.

Well, he's due for pd,

that should relieve the pressure on the detective force for the next few years.

All I'm saying, Sayers, is play it reasonable.

For you own sake and for mine.

Well now, let's see where we stand.

What happened at that club last night?

Oh, the usual thing, the owner wouldn't pay protection.

Can you make a charge?

Afraid not, sir, the owner won't cooperate.

Oh.

What about all these newspaper stories?

Is this protection game really spreading?

Well, at the moment, sir, they're working in much too small groups

to be a major threat.

But if they ever get properly organised,

then we've really got to start worrying about the shortage of manpower.

Wally never had a fiver in his life, even a forged one!

So this old girl picks him up in great windmill street, but he was green...

- Hang on a moment, hang on. - And all they could do him for was suss!

Yeah, I went caso with this brass and do you know who she turned out to be?

- Hello, Alfie boy! - Harry. What's all this about then?

You won't be wasting your time, I promise you that.

You know everybody. Help yourself to a drink, I won't be half a jiff.

- Go on, look who's here! - Hello, Alfie.

- What's all the lettuce for then? - Give it a bit of atmosphere.

Well, they're all here.

The points to stress are the increased turnover

- and the overseas' outlets for profits. - Right.

- Only don't mention my name, remember? - Oh, sure.

- You don't want to be seen either, do you? - No.

- But I would like to hear what they say. - Oh, that's easy.

There we are. I'll see you later.

And, Harry... yes?

- The job of your life? - Leave it to me.

I ought to kill you, you know that?

At least I'd die happy?

All right, boys, right. Now, make yourselves comfortable

and I'll tell you what this is all in aid of.

Well, if that's the case, alf, what's you objection?

How do I know the other mobs will play it straight?

As I said, it's in the common interests.

Now look, the scheme covers everything. Central information, unified command.

A pool of reserves ready to beat the hell out of anyone trying to muscle in.

And I've got the backing of a very, very influential party.

Someone you all know.

Well, by reputation, anyway, but who I, obviously, can't name.

If we go in together, we've got a right to know.

Now, believe me, this is man is big, really big.

- You got nothing to worry about there. - Let it ride, alf.

- He can't say, you know that. - Yeah, sure.

What territory have you given me again?

We've all got roughly the same area as we operate on as it is.

But you know as well as I do, there's always young Teds and tearaways

ready to make a name for themselves on any manor.

Now, this way, once we've agreed who's top man in that section,

all the rest of us help him put the block on any invaders.

We all work to support each other.

Let's cut the cackle. It's a natural.

Well, I'm in for a start.

Anybody else?

I'm with you.

All right, count me in.

I'm with you, Harry.

Well, Alfie, how about you?

I like the idea of a syndicate all right.

- But who runs it? - I do, but out in the open.

We'll have meetings every month. You can see the books any time you like.

And all decisions are subject to a majority vote.

- Fair enough? - Fair enough!

- Only fair, Harry. - Come on, Alfie.

What are we risking? Ten per cent of our take.

And if you don't like what I'm doing,

you can swing the vote against me and change the policy.

Well, that's democracy, boys.

Oh, come on, let's not waste any more time.

I just like to know what I'm getting into, that's all.

All right, you got me.

Right then, that's the lot.

Right, we start operating as from now

and the first board meeting will be in four weeks from today.

- Right? - Right.

Right, get stuck into the drinks, boys. Enjoy yourselves.

Looks like we're on a winner here, boy.

That's the general idea. You got nothing to worry about I promise you that.

Well, you know me. I don't like to do anything blind.

See you in a month then?

I'll be on blower long before that. We got get the details ironed out.

Straight down, will you, on the way out? All right, see you later.

Well, did you hear that?

I didn't know you had a such a command of language.

Alfie Peters looked like being a bit dodgy out there for a bit, you know.

He could have swayed them if he'd been allowed to.

They are businessmen. They can see the advantages.

Yeah, it was touch and go. I had to work on them, you know, Waldo... mr Zhernikov.

If it's strain, Waldo will do now that we are partners.

One thing, we've got to keep out of the news.

No more of this strong-arm stuff, except as a last resort.

That's gonna be a bit tricky. Some of these boys are lively with the cosh.

They can be taught. Who controls them on the job?

Tanky Thomas.

No good.

We need someone with more finesse, tough but intelligent.

- That's a tall order in this game. - Recruit from outside then.

Bend a straight man a little, if necessary.

I've got the very merchant.

Tough?

Very.

But not violent?

Oh, not violent at all.

Except when he has to be.

Pretty good. We'll add a stronger sweep with the right leg this time, OK?

- Do you want to go on? - No. No, thanks, Ollie.

No, Wally's seeing the specialist today and I want to get back there.

- I want to hear the verdict. - Do you think he'll be OK?

Oh, yeah, just takes a bit of time. See you Tuesday.

So long, paddy.

Hands together. That's right.

Right underneath the chin, OK? Once more.

- Hi, salty. - Hi, Sadie.

- Is he here? - Yes, in the shower.

Now, where were we?

Pay attention.

Hi!

I said hi!

Hi! Come on in.

- Are you decent? - Only when I have to be.

Oh!

Oh!

- What time are you working? - I've got to be in at nine for rehearsal.

Where we going?

I want to be there when Wally gets back. Do you mind?

How is he?

I don't know yet.

Ask him.

Paddy?

He's inside.

No, you stay here.

- Hello, paddy. - Hello, Harry boy.

Don't tell me you come down here to take weight off.

The customers like you just as you are.

Well, if that's true, why are taking away my second number?

It's nothing personal. I've just got a new girl I wanna try out, that's all.

You got a minute?

Sure.

I'll wait for you in the car, paddy.

Wally be back on the job soon?

- I'm hearing tonight. - Good.

How'd you like to branch out, try something new?

- Like what? - Insurance.

Thanks all the same but I've never been one for carving up barmaids with a chiv.

One of your pals is in with us.

Alfie Peters.

- But he's got a team of his own. - All the mobs are coming in with me.

Then you must have a silver tongue, knowing that lot.

Well, they're not fools. They can see the advantage. How about you?

- Sorry, it's not my poison. - Now, don't jump to conclusions.

The rough stuff is out. We're after a new style of operator.

I appreciate the offer, Harry boy.

But I'm a climber. That's all I know, that's all I want to know.

Besides, there's Wally. We don't go for that sort of stuff and you know it.

My offer was to you, not Wally.

- We're a team, you know that. - He broke his hip, didn't he?

It's healing.

He'll be in business again within weeks. Anyway, thanks for the offer.

- Remember, if you change your mind... - I'll remember.

Goodnight.

- No sale, guv? - Not yet.

But he doesn't know what I know.

- But for how long? - I told you, for the rest of my life!

- Why didn't they say all this before? - Look...

While there was a chance of it healing properly, he didn't want to upset me.

Well, I don't believe it.

We'll see another quack. We'll get the best.

You'll see, you'll be back on your pins in no time.

Kid, kid, it's no good. Look, he showed me the x-rays.

The fall twisted something. Anyway, it's hopeless.

Look, look, get me a drink, will you?

And make it neat.

- Well, I think it was my fault. - Shut up!

- Well, how can I forget? - Shut up!!

It's over. Look, you'd have done the same for me, so there's an end of it.

What a turn up. What a lousy turn up!

Here.

Well...

I suppose I'll have to start thinking of a way of earning my living now.

Well, what's the matter with you? We're partners, aren't we?

I can make enough for the both of us.

Look, I don't fancy myself as a pensioner, boy.

You always planned the jobs, didn't you?

Well, we'll carry on the same way, splitting down the middle.

- It wouldn't work. - Of course it would!

Leave me alone, will you, paddy? I've got things to think about?

Shall I put the bottle by you?

I may be a cripple, boy, but I'm not a corpse.

The day I'm too far gone to reach for my own liquor

is the day you can start thinking of buying me a wreath.

Why did it have to be him?

At least he can get about.

That's something to be grateful for.

Get about? I've seen that man go up the side of a house like a ladder.

- And it's my fault. - No, paddy, no.

You did everything you could. You got him away.

Yes! And I'm walking about.

And look at him.

Come on.

I don't have to be in yet.

There's something I've got to see Harry about.

Paddy!

You're not going to get mixed up in that business of his?

I've got to get Wally the comforts, haven't I?

Where else can I pick up that kind of money in a hurry?

Come on, come on.

You might tell Foulcher if I'm gonna pay for protection, I expect to get it.

What's that supposed to mean?

Some young yobos have been hanging about here recently, dropping hints.

- You know their names? - One of them's called sid something.

- Spencer? - Yeah.

- We'll look after it. - You'd better, I'm paying enough!

Come on, nero.

Hey, Mario, Mario! What's the matter? These oranges are bad.

Hello?

Senor sanchetti, for you.

All right! All right!

Hello, sanchetti speaking.

I represent the mutual protection insurance company.

I spoke to you last week.

I told you then, I've got a policy already.

No, not the kind I'm offering. Those drunks who broke your window...

For example.

We specialise in that kind of hazard.

It's covered already.

How about non-payment of bills, damage from fights?

I told you, I don't want nothing like that.

I've got no trouble at my place.

Not yet, sanchetti, but you will.

Think it over.

How about that?

Now?

Oh, dear!

'Ere, whose bint do you think you're groping!

Oh, yes, you did!

- You dirty great baboon! - She don't know what she's talking about!

You touch her again, I'll carve your ears off!

You will, will you?

Go on, nero!

Oh, mamma mial

such a thing never happened before.

Never!

Such a lot of rough people about these days.

Is very nice of you to say so, sir, but not here.

Never before!

Once doesn't matter, sanchetti, but if it happened every night,

think how that could affect business.

Come on! Go on, nero! Slug him!

- You are the man on the phone. - Himself.

Go on, nero, slug him!

Go on, nero! Hit him!

You lousy big ape!

What are you doing? You're ruining my business!

I'll pay!

Please stop them. Please stop them!

Come on, you two, break it up!

No lady's worth spoiling your dinner for.

Now, why don't you shake hands and let the good people enjoy their dinner in peace?

You know, sanchetti, the chow isn't at all bad here.

If only you had a better class of customer,

this would be quite the place.

How much?

Our representatives will call on you tomorrow and discuss terms.

Come on.

Goodnight.

Is that for me?

Harry.

- Who's the new thrush. - A frenchie.

- I must promote the entente cordiale. - I didn't know you spoke the lingo.

I've got a pen pal in the foreign legion.

- OK, Anya, that's fine. - Thank you.

Sadie, girls.

All up here, please.

Bonjour tristesse and vive la France.

My parents were Russian.

"Khrushchev for king" is another of my pet phrases.

White Russian.

All right, I'm colour blind.

Where do you think we ought to take it from now?

From the reprise.

- You think you'll like it here? - If they like me.

- Oh, they will. - How can you be sure?

You've got the sort of talent that they appreciate.

Anya!

Can we try it together?

- Excuse me, please, I must go. - Oh, there'll be other times.

Thank you, Eddie.

- All right, get after them. - Right.

How many stops is that?

Today?

Oh, let's see...

Four restaurants, five pubs,

three coffee bars, two delicatessens.

Busy boys.

Who collects the squeeze, apart from those two?

Tanky Thomas, generally. When?

Fridays. They're getting really organised.

Yeah.

They've still no idea who the big boy behind Foulcher is?

Not a clue.

Now, what would a straight up-and-down villain like Damion

be getting mixed up with a mucky racket like this for?

Money, I suppose.

He did all right out of that climbing act of his.

We haven't nicked him at it for five years.

Is Wally Smith in on this?

The divisional boys say that fall crippled him for life.

Paddy never worked without him, perhaps that accounts for it.

- Do you want to Nick him? - No, it's early days yet.

First, I think we'll go and exchange a little saliva with senor sanchetti.

You know what? Klipi for number three.

Si.

Mr Sayers! And how are you?

Business good, sanchetti?

Oh, nothing to grumble about, mr Sayers, nothing to grumble about.

You heard of a boy called paddy Damion?

Damion?

No, I never.

Six foot one, well-built, black hair, brown eyes?

Wearing a camel-hair overcoat?

No, I... I never seen him.

- Sorry. - That's funny, he just walked out of here.

Oh, you know how it is, mr Sayers?

We get so many people in here, it's impossible to remember them all.

They eat-er their food, they pay their bill, they go hay-way.

Well, this one didn't eat-er, didn't get a bill-er

and you pay him to go hay-way.

I don't know what-er you mean?

Are you a British citizen, sanchetti?

I have permit residence since 20 years!

You qualify for national health then.

If you take my advice, you'll see a doctor.

You got a severe dose of amnesia in the pre-frontal lobes,

coupled with a chronic flutter of the lower patellas.

- You ready to see Foulcher now? - Oh, not yet, Bob.

I think I'll go back to the office and gloat on the terror I strike into people.

You certainly shook that one all right.

By the way, what's chronic flutter of the lower patellas?

In copper's english, it means he's a yellow-bellied bastard

and his knees knock.

J I laughed at love no you to prove me wrong

j the moon in June and love in bloom

j was silly fairy tales

j' a precious lot of tummy rot

j for crazy, mixed-up females

j I laughed at love and now it's all so late

j to find I need the things I used to hate... j

- so long, sport. - Oh, have a drink.

No, not tonight.

- No, one of the kids is sick. - Oh, another time then.

Yeah. Yes, you, me and Wally ought to go out on a booze-up one of these nights.

- Revive old memories. - Oh, whenever you're free then.

He can get round on them sticks of his, can't he?

Oh, he bounds about like a trampoline artist.

Bit of bad that business. Yeah.

Well, good to have you in the team, boy. Look after yourself.

- Hope the kid gets better. - Thanks.

- See ya. - Bye.

> Sophisticated, slick

> I thought I knew

> Each move, each lovesick trick

> Now all I care for is to share your arms somewhere, somehow

> I laughed at love but I'm not

> laughing now

> I laughed at love

> But I'm not... - So long, Harry. - ...laughing now

See you, lippy.

They like her.

Have I ever recommended anything but a guilt-edged investment?

How did they react?

How would you think with a take quadrupled in a month?

- And Peters? - Like a kid with his first cosh.

Well, bung-as the coppers say.

Who's that man?

Paddy Damion, remember?

- Interesting face. - He's a good boy, paddy.

Gonna keep his mouth?

He used to be the best cat burglar in the business.

You don't get far in that lark with verbal diarrhoea.

Bring him to my place, tomorrow at six.

Is that wise?

I've been thinking. Now that we've got a little empire going...

- We ought to start showing the flag. - Well, what does that mean?

I'll tell you tomorrow.

You going? What about Anya?

She came all the way from Algiers on her own.

She should be able to find her way back to hampstead tonight.

Besides, I think she's got company.

And so have I. Excuse me.

- Didn't I tell you? - Oh, they were very kind.

- Skol! - Skol!

Thank you for the stockings and the note.

Well, the spelling may have been a bit rough but, er,

- the sentiments were from the heart. - Ihoped that.

Are you feeling strong?

Oh, yes.

Oh, thank you. I enjoyed that.

Let's do something tomorrow.

- That would be very pleasant. - I know what!

Anya!

Anya, come here and meet a friend of mine.

- Well, excuse me. - See you at dinner time tomorrow.

But you don't know where I live.

You give your address to Jim the head waiter.

- One o'clock then. - I shall look forward to that.

- Anya, this is lord buncholme. - Home.

- Oh, hello. How do you do? - How do you do? Do sit down.

Hello then.

- Enjoying yourself? - She seems a sweet kid.

I'd feel more warmth if she hadn't stolen my number.

- Well, you can hardly blame her for that. - Try me.

Now why the black mood?

- Just because I danced with her? - So that's what you were doing?

You don't think I fancy her, do you?

Oh! The thought never crossed my mind.

Too skinny.

Paddy, you certainly had me fooled.

All right, drop it!

Now, come on, take off that shroud. We're going on a mystery tour.

- Where to? - There's only one way to find out.

Come on, let's get the coats.

- Goodnight, Jim! - Goodnight, Jim!

Goodnight, Sadie. Paddy.

The French bit left this for you.

- Good afternoon, miss bergolin. - Is mr Zhernikov in?

- I'll tell him you're here. - Thank you.

But we're under way. The contracts have all been signed.

We've been working on the building for a month now.

You've got a tight schedule, mr Wingrove.

In my opinion, you'll be extremely lucky to complete on time.

And look at that penalty clause if you overrun. ?2,000 a week.

We won't overrun.

Yes, miss rush?

Miss bergolin is here.

Thank you.

You had a great triumph, my darling. Congratulations.

- I looked for you afterwards. - Did you? I had an appointment.

But I spoke to Harry. He was very pleased.

He's going to book me for the run of the show.

Marvellous. What about the permit?

- He's getting it extended. - Good.

So now my little Anya is really launched on her career.

Thanks to you.

Tell me, dancing with the customers, is that also part of your duties?

Only if I want to.

And you wanted to with young mr Damion?

He sent me stockings to wish me luck.

Do you find him, er... interesting?

He's not unattractive for an englishman.

But not as interesting as you, Waldo.

Oh, please, darling.

You know I don't regard you as my sole property.

Does he have an occupation?

He's a partner of mr Foulcher, I think.

I see him in the club all the time.

You're not jealous, are you, Waldo?

Oh, madly, madly, but, er...

I also happen to be doing a little business with Harry

and this boy is involved. It would be convenient to know something about him.

Oh?

It would be a pleasure.

There's no call for an excess of zeal, you understand?

Just a friendship.

Come on, come on, come on.

What's all the rush? I'm sweating like a pig!

He gets very upset if you're late.

- I could do with a drink. - You won't get one here.

He hasn't bought a round for 20 years.

- What do I call him? - Well, he's Waldo to me.

- But you'd better call him mr Zhernikov. - Mr which-a-cough?

Never mind, just mumble something and watch your language.

This isn't the local spieler, you know.

- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon, mr Foulcher.

- Mr Zhernikov, please. - Will you come in?

Thank you.

This way, my dear, I've got some visitors coming.

Miss rush will show you out and, er...

Let me know how you get on with our young friend.

I will.

Bye, Waldo.

Come in.

Mr Foulcher and mr Damion, sir.

Hello, Waldo. Good to see you.

Your promptness is a lesson to us all.

Well, you know what I'm like about business, Waldo.

By the way, this is paddy Damion.

- Please to meet you. - Oh, yes, I've heard about you.

Are you interested in medieval armour, mr Damion?

I don't know very much about it.

I spent a lifetime collecting some of these, er, gadgets.

This was probably used in the tower of London, about 1600.

It's a thumb screw.

Feel the work in this. They were craftsmen in those days.

- Marvellous! - Can you lift it?

He's a strong boy, this one.

I shouldn't like to do it for long.

They used to fight all day with that on.

They must have sw...

Perspired like... fury.

You suffer from the taint of gentility, mr Damion.

The word is "sweat".

Now, do you know what I called you here for?

- Yes. - Harry said something about a development.

Gentlemen, I look upon your activities as my little hobby enterprise.

Sit down. And I've been given it some very careful thought.

The basic machine we have created is running smoothly.

Profits are both regular and satisfactory.

But we have come to a crossroads.

So what do we do now, mr Damion?

Oh, I'm sure you can tell us.

Expand.

That's what I would advise a client and that's what I would advise for us.

We've about scooped the platter clean in my area, Waldo.

We can't squeeze 'em much more.

No, I think Mr... Means expand in a different direction.

Exactly.

Consider how we stand?

We now make an average of ?15 a week per unit establishment.

It's not a great deal, but the merit lies in regularity and in quantity.

Now, what I propose is...

Much larger sums,

extracted only once,

- from different types of organisation. - Such as?

This is the plan of an office block going up in the chiswick area,

built by the Wingrove construction company at a cost of ?239,000.

Completion date is in four weeks.

They've had some delays, but, er...

They can just do it now if nothing else goes wrong.

If it does...

They have to pay a penalty of ?2,000 a week.

How does this affect us?

It shouldn't be impossible for mr Damion and his gladiators

to delay that completion.

Now, just a minute. This isn't a delicatessen.

It's a big combine, they're not going to frighten easily.

I happen to know they're in a very difficult position financially.

They couldn't afford to run into the penalty period,

what with overage, bank interest and surcharges.

- What do we get out of it? - Five thousand, I should say.

Five grand?

In pounds?

I told you it was a development.

What is the modus operandi?

How do we delay a building project?

There are ways. It's not as difficult as you think.

The rest of the syndicate, are they in on this?

- Not at this stage. - Well, that's a bit dodgy, isn't it?

Let's see how it works first.

Because if it does, there's a whole new world opening up for us,

from which they'll all benefit too.

We won't be bothering with single units any more. We'll go for chain stores,

brewers with hundreds of pubs.

Dry cleaning organisations, cinemas.

Dealing always with the head offices direct.

Consider how vulnerable a chain of dry cleaners with 70 branches would be.

Where would we strike next?

Neither of you is temperance, I take it?

Do you really think it would work?

Work?

So confident am I that I'm going to propose a little toast.

To the Jonathan Wingrove construction company

and to our friend here, who is going to make them... what is the word, mr Damion?

Sweat.

Exactly.

- Well? - He'll play.

You're sure he knows the drill now? No strike action.

- Just accidents and delays. - He's with it.

Good lad. What now?

The classic military move, my boy. Hit the lines of supply.

It's blackmail then?

- There's no doubt about it, sir. - Well, you're the security officer.

Look at the facts.

This man forecast we'd have two days clear of accidents and delays.

And we did.

Then he phoned mr Tyson

and he suggested he take out a policy to cover all these things.

And when mr Tyson refused, it all started up again.

They seem to know exactly where and how to hurt us most.

They've successfully delayed deliveries of our most vital materials.

Thrown the whole schedule out of balance and not just haphazardly either.

How do we stand for time?

We shan't make completion or anything like it.

What about the police?

Well, sir, as an ex-yard man myself, I'd naturally prefer to call them in.

But if we're thinking of the firm, I don't see how it could help us.

There's no effective way of preventing these incidents

without an army of police on the job.

And they certainly couldn't spare us that.

Is he out there now?

Yes.

All right, miss Haywood, show him in.

- Mr Damion, sir. - Thank you very much.

Well, gentlemen, I'm glad to see you've decided to do the sensible thing.

Well, now...

Shall we get down to... business?

Oh, I think it's a lovely flat!

But you'll have to get rid of that. It's awful!

- Do you think so? - Bloody horrible! Where'd you get it?

- Nero. - What's she going on about, boy?

I'm giving him the benefit of a woman's advice about furnishing.

Oh, watch it, cocker, watch it! I know her. She's making plans.

You can't expect the boy to know. It's the first time he's had a place of his own.

What about the ville? Had a place of your own then, didn't you, son?

That was until me and Wally moved in the cell with him.

Oh, leave off, alf!

- He asked for my advice and I gave it. - All right, ducky, all right! No.

Paddy!

Anya.

Hang on, you two, I'll be back.

- Hello, Anya. - Hello, paddy.

Come in.

- 'Ere are, Wally love, have one of these. - Thanks, love.

Hello, Wally!

Oh, gosh, am I pooped.

- Did you do the chow by yourself? - All three tons of it!

Well, these... these rolls are spot on.

Stay afterwards?

- What about Sadie? - I'll fix that.

All right.

What's that?

That's Harry's status symbol.

The honourable Clarissa somebody hyphen something.

She's got a family tree a mile high.

Looks as if she just climbed down from it.

- 'Ere, host! We're out of wallop! - There's a whole crate in the kitchen.

What am I then, the bleedin' Butler?

Don't go away.

Don't hurry, I'll stay and parlez-vous with the mademoiselle.

You speak French?

Well, how's things in south London then?

- Same as always, under control. - I don't know what it is about alf.

Everything I say these days just seems to stick in his throat.

Come on, we're partners now!

Well, since you brought it up then.

What's this I hear about you doing a building firm on your own?

Don't get anxious. Ten per cent goes in the kitty, same as any other job.

- Still a right Liberty. - Wait till you see the figures.

That isn't the point. I didn't come into to the syndicate for a job that size.

Oh, you're not in for the money?

You just like the life.

- I bet Sophie doesn't agree with you. - You keep Sophie out of this!

- It's me you're doing business with. - Right-oh. All right.

If you feel so strong about it, you can say your peace at the next meeting.

Don't think I won't.

All right then.

Clarissa, here.

- Someone may come in. - No, they're mostly gone.

All the same, it's too public.

You're in my blood and you know it, you French thing.

Sounds if you should see a doctor.

The only antidote to what I've got is... Homeopathic.

- What's that? - The hair of the dog that bit me.

What if your little playmate walked in?

- She could walk right out again. - She'd hate me.

Oh, and you care?

I don't like to make unnecessary enemies.

Well, how many necessary ones do you have?

You're really serious about this singing lark, aren't you?

Of course! It's my profession.

Oh...

- Oh, are you going? - Bit tired, yeah.

Well, I'd run you back but I can't leave just yet?

That's all right. Tanky Thomas is going right by my place.

- Oh, good. - Oh, er...

Sadie was looking for you a few minutes ago.

Oh?

- Excuse me, please. - Don't go yet.

Please.

A right bastard you are!

Look, I'm not married to Sadie.

She worked like a slave to make this cabbage go.

Couldn't you have played up a bit, at least in front of that mob?

What's come over you, boy? This isn't the paddy Damion I used to know.

Your old friends never see you. You treat Sadie like a brass.

Oh, this... this kind of living gone to your head or something?

Leave off.

Well, who is this Anya? What's so special about her?

I don't know.

I really don't know! She's got something on me, that's all.

Yeah.

Well, I can't explain it!

Hello, hello, hello!

I thought you two was having a kip in here.

- Just coming. - Well, come on then.

Come on, straight home! Avril!

Goodnight, Sadie.

- Where's nero? - He's waiting for you down the car.

You off already?

Already? It's 2:00am.

Look, hang on a minute and I'll run you back.

Thanks, but tanky's taking me.

Goodnight, me old China. Thanks for the booze-up.

Handsome! Coming, love?

Goodnight, Sadie. I'll see you.

Goodnight! And...

- Thanks for helping. - Any time.

Weddings, family gatherings and funerals.

Catering speciality.

I'll drop by tomorrow.

Yeah.

Do you have a pain in your head?

No. It's a bit further down.

My Backers and me feel that the Wingrove operation has set the pattern

for all our future deals.

Now, you stand on me, when you consider that for three weeks' work

we've pulled in five grand. Five grand!

Well, it makes the normal graft look pretty sick.

- Damn right it does! - How do we pick these new type jobs then?

Well, we'd have to case them properly, of course. Now, paddy can handle that.

Well, what do you think?

- Well, I'm all for it myself. - Yeah, me too.

- Count me in. - Me, too.

Well, I'm not!

What sold me on this caper was the obvious fact

that it stopped poaching and looked a right earner.

- That's still true, isn't it? - Of course, it's true.

So why risk something we know we can work for this pipe dream?

Well, that worked too, didn't it?

Yes, once and what does that prove?

You just think about it.

So far we've been tackling one-man businesses.

Small operators without much pull who just want to be left in peace.

But the minute we go for the big boys, we're playing in the first division.

They've got a stack of the ready, contacts in parliament,

enough pull all round to bring the roof down on our heads.

You're a miserable-minded geezer, alf.

Why don't you look on the bright side for a change?

You ought to get a lot more bird in before getting cocky with me, son!

Take it easy, take it easy, boy.

All right.

Now the first thing he said was that the syndicate's got to keep out of the news.

That's right.

You think we can crack some of the top jollies with that strong arm stuff.

- I'm damned if I... - You're out of order, alf!

Just shut up and let somebody else get a word in edgeways, will you?

- Anybody here agree with him? - No!

Right, the meeting goes against you.

- Then it will have get on without me. - Now, wait a minute.

Nobody bows out of this syndicate, alf. That was established at the beginning.

And who's gonna stop me?

Now, look, we don't want to quarrel among ourselves, do we?

Come on, alf! Don't behave like a spoiled kid.

We've got to do this business in a business-like way.

The vote went against you, you've got to learn to accept it,

- same as I would if it went against me. - I don't have to accept nothing!

I joined this voluntary and I'm getting out the same way.

What's all that about?

They're potty.

- Stark staring bonkers! - You're not pulling out, are you?

So will you too if you take my advice.

They're gonna run this racket right into the ground the way they're going on.

Come, horse race.

Come on.

What are we gonna do about him?

He starts up again on his own, bang goes the truce all round.

What are we gonna do?

We've got the organisation, haven't we?

We've got the resources.

Well, we'll just buy his boys off, then.

He can't do much unless he's mob-handed now, can he?

Good, that is! Good, innit?

Right, let's get down to business.

Now, then...

What's the grift then?

They're robbing his team, mr Sayers.

- How many have they got so far? - About half of them, I'd say.

Anything else?

Otherwise, it's pretty quiet.

Lull before the storm.

How much is that worth, mr Sayers?

You know the drill, payment by results.

On my life. Mr Sayers, I'm risking my neck talking to you.

And don't let this form a precedent.

Thanks, guv'nor.

Be seeing you.

How I despise narks.

We'd be up the creek in this job without them.

Oh, sure.

Looks as if they're getting ready to move in on Peters' manor.

- Yeah, doing it cleverly though. - Think he'll make a fight?

Well, I'll say this, if I know alf Peters,

he won't be waiting in any position of prayer.

- Now, have you got the drill? - Yeah.

Now, once more. We take 'em in groups of three.

Two of you brummagem boys will work under an old hand

until you get to know the town.

- Now, have you got it? - Yeah. Right.

All right, everybody get tooled up.

We'll show mr Harry bloody Foulcher who's top man on both sides of the river.

Now, all right, let's get on with it.

- Who's the guv'nor here? - I am. Why?

Oh? You are, are you? Yeah.

Right.

That's to let you know that I'm taking over from Foulcher.

- You can't do that! - Can't I?

Right!

There were questions in the house of commons this afternoon

about the flare up of gang violence in London's west end.

For the government, the home secretary said the outbreaks had been spasmodic

and were now completely under control. There was no cause for undue alarm.

In reply to a question from mr Geoffrey clitherow,

he denied police powers were inadequate or that the situation had got out of hand.

Mr James Wheeler for the opposition said they were not satisfied

and would raise the matter again.

Our parliamentary correspondent understands that the opposition

may table a motion censuring the government.

And now on a lighter note...

The maniac! Doesn't he know what he's doing?

Government action is just what we must not have.

Don't worry, Waldo.

They'll put a royal commission on, that's the last we'll hear of it.

Well, I'm not that confident. If Peters keeps making trouble this way,

they'll have to clamp down to save their own faces.

It'll blow over.

Don't you realise what he's doing?

Jeopardising a racket that could bring us in half a million pounds a year.

Half a million!

You really think it's that bad?

I tell you, when it comes to investments, I've got a nose for trouble.

We must stop this. Have you talked to him?

What's the use? He's a pig-headed old fool when he's got a mind to be.

Can't you buy him off?

Too late.

Since he brought those yobos down from Birmingham, he thinks he can win.

There's only one thing then, isn't there?

I thought you were against violence.

I'm against smallpox.

Should that mean I object to vaccination?

Oh?

I'm gonna love this.

Harry.

Box clever.

Don't I always.

- Hello? - Hello.

Hello, son. I'm with, er, you know who, and we've been thinking.

I'm going to make on last effort to come to terms with alf.

- Well, that'll please me. - That's what I thought.

That's why I rang you. Can you lay on a meeting?

Between you and him? Yeah.

And no funny stuff?

Don't be daft! This is business.

Can you fix it?

Well, if I tell him it's on the level, he'll believe me.

Good. Soon as you can then.

Bye.

Fixed?

Fixed.

All right.

Hello, alf.

Good to see you, boy. On your tod?

Now, you've known me a long time, alf, right?

Too true.

Now, don't jump down my throat, but I've got a message for you.

From Harry.

I don't want to hear anything from that geezer except his death rattle.

No, no, this is on the square. He just wants to talk to you.

The time for rabbiting is over.

Look, alf, what have you got to lose by just seeing him?

He admits he was hasty. He just wants a chance to patch things up, that's all.

He says this present ruckus isn't helping you or the syndicate.

Come on, alf, give it a try.

- Is this on the straight, boy? - I told you.

- Where is he? - Up top.

Well, you'd better wheel him in, hadn't you?

Good, good.

Harry?

Guv'nor.

Alfie boy, long time no see.

No hard feelings?

No feelings at all.

You old wolf! Come out of your lair. It's me, Harry boy!

Look, what I want to ask you was this.

Is there anywhere private?

- What's in there? - Changing room.

Let's get out of the maddening crowd, shall we?

You lot stay out here.

You see, I never pretended to be right all the way.

- Of course you've got a point of view... - Light?

It's just that we've got to expand, look to the future.

No more of this shivving and coshing and general carry on.

It's only drawing attention to the fact that we're putting the black on a tour.

Well, you see what I mean, alf?

Alf?

I didn't know about this, believe me!

Leave him. He didn't know.

Get a doctor, you fools!

Too late, boy.

What's happening?

- Get out before the cops come. - No, don't talk.

Get him for me, get him!

"Chicago comes to London."

"Gang fight in soho corral!"

- Made a real feast day of it. - I saw them, sir.

Home office has been on the phone all morning. Commissioner's over there now.

Press department's swamped with inquiries.

And three questions down in the house already. How far have you got?

It was Harry Foulcher, paddy Damion and two of the gang.

Well, where are they now?

Well, we've got Foulcher detained in west end central.

- He's denying everything, of course. - And Damion?

Damion...

We've put out a general call for him.

Well, what about the witnesses, the other men in the gym and so forth?

We've had them in canon row all morning but none of them will talk.

Foulcher's men got to them before we did.

So that's it? How soon can you make a charge?

I can't make a case out of nothing, sir.

You'd be the first on my neck if it didn't stick.

Sayers...

There's grave public concern over this case.

Not just because a hoodlum was murdered but because a gun was used in daylight,

not more than a mile from piccadilly circus.

And it comes on the top of a wave of violence, too.

If we don't act quickly,

then Peters' men will start to avenge him.

And then we'll have a full-scale gang war on our hands.

With the likelihood that they'll be using firearms as well.

Now, we've got to stop that.

If I charge Foulcher and his accomplices without a single witness

who'll testify to seeing anything, they're bound to get off.

Then the word will go about that all you have to do to beat the law

is intimidate the withesses.

We'd be laying down nothing but trouble for ourselves.

What do you suggest then?

Give me 48 hours, sir. I've got a line on Damion.

As Peters was known to be a friend of his,

I've got a feeling he won't be too happy about the shooting.

Now, if that's true, he may just feel sore enough about it to testify.

All right.

I'll stall for a couple of days, but not a minute more.

If Damion hasn't talked by then,

pick up Foulcher again and pull in as many of the two gangs as you can.

We've got to prevent an outbreak of gang warfare whatever the cost!

Yes, OK. I understand.

How do we stand with the great white chief?

- 48 hours. - Think we can do it?

Well, we've got a chance. Did you see that... what's her name?

- Anya bergolin? - Yeah. Would she play?

She claimed she had no idea paddy was a villain.

- Didn't know where he was, anyway. - What, straight up?

I think so. She seemed more worried about anything affecting her work permit.

Did she now?

Right. Well, you go down there again and put the pressure stakes on her.

Tell her that if she won't cooperate, it'll scotch her permit for all time

and probably get her run out of the country as well.

Now, give it the full orchestra. This is important.

Right.

Back hall?

Sergeant ogle of the squad. Is our driver back yet?

Do you really think he'll contact her, guv?

Well, it's worth a try, anyway.

I'd have thought a villain like Damion would be too busy keeping out of sight

to worry about his girl.

I've long ago stopped forecasting what they'll do.

The criminal mind is predictable, isn't it, sir?

The criminal mind?

It's the dark side of the moon, laddie.

OK, kids? OK.

Right, you follow over by the piano. The rest of you can relax.

Give a rest to Anya.

- Hi, Anya. - Hello, Sally.

- Cigarette? - Oh, thank you, darling.

- Anya, there's a phone call for you. - Thank you, Jim. Excuse me, darling.

- Hello. - It's me.

Paddy.

Oh, it's been terrible. I didn't know about...

Listen.

Are you being watched?

- I don't think so. - Good.

Meet me at the corner where I dropped you that first night, remember?

- What time? - As near to nine as you can make it.

Isn't that dangerous?

I've got to see you, flower. Have you been missing me too?

Oh, yes, I have. Oh, paddy, I...

Save it for tonight, darling.

Goodbye.

Scotland yard.

Extension 796, please.

Flying squad.

I would like to speak with mr ogle, please.

My name is Patrick Damion. I'm 32 years old.

I weigh 13 stone 8 and I want to talk to my lawyer.

You'd better change that tune pdq

if you want to walk out of here with all your teeth.

Now, come on, say something sensible.

Well, have you taken any good bribes lately?

You carry on like that and you'll get your face smashed in, clever Jack!

By you and how many others?

All right. Now, don't put the lip on, Damion.

Let's go over this once again.

You went to the gym about 11:30 with Foulcher, tanky Thomas and the spade.

There's no point in denying that, we've got witnesses. What do you say?

My name is Patrick Damion. I'm 32 years old...

And you weigh 13 stone 8? We know!

Like to try the water? It's lovely.

According to this, you shared a cell with Peters and Wally at the ville.

- Is that right? - If you know, why ask?

When you came out, Peters staked you, didn't he?

Find out.

That's what I fully intend to do.

Are you kidding?

I knew they couldn't hold me longer than 24 hours without evidence.

- I'm not worried. - That's very foolish of you.

They've only got to make one witness talk.

They won't do that, I promise you. What about Damion?

- What about him? - He was a friend of Peters.

And you used that friendship to get Peters.

Damion won't have liked that.

He still won't grass. He's got more sense.

I wonder.

Look, he may have a bit of a ruck at me personally,

but he'd never talk to the bogeys, take my word for that.

All the same, be prudent.

Buy a little insurance.

Like what?

He is very close to Wally Smith, isn't he?

Yeah.

Very loyal kind of boy, mr Damion.

He wouldn't want anything to happen to his other friend, would he?

All right, damn you, it was Harry!

He used me for his decoy.

- Well, that was pretty cheap. - Cheap?

He's human vermin!

That's the kind of scum that you're covering up for?

I'll see to him in my own way, without any help from you.

What about the top man, paddy? Isn't he just as guilty?

He must have put Harry up to it.

What top man?

There's only Harry.

You're a bad liar, boy!

All right, take him over to the Nick and charge him.

Of what?

Well, let's see now. We've got quite a choice, haven't we?

Being a suspected person, loitering with intent.

Where was it you picked him up? What time?

Curzon street, 9:35pm.

Being in possession of house-breaking implements by night then.

- That's a better one, Bob. - Oh, what are you talking about, guv?

One pair of gloves, one mica calender, one penknife.

- Do you want me to go on? - That's a right Liberty, mr Sayers.

- You know I'm not screwing now. - I might believe you.

But would the judge?

Oh, what chance have I got with my record?

Now look, paddy, if you want it the hard way that's the way you're gonna get it.

How can I get out of it then, guv?

Be a witness against Foulcher, one.

And two, put me on to the brain behind him.

Call back your dogs, mr Sayers.

Hbi.

Come on.

I thought you were straight, mr Sayers.

I thought the same about you, boy, once.

Seems we were both mistaken.

What a country!

We know who did a murder but we can't charge him without positive evidence.

When we pick up a witness who admits to being present at the killing,

we can't get a statement from him that would stick in court.

And we even have to scrape the barrel for a way of holding on to him.

How far are you prepared to go to tidy this thing up?

Get Foulcher, you mean?

Him, the top man, the whole mob at the back.

The whole way, short of losing my pension.

Well, fasten your seatbelt, copper,

this is where we begin to tilt the scales of justice in our direction for a change.

I don't know what your dad's gonna say, I really don't.

Hello, boy.

- Treating you right? - Thanks for coming.

- Anything you want? - Just to get out.

Oh, I, er... I've got a message for you.

- Who from? - Harry.

He says that he's sorry you were nicked

and he'll look after you in the usual way if you go down.

Does he?

Oh, and I'm to tell you

that if you grass, some of the boys will be giving me a kicking.

The dirty bastard!

Don't let it needle you, boy.

I've been doing some thinking about this lot.

As you know, I've been a thief most of my life.

I started screwing before I left school.

But I'm telling you, if these yobs are today's villains,

I don't want any part of them.

Beating up shopkeepers for a few lousy quid a week,

terrorising women.

They're even putting the black on straight thieves now.

I'll tell you, boy, for my money they're lower than dirt

and I don't care what they threaten to do to me.

If you want to keep mates with me...

You shop 'em good, shop the whole bleedin' mob of 'em.

It's not like me.

But if I were you, I'd tell Sayers the truth

and let the heavy mob sort them out in their own way.

Time's up!

Well, look after yourself.

Don't worry about Wally.

Bounces like a rubber ball. Remember?

Yeah?

- Seen the paper? - Yeah.

I've been thinking for some time of taking a little trip.

This seems the appropriate moment.

You might be right. Where to?

Well, in your special circumstances,

my advice would be to choose a country with which...

Britain has no extradition treaty.

Like patagonia, for example. What about the books?

Oh, don't worry about that. I'll put them where no one will ever find them.

Right.

I came as quickly as I could. You weren't followed?

Oh, paddy, you look exhausted.

Did you get everything?

Fifty quid.

- It was all I could raise in the time. - Well, that's fine.

- You'll get it back. - Oh...

You know, Anya shopped you.

I owe you an apology the size of that tower.

Oh, forget it!

I spoke to Billy fielder.

He says that he can get you out to Dublin tonight.

But you must be in Bristol not later than nine o'clock.

You're a good kid. I'll go tomorrow.

No! That might be too late.

Well, I'll have to take a chance on that.

- But why? - Oh, you know why!

He shot Alfie in cold blood.

Can I come with you?

Do you want to come with me?

Please.

Please.

Oh, if I had a wish...

Well, you know.

Meet me at Paddington bookstall at nine in the morning. OK?

Take care of yourself.

All right, Sadie.

What do you want me for?

Mr Sayers just wants to ask you a few questions.

All right.

I wasn't aware the lift was out of order, mr Damion...

Now, don't move.

May I not even use an ashtray?

I'm wondering...

What brings about this unusual and unexpected visit?

Now, don't you think I won't use this.

In that case, consider me at your disposal.

Now, get Harry here, quick!

Yeah?

- Harry. Waldo. - Oh, yes, Waldo, what is it?

Can you come over?

Er, some last-minute details I want to discuss.

Well, is it important? Yes.

Very important.

I'll be over right away.

Only a cigarette.

- Do you mind if I sit down? - Of course. Make yourself at home.

May one ask what your intention is with Harry?

Let's say, an eye for an eye.

Very biblical.

But how would it advantage you to expose yourself to a charge of having, er...

Eliminated him?

You suffer from the taint of gentility, mr Zhernikov.

The word is "murdered".

Tanky, nero.

Foulcher.

Good.

Right, let's go.

You lot stay out here.

Come in, Harry. ?...

So, Waldo...

You said it was important, what's it all about?

What...?

As you see, I am not the host tonight.

You keep out of this and you won't get hurt.

In that case...

Far, far...

All right, paddy boy?

Now, paddy, now, give us a chance.

I'll give you exactly the same chance as you gave alf.

Aagh!

Aagh!

Come on, boy. Come on, paddy boy!

Come on, boy, come on! Come on, lad!

All right, you're both nicked. Take 'em away.

Come on! Come on, paddy!

What are you afraid of, son? What are you afraid of?

- What are you afraid of? - Aagh!

Come on, boy! Come on now!

Come on. Come on now then. Come on, you...!

Aagh!

Do your stuff, Bob.

Take care of that.

Here, let me have a look at that.

- Dead? - As a doornail.

So that's the big fella?

Well, well, Waldo.

I never thought it might be you.

Inspector, I don't know what this is all about.

Mr Foulcher here was consulting me in my professional capacities...

Save it for the jury.

- You got your breath back? - Just about.

Well, as I see it, the charge can be either manslaughter or murder.

And what makes a difference?

That is my top man, is it not?

I don't think he's got anything to contribute, inspector,

that would involve me without...

Involving others closer to him.

Now, there speaks your syndicate, boy.

Do you think they'll ever leave you alone after that?

You may be tough enough to take it but what about Sadie?

That's your man.

You'll find a safe in the mantelpiece there with all the evidence you need.

- Take him down. - All right.

I doubt if any experienced broker

would give tuppence for your life expectancy, Damion.

OK.

In that case, I'd better make the most of the time that's left.

Good boy. Now, we'd better get that arm seen to.

Hood, take him over to the hospital.

Come on, paddy, old son, we'll soon get you patched up.

Oh, such consideration.

A few days ago, you're all for kicking my teeth in.

You're an important man now, paddy. We've got to watch over you like a baby.

Yeah, but for how long?

Till the trial and then... clck!

No, Bob, you're wrong. This time we've really got to make it work.

If we don't, the hoodlums and mobsters will be dominating this country

before we know what's hit us.

I don't want my kids to grow up in a world run by scum like that. Do you?

Now, get it cleaned up in here, will you?

Sure.

You certainly cleared out a lot of weeds tonight, guv'nor.

Well, I think we can say justice is slowly catching up with the 20th century.

But to the yard, sir?

Where else?