Original subtitles

In the early hours of the morning of June the twenty-eighth,

near the Italian the city of Naples,

the first in a series of tragic events began.

A dead girl was identified by the Italian police as Mia Alete,

A high priced call girl from the area.

But her death took on a different aspect

when it was disclosed that her services had been paid for

with a American hundred-dollar bill.... Counterfit

In Calais, France, one week later,

the second entry was recorded in the files of the police.

Gendarms were called when the bank teller was accused of trading...

counterfit American dollars for French francs.

When the counterfit money began to turn up in New York

and other American cities,

Peter Novak, a secret service Agent...

was assigned by Washington to work on the case in the United States.

On the night of July 8th...

Novak was returning home from a date...

with a girl named Ann Marlowe.

Oh, Annie! What's the use, I am not coming up!

I promise you I won't ask you again!

Oh, Annie!

You're such a baby!

I love you more than anybody else.

But that's not fair to you and you will keep asking.

I won't. I promise!

Those eyes of yours...

...when you're looking at me ...

No, Annie! Fun time's over.

I know. You don't want to commit bigamy.

You're already married to the secret service.

That's right!

I have no regrets. No tears at my funeral.

All right...

All right!

You can ... You can go to hell!

OK, baby! After I see you to your door!

Annie get down!

Annie, are you alright?

The bullets meant for Agent Novak had killed Ann Marlowe.

The girl's death is now linked the United States

with France and Italy in the growing records of the police.

England was the next country to feel the impact.

The police were now aware that an international criminal conspiracy was in operation.

This was the height of the tourist season.

Millions of American dollars would be flooding England and the continent.

It would mean a tremendous increase in activity

by professional counterfit passers.

Bank tellers were alerted for any suspect

American dollars which might be tendered.

Stop him!

Stop him!

Stop that man!

Attention!

The forgery section of Scott Yard confirmed that this bill

was identical to those found in Italy and France.

Counterfit!

In a desperate attempt to stop the flow of the counterfit, John Owens,

an American treasury agent operating in the European area

was assigned to work with Scotland Yard on the case.

On the night of July twelve, Owens was on this train from Liverpool to London.

The impact of John Owens' death was felt deeply at Scotland Yard.

It seemed that the cooperative investigation of the US treasury and Scotland Yard...

had come to a dead end.

Now Owens phoned us from Liverpool

before he got on that train.

He said he made contact.

Bought some sheets of counterfit paper from them.

And when they found the body the paper was gone, of course.

Of course. At least for now.

The stuff is being printed in this country.

Come in!

These traveler's checks that were found next to his body...

...they are forgeries!

But the test proved that they were printed on the

same paper as these counterfit bills we picked up.

That's the same paper and notes as being passed in America?

Yes!

And all obviously printed by the same gang.

Get me Washington!

Harding! Treasury Department.

Can I buy you a drink?

On your expense account?

What are you doing in New York?

Washington sent me on a fishing trip.

Do you want to continue?

Scotch? - Yes.

Scotch!

What's up? - Did you hear about Johnny Owens?

What? - He got it.

Day before yesterday. In London.

Any connection between Owens and what happened to Annie?

It looks the same as the last one. The counterfits are the same.

Harding asked me to come and talk to you.

He wants you to take over Johnny's assignment in London.

I told him he shouldn't even ask you.

Not after ...

Annie wanted so much to get married.

I told her she was too young to be a widow.

Forget it! I'll tell him to get somebody else.

When Owens died ...

Did he take any of the bastards with him?

No.

Maybe I'll have better luck.

It's called the International Van and Storage Company .

In the heart of the Liverpool ports area.

It's operated by a man called George Leeds.

The informant said that the counterfit paper came from inside that company.

Did you pick up the pigeon? - Aah!

In a dark alley. cold. And minus a tongue.

Come in!

I apologize, sir! Am I late? No, no, bang on time.

I brought Mr. Novak up to date.

By the way, Arthur Thompson. Peter Novak.

Hello. - Hello.

Oh God! My wife insisted on dropping me. Women's drivers!

Julie has a birthday treat in town.

That's my daughter. She's five today.

You are a family man?

Well, small family. Just two kids.

With my paycheck, two is all I can afford.

Well, I don't know how to put it.

Could I ask you this?

What do all these pins represent?

These are the places where the storage company made deliveries and collections.

Each location is covered by one of our men.

Lots of little pins chasing storage vans.

Raising a lot of smoke.

We have occasionally been known to find a fire.

We think we are able to put one out.

Putting out a big fire or lots of small ones...

isn't gonna stop this gang.

What do you suggest?

You're up against a smart, tight, international ring.

We are not just playing monopoly with printed money.

They're killers!

What's the score so far? Four deaths!

We are aware of this as you are, Mr. Novak.

If you have any specific proposal, let's hear it.

Take every man off the case.

That's sick, why?

At least it will save the taxpayers a lot of money, sir.

You've got a small army there.

The more men, the more chance for a leak.

Poor British! Nobody trusts us anymore.

In this job I trust myself.

I should work alone.

When I need the Yard's help I'll ask for it.

You have a plan, I presume?

Infiltration Join the ring.

Simple as that!? - Yes, if I'm alone.

If the key is the storage company.

Then that's the door to open.

All right, Mr. Novak!

I'll go along with you.

But ... you will have another man.

Who could tell!

He might be able to show you one or two tricks.

Look, Arthur ... if you do not like the sound of this.

I can always assign someone else.

NO, NO NO Sir

No, I don't think I should pass up the opportunity

of working with Mr. Novak.

Besides, we wouldn't like to let our American friends down, would we?

This is Frank Spineta.

Corsican. Thirty-eight years old.

Arrested in 1960 for a burglary. He served eighteen months.

Arrested again in 1965. Forging pound notes.

Everett "Smiley” watts.

Twenty-seven years old. Canadian.

Drug addict, hold-up man. Involved with Spineta in sixty-five.

This is the last one.

Timothy O'Donald. Scot.

Expert locksmith. Explosive's man.

He served two terms for robbery.

That's it, gentlemen.

Oh, thank God for that. Oh, my aching back.

Well...

what do you think?

Well I think during the last six days this is the best gang we've seen.

What's their story?

Well, they all operated in Glasgow.

Known as the "Golden Goose" gang.

Got away with half a million pounds in gold ingots from a bank in Scotland.

All five were killed when their escape vehicle smashed into a petrol lorry.

The whole gang?

So far as we know.

Do you have any more dope on them?

We know everything about them,

Convictions, prints, habits, wives...

...girlfriends, the lot.

Okay!

I think that's what we want.

If they are all dead ...

who’s to say that there weren't seven members in that gang?

You mean that the two of us were the only ones who escaped?

Yes, that's the idea. It's up to us to make it stick.

I'd like to believe it was that easy...

but I keep thinking of your friend Owens.

Yes, so do l.

I understand that the Owens was not carrying a gun when he was killed.

Weapons are not standard issue in this country, Mr. Novak.

Owens knew this and turned over his gun to us.

When necessary in under certain circumstances,

firearms are authorized.

Owens it did not request this.

May I...

...Officially request permission to regain my gun, sir?

If you think it necessary, yes.

Owens should have thought so.

What about you?

No, no. Na thanks! It's not for me.

I can't stand violence.

I never go hunting without a gun.

That ... are you sure this is that dump we're supposed to...

I'm sure.

Don't knock it.

If Tony Stroud gives us a room we'll be on our way, won't we?

Sir!

No. I'm afraid not.

What with tourists and business men ...

I ... I don't seem to have a thing.

That's not what we've heard.

Oh? Heard what?

Oh you mean that someone recommended you.

Yes, Stroud, Yes! Somebody recommended us.

Some guys from the big hotel up north.

Yeah! It's called "Hotel Nik".

What sort of trouble are you guys in?

None of your God-damn business, now look, we are in a hurry.

Are you gonna give us a room or...

Easy, easy, easy.

I mean, after all, he's gonna be careful, too.

Yes ...

YES !!

Look...

Sign the book here.

It's been a sudden vacancy.

Three pounds for the night. Cash in advance, if you do not mind.

Room sixty-one on the top floor. It's very quiet and ...

...Very private.

Smith!? Jones!?

I know you're going to Edinburgh.

You know about twice a year I manage to scrape

up the money to take Mary out to dinner.

I never can get her to eat Chinese.

You know, you should try the food in Hong Kong sometime.

I'm afraid the Liverpool Chinese...

...they've been away from home too long.

Here, wash it down! - Thank you!

Do you have a cigarette somehow ... - Bedside table.

For how long do you think we have to stick in this dump?

If Stroud takes the bait tomorrow morning...

it shouldn't take more than a day or two.

This is the rest of Thompson's? - Yeah.

All right, I know, I know. I get rid of it.

Do that.

Thanks.

You know, that boy is a terror.

It's pretty hard on Mary when I'm not around.

Which is most of the time, I'm afraid.

Does she complain much?

No.

Well, not very much.

Just enough to give you the message.

Oh, you mean ... about me leaving the job.

Well, I suppose she thought about it. Suppose we both have.

What's holding you back. Can't be the money.

Very soon, on March 31st, I am getting a raise.

Two pounds, fifteen shillings and six pennies per week.

That's about six dollars and fifteen cents in your money.

Well, why do you stay in it?

Well...

I like it.

It's my job.

It's all I know.

How about you?

I do not have any pictures to burn.

Look...

I was already in the force when my wife married me,

So she knew exactly what she was doing.

Just because there is a certain amount of danger attached to this job

I see no reason why one shouldn't try to live a normal life.

I take it you were never married.

No.

Now, listen Thompson ...

You might as well know,

I don't like working with you.

Men in this kind of job should not have distractions.

My life may depend on you.

What would it be worth if your first instinct is:

“What will happen to Mary and children, if I have a bullet in my stomach?"

Married men should work behind a desk shoveling papers.

I'm sorry you feel that way Mr. Novak.

I'll just have to prove you wrong, won't I?

Why don't you take this? I'll get another one.

No thanks!

I...I would not like to get into the habit.

Well, I'm going to bed.

I just hope that stiff upper lip of yours

doesn't make you snore.

He's on time.

Never clapped eyes on them.

The report also says they were mixed up in that gold robbery...

...In Glasgow.

Oh...

You don't say!

You know you're going to ruin your dentures if you keep that up.

Now, you see or hear anything you'll let me know alright! - Oh yeah, sure, right.

You know, I might even be able to help you out sometimes.

A gentlemen who stays inside the law side doesn't need any favors.

Hey, Sergeant!

Look, I wonder if you let me keep these photographs, sir.

So that I can fix it in me mind.

I know your phone, as you said.

Well, let me do my duty.

That's right, Tom! Always do your duty.

He's leaving.

It won't take long to get our pigeon.

Ten bucks I say they will be here in less than a minute.

You're on.

Pay up!

Who is it?

Mr. Davis?

Come in!

Now, look here, Davis!

Where did you get it his name?

Get off me, damn it! What are you playing at?

You rat fink, You double-crossed us!

NO NO NO... I swear to God!

He asked you a question! How did you get my name?

I only came here to warn you.

A Yard man came to me and showed me two photographs of you.

Where are they? Show me!

Well, he took them away with him.

What did you tell him?

Oh, come on, get off my back, will you?

Look, if I was a cop, you think I keep myself in one piece?

How do you think I'm managing to stay in business?

I think he gotta be straight.

And after all, the boys wouldn't have directed us here if he wasn't.

Yes, yes. Anyone will tell you.

Why don't you ask Jerry Walsh on 32 he's bigger than you fellas?

All right!

But keep your mouth shut!

Yes, all right!

You don't have to make such a fuss, I'll keep me mouth shut.

But ... Hey, look!

The cops are breathing down your neck how long are you figuring on staying?

Until we fix up some kind of deal.

Yes. We need some money.

If you have any idea, spread the word around.

Yea I will, ... I'll see what I can do.

You'll be alright here for a couple of days.

Just stay put.

I'll send up a good breakfast.

Would you believe it?

Listen, what do you think that he will do now?

He will be telling the news all over town.

Including to the van and Storage Company .

What sort of work are you lads looking for?

I do not know. Anything that's going.

Fellows sit down! Sit down!

Nasty business about the other boys in your outfit.

You were luckier!

Smarter!

Spineta should have stopped pushing dope.

Spineta!?

Well, I do not know where you knew him,

but the only thing Spineta ever pushed was funny money.

Yes of course!

I am duffed, I was thinking about Smiley Watts.

He and Spineta were working for me when Smiley came over from Australia.

You going to stop playing games!

Smiley came from Toronto and had a mole on his ass. Come on, let's go!

Sit down, yank! I'll tell you when to leave.

Look, you asked for us.

Do you have a job we can do, talk! Maybe we'll listen.

You got gall Bruckner, I'll say that for you.

You recognize these villains?

You know the only thing this is good for, don't you?

I like your style, Bruckner!

You are too hot around here. I'll be taking a big risk.

But what the hell! I'll chance it.

The organization is always scouting for new talent.

Maybe they could use you in some other country.

Yes. But the further away the better.

Yes! How about Acapulco?

It's not up to me. You have to be checked out top to bottom.

And meanwhile you'll working here.

Inside only.

If the coppers start noseing around I'm not covering for you.

Pat!

Hey, Pat! Get Martin, will you!

Okay.

You boys ever play football?

Well yes. I mean ... didn't everybody?

I'm a professional myself.

You See, I'm a team man...

...but did I ever say I'm a coach.

I call it tactics around here. Understand?

You want something, Georgie?

Yes. We're taking on Bruckner here and Davis.

Put them to work, but nothing out in the open.

They are still a bit sensitive about their last job.

The "Golden Goose" bullion raid

But they all fried in that crash!

Yeah, it was a two-car job, you see.

And we was in the Jag.

Uh, That was a big one.

Too bad it didn't come off!

Come on! I'll show you around!

Maureen! Get me Max in London, will you?

Hey, Bruckner!

What's it gonna be now?

Well, we checked you out. You're okay!

Hallelujah!

Another week like this and I go off my rocker.

Well, knock off here. I got some other jobs for you.

Well, they are. This is it!

All the stuff here ready for distribution.

Tens, Twenties ...

...travelers checks ...

...fifties ... Here they are!

And what do you think, eh?

A counterfeit racket!

Laddie, what do you know?

Yes, the best. We're distributors.

Hey, come here, look!

Now, this area is divided up into zones.

Mostly Lancashire.

These numbers here identify each person handling our stuff.

And the neighborhood he covers.

A big operation then.

Not only this, we're handling American stuff.

Not everybody will take it.

Now, listen! Here's the set-up.

Leeds wants to keep you inside because you're on the run.

Making up the box. Making the package and keeping the box here.

What is this leaving this door wide open?

Shut up and close it! What you got there then?

Here is a consignment of $100 bills.

Want me to stack them. No, you count them first.

Why?

You reckon the Owl is gonna short-change us on something...

Just count them!

God!

There! You can see now why Leeds wants you to take over in here.

Some of these geezers cannot add up two and two.

Listen, I've given Owl some bird seeds once...

but he never gave me no $100 bills.

You do not know the right kind of Owl.

Well if you gonna join us, I better get you some union cards.

You ... print those as well, do you?

YES !!

AS a matter of fact we do - well, make yourself at home.

I'll be right back. Have a look around.

Well, they've certainly have covered every angle, didn't they?

Oh yes!

Smart set-up, alright.

Well ... I thought the printing presses would be here.

Nobody knows where they are. Except bragging Leeds.

Listen ...

An Owl is a pretty wise bird.

I wonder where it could perch.

Now listen, Bruckner! I don't know nothing and I don't ask nothing.

You take my advice. It's not healthy to get nosey around here.

Here they are!

This makes you official.

We've just joined a great union.

No dues!

Hello!

Keep your hands down!

What the hell, is going on here?

Get his gun, love.

Just a friendly social call.

Right, Debbie?

You might call it that.

Yeah ... Debbie is a dandy.

You bring her for me?

Oh, no!

She's my date. At least for tonight.

Good for you!

Well, isn't it your time to say something?

Well, I just happened to mention to Debbie about you and Davis joining the outfit.

You got a big mouth!

Do not worry about her.

You ever see him before, love?

Never!

You're joking.

Somebody is joking, but I ain't laughing.

Bruckner!

Joe Bruckner he says his name is.

I've never heard that either.

That's peculiar, ain't it, Bruckner.

Debbie used to be Frank Spineta's girl.

You think that Frankie told you everything, huh?

Enough.

Did he tell you that he kept another bird on the side?

You're a liar.

Did he tell you that it was my idea to pull the gold job?

It was his idea.

You're just a big a jerk as he was.

Who killed Frankie's cousin Pete in Dublin?

Martin, you're not gonna let this big dumb...

Shut up! Answer her!

I wasn't around when he was killed.

He's a fraud! Frankie had no cousin.

Copper! You're a lousy stinking copper!

Sergeant Carter!

Novac.

You better send some of your boys up to my room.

Yeah!

There's a big long-legged broad in my bed.

Keep her on ice for me.

Where did he go?

I told you...

...I do not know.

You're barking on the wrong man!

I mean, I was here all the time, wasn't I?

Stroud said that your chum was in the hotel

when Martin Svon dived off that roof, now talk!

I do not know!

You gonna talk?

Try hitting him again!

Listen, Bruckner! -No, you listen to me, big shot!

Want to know what happened to Martin ...

I pushed the bastard off the roof!

He splattered his stupid brain all over the street and he deserved it.

That's what the bastard was trying to do.

He was going to sell us for a lousy thousand quid.

I do not believe it!

I do not give a damn what you believe!

I do not like the way your team plays football, coach!

You got two players walking off the field. Come on!

NO, No ... Wait Moment, Joe!

No, I mean ... please, he wasn't to blame, was he?

I mean, you know, he's been square with us.

Anyway, we're still too hot.

Na no. I think this is as good a place to hide out as any.

Because your brain's scrambled.

All right, Davies.

Let's get divorced.

You're getting to be a drag anyway.

Goodbye, coach!

This tea is foul!

Rotten!

Dig up anything?

The Owl's name is Nick Harrison.

Taken four years ago.

When he was charged of forging airline tickets.

He beat the case. In fact he hasn't done any time.

Sounds like a wise Owl.

So far. Picked up once because of possession of marijuana.

He's a queer Queer.

The scar on the left shoulder.

Knife wound. Disillusioned boyfriend.

Where do I find him?

Hiding in underground.

We believe he operates in London.

Better lay off.

The one to better fly away.

I'll find him myself.

Oh yes, He used to go to steam-bars and massages.

Steam baths?

Mr. Bruckner! Paul is ready!

Oh, thank you!

It's booth number three, sir!

Thank you very much!

Too bad that you are not my size.

Would you like to come to a party I am giving?

A little fun ... a little dance ...

...tonight ...

Now try it but very soft, right.

Well, well! My old friend.

One of the truly immoral men in the world.

Get out!

Why don't you go and make a nice fresh pot of tea, honey.

I do admire your abilities, Smiley.

You're able to make an enemy out of practically anybody.

We have private business.

You made a little mistake, Owl.

Oh, really?

Well, that's what life is Smiley, trial and error.

One must learn to enjoy the trails and forget the errors.

Say what you have to say and get out!

When the man upstairs talks you listen, understand?

You don't frighten me one little bit.

Without me, the whole London operation would fall apart and he knows it.

Nobody knows my contacts except me.

This is an order from the top, Owl.

In the future, stick to the rules.

If you must gamble use legitimate currency.

Oh, that's it, is it?

Oh, that's the salt and pepper.

That's the spice.

That's what gives the game taste.

I don't you expect you to understand that.

Anybody could use real money.

You have been warned!

All right, all right. Put that pig sticker down.

You may tell the great man that I get the point.

Lord, this creature!

He could run a check for me...

...on the portobello antique supermarket.

The Owl left A briefcase there.

Right, I'll get some men on that.

By the way, if it is the false currency he is delivering...

...where do you think its coming from?

That's my next little job.

Oh yes!

The counterfit plates and bills you requested from Washington arrived this morning.

Good. I've been waiting for that.

Beautiful, Hand engravings.

You know work like that isn't done anymore.

Do you know who did this?

German. August Baumann.

Baumann? - Yes.

Put away years ago. Has done it at the penitentiary. He is still there.

I shouldn't worry about the plates. They wouldn't be recognized after all this time.

They're safe enough.

Keep the plates for me until I need them. I just take a few bills.

Thanks.

Thompson pick up anything on Leeds?

Ah, nothing so far, We haven't been able to get near him.

I thought your boy was going to teach me a few tricks.

He may surprise you.

Yes ...

That's what I'm afraid of.

From now on, I better stay away from here.

But if you hear from Thompson, let me know.

I'll sit on the Owl, maybe he will hatch something.

Hey Kathy! Get me Carter in Liverpool.

Hey, will you do what I tell you?

Look, very kind of you, George, but I cannot move into your house.

What about your wife? - Blow the wife.

If your taking over Martin's job you can't be going on living in Stroud's sleeping.

Can you?

Look, I appreciate your ... - Here you go, will you? Let's head to the races!

Let's go! - All right! You're the boss.

I beg your pardon! Do you have a light?

Oh, sure thing!

Smoke? - Love to.

The House of Commons is coming up over there.

Oh yes!

The antique shop is a cover for the Owl's export organization.

There is the House of Lords. - Beautiful.

The stuff goes out with the antiques to Europe and America.

Any news of Thompson?

No. Nothing yet.

Oh...

would you mind taking a picture of me with the Big Ben behind?

No. What do I do? - Press right here.

A little further!

I beg your pardon, sir! May I see your membership card?

I do not have one.

I'm sorry, sir, but You must be a member here.

I just remembered. I do have one.

Oh, go right inside, sir. - Thank you.

I'm sorry, friend!

There is not much room here.

Place your bets, Ladies and Gentlemen.

No foreign currency on the table, sir.

What do you have against American money?

You must be overseas member.

It's the house rule, I'm afraid.

If you take it to the cash desk they'll exchange it for chips.

Just over there, sir.

They wouldn't be So fussy in Vegas.

Do you mind?

The US currency brings back pleasant memories of your country.

You should have no trouble cashing this,

We British are always delighted to take American dollars.

Thought you wouldn't think so.

I'm uh ... withdrawing my bets.

No more bets. - Just a moment, sir.

Thank you, sir!

Thank you!

We're in business!

Alright.

Well, what's the name of the game?

It's called: "Get in car or we drop you!"

You motherf*****...

Get in!

Right, Let's get out of here.

Is that close enough?

Pink is a good driver ain't he.

You boys having fun?

You'll see some real fun if you come to the club again.

Pink will crack your nuts next time.

Here is your "Bang-Bang" back again!

And take my advice. Drop it!

That's only for big boys to play with.

Alright?

Cheerio!

Clean it!

Ask them!

Cops! Let's go!

Cops!

All right! Get out of here! All of you!

Let's go!

Let's go!

Let's got Police!

What the hell do you think you're doing?

What's the matter? Don't you remember me, gambler?

At the club ..

...a thousand years ago.

Well, don't break up the party! Come join us!

Would you like a drink, a little dance, girl or ...

You arranged for those goons to work me over, didn't you?

I'll call the police now! - And you owe me a hundred bucks.

That's not true! That was a false bill.

You got pretty Sharp eyes, buddy.

But you better have a real one for me.

Where's your wallet?

Where's your wallet?

In the bedroom.

I beg your pardon!

Oh, this must the fun and games room.

A lot of traffic down here.

All right, where is it?

Dressing table. Top right hand drawer.

Under the handkerchiefs.

So, you'd call the police.

And what would you tell them?

That my stuff is better than this crap that you've been passing around?

I do not know what you're talking about. - We're in the same racket, pally !

But when I'm through with you there will be one less.

But take it a little nice. Do not play rough!

If anything happens to me, you will never get out of London alive.

There's a lot of muscle around here like those teeny boppers and these queens I chased out of here.

There is a big well oiled machine operating here that might just run you over.

Oh, sure! Go ahead, scare me.

Look ... Uh,

Can we have a civilized conversation? - Shoot! Make it good.

At the club tonight, I noticed immediately ...

Your bill was hand engraved. The work of an artist, Excellent!

But wasted on cheap paper.

So?

You saw my bill. - Junk! What you engraved.

Ah ... but did you notice the texture of the paper.

She is good.

It's great!

What did you do, bleach $100 bills?

No! The paper is made for us. All we need.

Ah! You really got something.

So have you.

You have excellent plates.

We have excellent paper.

Well ...

...we might be able to do a deal.

Go on! - Do you have those plates?

You can get them at any drugstore.

Then give me one of your bills and I'll get it to one of my associates.

NO no!

Either you make a deal with me.

Or get me to the guy who can.

I'm afraid it's not as simple as that.

Well, this is a complex matter.

Certain steps must be taken.

Why have you done that?

I'll give you the other half when I get to know you better.

Oh, there must be a plain old fashioned scotch somewhere in this kinky bordello of yours.

Where can I reach you?

You can't. I checked out.

I'm heading up north tonight.

How long do you expect me to hang around?

Well, it might take two or three days.

I know!

There is an empty furnished apartment on the ground floor. You can stay there.

Rent free.

I own the building.

Sounds cozy!

And what if we don't make a deal?

Then you will pay.

Rent, of course!

But if you have those plates we make a deal. I can promise you that!

Cheers!

By the way ...

How did you find me?

The perfume you are wearing.

Excellent!

But excellent!

If the rest of it is as good.

...It's as close to the United States government issued as I have ever seen.

Exactly what I thought, dear boy.

And he's an American, you said? - Yes!

And he has the plates. - So he claims.

But why did he give you only this piece?

I do not know.

That's something we'll have to find out.

He wants to do a deal...

...and he's rather a tough nut.

Ask for instructions!

Oh, and...

...thank you for the glass of water.

You set up a phone tab on the place.

I moved into that apartment in his building.

Well done!

What ... wait a moment! Come in!

What is? - Thompson!

He's just sending over the wire.

Something on Thompson from Liverpool. I'll read it to you!

Thompson observed this week with Leeds at cafés,

racetracks and gambling clubs.

Now living in Leeds' home.

Unable to make contact.

No reports or messages left at the agreed drop.

Nothing!? What the hell is he doing?

Wise. Probably nothing to report.

He does not want to risk making contact.

I would not worry about him. - You would not, huh? Well, you better start!

Now look, Novak!

If you're implying that Thompson is not trustworthy.

I am not implying anything yet.

I'll keep in touch.

Yanks!

Good evening!

As your new landlord, I thought that ...

...I'd drop in to see if you're comfortable.

I like the accommodation, but I can't say much for the maid service.

Well, tell us where you keep those plates and it might improve.

I'd rather tell you where to shove them.

Where are they?

If you're smart, you'll save the umbrella for a rainy day, gentlemen.

Gentlemen, Gentlemen, gentlemen ...

Now, be a good boy.

Give us those plates and then we'll decide your future.

I decide my own future, sweetheart!

You followed me here last night, You followed me today. Why?

Oh, you goons.

Why did you came here?

Because I do not like the odds.

After what happened in the gambling joint.

I used legitimate currency.

He's a liar!

His wallet was stuffed with counterfit.

Now get your asses out of here!

I wanted a cheap deal I would have made it with George Leeds.

Leeds!?

What do you know about Leeds?

He's just another cheap punk like the rest of you.

George Leeds better know you, Bruckner.

Oh, he knows me!

Ask him about Martin !

Martin ?

Was it you that...?

That's right!

Think about it, mister!

If you want to talk about these plates.

You better come back with an invitation from your boss.

Now get out!

Next time ...

...make sure you knock!

So, this is what they call gracious living, huh?

Just shut up and come inside!

This way, gentlemen!

This must be the hunting-shooting-fishing room.

The guy who lives in this joint has got to be the boss.

First prize!

Royal International horse show!

I'm so sorry to have kept you, gentlemen!

I was just getting a little practice in.

Ah.

You must be Mr. Bruckner!?

My name is Niko Firenos. Welcome to my home!

Nice little shack you got here.

Thank you! I like it.

The ... horses are tax-deductible, I assume.

Mr. Bruckner, I see that you are a practical man.

Look, let's cut the small talk bit.

What am I doing here?

Well, its just a social gathering.

A few of your friends are having a drink across the hall.

Smythe, would you mind?

It's not often I get the opportunity of bringing old friends together again.

Ah ...

Mr. Mueller! He owns the camera store you visited yesterday.

And your new landlord ...

Ah, Mr. Bruckner ... Good day to you.

And your very old and dear friend ...

...of course!

You...

You did not tell me ...

Hello, Joe!

Who said we are friends!

We split in Liverpool.

Yes, I know about yours activities in Liverpool.

Talk to him like a friend Davis in any case.

What the hell are you trying to pull?

Well, they're telling me you are playing hard to get. What's the point?

Why not cooperate, I could do you, give them the plates!

You are trying to cut my throat cooperating?

We're partners in those plates, remember?

I just got as much right in them as you have!

You stayed with Leeds. Now you got no part of nothing!

Davis, if you know where those plates are, Mr. Bruckner becomes dispensable.

He knows nothing!

I wouldn't cut you another plate of chop-suey.

So if that's the game you want to play the deal is off, I'll set up My own operation.

Mr. Bruckner!

It takes two to call off a deal.

Besides, You've got no transportation.

Well, I guess I'm in no position to argue.

Every trick you pull is gonna cost you.

Well, I just have to take that risk, won't I ?

Now, Franz here has one or two questions for you.

He is our technical adviser you might say.

Mr. Bruckner, your bill is a splendid job. A master engraver.

But Scotland Yard has a file of all of them.

No no no. Not this one. He is new.

What else are you going to tell them?

Well, you tried cutting me out, Joe.

You'll find out!

Franz, what's your opinion? Should we make the deal?

We still don't know if our paper will take an entirely new plate.

Fine as the workmanship is.

Give me some of your paper and I make up a sample.

In addition business organization anticipates every eventuality, Mr. Bruckner

Then you may have anticipated I want 30% of the whole operation.

Thirty percent!?

You have illusions of grandeur my friend.

And I want to be in on the whole set-up. Presses, distribution, everything.

You're asking a lot!

Well, that's my deal! Can you make it, yes or no?

Slowly, my friend, slowly!

These things take time. First discussions, then decision.

I see !

So you're only a cog in the machine. Like the Owl!

What do you mean?

I mean, you are just a front.

The big daddy would have shut me up with yes or no, and you can say neither, can you pally?

When will you have your samples?

Tell your boss he can get them when I'm ready.

I'll wait in the car

Let him go!

You have to let Firenos know he's gonna pay through the nose for these plates.

And if you ever crawl up my back again...

So help me, I'll kill you.

Forty percent linen, forty-five percent cotton.

Long staple.

That puts it in the same class as the official American paper.

They are getting their hands on American cotton?

No, it's Egyptian. - Egyptian!?

And the sizings glow water is the same your country uses.

But the third component is a shrinking agent used only by North African paper makers.

Could be any of those countries!

Tunisia, Morocco, Algiers ...

Even Egypt itself.

You must not breathe a word to the authorities in any of these places.

There could be pay-offs somewhere along the line.

We'll cover all the ports of entry. I will notify customs.

Meanwhile, let me have those plates. We are not dealing with fools.

We have to run a sample. I can't stall them any longer.

There is a hand press downstairs.

It will be ready for you by tomorrow evening.

Only one side is printed.

I thought you wanted to see how the plate would print on your paper.

That tells you enough.

He gave you sufficient paper for four bills.

I'm a lousy printer. I ruined three of them.

Well?

Make the deal. It's perfect.

Very well, Mr. Bruckner. Give me your plates.

Certainly.

But the deal is now thirty five percent.

Thirty-five?

Five percent more for sending your hatchet man after me.

You do not play nice.

But it's only one.

The back plate only.

Ill hand the face plate only to the man who pulls the strings.

What makes you think he'll see you?

If he wants the plates, he'll see me.

Excuse me!

Who is this?

It's Davis

Can we talk?

The place was bugged but I ripped it out.

I think they got the message.

Well, they got me in upstairs with the Owl.

Yeah, I know!

You're a brave man!

Well, I think I'll be alright.

After all, I am not exactly his type of man.

Well, it looks like we're really in.

Are we?

Why didn't we hear from you?

Ah, well, I couldn't get away.

I mean, at least I was very careful. Besides, there was nothing to report.

He took a liking to you, didn't he?

Well that was the idea, wasn't it?

You know, he even gave me Martin's job.

He even put me in his own home.

You did alright.

You know, I thought that you were putting on an act with me at Firenos' place.

But you really mean it.

You like the good life, don't you?

Good food, big cars, race horses.

Good schools for the kids.

Makes YOU think, doesn't it.

Are you suggesting that I am taking a pay-off?

I have no proof of that.

So what exactly do you expect me to do now?

Well, that's your problem.

I would say that you are the one who had the problem.

Now wasn't that a good meal?

You know, I haven't had a fillet steak like that in years.

One of my favorite restaurants, the festival hall.

I adore the view!

I sometimes come to the ballet here.

Have you ever seen Nureyev dance?

Uh, No, No, I can't say I have, no.

Beautiful ballet, hm!

Let's uh ... Let's walk along the terrace.

The view across the river is one of the best in London.

Yeah, all right!

You know ...

...at the risk of sounding pious.

I might say that you are the answer to my secret prayers.

I am not sure that I thought You were the sort of person who prayed.

Michael ...

I have a proposition to make to you.

Yes, well, watch it.

No, I mean seriously.

You, Bruckner and I should be in business for ourselves.

Do you mean what I think you mean?

We could set up our own organization.

You boys got those marvelous plates, and I got the pushers. They all come with me.

And I know an absolutely perfect front in Manchester run by a darling friend of mine.

Yeah, and we could all die and get our heads chopped off.

It takes careful planning, of course. But, leave that all up to me.

The three of us could go very far, Michael.

You'd be eating fillet steaks three times a day.

Yes, well, I mean it would need thinking about, wouldn't it.

I'll think about it, sir.

Talk it over with Bruckner.

You'll see. He'll go along.

Could be a trick to get the face plate.

Could be.

But the Owl is not stupid.

He knows that's the first thing we think.

If he's on the level...

and if you really want to prove something...

get the name of the top man out of him.

Is that the price for Your trust?

I told you. I trust nobody.

Nothing personal.

I feel very sorry for you, Mr. Novak.

Thank you. - Thank you, sir!

Thanks a lot!

Do you like it?

Yes. It's very pretty.

I'm not sure, you know. - No, it's charming.

Positively charming.

Listen, did you give him counterfit for that?

The hand is quicker than the eye.

Just for the hat you're taking a bit of a crazy chance, aren't you?

I'll meet our Manchester friends

for lunch about our little scheme.

Not to delay, What's the time?

It's just ... - Arthur ... Arthur Thompson!

Isn't it a coincidence?

I just come up from Brighton for the day to do a little shopping with your wife.

I think you must be mistaken me for somebody else, lady.

Oh, Arthur ...

Mary!

Oh, where is she?

Mary, Arthur is here.

Perhaps he'll take us to lunch.

I don't know what she's talking about. Mary, join me!

Come on, Mary! Arthur is here.

Look, if you girls want a bit of company, alright, I mean...

Well, I never ...

Your husband is trying to pick us up.

Genevieve, for heaven's sake!

We are very flattered, darling! Aren't you going to kiss him?

I am terribly sorry!

Genevieve, what you should be shopping for is a pair of spectacles.

You're positively blind.

Aren't you Arthur Thompson?

I wish I was.

If this is lovely bird is his wife.

Oh, but ...

I'm so embarrassed. I'm so sorry.

Genevieve, do not be so silly. - I know it's Arthur.

Arthur is taller to start. Oh, yeah are not we shopping? Are we?

Mary Thompson, can I get a moment with you ...

Now this is the best routine I've seen in a year. They're not my type.

I must get this cab.

I'll be seeing you.

The information has been confirmed.

Your friend is from Scotland Yard.

You're out of your mind! He was with us on the gold job.

And who was the informer on that one?

Well, we never found out.

Okay, then let me handle it.

I take the bastard out myself!

We'll all pay him off, Mr. Bruckner.

A ridiculous program!

All this stupid violence!

I am so sick of looking at dull and ugly people.

That's the third time you've been to that window.

It's gonna rain.

I'm Gemini. We hate the wet.

Oh yes!

Well, I think I'll go for a walk.

Why do that? It's gonna rain.

So I get my raincoat.

Surprise party? Somebody's birthday?

Yours! We have a present for you.

...Thompson!

Thompson!? Who the hell is Thompson?

You were in the air force before you joined Scotland Yard.

There's also a Mrs. Mary Thompson.

Two children attending elementary School.

Your wife does volunteer work at the Gilford Hospital.

You forgot the cat.

So, we would like to hear about the cat.

Hold it, hold it!

Let me talk to him alone. - Shut up, Bruckner!

You are the one who dug all this up.

It must have been you because nobody was close enough.

And I thought you were the monk.

Keep talking. You're digging your grave.

You do me.

You're all be digging your graves. The Yard knows everything about every one of you.

Filled in the name good, did you?

Now, listen! The son of a bitch is right.

Besides, cop Killing is not part of my deal. - You're a little bit late for that.

There was an issue before that one.

Named Owens. One of your countryman.

And for Penny and for Pound...

Hold it ...

Good morning.

Everything alright ? - No sweat!

Let's go. - Okay!

More Antiques for Windsor Manor. Okay.

Get lost!

Sleep!

Billy?

Is that you?

I was hoping you would come back. I haven't given you up.

Billy couldn't make it.

We lied to you!

You know they really should keep you under a stone!

If you've got a message,

get it over quickly or come back in the morning.

I'm running my bath.

Does marihuana make you brave or simply stupid?

It's impossible to explain it to you, Smiley.

You'd need to be a human being. It...

...releases the soul.

That's what I've came to do for you.

What do you mean?

Your friend in Manchester was no friend of yours.

You should like the deal better now. Unless your boss is there to make it,

there is no deal.

We were told to come to a meeting. That's all I know.

But I expect someone who wants to see your plate before the evening is out.

You brought it with you, I suppose?

Would you like to try to find out?

I can wait!

"Golden Goose” file information received.

Franz Muller worked with August Baumann. West Germany 1957.

Muller can identify face plates as Baumann engraving.

Harding. US treasury.

When Muller identifies that face plate, Novak is a dead man.

There's no lead to where he is? - He left forty minutes ago.

Novak's message was not to follow.

And I am to blame for that.

He wanted every damn man off the case.

And I agreed to it like a bloody fool.

Thompson is being fished out of the Thames.

Novak will be next.

All right!

I want every available man on this case.

Put out an alert on Firenos car.

Notify the telephone tab on the camera club.

Cover that store at Portobello Road.

If something breaks on Novak, I wanna know the next minute.

All right, Mr. Bruckner!

Good evening, sir! - Good evening!

Well, well!

Just be a moment, sir.

Thank you.

A glorified junk shop.

Tell me...

...are all these counterfit, too?

It so happens, Bruckner,

that these antiques are genuine.

But I wouldn't expect you to appreciate the difference.

Well I don't know, I ...

...I smelled you out pretty fast, didn't I?

Good evening, gentlemen!

Surprise, surprise!

A queen, not a king!

I'm so sorry to have sent you gentlemen at such short notice.

But I'm quite sure you all will understand.

May I present Joe Bruckner ... Miss Angela Richmond.

Firenos.

This is the first time the organization is beginning to interest me.

I understand you brought the plate with you, Mr. Bruckner.

May I see it?

If you are the head man, baby...

...we can talk about it.

You're in no position, Mr. Bruckner, to talk about anything.

Get it!

Hold it, hold it! Down, dog, down.

The shooter.

Is this the way you collect all your antiques?

You had a friend called Thompson, remember?

If the plate passes inspection, then we'll talk.

Where is Muller?

Muller!? You never tell...

Do not be so stupid. How else can we verify this?

Bring him down here immediately!

Phone him. - Yes.

Not in there. Use the extension phone upstairs.

Make yourself at home, Mr. Bruckner.

Thanks.

I'll be in the office. When Muller arrives, knock on the door.

Hello!

Muller, this is Firenos.

Look, get over to the antique shop, right away.

Mr. Bruckner ...

Look, never mind. Get over here right away!

All right, all right ...

Muller urgently called to Windsor Manor Antiques

He's arrived.

I came as quickly as I am could, Nobody told me... - Never mind about that.

Mr. Bruckner's face plate. Examine it!

Well?

I would like to run a proof on this.

Can't you tell without one?

I want to be absolutely certain 'before I give an opinion here.

Is there some doubt about it?

There is always a doubt!

I'll give you my answer when I've seen the proof.

I need to get to know your ink plant. Then come with me.

May I, your majesty?

Do as he says.

Hello guys!

This room is sound proof.

You got the new roller in here?

Oh, Mr. Miller! Here.

Is it working alright now?

Wunderbar! It couldn't be better.

This way, please!

Close the door, please!

Where are you taking me?

I thought you're going to run the plate. - Not on those machines.

It would take too long to set up.

There is an old press over there in the corner.

You have plenty of paper.

Wrapping paper.

Yeah. Clever, isn't it, Mr. Bruckner!

Shipped in from Algiers.

Right under the noses of British customs.

I thought you would appreciate the information.

Since you are a American agent.

Am I ?

What makes you think so?

The moment I examined this plate.

This is the work of August Baumann.

His mark is on the seal.

On that part of the torn bill you didn't show us.

That's why I couldn't be certain before.

I assisted Baumann for a time in Berlin.

Until he went to America.

When he was arrested ten years ago,

your treasury department confiscated these plates.

Why didn't you tell them?

Because if you have infiltrated us this far I know that we are finished.

Look, I want to turn government witness.

I'll tell you everything I know.

Yes, I could have exposed you but I didn't.

But who is the top man? It is not that cold bitch upstairs.

NO, she is his mistress. But, I'll tell you all.

I can give dates, names, the whole organization structure. Anything!

Just give me a word that ...

Look out!

What are you going to do for an encore?

There is no other way out Bruckner, and I blocked the door upstairs.

I'll get out!

Over my dead body!

I'll see what I can do for you.

Smyth.

The law!

All over the place! - Bruckner!

He was working with Thompson!

Rotten lousy bastard!

Hold your fire!

Stop it, you fool!

Lower the curtains! I'll get the lights.

Stop shooting I said!

Gunfire!

Get the lights in the windows!

Lights on the windows!

What about tear gas, sir? - Use it !

Come on, let's get the hell out of here!

Davey!

Davey!

Davey!

Please!

Don't!

I'm hurt!

Davey!

Davey, Angela!

Davey, darling!

Please, don't leave me here!

Please, let me!

I'm sorry, your Highness! You are now in exile!

Screwed!

Sir, if you don't want to get picked up we have to go now!

Okay, come on! Let's go!

Right. Coming over!

Right! Get get her out of here.

All cleared here, Sir!

All right!

Stop firing!

The counterfit king was David Holister.

Internationally known as a financier...

a collector of fine art and a contributor to endless charities.

And now in death, discovered to be a master criminal

whose brain conceived the giant counterfit operation.

It was end of the case.

At both Scotland Yard and the US Secret Service...

the last entry was made in the file of the "Golden Goose".

But for Arthur Thompson's widow and the children...

The file would never be closed.