All language subtitles for A Lotus for Miss Quon - 1967.eng

A Gong bangs in Hong Kong

The parcel was delivered this morning, Sir.
You were waiting for it.

That will do, Hung.

Hung, Hung, Hung, that�s an impossible
name for a boy. I�ll call you Max.

As long as you pay me, you may
call me anything you like.

I know, I know, I owe you three months
wages already.

Say, it�s not very kind
to remind me that way.

I�m sure your luck is going to change.

Such a thing would mean that they got
new cards and new dice at Blackie Lee�s.

I found this portrait in a shop
and had it framed.

- What do you think?
- Pretty enough, Sir.

Oh yeah? Pretty enough?
I command you to say it�s marvelous.

I know the girl who sat for it.

Ah! Pretty enough...
That�s what this room needed:

something to catch your eye and
prevent you from seeing the dust.

This picture is a genuine
Ching Ching Ching, old sport.

- I think this is the best spot for it.
- I�ll fetch a ladder.

My dear wife wants twenty thousand
dollars to agree to a divorce.

I�d like to know how much you�ll ask me.

Don�t bother, I�ll do it.
Get the dinner ready.

Good Heavens, this wall is like paper!

Diamonds?

Diamonds!

The "S�ret�" Office.

Inspector Gonsart, quick!

This is Hung, Inspector.
Mark Jason found the diamonds.

- I�ll dine out.
- Why would you spend more money, Sir?

Please excuse me, but you always say
yourself that your fiNhancial situation is...

My fiNhancial situation just got better.

- I feel like going out.
- Stop!

You musn�t leave!
I insist that you stay.

This is something else!
My boy ordering me around!

You�re a policeman?

We always thought the jewels
were hidden in this house.

What jewels?

Diamonds, once owned by General
N�guyen Van Tho, a very rich man, Sir.

We knew he bought diamonds
in great quantities.

- I don�t give a damn about that General...
- Please, Sir.

In this house lived May Chong,his mistress.

- Hung, listen to me and you...
- It�s no use, Sir, I saw it all.

The Police has been looking for
those stones for a long time

but you alone were lucky enough
to find the hiding place.

- I was less lucky when I chose a boy.
- It wasn�t much of a choice, Sir.

I can guarantee that the Police fixed
everything for me to get the position.

Look, Hung, I know how much
a teacher or a policeman earn here...

No, Sir, don�t say it. It�s useless:

the Police are warned and on their way,
they should be here in a few minutes.

Oh, your Police?
I can picture the scene:

your chiefs will cover you in flowers before
they pocket the diamonds and get away.

Don�t be stupid, Hung.

You should think of the young lady
whom you see every evening after work.

You could marry her, buy a nice house,
have servants, a car.

- No. The diamonds belong to the State.
- Alright, forget it. Stay an honest cop.

Will you allow me to hang
the painting anyway?

- Who is it?
- Me, Mr. Jason. Mei Lang Tho.

Sorry to disturb you, I would like
to speak to Hung.

Come back tomorrow, Mei Lang Tho,
if you want to see him.

- Hung is not here at the moment.
- I�m really surprised: we had a date.

I�m sorry: he�s not here.

I�m lending him to one of my friends
who�s having a dinner party tonight.

He usually phones me when
such things happen.

He had to leave in a hurry.

But he�ll be free every night next week,
I promise you that.

At last. Good evening, Mr. Jason.

May I introduce my second-in-command,
inspector Tang Han.

To what do I owe the honour
of your visit, gentlemen?

We�re on duty. May we come in?

You�re on duty? Would you by any chance
think I�m a terrorist?

I do not blow bridges up.
When I�m fed-up with a situation,

- I merely burn my bridges.
- Excuse me.

One of our agents called us
from your home moments ago.

He had very important news for us.

One of your agents? Here?
In my place?

You see ghosts everywhere,
don�t you, my dear chap?

You�d think that any corner
hides an agent or a saboteur.

- But, please, come in if you want to.
- Thank you, Sir.

I�m having a drink. If you�d like one,
just help yourself.

- Make yourself at home.
- No, thank you.

I admit being surprised that you, not
your servant, opened the door for us.

Hung? Tonight he vanished,
just like that.

Maybe he thought I could
prepare my own dinner. Me?

I�m barely able to pour myself
a drink of whisky.

I must say I�m amazed.
Hung called to tell us that you...

you made a discovery.
Diamonds, if I understood correctly.

Diamonds?
He had to be completely drunk.

Should I have found a mere hundred piastres,
I would have gone to Blackie Lee�s

to improve my meagre salary
by playing poker.

Hung is a reliable, very dedicated agent.
He said he saw the diamonds.

He saw the diamonds?

Diamonds that were hidden in this house
a few years ago by one of our flag officers.

Well, if Hung was lucky enough
to find such a treasure,

I can understand why he split so suddenly.

If my information is correct,
Hung has a girlfriend.

If you know her, you might tell me
where I can contact her.

I don�t know. She�s not my type.

Hung may have written her
name and address somewhere.

- I�d like to search his room.
- Wait.

I think he wrote her telephone
number down. I�ll fetch it for you.

That will be something.

- I�m sure he lies.
- You�re very perceptive.

I�m for arresting him. Then we�ll
be able to make him tell the truth.

That is the kind of idea you
would have.

Today I want the taxi girl...

Mmm, whisky...

A commendable sense of smell,
inspector.

How stupid to waste alcohol. I dropped
a glass while I poured myself a drink.

Here�s the number. If you can find Hung,
tell him he�s fired.

I thank you for your co-operation, Sir.

Nonetheless, I must ask you to
stay home until we find Hung

and manage to solve the case.

It couldn�t be better: I decided
to stay home, waiting for a visitor.

How I envy you to be able to spend
a night home without a care,

reading a good book.

- Come again soon, inspector.
- Gladly.

- You�ll see yourself out?
- Yes. Good evening.

- Back to the office?
- No.

We stay here. And we�ll wait
all night if necessary.

If Jason wants to flee, he�ll have to
pass this way: it�s the only way out.

So you think he�ll go away?

If he found the diamonds,
I�m sure he will.

I drink your health, Lotus Blossom.

I�ll be able to send my wife the money
she wants for a divorce.

And when we�re in Hong Kong,

I�ll give you anything you want.
That�s a promise.

The diamonds are worth more than
two million dollars.

But they do not belong to you.
What will you do with those stones?

You can�t sell them now: you told me
yourself that the Police suspect you.

I can wait as long as necessary.

I won�t change my way of living:
they will relent eventually.

Policemen are very patient here.
It�s a trait of my countrymen.

I know how patient you are, Nhan.

- I often was obnoxious to you.
- Did I complain?

No, you were wonderful.
But can you understand what this means?

The possibility of divorcing, of getting
my freedom back. And a fortune.

Free and rich, that would be marvelous.

I would not be forced to sit
or to be a taxi girl anymore

to be able to send some money
to my family, far from here.

If you want, Nhan, we can have
the whole of your family come to us.

Or we can buy their village.

- Do you really think it will be that easy?
- Consider it done.

Now go to bed, Lotus Blossom.

Promise me you won�t worry
anymore and I�ll join you.

Hung disappears all of a sudden.
Is he dead? Maybe.

Did he flee? No, the man
was above suspicion.

The diamonds must still be in
the house then.

Obviously, the American has them.
This is the only viable solution.

Hence he killed Hung.
As a consequence, we�ll wait.

But how long do you intend to wait?

We�ll go and get high..
on a fair moonlight.. on the sea

and we�ll go dancing you and me,
under the silver pines...

- You think I�m drunk, don�t you?
- Good night

Good night to you too.

We�ll go and get high,
on a fair moonlight.. on the sea

and we�ll sing love together...

Good evening, Mr. Jason.

If you�re looking for Nhan, it just
happens that she�s free tonight.

I�d like to talk to Blackie Lee.

He'll be delighted to see you.
I'll tell him now.

- Good evening, Mark.
- Good evening. You look swell.

I wouldn�t say the same about you.
No offense, Mark, but you look exhausted.

Should we blame it on women?
Booze? Or poker?

A mix of all three.

- Are you always a schoolteacher?
- Yes, why?

What words do you teach the kids?
Yankee go home?

No. I mostly keep them from getting involved
with black market and picking pockets.

We�ve not seen you at the club for
a long time. We miss you, you know.

Yes, I had a bad streak, didn�t pay
my contribution for several months,

but I�m better now. I�ll settle
everything then come back.

See you, Mark.

Good evening, my lovelies.

I hope my clients like watching you
as much as I do.

Avoid drinking too much, it�s bad
for your figure.

- Yes, Mr. Lee.
- You�re cute. You'll have a great career.

Good evening, Mr Jason. They tell me
you want to talk to me.

Hi, Blackie Lee. Why don�t you
come and sit by me?

Oh, one moment, Mr Jason.
If you come to ask for more credit...

Hold on to the table so you won�t
fall down: I came to pay what I owe.

- I don�t need credit anymore.
- That�s great, Mr Jason.

Did you bury a rich uncle?

No, I buried my pride.
I own a few valuable family jewels.

Of course I swore I�d keep those
mementos but I�m forced to sell.

Should you buy this one, we�d both
be better off in all departments.

- A very fine stone indeed.
- A fine stone which is mine, don�t worry.

Of course. I never doubted that.

Well? How much will you
give me for it?

I�ll cancel all your debts, Mr Jason,
and give you...

- three hundred dollars cash.
- It�s worth five times that.

I�m not an authority, Mr Jason,
I can�t do a genuine estimate.

If you think it�s worth more,
go and see a jeweller downtown.

I want five hundred dollars cash.
I�ll lose them quickly in your joint.

I�m opposed to that kind of business,
but since you�re an excellent customer.

I thank you, Blackie.

Mr Jason is becoming far more interesting.

I discover he has a passion for riches
that I never suspected before.

Jeez, you really have a good eye,
don�t you, boss?

Do you know where he lives and
where is the school he works at.

- Yes, boss.
- Right..

You�ll tail Jason, then, and never leave
him out of your sight, day or night, get it?

And the sooner you begin the better.

I think I heard something.

Who do you think you are, Tang?
Joan of Arc?

- It�s Hung, inspector.
- I know, I already examined the body.

I tried to reconstruct the accident.

- Surely he fell down from the bridge.
- One moment. I�ll come down.

This seems to prove that Hung found
the diamonds and tried to cross the border.

And what became of the diamonds?

He probably sent them to wherever
he was going before he fled.

- You�ve become clever.
- Hung was fleeing.

He was speeding in the night:
he probably didn�t see the sign.

A brilliant piece of reasoning.

- Unfortunately you forgot one tiny detail.
- What detail?

In his police file, I read that Hung
couldn�t even ride a bicycle.

Then it�s a murder made to look
like an accident.

I found this tiny thing in Hung�s pocket.

- Good morning, pretty Lotus Blossom.
- Good morning, Mark. Oh, you shaved!

- I have to set an example for the kids.
- Is everything going as you wish?

Everything is OK, Nhan, don�t be afraid.
We�re on the right track.

Here�s a down payment to take
your family from its distant village.

- I hope your plans will be successful.
- Trust me.

I didn�t have a drink since yesterday,

- I shaved and I�m in top form this morning.
- I�m so happy.

- Maybe these diamonds will bring us luck.
- I�m sure they will.

I must go to work, Mark. I�m not like you:
I don�t own any diamonds.

Oh, I intend to go on working too.

Hung has been missing for
three days, inspector.

I know. I know.

You come every day to tell me
that another day has gone by.

Something must have happened.

Hung wouldn�t have left town
without me, believe me.

You must search the American�s house.

We�re positive he�s not in
Mr Jason�s house anymore.

- But where is he then?
- Shut up! Sit down!

I assure you that we did what was needed.

Today, I�ll go to the American ambassador
and ask him to question Mark Jason.

Have a little more patience.

This is a case for Sanurai. Tell him
to put himself at our disposal. Get it?

Please be sure that
I understand why you worry.

On the other hand,
we�re not sitting on this.

I already contacted the US Embassy

through the correct channels
and asked to question Jason.

We must act according to the rules
if we wish to avoid a diplomatic incident

which wouldn�t do you any good.
Trust us.

I�m convinced that something dodgy
is going on, inspector.

And I�m convinced that you
worry in vain.

You must now go back to
your home. Try and calm down.

As soon as we know something,
we�ll tell you.

- Thank you.
- I�m only doing my duty.

One and one is two.
Two and two is four.

Three and three is six.
Four and four is eight.

Six and six is twelve.

- Good evening.
- Go away!

So you see, I didn�t lie: she�s fantastic.

- Congratulations. May I buy you a drink?
- Leave me alone. I have to change.

What�s with you? Are you crazy?

I didn�t hire you so you could
insult my clients.

Do I have to repeat again that
you�re not here merely to dance?

Do I have to repeat again that
I�m only here to dance, boss?

Don�t be stupid. He�s an American
diplomat, a very important man.

A decent man has sunk low enough
to come here?

If the clients didn�t like you so much,
I�d teach you a few things. Stupid girl!

I�m sorry, I just can�t
understand that girl.

But do not have any regrets:
I reserved a marvel for you. Anita.

I�m not saying anything more.
Anita!

Anita? Hmmm...

I want you to feel better than home
in my place...

Please excuse me...

Well, Jojo, did you learn anything?

Of course I did, Mr. Lee, I was
in school all day.

Good. Tell me all about it.

Get out now, and let nobody
disturb me again!

I received an explanation request
about you from the US Embassy.

It�s about Mr. Jason.

I got hold of this diamond
which had been given to a fence.

We at once conducted
an in-depth investigation:

there is no doubt that Hung
sold the jewel.

Therefore our agent discovered
the stones and took them for himself.

And paradoxically you suspect Mr. Jason.
You enter his place, violate his home.

My actions weren�t meant to hurt
Mr. Jason.

It was but a precaution to get hold
of Hung in case he�d come back.

I very logically and discreetly
watched the house where he lived.

Yes but why was Mr. Jason
watched as well?

Far from me the idea of harbouring
the slightest suspicion,

but I had to examine the theory
of Mr Jason being in cahoots,

if you�ll forgive the word.

It was of course a routine
investigation, Sir.

You know perfectly well that it wasn�t.

If Hung stole the diamonds, he wasn�t
about to seek refuge at my place.

Even less so should we have
been accomplices.

Mr. Jason is a schoolteacher in Ken Duc.
Such a job won�t make you rich.

If he had found the diamonds,
he be gone.

He would be having a wild time in
Florida or Hawai.

I�m asking you to moderate
your men�s zeal, Colonel!

Inspector Gonsard, I command you
not to pester Mr Jason anymore.

If you do, I�ll be forced to severely
clamp down on you,

in the interest of our relations
with the United States.

- Yes, Sir.
- You may go, inspector.

There were probably other
diamonds in here.

Maybe the inspector came and searched
the house while you were away.

He�d have to go through the walls
like a termite.

I wonder where he found
that diamond.

He must tell the truth. Hung must
have found it by chance then sold it.

- Impossible.
- Why impossible?

Maybe you didn�t see that particular stone.
Hung found it and got away with it.

Impossible: Hung is dead.

- How do you know that?
- I killed Hung here.

It was an accident. He was working
for the cops, under Gonsard.

I swear it was an accident.

He was aware that I found the diamonds
and he immediately called Gonsard.

He wanted to stop me leaving,
so I defended myself

- and he fell down the wrong way.
- What if his body is found?

- I�m sure Gonsard already found it.
- Are you positive?

You bet. I�d stake my head on it.

He must have found the stone
on Hung�s body,

whom I was stupid enough not to search.

Now Gonsard knows for a fact
that I�ve got the diamonds.

I must carry them abroad
as soon as possible.

All the borders are being watched,

and the registration number of your car
has probably been broadcast.

Of course: Gonsard has arranged
for me to be stuck here.

Ben's car has a "diplomatic corps"
registration number.

- He has to lend it to me tonight.
- Tonight?

He�s not home.

He�s probably at the beautiful
Swedish girl�s.

Oh, of course, Anita.

What will the Colonel say if he learns
that we�re watching Jason anyway.

In my own car and when I�m off duty,
I may do what I want.

Wait? I�ll check.
That was the door bell.

Good evening, Anita.

Sorry to disturb international relations
but I�m looking for Ben.

- Ben is not here, I�m sorry.
- Lying is perfectly useless,

- I saw his car downstairs.
- What�s up, Mark?

We need your collaboration
to unite two populations with love.

Leave us.

How did you know I was here?

Well, I wondered where an
over-zealous civil servant

might work for his country�s prestige
in the middle of the night, and here I am.

And what do you want from me?

My car won�t work. I�d like you
to lend me yours.

You want mine?
It�s strictly for the Embassy�s staff.

I�m sorry to bother you, old boy,
but I�m in a jam.

There�s a pretty girl waiting downstairs,
a wonderful girl.

I promised her I'd drive her to the airport
and I want to take advantage of the ride.

I don�t want to be late since,

after that, I�ve got a date with another
cutie who wouldn�t wait for me.

You naughty boy! If you failed with one
of those girls, you�d say I�m to blame.

Bring it back before 9 am.

Thank you, Ben.
I�ll introduce you to them.

That�s the least you can do,
don�t you think? Now scram!

Come. It worked.

The "DC" plate will make things easy.

A Diplomatic Corps car?
Very clever.

Now we must play a mean game
if we want to force him to show his hand.

- Well, Nhan, did you sleep well?
- Wonderfully.

In a moment we�re going to
drive past the last police station.

But don�t worry: when they see the
"DC" on the plates, they�ll let us pass.

Here�s the control point.
Lie down and hide:

- it�s better if they see only me.
- Yes.

If he goes past this point,
he�ll get away easily.

The men here are devoted to me.
I�ll control him here.

Don�t forget the boss� orders. You�re
liable to endure terrible consequences.

Jason is American and what�s more,
he�s in an Embassy car.

I know all that, but you�re forgetting
the girl. She�s not American.

Get out of the car!
Hurry up!

Jason�s car was hit. It�s burning.
We must act quickly.

No, please, be patient. Don�t forget
diamonds can�t burn.

- Calm down, Nhan.
- Wait.

Wait for a while, Mark, I�m too
frightened. What shall we do?

The first thing is to get away.

They saw us running. They know where
we are. We must quickly find a hideout.

My grandfather lives
a few kilometers from here

- but still on this side of the border.
- Do you think he�d help us?

- No doubt. But we must get there.
- Let�s try.

- So they killed everybody?
- No, not everybody.

I really have to rip the words off you,
don�t I? Go on!

OK, OK. Mr. Jason and Nhan
got out of the car in time

and disappeared in the underbrush.

- Gonsard and Tang stayed cleverly hidden.
- Didn�t they chase Jason?

No, they would never have found him
in that kind of vegetation.

Ah, so the Police are interested
in Jason. But why?

A robbery?
No, I don�t think so.

In my opinion, Jason acquired the
diamonds in a more mysterious way

and he might have more
than the two pieces he sold.

Let�s hope so anyway. Because our
friend Jason clearly needs my help now.

- Even more than he thought.
- And how will you find him?

There�s a small village in the area
of the checkpoint.

That�s where Nhan�s grandfather lives,
once she asked my permission to visit him.

And you think Nhan and Jason
are hiding there?

Perhaps. Tomorrow we�ll have
a little ride into this village

to take a look around anyway.

Isn�t it a good surprise, Grandfather?

Yes, a very good surprise. My heart
always rejoices in seeing you.

- Oh!
- Are you going to the village.

It�s crawling with policemen
who search everywhere.

We can�t stay here long.

I read about your adventure. The city
newspaper says a lot about Mr. Mark Jason.

They say he stole a car
and blew up the checkpoint.

Do they say about Nhan?

I�ve got a feeling my friend Ben
is now working with Gonsard.

They must have found an agreement.

So I must write him off.
Ben decided to let me down.

- What will you do now, then?
- Cross the border discreetly.

We don�t have a choice anymore.
Neither you or I.

We must find a way to reach Hong Kong.
We�ll need a lot of money to succeed,

and the one person who can give it to me
is Blackie Lee. How could I contact him?

If you want, I can go to the city for you.

But Grandfather,you've never
even been there.

Because I was too young to resist the
attraction, but now I�m safe: I�m older.

Someone�s coming.

Hi, Blackie Lee. You've come
just at the right time.

Hello, Mr. Jason. You have great taste:
this is a very picturesque area.

Tourism is the least of my worries.

- Come in, I�ve got to talk to you.
- Thank you. Oh, Miss, what a surprise!

Please sit down.
Bring us tea, Nhan.

- How did you find me?
- By chance. I came here on some business.

What a coincidence!

I'll put my cards on the table:
I�m in a hurry.

I must get out of this country
as soon as possible.

Yes I know, the Police are on your trail.
It�s all over the newspapers.

- They say you stole a car?
- There�s something more serious.

Someone died in my home recently.

Hung, my boy, accidentally fell down
and killed himself.

So what? An accident is no crime, I say.

- Yes, but I can�t prove anything.
- Are you positive there�s nothing more?

Something that could pass as stealing?

No, there�s nothing more. But I must
get away all the same.

Smuggling you out of the country
will cost a small fortune,

you know that, and I know
your fiNhancial situation very well.

- No, I don�t think so.
- Are you sure?

I�ve got some money, a few
thousand dollars, in America.

Good. It will cost at least $20.000
to succeed in such an endeavour.

- Let�s say $17.000, for Nhan and I.
- I�ll try.

You�ll get your dough as soon
as we reach Hong Kong.

Oh no, no, my devotion doesn�t
go that far.

Be reasonable, Mr. Jason, you can�t
ask me to lend you such a sum.

I must have at least $2000 in advance.

Holding a knife to my throat,
are you, my good Blackie?

I just have one diamond left.
The last one, which I carefully kept.

I wanted to have a ring
made out of it, for Nhan.

Of course, I�d prefer cash, but you
would be hard pressed to get it.

I could find it but it would be
another waste of time.

The perfect stone for an engagement
ring. Very pure and so very discreet!

- Well, is it yes or no?
- It�s certainly yes.

And have no regrets: I don�t believe Nhan
will ever have a marriage of convenience.

When can we leave? Today?

No, no, your opinion of me is
very flattering

but I�m no miracle worker,
unfortunately.

First, I must contact my brother who lives
in Hong Kong and knows a lot of people.

- let�s say tomorrow.
- Where shall we meet?

I�d say it would be unwise to meet here.

There are a lot of people in the
marketplace but it�s not really safe.

I think the perfect place if we want
some peace is the Chinese Theatre,

- the afternoon show.
- I really like the Chinese Theatre.

I hope you won�t be disappointed.

Passengers for Canton and Hong Kong,

please proceed to door number 8
for immediate boarding. Thank you.

Hi, Charlie, I�m so pleased to see you.
How is business?

Terrible. To think that without
your hysterical telegram,

I would have concluded
a splendid deal in Hong Kong!

There�s a very wise saying:

"Two brothers sailing under the same flag

get more than two brothers
sailing in different ships. "

Oh? And who said that?
Oh, I know: Lin Tai Ping!

No: Baron Rothschild!

You�re lucky: just in time for
the suspense, Mr. Jason.

I�m not really in the mood for joking.
How are things going?

I talked to my brother: he might
know a way of getting you out.

- Well?
- But we need $2000 more.

- 2000...?
- Shut up!

No sense in telling everybody what we�re
plotting, or just climb up on the stage!

- OK, how will it go?
- My brother just arrived from Hong Kong.

He knows a trusted pilot who flies
opium over the border for us.

- Right. Where and when shall we take off.
- We�ll come for you tomorrow morning,

near the place where you�re hiding.

There�s a landing pad for helicopters
nearby, it�s a ten minutes drive.

But as I already told you, the pilot
wants a $2000 advance payment.

Alright, give them to him.
I�ll pay you back in Hong Kong.

Oh, I�m sorry but it�s impossible,
Mr. Jason.

My turnover has gone down a lot,
recently, and I must count every penny.

- Can�t we talk in a more convenient place?
- Go and wait for me in the Tai Pei temple.

I�ll join you in a minute.

Here.

Oh, I can see there�s still another diamond.

Yes, there is, but I don�t have
any other now.

I kept this one to fiNhance
a business venture in Hong Kong.

It�s a nice stone, granted,
but I�m no fence.

You might become one. Since you
have difficulties with opium,

that would be an interesting compensation.

- Don�t you think so?
- Well, all right, Mr. Jason,

I agree once more but only to oblige you.

- Can the helicopter carry three people?
- Three?

- Yes, remember that Nhan is coming with me.
- Oh, that�s true, I forgot about her.

Yes, there�s space for three
but the price will be different.

You know you could evacuate
the population of a whole village

for the price you�ll get for those stones?

- See you tomorrow morning, then.
- Tomorrow morning, OK.

Oh, hello, inspector.

What are you doing in this God-forsaken
place, it you don�t mind my asking?

The question I was about to ask you,
precisely, Blackie Lee.

I�m here on professional business
but surely you�re not, are you?

No, I was just passing through and
I thought I�d stop to buy cigarettes,

which gave me the pleasure
of meeting you, Mr. Gonsard.

- See you one of these days.
- I�m sure of that.

And sooner than you think.

Inspector Gonsard, of the "S�ret�".

Did the big guy who just left have
a rendez-vous here? Did he talk to anybody?

Oh, yes, he came with a tall man.
An American, I guess, or a European.

What did they talk about?

They were speaking too low,
I couldn�t understand.

Did you see in what direction
the other man left?

He took left when he got out of here.
After that, I don�t know.

Nhan, my Lotus Blossom. Now it�s done!

Blackie Lee will come and fetch us
tomorrow at dawn.

Oh, how lucky we are, Mark!

Hong Kong!
Do you know Hong Kong, Mrs Jason?

That was the sweetest thing you ever
said to me, you know, Mark.

What? Hong Kong?

No: Mrs Jason.

That will soon be your name. As soon as
there�s no other Mrs Jason anymore.

- Oh, Mark, we'll have a nice apartment?
- We�ll have a very large house, my dear.

And I shall own a TV set?
I�ll be so happy.

- Why?
- I love cowboy movies.

Darling, I�ll buy you a big ranch
with lots of cowboys in Texas.

Tell me, did you see a tall American bloke?

Yes, yes, a tall white gent passed by.
I saw him go this way there...

You really don�t know where he went?

No. I know not. But I think I saw him
already with Roh Min�s grandaughter.

You know: she�s called Nhan.
Works at Blackie Lee�s.

- Nhan Lee Quon?
- Yes, that�s her name, sir.

Thank you.
To Deng Han! And step on it!

Did you hear that?

Let�s be smart and go away from here.
It might be the Police.

Come quick.

It is the Police.
Where is your grandfather?

He went to collect deadwood.

Let him go.
What is your name?

Roh Min, Sir.

Did your granddaughter
Nhan Lee Quon come to see you?

Unfortunately, Sir, it�s a long time since
I had last the joy of seeing Nhan Lee Quon.

That�s rather surprising since she came
in the company of an American, Mark Jason.

I never saw any American here.

Shut up, Nhan, please!

They just mean to scare him.
They won�t hurt him.

Your granddaughter and the American
came here. Where are they?

I�m an old man and don�t want
any trouble with the Police.

Yes, they came here yesterday,

we had dinner together then
they went away.

- Where?
- They didn�t confide in me

and I didn�t ask where they were going,

- but they went West after leaving here.
- You say West but mean East.

It proves they�re trying to cross
the border. Do you know where?

Take him to the "S�ret�".

Nhan!

- Don�t be afraid.
- They�re sure to kill him.

Exactly the way they killed
Mei Lan the other night.

No, it�s very different: killing your
grandfather would be useless to them.

He just has to buy us some time.
Then he can confess: we�ll be gone.

But if I go to the "S�ret�", they�ll
be forced to admit that I�m not a fugitive,

then I�ll come back with Blackie Lee.

On the contrary, you�d be playing
into their hands:

the only use they have for your
grandfather is as a bait for you,

Because if they have you,
they think they can have me.

If you don�t go, they�ll
release him tomorrow.

They won�t be able to keep him, Nhan.

You should sleep for a few hours.

Come and sit by me then.

Can you remember how happy
we were earlier today?

I assure you that nothing is changed:
your grandfather will be back tomorrow.

And, one day, in a beautiful house
that you�ll be able to give them,

you�ll assemble all of your family.
Have a little heart.

In the beginning, I thought those
diamonds would bring us luck, you know.

You changed so much. You were not
letting yourself drift anymore,

you renewed your taste for life.

But now, I feel like everything
is falling apart.

Our future is becoming darker
by the hour.

Of course they bring us luck,
don�t worry.

And only one thing matters:
I love you, Nhan, and you love me too.

- What is it?
- Be nice, do not mock me.

This is my lucky charm. It was given
to me when I was a little girl.

- And you believe that it protects you?
- No,

but aren�t we all more or less
superstitious?

It will protect you tomorrow.

Now I think that someone discovered
a boNhanza and that this someone is...

Mark Jason.

That would explain it all. I think
that�s an exellent hypothesis.

Listen, I�ve got another idea.

I can�t wait to know it. You don�t have
many ideas but they�re very good.

I think the diamonds must go into our
pockets before they reach Hong Kong.

If we succeed in this venture,
we can live off it ever after.

I do appreciate your idea which seems
apparently subtle and quite wise,

but if we take them from him,
we�ll have to kill him.

We could hire two hitmen to kill him
when he�s about to climb into the plane.

No. No strangers in that kind of business:
they might steal the diamonds from us.

No, no, if Jason has to be eliminated,

there�s no need to complicate matters:
we have to do it ourselves.

There�s a small problem. The girl.

The one who goes with him. She knows
everything about the diamonds.

It�s as easy to kill a girl as a man,
you know.

Nhan!

But... She�s gone insane!

How come she went to the police and
what drove her to leave me this Buddha.

What does she want me to do with it?
I want her!

Enough, old man. Answer the
inspector�s questions clearly

if you don�t want to spend
the rest of your life in prison.

I won�t live much longer. I won�t suffer
very much to be deprived of my freedom.

We�ll get nothing from this
stupid old peasant.

He doesn�t even understand
what we want from him.

The old fox knows very well
what we want.

Nhan Lee Quon asks to talk to you, boss.

This is perfect. Thank you for coming.

- I ask that you release my grandfather.
- Of course.

Keep me in prison instead if you
really need a hostage.

Have no fear, my dear miss Quon,
we do not want to put anybody in jail.

We�re looking for information
that you should be able to provide.

- If I may be of help...
- I was sure you would assist us.

- Do you know an American called Mark Jason?
- Yes I do.

We knew that. What we�d very much
like to know is where he is now.

He�s gone. He left the country
yesterday night.

He managed to illegally cross the border.

I was sure of that already.

He�s been trying to go abroad for a long
time, taking a number of jewels with him.

There�s only one thing that surprises me,
dear Miss Quon.

How come he left behind so
precious a jewel as you?

I wouldn�t go with him.
My whole family lives here.

You�re an earnest patriot and a wise girl.

Do you know what a Frenchman wrote:

"You can�t take your mother land
with you under the soles of your shoes,

but you can make a deal with Heaven"?

I know another wise saying:
"East is East, West is West".

Thank you, I understand.

I�m very grateful for the information
you gave me, Miss Quon.

You are free and so is your grandfather.

Someone will see you out.

Goodbye, Miss Quon.

- So you�re letting her go?
- I think it�s a good idea.

She�ll lead us to Mark Jason.

All is going well.

I must admit that phone call
was a piece of luck.

The fact that the girl asks to be
driven there with her grandfather

when you leave here helps a lot.

What surprises me is that Gonsard
released her so quickly.

He�s an old fox but we won�t
let go of our prey.

- At what time does the chopper take off?
- At dawn.

On what signal did you agree
with the pilot?

So you�re spying on me?
Come and explain yourself.

The house is closed tonight.
What are you doing here?

- I�ve got an interesting bit of information.
- What are you babbling about?

About your friend. Mark Jason.

This is my brother. You can speak
in front of him.

I just learned that the Police
offer a big reward

to anybody who helps catch Jason,
and I know where he hides.

What�s your point? You moron!

Of course you know where he hides
since you went there with me.

So I repeat: what�s your point?

If you want me to shut up,
I won�t claim the reward.

Listen. I�m going to ask you a question
that even a moron like you can answer.

Do you intend to blackmail me?

Yes, that�s about it.

I gather you want to settle down.

And how much would you like to
extort from me?

The Police offer ten thousand piastres.

So I�m asking for twice the sum.
Is that acceptable?

I didn�t think you�d be capable of
such reasoning. Money opens your mind.

Unfortunately, you�re wrong
to be arrogant.

Let�s suppose I refuse to give you
what you ask for

and send you to Hell with all due respect.

Then I�ll have to be content with
the Police�s ten thousand piastres.

My brother is a good boss. He always
was nice and generous with you.

Yes but I�m not about to get rich
with what he pays me, you know,

- so I have to think of my future.
- You�re right, Jojo.

I�ll make you a fair offer.
Here: we�ll strike a deal,

I�ll give you fifteen thousand piastres
in exchange for your silence..

No deal. But if you say eighteen thousand,
I�ll forget all about the American.

OK.

Will you still employ me, Mr. Lee?

Are you kidding me? With this money,
you don�t need to work anymore, pal.

This is just the beginning: he�s going
to become more and more greedy...

- and more and more arrogant.
- No doubt, Blackie.

But soon there will be a border
between the American and his pursuers,

then Jojo can tell his story to
the Police for all the good it will do.

We won�t mind.

This afternoon I went to the bank
and took out my cash.

We might be forced to lay low
for a while.

I think you should go and
fetch the girl, Blackie.

And where shall we...?

We�ll decide when you come back
with her and the old man.

It�s me again.

I thought about something and I guess
the two of us should discuss it.

I didn�t think you�d be back so soon.
You�ve got a hell of a nerve.

- Well? What do you want?
- I�m mainly here to do you a favour.

Good. Because if it is for money,
you�re wasting your time.

There are several policemen outside,
watching the house.

- I can�t see anybody.
- No wonder:

they just left, following your brother
when he departed.

So what? They can tail all
they want, see if we care!

This is not really fair. Aren�t you going to
slip me some dough for coming to warn you?

It was irrelevant. Now beat it!

Right... Give me all the cash
you have here!

I haven�t got a penny.
The bread is in the safe.

- Open the safe then. Hurry up!
- I don�t know the combination.

It�s Blackie�s safe.

And I know he gave you the number
a few minutes ago. Come on, open it!

O... OK. I�ll try to open it.
But take that knife away from me.

Come on, hurry.

Wait a second. I�ll tell my brother
that we�re here.

Yes, mister Lee.

Charlie!

My brother had to go out
but he�ll join us there.

He left me a note. We�re going now.

I�ll fetch Mark.
We�ll be back is no time.

What you did was crazy.

Of course not. I�m back, as you can see,
we have nothing to fear anymore.

Blackie Lee is waiting for us outside
with a car.

- Your grandfather is free?
- Yes, that�s why I went to the Police.

- Did you speak to Gonsard?
- Yes.

He asked me a few questions about you.

I said that you crossed the border
and I stayed behind. Then he released us.

It has to be a trap, Nhan.
Let�s not waste any time. Come.

- Nhan went to the Police.
- Yes, yes, I know.

Gonsard must have followed her.

The thought also crossed my mind
but I�m sure we have a head start.

My car is faster than the Police vehicle.

Let�s go!

He�s going to land there.

The chopper comes from there,
from the North. Let�s go.

Come this way.

Alright, this is the spot where
we must wait for the helicopter.

- It should be here soon.
- How will he spot us?

We must light a fire.
Let�s gather some wood.

Fire inspector!

Probably to indicate the landing area.

Listen! That noise! A helicopter engine!
We�re on the right track, let�s go!

- Here it is!
- At last.

He's seen us!

Excuse me, Mr. Jason,

but there's no space in the helicopter
for anyone but me Drop your weapon.

Now please be so kind as to
give me the diamonds.

Sorry, I fail to understand what
you�re talking about.

Too late to play a part:
give me the diamonds.

Too late: inspector Gonsard
wants them too.

Don�t try to escape, Jason!
Stay where you are! Do not move!

- Stop or I shoot!
- Mark, beware!

Nhan...

Nhan! Nhan! It�s over. We�ve won!
Can you hear me, Nhan?

Everything is alright now.
It�s true, you know.

Here, look! Look!
I could save the diamonds.

A new life is going to begin for us.
Everything will be easy. Nhan...

Thanks to you, sir, we could
unmask a scoundrel.

These diamonds are a State property.
You did our country a great favour

and are free to go wherever you want.

Until now I didn�t know how much
I loved her.

I�m a real bastard.
I wasn�t worthy of her love.

I knew the danger I was
getting her into

but I didn�t care because
I wanted to be rich.

Now I�ve lost everything.
My love. Everything.

Translation:
Goupil66 January 2011