Original subtitles

(calm music)

(gentle music)

(airplanes rumbling)

- [Woman] Exquisite.

Faberge.

- You like frogs?

- I've never really thought about it.

- The Romans dedicated them to Venus

it's fertility you know.

And the way

somewhat exaggerated you could say

he was born from the foam

as Venus herself was born so

according to Plene the charm

has the power to keep love

and attract friends.

(speaking in Russian)

And once again I do

congratulate you.

- But, faberge I associate with the czars.

- Ah yes, Nicolas the Second commissioned

many things but then you see my grandfather

was a colonel in one of the czar's crack legends.

- Really?

- Yes, he won the pre-door

for the international cross country.

- [Woman] Really?

- That surprises you doesn't it?

- It astonishes me.

Then you are

dare I say it, an aristocrat?

- What is that I am my father's son, that is all.

Like anybody else or perhaps every country

has it's Vigoro Bray.

- Vigoro Bray?

Protestant under Henry

Catholic under Mary.

How amusing that you should know that.

- Well one does try to understand

the country in which one is a guest.

- Yes yes, extraordinary.

Nikolai,

you said that I might call your brother.

- Oh please there is far too much formality

between our countries.

- I must confess to extreme curiosity,

quite simply, what am I doing here?

- That is a good question.

It is a delicate matter.

A matter requiring

handling, handling with

sensitivity.

- Sensitivity.

- Of the people that we might've made

this initial approach to we decided that you

as a woman.

- Would be sensitive.

- Exactly, sensitive.

- I must warn you Nikolai

I am considered to be something of an iron lady.

- Ah perhaps a lady of will maybe

but that is something else.

Let us say that I have always found you to be very.

- Nikolai, what is this delicate matter

that requires such sensitive handling?

- Rupert Styles.

- The traitor?

- A traitor to your country, yes, but to us.

- An unspeakable man one we were well rid of.

- We have reason to believe that he may be back here.

- Back here?

In England?

Is this some devious ploy?

- No, I assure you no.

It is most embarrassing for my country

and could perhaps be equally embarrassing for yours.

- If the media got hold of it.

- Exactly that is why he must be

returned to us before they do.

You do agree that it is in the best interest

for both our countries if we cooperate

in this exercise.

- It would certainly seem so.

- It is a long time since we were both

on the same side.

- And they discovered he got away

on a forged French passport.

It was made easier because it was a large

French delegation in Moscow,

the passport was made out in the name of

Pierre Bonaparte.

- Styles is a Frenchman.

Whatever happened to their security?

- Well they can occasionally be as fallible

as our own.

- Well I'm still surprised

won't be only a couple of years ago

that he pestered the authorities for a conditional

return visit.

- One quality that Styles doesn't lack

is audacity.

- Of course he's banking

while the AC's got up his sleeve

to guarantee an immunity he could turn over

a stone that reveal a nasty gathering of worms.

- [Woman] Are you mixing your medicines Mr. Palfrey?

- Possibly but that doesn't alter the fact

that there'll be panic in high places

when they know about this.

- They won't know about this.

They won't be informed.

This farce must be controlled.

- Only we've already spoken.

- I have spoken and we're in total agreement.

You Mr. Palfrey have the responsibility

of returning Styles to the Soviets

without the world ever knowing that he

set foot in this country again.

- Well it's most reassuring now madam

there is such confidence in my abilities.

- [Woman] There is Mr. Palfrey there is.

- Now, I take it I may involve my office

in this operation.

- Blair perhaps.

- And myself?

- You will of course assume

the responsibility for their secrecy in this matter.

- As always.

- And time, obviously you appreciate

time is of the essence.

- Of the essence.

- Where will you begin?

- Familiar places, faces.

- Both his parents are dead, he has no close family.

- I would assume that he will begin by

contacting old friends.

- Seems a logical assumption.

- Then it's where I'll begin.

(cars rumbling)

- He was an apostle.

- An apostle?

- Society of Apostles.

- Ah yes Cambridge.

- Funny lot.

- Cultural elitists.

- They used to have dinners,

discoursing in the age old quest

for beauty and truth.

- And at the time the truth was Marxism.

- Not for all of them.

Kevin Cranewall.

- What about him?

- Well he seems to be a close friend of Styles.

- An apostle?

- Yes, and according to this he went to bed with Styles.

- That doesn't necessarily mean he was a close friend.

- Doesn't?

- No, anyway he died last year,

sclerosis of the liver.

- Oh, that's that then.

He certainly seemed to drink an awful lot.

- Yes Styles seems to have many acquaintances

few friends.

- Mr. Palfrey,

would you please put this in your drawer

I'm supposed to be on a diet.

There is an awful lot of drinking,

and an awful lot of homosexuality.

Do you think it's like that today Mr. Palfrey?

- Do I think what about today?

- At Cambridge, do you think there's as much

drinking and homosexuality as there was

in Styles' day?

- Oh I should think so.

- You're just saying that to shut me up.

- Yes.

- Well sorry but it is fascinating.

Was Oscar Wilde at Cambridge?

Sorry.

Neville Grant,

that's interesting.

He was a trinity wizard

and at the BBC with him.

Used to get him out of trouble when he got drunk.

Well that's no good he's living in Nairobi.

- Here's something.

Styles actually proposed marriage to a woman.

- He did?

- And what's more she visited him in Moscow

four years ago.

- What's she called?

- Frances Thorne.

I need to know something about Incunabula.

- Incunabula.

- Rare books and manuscripts.

(footsteps crunching)

(knocking on door)

- Hello.

- [Mr. Palfrey] Ms. Thorne.

- Oh you must be Mr. Palfrey.

- [Mr. Palfrey] I am from earlier I'm afraid.

- Do come in it's freezing.

- [Mr. Palfrey] Thank you.

- I keep meaning to get myself

a regular pair of moon boots but I don't know

I'm terribly difficult.

- Oh what a wonderful fire.

Don't often see one nowadays.

- Oh those dreadful bears

they're always hugging the walls.

Come along you shameless creatures

they're so selfish.

- Well you can't really blame them I suppose

in this weather.

- Rupert's the real culprit.

- Rupert?

- He's the ringleader.

He's always getting the others into terrible trouble.

- Yes he does look a bit raffish.

- Raffish?

He's an absolute monster.

- What's he buy his times of eating?

- That's very observant

were you a deacon Mr. Palfrey?

- Oh no, what are the others called?

- Athos, Pulthas, and Arales.

- Well then surely Rupert should be called Darthaniel.

- Yes well Rupert originally was Pulthos

and Dartaniel oh it's all a bit complicated

you see they're Frankie's bears not mine.

- Frankie, Ms. Thorne?

- Yes I'm Becky by the way.

- Oh how do you do Becky by the way?

- I'm afraid Ms. Thorne's on Friday I suppose.

I really ought to dig her out

we had a terrible night, went until three.

She's dreadful in the mornings detective

but she won't be with you.

I'll have her on a few drinks

she'd kill me if I didn't offer you a drink,

would you like a Cheri?

- Well it's a bit early.

- Coffee.

- No all right Cheri would be wonderful.

- Amaroso, Fino, or Manzanier?

- [Mr. Palfrey] Manzanier, why not.

- Oh a lick of the brownie

Frankie's favorite.

Did you have to come far?

- [Mr. Palfrey] Not really Westminster.

- Westminster, are you appeal or something?

- [Mr. Palfrey] Oh no nothing so impressive I'm afraid.

- And what the hell is so impressive

about MP's Mr. Palfrey?

I see Becky's looking after you, good girl.

Well trained, I presume I am addressing Mr. Palfrey.

- You are.

- Sorry about the delay then

Frances Thorne.

Had a hell of a night, getting too old for it.

And I will drink pasties.

- Yes you will.

- Oh well that's the price of sinning and I've paid.

- Hey.

- Oh good girl, now buzz off and get cracking

with the washing up, kitchen looks like a typhoon hit it.

- Pasties.

- Oh pasties you.

Well, Mr. Palfrey,

here's to Accomam.

- To the Agolev of 19th Century publishing.

- Mm, I like it.

(laughing)

I put these out for you last night

before I fell into the pit.

All in fine condition.

Particularly this.

Select few of London.

- Papworth?

Now you don't have the microcosm.

- Oh no, not at the moment.

Who put you onto me?

- Hatchet.

- Hmm, nice.

- Look at that Oxford Street

who'd believe it was so beautiful?

- [Frances] Mm, breathtaking.

- Awful degradation of London's landscapes.

- Here's to dead old Benjamin.

- Yes indeed.

- How about Dr. Syntax, hmm?

There's relevance in those illustrations

to my mind some of the best things he ever did.

- First or second?

- Third.

- Dr. Syntax in search of a wife.

- That was the English dance of them.

- Oh, very modern.

Can you imagine Roland was influenced by the

Nuremberg Chronicle?

- Oh certainly that.

And Hilbein.

(laughing)

You find my bears amusing Mr. Palfrey.

- Yes I do I'm somewhat intrigued

by the names of the ones on the sofa.

- Oh Becky's been chattering has she?

- Athos, Pulthos,

Aramas, and the accomplished Rupert

why Rupert?

- It's quite simple he looks like an old friend of mine.

Rupert Styles would you believe?

- Would I believe you don't mean the Rupert Styles.

- Oh but I do my dear,

the notorious Rupert Styles.

- And she wouldn't have come out with it like that

if he'd been around would she?

- Well I'm not so sure you know.

- Well, how can you find out?

- Only one way really.

- It isn't so cold is it?

- Nope, winds dropped.

Makes a lot of difference.

Did you get your moon boots?

- Not yet.

You do have a memory don't you?

I'm sure Frankie won't be long.

- I think we've had a musical session.

- Yes a Mozart recital.

Coffee?

- Wonderful, thanks.

(cranking)

(gentle music)

- Good isn't it?

Confidence, confidence in everything.

Eaton gives you that.

Then bluff and nerve.

You can get away with anything.

Political leaders, captains of industry,

con men all have these qualities.

- They don't know bear Eaton.

- The best ones do.

- Including Rupert Styles.

- Including Rupert Styles.

- But you are still going back to Russia.

- Perhaps.

- No perhaps about it.

- I like you Palfrey we're going to have a good time.

- [Mr. Palfrey] Is that how you see it?

- Don't you?

- Was your communism a game then?

- I was young.

But looking back I suppose it was.

Still I genuinely was on the side of the underdog.

Equality of opportunities all those simple things.

I still am, as a matter of fact.

But in practice, governments can't make it work.

Basically the Soviet bird is like western bird

only with much duller plumage.

(speaking in French)

I did enjoy that.

Particularly when you're considered to belong

to the club.

- Is it a game to betray your country?

- Oh really Palfrey.

That's all balls.

Rusty's never got a thing worth a damn out of me.

- Well then why did you defect?

- Never told the true story about that.

But now,

because I like you Palfrey

I'm going to tell you.

- The true story.

- Why not?

It no longer matters.

It was my idea.

I knew I was suspect.

It was absolutely no definite proof

they could pin on me, talked to David about it

and he went along with the idea.

- What was the idea?

- David and I will make a sudden dash

for the continent.

Confirm the FO suspicion that we were guilty,

we lied low for a couple of weeks

and then the press would take up the story

about our defection.

- And then you'd return, get a lawyer,

sue for libel, make a fortune.

- Good rouse, wasn't it?

- Well why didn't it happen that way?

- 'Cause David got the wind up in Prague.

He hadn't told me everything about

what he'd been up to.

Probably if there was enough evidence against him.

He was frightened he'd be convicted so

we ended up in Moscow.

- But it's water under the bridge now.

Doesn't order a thing.

- [Styles] Moscow

is very gray.

- They want you back.

They promise no action will be taken against you.

- [Styles] They must be very disappointed in me.

- Something more than that.

- They've only been quite good to me you know.

But I want to extend my vacation indefinitely.

I want immunity.

In exchange for everything I can tell.

- There's no deal.

♫ Yeah this is 640

♫ In Germany 230

♫ 100 in France, in Turkey 91

♫ But in Spain

♫ But in Spain there are 1,003

♫ 1,003

♫ 1,003

- Now since I

don't bloom in the Soviet

the way they do in the west.

- Your voice is dreadful

and you look bloody ridiculous in that dressing garb.

- But I shall have you and the Russians

worried sick.

That's not bad is it Palfrey?

And better still,

I'm improving relationships between the two countries.

This was some kind of paradox.

♫ But in Spain

♫ But in Spain there are 1,003

♫ 1,003

♫ 1,003

- You seem obsessed with numbers.

- The world

I'd like to have the whole world.

(calm piano ringing)

Mozart, Handle.

Of the two,

Mozart has to be my favorite.

Like a gin.

Created like a servant.

Had a pauper's grave.

Are you going to arrest me?

- Within 48 hours you'll be booked on a flight

to Moscow.

- And if I don't take it.

- Well if you're tried you could spend

the rest of your life behind bars.

- If.

Tell me Palfrey, do you think they'd risk

all that scandal in high places?

I don't.

- I would advise you to take the plane.

- I think I have the slightly stronger hand.

I'm going to raise.

So I suggest Palfrey you inform your boss to that affect.

- I wouldn't bank on it if I were you.

- Then you're not me,

are you old man?

- No.

I'm not.

Thank god.

- This is a most unpleasant situation.

- There's no escaping that, it is.

- I'm sure Mr. Palfrey you were

sufficiently persuasive.

- I made my points as forcefully as I could.

- Yes of course of course you did.

The question is what to do?

- He's a monster.

Charming but a monster.

- No trinity,

and how has it left finally?

- Well I told him he'd get a ticket

to Moscow within 48 hours and he'd better

get on the plane.

- Perhaps he was bluffing perhaps he'll do just that.

- We can hope.

But we have to be prepared for the alternative.

- And what Mr. Palfrey do you consider

the alternative to be?

- Arrest him.

- I've told you that's not possible.

- The highest authority?

- I repeat not possible.

- Well then the only thing left is a deal

on his terms.

- Not possible.

- Well then madam I leave it to you

to suggest just what is possible.

- I am forced to admit I'm stumped.

- In that case madam we're both stumped.

- I will see Nikolai.

- Nikolai?

- Body heir for the Soviet Embassy.

- I must congratulate you on

finding our man in such quick time.

- Thank you.

- Now when is he returning?

When is he to be returned?

- I must explain Nikolai

that I have only just had word myself

of the contact with Styles.

- Yes and I appreciate your coming to see me so quickly.

- Yet we hope to issue him with a

flight number within 48 hours.

There is a possibility

that he may not take the plane.

- May not take the plane.

- I am informed that he desires

to stay here permanently.

- Now you will not allow this of course.

- Of course.

- Styles is such an ungrateful man.

He wished to promote force the

gray and green, have them translated.

And we granted this wish and gave him a job

in the state publishing house

and these books were printed.

He had the department of.

(speaking in Russian)

District with the stove and refrigerated

and a separate bedroom.

He was given certificate rubles to spend on the

Bariashka shops and you know

between you and me he really got so little from it.

- You can hardly expect me to be

disappointed about that.

- He has behaved badly.

Very badly.

To both our countries.

But to return to this current problem

this problem with Styles now what action

do you propose if he won't take the plane?

- I thought it possible you might have a suggestion.

- Where is he staying?

- I don't think I can divulge that information.

- You could have him drowned, crated, and returned.

- We don't operate like that.

Anyway if it went wrong it would be a disaster.

- If he won't take this flight

perhaps there is only one solution.

- You're hinting at--

- Exactly.

Yes.

(speaking in a foreign language)

Who would miss this Frenchman hmm?

Who would make him to ours

of course priest yes it is regrettable

but it may be the only way.

(upbeat music)

- What?

That's my line.

(upbeat music)

- Bravo.

- Oh it's absolutely mad out.

- Yes wind's bad cuts to the bone

did you get the ticket?

- Yes, it makes me so hungry this cold

it's been havoc with my diet.

That's why I'm chewing gum.

- I've never seen you chew gum before Caroline

doesn't suit you.

- Sorry, I know it's awful

but it's either that or another bar of chocolate.

- Have some coffee.

- It's the birds I feel sorry for.

Keep buying extra loaves,

even the seagulls are on the look for it.

The funny thing was

an old pigeon

might have been slice of bread

they pecked it away leaving a circle of crust

and I saw a pigeon tossed it up in the air

the crust around his neck like a necklace.

It flew off like that.

With crust around its neck.

- Seems to be in order.

- London Heath Row, Moscow.

Flight number BA710

departs 10:20 arrives 17:15 dated.

That's tomorrow.

- Tomorrow.

- 24 hours.

Not much time.

- All relative.

Lifetime for a may fly.

- You're very droll.

You informed your boss that I'm not leaving.

- I did.

- And this is the result.

Disappointing.

Obviously he doesn't take me seriously.

- Oh but he, she does.

- She.

- Yes, and she has a message for you.

- The ladies really are taking over aren't they?

- Oh this one's rather formidable.

- Women in high places always are.

Much more ruthless than men.

And that she says if I'm not on that plane

I'll be boiled in oil

or hanged drawn and quartered.

Right old man?

- You want to make a joke of it you can.

- I never joke about women.

So few of them have a sense of humor.

They take life so much more seriously than fellows.

I imagine it has something to do with giving birth.

What extraordinary business.

- Styles.

- [Styles] Yes.

- I'm not fooling,

bluffing, I'm telling you

for the last time, take the plane.

- I like you Palfrey.

And I'm sure you're not bluffing.

Just as I'm sure your lady boss isn't bluffing,

but she has her superiors.

And it's they I think who have the final say.

It's they, I suspect, who are bluffing.

- Well, if that's what you believe.

- Oh I do old man, I do.

- In my opinion I think you are mistaken.

- That's a risk I'll just have to take.

After all what's life about without risks?

Be stale, flat,

and unprofitable.

We're born aren't we at the foot of the mountain with

various routes to the peak with varying

degrees of difficulty in the climb.

It's up to us ourselves which route we choose

to take isn't it?

- Yeah.

But very few choose the north face of the Eicher.

- I really do like you Palfrey.

- Change your mind Styles.

Just for once, take the easy route.

- I'm a creature of impulse you know

get an idea and I act.

Let's speed things up eh Palfrey?

Let's find out whether I've got

the winning cards or not.

(ticket tearing)

Give those to your boss lady.

- This is very foolish.

- How about a drink before you go?

- Too early for me.

- Oh damn it Palfrey

don't be so stuffy.

After all this is an occasion.

It's not every day someone attempts

the north face.

- I'm not going to report this till morning.

I'm going to give you a number to ring,

and I expect you to contact me

and tell me you've changed your mind.

Call me in the morning, 9:30.

- This will count as a failure for you Palfrey, eh?

Earn you a demerit.

Sorry about that.

Part of the game,

but no hard feelings now man, hmm?

No hard feelings.

- The game isn't over yet is it Styles?

- Man of spirit.

That's good, let's drink to that.

- Two, four, six

eight oh four one.

Can you remember that?

Good morning Caroline you're early.

- [Caroline] Isn't it wonderful?

- Well not wonderful, rare.

- I don't mean my being early

I mean because it's raining and it's warm.

- You're dripping everywhere.

- Do you know what a Hippogryph is?

- Yes it's a winged horse.

- Oh, I didn't think you'd know.

Ah you saw Mastermind last night.

- No Caroline I didn't see Mastermind.

- Well I knew what a Hippogryph was too.

- So saying he caught him up

without wing of Hippogryph

bore through the air sublime

over the wilderness nor the plain.

- You know you can be quite

infuriating sometimes Mr. Palfrey.

- Milton.

- Milton?

(phone ringing)

- I'll take it.

- You see Palfrey, didn't forget the number.

The message is brief.

I'm still here and I'm not leaving

so you can see your boss lady

and tell her the balls are in her court

and you can come back to me here.

- [Mr. Palfrey] Styles.

- Sorry Palfrey nothing more to say.

(music box chiming)

- And you told him that if we were forced to

we would make the arrest?

- He didn't believe me.

- Of course he was right.

- He's no fool.

- Desperate diseases require desperate remedies.

You better go to the Soviet Embassy

and convey the news to Baliev.

- And this in spite of the fact

that you assured him that he would

be forgiven his packadilo.

- Styles treats it all as a game.

- That is very British and if you will forgive me

very stupid.

Though in a way one can't fail to have

a certain admiration for this reckless behavior.

It is like the child of the light brigade.

I met him once.

Such intelligence such perception.

Though his talent wasn't sufficiently stretched

at the state publishing house.

His bright side was

ruined with alcohol.

Dreadful behavior.

Such blatant homosexuality.

And I am a liberal you understand.

- But now, in practical terms.

- Yes in practical terms what is to be done?

I'm very surprised that your superior

didn't come to see me about this herself.

- That thought occurred to me.

- I think I understand though

it is a matter of

sensibility.

- Sensibility?

- She did not come to discuss the inevitable

solution to our problem instead she sent

a practical man.

- Yes.

You could call me the practical man.

- As I said to her,

who would miss Pierre Bonaparte?

Who would make inquiries if he were to simply

disappear?

- Desperate diseases require desperate remedies.

- Exactly.

- This business is it about Styles?

- [Mr. Palfrey] Yes.

- He didn't take the plane?

- [Mr. Palfrey] No.

And the suggestion is that the only way out

of the dilemma--

- Is to kill him, and get rid of the body.

- You really are the practical man aren't you Blair?

- He's had his chance hasn't he?

- How would you set about it?

- Is it an assignment?

- Let's assume that it is.

- First part's simple enough

it's the second that's tricky.

- [Mr. Palfrey] The disposal of the body.

- And I imagine because of the nature of the assignment

I'd be single-handed?

- [Mr. Palfrey] Single-handed.

- The human body's very durable

and there's a lot of it.

Not easily disposable.

Not my field really.

In fact I've only had one previous involvement.

Nasty business.

- [Mr. Palfrey] That one involvement?

- Weighted body in the sea.

Mediterranean, night.

- [Mr. Palfrey] From a boat.

- Plane, Cessna.

Far too many risks there single-handed.

I'd say acid,

sulfuric, two car boys.

And then there's the place it would have to be

out of the way, cellar, lock up garage that sort of thing.

There's no pretty way to get rid of a corpse.

But then if you're dead

you're disposable aren't you?

After all what else is a crematorium?

The trick is you don't see what goes on behind the curtain.

- Now it's a question of imagination.

- It's a question of switching off the imagination.

Concentrating on the job in hand.

But then you've never been in the field have you Palfrey?

- Not in your area of activity no.

I could never have been a surgeon or.

- Worked in an Apatoir?

No, you're squeamish.

You can't knock off the switch.

Some can some can't.

But you can give the orders

to have the job done can't you?

- If I give that order it will be

the first one in its kind.

- We need a tank specially prepared to resist

acid corrosion and a stir pump.

- How long would it take you think to

find a suitable place and

install the equipment?

- Let's say around lunch time tomorrow.

- Well you go ahead then.

Make the arrangements.

Blair and I have arrived at what I consider

to be the best solution to the problem.

- I have every confidence you would Mr. Palfrey.

- Thank you, I will outline the procedure for your approval.

As you know--

- Mr. Palfrey.

- [Mr. Palfrey] Madam.

- I've just expressed my confidence in you.

We can dispense with the details I think.

- A question of sensibility?

- I beg your pardon?

- I'm afraid madam it's absolutely essential

that I give you the details.

(car rumbling)

(keys jingling)

(footsteps tapping)

(pump cranking)

(gasping)

- Oh.

Oh.

Frankie.

Frankie.

Frankie!

- What's the matter?

- I just wondered where you got to.

Had rather a nasty dream.

- Silly boy.

- Well very nasty.

I was.

(knocking on door)

I bet.

Yes it is.

(knocking on door)

- Do I let him in?

- Yes of course you do.

- No you were right about our superiors

having the final say.

- I knew it, I knew it.

I knew it.

I should refrain from saying I told you so.

- Very magnanimous.

- Gracious in victory.

Just before you arrived I had a nightmare.

I dreamt I was back in Russia.

Not Moscow, Leningrad.

Do you know Leningrad?

- No I don't know Leningrad.

- Do you know the Neuve?

- I know Grand Street City.

- I was crossing it.

Over the ice heading for the winter palace

on the other bank.

The ice was black and thick but suddenly cracked it

cracked open I went in,

trapped under the ice.

- Did you drown?

- I woke up.

So what's the procedure?

- You are to be taken to a safe house

to be debriefed.

- You will be in charge of the debriefing?

- No I won't be.

- Oh, that's a pity.

- In an hour's time

one of our people will call for you

a man called Blair.

- Blair.

- Yes you will arrive at the safe house.

- Where is it this safe house?

- Not far away, about half an hour's drive

and you'll be there for a few days.

- How long is a few days?

- Oh I'd say between a week and a fortnight.

- I shall need to pack my things.

What happens?

You know, where will I go?

After the debriefing.

- I wouldn't worry about that at this stage.

One step at a time.

- Oh one step at a time.

Yeah why not.

Some Indian guru

who says we should look upon every day as a separate life.

Each morning you're born

and each evening you die.

Not bad philosophy, eh Palfrey?

- Not bad at all.

You'll be ready to leave then

in an hour's time?

- Hardly ready.

No hard feelings old man.

No hard feelings.

(car rumbling)

- Wine I suppose, and a good steak.

- Funny, wouldn't have taken you for a grape man.

- No?

- No.

Cigarette?

- Thanks.

What then?

- Scotch.

- I can take it or leave it.

- Anything, I'll drink anything.

- Then you drink to get drunk don't you?

- I drink to make people seem less boring than they are.

- People bore you?

- Most people.

So few people are vivid.

- Vivid.

- Wouldn't you say

a lot of rubbish is talked about wine?

- No more than any other subject.

- The boring people talk rubbish.

Scotch?

- I don't drink and drive.

- Oh.

We have a lot in common.

(laughing)

How much further?

- We're nearly there.

- Palfrey,

do you work with him?

- Sometimes.

- How'd you find him?

Bit straight?

- Bit clever.

- He's that.

Difficult man to get the better of hmm?

Can you really tell the difference

between plonk and good wine?

- It's simple, but I suppose you have to have a palette.

- And you obviously do.

- Decent stuff's easy on the tongue,

good stuff fills the back of the nerves

and the real thing floats up into the brain

and lingers.

- I've missed an experience.

You're a very unusual fellow, you know?

- I'm vivid.

(handbrake cranking)

- Why have we come here?

This isn't the safe house.

- No.

It isn't the safe house.

There's no rush.

This is not a game Styles.

You do exactly as I say, all right?

Exactly.

- Yes.

(footsteps tapping)

(door opening)

No.

I can't do this.

(people chattering)

(music box chiming)

(gentle music)