Original subtitles

See? They are driven by other humans, super-intelligent humans.

-Did you hear me? -So did everyone else.

Beanpole would have loved to see this.

You're impressed.

Does it show?

Wait till you see the City. Follow me.

Congratulations on your selection for service in the City.

You'll find that the temperatures are hotter than you're used to

and these are the clothes you must wear. Please change.

Our Masters breathe a form of air which is poisonous to us.

We would die within moments of breathing it.

So, we have to wear these whenever we enter the masters' areas.

You'll find that pools of perspiration collect here, inside the helmets.

Now, this may feel uncomfortable.

But don't, on any account, attempt to remove the helmets

while you're in the Masters' atmosphere. You would die instantly.

There are recreation areas where we can breathe human air.

In these areas, you can remove your helmets and relax in safety.

This is an air lock,

where the atmosphere will change before we enter the Masters' city.

It's changing now. You'll notice that the light is also changing to green,

the colour of the Masters' air.

Follow me, please.

ALL: Hail to the Tripods.

Is it possible that men could have built all this?

This is fantastic.

That huge building over there, along with the other one.

-What's it all made of? -Careful.

The others simply accept with admiration.

He was getting suspicious of your questions.

How else are we going to get answers?

Scientifically, by observation and deduction.

GUIDE: Follow me, please, to the choosing place.

(COUGHING)

A little claustrophobic in these, eh?

All praise to the Tripods.

Steady!

(COUGHING)

GUIDE: Everyone stand under a beam of light.

The Masters will shortly make their choice.

(COUGHING)

-Sir, sir, Charles is in real trouble. -No, I'm all right.

GUIDE: Stay.

(CHARLES COUGHING)

Go back, please. We regret he is unable to serve the Masters.

To serve the Masters is the greatest privilege on Earth.

Fear of their strangeness will only cause offence.

-Yes, but... -Shh.

MASTER 1: Boy, you will be with me.

MASTER 2: Come with me, boy.

MASTER 3: Come with me.

MASTER 4: Come with me, boys.

Follow me, boy.

MASTER 5: You two, follow me.

You have offended.

-You mean, I'm not chosen? -You insulted a Master.

-I was just surprised, I... -Your mind was not filled with joy?

Yes, but I...

Boy, you're a strange one.

In what sport did you win a championship?

Boxing, Master.

-And do you wish to serve? -Yes, oh, yes, Master.

It appeared you were more interested in your fellows than in being chosen.

I was just distracted by Charles. He was...

Hmm. Not all can adapt successfully. You may leave us now.

You have chosen, then, Master?

I have.

I hope you will give good service.

MASTER: Come.

Now, let me examine you.

Hmm.

-Hmm, a fine specimen. -Thank you, Master.

And what about the cap?

Hmm? Has that been successful?

Oh, yes, yes, Master. Only... Well...

-Go on, boy. -Before the capping, I...

(CLEARING THROAT) Well, I had a reputation for asking questions.

Nosey Parker, they used to call me,

because I always wanted to know how and why

and, well, just why everything is the way it is.

It was this curiosity that attracted me to you, boy.

We shall exploit it to advantage.

Now, before you ask me, I'll tell you my name.

I am West Avenue 4, Sector 6, Level 8. West 468, for short.

This is me.

My identity.

-In your terms, my name. -Master 468.

-And you, boy? -Will, Master.

-Will what? -Willy Sachs.

-But... -But Will for short.

(MASTER 468 CHUCKLES)

Very apt. For after 100 years, I'm delighted to have found at last

a slave with a mind of his own.

Where do you come from?

The Tyrol, Master. A little village called Marienkirchen.

Ah, the Austrian Alps. Very beautiful.

But enough questions. You are tired and must rest.

This happens with new slaves.

Ah, here is Georg. Georg comes from Flanders.

Georg, this is your successor. Willy Sachs, from the Tyrol.

Georg will show you your quarters

and will introduce you to the facilities provided for slaves.

-Thank you, Georg. -Master.

You have served well. I wish you a happy release.

-Thank you, Master. -Rest well, boy.

And don't let questions keep you awake. We have work to do.

(YAWNING)

Let's get that off.

Stand aside.

GUARD: Gang, halt.

This area is being made ready to receive a new marvel of the Masters' creation.

It's your privilege to make way for a great miracle.

Long live the Masters.

Hail to the Tripods.

Hail.

How wonderful to be here.

It's very impressive.

Ah, you're just a cold, unemotional German, Fritz.

Doesn't you're heart burst with pride?

I do sometimes find it difficult to express the emotion I feel.

Come, observe the tasks.

Take him away.

(SIREN WAILING)

Right, you've seen the work.

Now show the quality of your dedication to the Masters

by the amounts you shift!

Move!

Used clothing must be disposed of here.

Your helmet must be recharged here after use.

And should you require one in a hurry,

there is the spare one on the shelf below, fully charged.

Who sleeps over there?

A new slave for Master West 458. He was chosen from the Champions.

Retiring to the country, are you?

Country?

"Happy release", I expect a chalet by a beach somewhere.

(CHUCKLING)

(SIGHING)

Any girls in the City?

They do the cleaning, and the cooking and the nursing.

Where do they live?

Ah, girls.

I, um...

I have this friend of mine, she came to the City last year.

She's very beautiful, but I can't say that I've seen her.

In the City, the desire to serve the Masters transcends all.

You'll find your interest in girls will fade, fast.

-Because of the cap. -Because of the Masters.

Of course, of course.

Um, tell me, how long have you been with 468?

One loses all track of time as we know it in the world outside.

-All right, is he? -All Masters are good.

Yes, it's been a particular privilege to serve this Master.

You're very fortunate to be replacing me.

If he can't do better than that, he's no good to the Masters.

His strength will increase.

I thought you were all supposed to be champs.

Strength comes in short bursts. He needs time to adapt.

(SIREN WAILING)

I'll carry him back.

Just so long as he's ready for the next shift, right?

Come, it's time for my happy release.

You must accompany me.

No further, Will. The Masters take care of me from here.

I see no Masters.

This is my reward for four long years of service.

May your turn come as joyously.

Four years?

What else have you been doing in the City?

You're confused about my age because of my appearance.

I remember how long our human lives used to be.

But here in the City, life is hastened by this strange atmosphere.

My old age is quite remarkable.

Last week I celebrated my 21 st birthday.

I...

Congratulations.

This is yours now.

The Master can summon you at any time with it.

Be worthy of it, for my sake.

Honour to the Tripods.

Honour to the Masters.

Hail! Hail! Hail!

(BEEPING)