All language subtitles for 1944 The Mask Of Dimitrios

'Di-mi-tri-os... Mak-ropou-los.'

Case of Dimitrios Makropoulos
is now officially closed.

That is all, gentleman.

- Colonel Haki, could you..
- I'm sorry.

Gentleman, there's nothing I can
add to what you've heard here.

I've known of this
Dimitrios Makropoulos for years

and yet have known
so little about him.

So very little.

We'll probably never know
who killed him.

But, whoever it was,
did us all a favor.

Goodnight.

- Good evening, Colonel Haki.
- Good evening.

Ooh, Colonel Haki,
how nice to see you.

Madam Chavez, this is such
a wonderful party.

So many beautiful women.

But none more beautiful
than yourself.

You flatterer.

- I've got a surprise for you.
- Oh?

The Dutch writer
Cornelius Leyden.

Cornelius Latimer Leyden here?

Wonderful.
You invited him for me?

You expressed such a desire
to meet him.

I must say,
I expected a different sort.

Oh, writers are writers.

Yes, but, Mister Leyden tells me

he was professor of economics

at the University of Amsterdam

before he became a writer.

Looks like it.

Ah, there you are,
Mister Leyden.

I want you to meet my good
friend Colonel Haki

who's an ardent reader
of your books.

- How do you do?
- Mister Leyden.

I long wanted to talk
to the writer

who's work I so much admire.

Thank you very much.

Well, I'll leave you gentleman
to discuss literature.

To bore you perhaps, but long
have I admired Mister Leyden

and you understand, my love.

But, of course.
You'll excuse me please?

Madam.

I read nothing
but detective stories.

I get them sent from Paris.

All the best
are translated into French.

To you, Mister Leyden.

I've just added your

'Une Pelle Ensanglantee'
to my library.

Formidable.

But I cannot quite understand

the significance of the title.

Well, "Bloody Shovel."

Exactly.

It is my ambition to write

a good detective story
of my own.

I have often thought
I could do so

if I had only the time

and yes-oh, madam,
such a pleasure.

Colonel Haki.

I've got to play
the fool like this.

It is expected of me.

But don't think I like it.

- A cigarette?
- Yes, please.

Please follow me.

I should like very much to talk

to you about these women.

Come, let us go to the verandah

where we will not be disturbed.

- This is better.
- Uh-huh.

Thank you.

You must excuse me,
if I'm a little nervous.

All day I've been involved
in the affairs of a murderer.

Are you interested in real
murders, Mister Leyden?

Oh, er, maybe.
Why?

I find a murder
in a detective story..

'...much more sympathetic
than a real murder.'

Have you ever heard of
Dimitrios Makropoulos?

I don't think so.

'I've known of his existence'

'for nearly 20 years.'

A dirty, cowardly type.

Murder, espionage,
assassination.

Assa.. Well, that argues
a certain courage, doesn't it?

My dear, Leyden.

Dimitrios would have nothing
to do with the actual shooting.

Their kind never risk
their skins for that.

They stay on the fringe
of the plot.

But, to me the most important
thing to know about

an assassination,
is not who fired a shot

but who paid for the bullet.

- 'Well, that's true.'
- As far as I know.

No government ever caught
Dimitrios.

And there is no photograph
than his dossier.

But, we knew him alright.

And so did, Athens, Sophia,
Belgrade, Paris.

He was a great traveler,
this Dimitrios.

Was?

Sounds as if he were dead.

Yes, he is dead.

His bloated body was
washed ashore this morning.

It is believed
he had been knifed

and thrown in the Bosphorus.

Bu-but then he died by violence

that's very much like justice,
isn't it?

There's the writer speaking.

Everything must be
tight, artistic

like a detective story.

The case of Dimitrios
has loose ends.

Dozens of them.

Just one hour,
his body will be disposed of.

And the loose ends
will still be loose ends.

You see?
That is not artistic.

Now, tell me, Mister Leyden,
is there anything in this story

that could be of the slightest
interest to our writer?

Oh, I've always liked
police work, but, um..

Colonel Haki.

I have a rather strange
request to make.

Anything.

And I would very much
like to see

the body of that, uh,
Dimitrios, if it's possible.

- By all means, but the--
- Do you know?

I-I've never seen a dead man.
Not even in a mortuary..

Ugly devil, isn't he?

'These eyes have seen things
I should like to see.'

It is a pity that the mouth
can never speak about him.

For 20 years
it was my hope to get him.

And now..

Not very prepossessing,
is he, Mister Leyden?

It-it-it isn't quite
what I thought it would be.

Would you like to see the wound?

No, uh..

'See.'

It's getting warm in here.

Well, do you still want
to hear more of Dimitrios?

If you have the time.

The evening is young.

Oh, well, shall we go
to my hotel?

It's a little better there.

Splendid.

Well, all we know of Dimitrios

is that he was born in 1889.

He was found abandoned.
Parents unknown.

A poor family adopted him.

A good deed
they had cause to regret.

'1889... you have
an exceptional memory.'

That is my business.

The first time we heard of him
was in Smyrna, in 1922.

The city was under martial law.

And I was the head
of the military police.

At that time,
Dimitrios worked as a fig-packer.

Who already had
a criminal record.

Abdul... Abdul Dhris.

Dimitrios, are you in trouble?

I must flee the country.

But I have no money
and the shipmasters are asking

a 1000 piasters for passage.

Well, I'm a poor man you know.

But, if you could wait
till Saturday..

Oh, I can't.

Abdul, I know where
I can get the money.

A 1000 piasters.

2000.
And 2000 for you.

What would I have to do?

Very little.

'It's Dimitrios,
Konrad, open up.'

'I got the plate, Konrad.'

- I told you to come alone.
- Abdul's my partner.

He shares with me.

Let me see the plate. If it
isn't gold, I'm not interested.

It's gold,
I'll show you in back.

- Come on.
- Let me see it now.

They shoot looters.
I risked my life for this plate.

Come on.

Now let me have the plate.

First, let's see
what's in your safe.

Robbers!

Now I'll show you the plate.

You said, we wouldn't kill him.

He'd tell the police.
He's better dead.

I was willing to rob him,
but, murder..

They'd hang us
for robbery alone, you fool.

There's martial law here now.

But, you killed him
before he opened his safe--

His safe's safe
is full of worthless junk.

Oh, he was a clever one,
that Konrad.

But not clever enough
for Dimitrios.

Here it is.
That's where I saw him hide it.

- You spied on him.
- Naturally.

Ali. Wine.

'Fill 'em up again
for everybody.'

Ha ha ha.

Ali, bring the wine.

Ali, where are..

We was only having
a little drink.

Would you have a drink with us?

I do not drink.

You seem to have a lot of money.

Perhaps you could tell me
where you got it.

Why, I... I..

Dimitrios?

'Dimitrios?'

Wait, Dimitrios.

I was only having
a little drink..

I did not kill Konrad.
I tell you, I did not kill him.

He stabbed himself?
He robbed his own money?

Twelve hundred piasters
were found in your possession.

A fig-packer,
you refer only to the winds.

I will give you one more chance.

Did you, or did you not,
rob Konrad?

Rob him?
Yes, yes, I robbed him.

But, I didn't kill him.
It was Dimitrios.

Dimitrios who did it.

And who is Dimitrios?

He is a fig-packer,
real bad one.

He is always in trouble.

'And he has fled the country,
no doubt.'

Yes. That's why
he wanted the money.

I am a man who loves other men
as brothers.

- I would not speak--
- Enough!

Hold your tongue, imbecile.

You've admitted that
you've robbed Konrad.

That is sufficient,
even if there was

six Dimitrios
you would still be guilty.

Sentence is death.
Take him out.

No! No! No!

Oh, no, no, no.

I did not kill Konrad.
I tell you I did not kill him!

It was Dimitrios.
Dimitrios!

Dimitrios!

That beggar was right.

But we had no definite proof
till later.

What a despicable character,
but..

...as much as I hate
to admit it, very brilliant.

Oh, yes, I don't deny it.

I see he intrigues your fancy.

You want to know more?

Certainly I want to know more.

I learnt he had fled to Athens.

I issued a warrant
for his arrest.

But he escaped me.

Later, I find out

that he sometimes
used the name of Talat.

"Talat?" T-A-L-A-T?

But-but again, too late, huh?

Yes.

From Athens,
we traced him to Sophia.

'Where in '23,
a man named Dimitrios'

'was connected to
the Stambulisky affair.'

No.

'Then he turned up in Belgrade.'

'That was, uh... let me see..'

'Oh, yes, in 1926.'

This time,
stealing military secrets.

"Military secrets?"

Nothing was
too big for him, huh?

No, and the last time
I heard of him was in Paris.

In connection with an
international smuggling gang.

Now, when was that?

Between '29 and '31.
About that time.

The gang was eventually
broken up.

Dimitrios had betrayed them.

That's logical.

Murder, treason... and betrayal.

That's the finishing touch.

What an evil genius that man
was, but... fascinating.

Wonderful character for a novel.

You really think so?

There's so much I don't know.

For instance, what is it
about a man like that?

Why does anyone trust him
in the first place?

Details, if we..
If I only know more details.

You will need... patience,
Mister Leyden.

Yes..

You see, Colonel Haki,
I love real characters

for my stories.

And that man, well..

...he obsesses me,
and I-I admit it.

And I have to go on.

I don't know whether I should
like you for introducing me

to that Dimitrios, or whether I
should hate you for it.

It's true. I come
to Istanbul for a little rest.

Well... tracing the life
of Dimitrios, I don't think

that will be a very
peaceful occupation, do you?

No.

Where did you say
you went from Smyrna?

Oh, Athens.

I want a ticket for Athens,
please. Tomorrow morning.

- One ticket.
- 'When is the earliest train?'

- Seven o'clock.
- 'Thank you, very much.'

Yes, sir.

Beg your pardon.

Is there a man named
Konstantin Gollos

staying in this hotel?

No one by that name
is registered, sir.

Could you tell me
if a Mr. Gollos has been

registered here
any time during, say..

...the last 30 days, or..

...has he made any reservation?

Just a moment, please.

I'm sorry, sir. I don't find
any record of that name.

Thank you, sir.

I beg your pardon,
but would it be possible

for me to view the... remains

of a man you have here?

He may be a relative.

The place is empty. Clean.

But the paper said a man named
Dimitrios Makropoulos.

Oh, him. He's been disposed
of an hour ago.

Disposed of.

Come. This a question
of patience and organization.

Organization is the secret
of modern statecraft.

But patience is necessary.

You say the surname
was Makropoulos?

That's right. Makropoulos.
Dimitrios Makropoulos.

Well, that will be
drawer number 13.

Why? Because M is the thirteenth
letter of the alphabet.

- Oh.
- This is organization.

It's very good.

Makropoulos. Makropoulos.

Makropoulos. Makropoulos.

But... no Dimitrios.

- Gone.
- Who is gone?

Oh, didn't you see
that stout gentleman?

I have no assistants in my work
at organization here.

The whole burden falls
on my shoulders.

And people have no patience.

I'm engaged for a moment,
they cannot wait.

A man can only do his duty.
No more, no less.

- But patience.
- P-pardon me, sir.

Could we try under
the name of Talat?

Talat. That is
a Turkish name--

I know. But could we try?

Talat, T, that is the..

...twentieth letter
of the alphabet.

- That will be drawer number--
- Twenty.

Yeah. It's very clever.

Talat.

- Dimitrios Talat.
- Yes.

- A fig packer?
- That's right.

Mm-hmm.

"Name, Dimitrios Talat.

"Born, Salonica 1889.

"Occupation, fig packer.

"Identity card, lost.

"Said to have been issued
at Simiona.

"Warrant for arrest

on charge of robbery
and attempted murder."

That's Dimitrios, alright.

Uh, you see,
that is organization.

- Here you are, sir.
- Thank you.

I must apologize for intruding
on your privacy.

Oh, p-please.
You're not intruding.

This berth was not occupied.

How good of you to say so.

How little kindness
there is in the world today.

How little thought for others.

May I ask how far you're going?

Oh, yeah. I am going to Sofia.

Oh, beautiful city.
Beautiful.

- I am continuing to Bucharest.
- Oh..

I trust that we shall have
a pleasant journey together.

'I hope so.'

Will you allow me
to smoke, please?

If you please, go right ahead.

You know, the moment
the attendant told me

that there was a Hollander
on the train

'I knew that I should have
a pleasant journey.'

Well, that's very kind
of you to say so.

I am English by birth.

But actually I am
a citizen of the world.

To me, all languages
are beautiful.

If only men would live as
brothers without hatred..

...seeing only
the beautiful things.

But no, there are always people
who look on the black side.

Well, I think
I'm going to sleep now.

Sleep?

A great mercy vouchsafed
to us poor humans.

My name is Mr. Peters.

How do you do?

Uh, if you'll forgive me,
I think

we're getting to Sofia
very early.

- Goodnight, sir.
- Goodnight, sir.

We're coming into Sofia, sir.

Thank you. I'm all ready.
Catch it.

- Oh, good morning, sir.
- Good morning.

I'm sorry, I tried
not to awaken you, but--

I was not really asleep.

I wanted to tell you
that the best hotel

to stay in Sofia

is the Slavyanska Beseda.

Oh, really?
Thank you.

That's very kind of you.

That's the trouble
with this world.

There's not enough kindness.

Goodbye, Mr. Leyden.

Happy journey, sir.

How did he know my name?

I didn't tell him.

Oh, I am very happy to repay you

for the kindness you showed me
in Amsterdam, professor.

You are very clever people,
you journalists.

I just talked to you
this morning

and already you have discovered

the only person here
who knew Dimitrios.

- How did you do this?
- It was very easy.

The moment you mentioned
the fact that Dimitrios

was one of the foreign agent

in the Stambulisky affair..

This is her establishment.
She's the proprietress.

She does not get up
until about ten in the evening.

So we will probably have to wait

a while before
we can talk to her.

Oh, that's alright.

Wish to see me, monsieur?

'That we should be honored
if you would sit'

'at our table for a moment.'

Of course.

'Thank you, madame.'

- Champagne.
- Yes, madam.

'I've not seen
you before, monsieur.'

I've seen you, but not here.

You're going to write about me
for the Paris newspapers?

So you must stay and see
the rest of my entertainment.

Oh, we're trespassing
on your hospitality

to ask for some information.

Information?

I know nothing
of interest to anyone.

Your discretion
is famous, madame.

This however, concerns a man

now dead and buried

whom you knew over 15 years ago.

You pay me the most delicate
compliments, monsieur.

Fifteen years?

You can't expect me

to remember a man that long.

We hardly dare to hope
that you would remember.

'But if a name means anything
to you, it was Dimitrios.'

'Dimitrios Makropoulos.'

Get out.

Both of you.
I don't like you in here.

'But, madame.'

Get out!

Sit down.

I don't think
I want a scene in here.

If you will explain,
how we can leave

without standing up,
I shall be grateful.

- Are you a policeman?
- 'Oh, no!'

'He's not with the police.'

'He's a writer of books.
He seeks information.'

Why?

He saw the dead body
of Dimitrios

in Istanbul and he's curious
about it.

He's dead?

You're sure he's dead?

You actually saw his body?

It was found in the Bosphorus.

He had been stabbed.

Did he have any money on him?

I shall never get it back.

Wait.

Come with me.

- Madam.
- Bring it to my room.

Dimitrios.

July the fifteenth, 1923.

That's when the money
became due to me.

He promised faithfully
he'd pay me.

You're sure there was no money?

No. Even his clothes
were cheap and then shabby.

And I would have sworn
he'd become rich.

Dimitrios was not a man
one forgets easily.

Well, I've known many men, but..

I've been afraid of only one..

...Dimitrios.

I well remember the first time
I ever saw him.

I'd just returned from a drive,
with a friend.

Until tomorrow, then.

Mm-hmm.

Where to now, Monsieur Bostoff?

- Home.
- Mm-hmm.

- Hello!
- Hello.

You have kept me waiting
long enough.

I want my money.
I want it right away.

I haven't got it. I'll have it
for you in a day or two.

And I who have been
the hotel keeper for 17 years

should believe a story
about the check?

It's coming. I don't know
what's held it up.

- Tonight I'll send a telegram.
- With what?

I thought you'd lend me
ten leva.

I would as soon throw
the money into the street.

There are things
about this hotel

the police would like to know.

The fire hazard,
the broken stairs--

You think you can intimidate me?

My place is open
to the police at all times.

They are my friends,
you cheap crook.

It is I who will call the police.

I'll have you arrested
for fraud.

One hundred and twenty leva
by tomorrow morning.

Or the police will come.

Understand?

'Who is it?'

What do you want?
You got the wrong place.

No, I live in the room
next door.

Oh, I've seen you
around, though--

How dare you!

You got any food?

What?

Something to eat.

You really are hungry?

Would I ask a woman for food
if I weren't starving?

He was hungry and homeless.

I fed him and gave him money.

He paid me back
in his own peculiar way.

- Yes?
- 'It's me, Dimitrios.'

Oh, go away.

'Open up. It's important.'

No, I've done all
I'm gonna do for you.

'Yeah, but I want
to pay you back.'

'I've got 2500 leva
to give you.'

Twenty five hundred leva?
Are you crazy?

'Look under the door.'

'Got 1500 more to give you
if you let me in.'

Thousand you have.

Another thousand
and five hundred.

And twenty five hundred for me.

You were starving and now you--

Now I'm paying you back
for that crust of bread

you gave me.
A very good payment.

Where did you get this money?

Plenty more
where this came from.

I called on Monsieur Bostoff
this morning.

You didn't.

I asked him for the money

and he gave it to me.

I only had to mention your name.

You blackmailed him.

How could you?

He loved me.

He was a funny fat little man

but... he loved me.

I'm not fat or funny.
But I love you.

You love me?

You blackmailed Bostoff
to show your love!

Well, it costs money to love.

If he loved you,
why didn't he take you

out of this hole?

A girl as beautiful as you
should have the best.

Jewels, furs, a fine apartment..

I'll get 'em for you.

By blackmail?

What are you thinking about?

Wine.

What about the wine?

I like it.

- I must be crazy.
- Why?

- To love you.
- What's wrong with that?

Everybody stay where you are.

Have your papers ready.

Your passport.

"Dimitrios Makropoulos."

Your name is familiar.

You're a member of the CMU.

There's no law against that.

No, not yet.

But we do not like foreigners

who belong to so-called
"Bulgarian Patriotic Societies".

Come along.

You're wasting your time.

We have a great deal of time.

Come along.

Dimitrios stayed in jail
only long enough

to get in touch
with a man he knew.

Someone to whom he
would not introduce me.

You understand that
I have vouched for you.

Yes, I understand.

The moment I withdraw
my guarantee

you will be deported to Greece.

Alright, alright. I said I'd do
the job Monsieur Vazoff.

But it's difficult work
and the price of--

The price is quiet high enough.

I knew that this important
friend of Dimitrios

had secured
his release for a purpose.

But what that purpose was

I did not know
until a few days later.

When all Bulgaria heard of it.

Dimitrios! What's the matter?

The police will be here
at any moment.

You must tell them
I've been here all day.

What've you done?

There's no time for that now.

Who is it?

Yes?

- How long has he been here?
- All afternoon.

But I don't see that
that's any business of yours.

- You swear to that in court?
- Naturally. What do they mean?

I'm a Greek subject,
but my passport is in order.

I don't understand.

I'm not without friends
in Sofia.

Perhaps you know
a Monsieur Vazoff?

Mr. Vazoff?
Of the Eurasian credit trust?

I see.

Dimitrios, what happened?

It'll be in all the papers.

An attempt was made
to assassinate

the premier Stambulisky.

- Not you?
- Of course not.

However, I'll have to
leave town for a while.

How much money have you got?

Money? But I thought you--

I'll need 1000 French franks.

I know you've got it.
I've given you plenty.

Well, why don't you get it from
your important Monsieur Vazoff?

Because they'll be
watching him for a while.

'I'll send you
the money back in a week.'

'With interest.'

That's the last time
I saw Dimitrios.

If you will excuse me, monsieur.

It's time I returned
to my guests.

You see? I know nothing about
Dimitrios or any interest.

It was of great
interest, madame.

I'm very thankful.

Won't you allow me to pay you
for the drinks, madame?

If you like. No.

I have a superstition
about money being shown

in my private room.

You can pay the waiter
at your table.

Thank you. Goodnight, madame.

Utterly without scruple.

Completely unmoral.

But fascinating.

That's funny.

Would you be so good
as to shut the door behind you?

I think if you
stretched out your left hand

You could do it
without moving your feet.

Well, what..

What is the meaning of all this?

This is most awkward. I didn't
expect you back so soon.

Oh, I can see that.

I had hoped to get
things tidied up.

Such vandalism.

A book is a lovely thing.

A garden stocked
with beautiful flowers.

A magic carpet on which
to fly away to unknown climes.

What are you talking about?

A little frankness,
Mr. Leyden, please.

There could only be one reason

why your room
should be searched.

And you know that
as well as I do.

Of course, I can understand
your difficulty.

You're wondering
exactly where I stand.

If it's any consolation
to you, however, I may say

my difficulty is wondering
exactly where you stand.

I'm tired. I'll go to bed.

Say, what on earth
are you doing here?

Last night I met you on a train.

You said you were
going to Bucharest.

Now I find you here waving
this silly pistol in my face.

I... can only conclude

you're a thief or you're drunk.

Are you drunk, sir?

Maybe you're mad.

Well, in that case, uh..

...I can only humor you
and hope for the best.

Perfect. No, no.

Keep away from
that telephone, please.

Since you have returned
so unexpectedly

Since I can no longer
meet you on a basis

of may I say,
disinterested friendship..

Let us be frank
with one another.

Why are you
so interested in Dimitrios?

Dimitrios?

Yes, dear Mr. Leyden, Dimitrios.

You've come from the Levant.
Dimitrios came from there.

In Athens, you were very
energetically seeking his record

in the relief
commission archives. Why?

- Well, I--
- Wait before you answer.

I have no animosity towards you.

I bear you no ill will,
let that be clear.

But as it happens, I, too,
am interested in Dimitrios.

And because of that

I am interested in you.

Now, Mr. Leyden,
tell me frankly where you stand.

What... forgive the expression,
please, is your game?

'My game, huh?'

'Well, I'll tell you
what my game is'

'if you tell me yours.'

I have nothing to hide.

Would you mind telling me
what you hope to find

in the bindings of my books
or in the tube of my toothpaste?

Would you mind telling me that?

I was looking
for an answer to my question.

But all I found was this.

You see, I felt
that if you hid papers

between the leaves of books,
you might also hide

more interesting papers
in the bindings.

It was never intended
to be hidden.

And is this all you know
about Dimitrios, Mr. Leyden?

- No.
- Ah.

Now, who, I wonder,
is this Colonel Haki

who seems so well informed
and so indiscreet?

The name is Turkish.

And poor Dimitrios was taken
from us in Istanbul, was he not?

And you have come
from Istanbul, haven't you?

- Um-hmm.
- You know..

It almost looks
as if you'd been reading

a Turkish police dossier,
now, doesn't it, eh?

For every question you ask,
you'll have to answer one.

For example,
did you know Dimitrios?

Had you ever met him?
I mean, actually met him?

I don't think you're very sure
of yourself, Mr. Leyden.

I have an idea
that I can tell you much more

than you can tell me.

I think I must be going.

Goodnight.

I thought you were going.
Goodnight.

"Istanbul, Istanbul,
Smyrna, 1922, Sofia.."

Now, I wonder..

I wonder if it'd be
very stupid of me to imagine

that you were thinking
of going to Belgrade

in the near future,
would it, Mr. Leyden?

You'll like Belgrade.
Such a beautiful city.

The views from the Terazije

and Kalemedgan..
Magnificent.

See here, Mr. Peters,
a... a moment ago

you mentioned a bureau
of records in Athens.

Weren't you there
while I was there?

The stout gentleman!

Then it was no accident
that you were on the same train

in the same compartment.

No accident that
you recommended the hotel.

I've known everything
you've done since you left

the record bureau in Athens.

I've already told you
I'm interested in anyone

that's interested in Dimitrios.

But what on earth is your
great interest in Dimitrios?

Money? He had none.

I saw his body at the mortuary,
but you're certain he was..

What's the matter?

Did I understand you to say
that you actually saw

the body of Dimitrios
in the mortuary?

I said I did. What do you want?

Take your hands off me!

'Say, you are insane.'

Mr. Leyden, we must
reach an understanding.

We must stop this quarreling.

It's absolutely essential
that I know what you're after.

- And I want to know--
- No, no, no.

Please don't interrupt me.

I admit I probably need your
answers more than you need mine.

But I cannot give you
mine at present.

- Then you won't get mine.
- Yes, yes.

I heard what you said,
but I'm talking seriously.

Listen, please.

If you go to Belgrade

you will not discover
a single trace of Dimitrios.

Furthermore, you may
find yourself in trouble

with the authorities,
if you pursue the matter.

There's only one man
who could and would

under certain circumstances.

Tell you what you want to know.

He lives near Geneva.

Now, then,
I will give you his name.

And I will give you
a letter to him.

But first..

...I must know why
you want this information.

Your passport
describes you as a writer

but that is a very elastic term.

Who are you, Mr. Leyden?

- And what is your game?
- I have no game.

Naturally when I ask
what your game is

I use the phrase
in a specific sense.

Your game is,
of course, to get money.

But that is not
the answer I need.

- Are you rich, Mr. Leyden?
- Ha.

No. Then what I have to say
may be simplified.

I am proposing
an alliance, Mr. Leyden.

A pooling of resources.

I am aware of certain facts
which I cannot

at the moment, tell you about.

You, on the other hand, possess

an important
piece of information.

You may not know
that it is important

but nevertheless it is.

Now, my facts alone are
not worth a great deal.

Your piece of information

is quite valueless
without my facts.

The two together, however,
are worth at the very least..

At the very least,
a million French francs.

- One million?
- What do you say to that?

Well, you'll
forgive me, Mr. Peters

but I-I don't understand
what you're talking about.

Not that it makes any difference
whether I do or not.

But... oh, I think I'm tired.

Yeah, I'm-I'm very tired,
and I want to go to bed.

One million, huh?

No, Mr. Peters.

Well, I suppose there's no
reason why I shouldn't tell you

what my interest
in Dimitrios is.

Oh, it certainly isn't money.

I make a decent living.

As you know, detective stories
sell very well.

Detective stories..

Mr. Leyden,
may I use your paper?

Oh, go right ahead.
You used everything else.

Detective stories.

Now, that's most
interesting to me, Mr. Leyden.

- I'm so fond of them.
- I'm glad you like them.

Well, the first time I heard
about Dimitrios was in Istanbul

'From Colonel Haki.'

I don't know exactly
how it happened but somehow

I found myself trying
to trace his strange career.

Why?

Partly for my amusement,
I suppose.

I had nothing better to do.

Maybe it was
the writer's interest

in such a colorful character.

I don't expect you to
believe me, but it's the truth.

'If you don't like it, too bad.'

Here, Mr. Leyden,
are three pieces of paper.

On the first is written the name

of the man of whom
I spoke to you.

The name is Grudek.
He lives just outside Geneva.

The second is a letter to him.

If you will present that letter

he will know
that you are a friend of mine

and that he can
be frank with you.

And incidentally

it was he who employed
Dimitrios in 1926.

Oh, really? U-u-uh,
what about this one?

I think you said
you were not rich?

No, I'm not rich.

Um... half a million francs..

...would be useful to you?

Well, it wouldn't make me sad.

Well, then, Mr. Leyden,
when you have tired of Geneva

I want you to, how do you say

to kill two birds
with one stone.

Here on this list of yours
are other dates

besides 1926 still
to be accounted for.

If you are to know what
there is to know about Dimitrios

The place to account
for them is Paris.

That is the first thing.

The second is,
if you will come to Paris

if you will consider,
then, the pooling of resources

the alliance that I have
already proposed to you

'I can definitely guarantee
that in a very few days'

'you will have at least
a half a million French francs.'

At the moment I cannot say more.

But if you will
believe in and trust me

if you will come to Paris,
then here on this piece of paper

is an address. When you arrive,
send a pneumatique to me.

Do not call, for it is
the address of a friend.

I have put you
to so much trouble.

Oh, no trouble at all.

I wish to make restitution
in a practical way.

Half a million francs
is worth considering, eh?

And I would guarantee it.

But, uh, we must
trust one another.

That is most important.

Au revoir, Mr. Leyden.

I won't say goodbye.

Half a million francs,
Mr. Leyden

will buy a lot of good things.

I do hope
we shall meet in Paris.

Goodnight.

Mr. Leyden..

Excuse me, monsieur.
I did not hear the car arrive.

I was playing my favorite Bach.

Oh, I see that you have
introduced yourself

to Eloise and Abelard.

- Do you like cats?
- Very much.

I love them, monsieur.

This is Eloise.
Isn't she beautiful?

- Oh, beautiful.
- And so inscrutable.

Like a woman. Ravissante.

Go back to your lover now.

Won't you sit down, please?

Yes, thank you.

Very kind of you
to receive me, sir.

Well, I don't know exactly what
Mr. Peters said in his letter..

Mr. Peters
was very frank about you.

He said that you
were writing a book.

I too am writing a book.

Oh, really? Your memoirs?

Oh, no, monsieur. I'm writing
the life of St. Francis.

- Pardon me?
- Yes, indeed.

But I confidently
expect to be dead.

Before it is finished.

Do you care for English whisky?

Yes, I do. Very much.

Good. I, too, prefer
it as an aperitif.

Oh, yes, may I have
a cigarette, please?

- Please, help yourself.
- Thank you, sir.

Have you known Mr. Peters long?

No, I..

I've met him once
in a train and then, uh

again in my hotel in Sofia.

Thank you.

Monsieur, I wonder what
your attitude would be

if I were to ask you
an impertinent question.

Please, go right ahead.

If I were, for instance,
to ask you to tell me seriously

if a literary interest
in human frailty

were your only
reason for approaching me?

Monsieur, I can assure you, uh--

I'm quite certain that you can,
but forgive me, monsieur

what are your assurances worth?

All I can do is give
you my word that

any information you give me,
I'll-I'll treat as confidential.

I don't think I have
made myself quite clear.

The information
itself is nothing.

What happened in
Belgrade in 1926

if of little importance now.

It's my own position
of which I am thinking.

You see my point?

I'm a little
suspicious, monsieur.

I still have
enemies in this world.

Supposing, therefore,
that you tell me just what

your relation with
our friend Peters are?

Would you like to do that?

I would, but I can't.

For the simple reason
that I don't know

what our relations are myself.

I was not joking, Mr. Leyden.

Nor I.

As you know, sir

I was investigating
the life of Dimitrios.

And while doing so,
I met this Mr. Peters.

Well, for some reason,
I don't know why

he seemed to be
interested in Dimitrios too.

He followed me to Sofia and he
approached me behind a pistol.

Behind a pistol?

- He made me an offer.
- Ah.

If I would meet him
in Paris and collaborate

in some sort
of a scheme he had in mind

we should each profit to the
extent of half a million francs.

He said that I had
some piece of information

in my possession,
which when used in conjunction

with some information
that he possessed

should prove of "great value".

And what, may I ask, is this so
valuable piece of information

in your possession?

That's what I don't know.

Come now, monsieur.
You asked for my confidences

the least you can
do, is to give me yours.

But it's true. I don't know.

Well-well, yes, at, uh..

...one point in our conversation

he became very excited.

At what point?

Oh, when I explained
to him how I knew that

Dimitrios had no
money when he died.

And how did you know?

Well, it's very simple
because, uh, I saw the body.

You saw the body?

Yes, everything taken from it

was right there
on the mortuary table.

But there was no money. None.

Not a single penny.

- Another drink, monsieur?
- Oh, yes, please.

Well, you see, I-I don't
know what my relations

to Mr. Peters are myself.

Mm-hmm.

- Straight?
- Yes, please.

A toast, Monsieur Leyden?

- To the detective story!
- Thank you, sir.

To your book.

Forgive me, monsieur.

A thought crossed
my mind that made me laugh.

It was the thought of our friend

Peters confronting
you with a pistol.

You know, he's quite
terrified of firearms.

With me, he kept his fears
to himself very successfully.

'A clever man, Peters.'

May I be permitted as a friend

to give you a word
of advice, Mr. Leyden

Please do.

Then, if I were in your place

I should be inclined
to take our friend Peters

at his word and go to Paris.

Really?

I think I shall
tell you about Dimitrios.

My friend Peters has probably
referred to me as a master spy.

The term is ambiguous.

Actually it means that he
was an employer of spy labor.

That's how
I came to employ Dimitrios.

He was well recommended
for this particular job

which I don't mind telling you
was on behalf of Italy.

Relations between
Italy and Yugoslavia

in 1926 were a bit strained.

My assignment was to get a copy
of the Yugoslav minefield chart.

And for that job,
I employed Dimitrios.

I was in Belgrade myself

and had ample opportunity
to watch him in action.

I left the whole matter
entirely up to Dimitrios

but I was interested
to see now he started.

At the time he was
using the name of Wagner.

Even Herr Wagner.

Can you direct me to
the department of supplies?

Yes, sir.
Second floor, to your left.

Thank you.

'Yes?'

Oh, I beg you pardon.
I seem to be lost.

Could you direct me
to the department of supply?

It's down the hall,
to your right.

Thank you.

Thank you, very much.

'You may partner again, Bulic.'

'I hope, you'll
be luckier this time.'

Only if I have
the cards, I'm lucky.

If I don't have
the cards, I'm unlucky.

- Go away.
- Why?

The last night,
every time you whistled

a love song, he led a heart.

- Go away, please.
- What? I only, uh--

Oh, e-excuse me.

I'm a stranger in Belgrade

but I've played
beziquein Germany

and I'm wondering if you play it
the same way in this country?

Bezique is bezique.

I like it better than
the German pinochle.

Oh, I too. My patriotism
doesn't go as far as the cards.

May I buy you a drink,
all of you gentlemen?

A free drink? Why not?

- Of course. Join us.
- Come over.

- Waiter, a drink for all of us.
- Yes.

'My firm in
the Dresden optical company'

Has a bid in for the sale
of 10,000 pairs of binoculars.

The order would mean
a great deal.

I understand that

but surely you don't expect me--

For 20,000 dinar?

It's a lot of money.

But I'm afraid you overestimate
my importance in the government.

In any event,
I have no influence

in the department of supply

who pass this on to people.

But you probably
know the right official.

You fellows stick together.

Yes. True, true.

Twenty thousand dinar.

Do you think I could
Mr. Druhar for a moment?

Well, you work down
the hall, don't you?

I'm afraid
I don't know your name.

Bulic. Karel Bulic.

Oh I suppose
it's alright. Go on in.

Well, what is it?

Mr. Druhar, I was
wondering if, uh..

...I mean about
these opti-optical bids.

- What about them?
- What about them.

I just, I have
a friend of mine..

I just wonder if
you would tell me

when the announcement
of the awards would be made?

I don't know why
you should be interested.

But if it does you
any good to know

the list will
be posted, this afternoon.

Oh, thank you very much, I..

'Hurry up, Bulic.
You are late.'

A packet of Pachas.

- Bulic. Bulic, my friend.
- Oh, Herr Wagner.

I am so sorry.
I have very bad news.

Oh, but I have
very good news for you.

My firm was awarded
the contract for the binoculars.

I owe it all to you.

The award was made to

Nanovic and company of
Czechoslovakia.

Our Czech subsidiary.

- Subsidiary?
- Yes. We put in two bids.

One for our parent
company in Germany

and the other for our
subsidiary much lower.

- Much lower?
- Yes.

Here's the money I promised you.
Twenty thousand dinar.

Twenty thousand dinar!

My wife, now I can buy her
all those things I wanted.

Of course, you can.

We must have a celebration.

You and your wife will
be my guests this evening.

Oh, Herr Bulic..

- Who is it?
- 'Karel.'

Oh, it's you. Well, come in.

'I can't open the door.'

Hello, Anna, darling.
Look what I brought for you.

The most wonderful
thing has happened to me.

Come here.

- Look.
- Oh!

Look. But that's nothing.

- Look.
- Oh, Karel. It’s beautiful.

Look.

No, uh, that's for me.

Karel, they gave
you a raise in salary?

No. Something much more
wonderful has happened to me.

Where did you get that money?
You didn't steal it?

No, I did a slight service

for a friend of mine.

I helped him to get
a government contract

and he paid me
twenty thousand dinar.

Twenty thousand dinar!

I'm not the little
unimportant nobody

whom you always thought I were.

From now on, there will
be no more of this

because your husband
will get the best for you.

'Cause I love you.
I love you so much.

Now see how fast
you can get ready.

- We go out for dinner.
- Oh, where?

To a very expensive place.

A friend of mine Herr Wagner--

Darling, it won't
take me a minute.

- To madame.
- Thank you.

I've lived
in Belgrade all my life.

But I've never
been to a place like this.

Madame, you should
come here more often.

You're the most beautiful
woman in the place.

Oh, you lucky fellow.

Every man in the place
is looking at madame.

Me too.

A distinguish looking
gentleman over there

Is the Freiherr Von Kissling.

Terribly rich.

'Controls as many
as 27 companies.'

- Excuse me, gentlemen.
- Of course.

Herr Wagner, is it not?

Why, Herr Von Kissling,
this is indeed a pleasure.

Madame Bulic. May I present
the Freiherr Von Kissling?

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

And my very
good friend, Herr Bulic.

'How do you do, Herr Bulic?'

'Herr Bulic
is an important official'

'in the Yugoslav government.'

- A pleasure, Herr Bulic.
- I beg your pardon.

It is indeed
a great pleasure, sir.

Why, Herr Von Kissling,
why don't you join us?

- May I?
- Of course.

Thank you.

Waiter.

Another bottle of champagne.

- Please sit down.
- Thank you.

Herr Bulic, you must forgive me

for forcing myself
upon your company.

From my own table, I could
not resist admiring madame.

I presumed upon my acquaintance
with Herr Wagner--

I consider it a compliment, sir.

Madame, I wonder
if you would be so kind to..

...to dance with an old man?

Oh, I haven't danced in so long.

And I am old and clumsy.

The Freiherr is taken
with your wife

and I must say
I can't blame him.

You should take
her to these places more often.

Isn't she beautiful?

- I can't afford--
- Oh, my dear, Bulic.

You forget you've
just earned 20,000 dinar.

That's only the beginning.

Regardless,
the Freiherr likes you.

I can tell by his expression.

He's famous for associating
within men whom he likes.

He doubtless has a company
or two right here in Yugoslavia.

Madame is a divine dancer.

Karel, I'm having
so much fun tonight.

Miss.

Will you permit me?

Orchid. It's the first
I've ever had.

It's so beautiful.

It's hardly beautiful
enough... for you.

Oh, may I?

That's rather a
large amount of money

to carry with you, Freiherr.

Isn't it a little dangerous?

Perhaps. I don't usually
carry so much with me.

As a matter of fact, I won
this money in Werner's room.

Do you know about Werner?

'He has the back room.'

'He's quite the most
reliable gambler in Belgrade.'

'In Werner's,
it is your own luck.'

'and not the croupier's
skill that counts.'

From a look at that,
you've been very lucky.

Quite, in every way.

Since you have
never been in Werner's

I shall be delighted
if you would accompany me there.

- But we've never gambled.
- You may enjoy watching me win.

Perhaps you would
bring me more luck.

Herr Bulic, I have been thinking

I wonder if you
could have luncheon

with me one day this week.

Yes. Yes, sir.

It is possible that
we can discuss something

to our mutual advantages.

Mutual advantages..
Oh, yes.

Yes.

Now shall we try our luck?

Herr Wagner,
I have never gambled for money.

Oh, my dear, Bulic, suppose
you lose a few hundred dinar

there's really no need
to concern yourself

over so paltry of sum.

The Freiherr has already
expressed an interest in you

and that means
your fortune is made.

But, Herr Wagner--

Oh, please, don't disappoint him

by showing yourself
less important

than you seem to be now.

Important.
I see I..

'Rouge et pair.'

We have won.

Let's leave it there.

- Should we risk it all?
- Of course.

Herr Bulic, play red with us.

I rather play black.

We have won again.

Oh, but Karel has lost.

Well, Herr Bulic
is an individualist.

Let's take a big chance.

Let's leave it all on red.

- Alright.
- Hmm?

That's mine.

Three blues on red.

Oh, we shouldn't
have played it all.

We cannot win every time.

Yes, but Karel hasn't won yet.

Five thousand, please.

Forty thousand dinar.

I must have been mad.

It's nothing, Herr Bulic.

You'll win another time.

Freiherr, will you take
madame back to our table

while Herr Bulic and I settle
things with the management?

Of course.
We shall have a good dinner now

and then some more champagne.

- Yes?
- 'Bulic lost 40. Owes 20,000.'

Alright.

'Herr Wagner.'

Herr Werner.

I see you have given us back

a little of the money
you won the other night

that both you and
Freiherr Von Kissling.

Don't worry, Werner.

We'll win it again
and more another time.

Very likely.

- Uh, you are Herr Bulic?
- Yes.

Very unfortunate
that you should lose

so heavily your first time here.

Herr Bulic is very dear
friend of mine, Werner.

At the moment,
he's unable to make good

the notes he signed during
the excitement of play.

Oh. When may I ask,
can you pay?

I don't know.

- Never.
- Oh, come now.

You-you don't look
like the sort who'd gamble

in a casino and
not pay his losses.

I am not.
I had 20,000 dinar.

It's all gone.

I haven't any money.

I don't know where to get it.

I would help Herr Bulic
if I could

but unfortunately, I have
exceeded my expense account.

Perhaps the Freiherr
could help you out.

Oh, no, no.

Well, it seems that I shall

be compelled to take steps.
Who's your employer?

- No, please.
- That won't do, Werner.

Herr Bulic is an official
of the government.

- It would mean dismissal.
- Well, I'm not interested--

Well, now wait.

Perhaps I can help
Herr Bulic after all.

Can you give us 24 hours?

Twenty four hours.

Very well.

If you say so, Herr Wagner.

Twenty four hours.

- Herr Bulic.
- Thank you very much.

Herr Wagner... my wife--

Oh, we'll say
nothing of this to madame.

We'll let her believe
that everything's agreeable.

Tomorrow we'll
talk this all over.

It won't be so difficult.

You will help me, won't you?

Oh, trust me, my friend.

Yes?

Thank you.

- Bulic?
- Yes.

He's taken our little hint.

Why, Herr Bulic?

Werner telephoned me
at the office.

Why would he do that?

He said he wanted
to check up on me.

I have no privacy
in the ministry.

He must not
telephone me there again.

Of course,
he shouldn't embarrass you.

- A drink?
- No, thank you.

Well, Herr Bulic,
I think I can help you.

You can?

Oh, if you can get me out
of this frightful situation

I'll be in your debt forever.

I'll never gamble another dinar.

I spoke by telephone
to my principles.

They're very grateful to you

for your assistance
with the binocular contract.

They gave me permission to make
another arrangement with you.

Oh, any assistance I can give

but it won't be time.

Werner said tonight.

Well, let's see.

You owe Werner 20,000 dinar.

What would you say to
50,000 dinar by this evening?

By this evening?

'I can get the money for you
from the Eurasian credit trust'

'provided, you fulfill
your part of the bargain.'

Herr Wagner,
I'd do anything, anything.

In your office is a chart..

...a chart of
the proposed minefields

of the Otranto straits.

You'll bring it
to me this evening.

You dirty spy.

'The only risk you take is
in not doing as you're told.'

- You're quite sure he'll come?
- I'm positive of it.

The only thing I'm not
positive of is the 50,000 francs

you're to pay me for this job.

You'll see the money
the moment I get the chart.

And here, my friend,
are your 50,000 francs.

Thank you, Grudek.

Now you'll lay
your camera on the table

and place your hands behind
your head. You too, Werner.

- But Dimitrios--
- Turn around.

'I know you're ambitious
but you certainly'

'cannot expect
to get away with this.'

Why not?

The chart's worth
50,000 francs to you.

It's probably
worth twice that amount

to the Italian government.

Besides, Werner's getting

your money back from Bulic.

- Dimitrios, you can't.
- I can.

I can do anything.

No, no, Werner.

The scoundrel.

Incredible.

And then, and then

did-did you let him
get away with the chart?

He sold it to
another government.

But it didn't do them any good.

The Yugoslavs learned that
the chart had been stolen.

Naturally, they made
an entire new plan immediately

and Dimitrios' buyers paid out
their money for nothing.

- But so did you.
- Not exactly.

I gave Italy her money's worth.

There was no difficulty

obtaining the new Yugoslav chart

without Bulic's
assistance, of course.

Poor, confused, little man.

He put a bullet
through his head.

Oh, terrible.

My dear, Leyden,
Bulic was a traitor.

One cannot
sentimentalize over traitors.

I know, he was
an honest man fundamentally

but it was all too much for him.

In the end..

...his innate honesty
got the best of him.

He gave
the 50,000 dinar to his wife

then he went to the ministry

and told them what he had done.

After that,
there was nothing left

except to kill himself.

It is at times
like those, monsieur

that one needs
one's sense of humor.

Well, Mr. Leyden

don't you think
you should go to Paris?

How could I resist... now?

Entree.

Mr. Leyden, I was so
glad to get your letter.

Oh, you're
knocking at doors now.

Quite an improvement, sir.
Quite an improvement.

My dear, Mr. Leyden,
I cannot tell you

how pleased I am to see you.
Welcome to Paris.

Have you had a good journey?
You're looking well.

Grudek wrote,
telling me how charming

and sympathetic you were.

Good fellow, isn't he?

- Those cats of his he worships.
- Yes.

They are beautiful
and his whiskey's excellent.

Oh, he wanted to know
what business I had with you.

As I don't know, I felt

I safely could confide in him.

By the way, do you
have your pistol with you?

- Dear me, no, Mr. Leyden.
- Alright.

'Why should I bring such a thing
on a friendly visit to you?'

Well, you've been
known to do it.

Look here, Mr. Peters.

I'd hate to be impolite

with a professional
gentleman like yourself

but there is a limit
even to my patience.

I've traveled a long way to
see you and I want to know why.

- Why?
- So you shall.

- I've heard that before.
- So you shall--

Before you start beating
about the bush again

there are one or two things
that you should know.

I'm not a violent man,
Mr. Peters.

As a matter of fact,
I hate violence

but there are times
when the most peace-loving

simply must do it..

...and this may be one of them.

'I know who you are.'

'Your name is not Peters.'

'It's Peterson,
Eric Peterson.'

I also know
that you were a member

of a smuggling gang
organized by Dimitrios.

I know you were
arrested in December 1931

and fined 2,000 francs.

You were sentenced to
prison for one month, correct?

Did Grudek tell you this?

No.

I took the liberty of going
to the library yesterday

and what do I find
in our newspaper files?

'This little picture.'

'Ah, yes. A newspaper.'

'I could not believe
my friend Grudek--'

'Well, then you don't deny it?'

Oh, no, it is the truth.

'Well, then Mr. Peterson..'

Peters, Mr. Leyden.

I decided to change the name.

Alright, Peters.

I agree with you, sir.

Peters is a much nicer name.

When I was in Istanbul

I heard some very
interesting things

about the end
of those smugglers.

Somebody there said that
Dimitrios betrayed all of you.

Sent a dossier to the police

I think, anonymously.
Is that true?

Dimitrios behaved
very badly to us all.

Hmm.

I was also told that
there was talk of vengeance.

That all of you
threatened to kill Dimitrios

as soon as you were free.

- Is that true?
- I did not threaten.

Some of the others did so.

Constantine Gullus

for example was
always a hothead.

Oh, I see.

You didn't threaten.
You-you preferred to act.

I don't understand you,
Mr. Leyden.

No?

Let me put it to you this way.

I'm just wondering..

...wouldn't it be
reasonable to suppose

that you killed
Dimitrios for his money?

I think you are very indiscreet.

- Am I?
- And very fortunate.

Just suppose I had, as
you suggest, killed Dimitrios.

Think what I should
be forced to do.

I should be forced to kill
you also, now, shouldn't I?

There it is.

I knew it.
I knew it.

You see, I lied to you
a moment ago. I admit it.

I was so curious to know
what you were going to do

if you thought I was unarmed.

You understand
my feelings a little?

Oh.

So anxious to have
your confidence.

All of which
is as clever a reply

to an accusation of murder
as one could wish for.

Mr. Leyden, this is
not a detective story.

Even if you cannot be discreet

at least use your imagination.

Is it likely that Dimitrios
would make a will in my favor?

No. Then how do you suppose
I could kill him for his money?

People in these days,
do not keep their wealth

in treasure chests.

Come now, Mr. Leyden

let us please be sensible.

Let us have dinner together..

...and after, talk business.

You probably disapprove of me.
I really cannot blame you.

But let us at least cultivate
an illusion of friendship.

I could think
of a lot of reasons

why I shouldn't
have dinner with you.

Just the same, I will.

But let me warn you,
unless I have this evening

a satisfactory explanation

for your asking me
to come to Paris

I shall, half a million francs

or no half a million francs

leave by the first
available train.

Is that clear?

Couldn't be clearer, Mr. Leyden.

And may I say how much
I appreciate your frankness.

Alright.

Where shall we dine?

There's a Romanian
place near here.

And afterwards, we'll go
to my apartment for coffee.

Thank you.

Excellent dinner.

Now for coffee.

'What about Mr. Godfrey?'

He's away.

At the moment,
I'm in sole possession.

'I see.'

You conclude, I suppose
that I am Godfrey?

- Mm-hmm.
- Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

Do you like it?

Well, it's rather unusual.

Actually, just another
uncomfortable French house.

Immanently an oasis
in a desert of discomfort.

- Heh.
- Dimitrios furnished it.

- Dimitrios?
- Yes.

He bought this house
and the two adjoining.

There are secret doors leading
from one house to another.

In case of police raids,
you know?

Thank you.

Aren't you, well, uh,
a little indiscreet living here?

Oh no.

You see, Dimitrios
bought the houses

originally in my name.

After my incarceration

I sold them quite legally
to Monsieur Godfrey.

Uh-huh.

Uh, do you like
Algerian coffee, Mr. Leyden?

Pardon me?
Uh, yes.

Takes a little longer
to prepare it but I prefer it.

Oh, by the way..

...do you recognize him,
Mr. Leyden?

Why, yes.

Certainly, it's Dimitrios.

- What about it?
- You recognize him, good.

That, Mr. Leyden

is a photograph
of Constantine Gullus.

Gullus?

Gullus.

What on Earth do you mean?

What you saw on the mortuary
slab in Istanbul, Mr. Leyden

was Gullus,
after he tried to put

certain ideas
about Dimitrios into practice.

I saw the body
of Dimitrios with my own eyes.

You saw the body
of Gullus, Mr. Leyden

after Dimitrios had killed him.

Dimitrios himself,
I am glad to say

is alive and in good health.

Dimitrios alive.

No, no.
It isn't possible.

I saw his name inside the coat,
Dimitrios Makropoulos.

It was a French
identification card.

French identification card.

That I find amusing.

I can get you a dozen

genuine identification cards,
Mr. Leyden.

And each in the name
of Dimitrios Makropoulos.

I guess you could.

He's alive.

But where is he?

Here, in Paris.

You've been
very reasonable, Mr. Leyden

I shall tell you everything.

As you may imagine, we were
all very angry with Dimitrios.

Some of us threatened revenge.

I became a wanderer,
Mr. Leyden.

Little business here,
little business there

travel and meditation,
that was my life.

I met Gullus in Rome.

He told me that he was
on the track of Dimitrios

asked me to lend him 3,000
francs to conclude his search.

I gave it to him, with that
money, Gullus went to Paris.

Well, sir, he found Dimitrios

living in a big home

under an assumed name,
a rich man.

Gullus intended to kill
Dimitrios

but his nerve failed him.

He settled for blackmail.

That was his mistake.

Dimitrios took him
on a cruise to Istanbul.

There, he stabbed him,
put a false identification card

in his clothing and tossed him
into the Bosporus.

You saw the results, a bloated
corpse washed up by the sea.

I think you're guessing.

How could you know?
You weren't there.

Ha, but you forget the 3,000
francs I loaned Gullus.

He sent it to me
in Paris with a note

saying he was going

on an Aegean cruise
with Dimitrios.

I decided to meet
him in Istanbul

but when I got there,
it was too late.

The only thing left for me
was to try and find out

those things about Dimitrios
that Gullus had known.

'Then, Mr. Leyden,
our paths began to cross.'

Mm.

Well, now that you
have found him, what next?

Come now, Mr. Leyden..

...sure you are not
as obtuse as all this.

You alone can prove that the man

buried in Istanbul
is not Dimitrios.

If necessary, you can identify

Gullus' photographs
on the police files.

I, on the other hand, know
where to find Dimitrios.

Our joint silence will be
worth a lot of money to him.

With Gullus' fate in mind

We should know, too,
how to deal with the matter.

We should demand
a million francs.

Dimitrios would pay, believing
we would come back for more.

But we shall not be as foolish

as to endanger
our lives in that way.

We'll rest content with half
a million each, Mr. Leyden

and quietly disappear.

Blackmail on a cash basis.

You really expect me to agree to
this plan of yours, Mr. Peters?

I don't think I quite
understand, Mr. Leyden.

If this is a clumsy trick--

It is no trick,
clumsy or otherwise.

You see, I'm quite prepared

in assisting
blackmailing a person

if that person is Dimitrios.

But I'm not prepared
to share in the profits.

So much the better
for you, isn't it?

Mr. Leyden,
you are kind.

There's not enough
kindness in the world.

N-not that again, not that
"kindness in the world."

It's coming out of my ears.

But you are kind.

I prepared a letter
for Dimitrios

asking him to meet with us.

"Dear sir,
the undersigned has just learned

"that he is an old acquaintance

"of yours
dating back to 1929 and..

"Would appreciate having
a little chat with you.

"I'm sure that you will find
the talk immensely interesting.

"Kindly come to
the Ledru Hotel, Avenue Ledru

"tomorrow evening at eight.

"Looking forward to seeing you.

"I remain your old friend
and associate, Eric Peterson.

"P.S.

Oh, yes.

"I have just learned
of the passing

"of our mutual friend,
Constantine Gullus.

Regrettable."

Do you think he'll come?

Most certainly.

- How much?
- Four.

I have it.

Alright.

My name is Mr. Peterson.
I made reservation by telephone.

Oh, yes.

It will be
15 francs for one, 20 for two.

This gentlemen is
not staying here.

- Fifteen francs.
- Thank you.

Uh, up the stairs,
down the hall, to your right.

I don't like this,
Mr. Peters, I don't like it.

What's to prevent Dimitrios

from coming up here
and shooting us both?

Please, do not let your
imagination run away with you.

Dimitrios would not do that.

It'd be too noisy
and dangerous for him.

- Besides, that is not his way.
- It isn't?

Well, what is his way?

He's a very cautious man.

He thinks carefully
before he acts.

Well, he got
the letter this morning.

He had all day
to think carefully.

I had weeks.
I tell you, I know Dimitrios.

I know how his mind works.

I am asking a million francs.

That is not an exorbitant amount
for Dimitrios.

He will pay,
I will take the money

and go instantly to the Indies

where Dimitrios
will never find me.

- You see.
- That's fine for you.

What about me?

I don't feel like instantly
going to the Indies.

You have glasses?
Put them on.

Put on your hat, too.

Oh, I see. Yes.

Turn up the collar of your coat.

Yeah, that's a good idea.

Sit in that corner
where it will not be too light.

Yeah, that's better.

Good.
That'll do it.

My good friend, how are you?

How are you?

That is Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith.

He knew Gullus.

That is what we wanted to
talk to you about, Dimitrios.

Then talk.
I've an appointment to keep.

You haven't changed at all,
Dimitrios, always impetuous.

Always a little unkind.

After all these years,
no word of greeting.

No word of regret

for all the unhappiness
you've caused me.

I have an appointment to keep.

Since you want to make this
a purely business matter..

We want money.

What do you have to
give me in exchange?

Silence, Dimitrios.

'Very valuable.'

How valuable?

'One million francs.'

What do you think you know
that's worth one million francs?

'So difficult to know
where to begin.'

There are so many things
the police would like to know.

For instance,
the identity of the man

'who tipped them off in 1931
to the smuggling ring.'

I'm sure they'd be interested to
know that it is the same man

who today is a director
of the Eurasian Credit Trust.

You haven't told me anything yet

that's worth one million francs.

It's childish.

'You were always
inclined to despise'

'my simple approach
to the problems of this life'

But our silence on the matter

would be worth something,
would it not?

Not one million francs.

There's Yugoslavia.

Police of that country
would be glad to know

the whereabouts
of Dimitrios Talat.

So Grudek's been talking.

Any more?

Then let us go to Smyrna.

In 1922, a moneylender
named Conrad--

The murderer
of Conrad was hanged.

Can that be true?

'Perhaps Mr. Smith has
something to add to that.'

Abdul Dhris was hanged

'but he made a confession,
implicating a man'

'named Dimitrios Makropoulos.'

'Mr. Smith saw
the body of Gullus.'

And had no difficulty
in identifying

it with a photograph of Gullus.

Do you really think
a million is exorbitant?

I'm wondering
why you ask so little.

'I do not like
to be greedy.'

'I like to be fair... always.'

You'll have it ready
in mille notes tomorrow.

You'll receive
instructions by post

as how you ought
to deliver the money.

If the instructions are
not followed out exactly

you will not be given
a second chance.

You understand?

Mr. Smith?

Yes?

'How was this man whom you took'

'to be Gullus dressed
when he was found?'

Oh, in a cheap blue suit

and inside the coat there was
an identification card.

'And how was he killed?'

He was stabbed in the side
and thrown into the water.

'Are you satisfied, Dimitrios?'

What did you think of him?

It's Dimitrios alright.

Ruthless and primitive.

I was frightened.

Dimitrios has
that effect on people.

You frighten me.

I always knew
you hated Dimitrios

but I didn't know
you hated him so much.

Not until I saw him
in this room.

And I knew I hated him
enough to kill him.

- I knew it.
- What?

Listen.
Trains.

I spent an hour in here this
morning listening to them.

The Ballard rail.
Be ready.

Come.

One million francs.

Did you ever see so much money
at one time before?

One million.
Beautiful thing. Oh.

Is there a match somewhere?

'Little surprised, Peterson?'

I'm glad your friend
Smith is here, too.

It saves me the trouble
of persuading you

to give me his name and address.

Peterson was always
too ingenious.

And ingenuity is never
a substitute for intelligence.

He was my friend.

No, he wasn't my friend

but he was a nice man.

Compared to you he was..

'You rotten,
insane brute, you!'

You think you can go on
murdering people like that?

You murderer, you!

You get up!

'Let me go, you!'

'Oh, help me!'

'Ah!'

'Not him.'

Leave him alone.

'Go, Leyden.'

Go.

You go!

But I-I better..
Something has to be done.

I'll call the police
or-or something.

'Wait! Wait!'

Don't go.
Don't go.

'Come back!'

Or do you want
this carrion to kill me?

'Come back!'

I am very happy it is you!

Are you alright?

Put that money away!

That's all
you ever wanted, isn't it?

I don't want it now.

I don't want it somehow.

I've done what I had to do.

But-but what's going to happen?

Something's going to happen.

You'll be glad to know..

...I killed
Dimitrios Makropoulos.

You wanted to write a book.

Write it.

Send me a copy.

I'll have a lot of time
to read it... where I'm going.

Goodbye, Mr. Peters.

Au revoir.

Sorry you won't be able
to go to the Indies now.

You see?

There's not enough kindness
in the world.