All language subtitles for The.Avengers.S03E01.Brief.for.Murder.DVDRip.XviD-NOGRP.[TheRostrum.net].ENG

(theme music)

Man: Imposing old place,
isn't it?

Woman: It's just
a building.

No.
It's more than that.

The hub of British justice.

All the most important cases
go on there,

the really big ones.

I'd like to get
a new hat.

- Hmm?
- Well, I mean,

yours is going to be
a big one, isn't it?

There'll be reporters
and pictures in the papers
and everything.

You'll do just
what I've told you

and nothing more.

Yes, Ronnie.

(clearing throat)

They ought to be here
by now.

Same again,
please, Maisie.

I wonder what's
keeping them.

Don't forget
I like to have meals
sent inside, will you?

- Woman: No.
- Man: Blast.

What is it?

I should have got rid
of this.

Shall I take it?

Thank you, Maisie.

Here they are.

You take care of yourself
while I'm away, won't you?

Ronald Henry Wescott?

Yes.

I'm a police officer.

I have a warrant
for your arrest

on charges of treason
and conspiracy.

(theme music)

Well, what do you
think now?

Well, I've been covering
trials here for years.

I've never seen a case
turn about like this one.

Yesterday the prosecution seemed
to have it all cut and dried.

I even had my headlines
blocked up and ready.

"Traitor Wescott
Gets 10 Years."

Brilliant defense.

(sighs) Brilliant.

They seem to have
anticipated

every detail of
the prosecution's case.

Wescott's guilty,
I've no doubt about that.

Neither have I.

Defense counsel:
The defendant stands accused

of passing on
his country's secrets

to a certain man.

He is alleged to have received

large sums of money

from this same certain man.

But who is this mystery man?

What have the prosecution
told us about him?

He is an agent
for the other side.

He holds
a position of trust.

He is a well-built man.

He dresses and speaks well.

He is known as Johnno.

But has the prosecution been
able to produce this Johnno?

No.

And why?

I put it to you

that this man,
this Johnno,

does not exist.

The jury are biting.

Can you
really convict
on such evidence?

Can you deprive this man
of his liberty

because of someone,
some unknown man
named Johnno?

I think not.

But that's for you to decide.

I am confident that
you will decide rightly,

justly,

and in favor
of the defendant.

That concludes for
the defense, my lord.

Masterly, my dear girl,
masterly.

The judge is bound
to sum up in our favor.

You have heard all
the evidence in this case,

and it is now my task
to direct you

upon points of law.

Ah, it's all over, eh?
What was the verdict?

Buy a paper
and read about it.

I'd prefer
word of mouth.

They found him not guilty.

Oh, I do beg
your pardon.

Friendly, very friendly.

Well, Dicey, my love,

so Ronnie got away
with it, eh?

Hmm.

Well, you're talking it
pretty calmly.

It's no more than I expected.

Huh.

An acquittal on a series
of technicalities.

Isn't that the strength
and the weakness
of our legal system:

to protect the innocent

and sometimes the guilty
too?

You can say that again.

Oh, I didn't agree
with the verdict,

but congratulations.

Thank you.

By the way, do you two
know each other?

Catherine Gale,
Barbara Kingston, Q.C.

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

I'd like to add
my congratulations.

Well, I'd like to accept,

but really they belong
elsewhere.

Journalist:
Oh, the Lakin brothers.

It was their briefing
that won this case.

I've never seen anything
quite so thorough,

right down
to the tiniest detail.

All I had to do
was mouth the words.

Excuse me.

The Lakin brothers
have been having

some pretty spectacular
successes recently,
haven't they?

After years of obscurity.

Do you suppose Barbara Kingston
could have been right?

You mean, perhaps
there never was a man
called Johnno?

- Mm-hmm.
- That's anybody's guess.

(laughs)

This calls
for a celebration.

You're in the clear.

They can't try you twice,
you know.

That's right.

That's exactly right,
Johnno.

Isn't that your friend,
Steed?

Yes.

- (laughing)
- Hello, Maisie,

three large brandies,
please?

We're celebrating.
Have one for yourself.

A good long holiday for you,
right in the sunshine.

Let's make it
a honeymoon.

I'm not so sure
about that.

Have to consult
my solicitors.

I think they'll approve.
I'm sure they'll approve.

Come on,
cheers to all of us.

I could easily
come with you.

Oh, that's better.

Well, from here on,
everything's going
to be rosy.

Hey, Dicey,
isn't that right?

Fresh colored roses.

Ronnie.

Well, I never had
any doubts, not really.

But every once in a while

I began to think of
all the things I'd miss

if anything went wrong.

But nothing went wrong.

You got away with it.

Steed: Well,
this is a surprise.

Hey, come and join us.

The current cause celebre
needs no introduction.

This is Miss Dicey Hunt.
This is Catherine Gale.

Hello.

Steed: She is a geologist
extraordinaire.

Dicey Dinkum.

I'm playing
the Green Cockatoo
next week.

I do interesting things
with stuffed snakes.

Really?

I didn't get away
with anything,
Mrs. Gale.

I was tried
and acquitted
by a court of law.

That doesn't make you innocent
as far as I'm concerned.

Would you like to have
a drink, Mrs. Gale?

No, thank you.

- You were lucky.
- Lucky.

Your entire defense was nothing
but a bag of forensic tricks.

Every legal loophole,
every chink in the law
was exploited

to make sure that
a guilty man went free.

Now, Mrs. Gale, this is
supposed to be a celebration.

Oh, yes. And you really
have something to celebrate,

don't you, Johnno?

What are you trying
to suggest?

Well-built,
known as Johnno.

Speaks and dresses well.

Hey, look,
you don't imagine...

Holds a position
of trust.

I think it fits you
very well.

That's a very
serious allegation.

I wouldn't
spread it around
if I were you.

All right.
I'm warning you.

Well, don't.

I'll stop your blasted
lies for good

if you're not careful.

I let her goad me.
I shouldn't have done that.

You ought to do
something about her.

I don't think
it's that serious.

It could be arranged.

A resounding time.

- Resounding.
- (chuckles)

Never fails to stimulate,
does it?

Hmm?

The Old Bailey.

Same ordered calm,
and yet the tensions below,

the splendid rhetorical
exchanges,

and finally, the truth
shining through.

Exciting.

Especially the truth
shining through.

(both laugh)

Yeah. Young Kingston was
awfully good, wasn't she?

I was a bit doubtful
about briefing a woman,

but she has enormous tact.

Reminded me
of old Freddy Warner.

Haven't seen old Freddy
for some time.

That's understandable.

He's dead.

What?

Freddy Warner died
two years ago.

Did he? Poor chap.

Didn't know. Would have sent
some flowers to the widow.

- He wasn't married.
- Hmm?

Wasn't married?
Poor Freddy.

Should have sent
some flowers though.

Too late now, I suppose.

Of course,
it's two years ago you said.

Well, well, well, well.

Judge Hardesty spoke
to me during recess.

Judge Hardesty?

Old Stinker Hardesty?

Thomas H.

Yes. That's him.
Old Stinker.

(chuckles)
I gave him his first brief.

On the bench, eh?

So they've made him a judge?

It doesn't matter
anymore, Miles.

We agreed none of it
matters anymore.

He may be a judge...

but we are going to
make legal history.

What did he say?

- Who?
- Old Stinker.

Judge Hardesty.

Oh. (Laughs)

He wanted to compliment us

on the way
we prepared our case.

(wheezing laugh)
Did he now?

Well, well, well.

There you are.

The editor's
going to run it.

It's on Page two.

In all the morning
editions.

"Catherine Gale today
threw a new light

"on the mysterious man,
Johnno,

"who was mentioned prominently
in the Wescott case.

Mrs. Gale claimed that Johnno
is, in fact, a Mr. John Steed."

Your accusation
word for word.

"She further claims
that at the courts today,

Wescott was actually heard
to address Steed as Johnno."

Stuck my neck out.

Maisie? Please.

It should give Mr. Steed
something to think about.

Uh, excuse me.

I'm looking for a Miss...
A Miss Dicey Hunt.

She's a brunette
with a touch of gold.

About so...

Well, she's about so...

Woman: Please
do not disturb.

- Silent contemplation.
- Oh.

I'm Elizabeth Prinn,
the principal here.

Prinn the principal,
huh?

Well, my name is Steed,
John Steed.

I take it you believe
in absolute purity,
Mr. Steed.

A couple of baths a day,
good soak.

I was referring
to the spirit.

The spirit.

(clicks tongue)
I'm not too up in the spirit,

just a little sullied,
you know what I mean?

Then why are you here?

(clears throat) I was looking
for Miss, uh, Miss Dicey Hunt.

She's over there.

Thank you very much.

Do relax.
You never quite know.

- Dicey.
- Oh, hi.

- Look, where's Ronnie?
- Well, isn't he at home?

No. That's why I'm here.

Look, I want to see him
urgently.

Dicey,
this is important.

Thinking.

Hey, you think
very prettily.

Oh, the Arlington
garage.

He went to look
at a new car.

That's where
he'll be.

Is there a phone
around here I can use?

Mm, yes. In the office.

It's empty, but I still
think there's a phone
in there.

Thank you so much,
Dicey.

Ronnie, look, this is Steed.
Have you seen the papers today?

Mrs. Gale has been saying
some really embarrassing
things about me.

Now apropos
that little conversation,

you said you could
arrange things?

Yeah.

I'm afraid I'm going to
have to take legal action.

This is it, here.

Of course, they don't usually
take on cases quite so quickly,

but I told them it was urgent,

and they know
how helpful you were
in my little affair.

You'll find them
very understanding.

Oh, Bart,
this is Mr. Steed.

He has an appointment.

(chain latch releases)

Good luck.

- Your hat, sir.
- Yes, thank you.

What's his problem,
do you know?

We didn't discuss it
in detail over the phone.

Oh, right-o.

- (knock on door)
- Oh, there he is now.

Yes?

Mr. Steed, sir.

Good afternoon,
my dear sir.

- How do you do.
- Miles Lakin
at your service.

My brother Jasper.

- How do you do.
- Pleasure.

Pleasure to meet you
at long last, Mr. Steed.

It's nice to see
that Johnno does exist.

Do sit down, Mr. Steed.
You'll take some tea,

- of course, won't you?
- That's very kind of you.

I hope the little business
of the search

didn't inconvenience you
too much.

Tape recorders, you know,
they make them devilish small
nowadays.

(chuckles)
Make everything smaller.

Except lawyer's fees
maybe.

Oh, very good.

Here, Jasper.

Indian or China?

Indian, please.

Steed: Ahh.

Jasper: Will you, uh,

Will you sign this,
please, Mr. Steed?

Now, what's that?

It's just a formality.

It's the letter you sent us
last week.

Oh, really?
What did I say?

You asked to meet
my brother and myself

so that we could help you
with a book you're writing.

A work of fiction.

Giving me a good reason
for being here, eh?

Heh, gracious.
(chuckling)

Now, Mr. Steed,
you can tell us
the real reason.

- Your pen.
- Oh, thank you.

I want to commit a murder.

One lump or two,
Mr. Steed?

Two, please.

Allow me.

Thank you.

Murder, eh?

It's awfully simple nowadays,
you know.

The scientific evidence
is so accurate.

It makes any sort of meaty
academic argument
rather impotent.

No, there's seldom
a reversal on appeal.

Now, a nice swindle, now...

Negotiable bonds,
international ramifications...

Splendid exchanges of logic.

But there's always a chance of
taking it to the House of Lords.

Murder is most expensive,
Mr. Steed, obviously.

The risks are greater.

I appreciate that.

Have you ever considered
the sale of international
secrets?

One almost always gets
a special tribunal thrown in,

and questions in the House.

I'm afraid it is
just a murder I want.

Well, we need to know
all the particulars.

For example, your relationship
with the deceased-to-be.

Until recently we were
very good friends.

Jasper: Hmm.
Of long standing?

Yes.

Rex vs. Raskell, 1905.

Yes. It's all here.

Absolutely splendid
defense battle over motive.

Fascinating court ruling.

The accused and the victim

had never been known
to exchange cross words.

I'm afraid that
won't work for me.

I've just publicly
had a very public row

with the deceased-to-be.

Oh, that might be
a difficulty.

During this row, what did you
say to the deceased-to-be?

Lost my temper
and I said,

"I'll stop your
blasted lies for good

if you're not careful."

- No more.
- No. No.

You didn't elaborate
on the threat?

- No.
- Splendid.

We can claim that he meant
to bring a slander action.

"Stop your blasted lies
for good." Yes. Yes.

You know,
a good arguable point.

Yes, we might even start
slander proceedings.

Just start them,
you understand.

The deceased-to-be
will be dead

before ever
it comes to court.

Ah! I thought so.
I thought so.

Rex vs. Norris, 1831,
Dorset Assizes.

Really points
a similarity. Yes.

The slander action,
then the murder.

There was a two-day recess
to argue a single point of law.

Went to appeal twice,
and then to the Lords.

This is definitely
the one for Mr. Steed.

You understand our terms?

I'm not too clear
on the details.

We will brief you
for murder, Mr. Steed.

We are experts
in criminal law.

We know the hitches to avoid,

the way to build up
the necessary evidence,

the kind of technical points
that can safely be relied upon.

There was almost a retrial
at one stage.

We will tell you
precisely where, when,

and how
to commit your murder.

If you follow
our briefing exactly,

we can promise that
you will be arrested
and tried,

and we can guarantee

that you will be
acquitted.

Ah.

Our...
Our fee for this

will be 20,000 Swiss francs
in cash.

Is it agreed?

Agreed.

Very well.

Now, the first point
to decide is when.

Can you manage it
in the next few days?

I don't see why not.

Good. In that way
you will be tried

during the current assizes,

and you won't be
under arrest too long.

Now, Mr. Steed, we need to know
the name of the deceased-to-be.

Gale,
Mrs. Catherine Gale.

Bart?

You understand you are to be
as unsubtle as possible.

It is imperative
that you are seen,

but not caught.

Leave it to me.

I found a most
splendid point

of litigation.

We must work it in somehow.

Right.

Dicey:
Won't be a moment.

There's no hurry.

Oh, would you mind?
It's sticking.

Oh, dearie me.
It'd be a pleasure.

Hold on.

Ah, this isn't
going to hurt.

Right. (Laughs)
Thank you.

I, uh...

Well,
this is a surprise.

I didn't think
you were one
for absolute purity.

They start out single

and end up as
a couple of bookends.

I've been reading
what you've been
saying about me.

It's not strictly
accurate.

Isn't that for
the authorities
to decide.

I'd advise you to stick
to contemplation,

silent contemplation.

Better for your health.

Dicey: John?

Coming. Bye.

Are you threatening me?

Go to the top
of the class.

- Aha.
- Ooh.

Mrs. Gale.

It's been a long time,

but I said I'd catch up
with you one day.

I said I'd get even.

(women screaming)

I'm all right.

Who was he?

I don't know.

Must be something
in your psychic makeup

the way you antagonize
complete strangers.

Why are you
standing there?

Why don't you go
after him?

I'm a basic coward.

Anyway, I thought he had
very good intentions.

But not very good aim, eh?

A man with any
self-respect...

Respect of any description

doesn't come into
Mr. Steed's dictionary.

I should stick to
those exercises of yours.
You're going to need them.

You're going to be
dodging bullets

right, left and center.
Goodbye.

The only weakness
was the absence
of a second suspect.

Someone to fox
the jury with.

However, Bart's
little charade this morning

has now covered that point.

I understand
he was excellent.

Yes. He was very good
indeed.

And an abundance
of witnesses?

(chortles)
Yes, an abundance.

Good. Then we're
ready to go ahead.

Your brief is prepared.

Only one...
formality.

(clicks tongue,
snaps fingers)

There'll be 20,000.
The house will inspect.

- Thank you.
- Miles: Yes, thank you.

Uh...

I'm sorry, you'll
have to read it here.

Not that we distrust you,
my dear fellow,

don't think that,
but anything in writing...

I'm sure
you'll understand.

- Oh, naturally.
- Now then,

before we go into
the matter together,

what about
a glass of brandy?

- Hmm.
- An excellent
Napoleon, eh?

Is there any other?

- Ohh!
- (laughing)

Oh, very good.
Very good.

You will find that
we've used most of
the defense tactics

from Rex vs. Norris.

Yes, the final plea
is the most commanding.

Most commanding, it will need
an advocate of authority.

What do you think, Jasper,
shall we use Kingston again?

I don't see why not.
What do you say, Mr. Steed?

Any objection
to being defended
by Barbara Kingston?

Not at all. I'd rather have her
for me than against me.

Capital!
I'll ring her up at once.

Miles, we cannot
brief counsel

before the crime
has been committed.

Oh, goodness me.
I think you're right.

- Your health, sir.
- Steed: And to you,
gentlemen.

Your security arrangements
are admirable.

There's just one thing.
Doesn't it concern you

that I might perhaps
go to the police

as soon as I leave here?

And tell them what?

That we assisted you
with some research
on a crime novel?

We... We have your letter,
remember.

After the crime
is committed.

After it is committed,
you are just as involved
as we are.

One other thing,
your assistant,

he doesn't seem
too reliable to me.

Bart? (Chuckles)
He has to be reliable.

He was our first
guinea pig, you see.

He can't expose us
without exposing
himself.

Steed: (laughs) There's
not a loophole anywhere.

Just like your own case,
Mr. Steed. Shall I
run through it?

By all means.

We thought
tomorrow afternoon

might be the most
advantageous time

for you
to commit your murder.

Unless you've
another engagement.

Not that I can think of,
no.

(birds twittering)

(cawing)

Bossa Nova? Hully Gully?
Extraordinary.

What is?

It's in the paper here,
article on modern youth.

(telephone rings)

Hello?
Yes, speaking.

Ah, Mr. Steed.

You have?

When?

An hour ago.

Requiescat in pace.

Good. Excellent, Mr. Steed.

Now, you know what you
have to do next?

Yes.

Tomorrow morning
you can proceed

with stage two
of our briefing.

Very good. Yes.

Oh, get a good night's
sleep, won't you?

Hard day ahead.

- What's wrong?
- I need your help.

What do you mean?

You saw me yesterday midday.

Oh, I don't remember.

Of course, I may have been
a little bit high, but...

That's what you've got to
say to the police, Dicey.

Police?

There isn't much time.
Our stories have got to tally.

You came to my place
at midday

and then you left again
at half past 3:00.

That's right.
From midday to half past 3:00,

I wasn't out of your sight.
Now, you have that clear?

Yes, I think so.

You have to be sure,
Dicey.

You're my alibi.
I'm depending on you.

Miss Prinn:
He's in there.

You're sure
it's the same man?

Positive. His name
is Steed, John Steed.

Now if you're a good girl,
I'll get you a mink coat.

John Steed?

Yes.

You're under arrest.

But that's ridiculous.
On what charge?

In connection
with the murder
of Catherine Gale.

Ahh, good morning,
good morning!

Ready for battle?
Jolly good.

It's going to be
a splendid fight.

They still haven't
found that unfortunate
woman's body yet.

Doesn't look as though
they ever will.

The absence
of a corpus delicti

makes the case
intensely interesting.

Intensely
interesting.

Don't you worry,
my dear fellow.

Nothing to worry about.
Nothing to worry about.

That is, provided you...

I did exactly
as you said.

Mm-hmm.

Aha!

Third time
this morning.

The law does not function
on superstition, Mr. Steed.

There's no luck involved.

Only facts.
Clear, concise facts.

Exactly. There are going
to be some delicious
terms of argument.

No body, you see.

Opens up several
exciting new issues.

As long as it opens up
this cell door.

You'll be out
in a little while.

Yes. You must give us time,
my dear sir.

The wheels of the law
sometimes grind exceeding slow.

Let's hope they do not
grind exceeding small.

Oh, very good,
very good.

Spirits up, dare say I.
Fight till you drop.

I sincerely hope not.

Oh, I beg your pardon.
Most insensitive of me.

Well, gentlemen,
I think we should

at least look as if
we are preparing a case.

Really, Mr. Steed,
you know, this turn
of events,

the absence of a body,
it's more than
we can hope for.

It's going to be
a bully of a trial.

A real bully.

(bells chime)

I still don't see why
I have to wait around.

I've given my evidence.

They might want to recall you.

Oh, I should
be exercising.

Sitting around doesn't
do my figure any good.

It'll all be over by 5:00,
Johnno said so.

5:00 will be too late.

It's Tuesday. The school
closes early on Tuesday.

There are other forms
of exercising.

I'll go and see
what's going on.

The witness will confine herself
to answering the questions.

Allow me to recapitulate,
Miss Prinn.

You were aboard the boat,
you heard a shot.

Yes.

You were shocked,
panicked?

Yes, of course.

Under these circumstances,

isn't it possible
that you made a mistake?

No. I quite distinctly
saw him cycling away.

But if the man you saw

was cycling away from you,
Miss Prinn,

then all you could have
seen of him was his back.

Let us move on to when
the defendant appeared

next morning
at your, um...

yoga establishment.

What happened there?

He came in very agitated.

I recognized him immediately
and I phoned for the police.

And then?

I heard Steed
telling Miss Hunt

to say he'd been
at her place

from midday until
half past 3:00.

Doesn't that strike you
as odd?

What time was the murder
committed, Miss Prinn?

Just after 4:00.
I remember clearly.

After 4:00. And yet
the defendant was trying
to establish an alibi

from midday until
half past 3:00.

Come now, Miss Prinn,

if the defendant had
murdered Catherine Gale,

wouldn't he have known
the exact time
the murder was committed

and provided his alibi
accordingly?

How are things going?

Marvelous.
What did you expect?

Perfect,
is what it is.

Allow me to recapitulate,
Inspector Marsh.

At the scene of the crime
you found no cap,

no gun, and no body.

Of course,
that has been explained.

The tide runs fast there,
and it was on the turn.

You found only this hat,
and the initials in it, J.S.

I think the jury
should see this. My lord?

Now, Inspector Marsh,

you have told us that
the defendant denied
this hat was his.

You've also told us
that you've searched
his entire wardrobe

and failed to find any
other article of clothing

bearing this monogram.

And yet,
you still contend

this hat belongs
to the defendant.

It was found at the scene
of the crime,

and the initials fit, ma'am,

so I drew the conclusion...

Ah, you drew
the conclusion.

You didn't establish it
as a fact?

Well, the...

Did you, for instance,
ask the defendant
to try this hat on?

Well, uh...

Come now, Inspector.
Did you or did you not

ask John Steed
to try this hat on?

No, ma'am.

My lord, I ask
that this be done now.

Judge: Very well,
Miss Kingston.

(laughter)

Inspector Marsh, I ask you
to look at the defendant,

and I want you to tell me,
in all your long experience,

have you ever known a man
to go out and commit
a crime, a major crime,

looking quite
so ridiculously conspicuous

as the defendant does now?

(laughter)

Inspector: Well, ma'am,
it takes all sorts.

Please answer the question,
inspector, yes or no.

Miss Kingston: Well?

Inspector:
No, ma'am, I have not.

I would also remind you,

ladies and gentlemen
of the jury,

of the incident
of the other man.

Now, we have heard evidence

that an attempt was made
on Mrs. Gale's life

just a few hours
before her tragic death.

Is it not possible,
nay probable,

that this same man
tried again,

and at this time
he succeeded?

He succeeded so well
that he is free

while the defendant here
is forced to undergo
this terrible ordeal.

I submit
that it is up to you

to bring this ordeal
to an end.

It is up to you to send him
from this court a free man.

Thank you.

Judge: As it is
now after midday,

the court will adjourn
until 2:00 p.m.

Bailiff:
The court will rise.

We'll leave you to it.

Aren't you going to wait
for the verdict?

I think we can guess
what it will be.

Thank you.

Again my congratulations,
Miss Kingston.

This is becoming
a habit with you.

It's all due
to thoroughness,
Mr. Wilson.

How long have you known
the Lakin brothers?

Not long.
About a year.

Did they find you?

Or did you find them?

No. They found me.

Ah, Maisie, dear!

The same as usual,
please.

(clears throat)
Thank you, my dear.

- Yours, Jasper.
- Thank you.

Well, a round dozen,
Jasper.

12 cases without
one single slip-up.

(laughs) How long do you
think the jury will be out?

10 minutes
general discussion,

five to eliminate
the motivation issue,

15 minutes in all.

By now I'd say the jury
were filing back in.

Ah, Judge Hardesty...

calls for the foreman:

"Are you agreed
upon your verdict?"

"We are."

"And what is your verdict?"

Not guilty,
my lord.

(gavel pounds)

To you, gentlemen.

I couldn't have wished
for a better briefing.

Oh, come.
You helped a great deal.

Yes, indeed. You made
an excellent impression
on the jury.

Devastating air
of martyred suffering.

I was thinking
of my income tax.

What are you plans now?

Well, I think I'll do
a little hunting.

Good day, gentlemen.

- Good day.
- Same. Same.

Charming chap.

Oh.

Very old school.

Hunting?

Not the season,
is it?

Liveliest looking corpus
I ever saw.

Oh, and very delicti,
if I may say so.

What do you think
you're doing?

Contemplating.

I'm sitting in the dark
for ages contemplating.

Why I've been sitting here
in the dark is what I've
been contemplating.

I finally dropped off.

What did you find out
about the Lakin brothers?

The system works perfectly.

The way those Lakins
have it,

there isn't a single flaw
anywhere.

You mean I had that swim
for nothing?

Oh, don't be like that.

That was therapeutic,
very good for the skin tone.

This was supposed to be
a watertight scheme
if you remember.

There's one small hope.
I wouldn't call it a flaw
exactly, it's too small.

- What is it?
- The payoff money.

Well, what about it?

They don't appear
to check it.

I still don't like it,
Jasper. Far too soon.

Far too soon.

With every case
our reputation soars.

Did you know that
I had an invitation
today

to speak
to the Association
of Criminal Lawyers?

- (chuckling)
- We can't stop now.

Still, we've only just dealt
with the Steed case,
you know.

This woman was introduced
to us by Steed.

(doorbell rings)

There she is now.

Miss Padgett.

Oh yes, come in.

This way.

(bells chime)

- (knock on door)
- Yes?

Miss Padgett, sir.

Ah, come in, dear lady,
come in.

Pray, have a seat.

If I may say so,
a most unusual
pleasure.

May we... May we
offer you some tea?

No, thank you.

I won't bandy words,
gentlemen.

I believe in straightforward
speaking

and straightforward actions.

An excellent maxim,
Miss Padgett.

Mr. Steed has explained to me
your method of business,

so I suggest I sign
this spurious letter

and then we can get on
with the case at hand.

Just here.

I wish to commit a fraud
and a business conspiracy.

Oh, now, that really
is my favorite.

Bonds, shares,
or money?

All three,

and on a very
large scale.

I see, yes.
Might I suggest

that we divide
the felony in two:

a simple theft and a complex
fraudulent conversion?

I'll leave the details
to you,

but it has to be soon.

(mumbles) That is...
That is possible.

Yes, Jasper.
This is an opportunity

to work in Paragraphs
2 and 5 of the Companies
Act '27.

There's one very important
stipulation.

I'm at present in partnership
with two other gentlemen.

They may help to muddy
the issues.

When I am acquitted of fraud,

I want them implicated
and committed.

What?

It's quite simple.

Normally you arrange
for the guilty to be
found innocent.

I want you to reverse
the procedure.

Work for
a conviction?

While I go free.

That's impossible.

Oh, I'm sorry, gentlemen.

If you don't feel capable
of doing this,

I won't waste any more
of your time.

Just one moment.

You took us by surprise.

We haven't had a request
like this before,

but... there's no reason
why not.

It will be a fascinating
legal exercise.

Our client goes free.

Exactly what
I was thinking.

We don't need
to be involved

in the defense of these
two unfortunate men.

On the contrary.

Our client is acquitted,
whereas the other two...

Defended by somebody else.

(wheezes)
Some inferior counsel?

Precisely.
Do sit down, Miss.

I think we should
consider this further.

Yes, indeed.

Well, did they bite?

You didn't warn me
about the search.

He's a pretty affectionate
fellow, Bart.

The brothers Lakin,
did they bite?

Yes. They're
digesting it now.

Yes. We can, uh,

We can base our case
on the Hodgson fraud

and then slap in
the Companies Act 1927,

as a grand finale.

What do you say?
Do you agree, Jasper?

Oh, my goodness!
Do you realize

this is a chance
to work in Fowson's
five facts of errors?

I've always wanted
to use that.

- Jasper.
- Why...

Why didn't we think
of this before?

But we did.

Fowson's five facts

have always been
uppermost in my mind.

You don't understand.
Don't you see the advantages?

No one would be immune.
No one.

Not even our colleagues.

Solicitors,
barristers, judges.

Judges?

We could get anyone
we wished disbarred.

We could manipulate
the whole court system.

Good gracious.

Is it bribery, insolence,
or just sheer charm

that allows you stay in
after hours?

The Licensing Act.
I've booked myself a room.

I'm a bona fide traveler.

I've learned a good deal
about the law.

They've been very clever
about the falsification
of records.

Yes, I noticed that.

I'm afraid your
unfortunate partners

are bound
to be convicted.

Jasper and Miles,

they've worked out
a very wonderful case.

All we have to do now is
to put it to good use.

Yeah. They don't seem
to be worried about it.

It seems to be the case
that interests them,
not the money.

Let us hope they stay
in that frame of mind.

Well, Miss Padgett, the fact
you've been able to, uh...

to, uh, meet
your obligations to us

so quickly,
promptly executed

means that you have already
perpetrated your fraud, hmm?

The wheels are in motion.
The scheme is under way.

Arrests will not be immediate,
you understand.

Perhaps a week or two.
These things take time.

How about the rest
of the plan,
Miss Padgett?

Is everything
taken care of?

Yes, completely.

I cannot stress too often

that your partners' conviction
depends on two vital factors.

One, that incriminating
documents are found
in their home,

and two,

that they are both seen
at some specific rendezvous.

You have arranged
such a place?

Yes. A small office
in Earls Court.

It will be proved
that the fraud
began from there.

Yes. You should lure
your clients
to this office.

When they arrive,
it will empty.

They will be puzzled.

The natural thing to do for them
will be to look next door.

They will be seen,

uh, to be recognized again
in court.

- (telephone rings)
- I understand.

Yes. It should prove
an interesting fight,
I think.

Excuse me, won't you?
Hello?

- Yes, this is Jasper.
- This is Steed.

Oh, Mr. Steed?

Look, I can't explain fully,

but I've been re-arrested.

But that's impossible.

He says he's been re-arrested.

(clears throat)
Let me talk to him.

Hello, my dear fellow,
what's all this nonsense?

I'm being put
on trial again.

But your acquittal
makes it impossible.

Something about the perverting
the course of justice,

entirely new charge.

They quoted one at me,
Rex vs. Knox, 1731.

1731, Rex vs. Knox,

I can't say
I call it to mind.
Just one moment.

We better go around
and see him.

Are you there?
We're coming round
to see you.

Where are you now?

In an office, number 5,

- 37 Susquet Street, SW 5.
- Yes, I've got that.

In about five minutes.

We must hurry.

You'll have to excuse us,
Miss Padgett.

If you care to wait,
Bart will look after you.

- Man: Bart...
- Oh, come along.

- Man: Mr. Jasper in?
- He's there.

Ah, Jasper,
I have a small problem

I'd like to discuss
with you.

Not... Not just now,
Mr. Wescott.

We unfortunately have to...
We have to go out.

But it won't take
a minute.

Well, I'm sorry.

As you see,
we are rather hurried.

Rex vs. Knox...
I don't think...

"Miss Padgett":
I don't I'll wait.

Bart, will you tell
Mr. Jasper...

What's she doing here?

Miss Padgett.
She just came too.

But that was
Catherine Gale.

Westcott: Mrs. Gale.

Mrs. Gale.

I'd like a word with you
if you don't mind.

Jasper: Are you sure
this is the place?

Yes, office number five.
Steed was quite precise.

Huh? Perhaps they've taken him
somewhere else.

- (door closes)
- Let's look in here.

Oh, I...
I do beg your pardon.

Well, I never.
I don't understand
this at all.

The place
is quite empty.

Looks as though
it hasn't been used
for some time.

Where could they
have taken Steed?

And what was he doing
here in the first place?

Miles!

An empty office.

The two partners
are lured there.

They quite naturally
look next door.

They are seen...

to be recognized
again.

- In court.
- Oh, goodness gracious.

How about
the incriminating
documents?

Miss Padgett's money.

- I never checked it.
- It's locked in the safe.

What are you doing?

Bart's there, isn't he?

I don't see what I should
be involved in all this.

Bart: Well, you are.
Hold that gun steady.

(telephone rings)

Hello?

- Bart?
- Yes?

Jasper Lakin speaking.
Now, listen carefully.

In the bottom desk
of the drawer,

you will find a bunch of keys.

One of them opens the safe.

I want all the contents
of the safe destroyed
immediately.

Right.

They're on their way back.

Westcott:
What are you doing?

If I can open that,
we're in the clear.

Blast.

(door opens)

Hello, gentlemen.

I'm afraid there's
a little seal
across the safe

until the police
arrive.

Mr. Steed, I am deeply
disappointed in you.

Never you mind.
Better luck next time.

(grumbles)

You know, this may not
be so bad after all.

There is a precedent
for this sort of thing.

Yes, 18, uh...
1873.

Hmm. Regina vs. Cox.

Yes. Surrey Assizes,
I think.

Plea of not guilty.

Fascinating direction
to the jury.

Call for a mistrial.

Yes. Went to the Lords,
I believe.

Ahh!
I'm gonna miss 'em.

Especially Miles.

He'll be convicted,
of course.

Yeah, bound to be.

The case against him
was prepared by, um,

by experts.

(theme music)