Original subtitles

- Subtitles - Luís Filipe Bernardes

Nobody loves a customs man, except perhaps his wife.

But as long as there are taxes to be collected,

I suppose you could class us as a necessary evil.

A great majority of the public are honest enough.

But you'll always get a few smart alecks who try to avoid paying their whack.

And for them, the Waterguard,

they're the chaps in uniform you meet at the ports,

are the country's first line of defense.

Long experience has taught them that things are seldom exactly what they seem.

And if you think you can put one over on them, then you're in a for a big surprise.

The big smuggling rings are a different matter.

To deal with them, the Customs and Excise has its own CID, the investigation branch.

We get some pretty strange cases, too, I can tell you.

But I think the strangest was what began as the Seaburyness Affair.

All right, now let's see if I've got this correct.

You've had complaints that some naval types...

have been landing stalls on the Seaburyness birds sanctuary and disturbing the birds...

...and you want it stopped, is that it?

We'd be very grateful if you'd look into it.

Right, I'll send a man down.

But I won't make any promises.

Birds are a bit out of our line, you know.

Hey, you!

Where do you think you're going?

This is a bird sanctuary, you know, it's not a public foot park.

Oh, I beg your pardon, but I'm here on business.

Well, have you any authority?

My name is Kenyon, Michael Kenyon. May I ask yours?

- Queensway. - Mrs. Queensway?

No, Lady Flavia Queensway actually.

- People call me Birdie. - Really?

Yes, I don't quite know why. Are you the police?

Not exactly, no. I'm in the Customs and Excise.

- Why aren't you in uniform then? - I'm in the investigation branch.

We're like the CID, you know, plainclothes.

Here's my commission, it'll explain everything.

Sorry. But you see, people keep barging in here and disturbing the birds.

You know, we get trippers, and hikers, and courting couples.

They're all right of course, because they're mostly quiet.

But when you get the navy dumping all their stalls...

...right near where my Samarkand sand martins are nesting,

well, it's a bit thick.

That's what I've come down here about. We've had a complaint.

- When did all this happen? - Last week, the 10th.

I see. Was it you who made the complaint?

Yes, I think it was, I made a fearful stick.

- And you know what they said? - No.

"No naval units operating in your area."

I'd just seen them with my own eyes.

Would you care to show me exactly where all this happened?

Yes, I'd love to. And...

I'll show you my Samarkand sand martins if you're interested.

Well, I don't know very much about birds, except, well, they're not...

They're absolutely fascinating! Come on, it's over here.

Hope you like it.

Very cozy.

Oh, dear, as I thought. The eggs are still there but then hen's missing.

See? Have a look!

- See them? - No, I'm afraid I can't.

About 15 feet on our right.

Oh, yes, I see.

- Oh, there's a bird fluttering down. - Oh, quick, let me look!

Oh, how lovely! It's the hen, she's come back.

Take your time, lady. Easy does it.

Oh, how lovely.

You know what that lovely creature is, don't you?

No, I'm afraid I don't.

It's one of the last five Samarkand sand martins alive in the whole world.

Goodness gracious me.

Two years ago, everyone thought they were extinct.

- Really? - They nested...

...and it would be such a ghastly tragedy if anything was to happen to the eggs.

- Oh, it would, yes. - I mean, they'd be extinct again.

And the navy come with their great trucks and mess it all up.

It makes me spit.

They've got twisted beaks, you know.

Have they?

All this is very interesting, Lady Flavia, but where do you see these trucks?

Oh, I'll show you. Come on.

You see that boy out there?

Yes.

Well, they landed just the other side of there.

What sort of a boat was it?

Oh, one of those war-time landing-craft things.

- Were the crew in uniform? - Yes.

What happened to the stalls they landed?

Well, they loaded them on a truck and drove them...

...about a mile along on to the main road.

You wouldn't know what the stalls consisted of, I suppose?

No. Wooden boxes.

Did you speak to the men?

No, they were too far away. They'd gone by the time I got there.

How many times has this happened?

- Twice. - When?

The first time was the the mattabilly geese were nesting. The 29th.

And the second was the day I saw the dagger-wing clover tit, on the 4th.

Lady Flavia, I'd like to stick around for a day or two just in case they return.

May I come back tomorrow?

Well, all right, but you'll be frightfully quiet and not disturb the birds, won't you?

- You can use my hide. - Hide?

Yes, you know, where we were just now.

- Oh, that tent. - Yes, well, you can make it your HQ.

- But you will be jolly quiet, won't you? - Oh, I promise.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

You don't want to take any account of Lady Flavia.

Sometimes she sees things that other people don't see, she does.

You mean you don't believe there was anyone there at all.

No, this time she was right.

- They were there on the 29th alright. - How do you know?

- Because I spoke to them. - You did?

I saw them from the road.

- I goes down, I says... Sugar? - Yes, thank you very much.

"What might you be doing?"

And the officer explained they were on maneuvers.

Secret maneuvers.

And they didn't want any fuss made.

I reckon that's why the admiralty said they hadn't got anybody there.

Hm. Are you sure they were navy?

No doubt about it. I'm an old navy man meself.

You didn't notice what ship they came on, I suppose?

Oh, I might have made a note of that. It was HMS...

Warrior.

Well, I can tell you definitely...

...there have been no units operating in that area for at least six months.

Anyway, why should we want to land stalls?

It's the other way around with us, dear boy,

we don't want them ashore, we want them afloat.

And you're quite sure there shouldn't have been any of your people in that area?

- Positive. - Then I have a bit of a shock for you.

The police sergeant at Seaburyness spoke to the party on the 29th.

He says quite definitely they were navy, from HMS Warrior.

How did he know that?

Well, you chaps have a funny little habit...

...of wearing the name of your ship on your cap band.

Has Warrior been in the North Sea lately?

As a matter of fact, she has. Just a moment.

- The 29th, you said? - That's right.

Well, I've got a bit of a shock for you, dear boy.

She was in the North Sea until the 26th.

She left that morning for the Med, she's been there ever since.

I see.

If they were smuggling, why on earth should they dress up in naval uniform?

They were only drawing attention to themselves.

I'm not so sure.

Nobody's going to question a service unit in uniform,

It's a sort of passport respectability.

Look at your police sergeant, he believed them.

He'd have believed anything.

They're a methodical lot, whoever they are.

Every six days, regular as clockwork.

If they keep it up, they're due back on the 16th.

That's Saturday.

Well, what do you want to do?

Well, sir, I'd like half a dozen men standing by to see if we can pick them up.

All right, I'll ring the Waterguard.

Give me IDW, please.

Good morning, Lady Flavia.

Oh, I'm sorry.

- Hello. - Hello.

I thought you were coming back yesterday.

We think that those naval types will be back on Saturday.

On Saturday?

So I wondered if you'd mind if we brought some chaps up to make further inquiries.

Look, I can't have people around here now disturbing the birds.

But you want the matter settled, don't you?

Yes, but Saturday?

Well, I only hope the sand martins will hatch by then.

So do I.

- Would you like a drink? - Well...

- It's French. - Oh!

Someone gave me the last time I was in France.

I hate to stop myself, but I never can resist a bit of a smuggle.

- Oh, I shouldn't have said that, should I? - I haven't heard a word.

Cheers.

I brought it in wrapped up in a pair of...

Cheers.

Look! Beasts, they're back again.

No!

I thought you said they weren't coming back until next Saturday.

- I must have been mistaken. - What are you going to do?

Well, I don't think I can do anything spectacular,

there are about seven or eight of them.

You're not afraid, are you?

Not exactly.

What do you mean to do?

Well, the best thing I can do is get back to the car...

...and follow that truck as soon as it pulls off.

Yes, but supposing you miss it.

There's only one way out of here, isn't there?

- Yes. - Then I shan't miss it.

What about me?

- Now, you can help. - Oh, good.

Now, you stay here and keep and eye on them.

Number of the truck, number of the landing craft, and then give us a line on them.

- Will you do that? - Yes, rather.

- And keep out of sight. - Yes.

- Good luck. - Oh, thank you very much.

White here.

What?

But I thought they weren't due till Saturday.

Uh-huh.

Well, they've dumped the stuff in a hut on a disused airfield.

It's about 8 miles inland at a place called Bedlet.

Oh, the whole place is deserted.

Looks as though it hasn't been used for years

Well, I thought I'd go in and take a look later on as soon as it gets dark.

Take this one.

Got any chartreuse?

I expect so. Come and have a look.

How many do you want?

About four cases.

Oh, there's a couple here.

But that's the lot, I'm afraid.

It would be. Just when I have a customer waiting.

We shall have some more in on the 19th, I expect.

- I'll give you a ring. - Okay.

Give me a ring on the 19th.

Did that mean another cargo was being landed that day?

Very soon the little bits of the jigsaw began to fit into place.

The French Customs came through with the news...

that a British yacht which had been buying large quantities of liqueurs,

had just left Boulogne.

Then one my own patrols reported that a yacht...

..seemed to be transferring stalls to a dock in mid Channel.

And bright and early on the morning of the 19th...

Look out!

We're Customs officers.

Sit over here, will you?

We want to ask you some questions.

You aren't obliged to say anything, you understand?

Yeah.

Your name is... Steven Lasovic?

Vi-ch.

Vi-ch.

You are the owner and the master of the amphibious craft AXZ714?

Yeah.

Well, we want some information and we believe you can give it to us.

What are the names of the men who run the organization you work for?

I don't understand, I don't work for anyone.

Look, we're not stupid, Lasovic. This is big business.

Thousands of pounds involved.

And you're only an employee, we know that.

If you know so much, why come and ask me?

We want the names of the men who put up the money and plan the jobs.

Why should they go scot-free and you suffer?

I'll think it over.

You'd much better make up your mind now and tell us.

I told you I'd think it over.

Just as you like.

I must warn you that anything you say may be taken down and used in evidence.

Stand up, please.

Steven Lasovic.

We shall be arresting you and handing you over to the police.

You'll be charged as being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent attempt...

of the evasion of the duty of the Customs...

contra Section 304 of the Customs and Excise Act 1952.

Do you wish to say anything?

I wish to say nothing.

All right. Take him to the Station.

That seemed to be the end of the Seaburyness Affair,

and we were just closing our files on the case...

...when something happened to make us open them again.

Young Kenyon was alone in the office one Sunday afternoon...

...catching up on his paperwork,

when old Harry showed in a visitor.

- Hello, sir. - Hello!

What brings you here?

We can talk private?

Well, there's no one her but me.

How did you get out?

Oh, I'm on bail.

My case should only come up the week after next.

I see.

When we were in Seaburyness, you say you wish information.

So you have thought it over.

- Well? - Well...

I got information... to sell.

- Sell? - Sell.

I do not wish to spend two years in English prison, so...

I give you information, you let me go free, hm?

That's not up to me.

I can only inform the authorities. They decide.

I know of plan to smuggle a big lot of drug into England...

...in three-week time.

How big?

- Thirty pound. - Thirty pounds weight?

Thirty pound weight.

Do you know how much money that involves?

How will they dispose of it?

- They know. - All right.

You'd better give me the details.

First you promise me to let me go free.

I told you I can't promise that.

You got a big boss over you?

- Yes. - Alright, I talk to him, please.

He's not here. This is Sunday.

You'd better come back and see him tomorrow.

- I can't do that. - Why not?

It's too dangerous for me to come here.

But perhaps we can meet some other place?

If you like.

Tell you what.

I'll give you my home telephone number.

You can ring me there tomorrow morning at about...

...nine, and we can arrange a place to meet.

Oh, you'd better give me your address.

King's Court Hotel, Leinster Gardens.

King's Court Hotel, Leinster Gardens.

- That's Bayswater, isn't it? - Yeah.

When did you say this stuff was coming in?

In three weeks today. The 30th.

The 30th.

Do you know how?

- In ship. - Do you know which ship?

Yeah.

I know.

But you aren't telling.

All right. You can see the boss tomorrow.

But don't go away with the idea you're going scot-free because you're not.

Please.

There is a back way out?

Yes.

You show me, please.

All right.

You go down these stairs. There's a door down at the bottom.

Thank you.

Hello.

What?

What? I can't hear a word.

Speaking.

- Who? - River Police, sir, Sergeant Dodson.

Sorry to disturb you at a party,

but we rang your home and they gave us this number.

We've got a chap here with your visiting card on him,

we wondered whether you knew anything about him.

Yes, that's right, sir.

Big chap, about 6'2'', fortyish.

No, sir, we don't know his name, we hoped you'd be able to tell us.

Oh... um, what was that again, sir?

L-A-S-O-V-I-C.

I'm afraid I can't do that, sir.

You see, he's dead.

I'll come down straight away.

- Hello, Sergeant. - Hello, sir.

Well, it's Lasovic all right.

- Friend of yours, sir? - No.

He came to see me today, said he had some information about some contraband.

- Did he give you the information? - No.

Any idea how he came to be in the water?

Nothing to show, sir.

That was quite a knock he had in the head.

His friends may have found out he'd been to see me and...

Oh, not necessarily.

They often get a knock like that while they're in the water.

Anyway, the doctor will soon tell us whether it was before death or after.

- Anything on him other than my card? - No, not a thing, sir.

Pockets had been cleared right out.

Well, that's odd, isn't it?

Happens with suicides.

They seem to like to make work for us.

Doubt if we'd have got this if it hadn't been tucked into his breast pocket.

Must have overlooked it.

Oh, by the way, sir, we shall want you for the inquest. Identification, you know.

All right. Anything else?

- No, sir. - Cheerio then.

- Are you going back to your party, sir? - Yes.

She's rather nice.

- Good night, sir. - Good night.

I'm from the Customs and Excise.

You had a Mr. Lasovic staying here. We did have, sir, but he left yesterday.

- Have you any idea where he went? - I'm afraid not, sir.

He didn't leave a forwarding address.

- Did he take his luggage with him? - Yes, um... at least his friends did, sir.

His friends?

Well, Mr. Lasovic rang up last night...

...to say he didn't have time to get back here himself,

but his friends would collect his luggage and pay his bill.

- I see. What time was that? - About 10 o'clock last night, sir.

About ten o'clock last night.

- Did you get a good look at his friends? -No, sir, I wasn't on duty.

I see. Are you sure he didn't leave anything behind?

Quite sure, sir.

Well, look, if anything arrives for Mr. Lasovic, a letter, a telegram, anything,

I want you to see we get it straight away, all right?

- Yes, sir. - Well, there's the address.

Thank you, sir.

- Yes, what is it? - Cleaners for Mr. Lasovic. 5 n' 6 to pay.

Well, take it to the hall porter, can't you?

- Who did you say? - Mr. Lasovic.

Oh Mr. Kenyon!

- This has just arrived for Mr. Lasovic. - What is it?

I don't know, sir, something he sent to the cleaner's on Saturday.

- Will you take it, sir? - I certainly will.

- There's 5 n' six to pay, sir. - Oh, is there?

- Give the boy the change. - Thank you, sir.

New suit?

That's odd.

- Is the Great White Chief in? - Yes, he's all alone.

Come in.

- Oh, can I see you a moment, sir? - Come in, Michael.

I've been looking at your report on this gentleman Lasovic.

- Vi-ch, sir. - Oh, really?

You're sure he said 30 pounds of drugs, not 30 ounces?

Quite sure. I checked it with him myself.

Do you realize what that would be worth today?

Hm-hmm, about £100,000.

More like 300. Don't think he was pulling your leg.

Well, if he was, he won't pull it again.

No. And if he was telling the truth, it's a heck of a thing.

One of the largest consignments of dope in history and all we've got is a date.

Could be in any hundred of ships.

What do we know of Mr. Lasovic apart from this Seaburyness job?

- That's what I wanted to see you about. - He was Polish.

Been in this country since the war.

What about the hotel? Don't they know him?

No.

His luggage was picked up last night at 10 o'clock by two friends of his.

- After he was dead? - Presumably.

They left nothing behind.

- But he did. - What?

On Saturday he sent a suit to the cleaner's.

It came back this morning.

These were left in the pockets.

Empty envelope.

Addressed to Miss Rita Compton, 15 Breakspear Mews, London W-1.

There's a pretty design on the back.

And, um... look at this.

Looks like a date and a time.

30th of October, 11 p.m.

I think we'd better see Miss Compton. Perhaps she can give us a lead.

Good morning. Is Miss Rita Compton in?

- She's not at the moment. - Have you any idea when she'll be back?

Any minute, I imagine, she's just gone to the shops.

Do you mind if I wait for her? It's rather important.

- You'd better come in. - Thank you.

I'm Roger Compton, her brother.

- Sit down, won't you? - Thank you.

May I ask what you want to see my sister about?

Well, perhaps you could help me.

Have you ever heard her talk of a man called Steven Lasovic?

No, I don't think so.

It's a bit early, but would you care for a drink?

- No, thank you. - Coffee?

Nothing, thank you.

This man, er... Lasovic.

Is he supposed to be a friend of my sister's?

- That I don't know. - But you hope to find out.

Yes, I do.

Sounds intriguing.

Rita.

We have a visitor.

This is Mr... White. Mr. White, my sister Rita.

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

Mr. White wants to know something about one of your boyfriends.

Miss Compton, do you know that handwriting?

Yes, I do.

Is it from a friend of yours?

Yes, quite a good friend.

His name wasn't Lasovic, was it?

Steven Lasovic?

No, I don't know anyone of that name.

May I ask who it was from?

Yes, it was from someone I liked very much... I met on a holiday in France.

Then you wouldn't know how it came into Lasovic's possession?

You sound like a policeman, Mr. White.

Policeman? Oh, no, no, I'm not a policeman.

I'm glad of that. May I ask you one thing?

Do, please.

How do you happen to be in possession of this envelope?

It was found on the body of this man Steven Lasovic,

who was pulled out of the Thames last night.

Oh.

I'd like a drink.

- Darling, isn't it rather early? - All right.

What was Lasovic to you, Mr. White?

Oh, nothing, just a business acquaintance.

Oh, I see.

Sure you won't have one?

No, thanks, I must be off.

- I'm sorry we can't be more helpful. - Oh, I'm sorry too.

But if we get any more information, you won't mind if I drop around again, will you?

Not at all, only I won't be here after tomorrow.

- Are you going away? - Yes, to the south of France.

Lucky you. Well, goodbye, Miss Compton.

- Goodbye. - Mr. Compton.

As I came away from the Mews, I couldn't make up my mind...

whether the young woman was really as innocent as she looked.

And there was an easy way to find out.

If the Comptons were going to France, one of our chaps was going too.

And since a pretty girl was involved, the obvious choice was Michael Kenyon.

Are there any valuables or anything other than your personal belongings?

- No. - What currency are you taking?

- Five pounds. - Open that one, please.

Perhaps if you push the clasp to the left and then up,

you might find it a little easier.

It's funny how one forgets little things like that.

Thank you.

Something wrong, sir?

I think I forgot my shaving kit.

Funny how one forgets little things like that.

"Attention, please. Will all passengers..."

Fasten your seat belts, please.

"Report from Michael Kenyon to Alec White.. Arrived Cannes."

"Address, Carlton Hotel."

"Have tried acquaintance with Rita Compton aboard plane."

Comptons staying aboard noted yacht Fantasia."

"Repeat. Fantasia."

"Guests of Madame Simonetta, head of London fashion house."

"Am continuing observation. Will keep you informed."

- Well, I only hope it's your sex appeal. - I'm going over to find out.

Ask him to dinner. We'll have a closer look at him.

Hello.

Hello.

I came to see if you'd like to come to dinner tonight.

Oh, I'd love to. In which particular grotto do you live?

Sorry, I forgot I got all this stuff on me.

Oh, it's you.

How do you do?

Nice to see you again.

I must try this swimming business some time.

You should. I'll give you some lessons.

- When, this afternoon? - No, not this afternoon, I'm working.

- Working? - I'm a model, I work for Madame Simonetti.

That's her yacht over there.

- You will come to dinner, won't you? - I'd like to very much.

- On the yacht? - On the yacht.

At 8 o'clock. Back by the harbor.

Fine.

Do you want me to dress?

Do... do you want me to dress?

Do you want em to dress?

Enchanting! It was perfect.

I've not heard you play that one before, Max.

- You liked it? - It was charming.

- If you like that sort of thing. - And you don't!

- A bit sentimental for me. - Nonsense. It was perfect.

Alright, alright, I'll leave you to wallow on it. I must go, I've got a date.

- Is she young and pretty? - I think so.

Well, then you'd better hurry. You mustn't keep her waiting.

Darling, have you got any francs to spare? I'm a little bit short.

- I'm sorry. - I've got 5,000 if that's any good to you.

Thank you.

Thank you, madame. Good night, everyone.

- Good night. - Good night.

Drinks too much that brother of yours.

That's his affair, I should have thought.

- Is it? - Children, children.

Yours must be a fascinating business, madame.

At what point do you dress designers decide to raise skirts or plunge necks?

When you hear your rival is doing the opposite.

Even I live in a padded cell in case I talk in my sleep.

Do you have much trouble with snoopers?

Snoopers?

Yes,, people who sneak into your private shows and steal your designs?

Oh, you mean prowlers.

No,we have our own way of dealing with them.

I'm sure you have.

Oh, yes.

I don't like snoopers, as you call them.

And now I suppose you two want to go to the casino.

- Yes, please. - No gambling.

No, just dancing.

You don't approve of gambling, madame.

Well, a long time ago I decided the chance of winning 2,000 francs...

... doesn't compensate for two extra wrinkles in the morning.

You know, I think it's getting rather cold, do you mind if I borrow a fur?

Not at all, come and take your choice.

- For you another? - Not for me, thanks.

Attractive girl our Rita.

Very.

Are you, er... Are you down here for long?

No, only a few more days, I'm afraid.

Pity. You've only just joined our little family.

You stay here all the time, I suppose?

Me? Oh, no.

I go where my boat goes.

You see, I'm a sailor.

It's in the family.

My... great-great-grandfather...

...was a pirate.

He was hanged.

My great-grandfather was captain of a ship at Trafalgar.

He was shot.

My grandfather and father were both smugglers...

...and died in prison.

I have four brothers

They're all smugglers.

One in Tangier, one in Hong Kong.

And two...

...in jail.

It's all very sad.

I take it you aren't going to follow in your family's footsteps.

Me? Oh, no, I don't like danger.

I look after yachts.

For beautiful rich ladies like madame?

Hm-hmm.

That way I hope to die in my bed.

Oh, Rita. You look particularly ravishing tonight.

It's amazing what borrowed plumes do for a woman.

If you'll forgive us, I think we ought to go.

Certainly. Don't keep her out too late, Mr.Kenyon.

We have a dress show tomorrow afternoon.

I'll bring her back in time, that I promise you.

Well, thanks for a wonderful dinner.

Oh, and the music. Good night.

Good night.

South of France.

A heavenly night.

Moon in just the right place.

Girl in just the right place.

Lovely.

Are you sure it isn't the brandy talking?

Well, it could be the brandy.

Whatever it is, it's all very pleasant.

- But it has to end soon. - You're going back?

Unfortunately... yes.

- Work? - Slavery.

What do you do?

Me? I'm in a bank.

And you're staying at the Carlton.

Oh, hang the expense on a holiday, I say.

Are you staying here long?

That depends.

On what?

If you keep drinking like this, you'll be no good for the job I want you for.

Oh, for heaven's sake, shut up. I don't have to...

- I think we'd better break this up. - Not till they start throwing things.

That can happen any minute now.

Max won't stand for that!

Max, Max, Max, could he do the job I've got to do?

- Having a gay evening, you two? - This brother of yours, he...

Good evening, Mr. Kenyon.

- Good evening. - Like a drink, Kenyon?

Not for me, thanks. I must be going.

Are you going to take Mr. Kenyon...

...to Mme. Dubeux's garden party tomorrow afternoon?

I'd love to if he'd like to come.

I'd like to very much, but I'm afraid I have some business to attend to.

Business in Cannes?

Perhaps I can drop in for a drink later.

What time do you get back?

- About six, I should say. - Oh, I'll come around then if I may.

- Good night. - I'll see you safely ashore.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Can I be of any help?

Well, yes. Rita said you'd lend me your underwater kit.

I had an hour to spare so I thought I could run over and pick it up.

I heard you were doing some business in Cannes.

I was, but I finished.

- Didn't you go to the do? - No, no, I begged off.

Those affairs bore me.

Well, I'll get you another equipment.

You know, you ought to have someone with you the first time you go down.

- Want me to come along? - Oh, don't bother.

No bother at all.

I'll take your launch and go out between the islands.

- I've got my kit up top. - All right.

Well, here we go.

Here, wait a minute. Close that valve.

Yes, I forgot it.

Roger!

What happened to you? I thought you were right behind me.

This mask did me wrong.

I only just made it.

I'm terribly sorry, old fellow.

I knew it wasn't as easy as you seem to think.

Here, come on, I'll give you a hand.

Lucky I was with you.

I don't know what I would have done without you.

Ah, bah, vous anglais vous avez la vie dure.

Ces cristaux ne valent plus rien.

Vous auriez pu mourir ashyxié.

- What did he say? - Do you know how this works?

Well, roughly, not exactly.

When you are under the water, you breathe in through this...

...and the bad air goes through there.

where the crystals make it pure again, vous comprennez?

Hm-hmm.

But if the crystals are terminés... how you say, er...

Finished, exhausted.

You breathe in the bad air again. And you're dying.

Well, how do you know when the crystals have had it?

Comment sait-on que les cristaux se sont fichus?

Oh, monsieur, on doit changer après chaque plongée.

My friend said you have to change the crystals...

...each time you go under the water.

Have you changed it this time?

No.

Et bien, mon chère ami, it is lucky you are still alive.

Hm.

- Well, goodbye, Valance. - Au revoir.

Bon jour.

"Report from Michael Kenyon to Alec White."

"Fantasia left Cannes during night."

"Therefore unable to interview Roger Compton."

"French Customs inquiries indicate destination Marseilles."

"Am following."

The snake is the badge of the Pan Athenean steamship line.

They've got six ships, all named after snakes,

the Python, the Adder, the Cobra, and so on.

The Python left Marseilles last night at 8 o'clock...

...and is due in the Pool of London in the morning of the 30th.

And the Fantasia arrives at Marseilles when?

Twenty-four hours before the Python left.

- Well, that seems to tie that up. - Hm, but does it?

I got the French Customs to go over the Python but they couldn't find a thing.

Well, don't worry.

If there is any dope aboard, and it looks as thought there is,

we'll find it if we have to take the ship apart.

- Anything else, sir? - No.

Better put your report in writing.

The old man is beginning to sit up and take notice.

Well, gentlemen,

Mr. White has given you the facts as far as we known them at present.

Apart from the initial information, which we obviously can't check,

it's all circumstantial evidence,

and we may have put the wrong construction on it.

But I don't think so.

I think there's almost certainly a large consignment of drugs...

...aboard that ship somewhere.

And I don't need to tell you how important it is that we should intercept it.

Have you anything to say, Mr. Bennett?

Only this.

From the moment the Python enters the channels,

you'll be under constant observation day and night.

Every station and officer in the area has been alerted.

Once she's in the Thames, Holt's men will go through her with a fine tooth comb.

Don't worry about that, sir. Nothing will get past us.

And the yacht?

The French authorities are keeping an eye on it for us.

Excuse me.

Yes?

It's for you, Mr. White.

Thank you.

White speaking.

Oh.

Right. Thanks, Michael.

Well, gentlemen, it looks as though something's happening.

Kenyon just had a message from our French friends at Marseilles.

Roger Compton and his sister have booked seats on a plane...

...leaving Marseilles tomorrow afternoon.

Destination London.

There's nothing in their baggage. Do you want to see them?

No.

- Better have them searched then. - Oh, I agree.

- All right. - Right, sir.

Thank you. And empty your pockets onto the table.

Thank you.

And your slip.

- Nothing at all on either of them. - Hm, will you pass them through?

Yes, sir.

Larkins?

Not so far.

We'll pass them through.

Good afternoon, madame. Have you booked a table?

Yes, in the name of Compton.

Ah, Mr. Compton's table.

Good day, monsieur.

Good afternoon, monsieur.

- Table for one? - I'll wait a bit, thank you.

- I'm expecting somebody. - Very well, monsieur.

- Kenyon here. - She's having lunch.

In the restaurant of the Windsor Hotel.

No, just a moment ago.

Hm-hmm.

Oh, please yourself. I'll stick around here anyway,

Bye.

- Table for one, sir? - No, I'm meeting a friend.

Very well, monsieur.

Hello.

- Michael! - May I sit down?

Yes, please do.

It's quite a jaunt from Cannes to Kensington.

- Excuse me, sir, will you be lunching? - I won't, thank you so much.

- I'm expecting Roger. - I thought you might be.

- You're very fond of him, aren't you? - Yes, I am.

- Is there anything wrong with that? - No.

But he's hardly a sober upright citizen, is he?

I mean, look what happened when he taught me underwater swimming.

Yes, he told me about that. Good thing he was there.

I have an idea. I might have been better off if he hadn't been.

Why do you say that?

Are you worried about him?

- No. - Funny.

I had an idea you might be worried about something.

- I don't know what you're talking about. - Don't you?

I'm probably wasting my time.

All I wanted to say was that...

...if you're in any kind of trouble and you'd like somebody to hold your hand,

I'd like to be that person.

- Ah, Mr. Compton! - Here is Roger.

- The lady has already arrived. - Oh... don't bother.

Hm, I was just talking about you.

He's not madly keen on you as a swimming instructor.

I think that's very ungrateful.

As I told Rita, it was a good job I was around.

Oh, yes, you did point out to me how much I owed to you.

Don't give it a thought. I feel like a drink.

- Louis! - You've had enough.

- Well, I must be going. - Back to your bank?

Yes, behind the bars.

Oh, don't talk about being behind bars, old fellow.

Why, does it make you thirsty?

- Are you in the telephone book? - Yes.

- I'll give you a ring if I may. - Do.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- I've got some news for you. - Yes?

You know that chap that was hanging about in the Mews?

Well, he's hanging out in the bar now.

- Are you sure? - Of course I'm sure.

Then I think we'd better call the whole thing off.

- Don't be ridiculous. - Well, if we're being watched.

In another ten minutes we won't be.

Ever seen the kitchens of a big hotel?

- No. - Follow me.

Over there.

- Ah, Monsieur Compton! - Oh, hello, Luigi.

Are you looking for me?

Yes, there's a lady in the restaurant I don't wish to see.

Her father's with her. Which way do the staff go out?

Follow me, I show you.

Come in.

Good morning, captain, can I see the ship's papers, please?

- You're a bit early, aren't you? - Weren't you expecting us?

I don't usually see you chaps on this round until we're in the Pool.

- Any passengers on board? - No.

- Nothing special in the cargo? - No, just the usual.

- Who does this belong to? - Me.

- Why didn't you tell me it was there? - You never asked me.

Give me a skewer.

And a spoon.

- Any luck? - Not until now.

- Well? - We've practically taken her apart, sir.

Can't find a sign of anything.

Well, we must start it all over again, it must be there somewhere.

I hope you're right. The captain is beginning to get persecution mania.

We can't help his troubles, he shouldn't carry dope.

If he is carrying dope.

We've a pretty strong hunch that it's there somewhere.

All right, we'll take another look.

Where are you bound for, miss?

Just down the river and back.

Did you drop something overboard by the bridge?

No. Why?

I thought I saw a splash.

I don't know anything about it.

Well, we'd like to have a word with you just the same.

Pull in alongside the houseboat there, will you?

All right.

All right, swing around.

Hello.

Hello, what are you doing here?

I'm in the Customs service.

Oh.

I'm sure you're a credit to it.

Is that your boat?

No, I hired it. Is there any law against that?

No. Where were you going?

Down the river, for pleasure.

And then?

Back again. Also for pleasure.

At this hour of night? Alone?

Yes.

Mind if I look around?

Wait here, will you?

- Cigarette? - Not for me, thanks.

Forgive me, sir. Have you ever seen one of these before?

No.

One of our launches stopped a cabin cruiser with Rita Compton aboard.

She's outside now.

I found this in the cabin.

Remember I told you that they were always going underwater swimming?

Well, this is a canister for an underwater equipment.

- I don't get it. - Neither do I yet.

The APO in the launch says he thought he saw a splash...

...as her boat went under the London Bridge.

Well, a splash could have been caused by somebody dropping overboard,

somebody in frogman's kit.

Her brother, for instance.

You think he's underwater out there now?

- Exactly. - What on earth for?

During the war, frogmen used to swim long distances under water...

...to stick limpet mines to the keels of enemy ships.

And you think there's a limpet mine on the keel of the Python?

- Could be. - With drugs in place of explosives.

And could've fixed it there while the Python was in Marseilles.

Get the CPO to send every available launch across to the Python at once.

Sir. Better check the fenders.

We've had them all up, sir, there's nothing there.

I'd like you to do something.

For your brother.

What?

We know he's out there underwater.

And we know why.

Then you know more than I do.

We've got men perched along both the banks.

He can't possible get ashore without our knowing.

Then why worry?

We shouldn't like him to drown.

Oh, how very friendly.

You probably don't know it, but the river runs at about eight knots.

And the currents are murder.

We lost a man last month in the Pool.

He just...

...disappeared.

If Roger was out there, he could take care of himself.

But he's not.

So you don't have to worry.

So you won't tell me where you were going to pick him up.

I wasn't going to pick him up.

I see.

Let me ask you something else.

Well?

Have you ever seen a drug addict?

No.

- It's not a very pretty sight. - I'll take your word for it.

You'll take my word for something else too.

That package your brother's collecting out there...

contains enough drugs to supply every dope fiend in the country...

...for the next two years.

If he gets it ashore, forty or fifty people will die.

In misery.

And you will have helped to murder them.

That's not true.

Oh, I see. You're trying to trap me.

No. Just telling you the facts of life.

There's no need to, I know them already.

And I'm bored of your company. And your office.

I'd like to go home.

You know, your fare was up last stop, sir.

Oh, was it?

- Where does this bus go to? - Victoria's our terminus.

Victoria.

- Yes, all right, I'll go there. - That'll be another tuppence, please.

Hey, go steady.

I've come to let you know the search is off.

I told you you were wasting your time.

That's a matter of opinion, but this isn't.

It lasts for half an hour, forty minutes at the outside.

And it's over an hour since you dropped your brother under the bridge.

What a good sense of time you have.

Is that all you have to say to me?

- Yes. - Very well.

Excuse me.

May I go now?

Yes, but I'm afraid we'll have to keep your boat a little while longer.

One of our cars will take you home.

- I can see myself home. - As you wish.

- Show this lady her way ashore, will you? - Yes, sir.

- Roger! - Well. Where did you get to?

I was afraid something had happened to you.

- Are you all right? - Perfectly, no thanks to you.

I couldn't help it, the Customs people picked me up.

- You didn't tell them anything? - I didn't need to, they already know.

And I'll tell you something.

- Michael Kenyon is a Customs officer. - I knew that.

Why didn't you tell me?

What was the point? You would only have gone into a flare.

What happened to the package?

It's in a safe place.

The customs think it's dope.

Do they, now?

They weren't right, were they?

Yes.

And you knew all the time?

No, I thought the same as you did. I thought it was currency.

Until the package burst open, then I knew.

What are you going to do?

They double-crossed us, we're going to do the same to them.

Our alibi is perfect.

I got the stuff from under the Python,

but you were pulled in by the customs people and I couldn't manage alone.

I had to drop the stuff in the river to save my life.

It's all a great tragedy, but there it is.

You mean you'd keep it, sell it?

Yes, why not?

But it's unthinkable.

You couldn't deal with drugs, Roger, you couldn't.

Please, get out now while there's a chance.

- Oh, no. - Where is the package?

It's in the cloakroom of Victoria Station.

All right, leave it there.

No, my dear.

- Why not? - I've got other plans.

- Where are you going? - To them, of course. Tell them my story.

Oh, what a tragedy, all that trouble and now it's at the bottom of the river.

No, Roger, please!

I'm sorry, darling.

May I come in?

We've been expecting you.

Everything went wrong.

Rita got picked up by the customs, I had to get ashore as best I could, it wasn't easy.

And the package?

I couldn't cope with that, I'm afraid. It's at the bottom of the river.

Oh.

Too bad.

Well, we shall have to try again, I suppose.

I wouldn't try for a month or two if I were you. The Customs are on to us.

- You think so? - I'm sure of it. Ask Rita.

Yes. I think I will.

Rita. Where has your brother hidden that package?

- I don't know what you're talking about. - Come on, where is it?

I told you, it's at the bottom of the river.

Do you think I'm a fool?

I don't like people who think I'm a fool.

- Tell him, Roger, please... - Shut up!

Well?

Where is it?

All right, I'll tell you.

So you can put that thing away. If you kill me, you'll never find out.

- Very well. - And I want five thousand, not two.

You want five thousand, you shall have five thousand.

And I want it now, before I tell you where it is.

I'm sorry, I don't carry that much money around with me.

Well, madame would have it in the safe, wouldn't she?

Yes, I suppose so.

- Shall we go and see? - Don't go, Roger, please!

Good night, Rita.

Good night.

Kenyon.

- Oh, it's you. - I must speak to you, it's urgent.

I'm ready to make a bargain with you.

You want to know where a certain package is.

I can tell you. But I want something in exchange.

No, not for myself. For Roger. He's in danger.

It's Max. They've just left.

They've gone to Madam Simonetta's and then on to Victoria Station.

That's where the package is, in the cloakroom at Victoria Station.

Back up a bit and wait there, will you?

We're from the Customs.

We'd like to take a look at a parcel that was left here between 10:30 and midnight.

- Customs, you say? - That's right.

You'd better come in.

You start at that end, Michael.

Larkins.

- You've been here all evening? - No, I only come on at midnight.

The only thing that came in after ten o'clock would be over there.

Has anybody collected a parcel from this section since you've been on?

No.

All right, we'll take a look.

- Here, I didn't say you could open them. - That'll be all right.

Well, I'd better ask the station master, I don't want to take the responsibility.

We'll see him afterwards. You won't get into any trouble.

I hope not.

This is everything that's come in since 10 o'clock?

Yes, that's it.

Oh, there's one in here.

I put it in here because it was leaking.

Oh, look.

Michael.

This is it.

Well, well.

Now look. Mr. Kenyon will stay here with you but out of sight.

When somebody turns up with the ticket for this parcel, you do two things.

First you tell Mr. Kenyon, without them knowing, of course,

then you give them the parcel, do you understand?

Yes, sir. If anybody comes for this parcel, I tell him, and then give it to him.

Good.

After the man turns up, you follow him.

Larkins and I will be hanging by between here and the main doors.

- Right? - Right.

There's a chair there if you want to sit down.

Thanks.

- I'll be making a cup of char in a minute. - Lovely.

You look like being for a long wait, you know.

You don't get many people about this hour of the night.

They like to wait till the streets are ???.

Oh.

Here you are.

- Man or woman? - Neither.

It's one of our chaps. Charley Dayton.

- What does Charley do? - He's a porter, on the forecourt..

Well, give him the parcel and make sure he signs for it.

Okay.

You're right to be nervous.

I too would be nervous if I'd been as foolhardy as you.

It's not you I'm worried about.

It's that car behind us.

They mustn't catch us with this.

Let me out at the next corner.

All right. Get ready to jump.

Alright.

- You're in a bit of a hurry, aren't you? - Yes, we are.

Customs and Excise Investigation Department.

That car in front contains contraband. If we lose it, it will be your fault.

Did you know that one of the men dropped of at the corner of Mark St.

- You sure? - Yes, ran off through the alleyway.

Carrying a parcel.

Can you pick up the Rolls if we go after him?

Leave it to us, sir.

Back to Mark St. quickly.

R2 calling Information Room.

Following black Rolls. Registration LXT22. Suspected of carrying contraband.

Traveling in direction of the City. Over.

- Registration number LXT22. Over. - Right.

No sign of him, sir, I'm afraid we've lost him.

Let's take a look at Simonetta's, it's across the square.

Go ahead.

- Shall I? - Go ahead.

- You go around the back, I'll stay here. - Yes, sir.

- Parker. - Yes, sir?

Get on to Headquarters, I want some more men here right away.

Rolls, registration number LXT22.

Hey, hey!

Ah, Michael.

I've got a visitor for you.

- Who? - You'll see.

Oh, you are an elusive pimpernel. I've been trying to see you.

I do want to congratulate you.

You've done an absolutely first-class job.

Thanks to you there are now six more Samarkand sand martins in the world.

I thought perhaps you'd like a picture of them to remind you.

Well, I mustn't keep you, I expect you're awfully busy.

Goodbye.

Bye.

Wait here, please.

I'm so very sorry about your brother.

It wasn't your fault.

- What do they want me for? - I can't tell you that.

They're waiting to see you now.

You remember you said...

...if ever I wanted someone to hold my hand?

- Subtitles - Luís Filipe Bernardes