The Avengers (1961) s02e02 Episode Script
Propellant 23
1 (theme music playing) Woman: Monsieur Meyer.
Monsieur Meyer.
Yes? A wireless message for you, monsieur.
- It has just come through.
- Thank you.
(German accent) I must talk to the captain.
Monsieur Meyer, it's against the rules.
No one's allowed inside in the pilot's cabin! But you don't understand.
It's a matter of life and death.
Try to calm down.
Go back to your seat.
I'll ask the captain to come and see you there.
I'm not going back to my seat.
I'm not going back.
Monsieur Meyer, try to be reasonable.
- I must speak to the captain.
- Robert, go and take a look.
Right.
Sir.
- Tricola V to Marseilles.
- Monsieur Meyer, please.
Let me through.
All right, calm down.
Now, what's wrong, Janette? I don't know, I gave him the wireless message.
Next thing I know, he's demanding to see the captain.
- Yes, I must speak to him.
- Says it's a matter of life and death.
- What's his name? - Meyer.
- What was the message? - It seems harmless enough to me.
Something about somebody not meeting him.
Well, Monsieur Meyer, what's the trouble? I told you, I must talk to the captain at once.
You can't talk to the captain just like that.
- For heaven's sake, don't you realize - All right, all right.
Go back to your seat, and I'll get him to come to you as soon as he can.
But you don't understand.
All right.
- Hey.
- Captain! - Robert, what's going on? - This is Monsieur Meyer, sir.
It seems he wants to talk to you.
So I gather.
All right, you take over.
All right, Janette, carry on.
It's all right.
I'm not armed.
A formality, monsieur.
If you push your way into the captain's cabin, you must expect it.
- What exactly is the matter? - He had this wireless message Let him tell me.
Well, monsieur? Someone is going to kill me.
Excuse me.
I was sitting across from Mr.
Meyer.
Oh, yes.
Monsieur Manning.
Is there anything I can do, to help I mean? I'm sure the captain can deal with it.
Oh.
Well, I only thought I'll serve another cup of coffee in a moment.
It will calm us all down before we land.
You took yours black, didn't you? How clever of you to remember, Mademoiselle Shirley.
Cigarette? No.
You live in Marseilles? A few kilometers away.
I'm gonna be in Marseilles several days on business.
Really, monsieur.
How nice.
You must forgive me, monsieur, if I don't seem to take you very seriously.
But you say someone is going to kill you, and yet you have no idea who or why.
Please, captain, all I want is to be allowed to stay in the cabin with you where I'm safe.
Really, this nonsense has gone on long enough.
It's quite impossible.
I won't give you any trouble, I promise.
We'll be landing at Marseilles in half an hour.
- Why don't you go back to your seat? - That's what they all say.
But you must let me stay here.
He can't reach me here.
- But who can't reach you? - I tell you, I don't know! But he's going to To kill me! Please, captain, let me stay.
Please.
What is it? My my heart, it's not good and and all this excitement Please, captain, let me stay.
Monsieur Meyer, you dropped this just now outside the door.
What's the matter now? It's nothing.
I feel a a bit faint.
That is all.
You You will let me stay won't you? - What's wrong with the man? - Oh, heavens knows.
Captain, I'm just about to serve another cup of coffee.
Shall I help Monsieur Meyer back to his seat? Let him stay where he is for a while.
Bring him his coffee in here.
He's ill.
Crazy, I shouldn't wonder.
Robert, keep an eye on him.
If he does start any trouble, at least we'll be ready for him, right? Yes, sir.
Good morning.
What's so urgent that you must telephone me in the middle of the night to get me here? I'm meeting the plane from Tripoli.
There's a man on board called Meyer.
He's got a package.
He's gonna give me that package, and I'm gonna take it to London.
Really? What's in the package? Hah.
I don't know.
Typical.
Hey, hold on.
Where you going? - Back to Toulon.
- No, but you don't understand! Whatever's in that package, it is absolutely vital that I get hold of it.
If I don't, well, governments will fall, chaos will ensue.
How can you possibly say that if you don't know what's in it? Some sort of sixth sense, you know? We get it in my job.
I got it at the briefing this morning.
All right, but I must be back in Toulon by midday.
You will.
What are you doing there? - Seeing some friends.
- Oh.
Party? Not quite.
And who are they? They're from the Keningau province in Borneo.
- Where? - Keningau.
Oh.
That boy died of malnutrition when he was four.
Many of them don't even reach that age.
They're sending out a medical expedition, and they thought I might be useful as I was there last year.
Oh, I see.
- Do you? - Yeah, of course I do.
Now, the plane'll be here in 20 minutes.
Meyer needs help.
Someone's after him, trying to kill him.
He's made a detour of over a thousand miles to try and avoid them, but without any luck.
- What do you want me to do? - I want you to take him to a special rendezvous outside Marseilles.
Now, he'll tell you where.
I'll meet the plane and send him straight out to you.
Why don't you just put him in a cab? It's not just a fast driver we w We want to get him away, yes, but the chances are that they'll think that he still has the package.
You've got it all worked out, haven't you? - How exactly do you fit in? - (plane engine roars above) I'm gonna take the package to London! Unless, of course, you'd rather.
I've already told you.
I'm committed.
Oh, yes.
Koana Whatever its name is.
It's lucky I got hold of you.
That's a matter of opinion.
Good morning, lieutenant.
What? Oh.
How is the hangover this morning? You ought to give it up, you know, working, I mean.
What does that hovel of a hotel pay you, eh? - I get paid on commission.
- On commission.
And how many bookings have you got this week? Lieutenant, how about a cassis, eh? They say it makes the hair grow.
Hello, Curly.
What's up? Plenty.
And stop calling me Curly.
All right, keep your hair on.
Oh, Pierre.
Are the treatments doing it good, isn't it? So it should at 25 francs a time.
Hmm? - It's all fluffy.
- It's more than that.
Come on, Pierre, it's your move.
As you two seem so intent on your game, I won't bother you with the news.
What news? Plane from Tripoli.
Tricola V? What about her? Trouble aboard.
One of the passengers.
Oh, good.
What sort of trouble? I've been detailed to get two men and stand by on the runway.
She must be on schedule or Control would've phoned us here.
She'll be here in nine, no, ten minutes.
Come on, Pierre, we better stand by.
Well, who knows? Come on, Laure.
Let's have one.
No, Jacques.
Aw, come on, just one.
No.
I think you've had enough already.
At least pass the bottle over.
Let's smell the cork.
Oh, Jacques, why can't you stop? - Why don't you try? - I do try.
You're an educated man.
You shouldn't be touting for a third-rate hotel.
Aw, for heaven's sakes, stop preaching.
I'm sorry, Jacques.
- Coffee.
Sweet, black, and hot.
- Hmm.
See to the passengers, Janette.
We're joining the circuit.
Robert, don't take your eyes off Meyer.
Right, sir.
Five minutes to go.
Oh, I've got something for you.
Little present.
It may come in handy.
Handy for what? I'll show you.
It breaks this way.
Ah (speaks French) How fascinating.
Yes, isn't it.
If Marie Antoinette had had one of those, the Bastille might never have fallen.
Marie Antoinette was never in the Bastille.
Holds ten rounds, .
22.
Where are they? Oh, the bullets.
Here.
Here they are.
- How silly of me.
- Thank you.
They were used at one time by the ladies of Paris to defend themselves.
I better go, and keep your eye glued on that entrance.
- I'll send him out as soon as possible.
- What's he look like? It might help, mightn't it? Stocky, grey-haired, glasses, Austrian.
I don't think he'll miss you.
Au revoir.
Woman over P.
A.
Mesdames et messieurs Air Sud wishes to announce the arrival of flight 1-1-8 from Tripoli (continues indistinctly) please wait in the passenger hold after clearance from customs.
Air Sud announces the arrival of flight 1-1-8 from Tripoli.
(Steed mutters) Are they still in customs, you know? Ja.
Um, I think so.
Hmm.
Terrible bore hanging about in airports, isn't it? Yes, yes, it is.
Like a cigarette? Oh, you got one.
They're usually on time.
Have you seen the new airport in New York? - No, no.
- Not the old one, the new one.
Funny thing, dear old London, building a whole new airport before New York.
Ahem very interesting, I'm sure.
Waiting for someone? Yes.
Girlfriend? Um yes.
Oh, lucky fella.
Excuse me.
May I recommend a very good hotel? It's just been modernized.
It's very, very central.
Monsieur, please take a card.
It's very central.
Highly recommended.
Madam, please take this card.
It's a very, very good hotel.
It's highly recommended.
Oh, miss, excuse me, were you on the plane from Tripoli? - Yes, sir.
- Was there a man called Meyer on board? - Yes.
Are you waiting for him? - Yes.
I'm a friend of his.
Monsieur Meyer's just coming, sir.
He's with Captain Legros and a member of the airport police.
- Police? - Yes, monsieur, the police.
It's been a pretty hectic flight for you.
Oh, I shall be glad to get home.
Perhaps you'll allow me to give you a lift to my car.
- There's one here to meet me.
- Thank you, Monsieur Manning.
Paul, please.
Janette.
I'll just go make my report.
- Where shall I meet you? - Gate three.
- Right.
- Won't be long.
Yes, get him through here.
- He's got a bad heart.
- Get him up here.
Up with him.
That's it.
Gently.
Gently.
Legros: Get his legs up.
- Meyer.
- Stand back, please.
- I'm a friend of his.
- Don't crowd around, please.
Give him room.
Laure, cognac.
Stand back there.
Get the doctor.
- May I help? - No, thank you.
Stand away.
Thank you.
Oh, good.
Meyer.
Meyer.
What happened? I don't know.
He was behaving very strangely on the plane.
- What do you mean? - He pushed his way into my cabin and said someone was trying to kill him.
He's a sick man.
- Let me talk to him.
- Where's that wretched doctor? Meyer.
Meyer, this is Steed.
The package, where is it? How is he? He's dead.
Dead? Henri, take charge here.
May I have a word with you, please, monsieur? Certainly, yes.
Uh, may I see your passport, please, monsieur? - My passport? - You were a witness.
Apparently you knew the dead man.
It would be useful to have your name in the event of any further inquiries.
By all means.
Thank you.
Oh.
Monsieur John Steed.
- 5 Westminster Mews, London.
- 5 Westminster Mews, London.
Oh.
Thank you very much, Lieutenant.
You are in France on business, Monsieur Steed? Yeah, 'fraid so.
How well did you know Monsieur Meyer? Oh, we met from time to time, you know, on business.
Was it you, by any chance, who sent him a wireless message during the flight? Yes, I did.
Why? Captain Legros says that it was after he received this message that Monsieur Meyer became extremely upset.
Oh, that's hardly my fault, is it? Oh, no, but apparently it was something to the effect that you would not be able to meet him.
Is that right? Quite right.
I thought I wouldn't be able to meet him.
It's not the most convenient time for business meetings, eh? Exactly, and yet here you are.
What made you change your mind? Look here, lieutenant, this is no time for interrogations! Oh, no, no, not at all, but a man has died.
I have a report to fill in.
That is all.
Yes, you're quite right.
I was at a party.
I thought I might as well meet Meyer after all.
It seemed the kindly sort of thing to do.
Yes, I understand, monsieur.
Then that's quite all right.
Thank you very much.
Oh.
Thank you.
Oh, I comple Monsieur? About his luggage.
Do you know what happened to it? - His luggage, monsieur? - He did have some, didn't he? We haven't found any aboard the plane.
Not even a briefcase? Ah, yes, I believe he did have a briefcase.
That's more like it.
There's some very important business papers in it for me.
Do you know where I might find it? I imagine the case will have been taken care of by customs.
- Would you like me to inquire? - Oh, that's all right.
I wouldn't trouble.
Should be all right in customs, shouldn't it? That's very true, monsieur.
Thank you, Monsieur Steed.
I hope we won't have to trouble you again.
That's no trouble, lieutenant.
Thank you.
What happened to your queen? - Monsieur.
- Monsieur.
It was a terrible thing about Mr.
Meyer.
- Yes, terrible.
- I was a friend of his.
Were you, monsieur? That briefcase.
It wouldn't be Mr.
Meyer's, would it? - Yes, monsieur, it is.
- I'm so glad I bumped into you.
I've been most terribly worried.
He asked me to take it back to London for him.
- Did he, monsieur? - It was his last request.
He wanted me to take it to his family, and I It's a terrible thing.
I thought I might be able to help, save delays, formalities.
- That's very strange, monsieur.
- Why is that? You're the second Englishman in 20 minutes - who's offered to take charge of the briefcase.
- Really? May I ask why you and the other gentleman are so concerned? I can't answer for the other gentleman, but as far as I'm concerned, it contains business matters, but relating to Mr.
Meyer's family.
On the contrary, the briefcase contains nothing of importance.
Spare shirt, shaving kit.
Nothing his family could want in a hurry.
Absolutely astounded.
Mr.
Meyer was so insistent.
Oh, I completely recognize your position, lieutenant, but is it impossible for you to let me have this? I'm afraid so, monsieur.
Are you sure you can't stretch a point? I'm sorry.
I'll have to get on to the authorities in the morning.
- Yes, you do that, monsieur.
- Lieutenant.
Yeah.
- What did he want? - This.
Oh, yes, he was asking me about that.
Did you want me to give it to him? No, I don't.
I think I better lock this away for the night.
Good night, monsieur.
Good night.
Haven't you any respect for the dead? Tell me, what's got into you tonight, lieutenant? - No luck with the lottery? - I should've thought it was about time you got back to your hotel.
They'll be very pleased to see all the customers you've got.
Well, where's Mr.
Meyer? - He's dead.
- How? Heart attack, they think.
But you don't.
It hasn't got the right symptoms.
Cyanosing around the lips, enlargement of the pupils.
It must be something in the hex0barbitone group.
If he'd held on five seconds more, I could've got out of him where the package was.
- You mean you didn't get it? - No.
- He didn't have it on him? - Not as far as I could see.
It's not that easy to search a dead body in public, particularly as there was a rather sinister-looking German right next door to me seemed as interested in him as I was.
What about his luggage? He only had a briefcase.
It's in an office.
It won't be there long.
As soon as the light in that office is out, I'm off across the car park and in through the window.
Oh, incidentally, the customs officer told me that there was another Englishman after the briefcase as well.
An Englishman, a German.
How did the French get left out? The French provided me with my one ugly moment.
- You know that message I sent Meyer? - Mm-hmm.
The airport officials knew all about it.
Fortunately, they had a rather dim-witted official there.
Otherwise, the cat would've been amongst the pigeons.
Unable to meet you in Marseille, and there you are large as life.
- I'm not surprised.
- Well, it was in code.
I should get yourself a new code book.
Come on.
Haven't you got homes to go to? That's the lot receipts, bills of lading, all correct.
I've locked Meyer's briefcase in the cabinet.
Good.
Be glad to get home tonight, eh? You bet.
You coming? No.
I've got to initial these.
Look at the time.
I've got to be on again in the morning.
Ah, well.
Good night, Roland.
Good night.
Hello, Kelly.
Had a busy night? Why couldn't he have died somewhere else? - Kelly.
- Huh? - Look, put this in your pocket.
- What is it? - Bottle of hair restorer.
- What? I'm sorry I made fun of your hair earlier on.
- If this is a joke - It's a peace offering, Curly.
- Where'd you get it? - Meyer's bag.
- Meyer's? - Well, he won't be using it anymore.
For heaven's sake, don't flash it around.
Shouldn't have taken this.
Still, uh, well, uh thanks.
- You never know.
May do some good.
- Yes.
- And it is free.
- Yes.
Are you still here? Thought you were tired.
I'm just saying good night to Curly.
Yes, good night.
Good night.
Good night.
Poor Curly.
Doesn't like his routine interfered with, does he? You never know, the shock may work a miracle cure.
The light's out.
What are you waiting for? I'll give it another ten minutes.
Time to go.
I'll be off.
Be enough light from the flare pass.
(door closes) Start the engine.
Hit it as soon as I get back.
Hit what? (door slams) - Well? - Not a thing.
There's no package.
- You sure? - Of course I'm sure.
No false compartments.
Nothing in the lining.
Nothing in the backs of the hair brushes, in the soles of the slippers or between the pages of the books.
I squeezed out the tube of toothpaste and the tube of shaving cream - I'm emptied the fountain pen - All right, I'm very, very sorry.
- How do you like this? - A bit small.
Never.
You sure the bag didn't open in the office during the fight? Yep.
How do you feel now, by the way? I have a very stiff leg.
Luckily we landed against the filing cabinets and he was under me.
Yes, monsieur? Oh, mademoiselle.
We haven't quite decided yet.
That's rather pretty, don't you think? Yes.
Uh, have you got it in black? Black's so obvious.
Yes, isn't it? Do you think you killed him? - I didn't wait to examine.
- That's in character.
You really are in trouble if he's dead.
You don't have to tell me that.
What luck.
(telephone rings) Hello? Who? Oh, Monsieur Steed? Yes, mademoiselle, that's me.
Do you always arrange to take your calls in a lingerie department? If humanly possible.
It's a delightful store you have here, mademoiselle.
Thank you, monsieur.
You don't get stuff like this in England.
How sad for you, monsieur.
Mm.
Yes, I suppose it is.
(police whistle blows) - Yeah.
Steed.
- Steed? - Is that head office? - Yes.
That's head office, eh? Right.
I'm speaking loud 'cause I've got the most terrible line, but you know that consignment you asked me to deliver? I'm having export trouble with it.
Trouble? What sort of trouble? You could give me few details.
You know we've got our rivals there after the same property.
I see.
Well, it's a specimen tin of fruit juice.
Fruit juice? A new line we're trying from Shanghai.
Oh, yes, good old Shanghai.
How many competitors do we have? Oh, a couple so far.
Two.
Well, you must expect these little difficulties.
And, Steed Yes.
Let's have no more slip-ups.
Ah, my dear.
Thank you so much.
(sighs) Tin of fruit juice from Shanghai.
What is? The package.
And what does your code book make of that? The current issue says Shanghai means the Chinese rocket, the one there's been all the rumors of.
The one they've been testing in the Gobi desert.
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
The fruit juice is the fuel.
It's absolutely fantastic stuff.
Propellant 23 is the technical name.
Yes.
Well, anyway, Meyer was gonna take it home.
It's so confidential, they won't even let me know about it.
How wise.
Now, if it's a liquid, we're looking for a container of some kind.
Yes, I think it's safe to say that.
We know it's not in the briefcase, so it must've been somewhere on his person.
I think the airport police would've removed it from his person by now.
The obvious place to start looking is the airport.
Reasonable deduction.
It just has one snag.
After last night, I can't go back there.
- This is your big chance.
- I'm so glad.
Have you decided yet, monsieur? I'll take you, mademoiselle.
Yes, monsieur, and anything else? Oh, yes.
Yes.
Certainly.
I'll take ah.
I'll take this and these.
Thank you, monsieur.
Get down to the airport.
Ask questions, discreetly, of course.
No, you needn't bother to wrap them.
How much is it? 53 francs 30.
53 francs 30.
Fine.
You can take those.
Come in very handy in Kua You know, what's his name.
53.
30? - Yes.
- 53 Your coin money.
- Darling.
- No, Paul.
I'm sorry, but I'll lose my job if you're found here.
No, I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be on the plane.
- I'm not doing any harm.
- Yes.
You're upsetting the air hostess.
Now, Paul, let me finish my list.
You have another look for your lighter, then we can go.
I don't think there's much point anymore.
It doesn't seem to be here.
You were sitting on the other side.
Yes, I know, but I thought it might've slid or been kicked over here.
No luck? - Well, I'm afraid not.
- Never mind.
After this trip, the plane gets a thorough cleaning.
If your lighter turns up, I'll send it to you.
Maybe you won't need to.
I may still be in Marseilles.
Really? My business is taking longer than I expected.
- Glad? - Yes.
How long before you're off duty? I have to make a report at 12:00 about last night's business, - then I'm free.
- Fine.
Poor Monsieur Meyer.
We all thought he'd had a heart attack.
Do they know how he took the poison? No.
I suppose he had some pills.
Maybe he took it in his coffee.
Coffee? Coffee he drank before he collapsed.
Remember, you helped me carry the tray round.
Oh, so I did.
Captain Legros thinks they'll investigate it as a murder.
Why on earth should they do that? I think they always start off like that.
Thinking the worst of people? Who'd want to bump off Meyer? No one, of course.
Anyway, if it was poison, how would they give it to him? In his coffee? Well, that's it Well, I didn't do it.
I'm the only one who could've put it in his coffee.
I could've done it.
I suppose Robert will be a suspect, too, - and Captain Legros.
- Yeah.
Ah, so this is where it all happens.
That's silly, Monsieur Meyer obviously committed suicide.
Probably wasn't in his coffee, either.
There's a much better way.
- Oh? - Much more likely, too.
- What way? - The flask.
- What flask? - The flask he carried in his pocket.
Customs officer said nothing to me about a flask.
I saw it.
You weren't the only one who dropped something during the flight.
I wonder where it's got to.
It might be an important piece of evidence.
Perhaps he dropped it on the tarmac or in passenger lounge, could be anywhere.
Somebody's obviously picked it up.
Yes.
I wonder who'd know if it had been found.
- The police? - Yes, but anyone else? Laure.
She's a friend of mine.
- Laure? - The barmaid.
Ah, yes.
Or Curly, the airport policeman.
Or Jacques Tissot.
He's always hanging around the lounge.
He can't stop drinking.
If he found it, he'd probably drain it and sell it for another round.
- Would he? - Darling, we must go.
Oh, yes, of course.
I was waiting for you.
- I've got a phone call to make anyway.
- Okay.
- Morning, Laure.
- Morning.
- Coffee, please.
- And a packet of the usual? - Yes, please.
- You're early.
I thought you didn't come on till 12:00.
It's because of the robbery.
I have to make a statement to the police.
Why isn't Curly here? He was here, much earlier.
Grumbling because it was his day off.
Saying his health would suffer from lack of sleep.
That's right.
Hey, tell me, what happened last night? Cigarette? Excuse me.
Yes, madam? I'd like a packet of cigarettes, please.
- Certainly, madam, which sort? - Those will do.
Thank you, madam.
1.
85.
I think I'd like a cup of coffee, too, please.
Good morning.
Good morning, madam.
Thank you, madam.
Thank you.
I hear there must've been quite a fight last night.
I'll say, the place was in a terrible mess.
- What did the police say? - Oh, nothing as usual.
Except they're looking for an Englishman, someone called Steed.
Apparently Roland was speaking to him last night, and he was asking Roland to give him the briefcase belonging to Meyer.
You know, the passenger who killed himself.
I suppose the police think that Steed's the one who broke in because he wanted Meyer's briefcase.
- But why? - How should I know? Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing.
You say an Englishman was involved - in a fight last night? - That's right, madam.
- And the police can't find him? - Not yet, but they will.
Who was he fighting with? I have no idea, madam.
One of them was hurt, though.
- And he only took a briefcase.
- Apparently.
I suppose there was something very valuable in it.
Nothing at all.
I had to list the contents officially.
Well, excuse me, madam.
I must go.
Laure? Pierre.
- How much is that? - 3.
50.
There we are.
Oh, it's always the same.
I never get a chance to finish a cup of coffee.
Thank you.
Au revoir, madam.
Au revoir.
How much do I owe you? 3.
50, please, madam.
Thank you.
Oh, I I seem to have lost my cigarettes.
Are they in your bag, madam? No.
No, they're not.
They were here on the counter.
- Thank you.
- Oh, I know.
Pierre must've taken them by mistake.
His are the same brand.
I'll ring him for you.
Oh, no, don't bother.
Is that his office over there? - Yes, madam.
- I'll pop in and get them.
- Sure, madam? - Yes, thank you.
Come in.
Yes, madam? Oh, excuse me.
I think you picked up my cigarettes by mistake.
Oh, I'm very sorry, madam.
That's all right.
So, this is where it all happened.
Yes.
Of course, we've tidied up a bit by now.
And the briefcase was in here? Yes.
You can see where they forced the lock.
Yes.
And poor Monsieur Meyer poisoned himself.
Well, it begins to look a bit like it.
Do you think the poison was in the briefcase? Oh, no, there was no poison there.
Nothing that a poison could've been in? A bottle, for instance? A bottle.
Oh, no, madam, there was no bottle there.
- Are you certain? - Pierre.
I think that's a matter for the police, don't you, madam? Yes, I suppose it is.
Would you mind letting me have your name, please? Gale.
Catherine Gale.
I was only concerned about the poison.
- Why? - Seems to me a bit dangerous to have a bottle of poison lying around.
I'm sure there's no need for you to concern yourself about that, madam.
I'm sorry, monsieur, I seem to have taken up - rather a lot of your time.
- Not at all.
Before you go, would you mind giving me the name of your hotel? - My hotel? - Yes, your hotel.
Hotel Des Saints Peres.
Hotel Des Saints Peres.
Thank you, madam.
- Good day.
- Good day, madam.
Good day.
(dials telephone) Who you ringing? The police.
I find the lady's anxiety curious, and it will be of interest to the police.
All this talk of a bottle.
No use.
I can't help worrying.
He's always here to meet every plane.
What can have happened to him? Oh, Laure, you're so weak, bothering about a man like that.
No.
There's a lot of good in Jacques.
I know, if only he had someone to look after him.
What can have happened to him? He's going to lose his job.
You really are worried about him, aren't you? Yes.
Don't tell me you've fallen in love with him.
And why not? All right, Laure, what do you want me to do? Look, Janette, this is one of his cards.
The hotel where he works.
He has a room there.
Please, will you go and see if he's all right? It's by Saint Honoré.
It's not very attractive.
I have to make my report to this meeting soon.
But it's not till 12:00, is it? If you take a taxi, I will give you the money.
You could be back long before then.
Please, Janette.
Who else can I ask? I can't leave the bar.
I know he's got himself into some kind of trouble.
All right.
Oh, thank you.
Bless you.
Don't bless me.
I'm not doing you much of a favor, not with the type like Jacques.
- Excuse me.
- Yes, madam.
I've lost something, and I wondered if you could help me.
What have you lost, madam? It's rather difficult to describe.
It's a bottle.
Have you tried our lost property department, madam? Yes, I have, but they suggested that I come to you because I think I must have lost it around here.
What was in this bottle, some sort of drink? Well, a sort of alcohol, yes.
I suppose Jacques could've found your bottle.
Jacques? Jacques who? Jacques Tissot.
He works one of the hotels.
Why should you think he might have it? He's not a thief or anything like that, but if your bottle contained cognac or some sort of drink, he wouldn't be able to resist it.
- He wouldn't steal anything else.
- Look, where can I find him? - He hasn't come on duty.
- Is he ill? If he's found a bottle, he'll be drunk or with one of his hangovers.
If he drinks that stuff, he'll have a hangover all right.
What's his address? You are the second person who has asked me that question.
I know he has done something wrong.
Who was the first, a policeman? No, an Englishman.
This Jacque Tissot, I must find him.
Where is he? Here is his address.
He works for this hotel.
He has a room there.
- It's got the phone number? - It's no use ringing the hotel.
They refuse to fetch him.
I've tried three times, and they put the phone down.
Hotel Excelsior.
32 Rue Gallieni.
Right.
Hurry, Steed, if he drinks that stuff, it'll tear his insides out.
Okay, what else did you find out? - You didn't kill that man.
- Well, that's a relief.
But the police are out looking for you.
Now hurry.
All right.
Hey, by the way, how do you spell it? What? Excelsior? No.
Koana de Judg I can't even pronounce it.
- Oh, Mrs.
Gale.
- Yes? - Mrs.
Gale, how did you guess about the bottle? - What? You knew all the time there was a bottle in that briefcase.
- Oh, well, I had an idea.
- I didn't think it'd matter.
It was only a bottle of hair restorer.
Hair restorer? What did you do with it? I gave it to Lieutenant Leclerc.
You see, he's almost bald.
I thought I'd be doing him a good turn.
- Where is he? - He's off duty today, madam.
- He'd be at home probably.
- What's his phone number? He hasn't got one, I'm afraid, madam.
Look, I hope you won't tell him what I did No, it's doesn't matter.
What's his address? I have no idea.
They could tell you at the main gate probably.
I know it was stupid of me to take the bottle, but I knew Monsieur Meyer wouldn't be using it anymore, and well, I thought I'd be doing somebody a good turn.
(knock on door) Lieutenant Leclerc? (knocking) Lieutenant Leclerc? Lieutenant? Madam.
Oh.
May I ask what you're doing here? Lieutenant Leclerc? Uh, yes, yes, but I repeat What are you doing here? I'm terribly sorry to intrude like this, lieutenant.
I do have a very good reason for being here.
Oh, yes.
See, I was at the airport when that unfortunate man died.
It's really rather a long story.
I suppose I better begin at the beginning after I put my cigarettes I know I had them here somewhere.
I was told Lieutenant Leclerc was bald.
Now turn around.
Paul.
Hello, darling.
- What are you doing here? - Jacques invited me over.
- How do you know Jacques? - We just got talking.
If it comes to that, What are you doing here? I came to see why Jacques wasn't at the airport.
I have no idea.
Does it matter? You've turned this place into a mess.
It wasn't much to begin with.
I was looking for some cigarettes.
Where is Jacques? He went to get some wine.
You were searching the room, weren't you? I told you, I wanted a cigarette.
It was something else you were looking for.
It was the flask.
In the plane, I thought you were interested in it.
- Why would I be interested in a flask? - Yes, why? Listen, darling, you're getting worked up over nothing.
Aren't you meant to be at a meeting? I have to make my report at 12:00.
You'd better hurry.
You haven't got much time.
Look, I'll drive you back.
No.
I want to know what you're doing here.
Darling, we'll talk about it sensibly over lunch.
I know exactly where I'm gonna to take you, and afterwards, we can go back to my hotel.
- No, I can't.
- What do you mean? The police want to talk to me about Monsieur Meyer's death.
I got a message just as I was leaving.
It probably won't take long.
What if I tell them about the flask? Well, I think you should.
You saw Meyer with it.
What if I tell them I found you here? Darling, you don't want to cause a lot of misunderstanding and trouble.
Then tell me what you're doing here! I told you, Jacques asked me over for a drink.
- You don't know him.
- Of course I do.
- I don't believe you.
- Then ask him.
I will.
And I suppose you'll believe that drunk rather than me.
Yes.
Oh, darling.
Hello? Did you get in the lieutenant's room? Yes, easily.
- Any luck? - No.
There was a bottle there which contained the propellant, - but it was empty.
- Empty? Yes.
It was labeled "hair restorer.
" I wonder if that policeman has used it.
There were two containers, so there's still the flask.
Ah, yes.
There was a woman there with a gun.
She jumped me.
- Who was she? - Don't know.
- She after it, too? - I think so.
- English.
- She's probably with Steed then.
And we don't have to worry about him.
I've arranged a reception for him at Tissot's.
He won't find anything there, but she may know where the stuff is.
Mm.
But Ahem - What do we do? - You stay here.
There's a good chance she'll show up.
If she does, follow her and contact me.
Oh, yes, yes.
And thank you.
Goodbye.
Oh.
I'm so sorry to keep you waiting.
That's quite all right.
Tissot.
Jacques Tissot.
Monsieur Steed? Yeah.
You are to come with me to the police station for questioning about a robbery at the airport last night.
- A robbery? - Yes, monsieur.
- Take a look around.
- How'd you know I was here? We received a telephone call.
Who made the telephone call? I'm not at liberty to disclose that information.
Oh, come now, won't do any harm.
Was it an Englishman? It was, wasn't it? All right, all right.
Oh, if you find a bottle of cognac there, it's mine.
What are you doing in this room, monsieur? Communing with nature.
Come on, let's go.
Hey, come back! Hello, Jacques.
Very good, very good.
Drink? Not when I'm working.
Hurry up and finish, then.
Oh, I've got another 50 to do.
Here, go easy.
Well, who'd have a baker for a friend? I just want some left for me, that's all.
Oh, never you mind about that.
I've got the real stuff here.
And when we finish that, we can start on this, huh? - (speaks French) - Where is it? Oh, no, he won't be there because he owes them money.
Anywhere else? I don't think so, no.
- Are you certain? - Yes.
It's terribly important.
Try and Oh, no, he told me about a new friend, Jean Martin, a baker.
His place is his place is in the Cloutier District.
- Don't you know the address? - No, but you could ask someone.
Jean Martin, Cloutier District.
Right.
Only another four batches.
Good.
Now have a drink.
Yes, I will.
Here's to bread, eh? Well, now I'll pour it.
(inhales) Here, have a sniff.
Are you sure it's all right? Of course it is.
- (knocking) Jean Martin! - Yes.
- Is Jacques Tissot there? - Yes.
Yes, he is.
Thank you, monsieur.
What a delicious smell.
- Are you Jacques Tissot? - Yes.
- Where's the bottle? - What bottle? - I don't know what you're talking about.
- This is it all right.
But this isn't.
There must be another bottle.
- Excuse me, monsieur.
- Please, monsieur.
Ah.
Always had a taste for these.
I'm terribly sorry.
But what are you looking for, monsieur? I'm not quite sure.
Hold on.
Nothing here at the moment.
We're very sorry to interrupt.
Could you reserve six of these for me? Where's that bottle? I don't know what you're talking about.
You'll tell me, won't you, Tissot? All right, over there.
Mr.
Steed, isn't it? Yes, where was it, Lord's, Henley, the Royal Enclosure? - I don't think we've met.
- No.
I wouldn't do that, Mrs.
Gale.
Siebel, over there.
All right, Steed.
I didn't quite catch your name.
Keep moving.
Get your hands up.
Your feet back.
You might leave the cigarettes, old boy.
Now you.
You know what to do.
All right, turn around.
Watch them.
Now where's the flask? - I don't know.
- Where's the flask? If you shoot me, you'll never find out.
Quite right, but there are other ways to make you talk.
(groans) Let him go, Steed.
There's the flask.
Pick it up, Siebel.
That's it.
Over there by the stairs.
After you, my dear.
Oh.
Ooh.
Oh, my knee.
Don't worry about your knee.
Keep moving.
I think I nearly broke it.
Ha.
"Fruit juice.
" I thought that you didn't like that there black.
You're full of surprises, aren't you? So were the ladies of Paris.
He isn't dead.
How is Tissot? Oh, he's much better, thank you.
Monsieur talked to him for a little while.
Not for long because he was very tired.
He says he'll never touch another drop as long as he lives.
I'll believe that when I see it.
Give him my regards when you see him again.
Thank you.
I will.
- What's the matter with you? - Curly's just come on duty.
- Well? - He's in a bit of a state.
- Where is he? - Who? Pierre.
How dare you? He gave me a bottle of hair restorer.
- Restorer? - Restorer.
Look at this.
Not a hair left.
I was doing so well.
Oh.
Woman over P.
A.
: Mesdames et messieurs, this is the final announcement Steed.
Steed, you've forgotten the package.
Package.
Not the fruit juice.
- No, not that one.
- Oh, that dear fellow.
- Will you have one? - No, thank you.
They're terrific.
Oh, better go.
Give my love to Koana de Jour.
- Keningau.
- Yeah, that's right.
Bye! (theme music playing)
Monsieur Meyer.
Yes? A wireless message for you, monsieur.
- It has just come through.
- Thank you.
(German accent) I must talk to the captain.
Monsieur Meyer, it's against the rules.
No one's allowed inside in the pilot's cabin! But you don't understand.
It's a matter of life and death.
Try to calm down.
Go back to your seat.
I'll ask the captain to come and see you there.
I'm not going back to my seat.
I'm not going back.
Monsieur Meyer, try to be reasonable.
- I must speak to the captain.
- Robert, go and take a look.
Right.
Sir.
- Tricola V to Marseilles.
- Monsieur Meyer, please.
Let me through.
All right, calm down.
Now, what's wrong, Janette? I don't know, I gave him the wireless message.
Next thing I know, he's demanding to see the captain.
- Yes, I must speak to him.
- Says it's a matter of life and death.
- What's his name? - Meyer.
- What was the message? - It seems harmless enough to me.
Something about somebody not meeting him.
Well, Monsieur Meyer, what's the trouble? I told you, I must talk to the captain at once.
You can't talk to the captain just like that.
- For heaven's sake, don't you realize - All right, all right.
Go back to your seat, and I'll get him to come to you as soon as he can.
But you don't understand.
All right.
- Hey.
- Captain! - Robert, what's going on? - This is Monsieur Meyer, sir.
It seems he wants to talk to you.
So I gather.
All right, you take over.
All right, Janette, carry on.
It's all right.
I'm not armed.
A formality, monsieur.
If you push your way into the captain's cabin, you must expect it.
- What exactly is the matter? - He had this wireless message Let him tell me.
Well, monsieur? Someone is going to kill me.
Excuse me.
I was sitting across from Mr.
Meyer.
Oh, yes.
Monsieur Manning.
Is there anything I can do, to help I mean? I'm sure the captain can deal with it.
Oh.
Well, I only thought I'll serve another cup of coffee in a moment.
It will calm us all down before we land.
You took yours black, didn't you? How clever of you to remember, Mademoiselle Shirley.
Cigarette? No.
You live in Marseilles? A few kilometers away.
I'm gonna be in Marseilles several days on business.
Really, monsieur.
How nice.
You must forgive me, monsieur, if I don't seem to take you very seriously.
But you say someone is going to kill you, and yet you have no idea who or why.
Please, captain, all I want is to be allowed to stay in the cabin with you where I'm safe.
Really, this nonsense has gone on long enough.
It's quite impossible.
I won't give you any trouble, I promise.
We'll be landing at Marseilles in half an hour.
- Why don't you go back to your seat? - That's what they all say.
But you must let me stay here.
He can't reach me here.
- But who can't reach you? - I tell you, I don't know! But he's going to To kill me! Please, captain, let me stay.
Please.
What is it? My my heart, it's not good and and all this excitement Please, captain, let me stay.
Monsieur Meyer, you dropped this just now outside the door.
What's the matter now? It's nothing.
I feel a a bit faint.
That is all.
You You will let me stay won't you? - What's wrong with the man? - Oh, heavens knows.
Captain, I'm just about to serve another cup of coffee.
Shall I help Monsieur Meyer back to his seat? Let him stay where he is for a while.
Bring him his coffee in here.
He's ill.
Crazy, I shouldn't wonder.
Robert, keep an eye on him.
If he does start any trouble, at least we'll be ready for him, right? Yes, sir.
Good morning.
What's so urgent that you must telephone me in the middle of the night to get me here? I'm meeting the plane from Tripoli.
There's a man on board called Meyer.
He's got a package.
He's gonna give me that package, and I'm gonna take it to London.
Really? What's in the package? Hah.
I don't know.
Typical.
Hey, hold on.
Where you going? - Back to Toulon.
- No, but you don't understand! Whatever's in that package, it is absolutely vital that I get hold of it.
If I don't, well, governments will fall, chaos will ensue.
How can you possibly say that if you don't know what's in it? Some sort of sixth sense, you know? We get it in my job.
I got it at the briefing this morning.
All right, but I must be back in Toulon by midday.
You will.
What are you doing there? - Seeing some friends.
- Oh.
Party? Not quite.
And who are they? They're from the Keningau province in Borneo.
- Where? - Keningau.
Oh.
That boy died of malnutrition when he was four.
Many of them don't even reach that age.
They're sending out a medical expedition, and they thought I might be useful as I was there last year.
Oh, I see.
- Do you? - Yeah, of course I do.
Now, the plane'll be here in 20 minutes.
Meyer needs help.
Someone's after him, trying to kill him.
He's made a detour of over a thousand miles to try and avoid them, but without any luck.
- What do you want me to do? - I want you to take him to a special rendezvous outside Marseilles.
Now, he'll tell you where.
I'll meet the plane and send him straight out to you.
Why don't you just put him in a cab? It's not just a fast driver we w We want to get him away, yes, but the chances are that they'll think that he still has the package.
You've got it all worked out, haven't you? - How exactly do you fit in? - (plane engine roars above) I'm gonna take the package to London! Unless, of course, you'd rather.
I've already told you.
I'm committed.
Oh, yes.
Koana Whatever its name is.
It's lucky I got hold of you.
That's a matter of opinion.
Good morning, lieutenant.
What? Oh.
How is the hangover this morning? You ought to give it up, you know, working, I mean.
What does that hovel of a hotel pay you, eh? - I get paid on commission.
- On commission.
And how many bookings have you got this week? Lieutenant, how about a cassis, eh? They say it makes the hair grow.
Hello, Curly.
What's up? Plenty.
And stop calling me Curly.
All right, keep your hair on.
Oh, Pierre.
Are the treatments doing it good, isn't it? So it should at 25 francs a time.
Hmm? - It's all fluffy.
- It's more than that.
Come on, Pierre, it's your move.
As you two seem so intent on your game, I won't bother you with the news.
What news? Plane from Tripoli.
Tricola V? What about her? Trouble aboard.
One of the passengers.
Oh, good.
What sort of trouble? I've been detailed to get two men and stand by on the runway.
She must be on schedule or Control would've phoned us here.
She'll be here in nine, no, ten minutes.
Come on, Pierre, we better stand by.
Well, who knows? Come on, Laure.
Let's have one.
No, Jacques.
Aw, come on, just one.
No.
I think you've had enough already.
At least pass the bottle over.
Let's smell the cork.
Oh, Jacques, why can't you stop? - Why don't you try? - I do try.
You're an educated man.
You shouldn't be touting for a third-rate hotel.
Aw, for heaven's sakes, stop preaching.
I'm sorry, Jacques.
- Coffee.
Sweet, black, and hot.
- Hmm.
See to the passengers, Janette.
We're joining the circuit.
Robert, don't take your eyes off Meyer.
Right, sir.
Five minutes to go.
Oh, I've got something for you.
Little present.
It may come in handy.
Handy for what? I'll show you.
It breaks this way.
Ah (speaks French) How fascinating.
Yes, isn't it.
If Marie Antoinette had had one of those, the Bastille might never have fallen.
Marie Antoinette was never in the Bastille.
Holds ten rounds, .
22.
Where are they? Oh, the bullets.
Here.
Here they are.
- How silly of me.
- Thank you.
They were used at one time by the ladies of Paris to defend themselves.
I better go, and keep your eye glued on that entrance.
- I'll send him out as soon as possible.
- What's he look like? It might help, mightn't it? Stocky, grey-haired, glasses, Austrian.
I don't think he'll miss you.
Au revoir.
Woman over P.
A.
Mesdames et messieurs Air Sud wishes to announce the arrival of flight 1-1-8 from Tripoli (continues indistinctly) please wait in the passenger hold after clearance from customs.
Air Sud announces the arrival of flight 1-1-8 from Tripoli.
(Steed mutters) Are they still in customs, you know? Ja.
Um, I think so.
Hmm.
Terrible bore hanging about in airports, isn't it? Yes, yes, it is.
Like a cigarette? Oh, you got one.
They're usually on time.
Have you seen the new airport in New York? - No, no.
- Not the old one, the new one.
Funny thing, dear old London, building a whole new airport before New York.
Ahem very interesting, I'm sure.
Waiting for someone? Yes.
Girlfriend? Um yes.
Oh, lucky fella.
Excuse me.
May I recommend a very good hotel? It's just been modernized.
It's very, very central.
Monsieur, please take a card.
It's very central.
Highly recommended.
Madam, please take this card.
It's a very, very good hotel.
It's highly recommended.
Oh, miss, excuse me, were you on the plane from Tripoli? - Yes, sir.
- Was there a man called Meyer on board? - Yes.
Are you waiting for him? - Yes.
I'm a friend of his.
Monsieur Meyer's just coming, sir.
He's with Captain Legros and a member of the airport police.
- Police? - Yes, monsieur, the police.
It's been a pretty hectic flight for you.
Oh, I shall be glad to get home.
Perhaps you'll allow me to give you a lift to my car.
- There's one here to meet me.
- Thank you, Monsieur Manning.
Paul, please.
Janette.
I'll just go make my report.
- Where shall I meet you? - Gate three.
- Right.
- Won't be long.
Yes, get him through here.
- He's got a bad heart.
- Get him up here.
Up with him.
That's it.
Gently.
Gently.
Legros: Get his legs up.
- Meyer.
- Stand back, please.
- I'm a friend of his.
- Don't crowd around, please.
Give him room.
Laure, cognac.
Stand back there.
Get the doctor.
- May I help? - No, thank you.
Stand away.
Thank you.
Oh, good.
Meyer.
Meyer.
What happened? I don't know.
He was behaving very strangely on the plane.
- What do you mean? - He pushed his way into my cabin and said someone was trying to kill him.
He's a sick man.
- Let me talk to him.
- Where's that wretched doctor? Meyer.
Meyer, this is Steed.
The package, where is it? How is he? He's dead.
Dead? Henri, take charge here.
May I have a word with you, please, monsieur? Certainly, yes.
Uh, may I see your passport, please, monsieur? - My passport? - You were a witness.
Apparently you knew the dead man.
It would be useful to have your name in the event of any further inquiries.
By all means.
Thank you.
Oh.
Monsieur John Steed.
- 5 Westminster Mews, London.
- 5 Westminster Mews, London.
Oh.
Thank you very much, Lieutenant.
You are in France on business, Monsieur Steed? Yeah, 'fraid so.
How well did you know Monsieur Meyer? Oh, we met from time to time, you know, on business.
Was it you, by any chance, who sent him a wireless message during the flight? Yes, I did.
Why? Captain Legros says that it was after he received this message that Monsieur Meyer became extremely upset.
Oh, that's hardly my fault, is it? Oh, no, but apparently it was something to the effect that you would not be able to meet him.
Is that right? Quite right.
I thought I wouldn't be able to meet him.
It's not the most convenient time for business meetings, eh? Exactly, and yet here you are.
What made you change your mind? Look here, lieutenant, this is no time for interrogations! Oh, no, no, not at all, but a man has died.
I have a report to fill in.
That is all.
Yes, you're quite right.
I was at a party.
I thought I might as well meet Meyer after all.
It seemed the kindly sort of thing to do.
Yes, I understand, monsieur.
Then that's quite all right.
Thank you very much.
Oh.
Thank you.
Oh, I comple Monsieur? About his luggage.
Do you know what happened to it? - His luggage, monsieur? - He did have some, didn't he? We haven't found any aboard the plane.
Not even a briefcase? Ah, yes, I believe he did have a briefcase.
That's more like it.
There's some very important business papers in it for me.
Do you know where I might find it? I imagine the case will have been taken care of by customs.
- Would you like me to inquire? - Oh, that's all right.
I wouldn't trouble.
Should be all right in customs, shouldn't it? That's very true, monsieur.
Thank you, Monsieur Steed.
I hope we won't have to trouble you again.
That's no trouble, lieutenant.
Thank you.
What happened to your queen? - Monsieur.
- Monsieur.
It was a terrible thing about Mr.
Meyer.
- Yes, terrible.
- I was a friend of his.
Were you, monsieur? That briefcase.
It wouldn't be Mr.
Meyer's, would it? - Yes, monsieur, it is.
- I'm so glad I bumped into you.
I've been most terribly worried.
He asked me to take it back to London for him.
- Did he, monsieur? - It was his last request.
He wanted me to take it to his family, and I It's a terrible thing.
I thought I might be able to help, save delays, formalities.
- That's very strange, monsieur.
- Why is that? You're the second Englishman in 20 minutes - who's offered to take charge of the briefcase.
- Really? May I ask why you and the other gentleman are so concerned? I can't answer for the other gentleman, but as far as I'm concerned, it contains business matters, but relating to Mr.
Meyer's family.
On the contrary, the briefcase contains nothing of importance.
Spare shirt, shaving kit.
Nothing his family could want in a hurry.
Absolutely astounded.
Mr.
Meyer was so insistent.
Oh, I completely recognize your position, lieutenant, but is it impossible for you to let me have this? I'm afraid so, monsieur.
Are you sure you can't stretch a point? I'm sorry.
I'll have to get on to the authorities in the morning.
- Yes, you do that, monsieur.
- Lieutenant.
Yeah.
- What did he want? - This.
Oh, yes, he was asking me about that.
Did you want me to give it to him? No, I don't.
I think I better lock this away for the night.
Good night, monsieur.
Good night.
Haven't you any respect for the dead? Tell me, what's got into you tonight, lieutenant? - No luck with the lottery? - I should've thought it was about time you got back to your hotel.
They'll be very pleased to see all the customers you've got.
Well, where's Mr.
Meyer? - He's dead.
- How? Heart attack, they think.
But you don't.
It hasn't got the right symptoms.
Cyanosing around the lips, enlargement of the pupils.
It must be something in the hex0barbitone group.
If he'd held on five seconds more, I could've got out of him where the package was.
- You mean you didn't get it? - No.
- He didn't have it on him? - Not as far as I could see.
It's not that easy to search a dead body in public, particularly as there was a rather sinister-looking German right next door to me seemed as interested in him as I was.
What about his luggage? He only had a briefcase.
It's in an office.
It won't be there long.
As soon as the light in that office is out, I'm off across the car park and in through the window.
Oh, incidentally, the customs officer told me that there was another Englishman after the briefcase as well.
An Englishman, a German.
How did the French get left out? The French provided me with my one ugly moment.
- You know that message I sent Meyer? - Mm-hmm.
The airport officials knew all about it.
Fortunately, they had a rather dim-witted official there.
Otherwise, the cat would've been amongst the pigeons.
Unable to meet you in Marseille, and there you are large as life.
- I'm not surprised.
- Well, it was in code.
I should get yourself a new code book.
Come on.
Haven't you got homes to go to? That's the lot receipts, bills of lading, all correct.
I've locked Meyer's briefcase in the cabinet.
Good.
Be glad to get home tonight, eh? You bet.
You coming? No.
I've got to initial these.
Look at the time.
I've got to be on again in the morning.
Ah, well.
Good night, Roland.
Good night.
Hello, Kelly.
Had a busy night? Why couldn't he have died somewhere else? - Kelly.
- Huh? - Look, put this in your pocket.
- What is it? - Bottle of hair restorer.
- What? I'm sorry I made fun of your hair earlier on.
- If this is a joke - It's a peace offering, Curly.
- Where'd you get it? - Meyer's bag.
- Meyer's? - Well, he won't be using it anymore.
For heaven's sake, don't flash it around.
Shouldn't have taken this.
Still, uh, well, uh thanks.
- You never know.
May do some good.
- Yes.
- And it is free.
- Yes.
Are you still here? Thought you were tired.
I'm just saying good night to Curly.
Yes, good night.
Good night.
Good night.
Poor Curly.
Doesn't like his routine interfered with, does he? You never know, the shock may work a miracle cure.
The light's out.
What are you waiting for? I'll give it another ten minutes.
Time to go.
I'll be off.
Be enough light from the flare pass.
(door closes) Start the engine.
Hit it as soon as I get back.
Hit what? (door slams) - Well? - Not a thing.
There's no package.
- You sure? - Of course I'm sure.
No false compartments.
Nothing in the lining.
Nothing in the backs of the hair brushes, in the soles of the slippers or between the pages of the books.
I squeezed out the tube of toothpaste and the tube of shaving cream - I'm emptied the fountain pen - All right, I'm very, very sorry.
- How do you like this? - A bit small.
Never.
You sure the bag didn't open in the office during the fight? Yep.
How do you feel now, by the way? I have a very stiff leg.
Luckily we landed against the filing cabinets and he was under me.
Yes, monsieur? Oh, mademoiselle.
We haven't quite decided yet.
That's rather pretty, don't you think? Yes.
Uh, have you got it in black? Black's so obvious.
Yes, isn't it? Do you think you killed him? - I didn't wait to examine.
- That's in character.
You really are in trouble if he's dead.
You don't have to tell me that.
What luck.
(telephone rings) Hello? Who? Oh, Monsieur Steed? Yes, mademoiselle, that's me.
Do you always arrange to take your calls in a lingerie department? If humanly possible.
It's a delightful store you have here, mademoiselle.
Thank you, monsieur.
You don't get stuff like this in England.
How sad for you, monsieur.
Mm.
Yes, I suppose it is.
(police whistle blows) - Yeah.
Steed.
- Steed? - Is that head office? - Yes.
That's head office, eh? Right.
I'm speaking loud 'cause I've got the most terrible line, but you know that consignment you asked me to deliver? I'm having export trouble with it.
Trouble? What sort of trouble? You could give me few details.
You know we've got our rivals there after the same property.
I see.
Well, it's a specimen tin of fruit juice.
Fruit juice? A new line we're trying from Shanghai.
Oh, yes, good old Shanghai.
How many competitors do we have? Oh, a couple so far.
Two.
Well, you must expect these little difficulties.
And, Steed Yes.
Let's have no more slip-ups.
Ah, my dear.
Thank you so much.
(sighs) Tin of fruit juice from Shanghai.
What is? The package.
And what does your code book make of that? The current issue says Shanghai means the Chinese rocket, the one there's been all the rumors of.
The one they've been testing in the Gobi desert.
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
The fruit juice is the fuel.
It's absolutely fantastic stuff.
Propellant 23 is the technical name.
Yes.
Well, anyway, Meyer was gonna take it home.
It's so confidential, they won't even let me know about it.
How wise.
Now, if it's a liquid, we're looking for a container of some kind.
Yes, I think it's safe to say that.
We know it's not in the briefcase, so it must've been somewhere on his person.
I think the airport police would've removed it from his person by now.
The obvious place to start looking is the airport.
Reasonable deduction.
It just has one snag.
After last night, I can't go back there.
- This is your big chance.
- I'm so glad.
Have you decided yet, monsieur? I'll take you, mademoiselle.
Yes, monsieur, and anything else? Oh, yes.
Yes.
Certainly.
I'll take ah.
I'll take this and these.
Thank you, monsieur.
Get down to the airport.
Ask questions, discreetly, of course.
No, you needn't bother to wrap them.
How much is it? 53 francs 30.
53 francs 30.
Fine.
You can take those.
Come in very handy in Kua You know, what's his name.
53.
30? - Yes.
- 53 Your coin money.
- Darling.
- No, Paul.
I'm sorry, but I'll lose my job if you're found here.
No, I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be on the plane.
- I'm not doing any harm.
- Yes.
You're upsetting the air hostess.
Now, Paul, let me finish my list.
You have another look for your lighter, then we can go.
I don't think there's much point anymore.
It doesn't seem to be here.
You were sitting on the other side.
Yes, I know, but I thought it might've slid or been kicked over here.
No luck? - Well, I'm afraid not.
- Never mind.
After this trip, the plane gets a thorough cleaning.
If your lighter turns up, I'll send it to you.
Maybe you won't need to.
I may still be in Marseilles.
Really? My business is taking longer than I expected.
- Glad? - Yes.
How long before you're off duty? I have to make a report at 12:00 about last night's business, - then I'm free.
- Fine.
Poor Monsieur Meyer.
We all thought he'd had a heart attack.
Do they know how he took the poison? No.
I suppose he had some pills.
Maybe he took it in his coffee.
Coffee? Coffee he drank before he collapsed.
Remember, you helped me carry the tray round.
Oh, so I did.
Captain Legros thinks they'll investigate it as a murder.
Why on earth should they do that? I think they always start off like that.
Thinking the worst of people? Who'd want to bump off Meyer? No one, of course.
Anyway, if it was poison, how would they give it to him? In his coffee? Well, that's it Well, I didn't do it.
I'm the only one who could've put it in his coffee.
I could've done it.
I suppose Robert will be a suspect, too, - and Captain Legros.
- Yeah.
Ah, so this is where it all happens.
That's silly, Monsieur Meyer obviously committed suicide.
Probably wasn't in his coffee, either.
There's a much better way.
- Oh? - Much more likely, too.
- What way? - The flask.
- What flask? - The flask he carried in his pocket.
Customs officer said nothing to me about a flask.
I saw it.
You weren't the only one who dropped something during the flight.
I wonder where it's got to.
It might be an important piece of evidence.
Perhaps he dropped it on the tarmac or in passenger lounge, could be anywhere.
Somebody's obviously picked it up.
Yes.
I wonder who'd know if it had been found.
- The police? - Yes, but anyone else? Laure.
She's a friend of mine.
- Laure? - The barmaid.
Ah, yes.
Or Curly, the airport policeman.
Or Jacques Tissot.
He's always hanging around the lounge.
He can't stop drinking.
If he found it, he'd probably drain it and sell it for another round.
- Would he? - Darling, we must go.
Oh, yes, of course.
I was waiting for you.
- I've got a phone call to make anyway.
- Okay.
- Morning, Laure.
- Morning.
- Coffee, please.
- And a packet of the usual? - Yes, please.
- You're early.
I thought you didn't come on till 12:00.
It's because of the robbery.
I have to make a statement to the police.
Why isn't Curly here? He was here, much earlier.
Grumbling because it was his day off.
Saying his health would suffer from lack of sleep.
That's right.
Hey, tell me, what happened last night? Cigarette? Excuse me.
Yes, madam? I'd like a packet of cigarettes, please.
- Certainly, madam, which sort? - Those will do.
Thank you, madam.
1.
85.
I think I'd like a cup of coffee, too, please.
Good morning.
Good morning, madam.
Thank you, madam.
Thank you.
I hear there must've been quite a fight last night.
I'll say, the place was in a terrible mess.
- What did the police say? - Oh, nothing as usual.
Except they're looking for an Englishman, someone called Steed.
Apparently Roland was speaking to him last night, and he was asking Roland to give him the briefcase belonging to Meyer.
You know, the passenger who killed himself.
I suppose the police think that Steed's the one who broke in because he wanted Meyer's briefcase.
- But why? - How should I know? Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing.
You say an Englishman was involved - in a fight last night? - That's right, madam.
- And the police can't find him? - Not yet, but they will.
Who was he fighting with? I have no idea, madam.
One of them was hurt, though.
- And he only took a briefcase.
- Apparently.
I suppose there was something very valuable in it.
Nothing at all.
I had to list the contents officially.
Well, excuse me, madam.
I must go.
Laure? Pierre.
- How much is that? - 3.
50.
There we are.
Oh, it's always the same.
I never get a chance to finish a cup of coffee.
Thank you.
Au revoir, madam.
Au revoir.
How much do I owe you? 3.
50, please, madam.
Thank you.
Oh, I I seem to have lost my cigarettes.
Are they in your bag, madam? No.
No, they're not.
They were here on the counter.
- Thank you.
- Oh, I know.
Pierre must've taken them by mistake.
His are the same brand.
I'll ring him for you.
Oh, no, don't bother.
Is that his office over there? - Yes, madam.
- I'll pop in and get them.
- Sure, madam? - Yes, thank you.
Come in.
Yes, madam? Oh, excuse me.
I think you picked up my cigarettes by mistake.
Oh, I'm very sorry, madam.
That's all right.
So, this is where it all happened.
Yes.
Of course, we've tidied up a bit by now.
And the briefcase was in here? Yes.
You can see where they forced the lock.
Yes.
And poor Monsieur Meyer poisoned himself.
Well, it begins to look a bit like it.
Do you think the poison was in the briefcase? Oh, no, there was no poison there.
Nothing that a poison could've been in? A bottle, for instance? A bottle.
Oh, no, madam, there was no bottle there.
- Are you certain? - Pierre.
I think that's a matter for the police, don't you, madam? Yes, I suppose it is.
Would you mind letting me have your name, please? Gale.
Catherine Gale.
I was only concerned about the poison.
- Why? - Seems to me a bit dangerous to have a bottle of poison lying around.
I'm sure there's no need for you to concern yourself about that, madam.
I'm sorry, monsieur, I seem to have taken up - rather a lot of your time.
- Not at all.
Before you go, would you mind giving me the name of your hotel? - My hotel? - Yes, your hotel.
Hotel Des Saints Peres.
Hotel Des Saints Peres.
Thank you, madam.
- Good day.
- Good day, madam.
Good day.
(dials telephone) Who you ringing? The police.
I find the lady's anxiety curious, and it will be of interest to the police.
All this talk of a bottle.
No use.
I can't help worrying.
He's always here to meet every plane.
What can have happened to him? Oh, Laure, you're so weak, bothering about a man like that.
No.
There's a lot of good in Jacques.
I know, if only he had someone to look after him.
What can have happened to him? He's going to lose his job.
You really are worried about him, aren't you? Yes.
Don't tell me you've fallen in love with him.
And why not? All right, Laure, what do you want me to do? Look, Janette, this is one of his cards.
The hotel where he works.
He has a room there.
Please, will you go and see if he's all right? It's by Saint Honoré.
It's not very attractive.
I have to make my report to this meeting soon.
But it's not till 12:00, is it? If you take a taxi, I will give you the money.
You could be back long before then.
Please, Janette.
Who else can I ask? I can't leave the bar.
I know he's got himself into some kind of trouble.
All right.
Oh, thank you.
Bless you.
Don't bless me.
I'm not doing you much of a favor, not with the type like Jacques.
- Excuse me.
- Yes, madam.
I've lost something, and I wondered if you could help me.
What have you lost, madam? It's rather difficult to describe.
It's a bottle.
Have you tried our lost property department, madam? Yes, I have, but they suggested that I come to you because I think I must have lost it around here.
What was in this bottle, some sort of drink? Well, a sort of alcohol, yes.
I suppose Jacques could've found your bottle.
Jacques? Jacques who? Jacques Tissot.
He works one of the hotels.
Why should you think he might have it? He's not a thief or anything like that, but if your bottle contained cognac or some sort of drink, he wouldn't be able to resist it.
- He wouldn't steal anything else.
- Look, where can I find him? - He hasn't come on duty.
- Is he ill? If he's found a bottle, he'll be drunk or with one of his hangovers.
If he drinks that stuff, he'll have a hangover all right.
What's his address? You are the second person who has asked me that question.
I know he has done something wrong.
Who was the first, a policeman? No, an Englishman.
This Jacque Tissot, I must find him.
Where is he? Here is his address.
He works for this hotel.
He has a room there.
- It's got the phone number? - It's no use ringing the hotel.
They refuse to fetch him.
I've tried three times, and they put the phone down.
Hotel Excelsior.
32 Rue Gallieni.
Right.
Hurry, Steed, if he drinks that stuff, it'll tear his insides out.
Okay, what else did you find out? - You didn't kill that man.
- Well, that's a relief.
But the police are out looking for you.
Now hurry.
All right.
Hey, by the way, how do you spell it? What? Excelsior? No.
Koana de Judg I can't even pronounce it.
- Oh, Mrs.
Gale.
- Yes? - Mrs.
Gale, how did you guess about the bottle? - What? You knew all the time there was a bottle in that briefcase.
- Oh, well, I had an idea.
- I didn't think it'd matter.
It was only a bottle of hair restorer.
Hair restorer? What did you do with it? I gave it to Lieutenant Leclerc.
You see, he's almost bald.
I thought I'd be doing him a good turn.
- Where is he? - He's off duty today, madam.
- He'd be at home probably.
- What's his phone number? He hasn't got one, I'm afraid, madam.
Look, I hope you won't tell him what I did No, it's doesn't matter.
What's his address? I have no idea.
They could tell you at the main gate probably.
I know it was stupid of me to take the bottle, but I knew Monsieur Meyer wouldn't be using it anymore, and well, I thought I'd be doing somebody a good turn.
(knock on door) Lieutenant Leclerc? (knocking) Lieutenant Leclerc? Lieutenant? Madam.
Oh.
May I ask what you're doing here? Lieutenant Leclerc? Uh, yes, yes, but I repeat What are you doing here? I'm terribly sorry to intrude like this, lieutenant.
I do have a very good reason for being here.
Oh, yes.
See, I was at the airport when that unfortunate man died.
It's really rather a long story.
I suppose I better begin at the beginning after I put my cigarettes I know I had them here somewhere.
I was told Lieutenant Leclerc was bald.
Now turn around.
Paul.
Hello, darling.
- What are you doing here? - Jacques invited me over.
- How do you know Jacques? - We just got talking.
If it comes to that, What are you doing here? I came to see why Jacques wasn't at the airport.
I have no idea.
Does it matter? You've turned this place into a mess.
It wasn't much to begin with.
I was looking for some cigarettes.
Where is Jacques? He went to get some wine.
You were searching the room, weren't you? I told you, I wanted a cigarette.
It was something else you were looking for.
It was the flask.
In the plane, I thought you were interested in it.
- Why would I be interested in a flask? - Yes, why? Listen, darling, you're getting worked up over nothing.
Aren't you meant to be at a meeting? I have to make my report at 12:00.
You'd better hurry.
You haven't got much time.
Look, I'll drive you back.
No.
I want to know what you're doing here.
Darling, we'll talk about it sensibly over lunch.
I know exactly where I'm gonna to take you, and afterwards, we can go back to my hotel.
- No, I can't.
- What do you mean? The police want to talk to me about Monsieur Meyer's death.
I got a message just as I was leaving.
It probably won't take long.
What if I tell them about the flask? Well, I think you should.
You saw Meyer with it.
What if I tell them I found you here? Darling, you don't want to cause a lot of misunderstanding and trouble.
Then tell me what you're doing here! I told you, Jacques asked me over for a drink.
- You don't know him.
- Of course I do.
- I don't believe you.
- Then ask him.
I will.
And I suppose you'll believe that drunk rather than me.
Yes.
Oh, darling.
Hello? Did you get in the lieutenant's room? Yes, easily.
- Any luck? - No.
There was a bottle there which contained the propellant, - but it was empty.
- Empty? Yes.
It was labeled "hair restorer.
" I wonder if that policeman has used it.
There were two containers, so there's still the flask.
Ah, yes.
There was a woman there with a gun.
She jumped me.
- Who was she? - Don't know.
- She after it, too? - I think so.
- English.
- She's probably with Steed then.
And we don't have to worry about him.
I've arranged a reception for him at Tissot's.
He won't find anything there, but she may know where the stuff is.
Mm.
But Ahem - What do we do? - You stay here.
There's a good chance she'll show up.
If she does, follow her and contact me.
Oh, yes, yes.
And thank you.
Goodbye.
Oh.
I'm so sorry to keep you waiting.
That's quite all right.
Tissot.
Jacques Tissot.
Monsieur Steed? Yeah.
You are to come with me to the police station for questioning about a robbery at the airport last night.
- A robbery? - Yes, monsieur.
- Take a look around.
- How'd you know I was here? We received a telephone call.
Who made the telephone call? I'm not at liberty to disclose that information.
Oh, come now, won't do any harm.
Was it an Englishman? It was, wasn't it? All right, all right.
Oh, if you find a bottle of cognac there, it's mine.
What are you doing in this room, monsieur? Communing with nature.
Come on, let's go.
Hey, come back! Hello, Jacques.
Very good, very good.
Drink? Not when I'm working.
Hurry up and finish, then.
Oh, I've got another 50 to do.
Here, go easy.
Well, who'd have a baker for a friend? I just want some left for me, that's all.
Oh, never you mind about that.
I've got the real stuff here.
And when we finish that, we can start on this, huh? - (speaks French) - Where is it? Oh, no, he won't be there because he owes them money.
Anywhere else? I don't think so, no.
- Are you certain? - Yes.
It's terribly important.
Try and Oh, no, he told me about a new friend, Jean Martin, a baker.
His place is his place is in the Cloutier District.
- Don't you know the address? - No, but you could ask someone.
Jean Martin, Cloutier District.
Right.
Only another four batches.
Good.
Now have a drink.
Yes, I will.
Here's to bread, eh? Well, now I'll pour it.
(inhales) Here, have a sniff.
Are you sure it's all right? Of course it is.
- (knocking) Jean Martin! - Yes.
- Is Jacques Tissot there? - Yes.
Yes, he is.
Thank you, monsieur.
What a delicious smell.
- Are you Jacques Tissot? - Yes.
- Where's the bottle? - What bottle? - I don't know what you're talking about.
- This is it all right.
But this isn't.
There must be another bottle.
- Excuse me, monsieur.
- Please, monsieur.
Ah.
Always had a taste for these.
I'm terribly sorry.
But what are you looking for, monsieur? I'm not quite sure.
Hold on.
Nothing here at the moment.
We're very sorry to interrupt.
Could you reserve six of these for me? Where's that bottle? I don't know what you're talking about.
You'll tell me, won't you, Tissot? All right, over there.
Mr.
Steed, isn't it? Yes, where was it, Lord's, Henley, the Royal Enclosure? - I don't think we've met.
- No.
I wouldn't do that, Mrs.
Gale.
Siebel, over there.
All right, Steed.
I didn't quite catch your name.
Keep moving.
Get your hands up.
Your feet back.
You might leave the cigarettes, old boy.
Now you.
You know what to do.
All right, turn around.
Watch them.
Now where's the flask? - I don't know.
- Where's the flask? If you shoot me, you'll never find out.
Quite right, but there are other ways to make you talk.
(groans) Let him go, Steed.
There's the flask.
Pick it up, Siebel.
That's it.
Over there by the stairs.
After you, my dear.
Oh.
Ooh.
Oh, my knee.
Don't worry about your knee.
Keep moving.
I think I nearly broke it.
Ha.
"Fruit juice.
" I thought that you didn't like that there black.
You're full of surprises, aren't you? So were the ladies of Paris.
He isn't dead.
How is Tissot? Oh, he's much better, thank you.
Monsieur talked to him for a little while.
Not for long because he was very tired.
He says he'll never touch another drop as long as he lives.
I'll believe that when I see it.
Give him my regards when you see him again.
Thank you.
I will.
- What's the matter with you? - Curly's just come on duty.
- Well? - He's in a bit of a state.
- Where is he? - Who? Pierre.
How dare you? He gave me a bottle of hair restorer.
- Restorer? - Restorer.
Look at this.
Not a hair left.
I was doing so well.
Oh.
Woman over P.
A.
: Mesdames et messieurs, this is the final announcement Steed.
Steed, you've forgotten the package.
Package.
Not the fruit juice.
- No, not that one.
- Oh, that dear fellow.
- Will you have one? - No, thank you.
They're terrific.
Oh, better go.
Give my love to Koana de Jour.
- Keningau.
- Yeah, that's right.
Bye! (theme music playing)