The Saint (1962) s01e04 Episode Script
The Covetous Headsman
1 (PA) 'Attention, please.
'This is the last call to passengers 'for Pan American flight 114 for Paris.
' Any time I fly anywhere I wonder who will sit next to me.
This flight from New York to Paris takes seven hours.
It can seem like seven days, unless you're lucky enough to be sitting next to someone absolutely fascinating.
Today I feel lucky.
This trip I know she will be absolutely gorgeous.
(Hostess) In there.
It takes longer to get from New Jersey to Idlewild than to get from Idlewild to Paris.
What's more, I know I'm gonna be airsick all the way across.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
Your seat is 23A.
Oh, for heaven's sake! Can't anybody get anything right these days?! You're here, Miss North.
Thank you.
(PA) 'Attention, please.
Will passengers fasten' As we're sitting together for seven hours, perhaps I should introduce myself.
That's not really necessary.
I saw your name on the passenger list.
You're famous.
You're Simon Templar.
So, you haven't seen or heard from your brother in 20 years? No.
Not since we were kids.
Where were you born? -Paris.
We lived there until 1940.
When the Germans arrived.
-Yes.
My father was determined for Charles and I to leave, but he couldn't come with us, so he sent us off to an old friend.
We were just children.
-Now you've found your brother.
Well, the Norths did try from time to time, but without any success.
So, last month I thought I'd try just once more.
I put in an ad in all the Paris newspapers.
And Charles answered? -Yes.
Isn't it wonderful? And he wrote to me and we exchanged snapshots I'll show you.
He'd assumed I was dead.
Now in five hours I'm going to see him.
He's meeting you at Orly? -Yes.
I expect you're nervous.
-I am a bit.
He'll be a stranger.
We don't even have the same name any more.
Hmm? What's his? -Brione Charles Brione.
De Charles Brione, 32 Rue Azoute, Paris 14ème.
No letter.
-No, Inspector.
Just the envelope.
Postmarked Nassau.
-Oui.
A week ago.
Well, what do you know about him? His body was found in the Seine two hours ago.
A knife had completely savaged the left ventricle.
A record, perhaps? -No, Inspector.
He worked as a clerk at a shipping company in the Rue de Rivoli.
Personal possessions? -A wallet, keys, identity card, 500 francs and this envelope.
Oh, and the photograph of a girl, signed "love, Valerie".
Inspector This line around the neck like a piece of black string Why? -I don't know.
Let's take a look at where he lived.
(Doorbell) You are Madame Duras? -Oui.
My name is Quercy.
Police.
-Police? Oh! You have my sympathy, monsieur (!) You have a boarder, M Charles Brione.
Why always do the police ask the questions when they already know the answer? Since 20 years, I am concierge here and never have the police asked one question which they couldn't answer themselves.
Silence, madame.
-"You are Madame Duras.
" "You have a boarder, Charles Brione.
" Stupidity follow you around like a little dog.
Zut! Be quiet, you old bag.
I intend to see his room.
I do not want to argue with you.
If the gas meters you wish to inspect, they are in the cellar.
I have been robbing them for years.
If you bully an old bag like me, they will make you chief inspector.
Chief Inspector of Old Bags.
(Cackles) Voilà , this is his room.
Merci, madame.
You may leave us.
So you can steal his things, eh? Ecoute! Va t'en! Allez! Allez! - (Mutters curses in French) Charles, darling, I Oh! Who are you? We are police officers.
But why? Where is Charles? Is something wrong? Are you a friend of M Brione's, mademoiselle? Claval.
Josie Claval.
Of course, we are friends, Charles and I.
When did you last see him? -Last night.
He came to the club.
What club? -Le Bal Noir.
I sing there.
How long have you known him? -Three months.
Since I came here.
Do you know if he was writing to anybody in the Bahamas? But, yes.
His sister.
His sister? Would this be her? Yes, it is.
Charles showed me the photograph many times.
It's strange.
Brother and sister, but not even the same name.
She was adopted by English people.
Twice in five minutes I've climbed those stairs for a pair of cops! This cable just arrived for M Brione.
The exercise, madame, has not improved your manners.
Salaud! Er "Confirming arrival, Orly Airport, 10:50am.
Love, Valerie.
" Monsieur, please.
I beg of you.
Is something wrong? Is Charles in trouble? Mademoiselle, I suggest you sit down.
You too, madame.
If that chair can take you.
Charles Brione's body was found two hours ago.
He was murdered.
Paris.
This Mademoiselle North She will be on this flight? You read the letter to her brother.
Any sign of him? -Not yet.
We are a few minutes early.
-Yes.
I'll leave you to have your reunion in private.
You've been very kind.
Thank you.
-My pleasure.
Incidentally, as we're staying at the same hotel, I'd like to call you.
Maybe you both would have dinner? -I'd like that.
Fine.
Till then? -Goodbye.
Inspector Quercy, how nice to see you! Ah, M Templar! How very nice to see you provided you have come to France only as a tourist.
Now, what does that mean? - (Chuckles) There are servants of the Republic, of whom I am one, whose job is to concern themselves with crime.
We do not allow private individuals to take over duties of the police.
Nor do we permit anyone to administer his own interpretation of justice.
Furthermore, I must warn you that here under the Code Napoleon.
-Napoleon, we have not the advantage that you have in England and America.
There you are innocent -until proven guilty.
Here I'm guilty until proven innocent.
That will be my attitude.
Inspector, I'm in Paris only for the food, the wine and beautiful women.
-Ah, good.
Let it remain so.
I have absolutely no intention of giving you any trouble so far.
Isn't that your perpetual shadow, Sergeant Luduc? Excuse me, I have a rather unpleasant task.
Inspector, does it involve Valerie North? Do you know her? I've been sitting next to her on the plane for seven hours.
Come with me.
My shoulder is too old and hard for a woman to cry on.
Ah! They're turning into l'Avenue de Colisé.
Obviously.
You suppose she's wearing it? -Yes, like her brother.
Mademoiselle, should you remember some time anything in your brother's letters that could help us, you can always reach me at this number.
Mademoiselle, I know these things do happen.
One wonders whether there is any goodness left anywhere in the world.
But in his wisdom le Bon Dieu, he Well, I'm very, very sorry.
And you will not forget what I said at the airport.
Scout's honour.
Au revoir, mademoiselle.
-Goodbye.
I just can't believe this has happened.
Who did it? Why? I have no idea.
-It's so terrible knowing nothing.
Do you think Charles was in trouble? The Inspector told me he had no police record.
Oh, I don't know what to do.
Stay here? Go home? Valerie.
Come here.
Look.
They call it the City of Light.
Glittering, stimulating, exciting and waiting.
Not for me.
I'd like to help you.
But you hardly know me.
Why should you bother? I never intend running into trouble.
Trouble has the propensity of running into me.
Let's say I can never resist a challenge.
You mean we should try and find out why Charles died? Exactly.
-Where do we start? May I make a suggestion? -Of course.
This place has one of the finest bars in Paris.
(# Band plays) Salut.
(Sighs) I needed that.
You'll feel even better after a Parisian lunch.
I'll take you to Maxim's.
-Wonderful.
I'll have to change.
Not until you finish your drink.
Please, excuse me.
You are, I believe, Miss North.
Yes, I am.
My name is Georges Olivant.
I'm an old friend of your father.
(Valerie) You knew my father? (Olivant) We fought together in the Résistance.
Won't you join us? I'm Simon Templar.
Enchanté, monsieur.
Just for a moment.
I do not want to intrude.
I read about your trip to Paris, so naturally, I tried to find you.
M Olivant did you know Charles? Alas, no, mademoiselle.
I was in Belgium when I read about your reunion with your brother.
I came to Paris as soon as possible to find him, only to read in the papers about his death.
We can only hope the police find his murderer.
However, I place myself at your disposition.
I will be only too happy.
Perhaps you would care to have dinner with me tomorrow evening.
Yes, I'd like that.
Thank you.
-Good.
Then I shall be here at 8:00.
Will you have a drink, monsieur? Thank you.
A Campari and soda.
- (Simon) Garçon! I have so much to tell you about your father and what he did for the Résistance.
To think that I have not seen you since you were such a little girl.
Uh, Campari and soda.
-Thank you.
Is this your first trip to Paris? -Yes.
But I haven't seen the city.
Just my hotel room.
Valerie? Monsieur Olivant? You say your home is in Brussels? -Oh, no, no, no.
But I go on business two, three times a month.
I'm going to Brussels myself next Friday.
I'll be at the Royale.
Do you know it? An excellent hotel.
-Do you know it well? Mais, bien sûr.
I stayed there myself only last week.
Valerie, we should be going.
I haven't finished my drink.
-Let's go.
Would you pass me my cigarette case, please? Mister Templar, I do not understand.
Is there anything wrong? Very wrong.
And Miss North will not be having dinner with you tomorrow.
The minute we shook hands I had a hunch about him.
I have a built-in Geiger counter that reacts to frauds.
How could you be sure? -I'm positive.
He said he stayed at the Royale last week.
Well? -The Royale burned down months ago.
I see.
But why should he lie? I have no idea.
Maybe we can figure it out over lunch.
I'll call you in five minutes.
-All right.
(Screams) (Valerie) Operator! (Valerie) Hello? Operator! Hello? Police! Police! We must get the police quickly! I'm sorry.
I did my best.
Are you sure she was wearing it? -Yes.
On a chain like the brother? -Around the neck.
Then follow her.
Do not let her out of your sight until you get it.
Otherwise, no payment.
Understand? -Yes.
And this man Templar, he must be watched.
But be careful.
He's a very dangerous man.
And Kaplan Do not fail again.
Ah, mon petit bébé.
I always feed you.
And you always want to peck me.
Look, mon petit bébé.
Oh, no, you would not eat this.
This is worth a lot of money.
And soon I shall have another one just like it.
(Simon) He tried to tear it off.
(Valerie) Yes.
First, I was too frightened to realise what was happening.
But as soon as he saw the medal, he started clawing at the chain.
I don't get it.
Why all that trouble for a St Christopher you can buy anywhere for 20 francs? I don't understand it either.
What's this mark, the indentation above the head? I don't know.
It's always been there.
When did you get it? -My father made it.
Made it? -He was a silversmith and jeweller.
I remember he gave it to me the night I left Paris.
A jeweller, eh? Was he rich? Even if he was, the Nazis confiscated everything.
He was Jewish.
Did Charles have one of these? He didn't say anything in his letters.
What got you into the papers? Olivant seemed to know a lot about you.
When Charles answered the ad, the editor of the paper gave us a lot of space.
You know Human interest story - brother and sister to be reunited after 20 years.
So anyone reading Paris papers would know about the Brione family.
I suppose so.
Where did Charles live? -32, Rue Azoute.
May I keep this for a while? -Of course.
I'm afraid we're going to have to postpone our sightseeing tour.
I'm beginning to get an idea.
-Any way I can help? Stay in your room until I get back.
Have lunch and dinner sent up.
And insist on having two room service waiters.
Why? -I think you're in grave danger.
Promise me that you won't as much as put your nose outside the door.
(Sighs) All right.
Where are you going? -To see an old friend of mine.
I worked with him during the Résistance.
He was a very brave man.
He gave Himmler's hatchet men even more ulcers than bullets.
Now, remember your promise.
Bonjour, monsieur.
Puis-je vous aider? You have a copy of the poems of François Villon? I'm sorry, monsieur.
Today there is no demand for old books.
But where are the snows of yesteryear? Simon! -Antoine.
It's good to see you.
Simon! My dear boy.
What brings you back? After all these years.
Like always, Antoine.
I need your help.
You have it! You ever heard of a man named Georges Olivant? Olivant? What does he do? According to him, he worked in the Résistance.
Hmm? Olivant? The Résistance, you say? Well, there were so many of us.
It is long ago.
No, I do not recall his name.
If he was in the Résistance, he was probably also with the Gestapo.
Many of them are traitors, of course, but most of them changed their names.
I have a set of his prints on this.
You think you could get them checked? I still have some friends at the Palais de Justice.
You'll keep it quiet.
Like a tomb.
-How long will it take? If his prints are on file, you can have everything you want by 11:00.
Antoine, you haven't changed a bit.
Is there anything else I can do? Yes, do you by any chance have a doctor friend with a microscope? It is done.
Fine.
I'll see you at 11:00.
Ah, Simon The memories, eh? And all so long ago.
You were so brave.
And so very, very young.
I'll see you later.
A toute à l'heure, mon vieux.
(Knock at door) Who is it? -It's Victor Quercy, police.
Have you any news? -No, I'm afraid not.
I have talked to every guest and employee.
No one saw this man.
However, we are not giving up.
I'd like you to come to the Préfecture and see some photographs.
A sort of rogues' gallery? Oh, men who have had convictions for hotel burglary.
Can you come now? I promised Mr Templar I wouldn't leave this room.
Why? -He thinks I'm in danger.
I give you my guarantee that you will be adequately protected en route and that Sergeant Luduc will drive you back here himself.
Well, in that case I would not do this for everyone.
I still have my principles.
-You have more than that, madame.
Bonjour, Madame Duras.
-Huh! Excusez-moi, monsieur.
-Why not? Glamour by gaslight and a bushel of hips.
Who is she? She was born in the tumbling poverty of the back streets of Paris.
Now she is a singer at Le Bal Noir.
Obviously, you can see why.
What's her name? Josie Claval.
She was the girlfriend of Charles Brione.
(Mme Duras) This is his room.
You may look for five minutes.
No more.
What was he like? -Ah, he was un bon garçon.
Did he ever mention his sister? Monsieur, even an old bag like me can squeeze a tear for such a story.
Mademoiselle North, n'est-ce pas? I'm sorry, Inspector.
The man who broke into my room isn't here.
Well, as the Americans say, it was the old college try.
Thank you for coming.
I'm afraid I wasn't much help.
-Not at all.
In a day or two, I shall return your brother's effects.
And our Sergeant Luduc will drive you back to the hotel.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
-Au revoir, mademoiselle.
Imagine! After 20 years they find each other and now this poor boy is dead.
Yes, it is a tragedy.
And the police can do nothing.
I'm afraid the police are out of their depths.
Out of their depths! Monsieur, they are like a school of whales at the Folies Bergère.
Madame Duras? Do you know by any chance how long ago this was taken? Oui.
Some weeks ago, during the hot spell.
Of course, for that one, always it is the hot spell.
Do you think I could take it with me? Monsieur, will it help? -I think so.
Bien, it is yours.
-Merci, madame.
Inspector, it's a simple question.
Was there a St Christopher medal amongst Charles Brione's effects? There was not.
Was there by any chance a mark around his neck? You knew about that? I suspected it.
-Why? Well, I think it was made by the chain of a medal biting into his flesh when it was torn off his neck.
I don't understand.
What possible value is there to a St Christopher medal? I don't know either.
But it's what that character was after in Valerie North's hotel room.
Are you getting anywhere with that? -We're working on it.
You might help us by looking through some photographs.
Miss North couldn't and she saw hundreds.
Valerie was here? -Yes, she just left.
Alone? -Of course not.
I'm not a complete idiot, Mr Templar.
Sergeant Luduc is driving her to her hotel in a police car.
You see, mademoiselle.
I need money.
More than most people.
I do not only enjoy these beautiful things.
I need them in here for the benefit of my soul.
But what do you want with me? Why am I here? I shall explain.
I have this one.
I must have the other one also.
Did that belong to Charles? -Yes.
You killed him! -It was the only way to get this.
You-you killed him for a medal.
They were keepsakes.
My father gave them to us when we were children.
I don't understand! I intend to get yours as well.
Where is it? I gave it to Mr Templar.
He asked for it.
Just handed it over? Where is he? -I don't know.
Is he staying at your hotel? -He's out somewhere.
Then we shall have to find him.
# Je suis toute seule, lonely am I # Without you # Je ne sais pas pourquoi # Je ne sais pas, dites-moi # What have I done? Where have you gone? # Without me # Yes, I still recall # Les jours si pleins de joie # But now j'ai mal au coeur # J'ai mal au coeur # Comment ça va with you? # How was it, friends, with you? # Je suis toute seule # Lonely am I # Without You (Applause) Good evening.
Have we met, monsieur? We came rather close to it this afternoon, with Madame Duras.
Ah, yes.
Will you join me for some champagne? Well, um thank you.
How well did you know Charles Brione? Why are you so interested? I'm a friend of his sister's.
I'm trying to find out how he died.
Do you remember him having one of these? No, I do not.
It's funny.
I thought you might have noticed it.
No.
I saw a photograph of him taken with you.
He was wearing one then.
You mean the one on the beach? -Yes.
I would very much like to have this, monsieur, as something to remember him by.
I'm afraid this one is his sister's.
Oh.
I think I know something that the police do not.
I've been afraid to tell anyone.
Maybe we can see each other afterwards.
I'd like that very much.
I have another show at midnight.
Then I'm free.
We'll have champagne in my room.
-Fine.
I have something to do first.
I will looking forward to that.
But I tell you he has it with him.
Listen, after my last show, he is coming home with me.
Have Mario and Kaplan waiting in my home.
Josie Josie, you talk like a fool.
Wait.
Listen to me.
He will not come back from this errand he speaks of.
He knows what the medal is worth.
Listen.
You will follow him.
And when he settles, you'll ring me back here.
He is leaving now.
Oui.
Oui, oui.
(Bells chime) Well, Antoine.
Any luck? Simon, it is incredible.
Like the answer to a prayer.
-What is? It is not the fashion now to let the memories of wartime tear one's heart with hate.
But I am old.
I do not forget.
Simon, the fingerprints on your cigarette case belong to a man we used to call the headsman - Henri Flandin.
Flandin? I thought he was dead.
No.
He went to prison for eight years as a collaborator.
He came out.
He changed his name.
We lost him.
Here.
Look for yourself.
Eight years for the murder of 27 men.
A betrayal of the very heart of France.
And for money! Oh, Simon.
Ever since that night of the drop, I have dreamed of finding this man.
When he came out of prison, Finistère and I and another - he is a high official now - we swore that one day we would find this man and kill him.
Georges OlivantHenri Flandin.
From jail to riches.
Yes, on the blood money paid to him by the Germans.
Safely hidden away before he went to prison.
Simon, do you know where this man is? Yes.
Now, just a moment.
First things first.
I came here to look at this.
-Oh, of course.
Do you have a stronger light? Yes, there is a lamp in the office.
I followed him from Le Bal Noir to 17 Place Lussac on the Left Bank.
It is a bookstore.
A bookstore? At this hour? I see.
And you? The bistro across the street.
Good.
Mario and Kaplan will be there.
And you have done very well.
A bookstore.
17, Place Lussac.
You know what to do.
Be patient, mon petit bébé.
Soon we shall be very rich again.
Carving the Lord's Prayer on the head of a pin is nothing compared to this.
Here.
Take a look.
(Gasps) It is fantastic! I can see it now.
Valerie and Charles Brione were little more than babies.
The Germans were marching on Paris and old Eli Brione was too disheartened to run away.
Or too proud.
-Perhaps.
But he wanted to leave something to his children.
Cash or jewellery would have been taken away from them.
He had to leave them something the invaders couldn't touch.
The children were too young to remember or even understand anything he might tell them.
But he had to leave them a message they would understand some day.
A message the Germans couldn't destroy.
It is amazing.
A message on paper was no good.
A tattoo might have done.
But Eli Brione was a jeweller.
And he found a jeweller's solution.
Can't you just see him? Carving the most important achievement of his engraver's art.
Ingenious and foolproof.
A message on a medal because it was indestructible.
Silver because gold might have attracted a thief.
A St Christopher because no one would stoop so low as to take a religious medal from a child.
Then it would be treasured more carefully.
Which it was.
Antoine, I must go.
I've work to do.
Simon This Olivant.
You must let us deal with him.
Finistère and I and, uh, our other friend.
Antoine, forget the old hate.
Olivant murdered Charles Brione.
The law will take care of him.
-He murdered 27 men.
The law gave him eight years.
-It was a long time ago.
It is now to me.
We three must deal with this man.
You and Finistère and who else? We never met him.
He is known as "Number 12".
Now he is a famous man in Paris.
Because of his position, he cannot avenge himself publicly.
Simon.
Once you obeyed me without question.
Why will you not obey me once more? You should let the police deal with it.
It will be the same in the end.
Je vous en prie.
All right.
First I have to get the other medal.
Give me a ten minute start.
After that he's all yours.
Back up.
And you, too.
The medal.
Where is it? No idea.
-The girl gave it to you.
Did she? -She told us.
We have her.
I want it.
Where is it? -It's in a book.
Which one? -A book of poems by François Villon.
Simon! It is years.
-What does he mean? Answer me.
He means nothing.
I'll get it.
The right one.
-Yes, I know.
Where's the girl? -Where you won't find her.
Now, where is she? Don't.
She's with Olivant.
Villa Pressage, Rue du Nord, St Cloud.
Antoine, you still have the cellar? Everything is the same.
Even the bookcase worked.
Fine.
Right, move, you two.
Antoine, take care of them.
(Rings) Hello.
When? Where? And Kaplan? -I don't know what happened.
He just left in your car.
-I see.
Perhaps it is better this way.
Much better.
Do not worry.
I think, mademoiselle, we are about to have a visitor.
Your friend Mr Templar is saving me a lot of trouble.
He's bringing the medal here himself.
I'm always prepared to move quickly.
(Doorbell) I hope you'll use your charm, mademoiselle, to convince Mr Templar to give me the medal peacefully.
Otherwise Well? Shall we answer the door? Open it, mademoiselle.
Valerie, are you all right? -Yes.
That'll be far enough.
Well, what do we have here? A shopping expedition? Bag packed.
Switzerland? -Mr Templar, we can come to an agreement.
-You shut up.
I'll do the talking.
There's one more piece in this puzzle I have to fit into place.
Valerie When your father gave you the medal, did he say anything about it? Did he tell you to look for any kind of message? Simon, I was just a kid.
Where's the medal you killed Charles Brione for? Come on! Does the name Henri Flandin mean anything to you? He was a friend of my father's.
Where is he now? Dead, I suppose.
You're looking at him.
(Valerie) Monsieur Olivant?! Henri Flandin.
Traitor, collaborator.
He betrayed your father to the Nazis.
That is a lie! You were Eli Brione's best friend.
He told you about the message on those medals and you swore to find his children and tell them.
How do you know that? Do you remember the night of the drop? I paid my debt.
Eight years in prison as a collaborator? I served my sentence.
There are three men who don't think it was quite enough.
Once there were 30 men, waiting in a clearing in the woods before dawn.
They had flashlights hooked up to an car battery to guide a plane.
The first parachute drop from the Free French Government in Britain.
Machine guns, pistols, ammunition.
The men crossed the clearing to pick up the supplies.
Suddenly, the woods were full of storm troopers.
In a hail of bullets, 27 of those men fell dead.
Why? Because he betrayed them.
Simon, how do you know all this? The man I went to see this afternoon had his fingerprints checked.
There's no doubt about it.
Georges Olivant is Henri Flandin.
(Doorbell) Let them in.
Them? (Simon) The three who escaped.
(Quercy) I'll take that gun, Mr Templar.
Quercy! I didn't expect you.
-Didn't you? You were one of the three that night? I still have a bullet in my hip.
-He is Number 12.
(Squawks) He is rich even dead.
(Parrot squawks) Poor father.
I wish I could have known him.
This is what he engraved on the medals.
"I, Eli Brione, bequeath to the bearer "of whom this shall be sufficient identification "one half of the 500.
000 francs on deposit in my name "in account number 48976 at the Swiss National Bank in Geneva.
" It's 100.
000 dollars.
I wish Charles could have shared it.
Try not to think too much about that.
Think of the future.
Yes, of course.
To the future, then?
'This is the last call to passengers 'for Pan American flight 114 for Paris.
' Any time I fly anywhere I wonder who will sit next to me.
This flight from New York to Paris takes seven hours.
It can seem like seven days, unless you're lucky enough to be sitting next to someone absolutely fascinating.
Today I feel lucky.
This trip I know she will be absolutely gorgeous.
(Hostess) In there.
It takes longer to get from New Jersey to Idlewild than to get from Idlewild to Paris.
What's more, I know I'm gonna be airsick all the way across.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
Your seat is 23A.
Oh, for heaven's sake! Can't anybody get anything right these days?! You're here, Miss North.
Thank you.
(PA) 'Attention, please.
Will passengers fasten' As we're sitting together for seven hours, perhaps I should introduce myself.
That's not really necessary.
I saw your name on the passenger list.
You're famous.
You're Simon Templar.
So, you haven't seen or heard from your brother in 20 years? No.
Not since we were kids.
Where were you born? -Paris.
We lived there until 1940.
When the Germans arrived.
-Yes.
My father was determined for Charles and I to leave, but he couldn't come with us, so he sent us off to an old friend.
We were just children.
-Now you've found your brother.
Well, the Norths did try from time to time, but without any success.
So, last month I thought I'd try just once more.
I put in an ad in all the Paris newspapers.
And Charles answered? -Yes.
Isn't it wonderful? And he wrote to me and we exchanged snapshots I'll show you.
He'd assumed I was dead.
Now in five hours I'm going to see him.
He's meeting you at Orly? -Yes.
I expect you're nervous.
-I am a bit.
He'll be a stranger.
We don't even have the same name any more.
Hmm? What's his? -Brione Charles Brione.
De Charles Brione, 32 Rue Azoute, Paris 14ème.
No letter.
-No, Inspector.
Just the envelope.
Postmarked Nassau.
-Oui.
A week ago.
Well, what do you know about him? His body was found in the Seine two hours ago.
A knife had completely savaged the left ventricle.
A record, perhaps? -No, Inspector.
He worked as a clerk at a shipping company in the Rue de Rivoli.
Personal possessions? -A wallet, keys, identity card, 500 francs and this envelope.
Oh, and the photograph of a girl, signed "love, Valerie".
Inspector This line around the neck like a piece of black string Why? -I don't know.
Let's take a look at where he lived.
(Doorbell) You are Madame Duras? -Oui.
My name is Quercy.
Police.
-Police? Oh! You have my sympathy, monsieur (!) You have a boarder, M Charles Brione.
Why always do the police ask the questions when they already know the answer? Since 20 years, I am concierge here and never have the police asked one question which they couldn't answer themselves.
Silence, madame.
-"You are Madame Duras.
" "You have a boarder, Charles Brione.
" Stupidity follow you around like a little dog.
Zut! Be quiet, you old bag.
I intend to see his room.
I do not want to argue with you.
If the gas meters you wish to inspect, they are in the cellar.
I have been robbing them for years.
If you bully an old bag like me, they will make you chief inspector.
Chief Inspector of Old Bags.
(Cackles) Voilà , this is his room.
Merci, madame.
You may leave us.
So you can steal his things, eh? Ecoute! Va t'en! Allez! Allez! - (Mutters curses in French) Charles, darling, I Oh! Who are you? We are police officers.
But why? Where is Charles? Is something wrong? Are you a friend of M Brione's, mademoiselle? Claval.
Josie Claval.
Of course, we are friends, Charles and I.
When did you last see him? -Last night.
He came to the club.
What club? -Le Bal Noir.
I sing there.
How long have you known him? -Three months.
Since I came here.
Do you know if he was writing to anybody in the Bahamas? But, yes.
His sister.
His sister? Would this be her? Yes, it is.
Charles showed me the photograph many times.
It's strange.
Brother and sister, but not even the same name.
She was adopted by English people.
Twice in five minutes I've climbed those stairs for a pair of cops! This cable just arrived for M Brione.
The exercise, madame, has not improved your manners.
Salaud! Er "Confirming arrival, Orly Airport, 10:50am.
Love, Valerie.
" Monsieur, please.
I beg of you.
Is something wrong? Is Charles in trouble? Mademoiselle, I suggest you sit down.
You too, madame.
If that chair can take you.
Charles Brione's body was found two hours ago.
He was murdered.
Paris.
This Mademoiselle North She will be on this flight? You read the letter to her brother.
Any sign of him? -Not yet.
We are a few minutes early.
-Yes.
I'll leave you to have your reunion in private.
You've been very kind.
Thank you.
-My pleasure.
Incidentally, as we're staying at the same hotel, I'd like to call you.
Maybe you both would have dinner? -I'd like that.
Fine.
Till then? -Goodbye.
Inspector Quercy, how nice to see you! Ah, M Templar! How very nice to see you provided you have come to France only as a tourist.
Now, what does that mean? - (Chuckles) There are servants of the Republic, of whom I am one, whose job is to concern themselves with crime.
We do not allow private individuals to take over duties of the police.
Nor do we permit anyone to administer his own interpretation of justice.
Furthermore, I must warn you that here under the Code Napoleon.
-Napoleon, we have not the advantage that you have in England and America.
There you are innocent -until proven guilty.
Here I'm guilty until proven innocent.
That will be my attitude.
Inspector, I'm in Paris only for the food, the wine and beautiful women.
-Ah, good.
Let it remain so.
I have absolutely no intention of giving you any trouble so far.
Isn't that your perpetual shadow, Sergeant Luduc? Excuse me, I have a rather unpleasant task.
Inspector, does it involve Valerie North? Do you know her? I've been sitting next to her on the plane for seven hours.
Come with me.
My shoulder is too old and hard for a woman to cry on.
Ah! They're turning into l'Avenue de Colisé.
Obviously.
You suppose she's wearing it? -Yes, like her brother.
Mademoiselle, should you remember some time anything in your brother's letters that could help us, you can always reach me at this number.
Mademoiselle, I know these things do happen.
One wonders whether there is any goodness left anywhere in the world.
But in his wisdom le Bon Dieu, he Well, I'm very, very sorry.
And you will not forget what I said at the airport.
Scout's honour.
Au revoir, mademoiselle.
-Goodbye.
I just can't believe this has happened.
Who did it? Why? I have no idea.
-It's so terrible knowing nothing.
Do you think Charles was in trouble? The Inspector told me he had no police record.
Oh, I don't know what to do.
Stay here? Go home? Valerie.
Come here.
Look.
They call it the City of Light.
Glittering, stimulating, exciting and waiting.
Not for me.
I'd like to help you.
But you hardly know me.
Why should you bother? I never intend running into trouble.
Trouble has the propensity of running into me.
Let's say I can never resist a challenge.
You mean we should try and find out why Charles died? Exactly.
-Where do we start? May I make a suggestion? -Of course.
This place has one of the finest bars in Paris.
(# Band plays) Salut.
(Sighs) I needed that.
You'll feel even better after a Parisian lunch.
I'll take you to Maxim's.
-Wonderful.
I'll have to change.
Not until you finish your drink.
Please, excuse me.
You are, I believe, Miss North.
Yes, I am.
My name is Georges Olivant.
I'm an old friend of your father.
(Valerie) You knew my father? (Olivant) We fought together in the Résistance.
Won't you join us? I'm Simon Templar.
Enchanté, monsieur.
Just for a moment.
I do not want to intrude.
I read about your trip to Paris, so naturally, I tried to find you.
M Olivant did you know Charles? Alas, no, mademoiselle.
I was in Belgium when I read about your reunion with your brother.
I came to Paris as soon as possible to find him, only to read in the papers about his death.
We can only hope the police find his murderer.
However, I place myself at your disposition.
I will be only too happy.
Perhaps you would care to have dinner with me tomorrow evening.
Yes, I'd like that.
Thank you.
-Good.
Then I shall be here at 8:00.
Will you have a drink, monsieur? Thank you.
A Campari and soda.
- (Simon) Garçon! I have so much to tell you about your father and what he did for the Résistance.
To think that I have not seen you since you were such a little girl.
Uh, Campari and soda.
-Thank you.
Is this your first trip to Paris? -Yes.
But I haven't seen the city.
Just my hotel room.
Valerie? Monsieur Olivant? You say your home is in Brussels? -Oh, no, no, no.
But I go on business two, three times a month.
I'm going to Brussels myself next Friday.
I'll be at the Royale.
Do you know it? An excellent hotel.
-Do you know it well? Mais, bien sûr.
I stayed there myself only last week.
Valerie, we should be going.
I haven't finished my drink.
-Let's go.
Would you pass me my cigarette case, please? Mister Templar, I do not understand.
Is there anything wrong? Very wrong.
And Miss North will not be having dinner with you tomorrow.
The minute we shook hands I had a hunch about him.
I have a built-in Geiger counter that reacts to frauds.
How could you be sure? -I'm positive.
He said he stayed at the Royale last week.
Well? -The Royale burned down months ago.
I see.
But why should he lie? I have no idea.
Maybe we can figure it out over lunch.
I'll call you in five minutes.
-All right.
(Screams) (Valerie) Operator! (Valerie) Hello? Operator! Hello? Police! Police! We must get the police quickly! I'm sorry.
I did my best.
Are you sure she was wearing it? -Yes.
On a chain like the brother? -Around the neck.
Then follow her.
Do not let her out of your sight until you get it.
Otherwise, no payment.
Understand? -Yes.
And this man Templar, he must be watched.
But be careful.
He's a very dangerous man.
And Kaplan Do not fail again.
Ah, mon petit bébé.
I always feed you.
And you always want to peck me.
Look, mon petit bébé.
Oh, no, you would not eat this.
This is worth a lot of money.
And soon I shall have another one just like it.
(Simon) He tried to tear it off.
(Valerie) Yes.
First, I was too frightened to realise what was happening.
But as soon as he saw the medal, he started clawing at the chain.
I don't get it.
Why all that trouble for a St Christopher you can buy anywhere for 20 francs? I don't understand it either.
What's this mark, the indentation above the head? I don't know.
It's always been there.
When did you get it? -My father made it.
Made it? -He was a silversmith and jeweller.
I remember he gave it to me the night I left Paris.
A jeweller, eh? Was he rich? Even if he was, the Nazis confiscated everything.
He was Jewish.
Did Charles have one of these? He didn't say anything in his letters.
What got you into the papers? Olivant seemed to know a lot about you.
When Charles answered the ad, the editor of the paper gave us a lot of space.
You know Human interest story - brother and sister to be reunited after 20 years.
So anyone reading Paris papers would know about the Brione family.
I suppose so.
Where did Charles live? -32, Rue Azoute.
May I keep this for a while? -Of course.
I'm afraid we're going to have to postpone our sightseeing tour.
I'm beginning to get an idea.
-Any way I can help? Stay in your room until I get back.
Have lunch and dinner sent up.
And insist on having two room service waiters.
Why? -I think you're in grave danger.
Promise me that you won't as much as put your nose outside the door.
(Sighs) All right.
Where are you going? -To see an old friend of mine.
I worked with him during the Résistance.
He was a very brave man.
He gave Himmler's hatchet men even more ulcers than bullets.
Now, remember your promise.
Bonjour, monsieur.
Puis-je vous aider? You have a copy of the poems of François Villon? I'm sorry, monsieur.
Today there is no demand for old books.
But where are the snows of yesteryear? Simon! -Antoine.
It's good to see you.
Simon! My dear boy.
What brings you back? After all these years.
Like always, Antoine.
I need your help.
You have it! You ever heard of a man named Georges Olivant? Olivant? What does he do? According to him, he worked in the Résistance.
Hmm? Olivant? The Résistance, you say? Well, there were so many of us.
It is long ago.
No, I do not recall his name.
If he was in the Résistance, he was probably also with the Gestapo.
Many of them are traitors, of course, but most of them changed their names.
I have a set of his prints on this.
You think you could get them checked? I still have some friends at the Palais de Justice.
You'll keep it quiet.
Like a tomb.
-How long will it take? If his prints are on file, you can have everything you want by 11:00.
Antoine, you haven't changed a bit.
Is there anything else I can do? Yes, do you by any chance have a doctor friend with a microscope? It is done.
Fine.
I'll see you at 11:00.
Ah, Simon The memories, eh? And all so long ago.
You were so brave.
And so very, very young.
I'll see you later.
A toute à l'heure, mon vieux.
(Knock at door) Who is it? -It's Victor Quercy, police.
Have you any news? -No, I'm afraid not.
I have talked to every guest and employee.
No one saw this man.
However, we are not giving up.
I'd like you to come to the Préfecture and see some photographs.
A sort of rogues' gallery? Oh, men who have had convictions for hotel burglary.
Can you come now? I promised Mr Templar I wouldn't leave this room.
Why? -He thinks I'm in danger.
I give you my guarantee that you will be adequately protected en route and that Sergeant Luduc will drive you back here himself.
Well, in that case I would not do this for everyone.
I still have my principles.
-You have more than that, madame.
Bonjour, Madame Duras.
-Huh! Excusez-moi, monsieur.
-Why not? Glamour by gaslight and a bushel of hips.
Who is she? She was born in the tumbling poverty of the back streets of Paris.
Now she is a singer at Le Bal Noir.
Obviously, you can see why.
What's her name? Josie Claval.
She was the girlfriend of Charles Brione.
(Mme Duras) This is his room.
You may look for five minutes.
No more.
What was he like? -Ah, he was un bon garçon.
Did he ever mention his sister? Monsieur, even an old bag like me can squeeze a tear for such a story.
Mademoiselle North, n'est-ce pas? I'm sorry, Inspector.
The man who broke into my room isn't here.
Well, as the Americans say, it was the old college try.
Thank you for coming.
I'm afraid I wasn't much help.
-Not at all.
In a day or two, I shall return your brother's effects.
And our Sergeant Luduc will drive you back to the hotel.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
-Au revoir, mademoiselle.
Imagine! After 20 years they find each other and now this poor boy is dead.
Yes, it is a tragedy.
And the police can do nothing.
I'm afraid the police are out of their depths.
Out of their depths! Monsieur, they are like a school of whales at the Folies Bergère.
Madame Duras? Do you know by any chance how long ago this was taken? Oui.
Some weeks ago, during the hot spell.
Of course, for that one, always it is the hot spell.
Do you think I could take it with me? Monsieur, will it help? -I think so.
Bien, it is yours.
-Merci, madame.
Inspector, it's a simple question.
Was there a St Christopher medal amongst Charles Brione's effects? There was not.
Was there by any chance a mark around his neck? You knew about that? I suspected it.
-Why? Well, I think it was made by the chain of a medal biting into his flesh when it was torn off his neck.
I don't understand.
What possible value is there to a St Christopher medal? I don't know either.
But it's what that character was after in Valerie North's hotel room.
Are you getting anywhere with that? -We're working on it.
You might help us by looking through some photographs.
Miss North couldn't and she saw hundreds.
Valerie was here? -Yes, she just left.
Alone? -Of course not.
I'm not a complete idiot, Mr Templar.
Sergeant Luduc is driving her to her hotel in a police car.
You see, mademoiselle.
I need money.
More than most people.
I do not only enjoy these beautiful things.
I need them in here for the benefit of my soul.
But what do you want with me? Why am I here? I shall explain.
I have this one.
I must have the other one also.
Did that belong to Charles? -Yes.
You killed him! -It was the only way to get this.
You-you killed him for a medal.
They were keepsakes.
My father gave them to us when we were children.
I don't understand! I intend to get yours as well.
Where is it? I gave it to Mr Templar.
He asked for it.
Just handed it over? Where is he? -I don't know.
Is he staying at your hotel? -He's out somewhere.
Then we shall have to find him.
# Je suis toute seule, lonely am I # Without you # Je ne sais pas pourquoi # Je ne sais pas, dites-moi # What have I done? Where have you gone? # Without me # Yes, I still recall # Les jours si pleins de joie # But now j'ai mal au coeur # J'ai mal au coeur # Comment ça va with you? # How was it, friends, with you? # Je suis toute seule # Lonely am I # Without You (Applause) Good evening.
Have we met, monsieur? We came rather close to it this afternoon, with Madame Duras.
Ah, yes.
Will you join me for some champagne? Well, um thank you.
How well did you know Charles Brione? Why are you so interested? I'm a friend of his sister's.
I'm trying to find out how he died.
Do you remember him having one of these? No, I do not.
It's funny.
I thought you might have noticed it.
No.
I saw a photograph of him taken with you.
He was wearing one then.
You mean the one on the beach? -Yes.
I would very much like to have this, monsieur, as something to remember him by.
I'm afraid this one is his sister's.
Oh.
I think I know something that the police do not.
I've been afraid to tell anyone.
Maybe we can see each other afterwards.
I'd like that very much.
I have another show at midnight.
Then I'm free.
We'll have champagne in my room.
-Fine.
I have something to do first.
I will looking forward to that.
But I tell you he has it with him.
Listen, after my last show, he is coming home with me.
Have Mario and Kaplan waiting in my home.
Josie Josie, you talk like a fool.
Wait.
Listen to me.
He will not come back from this errand he speaks of.
He knows what the medal is worth.
Listen.
You will follow him.
And when he settles, you'll ring me back here.
He is leaving now.
Oui.
Oui, oui.
(Bells chime) Well, Antoine.
Any luck? Simon, it is incredible.
Like the answer to a prayer.
-What is? It is not the fashion now to let the memories of wartime tear one's heart with hate.
But I am old.
I do not forget.
Simon, the fingerprints on your cigarette case belong to a man we used to call the headsman - Henri Flandin.
Flandin? I thought he was dead.
No.
He went to prison for eight years as a collaborator.
He came out.
He changed his name.
We lost him.
Here.
Look for yourself.
Eight years for the murder of 27 men.
A betrayal of the very heart of France.
And for money! Oh, Simon.
Ever since that night of the drop, I have dreamed of finding this man.
When he came out of prison, Finistère and I and another - he is a high official now - we swore that one day we would find this man and kill him.
Georges OlivantHenri Flandin.
From jail to riches.
Yes, on the blood money paid to him by the Germans.
Safely hidden away before he went to prison.
Simon, do you know where this man is? Yes.
Now, just a moment.
First things first.
I came here to look at this.
-Oh, of course.
Do you have a stronger light? Yes, there is a lamp in the office.
I followed him from Le Bal Noir to 17 Place Lussac on the Left Bank.
It is a bookstore.
A bookstore? At this hour? I see.
And you? The bistro across the street.
Good.
Mario and Kaplan will be there.
And you have done very well.
A bookstore.
17, Place Lussac.
You know what to do.
Be patient, mon petit bébé.
Soon we shall be very rich again.
Carving the Lord's Prayer on the head of a pin is nothing compared to this.
Here.
Take a look.
(Gasps) It is fantastic! I can see it now.
Valerie and Charles Brione were little more than babies.
The Germans were marching on Paris and old Eli Brione was too disheartened to run away.
Or too proud.
-Perhaps.
But he wanted to leave something to his children.
Cash or jewellery would have been taken away from them.
He had to leave them something the invaders couldn't touch.
The children were too young to remember or even understand anything he might tell them.
But he had to leave them a message they would understand some day.
A message the Germans couldn't destroy.
It is amazing.
A message on paper was no good.
A tattoo might have done.
But Eli Brione was a jeweller.
And he found a jeweller's solution.
Can't you just see him? Carving the most important achievement of his engraver's art.
Ingenious and foolproof.
A message on a medal because it was indestructible.
Silver because gold might have attracted a thief.
A St Christopher because no one would stoop so low as to take a religious medal from a child.
Then it would be treasured more carefully.
Which it was.
Antoine, I must go.
I've work to do.
Simon This Olivant.
You must let us deal with him.
Finistère and I and, uh, our other friend.
Antoine, forget the old hate.
Olivant murdered Charles Brione.
The law will take care of him.
-He murdered 27 men.
The law gave him eight years.
-It was a long time ago.
It is now to me.
We three must deal with this man.
You and Finistère and who else? We never met him.
He is known as "Number 12".
Now he is a famous man in Paris.
Because of his position, he cannot avenge himself publicly.
Simon.
Once you obeyed me without question.
Why will you not obey me once more? You should let the police deal with it.
It will be the same in the end.
Je vous en prie.
All right.
First I have to get the other medal.
Give me a ten minute start.
After that he's all yours.
Back up.
And you, too.
The medal.
Where is it? No idea.
-The girl gave it to you.
Did she? -She told us.
We have her.
I want it.
Where is it? -It's in a book.
Which one? -A book of poems by François Villon.
Simon! It is years.
-What does he mean? Answer me.
He means nothing.
I'll get it.
The right one.
-Yes, I know.
Where's the girl? -Where you won't find her.
Now, where is she? Don't.
She's with Olivant.
Villa Pressage, Rue du Nord, St Cloud.
Antoine, you still have the cellar? Everything is the same.
Even the bookcase worked.
Fine.
Right, move, you two.
Antoine, take care of them.
(Rings) Hello.
When? Where? And Kaplan? -I don't know what happened.
He just left in your car.
-I see.
Perhaps it is better this way.
Much better.
Do not worry.
I think, mademoiselle, we are about to have a visitor.
Your friend Mr Templar is saving me a lot of trouble.
He's bringing the medal here himself.
I'm always prepared to move quickly.
(Doorbell) I hope you'll use your charm, mademoiselle, to convince Mr Templar to give me the medal peacefully.
Otherwise Well? Shall we answer the door? Open it, mademoiselle.
Valerie, are you all right? -Yes.
That'll be far enough.
Well, what do we have here? A shopping expedition? Bag packed.
Switzerland? -Mr Templar, we can come to an agreement.
-You shut up.
I'll do the talking.
There's one more piece in this puzzle I have to fit into place.
Valerie When your father gave you the medal, did he say anything about it? Did he tell you to look for any kind of message? Simon, I was just a kid.
Where's the medal you killed Charles Brione for? Come on! Does the name Henri Flandin mean anything to you? He was a friend of my father's.
Where is he now? Dead, I suppose.
You're looking at him.
(Valerie) Monsieur Olivant?! Henri Flandin.
Traitor, collaborator.
He betrayed your father to the Nazis.
That is a lie! You were Eli Brione's best friend.
He told you about the message on those medals and you swore to find his children and tell them.
How do you know that? Do you remember the night of the drop? I paid my debt.
Eight years in prison as a collaborator? I served my sentence.
There are three men who don't think it was quite enough.
Once there were 30 men, waiting in a clearing in the woods before dawn.
They had flashlights hooked up to an car battery to guide a plane.
The first parachute drop from the Free French Government in Britain.
Machine guns, pistols, ammunition.
The men crossed the clearing to pick up the supplies.
Suddenly, the woods were full of storm troopers.
In a hail of bullets, 27 of those men fell dead.
Why? Because he betrayed them.
Simon, how do you know all this? The man I went to see this afternoon had his fingerprints checked.
There's no doubt about it.
Georges Olivant is Henri Flandin.
(Doorbell) Let them in.
Them? (Simon) The three who escaped.
(Quercy) I'll take that gun, Mr Templar.
Quercy! I didn't expect you.
-Didn't you? You were one of the three that night? I still have a bullet in my hip.
-He is Number 12.
(Squawks) He is rich even dead.
(Parrot squawks) Poor father.
I wish I could have known him.
This is what he engraved on the medals.
"I, Eli Brione, bequeath to the bearer "of whom this shall be sufficient identification "one half of the 500.
000 francs on deposit in my name "in account number 48976 at the Swiss National Bank in Geneva.
" It's 100.
000 dollars.
I wish Charles could have shared it.
Try not to think too much about that.
Think of the future.
Yes, of course.
To the future, then?