Doctor Who (1963) s01e40 Episode Script

The Tyrant of France (The Reign of Terror, Part Four)

But I keep telling ya, he's just left to see Citizen Robespierre.
Are you sure it's so urgent? Well, what is it about? I want to give him this.
What is it? Evidence against a traitor! Lemaitre, to see Citizen Robespierre.
Send Citizen Lemaitre in.
Here is the complete and detailed list of the recent executions, Citizen.
Who is this, Lemaitre? A Regional Deputy visiting from our southern province, Citizen.
And as the province in question is to be discussed, I thought the Citizen could make his report personally.
I see.
I am always prepared to listen to a first-hand account of the region's situation.
I welcome the opportunity.
Thank you.
Before you question me, perhaps you would like to hear my views on Paris? When did you arrive? Just today.
Hardly long enough for you to have gauged the present mood of our capital.
Oh, I wouldn't say that I am only interested in your comments on your own territory.
Recent memoranda from your province suggest that the purge of our enemies in your region is progressing very slowly.
Oh, you've reached that conclusion.
Hmm well perhaps we have fewer enemies in our region, and it maybe that Paris can take an example from us, hm? We in Paris are aware of the danger, Citizen.
We live in troubled times.
There is much, much work to be done, work that is constantly delayed by the need to ferret out the traitors that we harbour in our midst Is there really such a need, Citizen Robespierre? I mean, what can this reign of terror possibly gain? For every opponent you put to the guillotine, two more will spring up! I think you have said enough, Citizen.
Oh, you do, do you? Let him speak, Lemaitre.
What he said is true - my enemies do multiply.
He is only warning me of the dangers I face.
As you wish, Citizen.
I could - and I shall - do great things for France.
For too long the Nobility have kept our people to heel.
And now finally, my world is at power, what happens? My colleagues, my trusted friends, plot for power! Do they? Or is it just their wish to keep their heads, hm? Danton planned to restore the monarchy.
I had the proof, I knew! I had to dispose of him.
And the Girondins.
Even now, Convention members are at work, plotting my downfall.
But I will triumph, even if I have to execute every last one of them! Death, always death.
Do you think I want this carnage? What a memory I shall leave behind if this thing lasts! You must come again, Citizen.
We never did talk about your province.
No we didn't, did we, and I was so looking forward to it.
It's a pity we talked for so long about Paris, hm? Bring him with you tomorrow, Lemaitre.
Yes, Citizen! This will warm you.
Thank you.
What is it? Just drink it all up.
Would you like something, Barbara? No, thank you.
I think I'd like some more wine.
The wine is on the table.
Thank you! I think I'll return to bed, if you'll excuse me.
Yes, of course.
I'm sorry we disturbed you.
One can't be friends with everybody.
How do you feel now? I'm alright, thanks.
That's right.
You try and get some rest.
I'll be here if you want me.
I wish I knew for certain what it was.
She could have caught almost anything in that jail.
We've done all we can, Barbara.
Yes, but is it enough? When I went upstairs, she'd kicked off all her clothes and was shivering with cold.
I was so worried, I thought I'd better bring her down here.
It's probably just a chill.
Yes, but what if it's worse? Well, we could call a physician.
But it would be dangerous.
They report almost everything to the militia these days, if only to save their own necks.
Yes, well that's a risk we'll have to take.
You must know someone we could trust? Yes yes, I think I do.
Good! That's settled then.
She's asleep.
Good I wonder what's happened to Jules? He should have been back before this.
Oh well, if you have to go, we we'll be alright here.
- Are you sure? - Yes, of course.
I know you didn't intend to stay so long.
I think I'd better go.
I shall need time to arrange for the physician.
We'll see you tomorrow? If I can't come back, I'll send a message.
You'll tell Jules? Yes.
And be careful, Leon.
I will.
We'll meet again, Barbara.
And soon.
I thought you were asleep.
No, just dozing.
Want to go back to bed now? You like Leon, don't you? Come on, I'll help you upstairs.
Now, let's just have a look at him It's a pity we had to hit him so hard.
Well, the streets are filled with soldiers.
He only had to call out and we'd have been arrested.
If he is against us, yes I wonder who it is? No, far from it.
I'd say you created a favourable impression on Citizen Robespierre.
I didn't say half the things I wanted to say.
He twisted my words.
Politicians usually do.
Still, you are going to have another opportunity.
Oh, I think not! No no no no, your hospitality has been most successful, and most accepted.
No, I think I must bid you goodbye and leave you.
That would be rather difficult, Citizen.
Robespierre is expecting you tomorrow.
Then convey my apologies to him On the contrary! It would be more than my neck is worth to disobey such an order.
You must try and stay.
It's out of the question! Oh, but I insist! Jailer? - Lemaitre.
- Arrange suitable accommodation for our Citizen guest.
Of course, Citizen, of course.
Er, for how long? He will be staying at least until tomorrow night.
Definitely no longer! He can 'ave one of the soldiers' rooms.
I'll throw them out.
Oh, Citizen, just one thing.
There's a man waiting to see you.
It's very important.
I trust the room will be to your satisfaction.
I'm sure it will be.
Well? You wanted to see me? Yes, Citizen Lemaitre.
I think I may have some information for you.
If you're ready, Citizen, I'll show you your room.
Oh, that's alright, Jailer.
I don't think I shall stay after all.
No, I'm sure Lemaitre will understand.
It's a pity that I asked him to put me up.
Besides, those poor soldiers will need their rest.
It doesn't matter about them Nevertheless, I must be on my way - I have a long journey.
So kindly give my regards to Lemaitre.
Citizen! And just what do you think you're doing, jailer? Hm? Lemaitre said you're staying.
I must obey him.
And what do you think he'll say when he hears you delayed me, hm? I'm sorry, Citizen, I'm sorry.
But he he comes back and finds you gone, it could be even worse.
Very well, I'll stay then.
And I shall say nothing of this disgraceful behaviour, if only for your sake.
Thank you, Citizen, thank you! This way.
Your story is that this white-haired old gentleman exchanged clothes and this ring, and that you also gave him writing material.
And the sash, Citizen.
It was when he took the insignia of a Regional Officer of the Provinces that I became, well, suspicious.
Yes, so you said.
Of course I realise it may be nothing, b-but it was my duty to report it.
You did well, Citizen.
Will you be keeping the ring and the clothes, Citizen? They may be needed as evidence.
Oh.
Yes.
Of course, you realise - they were part of the exchange.
I'm a poor man, Citizen, and normally I'd have thrown him out of my shop This should more than compensate.
Thank you, Citizen! Although I I cannot accept a reward for what, after all, was my duty.
Keep it, on one condition.
Anything, Citizen.
You will say nothing of this to anyone.
You have my word! Leave this way.
I don't want you seen in the prison.
Thank you, Citizen, thank you! He is coming round.
I'm sorry we were so long, Barbara.
We had to carry him all the way, dodging patrols all the time.
How's Susan? Oh, she has a slight fever, but she's sleeping now.
Leon not here? No, he had to leave.
He's arranging for Susan to see a doctor t Ian! Barbara! Ian! Is Susan here too? Yes, she's upstairs.
But I thought you were both oh, this is great! Any news of the Doctor? No.
We don't even know if he got to Paris.
Well, we did not know when we left here we were going to collect one of your friends, Barbara.
Ian this is Jules.
Uh, he saved our lives.
Not Jules Renan, by any chance? Yes? What! I've been looking for you! We heard that somebody was - we did not know it was you.
You can say that again! Mmm.
We're very sorry about that.
Jean, this calls for a celebration! I'll get a bottle from the cellar.
Come and sit over here, you'll be more comfortable.
I think I'd better go and sit with Susan.
She isn't feeling at all well.
Well, what's wrong with her? Don't know.
We're hoping to see a doctor tomorrow.
Although when she hears you're back, that should be tonic enough! I know it is good news, but I think it's best not to wake her.
Oh no, I won't.
She doesn't sleep for very long anyway.
Look, you have a talk to Ian.
Sounded like an order.
Well there is one question I would like to ask you.
How did you know Barbara and Susan were here? I didn't.
But I thought when you were asking for me That was for an entirely different reason.
Do you know a man called Webster? No.
I shared a cell with him in prison.
Unfortunately he died.
He asked me to contact a man called James Stirling.
James Stirling no, I'm afraid that name means nothing to me either.
What? You mean to say you don't know him? No.
Should I? Well, I dunno, I somehow took it for granted that you would.
- Perhaps you'd better tell me the complete story - Yes.
over a glass of wine.
Well, as far as I know, Webster was an Englishman who'd come over to France to persuade Stirling to return to England.
Stirling must be a spy.
I'll share one drink, then I must start my journey.
Thank you.
Yes, you should leave before dawn.
Your health, Ian.
Well, as I told you, Webster was dying.
But before he died, he begged me to get a message to James Stirling.
I asked him, how would I recognise him? And he told me to contact you at the sign of "Le Chien Gris.
" I see.
Well, Webster is right there; it is an inn that we frequent.
I'm sorry, please go on.
No, that's all there is to say.
Except that, as I found "Le Chien Gris," you found me.
Mm.
Did Webster know Stirling? Oh, I imagine so.
Probably by sight.
To do his job properly he must be able to move around freely.
That would mean an alias, a completely new identity.
What, something Webster didn't know? Yes, exactly.
So Webster was counting on recognising him? Well, that makes good sense.
Yes, well why did he ask me to contact you? Men like Webster have been in touch with me before.
I imagine the English are giving me as a contact to people they send over, in case they need help.
Oh.
Well it's not going to help me find Stirling, is it? What's the matter, eh? I'm not sure I like the idea of being used by the English.
You shouldn't either, Jules.
We're at war! And they're our enemies, and here we are helping their spies! England is at war with the people ruling France, Jean.
So are we.
When the tyranny ends, so will the war.
I suppose the chances of finding Stirling are pretty slim.
- We can try.
- Good! Now, you have a few days to spare, if that's correct.
- Oh, do I? - Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't told you.
Jean is leaving soon to search for the fourth member of your party, Susan's grandfather.
You know where he is? No - but he will start at the house where you were arrested and follow the trail from there, won't you, Jean? Yes, I will find him.
And while we wait, we will also search, for Stirling.
Providing you have no objections, Jules, I'll start my journey now.
- No objections.
- You'll hear from me within three days.
Take care, Jean.
Ian.
Good luck, and thanks.
If anyone can find him, Jean can.
Now to our problem.
I wonder who can help us? Of course, there is one man.
Leon? A friend of yours? We've shared many escapades.
He moves in a very wide circle and knows a great many people.
Perhaps he is James Stirling? I'd like to meet him.
Can you arrange it? Very easily, he's coming here tomorrow, bringing a physician for Susan.
Good! This calls for another drink! Oh, Barbara, just in time! - Susan? - Yes.
I'm afraid she's getting worse.
Good morning, Citizen.
I hope you slept well? I did not! The bed was hard, and the draught blew through the room like the north wind! - I'm sorry.
- Yes, I dare say you are! But if I catch rheumatism, apologies won't cure it.
Will it, hm? Better feed the pigs.
Most appropriate.
Come, we'll have breakfast.
And your time may not be wasted, Citizen.
I've got a feeling that it will be quite an eventful day.
A message from Leon.
The physician won't come here.
Thank you.
But we must do something for Susan! Well, If Danielle says the physician won't come here, Susan must be taken to him, that's all.
I'll arrange for a carriage to take them.
Let me go with Susan.
No, I think it'll look lec- less suspicious if two women were to go.
Yes, the physician is reasonably near.
Yes, Barbara can take her.
I've just found them.
I don't want to lose them again.
That's quite understandable.
But there's no reason for you to fear for your safety.
Besides, there's your meeting with Leon.
Yes, but you haven't arranged it yet I can.
Ian, it will all be over by today.
You'll be able to leave, together.
It'll be quicker this way! Well I don't like it this way.
But Good.
I'll go and fetch Barbara and Susan.
And let's hope we can trust the physician! Yes, you appear to have a feverish chill, but it's nothing very serious.
Well, that's a relief.
All the same, I'm surprised at your condition.
Tell me, uh, have you any idea how you came to catch it? No, none.
Mm.
Your symptoms would suggest that you haven't been looking after yourself.
Well, I, I've done nothing unusual.
Has she been eating properly? Oh, she has an enormous appetite! Look, doctor, if you could well, give her something? We appreciate your time's valuable, we've no wish to delay you.
Quite so, quite so.
There's another thing, your er, your hands.
- They're very blistered, aren't they? - We've been doing some gardening.
Doctor, can you help her? Yes, I'll treat her, it's a simple matter of blood-letting.
Unfortunately, I shall have to go out and collect some leeches.
You called rather early; I was on my way to collect them first thing this morning.
But you're welcome to wait.
Well, maybe it would be better if we came back.
Come back, no no no, I shall be out all day, you'll have to wait.
But please, make yourselves comfortable.
Barbara! I don't like him.
And I can't stand the thought of having leeches on me! No, and I got the impression that he suspected us.
Come on, let's go.
It's locked! Get a move on! They'll be out of Paris if you don't hurry up! If I'm wrong, there'll be no, er, repercussions, will there, Citizen? Don't worry.
From what you've told me, it's the escaped prisoners alright.
The soldiers will go with you.
All you've got to do is to point them out.
Yes, yes, I'd better hurry back.
Go with the physician.
Right turn! Quick march! Ah, this door's stronger than it looks! He's been gone ages.
He'll be back soon.
There's someone coming! There they are! Barbara and Susan aren't back yet.
They'll be alright.
It is not unusual to be kept waiting at the physician.
Well I've got a feeling something's gone wrong.
Now don't worry, Ian.
I've arranged your meeting with Leon.
Oh, he can wait! If it'll make you any happier, I'll go and fetch Barbara and Susan.
Now if you want to see Leon, you must hurry.
He moves around a great deal; it may be your only chance.
But you'll leave immediately? Yes, of course I will.
Leon is at a disused church.
You're to go alone.
I've explained some of the story.
Ah, so he's not James Stirling.
No.
I'll draw a map for you - it'll help you find the way.
So, you thought you'd escaped.
Well, we're not as big a fools as you take us for.
Ah, Lemaitre.
Two recaptured prisoners.
Barbara, what do you think they're talking about? I don't know - but we'll find out soon enough.
I'll see that your orders are carried out, Citizen.
Take the girl to the cells.
No! Barbara! Not you.
You're wanted for questioning.
Citizen Lemaitre thought you might like to question this prisoner.
What's that? Doctor? My dear Barbara! Doctor! Leon? - Yes.
You must be Ian.
- That's right.
Are you alone? Yes.
Jules said you might be able to help.
Soldiers! Yes, I know.
You walked right into my trap, didn't you, Ian?
Previous EpisodeNext Episode