Mission Impossible (1966) s03e13 Episode Script

The Mind of Stefan Miklos

Good morning, Mr.
Phelps.
The man you're looking at is Walter Townsend, one of our high-ranking Intelligence officers, whom we recently discovered is a top enemy agent.
Upon learning this, we allowed Townsend access to false information which will cause his country severe embarrassment if believed and acted upon.
Unfortunately, this man, George Simpson, Townsend's only contact in America, discovered the information was false and reported to his superiors that Townsend had defected.
However, his superiors are aware Simpson is jealous of Townsend.
The truth or falsity of this information is so important that they are sending their most brilliant Intelligence officer, Stefan Miklos, to investigate.
Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is to make Stefan believe Townsend's information.
As always, should you or any of your IM Force be caught or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.
This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.
Good luck, Jim.
Stefan Miklos is cold, calculating and ruthless.
He has no weaknesses and no flaws.
- He sounds invulnerable.
- He is.
Except to one person, himself.
Jim, you're absolutely certain that he'll be able to put all the clues together? Yes, but we have to make it difficult for him.
His ego demands that he use his own brilliance to assemble the pieces of the puzzle.
Jim, the two essential parts of the puzzle are very hidden: The painting and the matchbook.
He'll only be seeing them once.
But don't forget, Stefan has a photographic memory.
Instant total recall.
Will Townsend's being Stefan's friend be of any help to us? No.
No, he'll steel himself against any sentiment.
The important thing is that Townsend is the only person that Stefan knows by sight.
Our control will be to take advantage of that and to make sure that the real Stefan and the real Simpson never meet.
So we must get Rollin's picture and Townsend's message into the base of the statue.
- Rollin? - Cigarette, Jim? You're getting to be quite a southpaw.
How about the lighter? This one's identical to the one Stefan uses.
Good.
How much time do we have to get to the statue? Very little.
Now, the statue will arrive at the gallery just at the time it opens, 10:00.
That's the time that Stefan's plane arrives.
He'll go directly to the gallery from the airport.
It'll take him half an hour.
That means that you and Willy have to be finished before 10:30.
- Morning.
You the owner? - Yes.
Inspector Gilbert, gas company.
Seems to be a leak in one of your mains.
I've smelled no gas.
You must be mistaken.
- That's not what the meter says.
- It must be wrong.
- It must be somewhere else.
- Cubic pressure's dropping rapidly.
I'm afraid if we can't find the leak soon, the gallery will have to be closed.
Closed? No.
Certainly there's something you can do.
I can't promise anything, but if we can find it soon enough - Is there another room? - Yes, the back room, right this way.
- There is a leak.
- I'll get a repair truck out right away.
Will the gallery have to be closed? No, but this room will have to be sealed off.
- It will be noisy while they're working.
- That's all right.
Yes, gentlemen, right this way.
- Right in here.
- No one must be allowed to enter.
I would like to ask you about the Rambeau.
- How much is it? - Five hundred dollars.
- Will it be much longer? - Thank you very much.
- You're very welcome.
- Five, ten minutes.
Stefan's just arrived.
Your purchase receipt for the statue is in order, Mr.
Davis.
It's right here.
Excuse me.
Yes, sir, may I help you? I understand you specialise in glass miniatures.
What kind of miniatures were you interested in? - Birds.
- Any special kind? Blue jays and swans.
I'll be with you in a minute.
This is quite an honour, sir.
Please, won't you be seated? - I must say, you took me by - Surprise? Yes.
No.
Yes.
Why? Well, I - You were informed of my coming? - Oh, yes, yes.
- Then? - It came so soon though.
And I was surprised that one of your reputation would be sent.
Your accusations, if true, would warrant my presence.
They're true.
Then where is the proof? I don't have it.
I mean, I have it, but not here.
It's with another agent.
- Who? - Willoughby.
He's a very valuable, very reliable agent.
I can vouch for him.
He was the one who made the crosscheck of Townsend.
Where is he now? - Oh, not more than ten minutes away.
- Get him here.
I'll call him.
I know.
I know it would not be wise.
But you've got to come over here.
It's imperative.
You will.
He'll be right over.
Would you care for a glass of brandy? Ma'am? I've decided to take the painting.
- Will you accept a personal cheque? - Of course, with identification.
- Would you like it delivered? - Oh, no.
I'd like to take it with me.
Tyler Building, 49 High Street.
Did you say something? It's been many, many years since I've been home.
I expect it's changed greatly.
No.
I understand they built a new Intelligence Academy at - What's the name of that town? - Granensky.
Yes, that's it.
That's right.
Granensky.
Townsend studied there.
Under you.
He told me all about the new techniques.
Of course, we had nothing like that when I - Before you and Townsend - Simpson.
- Yes? - I do the testing.
No, you've got the wrong idea.
It never entered my mind.
No.
No, you're wrong.
The proof, Willoughby.
- Simpson's Glassware.
- Yes, this is Kensington Ceramics.
I believe our buyer, Mr.
Gordon, is there.
- I'd like to speak to him, please.
- Gordon? - Gordon speaking.
- Problems? - Yes.
- Stefan will be arriving any minute.
Then I suggest we discontinue that line of merchandise here.
Well, your proof appears to be accurate.
Of course, this is only a cursory examination.
One of my agents just called and told me that your shop is under surveillance by the American Intelligence Agency.
It appears that someone has defected somewhere.
Your cover has been exposed.
In a few moments, one of my associates will be here to pick you up and take you to a safe place.
You will wait there for further instructions.
Is that clear? I'm sure your investigation will show that my suspicions are correct.
For your sake, I hope so.
George Simpson? Yes.
Can I help you? I understand you specialise in glass miniatures.
- What kind are you interested in? - Birds.
- Any particular kind? - Blue jays and swan.
Now then It is your claim that Townsend has defected.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
I gave my word on that, and I don't see why there should be a - Investigation? - Yes.
Did you think we'd liquidate Townsend just on your word? This is the first time my word has been questioned.
- If your accusations are correct - They are.
Then you'll have nothing to fear.
No, I don't have anything to fear.
- I have definite proof - Show it to me.
Well, I don't have it here.
Where is it? It's in the hands of another agent, Willoughby.
How soon can you get him here with this alleged proof? - Within 24 hours.
- Do it.
His proof had better be valid.
It had better be able to withstand the closest scrutiny.
- It will.
- Just so you understand me.
I despise witch-hunts.
And I despise those people who instigate them.
This is not a witch-hunt.
I have definite proof that he is a traitor.
Now, just because he's a friend of yours, it Go on.
He is your friend, correct? - Meaning? - Just that My cover is in jeopardy if Townsend's defected.
No, that isn't what you mean at all.
But I am certain about one thing: No personal motives will interfere with either of our loyalties.
Correct? Vincent.
Some money.
Insurance policies.
Income-tax returns.
Bonds.
Nothing.
- False compartment.
- Right out of the textbook.
Placed there so that if tampered with, Townsend would know.
They're mementos.
Boyhood memories.
His mother, his father.
The university he went to.
The place where he was born.
Here's a photograph of Townsend and Me.
All these could be very incriminating if the Americans ever found them.
Unless he had nothing to fear from the Americans.
Tell Cinnamon to call.
A girlfriend, probably.
Why did he lock her away with all his other secrets? - Walter.
- Yes? Walter, this is S.
M.
Her bags are all packed.
Williams, Monroe and Williams Brokerage.
Mr.
Haskell speaking.
This is Agent Richards, Internal Revenue Service.
We're checking on the returns of a Miss Sandra Marshall.
I believe she has a stock account with your company.
I'm sorry, sir.
It's a company policy never to give out information about our clients on the phone.
However, if you'd like to come in and present your credentials Yes, I will do that.
Fine, Mr.
Richards.
We close at 4.
- Simpson's Glassware.
- This is Mr.
Davis.
I'd like to place an order for one miniature glass swan.
I'd like it gift wrapped and sent to a Mr.
Richards in care of the Internal Revenue Service, Washington.
- Will that be ready by 3:00 today? - Yes, sir.
It's a request for papers.
According to the code, he wants an Internal Revenue identification card in the name of Richards by 3:00.
Good, good.
He's going through the maze perfectly.
All right, get Simpson on the phone.
Tell him you're laying a trap for Townsend, that he's going to be part of it.
Tell him to be at Townsend's apartment at 3:00, sharp.
What's going on? This meeting is a breach of all of our security precautions.
Sit down, Townsend, and listen.
I'm going to tell you something which is going to make you very happy.
What is it? I've been relieved.
I'm going home.
I know you'll be sorry to see me go.
After all, we had such a harmonious working arrangement.
When is the bon voyage? Tonight.
That's why I had to see you.
Well, I would've been hurt if you'd have gone without saying goodbye.
Be happy about it.
But one day, it'll be your turn.
You'll be getting a new contact and new codes.
They'll be put in a locker at the airport.
Pick them up at 4:30 this afternoon.
This is the key to the locker.
Goodbye, Simpson.
Goodbye, Townsend.
- Are the papers ready? - Inside.
This is your Internal Revenue identification card, and this is a letter of introduction, which will give you access to the files.
Oh, excuse me, but I'd like to explain something if I may.
Please sit down for a moment.
What is it? The conversation we had earlier Yes? I want to apologise for my behaviour.
Is that all? Why, yes, that's all.
Here we are, Mr.
Richards.
Miss Marshall acquired $200,000 worth of securities in the last year.
She sold the whole portfolio two days ago.
Is the cash still in her account? No.
According to our records, she picked up a cashier's cheque some time today.
Thank you, Mr.
Haskell.
He's taking a shower.
Go.
I have found out what the keys fit.
Come to the airport, the locker area.
I followed her here.
She deposited several articles in two of the lockers.
I thought I knew him as well as a brother.
Same as hers.
Flight 709 for Rio de Janeiro.
Five o'clock this afternoon.
Europa Airline flight 709 for Rio de Janeiro is now boarding at Gate 7.
Europa Airlines flight 709 for Rio de Janeiro is now boarding at Gate 7.
Stefan.
What is this? What are you doing here? You just stay right where you are, Miss Marshall.
- How do you know my name? - What's going on here? Your flight has been cancelled.
Neither one of you are going to Rio tonight.
Rio? What are you talking about? And I don't know this woman.
I've never seen this man before in my life.
Stefan I knew nothing of this.
I swear.
You wouldn't risk a shot in here.
Let me through.
You have no right to stop me.
Let me through.
Let me through.
- Can I help you, ma'am? - No, thank you.
I'm all right now.
Where are they going? Back to the apartment to destroy the evidence.
Ma'am.
I swear to you, Stefan.
I swear I'm innocent.
It was Simpson who sent me to the airport.
To that locker, with that key, to help you get out of the country? Yes, yes.
I know it sounds implausible, but it's the truth.
Isn't there anything I can say? Isn't there something I can do to prove that what I've been saying is the truth? - No.
- Stefan, don't close your mind to me now.
We've known each other all our lives.
He's letting his emotion affect his reason.
He's never done that before.
Maybe I was too clever.
Maybe the matchbook and the painting and the time discrepancy were too subtle for him to pick up.
Stefan gets a murder charge if he kills Townsend.
Yes, but then Townsend remains discredited and so does his information.
Stefan, can't you see we've been set up? Simpson came here.
He came here at 3:00.
That's the last time you'll ever lie to me.
He was with me at 3:00.
I did meet him at 3.
He told me to go to the airport at 4:30.
But you didn't get there until 5.
No, you're wrong.
I got there at 4:30.
Let me see your watch.
What is it? The matches.
I don't understand.
These matches belonged to Simpson.
He's left-handed.
Which means he takes the matches from the left side.
Oh, I still don't see.
Miss Marshall was right-handed, but the matches in her bag belonged to a left-handed person.
It could be a link.
It could be Simpson.
I know it is.
He blamed me for his demotion.
How'd he start this investigation anyway? He cross-checked one of your documents and found it false.
Which one? The one concerning the secret nuclear-arms treaty.
It was in code.
Blue-nine-nine-six-six four-bishop-five.
I sent pawn, not bishop.
That changes the information completely.
I saw a copy of the document.
It was in my instruction information.
Simpson had no control over it.
He must've gotten to it somehow.
You could've been set up.
Very cleverly.
That's the woman.
She left the store, then came back later and bought a painting.
- Who's that man? - A gas inspector.
That's when she came back the second time.
What were those men doing here? They're from the gas company.
We had a leak.
You were framed.
Somebody did alter your information.
It's Simpson.
I know it is.
No, not Simpson.
He's not a brilliant man.
It took a brilliant mind to plan this entire operation.
Someone else is behind it.
- Who? - The Americans.
- Good.
- But how? Let's examine Simpson.
He's an angry, bitter man.
He's been demoted, cast aside because of your rise.
- Yes.
- So he decides to get even.
With us, with you.
He defects, tells the Americans everything.
They now have to figure a way to discredit all the top-secret documents you sent us.
They use Simpson to start an investigation of your loyalty.
Then I come.
They frame you and make me believe that you've defected.
There's only one way I know to find out whether my theory is correct or not.
- May I? - Of course.
- Simpson's Glassware.
- This is Mr.
Davis.
Is that rush order I requested available? - Yes, it's all ready.
- I'll be there in ten minutes.
I wanna see his proof.
Glass shop, Willy.
- The proof.
- Yes, yes.
Willoughby.
- Convinced? - Beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Townsend'll be taken care of.
Undoubtedly, he's told the Americans of our entire operation.
Both of you will have to leave the country.
You'll get instructions later.
What happened? I allowed them to think they had fooled me.
His proof authenticated the document concerning the nuclear-arms treaty as being false.
Therefore, it must be true.
Our immediate concern now is to get word back that the document is valid.
And to get you out of the United States.
What do we do about Simpson and Willoughby? Nothing.
When the Americans find out they haven't tricked us, they'll take care of them.
I wish I could meet the man that masterminded their operation.
He was brilliant.
I feel sorry for him.
He played the game well, but he lost.
It'll destroy him.

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