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00:03:21Morning.
00:03:23Forty-five seconds.
00:03:25I've been shopping.
00:03:28Is Lordship in?
00:03:35It's all right, Sally?
00:03:36Oh, smashing.
00:03:37And two crackers each.
00:03:43Get me Queen of Sheba.
00:03:48Good morning, Mr Pearson.
00:03:50Good morning, Sally.
00:04:00Morning, Peter.
00:04:01Morning.
00:04:05Oh.
00:04:06What have you got, Cole?
00:04:08A hangover.
00:04:10You shouldn't be wasting your time.
00:04:11You've got an exam in three months.
00:04:12Ugh, don't remind me.
00:04:13Not before Christmas, anyway.
00:04:16Don't mind my mentioning it,
00:04:17but you don't look too good yourself today.
00:04:20A row with the missus?
00:04:23Something like that.
00:04:29That'll be two pounds, Peter.
00:04:31Two pounds? What for?
00:04:32Tonight's party.
00:04:33What are we having, then? Champagne?
00:04:35And dancing girls.
00:04:36Well, they'd better be good.
00:04:37Anyway,
00:04:39when you get my money's worth.
00:04:46Roll on, New Year.
00:04:50Merry Christmas.
00:05:20Merry Christmas.
00:05:36Morning, Harper.
00:05:37Morning, sir.
00:05:40Miss Pringle,
00:05:41do you feel it really necessary
00:05:42to make such a display of your popularity?
00:05:45I thought they'd liven the desk up a little.
00:05:47Banking is one of the few
00:05:48dignified businesses left in the world, Miss Pringle.
00:05:50Do you mind terribly if we keep it that way?
00:05:52I'm sorry, sir.
00:05:54Morning, Pearson.
00:05:55Morning.
00:05:56Carol. Sanderson.
00:05:57Morning, sir.
00:06:07I noticed you didn't mention the party.
00:06:18I didn't.
00:06:49Miss Pringle?
00:06:50Sanderson and Pearson to come in, please.
00:07:18Come in.
00:07:48Come in.
00:08:15Did you get it?
00:08:16Get what?
00:08:17I want to know if you're a hepcat or a square.
00:08:20Do you mind?
00:09:17Come in.
00:09:32Pearson.
00:09:42Yes, Mr. Voldoff?
00:09:43Pearson, do you expect people to write with a pen like that?
00:09:47No.
00:09:55What's wrong with it, Mr. Farrar?
00:09:57Wrong?
00:09:58The nib is completely corroded.
00:10:00It obviously hasn't been cleaned or examined for weeks.
00:10:03This isn't a post office, you know.
00:10:05A customer coming into this bank
00:10:06has a right to expect efficiency.
00:10:08I'll speak to Miss Pringle.
00:10:09She, uh...
00:10:10Who you speak to is a matter
00:10:11of complete indifference to me, Pearson.
00:10:13What concerns me is the fact
00:10:14that it is always I
00:10:15who has to cover every fiddling little misdemeanor
00:10:17in this branch.
00:10:18A general doesn't inspect every button
00:10:20of every soldier every day, you know.
00:10:22That is supposed to be what is subordinate of all.
00:10:25I'll see to it immediately.
00:10:26Perhaps you don't agree with me.
00:10:28Perhaps you think because the combined assets
00:10:30of the City and Colonial Bank
00:10:31total more than 371 million pounds,
00:10:34a tupled pen nib is of no account.
00:10:37I'll see to it right away, Mr. Voldoff.
00:10:39Do that.
00:10:40And send Harville to me, will you?
00:10:46Thought I'd want to see you, Harville.
00:11:02I'm in.
00:11:05Mr. Pearson said you wanted to see me, sir.
00:11:15Come in.
00:11:23Obviously, you know what we have to discuss.
00:11:25I'm not sure, sir.
00:11:26Perhaps you don't think it's worth discussing.
00:11:28Perhaps you think that odd pounds, shillings and pence
00:11:30can be missing from the books from time to time
00:11:32without further comment.
00:11:33Sir, if you mean last Wednesday's balance...
00:11:38Was it last Wednesday's balance, sir?
00:11:40Why, have there been other days
00:11:41when the balance has been irregular?
00:11:44I thought as Mr. Burnaby had returned the ten pounds,
00:11:46the matter was more or less closed.
00:11:48We were very busy that day and I thought,
00:11:50well, Burnaby's an old customer.
00:11:52He was accidentally overpaid and...
00:11:54Very interesting attitude, Harville.
00:11:56And what would have happened
00:11:57if the money hadn't been returned?
00:11:59Would the mistake have been discovered then?
00:12:01And if not, what method would have been used to conceal it?
00:12:03Look, Mr. Ford, I give you my word,
00:12:05nobody was trying to conceal anything.
00:12:07It was...
00:12:08Well, it was just a mistake, that's all.
00:12:11I suggest to you that it's a lie
00:12:12and then defect the money was only put back in the till
00:12:14after you knew that Burnaby
00:12:15had returned the ten pounds to me personally.
00:12:17No, sir.
00:12:18I also suggest that there was an actual conspiracy,
00:12:20that someone else on the staff
00:12:22was involved with you in the whole plot.
00:12:24But that's ridiculous.
00:12:25Why should I try to conceal something
00:12:27that the auditors would have been bound to discover anyway?
00:12:31Who initialed your balance last Wednesday night?
00:12:33Well, that's nothing to do with it
00:12:34because I'd already put the money back by then.
00:12:36When my balance was initialed on Wednesday,
00:12:38it was a correct balance.
00:12:40Who initialed it?
00:12:41I don't see how it makes any difference who initialed it.
00:12:44I do.
00:12:48Was it Sanderson?
00:12:50No, he was...
00:12:52No, it wasn't, sir.
00:12:53Apart from myself and Sanderson,
00:12:55only one other person is authorized to check your balance.
00:12:58Who is that other person?
00:13:00You know perfectly well who initialed it, sir.
00:13:02I am only trying to be fair,
00:13:04trying not to jump to any conclusions.
00:13:06But it does seem conclusive
00:13:08that these initials are Mr. Pearson's.
00:13:11Are those Pearson's initials, or are they not?
00:13:15Yes, they are.
00:13:17Come in.
00:13:20Ah, Pearson, I was just going to send for you.
00:13:23I hope you'll have them.
00:13:41If you wanted to see me, Mr. Fodder,
00:13:45it's about this business of falsifying the books
00:13:48which you and Harvard have been mixed up in.
00:13:50Falsifying?
00:13:51It's a question of Burnaby's ten pounds.
00:13:54You initialed Harvard's balance last Wednesday, did you not?
00:13:57It wasn't falsifying.
00:13:58We were checking each item,
00:13:59and within a day or two, we would have discovered the mistake.
00:14:02It's very easy to say after the event.
00:14:04We're not exactly amateurs in the business, sir.
00:14:07That's certainly true.
00:14:09Amateurs wouldn't be clever enough
00:14:11to create a fund specifically to cover up mistakes made by the staff.
00:14:14You do see where such abuse could lead, don't you?
00:14:19Well, do you see the point?
00:14:21This fund operates only for mistakes which are discovered,
00:14:25which means that other mistakes, or rather falsifications,
00:14:28could be occurring which are not discovered.
00:14:31You're entitled to put your own construction on what has happened.
00:14:36Then you would agree that I have a duty to protect this bank and its clients
00:14:40against embezzlement.
00:14:44I must ask you to withdraw that allegation.
00:14:47That's insane.
00:14:55It's no good for us, is it?
00:14:58What's no good?
00:15:00This whole business.
00:15:02It doesn't involve Burnaby's ten pounds.
00:15:04It's a question of temperaments.
00:15:06Yours are nine.
00:15:07I realise that it's largely my fault
00:15:09that we haven't anything in common.
00:15:11Really, Pearson.
00:15:12Can't we straighten this ridiculous business out once and for all?
00:15:15I know we disagree about almost everything.
00:15:17My way of looking at things irritates you.
00:15:19I am not in the least interested in your way of looking at things.
00:15:22You are here to concern yourself with banking, not personalities.
00:15:27Before I say anything,
00:15:28I'm asking you to recommend me for a transfer
00:15:30to one of our branches in London.
00:15:32Do you really think that I could recommend you to another branch?
00:15:36Your signature on a balance sheet is apparently worthless.
00:15:39If I were to recommend you, I'd be as guilty of dishonesty as you are.
00:15:42I'm not dishonest.
00:15:43Then explain these initials.
00:15:44I have.
00:15:45Not to my satisfaction.
00:15:49Apparently, you haven't grasped the full significance
00:15:51of what I've just been saying.
00:15:53It isn't only that I couldn't, in all honesty,
00:15:55forward your transfer,
00:15:57there is also the possibility
00:15:59that I couldn't, in all honesty, forward your transfer.
00:16:02There is also a strong doubt in my mind
00:16:04as to whether I can keep you on here.
00:16:07You'd dismiss me?
00:16:10After 11 years?
00:16:13From the one business I know?
00:16:16You'd make it impossible for me to get another job
00:16:18as chief clerk at any bank in the country.
00:16:21You'd do that?
00:16:24It is time to open for business, Pearson.
00:16:35Morning, Jim.
00:16:36Morning.
00:16:48Excuse me a minute.
00:16:50Excuse me a minute.
00:16:52How long is my parking over there?
00:16:54Only 20 minutes, sir.
00:16:55Oh.
00:17:04Merry Christmas, sir.
00:17:05The same to you.
00:17:14I'll ask Mr. Fordyce if he'll see me for a few moments, will he, please?
00:17:19Just a moment, sir.
00:17:30Excuse me, sir.
00:17:32What's the personal or a business matter, sir?
00:17:35Business, of course.
00:17:43Come in.
00:17:46Yes, Pearson, what is it?
00:17:48Someone to see you, sir.
00:17:50You know I don't see anyone in the mornings without an appointment.
00:17:55Gore Hepburn?
00:17:57What sort of person is he?
00:17:59I should say someone of consequence, sir.
00:18:01Very well, show him in.
00:18:03You might interrupt us after 10 minutes.
00:18:05Don't want a fellow here all morning.
00:18:07Very good, sir.
00:18:10Would you come this way, sir?
00:18:12Oh, I'll come.
00:18:16Colonel Gore Hepburn, sir.
00:18:18Morning, Fordyce.
00:18:19Morning, Colonel.
00:18:20Won't you sit down?
00:18:22I can't.
00:18:28Oh, come.
00:18:40Will you need me any more, sir?
00:18:42No, that's all, Pearson.
00:18:43Just a moment.
00:18:45Come in, Pearson, and close the door.
00:18:48I'm afraid I don't understand. This is only your will.
00:18:51Close it, Pearson.
00:18:58I sent in my personal card because I did not wish to disclose the interests I represent.
00:19:05In fact, I am from the head office of the Home and Mercantile Bankers Insurance.
00:19:10The Home and Mercantile?
00:19:12They insure this branch and look after our security.
00:19:14Exactly.
00:19:16I'm on a tour of all your branches in the Southwest.
00:19:19I'm sorry to spring myself upon you in this way,
00:19:22but it's part of my job to see that people are on their toes
00:19:26and that the safeguard clauses in our policy are being complied with.
00:19:30I hope you find everything in order, sir.
00:19:33Well, frankly, Pearson, I think I've caught you flat-footed.
00:19:36I don't understand.
00:19:38Now, look, Pearson.
00:19:40I walk into this bank this morning, hand a card over the counter,
00:19:44and immediately I'm shown in here and left alone with Fordyce.
00:19:48I could have stuck a gun in his ribs as soon as the door closed.
00:19:51If I may say, sir, sir, you don't look much like a gunman.
00:19:54Really? You people in the provinces must stop thinking in this way.
00:19:58How do you know what a gunman looks like these days? Agreed, Fordyce?
00:20:02Yes, yes, of course.
00:20:04Pearson, you should have inquired more thoroughly into Colonel Goreheadman's business.
00:20:07I naturally assumed that you had.
00:20:09I'm sorry, Mr. Fordyce.
00:20:11But you couldn't have gone into the strongroom, Colonel.
00:20:13It requires two keys to open it.
00:20:15Mr. Fordyce only has one of them. I have the other.
00:20:18Well, that only makes matters worse, Pearson.
00:20:20It's precisely when the bank robber is up against something he didn't know
00:20:23that people begin to get hurt.
00:20:25By the way, I shall want to have a look at the layout of the strongroom later on.
00:20:28Of course, whatever you say.
00:20:30You see what I'm getting at, Pearson?
00:20:32Yes, sir, I see now, sir.
00:20:34We won't let you in again without a careful check, sir.
00:20:37Good man.
00:20:38That will be all, Pearson.
00:20:48I hope you won't think that Pearson's standards of security
00:20:51represent the efficiency of this branch as a whole.
00:20:53If he's negligent...
00:20:54Presumably, you asked him to show me in, Fordyce.
00:20:58Of course, I accept full responsibility for any shortcomings in my staff.
00:21:03However, I assure you it won't happen again.
00:21:05In fact, I've been thinking of replacing Pearson.
00:21:08Oh?
00:21:10He's been with you 11 years, hasn't he?
00:21:12How do you know that?
00:21:14I make it my business to know every small detail of the branches I visit.
00:21:19Oh, naturally. You would, naturally.
00:21:22Excuse me, please.
00:21:25Fordyce speaking.
00:21:29Hello?
00:21:31Hello, is anyone there?
00:21:33Mummy!
00:21:34Harry, is that you? Harry?
00:21:37Yes, my dear, what is it?
00:21:39Do whatever he says.
00:21:42Do whatever he says, for the love of God, I beseech you.
00:21:46Harry, can you...
00:21:49Don't do anything, Fordyce.
00:21:51They'll die if you move or say a word.
00:21:54What are you talking about? Let me speak to them.
00:21:56Shut up!
00:22:00Now, listen to me, Fordyce.
00:22:02Nothing will happen if you sit quite still until I finish speaking.
00:22:07What have my wife and child to do with this?
00:22:09There are two men at your house.
00:22:12At this moment, your wife has an electrode attached to each side of her body.
00:22:17If you fail to cooperate with us in any way, whatever,
00:22:21they will pass a charge through the circuit.
00:22:25It is extremely painful,
00:22:28and I'm afraid the effects of it are permanent.
00:22:33She would never recover her wits.
00:22:47What is it you want?
00:22:51Just some money.
00:23:07Going hunting, Pearson?
00:23:10I beg your pardon, sir.
00:23:12I thought you might have asked for it during your inspection.
00:23:15I think we've mislaid the ammunition.
00:23:17It's not very sensible, is it?
00:23:19You can't shoot Desperados with an empty gun, you know.
00:23:23I thought we had some round somewhere.
00:23:26I shouldn't worry, Pearson.
00:23:28They're not very accurate things at the best of times.
00:23:31By the way, I just wanted to tell you
00:23:33that Mr. Fordyce and I are not to be disturbed on any account.
00:23:36No one is to come in unless we send for them. Is that clear?
00:23:39Yes, sir.
00:23:40Good, ma'am.
00:23:55Cigarette?
00:24:00I'm always telling myself that I ought to give it up,
00:24:03but now I suppose I never shall.
00:24:11It's snowing.
00:24:13The paper said that it was going to get warmer today,
00:24:15and now look at it.
00:24:18Do you mind if I light this by the window?
00:24:21It has a certain significance for someone watching out there.
00:24:33We have several prearranged signals,
00:24:37and, uh...
00:24:39a special one in case anything goes wrong.
00:24:45This is fine.
00:24:47This is fine.
00:24:49Do you mind if we get down to business?
00:24:51I've allowed a short while for your mind to adjust itself to the idea.
00:24:56You think my mind can adjust itself to the idea
00:24:59that my wife and my child might be...
00:25:01Oh, Rennie Fordyce, you're being very unappreciative.
00:25:05It's rather a good plan, don't you think?
00:25:08No noisy guns or bleeding cashiers,
00:25:11no rushing off in stolen cars,
00:25:14none of that working through the night with the do-it-yourself tools
00:25:17and the unstable explosives.
00:25:19I detest brutality.
00:25:22I want bank robberies to be smoother, more sociable.
00:25:28Well, now, how about it? Beginning to feel adjusted?
00:25:33You'll never get away with it.
00:25:35I'm fortunate for your family if I don't.
00:25:38Fordyce, I can't impress upon you enough
00:25:41that you must behave with absolute naturalness
00:25:44during the next 50 minutes.
00:25:47Remember every single second
00:25:49that the lives of your wife and child depend on it.
00:25:54Now...
00:25:56in a few moments, you will call Pearson back in.
00:26:00Listen carefully to what you have to do.
00:26:03It is imperative that the luggage from my car is brought in here,
00:26:07but at your suggestion.
00:26:10Is that clear?
00:26:15I am parked in a 20-minute zone.
00:26:17I am going to tell Pearson to drive the car into the car park.
00:26:21You will inquire whether I have any luggage.
00:26:23I'm not very concerned about it, but you are.
00:26:26And you insist that the luggage is brought in here.
00:26:31Do you understand that?
00:26:33Yes. I think so.
00:26:36I'm not telling you exactly what to say
00:26:39because I want you to express yourself in your usual manner.
00:26:48I believe you attended a staff dinner last February
00:26:52where you were introduced to Desmond Hyde,
00:26:54one of the C&C board of directors.
00:26:56Is that correct?
00:26:58How did you know?
00:26:59Never mind.
00:27:01It will give us something to be talking about when Pearson comes in.
00:27:05Now...
00:27:07ring for him.
00:27:19Miss Pringle speaking.
00:27:20Ask Mr Pearson to come in, please.
00:27:22Yes, sir.
00:27:29You'd have been most amused
00:27:31if you could have seen him at the house party.
00:27:33He's a most delightful fellow.
00:27:35A first-class shot, too.
00:27:37You know...
00:27:39Come in.
00:27:41Oh, come in, Pearson.
00:27:43I'm sorry, Colonel, you were saying?
00:27:46Oh, I was only going to say
00:27:48that all the most charming people
00:27:50seem to end up on the board of the C&C.
00:27:52Oh, by the way,
00:27:54Desmond Hyde was there with his wife, Anna.
00:27:56I think he said he'd met you.
00:27:58Yes, sir.
00:28:00Yes, I dined with him last year at the staff dinner.
00:28:03I should...
00:28:05I should like to meet him again.
00:28:07Oh, uh...
00:28:09By the way, Pearson,
00:28:11would you mind moving my car into the car park?
00:28:13It's in the 20-minute zone at the moment
00:28:15and I hate breaking the law.
00:28:17I'm afraid I don't drive, sir.
00:28:19Oh. Well, uh...
00:28:21Perhaps somebody else?
00:28:23Yes, of course, sir. Harville.
00:28:25Yes.
00:28:27Uh, just a moment, Pearson.
00:28:31Uh...
00:28:33I suppose you left nothing of value in your car, Colonel?
00:28:36Oh, all in my baggage.
00:28:38I wonder if it would be safe
00:28:40leaving it in the car park.
00:28:42It's unattended, you know.
00:28:44Hmm. I suppose it is a bit tempting.
00:28:46Yes, you'd better bring the luggage in here, Pearson.
00:28:49It's never good taking chances these days.
00:28:51Well, if it'll set your mind at rest, Fortyce.
00:28:54I'll see to it, sir. Yes.
00:29:01Just a shade more deference, Fortyce.
00:29:05A little more eagerness to please me.
00:29:08Otherwise, I shall be obliged to arrange
00:29:11a small scream to refresh your memory.
00:29:14You cowardly...
00:29:16You cowardly...
00:29:35By rights, this stuff should be melting now, not falling.
00:29:39Do you expect me to worry if it snows or not?
00:29:42My worries have automatically become your worries now, Fortyce.
00:29:47If anything should go wrong, the slightest hitch...
00:29:50I can't stop the snow.
00:29:52No.
00:29:54I suppose that would be asking too much, wouldn't it?
00:30:02Ah! Good.
00:30:05Thank you, Pearson.
00:30:13Thank you very much.
00:30:27Thank you. Thank you.
00:30:29Now, let me see. You must be Miss Pringle.
00:30:32Yes, sir.
00:30:34Now, tell me, Miss Pringle, are you looking forward to Christmas?
00:30:36Oh, yes, sir.
00:30:38You going to have a Christmas party here?
00:30:40I... Somebody did mention it, but I don't really know.
00:30:43Yeah.
00:30:45Well, perhaps you'd allow me to make a...
00:30:47a small contribution to the party fund, eh?
00:30:51Oh! Oh, thank you.
00:30:53Thank you very much.
00:30:55No, please don't thank me.
00:30:57It allays the feelings of guilt I sometimes get
00:30:59about the way I misuse my expense allowance.
00:31:02Oh, thank you, sir.
00:31:05You're very fortunate in your staff, Fordyce.
00:31:08That is not my opinion.
00:31:11Oh, really?
00:31:14Have you ever contributed to the Christmas fund?
00:31:17I am not in the habit of ingratiating myself with my subordinates.
00:31:21I have news for you, Fordyce.
00:31:24You have just done that.
00:31:26I've done what?
00:31:28Ingratiated yourself.
00:31:30Give me five pounds.
00:31:32Five pounds? What for?
00:31:34Your contribution to the fund
00:31:36and a slight token of regret
00:31:38for the ungenerous thoughts you've just expressed.
00:32:03That is only four.
00:32:05That is all I have. I don't carry much cash.
00:32:07Very wise.
00:32:09It protects you in case of robbery, doesn't it?
00:32:12Ah, well, never mind.
00:32:14You can owe me the other pound.
00:32:19Tell me, Fordyce,
00:32:21have you ever read Gibbon's
00:32:23Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire?
00:32:27No, I haven't.
00:32:29I'm lucky for you.
00:32:31You'll be able to start as soon as I've gone.
00:32:33It's in these cases.
00:32:35Uh, all 12 volumes.
00:32:38The rest, I'm afraid, are rather old blankets.
00:32:41You get the idea, of course.
00:32:44I'm not a fool.
00:32:47You'll be interested to know that we've got plenty of time.
00:32:50The whole operation is scheduled to end in exactly 45 minutes.
00:32:55We'll unpack the cases in the strongroom
00:32:57and refill them with the money.
00:33:00Not a very fair exchange, I'm afraid.
00:33:03I don't expect the exchange to be permanent.
00:33:06Don't you?
00:33:08I'll explain the way I want them refilled
00:33:11when we get down there.
00:33:14You know, I think banks are rather fun.
00:33:26I've got to make a pass to myself, I'm afraid.
00:33:32Hmm.
00:33:34Secret plans, perhaps?
00:33:38Well, uh, let's have a look at the alarm system, shall we?
00:33:42This way, Colonel.
00:33:44I've got to make a pass to myself, I'm afraid.
00:33:49Hmm.
00:33:51I've got to make a pass to myself, I'm afraid.
00:33:54This way, Colonel.
00:33:56Harville, this is Colonel Gore Hepburn
00:33:59who's inspecting our security arrangements for the insurance company.
00:34:02Oh, Harville.
00:34:03Morning, sir.
00:34:04Ah, where's your alarm button?
00:34:06There, sir.
00:34:07Oh.
00:34:09Hmm.
00:34:10Well, you've never had occasion to use it, I suppose?
00:34:13Oh, we're lucky, sir. Very law-abiding community.
00:34:15Yes, well, you know, it's not the local people we're worried about.
00:34:18It's these smart characters down from London.
00:34:21I don't mind telling you, it's got us worried.
00:34:23That's why I'm here.
00:34:24Havisham is the centre of a large agricultural area, Colonel.
00:34:28London is a long way away.
00:34:29There'd be plenty of time to put up roadblocks.
00:34:32You'd be surprised how these fellows can think their way around roadblocks.
00:34:36Well, you, uh, you carry the minimum amount of stock in the tills, I suppose?
00:34:40Oh, yes, yes.
00:34:41Any withdrawal over 500 pounds has to come from the strongroom
00:34:44unless, of course, we've had prior warning.
00:34:46Uh-huh.
00:34:47Well, let's have a look at the next one.
00:34:50Here.
00:34:53This is Mr Sanderson, Colonel.
00:34:55Sanderson, Sanderson.
00:34:57Where have I...
00:34:59Oh, yes.
00:35:00Didn't I see your name in the Banker's World Monthly a little while ago?
00:35:03Uh, yes, sir, it was.
00:35:05Yes, yes, of course.
00:35:06You were runner-up in the regional chess competition.
00:35:09Well, you never told me you had a potential chess champion on the staff for that.
00:35:13I'm more concerned with what Sanderson does in his office hours.
00:35:17Hmm, yes, well.
00:35:18I suppose chess is a failing of mine, too, Sanderson.
00:35:21Robbing banks is a game of wits, after all, isn't it, eh?
00:35:24Well, now, where's your alarm switch? Same place as Harvey's?
00:35:27Oh, yes, sir.
00:35:28Oh, yes, good.
00:35:29Well, any complaints?
00:35:31Well, sir, since you asked me, the central heating here...
00:35:35Colonel Gore Hepburn is concerned with security, Sanderson.
00:35:38Well, I'll try to breathe a word higher up, Sanderson.
00:35:41I can't make them promises.
00:35:43Now, I'd like to have a look at the codebook you use for your currency orders,
00:35:47and then we'll go down to the problem.
00:35:50Colonel Gore Hepburn is concerned with security, Sanderson.
00:35:57Oh, snap out of it, George. He's not the end of the world.
00:36:00That's the third black I put up today.
00:36:02First I didn't check up on him, then there was the empty gun,
00:36:05and now he's just caught me daydreaming.
00:36:07Oh, he's not so bad for a colonel.
00:36:10You really should have checked up on him, I suppose.
00:36:13I should probably ask you if you have.
00:36:15Why don't you put in a call to his office?
00:36:17It's a bit late.
00:36:18It's better late than never. I'll book a call for you.
00:36:25It's Pringle. Got Holman Mercantile's number.
00:36:33You don't know what this is costing me.
00:36:38It's costing you 90,000 pounds for that.
00:36:41I'm afraid you're going to be greatly disappointed, Colonel.
00:36:45The stocks of a bank in a small community like this
00:36:48do not add up to anything like that amount.
00:37:06Take off your glasses, all right?
00:37:09For what purpose?
00:37:10What do you want?
00:37:11Just take them off.
00:37:14I can't see you now.
00:37:19There are two components factories
00:37:21and a Birmingham Chemicals subsidiary on the bypass,
00:37:23all of which draw their wages here tomorrow.
00:37:26Tomorrow is also Christmas Eve.
00:37:28Your average withdrawals on Christmas Eve
00:37:30have never been less than 7,000 pounds.
00:37:33Your current stocks shown in head office return last week
00:37:35were 89,000 pounds.
00:37:43We've been a year setting up this operation.
00:37:45There isn't the smallest detail of your branch
00:37:48which is not known to me.
00:37:52Put on your glasses. You look ridiculous.
00:38:03Don't misread my character, Fordyce.
00:38:06I may be unable to suppress my natural charm,
00:38:09but try to remember I've only to make one of several
00:38:11prearranged gestures at that window
00:38:14and your wife would be subjected
00:38:16to the most unbearable torture.
00:38:20You would probably find that she would never...
00:38:23Don't.
00:38:27There's about 97,000 pounds there.
00:38:30The stock lists are kept just inside the safety doors.
00:38:35Now, I want you to listen to the next stage carefully.
00:38:39You and I, with Pearson, will go to the strongroom.
00:38:42That's through there, isn't it?
00:38:48There's delay.
00:38:50A London calls.
00:38:52I suppose everybody's trying to phone their Aunt Nellie for Christmas.
00:38:54Oh, I don't say.
00:38:55We'll phone back as soon as they've got a line.
00:38:57Oh, thanks.
00:38:58You let Pearson get halfway up the stairs
00:39:00and then you call him back.
00:39:03You tell him that if anyone comes in for a large withdrawal,
00:39:07you'll be asked to wait a short while
00:39:09until you become available.
00:39:11I'll leave you a few thousand pounds
00:39:13to meet any emergencies for the next hour or so.
00:39:16Pearson goes.
00:39:18Then we come back up here,
00:39:20take the cases down to the strongroom
00:39:22and repack them in a way I'll describe to you as we go along.
00:39:25Now, is all that absolutely clear?
00:39:29I think I understand.
00:39:31Very well.
00:39:33In a few moments, I shall ask you to repeat your instructions.
00:39:38Ah, we'd better not send for Pearson for another five minutes.
00:39:41Mustn't rush things, you know.
00:39:43After all, we are supposed to be in conference.
00:39:46By the way, do you have any drink here
00:39:49with which to entertain your more influential customers?
00:39:54It's over there.
00:40:08Beep!
00:40:14You fool for life!
00:40:16What have you done?
00:40:18Stop!
00:40:20Stop, it's only a fire engine.
00:40:22The station's in Market Street, just round the corner.
00:40:27Phew!
00:40:29Ha!
00:40:31Ah.
00:40:32I could do with that drink.
00:40:34You better have one too.
00:40:36If I may say so.
00:40:38You're not in need, are you?
00:40:40I don't drink during office hours.
00:40:42Oh.
00:40:44I think this occasion might be an exception.
00:40:50Very well.
00:40:57I'm afraid I can't wish you good luck.
00:41:00No, I agree, Fordyce, it would be out of character.
00:41:06You're hardly in a position to know anything about my character.
00:41:09I think I am.
00:41:11You're not a very charitable man,
00:41:14let alone a sporting one.
00:41:17The opinion of a common thief is of no interest to me.
00:41:21I flatter myself, I'm a rather uncommon thief.
00:41:25A common one would just make off with the money.
00:41:28But I can't help interesting myself in people.
00:41:32It's a failing you ought to cultivate, Fordyce.
00:41:37You ought to encourage sounds of them in his chest, for instance.
00:41:41You know, I'm interested in every single person who works for me.
00:41:45Their families, what happens to them.
00:41:48You ought to take them out for a drink occasionally,
00:41:51join their Christmas party,
00:41:53or just listen to them.
00:41:55I believe it to be enough if my staff respect me for my efficiency.
00:42:00And your family, do they respect you too?
00:42:04Must you keep reminding me of what they're going through?
00:42:07Can't you stop gloating?
00:42:09I'm not gloating.
00:42:12I ask because I noticed that when the telephone rang this morning,
00:42:16your child was calling for his mother, not his father.
00:42:20And when your wife spoke to you, she used the word beseech,
00:42:24as if you were not often given to mercy.
00:42:27Shut up, will you?
00:42:29Don't raise your voice, Fordyce, if you really want to show them mercy.
00:42:33I will not stand here having judgment passed upon me by a criminal.
00:42:37I'm only trying to show you the error of your ways, Father.
00:42:49For you to moralize,
00:42:53sitting there like some damned saint.
00:42:56The saints love their fellow men,
00:42:58but when you're called to account,
00:43:00your fellow creatures will give evidence for you.
00:43:03Those people out there, for instance, what will they say?
00:43:07I am not particularly interested in the opinions of...
00:43:10Now, repeat your instructions.
00:43:12What happens when Pearson comes in?
00:43:17We go through the door to the staircase,
00:43:20and Pearson or I switch off the electric eye.
00:43:24Then we go down and open the safety doors for you.
00:43:29Then I tell... No, then you tell Pearson to go.
00:43:33But I say that there should be two members of the staff in the strongroom at all times.
00:43:41In the end, you tell Pearson to lock us in,
00:43:44that is, by locking these two doors here.
00:43:48Then he goes.
00:43:54Then he goes.
00:43:57Yes, but I stop him.
00:43:59Say that there are to be no large withdrawals until...
00:44:03until we've finished.
00:44:05Right.
00:44:08And above all, speak naturally.
00:44:11If it goes differently or you forget anything,
00:44:14for heaven's sake, don't panic. I'll be there.
00:44:17Just behave as if it were, in fact, a normal security check.
00:44:21Now, are you absolutely certain
00:44:24Are you absolutely certain that everything's been taken into account?
00:44:28Because if we should fail, you know what it means.
00:44:31The orders are already given. They will be ruthlessly carried out.
00:44:36Is it likely I should let you make a mistake?
00:44:44Up to now, you've made all the threats.
00:44:47I'll make only one.
00:44:50If anything happens to my family,
00:44:53I'll kill you.
00:44:55I swear I will.
00:45:00Call Pearson.
00:45:09Miss Pringle speaking.
00:45:11Ask Mr Pearson to come in, please.
00:45:13Yes, sir.
00:45:21Come in.
00:45:24Well done, Mr Pearson.
00:45:26We're ready to go down.
00:45:28Dr Keyes? Yes, sir.
00:45:30Things still quiet out there?
00:45:32Nothing doing at all, sir.
00:45:34You couldn't have chosen a better time if you'd planned it.
00:45:40This way.
00:45:43Ah.
00:45:46This way.
00:45:49Ah. Is your electric guy system in order?
00:45:52Yes, sir.
00:45:53Ah. We'd better switch it off, then.
00:45:55Yes, sir.
00:46:03Right. Lead the way, Pearson.
00:46:06Ah.
00:46:13I sometimes feel I never want to see the inside of another bank as long as I live.
00:46:18Do you ever get like that, Forrest?
00:46:20No, I can't say I do.
00:46:22I must be in need of a holiday.
00:46:29When did you last check your alarm system?
00:46:32We always checked every Saturday morning before we opened it.
00:46:36What's that light for?
00:46:38It's a red blinker light.
00:46:40It flashes to warn us that the inner grill door hasn't been properly closed.
00:46:44If it isn't attended to after 30 seconds, the general alarm is set off.
00:46:48Ah, I see. That's a good idea.
00:46:5030 seconds should give them time to open up and reset the grill door.
00:46:55We've never had an occasion to need the reminder.
00:46:58I'm sure of that.
00:47:03Ah.
00:47:09Ah. I suppose it's all in the day's work for us.
00:47:12The moment before a strong room door opens.
00:47:17Yet I suppose it's also the moment a thousand thieves have dreamt of as the highlight of their lives.
00:47:24Let's hope their dreams don't come true, sir.
00:47:26Hmm.
00:47:29Hmm.
00:47:31The stuff you fellows collect in these places.
00:47:38Well, let's have a look at your current holdings for a moment.
00:47:46There you go.
00:47:48Hmm.
00:47:50You always carry as much as this?
00:47:52Except for the two months just after Christmas.
00:47:56Pearson, will you turn on the vent later? We may be down here some time.
00:48:03Oh, Pearson, I don't think we need keep you any longer.
00:48:07Let's have your key to the safety doors, will you?
00:48:10My key, sir?
00:48:12Ah, this is somewhat irregular.
00:48:15Strictly speaking, Colonel, Pearson should only give that key up to his deputy.
00:48:19And besides, there should be two members of the staff down here all the time the strong room is open.
00:48:23Quite right. In fact, if he hadn't come out with it, it would have meant a black mark in my report.
00:48:28However, Pearson, the usual form on my inspections is for the chief clerk to lock all the doors to this part of the bank
00:48:35and then to let us have his key to the safety doors in case we have to leave the strong room unattended for any length of time.
00:48:44Well, what about it? Think you can trust me to keep an eye on Mr. Fordyce, Pearson?
00:48:49Yes, I think so, sir.
00:48:52Just lock the outer door to my office, will you, Pearson,
00:48:55so that the Colonel and I can get in there from here if we perhaps are referred to anything.
00:48:59Very good, sir. I shan't open them again until I hear from you.
00:49:02Correct.
00:49:09Oh, Pearson, should anyone come in for a large withdrawal,
00:49:13tell the clerks to ask them to come back in an hour, say we're having an audit or something.
00:49:17Yes, all right.
00:49:52Go to your desk, Fordyce. Don't holler at me.
00:50:06Sit down.
00:50:11Why didn't you tell him, Fordyce?
00:50:14I didn't remember. He cleans the windows once a month.
00:50:18Even when it's snowing?
00:50:20We have a contract.
00:50:22Does he come inside later?
00:50:24No, that's done by the office staff.
00:50:42Right.
00:51:05Open safe.
00:51:10I hate packing and unpacking.
00:51:13Can't wait to get settled in one place.
00:51:15The air on Dartmoor is very bracing, I believe.
00:51:19With no doubt.
00:51:20Our rise will be far beyond the reach of our extradition laws.
00:51:38What's the matter?
00:51:40Nothing, nothing, nothing.
00:51:45Right to 25.
00:51:46Twice to 16.
00:51:48I have...
00:51:5210.
00:52:04I can't do it.
00:52:08I can't.
00:52:09All right, I won't panic.
00:52:12I'll come back.
00:52:15Yes.
00:52:26Right to 25.
00:52:30One.
00:52:45Two.
00:53:13Right.
00:53:15We'll take part notes first.
00:53:1720,000 in each of the big cases.
00:53:1910,000 in the small.
00:53:45Stop it.
00:53:53I'll send you a postcard for that.
00:53:58You'll be able to come and stay with me in my villa.
00:54:06With your family, of course.
00:54:15Right.
00:54:17Right.
00:54:43That's the pounds done.
00:54:47Now for the fibres.
00:54:51We haven't much time. Just fill up each case as far as you can go.
00:55:07Fibres are a damn nuisance.
00:55:09It'll take years to farm away the fibre.
00:55:12Around the race courses, this is a usual practice, isn't it?
00:55:15I'm afraid professional ethics prevents me from disclosing that information here, doesn't it?
00:55:38Right, I'll do that. Shut the safe door.
00:55:45Right.
00:56:06The other door.
00:56:15Right.
00:56:45Right.
00:57:03Electric eye.
00:57:11The door. Lock it.
00:57:15Right.
00:57:46Here, drink this.
00:57:50I don't want it.
00:58:08You won't have to listen to me much longer.
00:58:11Thank heaven.
00:58:13That last little exhibition was to tell my friend that the first stage of the operation is completed.
00:58:17It is the last signal he will get from me. The next will come from you.
00:58:21I can't take any more of this.
00:58:23Look, I've had enough. You've got what you came for. Now, why don't you go?
00:58:27That is exactly what I intend to do.
00:58:29But first, we must discuss the most important stage of this operation.
00:58:33My getaway.
00:58:34They'll catch you. They'll catch all of you.
00:58:36I hope not for us. For your sake.
00:58:39What do you mean?
00:58:41I have a rendezvous with my friends in about an hour's time.
00:58:44If I fail to turn up, they're likely to become irritable, restless, and generally unpleasant.
00:58:49I am not interested or concerned.
00:58:51Oh, but you are, Fordyce. You've missed the point again. You are most concerned.
00:59:01But you don't... You haven't...
00:59:05You don't mean you're taking them with you?
00:59:07You don't mean you're taking them with you?
00:59:09Not taking, Fordyce. Borrowing, to use a banker's term, as collateral.
00:59:14You... You cannot subject them to any more.
00:59:17My wife is very highly strung.
00:59:19For pity's sake, leave them.
00:59:21I'll go with you willingly. I'll do anything you say.
00:59:26Sit down.
00:59:29Now listen carefully, Fordyce. No-one need die if you do as I say.
00:59:35I want one hour, that's all.
00:59:40City and Colonial. Can I help you?
00:59:42How would you like it, Mrs. Tate? In fivers?
00:59:44In ones, please. That is, if it's not too much trouble.
00:59:47No trouble at all.
00:59:48Your call's through.
00:59:49All right, I'll be within a moment.
00:59:50I'll hang on for you.
00:59:51Look, Arthur.
00:59:52I've got a letter for you.
00:59:54All right, I'll be within a moment.
00:59:55I'll hang on for you.
00:59:56Look, Arthur. I'll do it if you're busy.
00:59:59OK. It's Holman Mercantile on the line.
01:00:01Get through to their bank insurance department.
01:00:03OK.
01:00:04And look slippy or he'll be gone.
01:00:05Roger.
01:00:09Hello?
01:00:13What time do you make it?
01:00:17It's about twenty...
01:00:18Exactly, man.
01:00:21Nineteen minutes to eleven.
01:00:23Right.
01:00:26Now, as soon as I drive away, you come back in here,
01:00:29go to that window,
01:00:31mop your brow with your handkerchief twice very distinctly.
01:00:35After that, you have one hour, sixty minutes.
01:00:40What does that mean?
01:00:42We're leaving a man behind in Havisham.
01:00:44I will be in touch with him by telephone every fifteen minutes.
01:00:48If he reports that a police alarm has been given
01:00:50or that we're being followed,
01:00:52your wife and child will be killed immediately
01:00:54and we will switch to another escape plan already prepared.
01:00:58But if all goes well, your wife and child will be released
01:01:02exactly one hour after I leave here.
01:01:04Is that absolutely clear?
01:01:07Yes, it's quite clear.
01:01:09Time for Pearson.
01:01:14Just a moment.
01:01:15Don't, for heaven's sake, deceive yourself into thinking that this couldn't happen.
01:01:19After I leave, you're on your own and only you know what is at stake.
01:01:23If suspicions are aroused,
01:01:25you must prevent the alarm being given at all costs.
01:01:29I don't have to tell you any more, do I?
01:01:32No.
01:01:35I'm afraid I understand only too well.
01:01:38Right.
01:01:42Miss Pringle speaking.
01:01:43Is Mr. Pearson there?
01:01:45One moment, sir.
01:01:46Mr. Pearson.
01:01:47Mr. Pearson.
01:01:50Just coming, sir.
01:01:51Yes, I'm still on.
01:01:54Pearson.
01:01:55Colonel Vaughan Hepburn's ready to leave.
01:01:56Get his car around immediately, please.
01:01:58Very good, sir.
01:01:59And he'd like to see you before he goes.
01:02:01See me?
01:02:02That's right, Pearson.
01:02:04Yes, sir.
01:02:08They're finishing up now.
01:02:09What about her? She's been hanging out for two minutes.
01:02:11Who is it?
01:02:12The home in the Hoosies.
01:02:14Oh, I'll take that.
01:02:15You go and get the colonel's car.
01:02:16Right.
01:02:17And don't smash it up.
01:02:18Roger, Dodger.
01:02:20Hello?
01:02:22Hello?
01:02:24Hello? Hello?
01:02:27Don't cut off.
01:02:35Come in.
01:02:37You wanted to see me, sir?
01:02:39Oh, just a moment, Pearson.
01:02:41Life all right?
01:02:42I'll just get you to sign this clearance certificate, if you will.
01:02:49Don't want my fellow directors to think
01:02:51I've been spending the time of the popsy in Brighton.
01:02:58Well, Pearson, I just wanted to tell you
01:03:00that I intend giving an excellent report on this branch.
01:03:03Thank you, sir.
01:03:04About that ammunition...
01:03:06Ammunition? What ammunition?
01:03:07My memory gets a bit rusty at Christmas time.
01:03:10Oh, there is just one thing, Pearson.
01:03:12The next time a Hoban mercantile man calls,
01:03:15telephone his office and check up on him.
01:03:17It's a rule.
01:03:18I realise that, sir.
01:03:19As a matter of fact...
01:03:20Oh, no harm done.
01:03:21Fordyce had the good sense to check himself.
01:03:25Well, thank you very much, Fordyce.
01:03:27You've been most cooperative.
01:03:29Oh, Pearson, say goodbye to the staff for me, will you?
01:03:32Wish them a merry Christmas.
01:03:33And you might say that in my opinion
01:03:35it'd take a very clever fellow to rob this bank.
01:03:38And I'm an expert.
01:03:40I'll give you a hand with the bag, sir.
01:03:42That's all right, Pearson.
01:03:45I'll help the fellow out.
01:03:49Thank you very much.
01:03:59What can I help you, sir?
01:04:00Oh, it's all right, thank you, Harvey.
01:04:02Have a good Christmas.
01:04:04Thank you, sir, and the same to you.
01:04:05Oh, I'll do my best.
01:04:22It's what I call a car.
01:04:23Better than that old tin can you run around in, Arthur.
01:04:25Well, I wasn't a colonel.
01:04:26I was a corporal.
01:04:32Better go in, Fordyce.
01:04:33Don't want you catching cold.
01:04:36Well, goodbye.
01:04:38Watch him up.
01:04:54Good morning, Mr. Fordyce.
01:05:09City and Colonial.
01:05:25Mr. Fordyce.
01:05:28What the...
01:05:29What's going on, Mr. Fordyce?
01:05:31What are you talking about?
01:05:33How dare you come into my room without knocking?
01:05:35I've just had Herman Mercantile on the phone.
01:05:37Who?
01:05:38You didn't ring them, did you?
01:05:40What do you mean?
01:05:42Of course I rang them.
01:05:43You heard what Colonel Gore Hepburn said?
01:05:45It wasn't him.
01:05:46The real Gore Hepburn's in Manchester.
01:05:48Are you out of your mind, Pearson?
01:05:50Why did you lie?
01:05:51What were you doing at the window just now?
01:05:54That's enough, Pearson.
01:05:57I've had enough of your impertinence.
01:06:00I'll ring the Herman Mercantile myself.
01:06:02Either some stupid typist has made an error...
01:06:05...or you received some garbled message.
01:06:08Now, you get back to your work at once.
01:06:10Come off it, Fordyce.
01:06:12Do as I say.
01:06:20He's robbed the bank, hasn't he?
01:06:26How much did he get away with?
01:06:31Ninety-three thousand.
01:06:33Ninety-three thousand?
01:06:36You helped him.
01:06:38I had to, Pearson.
01:06:40I still have to.
01:06:41I don't understand.
01:06:43They've got my wife, Pearson.
01:06:45And the boy.
01:06:47How now?
01:06:48There mustn't be any alarm.
01:06:50The police mustn't know.
01:06:51Not for an hour.
01:06:52There's one of the gang out there keeping watch.
01:06:54But the police...
01:06:55I daren't tell them, Pearson.
01:06:57I can't. I can't take the risk.
01:06:59I've already run them.
01:07:01What?
01:07:02You've called them?
01:07:03I rang them immediately.
01:07:06You must stop them.
01:07:07They're on their way.
01:07:08You've got to stop them.
01:07:09Tell them it was a mistake.
01:07:10Mistake?
01:07:11You rang them in error.
01:07:12You must think of something.
01:07:14But the others sound as novel.
01:07:16They know.
01:07:18They heard me ring.
01:07:20Look, they...
01:07:22They mustn't say anything.
01:07:24They mustn't.
01:07:26Explain to them what's happened.
01:07:28They'll understand.
01:07:29Pearson, promise me you'll do that.
01:07:31Promise, please.
01:07:33You know what you're asking.
01:07:37They've got to help me.
01:07:39Pearson, they must.
01:07:40The money must afford us.
01:07:41The bank's money.
01:07:42Forget the money, Pearson.
01:07:44Pearson, listen.
01:07:46Now, listen to me.
01:07:48My family are all I've got.
01:07:50I have no friends.
01:07:51Nobody.
01:07:52Only my wife and my son.
01:07:54That's all I've got.
01:07:56You've got to understand, Pearson.
01:07:59They're all I've got.
01:08:26Morning, sir.
01:08:27I'm Detective Sergeant Collins.
01:08:29Good morning, Sergeant.
01:08:31Well, I'm afraid there's been a rather unfortunate mistake.
01:08:35A mistake?
01:08:36Detective Constable Cairn, he took the call.
01:08:38No, Mr. Pearson made the call.
01:08:40He gave a description of a man in a car
01:08:42the inspector sent out to General Long.
01:08:44You must cancel it immediately.
01:08:47I mean, it's very important.
01:08:50It's my fault, I'm afraid.
01:08:51I'm Pearson.
01:08:53The man I described is a senior official.
01:08:55An official?
01:08:56From head office.
01:08:57He's a very important man and, well, if he stopped...
01:09:00I made a bit of a fool of myself.
01:09:02You see, I thought he was described in our banker's journal as a thief.
01:09:06Then when I found a rather large sum of money missing...
01:09:09Money missing?
01:09:10Well, it wasn't exactly missing.
01:09:12I had it, Sergeant.
01:09:13I'd taken it to check without telling Mr. Pearson.
01:09:17And you panicked?
01:09:19I'm afraid so.
01:09:21You'd better cancel the alarm right away.
01:09:26I'll just take details.
01:09:28There's really no time.
01:09:30It is rather urgent.
01:09:31You see, he's a fairly big shot and, well, if he stopped...
01:09:34You understand.
01:09:36You'll all be in for a rocket.
01:09:38That's right.
01:09:51Okay.
01:09:52Use the car radio.
01:09:54Sergeant.
01:09:57Here.
01:09:59May I offer you a drink, Sergeant?
01:10:02Well, uh...
01:10:03Well, it's Christmas time.
01:10:05Thank you, sir.
01:10:06This way.
01:10:27Would you like water or soda, Sergeant?
01:10:30As it comes, please, sir.
01:10:34You're in very good health.
01:10:36You're not joining me, sir?
01:10:38Oh, yes, of course.
01:10:43Did, uh...
01:10:45Did anyone see you arrive?
01:10:47How do you mean, sir?
01:10:49Was there...
01:10:51Was there a...
01:10:53What do you mean, sir?
01:10:55Was there a crowd when your car drew up?
01:10:59No, not particularly.
01:11:01Usual shoppers.
01:11:02Why, sir?
01:11:03Oh, nothing, Sergeant.
01:11:05Nothing special.
01:11:06It was just that I wouldn't like people to get the wrong impression.
01:11:09You know how quickly rumors start in this town.
01:11:12Why shouldn't worry, sir?
01:11:14We didn't have any bells or sirens going.
01:11:17Then you might just have been clients.
01:11:20As a matter of fact, I am a client, sir.
01:11:22I keep my ill-gotten gains in this bank.
01:11:24Yes, of course.
01:11:26Yes.
01:11:29I had forgotten that.
01:11:42I hope you won't think I'm making too much of this, Sergeant.
01:11:45It's just that I do have the good name of the bank to think of.
01:11:48You take your job very much to heart, don't you, Mr. Forrest?
01:11:50It's a heavy responsibility, Sergeant.
01:11:52I understand, sir.
01:11:57Well, it was a very nice.
01:11:59Have you time for another?
01:12:00No. Better be going to make the station.
01:12:03I do hope there won't be any trouble.
01:12:05Well, between you and me, sir, it's the inspector I'm worried about.
01:12:08Inspector Latimer?
01:12:10No, he's gone.
01:12:11A new man, Mason, from London. Dead keen.
01:12:13Got this call. Was off like a greyhound.
01:12:16Mistakes do happen.
01:12:18Oh, sure. But he's not going to like being sent on a wild goose chase.
01:12:22No. I suppose not.
01:12:25Well, don't worry, sir. I'll explain.
01:12:29Thank you, Sergeant.
01:12:31Thank you very much indeed.
01:12:35Nothing wrong, sir, is there?
01:12:38How do you mean?
01:12:40I hope you don't mind me mentioning it, sir, but you look a bit under the weather.
01:12:43No, there's nothing wrong. Nothing at all.
01:12:46It's been a hard day so far.
01:12:48I understand, sir. I bet you'll be glad when it's over.
01:12:52Yes, I will, Sergeant.
01:12:54Well, Merry Christmas, sir.
01:12:56And to you.
01:13:07Hello, Fordyce. Nice to see you again.
01:13:10Meet a friend of mine, Bill Mason.
01:13:13Mason, this is Fordyce, the manager.
01:13:17Do you know this gentleman, Mr. Fordyce?
01:13:20Know him?
01:13:22Well, of course I know him.
01:13:24He's from head office.
01:13:27That's funny.
01:13:29We heard he was from an insurance company.
01:13:32That's right. That's what I meant.
01:13:34Head office of the Homer Mercantile. They... they insure this bank.
01:13:38Excuse me, Inspector. We sent out a message about this business.
01:13:41Message, Sergeant?
01:13:42Yes, there's been a bloomer. One of the clerks sent out a false alarm.
01:13:45Apparently...
01:13:46There you are, Mason. I told you there'd been a mess-up.
01:13:49Inspector, I'm afraid you've made a terrible error.
01:13:51This is Colonel Gore Hepburn. I know him well.
01:13:54You do?
01:13:56He's from the Homer Mercantile. One of their principal directors.
01:13:59I see.
01:14:00I admit the mistake was ours originally,
01:14:02but I really feel that you've made matters considerably worse.
01:14:06I think the best thing you can do is to release the Colonel forthwith
01:14:10and apologize.
01:14:12That's exactly what I suggested to Mason myself, Fordyce.
01:14:15You'd be prepared to vouch for him, would you, sir?
01:14:17Of course I would.
01:14:19You say you've known him for several years?
01:14:21Yes, Inspector, yes. Now, for goodness sake...
01:14:24Then what about this, Mr. Fordyce?
01:14:32You're prepared to vouch for this, too?
01:14:37They're all the same.
01:14:41Good Lord, there must be 50,000 quid in this lot.
01:14:4493,000, to be exact, son.
01:14:46Mr. Fordyce and I were planning a little last-minute Christmas shopping,
01:14:50as I explained to Mason.
01:14:54I'm waiting for your answer, Mr. Fordyce.
01:14:57You knew about this.
01:15:02It might help if I tell you that I also vouch for Colonel Gore Hepburn.
01:15:07Except that last time we met, he was a rear admiral on a jewellery job.
01:15:13My immediate interest is in his accomplices.
01:15:18Accomplices?
01:15:20Well, he could hardly have got into your strongroom
01:15:22and packed four heavy cases without help, could he?
01:15:30Well, sir?
01:15:33I...
01:15:35He made me do it.
01:15:37They got my wife and child.
01:15:39Oh, really, Fordyce.
01:15:41He threatened to kill them if I didn't do as he said.
01:15:44You've got to hurry, Inspector. We can still save them.
01:15:47There's no good, Fordyce. It won't work.
01:15:49Keep quiet.
01:15:52When did you last see your wife?
01:15:54When I left home this morning.
01:15:56Then she rang about an hour ago.
01:15:58There's no time. He has to ring someone every 15 minutes.
01:16:01What's your number?
01:16:02She's not there. They took her away, and my son.
01:16:05For all I know, they nearly...
01:16:06Your number, please.
01:16:08It's... It's... Have it from 2153.
01:16:11We're wasting time, Inspector.
01:16:13If your family's in danger, we'll save them.
01:16:15Of course they're in danger.
01:16:17They threatened to electrocute my wife.
01:16:20For pity's sake, Inspector,
01:16:22you don't think I robbed the bank voluntarily, do you?
01:16:24I was forced and threatened.
01:16:26Percy, you're talking about Fordyce.
01:16:28Now, listen, Hepburn.
01:16:30I've taken about enough from you.
01:16:32Calm down, Mr Fordyce.
01:16:33Yes, calm down. We'll soon see.
01:17:01How is she, 2153?
01:17:03Who's that speaking?
01:17:05Tommy Fordyce.
01:17:06Tommy.
01:17:07Is your mother there, Tommy?
01:17:09This is Inspector Mason.
01:17:11Hold on. I'll call her.
01:17:13But I... I don't understand.
01:17:16They must have released her.
01:17:18Anybody mind if I smoke?
01:17:22Mrs Fordyce speaking.
01:17:24Hello, Mrs Fordyce.
01:17:25I wonder if you could tell me,
01:17:27has anyone called on you this morning?
01:17:29Strangers.
01:17:30Strangers? What do you mean?
01:17:32You've been alone all morning.
01:17:34Hello, Mary. Mary, this is Harry.
01:17:37Are you all right, dear?
01:17:38All right? Of course I'm all right.
01:17:41They... they let you go?
01:17:43Let me go? Who let me go?
01:17:46When you rang before, there were two men with you.
01:17:49Two men with me?
01:17:51What are you talking about, Harry?
01:17:53I didn't ring you.
01:17:54You know I never ring you at the office.
01:17:56You told me not to.
01:17:57But it was your voice.
01:17:59Yours and Tommy's.
01:18:00You said, do what they want.
01:18:02I beseech you.
01:18:03And now...
01:18:04This is Inspector Mason again, Mrs Fordyce.
01:18:07I'd be most obliged if you could come down to the station right away.
01:18:11But what is it? What's happened?
01:18:13Nothing serious, ma'am.
01:18:14Just routine.
01:18:16But...
01:18:21But it was her.
01:18:24She was desperate.
01:18:27I'm afraid I must ask you to accompany me to the station.
01:18:32You don't understand.
01:18:34They're going to pin a medal on you, Fordyce, for gallantry.
01:18:37Inspector, you don't really believe I'm lying, do you?
01:18:41I tell you, it was her voice.
01:18:43And Hepburn, he... he kept signaling to someone outside.
01:18:46There are just some questions I must ask you.
01:18:48Inspector, I'm telling the truth.
01:18:51I am not a criminal.
01:18:52I am the manager of this branch.
01:18:54I've been here 15 years.
01:18:56You've got to believe me.
01:18:58Look, he made me stand by this window
01:19:01and mark my brow with my handkerchief as a signal.
01:19:26I believe you.
01:19:28You are making a mistake.
01:19:30You can put it all in a statement, Mr. Fordyce.
01:19:32Get your hat and coat.
01:19:53Okay, in the car.
01:19:57Just a moment, Mason.
01:19:59There's something you ought to know.
01:20:01I know it's a two-handed job.
01:20:03No, it's three-handed, actually.
01:20:05Me, a man, and a tape recorder.
01:20:09Took us a bit of time to get the voices right, but we managed.
01:20:12Anyway, it worked, didn't it, Fordyce?
01:20:16The man?
01:20:18Don't be silly, Mason.
01:20:20I use better men than him.
01:20:22Who was the man?
01:20:24It's none of your business.
01:20:26Someone Fordyce ought to believe in.
01:20:49You fit, Mr. Fordyce?
01:20:52Excuse me.
01:21:02May I just have a word with my chief clerk, Inspector?
01:21:06Of course.
01:21:15Pearson?
01:21:22Yes, sir?
01:21:24Oh, Pearson, I have to go out for a little while.
01:21:27I'm sure you'll be able to run things in my absence.
01:21:30Yes, I'll have a look, sir, sir.
01:21:33How long do you expect me to be away?
01:21:35You had better ask the inspector that.
01:21:38What is the usual sentence?
01:21:40For what?
01:21:42For completely failing in my duty towards my staff.
01:21:44That's not against the law, sir.
01:21:46Oh, and there's one other point, Pearson.
01:21:48I owe Colonel Gore Hepburn a pound.
01:21:51Could you possibly lend me one?
01:21:53Oh, yes, of course.
01:22:00I'll return it tonight at the staff party.
01:22:07Thank you, Pearson.
01:22:10Thank you, Pearson.
01:22:21All right, Inspector.
01:22:25Shall I give you a hand with the evidence?
01:22:28Thank you, sir.
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