The President's Mistress (1978) - full transcript
When Ben Morton investigates the mysterious death of his beautiful sister, he is unaware that he is opening up a web of political intrigue and deception involving the President of the United States.
[music playing]
[bells ringing]
Take this to
Lieutenant Adronika.
[bells]
[soft music]
Ah, come in.
Come in, Anatoly.
[phone rings]
Yes?
Yes, of course.
This is the communique I
sent you from Washington.
Ah.
Good.
Very good.
[suspenseful music]
Come, Anatoly.
[suspenseful music]
Hold this for a
moment, will you?
[suspenseful music]
[paper shredder running]
[intense music]
[electrical snapping]
Pity.
The paper shredder
is out of order.
I'll have to have it
fixed in the morning.
Safe journey.
You will keep us informed
from Washington, Anatoly.
Certainly, sir.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL:
When are you going?
Tomorrow afternoon.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: Oh
have a good flight.
ANATOLY: Thank you very much.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: Is your
family going with you.
ANATOLY: No, not this time.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: Oh, well.
[suspenseful music]
[horn honking]
[traffic noise]
I can do without
the dirty looks.
I should be there
when he asks me.
He needs that now
more than ever.
Everything OK?
AGENT (ON RADIO): Yacht and
dockside all clear, sir.
Tell her he's coming.
[bells]
Mr. President.
[bells]
Miss Morton,
he's coming aboard.
Thank you.
[footsteps on carpet]
Hi, darling.
[jet engine running]
CAPTAIN JACKSON (ON INTERCOM):
Ladies and gentlemen,
this is Captain Jackson.
We have a favorable
weather report from Dulles
so we will be
landing on schedule
at 5:45 Washington time.
You know, this
is really weird.
Ah, you and I have been
sitting next to each other
for two hours in
absolute silence.
Of course, in that
time I haven't really
come up with any spectacular
plan to meet you.
So with no further
ado, my name is Ben.
OK.
Hey, that's all right.
Listen, ah rejection, you
know, I can live with that.
Everything in life is a lesson.
But you know, I think, really
we're missing one of the rarest
of opportunities here.
The airplane relationship,
it's the best.
No past.
No future, just the present.
Ben Morton.
Margaret.
Margaret what?
Margaret it's none
of your business.
That's a nice name.
Is that French?
You don't look like a Margaret.
- Sorry.
- No, come on.
You must have been called
something other than Margaret
somewhere in your life.
Mugsy.
Mugsy?
That's perfect.
I love that.
All right.
Mugsy, let me tell
you a little bit more
about this ah
airplane relationship.
Ah, it's ah it's a
non-involvement pact.
I mean, all we are is right now.
I mean, we've got to make right
here and now a peak experience,
no pain, all pleasure.
Unfortunately reality
is pain and pleasure.
Who said anything
about reality?
[music playing]
[knocking]
RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR: Come in.
Do you have any idea
what time it is?
I'm sorry, sir, but
this could be important.
It's from a cover operative
inside the Kremlin.
[suspenseful music]
I want this to get to
Washington on the next flight.
[horn honking]
[traffic noise]
What's going on?
Ah, it's an accident.
Can you get around it?
Not if you want
to get downtown.
Why don't you just hang a
left at the next intersection?
CABBIE: That's not gonna
get you downtown, buddy.
It'll get me home.
Hey, wait a minute here.
Look, listen, that hotel
that you're goin' to is
not gonna give your room away.
Besides, I think it'd be
much more relaxing just
sittin' around at my
place than sittin'
around in all this traffic.
I may be safer sitting
in all this traffic.
Safe, safe, safe, safe,
everyone wants to be so safe.
Do you prefer
claustrophobia and gas
fumes and honking horns to soft
music and quiet conversation?
Hang a left at the
next intersection.
[horn honking]
MARGARET "MUGSY" EVANS:
An old girlfriend?
BEN MORTON: No, it's my sister.
Hey, Di--
[horn honking]
You own this?
No, I just rent a piece of it.
Oh.
Thanks a lot.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
Have a good night.
Thanks.
Yeah, I just moved
in a couple weeks ago.
Oh.
Hi.
Hi.
This is my place here.
[keys rattling]
[soft music]
So Margaret, ah, Mugsy, does
my literary taste impress you?
Mm, ah, your Gestalt
therapy verbatim
is impressive but Saturday
Night Thrill Girls?
I have a thirst for knowledge.
Well, I found out
something else about you.
You're a jogger.
Ah, you found me out.
Well, you know
something about me.
You owe me one.
I'm a jogger too.
Hm, that's what they all say.
Really?
Some of them do.
Ah, are you trying
to ply me with liquor?
Will it work?
My mother always warned me,
two drinks and I call a cab.
[music playing]
[airport noises]
[plane tires screech]
[intense music]
[door clicks]
[flute music]
[phone dialing]
DONNA MORTON (VOICEMAIL):
Please wait for the tone,
then speak clearly.
[beep]
BEN MORTON: This is
10B42 reporting back.
Mission completed.
No return package.
That's it.
Oh, I love you.
That's just in case anyone
is really listening.
[intense music]
Rise and shine.
[soft music]
[birds chirping]
Hey.
Hey.
Rise and shine.
Are you crazy?
Come on, you're
a jogger, remember?
I don't choose to go jogging.
You need it.
You gotta sweat all of
last night's poisons outta
your system.
I'm not the one who
overindulged and passed out.
Good, you'll be
fresh for joggin' then.
Come on.
I want you to have
some of this, here.
Oh.
Go on.
[birds chirping]
Mm.
Oh.
What is in here?
Wheat germ.
Here.
These'll fit.
Hey.
Is this standard in all of
your airplane relationships?
They're my sister's.
Sure.
[birds chirping]
[ocean waves rolling]
You run very well.
Thanks.
Do you ever compete?
No, never did.
Well, you run really good.
Really good.
Feel like racing?
Oh, I see.
No, I'm not much for
competing, against my nature.
Against your nature?
Uh-huh.
Competition is why
America is what it is today.
I rest my case.
Hey, listen, come on now.
This joggin's no good.
Tell ya what.
What?
Ah, all right.
You see that park
bench four trees away?
Yeah.
Race you to the bench.
No, you go on.
OK, I put my money
where my mouth.
Please.
Ten big ones says I can get
to that bench before you do.
Listen, I-- I really
don't wanna race, OK?
Oh, come on big time
runner, 10 big ones.
You're on.
[feet pounding the path]
Oh.
Ah, ha ha.
Pay up.
Come on.
Oh.
Oh.
How would you like
to unpack your bags?
You know that hotel
you're goin' to?
Absolute pits.
You're gonna hate it.
I got a spare room at my place.
Nobody's living there now.
Ah, cheaper than a hotel.
It is?
Oh, hey.
You spent the whole
night with me last night.
Am I not the perfect gentleman?
You passed out.
That's what
perfect gentlemen do.
Well, I-- you know, I've
got things to do, you know.
What'd you got to do?
No questions, remember?
You can still do your
unquestionable things.
I provide room service.
Look, I ah I got
a very extensive
library, a complete
physical fitness program.
Beats a hotel.
[motors running]
ED MURPHY: You took the
President out last night?
That's right.
ED MURPHY: Then
why in God's name
didn't you follow established
Secret Service procedure?
Well, that's the
way he wanted it.
I don't care what he want--
listen to me, Gilkrest.
I went out on a limb to get
you assigned to the President.
And the next time,
and unfortunately I
assume there will be a next
time, you go by the book.
Lead car, followup, back up.
You're there to protect
him, not to please him.
I don't want to be the one to
have to tell the President's
wife she's a widow.
Come on, I'll buy you a drink.
[traffic noise]
Morning Mr. Morton.
How are you today?
All right, how
you doin', Phil?
- Fine, fine, fine.
- Good.
Is my sister in?
Ah, I think she is, sir.
I haven't seen
her come down yet.
Great.
Can you keep an eye
on that for me please?
- I sure will, sir.
- Thank you.
Ah, taxi?
[soft music]
[door tapping]
Who is it?
Your basic
neighborhood weirdo.
DONNA MORTON: Oh, Ben.
Ah.
Oh, the ribs, watch the ribs.
Oh. do you want some coffee?
Yep.
Welcome home.
Hm.
You changed the place
around some, huh?
DONNA MORTON: About a year ago.
You're very observant.
[soft music]
Well, did you
wow them in Paris?
Uh-huh?
Are you a legend
in your own time?
Same old thing, boring
meetings, beautiful women.
Oh, you really have it tough.
Hey, you spend three
weeks, eight hours a day
discussing soybean crops.
Ain't easy.
[soft music]
So, how are ya?
OK.
Sellin' any houses?
Got a quarter of
a million dollars?
That's where they start.
Piano wing?
Much to the distress
of my downstairs neighbor
who threaten to call
the gendarmes on me.
Something unreasonable
about wanting to sleep.
Hm, what time was that?
Oh, 3:00 in the morning.
Oh.
Maybe 4:00.
Donna, the night person.
I can remember when you were
afraid to be alone in the dark.
[piano keys rippling]
Still am.
Hm, in the dark
maybe, but not alone.
Tell me somethin'.
Who's your new love?
What are you talking about?
The big fat limousine
with a chauffeur, the guy
in the Brooks Brothers suit.
Your limousine passed
my cab last night.
Who is it?
DONNA MORTON: Just a guy.
Ah, no name.
Since when do we pry into
each other's personal lives?
Pry?
What are you talkin' about?
Ben, I'm not hiding
anything from you.
It-- it's just--
well, you don't have to know
everything about my life.
Mm.
I'm a big girl now.
Mm.
Oh.
What are you doing around noon?
Nothin'.
Gwen's coming by.
I know she'd love to see you.
I'll be here.
Do you want some more coffee?
I'd love some, but
I gotta get to work.
[machines running]
[keys tapping]
[machine auto typing]
All right.
[keys tapping]
Nice goin'.
[suspenseful music]
[knocking]
Come in.
What is it, Victoria?
This just came by pouch
from our people in Moscow.
This is the translation.
Donna Morton, a Soviet agent?
It's Brown Bear, all right.
And it's deciphered correctly.
I've checked it a dozen times.
[piano music]
[phone rings]
Hello?
Yes it is.
Oh, hi.
Good.
Being very domestic,
playing the piano.
Anytime, you know that.
Of course.
Of course, I understand.
I'll be ready.
What did Gilkrest say?
[office noises]
Good afternoon, Senator.
Mr. Gilkrest.
He wants her brought
here tonight, 7:45.
Here?
[boat horns]
DOCK MANAGER: Now hear this.
Liberty will commence at 1300
for sections two and three.
Security section must run
the fan tail with the--
This better be worth it.
I've got an office
full of people waiting.
One reason I thought it'd
be better for us to meet here.
Ah, one reason?
Mr. Murphy, at my agency
we have a saying that
ah the only thing at the
White House that listens
are the walls.
I don't believe
this cloak and dagger.
I-- I just don't believe it.
I-- if you wanted to
talk to me privately,
you didn't have to drag
me all the way out here.
On the contrary, I think the
setting is particularly apt.
Could you please
come to the point?
The girl, Mr. Murphy,
is a Soviet spy.
We know Brown Bear is a Soviet
agent right here in Washington.
I'm sure you know who
I'm talking about.
The message was lifted
right out of the Kremlin.
The Secret Service checked
this girl out thoroughly.
It's impossible.
Obviously not
thoroughly enough.
I think you'd better
speak to the President.
The man cares about this girl.
Do you have any idea what
this is gonna do to him?
He's right in the middle of
negotiations with the Chinese.
If I walk into the
President with this,
and it proves to be wrong,
it's gonna be your head to go.
Do you really want
me to act on this?
We'll start a
thorough investigation.
In the meantime, I
think it'd be wise
if you stopped the
girl from seeing
the President for a while.
Really?
How do you suggest I do that?
Mr. Murphy, I've given
you the information.
And I've given
you my assessment.
[boat horn]
DONNA MORTON: Gwen.
- I know I'm late.
I'm sorry.
My car broke down.
Oh, it's all right.
Hi.
I'll take your coat.
Oh, look at him.
Hi.
Gwen, come and
have some sherry.
GWEN BOWERS: OK.
Ben, you're not leaving?
Oh, what a terrific suit.
Yes, well.
A Kordal?
Saint Laurent perhaps?
Actually, a guy named
Benny in Philadelphia.
Well, it's just wonderful.
It really suits
you, pardon the pun.
So what's the latest
dirt goin' around town?
Well, there's Senator
Franken's, but then you've
heard that.
No, I've been away.
Tell me, as if I could stop you.
DONNA MORTON: Gwen.
Thanks.
Well, it seems that the good
senator was caught in a motel
room with two hookers.
And he told the police,
and listen to this please,
that he was personally
investigating
the vice problem in Washington.
But the only thing
he couldn't explain
was why he was doing it stark
naked, whatever that means.
Oh, do you love it?
Gwenny, do you know
everything in this town?
No.
No, I don't know with
whom or where your sister
is spending her evenings.
And you won't either.
So you can just
skip the subject.
Well, would you
listen to that?
Have you met my best friend?
My sister.
I know less about
her than you do.
Hey you guys.
Pass on, OK?
Well, what's new in
your life, handsome?
Oh, would you look at that face.
He's hiding something.
What?
Come on.
He doesn't want
to talk about it.
Who said I didn't
wanna talk about it?
My life's an open book.
Paperback.
Ha.
All right, as a
matter of fact, I
did meet this girl on the
plane coming back from Paris.
And um, I kind of like her.
GWEN BOWERS: That's it?
You met a girl and
you kind of like her,
that's the whole story?
What do you want
from me, wedding bells?
Mm-hm.
Will she be around long
enough for me to meet her?
Tonight?
Oh, I can't tonight.
Well, she might be
around tomorrow night.
Oh.
What does she do?
I don't know.
Well, does she
live in Washington?
Nope.
Where does she live?
Boston, I think.
Boston you think.
Mm-hm.
You two ever ah stop
and talk to one another?
I think I'll leave now.
OK, I'll let you
guys speculate, OK?
Well, at least tell
us what her name is.
- I don't know for sure.
- He doesn't know.
Bye.
Oh, he's so cute.
Mm-hm.
I wish he noticed me.
But you're friends.
Yeah, but that's no fun.
Oh, gosh.
Look at the time.
We're gonna be late.
Come on.
[suspenseful music]
[camera shutter click]
[suspenseful music]
[soft music and fire crackling]
Hey landlord, I can't sleep.
The bedside lamp is
out so I can't read.
And there's no soap in the
shower so I can't wash.
Is this anyway to run a hotel?
I really like you.
More.
No, I'm serious.
I just can't understand
how you can step
off of an airplane into
my life without any kind
of hassle at all.
Ah--
Can I ask you something?
That ah jogging outfit, you
know, the one you lent me.
Is um that really your sister's?
Yeah.
Why?
You're jealous?
No.
Maybe.
All right, I'll
tell you somethin'.
You know, that whole um
airplane relationship thing?
It never happened to me before.
I don't believe you.
I swear.
Well, you big phony.
All that no past, no
future, just the present.
We make right here
a peak experience.
I'm just doin' the best I can.
Mm-hm.
So, what's your name?
I told you Margaret.
That's not what your
bags say, Helen Kincaid
of Boston, Massachusetts.
Have you searched
my purse too?
Your name tag is on your bag.
Oh.
So what is it?
Is it Helen or Margaret.
Mugsy.
Come on, I wanna
get to know you.
I wa-- I wanna know, like,
um, well, what do you do
for a living?
I'm a spy.
Come on.
You made the rules.
Break'em.
Why?
I think this is exciting.
Look, you tell me who you
are and what your business is.
Or I will be forced to
torture it out of you.
Promises, promises.
[soft music]
Good evening, Miss Morton.
Good evening, Charlie.
Good evening.
Mr. Gilkrest.
[traffic noise]
JIM GILKREST: Mr. President,
Miss Morton's here.
In here please.
[door locks]
Goodnight, Jan.
Goodnight, Jim.
Hello Jan.
Good evening, Mrs. Whitmore.
Is my husband still
in the Oval Office?
No he isn't.
The fact is, I don't
know where he is.
Good night.
- Good night.
- Jim.
- Ma'am?
Is my husband in there?
Ah, yes, Mrs. Whitmore.
But I'm sorry, the President
can't be disturbed.
Well, not even
for just a minute?
Albert's baked his
favorite cookies.
Oh, ma'am, President Whitmore
left specific instructions.
It's the China thing.
Well, I'm sure he
wouldn't mind if I--
JIM GILKREST: I'm sorry.
[tray crashes]
[traffic noise]
I think--
What is it?
Today, when I
left my apartment,
and-- and then later, I--
I was out showing some houses.
I-- I had the feeling
I was being followed.
What makes you say that?
Well, I saw the
same man twice.
Tall man with dark
glasses and a camera.
And?
When-- when I looked for
him again, he wasn't there.
I wouldn't worry about it.
It's probably some tourist.
They take pictures
of everything.
Heh.
Yes, of course.
No, I'll take care
of it right away.
DONNA MORTON (ON
PHONE): You sure?
CHARLIE: Absolutely.
DONNA MORTON (ON PHONE): I
can rely on you, Charlie?
CHARLIE: Yes, not to worry.
It'll be all right.
Let me see you inside.
Oh, thanks, I'm fine.
Thanks, Charlie.
[traffic noise]
Gilchrist to base.
AGENT (ON RADIO): Base.
Do we have Donna Morton
under surveillance?
AGENT (ON PHONE): Nobody
in Secret Service, Jim.
Thanks.
Out.
Is this all we
have on Miss Morton?
Yes, sir.
And it's up to date.
OK, Bradley, go ahead.
BRADLEY: Donna Morton.
She sells real estate
out of M. Burns Realtors,
has for the past six years.
This is her girlfriend,
Gwen Bowers.
We have a complete file
on her if you want it.
Donna Morton worked on the
President's senatorial campaign
about five years ago.
They've had contact, how
much is still unsure.
She drinks, but not to excess.
Smokes marijuana infrequently
and is heterosexual, in fact,
very heterosexual.
Let's try it
without the comment.
Sorry, sir.
We do have a potential problem.
Her brother, Ben Morton, is
a part-time courier of ours.
Let's freeze him out.
Pull his card.
That'll be all, gentlemen.
Bradley, I want Miss Morton's
apartment and telephone bugged.
I want you to do it personally.
Pick one other man you can
trust to share the monitoring.
[piano music]
No, no, no, no,
no, a one and a three
does not get you
back on the board.
Gimme a break.
There are no
breaks in this game.
Boy, you're in a
strange mood today.
I'm happy.
A ha, ha.
You always cheat
when you're happy?
It's only a game.
Today it's only game.
Funny, just a couple of
days ago, winning this game
was a life or death
matter with you.
I think this secret love of
yours is making you crazy.
I think you're right.
And I love it.
Oh, you're making me crazy.
How could you keep some
guy a secret from me?
I don't understand that?
Please, Gwen, I can't ta--
[phone rings]
You're just going to
have to accept that.
[phone rings]
Why?
Hello?
Yes, it is.
Ah, the Phantom.
Oh, it's nice to hear you laugh.
I can't either.
Oh, yes.
It's all right.
I understand.
No.
I'll stay home.
It's OK.
You too.
Goodbye.
[piano music]
It's your move.
[piano music]
I guess I'd better go.
No, please stay.
[piano music]
Damn.
Oh.
What is going on with you?
You're gonna explode.
Oh.
GWEN BOWERS: Hello?
This is Gwen, you dummy.
I know you haven't got
anything in the world to hide
so it's gotta be him, right?
And this is Washington,
so he's in the government.
And he's married because
they're always married.
So?
So, you're not the first
woman in this town who's
gone beyond the fringe over some
married senator or congressman.
Gwen, if I tell you,
you've got to promise
me never to tell anyone.
No, I00 I mean it.
Well, of course not.
He's the President.
What?
He's the President.
Oh, oh, are you in trouble.
I love him.
GWEN BOWERS: Even worse.
Are you going to preach to me?
No.
That was him just now.
He had to cancel out tonight.
Well, that's the way it is.
With him I never know from
minute to minute what to do.
I'll be all ready to
go out to meet him,
15 minutes before I'm
supposed to leave,
he'll call and cancel.
Well.
I'm gonna call my folks
and tell them I can't come.
No.
I'm not leaving you.
[sirens]
Thanks.
Little Donna Morton
and the President.
[sirens]
[suspenseful music]
But as difficult as
the situation is, it's--
it's still the best thing that's
ever happened to me in my life.
Oh, Donna, you know
it has no future.
[phone rings]
I know.
Hello?
Yes, it is.
But I just talked
to him an hour ago.
All right.
I'll be ready.
His plans changed.
I'm being picked up at 7:30.
Listen, come and talk
to me while I get ready.
OK.
Come on, you can still
make it to Baltimore.
You know what?
You can take my car.
Oh, I don't know if
I should take your car.
Please take it.
[office chatter]
Another meeting on the yacht?
Ah, yeah.
Oh, great.
With all our problems,
he has to waste his time
and energy on some chippy.
I wouldn't call her that.
You wouldn't?
What would you call her?
A rather nice girl
who's in over her head.
The President's in over
his head too, Gilkrest.
And I want these meetings
stopped for a while
so he can keep his
mind on the Chinese.
You're gonna have to help me.
Well, what can I do?
Level with her.
Suggest she be sick
for a few days.
She may not buy it.
Try.
Oh, that's what stinks.
We could get stoned from
the fumes of that stuff.
Wanna meet my sister?
Sure.
[phone dials]
[phone rings]
Hello?
Hey, Gwenny.
GWEN BOWERS (ON PHONE): Hi Ben.
My sister around?
Yeah, but she's dressing.
Can I take her message?
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE): Yeah, ask
her if she wants to have dinner
with Mugsy and me tonight.
Well, I know she can't.
She's got a date.
Ah, how about you?
You busy?
Oh, thanks.
But I'm having dinner with
my folks in Baltimore.
All right.
Guess I'm stuck with
this girl all by myself.
Hey.
Hey.
What was that?
BEN MORTON (ON
PHONE): She hit me.
I like her.
Bye, Ben.
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE): Bye-bye.
Hey, Donna, I'm leavin'.
Bye, Gwen.
Thanks.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Bye.
[horn honking]
[intense music]
The Morton girl has
left the building.
I'm going in.
[suspenseful music]
[knocking]
[suspenseful music]
[door opens]
[intense music]
No.
Please.
No.
Oh.
Ah!
[loud thud]
[ominous music]
[suspenseful music]
[horn honking]
Hasn't Miss Morton
come down yet?
No sir.
Buzz her apartment
for me would you please?
Sure.
[suspenseful music]
[door buzzer]
Maybe she's on her way down.
No, she's always
down here and ready.
[intense music]
[knocking]
Miss Morton?
[suspenseful music]
[keys rattling]
[knocking]
[ominous music]
[suspenseful music]
[eerie music]
[phone dialing]
Code zebra alpha zero.
This is Gilkrest.
The girl is dead
in her apartment.
The doorman saw me come up.
You better make arrangements.
[phone dialing]
Police.
I want to report a body at 570
River Drive, apartment 402.
I want to report a body at 570
River Drive, apartment 402.
[door slams]
It was an accident.
This is the CSA.
We don't have accidents,
we plan accidents.
I thought she had left.
I saw her car--
Never mind that.
Did anyone see you?
No.
Are you sure?
Well?
Well, I don't
think anybody saw me.
But a limousine was
pulling up just as I--
I want you out of
the country tomorrow.
Peters, you arrange it.
Go on, get out, both of you.
Bradley?
You sure it was him?
It was him.
I-- I don't know that he
killed her, but he was there.
Oh, he killed her.
Craig wanted me to keep her
away from the President.
He just found another method.
Oh, you can't be serious.
What, kill a girl
because she's having
an affair with the President?
I don't believe it.
She was a Russian agent.
What Donna?
They had surveillance on her.
She suspected
that was happening.
She told me.
Did he see you?
No, I don't think so.
ED MURPHY: You better hope not.
Oh, come on, Gilkrest.
Don't be so naive.
The Central Security
Agency doesn't play around.
What, then you'd
better nail them.
It's Craig I'm after, and I'll
nail him on my own good time.
The President shoulda--
shoulda kicked
him out when he took office.
And I suggest you don't talk
to anybody about Bradley.
Go on home.
[phone buzzer]
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): It's
the President, Mr. Murphy.
He's calling from the yacht.
OK.
It's nights like this I wish I
were back selling detergents.
[soft music]
I hope you like this, ma'am.
It's a bit young but a
very brave little wine.
Oh.
We will have strawberries
and brandy for dessert.
Oh, lovely.
Thought you'd like that.
Isn't it so much nicer
eating here at home?
Mm-hm.
You know, I'm beginning to
feel like a French poodle.
I lie around all day
and you take me out
for my morning exercise jog.
[soft music]
[phone rings]
[soft music]
Hello?
Yes, this is Ben Martin.
What?
I'll be right over.
[soft music]
What is it, Ben?
My sister's dead.
[suspenseful music]
[officers chatter]
Mr. Morton?
Mr. Morton.
Hm?
I'm Lieutenant Gordon.
Would you care to sit down?
[camera shutter click]
What happened?
Well, as near
as we can figure,
she opened the door for someone.
There's no sign of
a break-in, no sign
of a burglary or a robbery.
There was a struggle.
And it happened.
Nobody heard anything,
nobody saw anything.
No, we checked the
neighboring apartments,
the doorman, nothing.
We figure it
happened around 7:30.
Shortly after that we logged in
an anonymous phone call from a,
well, it brought us here.
Maybe you can help us.
Do you know if she
had any enemies?
Not my sister.
Rejected boyfriends?
Hm?
Rejected boyfriends?
No, I don't think so.
I-- you might ask ah,
her friend Bowers.
She might know about that.
Where were you tonight?
I was at home.
You called me there.
Right, right.
You were there all evening?
What the hell are
you tryin' to say?
Just asking where you were.
I was at home.
OK?
I'm just doin' my job.
Have you got
some suspects then?
The investigation
just started.
I'm sorry.
I wish we had more to go on.
[paper snaps]
Idiot.
Idiot.
[flute music]
You think you could
eat some breakfast, Ben?
They're not gonna
get away with it.
They're not gonna file this
away as another unsolved murder.
You have to give
them a chance.
[birds chirping]
I hate this place.
Donna's death isn't even
gonna ripple the water.
Power, that's all these
people care about.
It eats'em up.
Ben.
Do they know who's limousine
Donna was in the other night?
[birds chirping]
Come on.
[suspenseful music]
POLICE WOMAN: I'm
sorry I can't do this.
Oh, come on.
Do me a favor, please.
Right this way.
And don't forget to send
me the backup paperwork.
I really appreciate this.
[suspenseful music]
Here's the license
number of the limousine.
[suspenseful music]
Registered to
the US Government,
branch of the executive and the
department of the White House.
Thank you.
[suspenseful music]
[ominous music]
Ma'am?
Yes?
I need the exact information
you just gave that man.
Phil.
I'm awfully sorry about
your sister, Mr. Morton.
Thank you, Phil.
Listen, do you know where I
can get in touch with Charlie,
the night doorman?
Oh, he's gone on vacation,
went down to Florida,
I believe.
Lucky guy.
Can I get up to my
sister's apartment now?
Oh, sure.
The police are
finished with it now.
OK, thanks, Phil.
All right.
[soft music]
What do you think I oughta
do about all this stuff?
Well, ah, why don't
you just pick out
a couple things that remind
you of her and sell the rest,
I guess.
There's so many things
I didn't know about her,
so many things.
[knocking]
Sorry to bother ya.
Here are the keys to
your sister's car.
Miss Bowers just
brought'em back.
Thank you.
Why did Gwen have the car?
[kid's chatter]
About um what time
did you leave her?
Ah, 7:15.
You told me she had a date.
She did.
She was being picked up at 7:30.
That was around the
time that she was killed.
Was it the limousine
that picked her up?
Yes.
Who was she seeing?
Oh, Ben, please it go.
No, no, I know the limousine
came from the White House.
Well, then just let it go--
Now what the hell's the
matter with you, now, Gwen?
You're supposed to
be her best friend.
I loved her.
Oh, so you're standin'
here tellin' me that
this girl that you
supposedly loved
should be buried and forgotten?
[birds chirping]
Oh, I wish she'd
never told me.
Who is it?
[kid's chatter]
Carl Whitmore.
The President?
She loved him, Ben.
And she believed
that he loved her.
I've been afraid
to tell anybody.
I didn't even go to the police.
I just don't want her name
dragged through the papers,
you know?
- How long was this going on?
They met about six years
ago when she was working
on his senatorial campaign.
BEN MORTON: Mm-hm.
And then after he
became President,
he would have picked up
and taken to his yacht.
You know who picked her up?
No.
[kid's chatter]
I loved her.
[kid's chatter]
Thank you, sir.
How are you today?
- All right.
How you doin'?
- Fine.
[beeping]
I'm sorry, sir.
Your ID'S been pulled.
I can't let you enter?
Can I use your phone a second?
I can straighten this out.
No, I'm sorry, only
active agents and personnel
can use the interoffice phones.
And without an ID--
It's all kinda
catch-22-ish isn't it?
Yes?
AGENT JOHNSON (ON INTERCOM):
Agent Johnson, sir.
I've got Ben Morton on the line.
He wants to know why
his card was pulled.
Tell him that ah while
his sister's death is being
investigated, it is
desirable that we
sever his ties with the agency.
AGENT JOHNSON: Right, sir.
[phone buzzer]
- Yeah?
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): Mr.
Morton's here to see you, sir.
Send him in.
Ben.
- Hello Ed.
How are ya?
It's terrible about Donna.
Terrible.
I read about it in the papers.
I'm so sorry.
Did they get the guy yet?
No.
I appreciate you seein' me.
Oh, hey, you did great work
for us during the campaign.
So did Donna.
We don't forget.
[phone buzzer]
No calls please, OK?
Ah, I'm really swamped.
I don't have a minute.
What can I do for you?
Yeah, I wanted to ask
you about a limousine
registered to the White House.
The-- oh, the ah license
number's right here, ah,
G1158213.
Yeah?
Oh, ah, I saw Donna
in this limousine
a couple of nights
before ah, you know.
And I-- I ah--
I also want to
know about this man
that she was having
an affair with.
I thought maybe, ah, all these
things fit in together somehow.
I thought maybe you might be
able to shed some light on it
for me.
Whatever gave you the
idea I was taking out Donna?
Not you, your boss.
The President and Donna?
Donna told someone she was
having an affair with Whitmore.
Who'd she tell?
It's a reliable source.
Ben, I-- I--
I realize how this whole
thing must have hurt you.
But President
Whitmore neither has
the time nor the
inclination to do anything
like you're talking about.
Now, ti's just as
simple as that.
And as for Donna being
in one of our limousines,
the staff sneaks out
with them all the time.
It could have been anybody,
anybody but the President.
He's been a little
bit busy of late.
Listen, if you need anything
more, just pick up the phone.
I'll be there, OK?
And I'm-- I'm very
sorry about this.
Thank you.
[keys tapping]
[phone buzzer]
[intense music]
How much longer?
As long as it takes.
[intense music]
MARGARET "MUGSY"
EVANS: Is that him?
No.
[intense music]
Look, there goes $25.
You coulda taken me out
for dinner with that money.
You know, I get the
distinct feeling you're
not hanging on my every word.
[traffic noise]
[suspenseful music]
BEN MORTON: That's him.
That's the guy I saw in
the limousine with Donna.
Let's go, hurry up.
[intense music]
[tires squealing]
[suspenseful music]
[ominous music]
[horn honking]
JIM GILKREST: Hey, how are ya?
[kissing sound] Give me a kiss.
MRS. GILKREST: How are you?
Come to mama.
JIM GILKREST: Hi, Cleo.
Thanks very much now.
- Oh, it's so nice.
Oh, I know.
JIM GILKREST: All right,
everybody inside and one dog.
[birds chirping]
Where you going?
To talk to him.
Are you crazy?
If he does know anything
about your sister's death,
what do you think he's gonna
do, invite you in for tea?
He's a family man.
So was the godfather.
He's not gonna do anything
with his kids around.
[car door buzzer]
[birds chirping]
[kid's chatter]
MRS. GILKREST: Jim?
What is it?
Hon, take the kids out
in the backyard for a bit.
Why?
It's business.
[kid's chatter]
[knocking]
Yes?
Hello.
My name's Ben Morton.
I'm Donna's brother.
Ah, I'd like to talk to you
for a moment if I could.
Come on in.
Thanks.
I just wanna talk to you.
Shut up, just shut up.
Ah.
MRS. GILKREST: Jim?
Gabby--
MRS. GILKREST: What's going on?
JIM GILKREST: --go back
with the kids, please.
MRS. GILKREST: Is
everything all right?
JIM GILKREST: Yes,
just-- it's all right.
Just go back with
the kids, please.
Now just go on.
MRS. GILKREST: All right.
Mm.
What do you want?
I saw you one night in the
limousine with my sister.
You're mistaken.
I've never been with
your sister anywhere.
I've never even met her.
You're lying.
Well, what do
you want me to say?
You've got me mixed
up with somebody else.
I don't think so.
I saw you and Donna
in a limousine
a few days before
she was killed.
I know she was
seeing the President.
And I wanna know how you fit in.
I'm sorry.
I can't help you.
BEN MORTON: I said, I wanna
know where you fit in.
I already said I was sorry.
[suspenseful music]
[car door buzzing]
His name is Gilkrest.
He pulled a gun on me.
Ben, stop this.
You're over your head.
These people, they're in a
different league than you are.
They're professionals.
Is that supposed to
give'em a license to kill?
Go the police, please?
I don't want you killed too.
[phone buzzer]
Yeah?
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): It's
Mr. Gilkrest for you, sir.
OK put him on.
Hey Jim.
I was tailed home today
by Donna Morton's brother.
Oh, damn.
JIM GILKREST (ON PHONE):
He tried to question me
about his sister.
- What'd you tell him?
Nothing, listen, I'm not
worried about his questions.
He knows I used to escort
Donna in the limousine.
If he knows, so could the CSA.
Take tomorrow off.
Sit tight.
I'll get in touch.
Damn.
Jim, what is it?
Some things about
this job I hate.
The guy's name is Gilkrest.
[phone rings]
He lives in Arlington at
ah 6300 Bonneville Street.
Now, he showed up
in a limousine.
So I'm sure, Charlie,
the night doorman
must have seen him come in.
He told us he
didn't see anyone.
Hey, could you put that
down for a second please?
[phone rings]
Sorry.
It's my kid's
birthday next week.
Yeah.
I think they must
have brought him off.
Why did you let a material
witness leave the city?
He wasn't a material witness.
Maybe he should have been.
Do you always tell people
how to run their business?
Yeah, but you're
not doing anything.
[phone rings]
All right.
Let me-- let me try
to get this straight.
You're telling me that your
sister was a very personal
friend of the President's and
that someone in the White House
had her killed?
Who?
I don't know who
had her killed.
What I'm telling you
is that I believe
that Gilkrest was there.
I think you should talk to him.
[phone rings]
LIEUTENANT GORDON:
All right, Ben.
All right, we'll talk to him.
Thank you.
How old's your kid?
Gonna be 10.
[phone rings]
Good night.
[phone rings]
[knocking]
Come in.
Yes, sir?
Oh, come in, Peters.
It seems a Secret
Service man named
Gilkrest was outside Donna
Morton's apartment house
when Bradley came out.
I don't know if he
spotted Bradley.
See what you can find out.
Right.
Oh, and, ah, Peters?
AGENT PETERS: Sir?
Just a second.
I want to talk to
you about Ben Morton.
[birds chirping]
Orange juice and wheat germ?
No thank you.
Hey, I got a great idea.
It's such a beautiful
day, why don't I
race you around the block?
You're too fast for me.
I owe ya a rematch.
Our relationship
is fragile enough.
You may even win.
[birds chirping]
Are you challenging me?
[birds chirping]
[engine starts]
When do we start racing?
Now.
[foot steps pound the pavement]
[ominous music]
Come on.
Come on.
[intense music]
Ben.
[loud thump]
BEN MORTON: Mugsy.
[tires squealing]
Don't touch her.
Call the ambulance.
Mugsy?
[sirens]
VOICE OVER INTERCOM: Dr. Remic.
Dr. Remic, check with
intensive care desk, please.
Dr. Remic.
NURSE: Excuse me.
Excuse me, I'm gonna need some
information on the patient,
please.
Can you give me her name?
I don't know for sure.
I need her name.
Ah, excuse me, I'll
see what I can find out.
Excuse me, Miss.
Who is he?
I don't know.
Operator, could you
please give me the number
for information for Boston?
[phone rings]
Hello?
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE): Hello.
Is this the home
of Helen Kincaid?
Yes.
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE):
To whom am I speaking.
Her husband.
Hello?
Hello?
Ah, yes.
I'm calling from Washington DC.
Ah, Helen has been
in an accident.
Is this supposed to be funny?
My wife just left for
work 10 minutes ago.
Tell me how she
got to Washington.
Do you know anyone
by the name of Mugsy?
No, I don't.
[phone buzzer]
I told you, no calls.
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): Sorry,
sir, it's about Ben Morton.
Well?
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): A
police report says he's
been involved in a hit and run.
See if you can reach Gilkrest.
MRS. GILKREST: Jim?
Mr. Murphy's on the phone.
He says it's urgent.
OK.
[birds chirping]
[dogs barking]
Hello?
Jim, this is Ed Murphy.
I think it'd be a good idea
if you took a trip somewhere.
Well, why?
What's going on?
Ben Morton and his girl
were victims of a hit
and run a few hours ago.
CSA?
ED MURPHY (ON PHONE): Could be.
Did they get him?
No, no, Ben's OK.
His girl's in the
Potomac General Hospital.
Mr. Murphy, I think you
better step into this right now.
The timing's wrong.
For who?
They'll get Morton.
They'll come after me
while you sit there playing
your power game with Craig?
Trust me on this, Gilkrest.
I'm a professional, Ed.
I don't trust anybody.
[suspenseful music]
VOICE ON INTERCOM: Dr. Golden,
call seventh floor, please.
Dr. Golden.
Dr. Jones, call the
pharmacy, please.
Dr. Harvard Jones.
Dr. Jones, call the
pharmacy, please.
Dr. Harvard Jones.
[music playing]
Mr. Morton?
The doctor says you can see
her for a few minutes now.
Thank you.
Is she gonna be all right?
Yes, she's a very luck girl.
[phone rings]
[soft music]
Hi.
Hi.
If I sound a little funny
it's 'cause of that stuff
they're giving me.
Yeah.
You got a couple
of cracked ribs.
Won't be able to hug
each other for a while.
Mm-hm.
Who are you?
Who do you work for?
The CSA?
Russians?
Sure, I'm Mata Hari.
You dumb jerk.
I illustrate children's books.
Ohm, what's your name?
Ben, don't spoil it.
I mean, I've had my first
trip to Paris, my first trip
to Washington, my first airplane
relationship, most of it's
been good.
What is your name?
Margaret Evans.
So who's Helen Kincaid?
Remember I saw your luggage?
That's my sister.
I borrowed her luggage.
Your sister?
MARGARET "MUGSY" EVANS: Mm-hm.
So how come her husband never
heard of anyone called Mugsy.
Bill?
Well, he-- he just
knows me as Margaret.
Mugsy's from my childhood.
I'm sorry.
- You should be.
- I am.
Good.
These are for you.
Oh, Ben, they're lovely.
Thank you.
I didn't send'em.
Thanks.
[suspenseful music]
They're not for me.
They're for you.
Gilkrest wants you to
meet him at the zoo
and make sure
you're not followed.
Ben?
[soft music]
It's OK.
[soft music]
[door closes]
[ominous music]
[suspenseful music]
Excuse me, sir,
are you Mr. Morton?
That's right.
Well, a man said
for me to tell
ya to meet him in the old zoo.
Um, what about this picture?
Thank you.
[suspenseful music]
[rocks crumbling]
[flute music]
[suspenseful music]
Morton?
Were you careful?
I took a bus.
We're both in
danger, you know?
From who?
CSA.
One of their agents,
guy named Bradley,
probably killed your sister.
I saw him coming
from our building
just after she was killed.
Why would they kill her?
Because she was an
agent for the KGB.
Donna?
I don't believe it.
Who knows in this business?
You're really just a junior
member of the Department
of Agriculture?
My sister wasn't a spy.
JIM GILKREST: Look,
I'm telling you
this because I need your help.
Now I can't rely on Murphy--
[silenced bullet]
Oh.
[intense music]
Hey.
[intense music]
Lie still.
Get some help for this guy.
[suspenseful music]
[silenced gunfire]
[intense music]
Hold it.
[intense music]
[tires squealing]
[thud]
[intense music]
ED MURPHY: OK, Norma, tell him
I'll be back in 10 minutes.
Hello, Ben.
They called me from a meeting.
Why didn't you tell
me what was going on?
What do you mean?
Did you know they thought
Donna was a Russian agent?
Who told you that?
Gilkrest before he was shot.
Gilkrest is dead.
Why didn't you tell
me what was happening?
Think about it a minute.
How could I?
Because she's my sister.
Because you're supposed
to be my friend.
All I know is that
three people are dead.
And you knew what was going on
and you didn't say anything.
I never expected
anything like this.
Well, you got it now.
I want you to tell me
who killed my sister.
Oh, Ben.
Was it Craig?
Did he kill her 'cause
he thought she was a spy?
I don't know.
What do you mean
you don't know?
I mean it.
I'm not sure.
But it could have
been him, right?
I gotta get to the CSA computer.
That's where the answers are.
You gotta get me in there.
- I can't.
Oh, yes, you can.
I could be a real problem
to this administration.
Help me.
[phone dialing]
Hello.
My name is Ben Morton.
Ah, yes, Mr. Morton.
Would you sign here please?
Thank you.
Would you wear this, please?
Thank you.
[foot steps in hallway]
[loud machinery running]
Hello.
Hi.
You're up late.
Yeah.
Ah, my name is Ben Morton.
I need some information.
OK.
I have to check you out first.
[keys tapping]
BEN MORTON: What does that mean?
That's your clearance.
I want full information
on a Donna Morton.
[keys tapping]
Why has it stopped?
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
CRAIG (ON INTERCOM):
This Deputy Director
Craig, Mr. Morton.
How can I help you?
Just speak Mr. Morton.
I can hear you.
I wanna know everything
about my sister's death
and why you thought she was
working for the Russians.
Craig?
Craig, can you hear me?
DEPUTY DIRECTOR CRAIG (ON
INTERCOM): I hear you.
I'm clearing additional
security channels.
Watch your screen.
All right, young lady, continue.
[keys tapping]
Come on, Craig,
I want all of it.
Craig?
Craig, can you hear me?
I know there's more.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR CRAIG:
I hear you, Mr. Morton.
Will you leave us, please?
Yes, sir.
Excuse the theatrics but what
I have to say is top security.
Did you have my sister killed?
Come on, Mr. Morton.
Why should I do that?
Considering her relationship
with the President,
I'd be far more likely
to question her--
- Gilkrest saw--
- --then kill her.
--your man Bradley leaving
her apartment building
at the time she was killed.
Exactly.
I had sent Bradley to bring
your sister in for questioning.
He found her dead.
So far, no one has any
idea who killed her.
I want to talk to Bradley.
Where is he?
South America.
He's on assignment in Peru.
You can talk to him
when he returns.
And you think my sister
was a Russian agent?
What you are reading
was taken from the Kremlin
by one of my agents.
I don't believe it.
I'm sorry.
You know it is possible
that they killed her.
Brown Bear?
A known KGB agent
here in Washington.
I want to talk to him.
Who is he?
He knows we're onto him.
I don't mind telling you.
He's Anatoly, the Naval
attache at the embassy.
I doubt if you'll get to him.
[suspenseful music]
[FOOT STEPS ECHOING IN PARKING
GARAGE]
Pull over.
[intense music]
Tell me about Donna
Morton, Brown Bear?
Who are you?
Her brother.
I'm sorry that she died.
It was stupid.
Put the gun away.
You don't need it.
She wasn't a Russian spy.
No.
She was not a spy.
Then why did you
send that message?
Mischief.
We knew of her relationship
with the President.
We knew the Chinese
talks were going on.
It was a game, something to keep
your government off balance.
A game?
A game?
I cannot believe the
CSA meant to kill her.
It had to be an accident.
It was too clumsy
not to have been.
They killed Gilkrest.
They tried to kill me.
Mischief to an accident to
murder, perhaps the history
of World War, my friend.
May I ask who informed
you I was Brown Bear?
Craig.
I knew my days in
America were over.
Unfortunate.
I like it here.
[car door slams]
[dogs barking]
HI.
MARGARET "MUGSY" EVAN HI.
Are they letting me out?
Not for a couple of days.
I brought some of the
stuff that you wanted.
Thanks.
How are you?
Lousy.
Did you meet with Gilkrest?
Yeah.
I found out Donna was
not a Russian agent.
Yeah, what I'm gonna
do, I'm gonna take
all the information to Gordon.
He's the only one I can trust.
I'll let the police
handle it from here.
Oh good.
Yeah.
I think Craig is the
one behind all this.
I'm going with you.
No, you stay here until
the doctor says you can go.
Ben?
Some airplane relationship, huh?
[soft music]
Thanks Diane.
I'll take it from here.
Ben, I'd like you to leave
town for a while un--
until we need you.
- That's fine with me.
Hey, I just wanna spend
some time with my girl.
Well, I can take it from here.
You've given me
more than enough.
If I can get Craig, I can
get'em all, at least I can try.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Yeah.
[phone rings]
Ben, let me know
where you are.
[phone dialing]
What are you doing here?
I let myself out.
You said you were coming
here so I took a cab.
I wanna tell you something.
We're gettin' outta this town.
Hm?
Yeah, only this time
we're takin' a train.
A train?
Yeah.
[music playing]
[bells ringing]
Take this to
Lieutenant Adronika.
[bells]
[soft music]
Ah, come in.
Come in, Anatoly.
[phone rings]
Yes?
Yes, of course.
This is the communique I
sent you from Washington.
Ah.
Good.
Very good.
[suspenseful music]
Come, Anatoly.
[suspenseful music]
Hold this for a
moment, will you?
[suspenseful music]
[paper shredder running]
[intense music]
[electrical snapping]
Pity.
The paper shredder
is out of order.
I'll have to have it
fixed in the morning.
Safe journey.
You will keep us informed
from Washington, Anatoly.
Certainly, sir.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL:
When are you going?
Tomorrow afternoon.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: Oh
have a good flight.
ANATOLY: Thank you very much.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: Is your
family going with you.
ANATOLY: No, not this time.
RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: Oh, well.
[suspenseful music]
[horn honking]
[traffic noise]
I can do without
the dirty looks.
I should be there
when he asks me.
He needs that now
more than ever.
Everything OK?
AGENT (ON RADIO): Yacht and
dockside all clear, sir.
Tell her he's coming.
[bells]
Mr. President.
[bells]
Miss Morton,
he's coming aboard.
Thank you.
[footsteps on carpet]
Hi, darling.
[jet engine running]
CAPTAIN JACKSON (ON INTERCOM):
Ladies and gentlemen,
this is Captain Jackson.
We have a favorable
weather report from Dulles
so we will be
landing on schedule
at 5:45 Washington time.
You know, this
is really weird.
Ah, you and I have been
sitting next to each other
for two hours in
absolute silence.
Of course, in that
time I haven't really
come up with any spectacular
plan to meet you.
So with no further
ado, my name is Ben.
OK.
Hey, that's all right.
Listen, ah rejection, you
know, I can live with that.
Everything in life is a lesson.
But you know, I think, really
we're missing one of the rarest
of opportunities here.
The airplane relationship,
it's the best.
No past.
No future, just the present.
Ben Morton.
Margaret.
Margaret what?
Margaret it's none
of your business.
That's a nice name.
Is that French?
You don't look like a Margaret.
- Sorry.
- No, come on.
You must have been called
something other than Margaret
somewhere in your life.
Mugsy.
Mugsy?
That's perfect.
I love that.
All right.
Mugsy, let me tell
you a little bit more
about this ah
airplane relationship.
Ah, it's ah it's a
non-involvement pact.
I mean, all we are is right now.
I mean, we've got to make right
here and now a peak experience,
no pain, all pleasure.
Unfortunately reality
is pain and pleasure.
Who said anything
about reality?
[music playing]
[knocking]
RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR: Come in.
Do you have any idea
what time it is?
I'm sorry, sir, but
this could be important.
It's from a cover operative
inside the Kremlin.
[suspenseful music]
I want this to get to
Washington on the next flight.
[horn honking]
[traffic noise]
What's going on?
Ah, it's an accident.
Can you get around it?
Not if you want
to get downtown.
Why don't you just hang a
left at the next intersection?
CABBIE: That's not gonna
get you downtown, buddy.
It'll get me home.
Hey, wait a minute here.
Look, listen, that hotel
that you're goin' to is
not gonna give your room away.
Besides, I think it'd be
much more relaxing just
sittin' around at my
place than sittin'
around in all this traffic.
I may be safer sitting
in all this traffic.
Safe, safe, safe, safe,
everyone wants to be so safe.
Do you prefer
claustrophobia and gas
fumes and honking horns to soft
music and quiet conversation?
Hang a left at the
next intersection.
[horn honking]
MARGARET "MUGSY" EVANS:
An old girlfriend?
BEN MORTON: No, it's my sister.
Hey, Di--
[horn honking]
You own this?
No, I just rent a piece of it.
Oh.
Thanks a lot.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
Have a good night.
Thanks.
Yeah, I just moved
in a couple weeks ago.
Oh.
Hi.
Hi.
This is my place here.
[keys rattling]
[soft music]
So Margaret, ah, Mugsy, does
my literary taste impress you?
Mm, ah, your Gestalt
therapy verbatim
is impressive but Saturday
Night Thrill Girls?
I have a thirst for knowledge.
Well, I found out
something else about you.
You're a jogger.
Ah, you found me out.
Well, you know
something about me.
You owe me one.
I'm a jogger too.
Hm, that's what they all say.
Really?
Some of them do.
Ah, are you trying
to ply me with liquor?
Will it work?
My mother always warned me,
two drinks and I call a cab.
[music playing]
[airport noises]
[plane tires screech]
[intense music]
[door clicks]
[flute music]
[phone dialing]
DONNA MORTON (VOICEMAIL):
Please wait for the tone,
then speak clearly.
[beep]
BEN MORTON: This is
10B42 reporting back.
Mission completed.
No return package.
That's it.
Oh, I love you.
That's just in case anyone
is really listening.
[intense music]
Rise and shine.
[soft music]
[birds chirping]
Hey.
Hey.
Rise and shine.
Are you crazy?
Come on, you're
a jogger, remember?
I don't choose to go jogging.
You need it.
You gotta sweat all of
last night's poisons outta
your system.
I'm not the one who
overindulged and passed out.
Good, you'll be
fresh for joggin' then.
Come on.
I want you to have
some of this, here.
Oh.
Go on.
[birds chirping]
Mm.
Oh.
What is in here?
Wheat germ.
Here.
These'll fit.
Hey.
Is this standard in all of
your airplane relationships?
They're my sister's.
Sure.
[birds chirping]
[ocean waves rolling]
You run very well.
Thanks.
Do you ever compete?
No, never did.
Well, you run really good.
Really good.
Feel like racing?
Oh, I see.
No, I'm not much for
competing, against my nature.
Against your nature?
Uh-huh.
Competition is why
America is what it is today.
I rest my case.
Hey, listen, come on now.
This joggin's no good.
Tell ya what.
What?
Ah, all right.
You see that park
bench four trees away?
Yeah.
Race you to the bench.
No, you go on.
OK, I put my money
where my mouth.
Please.
Ten big ones says I can get
to that bench before you do.
Listen, I-- I really
don't wanna race, OK?
Oh, come on big time
runner, 10 big ones.
You're on.
[feet pounding the path]
Oh.
Ah, ha ha.
Pay up.
Come on.
Oh.
Oh.
How would you like
to unpack your bags?
You know that hotel
you're goin' to?
Absolute pits.
You're gonna hate it.
I got a spare room at my place.
Nobody's living there now.
Ah, cheaper than a hotel.
It is?
Oh, hey.
You spent the whole
night with me last night.
Am I not the perfect gentleman?
You passed out.
That's what
perfect gentlemen do.
Well, I-- you know, I've
got things to do, you know.
What'd you got to do?
No questions, remember?
You can still do your
unquestionable things.
I provide room service.
Look, I ah I got
a very extensive
library, a complete
physical fitness program.
Beats a hotel.
[motors running]
ED MURPHY: You took the
President out last night?
That's right.
ED MURPHY: Then
why in God's name
didn't you follow established
Secret Service procedure?
Well, that's the
way he wanted it.
I don't care what he want--
listen to me, Gilkrest.
I went out on a limb to get
you assigned to the President.
And the next time,
and unfortunately I
assume there will be a next
time, you go by the book.
Lead car, followup, back up.
You're there to protect
him, not to please him.
I don't want to be the one to
have to tell the President's
wife she's a widow.
Come on, I'll buy you a drink.
[traffic noise]
Morning Mr. Morton.
How are you today?
All right, how
you doin', Phil?
- Fine, fine, fine.
- Good.
Is my sister in?
Ah, I think she is, sir.
I haven't seen
her come down yet.
Great.
Can you keep an eye
on that for me please?
- I sure will, sir.
- Thank you.
Ah, taxi?
[soft music]
[door tapping]
Who is it?
Your basic
neighborhood weirdo.
DONNA MORTON: Oh, Ben.
Ah.
Oh, the ribs, watch the ribs.
Oh. do you want some coffee?
Yep.
Welcome home.
Hm.
You changed the place
around some, huh?
DONNA MORTON: About a year ago.
You're very observant.
[soft music]
Well, did you
wow them in Paris?
Uh-huh?
Are you a legend
in your own time?
Same old thing, boring
meetings, beautiful women.
Oh, you really have it tough.
Hey, you spend three
weeks, eight hours a day
discussing soybean crops.
Ain't easy.
[soft music]
So, how are ya?
OK.
Sellin' any houses?
Got a quarter of
a million dollars?
That's where they start.
Piano wing?
Much to the distress
of my downstairs neighbor
who threaten to call
the gendarmes on me.
Something unreasonable
about wanting to sleep.
Hm, what time was that?
Oh, 3:00 in the morning.
Oh.
Maybe 4:00.
Donna, the night person.
I can remember when you were
afraid to be alone in the dark.
[piano keys rippling]
Still am.
Hm, in the dark
maybe, but not alone.
Tell me somethin'.
Who's your new love?
What are you talking about?
The big fat limousine
with a chauffeur, the guy
in the Brooks Brothers suit.
Your limousine passed
my cab last night.
Who is it?
DONNA MORTON: Just a guy.
Ah, no name.
Since when do we pry into
each other's personal lives?
Pry?
What are you talkin' about?
Ben, I'm not hiding
anything from you.
It-- it's just--
well, you don't have to know
everything about my life.
Mm.
I'm a big girl now.
Mm.
Oh.
What are you doing around noon?
Nothin'.
Gwen's coming by.
I know she'd love to see you.
I'll be here.
Do you want some more coffee?
I'd love some, but
I gotta get to work.
[machines running]
[keys tapping]
[machine auto typing]
All right.
[keys tapping]
Nice goin'.
[suspenseful music]
[knocking]
Come in.
What is it, Victoria?
This just came by pouch
from our people in Moscow.
This is the translation.
Donna Morton, a Soviet agent?
It's Brown Bear, all right.
And it's deciphered correctly.
I've checked it a dozen times.
[piano music]
[phone rings]
Hello?
Yes it is.
Oh, hi.
Good.
Being very domestic,
playing the piano.
Anytime, you know that.
Of course.
Of course, I understand.
I'll be ready.
What did Gilkrest say?
[office noises]
Good afternoon, Senator.
Mr. Gilkrest.
He wants her brought
here tonight, 7:45.
Here?
[boat horns]
DOCK MANAGER: Now hear this.
Liberty will commence at 1300
for sections two and three.
Security section must run
the fan tail with the--
This better be worth it.
I've got an office
full of people waiting.
One reason I thought it'd
be better for us to meet here.
Ah, one reason?
Mr. Murphy, at my agency
we have a saying that
ah the only thing at the
White House that listens
are the walls.
I don't believe
this cloak and dagger.
I-- I just don't believe it.
I-- if you wanted to
talk to me privately,
you didn't have to drag
me all the way out here.
On the contrary, I think the
setting is particularly apt.
Could you please
come to the point?
The girl, Mr. Murphy,
is a Soviet spy.
We know Brown Bear is a Soviet
agent right here in Washington.
I'm sure you know who
I'm talking about.
The message was lifted
right out of the Kremlin.
The Secret Service checked
this girl out thoroughly.
It's impossible.
Obviously not
thoroughly enough.
I think you'd better
speak to the President.
The man cares about this girl.
Do you have any idea what
this is gonna do to him?
He's right in the middle of
negotiations with the Chinese.
If I walk into the
President with this,
and it proves to be wrong,
it's gonna be your head to go.
Do you really want
me to act on this?
We'll start a
thorough investigation.
In the meantime, I
think it'd be wise
if you stopped the
girl from seeing
the President for a while.
Really?
How do you suggest I do that?
Mr. Murphy, I've given
you the information.
And I've given
you my assessment.
[boat horn]
DONNA MORTON: Gwen.
- I know I'm late.
I'm sorry.
My car broke down.
Oh, it's all right.
Hi.
I'll take your coat.
Oh, look at him.
Hi.
Gwen, come and
have some sherry.
GWEN BOWERS: OK.
Ben, you're not leaving?
Oh, what a terrific suit.
Yes, well.
A Kordal?
Saint Laurent perhaps?
Actually, a guy named
Benny in Philadelphia.
Well, it's just wonderful.
It really suits
you, pardon the pun.
So what's the latest
dirt goin' around town?
Well, there's Senator
Franken's, but then you've
heard that.
No, I've been away.
Tell me, as if I could stop you.
DONNA MORTON: Gwen.
Thanks.
Well, it seems that the good
senator was caught in a motel
room with two hookers.
And he told the police,
and listen to this please,
that he was personally
investigating
the vice problem in Washington.
But the only thing
he couldn't explain
was why he was doing it stark
naked, whatever that means.
Oh, do you love it?
Gwenny, do you know
everything in this town?
No.
No, I don't know with
whom or where your sister
is spending her evenings.
And you won't either.
So you can just
skip the subject.
Well, would you
listen to that?
Have you met my best friend?
My sister.
I know less about
her than you do.
Hey you guys.
Pass on, OK?
Well, what's new in
your life, handsome?
Oh, would you look at that face.
He's hiding something.
What?
Come on.
He doesn't want
to talk about it.
Who said I didn't
wanna talk about it?
My life's an open book.
Paperback.
Ha.
All right, as a
matter of fact, I
did meet this girl on the
plane coming back from Paris.
And um, I kind of like her.
GWEN BOWERS: That's it?
You met a girl and
you kind of like her,
that's the whole story?
What do you want
from me, wedding bells?
Mm-hm.
Will she be around long
enough for me to meet her?
Tonight?
Oh, I can't tonight.
Well, she might be
around tomorrow night.
Oh.
What does she do?
I don't know.
Well, does she
live in Washington?
Nope.
Where does she live?
Boston, I think.
Boston you think.
Mm-hm.
You two ever ah stop
and talk to one another?
I think I'll leave now.
OK, I'll let you
guys speculate, OK?
Well, at least tell
us what her name is.
- I don't know for sure.
- He doesn't know.
Bye.
Oh, he's so cute.
Mm-hm.
I wish he noticed me.
But you're friends.
Yeah, but that's no fun.
Oh, gosh.
Look at the time.
We're gonna be late.
Come on.
[suspenseful music]
[camera shutter click]
[suspenseful music]
[soft music and fire crackling]
Hey landlord, I can't sleep.
The bedside lamp is
out so I can't read.
And there's no soap in the
shower so I can't wash.
Is this anyway to run a hotel?
I really like you.
More.
No, I'm serious.
I just can't understand
how you can step
off of an airplane into
my life without any kind
of hassle at all.
Ah--
Can I ask you something?
That ah jogging outfit, you
know, the one you lent me.
Is um that really your sister's?
Yeah.
Why?
You're jealous?
No.
Maybe.
All right, I'll
tell you somethin'.
You know, that whole um
airplane relationship thing?
It never happened to me before.
I don't believe you.
I swear.
Well, you big phony.
All that no past, no
future, just the present.
We make right here
a peak experience.
I'm just doin' the best I can.
Mm-hm.
So, what's your name?
I told you Margaret.
That's not what your
bags say, Helen Kincaid
of Boston, Massachusetts.
Have you searched
my purse too?
Your name tag is on your bag.
Oh.
So what is it?
Is it Helen or Margaret.
Mugsy.
Come on, I wanna
get to know you.
I wa-- I wanna know, like,
um, well, what do you do
for a living?
I'm a spy.
Come on.
You made the rules.
Break'em.
Why?
I think this is exciting.
Look, you tell me who you
are and what your business is.
Or I will be forced to
torture it out of you.
Promises, promises.
[soft music]
Good evening, Miss Morton.
Good evening, Charlie.
Good evening.
Mr. Gilkrest.
[traffic noise]
JIM GILKREST: Mr. President,
Miss Morton's here.
In here please.
[door locks]
Goodnight, Jan.
Goodnight, Jim.
Hello Jan.
Good evening, Mrs. Whitmore.
Is my husband still
in the Oval Office?
No he isn't.
The fact is, I don't
know where he is.
Good night.
- Good night.
- Jim.
- Ma'am?
Is my husband in there?
Ah, yes, Mrs. Whitmore.
But I'm sorry, the President
can't be disturbed.
Well, not even
for just a minute?
Albert's baked his
favorite cookies.
Oh, ma'am, President Whitmore
left specific instructions.
It's the China thing.
Well, I'm sure he
wouldn't mind if I--
JIM GILKREST: I'm sorry.
[tray crashes]
[traffic noise]
I think--
What is it?
Today, when I
left my apartment,
and-- and then later, I--
I was out showing some houses.
I-- I had the feeling
I was being followed.
What makes you say that?
Well, I saw the
same man twice.
Tall man with dark
glasses and a camera.
And?
When-- when I looked for
him again, he wasn't there.
I wouldn't worry about it.
It's probably some tourist.
They take pictures
of everything.
Heh.
Yes, of course.
No, I'll take care
of it right away.
DONNA MORTON (ON
PHONE): You sure?
CHARLIE: Absolutely.
DONNA MORTON (ON PHONE): I
can rely on you, Charlie?
CHARLIE: Yes, not to worry.
It'll be all right.
Let me see you inside.
Oh, thanks, I'm fine.
Thanks, Charlie.
[traffic noise]
Gilchrist to base.
AGENT (ON RADIO): Base.
Do we have Donna Morton
under surveillance?
AGENT (ON PHONE): Nobody
in Secret Service, Jim.
Thanks.
Out.
Is this all we
have on Miss Morton?
Yes, sir.
And it's up to date.
OK, Bradley, go ahead.
BRADLEY: Donna Morton.
She sells real estate
out of M. Burns Realtors,
has for the past six years.
This is her girlfriend,
Gwen Bowers.
We have a complete file
on her if you want it.
Donna Morton worked on the
President's senatorial campaign
about five years ago.
They've had contact, how
much is still unsure.
She drinks, but not to excess.
Smokes marijuana infrequently
and is heterosexual, in fact,
very heterosexual.
Let's try it
without the comment.
Sorry, sir.
We do have a potential problem.
Her brother, Ben Morton, is
a part-time courier of ours.
Let's freeze him out.
Pull his card.
That'll be all, gentlemen.
Bradley, I want Miss Morton's
apartment and telephone bugged.
I want you to do it personally.
Pick one other man you can
trust to share the monitoring.
[piano music]
No, no, no, no,
no, a one and a three
does not get you
back on the board.
Gimme a break.
There are no
breaks in this game.
Boy, you're in a
strange mood today.
I'm happy.
A ha, ha.
You always cheat
when you're happy?
It's only a game.
Today it's only game.
Funny, just a couple of
days ago, winning this game
was a life or death
matter with you.
I think this secret love of
yours is making you crazy.
I think you're right.
And I love it.
Oh, you're making me crazy.
How could you keep some
guy a secret from me?
I don't understand that?
Please, Gwen, I can't ta--
[phone rings]
You're just going to
have to accept that.
[phone rings]
Why?
Hello?
Yes, it is.
Ah, the Phantom.
Oh, it's nice to hear you laugh.
I can't either.
Oh, yes.
It's all right.
I understand.
No.
I'll stay home.
It's OK.
You too.
Goodbye.
[piano music]
It's your move.
[piano music]
I guess I'd better go.
No, please stay.
[piano music]
Damn.
Oh.
What is going on with you?
You're gonna explode.
Oh.
GWEN BOWERS: Hello?
This is Gwen, you dummy.
I know you haven't got
anything in the world to hide
so it's gotta be him, right?
And this is Washington,
so he's in the government.
And he's married because
they're always married.
So?
So, you're not the first
woman in this town who's
gone beyond the fringe over some
married senator or congressman.
Gwen, if I tell you,
you've got to promise
me never to tell anyone.
No, I00 I mean it.
Well, of course not.
He's the President.
What?
He's the President.
Oh, oh, are you in trouble.
I love him.
GWEN BOWERS: Even worse.
Are you going to preach to me?
No.
That was him just now.
He had to cancel out tonight.
Well, that's the way it is.
With him I never know from
minute to minute what to do.
I'll be all ready to
go out to meet him,
15 minutes before I'm
supposed to leave,
he'll call and cancel.
Well.
I'm gonna call my folks
and tell them I can't come.
No.
I'm not leaving you.
[sirens]
Thanks.
Little Donna Morton
and the President.
[sirens]
[suspenseful music]
But as difficult as
the situation is, it's--
it's still the best thing that's
ever happened to me in my life.
Oh, Donna, you know
it has no future.
[phone rings]
I know.
Hello?
Yes, it is.
But I just talked
to him an hour ago.
All right.
I'll be ready.
His plans changed.
I'm being picked up at 7:30.
Listen, come and talk
to me while I get ready.
OK.
Come on, you can still
make it to Baltimore.
You know what?
You can take my car.
Oh, I don't know if
I should take your car.
Please take it.
[office chatter]
Another meeting on the yacht?
Ah, yeah.
Oh, great.
With all our problems,
he has to waste his time
and energy on some chippy.
I wouldn't call her that.
You wouldn't?
What would you call her?
A rather nice girl
who's in over her head.
The President's in over
his head too, Gilkrest.
And I want these meetings
stopped for a while
so he can keep his
mind on the Chinese.
You're gonna have to help me.
Well, what can I do?
Level with her.
Suggest she be sick
for a few days.
She may not buy it.
Try.
Oh, that's what stinks.
We could get stoned from
the fumes of that stuff.
Wanna meet my sister?
Sure.
[phone dials]
[phone rings]
Hello?
Hey, Gwenny.
GWEN BOWERS (ON PHONE): Hi Ben.
My sister around?
Yeah, but she's dressing.
Can I take her message?
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE): Yeah, ask
her if she wants to have dinner
with Mugsy and me tonight.
Well, I know she can't.
She's got a date.
Ah, how about you?
You busy?
Oh, thanks.
But I'm having dinner with
my folks in Baltimore.
All right.
Guess I'm stuck with
this girl all by myself.
Hey.
Hey.
What was that?
BEN MORTON (ON
PHONE): She hit me.
I like her.
Bye, Ben.
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE): Bye-bye.
Hey, Donna, I'm leavin'.
Bye, Gwen.
Thanks.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Bye.
[horn honking]
[intense music]
The Morton girl has
left the building.
I'm going in.
[suspenseful music]
[knocking]
[suspenseful music]
[door opens]
[intense music]
No.
Please.
No.
Oh.
Ah!
[loud thud]
[ominous music]
[suspenseful music]
[horn honking]
Hasn't Miss Morton
come down yet?
No sir.
Buzz her apartment
for me would you please?
Sure.
[suspenseful music]
[door buzzer]
Maybe she's on her way down.
No, she's always
down here and ready.
[intense music]
[knocking]
Miss Morton?
[suspenseful music]
[keys rattling]
[knocking]
[ominous music]
[suspenseful music]
[eerie music]
[phone dialing]
Code zebra alpha zero.
This is Gilkrest.
The girl is dead
in her apartment.
The doorman saw me come up.
You better make arrangements.
[phone dialing]
Police.
I want to report a body at 570
River Drive, apartment 402.
I want to report a body at 570
River Drive, apartment 402.
[door slams]
It was an accident.
This is the CSA.
We don't have accidents,
we plan accidents.
I thought she had left.
I saw her car--
Never mind that.
Did anyone see you?
No.
Are you sure?
Well?
Well, I don't
think anybody saw me.
But a limousine was
pulling up just as I--
I want you out of
the country tomorrow.
Peters, you arrange it.
Go on, get out, both of you.
Bradley?
You sure it was him?
It was him.
I-- I don't know that he
killed her, but he was there.
Oh, he killed her.
Craig wanted me to keep her
away from the President.
He just found another method.
Oh, you can't be serious.
What, kill a girl
because she's having
an affair with the President?
I don't believe it.
She was a Russian agent.
What Donna?
They had surveillance on her.
She suspected
that was happening.
She told me.
Did he see you?
No, I don't think so.
ED MURPHY: You better hope not.
Oh, come on, Gilkrest.
Don't be so naive.
The Central Security
Agency doesn't play around.
What, then you'd
better nail them.
It's Craig I'm after, and I'll
nail him on my own good time.
The President shoulda--
shoulda kicked
him out when he took office.
And I suggest you don't talk
to anybody about Bradley.
Go on home.
[phone buzzer]
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): It's
the President, Mr. Murphy.
He's calling from the yacht.
OK.
It's nights like this I wish I
were back selling detergents.
[soft music]
I hope you like this, ma'am.
It's a bit young but a
very brave little wine.
Oh.
We will have strawberries
and brandy for dessert.
Oh, lovely.
Thought you'd like that.
Isn't it so much nicer
eating here at home?
Mm-hm.
You know, I'm beginning to
feel like a French poodle.
I lie around all day
and you take me out
for my morning exercise jog.
[soft music]
[phone rings]
[soft music]
Hello?
Yes, this is Ben Martin.
What?
I'll be right over.
[soft music]
What is it, Ben?
My sister's dead.
[suspenseful music]
[officers chatter]
Mr. Morton?
Mr. Morton.
Hm?
I'm Lieutenant Gordon.
Would you care to sit down?
[camera shutter click]
What happened?
Well, as near
as we can figure,
she opened the door for someone.
There's no sign of
a break-in, no sign
of a burglary or a robbery.
There was a struggle.
And it happened.
Nobody heard anything,
nobody saw anything.
No, we checked the
neighboring apartments,
the doorman, nothing.
We figure it
happened around 7:30.
Shortly after that we logged in
an anonymous phone call from a,
well, it brought us here.
Maybe you can help us.
Do you know if she
had any enemies?
Not my sister.
Rejected boyfriends?
Hm?
Rejected boyfriends?
No, I don't think so.
I-- you might ask ah,
her friend Bowers.
She might know about that.
Where were you tonight?
I was at home.
You called me there.
Right, right.
You were there all evening?
What the hell are
you tryin' to say?
Just asking where you were.
I was at home.
OK?
I'm just doin' my job.
Have you got
some suspects then?
The investigation
just started.
I'm sorry.
I wish we had more to go on.
[paper snaps]
Idiot.
Idiot.
[flute music]
You think you could
eat some breakfast, Ben?
They're not gonna
get away with it.
They're not gonna file this
away as another unsolved murder.
You have to give
them a chance.
[birds chirping]
I hate this place.
Donna's death isn't even
gonna ripple the water.
Power, that's all these
people care about.
It eats'em up.
Ben.
Do they know who's limousine
Donna was in the other night?
[birds chirping]
Come on.
[suspenseful music]
POLICE WOMAN: I'm
sorry I can't do this.
Oh, come on.
Do me a favor, please.
Right this way.
And don't forget to send
me the backup paperwork.
I really appreciate this.
[suspenseful music]
Here's the license
number of the limousine.
[suspenseful music]
Registered to
the US Government,
branch of the executive and the
department of the White House.
Thank you.
[suspenseful music]
[ominous music]
Ma'am?
Yes?
I need the exact information
you just gave that man.
Phil.
I'm awfully sorry about
your sister, Mr. Morton.
Thank you, Phil.
Listen, do you know where I
can get in touch with Charlie,
the night doorman?
Oh, he's gone on vacation,
went down to Florida,
I believe.
Lucky guy.
Can I get up to my
sister's apartment now?
Oh, sure.
The police are
finished with it now.
OK, thanks, Phil.
All right.
[soft music]
What do you think I oughta
do about all this stuff?
Well, ah, why don't
you just pick out
a couple things that remind
you of her and sell the rest,
I guess.
There's so many things
I didn't know about her,
so many things.
[knocking]
Sorry to bother ya.
Here are the keys to
your sister's car.
Miss Bowers just
brought'em back.
Thank you.
Why did Gwen have the car?
[kid's chatter]
About um what time
did you leave her?
Ah, 7:15.
You told me she had a date.
She did.
She was being picked up at 7:30.
That was around the
time that she was killed.
Was it the limousine
that picked her up?
Yes.
Who was she seeing?
Oh, Ben, please it go.
No, no, I know the limousine
came from the White House.
Well, then just let it go--
Now what the hell's the
matter with you, now, Gwen?
You're supposed to
be her best friend.
I loved her.
Oh, so you're standin'
here tellin' me that
this girl that you
supposedly loved
should be buried and forgotten?
[birds chirping]
Oh, I wish she'd
never told me.
Who is it?
[kid's chatter]
Carl Whitmore.
The President?
She loved him, Ben.
And she believed
that he loved her.
I've been afraid
to tell anybody.
I didn't even go to the police.
I just don't want her name
dragged through the papers,
you know?
- How long was this going on?
They met about six years
ago when she was working
on his senatorial campaign.
BEN MORTON: Mm-hm.
And then after he
became President,
he would have picked up
and taken to his yacht.
You know who picked her up?
No.
[kid's chatter]
I loved her.
[kid's chatter]
Thank you, sir.
How are you today?
- All right.
How you doin'?
- Fine.
[beeping]
I'm sorry, sir.
Your ID'S been pulled.
I can't let you enter?
Can I use your phone a second?
I can straighten this out.
No, I'm sorry, only
active agents and personnel
can use the interoffice phones.
And without an ID--
It's all kinda
catch-22-ish isn't it?
Yes?
AGENT JOHNSON (ON INTERCOM):
Agent Johnson, sir.
I've got Ben Morton on the line.
He wants to know why
his card was pulled.
Tell him that ah while
his sister's death is being
investigated, it is
desirable that we
sever his ties with the agency.
AGENT JOHNSON: Right, sir.
[phone buzzer]
- Yeah?
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): Mr.
Morton's here to see you, sir.
Send him in.
Ben.
- Hello Ed.
How are ya?
It's terrible about Donna.
Terrible.
I read about it in the papers.
I'm so sorry.
Did they get the guy yet?
No.
I appreciate you seein' me.
Oh, hey, you did great work
for us during the campaign.
So did Donna.
We don't forget.
[phone buzzer]
No calls please, OK?
Ah, I'm really swamped.
I don't have a minute.
What can I do for you?
Yeah, I wanted to ask
you about a limousine
registered to the White House.
The-- oh, the ah license
number's right here, ah,
G1158213.
Yeah?
Oh, ah, I saw Donna
in this limousine
a couple of nights
before ah, you know.
And I-- I ah--
I also want to
know about this man
that she was having
an affair with.
I thought maybe, ah, all these
things fit in together somehow.
I thought maybe you might be
able to shed some light on it
for me.
Whatever gave you the
idea I was taking out Donna?
Not you, your boss.
The President and Donna?
Donna told someone she was
having an affair with Whitmore.
Who'd she tell?
It's a reliable source.
Ben, I-- I--
I realize how this whole
thing must have hurt you.
But President
Whitmore neither has
the time nor the
inclination to do anything
like you're talking about.
Now, ti's just as
simple as that.
And as for Donna being
in one of our limousines,
the staff sneaks out
with them all the time.
It could have been anybody,
anybody but the President.
He's been a little
bit busy of late.
Listen, if you need anything
more, just pick up the phone.
I'll be there, OK?
And I'm-- I'm very
sorry about this.
Thank you.
[keys tapping]
[phone buzzer]
[intense music]
How much longer?
As long as it takes.
[intense music]
MARGARET "MUGSY"
EVANS: Is that him?
No.
[intense music]
Look, there goes $25.
You coulda taken me out
for dinner with that money.
You know, I get the
distinct feeling you're
not hanging on my every word.
[traffic noise]
[suspenseful music]
BEN MORTON: That's him.
That's the guy I saw in
the limousine with Donna.
Let's go, hurry up.
[intense music]
[tires squealing]
[suspenseful music]
[ominous music]
[horn honking]
JIM GILKREST: Hey, how are ya?
[kissing sound] Give me a kiss.
MRS. GILKREST: How are you?
Come to mama.
JIM GILKREST: Hi, Cleo.
Thanks very much now.
- Oh, it's so nice.
Oh, I know.
JIM GILKREST: All right,
everybody inside and one dog.
[birds chirping]
Where you going?
To talk to him.
Are you crazy?
If he does know anything
about your sister's death,
what do you think he's gonna
do, invite you in for tea?
He's a family man.
So was the godfather.
He's not gonna do anything
with his kids around.
[car door buzzer]
[birds chirping]
[kid's chatter]
MRS. GILKREST: Jim?
What is it?
Hon, take the kids out
in the backyard for a bit.
Why?
It's business.
[kid's chatter]
[knocking]
Yes?
Hello.
My name's Ben Morton.
I'm Donna's brother.
Ah, I'd like to talk to you
for a moment if I could.
Come on in.
Thanks.
I just wanna talk to you.
Shut up, just shut up.
Ah.
MRS. GILKREST: Jim?
Gabby--
MRS. GILKREST: What's going on?
JIM GILKREST: --go back
with the kids, please.
MRS. GILKREST: Is
everything all right?
JIM GILKREST: Yes,
just-- it's all right.
Just go back with
the kids, please.
Now just go on.
MRS. GILKREST: All right.
Mm.
What do you want?
I saw you one night in the
limousine with my sister.
You're mistaken.
I've never been with
your sister anywhere.
I've never even met her.
You're lying.
Well, what do
you want me to say?
You've got me mixed
up with somebody else.
I don't think so.
I saw you and Donna
in a limousine
a few days before
she was killed.
I know she was
seeing the President.
And I wanna know how you fit in.
I'm sorry.
I can't help you.
BEN MORTON: I said, I wanna
know where you fit in.
I already said I was sorry.
[suspenseful music]
[car door buzzing]
His name is Gilkrest.
He pulled a gun on me.
Ben, stop this.
You're over your head.
These people, they're in a
different league than you are.
They're professionals.
Is that supposed to
give'em a license to kill?
Go the police, please?
I don't want you killed too.
[phone buzzer]
Yeah?
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): It's
Mr. Gilkrest for you, sir.
OK put him on.
Hey Jim.
I was tailed home today
by Donna Morton's brother.
Oh, damn.
JIM GILKREST (ON PHONE):
He tried to question me
about his sister.
- What'd you tell him?
Nothing, listen, I'm not
worried about his questions.
He knows I used to escort
Donna in the limousine.
If he knows, so could the CSA.
Take tomorrow off.
Sit tight.
I'll get in touch.
Damn.
Jim, what is it?
Some things about
this job I hate.
The guy's name is Gilkrest.
[phone rings]
He lives in Arlington at
ah 6300 Bonneville Street.
Now, he showed up
in a limousine.
So I'm sure, Charlie,
the night doorman
must have seen him come in.
He told us he
didn't see anyone.
Hey, could you put that
down for a second please?
[phone rings]
Sorry.
It's my kid's
birthday next week.
Yeah.
I think they must
have brought him off.
Why did you let a material
witness leave the city?
He wasn't a material witness.
Maybe he should have been.
Do you always tell people
how to run their business?
Yeah, but you're
not doing anything.
[phone rings]
All right.
Let me-- let me try
to get this straight.
You're telling me that your
sister was a very personal
friend of the President's and
that someone in the White House
had her killed?
Who?
I don't know who
had her killed.
What I'm telling you
is that I believe
that Gilkrest was there.
I think you should talk to him.
[phone rings]
LIEUTENANT GORDON:
All right, Ben.
All right, we'll talk to him.
Thank you.
How old's your kid?
Gonna be 10.
[phone rings]
Good night.
[phone rings]
[knocking]
Come in.
Yes, sir?
Oh, come in, Peters.
It seems a Secret
Service man named
Gilkrest was outside Donna
Morton's apartment house
when Bradley came out.
I don't know if he
spotted Bradley.
See what you can find out.
Right.
Oh, and, ah, Peters?
AGENT PETERS: Sir?
Just a second.
I want to talk to
you about Ben Morton.
[birds chirping]
Orange juice and wheat germ?
No thank you.
Hey, I got a great idea.
It's such a beautiful
day, why don't I
race you around the block?
You're too fast for me.
I owe ya a rematch.
Our relationship
is fragile enough.
You may even win.
[birds chirping]
Are you challenging me?
[birds chirping]
[engine starts]
When do we start racing?
Now.
[foot steps pound the pavement]
[ominous music]
Come on.
Come on.
[intense music]
Ben.
[loud thump]
BEN MORTON: Mugsy.
[tires squealing]
Don't touch her.
Call the ambulance.
Mugsy?
[sirens]
VOICE OVER INTERCOM: Dr. Remic.
Dr. Remic, check with
intensive care desk, please.
Dr. Remic.
NURSE: Excuse me.
Excuse me, I'm gonna need some
information on the patient,
please.
Can you give me her name?
I don't know for sure.
I need her name.
Ah, excuse me, I'll
see what I can find out.
Excuse me, Miss.
Who is he?
I don't know.
Operator, could you
please give me the number
for information for Boston?
[phone rings]
Hello?
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE): Hello.
Is this the home
of Helen Kincaid?
Yes.
BEN MORTON (ON PHONE):
To whom am I speaking.
Her husband.
Hello?
Hello?
Ah, yes.
I'm calling from Washington DC.
Ah, Helen has been
in an accident.
Is this supposed to be funny?
My wife just left for
work 10 minutes ago.
Tell me how she
got to Washington.
Do you know anyone
by the name of Mugsy?
No, I don't.
[phone buzzer]
I told you, no calls.
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): Sorry,
sir, it's about Ben Morton.
Well?
NORMA (ON INTERCOM): A
police report says he's
been involved in a hit and run.
See if you can reach Gilkrest.
MRS. GILKREST: Jim?
Mr. Murphy's on the phone.
He says it's urgent.
OK.
[birds chirping]
[dogs barking]
Hello?
Jim, this is Ed Murphy.
I think it'd be a good idea
if you took a trip somewhere.
Well, why?
What's going on?
Ben Morton and his girl
were victims of a hit
and run a few hours ago.
CSA?
ED MURPHY (ON PHONE): Could be.
Did they get him?
No, no, Ben's OK.
His girl's in the
Potomac General Hospital.
Mr. Murphy, I think you
better step into this right now.
The timing's wrong.
For who?
They'll get Morton.
They'll come after me
while you sit there playing
your power game with Craig?
Trust me on this, Gilkrest.
I'm a professional, Ed.
I don't trust anybody.
[suspenseful music]
VOICE ON INTERCOM: Dr. Golden,
call seventh floor, please.
Dr. Golden.
Dr. Jones, call the
pharmacy, please.
Dr. Harvard Jones.
Dr. Jones, call the
pharmacy, please.
Dr. Harvard Jones.
[music playing]
Mr. Morton?
The doctor says you can see
her for a few minutes now.
Thank you.
Is she gonna be all right?
Yes, she's a very luck girl.
[phone rings]
[soft music]
Hi.
Hi.
If I sound a little funny
it's 'cause of that stuff
they're giving me.
Yeah.
You got a couple
of cracked ribs.
Won't be able to hug
each other for a while.
Mm-hm.
Who are you?
Who do you work for?
The CSA?
Russians?
Sure, I'm Mata Hari.
You dumb jerk.
I illustrate children's books.
Ohm, what's your name?
Ben, don't spoil it.
I mean, I've had my first
trip to Paris, my first trip
to Washington, my first airplane
relationship, most of it's
been good.
What is your name?
Margaret Evans.
So who's Helen Kincaid?
Remember I saw your luggage?
That's my sister.
I borrowed her luggage.
Your sister?
MARGARET "MUGSY" EVANS: Mm-hm.
So how come her husband never
heard of anyone called Mugsy.
Bill?
Well, he-- he just
knows me as Margaret.
Mugsy's from my childhood.
I'm sorry.
- You should be.
- I am.
Good.
These are for you.
Oh, Ben, they're lovely.
Thank you.
I didn't send'em.
Thanks.
[suspenseful music]
They're not for me.
They're for you.
Gilkrest wants you to
meet him at the zoo
and make sure
you're not followed.
Ben?
[soft music]
It's OK.
[soft music]
[door closes]
[ominous music]
[suspenseful music]
Excuse me, sir,
are you Mr. Morton?
That's right.
Well, a man said
for me to tell
ya to meet him in the old zoo.
Um, what about this picture?
Thank you.
[suspenseful music]
[rocks crumbling]
[flute music]
[suspenseful music]
Morton?
Were you careful?
I took a bus.
We're both in
danger, you know?
From who?
CSA.
One of their agents,
guy named Bradley,
probably killed your sister.
I saw him coming
from our building
just after she was killed.
Why would they kill her?
Because she was an
agent for the KGB.
Donna?
I don't believe it.
Who knows in this business?
You're really just a junior
member of the Department
of Agriculture?
My sister wasn't a spy.
JIM GILKREST: Look,
I'm telling you
this because I need your help.
Now I can't rely on Murphy--
[silenced bullet]
Oh.
[intense music]
Hey.
[intense music]
Lie still.
Get some help for this guy.
[suspenseful music]
[silenced gunfire]
[intense music]
Hold it.
[intense music]
[tires squealing]
[thud]
[intense music]
ED MURPHY: OK, Norma, tell him
I'll be back in 10 minutes.
Hello, Ben.
They called me from a meeting.
Why didn't you tell
me what was going on?
What do you mean?
Did you know they thought
Donna was a Russian agent?
Who told you that?
Gilkrest before he was shot.
Gilkrest is dead.
Why didn't you tell
me what was happening?
Think about it a minute.
How could I?
Because she's my sister.
Because you're supposed
to be my friend.
All I know is that
three people are dead.
And you knew what was going on
and you didn't say anything.
I never expected
anything like this.
Well, you got it now.
I want you to tell me
who killed my sister.
Oh, Ben.
Was it Craig?
Did he kill her 'cause
he thought she was a spy?
I don't know.
What do you mean
you don't know?
I mean it.
I'm not sure.
But it could have
been him, right?
I gotta get to the CSA computer.
That's where the answers are.
You gotta get me in there.
- I can't.
Oh, yes, you can.
I could be a real problem
to this administration.
Help me.
[phone dialing]
Hello.
My name is Ben Morton.
Ah, yes, Mr. Morton.
Would you sign here please?
Thank you.
Would you wear this, please?
Thank you.
[foot steps in hallway]
[loud machinery running]
Hello.
Hi.
You're up late.
Yeah.
Ah, my name is Ben Morton.
I need some information.
OK.
I have to check you out first.
[keys tapping]
BEN MORTON: What does that mean?
That's your clearance.
I want full information
on a Donna Morton.
[keys tapping]
Why has it stopped?
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
CRAIG (ON INTERCOM):
This Deputy Director
Craig, Mr. Morton.
How can I help you?
Just speak Mr. Morton.
I can hear you.
I wanna know everything
about my sister's death
and why you thought she was
working for the Russians.
Craig?
Craig, can you hear me?
DEPUTY DIRECTOR CRAIG (ON
INTERCOM): I hear you.
I'm clearing additional
security channels.
Watch your screen.
All right, young lady, continue.
[keys tapping]
Come on, Craig,
I want all of it.
Craig?
Craig, can you hear me?
I know there's more.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR CRAIG:
I hear you, Mr. Morton.
Will you leave us, please?
Yes, sir.
Excuse the theatrics but what
I have to say is top security.
Did you have my sister killed?
Come on, Mr. Morton.
Why should I do that?
Considering her relationship
with the President,
I'd be far more likely
to question her--
- Gilkrest saw--
- --then kill her.
--your man Bradley leaving
her apartment building
at the time she was killed.
Exactly.
I had sent Bradley to bring
your sister in for questioning.
He found her dead.
So far, no one has any
idea who killed her.
I want to talk to Bradley.
Where is he?
South America.
He's on assignment in Peru.
You can talk to him
when he returns.
And you think my sister
was a Russian agent?
What you are reading
was taken from the Kremlin
by one of my agents.
I don't believe it.
I'm sorry.
You know it is possible
that they killed her.
Brown Bear?
A known KGB agent
here in Washington.
I want to talk to him.
Who is he?
He knows we're onto him.
I don't mind telling you.
He's Anatoly, the Naval
attache at the embassy.
I doubt if you'll get to him.
[suspenseful music]
[FOOT STEPS ECHOING IN PARKING
GARAGE]
Pull over.
[intense music]
Tell me about Donna
Morton, Brown Bear?
Who are you?
Her brother.
I'm sorry that she died.
It was stupid.
Put the gun away.
You don't need it.
She wasn't a Russian spy.
No.
She was not a spy.
Then why did you
send that message?
Mischief.
We knew of her relationship
with the President.
We knew the Chinese
talks were going on.
It was a game, something to keep
your government off balance.
A game?
A game?
I cannot believe the
CSA meant to kill her.
It had to be an accident.
It was too clumsy
not to have been.
They killed Gilkrest.
They tried to kill me.
Mischief to an accident to
murder, perhaps the history
of World War, my friend.
May I ask who informed
you I was Brown Bear?
Craig.
I knew my days in
America were over.
Unfortunate.
I like it here.
[car door slams]
[dogs barking]
HI.
MARGARET "MUGSY" EVAN HI.
Are they letting me out?
Not for a couple of days.
I brought some of the
stuff that you wanted.
Thanks.
How are you?
Lousy.
Did you meet with Gilkrest?
Yeah.
I found out Donna was
not a Russian agent.
Yeah, what I'm gonna
do, I'm gonna take
all the information to Gordon.
He's the only one I can trust.
I'll let the police
handle it from here.
Oh good.
Yeah.
I think Craig is the
one behind all this.
I'm going with you.
No, you stay here until
the doctor says you can go.
Ben?
Some airplane relationship, huh?
[soft music]
Thanks Diane.
I'll take it from here.
Ben, I'd like you to leave
town for a while un--
until we need you.
- That's fine with me.
Hey, I just wanna spend
some time with my girl.
Well, I can take it from here.
You've given me
more than enough.
If I can get Craig, I can
get'em all, at least I can try.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Yeah.
[phone rings]
Ben, let me know
where you are.
[phone dialing]
What are you doing here?
I let myself out.
You said you were coming
here so I took a cab.
I wanna tell you something.
We're gettin' outta this town.
Hm?
Yeah, only this time
we're takin' a train.
A train?
Yeah.
[music playing]