Harlequin (1980) - full transcript
A modern-day politician is faced with an incomprehensible in this mystical-fantasy. Senator Rast is a very powerful man. But his is nothing compared to the extraordinary power of the enigmatic stranger who mysteriously comes to "visit" him. Possessing uncanny magical prowess and miraculous psychic abilities, the peculiar, but seemingly benevolent, visitor quickly gains a spell-binding hold over the senator and his family. But a power-lusting political backer is also vying for control over the up-and-coming senator. And he would kill the influential stranger, without question, for that power. But he and the senator are about to be enlightened.
(suspenseful music)
(strange, fantastical music)
(dramatic, fantastical music)
(gull cawing)
(suspenseful music)
- PT-05, priority clearance.
- [Man] Clearance, 05.
- [Man In Car] We've lost
Steel here at the beach.
We need all available
help, immediately.
(people chattering)
(cameras clicking)
- Another one, chaps.
(clapping)
(cheering)
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's a jolly food fellow
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ And so say all of us
♪ And so say all of us
♪ And so say all of us
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ And so say all of us
(people chattering)
(cameras clicking)
(cheering)
(clapping)
- [Guests] Make a wish.
- Make a wish.
(soft music)
(people chattering)
(dramatic music)
(slow, strange music)
(upbeat, bumbly music)
(children chattering)
(upbeat, bumbly music)
(chick twittering)
- [Woman] Senator Rast, it
is rumored that you will
replace the deputy governor.
Is there any truth
to that rumor?
(people chattering)
- Gentlemen, we have
a prepared statement,
if you'll just be patient.
(people chattering)
(cameras clicking)
- Okay guys, let's go.
(people chattering)
(cameras clicking)
Stand by to move out.
(people chattering)
(gulls cawing)
(people chattering)
(children cheer)
(children laughing)
(children laughing)
(children chattering)
- Nick.
You promised.
- Look, I'm sorry.
Something very big has come up.
I'll talk to you
about it later on.
(gulls cawing)
(children laughing)
(children chattering)
(thunder booming)
(gulls caw)
(thunder rolls)
(suspenseful music)
- It's time to move
you in the house.
(suspenseful music)
(thunder cracks)
(rain falling)
- Mummy?
- Hm?
- You know that clown?
- Mhm.
- Well, how could
he make it thunder?
- I don't know.
Magic.
- Could you hire him to
come again next year?
- We'll see, huh?
Now, why don't you
go in the bathroom,
and don't forget to
clean your teeth,
and I might let you watch
television later on.
(clock ticking)
(thunder rolling)
- [News Reporter] The chance
of finding Eli Steel alive.
However, rescue and
search teams will continue
to comb the coastline
throughout the night.
With Governor Connors
still ill in hospital,
the question being asked who
will now deputize for him?
Senator Nick Rast was
non-committal when he
flew in from the
capital this afternoon.
- [Alex] Mummy?
- [News Reporter] When
asked whether he was a
likely replacement
for Eli Steel...
- Mummy!
(dramatic music)
- [Sandra] Oh god.
Oh, it's okay.
(dramatic music)
(dog barking)
(whistling)
- Heel now.
(thunder rolling)
Dr. Lovelock.
(rain falling)
- That won't help him.
Nothing will, it's too late.
(clock ticking)
- And there's no
point in shifting him.
- Then that's it?
- Well, Sandra, as
I have explained,
the drugs we use in
treating leukemia,
they damage the memory
cells as well as other
normal cells in the body,
as evidenced by the loss
of hair and bleeding tissues.
- You're just giving up?
- Sandra, it comes to a
point when the treatment
does more harm than good.
I mean, he's had three
long years of this.
I think he's just
lost his fight.
- It isn't the fighting
that's killing him,
it's the giving up.
- Yes, well I appreciate
your spirit, Sandra,
but I can't authorize
any further treatments.
Now wouldn't it be
easier if he just--
- I'm not interested
in making anything
easier for anyone.
- For God sake's, Sandra.
Everything humanly
possible has been done.
Hm?
(rain falling)
- Filling him with radiation,
you fill him with
drugs that hurt,
that turn his blood to water.
He's only a little boy.
And then you just stuff
him, you just give up.
- Sandra, please.
- Oh, what have you done?
Except run off to
your little whore.
Just, just go away.
Leave us alone.
(slow, melancholy music)
- Um, sorry about that, doctor.
This may sound a bit callous,
but it couldn't possibly
have come at a worse time.
I have to be back at the
capital in the morning.
(slow, melancholy music)
(clock ticking)
(wings fluttering)
(bird chirps)
(slow, dramatic music)
(wings fluttering)
- Nick?
Nick.
Nick?
(slow, strange music)
What is it?
(thunder crashes)
(dramatic music)
(slow, strange music)
- Who the hell are you?
- You don't know?
- How did you get
in, what do you want?
- Gregory Wolfe.
I've come to help Alex.
(dramatic music)
We are a cheerful
lot, aren't we?
- I didn't send for anybody.
Who let you in?
Did Bergier let you in?
(dramatic music)
Bergier?
Robinson?
(dramatic music)
- Nick.
(dramatic music)
Can you help him?
- Alex?
Alex?
(dramatic music)
Do you know who I am?
(dramatic music)
- Can you help him?
- It's already done.
- Oh, this is
absurd, preposterous.
- My son's dying.
- He's not even sick.
- [Sandra] He's dying.
- Get up, Alex!
- He can't get up!
- Come on, Alex,
of course you can.
Come on.
Up, up, up, up.
- [Sandra] Stop it!
- Do you want to die?
To rot?
(dramatic music)
(soft orchestral music)
You all right?
(cuckoo clock chiming)
- [Alex] Mummy?
- Where'd he go?
- Can I ask Alice to
make me a sandwich?
- You all right?
Who is he?
- This is for you.
(balloon pops)
(chuckles)
(keys typing)
- I don't know.
He just appeared, did
something to Alex,
and then vanished.
Our security didn't pick him
up, and neither did the dogs.
I haven't been able to
find any trace of him.
- Sandra.
Would it make any
difference if I told you
I've buried people
who have been cured
by characters like that?
- No.
- Then why are we wasting
each other's time?
- Look at him.
It's been a week and he
grows stronger every day.
- Sandra, as I explained
from the beginning,
the heartbreaking
thing is the periods of
spontaneous remission.
Oh, it's quite common.
The patient feels much better,
but it's only temporary.
It's always temporary.
- Mummy, can I watch TV?
- Mhm.
Off you go.
Why won't you authorize
an examination?
- If Alex is happy, and
if you and Nick would just
take each day as it comes,
why should I expose him
to a long, uncomfortable
series of tests
just to prove what we've
known for many months?
If Alex thinks he's cured,
let him enjoy it while he can.
(bird chirps)
(suspenseful music)
- [Alex] If I put
my finger in here,
will it come out the same?
Oh, it's not working.
How does it, how does
it happen to go that way
when I put the
two fingers there?
- Who are you
talking to, darling?
- Gregory.
- What are you doing here?
- Didn't you send for me?
- How did you get in?
- He came in through
the television.
- You can't always believe
what you see, Alex.
(strange, dramatic music)
- Who are you?
What did you do to Alex?
The doctors have
given up on him.
- Have you given up on him?
(strange, dramatic music)
- They say his recovery
is only temporary.
Spontaneous remission.
Every day when Alex wakes
up, and keeps breathing
until bed time has
been an eternity.
For the last week I
didn't dare hope for more.
But look at him.
It's like...
A miracle.
Isn't it?
Did you cure my son?
- Alex is as well as he feels,
and it will last as
long as he wants it to.
(Gregory whistling)
- I'd like to know how you
got in the other night.
Alex tells me you
turned into a bird.
- You said you wouldn't tell.
- You must have climbed the ivy.
Where are you from?
- [Gregory] Overseas.
- Which sea?
(Gregory speaking French)
You speak French?
I've always wanted Alex
to have a second language.
It broadens the outlook.
- Ah!
Voila.
(Sandra chuckles)
- Aren't you ever serious?
(blows)
Would you do something for me?
- For you, mon petit chou,
I would cause kings to
fall and cats to fly.
(buzzing)
- [Nick] If things, if things
can be done and there's a--
- Lucas.
Certainly.
Nick?
It's for you.
- Thank you.
That that, that's
what it should be,
that is where the emphasis
of our time will be put.
Yes?
Senator Rast.
- I found him.
He's coming for dinner tonight.
- Sandra, I do wish
you wouldn't do these
things without--
(line cuts off)
(typing)
- [Gregory] What
about you senator?
What do you believe in?
- Nicky believes in votes.
- Are you interested
in politics, Wolfe?
- He's absolutely
seduced by politics.
It's his only passion, I fear.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Two drinks and I
completely lose control.
Isn't that right, pet?
- Hello.
Gregory, you can stay overnight.
We've got tons of rooms.
- What an interesting
idea, Alex.
- He should be in bed.
- [Alex] Aww.
- Go on, off you go.
- Will you show me how you
make the dogs bark again?
- [Sandra] Go to bed darling.
- All right.
Good night, Gregory.
Good night, mum.
- Alex?
Next time I'll turn
them into swans,
and we'll soar on their
backs among the clouds,
how about that?
- Terrific.
Good night.
- You seem to have
won a devotee.
- Tell me something, senator.
How does a deputy
governor manage to vanish
in broad daylight?
- Heavy seas.
- But in 90% of drownings,
the body turns up.
- Really?
- Hm.
90% of ordinary drownings.
But in the case of Eli Steel,
the whole area was
crawling with helicopters,
rescue vessels, even
divers, within minutes
of his disappearance.
And yet, nothing.
- Well how do you
think it happened?
- I know nothing about
politics, senator.
But I do know about magic.
And I know there are powers
at work in the universe.
To those higher powers,
the de-materialization
of a given target would be
child's play.
- Well, perhaps Eli
Steel was spirited away
by a UFO.
- Why not?
It's as credible as drowning.
- I'll mention it to
our chief of security.
- Anyone for strip poker?
- Then you don't believe
it's possible for a person
to slip in and out
of this dimension?
- I'm simply saying
that there are more
plausible explanations.
- Then you think it
was assassination?
- Are you kidding?
- No.
(strange, dramatic music)
- Benny?
It's Nick.
Just as a matter of interest,
has the computer thrown
up anything more on
the Eli Steel drowning?
Yes, I know it's late,
but can you check?
(solution bubbling)
(scrubbing)
- Alice?
Where's Alex?
- In the lounge room.
Excuse me, mum?
Will Senator Rast be in tonight?
- No.
- Will Mr. Gregory?
- I'll be making
dinner this evening.
You won't be required.
- Thank you, mum.
(scrubbing)
- Alex?
(clock chimes)
Alex?
(cat meows)
(dramatic music)
Alex?
Alex?
- Rawr!
(squealing)
- Oh, Alexander Rast, don't
you ever do that to me again.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to shout at you.
Has Gregory been teaching
you tricks again?
- Watch.
Voila.
- Oh, voila you.
- Can I go to the beach
with Gregory this afternoon?
- No.
- Aww.
- Oh, you're with poor
Gregory day and night.
He may have other things to do.
Besides, you're going to
the movies this evening
with Mr. Bergier
and Mr. Robinson.
- Please, mum, please?
- Definitely not.
(waves crashing)
(gulls cawing)
- What do you see, Alex?
- The ocean?
- What else?
- Birds, the clouds.
- What else?
- Kinda...
- Yes?
- Kinda like the edge.
- Bravo.
The edge of the world.
Where the earth is
at war with the sea.
Now listen, what can you hear?
- The wind?
(gulls cawing)
- The wind.
Our invisible friend.
See?
How it holds the gulls aloft?
Is that not magic, Alex?
Now, Alex.
(dramatic music)
What do you feel?
- I, I'm not scared.
- Use your heart, not your head.
What do you feel?
- Wolfe?
- There is the edge.
Only the wind separates
you from the rocks.
What do you feel?
(dramatic music)
- Death.
- Again!
- I feel death.
(dramatic music)
- Death sits here, perched
like a vulture waiting
for you to forget it.
Death...
Always remember the
feel of death, Alex.
And he'll never be able
to take you by surprise.
(gulls cawing)
(slow, dramatic music)
- Wait a minute, Nick.
The boss likes you.
He said to me, "Doc,
I like that guy.
"But if I don't get out
of the hospital soon,
"we're gonna be up the creek."
You know what that
makes you, senator.
- Yes, a paddle.
- That's right.
Now the press has been
playing you like a violin.
My man doesn't like it.
- Look, I haven't
been briefed, Doc.
I need facts and I need
figures, not just rhetoric.
- Well I always say the
defective government consists
of ignoring facts.
- Well I'm not sure I'm
cut out for all of this.
- Oh sure you are.
We put you in the computer and
the computer said you'll do.
- Okay.
- Oh, and another
thing, senator.
Lay off the Steel drowning.
Ask questions about the
anti inflation plans,
the price of oil in Texas.
But don't as questions
about things you
know nothing about.
That's why we've
got intelligence.
Oh, and incidentally,
senator, about your new image.
Intelligence said cool
it with Zoe Cayce.
- Oh now wait a minute Doc.
- Look, your wife is hot stuff.
The chief executive said to
me, "Nick's wife is hot stuff."
What the hell do you want
with a tramp like Zoe Cayce?
- Well it's a long story.
- Nick.
You know how Portis
boys operate.
Now job Zoe Cayce or
they'll drop her for ya.
- Excellent.
- Thank you.
I am on to you, Gregory Wolfe.
- Mhm?
- I think I know who you are,
and what you want.
- Oh?
- To Alex, you're his
playmate and mentor,
so you assume that role.
To Nicky, you're an
itch he can't scratch.
To Bergier, a security risk.
To Alice, the mysterious guest.
You're different things
to different people
and you play each
role separately.
The thundering faith healer,
the political, innocent.
The parlor magician.
(laughing)
- And what am I to you?
- I think you push
people into the deep end.
That's the beginning
and end of your purpose.
You force people to
escape their limitations.
Take Nick, his limitations.
- Take Sandra.
Her limitations.
- Oh, no.
I'm not going to let
you change the subject.
- Why do you and Nick
have separate bedrooms?
Don't you ever sleep together?
- No.
Our marriage was arranged
by people in high places.
It was politically
expedient at the time
for Senator Rast to marry the
daughter of an ambassador.
- Ah.
Money.
- I'm not so much
a wife as a PR job.
- And Alex?
(sighs)
- Another political
expediency conceived out of
a committee decision.
When we found Alex was leukemic,
I thought we were finally
reaping the marred fruit
of a godless union.
Does this sound
like a confession?
I'm sorry.
- So by curing Alex, I have
absolved your sin, is that it?
- Solved one.
Induced another.
You're pushing me into
the deep end, too.
Aren't you?
(soft, strange music)
I arranged this evening.
Must I do everything?
- The deep end is
always with you.
All you have to do is fall.
(soft, strange music)
- Where's your glass?
(soft, romantic music)
(soft, strange music)
Get out.
(sobbing)
Get out!
Get out!
(plate shatters)
Get out!
(plate shatters)
Get out!
(yelps)
Please.
Get out.
(soft, dramatic music)
Gregory?
Forgive me.
(soft, dramatic music)
(sobbing)
Please.
Forgive me.
- Forgive me.
- I do love you.
- I know.
(soft, dramatic music)
(soft orchestral music)
- Sandra?
- Nick?
- How was the garden party?
- Fine.
When did you get back?
- Oh, about noon.
Sandra, I would like
a word with you.
- I'm tired.
- Yes, yes I'll bet you are.
- I think I'll go to bed.
Good night.
- Where have you been?
- You're drunk.
- Yes, I'm drunk.
- How nice for you.
- Alex was wondering where
you were at bed time.
- No he didn't.
And don't use him like that.
- The garden party
finished at five.
- Then we're obviously late.
- You two have been spending
a lot of time together.
- It was your idea that he
take me to the garden party.
- Doc Wheelan thinks
it would be a good idea
if we didn't see quite
so much of Gregory.
- And if Doc Wheelan
told you to jump into
a pile of crap, you wouldn't
stop to put your boots on.
- Governors rise and fall
on Doc Wheelan's say so.
And the word is, I am
to replace Eli Steel.
- Whoopee, Nicky.
- And this deputy governor
is not gonna share
his house with that
live-in lay about.
(soft, strange music)
(strange, dramatic music)
Are you sleeping with him?
- Why the sudden interest in me?
Isn't your little whore
from the typing parole,
what's her name?
Zorro.
- Zoe.
And she's a press assistant.
As a matter of fact,
I've stopped seeing her.
I thought it would be
best to give more time
to you and Alex.
- We don't want your time, Nick.
We've managed just
fine until now.
And now that Alex doesn't
require every ounce of my love
and every minute of my
time, I'll do as I please
as late as I please, regardless
of what you, Wheelan,
or God all mighty thinks.
Do we understand
each other, senator?
(gulls cawing)
(thunder rolling)
(gulls cawing)
- [Alex] Oh.
I'm not, Mr. Robinson?
- Too cold.
- But I wanna show
Gregory something.
- Well you'll just have
to show him in here.
(gulls cawing)
(thunder rolling)
(Alex humming)
(Alex and Gregory humming)
(gulls cawing)
(dog whimpering)
(slow, dramatic music)
(dog whimpering)
(shrill music)
(horn honking)
(thunder crashes)
(gulls cawing)
(upbeat music)
(radio chatter)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(people chattering)
(upbeat music)
(people chattering)
- Well yes, I'm
sure he'll be here,
it's just that I wish
people would wouldn't keep
calling him "Our Gregory."
- Because he's our Gregory, pet.
Everyone should have
their very own Gregory.
- Would you excuse
me just a minute?
Our guest of honor.
Edith, lovely to see you again.
Dr. Barthelemy.
How was your flight?
- Awful.
- We nearly didn't come.
Miss Twist has a very bad
tooth, but she insisted.
- And where's this
faith healer of yours?
- He's probably
putting Alex to bed.
They're very close.
(upbeat music)
(people chattering)
- Oh for Christ's sake.
You can't make an omelet
without breaking a few eggs,
that's what the chief
executive told me.
(upbeat music)
(people chattering)
- I think that maybe you
have come here to find out
if everything they say
about this Wolfe is true.
- Could be.
- Ah, interesting, interesting.
How do you determine
whether a healer
is genuine or otherwise?
- If he's genuine, I'll know.
- Allow me.
(upbeat music)
(people chattering)
(people chattering)
(fanfare music)
- Miss Twist.
Distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen.
(shrill, strange music)
(knocking)
- Come in.
- Oh.
What is this monkey business?
(laughing)
Now, listen carefully,
because I have a riddle.
What has 100 legs,
has three sharp nails,
and comes down the chimney
every Christmas Eve, yeah?
- Hm.
Santa Claus?
- Aye aye aye aye aye.
A wise guy already
and not even 10.
What more can I teach him?
(clock ticking)
I'll be leaving soon.
Got eggs to hatch
and cats to cure.
Can't hang around here
forever with a dumb kid.
(slow, soft music)
- Why do you have
to go, Gregory?
- Angels live forever, Alex.
Falling stars spend all
their power at once.
Burn out.
- Why do you have to die?
(soft orchestral music)
- Because that's the
way it always happens.
Because I think
the time has come.
(soft orchestral music)
- This year's total,
$327,449 and 97 cents!
(applause)
(cheering)
(people chattering)
- Gregory, darling.
Come and let me show you off.
(soft chattering)
- You should have worn
your gorilla suit.
- Under the circumstances,
something rather loud.
- Miss Edith Twist, may
I present, Gregory Wolfe.
- So, we meet at last.
- And you've met Benny Lucas.
And Dr. Barthelemy.
(upbeat swing music)
(people chattering)
(upbeat swing music)
- Mr. Wolfe.
I'm told you hold great
influence over the Rast family.
- We do think he's
rather special.
- Yes, yes, if I were younger,
I'd feel the same way.
- You're wanted in the kitchen.
- [Dr. Barthelemy] I'm told
you're something of a healer.
- I make no claims, doctor.
- Well then you deny
you cured Alex Rast?
- I deny nothing.
(Alice sobbing)
- What is it?
What's wrong?
- I am asking.
- Why do you ask what
you already know?
- I want to hear the
truth, here and now.
Did you cure Nick's son?
- The truth is, he's cured.
- Then you claim you healed him?
- Well you heard him.
He said he performs miracles.
- Well go on.
Perform a miracle for us.
- What sort of miracle would
you like to see, Benny?
Shall I make frogs
rain from the ceiling?
Or shall I turn lead into gold?
No?
Perhaps something more
sophisticated, more spectacular.
Perhaps I shall make a
grown man vanish at sea.
- I was in my room, and
I was taking a bath.
And Mr. Wolfe, well, he came
in while I was in the tub, and,
and he looked at me.
His eyes.
You know what they're like.
It was like I was
paralyzed or something.
And, and, he...
(sobbing)
- Alice.
Why are you telling
this ridiculous story?
- Mrs. Rast, do you know of
any reason why Alice would lie?
- He's an engaging man.
And Alice, I imagine, like most
girls her age, fantasizes--
- Mrs. Rast.
I don't think you
fully understand.
Alice alleges that
Wolfe raped her.
(Alice sobbing)
- Well the doctor
says you're a phony.
Give me an answer.
(laughing)
(wings flapping)
(guests gasping)
- Senator Rast, I'm afraid
your magician friend
is becoming a bit of a bore.
- I agree with him.
- Why are you
frightened, doctor?
It's only a magic show.
Right, Mr. Wolfe?
- Only magic,
indeed, Miss Twist.
(guests exclaim)
(clapping)
- Oh.
- Stunts, and illusions.
(guests gasp)
(dramatic piano music)
(crashing)
(clapping)
Puffer, and deception.
Flim flam...
(wings flapping)
And hocus pocus.
(guests exclaim)
(dramatic music)
(hitting)
(guests yell)
(dramatic music)
(guests chattering)
- Mr. Wolfe.
Is it true you healed Alex Rast?
- Ask the child's mother.
- It's quite true, Miss Twist.
- Then, surely, you will
do an old lady the kindness
to cure an abscessed tooth?
- As her doctor, I say no.
- Can you?
Yes, or no?
- Just like power,
pain
is an illusion.
- No, I will not allow it.
- Why are you
lying to me, Edith?
There's no abcess.
Your knowledge of medicine
appears as fraudulent
as your healing powers.
Shame on you, Edith.
Upsetting people and
causing such a bother.
(tsking)
How does poor old
Dr. Barthelemy put up
with all this mischief?
- This is absurd.
I see what you're doing, Wolfe,
but you can't dismiss an
abcess as psychosomatic.
It's there; I've
seen the x-rays.
- The pain isn't even in
her mouth; it's in her neck.
Look.
(upbeat swing music)
- Oh!
(water running)
(sniffling)
(upbeat swing music)
- The pain is orange.
I feel orange, good.
But if it should
suddenly turn black,
we'll have to stop,
is that clear?
(Edith grunts)
I'm working it down your neck.
Good.
(upbeat swing music)
Good.
Still quite orange.
Fine.
Fine, that's it.
There.
Look here, Edith.
Didn't you feel it?
- Yes.
- How does it feel?
- Orange.
- Good.
(water splashing)
(slow, strange music)
Now the elbow is a bit
of an obstacle, Edith.
Now this won't hurt,
but as it passes the joint,
it'll cause a little...
pop.
How's the tooth?
- Fine.
But my arm hurts.
- Good.
You see the orange
has to be tricked.
Or as the doctors might say,
we have to isolate
the offensive tissue.
(slow, dramatic music)
Come on.
Got ya.
Now...
Do you know how we
isolate the pain, Edith?
- No.
- Like this.
(chopping)
(guests exclaim)
(dramatic music)
(gasping)
(Alice yells)
- [Sandra] Get off him!
- Oh, it's only a little carrot.
(dramatic music)
(screaming)
- Get him out of my house.
(dramatic music)
(typing)
- They just said hold him.
Damn federal boys, what
am I supposed to do?
The book doesn't--
(laughs)
Assault of some sort.
Girl got acid thrown in
the face or something.
Hell, I don't know, they
just said process him
and stick him in the slammer
so what am I supposed to do?
Damn feds.
(dramatic music)
(door opens)
- [Nick] You all right?
- Have they brought
him back yet?
What'll they do to him?
- Oh, nothing.
- He didn't harm anyone.
- They're just asking
a few questions and
they'll let him go.
- I want him here.
Nothing is more important
to me than that.
I want Gregory back.
Now.
- You have been sleeping
with him, haven't you?
- I don't have to answer
to lies and rumors
spread by little people
with little minds.
- Oh, you love the rumors.
You love having him on
your arm, showing him off,
dropping the odd
little innuendo.
- They'll deal with
him the way Eli Steel
was dealt with, won't they?
- Oh, don't be childish.
- Then get him back.
You're Senator Nick Rast.
You get on the
telephone and tell them.
- It's not that easy, darling.
- Get him back.
Or Alex and I will leave you.
If you haven't the
strength to stand up
for the man who saved
your son's life,
then you can go
to hell, senator.
And you can go alone.
(knocking)
- Hi, Benny.
I'd like a word with Doc.
- Sure, Nick.
We've been expecting you.
- Have a seat.
Come about Gregory?
Oh come on Nicky.
There's absolutely
nothing to worry about,
just relax, will you?
- What did Benny mean
you've been expecting me?
I'd like to speak to you
in private, if I may, Doc.
- Nick.
After last night, I don't
think the Wolfe factor
is very confidential to you.
- Wolfe factor?
- Senator, I think
you know Mr. Porter,
our chief of security.
- Mhm.
- Senator, my department's
been collecting a file
on Wolfe which dates all the
way back to Strasbourg, 1971.
I'm afraid you won't
like what we found.
He's a professional, senator.
A specialist.
We have evidence to
show he was brought into
the country illegally on a
forged passport to do a job.
We know for certain that he
gained entry to your estate
by posing as a party clown
at your son's birthday.
He was observed giving
your son a slice of cake.
Our investigations indicate
that the slice of cake
was laced with
adrenocortical steroids.
They produce a
feeling of well being.
Blood and urine samples
proved beyond doubt
that Wolfe has been
giving your son drugs.
That would account for
the so-called cure.
We have affidavits from
four independent doctors
which I'm afraid show there
are still leukemic cells
in Alex's bloodstream.
- God, why?
- Well, someone with influence
over the family could
be worth quite a lot to
certain outside interests.
- Well all right, but how did
he get access to the estate?
- He had an accomplice senator.
Like all magicians.
I'm afraid your Mr.
Robinson has been arrested.
- Oh, come on.
Robinson.
No, that just can't be right.
Well, all right, then, but
what about Miss Twist's tooth?
I mean, surely she must be
above reproach, isn't she?
- She's undergoing tests.
I think we'll discover that
the abcess is still there.
- No.
No, that just can't be right.
I mean, I have seen
things with my own eyes.
Doc's seen them,
Benny's seen them.
- I'm not saying he's
not good, he's the best.
A combination of
illusion and hypnosis.
Nothing that a
professional with the right
props wouldn't attempt.
- That's it's for now,
boys, I'll call ya.
(door closes)
(chuckles)
There's no fool like an
old fool, is there, Nicky?
- Well.
I'll submit my resignation
to Mr. Connors.
- Are you out of your mind?
You think we went
through all this trouble
just for your resignation?
We've got too much
invested in you.
This is the big time, the
stability of the government.
At 8:30 at night, you're
gonna get a phone call.
- Connors?
- That's right.
It'll be the first official
proclamation of the death
of Eli Steel due
to misadventure.
And he wants you to
take second position.
And another thing,
Connors only knows what
I want him to know.
But when he gets
out of the hospital,
that might open
another can peas.
That's why Wolfe is poison.
- Where is he really?
- Wolfe?
In jail, illegal entry.
- You won't hold him.
- I'll hold him.
I'll hold him if I have to
nail his hands to the wall.
- Lunch.
Better eat.
You may be in here for a while.
- I will be out of
here before sunset.
- Like to make a bet?
(laughing)
No.
Hate to take your money.
- [Sandra] Bless and
protect him from harm.
- Bless and protect
him from harm.
- Send him safely back to us.
- He's not coming back.
He said they're
going to kill him.
- [Sandra] Who's
going to kill him?
(clock ticking)
- Sandra, we have to talk.
- Liar.
- Sandra, I am not
making this up.
- Where is he?
I want him here.
You tell, tell Robinson to
get him back this instant.
- Look, it's in the file.
Robinson's been
arrested, apparently--
- You're the big noise nowadays.
You get Gregory back.
- It's not that easy.
- Alex needs him.
- Oh, it still has
not sunk in has it?
Wolfe did not cure Alex.
Read the file, there
are affidavits.
- Affidavits can be fake.
- Oh Sandra, for God's sake,
read the blasted thing.
- How can you say
Alex is still leukemic
when no doctor will
agree to examine him?
- It's in the file.
Adrenocortical steroids.
- No!
Now, we had a deal.
Either you get Gregory
back or Alex and I leave.
- You are being totally and
absolutely unreasonable.
Wolfe is being charged,
I can't just walk--
- Don't you see
what's happening?
You're a puppet.
You're an ineffectual in
government as you are in bed.
You're being used and
you're stupid to know it.
- You damn well look
at this blasted thing.
You think you were the only one?
What about that?
You think that's a fake?
You think everything's a fake
except your precious Gregory?
What about that? Alice?
In our own house, Alice, right?
Now was that before or
after he slept with you?
And there's more, look.
(birds screeching)
(glass shatters)
(soft orchestral music)
- It's a long drive to
the cottage, Mrs. Rast.
I don't mind taking you.
- Thank you Mr. Bergier,
but Alex and I are going
to start doing things for
ourselves from now on.
Besides.
He needs you more than we do.
(slow, dramatic
orchestral music)
(birds chirping)
(clock ticking)
(water running)
(wings flapping)
(dramatic music)
- Bergier?
(dramatic music)
Bergier?
(dramatic music)
- Cutting it a little
fine, aren't ya?
Harry Houdini always
used a hair pin.
(shrill, dramatic music)
(sizzling)
Ow!
(shrill, dramatic music)
(yelling)
(wings flapping)
(wings flapping)
(phone ringing)
- Hello?
- Wolfe is out.
(dramatic music)
Who's there?
- Just Bergier.
- We're on our way.
Tell Bergier to
let the dogs out.
(dramatic music)
(dogs barking)
(gun cocks)
(dramatic music)
(dogs barking)
(dramatic music)
(cat screeches)
(dogs barking)
(cat screeches)
(dogs barking)
(cat screeches)
(dogs growling)
- Get out of it.
(dogs growling)
(suspenseful music)
- Bergier?
(suspenseful music)
Bergier?
Oh, god.
(dramatic music)
It's moved.
Look.
(suspenseful music)
Wait.
(dramatic music)
- What the hell?
(suspenseful music)
- Bergier?
Bergier?
(dramatic music)
- Bergier, give me Wheelan.
I know he's not in
his office, dammit.
Patch me over to his car,
and be quick about it.
(dramatic music)
(insects buzzing)
- Bergier?
(insects buzzing)
Bergier?
(dogs growling)
(barking)
(knocks)
- Mr. Rast?
(rattling)
(knocks)
Mr. Rast!
(rattling)
Hello?
Bergier, at the Rast Estate.
You'd better get over
here on the double.
There's something
funny happening here.
- Come on, man,
step on it, move.
(sirens blaring)
Is there any way for him
to get into the house?
And keep this line open.
Where's Rast right now?
(rattling)
(suspenseful music)
(rattling)
(suspenseful music)
(shattering)
(shattering)
(pieces cutting air)
(dramatic music)
- I can't.
I have no way of--
Hang on.
I'll call you back.
- Wait Bergier, wait.
Idiot.
(suspenseful music)
(phone ringing)
(suspenseful music)
(phone ringing)
(suspenseful music)
- [Bergier] It's Bergier.
He's in the house.
- Who?
- [Bergier] Wolfe.
- Where?
- [Bergier] Behind the door.
(suspenseful music)
- Wolfe?
Wolfe?
I know you're there.
What are you playing at?
(suspenseful music)
(clicking)
Wolfe?
(suspenseful music)
(dramatic music)
(Gregory laughing)
(dogs growling)
(barking)
(line beeping)
(dogs growling)
(barking)
(gun cocks)
(gunshot)
(gunshot)
Sandra and Alex aren't here.
What the hell are you
supposed to be anyway?
- A harlequin.
In old Italian comedy,
the harlequin couldn't be
seen by other characters.
Only by members of the audience.
Good evening, Mr. Bergier.
- [Nick] We know all
about you, Wolfe.
What you were doing to our son--
- Mr. Bergier?
I have a problem.
And I don't really
have very much time.
Senator Rast thinks I'm
trying to trick him,
and I'm going to have
the devil's own job
trying to convince
him otherwise.
What he doesn't
realize, you see,
is that at this moment, a
magician far more infamous
than myself,
is lurking on another monitor.
- I know it's engaged.
This is Doc Wheelan;
unengage it.
(insects buzzing)
- What in the name
of God do you want?
- I want you to open
your eyes and see,
that's all I've ever wanted.
- See what?
- Yourself.
I've given you every possible
clue and still you're blind.
Your only virtue
is your weakness.
Your accessibility to influence.
Why do you think you
rate all this security?
To keep people like me
away so that you hear
only one voice.
You're being groomed,
Nick, by magicians,
to serve their purpose.
See, for the hour grows short.
(dramatic music)
- You talk in riddles.
- Eli Steel was assassinated,
is that clear enough?
He was killed to create
an opening for you.
- If that's true, then
why didn't they kill
Mr. Connors instead?
- Mr. Connors will never leave
the hospital; he's dying.
He's dying of a disease
slowly induced by
the administration of a drug.
They're doing to him
exactly what they accused
me of doing to Alex.
- And who are these
mysterious they?
- Use your head.
It would have to be a doctor.
Someone close enough to Mr.
Connors to administer the drug.
(dramatic music)
- We get in there, I
might be able to pick
him off with the rifle.
- [Doc] Wait.
- But--
- I said wait.
(dramatic music)
- Take the call.
Tell Mr. Connors you'll be
happy to be deputy governor.
With me to advise you.
- You?
You are evil.
And you're a fraud.
(hits)
(gasps)
(grunts)
(dramatic music)
- Do you think Mr. Porter
would like that trick?
Or that one?
(fire ignites)
(dramatic music)
(lightening blasts)
(dramatic music)
- What are you?
(dramatic music)
(laughing)
(suspenseful music)
It's nearly time, Nick.
Who are you going to believe?
Whose magic is stronger?
- There were photographs, and--
- Come on Nick.
A leader must be able
to think clearly,
make important decisions.
Time to make a decision, Nick.
(phone ringing)
(clocks chimes)
(phone ringing)
- Hello?
- Don't say anything, Nick.
We're right outside.
Everything's under control,
but you've got to get
him into the kitchen.
- I see.
(coughing)
Could you go and get
me a glass of water
from the kitchen, please?
Can hardly swallow.
- I see.
Then that's it.
(dramatic music)
- Nick, hang up the phone.
Mr. Connors will be
trying to get through.
We'll take care of Mr. Wolfe.
(phone ringing)
(dramatic music)
- Hello?
- [Woman] Senator
Nick Rast, please.
- This is he.
- [Woman] I have Mr.
Connors on the line.
- [Nick] Who is this?
- [Woman] Zoe.
- For God's sake, Zoe,
why didn't you warn me?
- [Zoe] What are
you talking about?
- Wolfe, you were
sleeping with him.
- [Zoe] I've never
even met him, Nick.
- Look, I saw the photographs.
- [Zoe] And I'm telling
you I've never met him.
(dramatic music)
Nick?
- Gregory!
(dramatic music)
Gregory, wait.
(gunshot)
- [Gregory] I wanted
to open your eyes.
Mr. Rast thinks
I'm tricking him.
- [Sandra] You're being used.
You're a puppet.
- [Gregory] Eli Steel
was assassinated,
is that clear enough?
He was killed to create...
Mr. Connors will never
leave the hospital.
He's dying of a
disease slowly...
- [Doc] But you've got to
get him into the kitchen.
(dramatic music)
Breaking and entering.
- For God sake, did
you have to kill him?
- You're splitting hairs, Nicky.
The man is waiting.
- Wolfe wasn't a
fraud at all, was he?
(phone ringing)
You manufactured this
entire thing.
Did you know that Zoe
Cayce and Wolfe had
never even met?
- You'd better talk to Connors.
- Yes, I suppose he'll be
the next to go, won't he?
- I said the man is waiting.
(phone ringing)
There's a mess in the kitchen.
Get Jepson to help
you clean it up.
(phone ringing)
- Get something to wrap him in.
(gasps)
(dramatic music)
- Come on Nick,
you're in too deep.
- And how are you
going to explain that?
- Explain what?
No corpse is gonna be
found and nobody's gonna
miss Gregory Wolfe.
(man gasps)
(dramatic music)
- Mr. Connors?
Yes, I'm sorry to
keep you waiting, sir.
(dramatic music)
Yes, yes, I understand, sir.
(suspenseful music)
(insects buzzing)
Yes, thank you, sir.
(suspenseful music)
Yes, I've been expecting it.
Thank you sir.
I will accept the appointment,
yes sir, thank you.
Yes.
Yes, good bye, sir.
- Relax, Nicky,
we're on our way.
- To hell.
- [Doc] You lie down with
dogs, you've gotta get fleas.
- It stinks.
- Power.
Power, Nicky, that's the
way it always smells.
(window shatters)
(dramatic music)
(gunshots)
(dramatic music)
Get rid of him.
I don't care if you
have to bury him,
but make sure he stays planted.
(dramatic music)
- Come on.
(dramatic music)
- You really think
you're gonna get away
with this, don't you?
- Get away with what?
- Cold blooded execution
of Gregory Wolfe.
- Gregory who?
(water spraying)
(water splashes)
(suspenseful music)
(splashing)
(dramatic music)
(trunk closes)
(suspenseful music)
(children chattering)
- Ooh, I've got something.
I've got something, help me!
(children chattering)
(dramatic music)
- [News Reporter] That
an autopsy revealed water
in Wolfe's lungs, thus
establishing the cause
of death as drowning.
There is to describe a
few people who knew him
as a miraculous healer,
little is in fact known
of Gregory Wolfe, who
appeared on the scene
quite suddenly a few months ago,
formed a close relationship
with the family
of Senator Nick Rast and
is rumored to have been
ridden the senator's son
of a terminal disease.
Both the government and
the senator have refused
to comment on Rast's shock
decision to resign from
the senate less than 24 hours
after his new appointment
by Mr. Connors.
However, unconfirmed
sources have mentioned
there have already
been several arrests,
and that more are expected.
Whether these unusual
developments are...
(soft orchestral music)
(birds chirping)
(soft orchestral music)
(dramatic music)
(soft orchestral music)