The 1,000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse (1960) - full transcript

A FRITZ LANG FILM

THE 1000 EYES OF DR. MABUSE

SCREENPLAY BY FRITZ LANG

AND HEINZ OSKAR WUTTIG

BASED ON AN IDEA

BY JAN FETHGE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

DIRECTED BY

HOMICIDE EMERGENCY SQUAD

Homicide squad,

Neuber speaking.

"Criminal Psychology"

For you, boss. Mr. Cornelius.

Oh, my gosh!

The clairvoyant character.

Get rid of him.

Think about it. He helped us solve

that prostitute murder case.

Inspector Kras.

This is Cornelius.

You may still be in time to prevent

something terrible from happening.

I had a vision.

And?

Two cars right next to each other

in the middle of traffic.

A street sign: "Hansaring."

I don't know the people involved,

I don't know the circumstances...

but I sense an impending disaster.

A crime.

Murder!

"Television Station"

Where on earth is Barter?

The broadcast begins

in 30 seconds.

He should be here any minute. He called

about 15 minutes ago, all excited.

- He has some big scoop.

- Broadcast time is still the same.

Hurry up, hurry up.

Silence in the studio!

In two seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen...

unfortunately we must cancel

our news report.

We just received the horrible news

that our reporter Peter Barter...

died on his way to the studio

behind the wheel of his car...

presumably of heart failure.

Doctor!

Mission accomplished.

Good. Change the license plate

on the car.

Remove the transmitter.

Have the car painted immediately

and disposed of in Holland.

Have you ever seen

the doctor?

What concern is that of yours?

Aren't you satisfied with your salary?

I'm just asking.

I'd like to know

what he looks like.

Then you might as well order

a coffin for yourself.

Do you remember

the American?

He too wanted to speak

to the doctor in person.

They found him

a few hours later.

His throat had been cut.

But I really want to know

what the doctor looks like.

That I don't know.

Don't expect me to explain

clairvoyance to you, Inspector.

Magic powers

defy rational thought.

I feel the disaster looming.

I see it as if in horrible daydreams.

I myself suffer terribly from it,

for I can't stop it...

because, like a dark cloud,

some hostile force of black magic...

obscures my view

at the decisive moment.

Thus leaving a little bit of work

for the police.

By the way, did you know

the reporter, this Barter?

About a year ago,

shortly after I settled here...

he visited me once or twice.

He was always looking

for the sensational...

and he was a sceptic, like you.

That's a professional proclivity,

my dear Cornelius.

Unfortunately, a policeman can't afford

to mess around with magical powers...

and I rarely have anything to do

with dark clouds.

lf, like me, you had grown up

in Ireland...

where people still believe

in the elementary powers of nature...

you might think differently.

But perhaps the blind see more

than those who have sight.

Possibly, but in the Barter case

this vision has failed you.

Maybe you were also thrown off

by your dark cloud.

This was no murder,

my dear Cornelius.

It was a simple heart attack.

For you, Inspector.

Take it to the lab right away!

I'll be back in an hour.

You were right.

The autopsy revealed that

Barter didn't die of a heart attack...

but of a steel needle

in his brain.

Material: the finest iridium steel.

Length: 38.4 mm.

The steel needle smoothly penetrated

the victim's skull bone...

and entered the brain without leaving

any visible trace on the outside.

We're not going to find

anything here either.

"To my dearest Peter,

with much love...

on the occasion

of our first Christmas together.

Corinna."

His girlfriend.

Poor guy.

"TV Journal - Peter Barter"

Not a shred of paper left.

They even took the blotter.

- The audiotapes were also taken.

- Of course.

They were searching for evidence

of Barter's sensational scoop.

And if there was anything here,

I'm sure they found it.

You won't find any fingerprints.

These were no beginners.

All we have is

a small, deadly steel needle.

An incredible weapon, gentlemen.

An air gun that shoots steel needles

absolutely silently.

It's a new infantry weapon...

tested at Fort Benning

in the United States.

But here's something strange:

Before the weapon could go

into full-scale production...

the blueprints disappeared.

They were stolen.

U.S. military intelligence

found the thief--

a U.S. soldier in Germany--

in a deserted bunker

with his throat cut.

He had been gruesomely mutilated

and apparently tortured.

The blueprints were, of course,

nowhere to be found.

- When did this happen?

- About a year ago.

There's no doubt that it was this steel

needle gun that caused Barter's death.

I don't know.

This Barter murder case reminds me

of something that happened long ago.

Gentlemen...

does the name Dr. Mabuse

mean anything to you?

- Never heard of him.

- No.

A criminal genius.

He wanted to shock the world

with terrorist acts...

undermining governments...

and establishing

a fantastic reign of crime.

He ended up in an insane asylum,

where he wrote a kind of last will...

instructions for the crimes

he was planning.

In 1932 he died, insane.

But if you talk

to old-time criminals...

they all say

that Dr. Mabuse isn't dead.

He can't die.

Cock-and-bull stories!

How could you even think of this--

What was the name again?

Dr. Mabuse.

In those days, I was a young assistant

on the homicide squad...

and we had a similar case there.

A man was shot behind the wheel

of his car from another vehicle.

The Barter case strikes me as

an exact copy of Dr. Mabuse's methods.

You said he was

no longer alive.

Well...

I have seen his dead body

with my own eyes, but--

Why haven't we heard anything

about this case?

The case never made

criminal history...

because Hitler appeared on the scene,

and the whole Nazi nightmare.

But there must be files

on the Mabuse case.

This is number eight.

Switch it on.

Decoding is active.

Write it down.

This is Dr. Mabuse speaking.

Four days ago...

the American Henry W. Taylor

arrived in town.

The British foreign office

just agreed.

Good.

- Gentlemen?

- We accept.

Just a question of principle:

When you take over the entire stock

holdings of Taran Nuclear Works...

is this happening under the auspices

of the United States...

or are you signing

as a private citizen?

In practice, it's irrelevant.

When I evaluate the secret models

of your rockets...

on my U.S. testing grounds...

I will be under government supervision

anyway.

And how do you envision

the financial transaction?

As soon as my lawyers

have examined the contract...

you will receive

the full amount by check.

The name Taylor is an alias.

Departments B and C are to follow

Taylor's each and every step...

and give a detailed report

every 12 hours.

Taylor is staying

in a luxury suite...

on the 14th floor

of the Luxor Hotel.

A radio message

from Inspector Kras.

"Before he was murdered

on his way to the TV studio...

the reporter Peter Barter

had been at the Luxor Hotel...

according to a statement

by the vehicle maintenance man."

Please call a short staff meeting

for 20 minutes from now.

In the meantime, I will notify

the president of Interpol.

We have been struggling

for a while...

with a series

of strange, unsolved crimes.

It all began two years ago.

On May 15, 1958...

a passenger airplane crashed

at the Dutch airport of Schiphol...

following an act of sabotage.

The perpetrators

are still unknown.

Among the dead was

the French bank president Luchard.

His death caused a significant drop

on the Paris stock exchange.

During his trip to Germany...

Luchard had stayed

at the Luxor Hotel.

On November 2, 1958...

Mr. Delano, an attorney

for the steel corporation PCA...

was murdered in a sleeping car

on a train travelling from Oslo to Paris.

Two weeks before the murder...

Mr. Delano spent three evenings

in the casino of the Luxor Hotel.

On May 12, 1959...

the Algerian-born arms dealer

Hussein fell victim to a bomb blast...

in his car shortly after crossing

the Belgian border.

Previously, Hussein had once met

with a well-known call girl...

at the Luxor Hotel.

And the list goes on.

Serious capital offences,

murder, stock fraud, kidnapping.

Each case is different,

and each remains unsolved.

But they all have

one thing in common.

The victims in all these cases were

at some point guests at the Luxor Hotel.

That's why we have set up

one of our best special agents there.

His identity is known only...

to the chief of the Federal Crime Bureau

and myself...

to avoid any kind of leak

to subordinate organizations.

He has been staying at the Luxor

for some time now.

His sole mission is to find out

what's going on at the Luxor Hotel.

I can't watch this!

The fire-fighters should be

spreading out their sheet by now!

She's about to jump!

Come back inside!

Madam, please don't cause any trouble.

We don't want a scandal.

Should you have financial difficulties,

the hotel will help, of course.

Ladies and gentlemen, you can't possibly

enter here. Please be reasonable.

- After all, a human life is at stake.

- Our jobs are on the line!

Don't give us a hard time.

We need pictures.

I'm afraid that's impossible.

- Is it someone from the 14th floor?

- What's her name?

- I'm sorry.

- Menil is her name.

Marion Menil.

She is staying here at the hotel. I was

going to insure her only yesterday.

Sometimes you get lucky, huh?

Don't be alarmed.

Why would you want to do

something so futile...

from which there is no return?

You are young and your whole life

lies ahead of you.

It might just be wonderful.

Think it over.

You might not die right away.

You may suffer horrible pain

before it's all over.

Or you might survive-- as a cripple.

Think about it.

I'm scared. So very scared.

Give me your hand.

Trust me.

I'll hold on to you.

- She moved!

- He took her hand.

Thank God!

I wouldn't have enjoyed my dinner.

Drink this.

It'll do you good.

This is the hotel manager.

Open the door.

- Please don't let anybody in.

- No, no.

Open the door!

This is the police!

Please!

Perhaps you should go in the other room.

I'll talk to these people.

Come in, gentlemen--

just the two of you.

No, no, please.

Don't push, gentlemen.

- We want to see the woman.

- We've got a right to see her.

Please, don't cause trouble. Mr. Taylor

is a guest from the United States.

What did he say?

What's his name?

Nonsense! Wait, it's--

Of course. I've seen him

in the newspapers. He did look familiar.

Get to the office right away so your

picture makes the evening edition.

In the meantime, I'm going to file

my report by phone.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Who do you think

the noble rescuer is?

Mistelzweig.

Hieronymus B. Mistelzweig.

The "B" stands for "belly."

General insurance: life, accident,

baggage loss, health...

fire, hail, theft, and burglary.

Only lovesickness and a chronic shortage

of cash are excluded.

Well, if you insure that guy,

you can retire.

Why?

Is he that well-off?

Billions. Mr. Travers is one

of the richest men from overseas.

And a bachelor.

Mrs. Menil is apparently wealthy.

She owns fabulous jewellery

and expensive furs.

She flew here from Paris

five days ago.

But our house detective

may know more about her.

- Then please ask him to come here.

- With pleasure.

Are you sure the woman won't do

anything else foolish?

My secretary is with her.

Gentlemen, please visit the bar--

on the house, of course.

I promise I'll give you

all the information you need later.

Mrs. Menil has lived very quietly

in this establishment.

She most certainly does not belong

to the demimonde.

I suspect the whole thing

has to do with a telegram...

that she received

about three hours ago.

- Do you know what it said?

- No...

but according to the receptionist...

Mrs. Menil grew visibly nervous

while reading the telegram...

and she retired

to her room immediately.

Then I will question her

personally.

Above all, I must insist that the lady

leave the hotel at once.

- And I must insist--

- This won't work, gentlemen.

You can't save a person

from committing suicide...

only to leave her

to her own devices.

Give her time

to get over this shock.

Who will guarantee she won't

attempt suicide again?

I believe I can accept

that responsibility.

Perhaps Mr.--

What was the name again?

Berg.

- Mr. Berg can keep an eye on her.

- Of course.

The gentlemen are all gone.

For the moment,

no one is going to bother you.

If I can help you in any way--

No one can help me.

Why didn't you let me--

Everything would have been

over now.

Death is such a finite thing.

People often think they are facing

a catastrophe...

and despair descends

like a dark cloud.

In every situation

there is a way out.

Not for me.

Do you have financial worries?

Romantic troubles?

You trusted me when you were

standing out there on the ledge.

I should probably

be grateful to you.

But I'm not.

Do you have any family

I can notify?

I don't want to see anyone.

I want to go to my room.

I don't want you

to be alone now.

Yes, I understand.

Then please notify

my doctor, Dr. Jordan.

- Where is he? In the lobby?

- No, in the other room.

Forgive me. I was told that

Mrs. Menil was in your suite.

Sister Agnes heard a radio broadcast at

my clinic about this terrible incident.

Mrs. Menil is my patient.

May I see her?

I was just about

to send for you.

Marion!

How could you do such a thing?

You've got to pull yourself together.

I'm going to take you to your room

and give you a little shot...

and then you'll have

a nice sleep.

I'll leave you

in Sister Agnes's care overnight.

She's a familiar face, right?

Please don't think

I'm ungrateful, but--

I think complete rest

is the best remedy now.

If you don't mind, I will take

the lady to her room now.

Professor, is Mrs. Menil

permanently in your care?

No, absolutely not.

But she had a nervous breakdown

once before, about a year ago.

She was a patient at my clinic

for almost two months.

And she's got no husband,

no boyfriend?

As a doctor, I can't make statements

about Mrs. Menil's private life.

Certainly. But I am of course interested

in this woman's situation now.

She is a very lonely person,

very guarded.

It's not easy to win her trust.

You--

You must exert

a strong influence on her.

I mean, on her subconscious...

in that you succeeded

in saving her from suicide.

I'm somewhat surprised...

but very happy about it.

Good-bye now.

"Multimillionaire Thwarts Suicide

at Luxor Hotel"

Not exactly a pleasant advertisement

for our hotel.

- Good evening, Inspector. The usual?

- Yes, the usual.

A lot of action around here.

Are your rates so high that your guests

must jump out the window?

It may be a joke to you, Inspector,

but unfortunately the joke is on me...

as if I were everybody's baby-sitter.

These disgusting reporters.

May they go to hell.

Yes, these reporters

with their scribbling--

To think what my friend Barter

would have done with a thing like this.

Oh, well. Since his death

I haven't been watching TV anymore.

Was he the one who died

of a heart attack in his car?

Yes. A great guy, Inspector.

Generous in every way.

- Mr. Berg?

- Yes.

Mr. Travers' secretary would like

to speak to you on the phone.

Excuse me for a moment, please.

Did you know this Barter well?

He always asked me for tips

on special guests.

Especially the female ones,

I bet.

You will laugh, Inspector, but I had

pointed out Mrs. Menil to Mr. Barter.

Actually, it was

the day she arrived.

She sat over there, while Barter

drank his whiskey over there.

Things must have worked out...

because a little later

they went upstairs together.

Interesting.

Would you kindly let Mrs. Menil

know that I'd like to see her?

I'm afraid that's impossible.

She just took a sleeping pill.

- Is she asleep yet?

- No, but--

- Then I'd like to see her.

- Can't it wait until tomorrow?

Unfortunately, it can't.

My name is Kras.

Inspector Kras.

A man by the name of Inspector Kras

insists he must see you.

Is this necessary?

Why do people torture me so?

Please...

but take the lady's health

into consideration.

Please forgive the late visit,

but I'm afraid it's quite urgent.

Please make it quick.

I feel faint.

Do you remember a man

by the name of Barter?

Barter? No.

A TV reporter.

This is the first time

I've heard his name.

Perhaps this will refresh

your memory.

Oh, that guy!

Yes, I know him.

He introduced himself

downstairs in the bar.

I hadn't quite caught his name.

He wanted an interview.

I refused. After all,

I'm not some movie star.

He was awfully pushy.

And yet you brought him upstairs

to your room.

I didn't want to make

a scene in the bar.

I brought him here upstairs,

but he got quite aggressive.

It got so bad that I had to ask him

to stop bothering me.

He's not going to bother you

anymore.

Shortly after visiting you,

Mr. Barter...

died.

But that's awful!

And when a person wants to die,

they won't let her!

"Return immediately or you must bear

the consequences of your actions.

I have proof

of your guilt."

Mrs. Menil, three hours after receiving

this telegram from Paris...

you attempted suicide.

How did you get

that telegram?

My personal life

is nobody's business.

When the police are interested

in something, there is no personal life.

Why are you torturing me

like this?

Leave me alone!

That's enough.

Can't you see?

But I must talk to you again

about Barter.

I received

a very strange phone call.

For the time being,

please don't leave town.

Good night.

"H. B. Mistelzweig

Insurance"

Tough times, tough business.

Mars has entered the house of death

of too many people.

- Who has entered what?

- Mars is in the house of death.

As a modern businessman, I work

solely on the basis of astrology.

There is no point in insuring people

if you know that they won't live long.

Imagine if I had insured

your friend Barter.

He looked as chipper

as life itself.

He would have just paid

his first premium, and then-- wham!

A heart attack!

What an awful loss that would have been.

No, no. One must look at the stars

of these insurance candidates.

- Very interesting.

- What do you mean?

- Did you have Barter's horoscope?

- This is Inspector Kras.

Please, allow me:

Hieronymus B. Mistelzweig.

"B" stands for "belly."

General insurance:

Life, accident, baggage loss...

health, fire, hail, theft, burglary.

Only lovesickness and a chronic shortage

of cash are excluded.

Impressive.

What companies do you work for?

Lloyd's of London,

Assurance la Paix Paris...

Seguros de Madrid,

Kontor Hamburg National and Overseas.

Mistelzweig has

worldwide connections.

A lucrative business, isn't it?

One doesn't talk about that.

One gets by.

Allow me, gentlemen.

Another round.

A little schnapps with your beer

can't hurt, Inspector.

Besides, it's all tax-deductible.

Karl, one more.

The hotel engineer is,

of course, included.

I'm sorry, Mr. Mistelzweig.

Perhaps later, though.

The freezer for the kitchen

downstairs is on the blink.

Most likely it's a short. Do you have

the key to the machine room?

No, but there must be

a spare downstairs.

I can't find it.

Please come with me.

Go ahead and pour my drink.

I'll be right back.

Do you have an office

here at the hotel?

My office? No, no.

My office is here--

in my head.

I do my business at the Luxor...

but I wouldn't take a permanent office

here if they gave it to me for free.

What don't you like

about the hotel?

Just between you and me:

It's not under a lucky star...

like anything the Nazis started

near the end of the war.

What does that have to do

with the Luxor?

People aren't the only ones influenced

by the constellations upon their birth.

- A building is too.

- Come on now!

- A building isn't born!

- Oh, yes, it is, Inspector.

The placement of its cornerstone

is its birth hour...

and the cornerstone for the Luxor

was laid by the Nazis in May '44...

when they still believed

in final victory.

The bigwigs in the SS wanted

to build a few grand hotels...

for politicians and diplomats...

all in one huge cluster,

so they could spy on everybody.

No, the Luxor has a negative aura.

But your business is thriving here

nevertheless.

Well, in a hotel like this there are

always people with a lot of money.

There's jewellery or baggage to insure,

or travel insurance to write.

My wife has always wanted me

to buy life insurance.

It all depends on the stars,

Inspector.

It's all in the stars.

Considering your profession...

you could be dead tomorrow,

right?

I mean, since you're always

in dangerous situations.

Criminals never sleep,

do they?

But perhaps we could

work something out.

Call me at the office

in the morning.

It's pretty quiet there

these days.

I'd also like to talk

about Mr. Barter.

He wanted insurance too.

I received

a very strange phone call.

To your health,

Mr. Mistelzweig.

Cheers, Inspector.

- It was nice to meet you.

- The pleasure was all mine.

I'll be sure to call you.

No harm done...

but if you could take me to the other

side, I'd appreciate that very much.

May I give you

a lift somewhere?

That's very kind of you.

If you can find room

for my dog too--

Of course.

In Ireland we also have

this cold, wet weather.

I can feel it on my skin

like damp wool.

I don't know.

Careful!

Don't take the turn so fast!

Danger!

Damn! That was close.

- Thanks for the warning.

- How did you know that?

Sometimes I can see

things coming.

You don't believe me.

This morning at the hotel...

you dropped a glass

while brushing your teeth.

In picking up the shards, you cut

the middle finger of your right hand.

But that's--

No one was there to see it

when it happened.

This morning, around 1 1:00...

you signed a check

drawn on an English bank...

but the business transaction

you're planning will not materialize.

The part about the check is true too,

but how do you know the rest?

I told you before:

Sometimes I can see things coming.

If you can predict

future events...

how come you didn't see that

we would almost run you over?

The hour of my death

has not yet come.

- Who are you?

- My name is Cornelius.

Good evening...

Inspector.

Why did you turn on the light?

So that you may see better,

Inspector.

I could have been a burglar.

No, my dog growled and barked.

This means that there's someone

in the room whom he knows.

He would have behaved differently

with a stranger.

And then...

I also smelled

your pipe tobacco.

The odour clings

to your clothing.

Then I knew it was you

waiting for me in the dark.

The blind have keener senses

than people who see.

But how did you get in?

My attendant has the night off.

I was so bold as to let myself in,

Mr. Cornelius.

Please accept my apologies,

but I must talk to you.

There's a new twist

in the Barter case.

Did they find something

in his car?

No.

In his head.

A small, unfriendly thing

Let me be frank,

Mr. Cornelius.

I'm not making much progress

in this matter.

You know I'm a sceptic...

but when you're stuck,

beggars can't be choosers.

If you concentrate

on this object...

what do you see...

that might help me?

A man.

His face is a blur.

Now, nothing!

The cloud again.

The dark cloud.

It covers everything.

It's stronger than I am.

It threatens me personally.

I can feel it.

That's why I would be

grateful to you...

if you kept me informed

about the Barter case.

We have maintained absolute silence

with the press...

regarding the fact that Barter

met a violent death.

Nevertheless, this afternoon I received

a very strange phone call.

A man was willing...

in exchange for immunity

from prosecution and a reward...

to give me information

about this steel needle.

We immediately determined the call

originated from a public phone.

But the guy

was much too smart.

When the patrol car arrived,

he was long gone.

But before he hung up,

he said I should think about it.

He would call me again

tomorrow.

What are we doing here?

The bunker

where they found the American.

You know, the American!

- And why are we here?

- To make a phone call.

- You're so fond of making phone calls.

- Me? What do you mean?

You know. I warned you.

- The doctor doesn't like it.

- What doesn't he like?

- That you make phone calls.

- But I didn't--

I didn't!

- Good morning, Inspector.

- Morning.

It got pretty late last night.

Any news?

Nothing at all.

Everything was quiet.

The telephone didn't work,

but it's been fixed.

- A man from the phone company--

- Don't pick up!

I'd be willing

to purchase it.

Would you accept

45,000 marks?

- But it's worth much more!

- Let's say 50,000.

- All right.

- Would you like a check or cash?

Cash. I may need to leave today,

and the banks are already closed.

Nexit.

You were lucky, Inspector.

If it weren't for that cabinet,

you'd be dead as a rat now.

It would serve me right.

His wife is expecting

their first child.

You slowly get used to the fact that

people bite the dust in our profession.

It's all business as usual.

And it's my fault.

Your fault? Why?

Yesterday I set out

three pieces of bait...

but the response

came faster than I expected.

But from whom?

The psychic?

The insurance agent?

Or the woman?

Why aren't you honest

with me?

I don't know

what you mean.

You sold this piece

of jewellery today.

- You had me followed?

- I feel responsible for you.

You booked flights today

with four different airlines...

for four consecutive dates...

to four different cities...

under four different names...

none of them your real one.

- Why?

- Please, don't ask!

What is threatening you,

Marion?

What were you so afraid of

that you wanted to end your life?

Please don't ask.

Please, please, don't ask!

I don't want to cause you pain, Marion,

but why don't you let me help you?

I don't want to owe

anybody anything.

- I won't accept any money from you.

- Then at least take this back.

I know what it means to a woman

to give up her jewellery.

Then I have no other choice

but to keep it.

Perhaps chance will unite us

once again.

In the meantime,

this piece will remind me of you.

My plane is leaving tomorrow.

Tomorrow, already?

Will you do me a big favour

before we part?

If I can, gladly, of course.

Then spend our last evening

with me.

You must distract yourself

to regain your zest for life.

You need to get out

and see happy people.

You need to hear laughter

and music.

To the next lucky coincidence

that will bring us together.

Everyday worries and concerns

must be checked in with your coat.

All right.

To the next lucky coincidence.

Terrific music, isn't it?

It gets in your blood.

I'm a Scorpio.

They burn with passion.

What are you, madam?

A Libra?

No, I'm a Sagittarius.

Straight to the heart!

- Would you like to dance?

- Oh, yes!

Do you like to dance?

I used to love to dance,

a long time ago.

You know, I believe you are

a cheerful person by nature.

I used to be

very happy and cheerful.

- I loved to laugh.

- Why don't you try it again?

See? Much better.

Come and dance with me.

Wasn't I right to drag you out

of your end-of-the-world mood?

Yes, perhaps.

You dance beautifully.

See? You are

a different person now.

Marion, come to Paris

with me tomorrow.

To Paris?

I can't go to Paris.

Don't get me wrong.

I'm not a prude.

I would love to do it.

But I can't leave now.

Why not?

I'm not free.

I'm married.

Do you love your husband?

I hate him.

When the lady

who just stepped out returns...

please tell her

I'll be right back.

He carries a gun

in a shoulder holster.

- Are you sure?

- Absolutely.

I'm all black and blue

from pressing against it.

Have you never considered

divorce?

Yes, often, but my husband

will never let me go.

Money can overcome

many obstacles.

Not in my case.

Money can't help me.

But let's not talk about me.

Tell me about yourself,

about your life.

It's not very interesting.

Business, conferences.

-And women?

- Yes.

But only in passing.

You know, when someone lives

for his work as much as I do--

board meetings, staff meetings,

business meetings--

I practically live in planes

and conference halls.

There's only room

for brief pleasures...

and not much more.

- That's very sad.

- One can't have everything.

Mr. Travers? Excuse me.

We just received this.

- What about the check?

- The lawyers still have it.

- Cancel it right away.

- Yes, sir.

You see?

You can't relax either.

A few minutes ago,

when we were dancing...

I believed that I could

run away from myself.

But I can't.

No one can.

We've all got to follow

our path.

No, I would only bring you

bad luck.

If only all this had happened

three years ago, fine.

But now it's only self-deception.

I'm sorry to spoil

this lovely evening for you.

Please forgive me and forget me.

It's better that way.

Do you really want me

to forget you?

Yes.

"Radio London announces

nuclear power plant...

run by the Taran Plutonium

Corporation was blown up today.

Plant completely destroyed by fire.

Many casualties.

Population within 10-mile radius

evacuated for safety reasons."

The catastrophe itself

I did not foresee.

I only felt there was a dark shadow

hovering over your plans.

First, the broken glass

in the bathroom...

then the truck

we nearly collided with...

and now this

Taran Corporation matter.

What's the rational explanation

for all this?

F ate allowed me

to cross your path.

Perhaps I'm to protect you

from future harm.

The explosion in the Taran plant

is hardly harmful to me.

A business transaction

that didn't materialize.

That's all.

I mean your personal life.

Although I'm blind,

light that's too bright is bothersome.

It scatters your thoughts.

You must now focus on me.

You should go away.

Leave this town.

Something has crossed

your path...

and a dark cloud

hangs over you.

I see a figure.

It's very blurred.

An animal.

And a woman?

Perhaps.

I can't quite penetrate

the darkness.

But one thing I do see.

You saved a life...

and it is precisely this life

that threatens you with danger...

and death.

She can't just be making up the fact

she reserved four airplane tickets...

even if she did it

under false names.

I don't get it.

Take a note:

Interpol inquiry.

Does this insurance agent Mistelzweig

really work for Lloyd's of London...

and Assurance la Paix Paris

and all the other companies?

Inspector, Mrs. Menil just cancelled

all four flight reservations.

Interesting.

She goes out

with the American...

and the next morning

she cancels her flights.

Yet she didn't look too happy

when she went upstairs.

Interesting.

I have something else for you.

Get hold of this Cornelius character's

latest tax return. Be discreet about it.

Hello, Mr. Cornelius?

This is Kras.

No. No news, really.

Did the man who wanted to give you

the confidential information call you?

He couldn't call me,

Mr. Cornelius.

You see, my phone

exploded yesterday.

A little assassination attempt

against me.

A man from the phone company

supposedly repaired it earlier.

What did the man look like?

Can you please describe him for me?

The only person who could do that

is my assistant...

but, unfortunately, he's dead.

Why didn't you warn me

before it happened?

What is that supposed to mean?

Are you saying you wanted me

to predict your death? You're alive!

- But in the Barter case you did!

- Well, he's truly dead.

Inspector, I sense your mistrust.

You are sceptical.

That's why I would like

to convince you.

Please attend a telepathic s?ance

at my house tonight.

Choose for yourself

the people you want to witness it.

Bring whomever you wish.

Do you really believe

in this humbug?

Michael, you know I'm a sceptical man.

Always have been.

Now, for the first time

in my life...

I wish I were able

to believe in someone.

The psychic or the woman?

You should know me better,

Michael.

I do what I think is right.

No psychic can change that.

- So you are staying here?

- Yes. You fly to London alone today.

Get information on all the repercussions

of the catastrophe...

especially whether the secret plans

for the rockets were saved.

And something else, Michael.

This you can do right away.

Pick out fifty roses

in the flower shop downstairs...

and have them sent to Mrs. Menil,

with this note.

Certainly.

Excuse me, Mr. Travers.

May I perhaps have a word

with you in private?

What is this about?

It's about Mrs. Menil.

It's not my custom to intrude

in the private affairs of our guests...

but I know you are interested

in anything that concerns Mrs. Menil.

Our access to her

for surveillance purposes...

is unfortunately very restricted.

She spends most of the day

in her suite.

She speaks on the phone a great deal

and receives visitors too.

But I may be able

to reveal something...

of great interest to you.

How much do you want?

That's entirely up to you,

of course.

But it must be absolutely confidential.

I could lose my job.

Well, then?

Forgive me, but it's something

that I can only show you...

if I may trouble you

to come with me.

It won't take long.

It's right here.

This suite is adjacent to the rooms

occupied by Mrs. Menil.

This room was once occupied

by a very jealous husband...

whose wife was staying

right next door.

He was never sure whether

she was faithful to him or not...

so I helped him out

with this little setup.

One fine day,

he caught her in the act.

Here you can see and hear everything,

but from the other side, you can't.

I'm going to turn on

the loudspeaker.

Unbelievable, no? On the other side,

it's just a normal mirror.

Please help me get dressed.

Please see who it is.

These roses are for the lady.

Beautiful roses.

I'll get a vase right away.

Well, did I promise

too much, Mr. Travers?

Turn it off! It's despicable

to eavesdrop on people like that.

Turn it off!

Don't worry, Mr. Berg.

I will pay you for this secret.

So that no one else may misuse it,

reserve this suite for me.

Tell the receptionist that it's for some

business partners I'm expecting.

Of course, Mr. Travers.

Yes?

May I remind you that

we still have an appointment?

I would like you to attend

a telepathic s?ance with me.

Yes, ma'am.

With a psychic, at 8:30 p.m.

I would very much appreciate

seeing you there.

Hello, Inspector. Is this a bad time?

Shall I--

Don't leave the hotel.

I'll call you later.

Is this place all right?

It looks so-- so dilapidated.

You were right the other day,

Mr. Mistelzweig.

Someone planned to dispatch me

to heaven.

- Maybe I should--

- No, no, no.

You couldn't have come

at a better time. Have a seat.

You are interested in astrology

and such, aren't you?

Yes, as a business principle.

You know--

- Is this your wife?

- Yes, yes.

Would you like to attend

an interesting s?ance with a psychic?

I'm flattered! When?

Tonight at 8:30.

Perhaps we can talk business too.

I'll bring my wife.

May I introduce my wife?

Mr. Cornelius.

Very pleased to meet you,

madam.

This is my assistant, Mr. Kaiser,

and Mr. Mistelzweig.

Hieronymus B. Mistelzweig.

The "B" stands for "belly."

He's very much interested

in the occult, especially astrology.

Only in a very amateurish way.

I'm an absolute dilettante.

But, in fact, today the sun is

in conjunction with Neptune.

That means water,

so we're due for a thunderstorm.

I should have brought

an umbrella, right?

That's a splendid animal

you've got there.

Come on, doggie.

Uncle has got something for you.

Quiet, Ferro. Be quiet.

He's not interested.

He won't take anything from a stranger.

This is Mr. Cornelius,

my wife...

Mr. Kaiser, and you already know

Mr. Mistelzweig.

- I hope I'm not late.

- Not at all, madam.

Please, let's all take a seat.

It's very informal.

Please...

concentrate on me now.

I'm having difficulty

concentrating.

Something is interfering

with me.

It's not the thunderstorm.

- Inspector.

- Yes?

Would you mind

if we traded places?

Not at all.

- Excuse me!

- No problem.

I hope my cigars

survived intact.

I suspected as much:

Saturn in the 11th house--

a small accident among friends.

Excuse me.

Let us begin.

Someone among us has come here

with the intent to deceive.

I see a woman's hand

and a ring.

A ring that doesn't belong

on that hand.

A tragic fate tore from this woman

the man she loved.

A dark cloud

hangs over the man.

The image is blurring.

A car, with the man

at the wheel.

He is dead.

Peter Barter.

One person here saw him

before he died...

and one person here

will avenge his death.

It won't be an easy task.

The dark cloud

is all-powerful.

It gathers and approaches...

ever closer!

No, it's not a cloud.

It's a face.

The face of a dead man.

No, he's alive.

Mabuse. Dr. Mabuse.

Now it's gone.

The dark cloud has returned.

Close, very close.

It is here!

It is hanging over--

Kras!

Get away from the window!

Turn the lights off!

The shot came from either

the roof or the attic of that house.

Kaiser, maybe we can still

catch the guy!

I'm not staying here

any longer.

Would you please take me

back to the hotel?

Please don't leave me

here alone.

The danger has passed.

I regret this turn of events.

Perhaps some refreshments

will help you recover from the shock.

Mr. Cornelius...

I admire your psychic gift.

Really, it was fabulous!

Amazing!

By the way, what was that strange name

you mentioned?

I don't remember.

I have no control in this state.

It doesn't really matter.

By the way--

just between you and me--

does this Inspector Kras

have a chance of living much longer?

I'm not omniscient,

Mr. Mistelzweig.

Well, he wants to buy

life insurance from me...

and I would appreciate

certain tips.

I don't do business

with the lives of other people.

Of course not.

Please forgive me.

It was just a thought.

By the way, did you notice

that the shot rang out...

just as your grandfather clock

struck for the first time.

- Is it accurate?

- I would assume it is.

No, the clock is exactly

one minute fast.

Here, you see?

Please forgive me.

I forgot.

You are blind.

But don't you think

that this delay of one minute...

may have saved

the inspector's life?

Well, Inspector?

What did you find?

Nothing.

My assistant is still looking

for clues...

but the man is long gone,

of course.

Cornelius, I haven't had a chance

to thank you.

But for your warning,

I would be dead now.

The bullet hit the chair

exactly in the spot...

where my head had been.

Strange.

This is the second assassination attempt

directed at me in the last 48 hours.

You are mistaken, Inspector.

Why is that?

You forget that I had been sitting

in that chair earlier.

This murder attempt

was directed at me.

I loved your roses

so very much.

- How did you get--

- I felt so alone in my room.

Perhaps it's childish, but I'm always

so scared of thunderstorms.

I hope you don't mind

that I simply came by.

- Your door was open.

- Please, come in.

Am I really the reason

you extended your stay?

I wanted to ask you one more thing

before I dive back into my work.

Yes?

Do you prefer

whiskey or cognac?

Whiskey, please.

Straight up.

- Was that the question?

- No.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

And the question?

If you were available,

would you marry me?

I want to tell you

the truth now, Henry.

The whole truth.

In reality,

my marriage is sheer hell.

My husband has always been driven

by an almost pathological jealousy.

He has a physical disability.

It's just a problem with his foot.

It never bothered me.

But it seems to be

the main reason for his jealousy.

He is convinced

that I'm cheating on him.

Sometimes he would beat me

to extract a confession...

but there was nothing

to confess.

That's grounds for divorce!

I have often suggested

separation to him. Very often.

He said he would rather kill me

than set me free.

Last year, I simply ran away.

I was a nervous wreck.

That's when I ended up

at Dr. Jordan's clinic.

An old friend of our family.

When I recovered somewhat,

my husband took me back home...

and the torture, threats and abuse

began all over again.

Ten days ago,

I completely lost control.

I didn't care about anything.

I obtained some poison

and intended to kill him...

but he found out

and nearly beat me to death.

I didn't know what to do,

so I ran away again.

Just to get away from him.

That's how I ended up at the Luxor.

But he tracked me down again.

He sent a telegram saying

if I didn't return immediately...

he would report me.

So that's the story

behind it all.

I saw no other way out

but to kill myself.

So now you know

the whole story.

Do you still want

to marry me...

a woman who tried

to poison her husband?

Is Mrs. Menil there, Mr. Travers?

There's no answer in her room.

It's for you.

Professor Jordan.

The professor?

Yes? This is Marion.

What? When?

Oh, my God!

Ten minutes ago?

You'll stay at the clinic.

Yes, okay. Thank you.

What's going on?

My husband is on his way

to the hotel.

He'll be here any minute.

He mustn't find me in your room.

Stay here.

You are safe with me.

I can't drag you into this.

You don't know Roberto.

Please let me go!

If I don't call you in half an hour,

come to my room.

- Is it still raining?

- I'll call a bellboy--

No, thanks.

I'll take care of it myself.

What is it?

I've already gone to bed.

Open the door

if you don't want a scandal.

Come back tomorrow.

If you don't open up,

I'll kick in the door.

That's it, darling.

Why resist?

I'm sorry

if my sudden appearance...

rattles your tender nerves.

A woman who loves her husband

should welcome him more joyfully.

More tenderly.

What do you want from me?

I'm not sure yet myself.

We'll see.

It was quite stupid of you

to run away again...

and to believe

I wouldn't find you.

Just as stupid as your attempt

to poison me.

You thought no one would miss me

if you succeeded.

Now, one word from me

and you'll land in jail.

But this time you won't

get off the hook so easily.

Beautiful roses.

From him, right?

Since your dramatic

suicide attempt...

you've been

in all the newspapers...

you and your new lover.

You must be grateful

to your saviour.

That's best expressed...

with a few tender caresses,

right?

You animal!

There!

Does this pain your little heart?

You love him, don't you?

Yes, I love him!

I love him as much as I hate you.

You hear me?

I don't regret for a second

that I wanted to kill you.

You're not human.

You're a beast!

No so fast, my sweetheart.

Not so fast.

Let's see if the gentleman

from America...

will still want you in bed

with your face cut up.

Shoot him!

- How did you get in here?

- Through the mirror.

The detective--

I'll explain everything.

Do you think anyone

heard the shooting?

Wait.

- There's nobody outside.

- I'm going to call Dr. Jordan.

He must come right away.

Perhaps he can still save Roberto.

This is Marion, Professor.

Please come over right away.

Something terrible

has happened.

Perhaps you can still help him.

Thank you.

He's on his way.

- Where is my cognac?

- Here. I didn't know if you'd be back.

An insurance agent

always comes back.

It's raining cats and dogs.

You wouldn't kick a dog out

in this weather.

Dr. Jordan.

Thank God you're here.

- I shot him.

- I must tell you, Professor--

Believe me,

it was self-defence.

The knife is still lying there

on the ground.

He's dead.

I didn't mean to kill him!

Please help me, Professor.

You've got to help me

out of this mess!

Please, Marion, calm down.

Let me think.

Professor, I'm partially

to blame--

I too am to blame,

Mr. Travers.

I knew how dangerous

this man was.

Perhaps if I had come

right away--

The most important thing now is that

the police don't find out about this.

I had the ambulance park on a side

street, to avoid drawing attention.

If we could just get the corpse

out of the hotel--

A massive heart attack must be treated

in the hospital immediately.

Later, I could fill out the death

certificate to read "heart attack."

But how do we get him

out of the hotel?

The hotel detective will do anything

for money. Besides, he owes me one.

And now it's time to go sleep

in my empty bed.

Would you have an extra raincoat?

I forgot mine.

I have an old one over there.

I'll get it for you.

- Here. Will this do?

- Yes, thank you.

- I'll bring it back tomorrow.

- That's okay.

- Good night.

- Good night, Mr. Mistelzweig.

It's just a minor heart attack,

madam.

Please don't be alarmed.

A few days of rest in my clinic

and he'll recover.

Initially he will need

to take it easy, of course.

Nothing upsetting.

No business.

He'll need to put himself

first now.

$5,000 in cash if you help us,

Mr. Berg.

We don't want any commotion

in the newspapers.

Naturally, Mr. Travers.

It's not in the interest

of the hotel...

to create a stir

in case of sudden illness.

How can we get Mr. Menil

to the ambulance without being seen?

That's easy.

We use the freight elevator.

And the broken mirror?

I'll have that fixed within the hour.

I'll wake up the maintenance man.

He lives in the hotel.

He's my closest friend.

No sirens, no flashing lights.

We don't want any attention.

I'll follow in the car.

I've known Professor Jordan

since I was a child.

I knew he would do

anything for me.

But if we had said

that you fired the gun--

To think that I'm hiding

behind a woman--

I always took responsibility

for my actions.

If he hadn't been so quick,

I would have fired the shots.

But isn't this all beside the point?

You saved my life for the second time.

Even so.

Two hours ago, in this room...

you asked me whether

I would marry you if I were free.

And now I am free.

This worked out fine once again,

just as the doctor predicted.

Precisely.

No!

What? What is it?

Patrol car 8

has detected a fire...

on the top floor

of a bombed-out house.

There's a dead body

in one of the rooms.

You wake me up for that?

Franke is on night duty now.

Let me sleep.

What's that?

A secret transmitter?

Police files on Dr. Mabuse?

Strange place. No sign on the door.

Nothing.

When we saw the fire

from the street...

my partner said,

"No one lives there."

Then we found the body.

Shot in the chest, apparently

straight through the heart.

First they killed him, and then

they tried to burn the place down.

We pulled down the curtains

and doused the sofa with water.

We were able

to stomp out the rest.

- Any ID? Any papers?

- Nothing.

Nice of you

to make time for me...

so early in the morning,

Mr. Cornelius.

I was in the neighbourhood

and thought I'd just drop by.

Isn't the little doggie

here today?

A routine check-up at the veterinarian.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What can I do for you,

Mr. Mistelzweig?

Well, I thought, "Maybe you can

do business with Mr. Cornelius."

With me? Business?

Don't worry.

I don't want to insure you.

I just want--

- Mind if I smoke?

- Please.

I know it's

a bad habit of mine, but--

Did I startle you?

I unseated you, so to speak,

in this charade.

You know, this blind-man ploy

is really great.

Yes, really.

When you take off the sunglasses

and stare into the distance--

Very attractive.

Really stylish.

And the contact lenses--

like in an American horror film.

Come now!

Don't do anything stupid.

The phone is going to ring soon.

A friend of mine.

I took the liberty of giving him

your phone number...

just as a precaution

so that nothing happens.

What do you want from me?

I want to go into business with you.

Fifty-fifty.

During the s?ance the day before

yesterday, I had this idea.

You know, people are so scared

when it comes to insurance.

If you, with your clairvoyance,

advise them to protect their families...

then they'll all come running

to me, you see?

That's him.

Yes, I'm still here.

No, not much longer.

A few more minutes.

I'll be in touch, yes.

No police-- don't worry.

By the way,

this Kras character--

Didn't you wonder why he would

drag me to your s?ance?

He wants to keep an eye on me.

I've done time.

Five years.

Insurance fraud.

I've learned a lot since then.

And the two of us will come out

on top of that Kras guy, right?

Think it over, Cornelius.

Fifty-fifty.

The projectile that hit

the psychic's chair...

and the bullet in the corpse...

are of the same calibre

and have the same rifling marks.

They clearly come

from the same gun.

Very interesting.

Thank you very much.

- Any word from Mistelzweig?

- No, he was asked to come at 11:00 p.m.

But Interpol's answer

just came in.

Mistelzweig, Hieronymus Balthazar.

Insurance agent

with many years of experience.

Best references from Lloyd's of London.

No prior convictions.

I still don't like his mug.

The embodiment of promptness,

right?

What happened

to your right hand?

A small scuffle

ending in death, perhaps?

Inspector!

A peace-loving man like me?

- Have you ever been bitten by a dog?

- No.

Good for you. It hurts terribly,

let me tell you.

Last night I was going home

when a huge dog jumped at me...

and wouldn't let go.

And this should happen to me,

a real dog lover!

You left me a message, Inspector.

You wanted to talk to me.

Was it because of

the s?ance last night?

No.

But I want

to show you something.

Well, that's life.

"Yesterday on a steed abreast,

today a bullet in the chest."

- How did you know that?

- What?

That the man was shot in the heart.

You couldn't see that.

Inspector, I was just quoting

an old song...

and right away

you're suspicious again.

Shot through the heart.

Awful.

One moment a man is running around

alive and well...

and twelve hours later

he's dead.

- Stone-dead.

- So you know him then.

That would be pushing it.

I saw him last night at the Luxor.

I noticed him because of his clubfoot.

He has one, doesn't he?

Just what I thought.

He went up to the third floor

where Mrs. Menil is staying.

By the way, it's strange.

Did you know that she checked out?

She's leaving

with the American today.

Let's say good-bye to the professor

and then we'll go.

What's the number?

4-2-5...

5-2-7.

Say...

last night when you called him,

you only dialled three digits.

- Three?

- Yes.

You must be mistaken.

I've known Jordan's number for years.

It's 425-527.

And there's something else.

How could the professor get here

so quickly last night...

just five minutes

after your call...

and with an ambulance?

For God's sake, don't say anything now.

They can hear and see everything.

- Who can hear and see everything?

- Later, later!

We must leave this hotel as soon

as possible, or it's all over!

What are you talking about?

What are you afraid of?

There! Look!

And there are more over there!

And over there!

Everywhere in this hotel.

In the bar, in every room,

in the nightclub.

They can observe everything.

- We must leave immediately.

- But--

Please!

Please believe me!

Listen, Henry. I lied to you.

I was lying the whole time!

But now you have to believe me,

just this once.

- Please! Before it's too late.

- Why?

For God's sake, don't ask

any more questions now.

Come on, before it's too late.

Come on!

Twelve...

eleven...

ten, nine.

I'd like to know if Mrs. Menil

is still staying at the hotel...

or if she and Mr. Travers

have already left.

They must still be here,

probably in Mr. Travers suite.

- I can call to check for you.

- Thanks, but no need. I'll go up.

- But tell me--

- Don't speak.

They can hear us here too.

First we have to get out of here.

You slut.

Go on!

No, no. You know this place.

You've been here often enough.

Mrs. Menil?

Let him search all he likes.

The woman will bleed to death

without a doctor.

Don't worry.

The doctor will be here shortly.

But if she's lucky,

she'll croak before he gets here.

Let's go.

We're in deep trouble,

thanks to this bitch.

She would have jumped ship

in America anyway.

She loves him.

A blind man could see it.

A blind man.

Do you realize

we're the last ones...

to know

about this control room?

Aside from him, of course.

Doesn't that make you a bit uneasy?

I don't know.

I have a strange feeling.

When that reporter Barter

surprised you...

as you were replacing

the defective camera in her room...

he was stone-dead

within the hour.

Number 11 -- dead.

Last night, when the clubfoot

had completed his mission...

and was no longer needed--

gone.

And now that this thing with

the American has failed completely...

do you think

we're still useful to him?

Who built this whole system

for him? I did.

Who obtained the old Gestapo plans

and switched it all over to TV? I did.

He made millions

with this thing.

- He won't just get rid of me.

- He's capable of anything.

From here he saw and heard

everything...

and could play

the role of the psychic.

Then he blackmailed

his victims.

My suicide attempt--

The clubfoot and I--

It was all a sham.

There was nothing but blanks

in my revolver.

You didn't kill anyone.

But why? Why all this?

To create a bond

between us.

In America, after our wedding,

they would have killed you.

I would have inherited everything--

your fortune, your industrial plants--

and then he would have come.

His desire for power

knows no limits.

I had to do

what he wanted...

but I would have told you everything

once we boarded the plane.

But now it's too late.

I love you.

I know you can't

believe me anymore.

It's too late now.

Too late.

They simply disappeared,

Inspector.

Mr. Berg believes they must have

sneaked out of the hotel...

but neither the concierge

nor the two bellboys saw them.

Also, they haven't yet

settled their bill...

and some of Travers' belongings

are still in his room.

Don't call an alarm just yet.

I'll come over myself.

- What's new?

- The autopsy report.

The clubfoot that came in last night.

No internal bleeding.

When he was shot in the heart,

he had already been dead for a while.

The true cause of death

was a steel needle in his brain.

Open up.

Close the door behind me.

Send the elevator upstairs.

I'm terribly sorry,

Mr. Travers...

that you found out

about my plans.

You and I have both lost.

I lost a big game

and you lost your life.

Do you want

to push your infamy...

to the point of letting

this woman bleed to death?

A painless death, Mr. Travers...

and faster than the death

she could have expected from me.

This woman

brought both of us down:

You, because you believed

in her love...

and me,

because I didn't believe...

this love could break

my hypnotic control.

Marion was hypnotized?

Do you think she could have pulled off

that little suicide farce otherwise...

without falling?

Do you believe, even if you had

indeed gained control...

of my enterprises

through Marion...

you would have become the sole owner

of all my financial assets?

Who said anything

about money?

Having gained control

of your nuclear plant...

I would have thrown

the world into chaos...

with the rockets

from your experimental plant.

The famous push of a button.

I would have done it.

- You are insane.

- Maybe.

But where's the line?

Insane.

That's what they said

about Dr. Mabuse...

who died 25 years ago

and whose name and plans I used.

His arrogant contemporaries

considered him a criminal.

But to me he was a genius...

who wanted to throw this rotten world

into a reign of chaos...

that could only be controlled

by the one man...

who knows how to harness

it for his own gain-- me!

All your plans end

with my death.

What can I offer you to at least save

the life of this woman?

Name your price.

I'm not speaking on my own behalf.

I know you can't let me live.

I admire your keen intelligence,

Mr. Travers.

- Then name your price.

- Police officers!

Act rationally, now that your plans

have fallen through.

You underestimate me,

Mr. Travers.

A check signed by you

would be my undoing...

and that's what you're hoping

to achieve, isn't it?

Their things

are still sitting here.

- Did you touch anything?

- Of course not.

Everything's empty next door.

They are searching for you already,

but they won't find you...

or at least not until it's too late--

for you.

I have no more time

to chat with you.

Here...

just in case

you want to act logically...

to escape a slow death

from starvation.

By the way...

this room is soundproof.

- Wait here for further instructions.

- Yes, sir.

We must systematically search

the entire hotel...

from the basement

to the top floor.

The exits are being watched.

Kaiser, you stay here.

The hotel is surrounded. Two officers

in front, a patrol car in back.

There's the main entrance and the

hallway, back there on the right.

Professor Jordan!

Cornelius!

Go get him!

The blond man there

is Dr. Mabuse!

Freeze!

Three men come with me. The rest of you,

don't let anyone through!

Get away from the wheel!

Cuff him!

It was about time.

He almost killed me.

- Goddamn it, who are you really?

- Interpol.

- But why?

- Later!

I know where Mrs. Menil

and the American are.

- Send them after the car!

- Get the patrol car!

A large gray sedan...

an American car...

GX 737.

Kras, homicide squad.

Start search immediately.

A large gray sedan, American-made,

license number GX 737.

Turn on the police radio.

All patrol cars and road blocks

are instructed...

to stop the suspect vehicle...

and arrest the passengers.

Exercise caution.

The suspects have machine guns.

I repeat.: a large gray sedan,

license GX 737--

Change the license plate.

A large American car,

license plate unknown...

exceeding the posted speed limit...

has just left M?hlendamm Street

and is now heading south.

This is Kras. Close all southbound

roads, if it's not too late.

He most likely wants

to get on the freeway.

Then send a coded message

that Route 16 will be closed.

In case those guys are listening,

send a false, unencoded message...

saying that we expect them

to break through at Neustadt.

Send four motor cycles

for backup.

- We'll meet at S?dstern.

- Understood.

And ask them at the Luxor

whether the damn Interpol guy...

found the American

and that darn female.

Come on, get in.

The key!

The key for down below!

Open up!

Police!

Double K, EKZ 302.

Reached square sequence. Over.

Good nose! Freeway southeast.

Come on, let's go!

A large American car,

license plate unknown...

has just passed a checkpoint,

apparently bound for Neustadt.

All roads to Neustadt

have been closed.

Let 'em look for us!

That's 35 miles away.

It could be a ruse.

We've been on the freeway too long.

Hold on!

Double K, FKA 7 is running.

Over.

Damn! The freeway reports no contact,

but they should have passed it.

They must have broken through

between mile 135 and mile 140.

At the next crossing,

get off onto the old highway.

There they are! Faster!

Get ready.

A patrol car and four motor cycles

are following us.

- Distance?

- About 300 yards.

Don't shoot yet.

Let them get closer.

I'm slowing down.

150.

100.

Now!

Shoot at the tires!

Damn! I need to put in

a new magazine.

Leave him there!

Let's go!