Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983): Season 1, Episode 11 - The Last Journey - full transcript
[soft music]
[slow violin music]
[screaming]
- [Narrator] The death
of Reilly's friend,
Boris Savinkov,
in a Moscow prison
confirmed what Reilly
had believed all along.
That the organization
known as the Trust
was a Bolshevik front
and the brainchild
of Felix Dzerzhinsky, the head
of the Russian secret police.
It was the Trust
which had arranged
for Savinkov's return to Russia.
It was the Trust which
had guaranteed his safety.
And now he was dead,
it was from the Trust that
Reilly sought his revenge.
This purpose however he kept
from even those closest to him.
[soft music]
[clapping]
Reilly's marriage to
Pepita came as a surprise
to his friends and in
particular to Caryll Houselander
who had fallen in love with him.
[soft music]
- They say third time lucky.
- Sidney, this is Mr. Yakushev.
He's just arrived
from Petrograd.
And his friend, Maria
Schulz, fellow traveler.
- I don't know if you
remember but we met in Paris.
- Oh yes, you're with
your husband Georgi.
- I hope you don't mind
me bringing them along,
but they both work
for the Trust,
so I knew you'd be interested.
- I've brought you some
souvenirs from the homeland.
- It's my poster.
These were on every
street corner 1918.
- They don't happen
to have a copy
of his death warrant, do you?
- No, but we could get one.
- [Pepita] Darling, I want you
to meet some friends of mine.
We're all in the
chorus together.
- Was that Caryll?
- Yes, she left.
- George, you haven't
met Mr. Yakushev
and his friend, Maria Schulz.
This is George Hill.
George spent some time in
Moscow during the revolution.
- What were you doing there?
- Well in a rather
roundabout way,
I think I was after
Dzerzhinsky's Rolls Royce.
[clearing throat]
- [Stalin] Your
report on Savinkov.
- He took his own life.
- Mm-hm.
Why?
- I think he dawned on him
that he would never sit
in this room at this desk
eating sardines from a tin,
and ruling Russia.
However, I do think
that Artuzov's presence
in the jail at the time
of Savinkov's death
needs some explanation.
- Artuzov.
Can you explain to the commissar
why you were at the Blue
Turkey the night Savinkov died?
- It was a routine visit.
- Did you meet with Savinkov?
- No.
- Good.
I'm appointing Artuzov as head
of the internal security
division of the Cheka
Trilisser will continue to
handle the foreign sections
and you of course will
remain in overall command
of both organizations.
Have you any objections?
- As long as I'm
kept fully informed.
- It's your job to make
sure you're fully informed
on all occasions, commissar.
I wouldn't want
it any other way.
- Gentlemen, if you'd be kind
enough to take your places.
I think we might begin.
Mr. Yakushev's time in
this country is valuable
and we don't want to be
accused of wasting any of it.
Now he is here today
to explain to us
the aims and activities
of the Moscow based
anti-bolshevik organization
known as the Trust.
Now there has been a
great deal of speculation
about the exact nature
of his organization
and Mr. Yakushev
has indicated to me
that he will be only too happy
to answer any specific questions
which any of you want
to put at a later stage.
- Mr. Yakushev--
- What happened to Savinkov?
- I repeat, specific
questions will be answered
at a later stage of the meeting.
- I'd like to know now.
And we'll know who
we're dealing with.
- Reilly, I'd like to hear
what Mr. Yakushev has to say.
After all we've been
listening to your views
for some months now.
- The Trust invited
Boris Savinkov to Moscow.
They guaranteed his safety and
within a month he was dead.
- Captain Reilly,
we did everything
possible to protect him,
but he had a dependency
on drugs as you well know.
- Are you saying he
jumped out of that window?
- He was an unstable man.
- He was murdered.
- I don't think any useful
purpose will be served
by pursuing this question
at this juncture.
Raising questions about Savinkov
was like playing
on a cloth untrue
with a twisted cue and
elliptical billiard balls.
That meeting was full of
people who believe in the Trust
with religious fervor.
And take General Kutepov.
He told me that
he is considering
putting his entire
combat organization
at the Trust's disposal when
the war starts in earnest.
- Good old Kutepov.
- And the Americans are planning
to put a million
dollars through it well.
- That should
please Dzerzhinsky.
- Yes, his entire Secret Service
is run on funds
provided by his enemies.
- Exactly.
Something has to be done.
- Why didn't you
say so this morning?
- Pointless.
The only way to
convince those chaps
is for someone to go to Moscow
and bring back hard evidence
to prove their being duped.
Would you like to go?
My dear fellow there's
no risk attached.
Are you to be arrested, it
would wreck the whole point
of your being invited.
- So I'm to be invited.
- Oh, I'm sure that's the real
reason for Yakushev's visit.
It must be becoming
increasingly obvious to them
but of all the people
they need to convert,
you are by far the
most important.
When the invitation comes,
I want you to accept it.
Go in, find out
how they operate,
who runs it, who fronts it.
Chapter and verse.
[groaning]
- It needs to go to the left.
- I had this friend once.
- Take it further to the left.
- Who used to shoot
holes through paintings.
- He must have been well-off.
No, I was wrong, it
needs to go right.
- But he has this vast
collection of family portraits
which he's forbidden to sell
and since he loathes his family.
- Up a bit.
- Can you mark this thing?
He just blasted away.
[soft music]
- You know a lot of
mad people, don't you?
And you're the
maddest of them all
- That's why you married me.
[dramatic music]
- How much is that?
- Four bucks, sir.
- We're going to be
very happy, aren't we?
[doorbell ringing]
[doorbell ringing]
- Do you remember me?
- No.
- As with Yakushev
at your wedding.
This is my husband, Georgi.
I'm Maria Schultz.
Is Sidney at home?
- Yes, he is.
Yakushev sent you?
- He wants you to go to Russia.
It's very urgent.
Just three or four days.
- Good.
When?
- Be in Stockholm by
Friday, Helsinki Saturday
and through the
window on Sunday.
Georgi will take you.
If you have any
problems before then,
you can find us at hotel
Mont Parnes in Paris.
- Why does he want me to come?
- Because you and
your propaganda
are throttling our
money supplies.
- Tell Yakushev I'll be there.
[dramatic music]
Look, it'll only take a few
days and then I'll be back.
- Does it have to be you?
- Yes, it is
absolutely necessary.
- Where exactly
will you be going?
- Petrograd probably.
To meet Yakushev.
- But only a few hours ago.
You must have known
they were coming
and at the time
you said nothing.
- Now, listen to me.
I shall be very very careful.
And when I get to the border,
I shall check the route
and the crossing point.
And if there is anything at
all suspicious, I won't go.
My most beloved, my sweetheart.
I want you to know that I
would not have undertaken
this trip unless it was
absolutely essential,
and if I was not convinced
that there is practically
no risk attached.
- "My dearest darling,
I'm doing what I must do
"with the absolute
driven assurance
"that if you were with
me you would approve.
"You're in my thoughts always
and your love will protect me.
"God bless.
"I love you beyond all words.
"Sidney."
- Can I show this to Cummings?
- Well he's going to Russia.
He'll be there this morning.
- If he gets caught,
you can expect no help from us.
- That's what I love
about foreign office.
Total support.
- [Reilly] Was
that the frontier?
- [Maria] No, the border.
The frontier is four
kilometers ahead.
They pulled it back because
of the snow in winter.
- You mean we have a
full kilometer walk?
- Four Finnish kilometers.
- I'm not exactly
dressed for this.
- Here are your
papers and passport.
The visa is marked
48 hours only.
Georgi will escort you
and put you on the train.
You see, we take
care of everything.
- I would have
been more impressed
if you'd cut out the hike.
- This is the safest
route, Sidney.
That's why we chose it.
- Goodbye, Maria.
- Sidney.
Good luck.
[suspenseful music]
- Safe she said.
- Good morning,
Comrade Trilisser.
- Good morning.
- I've spoken to Yakushev.
Reilly has crossed the frontier.
- Good.
Is the meeting set up?
- Yes.
- I want him treated correctly
from the moment he arrives
to the moment he's
put back on the train.
I'm holding you
responsible for his safety.
- Naturally.
- Have you spoken to Artuzov?
- No.
- You'd better inform him.
I don't want him
getting in the way.
- Who is this man Reilly?
- He was sentenced
to death in 1918
for his part in
the Lockhart Plot.
He's been the focus for
our enemies ever since.
- And what's he doing in Russia?
- He's coming to Moscow
to speak with the Trust.
- The Trust?
- A secret organization
based here in Moscow
to which the West
attaches great importance.
In fact it's run by
our foreign section.
It's their biggest operation.
- What do you mean a
secret organization?
I want the files on
all those involved.
- [Artuzov] All?
- All the people in the Trust.
- [Artuzov] But
there are hundreds.
- All of them.
- Yes, General Secretary.
- And the file on Sidney Reilly.
- [Artuzov] Yes, sir.
- Go, Reilly.
[phone ringing]
- Any news?
- I spoke to Stockholm.
- Yes?
I'll meet him at the In
And Out, one o'clock.
If I'm late have
someone sign him in.
- I'm worried.
Boris tells me that the
arrangements of his return
haven't been made.
- Well, that's because
according to his wife
he went through
with Maria Schulz.
- Nevertheless
it's unlike Sidney.
He's meticulous about
that sort of thing.
- What are you
suggesting, George?
That he's not coming back?
- I don't know.
- What the hell is
the matter with you?
You've read this.
"I want you to know
"that I would not have
undertaken this trip
"unless it was
absolutely essential
"and if I was not convinced
"that there is practically
no risk attached."
Does that suggest that
he isn't coming back?
Yakushev will possibly
induce him to stay.
You're not seriously suggesting
that he's gone over
to the Bolsheviks.
- I'm merely saying
that none of the correct
return procedures
have been carried out,
which indicates that he's
not coming back in a hurry.
- What you need, my dear
boy, is a stiff drink.
You've been too
long on the road.
- You're the one
who'll need the drink
because you're the one
who'll carry the can
if he's picked up.
- The Cheka have far
too much at stake
to allow anything
to happen to him.
Hundreds of agents overseas,
unlimited access to
harvested currency.
It would be nothing short
of catastrophic for them
if he would be picked up.
- Catastrophic.
Exactly.
- You made good time.
This is Captain Reilly.
This is Stern, my driver.
- The files you requested.
- I've changed my mind.
Reilly.
I want him arrested.
- [Trilisser] What the
hell are you doing here?
- Stalin sent me
to arrest Reilly.
- Opperput, what do
you know of this?
- Nothing.
- I want to speak
to Felix Dzerzhinsky
at Cheka headquarters.
- The meeting
shouldn't take long.
You can be on the train tonight.
- A call from Malahovka.
- Yes, Trilisser.
- Artuzov's just arrived.
He claims Stalin's
authorized Reilly's arrest.
- Put him on.
- [Artuzov] Artuzov.
- Drawn your men in the
house, keep out of sight,
and don't move against Reilly
until I've seen Stalin.
Now put Trilisser
back on the line.
Trilisser.
- Yes, Felix.
- Get back here as
fast as you can.
Call Stalin's office.
I need to see him,
tell him it's urgent.
- Yes, commissar.
- Wait here.
- What do you want?
- Artuzov and his men have
turned up at Malahovka.
They say that they're
to arrest Reilly.
- Why are you so
interested in this man?
- If you arrest Reilly
the Trust will collapse
with fatal consequences
for our agents abroad.
- How is it that I
have never even heard
of this organization before now.
- It's an intelligence
operation.
- But why wasn't
I told about it?
- I don't see how
it concerns you.
- Any operation
which puts itself up
as the alternative
government of Russia
deserves my closest
attention, Felix.
Even if it is a fake.
Who sanctioned the
formation of the Trust?
- Lenin.
- Lenin is dead.
How long can we afford
to run this country
with a dead man in command?
- What's the matter?
- [Stern] Water pump.
- Is that Reilly?
- [Stern] Yes.
- And where's Yakushev?
- [Stern] Over there.
Yakushev.
- What the hell
are you doing here?
- Artuzov just turned
up at the villa.
- Who is that?
- He's important.
- [Trilisser] Get your men off.
- And who the hell are you?
- [Trilisser] Trilisser.
- [Soldier] Right, out.
Everyone out.
- Is there trouble?
- Yes, at the villa.
- Do we go on?
- We go on in that.
- Nice to have friends
with influence.
- Where are we heading?
- Malahovka.
- My reaction is to have
the whole damn lot arrested.
- The finest of your soldiers,
the most distinguished
of your diplomats,
you want them shot?
- What are they
doing in such a body?
- They're in the Trust because
I asked them to be in it.
Now I want you to
talk to Trilisser.
He has the details on
the situation abroad.
Now please listen to him
before you make up your mind.
- And to welcome captain Reilly
to this extraordinary
meeting of the Trust.
Captain Reilly has been invited
here for one purpose only.
So that he can see for himself
that this organization
represents a genuine alternative
to the present
Bolshevik leadership,
and has both the will and
the means to affect change.
It is one of the
ironies of our position
that we have lost the confidence
of our friends in the West
and their financial support.
But Captain Reilly is one
of the most influential men
in Europe and I don't think
he would mind me saying
also the sternest of our critics
which is why I
felt it appropriate
to extend an invitation
to him to come to Russia
and to meet us.
- Perhaps I could begin
by asking Captain Reilly
what it is about
our organization
which makes him so suspicious.
- The death of Boris Savinkov.
- Do you realize that
if Reilly's arrested
the Trust will be destroyed.
- So?
- It's been the basis of our
strategy for five years now.
- Then you'll have
to devise a new one.
One more in tune with the times.
- What could be more in tune
with the times than the Trust?
- What he means is what
the West is looking for
is exactly the kind
of organization which
we have created.
- You have created a monster
which even at this moment
is sitting in Malakhovka
plotting to take
over our government.
- But it's a phantom.
- What is the difference
between a phantom and reality
when you're dealing
with a man like Reilly.
- If you wish the West
to continue to fund you
and even to increase
their investment,
then you must
demonstrate to them
the effectiveness of
your organization.
Now we don't expect you
to create a general strike
but we do expect to
see industrial unrest,
mutinies in the army,
demonstrations at
the universities,
and the odd piece of terrorism.
Trains derail,
that sort of thing.
We want you to orchestrate
a campaign of anarchy.
- I can assure you
that the organization
is within our control.
- Who are its paymasters.
Hmm?
The West.
- We can do all these
things but not overnight.
In the meantime, largely
due to your criticism,
all funds from the West
have been cut off at source.
- Then create new funds.
- How?
- Rob banks.
- The banks have no money.
- Then sellout treasures.
- But there are our heritage.
- Then you must make a decision.
Are you interested in
the past or the future?
- I have here a
list of our agents
in the United States and
the rest of the world
who will be put at
risk by your decision.
As you can see it
runs into hundreds.
To have these men
arrested will be seen
as a great victory for the West.
- And what about the
arrest of Reilly?
How will that be seen?
- As a failure of nerve
on your part, sir.
[dramatic music]
- You.
You accuse me of a
failure of nerve?
What's the number of
the house in Malakhovka?
- Seven.
- Get me Malakhovka seven.
To Artuzo.
Did you hear that, Felix?
A failure of nerve.
- He's right.
- Ladies and gentlemen,
can I bring you back
to the predicament in
which we find ourselves,
that is the growing
distrust between us
and our friends in the West.
May I therefore ask Captain
Reilly what in his view
would be the most effective way
in which we could re-establish
a feeling of confidence.
- Embark on a program
of assassinations.
Beginning with Stalin.
[phone ringing]
- Artuzov.
- Where's Reilly?
- He's in the next room.
- [Stalin] What's going on?
- Reilly has just suggested
your immediate assassination.
- Reilly comes to Russia
to organize my death
and you characterize my
reaction as a failure of nerve.
- I warned you that Reilly
would provoke this situation.
- I want him arrested now.
- This is exactly the
reaction Reilly wants.
- Get out!
And take your make believe
government with you.
It's all over, Trilisser.
Power is power.
It's the one element of the
human condition you can't fake.
Isn't it, Felix?
- You came to power
because of the support
you received from me.
You now believe
you're so well placed
that you can do with
us as you please.
Well let me correct
that impression.
I still control the Cheka
both in Russia and abroad
and I can tolerate so much
interference in the way I run it
and no more.
The Trust is a successful
instrument of our policy.
Every potential
threat to your regime
has been spotted
through its offices.
And all that concerns you
that something so successful
might one day be
turned against you.
- It poses a threat to me
not because it's successful
but because it's past its time.
In the days when we were
fighting a war on a dozen fronts
your phantom had a function.
That situation no longer exists.
- Because we have
successfully contained it.
Because we have hundreds
of agents abroad
report every move.
Agents who operate within
the highest echelons
of the emigres organizations.
Men who control their armies,
their security, their funds.
Our whole Foreign Service
is self-generating
as a result of the money
that flows into our accounts
from these sources.
Three million dollars last year.
We can't afford to lose
that kind of operation.
We've now reached a situation
where we orchestrate
the entire opposition.
The West believe they lead
it but the fact is we do.
- You do.
You have so much power, Felix.
You don't have to do anything
to undermine my position.
You merely have to exist.
- You question my loyalty?
- I want you to demonstrate
it by arresting Reilly.
- It is so good
to see you again.
- After all this time.
- Must you live tonight?
- The dawn's crack.
- How's Sascha?
- Sascha's fine.
He's living in Paris.
I've been living in New York,
I haven't seen him since '21.
He's never there when I'm there.
- I miss the two of you,
though heaven knows why.
I'm a famous choreographer now.
- So I understand.
Why have you joined
this organization?
It's reeling with
Dzerzhinsky's men.
- I don't believe you.
- That's why I'm here.
- I thought you came here to
give us a clean bill of health.
- Not exactly.
I've come to destroy it.
- There are one or two faces
that I haven't seen before.
Don't advertised your
intentions too loudly,
or you might not
get out of here.
- Captain Reilly.
- If you're in any trouble,
go to the tobacconist in
the little market street.
He'll do anything for me.
Look after yourself.
- You too.
- We're all set.
- Has your driver fixed the car?
- Yes, he's stolen
someone's water pump.
Do you mind?
Artuzov insists on
coming along with us.
- No, not at all.
Where are we going?
- First stop, the station.
- On the Finnish
border after a skirmish
between smugglers and
the Soviet border guards.
How's that?
- "The body of an
Englishman was recovered
"on the Finnish frontier
after a skirmish
"between smugglers and
the Soviet border guards."
It's perfect.
We can't improve on it, it
says absolutely nothing.
- You type it out properly,
and I'll take it
over to the Kremlin.
Where are they now?
- They should just be
approaching the suburbs.
- I have to stop at
the tobacconist's
to send a postcard.
- Where?
- At the old market street.
- Is that alright
with you, Artuzov?
Your old routine?
- Just to let them know
I'm still on one piece.
What happened to Savinkov?
- Why don't you ask Artuzov?
All I know is he
came back to Moscow.
Surrendered and
was put on trial.
"I'm returning without
bombs or armies.
"I ask only that you
judge me as a man
"who has devoted his entire life
"to the cause of
the Russian people."
That's what he said in the dock.
When he sat down, there
wasn't a dry eye in the room.
- And what then?
- They gave him 10 years.
A very light sentence.
And accommodation
at Lubyanka prison,
just like a suite at the Plaza.
All he had to do is
sit back and wait.
- Wait for what?
To be pushed out of a window?
- He was a difficult man.
- He was my closest friend.
[suspenseful music]
And a stamp for Sweden, please.
- Sir.
[suspenseful music]
The box is outside.
- And a stamp for England.
- Sir.
- Captain Reilly.
I'm Trilisser, head
of the foreign section
of the commission
for combating
counterrevolution and terrorism
and this is Felix Dzerzhinsky.
- I regret to have to tell you
that you'll be
placed under arrest
for charges against you in 1918.
[suspenseful music]
- Well?
- We've got him
nicely bedded down.
- Did he say anything?
- Just that everybody
looks so young.
- "The body of an
Englishman was recovered
"on the Finnish frontier
after a skirmish
"between smugglers and
the Soviet border guards."
- Good.
Have our ambassador in Helsinki
make the announcement tonight.
I'm surprised he didn't
put up a struggle.
- He expected to be arrested.
- How can you be so sure?
- How else can you explain this?
He's wrecked the most successful
counterespionage
operation ever run.
[soft music]
[phone ringing]
- Yes.
Where?
When?
Where's that, Finland?
Could be Reilly?
Thank you.
That was Boris from Stockholm.
There's been an incident
on the Finnish border.
One casualty, the Russians
say he was British.
- [George] It can't be Sidney.
- Get up there George
and find out what
the hell is going on.
And for God's sakes stay at
this side of the frontier.
I don't want to
lose another man.
- I suggest you get a
message to Yakushev.
Where is the pass?
And we await an explanation.
And telephone Pepita.
It's important you
keep her informed.
I'll telephone you
from Stockholm.
- Damn.
Damn.
[soft slow music]
- Congratulations.
[dramatic music]
[slow violin music]
[screaming]
- [Narrator] The death
of Reilly's friend,
Boris Savinkov,
in a Moscow prison
confirmed what Reilly
had believed all along.
That the organization
known as the Trust
was a Bolshevik front
and the brainchild
of Felix Dzerzhinsky, the head
of the Russian secret police.
It was the Trust
which had arranged
for Savinkov's return to Russia.
It was the Trust which
had guaranteed his safety.
And now he was dead,
it was from the Trust that
Reilly sought his revenge.
This purpose however he kept
from even those closest to him.
[soft music]
[clapping]
Reilly's marriage to
Pepita came as a surprise
to his friends and in
particular to Caryll Houselander
who had fallen in love with him.
[soft music]
- They say third time lucky.
- Sidney, this is Mr. Yakushev.
He's just arrived
from Petrograd.
And his friend, Maria
Schulz, fellow traveler.
- I don't know if you
remember but we met in Paris.
- Oh yes, you're with
your husband Georgi.
- I hope you don't mind
me bringing them along,
but they both work
for the Trust,
so I knew you'd be interested.
- I've brought you some
souvenirs from the homeland.
- It's my poster.
These were on every
street corner 1918.
- They don't happen
to have a copy
of his death warrant, do you?
- No, but we could get one.
- [Pepita] Darling, I want you
to meet some friends of mine.
We're all in the
chorus together.
- Was that Caryll?
- Yes, she left.
- George, you haven't
met Mr. Yakushev
and his friend, Maria Schulz.
This is George Hill.
George spent some time in
Moscow during the revolution.
- What were you doing there?
- Well in a rather
roundabout way,
I think I was after
Dzerzhinsky's Rolls Royce.
[clearing throat]
- [Stalin] Your
report on Savinkov.
- He took his own life.
- Mm-hm.
Why?
- I think he dawned on him
that he would never sit
in this room at this desk
eating sardines from a tin,
and ruling Russia.
However, I do think
that Artuzov's presence
in the jail at the time
of Savinkov's death
needs some explanation.
- Artuzov.
Can you explain to the commissar
why you were at the Blue
Turkey the night Savinkov died?
- It was a routine visit.
- Did you meet with Savinkov?
- No.
- Good.
I'm appointing Artuzov as head
of the internal security
division of the Cheka
Trilisser will continue to
handle the foreign sections
and you of course will
remain in overall command
of both organizations.
Have you any objections?
- As long as I'm
kept fully informed.
- It's your job to make
sure you're fully informed
on all occasions, commissar.
I wouldn't want
it any other way.
- Gentlemen, if you'd be kind
enough to take your places.
I think we might begin.
Mr. Yakushev's time in
this country is valuable
and we don't want to be
accused of wasting any of it.
Now he is here today
to explain to us
the aims and activities
of the Moscow based
anti-bolshevik organization
known as the Trust.
Now there has been a
great deal of speculation
about the exact nature
of his organization
and Mr. Yakushev
has indicated to me
that he will be only too happy
to answer any specific questions
which any of you want
to put at a later stage.
- Mr. Yakushev--
- What happened to Savinkov?
- I repeat, specific
questions will be answered
at a later stage of the meeting.
- I'd like to know now.
And we'll know who
we're dealing with.
- Reilly, I'd like to hear
what Mr. Yakushev has to say.
After all we've been
listening to your views
for some months now.
- The Trust invited
Boris Savinkov to Moscow.
They guaranteed his safety and
within a month he was dead.
- Captain Reilly,
we did everything
possible to protect him,
but he had a dependency
on drugs as you well know.
- Are you saying he
jumped out of that window?
- He was an unstable man.
- He was murdered.
- I don't think any useful
purpose will be served
by pursuing this question
at this juncture.
Raising questions about Savinkov
was like playing
on a cloth untrue
with a twisted cue and
elliptical billiard balls.
That meeting was full of
people who believe in the Trust
with religious fervor.
And take General Kutepov.
He told me that
he is considering
putting his entire
combat organization
at the Trust's disposal when
the war starts in earnest.
- Good old Kutepov.
- And the Americans are planning
to put a million
dollars through it well.
- That should
please Dzerzhinsky.
- Yes, his entire Secret Service
is run on funds
provided by his enemies.
- Exactly.
Something has to be done.
- Why didn't you
say so this morning?
- Pointless.
The only way to
convince those chaps
is for someone to go to Moscow
and bring back hard evidence
to prove their being duped.
Would you like to go?
My dear fellow there's
no risk attached.
Are you to be arrested, it
would wreck the whole point
of your being invited.
- So I'm to be invited.
- Oh, I'm sure that's the real
reason for Yakushev's visit.
It must be becoming
increasingly obvious to them
but of all the people
they need to convert,
you are by far the
most important.
When the invitation comes,
I want you to accept it.
Go in, find out
how they operate,
who runs it, who fronts it.
Chapter and verse.
[groaning]
- It needs to go to the left.
- I had this friend once.
- Take it further to the left.
- Who used to shoot
holes through paintings.
- He must have been well-off.
No, I was wrong, it
needs to go right.
- But he has this vast
collection of family portraits
which he's forbidden to sell
and since he loathes his family.
- Up a bit.
- Can you mark this thing?
He just blasted away.
[soft music]
- You know a lot of
mad people, don't you?
And you're the
maddest of them all
- That's why you married me.
[dramatic music]
- How much is that?
- Four bucks, sir.
- We're going to be
very happy, aren't we?
[doorbell ringing]
[doorbell ringing]
- Do you remember me?
- No.
- As with Yakushev
at your wedding.
This is my husband, Georgi.
I'm Maria Schultz.
Is Sidney at home?
- Yes, he is.
Yakushev sent you?
- He wants you to go to Russia.
It's very urgent.
Just three or four days.
- Good.
When?
- Be in Stockholm by
Friday, Helsinki Saturday
and through the
window on Sunday.
Georgi will take you.
If you have any
problems before then,
you can find us at hotel
Mont Parnes in Paris.
- Why does he want me to come?
- Because you and
your propaganda
are throttling our
money supplies.
- Tell Yakushev I'll be there.
[dramatic music]
Look, it'll only take a few
days and then I'll be back.
- Does it have to be you?
- Yes, it is
absolutely necessary.
- Where exactly
will you be going?
- Petrograd probably.
To meet Yakushev.
- But only a few hours ago.
You must have known
they were coming
and at the time
you said nothing.
- Now, listen to me.
I shall be very very careful.
And when I get to the border,
I shall check the route
and the crossing point.
And if there is anything at
all suspicious, I won't go.
My most beloved, my sweetheart.
I want you to know that I
would not have undertaken
this trip unless it was
absolutely essential,
and if I was not convinced
that there is practically
no risk attached.
- "My dearest darling,
I'm doing what I must do
"with the absolute
driven assurance
"that if you were with
me you would approve.
"You're in my thoughts always
and your love will protect me.
"God bless.
"I love you beyond all words.
"Sidney."
- Can I show this to Cummings?
- Well he's going to Russia.
He'll be there this morning.
- If he gets caught,
you can expect no help from us.
- That's what I love
about foreign office.
Total support.
- [Reilly] Was
that the frontier?
- [Maria] No, the border.
The frontier is four
kilometers ahead.
They pulled it back because
of the snow in winter.
- You mean we have a
full kilometer walk?
- Four Finnish kilometers.
- I'm not exactly
dressed for this.
- Here are your
papers and passport.
The visa is marked
48 hours only.
Georgi will escort you
and put you on the train.
You see, we take
care of everything.
- I would have
been more impressed
if you'd cut out the hike.
- This is the safest
route, Sidney.
That's why we chose it.
- Goodbye, Maria.
- Sidney.
Good luck.
[suspenseful music]
- Safe she said.
- Good morning,
Comrade Trilisser.
- Good morning.
- I've spoken to Yakushev.
Reilly has crossed the frontier.
- Good.
Is the meeting set up?
- Yes.
- I want him treated correctly
from the moment he arrives
to the moment he's
put back on the train.
I'm holding you
responsible for his safety.
- Naturally.
- Have you spoken to Artuzov?
- No.
- You'd better inform him.
I don't want him
getting in the way.
- Who is this man Reilly?
- He was sentenced
to death in 1918
for his part in
the Lockhart Plot.
He's been the focus for
our enemies ever since.
- And what's he doing in Russia?
- He's coming to Moscow
to speak with the Trust.
- The Trust?
- A secret organization
based here in Moscow
to which the West
attaches great importance.
In fact it's run by
our foreign section.
It's their biggest operation.
- What do you mean a
secret organization?
I want the files on
all those involved.
- [Artuzov] All?
- All the people in the Trust.
- [Artuzov] But
there are hundreds.
- All of them.
- Yes, General Secretary.
- And the file on Sidney Reilly.
- [Artuzov] Yes, sir.
- Go, Reilly.
[phone ringing]
- Any news?
- I spoke to Stockholm.
- Yes?
I'll meet him at the In
And Out, one o'clock.
If I'm late have
someone sign him in.
- I'm worried.
Boris tells me that the
arrangements of his return
haven't been made.
- Well, that's because
according to his wife
he went through
with Maria Schulz.
- Nevertheless
it's unlike Sidney.
He's meticulous about
that sort of thing.
- What are you
suggesting, George?
That he's not coming back?
- I don't know.
- What the hell is
the matter with you?
You've read this.
"I want you to know
"that I would not have
undertaken this trip
"unless it was
absolutely essential
"and if I was not convinced
"that there is practically
no risk attached."
Does that suggest that
he isn't coming back?
Yakushev will possibly
induce him to stay.
You're not seriously suggesting
that he's gone over
to the Bolsheviks.
- I'm merely saying
that none of the correct
return procedures
have been carried out,
which indicates that he's
not coming back in a hurry.
- What you need, my dear
boy, is a stiff drink.
You've been too
long on the road.
- You're the one
who'll need the drink
because you're the one
who'll carry the can
if he's picked up.
- The Cheka have far
too much at stake
to allow anything
to happen to him.
Hundreds of agents overseas,
unlimited access to
harvested currency.
It would be nothing short
of catastrophic for them
if he would be picked up.
- Catastrophic.
Exactly.
- You made good time.
This is Captain Reilly.
This is Stern, my driver.
- The files you requested.
- I've changed my mind.
Reilly.
I want him arrested.
- [Trilisser] What the
hell are you doing here?
- Stalin sent me
to arrest Reilly.
- Opperput, what do
you know of this?
- Nothing.
- I want to speak
to Felix Dzerzhinsky
at Cheka headquarters.
- The meeting
shouldn't take long.
You can be on the train tonight.
- A call from Malahovka.
- Yes, Trilisser.
- Artuzov's just arrived.
He claims Stalin's
authorized Reilly's arrest.
- Put him on.
- [Artuzov] Artuzov.
- Drawn your men in the
house, keep out of sight,
and don't move against Reilly
until I've seen Stalin.
Now put Trilisser
back on the line.
Trilisser.
- Yes, Felix.
- Get back here as
fast as you can.
Call Stalin's office.
I need to see him,
tell him it's urgent.
- Yes, commissar.
- Wait here.
- What do you want?
- Artuzov and his men have
turned up at Malahovka.
They say that they're
to arrest Reilly.
- Why are you so
interested in this man?
- If you arrest Reilly
the Trust will collapse
with fatal consequences
for our agents abroad.
- How is it that I
have never even heard
of this organization before now.
- It's an intelligence
operation.
- But why wasn't
I told about it?
- I don't see how
it concerns you.
- Any operation
which puts itself up
as the alternative
government of Russia
deserves my closest
attention, Felix.
Even if it is a fake.
Who sanctioned the
formation of the Trust?
- Lenin.
- Lenin is dead.
How long can we afford
to run this country
with a dead man in command?
- What's the matter?
- [Stern] Water pump.
- Is that Reilly?
- [Stern] Yes.
- And where's Yakushev?
- [Stern] Over there.
Yakushev.
- What the hell
are you doing here?
- Artuzov just turned
up at the villa.
- Who is that?
- He's important.
- [Trilisser] Get your men off.
- And who the hell are you?
- [Trilisser] Trilisser.
- [Soldier] Right, out.
Everyone out.
- Is there trouble?
- Yes, at the villa.
- Do we go on?
- We go on in that.
- Nice to have friends
with influence.
- Where are we heading?
- Malahovka.
- My reaction is to have
the whole damn lot arrested.
- The finest of your soldiers,
the most distinguished
of your diplomats,
you want them shot?
- What are they
doing in such a body?
- They're in the Trust because
I asked them to be in it.
Now I want you to
talk to Trilisser.
He has the details on
the situation abroad.
Now please listen to him
before you make up your mind.
- And to welcome captain Reilly
to this extraordinary
meeting of the Trust.
Captain Reilly has been invited
here for one purpose only.
So that he can see for himself
that this organization
represents a genuine alternative
to the present
Bolshevik leadership,
and has both the will and
the means to affect change.
It is one of the
ironies of our position
that we have lost the confidence
of our friends in the West
and their financial support.
But Captain Reilly is one
of the most influential men
in Europe and I don't think
he would mind me saying
also the sternest of our critics
which is why I
felt it appropriate
to extend an invitation
to him to come to Russia
and to meet us.
- Perhaps I could begin
by asking Captain Reilly
what it is about
our organization
which makes him so suspicious.
- The death of Boris Savinkov.
- Do you realize that
if Reilly's arrested
the Trust will be destroyed.
- So?
- It's been the basis of our
strategy for five years now.
- Then you'll have
to devise a new one.
One more in tune with the times.
- What could be more in tune
with the times than the Trust?
- What he means is what
the West is looking for
is exactly the kind
of organization which
we have created.
- You have created a monster
which even at this moment
is sitting in Malakhovka
plotting to take
over our government.
- But it's a phantom.
- What is the difference
between a phantom and reality
when you're dealing
with a man like Reilly.
- If you wish the West
to continue to fund you
and even to increase
their investment,
then you must
demonstrate to them
the effectiveness of
your organization.
Now we don't expect you
to create a general strike
but we do expect to
see industrial unrest,
mutinies in the army,
demonstrations at
the universities,
and the odd piece of terrorism.
Trains derail,
that sort of thing.
We want you to orchestrate
a campaign of anarchy.
- I can assure you
that the organization
is within our control.
- Who are its paymasters.
Hmm?
The West.
- We can do all these
things but not overnight.
In the meantime, largely
due to your criticism,
all funds from the West
have been cut off at source.
- Then create new funds.
- How?
- Rob banks.
- The banks have no money.
- Then sellout treasures.
- But there are our heritage.
- Then you must make a decision.
Are you interested in
the past or the future?
- I have here a
list of our agents
in the United States and
the rest of the world
who will be put at
risk by your decision.
As you can see it
runs into hundreds.
To have these men
arrested will be seen
as a great victory for the West.
- And what about the
arrest of Reilly?
How will that be seen?
- As a failure of nerve
on your part, sir.
[dramatic music]
- You.
You accuse me of a
failure of nerve?
What's the number of
the house in Malakhovka?
- Seven.
- Get me Malakhovka seven.
To Artuzo.
Did you hear that, Felix?
A failure of nerve.
- He's right.
- Ladies and gentlemen,
can I bring you back
to the predicament in
which we find ourselves,
that is the growing
distrust between us
and our friends in the West.
May I therefore ask Captain
Reilly what in his view
would be the most effective way
in which we could re-establish
a feeling of confidence.
- Embark on a program
of assassinations.
Beginning with Stalin.
[phone ringing]
- Artuzov.
- Where's Reilly?
- He's in the next room.
- [Stalin] What's going on?
- Reilly has just suggested
your immediate assassination.
- Reilly comes to Russia
to organize my death
and you characterize my
reaction as a failure of nerve.
- I warned you that Reilly
would provoke this situation.
- I want him arrested now.
- This is exactly the
reaction Reilly wants.
- Get out!
And take your make believe
government with you.
It's all over, Trilisser.
Power is power.
It's the one element of the
human condition you can't fake.
Isn't it, Felix?
- You came to power
because of the support
you received from me.
You now believe
you're so well placed
that you can do with
us as you please.
Well let me correct
that impression.
I still control the Cheka
both in Russia and abroad
and I can tolerate so much
interference in the way I run it
and no more.
The Trust is a successful
instrument of our policy.
Every potential
threat to your regime
has been spotted
through its offices.
And all that concerns you
that something so successful
might one day be
turned against you.
- It poses a threat to me
not because it's successful
but because it's past its time.
In the days when we were
fighting a war on a dozen fronts
your phantom had a function.
That situation no longer exists.
- Because we have
successfully contained it.
Because we have hundreds
of agents abroad
report every move.
Agents who operate within
the highest echelons
of the emigres organizations.
Men who control their armies,
their security, their funds.
Our whole Foreign Service
is self-generating
as a result of the money
that flows into our accounts
from these sources.
Three million dollars last year.
We can't afford to lose
that kind of operation.
We've now reached a situation
where we orchestrate
the entire opposition.
The West believe they lead
it but the fact is we do.
- You do.
You have so much power, Felix.
You don't have to do anything
to undermine my position.
You merely have to exist.
- You question my loyalty?
- I want you to demonstrate
it by arresting Reilly.
- It is so good
to see you again.
- After all this time.
- Must you live tonight?
- The dawn's crack.
- How's Sascha?
- Sascha's fine.
He's living in Paris.
I've been living in New York,
I haven't seen him since '21.
He's never there when I'm there.
- I miss the two of you,
though heaven knows why.
I'm a famous choreographer now.
- So I understand.
Why have you joined
this organization?
It's reeling with
Dzerzhinsky's men.
- I don't believe you.
- That's why I'm here.
- I thought you came here to
give us a clean bill of health.
- Not exactly.
I've come to destroy it.
- There are one or two faces
that I haven't seen before.
Don't advertised your
intentions too loudly,
or you might not
get out of here.
- Captain Reilly.
- If you're in any trouble,
go to the tobacconist in
the little market street.
He'll do anything for me.
Look after yourself.
- You too.
- We're all set.
- Has your driver fixed the car?
- Yes, he's stolen
someone's water pump.
Do you mind?
Artuzov insists on
coming along with us.
- No, not at all.
Where are we going?
- First stop, the station.
- On the Finnish
border after a skirmish
between smugglers and
the Soviet border guards.
How's that?
- "The body of an
Englishman was recovered
"on the Finnish frontier
after a skirmish
"between smugglers and
the Soviet border guards."
It's perfect.
We can't improve on it, it
says absolutely nothing.
- You type it out properly,
and I'll take it
over to the Kremlin.
Where are they now?
- They should just be
approaching the suburbs.
- I have to stop at
the tobacconist's
to send a postcard.
- Where?
- At the old market street.
- Is that alright
with you, Artuzov?
Your old routine?
- Just to let them know
I'm still on one piece.
What happened to Savinkov?
- Why don't you ask Artuzov?
All I know is he
came back to Moscow.
Surrendered and
was put on trial.
"I'm returning without
bombs or armies.
"I ask only that you
judge me as a man
"who has devoted his entire life
"to the cause of
the Russian people."
That's what he said in the dock.
When he sat down, there
wasn't a dry eye in the room.
- And what then?
- They gave him 10 years.
A very light sentence.
And accommodation
at Lubyanka prison,
just like a suite at the Plaza.
All he had to do is
sit back and wait.
- Wait for what?
To be pushed out of a window?
- He was a difficult man.
- He was my closest friend.
[suspenseful music]
And a stamp for Sweden, please.
- Sir.
[suspenseful music]
The box is outside.
- And a stamp for England.
- Sir.
- Captain Reilly.
I'm Trilisser, head
of the foreign section
of the commission
for combating
counterrevolution and terrorism
and this is Felix Dzerzhinsky.
- I regret to have to tell you
that you'll be
placed under arrest
for charges against you in 1918.
[suspenseful music]
- Well?
- We've got him
nicely bedded down.
- Did he say anything?
- Just that everybody
looks so young.
- "The body of an
Englishman was recovered
"on the Finnish frontier
after a skirmish
"between smugglers and
the Soviet border guards."
- Good.
Have our ambassador in Helsinki
make the announcement tonight.
I'm surprised he didn't
put up a struggle.
- He expected to be arrested.
- How can you be so sure?
- How else can you explain this?
He's wrecked the most successful
counterespionage
operation ever run.
[soft music]
[phone ringing]
- Yes.
Where?
When?
Where's that, Finland?
Could be Reilly?
Thank you.
That was Boris from Stockholm.
There's been an incident
on the Finnish border.
One casualty, the Russians
say he was British.
- [George] It can't be Sidney.
- Get up there George
and find out what
the hell is going on.
And for God's sakes stay at
this side of the frontier.
I don't want to
lose another man.
- I suggest you get a
message to Yakushev.
Where is the pass?
And we await an explanation.
And telephone Pepita.
It's important you
keep her informed.
I'll telephone you
from Stockholm.
- Damn.
Damn.
[soft slow music]
- Congratulations.
[dramatic music]