Secret Agent (1964–1967): Season 1, Episode 14 - Such Men Are Dangerous - full transcript

Yes.

Buyo Odzala, you won't know me.

I'm with Federated, my name's
Williams, Ted Williams.

Oh, please come in.

We received a
report this morning

you're a leading article
in the Mowara Star.

About you, we wondered if you cared

to comment on it Mr. Odzala.

And what did the Star
have to say about me?

Nothing good I've no doubt.

Perhaps you'd like to read it.



Do you mind if I finish my breakfast?

Can I offer you a cup of tea?

No thank you.

You do yourself well here.

Just a place our embassy
keeps for visitors.

Police!

Over there.

Good morning.

Edwin Bowden.

Sir.

It's alright, relax.

There's no need for the sir.

I can't tell you my real
name but call me John.

Edwin isn't it?



Ed sir.

A couple of days ago you made a report

to the prison governor,
it was passed on to us.

The gist of it was that a prisoner,

name of Williams, the one
who tried to kill Odzala

approached you about work
when you were released.

That's in about a
fortnight's time isn't it?

That's right.

Now, this man Williams,

you've been inside for seven years now,

he's just starting his sentence.

Why did he pick on you?

We were at school together.

You friends?

We got on.

He wasn't really my type.

And he tells you about a good job

waiting outside, big money?

You had it made.

Yet you reported it to the governor, why?

He wouldn't tell me
what the job was exactly.

That his friends would tell me later.

I knew what he was in for of course.

I mean, he meant to kill this Abdul Abdul,

whatever he called himself.

But, what would his friends want with me?

You didn't turn him down.

No.

Why?

I've had my basinfull of prison.

I'm coming out now.

But I thought I'd something too,

well not to sell,

but I could do with some help right now.

I'll help you.

If you help me.

But you must do exactly as I say.

All right.

Go to your old school friend Williams,

tell him you've thought it over

and you're gonna take him up on his offer.

Did he tell you how to
contact his friends outside?

I haven't got to worry.

They'd contact me on the day I came out.

Good.

Our plans may require you to stay

inside for another week or two.

Do you mind that?

It's been a long time.

I can stand a few more weeks.

Good.

Now the day before you're
due for official release,

go through the usual procedures.

But during the night you'll be slipped out

and transferred to some other place.

Why?

Are you going to release
someone in my place?

Someone's gonna pretend to be me?

Don't think, don't talk,
keep your mouth shut.

Well if I want to see you again,

I'll know where to find you.

Good luck Ed.

Good morning John.

Coffee?

No thank you.

Place not good enough for you eh?

Drink it up Bowden.

Where are you taking me?

You asked for an interview.

I want to know what it's all about.

You'll know just about
as much as we want you to.

I should like to have a look

at your release papers if I may.

Here.

My friend's coffee.

What's the drill?

You'll be met.

Hope you don't mind if I join you.

Please yourself.

There's no dining car on this train.

You got yourself a sandwich.

I see you're sensible.

Splendid day.

Must feel good to be outside.

You feel good being outside?

Well now, that's a difficult question.

You see I haven't been inside.

What's that supposed to mean?

Well it sours a man.

Still, the debt is paid.

Now no doubt you're wondering how you're

going to employ yourself hmm?

Of course there are
liberal minded gentlemen

who are willing to turn a blind eye.

They'll give your work.

Of a sort.

And what's your immediate plan?

To mind my own business.

Oh it's a very excellent maxim.

Sorry.

Seven years, you've aged.

None of your business.

You made it my business Mr. Bowden

when you applied to our
people for employment.

At least I understand you applied.

Of course it wasn't convenient for you

to fill in an application
form at the time hmm?

Come on, what's it all about?

You have blotted your copybook of course,

but we're willing to give you a chance

to rehabilitate yourself.

Yeah, I thought the fact that I've

blotted my copybook might have something

to do with you wanting me.

Yes, it might.

Now how did that get there?

You'd better take it.

The King's Shilling you might say,

but on a more lavish scale.

Don't bother counting Mr.Bowden.

There's I,000 pounds there.

Well, if you're giving it away.
Do you want a receipt?

No no no, you'll find we work on a

system of mutual trust.

But having accepted the money,

you must consider yourself
a servant of the Order.

From now on you'll be taken good care of.

A contented

and extremely well paid servant.

Well paid for what?

You're going to have
to be patient Mr. Bowden.

The Order will expect you to
give your complete loyalty.

If you should fail to do that,

well then your days will be numbered

in the land as they say hmm?

But I'd like to know a lot more about it

before I get myself involved.

Well, in that case Mr. Bowden,

I suggest you return the money to me

and take the next train back to London.

And no harm would have been done hmm?

Make up your mind.

You're at the point of
no return Mr. Bowden.

Speak now or forever hold your peace hmm?

I'll take the chance.

It's we who are taking
the chance Mr. Bowden.

Tickets please!

Little Grimpton.

Little Grimpton.

Yeah, what a curious coincidence.

Well, this is where I have
to leave you Mr. Bowden.

You won't be seeing me again.

Oh that's a pity.

This is where you alight.

They'll take care of you.

What is it a mental home?

No Mr. Bowden, far from it.

Yes, good morning what's your name?

Bowden.

Edwin Bowden?

Ed.

What goes on here?

Hope you don't mind.

Can I have a look at that?

All right, straight on up the drive.

You can leave the case here if you like.

I'll have it sent up for you,

the Jeep will be coming by presently.

You're gonna search it?

I may do.

Good seeing ya.

Not for some time I expect.

Do you want the Annexe, left at the fork.

Good morning.

You look cold, do you want a lift?

Thank you.

Where are you off to?

The Annexe.

Ah, you're one of the mystery men.

What's your name?

Ed Bowden.

What's going on up there?

Give you three guesses.

Don't want to tell me.

Perhaps I don't know.

Oh don't be coy, come on, jump in.

There you are, you go down there.

Thanks.

Didn't get your name.

No you didn't.

You live here?

Don't forget your case.

Thanks.

Don't give it another thought.

What name sir?

Ed Bowden.

Ah yes Mr. Bowden, you are expected.

And let me take your case sir.

Perhaps you'd like to
join the other gentlemen

in the library?

All right.

You in charge here?

No.

You in it too?

When did you arrive?

Oh, just now.

How about you?

Me?

Oh last night.

They got here yesterday morning.

Where from?

Where are you from?

Oh, I got out of the Scrubs this morning.

Strangeways.

Dartmoor.

Parkhurst.

Straight from Joliet USA.

Have you any idea what it's all about?

I mean this Order or
whatever they call it?

Oh, well they'll tell us
when they're ready I suppose.

How about a drink?

I wouldn't do that if I were you?

Why not?

I mean leaving it around like that.

It's most likely some sort of test.

Nonsense.

What's the score?

I don't know.

I haven't seen anyone.

Except old Jeeves here.

Gather yourself gentlemen.

After coffee you'll be
expected at the big house.

That would be at 1420 hours.

The General will expect
you to be punctual.

What General?

The General sir.

You'll be driven up in the brake.

Our Order is international.

It stands for discipline

and the moral authority that
derives from discipline.

Most people are honest and simple,

but they are by nature
incapable of deciding

their own destiny.

They have to be guided.

And that must eventually
be along the paths

that our Order lays down of discipline

and moral obedience to those in authority.

Meanwhile, the so-called
Democratic leaders

deceive the people into
believing that they are idealists.

But in fact they are decadent
and corrupt demagogues.

Such men are dangerous.

Such men must be removed.

And are being removed.

And by their elimination
the world comes nearer

that state of discipline and morality

which is our only hope for the future!

And now my colleague Major Latour

who had a distinguished career with the

French resistance in North Africa,

and who is our European liaison officer

will answer any questions you may have.

Sir.

Hutchinson is it not?

Yes sir.

Was not everything clear to you

from what the General said?

Not everything sir.

No?

What did you not understand?

Well, who decides. WHO judges?

The Order decides.

You've no need to bother
your head about that.

The first virtue for you is discipline.

Well yes, but being in prison so long

I've had a lot time to think.

Well thinking about it all that time,

the point is I feel that
violence just isn't on.

Just not justified
under any circumstances.

And who is advocating violence?

Well it did kind of sound
like Murder Incorporated.

Yes, I thought that's
what it was all about.

The Order is International.

Recruited from men of goodwill.

Our purpose is to defend all that is best

in our Western democracy.

But isn't that the job of the governments?

I've just explained that
governments are corrupt.

The Order has taken the duty on itself.

But look--

Next!

Bowden isn't it?

Any questions?

No sir.

All clear?

Very clear sir.

That's good.

Taylor?

Sir.

Any questions?

No sir.

Pratt.

Nope.

No sir no questions.

Johnson?

No questions sir.

Oh Hutchinson, I shall reassign you

to other duties.

Sir.

Thank you Major.

Good afternoon everyone.

And now you...

Oh Hutchinson, I wonder if you'd mind

waiting outside.

I'll be with you in a few minutes.

Sit down please.

And now, you four will be
wondering what it's all about.

Well as the General said,

the Order decides your actions.

You do as you're told.

From now on you will live
in comfort and security.

In comfort plus.

But don't go meddling about in politics.

Leave that to the experts.

And now, you men have got a stiff

training schedule ahead of you.

But I've no doubt for the moment

you all are suffering from
the effects of freedom.

I know what it's like.

I know.

I was in a prison camp.

Military prison camp.

We can't expect much work out of you

until you've let off some steam,

so you're all leaving
for London right away.

Have yourselves a whale of a time.

Don't be frightened of spending.

The Order is a generous pay master.

You ready?

What?

Come on, this is what
I've been waiting for.

A dozen oysters, a fillet steak

and a bottle of Burgundy.

Couldn't we have something sent up?

Don't be silly.

Look Ed, I couldn't take it.

At least not yet.

I mean down in the street.

People, all those faces,
I couldn't take it.

Well,

Jack, if that's the
way you feel about it,

we'll have something sent up.

Thanks Ed.

Ed.

What do you think we've
got ourselves into?

Hey, how do you like this?

Real class ,eh?

Yeah, third class.

That's not funny.

Hey, listen to this.

"Bank bandit killed in
fatal road accident."

"Harold Hutchinson only
released two days ago"

"from Dartmoor prison,"

"after serving five years
of a seven-year sentence"

"for robbery with violence was found dead"

"from multiple injuries
on the side of the"--

Hey, let me see.

Poor old Harry.

After five years of porridge.

That was no accident.

What do you mean?

You could see the Major had it in for him.

Are you serious?

They couldn't let him off the hook.

He knew too much.

We all do.

This ain't no Sunday school Arthur.

He didn't fit in, so they
dispensed with his services.

Well, what do they want us for?

Well what do you think?

They don't pay this kind
of dough for babysitting.

Ah, come on Shorty let's get a drink.

Or a cigar.

You know there's only one thing missing.

Girls.

Yeah girls.

Yeah, let's go down and rustle some up.

Why do it the hard way?

I've got some numbers here.

Ah seven years out of date!

No.

Let's go down and find some.

No, this is a sure thing.

I got it from a West End con man.

Only nicked three months ago.

May as well give it a try anyway.

I'd like to speak to Jackie.

Jacqueline.

Huh?

Oh it is?

My name's Ed.

Edwin.

Where'd I get your number?

A friend of mine gave it to me.

He said that you were a great girl.

Oh that was nice of him.

Oh no no no, he's away on business.

Won't be back for a bit.

What are you doing tonight?

Well have you got any ideas?

Would you like to come to a party?

Got any girlfriends?

How many girlfriends?

Four, including me.

What type?

Oh, all my friends are affluent gentlemen.

Oh, that type huh?

Yeah.

22 Sherwood House Park Place.

And Jackie, are you a blonde?

All right, Miss Jackson's on duty.

Well hello there you pretty things.

Come right in.

Beautiful sight.

I've been waiting for
this for a long time.

Hi, where have you been?

In Africa.

Would you be Jacqueline?

Would you be Edwin?

How about that?

Come along with me.

I've got a lot of business
to discuss with you.

I bet he has.

Don't be vulgar.

Hope your girls will be alright.

I hope your pals will.

Come on.

It's all in there.

They've got tabs on us day and night.

I've got to find a way of
keeping contact with headquarters.

Get signals to work out
a communication system.

When I go back on Sunday night,

I won't be allowed out again

and they'll search me when I go in.

So I won't be able to
take anything with me.

I've made a suggestion in
there how it might work.

However, Williams, the man
who tried to kill Odzala,

have you got a history on him yet?

We're still working on it.

He evidently started out as a communist.

Had a quarrel with them, and
had a flirtation

with the British Nazi Party.

That lasted for a year or two.

Then one day he went to a
meeting of the Knight Crusaders.

He was there to make trouble,

but like St. Paul he saw the light.

He was converted at the time of his arrest

he was still an ardent supporter.

Of that narrow band of bigoted reformers.

Bigoted they may be, but they would hardly

incite Williams to murder.

I looked in at their last
meeting at the Albert Hall.

They were all stolid,
middle class citizens.

Yeah, perhaps.

They've got some dangerous ideas

and far too much money.

It could be that they have
a secret action committee.

In which case, Williams might be a member.

My crackpot outfit down in the country

might well be that committee.

They're always talking about the Order.

That's Order with a capital O.

Knights of the Order.

That's got a crusading ring about it.

In which case trying to
kill Odzala might fit.

Now that you've had your fun,

we shall expect your full
and undivided attention

for the whole of the course.

But first I should warn you.

That as long as you work for the Order

you will always be under the
strictest of surveillance.

Tell me, over the last few days in London

you had no sense of being observed?

Hmm?

Well?

No sir.

Pratt?

No, no, not me sir.

Take a look at these.

There were no observations that you made

over the weekend that were not recorded.

I won't bore you with all of them,

but this piece of conversation
interested us particularly.

And only released two days ago

from Dartmoor Prison after serving

five years of a seven-year sentence

for robbery with violence was found dead

from multiple injuries on the--

Hey, let me see.

Poor old Harry.

After five years of porridge.

That was no accident.

What do you mean?

You could see the Major had it in for him.

Are you serious?

They couldn't let him off the hook.

He knew too much.

We all do.

This ain't no Sunday school outfit.

He didn't fit in so they
dispensed with his services.

Well, what do they want us for?

You were told to keep
out of politics, Taylor.

This will be your last warning.

And now for the big mystery.

Sit down.

Why are we paying each one of you

as much as the Prime Minister?

It will be your function to execute

the judgments of the Order.

Once the Order have judged a man

to be a danger to society,

he will be disposed of as silently

and as swiftly as possible.

That will be your duty.

Oh, the problem is not as
difficult as you might suppose.

You see, the condemned
man would have no idea

that he has been judged and sentenced.

He would be neither
forewarned, nor forearmed.

And from the police point of view,

there would be no connection
between yourselves

and the condemned man.

You will have no apparent motive,

and so the police will have
no reason for suspecting you.

And now, planning.

From your point of view
the operation can be

broken down into four main problems.

Your cover, the approach,

the method, the retreat.

First we will deal with the method.

You have been chosen because
you are men of action.

Misguided action maybe.

So here's a chance to
rehabilitate yourselves.

The method of action you
employed in all cases

was unplanned.

Which is demonstrated by the fact

that you all served long
terms of imprisonment.

I must warn you that we
do not tolerate failure.

Different problems must be
resolved by different methods.

Here you will be taught many ways of--

Ah Mr. Sen.

Mr. Sen is one of our experts.

And he will instruct you in his

particular method.

Good afternoon gentlemen.

I belong to an ancient religious cult.

Perhaps you have heard of this cult.

It is called Thuggee.

A true Thuggee gentleman carries no arms.

For a man who carries arms
clearly has evil intentions.

But, although we carry
no arms we do however

wear a thin long scarf.

But to wear a thin long
scarf in this country

would not be considered normal.

But a generally accepted article
of apparel is the necktie.

Now you sir.

An Englishman would hardly be considered

respectable without one.

Now I have a specially invented knot.

On the surface it looks normal,

but it has quick release.

Now, let us suppose I have followed

the victim into the hotel washroom.

Now you see gentlemen,
pressure alone is not enough.

It is too noisy. Too slow.

It is a sudden sideways
twist that breaks the neck.

It must come from the hips like so.

The feet, you must be flat at your feet.

Not on your toes.

But of course this comes after

a long painstaking practice.

Now, you sir, let me
show you one of my knots.

Oh no no no, this tie is
too slippery, too flat.

It must be of harder silk.

Now I have some very special ties.

It is not of an unattractive pattern.

And now your
training will start in earnest.

Come on, hurry up there.

Back to the Annexe everyone.

Hang on of these will ya?

Well where are you off to?

Forgot my watch.

Left it down by the lake.

You better tell him where you're going.

Please teacher may I be excused?

But...

Hello there.

Must have thrown out of the butcher's van.

Put it in the front.

I'll take it up to the house later.

Uh, Culross, is that you?

No.

Anyone here by that name?

No.

Well it must be for somewhere else.

The van will be back in a minute,

I'll wait here and give it to him.

Make yourself at home.

Ready.

Good shot.

Would you know?

Yeah I think so.

Have you found out yet
what's going on at the Annexe?

Yeah.

Tell me what it's all about.

That's a secret.

Right.

Ready.

Do you know what you're doing?

You're taking your head down to the gun

instead of bringing the
gun up to your head.

Do you know what I mean?

Oh I am, am I?

Yeah.

Would you like to demonstrate?

Oh.

Well, you got a couple of shells?

Trouble is that this is
probably a bit short for me.

Ready!

Let me see you do that again.

I don't believe in pushing my luck.

That wasn't luck.

Where did you learn to shoot like that?

Why, is that the privilege
of the establishment?

Ah, so that's another secret is it?

If you really want to know

I was brought up in the country

and country boys grew up with guns.

Even the quite ordinary peasant type.

Why do you let it worry you?

Never had to worry you did it?

I never let it.

I come from the Glasgow slums.

One of the Jubilee Terrace kids.

We didn't have guns.

We didn't have anything.

Which goes to prove?

Nothing.

Just that there are
top dogs and underdogs.

And I intend to remain a top dog.

You mean your General.

My husband.

Ah.

I see.

So you marry top dogs.

Well of course.

Who else?

I do believe you're shocked.

Who me?

After all, what about affluent older men

with useful lives behind them?

Don't they deserve pretty girls?

Oh yeah, good luck to them.

And he's had a useful
life behind him has he?

I believe he has.

Would it have made any
difference if he hadn't?

No.

And he believes in what he's doing now,

whatever it is?

Oh I'm sure he does.

Passionate.

Yeah, gave me the impression
of being a bit of a fanatic.

Those are very dangerous words.

You ought to be more discreet.

I'll try.

I don't want to put the wind up you,

but I don't think you
ought to be chatting me up.

Everything goes straight back.

So there you are.

Did you find your watch?

Oh yes, Sir.

Next time, ask.

And you will refrain
from talking to anyone

who is not a member of the staff.

I'll not have people
wandering about the grounds

without my permission.

Now you'll not get another warning.

Right.

Oh there you are Diana,

I didn't know you were gonna be so late.

It's only one o'clock.

Didn't you get my note?

Yes, but you know I don't care

for those particular friends of yours.

What's so particular about them?

Is it that they're young?

Oh now Diana, you know I don't mean that.

Why don't you like them?

Crusaders.

I have placed the bug.

Keep a 24-hours, sound watch.

Let me know if reception is satisfactory.

Will call again same hour tomorrow.

Over and out.

Come out.

Get down!

I can't wait much longer.

Our training period is finished.

We'll be leaving here soon now. Over.

The interviews we've
monitored from your man's study

have been most informative.

The FBI are following
them up now in the States.

But they will want at
least another 24 hours.

And we've got investigations

going in France and Germany.

Now if you run into real trouble,

you've got the automatic alarm.

From your signal, we can
close the net in 20 minutes.

Keep them on their toes.

20 minutes can seem a very long time.

Over and out.

Oh Jack.

What are you thinking about?

Where have you been?

What do you mean?

I looked in, you weren't here.

I thought perhaps you'd
gone over the wall.

Why should I do that for?

I don't know.

It wouldn't be such a bad idea.

What are you talking about?

Where were you anyway?

You know the feeling?

Walls closing in.

Most of the time I'm all right

and then one night I get the feeling

I'm back in the cell again.

Gotta getaway, out in the open you know?

Yeah, I know that feeling.

Only I feel that way
about most of this setup.

Ever thought of making a break?

You better watch what you're saying Jack.

Get out!

All right.

Come on Bowden.

You're wanted.

Up at the house.

Very well then, leave it to us.

No, we'll take care of him.

Bowden, you know why
you're wanted of course?

No sir.

You're a friend of Taylor aren't you?

Jack Taylor?

Yes sir, I suppose so sir.

What was his attitude towards us?

Well I, I don't remember him
ever talking about you sir.

I mean this organization.

I wouldn't know, he's
not much of a talker.

No?

Is he ever moody?

I suppose so.

I have my work to do, I didn't notice.

Well then it's a pity you didn't.

I find your attitude
dangerously irresponsible.

Your friend has betrayed
us Bowden, he's run away.

You must have had some
suspicion of his attitude.

You should have warned us.

I didn't have any suspicion, Sir.

I see.

Well to run away is one thing,

but to escape us is another matter Bowden.

He was followed of course.

At this moment he's not more
than 50 miles away from here.

He's in a motel under an assumed name.

No doubt he thinks he's
safe until morning.

Now Bowden and Johnson you
two will leave right away.

This is your opportunity
to show your efficiency.

And also your loyalty.

While he's alive he's
a danger to all of us.

Now, it's nearly four o'clock,

no time to waste Major.

Sir.

Approach.

In this case the approach is not simple.

He will be on his guard,

therefore you must
exercise extreme caution.

Before he went to prison
he was a safe breaker.

The police won't be
surprised if he appears

to have returned to his old habits.

Now, he puts up with the motel

under an assumed name.

He gets killed in an explosion.

The police find the traces of dynamite.

They will have course suppose
that he has been careless

and killed himself with
the tools of his trade.

Now,

handle this with care.

It is detonated with a time fuse.

You see?

You set the time here on the dial,

and you close the case.

When you wish to set the fuse in action,

press the clasp here.

It is well tested and foolproof.

All clear?

Yes sir.

Bowden you'll place the charge.

And don't hang around
to watch the fireworks.

We don't want you falling under suspicion.

All right, that'll be all.

And good luck.

Thank you sir.

There it is.

Chalet number five.

Uh-huh.

I'll leave it all to you.

Okay.

I'll keep the motor running.

If you have any trouble--

I won't.

Ed!

How did you find me?

He sent me to kill you.

How did you know where I was?

There's no time for that, Red's outside.

As soon as you hear us
drive away, get out.

You've got money, get out of the country.

What about you?

Now this thing here,

there's enough gelignite in
here to blow you to smithereens.

Just before you leave, fasten this clasp.

Be careful how you do it,

the timing device is already set.

The newspapers will report the explosion

and I'll appear to have done my stuff.

There won't be a body but I'll

just have to talk my way out of that one.

Ed.

I won't forget.

So long.

All right.

You were right then Captain.

And you were wrong Major.

I wasn't sure of our friend
Bowden right from the start.

Isn't the type.

Hasn't the guts.

No.

There I think perhaps you're wrong.

He could be working for someone.

Yes, could be.

Well I think we'd better get started.

Oh there's plenty of time.

I told Red not to hurry,
we'll be back first.

Good morning, shooting again today?

I wouldn't be surprised.

Keep your head down.

I'll make a point of it.

They should be picking up
the pieces just about now.

What pieces?

You failed in your test Bowden.

It was a test you see.

So I failed.

We gave you your chance
but you proved disloyal.

I guess

your games were too tough for me.

Oh, what happens now?

The same as Hutchinson?

You'll find out.

That way.

No, get the guns!

You sound the alarm!

Here, now drink this.

How are you feeling now?

Not so good.

Thompson get the car ready.

Sir.

And now we would like to
know why you joined the Order.

Come on Bowden, we want the truth.

Of course.

It'd be a pleasure.

Of course I'm,

I'm not Bowden.

I took his place so that

I could enroll for a course in this

playful kindergarten of yours.

And actually I'm not working alone.

Was I?

Morning everyone.

Handy little gadgets these.

Pity you didn't know about it,

otherwise you wouldn't
have talked so much.

Just 17 minutes and 30 seconds ago

I sent out an alarm signal.

And if the outfit is on
time, and they usually are,

there should be here in about
two and a half minutes wrap.

That would be two minutes too late.

Diana this is no place for you.

Your people know nothing
about me and they never will!

Now give me that gun!

Oh Diana!

Drop it.

Drop it.

You're nearly a minute early boys.

And so, it's a pity you showed your hand.

I might just have given you
the benefit of the doubt.