Secret Agent (1964–1967): Season 1, Episode 2 - The Professionals - full transcript

Joan, what are you doing here?

Morning, Betty.

Is John Rhodes in yet?

You're a minute early, he
passes here at 9:25 on the dot.

I didn't see you at the
Bennetts' last night.

No, we were rather tired.

Is Desmond all right?

Yes of course, he's fine.

Only I haven't seen him about lately.

Well he's been up to the eyes, you know.

Oh poor dear, he's such a pet.



Here he is.

Mr. Rhodes, Mrs. Pearson
is here to see you.

Well good morning, Mrs.
Pearson, morning Betty.

And how's your Desmond?

All right, thank you.

Well, what can we do for you?

I have just a minute or two

before I'm due in with the ambassador.

Can we go into your office?

Yes, yes of course.

Do sit down, Mrs. Pearson.

Well, I hope it's
nothing serious.

It's Desmond, he hasn't been
home for almost a fortnight.

Oh, well I don't quite
see how we can help you.



But I haven't any
idea where he is.

I'm sure he'll turn up, he usually does.

What do you mean by that?

Well, he travels quite a lot for his firm.

Naturally we'd like to help but--

I think you should.

Desmond's rather an
independent character.

He might not like us prying
into his business affairs.

Look at these.

But they're from Desmond.

I thought you said you
didn't know where he was?

I don't, each telegram was
sent from a different town.

But he's been keeping in touch.

I really don't see why you're so worried.

I don't think he sent
them, it's unlike him.

He always writes, he
never sends telegrams.

Hmm, well if there's
no news in a day or two

we'll make some inquiries.

Now if you'll excuse me, I
mustn't keep the master waiting.

But there must be
something wrong.

He's never left Prague
without telling me.

I really don't think you
need to worry, Mrs. Pearson.

Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing you both

at the reception on Saturday.

Good morning, John.

Sorry I'm late, sir.
-Oh are you?

Couldn't get away from
that tiresome Mrs. Pearson.

What's Desmond been up to then?

He's gone A-W-O-L, sir,
nearly a fortnight now.

I'd like your advice on this
trade mission application, sir.

Oh, hasn't she heard from him then?

Well, she's had four telegrams,

but she thinks he didn't send them.

These marital problems.

Now leave this file with
me, would you, John?

We'll have a word later in the day.

Ah, as you wish, sir.

Hello?
-Come in, Simon, will you?

Right away.
-Yes, sir.

Take a signal to London. in code, M9.

Just in case they're not aware

that one of their men is
missing, Desmond Pearson.

Are you British?
-Very much so, old chap.

I've had a spot of bother,
my taxi's broken down.

Could you possibly
give me a lift

to the nearest taxi
rank in Prague?

Sure, sure, jump in.
-I have a couple of bags.

Do you mind?
- Not at all.

Thank you.

Well, Drake, welcome to Prague.

Thank you, sir. actually
it's Stuart, Terence Stuart.

I sometimes wonder if you chaps

ever know who you really are.

Sometimes wonder ourselves.

What's the latest
news on Pearson?

Not a thing.

There's nothing to show
he's been arrested, either.

Two weeks missing in Czechoslovakia.

Doesn't leave much alternative, does it?

His wife, poor soul, is nearly
out of her mind with worry.

I pressed the authorities
here, but they know nothing.

They never do.

First we ever know is when
they come up for trial,

if you can call it a trial.

He may be lying low, but I
can't think why he should.

You realize that he
was on to one of our best

sources of information we've
had behind the curtain.

You know him then?
-Pearson, no,

I've had my briefing.

If they've pulled him in, we've
had it, he'll have talked.

Yeah, pity.

You probably know the source,
a minister, Joesef Redl.

Redl?
-Yeah.

Well, I never.

Cash, or by conviction?
-Neither.

Indiscretion.
-Oh.

What's her name?
-Ira Frankel,

one of the most expensive young
ladies in Prague, isn't she?

I really wouldn't know
about these things.

She may still be a bargain to us.

Now I wonder they
didn't send you out here

as a member of his firm
to look into things.

Would have been a very good cover.

I trust that no one at
your embassy's ever met him?

No, we made sure of that.

By the way, you know
Stuart's background?

Yeah, tall, fair, 34,
until three days ago

a member of our
embassy in Uruguay.

He's one of our
horizontal heroes,

couldn't keep off the bottle.

So you have quite a reputation
to live up to, haven't you?

My stomach has! oh, by the way, sir.

I'd like the opposition to know
about this weakness of mine

as soon as possible.

They'll be falling over
each other to meet you,

I'll see to that.

All I have to do is
pass your personal file

across a certain desk in the embassy.

Now is this the Stuart file, Miss Cross?

Yes, Mr. Rhodes.
-Oh, good.

Then send him in.
- Yes.

May I come in.

Terence Stuart, sir.

I can see that.

You've had rather a lot of
postings these past few years.

Yes, I do get about.

It's one of the attractions
of the service, sir.

Now let's see, this is your
first time behind the curtain.

We have to be much more
circumspect in these parts.

I, for one, will not tolerate

any of these sort of embarrassments.

Yes, I appreciate that, sir.

Good, well, you'll have
the weekend to settle in.

We've an embassy party tonight.
we'd like to see you there.

Certainly, sir.

Until seven then.

Your name, sir?

Stuart, Terence Stuart.

Mr. Terence Stuart!

Ah, Stuart, you're the new man.

Yes, sir.

I hope you'll be happy here.
any problems, let me know.

Thank you very much, sir.
-good evening--

Doctor and Frau Peter Lots-beer.

Oh, I'm glad to see you made it.

What are you having?
-Oh, no thank you.

Look, we don't expect
you to remain totally dry.

Come on, have one. no harm in one.

Well, if you absolutely twist
my arm, dry ginger please.

Are you quite sure?

I'm a reformed character.
-Dry ginger, please.

Mrs. Desmond Pearson.

Good evening. we're
doing all we can, my dear.

Thank you Sir Hartley.

Good evening, Lady Goodman.

Joan! I'm so terribly
sorry to hear about Desmond.

Desmond?

You must not bottle this up.

You must confide in your friends.

we all want to help you, you know that.

But Desmond's only
away on business.

Ah yes, yes of course.

Sir George and Lady Whitelaw.

And who's the handsome
lad with Mrs. Pearson?

Oh him? Milos Kaldor, you mean.

I didn't know you knew Mrs. Pearson.

I don't, I just heard her announced.

Yes, she should interest you, Stuart.

Her husband's vanished,

so Hartley wants you
want you to look into it.

What about Kaldor?

He's an advisor on cultural relations.

I should steer well clear
of him, if I were you.

Unsavory fellow. They say he runs women.

Does he?

I couldn't sufficiently care.

Would you excuse me?

Of course.

Oh, good evening, Joan.

Uh, Mr. Stuart, Mrs. Pearson.
Mrs. Pearson.

Yes, Stuart's just joined
us from South America.

Oh.

John, could I have a word with
you when you have a moment?

Oh, I ought to have mentioned it.

Stuart's just been asked

to look into what's happened to Desmond.

I'll leave you two together.

Oh, let me get you another drink,

Mrs. Pearson.
-Oh, thank you.

Could I have a scotch and water?

A scotch and water, please.

This must be awful for you.

Any idea where he could be?

No, none whatever.

Had he been sick or anything?

No, Mr. Stuart, he hadn't been sick.

Oh, thank you very much.

Shall we over go there,
a little less crowded.

I've just one thing I'd like
to get clear, Mrs. Pearson.

Did your husband take anything with him?

Take anything?
-Pack a bag.

No, no, he didn't.

Oh, excuse me, Joan, I forgot to ask,

why not have dinner with us tomorrow night

to keep your mind off things?

Well, that's very nice of you, Milos,

but I'm afraid I can't manage it.

Oh.

Oh, uh, this is Mr. Kaldor, Mr. Stuart.

How do you do?
-Mr. Kaldor is a friend

of the British community.
-Ah, you're new here.

Have you been to Prague before?

I've never had that pleasure.

Wonderful, Paris has nothing
on Prague, Mr. Stuart,

for gaiety, for beauty.
Joan darling, there you are.

Oh, I'm so sorry, will you excuse me?

Certainly.

Charming woman.

Such a pity about Desmond
having this awful reputation.

Oh?
-I mean about the women.

There's nothing to it, really, but,

you've lived your life in embassies,

you know how catty these people can be.

Yes, you were acquainted
with him, were you?

I like to think of the
Pearsons as my good friends.

What do you think happened?

You see I've been landed with this one,

I've got to find him.

The penalty of being
the new boy, I suppose.

All the dull jobs.

Don't worry, if I know Desmond,

he'll turn up again in a few
days. He's disappeared before.

I wonder sometimes if there
isn't more to Desmond's life

than meets the eye.
-Really?

By the way, come around to
my house tomorrow evening.

I've got a little party on.

I'm on duty the next
morning, my first day.

Well then, come early,
come in the afternoon.

We'll all be swimming.

Mm, well, as long as
I get away in good time.

And no excuses.

If you'll excuse me, Mr. Kaldor,

I have someone I'd like
Mr. Stuart to meet.

By all means. till tomorrow?

Yes indeed, thanks so much.

My dear Terence, so glad you came.

You certainly do yourselves
very well out here.

Life is what you make it.

You must not make the mistake

of believing everything
you hear about us.

One moment, everybody.
I want to introduce you

to a new friend of ours, Terence Stuart.

He's an important British
diplomat, so be careful.

Ira.

What's the lady's name?
-Ira.

She's great fun.
-Really?

She wants to know who
is my handsome friend.

Are you sure she's not
just asking for drink?

Eh?

Perhaps so.

You take it to her.

Oh, all right.

He's one of those
reserved Englishmen, Ira.

I'm Terry Stuart, and you?

I'm Ira, Ira Frankel.

Terry is trying to find
out what happened to Desmond.

Oh dear, isn't there any news yet?

You knew him then?

Very well. I do hope he'll be all right.

Aren't you coming in?

You look as if you're ready
for the day at the office.

I didn't bring any shorts.

I'll find you some.
-All right, is this yours?

Yes, thank you.
-Here.

The water is marvelous.
-Splendid.

All right, come on.

There we are.

Ah, too big, you're tall
but your waist is small.

Yes.
-That's more like it.

Yes, where will I change?

Here.

Meet outside?

Milos was right.

You Englishmen.

Have you known many Englishmen?

Oh, friends of Milos.

Desmond used to come here?

Yes, he was full of life.

Was?

I didn't mean it that way,
he must come back.

Were you very fond of him?

Hmm.
-His wife's very nice.

Have you met her?

You know, it's funny,

every time I turn my
back, my glass is empty.

Ira, go and talk to Terence.

But he's so dull, so English.

Ira, my sweet, I heard that.

So dull, so English,
but I have my moments.

My favorite dull Englishman.

Didn't you know there was a gypsy

trying to break out of
every English diplomat?

Come, a toast to the Gypsy.

I don't drink.
-Terence,

you're a long way from the embassy.

The ambassador is in bed by
now, you're among friends, hmm?

Skol.

Skol.

Feeling better, Mr. Stuart?

You had a good time.

How long have I been here?

Minutes, hours.

How long do you think?

Who are you?

I'll ask the questions, Mr. Stuart.

Can I get you something for your head?

You'll find everything there
except the keys for the car.

You were very fortunate not
to be injured, a miracle.

I must ask you to remain, Mr.
Stuart, you were very drunk.

You have no right to hold me here.

We are not holding you, Mr. Stuart,

we are just inquiring.

Then I shall have to assert
my diplomatic privilege.

Shall I call your ambassador for you?

Don't you remember the car?

What car?
-Your car.

You have been responsible
for a road accident

that seriously injured a pedestrian.

You're out of your
mind, I wasn't driving.

You were alone in the
car, we have a witness.

One of your men.

The pedestrian is on the danger list.

Where is he?
-In hospital.

I'd like to see him.

But first I must ask you for a statement.

Terence, I've just heard,
this is terrible.

Tell him, tell him I
didn't have much to drink.

Now, don't worry, we're all with you.

You know what he's trying to say?

Perhaps your friend will
be kind enough to leave,

and then I can have your statement.

Mr. Stuart has nothing to say yet.

Mr. Stuart cannot leave
until I have his statement.

Terence, if anyone can
help you, it's Milos.

Did you see me drive away?

We tried to stop you.
-Why did you try to stop him?

Because he had
forgotten something.

What was it you forgot?

Don't answer.

You may go now.

Mr. Stuart?

I shall want to see you tomorrow.

Don't you see that the moment

the ambassador hears about this,
I'll be out of the service?

It was an accident. anyway, drink this.

It will make you feel better.

But they're bound to
report it to the embassy.

No, not bound.

What about the statement?

You haven't made one yet.

Tomorrow is another day, by
then I will have had time.

Ira has some very important
friends, one especially.

I'll have to tell the ambassador,

if he's going to find out later.

No, no, no, no, no, no, not one word.

That's enough. Your tea's upstairs.

Bye bye.

Goodbye, Mr. Stuart.
-Bye.

And take your toys with you.

Do you have children, Mr. Stuart?

Ah, no, I don't think I could
keep up with them somehow.

Please.

How long have you lived here?
-Four years now.

Two in this house. Help yourself to sugar.

How do you get on for friends?

Must be the British community, I suppose.

Oh no, Desmond's a very good mixer.

We've never been short of friends here.

Wasn't in any kind of trouble, was he?

Trouble?

Well, I mean it's easy
enough for a Westerner

to fall foul of the security police.

Oh, I'm sure there
was nothing like that.

Desmond helped to bring a
lot of trade to this country.

Had he ever suggested
that anyone was putting

any kind of pressure on him?

Just the usual business
problems, nothing more.

Any money troubles?

Not really.

Not really?

Well, he did seem to be a
bit worried about a year ago,

but since then things
have been much better.

Who is this man Kaldor

that you introduced me to last night?

Why do you ask?

Well, you didn't seem
to like him very much.

I don't, he's always
trying to ingratiate himself.

Known him long?

About a year, perhaps a little more.

Was he a particular
friend of your husband's?

Desmond used to see him sometimes.

I know all about that girl.

I'm sure he's not with her,
if that's what you mean.

I'm sorry.

You don't have to be, it's no secret.

All I do know is that
Desmond's never been the same

since he met her.

In what way?

Mr. Stuart, how much of what I tell you

will get back to his firm?

Not a thing if you don't want it to.

You see, there's been no one to turn to.

Desmond's gone steadily
downhill ever since

he got in with that set.

Kaldor, and the girl Ira,
the rest of Kaldor's women.

I don't think I've ever
come across a more evil man.

Desmond started staying out

and drinking more than was good for him,

and recently it's become impossible.

In what way impossible?

I think in diplomatic language

you call it a nervous breakdown.

Are you coming in for a swim?

Uh--
-Shall we?

No, not now.

Come on, relax.

Have you had any more news?

News?
-The police.

Oh, don't worry about it.

Have you been on to them again?

Just leave it with me.

These things have a way
of sorting themselves out.

If it gets back to the ambassador,

I shall be in very real trouble.

Terry's such a worrier.

And so tense too, he needs a swim.

All those hot clothes.
You'll feel much better

with them off.
-No, I can't stay.

I must get back.

To that awful embassy?

What's the hurry?

It's this Pearson business.
-Desmond?

I feel very sorry for his wife.

He's got himself in an
awful mess, it seems.

Ira, would you be so kind

as to get us a couple of drinks, please?

Terry?
-Uh, thank you,

an iced lemon would go down very well.

Oh, come on now.

No, no, I'm due back at the embassy.

Well, you know mine.

Now what's all this Joan Pearson

has been telling you about Desmond?

Oh no, it was in confidence.

Well, I'm one of his very best friends.

I don't think I should.

I might be able to help.

Tell me, did you notice,
had he been drinking too much?

Desmond?

He liked his fun.
-Yes.

Why, what does she say then?

I wish I could be finished
with this ridiculous job.

You mustn't judge him, please,
by her bourgeois standard.

I didn't mean that. she
said he'd had a breakdown.

That would surprise me.

If I were you, Terry, I
don't think I'd report this.

It might make you look
a little ridiculous.

But I have to report it back.

If as a friend of Desmond's,
I were to ask you...

Thank you. Ira, won't you be
late for your appointment?

Appointment?
-Run along and change.

Oh, oh yes.

Bye Terry, see you.
-Bye, Ira.

You know, this could
cost Desmond his job.

He's done a lot for that firm,

not to speak of relations
between our two countries.

But none of this will
get back to his company.

Oh, you don't know Prague, Terry.

Honestly, I'd rather you
kept this to yourself.

I can't do that.
-Why not?

It's not my job to keep
things from the embassy.

Also it's not my job to
cover up your indiscretions.

I mean, if you're going to be virtuous

about this kind of thing.

I see.

You mean but that thing
is dependent on the other.

No.

Nothing of the kind, Terry,
I like to protect my friends.

I like to protect you, I
like to protect Desmond.

You're going to help me, aren't you?

So you know about his breakdown?

As a matter of fact, I do,
it was to me that he came.

He's still about?

But where is he?

Ah, ah, ah, are you asking as a friend,

or as a member of the embassy staff?

I just want to finish with this job

and get on to something interesting.

Any idea what they've
got lined up for you next?

Depends on how I handle this, I suppose.

Win or lose, there's not
much in it for you, I suppose.

Just more work.

I know how little they
pay you fellows, mm.

You know, Terry, you and I
are made of the same stuff.

East, West, what's the difference?

In the end we must look after ourselves.

You certainly know what
it's all about, don't you?

You know, you and I
should go into business.

Business?

Oh, come on, you know what I mean.

I've nothing to sell at the moment.

Oh, I'm talking about a
month, maybe a year from now.

In the meantime, I will
be able to help you.

Desmond, for instance.

You know where he is, don't you?

Yes, I know, I arranged
for him to go away.

But it's just about time for him

to come back into circulation.

I think perhaps, Terry,
you better come with me.

Just give me a moment to change.

Yes, yes.

Visitor for you, Desmond.

Who is this?

Now, Desmond, you're
looking much better today.

I'm not feeling any better.

Terry Stuart from the British Embassy.

Glad I found you.
-Terry's been given the job

of finding out what's happened to you.

It's all right, he's a friend of ours.

He wants to do what he can to help.

I've never seen you
around the embassy before.

I'm new, I've just joined.

And this is his first job, to find you.

Oh, is it?

This letter to my wife, you
said you'd take it. you didn't.

I'm sorry, Desmond,
I'll see that she gets it.

I still don't know why you brought him.

Your wife asked the embassy to help.

Help?

Yes, she's frightened.

But she's had four
telegrams, hasn't she?

I wrote them myself.

No one could know they were not from you.

She knew.

You should have left it to me!

Desmond, you couldn't have
written even your own name,

and you know it.

How much has he told you
about what's happened to me?

Milos didn't tell me.

Who did then?

Joan.

Joan?

Have you been around worrying her?

No, I told you, she came to us.

Has she told anybody else?
-Not to my knowledge.

She only told me in the
strictest confidence.

Well, if you're worried about any of this

getting back to your firm,
you can set your mind at rest.

I'm worried about it
getting back to your embassy.

There are lot of old women there!

It won't even get back
there, will it, Terry, eh?

He's going to help.

Really?

Why?

Well, he's been in a
little spot of trouble,

and we're doing what we can to help.

And Milos is covering up for you, eh?

In anticipation of
future services. -You too?

I'll report back on your disappearance

in any way you think fit.

Let's leave it at that, shall we?

Well, any ideas, Desmond?

You've had all the time
in the world to think.

Terry!

I hope you don't mind my calling.

It's a lovely surprise.

Was that the famous Joesef
Redl I saw going out?

Probably. do you know him?

Well I saw him at our embassy party.

He's a very important minister.
is he a friend of yours?

Yes, he,

he gave me this.

Oh, oh, perhaps I shouldn't have come.

Why not?

This is my apartment, not his.

Oh yes, but in my job, I can't go around

upsetting important ministers
of the host country.

You, you mean make Josef jealous?

Well, well, yes.
-It'll do him good.

Come on, you must have a drink.

Oh, I don't know whether
he'd like that either.

In any case, I don't want to spoil things

for you and Desmond.

Desmond?

Yes, Milos took me to
see him this afternoon.

He told me all about it.

About what?

About you and the minister.

Joseph?
-Yes, and the arrangement

that you and Desmond have about him.

But Desmond doesn't even know him.

Oh?

Perhaps I'd better say no more.

Look, what are you trying to say?

He does talk though, doesn't he?

Desmond, talk?
-No, your minister friend.

Oh yes, he talks about
his wife all the time.

Are you sure that's all?

Not about his job, about cabinet policies?

Look, Terry I think you better go.

I don't want to see you anymore.

Maybe I was wrong.

You were!

Nothing lost.

How long will it take you to pack?

Pack, pack what?
-Everything.

I've gotta get you out right away.

You found Desmond?
-I'll give you a hand

with your stuff.
- He's all right, isn't he?

He's in London.

How can he be in London?
-He's been lying low,

got himself into some trouble
with the authorities here,

but he's safely out now.

Trouble?
-Political.

The point is, they won't be keen

on letting you and the children out

when they realize he's not coming back.

So we better move before
they get any bright ideas.

Political, Desmond?

Let him tell you all
about it when you're home.

Oh, hello, you're early.

Hello, Mr. Stuart.

Hello.
-Peggy, Desmond.

Now listen, I've got some news for you.

We're going to London to see Daddy.

On an airplane?
-Yes, this afternoon.

Now I want you both to go upstairs,

collect all your toys together.

I'll be up in a minute, now please go.

I'll just never understand
why he didn't tell me.

He couldn't, he didn't want
to draw attention to you.

Now may I to get on to the
embassy to book your flight

and send a car for you?

Milos.

Come in.

Where's Milos?

You could make
the street without any trouble.

I've got a car down there.

Where are we going?
-No time to waste.

I wouldn't ring that bell if I were you.

The room isn't wired.

Let's go out there anyway.

In two hours' time, Desmond,
if you stay on here,

your life won't be worth that much.

What do you mean?
-In two hours' time, Desmond,

your friends are going to be told

that we know you're working for them.

That's why you're coming
back to London with me now.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Tell me, Desmond, how did you manage

to get so much complex
information out of that girl?

She doesn't know her east from her west.

Aren't you getting a
bit out of your depth?

We'll talk about my
credentials on the way.

I still have work to
do here, important work.

Who for, us or them?

I've only got to call the ambassador--

Oh, please, go ahead!

You know I'm not working for the embassy,

any more than you are.

You're coming home with me

because you've gone over to their side!

I don't know what you're getting at!

You haven't been getting information

from Redl through Ira,

you've been deliberately misleading us.

It's no use calling your friends, Desmond.

In two hours' time
they'll be your enemies.

You've no alternative.

Back home, you get 10 years, but here,

once they find out
we've rumbled you,

you know them better than I do.

I've got a wife and family here.

Not anymore, they should
be back in London by now.

In London?
-Yes.

Joan would never leave without me.

She was told that you were there already.

You told her?
-Yes, as a matter of fact,

I did, because when I got you out,

you would be in grave danger.

But I can't get out of here!

The moment I leave, they'll grab me.

I'll look after that.

Where's your jacket? In the wardrobe.

Here you are.

You first.

Desmond.
-Milos!

I'm just going down for
treatment, I won't be long.

Just one moment, Desmond.

Now, don't be silly, Milos.

Back to your room!

Come on, back to the room.

Look, we must stop somewhere.

Not yet.

I've got to have a drink,
it's part of the treatment!

I know.

There's a cafe there,
for heaven's sake.

It wouldn't take a minute!

Wait till we get to the back roads.

Don't try that again.

He wants to see your driving license.

Oh, yes.

Here we are.

Mm-hmm.

Yes, quite.

Thank you very much indeed.

There's a village along
here, could be a cafe.

Sorry, I get desperate.
-Mm-hmm.

I'll take a look inside.

Nadia!

What are you having, Stuart?

Nothing for me.

Cognac.

Hmm?
-He wants to see

our passports.

So you're at the
British Embassy in Prague.

You see, I speak English.

Very good.

Will you please, uh, please

He wants us to hold on here

till he gets through to his headquarters.

Karel!

Hello?

Time to go.

Get the old boy to tell the policeman

that we'll call in at police
headquarters on our way.

They've taken the rotor arm.

Let's have a look.

The river's the border.

A couple of miles down
here should bring us to it.

All right?

It's a frontier post.

All right, hang on.

We'll have this, the key's in it.

We'll ask the farmer
to drive us to Vienna.

Yes, you go ask him.

We'll both go.

Stay where you are.

We both need a drink.