The New Avengers (1976–1977): Season 1, Episode 5 - Cat Amongst the Pigeons - full transcript
The New Avengers investigate the murders of several ecologists who seem to have been attacked by flocks of kamikaze birds. Before long each one of them encounters a feathered foe on their trail.
- Merton to Steed. Merton to Steed.
- Come in Merton.
Rydercroft is going to be killed.
- Rydercroft?
- Hugh Rydercroft.
Attempt will be made at 12 noon today.
How do you know this?
Who's behind it?
I know it.
Because ...
- What was Martin working on?
- Ends and odds.
Don't you mean odds and ends?
No.
Martin had a different approach.
He's in a coma.
That remains so for a few days.
Unfortunately,
we haven't got a few days.
Rydercroft is going to be killed.
- Rydercroft?
- Hugh Rydercroft.
Attempt will be made at 12 noon today.
How do you know this?
Who's behind it?
I know it.
Because ...
- Who is Rydercroft?
- Controller for the ministry of ecology.
12 noon today.
That doesn't give us much time.
How do you know this?
Who's behind it?
I know it.
Because ...
What's that sound?
As if coming from trees.
We don't got much time.
Purdey?
Where are we going?
We'll know it, when Rydercroft
is gonna be killed.
- I know where.
- Come on in folks.
- This is ridiculous. Quite ridiculous.
- It's also for your own good, Mr. Rydercroft.
Look, I'm just a simple ecological soul.
Ecology!
The conservation of everythig is good
and true in nature.
Who knows to want to kill me?
Not on earth Mr. Rydercroft.
Your dude be there 12 noon.
At 12 noon, you'll be up there.
- What?
- That was a message ...
... and that's why we're
having a plane check.
I've already done
my pre-flight checks.
- Ah, but best to be sure.
- Better to be safe than sorry.
Better alive to death.
Look, I'm a qualified pilot.
I've been flying for years
Sixteen minutes to twelve.
You satisfied now, Steed?
No.
An awful lot can happen
in 16 minutes.
I remember once in Cairo.
That's a girl I knew she ...
The trouble with you
and your people, Steed,
.... is think everyone
outside of you is incompetent.
Not at all,
you're too sensitive.
- Why not get additional security systems?
- A wasted expense.
My team know this airport
like the back of their hands.
Ride across plane will
take off on time.
He'll arrive in Switzerland
on schedule.
The aircraft itself by gone with a
fine-tooth comb checked and rechecked.
Now then, tell me ...
as an expert.
What could happen?
I suppose you think
I'm the real Steed.
Don't move Turner.
Some brothers are loaded.
Just an example.
Fifteen and a half minutes to go.
Who're you?
- Could be a forgery.
- But you know me.
You could be a double a fake.
A robot.
I gave the right knock.
- Could have been lock.
- Lock.
When did you last play the bassoon?
Rydercroft can board the plane now.
Bassoon question really struck home,
didn't it?
I do not play the bassoon.
That proves nothing.
- Who last saw you playing bassoon?
- Purdey.
How do you know I'm Purdy?
- I could be a double.
- A faked. A robot.
The plane is clean
and he can leave.
Well, you'll have to prove
who we are.
Definitely the real Gambit.
And no.
Mr. RyderCroft?
About time.
- So everything's all right.
- Assuming one thing, of course.
He is RyderCroft.
Then.
- Not 12 yet. - We have a complete
radar scan of the whole area.
Air lanes and a radius of
five miles have been closed.
- What more do you want?
- I want to be one minute past 12.
And ride across still alive.
Control to RyderCroft.
You are clear for takeoff.
All takeoff takes, okey.
Engine, okey.
Preper to takeoff.
You may be some kindly to learned
I am an airwolf.
Takeoff satisfactory.
Turning steadily.
All takes okay.
We'll continue climbing.
Maintain radio contact RyderCroft.
Will do.
It will be an honor for me
to pass this channel too much.
So do I.
Well Steed?
Oh, for pete's sake.
In another few minutes ...
... he'll arrive with the aircraft
across to the channel.
Outside our jurisdiction.
- Exactly.
- Yes, but in another few minutes.
Oh, come on Steed.
Either your information was unsound ...
... or my security precautions
too efficient.
It's a pity.
You spent so much time here.
I'm sure you could have been doing
something useful.
Yes, I could have coupled up
my train set.
RyderCroft to control!
Maintaining climb.
Channel inside.
Air is clear, no cloud.
Over.
Maintain radio contact Rydercroft.
- That guy must have missed something.
- Look, what could happen now?
- An attack by another plane.
- Oh, for Pete's sake.
Control to Rydercroft.
Visibility check, please.
My Goodness,
I'm still winging.
Visibility 100%.
And nothing seen in the sky.
Except ...
Except what Rydercroft?
Come in Rydercroft.
Rydercroft!
Can't understand why people
want to fly.
If nature intended us to fly,
we've been given wings.
Any indication as
to the cause of the crashed.
- I know why it crashed.
- Why?
Hit the ground.
What made it hit the ground?
Too soon for conjecture.
May formal conclusion soon that.
Shall I... advise Steed
or will you?
Advise of what?
He and his people ..
wanted to be informed ...
... as soon as it reached
any conclusion.
I shall advise Steed
and his people.
As and when. I think it necessary,
is that clear?
Yes. Mr. Attorney,
yes, of course.
- Just ...
- Don't.
The truth of the matter is ...
... they think they know our job better
than we do ourselves.
- Found something?
- No. No, nothing at all.
Look, you carry on here.
I'll be back later.
Very well, Mr. Turner.
Well.
What?
I see.
We have a visitor today.
Visibility 100%.
And nothing seen in the sky.
Except ...
I checked ride across file.
Nothing. He didn't absolutely
blame his life.
His trip to Switzerland was
to attend a conservation conference.
He's been concerned with nothing,
but worthy and good works.
Then why was he killed?
Play it again Sam.
Douglas Fairbanks.
Hey, open up!
Any offers?
Preferably of an
unpredictable nature.
- A screeching sound.
- Tires on tarmac.
Chalk on a blackboard.
Glassblowing.
5000 Robbins with a wounded wing.
A bird strike.
A flock of birds hit a plane.
They shatter the cockpit.
Jam the engines. It's got to be.
- The bird strike.
- Well, it's happened before.
But not to order.
Not dead on time.
Birds.
I found this in Merten's car.
Do you know Mr. Turner ...
It is Tanner.
Do you know, it remind me of a ...
... inspiration I ..
once picked up on the shore.
Like you still alive.
And like you're terrified.
Helpless.
You know, it wings
every single ...
... feather caked with oil.
His right little hair
turning from side to side ...
... much as yours does..
terrified.
So terrified is it eventually ...
... died of right.
The time I thought was ..
terrible end.
But perhaps not quite so
terrible compared with those ...
... that your people could conjure up.
Oh, yes. One could
imagine something far more ...
... horrendous.
Hideous.
Now,
Mr. Turner,
... shall we talk?
Mr. Turner,
... will you tell me ..
everything?
Everything, please.
- Rydercroft.
- Hugh Rydercroft.
The ecology man.
Was on his way to Switzerland
to discuss ...
- Amongst other things ...
- Birds, the feathered variety.
Birds, their conservation migration
and control.
But Rydercroft's plane was brought down.
By birds.
Of the feathered variety, I know.
Rydercroft is no longer with us.
Definitely.
Indisputably.
- But.
- But.
But.
There are two other men mentioned
in right across report.
Foster and Bridlington.
Foster.
And I'll deal with Bridlington.
Well, I'll get onto it right away then.
Obviously, I have to find out.
Why we haven't heard from Turner?
This is what's brought you here.
I imagine it was found amongst
the wreckage of the plane.
Yes.
Yes, I found it, but I ...
I didn't tell anyone.
The record of the plane
is being examined.
So this piece would have been
carefully loaded.
Right?
Now,
where would that lock be kept?
The exact location.
It's an office.
A temporary office
All the details would be kept there.
In a red tray.
Did tell where he was going?
No.
Then he didn't show up again.
Mysterious.
Like the ways of his nature.
Now, I always say ...
... if we were intended to fly ..
We wouldn't have been given legs.
What?
Oh, I never thought of that.
Good point.
Very good point.
Act of flying is against
all the principles of human nature.
Mr. Lewington.
- Have you ever flown?
- No.
No, never will.
Mind you it is not that
I'm scared of flying.
Of course not.
Anyone can see you're not afraid.
- Of flying.
- Oh, right.
- You're afraid of crashing.
- Oh?
Perhaps it was what he found
that sent him scuttling away.
Well, whatever Turner found
if it was tagged,
.. that belong too, right?
- Yes, yes.
Hop on.
Every little fragment is heavily
described listed and set down.
So there should be no problem
at all in running down exactly ...
... what it was that captured
Turner's attention.
We are most meticulous.
Everything is carefully kept ...
... here.
What's the weird, my friend?
Killing?
Not a rabbit.. or a mouse..
or a rat?
Where's is the rat?
A man.
Foster.
Richard.. Foster.
Go!
Mr. Burlington?
Oh, come in. Come in.
Ah, you must be Steed.
Ministry told me to expect you.
Yes.
- I want to ask you about Rydercroft.
- Oh, charming man.
Charming man, yes.
He's dead told you that.
Yes.
Weren't you working with him?
Oh, yes indeed.
On the bird side of things.
Birds.
My speciality.
I pointed out the dangers.
Foster suggested a cure,
but it was too drastic.
Much too drastic.
Foster's answer was to mass
exterminate the birds,
... but unthinkable.
Oh, no, no.
Control that's the only answer.
Control?
Yes, that's what I'm working on now.
Yes, communications
our little feathered friends.
Like so.
Yes.
Early days, early days.
I'm having rather
partial success.
- Would you like a demonstration?
- Please.
Cottage door is fairly locked,
isn't it?
Yes, but are you sure
they can't fit through that window?
Oh, yes, but they can
get down the chimney.
Have you seen that movie?
Go!
- Two feathers.
- And one egg.
We have a problem.
And if it hatches out.
A hostage.
What do we do now,
build a nest?
You could sit on it Purdey.
A cage would be more useful.
Very frightening.
- What is?
- Bridlington's experiments.
He's working at the control of birds.
- And can he?
- Control no, but he can attract them.
You know, single sparrow
is a certain cockney charm,
... but 10,000,
... very frightening.
How was your day?
Foster's dead.
Turner's disappeared.
Steed! Steed!
Steed!
Turner.
Waterlow!
Waterlow.
No scratched, no torn.
There wasn't real wound.
He just died of shock.
Waterlow.
Waterlow.
Professor Waterlow.
He's one of the world's leading
authorities on ...
On bird migration.
- Showing migrate.
- In Waterlow's direction.
Purdey, hold the fort
man the battlements ...
... lower the drawbridge
- And feed the dogs.
Steed!
Professor Waterloo?
But of course I'm here
you're calling, aren't you?
Alo?
Alo?
You shall lead the attack.
It doesn't take two of us
to talk to him.
And I ..
stroll around the ground.
Just in case.
Professor Waterlow?
The situation is simple.
As I explained to Rydercroft.
Overpopulation is the threat we face,
Mr. Steed.
And with overpopulation
mass starvation.
But how does that affect the birds?
On the contrary
they can affect us.
Do you know how many birds
that actually are ...
... on this planet of ours,
Mr. Steed?
Something like 100 billion.
And the average bird can ...
... eat almost twice its own
bodyweight in a single day.
Now ...
... apart from the hardware more too.
The bird competes with humanity
for its food.
Fish from the sea,
wheat peas, beans from the soil.
So if where to survive
their number has to be limited.
Unfortunately.
Oh, we expect our crime and the plans
are made public, of course.
But ...
... actually, I don't want to
destroy birds.
But to limit them in the future.
Go!
The whole scheme is
ecologically sound.
Ultimately it will protect the birds.
Only an extremist or a madman
could take exception to it.
Madman?
Professor, I think we ought to
continue this conversation ...
... inside
- But I like it out here.
Calm in nature. - Professor!
Steed!
Steed!
Birds can't swim.
Ducks can.
I didn't claim my plan was perfect.
Well, Professor, you heard,
you saw what happened?
Some kind of bird caller.
A sophisticated flute.
Bridlington was working on the same theory.
Yes, but too perfect it
to this level.
Suicide birds?
Kamikaze pigeons.
But birds can be trained.
Oh, definitely.
The illusionist and his dubs ...
... of birds pushing barrows
pulling carts.
And there was one man.
Established an extraordinary rapport ...
... between himself and the birds
he worked with.
Falcons mostly.
Birds of prey.
What was the name of this
remarkable Birdman?
Zarcardi.
Yes, he started himself,
but great Zarcardi and he was great.
Really understood birds.
Sounds like a man I should meet.
Meet? Well,
I've no idea where he is now.
Tomkins might know.
Tomkins,
... chap assisted him.
He might know. I know where he is?
Zarcardi.
I think he left the entertainment business.
Set up a bird sanctuary of his own.
- Speaking of sanctuary ...
- I think we should put you away
... somewhere safe
for a while professor.
An iron cage man.
- This man Tomkins ...
- I'll seek him out.
- I'll try and check out the sanctuary.
- Right.
That it same what they used to be.
Watch him!
Alright, alright,
you've warned me.
There's an intruder in my house.
I worked with falcon so many years.
- An unpredictable breed.
- But intelligent Mr.Tomkins.
- Oh very.
- And .. controllable?
Yes, if you have the gift.
But that goes for most birds.
They have memory, you see.
And contrary to popular belief,
they can live to a great age.
Especially in captivity.
Their knowledge builds
through the years.
Until ...
Until?
I was going to say that
they become friends.
But not to me.
Please don't move.
Stay there still.
Well.
You're amongst friends.
But my friends, but your enemies.
I hope not.
I'm sorry, but if you ...
... if you give me reason
to play.
This... will answer
my call an attack.
The result is horrifying.
Terrible.
They go for the eyes.
You see, for the bright gleam ..
in the eyes.
And your eyes are
very beautiful.
They're bright.
I didn't want you to lose them.
Only once did I meet a man.
Zarcardi ...
... able to exert total control.
Total.
- How total?
- Total complete, ultimate.
Could a person, Zarcardi ...
... train a fucker bird?
Seagull say ...
... to attack an aircraft?
Anything is possible.
If you interested,
I have a picture of him.
The third right hand draw the desk.
It is a sad day when he retired.
It so much to offer.
He retired, you say.
Yes.
To devote his life to birds.
He opened a home for them.
The Sanctuary of Wings.
Please sit down.
Well, I'm aware of the work of you
and your colleagues.
More aware than you think.
Something I did ...
... you should know of my plans.
Hopefully for..
for your own sake.
You are prove.
Oh, don't ...
don't move.
You are in safe.
Quite safe..
for the moment.
Yes, sir.
Can I help you?
Indeed, you can.
I'll take those.
How many?
Your entire stock.
And some more.
Go!
What you see now.
Represents my life's work
my life's ... dream.
I hope you'll be impressed.
Now, look at this ...
... see just ..
how many birds there.
An army. Vast army.
My army.
He'll controls the birds,
controls the world.
- Are you seeking sanctuary?
- Are you seeking sanctuary?
There's nothing,
no absolutely nothing that ...
... you.. or anyone else can do.
That's why ...
... that's why you must join me.
Join me my task.
In my mission.
What a pity.
You would believe me.
And now,
you don't give me any choice.
I'm sorry, but ...
I can not watch it.
Pussy?
Glow!
No.
No.
No!
No!!
He could sing.
But he couldn't fly.
Subtitling by Ceok
- Come in Merton.
Rydercroft is going to be killed.
- Rydercroft?
- Hugh Rydercroft.
Attempt will be made at 12 noon today.
How do you know this?
Who's behind it?
I know it.
Because ...
- What was Martin working on?
- Ends and odds.
Don't you mean odds and ends?
No.
Martin had a different approach.
He's in a coma.
That remains so for a few days.
Unfortunately,
we haven't got a few days.
Rydercroft is going to be killed.
- Rydercroft?
- Hugh Rydercroft.
Attempt will be made at 12 noon today.
How do you know this?
Who's behind it?
I know it.
Because ...
- Who is Rydercroft?
- Controller for the ministry of ecology.
12 noon today.
That doesn't give us much time.
How do you know this?
Who's behind it?
I know it.
Because ...
What's that sound?
As if coming from trees.
We don't got much time.
Purdey?
Where are we going?
We'll know it, when Rydercroft
is gonna be killed.
- I know where.
- Come on in folks.
- This is ridiculous. Quite ridiculous.
- It's also for your own good, Mr. Rydercroft.
Look, I'm just a simple ecological soul.
Ecology!
The conservation of everythig is good
and true in nature.
Who knows to want to kill me?
Not on earth Mr. Rydercroft.
Your dude be there 12 noon.
At 12 noon, you'll be up there.
- What?
- That was a message ...
... and that's why we're
having a plane check.
I've already done
my pre-flight checks.
- Ah, but best to be sure.
- Better to be safe than sorry.
Better alive to death.
Look, I'm a qualified pilot.
I've been flying for years
Sixteen minutes to twelve.
You satisfied now, Steed?
No.
An awful lot can happen
in 16 minutes.
I remember once in Cairo.
That's a girl I knew she ...
The trouble with you
and your people, Steed,
.... is think everyone
outside of you is incompetent.
Not at all,
you're too sensitive.
- Why not get additional security systems?
- A wasted expense.
My team know this airport
like the back of their hands.
Ride across plane will
take off on time.
He'll arrive in Switzerland
on schedule.
The aircraft itself by gone with a
fine-tooth comb checked and rechecked.
Now then, tell me ...
as an expert.
What could happen?
I suppose you think
I'm the real Steed.
Don't move Turner.
Some brothers are loaded.
Just an example.
Fifteen and a half minutes to go.
Who're you?
- Could be a forgery.
- But you know me.
You could be a double a fake.
A robot.
I gave the right knock.
- Could have been lock.
- Lock.
When did you last play the bassoon?
Rydercroft can board the plane now.
Bassoon question really struck home,
didn't it?
I do not play the bassoon.
That proves nothing.
- Who last saw you playing bassoon?
- Purdey.
How do you know I'm Purdy?
- I could be a double.
- A faked. A robot.
The plane is clean
and he can leave.
Well, you'll have to prove
who we are.
Definitely the real Gambit.
And no.
Mr. RyderCroft?
About time.
- So everything's all right.
- Assuming one thing, of course.
He is RyderCroft.
Then.
- Not 12 yet. - We have a complete
radar scan of the whole area.
Air lanes and a radius of
five miles have been closed.
- What more do you want?
- I want to be one minute past 12.
And ride across still alive.
Control to RyderCroft.
You are clear for takeoff.
All takeoff takes, okey.
Engine, okey.
Preper to takeoff.
You may be some kindly to learned
I am an airwolf.
Takeoff satisfactory.
Turning steadily.
All takes okay.
We'll continue climbing.
Maintain radio contact RyderCroft.
Will do.
It will be an honor for me
to pass this channel too much.
So do I.
Well Steed?
Oh, for pete's sake.
In another few minutes ...
... he'll arrive with the aircraft
across to the channel.
Outside our jurisdiction.
- Exactly.
- Yes, but in another few minutes.
Oh, come on Steed.
Either your information was unsound ...
... or my security precautions
too efficient.
It's a pity.
You spent so much time here.
I'm sure you could have been doing
something useful.
Yes, I could have coupled up
my train set.
RyderCroft to control!
Maintaining climb.
Channel inside.
Air is clear, no cloud.
Over.
Maintain radio contact Rydercroft.
- That guy must have missed something.
- Look, what could happen now?
- An attack by another plane.
- Oh, for Pete's sake.
Control to Rydercroft.
Visibility check, please.
My Goodness,
I'm still winging.
Visibility 100%.
And nothing seen in the sky.
Except ...
Except what Rydercroft?
Come in Rydercroft.
Rydercroft!
Can't understand why people
want to fly.
If nature intended us to fly,
we've been given wings.
Any indication as
to the cause of the crashed.
- I know why it crashed.
- Why?
Hit the ground.
What made it hit the ground?
Too soon for conjecture.
May formal conclusion soon that.
Shall I... advise Steed
or will you?
Advise of what?
He and his people ..
wanted to be informed ...
... as soon as it reached
any conclusion.
I shall advise Steed
and his people.
As and when. I think it necessary,
is that clear?
Yes. Mr. Attorney,
yes, of course.
- Just ...
- Don't.
The truth of the matter is ...
... they think they know our job better
than we do ourselves.
- Found something?
- No. No, nothing at all.
Look, you carry on here.
I'll be back later.
Very well, Mr. Turner.
Well.
What?
I see.
We have a visitor today.
Visibility 100%.
And nothing seen in the sky.
Except ...
I checked ride across file.
Nothing. He didn't absolutely
blame his life.
His trip to Switzerland was
to attend a conservation conference.
He's been concerned with nothing,
but worthy and good works.
Then why was he killed?
Play it again Sam.
Douglas Fairbanks.
Hey, open up!
Any offers?
Preferably of an
unpredictable nature.
- A screeching sound.
- Tires on tarmac.
Chalk on a blackboard.
Glassblowing.
5000 Robbins with a wounded wing.
A bird strike.
A flock of birds hit a plane.
They shatter the cockpit.
Jam the engines. It's got to be.
- The bird strike.
- Well, it's happened before.
But not to order.
Not dead on time.
Birds.
I found this in Merten's car.
Do you know Mr. Turner ...
It is Tanner.
Do you know, it remind me of a ...
... inspiration I ..
once picked up on the shore.
Like you still alive.
And like you're terrified.
Helpless.
You know, it wings
every single ...
... feather caked with oil.
His right little hair
turning from side to side ...
... much as yours does..
terrified.
So terrified is it eventually ...
... died of right.
The time I thought was ..
terrible end.
But perhaps not quite so
terrible compared with those ...
... that your people could conjure up.
Oh, yes. One could
imagine something far more ...
... horrendous.
Hideous.
Now,
Mr. Turner,
... shall we talk?
Mr. Turner,
... will you tell me ..
everything?
Everything, please.
- Rydercroft.
- Hugh Rydercroft.
The ecology man.
Was on his way to Switzerland
to discuss ...
- Amongst other things ...
- Birds, the feathered variety.
Birds, their conservation migration
and control.
But Rydercroft's plane was brought down.
By birds.
Of the feathered variety, I know.
Rydercroft is no longer with us.
Definitely.
Indisputably.
- But.
- But.
But.
There are two other men mentioned
in right across report.
Foster and Bridlington.
Foster.
And I'll deal with Bridlington.
Well, I'll get onto it right away then.
Obviously, I have to find out.
Why we haven't heard from Turner?
This is what's brought you here.
I imagine it was found amongst
the wreckage of the plane.
Yes.
Yes, I found it, but I ...
I didn't tell anyone.
The record of the plane
is being examined.
So this piece would have been
carefully loaded.
Right?
Now,
where would that lock be kept?
The exact location.
It's an office.
A temporary office
All the details would be kept there.
In a red tray.
Did tell where he was going?
No.
Then he didn't show up again.
Mysterious.
Like the ways of his nature.
Now, I always say ...
... if we were intended to fly ..
We wouldn't have been given legs.
What?
Oh, I never thought of that.
Good point.
Very good point.
Act of flying is against
all the principles of human nature.
Mr. Lewington.
- Have you ever flown?
- No.
No, never will.
Mind you it is not that
I'm scared of flying.
Of course not.
Anyone can see you're not afraid.
- Of flying.
- Oh, right.
- You're afraid of crashing.
- Oh?
Perhaps it was what he found
that sent him scuttling away.
Well, whatever Turner found
if it was tagged,
.. that belong too, right?
- Yes, yes.
Hop on.
Every little fragment is heavily
described listed and set down.
So there should be no problem
at all in running down exactly ...
... what it was that captured
Turner's attention.
We are most meticulous.
Everything is carefully kept ...
... here.
What's the weird, my friend?
Killing?
Not a rabbit.. or a mouse..
or a rat?
Where's is the rat?
A man.
Foster.
Richard.. Foster.
Go!
Mr. Burlington?
Oh, come in. Come in.
Ah, you must be Steed.
Ministry told me to expect you.
Yes.
- I want to ask you about Rydercroft.
- Oh, charming man.
Charming man, yes.
He's dead told you that.
Yes.
Weren't you working with him?
Oh, yes indeed.
On the bird side of things.
Birds.
My speciality.
I pointed out the dangers.
Foster suggested a cure,
but it was too drastic.
Much too drastic.
Foster's answer was to mass
exterminate the birds,
... but unthinkable.
Oh, no, no.
Control that's the only answer.
Control?
Yes, that's what I'm working on now.
Yes, communications
our little feathered friends.
Like so.
Yes.
Early days, early days.
I'm having rather
partial success.
- Would you like a demonstration?
- Please.
Cottage door is fairly locked,
isn't it?
Yes, but are you sure
they can't fit through that window?
Oh, yes, but they can
get down the chimney.
Have you seen that movie?
Go!
- Two feathers.
- And one egg.
We have a problem.
And if it hatches out.
A hostage.
What do we do now,
build a nest?
You could sit on it Purdey.
A cage would be more useful.
Very frightening.
- What is?
- Bridlington's experiments.
He's working at the control of birds.
- And can he?
- Control no, but he can attract them.
You know, single sparrow
is a certain cockney charm,
... but 10,000,
... very frightening.
How was your day?
Foster's dead.
Turner's disappeared.
Steed! Steed!
Steed!
Turner.
Waterlow!
Waterlow.
No scratched, no torn.
There wasn't real wound.
He just died of shock.
Waterlow.
Waterlow.
Professor Waterlow.
He's one of the world's leading
authorities on ...
On bird migration.
- Showing migrate.
- In Waterlow's direction.
Purdey, hold the fort
man the battlements ...
... lower the drawbridge
- And feed the dogs.
Steed!
Professor Waterloo?
But of course I'm here
you're calling, aren't you?
Alo?
Alo?
You shall lead the attack.
It doesn't take two of us
to talk to him.
And I ..
stroll around the ground.
Just in case.
Professor Waterlow?
The situation is simple.
As I explained to Rydercroft.
Overpopulation is the threat we face,
Mr. Steed.
And with overpopulation
mass starvation.
But how does that affect the birds?
On the contrary
they can affect us.
Do you know how many birds
that actually are ...
... on this planet of ours,
Mr. Steed?
Something like 100 billion.
And the average bird can ...
... eat almost twice its own
bodyweight in a single day.
Now ...
... apart from the hardware more too.
The bird competes with humanity
for its food.
Fish from the sea,
wheat peas, beans from the soil.
So if where to survive
their number has to be limited.
Unfortunately.
Oh, we expect our crime and the plans
are made public, of course.
But ...
... actually, I don't want to
destroy birds.
But to limit them in the future.
Go!
The whole scheme is
ecologically sound.
Ultimately it will protect the birds.
Only an extremist or a madman
could take exception to it.
Madman?
Professor, I think we ought to
continue this conversation ...
... inside
- But I like it out here.
Calm in nature. - Professor!
Steed!
Steed!
Birds can't swim.
Ducks can.
I didn't claim my plan was perfect.
Well, Professor, you heard,
you saw what happened?
Some kind of bird caller.
A sophisticated flute.
Bridlington was working on the same theory.
Yes, but too perfect it
to this level.
Suicide birds?
Kamikaze pigeons.
But birds can be trained.
Oh, definitely.
The illusionist and his dubs ...
... of birds pushing barrows
pulling carts.
And there was one man.
Established an extraordinary rapport ...
... between himself and the birds
he worked with.
Falcons mostly.
Birds of prey.
What was the name of this
remarkable Birdman?
Zarcardi.
Yes, he started himself,
but great Zarcardi and he was great.
Really understood birds.
Sounds like a man I should meet.
Meet? Well,
I've no idea where he is now.
Tomkins might know.
Tomkins,
... chap assisted him.
He might know. I know where he is?
Zarcardi.
I think he left the entertainment business.
Set up a bird sanctuary of his own.
- Speaking of sanctuary ...
- I think we should put you away
... somewhere safe
for a while professor.
An iron cage man.
- This man Tomkins ...
- I'll seek him out.
- I'll try and check out the sanctuary.
- Right.
That it same what they used to be.
Watch him!
Alright, alright,
you've warned me.
There's an intruder in my house.
I worked with falcon so many years.
- An unpredictable breed.
- But intelligent Mr.Tomkins.
- Oh very.
- And .. controllable?
Yes, if you have the gift.
But that goes for most birds.
They have memory, you see.
And contrary to popular belief,
they can live to a great age.
Especially in captivity.
Their knowledge builds
through the years.
Until ...
Until?
I was going to say that
they become friends.
But not to me.
Please don't move.
Stay there still.
Well.
You're amongst friends.
But my friends, but your enemies.
I hope not.
I'm sorry, but if you ...
... if you give me reason
to play.
This... will answer
my call an attack.
The result is horrifying.
Terrible.
They go for the eyes.
You see, for the bright gleam ..
in the eyes.
And your eyes are
very beautiful.
They're bright.
I didn't want you to lose them.
Only once did I meet a man.
Zarcardi ...
... able to exert total control.
Total.
- How total?
- Total complete, ultimate.
Could a person, Zarcardi ...
... train a fucker bird?
Seagull say ...
... to attack an aircraft?
Anything is possible.
If you interested,
I have a picture of him.
The third right hand draw the desk.
It is a sad day when he retired.
It so much to offer.
He retired, you say.
Yes.
To devote his life to birds.
He opened a home for them.
The Sanctuary of Wings.
Please sit down.
Well, I'm aware of the work of you
and your colleagues.
More aware than you think.
Something I did ...
... you should know of my plans.
Hopefully for..
for your own sake.
You are prove.
Oh, don't ...
don't move.
You are in safe.
Quite safe..
for the moment.
Yes, sir.
Can I help you?
Indeed, you can.
I'll take those.
How many?
Your entire stock.
And some more.
Go!
What you see now.
Represents my life's work
my life's ... dream.
I hope you'll be impressed.
Now, look at this ...
... see just ..
how many birds there.
An army. Vast army.
My army.
He'll controls the birds,
controls the world.
- Are you seeking sanctuary?
- Are you seeking sanctuary?
There's nothing,
no absolutely nothing that ...
... you.. or anyone else can do.
That's why ...
... that's why you must join me.
Join me my task.
In my mission.
What a pity.
You would believe me.
And now,
you don't give me any choice.
I'm sorry, but ...
I can not watch it.
Pussy?
Glow!
No.
No.
No!
No!!
He could sing.
But he couldn't fly.
Subtitling by Ceok