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00:00:00You
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00:03:35Forty-five seconds
00:03:47It's all right Sally smashing and two crackers each
00:03:55Get me a queen of Sheba
00:04:00Good morning, mr. Pearson
00:04:12Morning Peter
00:04:20Hangover shouldn't be wasting your time. We've got an exam in three months. Don't remind me not before Christmas anyway
00:04:28I don't mind my mentioning it, but you don't look too good yourself today around with a mrs.
00:04:35Something like that
00:04:41That'll be two pounds Peter two pounds what for tonight's party, what do we have in that champagne and dancing girls?
00:04:48Well, you better be good. Anyway
00:04:51When you get my money's worth
00:04:55Thank you
00:04:57Roll on a new year
00:05:27I
00:05:49Miss Pringle do you feel it's really necessary to make such a display of your popularity?
00:05:54I thought they'd liven the desk up a little
00:05:56Banking is one of the few dignified businesses left in the world miss Pringle. Do you mind terribly if we keep it that way?
00:06:01I'm sorry
00:06:03Morning person
00:06:15I noticed you didn't mention the party
00:06:24I
00:06:54I
00:07:08Sanderson and Pearson to come in, please
00:07:24I
00:07:33Mean
00:07:54I
00:08:17Get it get what who wants to know if you're a hepcat or a square do you mind?
00:08:24I
00:08:54I
00:09:24I
00:09:31Listen
00:09:40Yes, mr. Fodor Pearson do you expect people to write with a pen like that
00:09:44I
00:09:52What's wrong with mr. Fodor wrong the nibs completely corroded it obviously hasn't been cleaned or examined for weeks
00:09:59This isn't a post office. You know a customer coming into this bank has a right to expect efficiency. I'll speak to miss Pringle
00:10:05She yeah, who you speak to is a matter of complete indifference to me Pearson
00:10:09What concerns me is the fact that it is always I who have to discover every fiddling little misdemeanor in this branch a
00:10:16General doesn't inspect every button of every soldier every day, you know, that is supposed to be but his subordinates of all
00:10:21I'll see to it immediately
00:10:23Perhaps you don't agree with me. Perhaps you think because the combined assets of the City and Colonial Bank total more than
00:10:29371 million pounds a tough dependent is of no account
00:10:33I'll see to it right away. Let's do that
00:10:36And send Harville to me. Will you?
00:10:40I
00:10:44Thought I'd like to see you Harvard
00:10:59Come in mr. Pearson said you wanted to see me sir
00:11:09I
00:11:16Obviously, you know what we have to discuss I'm not sure sir
00:11:20Perhaps you don't think it worth discussing
00:11:21Perhaps you think that odd pound shillings and pence can be missing from the books from time to time without further comment
00:11:26So if you mean last Wednesday's balance
00:11:30Well, was it last Wednesday's balance sir, why have there been other days when the balance has been irregular
00:11:36Sir I thought as mr. Burnaby returned the ten pounds. The matter was more or less closed
00:11:40We were very busy that day and I thought well Burnaby's an old customer. He was accidentally overpaid and very interesting attitude Harvard
00:11:48And what would have happened if the money hadn't been returned?
00:11:51But the mistake had been discovered then and if not, what method would have been used to conceal it?
00:11:55Look, mr. Ford. I said I give you my word. Nobody was trying to conceal anything. It was
00:12:00Well, it was just a mistake. That's all I
00:12:03Suggest to you that it's a lie and then defect the money was only put back in the till after you knew that Burnaby
00:12:07Had returned the ten pounds to me personally. No, sir
00:12:09I also suggested there was an actual conspiracy that someone else on the staff was involved with you in the whole plot
00:12:15But that's ridiculous. Why should I try to conceal something that the auditors would have been bound to discover anyway?
00:12:22Who initiate your balance last Wednesday night?
00:12:24Well, that's nothing to do with it because I'd already put the money back by then when my balance was initialed on Wednesday
00:12:29It was a correct balance who initialed it
00:12:32Don't see how it makes any difference who initialed it. I do
00:12:39Was it Sanderson no, he would
00:12:42No, it wasn't sir
00:12:44Apart from myself and Sanderson only one other person is authorized to check your balance. Who is that other person?
00:12:50You know perfectly well who initialed it, sir. I am only trying to be fair trying not to jump to any conclusions
00:12:56But it does seem conclusive that these initials are mr. Pearson's
00:13:00Are those Pearson's initials or are they not? Yes, they are
00:13:05Come in
00:13:08Our Pearson I was just going to send for you
00:13:21Thank you
00:13:30You wanted to see me mr. Fodder
00:13:33It's about this business of falsifying the books which you and Harvard to be mixed up in falsify
00:13:39This question of Burnaby's ten pounds you initialed Harvey's balance last Wednesday. Did you know falsifying?
00:13:45We were checking each item in a day or two. We would have discovered the mistake
00:13:49It's very easy to say after the event not exactly amateurs in the business, sir
00:13:54That's certainly true
00:13:56Amateurs wouldn't be clever enough to create a fund specifically to cover up mistakes made by the staff
00:14:01You do see where such abuse could lead don't you?
00:14:05Well, do you see the point
00:14:07This fund operates only for mistakes which are discovered which means that other mistakes or rather
00:14:13Falsifications could be occurring which are not discovered
00:14:17You're entitled to put your own construction on what has happened
00:14:21Thank you
00:14:23Then you would agree that I have a duty to protect this bank and its clients against embezzlement I
00:14:31Must ask you to withdraw that allegation. What's insane?
00:14:41It's no good for dice, is it
00:14:44What's no good this the whole business?
00:14:47Doesn't involve Burnaby's ten pounds. It's a question of temperaments yours and mine
00:14:52I realize that it's largely my fault that we haven't anything in common
00:14:56Really Pearson can't we straighten this ridiculous business out once and for all I know we disagree about almost everything
00:15:02My way of looking at things irritates you I am not in the least interested in your way of looking of things
00:15:08You are here to concern yourself with banking not personalities
00:15:11Mr. Forrest, I'm asking you to recommend me for a transfer to one of our branches in London
00:15:18Do you really think that I could recommend you to another branch
00:15:21Your signature on a balance sheet is apparently worthless
00:15:24If I were to recommend you I'd be as guilty of dishonesty as you are. I'm not dishonest
00:15:28Then explain these initials. I have not to my satisfaction
00:15:34Apparently you haven't grasped the full significance of what I've just been saying
00:15:37It isn't only that I couldn't in all honesty forward your transfer
00:15:40There is also a strong doubt in my mind as to whether I can keep you on here
00:15:45You dismiss me after 11 years from the one business I know
00:15:54You make it impossible for me to get another job as chief clerk at any bank in the country
00:15:59You do that
00:16:07It is time to open for business, Pearson
00:16:16Morning, Jim
00:16:17Morning
00:16:29Excuse me
00:16:31How long have I parked over there?
00:16:32Only 20 minutes, sir
00:16:33Oh
00:16:37Merry Christmas, sir
00:16:38The same to you
00:16:49I'll ask Mr. Fordyce if he'll see me for a few moments, will you please?
00:16:53Just a moment, sir
00:17:07Excuse me, sir
00:17:09Must a person or a business matter, sir?
00:17:12A business, of course
00:17:20Come in
00:17:23Yes, Pearson, what is it?
00:17:25Someone to see you, sir
00:17:27You know I don't see anyone in the mornings without an appointment
00:17:32Gore Hepburn
00:17:34What sort of person is he?
00:17:36I should say someone of consequence, sir
00:17:38Very well, show him in
00:17:40You might interrupt us after 10 minutes
00:17:42Don't want the fellow here all morning
00:17:43Very good, sir
00:17:50Would you come this way, sir?
00:17:52Oh, thank you
00:17:55Colonel Gore Hepburn, sir
00:17:57Morning, Fordyce
00:17:58Morning, Colonel
00:17:59Won't you sit down?
00:18:01Thank you
00:18:06Oh, come
00:18:15Well, you don't need me anymore, sir
00:18:16No, that's all, Pearson
00:18:18Just a moment
00:18:19Come in, Pearson, and close the door
00:18:22I'm afraid I don't understand
00:18:23This is only...
00:18:24You will
00:18:25Close it, Pearson
00:18:32I sent in my personal card
00:18:34because I did not wish to disclose
00:18:36the interests I represent
00:18:38In fact, I am from the head office
00:18:40of the Home and Mercantile Bankers Insurance
00:18:43The Home and Mercantile
00:18:45They insure this branch
00:18:46and look after our security
00:18:47Exactly
00:18:49I'm on a tour of all your branches
00:18:51in the South West
00:18:52I'm sorry to spring myself on you
00:18:54in this way
00:18:55but it's part of my job
00:18:56to see that people are on their toes
00:18:58and that the safeguard clauses
00:19:00in our policy
00:19:01are being complied with
00:19:03I hope you find everything in order, sir
00:19:05Well, frankly, Pearson
00:19:06I think I've caught you flat-footed
00:19:08I don't understand
00:19:10Now, look
00:19:11Yes, sir
00:19:12I walk into this bank this morning
00:19:14hand a card over the counter
00:19:16and immediately I'm shown in here
00:19:18and left alone with Fordyce
00:19:20I could have stuck a gun in his ribs
00:19:21as soon as the door closed
00:19:23If I may say, sir, sir
00:19:24you don't look much like a gunman
00:19:26Really?
00:19:27You people in the provinces
00:19:28must stop thinking in this way
00:19:30How do you know what a gunman
00:19:31looks like these days?
00:19:32Agreed, Fordyce?
00:19:33Yes, yes, of course
00:19:35Pearson, you should have enquired
00:19:36more thoroughly
00:19:37into Colonel Gore-Hedman's business
00:19:38I naturally assumed that you had
00:19:40I'm sorry, Mr. Fordyce
00:19:42But you couldn't have gone
00:19:43into the strongroom, Colonel
00:19:44It requires two keys to open it
00:19:46Mr. Fordyce only has one of them
00:19:47I have the other
00:19:49Well, that only makes matters worse, Pearson
00:19:51It's precisely when the bank robber
00:19:52is up against something he didn't know
00:19:54that people begin to get hurt
00:19:56By the way, I shall want to have a look
00:19:57at the layout of the strongroom later on
00:19:59Of course, whatever you say
00:20:00Is that all I'm getting at, Pearson?
00:20:02Yes, sir, I see now, sir
00:20:04We won't let you in again
00:20:05without a careful check, sir
00:20:06Good man
00:20:08That will be all, Pearson
00:20:17I hope you won't think that
00:20:18Pearson's standards of security
00:20:20represent the efficiency
00:20:21of this branch as a whole
00:20:22if he's negligent
00:20:23Presumably
00:20:24you asked him to show me in, Fordyce
00:20:26Of course, I accept full responsibility
00:20:28for any shortcomings in my staff
00:20:30However, I assure you
00:20:31it won't happen again
00:20:33In fact, I've been thinking
00:20:34of replacing Pearson
00:20:36Oh?
00:20:38He's been with you 11 years, hasn't he?
00:20:40How do you know that?
00:20:42I make it my business to know
00:20:43every small detail
00:20:44of the branches I visit
00:20:46Oh, naturally
00:20:47You would, naturally
00:20:49Excuse me, please
00:20:52Fordyce speaking
00:20:56Hello
00:20:58Hello, is anyone there?
00:21:00Mummy!
00:21:01Harry, is that you?
00:21:03Harry?
00:21:04Yes, my dear, what is it?
00:21:06Do whatever he says
00:21:09Do whatever he says
00:21:10For the love of God
00:21:11I beseech you
00:21:12Harry, can you hear me?
00:21:17Don't do anything, Fordyce
00:21:19They'll die if you move
00:21:20or say a word
00:21:22What are you talking about?
00:21:23Let me speak to them
00:21:24Shut up!
00:21:27Now, listen to me, Fordyce
00:21:28Nothing will happen
00:21:29if you sit quite still
00:21:30until I finish speaking
00:21:32What have my wife
00:21:33and child to do with this?
00:21:34There are two men
00:21:35at your house
00:21:37At this moment
00:21:38your wife has an electrode
00:21:39attached to each side
00:21:40of her head
00:21:43If you fail to cooperate
00:21:44with us in any way, whatever
00:21:46they will pass a charge
00:21:47through the circuit
00:21:50It is extremely painful
00:21:53and I'm afraid
00:21:54the effects of it
00:21:55are permanent
00:21:57She would never
00:21:58recover her wits
00:22:07What is it you want?
00:22:11Just some money
00:22:27Going hunting, Pearson?
00:22:29I beg your pardon, sir
00:22:31I thought you might have
00:22:32asked for it
00:22:33during your inspection
00:22:34But we seem to have
00:22:35mislaid the ammunition
00:22:37It's not very sensible, is it?
00:22:39You can't shoot Desperados
00:22:40with an empty gun, you know
00:22:42I thought we had
00:22:43some round somewhere
00:22:45I shouldn't worry, Pearson
00:22:46They're not very accurate
00:22:47things at the best of times
00:22:49By the way, I just wanted
00:22:50to tell you that
00:22:51Mr. Fordyce and I
00:22:52are not to be disturbed
00:22:53on any occasion
00:22:54No one is to come in
00:22:55unless we send for them
00:22:56Is that clear?
00:22:58Yes, sir
00:22:59Good, ma'am
00:23:11Cigarette?
00:23:16I'm always telling myself
00:23:17that I ought to give it up
00:23:18but now, I suppose
00:23:19I never shall
00:23:20It's snowing
00:23:22The paper said
00:23:23that it was going
00:23:24to get warmer today
00:23:25Now, look at it
00:23:27Do you mind if I
00:23:28light this by the window?
00:23:30It has a certain significance
00:23:31for someone watching out there
00:23:33We have several
00:23:34pre-arranged signals
00:23:36and a special one
00:23:39in case anything
00:23:40goes wrong
00:23:54My dear fellow
00:23:55I'm afraid
00:23:56we have to go
00:23:58I'm afraid
00:23:59that's what I'm going to do
00:24:00I'm afraid
00:24:01that's what I'm going to do
00:24:02This is mine.
00:24:04This is mine.
00:24:06Do you mind if we get down to business?
00:24:08I've allowed a short while for your mind to adjust itself to the idea.
00:24:13Do you think my mind can adjust itself to the idea that my...
00:24:16that my wife and my child might be...
00:24:18Reliford, I shall be very unappreciative.
00:24:21It's rather a good plan, don't you think?
00:24:24No noisy guns or bleeding cashiers.
00:24:28No rushing off in stolen cars.
00:24:31None of that working through the night with the do-it-yourself tools...
00:24:34and the unstable explosives.
00:24:36I detest brutality.
00:24:39I want bank robberies to be smoother, more sociable.
00:24:44Well, now, how about it? Beginning to feel adjusted?
00:24:49You'll never get away with it.
00:24:51How unfortunate for your family if I don't.
00:24:55Fordyce, I can't impress upon you enough...
00:24:58that you must behave with absolute naturalness...
00:25:01during the next 50 minutes.
00:25:04Remember every single second...
00:25:06that the lives of your wife and child depend on it.
00:25:10Now...
00:25:12in a few moments you will call Pearson back in.
00:25:16Listen carefully to what you have to do.
00:25:19It is imperative that the luggage from my car is brought in here...
00:25:23but at your suggestion.
00:25:25Is that clear?
00:25:30I'm parked in a 20-minute zone.
00:25:32I'm going to tell Pearson to drive the car into the car park.
00:25:36You will inquire whether I have any luggage.
00:25:38I'm not very concerned about it, but you are.
00:25:41And you insist that the luggage is brought in here.
00:25:45Do you understand that?
00:25:47Yes. I think so.
00:25:50I'm not telling you exactly what to say...
00:25:53because I want you to express yourself in your usual manner.
00:26:02I believe you attended a staff dinner last February...
00:26:05where you were introduced to Desmond Hyde...
00:26:07one of the C&C board of directors.
00:26:09Is that correct?
00:26:11How did you know?
00:26:12Never mind.
00:26:14It'll give us something to be talking about when Pearson comes in.
00:26:18Now...
00:26:20ring for him.
00:26:23Yes.
00:26:31Miss Pringle speaking.
00:26:32Ask Mr Pearson to come in, please.
00:26:34Yes, sir.
00:26:44You'd have been most amused if you could have seen him at the house party.
00:26:48He's a most delightful fellow.
00:26:50A first-class shot, too.
00:26:53Come in.
00:26:55Oh, come in, Pearson.
00:26:57I'm sorry, Colonel, you were saying?
00:27:00Oh, I was only going to say...
00:27:02that all the most charming people seem to end up on the board of the C&C.
00:27:06By the way, Desmond Hyde was there with his wife, Anna.
00:27:09I think he said he'd met you.
00:27:11Yes.
00:27:13Yes, I dined with him last year at the staff dinner.
00:27:16I should... I should like to meet him again.
00:27:19Oh, uh, by the way, Pearson...
00:27:21would you mind moving my car into the car park?
00:27:24It's in the 20-minute zone at the moment, and I hate breaking the law.
00:27:27I'm afraid I don't drive, sir.
00:27:29Oh, well, uh, perhaps somebody else?
00:27:32Yes, of course, uh, Harville.
00:27:34Yes.
00:27:36Uh, just a moment, Pearson.
00:27:40Uh, I suppose you left nothing of value in your car, Colonel?
00:27:44Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:27:46Don't worry, my baggage.
00:27:48I wonder if it'll be safe leaving it in the car park.
00:27:50It's unattended, you know.
00:27:52Hmm, I suppose it is a bit tempting.
00:27:54Yes, you'd better bring the luggage in here, Pearson.
00:27:57It's no good taking chances these days.
00:27:59Well, if it'll set your mind at rest, Fortyce.
00:28:01I'll see to it, sir.
00:28:03Yes.
00:28:08Just a shade more deference, Fortyce.
00:28:11Yes, a little more eagerness to please me.
00:28:15Otherwise, I shall be obliged to arrange a small scream to refresh your memory.
00:28:21You can't.
00:28:23You can't.
00:28:40By rights, this stuff should be melting now, not falling.
00:28:43Do you expect me to worry if it snows or not?
00:28:47My worries have automatically become your worries now, Fortyce.
00:28:52If anything should go wrong, the slightest hitch...
00:28:55I can't stop the snow.
00:28:57No, I suppose that would be asking too much, wouldn't it?
00:29:06Ah, good.
00:29:09Thank you, Pearson.
00:29:16Thank you very much.
00:29:23Thank you.
00:29:29Thank you. Thank you.
00:29:31Now, let me see. You must be Miss Pringle.
00:29:34Yes, sir.
00:29:36Now, tell me, Miss Pringle, are you looking forward to Christmas?
00:29:38Oh, yes, sir.
00:29:40You going to have a Christmas party here?
00:29:42Well, I... Somebody did mention it, but I don't really know.
00:29:45Yeah. Well, perhaps you'd allow me to make a...
00:29:48a small contribution to the party fund, eh?
00:29:52Oh. Oh, thank you.
00:29:54Thank you very much, sir.
00:29:56Oh, please don't thank me.
00:29:58It allays the feelings of guilt I sometimes get...
00:30:00about the way I misuse my expense allowance.
00:30:02Oh, thank you, sir.
00:30:08You're very fortunate in your staff orders.
00:30:11That is not my opinion.
00:30:13Oh, really?
00:30:16Have you ever contributed to the Christmas fund?
00:30:19I am not in the habit of ingratiating myself with my subordinates.
00:30:23I have news for you, Fordyce.
00:30:25You have just done that.
00:30:27I've done what?
00:30:29Ingratiated yourself.
00:30:31Give me five pounds.
00:30:33Five pounds? What for?
00:30:35Your contribution to the fund...
00:30:37and a slight token of regret...
00:30:39for the ungenerous thoughts you've just expressed.
00:30:42Thank you.
00:31:01That is only four.
00:31:03That is all I have. I don't carry much cash.
00:31:05Very wise.
00:31:07It protects you in case of robbery, doesn't it?
00:31:09Well, never mind.
00:31:11You can owe me the other pound.
00:31:16Tell me, Fordyce.
00:31:18Have you ever read Gibbon's...
00:31:20Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire?
00:31:24No, I haven't.
00:31:25Unlucky for you.
00:31:27You'll be able to start as soon as I've gone.
00:31:29It's in these cases.
00:31:31All 12 volumes.
00:31:33The rest, I'm afraid, rather old blankets.
00:31:36You get the idea, of course.
00:31:39I'm not a fool.
00:31:42You'll be interested to know that we've got plenty of time.
00:31:45The whole operation is scheduled to end...
00:31:48in exactly 45 minutes.
00:31:50We'll unpack the cases in the strongroom...
00:31:53and refill them with the money.
00:31:56Not a very fair exchange, I'm afraid.
00:31:59I don't expect the exchange to be permanent.
00:32:01Don't you?
00:32:03I'll explain the way I want them refilled...
00:32:06when we get down there.
00:32:09You know, I think banks are rather fun.
00:32:32I've got to make a pass to myself, I'm afraid.
00:32:37Hmm.
00:32:39Secret plans, perhaps?
00:32:42Well, now.
00:32:44Let's have a look at the alarm system, shall we?
00:32:46This way, Colonel.
00:32:48Harville.
00:32:50This is Colonel Goreheadburn...
00:32:52who's inspecting our security arrangements...
00:32:54for the insurance company.
00:32:55Oh, Harville.
00:32:56Morning, sir.
00:32:57Where's your alarm button?
00:32:58There, sir.
00:32:59Oh, thank you.
00:33:01Hmm.
00:33:03Well, you've never had occasion to use it, I suppose.
00:33:05Lucky, sir.
00:33:06Very law-abiding community.
00:33:07Yes.
00:33:08Well, you know, it's not the local people we're worried about.
00:33:10It's these smart characters down from London.
00:33:12I don't mind telling them.
00:33:13It's got us worried.
00:33:14That's why I'm here.
00:33:15Havisham is the centre of a large agricultural area, Colonel.
00:33:19London is a long way away.
00:33:20There'd be plenty of time to put up roadblocks.
00:33:23You'd be surprised how these fellows can think their way around roadblocks.
00:33:27Well, you carry the minimum amount of stock in the tills, I suppose?
00:33:31Oh, yes, yes.
00:33:32Any withdrawal over 500 pounds has to come from the strongroom...
00:33:35unless, of course, we've had prior warning.
00:33:37Uh-huh.
00:33:38Well, let's have a look at the next one.
00:33:43This is Mr Sanderson, Colonel.
00:33:45Sanderson, Sanderson.
00:33:47Where have I...
00:33:49Oh, yes.
00:33:50Didn't I see your name in the Banker's World Monthly a little while ago?
00:33:53Yes, sir, it was.
00:33:54Yes, of course.
00:33:55You were runner-up in the regional chess competition.
00:33:58Well, you never told me you had a potential chess champion on the staff, Fortas.
00:34:02I'm more concerned with what Sanderson does in his office hours.
00:34:06Yes, well, I suppose chess is a failing of mine, too, Sanderson.
00:34:10Robbing banks is a game of wits, after all, isn't it?
00:34:13Well, now, where's the alarm switch? Same place as Harvey's?
00:34:15Oh, yes, sir.
00:34:16Oh, yes.
00:34:17Well, any complaints?
00:34:19Well, sir, since you asked me, the central heating here...
00:34:23Colonel Gore Hepburn is concerned with security, Sanderson.
00:34:26Well, I'll try to breathe a word higher ups, Sanderson, but I can't make them promises.
00:34:31Now, I'd like to have a look at the code book you use for your currency orders,
00:34:34and then we'll go down to the strong room.
00:34:37Colonel Gore Hepburn is concerned with security, Sanderson.
00:34:44Oh, snap out of it, George. He's not the end of the world.
00:34:47That's the third black I've put up today.
00:34:49First I didn't check up on him, then there was the empty gun,
00:34:51and now he's just caught me daydreaming.
00:34:53Oh, he's not so bad for a colonel.
00:34:56You really should have checked up on him, I suppose.
00:34:59He'll probably ask you if you have.
00:35:01Why don't you put in a call to his office?
00:35:03It's a bit late.
00:35:04It's better late than never. I'll book a call for you.
00:35:10It's Pringle.
00:35:12Got Holman Mercantile's number.
00:35:18You don't know what this is costing me.
00:35:23It's costing you 90,000 pounds, Fortnight.
00:35:26I'm afraid you're going to be greatly disappointed, Colonel.
00:35:29The stocks of a bank in a small community like this
00:35:32do not add up to anything like that amount.
00:35:49Take off your glasses, Fortnight.
00:35:53For what purpose?
00:35:54What do you want?
00:35:55Just take them off.
00:35:58I can't see you now.
00:36:02There are two components factories
00:36:04and a Birmingham Chemicals subsidiary on the bypass,
00:36:06all of which draw their wages here tomorrow.
00:36:09Tomorrow is also Christmas Eve.
00:36:11Your average withdrawals on Christmas Eve
00:36:13have never been less than 7,000 pounds.
00:36:15Your current stocks shown in head office return last week
00:36:18were 89,000 pounds.
00:36:24We've been a year setting up this operation.
00:36:27There isn't the smallest detail of your branch
00:36:30which is not known to me.
00:36:34But on your glasses, you look ridiculous.
00:36:44Don't misread my character, Fordyce.
00:36:47I may be unable to suppress my natural charm,
00:36:50but try to remember
00:36:51I've only to make one of several prearranged gestures at that window
00:36:55and your wife would be subjected to the most unbearable torture.
00:37:01You would probably find that she would never...
00:37:04Don't.
00:37:08There's about 97,000 pounds there.
00:37:11The stock lists are kept just inside the safety doors.
00:37:14Thank you.
00:37:16Now, I want you to listen to the next stage carefully.
00:37:19You and I with Pearson will go to the strongroom.
00:37:21That's through there, isn't it?
00:37:28There's delay.
00:37:29What?
00:37:30A London calls.
00:37:31I suppose everybody's trying to phone their Aunt Nellie for Christmas.
00:37:33Oh, I don't say.
00:37:34We'll phone back as soon as they've got a line.
00:37:36Oh, thanks.
00:37:37You let Pearson get halfway up the stairs
00:37:39and then you call him back.
00:37:41You tell him that if anyone comes in for a large withdrawal
00:37:45they're to be asked to wait a short while
00:37:47until you become available.
00:37:49I'll leave you a few thousand pounds
00:37:51to meet any emergencies for the next hour or so.
00:37:54Pearson goes.
00:37:56Then we come back up here,
00:37:58take the cases down to the strongroom
00:38:00and repack them in a way I'll describe to you as we go along.
00:38:03Now, is all that absolutely clear?
00:38:07I think I understand.
00:38:09Very well.
00:38:10In a few moments I shall ask you to repeat your instructions.
00:38:15Well, we'd better not send for Pearson for another five minutes.
00:38:18Mustn't rush things, you know.
00:38:20After all, we are supposed to be in conference.
00:38:22By the way,
00:38:24do you have any drink here with which to entertain
00:38:26your more influential customers?
00:38:30It's over there.
00:38:46BELL RINGS
00:38:50You fool for life!
00:38:52What have you done?
00:38:54Stop!
00:38:56Stop! It's only a fire engine.
00:38:58The station's in Market Street, just round the corner.
00:39:02Phew!
00:39:04Ha!
00:39:06Ha!
00:39:08I could do with that drink.
00:39:09You'd better have one too.
00:39:10If I may say so.
00:39:12You're not in need, are you?
00:39:14I don't drink during office hours.
00:39:16Oh.
00:39:18I think this occasion might be an exception.
00:39:24Very well.
00:39:26Thank you.
00:39:30I'm afraid I can't wish you good luck.
00:39:33No, I agree, Fordyce. It would be out of character.
00:39:39You're hardly in a position to know anything about my character.
00:39:42I think I am.
00:39:44You're not a very charitable man,
00:39:46let alone a sporting one.
00:39:49The opinion of a common thief is of no interest to me.
00:39:53I flatter myself. I'm a rather uncommon thief.
00:39:57A common one would just make off with the money.
00:40:00But I can't help interesting myself in people.
00:40:03It's a failing you ought to cultivate, Fordyce.
00:40:07Thank you.
00:40:09You ought to encourage Samson in his chess, for instance.
00:40:12You know, I'm interested in every single person who works for me.
00:40:16Their family is what happens to them.
00:40:19You ought to take them out for a drink occasionally,
00:40:22join their Christmas party,
00:40:24or just listen to them.
00:40:26I believe it to be enough if my staff respect me for my efficiency.
00:40:30And your family, do they respect you too?
00:40:34Must you keep reminding me of what they're going through?
00:40:37Can't you stop gloating?
00:40:40I'm not gloating.
00:40:42I ask because I noticed that when the telephone rang this morning,
00:40:46your child was calling for his mother, not his father.
00:40:50And when your wife spoke to you, she used the word beseech,
00:40:54as if you were not often given to mercy.
00:40:56Shut up, will you?
00:40:58Don't raise your voice, Fordyce, if you really want to show them mercy.
00:41:02I will not stand here having judgment passed on me by a criminal.
00:41:06I'm only trying to show you the error of your ways, Fordyce.
00:41:18For you to moralize,
00:41:21sitting there like some damned saint.
00:41:24The saints love their fellow men,
00:41:26but when you're called to account,
00:41:28how many of your fellow creatures will give evidence for you?
00:41:31Those people out there, for instance, what will they say?
00:41:35I am not particularly interested in the opinions of...
00:41:38Repeat your instructions. What happens when Pearson comes in?
00:41:44We go through the door to the staircase,
00:41:47and Pearson and I switch off the electric eye.
00:41:51Then we go down and open the safety doors for you.
00:41:56Then I tell... No, then you tell Pearson to go.
00:42:00But I say that there should be two members of the staff
00:42:04in the strongroom at all times.
00:42:07In the end, you tell Pearson to lock us in,
00:42:10that is, by locking these two doors here.
00:42:14Then he goes.
00:42:19Then he goes.
00:42:24Yes, but I stop him,
00:42:26say that there are to be no large withdrawals until...
00:42:29until we've finished.
00:42:31Right.
00:42:34And above all, speak naturally.
00:42:37If it goes differently or you forget anything,
00:42:40for heaven's sake, don't panic. I'll be there.
00:42:43Just behave as if it were, in fact, a normal security check.
00:42:47Now, are you absolutely certain
00:42:49that everything's been taken into account?
00:42:52Because if we should fail, you know what it means.
00:42:55The orders are already given.
00:42:57They will be ruthlessly carried out.
00:43:00Is it likely I should let you make a mistake?
00:43:05Up to now, you've made all the threats.
00:43:08I'll make only one.
00:43:10If anything happens to my family,
00:43:13I'll kill you.
00:43:15I swear I will.
00:43:20Call Pearson.
00:43:28Miss Pringle speaking.
00:43:30Ask Mr Pearson to come in.
00:43:32Miss Pringle speaking.
00:43:34Ask Mr Pearson to come in, please.
00:43:36Yes, sir.
00:43:51Come in.
00:43:53Well, Pearson, we're ready to go down.
00:43:56Got your keys?
00:43:58Yes, sir.
00:44:00You couldn't have chosen a better time if you'd planned it.
00:44:06This way.
00:44:09Is your electric eye system in order?
00:44:12Yes, sir.
00:44:14We'd better switch it off, then.
00:44:16Yes, sir.
00:44:23Right. Lead the way, Pearson.
00:44:31I sometimes feel I never want to see the inside of another bank as long as I live.
00:44:36Do you ever get like that, Forrest?
00:44:38No, I can't say I do.
00:44:40I must be in need of a holiday.
00:44:47When did you last check your alarm system?
00:44:50It's always checked every Saturday morning before we open it.
00:44:54What's that light for?
00:44:56It's a red blinker light.
00:44:58It flashes to warn us if the inner grill door hasn't been properly closed.
00:45:02If it isn't attended to after 30 seconds, the general alarm is set off.
00:45:06I see. That's a good idea.
00:45:0830 seconds, you give them time to open up and reset the grill door.
00:45:12We've never had occasion to need the reminder.
00:45:15I'm sure of that.
00:45:18Ah, I suppose it's all in the day's work for us,
00:45:21the moment before a strongroom door opens.
00:45:26Yet I suppose it's also the moment a thousand thieves have dreamt of
00:45:30as the highlight of their lives.
00:45:32Let's hope their dreams don't come true, sir.
00:45:38Hmph.
00:45:40I suppose it's all in the day's work for us,
00:45:43the moment before a strongroom door opens.
00:45:47The stuff you fellows collect in these places.
00:45:54Well, let's have a look at your current holdings, all right?
00:46:01There you go.
00:46:03Hm.
00:46:05You always carry as much as those?
00:46:07Except for the two months just after Christmas.
00:46:10Pearson, will you turn on the vent later? We may be down here some time.
00:46:17Oh, Pearson, I don't think we need keep you any longer.
00:46:21Let's have your key to the safety doors, will you?
00:46:24My key, sir?
00:46:26Uh, this is somewhat irregular.
00:46:28Strictly speaking, Colonel, Pearson should only give that key up to his deputy.
00:46:32And besides, there should be two members of the staff down here all the time the strongroom is open.
00:46:36Quite right. In fact, if he hadn't come out with it, it would have meant a black mark in my report.
00:46:40However, Pearson, the usual form on my inspections
00:46:43is for the chief clerk to lock all the doors to this part of the bank
00:46:47and then to let us have his key to the safety doors
00:46:50in case we have to leave the strongroom unattended for any length of time.
00:46:55Well, what about it?
00:46:57Think you can trust me to keep an eye on Mr. Fordyce, Pearson?
00:47:00Yes, I think so, sir.
00:47:02Good.
00:47:04Just lock the outer door to my office, will you, Pearson,
00:47:07so that the Colonel and I can get in there from here if we perhaps are referred to anything.
00:47:11Very good, sir. I shan't open them again until I hear from you.
00:47:14Correct.
00:47:20Oh, Pearson, should anyone come in for a large withdrawal,
00:47:24tell the clerks to ask them to come back in an hour, say we're having an audit or something.
00:47:28Oh, that's all right.
00:47:41Right.
00:48:05Go to your desk for a night.
00:48:07Don't hurry.
00:48:12Sit down.
00:48:18Why didn't you tell him, Fordyce?
00:48:20I didn't remember. He cleans the windows once a month.
00:48:25Even when it's snowing?
00:48:27We have a contract.
00:48:29Does he come inside later?
00:48:31No, that's done by the office staff.
00:48:42Right.
00:49:04Okay, sir.
00:49:07Open safe.
00:49:12I hate packing and unpacking.
00:49:15Can't wait to get settled in one place.
00:49:17The air on Dartmoor is very bracing, I believe.
00:49:20There's no doubt.
00:49:22Our rise will be far beyond the reach of our extradition laws.
00:49:37What's the matter?
00:49:39Nothing, nothing, nothing.
00:49:44Right to 25.
00:49:46Twice to 60.
00:49:48I have...
00:49:5110.
00:50:07I can't do it.
00:50:11You can't?
00:50:13I don't know. I'm in panic.
00:50:15I've come back.
00:50:18Yes.
00:50:28Left to 25.
00:50:32One.
00:50:36Two.
00:51:06Three.
00:51:14Right.
00:51:16We'll take part notes first.
00:51:1820,000 in each of the big cases.
00:51:2010,000 in the small.
00:51:37I'll send you a postcard for a night.
00:51:42You'll be able to come and stay with me in my villa.
00:51:50With your family, of course.
00:51:54I'll send you a postcard.
00:51:56I'll send you a postcard.
00:51:58I'll send you a postcard.
00:52:00I'll send you a postcard.
00:52:02I'll send you a postcard.
00:52:04With your family, of course.
00:52:34Thanks.
00:52:38Next, the poundstone.
00:52:40Right.
00:52:44Now for the fibres.
00:52:48If you haven't much time, just fill up each case as far as you can go.
00:52:51Right.
00:53:04Fibres are a damn nuisance.
00:53:06It would take years to farm away the fibres.
00:53:08Around the race courses, this is a usual practice, isn't it?
00:53:11I'm afraid professional ethics prevents me from disclosing that information.
00:53:15Here, let me...
00:53:21Right.
00:53:32Right, I'll do that. Shut the safe door.
00:53:42Watch the safe door.
00:53:51Watch the safe door.
00:54:00The other door.
00:54:21The other door.
00:54:52Electric eye.
00:55:00The door. Lock it.
00:55:21Right.
00:55:37Here, drink this.
00:55:40I don't want it.
00:55:52You won't have to listen to me much longer.
00:55:54Thank heaven.
00:55:56That last little exhibition was to tell my friend
00:55:58that the first stage of the operation is completed.
00:56:00It is the last signal he will get from me.
00:56:02The next will come from you.
00:56:04I can't take any more of this.
00:56:06Look, I've had enough. You've got what you came for.
00:56:08Now, why don't you go?
00:56:10That is exactly what I intend to do.
00:56:12But first, we must discuss the most important stage of this operation.
00:56:15My getaway.
00:56:17They'll catch you.
00:56:19They'll catch all of you.
00:56:21I hope not, Fordyce, for your sake.
00:56:23What do you mean?
00:56:25I have a rendezvous with my friends in about an hour's time.
00:56:28If I fail to turn up, they're likely to become irritable,
00:56:30restless, and generally unpleasant.
00:56:32I am not interested or concerned.
00:56:34Oh, but you are, Fordyce.
00:56:36You've missed the point again.
00:56:38You are most concerned.
00:56:44But you'd, uh...
00:56:46You haven't...
00:56:49You don't mean you're taking them with you?
00:56:51Not taking, Fordyce.
00:56:53Borrowing, to use a banker's term, as collateral.
00:56:56You... You cannot subject them to any more.
00:56:59My wife is very highly strung.
00:57:01For pity's sake, leave them.
00:57:03Look, I'll go with you willingly.
00:57:05I'll do anything you say.
00:57:08Sit down.
00:57:15Now, listen carefully, Fordyce.
00:57:17No one need die if you do as I say.
00:57:20I want one hour, that's all.
00:57:26City and Colonial, can I help you?
00:57:28How would you like it, Mrs. Tate? In fivers?
00:57:30In ones, please. That is, if it's not too much trouble.
00:57:32No trouble at all.
00:57:34Your call's through.
00:57:35All right, but within a minute.
00:57:37I'll hang on for you.
00:57:38Look, Arthur, I'll do it if you're busy.
00:57:40Okay. It's Holman Mercantile on the line.
00:57:42Get through to their bank insurance department.
00:57:44Okay.
00:57:45And look slippy or he'll be gone.
00:57:46Roger.
00:57:51Hello?
00:57:54What time do you make it?
00:57:58It's about 22.
00:57:59Exactly, ma'am.
00:58:0219 minutes to 11.
00:58:04Right.
00:58:06Now, as soon as I drive away, you come back in here,
00:58:10go to that window, mop your brow with your handkerchief twice,
00:58:14very distinctly.
00:58:16After that, you have one hour, 60 minutes.
00:58:20What does that mean?
00:58:22We're leaving a man behind in Havisham.
00:58:24I will be in touch with him by telephone every 15 minutes.
00:58:28If he reports that a police alarm has been given
00:58:30or that we're being followed,
00:58:32your wife and child will be killed immediately
00:58:34and we will switch to another escape plan already prepared.
00:58:37But if all goes well, your wife and child will be released
00:58:41exactly one hour after I leave here.
00:58:43Is that absolutely clear?
00:58:46Yes, it's quite clear.
00:58:48Time for Pearson.
00:58:53Just a moment.
00:58:54Don't for heaven's sake deceive yourself into thinking
00:58:56that this couldn't happen.
00:58:58After I leave, you're on your own
00:58:59and only you know what is at stake.
00:59:02If suspicions are aroused,
00:59:03you must prevent the alarm being given at all costs.
00:59:07I don't have to tell you any more, do I?
00:59:10No.
00:59:13I'm afraid I understand only too well.
00:59:16Right.
00:59:19Miss Pringle speaking.
00:59:21Is Mr. Pearson there?
00:59:22One moment, sir.
00:59:23Mr. Pearson.
00:59:26Just coming, sir.
00:59:27Yes, I'm still on the line.
00:59:30Pearson.
00:59:31Colonel Gore Hepburn's ready to leave.
00:59:32Get his car around immediately, please.
00:59:34Very good, sir.
00:59:35And he'd like to see you before he goes.
00:59:37See me?
00:59:38That's right, Pearson.
00:59:40Yes, sir.
00:59:44They're finished in there.
00:59:45What about her?
00:59:46She's been hanging out for two minutes.
00:59:47Who is it?
00:59:48The home in the Hoosies.
00:59:50Oh, well, I'll take that.
00:59:51You go and get the colonel's car.
00:59:52Right.
00:59:53And don't smash it up.
00:59:54Roger, Dodger.
00:59:55Hello?
00:59:57Hello?
00:59:59Hello? Hello?
01:00:02Don't cut off.
01:00:10Come in.
01:00:12You wanted to see me, sir?
01:00:13Oh, just a moment, Pearson.
01:00:15Now, Fordyce, I'll just get you to sign this clearance certificate, if you will.
01:00:19I won't.
01:00:23Don't want my fellow directors to think I've been spending the time of the popsy in Brighton.
01:00:29Thank you.
01:00:31Well, Pearson, I just wanted to tell you that I intend giving an excellent report on this branch.
01:00:36Thank you, sir.
01:00:37About that ammunition.
01:00:39Ammunition? What ammunition?
01:00:40Not ammunition.
01:00:41My memory gets a bit rusty at Christmas time.
01:00:43Oh, there is just one thing, Pearson.
01:00:45The next time a home and mercantile man calls, telephone his office and check up on him.
01:00:50It's a rule.
01:00:51I realise that, sir.
01:00:52As a matter of fact...
01:00:53Oh, no harm done.
01:00:54Fordyce had the good sense to check himself.
01:00:57Well, thank you very much, Fordyce.
01:00:59You've been most cooperative.
01:01:01Thank you.
01:01:02Oh, Pearson, say goodbye to the staff for me, will you?
01:01:04Wish them a Merry Christmas.
01:01:06And you might say that, in my opinion, it'd take a very clever fellow to rob this bank.
01:01:10And I'm an expert.
01:01:12I'll give you a hand with the bag, sir.
01:01:14That's all right, Pearson.
01:01:16I'll help the fellow out.
01:01:20Thank you very much.
01:01:30Can I help you, sir?
01:01:31Oh, it's all right. Thank you, Harvey.
01:01:33Have a good Christmas.
01:01:34Thank you, sir. And the same to you.
01:01:36Oh, I'll do my best.
01:01:50That's what I call a car.
01:01:52Better than that old tin can you run around in, Arthur.
01:01:54Well, I wasn't a colonel. I was a corporal.
01:02:00Better go in, Fordyce. Don't want you catching cold.
01:02:04Well, goodbye.
01:02:06Keep your chin up.
01:02:22Good morning, Mr. Fordyce.
01:02:35City and Colonial.
01:02:50Mr. Fordyce.
01:02:52What the?
01:02:54What's going on, Mr. Fordyce?
01:02:56What are you talking about?
01:02:58How dare you come into my room without knocking?
01:03:00I've just had Herman Mercantile on the phone.
01:03:02Who?
01:03:03You didn't ring them, did you?
01:03:05What do you mean?
01:03:07Of course I rang them.
01:03:08You heard what Colonel Gore Hepburn said?
01:03:10It wasn't him.
01:03:11The real Gore Hepburn's in Manchester.
01:03:13Are you out of your mind, Pearson?
01:03:15Why did you lie?
01:03:16What were you doing at the window just now?
01:03:19That's enough, Pearson.
01:03:22I've had enough of your impertinence.
01:03:24I'll ring the Herman Mercantile myself.
01:03:26Either some stupid typist has made an error...
01:03:29...or you received some garbled message.
01:03:32Now, you get back to your work at once.
01:03:34Come off it, Fordyce.
01:03:36Do as I say.
01:03:44He's robbed the bank, hasn't he?
01:03:49How much did he get away with?
01:03:54Ninety-three thousand.
01:03:56Ninety-three thousand?
01:03:58Yes.
01:03:59And you helped him?
01:04:01I had to, Pearson.
01:04:03I still have to.
01:04:05I don't understand.
01:04:06They've got my wife, Pearson.
01:04:08And the boy.
01:04:10How now?
01:04:11There mustn't be any alarm.
01:04:13The police mustn't know.
01:04:14Not for an hour.
01:04:15There's one of the gang out there keeping watch.
01:04:17But the police are...
01:04:18I daren't tell them, Pearson.
01:04:19I can't. I can't take the risk.
01:04:21I've already rung them.
01:04:23What? You...
01:04:25You've called them?
01:04:26I rang them immediately.
01:04:29You must stop them.
01:04:30They're on their way.
01:04:31You've got to stop them.
01:04:32Tell them it was a mistake.
01:04:33Mistake?
01:04:34You rang them in error.
01:04:35You must think of something.
01:04:36But the others, Sanderson, Harville...
01:04:39They know.
01:04:40They heard me ring.
01:04:43Look, they...
01:04:45They mustn't say anything.
01:04:47They mustn't.
01:04:48Explain to them what's happened.
01:04:50They'll understand.
01:04:51Pearson, promise me you'll do that.
01:04:53Promise, please.
01:04:55I don't know what you're asking.
01:04:58They've got to help me.
01:05:00Pearson, they must.
01:05:01The money must afford us.
01:05:03The bank's money.
01:05:04Forget the money, Pearson.
01:05:06Pearson, listen.
01:05:07Now, listen to me.
01:05:09My family are all I've got.
01:05:11I have no friends.
01:05:12Nobody.
01:05:13Only my wife and my son.
01:05:15That's all I've got.
01:05:17You've got to understand, Pearson.
01:05:19They're all I've got.
01:05:26They're all I've got.
01:05:45Morning, sir.
01:05:46I'm Detective Sergeant Collins.
01:05:48Good morning, Sergeant.
01:05:50Well, I'm afraid there's been a rather unfortunate mistake.
01:05:54Detective Constable Cairn, he took the call.
01:05:56No, Mr. Pearson made the call.
01:05:58He gave a description of a man in a car
01:06:00the inspector sent out to General Alarm.
01:06:02You must cancel it.
01:06:03Immediately.
01:06:05Well, I mean, it's very important.
01:06:07It's my fault, I'm afraid.
01:06:09I'm Pearson.
01:06:10The man I described is a senior official.
01:06:13An official?
01:06:14From head office.
01:06:15He's a very important man.
01:06:16And, well, if he stopped...
01:06:17I made a bit of a fool of myself.
01:06:19You see, I thought he was described in our banker's journal as a thief.
01:06:23But I found a rather large sum of money missing.
01:06:26Money missing?
01:06:27Well, it wasn't exactly missing.
01:06:29I had it, Sergeant.
01:06:30I'd taken it to check without telling Mr. Pearson.
01:06:34And you panicked?
01:06:36I'm afraid so.
01:06:38You'd better cancel the alarm right away.
01:06:42I'll just take details.
01:06:44There's really no time.
01:06:46It is rather urgent.
01:06:47You see, he's a fairly big shot.
01:06:49Well, if he stopped...
01:06:50You understand.
01:06:52You'd all be in for a rocket.
01:06:54That's right.
01:07:06Okay.
01:07:07Use the car radio, Sergeant.
01:07:14May I offer you a drink, Sergeant?
01:07:17Well, uh...
01:07:18Well, it's Christmas time.
01:07:20Thank you, sir.
01:07:21This way.
01:07:46Would you like water or soda, Sergeant?
01:07:48As it comes, please, sir.
01:07:52You're in very good health.
01:07:54Not joining me, sir?
01:07:56Oh, yes, of course.
01:08:01Did, uh...
01:08:02Did anyone see you arrive?
01:08:04How do you mean, sir?
01:08:07Was there a crowd when your car drew up?
01:08:10No, not particularly.
01:08:12Usual shoppers.
01:08:13Why, sir?
01:08:14Oh, nothing, Sergeant.
01:08:16Nothing special.
01:08:17It was just that I wouldn't like people to get the wrong impression.
01:08:20You know how quickly rumors start in this town.
01:08:23Why shouldn't we, sir?
01:08:24We didn't have any bells or sirens going.
01:08:27Oh, then you might just have been clients.
01:08:30As a matter of fact, I am a client, sir.
01:08:32I keep my ill-gotten gains in this bag.
01:08:35Yes, of course.
01:08:37Yes.
01:08:39I had forgotten that.
01:08:51I hope you won't think I'm making too much of this, Sergeant.
01:08:54It's just that I do have the good name of the bank to think of.
01:08:57You take your job very much to heart, don't you, Mr. Forrest?
01:09:00It's a heavy responsibility, Sergeant.
01:09:02I understand, sir.
01:09:06Well, it was a very nice.
01:09:08Have you time for another?
01:09:09No. Better be getting back to the station.
01:09:12I do hope there won't be any trouble.
01:09:14Well, between you and me, sir, it's the Inspector I'm worried about.
01:09:17Inspector Latimer?
01:09:18No, he's gone.
01:09:19A new man. Mason from London. Dead keen.
01:09:22Got this call. Was off like a greyhound.
01:09:25Mistakes do happen.
01:09:26Oh, sure.
01:09:27But he's not going to like being sent on a wild goose chase.
01:09:30No. I suppose not.
01:09:33Well, don't worry, sir. I'll explain.
01:09:37Thank you, Sergeant.
01:09:39Thank you very much indeed.
01:09:43Nothing wrong, sir, is there?
01:09:46How do you mean?
01:09:47I hope you don't mind me mentioning it, sir, but you look a bit under the weather.
01:09:50No, there's nothing wrong. Nothing at all.
01:09:53It's been a hard day so far.
01:09:55I understand, sir. I bet you'll be glad when it's over.
01:09:58Yes, I will, Sergeant.
01:10:00Well, Merry Christmas, sir.
01:10:02And to you.
01:10:13Hello, Forrest. Nice to see you again.
01:10:16Meet a friend of mine, Bill Mason.
01:10:18Mason, this is Fordyce, the manager.
01:10:22Do you know this gentleman, Mr. Fordyce?
01:10:25Know him?
01:10:27Well, of course I know him.
01:10:29He's from head office.
01:10:31That's funny.
01:10:33We heard he was from an insurance company.
01:10:36That's right. That's what I meant.
01:10:39Head office of the Homer Mercantile. They... they insure this bank.
01:10:43Excuse me, Inspector. We sent out a message about this business.
01:10:45Message, Sergeant?
01:10:46Yes, there's been a bloomer. One of the clerks here sent out a false alarm.
01:10:49Apparently...
01:10:50Well, there you are, Mason. I told you there'd been a mess-up.
01:10:53Inspector, I'm afraid you've made a terrible error.
01:10:55This is Colonel Gore Hepburn. I know him well.
01:10:58You do?
01:10:59He's from the Homer Mercantile. One of their principal directors.
01:11:03I see.
01:11:04I admit the mistake was ours originally,
01:11:06but I really feel that you've made matters considerably worse.
01:11:09I think the best thing you can do is to release the Colonel forthwith and apologize.
01:11:15That's exactly what I suggested to Mason myself, Fordyce.
01:11:18You'd be prepared to vouch for him, would you, sir?
01:11:20Of course I would.
01:11:21You say you've known him for several years?
01:11:24Yes, Inspector, yes. Now, for goodness sake...
01:11:26Then what about this, Mr. Fordyce?
01:11:34You're prepared to vouch for this, too?
01:11:39They're all the same.
01:11:43Good Lord, there must be 50,000 quid in this lot.
01:11:4693,000 to be exact, son.
01:11:48Mr. Fordyce and I were planning a little last-minute Christmas shopping, as I explained to Mason.
01:11:55I'm waiting for your answer, Mr. Fordyce.
01:11:58You knew about this.
01:12:03It might help if I tell you that I also combat for Colonel Gore Hepburn.
01:12:08Except that last time we met, he was a rear admiral on a jewellery job.
01:12:14My immediate interest is in his accomplices.
01:12:19Accomplices?
01:12:20Well, he could hardly have got into your strongroom and packed four heavy cases without help, could he?
01:12:30Well, sir?
01:12:34He made me do it!
01:12:36They got my wife and child.
01:12:38Oh, really, Fordyce.
01:12:40He threatened to kill them if I didn't do as he said.
01:12:43You've got to hurry, Inspector. We can still save them.
01:12:45There's no good, Fordyce. It won't work.
01:12:47Keep quiet!
01:12:51When did you last see your wife?
01:12:53When I left home this morning, and then she rang about an hour ago.
01:12:56There's no time. He has to ring someone every 15 minutes.
01:12:59What's your number?
01:13:00She's not there. They took her away, and my son.
01:13:03For all I know, they may already be...
01:13:04Your number, please.
01:13:05It's Havisham 2153.
01:13:08We're wasting time, Inspector.
01:13:10If your family's in danger, we'll save them.
01:13:12Of course they're in danger!
01:13:14They threatened to electrocute my wife!
01:13:17For pity's sake, Inspector, you don't think I robbed the bank voluntarily, do you?
01:13:21I was forced and threatened!
01:13:23Percy, you're talking about Fordyce.
01:13:25Now, listen, Abel. I've taken about enough...
01:13:27Calm down, Mr. Fordyce. Calm down. We'll soon see.
01:13:36Hello?
01:14:02Havisham 2153?
01:14:03Who's that speaking?
01:14:04this is inspector Mason.
01:14:06hold on. I'll call her.
01:14:08I don't understand.
01:14:10they must have released her.
01:14:12anybody mind if I smoke?
01:14:16mrs. Fordyce speaking.
01:14:18hello mrs. Fordyce. I wonder if you could tell me
01:14:20has anyone called on you this morning?
01:14:22any strangers?
01:14:24strangers? what do you mean?
01:14:26you've been alone all morning.
01:14:28Mary. Mary this is Harry.
01:14:30are you all right dear?
01:14:32of course I'm all right.
01:14:34they let you go?
01:14:36let me go? who let me go?
01:14:38when you rang before
01:14:40there were two men with you.
01:14:42two men with me? what are you talking about?
01:14:44I didn't ring you.
01:14:46you know I never ring you at the office.
01:14:48you told me not to.
01:14:50but it was your voice. yours and Tommy's.
01:14:52you said do what they want.
01:14:54I beseech you.
01:14:56this is inspector Mason again mrs. Fordyce.
01:14:58I'd be most obliged
01:15:00if you come down to the station right away.
01:15:02but what is it? what's happened?
01:15:04nothing serious ma'am. just routine.
01:15:06but...
01:15:12but it was her.
01:15:14she was desperate.
01:15:18I'm afraid I must ask you to accompany me
01:15:20to the station.
01:15:22you don't understand.
01:15:24they're gonna pin a medal on you Fordyce
01:15:26for gallantry.
01:15:28inspector you don't really believe I'm lying do you?
01:15:30I tell you it was her voice.
01:15:32and Hepburn.
01:15:34he kept signaling to someone outside.
01:15:36there are just some questions I must ask you.
01:15:38inspector I'm telling the truth.
01:15:40I am not a criminal.
01:15:42I am the manager of this branch.
01:15:44I've been here 15 years.
01:15:46you've got to believe me.
01:15:48look he made me stand by this window
01:15:50and mop my brow with my handkerchief
01:15:52as a signal.
01:15:58I believe you.
01:16:14I believe you.
01:16:16you are making a mistake.
01:16:18you can put it all in a statement mr. Fordyce.
01:16:20get your hat and coat.
01:16:28thank you.
01:16:40okay in the car.
01:16:44just a moment Mason.
01:16:46there's something you ought to know.
01:16:48I know it's a two-handed job.
01:16:50no three-handed actually.
01:16:52me a man and a tape recorder.
01:16:54it took us a bit of time
01:16:56to get the voices right but we managed anyway.
01:16:58it worked and it fought out.
01:17:02the man?
01:17:04don't be silly Mason.
01:17:06I use better men than him.
01:17:08who was the man?
01:17:10Father Christmas.
01:17:12someone Fordyce ought to believe in.
01:17:26you fit mr. Fordyce?
01:17:30excuse me.
01:17:42may I just have a word with my chief clerk inspector?
01:17:44of course.
01:17:46thank you.
01:17:56Pearson?
01:18:08yes sir?
01:18:10I have to go out for a little while.
01:18:12I'm sure you'll be able to run things in my absence.
01:18:16yes I think so sir.
01:18:18how long do you expect to be away?
01:18:20you had better ask the inspector that.
01:18:22what is the usual sentence?
01:18:24for what?
01:18:26for completely failing in my duty towards my staff.
01:18:28that's not against the law sir.
01:18:32oh and there's one other point Pearson.
01:18:34I owe Colonel Gore Hepburn a pound.
01:18:36could you possibly lend me one?
01:18:38yes of course.
01:18:42thank you.
01:18:44I'll return it tonight
01:18:46at the staff party.
01:18:50thank you Pearson.
01:18:54you're welcome.
01:19:02all right inspector.
01:19:06shall I give you a hand with the evidence?
01:19:08thank you sir.
01:19:24you're welcome.
01:19:54you