- 5 weeks ago
Classy, intelligent, witty political drama series about the fascinating, ruthless businessman/politician sir John Wilder who becomes Special Envoy (the original name of the series was "Special Envoy'') - ambassador for special situations and trade - and has to deal with the equally ruthless competition. His wife is the witness, trying to support him without interfering much, while his handsome secretary is too ambitious for his own good. The sequel to "The Plane Makers". Starring Patrick Wymark, Barbara Murray, Jack Watling, Michael Jayston, Clifford Evans, Peter Barkworth, George Sewell, Ian Holm, Richard Hurndall, Barrie Ingham, Donald Burton, Norma Ronald, Robin Bailey, James Maxwell, Rachel Herbert, William Devlin, Philip Madoc, Norman Tyrrell, John Brooking, Peter Hughes, Peggy Sinclair, Ralph Michael. Written by Peter Draper, Wilfred Greatorex, Edmund Ward, John Bowen, Raymond Bowers.
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The End
02:00You're home nice and early.
02:02Hello, Mr. Dowdy.
02:03Good evening, Lady Wilder.
02:04Well, take your social finger out, Lincoln, and let's get on with it.
02:07Do you want a drink?
02:08No, thanks. Dinner's in half an hour.
02:11There'll be one extra.
02:13Who for?
02:14It's only turkey.
02:16What have you been doing to him in that place?
02:19Tell her about the rigors of foreign office life, Lincoln.
02:22We do have a rather difficult minister, Lady Wilder, the Lord Bly.
02:26Caswell, I should have recognized the signs.
02:28You could resign.
02:30I became ambassador for special situations and trade.
02:34Before you knew Caswell was to be minister.
02:37And we're going to make our presence felt, aren't we, Lincoln?
02:41Life is currently not your actual bowl of cherries.
02:44Poor Lincoln.
02:45Do sit down.
02:46There.
02:50Now, I need your foxy talents to interpret the meaning, if there is any.
02:55These lily-white foreign office documents.
02:58Who creates the style?
03:00The chief mandarin.
03:01John, I'd like to have a word with you when you've got a moment.
03:04It's about my investments.
03:06Keith rang. He wants me to decide.
03:07So decide.
03:08Well, you know I always ask your advice.
03:11I'll put it in paper.
03:13The foreign office alone consumes enough to keep the market steady.
03:17Now, I wonder who that could be.
03:23You get on well with my wife.
03:25I like her.
03:28Diplomatically spoken, Lincoln.
03:29The job is not otherwise full of compensations.
03:31But it's not done to chug it in.
03:33You stick things out.
03:34Stiff upper lip all over your face.
03:36Something like that.
03:36Do come this way.
03:38I'm sure my husband won't keep you waiting long.
03:41You, um, you did say Mrs. Ferguson?
03:45Yes, I did.
03:46But you'll find I'm not really working at it.
03:48Oh.
03:49Do sit down.
04:01Is it for me?
04:02Yes, it is.
04:04And smooth and sexy and it's in the study.
04:09Who is she?
04:11I don't know.
04:13Helen Ferguson?
04:14By marriage.
04:16I would revert to my maiden name having not seen my runaway husband for two years.
04:20But it's not good for a public relations consultant.
04:22Oh?
04:23You see, I was born a lie.
04:25A lie?
04:27L-Y-E.
04:29Ha, ha.
04:31I expected somebody much more plain and tweedy.
04:35Oh, you're complaining.
04:37No, I'm all for taking things more simply nowadays.
04:40Not the way I heard it, Sir John.
04:43As a PRO, you should do better than listen to rumours.
04:46Well, why am I here?
04:48Has Lord Bly had second thoughts?
04:49He turned you down flat.
04:51Any flatter you couldn't get.
04:53Well, you should know better next time.
04:55You should come to me in the first race.
04:58Well, don't think I'm being a snob, but it is his department.
05:00And I'm its ambassador.
05:03Do you want protocol, Mrs. Ferguson, or action?
05:08If I could interest you, would there still be a chance?
05:13Well, suppose we find out.
05:20Even though Lord Bly's already turned it down?
05:24Better than if he hadn't.
05:26I see you're interested because he's turned it down.
05:29Well, not just for laughs.
05:30There has to be a point.
05:32I don't expend energy for nothing.
05:34Not even a big nothing.
05:36Mwinto de nada.
05:38You've heard all about it then, the big nothing.
05:41Enough to want to know more.
05:44Good.
05:46The Republic of Andorovia.
05:48Economically a non-starter.
05:50Politically very shaky.
05:51At least until fairly recently,
05:53when its latest revolution installed Dr. Romano Ruiz
05:56in a slightly left-of-center party,
05:58which worries the Americans.
05:59Well, it doesn't have to be very far left to do that.
06:02Now, this Ruiz is trying to steer the middle course.
06:05He doesn't want any strings,
06:06either from the White House or the Kremlin.
06:08There's more than one fallen off that high and tricky wire.
06:10What chances he got?
06:12In the long run, none at all.
06:14Unless.
06:15Yes, unless.
06:16The big unless.
06:19Mwinto de nada.
06:21The big nothing.
06:23A quarter of a million square miles.
06:25Of nothing.
06:27The climate, the terrain,
06:29even the vegetation breaks
06:31everybody's heart and will do
06:33till they can get a big enough labor force in
06:35and a squadron of bulldozers.
06:37Wouldn't it be an expensive gamble?
06:39That's what Bligh says.
06:41It's known there are minerals there.
06:42The question is,
06:43are there enough at the right cost per tonne?
06:45I really think so.
06:46He's staked his future on it.
06:48And not his money?
06:49He hasn't got that sort of money.
06:51Have we?
06:52Yes, enough to buy a large slice of it
06:55if it's worth anything.
06:56And we throw ours down drains nearer home.
06:59Our minister turned it down flat.
07:01Yeah.
07:03It's not as too big to write off blindly.
07:07The Americans were all set to go.
07:09The money was there.
07:10Who did the survey?
07:13Intercontinental mining.
07:14And then we turned them down for political strings.
07:17Americans will spend heavily for the sake of their strings.
07:20Anyway, since Lord Bligh has given it the thumbs down,
07:22that would seem to be it as far as this department is concerned.
07:27Intercontinental mining.
07:29Well, don't stand there waving the white flag.
07:32Get on to our man in Washington.
07:34Tell him to contact Alan Harwood
07:36to meet me in New York.
07:40Don't get hold of him in his office.
07:41Get his wife to contact him.
07:43Alan Harwood?
07:43Will they know him?
07:45Well, they're not watching the brain drain
07:47as they should if they don't.
07:48Where will you meet him and when?
07:49Kennedy Airport.
07:51One of the restaurants.
07:52As soon as it's fixed,
07:54fix me the first possible flight returning to London tomorrow.
07:57What hotel?
07:58None.
07:59Straight in and out of Kennedy.
08:01And ours is all I need.
08:02As your private secretary,
08:04it will be expected here that I go with you.
08:08Well, you can come along for the ride.
08:11The embassy, Washington, please.
08:41T.W.A.
08:42Flight 163 to Oklahoma City, Albuquerque,
08:46Las Vegas and Los Angeles is now boarding at Gate 9.
08:50This is Lincoln Dowland, my private secretary.
08:53Oh.
08:54Do you need to allow us?
08:54I'd love to.
08:55Just have an egg, please.
08:56Sunny side up.
08:58That's what I call integration.
09:00Sunny side up.
09:01Don't forget, I was one of the first brains to be drained, John.
09:03Four years ago now, when you were still just a mister.
09:06Well, I did my best to keep you in British imperial mining.
09:09Same old story.
09:10They're too bloody mean.
09:12I don't suppose British management's showing any signs of waking up.
09:15Well, at the same time, they're not being allowed to drowse.
09:20Are you still well intercontinental?
09:22You know damn well I am.
09:24And I'm sure you've got far more important things to do
09:26now that you're an ambassador than to come all this way
09:28just to persuade an expatriate geophysicist to return home.
09:32Much more direct than you were.
09:33Well, they talk straight here.
09:34No waffling, no beating around.
09:36You were one of the project leaders on the Andorovia survey.
09:42I'm interested in the findings.
09:44I bet you are.
09:45Who the hell isn't?
09:46Hmm.
09:48From what I gather, that you found some very interesting things
09:51and then pulled out because of political pressure from Washington.
10:01We are not so fastidious.
10:05Well, we may want to go back.
10:06I'm sorry you've come all this way for nothing, John.
10:10Does your wife do them sunny side up or just fried eggs with the oak on top?
10:18Don Henderson sends his regards.
10:21When he was staying with you six months ago, he said that your wife was pining for Bond Street
10:26and for your muse pub and holidays in Scotland.
10:30Oh, come off it, John.
10:31Don't give me all that guff about the old country from you of all people.
10:33What are you trying to appeal to, my sense of patriotism?
10:36No, you pocket.
10:38You can't hope to bribe or truce me, John.
10:41I'm British to the backbone, straight-laced and incorruptible.
10:45Still clutching your British passport?
10:48The Americans bought you from us.
10:50How much are they paying you?
10:53Oh, well, that's all right.
10:54Lincoln is a civil servant earning 52 quid a week for, among other duties and attributes.
11:00Total discretion.
11:02$40,000 a year.
11:05British mining is under new management.
11:07Don't talk to me about that deadbeat lot.
11:09Bob Slater's the new chairman.
11:11Is he?
11:12He's making changes.
11:14He'll top what you get here.
11:16Never.
11:16That whole dump is riddled with mousy accountants.
11:18Not any longer.
11:20You can come back as joint managing director with special responsibility for surveys.
11:26And a lump sum when you will join in British mining shares of £50,000.
11:35I don't think I can place going back to all that privilege and snobbery.
11:39Your son's name is down for two public schools.
11:44I could see that he was accepted by either.
11:47All I want is a detailed summary of your survey.
12:00You're leaving your sunny sides up.
12:07Caswell, you're not the Queen.
12:09It's not an audience I want, but a meeting.
12:11In ten minutes.
12:13That's better.
12:14You did promise Harwood there would be no disclosure that you even have this information,
12:18let alone where it came from.
12:19Not even to the minister.
12:21Do you think I'd betray a confidence, Lincoln?
12:23I think you can.
12:24And will.
12:25If it's necessary to prove your point.
12:27I haven't even let you near the information.
12:33Oh, come in.
12:34So, sit down.
12:37Are you ready for the fray?
12:38Always, Sir John.
12:39How much does Ruith pay you for this PR service?
12:44Tell me what you're worth and I'll tell you what Anderovia pays me.
12:47Ah.
12:48All I know is that you independent PR people do well out of government gravy trains these days.
12:54If they want the best.
12:56I think we'll give it a turn.
12:59There'll be opposition all the way since you went to see Bly first.
13:02Well, what can I do to make amends?
13:04Get on to Anderovia.
13:06Tell them I don't want an exercise in Latin optimism.
13:10I want to see their version of the scale and estimated value of the mineral deposits.
13:16Well, what other version is there?
13:21I just want to see if their survey is accurate.
13:24No, John.
13:25It's an unstable country.
13:26The whole scheme is surrounded by too many imponderables.
13:30I've given it full consideration.
13:32I've made my decision.
13:36But I've shown you the figures.
13:38Loaded ones from Anderovia.
13:40John.
13:41We're in the foreign office now, not some tinpot private firm.
13:45And this area is sensitive politically.
13:49Now, you see, it won't do.
13:50It's a pity, but it simply won't do.
13:54Mr. Mitsui of the Ministry of International Trade, Japan.
13:57How do you do?
13:58My answer is no, John.
13:59When somebody says no, that's the time to start, not stop.
14:02Mr. Cheyeng Mai, Export Committee, the Kingdom of Thailand.
14:06How do you do?
14:07Well, I've given it my serious thought.
14:09A couple of calls on the phone.
14:11Dr. Tumor Kai, the Republic of Indonesia.
14:13How do you do?
14:14And I've made my decision.
14:16Without consulting me.
14:18Mr. Muale of Kenya.
14:19No.
14:20Well, you should have done.
14:21You were busy.
14:23With your bloody paperwork.
14:25Dr. Fernando Rafael of the Philippines.
14:27How do you do?
14:27How do you do?
14:31Well, you haven't even bothered to raise it in Cabinet Committee.
14:34The Treasury people would have blocked it in two minutes flat.
14:38There's always another way.
14:39It's a ruling.
14:40Any press statement from this department must first be cleared by me.
14:44If they knew how your pansy-footing people were clutching out the chance of making a profit,
14:51they'd hand you out of Whitehall.
14:52Your job is to stimulate trade, not to hinder it.
14:55And as a servant of the Crown, you're now no longer free to go blabbing to the newspapers.
15:00Stop making noises, Caswell.
15:02What about the big nothing?
15:05Well, the government won't finance it.
15:08What if...
15:08Tell you that.
15:09What if you raise the first money privately on the open market?
15:12Well, you wouldn't raise a brass farthing.
15:14It's South America.
15:15People won't gamble on that.
15:17You won't lose, Caswell.
15:19If I pull it off, you'll get the credit.
15:21It's your department.
15:22If it goes sour on me, you can say, I told you so.
15:26You're insulated, fireproof.
15:29We can still burn our fingers, unless, of course, you know more than you've told me.
15:44All right, John.
15:48Let's see if you can raise the initial money.
15:52Right.
15:54Whatever it is you have on tomorrow night, Frank, put it off.
15:57We shall expect you for dinner at nine.
16:00It's Sir John Wilder for you, Lord Lister.
16:04Hello.
16:05Tommy, what about dinner tomorrow at nine?
16:09Whenever I speak to you, Tommy, it is always to your advantage.
16:15Fine.
16:17All right.
16:18The townhouse.
16:19It's business.
16:21Your chairman, please.
16:22It's a personal call from Sir John Wilder.
16:25Goodbye, Tommy.
16:29Hello.
16:30Wilfred.
16:31Wilder here.
16:33I don't want to read that bump.
16:35But let me explain, Minister.
16:36And I don't want it read to me.
16:37But these are confidential assessments of the situation in Andorovia.
16:41I don't want ten thousand words of waffle.
16:43I want just one idea, Fowler.
16:46Wilder can give dinner to the entire city of London.
16:49They'll choke when he tells them what's behind it.
16:51Don't you be too sure.
16:53Wilder's got a very persuasive tongue.
16:55And just in case he should be able to raise this initial money,
16:58I want a convincing counter from this office.
17:02Now, as Deputy Undersecretary, you're responsible for my briefings.
17:06Well, I should have thought, Minister, that Andorovia being what it is,
17:09because the chances of counter-revolution in the very near future are at least rosy.
17:15Well, then, find out.
17:17Find out how rosy.
17:19Yes, Minister.
17:22The difficulty with these revolutionary estates is taking them seriously.
17:26What have they got you can depend on?
17:28A taste for uniform.
17:29A bit comic opera.
17:30Like a bowler and a brawley.
17:32Well, there are encouraging signs.
17:34Their present government shows some common sense.
17:36Of course, they're begging for money.
17:39Once they've got it, I think it's in their true colours.
17:41Might I...
17:42Have we seen all the figures, Mrs. Ferguson?
17:45Yes, Sir John.
17:47Well, gentlemen.
17:49Very interesting.
17:50A remarkable tract of ground.
17:51A useful game reserve, wouldn't it?
17:54John.
17:54Over.
17:55Please don't get up, gentlemen.
17:57John telephoned.
17:58Splendid meal, Lady Wilder.
17:59Yes, indeed.
18:01Would you excuse me for a moment?
18:02Of course.
18:07You know, what I can't get over, Mrs. Ferguson,
18:09is that you managed to sell this scheme to Wilder.
18:12She's not normally attracted to pie in the sky.
18:15How in heaven's name do you do it?
18:17Don't ask personal question.
18:19Yes, cold feet here, too.
18:22Our captains of industry are showing all the verve and dash of pay clerks.
18:26So listen.
18:28Get on to Van Mirren.
18:31I know, I know.
18:33And, Don, do it quietly.
18:37They're such a volatile lot.
18:39I can't see any British money being attracted.
18:42You're a bit old-fashioned, Lord Lister.
18:44Old-fashioned enough to wonder what an attractive woman's doing in the PR rat race.
18:48Not very well at the moment.
18:50Tell me, don't you find it very dull?
18:52Well, not the business, so much as the pizza.
18:54I'm sorry I had to leave you, but you will understand that other people are showing an interest.
18:59I'm afraid that's all they will show, John.
19:00They'll not see any money.
19:02Well, I mean, what have you got to attract the loan?
19:04Where are the detailed surveys?
19:06The Americans did a survey, John, and pulled out.
19:09I suppose we couldn't learn why.
19:12For political reasons that shouldn't worry us.
19:15We learn what the Americans found, or fail to find.
19:20Impossible.
19:21But it's high-risk money, John.
19:23Of course it is.
19:24What about the government?
19:25Would they stand behind us?
19:27What you want are cushions and a backrest.
19:30No, if you want a cut, you've got to take a chance.
19:33You either gamble or you don't.
19:34You've seen the size of it, and if that doesn't whet your appetite...
19:38You understand, John.
19:39The omens are hardly favourable.
19:40I admit it's a scheme of considerable vision, but it makes you windy.
19:45Try us again, John, when the thing looks like getting off the ground.
19:48You mean when it's a feather-bedded certainty.
19:50Steady as you go, gentlemen.
19:52There's a bit of ice on the roads.
19:57Evidently you lost.
20:00I could have won if I'd given them information that I'm not supposed to have.
20:04Why should I?
20:05They've got to learn to take risks.
20:08Tories are blue, socialists are red.
20:10But that lot are amber all their lives.
20:13Shall I get her coat, or will you?
20:15No, just give me five minutes with her.
20:17Five minutes?
20:23Well, I must say, you were the soul of bloody tact.
20:26They had no intention of...
20:27Just a little tact, that's all.
20:29Which is what you're famous for.
20:32Are they all going to be like that?
20:33On this side of the channel, they need crutches.
20:36So now what?
20:37Zurich.
20:39When?
20:40Tomorrow.
20:41I'll be ready.
20:43Is there any reason why I shouldn't go alone?
20:46I can think of several.
20:49I warned you, John.
20:51Yes, you warned me.
20:52South America, you see.
20:54South America be damned.
20:56The money people don't like it.
20:58They don't like anything unless the government's holding their hands or standing by to pick up the pieces.
21:03They moan about government interference, but giving them a chance to go it on their own, they start trembling.
21:09Nobody can say you didn't try.
21:12Milk, sugar?
21:13Sugar.
21:16I'll get the money.
21:18Just you start weaving your webs in official corners.
21:23Get your government colleague psychologically prepared.
21:28For what?
21:30For the chance of making a profit.
21:32It's about to come as a bit of a shock.
21:35Haven't you got any lemon?
21:48Don't take fright, Lincoln.
21:50I'm not one of your bored embassy wives.
21:54Well, don't look so surprised.
21:56It's not you I'm afraid of.
21:57No?
21:57It's myself.
21:58I'm not sure I should be here.
22:00Well, you are, so sit back and relax.
22:02It's something you can't be very used to in the office with John.
22:05I hear you're very experienced.
22:08Do you now?
22:10At being left on your own.
22:13Yes, well, it is something you can get used to.
22:15I heard when he took this job, you'd insisted on traveling everywhere with him.
22:20Except to Siberia and the land of the Eskimos.
22:23I can't stand the cold.
22:24Well, the Zurich's not so cold.
22:27No.
22:28And they do have centrally heated bedrooms.
22:31That's why you asked me here this evening, isn't it?
22:33To find out why he didn't want me there either.
22:36The truth is, I don't know.
22:38Don't private secretaries in the diplomatic service always travel with their ambassadors?
22:43Yes, they do.
22:44That's what I thought.
22:46Sir?
22:47If there's any consolation, I'm sure as a man it's nothing to do with a Ferguson woman.
22:50Nothing personal, I mean.
22:52If it had, my respect for his taste and judgment would require a fairly drastic rethink.
23:01I think you deserve another drink.
23:26Who is it?
23:27John Wilder.
23:29Come in.
23:39You look as if you could do with a drink.
23:41I haven't time.
23:42You're not still working, John.
23:45I wasn't expecting you for an hour or so.
23:47You shouldn't have expected me at all.
23:50You could have used the phone.
23:52What I've got to say couldn't be said on the phone.
23:55Das ist fertig, danke schön.
24:03Apparently business.
24:05Purely.
24:06I just wanted to make sure that you'd be on your guard about Van Mieren.
24:10He's not my type.
24:12He's not anybody's type.
24:13Not with his connections.
24:16So, you've never met him, right?
24:19All right.
24:20He doesn't exist.
24:22Who's Van Mieren?
24:26Good girl.
24:29John.
24:30Yes?
24:30Why did you mention uranium?
24:33Well?
24:35Did you invent it?
24:36It's not in the report I got from Andorovia.
24:39Come back later when it's all over.
24:42For that drink.
24:44I thought you wanted to see Zurich.
24:46I can see it from my bedroom window.
24:51I'm sure you can.
25:07Well, that was quick.
25:09Well, you and you, I planned to be back today.
25:12To the office.
25:13Not home.
25:14I didn't go to the office.
25:15I came straight here.
25:17Oh, I see.
25:18Would you like something to eat?
25:19No, no, sit down.
25:22I want to talk to you.
25:26Well, how long is it since we've had time for that?
25:29In raw daylight.
25:30It's almost simple.
25:31Don't you feel misbehaving?
25:36I need some money, and I mean a lot.
25:40Oh, so it didn't work.
25:42Oh, it worked.
25:44But they'd feel better if I committed all that I can raise, plus yours.
25:52No wonder you didn't drop in at the office.
25:54Well, you were looking for an investment.
26:01I thought perhaps you would like to talk about us.
26:04Well, it concerns us, doesn't it?
26:06Do you really not know what I mean?
26:11When I turn my back on you, it's because I'm busy.
26:14That doesn't make me the world's worst husband.
26:16I wonder.
26:18Only wonder.
26:20What's the matter, Pamela?
26:22Has it taken that streamlined Foreign Office thoroughbred to convince you what a solid working hack you're stabled up with?
26:29Well, Lincoln Dowling.
26:30As I trust that young man less, the more I know him.
26:33Well, you shouldn't.
26:34He's on your side, which is more than can be said for 90% of that lot.
26:38You sure?
26:39No, but I'd hate to think he wasn't.
26:43And what about the investment?
26:46I think about it.
26:58What's Wilder up to?
27:01Oh, hello.
27:02Foreign Secretary.
27:03She was seen in Zurich.
27:07I'll make my report, Arthur, when I'm ready.
27:13Don't tell me you don't know what he's up to.
27:16Don't provoke me, Arthur.
27:18Not in the club.
27:19I understood you'd decided against this Enderovia project.
27:22Did you?
27:23From your own pen, and with some relief, since for our American allies, the area is highly emotionally charged.
27:29Now we see Wilder and this P.R.O. woman going the rounds of the money houses.
27:34What's going on?
27:35Oh, we're simply exploring.
27:39You're walking on eggs, Caswell.
27:42The government wants to make money, doesn't it?
27:44Much can be forgiven in the teeth of success.
27:47It's just that failure would be so embarrassing.
27:52One might have to propitiate the gods.
27:55You know, sacrificial lamb and all that.
28:04Waldo went to Zurich without informing his office.
28:07He even arranged his travel privately outside.
28:10Did he now?
28:12Is that all?
28:13Well, he'll clearly have some explaining to do.
28:15I'm still waiting for an answer.
28:17How could Wilder go chasing off to Zurich without my being informed?
28:22Well?
28:23I confess it's difficult, Minister.
28:25Is that all you can say?
28:26It's difficult?
28:28You sound like a nervous midwife.
28:29What was Dowling doing anyway?
28:31Dozing in the canteen?
28:32Dowling was kept in the dark.
28:33Put on the bloody lights!
28:36Now, I warn you, Jason, I've got enough.
28:40Now, I want things done.
28:42We can't reasonably have Wilder follow.
28:44Why the hell not?
28:59You're supposed to be admiring the art.
29:01I don't think I'm not.
29:03But with a cooler response, the critical process.
29:06You're in a better mood than last time.
29:08The perceptive observer might note that the glitter is a shade feverish.
29:12I'm perceptive, given the necessary conditions.
29:24Have you heard anything more about Zurich?
29:26About Helen Ferguson.
29:28About Zurich.
29:29The deal, the project, the strength of it.
29:31I'm being kept strictly at arm's length and out of earshot.
29:34I'm not, Lincoln.
29:37I care very little about money, but I do hope that John isn't getting carried away this time.
29:43If John does manage to set up the consortium, might I have to have 5% of the profits?
29:49You mean he's now got a vested interest?
29:52Yes, I suppose he has, in a way, and in me.
29:55I might become a very rich woman.
29:59Do you think?
30:00I thought you were that already.
30:01Oh, don't be vulgar, Lincoln.
30:03I was asking for your opinion, not a financial inquisition.
30:06I'm flattered.
30:12Well?
30:14You can't go wrong.
30:16Revolutions and wars accepted, of course.
30:18You know?
30:19You know.
30:23Is it something that concerns you, Lincoln?
30:25You know damn well it is.
30:27My private financial arrangement was my own affair.
30:30But they have to be very clearly separated from your official work.
30:34You know this should be reported.
30:35By whom?
30:36You.
30:37Oh, no, Lincoln.
30:39Then I shall have to.
30:39If my wife chooses to invest risk capital...
30:43Risk?
30:43There isn't any barring a revolution.
30:46What makes you say that?
30:48You got that stuff from Harwood.
30:51Which you better not have seen.
30:53You wouldn't be pushing so hard if Harwood's report hadn't been encouraging.
30:57You'll have to learn that I'm a risk taker.
31:00You certainly are.
31:02You and your wife cannot dabble for private gain in matters you're promoting as a public servant.
31:08I watch you, Lincoln.
31:09I note your efficiency, your manners, and your contempt.
31:17And I promise myself that when I time, when I'm ready, I lower your flag.
31:23Go on.
31:25Report it.
31:26You know I have no choice.
31:28Right.
31:30Let's see how Pamela likes your transformation from juvenile lead to office sneak.
31:41You can't change your mind now.
31:44You told me you'd back me if I raised the money.
31:47Well, it's available.
31:48I warned you there were political considerations.
31:51Well, that's somebody else's worry.
31:52If a British consortium doesn't start working and Derovia, then it'll be the Swiss.
31:57Or the Germans.
31:58Or for all we know, the Irish Free State.
32:01We have a first chance.
32:03What's wrong with everybody?
32:04It never occurs to you that you might be the one out of step.
32:08Well, that doesn't matter since I'm right.
32:10You're always sure of that.
32:15Nevertheless, I'm deciding to mark time on your big project.
32:20Uh, for a while.
32:22Oh, come out from under your arm in Caswell.
32:25Stop playing at being a lord.
32:27Ah, I'm glad I caught you.
32:29Then you can buy me a large whiskey.
32:30Yes, yes, of course.
32:32Tell me, has there been any shift over under Ruvia?
32:37No, should there be?
32:38Uh, no, no reason.
32:40Only there's been a development to my end.
32:43I've managed to raise a loan, and we're in a position to form a consortium.
32:48Now, I want your advice before going any further.
32:52Well, officially, I'd say leave it alone.
32:55And unofficially?
32:56Go as far as you can on the QT, now.
32:59If we're rumble, we can always protest our ignorance of the underhand schemes.
33:03If it's a goldmine, we don't care who complains.
33:06But for God's sake, make sure.
33:08It's kept absolutely under wraps.
33:12I want you to organise a press leak.
33:14A leak or a burst?
33:16As big as you can handle.
33:18I want it in all the evening papers.
33:21Minimum detail, maximum content.
33:25Great opportunity for increasing British influence in South America, blah, blah, blah.
33:29Danger of Whitehall delay, etc.
33:35Can you do it?
33:36Do you mind? I'm not so inadequate as you seem to think.
33:41But make sure that they know there's a profit in it this time.
33:44It's not just a flag day for backward friends.
33:47I'll go for his throat this time.
33:48But it's just a straightforward, unsensational report.
33:51On a topic that was supposed to be kept absolutely quiet.
33:54Well, perhaps he didn't know.
33:55He knew.
33:55Well, he must have had a reason.
33:56He always has a reason, Sir John Wilder.
33:59I'd rather you didn't attack him.
34:00He's manoeuvred me into a position where I'm on trial.
34:02He expects me to report him.
34:05Are you sure he's coming back tonight?
34:07I think so.
34:08I've got to see him.
34:09They're already sharpening the long knives.
34:11When they hear what I've got no alternative but to tell, they'll be able to use them.
34:16Now, this press release wasn't cleared with me.
34:18I knew nothing about it.
34:19Well, don't tell me you're admitting being in the dark.
34:22Yes, Foreign Secretary.
34:24Who's running your department, Caswell?
34:27I am.
34:30I chose to come here and see you because my phones are uncomfortably hot.
34:34All this has made very interesting reading in our building and to our American friends in Grosvenor Square.
34:38Now, where is Wilder?
34:40Better ask your civil servants.
34:43I've not been told.
34:45I expect something decisive from you, Caswell.
34:48It won't deflect the wrath that's about to fall on my own head.
34:50But I'm surely entitled to the pleasure of watching Wilder bleed.
35:02Not broken off diplomatic relations, yes?
35:05Caswell's been ringing all day.
35:08I bet he has.
35:09Can I have a word?
35:10Alone.
35:12As we can use the study.
35:26You're in this too far with those press disclosures.
35:28You can't afford to force me to report the other thing now.
35:33Can't I?
35:37Hello, Caswell.
35:40All right, all right.
35:41Hold your steam.
35:43I'll be there in the morning prompt for your drumhead court marshal.
35:48Uh, but one other thing.
35:50I think you ought to see Lincoln Dowling first.
35:55Dowling, yes.
35:56He's got something to tell you.
35:59Yes, I think you'll find it very relevant.
36:03All right, I'll send him in at ten o'clock.
36:09Your move, I think.
36:22I don't know who he's fond of.
36:24You or me.
36:28Thank you, darling.
36:30For your loyalty.
36:33I would have preferred to have been told a little sooner.
36:37He's been indiscreet.
36:38It's not criminal.
36:40But that'll be all.
36:42You can leave it with me now.
36:51Well, what's the going rate now?
36:54Still 30 pieces of silver.
36:57That was for God.
36:58Are you really that ambitious?
37:07You wanted to see...
37:09Yes, John.
37:13What have you hoped to gain by breaking the rules of this office and going over my head to the
37:18press?
37:19You can do your celebrated fence-sitting act, Caswell.
37:23And nobody does it lovelier.
37:25If you're going to do it over this big nothing project, I want people to know.
37:31If anyone has prejudiced the success of this project, it's you, with your bulldozing tactics.
37:38Open your eyes, Caswell.
37:40I'm trying to make you come to life.
37:42I must say it's like trying to throw sponge bricks at the Albert Hall.
37:46Diplomatic process is not indecision.
37:49Now, I know why you're pushing this scheme.
37:52Because I believe in it.
37:53And you've got 5% to prove it.
37:55No more than reasonable considering the risk.
37:58You've lost your instinct for survival.
38:01You can still get a little glory, Caswell.
38:03Get the government behind you.
38:05Get some real money in.
38:06We can make this thing crack.
38:09I'm going to give you 24 hours to abandon your financial interest and to reconsider the entire scheme.
38:25Caswell, we're waiting to concoct the official line on this big nothing fiasco.
38:31Well, now you can look the Americans in the eye and tell them that we're having nothing to do with
38:35it.
38:36You're recommending that we drop it, then?
38:38Well, isn't that what you want?
38:40As long as you're satisfied that it's quite worthless, are you?
38:45Well, there's no guarantee in things like this.
38:48But in my view, it's not a sound investment.
38:52I hope the French and the Germans share that opinion.
38:55I wouldn't like to see Hermannis' government in the role of spectator,
38:58watching our NATO allies make a packet in Andorovia.
39:01But you said you wanted it stopping.
39:04Did I say that?
39:05I seem to recollect our complaint was aimed at your methods of handling it rather than the enterprise itself.
39:11Oh, don't forget the Americans.
39:14Yes, one hates lying to them, of course, nor would one except as a patriotic duty and the occasional profit.
39:21Now, as long as you're certain that Wilder will behave himself,
39:25I think that we can afford to proceed.
39:28Gently.
39:30More coffee.
39:34Oh, he's not there, Minister.
39:36Apparently.
39:36I don't know where he is.
39:37I'm not surprised.
39:40Anyway, it's you I want to talk to, darling.
39:42I want you to brief me on the Andorovia project.
39:45Shouldn't Wilder do that himself?
39:47Well, you've worked with him on it, haven't you?
39:49You're his private secretary.
39:50And many jumps behind.
39:51You don't keep up with his kind of runner.
39:54Now, I think this department would be better for a little more teamwork and less individual flair.
40:00Now, I want what you have on the big project on my desk later today.
40:05And bring it yourself.
40:07And you can, um, you can brief me.
40:09I'd prefer to clear it with Sir John first.
40:14Oh, I'm sure he'll appreciate your loyalty.
40:17But that won't be necessary.
40:19I'm taking over the direction of the Andorovia project.
40:22Thank you, Lincoln.
40:25You know, there's a touch of the death wish about you over this.
40:28Trying to shove Caswell against his masters is like trying to build with jelly.
40:34I don't see this thing started.
40:37I wouldn't mind being there when it is.
40:39Cosy.
40:41Subtropical moonlight and Mrs. Ferguson.
40:43Cha, cha, cha.
40:44That's a very simple view of the situation.
40:46Oh, I know you, John.
40:48You don't start pushing big nothings without reason or dubious motive.
40:53What the hell does that mean?
40:54Oh, I know.
40:55It's a long way around to an affair with this woman who would like public relations made private.
41:00In the past, she used to be more straightforward.
41:02Forget the motive.
41:04Only accept that I have a reason.
41:06I know what's under here.
41:09Enough riches to cause a stampede that would make the gold rush look like a game of hunter-slipper.
41:20Ah, hello, Mrs. Ferguson.
41:23I'd like to see your husband.
41:25Oh, so would I, Mrs. Ferguson.
41:27Much more frequently, but unfortunately he has so many commitments.
41:31He is in.
41:32Oh, yes, he's in.
41:34Intolerant, insufferable, but in holy wedlock.
41:37Do come this way.
41:42She thinks we're having an affair.
41:44That's not surprising.
41:45You always contrive to give that impression.
41:48Do sit down.
41:49You should have told her.
41:52It's none of her damn business.
41:53I've been trying to reach you all day.
41:55Darling tells me that Lord Bly is handling everything now.
41:58Darling tells me that you and Lord Bly have also been asking other questions.
42:04Oh, well, that's right.
42:06You're under new management.
42:07I don't know about questions.
42:09I did make a simple suggestion.
42:12Six months ago, I approached one of the American survey leaders.
42:15An Englishman called Alan Harwood about helping us.
42:18Oh?
42:19He turned me down flat.
42:21That's becoming a bit of a habit.
42:23I told Darling that if a similar approach were to come from you...
42:26What did Darling say?
42:28Foreign office frigid.
42:30Unusually so for him.
42:32So much so that I began to wonder.
42:34Well, anyway, it's Lord Bly is big nothing now.
42:38You provoke more than you bargained for with that leak to the press.
42:42So it seems.
42:44But you've lost interest.
42:46Oh, no, I still have an interest.
42:49And yet you maneuvered yourself out.
42:51I'd say quite deliberately.
42:53That's becoming a habit with me, turning down opportunities.
42:57There's no need to rub that particular saw.
43:00And that, I might tell you, is one opportunity which won't be knocking on your door again.
43:04I'm only sorry I embarrassed you with the offer.
43:07Oh, no, you didn't embarrass me.
43:09Oh, don't misunderstand me.
43:10I can do without it.
43:11It's not a service I offer automatically.
43:14On occasions in the line of duty, I end up with a man in my bed.
43:19Formerly, the choice has always been mine.
43:21I didn't appreciate your making it for me.
43:24Relax.
43:25You're not losing your touch.
43:28Oh, that's very comforting.
43:30It's not morality.
43:32It's...
43:33It's convenience.
43:37I just can't afford the time.
43:40And certainly not the trouble.
43:41It's time and motion study, if you like.
43:45Affairs are very easy to start.
43:49But hell to end.
43:50All that covering up of tracks.
43:53It's so damn messy.
43:55It's a decision I made.
43:56Nothing personal.
43:57Long before you arrive, mistresses are out.
44:01Oh, how quaint.
44:03That's the very last thing I had in mind.
44:06This is a red-letter day in Caswell's calendar.
44:09The Lord Bly as the Lord High Executioner.
44:13Do you know, we really ought to have the equivalent of the Legion of Honor.
44:16Bit of red ribbon here and there.
44:18It adds something.
44:19The French do these things so much better.
44:22Caswell must be out of his mind.
44:24Why don't you ring him and tell him you have a very urgent game of golf to play
44:27in any delight in humiliating you?
44:31I ring him.
44:34Through the nose.
44:36I wish I knew what you've got up your sleeve.
44:40A moderately hairy forearm.
44:43Now, I just have three minutes for that last hearty breakfast.
44:51I'm afraid your overdeveloped individualism
44:55has affected others in the department.
44:56I had a most unpleasant scene with Dowling.
44:59You're going to need a new secretary.
45:01I'm moving him.
45:02Oh, you're not.
45:03I'm only just breaking him in.
45:05He informed on you.
45:07Yes, I must take that up with him.
45:10He was impolite.
45:14He is learning.
45:16Well, I'll deal with him.
45:18After I've dealt with you.
45:19Hmm.
45:21Caswell, they'll say, runs a tight ship.
45:24I'm glad your sense of humor hasn't deserted you.
45:26It usually reappears when you start throwing your weight about.
45:29I'm not being posted anywhere.
45:31Though you'd like to see me freezing up in the Arctic.
45:35I had in mind somewhere very hot.
45:38I'm not resigning being posted walking out, quitting, or anything else.
45:44You'll have to throw me out.
45:48And I could, if I wished, do just that.
45:52Remember the press, Caswell.
45:53One whisper about where we got the money for the big nothing,
45:58and they'd have you hiding in the lavatory.
46:01Where do you think it came from, heaven?
46:06Zurich.
46:08Brace yourself, Caswell.
46:10It was arranged in Switzerland.
46:12But that doesn't mean it was Swiss money.
46:16I did most of my dealings with a man called Van Miren.
46:22You'll find him at this number.
46:27Go on, ring it.
46:30Ring it now, or get ready to run.
46:37Get me 9304488.
46:40Yes, sir.
46:46You don't even have to talk to him.
46:49Just listen to who answers.
46:55Your call to South Africa House is on line one, Minister.
46:59Cancel it.
47:01Yes, sir.
47:03South Africa.
47:06Sixty percent majority holding.
47:08They have spare capital to burn, for some reason I can't fathom.
47:12But most people are embarrassed to accept it, including politicians.
47:17Especially your masters.
47:19I knew the government would wet its pants at the thought
47:22of being associated with South African capital.
47:27Who knows about this?
47:30Only you.
47:32And me.
47:34The money is being paid discreetly
47:37from Switzerland through a numbered account.
47:42And last night I signed a binding agreement
47:45as ambassador representing Britain,
47:48committing us to a business consortium
47:51to support the big nothing.
48:01And you want me to rob a stamp it?
48:03Oh, no.
48:04No.
48:04My signature is enough.
48:12I warn you, John.
48:16If there's any kind of a leak...
48:17Oh, well, you'll have to leave that up to me, won't you?
48:20If there's even so much as a rumor,
48:24I'll throw you to the wolves.
48:27I know.
48:29We're an old team.
48:32I'm going to nurse this one.
48:42Well, you asked for it.
48:44You had to get clever and force me to do it.
48:48Good for your soul.
48:49It's a waste.
48:50A stupid waste.
48:51If you'd have knocked some sense into you,
48:53not thrown you out.
48:55Get me Belgravia 1131.
49:00Oh, he doesn't want me out.
49:02He wants me to sweat and fry it out
49:05in some outpost of the modern Commonwealth.
49:09Incidentally,
49:11your appointment with Lord Bly...
49:13Oh, I'll go in now.
49:14Well, it's cancelled.
49:15You can start getting up to your delicate ears in work
49:19for me.
49:20You didn't really think that I'd let him throw me to the dogs.
49:24I can only assume from that you broke confidence with Harwood.
49:27And you would be wrong.
49:29Well, you surprised me.
49:32Andorovia is not the only survey that Harwood has been associated with.
49:36I might want something on his surveys of Australia and the Arctic.
49:43You'll learn, darling.
49:46But you've a hell of a long way to go.
49:50And what sort of breach of manners is it
49:52telling a peer of the realm to stuff his head in his coronet?
49:55That was an exaggeration.
49:58Oh, well, leave that sort of thing to me.
50:26Oh, well, leave that sort of thing.
50:30Oh, well, leave that sort of thing to my eyes.
50:38You
Comments