02x06 - The Sensible Action of Lieutenant Holst

Episode transcripts for the TV show "The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes". Aired: September 1971 to present.*
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Adaptations of British mystery stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's contemporary rivals in the genre.
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02x06 - The Sensible Action of Lieutenant Holst

Post by bunniefuu »

[Wind howling]

Nicolai.

Count Nicolai Wolkonski.

What the devil?!

What are you doing here?
What do you want with me?

Take your hands off me!

Ugh!

[ Exhales ]

[whimpering]

Aah!

In Edwardian times
there lived many detectives
--

the rivals
of Sherlock Homes.


[ indistinct conversations]

Thank you, ma'am.

[Classical music playing]

I should like a room
for two nights.

I'm afraid
we're completely booked, sir.

The best you have.

There's a trade fair in town.

A suite, if possible.

I really can't --

I shouldn't really let this
to anyone, sir.

It's a private suite.

However,
the baron is away until Friday.

Take this gentleman's baggage
up to suite .

Look sharp about it.

Will you sign the register,
please, sir?

Yes, of course.

I believe my sister-in-law,
the Countess Wolkonski,

is staying here.

Yes, sir.

- Which is her room?
- , sir.

Is she in?

She should be in, sir.

Shall I send a message up?

No, I shall go myself.

I'm afraid I must ask permission
first, sir.

She said especially
she didn't wish to be disturbed.

I see.

I should very much like
to surprise her, if possible.

You see, she does not know
I'm in Copenhagen,

and I have a very special
sort of present to give her.

I quite understand, sir.

- Second floor.
-Thank you.

Oh, Countess,

your brother-in-law
just asked for you.

I sent him up to your room.

How dare you send anyone up to
my room without my permission?

How dare you?

I'm very sorry, ma'am.

He said he wished
to surprise you.

[Classical music playing]

Never let that man come near me.

Do you understand?
Never!

More coffee?

No, thank you.

By the way,

I hear Lieutenant Olsen's
been promoted to captain.

Yes, I know.

- You knew?
-Yes.

Well, why him, not you?

He's an ambitious lad.

- Nice for Mrs. Olsen.
-Yes.

Where's Odessa?

Russia, I think.
Why?

Yeah, it is Russia.
Hmm.

They had a mutiny there
on a battleship.

Oh, yes?

There's always trouble
in Russia.

It says here
they've been having strikes

all the way through the spring.

And assassinations.

I think it's dreadful.

Yes, it is dreadful.

Ah, well, I'm glad you don't
work in a country like that.

I wouldn't want you mixed up
in any revolutions.

No, no, I just get dr*gs,
prostitutes, and burglaries.

[ Chuckles ]

Why can't they give you
anything more interesting?

Ah, well, it's the penalty
for being a policeman

in a quiet city like Copenhagen.

All the same, wish you were
a little more ambitious.

You're just as good at your job
as Lieutenant Olsen.

Well,
that doesn't always pay off.

Look at that young detective
in Esbjerg --

arrested a foreign spy
who turned out to be a diplomat,

and that cost him his job.

Well, he may not
have been wrong.

Some diplomats are spies,
aren't they?

Perhaps.
I don't know.

I'm only pointing out the
hazards of being overambitious.

Yes, darling.

I'll see you tonight.

[Bells chiming,
birds chirping]

Good morning, sir.

Well, what have we got
this morning, Sergeant?

Oh, nothing much, sir.

Oh, there's a man here says
he's lost his wife, sir.

Lost his wife?

Yes, sir.

Good morning.

I'm Lieutenant Holst.
Would you come with me?

Oh, uh...

- Well?
-My wife has disappeared.

How long have you been married?

years.

And when did she disappear?

She wasn't there
when I got home last night.

I waited up all night,
but she just didn't come back.

- Did she leave any message?
-No.

Did she take any of her clothes?

No.

Did you have a quarrel?

No, no, we never quarrel.

We don't say much.
We're happy.

Children?

No.

Couldn't she have gone
to a relative or something?

Without leaving a message?

[Telephone rings]

Yes?

Yes, sir, I'll come at once.

Would you excuse me?
I have to see the inspector.

Do you mind
just waiting outside?

The sergeant
will get you a coffee.

You will find her?

Oh, yes, yes, we'll find her.

Thank you.

[Knock on door]

Ah, Holst.

Good morning.

Sit down.

Cock-and-bull story.

HOLST '.
Sh'?


On the other hand,
might be telling the truth.

Impossible to say.

But you're the very chap
to deal with it -- level-headed.

We don't want another mix-up

like that one over the Austrian
diplomat, now, do we?

- No, sir.
-No, I should say not.

Wait here.

May I introduce my assistant,
Lieutenant Holst?

This is the Countess Wolkonski
from Russia.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Lieutenant Holst is one of
our best young officers.

He will be dealing
with your case.

Holst.

Well, Countess,
what can I do for you?

My brother-in-law
wants to m*rder me.

m*rder you?

He thinks I betrayed my husband.

He stole my son
and m*rder*d him,

and now he wants to m*rder me.

Please tell me
from the beginning.

I was very young when I married
Nicolai -- only .

He was .

We were very happy.

One year after we were married,
we had a little boy -- Ivan.

I thought such happiness
was not possible.

I said to myself,
"It cannot last."

But it did -- for six years.

Six unforgettable years.

Perhaps it would have lasted
forever, but for politics.

Yes?

It was those damnable politics
that took him from me.

There were forces of discontent
working against the tsar.

Some of Nicolai's officers
were among them.

They infected him.

They infected him
with immorality, too.

He took to drink.

And he was unfaithful to me.

Please go on.

Well...

they arrested my husband.

And while in prison,
awaiting trial, he d*ed --

of pneumonia, they told me.

But his brother, Dimitri,

who was involved in these plots,
escaped.

He stole my son
and took him to Vienna.

Then he wrote to me and demanded
that I come to see him.

Of course, I went.

But when I got there,
I found my son was dead.

Also of pneumonia, they told me.

So I thought he would k*ll me,
too, and I fled to Berlin.

Why didn't you return to Russia?

My husband was arrested
as a revolutionary.

I thought they would arrest me,
too.

So, before leaving for Vienna,
I sold my estates.

[Scoffs ] Well, Dimitri
followed me to Berlin.

I went on to Stockholm.
He followed me there, too.

[Voice breaking]
I came here, and so did he,

and he will k*ll me
if you don't stop him!

Where is your brother-in-law?

At the Hotel Angleterre.

He found me there
and tried to see me.

I've checked
the Hotel Angleterre.

There is a Count Dimitri
Wolkonski staying there.

You see?
Why don't you arrest him?

We have nothing against him.

But I've told you --

He simply asked to see you.

That is not a crime.

Then you must take me
into protective custody.

We can't do that.

But you must find me
somewhere safe!

I beg of you.

I cannot return to that hotel.

You must protect me.

Why not go to your embassy?

Ah, my husband
was a revolutionary.

They wouldn't lift a finger
to help me.

I know them.

Holst, you better go down
to the Hotel Angleterre

and have a word
with Count Wolkonski.

Do not believe him.

He will tell you lies.
He deceives everyone.

Can the countess stay here
while I see him?

I don't think
that's a very good idea.

Would your wife --
Excuse me, ma'am, Countess.

Would your wife take care of her
for an hour or two?

- My wife?
-Yes, she's a sensible woman.

Well, yes, but --

I mean, it really isn't
a police matter, is it?

I suppose I could ask her.

Good man.

Right.

Now, don't worry.

You can rely
on Lieutenant Holst.

Please come with me, Countess.

No.

I will not leave this place
until he's in prison or dead.

But if you come along
to my office...

Well, you'll be quite safe
with me.

Good day, Countess.

My family
have always been loyal.

I want nothing to do
with these men.

They talk to me of sl*very.

What do I know of sl*very?

There have always been slaves
in Russia.

There will always be a tsar.
How can they change that?

They're mad to try.

I have no one to protect me now.

Well, why not let me take you
back to your hotel?

Then I can see you to your room
before I speak with the count.

But you promised
you would take me to your wife.

I think you'll be better
at your hotel.

Are you mad?
Do you want me to be k*lled?

But you could lock your door,
and then no one could get in.

But there are balconies.

He can get into another room
and climb along.

- No, really, I don't think --
-You don't know this man.

He's desperate.

I will not go.

Please do not try to force me.

Hide me.

I'm in danger.

Don't you understand?

Very well.

Excuse me.

Ulla?

ULLA:
Eigil?

What are you doing back
at this time?

I've just made some coffee.

This is the Countess Wolkonski,
from Russia.

From Russia?

This is my wife, Ulla.

How do you do?

The countess says that her
brother-in-law is pursuing her,

plans to m*rder her.

She's afraid to go
back to her hotel,

so the inspector suggested
she might stay here with you

while I talk to the count, her
brother-in-law, at the hotel.

If you wouldn't mind.

She's very upset.

Perhaps you'd get her a coffee.

Well,
I'll get down to the hotel.

You'll be quite safe here.

You are very kind.

Right.

Now, what --

What's all this about?

I've just explained.

I don't want that woman here.

It was the inspector's
suggestion.

I don't care
whose suggestion it was.

Why couldn't she stay
at the police station?

Well, the inspector
doesn't want her to.

Why on earth not?
It's a police matter, isn't it?

He seems to think not.

Well,
why are you saddled with her?

Well, we've got to do something.

Look, Ulla, I'm sorry,
but she is very upset.

So am I.

Would you like to take
your coat off and sit down?

I'll go and get some coffee.

Well, better tell me
all about it.

Would you put the chain
on the door?

There's no need for that.

Please.

Please.

Very well.

I'm sorry.
It's the wrong room.

[Classical music playing]

Sir, I believe you have
a Count Wolkonski staying here.

Count Wolkonski doesn't wish
to be disturbed, sir.

May I ask your business
with the count, Lieutenant?

You can ask,
but you won't get an answer.

Take me up to him.

No, no, no, no,
you take me up to him,

just in case
he's tipped you well and...

I really don't see why --

Come on.

You stay here.

[ Applause ]

[Knock on door]

[Classical music playing]

Open it.

[ Doorknob rattles ]

I really don't see the --

You've got a master key.
Open it.

All right, thank you.

DIMITRI:
Put up your hands.

Who are you?

- I'm a police officer.
-I do not think so.

You could check
my identity card.

Keep your hands up!

Why have you come?

To ask you some questions.

Why didn't you answer the door?

When you're a refugee
from the Russian police,

you take precautions.

Is that why you carry a g*n?
: : , --] : : ,
I have no g*n.

What do you want of me?

You are Count Dimitri Wolkonski?

Yes.

A lady has made
a complaint against you

on the grounds that you have
designs on her life.

It's my sister-in-law?

Yes.

You believe her?

Well, naturally, we must
investigate any such complaint.

Naturally.

Do you wish to tell me about it?

Hmm.
By all means.

Her husband -- that is,
my brother, Nicolai --

was a revolutionary.

He was also in love
with another girl.

Maria reported him
to the authorities.

She disapproved of his politics?

Of his politics, too, yes.

What happened then?

Well, he d*ed in prison.

How?

He d*ed.

HOLST:
Yes?

Unfortunately, before he d*ed,

he managed to get a message
to me,

begging me to look
after his son, Ivan.

And you agreed?

Of course.

I did not wish him to remain
in his unbalanced mother's care.

But I could not stay in Russia

because I shared
my brother's political beliefs.

So I took the boy with me
to Vienna.

And tragically, he caught
pneumonia and d*ed in my arms.

His mother is convinced
that I m*rder*d him.

And you deny that?

You can check with the medical
authorities in Vienna.

Why should I want to k*ll
the son of a brother I loved?

The countess claims
that you followed her

to Berlin and Stockholm
and then to here.

Correct.

Why?

She had sold her estates
in Russia.

That was because she feared
my brother's sympathizers

would seek vengeance on her.

Now she is trying to sell
some Austrian properties

willed to me by my brother.

And I want to see her merely to
try to bring her to her senses.

Naturally, she's avoiding me.

Well, that is the situation.

I see.

So, if that is all.

Might I suggest

that you accompany me
to the Russian Embassy?

We could then discuss the matter
with the ambassador.

No.

HOLST:
Why not?

He's a representative
of a ruler I regard as a tyrant.

I do not wish to see anyone
from the Russian Embassy.

Yes, I appreciate
your point of view.

But you will still take me
to the embassy, nonetheless?

We don't perform
political errands

for foreign governments.

Thank you.

But I must warn you that we
shall have to inform the embassy

of this situation,

and, well, their reaction
may conceivably --

Compel you to arrest me?

Not that.

But if you feel that any
unpleasantness might result,

then my...

Well, I would recommend that
you leave the country at once.

No, I shall not leave
the country

until I see my sister-in-law.

Where is she?

I'm afraid
I can't tell you that.

Would you be willing for me
to meet her in your presence?

She said that she does not
wish to see you.

But how else are you going to
tell which of us is lying?

She claims I want to k*ll her.

I claim that she is
mentally distraught

and is illegally squandering
money that belongs to me.

But perhaps the decision
is not yours to make.

Yes, it is mine.

I'll see what I can do.

You come to the police station
at : .

Here's the address.

Thank you.

Do you think
he's telling the truth --

about the property, I mean?

It's difficult to judge, sir.

She did seem rather hysterical,

but then, if her story's true,

that would be sufficient reason
for that.

- On the other hand --
-Did you like him?

Like him, sir?

Yes, did you like him?

No, sir.

Hmm.

Do you think that she is really
in danger from him?

Well, quite frankly, sir,
they're both new types to me.

I think she might be.

Well, what do we do now?

I think we ought to let him
see her here.

I've asked him to come here
at : .

You've done what?

Well, he can't harm her
if I'm with them.

I'd rather we got them both
out of the country.

They're none of our business.

If there's any trouble
between them,

I don't want it to happen
in my district.

But, sir, we can't just deport
them both.

He's catch up with her
and then --

Well, if her story's true, it
wouldn't be in a police station.

Well, that wouldn't be
our responsibility.

Wouldn't it, sir?

Where is she now --
still with your wife?

HOLST:
Yes, sir.

Well, then, your wife will have
had a good chance to talk to her

and form an opinion.

Ask her what she thinks.

Now, if she says
what I think she'll say,

take the countess back to
the hotel, keep the count here,

and we'll see if we can get them
both out of the country

without them seeing each other.

I don't like it, sir.

No.

Oh, Lieutenant,
have you found her?

Any news
of this gentleman's wife?

His wife, sir?
Oh, yes, of course.

Well, hasn't he told you?

No, sir, he's just been sitting
there waiting to see you.

But you promised me
you would find her.

No, I said we'd do our best.

But you've been out looking.

Look, look, I'm -- I'm sorry.

Tell the sergeant here
what you told me.

I assumed you'd told him.

I assumed you had told him.

Look, I am very sorry,

but I have something
extremely important.

More important than my wife?

No, of course not.

Look, just tell the sergeant,
all right?

Oh.

[Bells chiming]

How can you understand?

You've never been in a country
where men plot revolution.

You don't know whom to trust.

I know nothing of politics.

I only want to live in peace.

Can you understand that?

Yes.

I cannot be sure
of anything anymore.

I only know that my life
is in danger.

It is a nightmare.
A nightmare.

[ Doorbell rings]

Who is it?

HOLST:
It's me.

Sorry, darling.
She insisted.

Well, have you arrested him?

No.

Why not?

Well, as I explained to you,
he's committed no crime.

Committed no crime?

But he m*rder*d his nephew
and threatened Maria's life.

Oh, he does not believe me.

You have been talking to
my brother-in-law, haven't you?

Yes.

And he told you
that I was hysterical

and that I sold his property.

Yes.

And you believed him.

I told you he would deceive you.

You're not used to
that kind of man.

He's not one of
your little criminals.

He's a leader.

It is his life
to deceive people.

And you believe him.

You think that I am lying.

Of course she isn't lying.

I know Maria's
telling the truth.

Thank you.

What are you going to do now?

You must have him arrested.

But I can't arrest him
for something he may do.

But he m*rder*d my son.

We only have your word for that,
Countess.

So you will do nothing.

Look, would you be prepared
to meet him in my presence

at the police station?

No.

But no harm
could come to you there.

You don't know this man.

- But in a police station --
-No!

Very well.

I'll take you to your hotel.

Thank you.

I will take a cab.

Are you sure?

Quite sure.

Goodbye, and thank you.

It has been a comfort to me
to have one person, at any rate,

who believes one
is telling the truth.

You can stay here, if you like.

I don't want to embarrass
your husband.

[Children shouting
indistinctly]

Are you sure you're all right?

Would you like me to come, too?

No, thank you.

I think
that's bloody disgraceful.

What do you expect me to do?

Arrest this man
and get him out of the country.

But I can't arrest him.
I've got no grounds.

Oh, good God!

Are you willing to sit back
and see her k*lled

just because you're frightened

of not doing everything
by the book?

Oh, shut up, Ulla!

Do you want me to lose my job?

You put your job
before her life?

I can't arrest him.

Don't you see?
I can't!

I would!

Well, you better get back,
hadn't you,

if you don't want to lose
your job?

[ Indistinct conversations,
music box playing]

Good afternoon, madam.
What can I do for you?

I should like to see
some of your diamond bracelets.

Ah, with pleasure.

One of these, perhaps.

Ah.
That is my personal favorite.

If madam will forgive me
while I attend to this lady.

Have you made a decision?

Ah, have you made your choice,
madam?

I see nothing I like.

Oh, but, madam.

That bracelet
you were looking at, madam --

Let me pass, please.

But, madam, I --

Madam. Madam!

Please, madam!

Police! Police!
Stop! Thief!

What the devil's this?

She tried to steal a bracelet
from a jeweler, sir.

This is ridiculous.
I know this lady.

He's quite correct.

But why?

Now you will have to take care
of me, Lieutenant.

Will you charge her, sir?

Take this lady to room A
at once.

- What about the charge, sir?
-Never mind that. Look sharp.

Is the inspector in?

He's been called out, sir.

Won't be back
until half past : .

Well, listen, in a few moments,

a Count Wolkonski
will be arriving.

- Wolkonski?
-Yes, yes, the same name as her.

Now, I don't want them to meet.

Put the count in room B.

- Right, sir.
-Right.

Have you found her?

HOLST:
No, not yet, I'm afraid.

But you promised you would.

I said we'd do our best.

Now, you gave the sergeant
all the details.

Of course, yes.
Are you searching for her?

Look, why don't you go home?

You'll be far more comfortable
there.

I don't want to sit alone
in my house.

But she might be there
waiting for you.

No, the neighbor
would have told me.

I told him I would be here.

Good afternoon, Lieutenant.

We're doing everything we can.

Good afternoon.

I'm afraid I shall have to
ask you to wait a few minutes.

The sergeant here will show you
to a comfortable room.

Well, if you'll excuse me,
please.

Is my sister-in-law here?

Yes, she's here.

Lieutenant.

[Knock on door]

Yes?

- Excuse me, sir.
-What is it?

Your wife wishes to see you.

My wife? Here?

Yes, sir.

- Well, show her in.
-Sir.

What on earth
are you doing here?

The porter says someone followed
Maria from our flat.

He'd been waiting in a taxi.

I think it must have been
Count Wolkonski.

What did he look like?

Stocky, dark.
He had a mustache.

Yes, that's him.

What on earth
was he doing there?

He must have been following me
ever since I left him.

He may be with her now.

No, no, he's not.
No, they're both here.

Both here?

In separate rooms.

She's under arrest.

What?

She stole a diamond bracelet
from a jeweler's.

No, no, no, she admits it.

She said she did it to force us
to take her into custody.


You see?

That proves her story's true.

It doesn't prove
anything of the kind.

Tell me, do you really think
she's telling the truth?

I'm sure she is.
I told you.

Yes, I know you did.

You still don't believe her.

I'm not sure
how far I believe her.

I'm sure she's frightened
of him, all right.

I'm not sure she's frightened
for the reason she says.

If he does k*ll her,
it'll be your responsibility.

Yes, I know.

What are you going to do?

I'm going to let them meet.

But if what Maria says is true,
that would be a terrible risk.

But how else can I arrive
at the truth?

Well, if that's the only way,

you must have him searched
first.

I can't have him searched.
He's under no charge.

Well, you'd better think one up.

Count Wolkonski.

Where is my sister-in-law?
You said she was here.

She is.

The countess was arrested
at : this afternoon.

Yes?

On suspicion of having stolen
a diamond bracelet

from a jeweler's.

So, she is in custody here?

HOLST:
Yes.

Then will you please take me
to her at once?

If you do not take me to her,

then I must report you
to your superiors.

Count Wolkonski,
I hereby charge you

with being implicated in a
robbery committed this afternoon

by a woman calling herself
your sister-in-law.

I must ask you
to empty your pockets.

Oh.

You can't know
what you're saying.

[ Chuckles ]

You are conspiring
with that woman.

You, a policeman.

I find it absolutely incredible.

Please empty your pockets.

I refuse.

You will regret this action,
Lieutenant Holst.

Perhaps.

Satisfied?

Foolish, very foolish.

Now perhaps you will believe me.

May I have my things back?

Yes.

Do you have a license
for this w*apon?

You do not need a license
for a g*n in Russia.

You do in Denmark.

What's your purpose
for carrying this g*n?

For my own protection.

For your protection?

Against the tsarist agents.

Well, you don't think
they have forgotten me, do you?

They follow me wherever I go.

Tsarist agents in Denmark?

My sister-in-law
is a tsarist agent.

When she betrayed my brother
to them,

they asked her to betray
his comrades, as well.

Oh, you can't know how many men
she has sent to their deaths.

I'm afraid
I shall have to charge you

with carrying a g*n
without a license.

Lieutenant Holst,
while I am free,

I can keep out of the way
of the Russian Embassy.

If you arrest me, they will know
exactly where I am.

And when you release me,
they will be waiting for me,

and they will have me sent
back to Russia to be tortured

to reveal the names
of my comrades.

That's if they don't
t*rture me here.

The embassy t*rture you?

Well, you don't think
the Russian Embassy

contains only diplomats?

I'm afraid I've no alternative.

So, when will my case be heard?

HOLST:
Tomorrow morning.

Well, then, can I have bail?
I can provide ample security.

I'm afraid not.

It's ironic, is it not?

You have a democracy
here in Denmark.

I mean, no man lives in fear
of a midnight knock on the door.

And all that I
and my comrades want to do

is to establish a similar
kind of democracy in Russia.

And for that,
we are called anarchists.

And you,
a sensitive and liberal man,

assist the kind of tyrants

your country
got rid of centuries ago.

I do not blame you.

You are doing your duty.

Could I have my cigar case back,
please?

I would like to smoke,
if that is permitted.

Of course.

Thank you.

Well?

I'm afraid you will have to
spend the night in custody.

Thank God.

Your case will be heard before
a magistrate in the morning.

And then?

Well, that's up
to the magistrate.

As a first offender,

you'll probably get off
with a minimum fine.

That is all?

HOLST:
That is all.

So then it will begin
all over again.

Your brother-in-law
is also in custody.

In custody?

On what charge?

Carrying a revolver
without a license.

[ Chuckles ]

You see?

Perhaps now you believe me.

Now you must get me out of here.

What are your laws about bail?

I can deposit a security

for twice the amount
of that miserable bracelet.

Yes, you can have bail.

Yes?

There's a gentleman to see you,
sir.

Count Vorodov
from the Russian Embassy.

Says it's most urgent,
about the countess.

The countess?

Yes, sir.

- Show him in.
-Sir.

Count Vorodov, sir.

Good afternoon.

As I understand it, you are
holding two of my compatriots,

Count and Countess Wolkonski.

How did you know that?

I've had them followed
ever since they left Russia.

Have you, indeed?

How did you know
the count was under arrest?

I didn't.
Thank you for telling me.

On what charges
are you holding the count?

Possessing a revolver
without a license.

And what will be the penalty?

A fine.

And deportation?

Certainly not.

Count Wolkonski
is a very dangerous man.

He is a saboteur and a m*rder*r.

You have evidence
to support that?

Very strong
circumstantial evidence.

We shall request
his extradition.

If Count Wolkonski asks
for political asylum,

you'll need a lot more
than circumstantial evidence

to have him extradited.

This man is not a politician.

He is an anarchist.

But your foreign office
will decide

whether or not
he is to be extradited.

Yes.

Meanwhile,
I should like to see him.

Please take me to him at once.

Count Wolkonski has stated

that he does not wish to see any
member of the Russian Embassy.

But surely you know
that every foreign embassy

has the right to see any of its
nationals who are under arrest.

A foreign national has the right
to see a member of his embassy.

I understand the reverse
does not apply

if the national is unwilling.

You are a very junior officer,
Lieutenant.

Well, if you care to come back
in a couple of hours,

you can speak to my inspector.

I wish to see this man now.

Please take me to him at once,

or I shall telephone
the minister of justice.

Under Danish law,

even the minister of justice
can't force a charged alien

to see a member of his embassy
if he doesn't want to.

Lieutenant Holst,

are you really prepared
to prejudice your career

for the sake of an anarchist?

He has his rights,
and I can't deny them to him.

I can ask him
if he wants to talk to you.

Do you wish me to do that?

I don't think that you will ever
be an inspector, Lieutenant.

Perhaps not.

I thought you wished to see me
about the countess.

Not any longer.

[Birds chirping]

[Clock ticking]

[Telephone rings]

Yes?

Yes, sir, I'll come at once.

-[ Knock on door]
-Come in.

Holst, this is Baron Molbech

from the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.

Good evening, sir.

Sit down.

Thank you, sir.

Baron.

You have a Count Wolkonski
in your cells, awaiting trial.

Yes.

I understand the Russian Embassy
requested to see him...

Yes.

...and that you refused
to let them.

Count Wolkonski said
that he didn't wish to see

any member
of the Russian Embassy.

I can't compel him to.

I understand the man is a
self-confessed revolutionary...

- That is true.
-...against the tsar.

Yes.

I need hardly remind you
that the tear's mother,

the Dowager Empress of Russia,

is the daughter of our own
beloved King Christian

and that the tsar is,
accordingly,

our king's grandson.

I am aware of that.

Need I say more,
Lieutenant Holst?

To permit Count Vorodov
to see Count Wolkonski

against the latter's wishes
would be against Danish law.

Are you asking me, a police
officer, to break the law?

Lieutenant Holst,
what harm do you suppose

can possibly come to Wolkonski

through allowing Count Vorodov
to see him in his cell?

It isn't a question
of what harm can come to him.

It's a question of his rights.

Holst, don't force me
to overrule you.

With respect, sir, in this
matter, you can't overrule me.

But I can.

Well, how can you overrule me?

I shall personally instruct
the station sergeant

to take Count Vorodov
to Wolkonski's cell.

Baron Molbech, you have no right
to issue any such instruction.

Nevertheless,
I should strongly advise you

not to tell the sergeant
to disobey it.

I am prepared to overlook
your obstinacy up to this point.

But that, I promise you,
would be the end of your career.

Well,
you have been damned obstinate.

You knew
Baron Molbech's instructions

came from the highest authority,
the very highest.

I guessed it, sir.

Holst, in this job, one has
to be a diplomat, not a saint.

You realize you could have
ruined your career?

Yes, I realize that.

Well, if you'd excuse me, sir,

I'd like to talk
to Count Wolkonski

as soon as Count Vorodov
is finished with him.

What do you want to speak
to him about?

I want to apologize to him.

Apologize?

Yes.

[Birds chirping]

[Keys jingling]

[Bells chiming]

Has Count Vorodov left yet?

Yes, sir, he left
about five minutes ago.

- Right.
-Lieutenant --

Open up.

[Keys jingling]

-[ Door opens]
-Holst, what on earth --

I thought you'd like to know

that Count Wolkonski
has hanged himself.

Has he?

I see.

Well, it's probably
for the best.

For the best?!

Yes.

He might have said things
in court

which could have proved
embarrassing.

Do you mean if he'd been found
sh*t dead in his room

a few hours later?

- Not only that.
-Well, what else?

Oh, yes.
The foreign office.

Not only the foreign office,
the palace.

The palace?

Must I remind you that the tsar
is our king's grandson?

How would you feel

if your grandson
were going to be m*rder*d?

Would you just sit back
and do nothing?

If my grandson was a tyrant,
yes.

Well, as you've been in charge
of the case,

you had better go and apologize.

Apologize to whom?

To the Russian Embassy,
of course.

That is an order, Holst.

Now, look, Holst,
you're a good policeman.

I don't want to lose you.

When I make my report,

I shall stress
your deep sense of duty

and suggest that it was that

that motivated
your unwillingness to cooperate.

You have a vocation
for this work, Holst.

Don't turn your back on it

just because forces stronger
than you and me have intervened.

Go home to your wife.

I'll speak to the embassy.

- Lieutenant.
-Yes?

- I just wanted to thank you.
-Thank me?

Oh, yes,
they have found my wife.

It was your doing, I know.

My doing?

Well, I'm very glad
she's all right.

Yes, her sister-in-law
was taken ill.

- I'm very glad.
-Yeah.

It's funny
how these things turn out.

Well?

He hanged himself in his cell.

Hanged himself?

How could that happen?

He knew they'd be waiting
for him.

Who?

The embassy.

Well, what would they do to him?

t*rture him to reveal
the names of his friends.

Oh, how horrible.

Still...

What about Maria?

She's been released on bail.

Her case will be heard
in the morning.

She'll get off with
a small fine, no doubt --

first offender.

- Good.
-[ Doorbell rings]

Oh.

MARIA:
Do I disturb you?

No, please come in.

Good evening, Lieutenant.

Good evening.

I'm leaving Denmark
tomorrow afternoon.

I am sure your husband
has told you.

Everything is all right now.

Yes.

Where will you be going?

Switzerland.

Well, I just wanted to say
goodbye and to thank you.

These mad ideas.

Why do people
want to change things?

Things are good as they are.

There's only a few troublemakers
who are unhappy.

Most people are content.

You are a tsarist agent,
aren't you?

Well, goodbye and thank you.

Goodbye, Lieutenant.

She's right.

You think so?

Oh.

Surely, you're not beginning
to sympathize

with those anarchists?

I can't help wondering.

What?

Which side I'd be on
if I lived there.

Well, anyway, I think you took

a very sensible
course of action.
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