04x01 - Mephisto Waltz Part 1

[bunniefuu]

This programme contains
some violent scenes

Freud teaches us that we relive
our childhood again and again.

Some of us are stuck
in a nursery world,

an obsessive need to play games.

An adult addiction to gambling

is often a long-buried
childhood fixation.

Gambling is not simply a vice.

It's an expression of our humanity.

It is the way we behave toward
each other in our relationships.

Play. Win. Lose.

And we sometimes take immense risks.

And in the most devastating
circumstances,

we can lose everything.

Gentlemen. Franz Burgstaller

is one of the most notorious
criminals in the city.

An infamous arms dealer

with links to thieves and criminals
throughout the empire.

Well, gentlemen, as of now,

his monstrous reign is ended.

[CHUCKLING]

Franz Burgstaller
is finally in our custody.

Some of you...

Some of you did assist me
with his arrest last night.

I will, of course,
mention you in my report.

Perhaps not all by name.

Anyway, to show my gratitude -

beer for everyone.

Need to get out of here.
Can't stomach this.

Gentlemen. Prisoner wants to talk.

Says it must be to you... alone.

So... look at you.

How the mighty have fallen.

When I give evidence
at your trial...

..it will be a personal pleasure.

Of course, it may not get that far.

Half the criminals in the city
will be after your blood

in order to protect themselves.

I need to see Strasser.
What?

Right now. It's important.

What's this about?

Just deliver this message.

Tell him...

..I know where to find...

..Mephisto.

Mephisto.

That's what he said.

I didn't know
quite what he meant but...

From Goethe.

"Men's wretchedness
in sooth I so deplore."

Mephisto is the devil. Hmm.
Where is Burgstaller now?

In custody, awaiting trial. He says
he won't talk in the station.

Says it needs to be somewhere else.
I told him it was impossible.

What's going on, Herr Direktor?

Do you need anything, Papa?

No. Thank you.

Fraulein.

Who else knows about this?

No-one. I came straight to you. I
assumed you'd want to know about it.

Bring him here.

What? The castle. The ruined castle.
Just beyond the house.

Obviously
I can't have him in my home.

No. Burgstaller is a prisoner. We
can't have him parade around Vienna.

Bring other officers, if you must.

Men you trust.
But tell them nothing.

I must object, Herr Direktor. I
spent months on Burgstaller's trail.

I have him under lock and key,
finally.

The empire's under threat,
Rheinhardt!

This meeting is vital.

Mephisto is our deadliest enemy.

He goes only by a secret code name.

I've been trying to track him down
for years.

If Burgstaller is telling the truth

then this is my first
proper lead on him.

I will sign a release order.

Your authorisation
to bring the prisoner to me.

Burgstaller is dangerous.

I'll be armed.
If he tries to escape...

Agreed.

Do you know Goethe?

Read it at school.

Do you remember about Mephisto?

Gave a man magic powers.

Yeah.

In exchange for his immortal soul.

Ah... I hate this new automatic.

We need another officer
to drive the carriage.

What about Meier?

He's keen. Always comes in early.

Fine. Don't tell him anything.
Go and get him.

It was getting hot in there.

You know, Inspector,
I can read your expression.

I can see the contempt
you have for me.

Yeah.

I'm hardly hiding it.

The irony is,

we are not so different, you and I.

We both use violence
to achieve our ends.

We both understand its power.

A young woman was gunned down
in Leopoldstadt last week.



A robbery.

k*lled in cold blood
with a g*n that you sold, Franz.

Don't you ever
compare yourself to me.

You understand?

Meier, go out on the road. Make sure
no-one's coming. Keep alert.

If it had been left up to me,
we'd have skipped the trial.

What would your approach have been?

Time alone with me in these woods.
No spectators.

Rheinhardt, if you will allow me.

I'm Strasser.
The Direktor of Security.

You told the Inspector
you have some information for me.

Information?

It's treasure.

I found out Mephisto's real name.

You met with Mephisto face-to-face?

Mephisto's man
came to do business with me,

and afterwards I followed him.

I saw them together.

Give me a name.

First, we need to talk about
what you are prepared to offer me.

Rheinhardt, you and your men
can step away and, uh...

One false move.

Do you understand me?

[g*nshots]

Take cover! They're sh**ting!

Damn it, Rheinhardt,
you were followed!

Protect me! I'm a dead man!

Dammit!

No, no, no, no, no!

Stop him!

No! Herr Direktor, don't!

No.

[g*nsh*t]

You're under arrest!
Don't move!

VOICEOVER: As every psychoanalyst
knows,

since we haven't gone through
the experience of death ourselves,

death doesn't exist
in our unconscious.

So we can't actually fear death.

Remember...

..the castle.

Find him.

Find him.

Mephisto. Find him.

I promise.

I promise.

We effectively pretend
death isn't there.

Until, of course, reality intrudes.

Gentlemen, we are all shocked
by the tragic death

of Direktor Strasser.

As his deputy,

I have accepted the appointment
as the new Direktor of Security.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Commissioner, is there any news
on the Burgstaller m*rder?

It's not your case.

Not any more.

I know. I was just curious.

We've identified the k*ller.

Thomas Hofer, one of the Hofer g*ng.

Thieves from the Meidling district,

trying to stop Burgstaller
informing on them.

Why?

You have any other information?

No.

Why did Strasser
want to meet with Burgstaller?

I'm sorry, Commissioner,
he didn't tell me.

Your name is on this, Rheinhardt.

You were the one
who took Burgstaller from his cell.

The Direktor
gave me written authorisation.

Yes.

Well, can't help you now, can he?

As far as I'm concerned,

your career is over.

Of course... I will miss you
when you're gone.

[BELL RINGS]

Sorry for what happened
to your father.

He was a good man
and a fine police officer.

He lived for his job.

Devoted himself to the empire.

I need your help, Fraulein.

Something happened before he died.

A case we were both involved in.

Did he ever mention the name

Mephisto?

I'm sorry to ask but...

..could I have a look
in his private things?

The castle...

Mephisto.

Find him.

I remember this.

I remember every detail.

Luxembourg.

A b*mb was planted to disrupt
the Russian summit

by Serbian nationalist Lazar Kiss.

Your father and I,
we were both there that day.

Kiss died a few months later
in a fire.

But why was your father
still obsessed by it?

My father, he collected them.

Disasters. Errors of policing.

Did he tell you why?

No.

It's important, Fraulein.

Anything you can remember. Anything.

I'm sorry.

I need to take these clippings.

[I... ]

I do recall him saying one thing.
Yes?

One night when he had been drinking,
he kept repeating...

"Someone in Vienna
is giving away our secrets."

Someone?

A traitor.

I know where to find Mephisto...
..is our deadliest enemy.

Mephisto. Mephisto. Mephisto.

Commissioner.

Inspector. You wanted all
the Luxembourg files. Sh-sh-sh!

It's unofficial.

Oh. That's everything, I'm afraid.

No mention of the name Mephisto.

Oh, and there's the cigarettes
you found.

Two different types.

Probably two different people.

Seems like our k*ller
has someone alongside helping him.

Hmm. This is cheap, hand-rolled.

This is expensive.

[HE SNIFFS]

I can make some inquiries.

The paper or the tobacco mix
may be traceable.

Are you going back
into the case again?

I'm not sure, Fraulein. Maybe.

What I really need to do

is get into the mind of a dead man.
What?

Once Burgstaller's in his grave...
Mm-hm?

..there's someone
I need to pay a call on.

Ah, here he is at last!

The weary traveller
come back to us at last!

My love! Welcome home!

How was it? How was America?
I scarcely had a chance to sit down.

My hands ache from all the palms
I've been pressing,

my jaw aches from the lecture tour.

Was New York wonderful?
I stayed at the Vanderbilt.

No idea what that means,
but it sounds impressive.

It's a famous hotel. Ah!
How fancy!

Our son Max
mixing with New York society.

Leah! Look who's back.

Oh, hurrah! It's Little Freud.

We can all look forward
to being analysed again at dinner.

You know, I've missed you. Gosh,
it actually sounds like you mean it.

Oh! Come in, come in
and have something to eat.

She prepared a banquet
for your return.

I hope you haven't had dinner yet.

Well, I'm sure
I could force something down...

Clara said she had a postcard
from you. Two, in fact.

Stop fishing, Mama.
Who's fishing? You are.

We're friends again.
Can't we just leave it at that?

Do I detect a change of image?

Yes, I noticed it, too.

Lord & Taylor, New York fashions.

Did you meet lots of famous people?
I signed a lot of books.

And probably made a bit of money.

Well, some.

Don't be modest. Doesn't suit you.

Yes, all right, rather a lot,
as it happens.

Your apartment's still let,
I gather, till the end of the month.

We've put you in your old room.
That's fine.

Yes, isn't it splendid?

Mama can come up and tuck you in bed
each night, just like old times.

[LAUGHTER]

Oh, Leah.
Stop teasing the poor boy.

At least let me get my breath back
before you start.

Yes, Anna, what is it?
A policeman at the door, sir.

Here we go again.

Oh, dear, has someone died?

Sorry, um... hello, Oskar.

It's been too long.
How have you been?

Um, well, my career
has had its twists and turns.

How about you?

I've been reading about you
in the newspapers.

Ah! Head of department
at the hospital.

Yes, well, after that business
with Neumann

they had no choice
but to promote me. Yeah.

And there really was no-one else
willing and available.

And now your fame has spread
across the Herring Pond,

New York so I hear.

Preaching the gospel of Freudianism.

Yes, they seem to love it
over there.

Which reminds me,
I have this for you from New York.

Max...

For your little coffee bean habit.

That is incredibly generous of you.

Thank you.

So... to what
do I owe this pleasure?

Well, you're right.
I came about a case. Hmm?

It's a m*rder case.
Franz Burgstaller.

Actually,
the case has already been closed.

The k*ller has been gunned down.

Right. So... what's at stake?

A traitor? Diplomatic missions
sabotaged. Destroyed.

These missions were covert.

It would need to be someone
at the centre of political power.

And Strasser was chasing him?

He was m*rder*d because of this,
I'm sure.

He tried to unmask the traitor.

The police think it was
a street criminal who shot him.

But you know different.

All right.

There's one person
who can identify the traitor.

Excellent. Franz Burgstaller.

I see.

And he's dead.

We just need to talk to you.

How long were you
with Franz Burgstaller?

Over a year. Nearly two.

And you were his lover?

I'm not naive.

I know exactly
how Franz made his money.

But he was charming.
He flattered me.

Spent a fortune on me.

Did Franz perhaps have contact
with someone... high up in society?

I don't know, he was a crook.
An arms dealer.

His friends were thieves
and criminals.

Something else.

What?

Something you were about to say?

No. No, it's nothing.

A piece that doesn't quite fit.

Something that surprised you
about him?

He had a friend he spoke about,

someone he sometimes visited.

At the palace. Palace?

That's what he said.

They were involved
in some sort of enterprise.

A singer.

Do you have a name?

Señor Carrillo.

A Spaniard.

[OPERA SINGING]

The tempo is too fast.

Take it slower, please. He's good.

Let's find out why Burgstaller
liked him so much.

Name? Elias.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Name? Oskar. Rheinhardt. Inspector.

Leopoldstadt Constabulary.

I need you to accompany me
to the station.

Franz Burgstaller.

Um...

I don't know that name.

No reason why you should.

Except we believe
he was a fan of yours.

He came to meet you when you sang
in Vienna, so we're told.

I have many devoted fans, Inspector.

Why would this one
be of special interest to me?

He was shot

and k*lled.

Maybe you read about it.

I'm afraid I don't know this man.

You've been misinformed.

Someone close to Burgstaller told us

you were involved
in an enterprise together.

Do you ever perform for royalty,
Señor Carrillo?

Ever summoned to a palace?

No. Never.

What exactly
is all this nonsense about?

Franz Burgstaller was k*lled

because he threatened to reveal
someone's secret identity.

Might you be in danger also?

Is there anything further?
I have a concert to give.

Of course. You're free to leave.
Constable?

Palace. That's what she told us.

It doesn't make any sense.

A crook like Burgstaller would never
get access to a royal residence.

Sorry for dragging you
in here again.

I needed you with me.

I needed you to meet him.

Mephisto must be someone
at the centre of political power.

How could Burgstaller
enter his orbit?

It's me. I need to talk to you.

As far as I am concerned,
our business is now settled.

Damn you!

Why don't you answer me?!

Tell me the debt is paid!

Therese.

I, uh... Oskar.

How are you?

I'm well.

It's good to see you.
What are you doing here?

I, uh...

You remember my husband, Wenzel?

Of course.

What's going on?

Therese, can we just go?

Can you wait for me?
I'll just be a moment.

He was drunk last night.

Got into a fight.

Spent the night in the cells.

Is everything all right between you?

Yes.

Please don't worry about it.

It's not your concern.

How's Anna?

She's fine. Growing up.

Does she still like books?

Yes.

More than ever.

She's started to write poems now.

Oh.

Smart girl.

I should be going.

He's waiting.

It's good to see you again.

Take care of yourself, Oskar.

You too, Therese. You too.

Rheinhardt.

Herr Direktor.
We've not had a chance to speak.

I was Strasser's number two
at the Ministry. Yes, of course.

We all miss him.
Big shoes to fill.

They identified his k*ller.

No need for a trial now.

Still, there are
some questions unanswered.

I'm no longer involved in the case,
Herr Direktor.

We both know
the Commissioner relies on you.

If you have any information,

I'd be obliged if you'd bring it
straight to me.

What?

A death. Suspicious.

I thought you might want it.

Von Bulow won't let me have any
m*rder cases. You'll want this one.

A singer.

Rheinhardt. Leopoldstadt Police.

I've cleared the building.
Good. Where's the body?

Who found him? I did.

I came in early and saw the body.

You keep a record
of who goes in and out?

Most clients
prefer to remain anonymous.

No wallet, no possessions.

Just this.

A very deep cut.

Like the French revolutionary,
died in his bathtub.

No other signs of bruising.
No evidence that he fought back.

The day after we interview him,
Carrillo gets k*lled.

Does that sound like
a coincidence to you?

No, sir. No.

Mephisto.

He knows we're coming for him.

These are all
the personal belongings

we found in Carrillo's home.
Thank you, Meier. Of course.

[WHISTLING]

Evidently,
he earned a great deal on tour.

Inspector, look at these.

Letters from admirers.
Hundreds of them.

What's this?

It's a cipher text,
used for deciphering codes.

What would he be doing with it?

Hand me a letter, please.

[D. R.]

[S.]

[C. K. H.]

[RHEINHARDT MUTTERS]

That doesn't make any sense.

Try another.

It's like looking for a needle
in a haystack.

Here.

We've been through them all.
Maybe they are all just fan mail.

This stamp.

What?

It's postmarked Vienna. Just
arrived. The letter was unopened.

Why so valuable? It's expensive
for a small letter like this.

This is the stamp my parents used

when they sent me letters
to America.

Someone wanted to make sure
he got it. Why, Oskar?

There was nothing special
about the letter.

We should check again.

Where is it?

Oskar.

Oskar.

[MUTTERING]

[MUTTERING]

[SHE READS]

Hold on a moment.

Here. Riegers Palast.

It's a casino.

Maybe whoever sent the message
doesn't know he's dead.

Maybe they'll still
be expecting him. Wait.

A gambling token.
Seems like Mephisto has a network.

And Riegers Palast
is the rendezvous.

We need an undercover operation.
"We"?

Yes, why not? We've done it before.
I can play a role.

You? Yes. Uh, a wealthy gambler,

an English Lord. Old money.
You can be my valet.

What?

Well, maybe not.
Maybe... an Austrian nobleman.

But you can't show up like this.

You'll need to blend in
with the crowd, dress up a bit.

Oh.

And we need cash in order
to make the deception seem real.

I can't just go to the commissioner
and ask.

I need to keep this investigation
secret.

Your lecture tour? Hmm?

Didn't you say you made some money?

Well, I'm not eager
to gamble it all away.

You just need to spend enough
to make it look convincing.

All right. I suppose. Yes.

Welcome to the case, Doctor.

I think it's my turn to say it.

It's definitely my turn.

Yes, that looks good on you.
I haven't worn it for years.

Ha-ha!

Max? Is this suitable?

What? What are you
dressed up for, Leah?

If you think you're going to Riegers
without me, you can think again.

We're going there for work.
You're not invited.

Oh, I hear everyone says
it's absolute heaven.

I'm not missing this opportunity
to make my friends insanely jealous.

Not a chance.
You take me with you, Max,

or I swear you'll never hear
the last of it.

What is it you're up to?

Oh, gambling, a casino.
Oh, is that quite proper?

It's not forbidden in the Talmud.

Your Uncle Harry was a gambler.
Lost everything.

Never heard of Uncle Harry.
No, well, we don't speak about him.

Why are you dressed like that? I'm
pretending to be an English Lord.

Well, the Talmud forbids lying.

It's not lying, Mama.
It's dressing up.

Now, Leah. I'm serious, Max.

You're not going without me.

[DOORBELL RINGS]

Who's that?
Oh, I mentioned it to a friend.

I asked if she wanted to come along.

Yes, fine, let's...
Let's invite everyone.

Ah!

Apparently you're taking me out
somewhere nice, Max.

[CAR HORN]

He's here.

Everyone get ready.

Oh, I'll get my coat.

h*-h*! I say, how splendid!

What's the point of earning money
if you're not going to spend?

Have a good evening.

Oh, Max! Yes, remember,
we're going there to work.

Oh, don't worry, I'll behave myself.

I feel like
everyone's looking at us.

That's the point.

We're supposed to look dazzling.

As you do.

Tell me something.
How do rich people think?

Just complain a lot.

These boots are purgatory.
I can barely walk.

Ladies and gentlemen,
we are so happy to entertain you.

My name is Karner.
Anything you need, just ask.

I'm the casino manager.

Your coat, sir. Madam. Thank you.

May I inquire as to your names
for our register?

Coat, please. Yes.

Uh, I am Lord Sadler from England.
And this is...

Lady Sadler and Duchess Gertrude.

Wife and mother. Sister.

And this is... Um...

Count von Trautmanns... Dorf.

Thank you.

Max. Look.

Just like the one
Carillo had in his pocket.

He may still have something
stored here.

We need to look.

This way.

Welcome to Riegers.
The house is packed tonight.

People come from all over Europe.

We have pontoon,
dice is a house favourite,

we have card games,
including chemin de fer...

Or you can take a seat
by the roulette wheel.



Our croupiers are the very best.

Champagne for my guests.

Thank you.

Oh, dear. Lady Sadler, look.

Not as luxurious as the Danieli.

I apologise. This evening's
entertainment has been cancelled.

Well, I suppose
we'll just have to manage.

This place is amazing, Max!

I've never seen anything
quite like it. Yes, all right.

We've got a job to do.
Find out what Carillo was up to.

Keep your eyes open. Place your
bets, please, ladies and gentlemen.

Don't get too drunk.

Why are you looking at me
when you say that?

So what do we do first?

They need to see that
I'm legitimate, a high-roller.

One big ostentatious gamble.

I'm going to have a look
at that cloakroom, Max.

Come on. Let's find a table.

Place your bets, ladies and
gentlemen. Place your bets.

Chips, please. 500.

How does this work?
Don't be so diffident.

Try to act like you can play.
My lord, your chips.

You're Lord Sadler, after all,
you own 5,000 acres.

Who said my estate was that big?
I did. Just now.

Make more of a fuss of me.
Pet me. What?

Stroke me like I'm a possession.

Is that really necessary?

That's how powerful men behave.
Leah said I was your wife.

Yes, that was her idea, not mine.

All part of the deception. Madame?

Could you get us more drinks,
please? Uh, waiter!

Champagne for the ladies, please.
And for you, sir?

Uh, a, um, a gin rickey.

I'm sorry, sir. What is that?
I don't know it.

Oh, doesn't matter. never mind.

Actually,

I suggest you find out.

Before I have you fired.

Sir.

Better.

Any more bets?

Right. Thank you.

Any more bets?

My friend left something.
Señor Carrillo.

He asked me to get it for him.

Sir, do you have a ticket?

Sorry, I forgot it.
Then I'm afraid I can't help you.

You were asking for Carrillo.

Why?

I, um...

What was your name again?

Count...

You are no count.

All bets down.



[LEAH GASPS]

Oh, my gosh.

This doesn't seem to be
as difficult as people make out.

Oh, good.
Something else he excels at.

Congratulations, sir. Thank you.

Place your bets. Are you sure
you want to risk that much?

Oh, don't be such a bore.
Just starting to enjoy myself.

You're meant to be pretending,
not actually getting sucked in.

My lords, ladies and gentlemen,
place your bets.

Aren't we supposed to be here
for a reason?

I can't accept that bet, sir.

Sorry?
I can't accept it at this table.

This chip is meant for
a special game.

Which game is that?

I am not at liberty to say, sir.

Very well.

Welcome to Riegers.

I don't think we've met.
Helena Rieger, proprietress.

Can I beg a moment alone with you,
my lord? Of course.

Magnificent establishment
you've got here.

My father bequeathed it to me.

I've been the proprietress
for seven years now.

Not a person comes through that door
that I don't see.

I know gamblers.

I know their foibles.

I see every little quirk of nature.

Rather like a neurologist
making a diagnosis.

For example, that woman
you came in with?

My wife? Yes.

I could tell at once
she's nothing of the kind.

The way she looks at you,
the way she reacts -

she's playing a part. Quite
skilfully, but I could spot it.

You think she's not in love with me?

Ah, no. I didn't say that.

Still, quite plainly, you're in love
with her, though, am I right?

Perhaps you don't like to admit it.

But everyone's secrets can be
uncovered if you know the signals.

Anything else?
Well, now you mention it,

you're not a lord at all.

Oh. The nobility have a kind of
certainty in their manner.

They're comfortable giving orders

without seeming embarrassed
about doing so.

Really? Mm-hm.

So that begs the question...
why the pretence?

And what were you doing
with that gaming chip, hmm?

Apparently,
it's used for a special game.

Would you care to tell me which one?

Would you care to tell me
how you got a hold of it first?

I know who you are.
I knew the moment you arrived.

So, the famous Dr Liebermann.

And that must make you
Inspector Rheinhardt.

What are you doing here?

These people are helping me
with an investigation.

Into what, exactly?

Do you recognise this man?

Naturally - I read the news.

Has he ever been here?

I've never met him.

Plainly, you're badly informed,
Inspector.

How about this one?

Señor Carrillo
was a regular visitor here.

Sometimes he performed.

He was due to sing here tonight.

I heard about his death, Inspector.
Tragic.

That gaming chip...

..it was found
in Carrillo's apartment.

What does it signify?

It's reserved for a particular game
where only the high rollers play.

And Carrillo was a part of it?

I wonder what's taking them so long.

Sounds to me like you're jealous.

What?

I know there's something going on.

Max bought us all presents
from New York.

He hasn't given them out,
but I peeked inside the bag.

There's one with your name on.

Place your bets,
ladies and gentlemen.

That's kind of him.

Bigger than the others.

More expensive.

Said Marquand on the label.

Jewellery.

What's the psychology behind that,
I wonder? Stop it, Leah.

I know he wrote to you.
Mama was talking about it.

Oh, come on, tell me.

Is there something going on?

Nothing...

..except your imagination
running wild.

He's in love with you.

He never stopped.

You really are incorrigible.

Tell me I'm wrong.

You can't.

You need to get us access.

It's a secret room.

The players insist on privacy.

This is a m*rder investigation,
Fraulein.

Would you rather we closed you down?

Don't try to threaten me, Inspector.

You'd have to convince half
the government to shut me down -

I know too many powerful people.

Everyone is a client of mine.

What if we could raise a stake?

What? Join the game.

No-one need know who we are.

And actually I'm quite a roll.

The basic stake is 1,000 Kronen.

You can join the table
tomorrow night.

What's the game?

Chemin de fer.

What's the matter?

Nothing. Mm.

Just something someone said tonight.

They were observing us,
and they said that...

..you were play-acting. Mm.

That you clearly weren't my wife.

Well, I'm not, am I?

It was all part of the deception.

Yes.

It's just it...

..made me realise...

Mm.

What?

[CAR HORN BLARES]

So 1,000 Kronen
on a game of chemin de fer?

Yes, and I'm not sure I can
even remember how to play it.

It's ludicrously simple.



You bet on which hand
you think is closest to 9.

Subtract 10 if it's over,
so 11 is the same as 1.

Yes. You can ask for a third card,

but only if your opponent
hasn't got an 8 or 9.

Face cards are nothing,
so this is a 4 - the winner.

And it's just blind luck
which of them is nearest? Yes.

No skill, just nerve.

So how do we raise the money?

Well, I did all right tonight.

You made a fortune!

Did you? Yes.

Well, surely that's enough.

More than enough.

Good.

Oscar and I will return
tomorrow night.

What about me and Clara?

It's too dangerous.
Carrillo's contact may turn up.

All right. So you can try
to get into the game,

and I'll see
what's in the cloakroom.

Fraulein, finally
I can change out of these boots.

Goodnight.

Oh, all this play-acting
has done me in.

I think I might go to bed, too.

Goodnight.

Well.

Lord Sadler, this is where
I slip out of character.

I think I'm done pretending
for one evening.

I wrote to you
from New York because...

..because I still have
feelings for you.

Do you really want to
do all this again?

Tell me you feel nothing for me and
I promise I won't bring it up again.

One word from you

and I'll be silent forever.

Max, please.

[FOOTSTEPS RECEDE]

Dear God.

I had nowhere else to go. I'm sorry.

Oh, no, no, no.
I'm glad you came here. Sit down.

Where's Hannah?

At school.

He did this?

Where is he now?

At home.

The key for this apartment.
You'll be safe. Bring Hannah too.

Where are you going?

To make sure you'll never
have to see him again.

[SIGH]

[KEYS CLACK, HUM OF CONVERSATIONS]

[LOUD KNOCKING]

Thanhofer.

Thanhofer!

[DOOR CREAKS]

What?

I'm only going to say this once.

Get out of Vienna
and don't come back.

I don't want you
hanging around here.

Do you understand?

[GRUNTING]

Who the hell are you
to order me around?

I'm not going anywhere.

Look... No, you look.

If you ever lay a finger
on her again, I'll k*ll you.

So, are you ready to meet him?

Yes, of course.

Don't be nervous.

He's something of a legend
but he likes his reporters

to be straight with him,
so just be yourself.

Why do they call him the Baron?

It's from his time in England.
It's slang they use there.

Press baron means the proprietor.

So I wanted to meet you.

I've been reading your interviews.

You write well.

A little flowery for my taste...

..but you have talent.

You know what they say about me?

I know that most people fear you

and that you have access to most
of the politicians in Vienna.

Yes, that's right.

So the situation in Europe is
gradually becoming more strained.

We're looking to expand
our political coverage.

We need someone to write
a regular column,

reporting on the situation
in the East.

Your name came up.
You have a common touch,

and I thought you might
appeal to women,

expand our readership.

This country is a powder keg,

and it's our responsibility to
make sure that it doesn't go off.

w*r with Serbia must be averted.

You want me to preach
a doctrine of peace?

Is that going to be difficult?

No.

Thank you.

Good looking. And ambitious.

She could do very well for us.

You want to have dinner with me?

I'm meeting someone.

Another politician
spilling his secrets?

[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]

[DOORBELL]

[DOOR OPENS, FOOTSTEPS]

Take me back. What?

I'm a journalist, Max.

You really think I'm going
to miss this opportunity?

Take me back to Riegers.

[MAX SIGHS]

So, what is it about gamblers?

How do you mean?

Well, Freud must have some insights.

Are they just natural
thrill-seekers,

people who want to live dangerously?

What's the attraction?
I don't see it.

Guilt.

What? Freud would say

all gamblers harbour some deep
residual guilt about something.

Really? Deep down in
the depths of their psyche,

they know they're going to lose.

They're seeking punishment.

Interesting.

And does that remind you of anyone?

I think you never quite got past
what happened between us.

I think you keep obsessing about it.

You never answered
my question, Clara.

[DOORBELL]

Time to go.

Mm.

Your ticket, sir.

I need to go back to
that cloakroom,

find what Carrillo left there.
I'll come and find you.

Lord Sadler?

No more bets.



All bets in.

Lord Sadler.

This way, if you wish to join
the private game. Yes.

My apologies -
better if you come alone.

Every gambler is always
looking for the next big thrill.

You need to understand what
you're getting into here.

My father's trade was steel -

built half the railroads in Austria,

fashioned the bridges
that span the Danube.

Gambling was his private passion.

See, he built the casino
on the site of an old mine.

The ore that was used
to make the steel

came from inside these tunnels.

All part of the ritual.

Ladies and gentlemen,

a new gamer will be
joining us tonight.

The Englishman.

The Soldier.

The Baron.

And this is The Actress.

Please take your place.

The usual stakes.



In this room, there is no
restriction on what you can bet.

Enjoy your evening.

So, shall we begin?

Whisky, double. Sir.

You seem reticent, friend.

There is no strategy here.

We are powerless in fate's hands.

That's what makes it so delicious.

A simple choice, my friend.

Are you going to wager or not?

Hm.

DISTANT: I need your help, please...

Would you come with me, please?

[LOCK CLICKS]

My God.

[FOOTSTEPS]

You're an actress?

Would I have seen you on the stage?

We don't talk about our lives here.

Unless we wish to gamble with them.

What do you mean? Hm!

Hm.

Well, well.

Another victory for the Englishman.

So, Englishman...

..what more would you care to wager?

Trying to goad me into
putting down more money?

No, I wasn't talking about money.

What then?

That woman you came with.

I saw her in the bar.

How much is she worth to you?

Would you care to wager her?

You actually gamble with people?

People,

possessions, secrets -

anything of value.

The thrill is greater
than you could imagine.

Why don't you try it?

[I... ]

Well, I sense that somewhere
deep in your soul...

..you're truly tempted.

You feign disgust...

..but the idea is just
a little thrilling.

No excitement without risk,
my friend.

Well?

HELENA: I think a break is needed.

Perhaps you would all care
to refill your glasses.

Come with me.
Whisky, please. Yes, sir.

Can't believe
what I've just witnessed.

How can you allow it to go on?

I just feed an addiction.

I don't trade in morals.

You asked if you could
meet with them.

I've kept my part of the bargain.

Where are you going?

I want my friend to leave.

I don't want her to become
part of a wager.

Excuse me.

Oskar.

OSKAR: Drop the weapon.

[g*nsh*t ECHOES]

Dear God, you look awful.

Oskar, what's happened?

I'm lost...

..and I'm alone.

Worst thing I've ever faced.

[g*nsh*t ECHOES]