03x02 - Counter-Stroke

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Is there any damage?

I really don't know what to say.

No, it's alright.

Perhaps you ought to look inside the lens.

- Am I through yet? - Just the one bag?

- Yes. - Open the camera case, please.

[chuckles]

It's, uh, seven years old.

I am not trying to smuggle anything in.

Be very careful.

'I just loaded it.'

Sorry.

[intense music]

Guards!

Put the g*n down! Put the g*n down!

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nsh*t]

[music continues]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

"A Quinn Martin Production."

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbot.

William Reynolds.

With guest stars

Jessica Walter.

William Smithers.

And special guest star

Kevin McCarthy.

Tonight's episode

"Counter-Stroke."

[theme music]

[male narrator] The tape found in Carl Jordan's camera

was forwarded at once

to the FBI laboratory in Washington

where an analysis of its contents indicated

that it was part of a message

intended for a man long sought by the US government.

One of the most important communist agents

working in America.

And known only to the FBI as Alexander.

- Well? - It was Tom Colby.

Jordan's still unconscious.

"Alexander, fog, orange, fog, green, fog, brown, fog, blue."

Oh, the "Fog" is apparently an X symbol

to indicate missing words or phrases.

How did Jordan check out?

Well, he was born in Germany.

Became a Swiss citizen in 1947.

He's a salesman for Lucerne watches.

No open communist affiliation

no pattern to his business trips.

'He's been in just about every major American city'

'one time or another.'

It's a good cover for a carrier.

Excellent.

You know, he could be a big help to us

if he know the rest of that message.

He knows more than that, Art.

He knows where to find Alexander.

[instrumental music]

How long has he been awake?

About ten minutes.

- Has he said anything? - No, sir.

Mr. Jordan?

My name's Erskine.

This is Mr. Ward.

We're with the FBI.

We've decoded the tape.

Do you know what was on it?

It was addressed to Alexander.

You know where we can find him?

Where were you going?

If I die, what are my rights?

Your rights?

I am a Swiss citizen, will my body be sent back?

Well, we'd notify the consulate.

The rest, I suppose, would be up to your family.

I have no family.

I don't want to be buried in this country.

There is small cemetery at the foot of Mt. Pilatus

I want to lie under the snow.

Would you tell the consulate, please?

Please, to send me back.

Of course.

What do you want now?

Where did you get the tape?

It was passed on to me in Louisiana.

- By whom? - It was mailed to my office.

- Who is Alexander? - I don't know.

- Have you ever met him? - No.

Were you to meet him this time?

I think so.

Where?

I suppose in Illinois, Springfield.

That was my next place to go.

I was to be met at the airport, tomorrow noon

by a man named Albert Vogel.

He works for Houser Importing.

Does he know you?

We've met, years ago in Switzerland.

But to help the identification, I was to carry

a brown attache case.

He would say to me

"Mr. Jordan, was the trip satisfactory?"

And I would say, "Yes..

"...except for some turbulence over Greenland."

Is he an American citizen?

No.

And how were you to recognize Alexander?

That's all I know.

I'm sorry.

Alright, thank you, Jordan.

You won't forget, you will talk to the consulate general.

If there's any need.

But you're getting the best medical care there is.

You'll pull through.

I want a summary of everything we know about him.

Yes, sir.

And ask if you ought to run a check on Albert Vogel.

See if he's registered as an agent of foreign government.

Alright.

[instrumental music]

Suppose Jordan was telling the truth?

I hardly think a dying man would lie under those circumstances.

But he expects us to keep our end of the bargain.

Yeah, maybe.

I can catch a noon flight for Springfield.

[Arthur] 'I wished the two of you'

'resembled each other more closely.'

Alright, what's involved?

A moustache, a pair of glasses and an accent.

Anyway, Alexander has never seen Jordan.

According to Jordan

he certainly might have seen a photograph.

I don't say there won't be a risk, there's bound to be.

But, can we afford not to take the risk?

'How long have we been looking for this man, Art?'

The real risk is that Alexander may pull back into his shell

once he finds out we've taken Vogel into custody.

We won't be able to keep Vogel under wraps for long

even if we can charge him

with failure to register as a foreign agent.

Your danger would come from Vogel

because he does know what Jordan looks like.

- What about the news media? - It's alright.

The agent in charge here has been promised

a 24-hour moratorium on the Jordan's sh**ting.

Longer if we need it.

Well then..

[instrumental music]

'Jordan..'

...good luck.

- Albert Vogel? - Yes.

Johnson, FBI.

'Would you come with us, please?'

- Am I under arrest? - Yes, sir.

For what?

Failure to register as an agent of a foreign government.

Oh, you, you've got the wrong man.

This is outrageous!

You're embarrassing me in front of all these people.

Just come along, Mr. Vogel.

I really protest against this high-handed..

Please, does any have something I can chew

for my stomach?

Wait, I have something myself.

[intense music]

Smells like cyanide.

[dramatic music]

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? - This is Keller.

I've just heard from my attorney

Albert's been arrested.

When?



He tried to k*ll himself.

Apparently, he hammed it up a little too long though

they got the pill away from him.

Who are they?

The FBI.

So what do you think?

Has the courier been arrested.

Is the game over? Do we all panic and run, or what?

Nothing's over, they'd never have taken Albert.

And if they had anything else

they'd have picked us all up together.

And obviously, Jordan's still in the clear.

He'd have contacted Albert if he'd been stopped.

Well, I can still try to sneak another pill in the jail.

Albert would love that.

If anyone was born for martyrdom, Albert was.

You know, it's the strangest thing

I keep expecting you to grow up and of course you can't.

What sort of a game are you playing now, secret agent?

Now, listen, don't talk to me that way, Alexander

I don't take that from anybody!

I apologize, Clay.

And if you should ever again

use my code name even over the telephone

I'll have you shot, do you understand?

- Do you understand? - Yes.

Good.

Well, what about Jordan? Somebody should meet him.

I'll handle it.

I'll be in Ellen's classroom if you need me.

Another?

You know, I guess it's just too much

to expect that your going to ever grow up.

How many times have I asked you to call me "Sir?"

I'm sorry, sir.

[dramatic music]

[violin music]

[music continues]

[applause]

Good, very good.

Well, there are a few problems left

but I think we're getting there.

Now, you know I'll tell you something.

She's the best teacher I have, but she expects miracles.

Even Paganini would have a little trouble

playing Paganini, without running into a few problems.

[bell ringing]

Well, hello.

[Paul] 'How beautiful you are, Miss Rainey.'

'Has anyone ever told you?'

Oh, not since last night.

Inexcusable neglect.

You know where I'd like to take you on a honeymoon?

- Where? - Samarkand.

Timur's capital, in the valley of the Zarafshan

where there nothing but sunshine

shade-trees and fountains playing on palace terraces.

- Shall we go? - Do you mean now?

- For lunch? - I wonder what would happen?

Oh, nothing much probably.

Except the complete demoralization

of the party apparatus in America.

I'm not so sure that that would be such a bad thing.

I made a discovery about myself, lately.

I'm a tired idealist.

Maybe I've been fighting on too may fronts.

Too many wars for too long.

I am tired of the power plays.

'I find myself looking over my shoulder'

'on dark streets at night.'

But it's not the FBI I'm looking for.

It's Peking Man.

'The throwback, return to the cave.'

We've had the killings, the purges, Stalin.

Now, here it all comes again.

If Mao has his way..

Then we better help see that he doesn't have his way.

I am not sure that Mao can be stopped.

I'm certainly on his list already

for following the Kremlin line.

I've been working against him too openly.

Curious pair of scissors that I'm caught between.

Peking Man on one side and the FBI on the other.

They arrested Vogel this morning.

Albert?

What does it mean?

Clay's lawyers are looking into it.

I don't know, I imagine they will question him for a time

and then set him free on bond.

Well, Albert isn't going to affect.

- 'Ever.' - I know, I know that.

I'm not worried about that. But there's a problem.

He has an assignment.

He was to meet a courier

at noon today at the airport.

Something important?

A tape for me from party headquarters.

I want you to take Albert's place.

Paul...but I-I don't even know who to look for.

His name's Jordan, Albert must have spoken of him.

Yes, he did.

He'll be carrying a brown attache case.

Now, you'll have certain words to speak to him

and he'll be giving you a certain answer.

- Paul.. - Hmm?

Why don't we just forget this one?

Why?

Well, I don't know.

With Albert arrested, maybe they'll be trailing this Jordan.

I don't know.

No.

I've heard half the tape, I can guess how important the rest is.

I've got to risk it.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Taxi?

Jordan's dead.

We got what background information we could

from the legal attache and Berner.

I've got it here in a match folder.

Oh, uh, I'm sorry, do you have a light?

[Ellen] 'Mr. Jordan?'

Was the trip satisfactory?

Yes, uh, except for some turbulence over Greenland.

[music continues]

Do you mind? I forgot my lighter.

My car is over here.

Hey, lady.

I hate to be chintzy, but those are my matches.

You mind?

Look here.

Please, please, it's alright.

Sorry.

Would you like to drive?

What's wrong?

You've changed Albert.

He was arrested.

Arrested? When?

This morning.

What for?

We don't know what for.

I see.

And who are you?

My name is Ellen Rainey.

I'm a music teacher.

Keller Conservatory.

[chuckles] I don't blame you for being suspicious, Charles.

I know how you feel.

After all, we don't know you either.

Do we?

Would make me considerably less suspicious, Miss Rainey

if you use my correct name.

It's Karl.

Of course, how could I have forgotten that?

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

Straight ahead, we'll be going directly to the estate.

Mr. Keller himself wants to meet you.

Mr. Keller?

His family founded the music school

that was built on the estate.

Is he Alexander?

I suppose you must be quite a skier, coming from Switzerland.

I do ski a little.

But I'm not a native, you know? I was born in Germany.

Didn't Albert tell you that?

Well, he said you used to have some very good times together

at a ski lodge.

Mt. Pilatus, yes.

Have you ever been there?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.

Uh, d-do you know the little cemetery at the foot?

Yes.

That's the place I want to be buried.

It's the most peaceful place on Earth, I think.

I agree.

Oh, a liquor store, I should have told you to stop.

What do you drink, Karl?

'Mr. Keller wanted to know.'

Please, it-it doesn't matter.

Well, what do you prefer?

[siren blaring]

What did I do?

I don't know.

Nothing.

- Officer, what's the matter? - This your car, sir?

No, it belongs to the young lady.

Your back wheel is wobbling, did you know that?

No.

Might be a good idea to have it checked out, soon as possible.

Which one?

I'm surprised you haven't noticed it.

Looked pretty bad.

'I'd have it taken care, if I were you.'

[Ellen] 'Oh, I will, I will. I'll take it right in.'

'I can't understand why the men at the garage'

'didn't say something when I had it lubricated.'

Everything under control?

Oh, I hope so.

I'm sorry to have bothered you, but it seemed important.

I'm sure it was. Thank you.

[instrumental music]

Oh, what-what were we talking about?

Hmm, let me see. Uh, skiing I think.

No.

I remember, your favorite drink.

Oh, yes.

It really doesn't matter.

The fact is, I haven't had anything stronger

than buttermilk in seven years.

'Coffee will be fine.'

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

Very impressive.

Isn't it?

Are you sure this man's on our side?

Well, he is, at the moment.

I don't know how long it will last

but we're keeping our fingers crossed.

He plays games, this is one of them.

Oh, you mean politics?

He reads Lenin and he signs checks.

He's a champion at both.

And the, uh, music school, is that a game too?

Oh, no, that was love on his father's part.

His father was a steel man

but he was also an amateur cellist.

As soon as he had the money

he built the conservatory right over there.

'He hired the finest musicians he knew to staff and lead it.'

Perhaps you've heard of our director.

Paul Dorn?

Paul Dorn.

Oh, doesn't he have the Berlin Philharmonic or Amsterdam?

No, he cancelled all his conducting engagements

three years ago, for this.

He still does a concert once in awhile.

'He was my teacher.'

Finest violinist who ever lived, in my opinion.

Finest man, really.

[instrumental music]

Burt, where's Clay?

Game room. You Mr. Jordan?

- Yes, I am. - I'm Burt Reese, Mr. Jordan.

- How do you do? - Mr. Keller is waiting for you.

Well, have fun. I have to get back to work.

He's taking a fencing lesson.

Shall we, uh, watch him cut a man up?

[grunts]

Well, hello, Mr. Jordan.

I'm Clay Keller.

Glad to see you. How was your trip?

Very smooth.

No turbulence over Greenland?

Oh, don't worry about him.

In the first place, he doesn't speak any English.

And in the second place

he's paid to keep his mouth shut no matter what he understands.

Burt, goodbye. Thank you very much.

- He didn't fix u a drink? - I didn't want one, thank you.

- You sure? - Quite sure.

You fence, Mr. Jordan?

A little.

I was under the impression you fence very well.

So was I, until I saw you.

[speaking in German]

Herr Jordan?

[speaking in German]

[speaking in German]

Now, do you have the tape?

What tape did you mean?

Give the tape to me, Jordan, I'll see that Alexander gets it.

My orders are to hand it to Alexander personally.

And that's what I intend to do.

Would you forget those orders for $50,000?

Jordan, Albert was right about you.

You're the kind of man we need.

Mr. Keller, I've had a long trip and I'm tired.

I was under the impression I was to meet Alexander here.

Now, if I'm not..

He'll meet you when he thinks it's safe.

He's a little bit nervous lately.

He's probably waiting for a report on you

from Miss Rainey.

He seems to think that she's the only one

that can be trusted among us.

Mr. Jordan, behind you is a silhouette of a man.

Five feet, eleven inches tall.

How close can you come to the heart with one shot?

Now.

[g*nsh*t]

Well, that's close enough.

You're very kind.

Close enough for what?

Didn't Albert tell you?

What did you think you were promised all that money for?

Delivering the tape, what else?

You were recommended for that, Jordan

so that you have a reason to be here in Springfield.

Actually, you're here to do something far more important.

You're going to assassinate Alexander.

[g*nsh*t]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

He's been arraigned.

They released him on $5,000 bond.

Who are the lawyers of record?

Uh, Sheaffer and Rogers.

- Does that fit? - Keller's attorneys.

You heard from the inspector?

I've got men posted all around the estate

they'll move in if there's any sign of trouble.

Oh, I better get out there.

Tom, here he comes.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

I don't think Mr. Vogel has ever seen

a clumsier FBI surveillance.

He'll probably teach us a lesson

by staying as far away as possible from Karl Jordan

wouldn't you think?

[knocking on door]

Paul?

Come in, darling.

- Well, any trouble? - No, he's with Keller.

Hmm?

- What's he like? - Pleasant.

A watch salesman, the courier.

Did he seem preoccupied in anyway?

No. Why?

I just got this cable from Naples, Delgado's dead.

How?

'It didn't say in the code.'

First, Richter, then Andre. Now, this.

Paul, what's happening?

The old days, it would have been called a purge.

We'd been put on trial for capitalist tendencies.

And then shot.

The world's moving too fast these days

there's no time for trials.

Are you sure that the man that you picked up at the airport

was really Albert's friend?

Well, as sure as I can be.

If he isn't, he's certainly been well briefed.

What do you mean?

I don't like the way Albert's been shuffled

into the background.

How did the FBI get on to Albert? Who tipped them off?

After all, Albert's the only one among us

who's ever really seen Jordan before.

You think Mao's people substituted someone else?

Well, don't meet with him then, he doesn't know who you are.

Don't take the chance.

I have to know what's on that tape.

Paul..

Please, listen to me.

- Is this worth your life? - Yes.

Albert's the key to this, as far as I'm concerned.

He'll be out on bail by now.

I want you to drive Jordan back into town on some pretext.

You know, shopping or anything.

Then park near Houser Imports, and get out and call Albert.

Have him take a look at our man.

Will you do that for me?

Of course.

What do you mean you can't build it?

Listen, I gave you the plans

I talked to that fat-headed supervisor of yours for an hour.

Yes, of course, I want water.

What is the point of a trout stream without water?

'Running? Right, right.'

'Well, listen, listen. Uh, don't argue with me.'

'I don't care what the price is, you do as you're told.'

I'm sorry for the interruptions.

I can't stand workmen who won't do what they're told.

I.. What do they argue with you for?

What's the point? I'm paying them.

Well, we all have our little crosses to bear, Mr. Keller.

Hmm.

Well, we were discussing your assignment.

Yes, we were.

You sure Albert told you nothing about this?

Not a word.

You seem so completely surprised when I told ya.

You are a Stalinist, aren't you, Jordan?

And Alexander is not, is that the problem?

No, we're not talking about a problem here.

We're talking about a betrayal.

Alexander's advocated co-existence for years.

Where is he now?

He's here on the grounds.

I don't see why you couldn't have had

one of your men do this.

Because none of my men is a professional assassin.

What are you talking about, Jordan?

'It's your trait, isn't it? Or used to be.'

'Or Albert said it used to be.'

He said you could set it up to look like a suicide.

You have a g*n, don't you?

Of course.

Well, I'll take care of the note.

We'll provide as many witnesses as you need.

And we have a doctor to sign the death certificate.

When you say "We," uh, who else is in on this?

Doesn't concern you, Jordan.

The girl, perhaps?

No, the girl isn't in on it.

She's the only one of us who isn't.

[Ellen] 'She isn't what?'

The door was open.

Burt isn't around, so I just came on in.

- She isn't what? - Alive.

I was just asking about his mother.

Are you two through here?

Can I take him away for a minute?

Where are you going, to the conservatory?

No, I have some things to pick up in town.

Need a pair of strong arms.

Well, what about the meeting?

When we get back.

- Karl? - No, no just a minute.

It's alright, we're just going to see Albert.

No, it isn't alright.

d*ck Sheaffer just called me ten minute ago.

He told me that Vogel is out on bond

but the FBI is watching every step he takes.

And he warned us not to have any contact with him

for two or three days at least.

I don't care what d*ck Sheaffer says.

- Paul wants to-- - Where is Paul now?

In his office.

Is he alone? Is school out?

- Yes. - I'll call him.

[dramatic music]

Thanks.

Is, um, is that a separate line or an extension?

Extension. Why?

It-it isn't important.

By the way, I'm sorry for whispering like that before.

It was very rude.

But, he's a very rude man.

- He's a very childish man. - Yes, he is.

I see what you mean about his love of games.

But then I suppose, we're guilty of that as well.

I mean..

Do you ever get the feeling that we're all actors

in some sort of super spy movie here?

Plotting, counter-plotting, whispering in corridors

listening for passwords.

Life imitating drama?

Except that in life, the blood's real.

What are you trying to say to me, Mr. Jordan?

Who is Alexander?

He'll tell you when he's ready.

Is it Dorn?

How much do you love him?

- That's none of your business. - It is my business.

Because I can't save him alone.

Save him?

Alexander is going to be k*lled.

What?

How would you know anything about--

'Because I've been hired to k*ll him.'

Listen to me, he hasn't got any allies here

except you and me.

Now, I could bring help if I could make a call

without alarming Keller or if you could drive me into town.

I don't know you, why should I trust you?

Because I put my head on the block by trusting you.

'I had no way of knowing that Vogel and Keller'

'and the others were planning an assassination.'

I may not believe in all of Alexander's philosophies

but I don't believe in purges, either.

Then why don't you just turn that dirty job down and get out?

'For heaven's sake, use your head.'

I know the plotters' names.

If I don't do what they expect of me

I won't last that long.

Now, is Dorn Alexander?

Yes.

Can you get me to an outside phone?

I wanna talk to Paul first.

There isn't time!

Alright, I told 'em about Vogel.

Where are you going?

I told you, into town. Karl?

He doesn't want you to go into town.

But, we're going anyway.

Well, I'll have to set up the meeting.

No, no, let her go. She won't go anywhere.

Well, let's setup-setup the meeting.

Don't you want to see Alexander?

Face to face?

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Anything new?

No. Still quiet.

I thought he was gonna call in as soon as possible.

So did I.

[music continues]

If we don't hear something from Lew in the next 15 minutes

I'm going over there.

Clay, your flunkey's playing games.

He won't give me my key.

It isn't time to drive into town, Ellen, I told you that.

I don't wanna drive into town, I wanna see Paul.

After the meeting.

- Clay, please.. - After the meeting.

'That's what I said. Now, what's the matter with you?'

'Go in and get a drink.'

Let me come along then.

The talk is private, Ellen.

I'll make it as short as possible, Miss Rainey.

I'll have him call you as soon as I am through.

Do you promise?

I promise.

Thank you, I never can seem to think fast enough

when people come rushing out to me like that.

What are you going to do about her?

- I don't know. - Does Reese know?

Has he already received his instructions?

This is no place for amateurs, Mr. Keller.

- Call him back. - Listen--

Either I handle both jobs

or I bow out and you can deal with Alexander yourself.

[intense music]

Burt!

- Yes, sir. - Forget what I just said.

Jordan will handle her when we come back.

Yes, sir.

Alright, come on.

[music continues]

Well..

His office is on the second floor

at the end of the corridor to your right.

You have a sil*ncer?

Don't worry about it. No one will hear.

Well, there's likely to be a local police investigation

even with a note in the doctor's report.

What will the note say?

[Clay] 'That the girl was incurably ill.'

That she begged Dorn to k*ll her

then he shot himself.

- I see. - Oh, Jordan.

Why don't you give me that tape right now?

Alexander won't be needing it, will he?

I suppose not.

Thank you.

Be careful.

Because he's probably suspicious of everything

at this point.

- Does he have a g*n? - Oh, yes.

- Where does he keep it? - Top desk drawer.

Good luck.

[intense music]

[knocking on door]

[music continues]

Come in.

You're the man from Switzerland?

Hmm. Lovely country.

I used to live in Lucerne a long time ago.

Do you have the tape?

There is no tape, Mr. Dorn.

I, uh, had a blank spool..

'...and I gave that to Mr. Keller.'

What does that mean?

It means you're under arrest.

[dramatic music]

- Who are you? - FBI.

Stay away from it.

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nshots]

[music continues]

What happened to the courier?

He was k*lled in New York. Sit down, please.

[dialing telephone]

This is Erskine.

I'm in Paul Dorn's office in the conservatory.

Send Tom Colby over, please.

And, uh, approach the man in the car outside

with extreme caution.

His name is Keller.

Place him under arrest for espionage.

What do we do now?

We wait.

You have the real tape, I suppose.

Yes, we have.

Well, too bad they send such a clumsy man.

Saved your life. He was scheduled to k*ll you.

By whose orders?

Peking.

Keller?

Who else?

They bought them all except the girl.

'Reese, Vogel.'

'Some doctor who was gonna sign the death certificate.'

I know, I know the one.

You'll need all the names, Mr. Dorn.

What's happening to Ellen now?

She's at Keller's house with Reese.

Well, she's in danger then.

She'll be alright, as long as she doesn't panic.

[dramatic music]

Ellen!

[Ellen screaming]

[music continues]

[g*nsh*t]

[car approaching]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

The other half of the message

is from a tape I'd already received.

Was an order from Europe to eliminate agents in this country

that had switched their loyalties to Peking.

Now, I had some of the names, but I needed them all.

Especially, this one. The first one, the leader.

That's Keller.

Keller.

Reese, Vogel.

I'll give you a full list. Addresses, everything.

Alright, you can do that in my office.

I still haven't heard from the hospital.

She's out of surgery. She's gonna be alright.

Thank God.

Shall we get started?

[male narrator] Clay Keller died of his wounds.

Burt Reese recovered, and was convicted with Albert Vogel

Ellen Rainey, Paul Dorn and four others

of conspiracy to commit espionage

against the United States.

All are serving sentences in federal penitentiaries.

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