06x20 - The Replacement

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

That's our man.

We don't want anything to happen that might prevent him

from making contact.

Don't worry, we'll make it look good, Mr. Randolph.

Thanks, Bob.

You think he'll lead us to Constantine?

According to our source he will.

I'll feel a lot more certain when he gets there.

[dramatic music]

Just the one bag?

Oh, and this.

Open it, please.

I bought the case in Rome.

- Enjoy your stay. - Thank you.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[trimmer whirring]

[music continues]

[indistinct]

John, stop him! Hey, get an ambulance, right away!

Oh!

Ah!

[music continues]

Let go of me. I didn't do nothing.

[theme music]

[Marvin Miller] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds.

With guest stars Phyllis Thaxter..

Peter Brandon.

And special guest star, Charles Korvin.

Tonight's episode, "The Replacement."

[instrumental music]

[Marvin Miller] The August 12th arrival of Eric Cross

at a large Eastern airport

had been eagerly awaited by the FBI.

His mission in the United States

according to a bureau source

was to replace an important espionage agent

known only by the code name Constantine.

However, the desperate act of a petty thief

was to prevent this from happening

and was to throw the FBI

into one of its most intriguing cases.

Now here are the results on that, uh, microfilm, inspector.

It's a substitution cryptosystem

using a series of dots and dashes in place of letters.

"This is Eric Cross.

Advice on operation and return." It's signed Culic.

That's Colonel Culic.

Head of Intelligence in the Eastern zone.

This was obviously meant for Constantine.

At least we have an idea where he may be operating.

That plane ticket Cross had on him was for Chicago.

That's a starting place.

Uh, Cross just returned form surgery.

He suffered a severe concussion.

'Uh, they've relieved the pressure'

'but they don't know the extent'

'of any brain damage for at least 24 hours.'

Alright, you say our sources are confident

that, uh, Cross is unknown to any of the agents

working for Constantine?

That's right.

Well, we have his instructions

on the first piece of microfilm.

And on the second his contact

World Photography magazine.

And the countersign he is to use.

"Blue skies and white clouds, the world seemed at peace."

Is there any reason I couldn't take his place?

[sighs] Well, for one thing he was due in Chicago several hours ago.

Well, I could always say I was delayed

because I thought I was being followed.

I don't know, Lewis.

You know, there is a resemblance

particularly with the mustache.

'Scar could be duplicated.'

We also have quite a bit of information

on Cross's background.

I'd have time to familiarize myself with it on the plane.

It's still pretty risky.

All we have to go on is speculations.

The magazine, the countersign.

And we can't be certain

Cross is unknown to their agents here.

It's true. But I think it's worth the risk.

If I'm accepted by the contact in Chicago

I'll not only be able to learn

Constantine's identity, but as his replacement

the workings of the entire network.

'The names of his agents, how they pass the information'

how much they know.

We may not get this chance again.

And if you're not accepted?

There's that possibility, of course.

Alright, Lewis, I'll speak to the director.

In the meantime, Tom, get in touch with the airlines.

If anyone inquires about Eric Cross

he's been temporarily delayed.

We need little time.

[dramatic music]

How do you like it?

Excellent balance.

Perhaps a little too emotional.

But good, very good.

I'm glad you like it.

I have a feeling this painting

will hang at a great museum one day.

I might not be around to see it.

You'll be around.

I hope so.

But if not, I saw it first, and that's the important thing.

How do you feel today?

Like the weather. Beautiful.

No headache?

Oh, a little one earlier.

But I took one of those miracle pills

your cousin prescribed in Presto.

I wish you'd follow the rest of his advice.

A vacation? Me?

You think I'm one of those bourgeois housewives?

I'm a soldier.

Even soldiers need their rest.

'Think how beautiful this south of France is'

'this time of year.'

'Perhaps I could...join you.'

Wouldn't that be nice?

Remember that...small hill outside of Mt. Pelee?

'What was the name of it?'

Tout Va Bien.

Oh, yes. "All is well."

We had such wonderful times there.

Yes.

[instrumental music]

Now, say the word, and we'll go!

If we have to steal our way.

You know that's impossible.

Culic would never permit it.

And besides, there's still too much to be done.

We've dedicated too much of our lives to stop and rest now

'you know that.'

Yes, I know.

Now, has Karl finished copying the plans for the first stage

of the new anti-tank device?

I'll go downstairs and see.

[instrumental music]

[door shuts]

[lighter clicks]

[knock at door]

- Yes? - 'Paul.'

Finish copying the plans?

Over there.

When's he arriving?

Mason's picking him up at the airport now.

Ms. Valerie know yet?

No.

Well, don't you think it's time you told her?

I've tried.

I just haven't been able to find the words.

Then tell her the truth!

She's being replaced, sent home.

Constantine's of no more use to us.

And if she asks, "Why?"

Tell her that too.

That she's dying?

That she only has a few months to live.

That those headaches aren't due to nervous tension

as her doctor wants to believe..

...but to an inoperable tumor.

How do you tell these things to someone?

You mean, Paul..

How do you tell you're in love in with..

'...these things?'

[telephone ringing]

Valerie's a soldier.

Her first concern will be to the network.

[telephone ringing]

- Yes? - 'Karl..'

Mason, Cross wasn't on the plane.

He wasn't?

- Have you checked? - Yes.

There was a message, he had been delayed a few hours.

Alright, you might as well wait there for him.

What is it?

Cross didn't show up as scheduled.

Mason checked with the airlines.

There was a message from him saying..

he'd be arriving on a later plane.

I don't like it, Paul.

He isn't even here yet, and already there's a mix up.

You're too suspicious.

That's how I've survived.

None of us have ever seen him before.

We must be certain he's the right one.

You'll have the identification.

The countersign.

We know enough about his background to interrogate him.

I think there might be a better way, Paul.

A much better way.

[instrumental music]

What kind of a man are you, Mr. Cross?

Well..

I'm quite an unusual man, actually.

I've studied in universities all over Europe.

I come from a very prominent family.

My father is a surgeon, my mother plays the cello.

My idols are Marx and Napoleon.

And my passions are fine art, soccer and chess.

And I'm known to have an eye for beautiful women.

There's one important thing I don't know, Chet.

How I got this scar.

It bothers me.

If we learn anything, I'll get it to you as pre-arranged.

Good luck, Lou.

Thanks, Chet.

[dramatic music]

[Valerie] I almost wish that Karl were more likeable.

He really does such fine work.

But likeable agents usually end up

working for the wrong side.

I want this to leave immediately.

The Aalborg Gallery in Zurich?

Yes.

And if all goes well

we should have the second and final stages

of the anti-tank device by the end of the week.

I think it would be safer if we sent each

to a different gallery.

No need placing all our eggs in one basket.

Paul, are you listening to me?

Yes, I'm listening.

But you're miles away. What's the matter?

Val, I've something to tell you.

What's wrong, Paul?

I received a message from Colonel Culic last week.

I didn't hear about it.

You weren't supposed to.

I don't understand.

You're being replaced.

'You're to return to Eastern zone headquarters.'

I don't believe it.

Well, there must have been a mistake in the communicare.

I'll get in touch with Culic myself.

There's no mistake.

Your replacement's arriving today.

Mason's picking him up at the airport.

But why, Paul? Is it..

Is it the way I handle things?

No.

Is it my loyalty?

Your loyalty is beyond question.

Well, what other reason?

Ah, Culic does not give any reasons.

He gives orders and we obey them.

Perhaps he wants you to organize another network

or maybe he feels you would be

of greater value to him at headquarters.

Whatever. You've been with this operation long enough to know

that these changes aren't unusual.

Think of all those you've replaced.

This replacement, do I know him?

Perhaps by reputation.

He's Eric Cross.

Well, I'm sure that he's capable.

I guess there's nothing much I can do about it, is there?

The colonel has spoken and.. What about you, Paul?

Did the communicare say that?

I'm to stay here. That's why I thought perhaps we could

get away by ourselves for a while, visit France.

That's out of the question.

This Cross will need your help

and I must see

what headquarters have in store for me.

Always them. What about our lives?

Our lives..

...is to make this a better world to live in.

Now, I want that canvas sent off immediately.

[intense music]

[dramatic music]

I see you're interested in photography.

That's my hobby too.

Oh?

My name's Cross. Eric Cross.

How is the, uh, the view from up there?

Blue skies, white clouds, the world seemed at peace.

Mason Rhodes. Welcome to Chicago, Mr. Cross.

Is that your luggage?

Yes.

My, uh, my car is out this way.

[music continues]

Where are we going?

My orders are to take you to the Kimberly hotel.

And what happens after that?

That's all I was told.

Constantine does know of my arrival?

I'm not sure that she's been told yet.

I see.

Are you sure he's the right one?

Well, he recognized the magazine

and he knew the countersign.

He seems genuine to me.

Alright, wait for me in the lobby.

Right.

Well?

Cross is here.

What time is this Julian Bresko arriving?

I told him to meet us outside of the hotel at 3:30.

And you're certain he can

recognize Cross after all these years?

Yes, he said he knew him quite well.

Well, I just hope you're doing the right thing.

[instrumental music]

CG-4 to CG-7.

CG-7. Go ahead.

Tom, I just checked with our surveillance in the hotel

about the man who went in a few minutes ago.

Who is he?

We don't know.

But before entering the elevator

he did stop and talk to the contact

who met Inspector Erskine at the airport today.

We couldn't hear what they were saying

but the contact did look at his watch.

'After that, the man went up to the inspector's room.'

What about the contact?

'He's still waiting in the lobby.'



You've a right to make certain you weren't being followed.

What's a few hours

when it means the safety of our entire operation?

Precisely.

I'm sure you'll understand our own caution.

The fact that you're unknown to any of us by sight

makes us a little apprehensive.

That's good, you're thorough.

How do you think you'll like Chicago?

Well, I haven't had a chance to see much of it yet.

It's a good city.

Easy to lose yourself

and that's very important.

Of course it doesn't have

the charm of some of your European cities

like Zurich, Venice, Innsbruck.

I believe you went to the University of Zurich

didn't you, Eric?

No, I went to Innsbruck, for a time at least.

A beautiful place to go to school

especially when you're interested in skiing.

You do ski Eric, don't you?

[knock at door]

Excuse me.

- Hi. - Hello.

Your stewardess on the flight today.

Yes, I hadn't forgotten.

Some people do.

It's the uniform.

'Once we change into civvies'

'we lose all our appeal.'

You don't say. Somehow, I find that hard to believe.

Anyway, uh, I didn't think I'd be free

but it turns out I am.

'And while I was visiting some friends for a drink downstairs'

um, I saw you checking in here, so, I thought..

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, but I'm, uh..

I'm afraid I shall be tied up for some time.

Aww, that's too bad.

Well, if you find you can make it after all

here's where you can reach me.

- Righto. - Bye.

Your, uh, reputation with the ladies preceded you.

I might add, that, you have very good taste.

Thank you.

Well, we were talking of skiing, weren't we?

Were we?

Oh, yes.

Well, that was a long time ago.

Why did you give it up, Eric?

It's quite simple, really.

Most women find one scar rather intriguing

but I thought two might be overdoing it a bit.

You're not very subtle, are you, Stoner?

Perhaps not.

We better get going.

You know, I think I'm going to enjoy this country enormously.

Did the man with him seem to buy the stewardess bait?

I am sure of it.

You still nervous, Joanne?

A little, but I guess it's all part of being an FBI secretary.

Thank you, Joanne, you did a good job.

I'll have Marty take you back to the office now.

Thanks, Mr. Colby.

[man on radio] 'CG-7.'

Seven, go ahead.

'Standby, please.'

'We have a call from Mr. Ward for you.'

'Tom, this just came in.'

You're familiar with the name Julian Breska?

Yes, sir, he's the sleeper we've had under surveillance.

Yeah. Well, our agent in Cleveland

followed him aboard a plane for Cedar Rapids this morning.

The plane stops in Chicago, and he got off.

According to the agents, he's just gotten into a cab there.

You think he has something to do with this case?

Yes, I do.

Breska once owned a ski shop at Innsbruck.

The same time Cross was attending the university there.

So, they must have known each other.

'Breska's wearing a gray check jacket.'

'He's about 5'10"'

'thinning hair, approximately forty years old'

with medium build.

Tom, the attorney general has authorized his arrest

if it becomes necessary.

Hold on a minute, Mr. Ward.

Mason, you'd better get the car.

Mr. Ward, Inspector Erskine and the others

are just leaving the hotel.

'Don't let him out of your sight, Tom.'

'And keep me posted.'

Yes, sir.

- Paul. - Karl Elman, Eric Cross.

- Good to meet you. - How do you do?

It's 3:30, where is he?

He'll be here.

There he is.

That looks like Breska.

CG-7 to CG-4.

Four, go ahead.

Julian Breska? FBI.

[intense music]

[car honks]

[music continues]

Another moment, and they'd have had us all.

'Who the devil sent for Breska?'

I did, to check on you.

You took it upon yourself?

I only wanted to protect the network.

You stupid fool.

We've known all along

that Breska was being sought by the authorities

which is why we've never used him.

Report of this will be sent to headquarters.

Now, take me to Constantine.

[instrumental music]

I wish I could be pleased to meet you, Mr. Cross

but under the circumstances--

I understand how you feel.

Sit down.

Do you know the reason for this change?

Only Culic knows that.

I see.

The sooner you brief me on the details of this operation

the easier it'll be for both of us.

'I take it you're the only one'

'who knows the complete workings of it.'

My subordinates know only what they have to

to perform their individual duties.

Without me, the network ceases to function.

It's safer that way.

I agree.

You will have to be a little patient with me.

My orders are to take charge immediately.

Mr. Cross, it has taken me years to build this organization.

You can't expect to be told everything

in the first few minutes.

Besides, I've been having these headaches.

Nothing serious, of course.

I am having one now.

And I would like to rest.

Very well.

Mr. Cross..

Later we'll get down to work.

[instrumental music]

Dr. Davis?

Valerie Hendrix.

I want to see you.

No, I'll come there.

[intense music]

[telephone ringing]

Colby.

Tom, I just received a phone call

from our liaison representative in Bonn.

There's been a severe shakeup

at the Eastern zone espionage headquarters.

Colonel Culic has been liquidated.

'Eric Cross is being recalled effective immediately.'

You get that information to him.

Yes, sir.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

Now.

[intense music]

[phone ringing]

Excuse me.

Renaissance Gallery.

Yes, I wonder if you could give me some information

on the Jacopo painting in your catalog.

'Number 32.'

They're assigning someone else to take your place.

Name we have is Elman. Karl Elman. Do you know him?

As far as I can make out, he's third in command.

I don't think he's heard about his promotion yet.

'Constantine is a woman.'

'By the name of Valerie Hendricks.'

Lou, I think we ought to move in now.

I'd like to wait a while.

She's on the verge of giving the details

of the entire operation.

What happens when Elman finds out

that he's talking over?

Let her company get the information first.

The reason Constantine is been recalled is

they found out that she is suffering a terminal illness.

We've got to move fast.

If anything happens to her mind

they'll never put her in a hospital, she knows too much.

What do you think?

I like it very much.

But I'm afraid, I have to talk to my wife first

and convince her it won't spoil

'the color scheme of the living room.'

'Could turn out to be more expensive than the painting.'

I'll be back. Thank you.

Rhodes, do you have the address of Valerie's doctor?

I'll get it.

Well, now..

Please, doctor. No more lies.

These headaches aren't caused by nerves, are they?

A long rest won't k*ll them.

Where did you, uh, get that idea?

It suddenly came to me, things began to make sense.

I'm not a fool, don't treat me like one.

Well, you're wrong.

Am I?

Look at me and say that.

Val, what do you want from me?

It is my life.

I have a right to know.

[door opens]

Let me speak to her, Joe.

I'm glad you got my message.

It's true, isn't it?

I'm dying.

How much longer do I have?

Few months.

But we can make them good ones.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I love you.

Why didn't you tell me that?

Oh, Paul.

All those years wasted.

All those long beautiful years.

[instrumental music]

I, uh, had a feeling you'd be here.

I know why you want to learn more about my organization.

Can't it wait? She's upset.

I'm sorry, I'm afraid it can't.

He's right.

It's, uh, it's much too nice a day to spend in the gallery.

Let's go somewhere else to talk.

Yes, I know just the place.

[instrumental music]

[Valerie] 'I think I've seen these trees at least a hundred times'

but I've never really seen them until now. Huh.

They're so lovely.

Make any sense to you?

Yes, I think so.

I know you're anxious to get down to work.

It is getting late.

[instrumental music]

Time is..

...such a snake.

Loping along back there behind you.

Lulling you into an illusion that you can keep ahead of it.

And then one day, in a moment it's rushed by.

You've lost forever.

- You're cold. - Hmm.

I felt a chill, the sun's going down.

We'll go to my hotel, it's not far.

[instrumental music]

Mason.

Where's Cross?

He went to pick up Valerie, they haven't come back yet. Why?

I just received this message from headquarters.

Cross is to return home immediately.

I'm to take his place.

[dramatic music]

You better close the gallery.

There's so much to remember.

You were telling me how you got the material out.

After Elman copies the formulas on to canvas you ship them to--

One of three European galleries.

The Aalborg in Zurich.

The Lubec in Brussels and the Krawl in Munich.

I see, and who are your contacts

for getting the information here?

One is an engineer who helped develop the device.

John, uh, uh, Welspore.

He worked in stages two and three.

I'm sorry, if I had my book it would be so much easier.

Over the years I, I would keep notes to help me remember.

Where is the book now?

It's in my safe.

[intense music]

Have Paul bring it here.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Are you alright, Val?

Yes.

I'll bring it right over.

[intense music]

[Karl] I'll take that, Paul.

I don't understand it.

I've been ordered to take charge of the operation.

I don't believe it.

[Karl] You will.

The book.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

What's this all about?

Paul.

Culic is dead.

Oh, no.

[Karl] Your orders are to leave immediately, Eric.

What about me?

You'll follow just as soon as

you tell me the things I have to know.

Paul, I want you to see that Eric leaves tonight.

You shouldn't have any trouble

but in case you do.

Ready?

Will you be alright?

Don't worry about me.

[Karl] 'She'll be fine, Paul.'

Just as long as everyone co-operates.

[dramatic music]

Back to the rule of the jungle.

You should start packing.

[Lewis] Paul, what do you suppose will happen to Valerie

once she's told Elman what he wants to know?

She'll be sent back. Those were the orders.

Those were Culic's orders. Culic is dead.

They wouldn't hurt her.

Wouldn't they?

You said it yourself, rule of the jungle.

Survival of the fittest.

Well, Valerie isn't fit.

She could have a stroke at any moment.

Suppose she were to end up in an American hospital.

Delirious.

Talking about things this government

would dearly like to know.

There's only one way they could make sure that won't happen.

And that's to k*ll her.

Why should that concern you?

Because I'm not going back to their jungle.

Are you?

Alright.

What can we do?

We've got to get her away from Elman. After that we'll see.

[dramatic music]

Tom.

I've got to rest.

Just as soon as you finish deciphering those notes.

Then please, let me take one of my pills.

My head's about to explode.

You must stay alert, Valerie. We can't risk any mistakes.

Karl.

What is it?

Cross is downstairs, he wants to speak to you.

Well, I told you that he was to leave tonight.

He refuses to go until he sees you.

[Paul] 'He says it's important.'

Alright, let's see what he wants.

[dramatic music]

Valerie.

Paul told me you were downstairs.

That was to get them out of here.

What do you want?

I want to help you.

I'm not Eric Cross. My name is Erskine.

'I'm with the FBI.'

FBI?

Colonel Culic didn't die. He was liquidated.

'Elman intends the same thing for you.'

k*ll me? But, but why?

'You know too much, Valerie.'

Once they get the information they need from you

they won't risk your being taken into custody in this country.

I'm a member of the organization.

They wouldn't take what little time I had left.

Wouldn't they?

Yes, I suppose they would.

All the.. All the years I've worked.

My reward, execution.

Valerie, come with me.

Yes.

Where is he?

You said he wanted to see me.

What are you doing?

Saving Valerie's life.

[g*nsh*t]

Let's go!

He must be upstairs.

Is there another way out?

There is some stairs on the roof that lead down through

the next building.

[g*nf*re]

'Drop it!'

[g*nf*re]

Drop it!

Alright, turn around, walk.

Are you alright?

I'm alive.

May I say goodbye?

Of course.

The years weren't all wasted, were they, Paul?

I mean, we, we did have each other.

And we had some very good times.

Yes.

There could've been so much more.

Whenever you're ready, Mr. Erskine

I will be willing to co-operate.

[Marvin Miller] Karl Elman recovered from his wounds.

And along with Paul Stoner, Mason Rhodes and four others

was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage.

They were sentenced to federal penitentiaries.

Valerie Hendricks pleaded guilty.

And was confined to a hospital

by prison authorities.

[theme music]