02x07 - The Work of Art

[bunniefuu]

Ever noticed how under the accusing
eye of the law,

the most innocent look the most guilty?

Do you suppose
it's one of us they're looking for?

How about them?

No, I guess the only thing they'd be
guilty of is breaking someone's heart.

He looks guilty enough. Too guilty.

Likewise his friend.

Ah. Innocence personified.
My money's on him.

Non, non, non! Monsieur, non!

I hate to say it. It looks as if I was right.

Such a scene is not uncommon
in present-day Paris.

Oh, it's still gay here and chic.

But underneath the fagade of gaiety
there simmers a brew of political unrest.

Hello, darling. Sorry to keep you waiting.

It's always a pleasure to wait for you.

I saw them arresting a man.
I thought it was you.

- Charming.
- What was happening?

- No idea.
- You've no idea?

- Why should I?
- But you're Simon Templar.

Monsieur Bougrenet. Good morning.

- Morning.
- Welcome home.

- Thank you. Is he in?
- Yes.

- Good morning, Andre.
- Jean.

Well, how was Berlin?

A big order from Stadermann.
Kleiner took , cases.

- Excellent.
- Anything new here?

Nothing.

Except that Simon Templar
is here in Paris.

You've heard Juliette speak of him.
We're having dinner tonight. Join us?

Not tonight, Andre, I am tired,
have a load of paperwork.

Oh, incidentally, Kleiner is building
a supermarket, American-style,

around the corner
from the lmperator and...

Excuse me.
A gentleman for Monsieur Jean.

- Who?
- He refused to say, monsieur.

- Excuse me.
- We can talk later.

Yes.

But he is gone, monsieur. A moment ago,
he stood right here. Perhaps...

It is all right. I expect a friend.

Major Quintana...

You were not expecting me. I know.

- You thought I'd sit in Algiers forever?
- Of course not.

But Major, these things take time.

Ordinarily, I would employ you
only to clean my boots.

But I needed agents quickly
and you were willing.

So against my betterjudgment,
I entrusted you with bearer bonds,

which are not traceable and can be used
easily by the man in possession of them.

But surely you are not suggesting that I...

I am suggesting you are certainly
inefficient and possibly a thief.

But that is untrue and unjust.

- Is it?
- You know it is.

I have a man in London, one in Rome
and one in New York.

To date each of them has sent me
the equivalent of $ , .

You have sent , . Why?

- Luis...
- Major to you.

- You know as well as I do...
- Don't tell me what I know.

I am sorry.

You care nothing about Algeria,
just yourself.

Major, by the day after tomorrow
at the latest,

a Berlin businessman
will pay me for $ , worth.

You have no reason
to suspect or be alarmed.

Jean Bougrenet, I am never alarmed.

You will have a payment within hours.

I hope so, for your sake.

Because we have ways of dealing
with people who betray us.

Air France? I want to book a passage
as soon as possible,

and no later than midnight,
for Buenos Aires.

Simon, it makes
no difference to Andre or me.

Well, give me the exact address.

rue St-Sulpice.

Mm-hm. No, an artist friend of mine's
gone out of town.

She loaned me her studio for a while.
Has to be seen to be believed.

- 'What time?'
- Oh, about six?

Good. We'll see you then.
Goodbye, Simon.

- Jean.
- Juliette.

- Jean, you look ill.
- No, just tired after my trip.

I'll leave you to get on with your work.

I'll be busy this afternoon.
Suppose I meet you at Simon's?

- I'll be there.
- Goodbye.

Goodbye. Do take care of yourself.

I will. Goodbye.

Would you sign this, Andre?
My expenses on the Berlin trip.

Only francs?

Stadermann took me to dinner.
Kleiner bought my lunch.

Very economical of you.

I have some calls to make today.
I may not be back.

Very well. See you in the morning.
And get a good night's sleep.

Thank you.

... , ... ... , .

Thank you.

It is for a large order, which, if we pay
in cash, gives us a % discount.

- Is there anything else before I go?
- Er...no thank you.

- Then bonsoir.
- Bonsoir.

(Phone)

- Hello?
- (Man) 'Hello. Monsieur Grillot?'

Grillot speaking.

In the last mail this evening, there is a
cheque for , francs to Au Printemps.

Added to Monsieur Bougrenet's
, francs this morning,

your account is now francs
overdrawn.

Er...but I do not understand.

Monsieur Bougrenet's cheque
was for francs.

'No, monsieur.
The withdrawal was for , .'

, ?

Er...you're certain there has not been
some mistake on the part of the bank?

'No mistake.
I have the cheque in front of me.'

Yes. Yes. I see.

Thank you. Goodbye.

(Buzzer)

Thank you, Maria.

- Is Monsieur Bougrenet at home?
- No, Monsieur Grillot.

- He has perhaps telephoned?
- No.

- When did you last see him?
- o'clock. He came home for lunch.

For lunch? He does that often?

Yes. With his diet,
it's easier than a restaurant.

- I see. And after lunch?
- I assume he returned to his office.

Why, monsieur,
is there something wrong?

Erm...no. No, Maria,
but if you don't mind, I'll wait.

- Of course. Make yourself comfortable.
- Thank you.

- There you are.
- Thanks.

- To a long life.
- And a happy one.

- How's the job?
- The same.

Designing clothes in Paris
makes warfare look like fun.

- But you enjoy it?
- Mm. I enjoy it in the morning.

By the end of the day,
I wish to take the entire business

and shove it up the Eiffel Tower.

What can be keeping Andre?

It's after seven.
ls there anything else you want?

No, Maria. Thank you. You go home.

- Good night.
- Good night. Oh, Maria.

- Yes?
- A moment.

When Monsieur Bougrenet
came home for lunch today,

did he bring his briefcase with him?

- Briefcase?
- There were some important papers in it.

I'm not sure. Yes, believe he did.

After lunch, did he take it with him?

I did not notice. I'm sorry, monsieur.

- Is something the matter?
- I'm afraid so.

He drew , francs
from our account.

- , francs?
- Yes.

- But why?
- That's what I'd like to know.

This money, you don't think
that Monsieur Bougrenet...

No, Maria, I'm sure there must be
some logical explanation.

All right. You go along home, Maria.

- Yes, monsieur. Good night.
- Good night, Maria.

- Luis, you cannot be absolutely sure...
- He is a traitor.

But you have no proof.

The proof exists.
It needs only to be found.

It is an instinct.
One learns about men from experience.

Bougrenet cares nothing about Algeria.

(Buzzer)

Major Quintana, I was not expecting you.

I know. You never expect me,

but I have the instinct to appear
whenever I smell treachery.

Treachery? But I told you this morning
you will have a payment within hours.

Bougrenet,
I am disposing of your services.

But why?

- Innocent, isn't he?
- As a child.

Major Quintana, I resent your attitude.

- You hear that?
- He resents you. The olive salesman.

You resent me?

You, who grow rich
from the earth of my country?

You resent me?

You, to whom the silhouette of France
is a withered old crone? You resent me?

But I do not know what it is you want.

I do everything you ask. I sell the bonds.

Then where is the money?

- But I told you.
- I no longer believe anything you tell me.

But why? What have I done?

Nothing! That is the trouble.
You have done nothing.

You go from the security
of your apartment

to your fat account books in your office.

You pat yourself on the back because
you think you are working for us.

You are working for nobody but you.

At a time when we need men
of passion and feeling, we get you.

And the only feeling
you have is indigestion.

Well, it's no good talking to you.

Give me the bonds that remain
and cash for the balance.

- Right. If that is how you feel.
- The bonds are here?

Yes. In my briefcase in the desk.

- Well?
- Well, they...they are gone.

But they were here only this afternoon.

Someone has broken in.
I've been robbed.

- They were here. I swear it.
- You are playing a dangerous game.

Listen. Listen, I have money.

Half a million francs. Take it.

But that's only $ , .
Where's the rest?

I will get it. I swear I will.

(Phone)

- Hello?
- 'Monsieur Jean Bougrenet, please.'

Jean Bougrenet speaking.

-' This is Air France calling.'
- Air France?

'Yes. Your flight number
to Buenos Aires from Orly

'has been delayed by one hour, sir.'

Thank you.

Buenos Aires?

Yes. I have to go on business.

Prevost.

After all Andre has clone for Jean,
he repays him by stealing.

Are you sure Jean altered that cheque?

When I signed it, it was for .

- Jean changed it for , .
- That's why you took the briefcase.

Yes. I assumed the money was in it.
He drew it in cash from the bank.

American bearer bonds.
Half a million dollars' worth.

- Where did Jean get them?
- What did he intend to do with them?

Why don't we ask him?

- If we can find him.
- Meaning?

He does not answer his phone.
I tried a dozen times during the night.

- He's gone somewhere.
- You realise Andre's committed a crime?

Andre was taking what was rightfully his.

It's against the law to break into
Jean's apartment and take something.

- Simon, what should I do?
- We get these back to Jean's apartment.

What do you suppose that's all about?

I'd say these bearer bonds
are being missed.

Well, are we going in?

I am. You're not. Take the car.
Go to my place and wait for me.

Madame, this Andre Grillot
was his business partner, hm?

And his friend, Inspector. Monsieur
Grillot could not have done this.

- How long was he here?
- He arrived before six.

- He remained here after I leave.
- You say he seemed agitated?

But not angry, Inspector.

He did say Monsieur Bougrenet had
taken , francs from the bank.

- And he wanted it?
- I do not know, monsieur.

All right, Maria.
For the moment, that is all.

- What are you doing here?
- Inspector Quercy. Sergeant Luduc.

- Nice to see you.
- What are you doing here?

I happened to be ambling by
and I saw the police cars outside.

On the chance you might be in charge,
I dropped in to renew our friendship.

Just ambling by, monsieur?

Sergeant Luduc, there are thousands
of amblers in Paris

and France is still a free country.

I gather Monsieur Bougrenet
is no longer with us.

Oh, you knew him, huh?

No. How was it done?

He was stabbed, monsieur.

- And you suspect Andre Grillot?
- How do you know?

I heard you questioning the maid.

- This Grillot, you know him, perhaps?
- Yes. He's a very good friend.

There are fingerprints on the Kn*fe
and on the glass,

which do not match
those of the deceased.

If they belong to Andre Grillot,
we have a case.

- Except for one small ingredient.
- Which is?

The , francs in cash
that Bougrenet had on him

up until the time of his death.
Now, where is it?

Grillot must have it.

I hope for your sake you're right.

Look here. If you have any information
about this case you're holding back...

I always cooperate with the police.

I only dropped in to say hello.
Having said it, I'll say goodbye.

Au revoir. Salut.

Salut.

Jean's dead?

- Simon.
- Stabbed with a paper Kn*fe.

I don't believe it.

It's true, all right,
and you are prime suspect.

- Huh?
- You must go to the police at once.

- Explain everything.
- It had better be good.

What do you mean?

You knew he took , from the
company. The bank teller will verify that.

You were the last person
in his apartment.

The maid said you were steamed up.

You mentioned the , . She told
Quercy you were agitated but not angry.

It's not much of a help.

I'll just have to take my chances,
that's all.

- Ordinarily, I'd agree.
- What else can he do?

Innocent men can usually afford
to tell the truth,

but I think there's someone after you
far more dangerous than Quercy.

- Oh, who?
- Whoever followed me back here.

Why should anyone follow you?

To get the bearer bonds.
Andre, you'd better stay here for a while.

- Sooner or later they'll find me.
- The later the better.

- Juliette, come with me.
- Where are we going?

I've a friend who may be able
to answer a few questions.

- Wait here. I'll be about ten minutes.
- Right.

My dear boy,
it is like everything else you do.

- Impeccable.
- Meaning?

The engraving, colour, paper, ink,
it's a masterpiece.

Believe it or not,
I'm not trying to pass these.

- Oh, no, no, no. Of course not.
- I'm serious.

You expect me to believe my favourite
buccaneer has become respectable?

I'm sorry. These belong to a friend.

Then he is fortunate. Only an expert
could tell these are forgeries.

You couldn't be mistaken?

Monsieur, in years,
I have made only one mistake.

- Oh?
- My husband.

Forgive my asking.

Only one man in the world
could have done this.

- Who?
- A Pole named Vladek Urivetsky.

He was known as
the master forger of Europe.

- And you think these are his work?
- No.

- But you...
- The bonds are dated January this year.

Urivetsky was sh*t in Algiers
ten months ago.

(Simon)
Inspector, I have told you all I can.

I went to Mere Lafond
to look at an engraving.

- Which I thought he might want to buy.
- A simple business meeting.

- He gave you his word, did he not?
- Madame.

Monsieur Templar's word is not
necessarily the last on any subject.

- Had you met this man before?
- No.

- Could you identify him?
- Only if you can catch him.

- Please be quiet!
- Young man, do not shout at me!

- Madame, the point is...
- You arrest a man for defending himself.

- What is France coming to?
- France's destiny is not helped by you.

Mere Lafond, I think it might be wiser
if we were to cooperate.

Oh, you have changed,
my disreputable buccaneer. Cooperate.

- In this case, it would be better.
- In this case, I go home.

My cat is better company than this.

You will not leave Paris
without coming to see me for Cognac.

I wouldn't dare.

- This one needs a lesson in manners.
- Open the door.

Thank you, young man. (Sniffs)

Mm. Garlic. Good.
At least you smell French.

Good morning, gentlemen.

She'd win the Revolution on her own.

She looks like she did.

Well, Mr Templar, you are free to go.

I have an intuitive feeling that this att*ck
on you is somehow connected

with the m*rder of Jean Bougrenet,
but I can't hold you on intuition.

You're right. You can't. I suppose
you are convinced that Grillot is guilty?

His partner embezzles
half a million francs, so Grillot kills.

It's a reasonable motive.

I think there's more to it.
What do you know about Bougrenet?

Oh, very little.

There's no police record.
Came to Paris at the age of .

- Born in Algiers.
- Algiers?

Do you think that's significant?

It might be. These are troubled times.

You think it has a political implication?

Possibly.

Why look for a hidden motive
when we have an obvious one?

Grillot k*lled Bougrenet
and I intend to find him.

Good luck.

She was right.

I have a deep suspicion Templar knows
where Grillot is. Suppose we find out?

So Templar still has the bonds.

Yes. There was a girl in a waiting car.
He threw her the briefcase.

- When the gendarmes...
- You ran!

- What do you expect?
- He couldn't risk being arrested.

Stupidity and clumsiness at every turn.

You should never
have trusted Bougrenet.

I had to find agents quickly and quietly.

If the police knew I was in Paris,
they would comb every house.

Bougrenet had friends in Algeria
who assured me of him.

It is the first job of a leader
to choose men who are reliable.

Urivetsky,
Bougrenet is no longer a danger.

Bougrenet no, but the bonds yes.

Let me tell you a few facts.

I am not working for
the glory of France or Algeria.

- I'm working for money.
- That we know.

To continue the struggle,
you need men, g*ns and b*ll*ts,

so I create for you these bonds.

As fine a work as I've ever done.

Surely you realise there are experts
in Paris who would recognise my work?

- You are safe enough.
- With this absurd story of my death?

- The French police are not idiots.
- You are dead. They don't look for you.

There are connoisseurs
who can instantly name a picture

as a Velézquez or a Rembrandt
and there are experts in forged bonds

who can at once say,
"That is a Urivetsky."

Those bonds fall into the wrong hands,
there'll be a warrant out for my arrest.

Urivetsky, please!

Please let us not lose our tempers.

We want this man Templar.
Very well, we shall get him.

- You followed him to a villa in St Cloud?
- Yes, and I got the exact address.

Good. Somehow
this is all beginning to tie together.

Algiers, olives, American bearer bonds
and Jean's m*rder.

- How often did he go to Algiers?
- About five times a year.

- For how long?
- About a week each trip.

Do you think he was
a member of the OAS or FLN?

Well, I supp... It's not very likely.

Did he discuss politics with you?

We never discussed anything. We were
business partners, not intimate friends.

Suppose Jean was an agent? A Paris
businessman who made trips to Algiers.

Suppose his job was
to sell those bonds?

Jean as an undercover agent?

Never. He wasn't the type.

(Knocking)

(Quercy) Open up, Templar.
I know you're in there.

I'm coming!
You can get out the bedroom window.

It's no use. Let them arrest me.
I've got nothing to hide. Hm?

Maybe you're right.

I was right. You led us to our man.

- Are you Andre Grillot?
- Yes.

Templar, you not only knew him,
but you hid him from the law.

That's not true.
I was coming to the police this morning.

- He did not k*ll Jean and he'll prove it.
- I hope so.

(Quercy) You are under arrest
and as for you, Templar,

you will be under the surveillance of
Luduc for the remainder of your stay.

- Don't let him out of your sight.
- Very good, Inspector.

Grillot. Mademoiselle.

- Andre, don't worry.
- Thank you, Simon.

Sergeant, it looks like
we're stuck with each other.

Yes, it does.

It would make things cosier all around
if we were pleasant.

- Agreed.
- Juliette.

- Andre's innocent and I'll prove it.
- But how?

Tonight we're going
to do some entertaining

and you, Sergeant, are guest of honour.

I am very flattered.

I don't suppose you'd wear a costume?

- I would not.
- A costume?

Yes. Isn't that what you usually wear
at fancy dress parties?

(J' Swinging dance music)

- Mere Lafond, enjoying yourself?
- Lovely party.

Drink up.
Another bottle of brandy for you.

- Be a good boy.
- You're kidding.

- Sergeant Luduc, you look bored.
- I am, monsieur.

- Come on. This will cheer you up a little.
- I am on duty.

Your duty is to watch me. Since I'm not
going anywhere, why not enjoy yourself?

- Thank you. You are very hospitable.
- You are more than welcome.

But you know, monsieur, I feel
so out of place, not being in costume.

I'll tell everybody you came
as a plain-clothes detective.

Oh, Monsieur Templar,
you are mocking me again, huh?

What happens if Luduc speaks to me?

You smile and move away quickly.

I'm sorry the Inspector can't join the fun.

- Tonight he is at home.
- Doing nothing?

What he is doing,
Monsieur Templar, I have no idea.

Annette.

Let me introduce you to Sergeant Luduc.

- This is Annette.
- This is the one you tell me about.

- Yes.
- How do you do, mademoiselle?

Simon, he is gorgeous.
Oh, I love him already. Mm.

- Now, just take your time.
- Come. We dance.

You go and dance in time
to the music.

But Monsieur Templar, I cannot...

- Perfect.
- As long as I don't open my mouth.

- Paul, you look great.
- Is somebody looking after Luduc?

- Annette.
- Heaven help the man.

Think you can cover for me?

For Andre and Juliette,
I would impersonate President de Gaulle.

You do not like dancing, my baby?

Yes, but not now.

Now, see that Luduc
gets plenty of champagne.

- (Knocking)
- Templar, are you there? I'm coming in.

- I'm sorry.
- You see? That is what I mean.

Hurry up, Simon.

Nice thinking. I'm off.

- Good luck.
- Thanks.

- And don't worry.
- That I can't promise.

OK. Come on. Come on.

Monsieur Templar, I must apologise.
I did not mean to intrude.

Of course we forgive you,
don't we, Simon?

Oh. You are
Annette's own poor sweet little baby.

Vive le twist!

(Urivetsky)
Perhaps your other agents are traitors.

(Quintana) Jean Bougrenet was our
only mistake and we took care of him.

With the payment received
from Rome yesterday,

that makes $ , , .

- Plus Bougrenet's , francs.
- Yes, excellent.

You must deduct the amount
of the missing bonds.

A million dollars
and we can't afford cigars.

There's a new box
on the table in the hall.

Thanks.

Now, let us get back to Templar.

Templar will be stopped.

He had better be.

If those bonds fall into
the wrong hands...

(Quintana)
Urivetsky, everything is taken care of.

You can hear even better inside.

Monsieur Templar has made our job
easier by coming of his own accord.

Well, Mr Templar, good evening.

Good evening. Call me Simon.
Treat me as one of the family.

- Shall I...
- Wait. Let us hear what he has to say.

We're busy tonight.

Vladek Urivetsky. Formerly of Warsaw
and various other places.

Quintana, we must get rid of him.

I don't think Scotland Yard or the Sflreté
believe that story of yours

about being knocked off in Algiers.

Give me the g*n.
I'm not afraid to sh**t if necessary.

Don't you think
we should discuss bearer bonds?

- Where are they?
- In a very safe place.

You know, Major Quintana, I know nearly
as much about this racket as you do.

- Are you going to let him talk?
- Shut up.

- Go on, please.
- Well, you employed Vladek as a forger.

Then, on one of his trips to Algiers,
you met Jean Bougrenet.

You made him a proposition.

Bougrenet wasn't quite
the idealist you thought.

- Am I right?
- Those are the essential facts, yes.

Here am I, faced with two murderers
and a master forger.

- The question is what do I do about it?
- I'm afraid you have no choice.

- None.
- Ah, but I have.

You can use the a*tillery if you want to.

And at this range, with any luck,
you'll probably hit me.

- But it would be a pity.
- Why?

My friends expect me back at midnight.

- And if you are not?
- They have this address and the bonds.

Armed with this information
they will go to Inspector Quercy.

That is the oldest bluff in the world.

True, but you must admit,
I do hold most of the high cards.

The point is do you want
to play the game or not?

What is your proposition?

I get Bougrenet's , francs.
You get the bonds.

And just how is this transaction
to take place?

- I make a phone call.
- To whom?

To Andre Grillot's sister.
She has the bonds.

- She will bring them?
- In minutes.

- However, there are two conditions.
- What are they?

First, you and Prevost sign a statement

- clearing Grillot of Bougrenet's m*rder.
- You're not serious?

You agree to make no use of this
statement until we've left the country?

- Sounds fair enough.
- And the second condition?

Give me your word of honour Juliette
and I leave this house unharmed.

Ah.

Well, gentlemen, as Mr Templar says,
he holds all the cards.

We shall leave for Algiers tonight.

I'm warning you, Templar,
just one wrong word.

- You have the g*n.
- One word.

Juliette, it's Simon.
I'm fine. Now, you just listen.

- Templar, are you drunk?
- 'I'm with Major Quintana right now.

- 'He's ready to talk business.'
- What are you talking about?

I said we'd forget about Urivetsky
being alive and the forged bonds

and about he
and Prevost k*lling Bougrenet.

He'll hand over the money
if you bring the bonds.

Are you telling me you want police help?

That's right, darling.
As quickly as possible.

- I suppose they have a g*n on you?
- Yes.

- Where do I come?
- You were right about the address.

It was rue de Liege. St Cloud.

The large villa on the right
with the stone pillars.

Yes, darling,
be as quick as you can. Bye.

- Well?
- She'll be here in minutes.

Just gives us time
to draw up the statement.

Monsieur Templar, you are
a perfect host. What is your secret?

Oh. Oh, monsieur, I'm so sorry.

- It's all right, mademoiselle.
- Oh, dear.

Thank you, Major.
That should clear Andre nicely.

- (Car pulls up)
- Juliette, right on time.

Let her in.

Two men for one frail girl?

It had better be just one frail girl.

What's the matter, Quintana?
Don't you trust me?

- No.
- It's mutual.

(g*nsh*t)

(Two g*nshots)

Templar! I want to talk to you...

Tempmr!

What do you care about Simon
when I'm here?

- Get off of me.
- Oh, kiss me, mon cher.

Let go of me or you will be arrested
for disorderly conduct.

With you,
disorderly conduct is impossible.

Templar! Templar! Templar!

Templar, you have been
avoiding me all evening. Why?

Sergeant, you have
a very suspicious nature.

There must be some champagne left.
Shall we get some?

Quiet. Quiet!

Inspector, what a pleasant surprise.

I arrest you for burglary, demanding
money with threats, as*ault and theft.

- What?
- You know I was at Quintana's house.

He left a signed statement
confessing to Bougrenet's m*rder.

My congratulations, Inspector.
That's wonderful news.

Urivetsky was caught in possession
of the forged bonds.

Oh, better and better.

I'm in no mood for joking.
You were there.

You telephoned me from the house.

I telephoned?
Inspector, telephones are funny things.

Someone must have imitated my voice.

Are you denying that you...

I have been here all evening.
Why don't you ask your sergeant?

He's been watching me like a flea
under a microscope.

- Is this true, Sergeant?
- Yes, Inspector.

- He has been here all evening.
- Ask my friends.

- (All) Yes!
- Inspector, my brother?

He will be released in an hour.

How about some champagne?

You've solved a m*rder, caught a forger,
now let's celebrate.