01x21 - The Spy-Master

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[oriental music]

[speaking foreign language]

[car honks]

Alright, why me?

General, the only reason

a member of Red Chinese Intelligence

would set up a meeting like this--

Is to ask you to spy for us.

It's an ugly request, Mr. Rogers

but I assure you, one made utterly necessary

if w*r, total w*r, is to be averted.

But why pick me?

A short, but depressing history

of an American Foreign Service officer's

angry and useless efforts to change his country's policies

toward Vietnam.

It's all there.

Including your demotion.

And transfer from Hong Kong to New York, Sunday next.

So?

Your willingness to cooperate

on your return home

may be the difference between life

and nuclear destruction for the entire human race.

I do not exaggerate.

Well, exactly what information

is your government after, general?

If you agree to work for us

you will be informed by your contact

on your arrival in New York.

Mr. Rogers?

If I had intended to turn you down

I wouldn't have come in the first place.

General.

Uh, Rogers?

If you succeed in this endeavor

you will have earned the gratitude of all mankind.

Goodnight, general.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin, Warner Brothers production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

Stephen Brooks.

With guest stars

Patrick O'Neal..

Kevin McCarthy.

Tonight's episode, "The Spy-Master."

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

- You're late. - Sorry, Arthur.

I pushed the plane as hard as I could.

I suppose there's a particular reason

the State Department wanted me recalled from Chicago?

I suppose.

That's just one of the things I want to find out.

[engine cranking]

[instrumental music]

According to Rogers' report, this is something big.

It's imperative that we know just what the Chinese are after.

But what I don't understand is--

My insistence on using our chief inspector.

I've got dozens of agents who could pose as Rogers

and do just as good a job infiltrating the ring.

I doubt that, Arthur.

Interesting, isn't it?

With a little make up

Erskine here could be made to look like

Rogers' twin.

- Where's Rogers now? - Oh.

He'll be flown out of Hong Kong

on Sunday, as scheduled.

And he'll be kept undercover in Hawaii

until this matter is settled.

I'll have a complete file of his background

and personal idiosyncrasies on your desk by ten o'clock.

And your first contact with General How's agents

will be in just three days.

You'll be met at the corner of 73rd street

in Fifth Avenue, New York.

Your contact will ask

if you'd rather walk or ride to the restaurant.

You'll answer that you prefer riding.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

- I'll let you know. - Hmm.

[instrumental music]

[female announcer] 'Flight 577, electrokit flightship'

'non-stop for Washington'

'may now be boarded at Gate 5.'

Victor, how are you?

Very well, thank you. Shall we go?

Uh, Victor, I've come over 8000 miles.

You could be more cordial.

Well, didn't General How tell you, Lamont

New York can be a very cold city.

[instrumental music]

The answer, Victor, is no.

No?

I haven't been sent to replace you.

Oh, I'm so relieved.

Don't be a fool, Victor.

Whether you want any assistance with Rogers or not--

The general was quite explicit. Is there anything else?

Yes, he expects results, and quickly.

You've been on this mission for a long time, months

and so far, you've accomplished nothing.

Your failure to come up with the information

that General How requires has held up

our whole Asian timetable.

Are you sure that Rogers can be trusted?

The general doesn't have to be sure.

You do.

Now, you'll have the information within one month.

Otherwise..

...I'm quoting.

"Dispose him."

[dog growling]

- Nice dog. - Yes.

[instrumental music]

University?

Harvard, 1940, International Relations major.

Sister's middle name?

Sister...

- W-we'll have the mole. - Sister.

Sister..

Sister, I have no sister.

[Jim] 'That's right.'

'Medical history?'

Pneumonia, once, when I was eight

and again when I was stationed at the embassy at Moscow.

Confined to bed for six weeks, doctor's name was Andrea Riga.

Who's Angela Mortimer?

I was engaged to her, before the w*r.

- And the mustache. - Okay.

Now, you have to let that set firmly.

Alright, okay.

And, uh, she decided not to wait.

She married a fortune.

Saw her last in Saigon, at a c*ck party in March.

She seemed bored.

[chuckles]

Little more dark on that mole, I think.

- Arthur. - Mr. Ward.

Uh-huh.

That's very good.

Touch of grey.

Excellent, in fact.

- Cigarette? - Yeah.

Rogers doesn't smoke.

[Arthur] 'A mistake like that could cost you your life.'

Any espionage network under the control

of General How is gonna--

Alright, you've said it.

I don't wanna have to say it at your wake.

I guess I'm just tired.

Yeah, you're gonna need this.

Personal effects, credentials.

[Arthur] You got your plane ticket?

First flight in the morning.

Do you know where to meet your contact?



Jim, you're gonna be in charge of, uh, keeping him

under protective surveillance.

You better take the train out tonight.

Get a good night's rest, you're gonna need it.

[instrumental music]

Cigarette?

[chuckles]

Adam Rogers, I'm sorry I'm late.

Would you rather walk or ride to the restaurant?

Well, I'd-I'd rather ride.



[piano music]

[Maitre d'] Two? This way please.

Please.

Sir.

That's very pleasant.

- Now what? - Relax.

Order a drink.

Uh, anything in particular?

You're a big boy, Mr. Rogers.

Whatever you like.

- Thank you. - Uh, excuse me, Mr. Rogers?

- Yeah? - Telephone, sir.

Oh.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Yes?

What?

Uh, I'll be right there.

If you'll excuse me.

Oh, a martini.

Need I say?

No, dry.

Rogers?

Yes.

Is that really necessary?

Your credentials?

Yes.

You must be very tired.

Very long trip between New York and Hong Kong.

I apologize for this.

Cigarette?

Uh, no, no thank you, I-I don't smoke.

And it has been rather--

Well.

Adam Rogers got off the plane in Hawaii.

There's no record of his having boarded any other flight

for either New York or Washington.

You have three seconds to tell us

how you got here, if you are Rogers?

Well, I, see, I worked on official business

in-in Honolulu, until 3:00 in the morning.

There were no planes, you know at, at that hour.

So, I-I caught a ride on an Air Force jet

and-and arrived in New York this morning.

If we decide to go along with you

the girl will be in touch.

Give her your address and telephone number.

She'll be our liaison, Pamela Hughes.

Very social.

No one will doubt that she's an entirely appropriate friend

for a State Department official.

Enjoy your lunch.

[dramatic music]

Almost two days.

I don't know, Lou, even if they are playing it cool

I think the whole thing is getting kinda ridiculous.

Don't you?

Maybe they're not playing it, period.

Anything from Washington?

Well, so far neither of the men's descriptions ring a bell.

As for the girl..

Well, Ward vetoed putting her under surveillance.

He wouldn't debate it.

[telephone ringing]

Adam Rogers here.

Good, I will see you then.

Pamela Hughes, reminding me of our date.

- Hmm. - 2:15 tomorrow, 130 East 54th.

Going on to lunch from there.

Apparently, we're still in business.

[instrumental music]

Upstairs.

[Victor] 'Get it. Over here, over here.'

Bring it here. Come on, hut! Attagirl.

[chuckles]

I'm sorry it took so long to set up this meeting, Mr. Rogers

but I'm sure you understand we had to, uh, make sure

that you weren't a suspect, that you weren't being followed.

Now, I assume your being here means that you are ready

to honor your commitment to General How.

Perhaps.

My final decision, of course

will depend upon the type of information you want

and the risk involved, as I'm sure you can understand.

[chuckles]

Yes, of course.

Well, what we want you to get for us is all the information

and documentation possible, regarding United States'

intentions in the Far East.

[Victor] 'Should, uh, China invade India'

or send its troops into North Vietnam.

In short, just how far will this country let China go

before risking nuclear w*r.

[chuckles]

That's all?

[chuckles]

Uh, I'll have to have the, uh, answer now, Mr. Rogers, today.

And the information in less than a month.

There can be no delays, no stalling.

Well?

I'll do my best.

Good.

Now, when can we expect some concrete information?

Well, it won't be easy

but I think I can promise you some action fairly soon.

As a matter of fact, I have to be in Washington in the morning

and I'll try to get things started then.

Alright.

Oh, our girl will keep calling your apartment.

That way we'll know when you're back.

Don't try to get in touch with us directly.

I understand.

[Lamont] Rogers?

In the event that you, uh, change your mind

and go to the authorities..

Well, you know the Chinese.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Where's Arthur?

Oh, he's on the phone with Mr. Hoover.

Is that the report on Victor Allen?

All we got out so far.

He was born in China. Son of a missionary.

Kicked out in the '30s for anti-Japanese activities.

Yale Law School, '42, three years in the army.

Wounded in Italy, discharged a captain.

Well, since then he's been a fairly successful

patent lawyer, making casual trips to Europe

and the Far East.

Family, political organizations, clubs, none.

Friends, apparently none.

In short, for the last 20 years, Mr. Anonymous.

Hm.

Well, what's the verdict?

We're gonna continue to play along with the ring.

If we, uh, stick close, there's a good chance

we can learn a lot more about the entire network.

Mm.

So, uh, how soon can you give

Mr. Rogers here a briefing

on what he can tell Allen and without jeopardizing

national security?

This evening.

It'll take some doing to come up with information

which Allen will accept as new, fresh intelligence.

- But I'll get right on it. - Alright.

- I'll see you tonight then. - Yeah, eight o'clock.

Oh, Art..

Uh, why did you decide not to put

Pamela Hughes under surveillance?

I figured your friends were playing it cautious.

They'd be looking for a move just like that.

[instrumental music]

[dog growling]

The, uh, girl reach Rogers yet?

No.

I've got other news, Victor.

General How is on his way here.

He will land at the country, secretly, one week from today.

Why, um, what reason did he give?

The Forsythe Memo.

Forsythe Memo? What's that?

That's exactly the point, Victor.

You should've known about it, and been working to obtain it.

If it hadn't been for our agents in France

the general still wouldn't even be even aware of its existence.

[Lamont] 'The memo was delivered by the United States'

to all of its allies, weeks ago.

It outlines a complete new policy.

Regarding what counter moves would be made

in the event of Chinese aggression in the Far East.

This is what Rogers should have been sent after specifically.

In other words, I've just got one week to get the memo.

It's not much time, is it?

There is another thing I'd like you to consider, Victor.

Why didn't Rogers, if he is Rogers

volunteer this information when you told him what we needed?

Surely, he knew.

Had to know of its existence.

[instrumental music]

[machine whirring]

[thuds]

Red light.

[sighs]

Do you mind telling me where we're going?

I thought I told you on the phone yesterday.

To celebrate your return.

- It's green. - Oh.

[instrumental music]

[car honks]

I suppose I'd be breaking the rules

if I asked you how you, uh...

Got into this?

Hmm, I do it for kicks.

Would you please?

Anything wrong?

Wrong?

Like what, Mr. Rogers?

[music continues]

You'll be met, Mr. Rogers.

Wait over there.

I feel compelled to tell you

that I've enjoyed our conversation enormously.

Oh, and, uh, do call me Adam.

[music continues]

The report.

What did you find out in Washington?

Nothing very dramatic.

[Victor] Little early for that.

I can brief you on some broad policy areas.

Broad policy areas?

Stay.

Nothing on the, uh, Forsythe Memo?

What about the Forsythe Memo?

I'm surprised you knew of that.

I didn't myself until yesterday, it's that secret.

You're carrying a g*n because you think I'm holding out--

You've no idea what I'm thinking.

You're a fool.

The Forsythe Memo is one of the things

I came to tell you about.

If not the Forsythe Memo, what do you consider dramatic?

Specific knowledge of what it contains.

Or better still, a copy of it.

How long will it take you to get?

Difficult to say.

I have to have it now.

Why the sudden urgency?

Couple of days ago, I had a month

to get whatever I could.

Now I have no time to get the impossible.

Debbie, come.

[claps]

You tell me..

...because I've grown rather fond of living.

And before I set myself up for the electric chair

I want to know why I'm being forced to act

at such breakneck speed.

I've got to have it.

General How will be here in six days.

I'll do my best.

I'm very grateful, Rogers.

Very grateful.

[dramatic music]

[theme music]

Nobody's arguing, Lewis.

It's worth the risk for you to stick with it

if we can nab General How himself.

But how you're gonna stall Allen

on the Forsythe Memo for six days?

[Lewis] 'Well, I didn't say it'd be easy.'

I'll bet you five to one he won't sit still

for double talk for half that long.

Considering the stakes, five to one's a pretty good bet.

[Arthur] 'Mm-hm.'

'One bit of suspicion on his part'

'one guess that you're playing him along'

'the chances are he's gonna start running.'

Go into hiding to escape

from General How, while he still can.

And we're likely to lose Allen, the general and the whole ring.

Arthur, I can't give you a written guarantee

but somehow I'll keep Allen on ice long enough

to find out where and when the general's arriving.

Alright, Lewis.

But I'm gonna have every point of entry

into the country watched.

Just in case your way turns out to be the wrong way.

Quite a talk, huh?

Lou, just how are you gonna hold off Allen

without arousing any suspicions?

Ah, Ms. Hughes? Adam Rogers here.

I'm going to Washington for a few days.

I'll call you when I return.

I hope to have the information I promised by then.

Goodbye.

Okay, that'll hold off Allen for the next 72 hours or so

but what about the rest of the week?

I'll have the answer for that in 71 hours and 55 minutes.

Or so.

[instrumental music]

[dog growling]

No! Down.

That's it, sit, sit.

That's it, good girl.

Well?

I've just come from Rogers' apartment.

There is still no sign of him.

Time's running out, Victor.

Don't you think maybe you should've--

Should've what? Gone to Washington?

See what's holding Rogers up?

A little pressure might be in order.

Oh, a little pressure.

[chuckles]

That's it.

Well, it's an amusing phrase.

It's been twenty years

since I thought in terms of a little pressure.

[laughs]

[telephone ringing]

Yeah?

Mm-hmm.

Right.

No, no, I understand.

Right, thank-thank you.

Bye.

[sighs]

Rogers is back.

The girl just got him in.

He, uh, told her he's, uh, arranged

to get the item we wanted.

All we need is $5000 to consummate the deal.

Any instructions?

Yeah, get the girl.

Tell her to arrange a meeting, uh..

with, uh, Rogers tomorrow at lunch.

Uh, same restaurant where they met before.

There.

You be the courier.

[instrumental music]

Circle the block and pick me up in about five minutes.

[car honking]

Scotch and soda.

The money is in the briefcase waiting for you.

When?

Well, I, uh, still need a day or two

but tell Victor I can almost guarantee

the general a pleasant reception.

[piano music]

[car honking]

I don't believe it.

I don't care whether you believe it or not.

I'm not sure, but I think that Rogers is under surveillance.

We all may be by now.

Oh, may be, may be. What do you mean may be?

Of course, we're may be.

You got a break when Davis spotted

the acts in front of the restaurant.

Now, be smart enough to take advantage of it--

Who do you think the traitor is?

- The girl, of course. - Oh, the girl.

If Rogers had tipped off the FBI

I would have been tailed from the restaurant, not him.

Now, let's face it, we have to abandon our plan.

Go into hiding.

And the girl?

The girl has to be paid off in full.

No, no, no, I'm too close to home.

I'm not going to throw everything away

because of your suspicions, just 'cause a single car

pulled away from the curb at the wrong time.

And the girl, why k*ll her?

She doesn't even know who we are.

I never let-let her get close enough.

Even if the FBI did move in, what could she testify to?

No.

No, I've got to go all the way.

All the way is probably to the death house.

But you're calling the shots.

Do yourself a favor.

You can't be sure how much that girl does or doesn't know.

k*ll her.

[dramatic music]

Rogers?

They couldn't have spotted me.

If they did, it was just plain, lousy luck.

I'm just afraid the lousy luck may be the girl's.

At least you kept me in the clear

by being a suspect yourself.

Lou..

Pamela Hughes is a double agent.

She's been working with us as an informant

for the past six months.

But she was never able to get into their inner councils.

That's great.

Why didn't anybody tell me this?

Ward kept you in the dark because he thought

you'd play it more naturally if you didn't know.

I could've warned her.

Well, if you had warned her, you might have shot

the whole cover.

And blown the chance with the general.

[sighs]

Espionage is a rotten business, Jim.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

Here's the phony copy of the Forsythe Memo.

Mr. Hoover's given us the go-ahead to use it as bait.

Now, you stick right here in Washington.

And keep checking with Allen

till you're sure the general is here.

Then we make our move.

[intercom buzzes]

That's the decision of the US government.

Yes?

Arthur? Urgent.

Ward.

Mm-hmm. Lewis.

Right, I've got it.

General How left Hong Kong two days ago.

He could've slipped into the country already

in spite of all our precautions.

You get in touch with Allen.

He can confirm the general's presence.

Give me long-distance.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[dog growling]

Don't worry, I wasn't followed.

Is that it?

- I'll take it. - Sorry.

I said, I'll take it.

Nobody gets the memo until I see the general.

The money you gave me was strictly for expenses.

I want to negotiate the final price

directly with General How.

Go ahead.

But I only have half the memo with me.

Get in.



[engine revving]

Seven to all cars.

Subject vehicle just started west on Varick.

We're moving.

[man on radio] 'This is Seven.'

'Turning west on 23rd Street.'

Four to Seven, clear.

[man on radio] 'Seven to Twelve.'

This is Twelve. Go ahead.

[man on radio] 'Our boy's heading west again, on 12th Avenue.'

'We're all alone back here, better move in.'

Twelve to Seven.

We'll make the pick-up at 38th street.

'Check. Seven clear.'

Okay. Twelve's got in.

Drop off.

[man on radio] 'Twelve to Four.'

'They've just turned on to the West Side Expressway.'

Four to Twelve, heading for the 79th Street ramp.

We'll take over there.

Roger, Four.

Four to Six and Ten.

We're coming to you.

Looks like they might be leaving town.

You better keep your eyes peeled.

Alright, turn off the next exit.

Turn off.

Four to Ten.

They just turned off at the 154th Street exit.

Pick 'em up.

[music continues]

It was always you, wasn't it?

It was never the girl.

Are you out of your mind?

Only a fool or a counterspy

would try to force his way to General How.

Now, one thing you've proven, whoever you are

is that you're not a fool.

I'm almost sorry to have to k*ll you.

Since Lamont gave you the general's--

My deal was with the general from the beginning.

Ah, and you never mentioned money.

Alright, pull over.

Alright, stay, boy.

Let's go.

Hey, watch the g*n.

Alright, let's go.

Ten to Four, they just got out of the car at 159th.

'Walking toward the warehouse dock.'

Warehouse dock? Everything seems to be alright.

The inspector was nonchalantly smoking.

Smoking?

Smo..

Move in fast.

Repeat. Move in. Let's go.

Alright, hold it right there.

I thought I was doing it.

Well..

[dramatic music]

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nshots]

FBI! Come out with your hands up.

[g*nshots]

[Lamont] 'Hold it!'

Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! Hold it!

[g*nsh*t]

[glass shatters]

Cover the roads.

It's all over, Victor, drop the g*n.

Drop it!

[g*nshots]

Greg?

Get a doctor for the inspector.

Alright.

Lou, you okay?

Let me see that.

The doctor's on his way.

[sighs]

I don't smoke.

I heard you do.



- Find the general. - Yeah.

[dog growling]

[dog whimpering]

[dog whimpering]

[instrumental music]

- Lewis. - Hello, Arthur.

Mr. Ward, you wouldn't believe this man's luck.

[chuckles]

Who wouldn't?

The grand jury just brought in an indictment

charging General How with attempted espionage

and ill*gal entry.

[whistling]

Lamont and Davis are gonna be brought to trial

along with the others we rounded up.

Yeah, with the, um, help of the Hughes girl.

[Arthur] 'That's right.'

By the way, Arthur..

...I'd kinda like to thank her personally.

Oh?

Now, you know how to get a hold of her, don't you?

Yeah, I know how to get a hold of her.

I guess that would be alright. Don't you think, Jim?

Um, yes, sir.

[clears throat]

What about Victor Allen?

Nobody wants him.

Looks like the job of burying him

is gonna be left up to the government.

Gin.

[instrumental music]

[laughs]

[theme music]