07/18/2021 | 1h 20m 39s | Video has closed captioning.
Alec Guinness stars as a mild-mannered bank clerk who plots to steal gold bullion in this British caper film comedy, which also features Stanley Holloway and Audrey Hepburn.
Aired: 07/18/21
(bright music) (projector whirring) (upbeat music) (dramatic music) (energetic music) (macaw squawking) (speaking in foreign language) >> Ah!
(women laughing) (speaking in foreign language) >> Is this your first visit to South America?
>> Yes.
I wish I could stay longer.
>> It's a pleasant place.
>> Senor, congratulations.
A wonderful party.
>> Thank you, senora.
>> The president himself told my husband it was the occasion of the year.
>> Oh, senora.
I was going to send you this for your subscription list.
The, uh, victims of the revolution.
Perhaps I may be allowed to give it to you now.
>> Thank you, senor.
Always so generous.
>> The wife of Martin Gallardo, the frozen meat king.
Very decent couple.
Oh, excuse me.
Manuel?
Pity you can't stay till Sunday.
I've got a horse in the Jockey Club stakes.
You rode a very good race.
(speaking in foreign language) A very good race.
Racing's not quite straight out here.
Still, I do believe I've helped to raise the standard a little.
Ah, chiquita, chiquita!
I hoped I'd see you.
You run along and get yourself that little birthday present.
>> Oh, but how sweet of you.
Thank you!
>> You seem to have accomplished quite a lot in one year.
>> One superb year.
Just when I was beginning to believe I'd never achieve it.
For 20 years, I've dreamed of a life like this.
For 19 of those years, fate denied me the one contact essential to the success of all my plans.
Still, I never quite lost sight of the goal, inaccessible as it often seemed to me when I was merely a, merely a nonentity among all those thousands who flock every morning into the City.
Most men who long to be rich know inwardly that they will never achieve their ambition.
But I was in the unique position of having a fortune literally within my grasp.
For it was my job to supervise the deliveries of bullion from the gold refinery to the bank.
(flame roaring) (gold hissing) Lucky I saw that.
>> Yes, very lucky.
>> Mr. Richards, with gold at 240 shillings per fine ounce, that particle, estimating its value at, uh, .025, would entail a loss of approximately six shillings.
>> Well, I've got a bit more out here for you to check.
One hundred gold bars weighed to the value of 495,987 pounds.
>> Well, Mr. Richards, your deposit will be returned in the usual way as soon as the gold enters the bank.
You are both armed?
I was well aware they all ridiculed me for the way I fussed and worried.
That was precisely what I had striven for years to achieve.
(light music) (buzzer buzzing) >> Here we go again.
>> There's a car been following us.
>> That one, sir?
>> No, of course not.
A black Chrysler, THX-375.
It's gone on ahead.
>> No sign of it now, sir.
>> It's probably waiting for us around the next corner.
Go and have a look and leave me your gun, meanwhile.
Nobody could say that my precautions were not fully justified.
Many a rascal would have risked his all for half a million, not realizing that gold, in the form of bullion, is useless without a method of smuggling it abroad.
To find that method was my last remaining problem.
>> Come in.
>> [Holland Voiceover] Meanwhile, I gave the bank their gold.
>> Oh, thanks, Holland.
Everything quite in order?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Silly question.
20 years, and nothing's ever been out of order yet.
Er, that will do, Holland.
>> Why don't you give that poor old devil a chance?
Surely, after all this time, he deserves a leg up.
>> Oh, I'm afraid it wouldn't work, sir.
His one and only virtue is honesty.
He has no imagination, no initiative, sir.
>> [Holland Voiceover] I was a potential millionaire.
Yet I had to be satisfied with eight pounds, 15 shillings, less deductions.
A weekly reminder that the years were passing, and my problem still unsolved.
Until my ship came home, I was obliged to live at the Balmoral Private Hotel in Lavender Hill.
>> Ah, Holland!
(laughing) The man of millions.
What did you get away with today?
Got any spare ingots for an old pal?
You'll be the death of me, Holland!
>> I sincerely trust so.
(man laughing) >> Ah, Mr. Holland.
Always punctual.
>> I smell oxtail soup again.
>> Oh, dear.
>> Now, let's see, where did we get?
>> Duke Milligan was about to take a gander at Nicky the Greek's hideout.
>> Oh, yes.
Now, here we are.
I handed my fedora to a hat-check girl with all that Venus de Milo had got, and then more, and I was admiring the more when I glimpsed something in the back of this frail that set my underwear creeping up on me like it had legs.
>> I know that feeling well.
>> A guy had soft-shoed out of the door from the gaming room as quiet as a snake on tip-belly.
And I didn't need my case history of smiling Ed Montana to know that Sonny Boy was his number-one triggerman, Ricci the Filipino.
>> I thought it was Little Boy Schultz who carried the rod for Mr. Montana.
>> It was, Mrs. Chalk, but surely you remember?
Montana found Schultz taking liberties with that redhead.
>> Yes, yes.
They took him for a ride.
Only last night, wasn't it?
Oh, I must be getting old.
(doorbell ringing) Read on, Mr. Holland.
>> If ever I felt like putting up a new high for the mile of the century, this was the time.
And then I thought again of those 10,000 smackeroos >> Yes?
Mr. Holland, you're not concentrating.
>> So sorry.
Evesham must be upstairs.
>> Good evening.
>> Good evening.
>> Tricky business, this moving, isn't it?
>> You've got a lot of stuff here.
>> Yeah.
>> Can I give you a hand?
>> Oh, that's very civil of you.
By the way, my name's Pendlebury.
>> Holland.
>> If you wouldn't mind taking Motherhood.
>> Good evening, Mr. Pendlebury.
Welcome to Balmoral.
How very nice to see you.
Oh, Mr. Pendlebury!
I knew you were an artistic gentleman, but really!
>> Take all this.
>> Oh!
>> Thank you.
I thought I'd made myself quite plain when I phoned, Miss Evesham.
>> I'd no idea it would mean.
But there's no place to put it all!
>> What about the stable?
>> I suppose it could go there.
>> Mind your toes, Miss Evesham.
Back shortly, Mrs. Chalk.
>> Oh, this is capital.
Capital!
A ready-made studio!
A thing I wanted all my life.
Why, it's even got a north light, too.
>> Mr. Pendlebury, just one moment.
The terms of my lease forbid-- >> Oh, I say!
Steady, steady, steady.
>> So sorry.
>> Oh, it's all right.
I had to cast her in gilding metal.
It's a little delicate, you know?
>> Mr. Pendlebury.
>> I did it in my factory.
Interesting process.
You must come see it one of these days.
>> Mr. Pendlebury!
>> Ooh, these walls!
Oh, an admirable background for my canvases.
>> Mr. Pendlebury!
Let me inform you here and now that no business occupation may be performed on these premises.
>> Oh, my dear lady.
This is not my business occupation.
I wish it were.
No, these are my whims.
My escape after the cares of the day are over.
My business occupation is something unspeakably hideous.
I'm in the Presents From trade.
You know, Presents From Brighton, Souvenir of Tunbridge Wells.
Yes, if tourists only realized they could save themselves a lot of luggage space by applying to us direct for their holiday memories.
And the irony of it, Holland, the irony is I must design them all myself.
I propagate British cultural depravity.
Look at this.
Anne Hathaway's cottage for keeping string in.
Wouldn't you infinitely prefer the comparative purity of an old biscuit tin?
Southend Pier!
Oh, I I've thought for years to cut loose from it all, but I never had the courage.
Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been.
Forgive me.
Come and see the casting room.
We're busy at present on one of our export lines, paperweights.
We ship a thousand a week over to France.
Here's a little specialty.
(whimsical music) (forge humming) (metal hissing) Quite a simple process, really.
Pour the molten lead into the mold, allow it to harden.
As soon as it's cool, it's sprayed with gold paint and then it's ready to be shipped to France.
(bright music) Slave, I have set my life upon a cast.
(chuckling) Richard III.
I believe it's turning into a self-portrait.
I shall call him The Slave.
Oh, my dear Holland, I'm so sorry.
You're still feeling bad.
The heat of that place, I always forget.
>> No, it wasn't the heat.
I'm used to that in my job.
>> Oh, really?
>> Your place is very similar to the refinery.
>> Really?
I had no idea.
>> We turn gold into bars, you turn lead into Eiffel Towers.
>> That's the only difference.
>> Only, (chuckling) if I had gold to deal with.
>> Yes?
>> Ah, an idle dream.
Must be a big responsibility.
>> No, not really.
(chisel hammering) If anyone did rob our van, well, it's virtually impossible to dispose of stolen bullion, in this country, at any rate.
>> Yes, oh yes, I imagine so.
>> But of course if it could be smuggled abroad.
>> What a hope.
>> Well, I wouldn't say it's out of the question.
Saying one had the means of melting the stuff down.
>> In the kitchen stove?
What a job.
>> Oh, of course not.
It would mean taking on a partner.
>> Ah, risky bringing other people in.
>> That would be essential, in any case.
No one person could rob our van unaided.
>> You mean he'd need accomplices?
>> Precisely.
A gang.
>> A gang?
Not so easy to come by.
>> Oh, I don't know.
With gold selling on the continental black market at 2 1/2 times its standard price, I mean, quite a few people would be willing to chance an arm for half a million.
>> Yes, but how, how would you get your gold across to the continent?
>> Well, supposing one had the right sort of partner, in the form of, uh, shall we say Eiffel Tower paperweights?
>> (laughing) By Jove, Holland, it's a good job we are both honest men.
>> It is indeed, Pendlebury.
(bells tolling) (door knocking) >> Come in.
Oh, there you are, Holland.
Come in and sit down.
Well, Holland, you've been quite the subject of discussion lately.
Don't look so worried, man.
I've managed to persuade the chief cashier to give you a leg up.
>> A leg up, sir?
>> Promotion.
You're going up to foreign exchange.
No more uncomfortable journeys in that dreary van.
>> But, sir.
>> Now, now, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense.
Don't bother to thank me, man.
I told Abercrombie that you can start with him next Monday.
>> But I can't, sir!
>> Why not?
>> Because, because I'm too old to change my views now, sir.
>> Ah, one's never too old to better oneself.
Think what you can do with an extra 15 shillings a week!
>> But sir, I like the bullion office.
It holds all I ever wished for.
>> The trouble with you, Holland, if I may speak frankly, is that you haven't enough ambition.
When a good opportunity comes along, grab it with both hands!
It may not occur again.
>> Very good, sir.
I'll follow your advice.
(chisel hammering) So it's now or never.
>> This week.
>> Friday's delivery.
>> Three days to go.
>> And two desperadoes to find.
(trap snapping) >> Bait.
>> Bait?
>> I said, bait.
Trap 'em!
>> Mr. Pendlebury?
Hello, Mr. Pendlebury!
>> Hello!
Why, good evening.
Ha!
By Jove, what a bit of luck, just the man I wanted to see.
>> What's the trouble?
>> That safe in my office, something's gone wrong with the lock.
>> I'll send a man round tomorrow.
>> I wish you would.
It worries me a little leaving the staff wages there overnight.
You know the address?
Gewgaws Limited.
Gewgaws Limited.
You know, the back of Rathbing Place, there.
>> Fancy leaving all that money there.
Why, anybody could break into the place tonight and help themselves!
>> Come on, number five!
You've done it.
Stay there, me beauty, stay there!
(soft music) >> One never knows.
Somebody may have been listening.
I suggest we give them till midnight.
Where are those guns?
>> Guns?
>> Yes, it's essential that we're armed.
Here they are.
Here's yours.
>> Is it loaded?
>> Yes, it's a present from Margate.
It fires a stick of rock.
(dramatic music) >> The safe's in the office, over there.
You squeeze behind that bench and surprise anyone making for the safe.
I'm going over here to prevent an escape through the packing room.
Ready?
(whistle blowing) (object clattering) What's that?
>> Cramp.
>> What?
>> Holland: Pins and needles.
(whimsical music) (tense music) (window banging) (dog barking) >> Reach for it.
>> Don't shoot, guv.
Don't shoot, I won't give no trouble.
Please don't be hard on me.
I got a wife and six kids.
I never done nothing like this before.
>> Is that true?
>> Yes, guv, I'm on the level.
May I drop dead if I lie.
I been honest all me life.
It was just the temptation.
>> This is your first crime?
>> Yes, guv, I swear it.
And I'll never go wrong no more.
>> Pendlebury: Suppose we asked you to do a job for us.
>> I'd do it.
That's all I want, a chance to turn an honest penny.
>> Well, supposing it wasn't exactly an honest penny.
>> Careful now, careful.
We don't want anyone who's going straight.
In any case, we need someone far bigger.
>> Such as me?
>> Both: Who are you?
>> Oh, take those things away, I'm not havin' it.
Name of Lackery Wood, otherwise known as Sawdust Steve, the Wandsworth boy.
Two convictions for housebreaking, one for larceny of the person.
Total 18 months only, in 10 years' work.
Here you are some cuttings, if you'd like to see 'em.
>> How long have you been here?
>> Just long enough to hide when I heard you comin' in.
Thought I'd been taken for a mug, me!
What's the job?
>> Useful.
>> Never worked nothing else but single-handed.
>> Sensible, very sensible.
Just the same meself.
Kept on me Jack Jones ever since Nobby Curtis got me done for that job at Bellamy's.
>> Bellamy's in Bromley?
>> That's right, last June, 12 month.
>> I was casing that joint the night you got pinched!
>> Well, what do you know?
I'm Shorty Fisher.
>> Ah, nice to have met ya.
>> Excuse me, I may be slow, but do I understand that you two are, in fact, both professional criminals?
>> What else do you take us for, ruddy snoopers?
>> What's the setup?
>> Just a moment, Pendlebury.
We require a team, and if these two gentlemen insist on working alone.
>> Wait a minute.
You make it worth our while, cock, we'll work in with the band of hope.
Eh, Shorty?
>> You said it.
>> Well, in that case, if you would both join us in the office, my friend Mr. Holland will outline what we have in mind.
(dog barking) >> I must apologize, gentlemen, for the somewhat informal manner in which we effected our introduction.
But my colleague and I have a certain proposition which we'd like to put to you.
I might almost call it a gilt-edged proposition.
Although, paradoxically, it does entail a measure of risk.
However, when I quote the anticipated dividend, I'm sure that you will both agree with me that the.
(object clattering) >> Not another one, surely.
>> Tell him we're suited.
>> Everything all right here, sir?
>> Yes, thank you, officer.
My partner and I are busy stock-taking.
>> Only I saw the window open, you see?
>> Oh, yes, yes.
I'll close it, thank you very much.
Good night, officer.
>> Good night, sir.
(horn honking) >> And here's the order for tomorrow's consignment.
Somewhat larger than I expected, 212 bars.
>> That won't worry me, sir.
>> Dependable to the last.
I'm going to miss you, Holland.
>> You're very kind, sir.
I shall always have the happiest memories of the dear old bullion office.
>> Has Mr. Abercrombie spoken to you about your holiday?
>> Yes sir, I'm going to Paris.
>> Paris, eh?
You're stepping out, Holland.
Wonderful, isn't it, what a little extra money will do?
>> Yes, it's going to make a big difference to me.
(upbeat music) >> Oh!
>> Have a go out on your own now.
>> Thank you, mate.
And how are you getting on?
No, you must show some sense of proportion.
Look at that seagull.
It's bigger than the funnel.
>> Can't I do something else, guv?
Sell matches or boot laces?
>> No, no, Mr. Holland specified a pavement artist, and a pavement artist it's got to be.
Come on, try again.
It's coming slowly.
(door knocking) (wheel squealing) >> You're teaching the wrong man.
>> Well, I had to change them over.
Shorty can't ride a bicycle.
(bike crashing) >> Doesn't look as if he can, either.
>> We're learnin' him.
>> Why couldn't you learn Shorty?
>> Because Lackery's color-blind.
>> What's that got to do with it?
>> Oh, my dear Holland, do use your intelligence.
If a policeman were to come along and see a green sunset over a purple sea.
All right, all right, spare me the details.
Is everything else fixed?
>> Yes, the map's in the office.
Come along, boys, this is the setup.
(bike crashing) (bell dinging) >> Uh, Mr. Fisher will be sitting here.
The van will stop in front of him at 4:30.
A minute later, the guard will appear round this corner, and you, Pendlebury, will detain him for at least half a minute.
Ask him for a light, ask him anything, but keep him there.
We must have those 30 seconds.
>> Edgar!
>> I beg your pardon?
>> Isn't one supposed to say that when one's being briefed?
>> On my rare visits to the cinema.
>> The word is Roger.
>> Oh, Roger!
How silly of me.
>> To continue.
As soon as we've captured the van, Mr. Wood and Mr. Pendlebury will proceed straight to the warehouse.
>> Bit risky, isn't it?
Making Mr. Pendlebury go there, after the guard's seen him?
>> It's a risk we must take.
We need everyone.
We've more than 200 bars to move, and I must have my alibi.
You've got to gag me, bind me, tear my clothes, roll me in the dust.
We can't afford to waste one second.
>> Okay, you're the boss.
>> Yes.
Yes, that's right.
I am.
211.
212.
Ah, Mr. Richards, your deposit will be returned in the usual way as soon as the gold enters the bank.
Uh, you're both, uh.
(bright music) (suspenseful music) >> Oi!
Oi!
Here, no you don't.
>> Don't what?
>> I saw you pinch it.
>> Oh, good gracious, whatever must you think of me.
>> I think you're the bloke what pinched my Monarch of the Glen last week.
>> Oh, no, I assure you.
Pinch a Landseer, me?
>> Well, you better come quiet.
If you'll have five minutes' patience, I'll explain.
>> Five minutes?
Oi, Charlie, get on the blower, 999.
>> No, no, no.
>> Come on, come along with me.
(bell ringing) >> He's picked a wrong 'un this time.
>> No, no, no!
It's all a ghastly mistake, officer.
I'm completely innocent.
>> Did you see that car?
>> Yes sir, police car.
>> What?
>> Nothing to be afraid of there, sir.
Bloke was a copper.
It's probably some trick, I'm sure it's the same car that followed us the other day.
>> You want me to go and look round the corner, sir?
>> Yes.
(voices clamoring) >> This is all a mistake, officer.
(dramatic music) (tire squealing) >> You got a flat tire there, mate!
(engine revving) >> Help, help!
(gun firing) >> Help, help, police!
>> What's happened?
>> The van!
They've pinched the van!
>> What's this?
>> Our van stolen.
Load of bullion, kidnapped the boss.
(bright music) >> Man: Oi!
Stop, thief!
Stop, thief!
>> Hello, M2GW, from one-four.
Urgent.
Urgent message begins.
Maroon-colored van, LKL638, containing bullion.
Containing bullion, value one million pounds, believed stolen in the vicinity of Queen Victoria Street.
(dramatic music) >> Hello, all cars from M2GW.
Message number 40 begins.
Maroon-colored van, LKL638, containing bullion, value one million pounds, stolen from the vicinity of Queen Victoria Street.
(triumphant music) >> Cor, what a weight!
>> The others will be here soon.
(tires squealing) (voices clamoring) >> Oi!
Oi, Shorty.
They got Mr. Pendlebury.
>> Who has?
>> The cops, of course!
I saw a crowd down there.
The driver of the van's there.
There's two cops, and they're holding him.
>> Will he grass?
>> Will he squeal, will he split?
>> No.
>> Then it don't matter.
We can deliver the stuff as arranged.
>> That's right, we don't need him.
Come on.
(tires squealing) >> Sergeant Wilson, you take your men and search the east end of the street, moving down towards the center.
Sergeant Cripps, you take the west end and move down here to meet Sergeant Wilson.
Rose, you better come with me.
I think we'd better have a look at those warehouses.
>> That's all right, leave the rest.
>> Blimey, governor, why?
>> Help my alibi.
>> Turn it up, guv, there's 75,000 quid in there.
>> I said leave it.
>> A ruddy waste.
There's many a starving bloke'd be glad of that lot.
>> Come on, now.
Fix me up.
>> No, behind you.
>> Left-hand pocket.
>> Well, stand still.
(case snapping) >> What's that?
(horn blaring) >> You turn, it's easier.
Little more.
Okay.
>> Hey!
Look.
>> Hey.
Hey!
>> Come on, scram!
>> Wait, wait!
Mess me up!
Mr. Fisher!
(engine revving) Mr. Wood!
Mess me up!
It's essential!
Wait!
Wait!
Wait, stop!
Wait, you can't leave me like this.
Wait.
Wait, stop.
(tense music) (fabric tearing) (suspenseful music) Help!
Help!
Help!
>> Can you see from down there?
>> Help!
>> Sir!
Inspector Talbot, sir!
>> I'll get you!
>> Fight going on over there.
(water splashing) >> Purely an oversight, officer.
I had something on my mind.
>> Three pictures in a week I missed from there.
>> You can't accuse him of taking those others, too.
>> I should think not.
I'm no thief, officer.
My character's an open book.
>> Officer: Well?
>> Well, you might as well know.
I was lying.
I am a thief.
It was madness to attempt it.
We weren't cut out for crime, either of us.
>> We?
>> My partner and I.
>> Your partner?
If you're working with a fence who's got them other pictures.
>> Shh.
Carry on.
>> Oh, I make no excuses.
All my life it's been my ambition to surround myself with rare and beautiful things.
Suddenly faced with this golden opportunity.
>> Here.
You call that picture of mine rare and beautiful?
>> Since you will keep on interrupting me, you ought to know it's a charming example of an early Rochet, while he was still under the influence of Corot.
>> Oh, yeah.
How much is it worth?
>> 10 pounds, to those who can afford it.
>> Oh, blimey.
I've got it marked up at five bob.
>> Here, what about this charge?
>> Let him go.
I've got to get back before they sell that picture!
>> Your lucky day, it seems.
>> All right, case dismissed.
Off you go.
>> Yes, about five minutes ago.
Who, sir?
Oh, yes, we've got him, all right.
He's here now, giving us a statement.
Yes, he's told us quite a lot already.
>> Go on, hop it.
>> Yes.
Yes, you can depend on that, sir.
We'll get all we can out of him.
I see.
Yes, he stood it pretty well.
Yes, we'll look after him all right, sir.
We're fixing him up with some dry clothes now.
Yes, I agree, sir.
We're up against some very tough customers.
>> Here, what are you doin'?
They'll have to put a new floor in.
>> He'll be able to afford it, mate.
So you better get on with the job.
>> You make me sick.
>> What's happened?
>> She only just made it.
Here, I thought you was pinched.
>> No, it's Holland they've got.
>> Holland?
>> I was in the police station when they brought him in, under arrest.
>> You sure of that?
>> Of course I'm sure!
He was all dripping wet.
There were two policemen holding him.
>> They must have seen everything.
We gotta blow.
>> Now, wait a minute.
Can they connect you with him?
>> I don't know.
We both live at the same house, but.
>> What?
>> The map!
The map showing the route from here to the warehouse.
Holland took it home with him.
>> Now we are done for.
>> No, we're not.
You finish the job.
>> Come on.
>> Where to?
>> Your place, if they ain't searched his room yet.
>> Too late.
Helmet's in the hall.
>> You'll have to go in alone, guv.
Might be somebody I know.
>> But they're there already.
>> There's still a chance they haven't found it yet.
Go on, get weaving.
>> But surely you must have some suspicion.
Who work the hoist rackets in this territory?
>> Beg pardon, lady?
>> Oh, really, I can't make myself much plainer.
Which hoodlums around here specialize in toby jobs?
>> Holland!
>> Pendlebury!
(both laughing) (upbeat music) >> Determination, pluck and fortitude worthy of the highest praise.
Come along, now.
We mustn't keep him waiting.
(triumphant music) (whimsical music) (bright music) (crowd applauding) >> Star, News or Standard!
Star, News or Standard!
Star, News or Standard!
(tense music) >> Now.
>> Oh, pretty, isn't it, eh?
>> I could watch it all night.
>> Three pence an ounce up again today.
>> Gold is the sovereign of all sovereigns.
Proverbs.
>> Holland.
Holland.
These plain-sided crates are filled with the lead towers made by the daytime staff.
They must never be touched.
This R stands for reserve stock.
These crates will remain in our Paris warehouse.
I've sent instructions to our young lady over there, she's never to use anything from a crate marked R till I give the authority.
>> So, these are the ones I worked on.
>> Exactly.
Get rid of the contents and refill with, um.
>> How long do you think it'll all take?
>> Oh, I estimate about two weeks here.
>> And then a week in Paris to find our market, then three months back here till it all blows over.
That'll bring us to the end of the year.
>> An excellent time to retire.
>> Blimey, you're not going to the bank after the stuff's left the country, are you?
>> Certainly I am.
It would look most suspicious if I gave up my job immediately.
>> Ah-ha, patience is a virtue.
Shakespeare.
>> Our firstborn.
(soft music) >> Oh, yes.
That's the man you describe in your statement as having a snake tattooed on his wrist.
>> Uh, yes.
Oh, and I should mention that one of them had a distinct foreign accent.
>> Come on, China, get weaving!
(dramatic music) (gold clinking) >> Man Voiceover: Scotland Yard are searching the Rogues' Gallery in the hunt for the criminals, and helping them is the bank clerk hero, plucky little Holland.
There is no doubt that this robbery is the work of a mastermind.
The police of every county have instructions to leave no stone unturned in their nationwide search.
Every possible clue is being investigated, however small and unimportant it may appear on the surface.
The yard are confident of ultimate success, because anyone who traffics in stolen gold will find it's too hot to handle.
Scientific research reinforces the man on the beat.
All the big guns are on the side of the law.
Link by link, a chain of cast iron evidence is forged.
(ominous music) Men who might be able to assist the police in their inquiries are being sought in all likely hideouts.
It is expected that a charge will be made within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the yard chiefs continue to work in calm and imperturbable harmony.
A spirit of complete confidence prevails.
>> The gold has not left the country.
>> Well, I hope you're right.
If it has, we'll never see one grain of it again.
>> Ports are being watched as they've never been watched before.
We're counting the matchsticks.
>> Gewgaws Limited.
Souvenir models, Eiffel Tower in lead.
>> Okay, as usual.
>> And in view of rising public anxiety, can he assure the House that this very large sum of money is not irretrievably lost to the nation?
>> Yes, sir, I think I may give that assurance.
Measures have been taken which render it virtually impossible for any substantial quantity of gold to be removed from this country.
(speaking in foreign language) (hammer banging) ♪ This time tomorrow where shall I be ♪ ♪ Not in this old found-a-ry ♪ >> (chuckling) Now that it's all over, I suppose I may dare say it's been a most remarkable coup.
>> The biggest job of its kind since One-Eyed Dobson got away with the GI's pay packets.
Two million dollars, Grosvenor Square, '45.
>> That was before devaluation, and this is one million pounds.
>> Well, that's right.
Blimey, we got the record!
(metal clinking) Is that you, Lackery?
>> What's the matter?
>> Trouble.
>> Nothing serious, I hope.
>> I can't go.
>> Why not?
>> The missus won't let me.
>> Can't you say it's in connection with an important business deal?
>> I told her, she won't wear it.
Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Bob's your bloomin' uncle.
Paris, no.
>> You know we can't pay you till we get to Paris?
>> I'll settle for a half a dozen of these.
I know a safe fence.
>> Out of the question!
Are you mad?
Leave vital evidence on this side of the channel?
Why, if anything went wrong, the police would be on to us in no time.
>> No, you can't ask a thing like that, mate.
>> I suppose.
I'm sorry, guv, I wasn't thinking.
I'm a little upset.
(hammer banging) >> Here, I'll tell you what!
I didn't like to say so, but I don't really fancy goin' to Paris meself.
>> Why?
>> A friend of mine, he pinched a couple of tickets for the test match, see?
I wouldn't half like to see that.
Right!
Now, you're both coming straight back here once you've flogged the stuff, ain't ya?
Okay, just smuggle our money over inside your socks.
>> I'll lend you a false-bottom bag!
>> You mean, you both trust us?
>> Oh, come off it, guv.
You're as straight a pair of gentlemen as I ever worked for.
>> Hear, hear!
>> Pendlebury: Well, that seems an excellent solution.
>> Thank you, boys.
Just let me nail this down.
I've got a little surprise for you all.
(hammer banging) ♪ For days of Auld Lang Syne ♪ ♪ For Auld Lang Syne, my dears ♪ ♪ For Auld Lang Syne ♪ ♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪ ♪ For days of Auld Lang Syne ♪ (all laughing) (Holland chuckling) >> Work it up to me.
>> Here.
>> Good, come on.
Shh!
>> You naughty men, waking us all up at this hour.
>> A thousand pardons.
>> Wipe your feet.
A little celebration.
>> Already?
Your holidays don't start until tomorrow.
>> Today is tomorrow.
>> Oh, polished perturbation!
Golden care!
>> Shh!
>> That keep'st the ports of slumber open wide!
Henry IV, part two.
>> Good night, you naughty men.
Don't forget to switch off!
>> Night, Miss Evesham.
(Holland whistling) >> Pendlebury?
>> Yeah.
(both laughing) >> Pendlebury?
>> What?
>> May I call you Alfred?
>> Alfred?
Call me Al.
And I'll call you Henry, isn't it?
>> A name I never cared for.
No.
Call me Dutch.
>> Dutch.
Yes!
Good night, Dutch.
>> Night night, Al.
(dramatic music) >> Ah, gay, sprightly land of mirth and social ease.
(bright music) Holland, the world is ours.
(children clamoring) >> Look, you'll lose your hat if you're not careful.
Our train leaves in 20 minutes!
(speaking in foreign language) >> Thank you.
My friend, Mr. Holland.
>> Ah, monsieur!
>> How do you do?
>> Enchante.
(dramatic music) >> How did that get here?
I told you never to use a crate marked R. But that is not an R, monsieur, it is an A.
>> It's an R in English!
>> How many have you sold from that case?
>> Six, monsieur.
To the little English girls.
>> Don't sell any more!
I'll be back.
(suspenseful music) (children laughing) >> Stop!
Stop!
Stop!
Wait!
Come on!
(horn honking) Stop!
Wait!
Wait!
Wait, Dutch, wait!
What do we care?
We've still got all the others.
>> We mustn't let them get back to England!
They'll be traced!
>> Who's to know they're gold?
>> We can't afford to take any chances!
(children laughing) >> Pendlebury: Dutch!
Wait!
Dutch!
Wait for me!
(suspenseful music) (Pendlebury laughing) >> There's nothing to laugh at.
(Holland laughing) (children laughing) Stop!
Wait!
Taxi!
>> Hey, hey!
(speaking in foreign language) (horns honking) No, no.
Come on, it's no good.
The train has gone.
Get all the rest out of the warehouse now and disappear with them.
>> Disappear, with half the police in the world looking for us?
>> To Calais.
>> The warehouse.
Calais!
Oh, face the facts, man!
You'll have to change your plan.
>> Rubbish, it's a perfect plan.
What's the French for faster?
>> I'm not gonna tell you.
>> For heaven's sake, do you want to be a hunted man all your life?
(horn bellowing) (voices clamoring) >> Did you all enjoy yourselves?
>> There they are!
(speaking in foreign language) >> Tickets.
(speaking in foreign language) >> We'll never do it.
>> We must.
>> Which way?
>> Get in here.
(speaking in foreign language) >> What?
>> Passports.
>> What?
>> Passports!
>> Thank you.
Merci.
>> Al, Al!
>> I thought I had it.
(horn bellowing) Got it!
(speaking in foreign language) Got it!
>> Oh, Pendlebury!
>> I'm sorry I couldn't find it.
(speaking in foreign language) Oh, customs!
Hey!
Hey, hey!
Say, we've bought nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
>> Nothing.
(speaking in foreign language) Open.
>> Open.
Pajamas.
>> Oh!
>> Eh, eh, eh, eh!
(horn bellowing) (Holland laughing) (speaking in foreign language) Oh, sadists, torturers!
Money.
>> No foreign currency?
How much do you have?
>> There!
Count it!
>> Children: Bye!
Goodbye!
(dramatic music) (whimsical music) (bell dinging) (doorbell ringing) >> Yes?
>> I'd like to see Mr. Holland.
>> Mr. Holland's in Paris.
>> In Paris?
>> Yes.
He's gone there for a fortnight's holiday.
>> Oh, he never told me.
Have you his address?
>> I haven't.
I'm sorry.
He didn't know where he'd be staying.
>> I see.
All right, thank you.
>> Pleased to be of help.
Why, Mr. Holland, what is the meaning of this?
>> Transport strike in Paris, made things too difficult.
>> And Mr. Pendlebury, is he with you?
>> He's flying back tomorrow.
He had some important business to see to.
>> You have dined, I hope.
>> I'm afraid not.
Oh!
>> Good evening.
>> Good evening, Inspector.
>> It's bad luck about your holiday.
>> It is, isn't it?
>> You should have informed us you were going abroad, you know?
You're our most important witness.
>> I'm so sorry.
Anything I can do?
>> We've traced four vans that were seen near the warehouse at the time of the robbery.
It's just possible you may have got a glimpse of one.
Um, a blue van with the name Loveday and Bone on the side.
>> No.
It all happened so quickly.
They never gave me a chance.
>> Well, you never know, something might register.
A white van, The Blackheath Spotless Laundry.
>> No, I'm afraid not.
>> Another blue one, the Spring Song Mattress Company.
>> No, as I told you.
>> A green van, Gewgaws Limited.
(nose blowing) Does that ring a bell?
>> No, it was definitely none of them.
>> Of course you can't say that for certain if you didn't see it, can you?
>> (chuckling) Silly of me.
>> All right, Mr. Holland, thank you very much.
You'll be available now if we want you again?
Good night, Mr. Holland.
>> Good night, Inspector.
(motor rumbling) >> John, how lovely to see you.
>> Dutch!
Hello there, nice of you to come and meet me.
I took the crates back to the warehouse.
>> How well you're looking, good man.
Say nothing.
Just smile.
>> What did you say?
>> Nothing like a change I always say.
Smile now, smile.
The police may be watching.
>> The police, what's happened?
>> They suspect your van was involved.
>> Oh, I told you it was madness to come back.
>> Very good thing we did.
This makes it all the more important we get hold of those towers.
>> Oh, I was a fool to let you persuade me.
>> You're acting like a fool now.
Suspicions aren't evidence.
Once we get those out of their reach.
>> We've got to get ourselves out of their reach.
That's important.
>> I'm going after those towers.
>> Are you?
Well, I'm going back to Paris.
>> Very well.
But remember, if I fail, you're for it too.
(motor revving) >> Did you trace those girls?
>> Yes.
St. Christopher's School, Hendon.
Come on, don't waste any more time.
♪ Harrow may be more clever ♪ ♪ Rugby may make more row ♪ ♪ But we'll row, row forever ♪ ♪ Steady from stroke to bow ♪ ♪ And nothing in life shall sever ♪ ♪ The chain that is round us now ♪ ♪ And nothing in life shall sever ♪ ♪ The chain that is round us now ♪ ♪ 20 years hence this weather ♪ ♪ Will tempt us from office stools ♪ ♪ We may be slow on the feather ♪ >> Shh, sit down girls.
These gentlemen are from the firm that makes the Eiffel Tower models that some of you bought in Paris.
It appears that, by a mistake, you were sold a new experimental type which they're anxious to have back.
They'll exchange them for others equally good.
Also, and I consider this most generous, they will give 10 shillings to each girl who helps them in this way.
(girls clamoring) >> Here you are.
And for you.
There's yours.
And that's for you.
Thank you.
Ah, good.
>> One, two, three, four, five.
Only five.
Who bought the sixth one?
Who bought the sixth?
>> June Edwards bought one.
>> You have one, too, have you dear?
Where is it, June?
In here?
Now, don't be silly, June, dear.
Wouldn't you like to have 10 shillings and another one just as nice?
>> Oh, come, come, think of all the sweeties you could buy with this.
>> There we are.
Just as pretty, isn't it?
>> Really, June, look at them together and you'll see.
>> There's no difference, is there?
>> Now, come on, tell us.
What's the difference?
>> That one's mine.
>> Well, I'm sorry.
I can't force the child to give it up.
Does the odd one really matter?
>> Indeed, it does, madam.
Were it to fall into the hands of.
>> A business rival.
>> Yes.
>> But that won't happen.
We've kept you too long as it is.
Thank you very much.
But, but.
But what?
>> Oh, that's interesting.
I bought a pyramid stud box in Cairo during the war.
I suppose that was made here too.
>> I expect so.
We send stuff all over the world.
>> Just finished, sir.
>> Good.
You don't keep a record of where the van goes?
>> Anyone takes the blooming thing when they feel like it.
Away for a week, just recently, it was.
>> No recollection of who had it that particular afternoon?
>> Well, I've an idea it was the boss, Mr. Pendlebury.
>> Mr. Pendlebury.
>> But I'm not really sure, and I can't ask him 'cause he's away in Paris.
>> In Paris?
Oh well, thanks.
All right, Hendon.
(girls clamoring) >> But, Dutch, robbing a child.
>> It won't be robbing her, it'll simply be a swap.
>> If only you had let me talk to that woman.
>> I couldn't, Al, she was getting suspicious as it was.
Look.
(light music) (tense music) >> Isn't George here today?
>> No, I'm taking his place today.
Your boyfriend's on duty in there.
Exhibition's straight ahead, sir.
(light music) >> Straight ahead for the exhibition, sir.
>> Announcer: On the steering wheel of a car stolen last night in Piccadilly and abandoned two hours later near Croydon.
In the west gallery, you will find a display from the criminal records office containing, for example, the actual dossier of a man now serving a sentence for housebreaking.
It contains all his known aliases and nicknames and those of his relatives and friends.
Next door, a fingerprint expert is ready to take.
>> Hello.
>> Hello.
Where have you been all this time?
>> I've been to Paris, and I brought this back for you.
>> I say, that is nice of you.
What a beautiful present.
>> It's a paperweight.
Put it on those papers.
>> Thank you very much indeed.
Cheerio.
>> Bye-bye.
>> Now what do we do?
>> Tell him the same story.
>> Excuse me.
One moment, sir.
>> The next portion of our program is a demonstration of police scientists that work on an actual case, the recent big gold robbery.
CID officers have taken samples of dust from four different vans >> Take your fingerprints, sir?
>> Announcer: We are testing those samples for gold content.
>> Had the van repaired?
>> Yes, completely new floor.
>> Announcer: The dust is being placed in nitric acid, which will dissolve any metal with the exception of gold.
>> That's funny.
I've just come from the place where they make these things.
>> Pretty, isn't it?
My little girlfriend brought it back from Paris.
>> Paris.
Try this.
>> Come on, let's get out here.
>> No, the evidence!
(suspenseful music) >> Run, Dutch!
Run!
>> Stop those men!
(whistles blowing) Stop those two!
Stop those men!
>> Stop that woman!
>> Where'd they go?
>> There they are!
>> Stop that woman!
>> Stop them, Charlie!
Stop him, Charlie!
Stop them!
Stop those men!
Stop them!
>> Which way did they go?
>> Announcer: Attention, everyone, please.
Attention, everyone, please.
(engine revving) (horn honking) Two dangerous men are at large in this building.
>> There he is!
>> Announcer: You can assist the police by keeping the gangways clear.
Now keep calm and avoid crowding.
Do not panic.
(crowd gasping) (crowd clamoring) Attention, everyone, please.
The men are now believed to be in the east gallery.
>> Cut them off that way!
(fabric tearing) >> Psst!
>> Announcer: Help the police by leaving the gangways clear.
Keep calm.
Avoid crowding.
Don't panic.
The public can assist the police by keeping the gangways clear.
Now keep calm, do not panic, and avoid crowding.
Keep calm.
Avoid crowding.
Don't panic.
Don't panic!
(engine revving) >> I can't drive.
(engine revving) >> Hello, M2GW from HPC.
Urgent message begins.
Vicinity of Police College.
Two men wanted for questioning in connection with theft of bullion.
(tires squealing) Hello, all cars from M2GW.
Two men wanted in connection with bullion theft.
Last seen.
(tires squealing) Last seen escaping from Police College on foot, but may have stolen car.
Over.
>> Better call them up.
Put them on a false scent.
>> What's our number?
>> This must be it, U3.
(tires squealing) >> Pendlebury: Put them on to that one.
>> Hello, M2GW from U3.
Men answering your description are reported to have stolen gray Vauxhall, DLH436.
Over.
Hello, U3 from M2GW.
Your message received, over.
Hello, all cars from M2GW.
(tires squealing) >> Must be somewhere ahead.
>> Yes, but why isn't U3 chasing them?
>> There they are.
(horn buzzing) >> Yes, it was a police car all right.
But the driver was wearing a top hat.
No, it was a top hat.
>> Point duty constable reports peculiar individual wearing top hat seen driving wireless car JYN888, sir.
>> That's U4's number.
They must've stolen that.
>> Officer: Hello, M2GW from U4.
Have apprehended two men in clerical attire.
>> Switch it off.
That proves it, they're giving us false description.
Urgent call to all cars, U4's been stolen.
>> Hello, all cars from M2GW.
Urgent call begins.
Men wanted in connection with gold theft have stolen police wireless car U4.
The number of this car is JYN888.
Over.
>> You said this car was U3.
>> That's right.
They've got it all mixed up.
>> They haven't, they're onto us.
(siren buzzing) >> Step on it.
>> TMG928.
>> Oh, that's not the one then.
>> They've turned off.
Hello, M2GW from U3.
Am in pursuit of stolen police car.
Proceeding west along Portobello Road.
Over.
Let them sort that one out.
>> Hello, U3 from M2GW.
Your message received.
Over.
>> Both U5 and U6 are in that area.
Tell them to cut them off at Junction Road.
>> Hello, U5 from M2GW.
Stolen police car proceeding west along Portobello Road.
Intercept at Junction Road.
Over.
(tires squealing) (siren buzzing) Hello, U6 from M2GW.
Stolen police car proceeding west along Portobello Road.
Intercept at Junction Road.
Over.
(tires squealing) (siren buzzing) >> Am proceeding east towards Junction Road.
Over.
>> Am proceeding west towards Junction Road.
Over.
>> Bring in everything we've got.
>> Am now proceeding north towards Junction Road.
Over.
>> Am proceeding south towards Junction Road.
Over.
(sirens buzzing) (cars crashing) ♪ Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O ♪ ♪ And on his farm he had some turkeys E-I-E-I-O ♪ (tires squealing) (car crashing) (interference squealing) ♪ With quack quack here and a quack quack there ♪ ♪ Here a quack, there a quack, everywhere a quack quack ♪ ♪ Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O ♪ ♪ And on this farm he had some sheep E-I-E-I-O ♪ ♪ With baa-baa here and a baa-baa there ♪ ♪ Here a baa, there a baa, everywhere a baa-baa ♪ ♪ Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O ♪ ♪ And on his farm he had some turkeys E-I-E-I-O ♪ >> Would you mind giving me a lift to the police box?
They're flashing for me.
>> Of course.
♪ Everywhere a gobble gobble ♪ ♪ Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O ♪ ♪ And on that farm he had some pigs ♪ >> Nice to have music when you're driving, isn't it?
♪ With a (oinking) here, (oinking) there ♪ ♪ Everywhere a (oinking) ♪ ♪ Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O ♪ We sing that in our choir down at the station.
Well, thank you very much, sir.
>> Operator: Hello, all cars from M2GW.
Stolen police car >> Drive on!
Quick, Al!
>> Out!
Dutch!
Dutch!
Run!
Run, Dutch, run!
(whistle blowing) >> Stop!
Oi, stop him!
(light music) >> Instead of changing as usual at Charing Cross, I came straight on to Rio de Janeiro, gay, spritely land of mirth and social ease.
Pendlebury.
>> Plus six Eiffel Towers.
How much did they fetch?
>> 25,000 pounds.
Enough to keep me for one year in the style to which I was, um, unaccustomed.
>> Hello there.
By Jove, that was a party you gave the other evening.
We should give a few like it at the embassy, what?
>> Your Excellency is very kind.
>> Done a lot for our prestige out here.
Worth a battleship.
Jolly good show.
Well done.
(bright music) >> Man: Ready?
>> Ready.
(upbeat music)
