It isn't often that a soldier dies in his bed these days.
No, Sir. No such luck, Sir.
Pretty sudden, wasn't it?
A chill killed him off suddenly.
He was as fit as you and I when he came home on leave.
Well, there's one thing.
Brodie the novelist will be remembered...
...when half the brave soldiers of the War have been forgotten.
I wouldn't be surprised, Sir.
No, no. It's all right.
By the way, when is the funeral?
Tomorrow, Sir. Very quietly. In the country.
Good morning. - Good morning.
Good bye, Sir. - Good bye.
So long, girls. You'll be in the work of caring for our men.
Red Cross... Missions... what not.
Come in.
What's the meaning of all this? Who are you?
Giving a soldier the sad news.
Look here, Sir... I don't even know your name.
"You can call me ‘R’."
R ex-comission?
"No, ‘R’ for rhododendron." Have a good crossing from France?
Excellent, thank you. Until I found out I was dead.
Very sad. Casualties have been very heavy lately.
Look here. Have you seen this?
What's the explanation of that?
Well, the explanation of that is this.
What does that mean?
We can't advance in Palestine till the Arabs are behind us.
We're not quite sure, is that it?
When the censor snips up to this extent, it seems pretty critical.
Listen, I don't see...
And you won't see it if you keep on talking.
Germany is making every effort at the moment to buy up the Arabs.
Do you love your Country?
Well, I just died for it.
You can't guess why?
I suppose I'm waiting for you to tell me.
The raids always upset the fish. Never know what to do with them.
Here are your passports. One British, one American.
You have a reputation of being a true observer of life, Ashenden.
Ashenden, me?
Yes. You.
The late Mr. Brodie was much too well known for our purposes.
Hey, where are you driving at?
Ashenden's going to Switzerland to find a German agent who's...
...leaving for Arabia shortly via Constantinople.
Description? - None.
Well, that's helpful.
But your predecessor... Is so...
In his last message he said he "was staying at the ‘Excelsior’."
I want you to go there.
Here's the man playing for both sides who may help you find him.
And when I've found him?
That sounded just like a pistol shot, didn't it?
Report to me and you'll be given further instructions.
I see.
We have to be allowed to reach Constantinople?
Precisely. I like a man who makes quick decisions.
Tonight a car will take you to Dover.
You will change to a boat which you'll take across the Channel.
From there you'll go to Switzerland by a small route.
Your assistant will be there before you.
Well, I've an assistant, have I?
Yes. A very useful one.
"We call him ‘Hairless Mexican’." - Why?
He has curls and isn't Mexican.
"You can call him ‘General’." He'll appreciate the compliment.
You will see for yourself. Where's the General?
He took to the cellar, Sir, when the raid began.
He cannot have lost his nerve?
Mr. Ashenden is leaving shortly. - Very well.
So long. - Where's my cap?
If the Swiss know what you're up to they'll have you in the jug.
That's right, I'll watch my step.
Dear, it's much safer down here than upstairs, you know?
I'd rather be up with the bombs than downstairs with some people.
Hello, General. I thought you came down here to dodge the bomb.
"Mr. ‘R’, you should know better." - Mr. Ashenden.
General Pompeliu Moctezuma de la Bella del Conde y de Lonbus.
Excuse me, I have very important business. See you in Switzerland.
Hello, dearie! Sweetie! Just a moment! I love you!
Lady guy? - Not only ladies.
Now that you've met we won't delay the departure any longer.
I better go see what he's up to. So long.
Good Evening. You have a room for me I believe.
Oh, Yes. - My name's Ashenden.
I will see.
Ashenden. Yes, you are here.
Room 234 and 5. Big room and sitting room.
Will you sign your name, please? - Thank you.
Is there a private bathroom?
Certainly, Monsieur. Madame Ashenden has insisted on that.
Who? - Madame.
Your wife, Monsieur.
She arrived yesterday. You were not expecting her so soon.
Well, not quite so soon.
It's a surprise for me isn't it? - Indeed. Yes, Monsieur.
Mrs. Ashenden is looking well?
Madame looks great, Monsieur.
Oh, it is nice, isn't it?
I'll fill in this now. I'll do it when I'm upstairs.
Room 234 and 5, you said? - Yes, Monsieur.
I suppose Mrs. Ashenden has a key?
Yes, Monsieur.
Shall I come up with you? - No. I think I'll surprise her.
Have my luggage sent up, please. - Certainly.
What were those numbers again?
234 and 5. I'll write them down. - Thank you very much.
There, there. It's all right.
I am so sorry. It was my fault.
It's quite all right. No harm done.
Poor old boy.
Someone here tripped over him. That's all dear. It's nothing.
Aren't you through that bath?
I'm coming out soon! - Good news.
What are we going to do tomorrow? "- Why are ‘we’?"
Aren't you going out with me? Didn't you promise?
What about a nice private picnic in the woods around here?
What about lunch in the dining room downstairs?
Oh, lady, didn't I make any better hit with you than that?
No. I'd respect a married woman. I've only known you 24 hours.
Sure. That means in 48 you'll know me twice as well.
And by the end of the week...
You're looking for anybody around here?
I'm looking for my wife.
And by the end of the week, what?
A divorce, it looks like.
Are you Mr. Ashenden? - Guilty.
Darling, you're here at last.
Angel, how well you're looking.
Delicious. I hope you haven't been lonely.
No. This gentleman and I met in the lounge yesterday, didn't we?
Yes. A good angel put us together.
He's been most kind and entertaining.
Mr. Demartin, isn't it?
Sounds well the way you say it, but it's really Robert Marvin.
Pleased to meet you Mr. Larkin.
How do you do, Mr. Ashendan?
Well, it's time for the triangle to retire from family circle.
Exit... battle.
I wasn't expecting you so soon.
Who's our gallant? - Jealous?
My good girl, there's no need to play a part now.
Time to tell me who you are, what your name is...
...and why you're acting as my wife.
My name's Elsa Clarington. Answer the other questions yourself.
"You mean that old crazy ‘R’ has" loaded you on me?
Yes. As you so elegantly put it. - Sent you on the same job?
"Yes. ‘R’ sent me and told me to" join my husband. Mr. Ashenden.
So here I am, sweetie dear.
How do I know you're the person you say you are?
Here's my passport.
That's better.
All right, stick them down there.
Anything else?
First, I'd like to see yours. - Oh, that's better still.
All right. You're my true and lawful husband.
I have a note for you.
It's in my bedroom.
Our bedroom. - Mine. You sleep there.
Here it is.
Well, what does it say?
Do you mind if I come in?
If you don't mind my getting on with today's work.
No, I don't believe.
I had to work it out, it in code. - I know.
You opened it? - Of course I did, don't be silly.
The part that concern you says...
I'm making you a married man to round off you new character.
What else does it say?
Your wife comes a fighting stock. A regular fighting time factor.
I look to you to direct her in the right channel.
Be as canuvial as possible. "Yours, ‘R’."
"What does ‘canuvial’ mean?"
Luxurious.
What does that mean? Speak English.
Affectionate. In a big way.
So, what do you think of your new husband?
I'm incredibly surprised. - Thank you.
I've read your books for so many years, I thought you were older.
I'm glad about it, that's all.
That's very kind of you.
What do you think of me?
I don't know. I'll tell you when you finish putting on your face.
Why did you really take this job?
I wanted to do it.
Well, you might have been a nurse or something.
Me? I'm no ministering Angel.
I'm in Switzerland for a thrill. - Think I'm gonna give it to you?
No. You're the means to an end. - The end? Being?
Excitement, Big risks, Danger. Maybe being a little...
This sort of thing maybe not as amusing as you think.
Look, let's understand each other.
Dozens of people have come here to do something worthwhile...
...There's no use of you standing there looking middle aged and...
...bleeding about safety... - All right, all right.
How do we start?
"I suppose ‘R’ told you why we're" here for.
A little. He said you'd tell me the rest.
Hello. - How did you get here?
My dear friend. How do you do?
Ashenden! Where have you been all the time? I haven't seen you...
Yes, yes. Take it easy, General. How did you get in?
I was sitting on door all the time, but...
...And I was knocking and barking but you did not hear.
Too busy in company of beautiful woman... Lady... Girl...
You know this man, do you?
I believe he's a swindler. He followed me around the hotel...
...trying to show me some silly trick with pennies.
Very nice trick.
Your wife? - How do you know she's my wife?
How do I? Very simple. Passports in table.
Each one inside each other one.
Just like no other. - You know him?
Of course I do. He's one of our colleagues, aren't you General?
General Pompeliu Moctezuma de la Bella del Conde y de Lonbus...
...as I said before.
I may as well tell you at once that this lady is not my wife.
Then what?
She has been issued officially to "me by our old man ‘R’."
Issued? What do you mean?
Issued like a passport?
"Or you mean ‘given to you’? "
This is too much. And who has given her to you?
Will you tell me who? "Maybe perhaps it's ‘R’!"
"This ‘R’ Foul! Merde!"
Incompetent man!
It's awful! This is too much!
For you beautiful woman! And what for me?! Nothing!
Nobody! Nothing! Caramba! Caramba!
For you all this! And nothing for me!
No, no, no. I resign.
Brodie was a Bachelor, that's why Ashenden has to be married.
It makes it much safer, that's all.
This girl has been issued to me as part as my disguise.
I resign.
She's nothing to me. I'm nothing to her. Can't you understand?
Maybe perhaps this lie is true?
Well, of course it's true. What do you mean?
Maybe in this case, affection of beautiful lady are free for me?
Absolutely, as far as I'm concerned.
Can't you do anything about it? Do I look like I enjoy tricks?
General, no love making... We can't afford to take risks.
The Swiss Police will be on us in no time.
We have to move on.
What have you done since you got here, anyway?
I am too much of a gentleman to tell this in front of lady.
I dare say.
Let me remind you we're here for a purpose. We start tomorrow.
Our first job is in a village in the mountains called Langenthal.
In Langenthal there's a church.
In that church we'll find the "organist who ‘R’ says is been..."
...working for the Germans but is now on our side.
When we get in touch with him...
He'll put us on the track to find the man we're after.
What do I do?
Nothing. You stay here and wait in case there's a phone call.
Thank you. That should be a good start.
Mind removing your friend so I can go on with my dressing?
Go on, General.
Well? - Well?
How does Mrs. Ashenden look now?
This has all been done for your special benefit.
Very kind of you, I'm sure.
You're fond of yourself, aren't you?
Married life has began.
All right. Shout about that as much as you like.
You've a job to do, and part of it is to keep it secret...
...no matter what happens.
What do we do?
Light three candles over there. He'll see us in his mirror.
Do you know any prayers?
Do not incite me, please.
I know some, so do you?
Put those back, you foul.
This floor makes my beautiful legs very angry.
We better look out. He might be waiting on the other side.
Strangled.
Nice work. Neat. Very neat.
Someone did not want us to speak to him.
That's what it looks like, doesn't it?
Look. - What's that?
Not so neat after all.
Big struggle before he died.
Me, better. Much better.
The man who owns this, is the man who killed him.
Yes, Sir. He is also the man we are looking for.
You're right. That's the motive.
One way of stopping a fellow's mouth.
Look, someone's coming.
We'll have to stay up here for hours!
I said, we shall have to stay up here for hours!
But your wife shall wonder what happened to her little General!
Let's do stay a little longer. - All right.
I've always wanted to come to Switzerland. The people are nice.
Yes, specially Charlie, there.
Hey, Fred...
Do you mind moving up a bit so we can see the scenery?
Oh, no, don't. It's nice.
Are those your own teeth?
Course they are. Don't be silly. I bet yours aren't.
Well, I never thought you'd look. Wait a minute.
Do you mind holing them for me?
You're so disgusting.
Look at that nose.
Bet if you squeezed it you'd get a quarter of whiskey out of it.
Sam, or George... Whatever...
Give me some smoke. Will you?
Smoke.
Voulez-vous...
He's fond of you.
I was afraid of that.
No, you don't understand...
Cigar... Cigaruchen.
Compris.
What is this strange bond you have over coachmen?
No mystery, lady. Just a well equipped man in every language.
Bad language. - Why you...
Man paralyzed when about to strike woman.
What's the matter? Winned?
No, love. - Again?
Why not? Speaking of love...
You think your bow legged husband would mind if I kissed you?
He's not bow legged! I'll call the police!
He's too bow legged.
If you don't let me kiss you, mind if I bite your adam's apple?
Speaking of your husband, if you keep defending him like that...
...the idea might get around that you love him.
I think I do.
How long has this been going on? - Since yesterday.
Yesterday? That's defying after the way you flung yourself at me.
Oh, I'll call the Police...
Home, James. I mean, the casino.
Can you play the...
Diablos, she's not in dinning room.
Where can she be?
I don't know. What's the matter with you?
I'm still blind in this ear.
All right, all right. Calm down. She'll probably here somewhere.
En Mrs. Ashenden this evening?
Madame has gone with another gentleman to the casino.
Telegram for you. - Thank you.
First find men. Then do the job.
Let's go to Casino to see nice Mrs. Ashenden.
Can't you keep you mind on the business? General this is urgent.
You are always jumping conclusions.
Maybe nice Mrs. Ashenden has found out something. Let's go.
We can't go in these clothes. First we should go change.
Have you had a nice tip today? - Yes, Sir.
Is that all I get? - Yes, Sir.
Use your own money. - I haven't any.
All right, then.
One.
I could put all those on two.
Cents. Two cents for twins.
That's what you and I gonna raise when we settle down together.
What do you say?
Don't be a fighter, honey.
Let's do this in a big way.
Look, that's the dog from the hotel.
Don't you like him?
You know exactly I hate odd dogs.
Hello, darling. - Hello, dear.
You must have had a long walk.
I felt rather bored in the hotel so I came here with Mr. Marvin.
You don't mind, do you? - Good heavens, no.
Good evening. - Good evening.
Nine of them. What do you think of that?
Thank heavens you've come to take your dull wife of my hands.
I'm tired of talking words in one syllable.
Don't know each other. Do you?
This is the gentleman I was talking you about this morning.
General Pompeliu Moctezuma de la Bella del Conde y de Lonbus.
Mind if I call you Charlie?
I mind.
Pardon me while I take up my winnings.
Well? "- ‘Well’, what?"
What happened? Did you get any results?
The result of our day's work.
What does that mean? - I can't tell you here.
That's a lot of buttons for somebody.
You'll have to pay seven buttons, won't you?
Whose button is it?
It's one of your's, isn't it?
What?
I suppose it must be.
Would you kindly take that dog out of here?
Nonsense. The dog was tied up. Look, it broke the leash...
Why do you think the dog's in? What is that suppose to mean?
It means that's our man.
You mean we may have to... How thrilling.
I'm glad you think so.
But he's English.
Let me have another look at him.
There are rules that are quite... - I don't mind about the rules.
He looks so harmless.
Monsieur, there's a censorship...
That dog's not doing any harm. It couldn't bite anyone...
What's the trouble?
Seems that the sausage hound busted the regulations.
Good heavens. How many of them? - All of them, I guess.
Are these regulations governed by the Geneva convention?
No, Monsieur, they are regulations of the casino.
Have you got a copy of these regulations?
There's no need. They are well known.
He hasn't got a copy of the rules.
Under no circumstances what so ever...
Shall be allowed to have this dog molested...
Unless you show us a copy of the regulations governing the...
...transportation of livestock in this city now.
Right. Now we'll do the whole thing over again.
Do you understand, Sir?
Now I'll go to my office.
And then, we shall see!
May I introduce you to... - It has already been done...
My name's Keeper. - Mine's Ashenden.
Remember my wife, don't you? - I do.
There you are.
You know Mr. Keeper? - How do you do?
Excuse me. Pardon me.
You also know Mr. Ashenden?
Yes. Me friend of every men and beautiful wife.
That reminds me I haven't seen my wife.
This calls for a celebration. Anybody here on the wagon?
Well, I'm hardly dressed for parties, Mr. Marvin.
I had to stop by in Langenthal...
In that case you're entitled to the first drink.
Come along.
Did you hear? He was in same village today that we were.
Yes, I've heard. Go on, talk to him. I've got an idea.
This college boy is no simpatico.
Go along. Talk to him. Go on.
I thought you were starting your long trip today.
No, no, no. The day after tomorrow.
Oh, good.
My dear, I want you to meet Mr. And Mrs. Ashenden.
My wife.
You've already met Mr. Marvin. - Yes.
Look at your tie. It's terrible. Come here, let me show you.
Did you hear? They're leaving the day after tomorrow.
Comprendo. - This is what I want you to do.
Have you been away from England long?
I have never been to England.
I have never before been away from Germany.
Oh, I see.
I'll have a double Gin Tonic.
We've done discussing the matter, General. That's quite enough!
It is not enough! Me, just beginning!
Boy, how about a nice friendly little drink?
Pull yourself together, General! Don't make a scene! Shut up!
Me, not shut up!
What's the trouble? - Me not shut up!
It doesn't matter. It's nothing. It's alright. I'd like a Cognac.
It is not all right!
He insulted me in very big way!
He says this thing is nothing.
I say this thing is very big something.
You bet your sweet little ass. - General, really.
I make propuesta, that we should climb mountain all together.
He says I'm not fit for mountain climbing because...
...I only think of beautiful women.
This is too much!
All I said was you couldn't go climbing mountains and taking...
...beautiful women with you.
General, he was only joking. Forget it.
Don't be so touchy, General.
Me, touchy as much as I want.
I bet 5 English pounds that I can climb mountain higher than you.
Don't be so silly. - Go on Ashenden.
It's just a silly joke...
You see? You see? You see? He's making the climbout!
You mean, the backdown.
That's what I said.
The bet is set.
All right, I'm on. - Fine.
Ladies and gents, the fight's on. All we need now is a mountain.
Anyone got a mountain?
Well, there's the Langenthal...
If you can take a guide with you.
There's a tricky bit, but...
About a thousand feet above the center.
Where in town could we get a guide?
Do you know somebody?
In fact, If I weren't going away the day after tomorrow...
...I'd take you up myself.
That would have been orthodised.
What a pitty.
Of course, it can't be helped.
I suppose you couldn't make it tomorrow, could you?
As I matter of fact, I could.
How about you, General? It would mean breaking a date, right?
Why? What for? Is the mountain climbing in middle of night?
Well, the guide is engaged.
While the boys are mobilizing, how about a dance for you and me?
Sorry, I'm just a little old fashion wife.
How about it?
Excuse us, won't you?
You were wonderful.
What are you going to do?
Wasn't it marvellous the way he fell for it?
I'm glad you enjoyed it anyway.
Do you thinks he suspects anything?
No. He wouldn't be coming with us if he did.
Ok, you better stay behind and look after Mrs. Keeper.
Oh, why?
Somebody's got to keep her busy.
You could have a German conversation with her.
But, why can't I go with you? - Don't be absurd.
I see. I get to stay here with an old housewife...
...while you go out and have all the fun.
Listen, can I tell you something? - What?
We aren't handling a fox, we're handling a man.
An old man with a wife.
I know it's war, and it's our job to do it...
...but it doesn't mean being murderous.
Simple murder.
And all you can see in it is fun.
Shame. Come here, my dear.
Come on, come to me, will you?
Don't you take note on that funny dog there.
I suppose your husband's a very good man.
Yes. When he is there... always safe.
Is this your home?
It was our home.
Where'd you live before the war?
If you please, we do not talk about the War.
Will you sit down and we'll have a little German conversation?
I'd love to.
How much German do you know?
I'm afraid, very little.
Suppose you say to me the days of the week in German.
Samstag... Montag... Dienstag... Mittwoch...
That is good. But pronounce the words more, as so...
Samstag... Montag... Dienstag...
My mommy says have you room for a new boy in your class.
No. Go away.
Pardon me, I was speaking to the teacher.
Do you understand German, Mr. Marvin?
Not a word. But I speak it fluently.
I'll sit down here by this little girl.
I promise to be good. I won't pull your hair or anything.
Little girls shouldn't smoke cigarettes in class.
Would you like to try it, please?
The days of the week in German.
Sure.
Samstag... Montag... Di...
Your pronunciation is terrible.
Well, I thought so.
Look what it's done to the dog.
Hope we will all be back in time for dinner.
What appetite you'll have, General?
Sure, sure. We'll have big fun when this thing is over.
Now, perhaps you are going to an hotel, and you ask for a room.
In what way would you say it?
I want a double room and bath for myself and my beautiful wife.
This is my beautiful wife.
I speak to Mrs. Ashenden.
What would you say?
I would say... I want a single room, please.
Well, the going's not too bad so far, is it?
No. Pretty good, really.
I suppose this sort of work is a child's play for you, General?
For me just second nature.
Look. We have a grand view. - Oh, yes.
"As Englishmen say: "The better" "the day, the better the deed."
Correct? - Yes. Approximately.
He is always troubled when his master is away.
He thinks of him all the time.
Please, do say that again.
There's no sense in doing it. Did you get it?
So, you're out of luck.
You're forgetting instructions of "Mr. ‘R’. You prepare, me finish."
Besides, what about my money for this job?
What are you waiting for?
You two fellows tired?
He makes again the back down. I mean, the climb up.
He's tired, he says.
Well, If you're tired, let's cut it out.
Good. - No, no, no.
This is only trick, for me loosing my bet.
Oh, you won your bet all right. I'll pay you the money.
No, but there is my honour... to make the climb.
Oh, go on and climb by yourself.
Stay back here with me, Keeper.
No. Please, come with me.
No, you stay here. He can carry on alone.
No, I better go with him. It's a bit trick up there.
Thank you.
You can see us reach the top from that observatory over there.
Come on, General. I'll race you.
Nolly is being a very bad dog.
When your master comes home, I'll tell him how you've behaved.
And then what will happen?
You stay there like a good dog.
Now, Mrs. Ashenden... we'll go back to our lesson.
You think 20 marks is too much for the room, so what do you say?