THE YELLOW MARK
Company, halt!
Carpenter!
Hey, Carpenter, what happened?
It had... red eyes.
A monster!
Sound the alarm! After him!
He's heading for Traitor's Gate.
- Well? - Nothing, sir. There's no one.
Down here.
The Crown Jewels! Follow me.
The crown's gone.
Sir, look up there.
The Yellow Mark!
- Good evening, Philip. - Evening, Francis.
Feeling testy?
- Seen the papers? - Haven't had time.
The crown's been stolen?
This Yellow Mark chappie goes for high profile loot.
The Prime Minister's furious.
I'm not surprised.
First the Turner goes from the Tate,
then that bomb scare last week.
He's facing trouble.
I'm sure.
So what does he decide?
He tells you to sort it out.
Precisely! How did you guess?
I simply took one look at your face.
You might be able to help me.
This Yellow Mark is a maniac with something to prove.
I agree. Else why steal the Crown of England?
Who could you sell it to?
It's a vulgar stunt.
Pinching the crown shows a certain...
lack of tact.
And painting that silly graffiti on the wall. How childish.
I have it!
What, Philip?
I knew it must be the hydrogen bonding.
Goodnight, Dr Vernay.
Goodnight, Dr Septimus.
- Goodnight, Septimus. - Goodnight, Vernay.
Goodnight.
Allow me to introduce Inspector Kendall of Scotland Yard.
Glad to meet you.
A pleasure to work with the Yard.
How far have we got?
I've traced Dr Vernay's movements very carefully.
Left the hospital at 11.45,
met Sergeant McMurphy on his beat around midnight,
disappeared a few seconds later
into thin air.
All we found was his hat.
No ransom demand, no clues.
Except for the yellow scribble!
Why kidnap Vernay?
It makes no sense, psychologically.
I don't believe in psychology. So if I may...
By all means.
He's very hostile.
A good officer. Put yourself in his place.
It's his case, and the PM sends in the secret service.
That's why he's a bit hostile.
Daily Mail, may I help you?
One moment, I'll connect you.
Dynamite front page, eh, boss?
Stop patting yourself on the back and get down to work!
Boss, I was...
I don't get it.
Why isn't he pleased about the story?
Get me Calvin at the courthouse.
Yes, sir.
Mr Justice Calvin, sir.
- Calvin? - Hello, Macomber.
Did you hear about Vernay?
- Yes, I did. - Be careful.
Why should I be careful?
Someone's after you.
I think someone's after us both.
What for?.
The Wade case.
The Wade case? Can you prove it?
I'm relying on my nose for news.
There are too many coincidences. I have to go now.
Take care, please.
Mr Macomber, where are you?
Look!
The boss will boost our sales now!
How did he break in?
And how did he escape with Macomber?
I'm baffled.
No human being could do it.
So what kind of being are we dealing with?
What do you mean? Do you think...
I don't know. It makes me wonder.
I don't know why he was in such a bad mood.
Our circulation has doubled.
Maybe he had other things on his mind.
I think he was afraid.
Then he must have known something.
Here's Miss Webster.
Miss Webster,
is it true that Macomber phoned Judge Calvin last night?
Yes, captain.
That was the last call he made before...
It's horrible. Poor Mr Macomber.
It's a nightmare.
Thank you.
May I ask you an awkward question?
Yes.
Sometimes people,
purely by accident...
Did you listen in on their conversation?
What do you take me for?
She'd never do a thing like that.
Pity...
- If that's all... - Thank you.
May I go, too, then?
Now what?
We pay a visit to Mr Justice Calvin.
Yes, he did call me last night.
- What did he say? - He was worried.
- Did he sound frightened? - Possibly.
Of what? He must have told you.
Actually, he didn't. He was very vague.
Why did he call you?
We're old friends.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.
We're most grateful for your cooperation.
Your testimony is priceless, I assure you.
Lying through his teeth!
Yes but why?
He's afraid. But of what?
If he won't tell us...
What could be the link between Vernay, Macomber,
Calvin and the Yellow Mark?
It's beginning to smell like revenge to me.
Why does he use that sign?
Sorry?
That Yellow Mark. The Greek letter "mu".
It must mean something.
Here's our stop.
By the tartan of clan MacGregor!
- What's wrong? - His mark, on your back!
I say!
It could be any of them.
Or none.
He's toying with us.
But now we know we're barking up the right tree.
From now on I get around in police cars.
And let the bus system go broke?
Calvin needs guarding,
whether he likes it or not.
- Coming? - No, I'm going to the Mail
for a look at their back issues.
As you please.
Nothing to report.
Good. With Kendall on duty, the judge will be safe.
A problem, inspector?
I heard a noise.
A log fell out of the grate.
Of course, I see... Sorry I intruded.
No. Nothing there.
September 1953...
Thank you, Mr Stone.
Found it!
Look here. Vernay, Macomber
and Calvin, all in the same boat.
"Scenes of high drama in the John Wade case.
"The publisher of Wade's book, The Mega Wave , loses his libel suit
"he brought against Dr Vernay
"and Mr Macomber, editor of the Daily Mail.
"When Mr Justice Calvin passed judgement,
"the publisher died of a heart attack."
He really took his work to heart!
"The Daily Mail had published an article by Dr Vernay
"describing Wade's book as
"a mishmash produced by an inferior mind."
Indeed. That's quite withering.
"Dr Septimus was the only scientist to defend the book."
I must have a chat with Dr Septimus.
Do you remember that case?
Certainly. It was a cause célèbre at the time.
This John Wade?
That was a pseudonym. No one knew who he was.
That would have been too easy.
Where could I get a copy of the book?
I wouldn't know where to look.
All the copies were removed from circulation.
It's out of print.
I see.
A second-hand bookshop?
And who's this Dr Septimus?
A psychiatrist at the Royal College Hospital.
That's Vernay's hospital, isn't it?
- That's right. - Well, well...
Calvin!
I noticed that all the victims were involved in the Wade trial.
I was worried.
Then why didn't you get in touch with us?
I wasn't sure.
And Calvin only disappeared last night.
Thank you.
What did you think of Wade's book? You defended it at the trial.
Yes, I did. The man's a genius.
Years ahead of his time. Genius always frightens petty minds.
Like Vernay and Macomber?
Perhaps not "petty",
but they are woefully conventional.
Like Calvin, who's been kidnapped?
I saw it in the paper.
You know the author?
Wade? No.
You're taking a big risk, doctor.
What do you mean?
You said it yourself.
All the people involved in the trial are disappearing.
But I defended the book.
So you think it's revenge?
You stood up for him, so he'll spare you?
Of course.
Look what I've found.
The Mega Wave!
You have a copy!
Of course. The publisher sent it me when I testified.
Naturally. May I borrow it?
If you like.
He's hiding something. Like Calvin, he daren't talk.
That's it!
- What else? - No, look!
I never liked maths.
No, look!
Here!
The Yellow Mark.
Yes, a Greek "mu".
Wade used the Greek letter
to stand for his discovery: the Mega Wave.
You've saved me a lot of time.
Now I know there's a link between Wade and the Yellow Mark.
But we still know virtually nothing about John Wade.
We worship gladly at thy shrine, o dazzling genius!
We praise thy warm heart and open hand.
We would wither without thy generosity and understanding.
We live by thy light alone.
We are thy humble servants, thy slaves.
Delighted to make your acquaintance at last, old boy.
Freeze.
Don't move!
I don't believe it!
Are you OK?
Don't worry about me. Get after him!
Captain Blake, Intelligence. Follow that man!
James, do no such thing!
Harold, do something.
Show me your badge, officer.
Later. Step on it, James!
Don't be afraid, Agatha.
Nailed him!
He must have a hide like a tank to flatten a bullet like this.
Or a strong force field.
He's superhuman. I've never seen anyone run so fast.
It reminds me of something I read in Wade's book.
That's odd. I'm sure I left it here last night.
The Yellow Mark broke in to steal it.
You're right.
Every single thread breaks off in our hand.
Except Dr Septimus.
He's the only soul in the world who knew we had that book.
That's true. We should keep an eye on him.
Tomorrow I'll ship him to the country, under guard!
Is this necessary?
I have a lot of work to do.
That can wait. We can't protect you here.
We're taking you to one of our safe houses.
Once you're there, we can relax.
I'll check this out,
you stay here.
Where can I go?
Why did we stop?
Maybe a slower train further down the line.
Nothing serious.
What the...
Septimus!
Oh, no, not again!
Septimus!
- Didn't you hear anything? - No, sir.
Follow me.
A track. Come and look.
Fresh tyre tracks. A car drove along here not long ago.
Oh, my God!
What a nightmare!
We have to stop this lunatic.
It'll be even harder, without Septimus.
I'm going to stop the Yellow Mark, I swear it!
The first thing we have to do is find John Wade.
Our last lead, swallowed up into thin air, like the others.
Kendall, glad to see you.
You look on top form!
Thank you.
No luck at all, captain.
No sign of the Yellow Mark. Not a clue.
Disappeared into thin air.
Stalemate.
Not necessarily.
I have a wee idea.
I talked to Thornley's old accountant.
Who's Thornley?
The house that published
Wade's famous book.
Oh, right.
You think he'll be able to tell us who John Wade really is?
Right first shot!
What will that change?
The person posing as John Wade...
Is the Yellow Mark, inspector.
This just arrived. It's addressed to you.
"Want to know more about the Yellow Mark?
"Meet me tonight at Limehouse Docks,
"shed twenty-two.
"Come alone." Signed "John Smith".
He wants to be incognito.
It's a trap.
Probably,
but we might learn something about the Yellow Mark.
All units, remain in position
and await my orders. Over.
Blake, do you read me? Over.
I read you loud and clear.
I have the target in my sights. Signing off now. Over and out.
Professor Mortimer?
That's right.
I'm Wilbur James.
You want to talk about Wade?
I do indeed. Come in.
- I've found what you're after. - Capital!
It's the contract Wade signed with Thornley.
It's a nasty night.
I wouldn't mind a drink.
Help yourself. It's over there.
Page eighteen, clause three.
By the tartan of clan MacGregor!
"John Wade, alias Jonathan Septimus"!
Septimus!
I always say, for good scotch, go to a Scotsman!
- May I? - Feel free.
Scotland Yard? Mortimer.
Put me through to Blake or Kendall right away.
Check with your superiors?
There's no time for that, you dunderhead!
Go choke on a crumpet!
Stupid Sassenach!
Excellent.
A pure malt?
Yes...
Lock the door after you.
Be careful, professor.
Taxi!
Tavistock Square, quick!
In this fog, sir? I'll do what I can.
I'm in the shed.
Kendall, do you read me?
We're losing him. What's wrong with this thing?
Blake, Blake!
Five minutes, then we move.
Smith? Is that you?
Smith?
Up here, Captain Blake.
Come up and join me.
Three o'clock.
Alert all units.
- Smith? - Over here.
He's trying to get away over the roofs.
Point those lights on the roof.
- Got him. - He's trapped.
This is a real pea-souper.
We're in Regent Street. Turn left for Oxford Circus.
Four men at that gate!
Lights at every exit.
We have him now.
Let's not count our chickens.
Jump him, lads!
They've got him.
Good God!
I have an idea.
Nobody talks, nobody stirs.
Blake.
Don't interfere.
Can we talk? I'm no threat to you.
I'm not armed.
You've nothing to fear.
Just put him down. We can work this out.
I promise we won't...
Patrol the banks!
A man every 30 feet!
Hold it!
Look what I've found.
Do you think he drowned?
I want to see his corpse first.
I'll tell them to keep looking.
He jumped in, he'll have to get out.
He hasn't got gills!
Who knows what he has?
This is Jenkins.
The Yellow Mark has assaulted an officer
and stolen a police car.
Pull over, man.
I'll walk. It'll be faster.
I'm doing the best I can, in this fog!
Here you are.
He's out of his mind!
- Follow that car! - What?
- Fifty pounds. - Certainly!
How does he drive like that? X-ray vision?
Possibly.
- Tavistock Square. - Of course.
Hey, my fifty pounds. Blasted Scotsman!
Phew, what a stink!
- You were nearly caught. - Yes, master.
- Take your place. - Yes.
You expended far too much energy.
Septimus!
The mega-receiver needs recharging.
Yes, master.
I was right.
Voltage level ready, condenser ready.
Initiating procedure.
Flawless, as usual.
How do you feel?
Fine, master.
Olrik!
That's good. Go.
Hello, Dr Septimus.
Delighted you escaped from your kidnappers.
Well, well, Professor Mortimer.
What a surprise!
Take him!
Macomber? Vernay? Calvin?
No, no... No!
Despite the Yellow Mark,
Londoners are preparing for Christmas.
The shops are full to overflowing.
Father Christmas will be on time,
despite the Yellow Mark.
That's all Mortimer said?
I said I had to check with my superiors
and he swore and hung up, sir.
I'm not surprised.
What could he have found out?
The Yellow Mark wishes you a Happy Holiday!
Blake here. Of course I see it.
I want a tracer on that transmitter.
Let me know when you get something.
...have mobilised every police officer in the country
in order to capture me, and I've made them a laughing stock.
Now I wish to announce another coup.
I have taken a very special hostage:
Father Christmas!
Oh, no, it's Mortimer!
He's off his head!
For those of you who still believe in this bizarre character,
I have some bad news. He'll be executed at midnight!
I don't believe it!
Merry Christmas!
Untie him. Leave us alone.
Yes, master.
Get me out of this costume!
Don't you like it?
It suits you very well. And it's seasonal.
That's just one thing the Mega Wave can do.
So this is the famous Mega Wave described in John Wade's book.
Very impressive.
It's my book. My wave!
The invention of the century.
All this and modest, too!
Why should I be modest?
With my Mega Wave I can control minds at a distance,
I can transform anyone into a docile slave
with superhuman powers!
Anyone! Even cretins like Macomber, Vernay and Calvin.
As you discovered.
Those idiots slandered me
that I had to go into exile in Egypt.
That's where I found that poor, deranged creature.
An ideal guinea pig for my experiments.
I made him the Yellow Mark when I got back to London.
But the Yellow Mark is nothing. I am the master!
You miserable creature! You worm!
Yes, master.
See? He's a slave, a tool. Nothing more.
Out of my sight.
Yes, master.
That's right.
Impressive, isn't it?
But soon I won't need him any more.
Tomorrow England will be my slave.
I'll make those worms crawl to me.
And then...
The whole world will acknowledge my genius.
You're totally mad, Septimus!
Me, mad? How dare you? I'll make you pay for that.
You'll pay!
Could I ask a few questions?
What, on Christmas night?
This is an absolute disgrace!
We've scoured the area. And we're now doing
house-to-house enquiries.
Too bad they couldn't pinpoint the signal any better than that.
It's better than nothing.
And it's all we have to find Mortimer.
The condenser's ready.
Bring Father Christmas.
Yes, master.
Look! Here we go again.
I'm Philip Mortimer.
Not Father Christmas? I'm devastated.
But I'll survive.
Dr Septimus is holding me prisoner.
He's the Yellow Mark.
I repeat, Dr Septimus is the Yellow Mark.
Merry Christmas, chum!
Father Christmas versus the Yellow Mark!
There you are, professor.
No, no!
Septimus.
You must obey me. I'm your master.
Stay away from me, you're insane!
Thirteen minutes.
We'll make it. Trust me.
Take the crown, it's yours.
Please don't! I'll give you everything I have.
I've been waiting for this moment.
Now I'm going to pay you back.
No, please! I beg you!
What you need is a little jolt of Mega Waves.
But I haven't got a helmet!
I brought you out of the desert.
Yes, to make me your slave. Your toy.
We could do great things together.
I have no need of you.
No!
I'm free. Free at last!
Now to deal with Professor Mortimer.
Professor Mortimer!
There must be a secret passage.
You see, professor.
I'm respecting Septimus' last wish.
This way.
Look for him.
Try the next floor.
Look everywhere, go on!
Time to get rid of Father Christmas once and for all, don't you think?
What a totally ridiculous character.
I never believed in him!
You're free again
and all you want to do is hurt people.
Your atoms will soon be joining the primeval soup!
- I've found it! - Well done!
Blake, be careful!
After him, lads.
Blake, wait for us!
Farewell, Mortimer.
Colonel Olrik, what an unexpected pleasure!
Hold it! Freeze!
Damn it!
Where does this lead?
To the sewers of London.
You came in the nick of time.
My watch must be slow!
I thought I had 20 seconds to spare.
What are these ridiculous costumes?
Like circus performers!
I demand an explanation!
Look.
Blake, I think we've seen the last of the Yellow Mark.
That's true. But perhaps not the last of Olrik.
Subtitling by TVS - TITRA FILM