HEAVY WEATHER
BEA flight 234 on final approach.
BEA flight 234, beginning our descent.
"The plane's so much faster," you said!
I don't want to hurt your feelings,
but I might have been happier on the ferry.
Too late now, my friend.
Anyway, the ferry is probably
battling a fearful storm.
Yes, but if the boat gets in difficulties, you can swim.
Lower landing gear.
Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please.
We're going to be performing an emergency landing.
She looks nervous. We'd better fasten our seatbelts.
- And grit our teeth. - Quite, old bean.
Gently does it, baby!
The fire hoses.
More water here, now! Let it go!
Quickly!
Attention, please.
Flight 234 from London has landed safely.
That was a narrow escape.
Yes, we were pretty "jammy".
- Using slang now, eh? - Now and then.
Ah, here's your driver.
Goodbye, Francis. I wish you the best of luck
sorting out that spy case.
Thank you. Give my regards to Professor Labrousse.
Ask him to lunch tomorrow. Hôtel Louvois at 1 p.m.
I'd like to see him again.
Excellent idea, Francis. See you tomorrow.
They're forecasting sun for tomorrow. Like today!
It's pouring it down. Bunch of incompetents.
Poor Labrousse. He must be quite embarrassed.
- Good evening, professor. - Evening, Ernest.
A troubled flight?
No, the landing was a bit acrobatic, that's all.
You were lucky.
Lucky? You mean "jammy"?
You know your slang, professor.
How's Professor Labrousse?
With the weather kicking up a storm, everyone's on his back.
But it's not his fault.
He doesn't choose the weather,
he just forecasts it.
I know. But the weather is certainly unsettled these days.
It's all because of...
Oh, now the windshield wipers have gone!
Can you fix them?
No, I'll just have to be extra careful.
It can't be much further.
I can't see a thing.
Look out!
Are you all right, professor?
Not bad for the second crash in one day, thanks.
Right. Now, let's think.
Where there's a dog there's a master. Where there's a master...
there's a house. Someone must live nearby.
I'll go and look for help.
Stay here in case someone comes.
Good idea, Ernest. Hurry.
"Where there's a dog there's a master.
"Where there's a master..."
Anyone there?
Ernest!
Help!
By the tartan of clan MacGregor!
I smell like a skunk.
And of course there's not a sign in sight.
Should I go to the right? Or to the left?
Hey, you there, stop!
Do come in, Mortimer.
I hope you had a good trip, professor.
I nearly drowned in the river.
In the river?
Let me explain.
Later. What you need now is a hot bath.
Where's your luggage?
I neglected to bring it with me when I went swimming.
Catherine, that was an absolutely wonderful meal.
I know you love French cooking so I made a special effort.
The professor eats very little.
That will be all, Catherine.
Of course, professor. Goodnight.
Goodnight. And thanks once again, Catherine.
The situation is alarming.
My weather service looks ridiculous
because all our forecasts turn out wrong. But, worse,
although we've done a great deal of research,
we can't explain this weather.
And it's only affecting one geographical area: France.
The UK hasn't been touched, although it's so close.
I wonder if...
It's time for the news, if you don't mind.
A hurricane has struck the British coast,
damaging major ports.
Now your country's threatened, as well.
...an aeroplane
crashed in the Alps in a snowstorm.
In Germany a landslide derailed a train.
Now all Western Europe is in danger.
Hello? Oh, good evening, madam.
Yes, he arrived two hours ago.
Well, I know the taxi got stuck somewhere but...
How peculiar.
Please keep me informed.
That was Ernest's wife. He isn't home yet.
That's very odd. It calls for investigation.
Don't worry. Ernest knows this area like the back of his hand.
You're right, of course. No need to worry.
Do it right.
The boss wants it clean.
We can't leave any clues.
Here, Sadi.
From the glove compartment.
Do we shove it in the river?
We'd better.
The cops'll be combing the place tomorrow.
Crops have been totally destroyed.
Farmers clashed with police during violent demonstrations.
I knew there'd be social and political upheaval.
Mark my words, this is just the beginning.
...a teacher saw a strange ball of fire
in the sky and managed to photograph it.
That's all we need: mass hysteria!
I'm not so sure.
Really! It's a shameless hoax.
I don't believe I share your opinion, Labrousse.
I have an idea but it's so strange that I...
Go on, I'm listening.
Let's say this ball of fire really exists,
and is the cause of these upheavals.
Let's say someone is doing it on purpose.
But that's impossible. No one can control the weather.
It's highly unlikely, I know, but it must be considered.
Very carefully.
I'm sorry, old chap, I've had a tiring day.
I'll be better company in the morning.
Here's your room.
Well, still think it's a hoax?
I don't know what to think!
The cabby had a fare but there's no sign of him.
None at all.
His bag was in the trunk. A foreigner.
What, Mortimer? From London?
What's he doing here?
Watch out for him, he's a real pain in the neck!
No problem, boss. I'll keep him out of your hair.
No, Sadi. I've got a better plan.
Let him nose around
as much as he wants.
Then we'll nail him. Do you understand?
Mortimer, is this wise,
going on your own?
Just a stroll in the country.
The weather's no better.
Here's a map, in case you get lost.
Ernest's wife called. He's not back.
Tell her not to worry. I'll find him.
Don't forget we're meeting Blake in Paris at one o'clock.
Expect me at twelve.
I think we should call the police.
First rain, now snow!
By the tartan of clan MacGregor!
It's a miracle I didn't drown.
There's the weir.
And the river...
But no taxi. All right, let's take it from the top.
The accident happened here.
And Ernest went off in that direction.
Down!
Good grief!
They're using camouflage.
What's that?
Everything indicates
that the mastermind of this spy network is based in Paris.
I think you're right.
But we still don't know why.
Our only clue is this strange series of letters we intercepted.
They're being tested in the lab.
Durand?
Yes, sir.
I want him to show you the letters.
Hello, captain.
Hello, Durand. Anything new?
See for yourself.
All sent poste restante
and addressed to Per Henrik Quarnströn.
Mean anything to you?
No, nothing. Unfortunately.
A blank sheet of stationery.
I've seen that crest before, though. "Scandinavia".
Really?
My department has had dealings with this company.
Durand,
would you please make an enlargement of this crest?
Yes, sir.
Did you notice something we missed?
We'll have to wait and see, won't we, my friend?
After all, I could be wrong.
May I use your phone?
I'm going to be late for lunch.
Hôtel Louvois.
No, Professor Mortimer isn't here yet.
Professor Labrousse is waiting for him. One moment, please.
Hello, Labrousse?
What do you mean, "disappeared"?
You'd better come and join me here as quickly as you can.
The second bead is brighter.
Give us a close-up.
Yes, sir.
Microfilm!
Good work, Blake.
But I still don't know what it means.
Come in.
Hello, Labrousse.
Professor Labrousse, Inspector Pradier.
How do you do.
Still no sign of Mortimer?
No, I can't imagine where he's gone. A mystery.
Here's another.
This code looks unbreakable.
By no means. The message is quite clear.
You're joking.
I seldom make jokes, captain.
These are simply the standard codes that weather stations use
to transmit their findings.
Are you sure of that?
Absolutely.
Barometric pressure, type and density of cloud, wind speed...
But two things puzzle me.
These call signs don't belong to any station I know of.
Secondly, this message is dated four days ago
but the readings are based on today's weather conditions.
Which means that these "readings" are actually forecasts.
Could they be secret forecasts, sent by a shadow weather station?
Professor Mortimer's theory seemed preposterous but...
What theory?
He believed that this catastrophic weather we're having
might be... controlled. Staged.
Bingo! That's what the spies are trying to do:
control the world's weather.
Maybe. But what for?
I don't know.
But I'm afraid that Mortimer's disappearance is linked to it.
Wakey wakey, professor! Here's your luggage.
What's the meaning of this?
Boss's orders.
What boss?
Who are you two? What do you want?
Keep your shirt on! The boss'll explain, in person.
By the tartan of clan MacGregor, who is this boss?
I don't know who this Mortimer is, but the boss is pleased.
He must be a really big cheese.
Yeah.
The boss is going to deal with him personally.
- And the other one? - The taxi-driver?
He's just a fly in the ointment.
We know what to do with them!
Disappeared without a trace.
It's not like Mortimer.
I have a place here in Paris. I'd like to pick up my post.
It won't take very long.
We can call Catherine to see if Mortimer's got in touch.
Good idea.
There's been a lot of post for you these last few days.
Thanks. We must rush.
Would you mind taking up Mr Henry's post?
My legs aren't what they were.
No problem.
Sorry to disturb you. Here's your post.
How kind of you to bother. I do appreciate it.
But I must ask you to excuse me.
I'm on the telephone... Long distance.
Unbelievable! Blake is mixed up in this, too!
I smell a rat, Labrousse.
No news, Catherine? I see.
Yes, we're on our way.
Sorry, Blake. She hasn't heard from Mortimer.
As for Ernest, the police haven't even found his cab.
Let's go.
Sharkey! Freddy!
Yeah, boss?
Tail that twit Labrousse.
He's working hand in glove with Captain Blake!
What's he doing, elbowing into the act?
It's obvious. He wants to rescue his friend Mortimer.
Make sure you knock both of them out of the game. Understand?
Get the car quick, before we lose them.
The boss wants them out of the game. I'll see to it!
A telegram for you, professor. It's just been delivered.
Signed "Mortimer"?
"Presence urgently required in London.
"Tell Blake not to worry. Best regards, Mortimer."
Well, well. May I see?
Sent at three this afternoon from Rue de Rennes in Paris.
Near my flat.
How odd. "Tell Blake not to worry."
He could have left me a message at the hotel.
Maybe he did leave a message there.
I'll check.
Hello?
Not even a dial tone. Your phone is dead.
Maybe the snow brought the lines down.
Possibly. But I have the feeling this telegram is a fake.
A fake?
I think someone's trying to stop us looking for Mortimer.
And that means he's in danger.
We must get the police.
The car.
See that car?
I think...
Were you expecting company?
Of course not. They shot at us!
They've been tailing us.
I saw that car when I slipped.
I saw my neighbour, Mr Quarnströn, get into that car
a few days ago.
Mr who?
We call him Mr Henry because it's easier.
His real name is Per Henrik Quarnströn.
No doubt about it.
Quarnströn sent those men to keep us pinned down.
But I don't see how Quarnströn could...
Your home is bugged, I'm afraid.
That microfilm was intended for Quarnströn,
so he must be part of the network sabotaging the weather.
He also sent us that telegram supposed to be from Mortimer.
We'll never solve this case until we find Mortimer.
They're trapped.
In a nice, warm house while we freeze!
Aw, shut up!
Do you think they're trying to kill us?
No. At least not right away.
They'll come after us later?
If they wanted to kill us they'd have moved by now.
So their only goal is to keep us nailed down here.
Mine is to unmask Quarnströn,
your neighbour in Paris.
Can I get to Paris other than by car?
The station's round the corner.
Have you a back door?
Into the garden.
But you still have to cross the street. They'll see you.
I'll have to chance it.
Take the key to my flat.
It might come in handy.
Indeed it might! You'd better go back inside.
Pretend to be talking to me.
What a clever idea!
You can count on me. Best of luck, and be careful!
So, my dear Blake, in these trying circumstances...
Excuse me, professor.
Will Captain Blake be staying for dinner?
Has he left?
No. I mean, yes.
Just go away, please.
Of course, professor.
As I was saying, Blake...
Blake! He's on the lam!
Stop, thief!
Get me the police!
Someone just stole my post van.
Don't lose him. Step on it!
It's the cops!
Nice work.
Damn, lost him!
No way. This car can beat the train.
What do you think you're doing, driving like maniacs?
Don't give me a hard time!
Open the gate and we'll be on our way.
Yes, of course, sir. Right away!
Missed him!
It's about ninety seconds between metro stops.
If I get off at the third down the line.
Who knows where he'll get off!
We'll check every stop.
That's exactly what we'll do. Drive!
That's a great looking hat.
Yeah? So what?
I'd like to buy it.
Are you all right?
Yes. It's just about the right size.
It's not for sale.
It's important.
It's yours!
Hey, do you want to buy my overalls as well?
Extra, extra, read all about it!
69B Rue de Vaugirard, and quickly.
See that?
What do you think? Let's go.
Second floor, on the left. He seems to be at home.
His flat's on the other side of this wall.
If I'm right there ought to be...
Bingo! I knew it.
Quarnströn has been spying on Professor Labrousse.
Lost him? You stupid fools!
Who knows what he's up to now?
We'll have to move out. Stay in touch.
Get me Pradier.
I need him right away. It's Captain Blake.
Tell him to bring the back-up squad to 69B Rue du Vaugirard.
It's only two floors.
Hold on, you're nearly there.
Hands up!
Who are you? What do you want?
Money?
Stop! Get over there!
You don't know who you're dealing with.
That's why I'm here.
Don't move.
You shouldn't have been so naive.
Tricked by a rotten...
Careful, your accent is slipping.
Now, tell me who you are.
Of course. If you really want to know, my dear Blake.
Olrik?
In person. You shouldn't be so naive, captain.
Thought you gave us the slip, you stinking meddler!
Be polite now, Sharkey.
He's going to lay the gun down, aren't you, captain?
You win this time, Olrik.
Get a load of the artillery!
You'll never beat me, Blake.
Here come the cops.
Up on the roof, quick.
I say, Blake,
you're in good shape.
Not too bad for a man my age.
I exercise when I can. Follow me.
There they are.
Give up, Olrik! We've got you cornered.
Cover us, Sharkey.
OK, boss.
Damn it, they're getting away. After them!
Any closer and you're in for a surprise!
Blast!
Too far to jump.
We're done for.
They're trapped up there.
We've got them.
Maybe, but let's not be too sure.
Too late.
That blasted Olrik has the most outrageous luck.
How's the illustrious Professor Mortimer today?
Enjoying your holiday?
By the tartan of clan MacGregor,
leave me alone!
What do you want, you jackals?
That's no way to talk. Come with us.
I suppose you're holding Ernest prisoner as well?
Is that his name? Ernest?
All he does is sit there by the wall.
All systems are go, general.
The paratroopers can jump on schedule, at 8 o'clock.
Over and out.
Come in.
Olrik? By the tartan of clan...
MacGregor, yes.
Can't you find another expression?
That's getting boring.
Blast you, Olrik! Causing me trouble yet again.
No, it's you causing me trouble.
And on the eve of my greatest mission.
Mission?
You mean a scam, a treacherous...
As you wish.
I'm responsible for all these disasters
afflicting most of Europe.
What do you say to that?
I don't believe you.
You're a loudmouth,
a maniac, a phoney and a bore!
Enough of this.
Let's take him to the lab.
What?
After you, professor.
This is the only piece of paper Olrik didn't manage to burn.
A weather forecast. A catastrophe!
An unusually thick fog will blanket
all France and neighbouring countries
tomorrow at eight.
It's nearly midnight now.
Knowing that Olrik's part of the plot,
I fear the worst.
What do you mean, Blake?
Let me think.
A good part of Europe paralysed by fog...
If you wanted to invade France, what more could you ask?
An invasion? Oh, come, Blake!
I'll wager Olrik has sold his services to a foreign power.
You may be right. But how can we find him?
By looking for Mortimer.
Mortimer?
Yes. Olrik is no doubt holding him prisoner.
Allow me to introduce a brilliant fellow scientist,
Professor Miloch.
A fellow scientist? More a thug like you!
Now, now, mind your manners.
You'll be fascinated
by what he has to show you.
Working in hidden weather stations
and using the latest weather technology,
we can inflict whatever weather conditions we like on any region.
You mean you have the power
to reproduce natural phenomena?
Of course.
All we have to do is heat or chill
certain layers of the atmosphere.
Do you follow?
Of course.
But you need a phenomenal source of energy, as yet undiscovered.
I've discovered it.
I have all the energy I need.
I've managed to harness ball lightning.
Ball lightning?
That's just a scientist's dream.
Not for me.
Tell me, what's that button for?
Thank you, Miloch.
You've told him all he needs to know.
It's almost "H" hour.
Sharkey, take Mortimer back.
No problem, boss.
You won't need the gun.
In half an hour the professor is going to die laughing.
When the fog rolls in
it'll be curtains for you. And good riddance!
Put him back in his cage.
Sure, boss. Come on, move it.
Hurry it up.
Freeze!
Good show, Ernest!
I'll have you free in a minute.
You showed up in the nick of time.
What? Where did you find it?
I see. Keep me informed.
More news. They've found Ernest's taxi, right here.
Bingo. Next to the bridge Mortimer was looking for.
And what's nearby?
An intriguing abandoned factory.
As a secret HQ it couldn't be better.
I'll alert the army.
Roger, general. "Operation Meteor"
will begin in three minutes.
I read you.
"Operation Meteor" underway.
Will drop the paratroopers on your signal. Over.
Attention, please.
All personnel to battle stations
for the countdown.
Hold it! Hand over those suits.
And make it snappy!
More slang, eh, professor?
Three, two,
one, zero!
The SWAT teams'll be there
in under an hour.
Perfect.
What's the matter with everyone?
HQ to Pradier.
Labrousse has analysed the fog.
It contains toxic levels of oxygen,
will produce euphoria and accelerate the heartbeat,
causing cardiac collapse.
Diabolical!
Gas masks, you idiots, put your masks on!
We'll need gas masks, too.
Have a nice trip!
Don't touch that computer!
What do you want?
Tell me how to stop it.
You're the famous scientist. Figure it out.
Attention, everyone.
Mortimer has escaped.
Help, help...
If it moves, shoot it!
I'll try to shut this machine off.
I've got no idea.
There must be a master switch.
Maybe this...
Don't touch that!
- It's going to blow. - Let me out!
- Where's Miloch? - Who cares?
That way!
Faster! Drive faster!
We're done for, professor.
No, over there. There has to be some way out.
Ernest!
Mortimer? Where's Mortimer?
Quick, bring up the fire engines.
Look out!
They haven't a chance.
No, look!
Mortimer! Ernest!
They're alive.
Olrik!
Don't let them get away.
Hands up!
Where's your boss?
No idea. Do you know?
All right, all right.
Book these jokers.
Come out, you scoundrel!
Hello, Olrik.
Give the man a warm welcome.
Come on out before you catch cold.
Rotten dog!
The French attack squad.
Your friends are in for a rough ride back.
Your mission is a total failure, after all that work.
It isn't over yet, Mortimer!
Subtitling by TVS - TITRA FILM