[Wind howling]
Nicolai.
Count Nicolai Wolkonski.
What the devil?!
What are you doing here? What do you want with me?
Take your hands off me!
Ugh!
[ Exhales ]
[whimpering]
Aah!
In Edwardian times there lived many detectives --
the rivals of Sherlock Homes.
[ indistinct conversations]
Thank you, ma'am.
[Classical music playing]
I should like a room for two nights.
I'm afraid we're completely booked, sir.
The best you have.
There's a trade fair in town.
A suite, if possible.
I really can't --
I shouldn't really let this to anyone, sir.
It's a private suite.
However, the baron is away until Friday.
Take this gentleman's baggage up to suite 3.
Look sharp about it.
Will you sign the register, please, sir?
Yes, of course.
I believe my sister-in-law, the Countess Wolkonski,
is staying here.
Yes, sir.
- Which is her room? -215, sir.
Is she in?
She should be in, sir.
Shall I send a message up?
No, I shall go myself.
I'm afraid I must ask permission first, sir.
She said especially she didn't wish to be disturbed.
I see.
I should very much like to surprise her, if possible.
You see, she does not know I'm in Copenhagen,
and I have a very special sort of present to give her.
I quite understand, sir.
- Second floor. -Thank you.
Oh, Countess,
your brother-in-law just asked for you.
I sent him up to your room.
How dare you send anyone up to my room without my permission?
How dare you?
I'm very sorry, ma'am.
He said he wished to surprise you.
[Classical music playing]
Never let that man come near me.
Do you understand? Never!
More coffee?
No, thank you.
By the way,
I hear Lieutenant Olsen's been promoted to captain.
Yes, I know.
- You knew? -Yes.
Well, why him, not you?
He's an ambitious lad.
- Nice for Mrs. Olsen. -Yes.
Where's Odessa?
Russia, I think. Why?
Yeah, it is Russia. Hmm.
They had a mutiny there on a battleship.
Oh, yes?
There's always trouble in Russia.
It says here they've been having strikes
all the way through the spring.
And assassinations.
I think it's dreadful.
Yes, it is dreadful.
Ah, well, I'm glad you don't work in a country like that.
I wouldn't want you mixed up in any revolutions.
No, no, I just get drugs, prostitutes, and burglaries.
[ Chuckles ]
Why can't they give you anything more interesting?
Ah, well, it's the penalty for being a policeman
in a quiet city like Copenhagen.
All the same, wish you were a little more ambitious.
You're just as good at your job as Lieutenant Olsen.
Well, that doesn't always pay off.
Look at that young detective in Esbjerg --
arrested a foreign spy who turned out to be a diplomat,
and that cost him his job.
Well, he may not have been wrong.
Some diplomats are spies, aren't they?
Perhaps. I don't know.
I'm only pointing out the hazards of being overambitious.
Yes, darling.
I'll see you tonight.
[Bells chiming, birds chirping]
Good morning, sir.
Well, what have we got this morning, Sergeant?
Oh, nothing much, sir.
Oh, there's a man here says he's lost his wife, sir.
Lost his wife?
Yes, sir.
Good morning.
I'm Lieutenant Holst. Would you come with me?
Oh, uh...
- Well? -My wife has disappeared.
How long have you been married?
25 years.
And when did she disappear?
She wasn't there when I got home last night.
I waited up all night, but she just didn't come back.
- Did she leave any message? -No.
Did she take any of her clothes?
No.
Did you have a quarrel?
No, no, we never quarrel.
We don't say much. We're happy.
Children?
No.
Couldn't she have gone to a relative or something?
Without leaving a message?
[Telephone rings]
Yes?
Yes, sir, I'll come at once.
Would you excuse me? I have to see the inspector.
Do you mind just waiting outside?
The sergeant will get you a coffee.
You will find her?
Oh, yes, yes, we'll find her.
Thank you.
[Knock on door]
Ah, Holst.
Good morning.
Sit down.
Cock-and-bull story.
HOLST '. Sh'?
On the other hand, might be telling the truth.
Impossible to say.
But you're the very chap to deal with it -- level-headed.
We don't want another mix-up
like that one over the Austrian diplomat, now, do we?
- No, sir. -No, I should say not.
Wait here.
May I introduce my assistant, Lieutenant Holst?
This is the Countess Wolkonski from Russia.
Good morning.
Lieutenant Holst is one of our best young officers.
He will be dealing with your case.
Holst.
Well, Countess, what can I do for you?
My brother-in-law wants to murder me.
Murder you?
He thinks I betrayed my husband.
He stole my son and murdered him,
and now he wants to murder me.
Please tell me from the beginning.
I was very young when I married Nicolai -- only 17.
He was 20.
We were very happy.
One year after we were married, we had a little boy -- Ivan.
I thought such happiness was not possible.
I said to myself, "It cannot last."
But it did -- for six years.
Six unforgettable years.
Perhaps it would have lasted forever, but for politics.
Yes?
It was those damnable politics that took him from me.
There were forces of discontent working against the tsar.
Some of Nicolai's officers were among them.
They infected him.
They infected him with immorality, too.
He took to drink.
And he was unfaithful to me.
Please go on.
Well...
they arrested my husband.
And while in prison, awaiting trial, he died --
of pneumonia, they told me.
But his brother, Dimitri,
who was involved in these plots, escaped.
He stole my son and took him to Vienna.
Then he wrote to me and demanded that I come to see him.
Of course, I went.
But when I got there, I found my son was dead.
Also of pneumonia, they told me.
So I thought he would kill me, too, and I fled to Berlin.
Why didn't you return to Russia?
My husband was arrested as a revolutionary.
I thought they would arrest me, too.
So, before leaving for Vienna, I sold my estates.
[Scoffs ] Well, Dimitri followed me to Berlin.
I went on to Stockholm. He followed me there, too.
[Voice breaking] I came here, and so did he,
and he will kill me if you don't stop him!
Where is your brother-in-law?
At the Hotel Angleterre.
He found me there and tried to see me.
I've checked the Hotel Angleterre.
There is a Count Dimitri Wolkonski staying there.
You see? Why don't you arrest him?
We have nothing against him.
But I've told you --
He simply asked to see you.
That is not a crime.
Then you must take me into protective custody.
We can't do that.
But you must find me somewhere safe!
I beg of you.
I cannot return to that hotel.
You must protect me.
Why not go to your embassy?
Ah, my husband was a revolutionary.
They wouldn't lift a finger to help me.
I know them.
Holst, you better go down to the Hotel Angleterre
and have a word with Count Wolkonski.
Do not believe him.
He will tell you lies. He deceives everyone.
Can the countess stay here while I see him?
I don't think that's a very good idea.
Would your wife -- Excuse me, ma'am, Countess.
Would your wife take care of her for an hour or two?
- My wife? -Yes, she's a sensible woman.
Well, yes, but --
I mean, it really isn't a police matter, is it?
I suppose I could ask her.
Good man.
Right.
Now, don't worry.
You can rely on Lieutenant Holst.
Please come with me, Countess.
No.
I will not leave this place until he's in prison or dead.
But if you come along to my office...
Well, you'll be quite safe with me.
Good day, Countess.
My family have always been loyal.
I want nothing to do with these men.
They talk to me of slavery.
What do I know of slavery?
There have always been slaves in Russia.
There will always be a tsar. How can they change that?
They're mad to try.
I have no one to protect me now.
Well, why not let me take you back to your hotel?
Then I can see you to your room before I speak with the count.
But you promised you would take me to your wife.
I think you'll be better at your hotel.
Are you mad? Do you want me to be killed?
But you could lock your door, and then no one could get in.
But there are balconies.
He can get into another room and climb along.
- No, really, I don't think -- -You don't know this man.
He's desperate.
I will not go.
Please do not try to force me.
Hide me.
I'm in danger.
Don't you understand?
Very well.
Excuse me.
Ulla?
ULLA: Eigil?
What are you doing back at this time?
I've just made some coffee.
This is the Countess Wolkonski, from Russia.
From Russia?
This is my wife, Ulla.
How do you do?
The countess says that her brother-in-law is pursuing her,
plans to murder her.
She's afraid to go back to her hotel,
so the inspector suggested she might stay here with you
while I talk to the count, her brother-in-law, at the hotel.
If you wouldn't mind.
She's very upset.
Perhaps you'd get her a coffee.
Well, I'll get down to the hotel.
You'll be quite safe here.
You are very kind.
Right.
Now, what --
What's all this about?
I've just explained.
I don't want that woman here.
It was the inspector's suggestion.
I don't care whose suggestion it was.
Why couldn't she stay at the police station?
Well, the inspector doesn't want her to.
Why on earth not? It's a police matter, isn't it?
He seems to think not.
Well, why are you saddled with her?
Well, we've got to do something.
Look, Ulla, I'm sorry, but she is very upset.
So am I.
Would you like to take your coat off and sit down?
I'll go and get some coffee.
Well, better tell me all about it.
Would you put the chain on the door?
There's no need for that.
Please.
Very well.
I'm sorry. It's the wrong room.
[Classical music playing]
Sir, I believe you have a Count Wolkonski staying here.
Count Wolkonski doesn't wish to be disturbed, sir.
May I ask your business with the count, Lieutenant?
You can ask, but you won't get an answer.
Take me up to him.
No, no, no, no, you take me up to him,
just in case he's tipped you well and...
I really don't see why --
Come on.
You stay here.
[ Applause ]
[Knock on door]
[Classical music playing]
Open it.
[ Doorknob rattles ]
I really don't see the --
You've got a master key. Open it.
All right, thank you.
DIMITRI: Put up your hands.
Who are you?
- I'm a police officer. -I do not think so.
You could check my identity card.
Keep your hands up!
Why have you come?
To ask you some questions.
Why didn't you answer the door?
When you're a refugee from the Russian police,
you take precautions.
Is that why you carry a gun?
I have no gun.
What do you want of me?
You are Count Dimitri Wolkonski?
Yes.
A lady has made a complaint against you
on the grounds that you have designs on her life.
It's my sister-in-law?
Yes.
You believe her?
Well, naturally, we must investigate any such complaint.
Naturally.
Do you wish to tell me about it?
Hmm. By all means.
Her husband -- that is, my brother, Nicolai --
was a revolutionary.
He was also in love with another girl.
Maria reported him to the authorities.
She disapproved of his politics?
Of his politics, too, yes.
What happened then?
Well, he died in prison.
How?
He died.
HOLST: Yes?
Unfortunately, before he died,
he managed to get a message to me,
begging me to look after his son, Ivan.
And you agreed?
Of course.
I did not wish him to remain in his unbalanced mother's care.
But I could not stay in Russia
because I shared my brother's political beliefs.
So I took the boy with me to Vienna.
And tragically, he caught pneumonia and died in my arms.
His mother is convinced that I murdered him.
And you deny that?
You can check with the medical authorities in Vienna.
Why should I want to kill the son of a brother I loved?
The countess claims that you followed her
to Berlin and Stockholm and then to here.
Correct.
Why?
She had sold her estates in Russia.
That was because she feared my brother's sympathizers
would seek vengeance on her.
Now she is trying to sell some Austrian properties
willed to me by my brother.
And I want to see her merely to try to bring her to her senses.
Naturally, she's avoiding me.
Well, that is the situation.
I see.
So, if that is all.
Might I suggest
that you accompany me to the Russian Embassy?
We could then discuss the matter with the ambassador.
No.
HOLST: Why not?
He's a representative of a ruler I regard as a tyrant.
I do not wish to see anyone from the Russian Embassy.
Yes, I appreciate your point of view.
But you will still take me to the embassy, nonetheless?
We don't perform political errands
for foreign governments.
Thank you.
But I must warn you that we shall have to inform the embassy
of this situation,
and, well, their reaction may conceivably --
Compel you to arrest me?
Not that.
But if you feel that any unpleasantness might result,
then my...
Well, I would recommend that you leave the country at once.
No, I shall not leave the country
until I see my sister-in-law.
Where is she?
I'm afraid I can't tell you that.
Would you be willing for me to meet her in your presence?
She said that she does not wish to see you.
But how else are you going to tell which of us is lying?
She claims I want to kill her.
I claim that she is mentally distraught
and is illegally squandering money that belongs to me.
But perhaps the decision is not yours to make.
Yes, it is mine.
I'll see what I can do.
You come to the police station at 3:00.
Here's the address.
Thank you.
Do you think he's telling the truth --
about the property, I mean?
It's difficult to judge, sir.
She did seem rather hysterical,
but then, if her story's true,
that would be sufficient reason for that.
- On the other hand -- -Did you like him?
Like him, sir?
Yes, did you like him?
No, sir.
Hmm.
Do you think that she is really in danger from him?
Well, quite frankly, sir, they're both new types to me.
I think she might be.
Well, what do we do now?
I think we ought to let him see her here.
I've asked him to come here at 3:00.
You've done what?
Well, he can't harm her if I'm with them.
I'd rather we got them both out of the country.
They're none of our business.
If there's any trouble between them,
I don't want it to happen in my district.
But, sir, we can't just deport them both.
He's catch up with her and then --
Well, if her story's true, it wouldn't be in a police station.
Well, that wouldn't be our responsibility.
Wouldn't it, sir?
Where is she now -- still with your wife?
HOLST: Yes, sir.
Well, then, your wife will have had a good chance to talk to her
and form an opinion.
Ask her what she thinks.
Now, if she says what I think she'll say,
take the countess back to the hotel, keep the count here,
and we'll see if we can get them both out of the country
without them seeing each other.
I don't like it, sir.
No.
Oh, Lieutenant, have you found her?
Any news of this gentleman's wife?
His wife, sir? Oh, yes, of course.
Well, hasn't he told you?
No, sir, he's just been sitting there waiting to see you.
But you promised me you would find her.
No, I said we'd do our best.
But you've been out looking.
Look, look, I'm -- I'm sorry.
Tell the sergeant here what you told me.
I assumed you'd told him.
I assumed you had told him.
Look, I am very sorry,
but I have something extremely important.
More important than my wife?
No, of course not.
Look, just tell the sergeant, all right?
Oh.
[Bells chiming]
How can you understand?
You've never been in a country where men plot revolution.
You don't know whom to trust.
I know nothing of politics.
I only want to live in peace.
Can you understand that?
Yes.
I cannot be sure of anything anymore.
I only know that my life is in danger.
It is a nightmare. A nightmare.
[ Doorbell rings]
Who is it?
HOLST: It's me.
Sorry, darling. She insisted.
Well, have you arrested him?
No.
Why not?
Well, as I explained to you, he's committed no crime.
Committed no crime?
But he murdered his nephew and threatened Maria's life.
Oh, he does not believe me.
You have been talking to my brother-in-law, haven't you?
Yes.
And he told you that I was hysterical
and that I sold his property.
Yes.
And you believed him.
I told you he would deceive you.
You're not used to that kind of man.
He's not one of your little criminals.
He's a leader.
It is his life to deceive people.
And you believe him.
You think that I am lying.
Of course she isn't lying.
I know Maria's telling the truth.
Thank you.
What are you going to do now?
You must have him arrested.
But I can't arrest him for something he may do.
But he murdered my son.
We only have your word for that, Countess.
So you will do nothing.
Look, would you be prepared to meet him in my presence
at the police station?
No.
But no harm could come to you there.
You don't know this man.
- But in a police station -- -No!
Very well.
I'll take you to your hotel.
Thank you.
I will take a cab.
Are you sure?
Quite sure.
Goodbye, and thank you.
It has been a comfort to me to have one person, at any rate,
who believes one is telling the truth.
You can stay here, if you like.
I don't want to embarrass your husband.
[Children shouting indistinctly]
Are you sure you're all right?
Would you like me to come, too?
No, thank you.
I think that's bloody disgraceful.
What do you expect me to do?
Arrest this man and get him out of the country.
But I can't arrest him. I've got no grounds.
Oh, good God!
Are you willing to sit back and see her killed
just because you're frightened
of not doing everything by the book?
Oh, shut up, Ulla!
Do you want me to lose my job?
You put your job before her life?
I can't arrest him.
Don't you see? I can't!
I would!
Well, you better get back, hadn't you,
if you don't want to lose your job?
[ Indistinct conversations, music box playing]
Good afternoon, madam. What can I do for you?
I should like to see some of your diamond bracelets.
Ah, with pleasure.
One of these, perhaps.
Ah. That is my personal favorite.
If madam will forgive me while I attend to this lady.
Have you made a decision?
Ah, have you made your choice, madam?
I see nothing I like.
Oh, but, madam.
That bracelet you were looking at, madam --
Let me pass, please.
But, madam, I --
Madam. Madam!
Please, madam!
Police! Police! Stop! Thief!
What the devil's this?
She tried to steal a bracelet from a jeweler, sir.
This is ridiculous. I know this lady.
He's quite correct.
But why?
Now you will have to take care of me, Lieutenant.
Will you charge her, sir?
Take this lady to room A at once.
- What about the charge, sir? -Never mind that. Look sharp.
Is the inspector in?
He's been called out, sir.
Won't be back until half past 5:00.
Well, listen, in a few moments,
a Count Wolkonski will be arriving.
- Wolkonski? -Yes, yes, the same name as her.
Now, I don't want them to meet.
Put the count in room B.
- Right, sir. -Right.
Have you found her?
HOLST: No, not yet, I'm afraid.
But you promised you would.
I said we'd do our best.
Now, you gave the sergeant all the details.
Of course, yes. Are you searching for her?
Look, why don't you go home?
You'll be far more comfortable there.
I don't want to sit alone in my house.
But she might be there waiting for you.
No, the neighbor would have told me.
I told him I would be here.
Good afternoon, Lieutenant.
We're doing everything we can.
Good afternoon.
I'm afraid I shall have to ask you to wait a few minutes.
The sergeant here will show you to a comfortable room.
Well, if you'll excuse me, please.
Is my sister-in-law here?
Yes, she's here.
Lieutenant.
[Knock on door]
Yes?
- Excuse me, sir. -What is it?
Your wife wishes to see you.
My wife? Here?
Yes, sir.
- Well, show her in. -Sir.
What on earth are you doing here?
The porter says someone followed Maria from our flat.
He'd been waiting in a taxi.
I think it must have been Count Wolkonski.
What did he look like?
Stocky, dark. He had a mustache.
Yes, that's him.
What on earth was he doing there?
He must have been following me ever since I left him.
He may be with her now.
No, no, he's not. No, they're both here.
Both here?
In separate rooms.
She's under arrest.
What?
She stole a diamond bracelet from a jeweler's.
No, no, no, she admits it.
She said she did it to force us to take her into custody.
You see?
That proves her story's true.
It doesn't prove anything of the kind.
Tell me, do you really think she's telling the truth?
I'm sure she is. I told you.
Yes, I know you did.
You still don't believe her.
I'm not sure how far I believe her.
I'm sure she's frightened of him, all right.
I'm not sure she's frightened for the reason she says.
If he does kill her, it'll be your responsibility.
Yes, I know.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to let them meet.
But if what Maria says is true, that would be a terrible risk.
But how else can I arrive at the truth?
Well, if that's the only way,
you must have him searched first.
I can't have him searched. He's under no charge.
Well, you'd better think one up.
Count Wolkonski.
Where is my sister-in-law? You said she was here.
She is.
The countess was arrested at 2:30 this afternoon.
Yes?
On suspicion of having stolen a diamond bracelet
from a jeweler's.
So, she is in custody here?
HOLST: Yes.
Then will you please take me to her at once?
If you do not take me to her,
then I must report you to your superiors.
Count Wolkonski, I hereby charge you
with being implicated in a robbery committed this afternoon
by a woman calling herself your sister-in-law.
I must ask you to empty your pockets.
Oh.
You can't know what you're saying.
[ Chuckles ]
You are conspiring with that woman.
You, a policeman.
I find it absolutely incredible.
Please empty your pockets.
I refuse.
You will regret this action, Lieutenant Holst.
Perhaps.
Satisfied?
Foolish, very foolish.
Now perhaps you will believe me.
May I have my things back?
Yes.
Do you have a license for this weapon?
You do not need a license for a gun in Russia.
You do in Denmark.
What's your purpose for carrying this gun?
For my own protection.
For your protection?
Against the tsarist agents.
Well, you don't think they have forgotten me, do you?
They follow me wherever I go.
Tsarist agents in Denmark?
My sister-in-law is a tsarist agent.
When she betrayed my brother to them,
they asked her to betray his comrades, as well.
Oh, you can't know how many men she has sent to their deaths.
I'm afraid I shall have to charge you
with carrying a gun without a license.
Lieutenant Holst, while I am free,
I can keep out of the way of the Russian Embassy.
If you arrest me, they will know exactly where I am.
And when you release me, they will be waiting for me,
and they will have me sent back to Russia to be tortured
to reveal the names of my comrades.
That's if they don't torture me here.
The embassy torture you?
Well, you don't think the Russian Embassy
contains only diplomats?
I'm afraid I've no alternative.
So, when will my case be heard?
HOLST: Tomorrow morning.
Well, then, can I have bail? I can provide ample security.
I'm afraid not.
It's ironic, is it not?
You have a democracy here in Denmark.
I mean, no man lives in fear of a midnight knock on the door.
And all that I and my comrades want to do
is to establish a similar kind of democracy in Russia.
And for that, we are called anarchists.
And you, a sensitive and liberal man,
assist the kind of tyrants
your country got rid of centuries ago.
I do not blame you.
You are doing your duty.
Could I have my cigar case back, please?
I would like to smoke, if that is permitted.
Of course.
Thank you.
Well?
I'm afraid you will have to spend the night in custody.
Thank God.
Your case will be heard before a magistrate in the morning.
And then?
Well, that's up to the magistrate.
As a first offender,
you'll probably get off with a minimum fine.
That is all?
HOLST: That is all.
So then it will begin all over again.
Your brother-in-law is also in custody.
In custody?
On what charge?
Carrying a revolver without a license.
[ Chuckles ]
You see?
Perhaps now you believe me.
Now you must get me out of here.
What are your laws about bail?
I can deposit a security
for twice the amount of that miserable bracelet.
Yes, you can have bail.
Yes?
There's a gentleman to see you, sir.
Count Vorodov from the Russian Embassy.
Says it's most urgent, about the countess.
The countess?
Yes, sir.
- Show him in. -Sir.
Count Vorodov, sir.
Good afternoon.
As I understand it, you are holding two of my compatriots,
Count and Countess Wolkonski.
How did you know that?
I've had them followed ever since they left Russia.
Have you, indeed?
How did you know the count was under arrest?
I didn't. Thank you for telling me.
On what charges are you holding the count?
Possessing a revolver without a license.
And what will be the penalty?
A fine.
And deportation?
Certainly not.
Count Wolkonski is a very dangerous man.
He is a saboteur and a murderer.
You have evidence to support that?
Very strong circumstantial evidence.
We shall request his extradition.
If Count Wolkonski asks for political asylum,
you'll need a lot more than circumstantial evidence
to have him extradited.
This man is not a politician.
He is an anarchist.
But your foreign office will decide
whether or not he is to be extradited.
Yes.
Meanwhile, I should like to see him.
Please take me to him at once.
Count Wolkonski has stated
that he does not wish to see any member of the Russian Embassy.
But surely you know that every foreign embassy
has the right to see any of its nationals who are under arrest.
A foreign national has the right to see a member of his embassy.
I understand the reverse does not apply
if the national is unwilling.
You are a very junior officer, Lieutenant.
Well, if you care to come back in a couple of hours,
you can speak to my inspector.
I wish to see this man now.
Please take me to him at once,
or I shall telephone the minister of justice.
Under Danish law,
even the minister of justice can't force a charged alien
to see a member of his embassy if he doesn't want to.
Lieutenant Holst,
are you really prepared to prejudice your career
for the sake of an anarchist?
He has his rights, and I can't deny them to him.
I can ask him if he wants to talk to you.
Do you wish me to do that?
I don't think that you will ever be an inspector, Lieutenant.
Perhaps not.
I thought you wished to see me about the countess.
Not any longer.
[Birds chirping]
[Clock ticking]
[Telephone rings]
Yes?
Yes, sir, I'll come at once.
-[ Knock on door] -Come in.
Holst, this is Baron Molbech
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Good evening, sir.
Sit down.
Thank you, sir.
Baron.
You have a Count Wolkonski in your cells, awaiting trial.
Yes.
I understand the Russian Embassy requested to see him...
Yes.
...and that you refused to let them.
Count Wolkonski said that he didn't wish to see
any member of the Russian Embassy.
I can't compel him to.
I understand the man is a self-confessed revolutionary...
- That is true. -...against the tsar.
Yes.
I need hardly remind you that the tear's mother,
the Dowager Empress of Russia,
is the daughter of our own beloved King Christian
and that the tsar is, accordingly,
our king's grandson.
I am aware of that.
Need I say more, Lieutenant Holst?
To permit Count Vorodov to see Count Wolkonski
against the latter's wishes would be against Danish law.
Are you asking me, a police officer, to break the law?
Lieutenant Holst, what harm do you suppose
can possibly come to Wolkonski
through allowing Count Vorodov to see him in his cell?
It isn't a question of what harm can come to him.
It's a question of his rights.
Holst, don't force me to overrule you.
With respect, sir, in this matter, you can't overrule me.
But I can.
Well, how can you overrule me?
I shall personally instruct the station sergeant
to take Count Vorodov to Wolkonski's cell.
Baron Molbech, you have no right to issue any such instruction.
Nevertheless, I should strongly advise you
not to tell the sergeant to disobey it.
I am prepared to overlook your obstinacy up to this point.
But that, I promise you, would be the end of your career.
Well, you have been damned obstinate.
You knew Baron Molbech's instructions
came from the highest authority, the very highest.
I guessed it, sir.
Holst, in this job, one has to be a diplomat, not a saint.
You realize you could have ruined your career?
Yes, I realize that.
Well, if you'd excuse me, sir,
I'd like to talk to Count Wolkonski
as soon as Count Vorodov is finished with him.
What do you want to speak to him about?
I want to apologize to him.
Apologize?
Yes.
[Birds chirping]
[Keys jingling]
[Bells chiming]
Has Count Vorodov left yet?
Yes, sir, he left about five minutes ago.
- Right. -Lieutenant --
Open up.
[Keys jingling]
-[ Door opens] -Holst, what on earth --
I thought you'd like to know
that Count Wolkonski has hanged himself.
Has he?
I see.
Well, it's probably for the best.
For the best?!
Yes.
He might have said things in court
which could have proved embarrassing.
Do you mean if he'd been found shot dead in his room
a few hours later?
- Not only that. -Well, what else?
Oh, yes. The foreign office.
Not only the foreign office, the palace.
The palace?
Must I remind you that the tsar is our king's grandson?
How would you feel
if your grandson were going to be murdered?
Would you just sit back and do nothing?
If my grandson was a tyrant, yes.
Well, as you've been in charge of the case,
you had better go and apologize.
Apologize to whom?
To the Russian Embassy, of course.
That is an order, Holst.
Now, look, Holst, you're a good policeman.
I don't want to lose you.
When I make my report,
I shall stress your deep sense of duty
and suggest that it was that
that motivated your unwillingness to cooperate.
You have a vocation for this work, Holst.
Don't turn your back on it
just because forces stronger than you and me have intervened.
Go home to your wife.
I'll speak to the embassy.
- Lieutenant. -Yes?
- I just wanted to thank you. -Thank me?
Oh, yes, they have found my wife.
It was your doing, I know.
My doing?
Well, I'm very glad she's all right.
Yes, her sister-in-law was taken ill.
- I'm very glad. -Yeah.
It's funny how these things turn out.
Well?
He hanged himself in his cell.
Hanged himself?
How could that happen?
He knew they'd be waiting for him.
Who?
The embassy.
Well, what would they do to him?
Torture him to reveal the names of his friends.
Oh, how horrible.
Still...
What about Maria?
She's been released on bail.
Her case will be heard in the morning.
She'll get off with a small fine, no doubt --
first offender.
- Good. -[ Doorbell rings]
Oh.
MARIA: Do I disturb you?
No, please come in.
Good evening, Lieutenant.
Good evening.
I'm leaving Denmark tomorrow afternoon.
I am sure your husband has told you.
Everything is all right now.
Yes.
Where will you be going?
Switzerland.
Well, I just wanted to say goodbye and to thank you.
These mad ideas.
Why do people want to change things?
Things are good as they are.
There's only a few troublemakers who are unhappy.
Most people are content.
You are a tsarist agent, aren't you?
Well, goodbye and thank you.
Goodbye, Lieutenant.
She's right.
You think so?
Oh.
Surely, you're not beginning to sympathize
with those anarchists?
I can't help wondering.
What?
Which side I'd be on if I lived there.
Well, anyway, I think you took
a very sensible course of action.