( Thunder booming )
Prisoner: Where am I?
Man: In the village.
What do you want?
Information.
Whose side are you on?
That would be telling.
We want information.
Information...
You won't get it.
( Bubbling )
By hook or by crook
we will.
Who are you?
The new number two.
Who is number one?
You are number six.
I am not a number, I am a free man!
( Number two laughs fiendishly )
( Ringing electronically )
Ringing
what do you want?
Woman: Number six?
I said, what do you want?
You are number six?
That is the number of this place.
Call from number two.
Good morning, good morning.
Any complaints?
Yes. I'd like to mind my own business.
So do we.
Do you fancy a chat?
The Mountain can come to Mohammed.
Number two: Mohammed?
Everest, I presume.
I've never have had a head for heights.
Where's number one?
At the summit.
Play it according to hoyle?
All cards on the table.
You may rely on that.
( Chuckles )
Um, whose move?
Yours only.
Confide, and we concede.
Breakfast?
Number two: Ah, number 58...
Allow me to introduce you to number six.
Don't be shy, my dear.
Keep up your strength.
She may be a mere number 58.
She used to work in records.
She has a great variety of information.
Haven't you, my dear?
( Speaking foreign language )
( Responds in foreign language )
( Responds )
Wonderful gift.
Photographic memory, you know.
She has done well.
I don't think she'll be with us for long.
Nicely done.
International cuisine... the best.
French?
International.
Toast.
( Fanfare plays )
Woman ( On radio ): Good morning!
Congratulations on yet another day.
It will be fine and dry; Some cloud perhaps, but dry...
Marmalade?
Thank you.
What a piece of luck.
We start our election campaign today.
A showery outlook is very depressing, don't you think?
Elections?
In this place?
Of course... we make our choice every 12 months.
Every citizen has a choice.
Are you going to run?
Like blazes, the first chance I get.
I meant "run for office."
Whose?
Mine, for instance.
You have a delicate sense of humor.
Naturally.
Humor is the very essence of a Democratic society.
( Loud fanfare playing )
( Snare drums rolling )
( Band playing energetic introduction )
( Full band playing march )
( Crowd cheers )
Man ( Over loudspeaker ): Number two! Number two! Number two! Number two!
Crowd ( Chanting ): Number two! Number two! Number two! Number two!
Number two! Number two...
It looks like a unanimous majority.
Exactly, that's what's worrying me.
Very bad for morale.
Some of these good people don't seem to appreciate
the value of free elections.
They think it's a game.
Everyone votes for a dictator.
Not at all.
It's just that their resistance is low.
Frankly, my dear fellow
you are just the sort of candidate we need.
What happens if I run against you?
I might as well, while I'm waiting.
Delightful.
What physically happens if I win?
Well, you're the boss.
Number one's the boss.
Join me.
( Chanting continues outside )
If you win
number one will no longer be a mystery to you
if you know what I mean.
Anyway, I'll introduce you properly
and you'll see how you feel
after assessing the madding crowd.
( Chanting continues )
( Chanting stops abruptly )
( Drum booming )
( Drumming stops )
"( Drum roll," crowd cheering )
( Drums and brass play intro )
( Full band resumes playing march )
Crowd: Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!
( Chanting, cheering, music stop abruptly )
Good people of our community...
Crowd: Ra! Ra! Ra!
There's recently a lack of opposition
in the matter of free elections.
This is not good for our community
and reflects an acceptance of things as they are.
We know what we must do.
What must we do?
Crowd: Progress!
Progress! Progress! Progress! Progress!
Number two: Exactly.
We are, however, fortunate to have with us a recent recruit
whose outlook is particularly militant and individualistic...
Crowd: Ra! Ra!
Let us hope that he will not deny his duty to the community
by refusing to take up the challenge.
Good people, it is my pleasure to present to you
the one and only number six!
Crowd: Ra!
I am not a number.
I am a person.
In some place, at some time
all of you held positions of a secret nature
and had knowledge that was invaluable to an enemy.
Like me, you are here
to have that knowledge protected or extracted.
That's the stuff to give them.
Unlike me, many of you have accepted
the situation of your imprisonment
and will die here like rotten cabbages.
Keep going.
They love it.
The rest of you have gone over
to the side of our keepers.
Which is which?
How many of each?
Who's standing beside you now?
I intend to discover
who are the prisoners and who the warders.
I shall be running for office in this election.
Good people, let us applaud a citizen of character.
May the better man win.
And a big hand for number six!
( Band resumes playing march )
Be seeing you.
Cheering y
( speaking foreign language )
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six! Six! Six! Six! Six! Six!
Don't get het up, my dear fellow.
She will not go away and she doesn't even speak English.
Number two: Precisely.
Knowing your, shall we say, prejudices
I thought you'd rather not have one of the regulars.
She's new here and quite charming, don't you think?
What's the procedure?
Now, that's more like it.
The, uh... buggy transport with lady driver
will be at your disposal for the election period
and anything else you may desire
within reason.
N ext?
You will be expected to attend
the dissolution of the outgoing council
in half an hour's time in chambers at the town hall.
Thanks very much.
Yes, you... You take me...
Take me to the town hall.
( Speaking foreign language )
The town hall.
( Repeats response )
It's all right.
Thank you, I'll... I'll walk.
It's all right.
( Bell tolling )
( Board whirs, then dings )
( Speaking foreign language )
Huh?
( Speaking foreign language )
( Motor starts )
Congratulations.
Come again?
Allow me to introduce myself.
I am number 113, and this is
my photographic colleague, number 113b.
We contribute to the local newspaper
the tallyho, you know.
Drive on.
This is red-hot stuff.
Haven't had a candidate
of your caliber for ages.
Congratulations.
How will you handle your campaign?
No comment.
"Intends to fight for freedom
at all costs."
Smile.
Number 113: How about internal policy?
No comment.
"Will tighten up on village security."
Smile.
How about your external policy?
No comment.
"Our exports will operate in every corner
of the globe."
How do you feel about life and death?
Mind your own business.
"No comment."
( Band playing )
Thank you.
Lovely seeing you.
Number two: Calling number six, calling number six.
Newsman: Read all about it!
Read all about it!
Get your election edition now.
Read all about it.
Get your election edition now.
( Roaring and hissing )
( Gavel pounding )
Number two: The assembly is called to order.
( Gavel pounding )
Calling number six, calling number six.
( Gavel pounding )
Not that way.
Nor that.
Straight ahead.
Now.
Good show.
Come ahead, my dear fellow.
You are formally welcomed to this gathering
as the prospective opposition candidate.
Kindly approach the center dais.
Play the game.
According to hoyle?
According to the laws of a Democratic society.
These are designed for the protection of the citizens.
You are a civilized man, and would not, I'm sure
deny the right of proper procedure.
Kindly approach the center dais.
The final resolution of this outgoing council
is a vote of thanks to number six.
It is carried unanimously...
( Bangs gavel' )
And there is no further business at this time.
Any questions?
Certainly.
Where did you get this bunch of tailors' dummies?
They were here when I arrived.
Do you wish to question them?
I do.
Proceed.
Who do you represent?
Who elected you?
To what place, what country do you owe allegiance?
Whose side are you on?
Mustn't get too personal, my dear fellow.
( Buzzing )
Any further questions?
This... farce...
This 20th-century bastille
that pretends to be a pocket democracy...
Why don't you put us all into solitary confinement
till you get what you're after and have done with it?
Enough! I call this meeting to order!
Look at them...
brainwashed imbeciles!
Can you laugh?
Can you cry?
Can you think?
( Banging loudly )
Is this...
Is this what they did to you?
Is this how they tried to break you
till they got what they were after?
( Gavel pounding )
In your heads must still be the remnant of a brain.
In your hearts must still be the desire
to be a human being again.
( Electronic humming )
This is a most serious breach of etiquette.
I had imagined your desire to stand for election was genuine.
Personally, I'm prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt
and believe that you were carried away
by an excess of enthusiasm.
Nevertheless, the rules demand
that you should undergo the tests.
All those in favor?
Carried unanimously.
( Banging gavel faster and faster )
( Electronic whooshing and roaring )
Man: They told me you were coming.
Do you take sugar?
In case you're feeling violent
please let me assure you that I could be a friend.
Friend?
Yes, indeed.
You know they're watching.
I know it.
It does not prove
that you or I are sympathetic
but the community has to live.
So must you.
Come... have some tea
and we'll talk.
How many lumps?
No lumps.
You don't take sugar.
Good.
That shows discipline, for a start.
Of course, I knew it anyway.
What's that?
From your records.
We have everything.
"Gave up sugar four years and three months ago
on medical advice."
That shows you're afraid.
What?
You're afraid of death.
I'm afraid of nothing.
You are afraid of yourself.
You are aware of that?
Good, you are honest.
That is of use here.
Honesty attracts confidence
and confidences are the core of our business.
See how honest I'm being with you.
Very good technique.
Where did you get him?
The civil service.
He adapted immediately.
( Phone rings )
Number two here.
Sorry, but things got out of hand.
I'm aware that he's valuable to us
but I couldn't risk the entire project falling apart.
Certainly I'll be more careful
but he's a very stubborn customer.
Yes, right away.
Certainly I'll warn them not to damage the tissue.
Yes?
Oh, yes, indeed.
First stage only.
Oh, absolutely.
Clearly understood.
( Electronic whine, humming )
This is merely the truth test
and there's no need to be alarmed.
Why did you wish to run for electoral office?
( High-pitched tone )
That is a lie
but won't be held against you.
Everything you think here is
in the strictest confidence.
( Low-pitched tone )
That's better.
Why did you run for office?
( High-and low-pitched tones )
Come, come.
You thought that if you won
and took over our village
that you would be able to control
an organized breakout.
Correct?
( Lower-pitched tone )
Good.
But this was a mistake, wasn't it?
( High-pitched tone )
You're not being honest.
You are on the side of the people
aren't you?
You mustn't think only of yourself.
You have a responsibility.
( Alternating high- and low-pitched tones )
( Electronic whirring, becoming louder )
Central area.
Have number six's transport standing by.
( Breathing deeply )
Good.
Simply splendid.
Thanks for the tea.
Anytime.
You'll be voting for me, of course.
Naturally.
Be seeing you.
( Band playing march )
What do you think of your chances now?
( Crowd shouting exuberantly )
( Speaking foreign language )
Number six: I have every confidence.
Number two has stated
that he considers you a worthy opponent.
What are your feelings?
Yes, very kind of him to say so.
I'll do my best to give him a run for his money.
( Music and cheering continue )
The community can rest assured
that their interests are very much my own
and that anything I can do
to maintain the security of the citizens
will be my primary objective.
Be seeing you.
Woman: That was the lunchtime news on this election day.
It looks as though it's going to be neck and neck.
Stand by for our next bulletin.
You see?
Although you've only been here a short time, my dear
there's only one thing to learn
and it can be learnt very quickly:
Obey the rules and we will take good care of you.
Try it.
Hmm?
( Answers in foreign language )
Be seeing you.
( Repeats expression )
Quiet!
( Repeats expression plaintively )
( Answers in foreign language, hesitantly )
( Shrieks happily )
( Answers in foreign language )
( Voice starts to echo )
( Woman's voice continues to echo )
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six! Six!
( Chanting continues )
( Helicopter approaching )
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six! Six!
( Boat engine starts )
( Screams )
( Boat engine slows )
Number two: Don't do anything rash.
Give him time.
Yelps )
( Boat engine revs )
You were doing so well.
Now you're being simply foolish.
It won't get you anywhere, you know.
Go back before it's too late.
Southern perimeter, alert.
Southern perimeter... alert.
( Computer buzzing )
( Computer beeping )
Now approaching.
Contact imminent.
( Siren blaring )
( Howling )
Number six: This community can rest assured
that their interests are very much my own
and that anything I can do
to maintain the security of the citizens
will be my primary objective.
Be seeing you.
( Siren blaring in distance )
( Siren blaring more closely )
Number two: You are just the sort of candidate we need.
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six for two! Six for two!
I am not a number.
I am a person.
( Cheering and laughing )
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six!
( Gavel pounding )
Final resolution of this outgoing council
is a vote of thanks to number six.
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six! Six! Six! Six!
( Gavel pounding )
( Crowd cheering )
( Chanting continues )
Number six: I am not a number.
I am a free man.
( Machine beeping )
( Beeping continues )
Number six: There are those who come in here
and deny that we can supply
every conceivable civilized amenity within our boundaries.
You can enjoy yourselves, and you will.
You can partake of the most hazardous sports and you will.
The price is cheap.
All you have to do in exchange
is give us information.
You are then eligible for promotion
to other and perhaps more attractive spheres.
Where do you desire to go?
What has been your dream?
I can supply it.
Winter, spring, summer or fall...
they can all be yours at any time.
Apply to me
and it will be easier and better.
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six! Six!
( Band playing march )
There are those who come here with a fresh face
with an enthusiasm that cannot be denied.
Beware, be careful.
Their promises ring richly in your ears.
Our friend number six has a splendid record.
He has adapted himself admirably to our procedure.
But he has no experience whatsoever
of the manipulation of such a community as ours.
Beware.
Has he got the administrative ability
to implement his policies?
Can you trust him?
Place your trust in the old regime.
The policies are defined
the future certain.
The old regime forever!
And the old number two forever.
Confession by coercion, is that what you want?
Vote for him and you have it.
Or stand firm upon this electoral platform
and speak a word without fear.
The word is "freedom."
They say, "six of one and half a dozen of the other."
Not here.
It's six for two and two for nothing
and six for free, for all
for free for all.
Vote, vote.
( Chanting ): Six! Six! Six! Six!
( Chanting and music continue )
( Chanting continues )
( Music ends )
( Chanting stops abruptly )
You seem to be doing pretty well.
Far be it from me to carp
but what do you do in your spare time?
I cannot afford spare time.
Do you hear that?
He's working to his limit.
Can't afford spare time.
We're all entitled to spare time... leisure is our right.
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six for two! Six for two! Six for two!
In your spare time, if you get it, what will you do?
Less work...
And more play!
( Chanting resumes ): Six! Six! Six! Six!
( Jaunty, light tune playing )
Sir, nonalcoholic gin, whiskey, vodka.
Looks the same, tastes the same.
But you can't get me tiddly.
No alcohol here, sir.
You going to vote for me?
You and only you.
Go away.
Gin, whiskey, vodka.
Looks the same and tastes the same.
Get out!
Spying on me, aren't you?
Get me a drink.
( Answers in foreign language )
Alcoholic drink.
( Repeats expression )
A drink!
Now vote for six.
Vote for six.
( Drunkenly): ♪ vote for me and a drink. ♪
♪ Vote for sun. ♪
( Speaking foreign language )
( Continues singing )
♪ I'm for you. ♪
♪ Let me be. ♪
♪ Never let me so. ♪
( Bell tolling )
Number six: Vote for me.
( Speaking foreign language )
Spying on me, aren't you?
( Speaking foreign language )
Vote for me.
I'm for you.
Let me be...
And let me be...
( Liquid bubbling )
Large or small, sir.
Man: That's it.
I'll have a double!
Man: With or without water, sir?
Without.
Please take a seat.
I'll be right with you.
A little drop now and again keeps the nerves steady.
You're scared, aren't you?
Frankly, yes.
Of what?
It may seem improbable to you
but I'm wondering what's going to happen to you.
Don't worry.
There's no surveillance here.
This is the therapy zone.
Clever, aren't they?
Clever, aren't you?!
They are...
Damned clever.
Think of it:
If you want to be an alcoholic
you can be one here in perfect privacy
so long as you rejoin the flock in good time.
You don't approve?
Of the village?
Yeah.
To hell with the village.
Cheers.
See him?
Yeah.
Cheers.
He's a brilliant scientist.
He just does that as a hobby.
Come with me.
I'll show you something.
We leave him here in peace.
He brews his brew, plays with his chalk.
We come down once a week, photograph the stuff
clean it up for him so that he can start on another lot.
( Chuckles )
That's clever as hell.
Cheers.
♪ Vote for me... ♪
Vote for me...
♪ And I'll be... ♪
And I'll be...
♪ Ever so comfort'! . J'
ever so...
( Chuckling )
Man: Quicker than usual.
I warned you not to make it too strong.
We mustn't damage the tissue.
You needn't worry.
There will be no remembrances.
The portions are exact
to take him right through the election.
Crowd ( Chanting ): Six for two! Six for two!
Six for two!
( Band playing, chanting continues )
I don't think we shall need a recount.
Sorry... sorry.
Don't mention it.
All ( Chanting ): We want number two! We want number two!
We want number two!
( Chanting continues )
Looks as if they want number two.
Well, I haven't cast my vote.
Crowd: We want number two! We want number two!
We want number two!
Come with me.
I'll show you the ropes.
All: We want number two!
Number two, number two, number two!
( Drum thumps )
( Music stops )
No point in going into detail.
Anything you want to know, press a button.
You're the boss.
Well, I'll be on my way.
Thanks for everything.
( Speaking foreign language )
Repeats phrase )
( Cries out with delight )
( Speaking foreign language )
( Exclaims )
( Speaking foreign language )
( Exclaims )
( Speaking foreign language )
( Phone beeping )
( Speaking foreign language )
( Beeps )
Anything I can do for you?
Just checking.
Be seeing you.
And you.
( Speaking foreign language )
( Exclaims )
( Monitor beeping )
( Beeping speeds up )
( Beeping stops )
Tick, tick.
( Electronic tone pulsates )
Tone growing louder)
( Tone fades away )
Tick, tick.
G snaps 3
tick, tick.
Tick, tick.
This is our chance.
This is our chance, ' take it now!
I have command!
I will immobilize all electronic controls.
Listen to me.
You are free to go.
You are free to go!
Free to go! Free to go!
You are free to go!
You are free, free
free to go!
You are free to go!
I am in command.
Obey me and be free.
You are free to go! You are free to go!
Free to go!
( Cries out )
Will you never learn?
This is only the beginning.
We have many ways and means
but we don't wish to damage you permanently.
Are you ready to talk?
( Helicopter approaching )
Just on my way.
Everything go according to plan?
Don't worry.
All will be satisfactory in the end.
Give my regards to the homeland.