( Thunder booming )
( Engine revving )
( Footsteps echoing )
( Thunder booming )
( No audio )
( 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 )
( Bell tolling )
At last.
What are you doing here?
I was just going to wake you up.
You have.
Who are you?!
I'm a number, just like you.
Does it matter which?
How'd you get in?
The door was open.
Always is...
to them, isn't it?
But I'm not one of them.
No.
What do you want?
Help.
Go to the town hall.
The citizens' council promises help and advice to everyone.
Their citizens' council.
As far as I'm concerned, what's theirs is yours.
I am not one of them!
No...
no one is.
Go back.
Tell them I was not interested...
that I wouldn't even listen.
What's the point?
They know already.
I won't go for it...
whatever it is!
So you may as well stop trying.
We never stop, number six.
Now we'll see how accurately they've timed it.
Um, she was given a drug yesterday...
one of the new super-strength meprobamates
that we've developed.
She doesn't know anything about it, of course.
Yesterday?
Mmm... well, the drug remains dormant until triggered
by the nervous system, and then it releases itself
uh, to the desired quantities to produce...
Instant tranquility
or, you know, temporary oblivion.
But why?
Hmm? Well, in anticipation of number six throwing her out...
which he was about to do.
And will, when she revives.
No, no, no...
you see, she's become a lady in distress
and he's going to be all good deeds and sympathy.
Now, still got a few moments before she comes to.
I don't recall my procedure agenda
authorizing the door being left open like...
It was an afterthought...
to make certain that, once the girl made up her mind
to go and see him, she'd have access.
Doesn't she know how to knock on a door, then?
He doesn't always answer.
It seemed like a good idea.
Well, it wasn't.
Because now he is going to assume that we sent her
and we don't want that, do we?
Do we?
No.
Now, this plan is too important
for just little slapdash improvisations, you know
no matter how good the idea may seem at the moment.
Yes, number two.
Oh, she's coming out of it.
Look at that...
exactly the time the chemist anticipated.
Sorry.
Exhaustion.
No...
Drugs.
Your pupils are contracted.
I don't take drugs.
Forced feeding, then, hmm?
But why would they?
You tell me.
You mean you'll condescend to listen?
I'll listen, as long as what you're saying
doesn't become too obviously phony, yes.
I'll find help somewhere else.
They told you to find it here, didn't they?
Believe what you like, it doesn't matter anymore.
No.
No, it does matter.
This concerns the welfare of everybody in this village.
And welfare is our biggest consumer item, yes?
Joke about this if you can:
Assassination.
Well, are you trying to organize or prevent one?
Prevent.
They would have to take reprisals...
everybody would suffer.
All right, what can I do for you?
I've just told you.
I need your help in preventing an assassination.
They've heard... they are aware.
And they don't need anyone's help.
They don't believe me.
No comment.
So much caution in a man like you, it seems so wrong.
Many times bitten, forever shy.
But they are not shy... they love to listen.
You don't understand.
My... my name, my number...
on a list.
Honors or deportation?
Jamming.
Jamming?
Domestic science?
You'll learn about jamming one of these days.
It's our most important way of fighting back.
All right, enlighten me now.
No... I tell lies, remember?
I'm sorry I ever bothered you.
Call in anytime you like.
If only I had just a little bit more time.
We're running late as it is.
I know that!
Better than anybody.
( Phone beeps )
Yes, sir... at once.
( Clears throat )
Number two here.
Yes, I realize that
but what put us behind was the girl's hesitancy.
As you know, she took a long time
making up her mind to see him.
Well, I had hoped catching up
but number six flatly refused to have anything to do with her
and that caused another delay.
Well, perhaps if we could replace him
with someone more tractable, less suspicious...
Well, I... I... I realize that, sir.
The reason why we selected number six...
A matter of credibility, without which the plan might backfire.
Indeed I will, sir.
As you say, I must find a way to make him interested.
Yeah.
I want today's activity prognosis on number six...
quickly as possible.
Stand by for priority.
( Over intercom ): Stand by for priority.
Today's activity prognosis on number six...
number two requires it.
( From computer): 6:30 A.M... subject exercises daily
with a walk round the village.
Daily, subject climbs the bell tower...
reason unknown.
Subject eccentric... certainly watching, waiting
constantly aggressive.
Is possible that subject likes the view.
7:30 A.M... Physical workout
with subject's homemade apparatus.
8315 A.M... the subject cooling off.
9:00 A.M... Coffee at cafe and buys newspaper.
9:20 A.M., subject will proceed on foot to old people's home
for a game of chess
ending with an 11-move checkmate win by subject.
Subject humors other eccentric resident by sitting for portrait
or perhaps subject has ulterior motive.
Yes... then you're satisfied with your progress to date
on plan division ""?
My division will be operational
exactly on time... you can quote me in your report.
Hmm, hmm, yes, well, I shall.
You're still confident of your cover?
Any sign of penetration?
No, they still think of me as just another... prisoner.
Getting along with your subject all right?
We're kindred spirits.
Comrades.
There'll be no trouble from him.
Ah.
( Seagulls crying )
Man: You moved.
I'm sorry.
What they do, these jammers, is talk.
They talk about the plots they've been hatching.
Plots?
Well, escapes mostly
but, uh, plans and developments for all kinds of mischief.
They do it to confuse the observers.
Still, please.
So... so sorry.
The plots they talk about are always make-believe...
nonexistent, and control can't know that
until they've checked them out.
Used to run themselves ragged
investigating the schemes of jammers.
Used to?
Well, they don't bother much anymore.
Now they keep a list of all known jammers.
Anything control picks up from these
they just let ride.
I see.
What do you think?
Perfect likeness.
Good morning... I've brought you
the activities prognosis you ordered.
Oh, good... how accurate are these?
What is the percentage of right and wrong?
I'm afraid we don't know that.
Why not?
Well, twice we programmed our machines
for a percentile appraisal of their own efficiencies.
Each time they refused to give back the requested information.
Refused?
How?
Simply by not returning the data to us.
They'll be wanting their own trade union next.
Well, go ahead, read it out to me, please.
It is now 10:19 exactly.
According to the prognosis, the subject is now taking
his daily stroll through the village.
Mm-hmm, go on.
At approximately 10:20
he will go to the kiosk.
There he will buy a copy of the newspaper...
Bar of soap...
And a bag of sweets.
Oh, no, no, he never eats candy.
According to the prognosis...
It doesn't matter about the prognosis!
It's wrong... it doesn't work.
It will only take a moment to find out.
All right...
Go ahead.
But I must have them!
For the last time, your week's credit allowance is all used up!
Come back tomorrow.
But I can't go through an entire day without my sweets!
Sorry... yes?
( Whispering ): A bag of candy for the lady.
Um, my apologies.
How did you know?
Efficient prognosis programming
must include a quantum permutation
of all cause and effects of supplementary elements.
In... in other words, the computer calculated
the old woman's behavior would change
the behavior pattern of number six.
The subject will proceed on foot to the old people's home
where, at approximately 10:45
he will undertake a game of chess with number 82.
Game to last approximately 15 minutes
ending with an 11-move checkmate win by number six.
They will commence a second chess match...
( Clears throat )
That doesn't matter... go on.
Between 11:40 and 11:50, he will arrive at the gymnasium
for his semiweekly kosho practice.
That's it.
There's more... he's very active.
I don't want to know any more.
I've found what I want, thank you.
Yes, number two.
Uh, you know what I have in mind.
( Gong crashes )
( Water splashing softly )
( Splash echoes loudly )
Door chime jingles )
( Rings bet'! )
( Many clocks ticking in background )
Number six: Afternoon.
Good afternoon.
It's, uh, stopped.
Just be a moment.
( Muffled snap )
It's all right now.
Intriguing.
What's it for?
It's nothing, it's just a toy.
Good...
Very good.
Thank you.
Door chime jingles )
Well?
Was it all right?
Perfectly, friend, exactly.
It wasn't very difficult, but I still don't understand...
why is it necessary to expose our method?
It will all be explained to you in time.
No, now, what can we gain by letting him know
what we're up to... the enemy?
We add to their confusion.
That's what we stand to gain.
You see, they don't believe anything we say or do or intend to do.
That's why we're able to carry out our plan.
( Birdsong )
I saw you go in.
How did you find out?
Beg pardon?
I never mentioned the watchmaker to you.
What put you on to him?
Um... my watch... it stopped.
Is that the only reason you called on my father?
Father?
Oh, that explains why you're so concerned, doesn't it?
And you... same total disinterest?
Not quite the same, no.
What's happened?
What's made you so interested?
Because I don't believe that a device
to detonate explosives by radio is a toy
and, uh, neither does your father.
Man: I suppose it may work.
It is working.
But I'll take the bows later on.
Whatever you like to call it
plan division "" is still murder.
You have your specific duties... stick to them.
Leave the rest to one-double-zero.
And you think number six has fallen for it?
No, no, not yet...
But he will
he will.
And after it's all over
you'll be showered with official congratulations.
Yes...
Well, after he's been here to warn me
that an assassination is being plotted...
And that I am the intended victim.
Tell me what you know.
Very little.
Victim?
Number two.
Go on.
That's it, I don't know anything else...
not when they intend doing it, nor how nor where.
They?
Yes, there's another man.
I've seen him, but, uh... Don't ask me who he is.
Who's anyone here?
So... let's go and see your father.
What for?
Do you think you can make him listen to reason?
Maybe, if he's still able to.
Number two: You are...
You are certain of your subject's indoctrination.
I've never had a failure yet, '
I won't have one with the watchmaker.
We'll soon see.
Hello, father.
Ah, Monique.
I believe you've already met this gentleman.
Yes, a short while ago.
It has stopped again, hmm?
No, it's... it's running well.
Father, we've come to talk to you.
I can guess what about.
It's not difficult.
The look on your face, the tone of your voice.
Besides, do we ever talk of anything else?
Monique: Well, we used to
before this insane idea got hold of you.
Now you see me as a madman, hmm?
Oh, father, you must give it up, I beg you...
for my sake.
Not again!
I'm sick of your begging and whining, you hear?
I'll have more of it, no more!
You refuse to understand.
What I'm doing is for a principle.
We are in this prison for life, all of us
but I have met no one here who has committed a crime.
I protest in a manner they cannot ignore.
Some other way, then... not by an act of murder.
Assassination.
Call it what you like... the important matter is
that the entire village will be punished.
Maybe it is what they need to wake them up
to shake them out of their lethargy
to make them angry enough...
That's assuming they survive the punishment!
What's the use?
You'll never understand.
Oh, father, it's you who doesn't understand.
I must get back to my work.
It must be ready in time.
Oh, father.
Must get on with my work.
My apologies... well done.
Since he cannot reason with the watchmaker
he must come here to warn you.
Number two: Camera one, are you ready?
Camera one ready, sir.
Stay alert.
Cam e ra two?
Camera two ready, sir.
Audio?
All set, number two.
Ah... number six.
My dear fellow, do come in, do come in.
Um... shall I order coffee or would you prefer some tea?
You can forget the amenities.
This is not a social call.
Oh.
Well, then, uh...
To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?
I'm here to deliver
a warning.
A warning?
What about?
A plot to kill you.
To what?
To kill you.
Assassinate you.
Hmm?
Assassinate you!
I don't believe it.
They should have told you
there are some unhappy people here.
Yes, well, I have seen the list of malcontents.
But it might interest you to know
that you happen to be top of the bill.
I'll do my best to live up to it.
Yeah, what, by saving my despicable life?
Not for your sake.
Ooh... what, then?
If they succeed in killing you
what action would your people take?
Well, they would punish those responsible for...
What else would you expect them to do?
Punish everyone... a mass reprisal
a never-to-be-forgotten deterrent.
Oh, I see... yes.
Well, I still don't believe it.
My observers would have told me.
They do see and hear everything, you know.
They don't believe everything.
You're referring to jamming.
Ah... jamming.
Well, naturally, when a person is known to us
as one who continually...
Oh, don't tell me.
It's the little watchmaker that concerns you.
Yes, well, we expected something like this
that they'd try to get through to us through a dupe.
Hmm... so they chose you
to lead us into believing their fantasies.
Tell me, how did they sell you the idea, number six?
Did they show you the gun?
They're not going to shoot you, ' they're going to blow you up.
Well, did they tell you how they're going to go about it
or where, when?
Would you find out for me?
Because the laugh will do me an awful lot of good.
You may find out yourself, quite suddenly.
In which case, you won't be laughing.
Vision, did you get that?
Camera one, perfect, sir.
Camera two, perfect, sir.
Audio?
Loud and clear, sir.
( Band playing )
What did he say?
He thinks I'm being used
as a communications medium
one more credible than your father.
You don't believe him?
I wouldn't know.
You're... going on with it?
I haven't much choice.
( Music stops, applause )
Woman ( Over loudspeaker ): Good afternoon, everyone, good afternoon.
I have some exciting news for you.
Your citizens' council has officially proclaimed Thursday
the day after tomorrow
as appreciation day...
the day when we pay due honor to those brave and noble men
who govern us so wisely.
You will all be delighted to hear that the proceeding
will be opened with an address by number two himself
and concluded by the unveiling
of our new appreciation monument.
There'll be speeches, thrills and excitement.
Maybe more excitement than planned.
( Bell tolling )
( Clock chiming, many clocks ticking )
( Approaching footsteps )
Monique: It's the great seal of office
always worn by number two at ceremonies.
It looks as though your father is making a replica.
Why?
Plastic explosive, to be detonated by radio.
Number six, isn't it?
Yes, I've been expecting you.
I want to see number two.
I am number two.
You've come to tell me
there's a plot against my life, haven't you?
Well, my colleague is very concerned
about these imminent death-by-violence projects
that you've been reporting during my absence.
Plots?
I've reported one only.
Not so.
My very efficient colleague...
or should I say my heir presumptive...
has been collecting evidence that every interim number two
who has served here while I've been on leave
has been cautioned by you
about some improbable conspiracy to murder him.
Really?
You obviously don't believe me.
Well, the psychiatrist warned me that that might be the case.
Shall I show you proof?
Please go ahead.
My successor, or should I say my heir presumptive.
Ah, number six.
My dear fellow, do come in, do come in.
I'm here to deliver a warning.
A warning?
What about?
A plot to kill you.
Shall I continue?
Go ahead.
They're going to what?
To kill you.
Assassinate you.
What did you say?
Assassinate.
More?
Why bother?
So you're convinced.
I'm convinced that those excerpts are fakes.
You mean they've been doctored?
For what purpose?
Why should we want to convince you that you're not well?
Perhaps it's you
they want to convince.
Me?
But I...
Tomorrow, I hand over to my successor.
I retire.
Perhaps they're trying to save a pension.
What was the reason for it?
To discredit me.
Why?
I was the only one he might have believed.
That's the man... my father's fellow conspirator.
I've seen him before
coming out of number two's house.
What would he have been doing there?
Planning an assassination.
With number two?
With his stand-in, perhaps.
Man: Did you call?
Yes.
Send someone to the bureau of visual records.
There's a tape I want to review.
At once.
Subject?
Subject: Warning of an assassination plot.
Persons: Number six and my successor.
Well, get on with it.
It would be a waste of time.
There is no recording
of that description.
How strange.
You must have been misinformed.
Strange that, though you have no duty functions
in the bureau of visual records
you can think instantly, and with total assurance
that the records I require are nonexistent.
Please explain.
No, number two, I am not able to.
I understand.
The fact that you won't explain explains everything.
Absolutely, sir.
Just as it's been planned.
It's going like, uh... clockwork.
Oh, well, thank you, sir... yes.
Uh, no, no... there's no danger of that.
Number six is no problem.
We have fully convinced him.
Now, you do have my word.
Woman ( Over loudspeaker ): Just to remind you good people everywhere...
the big day is tomorrow.
Appreciation day.
Remember, folks, speeches by number two and the unveiling
of the magnificent appreciation monument.
Don't miss it.
Come one, come all.
Be seeing you.
So, if they're going to do away with the man
why all the rigmarole?
Why don't they just go ahead and do it?
What would the rank and file think?
They're due for retirement themselves one day.
They brainwashed my father into doing their dirty work.
What'll happen to him?
What'll they do?
Thank you very much.
Please, we must prevent this thing...
for my father's sake.
For everybody's sake.
I've already told you!
I don't want to see anyone!
Tell him to go away.
I'd left orders that I was not to be disturbed.
What I have to say won't wait.
I know what it is.
Tomorrow, after I've handed over office, I'm to be assassinated.
For "assassinated," substitute "executed."
Since it's arranged by my own people, you mean.
You don't mind?
Of course I mind.
It's just that... well, I never thought it would happen to me.
It never does... to anybody.
But it can be prevented.
Preventing is only postponing.
You never understood us, number six.
We never fail!
Anyway, why should you care what happens to me?
I don't, but innocent people will be blamed.
I know.
I'm sorry, but there's nothing that I can do.
The ceremony can take place without the seal.
The seal is the ceremony!
It's hollowed out, it's packed with explosives.
And before I hand it over to my successor...
It will be detonated by radio.
I can think of better ways to die.
And better causes...
To die for.
( Door opens and closes )
Plan division "," all set.
It's working beautifully.
Dead on schedule, you could say.
No, sir.
No, no, just the way you ordered it.
Well, the people are already gathering.
It... it'll be very, uh, very spectacular.
No, nothing can go wrong now.
I'll... I'll stake my future on it.
Well, thank you, sir... yes.
Well, I know you will.
( Festive music playing )
Man ( Over loudspeaker ): This is the moment, ladies and gentlemen...
the great moment when we can all show our appreciation
of our respected number two.
Today, he is saying his farewell to us.
And we have the opportunity
to pay our tribute to our departing leader
and to show our gratitude to the man who has ruled us so wisely.
And in paying our respects to our retiring number two
we also extend our warm welcome to his successor
our new leader, our new number two.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us salute our leaders.
( Playing fanfare )
( Crowd cheering )
Fellow citizens...
No, dear friends...
Well, that's what you are, each and every one of you.
We are gathered here on this happy occasion
our annual appreciation day
to pay homage and to show our gratitude
to our glorious leaders.
( Crowd cheering and applauding )
Now is the moment to give thanks to our departing leader.
( Over loudspeaker ): Let us pay tribute to the great achievements
of our number two:
The improved...
( Over watch ): Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
Come in, please.
I can hear you... over.
Is everything all right?
Everything's all right... stop worrying.
Repeat, stop worrying.
Man ( Over loudspeaker ): And the new cloth golf, of course.
We say, "thank you, number two"
for the plans you have made for us...
the new concert hall that will be built
and the beautiful mural in the library
and the electrification of the clocks.
In saying good-bye
we salute you for your glorious achievements.
Where's your father?
He didn't come home last night.
In the shop?
No, he's not there.
He must be here somewhere.
Well, not necessarily.
The transmitter he's using has a very wide range.
He could be anywhere.
( Loudspeaker announcements continue in background )
( Crowd applauds )
( Crowd cheering, shouting )
( Crowd cheering )
Keep away!
Now, I know that all of you are eagerly awaiting
events much more interesting and exciting...
We're running out of time.
Find out what's wrong
( from watch ): And be quick about it.
Yes, right away, number two.
( Over loudspeaker ): ..You must forgive an old man
for talking so long
but... this is a moment of great emotion for me.
The handing over...
Is he all right?
Yes.
Soon, I'm going to leave you...
Let me have that.
Out of my way.
Well, I have come to almost the end of my time here.
Farewell, my friends.
I've got a job for you.
I want you to talk...
Number two ( Over glasses ): Talk to a lot of people... in fact, the entire village.
What for?
A confession!
( Grunting )
( Band playing fanfare, crowd cheering )
And so it is with great pride
that I dedicate this magnificent monument
which represents our appreciation
of this great community.
( Band playing fanfare, crowd cheering )
Here you are, take it.
What... but what for?
It's your passport.
No one will question its authority.
The helicopter's waiting.
They'll get me eventually.
Fly now, pay later.
They'll find me, wherever I am.
As long as it's not here.
Take it and go.
Yes, and so the great day is nearly over.
Went off rather well, I thought...
better than planned.
And now you can look forward to your own retirement
and I'm sure they'll arrange
something equally suitable for you when the day comes.
( Helicopter rotors whirring )
Be seeing you.
Won't I?
( Helicopter rotors whirring )