( 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 )
Training for the big break?
Why not use the village gymnasium?
Uh... perhaps I prefer privacy.
Now, that could be taken as being antisocial.
Some setup.
Keeping it all to yourself, number six?
Not at all the action of a public-minded citizen.
The committee wouldn't like that.
No, the committee certainly wouldn't.
( Panting )
You'll face the committee for this.
( Bell chiming )
Man: The council chamber have considered your case, number 93
and already there are signs of disharmony in your behavior.
You appear to be a reasonable man
but there is plenty of evidence
showing your unwillingness to work for the community.
Woman crying y
the court has a busy morning
and there are several cases waiting to be dealt with.
Number six is seriously in need of help
and we want to do something for 42.
She appears to be in a permanent state of depression
always in tears.
It is your clear duty, number 93
to prove that you are once again a suitable member of our society.
The only way for you now to regain the respect of your fellows
is to publicly acknowledge your shortcomings.
Go to the rostrum and confess.
We will tell you what to say.
They're right, of course.
Quite right.
Quite right!
I'm inadequate.
( Tea/fully ): I'm inadequate.
Inadequate.
Inadequate!
Disharmonious.
I'm truly grateful.
Believe me.
Believe me, believe me...
Believe me!
( Applause )
Number six, enter.
( Applause )
I take it you have completed the written questionnaire
of confession.
Of course.
Naturally.
Man: Please do not be hostile to the committee.
We are here to help you.
Do please sit down.
Tell us about yourself.
I take it you've checked my file regarding hostility?
Your files are no concern of ours.
Any information about you is with number two.
Really?
It is the duty of this committee
to deal with complaints.
Complaints?
Your complaints.
Number six: Well done.
I have several.
You realize a serious charge
has been leveled against you
particularly regarding
your attitude to your fellow citizens?
( Slam )
We deplore your spirit of disharmony.
That's a... common complaint around here, isn't it?
I would counsel discretion, number six.
You do appreciate that everything you say is being recorded?
And may be used as evidence against me?
This is a strictly impartial committee.
Number six...
You are not called before this committee
to defend yourself.
All we ask is for your complete confession.
( Bell chiming ) I'm sure you will cooperate, number six.
Gentlemen, it's time.
I think we are all more than ready
for a tea break.
The group and medical reports
will be considered in full
at the resumed hearing
of th is committee.
( Applause )
( Number six applauds )
( Gasps )
Number 93: They're right, of course.
They're right... they're right... quite right!
Quite... right.
I'm inadequate... inadequate.
I'm inadequate... disharmonious.
And I'm grateful... Truly, truly grateful.
Believe me... believe me... Believe me... believe me...
( Continues crying )
( Bicycle bell dings )
Beautiful day, number 61.
I might have guessed.
Did you enjoy the show?
There is a saying: "The slowest mule is nearest to the whip."
Yes, and another:
"He who digs a pit will one day lie in it."
Or is number two above investigation?
Nobody is above investigation.
And failure to cooperate makes one an outcast.
No more taxis, no more credit?
Believe me...
It could be only a beginning.
You should know.
I hope that you
do not think that I am a member
of th is committee.
Oh, no, of course not. Never.
I assure you, no matter what significance
you may hold for me
to the village and its committee
you are merely citizen number six
who has to be tolerated
and, if necessary, shaped to fit.
Public enemy number six?
If you insist.
But public enemies cannot be tolerated indefinitely.
Be careful.
Do not defy this committee.
If the hearings go against you, I am powerless
to help you.
Really.
Ah, my dear...
Number 86 has had
valuable experience with the committee.
As a member?
I suffered the shame of being posted.
Disharmonious.
How terrible for you.
The hearings were fair and just. I was at fault.
Oh, but this is irrelevant.
With your permission, sir, number six has a busy schedule.
First the social group, then the medical.
Of course. Do carry on.
No time for tea?
No. Only your future.
First...
Your frivolous attitude towards the committee.
Most dangerous.
The hearings are televised.
That is why your behavior is so important.
You stand before the entire community.
The social group is your one hope.
Fortunately, I, too, have been attached to the group.
Most fortunate, yes.
Oh, you must try to cooperate.
Well, I will.
Join in with the group spirit.
Only they can help you with the committee.
Naturally.
Come...
We are already overdue.
Females!
If that woman makes one mistake
we could lose number six.
Did you hear that?
Lose him.
There can be no mitigation.
We all have a social obligation to stand together.
I don't contest the validity of the complaint. My point is...
No exceptions!
( Number six claps rhythmically )
All right, you say you're a poet
and you were composing
and didn't hear number ten's greeting.
Neglect of social principle.
Poetry has a social value.
He's trying to divide us.
His intentions are obvious.
To stop us from helping
this unfortunate girl.
You're trying to undermine my rehabilitation!
Disrupt my social progress!
Strange talk for a poet.
Reactionary...! Rebel...! Disharmonious...!
Rebel...!
Reactionary...!
Number six: Disharmonious... Reactionary...
Just in time for your medical, number six.
Yes, of course.
Hello...
My medical.
Splendid, let's go.
First rate, number six.
Life here suits you.
Are you finished?
Oh, just the patella reflexes.
Mm-hmm.
Excellent.
Fit for any contingency.
Anything specific in mind?
My dear chap, how suspicious you are of us all.
Be seeing you.
Doctor: N ext.
( Electronic humming )
( Whimpering )
( Pulling door handle )
Man: Relax, fellow, relax.
Are you his keeper?
So excited, all of you.
Rushing and shouting.
Have you been in there?
Not in there.
That's odd.
Not odd, please.
Different, maybe.
Different?
I'm one of the lucky ones.
The happy ones.
I was...
Yes?
I was unmutual.
The fellow analysis report submitted by the social group
leaves us no choice.
We are bound to classify you as unmutual!
We must warn you that if any further complaint
is lodged against you
it will be necessary to propose you
for the treatment know as instant social conversion!
Woman ( On loudspeaker): Your attention, please.
Here is an important announcement.
Number six has been declared unmutual until further notice.
Any unsocial incident involving number six
should be reported immediately to the appeals subcommittee.
Thank you for your attention.
Hello?
Hello?!
Hello?
We represent the appeals subcommittee.
Quick off the mark.
Number 42?
Appeals subcommittee
already? You certainly get around.
Do not sneer at number 42.
To volunteer for social work of this nature
requires considerable moral courage.
Risk of infection from the untouchables?
Bitterness will not help you, number six.
You have brought your misfortunes on yourself.
Nevertheless, you ladies
I'm sure, out of the goodness of your hearts
will help me.
It is clearly premature to look for contrition
in the poor creature.
( Chuckling )
Now let's see how our loner
withstands real loneliness.
And for his own sake, I hope it will not be for long.
Do you hear that?
For his own sake.
( Chuckles )
Waves lapping )
( Geese honking )
Woman: Your attention, please.
Weather: The day will continue warm and sunny
but with a danger of sudden storms.
A reminder.
Coffee, please.
Incidents regarding unmutuals
should be reported to the appeals subcommittee.
Thank you for your attention.
Unmutualism, number six.
More, you must agree, than just a game.
They are socially conscious citizens and are provoked
by the loathsome presence of an unmutual.
They are sheep.
Enough! He insists on rejecting our offer of help. So be it.
There remains but one course
open to us.
( Phone beeping )
Yes?
Number two: I warned you.
The community will not tolerate you indefinitely.
You need a scapegoat.
Citizens, unite to denounce this menace in our presence!
A scapegoat... Is that what you think it is?
Allow me to assure you that after conversion
you won't care what it is.
You just won't care.
Ah, yes.
The ordeal of social conversion.
You'll soon have lasting peace of mind
and adjustment to the social system.
Drugs?
Would drugs be lasting?
What would be lasting is isolation of the aggressive
frontal lobes... of the brain.
( Click )
Woman: Your attention, please.
Here is an announcement for all staff psychologists and psychiatrists.
Those wishing to study the conversion of number six
on the hospital's closed circuit television
please report immediately to the hospital common room.
Thank you for your attention.
( Crowd muttering )
Splendid, number six.
Just in time for the procession.
( Crowd shouting )
( Electronic humming )
( Zapping )
We are using standard equipment.
Unit containing quartz crystal
is activated by a variable electromagnetic field
from these high-voltage condensers here.
The crystal emits ultrasonic sound waves
which are bounced off the parabolic reflector...
Here.
The focal point of the reflector
can be seen... here
by use
of light waves.
I will now
demonstrate the molecular turbulence
at the focal point.
( High-pitched whining )
( Sizzling )
The ultrasonic beam
is capable of penetrating, whereas the light is not.
Now...
The prime concern is to locate the link point
of the frontal lobes.
To do this, we turn to a low-voltage rating
and, so to speak
feel our focal point into place.
Ah... we have now located
the medial aspect of the left motor area.
Three centimeters in... ( Click)
1.5 centimeters up.
( Clicking )
.45 centimeters right.
.023 centimeters down.
.0015 up.
Hold the horizontal!
Precisely.
The ultrasonic beam is now focused
on the exact link point of the frontal lobes.
Lanolin barrier
to minimize external cell breakdown
and subsequent scar tissue.
Relaxant to preclude muscular reaction.
Now to step up the voltage
until the ultrasonic bombardment causes permanent dislocation.
( Whining becomes louder )
You went to sleep, number six.
Just at the most interesting point, you went to sleep.
Ah, yes...
Now, then, just remember, my boy
no exertion, no overexcitement.
That's not for you anymore.
Number 86: Don't worry, doctor.
I'll keep an eye on him myself.
( Dazed): What is... this?
Largely superfluous
but I should keep it on if I were you
for a couple of days
just to remind you to take it easy, hmm?
Now then, some of us have to get on, eh?
Go home at your leisure
and, by the way, congratulations, lucky fellow.
Wonderful!
Yes.
( Whimpering )
Woman: There he is!
Man: Welcome back!
( All talk excitedly )
( Brass band playing )
Number two: Welcome, number six.
Welcome home.
The lamb returns to the fold, eh?
That's right, my dear, the kettle
to make number six a nice, soothing cup of tea.
A celebration drink, eh?
Yes, we can have our little chat later on.
I'll be seeing you both.
You're tired.
Lie down.
Relax.
Hmm...
Cold.
Cold?
Rug.
Bedroom.
Rug...
Rug?
Rug!
Wardrobe.
Rest well.
Be seeing you.
Eh?
Time for our talk, number six.
Our talk?
Ah, yes.
Now that all your aggressive anxieties
have been expunged, let us say forever
I know that you will feel free to speak.
Free to speak...
Particularly about that little incident
which has been causing you such absurd distress.
The trivia, the trivia of your resignation.
Yes... you resigned.
Why? Why prematurely?
Why did you resign?
It's difficult...
Need time to think...
Oh, time, that was it, was it?
No, it wasn't time.
You couldn't stand your job
so you needed more time to think...
No! No!
I'm asking you, not telling you!
Please don't be angry.
I'm not angry, my dear friend.
That is just the way things seem to be to you.
Yes...
Because your new world is so quiet by contrast.
Is it?
For you, agitation is a thing of the past.
Is it?
Lay back and rest, lay back and rest...
We can have our little chat later on.
( Chuckles )
When you've had time to collect your thoughts.
Muttering y
strange, very strange.
What is?
Already he suspects.
The scar at any rate is genuine.
He'll learn nothing from that.
No, but he suspects already.
I gave him eight grains of mytol.
Suspicion, doubt... these are factors of aggression.
And the drug should preclude
all such reactions.
He's still very confused.
Well, he's shocked
as I anticipated.
Well, he's seen
what he thought was the operation.
He should be convinced.
Well, there's certainly no reason
for him to suspect that it never really occurred.
Therefore, he must feel
that he has undergone
the full personality change.
How long before his next dose?
At least four hours.
Go to him now.
Repeat the dose.
Now?
But 16 grains of mytol is quite impossible.
Look...
Already, aggressions, suspicions.
We cannot afford to have a relapse.
Yes, but this drug...
Oh, the man's as strong as a bull.
We must simply step up the injection.
( Fingers drumming rapidly )
You still have some impatience.
Impulsiveness.
Hmm...
Do you like my dress?
More feminine than slacks.
There's one thing, though.
I cannot stand girls who don't know
how to make a decent cup of tea.
A lesson.
Empty pot.
Rinse out.
Warm the pot, always.
Rinse out.
Now...
One for me.
One for thee.
One for the pot.
One for luck.
Boiling water.
Switch off.
Let stand for one moment.
Oh, uh, pour the milk for me
would you, please?
Cup.
Saucer.
Spoon.
Good.
Oh, the, um, sugar, please, in the cupboard.
Thank you.
Pour... should be just about nice.
All charmingly domestic.
I think I'd like some tea.
Here you are.
Sugar?
Thank you.
Excellent, my dear.
Just leave him.
Just... leave him to me.
( Chuckles )
( Humming )
( Singing melody )
Stupid woman!
Number 86, report to number two immediately.
Do you hear that?
Immediately.
Number 86, report to number two immediately.
I have to go...
Repeat, immediately.
Stupid woman, she'll ruin everything!
Be seeing you.
Well, why not?
Let him go out.
Feel free.
He's safely drugged.
If he has doubts, suspicions even
a little outside contact will soon reassure him.
Lovely day.
You, uh, an unmutual?
Yes, but I was, uh
saved by social conversion.
Do you feel different?
( Laughs )
You should know.
I should?
Who better?
See you soon.
See you.
Laughing )
( Footsteps approaching )
Back here again?
Not so full of himself now.
Not so much punch in him this time.
We have some unfinished business.
Yeah... Remember, number six?
Or perhaps he doesn't feel up to it.
Too much of a social convert.
Planning a funeral?
I have to report.
On plant life?
To number two.
Do you?
I want to make him happy.
Really?
I want to make him happy.
The ecstasy of illusion.
I'm higher.
Really?
I'm higher than number two.
Are you?
I have to report.
Go on, then... report.
She could ruin the whole thing.
Maybe she's watching over number six.
Physically?
Put out a general call for her.
Number six as well?
No, he's safe enough here for the time being.
Just the girl.
Calling...
Number 86.
Number 86, report immediately to number two.
I have to report.
Of course you do.
86, report to number two.
I have to report.
Yes, but first, first
there's something I have to show you.
Very important.
Number two's orders.
( Watch ticking )
Now...
See?
Number 86: Watch.
Yes... watch.
See?
See the little green light?
When I look at that...
I always feel sleepy.
Makes me want to sleep.
Sleep...
I... am your superior.
Here are my instructions.
Listen carefully.
Here's what I want you to do.
I am going to count from four down to one
and then you are going to make a full report
on the social conversion of number six.
Four...
Three...
Two...
One!
Everything went as planned, sir.
We created the illusion of a full ultrasonic dislocation
of the frontal lobes of the brain.
How was this done?
By using just sound, no ray, no focal point.
The patient lost consciousness?
The result of an intradermal injection of mytol I gave him.
I see.
How was the illusion maintained?
The patient is being kept heavily tranquilized.
Well done, 86.
Thank you, sir.
Was there anything further?
Yes.
Here are your final instructions.
Listen carefully.
This is what I want you to do.
When the village clock strikes 4300...
He's safe, I tell you.
But if the drug wears off?
The drug is good for several hours yet.
If we put out a search for him
it might revive his suspicions, ruin everything.
( Phone beeping )
Yes?
Right.
Out.
My dear man, how kind of you to drop in.
Yes, I hoped we might continue
that little chat we were having.
Ah, why, yes... Clearer in your mind now?
Oh, much clearer, and, and happier.
I want you to know that.
Such peace of mind.
Of course, only to be expected.
And I resisted... to think I resisted for so long.
Extraordinary, isn't it?
Understandable, a man of your training.
But now you, uh...
Oh yes, everything's clear-cut now.
It's quite simple.
Quite so.
No more problems, eh?
Now at last we can have our little chat.
Yes, I hope so, but...
But?
Well, there's...
I feel that I ought to tell everyone.
Ah... you need only tell me.
Just me.
Oh, yes, yes, of course
but there must be people who've got things...
Secrets that you want to know
and if I was to speak out publicly, I, I might...
Ah, yes, inspire the others to speak out also.
Yes, exactly.
What a good idea, number six.
Highly commendable.
And be assured that I shall record all this in my report.
Also, I'd be able to thank everyone:
The committee, the ladies' appeal, for their help...
For bringing to me total social conversion.
Now what could be more natural?
Number two ( On loudspeaker): Your attention, please.
Here is an exciting announcement.
Following his successful social conversion
number six has expressed the touching desire
to address you all in person.
All of you who are not otherwise occupied
should come immediately to the village square.
Thank you for your attention.
There is a proverb that he who plows a straight furrow
needs owe for nothing.
Come, and just remember...
No overexcitement, please, hmm?
Fellow citizens...
( Cheering and applause )
You're cheering me...
You're cheering me.
That is a mistake.
It is number two you should applaud.
( Cheering and applause )
Until he brought about my social conversion...
and believe me, it was him
and not your committee...
until then
I was a rebel...
An unmutual.
Senselessly resisting
this, our fine community.
( Cheering and applause )
To borrow one of number two's sayings:
The butcher with the sharpest knife has the warmest heart.
( Crowd murmuring )
Some of you have resisted in the past
have withheld knowledge
which was important to number two.
Now, thanks to social conversion
I want to tell you all something
and I trust that my example will inspire you all to tell...
To tell...
( Bell chiming 4:00 )
Number 86: Number two is unmutual!
Unmutual!
Social conversion
for number two!
The unmutual!
Number 86 has a confession
that number two
is unmutual!
Look at him!
An unmutual
who desires to deceive you all!
All: Unmutual!
Your welfare committee
is a tool of those who wish to possess your minds!
All: Unmutual! Unmutual!
Unmutual! Unmutual!
Unmutual!
You still have a choice.
You can still salvage your right to be individuals.
Your rights to truth and free thought.
Reject this false world
of number two.
Reject it
now!
All: Unmutual!
Unmutual! Unmutual!
Un-mutual! Un-mutual!
All ( Chanting to drumbeats ): Un-mutual! Un-mutual!
( Fading in distance ): Un-mutual! Un-mutual...!
( Slam echoes )