The Tunnel.
Based on the novel by B. Kellermann.
Documentary footage courtesy of PIEUX FRANKI Co.
- Wasn't that Lloyd? - Nope. Vanderstift, the famous banker.
Tell us, Mr. Woolf, what's the meeting about?
No idea. Ask Mr. Lloyd
I'd like a room on the top floor, facing Broadway.
Normally it's quiet up there.
But today there's a meeting on the terrace.
Just my luck.
Show the gentleman to Room 530.
Sir! You'll have to come out. The terrace is off-limits today.
But I'm a reporter!
Hello - New York Herald? I've set up a receiver on the terrace.
The meeting is about to start - listen!
You're so elusive, Woolf! I couldn't get you on the phone.
You'll support the project, won't you?
Naturally; Your father's for it and I'm his right-hand man
Mac Allan is such a strong, straightforward man.
Obviously.
So you'll help him?
For your sake.
Gentlemen, let's get started.
Ladies and gentlemen, the meeting is underway.
First, thank you all for coming.
The importance of the project we're seeking to finance...
will, I'm sure, make the trouble I've caused you worthwhile.
First of all, let me introduce Mr. Mac Allan.
The project he will outline to you...
will surpass in scope anything attempted up until now.
And the expense will too.
Naturally, Mrs. Brown.
I won't attempt to influence your decision.
But I'd like to say that if you support Mac Allan's project...
I will personally pledge 25 million for my participation in the enterprise.
Now Mac Allan, the floor is yours.
Seeing as how Mr. Lloyd has raised your curiosity...
I'm afraid of disappointing you.
The project is very simple.
Wait, hang on - it's nothing
I'll fix it.
Here's America... here's Europe.
I want to link them with a tunnel.
Trains will be able to cross the Atlantic in under 20 hours.
There you have it.
Now I'll give you a few technical details.
The figures are...
125, 126, 127, 128, 129... 130
I can't.
Yes, go on counting!
Nothing works - I can't keep calm.
Six years of work, Hobby - six years!
And it could all be wiped out in one hour
I'm scared.
Imagine what that will do to Allan.
It'll crush him.
Don't worry so much, Mary.
It takes more than that to crush a man like him
Mac Allan's wife mustn't be afraid
I'll be brave, I promise.
If it all falls through, no one will know I'm upset, not even him.
- Listen, Mary: Do you want to help him? - Yes.
- Really? - Yes, really!
Then you must believe in him no matter what.
I do believe!
But I'm scared.
You were supposed to wait downstairs.
Did you want every reporter in New York to overhear us?
Did you carry out my orders?
I've sold 9/10ths of your shipping shares.
That comes to over 10 million dollars gross.
Naturally, all the sales were in fake names.
That only leaves 50,000 in Trans-Oceanic Steamships.
Not very sharp work on your part, Gordon.
Get rid of them, at any price.
And how's it going?
Leave that to me.
Stay here - don't move.
I prefer we not be seen together
a length of 100,000 kilometers.
Work will start on the European and American sides at the same time.
My task is not one of innovation, but in carrying out a work...
one hundred - one thousand times greater than any to date.
And if my forecast is correct, the job will be done in 15 years.
If.
What do you mean, "If"?
If the forecast turns out.
You're an idiot, Mr. Vanderstift!
Against a great project that will double your investment!
Mind your own business, Mrs. Brown!
It's certainly no business of mine if you don't want to make money.
What about competition from planes?
I've thought of that, Mr. Field. I'll match their speed.
And move thousands daily between America and Europe.
Gentlemen, there are so many ways of losing money these days...
I don't care to explore new ones
I'm not interested in this Mac Allan.
Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.
Could I ask Mr. Mac Allan to leave us alone for a moment?
Excuse us, Mac Allan. I'll call you when it's time.
- You were wonderful, Mac Allan! - Thank you.
Mr. Lloyd is investing 25 million in the tunnel
I will pledge 10 million.
Let me share a few facts I've jotted down.
Nothing you say will prop up shipping stocks.
If this succeeds, all the shipping companies will be out of business
I hold no shares in shipping companies.
Really? Since when, Woolf?
I'll have shares in the tunnel.
Mr. Vanderstift, you're involved in all the big shipping interests.
You're not very enthusiastic about the tunnel - I understand.
Do you think your opposition will stop progress?
This tunnel guarantees 15 years of work for millions.
It will produce an incredible boost to the construction industry.
Let's be honest.
It's not a question of supporting the tunnel.
It's a question of seizing the opportunity the tunnel offers us
Mac Allan has left the terrace.
This is from a reliable source:
Mac Allan has invented a method of extracting carbonic acid from the air...
using a rotary machine.
The meeting is behind closed doors. It started a half hour ago.
In addition, Mr. Maurice Detross and Mr. Woolf are there.
- Hurry up! - Get lost!
Hello, Evening Post? Banner headline:
"On the top floor of the Astoria, 15 people are meeting.
They have a combined worth of 7.5 billion dollars..."
No point pacing around; I've got a good feeling about this.
Darling, you'll see, it'll all be fine.
No, it's all down the drain. The atmosphere up there...
Usually I'm not too bad at speaking.
But I choked in front of that bunch of sharks.
But you said several were on your side.
Mrs. Brown was for you.
Mrs. Brown doesn't care about Mac Allan, the tunnel or the link with Europe.
She barely knows Europe exists.
There's only one thing she cares about: Her money.
I guess it's back to Buffalo for us.
Is that so bad? We were happy in Buffalo.
Sit down and eat something. You'll see more clearly if you're not starving.
Yes... what?
They're going ahead with the tunnel?
Allan! It's happened! They're going ahead with the tunnel!
What do you mean?
They're going ahead with the tunnel!
You're joking.
No, they're going ahead with the tunnel
Mac Allan, they want more photos.
Come on, Mary.
When I was named President of the Tunnel Syndicate, it became clear to me...
that this gigantic enterprise is not only of material and economic interest.
What attracted me is its spiritual and intellectual importance.
As a tool of social improvement.
Ladies and gentlemen, will you please make room for the world press.
Silence, please.
Would you care to say a few words on this momentous occasion?
Allan, I never doubted you.
You'll build the tunnel... I'm very happy.
It'll be a masterpiece; I'm very proud of you
I'm sure you'll build the tunnel
I've nothing to add to what my wife has said.
I can't argue with her.
The Atlantic Tunnel Syndicate is formed.
The Tunnel Syndicate presents this weekly update on the tunnel excavation.
We'll use both words and pictures to illustrate.
Mac Allan meeting with his engineers.
The tunnel's army of workers is on the march.
Preparatory work: The first blasting on Long Island.
Enormous quantities of materiel...
and thousands of kilometers of rails collect on Long Island.
Drilling of the tunnel begins.
The tunnel dives deep into the earth.
The Long Island shoreline, under which the tunnel runs.
During the first year, Mac Allan and his men have built...
a section 180 km long and up to 1200 meters deep.
The second year the work stretches 300 km long...
and 2000 meters beneath the sea.
The third year we reach 430 km.
Maximum depth: 3000 meters.
Warning - fire!
- Everything ready Harryman? - All ready, Mr. Allan.
All the workers out?
Everyone out!
The third one!
Stay back! It could go off!
What the hell is going on here?
I knew it! Why didn't he listen to me?
Harryman!
That was a narrow escape!
Are you OK?
- Are you hurt? - It's nothing.
How do you feel?
It's nothing. We got the last one.
Hello - What do you want?
To talk to the boss.
You mean Mr. Mac Allan?
I mean I want to talk to the boss.
Not write to him - I want to talk to him.
If you want to see Mac Allan you need an appointment.
You think he can personally meet every one of the thousands who turn up here?
I don't care about the thousands; I just want him to talk to me.
Maybe you think the boss... There he is!
- Hello Mr. Allan. - Hurry up, will you?
Are those for me?
- What do you want? - To talk to you, sir.
Come on, then. What's your name?
Charles Baillère.
Get my bath ready.
What do you do?
My last job was as a blasting specialist in a coal mine.
- Where? - Nances.
- Where's that? - In France.
I started there as a horse-handler.
Yeah? Me too.
- What kind of horse did you have? - A white one.
Yikes, a white horse down the mine! You spend all your time cleaning it.
- Mine was a brown bay, named Polly. - Mine was Max.
Are you coming?
- So you want to work with us? - I'd like nothing better.
Then go straight to B-9.
Thank you, Mr. Allan.
Well it's about time you got here.
If it were a few pretty girls I could understand
I couldn't come any faster, I was talking to an old mineworker
I've hired him as a blasting specialist.
- Another inventor? - No, a horse-handler.
Careful, here comes the rinse.
That feels good!
A week in the tunnel, I think I've brought 3/4 of it back with me.
We'll look hilarious all dressed up tonight
I'm happy for Mary; We spend so little time together.
It's not the banquet I care about.
It's the party with all the workers after!
Come on, get down and join us!
Have some fun with us!
I can't, I've got too much work to do.
Who cares about those bigshots? Come on and have some fun!
Just to make them happy, let's get out for a moment.
Okay, five minutes.
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, the cream of society's here!
Ah, Mr. Hobby!
- I have to ask you something. - What?
Do we have to go to this banquet?
But there are very important people there, all waiting for us
I just want a few minutes alone with you.
I get to see you less and less.
Can't you forget the tunnel just for a moment?
- All right, let's go then. - Really?
Sure, we'll go tonight, wherever you want.
Oh Allan! You're the most wonderful man in the world!
Now remember, you're the wife of a famous man.
We need to keep up appearances.
Go home, pack a bag, we'll leave at 5:00...
and by 7:00 we'll be in the country
I love you.
I hope we're not the last.
Get me the Head Office.
I have to talk to Mac Allan at once!
He's at the banquet at the Head Office.
Get Mac Allan quick! Quick!
Don't be long. I'll expect you at the house in half an hour
I'll be right along, darling
Lizzie!
What is it?
Never mind - help me.
We're going away for 3 days! Isn't it wonderful?
But such a short a trip...
3 whole days alone with him - it's an eternity! Paradise!
Gentlemen, let's get started.
How did it happen?
It was exactly 23:05. I was on the job in B-9.
The alarm went off, I phoned and Baillère answered.
Gallery B-9 struck a subterranean stream which we couldn't hold back.
We're trying to save the gallery.
We've built a temporary dam.
Go on.
B-9, where the flooding is, is 500m below sea level.
The water pressure on the dam is so strong it won't last long.
Who was the engineer in charge?
Me.
What are you doing here?
I got a replacement. I was at B-8 for half an hour.
Tomorrow we'll replace you for good. Get out.
But Mr. Allan...
There's nothing to discuss!
I'm going down
I'll send instructions from B-9.
I want complete secrecy from you all.
Tell B-9 I'm coming.
Hello? Get me B-9, quickly!
I won't force anyone.
But we can't leave our comrades to drown.
What'll it be, boys?
I thought I could count on you
I have a wife and children.
Stay behind then. Any volunteers, follow me.
It's me, Mary.
Hobby! Where's Allan?
He's sorry, but he was called down to the gallery.
- What's happened? - Nothing serious.
You know how they call him up for nothing.
He didn't give you a message for me?
No, but I'm sure he'll be back tomorrow morning.
Why do you ask?
Nothing...
We were just...
But it doesn't matter. Well, goodnight.
You can unpack, Lizzie.
We're not going.
You'll buy shares in shipping using all available funds.
You're President of the Tunnel Syndicate and you're buying shipping shares?
Absolutely - sit down
I've been having some problems.
Complications.
I need cash right away
I've got a chance to make a killing
I don't understand.
There was a leak in the tunnel tonight.
They're fearing - and I'm counting on - a massive collapse.
Collapse? Brilliant.
Shipping shares will skyrocket.
The news isn't out yet.
Not yet?
The Tunnel Syndicate is keeping it quiet.
But tonight the workers will talk about it at their meeting, thanks to me.
Comrades! They're asking us to be heros.
No deal. We're workers, and we've proved it.
The Tunnel Syndicate just celebrated the 500th kilometer.
How did they get there? Who worked in the cold, the heat, the mud, the water?
Keep saying the same thing: The sea's rising in the gallery.
Twenty comrades are already dead.
Next time it'll be a thousand! Two thousand!
Don't listen! He's a traitor!
Mac Allan will come and explain!
Comrades, we're not sewer rats! We're men!
It's easy for them to talk; They're not down there.
When the water is pouring into the gallery...
it's you, and you who'll pay the price!
Don't listen, comrades!
He's a false brother, a traitor!
Mac Allan will come here to explain.
"Mac Allan! Mac Allan!" That's all anyone says.
Are there still any poor saps here who trust Mac Allan?
Mac Allan is just like the others.
He's lying!
You think he cares about you?
He cares about his celebrity, his success.
He's lying!
Whether we die for the Syndicate's profits...
or for Mac Allan's glory
I don't give a damn! We're dying no matter what!
I know we're making good money.
But for the guys who died, was it worth it?
The Syndicate is entitled to our work.
It's not entitled to our lives!
You're all crazy! Wait for Mac Allan!
Fellow workers!
Fellow workers, you've met here to discuss your work.
Not just the tunnel! Us too!
And you make me come here instead of staying in gallery B-9?
- Go on back, then! - Go back and drown!
So, you're saying we're not on the same side?
Haven't I worked side by side with you?
I'm a worker like you
I feel as bad about this disaster as you do
I'm sorry for all who died down there.
Yes, too bad for the workers, eh? Two hundred have been killed so far.
That's right! Two hundred!
Do we stop work every time someone dies? No!
We struggle - work is struggle.
There's no work without risk: In the mine, on the sea, in the factory.
There's danger everywhere! Where there's life there's danger!
Why should we go back down there?
Tell us it's not dangerous!
I'm telling you the truth: I don't say there's no danger.
But we're equal to the danger; We can still build the tunnel.
Tomorrow will be too late.
Half of the men down there could die.
It's not about that. It's about millions of workers thrown out of work.
That's what waits for all of us if we shut down.
Then promise that we won't drown.
Swear and we'll follow.
We'll all follow you!
Did we ask for the danger? No!
But the risk is there; Are we going to run?
Be strong, Mac Allan; Tell us the truth.
Promise us, and we'll believe you
I'm a loyal comrade
I promise you nothing, but I tell you with all my heart:
I believe. I have confidence.
And I ask you to follow me.
It's man versus the mud. Iron and concrete are nothing without you.
Listen men, every minute we waste is a crime.
That water's rising - I ask just one thing of you: Your trust.
Here's some coffee.
Why are you bringing it? Isn't Lizzie here?
She's gone to bed, it's late.
- You shouldn't have bothered. - It doesn't matter.
And what about you? Are you tired?
A little.
Look at all these papers to go through
I'll be up most of the night.
Goodnight, Allan.
No kiss tonight?
- What's wrong? Are you crying? - It's nothing
I'm a little stressed. It happens.
- What is it? - Let me go, Allan.
You're not leaving until I know what's wrong.
Tell me.
I feel so alone.
It's stupid. It's been going on for weeks.
Months.
I shouldn't tell you - you can't help it.
You're right; But all this work...
I promise, I'll take 1 day a week and spend it just with you.
Of course, Allan. It's not important...
I've just been carrying this around.
Now that I've told you, it'll be better.
Give me a smile now.
Goodnight.
Sleep well.
Thanks to Mac Allan's intervention, we were able to avert a strike.
Furthermore, gallery B-9 has been sealed.
But there have been various attempts at sabotage by persons unknown.
To prevent attacks, Mac Allan proposes armed guards.
He's unable to join us, as he's been called to Mr. Lloyd's sickbed.
I don't understand; He made the building of the tunnel possible.
Unfortunately, we have to face it.
Woolf is a crook.
Great - the President of the Tunnel Syndicate gambling with shipping stocks
I've always thought him capable of anything. This time he's gone too far.
It was a clever plan.
If we hadn't averted the strike, if the disaster had happened...
today he'd be on top of the markets.
What should we do? We can't leave things like this, we have to act
I'm old and tired; I can't handle this unpleasantness.
It's up to you to stop Woolf.
OK
I'll handle it.
Whatever happens, you're always smiling, Woolf.
Always the flower in the buttonhole.
Mr. Woolf.
Ah, Mac Allan, you made it.
I got them to agree to armed guards.
The strike has left them worried.
It's not that - it's about you.
What do you mean?
You cost the Syndicate 3 million dollars.
What do you base this accusation on?
Don't deny it.
You've doctored the books; Now everyone knows it.
Unfortunately for us it's all too clear
I speculated on the Syndicate's behalf; I admit it.
But that's no reason to take that tone with me.
The Syndicate can survive the losses it took in its name.
But you personally speculated on your own account.
You've diverted 3 million dollars.
Here's the proof; We've been watching you.
Don't try to intimidate me. Without me, there would be no tunnel.
I know.
You have 3 days.
If you haven't made good by then...
I'll have you arrested
Thursday, 6:00 sharp.
Not one minute later.
Understand?
You have a back exit, right?
What's wrong, Woolf?
Watch out.
So they caught you? It was bound to happen.
No one knows yet. Find me the money to cover it up.
I have 3 days.
With the police on your heels? Are you nuts?
So you're just going to hang me out to dry?
I can't save you.
If the Syndicate has checked its books, they know what's happened.
You're cooked.
So the answer's no?
No
I've got another trick up my sleeve.
Where are you going?
Go out this way.
It's late, Mr. Woolf. What's up?
Let me in.
Brooce, I'm here to offer you a great opportunity.
Another stunt like the strike?
But it needs a guy with nerve.
That's why I've come to you.
If it's about the tunnel, forget it.
Scared?
Maybe I am.
And to stiffen your nerve - how much?
You may not have enough.
Not enough? What do you mean?
Listen - I have ways of forcing you.
You know it, and I don't mean money.
Are you kidding?
The answer's no.
Do you expect me to get down on my knees and beg?
You think I'm here in the middle of the night because I'm at the end of my rope?
Not at all.
If you had the tiniest bit of courage...
we could blow them all sky-high
Lloyd, Vanderstift, the whole crew
I'm playing the biggest hand of my life, and you too Brooce.
Listen: In three days...
Can't see a thing; I know it was that way, not far.
It's on the other side, where the gallery starts.
Yes, right behind; There's no parallel gallery here.
It's really close.
Who's there? Come back!
That could be it.
Does Mac Allan know?
Yes... Fine.
Where?
Johnson? Alright.
What is it?
Superintendent Bléry wants you right away at C-24.
The gallery again?
They can't leave me alone for a minute!
I can't get even five minute's shut-eye.
You'll see Baillère, tomorrow morning when everyone leaves
I promise we'll get them in the end.
Over here!
Quick! They're tearing up the rails!
This is station 463. This is Mac Allan.
Block every exit between kilometers 2 and 25! Send Security!
Cheer up, Mary. I promised Allan I'd entertain you.
That's why he sent us here.
- Hear that music? - Yes, a waltz.
A Viennese waltz. Vienna - Europe!
You'll soon be able to go there using Allan's tunnel.
He'll be with you instead and you'll be happy. Much happier than tonight.
Sometimes I wonder why I didn't marry you.
You're always here. You have time to stay with me.
A quarter hour with Allan is worth 6 years with me.
You're right - To Allan.
We'll get them all, they can't get out of the tunnel.
We'll stop at every cross-gallery and make a search.
Since we're no more than 50 km from B-9, it'll be over by morning
I'm afraid it may not be so simple.
We'll do everything we can.
Look over there!
Someone's there! What's he up to?
Stop!
He's running away - stop!
Quick! After him!
Stop!
Stop him!
What are you doing down here?
Leave him!
My name's Mac Allan, and I don't waste words
I'll count to 3.
You tell me what you're doing and who for...
or I'll put a bullet in you.
One.
Two.
Stop - I'll tell you
I've planted a bomb in gallery B-9.
It's set to go off at 9:00.
Precisely.
You want to know who I'm working for?
- For... - Who?
Mr. Woolf.
Mr. Lloyd asks you to wait a few minutes.
Good evening - Come in, Woolf!
What's new?
- Have you seen papa? - Not yet. He's expecting me.
- We're not on the best of terms. - Nothing serious, I hope.
That depends.
- What is it? - Nothing
I've leaving the Tunnel Syndicate.
I admit I'm not sorry.
I need a wider field.
A new future.
As I regain my freedom I feel...
I'm telling you this because I admire and respect you.
A feeling of exhilaration I've felt only once before:
When I went into business with your father.
Today I'm leaving. But I hope our friendship will last...
even if, by chance, I should become his rival
I'm afraid for you, Woolf.
You're taking a wrong turn
I've never had more confidence in my lucky star.
Excuse me; Two gentlemen wish to see you.
Already?
I'm coming.
What's wrong, Woolf?
Nothing.
They're waiting for me.
Strange that we haven't seen any other trains.
The men must be out by now.
We've taken all precautions.
We've called all the stations.
They've been warned of a possible explosion.
- How much longer? - Eight minutes.
But if they've sabotaged the alarm...
Faster.
Look up there!
They've cut all communication further on!
Anyone there?
Somebody answer!
So, have you got hold of anyone?
No, Mr. Bléry, only the next station.
- There's no connection further on. - Well get it back.
- Bernard! - Yes?
Wait a minute.
Go around behind the slag-heap.
And change the drill bits
Mac Allan! Don't go any further!
It's suicide! You can't do anything to stop it now!
Be careful, Mac Allan; It's 9:00.
Let me go!
Are you asleep, Mary?
Almost.
Give me a light.
- What time is it? - Just past 9:00.
- Are you tired? - Yes.
We'll be there soon.
What a good pal you are; You like me.
Don't try to stay awake; Sleep.
I think I had a little too much to drink.
- My head... - I think so too
Allan - what's he doing right now?
- Where are you going? - To the tunnel.
What's happened?
Huge accident - the tunnel's on fire!
Allan! I have to find Allan!
Mary, where are you going?
Mary, you're crazy! You can't do anything!
Get going!
We're staying here until we get all the men from gallery 106.
They're all dead!
Quit fooling around, Baillère!
We'll wait until the last comrade is saved!
Just hang on until they're here, then we'll go.
Knock the bastard down!
Be reasonable! We can't betray them!
But it's not your fault.
Don't try to persuade me; I'm going.
You don't know what you're doing - think!
Nothing you say can change my mind - I'm giving it up.
You can't decide now; Wait a few weeks.
You'll see more clearly.
More clearly? After everything that's happened?
It won't change a thing.
You go on with the tunnel if you want to, but me...
I can't.
You're crazy; After everything you've gone through...
No, I can't, do you understand? I'm through!
What have I done? Every time I think of starting up again...
I cause disaster wherever I go.
And you want me to go on? Why? For whom?
I don't care about any of it.
Calm down, man.
And Mary...
Poor kid, what sort of life did you have?
You wanted a little happiness, and now...
I can't, I can't.
Why didn't I die like the others?
What are you saying?
Do you think they went through all this struggle just for you?
No, it's because you're a man with a great idea.
You have no right to give up after so much sacrifice
Allan, your life is not your own.
You're a man, you've proved it. So do something.
Pull yourself together.
Come on, work. It's the best thing for you now.
Leave me alone for a bit.
The tunnel excavation continues under the supervision of Mac Allan.
The two sections grow closer, and are only 50 km apart.
The workers now work at a depth of 3,500 meters under the sea.
Everyone back!
We're 3,500 meters below the surface of the Atlantic.
The giant drills have reached the furthest point of the American section
I'm here on site.
The European section is a few meters away, separated by a rock wall.
The shot-firers place the final charges.
Clear the gallery!
Mr. Hobby! Would you care to say a few words?
For 15 years we've blasted and drilled.
If we don't match up the two parts as I hope we will, it'll be disappointing.
In a few moments the press will tell you if we've succeeded or failed.
I... well... Goodbye!
You've just heard what Mr. Hobby said. Goodbye!
European gallery clear?
Clear!
Clear the gallery!
Warning: Fire!
Hello, America! This is Europe!
Where's Mac Allan?
Here.
Let me shake your hand.
Thanks and congratulations from all the workers of the European section
I'm the one who thanks you.
My work is finished.
My happiness would be more complete if it hadn't cost so much.
So much suffering... So much sacrifice...
Thanks to all who helped me, followed me, and had faith in me