Reading my post, Albert?
Forgive me, sir. I couldn't help it
Terrible business, that man who steals brains
Yes. Leave me now, Albert
If you don't mind, I would like leave to go to the dentist this morning
I was in agony all night
Off you go, Albert
What can I do for you?
I'm here on behalf of Mr Nodo
Nodo warned me
You're late
Go on through to the back
So you tried to extort 5,000 francs out of Mr Nodo...
...but he refused because you couldn't give him a satisfactory guarantee
He's a real shark, a filthy usurer. The interest he was asking for...
So what do you want from me?
Well, Mr Nodo told me that if I had any interesting information...
...you might buy it off me
What sort of information do you have to sell me?
My master owns certain documents concerning some treasure
I tried to open the drawer this morning but he turned up
What is this treasure?
The treasure of the Knight Templars
That old ruse. Sit down
I'm listening
It's like this. Ever since I began working for him...
... he's immersed himself in the history of the Templars
He's published books on the subject but I am sure...
And don't forget, from now on...
...you must do as you are told, without asking any questions
We will check out your story and if we think it's worth it...
...you will get your money
Come
So, Doctor, what progress?
My expectations have been exceeded
There is no catalepsy or catatonia
The patients' brains are totally inactive...
...something we have never achieved before
Look, the EEG is completely flat...
...as it is with corpses
It is as if they were dead...
...except for the heartbeat, which is naturally fainter...
...and which is transcribed here
The subjects are totally inert
They are beyond hypnosis even
I still haven't managed...
I'm not your patron, Doctor, as you well know
I didn't snatch you from the hands of the police to suffer a psychology lesson
You promised me killers who would obey me blindly
You'll have your killers
And will they carry out all my orders, without exception?
Without exception
I hope, for your sake, that you are not mistaken
The file on the treasure of the Templars
Coming right up
Do you have a file on this Maxime de Borrego?
Yes, he's a specialist on the Templars and a historian of some repute...
...but he doesn't appear to believe in the treasure
We will check it out
Who are you?
I have been told that you hold the secret of the treasure of the Templars
I have come to confirm that information
My dear sir, judging from your strange get-up...
...I am in the presence of a hoaxer or a mental patient
Either way, your conversation is of no interest to me
Be so good as to leave
If you really hold this secret...
...I would be happy to share it with you
I don't know how you managed to get in but your exit is there
Leave immediately. Leave or I will call for help
I wouldn't do anything if I were you
Anyway, your butler is in his room. He won't hear you
So, this treasure...
I assure you, there is no such thing as the treasure of the Templars
It's a myth
This is your nephew, Paul de Borrego, the sailor, isn't it?
You see? I know everything
Except for one thing
Where is the treasure of the Templars?
Don't take me for a fool. I have done some research, too
I am convinced the treasure exists and I want to know where it is...
...so you're going to tell me all you know
You will never find out
But I will. I will
You will talk
Leave this house quickly
You have just enough time before...
You have no idea of the terrible acts of revenge that would ensue...
...if you were to succeed in dragging this secret out of me
The ciborium in the display cabinet...
...is made of solid gold with genuine rubies
I assure you, it's worth a fortune
It's yours. Now go
I swear, I won't say a word to the police
I'll take the ciborium since you're offering it to me...
...but I will not leave
I have decided that you will talk
My decisions are always irrevocable
You're a madman
Are you ready?
Lord...
...give me the strength, I beg you, to say nothing
I live here
In that case, go and see my colleague back there
Excuse me, Inspector. There's a man who wants to come in
- He says he lives here - Show him in
God, Mr Paul, there's been a terrible tragedy
- Who are you, sir? - It's Mr Paul
This poor man's nephew
That's correct
I am Superintendent Sorbier from the Criminal Investigation Department
Superintendent
I understand you are a sailor
I am a solo navigator and submarine archaeologist
Your uncle was murdered last night
I know. I have just been informed
You don't seem too upset
My personal feelings are my business, Superintendent
Incorrect
Under such circumstances, everything is police business
Especially the question of who will inherit, for example
I will, obviously
I have a number of questions to ask you
- Please accompany me to my office - Gladly
- You, too. Follow me - Very well, Superintendent
Come along
The time has come for you to make your decision, Brother Amory
I accept. I will take the place of our murdered brother...
...and I won't rest until the murder of Maxime de Borrego has been avenged
Stand up, Brother Amory
Seneschal of the Order of the Templars...
...accept the tributes from your Brothers
Send me your report as soon as possible.
There's a man here...
...who wants to talk to you urgently about the Borrego case
- Show him in - Right away, boss
Sit down. I'm listening
Superintendent, I have just got off a plane at Orly from Spain
It wasn't until I left the airport that I was able to buy a paper
imagine my surprise when I came across this article
I knew nothing of the murder
I am Paul de Borrego
You are dealing with an impostor
That butler really conned me. I walked right into the trap
Accessory to murder. He'll pay for that
I have a key to the house
Go to your room. Stay there, Leblanc
Welcome, Superintendent. Whisky?
There are a few details I would like you to clarify
I've had a few minor problems
I'm at 38, Rue Lasalle at the crossroads...
...at the building site
Come in, Mrs Albert
Say, Mrs Martin, there's something going on in that house
There are broken windows and I can hear moaning
At the crime scene?
Martin, perhaps you could go and have a look
No doubt about it, we'd better call the police
BORREGO CASE: RITUAL KILLING?
IS THE BOGUS PAUL DE BORREGO THE KILLER?
"Is the bogus Paul de Borrego the killer?
"Was Maxime de Borrego the victim of a ritual killing?"
Tell me, Mr de Borrego...
"For over 600 years...
"...the Templars have been avenging the murder of their master...
"...who was burnt at the stake on 19th March 1314
"Borrego: Victim of Baphomet, the idol of the Templars?"
Another question mark
"Knights of the Templars practise black magic: Terrible story of witchcraft"
No question mark
That journalist seems sure of his story
So? Journalists have been gleaning titbits on this question...
...for over six centuries
All these stories on the treasure of the Knight Templars prove that it exists
Any serious historian will tell you it's a myth...
...born of the fact that individually the Knights pledged poverty...
...whereas the Order was hugely rich
Perhaps the murderer hadn't read what the reliable historians had to say
But one thing is certain
Your uncle was tortured...
...to make him say something
But what?
I haven't the faintest idea
Here's your man, sir
We were just talking about the treasure of the Templars
So, my dear Albert, be so kind as to shed some light on the subject...
...will you?
I don't know anything about all that, Superintendent
I won't answer your questions until my lawyer is present
Go ahead, Doctor
Look, it's him
That's your man
The murderer didn't even need to force the lock
You opened the door to him, didn't you?
Even if you're not the killer...
...you must be his accomplice
How many men did you open the door to on the night of the crime?
Listen to me, Albert...
...I'm sure you didn't want my uncle to die
But the man or men who tortured him to death are free...
...and they could commit other atrocities
If you hide the truth, you will be responsible for those crimes
Mr Paul, if only you knew
That's all we were asking for
I won't speak unless my lawyer is present
He wanted to kill you, too, yesterday
Why are you protecting him?
Too bad
You'll go before a judge if that's what you want
But believe me, you will regret not having spoken, with or without a lawyer
Give me that
Here, sign here
Lock him up
That's it, then
What's going on?
They shot him
What's wrong with them?
Go back into your office and call an ambulance
Tell us the name of the man who wanted you dead
I don't know
But you've seen his face, his real face?
He doesn't have a face
Poor Maxime
He led such a peaceful, secluded life
He never hurt anyone
To be finished off in that way... I can't believe it
Whoever did this is a maniac
No, Professor. The police no longer believe it was the crime of a maniac
Your uncle always refused to talk about the treasure in his works
I myself have never really known his real thoughts on the matter
Our research related to a different aspect of the history of the Temple
Precisely. I am unable to tell the police...
...whether the documents were stolen from Maxime's archives
Perhaps you could help me, seeing as you worked with my uncle
Of course. I'll have to think about it
I'll come to Paris as soon as possible
I have delved into your uncle's library so many times, I know it by heart
But in a crypt here in London I have found some amazing inscribed stones...
...and I must record them
Think of your old friend, too
In his collection there are some coins that might be of interest to you
I could give you those coins...
...to keep as a souvenir
NEXT DAY IN PARIS
I've got him. In a few minutes, we're going to have a chat
- I think we're being followed - What?
The white Simca behind us
Get closer
I recognise him. He's one of the policemen at Borrego's house
We must shake them off
I didn't think the nephew was being watched
My informants have let me down. Those responsible will be killed
We've been spotted. Don't let them catch us
Why chase him? He was in Spain at the time of the murder
Borrego's Spanish alibi hasn't been confirmed
And all these stories about the Templars...
...the crimes...
...and what's more, a real and a bogus Borrego...
...it's so confused that Sorbier suspects everyone
I order you to stop. Are you mad? Stop. What's got into you?
Are you mad? Stop.
We're going to have to turn back, sir. The car is too far away
At this speed, in three minutes it will be out of our control
I'll let Borrego go. We can always find another opportunity to get him
I'll destroy the taxi
Martine Leduc, friend of Paul de Borrego
Lives at 15, Rue de Bon Secours
Borrego confides in her
- Does she go out? - Yes
Every day between 3:00 and 5:00
Interesting
MARTINE LEDUC EMBROIDERER
Just in time. I think I just passed her on the stairs
Yes, I just heard her coming back
- Perfect timing - She usually comes back later
Here he comes
I'm so happy you're here. You're always away
Darling Martine, you shouldn't worry so much
I travel but I always come back
Come in quickly
In the end I was ejected onto the roadside
The police car was found in a field...
... and the false taxi exploded
This story is unbelievable
Are you still in touch with that poet detective?
- What's his name? - Séraphin Beauminon
Can you ask him to come round as soon as possible?
Hello. I would like to speak to Mr Beauminon, please
Hello, Séraphi
Alright, I'll wait
They're just going to get him
Here are fruits, flowers Leaves and twigs
- And here is my heart - Keep your heart, Séraphin
- Paul de Borrego - Hello, how do you do?
- Let me take those - No, my darling Martine
I can manage
- They need water - You're too kind. You shouldn't have
Of course
The idiot. He's filling the vase I hid the microphone in with water
There's only one microphone left
Do you know Paul de Borrego?
Of course I do
Everybody knows Paul de Borrego these days
Mr de Borrego, may I offer you my condolences?
Let's not stand on ceremony, Mr Beauminon
Please call me Séraphin. Everyone does
Very well. In that case, call me Paul
Séraphin...
...it was me who asked Martine to call you
I'm going to tell you a secret...
... a secret of the utmost importance that I didn't want to reveal to the police
You have my undivided attention
May I? That's better
What's happening?
Well?
The second microphone has been covered as well
Do you know what some historians think?
That two or three centuries before Christopher Columbus...
... the French Templars went to America and brought back a cargo of gold
The idea was to build up a war chest...
... with a view to financing a crusade...
... which would put the holy places in the possession of Christianity for ever
This silence... it's infuriating.
The research project I have just completed...
...was entirely financed by my Uncle Maxime
One evening he called me into his study...
...and asked me, as if simply requesting a box of matches...
...to go and search the shallow seas of the Caribbean...
... at a latitude of approximately 18 degrees 43 north...
... and a longitude of 88 degrees 52 west
Rather surprised, I asked him what I'd be looking for
He replied that he had good reason to think...
... that a Templar ship carrying gold was shipwrecked at that location...
... between 14th and 19th January 1297
The ship was called the Sancta Maria
He wouldn't hear of any obstacles
When I explained my reservations, he replied...
Paul, I'm asking you. If you feel any affection for your uncle...
...I beg you not to ask any more questions
Do as I say without arguing
I'll do it
And?
The shallows exist...
...almost exactly where he said they would
There is a platform about 10m below sea level
It was a chance in a million, but I found the wreck...
... what was left of the lost ship
I searched it and I retrieved...
...this
But it's gold
It's gold
Yes, but much more solid than ordinary gold
One side bears the motto of the Order of the Templars...
...and the other the name of the ship...
...Sancta Maria
Martine, can I entrust this key to you?
Of course
I'm going to need your help to carry out this enquiry, Séraphin
And also as my bodyguard, I'm afraid
- Will you do it? - When do we start?
As soon as possible
We'll start by sorting out my uncle's library
Then we'll check if anything other than the ciborium was stolen
At your service
He would never forgive me but we'll have to delve into his past
As far as I know, Uncle Maxime didn't have a love life to speak of...
...but his research life was very full
It 'll be difficult to penetrate
Yet I think it's the only way to shed any light on this mystery surrounding us...
...to uncover the motive for this crime and perhaps...
What is it, Séraphin?
What's happening now?
I had no idea that someone had been in here. It's unbelievable
There's no mistaking it. They're after you, hot on your heels
You can say that again
It's one of two things. Either those who are spying on me heard everything...
...in which case we should tell the police everything right away...
...or Séraphin's jacket muffled our voices and they know nothing
- It's a chance to set them a trap - What sort of trap?
It's a toss-up, but we'll need the help of the police
Explain what you mean
Paul, they tortured your uncle in order to extract a secret from him
That's also why they tried to kidnap you
What would our unknown enemies do...
...if they found out that Martine knew the whole story?
They'd try to kidnap her, too, wouldn't they?
With this microphone we can convey false information to them...
...and get the kidnapping to happen at a time and place of our choice
With all the work I have on, I simply can't lave Paris
But your life is at stake. They killed Uncle Maxime because of this treasure
They obviously wanted to kidnap me to try and get me to talk
I don't want you taking any risks
But no one knows that I know the secret of the Templars' treasure
This Martine Leduc...
...I need her
Everything's ready
Over to you
We're on our way
Come on, let's go
Where do you think you're going with that?
Hands up.
Quick, open the door. Give me the key. Quickly
Quick, the key. I must open this door
No, I don't have it
Get a move on, you idiot
- Well? - Up there
Quickly. Get me a ladder, a step-ladder
Get this out of me. Pull it out.
Careful. Get down. He's dangerous
- What sort of weapon has he got? - An airgun
Or some blade
What's that?
Don't be afraid. It's the police. Has someone been in here?
Yes, a man in black. He left through that door
Come on, let's hurry
It's her, governor It's her.
Get ready to make your move
The police are blocking my retreat
I'm coming down through the studio
Right
Over here. Over here. I've got her
Give her to me, Séraphin
I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel so sleepy
What's this? A blowpipe?
The game's up, sweetheart
Sorry, Superintendent
Keep your stupid ideas to yourself, Mr Beauminon
Don't involve me next time
Poor old Séraphin
Alas, your ideas aren't always good ones
Wait, Superintendent
Setting a trap wasn't such a bad idea after all
See?
- Not you as well, Mr de Borrego? - Just hear me out
What if I were to organise an auction for everything here at Hôtel Drouot?
- But you told me... - What if we spread the word...
...that certain lots contain the secret of the treasure of the Templars?
If that is really what our murderer is looking for...
...I think he will buy it at any price
His remote-controlled taxi is proof that he has vast wealth at his disposal
I'm convinced he will reveal himself, one way or another
The problem with all that is that the murderer...
...knows your uncle's library as well as you do...
...and didn't find anything of interest there
But we might have documents he doesn't know about
We might have found them hidden somewhere secret
And where will you really find them?
I have no idea. We could forge them ourselves
And you think he'll fall for it?
Yes, if they're authenticated by a specialist
But I absolutely can't stoop to such methods
My professional honour is at stake
Not at all. Think of the fame
Once the murderer has been arrested, the press will talk only of your courage
What wonderful publicity for you. Your books will sell by the thousands
And no one will question your opinion. You're the only person who can help us
You can authenticate our forgeries
Authenticate them, yes
After all, why not?
We might as well try our luck
Considering where we're at, why not?
Why not indeed?
Miss, do you really think you need me?
You're indispensable, Professor
Let's give it a go, then
The television programme
The news today is brought to you from the Hôtel Drouot
This is Professor Petrie, English historian of repute...
... member of London's Royal Academy...
... who has agreed to evaluate the objects...
... which will go on Sal tomorrow and can be viewed by the public...
... at Hôtel Drouot from 2:00 this afternoon
Which do you think is the rarest and most interesting object in this auction?
There isn't just one object but three...
... which together make up one single lot
I say three: Three medallions...
... three wax seals
We found them in an old shoebox in a cupboard
By chance, they had escaped the notice of the murderer
Evidently Maxime de Borrego hid them there
I remember him showing them to me
He believed that these three medallions represent...
... in a symbolic form, naturally, the key to the secret of this famous treasure
I personally do not believe that the treasure exists...
... but there is no denying that these medallions are most curious...
... and seem to contain a sort of message
Look at this one, for example
We have a horseman
His lance in itself definitely implies a certain direction
And it goes without saying that the medallions are authentic?
I need those seals
- It's a trap. Be careful - A trap?
There must be some rat skilful enough to take the bait without getting caught
All the subjects you have entrusted to me have been operated on
Yes, and as you can see, we are feeding them through a drip
It is essential to wake them up from time to time to give them solid food...
...and at the same time make them take exercise...
...to avoid any muscular atrophy
Our subjects are in excellent physical condition, ready to be put to work
Look at them. They are the solution for the future
For industry, for the army
No more unemployment or benefits
In the event of an economic recession, back in the box
We'll get them back out when things pick up again
And there is really very little upkeep
Every factory could have its own supply
Same thing for the army. There would be no need for mobilisation
Human silos near every border
It amuses me to hear people say...
...that modern man behaves and lives as if he were a robot
If only that were true
Then the great minds would rule the world
FURNITURE AUCTION HOUSE
- Would you mind, Professor? - It would be a pleasure, Madam
Florence? That's the name of a beautiful city, too
Are you quite sure that you have this covered?
You have my word. There is no one hiding inside and the doors are locked
The station is 50 meters away and manned all night
What more could you need?
Give yourself up or I'll shoot
Stop.
Stop or I'll shoot.
Shit, I didn't load it
Kill them. Kill them all
Help.
They're calling us
The red on their arms must be their sign of recognition
It's a pity you forgot to load your gun, poet
Listen, both of you
I'm telling you this so you don't take any uncalculated risks
The auction will take place as planned
With his wounded wrist there is no chance that our man...
...the man without a face, as the press calls him, will come to the auction
- He could send someone - That's unlikely
We think he'll try to steal the seals from the new owner instead
He seems to have risen to the bait
Assuming there is a buyer. People will be afraid now
Yes, but one of our men will buy them
The seals will be taken to a place of our choosing...
...in the provinces that is easy to guard and we will wait for him there
The next lot contains three seals...
...each bearing an obscure emblem from the Order of the Templars...
...dating from around 1300
Reserve price: 1,000 francs
1,000 francs
Reserve price: 1,000 francs
Any advance?
1,100 francs
1,100 francs to the gentleman opposite
Any advance?
For 1,100 francs...
Any advance?
1,100 francs to the gentleman opposite
No advance?
For 1,100 francs, going...
...going...
...gone
No, believe me
No, I do not know anything at all about the Templars
I have no intention of deciphering these scribbles
Since you're so curious, let me tell you something...
...that will be of more interest to you than the contents of this suitcase
I will find the key to the treasure...
...without translating the signs on the seals
I will apply a much better method... dowsing
I will load up my pendulums with a charge from these medallions
Then I will wave my pendulums with their charge...
...over a big map
That way I will explore the whole world...
...until my pendulums spring into action
It's quite simple really.
Look
Notice how the antenna is moving...
...towards the medallion
This medallion, just like the pendants we wear...
...and the key to the inner crypt...
...are made of alchemical gold
This gold, as you know...
...is radioactive up to a point
It emits a special radiation
I think we are going to have to put this device...
...to good use
The ciborium that the killer stole from our late brother, Maxime de Borrego...
...is also made of alchemical gold
Thanks to this device, we will be able to find it again, wherever it is
And wherever the ciborium is...
...our man cannot be far away
This has just come in, sir
Professor Petrie is declaring...
...that the seals of the Templars are fake
"I authenticated them to help the law...
"...to catch the killer of my friend, Maxime de Borrego"
He has made a fool of me
He must have thought he could get away with it
I condemn Professor Petrie to death...
...for his lack of scientific integrity
Send out a press release
Warn the London offices that the deed will be done as soon as possible
- Is the plane ready? - As always
I'll leave right away
I want to oversee things for myself
Professor Petrie is very clever
He has told the press that the Templar objects are fakes
The thief will want his revenge and we'll have another case on our hands
Have you seen this, boss? Special edition
THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE I condemn Professor Petrie to death
Just as I was saying
It's in the hands of the English now
I must phone Scotland Yard right away
- You're phoning direct? - We have no time for formalities
Hello? Get me Scotland Yard, please
Superintendent Sorbier speaking. This is urgent
Professor Louis Petrie is in danger. He has received a death threat
I'll call back later
The crypt is deep underground and difficult to get to
They'll get there too late
But...
Just a minute, please, sir. I'm taking a photo
But...
Paul, we are to blame for the death of poor Professor Petrie
Those seals were our idea
It was me who forged them
No one forced him to join the fight
And why did he have to go proclaiming to everyone that the seals were fakes?
This man without a face is everywhere
In Paris, in London
Paul, we have to get far away from here, anywhere, or he'll kill us, too
I'm sure of it, Paul. Let's leave
She's right
- That's right - Mr de Borrego?
This is Borrego speaking
- A call from the provinces - I'll put you through to the police
Hello? Superintendent Sorbier. What's going on?
I'm phoning from a small village in Burgundy
300m outside the village are the ruins of a Templar master's residence
We have just found your uncle 's corpse there
But that's unbelievable
It 's true. Come here right away with your friends
I've ordered a car for you. It should be waiting outside your door
Pick up Inspector Péclet on your way. He's on another case
The driver has been warned
What on earth is going on?
- Mr de Borrego? - That's right
Superintendent Sorbier sent me
He won't escape me this time
I'm pleased with my impersonation skills
Even Mrs Sorbier was taken in
Brothers, in a few hours we will have found Maxime de Borrego's killer
We have pinpointed the neighbourhood he is hiding in
The hour of vengeance is nigh
Brother Templar
This is Marc calling
Templar here. I'm listening
We have located our enemy
Intervening group...
...to go to...
...13, Rue Fantôme...
...in front the Sidi Brahim café
Bring a box of ammunition. You never know
Over and out
I always keep my promises
I promised to spare your life if you told me everything you knew
But I never promised not to entrust you to the good doctor
He's going to give the three of you a very special treatment
Stop.
Danger.
We are under attack. Stand by, all stations.
Carry on without me, Doctor. Let's go
They're going to take me again
They'll say I'm insane
They'll try and lock me up
They'll stop my work
But they'll never catch me
I will escape them again. I will escape
Police car sighted
Withdraw immediately
Police car sighted
Withdraw immediately
How did you find us?
Our radios have for some time now been picking up...
...radio signals that acted as guides
Following the lead of those radio waves...
...we were led right here
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS
So you're back, Miss Ermance?
I just came back to collect a few belongings
My niece has come to help me. Excuse us, we have a train to catch
See you very soon, I hope
Yes, very soon, I think
Very soon