08x08 - A Game of Chess

[bunniefuu]

What is your situation now, Doctor Rydell?

I agreed to act for them, of course.

I am to wait for further orders.

What I would like to suggest to you is that

I carry out those orders

with your knowledge.

You mean, act as a double agent?

If that is how you would say it, yes.

You're aware of the danger involved?

Of course.

Otherwise, this gesture of mine

would have very little meaning.

You wouldn't by any chance be playing

follow the White King, would you, Kessler?

In hopes of stealing it for free?

Alright, very well.

Have your Doctor Rydell at the railway station

Wednesday morning.

White cane and all.

- I'll tell you the time later. - Wednesday?

- I would like it sooner. - Sorry.

I might add, if you do try any games, Kessler

your Doctor Rydell would be the first to go.

[dramatic music]

Hanna!

[theme music]

[Marvin Miller] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds.

With guest stars, Patrick O'Neal..

David Frankham..

Charlotte Stewart..

George Nader.

Tonight's episode, "Game Of Chess."

[instrumental music]

Jordan. Jordan.

Beautiful job, Jordan.

There's just one point I'd like to question.

Oh, perhaps, we'll have time later today?

I hope so. Thank you.

[groans]

[squeaks]

It's never locked. Not during the day.

- I tell you, it was locked. - Yes, sir. Of course.

I suggest we have a good look around.

The door was locked.

Alright, sir.

[engine sputtering]

Hello. Get me control.

This is an emergency.

[security alarm wailing]

[intense music]

[Marvin Miller] On August 7th, at the close

of an international symposium of world ranking scientists

in Baltimore, Maryland.

The attack on one of the key researchers

and subsequent disappearance of plans

of the secret project, Silver Fish

was immediately reported to the FBI.

Inspector Lewis Erskine

arrived to spearhead the investigation

which was to present the bureau

with one of the most complex and critical cases

in its history.

They do look like the papers can still be here..

- Inspector, how are you? - How are you?

Excuse us, please.

The as*ault took place back here.

We have a complete dossier on everyone who works here.

I had to, quite a ways back here, sir. Excuse me.

The as*ault took place here as he opened the door.

The assailant dragged him in, got his keys.

He was found over here, sir.

Apparently, he knew exactly what he was looking for

and where to find it.

It's project Silver Fish.

- Pattern recognition circuit. - Mm-hmm.

Hello, doctor.

The director of this center, Doctor Jordan McClure.

- Inspector Lewis Erskine. - Hello, inspector.

- How do you do, doctor? - You've seen Doctor Nelson?

I've just come from the hospital.

They seem pretty confident there'll be no permanent damage.

Well, thank heaven for that.

- Was he able to help you? - No.

He said, he was alone in the corridor opening the door.

That's the last he remembers.

Everything points to someone

that's completely familiar with this center's routine.

'Its personnel, and the project itself.'

Yes, there seems no question.

And yet you know the tightness of our security.

Yes, sir.

About this, uh, recognition circuit, doctor..

The key to the entire project.

Can you give me an estimate of the extent of the damage

or the value a competitor might put on it?

Well, no. There's, there's no way you can price it.

You see, Silver Fish is an underwater m*ssile.

It will make every other such device obsolete

for a good many years to come.

And the recognition circuit, as I told you

is its key component.

No, there's, there's no absolute in money

that a competitor would be willing to pay

or in lives either.

I think that Doctor Nelson is an extremely lucky man.

Had he caught a glimpse of his assailant

I doubt that he'd be alive today.

Our agreement was that I get the plan, deliver it to you

and I'd be through.

That's-that's true. That's true.

That was the agreement at the time

but there're been a few changes.

No, I don't intend to argue with you.

You know, a freelance in my business

can't afford to take an inflexible position.

Most of the time you're walking between two

very tough opposing sides.

So, if you..

Well, you got to learn to go with the wind

if you're gonna survive.

'Now, don't excite yourself.'

It's just till I work out the deal with my customer.

- No, I'm through now. - Not quite.

In this particular circumstance

I'm the boss of the job, and if you doubt that

I suggest that you examine your situation, Stirling.

'You're a clever man.'

A really gifted man in your job.

Essentially, you're also a weak man.

Otherwise, I'd never been able to get you.

Oh, no. Don't make that mistake.

I was stupid to let you set me up

but don't make the mistake of thinking I'm weak.

[chuckling] Alright.

Look, you can hardly blame yourself.

I mean, you're really something of a classic example.

Anybody with a gambling itch is always totally vulnerable.

Look..

Why are we going into all of this?

Just relax.

This is all new to you, and you're nervous.

It's understandable but, look, I still need you.

I can't do it alone.

Just till we make the deal.

You'll be back in Monte Carlo with a lot of money

in your hand before you know it.

Get it?

[instrumental music]

Is it the price?

Huh. Raymond, you amaze me.

Your brashness is absolutely incredible.

Do you think I could ever really hand over

any sum of money to you after our last experience?

That.. That was unfortunate, wasn't it?

Unfortunate?

A beautifully documented file

that proved to be absolutely worthless.

Do you know, the only reason that you are walking here

beside me today, the fact that you're still alive

'is due to an unprecedented decision by my superiors.'

Well, the fact that either one of us is walking here today.

I know that.

That should suggest you, I'd be doubly careful

about anything I brought you again.

That's what your superiors had in mind though, doc.

Why cut off this excellent source?

Play out his line?

He knows what'll happen next time.

If it ever comes to that, I will personally

take the responsibility to take care of you.

I'm sure you will, Nicholas.

In the meantime, you need me.

Now, you've tried to get these plans yourself and failed.

How're you going to explain that, Nicholas?

I'm sure there's someone you can get to authenticate

the materials before we make the transfer.

It shouldn't be difficult for you.

You have the resources.

There is one person.

If he can be persuaded.

Oh. Persuasion is one of your better talent, Kessler.

I'll let you know.

What I want is his source who stole the material for him.

I understand.

Any luck?

We have a list of 16 possibilities.

Right now, it's a matter of checking them out.

Though we may have a major break.

Doctor Alex Rydell, he's a top man in his field.

Electronic circuitry.

He's here on a grant from the Eastern zone.

Georgetown.

'He was contacted by code green in New York'

'to authenticate a project plan.'

And he's come to us through the State department.

He indicated in the preliminary meeting

that he wants to defect.

Did he mention the name of the plan?

No, he didn't.

But the coincidence is too great.

[instrumental music]

Doctor Rydell.

This is the director, Arthur Ward.

How do you do, doctor?

- Inspector Lewis Erskine. - Doctor Rydell.

Uh, thank you, I can manage.

We understand your general situation

from Under Secretary Winters.

We'll be glad to hear anything you'd care to tell us.

Yes.

It is very good to be here.

You have experienced this doubtless many times before.

For me, it is the end of a very long tournament.

I have explained the situation to the under secretary

so, we need not concern ourselves here with details.

What I would like to do now is make a gesture.

'A gift, if you will, to this country.'

'For reasons which are known to Mr. Winters.'

You were to authenticate a certain project plan.

Yes.

Was it mentioned by name, Doctor Rydell?

No.

Only that it had to do with something we call

a recognition circuit.

- And who approached you? - A.. A man.

I was told to report to New York City.

I only know him by a code name, and a telephone number.

I will give them both to you.

But nobody in the embassy here?

No.

Although, I believe that the request was originated here.

- Possibly by Nicholas Kessler. - 'Do you know this Kessler?'

Yes, we have met several times, in Europe, not here.

Is he part of the network?

I suppose but I could not say so with certainty.

What is your situation now?

I agreed to act for them, of course.

I am to wait for further orders.

What I would like to suggest to you is that

I carry out those orders

with your knowledge.

You mean, act as a double agent?

If that is how you would say it, yes.

You're aware of the danger involved?

Of course.

Otherwise, this gesture of mine would have very little meaning.

[instrumental music]

The man Raymond met immediately after he left the park..

- Yes? - I followed him.

His name is Stirling Grant.

He's an electronics expert

attending this symposium on behalf of the Royal Institute.

All the information is here.

Hmm.

Have you thought, Raymond, this whole idea

of sending someone to authenticate the plan

might be a move to discover my identity?

Except that won't get him a plan.

I've got it, you don't.

But you're learning.

You're not being coached by any chance, right?

What do you mean?

Well, there's nothing our friend Kessler would like better

than have me dead and only you to deal with.

His difficulty is gonna be that I mean to dictate

the arrangements up to and including the time

he hands me the money.

Now, here's the first step.

I want you to go out into the country, Amherst, Virginia.

Rent a place.

Which we call a safe house.

Something out on the way where you can finish up some work.

Now, use this as a deposit.

Of course, you can use an assumed name, right?

Doctor Alex Rydell.

No, I'm afraid not.

Oh, he's quite a distinguished man.

Member of your organization?

We have complete confidence in him.

There's only one difficulty.

If he is to study this material

it will have to be transcribed into Braille.

Doctor Rydell is blind.

Well, that's a complication I don't relish very much.

Well, I'm sorry.

He's the only authority that we will accept.

Well, he says, he will meet you whenever you want to

authenticate the material.

You wouldn't by any chance be playing

follow the White King, would you, Kessler?

In hopes of stealing it for free.

Alright, very well.

Have your Doctor Rydell at the railway station

Wednesday morning.

White cane and all.

I'll tell you the time later.

Wednesday?

- I would like it sooner. - Sorry.

I might add, if you do try any games, Kessler

your Doctor Rydell will be the first to go.

Yes.

Yes, I see.

Colonel, I was wondering

would it be possible..

- Please, who's there? - Uh, Johnson, sir.

You wanted me to hook up the filter.

No, please.

Just leave it.

- Leave it. - Yes, sir.

Uh, yes, colonel, I'm sorry.

Wednesday morning?

Well, yes, I agreed, of course.

I'm perfectly willing to look at the material for you.

But I had hoped not so soon.

I am in the middle of an experiment here

that is critical, and to interrupt..

Yes, yes, very well.

As you will.

Oh, I understand.

Thank you, sir.

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

Thank you.

Hello, doctor.

- It's Mr. Ward. - Doctor Rydell.

Inspector.

Look at me.

Would you think after 20 years of living with blindness

I would do such a stupid thing?

It's understandable.

Stupid. There is no other word for it.

Now, I'm useless.

They will make other plans.

Not necessarily.

Doctor, as far as you know

none of these people have ever seen you?

No..

Except, Kessler, many years ago in Europe.

And suppose Inspector Erskine

were to take your place?

Impossible.

The Braille.

Some years ago, Doctor Rydell, I worked on a case

where I had to learn it.

I think I could get by.

Besides, these people won't know Braille.

No, that is true.

Do you resemble me at all?

There have been pictures.

That shouldn't be too difficult.

How much do you know about electronic circuitry, inspector?

Not much beyond Ohm's Law.

I can see the importance as such.

Well, we have what?

Twenty hours, huh?

'I could give you the general idiom at least.'

'That might carry you.'

We'll need your complete history.

In 20 hours?

I should've lived a less busy life.

[chuckles]

Thank you.

Here, step there.

[knock at door]

Hello.

- This is George Martin, Simms. - How do you do?

Ms. Simms. Great that you could come.

Well, shall we take a moment or would you like to get started?

Well, I think we better get started.

As I understand that we have a lot to do and not much time.

Right.

You brought your Braille machine?

- Oh, yes. - I'll get it.

Fine.

Well, come on, Ms. Simms, we're in the study.

Oh.

[door closes]

It's beautiful country out here.

And a beautiful day.

- I'm sorry, you can't see it. - Oh, I can feel it.

Uh, the desk is right in front of you.

- Oh.. - Here's your chair.

- Right here. - Thank you.

I'll put your case here.

- You want it open? - Oh, no, that's alright.

- I can do it. - Okay.

John tells me you're familiar

with scientific material, Ms. Simms.

Ah, yes, I've transcribed several books on the subject.

- Along with other things. - Mm-hmm.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

So, I'll read and you'll transcribe

directly on to the machine, is that it?

That's right.

Just take me a moment to get set here.

Take your time.

There'll be no titling, and you'll omit the introduction

and just start with the formative sentences.

Fine.

- Are you ready? - 'I'm ready.'

First word is "Conductance." Period.

[typewriter clacking]

In direct current circuits

conductance is expressed by

G equals, G equals one over R.

We're continuing our investigation

on the people whose names I've checked off.

But we feel we have a good knowledge of where they were

and what they were doing during the exact time.

Which leaves us with these three.

Doctor Fulton, Doctor Adams, and Stirling Grant.

Fulton and Adam's reportedly boarded the flight

from London, immediately after the meeting.

But we haven't been able to reach them yet.

And we haven't been able to get in

touch with Grant, at all.

- Apparently he's on a holiday. - Hmm.

Stirling Grant.

Who is he?

Well, he's been working under a fellowship

by the Brenner Foundation of Amsterdam.

And was sent to the symposium by the Royal Institute.

'Of the three, he seems the likeliest'

'although he's been given top security clearance.'

- Well, let's find him, Tom. - Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

Good morning, sir.

I'm a red cap, told to look out for you.

I've got your space.

- This way, sir. - What about my ticket?

- The man is holdin' it for you. - Ah.

- Doctor Rydell? - Yes.

I'm Don Talbot.

I've been sent to bring you along.

Oh, yes.

It's a pleasure to meet you, doctor.

You're very kind.

- Heard a great deal about you. - Have you indeed?

Well, not in your field.

That's a little beyond me, I'm afraid.

In your other thing, chess.

Ah, you play chess, Mr. Talbot?

Well, I once came fairly close to beating Grayson himself.

'I'm sorry, that sounds like boasting.'

Not at all.

That is something to be very proud of.

Yeah.. Don't put me on, doctor.

Put..

Oh, yes, I see.

No, I am sincere.

I understand you beat him regularly.

I..

I only played him once.

- I've brought a set with me. - Chess, now?

Oh, I'm, I'm afraid, I'm, I'm rather tired.

I've been working very hard.

A game should relax you.

We got a little time to k*ll.

One game. I insist.

You know, I'm delighted to have this opportunity, doctor.

Just since you beat Grayson so handedly

I'm sure, I won't be much of a challenge to you

but, uh, I promise, I'll try.

[train horn blaring]

Rook takes rook.

Queen..

Bishop 6.

Now, unless, I'm greatly mistaken, doctor

the game is mine.

Hardly. Ah..

[clears throat]

Ah, here. Coffee's here, doctor.

[clinking]

- Sorry. - Alright.

But, I..

I asked you not to hand it to me.

Just to tell me where it is.

It's my fault.

Sorry.

And the board?

I think I can remember where the pieces went.

Yes, yes. We can, we can finish.

I certainly hope so.

Well, it'll take a moment.

Oh, no, not.. I'm afraid there's no time after all.

Perhaps we can finish it later.

Yes.

Perhaps we can.

Excuse me.

Ah, conductor?

I've got a very sick man with me.

I've got to get him to a hospital immediately.

Wh-what's the next station?

Uh, it is just a freight depot, we don't stop here.

You'll have to. I'm a doctor. I'll take full responsibility.

I've got to get this man to a hospital.

Yes, doctor.

[intense music]

[telephone ringing]

- Hello. - 'Grant?'

Yes, where are you?

'At the freight depot.'

'You said, you'd have a cab waiting.'

It'll be there. You're a little early.

Stirling, can the girl hear you?

No, she's working in the study.

- Raymond, what's wrong? - I don't know.

A nerve jumping.

But one thing

for the fifth ranking chess master of the world

Doctor Rydell seems to remember very little

of his championship games.

Well, Raymond, if you're worried about him at all

do you think it's wise to bring him here?

[Raymond] 'I have to.'

Well, what is it that you think?

That he might be an agent?

That we'll find out.

I thought with your experience nothing could go wrong.

Now you're not sure.

Don't you realize if this man comes here, and is not Rydell

don't you realize he might identify me?

That's exactly what I have argued about.

Just a moment.

- Yes, Helen? - I finished.

I'll be with you in a moment.

Alright.

- Hello. - Yes.

[Grant] 'The girl, she was standing in the doorway.'

'I'm not sure what she may have heard.'

You better keep her there.

The cab's here. I'll be there soon.

Stirling, now, don't lose your head.

[dramatic music]

Mr. Martin, if there's nothing else, I'd like to go home now.

Uh, sorry, I-I can't leave just now.

I'll tell you what, you haven't eaten anything.

You must be starving.

- No, I'd-I'd rather go home. - No, no. I insist. Come on.

Let's see what we can find in the kitchen.

Alright, thank you, Jim.

That was Jim Vincent.

The train made an unscheduled stop at a freight depot

north of Amherst.

Lewis and his contact were picked up by a cab there.

Jim's calling the cab company now to find out

where they were taken.

'I want you to fly down there and join him, Tom.'

- Yes, sir. - Anything more on Grant?

No, not yet.

We'll have Connors take over here.

Thank you, sir.

[dramatic music]

Come.

This is George Martin, Doctor Rydell.

- How do you do? - Doctor.

We're all ready for you. Will you come this way, please?

Well, here we are.

Doctor Rydell, this is Helen Simms.

- How do you do, doctor? - Ms. Simms.

- There's a chair to your left. - Ah, yes. Thank you.

- Are you comfortable? - Oh, perfectly.

- Here's the copy, sir. - Thank you.

It's fascinating to watch you read like that.

How does it start, doctor?

Uh, it's on conductance, um..

In direct current circuits..

conductance is expressed by..

Uh, G equals one over R.

Uh, now if you'll excuse me.

It's all yours, doctor. Excuse us.

- How much did she hear? - I don't know.

I turned and she was standing there.

It's almost certain she heard me say that if it wasn't Rydell

he might identify me.

She could have heard you say he might be an agent.

She could have, yes.

- Afterward she made no comment? - No.

We'll have to assume she heard enough.

- Doctor. - Yes.

I don't wanna disturb you.

Oh. It's alright.

I, uh, I'm afraid I've been rude.

Do you live here, Ms. Simms?

No, I-I live in Charlottesville.

- 'With your parents?' - No, I live alone.

And how long have you been without sight?

All my life. And you?

Uh, an accident as a student.

What is it you wanted to ask me?

Do you think you can get them to let me go home now?

They're keeping you here?

Yes, and I don't understand.

What don't you..

- Well, doctor? - Please.

Yes, I was given this number from Nicholas Kessler.

My name is..

Stirling Grant.

Oh, excellent, Henry.

Excellent.

Yes?

I decided to take the proposition

your man Henry offered.

He said you'll guarantee full cover for me.

Yes, that was the agreement.

I don't trust Raymond anymore.

I cannot go any further, you've gotta get me out.

- Where are you? - Amherst, Virginia.

The house at the end of Henceford Drive.

Yes.

- Hi, Jim. - Tom.

Cab driver that picked up the inspector

hasn't returned to the garage, yet.

- Well, how do we contact him? - I'm afraid we can't.

Small cab company, cabs aren't radio dispatched.

However he's expected back anytime now.

Doctor this is taking an awfully long time.

Very complicated formula.

It's also very good.

A brilliant work. Very exciting.

I'm pleased, but we really haven't much time.

Where are you now?

Bottom of five.

Oh, my numbers are different than yours

Will you read it to me, please?

Very well.

"Of a single reactor.

"Q equals XL

"over RL.

"Of a single capacitor

"Q equals XC over RL.

Wait, yes, here.

Did you say RL?

Over RL.

No, doctor, how could it possibly be RL?

I'm not writing the formula, I'm-I'm merely reading it.

- Where did Helen go? - I don't know.

Excuse me.

Helen!

Helen!

- What's the matter? - You've seen Helen?

- How long has she been gone? - I don't know.

Helen!

[dramatic music]

Helen.

Oh..

There's a steep drop just about a foot away.

How do you know? Who are you?

There isn't time to explain, Helen.

You've just got to trust me.

No, I don't know what you're planning, any of you.

I just.. I'm afraid. I wanna get out of here.

Listen to me, Helen.

My name is Erskine, I'm with the FBI.

What you've been transcribing is a stolen formula.

That's why I'm here.

- Ah.. - Do you believe me?

I don't know, I.. I guess so.

Good. Alright.

Come on then. They mustn't find us too far from the house.

Wait here. Sit down.

Now.. You've hurt your ankle.

- Okay. - Okay.

Talbot!

Martin!

'Talbot!'

How did you find her, doctor?

Oh, she.. She called for help.

She'd hurt her ankle.

I came as quickly as possible.

Are you hurt?

Uh, no, I'm fine. Thank you.

Good. It's good.

It's fortunate for all of us.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

- Helen. - Yes.

Be so good..

...as to read this.

"Q equals XC over RL."

[Lewis] Thank you.

Of course it should be over RC.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Don't worry, Helen, it's a natural mistake.

Then you'll authenticate it?

- Yes, of course. - Good. Let's go then.

There's a chair to your right.

I'll call Kessler we need to tell him.

- On the telephone? - Yes.

- I'm sorry, Mr. Talbot. - What do you mean?

I cannot vouch for its authenticity

unless I hand it to him personally.

Why not?

[dramatic music]

Yes.

You did not tell him where I am.

Good.

Put him through.

- Yes? - We're ready.

Excellent.

There's a flight from Washington to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Gets here at 7 o'clock this evening.

Take it, we will meet you at the terminal.

Why, why can't we meet here in town?

You can choose the place, if you're so suspicious.

Well, let's do it my way.

Sure I remember pickin' them up.

This fellow made arrange with me yesterday.

Told me what time he'll be down at the freight depot.

He even gave me a ten dollar deposit.

Where did you take 'em?

All the way to Amherst.

Henceford Drive.

It's the last house before it turned into a dirt road.

- Thank you. - You bet.

Unit One to Control.

- No one can hear us? - No.

You know it was me when I came in.

- Of course. - 'It's remarkable.'

Not really, your step.

Uh, Mr. Talbot.

I'm worried about her.

- Why you worried? - Security.

Well, you can safely leave that to us.

Oh, I'm sure of that.

But, uh, if you don't mind

I'll see to it myself.

- 'Sorry.' - I'm afraid I must insist.

Uh, after the transfer is made

I will take care of her.

I can't let you do that.

In that case, I will not go along with you.

You're making a lot of demands, doctor.

I'm beginning to wonder why.

[intense music]

Good afternoon.

Uh-huh. Stirling.

Yes. We came to an agreement.

You're being very foolish, Grant.

What do you expect to get out of it?

Survival possibly.

Please stay where you are, doctor.

- Who is it? - I'm with Kessler, doctor.

- Doctor Rydell? - Yes.

- What is this? - Oh.

A slight change in our arrangement.

- Is this the plan? - 'Yes.'

And you're prepared to..

...to authenticate it?

Yes, uh, entirely.

[instrumental music]

Raymond, you're truly a bungler.

He's not Rydell. Who is he?

Who do you suppose he is?

You were so clever, you were experienced

you knew exactly how to play it, you walked between the sides--

Oh, be quiet.

Henry, take them out to the car.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

FBI. Hold it.

[instrumental music]

Now, just freeze!

[instrumental music]

Right there!

[g*nshots]

Out of the car.

- Helen? - Yes.

You can come out now. It's all over.

- Are you sure? - Mm-hmm.

- Mr. Erskine, isn't it? - Inspector Erskine.

My, that's a comforting sound.

[instrumental music]

- Tell me, Helen.. - Thank you.

What made you trust me?

I don't know.

Just instinct, I guess.

There-there was just something in his voice that bothered me.

- Grant's? - Y-yes.

He tried to sound normal, pleasant, even happy, but..

You just knew that he knew he was doing something wrong.

'Uh, like, a little boy caught in a cookie jar.'

A rather larcenist little boy.

Yes. What a waste.

Well, goodbye, inspector.

[instrumental music]

Bye, Helen.

[instrumental music]

[Marvin Miller] Howard Raymond and Stirling Grant

were convicted in federal court of conspiracy

to commit espionage against the United States.

Nicholas Kessler and his confederates

were declared persona non grata

and returned to their own country.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

[music continues]