Original subtitles

Iris.

Iris.

Iris.

Hello?

Hello?

Yes?

Is that you, Iris?

Please, talk to me.

Iris, what have you done?

How come our founder,

our all powerful Counselor,

decided to dispatch you to Hong Kong for this operation?

Actually, I don't know.

Although, I believe he trusts me.

Incidentally, I'm not sure he trusts you.

- Really? - Yes, I'm sure of it.

That's why I was sent.

I believe you were hoping to work with Iris.

That would've been very nice.

Listen, did you hear about what happened to my wife?

- No, I prefer not to hear. - Whatever you say.

Ah, here's our taxi.

Shall we go?

You're always in a hurry, aren't you?

No reason just to stand around. Let's go.

I arranged a meeting, tomorrow, 10:00 am.

You'll have to go.

Alone?

Here's all the information you'll need.

And remember that the important person is the woman.

She makes the decisions.

Besides, she isn't interested in men.

I'm sure you can manipulate her very smoothly.

I suppose that's why I'm being sent.

Yes, partly,

but I'm sure it should be very amusing for you.

If there's anything you're not sure about,

I'll be in the apartment next door. Bye-bye.

There you are, Eva.

That's your car as long as you're

in Hong Kong. Boss' orders.

Allow me.

It's very comfortable.

Would you explain the instruments?

Yes, that's the ignition.

Those are the lights, and that's the turning signal.

What's this?

Hurry up, Frank, quick.

It's all ready, Elizabeth.

Frank, do you remember Helen Powell,

- that American journalist? - Sure, that blonde.

She's a troublemaker.

Apparently, she's in Hong Kong, looking for local color.

She poked around here, then went to Hong Kong.

When the Counselor finds out, he'll be furious.

He doesn't like people poking into his affairs.

And I don't like them poking into mine,

with certain exceptions, and you are one of them.

One of the runners gave me this.

It's from the Counselor.

He says that Helen Powell is in town,

asking a lot of questions.

I think he wonders why I haven't simply stopped her

on the street and asked her

if she has any special interest in the heroin traffic.

And what am I supposed to do?

The Counselor says

to keep an eye on her while he tries to find out

if she really is a reporter for the New York Times.

Then what?

Well, you see,

I was thinking that I might introduce you to her

and that you, well, you know,

she's much more likely to confide in a woman.

The water is marvelous.

Why don't you go in for a dip, Iris?

No thanks, I don't really feel like it.

The trouble with you is

that you never feel like doing anything.

Why don't you just relax a bit?

You're all wound up like a watch spring.

At least you're enjoying this little holiday, aren't you?

You bet I am.

You don't know how much it means to me

to have a few days vacation.

When the Counselor gives me the keys of his cottage

and tells me very sweetly to "run along, little pet,

and have a few days rest," then I know he needs me.

What for, to make a delivery?

Yeah.

You know, I've always wondered, Iris,

just how did you get into this business?

I mean, well, why did you begin?

After all, you had a job, didn't you?

Well, you get into it without even realizing it.

You see, I loved Steve,

and he was crying when he asked me.

He said if I loved him, I'd do it.

You've seen the way he behaves with the Counselor.

He says he owes him that respect

because he saved him from the streets when he was a boy.

He says the Counselor was a father to him.

How can you say no to your husband if you love him?

What a rat.

Then to be on the safe side,

to have me completely loyal, he encouraged me to take drugs.

He began, half-joking, saying

I would see new worlds, experience sensations

I could have no other way.

And once you're in, there's no way out.

Eva.

I'd like you to meet Helen Powell.

Helen is the famous reporter from the New York Times.

- How do you do? - Nice to know you.

She says that she's dying to see that number you do.

I've heard it's extraordinary.

Steve talks a lot,

and you shouldn't listen to everything he says.

I propose that you ignore him.

Wouldn't you prefer to cool off and have a swim with me?

I'd love to, but I didn't bring a bathing suit.

- I'll lend you one of mine. - Come on.

- Hey. - Anything wrong?

It's not very considerate of you girls

to abandon me in a foreign country.

I'll get back at you. So long.

Goodbye.

- This looks about your size. - Try it on.

In here.

I feel as if something strange is happening.

I wouldn't have thought it was so exciting.

Love between two women is beautiful.

Yes, but I was brought up very strictly.

Once, my father caught me playing with one of my girlfriends.

We were only fooling around,

but he locked me up for a month.

Now you can choose for yourself.

You can make any decision you wish to.

- I've already made it. - Then you're not leaving.

No, I must complete this investigation,

and nobody else can finish it.

It won't ruin everything.

If you stay on another day or two, I'm sure it's all right.

Why throw away happiness just when you've found it?

Listen carefully, Helen.

If you want to leave, you're free to do so,

but I'm involved, as well.

And I'm accustomed to putting up a pretty tough battle

before I'll ever admit defeat.

I suppose you've already bought your plane ticket.

What are you doing, Eva?

Tell me more about Iris.

Iris was a tiny, defenseless, little creature.

Everyone, including her husband,

thought her as just a pretty object.

And that was why she kept taking drugs.

Careful, you're on dangerous ground.

Drugs are a very hot subject

and you might get your fingers burnt.

I don't care.

Actually, I wish you'd publish everything I say.

It's the only way I know to get even

for all the awful things they did to Iris.

The Counselor has sent for you.

Uh-huh.

He's invited you to a party,

and you better not keep him waiting.

And who's gonna do my number?

Don't be a fool, Iris.

For one evening they can get along without you here.

Iris, listen, use your head for a second.

You know he always provides you with a little something.

Oh, I'm so bored with that number.

Hi, Steve.

- Anything I can do for you? - No, Eva.

Iris is refusing to visit the Counselor.

What's wrong with you tonight, darling?

You know I have to get the plane for Hong Kong.

Eva, tell her to stop being so stubborn.

You're my wife, aren't you?

I'm thinking of your own good.

You shit.

To tell the truth, you've taken your own sweet time

about becoming a protective husband, haven't you?

Perhaps I have,

but that's no reason for you to start moralizing.

This time I have to unload a major consignment,

and I may make enough to get out of the business.

You'll see, Iris.

We could begin everything all over again.

Don't worry, Steve, I'll go.

I wouldn't want to get you into hot water.

Your master might lose his temper with you.

Listen, if you don't mind,

let's invite Eva along, too.

The Counselor's been asking me

to invite Eva over to his place to meet her for ages.

You interested?

Sounds great.

Why not?

Tell me about this Counselor.

What kind of a person is he?

He directs the traffic.

He's enormously wealthy.

And where does Elizabeth fit in?

She's his woman, his favorite and his liaison

with the various couriers.

Excuse my curiosity,

but tell me, how do you feel about Elizabeth?

I have to admit she's a beautiful woman.

What I meant was, is there anything between you?

Just a little kidding around.

Iris was the one I loved.

For example, on that evening when the Counselor invited us

to his villa...

Yeah, all right.

Here they come.

And you, I presume, are the famous Eva.

Not really famous.

I've heard a great deal of talk

about your number.

I must say, it sounds very interesting.

And one of these days I'll make a point of going

to have a look at you.

And I must admit,

you're much prettier than Steve's description.

How are you, my pet?

Well, what are you waiting for?

Hurry up, or you'll miss your plane.

- Elizabeth. - Yes.

I want you to take care of Eva.

Of course.

I have to have a little talk with Iris.

A little closer, dear.

Well, get on with it.

What are you waiting for?

It's not as if it were the first time.

And don't forget that afterwards as usual,

the Counselor will be generous with his little chick.

But aren't you frightened?

Isn't that snake dangerous?

Oh no, he's less dangerous than most men are.

Yes, that's true, that's true.

Usually, men are so egotistical and presumptuous,

and they're always so jealous when they think you belong

to one of them.

How did you manage to get away on your own this evening?

Tell me, Eva.

For me, men don't exist.

I mean it. If a man ever began to exist for me,

I'd feed him to the snake.

You're very lucky, Eva,

to be able to have complete liberty with yourself.

You know, in that respect, I'm far behind you,

even though, and this is one thing I thank heaven for,

the person I belong to prefers other girls.

What smooth skin.

It's funny that you bring drugs into Hong Kong.

I thought this city was one of the places

where they came from.

Yes, you're not the only one who thinks that.

The fact is, our drugs make such a complicated journey,

that not even the Counselor knows the whole itinerary.

A very high-powered organization.

Although I can see what use they could make

of someone like Iris... a drug addict isn't very reliable.

As a matter of fact, Iris had been kept on the sidelines

for some time.

The Counselor said we couldn't trust her anymore.

Sometimes I think that those last few doses

they gave her were poison, not heroin.

Go on, tell me about you and Elizabeth.

Oh, here's Elizabeth.

I get it.

My holiday's over,

and maybe it's not just the Counselor's idea.

Hi, there.

These trips exhaust me.

I really need a strong cup of coffee.

The Counselor says that

he wants to see you, Iris. Steve telephoned.

Oh, you're not gonna send me

to Hong Kong right now, are you?

I was promised I would never have to go back there.

You know I don't like working with Steve.

It's no use blaming me,

because I don't make the decisions.

I can assure you, I have no idea why he wants you.

But he said immediately,

and I don't advise you to keep him waiting.

To hear is to obey. So the party's over.

Okay, I'm really sorry to have to leave you, Eva.

Yes, it was nice here.

I'll go with you.

Oh, no, please stay and keep me company.

I really do need a proper rest.

A whole day of peace and quiet on the beach with you.

Besides, Frank can look after Iris.

It's time I left.

But Iris doesn't mind if you stay here with me.

Isn't that right, Iris?

You don't mind.

No, of course not.

Besides, it's me the Counselor wants.

I can't understand all this fuss

over a trip you've already made dozens of times.

Of course, I realize that everything between you

and Steve is finished.

Hong Kong is a fascinating city,

and once you've delivered the merchandise, take a vacation.

I've already booked your seat on the plane

that leaves tomorrow evening.

Steve will be waiting for you.

That reminds me, this is for you.

And now, show your gratitude.

Hi, Eva.

What's wrong?

Have I offended you or something?

No, but once in a while,

I prefer to be alone, to meditate.

Yesterday on the beach, have you forgotten?

It's because of what we did on the beach

that I must think.

I feel terribly guilty over what we did.

You know I love Iris,

and I feel I've betrayed her.

Iris, Iris.

I don't know what you see in that tramp.

If she were yours alone, that's one thing.

But you know the service she provides for the Counselor.

And I'll bet she's really learned

to enjoy doing it, too, by now.

Let's say no more about it.

All right.

When you finish meditating,

if you happen to feel like seeing me,

you can always give me a ring.

You have my telephone number.

Goodbye.

- So long, Eva. - So long.

Well, how was she, the snake dancer?

Excellent.

She's a magnificent lover.

We'll have to get her into the organization.

A type like her could be very useful to us.

- Want some? - No, thanks.

You won't find her very easy to handle.

She's the kind who decides things for herself,

even if the opposite seems to be true.

It'll be difficult to influence her.

Eva is a difficult woman.

We must put our faith in providence, my dear.

Here's to difficult women.

It's an incredible story,

and yet it's so banal. Why?

Because there are so many like it.

True, you're absolutely right.

Who knows how many Irises there are wandering

through the world, will come to the same tragic end,

all because of drugs.

All those poor girls enslaved by unscrupulous men.

And the reason I've given you all this inside information

on the drug traffic is because I firmly hope

that when your articles appear in the New York Times,

that that depraved monster people call "The Counselor”

will finally be unmasked

and condemned to prison for the rest of his life,

with no way out.

He will be, don't worry.

What's the matter, Iris?

I'm going to Hong Kong and I don't want to.

What are you complaining for?

You ought to be happy.

You'll be far away from the Counselor for quite a while.

You'll be able to relax a little...

And enjoy a good vacation.

And besides, you'll meet Steve there, won't you?

And who knows, you might have reconciliation,

and start all over.

I don't intend to start all over with him.

I'm convinced that fundamentally

Steve is a decent person.

It's just that here in Tahiti,

he's under the influence of the Counselor.

And besides, you never know,

you might decide to get out of the game for good,

don't you think?

This is just what I needed, a nice shower.

Don't worry, Iris.

It'll be easy for you to get an engagement

in a nightclub there.

Before long, you'll forget all about the Counselor.

You don't understand me.

I can't live without the Counselor.

He's the one who keeps me going.

And all of this is because of Steve.

I don't want to see him ever again.

My life is like this now. It's impossible to change.

I have to take things as they come.

I don't want any more changes.

I'm afraid that I'll have to be on my way.

I'll see you later at the club, huh?

- Bye. - Ciao.

Here, there are three new exclusive models

that have just arrived from Paris.

They ought to suit you very well.

Naturally, with a figure like yours,

there are no problems.

This is a third.

What do you think?

They're so lovely, it's hard to choose.

Can I try them on?

Naturally, of course, you can.

Come with me.

Oh!

It looks made to order.

Can I feel the material?

Oh, it's light as gauze.

Just what you need for those hot evenings in Tahiti.

I'm sure you want to take this one,

but try the others anyway. Go on.

That one's lovely, too, yes.

It has a very serious line,

but try on the third.

I bet it'd look just like the dress in this picture.

It's very simple and discreet,

and ideal for going to the beach.

It should suit you. Try it.

What did I tell you?

It's perfect.

You like it?

I adore it.

Let me feel the material.

It's lovely material, isn't it?

If I ask you something, you won't be offended?

I don't know, you'll have to ask me first.

Would you let me buy this

- for you? - Oh, how nice.

As a little token

- of my love and affection. - Thank you.

I'll take all three.

I'm afraid I may not be able to keep you out

of the story.

Your evidence is too important.

Write it the way you have to.

Don't worry about me.

Okay. Now, tell me when you decided

to come to Hong Kong and why?

One day, I decided I had to do something different.

♪ Can't understand no more ♪

♪ Can't understand no more ♪

♪ Can't understand no more ♪

Feeling bad?

No. Is there any reason why I should feel bad?

Well, you look strange.

Are you gonna wait until I finish my number?

No, I'm going straight home.

I wanna get some rest, I feel exhausted.

I thought you looked tired.

I assure you, my dear,

that you are wasted in that kind of nightspot.

A number such as yours is worthy

of a more distinguished setting. You are far too refine.

I was thinking, my dear Eva,

that I could arrange bookings for you all over the world.

I have access to many byways that are closed to others.

You might say that I have important friends everywhere.

I'm a self-made man,

and I've always worked very hard.

I started when I was still in short pants,

and I've earned my share of power in this world.

Legitimately, I would like to underline,

so naturally I don't pretend to be soft-hearted.

No, I'm not soft-hearted.

I'm tough, but only with those

who don't carry out the responsibilities they undertake.

With such people,

a man in my position must be completely ruthless.

We all have duties to carry out,

duties which must be performed at whatever cost,

and performed in full.

I'm very grateful,

that you've agreed to accept my proposal.

You know, my dear,

one must always be ready to seize the flag

from the hands of the friend

who has fallen by our side,

to carry on the struggle in this world.

Here's to the soul of our mutual and happy friend.

Iris was basically a good girl.

She just wasn't very intelligent.

If she wanted to, she could have made a fortune.

Instead, she went and got involved with that fool, Steve.

Still, I suppose that's easy enough to understand.

Steve is a very charming fellow.

I like him.

In fact, he's one of the few people I really care about.

Steve is, well, almost like a son to me.

What he most needs is a woman, a real woman,

to make something of him.

There we are.

Put some panties and such things on top of it.

The customs are always delicate

with young ladies' intimate garments.

You could put in some perfume

and other cosmetics, too. Good luck.

You're staying with me, aren't you?

I have to run upstairs just for a second.

I won't move from this spot until you get back.

Because after this absolutely wonderful day

we've spent together,

I don't mean to let you get away so easily.

I want you to sleep with me.

Park down the street, Eva.

All right, don't be long.

Hello? Hello?

Damn it.

I've been trying to get hold of that damn fool, Steve,

for the past three days.

Where the hell's he got to?

Hello?

Yes, of course, it's me.

Yes.

Naturally, I was looking for you.

I left a message for you to call me.

What in hell's name were you thinking of introducing

that broad to Eva?

That's all bullshit, Steve.

That girl's no journalist. No journalist.

At the New York Times, no one knows her.

They never heard of her there.

I'll tell you who she is,

an agent from the Narcotics Bureau.

That's why she was hanging around us.

She must have some kind of lead

to bring her all the way to Hong Kong.

And now, thanks to Eva,

she'll find out everything.

Well, this is your problem,

and you'd better solve it damn fast before that bitch

cracks the whole organization wide open. That clear?

I'm a fool to listen to you.

The material I have ready is very important.

I've made some astonishing discoveries.

When it's published, it'll cause a sensation.

Perhaps it will,

but I say the world can wait a little,

before your bomb bursts on it.

For the moment, let's think of ourselves.

Thanks.

What is it?

What's wrong?

I don't know.

I have the feeling that there's something strange

in this room.

You've just had a bad dream.

I'll turn on the light.

Keep still. Don't move.

Stay calm, for goodness sake.

Stay still.

Helen, please.

Be calm, Helen. Please, no.

There's no doubt about it.

She was poisoned by the snake bite.

Did she have any relatives here in Hong Kong?

Perhaps in the States.

American? Was she working here?

- She was a journalist. - I see.

Then I suppose we'll have to inform the consulate,

and the police, too, of course.

In fact, the whole thing's a little strange.

Because the green mamba,

an extremely poisonous snake,

is very hard to find around here.

Unless, of course, someone brought it here.

What do you mean, brought it?

But, why? Are you implying that someone wanted to kill her?

I don't know.

I just think it's possible.

I can't tell what you base your supposition,

but the question obviously concerns the police more than me.

I must only file my report

as for the cause of the girl's death.

You have my deepest sympathy for the accident.

Steve, I've just been thinking,

why don't we get away from here for a few days?

I've got to go somewhere where I can really relax.

We have to meet the Japanese buyers. You know that.

Yes, but they don't even get back here until next week.

We're just thinking of a couple of days,

and then we'll come back.

Liao has a cottage on an island near here.

An island full of tourists?

No, it's a small island.

That's the reframe.

There's nobody there at all,

just a hut for fishermen.

Oh, please, Steve, let's go,

even if it's just for a short time. I need a change of air.

Oh, well, I suppose we have to

if you're gonna keep on insisting.

Okay.

Get the boat ready, Liao, tomorrow morning.

You'll love it, honestly.

I just can't wait to leave.

Aren't you happy?

I suppose I am.

To your health.

And yours.

Thanks, Liao, that'll do.

I feel like a different person here.

I could stay forever.

Don't you think it's wonderful?

Frankly, I can hardly wait to leave.

And he gives me the creeps, that Liao.

How can you say that?

He's such a good servant, and he gives lovely massages.

Come on, Steve.

Don't tell me that you're jealous of Liao.

You haven't fallen in love with me, have you?

What if I have?

What if I've really fallen in love with you?

What is this?

What are you doing?

Let me go!

What are you...?

Hey, Eva!

What is this?

What is he doing with that snake?

Help! Eva, help me!

No!

Let me go, please!

You're wasting your breath.

This is the end of the line, Steve.

Let me go, please.

Please let me go!

- No, no! - You got a lot to think of,

a lot of murders on your conscience, you bastard!

Iris, first of all.

And the only thing you said was,

- "Poor Iris." - No, you're crazy.

You're crazy!

And then there was poor Helen.

That poisonous snake didn't get into her room by accident.

You put it there to kill her.

No, no, please, don't do it!

It's a bit late to cry, Steve.

I'm really sorry for you.

All right, I admit it.

It's my fault they died.

I'm responsible, I'm guilty,

but let me go!

Oh, really, Steve,

what are you getting so upset about?

It's just a little hungry.

You see, this type of shake isn't poisonous.

And soon, when you have it in your body,

- it will eat its fill. - No, no.

Your intestines, your liver, your heart.

And you'll feel it, you'll feel it bite.

No, no, no, you mustn't.

Please don't.

No, please, don't, no!

Please don't do it.

Please don't.

Please don't do it.

- Go ahead. - No.

You're going to die very slowly.

Now!

Eva!

Police? I'm calling from the Hilton.

I have two kilos of heroin here.