Original subtitles

- Jacques, do me a favor, will you?

Invite these people to my box after the second race.

- Interesting list. Any special reason?

Just in case someone should ask.

- I have an announcement.

You can leave it at that.

- McMillan, you come in now.

Anderson, you come in now.

Last horse coming in now, jockeys.

- Paul.

- [Paul] Ah, Richard.

- You wanted to talk to me?

- Yes. I have a proposal for you.

- I was gonna make one to you.

Listen Paul, if all the Ho-Pak securities,

- I have a proposal for you,

which is good until five o'clock today.

The Victoria Bank will bail out the Ho-Pak

and guarantee all your depositors.

In return, we'll buy your personal holdings at par,

- Par? That's a 15th of their value.

- Actually, it's 5 cents on the dollar,

which is about what they're worth.

- The Ho-Pak's in better shape than-

- Than what?

These are hard times and banks must be very careful.

Even the Noble House is desperate for money,

not that we intend to lend them anymore.

- [Richard] But the Ho-Pak,

- Kindly, shut up and listen.

This is the one chance you have.

- 5 cents is ridiculous!

Look, I'll agree to a merger,

a seat on the Victoria Bank's board,

- Provided you give me

your notarized resignation, undated, in advance,

and that you'll always vote exactly as I wish.

As to money, I don't want a protracted negotiation.

It'll be settled now or not at all.

- 57 cents on a dollar.

That's the very least I'll accept.

- 10, Richard.

- Thirty. - Eleven.

- You're trying to destroy me.

30 is more than fair.

- 18, and that is final.

- 25 and its a deal.

20.

- Good. Come back here after the fourth race,

I'll have a provisional letter of agreement

ready for your signature and your undated resignation.

- Yes, yes. I'll be here.

Who won?

- Buccaneer.

- I need to win, Alexi.

I need Noble Star to win.

- Then let me ride her.

Let me ride Noble Star.

- I'll consider it.

- We must decide now, Tai-Pan.

It's time.

I can win. I know I can win.

- All right Alexi, you ride.

And by God, you'd better win.

- What's all this about, ian?

You wanna make an announcement?

- Yes. As courtesy, I thought you should all know.

The Noble House is formally contesting

the American super foods takeover

of your Hong Kong general stores.

- What?

But you can't do that. - I already have.

- All you have done, ian,

is make an announcement.

How are you gonna pay?

In thirty or 300 days?

- The bid's public.

We complete in 30 days with a cash down payment

to submit the tender by 9:30 Monday morning.

- This is an nonsense!

You think you can inspire confidence in Struan

with an empty show of strength?

The Noble House is crumbling and everyone knows it.

- The Noble House is still the Noble House.

I repeat: Monday morning, 9:30 in cash.

- Can I go to press on this, Tai-Pan?

- [Ian] Certainly.

- We have a deal. It's set.

- We're contesting your offer, Mr. Bilsman,

just as it's done in the states.

I presume you don't mind a contest.

- My deal's locked, isn't it?

- Well the directors had agreed,

but the stockholders still have to ratify the agreement.

- So it isn't locked, Mr. Bilsman.

Your own deal stands,

except that we will extend by two years

and as a seat on Struan's board for the full period.

- [Bilsman] Hey now, listen! - [Ian] You, of course,

have the perfect right to counter.

- Like hell I do. I already made my deal.

- Well, it wasn't good enough.

- How much cash?

Why don't you make it all public, ian?

What is the down payment?

- 4 million, US.

- Ian, don't you think we should examine-

- No, I have alternate financing for this.

- You break this deal and I'll...

Let me out of here.

- What alternate financing?

- From abroad.

Fortunately, the Noble House has friends all over the world.

- [Casey] That was fantastic.

What a performance, and he's going to pull it off!

- Maybe, maybe not.

You know what we just did?

We just bought the Noble House

with a promise of 4 million bucks.

- What do you mean, promise?

- If I don't come up with the money,

Dunross is finished. He's down the tubes.

- You gave your word.

You agreed to put up the 4 million

and I agreed to put up the stock.

Linc told you, - Don't worry,

I'll take care of you.

- That's not what I'm talking about.

You can't renege now.

- Oh, why not?

Didn't you see what Dunross did to Bilsman?

That poor slob didn't even know what hit him!

If they can do business Hong Kong style, so can I.

You think Dunross wouldn't do the same thing to us?

- McMillan, you come in now.

Sy and Wilson, you come in together, right jockeys.

- Good luck. - Mm.

Did you hedge your bet?

- Not even a little bit.

- all right, two more to come in.

- One win is enough for you, Travkin.

This one's mine.

- Come on, okay.

- Only if you cross the finish line in front of me.

And you won't.

- You're not to win.

- Who says?

- You're not.

- You're all locked away.

- Stay there, stay there, stay there.

Pull back, pull back!

Come on, come on, come on.

- Come on, come on!

Yeah, yeah!

- [Ian] Come on! - Come on, Noble Star!

- Yes, keep in there! - Noble Star!

- Excuse me. Doctor?

Oh dear God.

- Victoria Bank merging with the Ho-Pak.

How do you figure that?

- I didn't hear the announcement.

- Just weren't listening.

Paul Havergill said he's guaranteeing

all the Ho-Pak depositors

and Richard Kwang would be on the Victoria board,

just doing one hell of a deal.

- I guess.

- What's the matter with you?

- Oh, I don't know. I'm sorry, Linc.

That accident, I just keep seeing it.

- Yeah, that was pretty awful.

How much you lose?

Pretty heavy bet.

Should have split it, put half your money on place.

- Some bets you don't hedge.

- Oh?

You didn't have your money on a horse, did you?

You had your money on Dunross.

Well, be smart. Learn from example.

Anybody can trip and fall.

- What are you gonna do, Linc?

- I don't know.

I got till nine o'clock Monday morning to the decide.

We'll just wait and see what happens between now and then.

- And when you make your decision?

- The Chinese have a saying:

when pulling weeds, make sure to get rid of the roots.

- Excuse me for intruding, Tai-Pan.

But when I couldn't reach you,

I found Philip and he suggested we wait for you here.

- [Ian] No, I hope you've been comfortable.

Please sit down, gentlemen. Sit down.

- We heard about Alexi Travkin. Terrible news.

- [Ian] Joss.

I hope you have better news for me, Mr. Tip.

- I have spoken to Tsu-Yan and he remembers you well.

He will be willing to see you

first thing tomorrow morning in Beijing.

- Call the airport.

- No need. Tsu-Yan has sent a plane,

and a visa will be waiting on your arrival.

- Did he give you any indication regarding my request?

- That he's invited you is a favorable sign.

Beyond that? No.

- You explained the question of time?

- I believe you'll find Tsu-Yan

to be well informed in many ways.

The situation here is a matter

of serious discussion in Beijing.

- The Middle Kingdom wishes to protect its interests.

- Of course.

My government is very concerned

with the financial wellbeing of Hong Kong.

After all, we have considerable interests here.

- Well?

- It's beautiful.

- I... - You earned it.

And I always keep my word, don't I? Here.

- No. - No? What do you mean, no?

Promised you a jag.

- [Orlanda] I mean I don't want it, Quillan.

- The hell you don't.

I know you, Orlanda.

- I don't want your car.

I don't want anything from you.

Not now, not anymore.

- Good Lord, you've fallen for him, haven't you?

- Yes.

I'm sorry, - No, no, no.

Not to worry.

Real or pretend, the end result will still be the same.

In fact, this could work out better.

Orlanda in love.

- Yeah, I understand.

No, it's not your fault.

Right, when I get back.

Alright, bye-bye.

- [Ian] Hi. - Hi, come on in.

I'm sorry I'm not ready,

but I've been on the phone for the past hour.

- Oh.

- That's a,

I might as well get the bad news over with.

Dave Murtaugh just called from New York.

He couldn't sell it.

No First Central.

I'm sorry, ian.

I guess today's not your day.

- Ah, who knows?

With luck, I may salvage it yet.

- Luck runs pretty thin sometimes.

I'll go get ready.

- I'm afraid I have to bag off tonight.

How about tomorrow after Jason Plum's party?

- What's wrong with tonight?

- I have to go out of town.

- Oh, want some company?

- Well, that's not possible on this trip.

- Why not?

- [Ian] I'll tell you when I get back.

- I'd like to know now.

Last night was not something I do casually,

and I sure as hell don't wanna feel like a fool.

- Last night was very special.

- But tonight you're going outta town?

- Alone, if that's what you're asking.

I have to go. - Then go.

- [Ian] I'll call you as soon as I can back.

- If you want. - Casey.

- [Casey] Where are you going? - I can't tell you.

- Then if that's the way you wanna play the game.

- [Ian] There's no game.

- No? I'm sorry ian,

but I'm not sure if I believe you.

- Welcome to Beijing, Mr. Dunross.

I hope your trip was a pleasant one.

- Yes, it was fine. Thank you.

- As our offices are closed today,

Tsu-Yan is expecting you in Phan Xing.

It is less than an hour drive.

- Fine.

- Yes, you're just as I imagine you to be.

- And you as well.

It is been a while, Tsu-Yan.

- Almost 25 years.

We've become a little older, if not wiser.

So my old friend has become Tai-Pan of the Noble House.

- And my old friend has become chairman

of the China Great Wall International Trust Corporation.

- Yes, but you were always destined.

- Yes, and you were always smarter.

- No, ian. I think we were quite equal.

That's why we were such good friends.

And now you've come to me in friendship.

- And in need as well.

- Yes, I know.

We've been watching the recent events in Hong Kong

carefully and with little pleasure.

How strange, the turns of history.

I remember when your father was Tai-Pan

and it's impossible to imagine him asking China for help.

- [Ian] Those were different times, and I'm not my father.

But you must remember the Noble House

has been a friend of the Middle Kingdom for many years.

- A friendly acquaintance, perhaps,

might be a better description.

Your famous ancestor the Green Eyed Devil

was, after all, an opium trader and a pirate as well.

The Noble House was hardly built on model foundations.

- I have never made that claim.

- Wisely.

Unfortunately, the current government of Hong Kong

is not equally wise.

- No? In what way do you find them foolish?

- The answer is not as simple as the question, ian,

but of course you know that.

Shall I give you an example?

- Please. You were always a good teacher.

- Two days ago, Thursday, the Hong Kong police

made a serious error. - Mm-hm?

- They mistakenly arrested

a good friend of yours, Brian Kwok.

- Brian? Why?

- He's been falsely accused of espionage.

- Oh, that's impossible.

- I quite agree.

What would you suggest, ian?

How would the Tai-Pan of the Noble House

deal with such an unhappy situation?

- As quickly as possible.

- Yes, some things are best resolved with haste,

but that's not what you've come here to discuss.

Our company might be willing

to issue a line of credit to the Noble House

with certain conditions.

- How much credit?

- [Tsu-Yan] First you must accept the conditions.

- First you tell me the amount.

- You were a scoundrel as a boy, ian.

I see you haven't changed.

Very well, 300 million Hong Kong dollars

on a revolving basis at 10% interest.

- Four. - Eight.

- Five. - Seven.

- Five and a half.

- Only for you.

- How soon?

- That will depend on the conditions.

As I understand it, you need the money tomorrow.

- I need it right now,

but tomorrow will have to do.

- The first condition is that Tip Tok-Toh

be made a director of the Noble House

and be given a seat on your executive board.

- Consider it done.

And the next condition?

- Old friends should assist old friends

and help correct mistakes.

- I'm sorry, Miss, but Mr. Bartlett's gone out.

- Did he leave a message for me?

- No, no messages for you today.

- Okay. Thank you.

- [Quillan] Morning, Casey. Are you ready?

- For what? - We're going boating,

don't you remember?

I thought we'd go to Deep Water Bay,

sea should be calm there.

Lunch is on board.

- I didn't say I'd come. - Oh, you didn't

say you'd come, I know.

That's why I'm here.

I shall persuade you.

- How?

- By telling you about Sundays in Hong Kong,

with everyone gone and nothing to do.

I see you've already been for a walk.

Now you can go and sit in your room and watch television

and hear the news about the landslide above Aberdeen,

and that's today's big story.

- Or I could read a book.

- Mm-hm. And after an hour,

you'll be restless and then you'll go for another walk,

and then back to your room.

While with me, you can enjoy

something a little more exciting.

- [Casey] Such as?

- Such as perhaps catching me off guard

and learning some information

which you can use to help your friend ian Dunross.

- I don't think you were ever off guard.

At least not about the Noble House.

- Come and find out.

- And if I don't?

- A very fine lunch will go to waste.

Well?

- Why not?

- A more gracious acceptance

has never passed my ears.

- [Linc] Maybe another week, 10 days at the most.

- [Orlanda] And then?

- [Linc] Back to California.

Got a hell of a house there, right on top of a hill.

You'd really like it.

- I'm sure I would.

- Why don't you come back with me?

- To California?

What would I do?

No, Linc. I can't.

- But why not? What's holding you here?

- My self-respect.

I want to be everything a woman could be for you,

everything that you could desire,

but I won't be your mistress.

I won't be kept by you.

- That's not what I meant.

- Then what did you mean?

- Just, I want to be with you.

- And I want to be with you, always.

And when I'm old and you no longer desire me,

I will fill that part of your life

with whatever will make you happy, openly and freely.

All I ask is to be your Tai-Tai.

- What's that? Tai-Tai?

- It means supreme of supreme.

It means to be part of your life.

It means that I love you.

- [Linc] Orlanda. - No, wait.

This complicates things too much.

- No, it makes everything perfect.

I want you, Orlanda. I want you with me.

- [Orlanda] Always? - Now, always, constantly.

- Then keep me, Linc.

Keep me forever.

- Hello, Robert. It seems as if you're always on duty.

- I was just passing by and heard you were coming through.

Thought I'd lend a hand.

But obviously you didn't need any help.

Have a good trip?

- I hear you've arrested Brian Kwok, is that true?

- Who told you that?

- [Ian] An old friend.

- In Beijing?

- Damn it, Robert! Answer me!

- I'm afraid I can't, Tai-Pan.

- Don't play that game with me.

If Brian has been arrested, I have the right to know.

- That may be so, Tai-Pan,

but I don't have the right to tell you.

- Sorry.

- It's the salt air, it's very relaxing.

- And all that wine at lunch.

- We'll be heading back soon.

Aren't you glad you came now?

- Delighted.

Are you off guard yet or was that just the bait?

- Try me.

- What's gonna happen tomorrow?

- Oh, tomorrow will take care of tomorrow.

- [Casey] Seriously.

- I will win or I will not win.

But with Joss, I will have ian Dunross where I want him.

- And then?

- Have any doubt, I'll take him over.

Lock, stock and box at the races.

- And you really want that, don't you?

- Oh yes. That represents victory.

He and his ancestors deprived me and mine long enough.

- Isn't there enough room for both of you?

- Oh, once perhaps there was, long ago;

but not anymore.

Look, I know Dunross has impressed you

with his great house and his grand manner,

but you've only seen one side to him.

There is another side which is far less attractive.

- In what way?

- Dirk Struan was a grasping, greedy bastard

and so was all his line;

ian Dunross is no better.

Though I must admit, he has a certain charm.

- Now that you've described him,

how would you describe yourself?

- How you ladies manipulate us men.

In truth, my dear, I confess I am no better.

- I'm glad to hear it.

- Good. Come, let me show you around the rest of the boat.

She sleeps six comfortably,

plus the crew quarters of course.

This is the master cabin.

- Come on, Quillan. Just don't.

- Don't what?

- Let's go back up on the deck, okay?

- Why don't we have a drink, eh?

- Go to hell.

- Oh, I will soon enough.

Now, calm down. if I really wanted to rape you,

it wouldn't be much of a contest, I'm afraid.

If you had called bloody murder,

my crew wouldn't hear a thing.

- [Casey] Bastard!

- I'm not, actually. I'm really very legitimate.

Look, it was a prank.

That's all. Nothing more.

What can I do to apologize?

- Just open the damn door.

- Turn the handle the other way.

- Did Tsu-Yan agree, Tai-Pan?

- Tsu-Yan has requested

that Brian Kwok be freed from prison

before the funds are released.

- [Claudia] Brian's in prison?

- [Phillip] Yes, I heard yesterday.

- Why the devil didn't you tell me?

- You no longer consider me comprador of the Noble House

and favor me with your trust.

- Claudia, give me Casey Tcholok on the phone, will you?

- [Claudia] She's on the Sea Witch with Quillan Gornt.

- With Gornt? - Yes.

I can leave a message at the hotel.

- Call the Governor,

I need to see him as soon as possible.

Say it's regarding Brian Kwok.

Phillip, you come with me.

You consider yourself trustworthy?

- Yes. I've proved it in the past, many times.

So did my father and his.

Even so, if I were you,

I would've already decided

the ways and means of my destruction.

- Perhaps I have.

- Not you. Dirk Struan, yes, but not you.

- And the money? The 40 million you were to raise?

- It is under consideration.

- That is not good enough.

- It is still early.

You have given me until midnight.

Again, I ask forgiveness.

- Because you think you're finished?

- Because I might be finished if once more,

I cannot prove my worth.

- How do you propose to do that?

- I promise that I will deal with Four Finger Wu

long before his request must be granted.

- How?

- This is China.

I will deal with it in Chinese fashion.

I swear it by the blood of my ancestors,

I will continue to protect the Noble House

as I have sworn to do.

- But without money, there will be

no Noble House for you to protect.

- [Phillip] My resignation, may I ask

that it be extended a week?

- No. A day, perhaps.

Other extensions may be discussed later.

- I have heard that tomorrow morning,

Gornt and Bartlett will continue to drive our stock down.

- I expect so.

- Then you should withdraw it from trading.

I could have a word with the stock exchange committee.

- The Governor can see you immediately, Tai-Pan.

He's waiting in his office.

- Whatever you want, my love.

Whatever you want.

- In this unhappy affair of Brian Kwok,

it seemed to be more like a matter for the police

than the concern of the Noble House,

which is why I asked Commissioner Crosse

to join us at this meeting.

- [Crosse] Exactly what is it that you want, Mr. Dunross?

- I would like this situation to be handled wisely.

Beijing considers Brian's arrest to be a serious error.

- [Crosse] Oh? On whose part?

- They say he's been falsely accused.

- They can say whatever they damn please,

that doesn't change the facts.

- What are the facts?

- That doesn't concern you.

Though, I must admit that having

the Tai-Pan of the Noble House

acting as a communist emissary

is a bit of a surprise.

- Yes, that does strike rather an odd note.

What is your connection with this, ian?

- As an old friend, who's trying to rectify a mistake

before it's too late.

- There is no mistake.

- Is that why you went to Beijing?

- No sir. I went to meet with Tsu-Yan,

chairman of the China Great Wall

International Trust Corporation.

- Would you give me the reason?

- To establish a line of credit.

- And freeing Brian Kwok is the price, is that it?

Let the spy go to save the Noble House?

I can certainly understand your interest, Mr. Dunross.

Unfortunately for you, however,

I fail to share your enthusiasm.

If the Reds want Brian Kwok,

let them bloody well ask for him.

- That is a demonstration of sublime ignorance,

Commissioner. - Gentlemen, please.

Let's not be precipitous.

- If you force Beijing into making an official request,

then you force them to acknowledge what has happened.

But if Brian is simply released

and allowed to cross the border,

- Then we can all pretend it didn't happen!

That might be your style, Tai-Pan,

but it is not mine.

- Governor, how many banks?

How many businesses have failed in the last few years?

And who has gone to the rescue? China.

The entire economy of Hong Kong depends on Beijing.

London may not be happy about that,

but they cannot deny it.

- No, but they regard it as

Beijing's protection of a future investment.

- And if Beijing's protection

were to be withdrawn for all of Hong Kong, what then?

Is the Bank of England prepared

to accept the responsibility,

not just for the Noble House,

but for all of Hong Kong?

- All for Brian Kwok?

Is that a threat?

- That's a possibility.

If Brian Kwok is not released tomorrow evening

at the border at six o'clock and allowed to cross.

- Her Majesty's government is not subject to blackmail!

- It is not blackmail!

It is survival.

- Take it back to the yacht club.

- I thought you were asleep.

- Too happy for sleeping.

I'm awake to enjoy it.

- I'm happy that I pleased you.

- You did more than please me.

- That was only in the beginning.

I've put my soul into your life.

Close your eyes, my darling.

Everything will be done as you desire.

- And yes, you should have seen their faces

when I told them how much opium I could supply.

That is why they elected me

chief of the new brotherhood, which was only right.

- There are better uses for your half coin, father.

Safer and with good profit.

The Noble House could provide investments.

- Oh, what investments? What profit?

No, my son. The white powder

is the most profitable investment in the whole world,

and now that we have the ships

of the Noble House, ha ha!

- The Tai-Pan hasn't agreed, yet.

- Aiya! How could I have a son with such a small mind?

He will agree, of course he will agree; to everything!

Oh, secretly we will have

access to the Noble House Bank accounts to hide our profits

and the Tai-Pan will intercede for me with Lando Mata,

so that my name will be chosen

for the new gambling syndicate in Macau.

Ah yes. Everything is possible. Everything!

You wait for me in the back.

- You didn't tell me you were coming today.

- Why should I have to tell you anything?

Who pays for this apartment now? Hmm?

But because I was feeling generous,

I have brought you a present.

- Aiya, it is beautiful!

- Not now, little milli mouse.

First you must earn it.

- Wretched weather, it's raining again.

- Never get a cab tonight.

- Evening, Casey.

You are not still upset with me, are you?

- Yes. - No harm done.

- Go to Hell, Quillan.

Where have you been?

- China. Can we have dinner?

- When? As soon as we leave here.

- I was supposed to meet Linc.

Have you seen him?

- No, not tonight. Maybe he'll turn up.

Would you like to wait?

- Linc's going with Gornt.

I'm sorry, but it's his choice.

- Has he told you?

- Not in so many words, but what are you gonna do?

- [Ian] Watch.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please?

- Are you going to announce your resignation, ian?

- No, Quillan. I'm announcing that Struan's stock

has been withdrawn from trading until Tuesday morning,

at which time it will open at 30.

- 30. Your stocks are 9.50, and going down.

- The stock exchange committee have agreed unanimously:

it's for the protection of the investors,

now that the Noble House has been given

a new revolving credit.

- Not by the Victoria!

- No.

- Well, would you be so kind

as to identify this mystery bank?

- You'll find that out in good time.

- I think you're lying, ian.

- Good!

How many shares have you sold short? 700,000?

You're in the ringer, Quillan.

- Not bloody likely!

- [Ian] 30 will be the price on Tuesday.

- A pox on you, Tuesday and your 30!

- Now, can we have dinner?

- There you go.

- Thanks.

- All right? - Mm.

All righty, and this other bank, is it true?

- Almost.

- That's why you went to China.

- Let's go!

- This way! Move, quick!

- Through there!

- Help, help!

- Orlanda!

Orlanda.

- I went out to get some food.

Oh my God, Linc's there.

- Where? Where was he?

- My apartment, he's there!

- [Casey] Oh my God. - Look after her!

I'm gonna look around.

- No, it's too dark!

- I'll get a flashlight, wait for me!

- [Orlanda] Will he be all right?

- How the hell do I know?

What's he doing in your apartment?

That's a stupid question.

- I love him and he loves me.

I'm going back to California with him.

Oh God, please let him be alive!

- Yeah, please.

- Father! Father!

- Up here!

Come on, there's somebody up here!

- Come on, hurry it!

- There's another one here.

- There's two more over here! Two more!

Come on, come on! We need help!

- Who the hell are you?

- Paul Choy. My uncle's up there.

- Four Fingers in Rose Court? - Yes sir.

He was visiting.

- Bad timing.

- It's Quillan. Quillan!

- Where's ian?

- He's up there, looking for Linc.

- Bartlett? What the hell is he doing?

- He was in my apartment.

You've got to find him.

Oh god, Quillan, please help!

- In your apartment?

Stay there.

- Quillan will find him.

I know Quillan will find him.

- Dunross? ian bloody Dunross, where are you?

- Need that stretcher!

- The Tai-Pan, have you seen him?

- He's up there. You'd better get to a doctor.

- No, no, no, no. I'm alright. I'm alright.

I must find the Tai-Pan.

- Oh, he's not hurt, he's searching for Linc.

You're bleeding, your face.

- Huh?

Oh yes. So I'd better. Merci.

- What the hell are you doing here, Quillan?

- I'm looking for you.

Casey said you were playing hide and seek.

- [Ian] Oh? Sorry, I'm not dead.

- Yes, Joss.

But you'll be dead soon enough.

Sooner if we don't get the hell out here.

- [Ian] Bartlett? Linc Bartlett?

Can you hear me?

- Ah, he must be dead.

- He could be sat in there. He could be alive.

- Yes. You need him for your deal, don't you?

- Not now. Not anymore.

- I think you're lying, ian. About everything.

- I'm going up.

- Alright Gunga Din, if we're gonna play the hero,

let's do it right. I lead.

- I'm afraid, I'm so afraid.

- Come along, ladies. You'll have to move.

It's not safe, we're expecting more trouble.

Please, behind the barricade.

- You alright?

- Yes, I'm fine I think.

Shh, listen. Listen.

- [Quillan] I can't hear anything.

- Is anyone there? Can you hear me?

- Yeah, in here!

- [Quillan] Bartlett? Is that you?

- [Linc] Yeah, who's there?

- Quillan Gornt and ian Dunross, we're both here.

Are you hurt?

- No.

- [Ian] Linc, can you see my flashlight?

- [Linc] No. Get me out of here, will ya?

- Okay, don't worry. We're gonna get you out.

We're gonna get some help.

I'll stay, you go on back down.

- Okay. Here, you might need this.

- [Ian] All right.

- [Quillan] I'll be back. - Okay.

Linc? Quillan's gone to get some help.

Where are you?

- How the hell do I know?

- All right, wait there.

I'm gonna see if I can I get closer to you.

Give us a shout when you see my flashlight.

- Okay.

Nothing.

Not yet.

Not yet!

Nothing!

No, not yet. Nothing.

There. I see, hold there.

- Aye, I'm coming up. Okay.

Where are you?

- [Linc] Here.

- [Ian] Where? - [Linc] Down here.

- [Ian] Well, it looks like we're gonna have to dig you out.

It'll take some time, can you hold on?

- Sure. What happened anyway, earthquake?

- Landslide. The entire building came down.

- Where's Orlanda?

- She's fine.

She's down below with Casey.

- That's good.

She wasn't the apartment when it hit.

- Yes, I know. How you feeling?

- Oh, could use a cold beer.

I was standing in the kitchen

and the whole world hit the fan.

Guess I got knocked out.

Next thing I knew, I was here.

What's on top of me?

- Most of Rose Court.

- [Linc] ian, you there?

- Yes, yes. You okay?

- Yeah. I think I'd,

I think I'd like to go home now.

- Right, I need some help.

I've got a man trapped up there,

I want four men immediately.

- All right.

- Well, we pegged him.

- Is he dead?

- No, he is fine. He's just trapped under some beams.

- Will he be okay?

- He will as soon as we can get him out.

- He's alive, he's alive.

I was so sure, so sure.

- Yeah.

Yeah, it's going to be okay.

- Another one for the ambulance.

Hey, are you okay?

- Lemme just get closer.

Let me get closer.

- [Linc] ian, you okay?

- Yes, yes, yes. I'm fine. I'm okay.

- You came in here just to find me?

- That's right. Why?

- It's pretty funny.

- Oh, we thought it was rather nice of us, actually.

Hold up, I think I see some lights.

- It's about time.

Who's gonna win tomorrow, you or Quillan?

- Me.

Beijing Company's gonna finance the Noble House,

and Tuesday, Struan's stock opens at 30.

I'm afraid you're gonna lose your 4 million, Linc.

Quillan Gornt's gonna lose a damn sight more.

[Linc laughs] What's wrong?

What is it? What?

- I just bumped my head.

Listen, ian, how tough is it to get married here?

- What?

- [Linc] How tough is it to get married in Hong Kong?

- Hold on, I think I see them coming.

- [Linc] Who?

- [Ian] Quillan Gornt and,

Oh my god! Hold on!

Linc! Linc!

Linc!

For God's sakes, somebody come up here!

Come on, Linc! Linc, come on!

For God's sakes, come up here!

Come on. Come on on! Come on!

- Oh no.

- What?

What is it?

- [Quillan] I'm sorry, Orlanda.

- No!

- Yes, yes, of course. I'll tell her.

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Governor extends his sympathies.

- Did they find him?

- Yes.

- I'll take, I'll take Linc's body back to California.

He wanted to be cremated, it's in his will.

- I'll make the arrangements.

- I keep thinking if he hadn't been in Orlanda's apartment,

and to that you say Joss, right?

- It is Joss, Casey.

Something no one can change,

or make less painful or wish away.

It's what had to happen.

- No, it didn't have to.

But it did.

Oh, I don't know.

- You should get some sleep.

Would you like to stay here?

- No. I better get back to the hotel.

There's so much to do.

I'm Tai-Pan of Par Con, now.

Linc and I had a deal.

I willed him voting power of all my stock for 10 years,

and he did the same for me.

- For 10 years?

- Yes. I'll send you a formal verification

when it's official.

It's awfully business like, isn't it?

Oh God, ian.

- It's okay, it's okay.

Come, come on. It's all right, it's all right.

It's okay. - No, it's not!

[Casey sobs] Not yet.

But it will be.

- When you were with Linc,

before it happened, was he?

- He was fine.

He asked for a cold beer.

- Yeah, that sounds like Linc.

- The last thing he asked me

was whether it was difficult to get married in Hong Kong.

- Orlanda?

He was going to marry Orlanda.

- I don't know.

- You're right. It is Joss.

Oh, take me back to the hotel, ian.

- Casey, Casey, - Don't say anything.

Let's not talk anymore, okay?

I need to think about all this, about everything.

I've got to get it straight in my head,

so don't say anything, please.

- I told you to buy Struan's.

700,000 shares to cover my short selling.

- Yes Mr. Gornt, but I can't.

The Governor's closed all the banks in the market

because of the catastrophe last night.

If you were lucky you weren't hurt, you,

- Hurt?

I'll be a damn sight more than hurt

if Struan's opens up 30 tomorrow.

Now talk to the other brokers.

Somebody's gotta have Struan's stock.

- I've tried, Mr. Gornt.

Perhaps if you had a reasonable conversation

with Mr. Dunross. - Damn ian Dunross!

Damn his miserable luck.

- Excuse me, Mr. Gornt.

Mr. Paul Choy is here.

He said you were expecting him.

- Who the hell's Paul Choy?

- he said he was Mr. Wu's nephew.

- Wu? Oh, Four Finger. Yes, I'd forgotten.

All right, send him in.

Buy Struan's.

- I'll try, Mr. Gornt.

- Come in, Mr. Choy.

- I'm sorry to be late, sir, but there was some problems.

My uncle, - Yes. Yes. I'm sorry.

Still, I agreed to give you a job

and my word is better than most.

- I appreciate that, Mr. Gornt.

But I've come to tell you

that I can't go to work for you now.

- Ah yes, I understand.

Take a few weeks, take as long as you need.

- No sir, that's not it.

I won't be working for you at all.

- No? Then why the hell are you here?

- I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity.

- You got your hands on the old man's money, didn't you?

Yes, old Four Fingers must have tucked away quite a bit.

What exactly did you have in mind, Mr. Choy?

- My God, where have you been?

I've been trying to get in touch with you

ever since I heard!

I spoke to LA, they said they'd already heard from.

Now look, Casey, don't you worry about anything.

I'll make all the arrangements.

- It's done. Everything is done.

- Oh, well you should have called me.

I would've taken care of it.

- I didn't need your help, Seymour.

And I'm busy now.

- We've got a lot to talk about.

There's the will, Struan deal,

not to mention the mess back home.

The vultures are already circling.

- It can wait, I'll see you back in LA next Monday.

- Monday? There's a million things to do.

Linc's affairs are gonna take a year to untangle.

- No, they won't. I read the will, remember?

- Yeah, I guess you're the boss now.

Couple of stockholders are not gonna be

too thrilled about that.

Gonna be a couple of lawsuits,

somebody's bound to sue, just-

- We'll talk about it later.

- Yeah. In the meantime,

I figure we ought to delay the Struan deal.

Now I can pick up a few extra points.

- Seymour, you're fired.

As of this moment.

- What did you say?

What's the matter with you?

- Now get the hell outta here.

- You can't fire me, I've got a contract.

- I just did.

And if you want your contract settled, you'll go quietly.

Open your mouth once more, and you won't get a penny. Out.

That's it, Seymour. I'll see you in court.

- The governor's secretary said he would call back,

but probably not until tomorrow.

Press of official business and all that.

Berlin Ba Struan called from Sidney.

Please call him when you have a moment.

He thinks he's got the situation there back in line.

- Hmm, I'll be damned.

Is my next appointment here yet?

- Oh yes, he's been waiting.

- [Ian] Send him in, please.

- Mr. Choy?

Mr. Choy, Tai-Pan.

- [Ian] Come in, Paul.

I'm sorry about your father.

- Thank you.

You knew he wasn't my uncle all along, didn't you?

- I was the one who suggested

he send you to the United States.

Please sit down.

- I guess you know why I'm here.

- The half coin?

- Yes sir.

- First let me ask you:

who has the coin now that Four Fingers is an ancestor?

- The family Wu, - Who in the family Wu?

The coin was given to an individual

who would pass it on to an individual. Who?

- Me, sir.

- Show it to me.

You'll have to prove Four Fingers gave it to you.

- Sorry, Tai-Pan, but I don't have to prove anything.

I just have to present the coin and ask the favor,

in secret; that's the deal.

And if it's the real coin, then your honor

and the face of the Noble House are at stake.

And the- - I know what I have at stake!

Do you?

This is China. Lots of curious things happen in China.

Do you think I can be fooled by an ancient legend?

- No sir, but I have presented the coin.

Now you must grant the favor.

- You know the coin was stolen from Philip Chen.

- No sir, it came from my father.

- It's Philip Chen's coin.

- There were four coins, Tai-Pan.

Mr. Chen's coin must be one of the others.

This one belonged to my father and now it belongs to me.

- He gave it to you?

- I inherited it.

But his request is not my request.

- No? Then what is your request?

- First I must know if you will grant it.

- And if not? Will you sell the coin to Quillan Gornt?

Return the coin freely and I'll grant all sorts of favors.

- No, Tai-Pan. I can't do that.

The coin can only be returned like this.

I ask a favor in Jin Cha's name,

from the Tai-Pan of the Noble House.

- Well?

- First, I want old friend status equal to my father's,

with all that that implies.

Second, I want to be appointed a Director of Struan's,

at a salary equal to the other directors. Agreed?

- Is that all?

- No. Next, I want you to introduce me to Lando Mata

and tell him that you are backing me

to bid for the Macau gambling syndicate.

And last, I want a stewardship of the Turf Club,

three years from now.

That's all of it.

- If the coin is real, I'll agree to everything

except the part about Lando Mata.

- That's part of the deal.

- [Ian] I don't agree.

- I've asked for nothing illegal,

- Lando Mata is out!

- If that's out, then the whole deal's off

and I'll put my father's request in its place,

or consider some other alternatives

none of which will make you very happy.

Believe me, my request is the easiest one to honor.

But it's your choice.

- Alright, I agree to grant your favor.

But I will have to ask Lando,

I can't tell him anything.

Do you accept?

- Yes sir. And thank you, Tai-Pan.

You won't regret it.

- You are very sure of yourself.

- Just trying to keep ahead of the game, sir.

- He's got someone in there.

- [Jacques] Tai-Pan, I finally tracked down Mr. Tip.

- Where is he?

- He's on his way to the border.

Left half an hour ago.

- [Tip] Tai-Pan.

- Mr Tip.

I'm delighted you're on our board of directors.

I'm certain your guidance will benefit us all.

- Oh, you'll find my voice

to be only an occasional whisper, I assure you.

- A wise whisper, Mr. Tip,

is more valuable than a loud voice.

- We shall see, Tai-Pan. We shall see.

- [Crosse] Hello, Robert.

- [Robert] Hello, sir. Sorry to be late.

- Only a couple of minutes.

- Anyone else coming?

- I don't think so, not officially.

You can get on with it.

- Chu Toi, alias Brian Kwok,

you are formally charged with espionage

against her Majesty's government

on behalf of a foreign power.

Under the authority of

the deportation ordinance of Hong Kong,

you are formally ordered out of the crown colony.

If you return, you are formally warned

you do so at your peril

and are liable for arraignment and imprisonment

at Her Majesty's pleasure.

- Now what happens?

- You walk across that bloody bridge

and get back to your pals.

- You think I'm a fool?

You think I believe you're really letting me go?

They're playing with me, Robert.

They'll never let me go free.

You know that, you know that Robert.

- You're free, Brian.

- Oh, oh, no, I understand.

The moment I'm almost there, they'll pull me back!

They're torturing me with the hope of freedom!

That's it, Robert. That's what they're trying to do!

- I told you, you're free. You're free to go!

Don't ask me why they're letting you go, but they are. Go!

- It's a lie, it has to be.

- Go!

- You really mean it?

- Yes.

- Thank you, sir.

- If it was up to me, I'd have you shot.

Now get the hell across that bridge, Chu Toi,

before I whip you across it.

- Robert?

- That's just for old time's sake,

for the Brian I used to know.

- Yes. Thanks.

- Congratulations, Tai-Pan.

I'm sure Tsu-Yan will be very pleased.

- Yes.

- Papers will be ready for your signature tomorrow morning.

Til then, Tai-Pan.

- [Ian] Commissioner.

- Satisfied?

- Quite.

- This was not on my recommendation, you know.

- Then I suggest you take credit for it anyway.

- You've got gall, Tai-Pan.

I'll say that for you, pure gall.

- I'm afraid it runs in the family.

Can I give you a lift back to town?

- Mr. Dunross, on behalf of Her Majesty's government,

get stuffed.

- [Casey] Orlanda? It's Casey.

May I come in?

- [Orlanda] How did you find me?

- I called Quillan, he told me about you here.

- Yes, for a few days.

I can't stay longer than that, it's so expensive.

Please sit down, Casey.

- Did you have any insurance for your apartment?

- Insurance? No, I don't think so.

I've lost everything.

I've got a little money in the bank.

Casey, about Linc. I loved him.

I wasn't trying to trap him. - No.

Here's a check, it's worth,

- I don't want your money.

I don't want anything from you.

- It's not from me.

It's from Linc, he wanted you to have some protection.

- Really? But how?

- The last thing Linc said to ian Dunross

was to ask how difficult it was

to get married in Hong Kong.

- Married?

Did the Tai-Pan, did he tell you that's what Linc said?

- Yes, he told me.

What are you gonna do Orlanda?

Will you stay in Hong Kong?

- Where else can I go?

- Why not try the States?

I could help you find a job.

- You'd help me? Why?

- Because that's the way Linc would've wanted it.

- And maybe we could be friends?

- Yeah, maybe we could.

- [Ian] Hello.

- I know, you just happened to be in the neighborhood.

- How are you feeling?

- Lousy, but better.

- Good.

- [Casey] Where have you been?

- I had to take care of

the last details in the .

- It's set? Then you did it?

I don't know how, but you did it. You won!

- That's my job.

That's what the Tai-Pan of the Noble House

is supposed to do.

- And what does the Tai-Pan of the Noble House do

in 1997 when China absorbs Hong Kong?

- Who knows. Perhaps it'll be the other way around

and Hong Kong will absorb China.

Here are the papers on our General Stores deal.

- But Linc never put up the 4 million.

- Oh, but he did. He cabled it Saturday night.

My Swiss bank confirmed it this morning,

and I sent a check to the board of General Stores.

They accepted it.

- Business as usual?

You're like the post office,

don't you ever take a break?

- When there's time.

- But there never is.

I don't know if I could live that way.

- Why don't you try?

Why don't you stay here in Hong Kong?

We could take some time off together.

It's not an offer I make every day.

- I know it isn't,

but, - [Ian] Hmm?

- I've got work to do.

I'm Tai-Pan of Par Con, remember?

I can't stay here,

any more than you can come with me to California.

- You're leaving.

- [Casey] In morning. Everything's arranged.

- All right.

I'll take you to the airport.

- I've got to pack.

I bet you've never kissed a Tai-Pan before.

- Certainly not in the lobby of this hotel.

- [Ian] New car?

- Yes, and kindly don't bugger the brakes on this one.

- You wanted to see me, Quillan,

before the stock exchange opened.

- Did you ask me to come here just to gloat?

- What do you want?

- If your stock opens at 30, I'll be ruined.

- Yes, I know.

- Then name your terms.

- Why should I?

- Well, life would be dull without me, ian.

You know that.

No one else can give you an even fight.

- No, I suppose not.

I'll let you buy back in at 18.

And I'll take all Asia Airlines as the price.

- I accept.

- Don't you want to bargain?

- I want no quarter from you,

as you'd expect none from me.

You'll have the Air Asia papers by noon.

Damn you, ian Dunross.

And perdition to the Noble House.

- Where's the luggage?

- [Ian] I had it sent on ahead.

- Here's a present.

- Oh?

- Those are all the papers John Chen gave us,

everything about Struan's.

There aren't any other copies.

- Thanks. I wasn't expecting that.

- Well, I figured we ought to start fresh.

That offer you made last night,

how long is it good for?

- Why?

- I'm thinking about it.

- And?

- How about 30 days?

It'll take me about that time

to reorganize Par Con the way Linc would've wanted it,

and then I think I'll come back.

Thank you.

No, don't come in.

Let's just say it here.

- 30 days. It will feel like a long time.

- Very long.

When Linc and I came here,

the plan was to raid Noble House.

He wanted to take you over, wanted to be Tai-Pan.

You knew that, didn't you?

- I had a reasonably good idea.

- You almost made it.

- Is that what you're gonna do in 30 days?

Plant your own attack on the Noble House?

- It's worth a try, isn't it?

- Oh, it's worth a try, Casey.

It's certainly worth a try.