Original subtitles

This programme contains some violent scenes

Freud teaches us that we relive our childhood again and again.

Some of us are stuck in a nursery world,

an obsessive need to play games.

An adult addiction to gambling

is often a long-buried childhood fixation.

Gambling is not simply a vice.

It's an expression of our humanity.

It is the way we behave toward each other in our relationships.

Play. Win. Lose.

And we sometimes take immense risks.

And in the most devastating circumstances,

we can lose everything.

Gentlemen. Franz Burgstaller

is one of the most notorious criminals in the city.

An infamous arms dealer

with links to thieves and criminals throughout the empire.

Well, gentlemen, as of now,

his monstrous reign is ended.

CHUCKLING

Franz Burgstaller is finally in our custody.

Some of you...

Some of you did assist me with his arrest last night.

I will, of course, mention you in my report.

Perhaps not all by name.

Anyway, to show my gratitude -

beer for everyone.

Need to get out of here. Can't stomach this.

Gentlemen. Prisoner wants to talk.

Says it must be to you...alone.

So...look at you.

How the mighty have fallen.

When I give evidence at your trial...

..it will be a personal pleasure.

Of course, it may not get that far.

Half the criminals in the city will be after your blood

in order to protect themselves.

I need to see Strasser. What?

Right now. It's important.

What's this about?

Just deliver this message.

Tell him...

..I know where to find...

..Mephisto.

Mephisto.

That's what he said.

I didn't know quite what he meant but...

From Goethe.

"Men's wretchedness in sooth I so deplore."

Mephisto is the devil. Hmm. Where is Burgstaller now?

In custody, awaiting trial. He says he won't talk in the station.

Says it needs to be somewhere else. I told him it was impossible.

What's going on, Herr Direktor?

Do you need anything, Papa?

No. Thank you.

Fraulein.

Who else knows about this?

No-one. I came straight to you. I assumed you'd want to know about it.

Bring him here.

What? The castle. The ruined castle. Just beyond the house.

Obviously I can't have him in my home.

No. Burgstaller is a prisoner. We can't have him parade around Vienna.

Bring other officers, if you must.

Men you trust. But tell them nothing.

I must object, Herr Direktor. I spent months on Burgstaller's trail.

I have him under lock and key, finally.

The empire's under threat, Rheinhardt!

This meeting is vital.

Mephisto is our deadliest enemy.

He goes only by a secret code name.

I've been trying to track him down for years.

If Burgstaller is telling the truth

then this is my first proper lead on him.

I will sign a release order.

Your authorisation to bring the prisoner to me.

Burgstaller is dangerous.

I'll be armed. If he tries to escape...

Agreed.

Do you know Goethe?

Read it at school.

Do you remember about Mephisto?

Gave a man magic powers.

Yeah.

In exchange for his immortal soul.

Ah...I hate this new automatic.

We need another officer to drive the carriage.

What about Meier?

He's keen. Always comes in early.

Fine. Don't tell him anything. Go and get him.

It was getting hot in there.

You know, Inspector, I can read your expression.

I can see the contempt you have for me.

Yeah.

I'm hardly hiding it.

The irony is,

we are not so different, you and I.

We both use violence to achieve our ends.

We both understand its power.

A young woman was gunned down in Leopoldstadt last week.

19 years old.

A robbery.

Killed in cold blood with a gun that you sold, Franz.

Don't you ever compare yourself to me.

You understand?

Meier, go out on the road. Make sure no-one's coming. Keep alert.

If it had been left up to me, we'd have skipped the trial.

What would your approach have been?

Time alone with me in these woods. No spectators.

Rheinhardt, if you will allow me.

I'm Strasser. The Direktor of Security.

You told the Inspector you have some information for me.

Information?

It's treasure.

I found out Mephisto's real name.

You met with Mephisto face-to-face?

Mephisto's man came to do business with me,

and afterwards I followed him.

I saw them together.

Give me a name.

First, we need to talk about what you are prepared to offer me.

Rheinhardt, you and your men can step away and, uh...

One false move.

Do you understand me?

GUNSHOTS

Take cover! They're shooting!

Damn it, Rheinhardt, you were followed!

Protect me! I'm a dead man!

Dammit!

No, no, no, no, no!

Stop him!

No! Herr Direktor, don't!

No.

GUNSHOT

You're under arrest! Don't move!

VOICEOVER: As every psychoanalyst knows,

since we haven't gone through the experience of death ourselves,

death doesn't exist in our unconscious.

So we can't actually fear death.

Remember.

STRASSER MUTTERS

Find him.

Find him.

He stole from me. Find him.

I promise.

I promise.

We effectively pretend death isn't there.

Until, of course, reality intrudes.

Gentlemen, we are all shocked by the tragic death

of Direktor Strasser.

As his deputy,

I have accepted the appointment as the new Direktor of Security.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Commissioner, is there any news on the Burgstaller murder?

It's not your case.

Not any more.

I know. I was just curious.

We've identified the killer.

Thomas Hofer, one of the Hofer gang.

Thieves from the Meidling district,

trying to stop Burgstaller informing on them.

Why?

You have any other information?

No.

Why did Strasser want to meet with Burgstaller?

I'm sorry, Commissioner, he didn't tell me.

Your name is on this, Rheinhardt.

You were the one who took Burgstaller from his cell.

The Direktor gave me written authorisation.

Yes.

Well, can't help you now, can he?

As far as I'm concerned,

your career is over.

Of course...I will miss you when you're gone.

BELL RINGS

Sorry for what happened to your father.

He was a good man and a fine police officer.

He lived for his job.

Devoted himself to the empire.

I need your help, fraulein.

Something happened before he died.

A case we were both involved in.

Did he ever mention the name

Mephisto?

I'm sorry to ask but...

..could I have a look in his private things?

STRASSER MUTTERS

He stole from me.

Find him.

I remember this.

I remember every detail.

Luxembourg.

A bomb was planted to disrupt the Russian summit

by Serbian nationalist Lazar Kiss.

Your father and I, we were both there that day.

Kiss died a few months later in a fire.

But why was your father still obsessed by it?

My father, he collected them.

Disasters. Errors of policing.

Did he tell you why?

No.

It's important, fraulein.

Anything you can remember. Anything.

I'm sorry.

I need to take these clippings.

I...

I do recall him saying one thing. Yes?

One night when he had been drinking, he kept repeating...

"Someone in Vienna is giving away our secrets."

Someone?

A traitor.

I know where to find Mephisto... ..is our deadliest enemy.

Mephisto. Mephisto. Mephisto.

Commissioner.

Inspector. You wanted all the Luxembourg files. Sh-sh-sh!

It's unofficial.

Oh. That's everything, I'm afraid.

No mention of the name Mephisto.

Oh, and there's the cigarettes you found.

Two different types.

Probably two different people.

Seems like our killer has someone alongside helping him.

Hmm. This is cheap, hand-rolled.

This is expensive.

HE SNIFFS

I can make some inquiries.

The paper or the tobacco mix may be traceable.

Are you going back into the case again?

I'm not sure, fraulein. Maybe.

What I really need to do

is get into the mind of a dead man. What?

Once Burgstaller's in his grave... Mm-hm?

..there's someone I need to pay a call on.

Ah, here he is at last!

The weary traveller come back to us at last!

My love! Welcome home!

How was it? How was America? I scarcely had a chance to sit down.

My hands ache from all the palms I've been pressing,

my jaw aches from the lecture tour.

Was New York wonderful? I stayed at the Vanderbilt.

No idea what that means, but it sounds impressive.

It's a famous hotel. Ah! How fancy!

Our son Max mixing with New York society.

Leah! Look who's back.

Oh, hurrah! It's Little Freud.

We can all look forward to being analysed again at dinner.

You know, I've missed you. Gosh, it actually sounds like you mean it.

Oh! Come in, come in and have something to eat.

She prepared a banquet for your return.

I hope you haven't had dinner yet.

Well, I'm sure I could force something down...

Clara said she had a postcard from you. Two, in fact.

Stop fishing, Mama. Who's fishing? You are.

We're friends again. Can't we just leave it at that?

Do I detect a change of image?

Yes, I noticed it, too.

Lord & Taylor, New York fashions.

Did you meet lots of famous people? I signed a lot of books.

And probably made a bit of money.

Well, some.

Don't be modest. Doesn't suit you.

Yes, all right, rather a lot, as it happens.

Your apartment's still let, I gather, till the end of the month.

We've put you in your old room. That's fine.

Yes, isn't it splendid?

Mama can come up and tuck you in bed each night, just like old times.

LAUGHTER

Oh, Leah. Stop teasing the poor boy.

At least let me get my breath back before you start.

Yes, Anna, what is it? A policeman at the door, sir.

Here we go again.

Oh, dear, has someone died?

Sorry, um...hello, Oskar.

It's been too long. How have you been?

Um, well, my career has had its twists and turns.

How about you?

I've been reading about you in the newspapers.

Ah! Head of department at the hospital.

Yes, well, after that business with Neumann

they had no choice but to promote me. Yeah.

And there really was no-one else willing and available.

And now your fame has spread across the Herring Pond,

New York so I hear.

Preaching the gospel of Freudianism.

Yes, they seem to love it over there.

Which reminds me, I have this for you from New York.

Max...

For your little coffee bean habit.

That is incredibly generous of you.

Thank you.

So...to what do I owe this pleasure?

Well, you're right. I came about a case. Hmm?

It's a murder case. Franz Burgstaller.

Actually, the case has already been closed.

The killer has been gunned down.

Right. So...what's at stake?

A traitor? Diplomatic missions sabotaged. Destroyed.

These missions were covert.

It would need to be someone at the centre of political power.

And Strasser was chasing him?

He was murdered because of this, I'm sure.

He tried to unmask the traitor.

The police think it was a street criminal who shot him.

But you know different.

All right.

There's one person who can identify the traitor.

Excellent. Franz Burgstaller.

I see.

And he's dead.

We just need to talk to you.

How long were you with Franz Burgstaller?

Over a year. Nearly two.

And you were his lover?

I'm not naive.

I know exactly how Franz made his money.

But he was charming. He flattered me.

Spent a fortune on me.

Did Franz perhaps have contact with someone...high up in society?

I don't know, he was a crook. An arms dealer.

His friends were thieves and criminals.

Something else.

What?

Something you were about to say?

No. No, it's nothing.

A piece that doesn't quite fit.

Something that surprised you about him?

He had a friend he spoke about,

someone he sometimes visited.

At the palace. Palace?

That's what he said.

They were involved in some sort of enterprise.

A singer.

Do you have a name?

Senor Carrillo.

A Spaniard.

OPERA SINGING

The tempo is too fast.

Take it slower, please. He's good.

Let's find out why Burgstaller liked him so much.

Name? Elias.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Name? Oskar. Rheinhardt. Inspector.

Leopoldstadt Constabulary.

I need you to accompany me to the station.

Franz Burgstaller.

Um...

I don't know that name.

No reason why you should.

Except we believe he was a fan of yours.

He came to meet you when you sang in Vienna, so we're told.

I have many devoted fans, Inspector.

Why would this one be of special interest to me?

He was shot

and killed.

Maybe you read about it.

I'm afraid I don't know this man.

You've been misinformed.

Someone close to Burgstaller told us

you were involved in an enterprise together.

Do you ever perform for royalty, Senor Carrillo?

Ever summoned to a palace?

No. Never.

What exactly is all this nonsense about?

Franz Burgstaller was killed

because he threatened to reveal someone's secret identity.

Might you be in danger also?

Is there anything further? I have a concert to give.

Of course. You're free to leave. Constable?

Palace. That's what she told us.

It doesn't make any sense.

A crook like Burgstaller would never get access to a royal residence.

Sorry for dragging you in here again.

I needed you with me.

I needed you to meet him.

Mephisto must be someone at the centre of political power.

How could Burgstaller enter his orbit?

It's me. I need to talk to you.

As far as I am concerned, our business is now settled.

Damn you!

Why don't you answer me?!

Tell me the debt is paid!

Therese.

I, uh... Oskar.

How are you?

I'm well.

It's good to see you. What are you doing here?

I, uh...

You remember my husband, Wenzel?

Of course.

What's going on?

Therese, can we just go?

Can you wait for me? I'll just be a moment.

He was drunk last night.

Got into a fight.

Spent the night in the cells.

Is everything all right between you?

Yes.

Please don't worry about it.

It's not your concern.

How's Anna?

She's fine. Growing up.

Does she still like books?

Yes.

More than ever.

She's started to write poems now.

Oh.

Smart girl.

I should be going.

He's waiting.

It's good to see you again.

Take care of yourself, Oskar.

You too, Therese. You too.

Rheinhardt.

Herr Direktor. We've not had a chance to speak.

I was Strasser's number two at the Ministry. Yes, of course.

We all miss him. Big shoes to fill.

They identified his killer.

No need for a trial now.

Still, there are some questions unanswered.

I'm no longer involved in the case, Herr Direktor.

We both know the Commissioner relies on you.

If you have any information,

I'd be obliged if you'd bring it straight to me.

What?

A death. Suspicious.

I thought you might want it.

Von Bulow won't let me have any murder cases. You'll want this one.

A singer.

Rheinhardt. Leopoldstadt Police.

I've cleared the building. Good. Where's the body?

Who found him? I did.

I came in early and saw the body.

You keep a record of who goes in and out?

Most clients prefer to remain anonymous.

No wallet, no possessions.

Just this.

A very deep cut.

Like the French revolutionary, died in his bathtub.

No other signs of bruising. No evidence that he fought back.

The day after we interview him, Carrillo gets killed.

Does that sound like a coincidence to you?

No, sir. No.

Mephisto.

He knows we're coming for him.

These are all the personal belongings

we found in Carrillo's home. Thank you, Meier. Of course.

WHISTLING

Evidently, he earned a great deal on tour.

Inspector, look at these.

Letters from admirers. Hundreds of them.

What's this?

It's a cipher text, used for deciphering codes.

What would he be doing with it?

Hand me a letter, please.

D. R.

S.

C. K. H.

RHEINHARDT MUTTERS

That doesn't make any sense.

Try another.

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Here.

We've been through them all. Maybe they are all just fan mail.

This stamp.

What?

It's postmarked Vienna. Just arrived. The letter was unopened.

Why so valuable? It's expensive for a small letter like this.

This is the stamp my parents used

when they sent me letters to America.

Someone wanted to make sure he got it. Why, Oskar?

There was nothing special about the letter.

We should check again.

Where is it?

Oskar.

Oskar.

MUTTERING

MUTTERING

SHE READS

Hold on a moment.

Here. Riegers Palast.

It's a casino.

Maybe whoever sent the message doesn't know he's dead.

Maybe they'll still be expecting him. Wait.

A gambling token. Seems like Mephisto has a network.

And Riegers Palast is the rendezvous.

We need an undercover operation. "We"?

Yes, why not? We've done it before. I can play a role.

You? Yes. Uh, a wealthy gambler,

an English Lord. Old money. You can be my valet.

What?

Well, maybe not. Maybe...an Austrian nobleman.

But you can't show up like this.

You'll need to blend in with the crowd, dress up a bit.

Oh.

And we need cash in order to make the deception seem real.

I can't just go to the commissioner and ask.

I need to keep this investigation secret.

Your lecture tour? Hmm?

Didn't you say you made some money?

Well, I'm not eager to gamble it all away.

You just need to spend enough to make it look convincing.

All right. I suppose. Yes.

Welcome to the case, Doctor.

I think it's my turn to say it.

It's definitely my turn.

Yes, that looks good on you. I haven't worn it for years.

Ha-ha!

Max? Is this suitable?

What? What are you dressed up for, Leah?

If you think you're going to Riegers without me, you can think again.

We're going there for work. You're not invited.

Oh, I hear everyone says it's absolute heaven.

I'm not missing this opportunity to make my friends insanely jealous.

Not a chance. You take me with you, Max,

or I swear you'll never hear the last of it.

What is it you're up to?

Oh, gambling, a casino. Oh, is that quite proper?

It's not forbidden in the Talmud.

Your Uncle Harry was a gambler. Lost everything.

Never heard of Uncle Harry. No, well, we don't speak about him.

Why are you dressed like that? I'm pretending to be an English Lord.

Well, the Talmud forbids lying.

It's not lying, Mama. It's dressing up.

Now, Leah. I'm serious, Max.

You're not going without me.

DOORBELL RINGS

Who's that? Oh, I mentioned it to a friend.

I asked if she wanted to come along.

Yes, fine, let's... Let's invite everyone.

Ah!

Apparently you're taking me out somewhere nice, Max.

CAR HORN

He's here.

Everyone get ready.

Oh, I'll get my coat.

Ho-ho! I say, how splendid!

What's the point of earning money if you're not going to spend?

Have a good evening.

Oh, Max! Yes, remember, we're going there to work.

Oh, don't worry, I'll behave myself.

I feel like everyone's looking at us.

That's the point.

We're supposed to look dazzling.

As you do.

Tell me something. How do rich people think?

Just complain a lot.

These boots are purgatory. I can barely walk.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are so happy to entertain you.

My name is Karner. Anything you need, just ask.

I'm the casino manager.

Your coat, sir. Madam. Thank you.

May I inquire as to your names for our register?

Coat, please. Yes.

Uh, I am Lord Sadler from England. And this is...

Lady Sadler and Duchess Gertrude.

Wife and mother. Sister.

And this is... Um...

Count von Trautmanns... Dorf.

Thank you.

Max. Look.

Just like the one Carillo had in his pocket.

He may still have something stored here.

We need to look.

This way.

Welcome to Riegers. The house is packed tonight.

People come from all over Europe.

We have pontoon, dice is a house favourite,

we have card games, including chemin de fer...

Or you can take a seat by the roulette wheel.

14 red.

Our croupiers are the very best.

Champagne for my guests.

Thank you.

Oh, dear. Lady Sadler, look.

Not as luxurious as the Danieli.

I apologise. This evening's entertainment has been cancelled.

Well, I suppose we'll just have to manage.

This place is amazing, Max!

I've never seen anything quite like it. Yes, all right.

We've got a job to do. Find out what Carillo was up to.

Keep your eyes open. Place your bets, please, ladies and gentlemen.

Don't get too drunk.

Why are you looking at me when you say that?

So what do we do first?

They need to see that I'm legitimate, a high-roller.

One big ostentatious gamble.

I'm going to have a look at that cloakroom, Max.

Come on. Let's find a table.

Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen. Place your bets.

Chips, please. 500.

How does this work? Don't be so diffident.

Try to act like you can play. My lord, your chips.

You're Lord Sadler, after all, you own 5,000 acres.

Who said my estate was that big? I did. Just now.

Make more of a fuss of me. Pet me. What?

Stroke me like I'm a possession.

Is that really necessary?

That's how powerful men behave. Leah said I was your wife.

Yes, that was her idea, not mine.

All part of the deception. Madame?

Could you get us more drinks, please? Uh, waiter!

Champagne for the ladies, please. And for you, sir?

Uh, a, um, a gin rickey.

I'm sorry, sir. What is that? I don't know it.

Oh, doesn't matter. never mind.

Actually,

I suggest you find out.

Before I have you fired.

Sir.

Better.

Any more bets?

Right. Thank you.

Any more bets?

My friend left something. Senor Carrillo.

He asked me to get it for him.

Sir, do you have a ticket?

Sorry, I forgot it. Then I'm afraid I can't help you.

You were asking for Carrillo.

Why?

I, um...

What was your name again?

Count...

You are no count.

All bets down.

36 red.

LEAH GASPS

Oh, my gosh.

This doesn't seem to be as difficult as people make out.

Oh, good. Something else he excels at.

Congratulations, sir. Thank you.

Place your bets. Are you sure you want to risk that much?

Oh, don't be such a bore. Just starting to enjoy myself.

You're meant to be pretending, not actually getting sucked in.

My lords, ladies and gentlemen, place your bets.

Aren't we supposed to be here for a reason?

I can't accept that bet, sir.

Sorry? I can't accept it at this table.

This chip is meant for a special game.

Which game is that?

I am not at liberty to say, sir.

Very well.

Welcome to Riegers.

I don't think we've met. Helena Rieger, proprietress.

Can I beg a moment alone with you, my lord? Of course.

Magnificent establishment you've got here.

My father bequeathed it to me.

I've been the proprietress for seven years now.

Not a person comes through that door that I don't see.

I know gamblers.

I know their foibles.

I see every little quirk of nature.

Rather like a neurologist making a diagnosis.

For example, that woman you came in with?

My wife? Yes.

I could tell at once she's nothing of the kind.

The way she looks at you, the way she reacts -

she's playing a part. Quite skilfully, but I could spot it.

You think she's not in love with me?

Ah, no. I didn't say that.

Still, quite plainly, you're in love with her, though, am I right?

Perhaps you don't like to admit it.

But everyone's secrets can be uncovered if you know the signals.

Anything else? Well, now you mention it,

you're not a lord at all.

Oh. The nobility have a kind of certainty in their manner.

They're comfortable giving orders

without seeming embarrassed about doing so.

Really? Mm-hm.

So that begs the question... why the pretence?

And what were you doing with that gaming chip, hmm?

Apparently, it's used for a special game.

Would you care to tell me which one?

Would you care to tell me how you got a hold of it first?

I know who you are. I knew the moment you arrived.

So, the famous Dr Liebermann.

And that must make you Inspector Rheinhardt.

What are you doing here?

These people are helping me with an investigation.

Into what, exactly?

Do you recognise this man?

Naturally - I read the news.

Has he ever been here?

I've never met him.

Plainly, you're badly informed, Inspector.

How about this one?

Senor Carrillo was a regular visitor here.

Sometimes he performed.

He was due to sing here tonight.

I heard about his death, Inspector. Tragic.

That gaming chip...

..it was found in Carrillo's apartment.

What does it signify?

It's reserved for a particular game where only the high rollers play.

And Carrillo was a part of it?

I wonder what's taking them so long.

Sounds to me like you're jealous.

What?

I know there's something going on.

Max bought us all presents from New York.

He hasn't given them out, but I peeked inside the bag.

There's one with your name on.

Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.

That's kind of him.

Bigger than the others.

More expensive.

Said Marquand on the label.

Jewellery.

What's the psychology behind that, I wonder? Stop it, Leah.

I know he wrote to you. Mama was talking about it.

Oh, come on, tell me.

Is there something going on?

Nothing...

..except your imagination running wild.

He's in love with you.

He never stopped.

You really are incorrigible.

Tell me I'm wrong.

You can't.

You need to get us access.

It's a secret room.

The players insist on privacy.

This is a murder investigation, Fraulein.

Would you rather we closed you down?

Don't try to threaten me, Inspector.

You'd have to convince half the government to shut me down -

I know too many powerful people.

Everyone is a client of mine.

What if we could raise a stake?

What? Join the game.

No-one need know who we are.

And actually I'm quite a roll.

The basic stake is 1,000 Kronen.

You can join the table tomorrow night.

What's the game?

Chemin de fer.

What's the matter?

Nothing. Mm.

Just something someone said tonight.

They were observing us, and they said that...

..you were play-acting. Mm.

That you clearly weren't my wife.

Well, I'm not, am I?

It was all part of the deception.

Yes.

It's just it...

..made me realise...

Mm.

What?

CAR HORN BLARES

So 1,000 Kronen on a game of chemin de fer?

Yes, and I'm not sure I can even remember how to play it.

It's ludicrously simple.

9 is a winning score.

You bet on which hand you think is closest to 9.

Subtract 10 if it's over, so 11 is the same as 1.

Yes. You can ask for a third card,

but only if your opponent hasn't got an 8 or 9.

Face cards are nothing, so this is a 4 - the winner.

And it's just blind luck which of them is nearest? Yes.

No skill, just nerve.

So how do we raise the money?

Well, I did all right tonight.

You made a fortune!

Did you? Yes.

Well, surely that's enough.

More than enough.

Good.

Oscar and I will return tomorrow night.

What about me and Clara?

It's too dangerous. Carrillo's contact may turn up.

All right. So you can try to get into the game,

and I'll see what's in the cloakroom.

Fraulein, finally I can change out of these boots.

Goodnight.

Oh, all this play-acting has done me in.

I think I might go to bed, too.

Goodnight.

Well.

Lord Sadler, this is where I slip out of character.

I think I'm done pretending for one evening.

I wrote to you from New York because...

..because I still have feelings for you.

Do you really want to do all this again?

Tell me you feel nothing for me and I promise I won't bring it up again.

One word from you

and I'll be silent forever.

Max, please.

FOOTSTEPS RECEDE

Dear God.

I had nowhere else to go. I'm sorry.

Oh, no, no, no. I'm glad you came here. Sit down.

Where's Hannah?

At school.

He did this?

Where is he now?

At home.

The key for this apartment. You'll be safe. Bring Hannah too.

Where are you going?

To make sure you'll never have to see him again.

SIGH

KEYS CLACK, HUM OF CONVERSATIONS

LOUD KNOCKING

Thanhofer.

Thanhofer!

DOOR CREAKS

What?

I'm only going to say this once.

Get out of Vienna and don't come back.

I don't want you hanging around here.

Do you understand?

GRUNTING

Who the hell are you to order me around?

I'm not going anywhere.

Look... No, you look.

If you ever lay a finger on her again, I'll kill you.

So, are you ready to meet him?

Yes, of course.

Don't be nervous.

He's something of a legend but he likes his reporters

to be straight with him, so just be yourself.

Why do they call him the Baron?

It's from his time in England. It's slang they use there.

Press baron means the proprietor.

So I wanted to meet you.

I've been reading your interviews.

You write well.

A little flowery for my taste...

..but you have talent.

You know what they say about me?

I know that most people fear you

and that you have access to most of the politicians in Vienna.

Yes, that's right.

So the situation in Europe is gradually becoming more strained.

We're looking to expand our political coverage.

We need someone to write a regular column,

reporting on the situation in the East.

Your name came up. You have a common touch,

and I thought you might appeal to women,

expand our readership.

This country is a powder keg,

and it's our responsibility to make sure that it doesn't go off.

War with Serbia must be averted.

You want me to preach a doctrine of peace?

Is that going to be difficult?

No.

Thank you.

Good looking. And ambitious.

She could do very well for us.

You want to have dinner with me?

I'm meeting someone.

Another politician spilling his secrets?

DOOR OPENS, CLOSES

DOORBELL

DOOR OPENS, FOOTSTEPS

Take me back. What?

I'm a journalist, Max.

You really think I'm going to miss this opportunity?

Take me back to Riegers.

MAX SIGHS

So, what is it about gamblers?

How do you mean?

Well, Freud must have some insights.

Are they just natural thrill-seekers,

people who want to live dangerously?

What's the attraction? I don't see it.

Guilt.

What? Freud would say

all gamblers harbour some deep residual guilt about something.

Really? Deep down in the depths of their psyche,

they know they're going to lose.

They're seeking punishment.

Interesting.

And does that remind you of anyone?

I think you never quite got past what happened between us.

I think you keep obsessing about it.

You never answered my question, Clara.

DOORBELL

Time to go.

Mm.

Your ticket, sir.

I need to go back to that cloakroom,

find what Carrillo left there. I'll come and find you.

Lord Sadler?

No more bets.

32 Red.

All bets in.

Lord Sadler.

This way, if you wish to join the private game. Yes.

My apologies - better if you come alone.

Every gambler is always looking for the next big thrill.

You need to understand what you're getting into here.

My father's trade was steel -

built half the railroads in Austria,

fashioned the bridges that span the Danube.

Gambling was his private passion.

See, he built the casino on the site of an old mine.

The ore that was used to make the steel

came from inside these tunnels.

All part of the ritual.

Ladies and gentlemen,

a new gamer will be joining us tonight.

The Englishman.

The Soldier.

The Baron.

And this is The Actress.

Please take your place.

The usual stakes.

1,000 minimum and no upper limit.

In this room, there is no restriction on what you can bet.

Enjoy your evening.

So, shall we begin?

Whisky, double. Sir.

You seem reticent, friend.

There is no strategy here.

We are powerless in fate's hands.

That's what makes it so delicious.

A simple choice, my friend.

Are you going to wager or not?

Hm.

DISTANT: I need your help, please...

Would you come with me, please?

LOCK CLICKS

My God.

FOOTSTEPS

You're an actress?

Would I have seen you on the stage?

We don't talk about our lives here.

Unless we wish to gamble with them.

What do you mean? Hm!

Hm.

Well, well.

Another victory for the Englishman.

So, Englishman...

..what more would you care to wager?

Trying to goad me into putting down more money?

No, I wasn't talking about money.

What then?

That woman you came with.

I saw her in the bar.

How much is she worth to you?

Would you care to wager her?

You actually gamble with people?

People,

possessions, secrets -

anything of value.

The thrill is greater than you could imagine.

Why don't you try it?

I...

Well, I sense that somewhere deep in your soul...

..you're truly tempted.

You feign disgust...

..but the idea is just a little thrilling.

No excitement without risk, my friend.

Well?

HELENA: I think a break is needed.

Perhaps you would all care to refill your glasses.

Come with me. Whisky, please. Yes, sir.

Can't believe what I've just witnessed.

How can you allow it to go on?

I just feed an addiction.

I don't trade in morals.

You asked if you could meet with them.

I've kept my part of the bargain.

Where are you going?

I want my friend to leave.

I don't want her to become part of a wager.

Excuse me.

Oskar.

OSKAR: Drop the weapon.

GUNSHOT ECHOES

Dear God, you look awful.

Oskar, what's happened?

I'm lost...

..and I'm alone.

Worst thing I've ever faced.

GUNSHOT ECHOES