Graham Greene's 'The Honorary Consul' explores how political crises force individuals to confront profound moral dilemmas, where personal ethics, political obligations, and human relationships collide. The story demonstrates that in situations of political violence and betrayal, individuals must navigate complex choices where traditional moral frameworks become inadequate, and where personal loyalty, political duty, and ethical responsibility create irreconcilable conflicts.
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The Honorary Consul | Graham Greene | BBC Radio Drama | Betrayal Behind Diplomatic FacadesAdded:
The Honorary Consul by Graeham Green, adapted for radio by Nick Warbertton.
A tense story of political kidnap and sexual betrayal set at the beginning of Argentina's dirty war in the early 1970s.
The son of a missing political prisoner is lured into collaborating with a defrocked priest in a kidnap plot only to find the lives of two people he doesn't care for are suddenly in his hands.
I left Argentina because um I'd been intimidated by um a secret organization there.
>> For the past two decades, the country's political history has been one of continuous struggle between weak civilian government and a powerful military.
>> Anyway, in the split seconds, I was pushed into the car. There were machine guns on the floor of the car. I was pushed into the boot of a car, handcuffed and blindfolded.
>> We were taken from the back of the lorry. I couldn't stop my legs from shaking and so on. and I had no control of what I was saying.
>> During 5 days, we were subjected to all forms of torture from water torture to electrical torture.
>> I don't worry about the risk perhaps so much from the government, but from other people, from the freelance terrorists, you know, you don't know whether they're from left or right or what >> and Argentines try and adhere to that for fear of being picked up, spied upon, or betrayed or denounced.
[screaming] Too still to see Dr. Blair, [sighs] >> who are they, Anna?
>> The first time I heard about it was when two strangers appeared in my waiting room.
>> They say they want to see you together.
>> Two men. The smaller has protruding ears.
>> Eduardo.
It is Eduardo, isn't it?
>> Leon.
>> Oh, it is >> Leon Rivas.
We were friends at school in Asunion.
>> The last I heard, you were about to be ordained.
>> I was ordained. Yes. You don't look like a priest.
>> No, that's all over. They've thrown you out. But I'm married, which the archbishop doesn't like. You don't recognize Oh. Um, I'm sorry. No. Uh, Aino.
>> Aino. Of course, Edward.
>> And, uh, you were going to be a writer.
>> Writers aren't welcome in Paraguay these days.
Well, you're in Argentina now.
>> Yes. To see you.
>> Just to see me and to do a job. You're not patients then. No, we not patients.
[clears throat] Anna, >> Dr. Blair, >> I won't be much longer. Anna, if you want to go home.
>> Well, I was planning to go to confession. Then do so and you can pray for me while you're there.
>> Yes, thank you. Good night, Dr. Plark.
>> She won't have much to confess.
>> They're the ones who take the longest.
>> I can't imagine you without your faith, Leon.
>> It's the church. I lost faith in my mother. The church I worked in the poor part of Asunion. I had to read the gospels to those people.
>> But the gospels bring comfort, don't they?
>> Not in Paraguay.
Sell all and give to the poor. They're supposed to do that, are they? While the archbishop drinks wine with General Stroer.
>> No one starves in Paraguay, though.
>> No. The general prefers malnutrition to starvation. Malnutrition makes a man to tire a feast. So, the people are given mandioa, but only just enough. And the children come to church with their pot bellies and their navels sticking out like doornobs.
>> His doglike eyes swell with unshed tears.
>> The Jesuits do what they can, but they're watched by the police.
>> So what do you do, Leon?
>> I do what I can. We both do.
>> You know I'm not interested in politics, only medicine.
>> There's no rich patients in Corientes.
>> I like it here.
>> Better than Buenos Aris. I didn't do well in Buenosis.
>> And this is on the border closer to Paraguay. And your father?
>> I don't know where my father is. We haven't seen him since he disappeared.
>> My mother and I had one letter from him.
>> To you both.
>> Pushed under the door of her apartment.
>> The two whom I love best in the world.
>> Written on lined paper from a cheap notebook. It is a great comfort to me.
>> Then nothing for years >> to know you're both safe.
>> Nothing.
>> Nothing. Not even rumors. Imprisonment, death. We don't know anything.
>> We think he's still alive.
>> Maybe you'll see him again.
>> You want me to rob a bank?
>> An embassy.
>> I'm not a criminal, Leon.
>> The American ambassador is planning a visit to Corientes. You have contacts, Eduardo.
>> Do I?
>> The British consil >> Fortnham.
We're hardly friends.
>> But you do know him.
>> And he's only an honorary console.
That's scarcely significant. They only asked him because there was no one else.
We need him for details. That's all.
Where the American goes and when.
>> I won't be an accomplice to murder.
>> It won't be murder. Murder is very little use to us. Aino, show him your hand.
>> Three fingers missing.
Like something drawn up in a net from a river where eels are active.
>> They used a knife. Dead simple. It's why I write poetry.
Pros is tiring with only your left hand.
>> Well, Eduardo, >> I do know our honorary console.
>> No, I won't get up. I refuse.
>> You can't stay on the floor, you fool. I sat on worse things, including horses.
>> My first sight of him was some years ago in the Italian club.
>> I'd just arrived in the north.
>> An elderly man, rather untidy, called me over to help him.
>> The blasted waiters gone home. Uh, you take that armor. I'll take the other.
>> Hey, steady, steady.
>> Get him to the chair.
>> Who is he? Charles, our honorary console. Charlie. I'm Charlie.
>> Only three of us Englishmen in all core interest.
>> Look at the state of it.
>> Pleased to meet you.
>> You're a Dr. Plow, aren't you?
>> I'm Dr. Humphre. Doctor of letters, not men.
>> I found out later he wasn't a doctor of any kind. In spite of the heat, he wore a threadbear suit with a waist coat like a Victorian man of letters. is they got the measure wrong. You see that I the measure was wrong. That's trouble.
>> Is he celebrating something? It >> gets confusing when if you get the measure wrong. The arrival of his new Cadillac.
>> He's allowed to import one every 2 years.
>> I'm entitled as honorary console which he then sells and that constitutes his entire consular activity as far as I can tell.
>> I'm going to Senora Sanchez, a >> friend of his brothel. Uh so I'm told.
Well, perhaps we should let him go.
>> Look at him. He can't stand up.
>> It's a brothel. He won't need to. Well, something will need to stand up, though.
>> There's a girl there.
>> Lots of girls.
>> No, no, not like that. A real girl.
Maria.
>> A [ __ ] like all the others.
>> No, you're wrong. You're both wrong.
We're not all bloody leches. And Maria's different.
>> Sure she is.
I respect her even when I sleep with her.
>> So yes, I know Charlie for no >> though we have nothing in common.
>> Dr. Pl. Yes, we hit it off immediately.
We understood each other.
>> One grows old, I suppose.
>> Inevitably.
>> Met him in the Italian club. I had a few beyond the proper measure. And he gave me a lift home.
>> You're young. You don't suffer from memories.
Are you married?
>> No.
>> I was once 25 years ago. Didn't work out. She was an intellectual. Couldn't understand human nature.
I always feel a great deal more human when I drunk just over half a bottle.
Worth some sadness afterwards.
>> You mean wine?
>> Wine, whiskey, gin, all the same.
It's the measure that counts.
Without the proper measure, I'm a poor, lonely bastard with only Fortnham's pride for company.
>> Fortnham's pride.
>> My steed. My proud and well-groomed steed.
I enjoy your company, doctor. Um, doctor, what's your name?
>> Cla.
>> You know my name?
>> Yes.
>> Mason.
>> Mason? I thought >> Well, they called me at school. Fortnham and Mason.
>> We were a snobbish school.
>> You'll tell me when we reach the consulate.
>> No, we've passed it.
>> Oh, I have my moments of melancholy. One does, of course, but not that. I I could talk to him. What's your other name?
>> Edoardo.
>> I thought you were English.
>> My father is my mother's paraguay.
>> Call me Charlie and I'll call you Ted.
Would you mind the next corner? The flag stopped. See?
>> Yeah, I see.
>> You see it?
>> Bit of a bloody nuisance, actually. Hung the Union flag upside down once.
Humphrey didn't like that. Said he was going to write to the British ambassador.
Yes, a good man, Ted. I asked him in for a drink, but apparently he had patience in the morning.
Good night, old boy.
Didn't see him for several months after that. Then he came to the consulate.
>> Yes.
>> I'm Dr. Pla.
>> Pl.
>> We met with Humphre.
>> Did we?
>> He had some other papers to be signed.
Charles Q form.
Don't ask about the queue. I keep it dark.
>> Thank you.
>> 1,000 pesos.
I had a splitting headache at the time, a result of this damnable climate. I asked him for some aspirin and he said he ought to take my blood pressure.
It's not blood pressure that's wrong, doctor. It's life or possibly drink, especially at your age.
>> Headaches run in the family. My father had headaches. [sighs] Died suddenly. That's his portrait.
>> Uh, he was a horseman.
>> Tried to make me one, too. But I can't bear the stupid brutes. Oh, what about Fortnham's Pride?
>> That's not a horse. It's my Land Rover.
No, horse is scanny stiff. My father got annoyed about that. You've got to conquer fear, Charlie, or it'll conquer you.
Well, >> your blood pressure is a bit high.
>> That's what they kept telling him.
>> What's your other name? Uh, Eduardo.
>> Mind if I call you Ted?
>> If you must.
>> Do you have a child? Ted?
>> No.
>> No. Nor have I?
>> If I had, I wouldn't try to make him conquer fear.
It's part of human nature, isn't it?
Fear.
>> I'll leave you a prescription for some tablets, but they won't do any good unless you cut down on your drinking.
>> You're not going, are you?
>> I have patience to see.
>> I'm your patient. Stay and have a drink.
>> No, I'm sorry. I can't.
Good old Ted. Always took his duties so seriously. [music] >> Excuse me, Seenor. Have you a spare cigarette?
>> Oh, of course. I tell Leon what I've learned of the American [music] ambassador's movements.
>> And he's reliable. Your source? Well, Charlie, uh, not particularly the information. The information is Yes. The American ambassador will be visiting the ruins.
Uh, from there he'll go to the dinner party held by the governor of Corientes, then back to BA by air.
Charlie's going to the party to translate. You're sure? Free drink. We won't have got that wrong. Good.
Good. So, the show goes on. If we need you again, Eduardo will telephone. And my father, of course, but this first.
Stay by the phone just in case.
just in case.
I'm a child again in our old house in Paraguay.
From my bunker, I can hear father downstairs somewhere. Keys turned, bolts pushed, too.
Is that you, Edo?
Go to sleep.
Everything's all right.
Everything's perfectly all right.
It seemed to me like someone being locked in. Who should have been locked out?
Evening comes.
I don't want to wait by the phone, so I find Humphre.
An unusual move, FL >> in the Italian club.
>> Not your customary portion >> for a game of chess.
>> What were you reading?
>> There are no Italians here now. Just this thin old man eating alone. Pla, you said you were reading.
>> Oh, uh, one of Sedra's novels. F of the usual McKismo, I suppose.
>> Yes. Everyone's silent and heroic. These Argentinians, they all believe their grandfather's road with the gauchos. Why put yourself through it?
>> Oh, SGE is a patient. It's a medical duty to read his book.
>> I hear our honorary console is with the governor of Corientes this evening.
You'll move apparently.
>> Translating for the American. I thought I might have been called on for that.
>> Did you?
>> I suppose the new Mrs. Forton could not appear for reasons of health.
>> I believe it's a stag party. The ambassador's unmarried.
>> What a lot. You know, Pla, they might still have invited her. A very suitable occasion for Mrs. Fortnham to entertain the guests. She must be accustomed to stag parties. Once in Buenosiris, the British ambassador took me aside for a word.
This man Humphre keeps writing to us about your honorary console. Now, apparently, he's made an unsuitable marriage. Have a word with Humphre, will you? He said, "Tell him to mind his own business."
I didn't bother. I wasn't interested in Charlie Fornum's marriage, unsuitable or otherwise.
>> Ah. Um uh might one have just a little more bread?
>> A telephone doctor.
>> Who is it?
>> It's not for you. Is for Dr. PL.
>> Tell them I'm not here.
>> Oh, have you no curiosity? It'll be a patient. I know who it is.
>> Even so.
>> I'm not here. Tell him that. Easy woman in your uh tether.
>> A woman.
>> Check.
>> Claraara and mate. You don't often lose as easily as that plow.
I return to my apartment and stand a while with the light off.
Has she heard something?
I should call her and say what is Charlie home? Did anything happen to the ambassador? [panting] [sighs and gasps] Claraara hates the telephone.
[clears throat] It used to frighten her and yet she made herself call me.
>> I find discipline more necessary to me than it is to other more fasile writers.
The first time I saw her was when Svedra took me to Senora Sanchez's brothel.
>> I have a demon where other writers have mere talent. So I suffer when I write.
>> And the tablets I gave you, Sedra, >> they help a little, but for someone like me, [music] daily discipline is the only way.
>> Right. Sedra liked to pronounce on life and art.
We were sitting on a patio about the size of a tennis court surrounded by small cells >> and coming here to a brothel.
>> That's also disappear house prevents desire from coming between me and my work >> and the place itself is well ordered.
Dr. Bento examines the girls every Thursday.
>> The cells were clean and tidy. Each had a little shrine with a lighted candle.
On the patio was a communal table where the girls sat. Ah, >> and are you coming or no?
>> All in good time. I am discussing literature with my friend here.
>> One of the cell doors opened and a man came out.
>> In a glow of light below the same shrine, a thin girl was carefully straightening the bed. You see, for the first time, I'm proposing to write a political novel.
>> She joined the other girls at the table.
>> To write something of lasting value, it must >> on her forehead.
>> A little below the hairline, a small gray birthark, >> assassinations, kidnapping, >> where a Hindu girl wears the scarlet sign of her cast.
>> I don't merely want to write for the 70s, but for all time.
>> It was Claraara.
Blah, >> what are you not interested in politics?
>> Oh, yes, of course. I'm a political refugee myself of sorts. My father is even now shut up in a police station in Paraguay.
As far as I know, I wanted to take her to herself.
>> Come with me.
>> Okay.
>> But when I looked again, she was already going off with another man.
>> Wait for me, Pra. I won't be long.
>> I didn't go back to Senora Sanchez's for a year after that.
When I did, I looked for the girl with the birth mark, but she wasn't there.
I don't answer it to begin with.
It could be her or Charlie. It could be Charlie.
Hello.
Hello.
Perhaps Charlie's still with the ambassador. [music] Perhaps nothing's happened yet.
[music] >> The light's fading fast and we're still showing the ambassador around the bloody ruins. Pile of stones wander on another pile of stones. He's not interested in ruins. He's interested in the border with Paraguay and the Yanks keeping some sort of ordered relationship with the general.
They're about to set off for the governor's dinner party. The evening will be interminable, so I shall call in to see my wife on the way. She wasn't well when I left. Never been terribly strong from the earliest days of our marriage.
I had to call Ted out to see her once.
He drove out to the farm when he finished seeing his patients.
Good evening, Senora Fortnham.
>> She was in the great Victorian bed that belonged to Charlie's father. Her dark hair spread over the pillow covering her face.
>> I don't want to be examined.
>> I don't want to examine you.
>> Why won't you?
>> Just to hear about your stomach ache.
>> It's better now.
>> Good. Then I won't stay long.
May I turn up the light? She brushed the hair from her face.
And there a small gray birth mark in the spot where a Hindu girl. Where do you feel the pain?
>> I'm not going to examine you in Dr. Benventto's way >> here.
It's nothing to worry about. A little inflammation, that's all.
I'll leave some bismouth powder. Take it in water.
>> Do I know you?
>> I don't think so.
>> My dear >> Theresa was the only girl I knew.
>> I am Claraara.
>> Claraara, you're not ill. Claraara, you don't have to stay in bed.
>> Charlie said I must until the doctor came.
>> Well, the doctor has come, hasn't he?
>> [music] >> I'll leave you something for her to take.
>> I didn't want to run any risks. T I don't know much about women. Yeah.
Insides and all that.
>> Next I'm telephone for bringing me all the way out here.
>> I suppose you think me foolish, but she needs an awful lot of protection. Well, I should have thought in that sort of life, she'd have learned to look after herself.
>> What do you mean?
>> What do you know about her?
>> I never went with her. If that's what you're afraid of.
>> I just thought you might be one of those bastards.
>> Aren't you?
>> No, I never touched her to begin with.
We used to talk, that's all.
You'll think this is nonsense, Ted, but I loved Claraara from the first moment I saw her. Real love, not brothel love.
>> I'm not sure what love means.
>> My mother says she loves cream cakes.
>> Has no woman ever loved you, Ted?
>> Two or three said they did.
>> Yeah, >> they seem to find somewhere else. My mother's love of cakes won't change. In sickness and in health, till death do them part.
>> You're too young to be that cynical.
>> I'm not a cynic.
I just like to know what people mean by the words they use.
>> You don't know what a difference she's made to me. When you get to my age, you accumulate a lot of regrets.
So, it's not a bad thing to feel you've made at least one person a little happier.
I thought about her as I drove home. The look she gave me from that big bed.
She was a prostitute I happened to notice once.
And yet her black hair on the pillow sheet against her thigh.
Perhaps if I'd slept with her when I had the chance.
>> There. Look. You see? Look at that woman.
>> Then some weeks later, I was in Gruber's shop.
Gruber was a patient who kept a photographic store in town.
>> I told you, PL, all the prettiest girls come here. Photography and beauty, you see. Oh, she's gone.
>> He'd fitted a small television screen in the back room so he could keep an eye on the shop and gather gossip.
>> You know about the new Mrs. Forum, I suppose.
>> Yes. old thing for him to do, don't you think?
>> Odd.
>> You know where he found her?
>> Yes, but she's very pretty. Girls like that often make good life, especially for old men. Oh, there now. Look, look, look. Talk of the devil.
>> Who is it?
>> Don't you recognize her? Must be the sunglasses. That drum's always coming in for sunglasses.
>> Claraara. She was looking at some now.
Mauve lenses. Incandescent yellow rims.
>> Yes. Look at her. Very breathing.
>> I can do more than look, Kuba.
>> I can go and talk to her.
>> They make you look much older than your >> Of course, you can afford to add a few years.
>> They cost too much. I only try them for fun.
>> Take them. Will you wrap these? No, I I can't.
>> You can with me. I'm your husband's friend.
>> She accepted.
>> We walked down to the river together.
Need looked so worried. Nobody would recognize you in those. Not even your husband.
>> You don't like them.
>> No, not at all.
>> I thought they looked rich and smart.
I'm not frightened of you today, Dr. Blair. Were you frightened before?
>> I thought you'd like me.
>> You were wrong. What's it like to be married?
>> Like wearing another girl's dress which doesn't fit.
>> Then why did you >> Charlie wanted to something to do with his money when he dies and if there is a child.
>> Is there?
>> No.
Well, it's uh better than Mother Sanchez's, I suppose.
>> Different.
I miss the girls.
>> You see those flats there beyond the trees?
I live there.
>> Uh-huh.
>> Will you come with me?
Oh, >> it it wouldn't be right.
Well, it was right at Mother Sanchez's.
Come with me. Claraara, [music] >> are you asleep?
[snorts] No.
No, I'm not.
You're good, Claraara.
Very good.
>> I know.
>> How long were you at the Sunsh?
>> 2 years. I was nearly 16 when I arrived.
The girls gave me a cake with candles. I never had cake and took command. It was pretty.
>> Is that where your village is?
>> Yes.
>> So, you want to go back there? Of course not.
>> Why not?
>> They'd starve if I'd even send them money.
>> Well, what does your father do?
>> Cuts gain in the season, but he's getting old.
I had a brother, but he went away.
No one knows where. He went to Katka one morning and he never came back. [snorts] Perhaps he died. Perhaps he just went away.
>> There's no one else. No, your sister.
>> My sister had a baby in the fields.
She strangled it and then she died.
I don't want to go back to Tukuman.
I want to be here.
>> I don't think I really desired her.
Only the idea of her.
>> Yeah.
10,000 pesos. No, >> take it.
>> No, it's not right. I'm married now and I don't need it. Charlie's very generous.
>> Will I see you again?
>> I wanted to say no. I'm finished now.
>> Yes. Uh, when you're in town, I'll give you my telephone number.
>> I don't like to use the telephone, but I will try. You don't have to give me a present every time.
>> And you don't have to pretend. Pretend >> like you did at Mother Sanchez's, playing a part.
>> I'm sorry. Have I done something wrong?
>> Men aren't all stupid.
They go to those places to get pleasure, not to give it.
>> I got bigger presents if they thought I enjoyed it. Don't you want me to?
>> I'd like you to be yourself, Claraara.
As indifferent as you like.
I thought I'd be free of my obsession after that, but I wasn't and kept thinking about her and hoping she'd overcome her fear of the telephone.
And now, now I still think of her alone in Charlie's bed while Charlie translates party talk for the American ambassador.
The governor keeps Hey, so at least there'll be proper scotch. I prefer Long John. Long John gives you a free glass with every bottle with the measures marked. Women, men, and shipmaster. I count myself, of course, a shipmaster.
In fact, I should probably take less than the proper measure these days now that Clara is having a baby.
That rather changes things. Hello.
What's this?
What's going on? [music] >> Yes.
>> Our entertainment was a success.
>> Who are you? What entertainment?
>> We worried about one of the cast. He was taken ill.
>> I don't know what you're talking about.
>> We're afraid the strain of his part may have been too great.
>> I'm sorry. I have no idea who you are.
>> Wait. You have to come. He may be dying.
>> What do you want me to do?
>> We'll pick you up in exactly 5 minutes.
>> I run down the stairs in my socks and wait in the entrance hall out of the light. Who Who may be dying? The American or Leon?
5 minutes pass, then 5 minutes more.
>> Come on. Come on. I never thought they'd do this. I never thought.
>> Starlight shows where they brought me.
One of the barios where the poor live between the city and the bend of the river. Shacks made of dried mud. Old petrol cans abandoned among the avocados.
>> When people hear us, >> they won't say anything. They're no friends of the police.
At the entrance to one of the shacks, someone lifts a candle to show us in.
>> Is that you, Eduardo?
>> Brown eyes too big for his face. His ears almost at right angles to his skull.
>> The American still in a coma through here. We've had to give him a second injection. He was rushing around. I told you it would be dangerous. Everything is dangerous.
>> [clears throat] >> And if he dies, we'll say he was executed. Revolutionary justice. Hold the light.
[clears throat] >> Oh, Leon. What?
You should go back to the church. You're no kidnapper. Why is he dying?
>> No, he's not dying. And he's not the American ambassador. Not the I >> This is Charlie Fortnham.
>> What?
>> Our honorary console.
>> It can't be.
>> Charlie's veins run with alcohol. That's why the morphine reacted.
>> Take me home.
>> Careful.
>> Charlie opens his eyes straight into mine and falls back and sleeps.
Come out of the light.
>> Miguel will say we should put him in the river to drown.
>> That's absurd. You can't murder Charlie.
>> I try not to think of it as a murder, Eduardo.
>> Oh, semantics. Now, >> we don't want to kill him. But what can we do? He saw you.
>> He won't remember. He never remembers anything when he's drunk.
>> How did this happen?
>> Dump him by the roadside and let the police find him. He must have taken his own car. And our men saw the diplomatic plate.
>> Let him go, Leon.
>> He's no good to you.
>> No, he's a member of the diplomatic corps, isn't he?
>> No, he's not. He's a joke. But he's British. So the British will push the Americans to apply pressure. And the Americans will do nothing. Why not? Of course they won't. Because you're Paraguan. This is obviously Paraguan, and the Americans want to keep the general suite. They won't blow that for our honorary console.
Why didn't he do what he was told?
>> Because he's Charlie Fortnite. The fool.
>> Exactly. For the American, you could have demanded the release of 20 prisoners and they would have given way.
But for him, just let him go, Leon.
>> You see, he knows you.
>> Yes, Charlie. I'm I'm here. How do you feel? Oh, >> god. Awful.
So, what happened?
>> You had an accident with your car. It's nothing serious.
>> Are you going to take me home?
>> Not yet. Lie quiet for a while in the dark.
>> Clara's going to be anxious.
>> I'll deal with Clara.
>> Don't dead.
She's having a baby.
>> I know. I'm her doctor.
>> Of course you are, old man. Yes. Oh, I'm a bloody fool.
>> Now, keep still. I'm going to give you something to help you sleep.
What? What happened to the sunglasses?
What? What sunglasses? Daddy borrowed them. She likes those glasses.
Like I I couldn't find mine. And >> there.
>> You'll feel better when you wake up.
>> It's the measure that counts. Is the correct measure.
>> Asleep.
>> Yes. Right then. Aino will take you back. Then stay away. It's better he doesn't see you again before [clears throat] before what?
>> Before we decide.
>> Diego drops me near Mother Sanchez's house.
>> I'll walk from here.
>> An excuse to be out at this hour if I should need one.
But what now?
Go to the police. Tell them what I know.
Well, that might condemn Leyon to death and maybe Charlie, too.
>> Who's that?
Dr. Pl.
Why are children born at such unconscionable hours?
>> I must see Claraara. [sighs] I have to see her.
In the morning, I drive out to the farm and park near the ver in the shade of the avocados.
Another car's already there.
>> Dr. PL >> Perez, the chief of police, he's talking to Claraara. Colonel, what are you doing here?
>> I've come to see Senora Fortnham, daughter.
>> She sits stiffly listening to him.
>> And you?
>> To see the console on business.
>> She doesn't greet me.
>> Merely waits.
As if she's still on the patio at the brothel.
>> The console isn't here.
>> Oh. Uh, he's not in town.
>> You've been to his office?
>> No, I telephone.
>> Perez watches me.
You spoke to his housekeeper?
>> No, there was no answer.
>> I should have said I've come to see Claraara. A routine visit to the pregnant wife.
>> I was telling the Senora her husband's car has been found in the river.
>> What?
>> No sign of a body, so we hope he may have escaped.
>> An accident?
>> Perhaps.
>> What else could it be?
>> Any incident so close to the border may be political.
>> Political Charlie. Well, he his console.
>> Only an honorary console. They hardly bother.
>> These people, Dr. Pla, they don't think as we do.
Senora, I must go. We'll let you know if there's any news.
>> Thank you, >> Dr. PL. Will you walk with me to the car?
>> Ah, I can't resist avocados, can you?
Doctor, >> you don't really think Fortn's been kidnapped.
I like them best mashed in a little whiskey.
>> Colonel, >> why not? He was with the American.
Perhaps they took the wrong man, which would suggest these creatures are strangers. Perhaps from Paraguay, which in turn would implicate you.
>> Me?
>> Indirectly.
>> I'm not the kidnapping type.
>> I'm thinking of your father.
Forgive me thinking out loud, Dr. Political crime always unsettles me. It threatens the proper order. It's much easier to deal with crimes committed for lust or money.
>> Oh, machismo.
>> Oh, everything here is machismo. When there is no machismo, a man is dead.
Why did you say you rang the consul's office?
>> Did I?
>> You did. I had a man there all morning in case a call came.
>> Well, then telephone must have been out of order.
>> Then you would have heard the engage tone. And yet you still drove all the way out here.
>> Why would I lie to you?
>> I have to consider all possibilities.
Even a crime of passion is possible.
>> Well, I'm an Englishman and Charlie for a friend of mine.
>> Usually a friend one betrays, isn't it?
In these cases, >> Corientes is a small city. Dr. Plur, you should assume common knowledge when you sleep with a married woman.
>> Has he gone?
>> Yes. Do you think Charlie is dead?
>> No.
>> Perhaps better if he is for everyone.
>> Not for Charlie.
>> Yes. He's afraid of getting old.
>> I don't suppose he wants to die just yet.
>> Do you want to go to the bedroom?
>> Of course.
In a real love affair, you're interested in a woman because she's distinct from yourself.
Bit by bit though, [clears throat] she adapts herself to you. picks up your habits, becomes part of you and then [snorts] what interest remains.
One cannot love oneself.
One cannot live for long close to oneself.
One needs a stranger in the bed.
Claraara. [sighs] Claraara. I wake up with the worst head I ever remember having. I put out my hand to her and I touch what the wall and dust a mud wall.
Ted, where are you? He was here. I know he was. I can see sunlight under the door. It's daytime.
But I don't know where I am.
I've been lying on a box.
No, not a box. It's a bloody coffin.
Ted, he gives me a nasty turn. Oh, Mason. Mason, you snotty little beast.
I'm two people, and Mason's always the one who gets me into trouble.
What were you up to last night?
>> Mason's the sinner, and Fortnham's sorry for it afterwards.
Hello, Ted.
What on earth's going on?
>> What the bloody hell?
>> All right. All right. All right. Keep your shirt on, old man.
>> Who the hell are you people?
>> I ask the housemmaid to bring us food.
Claraara is still uneasy with the servants. I don't understand the Dardo.
The car was so far away. Why?
>> I don't know. Perhaps he was on some errand in Pados.
>> No, I know he was not going to Posados.
He was coming to see me.
>> You know?
>> Yes, he was worried about the baby.
>> Well, there's no reason to worry.
>> I know, but I pretend to be sick sometimes, so he'll send for you. Oh, what a little [ __ ] you are.
>> He took my sunglasses, too. My best ones.
>> Did he love you, Claraara?
>> He was always kind to me. And now he's dead.
>> Oh, we don't know that.
>> No. Perhaps he'll just turn up.
>> Well, he won't turn up.
>> No.
>> Well, >> you think he is dead?
>> No. But he won't want to surprise you.
or the baby. He'll telephone first.
>> I I have to go home. Um my wife will be anxious >> tomorrow.
>> I hope. Here. I brought you coffee.
>> Uh who who was that other chap?
>> Miguel. Drink your coffee. You'll feel better.
>> What's your name?
>> Leon.
>> Leon. What?
We have no other names.
>> Where's Ted?
>> Dr. PL was here last night.
>> He told me I um had an accident.
>> No, I told you that >> it was Ted. I saw him.
>> You dreamt him.
>> Drink the coffee.
I remember now. But there was a car across the road. I had to stop.
It wasn't an accident.
There was no accident.
>> You're in a state of a shock. Take some coffee.
>> No, you take it.
>> GET out of my way.
>> You move.
>> It's all right.
Don't shoot.
move.
>> And finally, [music] more on the disappearance of Senor Charles Fortn, the British consul in Corientes, whose car was found abandoned last night. In a telephone call today to the newspaper Nion, an unidentified group claimed that they are holding Senor Fnu. They have as yet issued no specific [music] demands.
They mean he's being kidnapped.
>> Yes.
>> But why?
>> It must be a mistake.
>> Why, Charlie?
>> Now, don't worry. They'll realize what they've done and he'll be back in a few days. Now, tell your maid you'll see no one. There may be journalists out here.
>> Oh, will you stay.
[gasps] >> Well, if [laughter] you like.
>> I I don't think I want to make love.
>> I understand.
In any case, I need some sleep. I was up until 3. [laughter] What were you doing until 3:00 in the morning?
>> Well, I was seeing a patient >> issued no specific demand.
>> You must eat, Senor Fortnham. You'll have some eggs.
What are you going to do with me? Keep you here. Our man in Rosario will announce our demands. You'll have 4 days to decide. Decide. Then you will have helped save innocent men from imprisonment if the authorities are sensible.
>> You got the wrong man. Is that it?
>> An unfortunate mistake.
>> It was, wasn't it? Because I can tell you no one will bother about Charlie forum.
>> He has a small spirit stove, a frying pan.
He holds the broken shells over the pan.
There's something familiar in the gesture. The position of the fingers.
That moment at the altar.
I lie down beside Claraara in the bedroom.
The last light of the day seeps through the shutters and it's as cool as a sea cave.
I close my eyes for a moment.
Is that you, Eduardo?
Go to sleep.
Everything's all right.
>> Leon.
>> Everything's perfectly all right.
>> Leon for you.
>> You've got some whiskey.
>> Two bottles. Marta knows where to go at this hour. [clears throat] >> What time is it?
>> Still the small hour, Senor. You mustn't worry. This will all be over in a few days.
>> Over with me, you mean?
>> No, they'll accept our terms.
>> Then you can go home.
>> You drink too much. I think >> I know the right measure. Father.
[snorts] >> Father, I'm not a >> Oh, you are. Once a priest, always a priest. Don't you think, Father?
Will you hear my confession? This is nothing to talk about.
>> You think I'm joking when I'm facing death?
I'm sorry and beg pardon. Isn't that how it begins?
>> I can't do that, Seenor. I'm on duty.
>> And he turns away from me.
>> Don't know what to do.
Nothing perhaps. Let it all be worked out in the usual way. The British and Americans bring the right amount of pressure to bear. And Charlie can be left in a church somewhere to find his way home.
Then 10 prisoners will be freed in Paraguay.
And maybe one of them will be my father.
It's still dark.
I can just make out a worn place on the mud wall.
If I had a knife, I could make some sort of hole.
Where's the father?
>> Aena comes in with a candle, holds it in his left hand, keeps the other in his pocket.
>> Resting, senor.
>> On a gun, probably wore a knife. Will you take a drink with me, Aino?
>> We are not supposed to drink.
>> Oh, a small one. Just to keep me company.
Mhm.
>> Okay.
>> A very small one then. I can eat an onion afterwards. I don't want to disappoint Leon.
>> That's too much.
>> Well, it's not as much as mine. Look.
Sal.
>> What are you?
Are you a worker?
>> I'm a criminal. We all are.
full-time occupation is it?
>> I wanted to be a writer once.
>> A writer at school. Leon helped me to write and I did write. I wrote an article for the paper criticizing the Yankees.
>> But General Ster doesn't like people criticizing the Yankees. You get known as a political and then you end up in prison.
>> Was it bad in prison?
>> They did this to my hand.
>> Oh god. So I wrote poetry.
>> I see my father do the bars.
>> Your father, >> you know those pens when they put children in in bourgeoa houses. In the poem, my father become school master, then priest, then police officer. See?
>> Oh yes.
>> Then prison ward, then our great general ster himself.
I see my father through the bars.
>> I'm going to be a father.
I'd like to see the little bastard, if only for a short time. Not through bars, of course.
>> When will it be born?
>> 5 months thereabouts. I'm a bit hazy about that sort of thing.
>> You will be home long before then.
>> Not if you kill me.
>> Death is a common weed requires no rain.
>> I say see another par. And this when death is on the tongue, the live man speaks.
>> Hell of a lot about death, Aino. I'm not sure what that one means, but it sounds good if you say it properly.
>> I don't want to die before my child is born.
>> Well, I wish you all the luck in the world, Senor Fman.
>> Did you think about death when they tortured you?
>> No.
>> Or what happens after death? No, there was only pain.
Can I have another drink? S.
>> Help yourself.
I've got a photograph here somewhere.
Yes, here.
This is Claraara.
A pretty girl.
>> She is. Yes. She's sitting at the wheel of my car.
Can't really drive, of course.
I'd like to write to her. Yeah. Mhm. Let her know that I've thought of her at the end. Yes.
>> Do you have a pencil?
>> Oh, I'd have to >> a sharp uh pencil.
>> I have a ball point here, Charlie.
>> But I'll have to tell Leon.
>> Thank you.
Very decent of you. A ballpoint.
And when he leaves me on my own, there's that worn place on the mud wall.
When I wake up, [laughter] I reach out to touch her.
The baby moves under my hand.
>> What's the message?
I don't want him back.
I don't want him to die, but I don't want him back.
[clears throat and snorts] He can't talk to me, Edardo. He only talks about the baby and he won't talk about Seenora Sanchez.
>> Of course not.
>> But all my friends are there. [laughter] All my friends. Sometimes I want to say out loud, why do you care about the baby? He's not even yours.
>> Not Charles.
Are you sure?
>> Yes, I'm sure.
What are we going to do? [laughter] I don't want him to be hurt. I only want him not to be here. [laughter] Are you going?
>> I've been wasting a lot of time here, Cara. There must be something I can do for Charlie.
>> [laughter] >> But what about me? What should I do?
>> Take a [laughter] shower.
>> My dear little Claraara, it's morning and all I have to show for my efforts with the pen are a worm cast of dirt on the floor and a tiny crevice in the wall.
>> It seems years since I drove away from the farm, >> so I begin a letter instead.
>> You had a headache. Is it better now? It won't be delivered till I'm home again or dead.
>> You will see, won't you, that a tar pollins kept over Fortnham's pride in case the rains come. I can picture the car waiting under the avocados and Claraara lying late in our double vest. I think of you.
>> Oh dear. My father hated me crying. Be a man, Charlie. I can't bear self-pity.
You should be ashamed. Ashamed. ashamed.
But it's not for me. It's for Claraara and a little for the car. Both alone and defenseless. Aino.
Aino.
I want to use the lavatory.
>> Of course, you Miguel will go with you.
>> No, please. I I can't have a proper [ __ ] with him waving his gun at me. You can take me, can't you?
I wish you'd give me a copy of that poem as a souvenir. Uh, which one? Oh, you know the one about death. We reach a shed across the yard and I go in and wait.
When I come out, I'll turn sharp right and head for the shadows under the trees.
>> I won't let these bastards stand between us, my darling.
>> I love you too much.
>> Aino won't shoot a man in cold blood.
Not one he's drunk with.
>> NO. STOP. STOP.
CHARLIE.
NO, AIDO, don't shoot. Don't shoot.
>> Faser Rebecca Hamilton and father Brian Prother.
The director was Jonquil Panting.
[music] >> Silence from the barrier where Charlie's being held.
>> I'm terribly sorry. Dr. Plasa Henry's had an unexpectedly difficult morning >> and I don't know what the silence means.
So I've flown [music] down to Buenosiris to see the British ambassador.
>> He has however authorized me to speak to you. Kryton, I'm the pressach here. Do you go in?
>> I just want to find out what's going on.
Mr. >> White, one feels terribly sorry both the Mason and of course the trouble is General Strawn's a guest here at the moment. You see, he's down here fishing, and he won't discuss the matter while he's on holiday. Well, >> can't the Americans do anything?
>> Well, the Americans take the view that kidnappings should be discouraged, even if that means a certain danger to life. And well, Fortnham's only an honorary console.
>> But he was on duty with the American ambassador. The kidnappers saw the diplomatic plates on Charlie's car.
Strictly speaking, he doesn't have the right to diplomatic plates.
>> Well, still a death sentence seems a bit severe.
>> We can't act without instruction from London, doctor. And London has a remarkable sense of uh well, unurgency.
>> Urgency.
He's a hostage. His wife's having a baby.
>> Also a touch embarrassing. We've had a letter from a man called Jeff >> Humphre >> says Fortnham's married an undesirable woman.
>> Lucky chap, I say. Have you seen her?
>> What?
>> This prostitute.
>> Um, >> what's she like?
>> Well, I I don't really know her.
>> I mean, does he care for her at all, or is she just for, you know?
>> What difference does it make? Look, Kiteon, if I can persuade the kidnappers to give us more time, perhaps London, >> to be honest, that would only extend the agony.
You must never never quote me on this or mention Sir Henry's name.
But if you could create some interest in London, uh, send an appeal to the Times, say a tribute to Mason from the English club in Corientes, his tireless pursuit of British interests, that sort of thing. Say nothing about the tart. Of course, >> there isn't an English club.
>> Then for one, man. You're English, aren't you?
>> Well, >> what?
>> Half uh my father's English.
>> Then that'll have to do.
>> You think it'll help?
>> No, I don't. Fortnham's pitiably small beer, but it's better than nothing.
>> But PL, there's no such club.
>> There is. We're founding it today. And you'll be president, I hope. Sanger.
>> Thank you. An honor >> and you Humphrey's secretary.
>> Sheer madness. An English club. You're half Paraguayan.
>> Anglo Argentinian club.
>> It is completely Argentinian but wellversed in matters English and literary.
>> Anyway, there are only three of us.
That's not a club. Not even enough of bridge.
>> We don't want to play bridge. We want to help Fortn by writing a letter on his behalf.
>> A letter?
>> I wouldn't raise my little finger for him.
>> Ah, thank you. Just uh leave it.
>> Something special for Dr. San. Oh, our celebrated author.
>> We to compose a letter, you say, FL.
>> Uh, yes. I've made a rough draft.
>> For probably I won't sign.
>> Well, then leave. Don't be part of the club.
>> What about a salmon?
>> This is a club dinner. If you're not a member, >> just blackmail.
>> So, it is. You're as bad as a kidnappers. No signature. No salmon. I'm afraid this letter needs some work. It's devoid of style. I'll write you something with color and drama.
>> No, it must be done now.
>> I can't do it now. I'm all right.
>> Fortnham may only have days to live.
>> But this is full of the most terrible cliches. I can bring up Fortnham's true character.
>> Well, that won't help.
>> Please, J. You know why he's disappeared? He doesn't want to stand farther to another man's child.
>> I can find a machismo.
>> For God's sake, give me the bloody thing.
>> I can't put my name to it.
>> Meeting adjourned, gentlemen. Wait, wait, >> wait.
And if Charlie dies, then what?
Marry Claraara.
No.
[panting] No. Better if he lives. A [snorts] child needs love, and I can't.
I can't do that.
>> I'm sorry, Bla.
But I have my reasons.
>> All you have to do is sign a letter.
>> Yes, but I have been hurt. You see, deeply wounded.
>> What? by Montes.
>> Montes, >> the novelist. I helped him to get his first novel published. Oh, for >> God's sake.
>> No, listen. I never failed to praise his work. I failed myself to be a father to him. But now look, look what he has written about me.
>> He hands me a folded page of print. It's long and cruy well written.
The word mediocre appears frequently.
Yes, it's a betrayal >> not only of myself, of his country. My own grandfather died in a jewel. He fought with be hands against a gaucho who insulted him. Where would we be now if our fathers had no reverence machismo?
You see now if I sign your letter what will happen?
>> What?
>> How he would sneer at my style? It will be easier to give my life than to sign a piece of pros like that.
>> Surely s wait.
Perhaps if you tell the press that I offer myself as hostage in his place.
>> What?
>> Perhaps that would help.
>> Are you serious?
>> Of course. We can cable news of my offer tonight to the times of London. Two of my novels are published in England. And we must not forget a literal. The kidnappers are sure to read that. And what if they take you up on this?
>> Let them cure Montes. A man has the right to choose the moment of his death.
[music] I walk back to my apartment.
There are police blocks on the roads.
As I climb the stairs, my father looks at me from the shadows.
His blue English eyes.
>> Eduardo.
>> His critical gaze. [music] >> Dead. Is that you, Ted?
>> Father, God help you.
Wherever you are, [music] how did you get in?
>> The porter. He knows me. He knew me before.
I took the chip.
>> But you can't drive.
>> I watched Charlie. He's not hard.
>> Once I got used to it, I could drive fast. Maybe too fast. There was a lorry.
>> Oh, Clara.
>> I wasn't hurt, but the jeep was. Then I got a lift to Senora Sanchez. She put a bandage on for me.
>> So, you were hurt?
>> My knee.
Look.
>> Let me see. No. Uh, keep still.
>> Do you love me a little?
>> No.
Don't move.
>> Have you heard anything about Charlie?
>> No. Uh, there's no news.
>> You think he's alive?
>> I'm sure he is.
>> What will we do if he comes back?
[sighs] >> Carry on as we are. He'll go out on the farm and I'll come to you.
[snorts] Poor Charlie.
>> Why bore? He was happy. I did what he wanted. Oh, but he's so boring. Edoardo, I thank our blessed lady. This is your child, not a child of an old man. You'll make a better father than I ever could be.
>> You remember when we made love before and I said I was pretending.
I wasn't. I wasn't pretending.
>> CL, >> but I am now. I pretend to feel nothing because that please you. Is it love, Eduardo? Is it because I love you?
>> Love is a responsibility, a demand.
>> Eduardo.
>> Father never used [music] the word.
Neither said it nor demanded it. Don't look at me like that.
>> There was one kiss, just one, on the key at Asunion when he left.
>> Please tell me what you want.
>> And he turned to wave just once.
>> I want to know what you want.
>> Wait, it'll be a patient.
I'll go and see.
[music] >> Who is it?
Police.
>> May I come in?
>> How can I refuse?
>> Thank you.
>> If you'd said Paris, I might have told you to come back tomorrow.
>> That's why I said police. It's an official visit.
>> Too official for a drink? No, he hasn't reached that point yet.
>> I pour him a drink.
He sits and waits, looking at me.
>> You've been to Ponoseris >> to ask about Fortnham. It seems no one's interested.
>> Oh, I assure you I am. I've been to see the Minister of the Interior.
>> And >> they're keen on delay, I'm afraid. They want the kidnapping to fail. Then everyone's happy.
>> Including you?
>> No, not me. Not if it leaves the case still open.
You saw Dr. Sedra tonight.
>> Did I?
>> I sent some cables.
>> Did they go?
>> Why not? They were harmless enough.
>> I just want Fortnham to be released as I assume. Do you?
>> I want his kidnappers caught or killed.
It's not quite the same.
>> Your father's name is on the list of prisoners they want released, which seems strange.
>> Does it? Why?
>> Do answer it, doctor. I can wait.
>> Something's happening.
>> I'm sorry. Is this urgent?
>> We need your help.
>> I have a friend with me.
>> Are you under arrest?
>> No, not at the moment. Look, uh, don't worry. Children's temperatures often run high like that. Give her two more aspirin.
>> I'll call again in 15 minutes. I hope that won't be necessary.
>> Who was that?
>> It's a anxious parent. Oh, >> forgive my asking. It's a It's a habit with me.
>> What do you want, Paris?
>> I've been thinking. I'm a slow thinker.
Someone must have given them information about the Americans movements.
>> Perhaps not me. Then Senora Fornham. A woman might mention such things to her lover.
>> Well, you could ask her.
>> Yeah, I could, but she's not at home.
Senor Fornham's Land Rover has been found abandoned.
Poor man. Two cars smashed in two days.
>> Poor man.
>> You're seeing a patient, doctor.
>> Am I?
>> The lights moving under your door.
How observant of you. As a matter of fact, Claraara is here with me.
>> I thought she might be. Yes.
In that case, I won't disturb you.
>> I hope the aspirines work. I'm sure you won't want another phone call tonight.
If you take my advice, you've done enough now. enough.
>> We always got on, but I must maintain order before I maintain friendships.
If you meddle any further, doctor, well, you'll have to look out for yourself because I will not hesitate.
Oh, by the way, there is news of your father.
>> Oh, he was killed more than a year ago.
He tried to escape with another prisoner, a man called Aino Rivera, [clears throat] but he was too old and too slow, so they abandoned him. Sorry to bring bad news, but there's nothing you can do for him now, is there?
Too old and slow.
I feel as if one step in any direction and I'll fall deep into darkness.
>> Was it the police?
>> Yes.
>> Have they gone?
>> Yes. You said you wouldn't call me again.
>> Your patient needs you. Go down to the river and wait by the Coca-Cola store.
>> Who was it?
>> The chief of police.
>> Are you in trouble?
>> Not from him.
I'm afraid I have to go out. There was something she was asking me just before Paris came. [sighs and gasps] I can't remember now.
He says my father's dead. Oh, [gasps] I'm sorry. [sighs] Did you love him?
>> I don't know.
>> Perhaps [snorts] I did. Yes.
>> Come and lie down.
>> No, I have to go.
Something to do with Charlie.
>> Have they found his body?
>> Stay here, [sighs and gasps] Clara.
I shall be long.
Take care of the baby. Sleep well.
I don't know how many there are. They come and go. I was trying to write to Claraara when the little priest came in.
I thought I was dead. I thought the key never bloody well killed me.
[sighs and gasps] >> I don't think he has.
>> We don't want you dead in your fortune.
>> Why not? What difference would it make?
>> To your wife perhaps, >> I suppose. So, yes.
I've been lying here thinking, father, those years before I met Claraara, they all seemed pretty empty, really. She's not dazzlingly beautiful like some of the other girls, but she's honest. I can trust her. And to make her happy is a kind of success, isn't it?
>> Of course. I'm afraid it's not easy for you to write. Senior >> not perched on a bloody coffin.
>> I'll help you with your letter if you like.
>> Would you?
I'd be so grateful.
>> Is it better that it's you? A letter is a secret, isn't it? Like a confession.
>> Give me the bed.
>> Ted, you're back.
How are you, Charlie?
>> They shot me in the bloody leg, Ted. Can you do something about it?
[music] >> Couldn't have done better.
He hit the Achilles tendon. Forum will be all right. Well, he'll be better off in hospital. You know that's impossible.
[sighs] Why don't you give this up? Let me take him away. We have our orders and get new orders.
>> No, we have to handle this ourselves. Is that what you were doing when my father was killed?
>> Is it Leon?
Did you know he was dead?
>> Did you know?
>> We knew what happened.
He was in the same police station as Aino.
We tried to get them both out, but 15 years in a police cell. He was too old and sick. Eduardo and they shot him as he lay on the ground.
We couldn't tell. We >> don't give me reasons I don't want to hear.
>> He was an old man, Eduardo. He stooped.
He couldn't move properly.
I don't know what else to say. He wasn't old when I saw him.
He stood on the key. Uh, you walked away.
Were you there at the end? No.
I was in the escape car holding a grenade and prayed. Or you still believe in prayer, do you?
All this is madness.
I'm going.
I have to get some sleep. No. What? They may already know you're an accomplice.
You cannot go.
And if I simply walk out, I'll have you shot.
>> What's it say?
>> See for yourself.
>> Salvra.
Who's Sedra?
>> A novelist.
>> He offered himself instead of Senor Portnum.
A writer was too good of a writer. You >> should listen to the news. Let me say something more.
>> Argentina's progress in the World Cup.
First, news just in of a man killed in a knife fight by his wife's lover.
>> Nothing more on the kidnapping apart from a short mention at the end.
>> British diplomat being held by terrorists. Rav issued a reminder that the deadline expires at midnight on Sunday.
>> [screaming] >> What's today? Friday.
>> Should have shot him in the back yesterday. No, >> we could have been away from here, miles away.
>> Eligre has given us orders.
>> No one's on guard.
>> No, we're all here. Why? Why isn't someone watching?
>> Because Mart brought the paper, came into here.
>> No Aino, no guns.
>> You don't know what's out there.
>> Put the gun away.
Whatever it is, Leon will be the first to meet it.
>> So, it could all end here. An open door, a burst of firing.
>> Mar, are you there?
>> An old man and blind.
>> I come to find the father.
>> He moves his head from side to side as if to distinguish the different breaths in the room.
>> There's no father here, Jose.
Yes. I was sitting by the water tap yesterday and I'm one set so >> they were wrong.
>> What do you want the priest for anyway?
>> My wife has died. She was all right last night. She made my soup.
>> Then get the priest from the bario.
>> He's no good. He's ash bishop's priest.
>> Well, there's no father here. The old man holds his fingers out >> like eyes on stalks in some strange insect.
>> Sailing, there are strangers here.
>> Ted, >> who's that?
>> Ted, where are you?
>> He's just a sick man.
>> Hey, Greeno. Greenoy here.
>> Leon, quiet. We have to do something. We can't wait to father.
>> No, old man. You should go home now. You have the voice of a priest.
>> No. If you could see, you'd know that I'm not.
>> Marta is my wife.
>> It's true. Yes. Go back now, Jose.
>> Take him to his own house.
>> I want the father TO ANNOYING HER. NO.
NO. PLEASE.
>> You should have gone with him >> and put us all in danger.
>> You heard what he said. The priest here doesn't care about the poor. His wife's been dead for hours. What difference will it make a little oil now? Ask the doctor.
>> Oh, I only deal with the living.
>> I don't want to offend you, father. I am your woman.
>> The rest of you, get back to your post.
You are my wife, Marta.
>> I have explained this to you over and over.
>> Wife, woman, why does it matter?
>> Yes, it matters. A man who lusts takes a woman for the period of his desire. I've taken you for life and that is marriage.
>> If you say so, father.
>> No, not if I say so. This is the truth.
>> Yes, father.
>> I think you should leave the bario.
>> Leave?
>> If they find out we're here.
>> No, I won't leave you.
>> Then I will order you to >> order. And you say I am your wife. When you treat me like a [ __ ] >> send me away when you finished with me.
>> Can't you see?
>> Yes. Yes, I can see, Leon. And I won't leave.
>> Friday evening.
We have one day left. A helicopter flies over the barrier.
Back and forth like a pencil along a ruler, up and down every muddy track.
We sit and wait for Sunday to come.
And the birds fall silent and rain begins to fall.
As far as I can tell, it's Saturday morning early.
>> What have we got so far?
Do not worry, my darling, about being alone with the child.
It is better for him to be alone with a mother than with a father. I know that well. I was left alone with my father and it was never any fun. Always horses.
Horses.
>> Is that it?
>> Yes. Nothing after horses.
>> Well, better leave out the stuff about horses.
And I put what?
>> I don't know. It's so damn difficult.
Give me some whiskey, father. Will you see?
>> I look in to see Charlie Leons with him.
>> I think of you most of the time and the baby too.
Uh, at home you're always on my right side and I can put my right hand on your stomach and feel the little bastard kick.
But there's no right side here.
Before I knew you, my darling, I was a finished man. There was nothing to look forward to except the right measure, of course.
Then I found you, and I wanted to make you safe.
>> They leaned together like old friends.
All so bloody sincere.
>> I don't think I can manage anymore now.
Just right, my darling girl. All my love. Are you sure?
>> Yes.
It's damned hard work.
Oh. Oh, no. There is something. Um, a PS. Please don't give the child sweets.
They're bad for the teeth.
And if you're in doubt about anything, ask Dr. Pla. He's a good doctor and a good friend. I can't stand to hear anymore. So, I slip back into the other room. And that'll do for now.
>> You mustn't give up hope, Senorum.
>> What hope?
There's only one happy way to die, and that's together.
>> I'm sorry. It's not for me. I just don't want her to be alone when she dies.
God will be there.
>> Oh, you can have your God.
I'm sorry, father.
But I don't see any sign of him around, do you?
What are you reading now? This your prayer book.
Sure. Lock Holmes. Really? Yeah.
God was a kind of detective, Eduardo. He was the law. He was order. And he was good. Like Holmes. Exactly.
Pursuing the wicked, uncovering the truth. Isn't that what your general does? With electric shocks on the genitals and cutting people's fingers. I prefer the detective.
And you still believe in God?
Well, not the one they taught about in the seminary. What then? The personal god.
I thought that was a Protestant heresy.
>> We don't kill heretics these days.
You're the same as the general. Really?
Aren't you, Leon? I don't use torture, don't you?
I I try to understand the horror in things.
I sometimes think there's evil in God.
He can be ugly, but then I'm ugly, too, and Marta still loves me. You believe in the evil of God, but his goodness, too.
A god with a night side, as well as a day side. I hope for a time when the night side withers away and there's only the simple daylight of the good god. And killing Charlie fits in with all this, does it?
>> I pray that I won't have to kill him.
What about charity? Leon >> dead >> and mercy.
>> Ted, >> your patient calls.
>> I heard. What's the good of mending his ankle if you're going to put a bullet through his head?
>> Yeah, he probably wants to ask about vitamins for the baby. Well, the dark side of God must be having a good laugh about that. He's not even his child.
>> KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN, ED.
>> I WOULDN'T GOT RID OF IT if she'd let me.
>> This is jealousy, isn't it?
>> You think I'm jealous of Charlie?
>> Because he can love.
>> The girl's mine, Leon, and you can anytime. AND FOR AS LONG AS I WANT HER.
>> Is he here?
>> He was with you, wasn't he?
>> Manda, >> I left him in town. He said he'd catch me up.
>> What is it?
>> Have you seen Diego?
>> No. Why?
>> He should be back by now. He was going to get petrol. The car's nearly dry. He said >> it isn't. Then he's gone to the police.
>> No, he wouldn't do that.
>> We should listen for more news.
More news. What difference will that make? From a false equation, all you get is a chain of errors. My death may be one of those.
>> And the child.
The child's another bastard. QUIET.
>> CONVENTION FROM the British foreign office. In a statement from London, they say Senor Fornham has never been a proper member of the diplomatic service.
>> They be phoning [screaming] him. Turn it off for the group a match against him.
>> So they've left him in your hands.
>> We have to kill him.
>> No.
>> The sooner the better.
>> No. We've set them a time. Sunday at midnight.
We stick to that.
>> The sixth day stretches into night.
I go in to see Charlie when he's asleep dreaming about Claraara or the baby. You'd look after him, wouldn't you? Bring him up a good Catholic. I can just picture him standing by the bunk as the boy stumbles through his prayers.
Boy, too. I can see him creeping into his father's room for reassurance.
as I once did >> into the last day.
>> Leave the damn thing alone.
>> Shut up, Miguel.
>> There's no point. Quiet, please.
>> Enable me to speak directly to the kidnappers.
>> He's talking to us.
>> You have been located in the bario popular.
>> It's Paris.
>> You have no hope of escape.
We know exactly when 48 tomorrow morning. You must send the British council out. Send him to the must then follow [screaming] one by one with your arms.
Spared, but you must not attempt.
They found us.
>> No. No. HE'S >> YOU HEARD HIM.
>> THEY CAN'T be here. We would have heard.
If >> you're wrong, Aino for once in your life.
>> I keep my guard outside. If there's anything out there, we will see it.
>> I'll go see Miguel. You too. RIGHT.
>> [music] >> The darkest part of the night and there's still no sign. We can't even hear the helicopter now.
Summer's breaking up. Wind sweeps the avocado leaves across the roof.
>> Father.
Father, will you hold mass tomorrow?
>> It's Sunday.
We have to have a mass.
>> I can't, Marta.
I can't remember the words.
>> I have a missile.
>> Do you? And you can say it yourself.
>> Father, please say the Mas for >> There is no wine.
>> I found a bottle on the rubbish dump in town and filled it at the cantina.
I want to hear you say the mass again, father.
For the for the blind man's wife, for all of us.
For you, Marta.
I've given you precious little over the years.
First light tomorrow. If the police don't get here first.
>> Give me your shirt. I'll wash it.
>> A little dirt won't matter.
You can't go to the altar smelling like a dog.
>> Is there food? You >> left Miguel out there?
>> Yes. Why not?
>> Because if they're out there, >> they're not, Pablo. There's nothing out there except thunder. You can look for yourself.
>> No, I cannot be careful.
>> For God's sake, they're not there.
They're playing games with us.
A >> semicircle of flood lights from the trees.
>> Where did we go?
>> An arc of light 100 yards across.
>> Look, he's been hit.
>> KEEP DOWN.
>> HE GETS to his feet, turns in a circle of light, a hand shading HIS EYES.
GO SHUT IT.
>> We have to bring him in.
>> He's dead.
>> They'll shoot if we open the door.
>> Not you though, doctor. You could go.
>> My patients in here.
>> Two of us dead already. We should surrender.
>> What about Mass?
>> Now?
>> Especially now.
>> Say it if you like, but kill Fortnham first. How can I say mass after I kill the man?
>> How can you when you intend to kill him?
>> Eduardo, you'll be my confessor yet.
>> Father, >> may I prepare the table?
>> Charlie Leon will be saying mass. I think there might be a little time for consideration.
Don't wait.
>> It's palace. I suppose you heard >> until 8:00.
2 hours from now.
>> 2 hours.
Unless Leon releases you first.
>> Charlie, are you awake?
>> They won't release me. They'd rather kill me.
>> Maybe not. We can hope. At least.
>> Is that what you hope, PL?
Wouldn't it suit you better if they shoot me?
>> What?
>> You talk too loud.
I thought you doctors had some sort of code of honor.
>> Look, Charlie, >> but of course you're only half English.
>> I don't know what you think you heard.
>> It doesn't matter to you, does it? Only one of Mother Sanchez's little tarts.
How much did she cost you?
>> A pair of sunglasses from Grubers.
>> You You swine.
>> Don't Charlie, don't be careful. Fly now.
Oh god, I've blocked the damn drink.
>> I'll get a candle.
>> No, I don't want to see your bloody face.
You don't even pretend to love her, do you?
>> No.
>> I saved her from that place. And I cared for her. Oh, thank God.
I found the bottle.
>> [panting] [gasps] >> To think I wrote to say you'd look after her.
>> I know. I heard you dictating to Leyon.
You >> bastard.
>> Made me angry.
>> Angry? Why?
>> Because I suppose Leon's right.
I'm jealous.
The awful thing is I have to leave them with you, Claraara and the baby. There's no one else.
I [laughter] You'll have to take her the letter.
You have to.
>> I will, Charlie. If I get out of >> No, no, no. Wait.
She won't want to hear from me. Not if she's got you.
>> You bastard.
You [laughter] bastard.
You won't tell her, will you? That I knew.
I don't want her to feel any guilt if she's capable of it.
>> I won't tell her. [sighs] >> Will you go to mass?
>> No.
I've never been a religious man.
>> Do you believe?
>> No.
>> In anything?
>> No.
I don't know.
[sighs and gasps] I don't think so. [clears throat] >> [gasps] >> A close for the table, but not a good one.
>> Early Sunday morning.
>> You have one hour remaining.
>> Martr prepares the table for mass.
>> Only two candles, father. All we have left.
>> It won't matter.
>> It's not how I wanted it to be. She sets out the old medicine bottle for the wine, a mate gourd for the chalice.
>> I shall pray for Diego and Miguel [sighs] for all who die today.
>> Not for me.
>> You can't tell me who to pray for.
>> I believe in nothing.
>> So stay in your corner and believe nothing and I'll still pray for you.
>> So with the light lifting and Perez and his men waiting outside, Leon begins the mass.
He makes the old secret signals with his hands.
>> As often as you do these things, do them in remembrance of me.
>> You have 50 minutes left.
>> I picture my father the last time I saw him.
How he turned and waved.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Did I care for him?
>> Have mercy on us.
>> Would I have abandoned him?
A stooped old man.
>> Would I have run off, left him to die?
>> I repeat, you have 50 minutes left.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, >> and let perpetual light shine upon them.
>> May they rest in peace.
>> If you send the console out now, you can save your lives.
>> Oh Lord, deliver me. Grant them eternal rest.
>> 45 minutes.
>> Let me not have to kill him.
>> Reququum Eternam. Donna Ace, >> deliver me.
Amen.
>> Amen.
>> You afford me?
>> No. Come to liquidate me, I take it.
I thought there might be something you needed.
>> I still have whiskey.
You Thank you.
I remembered you at the altar. I'd rather you forgot me, father. No.
No.
I will not be allowed to do that. What's the matter?
I I never thought it would come to this.
I thought I was saving men's lives.
>> Oh dear. The condemned man comforts his execution.
>> I'm sorry. It's half an hour. You have >> half an hour.
>> Is there anything I can do for you, father?
>> If you could prepare yourself a little.
>> Do you mean confess? I haven't confessed in 30 years.
>> You don't have to say it aloud.
>> I have the whiskey. That's my sacrament.
>> Silence will do. Just think you're sorry and try to mean it.
>> Well, I am for lots of things.
But what counts >> for me?
I regret that I didn't have more patience or hope. Can't you say that, Senor?
>> Hope?
>> Yes, I suppose I could go about as far as that, father.
>> Then thank you, Charlie.
I got the absolo.
I think perhaps I will have a drink now.
>> I can see in the shadows of the other [music] room.
Leon talking to Charlie.
>> You have 10 minutes left.
>> We know. We know.
>> I wish they let us die [music] quietly.
Poor drunken Charlie Fortnham.
[clears throat] A hopeless, tired old man.
>> Your father, Eduardo.
What about him?
>> I'm sorry. I never got the chance to warn him.
>> Well, you did your best. Okay.
>> Now, this is your last chance.
>> Last chance. Leon, >> unless they're still bluffing, >> you should let me kill him.
>> No, it's not a job for a priest.
>> No. Uh, wait.
If I go out there, >> what? I can talk to Beris.
>> It shoot at you. You can trust him.
>> I can ask him to give us more time.
>> He won't.
>> He might. Please.
>> You have to let me try, Leon.
[music] Soros, it's time. I know it's time. No, >> it's all right. He is going to speak to the police.
Leon, they'll gun him down.
>> No, the doctor.
>> Ted, I put my eye to that [ __ ] in the mud wall.
I see Pla standing in the light.
>> Harris, it's Dr. Pla >> stepping outside. Miguel is there. A bundle of old clothes left in the rain.
But I can't see anyone else. Across the yard there are trees and shadow. Perez, if we CAN EDUARDO, EDUARDO, listen to me.
I cared. Father, >> you and your mother dead.
>> The two people I cared for most.
>> Is no one else dead? And what? You will have to look after her.
>> I open my eyes and no one's here.
Thank God. Claraara, why though?
>> Look after the child.
I didn't think enough about it.
>> Can't you hear me?
>> Should have done something. I should have made some arrangement.
>> Ed, >> I'm on the ground.
over on the ground in the barrier. I >> I think they've shot me in the stomach.
>> And there's another voice, but not in my head. Somewhere behind me.
>> Leon, are you badly hurt?
>> I don't think so.
But I can't move.
What are you doing out here?
You should have stayed with the others.
>> I thought you might need me. Why? What for?
Leon, are you all right?
Go. I'm safe now.
>> Safe. Quiet. Safe. You are right, Eduardo.
I couldn't kill a mouse.
>> Keep still, Leon.
>> I'm sorry. And don't speak.
I big bottle of ego absolvo.
But there's no answer, no sound.
Then three policemen come out of the shade.
They're like trees walking.
Two go towards the hut.
The other towards me.
>> A lot of people here I don't know from Adam.
>> Bla's mother is one.
>> Some other women weeping prominently.
Claraara feels nothing so she sheds no tears.
>> Are you all right, Charlie?
Yes, thank you.
>> Your uncle, you don't want to sit.
>> No, I don't want to see it.
>> We have little to say to each other these days.
>> We both know.
>> My friend, my very dear friend, >> Sedra has been asked to speak. He fixes his gaze on the flag draped over the coffin.
>> The whole of Corientes knew you as one who worked unsparingly for all. What a tragic fate it was then that you who toil so hard for the destitute should die at the hands of their so-called defenders.
>> Good God. Is that what they're saying?
>> You were shut down without mercy by a fanatic priest.
But you won the day. Your friend survived.
>> This is the Paris version of events.
The official version. I promise you my hand on your coffin that the Anglo Argentinian club you founded will live on.
>> I'm tired. It's time to go home. After the rescue, I told Claraara. I said he's dead. Dr. Pl's dead. You realize that?
Yes, she said. Paris told me then nothing. Nothing else. It was as if we were talking about a stranger.
Poor old PL. [snorts] hasn't shed a single tear for him.
After that, I found it hard to be with her. I sleep in one of the guest rooms because of the ankle, I say. Still, what would she learn of love in a brothel?
>> Kryton, did you say?
>> Cryon? Yes. I was at the funeral.
>> Yeah.
>> Sir Henry has the flu, I'm afraid.
>> Oh, dear. Poor Sod. Cheers.
So, he's asked me to uh there are certain things he wants me to talk over with you.
>> Go on.
>> He is of course pleased everything turned out well.
>> Not for Pla.
>> Well, no, >> he's dead. So is the priest, >> though. He got what he deserved. Surely.
He murdered Pla.
>> No, he didn't.
>> According to Paris, >> Paris is a bloody liar. The police shot Pla.
>> I don't see.
>> I saw it all. I was watching. I liked Leon. He was a good man. I would have gone to his funeral, but he's been shoveled away in unconsecrated ground, hasn't he?
>> There was a postmortm.
They weren't police bullets.
>> A postmortem carried out by a police surgeon.
If Sir Henry really wants to know, tell him from me. Pla went out to talk to Paris and they shot him. Then Leyon went to help Pla and he didn't take a gun.
Tell him that.
>> Of course. I'll pass on your theory.
>> It's not a theory. Is this why he sent you to make sure I spout the official version, too?
>> No, Mr. Fortnham. It's another matter.
Sir Henry has written to you, in fact.
>> Has he?
>> But he wanted me to have a word with you before you saw the letter.
London's been pressing us, I'm afraid.
Four economies.
>> Oh, I see.
>> You'll be much safer out of the front line.
>> That's it, then, is it?
>> You've had a pretty long innings.
>> Yes.
>> Yes, I suppose I have.
>> However, I'm not merely the bearer of bad news. I can tell you >> you won't say anything.
>> There's no one to tell.
>> Sir Henry proposes to recommend you for an honor.
An honor, >> an OBBE in strictest confidence.
>> You may tell your wife, of course. I'm sure you can trust her.
>> I didn't tell Claraara. She wouldn't understand.
Instead, I came to the guest bedroom to sleep, and I dreamed Ted was there, and he was laughing. "Obe," he said. "Order of the bad egg.
Now I'm awake and suddenly I feel so desolate.
Claraara.
But of course she's not here.
[snorts] She's not in our bedroom either.
She's gone.
So I sit on our bed in the dark and I don't know what to do.
Charlie, what are you doing here?
>> It's my room, isn't it?
Where were you?
>> I was afraid. I stayed with a maid.
>> Afraid >> to be alone. I dreamed I was strangling the baby.
>> Did you? I had a friend who strangled her. Baby, >> come and sit by me.
>> I thought you didn't want me near you.
>> I have no one else.
>> Shall I put on a light?
>> No, it'll be daylight soon.
How is the baby?
>> All right, I think sometimes he's so quiet, though.
>> We'll have to find you a good doctor.
Oh, sorry. Sorry. I I didn't mean Claraara, [laughter] did you love him?
>> No, I love you, Charlie.
>> There's nothing wrong with love. It happens. It doesn't much matter who with. We get caught up by mistake.
>> He never loved me. I was just a girl from Senora Sanchez.
>> No, you're wrong.
>> He wanted to kill the baby. So, how could he love me? I think he'd just begun to. Some of us were a bit slow.
You It's not so easy to love. We make lots of mistakes. Ted and I, we weren't so good at it.
>> I had a brother I loved. He got up to cut the cane one morning and no one saw him again.
Sometimes at Senora Sanchez, I used to think >> perhaps he'll come here looking for a girl and he'll find me and we'll go away together.
>> What should we call the child?
>> If he's a boy, >> would you like Charlie?
>> One Charlie is enough in a family.
I think we'll call him Edward.
[laughter] I loved him in a way. He was he was young enough to be my son. Don't Don't cry. I think he really loved you, Claraara.
>> No, >> he said he was jealous of me.
>> I never loved him, Charlie.
>> It's a lie, of course, but it's the right kind of lie.
And I feel as if I've just heard the good news I never expected to hear.
That someone I love will survive.
In the honorary console by Graham Green, dramatized by Nick Wbertton, Eduardo Pla was played by Jeffrey Stretfield and Charlie Fortnham by Matthew Marsh. Leon Rivas was Stefano Brasi. Claraara Beatatrice Romuly Aino Martin Marquez Colonel Perez Chris Pavlo Martr Yolanda Vazqueth Kiteon George Watkins Humphre Euan Bailey Jose Sha Baker and father Brian Prother was Jonquil Panting
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