LOST EPISODE - episode summary from The Avengers Dissolute website:
In London to negotiate independence for his country, Tenebra, Sir Wilberforce Lungi nearly dies. His old friend Dr Keel agrees to help unmask the culprit and suspicion falls on Lungi's secretary Jacquetta Brown. Steed, meanwhile, investigates opposition in Tenebra. All clues lead back to Brown and she is prevented from destroying Lungi's insulin, to be replaced by a lethal dose of yellow fever.
1.16 - The Yellow Needle
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All new full synopsis online today:
THE YELLOW NEEDLE
BY PATRICK CAMPBELL
Production completed: 10 June 1961. First transmission: 12 June 1961
This episode summary is written from the original scripts and Leonard White's scrapbook of notes and Tele-Snaps as this episode is now lost. There may have been changes made during filming.
ACT 1
The chimes of Big Ben ring out as an African leader, Sir Wilberforce Lungi (Andre Dakar), walks along the Embankment, dressed in traditional costume. Tom tom drums swell as we realise he's being watched through the sights of a rifle. A shot rings out and he drops - not from being hit, but to help the young boy who was running past and had been accidentally struck by the bullet.
A short time later, Sir Wilberforce and his white assistant, Jacquetta Brown (Margaret Whiting) arrive at Dr Keel's surgery. They're not there for medical treatment, but to see Dr Keel, who is an old friend of Sir Wilberforce. The had worked together in a hospital of his homeland, Tenebra, long before he became Prime Minister of the fledgling state. Sir Wilberforce tells David he turned to politics to help win his people's freedom; and if the independence declaration is signed in ten days he will be happy. Dr Keel questions the "if" and is told Bai Shebro, the chief of Mobele and Opposition leader is against an independent democracy. Jacquetta adds that Shebro wants a more authoritarian state and snipes that British Colonial policy wasn't blameless; Sir Lungi smiles at David's discomfort and surprise. Jacquetta, he tells David, was writing books about African politics while he was busy teaching Dr Keel how to treat yellow fever. Lungi suggests that Bai Shebro means to kill him and has the support of many tribal chiefs. He asks Dr Keel to give him a medical checkup, David concurs with Lungi's self-diagnosis that he's a bit overworked and is told that his diabetes is stable.
The next day, a tiresome Scotland Yard officer, Inspector Anthony (Eric Dodson), arrives at Lungi's hotel. He pompously complains about the assignment to his sergeant (Humphrey Heathcote) and is only vaguely sympathetic that his subordinate has not had a chance to eat all day. When he ascends, his sergeant warns the porter the Inspector is on his way up. Upstairs, the Inspector informs Jacquetta that Sir Wilberforce was definitely the intended target. She asks after the boy's health and is pleased to learn he was not seriously injured. Jacquetta warns him there are twenty thousand fanatics in Tenebra - all still British subjects - who might come to London to kill Sir Wilberforce; human life isn't the precious commodity it is in England. If it helps to kill - then they kill. Anthony moans about caring for dignitaries and reveals that foreign Royalty are the worst but the Russians delegations are always easiest, and he jokes about looking in the nearest factory or concert hall if they go astray.
Anthony is shocked to learn that Sir Wilberforce has left the hotel, evading his sergeant by going through the kitchens - and incidentally acting like the "foreign Royalty". The Inspector leaps on the phone to get some officers out to find him.
Back at the surgery, Carol and Dr Keel are reading the paper and learn of the attempt on Lungi's life. Steed breezes in with his Great Dane, Puppy, and asks if Carol can look after her as he is going away. Steed picks up the paper and says he's glad the boy is alright before questioning Keel about his relationship with Lungi. Keel reveals that Lungi is worried - not for himself, but of someone stopping the declaration of independence. Steed callously says Lungi is causing him a migraine as he has to keep him alive until he signs the declaration, adding, "After that they can chase him up Nelson's Column with blowpipes and poison darts for all I care!"
Dr Keel glares at him and asks him if he keeps his feelings laced up in his polo boots. Steed turns the conversation to Jacquetta, who Keel thinks is the reputed power behind Sir Wilberforce. Steed is wary of her and hints that Keel try to get to know her better, take her out to dinner and make conversation. Keel grunts, "I was wondering when you'd get around to the object of the visit, apart from the dog." Steed replies that the attack wasn't a casual affair, he wants to learn what Miss Brown knows - but he can't do it himself as he's heading to Tenebra that day to find the root of the trouble. Dr Keel does as Steed asks and rings the hotel to asks Jacquetta out on a date.
Inspector Anthony has returned with Sir Wilberforce to the hotel, leaving him in Jacquetta's hands. She warns him not to wear himself out, he has to see the Colonial Secretary that day. Lungi wearily replies, "How many days now?" and she tells him, "Just three". He wonders where he would be without her; he looks at his European assistant and declares she is more African that he is - she has served his country loyally for five years. She looks at him and replies she only did it because it suited her, it's time now to move on - and adds that her work is nearly done. Lungi queries, "The independence of my people?" and she declares, "The freedom of Africa!"
Steed arrives in Mobele and is greeted by the servant Asiedu (Christian Holder). Steed is introduced to the imposing Chief Bai Shebro (Bari Johnson), and says he is James Sanderson of The London Daily Globe. Shebro looks at him harshly and insinuates "I'm not new to journalists. I even pride myself in knowing how to handle them." Steed asks for an interview, asking for a story about an agrarian programme, or industrial prospects after Shebro dismisses discussing the political situation. Shebro introduces his aide, Ali (Wolfe Morris), whom he says is a brilliant chemist with fine ideals. Steed tries to get back to politics and Ali recites political slogans; "No country can survive without a sound economy", and "Iron ore and diamonds are the lifeblood of this country. While these remain in the hands of the English there can be no independence." Steed worries about the lack of capital if they shut out English money and Ali carelessly reveals they have powerful friends who will provide the capital. "Sanderson" asks is the people are behind Shebro, raising Lungi who Ali declares has sold out to the Colonialists. Shebro says the signature has not yet been given and Steed brandishes the report of the attempted assassination which Shebro dismisses, saying, "Surely you do not attribute such amateurism to me?" while Ali declares that Lungi has betrayed his people and by tribal law he already stands condemned.
ACT 2
Back in London, Dr Keel takes Jacquetta to a fancy restaurant where they have a drink and a meal - and discover they have a mutual admiration for each other. At the same time in Tenebra, Steed meets Shebro's fourth wife, Judith (Dolores Mantez) who reveals that Dr Keel delivered her baby whom she named 'David' after him. When she learns that Steed is a friend of Keel's she promises to help him and warns him that Shebro is a bad man.
Back at the restaurant, Jacquetta confesses she's worried about Sir Wilberforce and worries about anything going wrong. Dr Keel asks if she means his health or his political enemies and she replies "Both". David mentions Bai Shebro and Jacquetta defends him as a man of strong principles who believes Wilberforce is selling the country to the British. Jacquetta tells him the Tenebrans can accomplish the impossible although ninety percent are illiterate and vote the way their leaders tell them to. Keel counters that some of the chieftains are on Lungi's side, who currently commands a majority. He asks her to dance but the mood is gone and she says it's getting late and wants to return to the hotel - but suggests he have a nightcap when they get there.
Back in Tenebra, Steed is typing on his typewriter when Shebro and Ali arrive, inviting him to join them on the verandah for some entertainment - he has arranged a traditional tribal dance. They discuss the celebrations in the capital for the impending independence with Bai Shebro saying it will not change how things are here, where the heart of the people lies. Suddenly, a spear thrown by one of the dancers hurtles towards Steed and smashes the brandy glass he's holding. Shebro smiles urbanely and apologises for the misdirected enthusiasm. When Steed says "misdirected" is the operative word, Shebro chillingly replies, "Enthusiasm might be more accurate. Mr Sanderson".
In London, David and Jacquetta have reached the hotel and she makes him a very watery whisky and soda which she spills everywhere, to his dismay. Keel asks her outright who's after Sir Wilberforce - "This attempt the other day. Is it Shebro?" She claims she doesn't know but he's not convinced, and tells her he's not concerned with politics, he just doesn't want his friend hurt. "You think I do?" she asks and he backs down. She reflects on how nice it has been to relax in the evening for a change but there are so many things he doesn't understand. Keel says, "Try me" and she asks if he could go through with doing something he wanted to do very badly if the chance came with no repercussions. When he says it would depend on what it was she muses about dedication and loneliness rather than revealing anything definite.
Shebro visits Ali in his laboratory in Tenebra where the chemist confirms his experiment has been a success. Bai Shevro takes the phial and places it in a little box and, "In four days all will be over, and you, my dear Ali, will be a very rich man." Ali replies he does it for Africa which leads Shebro to say he would make a fine Minister for Propaganda. He comments, "Strange to think your future and mine lie in this little box. Rather melodramatic isn't it?", then departs.
Shebro visits Steed in his room where he finds him reading one of Jacquetta Brown's books. Shebro carelessly refers to her as "our good friend" which makes Steed prick up his ears but Shebro goes on to say they've never met. Steed counters by musing that many passages in the book could have been written by Shebro himself. Shebro finally tires of the facade and shows Steed a photograph - of the real James Sanderson, who is on an assignment in Tokyo!
ACT 3
Shebro visits Steed the next morning and tells him that Ali want him shot but he is undecided as he "abhors violence". Asiedu tells Shebro that Judith is at the hut and he exits, leaving Steed in the hands of Ali. Outside, Shebro roughly orders Judith back to the women's quarters. Ali, gloating over Steed's expected impending demise gives him a "quote for his newspaper": "I met, during my brief visit, a curious character by the name of Ali, a Syrian - as white as the Ace of Spades. He likened the human race to an animal and we its members, to the ferment of its corpuscular life stream. He said there was in existence in Tenebra an organisation known as the Kondor Society."
Steed is interested and learns that the members of this society consider the white man their natural enemy and have the letter K branded on their foreheads to remind them of their oath to bloody violence. Shebro returns and is aghast to learn that Ali has mentioned the Society, which Steed describes as "A cousin of the Mau Mau". Ali, realising his error, says, "Shoot him, he knows too much." but Bai Shebro again stays his hand.
That night, Judith returns to Steed's hut and silently dispatches the two warriors guarding him. She tells him that Ali has said Sir Wilberforce will "die good this time" and she will help him escape. She tells him Asiedu will help him but by this time Ali has already found one of the unconscious warriors and is creeping towards the bungalow. Steed urges her to come with him but she declines, saying Shebro will not find out it was her who helped him, even in Mobele Shebro is not as loved as he thinks. She calls Asiedu and asks Steed to say hello to Dr Keel for her.
Ali leaps out and blocks their passage but Steed moves swiftly and strikes him down. Asiedu thinks Ali has been killed but Steed reassures him he'll recover and they escape into the darkness at the end of the balcony. Bai Shebro arrives just after they leave and raises the alarm but is too late to stop them.
Back in London some days later, the porter (Harold Holness) delivers a package to Jacquetta and when he leaves the hotel suite Inspector Anthony demands, "What the devil are you doing in there?" Taken aback, the porter claims to have been delivering drinks and hastily departs. Anthony checks with Jacquetta who has opened the package to find a box marked with the letter K. She tells him all is well and he re-emerges to find Dr Keel arriving and he brusquely accosts him as well, demanding to know who he is and how he got past the guard downstairs. Keel explains who he is, and the sergeant downstairs had stopped him and rung upstairs to check, so Anthony lets him enter the suite. Inside, Jacquetta is pleased to see him but says Lungi is still working; she is a bit embarrassed about how much she'd said the night before. They go in to see Sir Wilberforce and convince him to have some rest.
"Tomorrow, please God, we sign and all is finished", Lungi says and Jacquetta goes to prepare his insulin. While she's doing that, Lungi relates news he's heard from Tenebra where all is quiet, "A time of waiting, of hoping". In the sitting room, Jacquetta retrieves the box marked with a K and fills the syringe from the phial within. She then returns with the syringe and asks Dr Keel to administer it for her, which he does.
Sir Wilberforce nods off just as the phone rings and Jacquetta calls Dr Keel to take the call. The operator announces she's putting through Tangiers and Steed comes on the line. He warns Keel not to leave Sir Wilberforce for a minute, another attempt will be made on his life anytime. Steed says he's trying to get the RAF to get him there as quickly as possible. Keel, acutely aware of the importance of this information, pretends he's been speaking to a patient and rings off. Jacquetta offers him a drink and he suggests he should stay to make sure Sir Wilberforce is well. She questions why he's worried - but he has a right to be, as she slips a pill into his drink. She looks up at him and regretfully says, "It wouldn't have worked, would it David. You and me." He agrees then, overcome by the drug, he barely notices when she says "Some things are stronger than love." She leaves the room and he slumps onto the sofa.
Early the next morning, Steed arrives at the hotel and Anthony tells him they've doubled the security, nobody's been in or out all night. Upstairs, Jacquetta tells Anthony they're alright but Steed is alarmed when she says Dr Keel is sleeping it off after drinking too much. He rouses Keel, shouting "Wake up - you'll be late for church" and Keel woozily says it's a nightmare and asks after Lungi.
Anthony calls them urgently to the back room where Keel checks Sir Wilberforce and says they need an ambulance, it looks like Yellow Fever. Jacquetta is shocked but Keel whispers to Steed not to let her out of the suite, whatever happens. He phones a colleague and tells him they need the anti-serum for Yellow X to be sent to St Stephen's Hospital as quickly as possible. Steed has been listening and queries, "Not Yellow Fever?" and Keel replies it's very like it, a "witch doctor's brew" which Sir Wilberforce had taught him how to treat.
Jacquetta declares it's incredible; Dr Keel looks at her angrily and says Lungi had an A1 blood test when he arrived - so the only way he could have go it was when he injected him the night before. She admits this is true, but insists she tried to tell him. Steed lifts the fringe on her forehead to reveal the K brand of the Kondor Society. Keel, disgusted with her, tells Steed, "Get her out of here will you?" and Steed calls for the Inspector to take her away.
THE YELLOW NEEDLE
BY PATRICK CAMPBELL
Production completed: 10 June 1961. First transmission: 12 June 1961
This episode summary is written from the original scripts and Leonard White's scrapbook of notes and Tele-Snaps as this episode is now lost. There may have been changes made during filming.
ACT 1
The chimes of Big Ben ring out as an African leader, Sir Wilberforce Lungi (Andre Dakar), walks along the Embankment, dressed in traditional costume. Tom tom drums swell as we realise he's being watched through the sights of a rifle. A shot rings out and he drops - not from being hit, but to help the young boy who was running past and had been accidentally struck by the bullet.
A short time later, Sir Wilberforce and his white assistant, Jacquetta Brown (Margaret Whiting) arrive at Dr Keel's surgery. They're not there for medical treatment, but to see Dr Keel, who is an old friend of Sir Wilberforce. The had worked together in a hospital of his homeland, Tenebra, long before he became Prime Minister of the fledgling state. Sir Wilberforce tells David he turned to politics to help win his people's freedom; and if the independence declaration is signed in ten days he will be happy. Dr Keel questions the "if" and is told Bai Shebro, the chief of Mobele and Opposition leader is against an independent democracy. Jacquetta adds that Shebro wants a more authoritarian state and snipes that British Colonial policy wasn't blameless; Sir Lungi smiles at David's discomfort and surprise. Jacquetta, he tells David, was writing books about African politics while he was busy teaching Dr Keel how to treat yellow fever. Lungi suggests that Bai Shebro means to kill him and has the support of many tribal chiefs. He asks Dr Keel to give him a medical checkup, David concurs with Lungi's self-diagnosis that he's a bit overworked and is told that his diabetes is stable.
The next day, a tiresome Scotland Yard officer, Inspector Anthony (Eric Dodson), arrives at Lungi's hotel. He pompously complains about the assignment to his sergeant (Humphrey Heathcote) and is only vaguely sympathetic that his subordinate has not had a chance to eat all day. When he ascends, his sergeant warns the porter the Inspector is on his way up. Upstairs, the Inspector informs Jacquetta that Sir Wilberforce was definitely the intended target. She asks after the boy's health and is pleased to learn he was not seriously injured. Jacquetta warns him there are twenty thousand fanatics in Tenebra - all still British subjects - who might come to London to kill Sir Wilberforce; human life isn't the precious commodity it is in England. If it helps to kill - then they kill. Anthony moans about caring for dignitaries and reveals that foreign Royalty are the worst but the Russians delegations are always easiest, and he jokes about looking in the nearest factory or concert hall if they go astray.
Anthony is shocked to learn that Sir Wilberforce has left the hotel, evading his sergeant by going through the kitchens - and incidentally acting like the "foreign Royalty". The Inspector leaps on the phone to get some officers out to find him.
Back at the surgery, Carol and Dr Keel are reading the paper and learn of the attempt on Lungi's life. Steed breezes in with his Great Dane, Puppy, and asks if Carol can look after her as he is going away. Steed picks up the paper and says he's glad the boy is alright before questioning Keel about his relationship with Lungi. Keel reveals that Lungi is worried - not for himself, but of someone stopping the declaration of independence. Steed callously says Lungi is causing him a migraine as he has to keep him alive until he signs the declaration, adding, "After that they can chase him up Nelson's Column with blowpipes and poison darts for all I care!"
Dr Keel glares at him and asks him if he keeps his feelings laced up in his polo boots. Steed turns the conversation to Jacquetta, who Keel thinks is the reputed power behind Sir Wilberforce. Steed is wary of her and hints that Keel try to get to know her better, take her out to dinner and make conversation. Keel grunts, "I was wondering when you'd get around to the object of the visit, apart from the dog." Steed replies that the attack wasn't a casual affair, he wants to learn what Miss Brown knows - but he can't do it himself as he's heading to Tenebra that day to find the root of the trouble. Dr Keel does as Steed asks and rings the hotel to asks Jacquetta out on a date.
Inspector Anthony has returned with Sir Wilberforce to the hotel, leaving him in Jacquetta's hands. She warns him not to wear himself out, he has to see the Colonial Secretary that day. Lungi wearily replies, "How many days now?" and she tells him, "Just three". He wonders where he would be without her; he looks at his European assistant and declares she is more African that he is - she has served his country loyally for five years. She looks at him and replies she only did it because it suited her, it's time now to move on - and adds that her work is nearly done. Lungi queries, "The independence of my people?" and she declares, "The freedom of Africa!"
Steed arrives in Mobele and is greeted by the servant Asiedu (Christian Holder). Steed is introduced to the imposing Chief Bai Shebro (Bari Johnson), and says he is James Sanderson of The London Daily Globe. Shebro looks at him harshly and insinuates "I'm not new to journalists. I even pride myself in knowing how to handle them." Steed asks for an interview, asking for a story about an agrarian programme, or industrial prospects after Shebro dismisses discussing the political situation. Shebro introduces his aide, Ali (Wolfe Morris), whom he says is a brilliant chemist with fine ideals. Steed tries to get back to politics and Ali recites political slogans; "No country can survive without a sound economy", and "Iron ore and diamonds are the lifeblood of this country. While these remain in the hands of the English there can be no independence." Steed worries about the lack of capital if they shut out English money and Ali carelessly reveals they have powerful friends who will provide the capital. "Sanderson" asks is the people are behind Shebro, raising Lungi who Ali declares has sold out to the Colonialists. Shebro says the signature has not yet been given and Steed brandishes the report of the attempted assassination which Shebro dismisses, saying, "Surely you do not attribute such amateurism to me?" while Ali declares that Lungi has betrayed his people and by tribal law he already stands condemned.
ACT 2
Back in London, Dr Keel takes Jacquetta to a fancy restaurant where they have a drink and a meal - and discover they have a mutual admiration for each other. At the same time in Tenebra, Steed meets Shebro's fourth wife, Judith (Dolores Mantez) who reveals that Dr Keel delivered her baby whom she named 'David' after him. When she learns that Steed is a friend of Keel's she promises to help him and warns him that Shebro is a bad man.
Back at the restaurant, Jacquetta confesses she's worried about Sir Wilberforce and worries about anything going wrong. Dr Keel asks if she means his health or his political enemies and she replies "Both". David mentions Bai Shebro and Jacquetta defends him as a man of strong principles who believes Wilberforce is selling the country to the British. Jacquetta tells him the Tenebrans can accomplish the impossible although ninety percent are illiterate and vote the way their leaders tell them to. Keel counters that some of the chieftains are on Lungi's side, who currently commands a majority. He asks her to dance but the mood is gone and she says it's getting late and wants to return to the hotel - but suggests he have a nightcap when they get there.
Back in Tenebra, Steed is typing on his typewriter when Shebro and Ali arrive, inviting him to join them on the verandah for some entertainment - he has arranged a traditional tribal dance. They discuss the celebrations in the capital for the impending independence with Bai Shebro saying it will not change how things are here, where the heart of the people lies. Suddenly, a spear thrown by one of the dancers hurtles towards Steed and smashes the brandy glass he's holding. Shebro smiles urbanely and apologises for the misdirected enthusiasm. When Steed says "misdirected" is the operative word, Shebro chillingly replies, "Enthusiasm might be more accurate. Mr Sanderson".
In London, David and Jacquetta have reached the hotel and she makes him a very watery whisky and soda which she spills everywhere, to his dismay. Keel asks her outright who's after Sir Wilberforce - "This attempt the other day. Is it Shebro?" She claims she doesn't know but he's not convinced, and tells her he's not concerned with politics, he just doesn't want his friend hurt. "You think I do?" she asks and he backs down. She reflects on how nice it has been to relax in the evening for a change but there are so many things he doesn't understand. Keel says, "Try me" and she asks if he could go through with doing something he wanted to do very badly if the chance came with no repercussions. When he says it would depend on what it was she muses about dedication and loneliness rather than revealing anything definite.
Shebro visits Ali in his laboratory in Tenebra where the chemist confirms his experiment has been a success. Bai Shevro takes the phial and places it in a little box and, "In four days all will be over, and you, my dear Ali, will be a very rich man." Ali replies he does it for Africa which leads Shebro to say he would make a fine Minister for Propaganda. He comments, "Strange to think your future and mine lie in this little box. Rather melodramatic isn't it?", then departs.
Shebro visits Steed in his room where he finds him reading one of Jacquetta Brown's books. Shebro carelessly refers to her as "our good friend" which makes Steed prick up his ears but Shebro goes on to say they've never met. Steed counters by musing that many passages in the book could have been written by Shebro himself. Shebro finally tires of the facade and shows Steed a photograph - of the real James Sanderson, who is on an assignment in Tokyo!
ACT 3
Shebro visits Steed the next morning and tells him that Ali want him shot but he is undecided as he "abhors violence". Asiedu tells Shebro that Judith is at the hut and he exits, leaving Steed in the hands of Ali. Outside, Shebro roughly orders Judith back to the women's quarters. Ali, gloating over Steed's expected impending demise gives him a "quote for his newspaper": "I met, during my brief visit, a curious character by the name of Ali, a Syrian - as white as the Ace of Spades. He likened the human race to an animal and we its members, to the ferment of its corpuscular life stream. He said there was in existence in Tenebra an organisation known as the Kondor Society."
Steed is interested and learns that the members of this society consider the white man their natural enemy and have the letter K branded on their foreheads to remind them of their oath to bloody violence. Shebro returns and is aghast to learn that Ali has mentioned the Society, which Steed describes as "A cousin of the Mau Mau". Ali, realising his error, says, "Shoot him, he knows too much." but Bai Shebro again stays his hand.
That night, Judith returns to Steed's hut and silently dispatches the two warriors guarding him. She tells him that Ali has said Sir Wilberforce will "die good this time" and she will help him escape. She tells him Asiedu will help him but by this time Ali has already found one of the unconscious warriors and is creeping towards the bungalow. Steed urges her to come with him but she declines, saying Shebro will not find out it was her who helped him, even in Mobele Shebro is not as loved as he thinks. She calls Asiedu and asks Steed to say hello to Dr Keel for her.
Ali leaps out and blocks their passage but Steed moves swiftly and strikes him down. Asiedu thinks Ali has been killed but Steed reassures him he'll recover and they escape into the darkness at the end of the balcony. Bai Shebro arrives just after they leave and raises the alarm but is too late to stop them.
Back in London some days later, the porter (Harold Holness) delivers a package to Jacquetta and when he leaves the hotel suite Inspector Anthony demands, "What the devil are you doing in there?" Taken aback, the porter claims to have been delivering drinks and hastily departs. Anthony checks with Jacquetta who has opened the package to find a box marked with the letter K. She tells him all is well and he re-emerges to find Dr Keel arriving and he brusquely accosts him as well, demanding to know who he is and how he got past the guard downstairs. Keel explains who he is, and the sergeant downstairs had stopped him and rung upstairs to check, so Anthony lets him enter the suite. Inside, Jacquetta is pleased to see him but says Lungi is still working; she is a bit embarrassed about how much she'd said the night before. They go in to see Sir Wilberforce and convince him to have some rest.
"Tomorrow, please God, we sign and all is finished", Lungi says and Jacquetta goes to prepare his insulin. While she's doing that, Lungi relates news he's heard from Tenebra where all is quiet, "A time of waiting, of hoping". In the sitting room, Jacquetta retrieves the box marked with a K and fills the syringe from the phial within. She then returns with the syringe and asks Dr Keel to administer it for her, which he does.
Sir Wilberforce nods off just as the phone rings and Jacquetta calls Dr Keel to take the call. The operator announces she's putting through Tangiers and Steed comes on the line. He warns Keel not to leave Sir Wilberforce for a minute, another attempt will be made on his life anytime. Steed says he's trying to get the RAF to get him there as quickly as possible. Keel, acutely aware of the importance of this information, pretends he's been speaking to a patient and rings off. Jacquetta offers him a drink and he suggests he should stay to make sure Sir Wilberforce is well. She questions why he's worried - but he has a right to be, as she slips a pill into his drink. She looks up at him and regretfully says, "It wouldn't have worked, would it David. You and me." He agrees then, overcome by the drug, he barely notices when she says "Some things are stronger than love." She leaves the room and he slumps onto the sofa.
Early the next morning, Steed arrives at the hotel and Anthony tells him they've doubled the security, nobody's been in or out all night. Upstairs, Jacquetta tells Anthony they're alright but Steed is alarmed when she says Dr Keel is sleeping it off after drinking too much. He rouses Keel, shouting "Wake up - you'll be late for church" and Keel woozily says it's a nightmare and asks after Lungi.
Anthony calls them urgently to the back room where Keel checks Sir Wilberforce and says they need an ambulance, it looks like Yellow Fever. Jacquetta is shocked but Keel whispers to Steed not to let her out of the suite, whatever happens. He phones a colleague and tells him they need the anti-serum for Yellow X to be sent to St Stephen's Hospital as quickly as possible. Steed has been listening and queries, "Not Yellow Fever?" and Keel replies it's very like it, a "witch doctor's brew" which Sir Wilberforce had taught him how to treat.
Jacquetta declares it's incredible; Dr Keel looks at her angrily and says Lungi had an A1 blood test when he arrived - so the only way he could have go it was when he injected him the night before. She admits this is true, but insists she tried to tell him. Steed lifts the fringe on her forehead to reveal the K brand of the Kondor Society. Keel, disgusted with her, tells Steed, "Get her out of here will you?" and Steed calls for the Inspector to take her away.
Mrs Peel, you're needed!
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Every episode from 1961 to 1977 plus more trivia than you can shake a brolly at.
http://www.dissolute.com.au/the-avengers-tv-series/
Every episode from 1961 to 1977 plus more trivia than you can shake a brolly at.
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Footnote says of the "white as the Ace of Spades" remark by Ali: "This is a strange phrase and it's meaning is ambiguous as the Ace of Spades is general considered black but the Tele-Snaps of Wolfe Morris playing Ali do look pale. This could be a chromatic aberration from over exposure as Wolfe Morris has a swarthy complexion. It would make more sense for a Syrian to be dark skinned as well."
The Tele-Snaps make it fairly clear Wolfe Morris has been made-up with pale skin makeup and whitened hair; in the 2010 reconstruction he is described as an "albino Syrian". The famous saying is "as black as the Ace of Spades" (I also like "as black as Newgate's Knocker") so they're obviously playing on that to humorous but sinister effect. I guess it fits better to have an albino enemy for reasons of eccentricity and the unusual which the producer was trying to inject into the show. The high tech chemical laboratory in which he works is also a nice contrast to the native ceremonies going on outside, and with his contrasting skin colour and distant origins and connections Ali does make for an incongruous figure.
I do wonder why he covets notoriety, blabs half their plans and the Kondor Society details to Steed (including a method of identifying their agent in London), then wants Steed shot for "knowing too much", though!
The Tele-Snaps make it fairly clear Wolfe Morris has been made-up with pale skin makeup and whitened hair; in the 2010 reconstruction he is described as an "albino Syrian". The famous saying is "as black as the Ace of Spades" (I also like "as black as Newgate's Knocker") so they're obviously playing on that to humorous but sinister effect. I guess it fits better to have an albino enemy for reasons of eccentricity and the unusual which the producer was trying to inject into the show. The high tech chemical laboratory in which he works is also a nice contrast to the native ceremonies going on outside, and with his contrasting skin colour and distant origins and connections Ali does make for an incongruous figure.
I do wonder why he covets notoriety, blabs half their plans and the Kondor Society details to Steed (including a method of identifying their agent in London), then wants Steed shot for "knowing too much", though!
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Frankymole
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"McGinlay & Hayes assumed it was Asiedu who silently dispatched the warriors but it seems more likely that Judith, being a strong woman, did that rather than a slender 12 year old boy as Christan Holder was in 1961. Possible proof for my reading is that the scene breakdown and script don't mention Asiedu until a couple of shots later."
Yes, the reconstruction on the DVDs has a Tele-Snap of Judith after one of an unconscious guard and what seems to be some kind of (metal?) vessel or bowl next to his collapsed body, implying she knocked him out with something she was carrying. The narration even says it was her who attacked and rendered the guard unconscious, so it's odd if the book differs (since it was written later!). She'd promised to help Steed, due to her friendship with Keel, so it would be an anti-climax in drama grammar terms if she had nothing to do with his escape. She even "scoped out" the guards earlier on before being sent packing, so she knew where to strike.
Plus, it's Dolores Mantez off UFO, of course she's going to be a kick-arse Avengers girl!
Yes, the reconstruction on the DVDs has a Tele-Snap of Judith after one of an unconscious guard and what seems to be some kind of (metal?) vessel or bowl next to his collapsed body, implying she knocked him out with something she was carrying. The narration even says it was her who attacked and rendered the guard unconscious, so it's odd if the book differs (since it was written later!). She'd promised to help Steed, due to her friendship with Keel, so it would be an anti-climax in drama grammar terms if she had nothing to do with his escape. She even "scoped out" the guards earlier on before being sent packing, so she knew where to strike.
Plus, it's Dolores Mantez off UFO, of course she's going to be a kick-arse Avengers girl!
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Thanks Franky, I'll rework my page based on your feedback. I found it hard to tell how white Ali was supposed to be but looking at it again you're clearly right.
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The stuff in the footnotes about the "ten days", "three days", "four days" apparent changes was worrying me, so I had a very careful reread of the script.
Sir Wilberforce only says that "in ten day's [sic], if the declaration is signed, I shall see the culmination of my life's work," so that can be discounted - he doesn't mean that in ten days it will be the day the declaration is signed, itself, but when the transition of power is complete and he has travelled back to Tenebra with the treaty documents and can see his government's transition and people's freedom - that could be several days after the signature. He might even appoint a new Cabinet or goverment in Tenebra once it is independent, and it would need a new Head of State which is something he must've prepared for, hence all the discussions about elections and which way the natives will vote.
We know the signature is due "next week" which ties in with the final day of the episode being a Sunday - confirmed by the final scene in which Steed wakes Keel by saying he'll be late for Church (in the 1960s in England a new week started on Sunday). Sir W's scheduled "heavy day" for Sunday presumably involved lots of work and a round of meetings to complete the diplomatic stuff around the independence treaty, so the final signature might've been the Sunday or might've been the Monday after it (more likely, as the Diplomatic and Civil Service would be unlikely to have all the relevant officials or clerical staff available on a Sunday if only to copy the documents). In any event, as the story developed it turns out he'd have become too ill to do anything after the infection was given to him so we must assume it was all put off - at least by some weeks if not indefinitely?
Which brings us to Ali and Bai Shebro discussing that it will "all be over in four days" i.e. Sir W will be dead or so incapacitated (and then dead) that no signature can ever happen; they chat on the Thursday (intercut with Keel's and Jacquetta's date). Keel and Jacquetta next meet again at Sir W's room when she knocks Keel out after he administers the injection - on Saturday (with Steed phoning from Tangiers. He gets back to England early on Sunday having travelled via the Tenebran capital from early Friday morning following his escape from Shebro's bungalow. The Kondor box with the Yellow X phial beat him back to London by only a few hours; presumably it was transported by Ali's partners, heavily implied to be a Communist government or agents).
Sir Wilberforce only says that "in ten day's [sic], if the declaration is signed, I shall see the culmination of my life's work," so that can be discounted - he doesn't mean that in ten days it will be the day the declaration is signed, itself, but when the transition of power is complete and he has travelled back to Tenebra with the treaty documents and can see his government's transition and people's freedom - that could be several days after the signature. He might even appoint a new Cabinet or goverment in Tenebra once it is independent, and it would need a new Head of State which is something he must've prepared for, hence all the discussions about elections and which way the natives will vote.
We know the signature is due "next week" which ties in with the final day of the episode being a Sunday - confirmed by the final scene in which Steed wakes Keel by saying he'll be late for Church (in the 1960s in England a new week started on Sunday). Sir W's scheduled "heavy day" for Sunday presumably involved lots of work and a round of meetings to complete the diplomatic stuff around the independence treaty, so the final signature might've been the Sunday or might've been the Monday after it (more likely, as the Diplomatic and Civil Service would be unlikely to have all the relevant officials or clerical staff available on a Sunday if only to copy the documents). In any event, as the story developed it turns out he'd have become too ill to do anything after the infection was given to him so we must assume it was all put off - at least by some weeks if not indefinitely?
Which brings us to Ali and Bai Shebro discussing that it will "all be over in four days" i.e. Sir W will be dead or so incapacitated (and then dead) that no signature can ever happen; they chat on the Thursday (intercut with Keel's and Jacquetta's date). Keel and Jacquetta next meet again at Sir W's room when she knocks Keel out after he administers the injection - on Saturday (with Steed phoning from Tangiers. He gets back to England early on Sunday having travelled via the Tenebran capital from early Friday morning following his escape from Shebro's bungalow. The Kondor box with the Yellow X phial beat him back to London by only a few hours; presumably it was transported by Ali's partners, heavily implied to be a Communist government or agents).
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Ah, nicely reasoned, that makes a lot of sense. So his ten days includes him returning to Tenebra and presenting it in parliament there.
So, we have:
Act 1:
Monday-Wednesday ?
Act 2:
Thursday (evening)
Act 3:
Friday-Sunday
What do you think?
The post must have been better then if a parcel can travel from Tenebra to London in 2 days!!! (arriving Saturday) - ah, I see you've accounted for that being transported personally by Communist agents; that's a clever conclusion, I like that.
So, we have:
Act 1:
Monday-Wednesday ?
Act 2:
Thursday (evening)
Act 3:
Friday-Sunday
What do you think?
The post must have been better then if a parcel can travel from Tenebra to London in 2 days!!! (arriving Saturday) - ah, I see you've accounted for that being transported personally by Communist agents; that's a clever conclusion, I like that.
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Thanks. Yes, I thought Act 1 must start on Monday at the latest, if Keel is suggesting a date with Jacquetta on Wednesday rather than "tomorrow", though I don't normally put a lot of credence on cut dialogue; but in this case a whole swathe of the scene was removed for apparent reasons of timing (and it still overran, I believe). I did wonder if they chopped some of it because the days didn't add up, but it seems a bit better put together than that. The story editor was doing his job 
Yes, I don't think Bai Shebro and Ali would want their plans for African domination dependent on the vagaries of the British Royal Mail, or even less reputable public postal couriers from deepest Africa through Europe - it must've gone by air and probably in the care of someone in on the plot. They cast a black man, Harold Holness, as the porter who finally passes the box to Jacquetta; since colourblind casting wasn't really a thing in 1961, many have assumed the porter is in on the plot and may be a member of the Kondor society or working for them. Perhaps he was placed in the hotel "mail room" to circumvent the police security who would surely check parcels for bombs and suspicious items (if the K society knew in advance Sir Wilberforce would be staying there - which they surely did, as Jacquetta made all the arrangments).
Also, may or may not be relevant: it arrived on a Saturday, but not with the morning post - although there were usually at least two postal deliveries to households and businesses per weekday then in the UK (not sure about Saturday but I assume so, because when I worked for Royal Mail, Saturday was treated as a normal work day), sometimes three deliveries per day, which continued right into the 1970s at least.
Yes, I don't think Bai Shebro and Ali would want their plans for African domination dependent on the vagaries of the British Royal Mail, or even less reputable public postal couriers from deepest Africa through Europe - it must've gone by air and probably in the care of someone in on the plot. They cast a black man, Harold Holness, as the porter who finally passes the box to Jacquetta; since colourblind casting wasn't really a thing in 1961, many have assumed the porter is in on the plot and may be a member of the Kondor society or working for them. Perhaps he was placed in the hotel "mail room" to circumvent the police security who would surely check parcels for bombs and suspicious items (if the K society knew in advance Sir Wilberforce would be staying there - which they surely did, as Jacquetta made all the arrangments).
Also, may or may not be relevant: it arrived on a Saturday, but not with the morning post - although there were usually at least two postal deliveries to households and businesses per weekday then in the UK (not sure about Saturday but I assume so, because when I worked for Royal Mail, Saturday was treated as a normal work day), sometimes three deliveries per day, which continued right into the 1970s at least.
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Yes, Wednesday seems to be skipped completely by Dr Keel, and possibly Steed as well. I'm not sure if Steed arrives in Mobele on Thursday morning or Wednesday afternoon, either is possible given the other travel timelines in the episode.
By the way, Christian Holder told me he got the part of Asiedu because his father, Boscoe, knew Harold Holness and Bari Johnson had been in Boscoe's dance troupe in the Fifties. I had not necessarily considered that the porter was in on the plot but they way he lied to Inspector Anthony suggests he might have been.
By the way, Christian Holder told me he got the part of Asiedu because his father, Boscoe, knew Harold Holness and Bari Johnson had been in Boscoe's dance troupe in the Fifties. I had not necessarily considered that the porter was in on the plot but they way he lied to Inspector Anthony suggests he might have been.
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Frankymole
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It's possible the porter was a sympathiser but not necessarily sent by the K society. Maybe he was just a fan of Jacquetta's books! It's all very pre-arranged as J doesn't need any instructions so the plan must've been a long-planned backup if the shooting in the opening film sequence went wrong. Ali was presumably making batches of Yellow X, some worked, some didn't presumably it doesn't survive long once prepared. It seems too risky to be an ad-hoc last desperate venture, and they're too confident, for it to be improvised in the last few days.
I read about the guest actors knowing each other from the dance troupe on your page, their friendship is a nice counterpoint to their antagonistic roles on screen.
I read about the guest actors knowing each other from the dance troupe on your page, their friendship is a nice counterpoint to their antagonistic roles on screen.
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