1 00:05:15,284 --> 00:05:19,246 It's an impressive collection. You have some very rare editions here. 2 00:05:19,913 --> 00:05:21,582 Are you sure you want to send them all? 3 00:05:21,791 --> 00:05:23,918 They're of no use to father, not anymore. 4 00:05:24,293 --> 00:05:26,461 Not since he's been this way. 5 00:05:26,671 --> 00:05:29,007 His library was his whole world. Now it's just... 6 00:05:29,256 --> 00:05:30,550 ...a painful memory. 7 00:05:30,717 --> 00:05:32,342 Unbearably painful. 8 00:05:34,137 --> 00:05:35,345 I understand. 9 00:05:36,890 --> 00:05:37,692 Well, 10 00:05:38,391 --> 00:05:41,769 at a rough preliminary estimate 11 00:05:42,020 --> 00:05:43,605 you have a collection here 12 00:05:44,356 --> 00:05:46,608 - worth around 600,000 dollars. - 600,000? 13 00:05:47,234 --> 00:05:49,194 Yes, worth that about. 14 00:05:50,446 --> 00:05:52,280 I have picked up one or two volumes 15 00:05:52,281 --> 00:05:53,948 that merit special attention. 16 00:05:54,200 --> 00:05:56,702 This "Persiles", for example, is important. 17 00:05:57,035 --> 00:05:59,413 I'd hang on to that. It'll never depreciate. 18 00:05:59,622 --> 00:06:01,707 - It's a good investment. - Valuable? 19 00:06:02,082 --> 00:06:03,292 Very valuable. 20 00:06:03,918 --> 00:06:06,963 As for this "Hypneratomachia di Poliphilo" 21 00:06:07,505 --> 00:06:09,966 by Colonna, Venice, 1545, 22 00:06:11,133 --> 00:06:13,344 I'm sure I can find you a buyer. 23 00:06:13,552 --> 00:06:16,388 But I wouldn't let the rest go for less than 500,000 24 00:06:16,639 --> 00:06:18,225 under any circumstances. 25 00:06:19,809 --> 00:06:21,435 It may take a month to sort of place them 26 00:06:21,602 --> 00:06:23,355 so in the meantime I advise you to be patient 27 00:06:23,479 --> 00:06:24,397 A month? 28 00:06:24,563 --> 00:06:26,608 Yes, a month or two, depends on how much of a hurry you're in, and see, 29 00:06:26,609 --> 00:06:29,152 more hurry, less money. 30 00:06:29,319 --> 00:06:32,864 - Of course. - Well, that's my advice anyway. 31 00:06:33,156 --> 00:06:35,317 I'm sure you wouldn't want to rush things 32 00:06:35,318 --> 00:06:37,479 but please feel free to consult another expert 33 00:06:37,579 --> 00:06:39,747 aand if you have any questions you know where to reach me. 34 00:06:39,955 --> 00:06:43,124 Incidentally, this four-volume edition 35 00:06:43,334 --> 00:06:47,213 of "Don Quixote" is quite nice, but not particularly valuable. 36 00:06:47,421 --> 00:06:49,715 Now, I could 37 00:06:49,966 --> 00:06:52,092 take it off your hands 38 00:06:53,135 --> 00:06:54,136 right away. 39 00:06:57,807 --> 00:06:59,977 How much were you thinking of? 40 00:07:00,393 --> 00:07:03,688 Oh, I couldn't go more than 4,000 - 4,200 41 00:07:04,273 --> 00:07:05,439 Oh, fine. 42 00:07:14,199 --> 00:07:15,450 - You here? - Hello Witkin. 43 00:07:15,576 --> 00:07:16,617 You didn't waste much time. 44 00:07:16,618 --> 00:07:18,912 Listen, there's a small fortune in there. Help yourself. 45 00:07:19,037 --> 00:07:21,372 You're a vulture Corso! A vulture! 46 00:07:21,373 --> 00:07:24,209 - Who isn't in our business? - You'd stuck to anything. 47 00:07:24,210 --> 00:07:26,420 For a Quixote by Ybarra? You bet I would. 48 00:07:26,421 --> 00:07:29,423 Unscrupulous! Thoroughly unscrupulous! 49 00:07:29,757 --> 00:07:31,008 Happy hunting. 50 00:07:49,944 --> 00:07:53,615 I've just got on the phone with Witkin. He's spitting blood. 51 00:07:54,283 --> 00:07:56,160 Really? What's his problem? 52 00:07:58,537 --> 00:08:01,957 He said you're a double-dealing moneygrabbing bastard. 53 00:08:03,042 --> 00:08:07,046 He thought he had that deal sold up. He said you queered his pitch. 54 00:08:07,087 --> 00:08:09,131 He should have been quicker and offer them more. 55 00:08:09,423 --> 00:08:11,843 - May I? - Sure. 56 00:08:12,009 --> 00:08:14,971 And he said your evaluation was way over the top. 57 00:08:15,346 --> 00:08:17,891 And those people coming out in a rash 58 00:08:18,307 --> 00:08:21,310 now they're asking twice what those books are worth. 59 00:08:27,234 --> 00:08:27,943 Let's face it. 60 00:08:28,151 --> 00:08:31,320 - You screw it off, that's what it's called. - That's what it's called. 61 00:08:31,321 --> 00:08:33,907 He also said that you snatched the "Don Qui-" 62 00:08:40,914 --> 00:08:44,502 Ybarra, "Don Quixote", 1780. 63 00:08:45,043 --> 00:08:47,296 All four volumes. 64 00:08:47,463 --> 00:08:51,133 Son of a bitch. Fantastic. 65 00:08:51,134 --> 00:08:53,469 Fantastic, you are the best. 66 00:08:54,136 --> 00:08:57,348 That client of yours, the Swiss, d'ya think he'd still be interested in this edition? 67 00:08:57,557 --> 00:09:00,393 I have Witkin on my ass, I really told him I had no part in this operation. 68 00:09:00,810 --> 00:09:02,395 Except 10%. 69 00:09:03,312 --> 00:09:05,648 20%. The Swiss is my client. 70 00:09:06,233 --> 00:09:07,192 No deal. 71 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:10,444 - 15, for my children's sake. - You don't have any children. 72 00:09:10,611 --> 00:09:11,989 I'm still young, give me time. 73 00:09:13,115 --> 00:09:13,960 Ten. 74 00:09:53,865 --> 00:09:57,453 ...and earlier in 1580, in "De la D�monomanie des sorciers" 75 00:09:57,660 --> 00:09:59,413 by the French Jean Bodin. 76 00:09:59,829 --> 00:10:04,443 Bodin was probably the first to attempt to estabilish a system, 77 00:10:04,505 --> 00:10:08,036 if the term "system" may be applied to the Middle Ages, 78 00:10:08,367 --> 00:10:11,028 for classifying the contemporary perceptions of evil. 79 00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:16,055 In Bodin we find one of the first definitions of the word "witch". 80 00:10:16,263 --> 00:10:17,389 I quote: 81 00:10:18,572 --> 00:10:19,716 "A witch is a person 82 00:10:19,717 --> 00:10:22,311 who, though cognizant in the laws of God, 83 00:10:22,479 --> 00:10:26,272 endeavours to act thorugh the medium of a pact with the Devil. 84 00:10:26,273 --> 00:10:30,111 To assist them in their work, many witches kept familiars, 85 00:10:30,445 --> 00:10:33,114 that is to say creatures such as cats or toads 86 00:10:33,365 --> 00:10:37,452 in which supernatural spirits or demons were thought to reside. 87 00:10:37,869 --> 00:10:40,789 For those of you, ladies and gentlemen who wish to dare more deeply 88 00:10:40,956 --> 00:10:43,251 into the controvertial subject of witchcraft, 89 00:10:43,459 --> 00:10:45,126 a great deal of relevant information 90 00:10:45,127 --> 00:10:47,495 may be found in the following works: 91 00:10:48,297 --> 00:10:50,591 Nicolas Remis "Demonolatriae libri" 92 00:10:50,799 --> 00:10:54,095 and "Compendium Maleficarum", by Francesco Maria Guazo. 93 00:11:03,271 --> 00:11:07,316 I see you were stimulated by my little talk, Mr. Corso. 94 00:11:11,071 --> 00:11:11,947 Did I snore? 95 00:11:12,155 --> 00:11:15,826 Most nice of you to ask. No, not that I noticed. 96 00:11:16,492 --> 00:11:17,244 Shall we go? 97 00:11:26,588 --> 00:11:28,881 - Don't you sleep nice? - Like a baby. 98 00:11:29,131 --> 00:11:30,550 Strange. 99 00:11:30,592 --> 00:11:32,758 I'd have bet a brace of Gutenberg Bibles 100 00:11:32,759 --> 00:11:35,597 you spend half the night with your eyes peeled 101 00:11:35,722 --> 00:11:38,600 You're one of those lean, hungry restless types 102 00:11:38,641 --> 00:11:40,351 that put the wind up Julius Caesar. 103 00:11:40,518 --> 00:11:43,396 Men who stab their friends in the back. 104 00:11:46,816 --> 00:11:49,944 Not that I suspect you have many friends, do you Mr. Corso? 105 00:11:49,945 --> 00:11:51,947 Your kind seldom does. 106 00:11:52,447 --> 00:11:53,991 That makes two of us. 107 00:12:00,998 --> 00:12:02,624 You're right, of course. 108 00:12:02,875 --> 00:12:05,294 Your friendships don't concern me in the least. 109 00:12:05,461 --> 00:12:08,881 Our relations have always been strictly commercial, and that's the way I like it. 110 00:12:09,048 --> 00:12:12,092 The professional and the personal should be mutually exclusive. 111 00:12:12,301 --> 00:12:15,304 Listen, I came here to do some business, not to shoot to breeze. 112 00:12:15,722 --> 00:12:19,141 If you want to expound you personal philosophies, write another book. 113 00:12:19,308 --> 00:12:20,435 You don't like me, do you? 114 00:12:20,644 --> 00:12:22,978 I don't have to like you. You're a client and you pay well. 115 00:12:37,619 --> 00:12:39,579 You're a priviledged, Mr. Corso. 116 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:42,707 Very few people ever set foot in here. 117 00:12:42,708 --> 00:12:44,751 This is my private collection. 118 00:12:45,502 --> 00:12:49,006 Some bibliophiles specialise in gothic novels, 119 00:12:49,257 --> 00:12:50,132 others in Books of Hours. 120 00:12:51,425 --> 00:12:54,512 All my own rare editions have the same protagonist: 121 00:12:55,137 --> 00:12:55,972 the Devil. 122 00:12:56,138 --> 00:12:58,391 - May I take a look? - Yes. 123 00:12:58,641 --> 00:12:59,809 That's why I brought you here. 124 00:13:15,324 --> 00:13:16,743 Beautiful, aren't they? 125 00:13:17,578 --> 00:13:20,789 Their soft sheen, their superb guilding, 126 00:13:21,665 --> 00:13:24,585 not to mention the centuries of wisdom they contain. 127 00:13:24,793 --> 00:13:27,297 I know people who would kill for a collection like this. 128 00:13:28,298 --> 00:13:29,882 The "Ars Diavoli". 129 00:13:30,466 --> 00:13:34,345 You'll never see as many books on the subject anywhere else in the world. 130 00:13:34,803 --> 00:13:37,931 They're the rarest, the choicest editions in existence. 131 00:13:38,141 --> 00:13:40,268 It's taken me a lifetime to assemble them. 132 00:13:40,602 --> 00:13:43,104 Only the supreme masterpiece was missing. 133 00:13:43,771 --> 00:13:44,772 Come. 134 00:13:53,363 --> 00:13:55,520 "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows". 135 00:13:55,742 --> 00:13:59,830 - You're familiar with it. - Yes, Venice 1666. 136 00:13:59,955 --> 00:14:04,001 The author and printer Aristide Torchia was burned by the Holy Inquisition 137 00:14:04,293 --> 00:14:05,460 together with all his works. 138 00:14:06,419 --> 00:14:09,006 - Only three copies survived. - One. 139 00:14:09,298 --> 00:14:12,009 The Catalogue has three copies surviving, of private ownership: 140 00:14:12,010 --> 00:14:14,427 the Fargas, the Kessler and the Telfer. 141 00:14:14,428 --> 00:14:17,973 It's true, you know your business. But you're mistaken nonetheless. 142 00:14:18,224 --> 00:14:20,809 According to my own research, only one is authentic. 143 00:14:20,935 --> 00:14:22,395 Well, three are known. 144 00:14:23,145 --> 00:14:24,481 That's the trouble. 145 00:14:25,398 --> 00:14:28,443 - Where did you get it? - I bought it from Telfer. 146 00:14:28,984 --> 00:14:31,363 - Telfer? - Yes, he fnally sold it to me. 147 00:14:31,613 --> 00:14:33,532 The day before he killed himself. 148 00:14:34,449 --> 00:14:35,909 That's good timing. 149 00:14:44,085 --> 00:14:46,087 "Silentium est aureum". 150 00:14:46,963 --> 00:14:49,840 - Silence is golden. - Precisely. 151 00:14:51,133 --> 00:14:53,052 Ever heard of the "Delomelanicon"? 152 00:14:53,469 --> 00:14:56,055 I have heard of it, yes. It's a myth, isn't it? 153 00:14:56,556 --> 00:14:58,724 A book reputed to have been written by Satan himself 154 00:14:58,933 --> 00:15:01,519 No myth. That book existed. 155 00:15:01,811 --> 00:15:03,813 Torchia actually acquired it. 156 00:15:06,983 --> 00:15:11,946 The engravings you are now admiring were adapted by Torchia from the "Delomelanicon". 157 00:15:12,698 --> 00:15:15,409 They form a kind of satanic riddle. 158 00:15:16,284 --> 00:15:18,808 Correctly interpreted with the aid of the original text, 159 00:15:18,809 --> 00:15:20,122 and sufficient inside information, 160 00:15:20,123 --> 00:15:24,167 they're reputed to conjure up the Prince of Darkness in person. 161 00:15:24,960 --> 00:15:26,169 You don't say. 162 00:15:27,796 --> 00:15:29,715 Are you a religious man, Mr. Corso? 163 00:15:29,965 --> 00:15:32,718 I mean, do you believe in the supernatural? 164 00:15:32,968 --> 00:15:34,928 I believe in my percentage. 165 00:15:37,473 --> 00:15:39,309 Aren't you getting dizzy standing there? 166 00:15:43,605 --> 00:15:45,398 What is it that you want from me, Balkan? 167 00:15:51,362 --> 00:15:53,489 I want you to go to Europe and investigate. 168 00:15:53,782 --> 00:15:56,575 The other two copies are in Portugal and France. 169 00:15:56,576 --> 00:15:59,433 I want you to find some way of comparing them with mine. 170 00:15:59,434 --> 00:16:02,290 Every page, every engraving, the binding, everything. 171 00:16:02,332 --> 00:16:05,127 I'm convinced only one is authentic I wanna know which. 172 00:16:05,128 --> 00:16:06,837 That can be an expensive trip. 173 00:16:08,631 --> 00:16:11,884 That's to get you started. Spend what you need. 174 00:16:13,928 --> 00:16:16,103 What if I find that your copy's a forgery? 175 00:16:16,263 --> 00:16:17,280 It's quite possible. 176 00:16:18,140 --> 00:16:19,099 Really? 177 00:16:20,935 --> 00:16:22,479 It doesn't appear to be. 178 00:16:25,524 --> 00:16:27,107 Even the paper sounds couture. 179 00:16:27,234 --> 00:16:29,694 Even so, something's wrong. 180 00:16:29,944 --> 00:16:31,738 You mean the Devil won't show up. 181 00:16:34,282 --> 00:16:38,537 If all three copies turn out to be bogus or incomplete your work will be done. 182 00:16:38,538 --> 00:16:42,791 If, on the other hand, one of them turns out to be genuine, I'll finance you further. 183 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:44,292 I want you to get it for me. 184 00:16:45,002 --> 00:16:47,295 At all costs. Nevermind how. 185 00:16:47,379 --> 00:16:49,090 "Nevermind how" sounds illegal. 186 00:16:49,297 --> 00:16:52,051 It wouldn't be the first time you've done something illegal. 187 00:16:52,052 --> 00:16:54,804 - Not that illegal. - Hence the size of the check. 188 00:16:59,684 --> 00:17:02,103 Do a good job. I'll double it. 189 00:17:05,940 --> 00:17:08,694 There's gotta be something wrong with it if you're letting it out of your hands. 190 00:17:08,695 --> 00:17:11,070 I have the outmost faith in you, Mr. Corso. 191 00:17:11,153 --> 00:17:15,241 There's nothing more reliable than a man whose loyalty can be bought for hand cash. 192 00:18:12,468 --> 00:18:14,511 Good morning. Dean Corso. 193 00:18:15,721 --> 00:18:18,308 I'm terribly sorry to disturb you at a time like this. 194 00:18:29,236 --> 00:18:33,698 It would be very helpful ma'am if you could tell me what you know about 195 00:18:33,906 --> 00:18:34,991 this book. 196 00:18:43,166 --> 00:18:45,878 - Isn't this one of my husband's books? - Right. 197 00:18:46,419 --> 00:18:50,049 It was in his collection until very recently. He sold it to a client of mine. 198 00:18:50,173 --> 00:18:51,926 I'm trying to authenticate it. 199 00:18:52,134 --> 00:18:53,426 He sold it, you say? 200 00:18:54,011 --> 00:18:56,639 How strange, this was one of his most treasured possessions. 201 00:18:56,722 --> 00:18:59,850 - He never mentioned this sale? - No, it's news to me. 202 00:19:00,726 --> 00:19:03,729 - Who bought it? - A private collector. 203 00:19:04,397 --> 00:19:05,690 May I know his name? 204 00:19:06,983 --> 00:19:08,527 I'm afraid that's confidential. 205 00:19:08,943 --> 00:19:12,071 - I suppose he has a bill of sale. - No problem there. 206 00:19:12,072 --> 00:19:15,199 Is this your job? Authenticating rare books? 207 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:16,784 And tracking them down, yes. 208 00:19:17,703 --> 00:19:20,330 - You're a book-detective. - Kind of. 209 00:19:22,249 --> 00:19:25,252 Do you recall when and where your husband acquired this book? 210 00:19:27,212 --> 00:19:28,338 In Spain. 211 00:19:28,881 --> 00:19:33,260 We were vacationing at Toledo. Andrew was very excited. 212 00:19:33,635 --> 00:19:35,721 He paid a great deal of money for it. 213 00:19:36,722 --> 00:19:38,640 He was a fanatical collector. 214 00:19:38,892 --> 00:19:39,835 So I gather. 215 00:19:41,685 --> 00:19:42,561 I'll show you. 216 00:20:03,626 --> 00:20:05,001 It's impressive. 217 00:20:05,210 --> 00:20:07,588 Andrew used to spend many hours in here. 218 00:20:09,506 --> 00:20:10,256 Too many. 219 00:20:10,758 --> 00:20:11,884 Did he ever try it out? 220 00:20:13,218 --> 00:20:14,261 I don't understand. 221 00:20:14,845 --> 00:20:15,554 The book. 222 00:20:16,680 --> 00:20:19,245 Did he ever use it to perform some kind of ritual 223 00:20:19,246 --> 00:20:21,810 intended to produce a supernatural effect? 224 00:20:22,061 --> 00:20:24,688 - Are you serious? - Yes, absolutely. 225 00:20:25,481 --> 00:20:28,901 Andrew was a trifle eccentric, Mr. Corso, 226 00:20:28,943 --> 00:20:30,736 But he wasn't insane. 227 00:20:31,029 --> 00:20:33,156 It's true he'd been acting 228 00:20:34,533 --> 00:20:36,284 strange in those last few days, 229 00:20:36,493 --> 00:20:40,664 he shut himself up in here, he seldom emerged, except for meals. 230 00:20:41,665 --> 00:20:45,669 That morning I was awoken by the screams of the maid. 231 00:20:49,966 --> 00:20:51,258 He'd hanged himself. 232 00:20:54,971 --> 00:20:56,504 Whatever he was up to, 233 00:20:56,505 --> 00:21:01,227 I certainly can't see him chanting mambo jambo or trying to raise the dead. 234 00:21:01,228 --> 00:21:06,190 The Devil, Mrs. Telfer. This book is designed to raise the Devil. 235 00:21:56,159 --> 00:21:59,204 "Sic luceat lux". 236 00:22:00,371 --> 00:22:02,416 "Thus might the light shine". 237 00:24:52,801 --> 00:24:55,471 Son of a bitch. Where did you get this? 238 00:24:55,680 --> 00:24:56,639 Balkan. 239 00:24:57,013 --> 00:24:58,849 He wants me to research it. 240 00:24:59,559 --> 00:25:01,727 Balkan owns a "Nine Gates"? 241 00:25:01,936 --> 00:25:04,730 Recently acquired by the late lamented Andrew Telfer. 242 00:25:04,939 --> 00:25:05,982 Trust Balkan... 243 00:25:06,190 --> 00:25:09,318 What does he need you for? I don't suppose he plans to sell it? 244 00:25:09,735 --> 00:25:12,154 He wants me to compare it with the other two survival copies 245 00:25:12,155 --> 00:25:14,456 which are in Portugal and France. 246 00:25:14,657 --> 00:25:16,409 So I'm off to Europe. 247 00:25:16,576 --> 00:25:17,535 Compare it? 248 00:25:18,328 --> 00:25:21,206 Yes. Only one of the three is authentic, he says. 249 00:25:22,040 --> 00:25:24,126 But this looks genuine enough. 250 00:25:24,792 --> 00:25:28,839 Chrissake, it's gotta be worth a million. Take care of it. 251 00:25:29,006 --> 00:25:32,050 That's why I'm here. I need you to stash it for me. 252 00:25:32,843 --> 00:25:34,303 'Cause I'm starting to see things. 253 00:25:34,344 --> 00:25:37,598 - Like what? - Uninvited visitors, unfamiliar faces. 254 00:25:38,473 --> 00:25:40,727 I don't trust anyone, not even Balkan. 255 00:25:41,603 --> 00:25:43,186 I come to think I'm not even sure I trust you. 256 00:25:44,062 --> 00:25:46,294 You know I wouldn't screw you unless there was a good reason: 257 00:25:46,925 --> 00:25:48,476 money, women, business... 258 00:25:48,610 --> 00:25:50,193 Other than that you can relax. 259 00:25:51,529 --> 00:25:53,823 - I'll take it up on my way to the airport. - Sure. 260 00:25:55,575 --> 00:25:57,493 These engravings are terrific. 261 00:25:57,869 --> 00:25:59,829 Or horrific, whichever. 262 00:26:00,289 --> 00:26:03,124 Sensational, absolutely sensational. 263 00:26:45,043 --> 00:26:46,211 May I come in? 264 00:26:56,347 --> 00:26:57,348 Please, sit down. 265 00:27:01,059 --> 00:27:03,019 I've come to talk business. 266 00:27:05,231 --> 00:27:07,817 Yesterday, when you came to see me about that book, 267 00:27:10,319 --> 00:27:13,114 I was too surprised to react as I should have done. 268 00:27:13,322 --> 00:27:15,616 I mean it really was one of Andrew's favourites. 269 00:27:16,325 --> 00:27:17,326 So you said. 270 00:27:17,743 --> 00:27:19,370 I'd like to get it back. 271 00:27:21,164 --> 00:27:23,749 - That could be a problem. - Not necessarily, it all depends. 272 00:27:23,750 --> 00:27:26,295 - On what? - On you. 273 00:27:26,837 --> 00:27:30,090 I don't understand, Mrs. Terfel. The book is not mine to dispose of. 274 00:27:39,517 --> 00:27:41,018 You work for money, I take it? 275 00:27:41,184 --> 00:27:42,102 What else? 276 00:27:42,227 --> 00:27:44,689 - I have a great deal of money. - I'm very happy for you. 277 00:27:44,897 --> 00:27:46,315 You could stage a theft. 278 00:27:46,524 --> 00:27:48,693 I imagine your client is well insured. 279 00:27:51,148 --> 00:27:51,194 - I'm a professional, ma'am. - You're a professional mercenary. 280 00:27:51,363 --> 00:27:53,367 Mercenaries work for the highest bidder. 281 00:27:55,575 --> 00:27:57,076 I could throw in a bonus. 282 00:27:58,745 --> 00:28:02,207 - This has happened before in some place. - I know, in the movies. 283 00:28:02,208 --> 00:28:03,833 She had an automatic her stocking... 284 00:28:08,130 --> 00:28:09,672 No automatic. 285 00:28:19,016 --> 00:28:21,185 - Would you like a drink? - Why not? 286 00:29:49,569 --> 00:29:51,279 Okay. Where is it? 287 00:29:51,821 --> 00:29:53,071 Where's what? 288 00:29:53,865 --> 00:29:55,658 Don't fuck with me! 289 00:29:57,619 --> 00:29:59,162 I thought I already did. 290 00:30:29,401 --> 00:30:33,782 You have reached "Bernie's Rare Books". Please leave your message after the beep. 291 00:30:35,366 --> 00:30:37,159 Bernie, you there? 292 00:30:38,912 --> 00:30:39,913 Pick up. 293 00:31:08,401 --> 00:31:10,069 Give me a minute, I won't be long. 294 00:31:10,194 --> 00:31:12,905 - Then you can take me on the "Kennedy" - No problem sir. 295 00:31:47,190 --> 00:31:48,401 Oh Jesus! 296 00:32:04,208 --> 00:32:05,585 Jesus Christ... 297 00:33:05,106 --> 00:33:06,315 None problem? 298 00:33:41,476 --> 00:33:42,270 Stop. 299 00:33:42,769 --> 00:33:44,438 Stop by that phone booth, pull over. 300 00:33:44,479 --> 00:33:45,856 No problem sir. 301 00:33:52,447 --> 00:33:54,574 He isn't available at the time. May I know who's calling? 302 00:33:55,782 --> 00:33:59,495 - You'd like to leave a message? - No, I have to talk with him at once. 303 00:33:59,704 --> 00:34:00,822 I'm afraid he is in transit. 304 00:34:00,823 --> 00:34:01,942 If you can give me your number, 305 00:34:01,943 --> 00:34:04,061 I'll have him return it when he checks us. 306 00:34:04,334 --> 00:34:07,337 No, I'm in a phone booth. It's an emergency. 307 00:34:07,962 --> 00:34:11,007 I have to speak with him right now. Right now, do you hear me? 308 00:34:11,008 --> 00:34:11,967 Right now. 309 00:34:13,761 --> 00:34:14,678 One moment. 310 00:34:32,154 --> 00:34:33,656 - Are you there, Mr. Corso? - Yeah. 311 00:34:33,657 --> 00:34:34,907 Ok, I'll put him through. 312 00:34:39,662 --> 00:34:41,373 Mr. Corso, what have you got for me? 313 00:34:41,623 --> 00:34:43,082 More than I'd bargained for. 314 00:34:43,416 --> 00:34:45,627 - What do you mean? - I mean I quit. 315 00:34:46,043 --> 00:34:47,878 I wanna return you the book. Where are you? 316 00:34:48,088 --> 00:34:52,050 I'm disappointed in you, Mr. Corso. You never let me down before. 317 00:34:52,425 --> 00:34:54,219 Well, this is different. 318 00:34:54,719 --> 00:34:56,471 Do you remember Bernie Orenstein? 319 00:34:57,706 --> 00:34:58,730 The dealer? 320 00:34:58,830 --> 00:35:00,824 I gave him your book to stash it for me 321 00:35:01,060 --> 00:35:03,020 and now he's dead, murdered. 322 00:35:03,270 --> 00:35:05,689 - Because of the book? - What else? 323 00:35:06,941 --> 00:35:10,695 Look, I've never said it would be easy. If it's a question of money... 324 00:35:10,820 --> 00:35:12,363 It isn't the money, I want out. 325 00:35:12,529 --> 00:35:15,032 This matter means a great deal to me, Mr. Corso. 326 00:35:15,241 --> 00:35:17,076 I'm not an ungenerous man, you know that. 327 00:35:17,285 --> 00:35:21,414 Proceed as arranged, and you can tack another zero onto your fee. 328 00:35:22,748 --> 00:35:24,792 What... Hey, where are you? 329 00:36:17,472 --> 00:36:20,768 - Good evening. - Good evening. Come in. 330 00:36:21,560 --> 00:36:23,812 - You speak English? - Yes, I do. 331 00:36:25,147 --> 00:36:27,399 I would like to get your opinion on this. 332 00:36:38,328 --> 00:36:40,955 What a habit for a book binder... 333 00:36:41,539 --> 00:36:45,000 "The Nine Gates" - superb edition. Very rare. 334 00:36:45,627 --> 00:36:46,919 The Telfer copy. 335 00:36:47,504 --> 00:36:49,755 Yes. You used to own it, right? 336 00:36:49,797 --> 00:36:51,340 - We used to, yes. - We sold it. 337 00:36:51,341 --> 00:36:54,594 ...when the opportunity presented itself. It was too good to.. 338 00:36:54,595 --> 00:36:56,930 ...too good to miss. An excellent sale. 339 00:36:56,972 --> 00:36:59,557 An excellent buying! Impeccable condition. 340 00:36:59,558 --> 00:37:02,185 Impeccable. Are you the present owner? 341 00:37:02,352 --> 00:37:03,938 No, A client of mine. 342 00:37:04,354 --> 00:37:07,692 I would never have believed she would part with it. Never. 343 00:37:08,109 --> 00:37:09,986 - She? - Mrs. Telfer. 344 00:37:12,697 --> 00:37:15,365 I understood that it was Mr. Telfer that had bought it. 345 00:37:15,448 --> 00:37:16,659 He'd pay for it. 346 00:37:17,201 --> 00:37:19,210 It was Mrs. Telfer who made him buy it. 347 00:37:19,211 --> 00:37:21,219 - He didn't seem particularly... - ...interested. 348 00:37:23,040 --> 00:37:25,209 An exceptional specimen. 349 00:37:25,377 --> 00:37:28,672 - Do you think it could be a forgery? - Forgery? Hear that, Pablo? 350 00:37:28,754 --> 00:37:32,384 I took you for a professional. You speak too lightly of forgeries. 351 00:37:32,385 --> 00:37:33,635 Far too lightly. 352 00:37:34,051 --> 00:37:36,763 Forging a book is very expensive. 353 00:37:36,971 --> 00:37:41,101 Paper of the period, right inks, Too expensive to be profitable. 354 00:37:41,310 --> 00:37:43,561 - Still it can be done. - Of course. 355 00:37:43,562 --> 00:37:45,856 It requires a great skill, but yes it can be done. 356 00:37:46,106 --> 00:37:47,858 Do you think that could be the case here? 357 00:37:48,191 --> 00:37:49,152 What makes you ask? 358 00:37:49,359 --> 00:37:52,863 My client wishes to satisfy himself on the book's authenticity. 359 00:37:53,156 --> 00:37:56,074 His name's Balkan. Boris Balkan of New York. 360 00:37:56,075 --> 00:37:59,536 - All books have a destiny of their own. - And a life of their own. 361 00:38:00,079 --> 00:38:02,874 Mr. Balkan is a celebrated collector. 362 00:38:03,082 --> 00:38:05,877 He's no fool, he must know this book is authentic. 363 00:38:06,210 --> 00:38:07,628 - We know it. - So must he. 364 00:38:07,629 --> 00:38:09,839 - We've had this book for years. - Many years. 365 00:38:09,881 --> 00:38:11,966 With ample opportunity to study it thoroughly. 366 00:38:12,551 --> 00:38:13,967 The printing, the binding, 367 00:38:13,968 --> 00:38:17,598 are magnificent examples of 17th century Venetian craftsmanship. 368 00:38:17,681 --> 00:38:21,455 Finest rag-paper. Resistent to the passage of time. 369 00:38:21,701 --> 00:38:24,090 None of your modern wood-pulp. 370 00:38:24,647 --> 00:38:26,357 Watermarks, ink, 371 00:38:26,565 --> 00:38:28,149 typefaces... 372 00:38:28,442 --> 00:38:29,400 If this is a forgery, 373 00:38:29,401 --> 00:38:33,155 or a copy with missing pages restored, is the work of a master. 374 00:38:35,574 --> 00:38:40,454 Have you studied the engravings? They seem to have some underlying significance. 375 00:38:40,537 --> 00:38:41,913 But of course. 376 00:38:41,914 --> 00:38:43,083 Here, for example. 377 00:38:43,333 --> 00:38:46,564 This one could be interpreted as a warning: 378 00:38:46,565 --> 00:38:49,797 "Venture too far" it seems to say, "and danger will descend on you from above". 379 00:38:50,966 --> 00:38:53,551 These types of books often contain little puzzles. 380 00:38:53,717 --> 00:38:56,638 Especially in the case of such an illustruous collaborator. 381 00:38:57,097 --> 00:38:58,181 Collaborator? 382 00:38:58,390 --> 00:39:01,017 You could have not proceeded, very far in your research, Se�or. 383 00:39:01,685 --> 00:39:02,895 Here. look close. 384 00:39:03,061 --> 00:39:07,565 Don't you see? Only six of the nine engravings were signed by Aristide Torchia. 385 00:39:07,900 --> 00:39:10,027 Yes. And the other three? 386 00:39:10,695 --> 00:39:12,195 This is one of them. 387 00:39:13,114 --> 00:39:14,949 L, C, F. 388 00:39:16,492 --> 00:39:17,409 Who's LCF? 389 00:39:17,660 --> 00:39:18,494 Think. 390 00:39:24,750 --> 00:39:25,710 Lucifer? 391 00:39:27,337 --> 00:39:30,215 Very perceptive of you, Se�or. 392 00:39:31,132 --> 00:39:33,058 Torchia was burnt alive 393 00:39:33,059 --> 00:39:35,900 because he wrote this book in collaboration with someone else. 394 00:39:35,928 --> 00:39:37,638 Come on. You can't honestly believe... 395 00:39:37,639 --> 00:39:41,226 The man who wrote this book did so in alliance with the Devil 396 00:39:41,351 --> 00:39:43,020 and went to the stake for it. 397 00:39:43,103 --> 00:39:45,731 Even hell has its heroes, Se�or. 398 00:41:36,179 --> 00:41:38,390 - I have seen you before. - Have you? 399 00:41:38,897 --> 00:41:39,780 Yes. 400 00:41:40,434 --> 00:41:43,811 - Are you travelling in this car? - The next one. 401 00:41:43,895 --> 00:41:46,857 The sleeper... I travel on the cheap. 402 00:41:48,567 --> 00:41:51,361 - Are you a student? - Something like that. 403 00:41:52,529 --> 00:41:53,865 I like trains. 404 00:41:54,239 --> 00:41:57,284 - Trains I'm on? - Just trains. 405 00:42:00,370 --> 00:42:01,538 What's your name? 406 00:42:02,123 --> 00:42:03,082 Guess. 407 00:42:05,209 --> 00:42:07,170 - Green eyes? - That'll do. 408 00:42:07,545 --> 00:42:09,797 - What's yours? - Corso. 409 00:42:09,964 --> 00:42:11,132 Strange name. 410 00:42:11,966 --> 00:42:13,801 Italian, it means "to run". 411 00:42:14,469 --> 00:42:18,264 You don't look like a runner to me. You're more the quiet type. 412 00:42:22,227 --> 00:42:27,191 Well, give my regards to Balkan. Tell him I'm doing my best. 413 00:42:27,566 --> 00:42:30,527 - Balkan? - Nevermind. 414 00:42:31,236 --> 00:42:32,529 See you around. 415 00:42:33,364 --> 00:42:34,365 Maybe. 416 00:42:36,075 --> 00:42:37,868 I wouldn't be surprised. 417 00:44:12,271 --> 00:44:13,166 Yes? 418 00:44:14,010 --> 00:44:16,095 Yes... Dean Corso, Mr. Fargas. 419 00:44:16,387 --> 00:44:21,726 - Corso? Oh yes, please come in. - Thank you. 420 00:44:26,689 --> 00:44:27,982 Please. 421 00:44:33,280 --> 00:44:34,698 Home sweet home. 422 00:44:38,827 --> 00:44:41,288 You won't say no to a brandy I take it? 423 00:44:41,622 --> 00:44:42,791 Thank you very much. 424 00:44:56,504 --> 00:44:57,338 Thank you. 425 00:44:58,974 --> 00:45:00,725 What handsome glasses. 426 00:45:00,976 --> 00:45:03,144 They're the only ones I have left. 427 00:45:07,190 --> 00:45:10,068 - It has to have been a beautiful place. - It was. 428 00:45:10,403 --> 00:45:13,238 But old families are like ancient civilisations, 429 00:45:13,239 --> 00:45:14,948 they wither and die. 430 00:45:18,244 --> 00:45:21,872 There they are, 834 of them. 431 00:45:22,038 --> 00:45:24,959 What a pity you didn't see them in better times. 432 00:45:25,000 --> 00:45:26,711 I used to have 5,000. 433 00:45:26,919 --> 00:45:29,047 But these are the survivors. 434 00:45:29,213 --> 00:45:31,257 So this is the Fargas collection. 435 00:45:31,882 --> 00:45:33,927 Not quite as I imagined it I must say. 436 00:45:34,260 --> 00:45:35,761 C'est la vie, my friend. 437 00:45:36,054 --> 00:45:40,474 But I keep them in perfect conditions, safe from damp, light, heat, rats. 438 00:45:40,892 --> 00:45:42,811 I dust and air them every day. 439 00:45:47,607 --> 00:45:49,359 These are the occult. 440 00:45:50,027 --> 00:45:52,779 - What do you think? - Not bad. 441 00:45:52,946 --> 00:45:55,991 Not bad indeed. At least ten of them are extremely rare. 442 00:45:56,576 --> 00:45:59,453 Here: Plancy, "Dictionnaire Infernal", 443 00:46:00,412 --> 00:46:03,666 first edition, 1844. 444 00:46:05,752 --> 00:46:09,923 Leonardo Fioravanti's "Compendi dei Secreti", 1571. 445 00:46:15,762 --> 00:46:17,305 And there it is, 446 00:46:17,889 --> 00:46:19,641 in perfect condition. 447 00:46:23,770 --> 00:46:26,205 It has travelled the world for three and a half centuries, 448 00:46:26,206 --> 00:46:28,439 yet it might have been printed yesterday. 449 00:46:29,401 --> 00:46:32,446 Is it in order? I mean you haven't detected anything unusual? 450 00:46:32,654 --> 00:46:34,031 Unusual? no. 451 00:46:34,114 --> 00:46:37,701 The text is complete, the engravings too, nine plus the title page's, 452 00:46:38,118 --> 00:46:42,122 as the catalogue states, just like the Kessler in Paris and the Telfer in New York. 453 00:46:43,123 --> 00:46:45,710 Yes... It isn't the Telfer anymore. 454 00:46:46,126 --> 00:46:47,503 Telfer killed himself. 455 00:46:47,796 --> 00:46:50,415 But he sold his copy to Boris Balkan first. 456 00:46:50,824 --> 00:46:52,158 Oh, Balkan. 457 00:46:52,717 --> 00:46:56,178 If he sets his eye on a book no price is too high. 458 00:46:56,387 --> 00:46:59,808 Not that I would ever sell this one. Not at any price. 459 00:47:01,476 --> 00:47:06,022 It's strange that he should have sent you here if he... 460 00:47:06,606 --> 00:47:07,565 ...already had... 461 00:47:09,734 --> 00:47:11,027 Do you have it here? 462 00:47:12,530 --> 00:47:13,697 May I see it? 463 00:47:31,757 --> 00:47:33,969 Oh, superb. 464 00:47:38,472 --> 00:47:42,268 Beautiful. Identical. 465 00:47:42,476 --> 00:47:44,688 Two of the only three to escape the flames 466 00:47:44,896 --> 00:47:47,398 reunited for the first time in over three centuries. 467 00:47:49,067 --> 00:47:50,152 Yes. 468 00:47:51,028 --> 00:47:54,061 Look at this slight imperfection here, the damaged "S"... 469 00:47:54,948 --> 00:47:57,409 The same type, the same impression. 470 00:47:58,201 --> 00:47:59,786 Oh, incredible. 471 00:48:02,582 --> 00:48:06,502 As you see if it wasn't for this slight discoloration on the back of your copy 472 00:48:06,586 --> 00:48:08,211 no one could tell them apart. 473 00:48:08,838 --> 00:48:12,592 If you don't mind I would like to stay for a while and examine them in detail. 474 00:48:16,095 --> 00:48:18,222 What are you looking for, Mr. Corso? 475 00:48:18,890 --> 00:48:20,475 I'm not quite sure. 476 00:48:21,060 --> 00:48:24,270 Some books are dangerous, not to be opened with impunity. 477 00:48:25,438 --> 00:48:26,522 Very true. 478 00:49:00,392 --> 00:49:02,226 I'll be damned! 479 00:51:56,557 --> 00:51:57,477 Hello again. 480 00:51:58,676 --> 00:52:01,122 - You didn't say you were bound for Sintra. - Neither did you. 481 00:52:01,264 --> 00:52:02,578 What are you doing here? 482 00:52:02,883 --> 00:52:03,675 Reading. 483 00:52:04,248 --> 00:52:05,266 I can see that. 484 00:52:05,428 --> 00:52:08,269 And bumping into people unexpectedly. 485 00:52:08,712 --> 00:52:11,482 Yes, unexpected is right. 486 00:52:12,410 --> 00:52:16,671 Are you on a business trip? Is that why you always carry that thing around? 487 00:52:22,405 --> 00:52:24,627 - Just part of your course? - My course? 488 00:52:25,142 --> 00:52:28,779 "Winning friends and influencing people". You said you're a student. 489 00:52:28,879 --> 00:52:29,643 Did I? 490 00:52:30,507 --> 00:52:33,048 So I am, in a way. 491 00:52:34,589 --> 00:52:37,391 I like books. Do you? 492 00:52:40,900 --> 00:52:42,873 - You been travelling long? - A while. 493 00:52:44,248 --> 00:52:45,888 I don't suppose you ever travel by motorbike? 494 00:52:45,889 --> 00:52:48,458 Sir? Excuse me sir. Phone call for you, sir. 495 00:52:49,037 --> 00:52:52,375 - For me? Are you sure? - Yes sir. Please sir... 496 00:52:59,172 --> 00:53:01,083 - Yes? - Mr. Corso? 497 00:53:01,342 --> 00:53:03,244 My God, how did you find me? 498 00:53:03,694 --> 00:53:07,815 - Made any progress? - Progress? Yeah, you can call it that. 499 00:53:07,968 --> 00:53:08,859 Well? 500 00:53:09,784 --> 00:53:12,988 Look, I can't talk here, I'm in the lobby. Let me call you back, where are you? 501 00:53:13,145 --> 00:53:15,467 Nevermind that. Get them to transfer it to your room. 502 00:53:15,604 --> 00:53:17,325 - I'll wait. - Alright. 503 00:53:17,964 --> 00:53:21,719 Se�or, pardon me. Could you send this up to my room? 504 00:53:21,773 --> 00:53:23,048 - Yes. - Thank you very much. 505 00:53:32,224 --> 00:53:33,824 - Still there? - Yes. 506 00:53:34,276 --> 00:53:36,945 Alright. I've examined the Fargas copy. 507 00:53:37,200 --> 00:53:39,482 It's authentic enough, at least it looks that way. 508 00:53:39,554 --> 00:53:42,314 It's like yours, but there are discrepancies. 509 00:53:42,571 --> 00:53:43,729 Discrepancies? 510 00:53:45,358 --> 00:53:47,534 The engravings are not identical. 511 00:53:48,207 --> 00:53:49,968 Just like keys in different hands, 512 00:53:50,341 --> 00:53:53,117 doorways open in one copy and bricked up in the other... 513 00:53:53,496 --> 00:53:56,562 - And there's another thing. - Yes. Yes, go on. 514 00:53:57,330 --> 00:54:01,961 The ones that differ aren't signed Torchia. They're signed LCF. 515 00:54:04,691 --> 00:54:06,426 - Still there? - LCF. 516 00:54:06,451 --> 00:54:07,783 Listen, where are you anyway? 517 00:54:07,880 --> 00:54:10,313 I must have that copy, Mr. Corso. 518 00:54:10,887 --> 00:54:12,125 Get it for me. 519 00:54:13,275 --> 00:54:16,520 The old man wouldn't sell it to save his life. He said as much. 520 00:54:16,793 --> 00:54:17,842 Did he? 521 00:54:19,500 --> 00:54:22,782 Hello? Hello? 522 00:54:53,238 --> 00:54:54,331 Just a minute! 523 00:55:12,670 --> 00:55:15,281 - What time is it? - Early, but you have to go. 524 00:55:16,616 --> 00:55:18,743 - Go? Go where? - To Fargas' place. 525 00:55:18,744 --> 00:55:20,161 I've already seen Fargas. 526 00:55:20,328 --> 00:55:21,621 I think you should see him again. 527 00:55:22,246 --> 00:55:24,524 What is this, some kind of practical joke? Who are you? 528 00:55:24,624 --> 00:55:28,194 - What do you know about Fargas? - Get dressed. I'll wait for you outside. 529 00:56:10,105 --> 00:56:12,482 Don't bother. He isn't there. 530 00:56:12,815 --> 00:56:15,986 - Oh really, then where is he? - Over there. 531 00:56:44,849 --> 00:56:46,268 God Almighty... 532 00:56:59,573 --> 00:57:01,117 You want to get inside? 533 00:57:01,993 --> 00:57:03,494 I had thought about it, yes. 534 00:57:25,934 --> 00:57:27,351 You wait here. 535 00:57:51,252 --> 00:57:52,002 Shit! 536 00:58:13,650 --> 00:58:15,276 Well, did you find it? 537 00:58:16,195 --> 00:58:19,323 You know, it's come to my attention that you know too goddam much. 538 00:58:19,530 --> 00:58:21,824 Why do you keep following me around? Who are you working for? 539 00:58:21,825 --> 00:58:24,493 You're wasting time asking all these questions. We better get out of here. 540 00:58:24,494 --> 00:58:27,540 There's a flight from Lisbon to Paris at noon. We should just make it. 541 00:58:27,748 --> 00:58:30,292 - What's with the "we"? - There are two of us, aren't there? 542 00:58:30,293 --> 00:58:31,794 What happened back there? 543 00:58:38,343 --> 00:58:40,720 The old man caught someone stealing, I guess. 544 00:58:41,429 --> 00:58:44,098 - And what do you guess happened to him? - He drowned. 545 00:58:45,182 --> 00:58:48,019 - With a little help from who? - He's dead, who cares? 546 00:58:48,020 --> 00:58:48,853 I do. 547 00:58:49,980 --> 00:58:51,856 I could easily end up the same way. 548 00:58:52,482 --> 00:58:54,526 Not with me around to look after you. 549 00:58:55,485 --> 00:58:58,780 - Oh I see, you're my guardian angel. - If you say so... 550 00:59:03,535 --> 00:59:07,331 - Someone is playing a game with me. - Of course, you're part of it. 551 00:59:08,707 --> 00:59:10,918 And you're getting to like it. 552 00:59:45,999 --> 00:59:46,908 Keep the change. 553 00:59:55,831 --> 00:59:56,765 Hello Gruber. 554 00:59:57,267 --> 01:00:00,186 Hello Mr. Corso. Delighted to see you again. 555 01:00:00,333 --> 01:00:02,618 We don't have any vacancies, but... 556 01:00:03,732 --> 01:00:05,942 I'm sure I'll be able to organise something. 557 01:00:09,378 --> 01:00:11,107 - Thank you very much. Please... - Thank you, sir. 558 01:01:02,908 --> 01:01:04,480 - Excuse me? - Good morning madam. 559 01:01:04,481 --> 01:01:06,102 The Kessler Foundation, please. 560 01:01:06,103 --> 01:01:07,722 - Second floor. - Thank you. 561 01:01:35,335 --> 01:01:36,336 Good afternoon. 562 01:01:36,879 --> 01:01:40,007 I'm Dean Corso, I have an appointment with Baroness Kessler. 563 01:01:45,138 --> 01:01:45,971 This way. 564 01:01:55,273 --> 01:01:57,108 You have thirty minutes. 565 01:02:02,572 --> 01:02:04,491 - Yes? - Monsieur Corso. 566 01:02:05,575 --> 01:02:08,203 Oh yes, Mr. Corso. Come in. 567 01:02:08,746 --> 01:02:10,497 I've heard a great deal about you. 568 01:02:12,123 --> 01:02:14,668 - Nothing good I hope. - You hoped right. 569 01:02:14,752 --> 01:02:15,836 Thanks, Simone. 570 01:02:16,086 --> 01:02:18,213 Well, I'm reassured, Baroness, because 571 01:02:18,463 --> 01:02:20,492 in my trade to be spoken well of 572 01:02:20,536 --> 01:02:23,128 can be professionally disastrous. 573 01:02:24,795 --> 01:02:25,682 My God. 574 01:02:25,721 --> 01:02:29,558 Yes, there it is. The Kessler Collection. 575 01:02:32,270 --> 01:02:34,021 You know I know your catalogue almost by heart? 576 01:02:34,130 --> 01:02:35,683 Strange we haven't met before. 577 01:02:35,754 --> 01:02:38,509 Your name is a byword among dealers and collectors. 578 01:02:39,194 --> 01:02:42,447 But I imagine you know your own reputation better than I do. 579 01:02:42,696 --> 01:02:45,866 Yes, well it does keep the wolf from the door, so to speak. 580 01:02:45,950 --> 01:02:47,536 I'm sorry Baroness. Where you in the middle of something? 581 01:02:47,743 --> 01:02:49,370 Of my latest work: 582 01:02:49,371 --> 01:02:52,582 "The Devil, History and Myth". A kind of biography. 583 01:02:52,666 --> 01:02:55,085 It will be published early next year. 584 01:02:55,335 --> 01:02:57,671 - Why the Devil? - I saw him one day. 585 01:02:57,880 --> 01:03:01,801 I was 15 years old and I saw him as plain as I see you now. 586 01:03:01,802 --> 01:03:03,467 It was love at first sight. 587 01:03:03,468 --> 01:03:05,527 You know, 300 years ago 588 01:03:05,528 --> 01:03:07,672 you'd have been burned at the stake for saying something like that. 589 01:03:07,724 --> 01:03:10,059 300 years ago I wouldn't have said it. 590 01:03:10,601 --> 01:03:13,478 Nor would I have made a million by writing about it. 591 01:03:13,896 --> 01:03:14,772 Yeah. 592 01:03:15,106 --> 01:03:17,900 What is it you wish to discuss, Mr. Corso? 593 01:03:18,568 --> 01:03:21,279 There's a book in your collection I'd like to examine if possible. 594 01:03:21,488 --> 01:03:23,620 It's the book of "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows". 595 01:03:23,621 --> 01:03:26,530 The "Nine Gates"? An interesting work. 596 01:03:26,868 --> 01:03:28,995 Everyone's been asking me about it lately. 597 01:03:29,413 --> 01:03:30,121 Is that so? 598 01:03:30,163 --> 01:03:31,205 Follow me. 599 01:03:35,001 --> 01:03:37,463 You truly believe in the Devil, Baroness? 600 01:03:37,504 --> 01:03:40,883 Enough to devote my life and my library to him. 601 01:03:41,842 --> 01:03:44,053 Not to mention many years of work. 602 01:03:44,887 --> 01:03:45,721 Don't you? 603 01:03:46,055 --> 01:03:47,306 Almost. 604 01:03:49,100 --> 01:03:51,769 This book demands a certain amount of faith. 605 01:03:51,810 --> 01:03:54,480 Well, I'm afraid my faith's in short supply these days. 606 01:03:54,605 --> 01:03:58,359 I know this work extremely well. I studied it for years. 607 01:03:58,650 --> 01:04:00,153 Do you have any doubts about its authenticity? 608 01:04:01,528 --> 01:04:02,529 Not wheresoever. 609 01:04:02,654 --> 01:04:03,447 Are you sure? 610 01:04:03,448 --> 01:04:05,867 My knowledge of this book is profound. 611 01:04:06,117 --> 01:04:07,744 I wrote a biography of its author. 612 01:04:07,952 --> 01:04:10,914 Yes, I read it: "Aristide Torchia, the Devil's Apprentice", 613 01:04:11,122 --> 01:04:11,915 Excellent work. 614 01:04:12,332 --> 01:04:13,833 A corageous man. 615 01:04:14,125 --> 01:04:18,254 He died for the sake of this very book in 1667. 616 01:04:18,338 --> 01:04:20,885 While studying the Black Arts in Prague, 617 01:04:20,886 --> 01:04:23,803 he acquired a copy of the dread "Delomelanicon". 618 01:04:24,470 --> 01:04:26,722 This is Torchia's adaptation of that work 619 01:04:26,723 --> 01:04:28,974 which was written by Lucifer himself. 620 01:04:29,600 --> 01:04:32,061 After they burned him at the stake, a secret society 621 01:04:32,062 --> 01:04:34,522 was founded, to perpetuate its memory, 622 01:04:34,605 --> 01:04:36,564 and preserve its secrets. 623 01:04:36,565 --> 01:04:39,152 "The Order of the Silver Serpent". 624 01:04:39,777 --> 01:04:40,778 What, a sect? 625 01:04:40,986 --> 01:04:42,987 A kind of witches' coven. 626 01:04:42,988 --> 01:04:45,908 For centuries they've met to read from this book 627 01:04:45,909 --> 01:04:47,994 and worship the Prince of Darkness. 628 01:04:48,370 --> 01:04:50,982 Today it's degenerated into a social club 629 01:04:50,983 --> 01:04:53,250 for bored millionaires and celebrities, 630 01:04:53,458 --> 01:04:55,669 who use its meetings as an excuse 631 01:04:55,877 --> 01:04:58,756 to indulge their jaded sexual appetites. 632 01:04:59,673 --> 01:05:01,258 I myself belonged to the Order, 633 01:05:02,008 --> 01:05:03,050 years ago. 634 01:05:03,051 --> 01:05:05,512 But time is too precious at my age 635 01:05:05,554 --> 01:05:08,223 besides my orgy days are over. 636 01:05:08,348 --> 01:05:09,767 I told them to go to the Devil. 637 01:05:11,769 --> 01:05:13,813 You mean it's all about sex or... 638 01:05:13,896 --> 01:05:14,814 Of course not. 639 01:05:15,272 --> 01:05:18,276 They're under the illusion that they owe their money and success 640 01:05:18,443 --> 01:05:20,236 to membership in the Order. 641 01:05:20,237 --> 01:05:22,113 - Do they still meet? - Every year, 642 01:05:22,155 --> 01:05:24,240 on the anniversary of Torchia's death. 643 01:05:24,615 --> 01:05:26,368 They'll be meeting very soon now. 644 01:05:26,617 --> 01:05:29,078 - And you said they read from this book. - Not this one. 645 01:05:29,288 --> 01:05:33,250 I took mine back when Liana Telfer acquired the one in Toledo. 646 01:05:33,500 --> 01:05:35,392 Victor Fargas is an unbeliever, 647 01:05:35,419 --> 01:05:39,881 he's always refused to partecipate so naturally they use the Telfer copy. 648 01:05:40,174 --> 01:05:41,800 Not that it has ever worked. 649 01:05:42,426 --> 01:05:43,926 Did Andrew Telfer ever take part? 650 01:05:44,052 --> 01:05:46,973 Telfer? Oh, no, no... 651 01:05:47,681 --> 01:05:50,935 That creature Liana, married him for his money. 652 01:05:51,351 --> 01:05:54,856 She comes from an old and aristocratic French family, 653 01:05:54,857 --> 01:05:57,108 The "De Saint-Martins", but they were penniless. 654 01:05:57,150 --> 01:06:00,653 So Liana used his dollars to restore her castle 655 01:06:00,862 --> 01:06:02,655 and buy the "Nine Gates". 656 01:06:02,947 --> 01:06:06,284 If he ever finds out what his wife gets up to at these gatherings 657 01:06:06,285 --> 01:06:07,952 he'll probably kill himself. 658 01:06:08,828 --> 01:06:12,082 Funny you should say that, Baroness. He hung himself last week. 659 01:06:16,252 --> 01:06:19,590 Who exactly are you working for, Mr. Corso? 660 01:06:19,923 --> 01:06:22,217 My client's name is irrelevant, Baroness. 661 01:06:22,218 --> 01:06:24,512 I'm simply trying to authenticate his copy, 662 01:06:24,595 --> 01:06:26,722 just the one that Telfer sold him before he died. 663 01:06:26,806 --> 01:06:29,975 How stupid of me! I should have guessed. 664 01:06:30,851 --> 01:06:34,522 You've out stage of welcome, Mr. Corso. 665 01:06:34,772 --> 01:06:37,150 I was hoping to examine your copy in detail. 666 01:06:37,233 --> 01:06:38,359 Certainly not. 667 01:06:39,276 --> 01:06:42,030 Tell your client, who can only be Boris Balkan, 668 01:06:42,031 --> 01:06:45,574 to come and examinate himself, if he dares. 669 01:06:46,492 --> 01:06:49,955 Tell him not to send any more wolves in sheep clothing. 670 01:06:51,081 --> 01:06:53,834 Now kindly leave. 671 01:06:56,586 --> 01:07:00,307 Well, I'm sorry if I troubled you. 672 01:07:00,407 --> 01:07:01,659 Thank you very much for your time. 673 01:07:01,758 --> 01:07:04,469 You don't know what you're getting yourself into, Mr. Corso. 674 01:07:06,096 --> 01:07:08,181 Get out before it's too late. 675 01:07:08,932 --> 01:07:12,310 I'm afraid it already is, Baroness. Good day. 676 01:08:24,010 --> 01:08:25,011 Thanks. 677 01:10:55,001 --> 01:10:56,002 They're broken. 678 01:10:57,629 --> 01:10:59,506 You should be more careful. 679 01:11:14,480 --> 01:11:17,567 - I need a favour, Gruber. - Certainly, Mr. Corso. 680 01:11:17,775 --> 01:11:19,277 Liana Telfer, 681 01:11:19,610 --> 01:11:23,406 Maiden name De Saint-Martin, 40ish, brunette, dishy, 682 01:11:23,865 --> 01:11:25,908 probably accompanied by 683 01:11:27,952 --> 01:11:30,621 a black gentleman with 684 01:11:31,497 --> 01:11:32,623 closely cropped 685 01:11:32,832 --> 01:11:36,067 platinum blonde hair, and a moustache. 686 01:11:36,253 --> 01:11:38,588 I wanna know if they're staying in some hotel here in Paris. 687 01:11:38,671 --> 01:11:39,594 It'll take a little time... 688 01:11:39,595 --> 01:11:42,342 Yes, of course. Start with the "Five Stars". That's your best bet. 689 01:11:42,592 --> 01:11:44,261 - Very well sir. - Alright. 690 01:11:44,421 --> 01:11:45,776 Are you feeling alright? 691 01:11:46,972 --> 01:11:49,391 I've felt better, Gruber. Thanks. 692 01:11:50,100 --> 01:11:52,019 Let me know if you locate.