Episode 3: Fodor's Guide to London, Chapter 1

History and tradition greet you at every turn in London, yet it's also one of the most modern cities you can find. First established by the Romans, it grew to be the capital of one of the largest empires and remains one of the largest cities in the world. Built on the River Thames, London has always been an important center for culture and trade, and is so diverse that it is said over three hundred languages are spoken within

Jean.

Gene, you can put your pen down. What take a look out the window.

We're here, ah, London. It's great to be back.

I wouldn't have minded a little more notice.

Need I remind you, darling, this is what you wanted, A big new publisher means that our schedule is no longer in our own hands. The demands are larger, Yes, yes, I know. Fortunately with larger demands come nicer accommodations. Martin booked us a room at the Savoy.

M Okay, I can live with that, I thought.

So.

See, some changes are going to be very positive. Some well different, Like the new photographer just one of the many ideas Martin has to modernize our guide books.

But I'm fine with making the move to color photos. But I don't love that we weren't allowed to find someone to hire ourselves with what time?

Anyway, Martin says this Rebecca is the cream of the crop, a young talented freelancer right out of college who's eager to impress us. She's meeting us at the train station any minute now, So don't forget to be nice when am I not? And keep in mind, while you may not continue to snap every photo in our book, you will have final say over what is printed. You are the editor now, and we need to delegate so we can allow the business to grow.

All right, Bud. If her work is SuPAR, then she won't be.

Back during cross station choring cross station.

That's us mister and missus Podor.

Hello, you must be miss Ralston.

Oh, please call me Rebecca, and you must call us Gina and Vlasta.

Is so so nice to meet you both.

I was worried I'd miss your train with.

All these clouds coming and going, and there really are a whole lot of people in London.

When did you arrive in dumb Oh?

Last night?

I was so chatlied, but I was like, Rebecca, you are in London.

Go to the pub. Have you ever tried? Oh my god, what do they call it?

Baker's and mash I can't say I have fun name disgusting fair?

Well, shall we get going?

Hold on, I'd like to learn a little more about Rebecca.

Sure thing.

How did you meet Martin?

I was interning at Time magazine and Martin was closing a deal with my boss at the time. We got to talking and he knew I was eager for more road work.

I'm not the most suitor to being in office, though.

I did learn a lot, so when he offered me a job working with the best trials in the world, I jumped at the chance.

I see you and what do you shoot on?

Well, I guess that depends on the subject matter.

I use my hustle blot for landscape and portraiture if I need a longer exposure. But if you like me to lean more into the feeling of the city and the action of the streets, I brought my leika. It allows me to capture the intimate details and the candid action, or, like Bresson likes to say, the decisive moment. And I use a variety of film speeds depending on the movement and time of day. But given how gloomy it is in London right now, I'd say we start with four hundred.

Satisfied darling for now.

Yes, let's see what you got awesome.

I'll take you to the hotel to drop your stuff. Martin sent a list of sights to begin with for Gina and I to visit and flast up. He sent this briefcase for you. They are mock ups, writing samples and budget spreadsheets. Man, I saw plenty of those during my internship at Time Magazine, Like I have my work cut outs for me.

The Savoy will make a wonderful office.

And gee, if it's not too much trouble, I would love to make it to Big Ben by magic hour.

Then let's get a move on, and we'll meet you back at the hotel later.

Darling, Yes, go capture those decisive moments.

Well, Plastic seems smart, beautiful and tough as nails. Satisfying her might be harder than completing this mission.

It'll get easier once she gets to know you. She's always handled everything, so it's going to be an adjustment for her to let go of the reins a bit.

I get it.

These books are her baby and you're her husband. Not many women would want to share both. But now that we are alone, are you carrying the microphone?

Yes, it's in a hidden compartment in my coat.

Good, then follow me. We're right on time.

Wait, Big Ben is the other direction.

I shot it yesterday.

We have a stop to make where we're going to meet Roger Hollis for a drink. It will tends and deliver the microfilm.

Roger Hollis. I worked with him during the war. At the time, he was in MI five's f Division, which was a secret organization focused on counter subversion tactics. Clever fellow, but I'd hate to play poker with him.

Well, now he's Director General of m I five, so I guess he's played his cards.

Right, and Wilton's is a perfect venue for such an exchange.

And only a block away.

Wilton's isn't just any restaurant, It's a true London institution. You can file Wilton's in your mental library under restaurants. You can still acceptably take your grandfather to places where round red men go to nap and things older than America. It is that last point which is most telling. Wilton's turned two hundred and seventy six this year, and it's fair to say that its dining room has done a fat lot more good for the world's cultural and economic

Yes, and this is my wife Anne.

I've heard so much about you.

Wonderful to meet you, Rebecca. Have you had the pleasure of meeting Charles and ann elwell yet? Charles is another one of my buddies from the war.

Oh more than that, Jean saved my life. Not quiet, don't be modest. Under orders from m I five, I worked with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve to help smuggle British agents into occupied to when I was captured and placed as a pow in Colditz Castle.

If you're not familiar with Colditz, it was one of the most noted Nazi prisoner of war camps for enemy officers during the war.

More colloquially known as Oa Flag, it was a.

Thousand year old fortress right in the heart of Hitler's Reich that was nearly impenetrable, with two meter thick walls built on a cliff with a sheer drop of seventy five meters to the river Mulda below.

Gene, I missed you. Encyclopedic knowledge, and it was this knowledge that helped Jane lead a team to liberate the castle, finally framing me at the end.

Of the war.

Very impressive.

Are you still with m I five, Charles, Yes, as is n Really that's fascinating. I'm sure it makes for a good dinner conversation.

If it's not top secret altogether.

As nice as it is to catch up on old times, we have more pressing business to address. Please, let's take a seat. Martin says, you have something to share with.

Us, Yes, of course, just here in my pocket.

Well see, the Soviets have created detailed pathfinder maps of London and every major city in Western Europe. This came from a source deep inside the Kremlin.

Lives were lost for this.

We greatly appreciate you delivering this intelligence. We've been dealing with some critical intelligence leaks of our own, which is the real reason I had Martin arranged this meeting.

What do you mean Since.

The nineteen fifties, dozens of covert operations within MI five have failed. In addition, KGB's spies have evaded capture both in the UK and the US, and the only explanation is that someone has been warning them. We believe there is a spy ring working within mi I five.

These KGB mulls have been crippling and corrupting our biggest operations for decades. Hell, even the plans for the Manhattan Project when hands of the Soviets before the nuclear bombers even tested.

And now we have our own Manhattan Project and we fear the same results. The HMS Dreadnought is the UK's first nuclear submarine and we can't afford for these plans to end up in the hands of.

The KGB nuclear submarines and bombs. All that sounds very high stakes, but what does this have to do with me.

M I five needs, Eugene. There is a mole within the company and no one can be trusted, even in the highest chambers of intelligence.

So we need someone outside the intelligence apparatus to conduct the investigation.

I thought we were just delivering the film, that was it.

The mission is an over yet, Gene.

If we don't expose this mole and prevent these plans from leaking, then recovering these maps would be useless.

The Soviets will have both.

The means and the method to attack.

We believe it is this very mole who gave the Soviets the information pathfinder used to make his maps.

We've gotten close before that, the suspects escaped at the last minute, or missions have been canceled in the minic of time.

So how are we supposed.

To help strictly information gathering? We suspect the mole is in the Admiralty, most likely the Naval Intelligence Division. You will work directly with Charles and Anne to conduct surveillance on the various suspects. They don't know who you are, and no one else in MI I five will know about this operation. When you find the traitor, you report him directly to me.

Sounds straightforward enough.

Good, then I must be off. I trust you will handle this in both a discreet and timely fashion.

What Rod I meant to say is we appreciate your help with this.

I'm sure just slipped his mind. So where do we begin with the Vice admiral that high up the food chain.

Here's our file on him and the surveillance vote has collected so far.

Who is this man standing beside him in most of these pictures?

Oh, that's John Vassel, local officer to the Vice.

Admiral, clerical officer. His suits are a touch too nice for that station rests nicer than the admiral himself. I know where these suits come from, and they cost more than a government's salary would provide. Do you have any more information on him?

We'll pull his file immediately.

Good. In the meantime, since I know the tailor, perhaps Rebecca and I will go try on a suit or two. Savile Row is a street in central London, but it's also much more than that. It is home to the finest in suits and tailors in the world. In eighteen forty six, Henry Pool, later credited as the creator of the dinner jacket, opened an entrance to Savile Row from his tailoring premises in Old Burlington Street. Other tailors followed,

Hello Sir and madam, welcome to Huntsman and sons. How may be of assistance?

Yes, I yes, thank you.

My husband here is in desperate need of a new suit.

His friends said you were the best in town.

That is very kind, darling.

How many suits did John say he had?

No?

I think he said dozens. But you know vassal always exaggerating, Vassal, John vassal, He is, in fact telling the truth. I've personally fitted him for more than three dozen of my finest suits.

Hu, no wonder he always looks so sharp.

A suit like that must set him back a pretty penny.

Oh, honey, you cannot put a price on elegance.

Your lovely wife is correct. Of course, it depends on the cut and material that.

Is your preference.

I just love that suit in the window and good taste.

I've learned long ago not to argue with my wife. Do you have time to take my measurements? Of course, if you would just stand right here for.

Me, fantastic.

We're attending a wedding next week and I'm just desperate to get him into something new. Man so resistant to change sometimes. Can I write the delivery address down for you while you finish the measurements.

Yes, please leave it in the address book. It's on the counter there, all right, very good and done.

And how much do we owe you with this material?

It'll be three hundred quid, madam. I can have it finished top of the week.

Expensive, but worth every penny. I'm sure he will be quite dashing.

As they say, madam, the suit makes the mass.

Oh, it certainly makes them better.

Then perhaps I should also order three dozen like John, I.

Think we'll just stick with one for now.

Now, come along, dear, we have some more shopping to do.

Of course, darling right behind you. Thank you both, and have a splendid evening.

Nice suit, too bad, Vlosta will never see you in it.

Three hundred pounds of suit and over three dozen suits, that's like ten thousand pounds. There's no way he can afford that on a government salary.

Why don't we swing by Vassal's house and check it out. I pulled his address from the shop ledger when I wrote down the fake.

Delivery smart what's the address?

Eight hundred and seven Hood House. I think that's near the Thames Hood House.

I know that area. That's on Dolphin Square where it's one of the most expensive addresses in London. Unless he's related to the royal family. What is a deputy clerk doing living there.

Let's call in in Charles to let them know what we've learned.

There's a payphone. Hello, Ann, it's Gina and Rebecca. Did you get any more information on Vassal?

Yes? Actually you were concerned about his finances and we just learned his yearly salary is seven hundred and fifty pounds a year and he's not independently wealthy. Plus he recently left the country with his passport to come months back for a two week vacation to Aruba. He's definitely living above his station.

We just came back from the tailor shop. Between the suits, the trips and the flat on Dolphins Square, there's no question Vassals living beyond his means. The question is where is that money coming from.

We're going to case Vassal's apartment to see what else we can find. We'll check back in later.

Okay, but be careful.

Case the apartment. How are we going to do that?

We aren't going to do anything.

You are going to stand outside and keep a lookout while I break into his apartment and search for clues.

That sounds like a bit more than surveillance.

Surveillance was your job.

I have my own company to answer to, and they play by their own rules.

Let's move.

At the time of its first construction, Dolphins Square's twelve hundred and fifty upmarket flats were billed by Sir Nicholas Pevsner as the largest self contained block of flats in Europe. Boasting the most developed private garden square in all of London. Due to its proximity to the Palace of Westminster and built near the River Thames, Dolphin Square became one of the most popular residences in the city for politicians and royalty, with more than seventy MP's and at least ten lords

All right, Gene, we've been watching this place for the better part of an hour. It looks like no one's home. You stay here, well, I go inside to investigate.

I can't just.

Let you go in there alone. What if something goes wrong.

I can take care of myself.

That's clear, But what about me. I'd be awfully alone out here.

And who said chivalry was dead? Fine? Follow me, stay quiet and stay close.

What are you doing.

Picking the lock?

Thought it'd be more subtle than kicking down the door.

How long's that take? We don't know how long he'll be gone.

For good thing.

I'm quick teta keep the lights off, Try not to disturb too much.

The man certainly has good taste. These rugs alone cost a fortune.

I'll go shack upstairs. You search down here, let me know if you find anything suspicious.

Ah, this is where he keeps all those swanky suits.

Hey jeans, Come look at this.

Where are you?

I'm upstairs in the bedroom.

What'd you find?

Hidden cameras and mics they are everywhere.

Maybe the Soviets are spying on him too.

Maybe, But how do you explain these photos?

They were in a vanity drawer with a false bottom.

Whoa, These are some seriously compromising pictures he has of himself. Not to mention many members of parliament. I recognize several of d MPs from the papers.

Jesus, he's running a classic honey trap.

Honey trap, that's right.

He lures them and seduces them and captures it all in his hidden cameras and recorders. Then he uses the to blackmail. Then only difference is it's usually a woman running a honeytrap. These photos would ruin a lot of careers in marriages, even.

More effective for blackmail. Shit, he's home.

What do we do?

Hide in the closet? If he finds us, I'll handle it.

You.

I have an idea.

What are you doing with that suit?

Mister Vassal? Is that you? The hell?

Are you?

What are you doing in my apartment? I was sent from h Huntsman and Sons with a lovely new suit for you. I knocked and found the door unlocked. I'm terribly sorry for the intrusion, but I couldn't bear to leave the suit out in the cold. I fear something could have happened to it.

I've never seen you at the show up before.

I'm a new apprentice called the crap.

I know who you are?

You do you' kgb?

You know he had to kill me?

What? No? I did what you asked? Please leave me alone.

I won't tell anyone, I swear, Please leave me alone.

Oh wait, no, what are you waiting for?

Catch him?

I thought I was just observing.

Vassel. Come back. We're not here to kill you.

Where'd you go there?

He's crossing Saint George's Square.

Saint George's Square is a very prestigious and very long garden square in affluent Timlico, Central London. He was London's first residential square and has had many notable residents over the years. Dracula author and creator Ram Stoker died at number twenty six in April nineteen twelve.

If he's heading for Pimlico Tube station, you cover the Thames and we'll corner him.

Okay, vassal stop, it's a dead end. If we have you surrounded, please don't suit. We're not going to kill you.

We just want to ask you a few questions.

What kind of.

Questions the type that would be better answered over a pot of tea in your apartment?

Would you like some milk with it?

No? Thank you? Now, why don't you start by explaining why you thought the Soviets were after you?

It started when I was on diplomatic station in Poland. I allowed my guard to drop, being out of the country and all, and I wasn't as careful as I normally am about about being with other men I see, and the Soviets said a honey trap for me with a young man and used those photos to blackmail me. At first, it was just a few documents, nothing high level, but slowly it became more insidious, and now they are making me act as the honey trap in order to blackmail other men.

I'm doing what they.

Want, but I I said, I want to be finished with the whole business, and I was worried they came to doom me in.

Then you should be very glad we caught you first.

My friends and I five are on their way over.

Let's see if your story holds up with them.

Jean and Rebecca. Great work, m I five owes you a debt of gratitude. Very impressed with how quickly you've got a handle on this.

Glad to be of service, Roger.

Hopefully Vassal can help expose the rest of the spy network.

My men are still looking through vassels belongings, but they've already uncovered thousands of documents to pass through. It looks like he's been taking payments from the Soviets for years.

He almost seemed believed to have finally been caught, though.

I was thinking, who knows if they really took those honeytrap photos of Vassal as blackmail, or if he's just using them as cover. Now that he's been exposed, works as are real nice alibi.

M Either way, that is one less traitor in the British Service. Congratulations on a job well done.

Well, I'm off to the Savoy. I'm sure Philosta is waiting for me. Rebecca, are you coming?

I think I should do some sight seeing make up for today's works of last days and suspicious good idea.

I'll see you tomorrow. The Savoy Hotel is the embodiment of elegance and refinement and the first purpose built deluxe hotel in London, setting new standards for luxury, comfort and service unheard of in the hotel world of the day. The Savoy was the first to introduce current modern conveniences like electric lights throughout the building, electric lifts, bathrooms in most of the lavishly furnished rooms, constant hot and cold

Gene, is that you, darling back so late?

It was a long day, but we got some great things accomplished.

How was it working with Rebecca?

Impressive? A bit young and over eager, but she certainly gets the job done.

I was speaking of getting jobs done. I am nowhere near through the paperwork Martin sent me.

How about I take you to dinner and you tell me all about it?

I could be persuaded. Who could that be? Charles? What are you doing here?

So sad? Show up and announced? But when Gene phoned to say you were visiting, I impulsively made a dinner reservation and came right over. I hope I'm not interrupting.

Oh please come in, Charles. So great to see you, even if you are interrupting.

And this is my wife Anne, the famous mister and missus photo.

It's so wonderful to finally meet you.

Likewise, Gina's told me so much, but not nearly enough.

Well, then, while you two ladies get acquainted, I hope you don't mind if I steal Gine for a drink downstairs.

Of course, and can help me pick out my dress. Make sure I'm suitable for British society.

You boys, have fun.

We'll be down shortly, splendid, I'll see you.

So, Charles, I have to ask, what is it like working with your wife in this spy world? This whole time, I thought I was protecting Gloucester, protecting her marriage by not telling her. I hate lying to her, but the last thing I ever want to do is put her at risk.

Initially I had those fears too, and sure it's created conflict in our marriage, but overall, I think it's brought us closer together. In this line of work, it's difficult to find someone who can trust. To have someone you can always rely on and confide in, It's more than most people have in this business. And if anything, it's strengthened our relationship. We have no secrets.

Don't you worry about her?

Of course? But she can handle herself as I think lost a.

Yeah, maybe that's what I'm afraid of.

Two sculptures neat very good sir.

Okay, Charles, Now that we are safely in the bar, what is the real reason you're here?

I wanted to tell you the truth about today.

What do you mean? Even if there's more to the Vassal. Case we found them, all my work is done.

I'm sorry to say, Jean, but this is only the beginning. We have strong reason to believe Vassal is only an appetizer delivered by the Soviets with the hope of satisfying our hunger, A low level spy with no connections or knowledge, and entirely disposable, a sacrificial lamb to distract us from the bigger target.

A bigger target who Anne and I.

Believe there is a mole hidden much higher in intelligence, perhaps even Roger Hollis.

You're joking, Roger.

Think about it. If it were true, then all the cagy Be did was sacrifice their pond to protect their king. Vassal has no knowledge of anything important and no connections. This was nothing more than a grand diversion.

I suppose it makes sense, and it was pretty easy. And Roger knew I would identify the suits for Vassal and that his spending habits were a red.

Flag, and Roger needed you, an outside source to expose him so he wouldn't look like the third man.

Then I'm not done, am I afraid not?

What Roger and the Soviets are really after is the ultimate prize in British naval intelligence, the designs for the HMS Dreadnought, the first nuclear powered submarine in history. If the Soviets get their hands on their designs and combine them with the Pathfinder maps, not only will they know where to attack, they'll have the ultimate weapon to do it. Then it's checkmate. We need your help again, Chap.

And I guess we know who's buying dinner.

Vodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulain, and directed by Sabrina Jagulam, produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulain, and executive produced