Escape From Iran: The Canadian Caper

You mean that first time we're late at the passport office. Well, hang in there, SERGEANT. WHAT'S UP? WELL, ONCE UPON A time there was a Shah who went to the hospital. Oh, come on. I'm serious. Look, Cora, why don't you go back home? I'll meet you later. Last time this sort of thing happened it took about 6 hours to clear it up. Why don't you go home? you cut up all the paperwork. Come on, Cora. It's just another demonstration. As a consular officer, it's just another demonstration. As your husband, I'd like you to get out of here. Lang was probably going to the foreign ministry, he'll take care of it. Good morning. Sergeant Lopez. Uh what's going on at the gates? It's um getting interesting. I don't know, Joe. You know, this time it looks like they could mean business. They've got good reason to be there this time, Cathy. It's over here. The line? I wish they'd just go home. Cora, they are home. Oh, you know what I mean. Uh no, ma'am. No, you you see, immigration is open, but the tourist visa section is closed until we get uh better crowd control from the police. Yeah. Sorry. Okay, try later. Bye-bye. Hi. Okay. You uh heard anything yet? You're in luck. Arranging the pre-pay your return. Take here. One moment here. All right. Uh Mr. Danek. Consul Anders. I think we should lock the doors from the compound. Just in case. Go ahead. Hello, Sergeant Lopez. Keep me informed. Yes, sir. Good, sir. I cannot send police or troops or anyone to upset a lawful manifestation on a public street. Again. I am here on the explicit instruction of the highest levels of my government. I must transmit your answer this morning. Kia. Asne Khan. Please. Get me some armed soldiers. The people in that compound don't make policy, they're just doing their job. You must protect them. Salam. Be my commodity on. Inshallah. Allah Hafiz. I'm sorry, Mr. Langdon. I can do nothing. Sir. It is the principal responsibility of any member of the family of nations Why don't you talk to the foreign minister? Perhaps he can help. Talk to him privately. Telephone will be out. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Please. Sit down. What is the meaning of this? It's simply for your protection, Mr. Langdon. Please, gentlemen, as I've said, make yourselves comfortable. They really mean business, Mr. Uh when I go, I'm gone. And you don't know where, hm? But, sir, where will you go? Don't ask. You're all great stuff. And what you don't know won't hurt you. Attacking the Chancellery building. We should lower the blinds in here. Good idea. Give me a hand. Lower the blinds, please, and steer clear of the windows. I want I want OPEN THE DOORS. MILITANTS HAVE SECURED THE CHANCELLOR. I'M SORRY TO GET YOU UP AT THIS bizarre hour, but it's already afternoon in the Middle East, and I have a statement. A short while ago, a group of Iranian dissidents stormed our embassy in Tehran and took our people prisoners. At least temporarily. Now, at this moment, I can't tell you any more because we don't know any more. What about the relatives of the embassy staffers, locals we could talk to? I do not have access to that at the present. When do you expect contact with the Iranian government? No comment. Jean Felicie Lapresse, Montreal. What was the official number of people at the embassy? Stand by in 5 4 3. Okay, cue. The rumor mills in Washington are already at work, and most opinion seems to be that like last February, the Iranian government Amazing. Must be great being a network reporter. When all you have to fill is 30 seconds, you can make nothing sound like the story of the century. Yeah, but we have the tradition. Hemingway never worked for a network. No, but he didn't work for the DC bureau of a French-Canadian daily, either. Yeah, total resources, one reporter, one junior leg man. Tell me, has the ink dried yet on your diploma? They've missed us so far. We sure as hell can't stay here much longer. Yes, but how long? These groups love TV cameras. But as soon as the excitement dies down, they're going to start a real systematic search. We heard that Lang is still downtown, but he's called in. Called very loud. Situation red. No immediate help likely. This change correct procedure. Message received. Command assumed. Engineer! OH, SIR. WHAT CAN WE DO? WE ARE NOT COMBATANTS. STRANGERS. KEEP EVERYONE BACK. BACK, EVERYBODY. BACK. You going to shoot me? No. No. You're lucky he didn't blow you away. Tell him, Sergeant. Gun is not loaded. What? He can't fire the weapon, King. It's government policy. I do not understand. Lights go out. I NO CAN THINK. MAKE SURE EVERYBODY STAYS BACK. COME ON, EVERYBODY. In jail. Get back. Get back. I can't deal with this. They blew up the door. We're not equipped to hold out. We'll have to 86 whatever counts. Oh, that means all our records, all our work. Sergeant's right, Mark. We better destroy the immigration files and visa plates. And then what? How are we going to get out? Let's take a look at the schematic. Now, we cannot get out through the compound. What about this rear exit? Can we get out through the alley and into the street? You know, there's a chance. We might make it as far as the British Embassy. I'm sure the Brits would take us in. Okay. Nothing. Dead. Uh you can't. It looks like they're holding the Americans prisoner. What? That's what it looks like. Prisoner? In their own embassy? John, get on to your colleagues at some of the friendly embassies. There may be strays. They may be looking for shelter. Good idea. Would you like to buy silver jewelry for your wife? Or sweetheart? Or mistress? I don't believe this. Now we got rain in November. What else? You better cover that up, Sonny. Going to turn your fine silver really black. Yes, I told you. I'm Bruce Lang and United States chargé d'affaires and I must speak to Mr. Mr. Yazdi. Do you understand? I must speak to him. How much later? Yes. I see. Goodbye. Uh, he's ducking me. Yes. How much longer, I wonder? OPEN UP! OPEN UP! YOU BASTARDS CAN'T GET AWAY WITH THIS. GET YOUR GODDAMN HANDS OFF ME! DAMN IT! I'M A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! AWAY FROM ME! LOOK AT MY PHONE! These automatic steel doors are a great security device. Unless you're trying to get out. There's got to be a manual Looks like a couple of passover on the street. Okay. You're all going out in small groups. Each group's got to have one person who knows the city well. The guards out there. They may want to search you. But I don't think they're part of the demonstration. Just be cool. And remember it's not only your own safety but the safety of the people behind you. I think the Iranians should go first. He's jacked up. Oh my god. Forget the Brits. Let's try my place. It's closer. We better move before God cancels the rain he sent us. My mommy always said come in out of the rain. It's not raining anymore. Be careful. There's Revolutionary Guard headquarters behind this building. I'll go first. Open the door. You follow. Two at a time. The press has the inalienable right to keep the public informed. Now, in view of that is well So what do you have to say to the press, Montreal? If you could reconcile the different reports on the exact number of the hostages, it would help. Well, you'd have to give me the numbers and the sources you are trying to reconcile. Well, the first reports said about 85. And then you said yesterday about 79. But according to the New York Times of last February, before you reduced the embassy staff Never mind all this. Why won't you give us a list of the names? We're not about to tell the militants who they've got. Besides, this government is anxious to protect the families of the people who might be inside. you States playing a game with the numbers. Do you know why, Louis? Probably some people were outside of the embassy at the time of the attack and now they're in hiding. And States covering them. Give me that for a second. Maybe this will fix it. The phone at the Iranian American Center was was a contingency line. Too many impatient Iranians behind me. I don't know why you want So paranoid about your own phone being tapped. Oh, yeah. You can call from here and be heard on the Ayatollah's party line. You're all paranoid. This place is too hot. If we're smart we leave before curfew. If the line was busy, then Katie Couric's still at the center. Well, either her or a bunch of militants phoning all the world's newspapers. The Iranian American Cultural Center's not political? The director's not political? You're not going to bother Katie. Besides where else is there? You know something? Maybe we ought to go back to the embassy as a moral duty. It might make it easier on the others. Our moral duty is to get out of here. And what are the odds against escape? You must be fighting. If I'm an enemy, you are discovered. By my friend you may yet escape danger. The man with the cart. Here is a small meal. But you must go now or surely you will be taken. Friends. All right. I'll have to try the center. They all know where it is. We'll go over there separately. Hello. Hi, yeah, I'm sorry. I must have dozed off. Yeah, could you hear the radio? Yeah, the students have taken over the embassy radio net now, too. Uh, hold on. Hold on. There's somebody here. Yes, what is it? I'll take you in anyway. So, you Oh, you must be dying for some coffee. Good idea. I'll make some. Yeah, you know where it is. So, tell me, what's happening out there? Yeah. Okay, I'll hear about it later, right? What on earth is that? Uh, well, we uh decided to drop by the apartment, pick up some of Cora's sexy stuff. Might as well have a LITTLE FUN HERE. OH GOD. OH LORD. Oh god. Do you know, that is the first laugh I've had since Sunday. I've been uh keeping the lines open to Washington. If we get disconnected, there's no way of getting back. Hi. So, I've been talking and talking and talking. Come on, Katie. Let me take it. Hello, this is Joe Stafford. According to BBC sources, the American diplomats being held hostage inside the US Embassy compound were all bound, blindfolded, and under 24-hour guard. The fervor of the militant demonstrations has increased daily. But the revolutionary students who now control the embassy You know, 50 or 60 of my friends are in there. Langham, Tomseth, and Howland are under house arrest. I mean, I talked to my friends in Idaho, but I can't walk out the door. And I can't try and call anyone here anymore cuz I'm afraid of the operators. You safe here. You can stay here as long as you want. You know that. Yeah, I know. Thank you. Thank you. Though I don't have any choice, huh? Choice is something I'm running a little thin on at the moment. Though God knows I got no reason to complain, hey. I mean, look where I am. But it's like I'm in San Quentin. It's like I'm in a prison. This This is crazy. I mean, so comfortable with the food and everything compared to what my friends are getting. Don't be foolish, Lee. There's nothing you can do for them right now. Yes, I know you do. No. I'm kidding. None of us got much sleep here last night. Well, okay. Bye. Hello, Washington? Uh, yeah, I'm through. Keep in touch with them, will you? Spoke to my folks. Dialed right through to the States. Good. So did everybody else. That'll be some phone bill. I hope they sue. You know, I don't feel so cut off now. You know, I was speaking to Washington this morning. State said they're working on the situation. And they're hopeful. Oh, there you go. See? I think that's my turn. Thank you. Hi. Yes, me again. No, no, I'm fine. Seems to be all the sleep I need these Hello? Washington? Hello? Hello? Hello? You think they figured out there's someone else here? Possibly. Well, I mean, it is the Iranian-American Cultural Center. It's It's perfectly logical for Americans to be here. I mean, I could always pass you off as civilian employees. I think I better try to reach my Canadian buddy. Excuse me. I would like to use your phone. Phone Phone number. I'll be glad to pay you. Good morning, Canadian Embassy. Who did you say was calling? Please hold. Yep. Tell John Sheardown it's Bob. John Sheardown? Yes, what line? 47. All he said was Tell John Sheardown it's Bob. Thank you. Sheardown? Bob! What happened, Bob? Bob, why the hell did you take so long to call? We figured it'd blow over in a day or two. I say we Cuz there are five of us. Oh, for heaven's sake, Bob, uh All of you can come and stay at my house. Where can I pick you up? Outside the Cultural Center. You know Katie's place. It's on the side of Yeah, I guess I know the place. All right, I can be there in say half an hour. So, watch for me. The you same old station wagon, you know it. Look forward to seeing you. Right. Yes, that's him. Godspeed. Come with us, Katie. Please, we feel a lot better. No, don't be silly. The center is just here to help. It's got nothing to do with the politics of it. Come on. But Katie, you're an American. Will you go and keep me posted if you can, okay? Bye. Katie! She should have come with us. Maybe they'll just search the center and let it go. You don't really believe that, do you? No, I'm afraid I don't. BOB, I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE. We're so happy to be here. Thank you, Zena. All right. And thank you, Ken. And here are the rest of your house guests. All right, Joe Stafford. Zena, Zena, my check. I just know they're going to take Katie and lock her up in the embassy with all the others. How awful. And that happened on top of all you've been through the last few days. Well, at least we're still out and safe and that happens. Oh, that's Lolita. Lolita, these are our house guests. Not to worry, ladies. I trust her with my life. Right now, why don't we go upstairs and freshen up? Oh, I'd love it. Hey, we're really grateful for you taking us in. Oh, please. I know the risk you're running. How about your ambassador? Does he approve? Oh, I'm sorry. I I thought you knew. Uh this young gentleman here is the ambassador. Uh sir. How do you do, sir? We're going to have to divide you up to lessen the risk. Uh Bob, since you and John are old friends, we'll leave you here. And why don't we toss a coin to see which couple comes with me? Mark, you want to call it? Uh heads. You've got the Staffords, Mr. Ambassador. You join us, please. Earlier today, the following message was encoded and transmitted to Ottawa. Have been contacted by minimum five US Embassy nationals in search of safe haven. Await approval, my strongest possible request we provide. Sign Taylor, Ambassador. Now, it has passed my mind, I'm sure it has yours, that the normal rules of diplomatic protocol no longer apply in Islamic Iran. Hence, I wouldn't like to try to predict the consequences should the prevailing authority in this country learn that someone anyone is providing shelter to Americans who were working at the embassy. I have no doubt that I will provide these people with all the help I can. I hope the government endorses my position, but that decision should in no way jeopardize any of you. Therefore, I will arrange for an immediate return to Canada for anyone who prefers to avoid this obvious danger. And be assured, no one will think the less of you for it. Thanks for having us, sir, but you shouldn't have. You've only put me more behind in my work. 10,000 apologies, dear boy. The telex from Ottawa wouldn't stop. All sorts of excitement. Ah, Bloody Mary, double. I'll have another beer. This should be a quiet time for you. I would think the Americans would have more on their mind than a fishing agreement or reciprocal trade. That could be true for us as well, you know. Really? What could be a bigger priority for Canada? You'd be surprised. Don't forget the Americans have lost all their information gathering apparatus in Iran. As long as they're not depending on us to fill the gap. Our foreign service deployment is very competent. I heard we had to uh close the Canadian Secret Service when the spy found out his seeing eye dog had a big mouth. All the same, you'd be surprised if you knew what a fantastic job Taylor is doing for us over there. And not just for us. I I wouldn't want to be an American diplomat in a Muslim country right now. What exactly is Ken Taylor doing in Iran? Communications, you know. Sit reps, keeping us informed. Look, I'm famished. Can we order here at the bar? Sure, why not? I dreamed of doing this while I was in solitary. I often wondered if I could make it through solitary. How'd you do on bread and water for a whole week? I'm back in one piece. Let's leave it at that. Come on, Dick. Going for the last guy. It wasn't who said, "Whenever I feel like vigorous physical exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes away." Anyway, I agree with him. Hey, Ken. Hooray! Yeah. Hey! Good evening. Oh, I brought you an old radio to while away the time, Bruce. I thank you. Since my friend here can't seem to give me permission to take you out and board you at my embassy. Uh what do you mean you can't get us across your own capital city? Considering the current mood of our people, it would be hazardous. Then we might as well be in jail. Hardly. You have little idea of what our jails would be like. No, no. No, maybe we have. I take it then that you'd prefer to remain here as our guests for the time being. Now, let's have A LOOK HERE. LOOK at this. The latest sartorial word from Paris. Hey, all right. They don't have all your people. Now, the sleeves may be shorter than you need, but who's going to notice in here? Very very nice. Where did you find them? Oh, you know, one of those phone calls from an old friend saying they were available somewhere. When? Where? Consider them in safe haven. All right. I run across some fashionable PJs for the three of you. I'll bring them over. Okay. Buck up. Things are brightening. Ciao for now. Thanks, Ken. Ciao, Ken. See you. Good to see you. Don't forget your PJs. And continuing now with your Armed Forces Radio Network evening music now. Thirteen Americans seized inside the US Embassy compound are to be released over the next two days. This is the first time they've met since they were captured on November the 4th. All thirteen are identified Hi. Missed you. Where have you been? Lee, you no longer safe here. You have to go. Your escort is waiting for you. I can't. I think I'm going to take the fire escape. Oh, the pastor and boarded that up days ago. Hi. My name's Sherdown. I've got some wheels downstairs. You might as well, Lee. You were right to trust the lady. Now, trust me. Uh let me guess. CIA? Hey, I can finally say that I met one. Well, I'm sorry, but uh you were close. Two initials out of three. I'm C E A. Uh can't even ask? No. Civil Engineering Authority. Canadian External Affairs. Welcome to my house. We have a little surprise inside for you. What's all this mess here done to your agriculture office? Don't ask. I've been thinking of going back to the farm in Idaho. Hello. I'll buy it if you Everybody, you've got company. Charlie Hey there, OLD BUDDY. NO! HEY! YOU ANIMAL! HEY, YOU'RE CRAZY. HEY, I LOVE YOU. YEAH! I NEVER thought you know when I was Are there any others? Yes, the Staffords. They're at Ambassador Taylor's. Great! Great! Hey, they released 13 today. Yeah, we saw it on TV. Yeah, it was Liz and Terry and Kathy Jean and Kathy Jean. Yeah. All right, listen everybody. We just want you to know that Ken Taylor is doing everything possible to get you home. Until then, we'll try to make everything as comfortable as we can for you. I'm uh John's wife, Zena. Oh, I'm sorry. I was just so knocked out by seeing all my uh my crazies here. Please to meet you. Lee shots. Lee, hello. Welcome. Let's all go and have a celebration. Absolutely. There's not a rational person left to talk to. Bruce gets knocked out, now he has to get me time. You'll be able to go out tomorrow and get yourselves a little exercise in the garden and Pat told you the coast is clear. Great. Ken, don't make it sound like we're jailers, too. No way. You've both been marvelous. You've been terrific. And we'll get you together with your colleagues at the Sherdowns once in a while. When it's safe. I tell you, you can get stoned to death in Tehran for just thinking about pictures like these. All I can say is thank God I'm not in Iran anymore. That's safer for the women if you were. It would save maybe but not as much fun. Shots, please. No details from the seamy side of your life. Come on, friend. There's nothing seamy about me. Yeah, sure. How often do we get a chance to spend an evening together? Don't squabble. Folks, do you mind fighting in whispers? What can I do? Anything? Uh no, uh sorry, Ken. Uh I guess it's cabin fever. Is the matter, my friend? Sheer down less than the perfect host? Of course not. Just that it seems like we'll be here forever. Oh, good for a change. Well, it's better safe in hiding than caught escaping prematurely. Anyway, if word of this leaked, could be bad for the 53 others. Say nothing of our Canadian hosts. This way for Thanksgiving dinner, gang. Okay. In honor of the Ayatollah, I hereby proclaim this last pig in Tehran a red-blooded AMERICAN TURKEY. HELLO. ARE THEY AMBASSADOR? UH JUST A MOMENT, PLEASE. You This is Taylor. What? Really? Yes. Of course. Thanks. Ken, word from Ottawa. What? A vote of no confidence. The government's fallen. Oh my god. Does that mean you might be replaced? Oh, not to worry, friends. Our system is different. I'm not a political appointee. A change of government can't affect me. I'll see you situation through. Now, come on. It's already over a week late for your Thanksgiving. So, let's go and tackle that strange bird. Good to see you. Okay, what's going on there? Yes, sir. I just saw the teletype. I know what you're going to say. I'm not interested in this secret story of yours. I want Washington's reaction to the upcoming election here. Come on. I don't care if it might be the story of the century. I want hard copy. Forget that imaginary story you won't tell us about. I wish you wouldn't call it imaginary. some hard copy. Now, Jean. Yes, sir. I have a very skeptical editor. You have my interest and the ink is dry on my diploma. I checked and rechecked the numbers. Between six and 13 are unaccounted for. And I think Ken Taylor is hiding them but but if I'm wrong, I've blown it. Mhm. Mhm. And where did you get that information? Hang on a minute. It's my other line. Look, Jean, I'm swamped right now. I can't take the time to start explaining why you're crazy. Take too long. How's about lunch tomorrow? Clinks? Okay, then. Yes. I think we've got trouble, maybe big trouble. Yes, I think that should just about do it. Uh Lillette, please pick up as much food as you can from the bazaar. Oh, John, darling, perhaps you could phone the Japanese embassy for some more beer. Sorry? We're almost out of it again. Mhm. And the New Zealanders have run out. I don't even know how many Where are they? In the rec room, why? The gardener with a friend. Don't do uh draw the curtains quietly and stay there and then get me uh oh, three or four beers wrapped in a newspaper with a big smile. Good morning, Mr. Hey, this Mr. Baday. Mhm. Your garbage man. Ah. He also uh chief man of uh committee guard for Shokoh district. Oh. Mr. Baday says you have too much garbage all at once. It not fair, he say. One house take so much time for he and his men. I don't know what we're talking about. Oh, uh Zena, dear. Uh this is Mr. Baday. Now, he not only is in charge of collecting our uh excessive garbage, he's also the chairman of the same revolutionary committee that our Mostafavi belongs to. Mr. Baday, please accept this in appreciation of the extra work your men do for us. Thank you. And uh would you please distribute this to the other garbage men and tell Mr. Baday that I'll see him on the street every Sunday for more baksheesh. I understand. I don't believe it. It's absolutely ridiculous. John, why can't we just get rid of Mostafavi? He's been giving the Americans the creeps. Now, look, if we do that, we'll have those committee guards around here in a minute. No, we have to keep up the same routine. Fine. Wonderful. So, why don't we just lock the Americans up in the rec room, in the basement? That should do it. What are we going to do about the garbage? Well, I suppose I'm just going to have to take it in the car and throw it out of the window on the way to the office. Mhm. Yes. Sorry I was late. I couldn't get a cab. You know, charming conversation is the thing I like best about Washington. Okay, you don't have to be charming. In fact, you might as well put down the menu. You don't have to waste a lunch. It's your lunch to waste, not mine. How can I pay what I'm not? Fair enough. I've never spoken with you. You tell me how you found out what you know. Network? Arithmetic? Come on. Who's your leak? We don't own you leaks or insiders to do our job. Don't you understand? It's all there. How many people used to be there? How many moved? A Tehran phone book listing government offices maintained outside the compound? It's maybe easy to kiss the network off with human interest angles but I'm I'm an old-fashioned newspaper man. I look for the facts. I'm sure the Ayatollah will be very pleased with you. You're lucky it's me who put it all together, not one of your superstar journalists. It would already be a TV movie and a paperback by now. What do you want? Just confirm or deny my accumulation of demands. No. Can I file the story tonight as a Washington Jean, you're not irresponsible. You must realize the serious effect that could have in Tehran. Okay. Frankly, I thought it'd been overlooked. We all did. Hadn't reckoned on an old-fashioned journalist. Well, to you win first prize. Jean, I'm here to plead with you not to file. To ask that you pretend you're no smarter than your colleagues. Give up the big scoop. Scoops aren't what my job's all about. Of course. What's a few lives when your job's on the line? Also, warnings were given America to cooperate, to be rational, not inflexible. to answer charges of Oh my god. Can't tell what he thinks closer. Come on, what's he saying? What's he saying? Threatened Threatened to try them as as spies. Execute them. This is incredible. I mean, this this cannot be happening. What the hell is the State Department doing? What's Washington doing? It's an incredible story. It's incredible, Jack. Congratulations. Thanks. How quickly can we print it? But immediately, as soon as he writes it and files it. So, you haven't actually filed it? You're trying to delay the publishing of this story? Only for the moment. Well, excuse me. May I be so rude as to ask when it might please you? As soon as they're safe. File the story. No. Are you saying, Jack, that you are trying to uh manage the news? The public's right to know it is an absolute unbending priority. This has nothing to do with abstract rules. It's common sense. You would be the same as giving Anne Frank's address to the Gestapo. The kid's right. Anyway, what he doesn't file, I can't publish. Lee, come on. Move it. Go. Now. Quick, inside. They seem to be going away. But they spotted us. They could be back. I'll call John. Yeah. Come on, Mark. Let's move all this stuff. Oh, yeah. No, wait a minute. It's in a Shirdon. May I speak to my husband, please? John. We just had a helicopter circling overhead. Yes. Well, we all are rather frightened. Oh. Right. I'll tell them. Thank you, dear. An unhappy Iranian shot a mole of this morning. They're out looking for the assassin. I'm all for getting them out as soon as we can, any way that we can, if that means anything. One thing I don't want to do is underestimate these militants. Chances are they've been trained in spotting forged passports. Oh. They're not going to be easy about anything, especially passports. I told my boss to apply soon. I told him I didn't think US passports would do the trick. Oh, really? Yeah, I see. Pass dry. Huh. Well, we'll be charming. When do they show up? Sometime this afternoon. They suspect something, don't they? Uh Probably just one of their random postings. Hello, all. Hello. We're glad to see you. Those pass run had us scared out of our wits. Oh, that's just one of the scenes in Tehran these days. Anything happening? So, Do you know what I think? I think it's time we did some definite planning about your return home. Two months long enough for any house guest. Huh? I'm saying. Perhaps in time for the Super Bowl. You know something? I'd learn to stop thinking about home. How are you going to do it? The lips are sealed. How did it happen? How did we let it happen? It wasn't exactly your personal fault. How did the rest of your day go? What's happening on that pulp and paper plant? The Iranians want it finished before they complete payment. And the Canadians want to be paid before they're no longer needed. It's a regular catch-22. What about your day? Tell me it was terrific. You can lie if you want to. We could be near a breakthrough on one phase of the hepatitis research. Oh, well, that's good. Huh? Marvelous. Congratulations. Unfortunately, I'm losing my European colleagues. Two more today. Taking their families home because of unstable conditions. If we keep on losing the Europeans, they'll have to close the medical school. They'll carry on. They'll just change the name to the School of Islamic Medicine. What they do about this in Romania up here, huh? You mean you wish it was? Yeah, I'd like to shove a great big tree right up here. No, no, no. I I think it's amazing how little friction there's been. I mean, you take a retiring reader scholar like myself and a loudmouth Idaho cowboy like Lee here. LADIES and gentlemen, because we happen to be living as we're in the middle together, I have to admit that I am loud. Here, here. Let's listen up here. Let's listen up. All right, seriously now. I'm a loud person. I just happen to bust a lot of eardrums out on life's highway. I didn't notice that. ANYBODY SPEAK GERMAN? OH. PAT AND KEN COMING BACK LATER? OH, I'm sure. He hasn't given up the idea of getting us out of the country, has he? Uh we haven't heard any more for a couple of weeks. You don't know my boss very well, do you? Well, it's a big order. We all know that. But not one of us has heard a single detail of exactly can be sure that you won't until he's got it down rock solid. No. Look, Bob Ken's a kind of flamboyant character. He he loves a bit of drama. But he won't move and he won't talk until he's covered every possible risk. I've never had to use this big German stove before. It's always that one. And of course, it's Lolita's day off. Look, Shirdon. I'm trying to work it out. Thank you. I'm trying to get it right. We're trying to get it right. How much was this bird? Ah, doesn't matter. Come on. How much? Rumor has it it cost $125. Thank you, Shirdon. Really? Yeah, I don't think we should eat this baby, do you? I think we should bronze it. God bless you, merry gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay. To save us from great Satan's power. Comfort and joy. Merry Christmas. You are welcome. Goodies today. What is this here, Ken? That we should shave more often? Don't you believe everything you read on labels. This is genuine province of Alberta vodka. This is a genuine Christmas pud. It's also a goodbye gift. From our people? From all of us. But because of them, we can't take it out any longer. Gets too risky. We'll miss you. Not to appear ungrateful, but what about the others? The ones you didn't mention. Beyond my help, I'm afraid. I'll risk everything I've got, everything to get the house guests home. Best chance the hostages have. Small victory somewhere, someone to tell the story. You know, Ken, I have heard some Canadians say that it's part of Canada's historical destiny to be forgotten by the United States. But never again. Never again. I'll drink to that. Hey, you're going to wear it. Man of the year. Now, let's keep that away from the Americans. They've been holding up here. Hopefully, there's a straw that could break the camel's back. I can feel Murphy's Law closing in on us. Just think of something that can go wrong, Pat. It'll happen for sure. Nothing will go wrong. It'll be cocktail party chatter in a few weeks. From what I hear, it's already on the Ottawa cocktail circuit. Where from? That reporter. No, not Pelcha. Just the rumors. You can't prevent the general stuff, the speculation. No, the one person with enough dope to do us in is Pelcha, and so far at least he seems to be a man of his word. Get that for me, honey. I can't make it this far. Hello? Yes, this is the ambassador's residence. Mrs. Stafford? No. There's no Mrs. Stafford here. Who gave you this number? Well, I am sorry. Perhaps I could help you find uh What was that name? Hello? Hello? Could have been anybody. Sounded British. Yes, there was a trace of an accent. Couldn't place it. What does it mean? Well, it means we may be home sooner than we planned. Please call the others. Have them meet me at the office. Well, the plain fact is, the phantom phone caller leaves us no choice. Every minute counts now. You and Zina go as soon as possible. Ken, I was counting on seeing you to the finish. No, John, I'm sorry. You and your wife have already done above and beyond. All right. After you, my wife, then the remaining staff, then the Americans. We should have their doctored passports here by then. Ottawa and Washington are collaborating beautifully. So, operation exfiltration goes on the 28th. Nothing I can say can change your mind. No, John. I've gone over every aspect. Anyway, Zina doesn't have the protection of a diplomatic passport. I know. Wonder who the hell that's supposed to be worth here these days. Well, I guess I've got some arrangements to make, haven't I? Well, Pelcha, feel like a bit of reluctant heroism? Oh, I'm proud to be with you, sir. With me? I was planning to be with you. Behind you, if I can. First things first. Yeah. That's it. Ooh. Ooh. First first class work. Is it good? No. I know it. Too good to be true. The visa department is closing down. We need their equipment. What for, sir? Wrong entry date on the Americans' visas. Washington misread the Islamic calendar. You and I are going to have to do some forging of our own. And we better do it as if our lives depended on it. Hey, that's pretty nice work, sir. Yeah. But uh could be dangerous if passport control takes too close a look. Any more dangerous than keeping our house guests here till we can get replacement passports? They didn't promise us a risk-free job, you know. Only adventure and travel. Here it is. Got both in one little document. All right, Gauthier, you look after the machines. I've got one more little detail to take care of. These are vouchers supporting my expense account. They've only got my word on it now. Go to it, Sledge. Save me one coding machine. Otherwise, we're going to wind UP IN THE BASEMENT. HOW CAN WE LEAVE YOU ALL LIKE THIS? It's like abandoning one's children. I'm going to bawl any second. Bye, Mom. Okay. Thanks for everything. We'll be good. You better. Take care. Ciao. Take care. Next. Listen, it really has been a privilege. Hasn't it, John? And we'll we'll drink to that when we're all back home. You bet. Bye. You all set, Sergeant Gauthier? Yes, sir. Everything is downstairs in the garage. Well, then we leave the children to your safekeeping. Hey, all right. Bye. Yeah, bye. Bye. Dear Ken, um Good luck. You, too. Don't drink too much on the aircraft now. I ignore him. Drink a lot. Bye. See you. Bye. Hey, see Bob, is he with those shears a man or a sheep? I don't know. Come on there, Bob. It's either a sheep or a woman. And I'm great when it comes to cutting women's hair. I could have fooled me. I asked for a shear-type look. That's more like Bambi. I know. Claude, at the wrong store. Good evening, sir. Sorry. Ken, what do you mean? Making up on it. We have to make up on Nice. I want one of these, Ken. What was this medical experiment? Almost. Next time Lee plays barber, we're going to demand anesthesia. There may not be a next time. I'm authorized to confer upon you honorary Canadian citizenship. Fantastic. Revocable, of course. But what isn't these days? Well, that's terrific. I get one to keep? Yes, ma'am. I like that. I like it. Hot off the press. It's perfect. You're a genius. How did you do it? With a little help from Ottawa and Washington. I'll have your cover story tomorrow. Time for you to learn your parts before opening day. We're still here. Well, once we left behind. Well, you didn't exactly leave them. They just couldn't get out with you. Oh, Joe, you can't take personal responsibility for what goes on at your embassy. None of you can. You can only take the positive role that's left you. And and going home, showing them we aren't completely beaten, that's that's positive. Not too bad, sir. Tomorrow, I go and pick up the incoming pouch. Au revoir, Mr. Taylor. Bon voyage. Au revoir, Mr. Taylor. Tickets. The meeting Tickets. I'm seeing my wife off. You have seen her off. You go now. Passport. Now. This is already been through there. You go now. I'll miss you, darling. I'll see you in a couple of days. Go on. Passport. Name? McDonald. Wilfred. Luggage? Home? Toronto. Well, actually, outskirts of Toronto. Etobicoke. Sir. Outskirts of Toronto. First of all, let's call it Etobicoke. And more importantly, look at this. You want to try it again? Out. No. Out of the house. And so there I am. Hmm? I am a million miles from home. And I come upon what looks like a US Army surplus store. And so I pick up the red knapsack. Hmm? And this fierce-looking guy, he walks up to me and he says, "You buy." He says, "You buy. Will bring you good luck forever." I'm a little afraid to leave without buying something. He shows how much he knows. No, no, this is this is on the level. So, this guy promised me that I would not be scarred. That the bag would get the wound. Great. Handbag of Dorian Shaw. He lives, the handbag gets executed. Would you stop all this morbid talk? What time You're about 1:30. We leave in 3 hours. I got to get some sleep. Oh, come on, Cora. Let's try to do a little of the same. Hmm. Nighty night. Nighty night. Don't let the bedbugs bite. One thing I've learned in these past 3 months, have a drink. Hey, you know the forgeries aren't too good, don't you? What? I heard Taylor whispering to Gautier. Now, they didn't know that I heard them. Something about the patch-up job on the passports must be okay cuz we didn't notice anything. You don't leave come this far. And we're going to go all the way. A. A. 12. 12 amazing. Nice shots. Nighty night. Hmm. The OK Corral. They're waiting for us at the OK Corral. I heard it was time. Shot. I got shot. Shot. God. Oh, my head. My head. O'Leary, for God's sakes, get dressed. Oh, my head. MY HEAD. I'M GOING TO DIE RIGHT HERE. THAT WAS ENOUGH GOODBYES. ANYWAY, IT'S ONLY A LITTLE FLIGHT. Please stay tight. Good luck, Charles. Leave your bag, please. No, no, no, no. No, no. This is my good luck charm. Oh. Okay, now. I'm going to take you in separately so that we don't all come in together like a flock of Canada geese. This way. That's all right. How about him now? All Canadians over there. From the top? Uh yes. You were on business here? Uh yes. What was the nature of your business? I'm an importer. Uh here. You know, uh art objects, oriental rugs, uh You're not an importer. You're an exporter. You buy cheap here, sell high in Canada. Uh well, of course, the other way around I wouldn't be in business long. Hey. Thank you. McGregor Bruce? Oh, uh here. Where are you from? Uh Spirit? Spirit? What do you get for it? Oh, me? No way. Never touch the stuff. Make no humor with me. All Canadians wait. Oh, you had a mustache. Oh. Uh that's a year ago. I mean, the mustache was uh longer. Here. I'm the same person as there. Oh, my God. Where are you? Uh Guelph. What is that? Guelph? Uh small town. Yes. Tell me more. Tell me everything. Uh it's agricultural center. Uh we grow the finest wheat in North America. See, I'm a grain exporter. Yes, yes. Yes, yes. Uh oh, we have a fine university there. Well, I mean, it's like yours. Hm? Uh only we just have young people are studying to be uh good farmers and Well, I mean, there's just so much. Well, you'd have to see it for yourself. You know, I'd like you to. Look, look here. I want you to have this. I want you to have this as a symbol of my invitation to We do not decorate ourselves with a symbol of another country. Be quick. You will miss your plane. Stop. Custom. Yeah, sure. You bet. Your host plane uh just left, Mr. Ambassador. They said to thank you and they hope to see you soon at home. Good work, Sledge. Thanks, sir. Duties completed. Mission discharged. This is Vestung, Iran, signing off. This reporter has been aware of the impending Canadian caper for some time, but sat on the story to protect the lives of the people involved. As yet, we will not confirm the details reported in Montreal's La Presse, as we wish to wait for the arrival of the Americans in Washington. They are reported to be on their way via Frankfurt. Whereas Canada's Ambassador to Iran has exemplified his country's support at some risk to himself, his embassy, and his government by sheltering six Americans and organizing their escape from Iran and return to the United States. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring, that it is the sense of the Congress that the President further express his gratitude to Canada and the assistance provided by its Ambassador by awarding Kenneth Taylor, the Ambassador of Canada to Iran, the President's Medal of Freedom.