The Night of the Torture Chamber - Recap

A carriage arrives at a stately building, the Bolt Museum. Governor Bradford and his trusted assistant Miss Piecemeal disembark and enter the building. Inside, the lady instructs a guard to tell Professor Bolt that the governor has arrived. The governor asks Miss Piecemeal to remind him to draft a letter of thanks to the professor for a private showing. She comments that the statue the governor is here to see is said to be a remarkable likeness; the governor replies that it had better be, or there will be no public showing!

They climb to the second floor and enter a room containing a cloth covered pedestal. She removes the cloth, revealing a bust of the governor wearing a cavalry hat, done in highly polished metal. The governor realizes Miss Piecemeal was right – the likeness is remarkable! Then, suddenly, the statue’s eyes open! Shocked, the governor is further surprised when the guard standing near him jabs a needle into his side! The “statue” rises from behind the pedestal – it is a man in metallic makeup! Guards frog-march the real governor to the pedestal and put the metallic painted cavalry hat on his head. As his paralyzed eyes stare ahead, another man daubs on metallic makeup. Not far away, the man who emerged from the pedestal removes his own makeup. Miss Piecemeal tells the guards to tell the professor that the statue is an excellent likeness!

The Wanderer pulls to a stop along a siding. Inside, Jim cleans a revolver while Artie examines a new invention through a loupe, finally deciding that he can conceal it inside a ring or a stickpin. The telegraph receiver begins to chatter: “priority – clear line – urgent – classification: most secret.” Jim retrieves a code book and decodes the incoming chatter: “Have received letter most critical subject from Governor Bradford. Contact him immediately – extend full cooperation – secrecy vital.” The message bears the signature of President Grant.

Jim and Artie remember Bradford from a year or so earlier. As Jim burns the translated message the two men banter sarcastically about the great respect they have for Bradford. But, there is one redeeming value to the assignment; the man does employ a beautiful secretary named Miss Piecemeal.

At the governor’s mansion, Miss Piecemeal asks for some idea of their business, but Jim cannot oblige since the governor stressed the need for secrecy. She remembers the agents’ last appearance and the frightful crisis they averted. Jim replies that his appearances don’t always mean trouble, and she does remember some moments she distinctly enjoyed. She enters the governor’s office to see if he is free to speak with the agents.

Inside the office, she asks the imposter about his nerves, and he says they’re holding up fine. She explains that there are two Secret Service men outside; he suggests telling them that the governor is busy. She says they cannot do this, because the real governor sent for them himself secretly and she does not know why. The man withdraws a handkerchief from his pocket and dabs his mouth with his right hand. When Miss Piecemeal looks askance he realizes his mistake and switches to his left hand. Miss Piecemeal says the governor obviously suspected something, but she has no idea what or how much and has no way to learn. The imposter’s nerves might not be as steady as he had earlier claimed. Miss Piecemeal instructs him to play along until they can discover why the agents have come, and then offers him a précis on the men: they met a year earlier and the governor is on formal terms with both. She identifies the men and says that she will stand next to Jim West. She concludes by reassuring the governor that if there is trouble they can simply kill the agents.

Returning to the door, Miss Piecemeal opens it and ushers the agents into the room. The governor stands and offers his hand, greeting both agents by name and offering them seats. Jim tells him the letter to President Grant claimed he had confidential information for them; looking at Miss Piecemeal, the man states that he has no secrets from her. Jim asks how the agents can help. The imposter hesitates and Miss Piecemeal takes over smoothly, explaining that she asked the governor to write after he received threats against his life. Jim asks about the State Militia and the governor says there’s more to it: his death is part of a larger plot to take over the state government. Artie asks who has engineered this conspiracy but the governor has no idea. He says an informant revealed what little he knows. When Jim asks, the governor says he won’t divulge the name, and adds that the informer is now dead. Jim suggests that the governor should divulge everything if they are to help him. The imposter replies that he asked for the agents for one reason and one only – protection. The conspiracy cannot succeed while he lives. He is not powerless and can deal with the conspiracy using his own resources, if he lives long enough. That requires someone guarding him whom he can trust without reservation – James West and Artemus Gordon.

Jim suggests the governor cancel his public appearances but this is out of the question. He must carry on a normal routine as if he did not suspect trouble – and that includes the evening’s unveiling of a bust of the governor at the Bolt Museum. Jim confirms that the governor insists on taking this risk, and then suggests this might provide an opportunity to flush out a killer and the conspiracy. Jim explains that the agents will pick the governor up at seven and escort him to the museum, reassuring the man. The agents leave. As they do, Miss Piecemeal says she will function as their liaison and work closely with them. Jim offers that he hoped she would say that.

After the agents leave Miss Piecemeal complements the imposter on a superb performance. He hopes that he won’t have to go through that again. She doesn’t believe he’ll see the agents any more...

Jim and Artie walk back towards the Wanderer and discuss the case. The museum opening is formal, so they need to change. Behind them, a legless vagrant rolls his wheeled platform after them, and a little later another loiterer joins him. Artie doesn’t believe anyone could take over a state. Jim agrees, but allows that they might try, and that they might kill the governor in the attempt. The agents pass a street musician playing the accordion. They turn the corner into an alley and pass a man leaning on crutches – who straightens as they pass and wallops Artie over the head with his crutch, knocking him out! All of the men following them leap to the attack!

Jim fights several men, knocking them down in succession, before three of them force him against a wall and a fourth man draws back a brass-knuckled fist to deliver a fatal punch! Jim kicks that man’s hand and then wrenches free, using kicks and punches to knock the men down before a heavyset man pulls a gun and backs Jim against the wall. Unseen, Artie climbs to his feet and shakes his head, then collects the broken crutch used to hit him and smashes the gunman down with it. The gunman collapses to the pavement.

The agents roust the only conscious assailant, but he can only tell them he was just doing a job for someone he met in a saloon. He reaches into his coat pocket, startling Artie, but only removes a nice watch – his payment. Jim slaps the watch away and then he and Artie dive for the dirt; the watch hits the ground and explodes violently!

In his museum, Professor Bolt directs Angelique and Helva as they attend him. Miss Piecemeal enters and reports failure. The professor shows all three women a painting he purchased for $25,000 and asks their opinions. Hesitantly, they praise it – and the professor destroys it, marring the surface with a vicious multi-bladed knife! He explains that the composition was terrible, and he’d gladly have paid $100,000 to keep people from seeing such trash! In the same way, he continues, lives are a composition. They must be flawless and successful. They will make another attempt on James West’s life that evening, and it will be balanced... flawless... successful.

In his office, the imposter learns of the attempt on the agents’ lives and expresses shock. Jim reminds him there may be another attempt on his life this evening, but he will not cancel his appearance. Artie points out that there is no reason to maintain appearances since the conspirators clearly know the agents have come and why. But the governor remains adamant. Jim finally promises that an agent will remain by his side at all times. At that point Miss Piecemeal brings in the drafts against the state treasury, and the governor dismisses his protectors, citing the press of work. The agents tell him they will wait outside.

Inside the office, Miss Piecemeal confirms that the imposter understands his role in the evening’s events. He says he does and she informs him that she must return to the museum for a short time.

At the museum, Miss Piecemeal and Professor Bolt examine a spear, and then hand it to a guard, Durand. Miss Piecemeal walks to an exhibit and explains that she will maneuver Jim to a particular spot. Durand will operate the ballista, which will launch the spear. Durand demonstrates; the spear shatters a vase and embeds itself in the wall behind it. The professor likes the idea, complimenting it in flowery artistic terms.

The professor next visits the governor’s cell. The governor wonders if the professor has come to kill him but the professor assures him that’s the last thing on his mind. He came to tell the governor that the unveiling was a huge success, with everyone of importance attending. Bitterly, the governor replies that he isn’t there, and the professor assures him that he shall be! Curious, the governor asks if his imposter is that good and the professor confirms it. Suddenly, the governor lurches to his feet and lunges for the professor, calling him a thief, a traitor, and a murderer; the professor calmly reveals the pistol previously concealed in his right hand, forcing the governor to halt his attack. Then the professor says that a man who brings some of the great masterpieces of the world to this state cannot be all bad. The governor sits back down, asking how long the professor expects to keep robbing the state treasury with his puppet imposter. Professor Bolt believes he can continue the masquerade long enough to make some of the greatest acquisitions. He believes his museum will go down in history as one of the greatest; that art lovers will flock there. And he intends to buy something extraordinary that he shall hang privately and share with no one – the Mona Lisa. The governor says the idea is insane, but Professor Bolt has already put out feelers. The French government is experiencing an economic crisis. It may cost a few millions, but the professor believes he can acquire the painting. The governor counters that someone will expose the scheme if the professor removes that much from the state coffers, and the professor reveals that this is why the governor remains alive – to face these charges when and if they come. No one, the professor contends, will believe a story of kidnapping and replacement. The governor then reveals what he believes is his trump card: the letter he had dispatched to President Grant earlier. The professor knows about it, and explains that Jim and Artie have come, and that Jim will shortly die.

On the second level, Artie goes over the final arrangements with a guard before descending to the ground floor and meeting Miss Piecemeal. She tells Artie that Jim and the governor will be right in, and adds that she will be glad when this is over. She leaves.

The imposter’s nerves weaken and Miss Piecemeal calms him.

The professor enters with Angelique on his arm and tells Jim that the governor has informed him of the agents’ mission. He asks if his guards have cooperated and is pleased to learn that they have. Then he introduces his student, Angelique. Jim compliments the professor on his collection; the professor accepts the compliment gracefully and replies that he continually strives to improve it. Some things, Jim says with his eyes on the girl, are perfect just as they are. The professor excuses himself as it is time to begin.

The professor calls his guests to attention and announces that the unveiling will proceed. The imposter sends Miss Piecemeal ahead and says he’ll wait to make an entrance. Jim remains behind to guard the man, who walks into the room containing the ballista. He shows Jim the vase, speculating that it might be Oriental, but Jim corrects him, saying the artifact is 11th century Persian. The governor had no idea Jim was an expert in art. Jim allows that he’s no expert, but in his line of work picks up all manner of odd information. Jim also knows the vase is a common variety, but the imposter feigns otherwise, trying to lure Jim behind the pedestal to look at an inscription on the base. He turns away and exits from the other side. Jim starts to go to the man’s side but senses something and jackknifes backward out of the path of a spear from the ballista that shatters the vase and embeds itself in the wall behind it!

The professor re-enters the room and expresses shock and sympathy at the governor’s near miss. The imposter explains that Jim was the one in real danger. Jim points out that only the vase suffered harm.

Somewhat later, the professor brandishes his sinister looking multi-bladed knife. He tells Durand that since this is his first failure, he will get another chance. But Miss Piecemeal has failed twice. She offers no excuse. The professor asks what she would do in his place, and she tells him that she knows the penalty. The professor thinks for a moment, and then notes that faced with a difficult artistic problem, Rembrandt and other artists were men of infinite patience. West, the professor says, is a difficult problem and so the professor will have patience. Bolt offers Miss Piecemeal a third chance, for which she thanks him. As she and Durand leave, Bolt throws his wicked knife, burying it in the door between his two henchmen, reminding them that they must not fail again. West dies or they do.

In the governor’s office Jim notes that since he and Artie arrived to protect the governor, there have been two attempts on Jim’s life and none on the governor’s. That strikes the agent as peculiar. Jim asks Miss Piecemeal if she has noticed anything odd about the governor, and she replies that she has not, and she has worked for him for three years. Coming around the desk, she approaches Jim and idly wonders why he’s so much more intense this time than he was a year ago when they met. Jim explains that these events perplex him and demand greater concentration. She warns that Jim will lose himself in a world of doubt and distrust and suspicion, eventually coming to suspect everyone unless he gets some relaxation and distraction. Jim allows that she’s certainly distracting, but does not yield to temptation. Miss Piecemeal calls him incorrigible, but he replies that he’s just a dedicated public servant.

Since she cannot distract the agent, she asks him to elaborate on his concerns about the governor. Jim doesn’t really know what has struck him as odd, but something about the man seems different. Miss Piecemeal suggest that when his life is threatened even a courageous man might show signs of that tension. The governor-imposter enters the office at that point and gently dismisses both of them, saying that he does have work to do.

Something about the painting of the governor hanging behind his desk has disturbed Jim, but he does not realize what until the imposter removes his handkerchief and blots his forehead with his right hand. On impulse Jim tosses the man a coin, and he catches it in his right hand. The painting clearly depicts the governor signing a document with a quill in his left hand. Jim realizes that the governor is an imposter, and it all clicks. Removing his derringer, he covers the man and sends Miss Piecemeal for the guards.

Jim asks the imposter who he is and the man admits the truth – he’s Sam Jamison, an actor, who exploited a certain resemblance to the governor and a lot of study to carry off the imposture. And he surprises Jim by saying that Miss Piecemeal hired him! Jim realizes too late that he’s in real trouble – Miss Piecemeal enters with militiamen who order Jim to drop his gun. The imposter tells the guards Jim tried to kill him and orders them to arrest the agent.

In a lightning quick move, Jim knocks the nearest man’s gun free and dives through a side window to the balcony. The remaining three guards crowd the window as Jim vaults the balcony rail, then pour into the balcony and shoot at the departing agent.

Later, Jim meets Artie near the Wanderer. The state militia surrounded the train awhile back, but left ten minutes ago. However, six guards from Bolt’s museum remain. Jim reveals what he has learned – the governor is an imposter and Miss Piecemeal is part of the plot. They must find the real governor – a daunting task considering the conspiracy has the entire machinery of the state at its disposal. Jim says he’s returning to the museum later.

The professor learns what has occurred when Miss Piecemeal visits his office. There, along with Helva and Durand, he expresses displeasure. Miss Piecemeal notes that it’s only a matter of time until the state militia catches Jim, since all of them are looking. The professor rhetorically asks Miss Piecemeal if she has become completely unreliable. Then he asks Durand what a bold man like Jim West might do.

Someone knocks on the door of the museum and the guard there admits the caller. It is aristocratic Frenchman in a wide brimmed hat, long cloak, white scarf, and carrying a cane. A moustache and goatee complete the disguise – this is Artie! He saunters about the exhibits as the guard asks several times who he is. Finally, Artie hands him a calling card.

Outside, Jim approaches the porch. He finds an iron-barred door and slips a fuse into the lock, then lights it. When a guard races to the sound of the hissing fuse, Jim grabs the man in a headlock and rams his head into the wall, knocking him cold! When the fuse burns out the lock, Jim snatches open the barred door and then the inner door.

Inside Bolt’s office, Angelique hands the professor a card identifying the bearer as Gaston LaRousse, from the Acadamie Francaise. The professor leaves to see the French representative immediately, pausing only briefly to remind Durand that he knows what to do.

Jim finds his way into the basement. He vaults from the landing to the floor. Art objects are stored about the room and a large pair of iron doors dominates one wall. Jim pulls these open and proceeds into the next room, another storage room.

Upstairs, Professor Bolt approaches “Gaston” hoping to conclude the negotiations for the Mona Lisa (or as “Gaston” prefers, La Giaconda).

Downstairs, Jim enters another storage room and discovers a locked iron door at one end of it. He removes the lock pick from his lapel and sets to work.

Upstairs, Artie comments that the professor has adroitly mixed forgeries into his collection “as a challenge to the connoisseur.” The professor assures him all of the collection is authentic. Artie points out a painting he claims art forger Heinrich Wulweber turns out in quantity, rebutting the professor’s assertion that the canvas is authentic by noting that the forger scrapes down worthless paintings of the period and paints his forgeries on them.

Downstairs, Jim has freed the governor from his cell. The two men return towards the cellar entrance. In the entrance room, Durand and four guards await them! Jim fakes a fall and with punches and kicks quickly disables two of the henchmen. But the other two and Durand surround the governor and demand Jim surrender or they will shoot.

Upstairs, Artie discusses a bust that he claims is also a forgery. He assumes the professor spotted the distinctive chisel marks near the base and the staining of the weak nitric acid solution used to age the stone. Artie claims it is the work of Carlos Mendona, who died six years earlier and left nine children. Artie expresses concern that the professor purchased so many forgeries as genuine. The professor thanks him for pointing them out, and asks if they may retire to his office to discuss the purchase of La Giaconda. Artie explains with brutal frankness that the “French authorities” assumed the professor was an expert and connoisseur, but the evidence in this room disputes that. He seriously doubts they can sell the greatest art treasure in the world to such a man. At that point Durand appears, saying that the bird is back in the cage, and answers the professor’s question by saying that the second bird is also caged. The guards have recaptured the governor and captured Jim West.

Artie calls the professor over to show him something, and when the professor approaches, he puts a gun into the man’s side. Bolt realizes then who “Gaston” really is – he’s actually relieved, for Artie had half convinced him that his collection included several forgeries! Artie demands the prisoners, and the professor sends Durand for them, but Artie tells him to hold still and they’ll go to the prisoners. The professor explains to Durand who Artie is and asks if he has the keys to the cellar. He does. Artie demands Durand drop his gun belt and then orders the professor and Durand to lead the way.

They enter the cellar and walk down the steps. Durand removes keys and opens a door. They pass through and Artie calls Jim. Jim hears him and replies, but cannot escape without help – he’s inside a large wooden box. Artie has the guards on the second level drop their gun belts and then he sends the professor and Durand up on the narrow ladder, climbing after them. From there he can see Jim and Miss Piecemeal inside the box. Suddenly, a guard douses the light and in the ensuing scuffle, Professor Bolt pitches Artie into the box with Jim and his lovely companion.

Bolt then reveals that they stand in a wine press – but that it may be used for crushing other things as well! The lovely Miss Piecemeal has failed too many times and for that she will share their fate. A guard begins to crank and the heavy wooden top of the press descends! The professor leaves, saying he prefers inanimate beauty – it never fades and never disappoints.

The imposter Jamison visits the professor at the museum – something the professor warned him never to do. Jamison’s nerve has failed and he cannot locate Miss Piecemeal. The professor assures him he is taking care of Miss Piecemeal, and informs him that he will receive his orders through another channel henceforth. The state militia has not yet found Jim West – the professor assures the shaky actor that Jim West is in the museum and will shortly be taken care of, as well.

Inside the press, Artie notes the redwood walls remain damp, soaked with wine, but believes his magnesium cord will still burn through. He strings the cord and lights it with a match; as the cord burns, Jim kicks each plank of the box free, soon creating a large hole through which he, Miss Piecemeal, and Artie emerge. Somehow, the guards above have failed to notice any of this, giving Jim an opportunity. He climbs the ladder and with a quick chop knocks Durand off the platform. He pitches one guard into the press (on top of the wooden piston) and knocks the other one back into the wall, and then off the platform to the floor below.

Jim climbs down and then he and his companions leave to find the governor. But Durand remains conscious enough to seize a bell rope; with several pulls, he sets up a clamor. Jim returns and knocks Durand out, making sure this time.

Upstairs, Bolt hears the bell and realizes Jim has escaped. Racing to the office door, he closes it.

Downstairs, three guards bull their way into the winepress room from a nearby guardhouse. There is a brief scuffle as Artie tries to lock them out, then Jim backs up and signals his partner. Artie lets the men in and Jim bull rushes them, knocking them back into their own room. Scrambling up, he darts out the door and Artie slams door and bolt, locking out the guards.

Jim sends Artie for the real governor while he goes upstairs to confront the professor. Miss Piecemeal realizes that even life in prison is better than dead.

Upstairs, the professor plans to do what he should have done before this – kill Jim West himself. The imposter asks about the guards and the professor tersely replies that his guards have had no luck with West before this point and he has no reason to assume their luck will change. He loads a spear into the ballista.

Jamison’s nerve has failed him and he wants out. Professor Bolt hasn’t got his $10,000 payment, and will have further use for his services once Jim is dead. He advises the actor to leave or he might wind up dead, sending him out a back way.

Jim bursts through the doors. Bolt comments that he’s a little early and then operates a lever. The doors slam shut and bolts from the ceiling ensure they won’t open, trapping Jim! The professor tells Jim he can’t escape or get help – every museum door is closed and locked except those of the guardhouse.

Thinking quickly, Jim races to the wall before Bolt can fire the ballista and snatches a Rembrandt from it! Holding it before him, he explains that to get him, the professor will have to destroy a priceless art treasure. The professor cannot bring himself to ruin a priceless art treasure that is also his favorite painting. As Jim closes in, the professor’s nerve fails and he pulls the trigger. Sensing the move, Jim lunges out of the way and the spear flies wide. Then the professor snatches a second spear and moves toward Jim, who kicks the weapon from his hand and overpowers him with a punch to the gut. The professor folds up and falls. As he struggles for breath, his concern is only for the Rembrandt, which Jim assures him survived their struggle intact.

Jim and Artie discuss the professor’s impressive collection. To recover state money officials will have to auction it. The governor enters with Angelique and Helva on his arm – they will work for him in the future. He must leave to attend a banquet, catch up on paperwork, and correct the problems that the scoundrel Bolt left for him. He exits, leaving Jim and Artie with two lovely ladies, whom they escort to dinner and a dance...

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