Circle of Deception (1960)

Suzy Parker: Lucy Bowen

Photos 

Quotes 

• Capt. Thomas Rawson : The instructions our agent were to carry to Ballard were that on a certain day, on receipt of a certain signal, he and the Maquis were to attack all major roads and bridges in the Marignon sector. It didn't matter if they didn't destroy them so long as they attacked them. What was important was that the Germans would deduce from this attack that the invasion of France would take place in that area, thereby forcing them to hold troops there which would be more useful elsewhere.

  Maj. William Spence : Well, it won't work now Ballard's arrested.

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : But the Germans don't know we know that. It'll still work.

  Maj. William Spence : But they have his radio.

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : Yes, and they'll be sitting there, waiting for a signal. Well, we'll send them one. We'll say that one of our people is coming in with orders for Ballard. He'll land, the Germans will pick him up and try to beat out of him what those orders are.

  Maj. William Spence : Plant a phony agent on them?

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : So he breaks, he talks. And gives away to the Germans the plan to destroy communications in that area.

  Maj. William Spence : The Maquis can't make the attack now.

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : But the Germans will draw exactly the same conclusions as if they could - which is what we want.

  Maj. William Spence : Would the phony agent get away with it?

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : He won't know he's phony. He'll really believe he's got vital information. He'll try his hardest not to talk. Then things will get too tough for him. He won't be able to take it and he will talk.

  Maj. William Spence : What, deliberately let them get a man of ours and break him?

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : Yes. But he must be a man trying to do his duty; devoted, brave, utterly convincing. Well?

  Lucy Bowen : He'd be a sacrifice.

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : [he's handed a message]  This is on Ballard's radio and in his code. The Germans don't know we know.

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : Get on the phone to Holding Centre and tell Taylor we'll be down this afternoon.

  Capt. Thomas Rawson : We've been trying to find men who won't crack under pressure. Now we've got to find one who will. But not too easily.