Chain of Events

A London bank clerk, Clarke, slips past a busy bus conductor to avoid paying his fare when he lacks the right ticket. A bus inspector boards and challenges him, escalating the confrontation. When pressed for his details, Clarke bluffs by giving the name John Stockman.

The real John Stockman appears in court while the conductor and inspector assume Clarke is the same man. Stockman denies the accusation and is rude to witnesses. Clarke is fined £5 and the incident makes the local newspaper.

Stockman is seen in a bank and Clarke, as the bank clerk, serves him while discussing how he learned Stockman’s name and address. The incident deepens the confusion around Clarke’s false identity. It foreshadows how the two men’s lives become entangled with the press.

Tom Quinn, a reporter, is dragged before his editor over Stockman’s alleged investment in the paper. The editor is furious for not checking the story, and the possibility of a retrial looms as Stockman reportedly has an alibi.

Quinn heads to a pub to drown his sorrows and is joined by Jill. In his drunken state, he blurts out other stories, including Lord Fenchurch’s affair, which Freddie overhears, setting off a chain of fresh rumors and schemes.

Back on the streets, Clarke spots the same conductor and is too embarrassed to board the bus. He opts for the train home and returns late, telling his wife he will switch to the train in the future to avoid crowds.

Freddie takes the overheard gossip to Becket and they begin plotting to blackmail Lord Fenchurch. The plan hinges on exploiting the controversy surrounding the newspaper’s owner and his personal life.

Lord Fenchurch discusses his wife’s ill health with his secretary and then receives a blackmail call demanding £2,000. He confides to Jill that the affair with Simone is true, complicating his attempts to manage the scandal.

Jo is sent to see Simone with money-offer demands to deny the affair. During this visit, Jimmy Boy arrives, appears to be another boyfriend, and calls Tiny to help coordinate the blackmail plan.

Outside a post office, Freddie and the blackmailer watch for Lord Fenchurch. He arrives, drops the £2,000 envelope inside, and the conspirators retrieve it. They debate asking for more but worry that Lady Fenchurch’s death would undermine their motive.

Quinn secures a new job writing obituaries at the paper. Later, in the bar, Freddie settles his tab with the newfound wealth and buys Quinn a drink, drawing the journalist deeper into the web of intrigue.

Becket urges a second £2,000, while Simone coordinates with Jimmy Boy to set up an ambush with Tiny. The pursuit ends in a crash as the money is moved, resulting in the deaths of Clarke, Jimmy Boy, and Becket. Quinn witnesses the carnage and relocates the money back to Fenchurch.