Make Me an Offer!

During a childhood trip to the British Museum, Charlie is instantly captivated by the Portland Vase, sparking a lifelong fascination with English pottery. This early obsession shapes his decision to become a dealer years later. The vase becomes a recurring symbol of value and desire throughout his life.

A newspaper clipping recounts the 1886 theft of art treasures, including the Portland Vase, foreshadowing the object's contested history. The incident leaves Charlie with a sense that the vase's fate will be marked by pursuit and peril. It seeds his later motivation to possess the vase at any cost.

Years pass and Charlie becomes a struggling English pottery dealer, struggling to make a living from his passion. He learns of a country mansion slated for demolition that supposedly hides a Wedgwood collection. The prospect rekindles his hope of finally owning the prized vase.

With funds tight, Charlie turns to Abe Sparta, the house's owner, hoping for permission to view the Wedgwood collection before the auction. He visits the home where he and his wife Bella live with their two children. This meeting sets the stage for his bid to access the treasure.

Charlie travels by train to the country mansion to inspect the contents ahead of the auction. He hopes to find something of value to fund his family and career. The journey marks the start of a tense, long hunt for a priceless artifact.

Upon arrival, Charlie discovers that the mansion's contents are mostly French fakes rather than Wedgwood treasures. He steels himself to continue the search, driven by stubborn hope. The discovery underscores how hard-won true value will be.

As Charlie searches, Nicky—a pretty neighbor—walks to the nearby cottage, and Charlie follows. She invites him to look around to see if he might find something of value. The encounter pulls him deeper into a hidden world of art and potential theft.

Charlie buys a worthless porcelain piece from Nicky for two pounds, simply because she needs the money. She then invites him to continue looking for anything of value. This small purchase seeds an uneasy alliance.

Returning to the attic, Charlie spots two of the art objects stolen along with the vase, signaling the true provenance of the hidden trove. He conceals his astonishment, aware that he has stumbled onto a dangerous cache. The stakes of his search suddenly rise.

In the same dusty attic he finally locates the Portland Wedgwood vase, forgotten and gathering dust. He understands its value and significance. This moment sets in motion his plan to claim the vase.

Back at the house, Charlie arranges for bidders to attend the upcoming auction, including Wendl and Armstrong, plus Mindel and Sweeting, Armstrong's American clients. He uses their rivalry to drive up the price and secure more profit. The auction becomes a high-stakes chessboard for him.

At the auction, Charlie plays the three bidders off against each other, turning competition into profit. He amasses enough money to pay Nicky and fund his broader pursuit. The tactic hinges on deft manipulation of the contenders.

When Nicky demands £150 for the vase, Charlie goes to Sir John, reveals his knowledge of the vase's history, and persuades the aged relation to act for the first good deed of his life by giving him the vase for nothing. The revelation of the mansion's past seals the vase's fate.

Charlie secures the vase for nothing from Sir John, and nevertheless pays Nicky the promised £100. The arrangement satisfies the prior deal and allows Charlie to claim the prize without breaking the bank. The exchange keeps the transaction clean on the surface even as its history remains murky.

With the day's profits secured, Charlie buys his wife Bella a long-promised fur coat. The tangible reward confirms that his relentless pursuit has paid off for their family. The Portland Vase's rediscovery becomes a personal triumph as well as a professional one.