(0:00) Believe it or not, (0:03) first legendary explorer Robert Ripley, (0:06) now Michael Ripley follows in his footsteps. (0:13) He and his friends, Samantha and Cyril, (0:17) circle the globe in search of (0:20) the strange, (0:22) the bizarre, (0:24) the unexplained. (0:32) Leaving no mystery unresolved, against all odds, (0:36) they challenge you to believe it or not.
(2:13) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (2:46) You've checked your briefcase twice already, Rip. Relax. (2:51) Where's Sam? She said she'd be back from her brother's at noon.
(2:55) I've never seen you this impatient before. (2:59) Sorry, buddy. It's just the auction for the winged warrior headpiece has got me a little nervous.
(3:04) You've bid on thousands of artifacts before. What's different about this one? (3:09) It's always eluded the Ripley family. My uncle tried to get it years ago and lost out.
(3:16) Guys, this is my nephew, Peter. He's going to be staying with us for a few days. (3:20) Auntie Sam tells me you collect swords and stuff.
That's brilliant. (3:24) I promised my brother I'd take care of him. You're gonna like him.
He's really bright for his age. (3:30) But unfortunately, I'm going to have to bow out of the auction. (3:33) Well, all right.
Cyril, let's get to the auction. The winged warrior headpiece won't wait forever. (3:39) You're going to Cromwell's first Millennium Auction? Wow! I love that period in history.
(3:47) Can we go too, Auntie Sam? (3:48) Well, you'd probably be bored. It's not exactly a place for kids. (3:52) Who are you calling a kid? I've studied antiquities for years.
I just did a project on King Arthur. (3:58) And the Knights of the Round Table? Cool! (4:01) Rip, what do you think? (4:03) Well, I guess it couldn't hurt. Come on, let's go.
(4:07) Did you know that there are markings on some ancient swords that tell you what sort of powers they're supposed to bequeath their owners? (4:14) Really? You know, Cyril is the one who's really interested in that kind of stuff. (4:19) I didn't know that. That's cool! (4:22) We don't say cool here.
We say brilliant. (4:26) Brilliant! (4:27) Don't worry. I'll keep him real busy.
(4:29) Hmm. (4:36) This is the reason we're here. (4:38) This is supposed to give its owner the strength of ten men? Looks pretty shabby to me.
(4:44) Oh, great Barons here. He has a way of buying up artifacts just so he can rub it in my face. (4:51) You have good taste as always, Michael.
Refreshed my memory. (4:56) When was the last time we saw each other? (4:58) We were both bidding on the Aztec statuettes. (5:00) Ah, yes.
You'll be happy to know I'm having them restored. (5:05) This is my antiquities expert, Brian. He advises me on everything.
(5:10) Uh, I'm Samantha, Michael's associate. (5:15) Daniel Baron. But you can call me Danny.
(5:21) I don't mean to interrupt, but we'd better get to our seats. The auction's about to start. (5:26) You and your friends must come to my gala to celebrate the opening of my new wing at the museum.
(5:32) Promise me you'll be there. Wouldn't miss it for the world. (5:36) I wouldn't be caught dead there.
(5:38) Lighten up. So he beat you out of a few artifacts. He seems like a nice guy to me.
(5:43) Come on, Peter. Let's see what's up for sale today, okay? (5:46) You know what I'm talking about. He only buys artifacts to brag about owning them.
(5:51) He doesn't care about their historical value. (5:53) Come on, you sentimental guy. Let's go buy us a warrior helmet.
(5:59) Up for bid, item number 20. The winged warrior headpiece, dating back to 1000 BC. (6:06) As legend would have it, it gives the wearer the strength of ten men.
(6:11) Shall we start the bidding at 20,000 pounds? (6:14) 20,000 pounds. (6:16) 21,000 pounds. (6:18) 50,000 pounds.
(6:24) 60,000 pounds. (6:26) 80,000 pounds. (6:28) A little too rich for my blood.
(6:31) This is exciting. I've never seen bidding like this before. (6:34) 85,000 pounds.
Where's Peter? (6:36) I left him looking at the artifacts right over... (6:40) Oh, my gosh. (6:43) Would you guys keep it down? (6:48) 100,000 pounds. (6:50) 100,000 pounds.
(6:51) What are you doing? (6:56) I'm sorry. I was just seeing how it handles. I wasn't going to break it.
(7:02) Sold to Mr. Daniel Barrow. (7:04) What? (7:13) Welcome, everybody. Friends, family, members of the press.
(7:30) And of course, lovers of fine antiquities. (7:36) This is a celebration to honor my latest acquisition, as well as this, the newest wing of my museum. (7:46) So please, everyone, enjoy yourselves.
(7:50) I can't believe you dragged me down here to watch this guy gloat. (7:54) You really have to get over this, Rip. Consider it failed.
(8:00) Oh! (8:07) Not to worry. False alarm. (8:10) It appears that a little boy's curiosity has got the best of him.
(8:14) What do you think you're doing? (8:16) I can explain. I was just examining the... (8:19) Peter, twice in one day? (8:21) I'm really sorry, Rip. (8:23) No problem, Sam.
No harm done. (8:26) Uh, what do you say we get out of here? I've seen enough. (8:28) Okay, I'll go find Cyril.
(8:30) Guess I messed up, huh? (8:32) Well, the thing is, Peter, most artifacts are extremely fragile. (8:37) Even a little sweat from your hand can speed up their deterioration. (8:40) I know, Mr. Ripley, but that sword I took from the display case isn't old at all.
(8:46) What do you mean? (8:53) It wasn't me this time, I swear. (8:55) Sam! (8:56) I knew you were jealous of my acquiring the winged warrior headpiece, (9:00) but I find this petty, even for you, my dear. (9:08) Hey, I just got onto the Buckingham Palace website.
(9:16) Did you know that the Queen has over 40 dogs? (9:19) I can't believe these tabloids. (9:21) Listen to this. (9:22) Relative of Robert Ripley destroys artifact in jealous rage.
(9:27) Now you know how the royal family feels. (9:29) Don't worry about it. You're just the flavor of the moment.
(9:32) No one's even going to see it. (9:34) This must be some sort of record. (9:36) You made the cover of every tabloid in London.
(9:39) This is my personal favorite. (9:41) Famous collector rips headpiece apart. (9:44) Great.
My name is being dragged through the mud, and all you guys can do is laugh. (9:48) No big deal. (9:50) The headpiece was probably just as fake as Mr. Barron's swords.
(9:53) What do you mean by that, Peter? (9:55) The sword we saw yesterday wasn't real. (9:58) The snake on the hilt had three coils instead of four. (10:01) I think you're onto something, Peter.
(10:02) Told you I had the brightest nephew in the world. (10:05) But seriously, we can't just start accusing Mr. Barron of displaying fakes without some sort of proof. (10:11) I'm sure there are pictures of the swords on the museum's website.
(10:15) Brilliant idea, Peter. (10:17) All right. Let's look up his sword collection.
(10:22) Which one was it, Peter? (10:23) That one there. (10:26) See, I told you. Only three coils.
(10:29) Real ones have four. (10:31) Everyone knows that. (10:32) Do you mean to tell me he created a copy of the sword? (10:35) And who knows what else? (10:37) I'm sure his artifacts are heavily insured.
(10:40) It might be some kind of insurance scam. (10:42) I wouldn't put it past Barron. (10:44) I'll bet if we go to the insurance company, we'll find the damaged fakes.
(10:48) Aren't you guys jumping to conclusions here? (10:50) Peter, there's no proof. (10:52) And if you're wrong, Rip, the press will ruin your reputation. (10:55) I can just see the headlines now.
(10:57) Ripley accuses rival of fraud Barron Suess Ripley for all he's worth. (11:01) Sam, my reputation's already ruined. (11:04) What do I have to lose? My shirt? (11:06) I can use a new one anyway.
(11:11) Peter, do you have a cricket bat? (11:13) Sure, at home. Why? (11:15) I think it's about time we settled the age-old debate about cricket versus baseball. (11:23) Stay by my side and follow my lead.
(11:26) And most of all, act your age. (11:28) And I mean that in the worst way possible. (11:31) Brilliant! (11:36) Hey! (11:37) Ouch! (11:38) Mom! (11:40) Excuse me, I need to have something appraised.
(11:43) I need to know the formal value of this antique (11:46) so that my clumsy son who broke it, practicing his cricket swing, can pay for it. (11:55) Just a moment. I'll see if an appraisal expert is available.
(11:58) Please have a seat. (12:01) Hi! I need to insure this baseball. (12:04) One moment, sir.
If you'll have a seat, I'll get you a broker. (12:20) Hello. My name is Mr Heath.
(12:23) If you will follow me, I'll help you with your appraisal. (12:26) Thank you. (12:29) You wish to insure something, sir? (12:31) I would like to insure this baseball for one million dollars.
(12:34) One million dollars for a baseball, sir? Surely you must be mistaken. (12:38) This baseball was signed by the 1928 New York Yankees, including Babe Ruth. (12:44) You ever heard of him? (12:45) Can't say that I have.
(12:47) Well, I suggest you look into the value of baseball memorabilia. (12:51) I'm sure your boss would be very upset if you let this one get away. (12:55) I don't often deal in sports memorabilia.
(12:58) You'll have to excuse me while I search for some reference materials. (13:02) No problem! (13:04) Tell me, if I wanted to store this baseball here for safekeeping, where would it be kept? (13:10) We keep all our valuables in that vault over there. (13:13) I'm afraid that I don't seem to have any reference for baseball in my files.
(13:17) Although I do have extensive data on historical cricket items. (13:21) Please, don't tell me that you're comparing that silly cricket game to the greatest sport ever. (13:28) I mean no offense, sir.
(13:30) I simply don't have anything on baseball at this present time. (13:33) Any one of cricket's best batsmen couldn't hold a candle to the Babe. (13:38) Cricket rules! (13:40) And I'll prove it! (13:42) Watch! (13:46) What do you think you're doing, kid? (13:47) That ball is worth a million bucks! (14:05) Zero, are you ready? (14:06) I'm gonna send you a laser scan of the headpiece.
(14:08) I'm ready. Send the readings. (14:16) Hurry up, we're almost out of time.
(14:19) You better have the engine running when we come out. (14:21) I've got a feeling we're gonna need a fast getaway. (14:25) Don't worry, I'll be ready.
Over and out. (14:31) Hello, Officer Bobby. I mean, Bobby.
Officer. (14:35) You're probably wondering what we're... I mean, what I'm doing here. (14:39) Well, nothing really.
(14:41) That is, I'm just waiting for my friends to come out of wherever it is that they are. (14:47) My good man. (14:48) Fortunately for you, it just so happens that my name is Robert.
(14:54) Unfortunately, I'm going to have to ask you to move your vehicle. (15:00) Now. (15:05) Don't point at me! You're the one driving on the wrong side of the road! (15:13) Sir, your baseball! (15:18) Oh, wait a second.
(15:20) Michael Ripley! Samantha! What are you two doing here? (15:30) Where's Cyril? (15:31) The mixer! (15:33) The ball! (15:36) Keep it! The kid's right! Cricket rules! (15:41) He was Baron's so-called antiquities expert. (15:43) Sure was. What a coincidence that he's working at Baron's insurance company.
(15:49) Cyril, where are you? (15:51) I have no idea. (15:53) Never mind, then. Just meet us back at the hotel.
(15:55) Sure, but don't expect me anytime soon. (16:01) This is a fake, all right. It contains some traces of iron, (16:05) a metal that wasn't even used when the headpiece was originally made.
(16:09) So, all that's left to do is find the real winged warrior headpiece and expose Baron's fraud. (16:14) Shall we start at his museum? (16:20) Oh, this just isn't fair. (16:23) If it weren't for me, you guys wouldn't even be here.
(16:26) Why do I get stuck with being the lookout? (16:29) Peter, it's a very important job. (16:31) Remember, use the cell if anybody comes. (16:34) Your parents are already going to disown me.
There's no way I'm having you break in there with us. (16:42) Can you crack the code? (16:43) Can I crack the code? (16:45) Can I crack the code? (16:48) How could you ever doubt me? (16:53) This Picasso doesn't look right. (16:55) I'd like to get a closer look to be sure.
(16:58) We'll need the remote. (17:10) Baron should be more careful when he uses a code in public. (17:21) Remember when these things only change the channels? (17:23) Hold on.
Push the last button you just hit again. (17:28) Cool, whoa. (17:29) Baron must have used his arm to get the headpiece to fall over.
(17:33) Pretty sneaky. (17:34) He must have been drooling when he saw the opportunity to pin the blame on me. (17:47) How does it open? There are no buttons.
(17:50) Come on, Cyril. (18:00) False alarm. (18:01) Nobody's here.
Let's go. (18:03) No, wait. Look.
(18:13) Jackpot. (18:15) Looks like Baron's definitely in the forgery business. (18:17) Here's an unfinished Van Gogh.
(18:20) Hey, maybe I should get these guys to come over and paint my place. (18:23) There she is, the original. (18:25) Only Baron could pull off such a scam.
(18:28) This Cezanne was reported destroyed in a fire over ten years ago. (18:31) This is a Ming vase. (18:33) Looks like Baron is a repeat offender.
(18:36) Pretty lucky not to have been caught. (18:38) Not yet, that is. (18:40) The press is going to have a field day with this.
(18:58) Move it. (19:10) Hold it right there. (19:17) This is Frank, requesting assistance with intruders in the new wing.
(19:30) Don't worry, he'll come out as a butterfly in a few weeks. (19:37) Stop! (19:47) Too late, Baron. (19:50) Ripley, I'll get you for this.
(19:55) What took you guys so long? (19:58) Whoa! (20:17) We need to find the nearest police station. (20:21) There's one on the other side of the tower bridge just across from our hotel. (20:24) How far away? (20:25) Reach me, I don't even know where we are.
(20:27) We're at Westminster. (20:29) Look, there's Big Ben. (20:31) Not far from the tower bridge.
(20:33) Turn right, up ahead. (20:41) Oh no, the bridge is lifting. (20:44) Looks like we've reached the end of the line.
(20:48) Mr. Ripley, I believe you have something that belongs to me. (20:53) Is that so? (20:55) I'm willing to make a trade. (20:57) Give me back the headpiece, and I'll see to it that your name gets cleared.
(21:02) Tell me, Baron, how could I possibly give you back the headpiece when we both know that I crushed it at the museum? (21:09) I'm sure I can get this to the police station. (21:13) No, Peter! (21:16) Get the boy! He's got the headpiece! (21:26) Stop those men! They're after the boy! (21:28) We need to get the operator to stop lifting the bridge! (21:37) Peter, no! (21:48) Stop the bridge! There's people up there! (21:53) Ripley! (22:01) Hold on tight, Peter! (22:08) Peter, let go of the headpiece and hang on with both hands! (22:12) I won't! Won't fit! (22:13) Then throw it to Sam! (22:22) Hold on! I'm coming over! (22:25) Don't do it, Sam! You'll never make it! (22:41) Hey, remember last week when I said you were out of shape? (22:45) Take it back. (22:55) It looks like this time it'll be Baron's face on all the tabloids.
(22:58) And I think he'll have plenty of time to read them. (23:01) Peter, you can join the buy-on team any day. (23:04) No thanks, Mr. Ripley.
(23:06) I was thinking more along the lines of an undercover fraud specialist. (23:10) But do you think I could try the headpiece on? (23:19) Hey, it's not working! (23:21) Are you sure it's not the fake? (23:24) Let's just say I've been working out lately. (23:27) Believe it or not.