Die Hard Question?

[Bagsy]

In the original movie, how does John Mclaine work out that he has Hans Gruber standing in front on him, he asks his name and Hans says Bill Clay, the Camera then pans to the Board behind Hans as John reads W M Clay, so at that moment how does John twig because he then gives him an empty gun!

Theories, Answers All would be good cause its been bugging me for years!!

[dothawkes]

He just assumes it is the best thing to do, being on the safe side like, and he was right, instinct, like the guys in the airport in 2.

[Octavius]

I don't think there is a theory:

McClane asks him his name - Hans says "Bill Clay". McClane checks out the board - there is indeed somebody there with that name (William Clay / Clay, Wm).  Obviously Hans has done his homework. Doesn't matter, because McClane decides not to trust him, so he pulls the trick with the gun, which works.

[dothawkes]

And he has the same instinct in Die Hard With A Veston, in the lift, you can see he is already suspicious of the tall blonde german accented guys, then he sees his mates badge in the reflection.

[Sweet G]

McClane suspects him from the second he sees him, why is this guy here? how did he get away from the terrorists? So he tries the name thing, but Gruber passes with flying colours. McClane has to be sure so he hands Gruber a gun and as  anticipated, Gruber tries to shoot him. McClane suspicions confirmed.

Yippee ky-yay

[senorsenior]

In DH, if my memory serves me, McClane knew it was Gruber all along as he witnessed him murder the Japanese president (Mr Takagi - sp?) earlier on in the film.

In DH III, McClane knew he was in a lift full of bad guys, when he spotted one of them wearing the police badge of a colleague (each police badge has a unique number).  Rightly assuming foulplay, McC let rip.