- Subtitles - Lu�s Filipe Bernardes
And here we are with only a few fleeting minutes of the century left...
...and a new year about to be born.
Before my husband left to fight the Boers in South Africa he said to me,
"Don't grieve, I shall be back to welcome in the century with you and the children."
And I know how happy he would be to be here with us now...
...and to thank you, dear members of the staff.
for yet another year of faithful service.
But it was not to be. His duty parts him from us...
...but not from our hearts.
And so it falls to me to give you a toast.
To our soldiers, to the master,
to all those so far away...
...and so near to us in our thoughts.
I drink good luck and a quick and safe return.
To Father.
Mother, may I propose a toast too?
Of course, Edward.
I would like to give you all a toast...
...that I know my father, if he were here, would give us.
To the one we all love, to you, Mother.
Thank you, Edward.
But let us couple it with all those dear to us, shall we?
- To all those. - Your Ladyship.
Teddy!
To us.
Come and sit down, Nanny, you must be tired.
- Thank you, Milady. - Mrs. O'Halloran.
Your souffl� tonight was better than ever.
Oh, I was afraid of it, I was, Milady.
For I only put twenty-four eggs in it.
Really? Then it must be your magic touch.
I wish the master had been here to enjoy it.
Lady, ladies and gentlemen!
The members of our staff will now entertain you...
...with items from their musical repertoire.
First a song from Kate O'Halloran.
You have a very talented daughter, Mrs. O'Halloran.
She once had a creative notion to go on the stage no less.
Kate?
Oh, to be sure, Mr. Simmons.
Miss Mary, would you oblige?
Thank you, Miss Mary.
# I polished the pewter # # I tidied the kitchen #
# My dresser looked white # # As a stack in the snow #
# And there in the window # # Me skirt I was stitching #
# For I'm very neat with a needle to sew #
# Says I what's the use # # Of me mending me finery #
# Till it is fit for a queen on her throne #
# For it's, oh, dear, there isn't a sign #
# Of me getting a man # # And a place of me own #
# Then here's to the wedding # # Here's to the wedding #
# I sang as I sat on the window alone #
# For oh, oh, it was oft I was dreading # # I'd not get a man and a place of me own #
# Then I saw in me first cup of tea # # The next morning #
# A lucky red tea leaf # # Some stranger would call #
# I tried seven times # # And he traveled on Sunday #
# I wondered who was it # # Was coming at all #
# Who was it but Francie # # The brother of Nancy #
# He'd buried his mother # # Last May in Kilcoole #
# So it's now dear # # I'm married with Francie #
# The boy of me heart # # With a place of his own #
# So here's to the wedding # # Here's to the wedding
# Not long I'll be sitting # # And singing alone #
# So soon dear, with young Francie Redding #
# I'll reign like a queen # # In a place of me own #
Mary, do you think you could play a nice, soft, dreamy waltz?
Teddy, do you think you're being quite fair?
No.
Nice and dreamy.
Kate, may I have the pleasure?
You may, sir.
Doesn't my Miss Mary play the piano beautifully, milady?
Yes, Nanny, she does you credit.
I don't think Mary will belong to me much longer.
Daughters. We watch them grow up, don't we, Nanny?
Then the marry, watch their sons and daughters...
...and forget all about us, don't they, Mrs. O'Halloran?
Well, if it's the right man, Milady,
I'll manage to get on without me little Katie.
Sure, Kate, you've got a voice like St. Patrick's nightingale in the blue greenwoods of Killarney.
How's that?
Very bad Irish, and it's no way to talk to a nice girl at all.
- Even though she's your nice girl? - She's your nice girl.
You behave as you have tonight the whole world will be knowing about your silly girl.
But you've no place or a man of your own so you haven't to be peeved.
Talk sense or take me to some quiet place...
...before every eye in the room hears what it is you're saying to me.
That is just the invitation I've been waiting for.
Sure that's a very nice way to start the New Year.
- And the new century. - Yes, the new century.
Very nice.
I'm also going to start the new year by telling Mother tonight.
Edward!
Oh, couldn't you keep it secret just a little bit longer?
Kathy O'Halloran, this has gone on long enough.
I'm sick of secrets. Even Mary suspects the worst.
I want everybody to know about you and me,
so I'm going to tell Mother tonight.
Oh, but darling, don't you think it would be wise to wait...
...just until the war is over?
No, I do not. Who knows when it will be over?
- The Boers will take a lot of licking. - What's that?
Michael O'Halloran says the Boers will take a lot of licking.
It may be some time before I see...
Milady, may I have the honor?
Thank you, Simmons, New Year's Eve wouldn't be complete without it.
No indeed, Milady.
Darling, Mother knows you since you were born and she thinks the world of you.
Yes, Edward, as her personal maid, but...
would she think the world of me as her daughter-in-law or...
...the mother of her grandchildren maybe?
Oh, that's old-fashioned Victorian rubbish.
Mother's as modern as a motor car, as a telephone... electricity.
It's your mother I'm worried about.
Oh, you don't have to worry about her. Sure she's often told me.
- You're the catch of the season! - She has? Oh, Thank you...
Oh, you know I didn't mean it that way at all.
- 30 Curzon Street. - Thank you, my boy.
- Happy New Year, sir. - Happy New Year to you too.
May I be permitted to say, Milady, how delightfully you dance the waltz?
Thank you, Simmons, and may I return the compliment.
- For you, Milady. - Oh, Simmons, this is from abroad.
This will be New Year's greetings from the master.
How characteristic of him.
I trust the master is well, Milady.
That nothing has happened to him.
No, the master is quite well, Simmons.
Edward, it's so important, I want you to be sure.
Kathy, darling, I am sure.
Why are you so afraid?
It's... I'm afraid that I might disappoint you.
Ah, no... You've got something else on your mind.
It's that last New Moon, I saw it through a glass.
I made up my mind I'd ignore it but... I just haven't had any luck at all.
Darling, I keep telling you, it's unlucky to be superstitious.
I know you do. Sure it's a habit that's hard to break.
Teddy!
Mother wants to see Katie in the library.
Yes, Miss Mary.
- That New Moon! - Yes, and it has brought us good luck.
- Good luck? - Yes, Of course.
Now we've got to get through with it.
Oh, Teddy, I'm shaking like one of me mother's wine jellies.
And you look just as good to eat. Come on.
# And when we say we've always won #
# And when they ask us how it's done #
# We'll proudly point to ev'ry one # # Of England's soldiers of the Queen #
Now all together!
# The Soldiers of the Queen, my lads #
# Who've been my lads, # # Who're seen my lads #
# In the fight for England's glory, lads #
# When we've had to show them # # What we mean #
# And when we say we've always won #
# And when they ask us how it's done #
- It's my father! - Katie, Katie, he's gone from us.
He was killed, fighting gallantly at Spion Kop.
What will we do at all without him?
Oh, there now, Mother, try not to be frightened too much.
It's the will of God, we must bear it.
I know, of course, I know. But me heart is broken.
Aren't I here to comfort you, Mother?
So you are, child. And it's lonely I'd be without you.
But your Father was the grandest man in all the world.
He was indeed, God rest his soul.
And the days ahead will be dark without him.
Oh, my goodness, my goodness!
- Mr. Simmons, there's someone at the door. - Well, answer it, Kate.
But her ladyship wants me upstairs this very minute.
- Good morning, Simmons. - Master Edward.
- Ah, primroses, sir. - Yes. Where is Mother?
- In her boudoir, sir. - Right.
Yes, that's very nice, Kate. Your finishing touch makes all the difference.
Thank you, Milady.
- Mother! - Oh, come in, Edward.
Oh, primroses, how very thoughtful!
Yes, the one thing I'm not likely to forget.
They're for St. Patrick's Day. Many happy returns, darling.
- Thank you, Edward. Mother, can I have a word with you alone?
Yes, sit down, darling.
Em, Kate. Run and get a little vase with some water for my dressing table.
Yes, Milady.
- Kate... Oh! - I'm so sorry, Milady, 'twas the needle.
Yes, it felt like the needle, Kate, aren't you well?
Oh yes, I'm grand, thank you, Milady.
Yes, well, go and get that vase.
But this isn't quite finished, it's not right, here...
It looks perfectly all right to me.
Kate, I wish to speak to my mother on a very important matter.
And it's private. Get out.
Yes, sir.
Darling, what ever made you speak to Kate like that?
- She knows what I'm going to say to you. - Kate knows?
Yes.
She knows that I'm going to tell you that...
...that I want to marry her.
- That's not very amusing, Edward. - No, Mother, it's not meant to be amusing.
But it's true. I love Kate and she loves me.
How long has this been going on, Edward?
Well, I'm not quite sure when it started...
...but it all seems mixed up some stolen jam pots from the larder.
Of course I hadn't been blind.
But I thought it was a passing infatuation.
Now, I don't want to be narrow and bigotted, Edward,
I have the highest opinion of Kate, her mother's a very good woman...
...and I've always thought the girl had character, I think.
I can well imagine that any man would admire and respect her.
She has a warm heart and that's a very attractive possession but...
But... to talk of marrying her, it's...
Edward.
Family and backgroud are very strong things.
And even if you push them away, sooner or later they'll come back...
...and insist on being recognized.
Now don't make a mistake, darling.
If you break habits, you may end by breaking hearts.
- Mother, I... - Darling, I'm only trying to think...
...what's best for you.
And not only for you, for her.
It's all very true and I'm very sorry to make you unhappy.
But I love Kate and her background may not be the same as mine...
...but think it's just as good.
This is a new century, Mother.
Kate and I are going to start it together.
And as soon as we can.
Edward, if you marry this girl,
your social position will be impossible.
Yes, I know you think that doesn't matter, but it does.
Your life will be a hell and hers will be a greater hell, now that is true.
And in denying that you're not only selfish and wanton, but cruel.
I never thought a son of mine and a son of your father's...
...could be any of these things.
I'm sorry, Mother.
But Kate and I are going to get married.
It would help very much that you'd be our friend.
We shall need friends.
- I'm your mother, Edward. - Thank you, darling.
But I'm so afraid.
- For both of you. - Oh, you mustn't be.
We're not.
- Who is that? - Kathy?
May I come in?
Oh, comme madame est belle ce soir.
Un petit instant.
- Ah, zut! - What is "zut", Louise?
Zut? Oh, zut, madame, is just... zut.
I'm not learning French very quickly, I'm afraid.
Darling!
Un petit instant! Ah, zut! I'm coming, darling!
Does Madame remember what they call the symphony of Tchaikovsky...
...they are going to play for Her Majesty tonight?
- The Pathetic. - Path�tique.
- Tr�s bien, Madame.
Bon soir, Madame. I hope Madame will have a pleasant evening.
- Au revoir. - I will wait up for Madame.
Oh, no, you go to bed, Louise. I know what it can be to wait up. Good night.
Bonne nuit, Madame, merci
- Kathy! - Do I look all right?
- You look perfect. - It's all Louise's doing.
Do you think I'd undo any of that if I were to kiss you?
- Well, Louise would be after me. - Oh... bugger Louise.
Oh, no, darling, not bugger. Zut!
Come on, Kathy, we're late.
I suppose we do have to go... it's all so cozy here.
You're frightened, aren't you?
I'm terrified.
Oh, I'd never mind.
We'll be back by midnight and sit in front of the fire...
...and open a big bottle of champagne.
All right, I'll bank the fire up so it'll still be here when we get back.
Louise can take care of that.
No, I told Louise not to stay up.
Kathy, unless you want to see me cashiered, we must go.
Um... Path�tique.
- Edward, it's disgraced you, I have. - Nonsense, Kathy, it was just an accident.
And she's an ungracious old beast.
But do you think Her Majesty saw it?
No, she was fast asleep.
I hope you're going to shake off this dull husband of yours, Mrs. Courtney,
and give the poor bachelors like me a chance of dancing with you.
I think I have to warn you, Kathy,
that Algie dancing is like a Fuzzy-Wuzzy charging you.
Envy may be the cause of bad manners, Edward, but it's no excuse for them.
I don't mind your reading Oscar Wilde, Algie, but there's no need to ape him.
How about a little refreshment?
Thank you, Edward. A little lemonade, please.
- Some claret to color it? - Oh, sure, I need it.
- Excuse me. - Mrs. Courtney, you're a disgrace.
You've got positively no right...
...to make every woman in the room if not only dull but absolutely plain.
Thank you, Mr. Longworth. But, tell me...
Did you really dance like a Fuzzy-Wuzzy charging?
You shall judge for yourself, Mrs. Courtney.
- I beg... - Edward!
Now why have you been hiding her away, she's a picture, congratulations.
Thank you, Valerie.
You must read the social column of your Times very carefully tomorrow, Edward.
Why, Lady Merton?
I'm announcing my engagement to Dicky Fanshaw.
Dicky? But he's off to India.
Yes, that's one reason why I shall have to tear myself away from you all...
...like a beautiful little wife and become an Empire builder.
- Well, congratulations. - Thank you.
I thought you'd be pleased.
- Goodbye, Edward. - Goodbye, Valerie.
Valerie, I can't imagine why you didn't marry him.
- A claret and lemonade. - Yes, sir.
Thanks, Kate, most exhilerating.
- Thank you, Algie. - Oh, by the way.
Did anybody ever tell you my rather amusing experience in Kashmir?
- No. - Well...
Now, you see, it was one of my jobs to attend all visiting royalty...
...to see that they had plenty of big game shooting.
Now, one very royal personage having shot ten elephants a day for nearly a month...
...decided that he'd like to shoot a tiger.
Now, we couldn't find a tiger on the Maharajah's...
My dear, she looks so pathetically out of her element.
One must admit she dresses well.
Oh, yes, but I suppose being a lady's maid teaches one a certain style...
...even if one hasn't got anything.
But it's Edward I'm so sorry for. He's painfully infatuated.
It's charming to see anyone so naive these days.
Helen says it would make a wonderful picture of the year at the Academy.
Instead of the Biter Bit, the Courtney Court.
Oh, heavens, that's really very wicked.
But why do you suppose he rushed her off to that remote village church to marry her?
Well, I could suppose a good many things, Valerie.
You're uncharitable, Lady Merton.
- Kathy! - Darling, please take me home.
But we can't go till my Colonel leaves.
- You're not still worried about... - Oh, no, it's not that, it's...
It's just that I feel faint.
I say, Kate, I hope my story about the tigers...
Oh, please take me home.
Would you mind, Algie?
My fire has gone out.
Oh, never mind. We'll light it again and open a big bottle of champagne, shall we?
I don't think I could drink it, could you?
No, I don't think I could.
Well, I'll go up.
So I wedded Edward Courtney, a sensible man with a... place of his own.
Ted, you're so sweet.
I know you're just trying to take me mind off it but...
It's like a nightmare chasing it's own tail so it is I can't get it out of me head.
You know, the last time the fan dropped in the lap...
...of the Queen herself in me imagination.
Oh, no, Kathy, there's something else you're worrying about.
It's a mortifying thing I did and it's you they're sorry for.
Who said that?
Well, I... I couldn't see her face.
But surely everyone in the room must have heard her.
Now listen, Kathy, nothing that anybody says must ever come between us, ever.
Oh, it's so comforting to hear you say that, darling.
But do you think I'll ever be a credit to you?
- Now, do you love me? - You know I do.
And I adore you.
Now let that go round and round in your head...
...just like a nightmare chasing its own tail so it is.
# I polished the pewter # # I tidied the kitchen #
# My dresser looked white # # As a stack in the snow #
# I can't sing in Irish # # I can't sing in English #
# I can't sing in Russian # # I can't sing at all #
Oh, it' so elegant you look.
Oh, it's spit and polish day. We're escorting the Khedive of Egypt to Charing Cross.
You love the Army don't you, Edward?
Yes, my father, my grandfather, his father and grandfather were all in it.
I don't know how I'd live without it.
Goodbye, darling.
Yes, this is awkward, dear.
Come over here, I've got an idea.
Come on, higher, higher, higher.
- Goodbye, Kathy. - Goodbye, darling.
Bugger Louise, she will keep polishing this floor.
Not bugger, darling, zut! And it wasn't Louise, it was you.
I saw you with my own eyes, didn't I?
- You did. - And how often do I have to tell you?
You don't have to polish the floor, you don't have to do all your own shopping...
...and you don't have to answer the front door.
I know... well, it's a habit that's hard to break.
I love this little house, it's so kind, and friendly, and it's ours.
It just makes me want to do everything myself.
- Goodbye, darling... Oh! - That's one you owe me.
Louise, will you bring me my hat and the shopping list? It's on the table by the bed!
All right, I'll answer it!
Why, Mrs. Courtney! I hardly expected this pleasure.
- I was just seeing my husband off. - Really?
- I called to leave my card. - Oh, yes.
Thank you... You left early last night.
- Before Colonel Gascoyne. - I did.
- I trust you were not indisposed. - Thank you, I was not.
I always find orchestral concerts rather exhausting.
There are too many people, not enough chairs and... no place one can talk quietly.
- Quietly, Miss Linsey? - Yes.
Oh, what a charming house!
This is delightful! But then, I should have known.
Edward always had exquisite taste.
We were... very intimate friends, you know.
Yes, I did know.
Has he ever taken you to Ascot, Mrs. Courtney?
- He has. - Oh, how very nice for you.
I must tell you which horses to back. I have a system, you know.
I never back outsiders.
I find they rarely stay the course and the animal is... well...
...out of its class.
I can see you're quite an expert on animals, Miss Linsey.
Oh, no, fairly a question of breeding, Mrs. Courtney.
And watching your step.
Oh, Miss Linsey, It really behooves me to tell you what I think...
...of you in that ridiculous posture.
But if you walk into my house again without an invitation,
slandering my husband, telling me I'm common, well...
I may be forgetting that I'm the wife of Edward Courtney.
So will you get out this minute, before I start losing me temper?
- Bravo, Madame! Je vous f�licite! - Thank you, Louise.
Don't let that woman worry you, ma petite.
- She is a vache. - What is "vache"?
Vache? A female bull, Madame.
- Louise! - Yes.
Kathy, you have danced me off my feet.
- Are you happy? - As a sandboy.
Everyone who sees us together seems to think that we're happy.
Even Mother.
She said that to me.
When did you see Mother?
Why... I was just going into her room in her house and she was coming out.
How was she?
Very well.
She's looking forward to having Sir Edward.
Having your father home.
Yes, he's on his way back.
I say, I'm so...
Well good heavens, Courtney! How are you?
I've just got back from foreign parts. It is nice to see you again.
Good evening, Perry.
I hear you've given Valerie Linsey the go-by and got yourself tied up very nicely.
All very romantic, eh? Lady's maid to lady...
Captain Perry, my wife!
Oh... Valerie said you were a good-looker.
Just old Edward, eh?
Well, I suppose you're going to resign from the Regiment as they usually do, Courtney?
He turned Romano's into a bear garden, sir.
The end of the club, sir.
We must have known what to expect.
I can't imagine why he didn't resign his commission when he married the girl.
I don't suppose you can, Lawford.
What do you think should be done, sir?
I don't know. I shall have to see him of course.
- What's his duty? - Greets of guard, sir.
Well, tell him I'd like to see him when he comes off.
Meanwhile I'll have a word with the Brigadier.
That's all.
I'd like to speak to Brigade Headquarters, please.
And you'll have a delicious dinner waiting for me tonight...
...here alone just the two of us?
- I will. - Right.
Then goodbye, my beautiful wife.
Goodbye, darling.
- Edward, will you do something for me? - Yes.
Don't see the Colonel today, wait just a little longer till you can be quite sure.
All right, if you want me to.
But it won't make any difference.
Thank you. And Edward...
Thank you for everything you've ever done for me.
You sound as if I wasn't going to se you for years, and years, and years.
Do I?
- Goodbye, Kathy. - Goodbye.
Kathy!
She's gone, Edward.
Gone?
- Where? - I don't know.
Her mother with her. She left a note for you.
She's gone.
Kathy's gone.
This was the challenge you accepted when you married her.
She knew that in this world as it is...
...she would only drag you back. She wanted you to go on.
- That's why she's gone away. - I don't believe it.
- I'm going to find her... - Edward!
Did you know that Kate had talked to me?
No.
- When? - A little time ago.
I promised her I wouldn't tell you.
I'm breaking that promise.
Edward, I have seen many brave people in my life.
And many acts of self-sacrifice.
But I have never seen a braver one than Kate.
And not only brave, but wise.
I loved Kate and she loved me.
And now she's left me.
And do you know why? Because of al this damned snobbery!
I used to love the Army. I thought it the finest career in the world.
And now I hate it.
Just as it hates Kathy and me.
You don't hate the Army, Edward.
You hate the world which it serves.
Those conventions that most matter.
And you've a right to.
I can't go on. I must find her.
My husband came all the way from Cork 200 miles or more when I had my Dennis.
Why wouldn't hers?
Why not, Mrs. Flanagan? I tell you why not.
Because she hasn't one. 'Tis my belief she's not married at all.
I'm surprised at you, Mrs. Noonan.
Such a terribe thing to say about any poor girl.
What makes you think she hasn't a husband?
I must congratulate you, Edward Courtney, on the progress of your nose.
It's coming along fine. Where is your mother?
Hm? I'm afraid that's the only foreign tongue I understand.
I might be able to help to look after your Teddy.
No, Mother, I'm going to stand on me own two feet.
Anyway, if you came with me, you'd have me back in Edward's arms...
...in the flick of an eye.
What harm is there in that, I'd like to know.
It's where you should be.
Do we have to go over that all over again?
I've told you my plans, me mind is made up.
Oh, you're as stubborn as your father, God rest his soul.
Ah, here's Father O'Connor. Let's see what he has to say about it.
Come in, Father.
- Good morrow to you both. - Good morrow, Father.
Kate, that son of yours is coming along like a house on fire.
- What are you doing? - I'm packing.
She's leaving us, Father. And I'm not to go with her.
Well, I have my big son to look after.
I'm going to London to try and find work.
And what kind of work would you be looking for?
Father, if you're subject to apoplexy,
will you get ready to have a real good fit?
I'm thinking of going on the stage.
Well, why shouldn't you, child?
Then you don't think that all the stage people are lost souls?
Kate, I'm a priest.
And many people will say that perhaps priests shouldn't say this,
but you can sing a bit, and dance a bit.
And I believe that the talents which God has given us are meant to be used.
And Mrs. O'Halloran,
a good and true heart is as free from harm on the stage as anywhere else.
Well, may the Lord forgive you, Father.
Don't worry, Mrs. O'Halloran, he will.
Tell us, Kate, have you much experience?
Experience? Does the Abbey Theater Dublin mean anything to you?
The Abbey Theater Dublin?
It means a great deal. Why didn't you say so before?
Oh, sure, if you'd only just asked me.
- Can you sing? - I can... a bit.
Can you dance?
- A bit. - What are your legs like?
- Me legs? - Hm.
- They're all right. - Well, let's have a look at them.
Is that necessary?
No, it's not necessary, it's a... a professional custom.
- Oh. - Show us your ankles.
Higher.
I think that's quite high enough.
I stand corrected that Miss, er... What's your name?
- May Lynton. - All right, Jack, she'll do.
- Next, please. - Thank you, sir.
- All right. - And how do you spell it?
M-A-Y.
L-Y-N-T-O-N.
It's a great comfort to find a friendly face.
Particularly a handsome friendly face.
You haven't altered, have you, Valerie?
Well, I was beginning to feel a little homesick, Edward.
- Were you? - Yes, but it's better now.
It's typical of Dickie. The moment we arrive here...
...off he goes to the hills or somewhere on duty.
It's a way they have in the Army.
Do you think I shall become a noble ruin like other army wives...
- ...if I stay on out here, Edward? - I don't think so.
- Aren't I showing a few cracks already? - No.
Edward, when are you going back to England?
- I don't know. - But don't you want to?
- No. - That's good.
Oh, dear, we were all very sorry for you in those days.
Very considerate of you all.
She had nobility then, and also a little silliness.
I'm sorry to hear it.
Oh now, don't be cross, you're not to be cross, that's bad manners.
- My manners are deteriorating. - Hm, that's the beginning.
Perhaps you're sharing a few cracks under that magnificent tan.
Are you?
Oh, well, well. You like clever women, don't you?
You should take care, Edward.
I can take care of myself.
She was beautiful and clever, not only with a needle and thread.
And you were a little silly.
- So you said. - Silly and quixotic.
However, it was all settled in time, wasn't it?
- How do you mean? - Well, she took my advice, she left you.
You should be grateful, Edward.
- Your advice? - Yes, I told her she was out of her class.
She scratched the same day.
# Where's the music that is half so sweet #
# As the tramping of the soldiers' feet #
# Come and listen to the march they play #
# I can hear them from afar # # With their gayest repertoire #
# And I know they're coming nearer # # For they always pass this way #
# Oh, listen to the band #
# How merrily they play #
# Oh, don't you think it grand #
# Hear what everybody says #
# Oh, listen to the band #
# Who oughtn't like to home #
# To the shout of here they come # # and the banging of the drum #
# Oh, listen to the soldiers # # in the park #
Have you told him Miss Lynton never sees anybody in her dressing room?
Who did you say he was?
Well, she'll be off by nine, you'd better take his card in.
She may want to see him.
For Miss Lynton.
All right, Maude, I'll see him.
Miss Lynton, please forgive me for having asked to see you like this.
But tonight your singing gave me so much pleasure...
...that I had to come and tell you so.
Oh, that's very kind of you. Won't you sit down?
No, no, I won't detain you.
I've just realized that this is the sort of thing that is done...
...by the type of persons known as mashers.
Is it? Well, I'm so glad you enjoyed the show.
Oh, yes, very much. I used to sing a little bit myself.
- Really? - Oh, not very well.
My father had a very good voice.
Drawing room ballads and that sort of old-fashioned thing.
Yes, people say it goes in families.
My father sang very well too, mostly Irish songs.
- He was killed at Spion Kop. - Yes.
Have you passed your gift on?
Oh, no, I have a daughter and two sons.
My daughter plays the piano a little but I... I think that's all.
I, uh...
I haven't seen my eldest boy for some time.
Oh.
He's in India.
How is he?
I mean, how does he like the climate?
He doesn't notice it. He thinks only of his profession.
Is he coming home soon?
No, he prefers to spend his furloughs in the hills.
I see.
He just isn't happy in England, Miss Lynton.
Well, I... I'm keeping you.
Thank you for your graciousness in seeing me.
I really must go to the theater more often.
Well, if you haven't seen this management's operetta at the Pavillion,
I'd be happy to arrange seats for your wife and yourself.
It's very difficult to get in.
That's very kind of you, but unfortunately I'm a widower.
My wife died several years ago.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You see, she missed seeing her son...
...and his wife.
She just couldn't understand.
- And you? - Well, I miss them too.
But... well, I'm al old man now.
I think I can understand.
Goodbye, Miss Lynton.
And if ever I can be of service to you,
even as a masher, will you let me know?
Thank you. If the time comes, I will.
- Goodbye, Katie. - Goodbye, Sir Edward.
Here you are, love, a nice cup of tea.
- Did he recognize you? - Yes.
- Did you tell him about young Teddy? - No.
Oh, Maude, I can't stand this much longer!
Excuse me, sir.
It's just come through by McKerney, sir.
- What has? - They've gone into Belgium.
Grey's spoken in the House. This is it, isn't it, sir?
Yes, Billy, this is it.
I hope we can get into it before it's all over, sir.
- I shouldn't worry about that. - No, sir?
Where do you think they'll send us?
- France, I expect. - France?
I was there on a holiday once.
In a little village, Vitry-le-Fran�ois.
- On a river... what was it callled? - The Marne.
The Marne, that's right, sir.
My father will be sick as mud that he's retired.
Still, he'll have a son in it.
Yes.
What's up, sir, what are they doing?
They're darkening the ship, Billy.
Gloomy, isn't it, sir?
# Roses are shining in Picardy #
# In the hush of the silver dew #
# Roses are flowering in Picardy #
# But there's never a rose like you #
# And the roses will fade # # With the summertime #
# And our paths may be far apart #
# But there's one rose # # That fades not in Picardy #
# 'Tis the rose that I keep in my heart #
# Roses are shining in Picardy #
# In the hush of the silver dew #
# Roses are flowering in Picardy #
# But there's never a rose like you #
# And the roses will die # # With the summertime #
# And our roads may be far apart #
# But there's one rose # # That dies not in Picardy #
# 'Tis the rose that I keep in my heart #
Kathy, it's been such a long time.
Eternity, darling.
You look suntanned under the dirt.
It's the sun.
The moustache suits you.
Do I look older?
Do I?
No.
- � votre plaisir. - Merci, Madame.
- Vous desirez mes services demain, monsieur? - S'il vous pla�t.
Et qu'est-ce que vous d�sirez pour le d�jeuner, Monsieur?
Caf� complet � quatre heures.
- Pour deux? - Oui, Madame.
- Bien. Bon soir, Monsieur. - Bon soir, Madame.
Bonne nuit, Mademoiselle.
What's all that?
Coffee and rolls at 4 o'clock. We have to fall in at 4:30.
Zut!
That's as far as my French has ever gone.
You've still got a voice like St. Patrick's nightingale...
...in the blue greenwoods of Killarney, how's that?
Still very bad Irish, that's not true.
Oh, sure, me bird flew out of the window long ago, so it did.
Kathy, this is true, isn't it?
I've dreamt about it so often before.
Yes, darling, it's true.
- What's that? - Guns up at the front.
What's going to happen, Edward?
Oh, we'll win, I think, but we'll have to pay for it.
Things won't be the same again.
When do you... have to go up there again?
In two days.
What do people think about all the time?
Up there? Oh, very little things, very big ones...
things they want when it's all over,
things they've wanted all the time.
Edward, I... I have to tell you something and it...
- It may make you very angry. - What?
I'm not alone.
Somebody else?
My son.
Your son?
Our son, Edward.
Kathy, why didn't you let me know?
I couldn't tell you, Edward. I wanted you to forget me, you had to.
Are you very angry?
Why should I be angry?
He's your son.
And I've kept him from you.
- Tell me about him. - Oh, darling.
Well, I... I tried to make him the way I thought you would want him to be.
He's very nice. He's called Edward, like you.
- Teddy, for short. - Where is he?
At school. At your school. I thought you'd want that.
Think of me sitting up there, my boots full of mud, pulling faces at Fritz.
I think of you all the time.
I sound as if I were going away forever.
You're not, are you?
Oh, you were. You aren't either, are you?
Promise me you'll never do that, Kathy.
Oh, no, darling, I promise.
- Well, here they are. - Well, never mind, darling.
It won't be for long. You'll have proper leave soon, won't you, at home?
You must warn young Teddy.
A bit of a shock for him suddenly finding a father popping up.
- He'll be so excited. - I hope he won't be disappointed.
Tell him we have a heavy engagement on my next leave.
Well, goodbye, my beautiful wife.
Edward, here he is.
- Hello, Mrs. Courtney. - How are you, Mr. Valentine?
- Hello, Teddy. - Hello, Mother.
Edward... Oh, Mr. Valentine, this is my husband.
- How do you do? - How do you do?
- Teddy, this is... - How do you do, sir?
How do you do?
- How are you, Teddy? - Very well, thank you, sir.
- How are you? - Oh, I'm very well, thank you.
Oh, Daddy is just home on leave from France, Teddy.
- Oh, are you, sir? - Yes, I am.
He did very well yesterday.
It was a junior house match. He hit up sixty-five.
Did he? Well, congratulations.
Thank you, sir. It was a fluke, really.
Was it?
Well, Carter Minor says I was missed at the wicket at five.
- We had an argument about it. - Did he convince you?
He's, er... heavier than I am, sir.
I expect you'd like to take your son out to tea.
Yes, that's a very good idea.
- Do you think so, Teddy? - Yes, sir, if you do.
Well, you'll have him back by eight, won't you?
- Yes, rather. - Thank you.
Well, darling, I think we'll have that tea.
- Are you hungry, Teddy? - No, sir, not very.
Tea for three, one sausage and mash, one egg and chip,
one bread and butter and jam,
two donuts, three cakes, one vanilla ice.
- Thank you, sir. - Thank you.
- Two ices, Daddy. - Oh, two ices, please.
And I'm glad you weren't hungry, Teddy.
Were you any good at cricket, sir?
What I wasn't much good is at bat.
I never knocked up 63 in a junior house match.
- But as a spin bowler my off break... - Off break?
I wish I could do a really spiffing off break, sir.
Well, it's just a question of finger sprint.
Look, you hold the ball like this, your fingers like that...
put your arm back for a really good throw...
- What the devil are you doing, sir? - Oh, I'm very sorry, sir.
I was just showing my son a spiffing off break.
Off break? Put your thumb on the seam?
- Yes, I have. - That should be all right.
Of course Frank Woolley always said...
I beg your pardon.
Enough of that, isn't it?
Now, Teddy, how's the History this term?
- Well, not much better, Mother. - Don't you like it, Teddy?
I think History is putrid stuff, sir.
I know, but it's pretty important just the same.
Were you very good at it, sir?
Why, of course, Teddy. Daddy was very clever at school, weren't you, Edward?
Oh, I don't know... William the Conquerer 1066,
- William II, 1097... - 1087, Daddy.
Oh... well, er... 1087.
Spiffing.
- Thanks for a fizzing time, Daddy. - What? Oh, I had a fizzing time too, Teddy.
- Are you going back to France soon, sir? - Yes, Teddy.
- I wish I could come too. - You're a little young, Teddy.
- No, thank you. - Am I going to be a soldier, Mother?
- Smoke? - Edward!
Oh, I'm very sorry.
- We haven't really thought about it, have we? Do you want to be?
- Yes, please. - Why?
Well, Grandfather was, and you are.
- It seems sort of natural. - Oh, you've got plenty of time, old man.
Things are going to change pretty quickly.
When the war's over and you're ready to leave school,
there may be other things you want to do more.
I don't think so.
Old Herrington read us something the other day.
It was a sort of poem by a chap called Rupert Brooke.
We had to learn it by heart for prep.
Jolly difficult learning by heart, isn't it?
- Jolly difficult. - What was it, Teddy?
It began, "If I should die, think, er...
- "...only this of me." - That's right, do you know it, sir?
- Yes, Teddy. - Go on, darling.
"If I should die, " " Think only this of me. "
" That there�s some corner " " of a foreign field "
" That is forever England. "
" There shall be in that rich earth " " A richer dust concealed; "
" A dust whom England bore, " " Shaped, made aware, "
" Gave, once, her flowers to love, " " Her ways to roam; "
" A body of England�s, " " Breathing English air, "
" Washed by the rivers, " " Blest by suns of home. "
" And think, this heart, " " All evil shed away, "
" A pulse in the eternal mind, no less "
# I wonder why I always sigh # # The way I do #
# And now it seems that all my dreams # # Are all of you #
# You used to be so nice to me # # In days gone by #
# But all I know is changed somehow # # I wonder why #
# You called me baby doll a year ago #
# You told me I was very nice to know #
# I soon learned what love was # # I thought I knew #
# But all I learned has only taught me # # How to love you #
# You made me think you loved me in return #
# Don't tell me you were fooling after all #
# For if you turn away # # You'll be sorry some day #
# You left behind a broken heart #
Yes, yes... Yes, I've got it.
11 a.m. on the 11th. Right!
# For if you turn away # # You'll be sorry some day #
# You left behind a broken heart #
I say, Courtney, I can't believe it's your mother. She looks stunning!
You wait till you see her without all that muck on her face.
I say, Courtney, I don't object to a woman making up nowadays.
- Depends on the woman, of course. - Yes, of course.
Put the house lights where I can see through the dark.
Ladies and gentlemen. I'm going to apologize for interrupting the performance.
But the news has just come through that the Germans have asked for an Armistice.
We fixed it for 11 a.m. on Monday the 11th.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the war's over!
Oh dear, I'm quite exhausted.
Yes, I expect you are.
Didn't you approve of my performance, Teddy?
Yes, of course.
- What is it then? - I don't know, I mean...
I know it's Armistice and everything, and...
I know they all meant well but...
Well, all those men kissing you like that.
- You were a little shocked. - No, it's just that all that crowd.
Teddy, I come from the crowd, you must remember that.
A part of me still belongs to it.
Darling, they kissed me because they were happy, I...
I reminded them of their girls, the ones they can go back to now that it's all over.
Your father fought with them, darling.
I know, Mother. It's just that it's a bit awkward for a chap if his mother...
If his mother allows strange men to kiss her?
Well, never mind, darling. I won't do it again, they won't want me to.
They will, they love you.
- But everything's going to be different now. - How?
Well, the war's over, your father will be coming home...
...and your mother's going to become a respectable pillar of society.
You mean we're going to have you at home all to ourselves?
And you're not going to sing anymore?
Except on Armistice night. You'll have to let me be a little worked up then.
- Good heavens! - What's that?
Another double century by McCartney.
Where are Bogarts, Loman, Peele, Richardson, Johnny Briggs?
- Dead. - Hm?
I said "dead".
Oh, yes, yes, I see.
I say, Scott Ellis, Courtney's dead.
- Rodney, who did he play for? - No, no, no, no, no. Courtney!
Brigadier-General Courtney.
- Oh, Courtney of Spion Kop. - Yes.
- A first-rate soldier. - Hmm.
Oh, well, ashes to ashes.
I say, Phipps, didn't Courtney's eldest boy marry that musical comedy actress?
- Yes. - Hm, I thought so.
- Won't that make her... - Yes.
Good heavens!
Allow me, milady.
Thank you, Simmons.
Kate, I hope you'll be as happy here as they were.
I hope so, Mary.
Of course you and Charles must always regard this as your home...
- ...whenever you're in England. - Thank you, dear.
- Refreshments in the library, Sir Edward. - Thank you, Simmons.
And I mean to ask Mother if we can get married before we go to India.
- That is, if you... - Yes, Teddy, I would like it.
Right, Mrs. Edward Courtney.
It sounds very nice.
And very natural.
Must be a bit of an ordeal for her...
...having to meet her inlaws and royalty on the same night.
I'm not exactly enyoying the prospect myself, Maude.
No, milady. Come to think of it, I've never seen you quite so jumpy.
I can't quite get used to the idea of Master Teddy engaged to be married.
- It does fly, doesn't it? - Oh, am I late, darling?
I expect they'll be here on the dot.
Teddy, I'm terrified.
Of Mother and Father? Oh, they're all right, you needn't be afraid of them.
It's all very well for you, you're a soldier.
Yes, and I'm terrified.
Thank you, I feel much better.
Teddy, ought I to kiss them or is that rather modern?
Oh... kiss them if you want to.
Do you think I ought to kiss her, Edward, or is that rather old-fashioned?
Kiss her if you want to. I shall.
I feel as this were an audition, I have to make a good impression.
How do you suppose the young woman feels?
Edward, don't you think they're both a little too young?
Certainly not.
His father married his young lady when they were both young. It runs in the family.
- Don't be so calm. - Why shouldn't I be calm?
- Supposing they don't like me? - Oh, they'll like you all right.
I like you and after all I'm their son.
Darling, you're infuriating. You take it all so calmly.
Of course I take it calmly.
- Oh, good evening, Master Teddy. - Good evening, Simmons.
- Oh, Simmons, this is Miss Carmody. - How do you do, Miss?
- Where are they? - In the library, sir.
Hello, Mother, hello, sir.
- This is Cynthia. - How do you do, Lady Courtney?
How do you do, Cynthia?
- Hello, Teddy. - Hello, sir.
Cynthia, I shall claim the first dance, the last dance...
...and as many as you can spare me in between.
Thank you, Sir Edward.
- You really like her, Mother? - Yes, Teddy, I think she's enchanting.
- She adores you. - I'm glad.
- She looks radiant. - Do you think that means she's happy?
I've never been so happy in all my life.
Not even when that boy of ours popped the question?
Perhaps I was a little happier then.
But to tell you the truth I was a little scared.
- Scared of us, whatever for? - I bet you were a bit scared too.
- I mean... - Yes, Teddy, I was.
Mother, we want to get married before I go to India.
Why not, darling, if it will make you both happy?
- Do you think Father will approve? - Oh, I'll take care of Father.
Making a perfect exhibition of herself.
- In that appalling dress. - It's a habit, my dear.
Just at the turn of the century, in this very place, a grand scandale.
She dropped her fan.
It's all right, Cynthia, Mother's approved my getting married before I go.
- And your father? - Oh, Mother will take care of him.
I see.
Isn't it absolutely topping?
You know, Teddy,
I don't know what I expected your father and mother to be but...
- Well, they're just themselves, aren't they? - I knew you'd like them.
They're darlings both of them.
Teddy, when we have a son if he gets married,
do you think she'll think that we are darlings?
What, I say, that's looking a ahead a bit, isn't it?
Yes, I suppose it is.
It's a bit odd Kathy it should happen here.
That horrifying night. I'll never forget.
Edward, was the Queen really asleep?
No.
No?
- Well? - She's a darling.
They're so sweet together.
- Do you think she liked us? - Well, I think she liked me.
- May I? - Yes, of course.
- One for you? - No, thanks.
Didn't Teddy look handsome in his uniform?
What about his father in his?
- Oh, very handsome too, darling. - Well, remember that.
Because this may be the last time you see him in it.
How do you mean?
Darling, from now on I think you're going to be married to an old soldier.
Edward! You're going to leave the Army?
Yes. The war's over and there isn't going to be another.
They don't need me anymore. Teddy and the boys like him can carry on now.
I'm going to hang my sword over the mantlepiece...
...and sink back into a nice, smug middle age with my wife.
Why, Edward, when did you come to this decision?
Wouldn't it be rather fun, Kathy, you and me together?
Just a placid, domestic life with you doing the flowers...
...and me writing pepper letters to the Times on the Army in my day?
Delightful, darling but you'd be bored stiff in a week.
No, no, I've got a job in the City.
- You, in the City? - Yes, Archie has offered me a partnership.
Why, that's wonderful!
All I need now is a black hat and an umbrella.
I say, Cavendish, my father's given up the Army.
- No! - What does a man do if he's not in the Army?
There are other things, you know.
I suppose there are.
- From Cynthia? - Yes.
When are you going to be a proud papa, Courtney?
Don't be so beastly indelicate, Cavendish.
July 18th.
Teddy says he can't understand how Daddy could give up the Army.
I don't suppose he can.
I tell you he's making quite a success in the City.
- Kathy! - Oh, there he is.
Tell him to come up as soon as possible, Mummy.
All right, darling.
Mummy, tell him I've heard from Teddy.
I will.
Hello, darling. Good day?
Yes, I had a very successful meeting.
- Where's Cynthia? - She's upstairs.
- I've arranged to have dinner with us. - Good, how is she.
Oh, she's remarkably well. She had a letter today from Teddy, from Lahore.
I had one too. He was very excited. They were anticipating some trouble.
Yes, it says something in the papers tonight about a flare-up.
What did he say to you?
Oh, mostly telling me to take care of Cynthia...
and see that she doesn't overdo things...
...and to be sure that her child is going to be born a boy.
That is quite an assignment, even for you.
Oh, he's so thrilled about it all.
Well, I imagine it is a pretty thrilling time when your first child's on the way.
Almost as thrilling as being presented with it when he's already a...
...a bouncing schoolboy.
You remember Teddy as a bouncing schoolboy.
Yes, reciting Rupert Brooke in a rather embarrassed way...
...and wondering what he'd do when he grew up.
Oh, he never wondered, we did. He always knew he'd be a soldier.
I wonder what his boy will be. After you've made sure it is a boy.
- Oh, it will be. - Milady.
What is it?
It's for Cynthia.
Of course, Mother had nine.
Never any trouble, took them all in a stride,
...as easy as falling off a log.
She always used to say there was nothing to worry about after the first.
Maudie, I'm writing to Master Teddy, would you mind?
Sorry, Mum.
- Maude. - Where's Daddy?
He's finishing his sherry, darling, he'll be up soon.
What's the matter, you look so serious.
Do you mind if I turn this off?
What is it?
What's that in your hand?
It's a telegram, Cynthia, it was addressed to Courtney so I opened it but...
- It's for you. - Who from?
The War Office.
Teddy?
Yes, darling.
Teddy has been killed.
- Killed? - In action.
But it's peace time.
How can he have been killed in action?
It's a mistake! It must be!
Teddy's a soldier. Soldiers are killed in war, not now.
It's a mistake.
I have a letter from him. He can't have been killed.
- It's a mistake, isn't it? - Try to control yourself, darling.
Dad is telephoning now, we may hear something soon.
Killed.
It means I shan't see him anymore.
I don't believe it. Do you?
Do you believe it?
You do.
You do!
Darling, you mustn't.
Remember the baby. His baby.
I'm going to take it out there where he's holed up for him to see.
He can't be dead!
Don't, Cynthia, don't.
If he's dead, I shall die too.
No, darling, no.
- Yes. - No, Cynthia, you won't die.
You'll have his baby.
The one he wanted, darling, his son.
He'll be part of him and...
...you'll love him and you'll live for him just as I loved Teddy when he was a baby.
- It was all I had to live for. - Kathy, I love him!
And you'll be so brave, my darling.
And Teddy will know, wherever he is, and he'll love you all the more.
- Help me, Mummy. - I'll help you, my darling.
Now, lie quite still.
Nurse, nurse, would you telephone for Doctor Lewis to come as soon as possible.
Whisky and soda, Sir Edward?
No, thank you, Simmons.
She wasn't strong enough, Edward. She couldn't fight.
They did all they could.
- And the baby? - The baby is well.
It's a son.
A son?
Oh, why... why? Why should she be killed now?
Why should she have to fight such an unequal battle?
She was so young.
I don't know, darling.
We would have gone instead of him so gladly, wouldn't we?
Not together, Kathy.
They had such plans for life and...
I'm beaten, Edward. What shall we do now?
We shall go on, my dear.
Our son has left us his son to take care of.
That was highly successful. Now this time, let's see, it'll be the Cornish Riviera.
Now sit back, Teddy, you too, Peter and Christopher.
You're just a little bit advanced, you see?
What's that, Grandpa?
That is the guard whistling the driver to start.
- Which way is it going to go? - Eh? Why, forwards, of course.
- But it's going backwards, Grandpa. - Yes, Teddy.
Now, this time it will go forwards.
- But it's still going backwards, Grandpa. - Yes, Teddy.
Why?
Because the driver left his sandwiches at the station behind him.
- Excuse me, Sir Edward. - What is it?
- The signals, sir. - What signals?
- The signals are against you, sir. - All right, Simmons, yes, I know, I know.
Let's see... let's make it go to the right, shall we?
Not you, it's a bit complicated, all right?
Better leave it to me, that's right.
Why is the driver going the other way, Grandpa?
- Because he's left-handed. - Why is he left-handed?
I don't know.
Perhaps he's going to his grandfather's birthday party, Teddy.
You'd better carry on, Teddy, I'll have some of your birthday cake.
In a minute. Edward, you're wanted on the telephone.
- Archie, he's at your office. - All right, darling, excuse me.
Good. Well, keep putting the screws on them.
Hard. Huh?
Oh, at least that. I should have cleared 25,000.
And probably add another lot to that, I might as well.
All right, I'll ring you after dinner. Goodbye.
- Good news? - Hm? Yes, big things are happening.
We've got that rubber bunch just where we want them.
Where's that?
Buying when they should sell and selling when they should buy.
We stand to clear nearly a quarter of a million.
Edward, haven't we got enough money?
Yes, we've got enough but...
I'm so afraid.
Afraid? Oh, you don't want to worry about me. They can't get me, I'm on the inside.
It's not the money I'm worried about, it's you.
They have got you. You think of nothing else.
Well, Kathy, City life's like that, it's like war.
You can't sit back and relax. You've got to go on, there's no end to it.
I see.
- Would you light the candles? - Hm? Oh, yes.
It makes it hard work for us these crashes, don't it, Mr. Hough?
Yes, Mr. W. But the next crisis will be gold, mark my words.
- How do you make that out? - Consider.
It costs them about 4� an ounce to get gold out of the ground.
And what do they do with it? Put it back again.
In deep vaults underneath the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.
And the Yanks, they bury theirs in the vaults of Texas.
And even pay soldiers to guard it...
...in case somebody wants to try and get it out again.
- Sounds balmy, don't it, Mr. Hough? - Balmy's the word, Mr. W.
Yes, gold's the next crisis.
Oh, no, Kathy, you ought to be in bed asleep.
Darling, you look so tired.
Yes, I am tired.
Is it very bad?
Yes.
Well, tell me, Edward, you needn't be afraid to tell me.
I'm finished.
I thought I could save something. I've been fighting all day but...
...it's no good.
Is everything gone?
Everything.
I shall have to do all I can to cover.
Sell the hall, sell this house.
Whatever else I possess.
Kathy, we're broke.
Edward...
I've been broke before and I didn't mind.
But I once lost something I minded very much.
I got that back in a village in France.
So long as I have that, darling, I shan't mind.
For me to do this to you, Kathy!
Don't think like that, darling, I can't bear it.
- Granny! - Teddy! Teddy, what is it?
- I had a horrid dream. - That's all right, Teddy.
There's nothing to be frightened of.
What did you have for your supper that made you made you dream about horrid things?
Cocoa and biscuits, it couldn't be that, could it?
I know, you didn't say your prayers tonight.
Yes, I did, Grandpa. Twice.
I forgot the daily bread bit the first time.
Adam, hm?
Well, I must admit I should have liked something a bit more up-to-date.
Lady Merchinson's different. She likes this kind of thing.
Antiques. Bought a set of chairs the other day.
Chippendale, ormolu or something.
Too stiff for me, and so was the price.
Still you've got to keep your wife happy, haven't you?
Yes, you have.
Yes. I think we could put in a cocktail bar.
Oh, I've got a fine Tudor cocktail bar at my country place, I'd like you to see it.
Yes, I should be very interested to see that.
Yes, that's what it wants, a cocktail bar.
- Oh, and a lift. - A lift?
But that would mean altering the staircase, wouldn't it?
Yes, but why walk when you can ride, that's what I say.
Yes, but it is rather a nice staircase.
Yes, but take the shortest way to the top, that's my motto.
I'm sure you'll live up to it.
Well, Courtney, I like the house.
I'm a businessman.
And there's no Adam about me. No, I may have lost me head...
...but I've still got all me ribs.
Well, you know my offer, what about it?
I don't think my price unreasonable. A very good valuer suggested it.
- I think I must stick to it. - I'll tell you what I'll do.
I'll raise my offer 250 if I can have immediate possession.
- Well... - This house is not for sale.
Hm?
I said... this house is not for sale.
What's she talking about?
But, darling, Sir Frank has just offered...
I don't care what he's offered, it isn't enough.
May I inquire what might be enough?
Nothing that you could offer, Sir Frank.
Well, what do I say to that?
I'm afraid goodbye.
Oh, I get it.
Got cold feet. Want to stay on in the old family home and wait for a miracle.
I tell you, Courtney, miracles don't happen these days.
You've got to face facts.
Beware of dry rot.
I shouldn't be surprised if there's dry rot in the hall already.
Good day to you.
Darling, why on earth did you say that?
Didn't you hear what he said? He'd have come to our price in a minute.
I wasn't listening, Edward. I was looking at your face.
Well, I didn't exactly enjoy the conversation, I must admit.
- But he's right, we've got to face facts. - All right, then, let's face them.
This house belonged to your family, and now it's yours.
And you love it. Those are the facts, aren't they?
- Yes, but... - And I love it and we want to keep it.
And somehow we're going to, even if we live in one room and I do the cooking.
Kathy, that's a wonderful plan.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you all for your kindness and your generosity to me.
It's something I shall always remember,
you've made me feel that you're really glad to see me back.
There's so much I'd like to say to you but...
...I'm afraid I can't find the words. Good night, and God bless you.
It's a bleeding miracle, I says.
Down comes the fog, in goes the little boats.
- Fog lifts, not a soul left on the beaches. - Yes, makes you think, doesn't it.
If my father were here, he would do it.
I'm just a sort of deputy, being the last of the Courtney family,
for the moment,
and I've been detailed to make this speech,
which just goes to show where leave wrangling can land you.
Forty years ago today my grandparents were married.
I hope that isn't careless talk.
Then they married, and here they are now and here we are.
If they hadn't, I wonder where they'd be now.
Where we'd be if it comes to that.
It's getting a bit involved, sorry.
I'm afraid I'm not awfully good at putting things into words.
Perhaps it's because...
what I have to say is one of those things that we think...
...may sound a bit silly when we say them.
Anyway, I hope they'll understand.
They've understood most things.
Well, I'll just give them this, um... what have you,
with out love and our thanks,
and ask them to go on being...
Well... just as they are for the next forty years.
You know, Kathy, I feel just as fit as i did in 1914.
Do you, Edward? You don't look any older.
Thank you. My tailor told me a haven't put on more than half an inch...
...around my waist since the last war.
- Did he? - Yes.
Do you know they're practically acepting one-legged cripples nowadays?
- What in? - The Army.
Yes, I suppose things are pretty desperate.
When did you see your tailor, Edward?
- Today. - Oh.
Darling, I went to the War Office this morning.
- What about? - To see what I could do.
- What did they say? - I'm in it.
You mean you joined up.
Yes, Kathy.
I'm sorry, darling. I couldn't bear it any longer.
There are so many things I can do.
Please understand.
War, war, nothing but war, this great and glorious adventure called war.
It took my father, robbed us of Teddy,
and Cynthia. It's taken the best years of our life...
...and now it's demanding more.
It's holding out its hungry hands for young Teddy.
God, will there never be any peace?
There will be no peace for me unless I'm in.
I can't stand by and be outside.
It's a damn shame we can't be left alone in our...
...last years, but we come of a fighting people.
And it's just bad luck if we have to go on fighting.
Darling, I'll have to take my turn if they want me.
Won't you try and understand?
All right, Edward, I'll try.
- When do you go? - In a few days.
Oh, it won't be so bad. I shall be in a nice safe spot.
I'll have bags of leave and we'll have lots of little dinners with...
Well, perhaps not with champagne but...
...we'll be together, darling.
Just as we are now.
Sir Edward, the Prime Minister is making an important announcement on the wireless.
"But if we fail,
then the whole world, including the United States,
including all that we have known and cared for,
will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age,
made more sinister and perhaps more protracted...
...by the likes of perverted science.
Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty.
So bear ourselves...
that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth...
last for a thousand years,
men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'"
There's positively no admittance.
It's a prohibited area, you can read it for yourself up there.
Oh, but I have me green ENSA pass, which admits me to prohibited areas.
Not to this one, ma'am.
I've come rather a long way. Would it be possible...
I'm afraid I can't do anything for you.
- What is it? - She wants to see the Commanding Officer.
I'm sorry, there absolutely no exception to the rule.
Could a message be sent?
I can't disturb him, he's in conference.
But I could telephone the adjutant if it's very urgent.
- That would be kind of you. - Who shall I say?
Would you say that Lady Courtney would like a word with her husband?
Oh, I beg your pardon, ma'am.
- I'll telephone the orderly right away. - Thank you, Sergeant.
- It's a lovely day, Corporal. - Yes, ma'am.
Meanwhile, place Bay Z5 out of bounds to all ranks and maintain in constant guard.
Major Browning, I'll leave you to work out final details for tomorrow's test.
Yes, sir.
I bet Flamingo will be as bare as we are when it's all over.
Colonel, I should like to stress the importance of guarding Z5 Bay.
Any accident would wipe out years of research and blow Flamingo to blazes.
I think we all understand that.
Hello. Who?
Hold on, Muldew.
We'll have a short break, gentlemen, a cup of coffee and reassemble here in 15 minutes.
All right, bring her in, will you?
- Edward. - All right, Sergeant,
I'll be responsible for Lady Courtney.
Wait outside to see her off the Station, will you?
Very good, Sir.
Edward, this is all very mysterious.
Oh, it's just a routine job, we've had lots of unauthorized visitors lately.
Well, how are you, Kathy, and what are you doing here?
- A factory concert tonight. - Oh.
Now, Edward, I thought you might like to come over and bring some of your staff.
They've invited the troups from the district.
I'd love to, Kathy, but I really can't tonight.
Things are humming a bit.
Oh, what a pity, I am sorry.
- Thank you. Coffee? - Thank you.
- Another cup, please, Corporal. - Very good, sir.
- Edward, it is nice to see you. - And it's very nice to see you.
Any news of Teddy?
I had a letter from him this morning. Four pages.
- Edward, he's met her. - Met who?
- The only girl in the world, of course. - Oh, that's all.
Four pages and no message for me?
Er, yes... yes, there is. In the postscript.
Oh, I know, his grandpa's good for a fiver, that's all it is.
That's right.
Which factory is your concert at?
Er... Flamingo?
- Flamingo? - You know it?
Yes, it's all in the Command, it's a few miles from here, isn't it?
Oh, Edward, do try and come over, just for half an hour. You'll enjoy it.
# Mademoiselle from Armentieres # # Parlez-vous #
# Mademoiselle from Armentieres # # She hasn't been kissed for 40 years #
# Hinky-dinky parlez-vous #
Well, those were the songs of the last war.
I sang many of them myself in France.
In those days when we thought that was the war that would end all wars.
But I can go farther back still.
I can remember the Boer War.
Songs like Goodbye, Dolly Gray,
Soldiers of the Queen.
And now, as a compliment to the men of the Eighth Army,
many of whom are your guests here tonight...
As a compliment to them,
Gene Crowley is going to sing a song that they all know so well.
# Underneath the lantern # # By the barricade #
# Darling, I remember # # The way you used to wait #
# 'Twas there that you whispered tenderly #
# That you loved me # # You'd always be #
# My Lili of the lamplight #
# My own Lili Marleen #
# Time to go off to war # # Time for us to part #
# Jolly time to caress you # # And bless you with my heart #
# And as we turn down # # That lantern light #
# I hold you tight # # We kiss good night #
# My Lili of the lamplight #
# My own Lili Marleen #
We'll use Q-batteries, there's plenty of cover there.
Don't take a larger squad than necessary, Major Browning.
If there's any trouble, we don't more casualties than we can help.
Hello? Yes, speaking.
Where?
Well, give the general district alarm and take your steps to isolate Base Z5.
I'll be over there myself.
There's a fire in the canteen at the Flamingo.
We shall need all the help we can get.
Rush up the fire squads, Browning, and get over as soon as you can.
Yes, sir.
Go into the coach, girls.
Stacey, where is Doris?
She's trying to find her dog, it's scared and it's hiding.
You join the others in the coach, I'll find her out.
It's all right, madam, we'll take care of this.
No, no, the ladies are my responsibility, there's no danger yet.
Okay, Jeff, you take the fire at this end, will you?
- How's the wind? - It's whirling around a bit, sir.
Good.
The Commanding Officer's old lady just went in there.
- Owens. - Sir?
- How did this start? - Short circuit, one of the lights, sir.
- The wind is in a bad direction. - Yes, but it's whirling around, sir.
- Is everybody out? - I think so, sir.
- How about the ENSA party? - All except one, sir.
Miss Lynton went inside, I... - Miss Lynton, why the devil did you do that?
Kathy! Kathy!
What about the Ensa party, he says. All out except one, says the captain.
Miss Lynton went in after her.
Like a shot in goes Old Faithful. You couldn't see his ears for dust.
Would you help me, please? Sprained ankle.
Yes, right on it.
Hey, I thought you was in there! Here, come on, Eddie.
The C.O.'s in there looking for his old woman and she's out here!
Could you help me, please?
Find a first-aid box.
- Let me go, my wife... - No, Edward, I'm here.
Kathy, go away, it's very dangerous.
The wind's changed direction, the fire's now under control.
Oh, thank God.
Get me a glass of water, will you?
Dear, dear, I was looking for you in there.
I know, Edward, it's so like you.
It was... bloody hot in there.
- What? - I said it...
...it was bloody hot.
Oh, Edward, do you know what one of the firemen called you?
- No, what? - Old Faithful.
It was damned impertinence. I ought to have put him on a charge.
I knew you'd object to the word "old".
- The nineteen hundred, milady. - A good year.
Thank you.
The late Sir Edward laid it down for special occasions.
My father was very fond of port.
- Like father, like son, eh, Simmons? - Indeed, sir.
- The doorbell, Simmons. - Pardon, milady?
- The doorbell. - Ah, yes. Thank you, milady.
I'm afraid my hearing isn't quite so good as it used to be.
My dear, Simmons is beginning to look very old.
My dear, Simmons is very old.
- Teddy, I'm terrified. - You're terrified?
If I'd been as scared as this on D-Day, I'd have gone AWOL.
Nineteen hundred, Edward.
Our year.
Our very own year.
Lord Salisbury was Prime-Minister.
The housemaids were paid six pounds a year.
Is that all?
The income tax only a shilling and a pound.
- We've seen many changes, Edward. - Yes.
But you haven't changed, Kathy.
Baloney. I think that's the word they use nowadays.
- Teddy! - Hi, Grandma.
This is a pleasant surprise.
- Hello, sir. Happy New Year to you. - Happy New Year, Teddy.
I'll have to get another glass.
We pictured you slightly plastered somewhere in Yorkshire.
Yes, I came away rather suddenly.
Anything wrong, Teddy?
Grandma, I'm going to be married.
Um, may we inquire to whom?
- To Pam. - To Pam.
Who is Pam?
Oh, I met her when I was in York on my Commander Course.
She was in a munition factory.
- We'd like to meet her, Teddy. - Yes, I want you to, Grandma.
Oh, Edward, I think we shall need another glass.
- Ask her to come up. - Grandma, you've got second sight.
Well, well, 1900, 1945...
Yes, the Courtneys seem to make quite a habit of this.
Thank goodness there's none of that stupid class prejudice now.
No, we don't have to worry about that.
Grandma, this is Pam. Pam, my grandmother and grandfather.
- How do you do, Pam? - I'm very well, thank you.
Won't you sit down? We were about to drink in the New Year.
- I hope you'll join us. - Oh, thank you, Sir Edward.
Well, Teddy tells us that you and he are going to be married.
We want to, Lady Courtney, don't we, Teddy?
Grandma, there's a snag. It's Pam's family, they won't have me.
You see, I shall be a baronet one day and Pam's family are working people.
It's a big difference. Too big a difference my people think.
Too big for what Teddy and I feel for each other to stand up to.
They say it's what you've done, and not what you were born that matters these days.
And what do you think, Pam?
I don't know, Lady Courtney.
I want to marry Teddy.
That's all I know and all I can think about.
Can you understand that?
Yes, I think we can, can't we, Edward?
I'll say we can.
Now listen to me, young lady, and you too, Teddy.
Just sit back, and relax and sip your port.
And remember that's a 1900 port and not just a pint of wallop.
Ah, there she goes.
- Happy New Year, Pam. - Thank you.
- Happy New Year, Kathy. - Happy New Year, Edward.
Happy New Year, Grandma.
Teddy.
Let's all go out on the balcony and drink in the New Year,
for it was out here and in this way that it all started.
You see, my people were opposed to me marrying your grandmother, Teddy.
And now your people are opposed to you marrying our grandson
Well, once upon a time...
Sure that's a very nice way to start the New Year.
- And the new century. - Yes, the new century.
Very nice.
- Subtitles - Lu�s Filipe Bernardes