A Feather in Her Hat (1935) Movie Script
Here it is.
Seven years after the war.
And has anybody got a bob in his pocket?
No.
There ain't a bob in the crowd.
Every blasted mother's son of you will
sleep on a bench in this park tonight.
But where will the elegant
Lords and Ladies sleep?
Where would you sleep if you
were a Lord, my friend?
Me? Why, I'd sleep in a feather bed in
the finest chamber of my summer palace.
An excellent idea.
Precisely what I should do.
Let's hear from the West End gent.
- Right.
A word from The King's messenger.
You are here.
Because you have neglected
your opportunities.
Education and an appreciation of values
would have kept you above all this.
Go home.
Go home and instil into your children.
An appreciation of the
finer things of life.
Give them the opportunity
to rise above you.
For you are .. trash.
It's my privilege to
call you what I like.
Because I'm no better myself.
Where I come from doesn't matter.
And where I'm going to matters less.
There is .. a reason.
Perhaps it lies .. in limpid eyes.
Or perhaps .. in memory of ..
Shrieking shells and bleeding things.
But here I am.
Myself and my friend.
Let me introduce you to
the Genii of the bottle.
To you, my friends.
And to The King.
Hey. Make way for a drinking man.
What happened to him?
- His bottle got him.
There you are, Mr Swell.
As downy a bed as you would
find in Buckingham Palace.
Come on now, up with you.
What's that?
Is there some reason why I should
go along with you my good woman?
There's no reason why you shouldn't.
Listen to her.
Who are you, if I may ask?
Are you going to stay here until a Bobby
comes along and whacks you on your feet?
Or are you going to come along home?
There's a hooker of
brandy waiting on you.
Well now.
That has a decent ring to it somehow.
Especially on a quivering morning when
a man's flesh is particularly weak.
Oh.
My arm, Lady ..?
My name is Clarissa Phipps.
- Miss or Mrs?
My husband is dead.
- I am sorry.
War?
- No. Plumbing.
Somebody fetched him one
with a piece of lead pipe.
What's your name?
- Courtney.
Randolph Courtney.
'Captain' Courtney,
if you want to bother.
War?
Yes .. war.
Well .. here we are.
Come in.
You run this place yourself?
- Yes .. I live in the back.
It ain't much. But of a day, it's snug.
Yes .. yes, it is cosy.
A feeling of 'home' about it.
You're a tidy woman, Mrs Phipps.
Do you think you might
like it here, Captain?
One could do a great
deal worse, I'm sure.
There was a mention of a
finger or two of brandy, eh?
This place ain't bad as homes go.
And a lady who could
earn a few quid a week.
Could be some help to a man.
If a man could be some help to her.
You are the traditional rose, blooming
on the waste heap, Mrs Phipps.
It came out of a grey morning.
My appreciation, dear lady.
Last night in Hyde Park.
- Oh, yes.
I made some sort of a speech, didn't I?
You said the young-uns should
be taught the fine things.
And so they should.
Good brandy.
Do you mind?
But a grown boy now.
If he had the right upbringing.
There ain't no reason why he
shouldn't be a gentleman. Is there?
But what is ..
Your interest in young ones,
and their possibilities?
Hey Mum. How about some scoffings, Mum?
Hello.
I see.
Richard .. is that the way
to come into a room?
Don't you see there is
a gentleman present?
And it's 'breakfast' you ask
for, and not 'scoffings'.
Who are you? You're a Toff, ain't you?
This is Captain Courtney.
And he's a gentleman.
And you ain't to use
no such word as 'Toff'.
Hello. Where'd you come from?
Well now ..
- It's bad manners to ask questions.
Is that a way you get in
your clothes? Look at you.
With your knickers over your nightgown.
Get up there and get dressed.
Quick. Hurry.
- Alright, Mum. Half a mo'.
Richard.
Come here.
Let me hear you say:
'Half .. a .. moment'.
Half .. a .. moment.
Is that what the Captain said?
He said 'harf'.
H .. A .. R .. F.
No, Pobjoy. I know you.
Now listen. I just dropped in to tell
you I've been thinking things over.
And I might come up
a trifle on the price.
the shop and property?
What did I say to your
last offer, Pobjoy?
You know, eleven hundred
is eleven hundred.
A shop that's made me a good living for
twenty years or more is a friend indeed.
Am I one to turn my back on
a friend? Good day, Pobjoy.
Now think it over. Mind, it's a good
offer for a pig in a bag, Clarissa.
It's your head in a bag if you
think I'll ever sell this business.
My corpulent friend.
Oh, indeed.
Clarissa, will you stop climbing
up and down those steps.
You aren't an acrobat.
Oh come now, Dr Phillips. Why
don't you be nice and go home?
It will be you that will be the death of
me with your nerves and your doubts.
Clarissa, must I say again that
the nerves of your stomach ..
Are like this?
Shock or excitement of any kind ..
- And I'll be having acute indigestion.
If you have another such attack
as you had two years ago.
I'll snuff out.
My nerves are fine, Doctor.
Don't forget your pills.
- Right.
Do you know, for years I've been
looking forward to being twenty-one.
I thought it would be like,
like awakening in a new world.
And yet here I am, and I feel
no different to yesterday.
But you're different, Richard.
You're not like any of us
on Little Egbert Street.
Like me, for instance.
You're educated, and I'm not.
You know all about plays and good music.
And who painted this picture and that.
And I don't know anything.
- This doesn't alter one fact.
What?
We're good friends and like each other.
What else matters?
I hope nothing else matters.
What do you mean, Emily?
Nothing.
It's getting late.
I suppose we ought to go.
Yes, Mum is expecting me early.
This is the day-of-days, you know.
Then I'll see you ..
- Tomorrow night.
Well, goodnight, Richard.
- Goodnight, Emily.
And Richard.
- Huh?
Happy birthday.
Well, it was a lovely dinner, Mum.
May I open this now?
One moment, Richard.
You've achieved 21 honourably.
Here's hoping the promise you showed as
a youngster, is fulfilled in manhood.
Keep your head up and remember,
you're as good as the best of them.
You've been great to me, both of you.
- Oh no ..
We've only done what we were here to do.
What have you got there, Richard?
- A bank book.
A thousand pounds.
Why, Mum ..
- A thousand?
That's what it says, don't it?
It's yours. What about it?
It's credited to Richard 'Orland'.
My name is Phipps.
I don't understand it.
Your name ain't Phipps.
- My name is not .. oh Mum ..
And I ain't your mother.
Oh come now, old girl.
You don't mean that.
That's what I said, didn't I?
You're twenty-one.
I've kept my promise.
And done what I said I'd do.
You're to leave here now.
That was the agreement.
Agreement? What agreement?
- What on earth are you talking about?
The money is yours.
It was left to me by your mother.
To give to you when you became 21.
You are to take it, and
find a place to live.
Where you can be with your own kind.
- My own kind?
But who is my mother, and why
should she leave me in your care?
She was a fine lady.
She was an actress.
A great actress.
- Yes, but ..
I'm saying nothing more.
But you say my name is 'Orland'.
Who is my father?
Well maybe 'Orland',
ain't your name, exactly.
But that's near enough.
The boy has a right to know whose
blood flows in his veins, Clarissa.
No. I haven't.
I don't care who they are.
They didn't want me.
Now I don't want them.
You've taken their place, you and the
Captain. So, I'll stay here with you.
No .. you won't stay here.
My orders were to pay you
the money and tell you to be off.
That's what I'm doing.
You must go away
from Little Egbert Street.
It has to be, Richard.
It ain't always what we want to do.
Maybe I have got kind of
used to having you here too.
We don't like to give up them
what's been close to us.
But that's the way
it has to be sometimes.
But I ..
- You've got to go, Richard.
You've got to go because ..
Well ..
It's the best for you too, Richard.
But .. but I don't want to go.
You will go.
You will go because it's the agreement.
You'll go because I said you would.
And I'm a woman of my word.
Why wouldn't she tell me
more about my parents?
Probably because they're still living.
And they can't acknowledge me?
It gives one an odd sort of feeling.
Lonely, if you know what I mean.
Don't hold any bitterness towards them.
After all, you don't know
the true circumstances yet.
An actress .. I wonder ..
By Jove, I think I have it.
Come along.
I remember her telling me she had worked
for an actress before you were born.
A personal maid, I think
she said. Let's see now.
I hope she doesn't slip
back while we're ..
Here we are.
Julia Trent. A famous actress
of twenty-odd years ago.
I don't think I look at all like her.
- I don't know, Richard.
Let's read one of the letters.
Clarissa worked for her.
She knew she could trust Clarissa.
It adds up to something, doesn't it?
Let's see what she has to say here.
'No-one will listen to
me read Shakespeare'.
'No-one ever would,
except you and Mr Bentick'.
The name 'Bentick' sounds familiar.
By Jove, I have it.
He was an explorer of sorts, discovered
some lands in the Arctic or something.
Do you suppose ..?
- Wait a moment.
Don't get alarmed. I shan't look him up.
- It's not that. It's that ..
Commodore Bentick was
lost on one of his trips.
They never found him.
Oh.
You see. An awkward situation
must have presented itself.
Evidently, there was nothing else
to do. Something of a tragedy.
So you can understand why it will
have to remain .. a closed book.
Of course.
It says Julia Trent Anders.
Anders? She must have married.
Eleven, John Square, Bloomsbury.
[ Door knocks ]
[ Door knocks ]
What luck. Oh.
What do you want?
Does Mrs Smith live here?
Mrs Reginald Smith.
- No. Our name is Anders.
We have nearly everyone
but a Mrs Smith. Sorry.
I don't care about Mrs Smith.
Not personally, I mean.
I was told she let rooms and I'm
looking for somewhere to live.
I .. I suppose you don't let
rooms by any chance, do you?
Why, no. But I don't see why not.
We have dozens of rooms and people
always stay in them but they never pay.
You would want to pay, wouldn't you?
- It's the customary thing, isn't it?
I wouldn't know. When would you want it?
- Now. And only one.
Unless they come in groups.
Could you run to four pounds a week?
Would that be reasonable or not?
- We could ask someone.
If it isn't, perhaps we can
manage for meals too.
You couldn't pay in advance, could you?
I have got five pounds with me.
For goodness sakes
come in out of the rain.
Put them there.
You're studying and must
be near the museum?
Not studying. Writing.
I'm a playwright.
Are you? Why?
London is thick with playwrights.
Yes, but there are
playwrights .. and playwrights.
And playwrights, etcetera.
Isn't that what I said?
Paul, please.
- Julia, I've lost patience.
What have I got? Honour or distinction?
- Enough. You're not in the theatre.
And whatever else, my work is important.
I must have peace and quiet.
If I may interrupt.
And never is anybody paid. For three
months they have not been paid.
Three? Dear me, I'm sure it was four.
- What becomes of the money I give you?
That's the very question I was
asking Pauline just the other day.
Wasn't I dear? Where are you?
Will you call her, dear boy?
There you are.
Tell your father, darling.
Tell him what?
- What we were just discussing.
Who is this young man?
Well, I was ..
- I thought you were Leo.
He's a perfect stranger who
wants to come and live with us.
Does he insist on coming here?
- He does, and he's willing to pay.
In fact, he has paid.
I don't quite understand ..
Father, would you go
and pay the tradesmen.
Yes. Go and pay them, Paul.
Things do adjust themselves, don't they?
They seem to.
And I'm sure you'll
love it here, mister ..
What's your name?
- My name is 'Phip ..'
'Orland' .. 'Richard Orland'.
Oh really? Ours is 'Anders'.
And now we must be business-like.
You really should see your room.
Give him a nice one dear, won't you.
We want you to like it here.
Come along.
Sorry.
I think your mother is very sweet.
- Julia? Adorable, but not my mother.
But I gathered ..
- Is it so amazing?
Father married seven times.
Mrs Anders was in the
theatre, wasn't she?
Years ago. She appeared under
the name of 'Julia Trent'.
You don't think I'm too inquisitive?
- You must know if you're staying here.
There isn't a lot to know except we're a
bit mad and don't pay regard to rules.
But we do have early dinners.
And we have lovely parties.
Yes. I imagine.
We have one tonight if you care to come.
- I'd like to.
Consider yourself invited.
Do you like the room?
Yes, very nice.
- I suppose that's all, isn't it. Bye ..
Goodbye and thanks.
How much is that?
- One and ninepence, sir.
Thank you, sir.
How do?
- Evening, Mrs Vining. How are you?
Alright. Ann tells us how you'll
be leaving Little Egbert Street.
Hmm. I think so.
- You've come into some money, I hear?
Now, will that be good news for
little Emily Judson now or not?
I don't know, I'm sure.
I hope so. Excuse me.
How do, Captain.
Well, what next?
That's all I have to say.
If that's all then, I won't detain you.
Hello Richard.
- Hello, Captain.
Richard.
Have you found a place to live?
- Yes. And something else.
What?
- I don't want you to feel hurt.
You didn't break your word. It was
quite by chance that I found out.
Who are you talking about?
- My mother. I found her.
You ..?
How?
You didn't tell her who you are?
- No, and I don't intend to.
I've taken a room in her house.
Oh.
How did you find her?
I'll take the blame for that, Clarissa.
I remembered that bundle
of letters you'd saved.
You might be better off by minding
your own business, Captain Courtney.
Unquestionably. But frankly, I thought
it was only fair the boy should know.
And what do you know about
what's fair, and what ain't fair?
You aren't to tell her who you are.
I can't very well under
the circumstances, can I.
What happened when you met her?
Nothing. I met her and
I liked her immediately.
Not as much as I like you. I suppose
it's because I've always been with you.
You'll get to like her
better, after a bit.
Of course. It's merely a
matter of adjusting yourself.
It all seems so strange
and unbelievable.
It like .. like a chapter
out of a book, isn't it.
Or a play.
Yesterday I was Richard Phipps.
Today I'm ..
Say, it would make a play, wouldn't it?
A boy brought up in ignorance of his
parentage, goes to live with his mother.
He finds a new world.
It would make a great play.
Then, why don't you write it?
I say Mr Pobjoy.
Have you heard the news?
Clarissa Phipps' son ain't her son.
He never was.
Go on, who says so?
- He's going away.
Not away from London?
- Why not? He's got enough money.
He might take it into his head
to go to China. Who knows?
All I hope is that you've had
your understanding with him.
There hasn't been anything like that.
We're only friends.
He's been walking out
with you, hasn't he?
Now, a thousand pounds
is a tidy sum, Emily.
I don't care about that.
When is he going away?
- This very day.
So you'd better hurry if you've got
anything to clear up with him.
Here we are.
Put your hat on.
Do you think I'll pass for one of them?
You are one of them.
I'll run out and get a cab.
Well, Mum .. I'm ready to go.
You've got everything
packed that you need.
And don't call me 'Mum'.
- You don't mind, do you?
Mum.
Hello. Having someone to dinner?
- Just the Captain and myself.
Why three?
How?
I have set places for three, haven't I?
Force of habit.
- What are you having?
Roast beef.
- And Yorkshire pudding?
Yes, I thought that we might have some.
I suppose I'll have to get used
to 'a la' this, and 'au gratin' that.
There will be a lot of things
I'll miss .. won't there?
I ..
I want to thank you for everything.
It couldn't have been much fun
raising somebody else's child.
I was paid for it.
Bringing you up was no trouble at all.
Seeing as how you was a
good boy .. most of the time.
Part of the time, I wasn't.
Someday, I want to make up for it.
Don't say that.
You don't owe me nothing.
I owe you more than
I can ever repay you.
Look, Mum. I've got more than I need.
Won't you let me share it with you?
No, no .. I won't have it.
Someday, when you've
wrote a big play and then ..
You'd like to give me a
little something. Alright.
How's that?
Yes, I suppose that
will have to be alright.
Goodbye.
No crying, Mum.
Richard .. Richard.
Come on, dear.
Well .. what is it?
Nothing.
I don't suppose you
want a valet, do you?
And remember me to
the Buck of Dukingham.
Where did you get your top hat?
Richard .. Richard.
Emily.
I heard about everything.
I'm glad for you.
I meant to tell you but had no chance.
I'll drop in the shop
tomorrow or the next day.
Would you, Richard?
- Of course I will.
Goodbye Mum.
Goodbye Captain, and thanks.
So long Richard, old boy.
You're an original of some sort,
aren't you? Isn't he dear?
I hope so.
- Of course you are.
You're not the least bit
suave or charming.
I despise charming boys.
Thank you, Madam.
When you're through with him,
send him to me 'collect', will you.
Gladly.
You dear boy.
You came through without a scratch.
- Yes. I met everybody.
I remembered only one.
- Sir Elroyd?
You saw I let him know
you were a playwright?
It was nice of you. Why did you bother?
- I have to do nice things.
I'm a nice girl, didn't you know?
- I suspected it.
Leo. I was sure you wouldn't come.
That's a good sign. Worried?
- Suppose I were?
Let's get married. Will you
witness the answer, my friend?
Mr Orland - Mr Cartwright.
A, a playwright. B, a producer.
C, a charming girl.
I suppose you're my wealthier rival?
- I'm not very wealthy I'm afraid.
I should think you're streets ahead.
As much as two pounds.
By the way, have you?
I forbid you to lend them to him.
- Confound it, Pauline. It's not funny.
We might have made a strike then. We
must have some money if we get married.
That reminds me. Are we?
If you'll excuse me I
must go and help Julia.
Hold on. I'm proposing to you, Pauline.
- Try it on father.
She always stops me with that one.
I'll fix it. Let's find Anders.
There he is. Come on.
Hello Lady Entwistle.
Everything under control?
Winterbottom.
Thank you.
Mr Anders.
- Yes?
I thought we'd have a glass together.
I brought one over for you.
Thank you.
- To your lovely daughter.
By the way Mr Anders, would you have
any objections to her becoming my wife?
Yes.
Would you like it if I leave?
Don't bother. You know Mr Orland?
Why, yes ..
- Good evening, young man.
Haven't you been here before?
Yes. I live here.
Oh yes, yes. Mr Moorland, I remember.
I was just about to tell Orland
all about your great experiments.
Mr Anders will rid London of fog.
Is such a thing possible?
Someday.
I've tried to get him to put
the thing up as a remedy.
On the theory that more people get
up in the fog than go to bed in one.
Pah.
Paul, I'm going to do my recitation now.
If you attempt to go to sleep I
vow I'll throw something at you.
But Julia, it's all so tiresome.
Of course. Because you've no
appreciation of art. Hello Leo.
Julia.
It's you, isn't it? Mister ..
- Orland.
Yes, of course. You know Mr Anders?
Well, yes.
- How do you do, sir?
I'm glad you dropped in this
evening. Come again sometime.
Thanks. I will.
Mister Orland.
Excuse me.
Goodbye, old man. She's a little hard
on the ears but a good old soul.
She was the rage of London.
Not the greatest actress
that ever lived, of course.
But such stage presence,
such personality.
Where have you been, dear boy?
Sit close to me.
She's dying to return to the stage.
You've simply got to do a play
with her, Elroyd. I insist.
It's an idea. The public might warm
up to the return of an old favourite.
Yes, I'd consider doing it,
if I could find a suitable vehicle.
May I take that as a tip, Sir Elroyd?
You write don't you?
Yes, certainly.
If you've anything you think may
fit her I'd be glad to read it.
Well, I've created an
opportunity for you.
I think I'd better be jogging along too.
Jogging along .. where?
Oh, some place over the horizon.
You mean .. leave here?
It seems to be the
next move, doesn't it?
My job is finished. And I didn't
do so badly with the boy, did I?
A 'gentleman' .. as ordered.
You did alright. You earned your brandy.
I've had a happy glass or two.
And I'm glad that we struck
some sort of a balance.
You don't like it here?
The old place has its attractions.
- Good brandy.
I can think of another, but ..
Well .. we won't go into that.
He wanted to stay.
He wanted to stay now.
You would be thinking of leaving,
now that you know that I'm alone.
I ought to have some
protection against .. burglars.
Good morning. Looking for someone?
Good morning.
I thought I may run into a
housemaid or something.
No more. It's every man for himself.
What do you want?
Oh nothing. I dare say I can pick up
a manual of some kind at a stationers.
A manual? For what?
- How to make a bed in 4 easy lessons.
I've wrestled with it for days
but don't seem to have any luck.
You can't manage?
- No.
I lay the covers this way or that.
Then I toss them on. But it makes
no difference. They will stick out.
What?
- My feet.
You see, I prefer them covered.
- Some prefer one in and one out.
You do?
- I didn't say me.
Why are you laughing?
- It makes a pretty picture.
One little foot tucked up,
and one tucked away.
Here, where are you going?
- To show you how to make a bed.
It's in a pretty bad state.
Perhaps I'd better tackle it myself.
Be quiet.
Is this the way you sleep?
- No, no. That's the way I made it up.
Oh .. round the other side, please.
Take hold of the sheet. You have
to be clever to do things like this.
Now the bottom.
There. That's right.
Now pull it up straight.
Simple enough, isn't it.
Can you cook too?
No. Only when I have to. That is when
we lose a cook, which is every week.
Now the top sheet.
Well?
- I am sorry.
It struck me that Leo
might be very lucky.
Then again, he might not be. Tuck it in.
It isn't Leo? I gathered that ..
- I may end up marrying him, unless ..
Unless?
Unless someone nicer comes along.
Don't you think you'd
better fix that top now?
Oh .. did I do that?
You know, making a bed is mostly
a matter of controlled reflexes.
Leo is a dear, isn't he?
- Yes. A nice chap, but ..
But what?
I think you want to marry
someone more substantial.
Like who?
Like somebody who does things
or attempts to do them.
Pull the top down.
Like someone who attempts
what, for instance?
Well, anything.
Did I ..
Did I tell you I started my play?
- Not really?
Got half the first act.
- Good work.
If you think you can do as well with a
broom, I'll go down and get you one.
Take hold.
What have you done
with the watercolours?
Oh .. there they are.
I took them down.
They gave me nightmares.
Thanks. I painted them.
I'm sorry, but ..
I know nothing of art.
My opinion doesn't matter.
I hope not.
I did like one though.
Look, I left it up. See?
That's the only one I didn't paint.
Hmm.
Richard dropping in for dinner now and
then has a decided effect on the menu.
Shouldn't he be here by now?
- Probably delayed a bit by the fog.
How do you like where you are?
- Great. Everyone is nice.
Julia's a good sort and Pauline's grand.
She taught me how to make
my bed this morning.
Who is Pauline? The maid?
- Why, no. She's Anders' daughter.
She's young, about
your age, I should say.
Is she pretty?
No, I shouldn't say pretty. Attractive,
you know. Lots of personality.
Hold on, the fog is coming up.
We'd better be moving.
But we can't get home now.
It will be thick before we get very far.
We can take a cab.
Yes, sir?
Three Little Egbert Street.
- Very good, sir.
Are you going to Clarissa's?
- For dinner.
I'll drop you off at home first.
Home .. you know I haven't any.
There's your aunt.
She wouldn't care if I never came back.
I wouldn't either.
Richard .. do you have
to go to Clarissa's?
Can't we go somewhere?
But she's expecting me.
We could stop off at some place
where we could have dinner.
Just you and me.
Never mind about me.
Never mind about me.
Get the passengers out.
Somebody call an ambulance.
Stand back.
Stand back.
Alright. Take it easy.
The bloke at the bottom is hurt.
Anybody sent for an ambulance?
- Yes. It's coming.
Get the passengers out.
He's hurt pretty bad, governor.
Why do you keep spoiling your
appetite by nibbling on them things?
Because the void within demands filling.
Now, out with you.
You know, I've been standing
over a hot stove all day.
And when the time comes to eat,
all you'll be able to do is sip brandy.
That must be Richard now.
I'll start the Yorkshire pudding.
Captain .. Clarissa.
He's hurt.
- Who's hurt?
Richard has been hurt.
Hurt? How?
Where is he?
He's at St Marks.
Steady old girl. Be calm.
Here. Let me help you on with your coat.
Got a cab, Emily?
- It's waiting.
Keep your head old girl.
We'll be there in a few minutes.
Come, Paul.
You can read the paper later.
Good morning, darling.
- Good morning Julia, morning, father.
Good morning.
- Did you say one or two eggs?
Paul.
- Yes?
Always, I have said.
'Einstein's theory thrown into
doubt by new discovery'.
Paul. No theories for breakfast, please.
Did you call Mr Orland?
- Yes.
This is very important, my dear.
- That can come later, Paul.
Is he coming down?
He isn't in his room.
He wasn't home last night.
He wasn't home last night? Dear me ..
You don't suppose?
Paul, Mr Orland wasn't home last night.
- Good.
'The theory of relativity advanced by
the famous Dr Einstein was shaken by ..'
Paul. If you must read aloud do
read something that interests us.
Very well, my dear.
'Fruitless search for
clues in trunk murder'.
'Prominent star is mentioned
in waiver from divorce'.
'Cab crashes in farm'.
The waivers and divorce.
What star was mentioned?
Isn't that young man's
name 'Richard Orland'?
Yes. What is it?
Would it be he?
'A young man identified
as Richard Orland'.
'Was injured last night'.
'When a cab in which he was
riding crashed into a street light'.
'He was taken to ..'
St Mark's Hospital.
Just a moment, please.
Mr Orland was removed
from the hospital this morning.
Where did they take him?
To 'Number 3 Little Egbert Street'.
Little Egbert Street?
- Uhuh.
Thank you.
- Not at all.
He is better?
- Yes.
But he's in no condition
to have visitors.
Oh no, I didn't expect to see him.
I just dropped by to ask about him.
You'll tell him I was here, won't you?
- Yes, I'll tell him.
Someone's in the shop.
If you don't mind, I'll wait a minute.
I wanted to ask about flowers.
Alright, Emily.
Ah .. would you be wanting something?
No, I was looking for someone
but I may have the wrong address.
Who might that be?
- Richard Orland.
They said at the hospital
they brought him here.
I see .. who are you?
Pauline Anders.
How do you do.
I'm Clarissa.
Clarissa?
- You wouldn't know that, would you.
I was Richard's nurse
when he was little.
And when he got hurt I
had him brought here.
This isn't his home?
Oh no. No. He wouldn't be living here.
Would you like to see him?
- If I may.
Is he badly hurt?
- Oh no. Just a little in the ribs.
Nothing to worry about. It was
nice of you to come to see him.
But he said you was nice.
Are you glad that I'm here?
Well of course, Emily.
I never thought you'd want
to be seeing me again.
Why?
If you hadn't met me on the bridge
the accident wouldn't have happened.
Don't be silly, Emily.
What's this? I thought you'd gone.
I wanted to see Richard.
Hello Pauline.
- Hello, Richard.
Thoughtful of you to come.
How did you find out?
- It was in the papers.
Emily.
This is Miss Anders.
How do you do.
How do you do.
I'm glad you weren't badly hurt.
I can still take nourishment.
I won't stay.
- Please do. Sit here.
Please sit down, Miss Anders.
Emily was just going, wasn't you, Emily?
Yes.
If you will excuse us. Come, dear.
I hope you're up and
around soon, Richard.
Very happy to have met you.
- Thanks for dropping in, Emily.
That's alright.
Poor kid.
She's never had much of a chance.
- What a shame.
We've known each other,
ever since we were this high.
I was brought up on this street.
In this very house, as a matter of fact.
I didn't know. Mrs .. 'Clarissa', is it?
She told me she was your nurse.
- That's her way of putting it.
I've always been with her.
It was only recently I learned
that she wasn't my mother.
What you might call 'bad news'.
I'd rather she hadn't told me.
Why did she?
Part of the bargain.
People were something
or other around town.
Father died, mother embarrassed.
That sort of thing.
I wouldn't mind very much, except
that it makes one feel sort of ..
Apart.
I know how you must feel.
I'm sorry I was a little annoyed
with you a while ago.
Were you annoyed? Why?
Because sometimes I'm inclined to
be a trifle mean .. but it's worn off.
I suppose any day we'll be hearing of
him marrying off to someone like her.
And then we'll be seeing no more of him.
But I guess we've got to expect
that sort of thing, ain't we?
Hello Captain .. I was
just telling Emily here.
How interested Richard had
became, in that lovely Miss Anders.
Miss Anders? Oh, yes.
And you know why, don't you?
On account of me, that's why.
She's afraid I might have her Richard.
I know what you've been
saying to him behind my back.
Why should you care
whether I have him or not?
He ain't nothing to you.
He ain't your son.
While you're here, I'll have your room
cleaned up. And throw out some pictures.
You know, I might see something
in them now I couldn't see before.
What?
Well. Perhaps a suggestion of you.
I can think of something much
more interesting to look at.
Tell me.
- Me, in person.
You stupid man.
I won't stay another minute.
Come again tomorrow please.
Well ..
- Tomorrow .. promise?
Alright. Tomorrow then.
You're not going so soon, Miss Anders?
- I'm sorry, but I must.
Miss Anders .. Captain Courtney.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
- Won't you stay for a bite of lunch?
No thank you.
Though I'll come again if I may.
Oh do. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Emily .. Emily.
May I drop you somewhere?
No thank you.
I'm not going very far.
There's no need to walk.
Won't you get in?
Thank you.
Mr Orland was telling me
something about you.
You were children together, weren't you?
Well, we sort-of grew up together.
He used to walk out with me
before he left Little Egbert Street.
You mean .. you were engaged?
We would have been
if he hadn't gone off.
Oh.
What do you do with your socks?
- Huh? Wear them.
And how you wear them.
Here's a pair of Richard's.
Not a hole in them. Look here.
What's a hole or two in a pair
of socks? Gives them character.
Hello, Richard. How you getting on?
- Finished, completed, done.
Thank heaven.
Finished.
'The Song Of Sixpence'.
- The song of sixpence.
One title's as good as another I think.
If there's a play at the back of it.
And that's the trouble.
- Don't you like it?
I don't know. It comes to a sudden
climax. I'm not sure that's good.
What happens to the boy?
- What boy?
The boy that went to the new
house. And found his mother.
I lost that story in the shuffle.
I couldn't find an ending to it.
This play happens to be about
the woman who married a man ..
Believing she's in love
with an old sweetheart.
What comes of it?
She goes away with her sweetheart but
finds it's the husband she really loves.
It's pretty ancient stuff.
It may do if well written.
Which this one probably isn't.
However, I'd like to hear it read.
Will you read Stevens in the climax,
Captain. I'll be the butler. And ..
How about me acting the lady?
- Alright.
We'll have a lesson in histrionics.
Look here, you old walrus.
I'll have you know that once,
I was one of the 40 geisha girls.
In the 79th production of The Mikado.
Now, you read your part,
and I'll read mine.
I'm properly squelched, my dear.
On with the show, Richard.
- Here goes.
You're sat down reading a paper.
Mum. Go into the shop. Enter behind
me when the Captain says 'Margaret'.
And say it so I can hear it.
And don't try to be funny.
Pardon, sir.
- What is it, Briggs?
A lady sir. She told me
not to mention her name.
But it's Mrs Stevens, sir.
Margaret?
Margaret.
Oh.
Yes, John.
Margaret.
- You may go, Briggs.
I don't think I understand.
I said dear, I don't think I understand.
Heavens. I'm so excited.
Now wait. Hold on, where is it?
Oh.
But you do, John. It was I
who never had to do it.
But I understand now. Everything.
Well?
But what of Jerry?
Oh. My turn?
Let me see .. oh, yes.
I left him at the boats.
A thousand memories
flashed through my mind.
Little tender ones of quiet
hours and intimate things.
I couldn't do it, John. So I came home.
And this is where I want to stay.
If I may.
If .. if you want me.
I too have had memories, Margaret.
Some that I'd like to live again.
Then, let's start over.
At the old beginning.
Oh, it's splendid.
Simply splendid.
And you wrote this for me,
you dear, dear boy.
It's grand.
Just like a play I did years ago.
What was the name of that?
It doesn't matter.
It was a success.
If it's like something
that's been done before ..
It's just the sort of thing the
public would want to see me do.
And it's so beautifully written.
Pauline, what do you think?
Must I tell?
Richard has written me
the most wonderful play.
He's a genius. A prodigy of genius.
I would never have suspected it. Who is
going to produce this great masterpiece?
Why, Sir Elroyd Joyce of course.
I'm going to telephone him immediately.
I adore you for this, Richard.
I can't wait to tell Sir Elroyd.
I'm so excited.
She seemed to like it, didn't she?
- Yes.
A bit of luck if Sir Elroyd
agrees to produce it.
Yes.
Yes .. rather a nice morning, isn't it?
Rather.
I'd have come to see you
but I couldn't, really.
That's alright.
It's so far over there and ..
I don't think you cared whether
I came or not, particularly.
But I did.
- Why should you?
Why do I feel you're just about
the nicest girl in the world?
You shouldn't.
But I do .. and there it is.
And what are we going to do about it?
It's the darling-est play I've ever
read, and I'm sending it to you.
Julia, I am rather busy.
I don't know when I could read it.
You must read it tonight. Promise.
When can you talk with Richard about it?
Well .. here. Tomorrow at ten.
- Tomorrow at ten. He'll be there.
Your play is nicely written.
You have a flair for dialogue.
Quite a bit of talent.
- Thank you, sir.
But unfortunately it's not one
I care to do at the moment.
Yes, but Julia Trent thought that ..
- Julia Trent is an actress.
Actresses know nothing about
plays. They see only the part.
Some other Producer might
take a chance on it.
I might myself if it were a
less expensive production.
But don't get discouraged. I'm glad
to read anything you write, my boy.
Bye-bye.
- Goodbye, sir.
You sure you're not dead, Clarissa?
- I ain't here to prove nothing.
You record enough blood pressure
to burst the heart of an average man.
In that case, maybe it's the Captain
you should examine instead of me.
Only .. he ain't no average man.
No heavy foods.
You mean, I ain't to eat nothing I like?
No wine. No liquors.
How about a good cigar now and then?
And no excitement of any kind.
These are orders.
Alright .. give me my
pills and I'll be off.
No pills this time, Clarissa.
They wouldn't help.
I hate pills anyhow. They give me ..
- I'm serious.
Clarissa, why don't you sell the shop
and move out into the country?
What would I be doing
in the country now?
At least you would be quiet,
and you would have to rest.
I don't know how you've
held on this long.
I ain't ready to go yet .. not yet.
Goodnight, Doctor.
Goodnight, Clarissa.
Well Richard, I'm glad
you dropped round.
It's always a bit lonely
here without the old girl.
She's stepped out to see Dr Phillips.
She'll be back soon.
- What's the matter with her?
Her stomach's been
ragging her a bit lately.
Hello Mum.
Hello.
What are you doing here?
Have you been to Doctor Phillips?
You're not ill, are you?
Why live in the West End if you're going
to spend all your time a worrier?
Listen. I'll pop in whenever I want.
Don't forget I'm of age now.
The amount of gassing you do, anybody
will think you're as old as the Captain.
If I had chin-whiskers old girl,
I'd say you were yanking them.
Seriously, Mum .. are you alright?
Well outside. I've been somewhat dazed.
At the comical things that are being
said around here. I'm in perfect health.
Now, if you'll turn me loose,
I'll take off my hat and coat.
What about your play?
The play?
Everything is going to be alright.
They don't like it.
Sir Elroyd said I had a lot of talent.
But he didn't want to buy it.
- What's the difference?
I can write another.
But what's the matter
with this one? I liked it.
Didn't you, Captain?
- Yes, I did.
If I were a manager, I'd produce it.
So would Sir Elroyd, if it
weren't for the expense.
Oh .. I see.
Does it cost so much to put on play now?
Yes.
I'm afraid it does.
Oh.
I just remembered something.
Must leave you for a bit, Richard.
You and the Captain a brandy
and I'll be right back.
You're not leaving again?
- Why not?
You've just come in.
- So I comes and I goes.
So what about it?
I often wonder what goes on underneath
those ridiculous hats of hers.
But you never painted anything
that looked like anything before.
You're not repeating
something you've heard?
But this seems to have
a certain .. tenderness.
You aren't in love?
How do these things get around?
It's that young Richard Orland.
It's that so-and-so Richard Orland.
Whatever made you fall in love with him?
I think the law of supply and demand
had something to do with it.
Don't let's talk about him anymore.
- Is it really that serious?
I'm painting a pastoral.
That must indicate something.
It's so silly. He would have to
be an unsuccessful playwright.
If he was someone important
I wouldn't have noticed him.
I don't see why you're so annoyed. If
you love him, why don't you marry him?
He isn't available.
Some funny little
tilt-nose has first call.
I shouldn't say that.
She's a nice enough girl I
suppose, except that I ..
Oh Julia, what am I to do?
Forget him.
Why should I think twice about such
an impossible man? I won't do it.
There doesn't seem to be
much else to think about.
Julia, I'm really in a mess.
There, dear. I know how you feel.
I loved someone when I was young.
Just as you love Richard.
Then I married your father.
After that, nothing mattered.
There's the telephone. Answer it.
It may be someone wanting money.
Just say the cheque is in the post.
Hello. Who is this?
Hello .. it's Sir Elroyd.
I'm not sure that I want to talk to him.
He's been a complete disappointment.
I dislike you intensely.
But you're like all managers.
Small, stupid, selfish.
I can't imagine why you called me.
What's that?
Oh, you darling.
You perfectly, perfect darling.
How lovely.
I knew you wouldn't disappoint me.
Of course. I'll be over within the hour.
I'll bring him with me. Goodbye.
He's reconsidered. He's going to produce
Richard's play. Isn't it wonderful?
Oh.
Aren't you happy?
- No.
But think what it will mean
to me, and to Richard.
I am thinking of it.
And if the play is a success,
she'll never give him up.
Where are you going?
I'll be the one to tell him if
I fall to pieces at his feet.
Well.
Sykes.
- Yes?
What kind of wine are you serving?
- It's the wine the Captain ordered.
What about the beef?
- She'll be rare.
You has my personal guarantee.
And the pudding?
- Steaming hot, covered in brandy sauce.
The Captain, now.
Did he select the brandy?
And there is a gentleman
what knows his brandy.
Here.
Clarissa. Here.
- What now, Pobjoy?
Here's the documents.
Sealed, signed and delivered.
To take effect from this day,
as agreed upon.
Now, am I invited to this
very feast, or am I not?
How are you when you're
in your beer, Pobjoy?
The more beer I take the more I become
as I was in the beginning .. silent.
Alright then. You're invited.
But don't let me hear you talking ..
- Mum's the word.
How much?
- Two bob, sir.
He's coming.
He's coming.
But why the pub? I'd much
rather have dinner at home.
You know how the old girl is.
This is something of an event.
And she fancies it calls
for a bit of a celebration.
We wishes .. to drink to your
blooming success tonight, Richard.
Hear, hear.
Of course. As we bought tickets to it we
want to see something for our money.
It's nice of you .. every one
of you to turn out like this.
And I want to promise you I'll do
all I can to merit your good wishes.
What's wrong, dear?
Richard. Don't he seem
worried about something?
Just nerves. Opening night of his first
play is something of a strain you know.
It ain't that.
You get them around the table
and start things. I'll lay it on now.
Alright, dear.
Mum, you shouldn't have done that.
Tonight, I wanted a party in honour of a
young man I brought up from an infant.
And here it is.
I'd have much rather had a quiet dinner
at home. Just you, the Captain, and I.
It ain't the party,
what's upsetting you.
It's something else.
- What could upset me?
My first play opens tonight.
I'm on my way to success.
The world is mine, isn't it?
Is it?
I uh .. I reserved you three seats.
Why do you prefer
sitting in the gallery?
Up in The Gods is where you
find out what's good about a play.
But, it's much nicer in the stalls.
Something is wrong, Richard.
You can see and hear much better.
Oh Mum, I told you. Nothing's wrong.
I just thought there might be.
Miss Anders.
She'll be there, won't she?
Yes. She'll be there.
You are fond of her, Richard.
Yes.
- Have you told her?
How can I tell her?
- Why not?
You're going to be a success.
She's one of your kind.
You're forgetting something, aren't you?
You mean, because ..?
But if she loves you.
It couldn't make a difference.
How can I ask her to take my
name when I haven't a name?
I couldn't do it, Mum. I ..
It's alright.
Only it ain't .. is it?
How much is that?
- Two and ninepence, sir.
Ten bob?
I don't think I've any change.
I've got change, Richard.
- That's alright, Captain.
Did you see Richard's name in
electric lights as we drove up?
Yes, I saw it.
You don't seem to be very
happy about his success.
You didn't say two words
coming in the cab.
I had nothing to say.
Will you wait here, Mum?
I'll get the tickets.
It's real nice going to a play when
you're guests of the author, ain't it?
Look at all the people with their
fine clothes and elegant manners.
It makes a person feel sort of
out of place, don't it, Emily.
I'll join you later.
Do you mind going in alone?
Tickled to death.
- Thanks.
Don't be long, Richard.
- I won't.
See you later.
Well, here we are. Ready?
My arm, dear?
Your arm, my Lord.
- With pleasure, Princess.
And these are the
golden stairs, Princess.
And they say that Paradise
is at the top, My Lord.
We're hoping it is.
- It is.
Your play is going to be
a great success, Richard.
You're so sure of that, aren't you.
There's no fooling me about plays.
I've seen too many of them.
Do you remember when you
was a wee chappie ..
How we used to climb these very stairs?
We never missed a play, did we.
- It was fun when you were small.
But you was always wanting to go
someplace during the best part.
I must have been a little nuisance.
- No. Just a little boy.
But never a nuisance.
Half a moment.
- What is it, Mum?
Nothing.
Maybe I had a might too much to eat.
What with the champagne and pudding.
There.
Do you remember what you used
to call food when you were small?
What?
- Scoffings.
No. Did I?
Maybe that didn't raise
the Captain's eyebrows.
I should imagine it did.
Good old Captain.
What's the matter, Mum?
- Nothing. I ..
I was just thinking.
- What about?
About the good old Captain.
It's the stairs.
They're too much for you.
No.
No, they ain't.
Yes they are. I should have
made you sit in the stalls.
Here we are. Hold on a moment.
- No, no, no.
Richard, put me down.
- You carried me about when I was young.
It's my turn now.
What have you to say about that?
Home, James.
Now Richard, put me down.
There.
Come on, hop out of it. Can't you
see you're in the wrong seat?
Not after I've been here for 20 minutes.
But can't you see the 'Reserved'?
Take a notice.
Thank you. Thank you very much. You had
better take the inside seat, Emily dear.
Hello, Richard. Good luck tonight.
Just in time for the curtain.
I'll run along. I hope you like it.
Hey, you with the feather
in your head. Sit down.
Sit down yourself.
- I'll see you after the last act.
Richard.
I just wanted to say I
hope your play does well.
We all do, my boy.
Will you sit down in front?
Richard.
Hey, 'Feathers'. Off with the bonnet.
Come on down here and take
if off if you can, you old gasbag.
She's running off with
that curly-headed fellow.
Why not, says I.
- She's a nothing.
Shut up.
It's a good play ain't it, Emily?
I'd like it even if it wasn't good.
Because .. Richard wrote it, eh?
Yes.
You think I don't like you because
I don't want you to have Richard.
That ain't so, Emily. I do like you.
Only.
There's Richard. Where he belongs.
With Miss Anders.
She's the reason why
you can't ever have him.
Just in time, dear.
Now let's see.
Hold my hand.
A thousand memories
flashed through my mind.
Little tender ones.
Of quiet hours and intimate things.
And I couldn't do the job.
So I came home.
And this is where I
want to stay .. if I may.
If .. you want.
I too, have memories, Margaret.
Ones that I'd like to live again.
- Then let's start over.
From the old beginning ..
Author.
Author!
He's going on the stage.
- Steady, girl. Steady.
I'm afraid I'm too nervous and
excited to say very much.
Except that I'm glad you liked it.
It likely wouldn't have
amounted to very much.
Without the magnificent
performance of Miss Julia Trent.
And I want to thank her publicly.
For making my play possible.
It was her interest and influence that
made Sir Elroyd stage the production.
Thank you.
Do you see him, Captain?
Richard .. my baby.
My own .. baby boy.
She's fainted.
- Yes, yes.
Julia Trent?
- Over here, my boy.
There we are, Julia.
Isn't it too lovely? Really the
credit is all yours, darling.
What would we have
done without your play?
Isn't that so, Elroyd?
- True.
I can't believe that.
But anyhow, thanks a lot.
Now we can have a lovely supper on the
stage. We always did in the old days.
Patience, Julia.
I've sent for the caterers.
And we'll have a bit of
celebration in honour of our star.
And author.
You darling. I knew you wouldn't forget.
Now I must hurry and change.
Come along Elroyd.
Goodbye, darling.
Come on, Paul.
- You surprised me, Julia.
You were good .. marvellous.
Well, you're a success now.
Success is the achievement.
That's what you want most?
I think so.
- Writing a play isn't it.
What then?
Pauline. I want to tell you something.
It's difficult to explain but I
want you to try and understand.
Richard.
Hello, Emily.
- Clarissa's been taken.
Clarissa?
- In the gallery. She collapsed.
Where is she?
- They took her home.
Alright. Sorry.
Is it serious?
Who knows. They told me to get Richard.
You're fond of him, ain't you?
Yes, but I ..
- Don't. He'll be needing you.
You're better for him than
I'd be. Even if he'd have me.
Which he wouldn't.
He loves you.
Clarissa told me.
Here, what's all this noise about?
- Clarissa?
She ain't here.
- Where is she?
She's at number sixteen.
You know, I bought the shop.
Here, what's your hurry?
I got ..
Captain, where is she?
Steady, boy .. she's quite ill.
Mum.
Richard.
Yes, Mum?
I lied to you.
I am your Mum.
I never wanted it ..
To be any other way.
You won't hold it against me?
I did it .. because
I wanted you to have ..
Quality.
And you have, Richard.
You have.
She believed herself to be
a very ordinary woman.
And she was anything but that.
She had one purpose. To give you
the opportunities that she had missed.
She willed herself to live until
that had been accomplished.
When she made her goal .. she relaxed.
She let go and ..
I wish she could have held
on for just a little longer.
She sold the store for money to produce
your play, because she believed in you.
She overlooked nothing.
Not even in the matter of rewards.
Mine ..
Is a little place in the country.
With a garden .. and a tree or two.
It would have been pleasant ..
If she and I could have taken the last
few hurdles together in some such place.
It doesn't seem to hold
so much for me now.
..f-s..
Seven years after the war.
And has anybody got a bob in his pocket?
No.
There ain't a bob in the crowd.
Every blasted mother's son of you will
sleep on a bench in this park tonight.
But where will the elegant
Lords and Ladies sleep?
Where would you sleep if you
were a Lord, my friend?
Me? Why, I'd sleep in a feather bed in
the finest chamber of my summer palace.
An excellent idea.
Precisely what I should do.
Let's hear from the West End gent.
- Right.
A word from The King's messenger.
You are here.
Because you have neglected
your opportunities.
Education and an appreciation of values
would have kept you above all this.
Go home.
Go home and instil into your children.
An appreciation of the
finer things of life.
Give them the opportunity
to rise above you.
For you are .. trash.
It's my privilege to
call you what I like.
Because I'm no better myself.
Where I come from doesn't matter.
And where I'm going to matters less.
There is .. a reason.
Perhaps it lies .. in limpid eyes.
Or perhaps .. in memory of ..
Shrieking shells and bleeding things.
But here I am.
Myself and my friend.
Let me introduce you to
the Genii of the bottle.
To you, my friends.
And to The King.
Hey. Make way for a drinking man.
What happened to him?
- His bottle got him.
There you are, Mr Swell.
As downy a bed as you would
find in Buckingham Palace.
Come on now, up with you.
What's that?
Is there some reason why I should
go along with you my good woman?
There's no reason why you shouldn't.
Listen to her.
Who are you, if I may ask?
Are you going to stay here until a Bobby
comes along and whacks you on your feet?
Or are you going to come along home?
There's a hooker of
brandy waiting on you.
Well now.
That has a decent ring to it somehow.
Especially on a quivering morning when
a man's flesh is particularly weak.
Oh.
My arm, Lady ..?
My name is Clarissa Phipps.
- Miss or Mrs?
My husband is dead.
- I am sorry.
War?
- No. Plumbing.
Somebody fetched him one
with a piece of lead pipe.
What's your name?
- Courtney.
Randolph Courtney.
'Captain' Courtney,
if you want to bother.
War?
Yes .. war.
Well .. here we are.
Come in.
You run this place yourself?
- Yes .. I live in the back.
It ain't much. But of a day, it's snug.
Yes .. yes, it is cosy.
A feeling of 'home' about it.
You're a tidy woman, Mrs Phipps.
Do you think you might
like it here, Captain?
One could do a great
deal worse, I'm sure.
There was a mention of a
finger or two of brandy, eh?
This place ain't bad as homes go.
And a lady who could
earn a few quid a week.
Could be some help to a man.
If a man could be some help to her.
You are the traditional rose, blooming
on the waste heap, Mrs Phipps.
It came out of a grey morning.
My appreciation, dear lady.
Last night in Hyde Park.
- Oh, yes.
I made some sort of a speech, didn't I?
You said the young-uns should
be taught the fine things.
And so they should.
Good brandy.
Do you mind?
But a grown boy now.
If he had the right upbringing.
There ain't no reason why he
shouldn't be a gentleman. Is there?
But what is ..
Your interest in young ones,
and their possibilities?
Hey Mum. How about some scoffings, Mum?
Hello.
I see.
Richard .. is that the way
to come into a room?
Don't you see there is
a gentleman present?
And it's 'breakfast' you ask
for, and not 'scoffings'.
Who are you? You're a Toff, ain't you?
This is Captain Courtney.
And he's a gentleman.
And you ain't to use
no such word as 'Toff'.
Hello. Where'd you come from?
Well now ..
- It's bad manners to ask questions.
Is that a way you get in
your clothes? Look at you.
With your knickers over your nightgown.
Get up there and get dressed.
Quick. Hurry.
- Alright, Mum. Half a mo'.
Richard.
Come here.
Let me hear you say:
'Half .. a .. moment'.
Half .. a .. moment.
Is that what the Captain said?
He said 'harf'.
H .. A .. R .. F.
No, Pobjoy. I know you.
Now listen. I just dropped in to tell
you I've been thinking things over.
And I might come up
a trifle on the price.
the shop and property?
What did I say to your
last offer, Pobjoy?
You know, eleven hundred
is eleven hundred.
A shop that's made me a good living for
twenty years or more is a friend indeed.
Am I one to turn my back on
a friend? Good day, Pobjoy.
Now think it over. Mind, it's a good
offer for a pig in a bag, Clarissa.
It's your head in a bag if you
think I'll ever sell this business.
My corpulent friend.
Oh, indeed.
Clarissa, will you stop climbing
up and down those steps.
You aren't an acrobat.
Oh come now, Dr Phillips. Why
don't you be nice and go home?
It will be you that will be the death of
me with your nerves and your doubts.
Clarissa, must I say again that
the nerves of your stomach ..
Are like this?
Shock or excitement of any kind ..
- And I'll be having acute indigestion.
If you have another such attack
as you had two years ago.
I'll snuff out.
My nerves are fine, Doctor.
Don't forget your pills.
- Right.
Do you know, for years I've been
looking forward to being twenty-one.
I thought it would be like,
like awakening in a new world.
And yet here I am, and I feel
no different to yesterday.
But you're different, Richard.
You're not like any of us
on Little Egbert Street.
Like me, for instance.
You're educated, and I'm not.
You know all about plays and good music.
And who painted this picture and that.
And I don't know anything.
- This doesn't alter one fact.
What?
We're good friends and like each other.
What else matters?
I hope nothing else matters.
What do you mean, Emily?
Nothing.
It's getting late.
I suppose we ought to go.
Yes, Mum is expecting me early.
This is the day-of-days, you know.
Then I'll see you ..
- Tomorrow night.
Well, goodnight, Richard.
- Goodnight, Emily.
And Richard.
- Huh?
Happy birthday.
Well, it was a lovely dinner, Mum.
May I open this now?
One moment, Richard.
You've achieved 21 honourably.
Here's hoping the promise you showed as
a youngster, is fulfilled in manhood.
Keep your head up and remember,
you're as good as the best of them.
You've been great to me, both of you.
- Oh no ..
We've only done what we were here to do.
What have you got there, Richard?
- A bank book.
A thousand pounds.
Why, Mum ..
- A thousand?
That's what it says, don't it?
It's yours. What about it?
It's credited to Richard 'Orland'.
My name is Phipps.
I don't understand it.
Your name ain't Phipps.
- My name is not .. oh Mum ..
And I ain't your mother.
Oh come now, old girl.
You don't mean that.
That's what I said, didn't I?
You're twenty-one.
I've kept my promise.
And done what I said I'd do.
You're to leave here now.
That was the agreement.
Agreement? What agreement?
- What on earth are you talking about?
The money is yours.
It was left to me by your mother.
To give to you when you became 21.
You are to take it, and
find a place to live.
Where you can be with your own kind.
- My own kind?
But who is my mother, and why
should she leave me in your care?
She was a fine lady.
She was an actress.
A great actress.
- Yes, but ..
I'm saying nothing more.
But you say my name is 'Orland'.
Who is my father?
Well maybe 'Orland',
ain't your name, exactly.
But that's near enough.
The boy has a right to know whose
blood flows in his veins, Clarissa.
No. I haven't.
I don't care who they are.
They didn't want me.
Now I don't want them.
You've taken their place, you and the
Captain. So, I'll stay here with you.
No .. you won't stay here.
My orders were to pay you
the money and tell you to be off.
That's what I'm doing.
You must go away
from Little Egbert Street.
It has to be, Richard.
It ain't always what we want to do.
Maybe I have got kind of
used to having you here too.
We don't like to give up them
what's been close to us.
But that's the way
it has to be sometimes.
But I ..
- You've got to go, Richard.
You've got to go because ..
Well ..
It's the best for you too, Richard.
But .. but I don't want to go.
You will go.
You will go because it's the agreement.
You'll go because I said you would.
And I'm a woman of my word.
Why wouldn't she tell me
more about my parents?
Probably because they're still living.
And they can't acknowledge me?
It gives one an odd sort of feeling.
Lonely, if you know what I mean.
Don't hold any bitterness towards them.
After all, you don't know
the true circumstances yet.
An actress .. I wonder ..
By Jove, I think I have it.
Come along.
I remember her telling me she had worked
for an actress before you were born.
A personal maid, I think
she said. Let's see now.
I hope she doesn't slip
back while we're ..
Here we are.
Julia Trent. A famous actress
of twenty-odd years ago.
I don't think I look at all like her.
- I don't know, Richard.
Let's read one of the letters.
Clarissa worked for her.
She knew she could trust Clarissa.
It adds up to something, doesn't it?
Let's see what she has to say here.
'No-one will listen to
me read Shakespeare'.
'No-one ever would,
except you and Mr Bentick'.
The name 'Bentick' sounds familiar.
By Jove, I have it.
He was an explorer of sorts, discovered
some lands in the Arctic or something.
Do you suppose ..?
- Wait a moment.
Don't get alarmed. I shan't look him up.
- It's not that. It's that ..
Commodore Bentick was
lost on one of his trips.
They never found him.
Oh.
You see. An awkward situation
must have presented itself.
Evidently, there was nothing else
to do. Something of a tragedy.
So you can understand why it will
have to remain .. a closed book.
Of course.
It says Julia Trent Anders.
Anders? She must have married.
Eleven, John Square, Bloomsbury.
[ Door knocks ]
[ Door knocks ]
What luck. Oh.
What do you want?
Does Mrs Smith live here?
Mrs Reginald Smith.
- No. Our name is Anders.
We have nearly everyone
but a Mrs Smith. Sorry.
I don't care about Mrs Smith.
Not personally, I mean.
I was told she let rooms and I'm
looking for somewhere to live.
I .. I suppose you don't let
rooms by any chance, do you?
Why, no. But I don't see why not.
We have dozens of rooms and people
always stay in them but they never pay.
You would want to pay, wouldn't you?
- It's the customary thing, isn't it?
I wouldn't know. When would you want it?
- Now. And only one.
Unless they come in groups.
Could you run to four pounds a week?
Would that be reasonable or not?
- We could ask someone.
If it isn't, perhaps we can
manage for meals too.
You couldn't pay in advance, could you?
I have got five pounds with me.
For goodness sakes
come in out of the rain.
Put them there.
You're studying and must
be near the museum?
Not studying. Writing.
I'm a playwright.
Are you? Why?
London is thick with playwrights.
Yes, but there are
playwrights .. and playwrights.
And playwrights, etcetera.
Isn't that what I said?
Paul, please.
- Julia, I've lost patience.
What have I got? Honour or distinction?
- Enough. You're not in the theatre.
And whatever else, my work is important.
I must have peace and quiet.
If I may interrupt.
And never is anybody paid. For three
months they have not been paid.
Three? Dear me, I'm sure it was four.
- What becomes of the money I give you?
That's the very question I was
asking Pauline just the other day.
Wasn't I dear? Where are you?
Will you call her, dear boy?
There you are.
Tell your father, darling.
Tell him what?
- What we were just discussing.
Who is this young man?
Well, I was ..
- I thought you were Leo.
He's a perfect stranger who
wants to come and live with us.
Does he insist on coming here?
- He does, and he's willing to pay.
In fact, he has paid.
I don't quite understand ..
Father, would you go
and pay the tradesmen.
Yes. Go and pay them, Paul.
Things do adjust themselves, don't they?
They seem to.
And I'm sure you'll
love it here, mister ..
What's your name?
- My name is 'Phip ..'
'Orland' .. 'Richard Orland'.
Oh really? Ours is 'Anders'.
And now we must be business-like.
You really should see your room.
Give him a nice one dear, won't you.
We want you to like it here.
Come along.
Sorry.
I think your mother is very sweet.
- Julia? Adorable, but not my mother.
But I gathered ..
- Is it so amazing?
Father married seven times.
Mrs Anders was in the
theatre, wasn't she?
Years ago. She appeared under
the name of 'Julia Trent'.
You don't think I'm too inquisitive?
- You must know if you're staying here.
There isn't a lot to know except we're a
bit mad and don't pay regard to rules.
But we do have early dinners.
And we have lovely parties.
Yes. I imagine.
We have one tonight if you care to come.
- I'd like to.
Consider yourself invited.
Do you like the room?
Yes, very nice.
- I suppose that's all, isn't it. Bye ..
Goodbye and thanks.
How much is that?
- One and ninepence, sir.
Thank you, sir.
How do?
- Evening, Mrs Vining. How are you?
Alright. Ann tells us how you'll
be leaving Little Egbert Street.
Hmm. I think so.
- You've come into some money, I hear?
Now, will that be good news for
little Emily Judson now or not?
I don't know, I'm sure.
I hope so. Excuse me.
How do, Captain.
Well, what next?
That's all I have to say.
If that's all then, I won't detain you.
Hello Richard.
- Hello, Captain.
Richard.
Have you found a place to live?
- Yes. And something else.
What?
- I don't want you to feel hurt.
You didn't break your word. It was
quite by chance that I found out.
Who are you talking about?
- My mother. I found her.
You ..?
How?
You didn't tell her who you are?
- No, and I don't intend to.
I've taken a room in her house.
Oh.
How did you find her?
I'll take the blame for that, Clarissa.
I remembered that bundle
of letters you'd saved.
You might be better off by minding
your own business, Captain Courtney.
Unquestionably. But frankly, I thought
it was only fair the boy should know.
And what do you know about
what's fair, and what ain't fair?
You aren't to tell her who you are.
I can't very well under
the circumstances, can I.
What happened when you met her?
Nothing. I met her and
I liked her immediately.
Not as much as I like you. I suppose
it's because I've always been with you.
You'll get to like her
better, after a bit.
Of course. It's merely a
matter of adjusting yourself.
It all seems so strange
and unbelievable.
It like .. like a chapter
out of a book, isn't it.
Or a play.
Yesterday I was Richard Phipps.
Today I'm ..
Say, it would make a play, wouldn't it?
A boy brought up in ignorance of his
parentage, goes to live with his mother.
He finds a new world.
It would make a great play.
Then, why don't you write it?
I say Mr Pobjoy.
Have you heard the news?
Clarissa Phipps' son ain't her son.
He never was.
Go on, who says so?
- He's going away.
Not away from London?
- Why not? He's got enough money.
He might take it into his head
to go to China. Who knows?
All I hope is that you've had
your understanding with him.
There hasn't been anything like that.
We're only friends.
He's been walking out
with you, hasn't he?
Now, a thousand pounds
is a tidy sum, Emily.
I don't care about that.
When is he going away?
- This very day.
So you'd better hurry if you've got
anything to clear up with him.
Here we are.
Put your hat on.
Do you think I'll pass for one of them?
You are one of them.
I'll run out and get a cab.
Well, Mum .. I'm ready to go.
You've got everything
packed that you need.
And don't call me 'Mum'.
- You don't mind, do you?
Mum.
Hello. Having someone to dinner?
- Just the Captain and myself.
Why three?
How?
I have set places for three, haven't I?
Force of habit.
- What are you having?
Roast beef.
- And Yorkshire pudding?
Yes, I thought that we might have some.
I suppose I'll have to get used
to 'a la' this, and 'au gratin' that.
There will be a lot of things
I'll miss .. won't there?
I ..
I want to thank you for everything.
It couldn't have been much fun
raising somebody else's child.
I was paid for it.
Bringing you up was no trouble at all.
Seeing as how you was a
good boy .. most of the time.
Part of the time, I wasn't.
Someday, I want to make up for it.
Don't say that.
You don't owe me nothing.
I owe you more than
I can ever repay you.
Look, Mum. I've got more than I need.
Won't you let me share it with you?
No, no .. I won't have it.
Someday, when you've
wrote a big play and then ..
You'd like to give me a
little something. Alright.
How's that?
Yes, I suppose that
will have to be alright.
Goodbye.
No crying, Mum.
Richard .. Richard.
Come on, dear.
Well .. what is it?
Nothing.
I don't suppose you
want a valet, do you?
And remember me to
the Buck of Dukingham.
Where did you get your top hat?
Richard .. Richard.
Emily.
I heard about everything.
I'm glad for you.
I meant to tell you but had no chance.
I'll drop in the shop
tomorrow or the next day.
Would you, Richard?
- Of course I will.
Goodbye Mum.
Goodbye Captain, and thanks.
So long Richard, old boy.
You're an original of some sort,
aren't you? Isn't he dear?
I hope so.
- Of course you are.
You're not the least bit
suave or charming.
I despise charming boys.
Thank you, Madam.
When you're through with him,
send him to me 'collect', will you.
Gladly.
You dear boy.
You came through without a scratch.
- Yes. I met everybody.
I remembered only one.
- Sir Elroyd?
You saw I let him know
you were a playwright?
It was nice of you. Why did you bother?
- I have to do nice things.
I'm a nice girl, didn't you know?
- I suspected it.
Leo. I was sure you wouldn't come.
That's a good sign. Worried?
- Suppose I were?
Let's get married. Will you
witness the answer, my friend?
Mr Orland - Mr Cartwright.
A, a playwright. B, a producer.
C, a charming girl.
I suppose you're my wealthier rival?
- I'm not very wealthy I'm afraid.
I should think you're streets ahead.
As much as two pounds.
By the way, have you?
I forbid you to lend them to him.
- Confound it, Pauline. It's not funny.
We might have made a strike then. We
must have some money if we get married.
That reminds me. Are we?
If you'll excuse me I
must go and help Julia.
Hold on. I'm proposing to you, Pauline.
- Try it on father.
She always stops me with that one.
I'll fix it. Let's find Anders.
There he is. Come on.
Hello Lady Entwistle.
Everything under control?
Winterbottom.
Thank you.
Mr Anders.
- Yes?
I thought we'd have a glass together.
I brought one over for you.
Thank you.
- To your lovely daughter.
By the way Mr Anders, would you have
any objections to her becoming my wife?
Yes.
Would you like it if I leave?
Don't bother. You know Mr Orland?
Why, yes ..
- Good evening, young man.
Haven't you been here before?
Yes. I live here.
Oh yes, yes. Mr Moorland, I remember.
I was just about to tell Orland
all about your great experiments.
Mr Anders will rid London of fog.
Is such a thing possible?
Someday.
I've tried to get him to put
the thing up as a remedy.
On the theory that more people get
up in the fog than go to bed in one.
Pah.
Paul, I'm going to do my recitation now.
If you attempt to go to sleep I
vow I'll throw something at you.
But Julia, it's all so tiresome.
Of course. Because you've no
appreciation of art. Hello Leo.
Julia.
It's you, isn't it? Mister ..
- Orland.
Yes, of course. You know Mr Anders?
Well, yes.
- How do you do, sir?
I'm glad you dropped in this
evening. Come again sometime.
Thanks. I will.
Mister Orland.
Excuse me.
Goodbye, old man. She's a little hard
on the ears but a good old soul.
She was the rage of London.
Not the greatest actress
that ever lived, of course.
But such stage presence,
such personality.
Where have you been, dear boy?
Sit close to me.
She's dying to return to the stage.
You've simply got to do a play
with her, Elroyd. I insist.
It's an idea. The public might warm
up to the return of an old favourite.
Yes, I'd consider doing it,
if I could find a suitable vehicle.
May I take that as a tip, Sir Elroyd?
You write don't you?
Yes, certainly.
If you've anything you think may
fit her I'd be glad to read it.
Well, I've created an
opportunity for you.
I think I'd better be jogging along too.
Jogging along .. where?
Oh, some place over the horizon.
You mean .. leave here?
It seems to be the
next move, doesn't it?
My job is finished. And I didn't
do so badly with the boy, did I?
A 'gentleman' .. as ordered.
You did alright. You earned your brandy.
I've had a happy glass or two.
And I'm glad that we struck
some sort of a balance.
You don't like it here?
The old place has its attractions.
- Good brandy.
I can think of another, but ..
Well .. we won't go into that.
He wanted to stay.
He wanted to stay now.
You would be thinking of leaving,
now that you know that I'm alone.
I ought to have some
protection against .. burglars.
Good morning. Looking for someone?
Good morning.
I thought I may run into a
housemaid or something.
No more. It's every man for himself.
What do you want?
Oh nothing. I dare say I can pick up
a manual of some kind at a stationers.
A manual? For what?
- How to make a bed in 4 easy lessons.
I've wrestled with it for days
but don't seem to have any luck.
You can't manage?
- No.
I lay the covers this way or that.
Then I toss them on. But it makes
no difference. They will stick out.
What?
- My feet.
You see, I prefer them covered.
- Some prefer one in and one out.
You do?
- I didn't say me.
Why are you laughing?
- It makes a pretty picture.
One little foot tucked up,
and one tucked away.
Here, where are you going?
- To show you how to make a bed.
It's in a pretty bad state.
Perhaps I'd better tackle it myself.
Be quiet.
Is this the way you sleep?
- No, no. That's the way I made it up.
Oh .. round the other side, please.
Take hold of the sheet. You have
to be clever to do things like this.
Now the bottom.
There. That's right.
Now pull it up straight.
Simple enough, isn't it.
Can you cook too?
No. Only when I have to. That is when
we lose a cook, which is every week.
Now the top sheet.
Well?
- I am sorry.
It struck me that Leo
might be very lucky.
Then again, he might not be. Tuck it in.
It isn't Leo? I gathered that ..
- I may end up marrying him, unless ..
Unless?
Unless someone nicer comes along.
Don't you think you'd
better fix that top now?
Oh .. did I do that?
You know, making a bed is mostly
a matter of controlled reflexes.
Leo is a dear, isn't he?
- Yes. A nice chap, but ..
But what?
I think you want to marry
someone more substantial.
Like who?
Like somebody who does things
or attempts to do them.
Pull the top down.
Like someone who attempts
what, for instance?
Well, anything.
Did I ..
Did I tell you I started my play?
- Not really?
Got half the first act.
- Good work.
If you think you can do as well with a
broom, I'll go down and get you one.
Take hold.
What have you done
with the watercolours?
Oh .. there they are.
I took them down.
They gave me nightmares.
Thanks. I painted them.
I'm sorry, but ..
I know nothing of art.
My opinion doesn't matter.
I hope not.
I did like one though.
Look, I left it up. See?
That's the only one I didn't paint.
Hmm.
Richard dropping in for dinner now and
then has a decided effect on the menu.
Shouldn't he be here by now?
- Probably delayed a bit by the fog.
How do you like where you are?
- Great. Everyone is nice.
Julia's a good sort and Pauline's grand.
She taught me how to make
my bed this morning.
Who is Pauline? The maid?
- Why, no. She's Anders' daughter.
She's young, about
your age, I should say.
Is she pretty?
No, I shouldn't say pretty. Attractive,
you know. Lots of personality.
Hold on, the fog is coming up.
We'd better be moving.
But we can't get home now.
It will be thick before we get very far.
We can take a cab.
Yes, sir?
Three Little Egbert Street.
- Very good, sir.
Are you going to Clarissa's?
- For dinner.
I'll drop you off at home first.
Home .. you know I haven't any.
There's your aunt.
She wouldn't care if I never came back.
I wouldn't either.
Richard .. do you have
to go to Clarissa's?
Can't we go somewhere?
But she's expecting me.
We could stop off at some place
where we could have dinner.
Just you and me.
Never mind about me.
Never mind about me.
Get the passengers out.
Somebody call an ambulance.
Stand back.
Stand back.
Alright. Take it easy.
The bloke at the bottom is hurt.
Anybody sent for an ambulance?
- Yes. It's coming.
Get the passengers out.
He's hurt pretty bad, governor.
Why do you keep spoiling your
appetite by nibbling on them things?
Because the void within demands filling.
Now, out with you.
You know, I've been standing
over a hot stove all day.
And when the time comes to eat,
all you'll be able to do is sip brandy.
That must be Richard now.
I'll start the Yorkshire pudding.
Captain .. Clarissa.
He's hurt.
- Who's hurt?
Richard has been hurt.
Hurt? How?
Where is he?
He's at St Marks.
Steady old girl. Be calm.
Here. Let me help you on with your coat.
Got a cab, Emily?
- It's waiting.
Keep your head old girl.
We'll be there in a few minutes.
Come, Paul.
You can read the paper later.
Good morning, darling.
- Good morning Julia, morning, father.
Good morning.
- Did you say one or two eggs?
Paul.
- Yes?
Always, I have said.
'Einstein's theory thrown into
doubt by new discovery'.
Paul. No theories for breakfast, please.
Did you call Mr Orland?
- Yes.
This is very important, my dear.
- That can come later, Paul.
Is he coming down?
He isn't in his room.
He wasn't home last night.
He wasn't home last night? Dear me ..
You don't suppose?
Paul, Mr Orland wasn't home last night.
- Good.
'The theory of relativity advanced by
the famous Dr Einstein was shaken by ..'
Paul. If you must read aloud do
read something that interests us.
Very well, my dear.
'Fruitless search for
clues in trunk murder'.
'Prominent star is mentioned
in waiver from divorce'.
'Cab crashes in farm'.
The waivers and divorce.
What star was mentioned?
Isn't that young man's
name 'Richard Orland'?
Yes. What is it?
Would it be he?
'A young man identified
as Richard Orland'.
'Was injured last night'.
'When a cab in which he was
riding crashed into a street light'.
'He was taken to ..'
St Mark's Hospital.
Just a moment, please.
Mr Orland was removed
from the hospital this morning.
Where did they take him?
To 'Number 3 Little Egbert Street'.
Little Egbert Street?
- Uhuh.
Thank you.
- Not at all.
He is better?
- Yes.
But he's in no condition
to have visitors.
Oh no, I didn't expect to see him.
I just dropped by to ask about him.
You'll tell him I was here, won't you?
- Yes, I'll tell him.
Someone's in the shop.
If you don't mind, I'll wait a minute.
I wanted to ask about flowers.
Alright, Emily.
Ah .. would you be wanting something?
No, I was looking for someone
but I may have the wrong address.
Who might that be?
- Richard Orland.
They said at the hospital
they brought him here.
I see .. who are you?
Pauline Anders.
How do you do.
I'm Clarissa.
Clarissa?
- You wouldn't know that, would you.
I was Richard's nurse
when he was little.
And when he got hurt I
had him brought here.
This isn't his home?
Oh no. No. He wouldn't be living here.
Would you like to see him?
- If I may.
Is he badly hurt?
- Oh no. Just a little in the ribs.
Nothing to worry about. It was
nice of you to come to see him.
But he said you was nice.
Are you glad that I'm here?
Well of course, Emily.
I never thought you'd want
to be seeing me again.
Why?
If you hadn't met me on the bridge
the accident wouldn't have happened.
Don't be silly, Emily.
What's this? I thought you'd gone.
I wanted to see Richard.
Hello Pauline.
- Hello, Richard.
Thoughtful of you to come.
How did you find out?
- It was in the papers.
Emily.
This is Miss Anders.
How do you do.
How do you do.
I'm glad you weren't badly hurt.
I can still take nourishment.
I won't stay.
- Please do. Sit here.
Please sit down, Miss Anders.
Emily was just going, wasn't you, Emily?
Yes.
If you will excuse us. Come, dear.
I hope you're up and
around soon, Richard.
Very happy to have met you.
- Thanks for dropping in, Emily.
That's alright.
Poor kid.
She's never had much of a chance.
- What a shame.
We've known each other,
ever since we were this high.
I was brought up on this street.
In this very house, as a matter of fact.
I didn't know. Mrs .. 'Clarissa', is it?
She told me she was your nurse.
- That's her way of putting it.
I've always been with her.
It was only recently I learned
that she wasn't my mother.
What you might call 'bad news'.
I'd rather she hadn't told me.
Why did she?
Part of the bargain.
People were something
or other around town.
Father died, mother embarrassed.
That sort of thing.
I wouldn't mind very much, except
that it makes one feel sort of ..
Apart.
I know how you must feel.
I'm sorry I was a little annoyed
with you a while ago.
Were you annoyed? Why?
Because sometimes I'm inclined to
be a trifle mean .. but it's worn off.
I suppose any day we'll be hearing of
him marrying off to someone like her.
And then we'll be seeing no more of him.
But I guess we've got to expect
that sort of thing, ain't we?
Hello Captain .. I was
just telling Emily here.
How interested Richard had
became, in that lovely Miss Anders.
Miss Anders? Oh, yes.
And you know why, don't you?
On account of me, that's why.
She's afraid I might have her Richard.
I know what you've been
saying to him behind my back.
Why should you care
whether I have him or not?
He ain't nothing to you.
He ain't your son.
While you're here, I'll have your room
cleaned up. And throw out some pictures.
You know, I might see something
in them now I couldn't see before.
What?
Well. Perhaps a suggestion of you.
I can think of something much
more interesting to look at.
Tell me.
- Me, in person.
You stupid man.
I won't stay another minute.
Come again tomorrow please.
Well ..
- Tomorrow .. promise?
Alright. Tomorrow then.
You're not going so soon, Miss Anders?
- I'm sorry, but I must.
Miss Anders .. Captain Courtney.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
- Won't you stay for a bite of lunch?
No thank you.
Though I'll come again if I may.
Oh do. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Emily .. Emily.
May I drop you somewhere?
No thank you.
I'm not going very far.
There's no need to walk.
Won't you get in?
Thank you.
Mr Orland was telling me
something about you.
You were children together, weren't you?
Well, we sort-of grew up together.
He used to walk out with me
before he left Little Egbert Street.
You mean .. you were engaged?
We would have been
if he hadn't gone off.
Oh.
What do you do with your socks?
- Huh? Wear them.
And how you wear them.
Here's a pair of Richard's.
Not a hole in them. Look here.
What's a hole or two in a pair
of socks? Gives them character.
Hello, Richard. How you getting on?
- Finished, completed, done.
Thank heaven.
Finished.
'The Song Of Sixpence'.
- The song of sixpence.
One title's as good as another I think.
If there's a play at the back of it.
And that's the trouble.
- Don't you like it?
I don't know. It comes to a sudden
climax. I'm not sure that's good.
What happens to the boy?
- What boy?
The boy that went to the new
house. And found his mother.
I lost that story in the shuffle.
I couldn't find an ending to it.
This play happens to be about
the woman who married a man ..
Believing she's in love
with an old sweetheart.
What comes of it?
She goes away with her sweetheart but
finds it's the husband she really loves.
It's pretty ancient stuff.
It may do if well written.
Which this one probably isn't.
However, I'd like to hear it read.
Will you read Stevens in the climax,
Captain. I'll be the butler. And ..
How about me acting the lady?
- Alright.
We'll have a lesson in histrionics.
Look here, you old walrus.
I'll have you know that once,
I was one of the 40 geisha girls.
In the 79th production of The Mikado.
Now, you read your part,
and I'll read mine.
I'm properly squelched, my dear.
On with the show, Richard.
- Here goes.
You're sat down reading a paper.
Mum. Go into the shop. Enter behind
me when the Captain says 'Margaret'.
And say it so I can hear it.
And don't try to be funny.
Pardon, sir.
- What is it, Briggs?
A lady sir. She told me
not to mention her name.
But it's Mrs Stevens, sir.
Margaret?
Margaret.
Oh.
Yes, John.
Margaret.
- You may go, Briggs.
I don't think I understand.
I said dear, I don't think I understand.
Heavens. I'm so excited.
Now wait. Hold on, where is it?
Oh.
But you do, John. It was I
who never had to do it.
But I understand now. Everything.
Well?
But what of Jerry?
Oh. My turn?
Let me see .. oh, yes.
I left him at the boats.
A thousand memories
flashed through my mind.
Little tender ones of quiet
hours and intimate things.
I couldn't do it, John. So I came home.
And this is where I want to stay.
If I may.
If .. if you want me.
I too have had memories, Margaret.
Some that I'd like to live again.
Then, let's start over.
At the old beginning.
Oh, it's splendid.
Simply splendid.
And you wrote this for me,
you dear, dear boy.
It's grand.
Just like a play I did years ago.
What was the name of that?
It doesn't matter.
It was a success.
If it's like something
that's been done before ..
It's just the sort of thing the
public would want to see me do.
And it's so beautifully written.
Pauline, what do you think?
Must I tell?
Richard has written me
the most wonderful play.
He's a genius. A prodigy of genius.
I would never have suspected it. Who is
going to produce this great masterpiece?
Why, Sir Elroyd Joyce of course.
I'm going to telephone him immediately.
I adore you for this, Richard.
I can't wait to tell Sir Elroyd.
I'm so excited.
She seemed to like it, didn't she?
- Yes.
A bit of luck if Sir Elroyd
agrees to produce it.
Yes.
Yes .. rather a nice morning, isn't it?
Rather.
I'd have come to see you
but I couldn't, really.
That's alright.
It's so far over there and ..
I don't think you cared whether
I came or not, particularly.
But I did.
- Why should you?
Why do I feel you're just about
the nicest girl in the world?
You shouldn't.
But I do .. and there it is.
And what are we going to do about it?
It's the darling-est play I've ever
read, and I'm sending it to you.
Julia, I am rather busy.
I don't know when I could read it.
You must read it tonight. Promise.
When can you talk with Richard about it?
Well .. here. Tomorrow at ten.
- Tomorrow at ten. He'll be there.
Your play is nicely written.
You have a flair for dialogue.
Quite a bit of talent.
- Thank you, sir.
But unfortunately it's not one
I care to do at the moment.
Yes, but Julia Trent thought that ..
- Julia Trent is an actress.
Actresses know nothing about
plays. They see only the part.
Some other Producer might
take a chance on it.
I might myself if it were a
less expensive production.
But don't get discouraged. I'm glad
to read anything you write, my boy.
Bye-bye.
- Goodbye, sir.
You sure you're not dead, Clarissa?
- I ain't here to prove nothing.
You record enough blood pressure
to burst the heart of an average man.
In that case, maybe it's the Captain
you should examine instead of me.
Only .. he ain't no average man.
No heavy foods.
You mean, I ain't to eat nothing I like?
No wine. No liquors.
How about a good cigar now and then?
And no excitement of any kind.
These are orders.
Alright .. give me my
pills and I'll be off.
No pills this time, Clarissa.
They wouldn't help.
I hate pills anyhow. They give me ..
- I'm serious.
Clarissa, why don't you sell the shop
and move out into the country?
What would I be doing
in the country now?
At least you would be quiet,
and you would have to rest.
I don't know how you've
held on this long.
I ain't ready to go yet .. not yet.
Goodnight, Doctor.
Goodnight, Clarissa.
Well Richard, I'm glad
you dropped round.
It's always a bit lonely
here without the old girl.
She's stepped out to see Dr Phillips.
She'll be back soon.
- What's the matter with her?
Her stomach's been
ragging her a bit lately.
Hello Mum.
Hello.
What are you doing here?
Have you been to Doctor Phillips?
You're not ill, are you?
Why live in the West End if you're going
to spend all your time a worrier?
Listen. I'll pop in whenever I want.
Don't forget I'm of age now.
The amount of gassing you do, anybody
will think you're as old as the Captain.
If I had chin-whiskers old girl,
I'd say you were yanking them.
Seriously, Mum .. are you alright?
Well outside. I've been somewhat dazed.
At the comical things that are being
said around here. I'm in perfect health.
Now, if you'll turn me loose,
I'll take off my hat and coat.
What about your play?
The play?
Everything is going to be alright.
They don't like it.
Sir Elroyd said I had a lot of talent.
But he didn't want to buy it.
- What's the difference?
I can write another.
But what's the matter
with this one? I liked it.
Didn't you, Captain?
- Yes, I did.
If I were a manager, I'd produce it.
So would Sir Elroyd, if it
weren't for the expense.
Oh .. I see.
Does it cost so much to put on play now?
Yes.
I'm afraid it does.
Oh.
I just remembered something.
Must leave you for a bit, Richard.
You and the Captain a brandy
and I'll be right back.
You're not leaving again?
- Why not?
You've just come in.
- So I comes and I goes.
So what about it?
I often wonder what goes on underneath
those ridiculous hats of hers.
But you never painted anything
that looked like anything before.
You're not repeating
something you've heard?
But this seems to have
a certain .. tenderness.
You aren't in love?
How do these things get around?
It's that young Richard Orland.
It's that so-and-so Richard Orland.
Whatever made you fall in love with him?
I think the law of supply and demand
had something to do with it.
Don't let's talk about him anymore.
- Is it really that serious?
I'm painting a pastoral.
That must indicate something.
It's so silly. He would have to
be an unsuccessful playwright.
If he was someone important
I wouldn't have noticed him.
I don't see why you're so annoyed. If
you love him, why don't you marry him?
He isn't available.
Some funny little
tilt-nose has first call.
I shouldn't say that.
She's a nice enough girl I
suppose, except that I ..
Oh Julia, what am I to do?
Forget him.
Why should I think twice about such
an impossible man? I won't do it.
There doesn't seem to be
much else to think about.
Julia, I'm really in a mess.
There, dear. I know how you feel.
I loved someone when I was young.
Just as you love Richard.
Then I married your father.
After that, nothing mattered.
There's the telephone. Answer it.
It may be someone wanting money.
Just say the cheque is in the post.
Hello. Who is this?
Hello .. it's Sir Elroyd.
I'm not sure that I want to talk to him.
He's been a complete disappointment.
I dislike you intensely.
But you're like all managers.
Small, stupid, selfish.
I can't imagine why you called me.
What's that?
Oh, you darling.
You perfectly, perfect darling.
How lovely.
I knew you wouldn't disappoint me.
Of course. I'll be over within the hour.
I'll bring him with me. Goodbye.
He's reconsidered. He's going to produce
Richard's play. Isn't it wonderful?
Oh.
Aren't you happy?
- No.
But think what it will mean
to me, and to Richard.
I am thinking of it.
And if the play is a success,
she'll never give him up.
Where are you going?
I'll be the one to tell him if
I fall to pieces at his feet.
Well.
Sykes.
- Yes?
What kind of wine are you serving?
- It's the wine the Captain ordered.
What about the beef?
- She'll be rare.
You has my personal guarantee.
And the pudding?
- Steaming hot, covered in brandy sauce.
The Captain, now.
Did he select the brandy?
And there is a gentleman
what knows his brandy.
Here.
Clarissa. Here.
- What now, Pobjoy?
Here's the documents.
Sealed, signed and delivered.
To take effect from this day,
as agreed upon.
Now, am I invited to this
very feast, or am I not?
How are you when you're
in your beer, Pobjoy?
The more beer I take the more I become
as I was in the beginning .. silent.
Alright then. You're invited.
But don't let me hear you talking ..
- Mum's the word.
How much?
- Two bob, sir.
He's coming.
He's coming.
But why the pub? I'd much
rather have dinner at home.
You know how the old girl is.
This is something of an event.
And she fancies it calls
for a bit of a celebration.
We wishes .. to drink to your
blooming success tonight, Richard.
Hear, hear.
Of course. As we bought tickets to it we
want to see something for our money.
It's nice of you .. every one
of you to turn out like this.
And I want to promise you I'll do
all I can to merit your good wishes.
What's wrong, dear?
Richard. Don't he seem
worried about something?
Just nerves. Opening night of his first
play is something of a strain you know.
It ain't that.
You get them around the table
and start things. I'll lay it on now.
Alright, dear.
Mum, you shouldn't have done that.
Tonight, I wanted a party in honour of a
young man I brought up from an infant.
And here it is.
I'd have much rather had a quiet dinner
at home. Just you, the Captain, and I.
It ain't the party,
what's upsetting you.
It's something else.
- What could upset me?
My first play opens tonight.
I'm on my way to success.
The world is mine, isn't it?
Is it?
I uh .. I reserved you three seats.
Why do you prefer
sitting in the gallery?
Up in The Gods is where you
find out what's good about a play.
But, it's much nicer in the stalls.
Something is wrong, Richard.
You can see and hear much better.
Oh Mum, I told you. Nothing's wrong.
I just thought there might be.
Miss Anders.
She'll be there, won't she?
Yes. She'll be there.
You are fond of her, Richard.
Yes.
- Have you told her?
How can I tell her?
- Why not?
You're going to be a success.
She's one of your kind.
You're forgetting something, aren't you?
You mean, because ..?
But if she loves you.
It couldn't make a difference.
How can I ask her to take my
name when I haven't a name?
I couldn't do it, Mum. I ..
It's alright.
Only it ain't .. is it?
How much is that?
- Two and ninepence, sir.
Ten bob?
I don't think I've any change.
I've got change, Richard.
- That's alright, Captain.
Did you see Richard's name in
electric lights as we drove up?
Yes, I saw it.
You don't seem to be very
happy about his success.
You didn't say two words
coming in the cab.
I had nothing to say.
Will you wait here, Mum?
I'll get the tickets.
It's real nice going to a play when
you're guests of the author, ain't it?
Look at all the people with their
fine clothes and elegant manners.
It makes a person feel sort of
out of place, don't it, Emily.
I'll join you later.
Do you mind going in alone?
Tickled to death.
- Thanks.
Don't be long, Richard.
- I won't.
See you later.
Well, here we are. Ready?
My arm, dear?
Your arm, my Lord.
- With pleasure, Princess.
And these are the
golden stairs, Princess.
And they say that Paradise
is at the top, My Lord.
We're hoping it is.
- It is.
Your play is going to be
a great success, Richard.
You're so sure of that, aren't you.
There's no fooling me about plays.
I've seen too many of them.
Do you remember when you
was a wee chappie ..
How we used to climb these very stairs?
We never missed a play, did we.
- It was fun when you were small.
But you was always wanting to go
someplace during the best part.
I must have been a little nuisance.
- No. Just a little boy.
But never a nuisance.
Half a moment.
- What is it, Mum?
Nothing.
Maybe I had a might too much to eat.
What with the champagne and pudding.
There.
Do you remember what you used
to call food when you were small?
What?
- Scoffings.
No. Did I?
Maybe that didn't raise
the Captain's eyebrows.
I should imagine it did.
Good old Captain.
What's the matter, Mum?
- Nothing. I ..
I was just thinking.
- What about?
About the good old Captain.
It's the stairs.
They're too much for you.
No.
No, they ain't.
Yes they are. I should have
made you sit in the stalls.
Here we are. Hold on a moment.
- No, no, no.
Richard, put me down.
- You carried me about when I was young.
It's my turn now.
What have you to say about that?
Home, James.
Now Richard, put me down.
There.
Come on, hop out of it. Can't you
see you're in the wrong seat?
Not after I've been here for 20 minutes.
But can't you see the 'Reserved'?
Take a notice.
Thank you. Thank you very much. You had
better take the inside seat, Emily dear.
Hello, Richard. Good luck tonight.
Just in time for the curtain.
I'll run along. I hope you like it.
Hey, you with the feather
in your head. Sit down.
Sit down yourself.
- I'll see you after the last act.
Richard.
I just wanted to say I
hope your play does well.
We all do, my boy.
Will you sit down in front?
Richard.
Hey, 'Feathers'. Off with the bonnet.
Come on down here and take
if off if you can, you old gasbag.
She's running off with
that curly-headed fellow.
Why not, says I.
- She's a nothing.
Shut up.
It's a good play ain't it, Emily?
I'd like it even if it wasn't good.
Because .. Richard wrote it, eh?
Yes.
You think I don't like you because
I don't want you to have Richard.
That ain't so, Emily. I do like you.
Only.
There's Richard. Where he belongs.
With Miss Anders.
She's the reason why
you can't ever have him.
Just in time, dear.
Now let's see.
Hold my hand.
A thousand memories
flashed through my mind.
Little tender ones.
Of quiet hours and intimate things.
And I couldn't do the job.
So I came home.
And this is where I
want to stay .. if I may.
If .. you want.
I too, have memories, Margaret.
Ones that I'd like to live again.
- Then let's start over.
From the old beginning ..
Author.
Author!
He's going on the stage.
- Steady, girl. Steady.
I'm afraid I'm too nervous and
excited to say very much.
Except that I'm glad you liked it.
It likely wouldn't have
amounted to very much.
Without the magnificent
performance of Miss Julia Trent.
And I want to thank her publicly.
For making my play possible.
It was her interest and influence that
made Sir Elroyd stage the production.
Thank you.
Do you see him, Captain?
Richard .. my baby.
My own .. baby boy.
She's fainted.
- Yes, yes.
Julia Trent?
- Over here, my boy.
There we are, Julia.
Isn't it too lovely? Really the
credit is all yours, darling.
What would we have
done without your play?
Isn't that so, Elroyd?
- True.
I can't believe that.
But anyhow, thanks a lot.
Now we can have a lovely supper on the
stage. We always did in the old days.
Patience, Julia.
I've sent for the caterers.
And we'll have a bit of
celebration in honour of our star.
And author.
You darling. I knew you wouldn't forget.
Now I must hurry and change.
Come along Elroyd.
Goodbye, darling.
Come on, Paul.
- You surprised me, Julia.
You were good .. marvellous.
Well, you're a success now.
Success is the achievement.
That's what you want most?
I think so.
- Writing a play isn't it.
What then?
Pauline. I want to tell you something.
It's difficult to explain but I
want you to try and understand.
Richard.
Hello, Emily.
- Clarissa's been taken.
Clarissa?
- In the gallery. She collapsed.
Where is she?
- They took her home.
Alright. Sorry.
Is it serious?
Who knows. They told me to get Richard.
You're fond of him, ain't you?
Yes, but I ..
- Don't. He'll be needing you.
You're better for him than
I'd be. Even if he'd have me.
Which he wouldn't.
He loves you.
Clarissa told me.
Here, what's all this noise about?
- Clarissa?
She ain't here.
- Where is she?
She's at number sixteen.
You know, I bought the shop.
Here, what's your hurry?
I got ..
Captain, where is she?
Steady, boy .. she's quite ill.
Mum.
Richard.
Yes, Mum?
I lied to you.
I am your Mum.
I never wanted it ..
To be any other way.
You won't hold it against me?
I did it .. because
I wanted you to have ..
Quality.
And you have, Richard.
You have.
She believed herself to be
a very ordinary woman.
And she was anything but that.
She had one purpose. To give you
the opportunities that she had missed.
She willed herself to live until
that had been accomplished.
When she made her goal .. she relaxed.
She let go and ..
I wish she could have held
on for just a little longer.
She sold the store for money to produce
your play, because she believed in you.
She overlooked nothing.
Not even in the matter of rewards.
Mine ..
Is a little place in the country.
With a garden .. and a tree or two.
It would have been pleasant ..
If she and I could have taken the last
few hurdles together in some such place.
It doesn't seem to hold
so much for me now.
..f-s..