The Crimson Field (2014) s01e01 Episode Script

1 (Overlapping chatter) - Oh, yeah.
- We've got to get them on board now, have we? Miss, you one of them volunteer nurses? Could you soothe my brow? I feel a bit feverish.
- (Laughter) - You look fine to me.
NCO: Back in line, you.
Oh, are you one of us? I didn't see you on the boat.
- I didn't feel very well.
- Oh, quite a few girls didn't.
- I'm Flora, by the way.
- Katherine.
Can you believe we're finally here? Everyone at home is thrilled, even though they wept buckets when I left.
Did your family weep buckets when they said goodbye? Yes.
Buckets.
The others went in here.
(Chatter and shouting) Hello again.
Where are the others going? Shouldn't we be following? They were led off.
I was told to wait and not move.
Finally, the stragglers.
What do you think this is, a Sunday afternoon stroll in England? Follow me.
Keep your papers with you at all times.
Do not put down your luggage.
Do not let go of anything you value.
You'll never see it again.
Your transport.
- Where are we going? - Hospital 25A.
Not far from the Front.
I hope you like it lively.
(Dying breath) - I'll write to his mother.
- Yes, Matron.
End bed, please.
- Can you change his dressings? - Matron.
You get my boots.
I want my boots.
Why do you want your boots, Private Molloy? I'm leaving here.
I can't walk out on my bare feet.
I need my boots.
- Will you fetch my boots? - I'll bring them in a little while.
He won't see out the day.
I'd like it if he could have as much peace as possible.
I'll go to him next.
I need an experienced nurse to special Molloy.
There's other men needing that.
Men who joined up for noble reasons, not because they wanted to escape the law.
All men deserve the same when they're dying, no matter what they're said to have done.
- I'm not sure who we can spare.
- Help is coming.
Help? Girls with a few months' training.
Our nurses feel the insult most keenly.
FLORA: Did you know that military nurses are forbidden to marry? Isn't that just awful? It's like being a nun! Do either of you two have chaps or fiancés in khaki? You're very daring.
- Might I have one? - Flora.
All the actresses do it.
There are photographs in my magazines.
You're not an actress.
It justit gives an impression.
(Coughs) The Voluntary Aid Detachment.
I think it's a splendid idea.
Impressionable young women, newly-arrived in a strange place, getting lost, asking the dashing Captain where everything is - I'll tell them.
- Ready for you.
You're not dashing.
I'm dashing.
You're in mate.
I want a full report! Thank you.
Not till it's been checked, sir.
One Royal No.
10 portable typewriter with five ribbons.
Counted and checked by me, Captain Gillan.
Me.
The Quartermaster, sir.
And I will get to you in good time, sir.
(Laughter) (indistinct chatter) Here at last.
Sister Quayle.
Let's get you settled.
Follow me.
I imagine it's a little different from what you're used to.
(Fly buzzing) I love camping.
Do you know what we'll be doing first, Sister? It's just I'm ever so much better at some things than others.
Let's hope they're the right things.
Sister, where are the ermconveniences? There are chamber pots under the beds.
Please hurry and change.
Matron is expecting to see you in uniform.
(Low conversation) Thanks.
(Men shouting) Hold him, Nurse.
- Permission to run, Matron.
- Granted.
(Shouting continues) Bastard! Bastard! I'm so sorry, Matron.
- (Shouting) PADRE: Get him off me! Get off of him! (Choking) Don't you stick that bastard thing in me, you bitch! Ah, you bitch! Bitch! You whore! You bitch! (Cries out) I'll kill her.
(Moans) See to the Padre, Nurse.
- Hot sweet tea and a quiet place to sit down.
- Yes, Matron.
Take Molloy back to his bed, please, Corporal.
Get him ready for examination.
(Mutters) Bitch.
Bitch.
CORPORAL: Come on.
Up.
Was it the noise? Hm? Do you want to come with me? Come on.
Come on.
- (Knocking) - Yes? Oh.
Do come in, Prentiss.
PUCCINI: Un Bel Di (From Madame Butterfly) (Whimpers) (Sobs) (Sobbing continues) - Why does it help? - I don't knowbut it does.
- I'll put him on the list.
- I think that's the right thing to do, Colonel.
Have you shown the young ladies the ropes yet? Not yet.
- I expect them to be welcomed.
- It's difficult for my nurses.
- Civilian girls on the wards.
- It's extra pairs of hands and feet.
And God knows we need them.
And I don't want any silliness - from your nurses.
Giving the volunteers a bad time.
We're the friendly face of the Army.
Of course, Colonel.
Matron.
Why did you attack the Padre? Hm? He was trying to help.
Bastardwas making me ready for the box.
You keep him away from me.
I don't want no cross on my head.
I'm not dying.
I can special him, Matron.
Sit with him.
Doesn't bother me.
It's a nurse's job, Corporal, and you have other work to do.
- Matron.
- Suit yourself.
The volunteers are waiting.
The youngest was immediately over-familiar with the patients.
- Shall we go together? - If you think I can be useful.
Margaret.
The promotion was just as much of a shock for me.
It was right it was you and I couldn't be more proud.
My protégé.
And I know you will rise to the challenge.
Give us all confidence in your leadership and show these girls what's expected.
At ease, Prentiss.
Blighty Ticket.
I don't know how long they'll give you but I'm sending you home.
Oh There, there.
What is that? It's a cake, Matron.
A fruit cake.
Mrs Bartlett, she's our cook, she made it.
She makes wonderful cakes.
Would you care for a piece? Put it down.
- Flora Marshall.
- Yes, Matron.
- Rosalie Berwick.
- Yes, Matron.
- Katherine Trevelyan.
- Matron.
There are supposed to be four of you.
Where is Joan Livesey? There was only the three of us at the meeting point.
So Miss Livesey will arrive if and when she feels like it.
- Marshall, how old are you? - Oh, I'm nearly 24, Matron.
- No, you're not.
- I am.
I just look very young for my age, I always have.
Even when I was a baby, I looked young for my age.
- You're wearing scent.
- I'm not, Matron.
It's just rose water.
Were you not taught the rules concerning conduct and deportment? - Yes, Matron.
- But you don't think they apply to you? - No, Matron, of course they do.
- I'm speaking to Marshall.
Of course they do, Matron.
Wash it off, please.
The soap is there for a reason.
It looks ever sodrying, Matron.
And I'm rather prone to rashes.
The rules are clear.
No scent, powder or paint is to be worn.
No fancy stockings, boots, shoes, belts.
No trivialities.
Nothing that might invite, provoke or inflame masculine attention.
But perhaps, Marshall, you are a trivial young lady and masculine attention is what you're hoping for? It was only a splash of rose water, Matron.
Matron, we all understand the rules and will abide by them utterly.
Nursing the men to the very best of our ability is what we're ready to do.
I'll be the judge of that.
That one's going to be trouble.
A well-made bed is essential to a well-run hospital.
Sister Quayle is showing exactly how it should be done.
And now you.
You have two minutes.
I'm more than happy to deal with this.
As I said I'll be the judge.
MAN: Come on, girls! She's getting away.
(Signs) (Laughter and chatter) MATRON: Five, four - Straight on to the quilt! - That's it, tuck it under.
- .
.
three - Come on! .
.
two - Come on, quickly! Go on! - .
.
one.
- That's it now.
- Time's up.
(Men cheer) (Men laugh) - Your uniform is incorrect, Marshall.
- Good god.
Berwick and Trevelyan, make every bed in the next three tents.
I will be checking every single one of them.
Marshall, you can't make beds.
It's not my best thing, Matron, but I'm ever so good at bandaging.
Look.
Lady Cavistock herself commended my bandaging, and my dressings and fomentations.
If you could just read (Gasps) And who is Lady Cavistock that she is such an expert? Oh, she runs the Women's Guild in Worthing.
- And who did you practise your bandaging on? - The Scouts.
Well, anyone who'd let me.
Even Daddy occasionally.
I'm really very good.
I excel.
Lady Cavistock says so.
Please read her commendation.
With me, Marshall.
On with your work.
Sir, might I have a moment? Ah, Sister Quayle, I was intending to speak to you.
I know you would have expected to be Matron.
You know how much I value your experience on the wards, and I wanted you to stay where you're doing so much good.
Colonel, thank you for the compliment, and for clearing that up for me.
Any decision of yours has my full support.
(Door opens and closes) Boiled, dried, rolled.
Since you excel in bandages and dressings.
- Colonel Purbright is here.
- Oh, Christ! Sir.
- All ready, then? - As you see.
Well, don't let them languish.
if they can walk and shoot, then back up they go.
Matron Carter, how are you settling into the new job? - Very well, thank you, sir.
- I thought you'd have chosen the other one.
(Sniffs) What the bloody hell is that smell? Ohum Sloane's liniment.
I have a cold.
Well, don't give it to me.
Do you get called anything for short? Kate? Katy? Nope.
Well, then, Katherine.
I feel I must speak to you about something rather important.
Might you turn around, please? The rules are there for a reason.
We've all come here to do our duty, and that's not to question and be difficult, but rather to do what's required of us.
They don't want us here.
We're being tested, just as Britain is being tested and You really are being rather selfish.
Muttering under your breath when Matron is speaking to you, being defiant and impertinent.
Well, it reflects on all of us.
Not only Flora and myself, but on every volunteer.
You wouldn't want to give us all a bad name, would you? God forbid.
I knew you'd see sense.
So, best foot forward and let's put this behind us, and be friends.
I didn't come here to make friends, especially not with a hypocrite.
- I'm not a hypocrite.
- What are you? 30? The embarrassing unmarried daughter.
A drain, a weight to be endured.
Getting in the way.
Gathering dust.
But thank Christ for the war.
At last, function.
Purpose.
Meaning.
You didn't volunteer out of duty.
You volunteered to escape.
Got a spare one, Nurse? I'm gasping.
(Low conversation) It's a very sad thing when a man's heart beats with such ardour for a machine.
You're jealous because you haven't got one.
Yes, because what I've always dreamed of is a typewriter.
Were any of them pretty? The volunteers.
Come on! Tell me, what were they like? I didn't notice.
I despair of you, Tom.
You're a bitter disappointment to me.
Oh, and speaking of bitter disappointment, despair and other malaise - brass hat alert.
That lickspittle Purbright demands our presence toute bloody suite.
- I'm busy.
- Exactly.
Let him stew in his minor public school juice.
We are surgeons and no-one clicks their fingers at us.
This is ridiculous.
How can all these men have venereal disease? - Can you be sure? - Yes, we're sure.
Well, symptoms are being manufactured.
Chancres are being simulated, a needle dipped in paraffin wax, applied to the old chap to create a blister.
The General's office has heard of condensed milk being used to simulate discharge.
I'm sorry.
Do you find that amusing? Shocking waste of supplies, sir.
My staff know the difference between condensed milk and a genuine presentation of syphilis.
They can't all have the bloody pox! What do you do with those cases that aren't genuine? - Well, they go back up the line.
- Right.
In future they'll be reported.
And those men that have got themselves riddled will be put on half pay and their families informed as to the reason why.
All but the Colonel and Matron are dismissed.
I want to review your Blighty cases.
(Gasps) - You're not permitted to be on the wards.
- But there'stoes Don't run in uniform! She'll have your guts.
- What's in there? - Toes.
Three toes.
They fell out of a bandage.
What you going to do with them? Dunk 'em in your tea? No.
I'm going to ask Matron what to do with them.
No, you're not.
Come with me.
- The majority are amputees - Thank you, I can read.
- A burst eardrum? - It's affecting the man's balance.
We'll keep him here for a week then send him back up.
- With respect, sir, a week isn't enough - What about this man? Prentiss.
No details of any injury.
All his limbs are intact.
And his ear drums are A-1.
- Why are you sending him home? - Neurological damage.
Nerves.
Sudden noise, sudden movement, any disturbance triggers paroxysms, seizures - He's an hysteric.
- No, he - So what is wrong with him? - I don't know.
And I don't know how to treat him.
It says here that you've found that music helps.
Yes.
I don't know why but it does.
I have some recordings for my gramophone and quite by chance, Matron and I discovered that if Prentiss listened to them, something was released.
He was able to weep and so avoided seizure and fitting.
So, let me be clear about this.
He's young, fit, no physical injury.
There's no medical reason for these fits and he cries when he hears music.
Sounds to me like he's putting it on.
Sounds to me like funkiness.
Not at all.
Well, let's put it to him.
Run along and fetch him here.
When I want Matron's opinions, I'll ask for them.
See you put a leash on her.
(Coughs) Corporal Prentiss, could you come with me, please? - You going to be all right? - (Chatter) - Yes, thank you.
- Enjoy the game.
- On your way home then, Prentiss.
- Sir.
Neurological damage.
Sir.
Hold your hands out for me, there's a good chap.
Walk a straight line for me.
Oh.
Look at that.
Neuve Chapelle? Lose many chums? Sir.
- Tough times for everyone.
- Sir.
Are you lead-swinging, Prentiss? - No, sir.
- Are you a coward? No, sir.
- Are you aware of the penalty for cowardice? - Yes, sir.
- Are you a homosexual, Prentiss? - No, sir.
So if you're not a lead-swinger and you're not a coward and you're not a homosexual, you must be a soldier.
- Sir.
- Good man, Prentiss.
Right answer.
Sir? You may go back up the line and rejoin your regiment.
Dismissed.
Get another bar for that medal, eh? Make your country proud.
(Door opens and closes) - He needs a rest.
- He's had a rest.
Do you think the enemy are sending their men home because they're tired? We must have men at the Front or we will lose.
It's that simple.
The bits go in here.
- Bits? - Big bits.
Legs, arms.
Small bits.
Hands, feet, fingers, toes.
Ears sometimes.
There's always bits and they all go in here.
But whose are they? Aren't we going to say anything? A prayer or? They're rotten.
Neither use nor ornament.
You chuck them in, and get back to what you were doing - sharpish.
Go on.
(Groans) There.
Now you know what to do.
Isn't what you expected, is it? You'll get used to it.
- What if I don't? - Then you don't.
But no-one's got the time to nanny you through it.
You disobeyed an order.
You were told to make the beds in the new ward tents.
I needed some fresh air.
- You disobeyed an order.
- For a moment, yes.
But the soldier asked me for a cigarette.
You should have asked an orderly to help, and returned immediately to the task you were given.
- It was more important to help the soldier.
- More important than my order? Yes, Matron.
Then you will be reprimanded in the strongest possible terms.
For helping a man to smoke a cigarette? He asked for help.
Was I supposed to walk away? Why are you here, Miss Trevelyan? You seem incapable of respecting the most simple of necessary rules.
Was it necessary to be quite so vindictive towards Miss Marshall? To humiliate her so publicly? Is that in the rules? Or was it more about proving a point to Sister Quayle? Your marching orders, Miss Trevelyan.
I have no use for you.
The convoy leaves with Blighty cases at eight.
You will leave with them.
Get out of my sight.
With pleasure.
(Door opens and slams) Ask one of the nurses to direct you to the sluice room.
Tell them you are on my orders and are to scour every single bedpan till they gleam.
Yes, Matron.
(Raspy breathing) I'll be back as soon as I can but you'll keep checking him regularly.
- I don't want him in any pain at the end.
- Yes, Matron.
Sister? I'm hemming! Nurse! We have a haemorrhage over here.
Very slowly.
We don't want him bleeding out.
- (Cries out) - Stand here.
Bandage on here.
That's it.
(Man screams) (Man continues screaming) - Got another one for Blighty.
- Right.
Off you go.
Lucky bastards.
Haemorrhage.
You're needed in theatre, sir.
With me, Sister.
Matter of urgency.
The Blighty convoy is about to leave.
I want you to find Corporal Prentiss and give him that.
- I thought it had been rescinded, sir.
- This is my bloody hospital.
I want Prentiss on that convoy, so hurry, please.
Of course, sir.
Rosalie? Rosalie, I'm about to leave but I have to say something first.
Oh.
Sorry, I thought you were someone else.
(She gasps) You try and get away You breathe one word I'll cut your whore's throat.
I've done it before and I'll do it again like it's nothing.
Nothing like a gusher to brighten up a dull afternoon, eh, lads? (Laughter) Shit.
What do you want? You're going to keep me alive.
Molloy? Molloy? Molloy? Is that you? They're looking for you.
They're the ones that can help you.
I can't.
Oh No, they'll tell him where I am.
Who? He wants me.
It's why I need youto help me hold on.
He's coming for me.
All the things I've done.
He's coming.
There's something coming out of my mouth.
Wipe it.
(She whimpers) Show me.
You bitch.
You said you'd keep me alive! I didn't, I didn't.
Aargh.
No, I They can, they can.
- You said that but I can't.
- I'll take you with me.
You're a lyin' bitch.
I've got nothing else to lose! Well, go on then.
Stop talking about it and do it.
(He struggles for breath) I've got nothing left to lose either, so, really, go ahead.
What are you waiting for? No.
No.
You should be begging for your life.
Come on - beg.
- Beg.
Beg for your life! - I'm not begging you for anything.
(Groans) I'm dying.
(Sobs) I won't leave you.
I'll stay with you.
Let's get you into bed.
(Coughs) (He moans softly) The Blighty convoy just left, Matron.
MATRON: Thank you.
- The convoy's left.
Why aren't you on it? - Sssh.
- Who's that? - No-one to be scared of.
Sssh.
- From his mouth.
- Two minutes.
(Moaning) When I killed her it weren't deliberate.
Will you tell her? Tell her I didn't mean it.
Tell her I'm sorry.
Of course I will.
(Dying breath) No harm done.
In his paybook, you will find an address for his mother in Aberdeen.
As you were the special, you will write to Mrs Molloy.
You will say that her son died peacefully and without pain.
You always tell the families that the death was peaceful and without pain, even when it is not.
- Is that rule reasonable enough for you? - Yes, Matron.
- What was the matter with him? - Gas gangrene.
Liver and lungs.
How he had the strength to lift himself out of his bed is beyond me.
You disobeyed another order.
I thought this was more important.
Matron.
- He will need laying out.
- I've been trained in how to do that.
I'll send someone to make sure you do it properly.
You also never talk about a dying man's last words.
No matter what they confess to.
It won't go any further.
Probationary period, Trevelyan.
I will not be so lenient again.
Matron.
(Low chatter) - Strip the linen.
- Yes, Matron.
Private Molloy's body is in the new ward tent.
Corporal Foley, you will assist the volunteer in laying him out.
He had these.
It could all have been very different.
Thank you, Matron.
- Your uniform is incorrect.
- Sorry, Matron.
(Bugle call) Are you waiting for me, sir? I think it's you that's been waiting for me.
I can't apologise enough for being late.
Joan Livesey.
(Lively chatter) How's the first day been then, Volunteer? My esteemed colleague was lying.
He said none of you were pretty.
He must be blind.
Shy.
How sweet.
I apologise for my friend.
He thinks he's dashing.
Leave her alone, Miles.
Do you know what they call the VADs? The Very Adorable Darlings, and I think that suits you perfectly.
My father gave me a piece of advice about women.
He said, "Never marry a woman who holds your look for too long.
She's bound to be trouble.
" And you take your father's advice for everything? Well, usually, but not in matters of the heart.
Of course you do.
You're the sort that does exactly as he's told.
(Tom chuckles) She will be eating out of my hand within the week.
- Sister Quayle? - No running! Oh, sorry.
Sister Quayle, I was wondering if I could have my cake? I shared it out among the men.
I thought that was what you intended.
I am sorry.
No, please, I'm glad you did that.
It's much better.
- Did they like it? - They enjoyed it very much.
Oh, good, I shall tell Mrs Bartlett.
She'll be so pleased.
Thank you, Sister.
Good night.
Don't forget to say your prayers.
Of course, I always do.
(Conversation from inside) (Laughter) I realised I'd missed the lorry so I thought I'd get here under my own steam.
I bought the bike in Boulogne.
Got the coat, goggles, everything for an absolute song.
You can buy anything in Boulogne.
I could have turned up in full evening wear with two Pekingese dogs if I'd have wanted to.
- Margaret, this is Joan Livesey.
- The missing volunteer.
No, a civilian Sister.
A reservist.
From The Royal Infirmary, Liverpool.
How do you do? - A Sister? - We thought We were sent four names, so we assumed I completely understand.
Wires get crossed.
You've been billeted with the volunteers but you will be given private quarters.
You wouldn't mind showing the way, would you? Don't trouble yourselves, I can find my way.
If I get lost, I'll ask someone.
Good night.
A proper qualified - highly-qualified - civilian nurse.
I may have a brandy to celebrate.
She's rather young to have made Sister.
(Door closes) Is she all right parked there? Can you point me in the general direction of the sleeping quarters? Follow the signs.
Thank you.
I would never dream of cutting my hair but I do think yours looks smashing.
Well, thank you.
This is Joan.
That's Katherine.
- Hello.
- It's Kitty.
I get called Kitty for short.
Are you married? Flora! That's far too personal.
We're off duty.
And civilian nurses can get married.
So, are you? Or engaged? - Is there a Mr Joan? - When would I have time for a man? Well, never mind.
You have a motorcycle, and I would absolutely die to ride a motorcycle.
- Maybe I'll teach you.
- Oh, I'd love that.
(Bugle call) That's the boys leaving.
We should wave them goodbye.
- You're in your nightclothes! - They're going to the Front.
What I said was unforgivably cruel.
I'm sure we'll all get used to each other.
Come and see this! You have to see this! NCO: Right, marker.
Get a move on, you lot.
Squad will move to the right.
In fours.
Form fours.
Right.
To the left.
Quick march.
Left, right.
Left, right.
Left, right.
Left, right.
Left, right.
Left, right.
Left, right What I wouldn't give to be you, lads! Give the Hun hell from me! For King and country, give them hell, lads.
Good luck, boys.
Good luck.
Stay alive for me.
Stay alive.
Stay alive.
Where's my husband? I didn't think you'd be so close to the sea.
Shouldn't have come, Adelinde.
I am not prepared for this.
No woman ls a blank sheet of paper.
We all have histories.
And I will not give up until I see a smile.
I really believe I was meant for this.
- I've got grit.
- Where? In your shoe? What are you going to do? Put them all in the laundry, out of sight? It's just bloody-minded.