Summer of Rockets (2019) s01e02 Episode Script
Episode 2
We're not going to run for it.
We most certainly are not.
Mr Petrukhin? Yes, that's me.
You're a busy man, Mr Petrukhin, aren't you? And who might you be? I want you to come to this address at 10.
30 precisely tomorrow morning.
This is a simple arrangement which could be extremely beneficial.
10.
30 tomorrow? I don't think so.
As you said yourself, I'm a very busy man.
And what goes on at this address? - What is it? - Well, be there tomorrow on the dot, and then you'll find out who I am.
DOOR CLOSES - Invitation? - I've got it here.
It's a little battered, I'm afraid.
It was in my hand in the car and it got like that.
Once they've started, nobody is allowed in.
But I'm not late yet, am I? You're not late yet, but in a few seconds, - you will be.
- Can I pass, then, so I make sure I'm not late? Thank you.
DOORS SLAM CLOSED I can't be late! I can't be.
- You are too late.
- I had an accident getting into the car.
I've been ready for hours.
This isn't fair at all.
Please, let me in.
Please.
I've never begged for anything, but I'm sort of begging now.
It's not possible, miss.
Can I have a peep? Just for a moment.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Miss Alexandra Fitzwilliam.
HANNAH GASPS Miss Lucinda Norton-Greene.
Miss Georgina Winstanley.
DOOR OPENS DOOR CLOSES So, how was it? Well it happened.
I was there.
You met the Queen? I met the Queen.
Yes, Mum.
I was presented.
It was all exciting.
- What did she say to you? - Hardly anything - it was very quick, just kneeling in front of her and all that.
- Good! - Well, almost kneeling.
I'm glad.
Now you can look forward to the rest of the season.
So I can.
RHYTHMIC THUDDING Miss, please! No, no! You've got to let me in.
My parents will never forgive me! - Please - No! Your Majesty! Your Majesty, my shoe broke.
Your Majesty, my shoe broke! Oh No! No! Your Majesty! No! I was only a little late! You have to understand, my shoe broke! GASPS Thank God that didn't happen! TRAFFIC IN BACKGROUND TYPEWRITER KEYS RATTLING Ah! BUZZER Come in.
Go straight through, Mr Petrukhin.
Ah! Welcome, Mr Petrukhin.
It is BELLS CHIME .
.
exactly 10.
30.
That's a good start.
- Please, have a seat.
- Thank you for coming.
Are you Mr Macfarlane? No, I'm Mr Field, this is Mr Denning.
There is no Mr Macfarlane.
- Is he dead? - He doesn't exist.
He never existed.
We work for the government, Mr Petrukhin.
Ah! - I see.
- A little subterfuge is necessary because of the sensitivity of some of our work.
Hence these offices.
How do you like the furniture? We bought it all very recently at the Ideal Home Exhibition.
Very up-to-the-minute.
- Exactly, which is what we're about.
- Why on earth - do you want to see me? - We want to see you, Mr Petrukhin, because we're very interested in your staff locator.
Very interested indeed.
We think it may have possibilities for us.
That it might be useful in certain government buildings, for instance.
In particular, various military establishments - and high-security sites.
- Does that make sense to you, - Mr Petrukhin? - It does, yes, most certainly.
If you really are who you say you are - I will need to see proof.
And I will need to visit the sites personally.
No, no, we're not there yet.
We first had to meet you to satisfy ourselves that you can keep this information completely confidential.
I'll need to tell my colleague, Mr Courtney Johnson, of course.
- We work together installing - You will tell no-one.
No-one? Absolutely no-one.
Do you think you can do that? Well, if that's really necessary, then of course I can do that.
Really, Mr Petrukhin? You're not going to say, "You'll never guess what happened - "I was followed everywhere by this black car "and these five men get out "and walk towards me like they're going to kill me, "and then they tell me to report to Macfarlane Investments, "that turns out not to even exist.
"Instead it's a secret government organisation in strange offices "filled with modern furniture"? You wouldn't tell anybody that? Because if it happened to me, I know I would.
THEY CHUCKLE I would have to tell someone.
But I won't.
ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC PLAYING Ah, there you are! Please, have a seat and see this.
You got my message that I would be dropping by? Of course.
These ladies gave up a little of their lunch break to see if this apparatus can help them hear the music.
I want to see if we can develop a hearing aid that's strong enough so that they can hear more than just the vibrations of the sound.
We can send a rocket into space and maybe soon a man to the moon, so we should be able to make everybody hear, shouldn't we? SAMUEL TURNS OFF MUSIC Well, it's a start.
It most certainly is.
They're saying it worked.
I hope this is OK.
Oh, yes.
I love disgustingly smelly cheese.
Really ripe ones.
Richard isn't so keen.
My God, that's strong! And that is perfect.
You said in your message there was something you wished to say to me.
Yes.
Well, I wanted to apologise, really, because when you came to our house, Arthur - Lord Wallington - was there, and I know he does ask a lot of questions.
A lot of very penetrating questions.
Well, this is ridiculous! You don't have to come and apologise for giving us such a remarkable day - quite the opposite! Remarkable? Well, how was it remarkable? Well, of course it was - seeing your tremendous garden, your whole estate.
And little Sasha, he enjoyed himself, did he? Absolutely, I'm sure he did.
He's quite a sensitive little boy, isn't he? He is.
- But delightful.
- Thank you.
I hope he's being delightful at his new school.
Ah, yes, yes, Marlham House.
- Oh, yes, I forgot you know it.
- I do.
I just wanted to say I've come bearing another invitation for you and your family.
Every year we have a fete, because of Richard being the local MP, and we hold it in our garden, and I just thought it might be something that you'd all enjoy.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING Well, that would be marvellous! - Ah, Courtney.
You remember Mrs Shaw? - Of course.
Mr Samuel, I must have a word with you right now.
- Well? - Well, what? Mr Samuel, you know exactly what I mean.
What happened with those men? What was it all about? I can't tell you.
You can't tell me? Why?! Because that's what they want.
- At the moment.
- And who are "they"? Who are these men who've forbidden you to say anything? - I can't tell you.
- You can't tell me that either? I was there, remember.
I saw them too.
Is it just me that's not allowed to know? Nobody is allowed to know, Courtney.
Absolutely nobody.
"Dear Hanny, I'm writing this very, very quickly "because they look at what you're writing "and they want us to say how happy we are, "and, Hanny, I can't say I'm very happy.
" WHISPERING: He's watching us like a hawk, that - I heard that! So you think you can whisper.
I can promise you I can detect any whisper at any time, and unfortunately for you, Plumptree, I heard exactly what you said.
Stand up! Now follow me, Plumptree.
It will only be six strokes of the hairbrush today.
But next time, it will be more.
Bend over.
HAIRBRUSH THUDS AND GRUNTS OF PAIN I really nearly did hammer on the door with my broken shoe, screaming, "Let me in! Let me in!" I'll never be able to tell my parents what happened.
I just have to keep lying, and it's so difficult with them because they always - want to know everything - Well we all have things we can't tell people.
You know, Hannah, it's the exact opposite of Cinderella, isn't it? You never got to go to the ball! Well, not that one, but I've got the whole bloody season now! Three or four parties a week, all designed to pair me off with some totally unsuitable chinless chap.
And what about your friends? What do they think about you doing the season? Truth is, I don't have many friends.
I read too many books, don't go out - except now I have to, of course.
I'm interested in politics and the news.
Sort of dull, really.
Rebellious and dull - not a great combination! And a Jew, of course.
That was a joke.
I shouldn't have said that.
I'm proud of being Jewish.
The one thing you are not, Hannah, is dull.
Thank you.
Except I've just talked entirely about myself since I got here.
How does somebody like you end up teaching etiquette class, for goodness' sake? - Ah.
Because I'm lazy.
And because I want to be a novelist.
You're a writer? How exciting! No, no, that's really exciting.
What sort of books do you write? Who are your influences? No, no, I'm not telling you anything.
Not until I've had something accepted.
Until I know I'm going to be published.
Well, I won't let you get away with that.
I'm very nosy.
No, I insist.
Well, thank you so much.
If you're very nosy, Hannah - I am - then you might be interested in this.
They need volunteers for the day.
It's a civil defence exercise.
In case of nuclear attack.
You're joking! My other worst nightmare - bombs and rockets.
What do you have to do? Just lie down and play dead somewhere, I think.
Sounds fun, I know.
I'm going to do it.
Volunteered already.
Because I'm nosy too.
Tell you more about it after the show, if you like.
BELL CHIMING You're very punctual again, Mr Petrukhin.
Excellent.
This is Guy.
DOG SNORTS He's often here in the evening.
Today, we're just going down the passage.
Stay.
Take a seat, please, Mr Petrukhin.
Ah! A film show! You've been very good, Mr Petrukhin, and not told anybody about us.
- How do you know that? - We have just one final little test.
No need to be nervous.
It's very simple, really.
We want you to react to what you see on the screen.
We want you to say out loud exactly what you feel about it.
But you need to mean it, Mr Petrukhin.
Or else what? I lose the order? What kind of test is this? It's just our little film show, Mr Petrukhin.
Indulge us.
WHIRRING Ah, yes, the Queen.
Well, that's easy - I'm a great supporter of the monarchy.
Is that the kind of thing you're looking for? Just say what you want to say, Mr Petrukhin.
My daughter's just been presented to the Queen, as it happens, only the other day.
She's doing the season.
Ah, the races! Is that good? Am I doing well? Am I scoring highly? Which one of you is doing the marking, by the way? Ah, yes, a marvellous man.
We do his hearing aid, but of course you know that already.
You followed me there for some extraordinary reason.
I don't know why you couldn't have just come to my office.
SILENT FOOTAGE The monster of all monsters.
We should've stopped him much sooner.
I'm sure you can agree with that.
We're not going to the camps now, are we? I still can't watch those horrors without bursting into tears.
That's a relief! I love the English countryside.
It's very small compared to Russia, of course, my first memories, but it has its own beauty.
Ah, yes.
New workers.
I'm an immigrant myself, so I'm not going to be against them, am I? Well, I'm not, anyway.
DOG WHINING The dog's making a noise.
Don't worry about the dog.
We'll only need to worry if he starts barking.
What does it mean if it starts barking? - Why do you need to worry? - Look at the screen, Mr Petrukhin.
Yes, the Suez Crisis.
A national humiliation, of course.
Lies were told.
Should we have gone to war over the canal? Total incompetence, like most governments.
All governments are incompetent.
What the hell is this?! What are you testing me about here? Whatever it is, it's a step too far! My private life - is that what you want to know about? It happens to be totally, completely above reproach.
WHIRRING STOPS Which government department do you work for? It probably doesn't even exist, because there is clearly something very strange about you two! We're members of MI5, Mr Petrukhin.
As I'm sure you've already guessed.
Well, I will need to see proof.
I need to speak to your superiors.
Of course.
How would an Air Vice-Marshal and four Army Generals do? Because, the next time we see you, you'll be demonstrating the staff locator to them.
Where? You'll see.
Until then, enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the fact that we're in business.
But don't tell anyone.
BAND PLAYING Ah, the Petrukhin family is here! How good you could come.
We wouldn't miss this for the world.
And here's my favourite young man.
You're looking very grown-up today, Sasha.
And Hannah here has been presented to the Queen since you last saw her.
And do you feel different? No, not quite yet, no.
I thought I might've come over-dressed for a country fete, but clearly I'm not.
I feel I've come dressed for the beach! BAND PLAYING JAUNTY MUSIC CHEERING Ah! There's Courtney.
Better watch out for your prizes! He's a very competitive chap.
LAUGHTER AND CHEERS I told you! PIGLET SQUEALS CHEERS Ah! Mwah! One! Two! Three! Four! APPLAUSE AND CHEERS How about that? Ah! Thank you so much.
MURMUR OF CONVERSATION Anybody for a donkey ride? We mustn't forget the donkey rides, everyone! BAND PLAYING Wonderful animals, donkeys.
Absolutely.
And the champagne today is really quite excellent.
Ah, yes, of course, you're a connoisseur.
How's business, Mr Petrukhin? - Very promising at the moment.
- Mm! Oh, good.
And the bellboy machine, you know, the one that's like a portable bellboy Ah! Are the orders pouring in? - They're about to be, yes.
- Good! And who are the lucky customers? Oh, come on, you can tell me that, can't you? I might even know some of them.
I can't tell you, no.
I've been sworn to secrecy.
Secrets as well? CHUCKLES What an intriguing fellow you are, Mr Petrukhin.
You are the future, there's no doubt about it, and to be able to keep a secret is of course a very good thing.
Come on, gentlemen.
One of you at least must have a donkey ride.
You're all too afraid of losing your dignity, aren't you? Who's going to be the brave one? I'd be happy to go on a donkey.
APPLAUSE Why did I get a clap? No-one else was clapped! MURMUR OF CONVERSATION Ah! So we meet again, young man.
And this time it is you who's eating the cake! Now, this is Mr Ottley from the United States.
He's a very important man, so don't tell anybody you've met him.
In fact, don't tell anybody he's here.
Hmm? Excuse me, sir.
I've got to look for my sister.
Oh, it's you, child.
You've discovered me in my lair.
Sometimes one just has to go and hide on these occasions, when everyone is being so jolly.
It can be disturbing after a time, don't you think? BAND PLAYING IN BACKGROUND They're funny pictures, aren't they? I saw them before.
I remember that one especially.
Do you know what it is? Because I don't.
Maybe a storm? Maybe a war? A war? I certainly hope not.
I pray whatever it shows, it's gone.
That it was over some time ago.
You hope so too, don't you? Yes.
I can't believe how beautiful this garden is.
You haven't seen the best bit yet.
It's my dream to make the garden as surprising as I can, more than any other garden I've seen.
Well, it's already pretty surprising.
Certainly compared to the gardens around us! - But you know that, Mr Petrukhin - Samuel, please.
Well, you know, Samuel, you can come here whenever you want.
You and your family.
Come here whenever I want? Yes.
- You can't mean that.
- Yes, I do mean it.
Absolutely.
I want this garden used.
FANFARE Attention, everyone, please! Attention over here, please! Now we must welcome somebody.
We are very privileged that my Aunt Mary, who most of you know, is with us up here.
And I must warn you, she can hear what you're saying now! I most certainly can.
Aunt Mary is going to present the result of the first raffle.
And the prizes are more splendid this year than they have ever been, so let's have a fanfare for Aunt Mary.
TRUMPETER PLAYS FANFARE This must be the perfect place to come when you want to get away from everything.
Come and escape all worries.
Yes, it is.
If I ever need to do that.
I'm sure you never need to do that! I, on the other hand, have to worry about business.
I'm always staring at the phone, waiting for orders to come through.
Yes, it must be hard.
Waiting for the world to catch on to your idea.
It is.
But wonderful, to know you're the first.
That's a very good thought.
I must remember that you said that.
And now I have an invitation for you - you must come to a demonstration that I'm going to do of the staff locator for some very important people.
It's not quite top secret, - but it's pretty secret.
- Will I be allowed, if it's all hush-hush? Yes, because I'm not going to ask anyone's permission.
You'll be part of my official team! Please come.
I need to make sure that I have an appreciative audience.
AUNT MARY: 51! RICHARD: That's number 51! Where's number 51? Come on, where are you? This is for second prize! Number 51.
Where've you gone? Oh, my goodness.
I think that's me! It's me! I Sorry, everyone.
And you've won a crate of champagne! I'm so sorry, it's me! This is the first time I've ever won anything since the egg and spoon race when I was six! LAUGHTER And now to the top prize for this raffle, which is PLAYS FANFARE a magnificent radio and gramophone set, the latest model, with a collection of 50 long-playing records.
And now I'm delighted to say that Lord Wallington is going to draw the number for the top prize.
TRUMPETER PLAYS FANFARE Give them a good shake in that bucket, Richard - a really vigorous shake, so we can get a surprising winner! Number 89.
It's number 89.
I'm afraid to say it's me again.
It's you again! We will need a special removal van to take all this gentleman's prizes home.
- Thank you so much.
- APPLAUSE Now, the food is only half-eaten, so everybody must gorge and guzzle until the next raffle.
Oh, Richard - the treasure hunt.
Treasure hunt! Oh, yes, of course, how could I forget? And we have the treasure hunt starting right now, which should take you over the whole garden.
There are treasure maps here, so come and get your treasure maps.
Follow the arrows, find the clues, and somebody will discover the treasure.
And he - he's the gentleman to beat! APPLAUSE BAND PLAYS, CONVERSATIONS INAUDIBLE I knew there was something odd.
I knew there was something strange, Sasha.
There are no children here.
There are no children at all apart from you, Sasha.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs Shaw, I thought you were Sasha.
He's the only child here, and I was just wondering Why there were no children? Donkey rides and no children? Yes.
Yes, it's odd, isn't it? There used to be.
People brought their children, there used to be plenty here.
But it's become so ridiculously grand, our fete people must think it would spoil it if they brought their children.
Which isn't right at all, is it? Excuse me.
There he is.
Our little party is complete.
We're going to send these two officers off with their staff locators in their pockets.
They will go anywhere they like on this part of the base, and we will find them.
And, to just make things more difficult, I will utilise a third person - my son.
Why am I using him? Because he may choose to go somewhere that these officers might not even think of.
And he will, definitely, under no circumstances, return here unless his staff locator goes off.
So, gentlemen, off you go.
And go, Sasha Petrukhin! Now, gentlemen, to call the officers, I will dial 9.
To call the boy I will dial 5.
Who's going to be first? You must choose.
- It's the boy.
- It is the boy.
STAFF LOCATOR BEEPS Keep your distance.
Don't get in the way! STAFF LOCATOR BEEPING Bull's-eye, I think! I didn't expect applause but maybe some reaction? SOBBING GASP Hannah, what are you doing here? You're missing the demonstration.
I just wanted to make sure you were all right, Mrs Shaw.
- I've got things to do.
Dalton! - Can I come with you? To the railway station? I have to get back into town.
I shouldn't have done that.
Given you this lift.
Your father will wonder where you've gone.
No, he won't.
I told him I had to go.
I think that's a lie, Hannah.
He was far too busy with his demonstration.
Somebody will have seen me leave, seen me run after you.
And why did you run after me? Because you were crying.
And I wondered why you were crying seeing Sasha run back towards us.
Stop the car, Dalton.
I need some fresh air.
BIRDSONG AND DUCKS QUACKING Mrs Shaw.
Forgive me, because it's nothing to do with me, really.
But did you lose a child? I'm so sorry - I probably shouldn't have asked that.
I had no right to ask, Mrs Shaw, forgive me.
My son, Anthony, disappeared two days after his 21st birthday and nobody's seen or heard of him since.
He disappeared? No-one knows if he's alive.
No-one knows what happened.
This is five years ago.
I can hardly bear to say it.
It's I'm so sorry.
And the police? Oh, the police have drawn a complete blank.
Given up long ago.
He just vanished, our son.
None of his friends, none of their parents, nobody has been able to shed any light on what happened.
I'm so sorry.
Of course, every moment of every day, I'm thinking about it, somehow I'm thinking about him.
Even if I seem very busy the sense of loss is always there.
The questions.
And sometimes I forget for half an hour or so, and then it all comes rushing back and I feel awful that I forgot about it for so long.
One doesn't like to share that with the outside world.
One has to keep going.
KNOCK AT DOOR Oh! My dear, you're in bed very early tonight.
I am.
- And I have a party tomorrow.
- Of course you do.
The demonstration.
I was so glad I was there.
It was a marvellous success, wasn't it, Dad? It was.
Do they have nuclear missiles at that base, do you think? Oh, no.
They wouldn't let us be there if there were.
You suddenly left without saying goodbye.
I know.
I had a chance to get a lift with Mrs Shaw.
- I needed to get back here early.
- I see.
And how was she? - How was she? - Mm.
Fine.
She loved the demonstration.
I'm late, I'm late, I'm always late! WOMEN LAUGHING There you are! Why am I suddenly so interesting to everybody? Because you're the girl that was late for the Queen.
The girl that was locked out.
Is that who I am? CLUNK It's one of those days, isn't it, darling? When it seems worse.
When it just - comes into your head - Please don't tell me what I'm feeling.
I'm going back today.
Going back where? - To Mr Spearman.
- To Spearman? But if there'd been anything to tell us he would've been in touch, of course he would! Obviously, but I'm still going to see him.
I don't want him to upset you.
Make it even more difficult.
You've been so marvellous recently, at the fete and everything.
I know it's always there underneath.
You don't think I feel that, too? Think about him all the time? Of course I do.
I've lost count of the amount of times I've done this because I've seen a young man in the street that could be him.
- Stop the car, Dalton.
- Why are we stopping? But when there's no news there is no news, darling.
When we get to London, when you get out at the House of Commons, I'm going to take the car on.
PHONES RINGING, TYPEWRITER KEYS CLACKING BUZZER Mrs Shaw! You should've let me know you were coming.
I'm afraid I've nothing to report.
Nothing, I know.
I just wanted to see you again, in case together we could - think of another avenue.
- There's always a new idea, Mrs Shaw, of course.
But I haven't been idle.
Telephone calls I've made this month, sites I've visited.
Hostels all over London.
Homosexual clubs.
I've even made some visits to places that meant a lot to him in his childhood.
Like the toy department in Harrods.
I left them his photo.
PHONE RINGS Don't worry.
I won't take that.
My secretary is ill today.
I've done the same.
Those kind of visits to places he liked.
They get less and less likely with each year, of course.
I even went to a beach in Sussex I took him to when he was seven, which he particularly loved.
As if there would be any sign on a beach.
Everything's worth trying.
I've even been thinking of publicity again.
We never went to the newspapers because of Richard's position, of course.
It's never too late for the newspapers, given that Mr Shaw is quite famous.
PHONE RINGS This week, I've been going over and over his last meal with us.
I've done it so many times before, but this week I've done it more intensely than I've ever done.
The last meal we had together - the last time I saw him.
I'm seeing if I can get any clue, any clue at all of what might've happened from that meal.
He was just eating, and then - I think about this bit so often - he puts his chair back at the table, so carefully.
So neat and perfect.
And then he went into the room next door and played some records on the gramophone.
And I try so hard, I try so hard, to see if the record he's playing will tell me anything.
If I can read the label.
INDISTINCT MUSIC PLAYING But I can't really remember which one he played.
It was just dance music.
MUSIC PLAYING It was such an ordinary meal.
Such an ordinary day.
Every memory I have of him, I replay.
And it's as if what happens now, what happens day-to-day now, I don't want to remember any of it.
I don't want it to stay with me, so that it doesn't get in the way of what I have to remember.
It makes perfect sense.
- What does? - Replaying the meal over and over again.
But do you know what also makes perfect sense to me? You calling all his friends again, and all the parents But you do that every few weeks, don't you? And you go and see them, too - at least, I hope you do.
- That's why we're - That's why you're paying me.
Yes.
But they don't like talking to a fat private detective.
They don't like taking my telephone calls either.
Well, they hate me calling, and I've called and called them.
Because they have nothing to tell me, and that makes them feel guilty.
Mrs Shaw PHONE RINGING never stop calling them.
PHONE RINGING Hannah! Ah! APPLES CRUNCHING They all look quite normal.
I didn't know who'd be crazy enough to volunteer to be nuclear victims! - So you think I'm crazy, then? - No, no, of course not! You're doing it because you're a writer, to get material, get an exciting book out of it.
And to get a free apple, of course.
You are here to help train our emergency personnel in the unlikely event of a nuclear attack All that red area? Is that what one bomb would do? At least.
But I feel our little exercise will be somewhat smaller.
That's very frightening.
Now, our exercise will be carried out in six London streets simultaneously.
You will be in one of those streets.
The area will be evacuated and cordoned off.
Now, take a moment to study this map.
Hannah, you don't need to do this.
Maybe you should ask someone else if it's a good idea.
Get a second opinion.
DOOR OPENS No, no.
I've come to see you, not my father.
When we met before, I very rudely never asked you your name.
So, Esther, I know I can't do sign language and I talk too quickly, and I look away all the time, which must be infuriating.
But would you like to meet for a cup of coffee at the weekend? Just you and me? Hello, can I talk to Lady Ledbury, please? - Who's speaking? - It's Kathleen Shaw.
One moment, please.
CLOCK CHIMES - Mrs Shaw? - Hello, Celia, I was just calling I'm afraid I have absolutely no news for you, Mrs Shaw.
Of course I would be in touch if there was.
Yes, I realise.
I just wondered if there was any chance of talking to Paul, because he and Anthony spent so much time together.
Paul's not there with you now, by any chance? No, he's not, he's in the south of France.
Of course if he knew anything he would've said so immediately, or if he had heard anything from his friends.
I know you must understand that, Mrs Shaw.
Yes, I do.
But I wonder if it would be possible to see Paul, or talk to him on the phone, just in case he jogs my memory about something.
I will ask him, of course, but I'm quite sure Paul has nothing to add.
But you will ask him? I will, on his return.
Goodbye, Mrs Shaw.
SHE HANGS UP CHILDREN PLAYING I'm sorry I'm late! It just keeps happening at the moment.
After our walk, I'm going to take you out to lunch, Esther.
Because I need your advice.
OK I'll ask you now, then.
So, I know this man, who's a writer.
He's not a boyfriend, no, but he's asked me to do something very strange.
Play a survivor - well, I hope it's a survivor! - of a nuclear attack in a Civil Defence exercise.
They need volunteers.
And of course it's the same day as an important party which I shouldn't miss, but I will, because I have no idea how long nuclear attacks normally last.
And I sort of want to go to it, the exercise although I'm not quite sure why.
I can't get into any more trouble, you know, not being at the party, because I missed the Queen, Esther! I was late and got locked out.
And I've had to lie to my parents ever since.
What are you doing? KATHLEEN: Darling Sashenka, how are you? You sound very happy in your letters to Mum and Dad.
I, on the other hand, have done something very bad, which I can't tell you about yet.
I also have the most extraordinary day coming up, which I will tell you about, but Mum and Dad must never know.
- Name? - Hannah Petrukhin.
Dead or alive? I hope I'm alive, that I get to live! If I have a choice, I'll go for that, please.
Haven't you been told? No.
Nobody said whether I lived or died.
Next room, that way.
Not many people get to live, dear.
- Good evening, Mr Petrukhin.
- Good evening.
Take a seat, Mr Petrukhin.
SHE RESUMES TYPING Should I tell them that I'm here? They know you're here, Mr Petrukhin.
I know this is a silly question - well, I hope it's a silly question - but you are stopping at the face and arms, aren't you? Not doing the whole body? Old clothes.
I hope everybody is wearing old clothes like you were told, because you won't be able to wear those again.
I'm sacrificing this dress, yes, for Queen and country.
I'm meant to be going to a party later.
Not sure that's going to happen, somehow.
What do you think? MUSIC PLAYING WOMEN CHATTING THEY SCREAM Sorry I'm a little late, everyone.
Forgive me! BELL RINGS I just worked out why I'm here, that's all.
I'm in the wrong room, apparently.
I think I'm dead! Those that don't die instantly are being made up.
You survive! For a bit anyway! CLEARS HER THROA Wrong room.
But I'll make sure I'm dead near you.
TYPEWRITER CLATTERS - Mr Petrukhin, good afternoon.
- Well, it's actually more like evening! I hope you have some news for me.
We do.
We're just going down the passage.
We're going into an office you haven't been in before, Mr Petrukhin.
And then we're having dinner? What on earth is this? Yes, your whole life is here.
This is my father.
Just before he died.
How did you get this photo? We took them all.
- Why? - Why do you think, Mr Petrukhin? I know that you've been following me these past few weeks, but I had no idea.
I didn't realise that you'd been doing this for years! Various different people have been following you, Mr Petrukhin, because you are so extremely interesting to us.
You're Russian, your father had dealings with the Soviet Trade Delegation and you were servicing Winston Churchill's hearing aid when he was Prime Minister.
- These are all reasons - So you really believed we were bugging Churchill's hearing aid? Yes.
We had to make sure you weren't.
It's mad! You do realise how mad it is? We believe you now, Mr Petrukhin.
Take a seat, Mr Petrukhin.
We have to attend to another matter but we'll be back.
We have something to ask you, Mr Petrukhin.
Something we'd like you to do.
KEY TURNS IN LOCK And you lock me in, do you? WHISTLE BLOWS Out, out, out, out! WHISTLE BLOWS You heard her! Out! WHISTLES BLOW Come on, come on! Everyone out! Get out! Come on, come on! Those designated as survivors, do not move! Come on! Everybody down.
That includes you, miss! Down! Get down! WHISTLE BLOWS Get down! You're breaking the rules, Hannah.
You're not meant to be dead.
You're meant to be back there.
Maybe we both get to survive.
Just to remind you, under no circumstances is anybody to look up until the signal.
VEHICLES APPROACH DOOR OPENS What on earth are you up to? Why do you think that you can lock me in? We have a request, Mr Petrukhin.
We want you to do something for us.
These are your new friends, are they not? Mr and Mrs Shaw? They have been very generous to me and my family, yes.
We want to make use of your new friendship.
We want you to accept every invitation you receive to visit them.
And they entertain all the time.
We want you to notice everything that goes on in that house.
We want to find out about other guests you meet.
You want me to spy on this family? You're asking me to spy on my friends? Yes.
Well, I'm not going to do it.
Nothing would make me agree to that! I am not a spy.
We think you're ideal, Mr Petrukhin.
It's very difficult for us to get access to that house and garden.
That's why you're perfect, Mr Petrukhin.
What conceivable reason could there be for a war hero and his wife to be of interest to you? That is why we need your help, Mr Petrukhin, to find that out.
It's best you know nothing at all, to keep you safe.
I absolutely will not do it.
I like these people enormously.
I will categorically not do what you ask.
I think you will, Mr Petrukhin.
In fact, I know you will.
Your business and your family's wellbeing depend upon it.
If you do this, you will get at least some orders from the Government for your staff locator.
And you have no other orders for it, do you? You expect me to believe that? But you need to help us first.
DOG BARKS Go and see what the problem is.
Miss Godwin will have left.
This is horrible.
DOOR CLOSES You're trying to give me an impossible choice.
No, I'm not sure it's even a choice, Mr Petrukhin.
This way, your firm avoids bankruptcy.
Your future is secure.
Look, why don't we say this? You go and do it for us once and see what happens.
Go there for a single evening, into that house, keeping your ears peeled.
You want me to become your bugging device? In a way.
It is for your country, Mr Petrukhin.
For Queen and country.
SIREN WAILS SIRENS WAIL Go to the room with the red door.
Go to the room with the red door.
Where's the red door? What red door? I wouldn't go in there if I was you, miss.
GEIGER COUNTER CLICKS WHEEZING BREATHS Miss! Where are you going? You're not a survivor! You should have gone through the red door.
The numbers will be all wrong now.
Go back! I'm not coming back! You can't go like that, you'll frighten people! Come back! People outside cannot see you like that! - I'm going! - It's forbidden, absolutely forbidden! Wait.
Wait! Wait! Stop.
Wait for me.
SIGHS PASSENGERS GASP Don't worry, it's just fancy dress! You see - it comes off! PASSENGERS LAUGH You weren't waiting up for me, were you, Dad? Where have you been? I was doing something with a friend.
I thought you had a party tonight.
It was cancelled.
We went bowling instead.
Bowling? Are you all right, Dad? I just couldn't sleep.
Nothing to worry about.
Everything's under control.
Ah, it's an invitation from Mr and Mrs Shaw to attend a musical evening at their house next week.
Well, I'm not going.
- But you must, my dear.
- I must? What do you mean, I must? I'm certainly not going? That fete was ridiculous.
Everybody dressed up like that! I'm definitely not going to them again.
Please, you must come.
No.
But you go, my dear.
I know it means a lot to you, being entertained in a beautiful house.
You must go.
GENTLE CLASSICAL MUSIC I don't think I've ever seen a room look quite so inviting as this one does tonight.
Thank you, Arthur.
CHATTER AND LAUGHTER Thank you.
We most certainly are not.
Mr Petrukhin? Yes, that's me.
You're a busy man, Mr Petrukhin, aren't you? And who might you be? I want you to come to this address at 10.
30 precisely tomorrow morning.
This is a simple arrangement which could be extremely beneficial.
10.
30 tomorrow? I don't think so.
As you said yourself, I'm a very busy man.
And what goes on at this address? - What is it? - Well, be there tomorrow on the dot, and then you'll find out who I am.
DOOR CLOSES - Invitation? - I've got it here.
It's a little battered, I'm afraid.
It was in my hand in the car and it got like that.
Once they've started, nobody is allowed in.
But I'm not late yet, am I? You're not late yet, but in a few seconds, - you will be.
- Can I pass, then, so I make sure I'm not late? Thank you.
DOORS SLAM CLOSED I can't be late! I can't be.
- You are too late.
- I had an accident getting into the car.
I've been ready for hours.
This isn't fair at all.
Please, let me in.
Please.
I've never begged for anything, but I'm sort of begging now.
It's not possible, miss.
Can I have a peep? Just for a moment.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Miss Alexandra Fitzwilliam.
HANNAH GASPS Miss Lucinda Norton-Greene.
Miss Georgina Winstanley.
DOOR OPENS DOOR CLOSES So, how was it? Well it happened.
I was there.
You met the Queen? I met the Queen.
Yes, Mum.
I was presented.
It was all exciting.
- What did she say to you? - Hardly anything - it was very quick, just kneeling in front of her and all that.
- Good! - Well, almost kneeling.
I'm glad.
Now you can look forward to the rest of the season.
So I can.
RHYTHMIC THUDDING Miss, please! No, no! You've got to let me in.
My parents will never forgive me! - Please - No! Your Majesty! Your Majesty, my shoe broke.
Your Majesty, my shoe broke! Oh No! No! Your Majesty! No! I was only a little late! You have to understand, my shoe broke! GASPS Thank God that didn't happen! TRAFFIC IN BACKGROUND TYPEWRITER KEYS RATTLING Ah! BUZZER Come in.
Go straight through, Mr Petrukhin.
Ah! Welcome, Mr Petrukhin.
It is BELLS CHIME .
.
exactly 10.
30.
That's a good start.
- Please, have a seat.
- Thank you for coming.
Are you Mr Macfarlane? No, I'm Mr Field, this is Mr Denning.
There is no Mr Macfarlane.
- Is he dead? - He doesn't exist.
He never existed.
We work for the government, Mr Petrukhin.
Ah! - I see.
- A little subterfuge is necessary because of the sensitivity of some of our work.
Hence these offices.
How do you like the furniture? We bought it all very recently at the Ideal Home Exhibition.
Very up-to-the-minute.
- Exactly, which is what we're about.
- Why on earth - do you want to see me? - We want to see you, Mr Petrukhin, because we're very interested in your staff locator.
Very interested indeed.
We think it may have possibilities for us.
That it might be useful in certain government buildings, for instance.
In particular, various military establishments - and high-security sites.
- Does that make sense to you, - Mr Petrukhin? - It does, yes, most certainly.
If you really are who you say you are - I will need to see proof.
And I will need to visit the sites personally.
No, no, we're not there yet.
We first had to meet you to satisfy ourselves that you can keep this information completely confidential.
I'll need to tell my colleague, Mr Courtney Johnson, of course.
- We work together installing - You will tell no-one.
No-one? Absolutely no-one.
Do you think you can do that? Well, if that's really necessary, then of course I can do that.
Really, Mr Petrukhin? You're not going to say, "You'll never guess what happened - "I was followed everywhere by this black car "and these five men get out "and walk towards me like they're going to kill me, "and then they tell me to report to Macfarlane Investments, "that turns out not to even exist.
"Instead it's a secret government organisation in strange offices "filled with modern furniture"? You wouldn't tell anybody that? Because if it happened to me, I know I would.
THEY CHUCKLE I would have to tell someone.
But I won't.
ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC PLAYING Ah, there you are! Please, have a seat and see this.
You got my message that I would be dropping by? Of course.
These ladies gave up a little of their lunch break to see if this apparatus can help them hear the music.
I want to see if we can develop a hearing aid that's strong enough so that they can hear more than just the vibrations of the sound.
We can send a rocket into space and maybe soon a man to the moon, so we should be able to make everybody hear, shouldn't we? SAMUEL TURNS OFF MUSIC Well, it's a start.
It most certainly is.
They're saying it worked.
I hope this is OK.
Oh, yes.
I love disgustingly smelly cheese.
Really ripe ones.
Richard isn't so keen.
My God, that's strong! And that is perfect.
You said in your message there was something you wished to say to me.
Yes.
Well, I wanted to apologise, really, because when you came to our house, Arthur - Lord Wallington - was there, and I know he does ask a lot of questions.
A lot of very penetrating questions.
Well, this is ridiculous! You don't have to come and apologise for giving us such a remarkable day - quite the opposite! Remarkable? Well, how was it remarkable? Well, of course it was - seeing your tremendous garden, your whole estate.
And little Sasha, he enjoyed himself, did he? Absolutely, I'm sure he did.
He's quite a sensitive little boy, isn't he? He is.
- But delightful.
- Thank you.
I hope he's being delightful at his new school.
Ah, yes, yes, Marlham House.
- Oh, yes, I forgot you know it.
- I do.
I just wanted to say I've come bearing another invitation for you and your family.
Every year we have a fete, because of Richard being the local MP, and we hold it in our garden, and I just thought it might be something that you'd all enjoy.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING Well, that would be marvellous! - Ah, Courtney.
You remember Mrs Shaw? - Of course.
Mr Samuel, I must have a word with you right now.
- Well? - Well, what? Mr Samuel, you know exactly what I mean.
What happened with those men? What was it all about? I can't tell you.
You can't tell me? Why?! Because that's what they want.
- At the moment.
- And who are "they"? Who are these men who've forbidden you to say anything? - I can't tell you.
- You can't tell me that either? I was there, remember.
I saw them too.
Is it just me that's not allowed to know? Nobody is allowed to know, Courtney.
Absolutely nobody.
"Dear Hanny, I'm writing this very, very quickly "because they look at what you're writing "and they want us to say how happy we are, "and, Hanny, I can't say I'm very happy.
" WHISPERING: He's watching us like a hawk, that - I heard that! So you think you can whisper.
I can promise you I can detect any whisper at any time, and unfortunately for you, Plumptree, I heard exactly what you said.
Stand up! Now follow me, Plumptree.
It will only be six strokes of the hairbrush today.
But next time, it will be more.
Bend over.
HAIRBRUSH THUDS AND GRUNTS OF PAIN I really nearly did hammer on the door with my broken shoe, screaming, "Let me in! Let me in!" I'll never be able to tell my parents what happened.
I just have to keep lying, and it's so difficult with them because they always - want to know everything - Well we all have things we can't tell people.
You know, Hannah, it's the exact opposite of Cinderella, isn't it? You never got to go to the ball! Well, not that one, but I've got the whole bloody season now! Three or four parties a week, all designed to pair me off with some totally unsuitable chinless chap.
And what about your friends? What do they think about you doing the season? Truth is, I don't have many friends.
I read too many books, don't go out - except now I have to, of course.
I'm interested in politics and the news.
Sort of dull, really.
Rebellious and dull - not a great combination! And a Jew, of course.
That was a joke.
I shouldn't have said that.
I'm proud of being Jewish.
The one thing you are not, Hannah, is dull.
Thank you.
Except I've just talked entirely about myself since I got here.
How does somebody like you end up teaching etiquette class, for goodness' sake? - Ah.
Because I'm lazy.
And because I want to be a novelist.
You're a writer? How exciting! No, no, that's really exciting.
What sort of books do you write? Who are your influences? No, no, I'm not telling you anything.
Not until I've had something accepted.
Until I know I'm going to be published.
Well, I won't let you get away with that.
I'm very nosy.
No, I insist.
Well, thank you so much.
If you're very nosy, Hannah - I am - then you might be interested in this.
They need volunteers for the day.
It's a civil defence exercise.
In case of nuclear attack.
You're joking! My other worst nightmare - bombs and rockets.
What do you have to do? Just lie down and play dead somewhere, I think.
Sounds fun, I know.
I'm going to do it.
Volunteered already.
Because I'm nosy too.
Tell you more about it after the show, if you like.
BELL CHIMING You're very punctual again, Mr Petrukhin.
Excellent.
This is Guy.
DOG SNORTS He's often here in the evening.
Today, we're just going down the passage.
Stay.
Take a seat, please, Mr Petrukhin.
Ah! A film show! You've been very good, Mr Petrukhin, and not told anybody about us.
- How do you know that? - We have just one final little test.
No need to be nervous.
It's very simple, really.
We want you to react to what you see on the screen.
We want you to say out loud exactly what you feel about it.
But you need to mean it, Mr Petrukhin.
Or else what? I lose the order? What kind of test is this? It's just our little film show, Mr Petrukhin.
Indulge us.
WHIRRING Ah, yes, the Queen.
Well, that's easy - I'm a great supporter of the monarchy.
Is that the kind of thing you're looking for? Just say what you want to say, Mr Petrukhin.
My daughter's just been presented to the Queen, as it happens, only the other day.
She's doing the season.
Ah, the races! Is that good? Am I doing well? Am I scoring highly? Which one of you is doing the marking, by the way? Ah, yes, a marvellous man.
We do his hearing aid, but of course you know that already.
You followed me there for some extraordinary reason.
I don't know why you couldn't have just come to my office.
SILENT FOOTAGE The monster of all monsters.
We should've stopped him much sooner.
I'm sure you can agree with that.
We're not going to the camps now, are we? I still can't watch those horrors without bursting into tears.
That's a relief! I love the English countryside.
It's very small compared to Russia, of course, my first memories, but it has its own beauty.
Ah, yes.
New workers.
I'm an immigrant myself, so I'm not going to be against them, am I? Well, I'm not, anyway.
DOG WHINING The dog's making a noise.
Don't worry about the dog.
We'll only need to worry if he starts barking.
What does it mean if it starts barking? - Why do you need to worry? - Look at the screen, Mr Petrukhin.
Yes, the Suez Crisis.
A national humiliation, of course.
Lies were told.
Should we have gone to war over the canal? Total incompetence, like most governments.
All governments are incompetent.
What the hell is this?! What are you testing me about here? Whatever it is, it's a step too far! My private life - is that what you want to know about? It happens to be totally, completely above reproach.
WHIRRING STOPS Which government department do you work for? It probably doesn't even exist, because there is clearly something very strange about you two! We're members of MI5, Mr Petrukhin.
As I'm sure you've already guessed.
Well, I will need to see proof.
I need to speak to your superiors.
Of course.
How would an Air Vice-Marshal and four Army Generals do? Because, the next time we see you, you'll be demonstrating the staff locator to them.
Where? You'll see.
Until then, enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the fact that we're in business.
But don't tell anyone.
BAND PLAYING Ah, the Petrukhin family is here! How good you could come.
We wouldn't miss this for the world.
And here's my favourite young man.
You're looking very grown-up today, Sasha.
And Hannah here has been presented to the Queen since you last saw her.
And do you feel different? No, not quite yet, no.
I thought I might've come over-dressed for a country fete, but clearly I'm not.
I feel I've come dressed for the beach! BAND PLAYING JAUNTY MUSIC CHEERING Ah! There's Courtney.
Better watch out for your prizes! He's a very competitive chap.
LAUGHTER AND CHEERS I told you! PIGLET SQUEALS CHEERS Ah! Mwah! One! Two! Three! Four! APPLAUSE AND CHEERS How about that? Ah! Thank you so much.
MURMUR OF CONVERSATION Anybody for a donkey ride? We mustn't forget the donkey rides, everyone! BAND PLAYING Wonderful animals, donkeys.
Absolutely.
And the champagne today is really quite excellent.
Ah, yes, of course, you're a connoisseur.
How's business, Mr Petrukhin? - Very promising at the moment.
- Mm! Oh, good.
And the bellboy machine, you know, the one that's like a portable bellboy Ah! Are the orders pouring in? - They're about to be, yes.
- Good! And who are the lucky customers? Oh, come on, you can tell me that, can't you? I might even know some of them.
I can't tell you, no.
I've been sworn to secrecy.
Secrets as well? CHUCKLES What an intriguing fellow you are, Mr Petrukhin.
You are the future, there's no doubt about it, and to be able to keep a secret is of course a very good thing.
Come on, gentlemen.
One of you at least must have a donkey ride.
You're all too afraid of losing your dignity, aren't you? Who's going to be the brave one? I'd be happy to go on a donkey.
APPLAUSE Why did I get a clap? No-one else was clapped! MURMUR OF CONVERSATION Ah! So we meet again, young man.
And this time it is you who's eating the cake! Now, this is Mr Ottley from the United States.
He's a very important man, so don't tell anybody you've met him.
In fact, don't tell anybody he's here.
Hmm? Excuse me, sir.
I've got to look for my sister.
Oh, it's you, child.
You've discovered me in my lair.
Sometimes one just has to go and hide on these occasions, when everyone is being so jolly.
It can be disturbing after a time, don't you think? BAND PLAYING IN BACKGROUND They're funny pictures, aren't they? I saw them before.
I remember that one especially.
Do you know what it is? Because I don't.
Maybe a storm? Maybe a war? A war? I certainly hope not.
I pray whatever it shows, it's gone.
That it was over some time ago.
You hope so too, don't you? Yes.
I can't believe how beautiful this garden is.
You haven't seen the best bit yet.
It's my dream to make the garden as surprising as I can, more than any other garden I've seen.
Well, it's already pretty surprising.
Certainly compared to the gardens around us! - But you know that, Mr Petrukhin - Samuel, please.
Well, you know, Samuel, you can come here whenever you want.
You and your family.
Come here whenever I want? Yes.
- You can't mean that.
- Yes, I do mean it.
Absolutely.
I want this garden used.
FANFARE Attention, everyone, please! Attention over here, please! Now we must welcome somebody.
We are very privileged that my Aunt Mary, who most of you know, is with us up here.
And I must warn you, she can hear what you're saying now! I most certainly can.
Aunt Mary is going to present the result of the first raffle.
And the prizes are more splendid this year than they have ever been, so let's have a fanfare for Aunt Mary.
TRUMPETER PLAYS FANFARE This must be the perfect place to come when you want to get away from everything.
Come and escape all worries.
Yes, it is.
If I ever need to do that.
I'm sure you never need to do that! I, on the other hand, have to worry about business.
I'm always staring at the phone, waiting for orders to come through.
Yes, it must be hard.
Waiting for the world to catch on to your idea.
It is.
But wonderful, to know you're the first.
That's a very good thought.
I must remember that you said that.
And now I have an invitation for you - you must come to a demonstration that I'm going to do of the staff locator for some very important people.
It's not quite top secret, - but it's pretty secret.
- Will I be allowed, if it's all hush-hush? Yes, because I'm not going to ask anyone's permission.
You'll be part of my official team! Please come.
I need to make sure that I have an appreciative audience.
AUNT MARY: 51! RICHARD: That's number 51! Where's number 51? Come on, where are you? This is for second prize! Number 51.
Where've you gone? Oh, my goodness.
I think that's me! It's me! I Sorry, everyone.
And you've won a crate of champagne! I'm so sorry, it's me! This is the first time I've ever won anything since the egg and spoon race when I was six! LAUGHTER And now to the top prize for this raffle, which is PLAYS FANFARE a magnificent radio and gramophone set, the latest model, with a collection of 50 long-playing records.
And now I'm delighted to say that Lord Wallington is going to draw the number for the top prize.
TRUMPETER PLAYS FANFARE Give them a good shake in that bucket, Richard - a really vigorous shake, so we can get a surprising winner! Number 89.
It's number 89.
I'm afraid to say it's me again.
It's you again! We will need a special removal van to take all this gentleman's prizes home.
- Thank you so much.
- APPLAUSE Now, the food is only half-eaten, so everybody must gorge and guzzle until the next raffle.
Oh, Richard - the treasure hunt.
Treasure hunt! Oh, yes, of course, how could I forget? And we have the treasure hunt starting right now, which should take you over the whole garden.
There are treasure maps here, so come and get your treasure maps.
Follow the arrows, find the clues, and somebody will discover the treasure.
And he - he's the gentleman to beat! APPLAUSE BAND PLAYS, CONVERSATIONS INAUDIBLE I knew there was something odd.
I knew there was something strange, Sasha.
There are no children here.
There are no children at all apart from you, Sasha.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs Shaw, I thought you were Sasha.
He's the only child here, and I was just wondering Why there were no children? Donkey rides and no children? Yes.
Yes, it's odd, isn't it? There used to be.
People brought their children, there used to be plenty here.
But it's become so ridiculously grand, our fete people must think it would spoil it if they brought their children.
Which isn't right at all, is it? Excuse me.
There he is.
Our little party is complete.
We're going to send these two officers off with their staff locators in their pockets.
They will go anywhere they like on this part of the base, and we will find them.
And, to just make things more difficult, I will utilise a third person - my son.
Why am I using him? Because he may choose to go somewhere that these officers might not even think of.
And he will, definitely, under no circumstances, return here unless his staff locator goes off.
So, gentlemen, off you go.
And go, Sasha Petrukhin! Now, gentlemen, to call the officers, I will dial 9.
To call the boy I will dial 5.
Who's going to be first? You must choose.
- It's the boy.
- It is the boy.
STAFF LOCATOR BEEPS Keep your distance.
Don't get in the way! STAFF LOCATOR BEEPING Bull's-eye, I think! I didn't expect applause but maybe some reaction? SOBBING GASP Hannah, what are you doing here? You're missing the demonstration.
I just wanted to make sure you were all right, Mrs Shaw.
- I've got things to do.
Dalton! - Can I come with you? To the railway station? I have to get back into town.
I shouldn't have done that.
Given you this lift.
Your father will wonder where you've gone.
No, he won't.
I told him I had to go.
I think that's a lie, Hannah.
He was far too busy with his demonstration.
Somebody will have seen me leave, seen me run after you.
And why did you run after me? Because you were crying.
And I wondered why you were crying seeing Sasha run back towards us.
Stop the car, Dalton.
I need some fresh air.
BIRDSONG AND DUCKS QUACKING Mrs Shaw.
Forgive me, because it's nothing to do with me, really.
But did you lose a child? I'm so sorry - I probably shouldn't have asked that.
I had no right to ask, Mrs Shaw, forgive me.
My son, Anthony, disappeared two days after his 21st birthday and nobody's seen or heard of him since.
He disappeared? No-one knows if he's alive.
No-one knows what happened.
This is five years ago.
I can hardly bear to say it.
It's I'm so sorry.
And the police? Oh, the police have drawn a complete blank.
Given up long ago.
He just vanished, our son.
None of his friends, none of their parents, nobody has been able to shed any light on what happened.
I'm so sorry.
Of course, every moment of every day, I'm thinking about it, somehow I'm thinking about him.
Even if I seem very busy the sense of loss is always there.
The questions.
And sometimes I forget for half an hour or so, and then it all comes rushing back and I feel awful that I forgot about it for so long.
One doesn't like to share that with the outside world.
One has to keep going.
KNOCK AT DOOR Oh! My dear, you're in bed very early tonight.
I am.
- And I have a party tomorrow.
- Of course you do.
The demonstration.
I was so glad I was there.
It was a marvellous success, wasn't it, Dad? It was.
Do they have nuclear missiles at that base, do you think? Oh, no.
They wouldn't let us be there if there were.
You suddenly left without saying goodbye.
I know.
I had a chance to get a lift with Mrs Shaw.
- I needed to get back here early.
- I see.
And how was she? - How was she? - Mm.
Fine.
She loved the demonstration.
I'm late, I'm late, I'm always late! WOMEN LAUGHING There you are! Why am I suddenly so interesting to everybody? Because you're the girl that was late for the Queen.
The girl that was locked out.
Is that who I am? CLUNK It's one of those days, isn't it, darling? When it seems worse.
When it just - comes into your head - Please don't tell me what I'm feeling.
I'm going back today.
Going back where? - To Mr Spearman.
- To Spearman? But if there'd been anything to tell us he would've been in touch, of course he would! Obviously, but I'm still going to see him.
I don't want him to upset you.
Make it even more difficult.
You've been so marvellous recently, at the fete and everything.
I know it's always there underneath.
You don't think I feel that, too? Think about him all the time? Of course I do.
I've lost count of the amount of times I've done this because I've seen a young man in the street that could be him.
- Stop the car, Dalton.
- Why are we stopping? But when there's no news there is no news, darling.
When we get to London, when you get out at the House of Commons, I'm going to take the car on.
PHONES RINGING, TYPEWRITER KEYS CLACKING BUZZER Mrs Shaw! You should've let me know you were coming.
I'm afraid I've nothing to report.
Nothing, I know.
I just wanted to see you again, in case together we could - think of another avenue.
- There's always a new idea, Mrs Shaw, of course.
But I haven't been idle.
Telephone calls I've made this month, sites I've visited.
Hostels all over London.
Homosexual clubs.
I've even made some visits to places that meant a lot to him in his childhood.
Like the toy department in Harrods.
I left them his photo.
PHONE RINGS Don't worry.
I won't take that.
My secretary is ill today.
I've done the same.
Those kind of visits to places he liked.
They get less and less likely with each year, of course.
I even went to a beach in Sussex I took him to when he was seven, which he particularly loved.
As if there would be any sign on a beach.
Everything's worth trying.
I've even been thinking of publicity again.
We never went to the newspapers because of Richard's position, of course.
It's never too late for the newspapers, given that Mr Shaw is quite famous.
PHONE RINGS This week, I've been going over and over his last meal with us.
I've done it so many times before, but this week I've done it more intensely than I've ever done.
The last meal we had together - the last time I saw him.
I'm seeing if I can get any clue, any clue at all of what might've happened from that meal.
He was just eating, and then - I think about this bit so often - he puts his chair back at the table, so carefully.
So neat and perfect.
And then he went into the room next door and played some records on the gramophone.
And I try so hard, I try so hard, to see if the record he's playing will tell me anything.
If I can read the label.
INDISTINCT MUSIC PLAYING But I can't really remember which one he played.
It was just dance music.
MUSIC PLAYING It was such an ordinary meal.
Such an ordinary day.
Every memory I have of him, I replay.
And it's as if what happens now, what happens day-to-day now, I don't want to remember any of it.
I don't want it to stay with me, so that it doesn't get in the way of what I have to remember.
It makes perfect sense.
- What does? - Replaying the meal over and over again.
But do you know what also makes perfect sense to me? You calling all his friends again, and all the parents But you do that every few weeks, don't you? And you go and see them, too - at least, I hope you do.
- That's why we're - That's why you're paying me.
Yes.
But they don't like talking to a fat private detective.
They don't like taking my telephone calls either.
Well, they hate me calling, and I've called and called them.
Because they have nothing to tell me, and that makes them feel guilty.
Mrs Shaw PHONE RINGING never stop calling them.
PHONE RINGING Hannah! Ah! APPLES CRUNCHING They all look quite normal.
I didn't know who'd be crazy enough to volunteer to be nuclear victims! - So you think I'm crazy, then? - No, no, of course not! You're doing it because you're a writer, to get material, get an exciting book out of it.
And to get a free apple, of course.
You are here to help train our emergency personnel in the unlikely event of a nuclear attack All that red area? Is that what one bomb would do? At least.
But I feel our little exercise will be somewhat smaller.
That's very frightening.
Now, our exercise will be carried out in six London streets simultaneously.
You will be in one of those streets.
The area will be evacuated and cordoned off.
Now, take a moment to study this map.
Hannah, you don't need to do this.
Maybe you should ask someone else if it's a good idea.
Get a second opinion.
DOOR OPENS No, no.
I've come to see you, not my father.
When we met before, I very rudely never asked you your name.
So, Esther, I know I can't do sign language and I talk too quickly, and I look away all the time, which must be infuriating.
But would you like to meet for a cup of coffee at the weekend? Just you and me? Hello, can I talk to Lady Ledbury, please? - Who's speaking? - It's Kathleen Shaw.
One moment, please.
CLOCK CHIMES - Mrs Shaw? - Hello, Celia, I was just calling I'm afraid I have absolutely no news for you, Mrs Shaw.
Of course I would be in touch if there was.
Yes, I realise.
I just wondered if there was any chance of talking to Paul, because he and Anthony spent so much time together.
Paul's not there with you now, by any chance? No, he's not, he's in the south of France.
Of course if he knew anything he would've said so immediately, or if he had heard anything from his friends.
I know you must understand that, Mrs Shaw.
Yes, I do.
But I wonder if it would be possible to see Paul, or talk to him on the phone, just in case he jogs my memory about something.
I will ask him, of course, but I'm quite sure Paul has nothing to add.
But you will ask him? I will, on his return.
Goodbye, Mrs Shaw.
SHE HANGS UP CHILDREN PLAYING I'm sorry I'm late! It just keeps happening at the moment.
After our walk, I'm going to take you out to lunch, Esther.
Because I need your advice.
OK I'll ask you now, then.
So, I know this man, who's a writer.
He's not a boyfriend, no, but he's asked me to do something very strange.
Play a survivor - well, I hope it's a survivor! - of a nuclear attack in a Civil Defence exercise.
They need volunteers.
And of course it's the same day as an important party which I shouldn't miss, but I will, because I have no idea how long nuclear attacks normally last.
And I sort of want to go to it, the exercise although I'm not quite sure why.
I can't get into any more trouble, you know, not being at the party, because I missed the Queen, Esther! I was late and got locked out.
And I've had to lie to my parents ever since.
What are you doing? KATHLEEN: Darling Sashenka, how are you? You sound very happy in your letters to Mum and Dad.
I, on the other hand, have done something very bad, which I can't tell you about yet.
I also have the most extraordinary day coming up, which I will tell you about, but Mum and Dad must never know.
- Name? - Hannah Petrukhin.
Dead or alive? I hope I'm alive, that I get to live! If I have a choice, I'll go for that, please.
Haven't you been told? No.
Nobody said whether I lived or died.
Next room, that way.
Not many people get to live, dear.
- Good evening, Mr Petrukhin.
- Good evening.
Take a seat, Mr Petrukhin.
SHE RESUMES TYPING Should I tell them that I'm here? They know you're here, Mr Petrukhin.
I know this is a silly question - well, I hope it's a silly question - but you are stopping at the face and arms, aren't you? Not doing the whole body? Old clothes.
I hope everybody is wearing old clothes like you were told, because you won't be able to wear those again.
I'm sacrificing this dress, yes, for Queen and country.
I'm meant to be going to a party later.
Not sure that's going to happen, somehow.
What do you think? MUSIC PLAYING WOMEN CHATTING THEY SCREAM Sorry I'm a little late, everyone.
Forgive me! BELL RINGS I just worked out why I'm here, that's all.
I'm in the wrong room, apparently.
I think I'm dead! Those that don't die instantly are being made up.
You survive! For a bit anyway! CLEARS HER THROA Wrong room.
But I'll make sure I'm dead near you.
TYPEWRITER CLATTERS - Mr Petrukhin, good afternoon.
- Well, it's actually more like evening! I hope you have some news for me.
We do.
We're just going down the passage.
We're going into an office you haven't been in before, Mr Petrukhin.
And then we're having dinner? What on earth is this? Yes, your whole life is here.
This is my father.
Just before he died.
How did you get this photo? We took them all.
- Why? - Why do you think, Mr Petrukhin? I know that you've been following me these past few weeks, but I had no idea.
I didn't realise that you'd been doing this for years! Various different people have been following you, Mr Petrukhin, because you are so extremely interesting to us.
You're Russian, your father had dealings with the Soviet Trade Delegation and you were servicing Winston Churchill's hearing aid when he was Prime Minister.
- These are all reasons - So you really believed we were bugging Churchill's hearing aid? Yes.
We had to make sure you weren't.
It's mad! You do realise how mad it is? We believe you now, Mr Petrukhin.
Take a seat, Mr Petrukhin.
We have to attend to another matter but we'll be back.
We have something to ask you, Mr Petrukhin.
Something we'd like you to do.
KEY TURNS IN LOCK And you lock me in, do you? WHISTLE BLOWS Out, out, out, out! WHISTLE BLOWS You heard her! Out! WHISTLES BLOW Come on, come on! Everyone out! Get out! Come on, come on! Those designated as survivors, do not move! Come on! Everybody down.
That includes you, miss! Down! Get down! WHISTLE BLOWS Get down! You're breaking the rules, Hannah.
You're not meant to be dead.
You're meant to be back there.
Maybe we both get to survive.
Just to remind you, under no circumstances is anybody to look up until the signal.
VEHICLES APPROACH DOOR OPENS What on earth are you up to? Why do you think that you can lock me in? We have a request, Mr Petrukhin.
We want you to do something for us.
These are your new friends, are they not? Mr and Mrs Shaw? They have been very generous to me and my family, yes.
We want to make use of your new friendship.
We want you to accept every invitation you receive to visit them.
And they entertain all the time.
We want you to notice everything that goes on in that house.
We want to find out about other guests you meet.
You want me to spy on this family? You're asking me to spy on my friends? Yes.
Well, I'm not going to do it.
Nothing would make me agree to that! I am not a spy.
We think you're ideal, Mr Petrukhin.
It's very difficult for us to get access to that house and garden.
That's why you're perfect, Mr Petrukhin.
What conceivable reason could there be for a war hero and his wife to be of interest to you? That is why we need your help, Mr Petrukhin, to find that out.
It's best you know nothing at all, to keep you safe.
I absolutely will not do it.
I like these people enormously.
I will categorically not do what you ask.
I think you will, Mr Petrukhin.
In fact, I know you will.
Your business and your family's wellbeing depend upon it.
If you do this, you will get at least some orders from the Government for your staff locator.
And you have no other orders for it, do you? You expect me to believe that? But you need to help us first.
DOG BARKS Go and see what the problem is.
Miss Godwin will have left.
This is horrible.
DOOR CLOSES You're trying to give me an impossible choice.
No, I'm not sure it's even a choice, Mr Petrukhin.
This way, your firm avoids bankruptcy.
Your future is secure.
Look, why don't we say this? You go and do it for us once and see what happens.
Go there for a single evening, into that house, keeping your ears peeled.
You want me to become your bugging device? In a way.
It is for your country, Mr Petrukhin.
For Queen and country.
SIREN WAILS SIRENS WAIL Go to the room with the red door.
Go to the room with the red door.
Where's the red door? What red door? I wouldn't go in there if I was you, miss.
GEIGER COUNTER CLICKS WHEEZING BREATHS Miss! Where are you going? You're not a survivor! You should have gone through the red door.
The numbers will be all wrong now.
Go back! I'm not coming back! You can't go like that, you'll frighten people! Come back! People outside cannot see you like that! - I'm going! - It's forbidden, absolutely forbidden! Wait.
Wait! Wait! Stop.
Wait for me.
SIGHS PASSENGERS GASP Don't worry, it's just fancy dress! You see - it comes off! PASSENGERS LAUGH You weren't waiting up for me, were you, Dad? Where have you been? I was doing something with a friend.
I thought you had a party tonight.
It was cancelled.
We went bowling instead.
Bowling? Are you all right, Dad? I just couldn't sleep.
Nothing to worry about.
Everything's under control.
Ah, it's an invitation from Mr and Mrs Shaw to attend a musical evening at their house next week.
Well, I'm not going.
- But you must, my dear.
- I must? What do you mean, I must? I'm certainly not going? That fete was ridiculous.
Everybody dressed up like that! I'm definitely not going to them again.
Please, you must come.
No.
But you go, my dear.
I know it means a lot to you, being entertained in a beautiful house.
You must go.
GENTLE CLASSICAL MUSIC I don't think I've ever seen a room look quite so inviting as this one does tonight.
Thank you, Arthur.
CHATTER AND LAUGHTER Thank you.