Dancing On the Edge (2013) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
1 Some old cheese and a cup of tomatoes.
They're the only edible things that bastard left down here.
It's better than nothing.
Lavinia, I think that could be counted as a triumph.
It's tremendous what you've made happen.
What I've made happen? Yes, for the band.
Would you just tell Julian not to worry.
I've completely taken care of it.
Royalty in a hailstorm.
Oh, it's amazing being here tonight.
Doesn't she look beautiful? You'll miss your train, Julian.
- I'm gone.
- He could be so brilliant, but something always stops him.
Louis.
I haven't eaten in 24 hours, so you'll have to forgive me.
We haven't got long, it'll be dawn soon.
Louis, I'm sorry, I still have no idea how to get you out of the country.
I know.
Neither do I.
kept up to date.
It is imperative Thank you for being here, Nathan.
It was the least I could do.
Nothing like this has ever happened before at the Imperial.
Not in my time.
No, it can't have.
We've only just heard.
How is she? Is she all right? What a shock.
What a dreadful thing to have happened.
Have you seen her yet? How is she? What are they saying? They won't tell us.
They were going to operate on her, we don't know if it's finished yet.
Excuse me.
We're close friends of Miss Jessie Taylor.
We need to talk to a doctor.
As soon as we have some news, the doctor will come down and explain the situation.
No, we need to talk to somebody now.
There are important people who would like to know how she's doing.
I'm sure there are.
They're here already, the press.
How did they hear about it so quickly? Excuse me, sir.
Why are the police here now? Couldn't they have waited till morning? They're the ones that tipped off the press, almost certainly.
Nothing to say, gentlemen, absolutely nothing to say.
My brother caught the train to Paris The 9:30 He should still be on it.
It gets into Paris first thing in the morning.
Mr.
Lester? Mr.
Lester? Mr.
Lester, sir, if you wouldn't mind, sir, giving me a statement.
We can do this in the morning, if you prefer, sir.
Mr.
Lester? You can tell us now, surely? She still hasn't come round after the anesthetic.
I'm afraid it's too early to say exactly how she is.
There you all are.
What terrible news.
Tell me how she is.
Can I see her? I must see her.
Carla.
How dare you do that! Get out of here! Out, out! Oh, yes, uh, do come in, by all means.
What do you mean, do come in? This is my office.
I thought it was the deputy editor's office.
It is, yes.
That's me.
And I believe it's me, too, now.
You're deputy editor? Joint deputy editor, yes.
Didn't Mr.
Wax speak to you? He didn't, no.
Well, I'm sure he means to have a word.
Oh, he'll be having a word, all right.
I been up all night and I find there's a new deputy editor? That's brilliant.
And you're sitting at my desk, by the way.
Ah, Rosie, you're here, too.
Thank you, Mr.
Wax.
Pleasure.
Oh, it seems we're all early today.
What the hell do you think you're doing? And what do you mean by that, Stanley? You know bloody well what I mean.
Stanley, you will not use that tone with me.
I suggest you calm down.
I have no intention of calming down.
You look dreadful.
You haven't been up all night again, have you? Why don't we go up to the office? Did you know about this? Know about what? No, she didn't.
I've been meaning to tell you both, but it seems Eric has beaten me to it.
Ah, Mr.
Lester.
Thank you, Mr.
Lester, for coming in this morning.
The senior officer on this case is just about to join us.
Please.
Would you like a cup of tea? No tea, thank you.
Don't drink tea? Yes, sometimes.
We, uh, we like to keep the doors open here.
Makes our life more interesting and often helps us get through the day.
Hello, Mr.
Lester.
I'm Detective Inspector Horton.
I'm handling this case.
Thank you for being here so promptly.
Uh, we just need a statement from you about everything that happened last night.
Absolutely everything.
I'm sorry, Stanley.
I had no idea at all that this had happened until I read the stop press.
And to the very band you've championed.
An awful business.
You must be upset, of course.
Yes, of course I am, but it has nothing to do with this.
I'm angry because I was told absolutely nothing about the appointment of this gentleman here.
I understand.
It's a surprise.
You're used to ruling the roost alone here, Stanley, I know.
During which time, let's not forget, I've more than doubled circulation.
But I'm sure Eric and you will work well together.
Not forgetting you, Rosie, of course.
Well, I don't know what he's gonna do.
What is there for him to do? Ah, tell him what you're gonna do, Eric.
I will be concentrating, principally, on the latest news.
The latest news? I thought we did that already.
By which I mean the latest gramophone designs, the newest wireless sets, the best buys.
Oh, for Christ's sake, we'll be down to three readers in a week.
We're a music magazine.
And there will be other things as well, like what happened in New York last week, when a singer's voice was carried by a beam of light Purely by a beam of light From one tall building in Manhattan to another and simultaneously broadcast to 50 radio stations and there were no wires of any kind to be seen anywhere.
Just with a beam of light? Did that really happen last week? I had no idea.
That's rather exciting.
I looked in and there she was, bleeding very badly.
Called for help and then I rang the fire alarm.
That was good thinking, sir.
Nobody was coming.
Thank you, Mr.
Lester.
Is that all? Oh, I think so.
Uh, almost all, yes.
In case you were wondering, you are not a suspect, Mr.
Lester, for the simple reason that you were seen arriving at the hotel in the two-seater at a couple of minutes before 11:30, and there would not have been enough time for you to have assaulted Miss Taylor before you were found with her.
We judge she'd been in that cupboard for some time, due to the amount of blood.
For a good number of minutes, anyway.
Right.
Now there is just one other matter.
You say you saw Mr.
Luscombe in one of the first floor passages, immediately before you found Miss Taylor and he said he'd missed his train? Yes.
But we've been told by his sister that he definitely caught the 9:30 sleeper to Paris.
Well, I can only repeat that I did see him and he did talk to me.
Well, thank you, Mr.
Lester, that's all we need to know.
Uh, it is very important, of course, that you keep that last piece of information to yourself, for obvious reasons.
Until we've had a chance to speak to Mr.
Luscombe ourselves.
What are you doing here? I'm here to give a statement about last night.
What an awful business, Louis.
Yes, I'm going straight to the hospital right now to find out how she is.
I've telephoned the hospital already.
Jessie's still unconscious, but stable, they think.
Stay a moment and then we'll have breakfast together.
After I've been in there.
It won't take long, and then we can both go to the hospital together, what do you say? They've got police up here as well.
What are they expecting to happen? It's the press, Louis.
And the newsreel cameras, too.
They'll stop at nothing to try and get a picture.
I'll handle the police.
Good morning.
Hello, you two.
I've had her moved into this room because the other wasn't at all satisfactory.
I'm sure Lavinia has taken complete charge of the hospital already.
She hasn't woken yet? Not yet, no.
But her breathing is fine.
Carla and I have been discussing how we might contact somebody from her family.
I haven't met any of Jessie's family, not even at school.
With her picture everywhere, in all the magazines, you'd think they would have been in contact before now.
The doctor said we should talk to her.
The sound of a familiar voice.
Of course, mine isn't that familiar.
I've been chattering away, haven't I, Jessie? It's not easy to talk to someone who isn't saying anything.
And starting is particularly difficult.
But one gets used to it.
Maybe I should get them to bring me an artichoke, Jessie, and start eating it.
What do you think of that? The dear child was so astonished before when I ate one.
Maybe it would surprise you all over again.
Sarah.
They wouldn't let me up.
They said she had too many visitors.
Is she still asleep? She hasn't woken up after the operation.
Not yet.
They're still here? Of course they are.
Jessie is the singer who was supposed to be singing for the Prince of Wales when it happened.
So naturally, it's a very big story.
There's a garden we'll be safe from them there.
I was so worried about you, Louis.
Don't worry about me.
This was such a shock for all of us, but especially for you.
It's worse this morning, for some reason.
Last night I was numb.
Do the police have any idea about what happened? No, not yet, I don't think.
I was with her in the bar last night.
Julian escorted her to her room, and then he came back and he caught his train, but that was hours before.
She must have arranged to meet somebody else.
Yes, that's possible.
They're everywhere! I should have my camera with me and turn it on them! What else have you got? How do you mean? The latest news.
The wonderful machines we're now to put in the magazine, apparently.
Well, there's a lot to choose from.
Well, I was afraid you might say that.
But to pluck just one at random Which happens to be the one I've chosen to write about today There is, for instance, the music without instruments.
Right.
Silence, in other words? No.
Absolutely not.
Quite the contrary.
Or to put the idea another way, the orchestra without musicians, as demonstrated recently in Germany by Herr Pfenninger, using an electrical current.
Herr Pfenninger? Some mad German professor? You're making this up.
Herr Pfenninger and his electronic music And I am most certainly not Uh, there's a visitor for you, Stanley.
Stanley, thank God you're here! Pamela, are you all right? How could anyone be all right on a clay like this? Uh, Eric Stillman, this is Miss Pamela Luscombe.
I'm sorry to burst in, but I need your help, Stanley.
I have to get in touch with Julian.
He's in Paris.
I telephoned the apartment.
He arrived as planned earlier this morning, but he's gone out already.
Of course, I sent a telegram, but I have to tell him about what's happened as soon as possible He'll be so upset.
Wh-What do you want me to do? Julian will be lunching at a fashionable restaurant, and I want to telephone that restaurant.
So I need to know, what's the most fashionable place to eat in Paris at the moment, because that's where Julian will be.
And you always know everything, Stanley.
He'll deny it, but he does.
You want me to guess which restaurant in Paris Julian is having lunch in? That's impossible.
No, it's not.
He'll never be at the fuddy-duddy places I go to in Paris, like Le Meurice He'll be at the place everybody's talking about.
So you see, it's not quite as stupid as it seems.
It may surprise you, but I don't have a list of all the fashionable restaurants in Paris in my head.
I'm sure you could have a try, Stanley.
I was certain you would know.
And of course, I wanted an excuse to see you, rather badly.
I can't help you at the moment, Pamela I-I've been up all night.
You're not the only one who's been up all night.
I have no idea what Julian will do when he hears the news about Jessie, and I would hate for him to find out about it from the press.
It's going to be all over the papers.
I'm afraid it will be.
And we have to decide how we're going to cover it, because this magazine helped launch the band, isn't that right? So it's a big story for us.
I do realize that, Eric.
And, of course, who knows how long the band will last now? It may be difficult for them to get bookings after this.
You're right.
Of course.
Thank you! For what? I must get to the Imperial right away.
I should be there already.
Don't go.
Not yet.
Here.
Try these first.
If all else fails, Eric will phone every restaurant, above a certain price, in Paris.
What a business this is, Mr.
Mitchell.
Yes.
Yes, it's horrible.
The police are everywhere.
They even switched off the Christmas lights, and now they won't work, for some reason.
I've been looking at the papers.
Overnight, this was just a stop press Too late for the main editions But now look at this.
This is just the start, of course.
It'll grow, Mr.
Mitchell.
It will, yes.
And when this was happening, I was sitting in the theater watching such a dull play, and a very noisy one as well.
I will, of course, lose every cent I invested in it.
Well, excuse me, sir, I've got to talk to Mr.
Schlesinger.
You'll keep me posted on how the lady is? Your information will be more up to the minute than mine.
I will.
Twice a day.
Twice a day? If you'd be so kind.
I pray she gets better.
Jack? Go away.
I'm not in the mood for you today.
I'm not in the mood for you either, Harold.
We'll have to settle this later.
Good-bye.
What is Jack Paynton doing here? Not now, Stanley! The entire place is overrun with police.
Everything I've tried to do with this hotel looks like it's in ruins! Everybody told me not to have a Negro band here Everybody but you I didn't listen.
Now they're involved in a knife attack! The band aren't involved, for heaven's sake They weren't even here! They were playing for the fucking Prince of Wales! That makes it worse! Makes it even more newsworthy! Started getting cancellations this morning.
And when they had that murder at the Savoy, it took nearly two years for their business to recover.
One way to make sure business collapses is to book Jack Paynton now.
That's not true.
He's still quite popular, as it happens.
Anyway, I've got to have somebody to play here It's one of our busiest weeks, Christmas week.
And it's clearly impossible for Mr.
Lester's band to continue under the circumstances.
Why? Why is it? If you stop the band playing now, you turn a bad incident into something that looks far worse, like they should never have been here in the first place.
If you let the band keep playing, people will still come Definitely Because of the notoriety.
That's how show business works.
They won't play anyway.
They won't go on.
Who says? Mr.
Lester says.
Yes.
Thank you.
Well, if you could Any news? No.
I look terrible today, and you don't.
How is that possible? Any different from most mornings? And you're as calm as always.
Not really, no.
Room 27! Come on, come on.
So slow.
They get slower and slower.
39 as well! I'm gonna stir things up a bit, Louis.
You've got to carry on performing.
It's not possible Not until Jessie's much better.
Mr.
Schlesinger wants you to.
The band won't do it it's out of the question.
Shall I tell you what's gonna happen if the band stopped playing? Bye,Joe.
If you do that, Schlesinger won't be paying you, naturally, other bookings will prove difficult, and if you're unemployed, the immigration authorities will start chasing down all your musicians who don't have residency here.
I don't believe that Not straight away, not after what's happened.
Especially after what's happened! Your lead singer nearly gets killed in a knife attack, when she should have been playing for the Prince of Wales.
All sorts of stories will start appearing about the band, and the authorities will immediately feel they have to take interest in you again Now, do you want that to happen? Of course not, but I'll see to it, it won't happen.
Well, there's only there's only one way that it won't happen If you keep your monthly contract here.
Number 39 was not room service.
It was for you.
For you.
You, uh rang, Your Ladyship? I'm sorry to have had you called like that, Stanley.
I heard you were in the hotel from Mr.
Masterson.
Oh, don't worry, I don't mind being summoned, at least not by you.
They got a new deputy editor at the magazine, so I might be doing room service for real quite soon.
I just wanted to see you, Stanley.
I have no other excuse.
Well, that's a good excuse, isn't it? Uh, sorry I look like this, by the way.
Feeling a bit rough today.
Aren't we all.
But you look wonderful.
Flattery even today! It's been such an awful few hours, Stanley.
She's a lovely girl.
Now, who would do something like that to her? I was here yesterday.
I saw her She was with Julian, but he'd be on the sleeper to Paris when it happened.
All sorts of people use this hotel, of course.
Goodness knows who was staying here last night.
That's true.
I just came from the hospital.
I hate to see her lying unconscious, not reacting at all.
She'll get better.
All being well, she will.
Let's hope so.
Such a cruel thing to happen.
Everything was going so well with the band.
You know, I was just about to give my first party, in heaven knows how many years.
My first since, um, my sons.
Just a small party for the New Year, for the band, for a few friends.
And of course, I was going to invite you, Stanley.
But now none of that can happen.
It's not possible.
It might be if the news from the hospital gets better.
Mr.
Lester! Gentlemen, please! Thank you very much, gentlemen.
This is her record, and we are going to play it to her.
All right? Thank you.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Thank you.
Hang on a moment.
I want to try something.
That's right, gentlemen.
Lovely, lovely.
Yes.
Clear out of the way, please! Well, you've certainly had an effect.
Jessie, we're listening to your record.
We're listening to your wonderful voice.
Just thought I'd bring these to the lady.
Mm.
That man is so strange.
Why bring such a tiny bouquet? Maybe the string is made of gold.
Come on, gentlemen, please.
You got your pictures the first time.
Mr.
Lester, did she speak to you, sir? So many more of them already.
I had no idea.
That she was a little bit famous? Not to this extent, no.
Will you hold up the record, sir? Could you give us a bit more of a statement? Just one more, just one more.
Some truly odd faces there, weren't there? I hadn't thought of it until now, but maybe it was someone like them who attacked Jessie.
They can be very fanatical, some of these people.
They'll go away soon.
They won't be here on Christmas Day.
Don't mention that.
I'm dreading Christmas, alone with my father.
I'm dreading it, too.
The Imperial ballroom at lunchtime.
I so wish that I could be with you on Christmas Day.
Welcome to the Imperial Hotel.
As the Christmas puddings appear, we know that it must be time for some music.
Oh, uh, do be careful, ladies and gentleman, by the way.
There is the traditional sixpence in several of the helpings of the pudding, so be on the lookout.
And now for a very special Christmas treat, the Louis Lester Band.
There are some Germans here from their embassy.
So this could prove interesting, Louis.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
We hope you're having a wonderful time.
Fuck 'em.
My dear girl.
I thought I might visit you, since I have no pressing need to be anywhere else this Christmas Day, and we could talk together.
I've brought my own supplies.
Which I'm sure I will be allowed to use today of all days.
Not too bad a meal this year, but I always hate the pudding.
Now we can relax.
You may get down, if you wish.
How on earth are we ever gonna eat this bird, Mum? Well, Christmas is a time to celebrate, isn't it? I do hope it's cooked.
Do you think I should put it back in? Jessie, I live a life of indulgence.
I think you know that already, probably, and that in some ways is rather unforgiveable.
Well, maybe in many ways.
And I expect you find it rather difficult to understand how I can just afford to do nothing, not have a proper job of any description.
But it does allow me to help people that I admire.
I'll get it.
I couldn't stand it a moment longer at home.
I had to see you, Stanley.
Forgive me inviting myself, Mrs.
Mitchell.
I'm Pamela Luscombe.
I just had to come here.
I know it's unforgiveable on Christmas Day, but my brother Julian appeared for just one night, and now he's gone back to Paris on business.
He was so distraught about Jessie- he's trying to distract himself.
So I was all alone with Mummy and Daddy, and if you knew my parents, Mrs.
Mitchell, that's not a fate you'd wish on anybody.
Remember how you played for the prince in the garden? It must have seemed so strange to you.
Well, it did for me, too, really.
You and the prince and all of us amongst the flowers on that day.
I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that was one of the best afternoons I've ever spent.
And I don't say that lightly, considering the charmed life I've led.
You remember that day, don't you, Jessie? Just blink if you remember it.
Blink, Jessie.
He played the drums.
The prince on the drums? The prince and the jazz band? He was drunk, wasn't he? That was quite a moment, wasn't it? You can picture that moment, can't you, Jessie? Picture that again, Jessie.
Yes.
That's right, dear girl.
Jessie's just woken up.
She's out of the coma.
Ladies and gentlemen, we've just had some news which I really think I must immediately share with you all.
Miss Jessie Taylor, who has so often sung from this stage and who, as many of you will be aware, has been in hospital in a coma, she has just woken up and she is back with us.
Bravo! Bravo! Darling, how are you feeling? She's still very sedated, of course, because of the wounds she has received.
It'll be a little while before she's sitting up and chatting.
With a head injury like she has had, it's difficult to tell how long that'll be.
So visiting times will be very strictly limited.
Excuse me.
She's not well enough to be talked to yet, gentlemen, so your interrogation will have to wait.
We have been informed of that, Mr.
Mitchell.
I'm just here to speak with the doctors.
Mr.
Lester, is it possible to have one very quick word? - Now, we've spoken with Mr.
Luscombe - M r.
Lester! and he says he caught the 9:30 sleeper to Paris and he claims that there must have been witnesses who saw him on the train.
Well, I definitely saw him at 11:30 that night at the Imperial.
Yes, I thought you were absolutely clear about that.
Very good.
We haven't had a chance to speak with these witnesses yet, Mr.
Lester, or the passport control, it being Christmas.
We'll check the journey, Mr.
Lester.
So what do you think? I thought we should see it all planned out.
It looks scintillating.
There are four sections now: first, the Music section, of course; then the Best Buy section, including gramophones, wirelesses, and probably very soon televisors as well; then the Latest News section, all the news from the entertainment world, which, naturally, this week includes the progress of Miss Jessie Taylor; and then, lastly, the Further Afield section, where we can have developments from around the world, things like the electronic music, maybe accompanied by a good photograph It's very thorough, Eric.
Where the hell is the Farquhar and Tonk cartoon? Oh, that's, um, still here.
Down here somewhere.
By the wastepaper basket? Yes, that's right.
Mm-hmm.
Near the back of the magazine.
I think, on balance, we should keep it.
Some weeks it's quite funny.
It's just a suggestion.
But change can be exciting and bring new readers.
Well, new readers will be good, Eric, and rather necessary because when our present readership sees all your sections, they'll be leaving us in their droves.
We don't know that, Stanley.
A new layout might be good, take people by surprise.
Well, let's find out, shall we? Let's try it and see who's right.
I'd hate to stand in the way of change, me of all people.
And now I've got to be somewhere.
Where will you be singing the new year, Eric? Oh, I have some modest plans Nothing out of the ordinary.
How about you? Me? Oh, I've got something rather special planned.
What do you think? Well, it's splendid, elegant, naturally, but, uh, original, too.
When will you ever tell me the truth, Stanley? I always do.
Well, I want to tell you something.
This building here hasn't been used since the war, not since my sons died.
My son Ralph used this as a studio.
He was an artist.
I think he was quite talented.
I like to think so, anyway.
This is one of his.
Oh.
Thought it must be.
Mmm, I like the noise it makes.
This place has been shut up all this time, but it couldn't go on forever.
Could it? It could not, no.
No.
I thought it would be good to have the party here rather than in the house More fun.
Fabulous fish.
I don't think I've ever been at a banquet And I've been at a few in my time But I don't think I've ever been at one that's been held in a cowshed before.
Well, in fact, this building was originally used for pigs.
What a perfect place to guzzle then.
It would make a tremendous photo.
Mmm.
I know.
But I've been forbidden to take any at all.
Yes.
Nobody's allowed to work this evening.
Absolutely not.
Sarah's not to take any photographs, and the band will not have to play.
Total escape from all work is called for.
Here I am, my dear friends.
And I come bearing gifts.
But more of that later.
I've had a terrific notion, which I'm just dying to tell you all about, and of course I will, just as soon as we get inside.
It is wonderful to see you all.
Now, nobody laugh at this.
Promise you won't laugh.
We promise.
Because I had a business idea while I was out there, my first ever business notion.
Uh, no work, no talk of work tonight.
I think it's high time I earned my own keep, and Mr.
Masterson He's the only person who's heard about this so far Mr.
Masterson thinks it might have possibilities.
So, I've had an idea.
Nobody giggle, promise? Why not export English cheeses to the French? Because they're surprisingly interested in our cheese.
- Really? - No, no, no, no, no, no.
They are, they are.
I don't think anybody has thought of that before.
Our local cheeses, and I have some scrumptious examples with me for us to eat tonight.
So the future It has possibilities.
I can confirm it's a business idea I approve of.
That's tremendous.
It is 11:00 o'clock, and we are now for the first time ever going to broadcast New Year's greetings from a variety of cities around the world.
Berlin, Milan, Warsaw But they're too early.
It's not new year yet.
It is there.
All the cities of Europe linked together.
And what a satisfying thought that is.
All of us drinking together, raising a toast at the same time.
The power of the wireless.
Amazing, isn't it? Mm.
Somebody should start a music magazine.
Yes, I've been meaning to talk to you about that, Stanley.
Oh? You should begin to have more of Europe in your magazine, and America, too, like Time magazine.
Oh, don't you start.
You sound just like Eric, except not even he wants me to be like Time magazine.
Well, why not? Why shouldn't you be? Why can't you be ambitious for your magazine? I'm so glad you support it.
Wholeheartedly.
It'll be good for him.
It is so tremendous to be back in England, my friends, and Jessie is getting better.
I went to the hospital, but they said she was sleeping so I couldn't see her.
Well, she's smiling a lot more now, and she's saying a few words more to me each day.
The time is nigh.
Everybody, we're off.
- It'll soon be midnight.
- It's time to join the villagers and see in the new year.
Could anything feel more like it was meant to be than all of us together on this little street to see in the new year? Isn't it perfect? Yes, and a little bit odd, too.
I didn't expect to be seeing the new year in with him, for instance.
But now you mention it, it is perfect, yes.
Too early.
The fireworks, too early.
It's not new year yet.
Why do you keep watching Julian? Don't you think it's strange? Ever since the attack on Jessie, nobody's mentioned about Mr.
Masterson and what happened in his hotel suite the night Julian took me there.
The girl Hannah and everything.
Mr.
Masterson was at the theater with Lady Cremone when it happened.
Come on, Louis.
He can't have been involved.
Just before I found Jessie, I saw Julian in the hotel passage.
You can't have done.
He was on a train to Paris.
I did see him, and he spoke to me.
But he arrived in Paris when he was meant to.
I don't know how he did that, but he was in the hotel.
You've told the police? Of course I have.
Well, they'll be able to find out if he was on the train.
There'll be the passport control.
Yes, that's right.
Jessie will be able to tell us what happened anyway.
There'll be an explanation about Julian, Louis.
Six, five, four, three, two, one It gets better.
Hang on.
Somebody make a speech.
Can't start the new year without a speech.
It's unlucky.
Who's it going to be? Now I'm not making a speech, because I'm only a visitor here, but I will propose a toast.
So, ready? To tonight.
A night when absolutely everything is allowed, and a night completely and utterly without Eric.
Who none of you know, but who is obsessed with machines.
So before we are all overrun with machines, let us try hard to have the party of our lives.
And open this new year officially.
I give you, of course Oh, oh.
Lady Cremone.
Oh.
Stanley.
And you must stand on the chair.
We need to see you.
As many of you know, this is my first party in such a long time, and I am so enjoying myself.
And so, I hope, are all of you.
Oh, yes.
Yay! These have been difficult times, I know, for many of you, but I fervently hope and believe that this is going to be a hugely better year for all of us, and that definitely applies to me, too.
So, God bless you all.
Oh.
God bless you, my lady.
Cheers.
God bless you.
I like this very much.
The villagers and the the band and how welcome they've made them.
I always say people are far more tolerant than they're given credit for, far more imaginative.
The world is changing, there's no doubt about that.
Is that a good thing? Hmm.
I think it probably is.
I think it is.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must have a dance.
Louis? Come on, you're not allowed to just watch.
No.
I'm not just going to watch.
Yes.
May I have the privilege of this dance? You may.
Kiss me, Stanley.
Of course.
That's better.
It certainly is.
I liked your speech, Stanley.
No machines, no worries of any kind.
Thank you.
You look so beautiful this morning.
Not a hair out of place.
But, of course, you often never go to bed, don't you? Well, that makes two of us.
Mm-hmm.
Touché.
Look, we've eaten nearly all of it.
But it was good, wasn't it? Mm.
My little brother Maybe he's right.
Maybe it is a wonderful plan, selling English cheese to the French.
Do you think it's truly serious between them? Well, why not? Why shouldn't it be? I think they should get married.
That would be wonderful, wouldn't it? Shock them all.
Mm.
What is? Mr.
Masterson singing.
I never thought I'd see that.
I don't expect many people have.
Jessie.
Louis.
Hmm.
She's had so many flowers, we've had to put a lot elsewhere in the hospital.
There's even been some from Buckingham Palace.
Jessie, how are you feeling now? Mm.
What happened to you, Jessie? Can you tell me? Louis, it's so nice to see you.
She's not nearly well enough yet to talk about it.
That's right.
Sit closer and talk to me.
I have to say, I like it Our new look, four sections.
It's so very clear now.
It has authority.
I always felt we needed a little bit more of that, just a touch.
And now, we know where everything is.
It's a very good start.
Keep it all going.
- How many copies have we sold? - Oh, it's too early for that, Stanley, but I'm sure it will be up.
My nose tells me it's up.
Well, that's good, isn't it? Maybe we can start talking about next week's cover now.
Eric thinks we should try something more daring, not just put another band leader on the cover.
Oh, quite right, Eric.
Yes.
We could put a big picture of the televisor on the front cover; that would surprise people.
Yes, Music Express.
Sorry.
Who did you say you were? It's the German Embassy.
Of course, I'd be delighted to help.
When is it? Well, let me give it a little thought.
In fact, I'll definitely give it a lot of thought.
Ask them if they have any more information about Herr Pfenninger and his orchestra without musicians.
Maybe he's going to do a demonstration.
All right, I'll give you a call back when I've had an idea.
Yes, yes, yes, it's a firm undertaking.
All right, good-bye.
Must be your new look, Eric.
We've never had an embassy phone us before.
They're having a very important function, and they would like us to recommend a band to play there.
Well, not jazz, of course.
Course not.
You're here.
Splendid.
Stanley? Word in private? Will here do? Oh, this is perfect.
Nathan told me that when you played here on Christmas Day, some Germans from the embassy walked out as soon - as you came on.
- Yes, but that was to be expected, wasn't it? What do you mean that was to be expected? Does nothing make you angry, Louis? Well, of course it does, but from what I hear, this new lot in Germany, the National Socialists, well, they want to String you all up, can't wait to do it.
Yeah, that's precisely what they want to do.
Let's just say they don't like jazz music quite a lot, so it was to be expected.
It doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
Not happy about it? Is that all? No, it's not all, but it's not clear exactly what one can do about it right at this moment.
Why are you suddenly so interested, anyway? What do you mean, "suddenly"? It's not suddenly.
Believe it or not, I think when one sees intolerance like that, as crude as that, you have to do something to expose it.
That's gonna make a difference, is it? You, Stanley Mitchell, music journalist, are going to make a difference.
You're going to get rid of prejudice all by yourself.
I didn't say I'd make a difference.
Not right away.
So what's the idea? The German embassy are having a bit of a do, 'cause they've got a new chancellor in Berlin.
Good-bye old Hindenburg, hello, Herr Hitler.
Now they've asked me to choose a band for them.
What if we had a little bit of fun? That would be terrific, but they'd never book my band.
They wouldn't let us anywhere near the building.
Well, no, of course not.
But I thought I might handpick a few musicians I know, take it from there.
I haven't conducted in years.
You? You conducting? Yes.
So that's what this is about.
I had a band at school, remember, it was very successful.
Won a competition.
Ah.
Good evening.
Good evening.
Good evening, Mr.
Masterson.
Lovely.
They're absolutely stuffed full of Sherlock Holmes, Tennyson and Dickens in there.
Well, they're right.
That's all you need to know about British, life isn't it? You look wonderful.
Thank you.
Stanley as a band leader.
He's not bad, either.
He really is living one of his cartoons.
He's being Farquhar and Tonk, inside one of their adventures.
Perhaps Julian should start selling some of his cheese to this lot, too.
He really is taking it seriously.
He's back in Paris now, launching the business.
I need to find out more about this new lot and if they can possibly last.
Ladies and gentlemen, excuse me a moment.
But don't worry, they can manage without me for one number, as I'm sure you'll see.
Right, come on.
Coat.
He's feeling a little sick.
Some fresh air might make all the difference.
Right, come on, come on.
They got the music? Course they've got the music; I've thought of everything.
Now they'll follow you.
They're good musicians, and more importantly, they all think they're getting recording contracts.
Well, that may have done a little good.
We'll have to see, but it was so cold out there we had to come straight back.
No, no, no, no, he'll be fine.
That'll do.
Pamela, look.
Oh, yes, I, uh, I forgot the introduction.
How careless of me.
And now we are truly privileged to have Louis Lester, from the renowned Louis Lester Band, as our guest pianist here tonight.
Louis, who is creating such a sensation currently with his band, has broken off his busy schedule to be with us here tonight.
It's wonderful to be here.
So, it's all yours, Louis.
I give you Louis Lester on the piano.
You knew about this, didn't you? Why didn't you tell me? I didn't think they'd bring it off.
Stanley really is an anarchist.
It's rather wonderful.
Oh, good night, everybody.
The rest of the band have kindly agreed to stay.
I really thought we were gonna be arrested.
I thought they were gonna come for us on the stairs.
And throw you in a dungeon.
They couldn't believe somebody had let this happen, a black man playing the piano at their party.
It could cause a major diplomatic incident.
None of tomorrow's papers will mention it, probably, but we will; it'll be our next cover story.
I don't care what Mr.
Wax says.
My congratulations.
That was a marvelous thing to do.
- It was, wasn't it? - To have the nerve to do that.
I'm glad I didn't think about it more before I did it.
No need to stop.
Could be the first of many.
Yes, who'll be next? Some gentlemen's club? Or maybe the Queen Charlotte's Ball? Hang on a moment, it's me that's got to do it, and I definitely think we should quit while we're ahead.
Maybe not quite yet.
I want you to play for my parents, and that really will be a challenge.
But to see people behaving like that at their own party.
I'm going back in there to hear what they're saying.
They're all chattering at the top of their voices.
Good night, my friends.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
I was so proud watching you do that.
It was so exciting.
Exciting but pointless.
Not pointless; it had a point.
Which was what? It embarrassed the hell out of them.
They'll be talking about it for weeks.
And of course if they knew about you two as well They'd wake up in the middle of the night screaming.
I need alcohol really badly.
Yes.
Do you think they'll make an official complaint about you, Stanley, to Mr.
Wax? Try and get you dismissed? Who knows? I doubt it.
It's difficult for them, though, isn't it? They don't want to make themselves look foolish, and of course being German Oh, my God, I forgot.
What? What is it? I forgot all about it.
Eric gave me strict instructions.
I was meant to ask them about Herr Pfenninger and his machines, the orchestra without music.
Eric wants to know if he's coming over.
He wants to make a big thing about it, the first electric concert in London.
And I forgot bloody hell! You'll never be forgiven.
He's waiting right now in the office for my report.
I told him I'd phone him immediately after I found out.
He's waiting in the office? Yes.
Well, let's go and tell him about tonight.
Well, I can't tell him I forgot, can I? I've got to see this Eric.
Somebody that makes you nervous.
I've got to meet this person.
He absolutely does not make me nervous.
You think I'm frightened of Eric? Yes.
That is absolutely not true.
Well, we'll soon see.
Let's go.
Stanley? I love you.
Pamela? Yes, you did hear right.
You thought you'd never hear me say that.
No, why do you think that? Because it's true.
Because I never thought I'd hear myself say it, either.
But I love you.
Must have been your conducting tonight, mustn't it? Didn't realize it was that good.
I have no idea, of course, how long it will last, because you know me, Stanley, what a trivial person I am.
No, you're not.
Don't be silly.
We both know.
Maybe that makes two of us then.
And we also know that you don't love me.
Pamela.
Shh.
Don't say anything, not just yet.
I know I'm right, but for some reason I don't mind at the moment, because maybe, I think, I can make you love me.
Come on, you two! Eric is waiting.
I've got a very lovely bottle It's got everybody's name on it.
Like feeding birds with you lot.
What are they all doing here so late? The embassy's complained immediately, obviously.
Talk about news traveling fast.
That's why you did it, isn't it, Stanley, to impress her? Maybe a little.
Doesn't seem like they're that impressed, though.
Did the embassy phone ahead already? Mr.
Wax, I can explain everything.
This isn't anything about the embassy, Stanley.
I need to talk to you, Louis.
Jessie is dead.
Oh, my God.
I'm so sorry, Stanley.
She was a fine artist.
Such a fine artist.
It's so sad.
She was so young.
I was just about to leave the hotel for the theater.
Mr.
Schlesinger came running into my suite and told me the news.
We tried to phone you at the embassy, Stanley.
We didn't know where you were, Louis.
What happened? She had a seizure, the poor child.
They were just trying to get her on her feet.
She collapsed and died in their arms.
They're the only edible things that bastard left down here.
It's better than nothing.
Lavinia, I think that could be counted as a triumph.
It's tremendous what you've made happen.
What I've made happen? Yes, for the band.
Would you just tell Julian not to worry.
I've completely taken care of it.
Royalty in a hailstorm.
Oh, it's amazing being here tonight.
Doesn't she look beautiful? You'll miss your train, Julian.
- I'm gone.
- He could be so brilliant, but something always stops him.
Louis.
I haven't eaten in 24 hours, so you'll have to forgive me.
We haven't got long, it'll be dawn soon.
Louis, I'm sorry, I still have no idea how to get you out of the country.
I know.
Neither do I.
kept up to date.
It is imperative Thank you for being here, Nathan.
It was the least I could do.
Nothing like this has ever happened before at the Imperial.
Not in my time.
No, it can't have.
We've only just heard.
How is she? Is she all right? What a shock.
What a dreadful thing to have happened.
Have you seen her yet? How is she? What are they saying? They won't tell us.
They were going to operate on her, we don't know if it's finished yet.
Excuse me.
We're close friends of Miss Jessie Taylor.
We need to talk to a doctor.
As soon as we have some news, the doctor will come down and explain the situation.
No, we need to talk to somebody now.
There are important people who would like to know how she's doing.
I'm sure there are.
They're here already, the press.
How did they hear about it so quickly? Excuse me, sir.
Why are the police here now? Couldn't they have waited till morning? They're the ones that tipped off the press, almost certainly.
Nothing to say, gentlemen, absolutely nothing to say.
My brother caught the train to Paris The 9:30 He should still be on it.
It gets into Paris first thing in the morning.
Mr.
Lester? Mr.
Lester? Mr.
Lester, sir, if you wouldn't mind, sir, giving me a statement.
We can do this in the morning, if you prefer, sir.
Mr.
Lester? You can tell us now, surely? She still hasn't come round after the anesthetic.
I'm afraid it's too early to say exactly how she is.
There you all are.
What terrible news.
Tell me how she is.
Can I see her? I must see her.
Carla.
How dare you do that! Get out of here! Out, out! Oh, yes, uh, do come in, by all means.
What do you mean, do come in? This is my office.
I thought it was the deputy editor's office.
It is, yes.
That's me.
And I believe it's me, too, now.
You're deputy editor? Joint deputy editor, yes.
Didn't Mr.
Wax speak to you? He didn't, no.
Well, I'm sure he means to have a word.
Oh, he'll be having a word, all right.
I been up all night and I find there's a new deputy editor? That's brilliant.
And you're sitting at my desk, by the way.
Ah, Rosie, you're here, too.
Thank you, Mr.
Wax.
Pleasure.
Oh, it seems we're all early today.
What the hell do you think you're doing? And what do you mean by that, Stanley? You know bloody well what I mean.
Stanley, you will not use that tone with me.
I suggest you calm down.
I have no intention of calming down.
You look dreadful.
You haven't been up all night again, have you? Why don't we go up to the office? Did you know about this? Know about what? No, she didn't.
I've been meaning to tell you both, but it seems Eric has beaten me to it.
Ah, Mr.
Lester.
Thank you, Mr.
Lester, for coming in this morning.
The senior officer on this case is just about to join us.
Please.
Would you like a cup of tea? No tea, thank you.
Don't drink tea? Yes, sometimes.
We, uh, we like to keep the doors open here.
Makes our life more interesting and often helps us get through the day.
Hello, Mr.
Lester.
I'm Detective Inspector Horton.
I'm handling this case.
Thank you for being here so promptly.
Uh, we just need a statement from you about everything that happened last night.
Absolutely everything.
I'm sorry, Stanley.
I had no idea at all that this had happened until I read the stop press.
And to the very band you've championed.
An awful business.
You must be upset, of course.
Yes, of course I am, but it has nothing to do with this.
I'm angry because I was told absolutely nothing about the appointment of this gentleman here.
I understand.
It's a surprise.
You're used to ruling the roost alone here, Stanley, I know.
During which time, let's not forget, I've more than doubled circulation.
But I'm sure Eric and you will work well together.
Not forgetting you, Rosie, of course.
Well, I don't know what he's gonna do.
What is there for him to do? Ah, tell him what you're gonna do, Eric.
I will be concentrating, principally, on the latest news.
The latest news? I thought we did that already.
By which I mean the latest gramophone designs, the newest wireless sets, the best buys.
Oh, for Christ's sake, we'll be down to three readers in a week.
We're a music magazine.
And there will be other things as well, like what happened in New York last week, when a singer's voice was carried by a beam of light Purely by a beam of light From one tall building in Manhattan to another and simultaneously broadcast to 50 radio stations and there were no wires of any kind to be seen anywhere.
Just with a beam of light? Did that really happen last week? I had no idea.
That's rather exciting.
I looked in and there she was, bleeding very badly.
Called for help and then I rang the fire alarm.
That was good thinking, sir.
Nobody was coming.
Thank you, Mr.
Lester.
Is that all? Oh, I think so.
Uh, almost all, yes.
In case you were wondering, you are not a suspect, Mr.
Lester, for the simple reason that you were seen arriving at the hotel in the two-seater at a couple of minutes before 11:30, and there would not have been enough time for you to have assaulted Miss Taylor before you were found with her.
We judge she'd been in that cupboard for some time, due to the amount of blood.
For a good number of minutes, anyway.
Right.
Now there is just one other matter.
You say you saw Mr.
Luscombe in one of the first floor passages, immediately before you found Miss Taylor and he said he'd missed his train? Yes.
But we've been told by his sister that he definitely caught the 9:30 sleeper to Paris.
Well, I can only repeat that I did see him and he did talk to me.
Well, thank you, Mr.
Lester, that's all we need to know.
Uh, it is very important, of course, that you keep that last piece of information to yourself, for obvious reasons.
Until we've had a chance to speak to Mr.
Luscombe ourselves.
What are you doing here? I'm here to give a statement about last night.
What an awful business, Louis.
Yes, I'm going straight to the hospital right now to find out how she is.
I've telephoned the hospital already.
Jessie's still unconscious, but stable, they think.
Stay a moment and then we'll have breakfast together.
After I've been in there.
It won't take long, and then we can both go to the hospital together, what do you say? They've got police up here as well.
What are they expecting to happen? It's the press, Louis.
And the newsreel cameras, too.
They'll stop at nothing to try and get a picture.
I'll handle the police.
Good morning.
Hello, you two.
I've had her moved into this room because the other wasn't at all satisfactory.
I'm sure Lavinia has taken complete charge of the hospital already.
She hasn't woken yet? Not yet, no.
But her breathing is fine.
Carla and I have been discussing how we might contact somebody from her family.
I haven't met any of Jessie's family, not even at school.
With her picture everywhere, in all the magazines, you'd think they would have been in contact before now.
The doctor said we should talk to her.
The sound of a familiar voice.
Of course, mine isn't that familiar.
I've been chattering away, haven't I, Jessie? It's not easy to talk to someone who isn't saying anything.
And starting is particularly difficult.
But one gets used to it.
Maybe I should get them to bring me an artichoke, Jessie, and start eating it.
What do you think of that? The dear child was so astonished before when I ate one.
Maybe it would surprise you all over again.
Sarah.
They wouldn't let me up.
They said she had too many visitors.
Is she still asleep? She hasn't woken up after the operation.
Not yet.
They're still here? Of course they are.
Jessie is the singer who was supposed to be singing for the Prince of Wales when it happened.
So naturally, it's a very big story.
There's a garden we'll be safe from them there.
I was so worried about you, Louis.
Don't worry about me.
This was such a shock for all of us, but especially for you.
It's worse this morning, for some reason.
Last night I was numb.
Do the police have any idea about what happened? No, not yet, I don't think.
I was with her in the bar last night.
Julian escorted her to her room, and then he came back and he caught his train, but that was hours before.
She must have arranged to meet somebody else.
Yes, that's possible.
They're everywhere! I should have my camera with me and turn it on them! What else have you got? How do you mean? The latest news.
The wonderful machines we're now to put in the magazine, apparently.
Well, there's a lot to choose from.
Well, I was afraid you might say that.
But to pluck just one at random Which happens to be the one I've chosen to write about today There is, for instance, the music without instruments.
Right.
Silence, in other words? No.
Absolutely not.
Quite the contrary.
Or to put the idea another way, the orchestra without musicians, as demonstrated recently in Germany by Herr Pfenninger, using an electrical current.
Herr Pfenninger? Some mad German professor? You're making this up.
Herr Pfenninger and his electronic music And I am most certainly not Uh, there's a visitor for you, Stanley.
Stanley, thank God you're here! Pamela, are you all right? How could anyone be all right on a clay like this? Uh, Eric Stillman, this is Miss Pamela Luscombe.
I'm sorry to burst in, but I need your help, Stanley.
I have to get in touch with Julian.
He's in Paris.
I telephoned the apartment.
He arrived as planned earlier this morning, but he's gone out already.
Of course, I sent a telegram, but I have to tell him about what's happened as soon as possible He'll be so upset.
Wh-What do you want me to do? Julian will be lunching at a fashionable restaurant, and I want to telephone that restaurant.
So I need to know, what's the most fashionable place to eat in Paris at the moment, because that's where Julian will be.
And you always know everything, Stanley.
He'll deny it, but he does.
You want me to guess which restaurant in Paris Julian is having lunch in? That's impossible.
No, it's not.
He'll never be at the fuddy-duddy places I go to in Paris, like Le Meurice He'll be at the place everybody's talking about.
So you see, it's not quite as stupid as it seems.
It may surprise you, but I don't have a list of all the fashionable restaurants in Paris in my head.
I'm sure you could have a try, Stanley.
I was certain you would know.
And of course, I wanted an excuse to see you, rather badly.
I can't help you at the moment, Pamela I-I've been up all night.
You're not the only one who's been up all night.
I have no idea what Julian will do when he hears the news about Jessie, and I would hate for him to find out about it from the press.
It's going to be all over the papers.
I'm afraid it will be.
And we have to decide how we're going to cover it, because this magazine helped launch the band, isn't that right? So it's a big story for us.
I do realize that, Eric.
And, of course, who knows how long the band will last now? It may be difficult for them to get bookings after this.
You're right.
Of course.
Thank you! For what? I must get to the Imperial right away.
I should be there already.
Don't go.
Not yet.
Here.
Try these first.
If all else fails, Eric will phone every restaurant, above a certain price, in Paris.
What a business this is, Mr.
Mitchell.
Yes.
Yes, it's horrible.
The police are everywhere.
They even switched off the Christmas lights, and now they won't work, for some reason.
I've been looking at the papers.
Overnight, this was just a stop press Too late for the main editions But now look at this.
This is just the start, of course.
It'll grow, Mr.
Mitchell.
It will, yes.
And when this was happening, I was sitting in the theater watching such a dull play, and a very noisy one as well.
I will, of course, lose every cent I invested in it.
Well, excuse me, sir, I've got to talk to Mr.
Schlesinger.
You'll keep me posted on how the lady is? Your information will be more up to the minute than mine.
I will.
Twice a day.
Twice a day? If you'd be so kind.
I pray she gets better.
Jack? Go away.
I'm not in the mood for you today.
I'm not in the mood for you either, Harold.
We'll have to settle this later.
Good-bye.
What is Jack Paynton doing here? Not now, Stanley! The entire place is overrun with police.
Everything I've tried to do with this hotel looks like it's in ruins! Everybody told me not to have a Negro band here Everybody but you I didn't listen.
Now they're involved in a knife attack! The band aren't involved, for heaven's sake They weren't even here! They were playing for the fucking Prince of Wales! That makes it worse! Makes it even more newsworthy! Started getting cancellations this morning.
And when they had that murder at the Savoy, it took nearly two years for their business to recover.
One way to make sure business collapses is to book Jack Paynton now.
That's not true.
He's still quite popular, as it happens.
Anyway, I've got to have somebody to play here It's one of our busiest weeks, Christmas week.
And it's clearly impossible for Mr.
Lester's band to continue under the circumstances.
Why? Why is it? If you stop the band playing now, you turn a bad incident into something that looks far worse, like they should never have been here in the first place.
If you let the band keep playing, people will still come Definitely Because of the notoriety.
That's how show business works.
They won't play anyway.
They won't go on.
Who says? Mr.
Lester says.
Yes.
Thank you.
Well, if you could Any news? No.
I look terrible today, and you don't.
How is that possible? Any different from most mornings? And you're as calm as always.
Not really, no.
Room 27! Come on, come on.
So slow.
They get slower and slower.
39 as well! I'm gonna stir things up a bit, Louis.
You've got to carry on performing.
It's not possible Not until Jessie's much better.
Mr.
Schlesinger wants you to.
The band won't do it it's out of the question.
Shall I tell you what's gonna happen if the band stopped playing? Bye,Joe.
If you do that, Schlesinger won't be paying you, naturally, other bookings will prove difficult, and if you're unemployed, the immigration authorities will start chasing down all your musicians who don't have residency here.
I don't believe that Not straight away, not after what's happened.
Especially after what's happened! Your lead singer nearly gets killed in a knife attack, when she should have been playing for the Prince of Wales.
All sorts of stories will start appearing about the band, and the authorities will immediately feel they have to take interest in you again Now, do you want that to happen? Of course not, but I'll see to it, it won't happen.
Well, there's only there's only one way that it won't happen If you keep your monthly contract here.
Number 39 was not room service.
It was for you.
For you.
You, uh rang, Your Ladyship? I'm sorry to have had you called like that, Stanley.
I heard you were in the hotel from Mr.
Masterson.
Oh, don't worry, I don't mind being summoned, at least not by you.
They got a new deputy editor at the magazine, so I might be doing room service for real quite soon.
I just wanted to see you, Stanley.
I have no other excuse.
Well, that's a good excuse, isn't it? Uh, sorry I look like this, by the way.
Feeling a bit rough today.
Aren't we all.
But you look wonderful.
Flattery even today! It's been such an awful few hours, Stanley.
She's a lovely girl.
Now, who would do something like that to her? I was here yesterday.
I saw her She was with Julian, but he'd be on the sleeper to Paris when it happened.
All sorts of people use this hotel, of course.
Goodness knows who was staying here last night.
That's true.
I just came from the hospital.
I hate to see her lying unconscious, not reacting at all.
She'll get better.
All being well, she will.
Let's hope so.
Such a cruel thing to happen.
Everything was going so well with the band.
You know, I was just about to give my first party, in heaven knows how many years.
My first since, um, my sons.
Just a small party for the New Year, for the band, for a few friends.
And of course, I was going to invite you, Stanley.
But now none of that can happen.
It's not possible.
It might be if the news from the hospital gets better.
Mr.
Lester! Gentlemen, please! Thank you very much, gentlemen.
This is her record, and we are going to play it to her.
All right? Thank you.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Thank you.
Hang on a moment.
I want to try something.
That's right, gentlemen.
Lovely, lovely.
Yes.
Clear out of the way, please! Well, you've certainly had an effect.
Jessie, we're listening to your record.
We're listening to your wonderful voice.
Just thought I'd bring these to the lady.
Mm.
That man is so strange.
Why bring such a tiny bouquet? Maybe the string is made of gold.
Come on, gentlemen, please.
You got your pictures the first time.
Mr.
Lester, did she speak to you, sir? So many more of them already.
I had no idea.
That she was a little bit famous? Not to this extent, no.
Will you hold up the record, sir? Could you give us a bit more of a statement? Just one more, just one more.
Some truly odd faces there, weren't there? I hadn't thought of it until now, but maybe it was someone like them who attacked Jessie.
They can be very fanatical, some of these people.
They'll go away soon.
They won't be here on Christmas Day.
Don't mention that.
I'm dreading Christmas, alone with my father.
I'm dreading it, too.
The Imperial ballroom at lunchtime.
I so wish that I could be with you on Christmas Day.
Welcome to the Imperial Hotel.
As the Christmas puddings appear, we know that it must be time for some music.
Oh, uh, do be careful, ladies and gentleman, by the way.
There is the traditional sixpence in several of the helpings of the pudding, so be on the lookout.
And now for a very special Christmas treat, the Louis Lester Band.
There are some Germans here from their embassy.
So this could prove interesting, Louis.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
We hope you're having a wonderful time.
Fuck 'em.
My dear girl.
I thought I might visit you, since I have no pressing need to be anywhere else this Christmas Day, and we could talk together.
I've brought my own supplies.
Which I'm sure I will be allowed to use today of all days.
Not too bad a meal this year, but I always hate the pudding.
Now we can relax.
You may get down, if you wish.
How on earth are we ever gonna eat this bird, Mum? Well, Christmas is a time to celebrate, isn't it? I do hope it's cooked.
Do you think I should put it back in? Jessie, I live a life of indulgence.
I think you know that already, probably, and that in some ways is rather unforgiveable.
Well, maybe in many ways.
And I expect you find it rather difficult to understand how I can just afford to do nothing, not have a proper job of any description.
But it does allow me to help people that I admire.
I'll get it.
I couldn't stand it a moment longer at home.
I had to see you, Stanley.
Forgive me inviting myself, Mrs.
Mitchell.
I'm Pamela Luscombe.
I just had to come here.
I know it's unforgiveable on Christmas Day, but my brother Julian appeared for just one night, and now he's gone back to Paris on business.
He was so distraught about Jessie- he's trying to distract himself.
So I was all alone with Mummy and Daddy, and if you knew my parents, Mrs.
Mitchell, that's not a fate you'd wish on anybody.
Remember how you played for the prince in the garden? It must have seemed so strange to you.
Well, it did for me, too, really.
You and the prince and all of us amongst the flowers on that day.
I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that was one of the best afternoons I've ever spent.
And I don't say that lightly, considering the charmed life I've led.
You remember that day, don't you, Jessie? Just blink if you remember it.
Blink, Jessie.
He played the drums.
The prince on the drums? The prince and the jazz band? He was drunk, wasn't he? That was quite a moment, wasn't it? You can picture that moment, can't you, Jessie? Picture that again, Jessie.
Yes.
That's right, dear girl.
Jessie's just woken up.
She's out of the coma.
Ladies and gentlemen, we've just had some news which I really think I must immediately share with you all.
Miss Jessie Taylor, who has so often sung from this stage and who, as many of you will be aware, has been in hospital in a coma, she has just woken up and she is back with us.
Bravo! Bravo! Darling, how are you feeling? She's still very sedated, of course, because of the wounds she has received.
It'll be a little while before she's sitting up and chatting.
With a head injury like she has had, it's difficult to tell how long that'll be.
So visiting times will be very strictly limited.
Excuse me.
She's not well enough to be talked to yet, gentlemen, so your interrogation will have to wait.
We have been informed of that, Mr.
Mitchell.
I'm just here to speak with the doctors.
Mr.
Lester, is it possible to have one very quick word? - Now, we've spoken with Mr.
Luscombe - M r.
Lester! and he says he caught the 9:30 sleeper to Paris and he claims that there must have been witnesses who saw him on the train.
Well, I definitely saw him at 11:30 that night at the Imperial.
Yes, I thought you were absolutely clear about that.
Very good.
We haven't had a chance to speak with these witnesses yet, Mr.
Lester, or the passport control, it being Christmas.
We'll check the journey, Mr.
Lester.
So what do you think? I thought we should see it all planned out.
It looks scintillating.
There are four sections now: first, the Music section, of course; then the Best Buy section, including gramophones, wirelesses, and probably very soon televisors as well; then the Latest News section, all the news from the entertainment world, which, naturally, this week includes the progress of Miss Jessie Taylor; and then, lastly, the Further Afield section, where we can have developments from around the world, things like the electronic music, maybe accompanied by a good photograph It's very thorough, Eric.
Where the hell is the Farquhar and Tonk cartoon? Oh, that's, um, still here.
Down here somewhere.
By the wastepaper basket? Yes, that's right.
Mm-hmm.
Near the back of the magazine.
I think, on balance, we should keep it.
Some weeks it's quite funny.
It's just a suggestion.
But change can be exciting and bring new readers.
Well, new readers will be good, Eric, and rather necessary because when our present readership sees all your sections, they'll be leaving us in their droves.
We don't know that, Stanley.
A new layout might be good, take people by surprise.
Well, let's find out, shall we? Let's try it and see who's right.
I'd hate to stand in the way of change, me of all people.
And now I've got to be somewhere.
Where will you be singing the new year, Eric? Oh, I have some modest plans Nothing out of the ordinary.
How about you? Me? Oh, I've got something rather special planned.
What do you think? Well, it's splendid, elegant, naturally, but, uh, original, too.
When will you ever tell me the truth, Stanley? I always do.
Well, I want to tell you something.
This building here hasn't been used since the war, not since my sons died.
My son Ralph used this as a studio.
He was an artist.
I think he was quite talented.
I like to think so, anyway.
This is one of his.
Oh.
Thought it must be.
Mmm, I like the noise it makes.
This place has been shut up all this time, but it couldn't go on forever.
Could it? It could not, no.
No.
I thought it would be good to have the party here rather than in the house More fun.
Fabulous fish.
I don't think I've ever been at a banquet And I've been at a few in my time But I don't think I've ever been at one that's been held in a cowshed before.
Well, in fact, this building was originally used for pigs.
What a perfect place to guzzle then.
It would make a tremendous photo.
Mmm.
I know.
But I've been forbidden to take any at all.
Yes.
Nobody's allowed to work this evening.
Absolutely not.
Sarah's not to take any photographs, and the band will not have to play.
Total escape from all work is called for.
Here I am, my dear friends.
And I come bearing gifts.
But more of that later.
I've had a terrific notion, which I'm just dying to tell you all about, and of course I will, just as soon as we get inside.
It is wonderful to see you all.
Now, nobody laugh at this.
Promise you won't laugh.
We promise.
Because I had a business idea while I was out there, my first ever business notion.
Uh, no work, no talk of work tonight.
I think it's high time I earned my own keep, and Mr.
Masterson He's the only person who's heard about this so far Mr.
Masterson thinks it might have possibilities.
So, I've had an idea.
Nobody giggle, promise? Why not export English cheeses to the French? Because they're surprisingly interested in our cheese.
- Really? - No, no, no, no, no, no.
They are, they are.
I don't think anybody has thought of that before.
Our local cheeses, and I have some scrumptious examples with me for us to eat tonight.
So the future It has possibilities.
I can confirm it's a business idea I approve of.
That's tremendous.
It is 11:00 o'clock, and we are now for the first time ever going to broadcast New Year's greetings from a variety of cities around the world.
Berlin, Milan, Warsaw But they're too early.
It's not new year yet.
It is there.
All the cities of Europe linked together.
And what a satisfying thought that is.
All of us drinking together, raising a toast at the same time.
The power of the wireless.
Amazing, isn't it? Mm.
Somebody should start a music magazine.
Yes, I've been meaning to talk to you about that, Stanley.
Oh? You should begin to have more of Europe in your magazine, and America, too, like Time magazine.
Oh, don't you start.
You sound just like Eric, except not even he wants me to be like Time magazine.
Well, why not? Why shouldn't you be? Why can't you be ambitious for your magazine? I'm so glad you support it.
Wholeheartedly.
It'll be good for him.
It is so tremendous to be back in England, my friends, and Jessie is getting better.
I went to the hospital, but they said she was sleeping so I couldn't see her.
Well, she's smiling a lot more now, and she's saying a few words more to me each day.
The time is nigh.
Everybody, we're off.
- It'll soon be midnight.
- It's time to join the villagers and see in the new year.
Could anything feel more like it was meant to be than all of us together on this little street to see in the new year? Isn't it perfect? Yes, and a little bit odd, too.
I didn't expect to be seeing the new year in with him, for instance.
But now you mention it, it is perfect, yes.
Too early.
The fireworks, too early.
It's not new year yet.
Why do you keep watching Julian? Don't you think it's strange? Ever since the attack on Jessie, nobody's mentioned about Mr.
Masterson and what happened in his hotel suite the night Julian took me there.
The girl Hannah and everything.
Mr.
Masterson was at the theater with Lady Cremone when it happened.
Come on, Louis.
He can't have been involved.
Just before I found Jessie, I saw Julian in the hotel passage.
You can't have done.
He was on a train to Paris.
I did see him, and he spoke to me.
But he arrived in Paris when he was meant to.
I don't know how he did that, but he was in the hotel.
You've told the police? Of course I have.
Well, they'll be able to find out if he was on the train.
There'll be the passport control.
Yes, that's right.
Jessie will be able to tell us what happened anyway.
There'll be an explanation about Julian, Louis.
Six, five, four, three, two, one It gets better.
Hang on.
Somebody make a speech.
Can't start the new year without a speech.
It's unlucky.
Who's it going to be? Now I'm not making a speech, because I'm only a visitor here, but I will propose a toast.
So, ready? To tonight.
A night when absolutely everything is allowed, and a night completely and utterly without Eric.
Who none of you know, but who is obsessed with machines.
So before we are all overrun with machines, let us try hard to have the party of our lives.
And open this new year officially.
I give you, of course Oh, oh.
Lady Cremone.
Oh.
Stanley.
And you must stand on the chair.
We need to see you.
As many of you know, this is my first party in such a long time, and I am so enjoying myself.
And so, I hope, are all of you.
Oh, yes.
Yay! These have been difficult times, I know, for many of you, but I fervently hope and believe that this is going to be a hugely better year for all of us, and that definitely applies to me, too.
So, God bless you all.
Oh.
God bless you, my lady.
Cheers.
God bless you.
I like this very much.
The villagers and the the band and how welcome they've made them.
I always say people are far more tolerant than they're given credit for, far more imaginative.
The world is changing, there's no doubt about that.
Is that a good thing? Hmm.
I think it probably is.
I think it is.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must have a dance.
Louis? Come on, you're not allowed to just watch.
No.
I'm not just going to watch.
Yes.
May I have the privilege of this dance? You may.
Kiss me, Stanley.
Of course.
That's better.
It certainly is.
I liked your speech, Stanley.
No machines, no worries of any kind.
Thank you.
You look so beautiful this morning.
Not a hair out of place.
But, of course, you often never go to bed, don't you? Well, that makes two of us.
Mm-hmm.
Touché.
Look, we've eaten nearly all of it.
But it was good, wasn't it? Mm.
My little brother Maybe he's right.
Maybe it is a wonderful plan, selling English cheese to the French.
Do you think it's truly serious between them? Well, why not? Why shouldn't it be? I think they should get married.
That would be wonderful, wouldn't it? Shock them all.
Mm.
What is? Mr.
Masterson singing.
I never thought I'd see that.
I don't expect many people have.
Jessie.
Louis.
Hmm.
She's had so many flowers, we've had to put a lot elsewhere in the hospital.
There's even been some from Buckingham Palace.
Jessie, how are you feeling now? Mm.
What happened to you, Jessie? Can you tell me? Louis, it's so nice to see you.
She's not nearly well enough yet to talk about it.
That's right.
Sit closer and talk to me.
I have to say, I like it Our new look, four sections.
It's so very clear now.
It has authority.
I always felt we needed a little bit more of that, just a touch.
And now, we know where everything is.
It's a very good start.
Keep it all going.
- How many copies have we sold? - Oh, it's too early for that, Stanley, but I'm sure it will be up.
My nose tells me it's up.
Well, that's good, isn't it? Maybe we can start talking about next week's cover now.
Eric thinks we should try something more daring, not just put another band leader on the cover.
Oh, quite right, Eric.
Yes.
We could put a big picture of the televisor on the front cover; that would surprise people.
Yes, Music Express.
Sorry.
Who did you say you were? It's the German Embassy.
Of course, I'd be delighted to help.
When is it? Well, let me give it a little thought.
In fact, I'll definitely give it a lot of thought.
Ask them if they have any more information about Herr Pfenninger and his orchestra without musicians.
Maybe he's going to do a demonstration.
All right, I'll give you a call back when I've had an idea.
Yes, yes, yes, it's a firm undertaking.
All right, good-bye.
Must be your new look, Eric.
We've never had an embassy phone us before.
They're having a very important function, and they would like us to recommend a band to play there.
Well, not jazz, of course.
Course not.
You're here.
Splendid.
Stanley? Word in private? Will here do? Oh, this is perfect.
Nathan told me that when you played here on Christmas Day, some Germans from the embassy walked out as soon - as you came on.
- Yes, but that was to be expected, wasn't it? What do you mean that was to be expected? Does nothing make you angry, Louis? Well, of course it does, but from what I hear, this new lot in Germany, the National Socialists, well, they want to String you all up, can't wait to do it.
Yeah, that's precisely what they want to do.
Let's just say they don't like jazz music quite a lot, so it was to be expected.
It doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
Not happy about it? Is that all? No, it's not all, but it's not clear exactly what one can do about it right at this moment.
Why are you suddenly so interested, anyway? What do you mean, "suddenly"? It's not suddenly.
Believe it or not, I think when one sees intolerance like that, as crude as that, you have to do something to expose it.
That's gonna make a difference, is it? You, Stanley Mitchell, music journalist, are going to make a difference.
You're going to get rid of prejudice all by yourself.
I didn't say I'd make a difference.
Not right away.
So what's the idea? The German embassy are having a bit of a do, 'cause they've got a new chancellor in Berlin.
Good-bye old Hindenburg, hello, Herr Hitler.
Now they've asked me to choose a band for them.
What if we had a little bit of fun? That would be terrific, but they'd never book my band.
They wouldn't let us anywhere near the building.
Well, no, of course not.
But I thought I might handpick a few musicians I know, take it from there.
I haven't conducted in years.
You? You conducting? Yes.
So that's what this is about.
I had a band at school, remember, it was very successful.
Won a competition.
Ah.
Good evening.
Good evening.
Good evening, Mr.
Masterson.
Lovely.
They're absolutely stuffed full of Sherlock Holmes, Tennyson and Dickens in there.
Well, they're right.
That's all you need to know about British, life isn't it? You look wonderful.
Thank you.
Stanley as a band leader.
He's not bad, either.
He really is living one of his cartoons.
He's being Farquhar and Tonk, inside one of their adventures.
Perhaps Julian should start selling some of his cheese to this lot, too.
He really is taking it seriously.
He's back in Paris now, launching the business.
I need to find out more about this new lot and if they can possibly last.
Ladies and gentlemen, excuse me a moment.
But don't worry, they can manage without me for one number, as I'm sure you'll see.
Right, come on.
Coat.
He's feeling a little sick.
Some fresh air might make all the difference.
Right, come on, come on.
They got the music? Course they've got the music; I've thought of everything.
Now they'll follow you.
They're good musicians, and more importantly, they all think they're getting recording contracts.
Well, that may have done a little good.
We'll have to see, but it was so cold out there we had to come straight back.
No, no, no, no, he'll be fine.
That'll do.
Pamela, look.
Oh, yes, I, uh, I forgot the introduction.
How careless of me.
And now we are truly privileged to have Louis Lester, from the renowned Louis Lester Band, as our guest pianist here tonight.
Louis, who is creating such a sensation currently with his band, has broken off his busy schedule to be with us here tonight.
It's wonderful to be here.
So, it's all yours, Louis.
I give you Louis Lester on the piano.
You knew about this, didn't you? Why didn't you tell me? I didn't think they'd bring it off.
Stanley really is an anarchist.
It's rather wonderful.
Oh, good night, everybody.
The rest of the band have kindly agreed to stay.
I really thought we were gonna be arrested.
I thought they were gonna come for us on the stairs.
And throw you in a dungeon.
They couldn't believe somebody had let this happen, a black man playing the piano at their party.
It could cause a major diplomatic incident.
None of tomorrow's papers will mention it, probably, but we will; it'll be our next cover story.
I don't care what Mr.
Wax says.
My congratulations.
That was a marvelous thing to do.
- It was, wasn't it? - To have the nerve to do that.
I'm glad I didn't think about it more before I did it.
No need to stop.
Could be the first of many.
Yes, who'll be next? Some gentlemen's club? Or maybe the Queen Charlotte's Ball? Hang on a moment, it's me that's got to do it, and I definitely think we should quit while we're ahead.
Maybe not quite yet.
I want you to play for my parents, and that really will be a challenge.
But to see people behaving like that at their own party.
I'm going back in there to hear what they're saying.
They're all chattering at the top of their voices.
Good night, my friends.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
I was so proud watching you do that.
It was so exciting.
Exciting but pointless.
Not pointless; it had a point.
Which was what? It embarrassed the hell out of them.
They'll be talking about it for weeks.
And of course if they knew about you two as well They'd wake up in the middle of the night screaming.
I need alcohol really badly.
Yes.
Do you think they'll make an official complaint about you, Stanley, to Mr.
Wax? Try and get you dismissed? Who knows? I doubt it.
It's difficult for them, though, isn't it? They don't want to make themselves look foolish, and of course being German Oh, my God, I forgot.
What? What is it? I forgot all about it.
Eric gave me strict instructions.
I was meant to ask them about Herr Pfenninger and his machines, the orchestra without music.
Eric wants to know if he's coming over.
He wants to make a big thing about it, the first electric concert in London.
And I forgot bloody hell! You'll never be forgiven.
He's waiting right now in the office for my report.
I told him I'd phone him immediately after I found out.
He's waiting in the office? Yes.
Well, let's go and tell him about tonight.
Well, I can't tell him I forgot, can I? I've got to see this Eric.
Somebody that makes you nervous.
I've got to meet this person.
He absolutely does not make me nervous.
You think I'm frightened of Eric? Yes.
That is absolutely not true.
Well, we'll soon see.
Let's go.
Stanley? I love you.
Pamela? Yes, you did hear right.
You thought you'd never hear me say that.
No, why do you think that? Because it's true.
Because I never thought I'd hear myself say it, either.
But I love you.
Must have been your conducting tonight, mustn't it? Didn't realize it was that good.
I have no idea, of course, how long it will last, because you know me, Stanley, what a trivial person I am.
No, you're not.
Don't be silly.
We both know.
Maybe that makes two of us then.
And we also know that you don't love me.
Pamela.
Shh.
Don't say anything, not just yet.
I know I'm right, but for some reason I don't mind at the moment, because maybe, I think, I can make you love me.
Come on, you two! Eric is waiting.
I've got a very lovely bottle It's got everybody's name on it.
Like feeding birds with you lot.
What are they all doing here so late? The embassy's complained immediately, obviously.
Talk about news traveling fast.
That's why you did it, isn't it, Stanley, to impress her? Maybe a little.
Doesn't seem like they're that impressed, though.
Did the embassy phone ahead already? Mr.
Wax, I can explain everything.
This isn't anything about the embassy, Stanley.
I need to talk to you, Louis.
Jessie is dead.
Oh, my God.
I'm so sorry, Stanley.
She was a fine artist.
Such a fine artist.
It's so sad.
She was so young.
I was just about to leave the hotel for the theater.
Mr.
Schlesinger came running into my suite and told me the news.
We tried to phone you at the embassy, Stanley.
We didn't know where you were, Louis.
What happened? She had a seizure, the poor child.
They were just trying to get her on her feet.
She collapsed and died in their arms.