Titanic: Blood and Steel (2012) s01e12 Episode Script
The ‘Unsinkable’ Sets Sail
1 What I'm proposing, Hearst, is that I give you exclusive rights to all the news and information that I receive from the Titanic.
But this will be in real time.
Mmm-hmm.
News sent directly to New York using the latest Marconi wireless technology.
Yeah.
It happens on the ship one day, it appears in your newspapers the next.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER FROM WORKMEN) I still need another man to supervise the carpet fitters, and another to check the second class cotton furnishings against the designs.
I would remind you we're going out a week before sailing.
I shall need your nominees for the guarantee group by the end of the day.
Sir, we have nothing to do with hiring musicians here, you need Black Brothers agency in Liverpool.
They're handling all .
Do I look like a bloody musical agent? This is the way forward, Hearst.
The whole globe linked by rail, ship and electricity.
It's a big opportunity for me.
I can't pass it up.
I understand.
Come with me.
Come to America.
I just have this feeling if I go and you stay I wish I knew what to say.
Well, what does your heart say? I don't know.
It's mute.
It's stifled.
Between the Andrews's offer and the way I feel about you, and my daughter being so close in Belfast I feel like I'm being pulled apart.
You need to make your mind up because in one week, I'm getting on that ship and I'm going to New York.
What do you mean 'the crossing has been cancelled'? Just that, Madam.
On whose authority? Yours is not the only crossing cancelled.
Many ships have been affected by the coal strike.
This is ridiculous.
I demand a crossing.
There's nothing I can do.
You can't transfer me to another vessel? Well, there is the Titanic.
Belfast, from Southampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown.
I know.
And all points west.
I'll take it.
It's an extra six pounds.
You're right to be concerned.
Production has ground to a halt.
Derbyshire, Notts, South Wales, most of the pits are out.
This strike is out of control.
So, you believe there's no hope of a settlement? Not according to my sources.
The government won't budge.
They want to make a point.
I'll keep you informed.
How are your reserves? Gettin' ever lower.
I need 6,000 tons of top-grade Welsh for Titanic's maiden voyage.
You can forget about the Welsh.
You may make do with whatever you can get your hands on.
Well, don't let me down.
I can't promise you anything other than to do my best.
Bloody union leaders, I'd shoot them all.
Ah, look, help me.
I'm trying to do it.
(SIGHS) The boy will be late for his own baptism if we don't leave now.
We have plenty of time.
I promised Father Thomas we would be there at 11:00.
And we will if you stop fussing and let us get ready.
How can you talk to me like this? Eh? Ah, never mind.
Soon you'll be far away and we will not trouble each other.
He's still mad at me.
Do you think? It'll pass.
You know Papa.
You haven't said much about me going.
What's there to say? I'm sorry if you think I'm leaving you.
I don't blame you.
I'm happy for you, Sofia.
A trip to America.
A new start.
Yes.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
(IN UNISON) Amen.
I anoint thee with the chrism of salvation in the same Jesus Christ Our Lord.
(IN UNISON) Amen.
Receive the white raiment of innocence.
Jesus Christ! Michael! Receive the white raiment of innocence.
Preserve it pure and unspotted until the day of Jesus Christ, that thereby thou mayest enter into Eternal Life.
(SOFTLY) Oh, Michael! Michael.
I've missed you so much.
It's good to be home.
When you didn't come back for Conor's funeral, tell the truth, I was worried.
I hoped it was bad blood and, and not something else.
It was nothing like that.
He was my brother.
I'd have been there had I known.
Well, you're home now.
And that's the main thing.
So it is safe for you now? For a few days.
At least, I hope so.
How long are you thinking of staying? I don't know.
So what will you do? Will you go back down South? No.
Ma I'm sorry.
I just need a fresh start.
Something just got beaten out of me that night.
What do you mean? I've booked passage to America.
I want to go to Chicago.
You shouldn't be running FROM the fight, you should be heading straight for it.
I tried that and lost.
So try again.
How? With a gun? We will have a change by force if necessary.
You think I haven't heard this? 'The South will rise.
' 'Rebellion is inevitable.
' Needless bloodshed for what will probably happen anyway.
I don't want blood on my hands.
I'm tired of the struggle.
I want a life.
A life in another country? Yes.
Where class and religion don't matter.
Where success is possible if you're prepared to work for it.
I took my beating.
Do you want me to give my life as well? I did my bit, too.
What about the family? What about us?!! You're being selfish.
No, I'm not.
And you'll see.
(SIGHS) (DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES) (KNOCK AT DOOR) Signor Pietro.
I came to say goodbye.
I'm leaving Belfast.
For good.
Going back home? I wish I could.
No, I'm going to America.
Giacomo has an uncle in Chicago.
America.
Of course.
Everybody's going to America.
They say it's the land of the free.
I wouldn't mind being free.
Free from everything.
From Sofia? (SIGHS) You're looking good.
How is your arm? Fine.
Signor Pietro, I wanted to come for a long time.
I realise my decision not to work with you must have been terrible for you and your family.
I have come to offer my profound apologies.
I'm sorry.
(SPEAKS IN ITALIAN) (SIGHS) Good evening.
Good evening.
Smells good.
(SIGHS) Sofia.
You know, when I left Italy, it was as an enemy of my father.
We never spoke again.
(SCOFFS) I know.
I dreamed of building us the perfect life here.
(SCOFFS) But maybe that's not to be.
Life does not turn out the way you want it.
I was not angry with you.
I was angry with me.
You gave me everything you could.
Go on, go on.
Take it.
It's my gift to you.
I don't want us to part as enemies.
Please, please.
Thank you.
(SOFTLY) Ah Thank you, Papa.
(CHUCKLES) It's because of you I've come back.
Ma wrote me.
She told me how tough it's been for you since Conor died.
So I came back as fast as I could.
You're daft! Am I? I was worried.
Well, I'm fine.
Violetta I can't take the place of my brother in your heart but I would be SO good to you.
And your son.
Doesn't he need a father more than anything? Oh, Michael! I love you.
All I want is to care for you and for little Conor.
I know how you feel about me.
I'm not asking for miracles.
But I am asking you to marry me.
Oh.
Let me be a father to your son.
Come with me to America.
(MUMBLES) Huh? We could build a life there.
Together.
You don't have to answer me now, but promise me you'll think about it.
Even the smallest cabins have electric lights, And their own wash basin.
Three meals a day.
A chose of meat or fish.
So why don't you sound more excited? I don't know.
Michael has asked me to marry him.
What? It's true.
He asked me to marry him and go to America.
And what did you say to him? I haven't said anything.
Why? I am considering it.
What are you considering, Violeta? Well, he is a good man, but But what? I don't love him.
He'd be a father to little Connor.
I knew you'd say that.
But the truth remains.
I don't love him.
Yes, but sometimes, love has to be sacrificed.
Sometimes you don't get everything you wish for.
(KNOCK AT THE DOOR) Come in.
Good evening.
Let me get you a drink.
Thank you.
I haven't seen much of you in the office.
I've been very busy.
Thanks.
I'm leaving in two days.
And you are not coming with me? (SOFTLY) I can't.
My daughter is somewhere in Belfast.
I understand.
I understand.
I really do.
We haven't been lucky, have we? It's the way life is, I suppose.
We are taken by different tides.
By different events.
By hopes.
Breaks my heart to leave you, Mark.
You know that, don't you? I was dreaming of of what would have happened if I had gone to America a couple of years ago.
And I met you there in New York instead of here.
I think we would have met at a cafe.
Canal Street.
Broadway.
I would've been sitting by the window.
Sipping a cup of Joe coffee.
And you would have come in and asked me if the seat were taken.
I might have sat at another table.
(SOFTLY) No.
You wouldn't have.
No.
And after we talked then what? I would have walked with you wherever you wanted to go.
A job interview at The New York Times.
Then I would have walked you there and I would have waited.
And then I would have invited you to dinner.
Where? Some place swanky.
To celebrate you getting your job.
[SOFT CHUCKLE.]
Reid's Steakhouse.
And then we would've taken the train to the amusement park at Coney Island.
Holding hands.
And then we could have gone for a walk on the beach.
Spoken of how it reminded us of Ireland.
And then? that you're doing a marvellous job.
Eh? Not that I expected anything less.
How long did you say that emergency stop took? 850 yards from a speed of 20 knots.
Oh, better than one might expect.
Indeed.
Sorry I wasn't there.
Will you be staying for luncheon, Thomas? Well, I wouldn't wish to inconvenience you.
No, I, I'd like you to stay.
I, I'd be delighted.
Poor Margaret, she's rather bearing the brunt of all this.
(SHUTS DOOR) She is being just wonderful.
Just being herself.
Exactly! I saw Churchill the other day.
Yes, he was kind enough to drop by.
Still smarting over our defeat in the Commons, of course.
Blames the Prime Minister for not putting his back behind the Bill.
But then again, you see, he commented that perhaps Ireland was not quite ready after all.
You know, Thomas I so hoped that our ship would be a symbol of what might have been achieved if differences are put to one side.
A cause of rejoicing in the hearts of men, be they rich or poor, Catholic or Protestant, Unionist or Nationalist.
A unifying force, that was my vision.
Well, we did get her built.
And with a remarkable lack of acrimony.
Yes, but what's the wider picture, hmmm? How have we left Belfast? Our ship is a machine, a thing of the moment.
It's what lasts that matters.
I believe good has come of it.
The agreement with the workers.
Real conversation between management and the union.
Mmm.
You did that, Uncle.
You.
Well, let's hope you're right.
(SIGHS DEEPLY) Or perhaps you're just saying this hmmm to comfort me in my decision? What do you mean? Did Margaret not tell you? (SOFTLY) No.
(SIGHS) I am not coming back to Belfast.
Why? It saddens me too much.
I'll communicate my decision to the Board and I'm sure there'll be no objection to YOU being confirmed as Chairman in my place.
Uncle, really You are ready.
And you're there by merit.
Nothing else.
I want you to sail with her in my place.
I just haven't got the strength.
I shall have to content myself with Ismay's carefully managed reports in the press.
(CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Ah, thank you for coming.
Take a seat.
There's been a change of plan.
With the coal supplies? No, I think we've dealt with that.
We've managed to divert supplies from other liners to Titanic.
No, this is about Lord Pirrie.
What happened? Nothing, he's getting better.
But his illness means that I will be taking his place on the ship as the official representative of Harland & Wolff.
Ah.
Well, that's very appropriate.
And well-deserved.
That may be but it leaves another vacancy as Head of the Guarantee Group.
And that's something I'd like you to do.
(CHUCKLES) Are you sure? Quite sure.
Some people won't like it.
Well, they can go to blazes.
You're the best man.
And the job is yours if you decided to stay in Belfast and with this company.
(WORKMAN) Slow down, boy, or you'll hurt yourself! Well done.
Good lad! (LAUGHS) Good man.
Well on you! I remember the last time I watched you packin'.
I'd thought I'd never see ya again.
Yes, well, this time it's only for three weeks.
Well, when you go tomorrow, no stopping to say goodbye.
I'm not good with goodbyes.
Stop (SIGHS) being so maudlin.
It's still a goodbye.
(SOFTLY) Yes, I know.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER) Michael.
Sorry.
Er, you wouldn't happen to know a Brendan Byrne? He would've just come in from sea.
Aye, Brendan.
See that fella there? That's him.
(INAUDIBLE CHATTER) Thank you.
(CLEARS HIS THROAT) Brendan Byrne? Who are you? I'm Doctor Mark Muir, sir.
I wanted to talk to you about your niece, Sarah.
Sarah? And what's your interest? Uh I'm the girl's natural father.
Oh, Jesus.
I haven't seen herself and her mum in a while.
They have not had good times.
She took up with some drunk from the West Side.
I don't know if they're still there or living in the streets or if the child's been taken into the poorhouse.
Do you have an address? I do.
Go to your little girl, Doctor.
She could do with your help.
Any help you can give them.
I'll write it down for ya.
Move yourself in there, Jerry! You want the old squeeze box? How's that for timing? Help yourself.
(SOFIA) Emily! Sorry.
Sorry.
(MUSIC STOPS) Um I, I want to say a few words about my daughter.
My beautiful daughter.
(CHUCKLES) (SOBS) No, no.
No, no, all I say is, er (SPEAKS IN ITALIAN) (TRANSLATES) God bless you.
Sofia! (EVERYONE REPLIES) Sofia! No, no, no.
Please, please, music.
Come on! Come on! (TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC STARTS AGAIN) Will I ever see any of this again? Or you? Well, if things don't work out here, I'll come and join you.
Why don't you just come anyway? No it's not for me.
No, I'm serious.
(CHUCKLES) Why don't you come? The big difference between me and you is that you weren't born here, which is a blessing in a way.
Gives you the freedom to follow your heart.
(SIGHS) But my fight is here.
And I know it.
Sisters together.
Mmm-hmm.
We are a sisterhood.
(EXHALES) We found strength in each other, and power.
And I'll never forget that.
It's something we have to hang onto.
Oh, we will.
And I'm sorry I can't stay with you.
Here.
Fighting by your side.
(CHUCKLES) You have your own fight.
And we'll write.
We bloody well will! (THEY BOTH CHUCKLE) Every day.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER) Excuse me.
(BABY NOISES) Ah, shhh! It's a lovely thing to watch, isn't it? A man with a baby boy.
That's what Conor missed.
No father to guide him.
His dad died too young.
[INAUDIBLE.]
A child needs a father, Violetta.
(SONG) 'My Lagan Love'.
Where Lagan stream sings lullaby There blows a lily fair Yes.
Really? (CHUCKLES) Yes.
I won't let you down.
The twilight gleam is in her eye (SOUND OF BABY CRYING) The night is on her hair And like a love-sick lenanshee She has my heart in thrall Yes? Eh, Mrs Byrne? No, mister, my name's Donovan.
I was told this was where the Byrnes lived.
Yeah.
They did live here but they don't now.
Will you stop that!! Would you know of an address or, or something? I have no idea, mister.
Miss Please.
If you know anything or if you know anyone who knows anything! As far as I understand it, they just took off and left.
Alright, mister? Well, gentlemen one half of our great adventure is over.
We have conceived and given birth to a mighty child.
It has not been achieved without some sweat and some blood.
But as I see her at the quayside, I realise it is not just the ship that has backbone of steel, but the people who built her.
To Captain Smith, I say take care of her.
Guide her gently and safely.
To all those who worked on her, my heartfelt thanks.
I know that Lord Pirrie feels the same.
It has been a remarkable journey.
Good luck to all of us.
And God protect us.
Thank you, gentlemen.
(IN UNISON) Thank you, Mr Andrews.
I must get to her now, sir.
Good luck, Smith.
Thank you, sir.
Er, Mark? (DOOR CLOSES) (SIGHS) We've come quite some way, haven't we? Long way.
I'm glad we're sailing together.
(SOFTLY) Me too.
See you on board.
Thank you.
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES) (HUSTLE AND BUSTLE) (LOUD CHATTER) Miss.
.
? Burlington.
Burlington? Yes, Kitty Burlington.
You were a friend of Mark Muir's? Yes, at one time.
We met.
We did, Miss.
.
? Yaegar.
Oh, you're Mr Morgan's friend.
That's right.
Very nice to see you again.
And you.
So what's taking you to New York? Grease paint.
I'm sorry? Acting, my dear.
I'm an actress.
Kitty Burlington.
Of course! I've read about you.
Many have.
Though, of course, not much of what they have read bears much resemblance to the truth.
But naturally, being a journalist, you'd know that.
(PIANO MUSIC) (UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER) Miss Burlington? Thank you.
Is this first class? Oh yes, it is.
How tatty! I've seen you in the West End.
What's bringing you to New York? Broadway, of course.
And you, Mr.
.
? Rex Reilly.
I'm on my way to California.
I make movies.
You ever considered the silver screen? Not really.
Is there much to it? With a face like yours, Miss Burlingtonvery little.
I'll allow you to buy me a drink, and then you can tell me more.
Well, it'd be an honour.
Shall we? Well.
.
! It's a big sturdy ship you'll be on.
Yes, Ma, she's tight enough.
Let me have one last hug of my wee grandson.
Here you are now, Conor.
Have a good trip now.
You'll have to watch crying at nights.
He'll be disturbing all the other passengers.
It'll be fine and we'll write as soon as we get to Chicago.
Now, now, now, now.
Come on.
(UPSET) You're really brave.
What's this? Aren't you supposed to be the strong one! Sofia, I'm so proud of you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Papa.
Write every day.
EVERY day.
Every day.
I promise.
Oh, Papa, we'll miss you.
(MICHAEL) We better get aboard.
We'll miss the bloody thing.
(VIOLETTA) Oh, Mary.
You take care of yourself now.
Take care of Papa.
I'll look after them.
I promise.
I promise.
(PIETRO) Thank you.
Thank you.
Emily.
Oh dear, don't cry.
(TEARFUL CHUCKLE) Oh God! (UPSET) Come on.
Let's go.
Tickets, please.
Michael, Violetta and Conor McCann.
Welcome, sir.
Welcome, ma'am.
Sofia Silvestri.
Thank you.
Go ahead.
(SOBS) Byrne.
Eileen and Sarah Byrne.
Welcome aboard.
Revolting stuff! I know, but it will make you feel better.
Now! She's sailingnow.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER FROM THE QUAYSIDE) This is better than I expected.
It's nice.
Hey there, little man.
What do you think? He looks more and more like his father every day.
(BABY CRIES) Evening.
(INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) (INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (SOFTLY) Mark! Mark! (SONG) 'MY LAGAN LOVE'.
But this will be in real time.
Mmm-hmm.
News sent directly to New York using the latest Marconi wireless technology.
Yeah.
It happens on the ship one day, it appears in your newspapers the next.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER FROM WORKMEN) I still need another man to supervise the carpet fitters, and another to check the second class cotton furnishings against the designs.
I would remind you we're going out a week before sailing.
I shall need your nominees for the guarantee group by the end of the day.
Sir, we have nothing to do with hiring musicians here, you need Black Brothers agency in Liverpool.
They're handling all .
Do I look like a bloody musical agent? This is the way forward, Hearst.
The whole globe linked by rail, ship and electricity.
It's a big opportunity for me.
I can't pass it up.
I understand.
Come with me.
Come to America.
I just have this feeling if I go and you stay I wish I knew what to say.
Well, what does your heart say? I don't know.
It's mute.
It's stifled.
Between the Andrews's offer and the way I feel about you, and my daughter being so close in Belfast I feel like I'm being pulled apart.
You need to make your mind up because in one week, I'm getting on that ship and I'm going to New York.
What do you mean 'the crossing has been cancelled'? Just that, Madam.
On whose authority? Yours is not the only crossing cancelled.
Many ships have been affected by the coal strike.
This is ridiculous.
I demand a crossing.
There's nothing I can do.
You can't transfer me to another vessel? Well, there is the Titanic.
Belfast, from Southampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown.
I know.
And all points west.
I'll take it.
It's an extra six pounds.
You're right to be concerned.
Production has ground to a halt.
Derbyshire, Notts, South Wales, most of the pits are out.
This strike is out of control.
So, you believe there's no hope of a settlement? Not according to my sources.
The government won't budge.
They want to make a point.
I'll keep you informed.
How are your reserves? Gettin' ever lower.
I need 6,000 tons of top-grade Welsh for Titanic's maiden voyage.
You can forget about the Welsh.
You may make do with whatever you can get your hands on.
Well, don't let me down.
I can't promise you anything other than to do my best.
Bloody union leaders, I'd shoot them all.
Ah, look, help me.
I'm trying to do it.
(SIGHS) The boy will be late for his own baptism if we don't leave now.
We have plenty of time.
I promised Father Thomas we would be there at 11:00.
And we will if you stop fussing and let us get ready.
How can you talk to me like this? Eh? Ah, never mind.
Soon you'll be far away and we will not trouble each other.
He's still mad at me.
Do you think? It'll pass.
You know Papa.
You haven't said much about me going.
What's there to say? I'm sorry if you think I'm leaving you.
I don't blame you.
I'm happy for you, Sofia.
A trip to America.
A new start.
Yes.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
(IN UNISON) Amen.
I anoint thee with the chrism of salvation in the same Jesus Christ Our Lord.
(IN UNISON) Amen.
Receive the white raiment of innocence.
Jesus Christ! Michael! Receive the white raiment of innocence.
Preserve it pure and unspotted until the day of Jesus Christ, that thereby thou mayest enter into Eternal Life.
(SOFTLY) Oh, Michael! Michael.
I've missed you so much.
It's good to be home.
When you didn't come back for Conor's funeral, tell the truth, I was worried.
I hoped it was bad blood and, and not something else.
It was nothing like that.
He was my brother.
I'd have been there had I known.
Well, you're home now.
And that's the main thing.
So it is safe for you now? For a few days.
At least, I hope so.
How long are you thinking of staying? I don't know.
So what will you do? Will you go back down South? No.
Ma I'm sorry.
I just need a fresh start.
Something just got beaten out of me that night.
What do you mean? I've booked passage to America.
I want to go to Chicago.
You shouldn't be running FROM the fight, you should be heading straight for it.
I tried that and lost.
So try again.
How? With a gun? We will have a change by force if necessary.
You think I haven't heard this? 'The South will rise.
' 'Rebellion is inevitable.
' Needless bloodshed for what will probably happen anyway.
I don't want blood on my hands.
I'm tired of the struggle.
I want a life.
A life in another country? Yes.
Where class and religion don't matter.
Where success is possible if you're prepared to work for it.
I took my beating.
Do you want me to give my life as well? I did my bit, too.
What about the family? What about us?!! You're being selfish.
No, I'm not.
And you'll see.
(SIGHS) (DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES) (KNOCK AT DOOR) Signor Pietro.
I came to say goodbye.
I'm leaving Belfast.
For good.
Going back home? I wish I could.
No, I'm going to America.
Giacomo has an uncle in Chicago.
America.
Of course.
Everybody's going to America.
They say it's the land of the free.
I wouldn't mind being free.
Free from everything.
From Sofia? (SIGHS) You're looking good.
How is your arm? Fine.
Signor Pietro, I wanted to come for a long time.
I realise my decision not to work with you must have been terrible for you and your family.
I have come to offer my profound apologies.
I'm sorry.
(SPEAKS IN ITALIAN) (SIGHS) Good evening.
Good evening.
Smells good.
(SIGHS) Sofia.
You know, when I left Italy, it was as an enemy of my father.
We never spoke again.
(SCOFFS) I know.
I dreamed of building us the perfect life here.
(SCOFFS) But maybe that's not to be.
Life does not turn out the way you want it.
I was not angry with you.
I was angry with me.
You gave me everything you could.
Go on, go on.
Take it.
It's my gift to you.
I don't want us to part as enemies.
Please, please.
Thank you.
(SOFTLY) Ah Thank you, Papa.
(CHUCKLES) It's because of you I've come back.
Ma wrote me.
She told me how tough it's been for you since Conor died.
So I came back as fast as I could.
You're daft! Am I? I was worried.
Well, I'm fine.
Violetta I can't take the place of my brother in your heart but I would be SO good to you.
And your son.
Doesn't he need a father more than anything? Oh, Michael! I love you.
All I want is to care for you and for little Conor.
I know how you feel about me.
I'm not asking for miracles.
But I am asking you to marry me.
Oh.
Let me be a father to your son.
Come with me to America.
(MUMBLES) Huh? We could build a life there.
Together.
You don't have to answer me now, but promise me you'll think about it.
Even the smallest cabins have electric lights, And their own wash basin.
Three meals a day.
A chose of meat or fish.
So why don't you sound more excited? I don't know.
Michael has asked me to marry him.
What? It's true.
He asked me to marry him and go to America.
And what did you say to him? I haven't said anything.
Why? I am considering it.
What are you considering, Violeta? Well, he is a good man, but But what? I don't love him.
He'd be a father to little Connor.
I knew you'd say that.
But the truth remains.
I don't love him.
Yes, but sometimes, love has to be sacrificed.
Sometimes you don't get everything you wish for.
(KNOCK AT THE DOOR) Come in.
Good evening.
Let me get you a drink.
Thank you.
I haven't seen much of you in the office.
I've been very busy.
Thanks.
I'm leaving in two days.
And you are not coming with me? (SOFTLY) I can't.
My daughter is somewhere in Belfast.
I understand.
I understand.
I really do.
We haven't been lucky, have we? It's the way life is, I suppose.
We are taken by different tides.
By different events.
By hopes.
Breaks my heart to leave you, Mark.
You know that, don't you? I was dreaming of of what would have happened if I had gone to America a couple of years ago.
And I met you there in New York instead of here.
I think we would have met at a cafe.
Canal Street.
Broadway.
I would've been sitting by the window.
Sipping a cup of Joe coffee.
And you would have come in and asked me if the seat were taken.
I might have sat at another table.
(SOFTLY) No.
You wouldn't have.
No.
And after we talked then what? I would have walked with you wherever you wanted to go.
A job interview at The New York Times.
Then I would have walked you there and I would have waited.
And then I would have invited you to dinner.
Where? Some place swanky.
To celebrate you getting your job.
[SOFT CHUCKLE.]
Reid's Steakhouse.
And then we would've taken the train to the amusement park at Coney Island.
Holding hands.
And then we could have gone for a walk on the beach.
Spoken of how it reminded us of Ireland.
And then? that you're doing a marvellous job.
Eh? Not that I expected anything less.
How long did you say that emergency stop took? 850 yards from a speed of 20 knots.
Oh, better than one might expect.
Indeed.
Sorry I wasn't there.
Will you be staying for luncheon, Thomas? Well, I wouldn't wish to inconvenience you.
No, I, I'd like you to stay.
I, I'd be delighted.
Poor Margaret, she's rather bearing the brunt of all this.
(SHUTS DOOR) She is being just wonderful.
Just being herself.
Exactly! I saw Churchill the other day.
Yes, he was kind enough to drop by.
Still smarting over our defeat in the Commons, of course.
Blames the Prime Minister for not putting his back behind the Bill.
But then again, you see, he commented that perhaps Ireland was not quite ready after all.
You know, Thomas I so hoped that our ship would be a symbol of what might have been achieved if differences are put to one side.
A cause of rejoicing in the hearts of men, be they rich or poor, Catholic or Protestant, Unionist or Nationalist.
A unifying force, that was my vision.
Well, we did get her built.
And with a remarkable lack of acrimony.
Yes, but what's the wider picture, hmmm? How have we left Belfast? Our ship is a machine, a thing of the moment.
It's what lasts that matters.
I believe good has come of it.
The agreement with the workers.
Real conversation between management and the union.
Mmm.
You did that, Uncle.
You.
Well, let's hope you're right.
(SIGHS DEEPLY) Or perhaps you're just saying this hmmm to comfort me in my decision? What do you mean? Did Margaret not tell you? (SOFTLY) No.
(SIGHS) I am not coming back to Belfast.
Why? It saddens me too much.
I'll communicate my decision to the Board and I'm sure there'll be no objection to YOU being confirmed as Chairman in my place.
Uncle, really You are ready.
And you're there by merit.
Nothing else.
I want you to sail with her in my place.
I just haven't got the strength.
I shall have to content myself with Ismay's carefully managed reports in the press.
(CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Ah, thank you for coming.
Take a seat.
There's been a change of plan.
With the coal supplies? No, I think we've dealt with that.
We've managed to divert supplies from other liners to Titanic.
No, this is about Lord Pirrie.
What happened? Nothing, he's getting better.
But his illness means that I will be taking his place on the ship as the official representative of Harland & Wolff.
Ah.
Well, that's very appropriate.
And well-deserved.
That may be but it leaves another vacancy as Head of the Guarantee Group.
And that's something I'd like you to do.
(CHUCKLES) Are you sure? Quite sure.
Some people won't like it.
Well, they can go to blazes.
You're the best man.
And the job is yours if you decided to stay in Belfast and with this company.
(WORKMAN) Slow down, boy, or you'll hurt yourself! Well done.
Good lad! (LAUGHS) Good man.
Well on you! I remember the last time I watched you packin'.
I'd thought I'd never see ya again.
Yes, well, this time it's only for three weeks.
Well, when you go tomorrow, no stopping to say goodbye.
I'm not good with goodbyes.
Stop (SIGHS) being so maudlin.
It's still a goodbye.
(SOFTLY) Yes, I know.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER) Michael.
Sorry.
Er, you wouldn't happen to know a Brendan Byrne? He would've just come in from sea.
Aye, Brendan.
See that fella there? That's him.
(INAUDIBLE CHATTER) Thank you.
(CLEARS HIS THROAT) Brendan Byrne? Who are you? I'm Doctor Mark Muir, sir.
I wanted to talk to you about your niece, Sarah.
Sarah? And what's your interest? Uh I'm the girl's natural father.
Oh, Jesus.
I haven't seen herself and her mum in a while.
They have not had good times.
She took up with some drunk from the West Side.
I don't know if they're still there or living in the streets or if the child's been taken into the poorhouse.
Do you have an address? I do.
Go to your little girl, Doctor.
She could do with your help.
Any help you can give them.
I'll write it down for ya.
Move yourself in there, Jerry! You want the old squeeze box? How's that for timing? Help yourself.
(SOFIA) Emily! Sorry.
Sorry.
(MUSIC STOPS) Um I, I want to say a few words about my daughter.
My beautiful daughter.
(CHUCKLES) (SOBS) No, no.
No, no, all I say is, er (SPEAKS IN ITALIAN) (TRANSLATES) God bless you.
Sofia! (EVERYONE REPLIES) Sofia! No, no, no.
Please, please, music.
Come on! Come on! (TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC STARTS AGAIN) Will I ever see any of this again? Or you? Well, if things don't work out here, I'll come and join you.
Why don't you just come anyway? No it's not for me.
No, I'm serious.
(CHUCKLES) Why don't you come? The big difference between me and you is that you weren't born here, which is a blessing in a way.
Gives you the freedom to follow your heart.
(SIGHS) But my fight is here.
And I know it.
Sisters together.
Mmm-hmm.
We are a sisterhood.
(EXHALES) We found strength in each other, and power.
And I'll never forget that.
It's something we have to hang onto.
Oh, we will.
And I'm sorry I can't stay with you.
Here.
Fighting by your side.
(CHUCKLES) You have your own fight.
And we'll write.
We bloody well will! (THEY BOTH CHUCKLE) Every day.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER) Excuse me.
(BABY NOISES) Ah, shhh! It's a lovely thing to watch, isn't it? A man with a baby boy.
That's what Conor missed.
No father to guide him.
His dad died too young.
[INAUDIBLE.]
A child needs a father, Violetta.
(SONG) 'My Lagan Love'.
Where Lagan stream sings lullaby There blows a lily fair Yes.
Really? (CHUCKLES) Yes.
I won't let you down.
The twilight gleam is in her eye (SOUND OF BABY CRYING) The night is on her hair And like a love-sick lenanshee She has my heart in thrall Yes? Eh, Mrs Byrne? No, mister, my name's Donovan.
I was told this was where the Byrnes lived.
Yeah.
They did live here but they don't now.
Will you stop that!! Would you know of an address or, or something? I have no idea, mister.
Miss Please.
If you know anything or if you know anyone who knows anything! As far as I understand it, they just took off and left.
Alright, mister? Well, gentlemen one half of our great adventure is over.
We have conceived and given birth to a mighty child.
It has not been achieved without some sweat and some blood.
But as I see her at the quayside, I realise it is not just the ship that has backbone of steel, but the people who built her.
To Captain Smith, I say take care of her.
Guide her gently and safely.
To all those who worked on her, my heartfelt thanks.
I know that Lord Pirrie feels the same.
It has been a remarkable journey.
Good luck to all of us.
And God protect us.
Thank you, gentlemen.
(IN UNISON) Thank you, Mr Andrews.
I must get to her now, sir.
Good luck, Smith.
Thank you, sir.
Er, Mark? (DOOR CLOSES) (SIGHS) We've come quite some way, haven't we? Long way.
I'm glad we're sailing together.
(SOFTLY) Me too.
See you on board.
Thank you.
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES) (HUSTLE AND BUSTLE) (LOUD CHATTER) Miss.
.
? Burlington.
Burlington? Yes, Kitty Burlington.
You were a friend of Mark Muir's? Yes, at one time.
We met.
We did, Miss.
.
? Yaegar.
Oh, you're Mr Morgan's friend.
That's right.
Very nice to see you again.
And you.
So what's taking you to New York? Grease paint.
I'm sorry? Acting, my dear.
I'm an actress.
Kitty Burlington.
Of course! I've read about you.
Many have.
Though, of course, not much of what they have read bears much resemblance to the truth.
But naturally, being a journalist, you'd know that.
(PIANO MUSIC) (UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER) Miss Burlington? Thank you.
Is this first class? Oh yes, it is.
How tatty! I've seen you in the West End.
What's bringing you to New York? Broadway, of course.
And you, Mr.
.
? Rex Reilly.
I'm on my way to California.
I make movies.
You ever considered the silver screen? Not really.
Is there much to it? With a face like yours, Miss Burlingtonvery little.
I'll allow you to buy me a drink, and then you can tell me more.
Well, it'd be an honour.
Shall we? Well.
.
! It's a big sturdy ship you'll be on.
Yes, Ma, she's tight enough.
Let me have one last hug of my wee grandson.
Here you are now, Conor.
Have a good trip now.
You'll have to watch crying at nights.
He'll be disturbing all the other passengers.
It'll be fine and we'll write as soon as we get to Chicago.
Now, now, now, now.
Come on.
(UPSET) You're really brave.
What's this? Aren't you supposed to be the strong one! Sofia, I'm so proud of you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Papa.
Write every day.
EVERY day.
Every day.
I promise.
Oh, Papa, we'll miss you.
(MICHAEL) We better get aboard.
We'll miss the bloody thing.
(VIOLETTA) Oh, Mary.
You take care of yourself now.
Take care of Papa.
I'll look after them.
I promise.
I promise.
(PIETRO) Thank you.
Thank you.
Emily.
Oh dear, don't cry.
(TEARFUL CHUCKLE) Oh God! (UPSET) Come on.
Let's go.
Tickets, please.
Michael, Violetta and Conor McCann.
Welcome, sir.
Welcome, ma'am.
Sofia Silvestri.
Thank you.
Go ahead.
(SOBS) Byrne.
Eileen and Sarah Byrne.
Welcome aboard.
Revolting stuff! I know, but it will make you feel better.
Now! She's sailingnow.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE CHATTER FROM THE QUAYSIDE) This is better than I expected.
It's nice.
Hey there, little man.
What do you think? He looks more and more like his father every day.
(BABY CRIES) Evening.
(INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) (INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (SOFTLY) Mark! Mark! (SONG) 'MY LAGAN LOVE'.