Bomb Girls s02e09 Episode Script
Something Fierce
1 Our new security man.
Clifford Parry.
Meet Gladys Witham.
Hey stop! Vera, you gotta believe me.
Our boys have landed in France.
Small coastal village, Dieppe.
Things did not go well.
So many young men's lives changed.
You could ease a loneliness.
There is a balm in Gilead Men and women working together, it's a powder keg.
I'm sorry.
Don't do it again.
The war may be won or lost on the strength of the intelligence we gather.
What do you need me to do? Go back to your regular life.
Make sure no one suspect anything.
Wow, this article sure tears a strip off the brass who planned the whole Dieppe raid.
Here comes George and Gracie.
Hey, Kate.
Look at this.
They're doing an "All-Girl Revue" at the Jewel.
What's an All-Girl Revue? It's a revue.
With all girls.
These days they have all-girl everything.
So? So? Kate's a singer.
It's a chance to sing.
Kate has been singing.
At the hospital, for soldiers.
Ivan, this could be a real gig.
You have a real gig, baby, right here at the factory.
Honey, he's very cute, but I wouldn't let him tell you what to do.
Oh Yeah? And who are you, Ma'am? Dottie Shannon.
Which the way to the office? Dottie Shannon.
The reporter? Yes.
We were just reading your article in the Telegram.
You wrote this? I did.
Why'd you call the whole Dieppe raid one big blunder? Because someone has to call it like the rest of us see it.
Listen, sweetie.
I'm a Canuck only by marriage, alright? Where I'm from, criticizing the Brits is an art-form.
There'll be lots to write about in the factory.
I can hardly wait to get a look at the whole thing.
How you do it is really beyond me.
You must be Mrs.
Shannon.
That's exactly how my second husband proposed.
Mr.
Aikins asked me to keep an eye out.
I'm told you have permission to visit all week.
Yes, I'm writing a series, "Woman at War.
" Don't worry, I'll blend right in.
You'll need to leave the hat with me.
But I wore this topper when I interviewed the Prime Minister! And the earrings.
Well alright then.
The handbag stays, it's metal clasp.
Well let me just get out the tools of my trade then.
The fountain pen.
How will I take notes? With a pencil.
This is a bomb factory, Mrs.
Shannon.
And I'm sure you'll give me an explosive story.
So, is it true they call you girls who work the cordite "Powder Puffs"? Yeah or "Canaries.
" That's on account of how if you're not careful, the chemicals can stain our skin-- " a lovely shade of yellow" Mrs.
Shannon, I've asked you to stand back.
I'm back, I'm back.
Your matron sure takes her job seriously.
It's a dangerous place to work.
So if the cordite turns your skin yellow, what do you think it does to your insides? They say as long as we take precautions, it's safe.
And those routine X-rays, are those precautions? I'm sure your readers would rather hear the positive aspects of our work.
Well it's my job to report the truth.
Seems to me you ought to do it in a way that inspires the war effort.
Seems to me, that's your opinion.
I've asked you to stand back.
It's for your own protection.
- Whoa! - Oh! That's protection? You nearly blew us all up! No-one's blowing up.
The cordite, will need to be re-weighed, wrapped, and inspected.
Lorna! We won't make quota today.
I wondered when I'd see you again.
Why are we whispering? You said you'd be in touch.
And I will.
When? When the need arises.
There are changes afoot.
You'll let me know when there's a problem? Wait.
What does that mean? Miss Witham, you have creamed cauliflower on your cheek.
Still saving up for a home? Absolutely.
It'd be nice to have a real place, to raise a family in a proper home.
You and Ivan started talking kids? No.
But I know he likes them.
He's a good egg, that one.
You buying a house? Why not.
It's no Rosedale palace, but it'll suit my needs just fine.
Anyway, a girl needs goals in life.
That woman is a news-hawk in a dress.
I'm having her turfed.
The thing is, Sir, that spill was my fault.
That's not what it looked like from up here.
She's come here to sniff out a story.
Let's not give her the wrong one.
You wanted to see me, Capo? Give us the room, Lorna.
There's gonna be a new security protocol for materials handling.
Oh yeah? Your job doesn't much change except, Leon is going to sign off on everything now.
You're putting me under Leon? Not under.
You're, you know equals.
So now the guy that I trained is gonna be looking over my shoulder all day? I'm following orders.
I work for the man, same as you.
Look if you can't stand up to them, at least be real with me.
What's really going on? Following the rules.
Mrs.
Corbett.
I was wondering if I might chat with you for my story.
I'm sure you can find more interesting people to talk to.
I know subjects and you're a good one.
I won't participate in an article that criticizes my girls.
They work far too hard to have the press take potshots.
Your girls, Mrs.
Corbett, will inspire my readers and so will you.
I merely do what's asked of me here.
Undersold by a country mile.
I'm going to miss my streetcar.
Let me give you a ride home.
Please, you've been on your feet all day, Mrs.
Corbett.
It's right over here, come.
Yes? I've given two years of my life to that place.
For what? To be treated like dirt.
The honchos want more eyes on our paperwork.
Chalk it up to that.
I would chalk it up to that, if it were true.
I think I got to quit my job.
Don't say that.
They leave me no choice.
Alright next girl.
In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone As she wheeled her wheelbarrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O! A-live Hey cupcake, quit singing and tell me something.
Why do you even want this gig? I'm a singer With a chance to prove myself, I might have a real career.
Every second girl I know wants to sing.
If the boys want Little Orphan Annie, they can find her in the funny pages.
I can borrow something.
A better dress? Come down here.
Sorry, hon.
You look like "little sweet miss ain't never been kissed.
" Good on ya.
Don't let that windbag Whoa I've been kissed, Mr.
Jones.
You've seen it yourself.
Pack some of that punch into your act? I'll give you a song.
Thank you! You won't regret it.
Worst case, we got a comedy number.
Next! Oh boy.
Oh boy! I'll take it.
Geeze You buy on every turn! My old man always said, if you do one thing in life, buy land.
Yeah, but now you're nearly broke.
Investing in the future seems a good idea.
How long am I stuck in the slammer? Well-- You gotta earn your way out.
Roll a double, pay the fine, or kiss me like you did at the club.
Woops.
Sorry! No Vera, what is it? Maybe I'll come back later - No! - Yes! Okay.
There's something you need to hear.
It's about the Revue.
My oven's broken or I'd heat them up.
If my husband were in town he'd fix it.
Delicious.
It's french mayonnaise.
It's not hard to make.
Do you know I think I wrote about that once, when they had me doing recipes.
I know.
That's where I learned it.
You did? Thank you.
I learned it from a man in the Gare du Nord.
He invited me over to dinner with his family.
I thought "family" was a euphemism, until I showed up and there was his wife and five children.
But the food was wonderful.
I'd love to see Paris.
So you collected my recipes? I did.
I mean before the war, all they let us gals write about was homemaking or gossip.
- Only now, with the men overseas - Yes.
You know, Hitler gave me a career in journalism.
My husband says you're only out to kick the hornet's nest.
This that so? What's your opinion? Truthfully? Yes.
I used to think you were uppity, barging into a man's world.
Until I started working there myself.
Well I can live with uppity.
But someone has to ask the hard questions about Dieppe.
My son fought there, Mrs.
Shannon.
I know.
And I was relieved to hear that Stanley survived.
I do my homework.
And tug out people's secrets.
Well the mayonnaise? Safe with me.
Burlesque? Yes sirree Bob.
As in hoochie-coochie girls? Didn't I tell you this smelled rotten? There's nothing wrong with a burlesque show.
Takes all sorts.
All sorts of loose women.
And don't tell me you disagree.
You're the one, came running to warn us.
Because I know it's something Kate would never do.
Yeah you got that right.
There's got to be another way to be a singer.
Don't I get a say? Found the tools.
Mrs.
Shannon, this is Regina Harrison.
Didn't I see you at the plant today? Sure did.
Yeah I can fix this.
Reggie, I set aside a place for you.
So Mrs.
Crobett, you are matron and mother to the girls under your purview? I wouldn't go that far.
Reggie needed a place, and I have space is all.
I'd go that far and further.
A factory built on the backs of women.
What makes you to work so hard? Hard work is all I know.
Raised three children, kept this house together through the lean years And now the war.
I need to stay useful.
And if it should ever end? Maybe then it'll be my turn.
Deuce.
You have plans tomorrow night? No.
Why? I'm entertaining some military types for dinner and I could use a hostess.
Mother isn't well enough? You remember, she went through this last time when we lost Laurence.
Except Laurence was her son.
James was James was the boy we'd hoped would shoulder our family's legacy.
Hmhmm What'll you do if there never is another James? You're an attractive girl with an equally attractive income for the lucky man that marries you.
How attractive? I beg your pardon? Well, you control the annuity that Grandad set up for me.
I remember Laurence controlled his own trust before he turned twenty.
And I was better at math.
You're well looked after, if that's your concern.
My concern is that you're staking my future on the arrival of some unknown husband who may never even materialize.
"Lorna Corbett is a dedicated employee who's given herself fully to her job as matron.
" - "Her tireless work ethic--" - Reggie, please, I'd rather not hear.
"Her tireless work-ethic has her wearing many hats at Victory Munitions.
In fact, she does the job of three at the factory before going home to cook up fortifying dinners for her lodger.
" That's me.
I'm in the paper.
"It's all in a day's work that pays Mrs.
Corbett" Oh.
Oh what? Nothing.
"That pays Mrs.
Corbett a fraction of what her male counterparts earn.
" Of course the men earn more.
Their work is different.
They do the heavy lifting.
They better.
We make eleven hundred a year to their two grand.
If you're in that revue, I'll be there.
Ditto.
So you'll have at least two cheering for you.
Just be sure it's what you wanna do.
Why does everybody think I can't be in a burlesque.
Maybe because you can't say the word without blushing? It's a chance to sing on stage.
Everybody starts somewhere.
But, Kate, you do know what that kind of show actually entails, right? Do you, Vera? I've been once or twice.
It's no great mystery what those women do.
Can you give me some pointers? Okay but if you get in hot water with Ivan the Terrible, don't blame me.
Donald, these are for the 25-pounders.
You see the difference in length? I look blind to you? No.
So I'm sure you can find your way to the right ones.
You do it.
Then you'd be doing the job of four for half my take, isn't that right? Even a dope like Donald earns twice your pay.
The heaviest thing he lifts is the lead between his ears.
Let's stop worrying about how the men have it better and get back to work.
Lorna's right.
You're still making good money.
If you still want that house you should get it.
Princess, us mere mortals have to scrimp and save.
Yeah for a down-payment.
I don't know how to talk to bank men.
Well I've met plenty of them.
Their all suckers for a pretty girl with a sweet smile.
Would you come with me? Show me how it's done? Yes.
Aren't you forgetting something? Those are for you, so you don't forget what women's work feels like.
Keep walking, jackass Don't pay them any mind, Lorna.
What was that about? Nothing you need to worry about.
No Marco, please, I don't understand.
When you were talking to that reporter it sounded like you were never going back, even after the war.
A great worker, like you, half a man's pay? Some of these guys feel replaceable.
Mr.
Cowell, good evening.
Seems you brought the cold weather with you from Oxford.
Excuse us, please.
You're doing a great job.
So is Cook, I was just checking in on dinner.
Tell her to set another place we have a last-minute addition.
Clifford Parry, my daughter, Gladys.
You may have met.
Mr.
Parry oversees security for Victory Munitions.
I'm disappointed with myself for not noticing such a lovely lady.
That's quite alright, Mr.
Parry.
We pretty much all look the same in our turbans and coveralls.
Burlesque.
Gotta show him what he's missing.
And then take it away.
Atta girl.
Here, give it a whirl.
Let's do that again.
Are you sure this is your speed? I'm not quitting because I'm too scared to learn a few lousy dance-steps.
Well maybe you need a better teacher.
I'm not exactly an expert.
But you've got allure like nobody's business.
We're not here to build my spirits.
I was always made to believe that a woman's body was a vessel of sin.
And you've got this confidence, you know who you are and to heck with the world.
Honey, I just fake it.
It's all an act.
Now show me yours.
Remember fellows only want what they can't have.
Yeah, you don't buy the cow If you get the milk for free.
Whatever Rollie Witham is capable of, he is my father.
You're not enlisting me against him.
Easy now, we're on the same side, you and me.
How can I be on your side when I don't know what your side even is.
It's no big secret what an explosives factory makes.
We're working on a new formula, a race with the Nazis.
Small amounts of this stuff can pack a wallop.
One soldier can carry enough to blow up a tank in a tube of toothpaste or a can of beans.
Beans.
Is that where Father comes in? We asked him for help and he told us, whatever it takes.
He did? And what's his profit? Not a penny.
Tonight, hopefully, we finalize our arrangement.
Seems you expect the worst from him.
It's a habit we've both developed.
You move well between worlds.
It's what attracted us to you.
They'll be looking for us inside.
You're not shaking your tail like some Sherry Britton.
Sherry Britton started in burlesque, but now she's on Broadway.
Sherry Britton is a sex-pot! Right and I'm a bore.
No, no Hey, you're not.
You're just not like those girls.
I fought hard to get my voice back.
What's wrong with wanting to use it? You think I'm this meek little mouse you can keep in a cage? No! I just don't wanna see you degrade yourself! It's not degrading if I want to do it! - Yes it is.
- Says who? Says me.
I don't want my girl on stage.
Well then maybe I shouldn't be your girl.
Maybe you shouldn't.
Another article.
Everyone's in an uproar.
That damned lady-reporter is stirring the pot.
The men we work for, do they fully understand what I do here? What are we supposed to do, Lorna? Give all of your girls raises because you think you're worth more than Donald Hiltz? I never said I was "worth more.
" I'm simply asking why I'm worth less than a stock-boy.
Our fellows work plenty hard.
Does Donald risk his life on the line? Supervise a team of workers? Give all his free hours to this place? For God's sake, Lorna! What's more important? Earning an extra fifty cents a day, or beating Hitler? Well, beating Hitler of course, but I-- Fine.
Get back to work.
So I gotta bat my eyelashes at this guy? It wouldn't hurt.
Let him feel like he's helping a damsel in distress.
How can I help you ladies? Oh.
We're just here to see Mr.
Abbott.
That's me.
Christine.
And which of you is Elizabeth McRae? Uh I am.
One-hundred-and-forty dollars.
Nicely done.
Shows discipline, focus.
That's two years of savings, doesn't come easy.
But Elizabeth here, is a determined young woman.
You can definitely trust her to hold down the fort.
You'd like a loan of $3,700? Yes, Ma'am.
Means you pay three percent interest, annually.
You'll do that for twenty-five years.
Your monthly payments will be Seventeen dollars and fifty-five cents.
I can cover that.
Don't forget you'll have to heat the house, pay electrical, buy insurance.
I'll take tenants to cover costs Lots of gals with good salaries need places to live.
Until they meet the right man and marry.
I'm a skilled factory worker, Ma'am.
That's a valuable trade.
That may be.
But one day, God willing, the war will end and there won't be jobs for any of us.
How will you pay the bank its money then? I've had a steady job since I was sixteen years old.
That hardly makes you a reliable credit risk.
Perhaps if your father co-signed.
Surely there are other ways for a woman to establish herself? She should take some initiative.
Build a history of credit.
Maybe a car loan? I take the streetcar.
Here's what you're going to do, Miss McRae.
Buy Victory Bonds and wait till the war ends.
Don't give up.
You're a pretty girl, you'll see.
Dreams do come true.
Mine did.
Right? Yes Looking for more victims for your series, Mrs.
Shannon? Let me guess.
It was the bit about your salary that broke your heart? I trusted you.
I thought you were all about telling the truth? Maybe I said things I shouldn't have.
And I'm sure it'll be a hit with your readers but none of it was any of your business.
That's right, it's your business.
So why don't you do something? I'm not you! Quit trying to turn us all into pioneers! You hold deadly weapons in your hand all day, and you're telling me you're scared to knock on a door? You deserve it, Lorna.
Oh what a night.
What a night, eh? Coming up next, a gal that will really put some snap in your suspenders.
Hey! Coming out now, the one and only, Miss Roxie.
What's wrong Bets? When the war ends, I could be earning half of what I make now.
Don't say that.
I'm sure there'll be plenty of good jobs for girls who want them.
Yeah.
Secretaries, teachers, nurses, nuns and that.
I'm sorry I dragged you there, Bets.
It's still a great dream.
Yeah.
Maybe it's time to wake up.
Gladys! I need your shawl for Kate.
Come, come.
I'll be back.
Hi Betty.
Hi.
I feel so naked in this thing.
If I had what you had honey, I'd want the world to know.
Thanks.
You're a life-saver.
Kate, you'll be splendid.
Thanks, Gladys.
Have I got a special treat for you.
From the newest, steamiest Andrews sister of them all Kate Andrews! Whoo! I need a man who zips my zipper A classic gent, a real good tipper Not just a star, a real big dipper Baby, that's the man I need Show the lady some respect! Who opens my umbrella Who treats me nice and plays me like a cello I need a guy who bakes my apple pie Baby, that's the guy I need Now I don't need a boy who's trouble To come around and burst my bubble And I don't wanna hear no socks 'Cause baby, I'm the one who's boss I need a man who steams my kettle So don't be blind because I need you to see That baby, you're the man I need Yeah baby, you're the man I need (Speaking Italian) Allora me dice ella: "Sempre Italiano, sempre Europeo.
" (Speaking Italian) Vera.
What are you doing here? I figured if Kate could brave the stage, I could risk a walk through Little Italy.
Oh that's right.
Kate's thing.
Oh my God, I forgot.
Thought I might see you there.
Yeah I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stand you up.
Marco I just wanted to say I hope you don't quit the plant.
Because I would miss you.
Something fierce.
Oh, I'd miss you too, kid.
Oh! Sounds like you're busy.
Yeah, a couple of the paisans from the neighborhood.
Oh, yeah? Mind if I join you? Oh no, of course Yeah, come in.
(Speaking Italian) Who ordered the mangiacake? (Speaking Italian) These are my paisani.
What are you palling around with bootleggers now? And now you've seen our crime.
- Can't let you outta here alive.
- Oh yeah? Which one of you lucky boys gets to show me how it's done? (Speaking Italian) First of all you gotta say San Martino.
San Martino.
(Speaking Italian) (Speaking Italian) (Speaking Italian) (Speaking Italian) - Santo Martino.
- Santo Martino.
- Chin, chin.
- Chin chin.
(Speaking Italian) Whoo.
It was incredible.
Baby, you take the cake.
How did you do that? I don't know.
When I'm in the song, I guess I forget to be afraid.
I was an ass.
Yeah, you were.
But you showed up tonight.
Boy am I glad I did.
Oh my I know it's a lousy ring.
But I promise I will buy you a rock big as the moon, as soon I can afford it.
Kate, will you be my wife? This is so sudden, I wasn't expecting I wanna take care of you.
I wanna make it so you'll never have to worry about anything ever again.
The way you feel when you're singing, like anythings possible? That's how you make me feel, all the time.
Great things lie ahead for us, Kate.
Great things.
You're right, Ivan.
Great things.
All this hard work for something you could grab for nickels at the liquor board? - This one has heart.
- Hmm.
And kick.
Wait until Easter.
It's good to see you having fun.
You know, My dad use to make wine with his friends.
I used to think it was old-country, but look at me now.
These are your people.
It's good to see who you are around them Thank you for sticking around, braving it out.
Brave? Brave is Kate doing Burlesque.
Oh that's right.
Can't believe the kid delivered.
She was well-schooled.
Meh.
Are you calling down my teaching skills? I'm just saying, She should have asked me is all.
I have seen more than my fair share of these shows.
And believe you me, I have paid plenty attention to their technique.
I don't doubt that.
Take note, Miss Burr.
Oh no.
Admit it, your heart's going thumpity.
Shut up, you bird-brain.
Make me.
Oh, wait a second.
Vera, are you sure you wanna do this? Do I look like I'm having doubts? Thanks again for helping me the other night.
You were perfect.
You close your big deal? It wasn't business, I was just building contacts.
I should get ready for my shift.
I'm proud of you, Gladys.
For getting up every day and going to that plant.
The other girls there have no idea what their future holds.
Nor do I, because you keep me in the dark.
I don't need a crystal ball to see you're about to ask me for something.
Control over my own trust.
I'm the only heir you have, and protecting me from the world won't help me a lick.
You see yourself as my heir? Why shouldn't I? I'm your only child.
Look, I'm just asking for a test-run.
I won't touch the principal.
Let me prove that I can do this.
All right.
The interest is not king's ransom but I am curious to see how you deal with the responsibility.
Thank you, Daddy.
Off to work we go.
Yup.
Hey, Lorna, you make this meatloaf? 'Cause if this is the stuff you made for that reporter, it tastes like cow-pie.
Or is "cook" not one of the jobs you do around here for half our take? Well, Donald? If you can't eat it, wear it.
You gonna let them do this? Moron.
If you think you can replace me, then set to it.
Plenty of factories, hurting for good workers.
I could go somewhere else.
You wouldn't have the guts to walk.
Try me.
Kate? It's on the right finger, Betty.
By which I mean the left.
The Slav? Gosh, he's not wasting time, is he? He knows what he wants out of life and that's very appealing.
Sure you're ready to take the plunge? He's a sweet guy.
And he loves me.
Do you love him? Yeah.
I'm happy for you, Kate Andrews.
It's great news.
It's crazy at the factory, I can't stand it.
I figured since we grew up in the same line of work, maybe you could use extra hand around the fireworks shop? I couldn't pay you half of what you're pulling at the factory.
You know anyone that could? Guys I know, they'd kill for your job.
I just keep choking on my self-respect, you know? Stop looking at your job like you're fighting the war.
It's a paycheque, Marco, and a damned good one.
If I don't quit, I'm gotta have to find some other way to stand up straight.
See This is why I love you.
You're proud.
I know some guys, got the same problem.
You should meet 'em.
You're in a tunnel, my friend.
Let me shine a little light.
Chin, Chin.
Now, this one, I call my "alone-in-a-hotel-room" special.
The best part, is the egg-white.
On really rough nights, you can convince yourself that it's dinner.
There.
Whiskey Sour.
You didn't need to do this.
Oh, I felt horrible, for making a mess outta your life.
You said I was gonna cause trouble and I did.
What What if Mr.
Aikins replaces me? Well, then you'll have a little bit more freedom.
A little bit too much.
You know you gotta fight for what you want, Lorna.
Really, I mean, I've interviewed heads of state and I'm still fighting with blowhards like Aikins.
Extra money, that's selfish.
No.
What about the other girls? Well, someone has to be the first through the door.
The other girls will follow.
My husband hated when I first started working.
Really? And how does he feel about that now? Can I have Yeah maybe I'll just fill that up for you, Lorna.
Listen, you know my husband Neville, he lets me be, who I need to be.
There are as many paths as there are men.
You just have to make sure you're both travelling in the same direction.
Here's to you, Lorna.
You're a good worker, Lorna.
This has been very difficult for me.
Thirty-five cents a day raise.
It's not the fifty you wanted, but it's better than the toe of my boot, which the higher-ups thought I should give ya.
You changed their minds on my behalf? I made sure they knew, this place could use you sticking around.
And this raise it's for all the girls? Just you.
Unless you'd rather not.
No, someone has to be the first through the door.
I'll take it, Mr.
Aikins.
Thank you.
I, uh.
I expect you won't mention this to the rest of the girls.
I wouldn't expect that if I were you.
The loan of $50 matures in 18 months.
No concerns there.
I won't be spending a dime of it.
You'll need to make the scheduled re-payments with interest.
Proving that I'm a decent credit-risk.
I get it.
You prove yourself small here, Miss McRae, there may be a mortgage for you.
That's the idea.
"Dear Bob, believe it or not, that's your wife in the paper.
" "If that weren't wonders enough, seems I received a small raise.
" "Strange, writing you like this," "my first since you fought overseas.
" "The things in life that happened then" "they didn't feel like they really happened until I shared them with you.
" "I wonder, do you miss me out there?" "I hope so.
" "Love, Lorna.
"
Clifford Parry.
Meet Gladys Witham.
Hey stop! Vera, you gotta believe me.
Our boys have landed in France.
Small coastal village, Dieppe.
Things did not go well.
So many young men's lives changed.
You could ease a loneliness.
There is a balm in Gilead Men and women working together, it's a powder keg.
I'm sorry.
Don't do it again.
The war may be won or lost on the strength of the intelligence we gather.
What do you need me to do? Go back to your regular life.
Make sure no one suspect anything.
Wow, this article sure tears a strip off the brass who planned the whole Dieppe raid.
Here comes George and Gracie.
Hey, Kate.
Look at this.
They're doing an "All-Girl Revue" at the Jewel.
What's an All-Girl Revue? It's a revue.
With all girls.
These days they have all-girl everything.
So? So? Kate's a singer.
It's a chance to sing.
Kate has been singing.
At the hospital, for soldiers.
Ivan, this could be a real gig.
You have a real gig, baby, right here at the factory.
Honey, he's very cute, but I wouldn't let him tell you what to do.
Oh Yeah? And who are you, Ma'am? Dottie Shannon.
Which the way to the office? Dottie Shannon.
The reporter? Yes.
We were just reading your article in the Telegram.
You wrote this? I did.
Why'd you call the whole Dieppe raid one big blunder? Because someone has to call it like the rest of us see it.
Listen, sweetie.
I'm a Canuck only by marriage, alright? Where I'm from, criticizing the Brits is an art-form.
There'll be lots to write about in the factory.
I can hardly wait to get a look at the whole thing.
How you do it is really beyond me.
You must be Mrs.
Shannon.
That's exactly how my second husband proposed.
Mr.
Aikins asked me to keep an eye out.
I'm told you have permission to visit all week.
Yes, I'm writing a series, "Woman at War.
" Don't worry, I'll blend right in.
You'll need to leave the hat with me.
But I wore this topper when I interviewed the Prime Minister! And the earrings.
Well alright then.
The handbag stays, it's metal clasp.
Well let me just get out the tools of my trade then.
The fountain pen.
How will I take notes? With a pencil.
This is a bomb factory, Mrs.
Shannon.
And I'm sure you'll give me an explosive story.
So, is it true they call you girls who work the cordite "Powder Puffs"? Yeah or "Canaries.
" That's on account of how if you're not careful, the chemicals can stain our skin-- " a lovely shade of yellow" Mrs.
Shannon, I've asked you to stand back.
I'm back, I'm back.
Your matron sure takes her job seriously.
It's a dangerous place to work.
So if the cordite turns your skin yellow, what do you think it does to your insides? They say as long as we take precautions, it's safe.
And those routine X-rays, are those precautions? I'm sure your readers would rather hear the positive aspects of our work.
Well it's my job to report the truth.
Seems to me you ought to do it in a way that inspires the war effort.
Seems to me, that's your opinion.
I've asked you to stand back.
It's for your own protection.
- Whoa! - Oh! That's protection? You nearly blew us all up! No-one's blowing up.
The cordite, will need to be re-weighed, wrapped, and inspected.
Lorna! We won't make quota today.
I wondered when I'd see you again.
Why are we whispering? You said you'd be in touch.
And I will.
When? When the need arises.
There are changes afoot.
You'll let me know when there's a problem? Wait.
What does that mean? Miss Witham, you have creamed cauliflower on your cheek.
Still saving up for a home? Absolutely.
It'd be nice to have a real place, to raise a family in a proper home.
You and Ivan started talking kids? No.
But I know he likes them.
He's a good egg, that one.
You buying a house? Why not.
It's no Rosedale palace, but it'll suit my needs just fine.
Anyway, a girl needs goals in life.
That woman is a news-hawk in a dress.
I'm having her turfed.
The thing is, Sir, that spill was my fault.
That's not what it looked like from up here.
She's come here to sniff out a story.
Let's not give her the wrong one.
You wanted to see me, Capo? Give us the room, Lorna.
There's gonna be a new security protocol for materials handling.
Oh yeah? Your job doesn't much change except, Leon is going to sign off on everything now.
You're putting me under Leon? Not under.
You're, you know equals.
So now the guy that I trained is gonna be looking over my shoulder all day? I'm following orders.
I work for the man, same as you.
Look if you can't stand up to them, at least be real with me.
What's really going on? Following the rules.
Mrs.
Corbett.
I was wondering if I might chat with you for my story.
I'm sure you can find more interesting people to talk to.
I know subjects and you're a good one.
I won't participate in an article that criticizes my girls.
They work far too hard to have the press take potshots.
Your girls, Mrs.
Corbett, will inspire my readers and so will you.
I merely do what's asked of me here.
Undersold by a country mile.
I'm going to miss my streetcar.
Let me give you a ride home.
Please, you've been on your feet all day, Mrs.
Corbett.
It's right over here, come.
Yes? I've given two years of my life to that place.
For what? To be treated like dirt.
The honchos want more eyes on our paperwork.
Chalk it up to that.
I would chalk it up to that, if it were true.
I think I got to quit my job.
Don't say that.
They leave me no choice.
Alright next girl.
In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone As she wheeled her wheelbarrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O! A-live Hey cupcake, quit singing and tell me something.
Why do you even want this gig? I'm a singer With a chance to prove myself, I might have a real career.
Every second girl I know wants to sing.
If the boys want Little Orphan Annie, they can find her in the funny pages.
I can borrow something.
A better dress? Come down here.
Sorry, hon.
You look like "little sweet miss ain't never been kissed.
" Good on ya.
Don't let that windbag Whoa I've been kissed, Mr.
Jones.
You've seen it yourself.
Pack some of that punch into your act? I'll give you a song.
Thank you! You won't regret it.
Worst case, we got a comedy number.
Next! Oh boy.
Oh boy! I'll take it.
Geeze You buy on every turn! My old man always said, if you do one thing in life, buy land.
Yeah, but now you're nearly broke.
Investing in the future seems a good idea.
How long am I stuck in the slammer? Well-- You gotta earn your way out.
Roll a double, pay the fine, or kiss me like you did at the club.
Woops.
Sorry! No Vera, what is it? Maybe I'll come back later - No! - Yes! Okay.
There's something you need to hear.
It's about the Revue.
My oven's broken or I'd heat them up.
If my husband were in town he'd fix it.
Delicious.
It's french mayonnaise.
It's not hard to make.
Do you know I think I wrote about that once, when they had me doing recipes.
I know.
That's where I learned it.
You did? Thank you.
I learned it from a man in the Gare du Nord.
He invited me over to dinner with his family.
I thought "family" was a euphemism, until I showed up and there was his wife and five children.
But the food was wonderful.
I'd love to see Paris.
So you collected my recipes? I did.
I mean before the war, all they let us gals write about was homemaking or gossip.
- Only now, with the men overseas - Yes.
You know, Hitler gave me a career in journalism.
My husband says you're only out to kick the hornet's nest.
This that so? What's your opinion? Truthfully? Yes.
I used to think you were uppity, barging into a man's world.
Until I started working there myself.
Well I can live with uppity.
But someone has to ask the hard questions about Dieppe.
My son fought there, Mrs.
Shannon.
I know.
And I was relieved to hear that Stanley survived.
I do my homework.
And tug out people's secrets.
Well the mayonnaise? Safe with me.
Burlesque? Yes sirree Bob.
As in hoochie-coochie girls? Didn't I tell you this smelled rotten? There's nothing wrong with a burlesque show.
Takes all sorts.
All sorts of loose women.
And don't tell me you disagree.
You're the one, came running to warn us.
Because I know it's something Kate would never do.
Yeah you got that right.
There's got to be another way to be a singer.
Don't I get a say? Found the tools.
Mrs.
Shannon, this is Regina Harrison.
Didn't I see you at the plant today? Sure did.
Yeah I can fix this.
Reggie, I set aside a place for you.
So Mrs.
Crobett, you are matron and mother to the girls under your purview? I wouldn't go that far.
Reggie needed a place, and I have space is all.
I'd go that far and further.
A factory built on the backs of women.
What makes you to work so hard? Hard work is all I know.
Raised three children, kept this house together through the lean years And now the war.
I need to stay useful.
And if it should ever end? Maybe then it'll be my turn.
Deuce.
You have plans tomorrow night? No.
Why? I'm entertaining some military types for dinner and I could use a hostess.
Mother isn't well enough? You remember, she went through this last time when we lost Laurence.
Except Laurence was her son.
James was James was the boy we'd hoped would shoulder our family's legacy.
Hmhmm What'll you do if there never is another James? You're an attractive girl with an equally attractive income for the lucky man that marries you.
How attractive? I beg your pardon? Well, you control the annuity that Grandad set up for me.
I remember Laurence controlled his own trust before he turned twenty.
And I was better at math.
You're well looked after, if that's your concern.
My concern is that you're staking my future on the arrival of some unknown husband who may never even materialize.
"Lorna Corbett is a dedicated employee who's given herself fully to her job as matron.
" - "Her tireless work ethic--" - Reggie, please, I'd rather not hear.
"Her tireless work-ethic has her wearing many hats at Victory Munitions.
In fact, she does the job of three at the factory before going home to cook up fortifying dinners for her lodger.
" That's me.
I'm in the paper.
"It's all in a day's work that pays Mrs.
Corbett" Oh.
Oh what? Nothing.
"That pays Mrs.
Corbett a fraction of what her male counterparts earn.
" Of course the men earn more.
Their work is different.
They do the heavy lifting.
They better.
We make eleven hundred a year to their two grand.
If you're in that revue, I'll be there.
Ditto.
So you'll have at least two cheering for you.
Just be sure it's what you wanna do.
Why does everybody think I can't be in a burlesque.
Maybe because you can't say the word without blushing? It's a chance to sing on stage.
Everybody starts somewhere.
But, Kate, you do know what that kind of show actually entails, right? Do you, Vera? I've been once or twice.
It's no great mystery what those women do.
Can you give me some pointers? Okay but if you get in hot water with Ivan the Terrible, don't blame me.
Donald, these are for the 25-pounders.
You see the difference in length? I look blind to you? No.
So I'm sure you can find your way to the right ones.
You do it.
Then you'd be doing the job of four for half my take, isn't that right? Even a dope like Donald earns twice your pay.
The heaviest thing he lifts is the lead between his ears.
Let's stop worrying about how the men have it better and get back to work.
Lorna's right.
You're still making good money.
If you still want that house you should get it.
Princess, us mere mortals have to scrimp and save.
Yeah for a down-payment.
I don't know how to talk to bank men.
Well I've met plenty of them.
Their all suckers for a pretty girl with a sweet smile.
Would you come with me? Show me how it's done? Yes.
Aren't you forgetting something? Those are for you, so you don't forget what women's work feels like.
Keep walking, jackass Don't pay them any mind, Lorna.
What was that about? Nothing you need to worry about.
No Marco, please, I don't understand.
When you were talking to that reporter it sounded like you were never going back, even after the war.
A great worker, like you, half a man's pay? Some of these guys feel replaceable.
Mr.
Cowell, good evening.
Seems you brought the cold weather with you from Oxford.
Excuse us, please.
You're doing a great job.
So is Cook, I was just checking in on dinner.
Tell her to set another place we have a last-minute addition.
Clifford Parry, my daughter, Gladys.
You may have met.
Mr.
Parry oversees security for Victory Munitions.
I'm disappointed with myself for not noticing such a lovely lady.
That's quite alright, Mr.
Parry.
We pretty much all look the same in our turbans and coveralls.
Burlesque.
Gotta show him what he's missing.
And then take it away.
Atta girl.
Here, give it a whirl.
Let's do that again.
Are you sure this is your speed? I'm not quitting because I'm too scared to learn a few lousy dance-steps.
Well maybe you need a better teacher.
I'm not exactly an expert.
But you've got allure like nobody's business.
We're not here to build my spirits.
I was always made to believe that a woman's body was a vessel of sin.
And you've got this confidence, you know who you are and to heck with the world.
Honey, I just fake it.
It's all an act.
Now show me yours.
Remember fellows only want what they can't have.
Yeah, you don't buy the cow If you get the milk for free.
Whatever Rollie Witham is capable of, he is my father.
You're not enlisting me against him.
Easy now, we're on the same side, you and me.
How can I be on your side when I don't know what your side even is.
It's no big secret what an explosives factory makes.
We're working on a new formula, a race with the Nazis.
Small amounts of this stuff can pack a wallop.
One soldier can carry enough to blow up a tank in a tube of toothpaste or a can of beans.
Beans.
Is that where Father comes in? We asked him for help and he told us, whatever it takes.
He did? And what's his profit? Not a penny.
Tonight, hopefully, we finalize our arrangement.
Seems you expect the worst from him.
It's a habit we've both developed.
You move well between worlds.
It's what attracted us to you.
They'll be looking for us inside.
You're not shaking your tail like some Sherry Britton.
Sherry Britton started in burlesque, but now she's on Broadway.
Sherry Britton is a sex-pot! Right and I'm a bore.
No, no Hey, you're not.
You're just not like those girls.
I fought hard to get my voice back.
What's wrong with wanting to use it? You think I'm this meek little mouse you can keep in a cage? No! I just don't wanna see you degrade yourself! It's not degrading if I want to do it! - Yes it is.
- Says who? Says me.
I don't want my girl on stage.
Well then maybe I shouldn't be your girl.
Maybe you shouldn't.
Another article.
Everyone's in an uproar.
That damned lady-reporter is stirring the pot.
The men we work for, do they fully understand what I do here? What are we supposed to do, Lorna? Give all of your girls raises because you think you're worth more than Donald Hiltz? I never said I was "worth more.
" I'm simply asking why I'm worth less than a stock-boy.
Our fellows work plenty hard.
Does Donald risk his life on the line? Supervise a team of workers? Give all his free hours to this place? For God's sake, Lorna! What's more important? Earning an extra fifty cents a day, or beating Hitler? Well, beating Hitler of course, but I-- Fine.
Get back to work.
So I gotta bat my eyelashes at this guy? It wouldn't hurt.
Let him feel like he's helping a damsel in distress.
How can I help you ladies? Oh.
We're just here to see Mr.
Abbott.
That's me.
Christine.
And which of you is Elizabeth McRae? Uh I am.
One-hundred-and-forty dollars.
Nicely done.
Shows discipline, focus.
That's two years of savings, doesn't come easy.
But Elizabeth here, is a determined young woman.
You can definitely trust her to hold down the fort.
You'd like a loan of $3,700? Yes, Ma'am.
Means you pay three percent interest, annually.
You'll do that for twenty-five years.
Your monthly payments will be Seventeen dollars and fifty-five cents.
I can cover that.
Don't forget you'll have to heat the house, pay electrical, buy insurance.
I'll take tenants to cover costs Lots of gals with good salaries need places to live.
Until they meet the right man and marry.
I'm a skilled factory worker, Ma'am.
That's a valuable trade.
That may be.
But one day, God willing, the war will end and there won't be jobs for any of us.
How will you pay the bank its money then? I've had a steady job since I was sixteen years old.
That hardly makes you a reliable credit risk.
Perhaps if your father co-signed.
Surely there are other ways for a woman to establish herself? She should take some initiative.
Build a history of credit.
Maybe a car loan? I take the streetcar.
Here's what you're going to do, Miss McRae.
Buy Victory Bonds and wait till the war ends.
Don't give up.
You're a pretty girl, you'll see.
Dreams do come true.
Mine did.
Right? Yes Looking for more victims for your series, Mrs.
Shannon? Let me guess.
It was the bit about your salary that broke your heart? I trusted you.
I thought you were all about telling the truth? Maybe I said things I shouldn't have.
And I'm sure it'll be a hit with your readers but none of it was any of your business.
That's right, it's your business.
So why don't you do something? I'm not you! Quit trying to turn us all into pioneers! You hold deadly weapons in your hand all day, and you're telling me you're scared to knock on a door? You deserve it, Lorna.
Oh what a night.
What a night, eh? Coming up next, a gal that will really put some snap in your suspenders.
Hey! Coming out now, the one and only, Miss Roxie.
What's wrong Bets? When the war ends, I could be earning half of what I make now.
Don't say that.
I'm sure there'll be plenty of good jobs for girls who want them.
Yeah.
Secretaries, teachers, nurses, nuns and that.
I'm sorry I dragged you there, Bets.
It's still a great dream.
Yeah.
Maybe it's time to wake up.
Gladys! I need your shawl for Kate.
Come, come.
I'll be back.
Hi Betty.
Hi.
I feel so naked in this thing.
If I had what you had honey, I'd want the world to know.
Thanks.
You're a life-saver.
Kate, you'll be splendid.
Thanks, Gladys.
Have I got a special treat for you.
From the newest, steamiest Andrews sister of them all Kate Andrews! Whoo! I need a man who zips my zipper A classic gent, a real good tipper Not just a star, a real big dipper Baby, that's the man I need Show the lady some respect! Who opens my umbrella Who treats me nice and plays me like a cello I need a guy who bakes my apple pie Baby, that's the guy I need Now I don't need a boy who's trouble To come around and burst my bubble And I don't wanna hear no socks 'Cause baby, I'm the one who's boss I need a man who steams my kettle So don't be blind because I need you to see That baby, you're the man I need Yeah baby, you're the man I need (Speaking Italian) Allora me dice ella: "Sempre Italiano, sempre Europeo.
" (Speaking Italian) Vera.
What are you doing here? I figured if Kate could brave the stage, I could risk a walk through Little Italy.
Oh that's right.
Kate's thing.
Oh my God, I forgot.
Thought I might see you there.
Yeah I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stand you up.
Marco I just wanted to say I hope you don't quit the plant.
Because I would miss you.
Something fierce.
Oh, I'd miss you too, kid.
Oh! Sounds like you're busy.
Yeah, a couple of the paisans from the neighborhood.
Oh, yeah? Mind if I join you? Oh no, of course Yeah, come in.
(Speaking Italian) Who ordered the mangiacake? (Speaking Italian) These are my paisani.
What are you palling around with bootleggers now? And now you've seen our crime.
- Can't let you outta here alive.
- Oh yeah? Which one of you lucky boys gets to show me how it's done? (Speaking Italian) First of all you gotta say San Martino.
San Martino.
(Speaking Italian) (Speaking Italian) (Speaking Italian) (Speaking Italian) - Santo Martino.
- Santo Martino.
- Chin, chin.
- Chin chin.
(Speaking Italian) Whoo.
It was incredible.
Baby, you take the cake.
How did you do that? I don't know.
When I'm in the song, I guess I forget to be afraid.
I was an ass.
Yeah, you were.
But you showed up tonight.
Boy am I glad I did.
Oh my I know it's a lousy ring.
But I promise I will buy you a rock big as the moon, as soon I can afford it.
Kate, will you be my wife? This is so sudden, I wasn't expecting I wanna take care of you.
I wanna make it so you'll never have to worry about anything ever again.
The way you feel when you're singing, like anythings possible? That's how you make me feel, all the time.
Great things lie ahead for us, Kate.
Great things.
You're right, Ivan.
Great things.
All this hard work for something you could grab for nickels at the liquor board? - This one has heart.
- Hmm.
And kick.
Wait until Easter.
It's good to see you having fun.
You know, My dad use to make wine with his friends.
I used to think it was old-country, but look at me now.
These are your people.
It's good to see who you are around them Thank you for sticking around, braving it out.
Brave? Brave is Kate doing Burlesque.
Oh that's right.
Can't believe the kid delivered.
She was well-schooled.
Meh.
Are you calling down my teaching skills? I'm just saying, She should have asked me is all.
I have seen more than my fair share of these shows.
And believe you me, I have paid plenty attention to their technique.
I don't doubt that.
Take note, Miss Burr.
Oh no.
Admit it, your heart's going thumpity.
Shut up, you bird-brain.
Make me.
Oh, wait a second.
Vera, are you sure you wanna do this? Do I look like I'm having doubts? Thanks again for helping me the other night.
You were perfect.
You close your big deal? It wasn't business, I was just building contacts.
I should get ready for my shift.
I'm proud of you, Gladys.
For getting up every day and going to that plant.
The other girls there have no idea what their future holds.
Nor do I, because you keep me in the dark.
I don't need a crystal ball to see you're about to ask me for something.
Control over my own trust.
I'm the only heir you have, and protecting me from the world won't help me a lick.
You see yourself as my heir? Why shouldn't I? I'm your only child.
Look, I'm just asking for a test-run.
I won't touch the principal.
Let me prove that I can do this.
All right.
The interest is not king's ransom but I am curious to see how you deal with the responsibility.
Thank you, Daddy.
Off to work we go.
Yup.
Hey, Lorna, you make this meatloaf? 'Cause if this is the stuff you made for that reporter, it tastes like cow-pie.
Or is "cook" not one of the jobs you do around here for half our take? Well, Donald? If you can't eat it, wear it.
You gonna let them do this? Moron.
If you think you can replace me, then set to it.
Plenty of factories, hurting for good workers.
I could go somewhere else.
You wouldn't have the guts to walk.
Try me.
Kate? It's on the right finger, Betty.
By which I mean the left.
The Slav? Gosh, he's not wasting time, is he? He knows what he wants out of life and that's very appealing.
Sure you're ready to take the plunge? He's a sweet guy.
And he loves me.
Do you love him? Yeah.
I'm happy for you, Kate Andrews.
It's great news.
It's crazy at the factory, I can't stand it.
I figured since we grew up in the same line of work, maybe you could use extra hand around the fireworks shop? I couldn't pay you half of what you're pulling at the factory.
You know anyone that could? Guys I know, they'd kill for your job.
I just keep choking on my self-respect, you know? Stop looking at your job like you're fighting the war.
It's a paycheque, Marco, and a damned good one.
If I don't quit, I'm gotta have to find some other way to stand up straight.
See This is why I love you.
You're proud.
I know some guys, got the same problem.
You should meet 'em.
You're in a tunnel, my friend.
Let me shine a little light.
Chin, Chin.
Now, this one, I call my "alone-in-a-hotel-room" special.
The best part, is the egg-white.
On really rough nights, you can convince yourself that it's dinner.
There.
Whiskey Sour.
You didn't need to do this.
Oh, I felt horrible, for making a mess outta your life.
You said I was gonna cause trouble and I did.
What What if Mr.
Aikins replaces me? Well, then you'll have a little bit more freedom.
A little bit too much.
You know you gotta fight for what you want, Lorna.
Really, I mean, I've interviewed heads of state and I'm still fighting with blowhards like Aikins.
Extra money, that's selfish.
No.
What about the other girls? Well, someone has to be the first through the door.
The other girls will follow.
My husband hated when I first started working.
Really? And how does he feel about that now? Can I have Yeah maybe I'll just fill that up for you, Lorna.
Listen, you know my husband Neville, he lets me be, who I need to be.
There are as many paths as there are men.
You just have to make sure you're both travelling in the same direction.
Here's to you, Lorna.
You're a good worker, Lorna.
This has been very difficult for me.
Thirty-five cents a day raise.
It's not the fifty you wanted, but it's better than the toe of my boot, which the higher-ups thought I should give ya.
You changed their minds on my behalf? I made sure they knew, this place could use you sticking around.
And this raise it's for all the girls? Just you.
Unless you'd rather not.
No, someone has to be the first through the door.
I'll take it, Mr.
Aikins.
Thank you.
I, uh.
I expect you won't mention this to the rest of the girls.
I wouldn't expect that if I were you.
The loan of $50 matures in 18 months.
No concerns there.
I won't be spending a dime of it.
You'll need to make the scheduled re-payments with interest.
Proving that I'm a decent credit-risk.
I get it.
You prove yourself small here, Miss McRae, there may be a mortgage for you.
That's the idea.
"Dear Bob, believe it or not, that's your wife in the paper.
" "If that weren't wonders enough, seems I received a small raise.
" "Strange, writing you like this," "my first since you fought overseas.
" "The things in life that happened then" "they didn't feel like they really happened until I shared them with you.
" "I wonder, do you miss me out there?" "I hope so.
" "Love, Lorna.
"