Mr Selfridge (2013) s03e03 Episode Script
Series 3, Episode 3
Firstly, let's deal with the surplus women.
~ We've all been changed by the war.
~ I don't work for Selfridges any more.
I'll come to you when I'm ready, Violette.
A huge hotel bill for her.
~ I'm his wife now.
~ Maybe there are some things he can't share.
~ What's he talking to Victor about? ~ He's had enough.
I know a man looking for oblivion when I see one.
~ Where does that leave us? ~ Changed, I fear, Mr Selfridge.
I got my book deal.
What it's like for our soldiers now.
The field goes to auction and I'm going to bid.
~ To build houses for heroes.
~ Nothing in that for you.
~ On the contrary.
~ Loxley? ~ You know him? ~ Stay away from him.
Welcome to the Roof Garden.
Selfridges is launching our biggest beauty event ever and, to celebrate, we have 50 very generous gift vouchers ready to fly.
~ Luxury treats on us in skincare, perfume ~ And cosmetics.
Mrs Edwards, the head of Beauty.
You do the honours, please.
This beauty event is very important for Selfridges.
~ What's the application demonstration? ~ Colour cosmetics.
I've worked with renowned cosmepologists from Paris and America.
I'll be giving our customers some expert advice.
~ Congratulations.
~ Oh.
Head of Accessories.
I gather it's official now? ~ Really? ~ And Miss Mardle's running Fashion.
~ And Miss Calthorpe has proved herself more than capable.
~ Oh You must be our youngest head of department.
~ You'll get the hang of it in no time.
~ Thanks.
There are days when I wish I had a nice, small department like Accessories.
~ Seriously, Grace, that's great news.
~ Oh, I wasn't sure I was good enough.
~ Course you are.
Anyone says any different, you send them to me.
~ Ooh.
~ We should go out and celebrate.
~ Oh, if you say so Mr Selfridge.
On busy days, it's like Piccadilly Circus in here.
Women need to see the clothes so here we have models showing garments, like the Lanvin collection, while the customers sit and watch.
~ You've surpassed yourself.
~ Just a few changes.
No, really.
Selfridges wasn't the same without you.
Now, I have a favour to ask.
Tomorrow is my wife's birthday.
I'd like to do something special for her.
Could Doris come in, pick out a few new dresses? Yes, of course, Mr Grove.
Thank you, Miss Mardle.
~ So, this loan will be for a housing estate? ~ That's right.
~ That won't make any profit? ~ Well, it'll be homes for ex-servicemen and their families.
£30,000.
~ That's a lot of money for a personal loan, even for you.
~ That's why you're here.
A lot of money for a man with very few assets.
Your townhouse is leased.
~ Mm.
I own the largest store in London.
~ You own 51% as a shareholder.
I just wondered if he'd said anything since the board meeting? Not to me.
Things are uncomfortable.
You did the right thing, Arthur.
I know it wasn't easy.
And nor is this.
We let the women go today.
The chief won't like that either.
~ You can have your loan, Mr Selfridge.
~ Thank you.
~ But with so few assets, the bank will insist on a higher rate of interest.
~ Mm.
~ How high? ~ Around 15%.
~ Cigarette, sir? ~ Yes.
Spare any change for a soldier? Makes you count your blessings, don't it? Some of us come back without so much as a scratch.
Yes.
We were lucky.
~ Thanks, guv.
~ We're in the wrong game.
~ The bank manager? Nobody told me.
~ Mr Selfridge's personal bank manager, Mr Crabb.
Nothing concerning the store.
~ We'll be in touch.
~ Mm.
~ Mr Grove, Mr Crabb.
~ Chief, the surplus female staff, it's their last day.
~ I haven't forgotten.
~ Shall I ask them to assemble in the loading bay? Have them come to my office.
A personal farewell is the least we owe them.
We need to agree who's doing what for this beauty event.
There's the window, something for the Palm Court and all of the displays.
~ Henri? ~ I heard you.
That's a relief(!) I'm sorry.
It's just that ~ Well, it's been like this for weeks now.
~ Like what? Me talking to myself.
You not talking at all.
Look, I just want to help, if you'll tell me what's wrong.
There's nothing wrong.
When you starting working with us in the loading bay, we thought it would only be for a few months.
It's been four years.
I wanted to say thank you.
You'll get references, of course.
Sorry.
It's just references won't mean nothing out there.
There's hundreds of women looking for jobs.
~ And a month's wages in hand.
~ And when they run out? ~ I loved it here and I was good at what I did.
~ Yes, you were.
Miss Hawkins.
Well, Myra says there's jobs in the East End, if you can use a sewing machine.
I want a job doing what I'm good at, lifting and driving.
~ But that's all men now.
~ You want a job? ~ What's wrong with that? ~ Four years we was out in France.
Now look at us.
Left selling fags on the street.
Why don't you go home? Stick to what you're good at.
Keeping house and having kids.
Yeah, and other things.
And what are you good at? Come 'ere and I'll show you.
~ Oh, leave 'em, Connie.
~ That's right, run along.
~ You're pathetic.
~ Ooh.
~ Well, that's it.
They're all gone.
~ Mr Crabb says a month's pay is very generous.
Well, your mom would say, 'Have you done all you could to help?' This housing estate.
THAT will help, won't it? ~ I mean, not the women who've gone today but other women, families in need.
~ Mm.
Your mother might say that too.
Listen, Gordon, I appreciate you stood up for me at that board meeting.
Sometimes maybe I'm a little hard on you.
It meant a lot to me.
Mr Selfridge, your car is outside.
The auction's at six.
Come on.
Let's show 'em what we're made of.
Who do they think they are? Harassing innocent women like that.
~ There are lots of ex-servicemen out of work.
~ Peas are for everyone, Connie.
So, you're saying they were right? No, just jobs are thin on the ground.
~ Don't I know it.
~ Well, what are you going to do? You can't sit around here all day.
I could help keep house while you're out.
You need another job.
Isn't there anything at Selfridges? What about your beauty event? You could put a word in.
Pull strings.
You're always saying how important you are.
~ Could we leave this- ~ I worked my way up the ladder to get where I am.
Nobody did me any favours.
You want work, Connie? You get up off your behind and you start looking.
Lovely chops.
Lot 43.
An opportunity to purchase undeveloped land in Acton, west London.
Ten acres of prime arable land just five miles from the centre of London.
Easily accessible from the Uxbridge Road with transport links to the west and south.
With multiple access points and a lake at the heart of it, it's an attractive proposition for housing developers or commercial property.
Offered for sale freehold.
(It shouldn't go for more than ~ (That's my limit.
) ~ Bids are invited to start at £10,000.
£10,000 anyone? (They'll all be out by 14.
You watch.
) Gentlemen, we have £14,000.
Who'll give me 14,200? ~ I told you.
~ Any advance? 14,200? a new bidder.
Mr Selfridge? Pa, you said 15 was your limit.
~ £20,000.
~ Pa, what are you doing? Lord Loxley? Do we have a sale? Mr Selfridge? (Your mom would have wanted this to happen.
) £30,000.
Gentlemen, are there any more bids? Lord Loxley? For the first time, for the second time Third and final time.
Sold.
Loxley.
~ I heard you were back.
~ Did you miss me? ~ Why were you bidding? ~ It's a public auction.
~ You didn't want that land.
~ And you don't know when to stop.
In business, Selfridge, never let your heart rule your head.
Stay away from me, Loxley, me and my family.
Why so unfriendly? You got what you wanted.
And so will I.
~ Pa, where have you been? We're meant to be having a family dinner.
I told you.
~ Where's Serge? ~ Getting dressed.
~ Serge! ~ Pa? ~ What's the matter? We went to an auction for the land.
Lord Loxley was there.
What's all the shouting? ~ Did you tell Lord Loxley about the housing project? ~ Why? Because he just bid against me, pushing the price up.
~ Maybe we've discussed business affairs.
~ You've what? ~ Loxley's interested in my passenger plane.
~ I told you to have nothing to do with Loxley.
~ And I told you it was none of your business.
~ Serge! You're married to my daughter, you live under my roof.
That makes it my business.
~ Then why don't you back me? ~ I'm sure this is all a misunderstanding.
~ Loxley is using you to get at me.
~ He believes in me.
~ He is trying to undermine me and my family.
~ You're doing a pretty good job of that yourself.
Serge! ~ Serge, come with me.
~ But I am in the - I think you've said enough.
Serge! ~ I will not be made a fool of.
~ I understand but you must calm down.
I'll talk to Rosalie.
We should do these family dinners more often! ~ You're busy.
~ Oh, yes.
Doing my homework.
Is Henri back? No.
I thought you were out together.
I needed a walk.
Well, it's It's not late.
~ He could be home any minute now.
~ Yes.
~ Good night.
~ Good night, Agnes.
~ I have to say, it's a relief to be at work today.
~ Hm.
Good morning, Miss Plunkett.
Can you sent a card to Miss Webb? Just say, 'I won the field.
' She'll understand.
Agnes? I need to talk to you.
I heard you got married.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
~ Henri's one of my regulars now.
~ That's why I'm here.
Erm he isn't himself.
He hasn't been since he erm since he got back.
And he won't talk to me about what happened to him so I erm I thought he might have said something to you.
No, he hasn't.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have come.
I I just didn't know who else to ask.
Henri was in Verdun.
I don't know what that means.
What happened? Thousands of 'em died.
~ Shelled, shot, gassed and starved.
~ Starved? I heard some stuff here and there.
Supply lines got cut off.
They were trapped, no food or water, no way out.
Agnes, there are some things you don't wanna know.
I have to please.
One soldier talked about bodies.
Mounds of them piled up and left there to rot.
The living lying next to the dead.
Hell on earth he called it.
So So, that's what happened to Henri? ~ I dunno.
~ And what happened to you? ~ I've a club to run.
~ Of course.
Thank you.
~ This colour is perfect for you.
~ It's beautiful.
~ And how's little Ernest? ~ Oh, he's a happy dumpling.
I'm very lucky.
Beautiful children and a wonderful husband.
And now this.
Mr Grove is so good to me.
~ Is everything all right, Doris? ~ Yes.
Perfectly.
Morning.
Have you been here all night? ~ I've been working on the beauty event.
~ I was worried.
I'm sorry.
I just kept sketching, thinking about the window and .
.
and then I had all these ideas.
~ Can I see? ~ When they're ready, yes.
You used to do that all the time.
'Don't look, it's not ready.
' Yes, I did.
I feel like I used to.
Excited.
Well, do you want to go home and get some sleep? Have some breakfast? When I'm finished.
Thank you.
~ I've had a lovely time.
Thank you.
~ It was my pleasure.
Goodbye.
No! Go away! ~ Let go! ~ Doris? Just leave me alone! ~ Are you all right? Who was that? ~ I don't know.
~ Was it one of those men from outside? ~ I'm sure he was harmless.
Now, please, I'm quite all right.
I'll get a taxi home.
Don't worry.
Ma'am, I took the liberty of visiting Princess Marie's flat yesterday.
~ Go on.
~ Well, she said it was being redecorated.
While she racks up a huge hotel bill in Mr Selfridge's name.
Yes.
I saw no sign of renovation and the family who live there now would find it most inconvenient.
They rented the apartment when the previous resident moved out, leaving several unpaid bills behind her.
Princess Marie? Thank you, Fraser.
Good work.
Ma'am.
Can I help? I need to do this myself.
I need to know if I still have it in me.
You haven't slept in 24 hours now.
Please, this is the first time I've felt like I'm really here doing what I used to.
See you later.
Cosmetics demonstrations are in the Palm Court.
If you'd like to make your way up, we'll begin shortly.
Morning.
Morning.
Hello.
Morning.
Most of us learn about beauty from our mothers.
But these products are all new.
Well, my mother wouldn't know where to begin.
She might also wonder if it was all entirely proper.
I'd like to show you that the right product, applied correctly, can enhance your natural beauty.
If you'd all like to choose a table.
Creme rouge can add a healthy glow, brightening the complexion and giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
An elegant eyebrow will frame the face.
While darkening the lash-line will make eyelashes seem longer.
And this, this is our greatest innovation.
A stick of lip colour .
.
in a tube.
Can I help, Madam Selfridge? May I ask, does the Bureau deal with personal information? ~ We deal with everything.
~ It's an inquiry of a rather delicate nature.
Princess Marie Wiasemsky.
I wanna know when she left Russia, how long she was in Paris, where she has lived in England, .
.
who her creditors are.
Everything about her.
I want to know who this woman really is.
Mr Selfridge, Miss Webb is here.
Ah.
It's good to see Have a seat, please.
~ I got your note.
~ Ah.
So, then you know I'm now the proud owner of an expensive field.
~ It's wonderful.
~ Hm.
~ Now you have the land, you'll need architects, engineers, construction firms ~ I think what I need is you.
Hear me out.
I know you have your own interests, your own company but I need a manager.
I'll pay you, of course.
~ Mr Selfridge, I would be delighted.
~ Oh.
Then we have a lot to talk about.
~ Er, tomorrow afternoon? ~ Done.
If we're going to be working together, there are some people that I'd like you to meet.
Ladies, I'm glad that you made it.
I thought a bit of shopping would be a welcome distraction.
I would like you to meet Miss Nancy Webb.
Miss Webb, this is Princess Marie.
~ Proud mother-in-law to Rosalie.
~ And this is Violette.
I'm not married, I don't have a job so shopping is pretty much all I'm good for.
~ I'm sure that's not true.
~ No.
~ Do you work here? ~ Actually, Miss Webb is going to be managing the Homes For Heroes Scheme.
Ah, yes, all those little houses.
How exciting.
~ We must go to cosmetics demonstration.
~ Are you coming? I wanna look like Gloria Swanson.
~ Oh, that awful nose, such long face, like horse.
~ Oh, no.
No.
She has such a natural aristocracy.
~ You'd be most welcome.
~ Thank you.
Please.
Mrs Leclair? These came in this morning.
They should have been in Monday.
They need to go in the window.
~ Er I'll ask Mr Leclair when he comes in.
~ Where is he? ~ He was up all night working.
I'm sure he won't be long.
~ Then I'll do it myself.
No.
I'll I'll do it.
Oh, as quick as you can, please.
What are you doing? ~ Kitty asked me to put these in.
~ It's my window.
~ You weren't here so ~ Cos you didn't wake me.
Well, I thought you needed the sleep.
~ I worked all night on this.
~ It's just powder.
~ Boxes of powder.
~ No, no, no, no.
It was mine.
~ I was just trying to help.
~ I don't want your help! Then what do you want? ~ Please tell me because I can't go on like this.
~ Like what? ~ You barely say a word to me.
~ What do you want me to say? ~ You spent four years at war.
~ Yeah, and now it's over.
Something's changed.
We're like strangers and it's killing me.
Don't say that, please! I even went to see Victor.
~ What? ~ I asked him about Verdun.
~ And what would he know? ~ He's told me more than you have.
~ Oh, I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment.
~ Stop it.
That's not what I'm trying to say.
Then what? What's going on? I lie next to you every night.
I hear you cry in your sleep and when I hold you, you hold onto me but when you wake up, you push me away.
~ I know that you've been through some awful things.
~ You don't know anything! That's enough! No.
I'll do it.
Please.
It's my fault.
I'll put it all right.
Henri? Oh, for God's sake.
Oh, my God.
Come here.
Laissez moi.
Laissez moi.
Hey, Henri.
It's Harry.
It's Harry.
Who did you think I was? ~ They're dying.
~ Who are? ~ All of them.
My men.
~ No, no.
There's no-one here.
~ It's just you and me.
~ They're everywhere.
They beg me for water.
I can't help them.
~ I hear them crying.
~ Henri, where are you going? Henri? ~ You're up late.
~ I thought you were Henri.
~ Have you seen him? ~ Not tonight.
~ What are you doing? ~ I have to go and find him.
It's three in the morning, don't be daft.
Oi! ~ What happened? ~ We had an argument.
~ Well, more than that.
~ He'll be back when he's ready.
What if something happens to him? He survived four years in France.
He'll be fine.
George? I didn't mean to ~ Are you all right? ~ Me? Course I am.
You know, you never talk to me about the war.
Some days I hardly think about it.
Others, everything around you looks the same but it's like it's not real.
It could all break apart any minute.
So, what do you do? You get through the day .
.
hope it gets better.
Just wait for him.
That's all you can do.
Sorry.
Have we heard from Henri? Miss Mardle said he didn't go home last night.
~ No.
~ If I may I have seen something similar in my former regiment.
Extreme behaviour out of character.
This The euphoria of getting home and then one realises memories, feelings, simply have no place in day-to-day life.
What about a period of leave? Time to reflect away from the pressures of work? Perhaps.
Sometimes, making a chap feel useless, the worst thing you can do.
Well, I can't just close the door on him.
Henri is my closest friend.
I'll find a role where he's right beside me.
Where I can look out for him.
We have to find him first.
All the products you saw at the beauty event are on sale today, madam.
~ What are you doing here? ~ Your sister spends an hour in the bathroom SINGING.
Then she reads MY paper and eats breakfast, getting crumbs over as much of the table as she can, all while I'm trying to work.
~ She needs to find another job, get her own place.
~ I've got a book to write.
I'll talk to her.
Read all about it! ~ Come and get your paper! ~ One, please.
~ All right.
~ Thank you.
There you are.
~ Mr Edwards.
~ I need a favour.
Somewhere to interview these two for a couple of hours.
It's for a book I'm writing.
~ Life after the war.
~ Will I be in it? ~ You never know.
~ Hm.
We don't open till six.
I won't tell if you don't.
Come on.
Please.
Mrs Edwards, beauty sales are through the roof.
Have a think about what your department needs and if I can help, it's yours.
Erm, well, actually, erm there is something.
It's it's my sister Connie.
She used to work here in the loading bay and then Fashion.
She needs a firm hand but she's bright and she learns fast and I'm being ever so bold, Mr Selfridge, but I know that family is the most important thing to you and the store is one big family, in a way, and she needs a job.
Jobs go on merit not family connection.
But isn't it wonderful when they can be both? I know you must feel that way about Mr Gordon, your son.
He's done ever so well here, hasn't he? He's a chip off the old block, isn't he? No-one but YOU could get away with THAT.
I'm sure Miss Mardle would welcome the help.
~ Your sister can have the job.
~ Thank you, Mr Selfridge.
Thank you.
~ What did you do before the war? ~ I worked in a laundry.
I was a warehouseman.
~ We were slow getting demobbed.
By the time we got back, there were no jobs.
~ They gave my job to a girl.
Said she was just as good and they could pay her less.
~ They should have kicked 'em all out when we come home.
~ Elsa? ~ Who? The women? ~ How's it right that we're out on the streets scraping by while they swan around giving themselves airs and graces for pin money? You have this idea of home when you're in the trenches.
~ It keeps you going.
~ Yeah.
And then you come back.
Nowhere to live Heroes, my arse.
Someone oughta do something.
Henri? ~ Your wife's designs.
~ And the Selfridge Estate.
~ They're really quite similar.
~ It's a good start.
I'm off home now, Mr Selfridge.
Of course.
Thank you, Miss Plunkett.
~ Don't forget.
You have tickets for the theatre.
~ I won't.
Now, it's women who run these households ~ and no-one ever asks them what they want so I did.
~ Hm.
Here's some research and a survey I ran shows that what these people really want is hot and cold running water.
Electricity throughout each and every house, a private lavatory inside, and a private garden ~ Victor.
~ Violette.
~ Your French gentleman not with you? ~ No, and he's not mine.
So, you're on your own? You're thinking no decent girl would come out without an escort.
~ That's not what I'm thinking.
~ You have no idea what kind of girl I am.
And you don't know anything about me so I guess that makes us equal.
Let's start over again.
What do you want to drink? ~ Sorry we had to stop.
~ Oh, no, you must go to the theatre.
~ At least let me get you a cab.
~ You're very kind, Mr Selfridge.
~ Harry, please.
~ Nancy.
Here we go.
~ I've looked everywhere for him.
~ He'll come back to you, my dear.
Because he loves you and you love him.
Maybe that's not enough.
Whatever's happened to him in the war's changed him.
I don't know him any more.
He frightens me.
Oh, Agnes.
Can you spare a copper? You bitch.
~ What did you say? ~ You can't spare a penny for a man who fought for King and country? Did you spend it all on drawers and rouge? ~ I wasn't shopping.
I'm working late.
~ Oh, we knew a few working girls back in France.
Yeah, they made a pretty penny lying flat on their backs.
~ You'd make a fortune.
~ I'm head of department! ~ Oh, get lady muck.
~ And you still can't spare a copper? ~ Keeping honest men out of a job.
~ I work in Beauty.
I sell lip colour and creams and I've just worked a 14-hour day.
It's no wonder you can't get jobs.
~ Drinking on the street.
You're a disgrace.
~ Shut it! Get your hands off! You go and keep watch now.
Come here.
Hey! Hey! What the hell are you - Hey! Hey! Police! Police! ~ Police.
~ What happened? Oh, my God.
A young lady was attacked yesterday evening.
I've also got a witness says he saw some men leaving this club drunk as lords.
~ I'm almost scared to walk home tonight.
~ Then don't.
We've been saying we'll go out for ages, so, let's.
~ You must make her understand what you're going through.
~ I can't.
~ You must tell her.
Let her know what's going on.
~ Tell her what? That she's married to a coward? He's so different from the man that he was.
He needs you now more than ever.
Don't give up on him.
~ We've all been changed by the war.
~ I don't work for Selfridges any more.
I'll come to you when I'm ready, Violette.
A huge hotel bill for her.
~ I'm his wife now.
~ Maybe there are some things he can't share.
~ What's he talking to Victor about? ~ He's had enough.
I know a man looking for oblivion when I see one.
~ Where does that leave us? ~ Changed, I fear, Mr Selfridge.
I got my book deal.
What it's like for our soldiers now.
The field goes to auction and I'm going to bid.
~ To build houses for heroes.
~ Nothing in that for you.
~ On the contrary.
~ Loxley? ~ You know him? ~ Stay away from him.
Welcome to the Roof Garden.
Selfridges is launching our biggest beauty event ever and, to celebrate, we have 50 very generous gift vouchers ready to fly.
~ Luxury treats on us in skincare, perfume ~ And cosmetics.
Mrs Edwards, the head of Beauty.
You do the honours, please.
This beauty event is very important for Selfridges.
~ What's the application demonstration? ~ Colour cosmetics.
I've worked with renowned cosmepologists from Paris and America.
I'll be giving our customers some expert advice.
~ Congratulations.
~ Oh.
Head of Accessories.
I gather it's official now? ~ Really? ~ And Miss Mardle's running Fashion.
~ And Miss Calthorpe has proved herself more than capable.
~ Oh You must be our youngest head of department.
~ You'll get the hang of it in no time.
~ Thanks.
There are days when I wish I had a nice, small department like Accessories.
~ Seriously, Grace, that's great news.
~ Oh, I wasn't sure I was good enough.
~ Course you are.
Anyone says any different, you send them to me.
~ Ooh.
~ We should go out and celebrate.
~ Oh, if you say so Mr Selfridge.
On busy days, it's like Piccadilly Circus in here.
Women need to see the clothes so here we have models showing garments, like the Lanvin collection, while the customers sit and watch.
~ You've surpassed yourself.
~ Just a few changes.
No, really.
Selfridges wasn't the same without you.
Now, I have a favour to ask.
Tomorrow is my wife's birthday.
I'd like to do something special for her.
Could Doris come in, pick out a few new dresses? Yes, of course, Mr Grove.
Thank you, Miss Mardle.
~ So, this loan will be for a housing estate? ~ That's right.
~ That won't make any profit? ~ Well, it'll be homes for ex-servicemen and their families.
£30,000.
~ That's a lot of money for a personal loan, even for you.
~ That's why you're here.
A lot of money for a man with very few assets.
Your townhouse is leased.
~ Mm.
I own the largest store in London.
~ You own 51% as a shareholder.
I just wondered if he'd said anything since the board meeting? Not to me.
Things are uncomfortable.
You did the right thing, Arthur.
I know it wasn't easy.
And nor is this.
We let the women go today.
The chief won't like that either.
~ You can have your loan, Mr Selfridge.
~ Thank you.
~ But with so few assets, the bank will insist on a higher rate of interest.
~ Mm.
~ How high? ~ Around 15%.
~ Cigarette, sir? ~ Yes.
Spare any change for a soldier? Makes you count your blessings, don't it? Some of us come back without so much as a scratch.
Yes.
We were lucky.
~ Thanks, guv.
~ We're in the wrong game.
~ The bank manager? Nobody told me.
~ Mr Selfridge's personal bank manager, Mr Crabb.
Nothing concerning the store.
~ We'll be in touch.
~ Mm.
~ Mr Grove, Mr Crabb.
~ Chief, the surplus female staff, it's their last day.
~ I haven't forgotten.
~ Shall I ask them to assemble in the loading bay? Have them come to my office.
A personal farewell is the least we owe them.
We need to agree who's doing what for this beauty event.
There's the window, something for the Palm Court and all of the displays.
~ Henri? ~ I heard you.
That's a relief(!) I'm sorry.
It's just that ~ Well, it's been like this for weeks now.
~ Like what? Me talking to myself.
You not talking at all.
Look, I just want to help, if you'll tell me what's wrong.
There's nothing wrong.
When you starting working with us in the loading bay, we thought it would only be for a few months.
It's been four years.
I wanted to say thank you.
You'll get references, of course.
Sorry.
It's just references won't mean nothing out there.
There's hundreds of women looking for jobs.
~ And a month's wages in hand.
~ And when they run out? ~ I loved it here and I was good at what I did.
~ Yes, you were.
Miss Hawkins.
Well, Myra says there's jobs in the East End, if you can use a sewing machine.
I want a job doing what I'm good at, lifting and driving.
~ But that's all men now.
~ You want a job? ~ What's wrong with that? ~ Four years we was out in France.
Now look at us.
Left selling fags on the street.
Why don't you go home? Stick to what you're good at.
Keeping house and having kids.
Yeah, and other things.
And what are you good at? Come 'ere and I'll show you.
~ Oh, leave 'em, Connie.
~ That's right, run along.
~ You're pathetic.
~ Ooh.
~ Well, that's it.
They're all gone.
~ Mr Crabb says a month's pay is very generous.
Well, your mom would say, 'Have you done all you could to help?' This housing estate.
THAT will help, won't it? ~ I mean, not the women who've gone today but other women, families in need.
~ Mm.
Your mother might say that too.
Listen, Gordon, I appreciate you stood up for me at that board meeting.
Sometimes maybe I'm a little hard on you.
It meant a lot to me.
Mr Selfridge, your car is outside.
The auction's at six.
Come on.
Let's show 'em what we're made of.
Who do they think they are? Harassing innocent women like that.
~ There are lots of ex-servicemen out of work.
~ Peas are for everyone, Connie.
So, you're saying they were right? No, just jobs are thin on the ground.
~ Don't I know it.
~ Well, what are you going to do? You can't sit around here all day.
I could help keep house while you're out.
You need another job.
Isn't there anything at Selfridges? What about your beauty event? You could put a word in.
Pull strings.
You're always saying how important you are.
~ Could we leave this- ~ I worked my way up the ladder to get where I am.
Nobody did me any favours.
You want work, Connie? You get up off your behind and you start looking.
Lovely chops.
Lot 43.
An opportunity to purchase undeveloped land in Acton, west London.
Ten acres of prime arable land just five miles from the centre of London.
Easily accessible from the Uxbridge Road with transport links to the west and south.
With multiple access points and a lake at the heart of it, it's an attractive proposition for housing developers or commercial property.
Offered for sale freehold.
(It shouldn't go for more than ~ (That's my limit.
) ~ Bids are invited to start at £10,000.
£10,000 anyone? (They'll all be out by 14.
You watch.
) Gentlemen, we have £14,000.
Who'll give me 14,200? ~ I told you.
~ Any advance? 14,200? a new bidder.
Mr Selfridge? Pa, you said 15 was your limit.
~ £20,000.
~ Pa, what are you doing? Lord Loxley? Do we have a sale? Mr Selfridge? (Your mom would have wanted this to happen.
) £30,000.
Gentlemen, are there any more bids? Lord Loxley? For the first time, for the second time Third and final time.
Sold.
Loxley.
~ I heard you were back.
~ Did you miss me? ~ Why were you bidding? ~ It's a public auction.
~ You didn't want that land.
~ And you don't know when to stop.
In business, Selfridge, never let your heart rule your head.
Stay away from me, Loxley, me and my family.
Why so unfriendly? You got what you wanted.
And so will I.
~ Pa, where have you been? We're meant to be having a family dinner.
I told you.
~ Where's Serge? ~ Getting dressed.
~ Serge! ~ Pa? ~ What's the matter? We went to an auction for the land.
Lord Loxley was there.
What's all the shouting? ~ Did you tell Lord Loxley about the housing project? ~ Why? Because he just bid against me, pushing the price up.
~ Maybe we've discussed business affairs.
~ You've what? ~ Loxley's interested in my passenger plane.
~ I told you to have nothing to do with Loxley.
~ And I told you it was none of your business.
~ Serge! You're married to my daughter, you live under my roof.
That makes it my business.
~ Then why don't you back me? ~ I'm sure this is all a misunderstanding.
~ Loxley is using you to get at me.
~ He believes in me.
~ He is trying to undermine me and my family.
~ You're doing a pretty good job of that yourself.
Serge! ~ Serge, come with me.
~ But I am in the - I think you've said enough.
Serge! ~ I will not be made a fool of.
~ I understand but you must calm down.
I'll talk to Rosalie.
We should do these family dinners more often! ~ You're busy.
~ Oh, yes.
Doing my homework.
Is Henri back? No.
I thought you were out together.
I needed a walk.
Well, it's It's not late.
~ He could be home any minute now.
~ Yes.
~ Good night.
~ Good night, Agnes.
~ I have to say, it's a relief to be at work today.
~ Hm.
Good morning, Miss Plunkett.
Can you sent a card to Miss Webb? Just say, 'I won the field.
' She'll understand.
Agnes? I need to talk to you.
I heard you got married.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
~ Henri's one of my regulars now.
~ That's why I'm here.
Erm he isn't himself.
He hasn't been since he erm since he got back.
And he won't talk to me about what happened to him so I erm I thought he might have said something to you.
No, he hasn't.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have come.
I I just didn't know who else to ask.
Henri was in Verdun.
I don't know what that means.
What happened? Thousands of 'em died.
~ Shelled, shot, gassed and starved.
~ Starved? I heard some stuff here and there.
Supply lines got cut off.
They were trapped, no food or water, no way out.
Agnes, there are some things you don't wanna know.
I have to please.
One soldier talked about bodies.
Mounds of them piled up and left there to rot.
The living lying next to the dead.
Hell on earth he called it.
So So, that's what happened to Henri? ~ I dunno.
~ And what happened to you? ~ I've a club to run.
~ Of course.
Thank you.
~ This colour is perfect for you.
~ It's beautiful.
~ And how's little Ernest? ~ Oh, he's a happy dumpling.
I'm very lucky.
Beautiful children and a wonderful husband.
And now this.
Mr Grove is so good to me.
~ Is everything all right, Doris? ~ Yes.
Perfectly.
Morning.
Have you been here all night? ~ I've been working on the beauty event.
~ I was worried.
I'm sorry.
I just kept sketching, thinking about the window and .
.
and then I had all these ideas.
~ Can I see? ~ When they're ready, yes.
You used to do that all the time.
'Don't look, it's not ready.
' Yes, I did.
I feel like I used to.
Excited.
Well, do you want to go home and get some sleep? Have some breakfast? When I'm finished.
Thank you.
~ I've had a lovely time.
Thank you.
~ It was my pleasure.
Goodbye.
No! Go away! ~ Let go! ~ Doris? Just leave me alone! ~ Are you all right? Who was that? ~ I don't know.
~ Was it one of those men from outside? ~ I'm sure he was harmless.
Now, please, I'm quite all right.
I'll get a taxi home.
Don't worry.
Ma'am, I took the liberty of visiting Princess Marie's flat yesterday.
~ Go on.
~ Well, she said it was being redecorated.
While she racks up a huge hotel bill in Mr Selfridge's name.
Yes.
I saw no sign of renovation and the family who live there now would find it most inconvenient.
They rented the apartment when the previous resident moved out, leaving several unpaid bills behind her.
Princess Marie? Thank you, Fraser.
Good work.
Ma'am.
Can I help? I need to do this myself.
I need to know if I still have it in me.
You haven't slept in 24 hours now.
Please, this is the first time I've felt like I'm really here doing what I used to.
See you later.
Cosmetics demonstrations are in the Palm Court.
If you'd like to make your way up, we'll begin shortly.
Morning.
Morning.
Hello.
Morning.
Most of us learn about beauty from our mothers.
But these products are all new.
Well, my mother wouldn't know where to begin.
She might also wonder if it was all entirely proper.
I'd like to show you that the right product, applied correctly, can enhance your natural beauty.
If you'd all like to choose a table.
Creme rouge can add a healthy glow, brightening the complexion and giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
An elegant eyebrow will frame the face.
While darkening the lash-line will make eyelashes seem longer.
And this, this is our greatest innovation.
A stick of lip colour .
.
in a tube.
Can I help, Madam Selfridge? May I ask, does the Bureau deal with personal information? ~ We deal with everything.
~ It's an inquiry of a rather delicate nature.
Princess Marie Wiasemsky.
I wanna know when she left Russia, how long she was in Paris, where she has lived in England, .
.
who her creditors are.
Everything about her.
I want to know who this woman really is.
Mr Selfridge, Miss Webb is here.
Ah.
It's good to see Have a seat, please.
~ I got your note.
~ Ah.
So, then you know I'm now the proud owner of an expensive field.
~ It's wonderful.
~ Hm.
~ Now you have the land, you'll need architects, engineers, construction firms ~ I think what I need is you.
Hear me out.
I know you have your own interests, your own company but I need a manager.
I'll pay you, of course.
~ Mr Selfridge, I would be delighted.
~ Oh.
Then we have a lot to talk about.
~ Er, tomorrow afternoon? ~ Done.
If we're going to be working together, there are some people that I'd like you to meet.
Ladies, I'm glad that you made it.
I thought a bit of shopping would be a welcome distraction.
I would like you to meet Miss Nancy Webb.
Miss Webb, this is Princess Marie.
~ Proud mother-in-law to Rosalie.
~ And this is Violette.
I'm not married, I don't have a job so shopping is pretty much all I'm good for.
~ I'm sure that's not true.
~ No.
~ Do you work here? ~ Actually, Miss Webb is going to be managing the Homes For Heroes Scheme.
Ah, yes, all those little houses.
How exciting.
~ We must go to cosmetics demonstration.
~ Are you coming? I wanna look like Gloria Swanson.
~ Oh, that awful nose, such long face, like horse.
~ Oh, no.
No.
She has such a natural aristocracy.
~ You'd be most welcome.
~ Thank you.
Please.
Mrs Leclair? These came in this morning.
They should have been in Monday.
They need to go in the window.
~ Er I'll ask Mr Leclair when he comes in.
~ Where is he? ~ He was up all night working.
I'm sure he won't be long.
~ Then I'll do it myself.
No.
I'll I'll do it.
Oh, as quick as you can, please.
What are you doing? ~ Kitty asked me to put these in.
~ It's my window.
~ You weren't here so ~ Cos you didn't wake me.
Well, I thought you needed the sleep.
~ I worked all night on this.
~ It's just powder.
~ Boxes of powder.
~ No, no, no, no.
It was mine.
~ I was just trying to help.
~ I don't want your help! Then what do you want? ~ Please tell me because I can't go on like this.
~ Like what? ~ You barely say a word to me.
~ What do you want me to say? ~ You spent four years at war.
~ Yeah, and now it's over.
Something's changed.
We're like strangers and it's killing me.
Don't say that, please! I even went to see Victor.
~ What? ~ I asked him about Verdun.
~ And what would he know? ~ He's told me more than you have.
~ Oh, I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment.
~ Stop it.
That's not what I'm trying to say.
Then what? What's going on? I lie next to you every night.
I hear you cry in your sleep and when I hold you, you hold onto me but when you wake up, you push me away.
~ I know that you've been through some awful things.
~ You don't know anything! That's enough! No.
I'll do it.
Please.
It's my fault.
I'll put it all right.
Henri? Oh, for God's sake.
Oh, my God.
Come here.
Laissez moi.
Laissez moi.
Hey, Henri.
It's Harry.
It's Harry.
Who did you think I was? ~ They're dying.
~ Who are? ~ All of them.
My men.
~ No, no.
There's no-one here.
~ It's just you and me.
~ They're everywhere.
They beg me for water.
I can't help them.
~ I hear them crying.
~ Henri, where are you going? Henri? ~ You're up late.
~ I thought you were Henri.
~ Have you seen him? ~ Not tonight.
~ What are you doing? ~ I have to go and find him.
It's three in the morning, don't be daft.
Oi! ~ What happened? ~ We had an argument.
~ Well, more than that.
~ He'll be back when he's ready.
What if something happens to him? He survived four years in France.
He'll be fine.
George? I didn't mean to ~ Are you all right? ~ Me? Course I am.
You know, you never talk to me about the war.
Some days I hardly think about it.
Others, everything around you looks the same but it's like it's not real.
It could all break apart any minute.
So, what do you do? You get through the day .
.
hope it gets better.
Just wait for him.
That's all you can do.
Sorry.
Have we heard from Henri? Miss Mardle said he didn't go home last night.
~ No.
~ If I may I have seen something similar in my former regiment.
Extreme behaviour out of character.
This The euphoria of getting home and then one realises memories, feelings, simply have no place in day-to-day life.
What about a period of leave? Time to reflect away from the pressures of work? Perhaps.
Sometimes, making a chap feel useless, the worst thing you can do.
Well, I can't just close the door on him.
Henri is my closest friend.
I'll find a role where he's right beside me.
Where I can look out for him.
We have to find him first.
All the products you saw at the beauty event are on sale today, madam.
~ What are you doing here? ~ Your sister spends an hour in the bathroom SINGING.
Then she reads MY paper and eats breakfast, getting crumbs over as much of the table as she can, all while I'm trying to work.
~ She needs to find another job, get her own place.
~ I've got a book to write.
I'll talk to her.
Read all about it! ~ Come and get your paper! ~ One, please.
~ All right.
~ Thank you.
There you are.
~ Mr Edwards.
~ I need a favour.
Somewhere to interview these two for a couple of hours.
It's for a book I'm writing.
~ Life after the war.
~ Will I be in it? ~ You never know.
~ Hm.
We don't open till six.
I won't tell if you don't.
Come on.
Please.
Mrs Edwards, beauty sales are through the roof.
Have a think about what your department needs and if I can help, it's yours.
Erm, well, actually, erm there is something.
It's it's my sister Connie.
She used to work here in the loading bay and then Fashion.
She needs a firm hand but she's bright and she learns fast and I'm being ever so bold, Mr Selfridge, but I know that family is the most important thing to you and the store is one big family, in a way, and she needs a job.
Jobs go on merit not family connection.
But isn't it wonderful when they can be both? I know you must feel that way about Mr Gordon, your son.
He's done ever so well here, hasn't he? He's a chip off the old block, isn't he? No-one but YOU could get away with THAT.
I'm sure Miss Mardle would welcome the help.
~ Your sister can have the job.
~ Thank you, Mr Selfridge.
Thank you.
~ What did you do before the war? ~ I worked in a laundry.
I was a warehouseman.
~ We were slow getting demobbed.
By the time we got back, there were no jobs.
~ They gave my job to a girl.
Said she was just as good and they could pay her less.
~ They should have kicked 'em all out when we come home.
~ Elsa? ~ Who? The women? ~ How's it right that we're out on the streets scraping by while they swan around giving themselves airs and graces for pin money? You have this idea of home when you're in the trenches.
~ It keeps you going.
~ Yeah.
And then you come back.
Nowhere to live Heroes, my arse.
Someone oughta do something.
Henri? ~ Your wife's designs.
~ And the Selfridge Estate.
~ They're really quite similar.
~ It's a good start.
I'm off home now, Mr Selfridge.
Of course.
Thank you, Miss Plunkett.
~ Don't forget.
You have tickets for the theatre.
~ I won't.
Now, it's women who run these households ~ and no-one ever asks them what they want so I did.
~ Hm.
Here's some research and a survey I ran shows that what these people really want is hot and cold running water.
Electricity throughout each and every house, a private lavatory inside, and a private garden ~ Victor.
~ Violette.
~ Your French gentleman not with you? ~ No, and he's not mine.
So, you're on your own? You're thinking no decent girl would come out without an escort.
~ That's not what I'm thinking.
~ You have no idea what kind of girl I am.
And you don't know anything about me so I guess that makes us equal.
Let's start over again.
What do you want to drink? ~ Sorry we had to stop.
~ Oh, no, you must go to the theatre.
~ At least let me get you a cab.
~ You're very kind, Mr Selfridge.
~ Harry, please.
~ Nancy.
Here we go.
~ I've looked everywhere for him.
~ He'll come back to you, my dear.
Because he loves you and you love him.
Maybe that's not enough.
Whatever's happened to him in the war's changed him.
I don't know him any more.
He frightens me.
Oh, Agnes.
Can you spare a copper? You bitch.
~ What did you say? ~ You can't spare a penny for a man who fought for King and country? Did you spend it all on drawers and rouge? ~ I wasn't shopping.
I'm working late.
~ Oh, we knew a few working girls back in France.
Yeah, they made a pretty penny lying flat on their backs.
~ You'd make a fortune.
~ I'm head of department! ~ Oh, get lady muck.
~ And you still can't spare a copper? ~ Keeping honest men out of a job.
~ I work in Beauty.
I sell lip colour and creams and I've just worked a 14-hour day.
It's no wonder you can't get jobs.
~ Drinking on the street.
You're a disgrace.
~ Shut it! Get your hands off! You go and keep watch now.
Come here.
Hey! Hey! What the hell are you - Hey! Hey! Police! Police! ~ Police.
~ What happened? Oh, my God.
A young lady was attacked yesterday evening.
I've also got a witness says he saw some men leaving this club drunk as lords.
~ I'm almost scared to walk home tonight.
~ Then don't.
We've been saying we'll go out for ages, so, let's.
~ You must make her understand what you're going through.
~ I can't.
~ You must tell her.
Let her know what's going on.
~ Tell her what? That she's married to a coward? He's so different from the man that he was.
He needs you now more than ever.
Don't give up on him.