Mr Selfridge (2013) s04e01 Episode Script

Thank you.
Mesdames, messieurs? Faites vos jeux, s'il vous plait? Et vous, Monsieur Selfridge? All on black.
Here he is.
Mr Selfridge, rumour has it you've incurred heavy losses.
Where's your actress friend, Miss Matthews? - How much did you lose? - How is being rich, Mr Selfridge? I hear you broke records in Milan.
I know you have a better story than that, gentlemen.
- Go on, how much was it? - Thank you.
Oh, come on, boys.
Give the man a night off.
There's a rumour about you and Elsie Lane.
Ah, Mr Selfridge! How lovely to see you.
Good to see you.
- Lovely to see you.
- Good to see you, too.
Ladies and gentlemen, princes and paupers, and the Earl of Oxford Street himself First up, all the way from America, Miss Alberta Hunter.
Once I lived the life Of a millionaire Spending all my money - Oh, I didn't care - Harry.
- Victor.
- It's busy tonight.
- Cabaret.
People can't get enough of it.
- And the gambling.
- What gambling (?) Oi! Calm down.
Harry Selfridge.
- Don't you know who I am? - The Whiteley brothers.
Father had a store, just like you.
Now that he's gone, you're running it into the ground.
At least he got himself killed once he was past it.
He had an instinct for business that you'll never have.
I don't care how rich you are.
Any trouble, you're out.
I mean it.
What would their father think? New generation.
All money, no brains.
Excuse me.
We'll keep an eye on them, Mr Edwards.
My fairweather friends Oh, it's strange to say Without a doubt Nobody knows you when you're down and out I mean when you're down and out Hey! Hey, Harry.
Join us.
This is about to be historical.
Hey.
How are you? Get that down you.
- Please.
- You're paying.
I'm gonna get you You think I won't find you, but I will! Grandma, what are you doing? - Quick! Upstairs! - Why aren't you in bed? - It's after ten.
- I am nine years old.
- Sweetheart, good night.
- Good night.
I'll be up in a moment.
- Were there any people at the launch? - Oh, plenty.
All gossiping about Pa and his affairs.
He should know better at his age.
I just wish he could find someone who was a real match for him.
- Come on, Mummy! - Can't you say something? - When are you going to tell her? - When I find the right moment.
It has to be Kitty first, or we'll never hear the end of it.
Well, it's hard pinning her down.
She's had a lot on with the house move.
Oh, I know.
I've heard (!) So, should we have a formal dinner, or cocktails and dancing? - Frank? - Er up to you.
It's our house-warming.
I want your opinion.
- Cocktails.
- But if we don't have dinner, no-one will see the new Wedgwood.
Er dinner, then.
Did you have a good time last night? I was working.
Like I'm trying to now.
Selfridges' Queen of Time will be the most striking monument on Oxford Street.
We need something bold.
An abstract exploration of time.
I know this is not my speciality.
You're the new head of design.
But surely the function of a shop window is to exhibit goods? Or entice the customer with an artistic display.
Of goods.
Come on, Mr Crabb.
We're gonna be late for Mr Grove.
'The hours pass by and are reckoned to our account.
' - Yes, very good! - These are the best of times.
What better way to mark it than with the Queen of Time? A landmark on Oxford Street that will be here long after we're gone.
That day is long off, Mr Grove.
We're none of us as young as we used to be.
Sorry to interrupt, chief.
Mr Grove? Happy birthday! Oh! Look at that.
- I haven't told them how old you are.
- No, best not.
But it is 20 years since you joined Selfridges.
I hope to be here for many years more.
Thank you.
Shall I? Yes! Make a wish.
You and Frank all settled in? So much to do.
So many rooms! And the furniture from the old flat looks tiny in there.
So, when do we get to see it, then? Dinner, Saturday? Everything's topsy-turvy, but if it's just you two, it won't matter.
- Er.
.
! - You're family.
Yes.
Yes, we are.
Good! Well, it'll be Be nice for us to catch up.
Saturday.
Can't wait.
Weather looks good for the weekend.
Mrs Crabb'll be very disappointed if I don't bring home a trout or two.
Miss Mardle.
Always remembers.
Still in New York? - Mm.
- She wrote at Christmas.
Sounded very busy.
Well, she's a talented woman.
Made a new life for herself.
She's sorely missed.
Happy birthday, Roger.
Thank you, Arthur.
Well, I never.
Mr Gordon! - Here to see your father? - I'm a bit early.
Mr Gordon, how lovely to see you.
Mrs Edwards.
- How are the provincial stores? - Ticking over.
The chief's lucky you keep such a close eye on them.
- That's the job he gave me.
- Well, blow me if it isn't Mr Gordon.
- Good to see you.
- You, too, Mr Towler.
You miss the store.
I'm sure I'll be back.
One day.
Colleano's is in the papers.
There's been all this hoo-ha - about that black boxer.
- The American champion.
He wanted to fight the British champ.
Can't, because of the colour bar.
Seems Victor's doing it as an exhibition match.
I hope we get an invite! Mr Selfridge? You have a visitor.
Yes? Hello, Harry.
Mae? What are you doing back in London? Well, one of my ventures hasn't gone so well.
So I need to sell my shares in Selfridges.
Oh, Mae It was such a pleasure buying them from Loxley.
I really don't want to let them go.
The truth is Well, I need the money.
See, according to my husband, I'm getting a divorce.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
How dare you speak to me like that?! Who do you think you are? I'm sorry, Mr Grove, but I can't work in this house a minute longer.
Well -- - Meryl called her an interfering bat.
- She told me she was in charge, I wasn't going to stand for it.
- She told me I should watch what I say! - Be quiet.
Ernest.
Meryl.
- She treated me like a child.
- Because you behave like one! You have been a thorn in the side of every nanny, mother's help and universal aunt that's ever had the misfortune to work here.
Now that you've finished school, you have even more time to devote to your histrionics.
It can't go on.
Are you going to be in a bad mood all evening? It's your birthday! We've made cake.
Don't spoil things.
Oh, no, I knew he was having the affair.
I didn't mind.
We're both adults.
He's French.
And she wasn't the first.
But this one is not content to play the mistress, oh, no.
I'm sorry.
He knows I can't go to court.
That would mean every sordid detail dragged up in public.
So I have to go quietly.
And I won't get a penny from him.
I earn pin money from my fashion house in Paris.
It's just a rich woman's hobby.
But I have my shares, and if I sell them, then I can afford to live.
I'm sorry, Harry.
Do you remember when I first came to London? You opened doors for me when everyone was slamming them shut.
So it's my turn now, Mae.
Let me help you.
You know you can count on me.
- Good afternoon, sir.
- Afternoon.
I'm afraid Mr Gordon has already left.
Oh.
I forgot.
And there's a Mr Keen to see you.
From the London Civic Building Society.
Mr Selfridge.
As the London Civic is Selfridges' major shareholder, I felt I should introduce myself.
And may I say how delighted I am to meet you? You're replacing Mr Eavis? One of our original board members.
I was wondering if you might find time for a meeting? Oh, I'm a little busy.
I'm sure Mr Crabb can help.
Shall we? - Daddy! - Hello, boys.
Come here.
Oh, my goodness, you're getting big.
- Have they been good boys? - Yes! - Sort of.
Well, seeing as Mummy seems to believe you've been very well-behaved, guess what I've got for you? - What do you say? - Thank you.
How was your father? - Well, he missed the meeting.
- Oh - I waited for two hours.
It must have been something important.
Every so often, he He likes to remind me who's in charge.
Promise me you won't fall out with our boys.
Come on.
Family means everything to me.
It's Violette's flat.
She's in Paris.
I know it's not what you're used to.
Oh! No, it's a roof over my head.
Thank you.
She's 18 years old.
The new Madame Rennard.
She has big blue eyes and cherry lips.
She sounds awful.
She's playing him like a violin, and I should know.
Turns out, the older you get, the harder it is to play.
You're not old.
Well, you're at the top of your game, Harry, so you probably don't feel it, but I did not expect to be starting all over again.
Not at my age.
You're not starting over again.
Tomorrow, I want you to come into the store, look around Fashion with Mrs Towler - and pick out whatever you like.
- Oh, Harry, I -- Something beautiful.
Then, you and I will go out, like we used to.
Get your mind off things.
And perhaps I can persuade you to stay.
Where is everyone? Come on! We're late enough as it is.
Bag? - Alice, you have my hat.
- Why would I have your hat? - Bag! - Have you seen my bag? - Bag.
Plimsoles.
Well? 'The Millingford Girls' School are happy to offer you a teaching position.
' - Well done, Meryl! - Well done, Meryl.
Well, come on, you lot.
Off you go.
Can't be late for registration.
Finish that toast before you get there.
- Have a good day.
- See you later.
- Bye, Father.
They want me to start in September.
I might have found something else by then.
Teaching is a responsible, respectable job.
You might find it more rewarding than you think.
How would you know? Meryl Have a good day.
And please, clean up from breakfast.
Our haute couture range is extensive.
We have Vionnet and Patou here.
All the latest fashion from Paris.
What's this? This is ready-to-wear.
We make them in store.
Inexpensive materials in three sizes.
For secretaries and usherettes.
Rather them than me.
Well, it's a step up from making your own.
I'm used to Paris.
French women have style in their bones.
Oh.
Don't they have ready-to-wear? No, they have something much better.
It's luxury ready-to-wear.
Designed with taste and flair.
They cut them in the machine room, but then they hand-finish them.
They're beautiful.
Something you'd be proud to have on your fashion floor.
But who would buy them? Well, women who can't afford couture, but they don't have to buy ready-to-wear.
I really think you need something in the middle here, Harry.
We'd be the first store in London to offer it.
- Yes.
- Why don't you help me? - What? - You have a fashion house.
You know what women want.
- You've just told me.
- Goodness! Oh, Harry.
My life's in pieces.
I I don't even know what I'm doing next.
I don't even know if I'll stay in London.
Please.
Would you think about it? All right.
In the meantime, I want you to see something.
Queen of Time.
She's getting a grand unveiling, - right here at the store.
- Oh! Lucky her.
Will you stay for that, at least? All right.
All right.
So, are your newspapers ready for the Reform Act, Lord Wynnstay? 'Women's rights' Some of your readers are women.
And they don't give two hoots for politics.
They like knitting, recipes, babies and gossip.
So you'll be ignoring their emancipation? Not quite.
One good thing -- girls are easily led.
If they get the vote at they'll vote the way my papers tell them.
Now, what have you got for me? The Queen of Time.
A grand new monument for Oxford Street.
Harry Selfridge wants free advertising.
In return for VIP press access.
He can always go somewhere else.
Really? He's got a colourful family.
Harry.
That Russian son-in-law.
He's one for the ladies.
You've got a story? Mm.
Some dirty linen Harry wouldn't want aired in public.
Just let him know.
Here we go.
Ah! Got you.
Nicely done.
Rather beautiful.
Lovely.
Have you found a new nanny yet? Yes.
Let's hope she lasts longer than the previous one.
You do a terrific job, Roger.
I just worry that they suffer without a maternal influence.
You and Josie never regretted parting? Stepmother to five children, that's a huge undertaking.
Even had Meryl been a more tractable child.
We agreed.
Clean break.
The only way.
It's the Dolly sisters! Jenny, Rosie, it's good to have you back in London.
Mr Dillon! Mae.
Heard you were back in London.
Jenny! Rosie! Over here! Oh, here comes trouble.
The Dolly sisters.
- Who are they with? - Jimmy Dillon.
This was all his idea.
Who is he? Promoter, investor, fixer.
Did a few deals in theatre, then went into clubs.
And boxing.
I get the door receipts, Jimmy's running the bank.
Some deep pockets here tonight.
My, oh, my! Harry Selfridge! Harry! Ah, Jenny Rosie.
Haven't seen you in years.
Where've you been? - We've been in America.
- Touring forever.
- We keep saying we'll stop.
- Singing and dancing's all we can do.
Oh, that's not quite true (!) Showgirls always know how to have a good time, right? We heard all about your French adventures.
- You haven't changed a bit.
- Neither have you.
- Oh, we have.
- Oh, yes.
We're frightfully, delightfully rich.
Rich.
- Jimmy Dillon.
- Harry Selfridge.
The Earl of Oxford Street.
And Madame Rennard.
So, Victor tells me this is all because of you.
I'm just giving people what they want.
Excuse me.
'"Washerwoman, indeed!" he shouted recklessly.
"Ho! Ho! I am the Toad, the motorcar snatcher, the prison breaker, the Toad who always escapes! Sit still and you shall know what driving really is.
For you are in the hands of the famous, the skilful, the entirely fearless Toad!"' There we are.
- Can we get a car? - Certainly not.
They're very expensive.
- Night-night.
- Night.
Broom! Poop-poop! Now, ladies and gentlemen, for the highlight of the evening! First up, fighting for the United States of America Joe Langford! All right, Joe.
Atta boy, Joe! Give 'em hell.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, would you please put your hands together and make some noise for our very own British champion Tommy Butler! Boo! Best of luck, chaps.
Have a good fight.
- Have a good fight.
- Take him down, Joe! Who's your money on? Britain or America? Yes, £14 on the Brit! - 200.
- Same here.
Tim.
Take these bets.
If the American wins, you'll be cleaned out.
If he wins.
- What are you drinking? - Champagne.
- Champagne.
Allow me.
Round one! Fight! Let's go, Joe! Come on, Joe! Dig in! Oh, it's beautiful! A proper mansion, just like home.
You can't swing a cat in ours.
Well, you should move.
You're earning well.
Both career women, us Hawkins girls.
It's a shame Frank couldn't be here.
Well, he's Harry's right-hand man.
That's the price of success.
Duty calls, day or night.
- Come on, Joe! - That's it, Joe.
Go on, give him all you got! - I got a lot of money on this! - Tommy, sit up! He's got him.
That's it, Joe.
Yeah, get him against the ropes! He's got him! Break, break, break! Corners.
Corners, chaps, corners.
Well done, Joe! So, what are you doing here in London? - Parties.
- Cocktails.
Baccarat.
We'll need looking after.
I could lose my shirt if you're lucky.
And we wanna get into movies.
Talkies.
That's the future.
Well, I know a few producers and they would love to meet you.
You're an angel.
Thank you.
They don't take prisoners, do they? I think they're great fun.
To our future, Harry.
Seconds away! Seconds away, round three! Let's go, Joe! He's looking tired.
We've nearly got him.
You can go now.
Let's wind the gramophone up.
There was something we wanted to tell you.
We're expecting a baby.
A baby? Yeah, we've been trying for a while.
We thought we'd keep it quiet until we had some news.
I had no idea.
We wanted you to be the first to know.
Yeah.
Oh, well Congratulations! Oh! You're going to be a mother! Auntie Kitty.
- Hit him! - That's it! - Come on, Joe! - Looking good.
- Come on! - Come on - Don't let him off the hook! Let him have it.
That's it.
This is it.
Keep an eye on it.
- Looks like a win for America.
- Whoo! - That's it, Joe! - Keep it up! - Hit him! There you go! - Oh! - Get up, Joe.
- Come on, Joe.
- Get up, get up! - Get up! - Four, five Oh, no.
.
.
nine, ten, out! - What's the matter? - She's just lost £500.
I guess we'll win it back.
I guess we'll have to.
- What a good fight.
- Not for me.
- I'll pay.
- Harry, you can't -- No, no, no.
No need.
Forget it.
- £500? - Yeah.
You've made me five times that tonight.
Once you put all that on the Yank, people followed suit.
- You're my shining knight! - Just keep it quiet.
Come and have a drink.
I'm glad I made you money.
No, I mean it! Madame Rennard.
It's been an absolute pleasure to meet you.
I'm sure we'll see a lot more of each other.
- Will we? - You're beautiful, I've got money.
I'd say it's almost inevitable.
I'd say you're making a lot of assumptions.
Then tell me I'm wrong.
- Is everything all right? - Marvellous.
- I was talking to Mae.
- Ah, I see.
- You two are.
.
? - No.
No, we're not together.
Then she's not your concern.
That's none of your business.
SHE is quite capable of speaking for herself, thank you.
So, Mr Dillon, you have made a fortune tonight.
And a British victory.
These coloured chaps put on a good show, but they never last the course.
Good night.
What a charming man (!) So, where are we going now? - Well, I'm going home.
- Mae, wait.
- No.
I'll see you next week.
- Mae! Can we all fit in your car? Father? Shouldn't you be in bed? Could I find a Saturday job? I-I could do it as well as teach.
Doing what? Working at Selfridges.
No.
Those shop girls are exposed to all kinds of influences and individuals.
I want to work in Selfridges, not an opium den! I've had enough.
A school environment is best.
And you will do as I say.
If Mother were here, she'd understand.
What time do you call this? Back in Jackson, you used to take your shoes off before you crept in late.
And you still heard me.
I hear everything.
Oh, you're cold! And you're not a young man any more.
Where were you? The club.
- Gambling? - Not as much as some.
I took Mae out.
I thought it would distract her.
Why didn't you ask her round to dinner? We'd be very happy to see her.
She could be good for you if you let her.
As requested.
We need all of these updating, because that informs how much we stock, and - (Harry.
) - Excuse me.
Hello! I want to say thank you, but I can't do it.
The fashion line? Well, no, any of it.
I can't live in your flat and wear the dresses that you bought me and When we were at Colleano's, I realised how everyone sees me.
A woman with a rich man to take care of her.
Who cares what people think? I can't live like that anymore, Harry.
I've got to learn to stand on my own two feet.
So I have to sell my shares.
I'm sorry.
(I'm sorry.
) You know what I realised? I need a friend.
You have lots of friends.
Someone who really knows me.
I need you.
Harry Press list.
Queen of Time unveiling.
You are coming? Well that's why I'm here.
Hey, Colleano's was a riot, wasn't it? What did you think of Jimmy Dillon? Victor tells me he's the son of a maharajah.
He grew up in a mansion in the country.
His mother was English, one of the county set, and they had this affair.
It was quite the scandal.
So that's how he got his money? His father? No, the maharajah died, leaving Jimmy and his mother with nothing.
He made it all himself somehow.
Do you mind if we go through the press list? Oh, no.
Please do.
- See you later, Harry.
- Mae Think about the job.
Please.
I don't want you to go.
I'm gonna catch you, Ernest! Or can you catch me? Alice! Will you please control your younger brother? Chief! They've er all come to see the unveiling of the new clock.
This is Ernest.
Alice, Eleanor.
This is Meryl.
Arthur's away at school.
- You must be the eldest.
- Mr Selfridge.
I remember when you were born.
How old are you now? Oh, 19! You look so much like your mother.
I promised Ernest a turn around the toy department, didn't I? Why don't you take the girls to Fashion? - My treat.
- Thank you, chief! Well, come on, you.
Come on.
Mr Selfridge, could you sign this? Ah! Ernest, Eleanor, I don't want you choosing anything too expensive.
No sequins or anything like that.
Very kind of the chief to offer.
Meryl, come on.
Meryl! - Mr Selfridge? - Yes? May I ask you something? Of course.
My mother was about my age when she started working at Selfridges.
I-I'd love a job here.
Ah.
Have you asked your father? I I've tried.
Mm.
My daughter Violette asked me for a job here, and I said no.
I was wrong.
We may need some extra help in Fashion.
I-I love fashion.
I read all the magazines.
You'll need your father's permission.
I just had to ask him.
Please don't be angry.
You are my eldest child.
First to talk and walk.
And answer back.
First to do everything.
I just want what's best for you.
And I haven't anyone else to ask.
Maybe I know what's best.
And if I don't, I'll learn.
You know, your mother had such fond memories of this place.
She'd be so happy to see you here now.
All grown up.
Lord Wynnstay.
You've got quite a crowd outside.
And some press, you'll be glad to know.
- Can I get you anything? - No, we're fine, thank you.
Frank tells me you have a story about my family.
Your son-in-law, Serge.
He has had an affair with a countess.
Her husband's been in South Africa for more than a year.
They must have thought no-one was looking.
So it's a gossip piece? Serge has fallen out with the Countess, but she's very happy to talk.
- Pa! - Rosalie.
Lord Wynnstay.
- The newspaper magnate.
- How do you do? Rosalie is married to Serge.
Harry.
Those interviewers are in your office.
- I need you.
- Thank you.
Excuse me.
- Do you know Serge? - I've heard of him.
Oh! He knows so many people.
I'm going to see him soon in Paris.
Such a beautiful city.
Have you been? Once.
It was full of Frenchmen.
Our daughter's excited.
She's nine and loves travelling.
- Do you have children? - No.
My mother had four.
Still, one is a blessing.
I'm sure.
Shall we go find a good spot outside? Please.
Let's see what spectacle your pa has for us.
Mr Grove, I need to talk to you about a personal matter.
Mr Towler and I are expecting a baby.
Oh! Congratulations! Yes, but I want to work as long as I can.
Give you time to find a new head of fashion.
- Well, we shall miss you.
- Oh But I have no doubt you and George will make wonderful parents.
Thank you.
Mr Gordon.
- Mr Keen? - From the London Civic.
- How do you do? - Very well, thank you.
- I just wanted to introduce myself.
- Before you go any further, you do realise I don't have anything to do with the Board? I don't work at the store.
But you're managing director of the provincial stores.
- On my father's behalf.
- Of course.
And that makes you VERY influential.
So I just wanted to put a face to a name.
You are, after all, Mr Selfridge.
Madame Rennard.
I wasn't sure if you'd come.
Harry, I know you want a friend.
I've just got to protect myself.
I feel like this might be my last chance to start again.
- Then let me help.
- We've never worked together before.
This would be a whole new territory for us.
I'm not offering you charity.
It'll be on your terms.
You've always liked the high life.
The women and - .
.
the gambling.
- I'm in control, Mae.
Are you? I won't let you down.
I promise.
(The press are waiting.
) Mae will you join me? Can we stop the traffic, please? Thank you.
Come on, Mr Selfridge.
You can tell us.
- What's the big surprise? - All in good time.
I think the best shot is from about here.
Indeed it is.
Good afternoon.
Thank you.
Thank you all for coming.
In 1909, Selfridges opened its doors for the first time.
And since then, we have gone from strength to strength.
It is with great pride that I give to you the Queen of Time! - You're looking after the store now? - It's all being taken care of.
'Young Gordon Selfridge is poised to take the reins from his ailing father.
' I never said that.
How easy is it to take off these clothes? We are so lucky to have the Dolly sisters here with us today.
Such lively girls.
To have children is to be fulfilled as a woman.
I know we said that neither of us wanted children - Do you want a baby? - Do you? He's all yours.