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- Hudson. - HUDSON: Sir?
Bring some champagne to the drawing room when I ring.
I think a bottle of the Krug.
Very good, sir.
[ Door opens ]
RICHARD: Well, Angus, my boy.
[Scottish accent] I'm sure you have a very good idea
what I want to talk to you about.
Yes, I have a faint inkling.
Well, um, shall we have some brandy?
Thank you, sir. That would be most pleasant.
Coffee, darling?
No, thank you, Mother.
Don't be so restless.
Oh, what's taking so long?
They can't be discussing his prospects.
All England knows Angus owns half Scotland.
I remember when your father was asking for me.
Oh, Mother, please!
Go on, bell, ring.
What for?
Oh, that's how we know, stupid. That's the sign.
From heaven?
No, for Mr. Hudson to take up the champagne --
-for the engagement. - Anybody would think it was you
who was betrothed to the young Scottish laird.
Aren't you excited?
I must admit to it enlivening an otherwise routine week.
Mm, he's lovely, isn't he?
Lovely.
Very suitable.
Though I never thought it'd be an Angus somehow.
Be an Angus? What?
His name.
See, I always thought she'd marry a, um...
a Michael or a William.
Yeah, or a Peregrine or an Arbotnarts.
Oh, you've got no romance in you, you haven't.
[Mid-tempo music playing]
Oh, Mother.
Oh, dearest, don't be nervous.
Your father will handle it all beautifully.
I don't think I can go through with it.
What's the matter, darling?
You -- You know Angus so well and you like him so much.
That's. . Just the trouble.
I like him, but...
I don't love him.
Do you really mean that?
Yes, I think I do.
Well, then, you'd better think about it very seriously.
What sort of person would you marry, Alfred?
Let's see. Uh...
Wouldn't be your colouring, for a start.
They'd be, uh, fair.
Fair?
And Christian.
Well, that gives you a lot to choose from.
And they'd have a certain notoriety.
What? Do you mean wicked?
Aye, wicked.
Would you marry a wicked person?
ALFRED: Definitely.
HUDSON: [Singing indistinctly]
- Soap sud's happy, anyway. - What?
Now that Miss Elizabeth's chosen a Scotsman.
Aren't you, Mr. Hudson?
I must admit to a certain satisfaction.
Yeah, like the cat's got at the cream.
[ Scottish accent ] Sir, it must be clear to you
from the frequent visits to your house
that I've designs -- I mean honorable intentions --
on your daughter.
In short, I'm asking you for her hand, the noo.
I didn't know you could speak welsh.
Well, Angus, I think that's covered all the details.
All that's left for me now
is to offer you my warmest congratulations
and welcome you into the family.
Thank you very much, sir.
Well, let's have another drink.
And I'll...break the happy news to the ladies.
-[ Bell rings] - Here it is!
That's it.
HUDSON: Rose, keep calm.
ROSE: Well, it's not every day
that something like this happens, Mr. Hudson.
Thank heavens for that, but there's no knowing
with the capriciousness of modern young girls nowadays.
Here, was he getting at me?
Oh, I don't know.
Mr. Hudson speaks in riddles like the Sphinx.
Hudson?
Yes?
You can take that back. It won't be needed.
-[ Door opens] Elizabeth.
I'm very sorry, Angus dear, but I can't marry you.
You can't mean that.
I'm sorry, but I've changed my mind.
What is this? W-What's happened?
Papa, please try to understand.
Angus you're very sweet and -- and very kind,
and you're going to make someone a wonderful husband,
but not me.
Elizabeth, you led me to believe that you --
I-I know, and -- and I blame myself.
I just hope that one day you'll forgive me.
Oh, it's got not nothing to do with you, believe me.
Perhaps I'm just not made for marriage.
I don't know.
I don't think I shall marry for a long time, anyway.
I have to see the -- the possibilities of life first.
You say that as though life at Loch Bray with me
had no possibilities.
But it could have, Elizabeth.
We'd have to live there most of the time, true,
but you'd love the lochs and the moors.
And we'd travel.
We'll go to other countries as well,
and we'd have fine children to love
and to look after and to be proud of.
It's no good, Angus.
I hope you've thought about this very carefully.
Yes, I have, Papa. Really, I have.
I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble.
[ Door closes]
Maybe she'll change her mind again with time.
Well, knowing Elizabeth as I do,
once she has made up her mind to do something,
there's precious little one can do to change it.
- Yeah. - Believe me, Angus,
you have my -- my sympathy and my affection.
Thank you, sir.
I value it.
I think perhaps there's little point in my staying any longer.
Yes, Angus.
I understand.
Hudson, Mr. McAlester is leaving.
Very good, sir.
Sir.
Well, goodbye, my boy.
I'm sorry.
Yes. Well, goodbye, sir.
[Knock on door]
Come in.
[Door opens, closes]
Oh, Papa, I'm sorry.
No. No, my darling.
It...It was just that Angus seemed,
in the view of your mother and myself, to --
to embrace all the virtues.
Embrace all the virtues?
It would take a superman to embrace all the virtues --
and a very dull superman, too.
You're misunderstanding me.
I know. Deliberately.
I only mean well.
I know you do, Papa,
and you made things much easier just by being there.
Poor Angus.
Do you think I hurt him very much?
Given time, he'll get over it.
And find a much nicer girl than me.
I would like to be married but not yet.
And not to dear, sweet Angus.
I mean, can you imagine me
banished to all those acres in Inverness-shire?
I'd be lost to you both and to myself.
But my girl knows best, and I only want her to be happy.
My dear, I do sympathize.
Daughters can be such a trial.
I sometimes wish we were back in those simple barbaric days
when things were just arranged as a fait accompli.
My bill, please.
Of course, poor Angus McAlester, for all his evident suitability,
is just a teeny bit of an encumbrance.
You know he pursued Agatha all last spring.
She had to be quite ruthless with him in the end.
Really?
Dick, my dear fellow. Uh, may I join you?
Adam. Well, of course. Do sit down.
Thank you.
- Will you have a drink? - Thanks very much, old boy.
Purvis.
What will you take?
A whiskey and soda.
I say, there's the most jolly rumor circulating
that your daughter has snubbed old Hamish McAlester's son.
Is it really true?
Well, if you choose to put it that way.
Well, I must say I couldn't be more delighted.
I mean, I'm sorry for the boy. He's not a bad young cove.
But anything that sets old Hamish's nose aquiver
has me prancing with delight.
[ Laughs ]
But I hope there'll be no political repercussions.
The Scots are such a sensitive bunch.
They'll probably start wanting home rule again.
[ Both laugh ]
Oh, Rose, I seem to have caused so much trouble.
Do you think I should have married him?
No, Miss Lizzie, not if you didn't love him.
He was so suitable.
Yes, I know, but all the same.
- Tell me about your young man. - What, Miss Lizzie?
The one you nearly married -- to take my mind off myself.
He was killed, Miss Lizzie. I thought you knew.
Oh, yes, Rose. I'm sorry.
There you are. You see, I was only thinking of myself.
We must remedy this immediately.
How?
A series of outings --
uh, new interests, painting exhibitions, concerts.
And you shall accompany me.
Me, Miss Lizzie?
You, Rose, and we shall start this very afternoon --
if we can find something suitable.
Ah, Alfred, have you seen Rose?
It's her afternoon off, Mr. Hudson.
Yes, yes, I know that, but she promised to help me decorate
that infernal Christmas tree.
Aye, well, she's gone with Miss Elizabeth
to one of them foreign concerts.
- How much, please? - MAN: 2 shillings, please, miss.
- Thank you. Keep the change. - Thank you. Good night.
Well, Rose, aren't you glad you came?
Your first lieder concert,
And wasn't Elena Gerhardt brilliant?
- Yes, Miss Lizzie. - Oh, Rose, you are delicious.
- You were bored stiff. - Wasn't.
Yawning -- I saw you.
Well, I-l think it takes a bit of getting used to.
You're quite right, and you shall get used to it.
We'll go again.
Look! It's snowing quite hard!
Perhaps we shall have a white Christmas.
I think you'd better go in, Miss Lizzie.
- You'll get your death of cold. - And so will you, Rose.
I'll see you later.
ROSE: And thank you very much for taking me, Miss Lizzie.
It was very kind of you.
Nonsense. I enjoyed taking you.
[Doorbell rings]
[ Door opens ]
Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth.
Thank you, Hudson. It's snowing.
When are you going to decorate the tree?
Shortly, miss.
I'd better take your coat in case it's damp.
I trust you enjoyed the concert.
Very much, thank you, Hudson. I took Rose.
So I was informed, miss.
- Well, it was her afternoon off. - Indeed.
-Is Mother at home? - Yes, miss.
She is receiving a visitor in the drawing room.
Ah. Friend or foe?
Beg pardon, miss.
I mean should I go in or slip by the door unnoticed?
I think her ladyship would be pleased to see you.
- The visitor is foreign. - You make it sound
as if her ladyship was positively threatened, Hudson.
How foreign?
Just a little bit foreign, like a Scotsman?
He is a German gentleman.
I understand he made your acquaintance in Dresden.
- Oh? - A Baron Von Rimmer.
Von Rimmer, Von Rimmer who couldn't be dimmer.
[German accent] Baron Klaus Von Rimmer.
We met at the Tissons' tennis party.
Tissons? Tennis?
Yes, darling. You remember.
She has every reason to forget, Lady Marjorie.
I remember she was suffering with a grievous head cold.
It was very gallant of her to attend at all.
Oh, yes! Now I remember!
Oh, forgive me, Baron. I was a misery that day.
On the contrary. You looked enchanting.
Only your game was a little affected.
The baron is staying in London for a few weeks to study...
Banking methods over here, the Deutsche Reisebank.
I hope you'll forgive my presumption in calling on you.
It's no presumption, Baron.
We're delighted to receive you. Aren't we, Elizabeth.
We should be more than delighted, Mother dear.
We should be deeply honored
that of all the people the baron must know in London
he should have singled us out.
We scarcely exchanged more than six words
at the Tissons' tennis party.
MARJORIE: Elizabeth. - Oh, no, please.
First let me say I have very few friends in London.
I was feeling lonely in my lodgings in Victoria,
and I remembered that among the six words I exchanged
with a certain delightful Fräulein Bellamy
were included the names Schubert and Goethe,
who between them produced some of the finest lieder sounds.
- But I've just been to -- - I was telling the baron.
Isn't that a coincidence?
You've been hearing the exquisite Gerhardt.
Yes. She was superb.
[Speaking German]
You know Elena Gerhardt?
Yes. I was once privileged to study with her in Munich.
Tell us about her, please.
With pleasure.
Did you make much of it, then?
What's that, Mr. Hudson?
The concert, of course.
Oh, it was lovely -- when you got used to it.
I hope you weren't fooled into thinking
it was the cat's whiskers in musical entertainment.
No, I've got a mind of me own.
And I hope it stays your own, Rose.
There are dangers being made to a headstrong young lady
like Miss Elizabeth.
Oh, what's she done to upset you, Mr. Hudson?
Nothing in particular.
I'm referring more to the matter of respect.
It has to work both ways.
[ Chuckles ] I know that.
All very well packing young mistresses off
to foreign parts to advance their education.
But it's not altogether a good thing, in my opinion.
They get taken advantage of.
Oh, in what way?
Oh, heads filled up with foolish ideas,
manners forgotten, loyalties questioned.
And don't think it's not calculated
by the foreign teachers.
There's a special name for it.
Well?
Subversion, if you want to know it.
That is a deliberate pulling at the roots of a country
through its young men and young women,
twisting their minds so that in a time of crisis --
[Laughing] Oh, Mr. Hudson!
You're not suggesting that our Miss Lizzie --
I'm not suggesting anything, Rose.
I am simply giving warning.
The signs are all there.
Pray God I'm wrong.
What signs, Mr. Hudson?
Mr. Hudson has some funny notion.
That's enough of that.
Going on about them dirty foreigners again, are you?
And that's enough from you, young man.
If only it were, Mr. Hudson.
But her ladyship asked me to inform you
that the baron's staying for dinner.
No sooner had I returned from Dresden,
they went to work on me, preparing me for the season.
- Do you know about the season? - Oh, yes, of course. The season.
Really, darling. - It's true!
When I was aching to talk about music and philosophy
and the people I met,
they had me walking and dancing and bobbing up and down
like one of Professor Pavlov's dogs.
That's a terrible exaggeration.
We simply asked you shouldn't enter the room
like a battering ram.
Oh, Mother, how indelicate.
Battering you, at the very least.
Same sort of problem in your family, Baron?
Oh, yes. My mother with my little sister.
I see. You take their side.
You prefer young ladies to be simply frivolous and vain.
Very well. That's how you shall have us.
There's room for compromise.
You can express yourself Within the framework of society.
How, Baron?
When I am told it is not ladylike --
Indeed worse, it is a serious disadvantage
for a girl to be thought clever.
My Aunt Kate's words.
How can I express myself?
I'm the educated daughter of a politician
and I'm expected to discuss the weather.
No politics.
You see, Baron, because of my husband's position,
there is a real danger
that Elizabeth could be taken advantage of.
Oh, yes, I see.
What my dear mother really means is that she's afraid
I might misbehave and cause a scandalare.
But I'd never compromise my papa.
I love him far too much.
Well, you're getting a glimpse into our society, Baron.
How does it compare with yours in Germany?
Most favourable, sir, in spite of Elizabeth's protest.
But then, I'm much in love with England.
- Why? - Why?
Yes. You've seen very little of it.
Oh, it's not the quantity.
It's the quality of life which enchants me.
And, uh, I must declare an interest.
I have a cousin by marriage who was related to Queen Victoria.
More than we can boast of.
But I'm very much concerned for England
now that these intrepid Liberals have taken power.
Why do you use that word, "intrepid"?
Because they wish to disarm.
Don't write us off too soon.
There's still the election to come.
In Germany, Mr. Balfour is much admired.
Even though he sees Germany as a potential enemy
and has taken measures to strengthen our defenses?
All countries have a right to protect their own shores.
And the more everyone is protected,
the less possibility of war.
I'm sure your father would agree with me.
You would spend money on arms
which might more profitably help the poor and uneducated.
It's the poor and uneducated who first need our protection.
I'm sure we'd all agree with that,
but the conversation is becoming much too serious.
Can't we think of a more diverting topic?
Tell us about your lodgings, Baron.
Did you say they were in Victoria?
Yes, they are.
After your terrifying experiences in Victoria,
I only hope this is free of bedbugs.
I have no such fears.
Now, then, I take it you have no valet.
That is so.
My uncle was anxious I should make this trip
virtually incognito
and I should have no special favours.
He is the director of the bank I'm studying at.
What will he say now I've found myself such a delightful home?
Well, but you must be looked after.
You shall be valeted by Alfred here
for the duration of your stay.
That would seem admirable.
You're very kind. Thank you.
Mother, dear, how impulsive you are.
What ever will the gossips say?
Don't be idiotic.
Alfred.
Yes, Baron?
King Alfred, who burnt the cakes.
So I'm told, Baron,
but it's my duty usually to hand them around.
My dear, there's no point in hiding the fact.
You've unearthed a potential lion
after his spanking debut at the Morrisons' last night.
How did you come by him?
I didn't come by him, Prudence.
You make me sound like some sort of beachcomber.
Not a bad description.
Don't you think this might be a bit heavy for spring?
Oh, no, Lady Prudence.
Show me something in a lighter weight, girl.
If you really want to know, he came by us.
You mean he just materialized on the doorstep?
More or less.
Elizabeth met him very briefly in Dresden.
Well, well. So she's captured a baron.
I'm surprised, dear, I must say,
after her rather unorthodox behavior since her return.
Not exactly the glittering belle jeune fille.
Ah, now, that's much more my colour.
- Yes, and it's softer. - Mm.
Yes, I like this. It -- It has style.
Give me 10 yards.
Do you wish it sent, Lady Pr-
No. Have it wrapped and taken out to my carriage.
I suppose he is a baron. I-l mean a real one.
Well, of course he is. He's a true blue Junker.
The de Tocquevilles know his family.
Oh, well, that's a relief.
One hears such dreadful stories these days.
One's confidence in foreign gentlemen is apt to be blunted.
Oh. Now, that would make a lovely dress for dear Agatha.
She can wear bright colours.
- Is he in love with her? - With Elizabeth?
Well, of course. Who else are we talking about?
Well, it's much too early to talk of such things.
She's only known him a week.
Actually, I think it's rather the opposite.
She's not at all impressed by him.
Well, then, you must bring him to dinner with us without delay.
Agatha's home and looking quite ravishing.
Prudence, I have no intention of parading him like a prize bull.
Nonsense, Marjorie. What else would you do with him?
Yes, that would definitely suit Agatha.
Send me six yards.
With pleasure, Lady Prudence.
[Mid-tempo music playing]
[ Song ends ]
Bravo, bravo.
[Conversing in German]
- Now, here is a tune. Listen. - A tune?
Listen.
[Mid-tempo music playing]
[Laughing]
You're laughing at me.
All the time, you make fun of me. why?
-[ Music stops] - My protection against you.
You need protection?
Like the poor and uneducated.
♫ Deutschland, Deutschland ♫
♫ Über alles ♫
- ♫ Über alles in der -- ♫ - ♫ God save our precious king ♫
- [ Laughs ] - ♫ Long live our noble king ♫
[ Both laugh ]
We make good harmony, don't we?
Now you play.
Oh, no, please.
Oh, yes. I insist.
Since you claim to have studied with Elena Gerhardt,
the stage is yours.
[Slow music plays]
You sing?
Thank you, Hudson.
Good morning, Lady Marjorie.
Oh, good morning, Klaus, dear. Did you sleep well?
To borrow an English expression, like a top, Lady Marjorie.
Good.
- Morning, sir. - Morning, Baron.
Sir.
Scrambled eggs, I think.
- And some coffee, please. - Sir.
Aunt Kate writing from Monte Carlo.
She says she's all right
but the place is infested with Frenchmen.
Well, that's not surprising, is it?
MARJORIE; No.
KLAUS: Good news, I hope, in the world.
RICHARD: I beg your pardon.
- The newspaper. RICHARD: Oh, yes.
What are your plans for today, Klaus?
Oh, Elizabeth, has promised to take me
to the Houses of Parliament.
Oh, that'll be nice.
Have we chosen an interesting day?
Uh, not at all, I'm afraid.
Most of it'll be taken up by some minor fishing squabble.
A naval matter?
Are you particularly interested in naval matters?
The sea's in our family.
I thought it was banking.
Both. One uncle is a banker, another an admiral.
Christmas card from that fearful Lady Mackwood.
Funny how she's always the first.
Will you be at the House today, sir?
I shall be later, but this morning I have a meeting.
KLAUS: Committee of Imperial Defence?
It's not a secret, is it? Elizabeth told me.
What did I tell you?
Morning, Mother, dear.
Morning, darling.
- Morning, Papa. - Morning, darling.
You must forgive my curiosity sir,
but I am, as you may have judged,
a keen student of politics.
Kedgeree divvy!
RICHARD: The theory or the practice?
Both.
- Tea or coffee, Miss Elizabeth? - Coffee, please.
Letter from Penny Martindale. Back in England.
We must ask her over.
Perhaps we could talk sometime.
Her handwriting hasn't improved.
- I shall be delighted, Baron. - This evening?
No, not this evening, Klaus.
We're going to the de Tocquevilles'
-then on to the opera. - But some time soon, I hope.
Oh, surely.
- Would you excuse me a moment? -[ Clatter]
Oh, dear! Hudson.
- How stupid of me. - Allow me, Baron.
RICHARD: Hudson! MARJORIE: Can I do anything?
No, uh, thank you -- with Alfred's help.
MARJORIE: Did you want to speak to me?
Yes. Um, is it serious?
No, nothing that can't be mopped up.
- Alfred's seeing to it. - What?
- You mean the spill? - No.
I meant the relationship between Elizabeth and our guest.
-[ Chuckles ] - Well, I thought I detected
something across the table between them.
Now you come to mention it, yes, I think there has been a change.
Why, darling, does it worry you?
No. Not yet.
He is a Junker, you know.
One of the best and worthiest families.
- She could do worse. - Oh, yes.
It could be tradesman's son with radical views.
[ Laughing ] Oh, really.
♫ Take me, take me to the Houses of Parliament ♫
You're looking very pleased with yourself.
- We're in love. - Who's "We"?
We is -- are, in a manner of speaking.
What are you talking about?
Being but the reflections of our masters.
Oh, Alfred.
-[ Humming] - Get off!
Alfred! Mrs. Bridges will hear!
Will you please put me do--
What's the matter, Mr. Hudson?
Don't you believe in love?
I believe in it, if it's kept in its place.
Down.
But not between us and them, eh?
Foreigners.
Do you want to know something?
Germany's beginning to appeal to me.
I've been hearing a lot about it lately.
- When? - In the course of my duties.
Why don't you go there, then?
Do you know, I might - anon.
- What's this? - Huh?
Oh, I was wondering when you'd notice it.
- Do you like it? - HUDSON: where did you get it?
It's a present from my master.
The baron gave you that?
I serve no other master -- not at the moment, anyway.
Well? What's wrong?
There's no law against getting a present, is there?
It is Christmas, Mr. Scrooge.
Well, you got what you asked for.
I was spellbound. Such pomp and tradition.
Grimsby trawlermen.
[Bell tolling]
Your Thames is very wide here.
Not so wide as the Rhine at Köln.
But more important.
Are we as great as the Fatherland?
Oh, in some ways greater.
- Your empire. -ls cracking.
System of government. - Poof.
The men it produces, men like your father -- incorruptible.
-[ Laughs ] - Why do you laugh?
He's a clergyman's son. It must show.
And he wouldn't thank you for it.
Makes him sound like one of those old diehards.
-[ Ship horn blows] - He's more liberal?
Oh, careful. He's, uh -- What do we say? -- open-minded.
Flexible, I think.
- Flexible. - Mm.
What you have to realize about Father
is he married into the party.
Oh, he was very clever, and he went to Oxford and things,
but he owes his career entirely to my mother's family.
- Diehards? - Yes, rather.
I think he feels trapped on the home front.
That's why he's concentrated more on foreign affairs.
I may be wrong.
I assume from what you say that he's dependent
on your mother's family financially.
Oh, yes. Everybody knows that.
Is he ambitious?
Much as the next man.
But he'd need a courageous, perhaps unorthodox step
for him truly to break free.
Yes.
Have you something to suggest?
[Both chuckle]
RICHARD: Sorry about the delay.
I had to see the Deputy Speaker.
Goodness, it's freezing out here.
Come in and have some tea.
[Mid-tempo music playing]
[ Song ends ]
- There you are, Baron. - Good evening, sir.
[ Door closes]
I was just admiring your chandelier.
Oh, really?
Nothing very remarkable about it.
Are you sure?
Reminds me of one I once saw in Florence.
Very beautiful and very valuable.
Baron, let's stop all this, shall we?
You clearly have a proposition to make.
Why don't you frankly declare yourself
and then I can call off the hounds,
who are at this very moment
making an exhaustive study of your background.
Nothing would give me greater pleasure.
My business card.
I see.
Well, I was never very convinced by your banking story.
So they're employing young barons
to do their sales talk these days?
I thought you might have known that.
Come on, Rose. Tell me the symptoms.
Oh, you asking me, Miss Lizzie?
Yes. You read Hilda's Home Companion.
Isn't that what they're always concerned with?
Oh, I think it's a bit different in there.
Why should it be? It's the same for all of us.
- We all get the same pains. - You got a pain, Miss Lizzie?
- Yes, Rose. - Whereabouts?
All over, and it's rather delicious.
But the funny thing is, I don't like him very much.
- You don't like him? - No.
Can you believe that?
I love him -- I think.
But I don't like him.
Oh, Rose. Isn't it marvellous?
Aren't you happy for me?
Yes, Miss Lizzie. I'm happy.
But someone isn't? Who?
Oh, it's nothing like that.
And I know I shouldn't say anything really,
but it's Mr. Hudson.
Hudson?
Well, it's nothing against the baron personally.
It's just a general dislike he has of foreigners,
and he will keep going on about it.
He's heard that there are thousands of Germans
already in this country on the south coast
working as waiters and hairdressers,
but they're all really trained soldiers.
And if there ever should be an invasion,
they'll all rise up and slaughter us in our beds.
[ Laughs ]
So you see your country, not France, as our aggressor.
Oh, yes, of course. Don't you?
Germany plans to absorb Holland into her empire.
We have 70 million people.
We want commercial preeminence.
England has only 40 million and France the same.
So you'll have to join forces.
And the low countries will be the battlefield.
Can't be long delayed.
Particularly if the Liberals gain power and try to disarm.
In the event of war, I don't think you'd find us unprepared.
That is not enough, sir.
To maintain peace and divert catastrophe,
your fleet must actually be superior.
And your German munitions company have suggestions
to keep us superior -- in the interests of peace?
Mr. Bellamy, there are many in my country --
artists, musicians, philosophers,
and ordinary people --
who are appalled at the upsurge of nationalism,
who seek only to live their lives
in a peaceful and united Europe.
And some of them work in armaments firms.
Yes. Why not?
Oh, come now, Baron.
We all know about the gentlemen who sell arms to both sides,
then stand back and watch them engage.
What is it you have to sell?
It's a new form of naval gun mounting
for His Majesty's battleships.
These are some, uh, preliminary details and costs.
You will see, as you study it, it's far superior
to anything that Vickers have to offer at the present time.
Well, naturally, of course. Otherwise you wouldn't be here.
A-Any deal of this sort
would give you access to many of our naval secrets.
Most of your secrets are known to us already, I'm told.
As I continually emphasize,
-we seek only -- - Yes, yes.
Tell me, why didn't you approach our government
from the proper channel?
I'm sorry, sir.
You are former undersecretary of state for the Admiralty
and a member of the Committee of Imperial Defence.
Are you not a proper channel?
I was referring to your befriending
of my daughter in Dresden,
and your subsequent maneuverings into my household.
My dear chap, I don't particularly mind.
I was just curious to know how you fellows operate these days.
I admit I had to gain access to your confidence.
Using Elizabeth?
Yes, it was my method.
But it was in your best interest, too.
My company couldn't openly approach the British government.
The selling of arms
is a most delicate matter for all concerned.
So really you're just testing the bathwater.
A little more positive than that, I hope.
But, uh, as for the feelings
which have developed between Elizabeth and myself here,
this is a separate matter
and will remain separate from any dealings we might have.
I don't see how you can divorce the two things entirely.
- But no matter. - Obviously you are mistrustful.
Sir, I have the greatest respect for your daughter.
I would never do anything to hurt her feelings.
Yes, all right. I've no doubt she can take care of herself.
Tell me, what do you expect me to do with these papers?
When you have satisfied yourself that they are genuine,
to use your influence and persuade your government
to enter a contract with my company.
But haven't you come to the wrong chap?
I mean, I'm no longer part of this government
nor likely to be.
You remain on the Committee of Imperial Defence.
And that is what matters to us.
Perhaps I should add that the contract would be made,
for obvious political reasons, through a Swiss subsidiary,
which my company will control, of course.
Quite.
Well, Baron, I'll look through these papers,
and if I see fit --
And it goes without saying, should you be interested
in a substantial shareholding in this Swiss company --
I mean you personally -- it can be arranged.
I see. Yes.
Such financial interlockings between our two countries
can only enhance the prospects of peace.
Indeed.
However, there's plenty of time to discuss this side of things.
You see, the design is --
-[ Door opens] ELIZABETH: Oh. Sorry.
- Eliz-- - Am I interrupting?
[Speaking German]
Danke vielmals, Herr Baron.
Thank you, Purvis.
Thank you, sir.
- You read the documents? Rather.
What do you think? Are they bona fide?
Oh, absolutely.
And the price?
Very fair.
So, under normal circumstances, we might have bought.
Why not buy now?
Oh, my dear Adam. It's obvious what's behind it.
Trying to set up an intelligence organization
right in our very midst.
Well, don't you agree?
I can't deny it's possible.
Thank you.
But you've got to consider the types you're dealing with.
These armaments creatures --
They're above nationalistic considerations.
I mean, just look at their pedigrees as individuals.
Half the nations of Europe in their blood.
They're in it purely and simply for the loot.
What about their agents, men like Von Rimmer?
- The dedicated Anglophiles? - Mm-hmm.
Hmm. Very interesting specimens.
Say, is it true what I hear
about this fellow and your daughter?
- Oh, never mind that. - Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm sorry.
Well, uh, let's just think for a minute.
Militarily speaking, they've something to offer.
And it's politically sound
vis-à-vis the election of the Liberals.
Yes, we could whip up a scare
about Tirpitz's ever growing fleet.
Exactly.
And, uh, on the personal front...
I take it you've been offered a hefty bribe.
Well, haven't you?
Shares in a Swiss bank. - Mm.
Standard procedure. - Is it?
Of course.
I forgot you're new to this game.
Yes, so, personally...
-we'd start again. -"We"?
Well, you'd count me in, wouldn't you?
Cry "tallyho" and away we go?
[ Chuckles ]
Couple of shifty profiteers, huh?
Will you never be persuaded?
I can't forget my humble and pious origins.
I know, Dick.
And that's your epitaph.
Meantime, what do we do about the Baron?
We can't make a move against him
until we've actually agreed to be corrupted.
Well, uh, yes. Uh...
Well, these people usually have
a few incriminating documents they want us to sign.
We'd better wait for them, I suppose.
We'll need a witness.
Oh, well, that's easy enough.
I think the best thing is to rig up a meeting.
Say, uh, dinner at your house next week?
He plans to leave next Tuesday.
Monday, then.
A sort of fond farewell.
- You agree? - Mm-hmm.
Good.
It's -- It's time we pounced on one of them.
We normally celebrate Christmas Day.
In Germany, Christmas Eve is a truer moment of Christmas.
Tell me about it.
What do you do?
Well, uh, in my family,
Father and Mother decorate the Christmas tree.
Nobody's allowed to see it
until they have finished and the candles are lit.
Father rings a little bell
and we all go in and we look at the tree.
And the children sing carols and we all open our presents.
Go on.
Well, uh, we always have snow for Christmas,
and the pine trees around the house
stand out white against the sky,
and the stars glitter in the cold.
It's beautiful.
Like fairy land.
Tell me some more.
Then we have our great big Christmas dinner.
We have goose every year.
It's a tradition in my family, and we have lots of wine.
And we all have the feeling
there's no other place on earth to be on Christmas Eve.
Can you understand that?
Not even here with me?
Of course with you, but not here -- there.
Then take me with you.
To Germany, tomorrow?
Why not?
Your family.
Oh, they wouldn't mind.
Take me with you. Please.
I love you.
I want to share everything with you.
I want to be with your family on Christmas Eve.
I want to see your candles lit and hear your carols.
Please, Klaus.
It would make me very happy,
and I'd make you happy, too -- I promise you.
No, it's not possible.
Next year, perhaps.
My bill, please.
[ Door opens ]
[ Hoofbeats ]
MARJORIE: Oh, there you are, darling.
I was beginning to worry.
Our dinner guests will be here in an hour.
You must forgive me, Lady Marjorie.
It was entirely my fault.
After the exhibition,
- Which was enchanting. - Boring.
He persuaded me to have tea at Guntefis,
- Which was delicious. - Delicious.
It's only that Elizabeth takes so long to dress these days.
Oh, Mother, how unfair.
Now, you know you do, darling.
You spend all your time chattering with Rose.
- Hello, Papa. - Hello, darling.
-[ Thud ] ELIZABETH; oh!
Good evening, sir.
I have the agreements regarding the Swiss company.
Your colleague is coming tonight?
Yes.
I also have preliminary contracts for the deal itself.
I think neither he nor yourself will be disappointed.
That, of course, will take some time.
Oh, of course, of course.
But tonight we set the wheels in motion.
Will you excuse me, Lady Marjorie?
Yes, of course.
The bath's ready, Baron.
Thank you, Alfred.
It suits you.
Thank you, Baron.
You've been using this?
Yes?!
Yes. Yes. I...
Stupid! You stupid, stupid boy!
Tap, a little touch. That's all.
I don't care for myself.
You can take -- take what you want.
But what about the family?
What will Elizabeth, her father, her mother say
if you serve them a dinner and you stink?!
Stink!
[Voice breaking] S-Sorry. I...
So you should be.
I'm...not worthy. I...
No, you're not worthy.
However, on your feet.
Up, I said.
And now come here.
And be forgiven.
[Whimpers]
Miss Elizabeth, you're laying on that frock I put out for you.
- You'll spoil it. - I don't care.
He's leaving, and I want to go with him.
Oh, he'll be coming back.
I don't see why he should, since he doesn't love me.
Course he loves you.
What ever makes you say such a thing?
Oh, I don't know.
Run me a bath.
You haven't got time.
Besides, the baron's taken all the hot water.
The baron.
Then I shall go and step into it with him.
Miss Elizabeth!
How can you even imagine such a thing?
[ Laughs ] Oh, don't look so shocked, Rose.
We're living in modern times.
[ Gasps ]
[ Door slams ]
[ Door opens ]
HUDSON: Good evening, Lady Prudence, Sir Adam.
ADAM: Good evening, Hudson.
We're not together, Hudson.
We both arrived on the doorstep at exactly the same moment.
A pure accident.
ROSE: [ Crying ]
Delightful vision of a lady in distress.
A madhouse.
Rose...
- You get away from me! - Don't --
Rose! How dare you behave like that in front of the guests!
I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson, but I-l...
-[ Sobs ] - What's the matter with you?
Do you know why she's crying?
Don't ask me! It's naught to do with me!
-[ Bell rings] Right. Upstairs, you.
Serve the drinks.
Go on with you, now! Look sharp!
All right, Rose.
Now, you tell me what this is all about.
I can't, Mr. Hudson.
But I'm all right now.
Promise.
Can't think why I was invited tonight, and at the last minute.
I'm sorry, Prudence, darling,
but Richard insisted we should get someone for Adam.
And who could I ask but an old friend?
Most unfortunate, as far as I'm concerned.
I thought it was common knowledge --
I can't be in the same room as Adam Blake.
He once grossly insulted me in Sebastopol.
I think you might have shown a little more tact.
But that was ages ago.
And anyway, I always wondered if it was quite true.
- It was true. - It's high time you made it up.
[ Door opens ]
Ah, Klaus. There you are.
I think you know Lady Prudence, don't you?
Oh, yes.
RICHARD: Baron, I don't think you've met Sir Adam Blake.
Baron Klaus Von Rimmer.
Good evening, Baron.
Come and have some champagne.
Alfred.
PRUDENCE: Yes, I think so.
What do you think?
Yes, he amounts to the type.
That, uh, strong Teutonic bone structure,
dashing with the ladies.
When do we get the documents to sign?
- After dinner. - Over the port. Sound idea.
- The least fuss. Absolutely.
Oh, my dear Baron, we shall miss you terribly.
You've added luster to an otherwise dim season.
You'll find some excuse to return in the New Year?
KLAUS: Unfortunately, the Deutsche Reisebank have given me
only a limited number of their methods to study,
and I've exhausted them all.
Then you must return under your own steam,
if you'll forgive the vulgarity.
I'm sure Elizabeth would wish it.
If they won't have you here,
then you must come and stay with me.
The most eligible widow in London
and the handsome young baron under the same roof?
What would the gossips say?
I invite the Baron here and now to return to us in January.
But you have your elections.
We shall parade you on the hustings.
Then they'll have to give us women the vote.
Marjorie, my dear, you look younger and lovelier than ever.
Thank you.
Prudence, dear, come and look at this.
I picked it up in Sotheby's the other day.
Oh, it's enchanting.
I want you to grace me a long-kept secret.
With the greatest of pleasure.
What did you do to Prudence in Sebastopol?
ADAM: [Laughs] Well, now, that's a long story.
ELIZABETH: Mother wants you to play for us after dinner.
- Will you? - KLAUS: If it pleases you.
ELIZABETH: It won't please me. I shall probably cry.
KLAUS: Then Rose must fetch you a handkerchief.
ELIZABETH: [Speaking German]
[ Indistinct conversations]
Mr. Hudson, could I have a word with you, please?
Not now, Rose.
Please, Mr. Hudson. I can't hold it in no longer.
Pull yourself together, girl.
Come on. Outside, quickly.
ADAM: [ Laughing ] And now she can never forgive me!
[ Indistinct conversations]
-[ Door closes] -[ Laughter]
PRUDENCE: What are they finding so funny?
You're absolutely sure about this?
And you've told me everything?
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
But you must understand that I've never in all my days --
All right, Rose. I understand your feelings.
You go downstairs to the dining room.
Oh, I couldn't, Mr. Hudson.
I couldn't serve at table tonight.
Not with Miss Elizabeth there
and me knowing what I know and I'm still thinking --
And that's why you've got to keep working, Rose --
so she's kept from knowing.
But what about Alfred?
You leave Alfred to me.
He won't be there.
And, Rose... keep all this to yourself.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Mr. Hudson.
Good girl.
Off you go, then.
Hear these new dreadnought battleship things
are absolutely no use at all, Sir Adam.
They sink if you so much as look at them.
That may well be, dear lady,
if they come under your hypnotic gaze.
Go downstairs and wait in my pantry.
Stay there and talk to no one till I've seen you.
[Snaps fingers] Off you go, now.
MARJORIE: Hudson, are you nearly ready?
- I think we are. - Very nearly, my lady.
MARJORIE: Hudson, where's Rose?
She has duties in the dining room, Miss Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH: Oh, bother.
I wanted her to fetch me a handkerchief.
Might I have a brief word with you, sir, in private?
- What now, Hudson? - If you would, sir.
[ Door opens ]
It is possible, of course, sir, that the girl was mistaken.
No, Rose would never speak on such a matter
unless she was certain.
That was my opinion, too, sir.
I take it the gentleman
-will not be staying for dinner? - On the contrary, Hudson.
It's a matter of vital government importance
that the Baron remain in this house
for the next two hours at least.
I have a detective inspector
arriving from Scotland Yard at 10:00.
He'll ring at the back door.
See that he's attended to until I specifically call for him.
- I understand, sir. - And, Hudson...
I rely on your absolute discretion
and ask you to deal with Alfred.
I will, sir.
In the meantime, will you ring the gong for dinner?
Certainly, sir.
What did Hudson want?
Oh, nothing. Just some domestic problem.
- Why didn't he come to me? - I really couldn't say.
Then I shall ask him.
No, Marjorie, you won't, Not on this occasion.
- I insist. - And I said no, Marjorie.
Be ruled by me just once in a while.
I'll explain it all later.
Is it your intention that we should continue our vendetta
to our grave, Sir Adam?
What vendetta, dear lady? I was not aware --
You know perfectly well to what I'm referring.
An incident in Sebastopol some years ago
when you wounded me deeply.
- Were we deep-sea fishing? - What?
The only woman I ever remember wounding deeply
was a lady I once went deep-sea fishing with.
I got her by accident with a harpoon.
If I was a gentleman, I would have demanded satisfaction.
And as a gentleman, madam,
I should have been forced to give it to you.
Oh!
You're as incorrigible as ever.
ADAM: That goes without saying.
Incorrigibles ripen with age, like most other fruits.
-[ Laughter] Excuse me.
I have to make an urgent telephone call.
Will you please excuse me?
Of course.
Did I tell you
dear Agatha's been invited to Belvoir for the weekend?
- Oh, good. That's nice. - Yes.
- How boring for her. -[ Gong sounds]
- Ah. - Shall we have dinner?
It's no good, Mr. Hudson. I can't go through with it.
Rose, here they come.
Ah, how delightful always to enter the Bellamy dining room.
Such a feeling of happy anticipation.
And happy returns.
- Sir. - Thank you, Hudson.
Where's that lugubrious footman of yours, Marjorie?
The one who always makes me laugh.
Yes, Hudson, where is Alfred?
He's indisposed, milady.
Will you be waiting for the baron before commencing, sir?
Certainly, Hudson. Of course.
So, uh, we're to have a German baron for dinner.
I hope he tastes as good as he looks.
Well, I'm sure he'll be more to my tastes
than some of your dreadful jokes, Sir Adam.
ELIZABETH: well, so that we don't all starve to death,
I'll go and look for him, shall I?
- Will you excuse me? - Sweet child.
One can't help observing
how very much in love she seems to be.
-[ Indistinct conversations] - His room's quite empty!
His clothes aren't in the cupboard!
What?
He's gone.
It's so awful.
And that I should have invited him to stay.
A pervert in our house.
You weren't to know.
And then to corrupt our footman and take him away.
Well, perhaps they deserved each other.
Poor little Elizabeth.
She was so in love with him.
What on earth shall I tell her?
I mean, she's too young to be exposed to such things.
It would destroy so much for her.
I'll go up to Elizabeth in a moment.
Alone.
Richard, she must never know.
I want you to leave this to me and trust me.
He was a spy, Rose.
Do you know about spies?
Yes, Miss Elizabeth.
An agent who sells deadly weapons,
using me, I suppose, to get to Papa and compromise him.
Do you think that's bad?
Yes, Miss Lizzie.
But Father was too clever for him.
He brought in Sir Adam,
who's a celebrated spy-catcher from the navy.
You'd never think it.
But they were going to arrest him.
He must have realized, so he left.
Without a goodbye.
To get home in time for Christmas.
Better than a Brixton cell, anyway.
I've finished now, Miss Lizzie.
That's all right.
Night, Rose.
Good night, Miss Elizabeth.
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