25.000
Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky (2005)
(Band playing same tune )
¶ Day by day you're learning how to care
¶ Day by day a sweeter love affair
¶ Slow but sure you're answering my prayer
¶ Day by day ¶
( ¶ Big band plays Love, You Funny Thing)
My dear.
(Barmaid) Usual?
(Man ) Thank you, madam. (Landlady ) Thanks very much.
¶ You haven't any sympathy
¶ First you come and bring
¶ Happiness to my heart
¶ Then, you funny thing
¶ You go and tear it right apart ¶
- Is that one or two pints of Burton? - Um...one.
Ta.
- Good evening, Mr Eccles. - Good evening.
- Good evening, Ella. - Evening, Mr Eccles.
- You're looking very smart tonight. - It's funny you should say that.
It crossed my mind this morning that this hat has seen better days.
- Old favourite, eh, Mr Eccles? - But in the first stages of dilapidation, I fear.
Good evening, ladies. What can I get you?
- What do you think, Ella? - I'm sorry, Mr Eccles?
My hat. Past its prime, do you think?
Well, I suppose a new one wouldn't do any harm.
(Woman ) I'll have a Bass. What you having?
Come on, have something.
- My friend's not very well. - Indigestion, is it?
- That's right. - What you want's a gin and peppermint.
- Would that help? - Nothing like it.
- Taken a shine to your new customers? - I haven't taken a shine to no one.
Don't look like that to me.
Here you are. That'll see you right.
I hope so.
- I don't suppose you're ever ill. - I keep fit enough.
- You look well anyhow. - I'll tell you who he looks like.
- That man we saw in the pictures. - Antonio Moreno.
Yes, that's right. Ain't half like him, ain't he?
- Waiter. - Only not so soppy.
- Antonio Moreno. - You are, though.
- He is, ain't he? - Wish I had some of his money.
- He's a Spaniard, ain't he? - No, Italian.
- You're not Italian, are you? - Me? No.
- Waiter. - I wonder you don't go in films...waiter.
I'm surprised at you, Bob. Talking to those prostitutes.
- What's wrong with them? - What's wrong?
- A lady's got to live. - Don't you tell me.
How's the drink?
Very nice, thanks. I'm feeling much better.
- That's the ticket. - I'm always getting these funny attacks.
- You probably don't get enough exercise. - Like physical jerks?
I don't know about that, but you could do a bit of walking.
I do plenty of walking, thank you very much.
- I suppose so. - I guess I've got to do some more tonight.
- Have you? - Yeah, I have. You ask my landlady.
- Short with the rent, are you? - You bet.
Still, sitting here won't get it paid.
Ooh, I don't feel right.
- You ought to be in bed. - You're right there.
- I wish I could help. - All it is is eight and sixpence.
- That's not much. - It's too much for me.
- I'll give it you. - What?
- Got money to throw away? - I'd like to.
- I wouldn't think of it. - You can pay me back.
Go on, let me. Then you can go to bed and get better. Please?
- Well...if I pay it back tomorrow? - Whenever you like.
All right, then. You do know how grateful I am, don't you?
- No need to be. - Well, I am, and that's a fact.
I'll see you outside.
(Man ) Waiter!
- I don't want all that. - It's yours.
I'll pay you back tomorrow. Honest.
- If you ever need any help... - Let's hope I won't, eh?
- Well, good night, then. - Good night.
Sleep well.
(Alarm clock ringing)
- (Woman ) Bob? - Hello.
- What's the time, Bob? - About half past.
- Well, Bob? - Well, Ella?
- Brushing his precious hair. - That's right.
I'm surprised at you, Bob. Talking to those creatures.
- You and your John O'London's Weekly. - What's wrong with it?
Nothing, Bob. Glad to know you've got such literary tastes.
- Any plans for this afternoon? - Dunno. Little stroll if the weather holds.
Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire. Have you read this?
- Almost. - I say!
- That's the first volume. There's six more. - What did he want to write all that for?
- I couldn't tell you. - Hm.
Oh. I suppose I'd better decline and fall downstairs.
See you.
A woman's hair is her crowning glory, Ella.
Why don't you grow it like a sensible girl, hm?
- It would increase your charms a thousandfold. - Thank you, Mr Sounder.
- Not that any increase is required. - We all have to keep up with the fashion.
That there Prince of Wales, fallen off his horse again.
- Break his neck one of these days. - He will.
That boy.
Oh. Quiet this morning.
As a matter of fact, I've submitted a letter to the Evening News
on the topic of women's hair
which, I am pleased to say, they've had the courtesy to print in today's edition.
Page five, if you get a moment.
Oh. I'll look forward to that, Mr Sounder.
And that deposit gives a balance of 80 pounds precisely.
- Thank you, sir. - Thank you.
You make a lovely fire, do you know that?
Thank you.
- Good evening. - Evening, Mr Eccles.
- Your usual, is it? - Yes, I'll have my usual.
(Ella ) Oh, well. (Eccles ) Oh, well, what?
- What? - Just "Oh, well, what?"
Oh.
You said, "Oh, well," so I said, "Oh, well, what?"
- Well, one often says, "Oh, well," doesn't one? - Does one?
- What are you doing in there, Bob? - What's up?
Nothing.
¶ My romance, it started on the spot
¶ Without the aid of stars or moon
¶ A look, a smile, a sigh
¶ I still can't figure why
¶ But that's how my romance began ¶
(Woman ) Let's go.
Well, I never.
Hello.
- What are you doing round here? - Oh, just...
Well...
Toodle-oo.
Fancy a drink?
- Here we are. - After you.
Careful, Ella.
( ¶ Jaunty tune )
There you are.
- I'm glad we bumped into each other. - Why's that, then?
- So's I can give you back that money. - Forget it.
Were you gonna come back, then? To the pub, like.
- Sure. - I bet you weren't.
I was.
- I like music, don't you? - Yes.
Especially them waltzes and all those sad ones.
- Don't you? - Yeah.
- Gets you thinking of the past. - Don't want to get thinking of that.
Why not?
Well, you know.
I suppose the future's what's important.
- I must give you that ten shillings. - No. No.
- Go on. - Put it away.
- Go on. - No.
Well, if that's what you want.
Why are you so good to me?
(Romantic piano music)
(Orchestra playing romantic melody )
What would your girl think if she saw you with me?
- I haven't got a girl. - I bet.
- I haven't, really. - I bet she's lovely.
- I tell you, I haven't got one. - Lovelier than me, eh?
I bet she's a good girl too.
- Aren't you a good girl? - Hardly, dear.
I bet you'll marry her. Settle down. She'll look after you.
- Darn my socks. - That's right.
Sweet little wife.
You won't be able to see me any more.
- So you're only my temporary girl? - Yes.
Ain't never much more than temporary, I guess.
And who are you gonna marry?
The Prince of Wales. Ain't you heard?
- So where are you going? - Me? Suppose I've got to hang about.
Oh. When shall I see you?
- I'll pop in one evening. Tomorrow. - Will you?
- About seven, all right? - Right. About seven, then.
Yeah.
- Good night, dear. - Good night.
- Ain't you really got a girl? - I said, didn't I?
(Ringing)
- What was you getting up to last night? - Knocked around the West End a bit.
- Meet your lady friends, did you? - I don't know what you mean.
You'll get entangled with one of them creatures if you're not careful.
(Man ) Waiter!
- There you go. - Thank you very much, sir.
None of your friends in tonight, Bob?
And what friends would they be?
- Two quid. - I haven't got that much.
Forget it.
- Fancy meeting you here. - Fancy.
- All right, are you? - So-so.
Wondering why I ain't been in?
I never noticed. I've been too busy.
- The week's gone just like that. - Ain't it just?
- So why haven't you been in? - I've been busy too, dear.
- Must be off. - Must you?
- Afraid I must. - Can't we just have a quick drink?
Well...maybe just the one.
- Fancy you meeting me like that. - Yeah.
That's ever such a nice dress you've got on.
- It ain't half bad. - Suits you like anything.
- I got it in Paris. - You've been to Paris?
Yeah. Spent two weeks there.
- How did you manage that? - Oh, a chap took me.
- They don't half jabber over there. - Do they?
Jabber, jabber, jabber all the time.
- I don't like foreigners. - They're not foreigners in their own country.
But they are, though, ain't they?
- Can you speak French? - A bit.
I picked up a bit when I was there.
Couchez avec moi ce soir.
That's French. It means "Where are you going, dearie?" or something like that.
(Laughs ) No, it doesn't.
- So what does it mean, then? - It means..."Sleep with me tonight."
Same thing, ain't it?
I've been having a rotten time of it, I tell you.
- It's a funny old life. - It is.
My landlady's a funny old landlady an' all.
- Trouble with the rent again? - I've got to get two pounds before tomorrow.
- That's not too good. - No, it ain't.
Better say good night, dear. I'm gonna hang around here for a bit.
- When will I see you again? - There's a phone where I'm staying.
- Why don't you ring me? - Who do I ask for?
Miss Jenny Maple. Here you are. My address and number.
- Thank you. - Good night, dear.
What about this rent of yours? I could help you out.
Oh, I'll get the money somehow.
Yeah, but why not let me give it you? Just this time.
Well...
- Have you got one and threepence? - Yeah.
Why don't you give me that for my lunch tomorrow?
I can get some fish and chips.
- Just one and threepence. - All right. Here you are.
- And here's something to wrap 'em in. - Oh, you mustn't.
Go on.
I'll phone on Monday. About eleven, all right?
I don't know why you're so good to me.
I'm not good.
Eleven o'clock, then. Monday.
Written any more letters to the newspaper, Mr Sounder?
As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of submitting a sonnet.
Ooh, a sonnet? Just fancy.
- What's it about, then? - Evensong in Westminster Abbey, actually.
Sounds nice.
Written on the Petrarchan model.
(Landlady ) Well, I never.
- You hear that, Ella? - Sorry?
Mr Sounder's writing a sonnet on some model or other.
Oh.
The Petrarchan's different to the Shakespearean, isn't it, Mr Sounder?
Yes, it is.
How do you mean, Bob?
In the Petrarchan you get eight lines to begin with and then six to follow,
and in the Shakespearean you get three quatrains and then a couplet.
That's right, isn't it, Mr Sounder?
It certainly is.
- You've been hiding your light, haven't you? - He's like that.
Ain't you, Bob? Reads Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire.
(Ringing)
(Sighs )
(Man ) Your five pounds, sir. Thank you.
- Hello? - (Woman ) Hello.
Er, can I speak to Miss Jenny Maple, please?
Dunno if she's in. Jenny, you in?
- Hello? - Jenny!
- Hello? - Hello.
- Yes... - No, she ain't.
- Letter for you, Ella. - Thank you.
One short today, this, ain't it?
- Hello. - Is Miss Jenny Maple back yet?
No, she ain't here.
- She is staying there, isn't she? - She's staying here.
- Oh, excuse me... - Have you any idea when she might be back?
(Alarm clock ringing)
- Is Miss Jenny Maple there, please? - Yes, hang on.
Jenny, it's him again.
- (Jenny ) Hello. - Jenny?
- Yes. - It's Bob.
- Oh, hello, Bob. How are you? - I'm...
I've been out of town. I'll tell you about it when I see you.
- I hope you ain't been put out. - No. I phoned once or twice.
- I thought something must have... - Yes.
So when am I gonna see you?
Whenever you like, dear. How about tomorrow?
Yes, that's fine.
- Shall we say quarter past three? - Yes, let's.
Outside the Green Man. You know, by Great Portland Street station?
Yes, I know, dear. I'll see you there, then.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
¶ Alone
¶ Alone with a sigh of romance above
¶ Alone
¶ Alone on a night that was meant for love
¶ There must be someone waiting
¶ Who feels the way I do
¶ Whoever you are
¶ Are you, are you?
¶ And when you come, I'll promise
¶ To be your very own...
- Something for you here, Bob. - Thank you.
¶ Alone with a heart meant for you alone ¶
(Jenny ) You must excuse pencil, as I had no pen.
No doubt by now you're through with me as I did not turn up today.
But, Bob, it's not my fault, dear.
I was out all the night before and did not get in till half past four in the morning
and overslept until it was too late to meet you.
I haven't had anything to eat all day, dear,
as I have no money.
It was not my fault, Bob.
If you're not through with me, perhaps you'll meet me on Friday.
Will you, Bob? I'll be at the Green Man at three.
Please excuse pencil and not turning up.
Yours truly, Jenny Maple.
I thought we might go up to Hampstead. Have a walk on the heath.
I'd love to.
- What you been doing with yourself? - Oh, it's been hect... Hetkick.
- Hectic. - Yeah, that's right.
- I've been hectic too. - Have you?
- Mostly about you. - That's not much to get excited about.
Oh, look.
Wish I had a boat. I'd sail right away.
- Where to? - Oh, anywhere.
- I went to sea. - Did you?
Yeah, as a kid. Went all over.
- You was a sailor? - Yeah.
Ooh. What all the nice girls love, eh?
- You been up here before? - Yeah.
I have dinner at the Old Bull And Bush.
Been to the Spaniards' too.
They got all them pistols what the highwaymen used to use.
- And you know what they used to do? - What?
They'd hold up a carriage and take all the money and be ever so polite,
and then have a dance with the lady before moving off.
That's what they used to do. Dance in the middle of the road, they did.
Really?
There's lots of romance in history.
Know what I mean?
Pretty little buttercup for you.
- That's not a buttercup. - It is.
Let's see if you like butter.
- Yes, you do. - How do you know?
Cos there's a reflection. That means you like it.
Does it?
Means you like it a lot.
- I love you, Jenny. - You couldn't love me.
Why not?
- Cos of what I am. - It doesn't matter what you are.
Yes, it does. You couldn't love a prostitute.
You're not, though. Not really.
But I am, Bob. It's exactly what I am.
Do you love me?
Yes. I love you all right.
- At least you got a girl now, ain't you, Bob? - Yeah. I got a girl.
She doesn't love me as much as I love her.
Yes, she does. And she won't let you go.
You're my Bob now, ain't you?
Yes. Yes, I am.
Oh, ain't it getting cold?
How much you got?
Three shillings.
- No, I couldn't. - You're not to worry any more.
I'm gonna do a lot of thinking and get everything straight.
You're too good to me.
- When will I see you again? - Whenever you like, dear.
Then come round the pub tonight, about nine.
- All right, dear. - You will be there, won't you?
- Cos something always seems to go wrong. - I swear I will.
- Goodbye, dear. - Goodbye.
Can I get you another drink, sir?
What I want to know is, is woman woman or ain't she?
- Now, there's a thought. - That's what I want to know.
Two black and white, Ella.
Now, Bob, here's what I'm asking.
Is woman woman or ain't she?
As far as I know, she is, Mr Sounder.
But it's more than that, Bob, much more.
Is love love...or ain't it?
(Bob ) Is Miss Jenny Maple there, please? (Woman ) Hold on.
She wants to know if that's Mr Bob speaking.
Yes, it is.
She says will you meet her at the Mandolin Club at half past five?
- She's in bed and don't want to come up. - Yes. Yes, I will.
- Why didn't you turn up? - Suppose I couldn't get away, dear.
- Why couldn't you get away? - Suppose I had a previous engagement.
- Aren't you feeling well? - Very well, thank you.
- You do love me, don't you? - Said so, ain't I?
- You don't act like it. - What's the matter with you?
- If you go on like this, Jenny... - What?
- Well, it's not right. - Not right, am I?
You seemed to think I was right enough on the heath.
Is that why you think I love you?
Just cos I got soft with you up there.
So? What did you want to talk about?
- I ain't got all evening. - All right, I'll tell you.
I'm willing to go on with you, Jenny, but if you can't bother to keep your dates, that's it.
I'm not gonna go trailing round after prostitutes.
- Oh, so I'm a prostitute, am I? - Well, what do you think you are?
I just wanted to know, that's all.
Jenny...
(Knock at door)
(Ella ) Bob?
(Knocking)
Bob? You up, Bob?
No.
It's getting on.
- Er, guv'nor? - You're looking rough, Bob.
Yeah. Erm...would it be all right if I took the evening off?
It's my stepmother, you see. She's not too well.
- Better see she's all right. - Thanks, guv.
Thank you, sir.
(Bob ) Miss Jenny Maple, 35 Doughty Street, Euston.
Sincerely sorry, please do forgive.
Meet five o'clock, same place this evening.
Bob.
- I'm sorry for what I said. - I was just as bad.
No, you weren't. I should never have said what I did.
- It's true, though, ain't it? - Maybe, but that's not your fault.
- Whose fault is it, then? - Circumstances, I suppose.
That's about it. Ain't nothing else.
There'll always be prostitutes cos there's always men and they'll always want 'em.
Can't get rid of us.
- Jenny? - Yes, dear.
- Would you come away with me on holiday? - Course I will.
- Would you? - Yeah. When?
- I've got six days after Christmas. - That'd be nice. Where to?
- We could go to Brighton. - That'd be lovely, dear.
- So you'll come, then? - I've said so, ain't I?
- Better be off. - Please don't.
- To get money. - I'll give it you.
- You can't afford it. - Yes, I can.
Well...as I'm not feeling quite myself...
I'd better see you home.
- I wish you'd get a job, Jenny. - I'm going to. In fact I'm after one now.
- What job's that? - Dancing instructress.
I've got to go along next Thursday. This place in Soho.
I've got to go along in an evening dress.
The only problem is, I ain't got one.
- How much is an evening dress? - Three guineas.
- You think you might get the job? - Reckon I got it already.
- I'll give it you, then. - Will you?
- Next time I see you. - I wouldn't dream of taking it as a rule.
But this would be like an investment, wouldn't it?
I hope so.
You ain't half good to me.
Where do you get all your money from?
I haven't got any. That's the funny part.
Just 70 quid that I saved.
- But one day I will. - How?
You'd only laugh if I told you.
No, I wouldn't.
Well, I'm gonna write a book...one day.
- Are you? - Yeah.
I'm gonna write a novel.
So am I. I could tell 'em something, couldn't I?
No, Jenny, I'm serious.
I'm gonna write a novel.
- Honest? - Yeah.
- You'll make me your heroine, won't you? - They don't have heroines nowadays.
You've got to have a girl what goes through it all.
You don't make them heroines. Nowadays you have protagonists.
- What? - Protagonists.
Oh. I don't want to be one of them.
This is it.
Here's a pound. I'll bring the three guineas next time.
After Christmas we'll go away together?
Yeah.
You live in the same street as Dickens.
- Do I? - Yeah. That's his house there.
Silly old bugger, wasn't he?
- So what about Monday? 3:30, same place. - Right you are, dear.
- You sure you'll be there? - I promise on my mother's life.
- Your mother's dead. - On her grave, then.
I promise on her grave that I'll meet you at 2:30.
- 3:30. - All right, dear, 3:30.
- Same place. - Same place.
- Good night, Bob. - Good night, Jenny.
No, don't go.
Kiss me again.
I want you so much I'm dying for you, Jenny.
You can't say I'm not nice to you, can you?
Your ten pounds, sir.
Dark blue don't half suit you, don't it?
- Do you think so? - Yes, I do.
- Who's it for, then? - Who's what for?
- All the get-up. - What get-up?
- So you like it, then? - Not half!
- She won't know you in that. - Who won't?
Oh, Bob.
(Landlady ) She ain't here.
- Do you know when she'll be back? - No. She ain't here.
- I thought you might know... - She's run away.
- Run away? - Without paying her rent.
Hello? Hello?
Hello?
(Women laughing)
Jenny?
Oh, hello, dear.
You here again?
(Laughing raucously)
Why didn't you turn up?
Didn't want to, I suppose, dear.
- Why didn't you? - I really don't know, darling.
- I waited ages. - How annoying.
(Laughs ) You're blotto, Jen, that's what you are.
Ever so sweet when she ain't been drinking.
I rang you. Your landlady said you'd run away.
Yeah. I'm living in your part of the world now.
- Bolsover Street. - With me.
- Why did she say you'd run away? - No money.
She's been in trouble. And she's owed five pound, too.
- Who owes her? - Girlfriend. Got arrested.
Dirty plain-clothes man got a grudge against her and Jenny paid her fine.
I'll kill him one day.
He makes 30 pound a week taking wages off us girls.
Course, money don't mean nothing to a millionaire like Bob.
- Got money, has he? - He has.
- Go on. - Ain't he?
Lend her a fiver, why don't you? I'll see she pays you back.
I would...if she'd look for a job.
You'll get a job, won't you, Jen?
Yeah.
(Jenny's friend) I'd better...
- Jen. - Yes, dear?
What's happened?
My garter's hurting.
You can have it...if it's of any use.
You will try, won't you?
To get a job, like.
Course I will.
I'd do anything for you, Bob.
I love you.
Do you?
You know I do.
Oh, Jenny.
My darling Jenny.
It's you that's the darling.
And I'll darling you all right when we go away.
We'll be alone and together and we can talk it all out.
I don't know what will happen when I get you to myself.
Don't you?
Here's that three guineas for the dress.
And the rest...cos I love you.
You are good to me.
I'll give you that fiver you're owed next time I see you.
- I'll pay it back. - Money don't matter.
I just want you to get a job and sort yourself out.
(Jenny's friend) You're joking.
- When are we gonna meet? - Whenever you like, dear.
- Tomorrow. How about tomorrow? - All right, dear.
Same place, three o'clock.
- Ten bob and he wanted to come to ours. - What did you tell him?
- I told him to go to bleedin' Woolworth's. - (Both laugh)
Good day, sir.
- She's got a bit of toothache. - Has she?
Been in bed all morning.
Come on, I'll take you.
- She ain't half been going on about you. - Really?
She said you're the straightest boy she ever met, and the nicest. She did, honest.
- Did she? - It'd have made your ears burn.
- She ain't half a sweet little girl. - I know.
- I don't think she's as well as she ought to be. - Don't you?
Oh, no. Too thin.
Ain't you noticed? She wants looking after.
Here's your boy.
I'm not religious nor nothing, but if a girl don't keep her talk clean, it lets her down.
- I'm right, aren't I, Bob? - Yes.
A man thinks more of a girl if she knows how to behave.
It don't matter if she's been well brought up or not.
There's no need for language. And I just happen to have been well brought up.
Now, Prunella, an acquaintance of ours,
she's got a mouth like a docker, ain't she, Jen?
Don't stop her getting blokes, though.
She came home with a darkie last night.
- Indian or something, weren't he? - Erm, Mohammedan.
And that ain't right either.
It's not that I'm not broad-minded, cos I am.
But white's white and black's black. I'm right, aren't I?
She said he spoke languages and all sorts.
Generous, too. He gave her a fiver.
No, he didn't. He gave her a couple. The other three she helped herself to.
- Stole it? - We've all done a bit of that, haven't we, Jen?
But we wouldn't take it off a friend.
- Oh, no. - Off nobody we knew.
- That's not the point. - I wouldn't take money off you, Bob.
Course she wouldn't.
But a lot can happen when you get a man in a generous mood.
Sometimes we make 'em a bit more generous than they meant to be, that's all.
(Shouting outside )
What a life, eh?
You didn't tell me you were a thief.
- I ain't a thief. - You said you take money.
That ain't being a thief. Besides, I ain't done it often.
- How often? - Once or twice, that's all.
You must promise me that you'll never steal again.
Promise.
I promise.
- All right? - Right.
Now, here's that fiver I promised you.
Take it.
Oh, Jenny.
21, 22, 23, 24, 25. There you are, sir.
- If you don't mind my saying, sir... - Yes?
..you do seem to be withdrawing rather a lot lately.
- It's not against the law, is it? - Of course not.
Well, then.
Good afternoon.
- Hello, Jen. - I've got some news.
I can't come.
- What? - Not all the time, anyway.
- Why not? - I just can't, dear, that's all.
- I've got to go away. - Who with?
Don't matter who with. It's only for the weekend.
- Tell me who with. - This chap.
- Where are you going? - Brighton, funnily enough.
- I'll meet you after, though. - You can't go.
- I've got to, dear. - I won't let you.
I can't afford not to.
How much? How much is he giving you?
20 pounds.
- 20? - That's right, dear.
- Who is he? - Known him ages.
- Where did you meet? - Here.
- Picked him up, did you? - If you want to put it like that.
He's a gentleman.
- He's teaching me to talk proper. - Not doing too well, is he?
You're not too great yourself.
- Cheer up. - I can't.
- I love you too much. - I love you too.
You don't. That's the problem.
And you never will.
This bloke...he's just a fool.
- What does he do? - He's a journalist.
Married, too.
If I play my cards right I could get enough for you an' all.
There's a lot of money to be made in that quarter, believe me.
- So when are you going? - Boxing Day.
- And how long are you with him? - Till Monday.
Can I have the four days after the weekend?
- Course you can. - I can meet you down there.
If you like.
- Put him off, Jenny, please. - No, dear, I couldn't do that.
Oh, Jenny, you'll drive me mad.
- That'll be romantic, won't it? - What?
- Getting you after him. - It ain't my fault.
- (Coughs ) - What's the matter?
Are you going to be sick?
Better get you a taxi.
Better now?
Probably something you ate.
- Can I see you tomorrow? - It's Christmas tomorrow.
- And you go off on Boxing Day. - That's right.
- So I shan't see you till Monday. - Afraid not, dear.
You will meet me in Brighton, won't you? Swear on your life.
I swear on my life.
- Oh, Jenny, you won't turn up. - Yes, I will.
You won't, Jenny. You won't.
- You can't go away with him. You mustn't. - I got to.
I won't let you. Look, I'll give you the money.
- 20 pounds? - Yes.
- You can't do that. - I can. I'll give it you now.
You write and tell him you aren't coming.
- Why don't you wait? Just for the weekend. - Because I've waited too long.
He promised to buy me dresses and all.
- I'll buy you dresses. - You can't.
I got 25 pound on me and you can take the lot...
25 pounds?
..if you promise to come away with me on Boxing Day.
Is that a bargain?
Jenny, is that a bargain?
- All right. - Right.
I've worked out all the trains.
There's one that leaves at 3:15 from Victoria, so we'll meet there at three.
- Yes? - Yes.
- You got that? - Three o'clock, Victoria station.
- Day after tomorrow. - Under the clock.
Under the clock.
- Promise me. - I promise.
- Swear on your life. - I swear on my life.
- Three o'clock. - Victoria.
- Do you love me, Jenny? - You know I love you.
Do you?
- Guv? - Yeah?
- Can I have a word? - Course you can.
The thing is, you know I'm going to Brighton tomorrow?
Yeah.
I don't know what I was thinking about but I've left myself a bit short.
- How much do you want? - 25?
- That's a bit steep, Bob. - I've got it in the bank.
Look.
25's all you've got.
I know that, but... Please, guv.
- She must be quite something. - Oh, she is. Loveliest girl I've ever met.
Well, seeing as it's Christmas.
¶ You always stir my imagination
¶ Sometimes it borders on fantasy
¶ And sometimes I find visions flash through my mind
¶ Close to reality
¶ Night, a soft guitar
¶ A hidden lane, a moon
¶ And here and there a star
¶ For a man and his dream
¶ And their eyes when they meet
¶ Seem to say it's sublime
¶ And their hearts proudly beat
¶ To a tune that is older than time
¶ And their eyes when they meet
¶ Seem to say it's sublime
¶ And their hearts proudly beat
¶ To a tune that is older than time ¶
Evening, dearie.
- Do you want me? - Depends how much.
Depends what you fancy.
All night's a fiver. You'll have to book a hotel cos I ain't got a flat.
- What about four quid? - Haven't you got a fiver?
Four or nothing.
Suppose I'll have to.
Chilly in here, ain't it?
Take your hat off, darling.
Can't do nothing with you in an 'at.
I've seen you before, ain't I?
No, I don't think so.
I have, you know.
Hm. Come back to me in a minute.
Surprising how many nice men you meet in this game.
Another man...he was so sweet.
I let him go.
(Sighs )
Santa bring you anything nice, did he?
- 'Fraid not. - Certainly gave my chimney a miss.
Didn't see a soul yesterday.
It's not that I ain't got mates, cos I have, but they was doing other things.
Course, you're always meeting people in my line of business, but you still get lonely.
- What sort of business are you in? - Me? Have a guess.
I don't know. But you look the business sort.
- Do I? - Oh, yeah.
Well, as it happens, I'm in motors.
- Motors, eh? - Mm.
Now, that must be very interesting.
Well, it is...interesting enough.
Not as interesting as certain others, though.
- Wicked old town, ain't it? - Mm.
Of course. I remember.
What?
Where we met.
Where was that, then?
Don't matter.
You're a bad little girl, aren't you?
How did you get like that?
Now, that would be telling, wouldn't it?
Took a wrong turning, did you?
I took to drink, see?
Ah. Now, that is naughty.
Ain't it just?
Now, come on, darling.
Let's get started.
Mm.
- Mm. - Mm, yeah. That's nice.
Mm. Good boy.
Nice and slow.
Ah. You are...
- Miss Maple? - Yes, madam.
Do come in.
She's starting today, Bella. Surely you remember.
- You found us all right, then? - Yes, madam.
It was quite easy. I came by the 27 bus.
It's just a threepenny ride.
You live up in Hackney, don't you?
- No, madam. Camden Town. - Camden Town. Of course.
- Over a pet shop. - A pet shop! Oh, how lovely!
It smells a bit but it serves its purpose.
Now, Jane... It is Jane, isn't it?
Yes, madam. Though most people call me Jenny.
Jenny! Oh, that's very pretty.
- Though you couldn't hardly say it's for short. - No, I suppose you couldn't.
Er...sorry.
Then we shall call you Jenny. We'll start at the top, shall we?
Our brother spends most of his time upstairs.
He's very deaf and rather slow.
So one has to sound the gong...loudly
five minutes before actually laying the table,
so that by the time one is ready to serve,
he should just be reaching his chair.
- Yes, madam. - He's a doctor.
Now, it's of the utmost importance, Jenny,
that you remember his special dietary requirements.
Yes, madam. He's a vegetenarian, isn't he?
That's right.
- Oh! - Very nice, Jenny.
- We'll ring when we want you. - Yes, madam.
(Bell)
- Beautifully done, Jenny. - Make a nice change, don't they, madam?
- Where did you learn to cook like that? - My aunt, madam.
I expect you have some young man eating his heart out for you.
Bella, you'll embarrass the poor creature.
- Not just at present, madam. - There will be soon, I'm sure.
I daresay, madam, but I think there's plenty of time for that, don't you?
- What did she say? - Nothing, Robert.
- Such a pretty little thing. - I know.
That's what makes me wonder.
- What did she say? - Nothing, Robert.
- That was very good work, Jenny. - Yes, madam. Thank you, madam.
- Half past eight tomorrow morning? - Yes, madam.
On the dot.
- You'll be coming to live in on Saturday. - Yes, madam.
- Good night. - Good night, madam.
(Bella ) Goodbye!
- What a treasure! - I rather think she is.
- How did you get on? - Oh, ever so well. They ain't half nice, Tom.
- I expect it'll be a bit of all right. - Looks like it.
Come on.
¶ You were meant for me
¶ I was meant for you
¶ Nature fashioned you and when she was done
¶ You were always three things rolled up in one
¶ You're like... ¶
What's the matter with you?
I love you, Jen. That's what's the matter with me.
Don't be so silly.
¶ For I confess... ¶
(All laugh)
- When'll I see you again? - Well...
- What about tomorrow? - All right.
But it'll be later and I'll probably have Violet with me. I'm meeting her in Hammersmith.
- You shouldn't hang around with her. - What do you mean?
She ain't the sort you should be hanging around with.
- What sort's that? - Thinks of nothing but boys, that sort.
No, she ain't.
- What time, then? - Dunno. About half eight?
Right, then. Half eight. I'll meet you at Camden Town.
Good night, Tom. That was very enjoyable.
- Jen, I want to kiss you. - Just the one, mind.
- Good boy. - Thanks, Jen.
So long.
¶ I'm building my whole world round you
¶ For heaven sent you
¶ And meant you to be
¶ A sweet, adorable someone
¶ For no one else
¶ But me ¶
(Sighs )
(Knocking at door)
Enter.
- Good night, then, madam. - Same time tomorrow?
Yes, madam.
A treasure.
Yes. Isn't she?
Makes up, of course.
I noticed that.
But then they all do nowadays.
What happened to that pale boy you was walking out with?
- What pale boy? - You know, that pale boy.
- Tom? - That's him.
- Me walking out with Tom? - You go about with him, don't you?
Sometimes, but that ain't walking out with him.
- He's consumptive, ain't he? - Tom? Course he ain't.
- Who told you that? - I heard he's inclined that way.
He looks it, don't he?
Your trouble, Vi, is you can't think of nothing but boys.
It's a wonder I do what I do with what I've got to work on.
But you, you're pretty as a picture.
- Pardonnez-moi. - You didn't half give me a turn!
- Was you going anywhere, by any chance? - No, we ain't. Was you?
No. I'm Reginald, commonly known as Rex.
Rex. Ooh, I say.
- And this is my chum Andy. - Good evening, Andy.
What would you two girls say to a little liquid refreshment?
- All for it. - All right, then. Chop chop.
(Laughing)
Violet.
(Rex ) The usual spot. Straight through. Lovely.
Waiter.
- So, what you having? - What you having, Jenny?
- I dunno. - Come on, girls, make your minds up.
Well, er...I'll have a Guinness.
- Guinness? (Giggles ) - What's wrong with a Guinness?
A port, please, Rex. Thank you very much.
Same here. You gonna have a port, Andy? You sure you won't change your mind?
Well... Perhaps I'll have a port too.
Four ports, please. And you might bring some biscuits.
Ever such a nice place.
- Ain't bad, is it? - No, not for Hammersmith.
- A bit historical, ain't it? - When knights were bold.
(Violet laughs ) I'll say!
Mm. Better not get blotto. We're going on to a dance after.
- That's what you says. - I've got to go.
- No, you ain't. - I promised to be at Camden Town by 8:30.
- You ain't, have you? - Have you?
Yes, I have. I'll have to be off directly I finish this.
- You don't have to be anywhere. - Yes, I have, by half past eight.
- Who is he, then? - Never you mind.
- Some people are funny. - Yes, they are.
Well, drink that and then see how you feel.
We don't want to lose you, you know. Ooh. It's like Charley's Aunt, my nose.
- Why? - Still running.
(Laughs )
Excuse my dirty hands.
- They're not dirty. - They get filthy doing what I've been doing.
Mucking about with one's car all afternoon.
- Oh, yeah. That must get you dirty. - It does an' all.
- You got a car, then? - Course I have. What do you think?
Just wondered.
I keep meaning to get rid of it but somehow I never get round to it.
You fond of motoring, are you?
- Oh, yeah. Um...very fond, really. - Oh.
Especially in the summer months.
- I'll take you out one of these days. - Oh, I'd like that.
- Waiter. - Oh, not for me.
Four more ports, please.
- Where do you live? - Chiswick. Well, shall be shortly.
In business over there, are you?
- Not exactly. In with two old ladies. - She's in service. Don't know how she sticks it.
- Pretty girl like you don't want to do that. - Got to live, ain't you?
Oh, yeah, but that ain't the way for a beautiful girl like you.
- I don't see what that's got to do with it. - No, not for a girl like you.
- So what would you suggest? - Ooh...well...
You ought to be a model.
- Ooh. - That's what you ought to be.
- Find me a job, then. - I'll find you one all right.
- I bet. - My friend Ned Hall'll give you one like a shot.
- Go on! - Yeah. He's my oldest pal, is Ned.
Known him since he was in knickerbockers.
He's got four to five shops round here and two up west.
- What sort of shops? - Ladies' wear.
Well, I shall have to think about it.
You certainly should, cos you're cut out for it.
Why do you keep looking at that clock?
- I've got to go. - Ain't as important as all that, is he?
No, he ain't very important.
(Laughing) Come on.
What would it consist of, like?
Wearing dresses.
You'd have to look after the customers a bit but you wouldn't mind that.
- I wouldn't mind that. - It's good screw too.
Between three and four quid a week.
- Here's to it. - It's very kind of you, I must say.
Thank you.
So, er...what you gonna do in return for me, eh?
Dunno. What do you want?
Hm. It's not what I want but what you got to give.
Well, that depends.
I'll tell you what you can do for me.
- What's that? - Have another glass of port.
(Giggles ) That's not so difficult.
- There's a good girl. - Don't know about that.
Hey, you're right there. Naughty little girl, ain't you?
- Hot little baby straight from Paris. - What an idea!
All tied up in pink ribbon and made for love, eh?
So who's the lucky fella?
- There ain't none. - Ain't there?
- What about yours truly? - You?
Why not?
- I shall have to think about it. - You could do worse.
You and me are gonna get to know each other a whole lot better, believe me.
I'll show you how to live.
- Life with a capital L. I'm a past master. - I bet you are.
You don't want to work for those two old fossils. Hm?
You stick with me, girl. Treat me right and I'll give you anything.
- See, all I want's a pal. - It's all I want an' all.
As soon as I clapped eyes on you I knew you was the girl for me.
Some girls take everything, they do.
Scheming bitches, the lot of 'em.
But you're different.
You can be my little pal.
It's all I want, a pal, a mate.
- That's what a girl should be, a chap's chum. - That's right.
A bit of sympathy, that's all I want, Jenny.
That's why I like you, because you're sympathetic.
(Laughter)
We're gonna paint the town red, eh, Andy?
Oh, poor little Andy. Won't he kiss his moll?
- Won't he kiss his poor old moll? - Go on, give him a kiss.
(Shrieks with laughter)
You want to keep in with that Andy. Rex said he's loaded.
- Got a garage in Twickenham. - My little beauty.
Oh, listen to him.
(Inaudible )
You dirty bugger!
Let's go on the common.
- What common? - Barnes Common.
- What for? - You know what for.
- What do you think I am? - You want that job, don't you?
- Oi, who's for another drink? - Me!
That's the spirit, eh? Mwah!
- You all right, princess? - You all right?
(Giggles )
Course I'm all right.
- Get us another. - That's my girl.
- Little devil. - (Man ) Jenny?
Jenny!
- What are you doing here? - Come on, Jen. Come with me.
- Been sneaking on me, have you? - I ain't.
- You've got to get out of here. - Let go of me.
Come with me. It's for your own good.
Get outside.
- So? What do you want? - Come with me, Jen.
- What are you trembling for? - I ain't.
- Seen a ghost or something? - I love you, Jen.
What you playing at, sneaking on me?
- It's for your own good. You're drunk, Jen. - I ain't.
You've got to be up in the morning or you'll lose your job.
Suppose I don't want the flamin' job.
- Suppose I got a better one. - Jen.
I ain't skivvying for a couple of old relics.
I don't want their filthy job. And I don't want you neither.
I'm sick of the sight of you. And I'll tell you something else.
You ought to be in hospital cos you're infectious.
You're consumptive, ain't you?
You got TB, ain't you? That's your trouble.
So I don't want you hanging round me, see? And that's final.
Got that?
Where you been?
Bit of business I had to attend to.
- Who's the fella? - Nice, ain't he? Talking about cars, they are.
We're going for a spin.
A little something to keep out the cold.
Thank you very much.
- (Coughs ) - Tastes better the second time around.
Oh, you're right.
Here she is.
Don't tell no one, but I ain't ever been in a motor before.
Who would have thought he had such a big one!
I'm by the driver.
- Who are you pushing? - Oh, shut your mouth!
Where you taking us?
To the end of the earth, my dear.
Oh, I say! I ain't been there before!
(Shrieking and laughing)
(Horn beeps )
Go on, Andy, let her rip!
Come on, step on it!
That's right, step on it!
(Shrieking)
Step on it!
Beauty! What a bleedin' beauty!
(Shrieking)
Come on. Faster, faster.
Watch out!
You've hit him! Stop the car, will you? You've killed him!
Stop the car, for God's sake!
Stop the bleedin' car!
Oh, for God's sake, stop!
Stop! Stop!
(Crash)
- Excuse me. - Hello.
Do you know where my dress is, please?
- Haven't you got it? - No.
Must be somewhere. I'll have a look.
- Can you tell me where I am, please? - My flat. Richmond.
- How did I get here? - I brought you.
Was I...drunk?
Oh, yes.
- There were an accident, weren't there? - Yes.
- Was anyone hurt? - Don't know.
- I'll look for your dress. - Right.
- Thank you. - You'll be staying for breakfast, won't you?
I've got to get to work. It must be getting late.
You've time for a bite, surely?
- I've got to get to Chiswick. - I can take you in the motor.
I'll run you a bath.
(Water running)
¶ Somewhere the sun is shining
¶ So, honey, don't you cry
¶ We'll find a silver lining
¶ The clouds will soon roll by
¶ Just wait until tomorrow
¶ What a happy day that will be
(Door closes )
¶ Down lovers' lane together
¶ We'll wander, you and I
¶ Goodbye to stormy weather
¶ The clouds will soon roll by ¶
- (Door rattles ) - I'm in the bath.
- Would a boiled egg do you? - What?
Oh... Yes...thank you.
One or two?
One, please. Thank you.
I'll have to get it myself. The blasted skivvy's down with flu.
Found your dress, by the way.
Oh... Thank you.
Shall I...heave it in?
- Will you leave it outside, please? - (Door lock clicks )
Didn't half go at it last night, didn't we?
Yes, we did. I'm feeling absolutely foul.
I ain't ever done anything like that before. Have you?
Oh, yes, I'm afraid to say.
- Awful about that accident, weren't it? - Ghastly.
- Reckon he was hurt, that bloke on the bike? - Must have been.
- You don't think he was killed? - I hope not.
- We should have gone back. - Too late now.
- What if they find out? - Aren't you going to eat that?
No, thank you.
Would you mind if I have it? I'm rather ravenous this morning.
But if they did find out, what would happen?
One can get jailed for that sort of thing nowadays, that's the trouble.
Are you all right?
One does tend to feel a bit peaky after a binge like that.
Still, we weren't driving, so I wouldn't worry too much.
That's right, we weren't, so they couldn't do much to us, could they?
- I don't expect so. - You don't seem that bothered.
One has to be philosophical.
Last night...
Did we, like...
do much?
Funny little thing, aren't you?
- (Thud) - Ah. The newspaper.
Have they reported it?
- Well, have they? - I don't think they have.
- Oh, thank God for that. - Oh, hang on.
What? What's it say?
- Nothing too bad. - What?
- The police are appealing for witnesses. - Oh, my God!
- Don't worry, there wasn't a soul around. - What if there was?
There wasn't.
What about the bloke on the bike?
A few broken bones.
Nothing a bit of plaster won't put right.
God, you look ropey.
I'm feeling pretty bloody myself.
I reckon we could both do with a stiff one, eh?
I've got to get to work.
You can be a little bit late, can't you? What sort of work is it?
I'm with two old ladies.
I'm a skivvy.
Oh.
That's a strong one, ain't it?
The only thing on occasions like this.
Do you know what the time is, please?
Five and twenty past ten. Have a sip. Go on.
Perk you up, believe me.
- Do you really have to go? - Course I do.
- Can't you telephone them? - They ain't on the telephone.
- Then send them a wire. - Saying what?
- Well, you can make something up, surely. - Yes, I can, if I want to be out of a job.
- It's not that important. - You don't seem to realise the trouble I'm in.
I don't see that you're in any trouble.
- I'd like to know what trouble is, then. - It can't be as bad as all that.
Bad enough, what with the accident an' all.
We can't do anything now.
Is that warming you up?
I told you it'd make you feel better.
Ever so good, ain't it?
Oh, no, I couldn't. I've got to go.
Look, why not spend the day with me? Forget about work, eh?
I can't.
We could go and have lunch at the Clarendon.
The Clarendon?
Somewhere else, if you'd prefer.
- But I'd lose my job. - You can find another one, can't you?
But I ain't got no money.
I could let you have some. How much?
- I couldn't take money. - You could.
Would ten pounds be any good?
We'll lunch at the Clarendon and then go and rest our weary heads at the pictures, hm?
Come on. What do you say?
Well...
I might think about it.
That's my girl.
I love a fire, don't you?
I always say there's nothing like a fire.
I could stare at it for hours.
Seeing pictures.
Castles in the air.
¶ You go to parties, you have your flings
¶ I hope you'll never regret
¶ You go to parties to dance and sing
¶ I do the same to forget
¶ And when I look at a couple in love
¶ I watch them with envy and keep thinking of
¶ Happy-go-lucky you
¶ And broken-hearted me ¶
(Door opens )
- (Bella ) Has she come yet? - Not yet.
Oh, well. Not to worry.
I've always fancied the Clarendon.
Seen pictures of it in magazines.
Jean Harlow eats there... when she's over here, like.
And Charlie Chaplin.
What film you got in mind?
Any one in particular?
(Snores )
I heard there was ever such a good one at the Plaza.
(Dog whimpers )
I'd better be off.
Yes. (Sighs contentedly)
You said you was gonna give me some money.
(Sighs )
You can see yourself out, can't you?
Five pounds? You said ten.
- That's plenty. - It ain't enough.
It's all you're getting.
Now trot along like a good girl.
I'm not at my most sociable at this time of day.
It ain't enough.
You're becoming very tiresome.
I'll lose my job.
(Snoring)
¶ I'll never be the same
¶ Stars have lost their meaning for me
¶ I'll never be the same
¶ Nothing's what it once used to be
¶ And when the songbirds sing
¶ Tell me it's spring
¶ I can't believe their song
¶ Once I was king
¶ But kings can be wrong
¶ I'll never be the same
¶ Never be the same again ¶
Sod it!
Never mind, dear.
Better luck next time.
Feeling sorry now, ain't you?
- I'm all right. - Got to go home?
Yes.
Married, are you?
Bet you'll tell her a fine story.
- You know I said I'd seen you before? - Mm.
I remember exactly where it was.
- Oh, yes? - I even remember your name.
Andy, ain't it?
How do you know that?
You was in a car accident with me.
What of it?
We ran over a man on a bike, didn't we?
- Did we? - And you drove on, didn't you?
- So? - Nothing.
- Bit funny meeting you again like this, though. - Yes, I suppose it is.
- Did the police ever get on to it? - Not that I know of.
Cos they were definitely looking for witnesses.
It was in the paper, weren't it? One of them unsolved crimes.
- What are you getting at? - Oh, nothing.
You're not trying to blackmail me or anything silly like that, are you?
Oh, no.
But I do think you might give me that extra quid to make it up to a fiver, like.
Forget it. I'll fetch a copper if you're not careful.
Oh, yeah?
Getting a bit flustered, ain't you?
Hm?
There. That do you?
Very nicely, ta.
- Ain't you gonna kiss me? - I'm in a hurry.
Oh, come on. Come and give me a kiss goodbye.
There's a good boy.
I hope it was worth it.
(Whistling)
¶ Day by day, my dreams are coming true
¶ Day by day, I'm more in love with you
¶ When you have your arms around me
¶ I'm nearer and nearer to heaven
¶ Day by day...
- Is that one or two pints of Burton? - Um... One.
¶ Day by day, a sweeter love affair
¶ Slow but sure, you're answering my prayer... ¶
- Evening, Mr Eccles. - Good evening.
Thank you very much, sir.
- Good evening, Ella. - Evening, Mr Eccles.
- You're looking very smart tonight. - It's funny you should say that.
It crossed my mind this morning that this hat has seen better days.
- An old favourite, eh? - Evening, ladies, what can I get you?
- What do you think, Ella? - I'm sorry, Mr Eccles?
My hat. Past its prime, d'you think?
Well, I suppose a new one wouldn't do any harm.
(Footsteps approaching)
(Door opens and closes )
- Bob? - Hello?
- What's the time, Bob? - About half past.
Well, Bob.
Well, Ella.
Brushing his precious hair.
That's right.
I'm surprised at you, Bob.
Talking to those creatures.
Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire. Have you read this?
- Almost. - I say.
- That's the first volume. There's six more. - What did he want to write all that for?
I couldn't tell you.
Cold enough for you, ladies?
It is a bit parky, isn't it?
You make a lovely fire, d'you know that?
Thank you.
Mr Eccles, you're in early tonight.
Good evening.
- Evening, Mr Eccles. Your usual, is it? - Yes, I'll have my usual.
Cold tonight, isn't it?
- Yes, it is. - I'm half frozen.
Ta.
- Oh, well. - Oh, well, what?
- What? - Just "Oh, well, what?"
Oh.
You said, "Oh, well," so I said, "Oh, well, what?"
- Well, one often says, "Oh, well," doesn't one? - Does one?
What are you doing in there, Bob?
- What's up? - Nothing.
You've got a new hat, haven't you?
Ah! You notice everything, don't you?
It's very nice.
- You're responsible for this. - Am I?
- You told me I needed a new one. - I didn't.
You did. "A new one wouldn't do any harm," you said.
- It's not the same. - I took it as an order.
- You shouldn't take orders from me. - Oh, shouldn't I?
You interested in the theatre at all?
The theatre?
- Yes, I love the theatre. - The reason is,
I happen to have two tickets for the new play at the Apollo...
- Oh, yeah. - ..and I was wondering if you'd like to come.
Me? I can't afford it.
It's not a question of affording. They'll go to waste otherwise.
- I can't just take an evening off. - They're for a matinee.
Oh... Well, that's not much better. My only free afternoon is a Thursday.
- It's a Thursday matinee. - I've got to go somewhere.
- Have you? - Yes. Thanks all the same.
- Can't you put it off? - It'd be difficult.
- Not impossible? - Well...
- Don't you want to come? - Yes.
Then, why not? You just said you liked the theatre.
- Yes, I do. - Then come.
It seems a pity to miss the chance.
Mm?
- That was pretty good, wasn't it? - Oh, yes. Yes, it was.
Yes, well worth the trouble.
The question is, where are we going to have tea?
- Gonna have tea, are we? - You're free, aren't you?
- I suppose I am...really. - Good.
Are you sure you won't have anything with that?
- A little fancy or the like? - No.
Beautiful young people like to stuff themselves with pastries.
I daresay they do, but if you're not beautiful...
What do you mean by that?
- Milk? - Yes, please.
You haven't answered my question.
All I'm saying is no doubt beautiful people do like eating pastries
but if you're not beautiful...
you don't.
- Sugar? - No, thank you.
What about the beautiful young people who don't like eating pastries?
I don't know about them.
- But you must. - Why? You said you don't like eating pastries.
Mr Eccles, I'm sure you understand what I'm saying. I'm not beautiful.
Ah.
That was a wonderful play, Mr Eccles.
- You liked it, did you? - Oh, yes.
I'm ever so grateful.
Well, there'll be lots more of that.
- What part of the world do you live in? - I'm over at Chiswick at present.
- Very nice. - Yes, it's all right.
I have my sister-in-law staying with me at the moment.
One's relations can get very trying at times.
Yes.
But then, these army people are often like that, aren't they?
Mm.
So, your family are army people then?
Old army people, yes. I'm sure you know the type.
Not really, no.
My brother was in the army but he was just a private.
Got killed in the war.
Dear, dear.
- Were you in the army, Mr Eccles? - No, I wasn't, as a matter of fact.
One does get lonely, don't you find?
You don't get lonely, do you?
Why do you suppose I asked you out?
I dunno.
Why did you ask me out?
I took to you. Do you get lonely?
- I should say. - It isn't nice, is it?
- Haven't you got any friends? - Oh, yes, yes.
If you can call them that. Friends who want to take advantage.
Why would they do that?
I suppose if one's got a little something put by...
- That's not right, is it? - It certainly isn't.
- You wouldn't take advantage, would you? - No, I wouldn't.
Of course, it's nice to be in a position to...
- Yes. - ..as far as one can.
May I?
- Here we are. - After you.
Careful there.
- You haven't told me anything about yourself. - There's nothing to tell.
I'm sure there is. Affaire de coeur, for example?
No, not at the moment.
Surely you have. You can confide in me, you know.
I haven't, honestly.
What about that young fellow in the pub?
- Bob, you mean? - Yes, that's right, Bob.
- What about him? - He's good-looking enough.
Yes, he is good-looking, isn't he?
- But there's nothing between you? - No. No, there isn't.
- Bob isn't interested in me. - I see.
- And I'm not interested in him. - Aren't you?
Good heavens, no.
I suppose we're waiting for Mr Right, then, are we? Is that it?
- Maybe. - Mr Right, eh?
I can make my own way now, Mr Eccles, thanks all the same.
- Eh, what? - It's been a lovely evening.
- Has it? - Yes.
- I'm sure I'm ever so grateful. - Eh? Eh? What? What?
- You shouldn't be doing this. - Mm? What?
- I said you shouldn't be doing this. - What? Hm?
- I really must be going. - You little devil, you.
- I really must. - Aren't you, eh?
Thanks ever so much, Mr Eccles.
Good night.
(Door opens )
What was you gettin' up to last night?
Knocked about the West End a bit.
Meet your lady friends, did you?
I don't know what you mean.
You'll get entangled with one of them creatures if you're not careful.
By the way, I saw you last night.
Did you?
Yeah, with that Eccles fella.
- Where? - In the street.
Oh.
- Was I...doing anything? - What do you mean?
- In the street, when you saw me? - You were just walking.
- What else would you be doing? - Oh, nothing.
- Was it good? - What?
The theatre. That's where you went, wasn't it?
Oh, yeah.
Yes, it was good.
- He's nice. - Mr Eccles?
- Nice looking too. - Is he?
Yeah.
But he's old.
We're all getting on.
I suppose we are.
- Hello, Ella. - Hello.
She's not been too well, poor dear. Stiff neck.
She smuggles men in - thinks we don't know.
- Keeps her eye on you though, doesn't she? - Oh, yes, she's good like that.
Drives your stepdad mad though.
How is he?
Doesn't speak to me for days on end. Comes in drunk at all hours.
I found him cooking eggs at three o'clock the other night.
Mum...
I've started seeing someone.
Ah!
(Kettle whistles )
- He's a real gentleman. - Is he?
Oh, yeah.
Army people...I believe.
What's he after?
I dunno.
- Nice looking, is he? - He's all right.
Getting on, of course.
- That's sometimes better, isn't it? - I mean...he really is getting on.
Well...perhaps he's learned some sense.
Anyway, we'll see.
He hasn't tried...
- to carry on at all, has he? - Oh, no, none of that. I wouldn't allow it.
No.
Well... I think you ought to keep in with him.
I suppose I ought.
(Door bangs )
(Footsteps approaching)
(Door bangs )
Ah, you see?
- You mustn't mind. - What have I done?
You've done nothing.
Come on now, don't cry.
Don't let him see you're, er...
I better get his tea.
You shouldn't.
Bye, Mum.
- You're a bit late. - I had to wait ages for a bus.
A letter came for you. I shoved it under your door.
"My dear Ella, I write this to say that if the weather is in any way clement tomorrow,
"I shall be in Lion's Corner House in Coventry Street at 3:45pm sharp.
"I shall not expect you to be there and will wait only five minutes.
"But if you would care to meet yours truly, and on no account are you to put yourself out,
"that is where I shall be. "
You like chrysanths, do you?
- Yes, I do. - I'm fond of them myself.
- Especially with those double buds. - I rather thought you'd like them.
- I think that's very sweet of you. - Do you?
Yes, I do.
I'm glad you've turned up.
I don't know what I'd have done with them if you hadn't.
- You told me not to come if it was raining. - We have to take risks, don't we?
- I bet you're always buying girls flowers. - Heavens, no.
I'm not the sort of chap to hang around stage doors, or whatever.
Not that I'm not broad-minded, or that I haven't had...feelings.
No.
The younger generation has gone absolutely mad, don't you think?
- Yes. - They stop at nothing.
- No. - They certainly don't.
So, what have you been up to?
- Nothing much. Been to see my mother. - Oh, yes?
How is she?
Not too well, I'm afraid.
- Can we help her out in some way? - It's very kind of you but I don't see how.
A little help of a certain sort is worth a pound of pity, don't you think?
Well...I dunno.
Besides, it may not be too long before I have the right to help, eh?
How do you mean?
- You know. - I don't.
Honestly, Mr Eccles.
Mr Eccles? Suppose we try Ernest, eh? You'll have to sooner or later.
Yes, I suppose I will.
Anyway, I really ought to make a move, Mr... Ernest.
I've got to get back for the evening shift.
We must do something about this job of yours.
Yes, well...
- Thank you for this afternoon. - A pleasure, Ella. Next Thursday, yes?
All right, are you...Ernest?
Eh?
- Are you all right, I said. - Mm.
Good.
(Gasps )
You mustn't!
- You mustn't! - Eh?
No, you really mustn't.
- What you kissing me for? - Because I want to.
Why?
- Because I do. - But why?
- Because... - What?
- Because I love you. - No, you don't.
But I do.
- How could you love me? - I don't know, but I do.
- And you love me, don't you? - I don't know you well enough, do I?
- Besides, I'm not in your class. - What's that matter?
It does matter. It just wouldn't work.
What would your family say?
It's what I want, not them.
Yes, but what would we be... to each other, like?
It's not as though we'd be engaged or anything, is it?
We could be.
That would mean we were gonna be married, or something like that.
- And what if we were? - You wouldn't marry me.
I would. I love you and that's all that matters.
- Couldn't you marry me, Ella? - I don't know you.
You'll get to know me, wouldn't you? I want you, Ella. I'm so lonely.
Are you?
- You don't think I'm too old? - Of course not.
- You mustn't think like that. - I can't help it.
I'm scared of losing you. You're so young and beautiful.
- No, I'm not. - Oh, you are.
- I'm not! - You know you are.
Say you love me a little.
You do, don't you?
- Well... - Just a little.
- I suppose so. - Oh, my Ella.
It changes everything, doesn't it - love?
Yes.
When did you first know?
- Know what? - That you cared for me.
Perhaps... Perhaps I didn't ever know.
- You're teasing me, aren't you? - No.
You little puss. I might have to give you a big squeeze.
- I don't think so. - Eh? What?
- You're hurting. - Eh? You little tease.
- I want to tell the whole world. - What?
That we're going to be engaged.
I wouldn't do that.
Look, why don't we keep it a secret... for a while, anyway?
- Why? - I'd just like it to be, that's all.
Little ladies like to have their little secrets, don't they?
Now, now, what's going on in that pretty little head of yours, eh?
- Oh, nothing. - Eh? Little brown eyes puzzlehead.
Well...you talk like our engagement's all fixed and it can't be, can it?
I mean, we're not the same class.
- I'm not educated. I'd let you down. - Of course you wouldn't.
I would, though.
- I'm not a lady and that's all there is to it. - Silly little puss.
I mean, imagine me being introduced to your family.
And there's my family too.
They're only poor, you know.
- You might not like them. - Well...
- I don't have to meet them. - You would if we were married.
Anyway, we love each other and that's what matters.
- But, Ernest... - I love it when you say "Ernest".
What I'm saying is, we ought to think about it.
Do you know what's going to happen in a moment?
What?
I'm going to give you a big kiss if you're not careful,
or else a good spanking. I don't know which.
- Eh? Eh? - (Gasps )
Ella's got a bit of news.
She's started seeing a gentleman.
Oh. Met him in the pub, did you?
Yes. He...pops in from time to time.
Oh.
Lives in Chiswick. Army people.
What's his name?
Eccles.
- Eccles? - Yes.
Ernest...Eccles.
Ernest Eccles?
Oh.
I've got a bit of news too.
- Have you? - You might be going on your travels, my dear.
- Travels? - Yes. To India.
I bumped into Mrs Beckinsale. I was her housekeeper, oh, 20 years ago now,
and she'd recently met Mrs Sanderson-Chantry,
who's off to India with her husband and two children
and wants a reliable girl to look after them.
Well, I naturally thought of my little niece.
The long and the short of it is,
Mrs Sanderson-Chantry is most anxious to meet you.
As I read it, it's as good as in the bag.
30 shillings a week, my dear, and you'd be off in six weeks.
- You think there's a chance? - Of course.
If you write the right sort of letter.
I wouldn't dwell on the fact that you're a barmaid, dear.
Give the impression it's more of a hotel than a pub.
And wear that nice new coat and hat of yours.
- You're having second thoughts, aren't you? - No.
- Why, are you? - No.
No, it's not a question of me, it's other people.
Your sister-in-law.
There's been a fine old how do you do.
Oh, yes?
- They don't think it'd be a suitable match. - Perhaps they're right.
What would you think if one of your relations married a barmaid?
- I wouldn't think anything. - Yes, you would.
- You'd think she was after your money. - But you're not.
- How can you be so sure? - Because I understand you.
I know every thought that's going on in that dear little head of yours.
I thought we might fix up a meeting.
- With your sister-in-law? - I'm sure she'd like you.
- Wear that smart hat and coat... - I thought it was secret.
- If we're to be married... - When'll that be?
- Two or three months. - Two or three months?
Before that if we can get things in order. That's why I wanted to talk about it.
I'd like to get the ring next week, and then you'll really be mine.
And I won't ever let you go.
- Won't you? - Mm.
You got the message then?
Your mother's been up two nights without a wink.
- How is he? - Not too good.
He was taken ill a few nights ago. Terrible pain he's been in.
- What did the doctor say? - Well...
But miracles can happen, believe me,
and we're looking after him ever so well, I promise.
Hello, Mum.
- You look ever so tired. - She's a saint.
You've been very good. Thank you.
I'll leave you to it. Pop back later, see how you are.
What did the doctor say?
He...might last the week, a fortnight, maybe.
There's not much hope.
I've...been through his papers.
Oh, yeah?
I'll have a little something coming, Ella.
- He's got quite a lot put by. - Has he?
About £500.
- That much? - Mm-hm.
Of course, he could get better.
Well...
let's hope he does.
Yes.
Why use expletives when decent words will do?
Fellow I read about, instead of "damn and blast", says "mice and mumps".
- I think that's a good idea, don't you? - Yes.
"Mice and mumps!" Got it off his chest hadn't said anything he regretted.
- "My giddy forefathers" is enough for me. - Is it?
All these B's get on my nerves. Can't stand B's, can you?
- No. - D's are bad enough but B's!
And all this dragging in of the deity, not that I'm a religious man,
although I think there's something there, something that guides us, don't you think?
- Maybe. - I suppose in fact I am a religious man.
- I believe in the power of prayer, don't you? - I don't really know.
Oh, but you must, you must!
It's so easy once you've started to get in touch with the spirit upon the waters.
Is it?
I see I'll have to take charge of your spiritual as well as your bodily welfare.
Although I suspect little ladies are more worried about high heels than heaven, eh?
- Something for you, Ella. - Oh, thank you.
(Woman ) "Five Amprey Gardens, NW3.
"Mrs Sanderson-Chantry thanks Miss Dawson for her letter
"and would be obliged if she would call to talk the matter over
"between two and quarter past three on Friday afternoon.
"E Sanderson-Chantry. "
(Dog barks )
A punka. Yes, it's a fan -
a piece of material on a pole.
Electric, is it?
Good heavens, no! It's worked by a man on the veranda.
He lies out there with the string attached to his big toe and slowly wiggles it.
- I see. - You'd get the hang of things soon enough.
Now, is there anything else you'd like to ask me?
- No, madam, everything seems quite clear. - (Dog barks )
Buster, quiet!
Your aunt was right. It would seem that you're suited to the post.
But there is a little snag which I feel I ought to mention.
There was another girl whom I interviewed some weeks ago, who was...
well, to be frank, perfect.
The problem is, she hasn't yet been able to decide whether to accept the post, so...
- (Dog barks ) - Buster, do shut up!
..it's rather impossible for me to make you an offer.
Do you know when...
when you might be...knowing, madam?
A few days at the very most.
Then perhaps you could let me know...
madam, when you hear.
- (Dog barks ) - Of course I will. Oh, Buster, you are naughty.
Personally, I doubt she'll accept, but then...
I'm so glad to have met you.
Likewise, madam.
- Excuse me. - Yes?
Are you the famous Ella?
- That's right. - I thought so.
You and I have a mutual friend, I think.
- I don't think so. - Oh, yes, we have,
and I must say, old Eccles has very good taste.
She blushes very nicely too, doesn't she?
- You must be making some mistake. - No mistake.
He told me all about you.
Ooh, quite a little spitfire too.
- You all right? - Yeah, I'm all right.
I see your friend's at the pictures this week.
- Who's that then? - Richard Dix.
- Oh, him. - I thought you'd like to see him.
- I can't afford it. - I'll take you.
You are free, aren't you?
(Ella ) "Mr E Eccles,
"12 Mountford Street, Chiswick.
"Don't meet today. Afraid engaged.
"Ella. "
¶ Are the stars out tonight?
¶ I don't know if it's cloudy or bright
¶ Because I only have eyes for you ¶
- Shouldn't spend your money on me. - You enjoyed it, didn't you?
Yes, it was lovely.
What you need is a wife to look after you.
You may be losing me before long.
How d'you mean?
- Don't tell no one, will you? - No.
- Honest? - Cross my heart.
Well... I got a job.
What kind of job?
Looking after kids...in India.
- India?! - Yeah.
My auntie got me an interview with a family in Hampstead. They're off to India
- and need someone to look after the kids. - That's great. It's all fixed?
Not quite, no.
They're waiting to hear from this other girl but if she says no, then the job's mine.
I should take it, shouldn't I, Bob, if they offer it?
Oh, yeah. India, just fancy.
It ain't half bad, is it?
And she's a real lady too.
What's a real lady?
A real lady?
Well, a real lady, of course.
Like you, you mean?
Being a lady isn't what you are, it's how you are.
I'm just as much a lady as some of those anyway, the way they go on.
Who are "those", then?
Those that are, I suppose.
Oh, then there is a real kind of real lady.
Don't talk so silly.
- You won't miss me. - You bet I will.
No, you won't. You've got your girl to think about.
What girl?
Well...
if you ain't got one now, I expect you will one day.
I daresay I will...
one day.
(Alarm clock ringing)
- Letter for you, Ella. - Thank you.
Nice sorta day, ain't it?
"Mrs Sanderson-Chantry regrets not having been able to write before,
"and wishes to say that she is now suited.
"She hopes Miss Dawson has been put to no inconvenience. E Sanderson-Chantry. "
India's off.
- What? - That job in India, they don't want me.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Yeah.
- I suppose that girl took it. - She must've.
Oh, well.
(Sneezes )
Sorry to hear about your cold.
- How is it? - Still there.
As a matter of fact, I was wondering about your telegram.
- Had someone died? - No, I just couldn't come, that's all.
You must have money to burn, sending telegrams.
Nothing wrong with extravagance from time to time.
I hope that won't be your attitude in the future.
- What did happen? - I had to go out.
- Oh, yes, who with? - With Bob, as a matter of fact.
- Who? - Bob.
- You don't mean the waiter, do you? - Yes, I do.
- I didn't think I'd have a waiter as a rival. - Don't be silly.
Silly, am I? For not being best pleased at my plans being upset
- because you went out with a waiter? - Bob's as good as anybody,
- and I was feeling fed up with you at the time. - Fed up? With me?
- Yes. - Really! I think you forget our positions.
What positions? Just because you're well off doesn't make you God.
Bob doesn't send friends to spy on me.
- What do you mean? - You know very well.
I'm sure I don't.
The man you sent to the pub to look me over.
- When did he come? - See, you do know!
I will not be discussed and spied on like you were buying a horse.
- I have got feelings. - You don't like my oldest friend?
If that's your oldest friend, I don't like his manners.
- Doesn't surprise me, the company you keep. - Watch out!
- Sorry, I'm sure. - Can't you hold it higher?
- You're pushing your luck. - There's no need to shout.
- I wasn't shouting! - There you go again.
My patience is fast running out.
You can always call it a day. I wouldn't mind.
- Oh, wouldn't you? - No!
I think you would. You have an eye on the main chance. Don't think I don't know.
Ohh!
Ella! Come back.
Come back.
Ella.
Bob?
Bob? You up, Bob?
No.
It's getting on.
Ivy.
Fancy seeing you.
It's your stepdad.
He's better. Happened last night.
His temperature dropped and there he was, sitting up, right as rain
giving your old mum an 'ard time as normal.
It warms your heart to hear him back on form again.
It's a sort of miracle, Ella, and I felt I just had to tell you
so you wouldn't be worrying yourself sick over Christmas.
(Door slams )
(Car drives away )
(Door closes )
Good job Christmas comes but once a year, eh, Ella?
It was a lovely day, guv, thanks ever so much.
- How's the missus? - I don't think we'll see much of her today.
There'll be a few sore heads this morning.
Who's a popular girl?
(Eccles) "Dear Ella, Christmas is upon us once again,
"and I'm not the man to harbour anything, least of all a grudge. I never was.
"Funny, but there you are.
"I now see I was as much in the wrong as you over our little flare-up.
"You look so pretty when you're in a pep, by the way.
"The truth is, I get attacks of the blues at times and then I'm very crotchety.
"If I'm ever to be your hubby,
"you will have to know my moods when they come along.
"When shall we meet?
"Toodlums still has to give his little puss her Christmas present. "
(Door closes )
"What wretched weather we're having.
"Hardly seasonable, is it?
"The rooftops should be covered with snow.
"The good, old-fashioned Christmas seems gone forever.
"You are always in my thoughts. More than I would care to tell.
"So, let us forget the past and look to the future.
"Yours, Ernest. "
- Er, Ella? - Yes, guv?
- Could I have a quick word? - Of course you can.
- It's about Bob. - Has anything happened to him?
No, no, no, no, it's just that...
he's gone.
I know. He went to Brighton yesterday for his holiday.
Gone for good, I mean.
He came back this afternoon, not long after you popped out as a matter of fact.
Said he was going back to sea. Something he always wanted to do.
And he's decided now's as good a time as any, so...
So he settled up with me, packed a few things and off he went.
Honest as they come, that boy.
He left a special message for you.
He sent his love and said he's sorry he couldn't see you.
We'll all miss him.
He was a nice lad.
(Ella ) "Dear Mr Eccles, thank you for your letter.
"I've been thinking about things
"and have decided we would never be suited to each other.
"We're not in the same class and I do not love you enough.
"I thank you very much for the kind interest you've shown in me,
"but this is final, I'm afraid.
"I'm sorry if I've put you to any inconvenience.
"Yours regretfully, Ella. "
( ¶ I Only Have Eyes For You )
Ella?
- What you doing here? - I've been to the pictures.
What are you doing here? I thought you'd gone to sea.
Not till next week.
Oh.
D'you fancy some tea?
Come on.
Why'd you leave so sudden?
I was gonna write to you.
- No, you weren't. - I was, Ella, honest.
I wouldn't forget you.
Here you are.
You be mother.
So where you going?
Iceland, first of all.
That's a funny place to go.
We're sailing Wednesday.
- When did you decide to leave? - I've been thinking about it for a while.
- I wasn't doing much good here. - Weren't you?
I wasn't going nowhere, was I?
What you doing with yourself at the moment?
Oh, I'm making do.
- You left all your books behind. - I don't want 'em.
- But you love them. - Don't need 'em any more.
You have 'em...as a present.
Thank you.
It's strange -
you not being there in the next room.
- I used to hear you moving about. - I used to hear you sometimes.
Oh, Bob, you shouldn't have gone and done it.
Things have to change sometimes, don't they?
I better go.
(Ella ) Will you write? (Bob) Yeah, I'll write, if you'll answer.
(Ella ) Oh, I'll answer.
Will you post this for me, please?
Mr Eccles, eh? Still mad about you, is he?
Dunno.
You've no time for him, have you?
He's too old.
And I'm young, aren't I?
Course you are.
Don't you worry, Bob.
And you will write, won't you?
Yes.
And don't forget to post that letter.
No, I won't.
Here's my bus.
Well...
Bye, Ella.
Goodbye, Bob.
You've got to kiss me, you know...
cos it's goodbye for good.
Thank you.
25.000 English SDH DVD Subrip PAL © 27.02.2020