From Time to Time (2009) - full transcript

I thought it came
at quarter past.

They said quarter past.

Well, they were wrong.

Are you Mr. Boggis?

Ah.

You're master Tolly.

I remember you as smaller.

I was smaller. I've grown.

Yes, yeah, I suppose
you would have.

Mrs. Oldknow
would have met you,

but the r.a.f. decided
to move out.



They only told her
this morning.

Your grandmother's looking
forward to seeing you.

Is she?

Aren't you gonna wear
your coat?

All right.

We've heard about Mr. David.

He's not dead.

Nobody says he's dead,
not even the telegram.

He's just missing inaction.

That's all.

Ah. Missing.

That's it. That's it.

How's your mother?

All right, but busy.



She's trying to find out
where he is.

She's had to go to London.

Yeah, I expect she has.

I expect we'll have some news
any day now.

I mean,
when you're taken prisoner,

someone's got
to know something.

Mm.

Yes, I think they have.

Um, would you double-check...

uh, has someone checked
the music room?

Hello, Tolly.

Hello.

Do I still call you "granny"?

Well, what else
did you have in mind?

I don't know. "Mrs. Oldknow"?

No, I think we'd better stick
with "granny."

I'm sorry I couldn't meet you.

I just didn't dare
leave them to it.

Are you sad they're going?

No.

We Oldknows like to be
left to our own devices.

I think that's just about it.

I've told them to put everything
back and under dust sheets,

so I expect it's all wrong.

Ah. We'll sort it out.

I hope we haven't been
too awful.

Well, you didn't pull
the place down,

so you did better than some.

Well, I'm not sure the house
would have let us.

Goodbye.

Does this mean all the soldiers
will be home soon?

Well, there's an awful lot
of cleaning up to do.

But most of them should be here
before too long.

Everything ready to go, sir.

Right-o. Thank you.

Bye, again.

You remember Mrs. Tweedie?

How do you do?

Oh, course he don't.
Why should he?

He weren't much more than
a scrap when he was last here.

And this is Bismarck.

He remembers you.

Now you come along with me,
and we'll get you settled in.

Here we are.

Lovely.

How long have you worked here?

Oh, too man-years
to think about.

Do you like it?

Yes, I do.

Though, it's a funny old house,
no doubt about that.

But it's our funny old house.

That's what my dad used to say.

He used to talk about
this place all the time.

You come down
when you're ready.

You don't have to worry.

I know he's alive.

I think I'll still worry a bit,
if it's all right with you.

Won't you sit-down?

Who are all these people?

They're your family.

But they're dead, aren't they?

I thought family meant
people who were living.

I dare say the distinction is
more important in Manchester.

Than further South.

Have you ever been
to Manchester?

Not that I recall.

So, how do you know
so much about it?

Is your mother well?

Has she found a place
in London to stay?

I know you don't like her.
You don't have to pretend.

I didn't think I was pretending.

Here we are.

There's bread for toast.

Toasting fork's there.

Well, give me a shout
if you need anything else.

Thank you, Mrs. Tweedie.

It's not true I don't like her.

I don't know her.

You didn't want him
to marry her.

No.

Why was that?

Was it because she was common?

Certainly not.

You wrote that she was common.

And not fit to sweep the leaves
up on the drive.

I saw the letter.

Well, sometimes
when you're angry,

you can overstate your case.

He shouldn't have shown that
to you.

He didn't. I found it.

Then he shouldn't have kept it.

He kept all your letters.

I was worried she wouldn't
understand Green Knowe.

She'd come from something
very different.

Anyway, it's immaterial now.

Why?

I don't think I shall be here
for much longer.

Why? What's happened?

Nothing.

The world's changing.
That's all.

I don't think I'll have
enough money to stay.

You can't sell it.

I may have to.

But it's never been sold.

Uuh, it's never been sold
till now.

We've come close a few times.

She brought us
right to the brink.

Mrs. Thomas Oldknow...
like you?

Hardly.

That's Maria van raymer.

She was Dutch,
grew up in India.

She married Captain Oldknow
in Calcutta,

then he brought her home.

Green Knowe must have
seemed very dull.

After such exotic beginnings.

Would you do your own sugar?

What's this bit?
It looks different.

That was Maria's new wing.

It was built
so she could entertain.

Is it because dad's missing...
why you're going to leave?

No, it isn't.
You mustn't think that.

If there was anyway
I could avoid it,

I promise you, I would.

He always said this house
was a part of you.

It's a part of all of us.

It's a part of your father,
part of you, too.

You don't know the place yet,
and you don't know me.

So, I suppose it's hard
for you to understand.

If you think that, then you
don't know me, either.

You're burning your toast.

Aw.

Hello?

They look like jewellery boxes.

So they were...
for Maria Oldknow's jewels.

They must have been put
up there before the fire.

What fire?

When the new wing burned down.

Granny says she almost lost
Green Knowe,

but why, if she was so rich?

She didn't have money.

Her father
was a diamond merchant,

and her fortune was all
in precious stones.

She could have sold them.
She could have,

but by the time she needed to,
they'd been stolen.

Do you think she cried
when she lost the jewels?

Why?

Do you?

I'm sure she did. Wouldn't you?

I'm afraid she took it out
on the captain.

For quite awhile afterwards.

Did they have children?

They did.

They had a son called Sefton...

ah... and a daughter
called Susan.

And you descend from Sefton.

What a funny name.

I don't think
someone called to towsland.

Is in much of a position
to talk.

Was Sefton nice?

No. He was selfish and spoiled.

The door in the dining room.

With the brick wall
behind it...

was that the way
through to Maria's wing?

It was.

Oh, look.

You might like this.
It was your father's.

I made the pyjamas when
David had whooping cough.

So they could both
have whooping cough together.

I'm too old for it, really.

Yes, I know.

I just thought
it might interest you.

To know it was his.

Was Susan spoiled and selfish
like her brother?

No, not at all.

No, it would be hard
to spoil her.

Why?

Enough.

Good night.

He's a real Manchester lad.

I offered to send him
to a proper school.

I was happy to pay
for his whole education,

but of course she wouldn't hear of it.

Why not?

She didn't want him taught
to look down on her.

So selfish.

You'd think
she'd put him first.

Obviously his father
agreed with her.

Only because he was hypnotized.

Well, I don't think
it's done him any harm.

He seems as bright
as a button to me.

She's a controller. That's all.

I'm not attacking her.
I'm just stating a fact.

That's why she's kept him away.

He's only here now.

Because she couldn't think
how else to manage things.

It was exactly the same with
David, right from the start...

she could never share him.

Could you?

Sefton, is that you?

What where you thinking of,
wandering off like that?

Supposing you'd have
fallen down the stairs.

And broken your neck?

What would you say then?

Very little, I should think.

Never mind your cheek.

Come back to your own room now.

But, Perkins,
I was only talking to...

is it Sefton?

There's nobody here,
Miss Susan.

What are you doing downstairs?

Well, I hope
it's something serious.

Are you ill?

No.

Well, what is it?

Do you... do you believe in...

well, yes?

In ghosts...
do you believe in ghosts?

Certainly, I do. Don't you?

I do now.

Oh.

Oh, I see, yes.
Which of them was it?

Susan.

Well, yes, it would be,
after all those questions.

You'd better go to bed.
You'll get cold.

Do you want some more hot milk?

Hmm?

Mr. Boggis.

Mrs. Tweedie
told me about the fire.

How far did the
missing wing stretch?

Beyond the cedar tree there.

They planted that.

When they tore what was left
of it down.

One big room for dining,

drawing room,
family bedrooms above.

But it seems big enough
as it is.

Eh.

I think I'll climb the oak tree.

Don't do yourself a mischief.

Susan? Susan, is that you?

It's Sefton's spur.

We'll clean it up
and put it with its pair.

Is there a picture of Sefton?

Yes, it's there.

Boggis has brought the tree
into the music room.

Still a bit of a mess in there,
I'm afraid.

I thought we could
tidy it up later.

Then we could
decorate the tree.

You don't have to.

It's all right. I'll do it.

Why would Sefton
hide his own spur?

Oh, he didn't.
He wasn't the "s."

and the "j"was for someone
who changed Susan's life.

Unfortunately, not everyone.

Was pleased to see him
at Green Knowe.

There was a Butler here then
called John Caxton.

He might have been kinder.

Welcome home, captain.

Thank you, Caxton.
Thank you, one and all.

Father! oh!

My darling!

What's this?

Oh.

She was running
all over the house, sir.

She would have done herself
an injury.

So she was tethered like a dog.

Did you know about it?

What else were we do to?

Would you rather
she fell down the stairs?

She's blind, Thomas.

She simply must get used to it.

But I am used to it, papa.

I'm so very, very used to it.

How are you, Maria?

How should I be,
after seven months in prison.

And no one but a blind girl
for company?

You've not been ill, I hope?

No, since you don't count
fatigue or melancholy.

As illness.

Where's Sefton?

Hello, father.

Were you not here to keep
your mother and sister company?

Some of the time.

Don't fuss the boy.
Now, let's go in.

Oh, are you not curious to see
what I've brought?

My dear.

Oh. Spurs.

I thought you wanted some.

You're too late.

Lord Farrar gave him
a pair last month.

Finer than these, I'm afraid.

Were they, indeed,
finer than these?

Well, he's the boy's godfather.

I suppose he can
give him a present.

I suppose he can.

Why was Farrar here?

He was staying nearby.

And looked in with some friends
for an evening.

Did you play?

I could hardly refuse
in my own house.

It would have looked
extraordinary.

How much did you lose, Maria?

A little.

A little.

A little or a lot.

What difference does it make?

You'll be angry either way.

What about me, father?
Is there nothing for me?

Ah, well, now,
one would have thought.

Let me see.

Ah, no, there seems to be
nothing here, unless...

tell me, please.

Help me.

Oh, mother, do say.

It's me.

This... is Jacob.

He'll be your special helper.

Now take him 'round the grounds
and show him his new home.

But first...

burn it.

Captain! Is that wise?

Come, Jacob.

Walk with me,

and you can describe
what you see.

This is a fine place.

Is it?

Sure. I never saw a...

My dad used to talk about
decorating the tree in here.

Look.

This was his favourite.

You hang it,
to remember him by.

I don't need to remember him.

Yes, your father
loved this one...

when he was a boy.

You could give parties
in a room like this.

Well, that's what
it was built for.

We'll have one
when he gets back.

Mm.

We had wonderful dances
when I was a girl.

Oh, blow me down!
What on earth is all this?

It's a Bible.

Oh.

It's the captain's Bible.

How odd.

I wondered where it had got to.

I hadn't seen it for years.

He's made it look as
if Jacob was his son.

So he has.

Like this..."ah!"

aren't you coming in?

Of course.

Where did you find him?

Well, I suppose the truth of it
is that he found me.

He appeared on board
the day we sailed.

He's runaway.

A runaway? A runaway what?

What do you think?
A runaway slave, of course.

He was going to be sold
in the market at Charleston,

but somehow he gave them the
slip and made for the harbour.

And sneaked on to your ship.

He heard we were bound
for England,

so he swam out that night
and climbed aboard.

I hid him in a barrel for
the harbour master's inspection,

and here he is.

But doesn't that mean
he's somebody's property?

I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

Isn't it forbidden to keep
a stowaway aboard?

And if it is...

to help Jacob or any
slave to freedom,

I'd break every rule
in the book.

Oh, he's as bright
as a button, Maria.

I never knew a boy so quick.

Don't let Sefton hear you.

Hmm.

So, what will you do
with him now?

Well, as I said, he'll be
a friend for Susan.

I thought you were joking.

He'll change her life.
I promise you.

He can read to her.
He can learn with her.

He'll be her eyes.

That's as maybe.

Go on.

Well, apart from anything else,

he's... not English.

Do you think such distinctions
mean anything to her?

Come, come, my love.

You know better than anyone.

What it is like to be a stranger
in a foreign land.

Be kind to him.

But he's a boy.

I had noticed.

Then there's Perkins.

Dismiss her.

Susan's too old
to have a nurse, anyway.

But a boy can't wait on a girl.

Who's to bathe her or dress her?
And where will he live?

Find him a room in the stables
and hire a maid if you must.

From now on,
Jacob is Susan's companion.

You talk as if your former slave
isn't even to be a servant.

What will people say?

Nothing that will interest me.

We'll be a laughing stock.

I don't expect he'll stay long,
Mr. Sefton.

I don't, really.

I don't think he'll find
he fits in.

But he did fit in.

Of course. Susan was blind.

I should have realized.

What do you mean?

How did Jacob cope
with Susan's blindness?

Oh, he wouldn't have
thought about it.

Oh!

The point is, he set her free.

He gave her wings.

It's much too big for just us.

But we don't care, do we?

We do not.

Who's he?

St. Christopher, of course.

Why is he here?

Nobody knows.
He's always stood here.

Did the old part burn?

A bit. Not too much.

Why not?

Because Fred Boggis
got a bucket line going.

There was a Boggis here then?

There's always been a Boggis
at Green Knowe.

After the fire, the captain
built a big music room.

To replace the rooms
that were lost.

Ah.

She never cared for it.

I don't think their marriage
was all that easy.

Not many of them are,
Master Tolly, not too many.

Are you married, Mr. Boggis?

I am.

Things are really quite
peaceful at the moment,

as it happens.

Yep. Really quite peaceful.

Oh. Just making a cup of coffee
for your grandmother.

Would you like one?

Mrs. Tweedie?

Hmm?

Have you ever seen any of them?

Any what?

Any of the people
who lived here before.

The Oldknows.

Mrs. Oldknow lives here now,
don't she?

Or have I got that wrong?

I mean Susan,
for instance, or Caxton.

Don't go stuffing your head.

With all that
superstitious nonsense.

"let the dead bury the dead"...
that's what the Bible says.

I've never understood that.

How can the dead bury the dead?

I don't know.

But I do know
if I don't get a move on,

this coffee's gonna be cold.

Door, please.

Who is it? Who's there?

What are you talking about?

It's me, Tolly.

You came before, didn't you?

What's going on?
Who are you speaking to?

Last year.

In the nursery, when Perkins
came and took me away.

Last year?
Two nights ago, you mean.

Jacob! Jacob!

Quickly... where can he hide?

Bring him round here.

Get him in the cupboard.

Get in the cupboard!

Where is the little beggar?

Who?

Don't you dare take his side.

Do you think I don't see you
together, grinning and laughing?

You shouldn't be so funny.

Mr. Sefton.

Getaway from there.

Leave her alone.

Now, you come along with me,
little Jacob.

I've got a job for you.

The captain says
I'm to stay with Susan.

"Miss Susan,"
you impertinent blackguard.

Miss Susan.

I was told to follow
Miss Susan's orders.

I'm giving the orders now.

Pardon, sir,
but the captain did say.

He was only to take orders
from Miss Susan!

Keep out of this, Boggis,
or you'll be sorry.

But I heard him!

Silence! How dare you parade
your insolence here?

Leave him be!

You wouldn't do this
if papa was at home!

Well, he isn't, is he?!

No! Get off!

Let him go!

Can I help? Tell me!

Let go of me!

Don't take on, Miss Susan.

- He won't hurt him. He wouldn't dare.
- But who...

Come on.
Let's see what's happening.

No! Get off!

Uh!

Sefton, leave him alone!

Back, you cat!
Control yourself.

I've got a job for him.
That's all.

I shot a pheasant today
that fell into the chimney,

and I want it.

Don't. Jacob, don't do it.

Can't you stop this,
Mr. Caxton?

None of this would happen
if the master was home.

Hold your tongue, girl.

When the captain's away,
Mr. Sefton's master here.

Get on, you little tyke.

I want my bird,
and I'm tired of waiting.

Don't. Don't.

It's all right. I can do it.

See? You're the one
making all the fuss.

Now take her upstairs
before I really lose my temper!

Come with me.

You can wait in your room.

He'll be all right.

Faster!

Robert... light the fire.

That'll speed things up a bit.

You don't have to do this,
you know.

He can't force you, Robert.

- What kind of man are you?
- Oh, well...

Robert, no.

Come on.
Don't make a meal of it.

My God.

For two pins I'd...

you'd what?

You'd lose your place.
That's what.

Just pray for him.
That's all we can do now.

If it isn't lord farrar's
precious spurs.

Should someone go up after him?

And exactly who would
you suggest, sir?

I maybe in for a spot of bother.

If anything happens to him.

Boggis, clear this out.
Dampen it down.

It was only a bit of fun, man.

Where's your sense of humour?

Finer than the captain's,
are they?

What? Who is it?

Shh. It's me.

Jacob.

Are you all right?
Are you hurt?

I'm all right.

Will you help me
play a trick on Mr. Sefton?

Oh, for heaven's sake, Susan,
I'm too busy for this.

Sefton, what's going on?

I told you...
he sent Jacob up the chimney.

Is this true?

Why does it matter?

Is it true?

And if it is?

My darling,
you've been foolish.

What will you tell your father
if the boy comes to any harm?

Mr. Sefton was shooting,

and a bird fell
into the chimney.

Wouldn't it have been more
foolish to have left it there?

Thank you, Caxton.

When I want your advice,
I shall ask for it.

What's that?

Mr. Sefton, sir, I got your bird.

Oh, my dear.

Are the gentlemen shooting
chickens these days?

That's enough, all of you!

Shouldn't someone take it to
cook with the rest of the bag?

Come on, Jacob.

I'm your mother, and
I love you very much,

but you must learn
to control your temper,

or you'll end up in worse
trouble than this.

That'll teach him.

I doubt it.

What we have to put up with.

Worse things happen at sea.

Take it away, Caxton.

Very good, sir.

I want to be rid of him, Caxton.

I want him out of this house.

How dare he prance about.

Waving my father's favour
in my face?

How dare he?

Patience, Mr. Sefton, patience.

Oh, when, oh, when,

will we be free of these
frightful coupons?

Mum says rationing will get
worse before it gets better.

It will.
She's right, I'm afraid.

I mean, it seems so unfair
when the war's nearly over.

If only things could
get back to normal.

She doesn't think things
will ever be normal again.

Oh, yes.

Well, a different normal,
but normal.

You take my word for it.

I'm so glad you could
come and stay.

I should hate to think you had
no memories of the old place.

Before it went.

Morning.

I've got some memories
now, all right.

Well, you mustn't be frightened.

The house is bound
to share some secrets.

But you mustn't be scared.

I don't think I'm scared.

I don't know
what I feel exactly.

Good.

Very few people realize
they don't know what they feel.

Until they're at least 40.

Tolly, Tolly, you
do understand...

death is not
the important thing.

What is, then?

Whether you were loved or not.

That's what people think about
at the end of their lives.

Do you believe that?

Yes, I do.

You can't possibly be
warm in just that.

Granny? Hmm?

You've never seen him,
have you,

since he's been missing?

Because I haven't.

I mean, I'm sure he's all right.

Because if he wasn't, I think

I would have seen him
by now, don't you?

And if you had, you would
have told me, wouldn't you?

Yes. I would have told you.

And, no, I haven't seen him.

That's something, anyway.

Mm-hmm.

Well, here's the shopping,
what there is of it.

Thank you, Tolly.

Where's Boggis?

He was working on the brambles
in the tower garden.

Where's that?

Beyond the stone coronet,
then turn left.

Why won't he wear a proper coat?

'cause he's a boy.

Boggis is kind, but if
I eat another rabbit,

I swear I'll turn into one.

He will keep bringing them in,
no matter what I say.

Ooh.

You've got your work cut out.

I don't know how we let it
turn into this.

Why is it called
the tower garden?

Because of the tower.

What tower?

Over there.

Yeah, well, I suppose
you can't see it now.

When did it get so growed over?

What was it used for?

Water tower, I think, first,

with a big bath underneath.

A bath?

You mean, like,
"having a bath"?

Yeah, I know.
Seems funny, don't it?

Can I see?

Too dark to see anything.

I've got a torch.

It's much bigger down here.

A bath was a big event
in those days.

They dug out all
these tunnels and rooms.

So they'd have parties under
the ground while they bathed.

Like the Romans.

Yeah.

Then they put plumbing
in the house.

And forgot about this place.

Turned it into a garden
ornament, a folly.

When was this? Before the fire?

Oh, yeah. 20 years or more.

Mind you... it came in handy.

A few days before
the fire happened.

Why?

Never you mind.

He swore it was the same
as our usual brand.

It looks simply revolting.

War means sacrifice.

I think Tolly's all right.

Yes.

It's a funny old house to
wake up and find yourself in.

Yes.

But it's our funny old house.

That's what he said.

Did he? Did he, really?

It's going to have to go.

I'm afraid so.

I do the sums.
They don't change.

Ain't there nothing
you can sell?

Not really.

Nothing that would make
any difference.

You'd think there'd be
an old master.

Tucked in here somewhere.

Oh, we had a Vermeer once.

Heaven knows
we could use it now.

I just wish I didn't feel
I was cheating Tolly.

Oh, he's a sensible boy.

He'll get through it.

Besides, he's got more
important things to worry about.

He never stops thinking
about his father, for a start.

Well, none of us do.

No.

What shall we do?

We have to stop them
finding him.

We have to.

Who are you?

You can see me?

Of course I can see you.

Why shouldn't I see you?

Who is this boy?

I think he might be a...
a relation of mine.

You are, aren't you, in a way?

In a way.

But I know your family,

and I can assure you
this ain't none of them.

Shall I start
with what he's wearing?

It's all right, Jacob.
Maybe he can help.

What's happened?

Fred Boggis...
they caught him poaching.

Just some hares.

Now Sefton means
to sell him to the gang.

What gang? The press gang.

They kidnap men
to crew the ships.

Why?

How else they gonna get
enough sailors?

So he'll have to go
with the gang,

and Sefton and Caxton will split
what they can get for him.

The stupid thing is,
my father would save him,

and he's due back any day.

Caxton knows he's
still here somewhere.

He's watching us all the time.

Where's Fred hiding?

There's a maze of tunnels
under the old water tower.

I know it. I'll find him.

Go to the kitchen first.

He hasn't had anything
to eat for three days.

And you can find out
if you're visible or not.

Excuse me?

Nothing from the captain yet,
Mrs. Robbins.

Most inconsiderate, I must say.

How can we plan our menus.

Without so much
as a "by your leave"?

Menus are not of much interest
to the admiralty, Mrs. Gross.

Yes, girl?

I was just wondering.

If there was any news
about Fred Boggis.

Really, Rose?

Well, I was just wondering
if you had any work to do.

Because if not,
why do we pay your wages?

Yes, Mrs. Gross.

Not that I wouldn't like
to give her a word of comfort.

Mr. Sefton's very hard
on young Boggis.

That I do think.

Mr. Caxton's put him up to it.

Mr. Caxton gets above his self
when the captain's away.

He's cleverer than
the people he works for.

If you ask me, that's always
a recipe for trouble.

And he certainly takes on.

A great many of the
captain's duties.

Now, now.

Aah!

Rose, whatever is the matter
with you, girl?

I-I just...

nothing, ma'am.

I cut my finger.

Get on with your work.

Yes, ma'am.

I just need to get
some more milk, ma'am.

Who are you?

Are you a... ghost?

I don't think I can be.

I mean, I'm not dead.

Come to think of it,
I'm not actually even born yet.

What?

Never mind all that.

I need something
for Fred Boggis to eat.

Fred?

Can you help? Of course.

Have you seen him?

Is he all right?

I don't know yet.

What about this pie?

Well, that will never work.

Put it inside your clothes.

That might do it.

It's worth a try.

Well, what if Caxton
and his men can see you?

Some people can. I did.

Let's just hope they can't, then.

If you do get to Fred,
tell him to look after himself.

Tell him Rose said so.

I will.

Aah!

Fred?

Are you down here?

Fred?

Fred?

Fred?

Are you here?

Fred?

Susan told me to come.

Who are you?

You can see me, then.

Of course I can.

And I should think everyone
else can see you, too.

No, no one did.

What's that?

It's just a torch.

I've brought you some food.

Torch?

It's not even burning.

How's it work?

Here.

Thanks.

The message is,
you've got to stay here.

But they'll find me.

They've searched it
twice already.

One of them came so close,
I could smell his breath.

Next time they're gonna
get me for sure.

No, I have to make a run
for it...

no, the captain will be home
any day now, any moment.

I promise.

And that's what
Miss Susan says?

It is.

All right.

I'll stay, though I may regret it.

Keep hidden. And good luck.

You wouldn't lend me that,
would you?

Gets so dark down here.

Keep it.

Don't use it too much.

The battery will run out,

and I don't expect
you'll be able to get another.

What's battery?

It's a big question.

Oh, and Rose said
to look after yourself.

Did she, now?

Rose?

Fancy that.

At last we've solved the mystery.

Of the miracle light.

It's been part of our mythology
for so long.

Has it?

I can't think why
I didn't guess.

It's obvious, once you know.

It was a present from my daddy.

Well, then you both helped Fred.

Granny?

This morning I had the torch
in my pocket.

Yes.

But it was already in the case.

Mm, I suppose that's right.

But surely isn't that
impossible?

Well... obviously not.

There's one thing
I don't understand.

Only one?

Lucky old you.

Seriously... with ghosts,

why is it that some people
can see them and some can't,

but then others can only see
them sometimes?

Well, I don't know.

It might depend on being open.

Maybe we get so full
of our own affairs,

we block off everything else.

But some people can always
see them, can't they?

Oh, yes.

Now, look...

I've got some very tedious
business to attend to.

Why don't you go off
for a walk?

I'll see you at lunch.

All right.

Bismarck, go with him.

What a useless dog.

Granny, would it be all right
if I go down to the vill...

Are you so lost
to proportion, sir,

that even supposing.

You were entitled to feel
aggrieved with this man,

which you were not,
it seemed reasonable to you.

To condemn him
to 10 years of slavery?

Well may you be silent.

You are weak and easily led.

And those who are easily led
are not easily followed.

You are a disgrace to this family.

Now go to your room. Thomas...
to your room, sir!

I'm sad, Caxton.

After our years together,

I would have looked
for something better.

Your employment is terminated.

What?

You may take a month's
wages in lieu of notice.

But, Thomas,
you can't mean that.

The Farrars will be here
in two days.

I can't receive them in a house
with no one to run it.

Get one of the footmen
to cover his duties.

One of the footmen?

After all the hospitality
I've had from them?

My mind is made up.

But you don't understand!
The Greshams are coming!

The Carberys are coming!
The Northbrooks are coming!

It'll be a disaster!
Put them off.

Put them off?

Do you know how long it's taken
me to get them to say yes?

They've never been here before.

I hardly know them.

What will they think of me
if the house is in chaos?

Why do you invite people
you don't know?

Because, Thomas, I'm trying
to build something.

I'm trying to make
a life for myself.

Isn't that what you want?

And now you disgrace me.
Why?

What have I done?

Well, I'm sure you'll manage.

I could work out my notice, sir,

if you'd let me...

just until you find
someone else to take over.

Out of the question.

Surely I'm entitled
to one favour, Thomas.

And after all the time
Caxton's been with us,

is it so much to ask?

It is.

The answer's no.

I feel as if I'm in a crow's
nest, looking out to sea.

When I was little, I wanted
to be a sailor just like papa.

Not anymore?

I'm blind, and I'm female.

I doubt the Navy
has a place for me.

Then why not be
a great explorer.

And cross all seven seas?

Do you really think I could?

Someone will. Why not you?

Jacob, nothing's impossible,
is it?

Not when you really want it?

What are you doing?

I'm carving our initials,
Miss Susan,

so one day they'll find them,
and then they can say,

"'that's the famous lady traveller

and her faithful companion."

I wonder what Sefton would say
if he could see us up here.

Yep. I wonder.

Thank you, sir.

If I hear of anymore
such incidents, Maria,

I will hold you to blame.

Do you understand me?

Oh, perfectly.

I'd be amazed
if you didn't blame me.

Maria, my dear,
you mustn't think that I...

no, that's right.
I mustn't think.

I mustn't think, or I'll go mad.

I mustn't think
that you'll leave me alone.

In this desert
for months and years.

While you swan round Europe
playing tag with the French.

There must be something
you can do besides gambling.

And what would that be, pray?

Paying calls on neighbours
who don't like me,

who find me funny and foreign
and not to be trusted?

Or should I stay home
painting fans,

knotting lace,
helping the vicar?

Yes, I see what you mean.

I don't want you to be bored.

Then you're doomed
to disappointment.

We both are.

The truth is, my dear,
we're not well matched.

Which is my fault, I presume?

The fault is with neither
or both of us.

We thought we could be happy,
but we're not,

and it's too late now
for regrets.

Who's that climbing with Jacob
in the oak tree?

He should be looking
after Susan,

not larking about with some boy
from the village,

and why does Boggis allow it?

What are they playing at?

Village boy?

Don't you recognize
your ladylike daughter?

It can't be.

If you mean it shouldn't be,
I quite agree with you.

But how can she? She's...

blind?

Oh, my dear,

that doesn't get in the way
of anything these days.

Was this what you wanted.

When you brought
that foundling into our home?

Susan!

Over here!

Father? Oh, don't be angry.

You can't climb a tree
in a stupid dress.

Trousers
are much more sensible.

Give me 10 minutes to change,

and I shall look like
a model lady, I promise.

She's a good climber, sir.

And the clothes were my idea.

Come here.

Say you're not cross,
please, papa.

At any rate, not with her, sir.

I'm not cross.

I'm not cross at all.

I'm not cross with any of you.

So, was everything all right
after Caxton had gone?

No, I'm afraid not...
because he hadn't gone.

He was still there.

When a messenger came
later that same day,

calling the captain
back to his ship.

Oh, custard.

He should have waited
until Caxton left.

Oh, my dear, any sailor summoned
to the wars must go.

Caxton! Hurry, they're here!

Everything's ready, ma'am.

Sefton. How are you?

If you'd all like to go
to your rooms,

we'll have tea in here at 5:00.

Nellie, tell Miss Susan
to join us.

And put her into the dress
that matches this one.

And Jacob, ma'am?

Oh, send him back
to the stables.

We won't need him again today.

Miss Susan, your mother
wants you to join her.

Come and change your frock.

Not you, Jacob.

There's some tea
in the kitchen.

I hate the way she treats you.

Go.

Susan, over here.

Can this charming newcomer
be dear little Susan?

Curtsey to Lord Farrar, dear.

Oh!

A fine snub for you, my lord.

My sister meant
no insult, Mrs. Carbery.

She's quite blind.

Oh, dear. I'm sorry
to hear that, Mrs. Oldknow.

I don't recall you ever
mentioning it before.

How vexing for you.

You're right, Mrs. Carbery.

To have a child born blind
is very vexing.

Come here, my dear. Sit by me.

Of course.

Aah! Oh, lord!

Jacob!

Is she all right?

Oh, my dear.

Don't worry. I'm here.

Jacob, I thought you were told
to go back to the stables.

Beg pardon, ma'am,

but the captain likes me to keep
a close eye on Miss Susan,

if that's no bother to anyone.

Bravo! I wish I had someone
to keep me out of mischief.

Your wife will manage that,
surely, my lord.

I'm afraid it would take up
too much of her time.

You've found yourself
quite a champion, Susan.

I think so.

I'm sure all the ladies
in the room.

Envy you your protector.

That's enough, Susan.

You'll wear us out
with your chatter.

Go along.

We hope to see you later on...
and your gallant knight.

Childrenare a blessing,
of course,

but I confess to some relief
that mine are grown and gone.

Heaven knows their incessant
babble and fidget.

Would try the patience of job.

I believe Jesus was very fond
of their company,

but of course he and Joseph
were only carpenters,

not nearly such fine folk as we.

If you'll excuse me,

I have some things to see to
before we go up to dress.

We dine at 8:00.

You are a minx, Lady Gresham.

She'd worked so hard.

To bring these people
to Green Knowe,

and they patronized her
from the moment they arrived.

I've changed my mind.

I'll wear the rose taffeta tonight.

Ma'am.

Keep the blue silk for tomorrow.

And the rubies...

the ones in gold filigree,
not the diamond setting.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, my heaven!

Madam, come quick!

Aah!

Caxton was the thief.

He decided to steal them
the moment he was sacked.

That's why he
wanted to stay on.

Well, they shredded his room.

They never found a thing.

And then it was too late.

Maria should have cancelled
the rest of the party,

but the crime
had to be dealt with,

and the guests were reluctant

to embark on another long
journey at once.

All of which meant
that 2 days later,

14 of them sat down to dine.

Your loss hasn't spoiled
your guest's appetite.

We all know there's pleasure
in a friend's misfortune.

The Germans even
have a name for it.

Perhaps you can win
something back tonight...

with a little luck.

In truth, I don't feel
very lucky this evening...

in anything.

I'm told we're all
to be questioned tomorrow,

and all the servants.

My maid is beside herself.

It seems rather unnecessary.

But perfectly thrilling.

Our poor hostess is a spectre
at her own feast.

I'm relieved to know...

something can disturb
her infinite refinement.

Surely you must
pity her a little?

It's hard to pity a woman...

who cares more for her jewels
than for her child.

What is it, Caxton?

Caxton, what's the matter?

I'm sorry to have
to tell you, madam,

but... the house is on fire.

What?!

What's that noise?

Your lordship, don't!

Oh!

You, man, open the window!

Northwood! Gresham!
Get outside and help the ladies!

Quickly! Jonathan, help me!

Ooh!

Thomas, help me.

Mrs. Oldknow,
I hate to hurry you,

but I really do think.

We'd find it more congenial
on the lawn.

Get out of my way.

"Susan by Jacob."

Arthur, George!
The house is on fire!

Wake all the men.

And bring all the buckets
you can lay your hands on!

The house is on fire!

Jacob! What's going on?

Jacob!

Let's get all the buckets
we can, lads!

Jacob, wake up! Jacob!

What is it? What's happening?

The house is on fire. What?

Look!

Susan!

The servants know the
house better than we do,

so leave them to rescue
the contents.

Are there any sacks
and buckets to be had?

Fred Boggis has gone to get some.

What's happening?

We can slow it up if we
form a chain to the pond!

Then we shall have to hold it
back as best we can!

Why isn't anybody
doing anything?!

Come on! Hurry up!
Quickly, quickly, lads!

Ma'am! Ma'am!

Oh, I'm mad!

I should have told the men
to take the Vermeer!

Caxton, Caxton, can you see if...

Where you going?

Over here! Quickly, come on!

Susan? Where's Miss Susan?

Where's the child?

Mrs. Oldknow?

Maria, is she still in the house?

No, no, no, she can't be.
She won't be...

well, then where is she?

I don't know. Sefton will know.

Have you seen Susan?

Where would Nellie
have taken her?

I don't know.

Find Mrs. Gross.
Find Mrs. Gross.

Come on! Hurry up!

Oh, no!

Why are they bothering
with that for?!

It's not worth the canvas
it's painted on!

You come with me.

Did anyone bring out
the bowls?!

Nellie. It's Nellie.

Have you seen Susan?

I was in the kitchen
when it started.

Somebody told me
she'd come down.

Stop that. Just tell me
where her room is.

I know.

Get a ladder, somebody!

No, Lady. No one could
climb a ladder through that.

Well, a blanket, then.

We can hold both ends and...

I know away.

You can't go in there!

Yes, I can! I know how!

Mr. Sefton taught me!

Robert! Did anybody save
the plates in the dining room?

Mr. Caxton had most of it
in a sack,

but I've not seen him since.

Whoa!

Aah!

Susan.

Jacob, is that you?

It's me.

Oh, I knew you'd come.
I knew it.

Well, I didn't, but here I am.

Are we going to die?
You can tell me.

I don't mind, now you're here.

We're all gonna die,
but if it's the same to you,

I'd rather it wasn't right now.

But the window won't open
and the door's stuck.

And I can feel the heat
on the other side.

Just do what I tell you.

Come on, now.
Get in there and climb.

Wait for me and don't move.

Aah!

Let's go.

Where are we now?

Coming back into the old part.

Follow the plank.

Yes.

Now stop right there.

Are you ready?

This is the ladder.

There.

Don't be afraid.

I'm not.

I've got it.

Put your foot here.

I will.

You're almost down.

Mama?

Look... it's Miss Susan.

He's saved Miss Susan.

Good lad!
Boy's all right!

Susan.
Susan, my darling.

Well done, guv, well done!

By George, that was a good
night's work, young man.

You should be proud
of yourself!

Thank you.

For he's a jolly good fellow...

for he's a jolly good Fe...

thank you, lord. Thank you.

What happened to Caxton?

Fred Boggis saw him run
upstairs with a sack.

Maybe he got away with
the jewels, maybe not.

Either way, he was never seen
again after the fire.

And did Maria
come to love Jacob?

Well, she was always kind
to him after that.

If you're going to have a bath
before dinner, you better go.

Granny? Hmm?

Why are you called
Mrs. Oldknow?

If you grew up here, shouldn't
you be Mrs. something-else?

Your grandfather and I
were second cousins.

So, you're more of an
Oldknow than anyone.

You must have thought
you'd always live here.

Well, if I did,
I should have realized.

There's no such thing
as "always"...

not on earth.

It's the table centre
for Christmas day.

Is it worth it,

going to all this bother
when it's just us?

Can't have Christmas
without doing it properly.

Even in wartime?

Most of all in wartime.

News.

I wish it'd just stop ending
and just end.

Shh, shh, shh.

General de Gaulle
has issued a statement.

Welcoming the Russian
advance on Berlin.

France is free again.

In the wake of the
French-Soviet treaty, signed...

the Russians are moving in.

It won't be long.
We're nearly there.

...when faced
by a common enemy.

If you were a prisoner
in Germany.

And no one knew where you were,

I think you might be
released now.

...when they invest and capture
the city. At home...

Why not see what
Boggis is up to?

Lovely day.

Shame to waste it.

...and so well against
the devastation.

Visited on them
by the German bombing...

I know what you're thinking,
but you'll see.

...they had conferred
on the city, the queen replied,

"it is we who are
honoured to be here."

do you have a holiday at all?

Plants don't know
it's Christmas, do they?

But you'll take Christmas day
itself off, though, won't you?

I shall go back early
for me dinner.

That'll be soon enough.

What about Mrs. Boggis?
Won't she be lonely?

That'll be soon enough.

Telegram for Mrs. Oldknow.

Thank you.

Shall I wait for an answer?

No. No, don't wait.

Telegram.

What rooms did they make
the music room from?

Two downstairs rooms, I think,

with some
little bedrooms above.

Low servants' room, but they
give it a fine, high ceiling.

Is that narrow one the
music-room chimney?

No. No, no, that goes up
through the main stack,

with one from the great hall.

Well, what is it, then?

Why, leftover from before
the changes, I suppose.

Too much trouble
to take it away.

Tolly! Tolly!

Tolly!

Come. Come.

It's a telegram
from your mother.

She's coming down to see us.

When?

Tomorrow.

Is she staying for Christmas?

I don't know. You read it.

"Arriving tomorriow STOP Joan"

why don't we ring her?

I've tried. There's no reply.

Well, whatever it is,

she obviously doesn't want
to say it over the telephone.

At least we haven't long
to wait.

You'll be glad to see your mum.

Oh, I got something for you.

Thank you.

Heard how yours was lost.

I've been thinking some more
about the jewels.

Oh! You and your questions.

Did Maria just give up?

Oh, not a bit of it.

This is absurd.

Without my jewels,

I'm a prisoner
to the end of my days.

Just to accept that
would be absurd.

I want to learn
if I can recover my...

I know why you're here.

You must embroider
a picture of the house.

The thing is, I am rather busy.

Surely if I ask my maid...

you must embroider the house.

Oh. Very well, then.

And you will use human hair.

How perfectly disgusting!

Taken from the heads.

Of everyone who was there
on the night.

How could I?

We were 14 at the party,
and I've no idea...

not just the guests...

the servants,
the guests' servants,

the villagers, whoever
came to help, everyone.

Well, that's impossible.

The hair will tell you where
the jewels are to be found.

Even if I do this,
would I know how to read it?

That I cannot tell you.

Seems a lot of nasty work
for a very uncertain result.

I have no other answer.

But why does it have to be me?

Because, Mrs. Oldknow,

you have overplayed your hand.

How did Maria get all the hair?

With a lot of difficulty.

The word went' round.

In the end, everyone helped,
except Lady Farrar.

She refused, point-blank.

So, what happened?

Her husband found some
on her hairbrush.

I think he rather liked Maria.

Does the picture still exist?

Yes, it's that one, there.

Which is Susan's?

Oh, hers is easy.

'cause it was long,
Maria used it for the trees.

And Jacob's?

Well, his was short.

In the end, she sewed that
little bird with it. See?

But it didn't deliver
the jewels?

Five generations of Oldknows
have stared at that picture.

And never found the clue.

Maybe it was a trick.

Of course it didn't work.
Caxton's was missing.

Without his, the picture
wasn't finished.

No, it was.

He'd given a lock of hair
to someone he was keen on.

Maria?

Oh, certainly not...
a housemaid.

Why did you say that?

No reason.

Anyway, Maria used it
for a chimney.

I think it's that one there.

There wasn't much of it.
Come on.

Into bed and don't
read too long.

You don't want to be tired
for your mother tomorrow.

Granny? Hmm?

Can you be nice to her
when she gets here?

Please?

Oh.

You make me
feel rather ashamed.

Of course I'll be nice to her.

'cause we all love dad,
don't we, all three of us?

I know he'd like it if we're all
getting along when he comes back.

Yes, of course he would.

I think she's found him.

I think she knows where he is.

We mustn't raise our
hopes up too high.

I don't think my hopes
could get any higher.

No, nor mine, really.

But...

but what?

No, never mind. Never mind.

We'll cross that bridge
when we come to it.

Tolly? Yes?

If you have children,
don't ever quarrel with them.

No matter the reason,
no matter how angry you get...

don't quarrel.

I promise you...
it's never worth it.

You do know I love you more
than anyone else in the world?

Except for daddy.

Except for David.

I'm glad.

Good.

Because I wouldn't want there to
be any confusion on that score.

Good night.

Night.

Maria used it for one
of the chimneys.

Low servants' room,

but they give it
a fine, high ceiling.

Fred Boggis saw him
run upstairs with a sack.

Maybe he got away
with the jewels, maybe not.

Get out of my way!

Don't go up there!
That staircase is going!

You won't get back!

Of course.

Thank you for helping us
with Fred.

I don't know what we should
have done without you.

I heard he was all right.

Oh, yes, he never
left Green Knowe.

He married
a kitchen maid... Rose.

I thought he might.

He can't hurt you.

Did he start the fire?

He meant to start it
in revenge and go.

He had the jewels,
but the silver tempted him,

and then the gold.

He'd gone back up to hide it
in the chimney of his room.

When the fire took him,
but nobody ever knew.

You know.

I know now.

You're looking for the one
behind you,

the one with the rope.

The next one
serves the music room,

but you want the disused chimney
beyond that arch.

It's blocked by the
new ceiling below.

Thank you for helping us.

Thank you.

Tolly!

What on earth
have you been doing?

You've got to come to the music
room now... quickly.

Come on. What are you doing?

What have you been doing
with yourself?

You're black!

How did you find it?

Susan helped me...

and the picture and
Mr. Boggis and even you.

That doesn't look like much.

But these...
these are our silver plates.

Look.
Look... there's our crest.

Oh, Tolly.

Fetch a table.

Oh, Tolly.

Oh, look...
it's Maria's necklace,

the one in the portrait.

Oh, my. Rubies.

Oh! Oh, Tolly.

Does it suit me?

Oh, look!

I've never seen so many jewels!

What do you think?

Try this.

Look at all these bracelets.

Oh, my!

Oh, look at the rings.

Oh, Tolly!

Ouch!

So, Green Knowe can be saved
and everything put right?

It can. It most certainly can.

You won't sell all the jewels.

Don't worry.

You will not blush for
your mother or your wife.

What is it, Tolly?

I've been thinking
about ghosts.

Don't they come back...

if they come back...

as they were when they died?

I'll just get started
on the washing-up.

Oh, thank you. Well...

don't they?

Well, no, not always.
But as a rule, yes.

Why?

You know why.

I'm afraid I do.

It's true. They died.

As children?

Well, it wasn't unusual then.

What did they die of?

It's hard to say.

No doubt something a pill
would cure in a week today.

Together?

Well, Susan went first.

And Jacob just
a few hours after,

with the captain
holding his hand.

And crying his eyes out,
poor man.

But that makes it bearable.

Don't you see?

Those children
were both truly loved.

So they're not sad.

And it's our job not
to think of them as sad.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Race you back to the house!

That's not fair!
I wasn't ready!

What's that?

It can't be.

Oh, Tolly.

Oh, my dear.

There. Come.

Let's go inside.

Tolly, come on.

Let... let's all be together.

Come on.

Dad?

Dad, is that you?

David?

Don't worry.
You're gonna be okay.

I promise.

Now, come on.
The old girl's right.

You'll find she often is,
you know.

So, let's all be together.

Oh, Tolly, dear,
let's go inside.