The Dressmaker (1988) - full transcript

[music playing]

[sizzling]

[cat meowing in fright]

[laughing]

[whimpering]

[knocking]

[knocking]

[knocking]

I've only brought you shirts.

There's no need to
stop your work, Jack.

I've turned your cuffs
for you, and I've



put patches on the elbows.

I don't know how you do it.

You must walk on your
elbows, you young fellas.

Now, now, Nellie.

You do look after me.

That's what we do in
our family, young Jack,

and don't you forget it.

How's my little girl?

Rita's fine.

You've done wonders
for her, Nellie.

What's that?

Just a couple of,
uh, mutton chops.

I'll thank you to
take them out of my bag.

Brother you may be, but I'm
taking no black market favors.



Sh!

[inaudible] my own rations.

I won't eat it.

I've always feared
God and what's decent.

It would coke me to swallow it.

Our Margo will have it.

She's no religious maniac.

Huh.

No, she's not.

She's just a normal
maniac, is Margo.

[machinery clanking]

[music - "you are my sunshine"]

(SINGING ALONG) You make
me happy when skies are grey.

You'll never know dear
how much I love you.

Please don't take
my sunshine away.

Margo, you should be sent
to entertain the troops now.

You should go into the work
house with Margo, you should.

Go on!

Woo hoo!

Oh, sorry.

That's all right, love.

Oh, it's you.

Hello, Rita.

How's your Auntie Nellie?

Fine.

I hope she is, because
she's making me a dress.

Beautiful thing, it is.

It's for the party.

We're having a party,
you see, Saturday.

God, that's tomorrow.

I'll be coming around to
your house for it tomorrow

afternoon.

It's a gorgeous
piece of material.

She's dead clever,
your Auntie Nellie.

Yeah, she makes things for me.

She cuts old things down for me.

Mm.

How old are you now, Rita?

17.

I'm working now, in Dale Street.

Are you now?

Only after school, you know.

Still, you're growing up, eh?

Listen, do you want to
come to the party, love?

My boyfriend, he's called Chuck,
he's bringing a few friends

over for a sing song.

A sing song?

Yeah.

You can come if you want.

I'll ask your Auntie Nellie, ay?

A sing song?

They often have little
get-togethers, Nellie.

[inaudible] is a
wonderful pianist.

He can turn his
hand to anything.

Including the black market
and every swindle, that's going.

He's a swine, that's
what Jack says.

Jack sent you mutton chops.

Do you Want to go, then?

I don't know.

Won't you be shy?

I'm not shy.

She can't go.

How can she?

At her age, I wasn't allowed out
for a walk, let alone a party.

You were different, and
look what it's done for you.

No.

It's not fair.

She's got nothing to wear.

Well, if that
doesn't beat the band.

You, a dressmaker, making
for half the street.

Anyway, her father
comes round on Saturdays.

But Uncle Jack
never talks to me.

He just comes
around for a snooze.

He is her father.

Not since her mum died.

Still, she should ask him.

We look after her now.

Please, Auntie Nellie.

Well, maybe I could
alter something.

But I'm not sure the
whole thing's wise.

Val said I was a big girl now.

Well, Valerie knows
how to conduct herself.

She'll be fine.

I'll drop around to
see if she's all right.

Well, you're not invited.

Val won't mind.

She'll appreciate the situation.

[gasps] Oh!

Oh!

Oooh!

Oh, Nellie!

You, hey!

Hey!

Hey, wait a minute.

[chattering]

The car is coming.

Hey, boy, here we are.

Get some action, huh?

Oh, no.

[chattering]

Oh, I love this, Nellie!

They'll think I'm the
bee's knees in this.

It suits you
down to the ground.

Look at the time!

Help!

I don't want to take
it off, but I haven't

got me party underwear on yet.

It's from America.

You haven't seen anything
like it since before the war.

Real silk.

It's Chinese.

Sort of floats onto you.

You will let Rita come,
won't you, Nellie?

Mm, for a bit.

Margo wants to come, too.

I told her she got a cheek.

No, no, she's very welcome.

The more the merrier.

Open house tonight.

Not too open, I trust.

You're a magnificent
woman, Valerie.

Oh, ta, Nellie.

You're wonderful.

Now, where did I leave my mack?

I think I left it
in the kitchen.

And have you got a bag for us?

You've got to suffer
to be beautiful, girl.

But that dress, Auntie Margo.

What about it?

It'll be fine.

Everybody will know it's
just one of yours, cut down.

Oh, Nellie's made a
wonderful job of it.

Will you hold still?

I don't know if I want to go.

Oh, don't be soft.

Of course you want to go.

There'll be fellas.

Oh?

Oh, well, well.

Jack, look at your daughter.

[newspaper rustling]

My word.

You do look a bobby-dazzler.

Now, I must finish myself off.

Oh, I haven't worn pearls
since I can't remember.

This'll be the night
[inaudible] propose to me.

Hey, give us a hand, Rit.

Them was my
mum's, wasn't they?

Well, do you mind
if I borrow them?

Well, can I have them after?

Course you can.

Remember them, do you?

[piano music]

[men singing]

[laughing]

[record playing]

[piano stops]

Don't they make a lovely pair?

How did she find him?

At a dance only a week
ago, but he's taken her

out every single night since.

To the stage, you know,
and the restaurant.

And to the [inaudible].

To the repertory company.

Over to the whittle
to some hotel.

Oh, dear.

The repertory company?

The play house.

Oh.

He's very cultured.

We think there might be,
you know, an announcement.

And all these, his friends.

So full of life, aren't they?

Would you like to
dance, Miss Rita?

Oh, come on.

I'll give you a dance.

Thank you, ma'am.

You mustn't be so shy, Rita.

Chuck was only being polite.

And I'll get you a drink.

Uh, excuse me, miss.

Did you ever see
one of these before?

It's a black pudding.

Do you eat it?

You slice it up and fry it.

Here you are, love.

Try a whiskey.

Ta.

Those yanks.

What is this do?

It's a sing song.

Don't be so soft.

I never heard no singing.

Just noise, our Nellie.

I didn't know
there'd be yanks.

I don't like yanks.

The amount they eat,
all the flesh on them.

Prime steaks.

Prime pork chops.

Best butter.

The money they've got.

No wonder our girls
throw themselves at them.

And there's black ones.

We can't even tell with
the ones that [inaudible]

with their creamy eyeballs,
Jeeps roaring up and down.

Their military
police have to have

great dogs on metal chains.

Great, ugly brutes with
droopy jaws, slathering away.

It's a sing song, Jack.

She'll come to no harm.

Any messing and ooh!

[peals of laughter]

Come right in, lovely lady!

It's your turn to meet
Napoleon the Great.

[screaming]

Sh.

[screaming]

On the flagship.

It's a rough and stormy night.

You're about to meet
Napoleon, the greatest

of British admirals.

Don't you mean Nelson?

[shrieking] Oh!

What is this.

Oh, oh, it's you.

Oh, how do you do.

I'm very pleased to meet you.

Feel his head.

Oh!

What was that?

And this is his good arm.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, yes, yes.

This is his bad arm.

Oh.

[shrieking] What was that?

- And this--
- Yes.

This is his good eye.

Oh, oh, that feels awful.

And this--

Yes.

--is his bad eye.
Oh!

[shrieking[]

[laughter]

That's the [inaudible].

Is that the name
of that little river?

Little?

Where I come from,
river's so wide you

can't see the other side.

We had swamp lands full
alligators and snake.

And hurricanes smash
up your houses.

Tornadoes.

Ponies.

Great big wide open spaces.

Do you ride around on ponies?

Sure.

Sure, we ride around on ponies.

[knocking]

Come one now.

Hurry up.

Well, hang on.

Oh, darling--

Oh, [inaudible].

Oh, darling, just stand there.

OK.

Come on.

Come.

In you go.

[vomiting]

[singing]

Listen.

That's my Auntie Margo.

(SINGING) Oh, her eyes were
brown and her hair all down,

lace stockings and
that old blue gown.

But she dreamed, we're
told, of a little world.

Poor little Angeline.

Then one day her
prince came marching

and he stood right by her side.

Very soon she heard
him confiding,

I want to make you my bride.

What a pretty scene on the
village green when [inaudible]

Angeline.

Now as his princess,
she's a great success.

Poor little Angeline.

[cheering]

[applause]

[record playing]

It's all we have
left of her, Jack.

Told you.

The doodlebugs won't
reach Liverpool.

Too far.

Yeah, one got to Oldham.

Branches not a lot of
today she'd die of shock

some of the things
that get talked to

you're not going to be
hanging onto this stuff

forever ordinarily the
terrible clutter in here

it's all we've got left
of the old life jack

stand still with us
you're not in here

All the same,
nothing lasts forever.

I said no.
I'm not going to sell it now.

I've guarded it
through the blitz,

apart from that
crack in the middle.

And that wasn't
my fault. That was

the bomb that dropped on the
corner of the Priory Road.

She used to whip you, Nellie.

Did me no harm.

And Margo could do no wrong.

Ha!

And look at her now.

She could have done with a few
more lashings, could Margo.

[record playing]

[door opening]

Hey!

What's going on?

- Valerie?
- What?

Where's our Rita?

She's hiding.

Oh!

Ow!

Sorry.

Come on.

This is Wesley, Auntie Margo.

He's an American.

Oh.

How do you do?

Uh, it's an honor
to meet you, ma'am.

Have you had
enough, Auntie Margo?

Do you want to go?

I think we'd better.

Your Auntie Nellie
will be sitting up.

Well, TTFN, Wes.

Huh?

Ta ta for now.

I go.

I come back.

OK.

Rita?

OK.

And did Mrs. Evans
do Bless This House?

Not many of the
neighbors were asked.

Did you enjoy yourself, love?

Yes, thank you.

I'm off to bed now.

[whispering].

Well, what happened
to the sing song?

We played games.

Hide and seek.

Dancing.

Hide and seek.

Upstairs, in the wardrobes.

Oh, Mrs. Mandes saved you
some ham and a pickled onion.

I wonder where that came from.

From the Yanks,
from Burtonwood.

There was tons of grub.

Sounds like [inaudible] to me.

Was she all right?

[inaudible].

Yeah.

She was fine.

Bye, Nellie.

Jack.

[inaudible].

Listen.

Hm?

That cat's got in
with mother's furniture.

Negar?

Negar, are you in there?

You are!

Out!

Out of there!

Jump out of there
or I'll kill you.

You won't find this sort
of quality nowadays.

Or ever again, I should say.

It's all going to rack and ruin.

Cheap and nasty.

Deceit and lies.

Nothing's ever going back
to what it once was, Nellie.

Maybe not for
the likes of you.

Maybe not for you, that's
given up the fight for decency.

You keep away from Rita.

You're not a fit person
to safeguard that child.

Rita loves me, Nellie.

You keep away from Rita.

Do you hear me?

Leave her be.

My Uncle Jack said the
docks were built by slaves.

You can see the posts
with big iron rings

where they chained them up.

It's a hell of a place.

You've got nice white socks.

Oh.

[honking]

It's over there.

What is?

The sands.

Come on.

What's wrong?

I'm hungry.

Not now.

When we get to the shore.

That's when we eat.

It's been empty since
the war started.

They just went away
and left everything.

Up here.

Come on.

Oh, it's gone.

There used to be a
stuffed hen in the window.

It's had a yellow beak.

They must've taken it.

We have a hen.

Always sat on a
chair by the fire.

Would she give it up?

Not even if you
dumped water on her.

Have you got
pets at home, then?

No.

Got a dog.

Say that again.

A dog.

And a goat.

Want me to say that again.

And a mare.

No pets.

We going in this house?

In?

Might be fun.

Might could be a
wardrobe in there.

It's private.

Come on, it's not far.

Do you remember me Auntie Margo?

She reads rude books.

What kind of rude?

Men and women.

She hides them in a drawer.

She was married to a
soldier once that got

gassed in the trenches.

Auntie Nellie nursed
him, but he died.

That's real tragic.

Some lady.

She had an understanding
with an older fella.

Understanding?

Going with him.

But she lost him.

She didn't care
enough about him.

She didn't fight for him.

Them books.

Do you ever read 'em?

Only bits.

She's deep, Auntie Margo.

Do you read books like that?

I ain't read none
of them kind of books.

Seen pictures in magazines.

Got no call to read
them kind of books.

Oh.

Was this a blitz?

[men singing in distance]

[singing gets louder]

WESLEY: Hey!

[whistling]

Sh!

WESLEY: (SHOUTING) Hey!

Hey, fellas!

Wa hoo!

RITA: Wesley!

Don't!

Don't!

WESLEY: Hey, fellas!

Hey!
[singing continues]

RITA: Leave it!

WESLEY: Yeah, buddies.

Come on!

How you doing?

What's biting you, huh?

You shouldn't make
a show of yourself.

Can we eat now?

We could go home on
the train if you like.

Did your Aunt
Margo make these?

Never.

She won't give me
the time of day.

Bet she wouldn't make
no fuss if I whistled.

They don't like
Yanks, our boys.

It's because of
the money you earn.

We're winning the
war for these boys.

There are fights up
and down Lime Street.

Battles, Uncle Jack says.

[music playing]

What's that?

A secret.

Piss off!

It's rude, doing that.

I like kissing, not rude things.

I don't get you.

What's so rude?

It wasn't very awful.

We could go back on
the train if you like.

OK.

MARGO: (SINGING) Red sails in
the sunset way over the sea.

I'll carry my loved
one home safely to me.

He sailed at the dawning.

All day, I've been blue.

Red sails in the sunset
I'm trusting in you.

That'll do, Margo, dear.

Well, you've obviously
got a first rate

voice and a good stance.

You could prove
invaluable in the chorus.

But will you turn
up for rehearsals?

Oh, yes.
Yes.

I've got no ties.
- Good.

Next.

Mrs. Nary's house, poor woman.

Two double-decker buses
lying on top of [inaudible].

Oh.

Makeup.

Young girls can get away with
murder now there's a war on.

No shame.
No decency.

Mr. Bahms, a Minister
of Religion, talking

to those young trollops.

Ooh, my chest.

Oh, I must get Margo cigarettes.

She won't get through the
night without her cigarettes.

Oh, dear.

Yeah?

I've come for my
sister's cigarettes.

10 Gold Flake, please.

I'm sorry, love.

Cigarettes for regular
customers only.

Yeah, but she is
a regular customer.

It's just tonight she's late
at her works for something.

I'm sorry, lovey.

I don't know you from
Laurel and Hardy.

Well, she comes every night.

She's thin.

She wears a checked coat, and
she always has 10 Gold Flake.

Love, I've told you.

Well, you've no right.

She's a regular.

Look, love, you can
see how I'm placed.

(MUTTERING)
Stupid young woman.

Painted clown.

I could just pick
up a sweep down

and smash it over your head.

[shouting]

[glass breaking]

[shouting]

Yeah, you stupid-- come on!

[shouting]

[glass breaking]

Look at you, eh!

You fucking sissy.

Why don't you use your hands?

Come here!

Ah, go play in the mud.

Use your hands!

[screaming]

[music playing]

Come on, let's
get out of here!

Wesley!

Wesley!

Wesley!

[dog barking]

[tires squealing]

[dog barking]

I got no fixed kind of job.

Just do what comes along.

That's what folks do back home.

What comes along.

Oh.

Could you be a
businessman, then?

I guess if it came along.

Can't we go to the movies?

It's too late now.

You can walk me to the tram.

OK.

Oh, that was some
fighting, though, huh?

Wham bam.

WOMAN: No!

MAN: [groaning]

WOMAN: [inaudible].

I could get pregnant.

MAN: [groaning]

WOMAN: No.

Wait.

MAN: Oh, you're so beautiful.

WOMAN: No, wait.

Take it out!

I don't want to do this!

MAN: Oh, what are you doing?

Oh, Jesus.

[groaning]

I've got to catch my tram.

Me Auntie Nellie will wonder
what's happened to me.

Yeah.

Tell her not much.

- Same time next week?
- Guess so.

Keep smiling.

Oh, Belle.

Oh, Margo.

Oh, awful, this queuing.

Gets to your legs.

It's usually Nellie.

Don't often see
you out shopping.

Oh, Nellie's
gone to Birkenhead

to buy some material.

How's Valerie?

Oh, your Nellie will
need to be busy again.

I think there'll be
an engagement outfit

to be ordered soon enough.

You do?

Oh, such a
pleasant boy, Chuck.

He's very handsome.

And now your Rita!

- Our Rita?
- Yeah.

Valerie saw them downtown.

What do you think of Him

Oh, he's very nice.

We hardly know him.

But you spoke to
him at our house.

Oh, yes.

What does Chuck think of him?

Well, of course, Chuck
would hardly mix with him.

I mean, he's a
mechanic of sorts.

He's very polite.

His father's got a
business in the city.

What city?

Uh, Washington.

It's near the White House.

WOMAN: All right, girls.

Come on.

Oh, we're moving.

The White House?

He'll be handy for home,
then, when he's the president.

[radio playing]

[door opening]

Where's me Auntie Nellie?

She's gone to measure
up Mrs. Thornby.

Will you get them wet things
often and dry yourself down.

You'll catch your death.

I'm going to light a fire.

I don't what Nellie says.

You'll catch your death.

[crying]

Oh, what is it, love?

Is it this fella?

Hm?

Is it the Yank you were
in the wardrobe with?

Oh, god.

Fellas.

They'll break your heart
soon as look at you.

What's he done to you, hm?

Nothing.

I waited two hours.

He said same time.

It was awful.

Drunks, fights, then women.

Two hours.

Never you fret.

He'll come running.

He's never said I was
beautiful or nice or pretty.

Once he said I looked
like a drowned rat.

You are pretty, love.

Pretty as a picture.

I'm sure he loves you.

I think I pushed him away.

When I was on the beach,
he touched me here.

And I pushed him away, Auntie.

Oh, my god.

And he wanted me to
go in a shop doorway.

And I did, but I wouldn't
let him do anything to me.

That's why he didn't turn up.

I know it is.

Rita, you're quite right.

I mean, you've got
to be a decent girl.

You've got to have self respect.

But if you want to keep
him, you've got to give.

You shouldn't listen to Nellie.

Grown ups say what
they're supposed to say.

Young girl aren't always
supposed to listen.

What do you mean?

If you're frightened,
you'll lose him.

I know.

Listen to me, giving advice.

I lost my husband.

Oh, no regrets.

I never knew how to give.

I was going to marry
again, you know.

You probably won't
remember a thing about it.

Mr. Aviard?

That's him.

Now, Nellie put a stop to that.

Oh, the scene I caused.

I jumped out of Jack's
car when it was going,

ran around the streets all
night, ended up at the abattoir

watching the gallows
being unloaded at dawn.

Oh, they brought me home.

And there you were, sitting
in the front window,

fast asleep on Nellie's knee.

You wouldn't go to
bed, Nellie said.

Auntie Margo, when
I was a little girl,

I'd do anything for you.

Tell him you forgive him.

But then you must give a little.

I'm going to let you
see a book I've got.

Where to, then?

It's not right, Jack.

I'm allowed me petrol ration.

It's not black market.

One of these days.

Can we go to the cathedral?

But I don't want
to be like back.

I'm going out.

Where to?

Just out.

Cathedral it is, then.

Cannot get a word out of her.

She's been at Sarah
Bernhardt's all week.

Well, we have been
looking a bit off color.

How can I go on holiday?

I only offered.

I've got your
Rita to look after.

Well, there's Margo.

I wouldn't leave the
cat with our Margo.

I [inaudible] damn sack
more care of her than you do.

What about tonight?

You have no idea
what she's up to.

She's going to the
pictures with Sissy Banes.

That's what she says.

Can you be so sure?

Sissy Banes.

We've never even set
eyes on this Sissy Banes.

Where does she live?
Is she rough?

Oh, get away with it.

Oh, was is Sissy Banes
she was out with last week,

when she came back
with sand in her shoes?

Hm?
Was it?

Do you know what, miss?

I think you're jealous.

Just bloomin' jealous.

We could go to that
boarding house in [inaudible].

If I told you Rita
was stealing things--

- Now steady on, Margo.
- Eh.

Take no notice.

Now hang on.

What's she mean by it then?

That necklace Margo
wore to Valerie's,

when she was never invited.
- Her mum's necklace?

The state she came
home in that night,

it's a wonder she
brought her clothes home,

never mind a string of pearls.

You grudge me
going out, you do.

You'd like me locked indoors,
peddling a sewing machine,

my mouth jammed full of pins.

You're keeping me down.

Keeping you down.

Keeping you down.

Who does every single
thing in that house?

Who nursed mother for six
years when she laid dying?

You stopped me
going to [inaudible].

I've never!

You rang the fire
post behind me back

and stopped me fire watching.

I could've been married
again, and who drove him away?

Who put a stop to that?

[inaudible]

I loved him!

You should have stayed
true to your own husband's

blessed memory.

And who nursed him when he
came back gassed from the war?

You wouldn't let me see him.

You shoved him in that room,
and you kept him to yourself.

What did you do to him?
- Margo!

No.
No.

What?

How come the others he came
back with managed to live,

but my husband-- the man
I brought into the house.

She looked after him so good,
and when he damn well died--

Oh, by got, huh, Margo!

Jealousy?

Jealous-- oh!

Nellie?

She in bad temper.

She's fainted.

Shut your gob, Margo.

This is serious.

Go and get our Rita, quick.

Nellie!

Margo!

Rita.

Rit!

Quickly.

She didn't want the cocoa.

The vicar took
the tea all right.

And the biscuits.

God knows what's
brought him here.

Nellie'll be
putting him right.

Might as well.

What was that Dr. Boyle said?

Best not to upset her in future.

Not cause scenes.

He said she should take it
easy, that's what he said.

There wasn't much
to worry about.

And he said about
upsetting her, Margo.

You might have seen her off.

[radio playing]

That word.

Always chokes me up.

What word?

Blue.

Blue birds.

Blue bells.

Blue bottles.

Well, if you're a
man of God, Mr. Barnes,

then you certainly should know
what's best for all concerned.

But I don't think you
can be right to refuse

to speak to my Rita.

Well, dear, again, Rita is
not really your daughter now,

is she?

Perhaps it could be her
father's responsibility,

this sort of thing.

Jack leaves it to us.

Jack doesn't now what
to say to young girls.

No, Mr. Barnes, she could
be in spiritual danger.

It is your duty.

Which, sadly, I must decline.

I hardly know the child.

And with this war on,
everything is in such a turmoil.

The war is no excuse.

MAN (IN MOVIE): And what a
welcome the town gives it's

liberators.

Inhabitants can't all express
their feelings in English,

but lips were not
only made for talking.

The American advance was so
swift that the enemy was given

no time to stand and fight.

Though there is no
shadow to darken--

[match lighting]

[inaudible] these
troops are going

to have plenty of
practice in the art

of kissing happy mademoiselles
in the near future.

For the benefit of those who
have suffered from flying bombs

but haven't seen one described,
here's a picture of one about

to be killed by RAF fighter.

Flicka.

That's what I'll call her.

My colt.

Your colt?

BOY (IN MOVIE): Yes, sir.

That's the one I want.

FATHER (IN MOVIE):
Rocket's filly, Ken?

BOY (IN MOVIE): Yes, sir.

FATHER (IN MOVIE): You want
a horse that'll be a friend

to you, don't you, Ken?

BOY (IN MOVIE): Yes, sir.

FATHER (IN MOVIE):
Well, you'll never

make a friend of that filly.

Look what she and
Rocket did last night

to get back together.

No place in the world
will ever hold them.

BOY (IN MOVIE): I'll tame them.

Wesley, you need to give.

Look.

BOY (IN MOVIE): You
do understand me,

don't you, Flicka?

[crying]

[crying continues]

Don't go!

Don't!

Wake up, Rita.

It's only a rotten
old nightmare.

Come on, chick.
Wake up.

Wake up, love.
Come on.

Come on.
That's it.

That's it.
Wake up.

Come on.
Wake up.

Wake up.
That's it.

You're all right.

You're all right.

Come on.

That's it.

You look after
me, Auntie Margo.

I tried to do it, but
I couldn't stand it.

I know.

You poor thing.

You're too young for
those fellas, Rita.

You just get upset.

I know, but I love
him, Auntie Margo.

I know.

[screaming]

You shouldn't be up, Nellie.

You'll do for yourself.

I'm better now.

Come on.

Bring her in with us.

Come on, Rita.

You get back to your bunk.

Don't tell me where to go.

You watch your step.

We'll have to ask him round.

It'll be for your
own good, love.

Half a dozen
trotters, Mrs. O'Toole.

News is good, eh?

Going well in France.

Of course, that's, uh, not much
consolation to you I suppose.

Not much.

No.

Nellie.

You should never
be out of your bed.

Excuse me, Mrs. O'Toole.

Come with me.

Tommy, tuppence
eight bit change.

Come on, Nellie.

And skin the rest of
them rabbits for me.

If only it hadn't been a Yank.

Where were they when we
needed them, in 1939?

At home, making money out of us.

The best of them are all
over in Europe, dead.

A mix of bloods, all
races mixed together.

Jews, darkies, red Indians,
Chinamen, you name it.

You've heard these
stories about our girls

marrying a perfectly
white looking one

and have a pickaninny.

That's it.

And Margo knew all about it.

Well, ha.

Anyway, I've
told Rita he better

come to tea to meet the family.

We want to do what's right.

We'll have to meet him.

Have a talk with him.

Next Sunday afternoon.

Oh.

Oh, as soon as that?

Come in.

I-- I slipped on the rabbit.

I'm sorry.

Oh, sit down, Jack, do.

Come on, Tommy, love.

We'll run the tap on that.

Oh, honestly, Jack,
sometimes you make me wonder.

How can you call
yourself a butcher if you

can't stand the sight of blood?

Come on, Tommy, love.

It's all right, really.
There.

Hold it up.

It's human blood.

It's different.

There.

Now, go and see to
those customers.

WOMAN: Right, Tommy.

Half a pound of [inaudible].

Is that finger all right, then?

We'll see this
fellow on Sunday, then.

The nearer to the [inaudible],
the further from danger.

[door closing, locking]

I managed to get
some tins of stuff.

I hope he eats our kind of food.

And my tomatoes are
just turning nicely.

Where's your Auntie Margo?

Ironing her things.

Isn't it exciting?

JACK: Oh, yes.

The first war was two weeks'
training, off to France.

Frontline.

Living hell.

I reckon' so, sir.

It's where Margo's
husband got gassed.

Gassed?

Oh, Jack.

Never mind all that.

No, Nellie.

Sorry.

Oh, look.

I am such a bad girl, being late
and not to greet you, Wesley.

Oh, please, don't get up.

How polite you are.

Of course, you probably
won't remember me

from Valerie's party.

I'm Margo.

You're Wesley.

No, I remember you
just fine, Miss Margo.

You do?

What have I been missing?

Oh, sit down, Wesley.

Thank you, ma'am.

Oh, Jack and Nellie
will be curious to know

about your background.

Your family.

I believe your dad's got
a business in Washington.

I guess so, sir.

It's, um, it's real
estate, isn't it?

That's right, ma'am.

Real estate.

And have you any brothers
and sisters, Wesley?

Two brothers, four sisters.

Are you Catholics then?

No.

Nothing special.

Well, that's--
that's quite a family.

Prodigious.

Uh, would you like
some tea, Wesley?

It's ready on the table.

-

Well, I'm ready for
some home cooking, ma'am.

Oh.

Eh, well, it's only salad.

Oh, but they're
our own tomatoes.

Not shop.

Right.

Let's all sit to the table.

Eh, Rita, you and Wesley there.

Jack-- yeah, all right, Margo.

You there.

Jack.

I'll put the tea on.

We hear amazing things
about you GIs, Wesley.

Well, I ain't sure if
they're all true, Miss Margo.

Oh, I bet they are.

Well, pull yourself
together, Margo.

What's got into you?

It's that lad.

I see that.

He's no good.

Hm?

He's a nice enough lad.

I know men.

That one's no good.

Well, Jack likes him.

It'll end in tears.

And worse.

- Can I help you ladies?
- Oh, no.

No, Wesley.

You go and sit with Rita.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, how lovely!

Diamonds.

Oh, look, Rita!

Isn't that beautiful?

Jack?

JACK: Oh, yeah.

That's very nice, darling.

And Chuck's going
to get us an ice box.

A what?

A refrigerator, for food.

To keep it cool.

What's food?

Who's got any?

Chuck says everybody's got
an ice box in the states.

[muffled conversation]

You hiding the
matches, our Rita?

Oh, chickie, come on.

What's up?

I'm not going back in there.

Don't be silly, girl.

I'm not being silly.

Well, don't be upset
by your Auntie Margo.

I want to die.

Come outside.

Oh, the stories that go around
about you Americans at work

and what you're
supposed to get up to.

But you wouldn't believe
what some of our lot

get up to in the explosives
room, behind the main building.

It's a regular thing!

What you've got
to take into account

is your Auntie Margo
was a married woman.

And she's quite a
remarkable woman as well.

You know what I'm getting at?

What's she going
on with him for?

She's not really, our Rita.

You've not done anything
with him, have you?

Have you?

No.

I want my mum.

Oh, dear.

I"m sorry.

Mum'll choose.

You're only talking to me
now because I'm growing up.

You haven't noticed me
for the last 10 years.

Your Auntie Nellie's
in charge of you, love.

We only want what's
best for you.

God knows what
things are going on.

Yanks at the front door.

You out the back in tears.

We best go inside.

No!

I want him to look at me.

Me!

Not Auntie Margo!

It's not what it seems.

Well, I'll go in.

I think you'd best go after her.

I should.

Uh, out this way?
- Yeah.

Out the backyard.

Sure.

Your cat's got fleas.

But when will I see you?

You were never round last week.

When?

I guess I can't
make next Saturday.

Can we go to
the country again?

I can take time off work.

We could go to that place again.

I reckon I ain't got
no furlough next week.

Rita?

Rita?

I want to tell you things,
things about how I feel.

OK.

I guess I'll call you.

Will you?

NELLIE: Rita, are you out there?

Shouldn't we go back in?

I mean, I have to
leave in five minutes.

OK.

Got any gum, chum?

[piano playing]

(SINGING TOGETHER)
We'll gather lilacs

in the spring [inaudible].

Bend over.

Kneel down.

Swoop up the flowers as if they
were all you're dreaming of.

Don't just waft about.

Lilac grows on
trees, up in the air.

I'd appreciate a bit of
discipline in the watches.

Now, let's gather these lilacs
as if we really desire them.

Do we have to sit here
every night while she

goes on like that with them?

She insists.

Says we've all got to be here
to get that feeling of ensemble.

Well, she can
ensemble somebody else.

I want me tea.

[coughing]

Oh, you can always tell.

No dedication.

No sense of purpose.

Right, think of
victory and sing.

[piano playing]

(SINGING TOGETHER)
We'll gather lilacs

in the spring [inaudible].

Well, it's got to
change, young lady.

Your [inaudible] with
your moping around.

All I want you to do is
go out and get [? me ?]

some stamps from
the post office,

and you look as if
you were struck.

Now, what is it?

Nothing, Mr. Bates.

Well, perk up, or nothing's
what you'll be doing.

Now, 40 tuppence 8 bits,
and try to look cheery.

Rita?

It's for you.
It's a Yank.

Hello?

No.

I'm glad you rang.

I did wait for you,
two weekends now.

What happened?
Oh.

I see.

Well, what about Saturday then?

OK.

Auntie Margo?

She's fine.

Well, actually, she's at home
off work today with a headache.

I've got to go.

Will I see you Saturday?

Same time, same place?

Oh, all right.

But you will ring again?

That's all that matters.

Try.

Ma'am?

Wesley!

Rita's out.

Yeah.

I know.

Oh.

Well, you best come in.

Sit down, Wesley.

Whatever brings you here, then?

Oh!

Oh, thank you.

Did you want a word with Rita?

Look, Wesley.

I mean, um, what is
it you've come for?

I've got to speak
to you, ma'am.

I can't see Rita no more.

Well, you better tell her.

I tried.

She don't listen to me.

Can you--

Me?

Well, she'll
listen to you, ma'am.

You're a woman of the world.

You know about grief.

You know about men.

Do I?

Your husband dying and
them kind of books you read.

You know what's
wrong between us.

She can't seemed to
enjoy things, you know?

Relax?

She's kind of joyless.

What books?

About men and women.

Oh.

It's Nellie.

I'm afraid we've
never really taught

the girl how to enjoy things.

You're from a different world.

There's some things
everyone enjoys.

I think I'd better
go to my work, Wesley.

You talk to Rita.

I'll call again, ma'am.

Oh, Mother, you
can't smack me anymore.

No more smacks.

There.

Fit for a queen you look, love.

Just an engagement party
will do, Auntie Nellie.

Oh, it's lovely material.

Do you like it, Rita?

You know, I think green would
suit you as well, oddly enough.

I wouldn't suit green.

I think that shoulder
sits a bit better now.

It's perfect, Auntie Nellie.

It's perfection.

And what about the waist?

Do you think it needs something?

Hm?

You think?

Yeah.

Wait a minute.

I've got the exact right
thing for that waist.

Take your time, Auntie Nellie.

We've still got a
week to the big day.

You are going to
come, aren't you?

You won't let me down?

I couldn't miss your
engagement, could I?

Val?
Val?

What?

Val, I've written
another letter to Wesley.

Will you ask your
Chuck to give it him?

I'm sorry.

I thought you said he wrote.

Well, he did.

But that was ages ago.

He said he might have
to go on a course.

A course?

Don't send him a letter, love.

Why not? [inaudible].

No.

No.

All right.

Put it in be bag.

Go on.

Well, don't tell.

All right, love.

It's a lovely dress.

Oh, Rita, why don't you
just forget about him?

I can't.

I can't.

I know, but-- but try, ay?

I know it's a lot
to ask you of Chuck.

Look, it's not that, love.

Listen, Chuck told me what
was in that last letter,

and Wesley's just
not interested.

Told you?

He knew.

He had to read it out to Wesley.

What do you mean?

Well, Wesley
can't read, lovely.

[door opening]

Rita, love.

You go to bed.

I can't sleep.

Is it that fella?

Oh, hell.

Listen, Rita.

I've got to tell you something.

I'm sorry, but I've never had
a minute with you on your own

before.

Now, be brave.

Your Wesley was around here,
that day I was off sick.

Ay?

He wanted me to
break it to you gently.

What?

What do you mean?

Well, he wants
to do what's best.

He feels you're too young.

He's a nice lad.

No!

Oh, don't take it to heart.

He's going to ring me.

No.

He's not.

Why did he tell you?

I don't believe you.

He wanted to do what's best.

[music playing]

She's a picture, isn't she?

Radiant.

Yeah.

But I just wish some of these
people knew how to behave.

This is like a nightmare.

- Drink up, Nellie.
- No.

No more.
Not for me.

Cheer up, Rita.

Now, you'll have a whiskey.

I remember, don't I, from
the last little party.

You ended up in the
wardrobe, I hear.

Not tonight, thank
you, Mrs. Manders.

Oh, dear.

My big mouth.

It's that boy, isn't it?

You know, Chuck says he hasn't
seen sight nor sign of him

for weeks.

They think he's done
a bunk, run off.

He seemed a bit unusual.

Where's your Margo tonight?

It's not like her to miss a do.

Oh, she'll be coming.

A bit later, she said.

She's got one of her headaches.

Oh, dear.

Poor Margo.

But she just keeps
sparky, doesn't she?

[music playing]

Oh, cheer up, Rita.

You're supposed to
be happy for Val.

Well, I'm not.

Well, don't let
me spoil your fun,

love, but I've got to get home.

I've got to.

Can't I come with you?

No.

No.

You just behave yourself
till Margo gets here.

And be back by 11.

Now, then, Nellie, you'll
have some of this Yankee ham,

surely to goodness?

Mr. [inaudible], will
you give me a heave up?

I'm not too great.

Well, what shall I toss you?

No, don't go
making me nervous.

Now leave me now, Sybil.

I'm fine.

And don't go telling Val.

She'll only get upset,
and it's her big night.

Of course.

I'll see myself to bed.

Are you sure
you'll be all right?

No, no, no.
Off you go.

All right.
Well, [inaudible] love.

God bless.
- Good night.

Margo?

Margo?

Margo?

MARGO: [muffled noises]

[door opening]

MARGO: [whimpers]

[grunts] Jesus!

[glass breaking]

He fell.

I couldn't help--

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

What are we going to do?

We ought to tell someone.

We ought to tell someone.

Hold thy tongue.

But it's wicked.

And what about Rita?

I haven't got much of a life.

Get young Jack.

Tell him to get the van and
bring it round the back.

Tell him there's
been an accident.

I'll stitch him
into this so Jack

won't have to see the blood.

Go on.

Don't stand there all night.

Rita could come in any minute.

We don't want her
wandering in, do we?

But it's wicked.

Whatever was he doing
with that necklace?

He said she buried
it, so he dug it up.

Get Jack.

Go on.

Phone.

Have you got two pennies?

Go on, phone.

[spitting]

What'll they think,
if anyone sees?

They'll think
it's a side of beef.

Just get it down to
the [inaudible] dock

and slide it in.

God, no.

We could all hang for this.

It was an accident, Jack.

I was only doing what
was best for the family.

God, Nellie.

You're a good boy, Jack.

You can do it.

I know you can.

There's no blood involved.

Yeah, but--

Margo will help.

[crying]

[door closing]

[crying continues]

What is it, love?

Hm?

He's run away.

He'll come back.

You're having a fret.

Come sit yourself
down and get warm.

You're freezing.

What's that doing in the fire?

Hm?
Oh.

Oh, that was your dad.

Clumsy fella.

Was my dad here?

Oh, he just popped in.

Now, sit down.

Auntie Margo, I
wish I was dead!

Don't cry.

Oh, Rita, please, don't cry.

Don't cry.

She's in a terrible
state, Nellie.

She'll get over it.

It's time we were in bed.

[cat screeching]

Just look at him.

He can't stand that.

You do look after me, you two.

You better come in
with us tonight, love.

Grab hold, Margo.

[whimpering]

[music playing]