The Weaker Sex (1948) - full transcript
Life on the home front during World War 2. Martha Dacre tries to keep her home running as normal, during the run up to the D Day landings. With several lodgers to contend with, and her son and daughter away serving in the Navy, she has chosen to stay as a housewife. After her son's ship is damaged during the landings, she begins to regret not taking a war job.
[roaring]
[music playing]
[upbeat music playing]
All right.
On the screeching cab, please.
Both sides on.
[whistling]
[vacuum running]
[SINGING] [inaudible]
but who's to answer?
For how the ghost of you
clings, clings, clings.
These foolish things
remind me of you.
A cigarette that bears
a lipstick's tracers.
An airline ticket
to romantic places.
[knocking]
But still my heart has wings,
wings, these foolish things--
Remind me of you.
I'm so sorry.
The-- the bell doesn't work.
I'm from the domestic agency.
Oh, well, how are you Mrs--
come in.
Do come in.
Gaye is the name.
I beg your pardon.
Gaye.
Mrs. Gaye with an E.
I'm delighted to see you.
Come this way, won't you?
[inaudible] Do sit
down, won't you?
[train screeching]
That bread would be all the
better for being put down.
[laughs] Oh, yes.
You're Mrs. Dacre's
husband, I presume?
No, no, we're not married.
I mean, I'm not married
and she's a widow.
My name is Radcliffe.
Oh.
I was a friend of
her late husband,
and she kindly consented
to billet me here.
Her old house in
London was bombed,
and so she moved down
here to look after her two
daughters who are in the Wrens.
That makes four in
family, as you might say.
Quite, quite.
But except for Mrs.
Dacre, we're hardly in a--
[footsteps]
I was just coming to him.
He's billeted here too, from
the Signals Corps down the road,
but only temporarily of course.
Excellent chap.
Now it's five.
And who are them?
Oh, that is Mrs. Dacre's
son Benjie, but he's at sea.
That's the eldest
daughter's husband.
He's in the same ship.
So of course he's at sea too.
Are you quite sure?
Well, of course I am.
We haven't seen either of
them for over three months,
and it may be far longer than
that before we see them again.
And how many more
are there to come?
Well no more, really.
That's the lot.
Do you stack overnight?
Well I--
Do you stack up overnight?
No, I'm quite sure we don't.
At least, I don't remember
hearing that we ever did that.
No, only the
[inaudible] leaves
the [inaudible] till
the following morning
when they've someone coming in.
Oh, I see what you mean.
No, no, nothing like that.
No, we all wash up after
every meal, except breakfast
when we haven't the time.
I'm afraid Mrs. Dacre has
to do that by herself.
She's down at the
canteen at the moment.
Am I about to see the kitchen?
But of course.
[thud]
Roddy!
RODDY: Help.
What a mess.
GEOFFREY RADCLIFFE: Come
this way, Mrs. Gaye.
Quickly.
Here she comes.
Sorry, sir.
Oatmeal.
Well, if you have to spill
it at all, sir, do it tidily.
This is Sergeant McIntyre.
Mrs. Gaye.
Oh, how are you, Mrs. Gaye?
And this is Wren Wiland,
the married daughter.
I do you hope you're
coming to help us.
Well-- [sniffs] there's
summat caught on in that pan.
Goodness.
You see it's a very
pleasant kitchen.
What's this here for?
MRS. GAYE: Geoffrey!
Oh dear.
You've come on
the wrong morning.
We're not like this as a
rule, honestly we're not,
but it's mother's night
at the canteen and--
MARTHA DACRE: Good morning.
Good morning.
- Ah, good morning, Mrs. Dacre.
- Good morning.
- You going down to the bus?
- Yes.
- I'll carry your bag for you.
- That's very kind of you.
Ah yeah.
Came down at a
special this morning
to catch you over what
you said last night.
Oh?
What did I say?
About chickens going
on-- why don't you
wrap that around your neck!
About chickens going
off the market.
Oh yes, yes, I haven't been
able to get one for ages.
Where do they all go to?
All the posh hotels
or the black market.
Well, I can't
afford either of them,
though I sometimes
wish I knew where
this black market operates.
Thank you so much
for carrying this.
That's all right.
Here, would you take this?
You mean it's for me?
Yes.
It's a little token of
our appreciation for all
you're doing for us back here.
Well, I can't just take it.
The old man's got plenty
more in the backyard.
Does he know about this?
Course he does.
I'd simply love to have it.
My youngest daughter
is coming home tonight.
It would be wonderful to
give her chicken for supper.
You have to let me pay for it.
- Oh, no, no, no.
That's all right.
- Oh yes, yes.
I know being on leave's
expensive these days.
It's true.
Let me see.
I think I paid 15 shillings
for the last one I had.
Here's my bus and I
haven't got any change.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Well, I might as well start
tomorrow if I'm coming at all
and if that suits.
Admirably, admirably.
It'll be such a pleasant
surprise to Mrs. Dacre.
Mrs. Gaye, I could hug you.
That's not necessary.
Thank you very much.
Though mind you, one of the
reasons I'm coming at all
is that if I didn't, the
thought of you in your uniform
with that [inaudible] Oh, and
there is just one thing more
and I best mention it now.
Yes?
I don't care for loving
jokes made about my name.
Well, of course not.
There's no of course about it.
I've had plenty in my time.
I'm not exactly jolly in the
ordinary way, though mind you I
can enjoy a good laugh in its
place as well as the next.
Yes, yes, I'm sure.
And I can assure you, Mrs.
Gaye, that no one here
will be allowed to be
funny about your name.
The name wasn't
the only mistake
I made when I married Gaye.
Well, good morning to you and
I hope as we suits each other.
[children giggling]
Won't be any left by
the time we get there.
Some have been here all night.
Even if there are any,
they'll be the wrong size,
and in any case,
they won't wear.
Yes, but they'll be
lovely just to look at.
I mean, pure silk.
WOMAN IN LINE 1: Look at that.
No wonder we can't
get any poultry.
WOMAN IN LINE 2: It's
an absolute disgrace.
And a pretty penny they'll
make out of them too.
WOMAN IN LINE 1: People
will pay anything
nowadays and ask no
questions, and still
call themselves honest.
WOMAN IN LINE 2: That's right.
Common sense ought
to tell them you
don't buy hens off soldiers.
I don't think I'll wait.
Look.
Stolen.
What?
I've had to come home
miles around to avoid
main streets and policemen.
My dear girl,
what do you mean?
Would you buy a
chicken from a soldier?
What about a drop of brandy?
No, no, I'm quite
all right, really.
Look, there it is-- headlines.
He had such a pleasant face.
I could have sworn
he was honest.
This is pretty serious.
Geoffrey, what am I to do?
You know what you ought to do.
Take it to the police.
Then they keep the
hen, wouldn't they?
Most certainly
if it was stolen.
But unless he had
an airplane, he
could hardly pinch it
in Yorkshire last night
and sell it to you here
this morning, could he?
What a woman.
Geoffrey, what would
I do without you?
I must be off.
Well, I've never dressed
one of these from scratch,
but I suppose I can learn.
Where's my dispatch case?
If only people
would leave things--
Oh, where?
Where you left it last night.
Oh, thanks.
I apologize.
Oh, good gracious,
I nearly forgot.
What?
I've got you a woman.
--To clean and things, but
only for three mornings a week.
Geoffrey, you're
not delirious.
No, no, of course not.
Now, where's my pipe?
Oh, you clever man.
How wonderful.
Oh my dear, what
would I do without you?
By the way, her
name is Mrs. Gaye.
Mrs. Gaye.
I'll remember.
It's a perfectly
ordinary name.
Rather jolly one.
No, no, just perfectly
ordinary Martha.
Yes, well, why get
so worked up about it?
Oh, no reason really.
I just-- well, bye.
What about tonight?
It's on the slate.
I'll be back in time for
Lolly's arrival I hope.
[music playing]
MARTHA DACRE: Oh dear.
Morning, Mrs. Dacre.
I'm trying for the bus.
Good morning.
It was just--
I know, the chop.
I'll collect it for you.
If you don't mind.
Well, when I'm going
to eat it I don't know.
I'm out at lunch
today and tomorrow,
and this new shift is
2:00 till 11:00 at night.
Oh my dear.
Fortunately two of my
workmates, Alf and Gladys,
they both live in
this direction.
So we can cycle home together.
I'll have it for breakfast
and feel like Henry VIII.
Aren't they sweet?
Why don't you have Angoras?
These are for eating.
But you don't
eat them, do you?
Well, Commander
Radcliffe bought
them to help out
with the rations,
but somehow I just can't.
Oh, there you are.
Hello Harriet.
You don't know my
sister, Harriet Lessing.
Monica Maling.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
Well, if you'll excuse
me, I'd better be going.
Thank you very
much and bless you.
Her husband's abroad and she
has just gone into a factory.
Now, tell me what
you've come about.
If it's heavy or not on
the direct bus route,
it simply can't be done.
It's not far off the
bus route and there's
nothing at all to carry.
I want to book a
hair appointment.
And as you know, ringing
up is absolutely hopeless.
If you're in town, Thornton's
isn't far out of your way.
Only about
three-quarters of a mile.
Makes a nice walk when
you've nothing better to do.
But after this, I'm going
to make some marmalade
and then I'm going
to get some sleep.
Marmalade?
Yes, out of two orange
skins, some lemon essence,
some damp sugar that's
gone into a hard lump,
and a great deal of faith.
After that--
All right, all right.
Don't bother about it.
I only asked.
You know, you're losing
your sense of humor.
No.
Only my temper a little.
I apologize.
I've been at the canteen all
night and I'm rather tired.
Well, why wash the morning
after your canteen night?
Because it's necessary.
Did you think it was for fun?
No, but I do think
it's bad organization.
Be careful, Harriet.
I told you I'm tired.
Well, so am I. I
didn't get home myself
until 10:00 o'clock last night.
Very late.
All the same, I envy you.
Envy me?
Well, in that case, why
didn't you do a proper job
when war broke out?
Why didn't you do what I did?
I should have liked to
have done what you did,
but my conscience
wouldn't let me.
Oh, I'm afraid we'll never
agree about the meaning
of a proper job.
And as you keep harping on
the idea that my work is simple.
I am in charge of 50 persons.
With several underlings to
help you, while I'm in sole
charge of [inaudible]
You're not in charge of them.
Aren't I?
I'd like to know what
you call it then.
The conceit of some of you
women just because you're
dressed in khaki.
Martha.
Do you clear out two grates
and relay two fires by 7:00 AM?
That's beside the point.
Do you do the washing and
mending and ironing for five
people and yourself each week?
Do you cook every meal for five
people, clear away every meal,
wash up after every
meal night after night,
day after day, and often
in the middle of the night?
No, you don't.
Nor do you have to pick
those revolting little bits
of rubbish out of
that disgusting little
grating in the scullery sink.
Look at your hands
and look at mine.
I don't have to pick up
silk stockings nowadays.
My hands act as magnets.
If you've quite finished--
No, I haven't.
I was just drawing a new breath.
You sit at an office
desk in clothes provided
without coupons being regaled
by constant cups of tea,
made and brought to you
by an orderly who will
be doing a far better
job if she helped
me scrub out the scullery.
There, I've said it
and I feel better.
It's no good saying I'm
sorry, because I'm not.
Well, I hope you've
enjoyed yourself.
Just because you've got a
louder voice than I have I
haven't been able to
get a word in edge-wise.
The floor is yours.
Thank you.
I do not want it.
I should just like to
point out that your work
is at least done in your own
time and in your own home.
And--
RODDY: Mrs. Dacre!
I'm off, Mrs. Dacre.
Good morning, Mrs. Lessing.
- Morning.
Our unit's moving
out this morning.
So I've just come back to pack
my things and say goodbye.
Oh, my dear boy.
I'd like to say, well,
I just don't know how
to thank you for everything.
- Nonsense.
We've loved having you here.
Can I help you to pack?
No, I can do it.
Well, goodbye.
I'll come and see you off.
Oh, good gracious, his pants.
Roddy!
Oh, thanks.
They're not dry.
That's all right.
Better cut him
some sandwiches.
Can I help?
I'm afraid I know
what this means.
So do I.
[music playing]
Some sandwiches.
You may need them.
Oh, thank you.
Lolly will be
sorry to miss you.
Well, as a matter of fact,
I've left a note for her
in her room.
I'll see that she gets it.
Well, goodbye and I
only hope you know what
I'm quite incapable of saying.
I do.
Goodbye.
Come back safely and soon.
Goodbye, Mrs. Lessing.
Good luck.
[music intensifies]
I shall miss Roddy.
Pity he didn't
see Lolly, though I
gather they're not on quite
the terms they used to be.
He's quite the
steadiest person
she's ever seemed to like.
Oh, wow, I must be going.
Oh-- I'll--
I'll make that hair
appointment for you.
Thanks, if you can.
I wish the wretched
wind would drop.
It's maddening being in a
shore job at a time like this.
It's a very important
job and you know it.
There, as good as new.
Your one and only
respectable pair.
Thank you.
Geoffrey, will you
do something for me?
Test these.
I don't think I dare.
What do you mean,
unscrew the tops?
That's right.
You be careful.
[grunts]
Now, lift them by the glass
lid, only do be careful.
Oh, I don't look.
It works.
No, no, that's enough.
Don't overdo it.
[laughs] You
haven't got the neck.
No, no, don't say it.
Now let's do the others quickly.
That's all right.
You know, Martha,
you're unique.
Look.
Now, don't say
anything, but pray.
Oh well.
Three out of six isn't bad.
I've never done them before.
I'll re-bottle those
in the morning.
Now, why am I unique?
Well, I--
I've never had a wonderful,
genuinely platonic
friendship with a woman before.
It's a new experience.
You talk as if you'd gone
through life being hotly
pursued by designing females.
I'm getting a new light
on your character.
I-- I didn't mean that.
What I meant was there's no
other woman in the world--
LOLLY: Hello, everyone.
Lolly!
Mommy!
Goodness, child,
you're throttling me.
Hello, Geoffrey, my sweet.
That is no way to
address a senior officer.
It's so lovely to be home.
I say, isn't
everything exciting?
All the craft in the
harbor, and the train
was packed with troops.
When's it going to be, Geoffrey?
Shh, Lolly.
Waiting for you, young woman.
You've paid the taxi, I suppose?
Well, I hadn't any change.
[laughs] Fancy.
What a heavenly smell.
MARTHA: There's a treat for you.
Hurry up.
It's all ready.
Lolly, Roddy's gone.
Gone?
His unit was moved today.
There's a note for
you in your room.
[music playing]
Fresh air and the moon.
Let's go look at the sea.
I've heard all this out with
myself and I know I'm right.
I'll be going away any day now.
I don't know when
I'll come back,
or even if I'll come back.
A chap in that position has
no right to tie a girl down.
How thoughtful.
You'd be free too, of
course, wouldn't you?
Well, now that's settled,
I'm going back to the dance.
Are you?
I will.
[orchestral music playing]
Signal for you, sir.
Thank you.
I slept and I dreamed
that life was beauty.
I woke and found
that life was duty.
I'm terribly sorry, Martha.
I'll get my coat.
Well, I suppose I--
Wait.
Mother, if you've got
a message for Benjie,
I might be able to deliver it.
What?
Hush, be quiet.
I'm not supposed to know.
Do you mean the Benevolent?
Shh, don't say it.
It's some minor repair.
She's only in for an hour or so.
Marjorie heard in the staff
office and gave me the drop.
She knew about Nigel
and Benjie of course.
Oh dear.
Why aren't I in the WRNS too?
Let me see.
Give Benjie my
love and tell him--
tell him that now he's
a staff lieutenant,
he must keep his nails clean.
I'll give him your love.
Of course, I may not be
able to see either of them
on such a wet night.
It's awfully difficult
to be calm and collected.
I know.
I think I'll go home
and wait for you there.
I couldn't concentrate
on the concert now.
Don't tell Geoffrey.
Let me see.
Have I got the key, or does he?
Mother, do you hate the
idea of being a grandmother?
No, I like it.
Most women do.
It's the men who object.
I always remember
your uncle Charles
saying he didn't mind
being a grandfather,
but he didn't much
like the idea of being
married to a grandmother.
I'm glad you don't mind.
Nigel doesn't know yet.
Doesn't know?
Helen, do you mean that I--
or rather that you are--
oh my dear, what
a time to tell me.
You must see Nigel tonight.
He's got a right to know.
Surely Geoffrey
could arrange it.
No, you wouldn't.
You don't know Geoffrey
when he's working.
See you soon.
Good night, my dear.
Goodnight.
I'll leave some hot soup
for you on the stove.
Thank you.
No waiting up, mind.
No.
[car starting]
MARTHA: Geoffrey!
RADCLIFFE: Huh?
The key.
Oh.
You need someone
to look after you.
May I see your
identity card, Please?
We're going to the Benevolent.
Thank you, sir.
Back as soon as we can.
I'm not going aboard, sentry.
I just want a word
with the quartermaster.
Fine.
Is the quartermaster there
or the officer of the watch?
I want to speak to
the [inaudible]..
If it's a confab you
want, what's wrong with me?
Nothing if that's what
I wanted, but it isn't.
Be a dear and fetch
the duty officer.
What's going on Taylor?
Wren here wants a
word with you, sir.
Yes, what's wrong.
I wondered, I very much
want to speak to Lieutenant
Commander Weiland.
It's rather special.
Good heavens.
Helen.
Who is it?
It's me, you fathead.
Benjie!
Good gracious, if you've grown
a beard, or is it the light?
BENJIE: No, it's a beard.
Your voice sounds different,
muffled with the beard
I suppose.
All done by gin and Navy rum.
How's mother?
Very well.
She sent you her love.
I bet she said, tell him
not to get his feet wet
and to wash behind
his ears or something.
Tell her I like her
a lot, will you?
I will.
I'll see what I
can do about Nigel.
You better not come on board.
We're almost sailing.
Take care of yourself.
[sirens in distance]
BETTY: Is that you, Martha?
MARTHA: Yes.
Betty?
BETTY: It is?
What's wrong?
You look pretty comic.
Well, you're nothing
to boast about yourself.
Least I haven't got two hats on.
Before the night's
out, you'll wish you had.
Bottom end for me,
top end for you.
See you later.
Hello, Nigel, my darling.
Geoffrey slipped me a
note before Benji saw me.
Oh, bless you.
Now that you're here, I can't
think of any of the things
I wanted to say to you.
You're here and I'm here.
That's all that matters.
Only for a minute, I expect.
Is the conference over?
My party's.
They won't be long
over the rest.
I wish I could see you better.
Just as well you
can't, pretty filthy.
Nigel.
What?
[banging]
Oh, nothing.
I wrote you today about
life insurance and things.
There's still a little
money in the Piccadilly Bank
in case you need it, darling.
I explain it in the letter.
I'm just trying to leave things
as tidy as possible for you.
I know, my sweet.
Though you needn't
worry about me.
Really, you needn't.
I can't help it.
I wish I didn't
like you so much.
I think I'm rather
fond of you too.
You look about six
in that uniform.
Wish I would like
to behave like it.
Do you know you've
never saluted me yet.
I mean to each time you meet.
No respect for rank,
no respect at all.
That's what it is, of course.
I wonder if all the great
lovers through the ages
have talked such drivel to
each other at last moments.
Perhaps they both
hadn't jobs to think
about at the same time.
Nigel--
[explosions in the distance]
Confound it, I'd
forgotten the raid.
Where's your tin hat?
It's in the poop.
Put it on.
Darling, no, please.
I look such a chump in it.
Put it on.
Aye, aye, sir.
Can't I just hold
it ready in my hand?
[inaudible] that puts
the tin lid on it.
What were you
going to tell me?
Oh, it was nothing really.
Somehow it would sound so
ridiculous with this thing on.
What vanity.
Besides, it's very becoming.
You really must
love me after all.
I believe I do.
You won't forget
the life insurance.
I won't forget.
[explosions intensify]
Sentry.
- This is my husband, sir.
- I'm sorry, sir.
I was just--
I've been on the gangway
for the last 60 seconds
and I am therefore entirely
au fait with the situation.
I'm very sorry, my dear.
I must get back at once.
Stand by for all
of us, I'm afraid.
Yes, sir.
Right you are.
Good luck
And you.
[explosions continue]
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hello.
Hel--
[music playing]
Well, well.
[music playing]
Everything's
working to timetable.
Excellent news so far.
I wish I didn't
feel so cut off.
I know what you mean.
Though mind you, for the
first time in my life,
I'm thankful that I'm a woman.
Every time I look at that see,
I keep thinking about the time
that Gaye and me went for a
trip around the bay at Margaret.
Did I want to die.
And now them poor lads.
Thanks.
I feel as though I'm cut in
half, as though there's half
of me here the other half's--
crossing that choppy
sea, I suppose.
That's why I'm not
interested in eating.
Well, where would
you like me to start?
Well, there aren't any
dishes and no beds to make.
Shall I start
scrubbing through here?
I know it's not the
right day, but it's
got to be done sometime.
So I said to my daughter, I said
if they call up the 50s to 60s
next, I think I'll go I said.
And if there's one thing my
daughter hates, it's housework.
So she said they
have no right to call
up the 50s, let alone the 60s.
Housework is an
important job she said.
Oh, is it, I said.
Pity the only time
anyone ever thinks
that's when they might have
a bit of it to do themselves.
And it's true.
It's the only time the
housewife gets any kudos.
Except of course for the
annual word given by the BBC
as a sop to keep us at it.
That's right.
[door slams]
Helen?
Thank heavens one
of you is back.
Only for five minutes.
I'm on my way to the base.
I called in for clean
collars for the three of us.
Could you get me
one of Geoffrey's?
How's everything going?
We've heard so little.
Splendidly I believe.
You've probably heard
as much as we have.
Anything else I can do?
No thank you.
Tell me, the other
night did you see Nigel?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, I am glad.
And Benjie, how was he looking?
Benjie I mean.
Frightful, got a beard.
Oh, bless my soul.
And Nigel?
Oh, Helen, must you
scrub 99 times just now?
What did he say about the baby?
I didn't tell him.
I couldn't, mother.
Partly because there were
people about, but mainly--
well, it needed such a little
thing to to finish us both.
I know.
Your father and I went
through the same thing.
I didn't think I
could live through what
you did in the last war, and
yet, well, here I am doing it.
One isn't given any choice,
only a little extra strength
from somewhere I think.
I hope so.
I like to think of Nigel being
there to keep an eye on Benjie.
Your father was in the same ship
as my brother in the last war.
Queer to think of it
happening all over again.
Your father got
all our eggs in one
basket, the old Benevolent.
Well, as long as it's a safe
one, that's all to the good.
Thank you.
You're sure there isn't
anything else I can do?
No, there really isn't.
I wish I could be of some use.
Dear me.
What's that for?
Just love.
Oh, mother, I forgot.
Benji said I to tell you
he likes you rather a lot.
Bye.
Mrs. Dacre, Mrs. Dacre, quick!
The fishmonger's got fish.
- What?
Fish at Wilson's.
I saw it arriving,
only be quick.
Here.
Newspaper.
Oh yes.
It's today's, but
it can't be helped.
Action at last.
The Housewives' battlecry--
the fishmonger's got fish.
I don't [inaudible]
thing, and I
don't think anybody else does.
It all seems so unreal.
We thought it would start
with a flourish of trumpets
or something, and it hasn't.
You know, my heart
stood still when
I heard those planes go over.
Now I'm beginning to
feel slightly sick.
And I keep telling myself, there
will be no Dunkirk this time.
One four-and-a-half?
[inaudible]
REPORTER [ON RADIO]: This is
the BBC Home and Forces program.
Here is the news read
by Joseph MacLeod.
D-day has come.
Early this morning,
the Allies began
the assault on the
Northwestern face
of Hitler's European fortress.
The prime minister
has told The Commons
that the commanding officers
have reported everything
going to plan so far.
Here they come.
Who?
Hello, miss.
Bad luck.
What happened?
Bumped into a mine.
Trying to remember
where we met.
Is my sarong putting you off?
Night before last, you
wouldn't talk to me.
You wanted a duty
officer, remember?
[inaudible] second
door on the right.
Go and get it, boys.
So long.
[phone ringing]
It's the first batch
of that little lot.
Stand by your car, miss.
[music playing]
Feeling queer?
- Yes.
I--
Helen.
[music intensifies]
Geoffrey, at last.
My dear, you must be exhausted.
I felt I must come
and tell you myself.
The Benevolent?
Some of the crew
are safe they think.
Oh God.
They're bringing her home
as soon as she's well enough.
I better go down again and try
to get some more definite news.
Wait a minute.
Wait until Helen
comes if you can.
Talk to me.
I mustn't break down.
This is the time when I
must try to be of some use.
Well, this language of ours
is so completely inadequate, I--
well, I just don't know
what to say to you.
I know.
Let's-- let's talk about
the weather, anything.
Oh, Geoffrey, they're so
young, they haven't lived.
They've left no mark on the
world, a boy like Benjie.
No, dear, wait.
He may be safe.
We don't know.
You're wrong about them
leaving no mark on the world.
They made it earlier and
more decisively that's all.
I'm not one of those
who believe that there's
no reason behind all this.
There must be.
All the unselfish
courage that's been
loosed on the world, that must
have some good effect, surely.
It was the same
in the last war,
and the effect wasn't
so very good in the end.
I'm not so sure.
We've progressed a
certain distance,
not far enough I dare
say, but we will.
I hope you're right.
Mother, Benjie's safe.
He's at Renly about
12 miles up the coast
with a nasty cut on his
head and a broken leg,
but he's all right.
They're putting him
into a hospital there.
That's splendid.
I suppose there isn't any--
Not yet.
Benjie and about six others
were picked up by minesweeper,
rather ironical.
We may not hear about
the others for some time.
Darling, come and sit down.
No.
I'll go and change first.
Did Geoffrey tell you I fainted?
Wasn't it idiotic.
He rather overdid the
reviving and now I'm soaking.
I'll get into a
dressing gown I think.
I'll make you some tea.
No, I'll do that.
That's great news about Benjie.
Queer how delighted
you can be to hear
that your son's got a nasty cut
on his head and a broken leg.
No, I'm not crying,
just shaking.
Nerves, I suppose.
If I'd let Helen
come back first,
it would have saved
you minutes of anxiety.
I meant well.
Then I wouldn't have had the
comfort of your shoulder now.
Is it a comfort?
Beyond all belief.
I must get back.
Yes, of course.
Thank you, Geoffrey.
I'm all right now.
Darling, you're
wearing yourself out.
Don't you think--
I'm all right.
I feel quite calm,
but sort of numb.
I know how you feel.
[phone ringing]
Hello.
Yes.
Mrs. Maling--
- Kill her, mother!
Kill her!
No, I'll come in later.
I'm sorry.
I can't talk now.
How dare she.
She might have known.
Helen, darling, steady.
She doesn't know we're
waiting for a call.
If she did, of course she
wouldn't have rung up.
I know.
I'm sorry.
Oh, it's so awful.
Apparently I'm
neither calm nor numb.
I am sorry, mother.
Good gracious, my blessing.
There's nothing
to be sorry about.
Dear, who would be a mother?
[inaudible] indeed.
I've nursed you
through whooping cough
when you were a baby,
diphtheria, double pneumonia
when you very nearly died.
And here you are up against
something far bigger,
and all I can do is to stand
by and watch and be useless.
That isn't true.
You're the greatest
help anybody could be.
That isn't saying much.
Does this drive
you mad mother?
It's easier than sitting still.
I only hope you wear
some of the ghastly
pattern off this carpet.
I was such a fool to faint.
I might have been
down on the key
finding out for myself,
meeting them, not just waiting.
Darling, what are you doing now?
This has gone far enough.
We're going to play
demon patience.
Now, you sit there.
Mother dearest, I couldn't.
Yes, you could.
If Nigel arrives here, he
must find something better
than just a bundle of nerves.
Now, we'll both
lose our tempers.
We always do.
But it's better than sitting
around doing nothing.
Now we'll shuffle
for each other.
Do you still click
your cards over?
It's the right way.
It's a maddening noise.
Changes the cards each time.
Your way doesn't.
Don't just quarrel
before we begin.
We each play our own way.
There you are.
This is ridiculous.
Now, you say go.
One, two, three, go.
Nothing but picture cards.
Blind as a bat?
Where?
Oh.
I believe you're cheating.
Never mind, I'm doing well.
I'm nearly out.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hello?
No, you rang me.
But there must be.
Hello?
Yes, speaking.
Yes, sir.
They have?
You're sure it was him?
He was identified?
How badly?
I see.
When will they operate?
I can't see him?
No, I understand.
I shall hear from you.
Thank you, sir.
Yes.
Thank you for phoning.
He's safe.
He's safe, but he's badly hurt.
His head and his arm.
They'll operate at once on it.
Mother, he must live.
He must.
Darling Nigel.
[music playing]
[gunfire and explosions]
Rest?
If it's a boy, I'd
like to call him Rupert.
Why Rupert?
I'd rather call him after you.
I was thinking
of Rupert Evans.
Sorry, Nigel,
I didn't realize.
I'd like to call him Rupert.
It's difficult to
understand somehow.
If there's a plan to all this,
why should a chap like Rupert
be killed?
He had a brilliant brain
and wonderful future
in front of him.
Others like me come through.
I don't know.
Perhaps I can't question that
fairly when I got you back.
Darling Helen.
It's going to be difficult
to settle down in an office
again back in Birmingham,
back to where I left off.
I'd like to do something
more constructive,
something more urgent.
But it is being
constructive to go back
to the job one knows, even if it
is ordinary or dreary at times.
Oh dear.
I can't explain
what I mean, but--
[plane flying overhead]
Keep going, you basket.
Keep going.
[explosion]
[music playing]
REPORTER [ON RADIO]:
Hello, forces.
This is Sandy at the theater
organ with another program
of messages and
musical greetings
to you chaps serving abroad.
Now, first on the list today
is Sergeant Roddy McIntyre
who is serving with
the Royal Artillery
somewhere on the continent.
Hello, Roddy.
I've got a greeting
for you from a girl
who's serving in the wrens,
Wren Dacre, Lolly to you.
Lolly sends her love, Roddy.
And here's the tune she's
asked me to play for you.
We'll Meet Again.
[music playing]
Latest!
Latest!
Front wall stand
by for cease fire.
Latest!
Latest!
[music intensifies]
You know, there's
something rather
wonderful about families.
Hear, hear.
Hurry up and get
married, Lolly.
I promise you, five minutes
after Roddy gets back.
[laughter]
I want to have hundreds
of grandchildren,
to be the center of a pool
with the ripples spreading out.
Quick, give her another
drink and get up off the stage.
We've kept it for five years.
That's long enough.
Hush.
[baby crying]
The lady's ripple is
making itself heard.
Oh dear.
- Bring him down.
- All right.
Yes, do fetch him.
Yes, yes, bring him
down just for a moment.
Mustn't make him too excited.
He just wants us to
remember he's there.
And quite right too.
Now he'll be able to say
for the rest of his life
that he celebrated VE
night at his first party.
Yes, he will.
[laughter]
Only for a minute
or two remember.
Aww.
I say, it's beginning
to look almost human.
RADCLIFFE: What do you expect?
This is a very special
occasion, my blessing.
You were done out of a
party at your christening,
but one of your godfathers
is here tonight.
You ought to wish something
for him, Geoffrey.
What?
Beauty, ability, brains.
Yes, go on.
Yes, that's a very good idea.
What do you wish him, Geoffrey?
Well, that's rather a solemn
thought to spring on a chap so
suddenly, isn't it?
He's trying to get out of it.
[laughter]
No, no, no, no, I'm not.
Come on.
Well, I hope, old man,
you'll grow up into a world
where loving one's neighbor
as oneself is something
more than just a vague ideal.
If that wish comes true, I
don't think I can add much else.
Thank you, Geoffrey.
From Roddy, by proxy.
To Rupert Weiland.
A happy life to you, young
fellow with plenty of striving
and some achievement
as the recipe.
From your godfather and
prospective uncle, Roddy.
[laughter]
Well, you couldn't
expect much else.
You've got charming
godfathers, my precious.
[laughter]
Time you went to
bed, my darling.
Come along.
Good night, Rupert.
Sleep well.
Good night, old man.
Bye, Rupert.
[interposing voices]
It's been a wonderful day
and I'm a very happy woman.
- Speech.
- Yes.
Come on, mother, speech.
I couldn't.
I'm far too hiccupy.
[hiccups]
Gracious, I really am.
Come on, mother.
We'll overlook the hiccs.
I can only say how
happy I am to see you
all here over and over again.
Well said.
But I tell you what I will do.
As the lone civilian here,
I'll drink to you all
and I'll stand up to do it.
No, it's all right, Nigel.
I can stand.
To you and all those like
you who served for me and all
those like me who
couldn't, our thanks.
To those who
also served, though
they didn't have much time to
stand and wait [inaudible]..
Up, all of you.
To your mother and all mothers.
Mother.
Mother.
And all mothers.
Thank you.
Oh dear, I'm getting maudlin.
We'd better start
the washing up.
Not on your life.
Mrs. Gaye left
strict instructions
that tonight we were to stack.
[laughter]
[music playing]
[cheering]
I've got the chance of a job
when I'm demobbed of course--
aircraft radio installations.
It should be interesting, but
the pay won't be much at first.
Never mind.
You take it, Roddy.
With any luck, it should lead
to something really worthwhile.
It's what I've
always wanted to do.
I've got ideas I'd like
to put into practice.
Extraordinary business science.
Look at the trailing
feathers of his wing
when he opens them out
to get more wing area,
just the same as the
flaps on an airplane.
But the thing is, of course--
The thing is, my
darling, for you
to get demobbed as
fast as you can.
Yes.
Can't be fast enough for me.
REPORTER [ON RADIO]: This is
the BBC Home Recorded Programs.
Come on.
I'll race you down to the sea.
Hey, that's cheating.
REPORTER [ON RADIO]:
Read By Joseph MacLeod.
Scientists, British
and American,
have made the
atomic bomb at last.
The first one was dropped on
a Japanese city this morning.
The target for the first atomic
bomb was the city of Hiroshima.
After the bomb landed, airmen
reported that Hiroshima
was completely hidden
by an impenetrable cloud
of smoke and dust.
[music playing]
You're better at this than
handling that [inaudible]..
But you're such a
wonderful partner, Mrs. G.
Oh, don't mention
it, Commander R.
[music - "hokey pokey"]
ALL: [SINGING] And that's
what it's all about!
[clapping]
I can hardly believe yet
that there'll be no more
bombing, no more fire watching.
They've become
part of our lives.
Benjie's sailing in 10 days.
That pipe will become
quite unsmokable.
Martha, will you marry me?
Yes, Geoffrey.
You see, I'm not
unique after all.
Oh, yes you are, but
in a different way.
Oh, Martha, I was as
nervous as a schoolboy.
You really do love me?
I really do.
I can't think why.
For a whole host of reasons.
Your shoulder's
the right height,
and then think of Mrs. Gaye.
Any man who can do what
you did must be phenomenal.
Don't laugh at me, Martha.
I shall always laugh
at you, my darling,
but in the nicest possible way.
We must go back.
Helen can't go out until I'm
there to look after the baby.
Oh, hang Helen's baby.
It's a very good baby.
We'll hardly know it's there.
[baby crying]
No, no, no.
Look, can't you stop
it, or has it to run down?
Shh.
Is that better?
Yes, much.
Now, where was I?
Your house.
Thank goodness it
wasn't blitzed.
Well, it's only a small house
with four rooms, a kitchen, and
just a little garden, you know?
That's perfect.
Just right for the two of us.
Oh, Geoffrey, I
can't tell you how
I'm looking forward to
settling down in our own house,
and in blessed peace.
The children will be gone.
I was dreading the
idea of that once,
but now I'm suddenly
sick of being
everybody's unpaid
messenger boy, housekeeper,
nanny, all rolled into one.
I'm going to be a wife.
[bell ringing]
1946.
Happy new year, darling.
And to you, my love.
Here's peace and prosperity.
Pray heavens, no more queues.
[music playing]
Pretend I don't
know and you tell me.
It's fish.
Mm-hmm.
There you are.
What is it?
Milk.
Goat's milk.
Wherever did you get it?
From the usual place
with the utmost difficulty.
Look.
Darling, do you mean it's--
but the cure may be
worse than the complaint.
I don't know
anything about goats.
Never mind.
I'm learning.
It's queer a bit.
It's not bad.
I think I rather like it.
Anyway, it's milk and
we'll be able to have
your favorite pudding.
Well, I better get a bath.
Goats have a--
distinctive smell.
[sighs]
HARRIET: Martha!
In here.
Hello.
Oh, whenever I come
here I envy, you
working in this delightful
little kitchen I mean.
Just at this
minute, I'd willingly
swap with your service flat.
Whatever's the
matter with that?
It hasn't been
cooked long enough.
Exactly.
And why hasn't it been
cooked long enough?
Because the electricity
has been cut off.
Oh, honestly, dear, have
a bit of common sense.
Why try and bake at the time
that they cut the current
off if it is going to be cut?
Why indeed.
Bad luck, old girl.
Still, from my point
of view, I seem
to have come at the right time.
That is precisely
the sort of thing
that we of the Militant
Housewives League
are fighting to prevent here.
Pamphlet.
Read this.
[martha laughs]
It's no laughing matter.
It's serious and we
want your support.
Oh, Harriet, dear,
it's all so silly.
Nobody's rationing
us on purpose.
We are not so sure about that.
But whatever the reason, the
housewife's lot is unbearable,
and unless we unite--
Please stop calling
me a housewife.
It's an ugly word to say, it
looks horrible written down,
and it's fundamentally untrue.
At least if other women are
wedded to their work, I'm not.
Now you're quibbling.
You won't come in with us,
but you'll be glad enough
to accept the
advantages which you
haven't the guts to fight for.
Black leg, that's what you are.
[laughter]
Look at your sister.
Oh, good gracious.
[laughter]
Boy, Harriet.
You mean poor
militant housewives.
This is from Lolly, darling.
Roddy is very
pleased with his job.
He has high hopes
of promotion, which
would mean working on the
new jet-propelled Mascot 3
and going with her on her
test flight to Australia.
Well done, Roddy.
If so, I should be a grass
widow for about three weeks.
Could I come and stay
with you while he's away?
Well, write and tell
her we'd love to have her.
I mustn't miss the 8:30.
You must run, darling.
Goodbye.
Bye, bye.
[music playing]
You look like an
advertisement for good health.
A good investment.
I don't feel in the least
conspicuous now, or if I do,
I don't care.
One of these days we'll have
that car we used to talk about.
And the house.
The house first I hope.
As long as I've
got you and Rupert
and a roof over our heads--
And wheels under our feet.
Yes.
I'm satisfied.
There's more chance than
ever that they'll transfer
me to the London branch now.
Oh, darling, I do hope so.
It'll be nice to be near
mother and Geoffrey.
We mustn't forget to
send a wire to Roddy
to wish him luck tomorrow.
No.
I bet he's excited.
Oh, look.
Hey!
I thought that might happen.
Bad lad.
Come along.
There.
Never mind.
I've got some more
clothes in the basket.
Good.
Tea, darling?
I'm dying for it.
This is thirsty work.
Good for the figure, dear.
Mine will need a
bigger garden than this.
Anyway, we'll have our
own vegetables this year.
Oh, thanks.
This is a really royal Easter.
The King and Princess go racing.
Oh, listen to this.
Thousands left behind in
biggest holiday rush since 1939.
I expect there were crowds
to see Roddy's plane take off.
Lolly should be
here at any moment.
I'm glad we are spending
our holidays at home.
I wonder how Nigel
and Helen managed.
Don't know that it
was wise of them
to take Rupert in a sidecar
in all that traffic.
Darling.
I'll go down there,
Martha, straight away.
- I'll come with you.
- No.
No, darling, because Lolly
may be on her way here.
Yes, of course.
How is she?
All she said was he wouldn't
marry her during the war.
Oh, Geoffrey.
[music playing]
This is the one
I'm interested in.
Yes, madam.
Do you mind very much if I
leave a bit earlier tonight?
I've never asked you before,
but tonight's a special occasion
in our family.
You see, my brother, he's coming
home on leave from the Navy
and we haven't seen
him for two years.
Oh, well, I expect
that to be all right.
Oh, thank you so much.
Hello?
Oh, yes, madam, speaking.
I don't ever
remember seeing Lolly
McIntyre looking so happy.
[music playing]
He isn't here?
No, you're the first.
Lolly isn't back yet.
Oh, darling, you
have been hurrying.
Well, I didn't want
Benjie to arrive before me.
I'll see to the drinks.
Yes, I must go
back to the dinner.
Do you know they've put
up your Danish blue cheese
from two points to six?
He is proper excited.
I hope he arrives
before my bus goes.
I think everything's ready.
We don't want it spoiling.
Mrs. Radcliffe says
these might help.
Oh, good.
Thank you, Mrs. G.
I'm sort of excited myself
at the thought of seeing
the young lieutenant again.
He reminds me of
when my sister's
son came home for her funeral.
We were that excited at
the thought of seeing him.
You can't beat a family
reunion now and then.
How right you are, Mrs. G.
Well, tonight you'll
be like old times.
Hey, only seems like yesterday
when I first met you.
Do you remember?
With your uniform and all that
gold braid and them medals?
Well, it doesn't seem
like yesterday to me.
To be exact, it's
just four years ago.
My words.
Four years.
Fancy that.
Hello, ugly.
How are you?
Hello!
You're bigger and
stronger than ever.
Oh, darling.
How lovely to see you again.
Oh, my hair!
Wait a minute.
Let me have a look at you.
Certainly not.
Out of my way.
I bought you a present.
- Darling, what?
Aha!
Oh, rice.
Lolly, look.
Geoffrey, where are you?
Look, Mrs. Gaye, real rice.
How are you, Mrs. G?
Oh, nicely.
Thanks, Lieutenant
D. [inaudible]
just let [inaudible]
and have a look.
This [inaudible]
entirely in your honor.
I was searching for my
one unfrayed collar.
How are you?
Indecently healthy.
Thank you, sir.
Look, Geoffrey.
We'll be able to have
a rice pudding at last.
I can scarcely believe it.
You're very welcome.
Mother, if you go
on staring at me,
I shall make some disgusting
noises with my soup.
What's the matter about,
dribbling or something?
No, of course not.
Was I staring?
I'm sorry.
Somehow it's difficult to
believe that you're no longer
my rather grubby little boy.
Oh, is that all?
Don't be too optimistic, though.
I'm all spruced up
for the occasion.
I should jolly well think so.
You don't expect the Navy to
let the tone of the party down.
[laughter]
It's extraordinary how
pleasant it is to be home.
It's hardly polite, is it?
Hello, who's here?
Well, it's Helen and Nigel.
Hooray!
MARTHA: Oh, how lovely.
Hello, Geoffrey.
Hello.
Into the gatecrashers.
Darling, where on
earth [inaudible]
Home.
Hello, Lolly.
What do you think's happened?
I've been transferred.
To London.
Hello, Benji.
How nice to see you.
I see how he's grown.
I hope it's all right, mother.
We brought our rations.
We meant to let you
know and come tomorrow,
but I suddenly remembered
Benjie returns tonight.
So we threw our things into
a bag, flew for the train--
And caught it by
the skin of our teeth.
I'm very glad you're here.
- I start my new job on Monday.
- Well done.
Got to find a flat or
something before then.
Well, it's quite all right,
or will be in a minute.
This makes it quite perfect.
I'm delighted to see you both.
I'm dying to hear
about your transfer,
but just let me know
about that later.
Right.
Mother, darling, may I
go and take off my mat?
MARTHA: Yes, darling, of course.
I expect the young
fella's a bit tired.
He had a very [inaudible]
[inaudible] in the
other room, all right?
How old did you say?
We just have to cut
the slices a bit smaller.
That's right.
I know I'll miss that bus.
And arrange the onions in
six little groups, and then you
must go.
I'll manage the rest.
What about using some
of them short breads?
[inaudible] filling to make
it look more substantial.
That's a very good idea.
What would I do
without you, Mrs. Gaye?
Well, there they are.
Can you manage now, love?
- Yes, that's all right.
You get [inaudible].
I'm off.
Ta-ta.
Good night, and thank
you so much, Mrs. Gaye.
Everything under control?
Yes, although my
arithmetic isn't
good enough to work it out.
Where can they sleep?
Well, We've two
camp beds and--
well, we'll work it out later.
Helen's putting the
baby in the sitting
room on the [inaudible].
Martha, Martha.
There isn't enough
gin to go around.
Oh dear.
Well, look, here's half a lemon.
Put a little in
each glass and fill
the rest up with soda water.
This is going to be
a very family cocktail.
That was the reason [inaudible]
Brown went into retirement.
[laughter]
Mother, that was
a lovely trifle.
There seems to be some left.
Any offers?
Not me, thank you.
Speak now.
Exactly [inaudible].
I'll do my best.
Oh, Benjie.
There you are.
Good show.
Well, so much for
starving Britain.
I ask you, trifle with cream?
Oh, we have our
moments, although it
may only be mock cream.
And English sponge cake.
In three minutes
you must be off.
I think you'd better have your
coffee in the theater, darling.
Nigel, your
shirt's gone again.
What, here?
More [inaudible].
I'm a bit frayed
about the cuffs myself.
We're all a bit
shoddy these days.
No.
Shabby perhaps, but
not yet shoddy I hope.
You never will become shoddy.
It's all right,
darling, we won't.
It's time you're off.
Otherwise you'll
miss the first act.
Come on.
I think you and mother should
go after all your planning.
No, no, no.
We want to stay
behind with the baby.
We haven't seen him for ages.
[interposing voices]
See you now.
Enjoy yourselves.
MARTHA: They'll never
find a flat in four days.
They'll be lucky if they
find one in four months.
We'll have to manage somehow.
We've planned it all
just for the two of us.
You know how it is.
Things don't look
so good, do they?
No, they don't.
It's a muddled world these
days, but at least this time
we're not shutting
our eyes to things.
We are facing them.
And on the whole
with all our faults,
we haven't done so badly.
We still believe in
freedom of action.
Freedom of thought.
Quite remarkable,
freedom of speech.
That's your heritage, young man.
Please God, it always will be.
You're very nice, darling.
I married into a
very nice family.
It's a good
thing you think so.
You know, I was just thinking.
Apart from Roddy, here we are
with a house full of family
again, back where we started.
Not quite.
No, not quite.
[music playing]
That's life, that is.
[roaring]
[music playing]
[upbeat music playing]
All right.
On the screeching cab, please.
Both sides on.
[whistling]
[vacuum running]
[SINGING] [inaudible]
but who's to answer?
For how the ghost of you
clings, clings, clings.
These foolish things
remind me of you.
A cigarette that bears
a lipstick's tracers.
An airline ticket
to romantic places.
[knocking]
But still my heart has wings,
wings, these foolish things--
Remind me of you.
I'm so sorry.
The-- the bell doesn't work.
I'm from the domestic agency.
Oh, well, how are you Mrs--
come in.
Do come in.
Gaye is the name.
I beg your pardon.
Gaye.
Mrs. Gaye with an E.
I'm delighted to see you.
Come this way, won't you?
[inaudible] Do sit
down, won't you?
[train screeching]
That bread would be all the
better for being put down.
[laughs] Oh, yes.
You're Mrs. Dacre's
husband, I presume?
No, no, we're not married.
I mean, I'm not married
and she's a widow.
My name is Radcliffe.
Oh.
I was a friend of
her late husband,
and she kindly consented
to billet me here.
Her old house in
London was bombed,
and so she moved down
here to look after her two
daughters who are in the Wrens.
That makes four in
family, as you might say.
Quite, quite.
But except for Mrs.
Dacre, we're hardly in a--
[footsteps]
I was just coming to him.
He's billeted here too, from
the Signals Corps down the road,
but only temporarily of course.
Excellent chap.
Now it's five.
And who are them?
Oh, that is Mrs. Dacre's
son Benjie, but he's at sea.
That's the eldest
daughter's husband.
He's in the same ship.
So of course he's at sea too.
Are you quite sure?
Well, of course I am.
We haven't seen either of
them for over three months,
and it may be far longer than
that before we see them again.
And how many more
are there to come?
Well no more, really.
That's the lot.
Do you stack overnight?
Well I--
Do you stack up overnight?
No, I'm quite sure we don't.
At least, I don't remember
hearing that we ever did that.
No, only the
[inaudible] leaves
the [inaudible] till
the following morning
when they've someone coming in.
Oh, I see what you mean.
No, no, nothing like that.
No, we all wash up after
every meal, except breakfast
when we haven't the time.
I'm afraid Mrs. Dacre has
to do that by herself.
She's down at the
canteen at the moment.
Am I about to see the kitchen?
But of course.
[thud]
Roddy!
RODDY: Help.
What a mess.
GEOFFREY RADCLIFFE: Come
this way, Mrs. Gaye.
Quickly.
Here she comes.
Sorry, sir.
Oatmeal.
Well, if you have to spill
it at all, sir, do it tidily.
This is Sergeant McIntyre.
Mrs. Gaye.
Oh, how are you, Mrs. Gaye?
And this is Wren Wiland,
the married daughter.
I do you hope you're
coming to help us.
Well-- [sniffs] there's
summat caught on in that pan.
Goodness.
You see it's a very
pleasant kitchen.
What's this here for?
MRS. GAYE: Geoffrey!
Oh dear.
You've come on
the wrong morning.
We're not like this as a
rule, honestly we're not,
but it's mother's night
at the canteen and--
MARTHA DACRE: Good morning.
Good morning.
- Ah, good morning, Mrs. Dacre.
- Good morning.
- You going down to the bus?
- Yes.
- I'll carry your bag for you.
- That's very kind of you.
Ah yeah.
Came down at a
special this morning
to catch you over what
you said last night.
Oh?
What did I say?
About chickens going
on-- why don't you
wrap that around your neck!
About chickens going
off the market.
Oh yes, yes, I haven't been
able to get one for ages.
Where do they all go to?
All the posh hotels
or the black market.
Well, I can't
afford either of them,
though I sometimes
wish I knew where
this black market operates.
Thank you so much
for carrying this.
That's all right.
Here, would you take this?
You mean it's for me?
Yes.
It's a little token of
our appreciation for all
you're doing for us back here.
Well, I can't just take it.
The old man's got plenty
more in the backyard.
Does he know about this?
Course he does.
I'd simply love to have it.
My youngest daughter
is coming home tonight.
It would be wonderful to
give her chicken for supper.
You have to let me pay for it.
- Oh, no, no, no.
That's all right.
- Oh yes, yes.
I know being on leave's
expensive these days.
It's true.
Let me see.
I think I paid 15 shillings
for the last one I had.
Here's my bus and I
haven't got any change.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Well, I might as well start
tomorrow if I'm coming at all
and if that suits.
Admirably, admirably.
It'll be such a pleasant
surprise to Mrs. Dacre.
Mrs. Gaye, I could hug you.
That's not necessary.
Thank you very much.
Though mind you, one of the
reasons I'm coming at all
is that if I didn't, the
thought of you in your uniform
with that [inaudible] Oh, and
there is just one thing more
and I best mention it now.
Yes?
I don't care for loving
jokes made about my name.
Well, of course not.
There's no of course about it.
I've had plenty in my time.
I'm not exactly jolly in the
ordinary way, though mind you I
can enjoy a good laugh in its
place as well as the next.
Yes, yes, I'm sure.
And I can assure you, Mrs.
Gaye, that no one here
will be allowed to be
funny about your name.
The name wasn't
the only mistake
I made when I married Gaye.
Well, good morning to you and
I hope as we suits each other.
[children giggling]
Won't be any left by
the time we get there.
Some have been here all night.
Even if there are any,
they'll be the wrong size,
and in any case,
they won't wear.
Yes, but they'll be
lovely just to look at.
I mean, pure silk.
WOMAN IN LINE 1: Look at that.
No wonder we can't
get any poultry.
WOMAN IN LINE 2: It's
an absolute disgrace.
And a pretty penny they'll
make out of them too.
WOMAN IN LINE 1: People
will pay anything
nowadays and ask no
questions, and still
call themselves honest.
WOMAN IN LINE 2: That's right.
Common sense ought
to tell them you
don't buy hens off soldiers.
I don't think I'll wait.
Look.
Stolen.
What?
I've had to come home
miles around to avoid
main streets and policemen.
My dear girl,
what do you mean?
Would you buy a
chicken from a soldier?
What about a drop of brandy?
No, no, I'm quite
all right, really.
Look, there it is-- headlines.
He had such a pleasant face.
I could have sworn
he was honest.
This is pretty serious.
Geoffrey, what am I to do?
You know what you ought to do.
Take it to the police.
Then they keep the
hen, wouldn't they?
Most certainly
if it was stolen.
But unless he had
an airplane, he
could hardly pinch it
in Yorkshire last night
and sell it to you here
this morning, could he?
What a woman.
Geoffrey, what would
I do without you?
I must be off.
Well, I've never dressed
one of these from scratch,
but I suppose I can learn.
Where's my dispatch case?
If only people
would leave things--
Oh, where?
Where you left it last night.
Oh, thanks.
I apologize.
Oh, good gracious,
I nearly forgot.
What?
I've got you a woman.
--To clean and things, but
only for three mornings a week.
Geoffrey, you're
not delirious.
No, no, of course not.
Now, where's my pipe?
Oh, you clever man.
How wonderful.
Oh my dear, what
would I do without you?
By the way, her
name is Mrs. Gaye.
Mrs. Gaye.
I'll remember.
It's a perfectly
ordinary name.
Rather jolly one.
No, no, just perfectly
ordinary Martha.
Yes, well, why get
so worked up about it?
Oh, no reason really.
I just-- well, bye.
What about tonight?
It's on the slate.
I'll be back in time for
Lolly's arrival I hope.
[music playing]
MARTHA DACRE: Oh dear.
Morning, Mrs. Dacre.
I'm trying for the bus.
Good morning.
It was just--
I know, the chop.
I'll collect it for you.
If you don't mind.
Well, when I'm going
to eat it I don't know.
I'm out at lunch
today and tomorrow,
and this new shift is
2:00 till 11:00 at night.
Oh my dear.
Fortunately two of my
workmates, Alf and Gladys,
they both live in
this direction.
So we can cycle home together.
I'll have it for breakfast
and feel like Henry VIII.
Aren't they sweet?
Why don't you have Angoras?
These are for eating.
But you don't
eat them, do you?
Well, Commander
Radcliffe bought
them to help out
with the rations,
but somehow I just can't.
Oh, there you are.
Hello Harriet.
You don't know my
sister, Harriet Lessing.
Monica Maling.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
Well, if you'll excuse
me, I'd better be going.
Thank you very
much and bless you.
Her husband's abroad and she
has just gone into a factory.
Now, tell me what
you've come about.
If it's heavy or not on
the direct bus route,
it simply can't be done.
It's not far off the
bus route and there's
nothing at all to carry.
I want to book a
hair appointment.
And as you know, ringing
up is absolutely hopeless.
If you're in town, Thornton's
isn't far out of your way.
Only about
three-quarters of a mile.
Makes a nice walk when
you've nothing better to do.
But after this, I'm going
to make some marmalade
and then I'm going
to get some sleep.
Marmalade?
Yes, out of two orange
skins, some lemon essence,
some damp sugar that's
gone into a hard lump,
and a great deal of faith.
After that--
All right, all right.
Don't bother about it.
I only asked.
You know, you're losing
your sense of humor.
No.
Only my temper a little.
I apologize.
I've been at the canteen all
night and I'm rather tired.
Well, why wash the morning
after your canteen night?
Because it's necessary.
Did you think it was for fun?
No, but I do think
it's bad organization.
Be careful, Harriet.
I told you I'm tired.
Well, so am I. I
didn't get home myself
until 10:00 o'clock last night.
Very late.
All the same, I envy you.
Envy me?
Well, in that case, why
didn't you do a proper job
when war broke out?
Why didn't you do what I did?
I should have liked to
have done what you did,
but my conscience
wouldn't let me.
Oh, I'm afraid we'll never
agree about the meaning
of a proper job.
And as you keep harping on
the idea that my work is simple.
I am in charge of 50 persons.
With several underlings to
help you, while I'm in sole
charge of [inaudible]
You're not in charge of them.
Aren't I?
I'd like to know what
you call it then.
The conceit of some of you
women just because you're
dressed in khaki.
Martha.
Do you clear out two grates
and relay two fires by 7:00 AM?
That's beside the point.
Do you do the washing and
mending and ironing for five
people and yourself each week?
Do you cook every meal for five
people, clear away every meal,
wash up after every
meal night after night,
day after day, and often
in the middle of the night?
No, you don't.
Nor do you have to pick
those revolting little bits
of rubbish out of
that disgusting little
grating in the scullery sink.
Look at your hands
and look at mine.
I don't have to pick up
silk stockings nowadays.
My hands act as magnets.
If you've quite finished--
No, I haven't.
I was just drawing a new breath.
You sit at an office
desk in clothes provided
without coupons being regaled
by constant cups of tea,
made and brought to you
by an orderly who will
be doing a far better
job if she helped
me scrub out the scullery.
There, I've said it
and I feel better.
It's no good saying I'm
sorry, because I'm not.
Well, I hope you've
enjoyed yourself.
Just because you've got a
louder voice than I have I
haven't been able to
get a word in edge-wise.
The floor is yours.
Thank you.
I do not want it.
I should just like to
point out that your work
is at least done in your own
time and in your own home.
And--
RODDY: Mrs. Dacre!
I'm off, Mrs. Dacre.
Good morning, Mrs. Lessing.
- Morning.
Our unit's moving
out this morning.
So I've just come back to pack
my things and say goodbye.
Oh, my dear boy.
I'd like to say, well,
I just don't know how
to thank you for everything.
- Nonsense.
We've loved having you here.
Can I help you to pack?
No, I can do it.
Well, goodbye.
I'll come and see you off.
Oh, good gracious, his pants.
Roddy!
Oh, thanks.
They're not dry.
That's all right.
Better cut him
some sandwiches.
Can I help?
I'm afraid I know
what this means.
So do I.
[music playing]
Some sandwiches.
You may need them.
Oh, thank you.
Lolly will be
sorry to miss you.
Well, as a matter of fact,
I've left a note for her
in her room.
I'll see that she gets it.
Well, goodbye and I
only hope you know what
I'm quite incapable of saying.
I do.
Goodbye.
Come back safely and soon.
Goodbye, Mrs. Lessing.
Good luck.
[music intensifies]
I shall miss Roddy.
Pity he didn't
see Lolly, though I
gather they're not on quite
the terms they used to be.
He's quite the
steadiest person
she's ever seemed to like.
Oh, wow, I must be going.
Oh-- I'll--
I'll make that hair
appointment for you.
Thanks, if you can.
I wish the wretched
wind would drop.
It's maddening being in a
shore job at a time like this.
It's a very important
job and you know it.
There, as good as new.
Your one and only
respectable pair.
Thank you.
Geoffrey, will you
do something for me?
Test these.
I don't think I dare.
What do you mean,
unscrew the tops?
That's right.
You be careful.
[grunts]
Now, lift them by the glass
lid, only do be careful.
Oh, I don't look.
It works.
No, no, that's enough.
Don't overdo it.
[laughs] You
haven't got the neck.
No, no, don't say it.
Now let's do the others quickly.
That's all right.
You know, Martha,
you're unique.
Look.
Now, don't say
anything, but pray.
Oh well.
Three out of six isn't bad.
I've never done them before.
I'll re-bottle those
in the morning.
Now, why am I unique?
Well, I--
I've never had a wonderful,
genuinely platonic
friendship with a woman before.
It's a new experience.
You talk as if you'd gone
through life being hotly
pursued by designing females.
I'm getting a new light
on your character.
I-- I didn't mean that.
What I meant was there's no
other woman in the world--
LOLLY: Hello, everyone.
Lolly!
Mommy!
Goodness, child,
you're throttling me.
Hello, Geoffrey, my sweet.
That is no way to
address a senior officer.
It's so lovely to be home.
I say, isn't
everything exciting?
All the craft in the
harbor, and the train
was packed with troops.
When's it going to be, Geoffrey?
Shh, Lolly.
Waiting for you, young woman.
You've paid the taxi, I suppose?
Well, I hadn't any change.
[laughs] Fancy.
What a heavenly smell.
MARTHA: There's a treat for you.
Hurry up.
It's all ready.
Lolly, Roddy's gone.
Gone?
His unit was moved today.
There's a note for
you in your room.
[music playing]
Fresh air and the moon.
Let's go look at the sea.
I've heard all this out with
myself and I know I'm right.
I'll be going away any day now.
I don't know when
I'll come back,
or even if I'll come back.
A chap in that position has
no right to tie a girl down.
How thoughtful.
You'd be free too, of
course, wouldn't you?
Well, now that's settled,
I'm going back to the dance.
Are you?
I will.
[orchestral music playing]
Signal for you, sir.
Thank you.
I slept and I dreamed
that life was beauty.
I woke and found
that life was duty.
I'm terribly sorry, Martha.
I'll get my coat.
Well, I suppose I--
Wait.
Mother, if you've got
a message for Benjie,
I might be able to deliver it.
What?
Hush, be quiet.
I'm not supposed to know.
Do you mean the Benevolent?
Shh, don't say it.
It's some minor repair.
She's only in for an hour or so.
Marjorie heard in the staff
office and gave me the drop.
She knew about Nigel
and Benjie of course.
Oh dear.
Why aren't I in the WRNS too?
Let me see.
Give Benjie my
love and tell him--
tell him that now he's
a staff lieutenant,
he must keep his nails clean.
I'll give him your love.
Of course, I may not be
able to see either of them
on such a wet night.
It's awfully difficult
to be calm and collected.
I know.
I think I'll go home
and wait for you there.
I couldn't concentrate
on the concert now.
Don't tell Geoffrey.
Let me see.
Have I got the key, or does he?
Mother, do you hate the
idea of being a grandmother?
No, I like it.
Most women do.
It's the men who object.
I always remember
your uncle Charles
saying he didn't mind
being a grandfather,
but he didn't much
like the idea of being
married to a grandmother.
I'm glad you don't mind.
Nigel doesn't know yet.
Doesn't know?
Helen, do you mean that I--
or rather that you are--
oh my dear, what
a time to tell me.
You must see Nigel tonight.
He's got a right to know.
Surely Geoffrey
could arrange it.
No, you wouldn't.
You don't know Geoffrey
when he's working.
See you soon.
Good night, my dear.
Goodnight.
I'll leave some hot soup
for you on the stove.
Thank you.
No waiting up, mind.
No.
[car starting]
MARTHA: Geoffrey!
RADCLIFFE: Huh?
The key.
Oh.
You need someone
to look after you.
May I see your
identity card, Please?
We're going to the Benevolent.
Thank you, sir.
Back as soon as we can.
I'm not going aboard, sentry.
I just want a word
with the quartermaster.
Fine.
Is the quartermaster there
or the officer of the watch?
I want to speak to
the [inaudible]..
If it's a confab you
want, what's wrong with me?
Nothing if that's what
I wanted, but it isn't.
Be a dear and fetch
the duty officer.
What's going on Taylor?
Wren here wants a
word with you, sir.
Yes, what's wrong.
I wondered, I very much
want to speak to Lieutenant
Commander Weiland.
It's rather special.
Good heavens.
Helen.
Who is it?
It's me, you fathead.
Benjie!
Good gracious, if you've grown
a beard, or is it the light?
BENJIE: No, it's a beard.
Your voice sounds different,
muffled with the beard
I suppose.
All done by gin and Navy rum.
How's mother?
Very well.
She sent you her love.
I bet she said, tell him
not to get his feet wet
and to wash behind
his ears or something.
Tell her I like her
a lot, will you?
I will.
I'll see what I
can do about Nigel.
You better not come on board.
We're almost sailing.
Take care of yourself.
[sirens in distance]
BETTY: Is that you, Martha?
MARTHA: Yes.
Betty?
BETTY: It is?
What's wrong?
You look pretty comic.
Well, you're nothing
to boast about yourself.
Least I haven't got two hats on.
Before the night's
out, you'll wish you had.
Bottom end for me,
top end for you.
See you later.
Hello, Nigel, my darling.
Geoffrey slipped me a
note before Benji saw me.
Oh, bless you.
Now that you're here, I can't
think of any of the things
I wanted to say to you.
You're here and I'm here.
That's all that matters.
Only for a minute, I expect.
Is the conference over?
My party's.
They won't be long
over the rest.
I wish I could see you better.
Just as well you
can't, pretty filthy.
Nigel.
What?
[banging]
Oh, nothing.
I wrote you today about
life insurance and things.
There's still a little
money in the Piccadilly Bank
in case you need it, darling.
I explain it in the letter.
I'm just trying to leave things
as tidy as possible for you.
I know, my sweet.
Though you needn't
worry about me.
Really, you needn't.
I can't help it.
I wish I didn't
like you so much.
I think I'm rather
fond of you too.
You look about six
in that uniform.
Wish I would like
to behave like it.
Do you know you've
never saluted me yet.
I mean to each time you meet.
No respect for rank,
no respect at all.
That's what it is, of course.
I wonder if all the great
lovers through the ages
have talked such drivel to
each other at last moments.
Perhaps they both
hadn't jobs to think
about at the same time.
Nigel--
[explosions in the distance]
Confound it, I'd
forgotten the raid.
Where's your tin hat?
It's in the poop.
Put it on.
Darling, no, please.
I look such a chump in it.
Put it on.
Aye, aye, sir.
Can't I just hold
it ready in my hand?
[inaudible] that puts
the tin lid on it.
What were you
going to tell me?
Oh, it was nothing really.
Somehow it would sound so
ridiculous with this thing on.
What vanity.
Besides, it's very becoming.
You really must
love me after all.
I believe I do.
You won't forget
the life insurance.
I won't forget.
[explosions intensify]
Sentry.
- This is my husband, sir.
- I'm sorry, sir.
I was just--
I've been on the gangway
for the last 60 seconds
and I am therefore entirely
au fait with the situation.
I'm very sorry, my dear.
I must get back at once.
Stand by for all
of us, I'm afraid.
Yes, sir.
Right you are.
Good luck
And you.
[explosions continue]
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hello.
Hel--
[music playing]
Well, well.
[music playing]
Everything's
working to timetable.
Excellent news so far.
I wish I didn't
feel so cut off.
I know what you mean.
Though mind you, for the
first time in my life,
I'm thankful that I'm a woman.
Every time I look at that see,
I keep thinking about the time
that Gaye and me went for a
trip around the bay at Margaret.
Did I want to die.
And now them poor lads.
Thanks.
I feel as though I'm cut in
half, as though there's half
of me here the other half's--
crossing that choppy
sea, I suppose.
That's why I'm not
interested in eating.
Well, where would
you like me to start?
Well, there aren't any
dishes and no beds to make.
Shall I start
scrubbing through here?
I know it's not the
right day, but it's
got to be done sometime.
So I said to my daughter, I said
if they call up the 50s to 60s
next, I think I'll go I said.
And if there's one thing my
daughter hates, it's housework.
So she said they
have no right to call
up the 50s, let alone the 60s.
Housework is an
important job she said.
Oh, is it, I said.
Pity the only time
anyone ever thinks
that's when they might have
a bit of it to do themselves.
And it's true.
It's the only time the
housewife gets any kudos.
Except of course for the
annual word given by the BBC
as a sop to keep us at it.
That's right.
[door slams]
Helen?
Thank heavens one
of you is back.
Only for five minutes.
I'm on my way to the base.
I called in for clean
collars for the three of us.
Could you get me
one of Geoffrey's?
How's everything going?
We've heard so little.
Splendidly I believe.
You've probably heard
as much as we have.
Anything else I can do?
No thank you.
Tell me, the other
night did you see Nigel?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, I am glad.
And Benjie, how was he looking?
Benjie I mean.
Frightful, got a beard.
Oh, bless my soul.
And Nigel?
Oh, Helen, must you
scrub 99 times just now?
What did he say about the baby?
I didn't tell him.
I couldn't, mother.
Partly because there were
people about, but mainly--
well, it needed such a little
thing to to finish us both.
I know.
Your father and I went
through the same thing.
I didn't think I
could live through what
you did in the last war, and
yet, well, here I am doing it.
One isn't given any choice,
only a little extra strength
from somewhere I think.
I hope so.
I like to think of Nigel being
there to keep an eye on Benjie.
Your father was in the same ship
as my brother in the last war.
Queer to think of it
happening all over again.
Your father got
all our eggs in one
basket, the old Benevolent.
Well, as long as it's a safe
one, that's all to the good.
Thank you.
You're sure there isn't
anything else I can do?
No, there really isn't.
I wish I could be of some use.
Dear me.
What's that for?
Just love.
Oh, mother, I forgot.
Benji said I to tell you
he likes you rather a lot.
Bye.
Mrs. Dacre, Mrs. Dacre, quick!
The fishmonger's got fish.
- What?
Fish at Wilson's.
I saw it arriving,
only be quick.
Here.
Newspaper.
Oh yes.
It's today's, but
it can't be helped.
Action at last.
The Housewives' battlecry--
the fishmonger's got fish.
I don't [inaudible]
thing, and I
don't think anybody else does.
It all seems so unreal.
We thought it would start
with a flourish of trumpets
or something, and it hasn't.
You know, my heart
stood still when
I heard those planes go over.
Now I'm beginning to
feel slightly sick.
And I keep telling myself, there
will be no Dunkirk this time.
One four-and-a-half?
[inaudible]
REPORTER [ON RADIO]: This is
the BBC Home and Forces program.
Here is the news read
by Joseph MacLeod.
D-day has come.
Early this morning,
the Allies began
the assault on the
Northwestern face
of Hitler's European fortress.
The prime minister
has told The Commons
that the commanding officers
have reported everything
going to plan so far.
Here they come.
Who?
Hello, miss.
Bad luck.
What happened?
Bumped into a mine.
Trying to remember
where we met.
Is my sarong putting you off?
Night before last, you
wouldn't talk to me.
You wanted a duty
officer, remember?
[inaudible] second
door on the right.
Go and get it, boys.
So long.
[phone ringing]
It's the first batch
of that little lot.
Stand by your car, miss.
[music playing]
Feeling queer?
- Yes.
I--
Helen.
[music intensifies]
Geoffrey, at last.
My dear, you must be exhausted.
I felt I must come
and tell you myself.
The Benevolent?
Some of the crew
are safe they think.
Oh God.
They're bringing her home
as soon as she's well enough.
I better go down again and try
to get some more definite news.
Wait a minute.
Wait until Helen
comes if you can.
Talk to me.
I mustn't break down.
This is the time when I
must try to be of some use.
Well, this language of ours
is so completely inadequate, I--
well, I just don't know
what to say to you.
I know.
Let's-- let's talk about
the weather, anything.
Oh, Geoffrey, they're so
young, they haven't lived.
They've left no mark on the
world, a boy like Benjie.
No, dear, wait.
He may be safe.
We don't know.
You're wrong about them
leaving no mark on the world.
They made it earlier and
more decisively that's all.
I'm not one of those
who believe that there's
no reason behind all this.
There must be.
All the unselfish
courage that's been
loosed on the world, that must
have some good effect, surely.
It was the same
in the last war,
and the effect wasn't
so very good in the end.
I'm not so sure.
We've progressed a
certain distance,
not far enough I dare
say, but we will.
I hope you're right.
Mother, Benjie's safe.
He's at Renly about
12 miles up the coast
with a nasty cut on his
head and a broken leg,
but he's all right.
They're putting him
into a hospital there.
That's splendid.
I suppose there isn't any--
Not yet.
Benjie and about six others
were picked up by minesweeper,
rather ironical.
We may not hear about
the others for some time.
Darling, come and sit down.
No.
I'll go and change first.
Did Geoffrey tell you I fainted?
Wasn't it idiotic.
He rather overdid the
reviving and now I'm soaking.
I'll get into a
dressing gown I think.
I'll make you some tea.
No, I'll do that.
That's great news about Benjie.
Queer how delighted
you can be to hear
that your son's got a nasty cut
on his head and a broken leg.
No, I'm not crying,
just shaking.
Nerves, I suppose.
If I'd let Helen
come back first,
it would have saved
you minutes of anxiety.
I meant well.
Then I wouldn't have had the
comfort of your shoulder now.
Is it a comfort?
Beyond all belief.
I must get back.
Yes, of course.
Thank you, Geoffrey.
I'm all right now.
Darling, you're
wearing yourself out.
Don't you think--
I'm all right.
I feel quite calm,
but sort of numb.
I know how you feel.
[phone ringing]
Hello.
Yes.
Mrs. Maling--
- Kill her, mother!
Kill her!
No, I'll come in later.
I'm sorry.
I can't talk now.
How dare she.
She might have known.
Helen, darling, steady.
She doesn't know we're
waiting for a call.
If she did, of course she
wouldn't have rung up.
I know.
I'm sorry.
Oh, it's so awful.
Apparently I'm
neither calm nor numb.
I am sorry, mother.
Good gracious, my blessing.
There's nothing
to be sorry about.
Dear, who would be a mother?
[inaudible] indeed.
I've nursed you
through whooping cough
when you were a baby,
diphtheria, double pneumonia
when you very nearly died.
And here you are up against
something far bigger,
and all I can do is to stand
by and watch and be useless.
That isn't true.
You're the greatest
help anybody could be.
That isn't saying much.
Does this drive
you mad mother?
It's easier than sitting still.
I only hope you wear
some of the ghastly
pattern off this carpet.
I was such a fool to faint.
I might have been
down on the key
finding out for myself,
meeting them, not just waiting.
Darling, what are you doing now?
This has gone far enough.
We're going to play
demon patience.
Now, you sit there.
Mother dearest, I couldn't.
Yes, you could.
If Nigel arrives here, he
must find something better
than just a bundle of nerves.
Now, we'll both
lose our tempers.
We always do.
But it's better than sitting
around doing nothing.
Now we'll shuffle
for each other.
Do you still click
your cards over?
It's the right way.
It's a maddening noise.
Changes the cards each time.
Your way doesn't.
Don't just quarrel
before we begin.
We each play our own way.
There you are.
This is ridiculous.
Now, you say go.
One, two, three, go.
Nothing but picture cards.
Blind as a bat?
Where?
Oh.
I believe you're cheating.
Never mind, I'm doing well.
I'm nearly out.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hello?
No, you rang me.
But there must be.
Hello?
Yes, speaking.
Yes, sir.
They have?
You're sure it was him?
He was identified?
How badly?
I see.
When will they operate?
I can't see him?
No, I understand.
I shall hear from you.
Thank you, sir.
Yes.
Thank you for phoning.
He's safe.
He's safe, but he's badly hurt.
His head and his arm.
They'll operate at once on it.
Mother, he must live.
He must.
Darling Nigel.
[music playing]
[gunfire and explosions]
Rest?
If it's a boy, I'd
like to call him Rupert.
Why Rupert?
I'd rather call him after you.
I was thinking
of Rupert Evans.
Sorry, Nigel,
I didn't realize.
I'd like to call him Rupert.
It's difficult to
understand somehow.
If there's a plan to all this,
why should a chap like Rupert
be killed?
He had a brilliant brain
and wonderful future
in front of him.
Others like me come through.
I don't know.
Perhaps I can't question that
fairly when I got you back.
Darling Helen.
It's going to be difficult
to settle down in an office
again back in Birmingham,
back to where I left off.
I'd like to do something
more constructive,
something more urgent.
But it is being
constructive to go back
to the job one knows, even if it
is ordinary or dreary at times.
Oh dear.
I can't explain
what I mean, but--
[plane flying overhead]
Keep going, you basket.
Keep going.
[explosion]
[music playing]
REPORTER [ON RADIO]:
Hello, forces.
This is Sandy at the theater
organ with another program
of messages and
musical greetings
to you chaps serving abroad.
Now, first on the list today
is Sergeant Roddy McIntyre
who is serving with
the Royal Artillery
somewhere on the continent.
Hello, Roddy.
I've got a greeting
for you from a girl
who's serving in the wrens,
Wren Dacre, Lolly to you.
Lolly sends her love, Roddy.
And here's the tune she's
asked me to play for you.
We'll Meet Again.
[music playing]
Latest!
Latest!
Front wall stand
by for cease fire.
Latest!
Latest!
[music intensifies]
You know, there's
something rather
wonderful about families.
Hear, hear.
Hurry up and get
married, Lolly.
I promise you, five minutes
after Roddy gets back.
[laughter]
I want to have hundreds
of grandchildren,
to be the center of a pool
with the ripples spreading out.
Quick, give her another
drink and get up off the stage.
We've kept it for five years.
That's long enough.
Hush.
[baby crying]
The lady's ripple is
making itself heard.
Oh dear.
- Bring him down.
- All right.
Yes, do fetch him.
Yes, yes, bring him
down just for a moment.
Mustn't make him too excited.
He just wants us to
remember he's there.
And quite right too.
Now he'll be able to say
for the rest of his life
that he celebrated VE
night at his first party.
Yes, he will.
[laughter]
Only for a minute
or two remember.
Aww.
I say, it's beginning
to look almost human.
RADCLIFFE: What do you expect?
This is a very special
occasion, my blessing.
You were done out of a
party at your christening,
but one of your godfathers
is here tonight.
You ought to wish something
for him, Geoffrey.
What?
Beauty, ability, brains.
Yes, go on.
Yes, that's a very good idea.
What do you wish him, Geoffrey?
Well, that's rather a solemn
thought to spring on a chap so
suddenly, isn't it?
He's trying to get out of it.
[laughter]
No, no, no, no, I'm not.
Come on.
Well, I hope, old man,
you'll grow up into a world
where loving one's neighbor
as oneself is something
more than just a vague ideal.
If that wish comes true, I
don't think I can add much else.
Thank you, Geoffrey.
From Roddy, by proxy.
To Rupert Weiland.
A happy life to you, young
fellow with plenty of striving
and some achievement
as the recipe.
From your godfather and
prospective uncle, Roddy.
[laughter]
Well, you couldn't
expect much else.
You've got charming
godfathers, my precious.
[laughter]
Time you went to
bed, my darling.
Come along.
Good night, Rupert.
Sleep well.
Good night, old man.
Bye, Rupert.
[interposing voices]
It's been a wonderful day
and I'm a very happy woman.
- Speech.
- Yes.
Come on, mother, speech.
I couldn't.
I'm far too hiccupy.
[hiccups]
Gracious, I really am.
Come on, mother.
We'll overlook the hiccs.
I can only say how
happy I am to see you
all here over and over again.
Well said.
But I tell you what I will do.
As the lone civilian here,
I'll drink to you all
and I'll stand up to do it.
No, it's all right, Nigel.
I can stand.
To you and all those like
you who served for me and all
those like me who
couldn't, our thanks.
To those who
also served, though
they didn't have much time to
stand and wait [inaudible]..
Up, all of you.
To your mother and all mothers.
Mother.
Mother.
And all mothers.
Thank you.
Oh dear, I'm getting maudlin.
We'd better start
the washing up.
Not on your life.
Mrs. Gaye left
strict instructions
that tonight we were to stack.
[laughter]
[music playing]
[cheering]
I've got the chance of a job
when I'm demobbed of course--
aircraft radio installations.
It should be interesting, but
the pay won't be much at first.
Never mind.
You take it, Roddy.
With any luck, it should lead
to something really worthwhile.
It's what I've
always wanted to do.
I've got ideas I'd like
to put into practice.
Extraordinary business science.
Look at the trailing
feathers of his wing
when he opens them out
to get more wing area,
just the same as the
flaps on an airplane.
But the thing is, of course--
The thing is, my
darling, for you
to get demobbed as
fast as you can.
Yes.
Can't be fast enough for me.
REPORTER [ON RADIO]: This is
the BBC Home Recorded Programs.
Come on.
I'll race you down to the sea.
Hey, that's cheating.
REPORTER [ON RADIO]:
Read By Joseph MacLeod.
Scientists, British
and American,
have made the
atomic bomb at last.
The first one was dropped on
a Japanese city this morning.
The target for the first atomic
bomb was the city of Hiroshima.
After the bomb landed, airmen
reported that Hiroshima
was completely hidden
by an impenetrable cloud
of smoke and dust.
[music playing]
You're better at this than
handling that [inaudible]..
But you're such a
wonderful partner, Mrs. G.
Oh, don't mention
it, Commander R.
[music - "hokey pokey"]
ALL: [SINGING] And that's
what it's all about!
[clapping]
I can hardly believe yet
that there'll be no more
bombing, no more fire watching.
They've become
part of our lives.
Benjie's sailing in 10 days.
That pipe will become
quite unsmokable.
Martha, will you marry me?
Yes, Geoffrey.
You see, I'm not
unique after all.
Oh, yes you are, but
in a different way.
Oh, Martha, I was as
nervous as a schoolboy.
You really do love me?
I really do.
I can't think why.
For a whole host of reasons.
Your shoulder's
the right height,
and then think of Mrs. Gaye.
Any man who can do what
you did must be phenomenal.
Don't laugh at me, Martha.
I shall always laugh
at you, my darling,
but in the nicest possible way.
We must go back.
Helen can't go out until I'm
there to look after the baby.
Oh, hang Helen's baby.
It's a very good baby.
We'll hardly know it's there.
[baby crying]
No, no, no.
Look, can't you stop
it, or has it to run down?
Shh.
Is that better?
Yes, much.
Now, where was I?
Your house.
Thank goodness it
wasn't blitzed.
Well, it's only a small house
with four rooms, a kitchen, and
just a little garden, you know?
That's perfect.
Just right for the two of us.
Oh, Geoffrey, I
can't tell you how
I'm looking forward to
settling down in our own house,
and in blessed peace.
The children will be gone.
I was dreading the
idea of that once,
but now I'm suddenly
sick of being
everybody's unpaid
messenger boy, housekeeper,
nanny, all rolled into one.
I'm going to be a wife.
[bell ringing]
1946.
Happy new year, darling.
And to you, my love.
Here's peace and prosperity.
Pray heavens, no more queues.
[music playing]
Pretend I don't
know and you tell me.
It's fish.
Mm-hmm.
There you are.
What is it?
Milk.
Goat's milk.
Wherever did you get it?
From the usual place
with the utmost difficulty.
Look.
Darling, do you mean it's--
but the cure may be
worse than the complaint.
I don't know
anything about goats.
Never mind.
I'm learning.
It's queer a bit.
It's not bad.
I think I rather like it.
Anyway, it's milk and
we'll be able to have
your favorite pudding.
Well, I better get a bath.
Goats have a--
distinctive smell.
[sighs]
HARRIET: Martha!
In here.
Hello.
Oh, whenever I come
here I envy, you
working in this delightful
little kitchen I mean.
Just at this
minute, I'd willingly
swap with your service flat.
Whatever's the
matter with that?
It hasn't been
cooked long enough.
Exactly.
And why hasn't it been
cooked long enough?
Because the electricity
has been cut off.
Oh, honestly, dear, have
a bit of common sense.
Why try and bake at the time
that they cut the current
off if it is going to be cut?
Why indeed.
Bad luck, old girl.
Still, from my point
of view, I seem
to have come at the right time.
That is precisely
the sort of thing
that we of the Militant
Housewives League
are fighting to prevent here.
Pamphlet.
Read this.
[martha laughs]
It's no laughing matter.
It's serious and we
want your support.
Oh, Harriet, dear,
it's all so silly.
Nobody's rationing
us on purpose.
We are not so sure about that.
But whatever the reason, the
housewife's lot is unbearable,
and unless we unite--
Please stop calling
me a housewife.
It's an ugly word to say, it
looks horrible written down,
and it's fundamentally untrue.
At least if other women are
wedded to their work, I'm not.
Now you're quibbling.
You won't come in with us,
but you'll be glad enough
to accept the
advantages which you
haven't the guts to fight for.
Black leg, that's what you are.
[laughter]
Look at your sister.
Oh, good gracious.
[laughter]
Boy, Harriet.
You mean poor
militant housewives.
This is from Lolly, darling.
Roddy is very
pleased with his job.
He has high hopes
of promotion, which
would mean working on the
new jet-propelled Mascot 3
and going with her on her
test flight to Australia.
Well done, Roddy.
If so, I should be a grass
widow for about three weeks.
Could I come and stay
with you while he's away?
Well, write and tell
her we'd love to have her.
I mustn't miss the 8:30.
You must run, darling.
Goodbye.
Bye, bye.
[music playing]
You look like an
advertisement for good health.
A good investment.
I don't feel in the least
conspicuous now, or if I do,
I don't care.
One of these days we'll have
that car we used to talk about.
And the house.
The house first I hope.
As long as I've
got you and Rupert
and a roof over our heads--
And wheels under our feet.
Yes.
I'm satisfied.
There's more chance than
ever that they'll transfer
me to the London branch now.
Oh, darling, I do hope so.
It'll be nice to be near
mother and Geoffrey.
We mustn't forget to
send a wire to Roddy
to wish him luck tomorrow.
No.
I bet he's excited.
Oh, look.
Hey!
I thought that might happen.
Bad lad.
Come along.
There.
Never mind.
I've got some more
clothes in the basket.
Good.
Tea, darling?
I'm dying for it.
This is thirsty work.
Good for the figure, dear.
Mine will need a
bigger garden than this.
Anyway, we'll have our
own vegetables this year.
Oh, thanks.
This is a really royal Easter.
The King and Princess go racing.
Oh, listen to this.
Thousands left behind in
biggest holiday rush since 1939.
I expect there were crowds
to see Roddy's plane take off.
Lolly should be
here at any moment.
I'm glad we are spending
our holidays at home.
I wonder how Nigel
and Helen managed.
Don't know that it
was wise of them
to take Rupert in a sidecar
in all that traffic.
Darling.
I'll go down there,
Martha, straight away.
- I'll come with you.
- No.
No, darling, because Lolly
may be on her way here.
Yes, of course.
How is she?
All she said was he wouldn't
marry her during the war.
Oh, Geoffrey.
[music playing]
This is the one
I'm interested in.
Yes, madam.
Do you mind very much if I
leave a bit earlier tonight?
I've never asked you before,
but tonight's a special occasion
in our family.
You see, my brother, he's coming
home on leave from the Navy
and we haven't seen
him for two years.
Oh, well, I expect
that to be all right.
Oh, thank you so much.
Hello?
Oh, yes, madam, speaking.
I don't ever
remember seeing Lolly
McIntyre looking so happy.
[music playing]
He isn't here?
No, you're the first.
Lolly isn't back yet.
Oh, darling, you
have been hurrying.
Well, I didn't want
Benjie to arrive before me.
I'll see to the drinks.
Yes, I must go
back to the dinner.
Do you know they've put
up your Danish blue cheese
from two points to six?
He is proper excited.
I hope he arrives
before my bus goes.
I think everything's ready.
We don't want it spoiling.
Mrs. Radcliffe says
these might help.
Oh, good.
Thank you, Mrs. G.
I'm sort of excited myself
at the thought of seeing
the young lieutenant again.
He reminds me of
when my sister's
son came home for her funeral.
We were that excited at
the thought of seeing him.
You can't beat a family
reunion now and then.
How right you are, Mrs. G.
Well, tonight you'll
be like old times.
Hey, only seems like yesterday
when I first met you.
Do you remember?
With your uniform and all that
gold braid and them medals?
Well, it doesn't seem
like yesterday to me.
To be exact, it's
just four years ago.
My words.
Four years.
Fancy that.
Hello, ugly.
How are you?
Hello!
You're bigger and
stronger than ever.
Oh, darling.
How lovely to see you again.
Oh, my hair!
Wait a minute.
Let me have a look at you.
Certainly not.
Out of my way.
I bought you a present.
- Darling, what?
Aha!
Oh, rice.
Lolly, look.
Geoffrey, where are you?
Look, Mrs. Gaye, real rice.
How are you, Mrs. G?
Oh, nicely.
Thanks, Lieutenant
D. [inaudible]
just let [inaudible]
and have a look.
This [inaudible]
entirely in your honor.
I was searching for my
one unfrayed collar.
How are you?
Indecently healthy.
Thank you, sir.
Look, Geoffrey.
We'll be able to have
a rice pudding at last.
I can scarcely believe it.
You're very welcome.
Mother, if you go
on staring at me,
I shall make some disgusting
noises with my soup.
What's the matter about,
dribbling or something?
No, of course not.
Was I staring?
I'm sorry.
Somehow it's difficult to
believe that you're no longer
my rather grubby little boy.
Oh, is that all?
Don't be too optimistic, though.
I'm all spruced up
for the occasion.
I should jolly well think so.
You don't expect the Navy to
let the tone of the party down.
[laughter]
It's extraordinary how
pleasant it is to be home.
It's hardly polite, is it?
Hello, who's here?
Well, it's Helen and Nigel.
Hooray!
MARTHA: Oh, how lovely.
Hello, Geoffrey.
Hello.
Into the gatecrashers.
Darling, where on
earth [inaudible]
Home.
Hello, Lolly.
What do you think's happened?
I've been transferred.
To London.
Hello, Benji.
How nice to see you.
I see how he's grown.
I hope it's all right, mother.
We brought our rations.
We meant to let you
know and come tomorrow,
but I suddenly remembered
Benjie returns tonight.
So we threw our things into
a bag, flew for the train--
And caught it by
the skin of our teeth.
I'm very glad you're here.
- I start my new job on Monday.
- Well done.
Got to find a flat or
something before then.
Well, it's quite all right,
or will be in a minute.
This makes it quite perfect.
I'm delighted to see you both.
I'm dying to hear
about your transfer,
but just let me know
about that later.
Right.
Mother, darling, may I
go and take off my mat?
MARTHA: Yes, darling, of course.
I expect the young
fella's a bit tired.
He had a very [inaudible]
[inaudible] in the
other room, all right?
How old did you say?
We just have to cut
the slices a bit smaller.
That's right.
I know I'll miss that bus.
And arrange the onions in
six little groups, and then you
must go.
I'll manage the rest.
What about using some
of them short breads?
[inaudible] filling to make
it look more substantial.
That's a very good idea.
What would I do
without you, Mrs. Gaye?
Well, there they are.
Can you manage now, love?
- Yes, that's all right.
You get [inaudible].
I'm off.
Ta-ta.
Good night, and thank
you so much, Mrs. Gaye.
Everything under control?
Yes, although my
arithmetic isn't
good enough to work it out.
Where can they sleep?
Well, We've two
camp beds and--
well, we'll work it out later.
Helen's putting the
baby in the sitting
room on the [inaudible].
Martha, Martha.
There isn't enough
gin to go around.
Oh dear.
Well, look, here's half a lemon.
Put a little in
each glass and fill
the rest up with soda water.
This is going to be
a very family cocktail.
That was the reason [inaudible]
Brown went into retirement.
[laughter]
Mother, that was
a lovely trifle.
There seems to be some left.
Any offers?
Not me, thank you.
Speak now.
Exactly [inaudible].
I'll do my best.
Oh, Benjie.
There you are.
Good show.
Well, so much for
starving Britain.
I ask you, trifle with cream?
Oh, we have our
moments, although it
may only be mock cream.
And English sponge cake.
In three minutes
you must be off.
I think you'd better have your
coffee in the theater, darling.
Nigel, your
shirt's gone again.
What, here?
More [inaudible].
I'm a bit frayed
about the cuffs myself.
We're all a bit
shoddy these days.
No.
Shabby perhaps, but
not yet shoddy I hope.
You never will become shoddy.
It's all right,
darling, we won't.
It's time you're off.
Otherwise you'll
miss the first act.
Come on.
I think you and mother should
go after all your planning.
No, no, no.
We want to stay
behind with the baby.
We haven't seen him for ages.
[interposing voices]
See you now.
Enjoy yourselves.
MARTHA: They'll never
find a flat in four days.
They'll be lucky if they
find one in four months.
We'll have to manage somehow.
We've planned it all
just for the two of us.
You know how it is.
Things don't look
so good, do they?
No, they don't.
It's a muddled world these
days, but at least this time
we're not shutting
our eyes to things.
We are facing them.
And on the whole
with all our faults,
we haven't done so badly.
We still believe in
freedom of action.
Freedom of thought.
Quite remarkable,
freedom of speech.
That's your heritage, young man.
Please God, it always will be.
You're very nice, darling.
I married into a
very nice family.
It's a good
thing you think so.
You know, I was just thinking.
Apart from Roddy, here we are
with a house full of family
again, back where we started.
Not quite.
No, not quite.
[music playing]
That's life, that is.
[roaring]