Beau Brummell (1954) - full transcript

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[bugle call]

Uh, the gentlemen have been
assaulting those lemons

for the past hour,
will it be over soon?

The exercise will be completed
shortly, Your Royal Highness.

I'm absolutely famished.

I've had nothing all day
except for partridge

and some miserable scones.

[bugle call]



[horse galloping]

[bugle call]

[male #1]
General salute.

Draw swords!

[marching band music]

With my humble duty, sir,
the parade is present and ready

for Your Royal Highness'
inspection.

[marching band music]

Who is this gentleman?

[male #1]
Captain George Brummell, sir.

Oh, yes. Splendid go
with the saber, Captain.

I can't say I approve of your
form, uh, really awkward.

Can't be helped, sir.
The epaulets rather get in the way.

You don't approve of them?



Oh, they're much too broad, sir.

Narrower epaulets
would be more convenient.

Better style too, sir.

[Prince] Have you any other criticism
to level with the uniform?

It's a bit ornate
for my taste, sir.

- Ornate?
- Fussy, sir.

Simplicity should be the keynote
of a soldier.

Don't you think so, sir?

Are you aware who designed
the uniform for this regiment?

- Yes, sir.
- Who?

You, sir.

You're impertinent, sir!
Get off parade!

Beau.

I want a word with you.

Come in here.

- Are you out of your mind, Beau?
- He asked my opinion.

You're under arrest
and confined to your quarters

until His Royal Highness
gets around to you.

It may take some time
the way our fat friend moves.

His Royal Highness' size
is a very touchy subject, Beau.

We're required to wear
ridiculously large epaulets

just because they have
a slimming effect on him.

It'd be much more reasonable

and healthier if he would remove
a bit of the blubber.

The Prince of Wales
doesn't have to be reasonable.

Precisely what's wrong
with the system.

- A brilliant criticism, Midger.
- I didn't criticize anything, Beau.

I'm satisfied with things
the way they are.

Yes, and one day
you'll be a full Colonel.

Is that all you want
out of life?

Well, what else is there
for men like us?

Everything, Midger.
All heaven and earth.

A perfect grape, a perfect chair.
Dizzy success and dizzy failure.

And the zest of not knowing
what's going to happen next.

And when it's
all over, looking back

on a perfectly
smashing achievement.

Or a perfectly
smashing smash up.

I'd rather have
a colonel's pension.

- Well, my wife would anyway.
- Then leave her, Midger.

Desert her
and her three children.

Abscond with
the family bank account.

- Mortimer?
- sir?

The boots are a bit cloudy.

Buff them with champagne
before I go out tonight.

I'm going to pop
into town for a bit.

There's a lady I know has
a remarkable talent

for reducing the size
of a man's troubles.

Don't glower at me like that.
No one will miss me.

They'll be at
the regimental dinner.

I was ordered to keep an eye
on you and I intend to do it.

They're saying
out at the back, sir

that you pulled
His Royal Highness' nose.

On the contrary,
he pulled mine.

Oh, hope it won't mean
a court-martial, sir.

Oh, I hope not too. After all
such as it is, it's home.

Thank you, sir.

Well, since we're dining in,
let's settle the menu.

Uh, two dozen oysters,
pint of champagne, the '87.

Royal turtle soup. No, on
second thoughts, nothing royal.

Onion soup and very dry sherry.

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[inaudible]

Lord Edwin is
a very charming man.

Quite the most charming.

- Will you marry him?
- I expect so.

I don't know really.

I only know that the thought
of not marrying Edwin

has never really
entered my head.

Don't let it, my dear.

Marriage is the only future
for a woman.

As a woman with no future,
I can speak with some authority.

[music continues]

[all cheering]

Oh, pray be seated.

Your Royal Highness
has a marked musical talent.

Well, I put a little spirit
into it, didn't I?

- Mmm, Edwin.
- Captain Brummell is here, sir.

Oh, is he?

Mrs. Fitzherbert
has got a very kind heart.

She suggested that justice
would be done

if I were to give
Captain Brummell a spanking

and send him up
to bed without supper.

Fetch him in.
We'll see the fellow crawl.

I have the impression, Prinny,

that he's not
the sort that crawls readily.

He's proud and stiff
as sealing wax.

In that case, we shall apply
some heat to the sealing wax

and watch it melt.

Do you know I can do that
without the cracker?

Have you seen this?

- Your hands are very strong.
- Yes, they always have been.

At the age of seven

I got my brother, Freddie,
by the hair, Duke of York, you know

and it took four footmen
to force me to let go.

Four of them.

With Your Royal Highness'
permission, Captain Brummell.

Oh, yes. Oh, my dear,
may I present Captain Brummell?

- Mrs. Fitzherbert.
- Humble servant, Madam.

And Lady Patricia Belham.

The Captain and I
have already met informally.

I appreciate your gift.

I shall keep them
as a souvenir of my visit.

I only wish they could have been
ropes of pearls, Lady Patricia.

I'm beginning to understand

why the army is
irresistible, Captain.

Then, perhaps you'll
allow me. May I?

You shouldn't wear earrings.

Never embellish
what is already perfect.

Upon my honor!

Captain Brummell,
you've taken a liberty

with His Royal Highness' guest.

Edwin, I consider the Captain
paid me a very pretty compliment.

Well, if it was a compliment,
it was a reckless one.

Perhaps recklessness is not
undesirable in a soldier, sir.

They tell me that you're quite a
good soldier, Captain Brummell.

They tell me moreover that you
don't take kindly to discipline,

that you're a gambler,
and that you drink too much.

What is too much for one might not
be considered too much for another, sir.

[Prince]
Don't interrupt me.

All in all, you're a bit of
a non-conformist.

Tell me, Captain, what do you hope to
gain by knocking society about?

In my idea, sir,
society is very imperfect.

There's a great deal
I'd like to change.

[Prince]
Revolutionary.

Ah, it's the age
of revolution, sir.

In America, in France.
It's in the air.

You're about to get a breath
of that air, Captain Brummell.

I believe the regiment is moving
out for duty on the continent.

Yes, sir, tonight.
The fall in is at midnight, sir.

Oh, in that case,
we won't detain you, Captain.

You've been very gracious, sir.

Oh, one moment, Captain.

I'm disposed to overlook
the presumption this afternoon.

And I'm sure that now
that you've thought it over

you've changed
your opinion of my uniform.

I haven't, sir.

But since Your Royal Highness
has indicated a desire

to forget the matter
I shall be glad to do the same.

You'll forget it?

Dear me, sirrah,
you're an impudent pup!

I suggest an instant apology,
Captain.

An apology is offered
to one you have affronted.

Seems to me that
I have been affronted.

However, I do not wish
to make a point of it.

Have I Your Royal Highness'
permission to withdraw?

I have some packing
to do before fall in.

You can ignore
the fall in, Captain.

Am I to understand, sir,
that I am not to serve abroad?

You're not to serve
anywhere, sir!

I won't have you
in my regiment!

Get out!

I have the honor to wish
Your Royal Highness goodnight.

Mrs. Fitzherbert,
I am the humble servant

of your grace and charm.

Lady Patricia,
I'm deeply grateful

for your understanding
and forbearance.

And to you, sir, my respects.

You could still go
with them if you wished.

All you have to do is apologize.

Well, you're very kind,
but it's not that simple.

I'm very curious.

What makes a man deliberately
throw away a promising career?

I assure you that
the size of a button

or the length of an epaulet
doesn't mean that much to me.

My self-respect does, however.

Couldn't you bend just a little?

Write the prince a nice note
and say you were wrong?

I'm sure he'd restore
your commission.

I never acquired a taste
for boot licking.

- But he's the Prince of Wales.
- And I'm a nobody.

That isn't what
I was going to say.

No, of course not,
you're far too well-bred,

but you thought it
and you're quite right.

My grandfather was a valet.

My father was secretary
to a nobleman.

I'm an obscure army captain.
Captain nobody.

When you're a nobody you have to
be very careful of your dignity,

others aren't.
You wouldn't understand this

because your dignity has always
been taken for granted.

You have money, title, position

and these are
very dignified things.

Even when they are inherited.

You're bitter
because you feel inferior.

But does it really make you
less inferior to be rude?

I expect it does. A bit.

I'm sorry, I thought perhaps
I could help.

- Goodnight, Captain.
- Just a moment.

I'm curious too.

Did that make you feel
any less inferior?

You've no idea
what it made me feel.

It won't be permanent, Captain.

Hey, you'd better trot.
Roll call will be in a minute.

It wasn't my intention
to answer it, sir.

If you will request that I be
included in your discharge, sir?

I'm touched, Mortimer.
Very touched.

But it won't do.

I've no money, no position,
no prospects.

Prospects, sir?

Do you remember what
my prospects were, sir?

Five years ago when I started
butlering for you?

You were a miserable
barge rat, weren't you?

[indistinct]
if I wasn't, sir.

A blinking, stinking lump
of cannon fodder

that couldn't even string
two words together correct-like.

You made me what I am, sir.
A gentleman's gentleman.

Without you I'll, I'll be
a fallen star.

Very poetic.

Well, take just
one thing, sir.

The ladies.

Before it was strictly
a question of pot luck for me.

And now I'm quite sought after.
In me own sphere that is, sir.

Well, you wouldn't ask me to turn me
back on all that would you, sir?

No, I couldn't do that, could I?

Thank you, sir.

Tea at the usual hour
in the morning, sir?

Under the circumstances,
a bit later, Mortimer.

Very good, sir.

[male #2 in distance]
Forward march.

[hooves clattering]

I feel more than a
professional obligation, George.

Your father, bless his soul,
was one of the closest friends.

A pity you squandered the
little inheritance he left you.

Something will have to be done.

Two possibilities
occurred to me.

One, marry into a financially
desirable marriage.

Mm-hmm. What's the other one?

Work. I spoke
to a Mr. Cleagle at my bank.

It's very decent of you, sir,
but I don't propose to grub away

the rest of my life in a bank
counting other people's money.

There is a saying to the effect
that beggars can't be choosers.

Take a good look at this beggar,
Mr. Thurlow.

Thanks to my father's sacrifices
I have an excellent education.

[Thurlow]
Which equipped you to do nothing.

I have a good mind,
good taste, good health.

I do not pretend to have a
perfect character but there are

many in high places with much
fewer claims to perfection.

You unfortunately
are not in a high place.

I do not propose to allow an
accident of birth to keep me out of one.

I do not propose
to accept obscurity.

I don't know what you propose,
George, but it may be some time

before the world recognizes
your superiority.

There are other worlds,
Mr. Thurlow.

The Colonies, France, America.
Worlds of opportunity.

Where a man can go as far
as his abilities will take him

and no questions asked
about his father.

I promise you it will be
a good investment.

I'll pay you back tenfold.

Pay me back? For what?

The passage money.
Surely you will lend it to me.

Surely, I won't.

You're a rash adventurer,
George.

I've given you good advice.

If you won't take it,
there's no more I can do.

Good day.

What're we going to do, sir?

Well, let's get out
under the open sky.

It's easier to see things
in proportion.

What're your views
on a wealthy wife, Mortimer?

- Favorable, sir.
- Not very exciting.

But comfortable, sir.

[male #3]
In the present crisis

no one can shirk
the clear call of duty.

For a number of years,
I have represented the people

of this borough in parliament.

Sidley.

Sir Ralph Sidley, sir.
A great politician.

His Royal Highness,
the Prince of Wales

has done me the honor
of personally demanding

a further sacrifice of me.

I am honored to know
that my views coincide

with those of so illustrious
a gentleman.

- The first gentleman of Europe.
- Question.

Yes?

Your words leave me
in some doubt.

You represent the people of this
borough or the Prince of Wales?

I see no distinction, sir.
The prince is a great liberal.

He's certainly liberal
with himself.

- He lives extremely well.
- [laughter]

And he must, sir.
He is the symbol of this nation.

Is the prince's racing stable
part of that symbol?

Apparently, you're not
a sporty gentleman, sir.

Do you disapprove
of horses, sir?

No, I just disapprove
of them losing so frequently.

[laughter]

He also spends more than
5,000 pounds a year on uniforms

although he's not
a very active soldier.

- [laughter]
- What I really object to

is the way the prince
fits his high office.

He makes no effort to lead

and every day our prestige
gets lower and lower.

[crowd clamoring]

Frenchmen insult us,
our colonies desert us,

and our future king
does nothing.

[crowd cheering and applauding]

The candidate
seems to be retiring.

Let us hope he continues to do
so when the votes are counted.

[laughter]

[male #4]
Excuse me, sir.

I wonder if I might have a few
of your observations

for the London Chronicle.

Certainly. My name
is George Bryan Brummell.

And it is my opinion that if the
prince is the first gentleman

of Europe, then Europe
had better mind its manners.

If you'd care
to reiterate it, sir

there is to be a meeting tomorrow
night in Green Grocer's Hall.

Excuse me, sir, but I think you have
an appointment tomorrow night.

Then cancel it, Mortimer.
We must not neglect our civic duties.

[crowd clamoring]

What kind of example
has our prince offered?

A foolish, arbitrary,
extravagant, outlandish one.

- Aye, them's true words.
- Praise on you, mister.

Our prince is said to have the
most beautifully powdered hair

in Europe and all society
copies him slavishly.

[laughter]

Even the army is required
to powder,

250,000 soldiers each using
one pound of flour a week for powder

will use 6,000 tons
of flour in a year.

Enough to make
three million loaves of bread.

Enough to keep 50,000 families
in food for a year.

[crowd clamoring]

No, no, Mr. Pitt. Upon my honor,
you demand too much.

I will not go to Germany.

I will not embrace
this tuppenny princess

nor will I ever consent
to be mated like a prized bull.

I'm sorry Your Royal Highness

regards the matter
with such vileness.

Oh, how would you wish me
to regard it, Mr. Pitt?

As a matter pertaining
to the royal succession.

As a solemn duty which Your
Royal Highness cannot ignore.

Mr. Pitt, Dr. Warren,
these leeches are going to it

like cannibals, it's sheer
agony. You sure it will help?

It will certainly reduce
the capillary tension, sir,

and increase the circulation.
And that will reduce the fat.

Oh, the tortures I endure
just so that my coat will fit.

Get the little beasts off me.

Going to Germany could be

a pleasant experience,
Your Royal Highness.

I understand
Princess Caroline is attractive.

Edwin, you're my political advisor.
Confine yourself to that.

I am, of course, aware
of the unfortunate circumstances

which have formed
your attitude, sir.

Oh, there's no need
for obscurity, Mr. Pitt.

You're referring to
Mrs. Fitzherbert, are you not?

Your friendship has become notorious.
It be should be terminated.

Mr. Pitt,
you are Prime Minister.

You're not custodian of my
morals or of my affections.

I am presenting the opinions
of your royal father, sir.

Oh, really? I'm not aware that
His Majesty's mind was capable

of forming an opinion,
although I can't be sure.

Your Royal Highness should
prepare for what impends.

By giving up the one I love?

By making a proper marriage
and furnishing an heir.

It would do a great deal to
answer criticism.

Listen to this, sir.

"If the Prince of Wales is the
first gentleman of Europe

then Europe had better
mind its manners."

That's Captain Brummell, sir.
I threw him out of my regiment

and now he goes about
slandering me at street corners.

Have you summoned him, Edwin?

[Edwin]
Mr. Brummell will be here directly, sir.

Mm, he's a bunder, sir and an
upstart, but I'll deal with him.

Upon my honor, I will.

Brummell is only a symptom, sir.

There is widespread disapproval
of the way Your Royal Highness lives.

That's why parliament refuses
to increase your income.

If you were willing
to arrange a marriage

it would help us rally
Europe against Napoleon.

Then, sir, I could get
any sum you require.

Is there no end to sacrifices
my country demands of me?

I'm absolutely cornered
like a fox.

I'll never hunt again.
Upon my honor, I won't.

Sir, with Your Royal Highness'
permission, Mr. Brummell is here.

Is he indeed?
Send him in by all means.

Mr. Brummell.

Your Royal Highness.

Mr. Pitt, this
is Captain Brummell.

Uh, Mr. Brummell now, sir.

I understand, Mr. Brummell,
you've abandoned the military

in favor of politics.

Yes, that's what we're
about to discuss

if you gentlemen will excuse us.

As are your orders.

Well, Mr. Brummell, so you've
joined the pack of dogs

that yap at my heels, have you?

I trust you find yourself
in congenial company.

Your Royal Highness' interest
leads me to think

that I stand out from the pack.

No, I find one hound
very much like another.

You believe that by abusing me

you might force me
to restore your commission?

That remote possibility
never occurred to me, sir.

Oh, well, has it occurred to you that
I might have you arrested for sedition

and thrown into the tower?

Great many people
might not think

that telling the truth
constitutes sedition.

[clangs]

Damn it, sir, I am tempted to
employ a more direct approach.

Thrash you here and now.

I, I'm sure Your Royal Highness
would not get a great deal

of satisfaction
in striking a man

who is prevented by etiquette
from striking back.

It's a devilish pity that you
don't show as much consideration

when my back is turned.

As an Englishman, I would hesitate
to raise my hand against my prince.

But also as an Englishman,
I have the right of free speech.

Dear me, if I don't envy you,
Mr. Brummell.

You can do, say what you like.

I have to do exactly
as I'm told.

You are the Prince of Wales, sir.

The future sovereign.

You should tell others
what to do.

You've given no evidence
of recognizing my authority.

I cannot follow a leadership
I do not respect, sir.

Leadership? But I'm a prisoner,
a captive.

I can't even love
the woman I want.

On Friday I have to go
to Germany to declare

my undying devotion for a bloat
of a woman I've never even met.

Yes, that should make
you very happy, Mr. Brummell.

Your Royal Highness
is mistaken if you think that

your unhappiness
would make me happy.

Actually, I sympathize, sir.

If you go to Germany, you'll miss
the Newmarket races on Saturday,

and I believe Your Royal Highness
has horse a running.

Mr. Brummell, a prince is not
supposed to have any pleasure.

You'll also miss your
birthday ball. That's a shame.

You'll disappoint
an enchanting lady.

Damn it, sir, are you
trying to torment me?

Yes.

If I can arouse
the man in you, sir

perhaps I can also arouse
the prince

to the man across the Channel.

- Bonaparte?
- Yes.

If he had lived by your
doctrine, he would still be

an obscure leftenant
of artillery.

Upon my honor, you're right.
Damn if you're not.

Mr. Brummell, we must
talk further.

Come with me.

A-a-h.
Cold as an Eskimo's bottom.

Cold as a penguin's
tail feathers.

Cold as, uh...

If you make any reference to
Lady Clair, you're a cad, sir.

[chuckles]
You're a mind reader, Mr. Brummell.

And a bit of a puzzle
into the bargain.

You go about abusing me,
tearing me to bits and yet today

you've been most understanding.

Your position is a very
difficult one, sir.

Yes. Do you know, Mr. Brummell
that my own father hates me.

When I was a boy, every hour
of the day was mapped out for me.

Tutors like drill sergeants.

Bishops lecturing me on morals
and duties three times a day.

My allowance, half a crown,
a month.

When I came of age, I moved out.

And from that day
the king has hated me.

He hates the idea
that one day I shall be king.

That day may not be so very
far off, Mr. Brummell.

There is a persistent rumor that
my father is out of his mind.

All the more reason to refuse
to be ordered about, sir.

No way, Mr. Brummell, Parliament
controls the purse strings.

Mr. Pitt controls Parliament.
It is intolerable, sir.

Very degrading, sir.

I can't appeal to His Majesty.

No one's allowed to see him,
not even me.

They're trying to keep his
condition a secret.

Demand to see him.

Devilish little good
that will do.

It would be
most natural, sir.

A dutiful son's
desire to see his father.

I'm sure people
would sympathize.

I think Mr. Pitt might prefer
to loosen the purse strings

rather than have such
a demand made public.

Mr. Brummell, you fascinate me.

When are you going
to Germany, sir?

Well, you know, Mr. Brummell,
I don't think it's going to be

convenient for me
to go to Germany.

No, no, I have a horse running
at Newmarket on Saturday.

[laughing]

[cheering]

Give him the whip, Sam.

What a perfectly magnificent
go, lead all the way.

He had to after the way
Mr. Brummell spoke to him.

Oh, what a deucedly fine day it is,
George. You brought me luck.

And I have won 400 pounds
on your horse, sir.

He's a financial wizard.

You know, he even found a way
for Pitt to increase my income.

Mr. Pitt must be
quite impressed.

You must be careful,
Mr. Brummell.

Why, I think we ought
to go over to see Sam Chifney.

Thank you very much,
congratulate him on his ride.

Care to stroll over
to the rubbing house, my dear?

I wouldn't dream of inhibiting
the gentlemen's conversation.

I'll sit here and sun myself.

- Oh, Rafael, an orange for madam.
- Yes, sir.

- A very fine race, Your Highness.
- Oh, thank you very much.

[indistinct chatter]

Well, that was a smashing win,
was it not?

Escape had the wings
of one of your poems.

- But paid much better I fear.
- [laughs]

Oh, George, George, Mr. Brummell,
this is Lord Byron.

Brummell, that name is familiar.

Oh, yes, he's been attacking me
shamefully in the newspapers.

It's a very bad habit
that he has now got out of.

Just as I've got
out of powdering my hair.

Powdering is one of society's
more ridiculous affectations.

His Royal Highness expressed
himself most aptly

on that subject only the other day.
How was it you put it, sir?

I did? I don't recollect.

I think, sir, it was your opinion that
a gentleman's only affectations

should be a complete lack
of affectation.

- Did I say...oh, yes.
- Excellent, sir.

Congratulations on the victory,
Your Royal Highness.

This is a memorable occasion.

Yes, I wouldn't have missed
it for the world, Mr. Pitt.

Splendid run, sir.

Mr. Brummell.
Very exciting day.

I'm glad the prince
could afford to be here.

It's a bad time
of year for Germany?

I'd be rather cautious
about advising a prince.

Can be very damaging.

Very good of you
to warn me, sir.

I hear that the next race
would be a very close thing.

It was nice seeing you.

Delighted to see you again,
Lady Patricia.

Good afternoon, Mr. Brummell.

I'm also delighted to see that
you're not wearing earrings anymore.

The wind gives your ears
all the color they need.

It's amazing how quickly
one can change color.

Apparently you thought better
of apologizing to the prince.

Ah, no apology was involved
on either side.

But I'd like the opportunity of
apologizing to you for our last meeting.

May I call on you one day?

That won't be necessary.

Ah, charmed, Lady Patricia.
George, come on.

- We'll be with you in a moment.
- Yes, darling.

[sizzling]

- Beautiful.
- Like a piece of sculpture, sir.

If you'll excuse me, sir,

Mr. Silva's here
with another harp.

- He wants to talk...
- Not at the moment, Mortimer.

- Well, what do you think of it?
- It's exactly like your sketch, sir.

- Exactly.
- Mr. Silva wants his money, sir.

I tried to brush him, sir,
but he wouldn't brush.

I detect a slight imperfection
in the right shoulder.

I don't see anything, sir.

A slight bump
in the seam, Father.

Oh, we'll correct
that in a jiffy.

Now, you take two jiffies.

Haste is the enemy
of perfection.

Looks like a Chinese opium den.

Have you ever been in a Chinese
opium den, Mr. Silva?

- Come to think of it, I haven't.
- Well, perhaps, you should patronize one.

It might lend wings to your
rather mundane taste.

Mr. Silva, I distinctly asked
for a Baldore harp.

[strums harp]
Listen to it.

Do you think His Royal Highness
can play on that?

His Royal Highness?

I expected to bring the prince back
here tonight after his birthday ball

but it's quite
impossible now, quite.

But I can change the harp
within the hour, Mr. Brummell.

You already had considerably more
than an hour to find the right instrument.

I promise you,
I'll get it for you.

Step lively now! Didn't you hear
what Mr. Brummell said?

- That has to be got out of here.
- Oh, Mr. Silva.

Mortimer tells me that
you wanted to talk to me.

Oh, it wasn't important.
It can wait.

It's just the matter
of the account, Mr. Brummell.

Oh, send it in, Mr. Silva. Send it in
and I'll pay it at the end of the year

when I settle all my accounts.

Very good, sir.
Very good.

It's rather a nice tone.

End of the year, sir?

That's going to be a reckonin',
isn't it?

[laughs]

We all of us have to face the great
reckoning sometime, Mortimer.

The secret of life
is to postpone it

as long as possible.

[orchestral music]

Mr. George Bryan Brummell.

Upon my honor.

- Your Royal Highness.
- Good evening, George.

Good evening, Madam.
I'm delighted to see you here.

My Lords.

- Mr. Pitt.
- Mr. Brummell.

Lady Patricia, you continue
to ornament your sex.

With Your Royal Highness'
permission, I will withhold

my congratulations
on your birthday

since I feel that
the congratulations should

go to the nation.

To you, sir, I offer
this miniscule token

of my respect and affection.

Oh, that's good of you, George.
It's very, very good of you.

Oh, it's beautiful.

[chiming "Jolly Good Fellow"]

I've been called great many
things in my life, George.

But never a jolly good fellow.

You're a jolly good fellow too,
damn me if you're not.

- The mixture is my own, sir.
- Oh.

It's excellent!

It's a devilish fine idea
of yours, George.

Those pantaloons, it's just the
thing for these drafty rooms.

My tailor will be delighted
that you approve, sir.

He had certain misgivings.

Chimney pipe trousers
he called them.

[laughs]

Now, let's all have an
absolutely splendid time.

It's my birthday, you know.

- Care to dance, Maria, my love?
- I'd adore it, Prinny darling.

You will forgive us, Mr. Pitt.

I confess to a degree of surprise
that Mr. Pitt is in attendance.

I fully expected him to be ill.

He's not ready to risk
a breach with me.

He chose the lesser
of two evils.

He said good evening to me.

Soon, it will be good evening,
Your Royal Highness.

Until then I'll tolerate
no disrespect towards you.

You cannot command people's
thoughts, my dear.

With Your Lordship's permission

will you honor me,
Lady Patricia?

I'm afraid I can't,
Mr. Brummell.

Oh, I'll defer
to Mr. Brummell this time.

I'm sure he dances
much better than I.

I don't know, but I dance much
better than most people.

- Milord, Byron.
- Good evening, Mr. Brummell.

Mr. Brummell is an
extraordinary man.

I'm sure Mr. Brummell
shares that opinion.

Obviously you don't.

I never form an opinion without
all the evidence before me.

History will attend to that.

The bold currents
that produce a Beau Brummell

are flowing through the vitals
of this country.

A whole new era is dawning.

An era of power looms
and iron works.

A smoke-stained,
industrious, robust era.

An era of chimney pipe trousers.

I'm delighted to see that you're
wearing earrings tonight, Lady Patricia.

Oh, really?

At Newmarket, you were equally pleased
that I wasn't wearing them.

Well, that just proved that
you valued my opinion.

But tonight you knew that you'd
see me so you wore earrings

to indicate
an indifference to me.

I suspect indifference is the thing
you tolerate the least, Mr. Brummell.

You're quite right.

You could only be sure of those
who either love or hate you.

Are there those that hate you?

Oh, yes. Mr. Pitt for one.

- He seemed most gracious.
- He's an experienced hunter.

He'll put a net over me without
disturbing the rest of the game.

I imagine it will take
a fairly large net.

Of course, he'll have
Lord Mercer to help him.

Why do you think
Edwin is against you?

Many reasons, both...

personal and political.

Personal?

Yes, I've no doubt he's
aware of the situation

between you and me.

He's only aware
that you kissed me once.

Apparently, you and Edwin
have no secrets.

Not very romantic.

On the contrary.

Have tea with me tomorrow.

Please.

I'm engaged tomorrow
with Edwin.

Bring him too.

I've no doubt he'll be interested
in what I have to say to you.

I doubt that, Mr. Brummell.

I also think you've already
said enough.

[trumpet blowing]

George, they're bringing my cake
in. May I forget my diet tonight?

If you promise
to remember tomorrow.

[laughing]

[marching band music]

Happy birthday, Prinny.

Your candles are bright, sir.
They're lighting up all Europe.

I'm most grateful.

If Your Royal Highness
will make a wish,

- we'll all blow out the candles.
- By all means.

I've made my wish, George.

One, two, three.

[laughter]

The address is
17 Chesterfield Street.

[slow music]

Lovely evening.

Loveliest evening of my life.

Maria was happy tonight.
She was very happy.

You know, George

I think Maria loves me.

No, don't get up.

- No, that seat becomes you.
- Not really, sir.

My ancestors weren't
as enterprising as yours.

Well, before I met you,
I wasn't really enterprising either.

But you reminded me that I was
a man so I became a prince.

Now, that I've begun to respect
myself, there's some hope

that others will do likewise.

I'm very grateful.

Do you really like me?

Very much, sir.

You may have your
commission back, George.

You can go back to your regiment
as a major, if you wish.

That's very good of you, sir,
but I've decided

that I was not cut out
for military career.

I'm glad.
Do you know why?

'Cause if you went back to the army
it would mean that you'd have to leave me.

You're the only real friend
I've ever had.

My motives could
be selfish, sir.

I have a lot to gain
from your friendship.

Hope you do gain a great deal.

I'll see to it that you do.

Well, George

all my life I've been
surrounded by selfish people.

You've proved your honesty.

As you had everything
to lose by doing so.

You're my friend.

I hope I shall always be worthy
of that friendship, sir.

I wish I could be
assured of eternity.

Well, it's late.

We might both be better
for some sleep, sir.

Your advice is invariably sound.

Very well, run along.

- Goodnight, sir.
- Oh, goodnight, George.

George.

We'll go a long way together,
George.

[chiming "Jolly Good Fellow"]

[humming "Jolly Good Fellow"]

Which dressing gown, sir?

What color seats
do we have tonight?

- Forest green, sir.
- Well, then the russet robe.

Mr. Tupp was here tonight, sir,
directly after Mr. Silva.

He wanted me to call those
to your attention again, sir.

Bills for furniture,
silver, everything.

Oh, the total's a crusher.

I mentioned that you've been
occupied for the last few days

with His Royal Highness,
but it didn't impress him anymore.

He turned quite angry, sir.

Perhaps we should quit while
we're to the good, sir.

Are we to the good?

Well, you've been lucky at
the club and the races, sir.

There are a few things
we might sell.

You've always wanted
to go abroad, sir.

If we don't, we might wake up
one day in a debtors' prison.

Ah, that's a risk
we shall have to take.

I made rather a good thing
of being the prince's friend.

I never realized until
tonight he was my friend.

And that's a responsibility.

He needs me even more
than I need him.

[bell ringing]

Odd time for anyone
to come calling, sir.

- Is Mr. Brummell in?
- He is, milady.

[door closes]

[slow music]

I was reconciled
of spending the evening

with only a vision
of loveliness.

You're an angel of mercy,
Lady Patricia.

I'm not an angel,
Mr. Brummell.

I'm afraid I'm a rather
brash and curious woman.

And a very frank one.

I considered making
all sorts of excuses

for coming here tonight but

they all seemed
silly and obvious.

Well, let's say that you
came here to see my new house.

That would be true if I'd known
it was so beautiful.

Let me show you.

Drawing room.

It's very stylish,
but rather unpatriotic.

Well, if we had more
French drawing rooms

there might be fewer
French wars.

You seldom quarrel
with those you admire.

Seems to have worked that way
in your war with the prince.

I detect a note of disapproval.

- Yes.
- Why?

When you attacked the prince,
you were reckless and imprudent.

But you were right.

Now, you've changed your
principles as easily

as you change your waistcoat.

I admire your dexterity but

I don't approve
of your morality.

My principles are the same.

It's the prince that's changed.

Give him a chance
and he'll make

a most enlightened
and liberal king.

The music room.

I hope the prince won't
disappoint you, Mr. Brummell.

He's as capricious
as the weather vane.

Strong wind
will keep him steady.

You?

Strong wind usually ends
in a storm, in disaster.

Have you ever been to sea
in a hurricane?

It's magnificent.

The heavens open up.

The waves are like
running cliffs.

Thousand maniacs are screaming.

You have every chance
of drowning.

But if you ride it through,
you're the lord of the world.

You'll never find that mousing
around in a quiet bay.

You are a gambler, Mr. Brummell.

It's not a very
substantial career.

No, but it passes for one
if you don't have any

money or position.

I should have known better than
try to influence you.

- I tried once before.
- I'm deeply complimented.

Most women don't try to change a
man until after they're married.

Let me show you
the rest of the home.

The bedroom is there.
Would you care to see it?

- I'm not a gambler.
- [laughs]

Every breath you take
is a gamble.

The truly deluded
are those who think

there is security anywhere.

This is
my contemplation room.

In here I mull things over.

Ideas, thoughts, dreams.

I contemplate life,
human frailties...

and my own shortcomings.

You admit them?

But only in here.

You'll notice that
the room is like me

incomplete.

I use that to stir
the embers of memory.

It hurt you terribly to lose
your commission, didn't it?

I admit to a certain twinge
but only in this room.

I like this room the best.

It's complete with you in it.

Stay in it, please.

- I must go.
- Please stay.

We suit each other.

And we want each other.

Think of the story you could
tell our grandchildren.

How you came to my house
one night and never left.

I believe you mean what you say.

I would never abuse this room
with an untruth.

Nor will I.

I can't deny the feeling
that drew me here this evening.

It was not just curiosity.

And I'm not sorry that I came.

It's given me the strength
to put you

out of my thoughts and I will.

I don't want to live
in a hurricane

I want a secure, quiet bay.

I could never be happy knowing
you're heading for disaster.

I'm making no plans
for disaster.

No gambler ever does.

[music swells]

[closes closes]

- Mortimer.
- sir?

When the lady arrived, did you
take careful note of her eyes?

One could not avoid it, sir.

Quite. What color would
you say they were?

Violet, sir.
Indubitably violet.

At night, yes, but in
the day time a deep blue.

I must have
the contemplation room

done over in that exact shade.

I expect she'll be
in it a great deal.

Will she, sir?

Indeed.

I'm gonna marry her, you know.

It's a sparkling day.
It's absolutely beautiful.

Crocuses are out in cue, sir.

[giggling]
You don't say so.

♪ Sweet lass of Richmond Hill ♪

So many beautiful women about

and life's too short to get
around to them all.

Don't you find that sad, Edwin?

I find it very difficult to be
sad about anything, sir.

- My bachelor days are numbered.
- Oh, to be married?

I am, sir.
Lady Patricia Belham.

[Prince]
Oh! Lucky dog Edwin.

Congratulations, all
that kind of things.

Splendid, isn't it, uh, George?

Stop the carriage.

Dance, dance.

Darn, guv'nor,
what's the idea?

I think they'd dance better
if you showed them how.

Now, supposing you dance
for a bit.

[laughter]

Your Royal Highness is celebrated
for his love of animals.

I'd like you to accept
these little chaps.

That's very nice of you, uh, I
think they ought to have a bath.

- How much for them?
- Very dear to me they are, sir.

My bread and butter,
bless their little hearts.

You know, I seem to have
come away without my purse.

Oh, Edwin, pay for them,
will you?

I think you ought
to keep that one, George.

That's very nice of you, sir.

Droll little fellas. What
do you intend to call yours?

The way his ribs stick out, I think
Bonaparte might be a good idea, don't you?

Bonaparte?

Bone apart!
Oh! Very good.

I shall call mine Napoleon.

No, on second thoughts
it'll have to be Josephine.

My Lord, you must excuse me for
interrupting your happy news.

But I don't like to see
animals mistreated.

I understand perfectly.

We ought to celebrate
Edwin's good fortune.

Go to Brux's.
Open a bottle.

With Your Royal Highness'
permission

I'd rather not mention
it at the club.

Patricia wishes the announcement
to be made this weekend.

Oh, well, a hunt will be
an ideal opportunity.

- What are you wearing, George?
- I haven't been invited, sir.

Didn't you go through
the list that was sent me?

Oh, don't worry, sir. I've arranged
to go on a picnic with Duchess of York.

Well, I'll come with you.

That is unless Lady Patricia
revises her guest list.

I'm sure she'll be glad
to have Mr. Brummell, sir.

Ah, St. Clair.

I have a new member I wish
to propose to this club.

Mr. George Bryan Brummell.

With your gracious permission,
may I remind Your Royal Highness

of the club rule
requiring three signatories

to propose new members.

Yes, I know, I know.
Well, look here,

Lord Edwin Mercer here will sign
once and I shall sign twice.

Once as the Duke of Cornwall,
once as the Prince of Wales.

Gentlemen, if you please,
His Royal Highness.

Good morning, gentlemen.
Please go on with your playing.

St. Clair, I want a bottle
of champagne, please, the best.

It's a rather special occasion.

And I'd like some food
for these little monsters.

Now, what have you, uh,
that's really good?

The Golden Tubbard
is excellent.

Yes, well, we'll have
a couple of bowls of that, won't we?

Good day, Mr. Brummell.
Delighted to see you.

- Very good of you to say so.
- Let me present you to the members.

May I present
Mr. George Brummell.

Lord Alvanley,
you know Lord Byron,

Lord Mindon.

I don't wish to meet
Mr. Brummell.

Mr. Pitt, surely you're not serious
in wishing to put him up here?

- Oh, I'm putting him up.
- Your Royal Highness.

You seem to object
to Mr. Brummell, milord?

I meant no offence to you, sir.

But surely Your Royal Highness
is aware that Mr. Brummell's

grandfather was a valet.

He was a very good valet.

I doubt if your grandfather
was as usefully employed

Lord Mindon.

The presence of
His Royal Highness

prevents my demanding
satisfaction from you now, sir.

I hope you don't intend
to challenge me, milord.

I detest giving up so early
in the morning.

Sir, the food for
Your Royal Highness' dog.

Oh, yes, put it
down there, will you?

Josephine's absolutely famished.
I wonder Bonaparte is also.

Just a moment, Mr. Brummell.

I'll wager 300 pounds if
His Royal Highness' dog

finishes his dinner
before Mr. Brummell's.

- Done.
- I'll take a piece of that.

Very well.
One, two, three.

[men clamoring]

I've been planning to call
on you soon, Mr. Brummell

to discuss your future.

Oh, I'm very flattered,
Mr. Pitt, that one responsible

for an empire's presence should
concern himself with my future?

I was wondering where your very
obvious talents might take you.

If you're ever interested in standing
for Parliament, I might be of help you.

I'll give it some thought.

Do. Many advantages, you know.
Legal immunity for example.

An M.P. cannot
be prosecuted for debt.

Well, luckily my credit
is excellent.

Credit fluctuates,
but a seat in the house

is for a definite term and
it leads to definite rewards.

- If one is loyal to the party.
- Naturally.

I'm afraid that party
loyalties might conflict

with my personal loyalties.

Your loyalty to the prince
is commendable, but

it might be kinder
to advise him to break off

with a certain charming widow.

You see, he'll never marry
without the king's consent.

It would be contrary
to the Royal Marriage Act.

Then the Act should be changed.

No man should be forced to make
love according to an act of Parliament.

With the welfare of the nation
in mind, Mr. Brummell

what do you suggest?

A new government.

One capable of negotiating
outside the bedroom.

[clamoring continues]

George, your little beast
just swallowed a fortune.

You attached yourself
to the right dog, Mr. Brummell.

Oh, I couldn't resist him, sir.

Little chap was getting so
frightfully knocked about.

These were the thinnest, the most
cranky little beasts you ever saw.

French dogs. Now, bones sticking
out and George Brummell came in.

He said, "Do you know
what he's called?

He's called Bonaparte."

I found it rather funny.
Bone apart, you see.

[laughter]

Ah! Hello, George.

Good morning,
Your Royal Highness.

[laughter]

Good morning, Mr. Brummell.
I'm so glad you could come.

Nothing could have kept me away.

Mr. Brummell, come and sit
here, next to Patricia.

I finished my breakfast.

No, you stay where you are.
George, come here and sit by me.

What a charming idea. A coat
to match yours. Does he hunt?

No, but he dances beautifully.
Good morning, Mrs. Fitzherbert.

- Good morning.
- Where is Josephine, sir?

In a delicate condition.

Dr. Warren found out
just as we were leaving.

Splendid!
Congratulations, Napoleon.

Mr. Brummell, you designed
a red hunting coat

because it's easier to see.

But easier for whom?

- The fox or the hunter?
- For my valet, sir.

He has difficulty getting his
eyes open early in the morning.

Mr. Brummell, I'll get your
breakfast. What would you like?

I'm sure you'll make
the proper choice.

Rely on it, Mr. Brummell,
her judgment is excellent.

You may be proud of me, George.
I've had nothing but coffee.

Perfect agony.
Upon my honor.

Well, with a long ride
ahead of you, sir

I think it's permissible
to relax on the diet.

- May I select something for you?
- I wish you would.

I feel faint.

You can't run away from
yourself, it's foolish to try.

Bacon, Mr. Brummell?

Think you can hide behind
a marriage announcement?

Would have been kinder
of you not to come.

Love isn't necessarily
a kind emotion.

Quite sure that your feelings
for Edwin are very warm

at the moment,
but how will you end up?

And how do you think
we would have ended up?

You're still prophesying
disaster for me?

[Prince] I say, George, do hurry.
I'm absolutely famished.

- Ah! Good of you, George.
- There.

He's been absolutely
ruthless with me.

You deserve credit. Dieting is
one of the more difficult arts.

Difficult? Repulsive.

[laughter]

By George, if it isn't George.
[chuckles]

By George,
you've shown character.

George.

Oh, George, I feel
a speech coming on.

Put some jumping powder
into this, will you.

I want to propose a toast.

Hurry up, thank you.

My dear friends, it's no secret,
but I've got a great many debts.

[laughter]

But this morning I want to talk
about one particular debt

which I owed one particular
friend, George Brummell.

It's a rare thing in life
when a man meets another man

whom he can trust
up to the hilt.

It's even rare for a prince
to meet such a man.

And I count it one of the
most fortunate events of my life

that I have, that I have found
such a man in George Brummell.

[applause]

Now, George, as a token of my
very deep affection for you.

I wish you to accept this gift.

As you see it is not
yet inscribed.

But when I've
the power I shall

direct you to engrave
an Earl's coronet on it.

[applause]

The implacable and immutable
laws of nations and of nature

have decreed that one day
I shall be king.

Well, I hope I shall be
a wise king.

And I, I think I may be.

If I have wise friends like

George Brummell about me.

[all]
Aye.

[applause]

George Brummell.

[all]
George Brummell.

Your Royal Highness,
I'm deeply grateful.

As my prince I salute you.

As my friend I embrace you.

As my future sovereign
I thank you

for the Earldom you promise
to bestow on me.

For sincere and unselfish
reasons, I've always wished

His Royal Highness good health.

Now, with an Earldom at stake,
I have equally sincere

but very selfish reasons
for wishing.

[laughter]

I trust that His Royal Highness
will take

very great care of himself.

If no disaster befalls him

no disaster

will befall any of us.

I give you
His Royal Highness's health.

[all]
To Royal Highness.

Your Royal Highness,
ladies and gentlemen,

I hope my father
will forgive me.

He was going to make
this announcement tonight.

But I think that now is
the ideal time to tell you

of my forthcoming marriage
to Lord Edwin Mercer.

[applause]

Edwin and I share Mr. Brummell's
wish for an untroubled future.

We plan to stay in a happy
and secure bay.

And avoid the storms of life.

[applause]

Then I suggest we drink
to future happiness

and security.

- Patricia and Edwin.
- [all] Patricia and Edwin.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I suggest that with
His Royal Highness' approval

that we be mounted
and get on our way.

By all means.

Oh, this is wonderful.

[indistinct chatter]

...Patricia,
I know you'll be happy.

Is it any different now?

Is your heart quite still?

About three times over
and never occurred again.

[laughing]

Well, my dear, shall we,
shall we away?

Prinny dear.

This seems to be the hour
for making announcements.

I was thinking I might
make a short trip.

Where to?

I was thinking,
perhaps, Italy.

I think I understand my dear,
it's just that everybody else

is happy and you're not,
but you will be.

I pledge it, there's no need
to go away.

Don't let's be children, Prinny.

We may be together a few months
or a few years if we're lucky, but

it can end in only one way.

Now, don't talk of separation,
I won't allow it.

I'm sorry.

Shall we go?

We'll pretend the fox
is Mr. Pitt.

It's a losing battle, Patricia,
it has been ever since that day

at Brighton when
you first saw him.

Please, Edwin, I need help.

You want him, don't you?

Haven't you ever wanted
something you knew was wrong?

Even though it would hurt you?

Once when I was a small boy

a large spiced cake.

- Did you try?
- Of course.

It made me frightfully ill.

[dogs barking]

[hunting calls]

Tallyho!

Tallyho!

- Is Mr. Pitt, alright?
- Let's get him.

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

Please, let me alone.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

A thorn, sir.
But she'll be alright.

When you've got it out,
soak the leg in brine.

Very good, sir.

Good day's work, Edwin,
very good.

Jayka took it into
her head to run.

Looks like you had an argument
with a tree, Mr. Brummell

Nasty-looking bruise
you got there.

I hope it blends
with the color of my coat.

We'll wait what is known
as a decent interval

and then you can jilt me.

[soft music]

[knock on the door]

[Edwin]
Come in.

Will you send these back
to Mr. Brummell?

Please, Edwin, you've got
to believe what I tell you.

It's over.

I promise I'll never
see him again.

- I wish to see Mr. Brummell.
- He's not receiving anyone today, sir.

Good morning, Mr. Tupp,
is there anything I can do for you?

There is indeed, you may inform
Mr. Brummell that I want

10,000 pounds
on account immediately.

I will put up with no more
evasions or excuse...

- Your Royal Highness.
- Never mind about it.

Summon Mr. Brummell, quickly.

Good morning,
Your Royal Highness.

George, I must talk to you.

I'm absolutely distraught,
George, the most awful thing.

I've been up since dawn
walking in the park.

You look quite done in, sir.
Would you like some breakfast?

No.
Brandy, George.

Mortimer, some brandy.
Come with me.

She's leaving me George.

Maria is going.

I don't want to live
without her.

I won't live without...

I'm sorry George, I know it's
not very manly of me.

Silly of me to have come.

You're the only friend I've got.

- I had to.
- Come and sit down.

Don't talk if you don't
feel like it, just rest.

These came for you
early on, sir.

Thank you.

Maria is going
to Italy to live.

I can't say
I'd blame her really.

People whispering
about her, slandering her.

They said this would ruin my life,
but I've told her again and again

everything's going to be
different when I'm king.

Just can't wait that long
poor, dear.

I understand completely, sir.

Not only because
of my affection for you.

But because I'm in
the same position.

Oh, you're in love?

Patricia.

I knew it.
I sensed something.

What about Edwin?

Well, it seems that he represents
the solid, respectable present and

I am the uncertain,
dangerous future.

The female yearns
for snug harbors.

It's rather fundamental.

It's very difficult to fight.

What will you do?

I'm not certain, sir.

I'm only certain of what's
in my heart and hers.

I don't intend to let her go.

I know what I'm gonna do,
I'm going to give up the throne.

Let Freddie have it.

What use is the throne
without the one you love?

I'll end up as mad as my father.

You won't solve anything
by getting slobbering drunk.

George, I won't allow you
to speak to me like that.

I've never spoken anything
but the truth to you.

And I intend to speak it now.

There is a way for you
to keep the throne

and the woman you love if
you're man enough to take it.

What is it?

The king's insanity
has been kept hidden.

Not from any delicacy,
not from any sense of decency

but because Mr. Pitt
maintains the fiction

that there is a king and thereby
maintains himself in power.

Certify your father insane
and declare yourself Regent.

You'll then exercise
all the powers of king

including that of marrying
whom you please.

How could I?

Take Dr. Warren to Windsor.

Ask him to certify
your father's incapacity.

- Dr. Warren's my doctor...
- Then take several doctors!

I'm not asking you to lie,
just to tell the truth.

But it will kill my father.

Your father won't be aware
of what's happening.

That's true, he talks to trees,
mixes paint with his feet.

- This man rules an empire?
- Oh, Pitt rules.

Only because you allow it.
And if you continue to allow it,

you'll never rule and
you'll never be fit to rule.

You'll come with me George,
won't you?

You won't leave me alone
for a moment?

[pipe organ music]

His Majesty was here.
I distinctly heard music.

Possibly he's retired.

It might be better if Your Royal Highness
would see him in the morning.

- I will see His Majesty now.
- His Majesty is still quite frail.

To confront him without warning
might be damaging.

Sir Geoffrey, is it so very unusual
for a son to be concerned

about the condition
of his father?

Perhaps in the circumstances
I should wake the queen.

Now I must ask my mother's
permission to see my father?

You forget who
you're addressing.

I beg your
Royal Highness' pardon.

Restrain your effrontery
till England is governed

by bone-setters
and blood-letters.

[dramatic music]

Your Majesty.

Sire, his Royal Highness,
the Prince of Wales

and several other
gentlemen are here.

Take a note to them.

Sire, I have neither paper
nor pen.

Remember it.

Write it on your heart.

Book of Psalms.

Psalm 146, verse 3:

"Put not your trust
in princes."

[intense music]

You can inform sir Geoffrey,
that I've gone to my bed.

He mustn't pout.
Affairs of state, you know.

Sire, his Royal Highness,
the prince of Wales

requests an audience.

There's no prince of Wales.
all London is under water

and he's drowned,
Now women can be honest again.

Sire, the prince is here.

You certain?

He's my son,
you know?

He was such a
pretty little boy.

Will you see him in your
apartment, sire?

Nowhere near.

The morning room?

Oh, let me see...

where should a king
see a prince?

Oh yes. Of course...
the throne room.

I'm going mad. I wish to God
that I might die.

Our Father,
rejoice in heaven.

Take away this malignancy
from my brain

and make me well again.

Grant this one boon
and I'll ask no more.

Allow me to see
his golden head once again.

And take his little hand
in mine.

Then I may die, dear God.

And ask nothing more.

Oh, I can't go in.

It'll be over in a moment.

I can't George,
a man's part of his father.

If I degrade him,
I degrade myself.

Very well, wait here.

[knocks on door]

Sire.

These gentlemen are aware
that you have been ill

and will not presume upon
Your Majesty for long.

Mr. Brummell.

Doctor Willis,
Doctor Warren.

Your Majesty, we are here
at the insistence

of his Royal Highness,
the Prince of Wales

to reassure ourselves
as to Your Majesty's condition.

I'm well.

His Royal Highness
will be pleased

to learn of Your
Majesty's recovery.

- Will he?
- He's been concerned, sire.

And busy with his
own affairs, no doubt.

He's made adultery fashionable,
you know?

Always did burn the midnight
oil but never over books.

Slander has reached
Your Majesty's ears.

It has indeed,
ocean waves of it.

A man could be blessed or cursed
by the sons he bears.

I've had 9 sons
and been blessed once.

Fredrick is a good son.

Gentlemen, we must not tire
His Majesty any further.

I trust that Dr. Warren
and Dr. Willis are reassured

by His Majesty's good health.

His Majesty's appearance is
such, that I'm quite sure

his Royal Highness
would wish to see it.

Your Royal Highness need have
no further worry about upsetting

His Majesty.

Your Royal Highness's concern
about the future appears to be groundless.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, you must
believe me, when I say

how very happy I am,
to see him so recovered.

This is not my son.

Fredrick is my son!

Your Majesty, this is His Royal
Highness, the Prince of Wales

your son, your heir,
the future king.

He shan't be,
you wish me dead.

- You want to kill me?
- No.

But you're
going to die first.

[yelling]

Fredrick, Fredrick, Fredrick!

[King screaming]

[Prince singing]

Oh, splendid!
[laughs]

That...that was a joy
to listen to, was it not?

- Very lively.
- Yes, it was.

Parliament must have voted
on my regency by now.

I wonder what's keeping
Mr. Pitt?

My first official act
as Regent

will be to award Mr. Willy Pitt,
the order of the boot.

[laughs]

Your Royal Highness' touch
has improved.

You have the hands
of a musician.

Yes, they're wonderful,
are they not?

It's the first thing
Maria noticed about me.

She cannot abide men
with ugly hands.

She loved mine.

Blessed little minx,
the excitement's quite done her in.

She's so nervous,
she won't leave home.

But, of course, she'll have to
on Friday night.

Ah, yes, the gentleman at Brooks
is organizing a gala

to celebrate my Regency.

Will you be bringing Patricia,
Edwin?

I should be honored, sire.

Haven't seen her
in quite a while.

She's been in the country,
a little indisposed.

Nothing serious, I hope.

I'm sure, there'll be
no further complications.

Your Royal Highness,
Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox,

and Mr. Burke are here, sir.

Send them in.

- Your Royal Highness.
- Good afternoon, sir.

Because of the gravity of this matter,
I've asked Mr. Fox and Mr. Burke

to accompany me as
representatives of the opposition.

Remnants of opposition, sir.
We have been crushed.

The sentiment of the Commons
was overwhelmingly against

an unlimited regency, sir.

They insist upon
restricting you, sir.

Our arguments were quite
in vain.

The house was adamant.

Mr. Pitt was adamant.

So you wish to tie my hands,
Mr. Pitt?

The house feels that the Regent
should not have the power

to grant peerages
or pensions.

After all, the king
might recover...

and not approve of some
of the honors granted.

Does the house feel that I'm to be
trusted with anything at all?

The house proposes
no further limitations, sir.

In all fairness, sir

apart from
the matters mentioned

your power
would be unimpaired.

For instance, as Regent
you would administer

the Royal Marriage Act.

You're certain?
Is that clear?

If you accept
any limitations

you accept the principle
of limitations

and you no longer rule except
at the pleasure of Parliament.

Yes, that's true.
I won't be a puppet!

You see, it isn't really a question
of the terms of a Regency.

It's a question of who rules.

- You or...Mr. Pitt?
- You're right, George.

Mr. Brummel is in error, sir.
It is a question of whether

your Royal Highness
or Parliament rules.

[Prince]
Don't quibble, sir.

You are Parliament, and I
decline to become your creature.

Go back to your Commons.

Tell them
we dissolve Parliament.

We'll allow the nation
to decide this issue.

I will deliver
your message, sir...

when the House sits again.

Isn't it sitting now?

Mr. Pitt, made a motion for the
House to recess for a few days.

Naturally, it carried.

Why should the House recess
before this question's been settled?

Your Royal Highness will be
happy to learn

that His Majesty
is much improved.

He's to be examined again,
by a medical commission.

Till then, I think
it'll be better to postpone

this unfortunate debate.

Get out, all of you!

- Get out!
- [indistinct chatter]

I regret this conflict between us.
And I'm sure it wouldn't have come to this

if you hadn't been
so poorly advised.

- Get out!
- Your Royal Highness.

[hoarsely]
Get out!

Mr. Pitt has tricked me.

He's gonna have my father
declared sane.

Oh, what shall I tell Maria?

She must be told that...

that everything is going
to be alright.

And it will be alright.

Even if my father recovers,
I shall marry her.

Law or no law,
I shall marry...

I shall marry her secretly

and you must go and tell her,
she believes you.

I'll never carry a message

so unworthy
of the future King of England.

Would you give up a woman you love
simply to sit on a throne?

If she really loves you,
she won't let you do anything else.

I can't give her up.
No use.

I shall accept to the regency
with the limitation.

Pitt was right. You advised me
badly, George.

All this talk about fighting
for principles.

Standing up to Pitt.
Being a man and a leader.

It's you who are
lacking in principles.

You're like everybody else,
thinking only of yourself.

Your only interest
is to be an Earl?

Your Royal Highness
seems to forget

that it was your suggestion.

You want me to have full power
so that I grant you position,

income, turn a poverty-stricken
ex-officer

into a gentleman of property.

It seems you're going to inherit more
than just a crown from your father.

You're raving like a lunatic.

How dare you?

How dare you say that?

Retract that, George.

If you do not,
our friendship's at an end.

Do I have your Royal Highness'
permission to withdraw?

You have.

Lord Byron to see you, sir.

My dear Gordy, come in.

That was precisely my intention.

It's beastly, out.

- That's why I'm in.
- [chuckles]

You've repainted this room.

It's a very interesting shade
of blue.

Yes.

We've missed you at the Hazard Table.
You were having quite a run of luck.

It ran out.

They're saying at the club
that the king is recovered.

Their medical commission
reported to the Privy Council today.

They'll announce it
publicly tomorrow.

I didn't have
any doubt about it.

You didn't?

Not about
the commission's report.

We're going ahead
with the gala at Brooks.

Perk up the Prince, you know?

You're coming, I suppose?

Is there any reason
to suppose I wouldn't?

I've seen the Prince.

- Oh.
- He sent for me.

He didn't tell me
why you'd quarreled,

but he did say
that he regrets it.

Well, as his powers of speech
seem to be unimpaired

why didn't he tell me so
himself?

After all, he is
the Prince of Wales.

I've never allowed that to stand

in the way of my friendship
for him.

The trouble with most men
of superior intellect

is their pride.

And a proud man can be
just as foolish as a fool.

[laughing]

You should know better, than to
try and reason with a fool.

Very good, these.

And difficult to come by

what with high prices
and the French blockade.

I'll send you some.

I'll see you at the gala,
my dear friend.

I'll be there.

[ballroom music]

His Royal Highness,
The Prince of Wales.

George is here.

So I see.

Good evening.

I see you're having trouble
bending your back, George.

Well, this waist coat
is infernally tight.

I'll have to speak
to my tailor about it.

You didn't tell me Mr. Brummell
would be here tonight.

Good evening, Lady Patricia.

Patricia, Edwin,
how nice to see you again.

I wanted you to see him. I was
afraid you might wish to avoid him.

But it's over, Edwin.

He tried to see me
and I refused.

I returned his letters unopened.

Even if I'd known
he'd be here tonight I...

still would have come.

See, there's something devilish
out of foot

with the Prince and Brummell?

Yes, I hear they quarreled.

Then what's Brummell
doing here?

Well, he had to come here.

Or let it be known
among his creditors.

Mama, may I present Lord Byron,
Mr. Brummell?

My mother, the Countess
of Montelier

I've heard so much about you,
Mr. Brummell.

Not a word of truth
in it, madam.

Mr. Brummell, Mama and I
would be charmed

if you would take tea
with us one day.

My dear young lady, one takes
a journey, or one takes medicine

but one drinks tea.

What's the use of it, William?

Someone has to make
the first move.

It'll not be me, madam.

At least you might
meet him halfway.

The blame was all his,
not just half.

Still, we should pay our
respects to Mrs. Fitzherbert.

Good evening, Mrs. Fitzherbert.

- Your Royal Highness.
- Evening, Gordan.

Mrs. Fitzherbert, no matter
how brilliant an occasion

it's made more brilliant
by your presence.

We're, all of us, in your debt
for brightening our lives.

One thing one can always be sure
of, Mr. Brummell, is your graciousness.

[chiming "Jolly Good Fellow"]

There's more promising news
out of the continent, tonight.

Gordy.

I hadn't heard, sir.

Yeah, peace with the French.

Almost certainly, they're at
Amie, discussing the details.

- And that is promising, sir.
- Hm.

But do you think there can be any
permanent peace with Napoleon?

Possibly not.

Still...certainly worth trying.

Well, at least, it will give us all
a chance to stock some French wine.

If there's the slightest
chance of a reconciliation

I think we should try it.

I suppose, we must,
my dear.

Even if we have to deal
with impoverished upstarts.

Too stupid to know
what's good for them.

Gordy, who's your fat friend?

[ballroom music]

Shall we dance, Maria?

George, you can't
let it end like this.

I never wish to hear
his name again.

A leper is loose in the streets.

Hadn't you better dance, Gordan?

One of the nice things
about being a cripple

is not having to dance.

One of the nice things
about this world, Gordy

is your presence in it.

[music continues]

[crowd arguing]

[door shuts, shouting fades]

Mortimer...you must tell
Ainley not to shout so.

A man of breeding is quiet
with everything

whether it be an insult
or a spoon.

They'll be back soon enough,
Sir. With writs and bailiffs.

Perhaps you could
talk to them, sir.

Promise to pay soon.

Then we can get back
to cheap side and dig in.

The game is cold, Mortimer.

Always walk away
from a cold game.

Well, I failed to create a king.

But I did teach society to wash
it's hair and wear clean linen.

I'm not at all sure
which is the most important.

What are we going to do, sir?

Open a new deck.

I shall go to France.

I may decide to make
Bonaparte the fashion.

[dog barks]

No, not you.
Your namesake.

[knock on door]

Come in.

Sir, there's a lady to see you,
sir.

Lady Patricia Belham.

Thank you.

I'm glad she came, sir.
I knew she would.

Might have been better
if she hadn't.

Oh, my darling.

I was wrong about everyone.
Wrong even about myself.

But never about you.

You know me even better
than I did.

I'll never leave you again.

Well, I wish it could
be like that but

I'll very possibly be in debtor's
prison before the day is out.

I'd loathe being married
in a debtor's prison.

I shall refuse
to let them take you.

A wealthy wife to gratify my old
age with small attentions

and large loans.

Not small attentions, my love,
great big ones.

No...no, you'd despise me
if I became a lap-dog.

- And I'd despise myself.
- I could never despise you.

I thought I did once,
but I was so wrong.

You were right!

I'll always be a gambler.

There'll always
be disasters.

And I don't intend you to share
them, so...

you stay with Edwin.

Stay safe and secure.

Oh, my dear, what's the good of all these
words and arguments and logic?

I know, I tried them.

I convinced myself,
but I wasn't convinced.

What do they mean?

Love is none of these things.

You do love me, don't you?

Don't you?

Tell me in this room that you
don't love me, I'll believe you.

No, I'll never tell you that.

But you were there last night.
You saw what happened.

Possibly, I was a fool.

And I can't stay in this...
in this country anymore.

So, I'm going away.

I must.

Take me with you, please.

I must be alone for a time.

Where will you go?

I don't know.

You'll be back soon?

Soon.

[pleasant music]

I'll wait.

I won't be alive
until you're with me again.

I'll always be with you.

Goodbye...

for a little while.

[dramatic music]

Mortimer, start packing,
I wanna be gone within the hour.

Is Lady Patricia
accompanying you, sir?

No, she's decided not to,
and you won't either,

if you know what's good for you.

I do, sir.

By the way, have we any money?

- 14 shillings, sir.
- 14 shillings.

Well, this didn't take us
to the House of Lords.

But...perhaps, it'll take us
as far as Callais.

Bonaparte...you're going home.

[organ music]

[marching band music]

[ambient music]

[male #5]
Lord Edwin Mercer.

Oh, Edwin, I'm glad to see you.

- You're fit, I trust.
- Very fit, sir.

- And Patricia?
- She's very well.

Your Majesty is most thoughtful.

No, no, she's a lovely girl,
your wife, very lovely.

We see too little
of her these days.

That's what life's like.

Time passes and one sees the
least of those who matter most.

Oh Edwin, my ministers
have suggested

that it might be
in the public interest for me

to visit the continent.

Does that strike you as wise?

Might be a good idea, sir, yes.

Yes...very well.

Well, just wanted to know
what you thought of it.

Sir.

Edwin, there is
one other matter.

Yes, sir?

Uh, I've had some
rather disturbing news.

The chap...George Brummell,
well, Gordy tells me

that he is in a rather desperate
condition, he's ill.

A bit of a financial fix.
Won't accept any help.

I wish there was something
that we could do...

discreetly.

Oh, dear me, we can't just let
the fellow starve, can we?

I'll attend to it, Your Majesty.

Yes, right.

[speaking French]

It is not necessary
to creep in, monsieur.

I didn't wish
to disturb the house.

Don't worry about your rent.

You'll receive it, presently.

Mr. Brummell is
this moment engaged

in consummating an important
business transaction.

I wish him good fortune.

But if it is not
to be, Mr. Brummell

will still be welcome.

Thank you, ma'am.

Is Mr. Brummell feeling
any better, today?

A bit better, I think.

I'm going to make
some onion soup.

I will bring some up to him.

You're very kind.

[speaking French]

I'll have a cup of tea
for you, in a minute, sir.

Grand, Mr. Brummell.
Grand!

Well, I'm...I'm glad
you approve, Mr. Mclver.

Approve?
[chuckles]

In all my days, as a publisher

I've never read anything,
I was more certain of.

You'll make at least
20,000 pounds out of it.

I think, we'll call it,
uh, simply, uh, Memoirs.

Uh, Memoirs
of George Bryan Brummell.

- It'll sell better.
- Amazing!

Uh, that night at Windsor,
with the old king.

The prince with his
light of love, Mrs. Fitzherbert.

Oh-ho, very spicy!
Very spicy!

We'll open the lid there, you
may be sure. Tell the public.

Mr. Mclver, I do not want
this presented

as an anthology of scandal.

This is the history of an era.

Of a social revolution.

Of a, of a crisis in the
philosophy of Parliament

versus the divine rights
of kings.

Oh, very good, very good!

But there's a great
deal more comes through.

Your book peeps
into the bedroom.

It tickles the skeletons
in the royal closets.

That's what'll interest
the public.

Apparently, a man can get
so close to his work

that he doesn't see it at all.

I had no intention
of making public

what you've just made me see.

I'm not going to publish it.

You're pulling my leg,
to be sure.

Can you afford
such expensive gallantry

to protect His Majesty?

His Majesty was my friend.

So was Mrs. Fitzherbert.

Wherever she is,
whatever she's doing

her pain must be terrible.

I don't intend to add to it.

Oh, come, Mr. Brummell.

You've got to be reasonable.

You're sick,
you're very sick.

It's just, it's just
a cold, Mr. Mclver.

In my last trip to Paris,
they put me in a carriage

with a damp stranger.

It's no slight cold.

I know what you've got,
if you don't.

You need a warm climate,
proper food, a good doctor.

You need money,
Mr. Brummell, immediately,

before it's too late.

Don't be melodramatic, Mclver.

Very well.

I'll be business-like,
Mr. Brummell.

I advanced you several hundred pounds.
Can you return it?

I've made an agreement with you.
Can you deny it?

I intend to publish this.

No, no, no!

It's my life, Mr. Mclver,
not yours. Let it burn.

You've just committed
a felony, Mr. Brummell.

I'll make it up to you, Mclver.

I've just written a poem,
which you can publish.

It's called
"The Butterfly's Funeral."

It's very spicy.

Bah!

[door slams shut]

Well, it's the first time

the room has been warm
for a week, Mortimer.

[coughing]

Let me get Dr. Dubois, sir?

No, no, that...that
would be the end of me.

That very sore man

who missed his calling
in life, was the doctor.

No, I'll just, uh, I'll just
sit down here for a bit.

Hand me the newspaper.

Thank you.

The king is coming
to Calais, sir.

On his tour of Europe.

Here?

If His Majesty should try and
get in touch with me, Mortimer,

you may say
that I'm out of town.

Yes, sir.

[coughing]

Mortimer, perhaps you had
better get the doctor.

Yes, sir.

[drumroll]

[Instrumental British national
anthem, "God Save the King"]

[crowd cheering]

Sire.

Sir, the doctor told you
not to get out of bed.

I...I just stepped out
to get some writing paper.

But this crowd here...

Please, sir.

Your most gracious Majesty.

It's not only in the name
of the people of Calais

but in the name of the people
of all France

that I greet you

and say that it is
a great moment of history.

[marching band music]

You happen to know whether...

George Brummell
still lives here?

I don't, sir.

Do you wish me
to make inquiries?

No. I'm quite sure that
he doesn't wish to see me.

He's rejected all help.

Perhaps, sir, if you saw him..

that would make a difference.

There'll be no point
to it, my dear.

He always was a proud man.
Too proud.

Man of great convictions, but...

very reckless.

Tell him to drive on,
would you, Edwin?

I expect it to be a devilish
long speech at the City Hall.

And this is their king?

Fat English pig!

How dare you, you scum?

Now, what's that?

Just a street brawl, sir.

[crowd cheering]

[breathing heavily]

[knocking]

[knocking]

Mr. George Brummell, please?

Now, these are Mr. Brummell's
rooms, are they not?

- Yes, sir.
- Thank you.

Sire, this is the place.

Mr. Brummell here?

He's...he's very ill, sir.

I must see him.

Your Majesty.

I beg your pardon.

Mr. Brummell's condition
is extremely grave.

There is little hope.

Surely, there must be
something we can do.

We'll get another opinion,
another doctor.

Whatever Your Majesty wishes,
of course.

But regardless of what
any doctor does,

I am sure that the case
will be in higher

and more capable hands,
before morning.

[ambient music]

[breathing heavily]

- Your Majesty...
- No, no, no.

Your Majesty.

I heard Your Majesty
was coming

to the continent.

It was thoughtful of you
to pay me a visit.

I was afraid you might
not want to see me, George.

But then, suddenly,
I knew better.

And so, I made a very short
speech at the city hall.

How well you look, sir.

Well, I've put on
a bit of weight.

Haven't been very faithful
to your diet chart.

Becomes you.

A king should look
rather substantial.

We'll have you well
in no time, George.

It's that, I'm just tired.

I've been working.

Writing.

Never did take
very kindly to work.

It's your birthday soon.

Well, then you must give
me a party, George.

There's no one who does it
as well as you do.

And London's become deadly dull
in your absence.

It's time you went home.

Oh, one bit of fun.

I've, uh,
I've got a new horse.

Much faster than Escape.

Gordy...

How...how is Gordy?

Gordy, oh, getting about.

As usual.

And Mr. Pitt?

More like an old
woman every day.

Past bearing.

[laughing]

Past bearings.

Very witty, sir.
Very.

It's good of you
to say so.

Patricia, Edwin.

Are they happy?

Is everything well?

Only so well.

How lovely she is!

I thought, she looked more
beautiful than ever, today.

Standing there in the wind.

Oh, yes, she's really lovely.

I must talk
to your tailor, sir.

That uniform does not
do your shoulders credit.

I told you, you should
come home soon.

Oh, George!

It's so good
to see you again, George.

We never stopped
being friends.

Not really.

[George gasping]

I...I think we both...

might be better
with some rest.

If you don't mind, sir.

Yes, well, it was nice...

...sitting here beside you.

Goodbye, Your Majesty.

We'll see each other soon.

[chiming "Jolly Good Fellow"]

God!

Most people will count him
a failure.

And yet you know...it's not how
a man ends up.

What matters is,
it's how he's affected

the hearts and souls
of those around him.

It's the measure.

On my word, it is.

Let me know.

I will, Sire.

Goodbye, Mortimer.

[ambient music]

He made it possible
for me...

to live gracefully.

Now, he's made it possible
for me to get through this...

awkward business.

- But sir! You'll be up in...
- No, Mortimer.

We've never
deceived each other.

And now...

I really must try
to catch some sleep.

[music continues]

[orchestral music]