Daisies in December (1995) - full transcript

Well, it looks very nice.

Don't you think it looks lovely,
Gerald?

Look Dad, if you really object to this
we can turn right round.

You can come with us,
granddad.

We've already had this discussion,
Matthew.

We can always look around
for something else.

It's not the place, Joyce,
it's the philosophy that offends.

What philosophy?

I'm not to be trusted on my own.

I mean one little mistake.

One nearly fatal mistake.



And that brands me as a menace
to society, does it?

You're certainly behaving
like a menace now.

With a face like that,
you'll terrify those nice old ladies.

Bugger the nice old ladies.

- That should brighten up their Christmas.
- Shut up, Steven.

Help me get your granddad's stuff
out of the car.

Bye, Gerald.

Goodbye, Joyce.

I'm sure you'll have a marvellous time.

Not if he's got anything to do with it.

Well, I think this is very nice.

Say goodbye to your granddad
and wait downstairs, boys.

At least there's a decent bed.

Mm.



You ought to be coming with us.

And what would I do on skis?

- Fall over a lot.
- Precisely.

You mind you don't break anything.

Oh, we've got mum and dad
well insured.

A big enough bathroom, isn't it?

Even got a shower cap,
at least... I think it's a shower cap.

Soap.

Nice big towels.

Oh...

well, that is handy.

A little sewing kit and...

something to polish your shoes with.

Look.

Oh, wonderful.

I can't wait to sit in the bath,

sewing my socks, shining my shoes
and wearing my shower cap.

Dad, we really want you
to enjoy this.

We couldn't leave you alone,
not after what happened.

It was an isolated incident.

Yes, well... no point
in going over old ground.

Absolutely.

Well, 'll see you in 2 weeks then.

Don't be surprised
if I'm still sitting here.

And you'd be a damn fool.
Places like this are bloody nice.

Places like this are the
equivalent of a kennel.

When you go on holiday,

pets go into kennels, elderly
relatives go into places like this.

You could have a very
pleasant 2 weeks here,

if you weren't so determined
to be miserable.

I do not enjoy being
surrounded by old people.

Mr. Carmody, I'm Miss Glaistow,

resident physiotherapist
and general dogsbody.

And I always make it a point of greeting
our guests and explaining the room.

Oh, really?

Have your guests had
little experience of rooms?

What is their natural habitat?

The Serengeti? The Arctic tundra?

My father's a little unhappy at being
dumped. At least that's how he sees it.

That's exactly how it is, Arthur.

I don't mind accepting that fact,

but I do object to your
dressing it up

as a little treat for the old man.

So... is he going to settle in?

Just drive.

Almost finished.

Likes and dislikes.

I like privacy and I dislike
personal questions.

Very well.

I'll leave you to get your bearings.

Thank you.

Mr. Carmody,

this is not a prison.

And though you may not believe it,

we actually have guests who
keep coming back...

year after year.

Tea is served in the main lounge
at 4 o'clock.

Can I help?

- Which way is the town?
- You mean the shopping centre.

The shopping centre in the town.

Well, there is a
shopping centre in town,

but it's not as near as the
one off Downing road.

- Are you driving?
- Walking.

Well, in that case you're best
go to the one off Downing road.

Let's-let's-let's start again,
shall we? I mean...

the front, the seafront, is that
anywhere near Downing road?

Oh, no, no. That's at
the bottom of the town.

But it's nowhere near
the shopping centre.

- How far?
- What?

The seafront.

A mile and a half.

It's not so bad going down
because it's downhill,

but coming up is uphill,
so you best get a taxi.

Oh yes,

I will.

They said it was going to rain
this afternoon.

Oh, dear me,

and I left my shower cap
in the bathroom.

Yep, where to?

- I'm looking for an hotel.
- Yeah, what sort of price?

I-I don't need an hotel,
I have an hotel.

I just seem to have mislaid it.

What's the name of it?
What's it called?

I don't know.

Oh, you mean you've forgotten?

I doubt I ever knew it. I wasn't paying
particular attention when I arrived.

And you don't know
where you're staying?

No.

Ah, this is a first, this is.

Can you give me a clue?

It's a large imposing building,
overlooking the sea.

Well, there's about 15 like that
in this place.

It-it has a large garden.

Hm, well, they've all got
large gardens.

Look, just-just drive around will you,
I'll know it when I see it.

Did you bring your room key?

No.

Well, have you got a receipt?

No, nothing.

Nothing.

You got no receipt nothing
or no money nothing?

I left my wallet
in the safety my room.

How much money have you got?

Got some loose change.

Hmph.

Find the hotel, will you?
You'll be paid in full.

Don't look at me like that,
I'm completely trustworthy.

Well of course, the place looks
quite different at night.

Yeah, don't we all.

- You stay here.
- Ah, no, I don't think so.

After all you forgot the name
of the hotel, didn't you?

I told you I forgot to make a note of the
name of the place when I went for a walk.

Oh, same difference.

Who's to say that you won't forget
that you owe me 12 pounds on the clock.

- Don't be impertinent. My key please.
- Yes of course, Mr. Carmody.

- Can you remember your room number?
- Yeah, you'll be lucky.

Oh, here it is.

Number 316.

316. You got that?

Young lady, I'm going to my room and
I shall be returning almost immediately.

If this man makes
any attempt to follow me

I'll be very grateful
if you will take steps

to have him removed from
the hotel. Is that understood?

Hey!

Hang on a minute.

You know, I've really
got to hand it to you,

you've got some nerve.

Yes, and limited patience.

Look, I'm the one who's had patience,
for driving you around all afternoon.

because you didn't know
where you were staying.

Ugh!

I'm so sorry.

How stupid of me.

Are you alright?

Look, I-I was an absolute idiot,
lunging out like that.

You didn't happen to play
rugby as a boy, did you?

Rugby, sorry?

Not important.

I seemed to have dropped my book.

Oh, well, allow me.

Thank you.

I want to give you my...

my profuse apologies.

No great harm done.

Just took me by surprise,
that's all.

American football, perhaps?

And perhaps not.

I thought I'd save you the trouble
of coming back down.

And the woman at the desk
said not to worry.

Why, it happens all the time,
guests forgetting where they're living.

All these hotels look the same,
but you know that.

After all you saw enough of them
this afternoon, didn't you?

20. I've got change in the taxi.

Not necessary.

Well, thank you very much.

Look, if I was out of line back there,
I apologise.

Well, after all we're all
going to grow old one day.

Yes, one day we undoubtedly will.

Mr. Carmody,

reception told me
about your afternoon.

I hope it wasn't too upsetting.

Well, I'll be off then.

Thank you.

Ooh, um...

- What's that?
- My card.

In case you need a taxi.

And my name's Derek.

And, uh, what's the name
of this hotel again?

Look, just go away, will you.

It's Tregenna Castle Hotel.

316.

Thank You.

I'm afraid you've missed your dinner.

Perhaps you'd like some sandwiches.

Oh, I don't think so. I'm...

I'm feeling a little bit groggy.

Oh.

Well, in that case,
I'll leave you to rest.

What kind of sandwiches?

Ham, roast beef, cheese.

Could you do roast beef
with horse raddish sauce?

I think we could manage that.

I'm not hungry
you understand but, uh...

- I might get peckish later on.
- Of course.

Oh, and um...

Miss... I'm sorry,
I've forgotten your name.

- Miss Glaistow.
- Miss Glaistow, uh...

I'd be very grateful if

nothing was said about my
little jaunt this afternoon.

Oh, you don't have to worry,
our staff are very discreet.

Well, given the age of your guests,
there's not much to be discreet about.

I think you'd be surprised.

What does that mean?

As I said Mr. Carmody,

we're very discreet.

The key, the key...

What number?

What's my number?

Margaret. Margaret!

[SOBBING]

[SOBBING CONTINUES]

This way, Mr. Carmody.

This is table 4.

And I think you'll find it
very pleasant.

This is Miss Dean.

How do you do?

Mrs. Carmichael.

Good morning.

Mr. Prager.

Welcome.

The vacant chair
belongs to Mrs. Palmer,

who I'm sure will be
joining us shortly.

Table 4, this is Mr. Carmody.

Morning.

Oh, before I go,

I would just like to mention
my lecture programme again.

If any of you would
like to give a little talk,

about your life or your work,

there are a few evening
slots available next week.

I've one already,
to talk about patchwork quilts.

That's Tuesday, isn't it?

Yes, Tuesday.

It's really male speakers
we're short of.

What about you, Mr. Prager?

You couldn't print my experiences,
let alone speak about them.

I really meant work experience.

Those you wouldn't
be interested in.

I'm sure you're just being modest.

For 40 years I was the biggest
manufacturer of elastic

in the East End.

Oh... fascinating.

What elastic keeps up,
may be fascinating.

But the stuff itself is dull.

It stretches, it shrinks...

what more is there to say?

And what about you,
Mr. Carmody?

Oh, out of the question, I'm sorry.

Well, do give it some thought,
won't you?

Enjoy your breakfast.

- Excuse me, may I.
- Oh, sorry.

Will you be with us for Christmas,
Mr. Carmody?

I sincerely hope not.

Oh, but it's very nice here.

- Especially at Christmas.
- Yes, I'm sure.

Don't have the bacon.

I beg your pardon?

Better you should chew my elastic.

Mr. Prager's from Yugoslavia.

- And you are from?
- Bristol.

But before that?
What part of Europe?

----

Christine's from Shrewsbury,
and I'm from Milford Haven.

Oh, indeed.

I'm not Welsh,

but my husband was in the Fleet Air Arm
and we were stationed there.

Fell in love with the district,
so naturally,

- when he retired we moved back.
- Hm.

And what did you do, Mr...

oh, so sorry,
what was your name again?

Carmody.

I knew a Lester Carmody

when we lived outside Penrith.

It's an unusual name.

What would you like, sir?

Solitude and peace.

- Sorry?
- Um...

tea and toast will do nicely,
thank you.

I was saying,

it's an unusual name.

The time.

No, your name.

Quarter to nine.

No, no.

We were talking about
your name, Mr. Carmody

It must be, I wound it up
before I came down.

We were discussing your name.

Sorry?

Your name!

Mrs. Carmichael was saying

what an unusual name you have.

I-I'm afraid it's clogged up again.

What is?

Well, I have this
recurring ailment and...

intermittent wax.

What kind of wax?

They tried syringing it
but nothing gets through.

Can you hear me now?!

You won't think it rude if I
read my newspaper, will you?

Then you can
forget all about me.

Well, if you don't mind being
left out of the conversation.

It's the Daily Telegraph,

I've taken it all my life.

I always find the obituaries
so comforting, don't you think?

The first thing I read in bed
in the morning.

If I'm not in I get up.

Poor fellow.

Yes...

Yes?

I'm sorry sir,
I left it as long as I could.

Oh, you want to do the room.

I won't be 5 minutes.

Could you take off the rubber
under the sheets?

They make the bed
smell like a gymnasium.

Yes, sir.

I have to lock up now, sir.

Sir?

What? Uh...

Uh, yes, yes course.

I'm in your way, aren't I?

I'll only be a few minutes more.

No hurry, no hurry.

I think a walk.

Yeah, it will do me good.

Good morning.

Are you all right?

We bumped into each other last night.

Oh, the rugby player.

No, I'm fine, thank you.

- It was really very clumsy of me.
- Not at all.

I-I think we're neighbours,
you know?

We are?

Let me see...

there we are...

- 316.
- 317.

Yes well, that makes sense.

Well, I won't disturb you any more.

It's alright.

Just one other thing...

that music you were
playing last night.

When?

Last night.

Well, this morning, actually.

Oh, I hope I didn't disturb you.

Oh, no, no.
No, no, not at all, not at all.

I... I sometimes have
trouble sleeping and...

music helps.

Yes, I know just what you mean. I...

I always find sleeping difficult,
first night in a strange bed.

Hm.

It was a violin I heard,

about 2:00 in the morning.

2:00 in the morning!

Oh, how selfish of me.

No, no, no, it was...

I mean the music was
strangely comforting.

The piece you heard was The
Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams.

- I play it a lot.
- Vaughan Williams.

Do you know his music?

No, but I saw him conduct once.

Oh.

Vaughan Williams.

Oh, really!

Big man, heh,
he wore a crumpled suit.

I mean the real conductor was in
the full Dickey of course but...

Vaughan Williams came out of the
audience looking remarkably old.

My god, that's odd.

What is?

It just occurred to me,

that ancient, ancient man

is probably younger
than I am now.

Well,

I must get on with my walk
and let you get back to your book.

- The Lark what?
- Ascending.

Well...

good morning.

Good morning.

Ah, Mr. Carmody.

How is the wax situation?

Sorry?

The wax in your ear,

has it settled down yet?

The weather.

No, no, not the weather, the wax.

I went for a walk but
luckily the rain held off.

Good, good.

Oh...

here comes Mr. Prager
and our fifth member.

You won't have met Mrs. Palmer,

she wasn't at breakfast
this morning.

This is Mr. Carmody,

he has trouble with his hearing.

Does he really?

He has ear wax

that comes and goes.

Conversation is out of the question
but he's really quite pleasant.

Mr. Carmody,

this is Mrs. Palmer.

I've written it down.

This...

is Mrs. Palmer.

And now our little party
is complete.

This must have happened
very suddenly?

It did.

Mrs. Carmichael was
talking to him at breakfast

and it suddenly...

went.

Really?

He seems to have trouble
with his eyesight, as well.

But perhaps someone
should order for him.

Oh, I'm sure he can manage.

You don't want anyone to order
for you, do you Mr. Carmody?

- You can manage, can't you?
- Um...

Mrs. Palmer is asking

if you wish someone to order for you!

There is no need to shout.

My condition is not too bad
at the moment.

Ah, so the wax has waned.

I'm so sorry,

it must be dreadful to be deaf...

particularly when you're so...

fond of music.

Is he fond of music?

Are you fond of music,
Mr. Carmody?

Muesli?

No, no, I'm not particularly
fond of muesli.

Mrs. Palmer!

Actually, I'm afraid...
I'm so sorry, I'm...

I'm...

I've lost my appetite,
will you excuse me.

Really, Mrs. Palmer.

A fellow human being's affliction
is hardly a call for mirth.

It's nervous laughter,
please excuse me.

Forgive me for saying so, Mrs...

Palmer.

but you really didn't make things
very easy for me, you know?

Easy for you?

- Don't be ridiculous.
- What?

Well, I was the one
that got told off for giggling.

And what a pathetic excuse
for ignoring everyone.

But it was a spur-of-the-moment thing.

I mean that Mrs. Whats-her-name
would never stop talking.

I'm afraid I'm not very good
in the mornings.

Neither am I.

I really don't quite know
what to do about it,

this deafness thing, it's becoming
a bit of an embarrassment.

I should have a miraculous
recovery if I were you.

Otherwise we'll all have headaches
from shouting at each other.

Good book?

A guide to the myths and legends
of the area.

My faithful companion.

- You're down here alone, are you?
- Yeah.

The husband not with you?

Oh, my husband's
been dead for many years.

So is mine.

My wife I mean.

Well, not my husband.

Naturally enough.

Was that your husband in the picture?

What?

The photograph in your room.

You were in my room?

I-I-I mean they were
cleaning our rooms and

I stepped outside for a minute and

absent-mindedly

stepped into yours. It...

- it was only for a second or so.
- Oh!

No.

Sorry?

The picture was not of my husband.

Interesting machine you have.

The one with the tapes.

Oh, my ghetto blaster. Ha.

Well, that's--that's what
my nephew calls it.

Music means a lot to you.

Yeah.

I played and taught piano for years.

Really?

Yes, my wife played the piano.

Very badly.

Oh, I'm sure she didn't.

Oh, she did,
but with great gusto.

We used to keep the piano in
the box room and she'd go on in,

she'd shut the door
and she'd bang away.

It was exactly the right sound level.

It muffled all the wrong notes

but the gist of the thing
got through.

- And you like a good tune, don't you?
- Ah, yes.

Give me something
you can whistle.

Do you do a lot of whistling?

Well... not out loud.

Mentally.

And how did you make
your millions, Mr. Carmody?

I didn't make millions.

No? You're very prosperous.

- I didn't do badly.
- At what?

Stockbroking.

Oh, so you were a stock broker.

I would never have guessed.

- Are you laughing at me again?
- No... I wouldn't dream of it.

Mr. Carmody,

feeling better?

Oh, much, much better, thank you.

Oh, I'm so pleased.

You can both be on my team.

What?

We're playing Give Us A Clue.

But Mrs. Palmer is reading.

Oh, not important.

Well, it's been on the
notice board all week.

"Main Lounge, 4:30, Give Us A Clue."

And I'm team captain.

How are you now,
Mr. Carmody?!

- They're both going to be on our team.
- Oh.

I hear you're going to be
on our team!

He can hear you now,
Miss Dean.

I'm-I'm really quite hopeless
at this sort of thing, you know.

Now no false modesty,
Mr. Carmody.

You're going to be
a great asset.

All that miming you have to do
when you're deaf.

It's really very easy.

You must have seen
the television program.

Uh, this is a book,

this is a film,

a play,

a television show.

And then we break it down
into words and then into syllables.

And this is words
and this is syllables.

I-I really can't do this.

It's just charades
under another name.

I'm sorry, but I'm-I'm no good
at making a fool of myself.

Oh, I'm sure you'll manage beautifully.

Very good. Well done.

Now...

I think we'll give this one to...

Mr. Carmody.

Um...

I-I really can't do this.

Oh, have a go.

Or I'll tell table 4
what a fake you really are.

Now don't hurry it,
Mr. Carmody,

we're only 3 points behind,

there's still time to catch up.

Ready?

I-I really wish somebody else
would do this.

Two minutes for your team to get it
and I'm starting the clock...

now.

Come on.

Come on, Mr. Carmody,
don't just stand there.

Is it a play, a book, or a film?

A film!

Half a point off for talking.

No talking, Mr. Carmody.

If it's a film it's... this.

Oh, it's a film! Ah, film.

How many words?

Four, four words.

Now, first word.
How many syllables?

One.

I'll penalise you again
if you persist in talking.

Can you mime it?

Can you mime the first word?

Does it sound like anything?

Does it rhyme with anything?

Well, it must sound like something.

One minute gone.

Well, don't just stand there,
do something.

The second word.

The second word,
second word.

The next word.

Any word.

Fourth word.

- You mean the fourth word.
- Fourth word.

Blowing.

Glass blowing.

- 30 seconds left.
- Um, um, um...

Hair dryer.

Tree.

Bend.

-----

Blowing, blowing...

10 seconds left.

Wind.

Fourth word: wind.

Gone With The Wind.

Yes!

Just scraped in under the bar.

That's 5 points -

minus half a point for talking,

makes Mrs. Carmichael's team,
one and a half points ahead.

Well done, you two!

Well guessed.

I'd be very careful,
Mr. Carmody,

Why?

Well, you might start to enjoy
this kind of thing.

...and then, Mr. Carmody's mime
finished the contest.

Oh, I was just telling Mr. Prager
about Give Us A Clue.

-----

No sign yet of Mrs Palmer?

Obviously not joining us this evening.

- You spoke to her?
- She would be here by now.

- Is she alright?
- I've not seen her.

Has anyone checked?

Checked?

Yes. Phoned her room or anything.
I mean she might be ill or something.

- Are you ready to order, sir?
- Yes.

Uh, no, um... um...

I left my glasses in my room,
would you excuse me for a minute?

- I can read the menu for you.
- I wouldn't dream of troubling you.

There's no trouble.
It's a very short menu.

Uh, Mrs-Mrs. Palmer?

Oh...

Are you all right?

Yes, of course.

I noticed that you weren't at dinner.

No, I...

I signed up for the outing tomorrow,

so I thought I'd
have an early night.

Oh, yes, the outing tomorrow.

Where are we going again?

You signed up for it too?

Well, anything to
get out of this hotel.

St. Michael's Mount.

Oh yes, of course,
St. Michael's Mount.

Yes.

Well...

see you tomorrow then.

Vaughn Williams?

Poulenc.

Plonk.

Pou-lenc.

Oh, yes of course, Poulenc.

I've never heard of him.

- Well, goodnight, Mr. Carmody.
- Goodnight.

Poulenc.

Hm.

Poulenc.

Tomorrow's outing.

Yes, Mr. Carmody?

Is there room for one more?

According to ancient legend,

the mount is dedicated
to the Archangel Michael

who appeared before
some fishermen in the year 495.

Then became the hallowed place

of countless Celtic saints.

It is also connected

with the romantic legend
of Tristan and Isolde.

The Hermit Ogrin
was sent here by King Marke

to buy for Queen Isolde,
her wedding gift of finest silk.

The present castle
is built on the foundations

of the Benedictine priors.

Built...

You sat on the bus
with Mrs. Palmer.

Yes.

Very beautiful woman. Striking.

- Don't you agree?
- I really hadn't noticed.

Oh, come now, Mr. Carmody.

Don't pretend you haven't
got her in your sights.

What are you talking about?

You and I have the European
approach to women.

- I'm not European, I'm British.
- We are both hunters.

It wouldn't do for us
to stalk the same duck,

get in each other's way and
then go home empty-handed.

How dare you!

Say the word
and I will not pursue her.

Pursue her?
You ridiculous little man!

- Then you are interested.
- Interested? I'm...

I'm outraged.

For why?

For one thing, it's no concern of yours
whether I'm interested or not.

You have my word, Mr. Carmody,
I will not trespass.

There are other ducks in the pond.

That I find equally offensive.

Likening Mrs. Palmer
to some kind of...

waterfowl.

You misunderstand.

I am being poetic.

Poetic? You haven't got
a poetic bone in your body!

What's the matter now?

You've a face like thunder.

- I doubt you want to hear.
- I wouldn't have asked.

That Richard Prager man
had the temerity to suggest

that he and I were
competing for your affections.

Are you?

Certainly not.

And if I've given any impression
to the contrary, then I apologise.

Hmph.

Do you think Mr. Prager
will make a play for me?

He undoubtedly intends to.

Huh. Cool.

How can you accept such a thing?

Oh, poor Mr. Carmody.

You don't have much fun do you?

Fun?

Well, life is essentially ridiculous.

Once you understand that,
you can start to enjoy yourself.

Come on.

Have you got it all in?

Most of it.

- What do I press, this red thing?
- Yes.

Shall I take one with you in it?

Only if you want to
break the camera.

- Mr. Carmody.
- What?

You made a joke.

I make jokes all the time.

- Really?
- All the time.

Well, you must
point them out to me.

They're obviously far too clever.

Oh.

This is the most romantic coastline.

King Arthur, Merlin...

and my particular favourites,
Tristan and Isolde.

I thought they were German.

Oh, no, no, no.
They were both true Celts.

She was from Ireland,
he was Cornish.

Oh.

Ooh, look.

What?

Daisies.

Yes.

But it's December, Mr. Carmody.

Daisies in December?

Well...

Don't you find that strange?

Well, I suppose so.

It's so warm, they've
forgotten what month it was.

Mr. Carmody, you took your tie off.
Hallelujah.

Oh.

No, don't hide it.

It makes you look...

distinct.

Could we sit down for a bit?

Have you been alone
since your wife died?

For a while.

But then circumstances made me
move in with my son and his family.

No, that's not what I meant, uh...

I mean, have you
met someone else?

At my age!

What's wrong with your age?

If you have to ask that, look at what
a fool Mr. Prager makes of himself.

Setting his sights on you
as though you were a duck!

I'm flattered.

Don't be flattered by
that ridiculous little squirt.

He's probably wonderful in bed.

I really think it's time we
went back to join the others.

All right.

Ah!

What's wrong?

Nothing...

I got up too quickly.

It'll pass.

Should I get help?

Just give me a moment.

Aah...

Heh... yes.

You see?

All better.

Take my arm.

Thank you.

...in the lounge, Mrs. Palmer?

The locals are giving a recital
of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Oh, I think not.

The sea air has
quite exhausted me.

- Sounds like they're off already.
- Save me a chair by the front.

I'll go and powder my nose.

Coffee in the lounge,
Mr. Prager?

I cannot imagine anything
more pleasurable.

I see the duck season's in full swing.

You don't fancy Gilbert and Sullivan?

Another time, perhaps.

You know, I-I-I rather enjoyed
our conversation this afternoon.

So did I.

Well, I was just wondering if-if...

you'd care to continue it, so to speak,
over dinner tomorrow evening.

Oh,

Mr. Carmody,

are you asking me out?

Well, it's difficult to get
a word in edge ways when Mrs...

What's-her-name starts talking.

I'm-I'm not...

setting my sights
on you or anything.

Just it'd be nice to have
a quiet dinner for a change.

You do realise that if
neither of us turn up

Table 4 will be a hotbed
of gossip and supposition.

Bugger Table 4.

- Oh, I'm so sorry.
- No, no, it's alright.

Bugger Table 4.

Hello?

Oh... is that Eric's Cabs?

Eric speaking. Who's this?

I'm the chap who got lost.

Oh, yeah.
Well what's happened now?

I'm looking for a restaurant.

Don't tell me you've wandered off
in the middle of lunch.

It's for this evening.

I want good food, a decent wine cellar
and not too many stairs.

Do you mind French?

Not if the food's good.

Le Mange Tout. Do you
want me to make a reservation?

You wouldn't be getting
a commission would you?

Oh, you've got
such a suspicious mind.

Alright, make the reservation
and call for us at 7:00.

What's the name of your hotel again?

The Tregenna Castle.

Oh, you're getting better then.

Bye.

Oh.

Mr. Carmody,
you've gone too far.

Oh, I haven't, have I?

Well, I feel quite dowdy
in comparison.

You look absolutely radiant.

- Oh, should-should I go and change?
- Oh, no, don't do that.

Ah... I'll get my purse.

We-we could always leave separately
if you're worried about the gossip.

When you dress up like this,
you be anonymous.

Lah-de-bloody-dah.

Thank you.

I don't wear this hat
for everyone, you know.

I'm sure everyone
will be very grateful.

This is the 1809, is it?

I mean, I seem to remember it
being a little dryer than this.

That's fine, thank you.

Ah.

To the loveliest woman
in the room.

Thank You, Mr. Carmody.

I do wish you'd call me Gerald.

Alright. I'm Katherine.

Yes, I know.

I sneaked a look at the hotel register.

Did you now?

Heh.

Was all that...

genuine?

Of course.

Only my husband used to make
a great production of

snipping the cork,
swilling it around, gargling.

Oh, I-I didn't mean to imply
that you were as phony as he was.

Was he?

Well, not in every department.

I-I don't mean to pry.

Oh, it's alright.

Women found him very attractive.

And he invariably
found them irresistible.

I see.

I put up with the excuses
and the lies

for as long as I could.

There were no children,

but... a marriage is a marriage.

Oh...

this is so strange.

What?

Well, I've never told anybody
about this before.

And Mr. Carmody,

you're the most unlikely confidant.

I didn't know but I'm so sorry.

Oh, you don't have to apologise.

Let's dance.

Dance?

Oh no, I don't dance.

Everybody dances.

Katherine, I do not dance.
I have never danced.

Gerald, I'm standing here
and if you don't join me shortly,

I'll grab the first waiter that
comes around, if only to save face.

But I haven't danced in years...

and then I was dreadful.

I'll be the judge of that.

Hand here.

The other one here.

Now, try not to fall over.

I'm not as bad as that.

Katherine...

why do you enjoy making
a fool of me so much?

You're not a fool.

Besides...

who's watching?

Well... if anyone were.

They'd think: "the lucky man,

"that a gorgeous woman like me

"should shuffle around the floor

with such a terrible dancer."

Then why do you make me do it?

Because it gives you
an excuse to hold me.

And suddenly,

I want to be held very badly.

You know,

with a bit of practice,
you could be a very good dancer.

I don't think Fred Astaire need worry.

It was a lovely evening, Gerald.

Yes.

Do you have any outings
planned for tomorrow?

I thought I'd do
a little exploring, locally.

I'd be only too happy
to show you around.

- You know the district?
- Like the back of my hand.

Been down to the sea front,
the shopping centre...

around all the hotels.

Alright.

You can give me a guided tour.
After lunch?

After lunch.

Alright.

Uh...

sounds like your phone.

Yes it does.

Goodnight Fred.

What?

Oh, yes.

Goodnight Ginger.

Ahh. Yes.

Grand dad, it's Stephen.

Stephen, how are you?

Great news. Mum and dad
have been buried by an avalanche.

Can I have this now.

- We went to...
- Shut up, bog rat.

What's that?

Oh, dad says you can
make the arrangements.

Look, Stephen, it's-it's...
it's very good of you...

but-but I...

look, let me talk to your father.

Hello, dad.
Are you gonna join us?

Arthur,

look, I really I am very touched
that you should want me but

I can't possibly leave here
at such short notice.

What... are you alright?

Have you met
anyone interesting?

Oh, no, no.
They're all deadly dull, but...

the-the place itself
has distinct possibilities.

I mean, they organise
all sorts of outings,

and there's a fairly decent
shopping centre not too far away.

But nothing very exciting.

And I still have my reservations

about being forced to mix
with people I don't really know.

And on the other hand,

there's always a chance that
you might meet a kindred spirit.

Well, not-not that I have, you
understand, but the possibility exists,

and that's the important thing.

Yes. And-and the town itself
is really quite pretty.

There's a decent enough seafront.

All the usual attractions.

Now believe me, Arthur,

I really appreciate that you and the
boys have gone to so much trouble.

Whatever else I am,
I am a stayer!

I'll just grit my teeth and

weather it out,
no matter how grim it gets.

Katherine.

Yes.

You don't know where
the TV lounge is, do you?

I haven't looked for it.

Well, I just happened to notice that
Brief Encounter is on this evening.

- The film?
- Yes.

Oh...
I haven't seen that in years.

What time?

9:30.

Be over by 11-ish.

- I'll cry like a drain.
- Oh, so will I, probably.

It's been years since I had
a night out at the pictures.

Me too. As a matter of fact,

I think the last time was probably
the first time I saw Brief Encounter.

Mr. Carmody...

you've got a date.

[INAUDIBLE CHATTER]

Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard,

that's out.

It's rather far, I know,
but we should be delighted.

- Please, please.
- What is it?

Next Thursday, the same time.

- No, I couldn't possibly.
- Please.

I ask you most humbly.

You'll miss your train.

You're not angry with me, are you?

No, I'm not angry.

I don't think I'm anything, really.
I just feel tired.

Forgive me?

For everything...

Whatever your dream was,

it wasn't a very happy one, was it?

Is there anything I can do to help?

Katherine?

You certainly enjoyed that.

Did I nod off?

Not that you'd notice.

See you in the morning.
Goodnight.

Katherine?

Katherine.

I think you left something in my room...

Oh, my dear girl.

What time is it?

I don't know.

How are you?

Hm... better.

What was it?

Oh, something I ate.

No, no, no, you were in agony.

It's gone now.

Well, at least just to see the nurse.

Is that your arm?

Ow... used to be.

Don't be daft,
you should've moved it.

After the first hour I don't think
I could have even if I'd wanted.

Better?

Think I preferred it where it was.

Katherine,

when you got up from the bench
that day, on St Michael's Mount,

it was the same thing, wasn't it?

It was a dizzy spell, I told you.

Katherine,

I'd-I'd rather you didn't.

What Happened?

Well, I was in a fire.

It looks much worse than it is.

Anyone else involved?

No, no...

only me.

My house, my responsibility, my...

my stupidity.

I put a pan of water on
to boil an egg,

I looked out of the window,

I hadn't touched the garden
for months after...

M-Margaret died.

By then it was spring and the weeds
were coming up through the lawn,

so down I went and I...

set to work.

Of course,
the water in the pan boiled dry

and set fire to an oven glove or...

dish cloth or something...

The kitchen caught on fire.

By the time they arrived

the whole house was ablaze.

I tried to...

I tried to get-get...

I tried to rescue things...

but it was too late, I...

I...

everything went up in flames.

And my...

furniture, books...

photograph albums...

all the inessentials of my life.

The things that meant nothing to me...

until they were gone.

Katherine...

you-you don't have to...

Well, your pulse is normal.

Nothing out of the ordinary there,
either.

- Stomach cramps, you said?
- Crippling.

Probably something you ate.

I'll give you something to settle it.

What medications are you taking already?

Oh, I uh,

I thought perhaps
a couple of um...

Chloradexaphenerol might do the trick.

That's a bit drastic, isn't it?

Well, a friend recommended it.

For stomach cramps?

- Isn't it appropriate?
- Where did your friend hear about it?

I think he was prescribed it.

Oh, well I don't
want to alarm you

but I think your friend has a something
a bit more serious than stomach cramps.

Oh, what's it for?

It's chemotherapy.

Cancer?

I'm very sorry, I'm afraid so.

Here, swallow these.

You must be mistaken.

I know what I'm talking about,
Mr. Carmody.

Get out.

What?

Just get out and leave me alone.

Now look, Mr. Carmody, I realise
this must be very upsetting...

Get out!

I'll make the nurse a full apology.

Alright, I'll patch it up with her.

- On one condition.
- What?

I still have no takers
for the Friday talk slot.

Oh, no, really.

Oh look, lots of other guests
have stocks and shares.

I know they'd love to have
the benefit of your...

expertise. It's just
for half an hour.

All I have to do is
answer a few questions?

- Yes, that's all.
- Very well.

Oh, wonderful.

2:30, Main Lounge, Friday.

In return I want to ask
a favour of you.

You're a man of business.
Alright, what is it?

When my son signed me in here,

he must've filled in some
sort of form concerning...

- Do you want to see it?
- No.

I'm talking about Mrs. Palmer.

I'm sorry, information about
other guests is strictly confidential.

You must understand that.

Yes, of course, of course,

I do understand but these are
exceptional circumstances.

In what way?

She left these in my room last night.

She said it was chemotherapy.

Yes.

It's part of a new treatment for cancer.

They're calling it a breakthrough.

What is the success rate?

I really couldn't say.
Why don't you ask Mrs. Palmer?

Oh, no, no, I-I-I couldn't do that.

She tried so hard
to keep her illness from me.

But it... it can be successful?

I don't want to raise false hopes,
Mr. Carmody.

Will you see that these pills
get back to her?

Yes, no problem. I'll-I'll say
one of the cleaning staff...

Gerald, you're not wearing a suit.

Or a tie.

Oh.

Your carriage is at the door, m'lady.

What carriage?

For the mystery trip.

What mystery trip?

Well, if I told you that,
it wouldn't be a mystery, would it?

Alright,

what are we looking for?

You haven't read your
guide book very carefully.

Somewhere, out there, in that bay,

your hero, Tristan,
fell in love with Isolde.

Now, according to this,

he was sent to Ireland
by his cousin, King Marke,

to bring Isolde back here,

to be the King's bride. But...

on the voyage back, they fell in love.

I know. They drank
a love potion by mistake.

Oh.

Well, don't you find that romantic?

Well, I suppose so,

but if it was a magic potion,
then it was out of their hands.

What about lesser mortals,
like you and me?

And how can we be sure that it's love?

Might be something
more explicable, like...

senile dementia.

Oh...

sun's almost gone.

- Well, it is December after all.
- Mm.

Don't let the daisies fool you.

You know, I think,

it wasn't some magic potion
that made them fall in love...

I think...

it was the sea voyage.

What are those?

Listen, Katherine...

I've managed to book
the last 2 cabins

on a Christmas cruise to the Bahamas.

We fly to Florida on the 22nd
and sail off on Christmas Eve.

You've gone mad.

It's the sanest thing
I've done in years.

Oh...

I can't accept this.

It's entirely selfish, I assure you.

G-Gerald...

No, no, listen Katherine, listen...

I'm 73 years old,

it's over half a century
since I last fell in love.

Even then I wasn't absolutely sure,

because I've got nothing
to compare it with.

- Look...
- No, no...

- you don't understand...
- please, let...

let me finish.

I don't know much about...

ecstasy or great passion,

or the stuff of legends.

But if being in love means...

not being able to
get you out of my mind,

wanting to be with you for every
second of every day, then I haven't.

There's no doubt about it,
I'm sorry.

You know nothing about me.

I know enough.

I've spent the most wonderful
few days with you.

I want it to go on.

You have to give me time to think.

Of course.

It must have cost you a fortune.

If it means spending time
alone with you,

it's cheap at any price.

Can you get your money back
if I can't go?

Of course, I'm no fool.

They told me that if I called them
by 5 o'clock this afternoon,

I'd get a full refund.

Oh damn, it's 5 past.

You're lucky.

First you must understand,

the decision isn't entirely up to me.

I've been ill recently and...

it wouldn't be fair to say anything
without checking with my doctor.

The Caribbean?

Come on, he's bound to say yes.

Oh, Gerald, it would be wonderful.

Christmas in the Bahamas.

Oh, dear...

excuse me.

Mr. Carmody, uh, Miss Glaistow
passed on your apology.

- Oh, that's alright.
- No, that's not what I mean.

She explained the whole situation
and I'm the one who should apologise.

It's-it's not necessary.

I should've known as soon as you
mentioned Chloradexaphenerol.

Please, keep your voice down.

Ooh, Lord, yes, that's
her room opposite, isn't it?

Such a lovely woman.
And such a brave fight.

Yes.

Yes, thank you.

You know.

It doesn't make any difference.

Difference?

Of course it makes a difference.

Gerald, I have cancer!

But you're on medication
and it's working, isn't it?

At the moment.
But it's like a pendulum.

- Any day it can swing the other way.
- But it may not.

Look, we must take each day
as it comes.

It's-it's...

it's just a cruise, Katherine!

You and I know it's more than that.

And you wouldn't have suggested it
if you hadn't found out.

I don't pity you, Katherine,

I love you.

Listen, Gerald,

the treatment seems to be working, yes,

but if it doesn't,

my specialist has been
wonderfully informative

about the days
I have coming to me.

So,

I wouldn't want to
share them with anyone.

Especially someone as loving,

and as kind.

Katherine.

Katherine...

- Mr. Carmody.
- Yes.

Are you fit?

I looked for you at breakfast and lunch
but you've been keeping to your room.

We're expecting quite a turnout.
You're not going to let me down, I hope.

I'll be there.

- Main Lounge, 10 minutes, alright?
- 10 minutes.

Oh...

Mr. Carmody,
this is my nephew, John.

Hello.

Mr. Carmody and I have been
on a number of outings together.

- What's happening?
- John came to pick me up a day early.

Why?

I'm afraid my conference
is an absolute washout.

Frankly, I wasn't willing
to waste the time.

I thought you were here
until the weekend.

I'm not... I'm not upsetting
anyone's plans, am I?

No, of course not.

Mr. Carmody understands.

You can't.

You can't.

Gerald...

please...

Look, I don't mean to interfere

but I think my aunt wants
to be left alone to pack...

why don't we go
and have a drink?

Why don't you mind
your own business?

Why don't I.

I'll wait in the lobby, shall I?

No!

No need for that.

- I could do with your help, actually.
- Katherine...

I know why Mr. Carmody is so upset,

he's giving a talk on stocks and shares
to the guests and, uh...

he was rather anxious
that I should be there.

I'm sure we have time
to listen to a bit of it.

Any minute now, isn't it?

So you're an expert
on stocks and shares?

It was my profession.

I'm in securities. Same but different.

What's this?

Plonk.

- What?
- My Poulenc tape.

To complete your musical education.

It's ah...

after 2:30.

Well, just finish packing,
and then we'll be right down.

I'm not sure we'll be
able to stay for all of it,

but I could certainly do
with a few tips.

We'll say goodbye now.

Have a wonderful Christmas, Gerald.

And thank you for everything
you've tried to do for me.

Ah, well...

I'll check the bathroom.

Well...

see you down there.

Alright, who has the first question?

Yes, Miss Dean.

My mother invested heavily
in war bonds.

They yield a pittance.

Um, should I sell them and invest in
something with a more profitable payout?

Mr. Carmody?

Your-your mother didn't buy
them for profit, Miss Dean,

she bought them to help the country.

They're what you call...
perpetual bonds.

They're more an act of faith
than an investment.

But supposing I wanted to sell them?

There's not a market for them,
I'm afraid.

I mean-I mean, they'll keep
paying out for your children

and your children's children.

But I don't have any children.

Well, thank you, Miss Dean.

And who's next?

Mrs. Carmichael.

I've been advised that my portfolio

contains too many blue chip stocks.

Consequently, I should add

a few high-risk ventures.

My question is:

how high is high-risk?

Recently, I-I was told I shouldn't

gamble on a high-risk investment.

But sometimes...

even in business, a man must take a risk
because it gives his life purpose again.

I mean, others, the...

the bright boys might say forget it,
there's no future in it.

Well, there's no use
in telling him that,

because there's no future
without it, either.

They're talking to a man who has found
a reason to believe in himself again.

He must follow it through,

despite the risk,

despite the possible heartache,

because that too,
is part of the bargain,

part of the commitment.

And there's every chance it may work,

but even if it doesn't,

he will be happy to invest whatever
he has, for as long as it takes,

because he knows the joys
are everlasting.

Yes, well, that seems to be
a very full answer.

Wouldn't you agree,
Mrs. Carmichael?

Yes.

Well, perhaps I'd
better be more specific.

You see, my stockbroker

went out of business some time ago,

- but on his recommendation, I...
- Excuse me.

How very rude.