Hysteria (2011) - full transcript

In 1880 pioneering doctor Mortimer Granville,sacked from various hospitals for challenging his superiors' out-moded methods,gets a job with Dr Dalrymple,who relieves female patients' frustrations - or hysteria - with pelvic massages which allow orgasm. The handsome young doctor attracts a large female clientele and gets engaged to Dalrymple's studious younger daughter Emily but after the constant massaging brings on a carpal injury he is sacked. Fortunately an enterprising inventor friend has come up with a power operated feather duster which will soon be transformed into a vibrator and make Mortimer a fortune. Along the way he also realises that his heart really lies with Emily's older sister Charlotte,an outspoken suffragette who runs a home for disadvantaged women in London's East End.

I truly don't even know

why I'm here doctor.

Well of course it's difficult

running a large household by one self...

and raising four children is exhausting.

But they're wonderful, wonderful children.

And my husband...

he's a good man.

A very hard worker.

And huuu...

There were...

there is just...one thing...

Sometimes at night...

and it comes to me.

I imagine myself...

splitting his fat, bold head

with a great large axe.

It's just a feeling that comes

over me many...many times a day...

a feeling of humm...

expectation, aah...

hungering.

How do you bear it,

this English weather?

I cannot sing from the sadness.

I open my mouth...

You see?

Nothing.

Well and with my dear AIIister's gone

it's two years now I...

I should thought I'm far,

far too old for this kinds of feelings...

but well, there they are...

Nurse!

I ask you to clean this wound

and put on fresh bandages.

Umm...

Dr. Richardson told me

not to waste supplies.

Is he mad? No...

We must keep the wound

clean to prevent sepsis.

- What 'sis'?

- Sepsis.

Infection. It's caused by germs

entering the wound.

Germs. They're tiny creatures

that invade the body.

Causing pain, fever,

infections.

I don't think I have those.

- You can't see them.

They're invisible.

Please, just fetch me a beaker of

carbolic acid solution and fresh bandage.

Yes, doctor.

Honestly...

ugh...That oaf Richardson had this way

with perform surgery in the sewer

using rusty saws

and it would be

Beekman's pills for everybody.

no matter the ailment...

- Granville.

I'm aware I specifically told the nurse

not to change these bandages.

Soiled bandages are

a heaven for germs.

Germ's theory

is poppycock, Granville.

Now stop speaking of it.

You're frightening the patients.

Poppycock? But Lister has proved it.

All the latest journals...

- Tight, Granville.

No, we won't be needing those.

Thanks very much.

A study there of calm reassurance

and regular bleeding.

These are the keys

to modern medicine.

Will you remain calm, when the

leg putrefies and become gangrenous?

When you amputate...

when the rots spread

to her blood and kills her?

I've had quite

enough of your impotence.

Put back that bandage

and bleed a pint.

Look...look at her, man.

You...you get more blood out of a turnip.

Do as you're told.

And give her Beekman's pills

for insurance.

Beekman's pills are rubbish.

They will do nothing but

bring on stomach cramps.

I won't stand here and watch

you murder your patients

just because you can't be bothered

to read the latest science.

Hahahahaha...

At long last

we agree, Granville.

Bloody dinosaur.

Oh...

Huh...

Good day Mrs. Copeland.

Is Edmund in?

I wouldn't know, sir.

Guess it all knows my part is

delivery stay at night.

If I didn't love his parents so,

I'd never stay.

I'd pack my bags,

and all this electrical equipment.

It's a fire hazard, that's what it is.

I'll try his study.

You. Why have you stopped?

Ow!

Now, that is not what

you're supposed to do.

Hello.

Ahhh...

Oh no.

You haven't been sacked again,

have you?

I've tell you, Edmund. The healing arts

in England are positively lethal.

It's no coincident that the morgues

are placed adjacent to the hospitals.

- Ahh...

Well, this is 1880's.

We're meant to be in the midst

of a medical revolution.

Is it asking too much to use just

a bit of what science has provided.

Rather than...go about

indiscriminately killing people?

Yeah, well it's little bit like that.

What's all the fuss outside?

My new generator.

You purchase a generator

just last year.

Obsolete. This is half the size

and leaves double the power.

I never thought I'd say this. But...

I've lost hope.

Since I was a boy, all I wanted was

to practice medicine.

And to help...

people that actually needed it.

But I'm beginning to fear

that the world is set against me.

Well, what you gonna do?

Private practice, I suppose.

I shall harness myself

to some greedy pill pusher.

Shut my mouth. And pray that

it nets me a steady income.

Or, I could give you ten thousand pounds,

so you could whatever you wish.

uhh...I've told you

a thousand times, Edmund.

You and your family done

quite enough for me already.

Oh, come on, Mortimer.

I'd hardly miss it.

That's not the point.

I simply must make

my own way in the world.

You're so wonderfully middle class.

Haha..

Thank you.

Oh, by the way.

There seems to be a young man

sleeping on your stairs.

Really?

Huh...

Good Morning.

Mortimer Granville to see

Dr. Dalrymple. I have an appointment.

He's with someone now.

I see. Very well.

I shall wait, then.

Ladies.

Ladies.

Umm...

Ahh...

It's lovely.

Japanese, I think.

You're a charlatan...

with no more idea

of a woman's wants or needs than

of...of the Moon's atmosphere.

Charlotte, I simply

want you to behave...

You may be unaware, but there is

a social revolution of foods.

Women, will no longer

be denied our rightful place.

Try, as you might. To keep us in

a kitchen and in a drawing room.

We will not rest.

Until we are welcome

in the universities,

in the professions and

in the voting booth.

What are you staring at?

Yes, I can see the wheels turning.

Pity I can't stay for the pronouncement.

Charlotte!

That woman was...

Hysterical.

Yes, quite.

It's a very difficult case,

that one.

Huh...

I have worked at a number

of hospitals in the past...

year.

Guy's of course, Charing Cross.

The Westminster Hospital,

most recently...

Excellent.

- St Thomas's

Old St Thomas's

The popular Stepney sick asylum...

Good. Impressive.

...the diseases of the chest.

Royal Sea Bathing Infirmary...

Fine...fine.

It's...It's a variety of experiences.

But, tell me doctor...

what do you know of hysteria?

Huh...

Nothing.

Nothing?

But it's a plague of our time.

I would venture to say, that

half the women in London are affected.

It stands from an overactive uterus.

In its most severe forms,

it demands drastic measures.

institutionalization, surgery even.

But in it's milder manifestations:

Nymphomania, frigidity,

melancholia, anxiety,

it's eminently treatable.

Interesting.

Look. I'll come straight

to the point, doctor.

I'm keen for help.

Oh, you saw my waiting room.

Not enough hands to do the work,

so to speak.

Sir, I would be enormously grateful

for any position that allowed me

to offer relieve to my patients

with little chance of killing them.

I've treated thousands of cases,

and I've not lost a single patient.

But I won't lie to you, Granville.

It's tedious, tiring work.

Are you fit?

I have never shook from hard work in the

pursuit of helping the most needy among us.

Jolly good.

Shall we say,

umm... three pounds a week?

Three pounds?

Four.

Plus food and lodging.

I accept.

We're going to do great things

together, Granville.

Good God, what a grip.

So, breakfast at eight,

dinner at six.

Your room is up...ahh...

Emily.

I want you to meet my new assistant.

Dr. Mortimer Granville.

My daughter, Emily Dalrymple.

Your servant, ma'am.

So pleased to meet you, Dr. Granville.

Emily is the angel of the house.

Since the day that my wife, Melodia, passed

away, Emily has run things in proper order.

Oh, and she's also quite

a scientist in her own right.

You boast, Father.

Let me guess.

Jollyty?

Botany?

Lepidopterology?

Phrenology.

- Phrenology...hahahaha...Yes.

I can assure you Phrenology

is an accurate science, doctor.

Yes. Besides emulation of the bump

someone's head's a varied

road map to the personality,

if one is properly trained

to read them.

I don't mean to imply...

I think a demonstration

is in order

for our young skeptic.

it could be the most convivial.

Please.

What...

Dr. Granville, you had the most

perfectly formed nimbus I've ever felt.

nimbus?

He is a man of great wisdom.

I knew it. I knew it

And your mastoid is...

is very well pronounced.

Doctor, you're quite sympathetic,

aren't you?

Umm...well...

What else...what else?

Oh...

Oh, I'm so sorry.

- What?

It's just...

Well your...your thrombus

is so...rigid,

so jotting and prominent,

it startled me.

Rigid thrombus?

Sorry. Rigid thrombus?

it augurs fame.

No, no, no...

While I have the utmost respect

for your method, Miss Dalrymple

I must complaint that you misread me.

I'm but a simple doctor.

I have no ambition for notoriety.

And I can assure you, your

thrombus is the key to you future.

Whether you seek it or not,

Dr. Granville.

You're destined for fame.

Ahoy!

Ahoy!

Who is this?

Who is this, please?

Mr. Stanton...Huh.

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me now?

Yes.

This is Edmund St. John Smythe.

No, I don't work at

the telephone exchange. You see...

I've installed this telephone

and I wanted to test it

you're the only person

they could connect me to. Haha...

How're things going over there?

Sound's thrilling. Very well.

Carry on then. Goodbye.

Do you realize?

I have been speaking to a barrister

on the other side of London.

What about it?

Nothing. I don't even know the job.

Nothing to value if you

have nothing to speak about.

Here I am in Grosvenor Square,

and he's miles away

yet, we're able to speak

to each other instantaneously.

Do you think they'll catch on?

I have no idea.

But imagine if everyone had one.

Right.

Well...

I have just been offered a position by

London'0s leading specialist in women's medicine.

Oh, God...

How ghastly for you.

When do you start?

Tomorrow.

Quite looking forward

to it, actually.

Who is she?

What?

Hmm?

She's his daughter.

Emily Dalrymple.

I've only met her briefly, but...

But what?

Oh, Edmund. She is magnificent.

The epitome of English virtue and...

Womanliness.

I haven't the hope.

Huh. Handsome, young doctor.

What more could a woman ask?

Huh, better income. Social equal.

Overrated.

A few laughs, stiff pricks.

That's all a woman wants.

And you know this because?

Oh, I've read it in a magazine.

Oh, I see.

A toast then. To the end of Dr. Mortimer Granville,

once a brilliant student,

most recently, a visionary

doctor to the poor,

and now, handmade

to anxious middle-aged women.

Edmund St. John Smythe.

Bachelor.

Benefactor. Miserable student.

Sometimes drunkard.

Full time sexual deviant and

supreme waster of time and money,

especially if it has anything to do

with the science of electricity.

- To the telephone.

- To the Queen.

To calling the Queen

on the telephone.

Morning, Mrs. Parsons.

Oh, good morning, Doctor.

This is Dr. Granville.

He'll be assisting me this morning.

Very pleased to meet you,

Mrs. Parsons.

Doctor...

Notice the general pallor.

And how are we

this morning, Ms. Parsons?

Still feeling anxious?

yes, quite anxious, doctor.

I've been having those distracting

thoughts we discussed all week.

Yes.

Throughout history,

the medical establishment just

offered hysterical women

a veritable small

respond order of treatments.

Warm baths, ice baths, water jets,

mesmerisation,

horseback riding even.

But, I favour

a more direct approach.

Now, I like to begin

with a drop of musk oil...

followed by oil of lilies.

good dollop.

Are you ready, Mrs. Parsons?

Yes...yes, doctor. Quite ready.

Ooh...

Now, you begin with

the index finger.

Applying gentle pressure.

And slowly...

slowly in a circular motion,

still pressing gently.

It's a bit like tapping your head

and rubbing your tummy at the same time.

But you certainly

get the hang of it.

Vulva massage was popularized by

Pieter Van Forest in the 16th century.

Who prescribed it most

especially for widows

and women of religious orders.

- No offense, Mrs. Parsons.

- None taken, Doctor.

But today, in a clinical

environment with a trained professional

this is the most direct,

most effective treatment we can offer.

Good steady pressure.

That's the key.

Oh...Thank you, doctor.

Thank you.

Of course, reapply oil as needed.

Notice the effect, Doctor?

Shortness of breath.

Blushing of the skin.

Fluttering of the eyelids,

twitching.

Mourn crimson.

Vocalization.

All perfectly normal.

Merely, involuntary physiological

reaction to the treatment.

Oh...Oh, come on!

Come on, boy!

Up and over!

Steady on, Mrs. Parsons. Steady on.

Put steady pressure.

That's the key of it all.

Tally-ho!

Tally-ho!

Steady she goes, Mrs. Parsons.

Steady she goes

Is she's by fierce external stimulation,

we're able to elicit the pain pleasure reaction,

there by inducing

the hysterical paroxysm,

and causing the uterus back

to its normal position.

Amazing.

The female organ is as you know

incapable of experiencing any

pleasurable sensation what so ever

without actual penetration,

of the male organ.

Arghhh...

As you can see, Granville.

A very satisfactory paroxysm.

Well, I think we can judge this treatment a

great success, What do you say, Mrs. Parsons?

Startling, Dr. Dalrymple.

How a full demonstration.

And those nagging thoughts?

Gone, Doctor.

Wonderful.

Wonderful.

So, same time next week.

Umm...

Same time tomorrow, I should say.

Moderation in all things,

Mrs. Parsons.

Moderation in all things.

Is that you, Sarah?

Hello.

Ow...missed me, Charlie!

Sauce, sir?

It's lovely with the fish.

Thank you.

My father was

the Anglican minister of Mortlake.

Unfortunately, he and mother

perished in the last cholera outbreak.

when I was a boy.

After coming to London to volunteer,

they contracted the disease themselves.

Oh, how dreadful.

Oh, terrible.

No doubt that's where you came

your interest in medicine.

Lord St. John Smythe, knew of my fate

and without thought of the cost,

brought me into his own home and

provided for my welfare and education.

Just what you'd expect from

a man of his standing.

There is no greater charity

than the gift of education.

You read the book of Samuel Smiles?

Is there anyone more sensible,

more supremely British.

Quite.

Music, philosophy,

phrenology,

you're woman of many

talents Miss Dalrymple.

It's through generosity,

through compassion,

through simple Christian kindness,

and England gospel is spread

through all those who hunger...

Hello, Father.

I'm so sorry I'm late.

Charlotte...

Emily, hello. Love you.

Good evening, Charlotte.

Molly, hello?

Staying out of trouble, I heard?

Most days, miss. Wine?

Yes, please.

You remember my daughter,

Charlotte Dalrymple...

Daughter?

- My new assistant, Dr. Mortimer Granville.

Oh, hello. Lovely

to meet you properly.

Careful not to prick

yourself, Doctor.

What...oh!

You are aware that

the dinner begin at six.

I'm so sorry.

Lizzie Burke had her

eighth baby today. A little girl.

She was turn the wrong way around,

it took forever to get her out.

It was unbelievable.

Must we speak of such

things at table?

Emily.

Dr. Granville.

How is your fish?

Very fresh and very flaky,

thank you.

And Emily, are the parsnips

to your liking?

Oh...that's enough, Charlotte.

Only trying to make the

conversation sufficiently benign.

Dr. Granville

What say you?

Childbirth. Nasty, uncomfortable

topic best avoided at supper

or a miracle of life suited

for any setting?

I believe that serious medical matters,

are best left to those who're trained in them.

The lane Doctor remind me, but can only

study his scalpel with a quart of gin.

What say you, then?

Charlotte is the mistress at the Eastern Settlement,

House of Heaven for the less fortunate.

yes, unfortunately, the experience's

left her without a sense of

punctuality or decorum.

Oh, that's probably true.

I suppose I should've said to Lizzie,

"Hold tight darling,

won't be a minute. Just got to pop home.

Mustn't be late for supper"

I don't know why you bother

coming here at all

if your sole intention is

to be disruptive.

It isn't my sole intention.

We're out of coal again

and I need ten pounds.

No, no, no, no.

I already told you yesterday, I'm not giving

you any further support in that regard.

I know you did but

I didn't think you mean it.

Well if that what it takes to

bring to your senses, so be it.

I've been dodge you too long.

I've allowed you to roam the

street of London late at night.

Streets that I would be frighten

to go into in broad daylight.

I've taken into my own home

the employer...

inexperience maid at your request.

But no more.

Then father please give me my dowry.

Haha...

What...To be wasted on prostitutes

and factory workers? I don't think so.

No, no. Not until you marry.

I would rather offer myself

to a band of ravenous Cossacks.

- The parsnips are delicious.

Are they not?

I do find they work wonderfully

with the fish. Don't you think?

it's not the Middle Ages.

She will able to marry whoever she pleases.

No! It's not proper.

Now you give up this settlement house

and step up to your responsibility.

And until you do so,

I will not give you another penny.

And I won't come here anymore.

Not the charity or the company.

And you may threaten me with

privation, with bankruptcy,

with a life that knows

only hunger and squalor.

But I shall never veer,

from what I know

to be my own true path.

And don't slam...

Does she slam every door?

Very difficult case, that one.

Good night, Doctor.

How is it, Miss Dalrymple that...

you are so much the ideal one.

And your sister is so...

so volatile?

well, I'm hardly ideal, Doctor.

And...

Charlotte, she just...

feels everything so strongly.

If you truly knew her, you would see she's

terribly clever and wonderfully charitable

If she's earn such love and admiration

from one so kind and gentle as yourself,

I should never speak faultily of her.

Good night, Doctor.

Good night, Miss Dalrymple.

Don't, Frank.

How are you, this morning?

We doing fine.

He just misses his mother.

You know what...I was thinking

about you this morning.

Do you know what

we going to start with?

Drawing.

Pardon me.

It's quite alright, handsome.

- Molly, is it?

- That's right, sir.

But my friends call me

Molly the Lolly.

And I think that we can be friends.

Molly the Lolly.

That's an unusual nickname.

Fancy a lick?

No, no. Thank you.

Only six buck for

the gentlemen like yourself.

It will only take me a minute.

Well, it's a generous offer, I'm sure.

But I have a very busy day ahead of me.

So, so, so...perhaps

another time, okay?

No, no, no. What I mean to say is...

Will if you excuse me.

Suit yourself.

You alright, Fannie?

Yeah...

It's nothing.

Fannie, what is it? What?

It's George.

Again.

I think he's gonna land us

on the street. This time

- Oh, no, no, miss. I can't

- No, take it. Take it.

Straight to the landlord.

No stopping.

I'll see you tonight.

Mrs. Bellamy, is it?

I'm Dr. Granville, Dr. Dalrymple

new associate. - Good morning.

Very pleased to meet you, Doctor.

You've been here before?

- Yes.

So you are aware of the procedure?

Indeed.

Going well?

Yes, quite. Thank you.

As I said before, I'm leaving you

in very good hands, Mrs. Bellamy.

Oh..hahaha...

Thank you, doctor.

Good day.

Shall we begin?

Sorry about that.

- You alright, Doctor?

- Yes, quite. Thank you.

Here we go, then.

Please let me know

if anything is uncomfortable.

That's very nice, Doctor. Thank you.

Very nice, indeed.

Don't you understand?

It's an emergency.

The situation is desperate.

It's completely impossible, madam.

I'll do anything.

Mille grazie.

You are very welcome, Signora.

Next.

You knew they turning

patients away.

Really? I hadn't notice.

I think because of you.

This may be broken.

Something wrong with your hand?

Just a twinge.

Allow me.

You seem to have settled in nicely,

Dr. Granville.

Now, you may have noticed that I'm

not getting any younger.

And with only two daughters,

I have no one

to carry on the practice.

I was wondering whether

you might like to consider

becoming a partner.

Papa, that's a wonderful idea.

I...I'm speechless.

And who knows if things go well,

this practice may end up yours.

Since my dear wife Melodia,

passed away...

God rest her soul.

Emily has diligently and

professionally managed the household.

I've no doubt that one day

she would make a fine Doctor's wife,

with that experience.

Lovely.

I do hope I'm not expected to stay

here until after supper, everyday.

I'm very sorry, Ms. Smalley, I'll

be on schedule tomorrow. I promise.

I do hope so.

Right. Just in here.

We'll sit you down.

Miss Dalrymple, what a surprise?

I'm afraid that your father isn't here.

Good.

Well in that case I must tell you

that we work only to appointment.

Fannie has broken her ankle.

I was hoping to persuade you to treat it?

I'll have the fish n chips.

That's the rum talking.

It's all I had to ease the pain.

Normally I don't recommend extreme drunkenness,

but it's probably a very good choice.

Let have a look at it.

I should tell you, we've no money.

Good night, Mrs. Smalley.

Oh..Good night.

Let's take her inside.

- Thank you.

I'm not wearing any knickers.

Well, I'm sure

it's an honest mistake.

You want to look?

- What are these for?

- I'll explain later.

There we go.

- Lie back.

Very good.

Now, Fannie...

- Yes.

I want you to count to three for me.

Can you do that?

Yes, I think so.

One,

two...

Owww!!

You said three, bloody hell!

She's out, I think.

Forgive me. I wanted

her thoughts elsewhere.

I need some plaster,

for her ankle.

I didn't know my father had any

proper medical supplies in here anymore.

Crimean War's supplies I imagine.

Is your hand alright?

A bit stiff actually.

Why are you so opposed

to your father?

My father...

You know he's never been

to the settlement house.

I simply wish he helped people

like Fannie who really need it

Instead of the trivial work

he does here.

It's hardly trivial.

That one is a little bit sloppy,

thank you nurse.

I apologize.

Hysteria is a disabling condition

suffered by half the women in this city.

Keeps you busy, I see.

Does wonders for

disagreeable personalities.

You find me disagreeable?

I've only ever seen you shout

at people and slam doors.

At least I've got

the courage of my convictions.

And few friends, I would imagine?

Good.

Well, I need to see you again

in six weeks, Fanny,

to remove the cast.

Thank you, Doctor.

Yes, you've been a great help.

You're both very welcome.

If you ever get bored,

of nervous housewives

feel free to pay us a visit.

Hello, Mortimer.

Please, sit down.

Emily...

I've been...Oh, Emily...

I've been thinking...

should things progress

as your father suggested

and I one day

I inherit the practice,

what would your feelings be,

about...

well, an arrangement?

Mortimer...

I should be honoured.

Most especially as it will

make father so happy.

Right...right.

Umm...

Oh, that's settled.

Duty first, as always, Emily.

Life is of little value unless

it be consecrated by duty.

Oh...Quite, yes.

Granville.

A word?

I must insist that you give Charlotte

no further assistance of any sort.

It merely prolongs her relationship

with those people and that place.

The woman had a broken ankle.

I admire your dedication, Doctor.

But we can't have day labours

trade things through the office.

This is a very exclusive

and I might add, lucrative practice.

Appearances matter.

I have taken a solemn oath, Sir.

I thought we had an understanding,

you and I...

about your future here.

That's last of it, Miss.

Oh, Jack. Thank you.

Well, then.

It's a two hundred late today

plus what's on account...

three carry to one...

seven and six, I think.

Yes...yes, that's right.

May I pay you Friday next?

I'm sorry, miss.

But the gov is very clear.

Cash only, he said.

And, get the balance.

Would you tell your employer,

that my father, Dr. Dalrymple,

has absolutely promised a very large donation

to the settlement house this coming Friday

and I'll will bring him the money myself.

I'll make it state, miss.

Nobody appreciates more

than me what you've done here.

My boy, Frank says you're the

strawberries and the cream.

Shush...Friday, then.

- Ta!

Mortimer...must you wear

that ghastly hand brace?

I must find some way to attend

to these women properly.

I believe the French have quite

a bit of luck using their tongues.

Please be serious.

We're speaking of my patients.

They need me.

Perhaps for the first time, I feel...

truly useful.

Aren't you a rainy day?

Oh, don't worry, something will come along, simply...

- Oww!!

I wish I could

share your optimism.

Oh...Excuse me.

Just...just...

Dr. Granville.

- Oh...

- Are you all right?

- Yes, I think so.

Thank you.

Have you quite finished, Doctor?

Edmund, this is Emily's

sister Charlotte.

Charlotte Dalrymple,

Edmund St. John Smythe.

Oh, Edmund Smythe from the papers.

Overblown...I assure you

I attended that party as a favour to a dear friend and

I can swear I never met that horse before in my life.

Sounds as if you had a jolly good time.

What brings you

to the west-end, Miss Dalrymple?

Begging for money,

unsuccessfully till now.

Ah, yes. Miss Dalrymple runs a

settlement house in the east end.

How fascinating.

I must be going.

Oh, that seems as

your hand's no better.

It must be difficult pleasuring

half the women in the city.

Madam, pleasure has nothing

to do with it. I can assure you

Well I suppose that depends on whether

your rave at the table or on it.

Goodbye.

You know how much we admire

your spirit, Charlotte.

And we're lifelong

friends of your father.

But these element you work with

are nothing more than

the draught horses of society.

I don't see how charity will help...

It's not charity, perhaps a loan.

A loan? How much?

Two hundred pounds.

Generally, a loan has

some security, dear.

They were my mother's.

They should cover the balance and more.

We will give you two hundred pounds at

eight percent interest. - Thank you.

Now I want you to be sure you understand this is

strictly business, Charlotte. - Yes, yes, yes, yes

We won't hesitate to collect...

I understand.

Thank you.

Mr. Huddleston.

Thank you. Thank you for your

time and your generous...

Mrs. Huddleston, thank you.

It means a great deal

to so many people.

Thank you, thank you.

Scandalous...

Hello?

Dr. Granville...

Trolling for patients?

Afraid you finding

cases of hysteria here.

Women are all too busy trying

to find enough to eat.

Miss Dalrymple.

Always speaking out of turn.

No. I come to enquire about

Miss Fanny broken ankle.

A house call?

Surely, there's no harm following

up with the patient?

None at all.

No pain?

No. Nothing.

I was going to take her

to see you on Friday.

There's no bother.

I was in the neighbourhood.

I was...

I was near the neighbourhood.

- How's that feel?

- Fine, thank you Doctor.

Would you like a cup of tea, Doctor?

Oh, no, thank you.

Dr. Granville.

It's the least we can offer.

Yes. Alright then.

Cup of tea would be lovely.

Take it easy on that for a few days.

- Yes, Doctor.

Very good. Now wait for me in a moment.

You can wait just through there.

Hello...

Hang on.

Just getting to the good bit.

Thank you. I wouldn't be able to sleep

without knowing how that turn out.

Milk, Doctor?

- Please.

We use this room

mostly as a nursery.

I do fit in a little

bit of teaching now and then.

Promoting some aggressive

political agenda, no doubt.

Sums and letters mostly.

Occasionally we sneak in

something slightly progressive.

Oh...you might like this.

Actually look. For example...

this is where

the children wash their hand.

We use soap

and boiled water. We do our best

to keep the settlement sanitary, but...

you can't imagine

the filth and the germs.

You know about germs?

I do read, Doctor.

I spend years trying to convinced the medical

establishment that the hand washing prevent disease

and unsuccessfully.

and then here you are

teaching it to the children.

And with great success.

I know. With the parents is another story.

But, eventually the children will teach them themselves.

Bravo.

For the women, we're trying to provide

services that will offer the most direct result.

Good hot meal, safe place for

their children and communal laundry.

I think that if we can ease their work load

a bit We could get on to the important

work, of changing their minds.

You Madam, are a socialist.

A socialist?

What if I am?

Socialism, it isn't hard.

It's nothing more than

a group pulling together.

If women pull together,

if they weren't so frightened,

There's no telling what

we could accomplish.

In this revolution that you're planning,

will you achieved it all from here?

Drop a stone in a pond,

then it will main rippled.

It's a bit like pond. It is true. I know this.

- Yes.

The building adjacent,

and the one behind, are both

for sale for two thousand pounds.

Bought them together, and we're

not just a classroom and a kitchen

we're centre for

the neighbourhood with a garden,

a proper school,

maybe even a medical clinic.

And two thousand pounds, is aiming

quite high, don't you think?

No, I don't think so.

I know, by the time I'm gone,

women will have the vote

they have equal education

and rights over their own bodies.

and I'd like to play some small

part in making that happen.

Absolutely. And then,

you should teach them how to fly.

I would.

You just wait and see, Doctor.

I'd like to see your face.

Your passion, your devotion

to this work is admirable.

Honestly,

I get much more

out of it than they do.

They only get food and laundry

and I'm giving a useful life.

And I set my own hours.

You know...

I could really use the help of

an able Doctor on a more regular basis.

bread and apple for the least of it

All the children suffer

from malnutrition, scurvy,

even cholera and typhus.

All preventable as you know

with the knowledge and resources.

I'm afraid my patients

keep me very busy.

I only mean...

I only mean a weekend a month.

I don't believe

I would have the time.

Or even a few hours on a Sunday.

Anything would help.

I'm sorry.

Please. Please.

- Miss Dalrymple.

I'm afraid I can't help.

You can't...

or you won't?

It's a bit more complex than that.

I know, I know. It's...

It's my father.

He wouldn't allow it, would he?

Is that why you came here?

To keep me from bringing Fannie

back to his posh little practice?

Thank you for the tea.

Run along Doctor. Back to your...

silly comfortable life.

Mrs. Castellari, Doctor.

Send her in, Nurse.

- Mrs. Castellari.

Mrs. Castellari, how are you?

Sad, Doctore.

Very sad today.

Good, good.

Lie back, please.

Aii!!!

Your hand is so cold, Doctore.

I'm so sorry, Mrs. Castellari.

I forgot.

Yes.

Is that better?

I think that's enough

for today, Doctore.

Feeling better, than?

Mrs. Castellari!

Mrs. Castellari!

I assure you Mrs. Castellari,

this has never happened to me before.

You have discredited

my entire practice.

I'm very sorry.

Sorry will hardly suffice.

Your disability is clearly far more

serious than you let me to believe.

Ms. Castellari tells me you fail

to complete the treatment.

And now,

I discovered that Mrs. Parsons

has stopped coming altogether.

If you could only see or wait while giving

me one more chance, I can assure you...

No.

I thought you were someone

I could trust,

with my business, my family,

my reputation.

But, clearly I was mistaken.

You're dismissed.

Doctor.

- Dismissed!

I'm terribly sorry.

I'm finished, Edmund.

Completely buggered.

I had a perfect life within

reach and, I lost it.

All due to hand cramps.

God!

Someone's telephoned.

Ahoy!

I didn't know you had a telephone.

I'm very, very flattered. Yeah.

Oh, yes, indeed.

My God!

Now I'm inventing a cleaning tool.

Yeah, very good.

Yes.

Yeah, do that...

Got to rush, actually now.

Goodbye.

Oh...Don't stop.

I think you're enjoying

yourself too much.

It makes your hand feel all...

all warm and tingling.

I feel it right down to the bone.

Oh, really?

Turn it back on.

Please...

Well, that's what I call

good steady pressure.

Does it go any higher?

Go on.

That's it. That's the spot.

My feathers!

This is the spot, indeed.

Bugger...

You smell burning?

But you said yourself that you

could feel the vibration deep inside...

I know what I said.

But this is crude

and rough and inexact

and nothing at all like

the motion and pressure that I use.

Didn't seem to have much this time.

I grant you.

If this works,

it could put you back in good

standing with Dr. Dalrymple and Emily.

Edmund, let me be perfectly

clear about this.

We are not going to take

a dangerous explosive and

untried electrical device

and press it against

the ladies most gentle areas.

That's it, then.

I believe I shall regret this

to the very end of my days.

Now, who should we try it on?

Ordinarily for five pounds, I

wouldn't ask questions.

That's with the men.

This is a different kettle of fish.

I don't believe it will involve

any pain. But if it does,

we will stop immediately.

Think of it this way, Molly.

for one brief moment, you could be

a pioneer of technology.

A voyage of the British Empire,

and quite possibly, the

vanguard of modern medical science.

And we pay up front.

Why not?

Do your worst.

Ooh...

- Are you hurt?

No.

No. It just scared me. That's all.

I've never felt one like that before.

Shall I stop?

No, no. Try again.

I'll be ready this time.

Oh, right there.

Yes, like that.

How do you feel, Molly?

Bloody marvellous, what do you think?

Would you say you had a paroxysm?

I'd say three from counting.

It got a little muddled in the middle.

It's astonishing.

What you call that little thing?

Well, I was calling

it a feather duster.

Well, let's

think of something quick.

So the girls know what to ask for.

Whore's feathers?

I give you my word

as a gentleman, sir.

Three paroxysms in five minutes.

No harm came to the girl?

She was completely satisfied

with the result.

Yes. Well, I can hardly take

the word of a trollop.

That's why we must try it here.

Medical science demands

a thorough investigation.

What better place to start than with these women

whom we know suffer so from hysteria?

Yes. Well, in my opinion,

change is rarely beneficial.

I believe we're on the verge

of something revolutionary, sir.

If we achieve half

as much of your patients,

all credit goes to you.

Not just money, fame.

Three paroxysms

in five minutes, you say?

Very well.

One test case.

But if she comes to harm,

on your head be it.

The rubby-nubby.

The vibratorium.

Jigly-wigly?

paroxysmator.

Oh, the sorcerer's apprentice.

- Excitetator?

- Mr. Wobleck.

What about, the squealer?

You gonna need

a bigger appointment book.

Electric massage?

I don't know.

I have full confidence that the

machine will equal if not better,

any treatment you've had before.

And, since you're so

unsatisfied last time,

I'm prepared to offer

you this, gratis.

I'll trust you, Doctore.

This is Mr. Edmund St...

That is my electrical assistant.

He'll be attending as well,

if that's alright?

It's a little surprising at first,

Mrs. Castellari. But don't be alarmed,

you'll soon get used to it.

Everything all right,

Mrs. Castellari?

Bravo!

Well done.

So, don't forget to chain the gate,

And, oh...I left the candle

lit in the kitchen.

Go, and have a lovely evening.

You know, I think I will.

Bye.

Dr. Mortimer Granville.

Oh, I'm sorry. We're closing.

- Get her out of there.

Two hundred pounds plus interest,

or we lock the gate.

But I don't have it.

Right. I'm locking the gate.

Get of me!

No doubt, you're the luckiest man in all of London.

- Miss Dalrymple.

Miss Charlotte Dalrymple.

Will you excuse me, ladies?

Miss Dalrymple.

Dr. Granville, good evening.

Congratulations. I'm sure you'll

make my sister very happy.

Something wrong?

No, no.

I just never seen you so...

Formally attired?

I was going to say...

clean.

Dr. Granville, I can assure you

that women enjoy physical pleasure

just as much as men,

even if it can be harsh to come by.

- Physical pleasure has nothing to do with it.

It is strictly a medical treatment

that stimulates the nervous system.

Indeed it does, doesn't it.

Bargain it to guinea.

But my point is,

according to your diagnosis,

hysteria seems to cover everything,

from insomnia to toothache.

It's not my...

- It's nothing more than a catch-all

for dissatisfied women.

women, forced to spend

their lives on domestic chores

and their prudish and

selfish husbands who are unwilling

or unable to make love to them

properly, or often enough.

You seem to have strong opinions

on husbands for a woman who doesn't have one.

Look, if you don't believe me,

ask your patients.

Faintly ironic, don't you think.

Use my engagement party

as an opportunity to deliver your opinion matters?

- Yes, yes.

and I apologize for that, but you must admit,

you men really did get the best side to the bargain.

Bargain?

For I said, it's mindless

housework and dating some halfwit

you can make some halfwit very happy.

It simply not enough for me,

or for most women.

Would it be enough for you?

I'm not most women.

Wouldn't you be lonely?

I will take a partner.

An equal.

But, not for me a life of darning

socks, doing chores

until my mental faculties

become Sunday pudding.

Does someone say Sunday pudding?

Lord and Lady St. John Smythe

may I present

Miss Dalrymple.

Miss Dalrymple, my guardians.

Lord and Lady St. John Smythe.

Charlotte "Sunday pudding" Dalrymple.

So please to meet you, my dear.

I love a good Sunday pudding.

Cannot be happier

for you, Mortimer.

You make us proud,

each and every day.

Thank you.

Lovely earrings.

Oh, thank you. They were my mother's.

Will your mother be joining

us this evening?

No, my mother is

in fact dead, my Lord.

I trust we didn't waste

an invitation on her.

What about your father?

Will he be here or

is he dead as well?

No. My father is quite well.

Thank you.

I've not seen him but I'm sure

he'll be here soon.

Oh, hurry up. Damn you.

Give a move on!

They only keep the love of your

life waiting, my dear.

A toast to the happy couple.

You'll soon find that the key

to a happy marriage

is the ability to enjoy a good argument.

- Yes.

Do remember to let him win once

in a while, my dear.

Oh...Oh...no, no.

There's a misunderstanding.

I'd rather marry Edmund

than Dr. Granville.

Marry Edmund?

Sure, she's a live one.

Who is this man?

That's my father.

I thought he was dead.

May I present,

Dr. Robert Dalrymple.

My Lord.

And this is my fianc嶪,

Emily Dalrymple.

Fianc嶪? But I thought...

Never mind, dear.

How very nice to meet you, Doctor.

- My Lady

Miss Dalrymple.

I do apologize for being so late.

That's quite alright.

Your hair is the most

adventurous, Emily.

Oh, do you think so?

It took it so long

to get it up there.

Shall we do the once around.

Well, yes.

- Excuse us.

Port, Doctor?

Delightful.

Tell me how you met

our young Mortimer?

Lovely party.

Yes...yes, it is.

What are your interests?

Music, I enjoy reading.

Phrenology.

Mortimer stay modest.

Tell us how widen your

accomplished, you are.

Phrenology is a treasure map to

the personality if one is properly trained.

We are licensing this machine

to doctors all over London.

For a very generous royalty,

of course.

I despise business.

So do I.

Oh, Mr. And Mrs. Huddleston.

Come, let me introduce you.

Good evening, Mr. Huddleston.

Mrs. Huddleston,

do you know Dr. Granville?

Not personally.

Very nice to meet you.

- Charmed.

Looks though You going to be getting

these earrings after all.

You'll have to excuse us.

I'm sorry.

That was a little odd.

These earrings are the security against the loan

for the settlement house for this due tomorrow.

So this is

my last night with them.

They were your mother's.

Yes, they were.

You do what you must.

I'm sure she would have approved.

Bugger.

Throughout history,

great English families

have gathered in halls such as this,

to celebrate the impending nuptial...

Lord, save us.

Tell me. What happened?

They came for the money,

I told them that I didn't have it...

Mr. Huddleston, what's the meaning of this?

you gave us until Monday.

I no longer hold the note, Charlotte.

Your father does.

Father?

Charlotte, calm down.

I'm simply doing what's best for you.

What are you doing?

I purchased the note

from Mr. Huddleston,

and I'm closing down the settlement house.

You no longer have any debt...

These are the actions of a villain.

Charlotte.

- Of a villain

This is your

sister's engagement party.

Party? She's bruised and bleeding.

You want me to consider a party?

Make way, please.

Leave her.

- This is a private party.

You're not manhandling her.

Let me handle this.

We've got this under control.

I'm a doctor. I believe

this woman needs medical attention.

I don't know that, sir, but I

do know she's not staying.

I haven't done anything wrong.

Please stop. She's hurt.

Just please, Charlotte.

If we can discuss this

like civilized men.

Let me by.

I said let me by.

Damn.

Did I miss something?

I would never have imagine

it will come to this.

But we'll have to help her.

There's nothing 'but', Emily.

I tried indulging her,

I tried a firm hand

I've met my worst end.

Mortimer.

Please, she's my sister.

What would you have me do?

You must testify on her behalf.

- And say what?

- The truth.

That she's hysterical.

Sir, they will send her

to a sanatorium.

That's the only thing that

will keep her out of prison.

Order!

Order!

This court will come to order.

The facts are these, Your Honour.

One fortnight ago,

the defendant, Charlotte Dalrymple,

in full view of witnesses,

assaulted a police Constable

caring out his duty.

If this were a first offense,

then a short prison sentence

might suffice, but...

this isn't the first offence,

is it Miss Dalrymple?

You're arrested last April

on public nuisance

and resisting arrest.

Your honour, I was handing out

suffragette leaflets in Trafalgar Square

when two officers arrested me.

The officers sworn statements read:

"Miss Dalrymple was asked

to leave the square,

where upon she started

to shout and jump about".

"When finally we did try

to place her in handcuffs,

she resisted

most violently".

No. That is not true.

You will speak only

when questioned, Miss Dalrymple.

Well, how am I to defend myself against

his accusation if you won't let me speak?

Is there more?

I'm afraid there is, Your Honour.

October 1879, solicitation.

No, that was not me.

My friend, Molly...

she is a prostitute.

She was a prostitute.

She has since found

gainful employment,

as a maid, in my father's house.

Anything else, Mr. Squyers?

No, Your honour.

No? Nothing else?

What's of the crime

of charity and compassion?

Very admirable I'm sure.

Seems that the help included

prostitution, resisting arrest and

assaulting police officers.

One could only imagine that the cost to England, should

be sending university education to all her women.

Yes, it's very easy, isn't it?

to make fun of women's lives.

I would like to see you,

walk for one mile in our shoes,

I imagine that your

mirth would turn, first

to sympathy and then to despair.

Be careful, Miss Dalrymple.

Your symptoms are showing.

Until England fully recognizes

the worth and contributions of women,

will she'll be anything other

than a second class country

despite all her wealth.

That's enough, Miss Dalrymple.

Your Honour,

Charlotte Dalrymple clearly suffers from

erratic, aggressive

and violent emotions.

That are best described,

as incurable hysteria.

To back truce my opinion,

I would like to call

an expert witness, Your Honour.

Proceed, Mr. Squyers.

I would like to call

Dr. Mortimer Granville,

If it pleases the court.

Mortimer Granville, please.

Dr. Mortimer Granville.

Your Honour.

The evidence you shall give

shall be the truth,

the whole truth nothing but

the truth so help you God!

It will.

State your name.

Mortimer Granville.

Now, I'm sure we all, are well aware

of your celebrity, Doctor.

But, if you wouldn't mind just telling us

a little of your professional experience.

I'm a medical doctor whose practice consists

of treating women diagnosed with hysteria.

And in this capacity,

how many women have you treated?

Hundreds, certainly.

And always good results, I trust?

we've had few complaints of late.

Is it true Dr. Granville that,

incurable cases of hysteria

demand institutionalization

and surgical hysterectomy?

Please answer the question,

Dr. Granville.

Well, yes.

Traditionally, yes.

But only in the most severe,

most persistence cases...

Thank you, doctor.

We have already address the...

the persistence

of Miss Dalrymple problem.

In your professional opinion, Doctor,

as an expert in the field of hysteria,

how would you describe

Miss Dalrymple behaviour?

Without a doubt,

Charlotte Dalrymple is...

erratic,

and volatile,

and at times physically aggressive.

She is also the most vexing

woman I've ever met.

Thank you, doctor.

Your Honour, based on this evidence,

I find that, I must recommend

that Charlotte Dalrymple be remanded to the

chumps for the institute for the criminally insane.

With a further recommendation

for immediate surgical hysterectomy.

I wasn't quite finished.

Miss Dalrymple is also

the most generous, compassionate,

selfless and truly Christian

woman that I have ever met.

Doctor, you just sworn

that she is erratic,

volatile,

and even physically aggressive.

Would you not characterize

that as hysterical?

Well, you see...

after consulting with my patients

and considerable reflection,

It is my professional opinion

that hysteria is a fiction.

It's nothing but a...

a catch-all diagnosis

for women without opportunity

forced to spend their life

tending to domestic chores

and selfish,

prudish husband who are

unwilling or unable

to make love to them properly.

Or often enough.

I beg your pardon, Doctor...

Your Honour,

the Constable suffered

no grave injury.

but great harm must still be done if

Miss Dalrymple is locked away and butchered.

England will lose a devoted

and singular woman

she can ill afford to spare.

I grant you, there may

not be room in the world

for more than

one Charlotte Dalrymple.

Fortunately for all of us,

I think they must've

broken the mould.

In the case of Charlotte Dalrymple,

there are no easy answers.

Mr. Squyers,

I find your case for hysteria

wanting.

By your reasoning,

we should lock up every female in

whom whimsy and

logic collide which

suggests me most of

the women in England.

My wife included.

On behalf of that matter, however

I am loath to offer

precedent where

a policeman safety

is being served.

Miss Dalrymple,

for striking a police officer

in the course of his duty,

I sentenced you to

thirty days in prison.

and I want you

to think most carefully and act

most cautiously in the future.

Take her.

Miss Dalrymple.

Dr. Granville.

suppose I know that

you might be interested.

That's an interesting offer, something

to meditate on while I consider a new career.

Mortimer Granville, you're a good

doctor, and you should remain one

Instead of leaching and bleeding

people in cutting them up to no purpose

you, have invented a machine

that does harm to no one

and makes anyone had comes into

contact with to feel better.

I should think there a very few doctors in history

that could have a glimpse of such accomplishment.

You are a confounding woman.

You're all fire and brimstone in one minute,

compliments and common sense the next.

I am a woman like any other.

No, no. You're quite unlike

any women I've ever met.

Will you be alright?

I'm fine. I've got

lots of friends in prison.

Mortimer

Thought I might find you here.

I've been thinking

a lot about my future.

And...well, actually

I was wondering if you might

give me a reading.

I'm sorry. I've giving up phrenology.

Oh, Emily, I'm...

I'm so sorry.

Don't be.

Charlotte's trial was

a revelation for me as well.

I realized... I haven't been

living my life at all.

I've been living my father's

idea what my life should be

Phrenology, Chopin.

Even you, Mortimer.

You seem happy.

I am.

After all, life will always be to large

extent to what we ourselves make it.

The inimitable Mr. Smiles.

I shall miss him.

And I shall miss you.

God, you're naughty

I should never send yourself of it.

No, no. Not even for Christmas.

You just go out and

purchase one for yourself.

God bless you, Mom.

It is a clever old woman who can

keep up with today's technology.

Alright then.

Lovely chatting to you.

Ring me anytime.

Goodbye.

Any prospects?

Open this.

I told you before

I don't want your money.

It's not my money, it's yours.

It's your share of the royalties

of my manufacturers.

The portable electric massager.

The portable electric massager?

Yes, I told you I was working

on something rather exciting.

You see, I made a very small motor.

It seems to go really well,

so I shared it to few firms,

and they simply adored it.

And apparently,

They're selling it directly

to women for home use.

I really have to admit,

I know for it go so high

but, it is rather ingenious

that I signifies saying it

myself.

Don't you understand, Mortimer?

You have your fortune now.

You can have anything you want.

Miss Dalrymple.

Dr. Granville.

Hello.

Merry Christmas.

I realize it's a day early but

I thought you might need it.

I don't know what to say.

Apparently, there is

a first time for everything.

Right.

May I?

That's lovely.

Oh, that's very kind.

Oh, there's something more.

Think of it as a getting

out of prison present.

You once said that with two thousand

pounds, you can change the world.

You're not serious?

Apparently, I'm rich.

And the buildings are yet for sale.

Well, I'm not too late, am I?

You're still interested?

Yes, of course.

More than ever.

Although I should think by the time I finished,

few thousand pounds not be nearly enough...

Are you never satisfied, woman?

might be enough for a clinic.

Clinic?

Would it pay well?

I'm afraid not.

Would the cases be interesting?

Routine, I should think.

Broken bones,

sick children,

needy women.

Sounds revolting.

Perhaps something else.

Perhaps something there.

I wondered if you might

have an opening

for a partner, for an equal?

Mortimer, if you think...

Oh damn it!

Charlotte Dalrymple,

I love you.

Will you marry me?

Please don't make me beg.

Not in the street.

I need to kiss you first.

Charlotte, I hardly think

that in the circumstance...

- Did you like it?

- Yes, it was rather nice actually.

You so?

Not bad.

You'll get better.

Who would've thought?

Charlotte and Mortimer, together.

Life often brings together

strange bedfellows.

Yes, quite...quite.

Well, all's well that ends well.

Fresh air and perambulation.

The key to mental equity

and long life.

If you say so, Doctor.

Oh, look. Ducks.

You alright down there, Colonel?

Patience, Eugenia. Patience.

The empire was not

built in a day.

That's very casual of you.

What are you wearing?