International Velvet (1978) - full transcript

Love makes all the choices for us.

When Sarah came into
my life 8 years ago,

I didn't want her,
she didn't want me.

In fact, she didn't want anybody.

She was an orphan.

My brother Donald and his wife
both killed in a car crash,

and that just left me, a
once-famous aunt she'd never seen.

And what did I know about
loving somebody else's child?

Still delayed.

You don't think anything's
happened, do you?

- Yes.
- What?



The bloody thing's delayed,
that's what's happened.

Is this tea or coffee?

Well, it's sold as coffee.

Could be tea. Could be tea.

Tastes like essence of
boiled saddle leather.

How do you think I ought
to deal with all this?

You mean Sarah?

Help me write with some
of your best dialogue.

Last time I saw her, she...

She wasn't much older than that.

That was here, too, funny enough.

They were all leaving for the
good new life in Arizona.

Now, come on, come on, off it.

You worry too much.



Children always cope with death.

In books, you mean.

No, I didn't mean that.

They cope with it.

You did. I did.

P.A.: Your attention, please.

The delayed British
Overseas Airways

flight 5-1-0 from New
York has now landed.

British Overseas Airways
apologise for any inconvenience.

Transit passengers should contact

the B.O.A.C. Information desk

in the event that they
have made customs.

Sarah?

Are you Sarah?

Hello, darling. I'm so glad
you're down safely at last.

Well, how was the flight?

Oh, you must be worn out.

You know, it's so lovely
to see you again.

I didn't want to come here.

Oh... well...

Here, let... let me take some
of these. I'll take that.

Uncle John's waiting
for us over there.

Would you like a taxi?

No, no, we have a car.
Thank you very much.

All your other things
got here safely.

They came yesterday.

I unpacked them for you and
put them in your room.

I thought it'd make you
feel more at home.

Uncle John's put up lots
of pictures and posters,

and, well, I really think
you'll like your room.

He's not my uncle. You're
not married to him.

No, that's quite right.

Well, you can... you can just
call him John if you want to.

Or Mr Seaton.
Whichever you prefer.

Darling, will you put the
car away, or shall I?

I'll do it. All right.

Now, the sea's down there,
just around the corner.

Fred, hello, boy.

Freddie, Freddie. Come on, boy.

Hello, come on.

Oh, did you miss us?

Do you like dogs, Sarah?

Some.

I had my own dog, except they
wouldn't let me bring him.

Some stupid rule.

Well, we'll get him over.

I know it's 6 months
in quarantine,

but we can go and see him.

- I can't.
- Oh, yes, you can.

They let you go and see them.

I gave him away.

Oh... oh, well, that's different.

I'll tell you what.
Fred can be your dog.

You'd like that wouldn't
you, you silly old thing?

I don't want another dog.

Not ever.

It's time to get up, darling.

Don't want to be late for your
first day at school, do you?

I'm not going to that school.

Oh, which school are
you going to, then?

None.

Come on now. That's being silly.

You'll like it once you get used
to it and make some friends.

Come on, I've made you a
real American breakfast.

Up you get. 1, 2, 3, up.

Those are funny-looking pyjamas.

If you make me go to
school, I'll run away.

You know, I did that once.
Running away is boring.

I'll give you a tip, though.

Never run away on an empty
stomach. So, come on.

Come and have your
breakfast first.

I mean it.

Well, I believe you, but...

But you have to plan it.

You see, my mistake was
that I never planned it.

I never had any money...

I have money. I have real
money, American money.

All right, so you've
got the money,

and you're going to have
breakfast before you go.

Now, where are you
running away to?

Home.

Oh...

You're not really running away,

because I won't let you,

and I won't let you,
because I love you,

and this is your home now.

Now, come on, let's tidy you up.

There we are. That's better.

Now, you listen to me.
I know you're unhappy,

but it's not going to
be as bad as you think,

I promise you. I
felt just this way

when I went to school
the first day.

It's going to be all right.

Now, I've met your teacher,
and she's really nice.

Mrs White. Mrs White could
you come here a minute?

Now, listen to me.
It's not going to be

nearly as bad as you think it is.

See you later.

It's your mum, Pie.

There, did you think
I'd forgotten you?

There we are. What a good boy.

What am I going to
do about her, Pie?

Was I like that at her age? Was I?

No, I always had you, didn't I?

Hey... it was always you and me.

There we are.

Hey, braces, we've got
a present for ya,

a present from America,

a dead G.I.'s finger, all
the way from Vietnam.

Well, we're really most
grateful to you, George.

Thank you.

Well, it's always a relief
to get 'em back so quickly.

And alive. Well, good
night, Mr Seaton.

Night, George.

Night. Night.

She wasn't running away
from us, our situation.

She doesn't know our situation.

She was just running.

Look, her parents are dead,

killed in horrifying
circumstances.

She's shipped off to
a strange country,

meets an aunt she doesn't know

and an uncle who isn't her uncle,

and dumped in some
bloody awful school.

Well, come on.

I know all that, but why
can't I talk to her?

I hear myself saying things, and
they're all the wrong things.

I mean she's my brother's child,

and I don't know
anything about her.

That isn't your fault.

She lived in Arizona,
for god's sake.

Why should you know
anything about her?

You've lived with me for 6 years,

and you know precious
little about me.

Except that you're a miserable
sod and you're always right.

Exactly. I'm a miserable
sod, and I smoke too much,

and I have a hang-up
about marriage,

and I love you very much, and
we're going to live through it,

and I'm also a
potential pyromaniac,

because I left a cigarette
burning downstairs.

Kiss me, you fool,
before we burn to death.

Listen, leave child
psychology to me.

I'll make a brilliant
effort at breakfast.

You really are dreadful,
just like daddy used to be.

Well, you complain when the
dog begs at mealtimes,

and then you go and
feed him yourself.

What?

Oh, I'm sorry.

What's your favourite food, Sarah?

Peanut butter.

I beg your pardon?

Peanut-butter-and-jelly
sandwiches.

That sounds intriguing.

Sounds revolting.

Is that... is that very American?

Probably why Americans
have such rotten teeth.

Well, you can talk.

All of his teeth are false, Sarah.

Any nice boys and
girls in your class?

Well, there must be some.

Didn't they talk to you yesterday?

Nobody talked to you.

Why was that?

Because I didn't talk to them.

Why? You weren't
frightened, were you?

I mean... I mean, is
that why you ran away?

There must have been something.

Can't you tell me? I
might be able to help.

He had a dead finger in a can.

- Who did?
- This boy.

Wait a minute.

Tell me again.

He had a what?

A dead finger.

Well, I'm sure it wasn't
a real dead finger.

No, no, no, if the child
saw it, she saw it.

I mean, I'll take her
to school this morning

and sort it all out.

I don't want you to
take me to school.

It's never so bad
on the second day.

I bet you come home tonight
and say you've got a friend.

I don't want any friends.

Well, we handled that brilliantly.

Textbook Dr Spock.

We were useless to her
in the beginning.

2 polite strangers who got
in the way of her grief.

I wanted to love her. I
wanted that desperately.

But I didn't like her.

In the beginning, there
wasn't much to like.

John. Darling.

John. John, wake up.

Wake up quickly. She's gone again.

Look, I'll get the car out, you
ring the police, all right?

Hello?

Sarah.

Sarah.

Sarah.

Get off.

Come here.

You stupid little idiot.

What the hell do you
think you're doing?

Riding.

You don't cheat me. You
don't ever ride my horse.

You don't ever ride my horse

without my permission.
Do you understand?

What's so special about him?

Just because he won some stupid
race a hundred years ago...

Now, you listen to me,

and you listen very carefully,
because I've just about had you.

I'm sorry for you, very sorry,
because I know you're unhappy.

I know you don't want to be here,

but that doesn't
give you the right

to make everybody
else's life a misery.

Now, do you hear that?

That's because of you,

and that's the second
time in 48 hours,

and believe me, the police have
got something better to do

than go rushing around
the countryside

looking for silly little girls.

And if... and if you
don't stop running away,

they'll send you to
a special school,

and then you'll really have
something to be sorry about.

Are you listening to me?

I didn't run away. What?

I didn't run away this time.

Well, how are we to know that?

I mean, what would you think
if you were John and me?

Now, look, I don't want
another word about it.

From now on, would you just
learn to do as you're told?

And you learn to live with it.

Everything all right, Mrs Brown?

Oh, I'm sorry.

It was a mistake this time,
George, and I panicked.

Right. I'll leave you to it, then.

Who was it said,
"people don't change

simply because we find
out more about them"?

I said so many awful
things to her,

lashing out because
I'd been scared,

because I'd been
running away, too.

She'd made me think of
things about myself

that I wanted to forget.

My mother swam across
there to France.

Well, not from just
here, but from Dover,

across the Dover channel.

You know, that's over
20 miles and cold.

The sea's always cold here.

They have to smother
you in thick grease,

else you'd freeze before
you got to the other side.

How old was she?

Oh... not very old.

She won a hundred
golden sovereigns.

You know, they'd be worth
quite a lot of money today.

Then when I was about your age,

she... she gave it to me

so that I could enter the
Pie for the Grand National.

Did your mummy and daddy
every tell you about that?

You won, but you didn't
get to keep the prize.

It was a kind of winning.

Prizes aren't everything.

Where did you learn to ride?

Home.

Did you have a horse of your own?

Nah.

Look, I want to talk to you.

I want to try and
explain that, oh...

The tide's on the turn. Come on.

Shall I let you in on a secret?

Old Pie is going to relive a bit

of his notorious past
in a few weeks time,

a very special occasion.

So, I've got to get him really
groomed and looking smart.

Would you, would you
like to help me?

Got to make him look a very
beautiful old gentleman.

What for?

Ah, well, that's the secret.

But...

We can share looking after him.

Would you like that?

You see...

The reason I...

The reason I shouted at you,

the reason I was so
cross last night...

Well, grown-ups often get cross
when they're scared, and...

You can't get scared if you
don't care about somebody.

You see, I know you won't
believe this, but I need you.

I need you just like your
mummy and daddy needed you.

They didn't.

Of course they did.

They didn't. They didn't need me.

They didn't need anybody.

Why do you say that?

Because they didn't.
They never did.

Well, that's why
they always left me.

Left you? Oh, Sarah,
darling, that's not true.

It is. You didn't know them.

It wasn't your father. It
was just your brother.

The more she told me,
the more I realised

her life had been little
more than a cut-out,

just an outline pasted
onto a human being.

I guess the only irony was

the reason she was alive and
Donald and his wife were dead

was because they never took
her on that last trip.

From what she said, they
never took her anywhere.

Women are supposed
to have instincts.

I didn't have that many.

Perhaps it's only
mothers who have them.

P.A.: My lords, ladies and
gentlemen, before the next event,

I have a very special
ceremony to perform.

There may be some of you tonight

who remember the year when
the Grand National was won

by a 14 year-old girl.

It was cause for
celebration and, alas,

cause for disappointment.

Because, although she
won and won fairly

against all the odds, she was
disqualified under the rules.

But rules or no rules,

she and her equally
remarkable horse, the Pie,

were first past the post on
that memorable occasion.

I won't tell you how long ago
it was, but tonight we are here

to pay tribute to Velvet Brown,

"National Velvet," as she
was immediately nicknamed.

Because tonight, the time has come

for the Pie to be
retired from stud.

It comes to us all, but
perhaps not so publicly

or so pleasantly.

So, my lords, ladies,
and gentlemen,

I ask you to pay your tribute
to National Velvet and Pie

as they do a lap of honour.

♪ Should auld acquaintance ♪

♪ Be forgot ♪

♪ For sake of auld lang syne ♪

♪ For auld lang syne, my dear ♪

♪ For auld lang syne ♪

♪ We'll take a cup
of kindness yet ♪

You did win, really, didn't you?

I guess I did, in a way.

Well, we did.

Will there ever be
another horse like him?

There might. You never
know. There might.

Good-night.

Night, night. Sleep well.

It was the Pie's last foal.

And I think the owner got his
money's worth, all right.

Could you call a
horse "Arizona Pie"?

27, 28, 29, 30. If you wanted to.

That's what I'd call
him. You think?

I expect he'd be very expensive.

- Oh, yes.
- How expensive?

How expensive would he be?

I don't know offhand,
but a lot of money.

Yes, I would expect so, seeing
as how the Pie was his father.

Oh, that's not right.

Darling, I can't help
you with this maths.

I mean, I don't even
understand the questions.

Are you busy?

Am I busy? No, I wouldn't say so.

As a matter of fact,
I'm suffering from

a bad attack of what is
known as "writer's block."

Oh, no. Is it painful?

Very.

Can I get you an aspirin?

I don't think an
aspirin would cure it.

You could get me an
inspiration, if you'd like.

That's all right. I won't tell.

- Thank you.
- What are you up to?

Nothing much. I wondered, are
there any jobs you'd like done?

Well, what sort of jobs?

Anything. I'm trying to earn
some extra pocket money.

See... I...

Might be able to help
you with your block.

Now that would be wonderful.

How much do you charge?

Oh, I'll work for anything.

How about... 20 pence an hour.

Perfect. Let's see, I
could get up early

and do an hour before school

and then another hour
after my homework,

and on the weekends, I could
probably work most of the time.

That seems like a
very good deal to me.

I should probably
be able to retire.

When could you start?

Right now.

Right.

Now, there's only one snag.

You see, writer's block
is, is very catching.

I don't think we'd be able
to work in the same room.

So you go away and
think up a story.

Could you do that?

And then when you've
thought of it.

And written it down, you
bring it back to me.

And if turns out to
be a bestseller,

I'll double your wages.
How does that sound?

50, 60, 70. Thank you.

Terrific.

"About 11:00 in the morning"

"of that third day,"

"when all 4 of the ship's company"

"were at the lookout place"

"at the northern end
of the island."

"The mate was sewing a button
on the boy's shirt..."

Just a moment, Janet.

Sarah Brown, what are you doing?

Nothing, Miss.

Carry on, Janet.

"And as the boy was busy..."

I can't play with you,
because I've got to work.

And I'm only doing it for
you, so don't interrupt.

Listen to this.

"Whenever Julia came
into the stable,

"the young groom felt
his knees give way.

He could see her
heaving bosoms..."

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

"And knew that she
wanted to marry him,

"but could not say so,
because her father

was a man of..." What's
that? "Violent"?

"Violet"?

Violet rages.

"Rages. So, they panted
at each other..."

Oh, my god.

"While they saddled the
horse, and sometimes

they held hands. But it
wasn't the real thing."

Sounds like the real thing to me.

I may have created a monster.

Harold Robbins, eat
your heart out.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

I think I've got enough now.

How is that, then?

I've been working, you see,

earning lots of money,
and I've saved it all.

My word, yes.

So I've come to buy
him, like you said.

Is it enough?

Oh, I'd say that would be
enough, all right. Yes.

Well, it would have been?

Would have been?

He's been sold, you see.

Sold?

Somebody came and bought him.

Only yesterday.

But they can't have bought him.

I've been saving up.

Well, it's unfortunate-like,
in the circumstances,

but I didn't know, you see. I...

I didn't know you were so keen.

Well, had I known that
you were serious-like,

I'd have waited.

Well, I didn't have the
knowledge of your bid.

Expensive things, foals, you see.

Why, they cost a lot to feed.

So I had to take the first
definite offer I had.

I'm really sorry, young lady.

Was it somebody nice
who bought him?

Oh, I wouldn't send
him anywhere nasty.

Well... thank you very much.

Hello, darling. You're late today.

Look what I got for tea.

They keep you in at school?

Whew. You seem a bit depressed.

Are you?

Sort of.

Oh, well, don't be depressed.

It can't be that bad.

Why don't you...

Why don't you go and see old Pie?

He'll soon cheer you up.

Oh...

Well, that's funny.
I can't see him.

He's not in the field.

You don't think he's
got out, do you?

I think you better go and check.

It's the foal.

It's the foal.

Aunt Velvet, it's great.

Thank you.

Watching Sarah and the
foal grow together,

I saw bits of my own life more
clearly than ever before.

They say that when you're older,
you see things differently,

but it wasn't true.

I saw everything
happening the same way.

History about to repeat itself.

She was tougher than me,

much tougher than I'd
been at her age,

and she didn't really need people.

She just wanted to win on her own.

All I hoped was she
wouldn't win too early

and afterwards have nowhere to go.

P.A.: Quiet, please.

The next one is number 17, Miss
Sarah Brown on Arizona Pie.

Excuse me. Cigarette?

No, thank you. I don't smoke.

Great.

Oh. Oh...

Hello, Sarah.

I thought you were terrific.

Do you remember me?

I'm Alan Wilson.

I once frightened the
life out of you with a...

Well, I was watching you just now.

I took some pictures
of you winning.

I didn't win. I came in second.

Oh, well done, darling.

Oh, it was such a pity
about that last fence.

I so wanted to win
so he'd notice me.

Who, me?

Captain Johnson.

He trains the Olympic team, and
he's one of the selectors.

Well, I'm sure he did notice you.

Goodbye.

Oh, goodbye. And thank you very
much for taking photographs.

- Pleasure.
- Thanks very much.

He seems quite a nice boy.

Yes, he's all right.

I just wish I'd done better.

Oh...

I think, you know, darling,

you try too hard sometimes.

You can't try too hard.

I wonder how old she is?

I used to think I was obsessed.

But Sarah rode for dear life.

She felt she was last in the race

if there was anybody
else in front of her.

Finished paying for
it, then, have you?

You wait till I get a jag, George.

Hey.

- Good morning, lads.
- Yeah.

Taking a half? All right.

How's it getting on?

Not so bad.

Imagine doing that for money.

Listen, I'd pay them.

Yeah.

Suss this.

Oh, I say, I say.

It's the old Barclay hunt.

Hey, you do know you've got
a horse between your legs,

don't you?

Leave her alone. She's all right.

She's a stuck-up little cow.

Come on, let's get Richie up.

Be a giggle, won't it?

Keep going. We've got her now.

Whoo-hoo.

Come on, hurry up.

Hey, hey, hey. All
right. We got her.

Around we go.

Look out, darling. We're coming.

You won't do that again.

Come on, darling,
get off with you.

Look out, Charlie.

I've got a visitor for you.

Come on, Alan.

Just 5 minutes.

How do you feel?

Ok, I guess. Sore.

I got concussed once,
with football.

Did you ever recover?

What?

Oh, sure.

I, thought this might cheer
you up, give you a laugh.

Will you open it?

Well, it's not what
you might think.

I've stopped giving dead fingers.

Oh, Alan, it's just lovely.

Thank you.

There's a letter, too...

You should read when I've gone.

What happened to the
boys in the car?

Nobody seems to tell me anything.

Well, they...

They died.

I wasn't supposed to tell you.

I mean, they were
sort of my friends,

but I knew what they were like.

But I wouldn't want you
to think they were awful

or... or anything like that.
It... it's just that they...

They did stupid things sometimes.

You mustn't blame yourself.

Let's just forget it.

My dog Fred died that summer, too,

but everything else
was just the same.

Sarah was more determined than
ever, and poor, faithful Alan

was constantly left at the gate.

Well, tell her I'll call again.

Oh, yes, I'll tell her.

What did he want?

Just to see you.

He's taking riding lessons now.

I'm not always going to do your
dirty work for you, you know.

It's not my fault, is it?

Well, some of it is.

If you don't want to see him,
put him out of his agony.

But I do want to see him...

Just not all the time.

It's just that when I know I
can take somebody for granted,

I seem to go off them.

Then tell him. It's
hurtful this way.

But weren't you ever like that?

Me? Oh, I don't know. It
was a hundred years ago.

But you were like me. You told me.

You told me you were only
interested in the Pie

and that nothing else mattered.

Why did you stop riding?

Well, it was the oldest
reason in the world.

I lost my nerve.

Well, you see, I was...

I was married then.

You married? Yes.

Don't look so surprised.

But I thought you didn't
believe in marriage.

I don't believe in some marriages.

What happened?

Oh, I did a lot of things wrong,
things I wish I hadn't done,

stupid things we all do when
we want to hurt somebody,

and, well, I ended up the loser.

Sometimes, getting what you
want is a kind of losing.

Quite a few Alans came and went.

She baffled them all,

just as she baffled
me most of the time.

She was always the fox
who never got caught.

Aren't you funny?

Why? Why do you say that?

You're so funny...

Taking riding lessons,

talking about helping me.

That's not what you
really want, is it?

Isn't it?

Why don't you go
ahead and kiss me?

Get it over with.

I'm a bit of a
disappointment, aren't I?

No. Not to me you're not.

I'm never gonna be what
people expect me to be...

But I know exactly
what I'm gonna do.

I've got it all planned.

I'm gonna get chosen for
the British Olympic team.

So? You don't have
to become a nun.

Anyway, you can't.

Can't what?

Ride on the British
team. You're American.

Wrong. I was born here,

and I've still got
my British passport.

All right. How do you
know they'll pick you?

They'll pick me. I'll
make sure of that.

Hey, it stopped raining.

Thanks for lending me this,
and don't feel badly.

There's nobody else.
It's just me. Bye-bye.

Anything for me?

John?

Anything for me? Yes,
there's something for you.

You open it.

No, I never open other people's
mail, especially women's.

Oh, please?

Ha ha. You know who it's from?

I'm guessing. I'm hoping.

If it's no, just say it quickly.

"Dear Miss Brown, I
am writing on behalf

"of the combined training
selection committee

"to inquire if you and
your horse Arizona Pie

"are available to
train as possibles

"for the British team
that will compete

"at the Ledyard 3-day event
in America this year.

"If you're able to
accept this invitation,

"I would ask that
you and your horse

"arrive at the Windsor
training establishment

"on the 20th day of this month,

"for further evaluation
and training.

I am, yours sincerely,
J.R. Johnson."

All right, young lady.

You can come in now.

Good.

Tell me something.

What made you think
you were good enough?

What on earth gave you that idea?

I've won prizes.

Really? What for?

Riding.

Oh. Well.

Wouldn't exactly call
it riding, would we?

Staying on a horse, perhaps...

And, tell me, where did you learn

- what you call riding?
- Arizona.

Oh, in the colonies, yes.

Well, that explains
it, doesn't it?

Oh, well.

You... you realise

that they don't admit cowboys

to the Olympics, don't you?

I will say one thing, though,

you've somehow managed to get
yourself a promising horse.

Yeah. It's your promise

we're talking about,
though, isn't it?

You have to go back to the
beginning and start from scratch.

You're not going to cry, are you?

- No.
- Good.

2 things I can't stand in life:

Bad losers and criers.

Now, when I take somebody,
if I take somebody,

they come on my terms,
and they work my way.

My way happens to be quite
frightening to most people.

Had you heard that?

Well, you're hearing it now.

No nonsense, no
temperament, no alibis,

and certainly no question

of my admitting that
I'm ever wrong.

Just hard work, very
few compliments,

lots of shouting,
occasional bad language,

for which I never apologise,

and total dedication,
like the ballet.

Now, are your parents rich?

My parents are dead.

Oh. I'm awfully sorry about that.

Who looks after you, then?

- My aunt.
- I see.

Is she well-heeled?

I don't know.

Well, you'd better find out,

because this isn't a cheap
sport, you understand,

and you get precious little
help from the general public.

They like us to win
medals for them,

but they don't like
to pay, do they? No.

So, you'd better have
a chat with your aunt

and, and give me a phone call
and tell me when you can start.

When I can start?

Yes. Isn't that what I said?

Does that mean you're
gonna take me?

I'm not gonna take your aunt.

One of you is enough.

I daresay we'll make something
of you in due course.

You're not too bad for a cowboy.

Give me a phone call.

Did you hear that?
He's gonna take us.

Yippee.

Look, darling,

obviously, we'll do everything
we can to make it work,

but there's no use pretending
it's going to be easy.

I know it. Really, I do.

Getting the money is a problem,

but that's our problem, not yours,

and until we know exactly
what's involved,

I don't want you to get depressed.

I'm not depressed. I
mean, it's enough

just to be chosen
by him, isn't it?

Well, I mean, of course it is.

Now, off you go to bed,
and let us talk it over.

Ok, ok, I'm sorry.

What are you sorry about?

Well, I don't like
giving you worry.

I'm not worried.
I'm just bankrupt.

I'm only kidding.

Good night.

Go to bed. Sleep well.

Well.

Yep. As we were saying
when the gas was cut off.

How much do you think
we're talking about?

Probably a few thousand
before we're through.

Well, that's all right.
I thought you were

gonna say a few thousand.

You don't feel like winning the
Grand National again, do you?

Oh...

Why are things always
so complicated?

It would break her heart, I
suppose, if we didn't find it.

Yes, I really think it would.

Have you got any more
jewellery you can flog?

Not even a wedding ring.

Well, I'll just have
to think of something.

Don't worry.

I mean, I'll come
up with the answer.

You know something?

What?

When you're not being
a disagreeable sod,

you're really halfway
to being very nice.

Isn't that funny? Women
have always said that.

You go to bed, too.

Otherwise, flattery will
get you everywhere.

Go on. I want to think.

Don't stay up late.

It's funny how you can
live with somebody,

sleep with them, know
every intimate detail,

except those infidelities
forced on them by generosity.

What's this?

What?

"Lust valley?"

Oh, that. Well, that's
just something.

Oh. "Just something" is right.

It's something else.

Did you write this?

No. No. It was written by a
character called, Jack Delacroix.

Jack Delacroix...

I don't know any Jack Dela...

It's you.

Oh. Is it you?

Oh, it isn't. Is it?

You like his style?

Well, he writes a
mean seduction scene.

Does it turn you on?

Well, you know, I've
only read a few lines.

Well, read a few more.
Spoil yourself.

You see, Mr Jack Delacroix doesn't
have my artistic scruples.

He's only in it for the money.

Where did he do all his research?

That's what I'd like to know.

Oh, he's been around.

Publishers like his stuff,
being men of taste and...

Perception.

They pay well.

They wouldn't pay enough to keep
a horse in oats, would they?

They might.

Oh, you're so devious, Seaton.

Just, call me Jack...

And, turn out the light.

Why, you mean turn out the light?

Oh, yes. Would you like,
to read some more, huh?

No. Just tell me how it ends.

Well, I may have to, improvise.

Oh, why, Jack. I don't
know you that well.

But this is all part of
the creative process.

Oh, my god.

I came into bed with my slippers.

No, no, no, no, no.

Come on. Stop.

Now start again.

This is dressage,

and it's meant to be
like a ballet, Mr Clark,

not a barn dance.

You're like a pregnant Tom Mix.

Don't ask me who Tom Mix was.

It was all too long ago,
and I can't remember.

All right, once more,
and not with feeling.

Please spare me that.

Now, some of you may have
come here with the impression

that dressage is
frightfully boring

compared to the greater glories
of the cross-country event.

That's because you all
lack sophistication,

amongst other things.

The origins of dressage,
however, are very deeply rooted

in the classical tradition,
so you just have to approach

every dressage test
as if it were...

A concerto of Bach.

That's Bach, as in the German
composer, Mr Armstrong,

not bark, as in "dog."

Now, to perform it well,

you also have to
have an appreciation

not only of my subtle wit
and whimsical humour,

but an appreciation of
the beauty of form,

marriage of man and beast.

It's an emotional experience,
but emotion undone, control.

I hope you're suitably impressed

by the quality of my
language, Miss Godfrey...

Not just a pretty face.
Do you understand?

Now, we come to the
cross-country event.

The cross-country event is
considered by some, Miss Brown,

to be an opportunity to
display carefree abandon.

This is a mistake
for which I would

cheerfully reintroduce
capital punishment.

It is a test of brains,

and since horses are only
marginally less stupid

than some of the people
who ride them...

An observation which
carries with it

the experience of a lifetime...

I would urge you not to sit on
your brains, but to use them.

Everything is terrific here.

We seem to work 25 hours a day,

and there isn't time
for anything else.

Competition is fierce, because
everybody wants to impress

the great Captain Johnson,

who is one of those
very British British.

Everybody says he's got a
velvet fist and an iron glove,

and I apologise for using your
name in such a dirty context.

My social life is
something to behold.

There's a 4-letter word for it.

Arizona is fine and
the envy of all.

He's definitely in
a class by himself

and is getting very conceited.

But don't think I'm
not having fun,

and don't think I'm
not still grateful

for making it all possible.

Excuse bellying over
my strong point.

Darling?

It's not darling. It's me.

No complaints.

We got the day off.

Captain Johnson suddenly went
ape and cancelled class.

Well, god bless Captain Johnson.

His loss is our gain.
How's it going?

Ok, I guess.

Next week's the big crunch.

Next week?

Yes. That's when they
make the big selections.

I'm starving. Is there
anything to eat?

Don't they feed you down there?

The horses eat better.

Are you depressed about something?

You sound a bit down.

No, not really.

Well, let's have a look.

Oh, there's the
gourmet peanut butter

and, something that looks like a
very nasty piece of cheese...

And in fact, is a very
nasty piece of cheese.

I'll make a sandwich. That's fine.

Do you want what you call the
jelly and we call the jam?

I...

Could never understand that.

What? It's a taste sensation.

No, no, no. No. Not for me. No.

Come on. Try it.

All right. Why not?

So, you're not depressed.

Well, yes and no.

I mean...

I don't know what makes me tick.

I know what I'm doing wrong.

I just can't seem to
do anything about it.

Well, what do you
think's wrong with you?

Well, I'm not making friends.

I mean, I didn't want
any friends at first,

and now that I do, it's...

I can't seem to go about it right.

Did you ever have that problem?

Well, are we... are we,

talking about, sex?

By "friends," do we
read boyfriends,

because I never had
any boyfriends.

Any. I wouldn't be picky.

You know, this isn't bad.

This is not bad. I
could be converted.

I mean, you can't really...
How shall I put it?

You can't really wake up in the
morning and say to yourself,

"today, I'm going to make
a couple of friends."

It just doesn't work like that.

It's like falling
in love in a way.

Sometimes it takes
you by surprise...

And sometimes it's
there all the time,

and you just haven't seen it.

Well... well, look,

to tell you the
truth, I don't know.

I mean, you can't know
for anybody else.

All I can tell you is
that it'll happen.

You just have to find someone

who likes your brand
of peanut butter.

You want another?

No.

Well...

Another thing.

I don't have any nerves.

At least, not when
I'm riding, anyway.

I mean, that's when...

When it's all going for me.

Will I lose that like Velvet?

Did she tell you she
lost her nerve?

In a way.

Well, I mean, that...

That was kind of a
white lie, you know?

She didn't really lose
her nerve. She...

She lost a child.

Well, it wasn't my child.
She was married then.

She fell, you see,
while she was riding,

while... while she
was riding the Pie,

and, she couldn't have
any children after that,

and then I came along, and...

Well, I guess I
wasn't much help...

Because my little
hang-up is that...

I'm frightened of anything
that's signed, sealed, and...

Permanent.

Listen, this, peanut
butter's like a truth drug.

Funny, you know, but to
write and to live...

Very different, you know.

You, decided which method
of suicide you'll use

if you're not on the list?

Ah, well, I've, given
myself a choice.

I'll either go to Japan and
get myself massaged to death,

or, if I can't raise the fare,
I'll become a liberal M.P.

I just wish it was all over,
one way or the other.

Oh, you're all right.
He's bound to choose you.

Why do you say that?

He, goes for the older women.

Pig.

Either I make this as quick
and as painless as possible.

Despite all evidence
to the contrary,

I don't enjoy these occasions.

They remind me of the time
when I left my first wife.

It was a choice between
her and the horses,

and the horses cost less to feed.

I don't think you have to laugh.

My rare jokes always
have tragic undertones.

Now, the team for Ledyard was
a difficult decision to make,

because naturally,
under my tutorage,

you're all absolutely brilliant.

I was choosing a team,

so the components had
to fit, all right?

So, the final selection
is as follows...

Beth...

Howard... Mike...

Roger.

Now, the, reserve rider...

Will be Sarah.

Congratulations to you 5, and
my commiserations to those

who didn't make it this time.

Now, don't take it too badly,

because the great thing
about this sport

is it's here to stay. Thank you.

Off.

Cabin compressors.

Off.

Galley power.

Off.

Right. All set, then?

Yes, fine.

Right. Well, let's go and get
this bus off the ground.

How is he, Roger? Ok?

Well, he's not too bad, Tim, but
he's not, too happy, either.

Right. We're about to take off.

Whose is this?

Do you like flying with horses?

Yes. They don't pinch your bottom.

Would you like to take
your seats now, please?

Yeah. Thank you.

Come on, Sarah.

Oh, yes. Yes.

Hello. Ooh.

Hi there.

You can get your seat belt off.

Thank you.

What would you like
for lunch, skipper?

Well, what's the choice?

There isn't any.

Oh, well, I'll have that, then.

3 times?

You watch the match of the
day last night, George?

Yes, I caught most of it.

What did you think of it?

Lousy penalty in the first half.

Did you watch it, David?

Oh, hello. Everything ok?

Yes, fine.

Are we going to
have a smooth trip?

Yeah, should do.

Well, could be some
clear air turbulence.

Just a bit.

The weather report's too good.

Always suspicious
when the old map man

gives us a clean sheet,
aren't we, George?

You can say that again.

Well, I know what I
wanted to ask you.

Are your lot worth
having a bet on?

A bet? They're not
racehorses they're eventers.

Don't you know the difference?

Well, no. Golf's my game.

Hello.

Is that the, clear air stuff?

Yes, it doesn't,
show on the radar.

It would probably
be better if you,

go and strap yourselves
in for a bit

till we get through this stuff.

Shouldn't last long.

I'll try and climb above it.

Don't worry. They're well secured.

That's a good girl.

Steady, boy.

I think you'll have to
give him a shot, Tim.

It's ok. It's all right.

There, there. Hey. Whoa, whoa.

Johnny, will you
get my bag, quick?

Steady, steady, steady.

Thanks.

Howard. Mike. Get up front.

Look after your own horses.

That's it.

Can you do a bigger shot?

It's a bit dicey, sir.

If I give him too much,

there's always a
chance it'll kill him.

If I don't give him enough,
he'll kick the plane to pieces.

Do what you can. Godsend.

Whoa. Whoa. Come on.

Steady, steady, steady.

Come on. Come on.

Captain, I need your
help back here, please.

Right. George, you have control.

Hey, hey. Steady. Whoa.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Can you give me a bit
more on number 4, Dave?

Try and keep him up.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Has he had an injection?

Yes, but it's gone
beyond that now.

Hold the damn thing. Hold it.

Look, I'm sorry to
lay this on you,

but you're going to have
to destroy that horse.

And if it helps, I'll
make it an order.

Now, do it, and do it quickly,

before the rest of
them go berserk.

We've got a long way to go.

Damn.

Johnny, let me try a bit longer.

I know he'll be all right.

I know he will. Whoa.

It's the Captain's
decision. He's taken it.

Unfortunately, I think he's right.

Just get on with it. Do it now.

Let's hope it's the only one.

Don't look, Sarah. It's all right.

It'll all be over very quickly.

Oh, poor Roger.

Steady, boy. Steady.
Whoa, come on.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Come. Steady.

Hold him steady if you can.

He didn't feel
anything. Don't worry.

It was very quick.

Kennedy approach, 1-2-3 point 7.

Hello, George Alpha.
Welcome to Boston.

You're cleared for cargo exit 7.

There's a meat waggon on its way.

Sorry you had such a rough trip.

Not much of a welcome
to Boston, I'm afraid.

We heard the terrible news,

and some of us felt we
should come down and...

You know.

Whose horse was it?

Roger Peacock's.

Gold Dust.

That's terrible.

That's always been my nightmare.

If there's anything we can
do, don't hesitate to ask.

Yes, thank you very much.

Think I'll get to ride tomorrow?

No idea. But we'll
know soon enough.

That guy who was talking
to you in the airport.

Scott Saunders, you mean?

Is that Scott Saunders?

He's good, isn't he?

He's very good.

Have you ever ridden against him?

Not only ridden against him,

but on one particularly happy
occasion, ridden over him.

All right.

There's no sense in dwelling
on yesterday's tragedy.

Unfortunately sorrow does
not win competitions,

otherwise I'd be a
3-time gold medallist.

So, Roger, you will
ride magic instead.

Sarah, I'm entering you as
an individual competitor.

It'll give you the feel
of an international event

without the responsibility
of worrying about the team.

What is it, Mike?

You obviously haven't heard.

No. What?

Well, Tim thinks there's
some doubt about magic.

I thought he'd told you.

No, I've been with the
committee all morning.

All right, where is he now?

He's on the other side,
making a final check.

Come on, let's go.

I'm sorry, Johnny. He's
slipped his stifle.

He can hardly put any
weight on it at all.

Isn't there any chance at
all that he could start?

In 3 days? No way.

Just isn't our trip, is it?

What now, sir?

Well, we don't have
any choice, do we?

You'll have to ride
Arizona instead.

You've got 3 days
to get used to him.

Let's hope the jinx stops there.

May I say something?

If it's to the point, yes.

If it's personal, no.

It's just that nobody but
me ever's ridden Arizona,

and I just don't know how
he'd go for anybody else.

He's a team horse.

Roger is our most
experienced rider.

Does that mean I don't
get to ride at all?

Exactly.

Anything else?

Carry on.

I saw what you did this morning.

Don't think I didn't.

Now, just because I'm
not gonna be with you,

that's no reason to sulk
or get upset or act up.

Now, you just go out there

and show them how
brilliant you are.

Are you listening to me?

Hello.

Why aren't you at the party?

No particular reason.

I just thought I'd
look in on Arizona.

Oh. I don't suppose
you care overmuch

for the decision I made today.

You did what you thought was best.

All right. As you pointed
out this afternoon,

Arizona goes best for you.

Of course he does, he'll
always go better for you

because he's your horse, isn't he?

Nevertheless, Roger has
a couple of things

going for him that
you haven't got.

Can you tell me what they are?

Experience?

Judgement, really.

Judgement.

It's knowing how fast you
can push a green horse

over a strange course
and still finish.

There's something else
even more important.

I'll tell you what that is.

You see, Roger has the ability

to sacrifice his vanity for the...

And that's saying a lot.

He has the ability to
sacrifice his vanity

for the good of the team.

Well, I don't get it.

How can he help the team more

if he gets less out
of Arizona than I do?

Oh. Because he'll
finish on Arizona.

He'll finish on this horse.

Ah, maybe not in such good time,
but at least he'll get round,

and we shall have a team score.

Now, you might get round faster

and, who knows,
perhaps brilliantly.

Then on the other hand, you
might not get around at all.

It still seems pretty unfair.

Yeah, well, there you are.

It's a pretty unfair process
altogether, isn't it...

Living, growing up?

What's even more exasperating,
everybody seems to think

they know better than
you, don't they?

Myself included.

You see, I'm absolutely convinced

that I know better
than most people.

But then, that's my problem.

It is all right. You shall ride
for me one day, dear Sarah,

because I have promised
you that, now, haven't I?

You will ride not only for me,

but for the greater
glory of the sport

and for the triumph of the team.

Those are not just empty
words, believe me.

You see, there's...

There was a very interesting,
very wise Frenchmen once,

and he had a great deal to
do with our Olympic games.

His name was Kuberton,
Bareunt Kuberton.

He was an interesting fellow.

And he said, "what is impor..."

And I can't quote him exactly,
of course, but he said,

"what is important in the games

is not the winning,
but the taking part."

Just as in life, the
most important thing

is not the triumph,
but the struggle.

Ah, in other words,

not to have conquered,
but to have fought well.

You see?

I don't know if that
makes any sense to you,

but that's what he said.

Makes an awful lot of sense to me.

All right, the sermon is over.

Now, why don't you go and
put on a party frock,

and you can take me to this dance.

Now, I may not be the
youngest you'll dance with,

but I'll certainly be the safest.

Well, what do you say, cowboy?

All right.

Good.

Like losing a best friend.

Come on, Johnny.

You can't monopolise the
talent all evening.

I'm cutting in.

All right. Thank you.

Thank you, Sarah. Good night.

You make one false move with her,

you'll never ride again.
Good night. Thank you.

That was easier then I expected.

I'm Scott Saunders.

- I know.
- How do you know?

Beth and I were talking about you.

You're Sarah, the
British secret weapon.

Yes. So secret I'm
not even riding.

Roger's got my horse.

That isn't a British accent.

Would you believe
Cave Creek, Arizona?

Ah, you defected, huh?

Actually, I escaped.

You still kept your accent.

Yes, I kept everything.

I don't give anything away.

Ledyard was the low watermark
of our fortunes that year.

Or the high watermark, depending
on your point of view.

I felt I would have done
better as a swimming coach.

P.A.: Riding in sixth place so
far, with a score of 73.73...

Riding a strange horse

in an international dressage
competition, as Roger had to do,

is not designed to make
friends or impress judges.

Dressage in pouring rain

is like dancing swan
lake in clogs in a bog.

The greater glory of the sport

was somewhat obscured
from view that first day.

P.A.: Coming down to the coffin...

He-yah.

The cross-country
course was very tough,

tough from beginning to end,

brilliantly designed to test
horses and riders to the limit.

Oh.

Ooh. Yeah.

P.A.: Oh, it just pops
right over that...

And pops right over that.

That's why they call
it a bionic tonic.

Get. Get.

P.A.: And he's coming down now...

Galloping up to the table...

Nicely over the table...

Sarah's horse Arizona
had great spirit,

but he knew he had a
stranger on his back.

Roger rode him well and got
round, as I had predicted.

Nothing for the record
book, but no disgrace.

We were more fortunate than some.

Some didn't get round.

Some got round the hard way.

P.A.: And she's off.

As I told Sarah,
Ledyard is unique.

I mean, the new England
razzmatazz is a lot of fun

for the spectators, of course,

but the riders have
to know their stuff.

I discovered a lot from our trip.

For example, I felt I'd
got close to Sarah

for the first time.

Also, I had a chance to
study our weaknesses

and our strengths.

Quite a few weaknesses

and not too many
strengths, as it happened.

But something to build
on for the future.

P.A.: And now, our
gold-medal champion,

the great mare Ballycor,
number 135, with Ted Coffin.

P.A.: What more can be
said about Ballycor

other than her great win at
Montreal at the Olympic games?

The dream of any 3-day event.

Ballycor and Ted Coffin...

For the United States.

Our American hosts wiped us out.

And, we came away as
we had arrived...

One down and a long way to go.

Hello, Alan.

Hello, stranger.

I'd heard you were back.

How's it been going?

Oh, I'm ok.

I'm getting married.

Anybody I know?

Sheila Gardner. Remember her?

Oh, yeah.

Congratulations.

How's the riding?

Oh, I've given that up.

Too expensive, and I
didn't see much point.

We were...

Hoping to see you
on the television.

You will one day.

Nice to see you again.

Nice to see you, too.

Sarah.

Sarah?

Oh, there you are.

I thought I heard you come in.

Well, have a good ride?

Yeah.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

You worried because you
haven't heard anything?

No.

You know what they say?

No news is good news.

Your coming home after
all that excitement,

it's bound to be a bit
of an anticlimax.

I tell you what.

Why don't we go up to
London and see a show?

I have to train.

You don't have to train
every minute of the day.

Well, I need a new saddle.

What's wrong with the old one?

It's just not good enough.

Saddles don't win medals.

I didn't say they did.

Why are you in such a foul mood?

I'm not.

Well, it seems that way to me.

Who is Jack Delacroix?

Why do you ask?

Because I've been reading this.

It's John, isn't it?

He's Jack Delacroix.

What if he is?

Well it's real disgusting trash.

I don't know how he
could write such stuff.

Don't you ever say
that again, not ever.

As a matter of fact, John
would agree with you.

He's not too proud of it, either.

He also thinks it's trash, but
he's entitled to think that.

You're not.

And I'll tell you why not.

That trash has paid for
everything you've done

in the past year and
will probably pay

for that new saddle you
think you have to have.

So before you pass any
smart moral judgements,

just remember the world
doesn't owe you a living.

Nothing's for free, and some
people pay more than others.

So don't you ever
mention that again.

Sarah.

Sarah.

Sarah.

It's arrived.

They've chosen you.

They what?

They've chosen you
for the Olympics.

You're kidding.

Did you hear that, Arizona?

They've chosen us.
They've chosen us.

Let's go.

Yippee.

It's all right.

You shall ride for me
one day, dear Sarah,

because I have promised
you that, now, haven't I?

You'll ride not only for me,

but for the greater
glory of the sport

and for the triumph of the team.

And now I'm going to talk
to the baby of the team,

Sarah Brown, who
rides Arizona Pie.

Sarah, how do you feel?

Well, sort of not here.

Of course, riding's in your blood.

I think I saw your famous
aunt somewhere around.

Yes, she's just over there.

Everybody knows your aunt is
Velvet Brown. I think that's

your middle name, too, isn't it?

Yes.

Well, we know what they
called your aunt when she won

the Grand National...
National Velvet.

Maybe we should start calling
you International Velvet.

It's a bit early for that.

Well, the question
everybody's asking,

are you going to bring
back a gold for Britain?

We'll try. Yes,
we're going to try.

I'm sure everyone at home
joins with me in wishing you

and the rest of the team
every success for Britain.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, Sarah Brown.

We shall be covering
all the main events

live by satellite from
the Olympic stadium.

In the meantime, this is
Joan Parker, news at 10:00.

I'll set your hair as
soon as I've done this.

I haven't forgotten.

No panic.

What's the matter?

Jonathan's announcing
the team at 6:00.

He told me first, which
was nice of him.

Does that mean...

You're riding. I'm not.

Oh, Beth, I'm sorry.

Why be sorry?

It had to be somebody.

As the understudy said,

"don't break a leg
before the first night."

You mean, "do break a leg."

No, really, I'm pleased for you.

Don't ever feel badly.

I'm not crying.

Yes, I am. I am crying.

Don't take any notice,
because it's just reaction.

It's nothing to do with you.

So don't feel you've got to
be nice or say anything.

I'll get over it.

I just want to get
over it on my own.

Well, I'll come back
and set your hair.

Well, you look happy.

I am. I am.

I've been chosen. They picked me.

I'm riding this time.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Can I buy you a coke to celebrate?

Sure, sure.

Of course, you realise I shouldn't
fraternise with the enemy.

I guess thus is a
special occasion.

Everything's special.

Everything's perfect.

Careful. For all you know,
I might spike your drink.

I'm really pleased that
you got picked, though.

I guess I shall have to root
for the British team now.

Heh heh.

At least one member, anyway.

It's you and me this time, not
Roger, so no funny stuff.

Oh, yes, we're going
to be brilliant.

And if we aren't, you
know what Velvet's

going to do to us, don't you?

She's gonna wring our necks.

Yes, she is. She's
gonna wring our necks.

I know we'll be good.

There isn't any question.
Why shouldn't we be?

We'll always be the best.

Beth?

Hello? Mullican 234.

Yes.

Yes. Darling, it's Sarah.

Can you hear me?

Hello. Yes, it's a great line.

What time is it with you?

Oh, I don't know.

All I know is it's
the night before,

and I was just missing you
and wishing you were here.

Oh, darling, we miss you,
too, but we'll be watching.

They're showing a lot of it live.

That's a laugh.

I don't even think I'll be alive.

I'm so scared it's not true.

Darling, you'll do
it. I know you will.

Well, I'm gonna try,
that's for sure.

Here. Talk to John.

Cheer her up. She
sounds really down.

Hello, Brown. How's it going?

Listen, you know me.

I don't know one end of
a horse from the other,

but I know you're going to win.

I've got money on it.

Not too much, I hope.

Well, listen, whatever happens,

I'll never forget what you
both did to get me over here.

I love you both.

And I love dear old
Jack Delacroix, too.

Heh heh heh.

He's got quite a
following over here,

which will give you some idea
of the company I'm keeping.

Some are ok, especially one.

I don't have any more change.

Bye, darling.

Bye. Bye, darling.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Ah, wilderness.

What it is to be young.

Oh, heaven.

That's what it is... heaven.

Heaven, heaven.

Yes. I know you're
gonna be all right.

Just take care of me, ok?

Conditions throughout the 3-day
event are going to be rough.

They're going to be rough on
the horses and the riders,

and sometimes, of course,
they'll be rough

on the spectators as well.

Heavy rain overnight
has delayed the start

of the dressage test, and
it has made the going

very, very heavy indeed.

Some of the riders here are
bound to find it difficult

to complete the course with the
sort of finesse and control

that's necessary
for high placings.

Wouldn't you agree
with that, Charlie?

Yes, it's certainly going to
be a day of extra excitement.

Only the best are
going to survive.

We shall be bringing listeners
details of individual

and team placings as they
happen, so stay tuned.

P.A.: And next, number
26, Scott Saunders,

United States of America.

P.A.: Now entering the
arena is Scott Saunders,

the United States team Captain

on the 10-year-old
thoroughbred Gettysburg.

A nice trot down the centre,

and halts to salute
the senior judge,

Herr Meyer from West Germany.

And now to the 20 different
movements of the dressage test.

Scott Saunders is fancied by a
lot of people to be favourite

for the individual gold medal
here at these Olympics.

He's the holder of the
pan-American gold medal.

He won that last year, and in
fact, he's already competed

in one Olympic games.

We've had some heavy
overnight rain,

and the going is still
a little bit sticky,

and as you can see,

the horse Gettysburg hasn't
really settled at the moment.

However, he's better now as
he comes into the canter.

Not too many mistakes there,
and I would've thought

that was quite a good test,
around the 60, 70 penalty mark.

P.A.: Number 86, Ms Sarah
Brown, Great Britain.

Well, this is the moment
we've been waiting for...

Young Sarah Brown on Arizona Pie,

the youngest member of the
British team at the age of 18.

Arizona Pie is also
the youngest horse

in the competition at 8.

This is a horse, of course,
that competed at Ledyard,

ridden then by Roger Peacock,
the British team Captain,

and this year, fourth at the
Babbington horse trials

with Sarah Brown on top.

And let's hope it's a
happy omen for Sarah,

because for the first time since
we started the 3-day event,

the sun has actually come out.

Well, about 3 mistakes so far.

Otherwise, a fairly accurate test.

And Sarah's certainly
settled down into the work.

Just 3 mistakes, I
think, at the moment,

and if she can keep this up,

she'll be well up in the
middle of the order.

Well, there's no cause for
celebration, is there?

On the other hand, postmortems
are for the dead.

West Germany and the Americans
have the edge on us

after the dressage obviously,

but it's nothing we can't make
up if we do well tomorrow.

What else...

Roger, I want you to go
over tomorrow's timings

until you know them
like the lord's prayer.

Yes, sir. I have done, sir.

Then say the lord's prayer.

Jolly good.

P.A.: Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen,

and welcome back
to Olympic report.

This afternoon, we're
moving 60 miles

away from the main Olympic stadium

to see the crucial second day
of the equestrian 3-day event,

the cross-country
speed and endurance.

So we join Tony Robson
live at Meyerberg.

Well, thank you, Brian.

Certainly, the action
is warming up here.

The first member of
all the 13 teams

competing in the 3-day event

have been around the
cross-country course,

and already there are
several problems

showing themselves in
several of the fences

and particularly the gate

because we've had heavy
overnight rain here last night.

Well, there's Johnny Johnson,

the chief d'equipe
of the British team,

himself an Olympic gold medallist

in the Olympic games of 1968.

And obviously, he'll
be very concerned

with the baby member of
the team, Sarah Brown.

Well, this has often been called
the toughest of all the tests

devised for horse and rider.

In fact, they have to go
20 miles across country,

they have to jump 12
steeplechase fences,

and at the end of that
course, they have to jump

34 really big and solid fences.

And one of the horses

who'll be jumping for
Britain is here...

Grey Monarch, the
mount of Howard Clark

who will be going second.

13 teams then, 4
riders in each team.

The best 3 overall
scores to count,

and just waiting to start now

in the box on the cross-country
course is Bridget Marney,

who'll be going
second for Ireland.

And just mounting now is
Howard Clark himself.

And there's a quick look

at the American team
Captain Scott Saunders.

Good luck.

You, too.

Moment of tension there
for young Sarah Brown.

And here we go.

Bridget Marney on the
10-year-old Concade

waiting the countdown,
and she's away.

For Ireland, the first
of the Irish horses

is gone extremely well

with just one refusal
of cross-country.

And this is the first
of the 34 big fences.

Up the hill and down
to the Diamonds.

And he jumps it well.

And into the water and
way up the far side.

This is halfway around
as we look at Australia

and Bill Jones.

And the Peasant Tree.

Leoni of Italy.

And a first look at the
British team Captain

Roger Peacock with Devon
Boy going extremely well.

Coming now towards the drop fence.

And this horse has really
settled into his work.

And here at the Peasant Tree again

another of the competitors
from the Argentine,

as Roger Peacock comes through
the logs and into the water.

Second to go for
the United States,

the only lady on that team is
Kathy Thompson riding Tara.

And she's well out
over the Diamonds.

This horse is taking a real pull.

And here is Louis Tousseau...

Oh, what a brave
recovery on Victorine.

And Kathy Thompson
is still going well,

coming through the trees, and
over the log into the water.

No problems there.

Mathias of Belgium.

Kathy Thompson over the drop.

The United States will be
well pleased with this round.

Irish Mood.

Italy.

Oh, right off the plate.

At 60 for Paul Leher.

And this is Switzerland's
Kurt Muller.

Wolfgang Stein, the
German team Captain

taking the parallel
rails very well.

Here he goes the
hard way on the "V"

and saves time, but stop there.

My word, that's an
upset for the Germans.

And a second one.

One more, and he's out.

He really does give him...
But this time I think

he's gonna jump... no.

And Germany are really pushed.

That's one member of
their team out of it.

And now waiting at the start

is Scott Saunders on Gettysburg...

The American team Captain.

The United States
the firm favourites

this year, very difficult to beat.

And so far they've got
all their horses round.

At the Diamond.

No problems so far.

But there is a problem,
and that's a refusal.

Well, that's 20 penalties
for that refusal,

and that, of course,
is going to help us.

And that must have shaken up
Scott Saunders considerably,

but he's now got back into his
stride, and he's going well.

And I can see Roger
Peacock coming back,

leading his horse.
What's happened, Brian?

Well, I understand that he
fell at the Brush fence.

That's the third
horse to fall there,

and I'm afraid that fence is
becoming a bit of a bogey.

Well, I'm afraid that
horse is lame as well.

Well, that means that
young Sarah Brown,

waiting anxiously in the
wings, has got to finish

if Great Britain's gonna
be in with a team chance.

One hitch.

I just heard that
Roger may not finish.

I'm waiting for details.

So, if it's true,
you must get round.

Go out there and prove how
wrong I was at Ledyard.

All right?

Good luck. Do your best.

And here's Muller of Switzerland

going well at the bogey
fence, number 20.

P.A.: 10 seconds...

And a real tense moment here

for young Sarah Brown, the
baby of the British team.

All the hopes of Britain
are on her shoulders

as she waits to start.

P.A.: 3... 2...

1... go.

And she's away.

And coming up the hill
towards the first

of those 34 solid fences,
5 miles of cross-country

for young Sarah Brown, and
she really must be conscious

of all the pressures on her.

She's got to finish.

And certainly she's
going great guns.

Look at that.

But still a long, long way to go.

The Diamonds.

And Arizona Pie certainly
gave that plenty of room...

As he comes to the water.

And this is a very fast time,

certainly one of the
fastest times so far.

Looking at our watches,
she's well inside the time.

Passed the rails, and
no problem there.

And out over the sunken road.

And finishing strongly
is Scott Saunders,

despite that refusal,
for the United States.

But meanwhile, back on the
course, here's young Sarah

still maintaining
a very fast pace.

Down the hill now, two third's
of the way round the course,

coming up to the bogey
fence, number 20.

Oh, she's down.

Oh, my word, what a nasty
shock for Britain,

and she looks as if she's
injured herself there.

Somebody, thank goodness,
has caught the horse.

It looks like her shoulder,
and if she doesn't finish,

that's Britain out of it.

And as well as the penalty points

for the fall, time
is ticking away.

They've got to get her
back in the saddle.

I'm afraid I'm right.

That shoulder is obviously
giving her some trouble,

but she's turning back now.

She's giving that horse plenty
of room to get at the fence.

Coming into it now.

And she's jumped it, but
she's got to get round

without any more penalties.

Just that final moment now

as she has to take the
saddle off herself,

and go up to the
scales to weigh in.

Weigh-in, incidentally, a
minimum of 165 pounds.

Be dreadful if she didn't
make the weight now.

No, she's all right.

You all right?

Get back.

All right, go and get David.

All right, just cover her.

Watch the shoulder.

It's all right.

It's gonna be all right.

All right. Hold on.

It's going to be all right.

Well done. It's all right.

It's all right.

It's gonna be all right.

David,

how bad is it?

Well, there's no facture.

Dislocated shoulder.

Too early to say, really.

I'll take another
look at it tomorrow.

How did we do?

Not bad, not bad at all.

You were terrific.
Great piece of riding.

And Arizona? How's he?

Nothing to worry about.

Just a few scratches. Take care.

Oh, darling, it's Velvet.

Are you all right?

Yes, I just came off
and hurt my shoulder.

Nothing's broken, is it?

No, nothing's broken.

Well, now, look,
darling, be sensible.

You... you mustn't ride
if it's at all dangerous.

Nothing's worth that.

If I don't ride, the whole
team will be eliminated.

Promise me. Don't worry.

I'm not gonna do anything stupid.

Oh, darling, of course we worry.

Look, all I'm saying
is be careful.

Please give all my love to John.

Big kiss for yourself.

Bye.

Ok, bye-bye.

She's all right.

You should be a wrestler.

I'm putting you on.

Nothing seriously wrong.

It was real nice of
you to come around.

You get some rest now.

You had a great ride today.

I got lucky.

So, I'll see you in
the stadium tomorrow,

and, win or lose, I'll
take you to dinner.

Is that a date?

That's a date.

Good night.

Night.

Bad luck on them.

I want to ride.

It would be different if you
had to talk me into it.

He agrees with me.

What? What did he say?

Look, Sarah...

Well, I know I can't
win the medal for me.

I know that.

But the team still has a chance...

No.

No, listen. Let me go in
and take the first jump,

and it'll either
work, or it won't,

and it doesn't, I'll pull up.

Mike, you say something.

Sarah, I'm not a doctor.

But you want me to
ride, don't you?

Well, yes, but I don't
want you to kill yourself

or the horse.

Captain Johnson, you're
cutting it pretty fine.

Yes, I know.

You have 5 minutes to
make any scratches.

Have you decided yet?

Tell him. Please, tell him.

Tell them...

Tell them all 3 members of the
British team will be riding.

Thank you.

Howard and Mike, you jump first.

If you both jump good
rounds, I'll put Sarah in,

but if we haven't got a prayer
by the time she's called,

I'll scratch her.

Understood? Understood.

Good luck.

Have you all got drinks?

And I just have a message
from the British tent,

and the latest news
is that Sarah Brown

has been pronounced fit to ride

after her fall yesterday
in the cross-country.

As viewers already know,

Roger Peacock, the British
team Captain, had to withdraw.

Therefore, a lot depends today

on the remaining 3 British riders,

including the youngest member
of the team, Sarah Brown,

or International Velvet Brown

as she's been dubbed
by the press here.

That's Bill Connors of the
United States on the course,

and he's showing that his
horse has recovered enough

from yesterday's cross-country
to be clear at this point.

The United States won
an Olympic gold in '32,

but haven't put it all
together since a win in 1948.

And that was some good news
for the United States,

a clear round for Bill Connors,

but Bill has some time
faults against him.

Well, as we've heard, the West
Germans have dropped back,

and it appears now
that the Australians

are closing in on
the bronze medal.

And here's the first British
rider, Howard Clark,

and he's just about
to start his round.

As you've seen, very
few competitors

have escaped time faults, and
it's going to be a very tough

and very tight contest.

Clear at the water,
coming toward the wall.

And he's over the wall.

And... yes, he's through that.

To the sixth.

And clear again.

Well, this is a lovely round
for Howard Clark so far.

And so far so good now as
he approaches the ninth.

And he's over the ninth.

Well done, Howard Clark.

Coming in toward the triple now.

This is the one...

Yes, he's over the...
He's over again.

And he's... is he?
Yes, he's through.

What a marvellous round for
Howard Clark on flying scot.

Well, that's certainly going to be

a marvellous boost
for British hopes.

Well, now the excitement
is really warming up.

Here's Hubert
Dietrich for Germany.

Fence down there. And
that's 10 penalty points.

Going up the bridge.

Well, that's Germany out
of it, that's for sure.

They won't win a medal.

The poles are falling everywhere.

And here's Lopez from
Mexico in trouble.

On the course now, Kathy
Thompson of the United States

at jump 5.

This is the American girl that
she was telling us about.

Oh, come on, hit something.

Good.

This is the only event
in the Olympic games

where men and women
compete on equal terms.

And here's Mike Lloyd

for Great Britain on
Wentworth going well.

Clear so far.

Turns the corner.

This is a nasty little stile.

But he's well out over that...

Oh, I can't watch.

Oh, for heaven's sake.

He bounced it. It stays.

He's clear, yes, he's clear.

And that's another clear
round for Great Britain.

My goodness, we're
back in the hunt.

Saunders must go clear to keep
the pressure on Sarah Brown,

the last British rider.

P.A.: Number 26, Scott Saunders...

And now, America's Captain.

Scott Saunders not only
wants a clear round,

but well within the optimum time.

The battle for the gold
medal is that close.

America just 2 points
behind, so Scott Saunders

cannot afford to make one mistake.

Into the double.

This is what the Olympic
games are all about.

This is real tense stuff.

Into the water...

And he pops out over that.

No problems so far...

But he's got to watch his time.

It's very, very tight.

And up the hill, still going well.

That's a very good sort of
horse, that Gettysburg.

Clear out over the barrels now,
and the 10-year-old Gettysburg

is still looking good.

And round the turn to the
last fence, the triple bar.

Second part, third part.
He's right, and he's clear.

The United States team clear,

and Britain really
have got a fight.

Now the moment that viewers in
England have been waiting for.

For the benefit of those
who've just tuned in,

Sarah Brown is riding, and that
means that the British team

are still in there with a
real hope for the team medal.

Did you ever think we'd be
here seeing this, Alice?

Now, listen. Don't do it for me.

Do it for your father.

He won the Grand
National, remember?

You've got to show him.

Ok.

P.A.: Number 86, Miss Sarah
Brown, Great Britain.

For viewers who've just joined us,

this is a crucial
moment for Britain.

Sarah Brown must go clear.

You could hear a pin drop now.

The double.

She's all right.

Now turning towards the water.

Well out.

Oh, god. I feel quite sick.

She's clear over that.

Halfway round the course.

All right for time.

Up the bank...

And her shoulder must be hurting.

Still clear.

Oh, beautifully
ridden through there.

Out over the log pile.

Oh, they could...

Now, come on, Sarah.

Into the triple.

One...

2...

3.

And that's a clear round for
Sarah Brown of Great Britain.

No jumping faults, no
time faults, and we win.

What a wonderful finish
for Great Britain.

A gold. Yes, a gold medal.

She's won. She's won.

Oh, I'm so proud.

This is a great moment.

This is a moment
that I don't think

she'll ever forget
in all her life.

This is a great day.

At the age of 18, the
youngest member of all,

and she's done it
for Great Britain.

P.A.: First, Great Britain:

363.8.

Second, the united
states of America: 365.8

Third, Australia: 480.3.

Well, here you are, Velvet Brown.

40 years old and still drifting.

She didn't come home.

All she did was send a telegram

saying she was getting married.

She's won, and she's moved on.

Don't tell me you're
taking some exercise.

No. Just being a messenger boy.

This came for you.

Special delivery.

Oh. What is it?

Oh, how do I know, darling?

It's addressed to you.

Not one of your
awful jokes, is it?

No.

You're sure?

What are you looking
at me like that for?

Why should it be one
of my awful jokes?

I know you.

There's a letter with it.

Would you like to read it?

No, you read it.

"I know there's more to
winning "than the prizes.

"You've taught me that.

"But since you never
got to keep yours,

I'd like you to have this."

"Love always, Sarah."

By the way...

It was delivered by hand.

Hello, Sarah.

Scott, I'd like you
to meet my parents.

Hello.

Hello, Scott.

Hello, sir.

Oh, Sarah.

I don't believe it.

Come on.