The Scapegoat (2012) - full transcript

Good afternoon, miss.

Good afternoon.

Is that it?

That's it, right enough, miss.

Granny calls it
the devil's work.

Well, I can't say I've ever
heard it called that before.

Stand back now.

Did you know if you touch
it your hair stands on end?

You are not going anywhere
near it, young lady.

[BELL RINGING]

Cone on.



Is it true you've
being sacked, sir?

No, it's not true, Fenton.

Tuck that shirt in, please.

So why are you leaving
before the end of term, sir?

That is for me and
the head master to know

and for you to wonder at, Smith.

But there's definitely
no more Greek.

Fred Johnson, there is
definitely no more Greek.

Head Master, in his wisdom,
has decided there are

more useful subjects to study.

Come on, hurry up, all of you.

Classes start in one minute.

Where would you
like it, Mrs. Spence?

Where do people usually put it?



Well, it would normally
go in your sitting room.

Well, that's no entirely
helpful in a house like this.

What do you think?

Library, drawing room, morning
room, stamp room, old parlor?

Let's put it in the
drawing room for now.

This way.

Is it easy to work?

I would suggest that I
discuss the technical details

with Mr. Spence.

Well, he's in London.

Besides, my brother-in-law
can barely broil a kettle.

I don't think he'll be much use.

[KNOCKING]

Do you need any help, sir?

No, thank you, Seadan,
I think I can manage.

Run along.

I'm glad there are no
hard feelings, John.

It was a difficult decision.

But Major Huldon
has a young family.

Yes, of course, Head Master,
and French conversation

is a more practical
subject for the boys.

I see that.

Is that all you're taking?

Oh, it's all I need.

So a walking tour?

Yes, I thought I'd see a bit
of the world, what's left of it.

I've always wanted to visit--

Quite.

Romance of the
road and all that.

Yes.

Are you sure I can't
call you a taxi?

No.

Thank you, thought I'd
start [INAUDIBLE] to go on.

My train isn't until 6:00.

Well.

Au revoir.

Right.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Can I--

Here's your change,
sir, and your room

is ready whenever you are.

I don't-- I don't
think this is--

[TOILET FLUSHING]

Hello?

Hello?

Bloody hell.

You're not the devil,
by any chance, are you?

No.

But I think this
might be your change.

Thank you.

Come into the light so I can
get a proper look at you.

The landlord thought that I--

Well, you can hardly
blame the poor chap.

That is incredible.

Don't you think?

I mean, who the hell are you?

John.

John Standing.

Who are you?

Johnny Spence.

Pleased to meet
yo-- no, completely

astonished to meet you.

Do you have time
for a quick one?

You must have.
Come on, my shell.

We'll probably discover we got
dozens of cousins in common.

Do you have many cousins?

No, not really.

I have a whole heard of them.

Don't get one with a single one,
scroungers, the lot of them.

Thank you.

That's you.

Thank you, Mr. Spence.

This should keep us going.

You're not rich by
any chance, are you?

No.

Not at all.

I owned a brothel
once in Paris.

I had a set of twins that
cost a 1,000 francs an hour.

I don't think we're
quite in that league yet.

Circus, maybe.

Cabaret.

What do you think?

Cheers, anyway.

So where are you from?

Wales.

Hm.

Father?
-Dead now.

Worked down the
mines all his life.

Oh, you don't
sound like a taff.

My dad wanted me
to go to university.

It was his dream, so I went out
before the war, got my degree,

and came back talking like
a bishop as he used to say.

Well, then, we're
definitely not related.

I never passed an
exam in my life.

Smoke?

Thank you.

So what about family?

Married?
-No.

No, I'm not.

You must have some relations.

Just a maiden
aunt in Fishguard.

Hm.

You lucky dog, you
haven't met her.

What I wouldn't give
to be in your position.

To your freedom,
long may it last.

Is there enough?

There's plenty.

But there's still
no word from him?

No.

Something's
happened, I know it.

This will stop your worrying.

Mrs. Paul thinks that
he's missed the train.

Oh, what would she know?

Nobody in this house
understands my son except me.

Johnny doesn't like to fail.

They're happy
about the booze as

long as we drink out of these.

I've spoken to the kitchen,
ordered two large steaks,

very well done, and
mashed potato and gravy.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Hm, so a walking tour.

The open road is your
oyster and all that.

Yes, I have a few ideas.

How about you?

Funk.

Complete funk.

Had a bugger of a day in town.

I was on the train
on the way back,

and I thought what
the hell am I doing?

Going home like a lamb to
the slaughter, so off I got.

Here I am.

What about your family?

Won't they be worried?

Oh, about me, never.

About themselves, definitely.

Waiter, more of
your delicious tea.

You know, greed.

That's what makes
the world go around.

Men, women, children.

Whatever you do, it's
never enough, is it?

No one's ever satisfied.

Doesn't take much
to satisfy me.

Well, you're lucky.

The world's your playground.

Mine hangs around
my neck like a rope.

Ignore me.

It's not every day
you get a chance

to talk to yourself
without being

carted off to the funny farm.

I'm actually rather enjoying it.

I'll do this.

It is extraordinary us
meeting like this, isn't it?

Yes, I suppose it is.

I mean, don't you think there's
something special about now.

This moment between the death of
one monarch and the coronation

of the next?

What do you mean?

Well, anything's possible.

The throne is empty.

No one's in charge.

To anarchy.

To anarchy.

Is that Daddy's plate?

I hardly touched it.

He'll be cross with you.

I know.

Give me the and I'll
tell him it was me.

Then he'll be cross with you.

I think there's a place in town
where we can get it mended.

Then he'll never know at all.

Of course, Plato believed that
every man was split in half

by Zeus so that he couldn't
compete with the gods, which

means if you think
about it, everyone has

a twin somewhere in the world.

It's just a question
of looking for them.

You're not a professor, are you?

Teacher-- ex.

Teach-- oh, what time is it?
I have to get to the station.

We've got plenty of time.

Anyway, all your
things are at the pub.

We left them there.

Come on.

Sir.

Your coats, sir.

Oh, yes, well done.

Thank you, that's mine.

That's his.

I can't wear this.

Of course, you can.

I haven't worn one of
these since I was 10.

Look at that, perfect fit.

I could have been made for you.

What is that you
said about the gods?

When they keep us apart,
we're nothing but together.

We can rule the world.

[TRAIN WHISTLE]

Well, what's the verdict?

There isn't one.

-What do you mean?
-Exactly that.

We haven't heard.

He's disappeared.

He checked out of his club
in London yesterday morning,

and he was booked on the 12:15.

George was there
to meet the train.

He wasn't on it or the
three that followed.

And he didn't
telephone the house?

If we're to keep to
the plan, I should

issue notices this morning.

It's going to be a
hell of a business.

Yes, I know that, Arthur.

But now we just have to wait.

I can't give you
authorization without him.

You know what my brother's like.

It's ridiculous
this rule about not

having a fire in the morning.

What's the point of
economizing on wood when we

live in the middle of a forest?

Perhaps you'd have a
word with Charlotte?

And have hr give we
one of her black looks?

No, thank you.

Anyway, it's your
responsibility.

I've had some fresh toast
made up for you, Miss Spence.

Thank you, Charlotte.

Mr. Spence has just
telephoned from a public house

in Peterborough.

What's he doing there?

It's a bit early,
even for Johnny.

He had to stay the night there.

He was feeling indisposed.

Did he say anything
about the contract?

No.

Will that be all, Mrs. Spence?

Yes, Charlotte, thank you.

He won;t be back for hours now.

Inconsiderate bastard.

[KNOCKING]

Who is it?

GEORGE: It's me, sir.

George.

Oh my god.

I'm sorry, who is it?

GEORGE: Could you please
open the door, sir?

It's locked.

GEORGE: Perhaps you might
consider unlocking it, sir.

No, it's-- Um I-- I think
you must have the wrong room.

Don't worry, we'll have you
out of here in a jiffy, sir.

Let me help you get dressed.
-What?

No, thank you.

I think I'm quite capable
of dressing myself.

Please, I'll be quite all right.

Shall I get you some
coffee then, sir?

No.

I'm so sorry, that was,
um, that was very rude.

I just need to find my things.

GEORGE: I understand, sir.

I'm sorry, someone seems
to have stolen my clothes.

I made you one of my specials.

Right.

Um, I think I should--

Back in one, sir.

Always the best way.

That's very good.

What is it?

Was it?

Vodka mainly, sir.

Just how you like it.

Thank you.

Um, look, you should get
the landlord up here.

I really need to sort this out.
-Don't worry, sir.

I've had a word and his
discretion is assured.

Fine.
I'll do it myself.

Ah, just the man.

Look, the fellow
I met last night

has run off with all my things.

I can't find my wallet.
I can't--

Don't worry, sir.

You settled everything
very generously last night.

No, no, the man who paid
last night, wasn't me.

I mean, we swapped coats but--

Don't upset
yourself, Mr. Spence.

I'm not upset, and
I'm not Mr. Spence.

I'll just put your things
in the car, Mr. Spence.

No.

Put them wherever you want.

They're not my things.

Wait here.

Look, um, I'm not
who you think I am.

Look, you could ask me
any question you want.

I wouldn't know the answer.

I don't even know who you are.

Don't-- my god.

That's a Silver Wraith.

That's incredible.

Four speed transmission, coach
work by Hooper, am I right?

It's beautiful.

You intending to drive, sir?

-Could I?
-Of course.

If you want to?

Oh, my god.

I'm-- I'm so sorry.

I didn't-- I didn't--

Perhaps it would be
better if I drove, sir.

I'm s-- I-- I didn't
see-- oh my goodness.

I'll pay for the
damages, of course.

All will be all right
once we get you back.

I'm so s--

We'll be home
before you know it.

Yes.

I'm--

Johnny?

Johnny!
-Sorry?

I haven't got time
to talk, Johnny.

It's the Williamson
dinner at 6:00.

One of us has to be there.

What the devil's happened to
the back of the car, George?

Entirely my fault, sir.

Well, it can come
out of your wages.

Come on!

I've got to go.

Would you please stop shouting.

It wasn't George's
fault. It was mine.

I've said, I'll
pay for the damage.

I haven't got time for this.

I'll take your
bag upstairs, sir.

Thank you.

Daddy.

You're back.

I've missed you so much.

I have terrible news.

Mrs. Simpson is dead.

Mrs. Simpson is dead?

That is terrible news.

You don't look very upset.

No, no, I am, I am.

I didn't even know she was ill.

Would you come up and
see her after my bath?

You mean, she's here?

Of course, I told Father
McReady he couldn't

bury her until you came back.

You just have to promise
that you'll come up.

I promise.

Yes, it's him.

Darling?

God, you look a mess.

Where on earth have you been?

He really was ill.

Well, you might
at least apologize.

We've been waiting all
day for you to show.

I was so worried.

Aren't you going to
kiss either of us?

Look, um, there's
been a mistake.

I met, um, whoever you
think I am last night

and we had a few drinks,
too many drinks, I'm afraid.

And then this morning
when I woke up,

he had stolen my clothes
and my luggage and my wallet

and taken off without
any explanation.

Anyway, I came here
this afternoon to find

out exactly what was going on.

He's been drinking.

I can smell it from here.

I'm going up to
change for dinner.

Come on, Frances.

Did you talk to Paul?

He's been in a state all
day about the contract.

Is he the one who
was just rude to me?

It's not funny.

You might at least
have telephoned.

There you are, Mr. Spence.

Her ladyship has asked me
to send you up at the moment

that you arrive.

I'm not Mr.--

Please don't keep her waiting.

We were expecting you
yesterday, and she's

getting quite anxious.

Was there anything
else you wanted?

No, no, nothing at all.

I am, of course, going upstairs.

Annie?

Oh my god.

What are you doing?

Um.

Are you mad?

Everyone's getting
changed for dinner.

The servants are everywhere.

Annie is just getting
me some shampoo.

She'll be back any minute.

You are an idiot.

Come and find me after dinner.

Paul won't be back till
late, I made sure of that.

[KNOCKING]

Annie, dear, um, can
you come and help me?

I want it properly rubbed in.

Yes, madame.

You disgust me.

Her ladyship was most insistent
on seeing you immediately, sir.

Right.

She's expecting you for supper.

Why don't I take this from
you, and you lead the way.

Shall i?

You beastly boy.

Come and give your
mother a kiss.

Father McReady, would
you think me rude

if I cut short our
little game so that I

can talk to my prodigal here?

No, of course not.

So what's the tally now?

I think I to a fourpence.

Ah, very thrilling.

We must make a note of that
so that we don't forget.

Now, where's my little book.

Well, I'm sure you and Johnny
have a great deal to discuss.

[LATIN]

Good to have you
safe at home, Johnny.

Enjoy your dinner.

Thank you.

Come and sit beside me.

What's the matter?

You look ill.

What have you done
with your tie?

I'm sorry, I'm
feeling a little--

Hangover?

Serves you right.

I suppose you found some
little tart to amuse

yourself with last night.

Though goodness knows why
you had to go to Peterborough

to find one.

So did you settle
with the Levertons?

Did you agree the new contract?

Don't play the fool
with me, Johnny.

Did you or didn't you?

Yes, I did.

Good.

Oh, I knew you could manage it.

Paul is such a baby.

I knew that if you
talked to them,

you'd make them see it our way.

You're a Spence.

The only one in this house,
as far as I'm concerned.

Now, where's my present?

Johnny, I'm not in the mood.

I need it.

We expected you yesterday.

[KNOCKING]

That'll be Annie, ma'am.

I trust you
haven't let me down.

Now, tell us what's
happening in London?

Who did you see?

What's the gossip?

I don't see why you
are acting so surprised.

When has he ever
behaved any differently?

Perhaps he really was ill.

Oh, don't be so bloody naive.

Well, I think I'll go
up and leave you to it.

Tell Charlotte, if you
ever see her again, that I

won't be needing anything else.

Goodnight.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.

I'm fine.

You have to stand
up to my brother,

otherwise he just
takes advantage.

Yes, I know.

I think I'll go up too.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Do you have it?

Her present.

Shall we get it?

That would be the one.

We merely ran out.

We were expecting you yesterday.

Is that all you got?

It's not going to
last very long.

[CRYING]

Ah!

You gave me a fright.

I'm so sorry.

Standing there in
the dark, I thought--

I'm sorry.
It's entirely my fault.

No, I shouldn't
have just barged in.

I thought you were
still with your mother.

I'm sorry.

Would you undo me?

Please?

I was so worried.

I thought something
must have happened.

Did it?

Did what?

Something happen?

No.

Oh.

Good.

Thank you.

Did you speak to Piglet?

Who?

She was waiting up for you.

You all right?

You're very quiet.

Would you like me
to run you a bath?

You must be exhausted.

No.

No.

Thank you.

How are you?

All right, I suppose.

Charlotte is being
beastly to everyone

and it seems to be
my fault, of course.

I don't see Piglet from
one day to the next.

She's leads a
completely secret life.

Did you say anything
to her, by the way?

She's been acting particularly
oddly since you left.

What about you?

How was it?

The business with the contract?

Oh, um, let's not
talk about that now.

Of course.

I'll be done in a minute.

I know I'm going on
and you hate that.

Darling, I--

What?

What?

No, it's nothing.

You said darling.

I'm being silly.

Ignore me.

Sorry.

I think I'll pop
out for a while.

I'm not very tired.

Do you have to?

Yes.

What the hell are you doing?

I'm just popping
out for some air.

I left my door open for you.

You've been away over a week.

I wanted to see you.

Why do you think I told Paul to
go to that dinner by himself?

I thought we could spend
some time together.

Goodness, it's hard
enough in this mad house.

Would you rather spend the
evening with your mother?

I didn't have much choice.

Well, so I thought you'd come
to me straight afterwards.

Instead of wandered
around like a ghost

in the middle of the night.

Can we talk about
this in the morning?

You can be a real
bastard, you know that.

I'm very s--

Don't touch me.

It's no good now,
there's no time anyway

even by our pathetic standards.

[CAR DRIVING UP]

See, that's him now.

Go on, go.

Get some bloody air and leave
the rest of us to suffocate.

You didn't come
and say goodnight.

That hurt.

MARY LOU: You promised.

I'm sorry.

If you don't come up by
the time I count to 50,

I swear I'm going to jump.

Get back inside now.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

1, 2--

Get back inside.

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9--
You're lucky I'm not dead.

What on earth do you
think you're doing?

You said you'd come up.

I was busy.

I'm very sorry.

You promised.

JOHN: I said, I
was sorry and I am.

Very well.

I forgive you.

Kiss?

You smell funny.

What sort of funny?

Funny like a doctor.

I thought you were
never coming back too.

Why?

Because you said if things got
too difficult, you'd disappear.

Hm.

Stop!

What's the matter?

Mrs. Simpson.

Oh, Mrs. Simpson, the goldfish.

Oh.

She's certainly dead.

What would you have done
if I had disappeared?

Topped myself.

You don't even know
what that means.

Of course, I do, silly.

Children don't kill themselves.

Then why did you run
upstairs so fast just now?

Because you might have slipped.

I was holding on.

Now, pass Mr. Rabbit.

Thank you.

Now you can tuck me in
and make me snuggly.

You can promise not to do
anything silly like that again.

Only if you promise.

What?

That you'll never
go away and leave me.

Um, look, I can't make
that promise, I'm afraid.

Well, you must just hope for
the best that you stay in town

and I stay alive.

If I do have to go away,
whatever the reason,

I promise I'll tell you first.

Cross your heart
and hope to die?

Cross my heart and hope that
neither of us have to die.

Now, go to sleep.

Eek.

Eek.

What's that?

Mr. Rabbit saying
goodnight to you.

Goodnight.

Is that you?

Yes.

Yes, it's me.

Is this for me?

It says F for Frances.

Oh, well, I suppose so.

Can I open it?

It's beautiful.

Did you have it made specially?

I love it.

Thank you.

Will you put it on for me?

Yes, of course.

[KNOCK]

Morning, sir.

Mr. Spence, I hope I'm
not disturbing you.

Not at all.

I'll go and get dressed.

Right.

Oh, thank you, George.

Where is everyone?

Your brother's at
the foundry, sir.

He's expecting you at 10:00.

Your sister and Mrs.
Paul are at breakfast.

And her Ladyship?

Indisposed, sir,
and likely to remain

so for the rest of the day.

I found this in your
waistcoat Polk pocket, sir.

Ah, good morning, Annie.

Good morning, sir.

I was just on my
way to breakfast.

Oh, sorry, Mr. Spence.

Thank you.

Morning.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Can you please have a word
with Charlotte about having

a fire in the morning?

It's ridiculous that
there isn't one.

Would you like me to light one?

You enjoy your
fresh air last night?

Yes, thank you.

Daddy brought presents
for everyone and Mommy

got a locket with a
picture of his face on it.

-I'm not sure you should be--
-Is this one for me?

It says ML on it.

Well--

And, this is for you,
and for Auntie Nina,

and for Auntie Blanche.

And my one.

"Charlotte's Web."

Just as I wanted.

Thank you.

Pleasure now.

I suppose you
think that's funny.

You really don't care
about anyone, do you?

Except for yourself.

Can I open her present?

No, you can't

George is waiting out front,
sir, when you're ready.

Thank you.

Coming now.

Can I have it?

Absolutely not.

To my darling, B.
Kiss, kiss, kiss.

Isn't it pretty?

But stinks.

May I offer my
congratulations, sir?

What for?

The Leverton contract.

Your mother gave Mr. Paul
the good news this morning.

Ah.

There'll be quite a
celebration tonight, sir.

Good job, sir.

I'm sorry, I couldn't
keep it a secret.

Thank you, sir.

It's been like Christmas.

I don't think anyone has
done a scrap of work all day.

Come on, how did you do it?

I just couldn't believe it.

I hardly know myself.

It's incredible that
they accepted our terms.

-Well done, sir.
-Thank you.

Thank you.

Have you got the contract?

No, not with me.

But you did sign it?

There are some
details to finalize

but they'll sent it on.

A letter arrived
for you this morning.

That's probably it.

Listen, I want to
hear the whole story,

but I've got to go into
town and see the bank.

I had a rather tricky
meeting with Old Thornton

while you were away.

Congratulations, sir.

Oh, thank you.

Arthur, can you make sure
everyone gets back to work?

Sorry about last night.

I'd have a bit of
a spat with Nina.

I wasn't quite myself.

Jolly well done.

I really mean that.

Just the sort of
thing your father

would have pulled off, if you
don't mind me saying so, sir.

I felt, well, that sometimes
you didn't understand the lives

of the men and women here.

I'm happy to admit I was wrong.

It's a terrible thing for
a man to have no work.

Yes, I know.

We will need some funds by
next week to cover the wages.

The accounts all here, sir.

Mr. Paul and I went through
everything ourselves yesterday.

And again, congratulations, sir.

Thank you.

Don't worry, I'll get him.

Darling, you
haven't even changed

and it's half past 7:00.

Everyone's about to go in.

I'm not very hungry.

What are you doing?

Trying to understand these
reports about the glass works.

I thought that was Paul's job.

I'd like to understand
them myself.

You still have to eat.

A sandwich maybe,
a glass of water.

You are in an odd mood.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

It's rather nice to have to
look after you for a change.

We could take a picnic upstairs.

Just us.

I'll tell them I'm
not feeling well.

They're used to that.

I used to have to stop boys
from having midnight feasts.

Here I am eating one.

I didn't know you
were a prefect.

I wasn't.

I mean, I was, I just
wasn't a very good one.

Charlotte finds out
about all this, I'm dead.

So is Annie.

She caught me red-handed
in the larder,

but I managed to persuade
her that my cause was just.

She's very excited at the
news about the foundry.

So clever to have managed that.

Trouble is, I haven't.

Oh.

That's why I was
reading all those papers.

Did you know there was a report
before the war commissioned

by my sister from a
chap called A. Far?

Alice Far.

Well, actually, it's rather
good, as a matter of fact.

Why don't you get
back to your papers

while I get all this cleared up?

-Oh, let me help.
-No.

Thank you.

I'd rather do it myself.
-No, please--

I mean it.

What are these doing here?

I was reading them last night.

It's a bit late, isn't it?

Look, I'm sorry
about yesterday.

I didn't know what I was doing.

Really?

I think you knew exactly
what you were doing.

What would you have done?

What would I have done?

Well, I probably
wouldn't have seduced

my sister-in-law, for starts.

About the Leverton contract.

What would you have
done if they hadn't

refused to accept our terms?
-Well, what does it matter now?

They've signed, haven't they?
-But if they hadn't, what then?

I would have done anything
to keep the furnaces burning,

you know that.

It's madness to rely
on a single contract.

You should never have allowed
us to be in this position.

Daddy wouldn't
have stood for it.

I've read that
report last night,

and I didn't fully
understand it,

but he seemed to
take it seriously.

He did until you
told him not to.

Are these Alice's designs?

You complete shit.

Crockett wants to know
about the shoot on Sunday.

He's suggesting starting
at the Bagley End this year

and driving up
towards Moorcroft.

They walked it
yesterday morning.

They said the ground's solid.

He'll be here at 11:00
to go over it with you.

Sounds good.

I have to go into town
at 10:00, so maybe you

could take care of it?

Of course.

If that's what you want.

And I have a hair appointment.

We can go in together.

I'll just go and get ready.

I'll see to Crockett then.

Do you have to go in?

I have some things to
sort out in the bank.

You'll find them
much more amenable.

They're very pleased
about the contract.

Good.

Yes, Mayfair 242.

I'd like to speak to
Sir Matthew Leverton.

It's Mr. Spence
from Century Glass.

Well, you'll have to
interrupt the meeting.

This is very important.

He'll want to hear
it personally.

May I come into town with you?

I'm going on business.

Please, it's really important.

Second thoughts,
that's a very good idea.

Of course, you can come.

Sorry we're late.

Mary Lou is coming with us.

Very important
mission apparently.

Nothing I could do.

We need to talk.

Yes, of course.

Alone.

Right.

-Can I sit in the front?
-Yes.

Where are you going?

Argyle Street, that junk shop.

Right.

Look after her.

Yes.

I think this is the last one.

That's everything we have.
-You sure?

Yes.

I'm sue, but I really think
it would be best to discuss

any queries you may
have with Mr. Thornton

when he returns next week.

There's definitely
nothing else?

No other account?

No, sir.

That's everything.

What's this?

There seems to be
something in this account.

Quite a lot, in fact,
1 million pounds.

I'm so sorry, sir.

This account is
in the wrong file.

I shouldn't have brought it out.

It says Spence at the top.

That's because it's
your wife's trust fund.

Are you saying
that's gone as well?

No, sir, the principle
sum has not yet

been paid out
because of the terms

of the marriage settlement.

What terms?

Perhaps I can make
an appointment--

Do you know who I am?

Of course, Mr. Spence.

Well, there can hardly
anything irregular

about discussing the terms of
my own marriage settlement,

can there?

No, sir, I suppose not.

Well?

Well, I'm not completely
familiar with the document,

but my understanding
is that the money is

only to be paid out in
the event of your wife

conceiving a male heir.

Unless, of course, she
should predecease you.

A male heir.

Sir Alfred was most insistent.

So a granddaughter wasn't
good enough for him.

It would appear not, sir.

Thank you, Mr.
Myerson, my coat.

There is one other
thing, there's

a painting up at the
house, I'd like it valued.

Yes, sir, I'm sure
that can be arranged.

You've been most helpful.

Sorry, excuse me, do you
know where Argyle Street is?

Um, I'm looking for a
little girl, my daughter.

Upstairs.

Thank you.

What are you doing here?

I'm looking for a little girl.

The gentleman
downstairs indicated--

You should never
send a child here.

It shows lack of
respect for your family.

I've missed you.

Where is she?

The child?

She left half an hour
ago with the chauffeur.

So did your wife
like her [INAUDIBLE]?

Did she think I painted
a good likeness of you?

Uh, yes, yes,
she-- she-- um, she

loved it, as a matter of fact.

So she's happy?

And what about me?

Did you find Bella's
little present?

The perfume?

Yes, did you find it?

I gave it to my sister.

Why?

Does she still hate you?

Why?

It was a mistake.

That must have been
a surprise for her.

Yes, it was.

Did it make her happy?

No, it didn't.

Then we are both unhappy.

What are you going
to do about this?

Where's your father?

Still in the bank.

Well, I'm not waiting.

George can come back for him.
Get in.

And take that out of your mouth.

That little girl of
yours is adorable.

Yes, she is.

Why was she here?

Because she wants me to
mend something for her.

A plate from your regiment.

She thinks you will
be angry it is broken.

So that's the big secret.

You're not angry?

No, why should I be?

She seemed to expect it.

She loves you, but
she fears you also.

The truth is, I'm the
one who should be afraid.

She almost jumped
out of a window

because I didn't say goodnight.

I think she loves me.

It's quite an unusual feeling.

You're in a strange mood.

Did something happen in London?

What do you mean?

I don't know, you
seem different.

You were different just now.

How?

Not sure.

Gentler, perhaps.

I liked that.

People change.

That's not so usual.

I'm the proof.

I don't think we know what
we're capable of until we're

given the opportunity.

That I do believe.

I have seen what people
are capable of if they

are given the opportunity.

That's why I'm here.

Why are you here?

We agreed, no stories.

Please, I'd like to know.

You would not understand.

The English do not know
what it is like to be

occupied by an enemy.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

That was a long time ago.

But now, you are the hero
of war with your plate

from your regiment to
their brave Captain.

I don't feel very brave.

You're ticklish.

You've been lying
to me all that time.

I told you, people change.

You mean, ticklish one day
and not ticklish the next?

I don't think that's possible.

How did you know I was here?

They said at the bank
that you left before lunch.

I thought I might find you here.

Oh, I see.

Now, there's a
funeral to attend, sir,

and I'm under the very
strictest of instructions

to ensure that you're not late.

Our Father in Heaven,
who notices even

the falling of a
sparrow, must surely then

have noted the untimely
passing of Mrs. Simpson.

We commend her to his care
and ask his comfort for those

on Earth who mourn her passing.

In the name of the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

Throw some on there.

Come on, Piglet, I think it's
an early bed for you tonight.

Do fishes go to heaven?

I'm sure they do.

There are rather a lot of them.

If you'll excuse
me, I need a chance

to even the score with your own
mother before she has her rest.

Could I possibly have a
word with the first, Father?

Yes, of course.

It's true a priest
cannot reveal

the secrets of a confession?

That is correct.

Can I make one?

Now?

Please?

Well, it is possible.

God's ear is everywhere.

How do I begin?

Dear me, Johnny, I
know it's a long time,

but you must remember.

We learned it together.

Bless me, Father,
for I have sinned.

Bless me, Father,
for I have sinned.

It is a very long time
since my last confession.

This is going to
be a little unusual.

I think it already is.

I want to talk about
me and my sister.

I see.

Go on.

I think you understand why.

I do, I do.

Do I?

Oh, that unfortunate girl.

Glass designer.

Yes.

Yes, that's exactly it.

Alice, isn't that her name?

Alice Far.

Quite terrible.

Quite terrible.

I think, in some ways,
what happened was my fault.

It certainly was not.

The coroner was very clear
that no one in the family

was in any way to blame.

The girl was of unsound
mind with no respect for

the sanctity of her own life.

Your sister, as you know,
took it very personally.

Too personally, in my view,
and your mother agreed.

And then, of course, there
was the very sad business,

as in the poor child never
drew a breath, of course,

but because of the
girl's selfish act,

it could not enter
the presence of God

because it carried the
stain of mortal sin.

Surely, if there was sin,
it was that of the father.

The father, whoever he
was, had, of course, sinned,

but he can be forgiven.

He would just need to confess
and be given absolution.

And can he be forgiven
for what he did?

Of course.

You can be forgiven for
anything provided you make

a proper act of contrition.

Thank you, Father,
that was very helpful.

But that wasn't a confession.

No, no.

Would you mind awfully if I had
some time alone with my mother

this evening?

No, no, of course not.

My vow was poverty.

Thank you.

[KNOCKING]

How was the funeral?

Very moving.

I heard about your performance
at breakfast, made me laugh.

What are you thinking
giving your sister perfume?

I wasn't thinking.

Anyway, Francis
loves her locket.

Why this sudden concern for
that barren stick of a girl?

She's not barren.

She has a very
beautiful daughter.

Exactly, and that
nearly killed her.

Sometimes, I wish it had.

No, you don't.

Don't I?

Don't pretend you haven't
thought of it yourself.

If she died, you needn't
have worried about a son.

You'd have inherited
everything in the family

and the foundry would have
been safe, which is why we

chose her in the first place.

Is it?

Well, you know it is.

Well, if we want to
keep the foundry safe,

we have to pay the wages.

So I'm thinking of selling
the Vermeer in the study.

Really?

You don't mind?

Of course, I don't mind.

Although, I don't
see how it will help.

It's a fake, as you well know.

You've left it a little late
to play the saint, my dear.

The best pictures went
long ago with the land.

So how do you
expect to survive.

I don't.

It's the end for
houses like this.

No one can support them anymore.

And look at poor Freddy Thin
opening Longleat to the public.

Well, I don't intend to
be around to see strangers

gawping at this house.

Zeus once decided to
punish a king by setting out

a huge feast in front
of him every day,

but each time the king
reached for something to eat,

a winged harpy snatched
it away from him

and so he starved in
the face of plenty.

There's a banquet in front of
you here, there are no harpies,

but you're all still starving.

The inevitable
has to be accepted.

Does it?

Or is the inevitable
something that

comes in a syringe of morphine?

I take my pleasure where I
can, just as you take yours.

What if we stopped, both
of us, just for one day?

Why don't you come down and
greet your guests tomorrow

at the shoot?

This house needs you.

It's too late to change.

We are what we are.

Well, I can't see
anything at all.

It's like that night
we drove into Inverness

on our honeymoon.

Oh my goodness, there's a man.

Oh, what is he saying?

You have to turn up
the sound control.

Oh, yes, sorry.

TV ANNOUNCER: Stamping out
new coins for the coming

coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

The design of the
new coins has already

aroused spirited controversy
with some commentators saying

that Her Majesty
looks too girlish.

Oh.

I'm sorry, there's
something I want to say.

I haven't been strictly
truthful with you all.

I didn't do a deal with
Leverton's in London last week.

I did one this morning.

It isn't a very
good arrangement.

In fact, it's pretty bad
from our point of view.

So it was a lie all along.

Why?

I was a coward,
and what I should

have done-- what I'm trying to
do now is ask for your help.

It's a bit late for
that, don't you think?

I don't see what we can do.

We shut it down.

That's his plan.

Abandoning the foundry won't
save us, and even if it did,

what kind of life would
it be if we can eat

but everyone else is hungry?

That's not something
that bothered you before.

So what are you suggesting?

We find a way to
raise some finance

to keep us going while we
come up with another plan.

I read Far's Foss
report last night,

and I think it could work.

PAUL: You said it was
completely impractical.

I was wrong.

Well, Blanche will never agree.

I don't understand what
you're trying to do.

Make it better.

Well, you can't.

I have to try.

Blanche, no one can
bring Alice back.

Don't you dare bring
Alice into this.

You know nothing about her.

You never understood
her for a single second.

Do you remember when you
set fire to my dolls' house?

You did it because I loved it.

Because it was mine,
because you were jealous,

just like you always
are, jealous of anything

you can't have.

Well, Daddy can't go
out and buy a new one

and make it better this time.

I know that.

She loved me.

That's what you couldn't
bear, wasn't it?

So you had to have her.

Alice wasn't like us.

She had no idea how people
like us could behave.

You drove her mad.

And because of me
and what I had done,

she felt she couldn't
turn to anyone.

Not even you.

You may not believe it,
but I know how that feels,

and I think you do too.

We can't bring Alice back,
but we can think about what

she might have wanted.

We can make the ideas
she believed in real

and that way something survives.

That's new, isn't it?

No, no, no, I just haven't
worn it for a while.

Can you turn the
light out, please?

Yes.

Oh, not now.

Your Ladyship?

Not tonight.

I feel too tired to be tired.

If you're sure.

I just wanted to say goodnight.

Goodnight.

I liked your speech.

Thank you.

You're a very surprising man.

I don't think my sister
was very impressed.

Give her time.

Do you think you
can find the money?

I don't know, but
I intend to try.

I just wish there was
a way I could help.

You have.

I wouldn't have had the courage
to say anything without you.

Goodnight.

J?

Yes?

I did something very silly.

Please, you don't--

No, I want to tell you.

I broke your regimental plate.

It was completely stupid of me.

I just touched it
somehow and it broke.

I know.

It was my own fault. You
have every right to be angry.

I don't mind if you are.

I'm really not angry.

I know I've been a terrible
disappointment as a wife.

None of this would be
happening if I'd had a son.

I will make it up
to you somehow.

I will find a way.

I really will.

Don't worry about
anything, please.

Just go to bed.

Of course.

I didn't mean to annoy you.

I'm so sorry.

No, you haven't.

I'm not.

Stop fiddling about,
woman, and come and help me.

What do you need?

I need to get up and
I need to get dressed.

Are you sure?

Of course, I'm sure.

Do I look like someone
who isn't sure?

Let me help you.

You're looking very good,
if I may say so, sir.

Thank you, George, I
wish I felt the same way.

I'm not looking forward to this.

Don't worry, sir,
you'll beat your record.

You always do.

FRANCES: Darling?

Excuse me.

What do you think?

You look wonderful.

Ew, kissing.

Can I go to town with Auntie B?
Thanks.

Make sure your back
in time for the lunch.

I'm so happy.

I'd almost forgotten
how beautiful it is.

What would you like to wear?

The tweed, of course.

It's the shoot today.

You didn't take the
pistol out, by any chance?

Certainly not, why?

Well, it's gone missing.

One of the keepers
must have borrowed it.

Morning.

-Good morning.
-Thank you.

Sir.

Thank you.

Oh, that's a little heavy.

Well, it's your gun, Johnny.

Yes, of course, I'll manage.

Well, you can try
mine, if you like,

but you're always
so rude about it.

Why not?

Then I'll try yours then.

I always wanted to.

That's much better.

Sorry that.

Come here, boy.

Good dog.

Come on, come.

That's not like Captain.

Captain, come on, come here.

Something must
have spooked him.

Never mind, Zoe
can look after us.

I thought that was a brave
thing you said last night.

Thank you.

What's the matter?

Have they left you behind?

Don't you worry.

We'll soon have
everything back to normal.

What's that scratch
on my rear bumper?

It's being attended to,
ma'am, I do assure you.

It had better be.

Now, let me be.

I can manage this.

Darling.

What are you doing here?

Is something the matter?

What on earth are you wearing?

Don't ask.

I've had a terrible morning.

You really are quite remarkable.

Thank you so much.

For what?

Everything.

Listen, I know how
much you love me.

So I want you to do
something for me.

Something very, very
simple, but it'll make

everything right for all of us.

For you, for Piglet, and for me.

That's what you want, isn't it?

Of course.

Good.

Good.

Come and sit down, please.

I want you to write
something for me.

Will you do that?

I want you to write to my
darling, I love you so much.

To my darling--

I know what to write.

Where is everybody?

They must have already gone
to the West barn for lunch.

We'd better get a move on.

I just need to do something.

I'll be quick.

All right.

I'll wait in the car.

I'm told you've been shooting
like a girl all morning.

Is this true?

No, no, he borrowed one of my
guns instead of using his own.

That's the problem.

He's just too
polite to admit it.

I've never heard him
accused of that before.

Ladies and gentlemen,
on behalf of my family,

I'd just like to
say how pleased we

are to see you all here today.

I'm told we have a
record kill this morning.

Why aren't you at
the head of the table?

I thought Paul
would do it better.

Another minor record is that
for the first time in living

memory, I've managed
a fractionally higher

tally than my brother, Johnny.

He'll make a fool of himself.

Just you wait.

And finally, if
you would join me

in raising a glass
to my mother, who's

here today, looking so radiant.

Yo your very good health.

Lady Spence.

Lady Spence.

I've spent too long
away from this family.

I don't seem to
recognize anybody.

Even you look a little odd,
now I come to think of it.

Mommy, I didn't
expect to see you here.

I'm not dead yet.

What have you done with Francis?

Oh, isn't she here yet?

Excuse me, sorry.

Darling, where's Mommy?

You know.

What do you mean?

I saw you.

Where?

Just now with Mommy, giving
her Granny's medicine.

Why do you keep
changing your clothes?

Oh god.

Where's Frances?

Isn't she at lunch with you?

No, she's not.

Frances?

Frances?

Darling.

Charlotte!

Quickly!

How much has she taken?

Enough.

Lift her.

We need to get her
blood pressure up.

If she stays unconscious for
too long she'll stop breathing.

Why wasn't it kept locked up?

You know perfectly
well that it was.

Now, leave it to me, and go
and telephone for an ambulance.

Now.

Please, don't let her--

I won't.

We'll just have to be
patient, Mr. Spence.

It will only take a moment.

Just let them do their job.

You heard what the doctor said.

I need to speak with her.

Later, you've done
everything you can.

How is she?

Well, she's going
to be all right.

Johnny found her just
in time, thank God.

Do they know what happened?

No, not really.

How is everyone?

Yes, gone, at last.

I don't think anyone
suspected anything.

Do you know, I just saw
something rather odd.

What's that?

That artist.

Do you remember her?

We met her together,
the one from France?

What about her?

I just saw her in reception.

She looked terrible.

Like she'd been in a fight.

Are you sure it was her?

Yes, of course.

She's gone now.

That's what was so odd.

I asked the nurse where you
were, she got up and left.

That's how I noticed her.

Oh god.

What?

What's the matter?

-Can I take your car?
-But, of course.

Stay with Frances.

Please, don't leave
her alone with anybody.

I mean, anybody.

Not even me.

I'll be back as quick as I can.

I told you what would
happen if you came back.

-Wait, please.
-Why?

Because I'm not Johnny.

There are two of us.

We-- he's someone I met
and we swapped places

because of the way we looked.

And I know that sounds absurd.

You are the ticklish one.

Yes, I suppose I am.

Although, that might be
hard to prove at the moment.

I knew you were different
the moment you touched me.

But I did not believe
it was possible.

I didn't mean to deceive you.

Is that because of me?

No, because of me.

I'll survive.

You know where he is.

He just tried to kill my w--
he tried to kill Frances.

I need to find him.

He went to his
foundry last night.

Thank you.

Who are you really?

A teacher.

Who are you really?

A mother.

I had to leave my child
behind when I fled.

I think it's time to
go home, don't you?

I'm not sure I know
where home is anymore.

Don't worry.

You will.

Mr. Standing.

You'll have to excuse
me, I'm just finishing

a rather primitive supper.

You look quite the
country gentleman.

So how did you find me?

Bella.

Of course, you have
been busy, haven't you?

Yes, I'm afraid I lost
my temper with her,

but you can hardly blame me.

You've taken our
little experiment

further than I expected.

Your effect on Frances
was quite remarkable.

I don't think I've ever been
kissed like that before.

I congratulate you.

You certainly made everything
much easier for me.

What did you do to her.

I didn't have to do
anything, thanks to you.

She's always been
very persuadable,

but, of course, you
already know that.

I can't blame you.

I'd have done the same.

In fact, I did.

I assume you're here
about the money.

Don't worry, you'll
get your share.

Frances" father's
a very rich man.

I can afford to be generous.

There is no money.

She's not dead.

Not possible, I gave
her enough to kill

a cow, appropriately enough.

I want you to go away
and leave her alone.

Oh, so you want
it all, do you ?

That's a little greedy.

But no more than I expected.

You've become almost as
good at being me as I am.

I'm serious.

Yes, so am I. Now,
take off those clothes.

We're going to have
to change back.

No.

I mean it.

I don't need you,
I need my clothes.

Now, take them off.

So you're going
to kill us both.

Was that always your plan?

God, no, do I
look like an idiot.

I never even thought you'd
make it to the house,

let alone into my bed.

No, I had you
bleating out you're

unlikely story to the
baffled country policeman,

and being sent
politely on your way.

But I did get curious,
so I rang the house

after a couple of days.

When Charlie answered and said
I was out but would be back

in an hour, I realized the
walls had been breached,

and I had the
perfect opportunity.

You're not the only one.

This last week has been the
most extraordinary of my life,

and I love your family,
every single one of them.

You have no idea
how lucky you are.

Oh god.

You are pathetically
sentimental.

My family's too selfish to
love anyone but themselves.

Believe me, I've lived long
enough with them to know that.

Now, would you hurry up?

What will you do with me?

Ashes to ashes and all that.

There'll be no trace
of you by morning.

FRANCES: Hi.

What happened?

I've had such terrible dreams.

You're safe.

Have I disappointed you again?

You've never disappointed me.

You're the most extraordinary
person I've ever met.

And I'll never forget a
moment I've spent with you.

Whatever happens, I want
you to know that I love you.

What's the matter?

You're shaking.

Don't worry about
me, just rest.

Rest and get strong.

Sleep.

You've changed,
do you know that?

Have I?

I don't know.

You seem harder to me, at least.

You never loved me
at all, did you?

I don't think I did.

So you have changed.

You don't even pretend anymore.

Paul wants to take me abroad.

France, Italy, everywhere.

He's suddenly full of
ideas for the business.

He thinks I can help him.

I think that
would be very good.

Really?

Yes.

I've never traveled.

I've never been anywhere
with the war and everything.

I'm terrible at languages.

What use would I be to him?

You'd be just what he needs.

You looked so strong
together today at the lunch.

He really loves
you, you know that.

I'm still bloody furious
with you, you know.

I know.

Stay with her.

Of course.

She's asleep.

Where are you going?

To see Mary Lou.

I made a-- I made a promise.

Frances will be all right.

Yes, I know.

I don't think I
knew what it meant

to have a brother until today.

Thank you.

How's Frances?

Better.

Sleeping.

I wrote the note she left.

She must have felt so alone.

It made me think about
what you said about Alice,

having no one to turn to.

You're right.

When it mattered, we all
failed her, including me.

I've decided to
accept your offer.

You'll take over the foundry?

Yes.

I'm glad.

There would be a condition.

Anything.

That you never set
foot there again.

Paul and I will be in charge.

I completely agree.

What will you do about finance?

Well, come on, there has to
be something here we can sell.

She's asleep.

Please, don't wake her.

Eek, eek.

Goodnight, Mr. Rabbit.

She told me what she
saw this afternoon.

I said you were
helping her mother.

That's what she believes now.

Thank you.

But it wasn't you
she saw, was it?

What do you mean?

I know Johnny
better than anyone.

He loved me in his way,
but as he grew older,

I faded like a photograph.

I became invisible to him.

But he wasn't to me.

I saw everything he did,
and then something changed.

Child sensed it, said
you smelt different.

I didn't believe it at first.

But this afternoon, when
we found her on the bed,

I saw your face.

Then I was sure.

I'm leaving.

I came back because I made a
promise I would tell Piglet

first if I ever had to go away.

Please, tell her one day
that I tried to keep it.

Is he coming back?

No.

Ever?

No.

Then why are you leaving?

This isn't my house.

It isn't my family.

Isn't it?

This Princess
Elizabeth wasn't meant

to be queen, any more than her
father was born to be king.

Sometimes, nature or
fate take the decision.

Perhaps it will be
the making of us.

[PING PONG BALLS BOUNCING]

MARY LOU: 5, 6, 7, 8.

FRANCES: Very good.

Whoa.

FRANCES: I'm so sorry.

Are you all right?

Need to be careful
in your condition.

I'm fine.

Just a little out of
breath, that's all.

Come on, it's about to begin.

Oh.

George!

Charlotte!
Annie!

Everyone!

[MUSIC PLAYING]