The Wicked Lady (1945) - full transcript

♪ One lovely day, tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Love comes your way Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Gallant and gay Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Love steals your heart ♪

- ♪ Then, when you meet ♪
- ♪ Tra-la-la-la ♪

- ♪ Heaven is at your feet ♪
- ♪ Tra-la-la-la ♪

- ♪ Life is complete ♪
- Tra-la-la ♪

♪ When love steals your heart ♪ ♪

You're such a child, Caroline.

I sometimes wonder if it's fair to marry you
till you're old enough to know your own mind.

Oh, I'm 19.



You seen so little of the world and other men.
What if you find later on you made a mistake?

I shan't.

You should hear what
your tenants say of you, Ralph.

Look how good you are to your poor relations.

I can't imagine any other
man putting up with.

Cousin Agatha and the twins
bickering all day long.

You're the one
who has to bear the brunt of that.

Nothing I do could repay
all you did for me...

when I first came after Father died.

You were a forlorn little thing.

I was lonely and frightened.
You understood so well.

I only wish all my investments
paid such a handsome dividend.

- Look at the way you run my house.
- I believe that's why you're marrying me.

- You're not in love with me, you know.
- Oh?



I'm, I'm not the demonstrative sort...

but I'm very, very fond of you.

That's because you're used to me.

Because we agree about most things.
But that's not love.

Then I'm afraid I'll never be in love.

I don't know what I do without you.

- Moll, please let me pass.
- All in good time, Cousin Agatha.

All in good time.

Don't behave like children,
you silly old women.

- Old?
- You heard what I said.

- We're not as old...
- As you are.

- And if we a name like Trimble...
- we change it.

Aunt Doll and Moll,
I told you not to tease Cousin Agatha.

- Well,
- It's like this, Caroline.

- There is a letter for you in the library.
- Oh, we wanted to tell her.

She's coming. Barbara is coming
to be my maid of honor.

- Is she...
- Pretty?

Pretty is too tame a word for her.

She has the most beautiful eyes I ever seen.

- Green, like emeralds.
- Cats have green eyes.

I don't like cats.

Barbara is always been my dearest friend.
We're more like sisters than cousins.

Uncle Martin is a little dull,
like most merchants in the city...

and Aunt Beatrice is very straitlaced...

but Barbara is always one for excitement.

When we were children, she made
everything seem like an adventure.

She may have changed, you know.
People do in five years.

Oh, you wait till you see her.
She'll take your breath away.

- Caro.
- Barbara, darling.

I can't believe it. Let me look at you.

Oh, it's been ages since we met.

You haven't changed. Not really.

And your eyes are still green.

Oh. Oh, Ralph, this is Barbara.

- Barbara, Ralph.
- Charmed.

Charmed.

Doesn't she take your breath away?

- Well I...
- Oh Caro, don't. You embarrass him.

My happiness is complete.
The two people I love most in the world.

Come, Barbara. You must be
exhausted after your journey.

We'll see you at dinner.

When you're married,
you can have everything you want.

You can fill this house with amusing people.

You can go to London
and become a famous hostess.

I don't think Ralph would care for that.

Oh, a clever woman can make
her husband do as she likes.

But if a woman truly loves her husband,
she rather do as he likes.

Still the same self-sacrificing little ninny.

You ought to have been sent to live
with Aunt Beatrice and Uncle Martin.

I ought to have come here.

Fasten my bodice, will you?

Poor Barbara.
Has it been so very dull for you?

Dull, respectable, commonplace.

I loathe it. All Aunt Beatty thinks about...

is what is going to happen to us
when we're dead.

If I can't live while I'm alive, I'll go mad.

Oh, this is a lovely gown.
So are all the others.

I had them specially made to come here.

Of course, Aunt Beatty disapproved,
but I got round Uncle Martin.

He even let me have dancing lessons...

and he took me to the theater
to see the play.

The king was there
with the Duchess of Portsmouth.

Everybody stared at her.

That's what I want -
to be envied and admired.

We'll have to find you a nice husband.

But I'm afraid all the landowners
round here are married...

except for Ralph.

No, not like that. Gracefully.

Then I curtsy.

You raise me up...

- and then we kiss.
- We what?

All fashionable dances
nowadays end with a kiss.

I fear I'll make no dancer.

Good morning. I expected to have
the park to myself at this early hour.

I always visit the Home Farm
before breakfast.

I didn't know.

Barbara, I wish you hadn't chosen Fleury.
He's wild and dangerous.

I like danger.

I believe you do.

You're very serious.

Would you rather ride alone?

Oh, no, indeed not.
Forgive me. I was thinking.

Then I must be looking very plain.

You look lovely.

Help.

Ralph, help. He's bolted.

Ralph, help me, help me.

Keep clear of the trees.

Keep clear of the trees.

Come on, Fleury. Come on.

Now.

Barbara. Barbara.

Ralph.

- It's very beautiful.
- Beautiful.

Beautiful.

What are you sniveling about?

It makes us think how
different things might have been -

For us.

You shouldn't put your veil on -

Before the fatal day.

I'm not superstitious.

Ralph is a lucky man.

I'm the lucky one.

You love him very much, don't you, my dear?

Yes.

Very much.

Caroline, I must speak to you, alone.

Why, of course. You don't mind, do you?

I certainly do, but if we're not wanted -

- Can't we stay-
- And hear what it's about?

We might as well be serving wenches
or dressmakers. Come along, girls.

- Oh, and it's sure to be...
- Something exciting.

What is it, Barbara?

What is it, darling? What is the matter?

- I must go. I can't stay here.
- Why? What is happened?

Don't ask me.
I got to go before it's too late.

I mustn't ever see him again.

Him?

Is it something to do with Ralph?

We couldn't help ourselves.
It was stronger than either of us.

- Tell me what is happened.
- Ralph and I love each other.

We love each other.

- He told you?
- Yes.

Yes, but he didn't have to tell me. I knew.

What am I going to do?

Oh, you don't have to worry. He'll marry you.

We agreed I must go away.

Ralph, are you in love with Barbara?

Caroline my dear, I, I...

Well, I suppose I must be.

I'm attracted by her. Dazzled by her.

You love her, Ralph.

I, I think I known it
ever since she came here.

But if you felt that, then I tried
to persuade myself it wasn't true, but...

well, now I can't pretend anymore.

Oh, God. I tried to fight against it.

There are some things, they just happen.

No one can fight against them.

You never pretended you were in love with me.

- Caroline, please.
- Nor I with you.

We were just fond of each other.

Just give me time to get over it.

Everything will be all right. After the
wedding, we'll go away for a while and...

Oh. Forgive me.

I should like to leave at once.
If the coach could be ordered...

It isn't necessary. Ralph is free
to marry the one he loves.

Caroline.

Caro, darling, as if I could accept
such a sacrifice.

Why, I rather break my own heart than...

No hearts are going to be broken.

Ralph and I have never been in love.

But the wedding, everything is arranged.

It can still take place,
but with a different bride.

- Caroline, it's unthinkable.
- Why?

- Apart from your feelings, the, the scandal.
- There will be a scandal anyway.

You may as well get it all over at once.

As for my feelings...

my vanity may be hurt,
but what is that compared...

to what might happened if you...

If we found out too late?

I...

I hope you'll make each other
very, very happy.

- Caroline, where are you going?
- To pack.

I'm the one who needs the coach now.

I'll go after her.

- Caro.
- Yes?

- You mustn't go away.
- But I can't stay here now.

But think what Ralph enemies will make of it.

They will say he broke your heart.

If you any feeling for him, even if
it's only gratitude, you won't leave him now.

He'll never live it down.

All right. I'll stay.

Not only that, I'll be your maid of honor.

- That ought to stop all gossip.
- Oh, thank you, Caro.

Oh, look how I'm dressed.
Isn't it ridiculous?

You can wear this too if you like.

Wear that?

I wouldn't be buried in it.

Well, Barbara, this is a proud day for me.

- Thank you, Uncle Martin.
- Sir Ralph is a fine man.

You must love him very much.

How could one fail to love
a man as rich as he is?

That's no way to jest on your wedding day.

Our sense of humor always differed.

Barbara, I know how deeply
you loved your mother...

how cruel a blow it was
when she was taken from you.

She was everything to me.

The only person I ever really cared for.

You may be sure she's watching you
with happiness today.

This is her broach.

Oh. Let me see it.

It was her dying wish that I should
give it to you on your wedding day.

It's beautiful. I'll never part with it.

It means more to me
than the Skelton diamonds...

Maryiot Cells, anything.

She's lovely.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together...

here in the sight of God...

and in the face of this congregation
to join together this man and this woman...

in holy matrimony...

an honorable estate instituted of God...

in the time of man innocence...

signifying unto us the
mystical union that is betwixt Christ...

Oh, dear.

I trust the dance was to your satisfaction.

Oh, come, my dear.
Mustn't be jealous of our new sister in law.

It's the privilege of every man to claim
a dance and a kiss from the bride.

I need a hundred pairs of feet
and as many mouths to fulfill my obligations.

Perhaps you could ask Caroline to help you.

- After all, you two have shared so much.
- Henrietta...

Ralph, you mustn't be angry with your sister.

No woman can bear it if her husband
finds another more attractive.

- Can she, Henrietta?
- Lady Skelton, would you do me the honor?

- Oh, forgive me but...
- But?

But of course.

Who are you?

The man who would married you,
had we met yesterday.

You're very bold sir.

You are the most exciting woman I ever met.

I fell in love with you in the church...

as you were being led
to the altar with another man.

Jesting is in bad taste.

It's no jest that for the rest of my life
I shall find no other woman...

who can stir my pulse
or tear at my heartstrings as you.

I believe you mean what you say.

Look at Barbara.

It's high time she was
prepared for the marriage bed.

But...

You and the bridesmaids
must take her upstairs.

Must I? Couldn't they manage without me?

No, child. You're the maid of honor.

Don't let them guess now.

Kiss the bride. Kiss the bride.

- Barbara, it's time to go...
- To the bridal chamber.

Come along, Barbara.
You mustn't keep your husband waiting.

- It's your bedtime.
- I don't want to go to bed.

I want to go on dancing and enjoy myself.

You don't have to dance to enjoy yourself.

Oh. The bridal chamber.

Oh, Barbara, don't you feel terrified?

Just look at that bed.

- The very blankets edged with satin.
- They don't look very warm.

I warrant Barbara
won't feel the cold tonight.

Are you ready for the fray, you lucky hound?

Don't be bashful. Knock.

- Oh.
- Go on. Say it, Caroline.

Your bride awaits you.

Oh, a very handsome man was Lord Rashley.

Buried in the West Indies. Married to...

Married to a cousin on my father side.

A lovely creature. Now, when
I say cousin, I don't exactly mean...

It's the east wind.

Always brings on the Skelton cough.

Well, as I was saying,
she wasn't exactly my cousin.

My father and her stepmother
were cousins once removed.

I been working it out.
She's no relation at all.

What do you mean? Of course she's my cousin.

She was your father stepmother cousin.

Once removed.

If she was a dozen times removed,
she's still my cousin.

Barbara, I appeal to you.

- Leave us.
- Yes, milady.

Those stupid old hens.
They're driving me insane.

There is no end to their dreary bickering.

You too much time on your hands.
If you took over the housekeeping...

Caro, darling, don't start that again.

Oh, but I must.

You asked me to stay
until you got used to it.

- That was more than six months ago.
- I couldn't do it.

You haven't even tried.

I can't swim, but I know
it without jumping in the river.

Well, Hogarth? What do you want?

I came to fetch a coat
for the footman Thomas, my lady.

Behold, I have caused thine iniquity...

to pass from thee...

and I will clothe thee...

with a change of raiment.

Zechariah, chapter 3, verse 4.

Spare the quotation
for your servants' bible class, Hogarth.

Very well, my lady.

- Oh, Hogarth?
- My lady?

I want the key to the room
at the end of the south wing.

But my lady, that room hasn't been used...

since we discovered
the secret passage leading to the park.

It was last occupied
by Sir Ralph uncle, old...

I didn't ask for a history
of Maryiot Cells, Hogarth...

but for a key.

Very good, my lady.

Thank you. Come, Caroline.

- Barbara, what on earth...
- Now, don't you try and thwart me too.

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher.

All is vanity.

Ecclesiastes, chapter 1, verse 2.

Or is it 3?

I don't like this room. It's cold, clammy.

It will be all right
when it's been cleaned and aired.

Have it done for me, Caro,
so that I can move in soon.

- I'm sure Ralph won't want to.
- Well, that's the idea.

Don't look so shocked.

It's quite fashionable nowadays for husbands
and wives to have separate rooms.

- Ralph isn't a fashionable person.
- More is the pity.

He might take me to London
and give me a good time.

But he did take you, on your honeymoon.

For a whole week, to stay with Kingsclere...

and that patronizing fool
of a wife of his, Henrietta.

I want to live in the fashionable world.

I want to be admired and talked about.

I got brains and looks and personality.

I want to use them
instead of rotting in this dull hole.

Dull? With Ralph?

Oh, come, my sweet.

Even you must admit
he isn't exactly exciting.

But if you're in love with someone...

Barbara, you are still in love
with Ralph, aren't you?

Yes, of course, silly.

But one can't spend
all one time billing and cooing.

Let's change the subject.

What about the secret passage? Where is it?

- There.
- Oh, why wasn't I told about this before?

- Come on. Let's explore.
- I haven't got time.

You better have it boarded up.
You might get unwelcome visitors.

Wouldn't it be useful if I had a lover?

Now I have shocked you. I was only teasing.

I never know when you're joking.

I got to get the Kingscleres room ready.

Oh, always the Kingscleres.

- He's a bore, and I hate Henrietta.
- Barbara. Why?

I'll never forgive her for the things
she said at my wedding.

Henrietta. How lovely to see you again.

Thank you, my dear.
But Ralph, you taken away her sparkle.

It's hard to believe that six months
could have changed you so much.

I used to quite envy you.
You used to look so young and lovely.

Is it only six months? Then it must be
the journey that's tired you out.

- Traveling makes one look so bedraggled.
- Henrietta...

- what is the latest from London?
- It's been a brilliant season.

Really exciting. Never an evening at home.

Oh, poor Henrietta.
No wonder you look so worn.

Don't worry about me, darling.
I think I rather look worn than dull.

There is a new card game...

called ombre sweeping the town.

- The king is taken it up.
- As a change from find the lady...

but I don't suppose
you ever heard of it down here.

Oh, on the contrary. I play it regularly.

- But...
- In that case, we must test your skill.

It may cost you more than you care to lose.

For a regular player,
you play a very irregular game.

Fortune hasn't smiled on me yet.

No, I should say her expression is
definitely a leer.

Why don't you stop, Barbara?
Your luck may change tomorrow.

Tomorrow you leave.
At least give me the chance to recover.

Certainly, darling.
After all, it's only midnight.

In London, that's when we begin to wake up.

Well, I'm no Londoner. I'm for bed.

There is no need to wait for me tonight.

I hadn't forgotten. Good night.

- Good night.
- Good night.

My dear, why do you two sleep apart?

Perhaps because in one own room...

it's easier to mind one own business.

Your play, I think.

Oh. Ralph, I...

I forgot these things of Barbara.

Oh, yes, of course.

I, I hear it's quite the fashionable thing...

for husbands and wives
to have separate rooms.

Indeed.

Ralph, wouldn't it be a good idea...

if you took a house in London
and did some entertaining?

Good? For whom?

Well, it is rather dull to bury yourself
in the country all the year...

and Barbara would make a wonderful hostess.

No, Caroline. What do you suppose
would happen here if I were away?

Neglect and injustice. All the things
I been striving for, swept aside.

Good night, Caroline.

Good night.

Had enough, my dear? Or would you like
to stake your wedding ring too?

- Oh. Oh.
- Don't look so guilty, Kingsclere.

Barbara knew we were seasoned gamesters.

Yes, my dear, but I can't help
thinking old Ralph won't like it.

He'll thank us if it teaches Barbara
to be content with housekeeping...

and other wifely pursuits.

I'll play you for this
against everything you won.

Haven't you learned your lesson yet?

Mustn't do it, Hetty. Not fair.

How many games shall we play?

I'll stake it on a single turn of the cards.

Cut.

Queen.

King.

Quite pretty, isn't it?
I shall wear it next time I go to court.

Your mother, wasn't it?

Thank heavens I can lie abed tomorrow
after you leave for town.

Glad to see the back of me, eh?

Women are all the same
once you're married to them.

You must console yourself in her absence.

I hope, dear Henrietta, you'll stay over
the week and give him a fair field.

How sweet of you, my dear.

But I'm afraid I have
a supper party on Friday night...

so I must tear myself away by sunset.

Still, I shall console myself
by wearing your ruby.

It will go perfectly with my new gown.

Look out some highwayman fellow
doesn't steal it from you.

They say the notorious Captain Jackson
rides in these parts.

Captain Jackson? Who knows?

It might be worth
the loss of a trinket to meet...

so bold and handsome a robber...

especially a trinket so easily won.

Good night.

This is her broach.

It was her dying wish that I should
give it to you on your wedding day.

I'll never part with it.
It means more to me...

than the Skelton diamonds,
Maryiot Cells, anything.

Still, I shall
console myself by wearing your ruby.

Look out some
highwayman fellow doesn't steal it from you.

Why not?

She's coming, Fleury. She's coming.

Now, Henrietta.

Halt.

One move and I shoot to kill.

Oh, good sir, have pity
on a defenseless woman.

- The jewels. Quickly.
- Oh, but Mr. Jackson...

Captain Jackson, I haven't a Jewel with me.

Oh. Oh, I heard how gallant
you are with ladies.

If a kiss would satisfy you,
a kiss or, or anything, I...

- Oh, but Mr. Jackson, please.
- Thanks for the jewels. And the offer.

After him. After him. Shoot the scoundrel.

Oh, my jewels. My jewels. My...

Open up. Open up. Highwayman.

My broach, my rings all of them gone.

It was a ghastly experience.
I shall never recover from it. Never.

Oh, I feel quite faint.

- Drink this brandy.
- No, it would choke me.

I thought you manage.

Henrietta, calm yourself
and tell us what happened.

What is all this commotion?

Henrietta. Why have you come back?

- She's been robbed...
- By a highwayman.

- Captain Jackson himself.
- He didn't take my ruby broach?

He did. My rings, almost everything.

Henrietta, you fool.
Why did you wear it? You were warned.

It's no use upsetting yourself, Barbara.
Are you sure it was this Captain Jackson?

Oh, quite. I recognized him at once.

- Is he very dashing?
- Romantic looking and handsome?

Extremely handsome.

How do you know? Surely he wore a mask.

Only a very little one.

- Did he make any...
- Ungentlemanly advances?

They want to know if he kissed you.

- Worse.
- Worse?

- What happened?
- I slapped his face.

Slapped his face?

I said, You may take my jewels,
but my honor no man shall touch.

- What did he do?
- Took my jewels.

And left your honor. How fortunate.

Yes, wasn't it? When I was telling him...

how disgraceful his behavior was,
he kissed me.

- Kissed you?
- From his horse?

Well, you see...

The horse, like the mask,
was probably a very little one.

Barbara, are you trying to make a fool of me?

Of course not, Henrietta. There is no need.

This man must be found
and brought to justice.

That may not be so easy.
I should think he's very clever.

I don't think it's clever
to hide in the darkness

and spring on any defenseless traveler.

Who may, of course, be armed.

The highwayman always has
the advantage of surprise...

and the pistol in his hand gives him mastery.

Nevertheless, he must've
great courage and determination.

And think of the exhilaration...

the excitement and the danger.

Once a man is taken to the road,
everything else must seem tame and insipid.

I don't see how he could ever give it up.

Halt.

Hold your hands above your heads.
One move and I shoot.

Out into the road, all of you,
and bring your valuables with you.

Get down, both of you.

What is the matter? Got highwayman cramp?

Come on. Hurry up.

Get into line.

You'll hang for this, you scoundrel.

This watch will make sure
I'm not late for the execution.

Oh, please don't take my rings.

They been in my family for the past century.

They will be in mine for the next.

I assure you sir,
I'm as poor as a church mouse.

- Finished?
- Yes.

Hey. My coach.

After me.

Now perhaps you'll tell me
who gave you leave...

to trespass on Jerry Jackson preserves.

By my stars.

So it's a skirt we have in the saddle.

You very nearly had a corpse.
Do you always take women by the throat?

- No, I just take them.
- The gallant Captain Jackson.

So you heard of me, eh?

Well, that stretch of road between
Fenny Stratford and Nether Weald...

is sacred to the said Captain Jackson.

Those who poach there do so at their peril.

- I shan't forget your warning.
- Good.

Though I may ignore it.

I like your spirit, my pretty lamb.

You may poach from Land End
to John o' Groats if you like.

Thank you.

I thought myself in luck tonight,
I can tell you.

Nothing to do but sit back and watch
while you collected the goldfinches for me.

- For us.
- Well, that depends.

This isn't a matter that can be settled
quickly or with dry throats.

I know an inn near here where the hostess
is the best cook in Buckinghamshire.

Will you do me the favor of supping with me?

What have I got to lose?

That is a matter for conjecture.

Betsy?

Why, Captain Jackson, you're welcome.
And you too sir.

Can you give us
a bite of supper in the parlor?

I told my friend there are two things
you do better than most women.

One of them is cooking.

Shame on you, Captain.
In front of a stranger.

After you sir.

- All right, George. I helped myself.
- Very good sir.

They seem to be enjoying themselves.
Who are they?

That's Jim Mellor and some of his cronies.

They had a big picking
on the Portsmouth road two nights ago.

They been celebrating ever since.

This, then, is a haunt of the brotherhood.

- Only the best of them, my dear.
- I'm honored.

Mistress Betsy says sir,
there will be stewed carp...

pigeon pie, a dish of meats,
tongues, and cheese.

Tell her not to serve till she's called.
My friend and I don't want to be disturbed...

while we talk.

Very good sir.

May I?

You're still wearing
your mask, Captain Jackson.

At your service, madam.

- You remind me of a man I knew.
- A lover?

We met but once...

and the moment was not propitious.

Now for your share of the bargain.

It's a damned shame
to cover up so much beauty.

There is more lasting beauty in my pockets.
Wouldn't you rather see that?

I'm more interested in you
at the moment. Who are you?

Does it matter what I'm called?

Fleur, Dorothy, Barbara, take your choice.

Barbara. That suits you best.

Married, eh?

Your husband ought to know
his business better than to drive you...

to find your pleasure on the highway.

Or is it money you're after?

No.

Although I confess there wouldn't be
much pleasure without it.

You're right.

If I'm to dance from a rope
at Tyburn in the end...

I must've my pockets
full of guineas meanwhile.

I can teach you better ways of avoiding
boredom than trotting the highways.

Not so fast, Captain Jackson.

I not deceived my husband yet.

Then it's time you began.

The careless fool deserves all he gets.

One moment. What of the jewels and the money?

Keep them. I can be generous if you can.

I like to drive a hard bargain.

So do I.

Gentlemen, gentlemen. Surely our object...

is to debate ways of trapping the highwayman.

Debating is no good to a highwayman.
I say hang the lot.

First catch your highwayman.
It seems his first appearance dates back...

to the night my sister coach was held up
on the Fenny Stratford Road.

That was five months ago,
and he's still at large.

It's outrageous.

- I'm still convinced it's Jackson work.
- No.

Within an hour of my sister being robbed...

Jackson was holding up the York coach,
over 200 miles away.

The ladies say the gallant captain
always travels fast.

This is no laughing matter.

- You're to blame for the whole thing.
- I am?

Aye. By your leniency on the bench,
you encourage lawbreakers.

And cosset and spoil your tenants too.

Make them lazy and eager for more privileges.

I'm sick of having your name
hurled at me every time one of them...

wants his house thatched or some of this
newfangled glass put in his windows.

Can't you get it into your heads...

that these people
are human beings like you and me?

I wish I had some of you
before me on the bench.

I make you sting
for your treatment of your tenants.

As for my so called leniency...

it's my duty to administer justice...

and I don't think it just to send
some poor devil to the gallows...

for a trifling theft
committed through sheer want.

You rather betray your own class.

And encourage scoundrels
like this highwayman.

Just a moment. When it comes
to violence against defenseless people...

no one has found me lenient yet,
nor will they.

Help me to lay this highwayman
by the heels, and I promise you...

whoever he is, he'll hang.

Come in.

- Good morning, Barbara.
- Oh, it's you.

I gave orders I wasn't to be disturbed.

You had to get up sometime.
It's past 12 o'clock.

I want to speak to you about Ralph.

Not first thing in the morning, please.

There is a meeting downstairs
about the highwaymen.

What about them?

- They're blaming Ralph.
- Ralph? Why?

For being too lenient on the bench.

Oh. Well, what am I supposed to do about it?

Barbara, he needs your help
and understanding.

If you took a little interest in his work...

what is happened between you and Ralph?

Happened? Nothing.

That's just the trouble.

I'm sick to death
of entertaining his dreary guests...

of listening to their endless discussions
on the quarter sessions...

poachers, tenants, crops.

I'm sick of hearing the same family
prayers morning after morning...

of sitting in the Skelton pew
every Sunday of the year.

Most of all, I'm sick of Ralph.

You, you mean you don't love him anymore?

- I never have.
- You never have?

But you took him from me.

I never could resist anything
that belonged to somebody else.

I thought it would be amusing
to be Lady Skelton...

to have money, jewels...

lead a gay, exciting life.

But all Ralph thinks about is his duty.
I hate him for it.

And you pretended to love him.

You knew how I loved him,
yet you took him from me.

You let me humiliate myself at your wedding.

You persuaded me to stay here when...

when every instinct urged me to go away.

I'm getting a little tired of having you
remind me of mistakes I sooner forget.

I once begged you to stay.
Now I'm telling you to go.

And leave Ralph to your tender mercies? No.

If you think I'm going to have you here
making love to my...

You fool.

To do that to me.

- Who is it?
- Ralph.

One moment.

Come in.

- Well, they gone.
- Were they difficult?

- Not more than usual.
- What about the highwaymen?

We arranged road patrols.
We hope to catch them unawares.

Indeed? You must tell me all about it later.

Is that what you mean by taking
an interest in my husband affairs?

I must go.

Well, Ralph,
to what do I owe this early call?

Barbara, I'm worried about you.

This lying in bed half the day...

Why should you worry,
since I'm always unaccompanied?

I noticed a strange restlessness
in you lately. You not been yourself.

What is myself?

I don't really know.

Barbara, I'm afraid I been selfish.
I think it would do us both good...

to go to London for a change.

No, thank you, Ralph. I don't want to go.

But you complained so often
about being buried in the country.

Well, I changed my mind.

There is an interest,
an excitement in the country...

of which I never dreamed.

Oh, you devil, to take my rings.

- Now the earrings.
- No. No.

I'll never forget your generosity.

- That's all I'll take from you.
- I'll do more.

I'll make her a gift.

Somebody is coming.
Quick, back to your horse.

Why did you shoot that horse?
I rather kill a man any day.

You won't when you been as near
to wearing a Tyburn tippet as I have.

Highway robbery is a hanging matter anyhow.

You a fairer chance of buying
an acquittal if you're not a killer.

As for horses, no one is fonder
of a prancer than I am...

but your first aim is to avoid pursuit.

Yes, you're right.

There is still much
you can teach me of the road.

It's not of the road
that I want to teach you tonight.

Let's go to the inn.

♪ Holy Lord ♪

♪ We pray ♪

♪ For him ♪

I don't see why I had
to be dragged here to be godmother.

There have been Cotterills
on our land for 140 years.

I don't ask much from you, but I demand
courtesy to my tenants and friends.

It, it seems only yesterday,
but in fact it's almost a year...

since we were here celebrating
our young friend wedding.

Ah, that's right.

They didn't waste no time, did ye, lad?

I, I know it was a disappointment
to my friend Tom Cotterill here...

when young Ned decided to forsake
farming for a more exciting life...

but now there is another Cotterill
to carry on the old tradition.

Ah, with more to follow. Never fear.

And so, and so I ask you to drink...

to the health and happiness
of this newest member...

of a grand old English family.

To the future Farmer Cotterill.

- You have no drink, milady.
- Thank you.

And what is this new
and exciting life of yours, Ned?

I'm with a coaching company, milady. A guard.

Are you indeed?
That must be very interesting.

Aye, and responsible too.

I hope you guard your passengers well.

We don't bother with no passengers, milady.

I'm on the baggage coach.

We take valuables, not human souls.

I see.

Do you sometimes guard
really precious freight?

Aye, I do, that.

Gold and bullion and all.

Well, that sounds most exciting.

When do you do your next important journey?

Well, milady...

we're not supposed to say, like.

But it's all right telling you. Thursday.

Gold for a London bank.

Oh.

♪ One lovely day ♪

♪ Love comes your way ♪

♪ Gallant and gay ♪

♪ Love steals your heart ♪

♪ Then, when you meet ♪

♪ Heaven is at your feet ♪

♪ Life is complete ♪

♪ When love steals your heart ♪

Where is Barbara?

Gone to bed with one of her headaches.

♪ At end of day ♪

♪ Love flies away ♪

♪ Breaking your heaven ♪

♪ Apart ♪

- Caroline?
- Yes?

Oh, nothing.

♪ Gray skies above ♪

♪ Sad sings the dove ♪

♪ Where is ♪

♪ Your love ♪

♪ He's gone with ♪

♪ Your heart ♪ ♪

Caroline, why are you crying?

I can't bear to see you so unhappy.

I don't deserve happiness
after what I did to you.

You couldn't help it.

A man can help doing
what he knows to be wrong.

But it wasn't wrong for you
to marry the woman you loved.

It would been if you hadn't to yourself...

to her, to me.

I don't love Barbara.

- I know now I never did.
- Then why...

How can one explain a moment of madness?

Why I could ever have believed
that I loved her...

- or that I didn't love you.
- But Ralph...

I realized it when it was too late.
I gone on realizing it.

I love you, Caroline.

- You mean you're, you're fond of me.
- No.

I love you.

I long to hold you in my arms,
to have you with me always.

Oh, I lived all my life for this moment.

Say that again.

Look at me and say it again.

I lived all my life for this moment.

You love me too?

Ever since I can remember.

Then why...

why did you make it so easy
for me to marry Barbara?

Because I love you.

You make me feel ashamed.

No, Ralph.

- If you're thinking of Barbara feelings...
- She has no feelings.

- Then why...
- I'm thinking of us.

We're not made for deceit and intrigue.

I'll get a divorce.

Perhaps one day that may be easier,
but you know how impossible it is now.

I'll apply to the ecclesiastical courts.

And get a private bill passed
by both houses of Parliament...

and the royal assent?

No, Ralph.
You're blamed for so much as it is.

Think what your enemies
would make of a real scandal.

But we're entitled
to fight for our happiness.

The things you stand for
are more important than us.

We must part.

- Caroline, no.
- We must.

Now that we know we love each other.

Where will you go?

To Uncle Martin in London.

Good night, Ralph.

Goodbye.

No, my darling, please.

Please don't make our parting more difficult.

Aren't you ever satisfied?

Frequently, my sweet,
but never frequently enough.

One can have a surfeit, even of passion.

When I'm with you, it's like enjoying
a meal prepared by the gods.

I eat and I eat
until I can't face another morsel.

And then?

Then I look at you again,
and before I know it...

I'm clamoring for another helping.

Isn't every highwayman
who has a lady of quality for his doxy.

Doxy, indeed.

- You're content with the arrangement?
- Content?

Gives me a partner on the road
and an armful of...

hungry passion for my leisure hours.

- Yes, I'm content.
- You never long for other armfuls?

You're the only one I want, thank you.

Keep to that.

If you ever deceive me,
you'll find me a dangerous enemy.

I sometimes think you're a dangerous partner.

Why?

This plan of yours to hold up
the gold coach, I don't like it.

- Oh.
- The odds are against us.

You know they double
the night guards on those coaches.

That makes it doubly exciting.

To filch the gold from under their
very noses, it's a job worthy of our skill.

I'm not one of your storybook highwaymen.

I don't boast that the more dangerous
the task, the better I like it.

- Life is too sweet.
- You're afraid.

We'll come to the gibbet soon enough.
Don't let's race for it.

If you won't do it, I will.

- Alone?
- Yes.

I believe you would too,
you green eyed devil.

So I ups and says...

Pussy is drunk baby milk.

And what do you think the little fella did?

- I'm no hand at riddles.
- He sat up in his cradle...

and lobbed his bottle straight at the cat.

Reach for your guns and you're dead men.

Keep your hands up.

- Back to back.
- Come on. Jump.

Go.

Over with the others.

Drop your hands, all of you.

You boys look very pretty.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

- That's as much as we can carry.
- Oh, just one more.

I heard you say that in other circumstances.

One of them is following us, blast his soul.

We'll outdistance him.

Not with this damned gold we're carrying.

Aim low. Hit the horse.

Ned. Ned, I didn't mean to hurt you.

I aimed at the horse. At the horse.

Your voice...

Milady.

- Mila...
- Ned, Ned...

- Is he dead?
- Yes.

- I told you to shoot the horse.
- We got the gold, haven't we?

- Yes, but...
- It's worth killing a man for, isn't it?

Murder and gold
robbery near Waterbrook Farm...

in the parish of Maiden Worthy
was committed by two men.

Robbery on the highway
to the value of £ 1, 130.

Likewise, the said robbers murdered
Edward Cotterill, one of the guards.

Whoever shall deliver
the said felons to Sir Ralph Skelton...

of Maryiot Cells, Maiden Worthy,
in the county of Buckinghamshire...

shall have their charges and £30 reward...

with a further £20
to be paid on conviction...

of the robber who committed the murder.

So I'm valued at £20 more than Jackson.

No wonder he's furious.

Who is it?

Oh, Hogarth.

Well, what do you want?

Is this your handkerchief, my lady?

It looks like it. Why?

I found it near the spot...

where poor Ned Cotterill was murdered.

Well, one of the maids must've stolen it.

I won't tolerate dishonest servants.

May the Lord have mercy on your unclean soul.

Hogarth. How dare you.

There I was, kneeling before my maker...

praying for the dear departed,
when my eye fell...

on this bloodstained trifle.

Bloodstained?

My soul was tortured
with a terrible suspicion.

So I turned to the Lord for counsel.

He told me to observe
your movements, and I did.

You spied on me?

Never was a woman more subtle in craft.

But the Lord cannot be deceived...

and first one thing and then another
was revealed to me.

- What do you mean?
- I seen you going...

to that den of iniquity,
the Leaping Stag Inn.

Seen you by the lakeside
with your highwayman lover.

Hogarth.

God cleanse my soul...

I watched you riding forth
together on your evil errands...

witnessed your return
with your ill gotten gains...

entering by the secret passage
leading to your room.

My own beloved master wife...

a murderess, an adulteress, and a thief.

You're suffering from delusions.
You don't know what you're saying.

My lady, I wrestled
with my conscience, asking myself...

whether it was my duty
to hand you to justice...

or whether I should consider
the noble family whose name you bear...

hoping that under heaven providence...

I might be the means
of calling you to repentance...

and so save your sin sick soul
from the eternal fire.

What have you decided, Hogarth?
What have you decided?

Alas, that you're too far sunk...

in evil and perfidy...

beyond the scope
of my poor efforts to reform.

This highwayman has me in his power.

He's forced me to rob, to deceive my husband.

He swears that if I break away...

he'll wash his hands in my blood,
as he did with poor Ned Cotterill.

You had no hand in that most foul crime?

No, no. I...

Oh, I may have been weak
and wicked, but, but not that.

Hogarth, I know true goodness when I see it.

You are good and strong.
You alone can save me.

Help me, Hogarth. Help me to save my soul.

Poor, wretched sinner.

My heart swells with pride...

that the Lord should entrust
his humble servant with such a mission.

I knew you were truly good.

I must save your soul from eternal damnation.

Rise to your feet, my lady.

The hard ground is good enough for me.

You promise to lead
a pure and blameless life?

With all my heart.

And never to communicate
with that evil highwayman again?

Never. Never.

Then no other living soul
shall ever know your shameful secret.

You swear it, Hogarth? By the Bible?

Your secret shall go with me to the grave.

Holy Spirit may direct and rule our hearts...

and that we may continue
his faithful servants...

this day and unto our life end.

O God, by whom the whole world...

is governed and preserved...

we give to thee humble thanks...

for thy fatherly care over us,
beseeching thee...

to make us truly sensible of thy mercies...

and thankful for them.

Give us grace that we may walk
as in thy sight...

making a conscience of our way and fearing...

This column has the household items...

and here is the list of servants' wages,
the outdoor staff...

No more today, good Hogarth.

My mind is too full of other things.

Sometimes I doubt if heaven
will ever forgive me.

There shall be more joy in heaven...

over one sinner that repenteth...

than over ninety and nine that are pure.

You comfort me, Hogarth.

What should I do without you?

Let me give you some of
my homemade fruit cordial.

I should like your opinion of the flavor.

Thank you, my lady.

Excellent, my lady.
Just like Mistress Caroline used to make.

It's practically the same recipe.

Is there been any news of her
since she went to London?

Not that I know of.

I'm told the city is
in the grip of a great frost.

People skating on the River Thames.

Skating and sinning, no doubt.

Yes, Hogarth.

Sinning and skating.

I think I'm improving.
I like to try by myself.

Be careful to fall on a soft spot.

I intend to stay on my feet.

Thank you. It was lucky you were here.

Very lucky for me.

- Are you all right, Caroline?
- Yes, quite all right. This gentleman...

- Why, hello, Locksby.
- How are you sir?

Well, well. This is an undersized world.

My dear, may I present Mr. Kit Locksby.

My niece, Mistress Caroline.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

I think we can assume we met.

- My dear, perhaps I better take you home.
- No, please sir.

The Thames isn't frozen every day.
You like to stay, wouldn't you?

- Well, I...
- Do, my dear.

Young Locksby will take better care of you
than ever I can on these confounded things.

I'll do my best sir.

When you bring her home, I'll
have something warm to cheer you up.

Speaking for myself,
I'm in excellent spirits.

Cheeky young devil. Wastes no time.

I remember. Maryiot Cells,
that's where I saw you.

- Did you?
- Skelton wedding.

- You were one of the bridesmaids.
- Yes.

She's very lovely, isn't she?
Lady Skelton, I mean.

Yes.

Very lovely.

I a grove in fair Seville.

It's all for you. Just say you will.

How did you happen to be at the wedding?
Are you a friend of Sir Ralph?

No, I came out to look at some cottages
he wanted rebuilt for the tenants.

Chestnuts. Spanish chestnuts.
Lovely hot chestnuts.

Oh, buy some for the pretty lady.

They will warm the cockles of her heart...

if it needs warming.

Oh, yes. I remember. Ralph told me.

You must be the young architect
who left so suddenly after the wedding.

Yes, something happened.
I, I had to change my plans.

Buy an orange for the lovely lady sir.

- They're fresh and sweet.
- Like the lady.

Roll up, roll up in your thousands...

to witness the greatest cockfight
of the century.

There is not an Englishman or woman...

who miss this famous spectacle.

You interested?

No, I hate cruelty.

That's unusual in a woman.

Well, my character is influenced
by an unusually gentle man.

Roll up, roll up in your thousands.

♪ One lovely day Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Love comes your way Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Gallant and gay Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Love steals your heart ♪

♪ Then, when you meet Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Heaven is at your feet Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Life is complete ♪

- How about a cut off the joint?
- No, thank you.

- ♪ Love steals your heart ♪
- Please take me home.

Does the singing make you think
of the unusually gentle man?

It makes me think of someone too.

You know, I think we're going
to get along rather well.

We're both sighing for the moon.

♪ Gray skies above Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Sad seems your love Tra-la-la-la ♪

♪ Where is your love Tra-la-la ♪

♪ He's gone with your heart ♪ ♪

- You're a very refreshing person to be with.
- So are you.

- Life is been gay since we met.
- Has it?

You taken me to the playhouse,
skating on the river...

a drive to Chelsea Village, Birdcage Walk...

and so many other places
I always wanted to see.

- You enjoyed being with me?
- Oh, yes, Kit. Very much.

Caroline, will you marry me?

Oh, Kit.

Kit, I, I don't know what to say.

I'm in love with someone else. I told you.

- I told you the same thing.
- Well, then?

The point is, they're both unobtainable.
You can't go on chasing shadows forever.

Oh, damn.

- Is it all settled?
- Not quite sir.

Oh. Well, keep at her, my boy.

I got a letter for you. It's marked
urgent, so I came along to find you.

Oh. Forgive me.

Oh.

- Anything wrong, my dear?
- Hogarth is ill.

Barbara is looking after him.
The house is in chaos.

Ralph asked me to come back and help.

Couldn't those old women do it between them?

Oh, they have. That's why it's in chaos.

Oh, poor Hogarth.

He's such a dear old man.

Thank you, my lady.

You're like Dorcas...

and the ministering women of the scriptures.

Try to sleep a little.

If I'm going to meet my maker...

I want to be prepared.

What did the physician say, my lady?

He doesn't quite know what ails you.

None of us do. But with careful nursing...

he hopes to have you
out of bed within a month.

No man could have
a better nurse than you, my lady.

There is real goodness in you...

for all your mistakes.

Now try to sleep.

The Lord said unto them, wWhy sleep ye?

Rise and pray, lest ye enter temptation.

I say sleep, Hogarth.

Sleep.

Oh, look. The Skeltons coach.

- Lady Skelton herself.
- Oh?

All the ladies of quality
patronize Mrs. Munce.

Good morning, milady.
Pray what can I show Your Ladyship?

I have the sweetest collection
of lace pinners from Paris.

Pray serve your other customers, Mrs. Munce.

As Your Ladyship wishes.

Good morning, Lady Skelton. How is Sir Ralph?

- Quite well, I thank you.
- And dear Mistress Caroline?

- In London.
- Only on a visit, of course.

For good, I fear.

Now, can I interest Your Ladyship
in my collection of scented gloves?

A very nice range of colors.

I didn't come here to buy gloves Mrs. Price.

Come in here.

Not that name, milady. I told you so before.

Price was the name Captain Jackson used...

when he gave me details
of your criminal career.

- What do you want?
- The poison you gave me was not enough.

I must've a further supply.

And this time, there must be no doubt.

Caroline. What are you doing here?

Didn't you know?

Ralph sent for me to look after the house
while you're nursing Hogarth.

Oh. Oh, I see.

If you like me to sit up with him
while you get some rest...

No, thank you.
Please leave Hogarth entirely to me.

My lady. My lady.

What is it, Hogarth?

I was afraid you wouldn't come in time.

I'm going, my lady. I'm going.

Drink this. You'll feel better.

I'm not afraid to meet my maker.

It's you I'm troubled about.

What will you do...

without my spiritual guidance?

I don't know, Hogarth.

Drink this and get well.

I fear you're not strong enough...

to bear the burden alone.

Let me tell Sir Ralph, my lady.

He's a good man.

He'll help you when I'm gone.

No, Hogarth.

You'll tell no one.

God in heaven.

What is it, Hogarth?

I know.

I know.

Help. Sir Ralph.

Sir Ralph.

- Fetch Sir Ralph.
- Yes, Mistress Caroline.

Quiet. Quiet.

Good Hogarth, you must be quiet.

- Sir Ralph, quick. I must tell...
- He's coming.

He's wandering in his mind.
He can talk to Ralph when he's rested.

He's dying. Anybody can see that.

- Caroline, what is it?
- Oh, Ralph, quickly.

Hogarth needs you. He's dying.

- You should left him to me.
- Or to us.

- Between...
- Quiet.

What he say?

He's so weak I can't hear.

Well, let me talk to him.
I'm used to his voice.

Keep them back, Ralph. He needs quiet.

Oh.

I tried to hear but, but it was too late.

Her ladyship is worn out
nursing poor old Hogarth.

What she needs is complete rest.

Caroline will stay with you.

Yes, I will.

No, please. You all been so good to me...

but I think I could sleep now
if you left me alone.

We'll go at once. Good night, Barbara.

I deeply appreciate all you did for Hogarth.

I wish I could have done more.

Complete rest. The old fool.

If he only knew
what it feels like to be free again.

- Is Captain Jackson here?
- Oh, yes, he's here.

In his usual room.
And I'll wager he's in bed.

- Won't he be surprised to see me?
- Yes, he'll be surprised.

- Oh.
- Barbara.

Where you been all these months? I missed
you. I never thought you come tonight.

- Obviously.
- Oh, her. She's, she's nothing to me.

Just a wench I brought
to pass the time till you came back.

- Here.
- You look very well together.

I warned you if ever you deceived me,
you be sorry.

You'll find this wench, cheap though
she looks, will cost you dear.

- Barbara.
- Farewell till our next merry meeting.

- Hey, what is that doxy doing...
- Get out.

If you would catch the notorious
highwayman Jerry Jackson...

he's harbored tonight
at the Leaping Stag Inn.

- Some more beer, Ralph?
- Thank you, Henrietta.

- Another chop, Barbara?
- No.

You're making a very poor breakfast, my dear.

I don't think our London air
can agree with you.

My London air too.

Don't forget I was born and bred here.

Bred?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

This fellow Jackson
can't complain of his notoriety.

The Gazette calls him...

the most popular gallows bird
in the last 20 years.

He's very lucky with the weather.

Must be depressing
to be hanged on a damp day.

I see they give you all the credit
for his capture, Ralph.

They're wrong. Most of it should go
to the accomplice who betrayed him.

I'll wager he's shaking
in his shoes till the hanging is over.

Why should he?
Jackson didn't betray him at the trial.

Probably saving it up
for his dying confession.

They all like to make a show on the gallows.

I wonder if the accomplice
will be there in the crowd.

You bet your life on it. Couldn't keep away.

I do wish I could be there.

I wonder if I dare put off
my fitting for my new gown.

No, I haven't got a thing
to wear for the court ball.

What a nuisance. You go.
You can tell me all about it.

Sorry. Got to see a man about a horse.

Oh. You then, Ralph.

I don't share the popular view
of hanging as a form of entertainment.

What about you, Barbara?
Wouldn't you adore to see him dangling...

and hear his last minute confession?

You gone as white as a sheet.
Don't you feel well?

No, it's, it's just one of my headaches.

I think I'll take the air.
If you'll have my carriage ordered...

Sure you wouldn't like me to accompany you?

Quite sure, thank you.

I told James to keep well away from Tyburn.

- Good morning, Ralph.
- Why, Caroline. How are you?

I'm very well. I heard you were both in town.

Good morning, Barbara.
Where are you off to so early?

- Just to take the air.
- May I come with you?

No, really. You stay and entertain Ralph.

Oh, but it's you I came to see.
Goodbye, Ralph.

Goodbye.

Why did you force yourself on me?

Barbara, I must talk to you.

- The last time we discussed Ralph...
- When you attacked me.

Yes, I'm sorry.

I was angry at what you said
about him and me.

I don't know why I said it.

I didn't and still don't care
what you do together.

That isn't true. You were in love with Ralph
and could be again. I'm sure of it.

I realize my staying on
after the marriage was an awful mistake.

- It wasn't fair to either of you.
- Why go over the dreary past?

But it isn't the past I'm thinking of.

It's now and the future.

I do so want you and Ralph
to be happy together.

Suppose you stop interfering in our lives?

I'm going to.

You see, Barbara, I'm going to be married.

Am I supposed to dance with glee?

No. I just wanted you to know.

I thought it might help you both.

- James.
- Milady?

Turn the horses towards Tyburn.

But milady, the master orders were to...

My orders are
turn the horses towards Tyburn...

and get there in time for the hanging.

Barbara, why did you come here?

Well, I never seen an execution.

It will be a new sensation.

I don't want to see it.

It will be your turn next.

Goodbye.

Cheer up. Enjoy yourself
like the rest of them.

- Good luck, Jerry.
- Hello, Norma.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Can't wear two of these.

Who wants a nice cravat?

Mind you boys don't fall down
and hurt yourselves.

We're safer than what you are.

My friends.

My friends, I don't care
whether you're for me or against me.

All that matters is that you
come here in your thousands...

to give me a grand send off.

To the lovely ladies...

I say don't waste your love...

your caresses, your tears...

on villains like me.

Save them for someone who
is worth it, a faithful, honest man...

if you can find one.

To the men I say...

never put your faith in a woman.

For however much
you may think she loves you...

like as not she'll betray you in the end.

In my short and merry life...

I loved them all, but I only once...

made the fatal mistake
of trusting one of them.

That's why I'm here now.

For believe me...

only a woman hand would've put
a halter round the neck...

of Lucky Jerry Jackson.

God save your soul, Jerry.

May God bless all my friends.

And may my enemies be hanged as I am.

Excuse me, madam.

That, that unfortunate highwayman...

struggling for dear life there
asked me to give you this letter.

Well, my bold, bad Barbara...

so you're afraid of me at last.

You needn't be.
We had some good sport together...

and Jerry Jackson is not the man to whine
now the reckoning has to be paid.

You'll have to pay yours too. Never fear.

In the meantime, if you feel
you owe me some kindness...

give a share of our earnings
to the girl by my coffin.

She was with me that night at the inn.

She was my doxy before I ever met you...

and she's stood by me ever since.

Farewell, then, my lovely Barbara...

till our next merry meeting.

Oh, it seems he thought I had a kind face...

and asked me to help
that poor girl over there.

Give her this and tell her
I'm very sorry for her.

Thank you, madam,
in the name of true Christian charity.

- May I read the letter?
- You may not.

Barbara, there is something behind all this.

- Why should he choose you?
- I don't want her money.

I don't want no charity
from fine ladies in fine carriages.

I remember you.

- You were the doxy that was dressed as a...
- Hey, you. Get out.

Hello. What is going on over there?

Caroline. Hey, Ted, Frank, quickly.

Drive on.

Caroline, are you all right?

I couldn't believe, you.

Anyone would've been welcome
at a time like this, but...

this is like magic.

I'm most grateful. You managed
to avert a very unpleasant situation.

Just lucky I happened to see Caroline
at the window of the coach.

I can't think what you were doing there.
However, it's all turned out for the best.

You must come back with us
to Maryiot Cells...

to take over those building plans again.

That's very good of you.

Not at all, now you're
to be one of the family.

- One of the family?
- Didn't you know?

Caroline and Mr. Locksby
are going to be married.

No.

No, I didn't know.

- You'll come too, Caroline.
- You won't entice Caroline.

She finds Maryiot Cells rather dull.

- I don't think I'll find it dull this time.
- My lord...

there is a person here who says he's...

- Sir Ralph, the highwayman, Jackson.
- What about him?

A riot started round one of the coaches...

and in the excitement,
his friends managed to cut him down...

and get his body away
before the doctor had time to examine it.

- You mean he might not have been dead?
- It's just a chance.

Lucky Jerry Jackson, all right.

Barbara.

Oh. Oh, it's you.

Why are you looking so worried?

It's nothing.

It's wonderful to be able
to talk to you at last.

Ever since we been down here,
I scarcely dared look at you...

for all the watching eyes.

What are you thinking?

I feel my life is slipping away
like the water down there.

Useless, wasted.

- I wish I could help you.
- Oh, but you do.

You do.

Anything would be safe in your hands...

a bird, a horse's mouth or a woman's heart.

Kit, if only I met you sooner...

I never have married Ralph.

You're the only person except my mother
that I ever really cared about.

- I love you.
- And I love you.

- Oh, Barbara.
- Nothing matters but you. Nothing.

I want to be everything to you.

I want to love you, to make you happy.

Oh, darling.

- But soon I'll be returning to London.
- Don't let's talk about the future.

It's now that matters.

We must be together, just once.
Tonight when everybody is...

Barbara, we couldn't.

Kit, please.

I want to talk to you, Locksby.

Yes, of course.
But wouldn't it do in the morning?

What I have to say won't wait.

- It's about my wife.
- Sir Ralph, I assure you...

I don't blame you, Locksby.
Barbara is a beautiful woman...

and she's pursued you
ever since you been here.

That is untrue. Any pursuing,
as you call it, is been by me.

You may believe that.

I know her better.

Sir Ralph, I'm very weary. Couldn't we
please discuss this in the morning?

In the morning
you'll be leaving Maryiot Cells.

Tonight I want your promise
that you'll never see Barbara again.

And if I don't give it?

Then I shall be obliged
to defend my wife honor.

I see.

You seem to have forgotten
you're engaged to Caroline.

I seen her robbed once, and I'm damned
if I'm going to let it happen again.

♪ Johnny Brown was a highwayman ♪

♪ Who loved the ladies fair ♪

♪ Took their jewels and rings and things ♪

♪ And anything else that was there ♪ ♪

Jackson.

So you did escape.

- What do you want?
- Well.

What a question to ask an old friend...

just back from the grave.

What do you think I want?

You think it was me
who betrayed you, but it wasn't. It...

Come, come. That isn't worthy of you.

You always had the courage of your iniquity.

- What are you going to do?
- Ah.

What would you do to someone
who sold you to the hangman?

You don't know what it feels like
to be strangled, do you...

my lady?

It's an experience we ought to share.

You feel the rope crushing your windpipe,
choking the life out of you...

and the whole world goes black
with spots of vivid color...

flashing against the awful darkness.
You feel as if your head is going to burst...

as you kick and struggle and squirm.

It's quite an experience
to have had and survived.

After my friends had cut me down...

it took them two hours to bring me round,
and I had a hell of a sore throat.

How did you find me?

Easy, once I seen you
in your coach with the Skelton arms.

I laughed when I learned
that the lady of the manor...

was a certain Lady Barbara.

- But the secret passage...
- I searched the grounds.

Once I found the entrance,
I knew it lead to you.

And now that you found me?

We're going to pick up our life
together just where we left off.

What do you mean?

I meant to kill you at first.

Then I began to remember
those crisp, clear nights...

when we rode together.

The thrill of the hours that followed...

when you put aside your trappings
of the road and lay in my arms...

warm, yielding, lovely.

I knew then that it wasn't
vengeance that I wanted.

- It was you.
- No.

- No.
- Have I suddenly become so distasteful?

Things are different now.

I'm in love. Deeply, sincerely in love.

And my caresses would be repulsive?

I told you, I'm in love.

It will be a new experience
to take you against your will.

You wouldn't.

- You underrate me.
- I'll call for help.

And give yourself away? No, Barbara.

You're as much in my power
as if we were on a desert island.

No. No, please. Please.

This must be what they mean
when they say revenge is sweet.

Kit. Kit.

My darling, what is it?

Take me away from here.
Right away. Please, darling.

- Tell me, Barbara: What is happened?
- I can't.

Can't. But you must take me away,
out of England, anywhere, now.

Dearest, how can I? My work is here.
We have no money, no friends.

Kit, I love you.

I face want, hardship, anything with you.

I got to get away from this life.

I want a home, children...

all the things I never thought would matter.

It would be wonderful, but it's impossible.

Why?

Ralph is made me see
how shamefully I'm behaving to him...

and to Caroline.

Caroline. Oh, you can't love
that sentimental little fool.

Please, Barbara. I'm deeply fond of Caroline,
and I have asked her to marry me.

Kit, this is our chance.

If we throw it away, we'll be unhappy for
the rest of our lives. You must take me away.

My dear, we mustn't let love
blind us to our duty.

I leave in the morning.
Ralph is driving me and Caroline to London.

- Darling. Darling, please.
- My dear, it's no use.

It be different if you weren't married,
if there were no Ralph.

Yes.

Yes, it, it would be different.

Good evening, my lady of iniquity.
What are you doing here?

- What do you want?
- To renew our partnership of the road.

I told you last night I hate you.

But I'm thrilled by you.

Be warned, Jackson:
Keep out of my way.

Tut, tut. That's no way to talk to a partner.

What is this job we're doing?

There will be a coach along here
in a few minutes.

- Worthwhile?
- To me.

- After something special?
- A man life.

What is this?

Some new devil trick?

I never did like killing, less since I felt
the stench of death in my nostrils.

- You still got time to go.
- What is this poor devil done to you?

He stands between me and everything I want.

- Who is it?
- My husband.

You cold blooded fiend.

I ached to ride and rob with you again...

but I no stomach for your kind of evil.

- I finished with you, Barbara.
- Have you?

Aye. And if ever I want another partner,
I'll choose a weasel or a viper.

Something reasonably friendly.

- Where are you going?
- To warn your husband.

Captain Jackson.

Now we both had our revenge.

To our next merry meeting...

in hell.

What do you think that shot was?

Probably a poacher after rabbits.
Nothing to be afraid of.

I'm not afraid of anything now.

Won't Barbara be surprised to see us back?

No more surprised than I am
to be bringing you back.

If you hadn't given
such a convincing performance...

of being in love with this young scoundrel...

we could all have been saved
a tiring journey.

But it's a lovely journey. Isn't it, Kit?

I must say I like a little more speed.

If you let the cat out of the
bag before we reached London,

we could have gone back in daylight.

Personally, I got nothing against the moon.

We're being very lighthearted.

How do you think we can arrange things?

I don't know yet, but there is
no reason why four people...

should pass their lives in misery
when they could all be so happy.

I'll see to it that you get your Barbara...

and I get my heart desire...

if it takes 50 Acts of Parliament.

Halt.

Out into the road.

- I been wanting to meet you.
- This is your last chance.

Kit. Let's get on.

Well, I winged the fellow.

Where is her ladyship?

Went to bed early sir,
with one of her headaches.

She asked not to be disturbed.

I think this is an occasion on which we
might disobey instructions, don't you?

No. Let me go.

Very well. It's also an occasion for a drink.

Barbara?

Barbara.

Barbara.

Oh, William?

William, I think her ladyship may be ill.

- Can you break down the door?
- I'll try, Mistress Caroline.

It's all right, William.

I'll send for a doctor.

It's no use.

I'm finished.

It was Kit.

I was going to give my life to him.

Strange he should take it away.

Another?

As you say sir, this is an occasion.

What shall be the toast?

Mine is to Barbara.

Barbara had an accident.

She's dying.

She wants to see Kit.

Barbara.

Kit.

- Darling, what happened?
- It was an accident.

An old pistol I kept for protection.

Have they sent for a doctor?

It's no use.

We so little time.

- Don't let's waste it.
- But my darling...

Kit, take me in your arms.

Hold me close.

She's not only a highwayman, but a murderess.

- Oh, no, she...
- I'm afraid there is no doubt.

But what can have happened to her?

She used to be so sweet and lovely.

Who can tell what strange things
go on in the human mind?

Loving you is been
the one good thing in my life.

Everything in your life is been
good, I stake my soul on that.

Oh, go on believing it.

Then it doesn't matter what the others think.

No.

No.

I can't cheat you as I cheated everyone else.

I got to tell you the truth.

- Darling...
- I'm wicked.

All my life I cheated to get what I wanted.

And then my punishment
is been I no longer wanted it.

You're delirious, my darling.

If we met sooner,
I never have done these wicked things.

I had to have excitement.

That's why I took to the road.

But I wouldn't have killed anybody
who hadn't stood in my way.

Killed?

Ned, Hogarth, Jackson...

and tonight, my husband.

- You saved him, you shot me instead.
- You?

The highwayman?

Kit...

don't look like that.

It was for you.

Don't leave me.

Don't leave me alone.

Kit.

It's so dark.

So cold.

Take me in your arms.

Hold me close.

Kit.

Kit, I'm frightened.

I don't want to die alone.

Kit, don't let me die...

alone.

When she came,
a dark shadow crept over our lives.

But it's lifting, we shall
ride again in the sunshine...

sing and laugh and know happiness and love.