Flambards (1979–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Point to Point - full transcript
To PMY ♥ Love RPY
We'll get the gentleman out
of the army with a £500 bonus.
Take any one, but don't
take the Ace of Diamonds.
It's your choice, anyone you want.
Just take any one that...
No, no, not the ace of diamonds.
Told you not to take that one.
He's been in the army for 20 years.
There's a three,
there's a six.
Just a moment, Sir, and
there we find the others.
What a storm last night.
Thank goodness
it blew itself out.
Nasty one, wasn't it?
I felt sure you would come over and
sleep with Emma in case she was frightened.
Very funny.
Well, at least we've got the calm after the storm.
The storms are on the continent now.
How do you know?
I was speaking figuratively.
Huh?
Portugal, Russia, Turkey, Italy.
Nothing but turmoil and war.
Whichever way you turn.
Things are moving at tremendous pace.
Including aeroplanes.
Including aeroplanes.
Has it ever occurred to you that
aeroplanes are going to be very useful in wars?
I suppose they will.
Yes, I hadn't thought of that.
I always imagine wars to be
enormous cavalry charges.
Mark wants to be in the cavalry.
The cavalry wouldn't
stand much chance
if they had to contend with a
few aeroplanes, would they?
It sounds exciting.
Cowboys and Indians in the air.
People get killed in wars
And some of them will get killed by
by flying beautiful machines
just like ours.
Oh, it'll never happen.
Worse luck.
Two balloons for one penny
Lovely colours...All that you need
Six pence, missus.
Yes.
On Gold Willow?
Yes, he's going to win, I know.
Oh...spoken to the horse, have you?
No, the rider!
Ah...Did Mr. Russell tell you
to bring a sack with you?
Sack?
Ah, for your winnings.
Oh, now you're joking.
Tis only six pence,
Ah, but it's two to one odds.
Oh, is that good?
Listen, sweetheart,
this horse is the favourite.
If he wins,
you'll win nine pence.
Who's that in the uniform?
Don't you recognise him?
No.
Bunty Thornton.
Mr. Thornton's son?
Doesn't he look different in uniform?
Cavalry regimen.
What's the matter with you?
You recognise the horse?
No?
That's a fine looking horse.
Precisely.
Well?
It's his Army horse.
So?
Bunty's father sold us
Gold Willow, didn't he?
Well, Bunty must have told him that
his Army horse was better than Gold Willow.
That doesn't matter, he'll be a good match.
Can't win the race
unless you have the horse.
You're the better rider.
You win.
I'd better.
Father's laid £50.
£50, eh?
Think he'll come?
Of course he'll come. You try and keep him away.
Slow down!
I said slow down, damn you.
Really, old chap, if I go any
slower, we might as well walk.
It's still too fast!
We're only doing
18 miles an hour.
It's too fast!
Nowhere near as fast as a horse.
Horses are safe.
Cars are even safer.
Careful! Slow down!
Now move the throttle a bit,
back and forth, William, will you?
Thank you.
Now hold it steady
Now slowly back.
Does that feel a bit smoother?
Yes, a bit.
We'd get it smoother if we
filed a notch in the strut, I think.
Hm.
A jointer might be better.
Don't like creating weak points in a strut.
Well, this one doesn't
take much stress.
Not when she's
flying. No, but, uh...
when she comes down
to the bump,
there's no knowing where the
maximum stress will be.
Ah-hum.
Shall I go and make a pot of tea?
Oh, do I detect a slight hint of
impatience in your tone, William?
Oh, no, no, no, no...It's lovely
sitting here in the sunshine.
Well, I never. I could have
sworn he was getting impatient.
Well, I think we should have a
break for a cup of tea. Hmm?
On the other hand, uh,
You were...you could give
her just a quick flip.
Get your balloons here.
All the lovely colours.
So I see you survived
the journey, Uncle.
Survived?
What do you mean survived?
Nothing to it.
Quite enjoyed it, in fact.
Good.
You just got here in time.
They're about to start any second.
That'll be your laddy in the uniform, then?
Yes.
Good horse?
He say so.
Not as good as Gold Willow, eh?
We'll see, young lady. We'll see.
Ha-ha...poor old Colonel Badstock.
He really ought to have
given it up long ago.
Beautiful, William.
Now, keep her steady.
That's the way
Watch it now
Correct it.
And before you think it
His reactions are superb.
Don't push him too hard, Mark,
and let him do the work himself.
I can't tell him apart now, Miss,
is Mr Mark doing well?
Watch for number seven.
See those four horses? Mark's in
the middle. See? Number seven.
Yes, I see him now. Oh,
Mr. Mark is doing well.
As long as he
doesn't lose his head.
Standing at the hedge now, Mark, steady.
Doing very well, Bunty, hold him.
Now to bring him back,
have him swing around.
Come on, now, that's enough.
What's he doing?
I think he's giving her a real test.
That's enough, William, back you come.
He hasn't got a full tank.
Can't be more than
half an hour's flying in it.
Joe...the car.
We try and follow him.
Youngsons. Who's
come off at the hedge?
Sanderson. That's not
a horse family, never was.
Can't tell a horse
from a hippopotamus.
Ah, poor old Badstock.
He's miles behind.
Just keep within reach, Mark.
He's falling behind, Miss.
No, no, it doesn't
matter at this stage.
Gold Willow will make
headway on the uphill.
As long as he doesn't
force her too early.
By jove, The army
know how to pick horses.
Mark's not finished
yet by a long way.
Well, we'll just have to wait and see.
They'll be out of sight now for about five minutes.
We may as well relax.
They've got money to burn.
Who?
The army. My tax money.
Mine, too. Still, they'll need it
if there's going to be a war.
Eh?
Is there?
Bunty thinks so.
He says they're all expecting it.
I can't see it matters to me
apart from their damn taxes.
Well, that depends.
Eh?
On where your money is.
Money?
Capital, where you put it.
What I've got's in textiles.
That's all right, isn't it?
Hmm.
Well, they need plenty of
uniforms to fight wars.
Oh, yes...yes.
Well?
There are better investments, I think.
But steel, for instance, they'll need
plenty of that in munitions.
Ah
You moved into steel, have you?
Just a bit
Something better than that?
Coal
Coal?
That's what my brokers say.
Madness.
Mary.
Mary, look at that point there.
Oh, the white flag then.
That's right. They'll be coming
round there any second now.
Whoa!
Where the devil is he?
Engine off, Arthur.
That's her.
It's over there...come on.
Go on.
Go on.
Go on.
Are you all right?
Good afternoon,
Miss Parsons,
I was wondering if I
might have the pleasure
of your company at
this year's Hunt Ball?
I thought you'd killed yourself.
No, not that easily.
Now, the problem is,
how I'm going to get myself
out of this precarious situation?
You know, that's the first time in my
life that I've enjoyed the point-to-point.
William, look
The natives don't
seem too friendly.
Come on.
I'll see you later, Christina.
Come on, get in.
-I was serious about the Ball.
Come on, Arthur, let's go.
Well? What the devil's going on?
What about the point-to-point?
You've won.
What?
You've won.
I've won.
Are you sure?
I've won.
I've won!
I've won!
I've won!
You carry on, Joe.
Emma looks in a terrible mess.
Uh, we've dismantled her a
bit to get her on the cart.
The engine is not damaged.
Or the fuselage.
So you're the only one in a mess, then.
Would it do any good if I
were to talk to your father?
No,
I won't have that.
I'll do it on my own,
thank you very much.
Enough.
I've had enough of your insolence.
The point-to-point was the last straw.
You ruined the day for everyone.
And you are not going to do that again.
What you need is iron discipline,
and you are going to get it,
whether you want it or not.
I've sent a telegram to your
Uncle George in Canada.
As far away from Flambards and
flying machines as I can manage.
Forestry is tough work...and isolated.
But it might just bring you to your senses.
I'll book your passage. Sailings
are from Southampton.
Do I have your permission to go now, Sir?
No, you do not.
Now listen, young fellow my lad:
If you have it in mind to disappear to
your friend with a flying machine,
you can think again,
because I will prosecute.
May I go now, Sir?
Yes, get out of my sight.
William.
It's for your own good, you know.
Since your mother died, I've
tried my best, but...
it's for your own good.
Yes.
You won't catch me going
to Canada...no fear.
Are you going to stay at Mr. Dermot's then?
He's thought of that.
He says he'll prosecute.
Prosecute?
Can he?
Well, I expect he can. I'm still a minor.
Anyway, I'm not having Mr. Dermot
mixed up with Father.
So what are you going to do?
I'm going to stay here tonight
and disappear in the morning.
And what then?
Find a job.
What sort of job?
Farmborough, Brooklyn's
or Hendon.
Flying?
I don't suppose they'll let
me fly straight away.
What's wrong?
Nothing. I was just thinking.
Oh
I think I'd probably be a
good enough mechanic by now.
There can't be that many people who have
had such concentrated training on engines
Or read all those books.
That's a point.
And they haven't all designed
their own machines.
Where are you going to stay?
I don't know.
What's it matter?
Have you got any money?
No,
But I think Mr. Dermot might
lend me a few pounds.
Just to see me over until I get a job.
Is there something wrong?
The suitcases.
Now I think of the number of times
I've been shunted around the family.
You know, by the age
of seven,
every time I saw a suitcase, I'd
go and stand beside it.
Come on.
It's me that's going this time.
You give me a hand to take
these down to the hall?
Flambards won't be
the same without you.
It'll be so much quieter if Father
doesn't need to shout at me
Anyway, I'll be back.
Yes,
But when?
For the Hunt Ball.
Oh, don't be silly, William.
You don't have to go.
Oh?
Well, you hate that sort of thing.
Did I invite
you or did I not?
Only to spite Mark.
Oh, I see.
Well, you did, didn't you?
Of course, if you'd rather go with Mark
I'd like to go with you.
Very well. Let's start again.
Miss Parsons, may I have the pleasure
of your company at this year's Hunt Ball?
Yes, of course, kind sir.
I will understand if you can't manage.
Well, I admit it's a possibility.
Who knows? I might even
be flying the channel by then.
Ahh
Ala mon, Monsiue Bleriot.
Fowler?...Mary?
A parcel for you, Miss
Oh?
Oh.
My hands are dirty.
Will you put it on the shelf, Mary?
I thought it might be
from your Aunt, Miss.
Huh-hm.
Wasn't she making
you a new dress?
Hm-huh.
Well, won't that be it?
Probably.
Well, my word, you
are excited, Miss.
Well, there's nothing
to get excited about
It'll probably be dark green
or dark brown...beautifully made.
Aunt Grace is an
excellent seamstress.
It's just that it'll be
plain and dull and
excruciatingly boring.
Now it's not bound
to be like that.
Of course it is.
You know it is.
You've seen what
she's made before.
Well supposing it is.
Sensible things are...
well, sensible.
Well, some of the girls around here,
they have dresses,
they...they only wear them once a year,
and then...
Mmm, to be like other girls just once.
Maybe we could brighten
it up for the Ball.
Yes, a little bit of lace round the cuffs
or a spray of flowers on the bodice.
And the other girls would say,
"Ah, there's Christina
in a plain dress brightened up for the Ball."
Oh, there you are.
I've got some filthy boots.
Brush and polish down there.
One of those days, is it?
I'll come back when
you're feeling more friendly.
Not if you've got dirty
boots, you want cleaned.
No,
I wasn't thinking about boots, actually.
Good.
I thought perhaps it
might cheer you up.
I don't need cheering up.
I see.
Sorry.
So you're not interested?
What in?
What I was thinking about?
All right. What?
Well,
I thought I'd give you
ample notice this time.
What for?
I'd like to take you to the Hunt Ball.
Ah.
I'm afraid you're too late.
Too late?
I'm going with William.
William?
He's gone.
He's coming back.
He wouldn't dare show his face.
We'll see.
You heard from him?
No.
Know where he is?
No.
He hasn't gone to Canada, has he?
No.
Look, Christina,
it's foolish to think William
will come back for the Ball.
Loathes the idea of it anyway.
Please come with me, Christina.
Please
(Grunting)
So, you're going to
open it at last, Miss.
It's lovely up here.
Huh-huh...yes.
I remember once,
when I was a child,
Mother and I went away for a few days
somewhere in Oxfordshire, I think
christening or a wedding or
something like that.
Huh-huh, it was quite pleasant,
as I remember, but I
I couldn't wait to get back.
Can't be more than seven or eight.
But I was up here on a horse
before Mother had her cases unpacked.
Yes.
I can just see you doing it.
And I suppose everything at Flambards
was in its proper order then.
Not falling to bits like it is now.
I suppose not.
You don't really notice this at that age.
I know Mother used to
keep things splendid.
And you're more servants, too,
so Mary tells me
Yes.
four or five.
Doesn't it matter to you, then?
Of course it matters, I hate seeing
it go to rack and ruin.
It won't when I'm in charge
and it's mine.
Good.
Of course,
it could be ours.
Pardon?
I said
it could be ours.
How do you mean?
Well, if Flambards means as much
to you as you say it does,
we could do it together.
Together?
Mark, are you saying...
Look, Christina, I'm not very good
at saying what I want to say. I...
Are you asking me to marry you?
Well,
I am...
Yes,
I suppose I am.
Are you serious?
Or should I go down on one knee
or something? Is that the proper way?
It seems the logical thing to do.
Logical.
Is that what you think?
We care about the same things?
Mark it's ridiculous.
We do.
Horse riding's the only thing
we have in common.
We don't even
think the same way.
I suppose you think
the same way as Will.
That's got nothing to do with it.
Is there anything
between you and Will?
Of course not.
Because if there is, I'll damn well
make sure he goes to Canada.
Ah...now sounds
like Mark talking.
Ah, very amusing.
Please think about it, Christina.
Oh, Mark
I can't.
I'm getting hungry.
I'll race you home.
Come on.
You're lamp, Miss.
Thank you.
Wish Mr. Russell'll get the electric in.
Everybody else is getting it.
What a hope.
What, you haven't opened it yet, then?
Pardon?
Your parcel, Miss. Aren't you
going to wear it tonight?
I suppose so.
If I go.
It'll be all creased, Miss.
Now, why not let it hang a while?
Mhm.
What do you mean, if you go?
Aren't you going with Mr. Mark?
No.
Oh
I'm going with William.
Well, don't you think he'll come?
I don't know, Miss. Did
he say he'd be back?
Yes.
Then he will.
You're gonna always
rely on Mr. William.
Are you sure?
There'll be fireworks, won't there, Miss,
if he shows his face here again?
Not that Mr. William seems
to mind fireworks these days.
That's true.
My guess is he'll be here
Now, would you like me
to open the parcel for you?
If you like.
Miss Christina, just look at this
Mary!
Oh.
Oh!
And just been lying there waiting
for you all this time.
Aunt Grace, you're a darling.
She's really done you
proud this time, Miss.
I wonder how she knew?
Never mind about that now, Miss.
Let's see you try it on.
Christina, could you
give me a hand with...
Now, that's what I call...
amazing.
Quite a transformation.
Well, turn around, let me see
the complete picture.
Yeah...unbelievable.
It's not exactly a compliment, you know.
You know what I mean.
Can I do something for you?
Yes.
Now,
can you do something for me?
Yes.
Oh,
Please, come with me, Christina.
No.
Is it because of what
I said the other day?
No, of course not.
Because if it was, well,
you can forget it.
You better finish dressing.
Hm.
You know, that's, uh
that's
yeah.
Hey, Cinderella.
If he doesn't come.
You'll be sitting here all night and
no one will see that beautiful dress.
If he doesn't come...
Then I could come back.
No, Mark,
If he doesn't come,
I'm staying at home.
You're stubborn.
I'm told it runs in the family.
Have a nice time.
Thank you.
I will.
For heaven's sake, Mark, just go
and leave me in peace.
Does that go for me, too?
William.
William!
It's nice to know I'm welcome.
I didn't think you were coming.
Oh ye of little faith.
Well, anything could
have happened in that time.
It's only a week.
It seems like months.
Ah
Come on.
(...)
I've left the pumpkin out
of sight near the stables.
The pumpkin?
Yes.
I just give it a wave of my wand
and it turns into a motorcar.
Have you got a motor car?
Well, I'm all for a bit of style.
I've borrowed it from Mr. Dermot.
Lead on, Prince Charming.
My word, aren't we popular?
I don't know how he dares.
Ah, good evening, Christina.
and William. I'm delighted to see you.
You'll not refuse a glass of champagne.
Oh, thank you, Colonel Badstock.
Pay no attention to the dirty looks.
They're all taking it far too seriously.
Well, I didn't exactly improve
their point-to-point meeting, did I?
Improved mine, though.
I won.
The problem is I didn't see it.
I didn't see those marvellous
high jinks with the flying machine.
I must say it sounded damn funny
when they told me about it.
I'm glad someone else
saw the funny side.
I'm damn sure I did.
You know, old chap,
It's just the sort of trick I would have
got up to when I was a youngster like you.
Oh, I better go and welcome the Addisons.
You enjoy yourselves?
And go party damn seriously.
Well, that was a pleasant surprise.
Oh, wasn't it?
Decent, old sport.
Come on,
let's go and see what
my old peg leg can do.
My dear brother doesn't
look too pleased.
Are you surprised?
Not really.
You'll never guess what
happened earlier this week.
Huh?
What?
He asked me to marry.
Oh
What's the matter?
Do you think I'd accept?
You never know
That what was the plan after all.
Good evening, brother.
I trust you're well.
Ah, if looks could kill...
You'd have been dead the
moment you walked into the ballroom.
Yes, it was rather a chilly welcome.
Aren't you ashamed?
Funny word that...ashamed?
Yes.
You wouldn't know the
meaning of the word.
Well, I am a Russell, remember?
Ah,
Very amusing.
Destroyed their world
at the point-to-point.
Yes,
Yes, I was most upset about that.
And you needn't say good riddance.
I'm not the only one thinking that.
I wonder who invented the
phrase brotherly love?
Well, you seem to get
on better with cousins.
You've noticed.
Are you all right?
Yes.
Just wanted some fresh air.
It's good for thinking.
Mhm.
What about?
You and Mark?
There's not much to think about.
I'm not so sure.
How do you mean?
Well,
when father finds out,
and he's bound to sooner or later,
that you're not going to marry Mark.
He won't be very
pleased, I suppose?
That's putting it mildly.
Hm.
He won't turn me out, will he?
Well, perhaps not.
But if he's not going to get
his hands on your inheritance,
he'll make your life a misery.
I hadn't thought of that.
William, it's awful.
What's to become of me?
Well,
If you're going to become
the black sheep of the family,
Yes?
Why not join the other one?
Am I receiving another proposal?
Well not straight away.
There must be a full moon.
That's two in one week.
I've got to get a job
first and pay back my...
Funny.
I never knew
I wanted you to ask.
You wanted me to ask?
And so what do you say?
I don't know what to say.
Listen, Christina, I've got interviews
next week. We won't have to wait long.
I'm the one who have to do the waiting
Pardon?
Well, you'll be off with
your flying machines.
I'm the one who
will have to wait.
But it won't be long.
You'll see.
You haven't given me an answer yet
Yes.
On condition
Condition?
That we leave now.
- Now?
- Right now.
But, Christina, I haven't anywhere to stay.
And don't you think it's improper?
Oh, listen to the radical thinker.
I could stay with Aunt Grace in Battersea.
I'm not kicking my heels at Flambards
waiting for you to fly to the moon
In the car, we could be
in Battersea by morning.
Slip away, collect your things.
There's nothing to collect.
There is a full moon.
And I'm not slipping away.
Let's leave with a flourish.
All right.
Will you play follow my leader?
The audacity.
Seem to remember that runs in the
Russell family...one way or another.
You could snuggle down and
try and sleep if you want to.
Oh, no, I couldn't.
My head's still spinning.
Do you know,
I just had a funny thought
You know what we're doing?
We're eloping.
Are we?
To Battersea.
Subtitle © RPY 2023
We'll get the gentleman out
of the army with a £500 bonus.
Take any one, but don't
take the Ace of Diamonds.
It's your choice, anyone you want.
Just take any one that...
No, no, not the ace of diamonds.
Told you not to take that one.
He's been in the army for 20 years.
There's a three,
there's a six.
Just a moment, Sir, and
there we find the others.
What a storm last night.
Thank goodness
it blew itself out.
Nasty one, wasn't it?
I felt sure you would come over and
sleep with Emma in case she was frightened.
Very funny.
Well, at least we've got the calm after the storm.
The storms are on the continent now.
How do you know?
I was speaking figuratively.
Huh?
Portugal, Russia, Turkey, Italy.
Nothing but turmoil and war.
Whichever way you turn.
Things are moving at tremendous pace.
Including aeroplanes.
Including aeroplanes.
Has it ever occurred to you that
aeroplanes are going to be very useful in wars?
I suppose they will.
Yes, I hadn't thought of that.
I always imagine wars to be
enormous cavalry charges.
Mark wants to be in the cavalry.
The cavalry wouldn't
stand much chance
if they had to contend with a
few aeroplanes, would they?
It sounds exciting.
Cowboys and Indians in the air.
People get killed in wars
And some of them will get killed by
by flying beautiful machines
just like ours.
Oh, it'll never happen.
Worse luck.
Two balloons for one penny
Lovely colours...All that you need
Six pence, missus.
Yes.
On Gold Willow?
Yes, he's going to win, I know.
Oh...spoken to the horse, have you?
No, the rider!
Ah...Did Mr. Russell tell you
to bring a sack with you?
Sack?
Ah, for your winnings.
Oh, now you're joking.
Tis only six pence,
Ah, but it's two to one odds.
Oh, is that good?
Listen, sweetheart,
this horse is the favourite.
If he wins,
you'll win nine pence.
Who's that in the uniform?
Don't you recognise him?
No.
Bunty Thornton.
Mr. Thornton's son?
Doesn't he look different in uniform?
Cavalry regimen.
What's the matter with you?
You recognise the horse?
No?
That's a fine looking horse.
Precisely.
Well?
It's his Army horse.
So?
Bunty's father sold us
Gold Willow, didn't he?
Well, Bunty must have told him that
his Army horse was better than Gold Willow.
That doesn't matter, he'll be a good match.
Can't win the race
unless you have the horse.
You're the better rider.
You win.
I'd better.
Father's laid £50.
£50, eh?
Think he'll come?
Of course he'll come. You try and keep him away.
Slow down!
I said slow down, damn you.
Really, old chap, if I go any
slower, we might as well walk.
It's still too fast!
We're only doing
18 miles an hour.
It's too fast!
Nowhere near as fast as a horse.
Horses are safe.
Cars are even safer.
Careful! Slow down!
Now move the throttle a bit,
back and forth, William, will you?
Thank you.
Now hold it steady
Now slowly back.
Does that feel a bit smoother?
Yes, a bit.
We'd get it smoother if we
filed a notch in the strut, I think.
Hm.
A jointer might be better.
Don't like creating weak points in a strut.
Well, this one doesn't
take much stress.
Not when she's
flying. No, but, uh...
when she comes down
to the bump,
there's no knowing where the
maximum stress will be.
Ah-hum.
Shall I go and make a pot of tea?
Oh, do I detect a slight hint of
impatience in your tone, William?
Oh, no, no, no, no...It's lovely
sitting here in the sunshine.
Well, I never. I could have
sworn he was getting impatient.
Well, I think we should have a
break for a cup of tea. Hmm?
On the other hand, uh,
You were...you could give
her just a quick flip.
Get your balloons here.
All the lovely colours.
So I see you survived
the journey, Uncle.
Survived?
What do you mean survived?
Nothing to it.
Quite enjoyed it, in fact.
Good.
You just got here in time.
They're about to start any second.
That'll be your laddy in the uniform, then?
Yes.
Good horse?
He say so.
Not as good as Gold Willow, eh?
We'll see, young lady. We'll see.
Ha-ha...poor old Colonel Badstock.
He really ought to have
given it up long ago.
Beautiful, William.
Now, keep her steady.
That's the way
Watch it now
Correct it.
And before you think it
His reactions are superb.
Don't push him too hard, Mark,
and let him do the work himself.
I can't tell him apart now, Miss,
is Mr Mark doing well?
Watch for number seven.
See those four horses? Mark's in
the middle. See? Number seven.
Yes, I see him now. Oh,
Mr. Mark is doing well.
As long as he
doesn't lose his head.
Standing at the hedge now, Mark, steady.
Doing very well, Bunty, hold him.
Now to bring him back,
have him swing around.
Come on, now, that's enough.
What's he doing?
I think he's giving her a real test.
That's enough, William, back you come.
He hasn't got a full tank.
Can't be more than
half an hour's flying in it.
Joe...the car.
We try and follow him.
Youngsons. Who's
come off at the hedge?
Sanderson. That's not
a horse family, never was.
Can't tell a horse
from a hippopotamus.
Ah, poor old Badstock.
He's miles behind.
Just keep within reach, Mark.
He's falling behind, Miss.
No, no, it doesn't
matter at this stage.
Gold Willow will make
headway on the uphill.
As long as he doesn't
force her too early.
By jove, The army
know how to pick horses.
Mark's not finished
yet by a long way.
Well, we'll just have to wait and see.
They'll be out of sight now for about five minutes.
We may as well relax.
They've got money to burn.
Who?
The army. My tax money.
Mine, too. Still, they'll need it
if there's going to be a war.
Eh?
Is there?
Bunty thinks so.
He says they're all expecting it.
I can't see it matters to me
apart from their damn taxes.
Well, that depends.
Eh?
On where your money is.
Money?
Capital, where you put it.
What I've got's in textiles.
That's all right, isn't it?
Hmm.
Well, they need plenty of
uniforms to fight wars.
Oh, yes...yes.
Well?
There are better investments, I think.
But steel, for instance, they'll need
plenty of that in munitions.
Ah
You moved into steel, have you?
Just a bit
Something better than that?
Coal
Coal?
That's what my brokers say.
Madness.
Mary.
Mary, look at that point there.
Oh, the white flag then.
That's right. They'll be coming
round there any second now.
Whoa!
Where the devil is he?
Engine off, Arthur.
That's her.
It's over there...come on.
Go on.
Go on.
Go on.
Are you all right?
Good afternoon,
Miss Parsons,
I was wondering if I
might have the pleasure
of your company at
this year's Hunt Ball?
I thought you'd killed yourself.
No, not that easily.
Now, the problem is,
how I'm going to get myself
out of this precarious situation?
You know, that's the first time in my
life that I've enjoyed the point-to-point.
William, look
The natives don't
seem too friendly.
Come on.
I'll see you later, Christina.
Come on, get in.
-I was serious about the Ball.
Come on, Arthur, let's go.
Well? What the devil's going on?
What about the point-to-point?
You've won.
What?
You've won.
I've won.
Are you sure?
I've won.
I've won!
I've won!
I've won!
You carry on, Joe.
Emma looks in a terrible mess.
Uh, we've dismantled her a
bit to get her on the cart.
The engine is not damaged.
Or the fuselage.
So you're the only one in a mess, then.
Would it do any good if I
were to talk to your father?
No,
I won't have that.
I'll do it on my own,
thank you very much.
Enough.
I've had enough of your insolence.
The point-to-point was the last straw.
You ruined the day for everyone.
And you are not going to do that again.
What you need is iron discipline,
and you are going to get it,
whether you want it or not.
I've sent a telegram to your
Uncle George in Canada.
As far away from Flambards and
flying machines as I can manage.
Forestry is tough work...and isolated.
But it might just bring you to your senses.
I'll book your passage. Sailings
are from Southampton.
Do I have your permission to go now, Sir?
No, you do not.
Now listen, young fellow my lad:
If you have it in mind to disappear to
your friend with a flying machine,
you can think again,
because I will prosecute.
May I go now, Sir?
Yes, get out of my sight.
William.
It's for your own good, you know.
Since your mother died, I've
tried my best, but...
it's for your own good.
Yes.
You won't catch me going
to Canada...no fear.
Are you going to stay at Mr. Dermot's then?
He's thought of that.
He says he'll prosecute.
Prosecute?
Can he?
Well, I expect he can. I'm still a minor.
Anyway, I'm not having Mr. Dermot
mixed up with Father.
So what are you going to do?
I'm going to stay here tonight
and disappear in the morning.
And what then?
Find a job.
What sort of job?
Farmborough, Brooklyn's
or Hendon.
Flying?
I don't suppose they'll let
me fly straight away.
What's wrong?
Nothing. I was just thinking.
Oh
I think I'd probably be a
good enough mechanic by now.
There can't be that many people who have
had such concentrated training on engines
Or read all those books.
That's a point.
And they haven't all designed
their own machines.
Where are you going to stay?
I don't know.
What's it matter?
Have you got any money?
No,
But I think Mr. Dermot might
lend me a few pounds.
Just to see me over until I get a job.
Is there something wrong?
The suitcases.
Now I think of the number of times
I've been shunted around the family.
You know, by the age
of seven,
every time I saw a suitcase, I'd
go and stand beside it.
Come on.
It's me that's going this time.
You give me a hand to take
these down to the hall?
Flambards won't be
the same without you.
It'll be so much quieter if Father
doesn't need to shout at me
Anyway, I'll be back.
Yes,
But when?
For the Hunt Ball.
Oh, don't be silly, William.
You don't have to go.
Oh?
Well, you hate that sort of thing.
Did I invite
you or did I not?
Only to spite Mark.
Oh, I see.
Well, you did, didn't you?
Of course, if you'd rather go with Mark
I'd like to go with you.
Very well. Let's start again.
Miss Parsons, may I have the pleasure
of your company at this year's Hunt Ball?
Yes, of course, kind sir.
I will understand if you can't manage.
Well, I admit it's a possibility.
Who knows? I might even
be flying the channel by then.
Ahh
Ala mon, Monsiue Bleriot.
Fowler?...Mary?
A parcel for you, Miss
Oh?
Oh.
My hands are dirty.
Will you put it on the shelf, Mary?
I thought it might be
from your Aunt, Miss.
Huh-hm.
Wasn't she making
you a new dress?
Hm-huh.
Well, won't that be it?
Probably.
Well, my word, you
are excited, Miss.
Well, there's nothing
to get excited about
It'll probably be dark green
or dark brown...beautifully made.
Aunt Grace is an
excellent seamstress.
It's just that it'll be
plain and dull and
excruciatingly boring.
Now it's not bound
to be like that.
Of course it is.
You know it is.
You've seen what
she's made before.
Well supposing it is.
Sensible things are...
well, sensible.
Well, some of the girls around here,
they have dresses,
they...they only wear them once a year,
and then...
Mmm, to be like other girls just once.
Maybe we could brighten
it up for the Ball.
Yes, a little bit of lace round the cuffs
or a spray of flowers on the bodice.
And the other girls would say,
"Ah, there's Christina
in a plain dress brightened up for the Ball."
Oh, there you are.
I've got some filthy boots.
Brush and polish down there.
One of those days, is it?
I'll come back when
you're feeling more friendly.
Not if you've got dirty
boots, you want cleaned.
No,
I wasn't thinking about boots, actually.
Good.
I thought perhaps it
might cheer you up.
I don't need cheering up.
I see.
Sorry.
So you're not interested?
What in?
What I was thinking about?
All right. What?
Well,
I thought I'd give you
ample notice this time.
What for?
I'd like to take you to the Hunt Ball.
Ah.
I'm afraid you're too late.
Too late?
I'm going with William.
William?
He's gone.
He's coming back.
He wouldn't dare show his face.
We'll see.
You heard from him?
No.
Know where he is?
No.
He hasn't gone to Canada, has he?
No.
Look, Christina,
it's foolish to think William
will come back for the Ball.
Loathes the idea of it anyway.
Please come with me, Christina.
Please
(Grunting)
So, you're going to
open it at last, Miss.
It's lovely up here.
Huh-huh...yes.
I remember once,
when I was a child,
Mother and I went away for a few days
somewhere in Oxfordshire, I think
christening or a wedding or
something like that.
Huh-huh, it was quite pleasant,
as I remember, but I
I couldn't wait to get back.
Can't be more than seven or eight.
But I was up here on a horse
before Mother had her cases unpacked.
Yes.
I can just see you doing it.
And I suppose everything at Flambards
was in its proper order then.
Not falling to bits like it is now.
I suppose not.
You don't really notice this at that age.
I know Mother used to
keep things splendid.
And you're more servants, too,
so Mary tells me
Yes.
four or five.
Doesn't it matter to you, then?
Of course it matters, I hate seeing
it go to rack and ruin.
It won't when I'm in charge
and it's mine.
Good.
Of course,
it could be ours.
Pardon?
I said
it could be ours.
How do you mean?
Well, if Flambards means as much
to you as you say it does,
we could do it together.
Together?
Mark, are you saying...
Look, Christina, I'm not very good
at saying what I want to say. I...
Are you asking me to marry you?
Well,
I am...
Yes,
I suppose I am.
Are you serious?
Or should I go down on one knee
or something? Is that the proper way?
It seems the logical thing to do.
Logical.
Is that what you think?
We care about the same things?
Mark it's ridiculous.
We do.
Horse riding's the only thing
we have in common.
We don't even
think the same way.
I suppose you think
the same way as Will.
That's got nothing to do with it.
Is there anything
between you and Will?
Of course not.
Because if there is, I'll damn well
make sure he goes to Canada.
Ah...now sounds
like Mark talking.
Ah, very amusing.
Please think about it, Christina.
Oh, Mark
I can't.
I'm getting hungry.
I'll race you home.
Come on.
You're lamp, Miss.
Thank you.
Wish Mr. Russell'll get the electric in.
Everybody else is getting it.
What a hope.
What, you haven't opened it yet, then?
Pardon?
Your parcel, Miss. Aren't you
going to wear it tonight?
I suppose so.
If I go.
It'll be all creased, Miss.
Now, why not let it hang a while?
Mhm.
What do you mean, if you go?
Aren't you going with Mr. Mark?
No.
Oh
I'm going with William.
Well, don't you think he'll come?
I don't know, Miss. Did
he say he'd be back?
Yes.
Then he will.
You're gonna always
rely on Mr. William.
Are you sure?
There'll be fireworks, won't there, Miss,
if he shows his face here again?
Not that Mr. William seems
to mind fireworks these days.
That's true.
My guess is he'll be here
Now, would you like me
to open the parcel for you?
If you like.
Miss Christina, just look at this
Mary!
Oh.
Oh!
And just been lying there waiting
for you all this time.
Aunt Grace, you're a darling.
She's really done you
proud this time, Miss.
I wonder how she knew?
Never mind about that now, Miss.
Let's see you try it on.
Christina, could you
give me a hand with...
Now, that's what I call...
amazing.
Quite a transformation.
Well, turn around, let me see
the complete picture.
Yeah...unbelievable.
It's not exactly a compliment, you know.
You know what I mean.
Can I do something for you?
Yes.
Now,
can you do something for me?
Yes.
Oh,
Please, come with me, Christina.
No.
Is it because of what
I said the other day?
No, of course not.
Because if it was, well,
you can forget it.
You better finish dressing.
Hm.
You know, that's, uh
that's
yeah.
Hey, Cinderella.
If he doesn't come.
You'll be sitting here all night and
no one will see that beautiful dress.
If he doesn't come...
Then I could come back.
No, Mark,
If he doesn't come,
I'm staying at home.
You're stubborn.
I'm told it runs in the family.
Have a nice time.
Thank you.
I will.
For heaven's sake, Mark, just go
and leave me in peace.
Does that go for me, too?
William.
William!
It's nice to know I'm welcome.
I didn't think you were coming.
Oh ye of little faith.
Well, anything could
have happened in that time.
It's only a week.
It seems like months.
Ah
Come on.
(...)
I've left the pumpkin out
of sight near the stables.
The pumpkin?
Yes.
I just give it a wave of my wand
and it turns into a motorcar.
Have you got a motor car?
Well, I'm all for a bit of style.
I've borrowed it from Mr. Dermot.
Lead on, Prince Charming.
My word, aren't we popular?
I don't know how he dares.
Ah, good evening, Christina.
and William. I'm delighted to see you.
You'll not refuse a glass of champagne.
Oh, thank you, Colonel Badstock.
Pay no attention to the dirty looks.
They're all taking it far too seriously.
Well, I didn't exactly improve
their point-to-point meeting, did I?
Improved mine, though.
I won.
The problem is I didn't see it.
I didn't see those marvellous
high jinks with the flying machine.
I must say it sounded damn funny
when they told me about it.
I'm glad someone else
saw the funny side.
I'm damn sure I did.
You know, old chap,
It's just the sort of trick I would have
got up to when I was a youngster like you.
Oh, I better go and welcome the Addisons.
You enjoy yourselves?
And go party damn seriously.
Well, that was a pleasant surprise.
Oh, wasn't it?
Decent, old sport.
Come on,
let's go and see what
my old peg leg can do.
My dear brother doesn't
look too pleased.
Are you surprised?
Not really.
You'll never guess what
happened earlier this week.
Huh?
What?
He asked me to marry.
Oh
What's the matter?
Do you think I'd accept?
You never know
That what was the plan after all.
Good evening, brother.
I trust you're well.
Ah, if looks could kill...
You'd have been dead the
moment you walked into the ballroom.
Yes, it was rather a chilly welcome.
Aren't you ashamed?
Funny word that...ashamed?
Yes.
You wouldn't know the
meaning of the word.
Well, I am a Russell, remember?
Ah,
Very amusing.
Destroyed their world
at the point-to-point.
Yes,
Yes, I was most upset about that.
And you needn't say good riddance.
I'm not the only one thinking that.
I wonder who invented the
phrase brotherly love?
Well, you seem to get
on better with cousins.
You've noticed.
Are you all right?
Yes.
Just wanted some fresh air.
It's good for thinking.
Mhm.
What about?
You and Mark?
There's not much to think about.
I'm not so sure.
How do you mean?
Well,
when father finds out,
and he's bound to sooner or later,
that you're not going to marry Mark.
He won't be very
pleased, I suppose?
That's putting it mildly.
Hm.
He won't turn me out, will he?
Well, perhaps not.
But if he's not going to get
his hands on your inheritance,
he'll make your life a misery.
I hadn't thought of that.
William, it's awful.
What's to become of me?
Well,
If you're going to become
the black sheep of the family,
Yes?
Why not join the other one?
Am I receiving another proposal?
Well not straight away.
There must be a full moon.
That's two in one week.
I've got to get a job
first and pay back my...
Funny.
I never knew
I wanted you to ask.
You wanted me to ask?
And so what do you say?
I don't know what to say.
Listen, Christina, I've got interviews
next week. We won't have to wait long.
I'm the one who have to do the waiting
Pardon?
Well, you'll be off with
your flying machines.
I'm the one who
will have to wait.
But it won't be long.
You'll see.
You haven't given me an answer yet
Yes.
On condition
Condition?
That we leave now.
- Now?
- Right now.
But, Christina, I haven't anywhere to stay.
And don't you think it's improper?
Oh, listen to the radical thinker.
I could stay with Aunt Grace in Battersea.
I'm not kicking my heels at Flambards
waiting for you to fly to the moon
In the car, we could be
in Battersea by morning.
Slip away, collect your things.
There's nothing to collect.
There is a full moon.
And I'm not slipping away.
Let's leave with a flourish.
All right.
Will you play follow my leader?
The audacity.
Seem to remember that runs in the
Russell family...one way or another.
You could snuggle down and
try and sleep if you want to.
Oh, no, I couldn't.
My head's still spinning.
Do you know,
I just had a funny thought
You know what we're doing?
We're eloping.
Are we?
To Battersea.
Subtitle © RPY 2023