Mr Selfridge (2013–2016): Season 2, Episode 4 - Episode #2.4 - full transcript

Read all about it!

Belgium massacre!

Many dead!

Read all about it!
Read all about it!

Read all about it!

Belgium massacre!

Horrible, isn't it?

Women and children,
I heard.

"No mercy shown," they say.

If you want to read
all about it, son,

you need to buy it.



It's a penny!

Sorry, guv'nor.
God bless you.

Read all about it!

"Hundreds dead,"
it says here.

Something has to be done.

Doesn't mean we have to be
the ones to do it.

Every Englishman must defend
his country's honor.

Says so right here
on page two.

(men laughing)

AGNES: Well, I wouldn't
believe everything

that you read
in the papers, George.

You'll get your money.

So you keep saying,
Mr. Leclair.

Yet so far, you have failed
to keep your promises.



Contact me
when we can do business.

I can't believe we've had
so many replies

to such a simple
charity event.

One still has
one's uses.

And I couldn't have done it
without you.

Of course you could.

It simply would have taken you
just a bit longer.

Miss Day.

Delphine!
Rose!

I didn't think
you could make it.

I saw the error
of my selfish ways.

Business can wait
for a day, at least.

If I can sell wine,

I can sell Belgian
chocolates for charity.

Have you seen
the headlines?

These poor people!

Yes, it is a dreadful business,
I do agree.

Mae and I were just discussing
our Palm Court display.

There's two choices.

Mae prefers this one.

Flags?

Isn't it a little, um…

…traditional?

Or some would say patriotic.

Which is why I suggested them.

Of course, it really doesn't
matter which one we choose.

The most important thing…

But just hanging there like
that, it's so old fashioned.

I mean, this one is
far more interesting.

Tables arranged in a circle,
and lots of jolly bunting…

Rose, which one do you prefer?

One would hate to be considered
old fashioned.

Harry!

We need your eye.

Ladies.

Oh, Monsieur Neuhaus

and his delicious
chocolates!

Harry, we are raising money
for the Belgian refugees.

No free samples.

We're just discussing
the display.

Tables arranged in a circle
with lots of lovely bunting,

or flags hanging by tables
in two straight rows?

This one.

A circle every time.

It's more… modern.

ROSE:
Good.

Good.

Good, good.

So then we're all agreed?

So let's see,

we will start with Monsieur
Neuhaus's demonstration

and then the leaflets
and donation forms

will be made available,

so then all we really have to do
is just take the money.

(laughing)

I admire you all.

And you certainly
make it sound simple.

I'm sorry, Harry?
Well, all I'm saying is that

keeping a store
full of customers happy

is harder
than it looks.

Rose, I do believe
your darling husband

is setting us a challenge.

You think us women
aren't up to it?

No, no, no,
I'm simply saying…

Ah!

I think you're right.

Well, let's just see,
shall we, Harry?

I think you'll find
that we ladies

can be the stalwarts

of Self ridge's.

Thank you.

DELPHINE:
I've had another idea:

samples and collection points
all over the store.

That way we can
maximize our takings.

If Harry doesn't object?

I'll talk to him.

He does seem
in good spirits.

I will admit that
things are better.

(laughing):
Not like that!

Oh, my goodness.

So I will see you at 2:00?

I think we have a point
to prove, don't we?

We do.

There you are, Miss.

Thank you.

GIO:
(speaking Italian)

I've not even
made up my mind yet.

I am a sick man.

I know, I know,
you're dying.

This heart is weak.

Weak!

It's the Colleano
family curse.

You don't need to go to war!

But if I did,
you'd have help--

Gabriella.

GIO: Gabriella is just a girl.

Running a restaurant
is man's work.

Maybe man's work
is fighting a war.

I'll see you tonight.

We can talk then.

(muttering in Italian )

All the talk appears to be
of joining up.

Has Mrs. Grove mentioned it
to you at all?

Although my complexion
may suggest otherwise,

I'm a little too old,
Mr. Crabb.

War is a young man's
game, surely?

You would think so.

However, Mrs. Crabb really
seemed quite keen on the idea.

One almost thinks
she sees it as a way

of getting me
out of her hair.

Ah.

All right,
in you come.

Murdered, they say!

Women and children
shown no mercy.

All on the direct orders
of the Kaiser himself.

Question is, what are we
going to do about it?

We fight!

Matter of honor, I reckon.

You can smash as many
German heads as you like,

George Towler,

but break my French champagne
and I'll shoot you myself.

(chuckles)

So you're signing up, then?

First chance I get.

Try and stop me.

Yeah, I reckon the girls
love a man in uniform!

FRANCO:
Lucky for you.

With a face like that, you need
all the help you can get.

Yeah, all right.

Does your Agnes know
about this, George?

She will, soon enough.

I wish I was going
with you.

They say you have to be 16.

GEORGE:
What about you two?

Coming to teach the Hun
a thing or two?

All in good time.

No rush, is there?

Tell that to them
poor Belgians.

Clearly we cannot prevent
the men from enlisting,

but I don't see how we can keep
their positions open.

Well, we've always prided
ourselves on being different.

Better.

Now, this is just
another example.

Temporary posts will be
impossible to fill.

No, they will be difficult,
but not impossible.

And if the politicians
are right,

we'll have our boys back
by Christmas.

I wish I shared
your confidence.

We must hope for the best
and prepare for the worst.

We mustn't overreact.

Yes, but we must do something.

Three months
may as well be three years

if we have no staff.

What about those who are
too old to enlist?

At least we know they
won't be running off to war.

We're talking
about physical work:

deliveries,
the loading bay.

Just because one
is elderly…

I want you both
to explore every option.

Whatever it takes.

I won't let my men down.

This your doing, is it?

My restaurant filled
with foreign flags

and staffed by amateurs?

I think Mrs. Selfridge
just wants to help the refugees.

DAVE: Tell him what Arthur
told you downstairs, Ed.

Babies on bayonets.

Civilians.

It's not right.

GEORGE :
You can say that again.

Your George is already
polishing his medals.

Can't wait to bloody
the Kaiser's nose.

Has he told you
he's enlisting?

Yes, he has.

Seems like half the store
are going.

I know he won't
listen to me.

Perhaps you could have
a word with him,

ask him to at least

think about it?

Not a chance.

Got enough on my plate
arguing with Uncle Gio.

Apparently it's every
brave ltalian's duty

to stay at home
and make tagliatelli.

But what are you going to do?

I don't know.

Yet more men,
Mr. Selfridge.

At this rate, we'll have
our very own regiment.

Mr. Crabb.

Yes, chief?

My wife's charity
event today.

I have an idea
how to round it off.

Indeed?

But it'll take a little
organization on your part.

And I need it to be
a complete surprise.

AGNES:
All I'm saying is that

you could have
discussed it with me.

Why?

So you could try
and change my mind?

You're my brother!

And this is my country!

Everybody's got a choice,
George.

Yes, they do.

And I've made mine.

I want you
as my deputy.

At a time like this,

I need a man with your
experience and your talent.

I don't think so, Harry.

We all need
our lucky charms.

Even me.

So what do you say?

Be my right hand man.

This war, with everything
so uncertain…

All the more reason

to come back
to what you know.

I want to keep my friends
close by, Henri.

I'm honored, but…

Is it about the money?

Because if it is…

Just tell me when to stop.

Stop this.

Okay, okay, fine,
I'll stay.

But for six months,
no longer

I'll take it.

And you have to live
at my house.

With the girls
back in the States,

it's like the Savoy
on a Sunday.

That won't be necessary.

Absolutely no negotiations.

(laughing)

You are an impossible man.

And look where it got me!

(chuckling)

A begging bowl?

Absolutely not.

I just thought
that all of the customers

should be made aware
of the charity event.

By littering my department
with sweets and scraps of paper?

I'm sorry, but Mrs. Selfridge
specifically asked me to…

This is fashion,
not some common Confectioners.

I believe Ms. Towler
is simply trying to do her job.

And I am simply trying
to do mine, Mr. Leclair.

I am in charge
of what happens here.

I'm afraid I must insist.

On whose authority?

I am now Mr. Self ridge's deputy.

He has given me a free hand
on all creative decisions.

But if you still wish to discuss
it with him personally…

That won't be necessary.

I'm glad you decided
to stay on.

But I'm still
a little confused.

What exactly is your role?

Apparently anything
Mr. Selfridge wants it to be.

Harry made me a good offer.

OPERATOR".
Just connecting you now, sir.

MAN".
Paddington 217.

Mr. Webb, I have your money.

I'll meet you at 4:00.

LADY MAE".
You're a working woman, Pimble.

Which one screams modest

but elegantly practical?

I'd say you were spoiled
for choice, m'lady.

So diplomatic.

You decide.

Oh…

I imagine Loxley

may have more boot
manufacturers calling today.

Very good.

So I need you to be
my Eye of Providence, Pimble.

Seeing all,
saying nothing.

Understand me?

Completely, m'lady.

What about the chocolate boxes?

I thought simple.

Yes.

Yes, it's certainly that.

I thought that the message
should speak loudest.

Or with a ribbon.

What do you think?

I think you know exactly
what you're doing.

No ribbon, no bow.

Just the message.

Simple.

Perfect.

Your references
are impeccable, Mr. Jones.

Anything else, Mr. Grove?

Just one.

Could you lift that packing case
and place it on my desk?

(grunting)

Don't…

(loud thud)

Mr. Colleano,
is the Palm Court prepared?

I believe so,
Mr. Selfridge.

Good.

I don't need to tell you

that my wife is very keen
that today runs smoothly.

However, I'm sure that
you will appreciate

that she and her friends
may not be quite so…

Experienced in sales?

Indeed.

So any help that
you and Franco could give

needs to be discreet.

This is her day,
all right, Victor?

And so it should be.

Leave it to me,
Mr. Selfridge.

Thank you.

Miss Plunkett!

Miss Plunkett, do you have
any smelling salts?

Of course,
the praline

was originally developed
by my father.

A sweet chocolate shell

for the bitter medicine
our doctors insist on giving us.

To… sweeten the pill?

However my family
was the first to realize

that a beautiful chocolat
could also be a vessel

of pure, unadulterated
pleasure.

He's very handsome.

You mean for a Belgian?

It is also my pleasure
to see so many of you here

in support of my country.

But I'm sure you will agree that
my deepest thanks

should go to the person
who has made this possible:

Mrs. Selfridge,
the beautiful Rose.

Here.

Voilà.

(applause)

We should definitely learn
to do that.

I'm sorry, they just look
too good to eat.

Please.

Delicious.

Truly delicious.

(applause)

Oh no, I quite agree.

It's dreadful
what's been going on.

Even my chauffeur
has joined up.

Really?

Is one expected
to walk?

Your chocolates,
Lady Colclough.

And I think you'll find
everything you need to know

in this pamphlet.

How kind.

Thank you very much.

We were having
a conversation.

About the affairs
of the day, no less.

And meanwhile, people
are waiting to be served.

One thing I've learned
when running a club

is that little of yourself
can go a long way.

If you expect me
to be brusque…

This event means
a lotto Rose.

As her friend, I would hate
to let her down.

I know you feel the same.

Who's next, ladies?

For the customers,
I think.

But we've donated,
Miss Mardle.

Ha'penny each.

And they're ever
so delicious.

You should try one.

(clears throat)

Yes, well, they do look
rather good.

For the Belgians, Miss.

Yes, of course.

Another?

Yes.

She's in her element.

You know, I don't think
I've seen that expression

on her face for a long time.

What expression?

The way she looks when she's
truly inspired by something.

For a while, I thought
it had gone forever.

Your own column!

You know what they say:

you can't keep
a good man down!

All I need now
is a story.

Well, I'm very
proud of you.

(seductively): And I think
that you deserve a reward…

Ha'penny for the girls,

but I'm sure a man
with his own newspaper column

can afford to put his hand
in his pocket?

Excuse me.

I couldn't help noticing

that no one had offered you
a chocolate.

Oh! Thank you.

No, that's very kind.

In fact, I shouldn't
really be here.

And I've only got
thruppence left.

Please.

I really mustn't.

Do you know
it is a medical fact

that a woman's
body temperature

is always a degree or so warmer
than a man's?

Always?

Always.

Which bien sur means that
for a woman,

the entire
chocolate experience

is just that
little bit more sensual.

(gasps)

Please.

Thank you, but I really
don't think

it's appropriate in the…

(gasps)

(laughs)

Sa bonne?

Oh, yes!

I saw you
and I thought,

"There is a lady
in dire need of champagne."

What a perceptive
man you are.

Cheers.

Cheers.

It's a fine cause.

Yes, we must all
do our bit.

Even the landed gentry.

A little bird told me
Lord Loxley's

working for the Ministry
of Procurement.

Those little birds should
keep their beaks shut.

I must say
I was surprised.

I thought he was more interested
in slaughtering pheasants.

Germans, pheasants.

All grist to my husband's
ample mill.

So it's true?

Well, you know
what they say, Frank:

war brings out
the best in people.

Luckily, I have
a cousin in London.

But I know others from my
country are not so fortunate.

They have lost their loved ones,
their homes.

And here we are eating
chocolates.

It all seems so wrong somehow.

No.

You are doing all you can.

Please.
Oh, no.

No, thank you.

I don't think I will.

Would you excuse me, please?

What are you doing here?

Looking for some champagne.

They are drinking us dry.

There's more down
in the loading bay.

You best
nip down there, then.

(laughs)

Please take one of these.

Here are your chocolates, sir.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, goodbye.

I admit it.

You have proved me wrong.

You should thank
Delphine.

She could give you
lessons.

DELPHINE: You're talking
as if we're finished.

What about the rose basket?

But I haven't even
priced it.

Goodness knows
how much it's even worth.

Don't you think
we ought to find out?

I have 17 pounds,
all for a wonderful cause.

Now surely some of you
rich, handsome men

can reach into
your deep pockets?

(crowd chuckling)

Mr. Frank Edwards!

Any special lady
who needs seducing?

I guarantee this wonderful gift
could woo a harem!

Too rich for my blood.

Find yourself a millionaire.

Wonderful idea.

If only we had one
in the audience.

(crowd laughing)

Mr. Harry Selfridge!

Please, I am merely
an observer.

Oh, go on!

No one you want to impress?

(laughing)

Fine, 18 pounds.

I'm sorry,
I didn't quite hear that.

Did he say 20 pounds?

(crowd shouting):
Yes, 20!

It's so loud in here.

Going, going…

Sold to Mr. Selfridge
for 25 pounds!

(cheering)

Franco?

(men shouting)

Hey! Pack it in!

Wait, there's
money on this!

Get back to work,
all of you!

Or you can explain yourselves
to Mr. Selfridge!

He called us cowards.

Said we were refusing
to sign up.

So you start a fight.

Why sign up for a country
that hates us?

AGNES: Sit still or
you'll make it worse.

They're all idiots, Victor,
George included.

Or maybe they're right?

LORD LOXLEY". Your boots come
highly recommended, Mr. Pratt.

Double stitched seams,
m'lord, for strength.

Fully treated
leather uppers.

Guaranteed waterproof
for 90 days.

You understand this is
a very valuable contract?

PRATT:
Absolutely, m'lord.

I'm seeing several people
like you today.

Tradesmen.

Healthy competition.

We supply nothing
but the best.

Mr. Selfridge himself…

Yes, yes,
I don't need the patter.

What I need, Mr. Pratt,
is my money back,

or at least some of it,

in return for my
continued patronage.

If you understand me?

I can assure you I've quoted you
my very best price.

(sighs)

Are you an honest man,
Mr. Pratt?

Of course, m'lord.

Thank you.

That's all I need to know.

You don't have to go.

Yes, I do.

Truth is, I just couldn't
face myself.

I couldn't put on patent leather
every morning

knowing your George was lacing
up his boots at the same time.

So male pride?

No, but…

…maybe there are
some things

that are worth
fighting for.

Don't do this for me,
Victor Colleano.

If you want to do
something for me,

then you'll stay right here.

I don't want you to go.

Every soldier needs something
to come home for.

Or someone.

Well, then I'll just have
to worry about the two of you.

Look after George for me,
won't you?

I know what those
French girls are like.

They're far more deadly
than a German bullet.

I won't let him
out of my sight.

Promise.

Thank you so much
for your help today.

Well, you know me,

always game
for new experiences.

Since Loxley
came back to town,

things have been…

they've been difficult.

I really enjoyed
being part of today.

You do know you can always
count on me, Rose.

No matter what happens.

How do you mean?

Mae, is everything all right?

Never worry about me, Rose.

Never.

I'm fine.

I'm like a champagne cork
in the bathtub:

always popping back up.

A bit like Miss Day
in that respect.

She's certainly
full of surprises.

I must admit she was
very entertaining today.

Wasn't she incredible?

I wish I had
her confidence.

She sees something she wants
and she just takes it.

It's very inspiring.

Quite.

Unless, of course, it's
something you want to keep.

Hoodwinked
in my own store!

I'm sorry, Harry.

But if anyone deserves it,
Rose does.

And naked generosity
is such good publicity.

You may be right.

Raising money
is all very well,

but I could do so much more.

You're not thinking
of enlisting, are you?

I'm serious.

I could help
the war effort.

As an American,
I'm still free to travel.

I can do better
than boots and breeches.

Maybe you're talking
to the wrong people.

Leave it with me.

Perhaps I can make you
a few new friends.

I'm glad we see
eye to eye.

I need the first consignment
by the end of the week.

And our financial
arrangement?

I'll deposit it myself, m'lord.

Discretion assured.

Better be.

This ship goes down,

then she's taking
all hands with her.

This must be kept
between us and us alone.

Nobody wants any problems.

(crowd talking excitedly)

(glass clanking)

Thanks to all of you,

we have raised
a great deal of money

for a very worthy cause.

I ask you now
to raise your glasses

to the people
who made this possible:

my wife Rose…

…and the stalwarts
of Selfridge's.

ALL:
Stalwarts of Selfridge's!

(applause)

And now I have one final
surprise for all of you.

Follow me, please.

This way.

(drumroll sounding)

(crowd murmuring)

What's this?

Shoulders back.

Chests out.

And quick march!

Left! Left! Left!

(drumroll continues)

(marching loudly)

SELFRIDGE: Ladies and
gentlemen, these are our boys.

Our men.

Our soldiers.

Off to fight
for king and country.

And when they return victorious,

every man will have his job
waiting for him at Selfridge's.

(talking excitedly)

Mob fit for a hero.

Three cheers
for the Selfridge Brigade!

Hip hip!

Hooray!

Hip hip!

Hooray!

Hip hip!

Hooray!

Men, you are all free
to sign up.

Company dismissed!

(applause)

Write to me,
Miss Hawkins?

Everyone needs
a sweetheart!

Of course I will, George!

Every day without fail!

Three cheers!

King, country
and Miss Kitty Hawkins!

Hip hip! Hooray!

Name?

Towler.

George Towler.

Report to Aldershot
first thing.

Next?

You are Clarence Wilson
of 18 Curtis Road, Pimlico.

21 years old
with no physical ailments…

You must feel
very proud, Agnes.

And utterly terrified.

Gosh, is it that
obvious?

Having a large house
is all well and good,

but one does tend
to rattle around in it.

Anyway, that's why I was
going to invite you

to come and stay there.

Just until George returns.

If you'd like.

I'd like that very much.

Splendid, my dear.

Excuse me.

Of course.

Is everything all right?

I must find Victor.

Well, he's…

Victor!

It's Uncle Gio.

He's collapsed.

You know what?

I think we pulled it off.

Indeed.

Yet it still leaves us
with a problem.

Who will replace them?

Not to fear.

Mr. Grove has it in hand.

You'll be hearing from me.

(door opens and closes)

Women?

Women.

In the loading bay?

In the loading bay,

in the kitchens,
driving the lorries.

And this was all
Mr. Selfridge's idea?

"If my wife's friends
can do it, anyone can."

And that's a direct quote
from the chief.

They're to step in
until the men return.

Every job in the store

now available
to both men and women.

That advertisement
goes in tomorrow.

Women?

I'm sorry.

What did the doctor say?

It's a heart attack.

I think it's a wonderful idea,
Miss Mardle.

Well, we must all help
as much as we can.

I have room to spare
and these poor Belgian refugees

don't even have a roof
over their heads.

You seem to know
an awful lot about it?

It seems it's the least
I could do.

Monsieur Neuhaus
spoke to me

at great length
about their problems.

Clearly a most sensitive man.

Vittorio?

Here, Uncle.

The doctor?

Gone, Uncle.

This is nothing.

Something I have eaten
that didn't agree with me.

But until I am well again…

You will stay?

Take charge
of this family.

Of course, Uncle.

You promise me this?

I promise.

(doorbell rings)

(snoring)

(snoring stops)

Victor!

(sobbing)

You're turning in?

Would you say goodnight
to Henri for me?

Of course I will.

(yawning)

I can barely keep my eyes open.

I don't know
how your ladies manage.

I had such a wonderful day.

Thank you for making it
possible.

How could any sane man
refuse the request

of such a beautiful woman?

You're incorrigible.

I'm in love.

(sighs)

incorrigible!

(laughs)

(knock on door)

Thank you.

So you meant it?

Every job kept open?

No exceptions.

It'll cause a stir.

So you'll put it
in your new column?

"Let Selfridge's lead the way.

Set the example."

These are our boys, Frank.

They're fighting for us.

And dying for us.

There's news from Mons.

Reports of many dead.

Hundreds, maybe more.

It was a rout.

You're quite sure?

These are reliable sources.

Men on the ground
I'd trust with my life.

The worst of it?

Churchill and Kitchener
won't let me write the truth.

Press Bureau?

Suppress Bureau.

Our men have
a right to know

what they're
marching into.

This is censorship,
pure and simple.

One battle does not
make a war.

They probably have
good reason.

You approve of this?

Men need leaders.

Inspirational leaders.

So you'd make fools of them?

The merest hint of uncertainty
will wreck morale.

They need to believe.

Or we make them believe?

I'm sorry, Harry, but this time
you and I will have to differ.

I'll run your story.

Right now,
it's the only one I've got.

Can't say
he didn't warn us.

Every day, the same.

"I'm dying, Vittorio."

Silly old fool.

He made me promise
to stay here.

His last wish.

Your family needs you.

Franco, Gabriella…

Anyway, I don't think I could
have managed to say goodbye

to both you and George
on the same day.

At least this way
I get to keep one of you.

I'm no coward, Agnes.

I know that.

(footsteps approaching)

I'm so sorry.

Uh, here, I should go.

This is a time for family.

I'll let Mr. Grove know
about your loss.

(door closes)

You love her.

Thanks for coming
on such short notice.

Thank you for the drink.

And the story.

It's late.

What did he want?

Oh, nothing.

Just a quote
for his new column.

You know me:
can never resist publicity.

Night, Pa.

Goodnight, son.

I'm going out.

To the pub?

We're celebrating.

Well, not like that
you're not.

Aggie!

George Towler, I've been
looking after you for years.

I'm not about to stop now.

I just hope your uniform

fits you better
than your coat does.

(laughs)

I'm going to miss you.

I'll miss you too.

You might be
all I've got,

but you're all
I've ever needed.

You know that?

You'll do.

Just promise me
one thing.

What's that?

Come home to me.

I promise.