Mr Selfridge (2013–2016): Season 2, Episode 5 - Episode #2.5 - full transcript

Oh, look, this might
be from George.

"Dear Aggie, missing you
and hope you are well.

"Food here is good.

"Not a patch on your
home-cooking, though!

Made lots of new friends
here in…"

Well, that's funny,
why is that blacked out?

Well, in any case,
he sounds happy and healthy.

People are…

People are still saying
that our boys will be home

by Christmas.

Oh, I shouldn't wonder.



(doorbell rings)

That'll be Florian.

I do hope
she speaks English.

It's going to be terribly
awkward if she doesn't.

Miss Mardle?

Florian Dupont.

The Belgian Relief
charity sent me.

You are most kind
to extend this hospitality.

Oh, yes, of course,
please do come in.

It'll feel strange
this evening

not having light
in the windows

for the first time
since we opened.

I know.

London's really starting
to feel different.



What exactly is the point
of lights out at night?

It's this new Defense
of the Realm act.

Harder for German zeppelins
to pinpoint English targets.

Telephone call for you,
Mr. LeClair.

Excuse me.

Is Henri going to fight
for France?

He promised me he'd stay
with the store for six months.

After that,
we'll see what happens.

I know I'd fight
if I could.

You can't, Gordon.

You should just be glad
that you have a job

that you can focus on
every day.

GORDON:
I'm not complaining.

It's just…

It's just I can't get our chaps
out of my mind.

I'll wait for you in the car.

I'm going to be moving him
to another department today.

Help take his mind
off his friends.

It's hard on him,
being left behind.

I know.

I think we all wish
we could do more.

How about if I take you out
to dinner tomorrow night?

Just the two of us.

Yeah?

What's the occasion?

Can't a husband spoil his wife?

(chuckles)

All right,
that would be lovely.

I don't care, it's not my…

You have taken my money
and given me nothing.

Do your job
and get me a result.

You were in Paris,
Mr. Dupont?

I worked there
for a couple of years.

Yes, I was touring there
with my orchestra

when war broke out.

Oh, you're a musician?

Violinist.

But as you see,
no violin.

We had to disband quickly.

I couldn't return to Belgium.

And my little village,
I heard the attack was bad.

Very bad.

And your family?

No word.

But my manners,

you must excuse me.

All I have left
is in this bag.

No gift for your kindness.

Nonsense.

Now drink your coffee
before it gets cold.

Where are you off to then?

I'll tell you in later.

Any word from George?

This arrived this morning.

Sounds bright and breezy.

And?

Nothing.

Just they've blacked out a bit
of what he's written.

I hope he's all right.

Well, if he sounds chipper,
just you keep that in your head.

We had a letter
from Gabriella too.

She sounded happy enough.

Where is she?

Italy.

She's gone home for good.

Mr. Edwards has nearly
a whole page now.

See what happens when you
work hard, Miss Pertree?

That must be why you haven't
seen him in a while.

He's got his eye
on another girl.

Men are very simple creatures,
Miss Pertree.

They just need reminding

from time to time
what they're missing.

I think it might be time
to pay Mr. Edwards

a little visit,
don't you think?

I showed him to his bedroom,
what more can I do, Agnes?

We're two single woman
in a house with a single man.

It's unseemly
to say the least.

We'll explain to him tonight,
both of us together.

He needs to find more
suitable accommodation.

Thank you.

I feel awful about
doing this on my own.

I'll just need to think
of something to soften the blow.

Oh, excuse me.

Good morning, Mr. Selfridge.

Good morning, Miss Mardle.

I've asked my son
to join me here

because I'm transferring him
to the Tea Emporium

and I know that you'll be…

Tea?

When my friends have guns
in their hands?

The Department Manager
has enlisted

and we have staff
moves to make.

My son will be
a junior assistant.

You've earned your chance
on the shop floor now, Gordon.

Can you release Miss Calthorpe

for a while, please?

Am I right in thinking she
started in that department?

MARDLE: Yes, of course, Mr.
Selfridge.

Miss Mardle, I worked my way
up to accessories.

Well, it won't be for long,
and I'm sure Master Selfridge

will learn very quickly.

On the whole, the women
are willing, enthusiastic.

There are of course
some teething problems.

Oh, good grief!

Are we surprised?

These are women.

We can't just expect them
to slot in.

Mr. Crabb, we're all aware
that this is a period

of transition.

That's why I'm down here.

I'll be checking in on all the
departments during the week.

We'll have to teach a lot
more of them to drive.

Of course they can't lift
some of the boxes.

Why exactly are they wearing
the men's outfits again?

Standard issue--
the men's overalls

over their everyday clothes.

As I've been
telling everyone,

quite impractical.

Now if you'll excuse me,
I have a meeting

with the Counting House staff.

Speak to the girls
during your staff assessment,

Mr. Grove.

Find out if there is anything
we can do to help.

Yes, of course, Chief.

And what's the matter
with Mr. Crabb?

Well, he has a rather
special birthday tomorrow.

I think he's afraid
you are going to…

He is a little upset,
not being able to fight

for King and country.

He did, after all, sir, enjoy
organizing the men's march

through the store.

(knock at door)

(door opens)

I know you're very busy,
but I need to lean

on your expertise
and your wisdom

in a very important matter.

What is it, Mr. Selfridge?

As I look around
the various departments,

my own family even,
and I see how difficult it is

for the people left behind
during war,

I think we need
a Selfridge's training scheme

of some description.

Something practical
and worthwhile.

What about teaching
staff volunteers to shoot,

Mr. Selfridge?

I've heard of an excellent
rifle training ground nearby.

The men left behind
would welcome an opportunity

to defend themselves
if called upon.

You think so?

I know so.

I will investigate immediately,
Mr. Selfridge.

Immediately.

Well, if it's not
too much trouble, Mr. Crabb.

THACKERAY: In difficult times,
ladies need glamour more than ever.

My displays reflect that.

Of course Selfridge's
will always offer glamour.

This is about fashion,

and fashion
constantly evolves.

But a Poiret evening gown
is a timeless work of art!

Thackeray, it's about
the woman, not the dress.

The country is at war.

They're joining the Red Cross.

They're learning to drive.

Our displays need
to reflect that.

Lecture me about war?

Why aren't you in France
fighting for your country?

If you ever question
my patriotism

or personal integrity again,

we'll exchange
more than words.

Is that clear?

SELFRIDGE: Apparently
accessories is down 16%.

We have to check with Mr. Crabb.
(knock at door)

Yes?

Miss Day to see you,
Mr. Selfridge?

Harry!

If you will excuse me, please.

Thank you.

I remembered our little chat

about you wanting to be more
involved in the war effort.

And I've heard that
someone's retiring

from the Military
Procurement Committee,

which means there could
be a vacancy for you.

Do you think
they would consider me?

Well, I think you just need
a chance to persuade them.

So I thought that
I could host a card game.

And then you can have a word
in Lord Egerton's ear.

Tell him that you want
an official role.

This country needs
your help, Harry.

Well, sounds like you
have it all figured out.

Well, I thought
tomorrow evening would be fine.

Tomorrow?

Is that a problem?

Well, it's just…
I offered to take Rose out.

I'm sure she'll understand.

Besides, I've already invited
the others.

I've picked some pretty
high-powered people.

These chances don't
come around often.

Looks like I can't say no.

I rather hoped you wouldn't.

I'll see you tomorrow then.

GROVE". Miss Ellis, Mr.
Selfridge has asked me

to address the problem
with the ladies' clothing.

Perhaps you would be so good
as to enlighten me.

We are having problems,
Mr. Grove.

Our skirts are too long,
and I'd like to see a man

bend down to pick up a box

when you're all squeezed in
here and all pushed up here.

Yes, very good.

Very good.

I shall speak
to Mr. Selfridge myself

on this somewhat
delicate matter.

Thank you, Miss Ellis.

(sighs)

Oh, dear me.

Taxi!

ROSE:
Delphine!

Hello.

I'm having lunch with Harry.

Do you want to join us?

I feel like I haven't
seen you in ages.

Lunch?

I am so busy at the moment.

We'll get together soon.

Bye, darling.

Roth man Street, please.

Thank you, Mr. Selfridge.
Thank you.

I ran into Delphine
coming out of the store.

I asked her to join us
for lunch,

but she said she was busy.

She's arranging a card game
and she's asked me along.

Delphine came to see you?

It'll be a real opportunity
for me to become

more a part of the war effort.

The only thing is
it's tomorrow night.

Do you mind?

No. No.

You must go, of course.

It's just strange
she didn't mention it to me.

Ah, Chief, could I have a word?

Mrs. Selfridge.

Could I have a word
with you later, Mr. Selfridge?

You can have a word
with me now.

Well…

It's a somewhat
delicate matter.

The, uh… girls
in the loading bay.

Their clothes
are causing…

physical issues.

Can I be of any help
at all, Mr. Grove?

Of course the minute I heard
about clothing problems

I figured that corsets
had to be an issue.

It's difficult for us
to bend down.

And you know what, these skirts,
they're much too long.

Here, take this right off.

Yeah, this is too heavy.

How about lighter overalls
with a belt.

Forget about corsets
altogether.

Shorter skirts, yes?

I'll speak with
the seamstresses.

We should get these made up
right away, Mr. Grove.

Now, is there anything else
I can help you with?

Well…

We wouldn't mind
a mirror or two

in the personal
facilities.

ROSE:
Yes, of course.

There.

That wasn't so hard now,
was it, Mr. Grove?

(knock at door,
door opens)

Beg your pardon, m'lady,
but cook says the butcher's

at the scullery door
demanding to be paid.

Then pay him.

Where did that money come from?

That's none of your concern.

I'm going to be a lot
more involved in commerce

from now on.

I want you to take on
more charity work,

raise our profile
around town.

Why?

It's important you look
like the perfect wife.

Buy yourself
a new wardrobe, jewelry.

Being Lord and Lady Loxley
is very good for business.

Lady Loxley,
what a lovely surprise!

Let's get on with it,
shall we?

I have a whole new
autumn wardrobe in mind.

Dazzle me.

(knock at door)
Come in.

Miss Hawkins.

To what do I owe this pleasure?

I haven't seen you in a while,
Mr. Edwards.

Well, I've been very busy.

Please.

Any scoops lately?

I only wish.

Our hands are tied when it's
information from the front line.

Mmm…

I've heard letters from
the frontline have sentences

blacked out.

Their mail
is censored.

The Defense of the Realm Act
covers writing

as well as speech.

I recently heard of a wife
who reported her husband

to the police for saying
something unpatriotic

over the dinner table.

(gasps)
Never.

She accused him of being
a spy because his second name

was Wilhelm,
same as the Kaiser.

(chuckles)

Why the sudden interest
in my work?

Well, I've always been
interested in what you write.

Well, now.

Where could this interest
possibly take us?

Why don't you tell me,
Mr. Edwards?

Might I call on you
this evening

and take you out?

You might.

You've made my day,
Miss Hawkins.

Good.

Because I've rather
missed you, Mr. Edwards.

All these tea and morning
dresses, evening gowns,

they just don't appeal
to me today.

But imagine yourself
on Lord Loxley's arm

in a gown like this
as you enter

a wonderful soiree.

Look at the exquisite flow
of this fabric.

How can you resist?

You're not listening to me.

I feel I've seen
all this before.

More exciting departments call.

Good day.

(door opens,
slams shut)

Henri, what's the matter?

I just want people to do
their jobs properly.

Is that too much to ask?

Well, I hope you're not
including me in that.

Did I mention you?

Look, Agnes, just because
we were close once

doesn't give you the right
to interfere in my affairs.

I wasn't interfering.

I was just asking
what the matter was.

Miss Towler!

Can I have a word?

As long as you're not going
to bite my head off.

What do you mean?

Mr. LeClair upset me.

Why, what happened?

I don't know what's
the matter with him.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

Well, I've had a bit
of good news.

Uncle Gio left me
the restaurant.

That's wonderful.

I know.

I want to talk
to you about it.

Well, why don't you call
on me at Miss Mardle's

tomorrow evening?

We can talk about it then.

Right you are,
Miss Towler.

Enjoy your tea, sir.

Rifle training tomorrow evening,
Master Selfridge.

Best get your name on the list
as soon as possible.

Certainly.

Very good.

At least I'll get
to hold a gun.

(Grace giggles)

(people cooing)

Master Self…

(clears throat)

(chuckles nervously)

(bell ringing)
Thank you very much.

Thank you.

It's quite light,
feel that.

(clears throat)

Rifle training,
Mrs. Selfridge.

Master Selfridge
has just signed up.

Did he?

You know, sign me up too,
will you?

Maybe some of the ladies
would like to learn

to shoot as well.

Ladies!

Is anyone interested in learning
how to fire a gun?

(excited chatter)

Oh, have you?

My, all of you?

You're taking music lessons,
Miss Mardle?

First floor, please.

No, actually, it's a gift.

Avery generous gift,
I must say.

I wouldn't mind being on
the receiving end myself.

(bell dings)

SELFRIDGE:
Lady Mae.

To what do we owe this honor?

Hello, Harry.

Well, I'm just on
a little shopping spree.

Well, I'm very pleased
that I've caught you

because I have a favor
to ask you.

Nothing that will get me
into too much trouble, I hope.

Not in the least.

I'm attending a card game
tomorrow night,

and I'd be very grateful
if you invited Lord Loxley

on my behalf.

Really?

Well, I must warn you
he rather prides himself

on his winning streak.

I think I can hold my own.

I'm sure you can.

Where is it?

Delphine's.

Oh, well, it's bound
to be very exciting then.

There'll be other
government gentlemen there.

Probably people
Lord Loxley knows.

I'll see what I can do.

Thank you so much.

Oh…

I trust everything's
to your satisfaction?

Well, yes.

Everything but the fashion
department, I'm afraid, Harry.

Your chap there seems
to think that a woman

is a mere bauble to dangle
off the arm of a man.

I think it's best
if I do this on my own.

It's my house.

He simply cannot stay.

Well, if you're sure.

Good luck.

(knock at door)

Oui.

Mr. Dupont,
might I have a word?

Is that yours?

No…

No, it's…

It's for you.

A small gift.

I cannot accept it.

Well, I'm afraid I'm going
to have to insist.

I hate to think you waste
your money, Miss Mardle, but…

I don't know if I can play
this beautiful instrument.

It will make me
think of home.

It might do you good
to think of home, Mr. Dupont.

I think you're the kindest
person I meet in my whole life.

You wanted to ask me something?

Do you know,
I've quite forgotten.

I couldn't do it, Agnes.

His face… the pain.

You know, Miss Mardle,
I am glad.

If George were in
a similar situation

I would hope that someone
truly good like you

would help him out.

I know that that
would help me.

(tuning violin)

It is unconventional,
my dear.

Isn't everything
unconventional in wartime?

(Dupont playing violin)

Lights out.

After shining on Oxford Street
for five years.

When they come back on

you can do the biggest,
boldest display

that London has ever seen.

To welcome our men
back home.

Let's hope it's soon, Rose.

I have business contacts
in town.

You need to make
a good impression.

Good girl.

Hurry up.

By the way, Harry Selfridge
asked me to invite you

to a card game tomorrow evening
at Delphine's club,

although I am sure you are far
too busy for cards these days.

On the contrary.

I will absolutely relish
giving that Yank

the trouncing of his life.

It's wonderful!

Harry, look at the
new uniform sample.

Isn't it just perfect?

It looks very smart

and fit for purpose.

Thank you, ladies,
you both have done a great job.

The girls will be thrilled.

I can't wait to show them.

Good, I just wanted
to make sure

that I understood your needs
properly first.

Oh, you certainly did.

Thank you,
Mrs. Selfridge.

(door opens)

GORDON:
Good morning, Ma, Pa.

Mr. Selfridge.

SELFRIDGE:
It's our pleasure.

See you
after rifle training, Ma.

ROSE:
Yes, dear.

You didn't tell him,
did you?

No.

I thought I'd keep it
as a little surprise.

(chuckles)

(knocks)

You wanted to see me,
Mr. Selfridge?

Look, I'll get straight
to the point, Mr. Thackeray.

We need to look
at the way forward

for the fashion department.

No doubt Mr. LeClair has been
complaining about me.

He said you're not listening
to him.

Lady Mae is one of our most
influential customers.

She was not happy at all
with what you had

to offer her yesterday.

I showed her
the most wonderful creations.

They just didn't suit her mood.

It is your job
to suit her mood.

Not the other way around.

The customer is always right.

Now I need for you
to sit down with Mr. LeClair

and go over the new samples.

Of course, Mr. Selfridge.

Will that be all?

I sincerely hope so.

Looking for Mr. LeClair?

I think I may have seen him
with you before.

Am I on the right floor?

One floor up.

But I'd be happy

to pass a message?

That won't be necessary.

I told you not to come here.

You could have telephoned.

WEBB: This particular information
is best delivered in person.

I've drawn you a map
with the address.

The rest is up to you now.

(knocks)

(door opens)

Can I help you?

Actually, I was wondering
what that gentleman

was looking for.

Might I ask what business
is that of yours?

He was asking about a woman.

But she left
a couple of days ago.

Where did she go?

Probably back to Germany,
for all I know.

Germany?

Well, that's where he said
he saw her last.

Do you think he might
be up to something?

Is everything all right,
Mr. Thackeray?

I have strong reason
to believe that Mr. LeClair

is up to something untoward.

(scoffs)

What are you talking about?

Don't you ever wonder where
he's been for five years?

He's been in America.

That's what he's telling
everyone.

I still don't get your point,
Mr. Thackeray.

My point is that you all
think he's so wonderful.

And maybe he was when
he was working here

five years ago.

But what I see is
a difficult, irascible man

who's hiding something.

(gunshot)

(gunshots continue)

It's harder than it looks.

Yes, sir.
Yeah.

You really just need
to look down the sights,

keep very still and then
slowly squeeze the trigger.

Ma, I didn't know
you were here.

Can I?

Yeah, I used to shoot
all the time in Chicago.

When I was a girl.

(gunshot)

Ten!

(applause)

A bull's-eye,
Mrs. Selfridge!

There's a lot more
to your mother

than you might think, Gordon.

(gunshot)

This really was
an excellent idea, Mr. Crabb.

My son is so happy
to be firing a weapon.

We're all conscious
of self-defense these days,

Mrs. Selfridge.

I've had so many volunteers
I've had to introduce a rota.

ELLIS:
Mrs. Selfridge!

Who'd have thought?

Women with guns?

(chuckles)

Thank you.

If it wasn't for you we'd never
get to do anything like this.

(knock at door)

SELFRIDGE:
Ah, Mr. Crabb, come in.

You wanted to see me,
Mr. Selfridge?

How is the rifle training
coming along?

It was a great
success, Chief.

I've rarely seen such enthusiasm
in the staff.

Well done.

Oh, Mr. Crabb?

Yes?

I understand
it's your birthday today?

Indeed it is.

Mmm…

You must be very proud.

You've had a long
and distinguished career.

Before you say any more,
Mr. Selfridge,

I've been expecting that you
might need me to retire soon.

I realize that time
has crept up on me.

The store will need new blood.

A diamond-tipped pen
for your years of service.

Happy birthday, Mr. Crabb.

Thank you, Mr. Selfridge.

I'm truly honored.

I want you to know
that despite my advancing years,

I'm still wholly committed
to my role here at the store.

I'm not yet ready
to hang up my boots.

I really don't think
we'd know what to do

without you here at the store.

I'm afraid you're going
to have to go on

as long as I am.

While there's a breath in
my body, Mr. Selfridge, I will.

I only hope everyone else
thinks I can too.

LECLAIR:
Mr. Thackeray.

You'll report to me
early tomorrow morning,

before the store opens.

We're going to go
through these fashion plates.

If you say so,
Monsieur LeClair.

I never knew Miss Mardle
was such a big game hunter.

I know, it's a bit odd.

But you know, Victor,
it's really nice

coming back here
after a rotten day at work.

And I can't stop thinking
about George.

You're lucky,
you've got this big family.

He's all I've got.

(whispering):
Come on.

Show me around.

(chuckles)

Thank you.

Ah, Lord Loxley.

Good of you to come
on such short notice.

I do enjoy a game of cards.

I hear that you do too.

Yes.

Glass of wine, Lord L…

Thank you.

My pleasure.

Mr. Selfridge,
Miles Egerton.

I've heard a lot about you.

And I you, Lord Egerton.

Thank you.

I was wondering if your
Procurement Committee

could put me to good use.

Oh?

In what manner?

Well, I could source
kit for the troops

at a fair and reasonable price
for the government.

Of course I'd waive
all commission.

Avery generous offer,
Selfridge.

Well, Lord Loxley knows

that I have given him
some sound advice.

I'm sure he'd be happy
to vouch for me.

What do you say, Loxley?

Another time, perhaps.

There isn't a vacant position
at the moment.

Well, I heard there's one
coming up shortly?

LOXLEY: Already spoken
for, I'm afraid.

By someone we already know.

DEALER: Gentlemen,
please take your seats.

Are you saying
you don't know me, Lord Loxley?

It didn't seem to worry you
when you asked me

for my manufacturing contacts.

I didn't ask you,
you offered it.

You were so eager to help.

DEALER:
Your antes please, gentlemen.

MAN:
Deal me in.

DELPHINE: Bill, what an
unexpected surprise!

For those of you unfamiliar,
this is Bill Summertime.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Good evening.

DELPHINE: Jim, can you get Mr.
Summertime a chair?

DEALER: Gentlemen,
it's no limit betting.

(playing lively piece)

Did you want to talk to me
about the restaurant?

Yes, I did.

It's not going to be easy.

There's quite a lot of debt.

But it would be yours.

It needs an overhaul.

It'll be hard graft.

But I suppose that's
a good thing.

You know, it'll be your own
little pile of bricks

and mortar.

You think I should do it?

Yes, I do.

(chuckles)

(playing arpeggios)

Can I ask you a question?

You and Mr. LeClair…

ls something between you?

Um… well, there was.

Along time ago.

But not anymore.

(applause)

I stand.

MAN:
I stand.

MAN:
Two cards.

SELFRIDGE:
I'll take one.

Check.

I bet…

£100.

MAN:
I fold.

I'm out.

I'll call your £100.

And I raise you…

£100.

Fold.

Re-raise.

All in.

DEALER:
£375.

Call.

Straight to queen.

Full house.

Kings over aces.

Enough for one night.

Well done, Selfridge.

And Miss Day?

LOXLEY:
What?

Miss Day?

Thank you for the evening.

My pleasure,
Lord Loxley.

Good night, Mr. Selfridge.

Do you know what, Agnes?

I'm glad I talked to you.

I am going to make a go
of the restaurant.

Good for you.

Victor…

why did you ask me
about Mr. LeClair?

Why?

Mmm.

I want to ask
you out, Agnes.

Don't you need
to ask me, then?

(chuckles)

No.

I can see the answer
in your eyes.

Good night, Agnes Towler.

You keep a happy house here.

Oh.

Well, thank you.

No, thank you.

This evening you made me
forget my troubles.

Along time since
I've known that feeling.

Good evening, sir.

Good evening.

ROSE:
How was cards?

Do we have to sell
the house?

I won.

A useful day all round, then.

Good night.

Let's see if I can find
a use for you, Mr. Selfridge.

(phone ringing)

Bill Summertime.

I met Harry Selfridge tonight.

I think he could be our man.