Performance (1992–…): Season 5, Episode 2 - The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd - full transcript

[melancholy piano music]

Well, have you got them dry?

[gasps] You!

You, I don't know
what to call you!

The idea of you shouting
at me like that,

like The Evil One
come out the darkness.

I ought to have remembered
your tender nerves.

-Shall I come in?
-No, not for your impudence.

But you're late, aren't you?

It's only just gone six.

But I'll bet Charles Holroyd
was home before four.



Aye, gone again before five.

Where's he gone?

Dunno; he's got a
game on somewhere.

Toffed himself up to the
nines and skedaddled off,

as brisk as a turkey-cock.

Though turkey-cock's
aren't brisk as a rule.

[fabric rustles]

Children playing?

Yes, and they ought to be in.

Here, take hold and
help me fold it.

I shall swarf it up.

Oh, you're as tiresome
as everybody else.

Well, I can soon wash me hands.

That roller-towel's
ever so dirty.



I'll get you another.

[Blackmore] Why, bless my life,

I'm a lot dirtier
than the towel.

-I don't want another.
-Here you are.

Why did you trouble, now?

Pride, you know,
pride, nothing else.

It's nothing but decency.

Pride, pride, pride.

Oo, how dark!

Why, where have you been?

What have you been doing now?

Only been out to play.

Where's Minnie?

I'm here, Mam, what d'you think?

Why, what should I think?

Yes, Mam.

You know my father?

I should hope so.

We saw him dancing, Mam,
with a paper bonnet.

What?

There's some women
down at New Inn,

what's come from Nottingham.

And he's dancing
with the pink one.

Shut up, our Minnie.

They've got paper
bonnets on, Mam.

All colours, Mam.

Shut up, our Minnie!

An' me dad's dancing with her.

[Minnie] With the
pink-bonnet one, Mam.

Up in the clubroom,
over the bar.

An' she's a lot
littler than him, Mam.

Shut up, our Minnie.

Lots of folks outside
watching, looking at my dad.

He can dance, can't he, Mam?

And who else is there?

-Some more men.
-Shh!

Shut up.

[Minnie] And other women
with paper bonnets on.

[Jack] Shut up, our Minnie.

They say they came in a
brake from Nottingham.

[lamp-glass smashes]

[melancholy music]

[Blackmore] Was
that the lamp-glass?

I never knowed Mr.
Blackmore was here.

-Have you got another?
-No.

We can manage with a
candle for tonight.

I'll see if I can't get
you one from the pit.

-Shan't be a minute.
-No, no, don't trouble.

[door closes heavily]

[Minnie] Did Mr. Blackmore
come for tea, Mam?

No.

He's had no tea.

I'll bet he's hungry.

-Can I have some bread?
-Yes.

-[dustpan clatters]
-[glass tinkles]

You can get your boots
off and go to bed.

It's not seven o'clock yet!

[Mrs Holroyd] Doesn't matter.

-[dustpan clatters]
-[glass tinkles]

What do they wear
paper bonnets for, Mam?

Because they're brazen hussies.

What's a dog's nose, Mam?

[Mrs Holroyd] Don't ask me,
child, how should I know?

[Minnie] Would she eat it, Mam?

[Mrs Holroyd] Eat what?

Her in the paper bonnet,
eat the dog's nose?

No, of course not.

How should I know
what a dog's nose is?

[Jack] I bet he'll never go
to work tomorrow, Mother,

will he?

Goodness knows.

I'm sick of it!

Disgracing me.

There'll be the whole
place cackling this now.

They've no sooner finished

about him getting
taken up for fighting

than they'll begin on this.

But I'm gonna put a stop
to it, some road or other.

It's not going on,
not if I know it is.

[Blackmore] Here we are then.

[door slams shut]

Got one all right.

Did they give it
you, Mr. Blackmore?

No, I took it.

What do you wear blue
trousers for, Mr. Blackmore?

They're to keep me other
trousers from getting greasy.

Why don't you wear
pit-breeches, like Dad's?

[Jack] 'Cause he's
a 'lectrician.

Could you make me
a little engine

what'll make electric light?

I will, some day.

[Minnie] Why don't you
come and live here?

Uh... [chuckles awkwardly]

Nay, you've got your
own dad to live here.

You could come as well.

Me Dad shouts when
we've gone to bed,

an' he thumps on the table.

He wouldn't if you were here.

[Jack] He dursn't!

[Mrs Holroyd] Be
quiet now, be quiet.

Mr. Blackmore?

-Your hands are cold.
-Are they? I didn't know.

You must want your tea.

Nay, I'm in no hurry.

Selvage to selvage.

You'll be quite a
domestic man if you go on.

Aye.

They're white, your sheets.

Look at the smuts on them!

Look!

This vile hole.

I'd never have
come to live here,

in all the thick of the
pit-grime, and lonely,

if it hadn't been for him.

So he shouldn't call
on a public house

on his road home from work.

And now, he slinks past on
the other side of the railway,

and goes down to the New Inn

instead of coming
in for his dinner.

[mine whistle moans]

Might as well have
stopped in Bestwood.

Though I rather like
this little place,

standing by itself.

Jack, can you go and get
the stockings in for me,

they're on the line.

Prop's by the apple
tree, mind it!

Minnie, you take the peg basket.

Will there be any rats, Mam?

Rats? No!

They'll be frightened when
they hear you, if there are.

[dog barks distantly]

Poor little beggars.

Do you know this place is
fairly alive with rats?

They run up that dirty
vine in front of the house.

I'm always at him
to cut it down.

And you can hear them
overhead at night,

like a regiment of
soldiers tramping.

Ooh really, you
know, I hate them.

Well, a rat is a nasty thing.

But I s'll get used to 'em.

I'd give anything to
be out of this place.

'Tis rotten when you're tied
to a life you don't like.

But I should miss it
if you weren't here.

When I'm coming down the line
to the pit in the morning,

I watch the firelight in here.

Sometimes, I put
my hand on the wall

where the chimney runs
up, to feel it warm.

There isn't much in
Bestwood, is there?

There's less than nothing

if you can't be like
the rest of them.

Common as they're made.

It's a fact,

particularly for a woman.

But this place is cosy.

God love me, I'm
sick of lodgings.

You'll have to get married.

I'm sure there are plenty
of nice girls about.

Aye?

Never see 'em.

Come, you can't say that.

I've not seen a single
girl, an unmarried girl,

that I should want for
more than a fortnight.

Not one.

Perhaps you're very particular.

-[clock ticks loudly]
-[tense strings music]

Look here...

Yes, I know you've
got nice hands,

but you needn't be vain of them.

No, it's not that.

Don't they seem...

Don't you think they sort
of go well with one another?

They do, rather.

[Blackmore] Why, what is it?

[footsteps running]

I do believe it's
freezing, Mother!

Mr. Blackmore, could you
shoot a rat and hit it?

Shoot the lot of
'em, like a wink.

But you've had no tea.

What an awful shame
to keep you here.

Nay, I don't care,
it never bothers me.

Then you're different
from most men.

All men aren't alike, you know.

[Mrs Holroyd] Do go
and get some tea.

Can't you stop, Mr. Blackmore?

Why, Minnie?

So as we're not frightened.

Frightened? Of what?

'Cause there's noises and rats,

and perhaps Dad'll
come home and shout.

He'd shout more if I was here.

He doesn't when
Uncle John's here.

So you stop and
perhaps he won't.

Don't you like him to
shout when you're in bed?

[gentle melancholy music]

[Mrs Holroyd sobs]

[dog barks]

-[man and woman chuckle]
-[door latch rattles]

Good evening!

What do you want?

Oh, we've not come begging!

This is a visit!

[people cackle]

[Mrs Holroyd] What?

We thought we'd just call.

No!

You're not coming in.

Dear me, what a to-do? [laughs]

[Laura] My word, aren't
we good enough to come in?

You've no business here.

What do you want?

I tell yer, we've
just come to see yer.

Can I sit here?

Rest for 't weary.

[Laura] I've laughed
till I feel fair bad!

[Clara and Holroyd laugh]

Well, haven't you got

a drop of nothing
to offer us, mester?

Come, you are slow.

I should have thought
a gentleman like you

would have been out
with the glasses

afore we got breaths to ask you.

I don't believe there's
owt in the house

but a bottle of stout.

[Laura] It feels as if the
kettle's gonna boil over.

[Charlie] Shall ta ha'e it then?

What do you say, Laura,
are you having a drop?

Well, I don't mind.

I will if you do.

I think we'll have a drop,
Charlie, and risk it.

It'll 'appen old the rest down.

[Charlie] Hey, what come here!

[women scream]

Ah, it's a rat!

Oh, save us!

-The lamp, mind the lamp!
-Where is he?

[Clara] I believe he's
gone under the sofa

and my, an' he's a
thumper, if you like,

as big as a rabbit!

Let me up.

-Let me up!
-Don't touch him!

Where is he?

Hang off, do you
want a body down?

Mind, I tell yer!

-Don't, he'll fly at you!
-He won't get a chance.

He will, he will, and
they're poisonous.

[Charlie] Come off,
I canna see him.

[Mrs Holroyd] Open the
door and let him go!

[Charlie] I shonna,
I'll settle him.

Shut thy claver, he'll
not come anigh thee.

-There he goes!
-Hey, ussza!

[bottle smashes]

Shut 't door, do!

[Laura moans]

Here, come and help
us down, Charlie!

Look at her, she's going off!

Look sharp, fetch
a glass of water.

-Do you feel any better?
-[Laura groans]

Shall you have a drink of water?

She'll have a drop of something.

[melancholy music]

[Laura groans]

You don't happen to have

a drop of brandy for
her, do you, missis?

Go to bed!

What's the matter, Mother?

Never you mind, go to bed!

Be quick, missis!

-[footsteps running upstairs]
-[mine whistle blasts]

Thanks awfully.

Here, try and drink a
drop, there's a dear.

Come back, our Jack.

It's all made of paper.

Let's have a look.

Take that off!

Here you are, you're
coming round now, love.

You will not need this anymore.

No, thanks, I'm
very much obliged.

Come, this is no place for you.

Come back to bed.

No, Mam, I don't want to.

-Come along!
-I'm frightened, Mam.

Frightened?

What of?

Ooh, there was a row.

Did they frighten you, my pet?

Mother, it's Pink
Bonnet and Blue Bonnet

what was dancing.

I don't want to go to
bed, Mam, I'm frightened.

We're going now, Duckie.

You're not frightened
of us, are you?

Now then, get off
after your mother.

I say, what's a dog's nose?

[Clara and Laura titter]

[Charlie] Go thy ways upstairs.

It's only a small whiskey

with a spoonful of
beer in it, me duck.

Oh.

Come here, me duck, come on.

You tell your mother we didn't
mean no harm, won't yer?

What are they made of?

They're only earrings,
don't you like them?

Mm.

This is pretty, isn't it.

Do you like it?

[Mrs Holroyd] Jack! Jack!

Now then, get off!

Give me a kiss
good-night, Duckie,

an' give this to your
sister, shall you?

[kiss smooches loudly]

Aren't you going to
give me a kiss and all?

[Clara] Aren't
they nice children?

Aye.

Oh dear, you're very
short all of a sudden.

Don't answer if it hurts yer.

My, isn't he different!

I'm no different.

Yes, you are.

You shouldn't have brought us

if you were gonna
turn funny over it.

I'm not funny.

-No, you're not.
-[Laura snorts]

You're about as solemn
as a roast potato.

Are you ready to be mashed?

[women cackle]

But look here, this'll never do.

Now I'm going to be quiet.

Tha'd 'appen better!

Oh, indeed.

You think I've got to
pull a mug to look decent?

You'd have to pull a
big 'un, at that rate.

Tha's got plenty o'
fizzy in thee, seemly.

Don't, you've been
drinking. [giggles]

Should we be goin' then?

Where are you takin' us?

Oh, you please yourself o' that.

Come on wi' me.

Oh, indeed!

Here, come on, let's be moving!

What's your hurry?

Here, come on with thee.

I don't think!

What's use o' sittin' 'ere?

I'm very comfy, I thank thee.

Tha 'rt a baffling little 'ussy.

Aren't you having
anything, me dear?

No, come on, let's shift.

Hands off!

-[slap cracks]
-[door latch rattles]

[door slams]

I don't know what you
think of us, I'm sure.

I think nothing at all.

So, you fix your thoughts
elsewhere, do you?

No, but I have
been awful tonight.

I don't want to know
anything about yer.

I shall be glad when you'll go.

Turning out time, Laura.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sure!

Never mind, but as true
as I'm here, missis,

I would never have
come if I'd thought.

But I'd had a drop.

It all started with
your husband saying

he wasn't a married man.

[women cackle]

I never knowed her
to go off like it.

It's after 't time she's had.

My husband was a brute to me.

I was in bed three
month after he died.

He was a brute, he was.

This is the first
time I've been out.

It's a'most the first
laugh I've had for a year!

It's true what she says.

We thought she'd
go out of 'er mind.

She never spoke a
word for a fortnight.

Though he's only been
dead for two months,

he was a brute to me!

I don't know why I
should hear all this.

I know.

I must 'ave seemed awful.

An' them children, aren't they
nice little things, Laura?

[Laura] They are that.

Hanna you about done there?

My word!

Is this the way you treat a
lady when she comes to see yer?

I'll see you down the line.

You'll not come
a stride with us!

We've got no hats,
neither of us.

We've got our own hair on
our heads, at any rate.

And I've been educated
at a boarding school,

as good as anybody.

I can behave meself
either in the drawing room

or in a kitchen as is
fitting and proper.

But if you'd buried
a husband like mine,

you wouldn't feel you'd
much left to be proud of,

and you might go
off occasionally.

I don't want to hear you.

Sorry I spoke.

Ye mun mind th'
points down th' line.

I thank thee, Charlie.

Mind thy own points.

[slow melancholy music]

Where's me slippers?

Dos't hear?

I canna find the things!

Humph!

Then I'll do wi'out 'em.

[clatters]

Where's cheese?

God blast it!

I've trod on that brokken
basin and cut me foot open.

Ow!

It's lamed me for life!

And ain't thee goin'ter
get me owt for it?

[Mrs Holroyd scoffs]

All right then.

Don't tear that!

Then what the deuce am I to do?

All right then.

All right then.

All right then.

I'll go where I can
find a bit o' rag.

Yes, that's what you want.

All you want is an
excuse to be off again.

"A bit of rag"!

An' what man'd want to stop in

wi' a woman sittin'
as fow as a jackass,

an' canna get a word
from 'er edgeways?

Don't expect me to speak to
you after tonight's show!

How dare you bring
them to my house?

How dare you!

They've not hurt yer
'ouse, have they?

It's a wonder you dare
cross the doorstep!

I s'll do what the deuce I like.

They're as good as you are!

Don't you come near me again.

She's as good as you
are, every bit of it!

Whatever I was and
whatever I may be,

don't you ever
come near me again!

What!

I'll show thee.

What is the hurt to you if
a woman comes to the house?

They're women as good as
yourself, every whit of it.

Say no more.

Go with them then
and don't come back!

What?

Yi, I will go, an' you s'll see.

What!

You think you're something,

since your uncle
left you that money,

an' Blackymore
puttin' you up to it.

I can see your little game.

I'm nor as daft as you imagine.

I'm no fool, I tell you.

No, you're not.

You're a drunken beast,
that's all you are.

What?

What?

I'm what?

I'll show you who's
gaffer, though.

No, it's not going on.

If you won't go, I will.

Go then, for you've always been

too big for your
shoes in my house.

Yes, I ought never to
have to looked at you.

Only you showed
a fair face then.

What?

What?

We'll see who's master i'
this house, I tell yer!

I'm goin' to put a stop to it!

It's going to stop!

I've put up with it long enough.

Do you think I'm a dog in the
house, an' not a man, do you?

A dog would be better.

Oh!

Oh!

Yeah, then we'll see.

We'll see who's the
dog and who isn'a.

We're goin' to see!

Stop thumping that table!

You've wakened those children
once, you and your trollops.

I shall do what
the deuce I like!

No more, you won't, no more.

I've stood this long enough.

Now I'm going.

As for you, you've got a red
face where she slapped you.

Now, go to her.

What?

What?

For I'm sick of the sights
and the sounds of you.

By God, and I've
known it a long time.

You have, and it's true.

And I know who it is
th'art hankerin' after.

I only want to be rid of you.

I know it mighty well.

But I know him!

Do you think I care
about what you say?

Oh, I've had enough.

I've tried, I've tried for
years, for the children's sakes.

Now I've had enough of
your shame and disgrace.

-Oh indeed!
-I've had enough.

Go out again after
those trollops.

Leave me alone, I've had enough.

Go.

I mean it.

Go out again.

And if you never come
back again, I'm glad.

I've had enough.

[tragic music]

All right then.

[knocking]

[Blackmore] Missis?

Has she gone to bed?

[Charlie] Her's locked me out.

Let me smash that
bloody door in.

Come out, come out, ussza!

[Blackmore] Here, here,
what're you doing?

[Charlie] I'm smashing
that blasted door in!

What do you think you're doing?

What?

Tha thought tha'd only play

thy monkey tricks
on me, did ter?

I'm going to show thee!

[Blackmore] Here, here!

Come and sit down and be quiet.

What?

What's it got to do wi' ye?

What's it got ter do wi' ye!

Nothing, but it's getting
late and you want your supper.

I want nowt, I'm allowed
nowt in this 'ouse.

'Er begrudges me
ivry morsel I ha'e!

Oh, what a story.

[Charlie] It's the
truth, an' you know it.

You'll rouse the children.

You'll rouse the
children at this hour.

Not me.

Not if I know it.

I shan't disturb 'em.

Bless 'em.

[Charlie coughs]

Shall I light the lamp?

No, don't trouble.

Don't stay any longer,
there's no need.

I'll just see it's all right.

Don't stay any longer.

I'll see it's all right.

I shall be all right.

He'll go to sleep now.

He can't go like that.

What's he done to his face?

He had a row with Jim Goodwin.

What about?

I don't know.

Oh, the beast!

By Jove, and isn't he a weight!

He's getting fat, must be.

He's big made, he's
got a big frame.

Whatever he is, it took me
all my time to get him home.

I thought I'd better
keep an eye on him.

I knew you'd be
worried about him.

So I sat in the smoke
room and waited for him.

Though it's a dirty
hole and dull as hell.

Why did you bother?

Well, I thought you'd
be upset about him.

I had to drink three whiskies.

Had to, in all conscience.

I don't want to be
the ruin of you.

Don't you?

I thought he'd pitch
forward onto the lines

and crack his skull.

What are thaigh doin' 'ere?

I came in with you.

Thou'rt a liar, I'm
only just come in.

He is no liar at all.

He brought you home
'cause you were too drunk

to come yourself.

Thou'rt a liar!

Niver set eyes on him
this night, afore now.

You don't know what
you have done tonight.

I s'll not ha'e it, I tell thee!

[Mrs Holroyd scoffs]

I s'll not ha'e it.

I s'll ha'e no carryin's
on i' my 'ouse.

Talk when you've got some sense.

I've as much sense as thaigh.

Am I a fool?

Canna I see?

What's he doin' here
then, answer me that.

Mr. Blackmore came
to bring you home,

'cause you were too drunk
to find your own way.

This is the thanks he gets.

Blackymore, Blackymore.

So it's him tha cuts
thy cloth by, is it?

You don't know what
you're talking about,

so keep your tongue still.

I don't know what
I'm talking about.

I don't know what
I'm talking about.

Don't I?

An' what about him
standing there then,

if I don't know what
I'm talking about?

You've been to sleep, Charlie,

an' forgotten I came in
with you, not long since.

I'm not daft!

I'm not a fool, I got eyes
in me head, and sense.

You needn't try to get over me.

I know what you're up to.

It's a bit off to talk
to me like that, Charlie,

I must say.

I'm not good enough for 'er.

She wants Mr. Blackymore.

He's a gentleman, he is.

Now we have it all;
now we understand.

I wish you understood enough
to keep your tongue still!

What?

What?

I'm to keep my
tongue still, am I?

An' what about Mr. Blackymore?

Stop your mouth, you...

You vulgar, low-minded brute.

Am I?

Am I?

An' what are you?

What tricks are
you up to, an' all?

But that's all right.

That's all right, it's
all right, if it's you!

I think I'd better go.

You seem to enjoy, er...

[clears throat]
calumniating your wife.

Calumniating?

Calumniating, I'll
give you calumniating,

you mealy-mouthed jockey,
I'll give you calumniating!

I think you've
said about enough!

Have I?

Have I, you flimsy jack, 'ave I?

But I've not done with thee yet.

No, and you haven't.

[Charlie] I'll show
thee, I'll show thee.

Yes!

Yes, me young monkey.

So it's thaigh, is it?

Yes, it's me.

An' I'll ma'e thee
wish it worn't, I will!

What?

Tha'd come slivin'
round here, would ta?

-Drunken fool, oh don't!
-What?

[Blackmore] Mind
what tha'rt doing!

[scuffling]

-What?
-No no!

What?

What?

What!

Ooh!

What has he done to himself?

He tumbled over himself.

Aren't you gonna get him up?

What for?

But what shall we do?

Let him go to hell.

He's getting up.

All right then, let him.

I'll show thee, I'll show thee!

[grunts]

He'll kill you, he'll kill you.

Oh, would you believe
it, isn't it awful!

-Is he hurt, do you think?
-[Blackmore pants heavily]

I don't know, I
should think not.

I wish he was dead.

I do, with all my heart.

Do you?

You don't know what you
wish, or what you want.

[dog barks]

Do you think I could get
past him to come inside?

I should think so.

Why, you've got no
shoes and stockings on.

No.

Are you cold?

[Mrs Holroyd] A little,
with standing on the yard.

[Blackmore] What a shame.

Don't, no no don't!

[clock ticks loudly]

They're frightfully cold.

Damn him!

[gentle music]

We can't leave him lying there.

No.

No, I'll bring him in.

-But...
-He won't wake now.

The drink will have
got hold of him be now.

[dog barks]

Could you take hold of his feet?

He's so heavy.

Yes.

[Blackmore] Wait.

Wait till I've got hold of him.

Half a minute.

-[Charlie snores]
-[dog barks]

[Mrs Holroyd] Doesn't
he look awful?

It isn't much really.

It's more mark than mar.

I shall never get him upstairs.

He can sleep here, with a rug
or something to cover him.

You don't want him upstairs?

Never again.

He'll be all right down here.

-Have you got a rug?
-Yes.

-[mine whistle moans]
-[machinery chugs]

What are you doing?

Only wiping his face
to get the dirt out.

I wonder if he'd
do as much for you.

I hope not.

Isn't he horrible?

Horrible.

[Blackmore] Don't
look at him then.

I can't take it
in, it's too much.

He won't wake now;
I will stay with ye.

No, oh no!

There'll be the drawn
sword between us.

[Mrs Holroyd] Don't.

I'm sorry.

I wonder you can be
so careful over him.

It's only because he's helpless.

Why should you love
him ever so little?

I don't, only he's helpless.

Five minutes since, I
could have killed him.

Well, I don't
understand you men.

Why?

I don't know.

I thought...

As I stood in that doorway,

and watched him
trying to get up,

I wished as hard as I've ever
wished anything in me life.

What?

That I'd killed him.

I've never wished anything
so much in me life.

-If wishes were anything-
-Don't.

I could have done it, too.

-He ought to be dead.
-Don't.

You know you don't mean it

and you make me feel so awful.

I do mean it.

'Tis simply true what I say.

[Mrs Holroyd] Don't say it!

-No?
-No.

We've had enough.

Give me the rug.

You only do it to
play on my feelings.

[Blackmore scoffs]

Now give me a pillow.

Thanks.

[Charlie snorts and mutters]

I suppose you're
fond of him, really.

No more.

You were fond of him?

I was, yes.

What did you like in him?

I don't know.

I suppose you really
care about him, even now.

Why are you so sure of it?

Because I think it is so.

I did care for him;
now he's destroyed it.

I don't believe
he can destroy it.

Don't yer?

When you are married, you try.

You'll find it isn't so hard.

What did you like in him?

Because he was good-looking,
strong, and that?

I liked that as well.

But if a man makes a
nuisance of himself,

his good looks are ugly to you,

and his strength loathsome.

Do you think I care about a
man because he's got big fists,

when he's a coward
in his real self?

Is he a coward?

He is a pettifogging paltry one.

And so you've really
done with him?

I have.

And what are you going to do?

I don't know.

I suppose nothing.

You'll just go on with him.

Even if you've done with
him, you'll go on with him.

[door latch clicking]

But was there
nothing else in him

besides his muscles
and his good looks

to attract you to him?

Why?

What does it matter?

-What did you think he was?
-Why must we talk about him?

Because I can never
quite believe you.

I can't help whether
you believe it or not.

Are you just in a rage with
him, because of tonight?

I know, tonight finished it,

but it was never
right between us.

-Never?
-Not once.

And then tonight...

No, it's too much, I can't
stand any more of it.

And so you really don't
care about him any more?

No.

[door latch clicking]

And you would leave him?

I would leave him and not care

-that about him anymore.
-[fingers snap]

Will you come with me?

[gentle music]

Where?

To Spain.

I can anytime have a job
there in a decent part.

You could bring the children.

[Charlie snores]

Will you, hen?

When would you go?

Tomorrow, if you like.

But why would you want
to saddle yourself

with me and the children?

Because I want to.

But you don't love me?

Why don't I?

You don't.

I don't know about that.

I don't know
anything about love.

Only, it's gone
on for a year now,

and it's got stronger
and stronger.

What has?

This.

This wanting you
to live with me.

I took no notice
of it for a time.

But now I can't
get away from it,

at no hour and nohow.

But you'd like to
get away from it.

I hate a mess of any sort.

But if you'll come with
me, you and the children-

But I couldn't,
you don't love me.

I don't know what you
mean by, I don't love you.

I can feel it.

And do you love me?

I don't know.

Everything is so, so...

[door latch clicks]

How old are you?

39.

I'm 34.

And have you never been in love?

I don't think so.

I don't know.

But you must know.

[door latch clicks]

I must go and shut that
door that keeps clicking.

Hello?

Hello?

What are...

Who are ter?

[melancholy music]

Well, I dunna know.

[Charlie coughs]

[door slams]

[Blackmore] Has he gone to bed?

He's lying on the bed.

[Blackmore] And
will he settle now?

I don't know.

He's like that sometimes.

He will have delirium
tremens if he goes on.

You can't stay
with him, you know.

And the children?

We'll take them.

Oh...

[Mrs Holroyd cries]

Look at me and kiss me.

[Mrs Holroyd sobs]

My God, but I hate him.

I wish either he was dead or me.

It can't go on like it any more.

I feel as if I
should come in two.

I can't keep away
from you, I can't.

Come with me.

Come with me and leave him.

If you knew what a
hell it's been for me

to have you here,
and to see him.

I can't go without you, I can't.

It's been hell every
moment for six months now.

You say I don't love you.

Well, perhaps I don't,
for all I know about it.

Oh my God, don't keep
me like it any longer.

Why should he have you and
I've never had anything.

Have you never loved anybody?

No.

I've tried.

Kiss me of your
own wish, will you?

I don't know.

[Blackmore] Let's break clear.

Let's go right away.

Do you care for me?

I don't know.

When do you think you will know?

-I don't know.
-Yes, you do know, really.

If he were dead,
should you marry me?

-Don't say it.
-Why not?

If wishing of mine
would kill him,

he'd soon be out of the way.

-And then the children...
-I'm fond of them.

-I shall have good money.
-But he is their father.

What does that mean?

Yes, I know, but...

Is it him that keeps you?

No.

Well then...

Come with me.

Will you?

[thumping upstairs]

Well, will you tell me tomorrow?

[melancholy romantic music]

I ought not.

-It's all right.
-Is it?

Yes it is, it's all right.

-Do you love me?
-What do you ask for?

Have I hurt you these months?

You haven't, and I don't
care what it's been

if you'll come with me.

[thumping upstairs]

You will soon, won't you?

He's not safe.

You should have waited for me.

How wait?

And not have married him.

I might never have known you.

I married him to
get out of my place.

And you never cared about him?

Yes, I did, I did care for him.

I wanted to be a wife to him.

But there's nothing
at the bottom of him,

if you know what I mean.

You can't get anywhere with him.

There's just his body
and nothing else.

Nothing that keeps him,
no anchor, no roots.

Nothing satisfying.

It's a horrible feeling
there is about him,

that nothing is
safe or permanent.

Nothing is anything.

And do you think
you can trust me?

I think you're
different from him.

Perhaps I'm not.

You are.

At any rate, we'll see.

Will you come with me
on Saturday to London?

But isn't it wrong?

Why?

You don't care for him and
the children are miserable

between the two of
you, which they are.

-Yes.
-Well then I see no wrong.

As for him, he'd go one
way, and only one way.

Damn him, he doesn't matter.

I know.

Well then.

Have done with it.

Can't you cut clean?

Can't you now?

And then the children?

[Blackmore] They'll be all right

with you and me, won't they?

Yes.

Well then.

Now come on, have done with it.

I love you, I do love you.

Oh my God.

When I look at him
and then at you...

He's had all the
chances, it's only fair.

Lizzie...

My love.

I'll go then, at any rate.

[curious romantic music]

Will you come with me?

I'll come on Saturday.

Not now?

I canna see.

You can see the way
to your own mouth.

I canna see!

Good gracious.

You're as bad as your
father, if it's a bit dusk.

Time for bed.

But my father hasn't
come home yet.

Never mind.

He'll be as drunk as a
lord when he does come.

He may sleep on the floor
till he wakes himself.

Isn't he a nuisance?

I hate him.

I wish he'd drop
down th' pit-shaft.

Jack!

I never heard such
a thing in my life!

You mustn't say such
things, it's wicked.

-Well, I do.
-Well I won't hear it!

He's your father, remember.

Well, he's always coming home

and shoutin' and
bangin' on 't table.

[Mrs Holroyd] Well, you
mustn't take any notice of him.

'Appen you said something
nice to him, Mother.

'Appen he'd go to
bed, and not shout.

I'd hit him in the mouth.

Perhaps we'll go
to another country.

Away from him.

Should we?

-In a ship?
-In a ship, Mam?

Yes, in a big ship.

Where it's blue sky, and
water and palm trees.

-And dates?
-When should we go?

Someday.

But who'd work for us?

I can go to work for us.

I've got a lot of money
now that my uncle left me.

And would my father stop here?

Oh, he'd be all right.

But who would he live with?

I don't know.

One of his paper
bonnets, if he likes.

[Jack chuckles]

-[knocking]
-Here he is!

Hello.

Aren't you youngsters
gone to bed?

My father hasn't come home yet.

Did he go to work
then, after last night?

I suppose so.

His pit things were
gone when I got up.

I never thought he'd go.

And he took his snap, as usual?

Yes, just as usual.

I suppose he's gone
to the New Inn.

He'd say to himself
he'd pay me out.

That's what he always does say.

"I'll pay thee out for that
bit, I'll ma'e thee regret it."

So you think he's
gone to the New Inn?

I'm sure of it.

And he'll have a
bout now, you'll see.

Go fetch him, Mr. Blackmore.

My mother says we should
go on a ship and leave him.

Shall I go and see if
he's at the New Inn?

No, perhaps you'd better not.

Oh, he shan't see me, I
can easily manage that.

Fetch him, Mr. Blackmore.

All right, Jack.

Shall I?

We're always pulling on you.

But yes, do.

[Jack] I wonder
how long he'll be?

[Minnie] What are
them flowers for, Mam?

You come and go to bed now.

[mine whistle blows]

[Jack giggles]

Best be out the way
when he does come.

Mam...

Can I have that bracelet
to go to bed with?

Come and say your prayers.

-[Mrs Holroyd sighs]
-[mine machinery chugs]

Can I?

Have you finished your prayers?

Yes.

If you want it, beastly thing.

Your father must
have put it up there.

Don't know where I left it.

I suppose he'd think
I was proud of it

and wanted it for an ornament.

[dog barks]

[hard heels tap]

[footsteps descending]

Hello Mother, is it you?

Yes, it's me.

Haven't you finished ironing?

Not yet.

You'll have your irons red-hot.

Yes, I s'll have to
stand them to cool.

And you don't know
what's become of Charles?

Well, he's not come
home from work yet.

I supposed he was
at the New Inn, why?

That electrician come knocking.

Askin' if I knew where he was.

I said, "Eh, I've not set
eyes on him for over a week,

"nor his wife, neither,

"though they both
pass the garden gate

"every time they go out,
I know nowt on him."

I axed him what the
matter was, he said,

"Mrs Holroyd was anxious
because he'd not come home,"

so I thought I'd
better come and see.

Is there anything up?

No more than I've told yer.

It's a rum 'un,

if he's neither in the New
Inn nor the Prince o' Wales.

I suppose you've done
something, to set him off.

It's nothing I've done.

He brought a couple of bright
daisies here last night.

Two of those trollops
from Nottingham,

and I said I'd not have it.

Aye, you've never
been able to agree.

We agreed well enough,

except when he drank like a
fish and came home rolling.

And what do you
expect from a man

that's been shut up
in 't pit all day?

He's got to have a
bit of relaxation.

He can have it different
from that, then.

At any rate, I'm sick of it.

Aye, you've a stiff neck,

but it'll be bowed
by you're my age.

Will it?

I'd rather it were broke.

Well, there's no telling
what a jealous man might do.

Nay!

I think it's my
place to be jealous

when he brings a
brazen hussy here

and sits, carrying on with her.

Aye, he'd no
business to do that.

But you know, Lizzie...

He has got something
on his side.

What, pray?

Well, I don't want
to make any mischief.

But you are my son's wife,

and it's nothing but
my duty to tell you,

they've been saying
for a long time now,

as that electrician comes
here a bit too often.

Well, he doesn't
come from my asking.

No, I don't suppose
he wants for asking.

Charlie's not the man to put
up with that sort of work.

Charlie put up with it?

If he's anything to say,
why doesn't he say it,

without going to other folks?

Charlie's never been
near me with a word.

Nor has he said a word
elsewhere, to my knowledge.

But for all that, this
will end with trouble.

In this hole, every
gossiping creature

thinks she's got the
right to cackle about yer.

Sickening!

And a parcel of lies!

Well, Lizzie, I've never
said anything against you.

Charlie's been a
handful of trouble.

He's made my heart ache once
or twice before you had him.

He's made it ache
many, many times since.

But it's not all on
his side, you know.

No, I don't know.

You always thought you
were above him, Lizzie,

and he's not the
man to stand it.

No, he's run away from it.

And what man wouldn't
leave a woman

who's allowed him to live

on sufferance in
the house with her

when he brings home the money?

On sufferance?

You've always been very clever

at hitting things off, Lizzie.

I was always sorry
that my youngest son

married a clever woman.

He only wanted a bit of
coaxing and managing.

You clever women won't do it.

He wanted a slave, not a wife.

It's a pity your stomach
wasn't too high for him

before you had him.

But no, you could have eaten
him ravishing at one time.

It's a pity you didn't
tell me what he was

before I had him.

But no, he was all angel.

You left me to find
out what he really was.

[knocking]

They tell me, Missis, as
your mester's not home yet.

No, who is it?

Ask him to step inside.

Don't stand there
letting the fog in.

Good evening.

Oh, is it you, Mr. Rigley?

He butties along with Charlie.

Oh.

An' han yer seen nowt on 'im?

No, was he all right at work?

Well, 'e wor nowt to mention.

Bit short like,
'adna much to say.

I canna make out what
he's done wi' 'issen.

But didn't he come up
in't same buntle wi' you?

No, he didna.

As I were comin' out
't stall, I shouted,

"Art comin' Charlie?

"We're all off."

An' 'e says, "I'm
comin' in a minute."

He were just finishin'
a stint, like,

and wanted to get it set.

An' he'd been a bit roughish
in his temper, like,

so I thought he didna want
to walk to 't bottom wi' us.

And what's he gone
and done to himself?

Nay, missis, you
munna ask me that.

He's not done owt as I know on.

Only I were thinking,

'appen summat had
'appened to him, like,

seein' as nobody had any
knowin's on him comin' up.

What is the matter, Mr. Rigley?

Tell us it out.

I canna do that, missis.

But it seems as if
he never come up pit,

as far as we can make out.

'Appen a bit of stuff's
fell and pinned 'im.

You mean you left
him lying down there

in't pit, poor thing!

Wa, I canna say for
certain where he is.

Oh, it's very likely
not very bad, Mother,

don't let us run
to meet trouble.

We have to 'ope for 't
best, missis, all on us.

They'll be bringin' him home.

I know they will.

Smashed up and broke.

One of my sons they
burned down 't pit,

till his flesh dropped off him.

And one was shot till his
shoulder was all a mosh

and they brought him home to me.

And now there's this.

Don't, Mother.

You don't know that he's hurt.

I canna tell yer.

Then what is it?

I canna tell yer, but, er...

Young electrician,
Mr. Blackmore,

he rung down to 't
night deputy and,

well, it seems as though
there's been a fall or summat.

Eh, Lizzie, you parted
from him in anger.

You little knowed
how you'd meet again.

Well, I must be goin',
see what's betide.

I've brought up
five lads in 't pit,

through accidents and
troubles, and now there's this.

The Lord's treated me
very 'ard, very 'ard.

It's a blessing, Lizzie,
you've got a bit of money,

else what would 'ave
become of the children?

Well, we shall manage.

And perhaps it's not very much.

There's no knowing

but they're carrying him
to die in th' hospital.

Oh, don't say so, Mother, it
won't be so bad, you'll see.

How much money have you
got, Lizzie, coming?

I don't know, not
much over 100 pounds.

And what's that, what's that?

Hush.

[machinery chugging]

That's twice they've
sent the chair down!

Listen!

[Grandmother] What, Lizzie?

What is it?

It's the doctor's motor.

Dare you stop here, Mother,
while I run to the top and see?

Best not go, Lizzie, best not.

Women are best away.

It is unbearable to wait.

Well, come in and shut 't door.

It's a cold gets in your bones.

Oh, I do wish
somebody would come.

He's never been hurt
since we were married.

No, never had a bad accident
since he worked in 't pit.

He's been luckier than most,

but everybody gets
it sooner or later.

It is a horrid night.

Come your ways in.

[footsteps running]

They're bringing him!

What is it?

You can't tell anything's
the matter wi' him.

It's not marked him at all.

Oh, what a blessing.

And is it much?

-Well-
-What is it?

It's the worst.

Who is it, what's he saying?

[Blackmore] I came to tell
you, they're bringing him home.

[Grandmother] And it wasn't
so very bad, you say?

[Blackmore] No, I said,
it's as bad as it could be.

-Oh, Mother...
-[melancholy music]

What shall we do?

What shall we do?

You don't mean to
say that he's dead?

Yes.

-[Lizzie sobs]
-How was it?

Some stuff fell.

Oh God.

Oh God have mercy on us.

Oh Lizzie, to think he should
be cut off in his wickedness.

[Lizzie sobs]

He's gone very
wrong of late years

poor dear lamb, very wrong.

[Lizzie cries]

Oh Lizzie...

Think what will
happen to him now.

If only you'd tried to
be different with him.

Oh don't, Mother,
don't, I can't bear it!

Where will you have him laid?

The men will be
here in a moment.

They can carry him up to bed.

You can't take him upstairs,

you'll have to wash
him and lay him out.

We'd better have him
in the parlour, Lizzie.

We can handle him in there.

Yes.

[crockery clatters]

Never mind that,
I'll clear that.

If you go and get
the parlour ready.

[heels click on stone floor]

[Lizzie gasps]

They're bringing
him now, missis.

Oh.

There must have been a fall
directly after we left him.

No, no.

It fell aback of
him and shut 'im in

as you might shut
a loaf in 't oven.

Never touched him.

Well then...

You see, it come on
him and gen him no air

and what with 't gas,
it smothered him.

And it wouldna be so very
long about it, neither.

-Oh.
-Eh, dear.

Eh, dear dear.

I wasna to know what 'ud happen.

He'd have had a few
minutes to repent.

The Lord cut him
off in his sins,

but he'll have given
him time to repent!

[castors clatter]

If you just move out of
the way, Mrs Holroyd,

we can lay him on this.

What's the use of messing about?

It suffocated him?

Yes.

'Appen the after-damp.

Be dead in a few minutes.

No, oh think.

You mustn't think.

[Man Outside] You
goin' fast, Joe.

They're comin'.

[Chambers] Oh mind now, mind!

Mind.

Oh, aye, missis.

Worra job indeed it is.

Where mun they pur'im?

Lay him in the parlour.

[Grandmother] Oh my poor boy.

[Chambers] Steady
now, do it steady.

[Joe] By guy, but
he hangs heavy.

Aye, Joe, I'd back
me life on that.

Eh, Mr. Chambers,
what's affliction is
this on me old age?

You kept your sons out o'
't pit, but all mine are in.

When I think of the
trouble I've had,

when I think o' the
trouble that's come to me

out of Brinsley pit.

It has that.

It has that, missis.

You seem to have had
more 'n your share,

I'll admit it, you have.

It is too much!

You never knowed such
a thing in your life.

Here's a man, he's holin' a
stint, he's just finishin',

lot of stuff falls behind
him, clean as a whistle,

shuts him up, safe as a worm
in a nut and niver touches him.

You never knowed such
a thing in your life.

[Grandmother] Ugh.

[Chambers] It never hurt him.

It never touched him!

Yes, but how long would he be...

How long would it take to...

To kill him?

[Chambers] Oh, nay,
I cannot tell ye.

He didn't seem to have
strived much to get out.

Did he, Joe?

Not as far as I'd seen.

Eh, look at his hands,
you'll see then.

He'd not had room
to swing the pick.

[Lizzie] Oh, don't.

[Chambers] Oh aye,
nails is broken a bit.

Don't!

He'll be sure to make
a bit of a fight.

But the gas'd soon
ger'hold on him.

Aye, it's an awful thing
to think of, it is indeed.

I can't bear it.

You'll disturb the children.

We don't want them down here.

He'd no business to have
been left down there.

And what man, dost think,

were going to sit
him down on his hams

and wait for a
chap as wouldna say

thank you for his company?

He'd been ready to fall out
with a flicker o' 't candle,

so who dost think were goin'
ter stop when we knowed

he only kept on so
as to get shut on us.

Quite right, Bill, quite right.

-For not knowin' -
-Sayin' nowt agen thee.

Neither one road nor t'other.

I expect the inquest will be

at the New Inn tomorrow, missis.

I'll let you know.

Will there have
to be an inquest?

Oh aye.

There'll have to be an inquest.

Shall you want somebody in?

To stop wi' you tonight?

No.

Right, well we best be goin.

Oh, I'll send me missis down,

first thing in the morning.

You'll be all right, then?

-Yes.
-Well, good night then.

Good night.

-Night, all.
-Night.

Good night.

It's like this, missis.

I never should ha' gone
if he hadn't wanted us to.

Yes, I know.

[Rigley] He wanted
to come up by's sen.

Yes, I know how it
was, Mr. Rigley.

-Yes.
-Nobody could foresee.

No.

If there's owt,
missis, as you want.

Yes, I don't think
there is anything.

[Rigley] Well, good night then.

We've worked in't same
stall ower four year now.

Yes.

Well, good night, missis.

Good night.

[door slams]

Have you got the things ready?

What things?

To lay the child out.

No, what?

Haven't you put him by a
pair of white stockings?

Not a white shirt?

He's got a white cricketing
shirt, not white stockings.

Well, he'll have to
have his father's.

Let me see the shirt.

Lizzie...

This'll never do.

Cold canvas thing wi'
a turn-down collar.

He'll have to have his father's.

We mun let him set.

He'll be that heavy, bless him.

I shall only be a few minutes.

Young fellow can
stop till I get back.

Can't I go for you, Mrs Holroyd?

No, you wouldn't know
where to find the things.

We'll have to wash him
soon as I get back.

All right.

Well!

This is a judgement on us.

Why?

On me, it is.

-How?
-It is.

Yesterday you talked
of murdering him.

-Well?
-Now we've done it.

How?

He would have come
up with the others

if he hadn't felt...

Felt me murdering him.

[Blackmore] We can't help it.

It's my fault.

Don't be like that.

I...

I daren't see him.

-No.
-I've killed him!

That is all.

-No, you haven't.
-Yes, I have.

But we can't help it?

If he hadn't felt,

if he hadn't known,

he wouldn't have stayed.

He would have come
up with the rest.

Well, and even if it were so,

we can't help it now.

But we've killed him.

Ah, I'm tired.

Yes.

[mine machinery clatters]

Shall I stay?

I, I daren't be alone with him.

No.

I don't love him.

Now he's dead, I don't love him.

He lies like he did yesterday.

I suppose, being dead...

I don't know.

I think you'd better go.

Tell me.

Yes.

You want me to go?

No, but do go.

I shall come again tomorrow.

-[dog barks]
-[footsteps recede]

[water trickles]

My dear.

My dear.

Oh my dear.

Oh, I can't bear it, my dear.

You shouldn't have done it.

You shouldn't have done it.

Oh...

And I can't bear it for you.

Why couldn't I do
anything for you?

The children's father.

My dear.

I wasn't good to you.

But you shouldn't
have done this to me.

Oh dear.

Oh dear.

Did it hurt you?

Oh my dear, it hurt you!

Oh, I can't bear it.

-[sobbing]
-[gentle melancholy music]

No.

No, things aren't fair.

We went wrong, my dear.

I never loved you enough.

I never did.

What a shame for you.

It was a shame.

But you didn't...

You didn't try.

I would have loved you.

I tried hard.

What a shame for you.

It was so cruel for you.

You couldn't help it.

My dear.

My dear.

You couldn't help it.

And I can't do anything for you.

And it hurt you so.

[Lizzie sobs]

[tragic music]

You're not all by yourself?

Yes.

It's a wonder you're
not frightened.

Why should I be afraid of him?

Now, Mother?

Oh, my poor lamb.

I can't think of any reason

why you should ever be
frightened of him, Lizzie.

Yes.

Once.

Oh, but he went wrong.

And he was a takin'
lad as ever was.

But when I waked his father,

to tell him,

he sat up in bed, staring
over his whiskers.

and said, should he come up?

But after I'd managed to
find the shirt and things,

he was still in bed.

You don't know what it is,

to live with a man
as has no feeling.

I'll do that, child.

I'll finish it.

My poor lamb.

Oh, my poor lamb.

I think he must'a
died peaceful, Lizzie.

Seems to be smiling.

He always had a
rare smile on him.

Not that he smiled much o' late.

I loved him for that.

Aye.

Oh my poor child.

My poor child.

He looks nice, Mother.

[Grandmother] I hope he made
his peace with the Lord.

Yes.

Have you got another
bit of flannel anywhere?

White as milk he is.

White, and clean,
as a 12-month baby.

Well, I hope you'll be true

to his children
at least, Lizzie.

[Lizzie cries]

Sit up!

Get thee and wash t'other side.

Or we shall never get him done.

Oh Lizzie!

What?

-What?
-Look.

At his poor hand.

Oh no!

Oh no no, Mother, no!

Oh...

[sobs tragically]

[Grandmother] We
maun get on, Lizzie.

I can't touch his hands.

Prithee!

Prithee, Lizzie.

I don't want thee
going off, Lizzie.

Oh, what shall I do?

Why, go thee and
get his feet washed.

We shall never get him laid out.

[melancholy piano music]

What a man he is.

I've had some fine sons, Lizzie.

Some big men of sons.

He was always whiter than me.

And he used to chaff me.

I used to thank God for
me children, Lizzie.

But they're rods of trouble.

Unfasten his belt, child.

We mun get him done soon

or we shall have such a job.

[melancholy piano music]