Performance (1992–…): Season 5, Episode 6 - After Miss Julie - full transcript

-[gentle music]
-[audience clapping]

[audience gasping]

[pan sizzling]

[big band music]

[guests cheering]

Sorry.

[Christine] It's gone midnight.

-I'm sorry.
-I've eaten.

I drove his Lordship to
London for the celebrations.

Big do, sensual.

Police waved us straight in.



Shoulda seen the crowds.

I heard you park
half an hour ago.

I stopped off at the bar
just to show me face.

And then Miss Julie flounces
up and says, "Pardon me?"

I couldn't say no.

She's off of hear head dancing

with everyone and anyone,

makin' a right
exhibition of herself.

She's barkin' mad that one.

Don't be rotten.

She's love sick, poor thing.

The reluctant officer?

I was there.

Wanna give it the elbow?



They were down at the stables
one evenin' horsin' around.

She was muckin'
about with his whip,

training him she said.

Gettin' him to jump
over it like a dog.

But he goes nuts, lashes out
with the back of his hand,

his ring cuts her [whistles].

Then he gets the whip and
breaks it and rotten all.

Something smells good.

Mm, your favourite,
kidneys on toast.

You can't beat a kidney.

Especially the black
market variety.

[John sighs]

You mighta warmed the plate.

Oh, you're worse than
his Lordship, you fussy.

Don't confuse my appetites.

No, you're a bit rough.

Yeah, me razor's broke.

Buy us a new one.

Anything for his Lordship.

You can have a leg.

Don't be rude.

Dear, we're supposed
to be celebratin'.

This is the stuff.

His Lordship's best burgundy.

Wine glass.

Oh, you have to be particular.

Heaven help the poor
woman who marries you.

Easy.

You're talkin' to
a gentlemen here.

Your gentlemen perhaps?

Oh!

Like Winston Churchill,
robust, full bodied.

And finished.

Poor Winston.

Hardly poor.

-[big band music]
-[guests cheering]

I remember buyin' a
crate of this stuff

for his Lordship before the war.

What's the stench?

A magic potion.

Miss Julie wants it for Diana.

You're cookin' for her mut?

You're supposed to
have the night off.

[plate clattering]

It's a scandal.

[Christine chuckles]

Poor dog's up the duff.

Gate keeper's pug
gave it's seed to.

Miss Julie's livid.

So, what's with the brew?

[Christine imitates squirting]

-No.
-Honest.

Miss Julie says the
dog's betrayed her.

She's off her rocker.

The aristocracy just
adore the animals.

That's why they hunt 'em.

we kill what we love.

-[big band music]
-[guests cheering]

They're a drying breed.

She's supposed to be
the lady in the house.

Shoulda seen her in the barn,

gallivanting with the gardeners,

even the stable
lads got their turn.

And the chauffeur.

-That's different, though.
-What?

Just different.

The rich would never
sell themselves cheap.

They try and act common,
they become common.

She's a good dancer
though, I'll give her that.

Mm, that's not all
you'll give her.

Oi, respect you betters, girl.

She's a finally
lookin' Philly, though.

Good skin and et cetera.

You'd be surprised.

-Hair dresser's-
-Oh, the jealousy of women.

-[guests applauding]
-[guests cheering]

Will you dance with me
when I've finished this?

Of course.

-Promise?
-I just said I would.

[big band music]

[door closes]

Good evening, John, again.

Good evening, Miss Julie, again.

Is it ready, Christine?

Nearly, Miss.

Will you be an angel and
pour it into a bottle?

Yes, Miss Julie.

Are you both overcome
with excitement?

The election.

[Christine] Oh, yes, Miss.

I take it you did both vote
for my father for labour?

Yes, Miss Julie.

And you, John?

Secret ballot, Miss Julie.

I'm afraid I can't reveal.

Impertinence.

What?

Sense of smell and rhythm.

Where does his talent end?

Shall we dance?

No offence meant, Miss Julie,

but I did promise
this one to Christine.

To Christine?

But she can dance with you
anytime can't you, Christine?

I command you to
lend me this man.

It's fine, I've
gotta finish this.

Go on, John.

I don't mean to be rude,

but is it proper for you

to dance twice in
one night with me?

People will talk.

Talk?

What people will talk?

I'm not sure you should
favour one member

of staff as opposed to another.

Favour?

You'll do me the favour.

I can dance with who I like,
or is it whom [chuckles]?

Whomever I like as often
as I like, whenever I like.

We're a free country now, John.

I know, you're a secret
touring aren't you?

Everyone in their place forever.

No, Miss Julie.

And stop calling me,
Miss, just for tonight.

Go back to the Dark Ages
tomorrow if you'd prefer.

Come on, dance with me.

I like the way you lead.

All the other men are
positively club footed.

As you wish.

I'm at your service.

It's not an order,
it's an invitation.

Erase that face
of futile anxiety.

Come and dance.

-[guests cheering]
-[guests applauding]

-[guest whistling]
-[big band music]

-[guests cheering]
-[guests applauding]

[guests chattering faintly]

[John] You all right?

Hm.

She's mad all right.

Everyone was laughin'
at her behind her back.

Cavorting like a
woman possessed.

Maybe she's a witch.

Maybe she's got a
curse [chuckles].

This one's mine.

You're not angry with
for for goin' off?

I know my place.

I think you do, too.

You're gonna make
a very good wife.

Please,

carry on.

The medicine's there
for Diana, Miss.

So I see.

You're a charming partner,

running away from
your lady like that.

On the contrary,
I've run to her.

Hold on tight to
this one, Christine.

He's an incomparable
dancer, but slippery.

Why are you wearing
your uniform?

Take it off.

You're not working tonight.

I haven't had time to
change, Miss Julie.

I drove your father

-to London-
-I know.

Is this your suit?

[John] Yes.

Put it on, it's nice.

Put it on, John.

Will you excuse me, my lady?

I'll cover my eyes.

With your permission
I'll go next door, Miss.

[Julie] As you wish.

[big band music]

[Christine] Here you are, Miss.

Thank you, Christine.

Would you like one?

Oh, no thank you, Miss.

Don't mind me if
you have work to do.

Thank you, Miss.

[Julie exhales]

Is John your fiance?

You seem quite intimate.

Well, we were going to
marry but then the war came.

We're not engaged officially.

Officially?

Well, I don't have a ring.

You know how it is, Miss.

I had a ring.

Yes, Miss.

Oh, I'm sorry, Christine,
am I boring you?

[yawns] I'm sorry, Miss,
I'm tired, that's all.

Then you must go to bed.

Well, John promised
he'd dance with me.

I'll just...

Men like to keep their women,

not their promises, Christine.

Yes, Miss Julie.

Ladies.

[Julie speaking in French]

[John speaking in French]

[Julie speaking in French]

Where did you learn that?

I picked up a bit during
the war in France.

Obviously.

I hope that's all you
picked up in France.

You look quite the
gentlemen in that suit,

[speaking in French].

-You flatter me.
-Flatter you?

My position forbids
me to believe

that you would pay me
an authentic compliment.

Therefore, I must assume
that you are exaggerating

your praise or flattering.

My, what language.

Are you a patron of the theatre?

I accompanied your
father sometimes,

and on his travels abroad, too.

But you grew up
here, didn't you?

My father was a
labourer on the estate.

Our family's worked here
for centuries I'd imagine.

I remember you as
a child in fact.

Really?

What do you remember?

She's asleep.

Do you think she snores?

No, she talks.

And how do you know?

Pillow talk.

[big band music]

Smoke?

No, thank you.

Do you have a light?

-[case clicks]
-[music continues]

Merci, Monsieur [exhales].

Why don't you smoke?

I thought all soldiers smoked.

I'm not a soldier anymore.

You have a weak chest.

Yes, my father told me.

You were demobbed two months
early for your weak chest.

Yes.

Why don't you sit down?

I wouldn't take such a
liberty in your presence.

But if I ordered you?

Then I'd obey.

Then sit.

No, wait.

Have you got anything to drink?

Only beer.

Only?

I like beer.

I'm just a simple
country girl, John.

[caps popping]

What was the war like?

Like?

Like nothing.

[Julie] Did you
kill lots of men?

Hundreds.

-Not thousands?
-Hundreds of thousands.

Thank you.

Won't you keep me company?

I'm not really a
beer drinker me self,

but if your Ladyship commands.

Courtesy commands, John.

Do you think I'm
a dreadful lush?

No, me Lady.

I think I'm a dreadful lush.

-[guests cheering]
-[guests applauding]

Now a toast to me.

[glasses clinking]

To you.

-To you.
-To me.

[Julie and John] To socialism.

-Peace.
-To peace.

What else?

To love.

To love.

To the workers.

To the workers.

Bravo.

[glasses clinking]

Now kiss my shoe as
a sign of respect.

[jaunty piano music]

Very good.

Too quick for me, Monsieur John.

I think we'd better drink up.

Someone might see us.

Close the shutters.

Everyone was talking out there.

What were they saying?

They were being suggestive.

You know what I mean.

You're not a child.

If they should see
you in here alone-

We're not alone.

Your wife to be is with us.

Asleep.

Then I'll wake her.

Christine?

Christine?

Dead to the world.

Christine, wake up.

Protect us from gossip.

-Christine?
-Leave her alone.

What?

She's been workin' all day.

She's tired.

Let her sleep.

[Julie smirks]

A noble thought.

It does you credit.

Come outside and pick
some lilacs for me.

I can't, it's not possible.

-You think-
-Not me with them.

They think I could
want a servant?

They know no better.

You speak like an
aristocrat, or a snob.

And if you are an aristocrat,

then I wouldn't be slumming it
if I picked lilacs with you.

I have a higher opinion
of people than you.

Come.

You're welcome to your opinions,

but I know these people.

They don't see what's there.

They see what's in their heads.

Well, let's find out.

Come.

You're strange.

No stranger than you, stranger.

Everything's strange.

Life, people.

Everything's a scum
that drifts across

the water to the sinks.

Come with me.

What does it matter what
people say or think?

[big band music]

What's wrong with your eye?

Nothing, just dust.

Let me see.

Keep still, don't flinch.

I can feel you flinching.

Keep still.

It's a lash.

A long black lash.

[Christine] What's wrong?

Oh, it's nothing, just a lash.

Oh.

Let me.

He's squeamish about his eyes.

I'm fine, it's gone.

-Let me look.
-It's gone.

Fine.

I'm going to bed.

Unless you need me
for anything, Miss.

No, I'm fine, thank
you, Christine.

The medicine's there
for Diana, Miss,

and you left your bag.

Thank you, Christine.

-Goodnight, Miss.
-Goodnight.

Shall I get you up for church?

[John] Oh, yeah, thank you.

Night, Miss, sweet dreams.

-[guests cheering]
-[guests applauding]

[guests whistling]

[big band music]

Where were we?

You were telling me
your theory of life.

Don't be cruel.

Tell me about your visits to
the theatre with my father.

Nothing to tell.

I used to drive
'em to the theatre.

He would sit in the royal
circle behind the courts.

After the performance he
would dine at his club,

I would wait in the car.

What would you do in the car?

Read the paper, the programme,

talk to the other
chauffeurs in their cars.

Never any women?

Women and chauffeurs? Hardly.

Did you talk to any women?

-Prostitutes?
-No.

Did my father talk to any women?

-No.
-Prostitutes?

No.

My mother died 10 years ago.

What's a man to do?

What indeed?

Do I shock you?

[John] Not as much
as you'd like to.

And would you discuss
the play on the way home?

[John] Sometimes.

-Those his shoes?
-Yes.

Do you like my father?

Yes.

[Julie] But do you respect him?

Yes.

Do you wish he was your father?

Sorry, not a very
grownup question.

You're only young.

And so innocent.

I think not.

It's true, Monsieur John.

[hand slaps]

I have work to do.

It's way past your bedtime.

I suggest you retire.

What work?

Put it down.

Put it down.

[John sniffs]

You're proud.

You're a Don Juan, a Don John.

Have you ever been to the opera?

No.

I shall take you next time
I go to Covent Garden.

But unlike my hypocrite father,

you will sit with
me in the circle.

Would you like that?

After cleaning his
shoes for the morning,

it's not my job to amuse you.

[Julie chuckles]

Please don't sulk.

Well, goodnight then.

[John] You forgot your bag.

What were you doing with it?

[big band music]

-[guests cheering]
-[guests applauding]

[guest whistling]

Thank you, John.

Do you love Christine very much?

Course.

Are you in love with her?

There's a difference
isn't there?

I'm not sure I've
ever been in love.

What about you?

Have you ever been
in love, John?

Sick with love?

Only as a child.

Who was she?

You know who.

[Julie chuckles]

Ridiculous isn't it?

No.

Tell me when you first loved me.

I'd been in your
father's orchard,

his Garden of Eden.

I decided to steal some apples.

-Scrumping.
-Stealing.

I was with my mother
weeding your onion beds

in the field out there
where the barn is now.

I thought the barn
was always there?

It was built when
you were seven.

Those who work the
land know it better

than those who own it.

You're a red.

Far from it.

A cynic then.

Realist.

It was the summer of '27.

I was 12.

I left my mother to it,

thought I'd sneak in the
orchard and go scrumping.

So, I climbed a
tree, dropped down,

found myself in a
garden party, uninvited.

Everyone in their
finery, your mother.

It was summer
evening like tonight.

I was in rags.

I was scared, so I ran away,

and I fell in the slurry pit.

[Julie chuckles]

I was covered in shit, sorry.

And I ran, and I ran,

and I ended up in the other
side of the lake facin'

the stables where
it's boarded up now.

I know.

And I saw a white dress
and a pink ribbon.

Here.

Yeah.

And the girl in the dress
was pattin' a black pony.

Beauty.

I lay in the brambles.

I couldn't move
or they'd cut me.

And I watched the girl
stroking the animal,

and I could see the girl
was whispering to the pony.

Whispering all her secrets.

And she looked sad and alone,

and I fell in love with you.

I wasn't sad.

I was happy [sighs].

I wanted to die.

[John] Why?

Because I was so happy.

But that's not where it started.

I was five.

[Julie chuckles]

I saw your father
wheeling you in your pram.

I was five and I
could already feel

the difference between us.

My first memory is you.

And a feeling without
the words to express it.

Now I can call it love or envy.

A man in my class
can rise like bread,

but not cake.

-[guests cheering]
-[guest whistling]

The world is changing.

Not biology.

But there are opportunities
now for self improvement.

I'm a self-made man if
that's what you mean.

Your father's been good
to me, lending me books.

You can learn a
lot by observation.

And do you still observe me?

What do you see?

Just things.

You can be quite a coarse
young lady can't you?

Maybe we're not so different,
me, you, Christine,

your officer friend, all of us
under the skin, same desires.

We never slept together.

No, but you wanted to.

Nonsense, he wanted to.

I refused.

That's not what I heard and saw.

When?

Two weeks ago at the stables.

My, what a little
peeping John you are.

I could have you dismissed
for spying on me.

I could tell my father-

And I'd have to
tell him what I saw.

His daughter on her knees,

unbuttoning the
officer's britches.

Nothing happened.

I know.

You scared him off.

God knows why they
decorated him for bravery.

Probably went in
the right skull.

That's enough.

This conversation is over.

Fine, do I have your
permission to go to bed?

With Christine?

Who knows?

Goodnight, Miss Julie.

Where are the keys
to the boat house?

Over there.

Row me out to the lake.

I want to see the moon.

Look out the window.

You're afraid for
your reputation.

Maybe.

If anyone suspected,

I'd be dismissed
without a reference
just as I'm gettin' on.

I also have a duty to Christine.

Oh, Christine.

And you, and your
father who trusts me.

You play with fire, Miss Julie.

Lucky I'm ensured.

-[guests cheering]
-[guests applauding]

You're tired and drunk.

It makes you rash.

You'd regret everything
in the morning.

Regret what?

Don't play innocent with me.

I am innocent.

-I told you-
-Go to bed!

[guests chattering]

Go now! They're coming!

[shutters slamming]

Please, Ms. Julie.

Obey me this once.

Go now!

What about you?

Yes!

There's no way out.

-[door rattling]
-[guests yelling]

No way out.

Don't be scared.

What are they singing?

An obscene song
about you and me.

[yelling drowns out speech]

Do you think they'll respect ya?

They're drunk.

They're erratic.

They laugh at you.

To them you just met.

But I'm nice to everyone.

You think you're bein' nice,

but you're patronising.

You can't help it.

It's in your blood.

[Julie moaning]

[John panting]

-Take the jewellery off.
-Hey?

[yelling drowns out speech]

[Julie laughs]

[door slams]

[birds chirping]

[door opens]

[Julie exhales]

[case snaps]

Hello.

Where's...

Here.

[chuckles] Sorry.

You okay?

I think there's
supposed to be blood.

I mean, with Christine-

I know [sighs].

You okay?

Mm hm.

So, New York.

When did you go?

Before the war.

That's the place for us.

New people, new lives.

I met some GI's when
we were in Normandy.

I've got their
addresses, everything.

They live in the the um, Bronx?

We'll have to look 'em up.

Maybe they could help
us with a nightclub.

I imagine it will
be very English,

but glamorous, sophisticated.

They love us over there.

They die for the accent.

I'll do the books, the bar.

You'll be front of the
house, charm everyone.

We have to hurry, though.

Christine will be up soon
and your father will be back.

I'll drive us to the station,

catch a train, on the
boat, we're there.

What does it take,
two, three days?

A week.

A week?

Tell me you love me.

I love you.

Come here.

Mm.

We have to go, Miss Julie.

How can you call
me Miss Julie now?

Force of habit.

Because we're here
in this house,

with your father's shoes
waitin' to be cleaned,

and me sittin' here
full of respect.

That bell rings, I'll jump.

But in America
it'll be different.

I won't feel suffocated.

I'll be rich.

I don't care if you're rich.

Tell me you love me.

I love you.

Mm.

Come on.

Be practical.

New York and a nightclub,
what do you think?

It sounds fine, but a
business requires capital.

Do you have any?

Of course, experience,
expertise, nowse.

That's capital of a sort.

I won't buy you
a railway ticket.

So, we need a backup.

John, I don't have any money.

I don't have a bean.

It's all in trust.

[Julie chuckles]

Oh well.

What do you mean?

We stay here.

I can't stay here
as your mistress.

My father, people.

We can't stay here,
surely you see that.

[John] Can't see anything.

What have I done?

[John] Fallen, briefly,
but pleasurably I trust.

-You hate me?
-No.

You used me.

Vice versa I think.

But you just said you loved me.

You confuse love and desire.

I love you.

Congratulations.

How can you?

What are you?

Just a man.

Stop acting the weeping
debutante, Miss Julie.

We had a roll in the hay.

Forget it.

Have a drink.

You're more fun
when you're tight.

You owe me respect at least.

That's the last thing
you wanted in there.

Do you know you
actually shocked me.

You're disgusting.

No, you're disgusting.

I told you it'd end in tears.

Forgive me, I have work to do.

Isn't this where we started?

Maybe you should consider
last night as overtime.

What about your story?

The white dress, the pony?

I told you what
you wanted to hear.

It's called seduction.

Am I your conquest,
nothing more?

Don't force me to be cruel.

Tell me what I am.

A fuck.

I'm all dirty.

[John whines]

Stand up when you speak to me!

Stand up!

-Remember your position.
-Which one, Madame?

There were so many.

You're still a servant,
you scared little scrawny.

You're still a servant.

And you're a servant's slut.

Don't come on all superior
on me, Miss Julie.

No woman of my class
would've accosted me

the way you did last night.

No woman of my
class woulda wanted

what you wanted last night,
sweatin' and prayin',

your face in the
pillow, bitin' your hand

to stop yourself
screamin' the house down.

You'd shame a two bit
tight in Piccadilly.

Do I deserve this?

What's man to think if
you beg him to beat ya?

Please, no more.

I know I deserve this [sobs].

I'm bad, I'm a bad girl.

[Julie sobbing]

No, you're not.

I'm as much to blame.

[Julie gasping]

I didn't mean what I said.

I'm sorry.

Hurt me again.

You mustn't say that.

Things just went too far.

No one knows.

You must try and
forget about it.

Did you love me at least in bed?

Of course, I did.

Couldn't you tell?

How could I? I haven't lived.

-I have no experience.
-Come on, you're being-

Don't tell me what I'm being!

Do I look ugly?

You're not at your best.

Is this what you wanted?

Me, reduced?

Is this your revenge,
your little class victory?

No.

I've dreamt about
you all my life,

and now I have to wake up.

I'm not saying I
couldn't love you.

Of course I could.

I only have to look at ya.

You're gorgeous.

Get off!

Get your hands off me!

What kind of a man is
excited by a woman's despair?

Any may I imagine.

You're right, we
must be practical.

We must run away,
we can't stay here.

I could never live it down.

And my father might find
out and he'd kill me.

He plays the Labour MP,

but he despises
the lower classes.

He thinks they're too
stupid and disappointing.

He'd sack you on the spot.

Make my life a misery.

Oh, and I want be a laughing
stock for the servants.

You say they find
me condescending?

-Patronising-
-Shut up!

I'm trying to think.

God, I want a cigarette.

Where does Christine keep hers?

No idea.

I don't regret anything.

Everything's just dandy.

-We'll run away!
-[hands clapping]

Just like the pictures.

Have you seen that one

-with Lana Turner where-
-Please, Miss Julie-

Shut up!

Did I tell you about my mother?

She was quite common, you know?

She had this thing about
women's emancipation.

Swore she'd never marry.

She told my father
she'd be his lover,

but never his wife.

But then I was born.

I was a mistake, really.

You're illegitimate?

Hm.

Funny, isn't it?

And so, they got married

and my mother brought me
up as a child of nature.

She used me to demonstrate
the equality of the sexes.

She used to dress
me up as a boy,

make me learn about farming.

She made me kill a
fox when I was...

And then she
reorganised the estate.

Women had to do the men's
work, the men, the women's.

We were the laughing
stock of the whole county.

Finally, my father snapped
and she fell in line.

But then she began to
stay out all night.

She took lovers, people talked.

She blamed my father for the
failure of her brave new world.

Her infidelities
were her revenge.

They rowed constantly,
and fought.

She often had these
terrible gashes and bruises.

He did, too.

She was very strong
when she was angry.

And then there was a rumour

that my father tried
to kill himself.

His Lordship tried?

Yes [laughs].

He failed, obviously.

I didn't know whose
side I was on.

Maybe I learnt all my emotions

by the age of 10 and
never developed anymore.

A child experiences
the world so deeply,

without the sophistication
to protect itself.

It's not fair, really.

[bell tolling]

Anyway, my mother almost
on her deathbed, no,

on her deathbed made me swear

I would never be a
slave to any man.

And the officer?

He was to be my slave.

But he did a runner?

It was more
complicated than that.

Didn't look like it.

Well, from your vantage
point, probably not.

How can you see?

You watch the world through
eyes filled with acid.

You hate me, too?

Of course.

But not when I was inside you.

Well, I was weak.

I won't be again.

If it was up to me,
I'd have you shot

like a fallen horse
at the Grand National

and fed to the dogs.

Only thorough breeds
run the National.

Oh, they let the odd nag in,

ones with weak chests.

[Julie speaking in
foreign language]

You wouldn't dare.

Supposing your sound
squeals for a pig,

supposing Daddy rings his bell.

-[Julie inhales]
-[bell tolling]

The truth is we must bolt.

Enjoy ourselves
for a coupla days,

a week if we can stand each
other that long and then-

New York sound more attractive.

You in the capitol of the world?

You wouldn't survive
five minutes.

You, with your clumsy hands
and your grubby fingernails,

your quick wit but
your slow, slow mind,

your pub talk and your bulls,

and the way you swirl your
wine like a mouthwash.

You wouldn't suit New York,

in your ill fitting suit,
your demobbed disaster,

hacked together by some
gnarled troll in the East End?

You, run a nightclub?

[gasps] I remember you
at the village fair.

You couldn't even run
the egg and spoon race

because of your weak chest.

You haven't the
heart for success.

At last, the true
blue blood speaks.

The little blue blooded bastard,

and you called me a snob.

I wrote up in your pedigree once

the peerage in your
father's study.

Would you like to know who
your earliest ancestor was?

A farmer.

A stinking, stupid farmer.

And 500 years ago he pimped
his wife to the King,

and in return all this.

Doubt that she
enjoyed it the slag.

The blood of a whore runs
through you for centuries.

Die with me.

A suicide pact.

Suicide's for cowards.

Chicken.

You're not in the army anymore.

You can do whatever you want.

Come with me.

There are no laws, just us.

Suicide is a crime
against God's law.

You believe in God?

You?

Passionately.

I'm in love with the bloke.

I'm bored with this.

I'm going to bed.

You forgot something.

Oh yeah, the blood money.

[coins clinking]

Here's 10 bob.

[coins clattering]

Cheers, darlin'.

Not enough.

You take my virginity,
you humiliate me,

you abuse me and
my family's honour.

There's a price.

You don't leave this room.

You listen to what I say

or help me God, I
will scream rape,

and I will not stop screaming
until you are in prison.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I hurt you.

I know you're suffering,

and I'm sorry for that, truly.

But I'm to be married.

This is where I
belong and so do you.

In time, you'll
forget about this

until it's just a dull ache.

You'll live with
it, that's life.

Pain hurts.

I won't tolerate it.

You have to.

Why don't you love me?

I do.

No.

Why can't you love me?

Fear.

[Julie sniffles]

[Julie sighs]

John, tell me what to do.

Order me.

I'm so tired, I can't think.

My legs feel hollowed out
like I've got no blood.

Go upstairs, get dressed,

get money for the journey
in your father's desk,

second drawer down.

The key's on the
mantelpiece under the clock.

Come with me.

I can't.

No, to my room.

I can't.

Please.

Go.

Come down when you're ready.

I'll drive you to the station.

Be nice to me.

Orders never sound nice.

Now you know.

Go!

[John sighs]

[dishes clattering]

Morning.

Morning.

You look tired.

Nightmares, the usual.

I gave this a press for church.

Cheers.

Won't be a minute.

No one's up.

Get dressed in here.

If you want.

[bell tolling]

What's the lesson today?

No idea.

Sleep well?

Like a log.

Do you wanna do this?

If you want.

[tolling continues]

Careful.

These need a wash.

[hand slaps]

What?

I woke up in the night,
I opened your door.

You both had your backs to me.

[John] I love you.

I know.

I was wondering whether
you'd tell me the truth,

seeing as we are to be
married for better or worse.

Of course, I'da told ya.

I'm sorry.

Don't bother.

I imagine you did it with every
little scrubber in France.

I have low expectations.

I'm really disappointed.

I understand.

How can you resist her beauty
when you're just a man?

[hand slaps]

We're not staying
here by the way,

so you can forget it
ever happening again.

I'm not working in a house

where I can respect
my superiors.

There's more to life than
respecting superiors.

You hypocrite.

You cringe before his Lordship,

sucking up to him day and
night, reading his books,

trying to engage him in
political conversation.

I've seen ya.

You bore him.

He thinks you're a crawler.

I'm surprised at her, though.

I thought she was
above temptation.

If it had been her
officer, a gentlemen,

I could understand it.

But you?

Who are you?

It wasn't her fault,
I took advantage.

Oh.

Defending his mistress's honour.

How noble.

[John] I'm sorry.

So,

what was she like?

[John] Christine.

No, don't tell me, I saw.

Your rash is getting worse.

Look at you.

You can't believe it can you?

You're shell shocked.

You're still replaying
it in your head.

Your dirty little film

in your dirty little
flea pit of a mind.

Enough, you've made your point.

Shut up.

We'll hand in our notice today.

We'll go to London.

We could stay with my
sister till we get sorted.

You could find
work as a caretaker

or as a porter in some
government office.

Somewhere steady, secure
with a good pension,

for a wife and children.

We'll be wanting to start a
family as soon as we're married,

won't we?

Yeah.

I'd set my sights
on something better-

Screw your sights.

You have responsibilities.

[door bangs]

Who's that?

Claire, probably.

Could it be his
Lordship home early?

He might've caught
the first train.

-He'd have to run.
-Well, he might be about to.

Have you done his shoes?

Nearly.

I'll get his coffee.

I'll do it.

You go to church, I'll
catch up on the way.

Go on, I'm fine.

I'll serve him his coffee,
I'll have a shave and then...

What's the matter?

-Nothing.
-What?

[John] I just got things to do.

Fine.

I'll meet you at the gate.

[John] Gate?

At the end of the drive.

[John] I know.

[lock clicks]

Ready.

Quiet, Christine's there.

I know.

Does she suspect?

Nothing.

It's a beautiful day.

The sun's up.

The vampire dies.

Look, John.

My dress [chuckles].

It was in the nursery.

You weren't lying, were you?

[John] No.

Listen, John, come with me.

There was a fortune
in Daddy's desk.

Come with me wherever you want.

Don't leave me alone.

Show me the money.

It's in my bag.

[John panting]

[John chuckles]

It'd take me five
years to earn this.

Fine.

Let's go.

But now.

[Julie] I'm ready.

We have to go now.

I'm ready.

You haven't got any shoes on.

I'll get some.

Wear those.

Put them on.

Put them on, John.

No luggage is a giveaway.

Yes, only what we can
take in the compartment.

What's that?

My bird, Serena.

I couldn't leave her.

Don't be ridiculous,
we can't take that.

Don't be cruel, let me take her.

Put it down.

Put the cage down.

Put the cage down.

-Don't order me.
-Shh!

Your father will be back any
minute, Christine, anyone.

I'm not leaving her here.

Let's set her free.

It's a house bird.

It wouldn't survive
a day out there.

Then kill her.

Are you scared?

No.

You won't hurt her, will you?

Must you die and leave
your mistress behind?

Please?

No seeds.

It's a dumb animal.

I'm gonna kill it,
and then we'll go.

Do you understand?

I suggest you look away.

Do you understand?

[neck snapping]

Don't.

[knife thuds]

I hate you.

There's blood between us.

[John] Let's go.

I curse the moment I met you.

I curse the moment I was born.

Let's go.

Go, with you now?

Who's scared of blood?

Who's scared of blood?

Tell me, who's scared of blood?

How much would this bleed?

Would it bleed like
me like last night?

I could use your
skull to drink from,

open you up like a carcass
and climb inside you,

fuck you from the inside,

flap about in your
weak, wet chest,

roast your heart with my
breath and eat it whole.

You think I'm weak 'cause I
wanted your spunk inside me?

It's just biology,
just chemicals.

You think I wanna
run away with you

and carry your brats in my body,

feed your spawn with my blood?

You've got another
thing coming, Mister.

Come on!

You think I want your child?

You think I wanna take
your name [laughs]?

Look at me.

What is your name, your surname?

I've never heard it.

Maybe you haven't got one.

I'd be Mrs. Scum,
Mrs. Barrel Boy, hm?

Is that what you want?

A nice, little wife?

A nice girl like me?

You dog who wears my
crest upon your buttons.

That's what you are, buttons.

You think I share you
with my cook [laughs]?

Come on.

Aren't you having fun?

Daddy'll be home soon.

Finds his desk open, second
drawer, his money gone.

He rings on the bell
twice for his lackey.

That's you.

And then he sends
for the police.

And I say, "It was him, Officer.

He's the one what did it."

And I tell them everything.

And then daddy has a heart
attack and drops down dead,

end of the line.

The trains stops here,
peace in our time,

the blood line clots, no
heir, no more of us, dead.

But what of the lackey?

Oh, his line is
the orphanage line,

third stop after the gutter.

It ends in jail.

And here's the mother.

Got a fag, ducks?

[bell tolling]

I remembered at the
gate, your razor's broke.

You couldn't shave.

You can now.

I borrowed this from
the gate keeper.

His dog screwed my dog.

Go and shave.

We're late for church.

[tolling continues]

Christine, you're my friend.

We've always had our
little chats, haven't we?

Listen-

Where were you going?

New York, not my idea.

But if you listen...

Oh, you're angry.

Listen, me and
John, we're in love

-with each other and-
-I don't wanna know.

You see,

-we simply can't stay here.
-He's not going anywhere.

Please try to be
calm, Christine.

It's a very nice
name, Christine.

So, we can't stay here

for various reasons too
complicated to go into,

but I've had this
brilliant idea,

which is that all three of
us go to New York together,

and we open a nightclub.

I've got some money you see?

You mustn't tell
anyone I stole it.

And me and John would run it,

and you could be in
charge of the kitchen.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Do say yes, because
if you say yes

then everything will be
nice and not ghastly.

Oh, can I have one?

Thank you.

You'd love New York.

The Metropolitan?

That's a museum.

And the Empire State Building,

which is so high that
when you're at the top,

the people on the street
look like insects.

You're not allowed to drop

a coin on them
'cause it kills them.

And in the winter
the children skate

on the lake in Central Park.

When I was there with
my father I skated.

He made me.

And I'm sure the nightclub
will be a terrific success.

And there'll be
dancing and [sighs],

we'll drink whenever we want
'cause we'll own all the drink.

And with your looks,

I'm not flattering
or patronising you,

you'll meet a nice husband.

A rich American, you'll see.

They're charmed by us.

They die for the
accent [exhales].

And we'll live on the Upper
East Side, or West Side.

East of West?

Doesn't matter, really.

Or we could always
come back home again.

Back here or somewhere
else, don't you think?

Do you believe all this?

[Julie] No.

So, you were going to run away?

No.

Don't lie.

You're as mad as she is.

Show some respect, she's
still your mistress.

What, this?

This puddle?

This is what comes
of moral weakness.

[John] Beats moral superiority.

She slept with me, so did you.

Where's the difference?

[Christine] Oh, listen
to him, cock of the walk.

I've never sunk as
low as her or you.

I'm not a thief.

You stupid bitch.

The whole war you traded
on the black market.

What's that, good honest toil?

I'm going to church.

[John] That's right, you
cling to your superstition.

Our Saviour suffered and died

on the cross for all our sins,

and if we approach him in faith

and with a pennant heart,

he will take all
our sins upon him.

Includin' backhanders
to the butcher?

And I'll just take these
in case anyone was thinkin'

of leaving before his
Lordship comes home.

Christ, I despise religion.

So, why practise it?

Class is your religion.

Don't do that,
you'll hurt yourself.

I want to.

[John] No you don't.

I do, but I can't.

Just like my father.

He should've done
it, the coward.

You're tired.

Shattered.

Do you want some coffee?

No, thanks.

[John] I'm making some.

No.

She didn't leave any
cigarettes did she?

[John] What do you think?

[water splashing]

Your father's not a coward.

Oh, he is.

You don't like him.

Not as much as you do.

But then you don't know him.

You don't know what it's like
to be Daddy's special girl.

Of course, I love him.

I love him as much
as I hate him.

He's inside my
head all the time.

And my mother.

Who's to blame for what we are?

It's a horrible, ugly mess.

My thoughts are his.

My feelings are hers.

An endless circle.

Circles are always endless.

[bell ringing]

Your father's back.

This is John, Sir.

Yes, Sir.

Yes, Sir.

Yes, Sir.

Three bags full, Sir.

[razor thuds]

Very good, Sir.

Excellent party, Sir.

No, not too much drinking, Sir.

Thank you, Sir.

Everyone had an
excellent time, Sir.

No, no damage.

Yes, Sir.

Right away.

[receiver slams]

He wants his shoes and
his coffee immediately.

Give these a once over will ya?

Sorry.

You thought I was Christine.

Yes, forgive me.

That's quite nice,
being someone.

[crank grinding]

"Sex and death, the front
and back door of the world."

My father marked that
line in a book he gave me.

He said it was his favourite
line in all literature.

He gave me the same
book when I joined up

with the same passage marked.

Marked by two black verticals
in the margin like a frown.

He said it was a
special present.

That's what he said to me.

He's probably got
crates of them.

He's a fake, John.

[crank grinding]

Renounce your
faith in the faith.

Look at you, grinding away.

So loyal.

John the Baptist.

And he's Herod.

He's Herod, he
slaughters the firstborn.

Which makes me Salome.

That's why I love to dance.

You're still drunk.

Drunk as a lady.

So, if I'm Salome, you can
have your revenge, John.

Give the order.

You know I can take orders.

What does killing feel like?

-It feels like nothing.
-Tell me how it feels.

It feels like nothing.

You obey the order.

Give the order, Officer.

I'm not an officer.

I know, it's not fair, is it?

Give the order,
deserter, boy, peasant.

What would you do if
Daddy rang his bell

and ordered you to
cut your throat?

You'd obey, wouldn't you?

Because you must.

Because you were born to obey.

Give the order, slave.

[Julie gasps]

Do it yourself.

No fun on my own.

Order me.

Be the hypnotist at
the village fair.

You remember the fair.

I saw you there.

That last summer before
the war, remember?

You saw me.

That's when I knew
you wanted me.

You were chained to Christine,

already buried alive
but I know you saw me.

You were hypnotised.

Describe my dress.

White with a pink ribbon.

Here.

And you looked at me.

You looked at me with longing.

You looked at the one
who had everything,

and you stepped
aside and you said,

"After you, Miss Julie."

And you smiled and you said-

"Thank you, John."

How did you know my name?

Because I asked my father.

[John] Why?

Because I wanted you.

Because I'd felt your
eyes upon me forever.

Because you do my
father's dirty work.

Because you've always been
watching me, waiting for me.

Because you want revenge.

My father's angel with
your eyes upon me forever.

And the hypnotist
says to his subject,

"Take this broom."

And you feel there's
a broom in your hand.

And you take it.

And he says, "Sweep."

And you sweep.

And afterwards you
remember nothing.

You have to be asleep first.

I am asleep.

The room is filled with smoke.

You're an iron stove.

You're a tall man,
dressed in black.

Your eyes glow like
coals when the fire dies,

and your face is white as ash.

Here's the broom.

[bell ringing]

It's only a bell.

Pray for me.

I don't believe in God.

But pray for me.

[bell ringing]

It's just a bell,
my darling angel.

It's not just a bell.

There's someone behind it.

And a hand that
sets it in motion,

and a vast spinnin' universe

that sets the hand in motion.

And if you stop your ears,

it rings louder
until you answer,

until the police come.

It's hell, and
there's nothing else.

Go.

[bell tolling]

[bell ringing]

-[cloth scuffing]
-[tolling continues]

-[scuffing stops]
-[tolling stops]