Play for Today (1970–1984): Season 12, Episode 1 - Country - full transcript

[Male narrator] Here, in old England,

the cradle and citadel of free democracy

throughout the world.

We do not like to be regimented

and ordered about.

[Male] Out.

[crowd cheers]

And have every action of our...

[Male] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[melancholy choir music]



[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]



[Robert] Out.

[crowd cheers]

[crowd cheers]

[Robert] All right, get
back to your tutors.

Faster, faster.

[gun blasts]

[gun clicks]

[Male Narrator] How is an ordinary citizen

or subject of the king,

to stand up against
this formidable machine,

which once it in power,

will prescribe for every one of them:

where they are to work,

what they are to work in,

where they may go,

and what they may say,

what views they are to hold,

and within, what limits they may express,

where their wives are to go to
queue up for the state bread,

and what education their
children are to receive,

to mould our view of human liberty

and counted in the future.

[birds chirp]

[crow caws]

[Female] Sir Frederick, we must go.

Sir Frederick, they're waiting.

[Male Narrator] It is
not alone that property,

in all its forms, instructed,

but the liberty in all its form,

is challenged by the fundamental
conceptions of socialism.

They're gathered at the front.

You have three minutes.

Thank you, Faith.

Lady Carlion would like
a word sometime today

about numbers for the dinner.

Here.

Mr. Benson telephoned again.

He needs to know they can be exported

by Friday at the latest.

[Sir Frederick] Perfect.

[crowd chattering]

Sir Frederick, they're waiting.

You must go.

[Sir Frederick clears throat]

One more for the tub.

[woman chattering]

Phillip?

Called from the station.

You were down in the garden,

it was probably a telegram.

He'll go straight there.

I want him first, Faith.

[Woman] Faith.

Just coming.

My umbrella, in the nursery.

That was Jeanette she's up
to her tricks again, I know.

Do bugger off would you?

There's a good girl, Nanny.

[nanny laughs]

[Male] I say, Nanny
are you coming with us?

[dog barks]

Let me give you a hand.

[baby cries]

[sombre music]

[baby cries]

[woman whispers]

[baby cries more intensely]

Dearly beloved, we have
brought this child here

to be baptised.

We have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ

would vouch safe to receive him,

to release him of his sins.

To sanctify him with the Holy Ghost

and to give him the kingdom of heaven

and everlasting life.

You have also heard that
our Lord Jesus Christ

and promised in his gospel

to run all these things,

as just walking.

[man mumbles]

I'm wacked.

How are you Faith?

I'm well.

You look very enchanting.

I'm going in again.

Would you care to join me?

I'll take your bag.

But wait...

[Pope] So will thou not
follow nor be led by them.

[Female] I renounced them all.

[Male] I renounced them all.

[Male] I renounced them all.

[Pope] Good morning.

Good morning to you.

[man laughs]

[Faith] Thank you.

[car engine rumbles]

[triumphant music]

[camera light pops]

Splendid.

He has two teeth, maybe
Daisy you can feel them.

Yes, I'm sure one can - oh there you are.

Take it.

Famously on time.

Good help then?

[lips smack].

How are you madam?

For you, may the bloom last forever.

Tongue of silver.

Heart of stone.

Faith, dear, we've seem to
lost Sir Frederick again.

Still inside, Lady Carlion.

I'll bring him out.

Let me take that.

I'm getting the car.

Come everyone.

Margaret, shoulders.

Stand up straight, love.

Say hello to your godson.

He has your father's eyes.

[people converse]

Mommy thinks he's a Parker.

Are these from the photographs?

So how's my nephew, then?

Good shape really, Uncle Pip.

Windsor next week and then
it's back to whatever I can,

Thank you for your note
about father, by the way.

Come everyone.

The promenade's over.

I mean, I was quite honoured
she mentioned it actually.

Oh yes, under the end...

[crowd chatter drowns out speaking]

[baby cries]

We'll take him home.

[bell dings]

I want to work.

I thought I'd drive father back.

I really want to take him.

[car engine roars]

You're taking it hard, Tats.

Freddy's dead.

It was a hard death.

Your father's keen to speak to you.

How's mother?

Drunk.

Not all women.

What's he want Tatty?

He didn't say.

[Woman] Phillip.

Don't keep her waiting.

And don't tell your father you've spoken.

He wants you fast.

Welcome home.

Oh yes.

He's crumbling.

Oh God, he always was a single man.

This is not their...

Now mother, you always
say that every time.

Phillip, whether I say it or not.

your father is...

Do you have a cigarette?

I'm not asking you.

It's a present.

Kind friends.

Oh, god.

Well...

You'll see for yourself soon enough.

Your brother's to be given
some posthumous award.

I'm sorry you had to miss his funeral.

Yes, it couldn't be helped.

I was in Ireland.

Yes.

His widow made some noises.

About me?

[woman grunts]

Well, is that it?

If anything, it was not my idea

to revive the annual Dotson's accordion.

And I if I do happen to survive the dance

of the loyal subjects,

I'm almost certain to expire
at the grand family dinner.

You'll see what I'm saying.

It's your birthday tomorrow.

He wants to celebrate.

I find that touching.

Faith says that Virginia
is back in England again.

You think the old boy's
after something else?

What do you imagine that might be?

What is he after?

Well, among other things he's after you.

Your father has lost his elder son,

The fifth baron that has lost his heir.

The chairman of the board has
lost his managing director.

He is 70 years of age.

I think he wants to go to his grave

knowing that things will go
on, much as they have done.

Out of the question.

It would seem so.

Mother, it is.

And mother, I'm 35.

I have two rooms in the Hyde Park.

I earn my own living
writing salacious copy

for The Evening Standard.

I live absolutely my own life.

He mustn't be serious.

Has he spoken with you about this?

No.

Mother, it's not on.

Really, it isn't.

Then tell him.

[Phillip makes gun noises]

[children yell]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[camera clicks]

[men speaking in distance]

Going up for Greg? Next to Alice.

I would like a word.

It's grizzly.

I feel it.

I was hoping it would be calm.

There are times when I wish

I were a penurious third cousin.

Your father's in his study.

I think I'll clean up first.

I suppose it's the war.

The absence of cool is?

Oh.

Your flowers.

Waste not, want not.

After Greg, remember?

I'll remember.

[door knocks]

[door knocks]

[Alice] Phillip, come in.

Faith mentioned you'd like to word.

Look, this is probably a bad mo-

No, no, no, please.

It's all right.

I was resting.

I'm glad you came.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there

to bury Frederick.

I had to go to Ireland.

Of course.

Can you cope?

Can you?

Well, here I am.

The question is why.

Oh.

You know me, Alice.

There's a feeling,

a strong feeling in the family

that Robert should take his
father's place at Carlions's.

Your father can't be expected
to go back to doing both.

Not even your father believes that he can.

My son,

god knows it's not ideal,

but there is no possible alternative.

That's a pretty gam.

Is it?

How's Nicky?

Nicky is fine.

Nicky's fine.

I asked why you were here, Phillip.

When I'm not flogging Apatow's droppings

on The Evening Standard,

I spend a smidgeon of my spare time,

working unpaid for tiny
satirical magazine,

turning over real dirt.

To my discredit,

I have managed to spike,

for what are purely personal reasons,

two extremely unattractive
stories recently.

Beth concerned you Alice.

The cast of the first was fairly extensive

from the evidence I've seen.

As was the ducal yacht
which served a setting.

In Cork, they say "never quarrel
when the guns are loaded.

It's [unclear] and Gaelic.

I'm here because this is
where I was born and grew up.

And have some odd whimsical,
probably quite selfish,

love my crazed parents.

It's my whim to be here.

That's all, Alice.

Be it ever so humbug,
there's no place like home.

You're still like a
pigeon with three wings.

Not an awful rat, you know.

My reputation terrible,
which comforts me a lot.

[Alice laughs]

Two, you say?

Yes.

[Female] Does one think
of him as manageable?

[Female] I have no idea.

This is Van Der Beek, right?

Good old dog.

Good old horse, all the
way from Johannesburg

and only a day late.

How did she look?

Extraordinary.

She would.

I need a drink.

She turned my old room.

Phillip.

How's Doll?

Doll's done for.

Who's there?

Is that Phllip?

Welcome.

How's your mother?

Radiant.

How's your father?

I hadn't seen him, Doll.

[lips smack]

[lips smack]

I killed a man with my bare hands once.

In France.

Why didn't you serve?

Father, you know why I didn't serve.

You look all right to me.

I am all right, except
for military duties.

I could have put in a word.

Didn't you want to fight?

I was declared unfit to fight

whether I wanted to,

never was and is not now material.

We could always play games,

he and I.

Frederick was serious.

The girls were silly
darlings or invisible.

With you I could play games.

I come from a long line of sober villains,

and gamblers to a man.

Good god, Black Bart.

Won the brewery and the whole caboodle

on the throw of a single dice, didn't he?

No, no, it was cards, and
he played all night for it.

Is that what you call him?

Black Bart.

Yes it is.

It was Ginny who called it in first.

Very funny.

Have you spoken with your mother?

I said hello for a moment.

Good.

Your mother understands none of this.

In a year, two at the
most, I want to be out.

On my way.

Now, Robert, Frederick's
son, great disappointment.

Really stupid, quite sloppy.

I have to care, Pip.

He can't be given Carlions.

Might as well sluice the
whole thing down the loo.

Edward's too old.

Not a man for the times.

That leaves the families.

Oliphant, probably.

Weldon, pehaps.

Or there's you.

Pop, I broke with all this.

Ten years ago.

You weren't my eldest son then.

With respect Pop, I didn't consider

that to be the most
important thing about me.

I didn't even drink beer.

We don't make beer to drink it.

We make beer to serve.

You do.

We do.

You are what you are and have
what you have because we do.

Eat lobster.

Oh I loath to eat...

Nevertheless.

Beer made you a gentlemen,

as it did us all.

And you're still at, whatever
your other deficiencies,

What my fallen arches, you mean?

I mean your lack of a wife,
clubs, decent clothes.

[Phillip scoffs]

Definitely good suit.

Do the families know it's what you want?

They know.

I haven't told them, but they know.

[gong dings]

Lady Carlion wishes I let you know

luncheon is served, Mr Phillip.

Thank you, Ashford.

Thank her ladyship.

Tell her that I am not yet so decrepit

that I cannot hear that
bloody gong being beaten

outside my door,

by what would appear to be an Aboriginal

brandishing a crowbar.

I will, Sir Frederick.

I would like an answer, Pip.

Tomorrow evening, latest.

I've got to put a stop to all this...

Chatter.

Yeah well, what about a spot of lunch?

If we must.

Where's the nearest lavatory?

Ah, yes.

[people chattering]

Hello Nanny.

Hello, Master Phillip.

I'm taking this up to my home.

I've had my eye on it for
the last couple of days.

It's just about ready now, eh?

Oh yes, it is.

How ravishing you look.

Oh my darling, darling boy.

[man rambling]

[Male] Maybe he wanted one.

Who else have you buffed there?

[Male] What's your opinion
of young Harvard sister?

[Female] Freeman?

Cook says she needs to know the numbers

for the big dinner for
this evening, ma'am.

True, you saw Peter Pan
six times, in one week.

[Male] Six times in four days.

[Female] I still haven't heard from her

who they are.

I've been married to
Robert almost two years

and I still have no idea who
these people are to each other.

How did it take you?

To be accepted?

[Female] Phillip, have you
got any white cigarettes?

Grandfather rather wondered
if you'd like to join us

in the billy room, Uncle Pip.

Oh no, not just now Robert.

Oh, all right.

Does this thing have to wait for Phillip

before we can hear it?

We'll wait if it's all the same, Andrew.

[ball clacks]

Hardcore Quincy might be of something big

in the next government.

Housing, was it Alfred?

Yes, housing or something like that.

I wouldn't mind something
in the foreign offices,

matter of fact.

Called Bergen, grandfather.

Sorry, says he's enjoying
himself too much on the terrace.

Bachelor guy.

Makes no matter Freddy.

My father-in-law seems to be
in one of his numic moods.

It's Carlion you want to talk about.

Robert assembled.

I'm sure Robert here
could speak for Alice.

I said I think we should talk this week.

We have to begin filling the vacuum.

How old's your boy now, Guy?

12.

12, eh?

I'm 70.

Another 10 or 15 years,
I'll be on the shelf.

[Sir Frederick laughs]

Oh, is it me?

Do you know, I think I've
had about enough of games,

as a matter of fact.

[bell rings]

Bean pole, what the
hell are you doing here?

I'm looking for somewhere
to put my bike, Freddy.

Last time I was here, I had
a set of Indian clubs lifted.

Ah.

[bike clatters]

Needed that.

Your grandson's here,
and your sister's dog.

You don't say.

Didn't expect you, Pierce.

I didn't come here, really.

Change me mind, got me bike.

Oh blast.

Oh Oliphant, is it?

You rode from Scotland?

Aye, left in [unclear] day.

How'd it go by the way?

We're still counting, soldiers vote.

I've got something to ask you, Freddy.

Oh, I can't remember what it is.

Well, we beat you Olipahnt,

fair and bloody square,

and your bloody Nazi
friends will be dancing

on the end of our rope about Christmas.

I said, Pierce, will
you please not persist

in this ludicrous calumny?

You're senile, sir.

You're wrong sir.

You kissed Von Ribbentrop's Ass.

During the night, before the war.

Come on Pip, we'll get your room.

Oh certainly I knew Ribbentrop.

As did Lord Halifax, the Reedsdales...

More dog shit.

We remembered.

What's the horse in the hall doing?

Someone appears to have turned
horses out of the stables.

They're all over the place.

The lads are rounding them up.

Well, tell what's-his-name we're playing.

It's under control.

There appear to be people in the stables.

People?

What people?

[people singing upbeat melody]

[crowd claps]

♪ You put your right foot in ♪

♪ Your right leg out ♪

♪ Your right leg in ♪

♪ And you shake it all about ♪

♪ You do the hokey pokey ♪

♪ And you turn around ♪

♪ That's what it's all about ♪

♪ Oh, the hokey pokey ♪

♪ Oh, the hokey pokey ♪

[fiddle music]

[children chatter]

[man whistles]

[man singing]

♪ Oh the hokey pokey ♪

♪ Oh the hokey pokey ♪

♪ Oh the hokey pokey ♪

[crowd applauds]

[Man whispering]

[people jeering]

Lady Carlion would like
to join the company

in the boardroom for the last waltz.

I knew it.

Death by trampling.

I'd like a word with you actually.

Could it wait, Matthew?

I have to get the others.

Oh darling, I'm terribly sorry.

Nope, he's all right.

[people chattering]

Lady Carlion wonders if you
would like to join the company

in the ballroom for the last waltz.

[Male] Yes, of course.

Personally, I don't view anyone...

The Gains mistresses
covered in warts and veins,

like cheese.

Cheese doesn't have warts.

Mr Joseph, standing right behind you.

The Jew?

The Jew, he's perfectly suitable.

I had hope for Phillips.

I think Phillip is spoken for.

I think I'll sit this one out Daisy,

if it's all the same.

Not dancing, mother?

Not dancing darling, drowning.

[female in white laughs]

Come along, darling.

Damn, I just remembered I
promised this dance to Alice,

but you look so perfect in this light,

this setting - may I?

Dare I make an enemy of Alice?

Dare you make her your friend?

[waltz music]

What are your people like, Tatty?

Father was a bank manager.

Mother was a bank manager's wife.

Yes, I knew that.

Why do you ask?

I may need to get married, rather quickly.

You? How bizarre.

Yes, isn't it?

Oh I see.

So this is a sort of vetting?

You have it.

Good girl.

We'll have to see if we can
get you on the brain's trust.

[Faith laughs]

Why haven't you married?

I don't like men, particularly.

Really?

There was a time where I thought

you were sleeping with the old man.

You never wanted children then?

Oh yes, I wanted children.

Sir Frederick wondered

if he might have a word
with you, Sir Phillip.

He's in the big hall.

Can it wait?

Well he told I it was important Phillip.

Thank you Blackie.

Why do you call Ashford, Blackie?

Why does he call me Sir Phillip?

Playing safe, I should think.

I suspect it's his first post, actually.

What happened to Blomqvist?

He died.

Oh.

I hadn't actually finished, the vetting.

Shouldn't you see what
your father wants first?

Another time?

By all means.

Your room or mine?

Ah good, you're here.

Anything to measure, uncle?

Have a word with the
inspector Jeppy there,

will you Pip?

Your father's topped off.

Refused to speak with the fellow.

Yes, of course.

Phillip Carlion, Sir Frederick's son.

How do you do?

Inspector Cotton, sir.

Tunbridge CID.

The Chief Constable asked me

to look into this stables thing.

Very decent of him.

Will you have drink?

I won't, thank you sir.

Well, what news do you bring Inspector?

Well sir, as I tried to
explain to your father,

we'll get them out as soon as possible

but it'll take some a little time, sir.

[female squeals]

I hear it's a very unpleasant
thing to happen, sir.

Valuable horses sleeping out in that.

I think would be all wise
to take a bit steady, sir.

If you take my meaning, sir.

Steady.

There's been quite a rush of it, sir.

Houses mostly.

This is the first stables
we've encountered.

Still the principals still holds.

It's trespassing there for it,

but I think we should keep
our heads about it, sir.

Things are a bit delicate now.

There's widespread feeling that
people have earned the right

to a decent roof over their head,

you know, that sort of thing, sir.

Yes.

And I've heard word there
are a couple of reporters

down from London, snooping
around in the area.

So, all in all, I'd cancel patients

and understanding for a day or two.

At least until the election
has been declared, so...

[crowd applauds]

If you take my meaning, sir.

[Phillip] Yes I take
your meaning, Inspector.

Thanks for the calling.

Oh not at all, sir.

Jimmy, my boy.

Come here.

And tell your grandfather
how we licked the Nazis.

[Pierce squeals]

[Pierce chuckles]

Nice party sir.

I don't think Oliphant
actually believes it.

Imagine doing this for
the rest of your life.

There was a telephone call for you.

You were downstairs.

No message?

None needed.

Getting quite bold, aren't we?

Must be the war that's given us that,

a courage.

Very likely.

Tess, where's the nearest telephone?

It's in Frederick's study there.

[Alice mumbles]

What did you say to your father?

I said I'd think on it.

Painful times this [unclear].

Did he mention,

I was thinking of seeking a royal warrant

for title Frederick should have had?

Really?

How quaint.

No, he didn't.

Will you excuse me?

Where's he going now?

Said he had a business call to make.

Business?

What business?

Slippery man.

[Phillip chatting on phone]

I'll smack your bottom for you.

I have to get back.

Yes.

Yes.

I miss you.

Alright.

Good night Nicky.

I'll be [unclear].

[phone clicks]

[Woman] Breakfast in the
dining room tomorrow.

I've asked Frederick
to have the wildest...

[light clicks]

[Doll] Wow.

[Sir Frederick grunts]

Where were we?

[Doll laughs]

I don't remember.

They were in my stable.

It's wrong, wrong.

Hush, hush.

What are you worth now, Doll?

No idea.

Where is your Doll, South Africa?

Somewhere.

What's his name?

Your third.

Van Der Beek,

Burt.

Why, are you short?

Doll?

Mhm?

Give us a kiss, old love.

[Daisy] Have you seen Frederick?

Daisy, my dear, am I my brother's keeper?

He's probably gone to bed.

Doll?

I don't see Doll.

[Female] Up there I think.

Thought she went ahead.

Too many times.

[people chattering]

Excuse me.

Terribly sorry, I've been
trying to find my way out.

Well you made it.

Straight ahead.

I splashed.

Have you ever had opium, Doll?

No, I never have.

I had opium once.

In India.

A finger full.

Stuck it up me bum.

How was it?

It was good.

Do you want me to do anything for you?

Like what?

I don't know.

Picked up something in America.

My second was mad on it.

Oh really?

What was he?

I don't know if I want to say it.

Out loud, I mean.

[Doll whispers]

Yes.

On our side if possible.

Phillip, out of the question.

Rob is too young, Alice,
but I know what you mean.

Ah Faith, just the girl.

Have a word?

Are you interested in a job?

You have a job?

I'm expecting something

pretty big in the next government.

I need someone I can trust
to be private secretary.

Bear it in mind.

Carlion won't live forever.

[men conversing]

Mm, that's what my Sergeant says.

Funny thing, he almost runs
a platoon single handed.

[clock ticks]

[man yells in distance]

[light clicks]

[owl hoots]

[Male On Radio] I hereby give notice

of the total number of votes recorded.

It's now my duty, as returning
officer for the constituency.

[Male On Radio] Ten thousand and eighteen.

[crowd cheering]

[Male On Radio] Five times thirteen votes.

[Male On Radio] Labour candidate.

[Male On Radio] Majority,
thirteen thousand.

[Male On Radio] And I declare

the undermentioned person
has the newly elected...

[Male On Radio] Labour
party, sixteen thousand.

[crowd cheers]

As the newly elected member of
parliament for this devotion.

[crowd cheers]

[Male On Radio] Fifteen thousand,

two hundred and twenty two.

[Male On Radio] That's
another labour victory.

It's a labour majority.

[Male On Radio] To serve in parliament

as member of this constituency.

[Male On Radio] Three thousand,

five hundred and thirteen votes.

Majority, thirteen thousand,

four hundred and six...

[Male On Radio] And it's a labour victory.

[crowd cheering]

This is the BBC home service.

Here is the news: the general election.

So far, the results have been declared

for 124 constituencies.

The leaves the government
parties hold 24 seats

and the opposition parties hold 100 seats.

Here is the state of parties,

up to 10 o'clock in detail.

Conservatives: 22.

Nationals: 1.

Liberal Nationals: 1.

Labour: 99.

Independence: 1.

The Party gains and losses are as follows:

Conservative gain...

[child speaking drowns out voice]

[people shush]

Liberal Nationals gain none.

Losses, one.

Labour gain 48.

Losses none.

Liberal gains none.

Losses 2.

Independence gains none.

Losses 1.

Here are some of the most
interesting of the results so far:

Look, just fire ahead, will you?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Say again.

Home rails losses up to 40 shillings.

Christ.

Yeah.

Yeah, carry on.

Molasses...

Is that you...

Oh, where have you been?

Oh my dear, dear girl.

Hello nanny gran.

Oh, big girl now.

My how you've grown.

Now, I'm going to get my breakfast.

Must keep up my strength, you see.

Everybody's here.

I can't wait til I tell your mother.

Nanny, where can I find daddy?

Oh, I've not seen him.

But I think you went to Spain.

Try the study.

That's a good girl.

[phone slams]

Hello Virginia.

Hello Andrew.

Excuse me.

Oh, be a sport lads.

Hello Andrew.

Hello mother.

What does one say?

Will you excuse me?

I'm late for breakfast.

[door slams]

I give up nanny.

Who did you just meet in the hall?

Your sister.

Oh nanny.

Miss Virginia.

Don't be silly nanny.

That's right.

I saw her too.

A communist, beat his Labour
opponent by twelve hundred.

Daddy?

Virginia.

Have you something?

Dosed.

Is that why you got the gun?

Gun?

Oh no, there are people in my stables.

Want 'em out.

People are everywhere now, daddy.

I thought you might be
dead, Gin, Frederick.

Been looking at the diaries.

Phillip.

Remember I used to read them to you?

1849, Monday, February the 27th,

one entry:

what does it profit a man,

if he had the whole world

and cannot shit of a
morning without bleeding?

Pop, go let Ginny go.

Mother wants to see her.

Hello France.

I've got a million things to ask you.

Bags you off to Daisy.

You look changed.

Very, very beautiful.

After mother, mind.

All right, you're on.

Where can I find her?

Little room.

You'll buck up later.

She was my daughter.

Barbara's husbands out - did you hear?

Yes, bad chair.

What's happening?

I think it's what they call
"letting the people speak".

No, the city.

Accordions stand six

and threatens in the first
half hour of trading.

Want me to do anything?

Everything.

Oh, shoot.

It's possible.

What am I supposed to do with this part?

Whatever is necessary.

Pop?

Go and take a nap.

Do something for me.

[Phillip] You're tired.

What?

[Male Over Radio] This
is the BBC home service.

Here is the news.

Britain has returned a
labour government to para.

Labour is certain of a
majority of about 120

over all parties in the
new House of Commons.

Mr. Attlee said this afternoon,

this is the first time in
the history of the country

that labour has...

You're country need ya.

[Virginia laughs]

[Phillip chuckles]

Remember?

Freddy made it.

Scared nanny half to death
in the middle of the night.

Nanny thought it was
General Kitchener himself,

come to do battle with her body.

Same old seal.

You see mother?

Yes.

What are you doing here anyway?

I thought you'd washed your hands.

Yes.

I just couldn't find the towel.

Not you though, eh?

Go on.

After Spain.

I heard from Blair,

I think you were in Madrid in '39?

Foreign office told father me,

you were almost certainly
taken by the fascists

and the wall cut you off completely.

I went to France.

Had two remarkable months with a comrade

in [unclear] county.

Went underground.

Busy girl.

Mother thought you didn't write

because you were living in sin
with someone else's husband.

Strange seeing my husband again,

and the boy.

They seemed unreal.

Why Gin?

You left all this.

A child, marriage,

for what?

Trench in Alicante?

The centre in Montmartre?

I was young and very romantic.

I felt I needed to purge
my guilt for all this.

This has to end Pip.

Not because I feel guilty about it,

but because it really
does stand in the way.

I came back to help.

It was bit heroic, Froth.

Passionate.

I modelled myself on you.

Huh.

Believe it or not,

I saw it from the top of a number 11 bus.

Not long ago.

Really?

Where?

Shoe Lane corner of Fleet Street.

You were coming out of
some office building.

You had my camera around your neck.

I wish you called, Froth.

So why are you down here now?

Impulse.

Self-indulgence.

Perhaps a little love.

I had some work down here,

remembered it was the accordion weekend.

Maybe hint of masochism too.

Did you hear about the people in the barn?

Hop pickers mostly,

working Carlion farms.

And perhaps this is the millennium.

Do you think?

Be nice to think we were making history.

Would you object?

Object, me?

Why would I do that?

I don't know.

I don't know what you believe anymore.

Believe?

The main I've come to believe

that belief is not really my bag.

My crazed father.

My pathetic father.

He wants me to take over.

All I have to do is believe.

He's been this way since
brother Frederick bought it.

You heard about it?

So...

So what work are you doing, Gin?

Down here.

I'm doing a piece on the country.

No one can make you do anything, Pip.

You're your own man.

I know.

You especially Pip.

Absolutely.

God, but I hate the country.

You remember Blackie?

Blackie Ashford, the poacher?

He's battling now.

[Male Over Radio] This
is the BBC home service.

Here is the news.

Mr. Churchill has resigned.

He drove from 10 Downing
street to Buckingham palace

at 7 o'clock tonight.

His majesty, the King
accepted his resignation.

[people chattering]

Do we call it a deal, Tats?

You're really going to have to stop

patronising me, you know?

[crowd applauds]

[crowd chatters]

If we can get through tomorrow,

we can survive anything.

Lady Carlion?

Yes?

Would you like to have
a look at your presents?

Oh I would indeed.

I've laid them out by the dining room.

Thank you, Faith.

Lend me an arm, will you dear boy?

And you, the brooch.

Oh, exotic.

Oh, quite lovely, thank you.

[lips smack]

Thank you.

Darling, Ginny, she looks so meagre.

Divorce has quite ruined her.

Has she been in France?

Do you know, they say they ate rats.

Stewed rats in the restaurant.

Ooh, I never liked French.

Ah, how perfect.

Mother.

I never knew you hated
your father quite so much.

Mother.

Would your ladyship, care to decide

where I put the young lads?

I would.

I would, indeed.

Put them next to Virginia,

that's where the poor brats want.

We can't all have what we want

all the time, you know that, Phillip.

Thank you Ashton.

Ashford, ma'am.

Yes, thank you Ashton.

It all looks splendid.

You were saying, Phillip?

Mother, there are things you should know.

Things?

About me.

There's someone I care
for very much, in London.

Someone I, in a way, live with

but can't marry.

So?

Marry someone you can.

That shouldn't interfere.

I assume that she is an
understanding sort of person, hm?

It's a man.

What's a man?

I see.

[Lady Collins laughs]

You mean you're a bug?

Well not exclusively, but yes.

I see.

So...

It's impossible.

No it isn't.

Who was it who said, "he
preferred an accommodating vice

to an obstinate virtue"?

Well, whoever it was, he
must've been a gentleman.

You have only to state your terms.

Amalia.

You also said you can always tell a lady,

but you cannot tell her much.

[crowd chatters]

Half the men have disappeared.

Sir Frederick was carrying his gun.

Better go.

[Lady Carlion] Won't you join me?

Can you see cigarettes anywhere?

Yeah.

Oh good.

Have you spoken with
Philip since you arrived?

Yes.

How did he seem to you?

Changed.

Yes.

I think he's growing up.

Father always said he'd make a man of him.

[crowd chattering]

[crowd jeering]

[door thumping]

See these?

18 Years.

I've been coming down here
and picking your hops.

And every year we have to ask you

for a pair of bloody
gloves to pick 'em in.

[Male] Yeah.

We're through asking.

I'll tell you something,

the best place we put our
heads down inside of here.

You treat your bloody horses
better than you treat us.

My horses have names.

[crowd screams]

[crowd jeers]

[Male] Oliphant, Meldon,
Parkers, Carlions,

I am privileged to propose a family.

[Group] Family.

[crowd chatters]

If may be,

if one may be permitted,

a more personal word,
ladies and gentlemen.

When I arrived here at weekend,

I was greeted by my father,

long noted for his plainness
of speech in these matters,

with a short but withering
list of my deficiencies.

Three items in total:
wife, clubs, clothes.

Let it be known, therefore,

that in a possible excessive filial piety,

I have, one, had myself
nominated for whites and cotton.

Two, made an early appointment
with a tailor of repute.

And the three, edit into
certain negotiations

with a lady whose name I do not propose

to divulge and present,

but who I trust will not keep me waiting

longer than is decent or bearable.

Thank you.

[crowd applauds]

Don't overreach yourself, brother-in-law.

These hectic post-war reconstruction.

Still could please everyone, Alice.

And I thought brother
Frederick discovered.

Frederick?

I've seen the sworn affidavits

from members of his company

attesting the manner of his death.

I doubt the palace would
be favourably disposed of

on grounds with his
requests for the Baroness,

should they ever see the light of day.

Fine speech, uncle Pip.

Thank you Robert.

Two stories, remember?

I think this might prove
an appropriate moment

for ladies and children to withdraw.

[crowd chatters]

Delicious profiterole.

[Male] Where'd you get the leg, young man?

Catch the jerry bullet?

[Phillip] Caught them in a trap, sir.

[crowd chatters]

[fingers drum]

[Female] Might I ask what happened

to the people in the stable?

They were persuaded to move on.

[man sings]

I think it quite important
to let you all know

that I have asked Phillip

to take Frederick's place at Carlion

and that he has agreed to do so.

As the major stockholders
are present at this table,

I would be interested to
receive provisional ratification

of the proposal.

Now.

♪ Don't know how ♪

♪ Don't know when ♪

Boy made a fine speech.

Hold up.

Permanent department, do you mean?

I don't think anyone
would harbour any doubts

to Phillip's ability, would he?

Managing a major firms isn't just a matter

of ability, is it?

It's a question of will.

Desire, even,

Frankly I wouldn't have thought Phillip

would have wanted it.

It may be my legal training,

but I'd be happier if we could agree

what's being proposed here.

Is it Phillip as managing director?

Or Phillip as chairman
we're discussing, Frederick?

Well,

in the first instance,

it may be...

Both.

What's the final state
of the party is, Matthew?

[Matthew] One or two seats to undeclared.

The socialists appear to be
approaching a majority of 200.

What's the state of the market, Andrew?

[Andrew] Bad.

It may not have entirely
slipped your notice, gentlemen.

But today, Thursday, the 26th of July,

people of this country declared war on us.

This whole discussion
may already be obsolete.

Before the year is out,

we may all be living in the West Indies,

on as much capital as
we've been able to muster

from the expropriation of our possessions,

that the socialists had
been elected to effect.

The ship's sinking, gentlemen.

That's water around your ankles.

Now, if I am to enlist, I
shall need safe safeguards.

Crucially, I shall need to
know that I have sole authority

to chart the course ahead.

Both, and now.

[man protests]

Phillip makes sense.

I have the socialists
election programme in my room,

if anyone would care to read it.

As Winston would have it,

the thieves charter,
coal, steel, railways,

utilities, medicine, the bank of England,

and that's only what
they say they'll take.

With this sort of majority,

who's to know where it will stop.

Confiscation of land
could be on the cards,

housing, property taxes, insurance.

It's not unconceivable.

They could close the public schools

and get rid of the House
of Lords altogether

I have to be forward.

The fight will have to be led.

Robert?

Well, I can't speak for
mother, grandfather,

but for myself,

I'd have no difficulty
in working with uncle Pip

[Male] Or me.

None at all.

It's a great pity, young
Pip didn't fight though.

Or all that.

He will, people.

Bank on it.

Good.

I hope you'll call an early meeting

at the board and have it confirmed.

I shall, of course,
expect my father's seat

on all your respective boards.

Well, let's drink to that.

Shall we?

I had something special
sent down from London.

Might take a little getting used to,

but in time, I think
you're going to like it.

It's something that Carlion
lab always been working on.

[man grunts]

Good god almighty.

Weasel piss.

[crowd chuckles]

Almost.

Actually it's re-carbonated beer.

Travels,

keeps forever,

All we've got to do is make it taste

a little less like weasel piss,
and we could be in clover.

While

Good god almighty.

I didn't realise you were off so soon.

Do you need a car?

Yeah.

Gin, this is not your business.

No, I was never able to
resist a good funeral.

One day, soon I hope, they'll
come a banging at your door.

It'll be the people.

And because they're English,

they'll probably give you
a third class rail ticket

to Dover or South Hampton
when they ask you to leave.

Frankly, I would not object

if they followed the
example of Spanish peasants

and carotid you in your bed,

because I feel, were there a god,

he would want you to suffer.

The suffering you cause...

I thought the ladies had retired now.

Ginny wait.

Don't go like this, Gin.

This is how we are.

You know that.

I thought you were always with us.

Yes I know how you are.

Thanks for the story.

Picture Post out to get us?

Perhaps.

Good copy.

You won't be friends?

Not while there's a war on.

[Male] We are right to rejoice tonight

and this great victory of the people.

And it's right that for a short time,

we should relax.

But I want to remind you all,

that when we've had this short holiday,

we have to turn to work,

to win the peace as we won the war.

The qualities of unity, self sacrifice,

putting the common wheel
before private interest

has to continue into peace after the war.

And I want to tell you, all

that we in this country,

have done a great work in the war.

Ane we are going to face the problems

of the peace with the same
courage we showed in the war.

[energetic music]

[people chanting]

[people cheering]

[drum pounds]

[people sing]

[people cheer]

What is...

Is it a funeral?

[Phillip] I'd rather think it is, father.

But not yet noticed the grail is empty?

[people cheer]

[women sing]

[choir music]

[choir music]

[fire crackling]