The Duchess of Duke Street (1976–1977): Season 1, Episode 8 - Trouble and Strife - full transcript
With Louisa off to France for a short holiday Mary, with the help of Major Smith-Barton, is in charge of the hotel and has been tasked specifically with hiring a new maid. Mr. Starr, the porter, is shocked to find an old acquaintance and seems confused as to what to do about it. His friend seems to be down on her luck and all she wants is for him to act as a reference for her when she applies for a position at the Bentinck. She threatens to expose some information from his past if he doesn't and he reluctantly agrees but when she does start work and money begins to disappear from the guests rooms, Starr begins to worry about his decision.
I'll be seasick.
No, you won't.
It's calm as
anything today.
Yeah. Calm here, Mary,
don't mean it'll be calm
in the channel.
MRS. TROTTER:
Eh, look at my lovely bus.
It's a bit jazzy,
isn't it?
But the Bentinck style,
don't you think?
Now, you're going to
manage all right, Mary?
Of course I am.
We'll manage,
won't we, Major?
Of course we will.
Don't worry.
I'll keep an eye on things.
It's quiet at the
moment, anyway.
MRS. TROTTER: Too quiet.
Mind you, don't forget...
3 applicants coming tomorrow
from the agency.
I know.
Look after Miss Hayward,
the bishop's daughter.
I don't want the church
coming down on our heads.
We'll be
quite all right.
Now you go on.
You'll miss
your train.
Blooming count
and his French chateau.
I should have never
agreed to it.
But it's Champagne
country.
Yeah. I'll be sloshed
all the time.
What kind of holiday
is that?
I can't stick holidays,
especially foreign ones.
I'm all on edge.
The worst of it is,
when I come back,
everything's a mess.
Good luck, madam.
And give my regards
to La Belle France.
Can you drive
this thing, Major?
Of course I can.
I've driven
trickier things than this.
I once drove a steam engine
to Allahabad.
Oh, she fusses.
Does she think
we're useless?
Easy to run this
place...runs itself.
HAYWARD: I want to see
Mrs. Trotter.
She's gone away, miss.
Can I help?
My maid has found
a cockroach
in her bedroom.
Show the porter,
Morgan.
It's dead.
I killed it.
It's a big fellow.
See that, Mary?
It was
in me slipper.
I'm very sorry,
Miss Hayward.
I don't wish
to be awkward.
One expects to find
creepy-crawlies
in the countryside,
but when one comes
to the Bentinck...
it won't happen
again.
I'll have
a scout round.
What concerns me most
is that cockroaches are
usually found in kitchens.
Oh, no, miss.
Our kitchens
are spotless.
You can come
and see.
They're spotless,
our kitchens,
aren't they,
Mr. Merriman?
Well, cleaner than some,
I daresay.
Yes, well,
come along, Morgan.
Harrod's.
Bishop's
daughter.
Killing God's
creatures, too.
She only comes
to buy clothes.
A mutton dressed
as Lamb of God.
A letter for you.
What?
A young woman left it,
back door just now.
Acquaintance of yours?
That's right.
Slight acquaintance, yes.
Keep an eye
on things, will you?
I won't be long.
Eh? Eh?
Joey.
Well, you do know me,
don't you?
Here. I bought you
a drink.
It's your pub.
Noisy, isn't it?
What did you say?
Nothing.
Well, how are you, then?
Looking all right.
Smart uniform.
I'm sorry.
I'm not me best.
What are you
doing here, Lizzie?
What do you want?
To see you,
that's all.
There's no law,
is there?
Tough to find, you were.
Tramped all over London.
I'd still be looking
if I hadn't bumped into,
uh...Corporal Philpott.
Do you remember him?
Big ears.
He's a baker's
assistant now.
Well...
You never think of me,
what become of me?
If I was alive
or dead, even?
I thought of you.
Evidently.
You wouldn't be here
otherwise.
Now just say
what you want
and get on your way.
I want a job, Joseph.
Job? But I can't
give you one.
You could help.
No.
Why not? Must be
something in that hotel.
Cleaning, scrubbing.
I'm not proud.
Please, Joey.
I'm desperate.
Desperate?
Do you think it's been
easy for me on me own?
I don't believe
you've been
on your own, Lizzie.
Oh, yes, I have,
more often than not.
I'm not a whore!
I never was.
All right, all right.
Calm down.
I'm not asking
for money, Joey.
I ain't got none,
but I'm not asking for any.
I just want a job
and a bit of respect,
like what you've got.
Well, you must have
had jobs.
Yeah. Sweatshop
making trousers
12 hours a day
for a lousy shilling.
I was a barmaid
in Stepney once.
That was nice.
Then a bicycle store.
Well, what was
wrong with that?
I didn't like it,
that's what was
wrong with it.
I was worth more
than that once.
You thought so.
I don't want to talk
about that.
It's finished.
I've got my life
settled now,
and I don't want you
barging your way
back into it.
I'm sorry, Lizzie,
but you'll have to
look elsewhere.
Do they know about you
at the Bentinck?
What?
Your past, Joey.
Tell them, did you?
You wouldn't.
You bitch.
Yeah, well...
It's what life
makes you, isn't it?
Oh, not you, gal.
You always was one.
I wish I'd never
set eyes on you.
Never fair on me,
you wasn't.
Do your worst.
There's nothing going
for you at the hotel.
There is...
laundry maid.
I heard that woman say
when she went
off in the bus.
I could do that easy.
No.
Please, Joey.
It's only till
I get on me feet,
and I'll move on.
I promise.
You won't breathe
a word?
What do you take me for?
I can't fix it
for you.
You'll have to
get it on merit.
You could give me
a reference.
You'll have to
tidy up.
Oh, Joey.
Hmm! They're
not laundry maids
to my way of thinking.
The short one reminds
me of my sister.
MORGAN: Mrs. Cochrane.
Miss Hayward's eggs
are overcooked.
4 minutes! That's what
she's asked for,
and that's
what she's got.
But they're overcooked.
Good morning.
You're from the agency
for the post
of laundry maid, is it?
Mary, Mary.
What?
I haven't
interviewed them yet,
have I, Mr. Merriman?
First impressions
are all-important.
The eye tells you.
Which eye?
I'll decide,
thank you.
Will you come in,
please?
Hello.
Yes?
I've come
about the laundry job.
Oh.
Stormy night.
Oh, was it?
Yes, sir.
Gout's playing up.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Can I get you
a cab, Admiral?
You can get me a drink...
a large brandy.
Uh, Mr. Merriman...
uh, you're wanted
in the laundry room.
What for?
I think it's to vouch
for your lady friend.
The admiral
wants his usual.
And have you had
any experience
of this work before,
Mrs. Talbot?
Well, only in
me own home, miss.
Oh, you haven't
worked in a hotel?
No. No, I haven't,
but I mean,
it's the same, isn't it?
Washing, drying, ironing...
just like a big family.
Yes, I suppose
it is, really.
Well, now, uh...
I sort out all
the different things
into piles, do I?
White linen, colors,
body linen, mus...
Oh, look. There's a great
big ink splodge on this.
Yes, there is.
How would you
remove that?
Uh...give it a good rub,
soap and water?
No. You need
salts of sorrel
for ink marks.
Oh. Well,
I'll soon pick it up.
I'm sure I will.
Oh, yes,
it's just like home.
What employment
have you had?
Oh, uh, well,
after me husband died,
I...I had to get work
where I could, didn't I?
Oh, Mr. Starr,
Mrs. Talbot says
that you're acquainted.
LIZZIE: Yes,
that's right.
Mr. Starr was my late
husband's best friend,
weren't you, Mr. Starr?
Sergeants together.
He was with my husband
when he was killed,
weren't you?
Brought his things
back for me.
Very kind.
Yes. It's true
I've known Mrs. Talbot
for some years now.
We hadn't seen each other
for ever such a long time,
and then yesterday,
we bumped into each other,
and he said this job
was going, so here I am.
Ever so grateful.
Yes, well,
if you'll wait
outside a moment,
Mrs. Talbot.
Right you are.
Oh, I don't know.
What do you think,
Mr. Starr?
She's the best
I've seen,
but she's had
no experience.
Maybe I should
see some more.
Well, laundry's
in a bit of a mess.
Yes, it is.
Do you think I should
give her a chance?
Why not?
All right,
since you know her.
Yes.
Will you come in,
please, Mrs. Talbot?
The job is yours.
Thank you, miss.
The wages are
15 shillings a week
and all meals.
I hope that is
satisfactory.
Yes, miss. Uh,
ain't no chance
of my living in,
is there?
Oh, no, I'm afraid not.
If you're finished
with me, ladies.
Oh, yes, thank you,
Mr. Starr.
Lovely man.
Oh, Starr,
don't forget...
luggage down
from number 14.
Oh, right, Major.
Thank you.
What is your function
here, Major?
Are you the sort
of manager
while
Mrs. Trotter's away?
Good heavens, no,
dear lady.
No official post.
Guest, like yourself.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Please don't apologize.
I suppose I have
come to be
a sort of
friend and adviser.
Keep an eye on things
in loco parentis.
Grand vizier
who attends to the needs
of favorite guests.
Oh, flatterer.
What?
Come and join our little
bridge party this evening.
We need a fourth.
I've tugged in
old Admiral Swain
and a dear
headmistress friend:
Gertie Manners...
lots of fun.
We'll take them on,
shall we?
Oh, yes.
Um, delighted.
Uh, s-splendid.
8:00.
Don't be late, now.
All right, love.
Oh, yes,
Mrs. Cochrane.
We're having our tea
in a minute.
You'll come
and join us?
When I finish
this here.
Mary...Miss philips...
was saying
you're a widow.
Is that right?
Yeah.
I'm a widow, too.
Oh. Hard life, eh?
Yeah. Mr. Cochrane
has been gone
14 years
come August.
We was on holiday
in Margate.
He went for a bathe
after a big dinner.
I told him not to.
Still, my children
were good to me.
Have you got
children,
Mrs. Talbot?
Call me Lizzie.
No, I haven't. No.
Only married 6 months.
Oh, what a shame.
Yeah.
Tall, handsome he was,
my Jack.
Big shoulders.
Lovely man.
And he was killed
fighting
when
Mr. Starr was, eh?
That's right. Yes.
Side by side
at the battle
of Omdurman.
Now, you sit
over there, Lizzie,
opposite Mr. Starr.
Thanks.
Oh, that's a nice dog,
Mr. Starr. Is it yours?
Yeah. Fred.
Hello, Fred.
Inseparable friends,
eh, Mr. Starr?
Yeah, well, you always did
like animals, didn't you?
In Malta...
Oh, thanks,
Mrs. Cochrane.
Do you remember that big,
white rabbit we had...
That Jack looked after?
I didn't know
you was ever
in Malta, Mr. Starr.
Oh, yeah, that's where
they were.
Rifle brigade,
second battalion,
before they went to Egypt.
You was in
the rifle brigade?
Quartermaster sergeant...
I think, was it?
MERRIMAN: You kept that
a dark secret.
Well, not all men
like to boast
about their fighting
days, Mr. Merriman.
We all know you was
in the Crimea.
Help yourself, love.
I wonder how
Mrs. Trotter's getting on
in La Belle France.
We might get
a postcard from her soon.
Quite a holiday
for us without her,
I may say.
We got 3 leaving
tomorrow, Mr. Starr:
Sir John Thornton...
good riddance...
and Mr. And Mrs. Peel...
Americans.
That leaves us with...
7 guests left.
I hope we fill up soon,
or Mrs. Trotter will kill us.
Proper tiger, is she...
Mrs. Trotter?
She's your employer.
Go on, Fred.
In you go.
What the hell
are you...
I just took
a bath.
You could have...
it's all right.
I asked Mrs. Cochrane.
Oh, I feel human
again. Smell.
Real soap.
Mrs. Cochrane
give it me.
This is my room!
Oh, is it?
You know
damn well it is.
No, I didn't.
How could I know?
I thought
it was spare.
Anyone see you
come in here?
I don't think so.
What's it matter?
I was only looking
for somewhere
to change.
Well, hurry up
and get out.
Oh, don't be hasty
with me.
I've had a hard day.
I worked like a slave
in that laundry.
I made a good
impression, haven't I?
Not on me, you haven't.
Why not?
Too much blabbermouth.
Well, I didn't know
you hadn't told them
nothing!
Some bits you're
not ashamed of.
Well, it suited me
to tell them nothing.
I've built up again
from scratch. I'm a new man.
Well, what did you
tell them?
They must have asked.
I'd better know.
It's just a blank,
convenient for me
for others to fill in
how they wish.
Now you've come,
and the questions
will start,
and I'm not as fluent
with lies as you are.
They'll catch me out.
I'm sorry.
I won't say
another word.
If they ask me,
I don't know.
Right, Joey?
Oh, I look quite
beautiful. Ha ha!
I've kept me figure,
you've got to admit.
Bloomin' miracle.
Would you like to
take me for a drink?
No. I can't, not tonight.
I'm on duty.
Oh. Well, see you
tomorrow, then.
Um...
Where are you living?
Whitechapel.
It's all right.
Quite quick
on me bike.
Yeah, this bike...
where'd you get it from?
I was give it!
By me boss
at the bicycle store...
leaving present.
Lizzie.
Yeah?
Living on your own,
are you?
Of course on me own.
One room,
just like this.
Good night.
Here. What
happened?
A nasty young thug
give it to her
on her way to work.
Punched her.
Yeah. About 15
he was.
It was a whole gang
of them
pummeling up
this little runt.
Florence nightingale
goes to the rescue.
I got this
for me pains.
The sooner you're out
of that East End,
the better.
Don't you agree,
Mr. Starr?
It's no place for a poor
young woman on her own.
MARY:
Mrs. Talbot...
Hey, look.
Kids, on her way
to work.
It's all right.
It's nothing, really.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I'm fine now.
Thanks, Mrs. Cochrane.
Well, when
you're ready,
I need clean linen
for rooms 5 and 7:
sheets, pillowcases,
and towels.
I've got to iron
the pillowcases yet.
I'll bring them up meself
when they're aired.
Mrs. Cochrane,
there's a dinner
party tonight
for Monsieur
Plangeot,
the diplomat, for 6.
Me own sheets, these.
Don't tell no one.
Thought I'd use
the opportunity.
I'll take you home
tonight.
We're getting
some funny looks.
They think
you're my old man
and it was you
done this
and you're trying
to make it up.
That's what they're
thinking, is it?
Yeah, it is.
Not good for
your reputation.
What do you care
about my reputation?
I do.
Does it hurt?
Nah. Blooming kid.
Caught by now,
I hope he was.
Just wait till I get
me hands on him.
The rest of you
is all right.
Oh...yeah.
What I've seen.
I look better
in the summer.
Eh?
When I come back
from the hop picking.
Brown as a berry, I was.
Hop picking?
Yeah. Oh, it was
lovely.
Just like
an holiday.
Went down
to Kent.
Slept out
under the stars.
Romantic.
Any good, was you?
Of course I was.
Born to it.
Quick fingers.
I come back
with nearly 3 quid
after a month.
Mind you, you got
to be young and hardy.
Some of the old ones...
God, it was pathetic.
Let me die young.
No, don't say that.
I mean it, Joey,
honest.
Some of the ones
round my place...
you should see them.
There was one of
them...
she was
so feeble-minded,
she couldn't find
her own front door.
I used to see her
in the street,
stumbling along.
They found her last week
dead in bed
with lice
all over her.
It's worse
in the hospitals
with old people.
They kill them off
with special white potions.
Stop them cluttering up
the earth.
That's what
I've been told.
A wise mercy,
it's called.
Cor, never let that
happen to me.
I'd rather slit
me throat.
Hey!
Are you listening?
Who's he?
What?
Over there,
watching us.
I don't know.
Hey, Joey,
tell you what.
Why don't you come
hopping with me
next summer?
Who'd look after Fred?
Bring him, as well.
He'd like it.
No, he wouldn't.
It's not our sort of life.
You don't know
till you tried it.
You might
surprise yourselves.
Fresh air...
Oh, I long
for fresh air.
The fug down
Whitechapel.
Why is he looking
at you like that?
Who?
Him. He knows you.
Oh. Him.
Yeah, well...
He come and talked
to me the other day
while I was waiting
for you.
Nuisance, was he?
No. Well,
he's gone now.
Stop worrying
about him.
Let's have
another drink.
No. We've had enough,
haven't we?
Hey, it's only beer,
you know.
It's not gin,
the harlot's ruin.
Come on.
I'll take you home.
Don't bother.
I've got me bike.
You're not biking home
in your state.
Look, Joey, I...
I don't want you
to see my place.
It isn't nice.
Come on. I'm hungry.
We'll get some
jellied eels.
All right,
if you must.
But I warned you.
Hey, I've got
some halibut at home
if it ain't
been nicked.
Great. I quite fancy
a bit of halibut.
How long
have you been here?
All winter.
Lucky to get it.
Oh! Bloomin' meter.
You got a penny?
Yeah. Here.
Ta.
What's this?
What?
Here.
Oh! Ha ha!
Insects' violent death.
Told you not to come.
Lizzie!
Whose are these?
I couldn't tell you.
I might
have guessed.
No. I don't know
whose they are.
I have to share
this place.
Oh, come on!
It's the truth.
Ask the landlord.
3 bob a week
I have to pay, sharing.
Who with?
Don't ask me.
It changes.
Sometimes a man,
sometimes a woman.
We have it in shifts.
We don't see each other.
It's the rule.
The same bed?
Of course the same bed.
Ain't another, is there?
Now you know why
I come to find you.
At least we got
clean sheets tonight.
Will you stay, Joey?
You can if you want.
Oh! Face
ain't pretty,
but the rest of
me...
Mr. Starr?
So, you was
at Omdurman, was you?
Don't talk
about it much, do you?
MARY: Oh, yes.
Do tell us about it,
Mr. Starr.
No, not if he doesn't
want to, Mary.
Perhaps the memories
are too painful.
MARY: Are they,
Mr. Starr?
What do you want
to know exactly,
Mr. Merriman?
Oh, your part in it,
Mr. Starr,
as a quartermaster sergeant
of the second battalion
of that fine regiment,
the rifles.
Well,
some of the old sweats
didn't think much of us
when we arrived.
The hussars
and the highlanders,
they'd been stuck
in the desert a long time,
saw us coming,
fresh out of Malta,
good morale...
Ha ha ha!
They called us
weekend trippers,
but we soon showed them.
On the marches,
we had less men fall out,
us and the grenadiers,
than any other
British battalion.
Who were you fighting
exactly, Mr. Starr?
Uh, the dervishes, Mary,
led by the infamous
Khalifah.
They was avenging
the murder
of General Gordon
at Khartoum
12 years previous.
Yeah.
Vengeance.
That's what they told us.
And you beat them,
did you?
Oh, yeah,
we beat them,
but the truth is,
our worst time
was the journey
getting there
down the Nile.
Jammed in steamers.
Terrible, that was.
The battle itself
was quite tame
after that for us,
though the truth is,
the only fighting
we really saw
was when we got
the order to double up
behind the Seaforths',
on a small rise.
Oh, nice view we had,
but the trouble is,
we were sitting targets.
That's when poor Jack
copped it,
right next to me.
Terrible.
Well, after that,
memories include
camping on the top
of a graveyard one night;
dead camels, donkeys,
horses, and other things;
and a stench bad enough
to kill anyone.
Was it you lot looted
the Mandi's tomb?
Not the rifles,
Mr. Merriman, no.
And back to Malta
after that.
Well, it was certainly
a notable victory...
Gordon avenged
and the benefits of our
civilization bestowed
on the benighted
heathen.
Ah, bring back
any trophies, Mr. Starr?
Yes, a broken spear
and a dervish flag
in my room in a trunk,
if you care to look
at them sometime.
MARY: Yes, well, uh,
it's been lovely
hearing about it,
Mr. Starr,
but I think we better
get back to work.
Right.
Are you quite sure,
Miss Hayward?
Of course I'm sure.
I'm not in the habit
of making false
accusations,
and it's absolutely
disgraceful
after I've been coming
here all these years.
What's happened?
Miss philips,
you have a thief
in your hotel.
Uh, perhaps we could
talk this over
in private.
People should know.
They should be warned.
Shall I come,
too, madam?
Oh, yes, Morgan.
Come along, come along.
MAJOR: Uh, do please
sit down, Miss Hayward,
and explain
to Miss philips.
Thank you, Major.
Yesterday morning,
I left 7 sovereigns
on my dressing table...
shopping money.
After I came back
from my morning walk,
there were
just 4 sovereigns.
Yesterday?
Well, why didn't
you tell us sooner,
Miss Hayward?
I beg your pardon?
Uh, Miss Hayward wanted
to make quite certain...
well,
of course I did.
I searched high and low.
Didn't I, Morgan?
MORGAN:
Yes, madam.
Before coming to
the regrettable conclusion
that the money
had been stolen.
But I did your room
myself yesterday.
Your chambermaid's
away sick.
Nobody else
went into your room
except your own maid.
What are you
suggesting?
Uh, nothing. Nothing.
Of course
it wasn't Morgan.
She's been with us
for 17 years.
Well, it wasn't
any of our staff.
I can vouch
for them all.
I think that is a matter
for the police to decide.
The police?
Uh, Miss Hayward,
dear lady,
consider a moment.
Your room left unattended,
no lock on the door...
Anyone...staff,
visiting servants,
a guest even...
surely not a guest!
It can't entirely
be ruled out.
So you see, the police...
Awkward questions
all round.
What do you suggest,
then, Major?
Leave it to me.
To you?
I'm not without experience
in this sort of thing.
The army, you know.
I remember once
in Kabul...
Oh, well...
Yes, I'm sure
the Major
can handle it,
Miss Hayward.
Don't call
the police.
We can deduct
the missing money
from your account.
Yes, of course we will,
absolutely,
and I shall start making
inquiries right away.
Excuse me.
Thank you, Major.
What's going on,
Major?
Miss Hayward.
Woman complaining.
Some money taken.
Always unpleasant,
this sort of thing.
Bad feeling,
hue and cry,
then it turns up
in her handbag,
unless it's the maid,
of course.
What, Morgan?
Sour, embittered,
takes advantage
of a hotel visit,
diverts suspicion.
I don't think she's
got the brains,
that one.
No? No, probably not.
Oh, well, token
investigation, I suppose,
list of suspects,
but you'd never prove it.
By the way,
Merriman tells me
that you were
in the rifle brigade.
Yes.
Second battalion, Malta?
That's right.
Fascinating.
Did you ever serve
with a Captain Mayhew,
an old friend of mine?
Mayhew?
Uh, no, Major.
He's a good man.
I must bring him
round sometime.
You can have
a chinwag.
No, I'm not much taken
with chinwagging, Major,
about the past.
"Foot forward,"
my motto.
Come on, Fred.
Let's get some fresh air.
Evening,
Mr. Merriman.
Evening,
Mrs. Talbot.
Mr. Starr upstairs?
Uh, no, sorry.
He's out with his dog,
I think.
Could I be
of assistance?
Oh.
No, don't matter.
Uh, night,
Mrs. Cochrane.
I'm going home now.
Night, love.
Now, there's no reason
to think it's her.
You've got a nasty,
suspicious mind, Fred.
ADMIRAL: Brandy!
Postcard
from Mrs. Trotter.
She says...
"The crossing
was awful,
"and the weather
is rotten,
and the French
count is a..."
I can't read
that word.
"Little devil
who's only got one
thing on his mind."
So she's cutting
short her visit
and returning home
on Wednesday.
Don't worry, Mary.
I've solved the case
of the missing money.
You've solved it?
Who was it?
Simple matter
of elimination.
First of all, rule out
staff and guests...
unthinkable.
That's
what I thought.
Leaves the visiting
servants.
Now, 3 selections...
first, Lady Sutton's
maid Elsie,
plump and pretty filly.
Rule her out.
And there's the Admiral's
man Tompkins,
old sea dog,
like his owner. Him out.
Leaves the Frenchman.
Monsieur Plangeot.
Yes. Now, his valet,
slick-haired, smarmy chap.
Never took to him much.
Room just across
the corridor. Easy access.
But they left this
morning for Paris.
Just my point,
don't you see?
Can't follow it up.
Explained that
to Miss Hayward,
bunch of spring flowers,
and Heigh Ho! says Rowley.
Oh, that's a brilliant
deduction, Major.
So we can forget
all about it, can we?
Oh, absolutely.
Home and dry.
Miss Hayward's mail,
if you please.
Just a minute.
I haven't got
all day.
Thank you.
Morning.
Busy?
Busy? I'm always busy
in this place.
When are they going to
get another chambermaid?
Can't keep
tramping up and down
them stairs all day.
Well, it's better than
being stuck in here
all the time.
You meet people.
Yeah.
Where was you
last night?
I was looking for you.
I was on duty.
Oh, no, you wasn't.
You was out
for a walk.
I thought you was
avoiding me for some reason.
Now,
why would I do that?
No idea.
Tired of me,
I expect.
After the other
night?
Oh, I know men.
Get what you want...
Lizzie...
Yeah?
What's the matter?
Uh, nothing.
Hey, Joey,
you will get me
out of that
place, won't you?
You said you would.
Somewhere close,
so we can meet
more often.
Well, we see
each other every day.
Well, yeah, but,
I mean, we can't...
You know.
Can't we?
No! Not in here!
Of course not!
No? Sorry.
I'm forgetting myself.
Hey, are you
going to wash that?
Uh, yeah.
I'll give you
a hand.
No, don't be daft.
It's my job, not yours.
Now go on,
leave us in peace.
Oh, all right.
Lizzie...
Joey...
See you tonight,
will I?
I'm not sure. Maybe.
Joey...
Kiss me.
Oh, excuse me.
Yes?
What do you want?
Miss Hayward would
like these done
by tomorrow,
properly done.
We're leaving,
and I can't say
I'm sorry, either.
Goings-on.
Thieving.
Thieving?
And other things.
Things taken, and all
swept under the carpet
with a bunch of flowers.
We're not stupid
in Derbyshire.
I don't know what
you're talking about,
and would you mind
going? I'm busy!
Unmoral and heathen.
That's what London is.
Where's your master,
Fred? Eh?
Where is he?
Oh, Mr. Merriman.
Uh, I was looking
for Joseph.
Uh, Joseph, yes.
On an errand,
he said.
Errand?
Yeah. I'm looking
after Fred tonight.
I see.
Thanks.
Uh, not that way,
Mrs. Talbot.
What are you
doing here?
I might have
brought him back.
Well, we've got
our story.
I'm a tenant,
sharing.
Yeah.
If only you was.
Now, don't be like
that. Come here.
LIZZIE: No!
I'm sorry, Mrs. Talbot.
Now, what have you got
in your bag there?
Nothing.
Liar!
Here.
That's the last
you're getting,
so make the most of it.
3 nicker. Lovely.
Do you hear me, Frank?
It's too risky.
They're onto it.
The guests
are complaining.
There's one for you
and 2 for me.
I don't want it.
Here.
Take it and get out!
Go back to sea,
anywhere.
I'm finished with you,
Frank.
Do you get it?
Just go away and leave
me alone, will you?
Why?
Gone soft, have you?
Soft job?
Yeah, well,
whose idea was it?
Bloody hard job,
if you want to know.
I'm worn out.
It's him, is it?
Your old loverboy?
He's too much
for you. Aw!
Get away!
Wait a minute.
I don't mind what
you get up to, missy,
long as you
remember one thing...
I'm your protector.
You?
That's right, and you
do as I tell you.
No, Frank, not anymore.
I told you...
Aah!
Stinking
little whore!
What did you say?
Whore!
From the gutter!
Don't you
call me that!
LIZZIE: Aah! No! No!
Stop!
Set up, we was, Fred.
Cunning bitch!
I should have learned my lesson
years ago in Malta.
That was
before your time, Fred.
I should have learned
my bloody lesson!
Let me in, Joey.
Please let me explain.
Go away.
I'll scream.
I'll bring the whole
hotel down
if you don't
let me in.
Joey!
Oh, Joey.
Say what you want quick
and then get out!
It was his idea,
Joey.
It wasn't me,
I swear it.
He said find you,
get a job here,
and then
start nicking.
I didn't want to.
I refused,
but he hit me, Joey.
The other morning...
My face...
That wasn't kids.
It was him, Joey.
What could I do?
He'd have killed me.
Well, maybe
he should have.
What?
Nicking money
for a rotten pimp!
I couldn't help it.
Oh, listen,
Joey, please.
Listen to me.
I was skint.
I needed somebody.
He come along.
He was better
than nothing,
and then I met you
again, and I...
I couldn't
get away from him.
I tried...
But he got his
claws in me, Joey.
I never wanted him.
I wanted you.
You had me once.
You had your chance.
Don't hold that
against me.
I was young.
I was stupid.
I was just a kid.
I've always
loved you.
Rifleman Williams?
It never
meant nothing.
You was away,
maybe killed.
I was scared.
He took advantage.
Oh, they always do,
don't they?
It's never your fault.
Just a poor victim,
aren't you,
all your life?
You don't understand.
You don't
even try to.
You just
judge people.
It's easy, that is.
I loved you...
But you asked
too much of me.
I'm not a...a saint,
I know I'm not,
but there is
some good in me.
You was always
too high-and-mighty
to see it, damn you.
Oh, you're
blaming me now?
Well, why not?
It can't all
be my fault.
I loved you.
I know you did.
I worshipped you.
Oh, stop it.
And when...
when I saw you again,
my mind went back
to Malta, and I...
Them blessed bells.
Do you
remember them?
I do.
Oh, Joey,
we can still do it.
This hotel,
I like it here.
We...
We can be happy.
No.
You bring shame
on me always.
You ruined me once,
but not again, missy,
not again.
Now get out!
Go on! Get out
where you belong!
Oh, no, Joey,
you can't!
Don't send me
back there, please!
He's waiting, Joey!
Get out of my room!
Please, Joey!
He's waiting!
Out!
No!
Please.
Gone, Fred.
Gone...
And good riddance.
Uh, excuse me,
Admiral.
Uh, Major.
The admiral says
he's had some money taken
from his room
yesterday afternoon.
Oh, has he?
The French fellow had gone
by yesterday afternoon,
so it can't be him,
can it?
Well, I never
seriously thought
it was him.
Do you think
he could have
imagined it?
Eh?
No? It does happen
sometimes.
People hear there's
a thief about,
they all start
losing things.
No. Doubt
that he'd settle
for a bunch
of spring flowers, either.
Brandy...
on the house?
Very good, Major.
MORGAN:
Major Smith-Barton,
where is the porter?
I've been ringing for him.
Miss Hayward wants
her luggage carried down.
Well, where is she?
Does Mr. Starr know?
I haven't seen him,
either.
Starr's wanted...hall.
Well, we don't know
where he is.
STARR: He's here.
Mr. Starr,
do you know
what's happened
to Mrs. Talbot?
What are you dressed
like that for?
I'm leaving.
You can't leave.
Why?
For private reasons.
Fred and me think
it's best
for all concerned.
Private?
It's not connected
with Mrs. Talbot,
by any chance?
Yes, I'm afraid
it is...
Loosely connected
with her.
I'm sorry for
the inconvenience, Mary.
SMITH-BARTON: But
look here, old chap,
we must have
a proper explanation
of all this...
desertion under
fire, otherwise.
Sit down and tell us,
Mr. Starr.
Where did you get
them bruises from?
Uh, I was out
last night at a pub.
SMITH-BARTON:
I don't believe you.
MARY: No,
neither do I.
Well, it's quite simple.
It's Mrs. Talbot
who's been taking money
from the rooms.
I can't say how much,
I'm afraid,
but since she came here
at my recommendation,
Fred and me think
it's only right and proper
that we should take
part of the blame.
Oh, but that's
silly.
It's not your fault.
It's not a reason
to leave.
Now, come on, Mr. Starr.
You just sit down
and tell us
all about it.
Now, come on.
We're all friends here.
Right, yes.
Starr, you and I
had better go upstairs
to the hall.
No, Mary.
I'll handle this.
MORGAN: Porter!
Oh...
Sit down.
Start
at the beginning.
Well, they were
good times in Malta.
What?
Life out there before
we went off to Egypt.
That's when I met her...
Lizzie...
uh, Mrs. Talbot.
Well, a lot of them
were after her.
Not many pretty girls
out there.
She took to me,
for some reason.
Happy as larks,
we were.
But she had
a husband,
didn't she...
Jack, was it?
What?
Sergeant
killed at Omdurman.
No such man, Major.
Only me she had...
Or so I thought.
But you weren't
married to her,
were you?
Married?
No, sir.
Common-law wife?
That's right, sir:
my woman.
Well, go on.
Well...
Went off to Egypt,
fought, and come back.
And found her playing
around, did you?
That's right, sir.
There was
this rifleman...
rifleman Williams,
his name was.
Tall;
bushy, black eyebrows;
fond of cycling.
Well, I'd had me suspicions
before I left,
but when I come back,
it was obvious.
I confronted them,
failed to get
a satisfactory denial,
and lost me temper.
The sun, Egypt,
and the idea of vengeance
is partly to blame...
Partly the beer
I'd drunk that evening.
Anyway,
I slammed this pimp
on the head
with a rifle butt
and cracked
his skull.
Oh, he lived, fortunately,
but I paid my dues.
Court-martial?
Yes, sir.
Found guilty:
dishonorable discharge,
2 years in the glass house,
lost me pension,
they took
me medals away.
Your friend captain Mayhew
will tell you, sir.
He spoke
in my defense.
Good heavens.
8 years ago,
all that was.
It's the reasons
for my reticence
in all matters military.
So now,
if you don't mind,
I think
I'll take my leave.
Why?
Pride, sir.
It was all right
when nobody knew.
Just about live
with that, but...
Now the subject
of common gossip...
You always
were the subject
of gossip, Starr.
Yes, sir. Well, maybe
I could live with that.
But not the truth.
Not them knowing,
no, sir.
Now, come on, Fred.
On our way.
Oh...
You might tell
Mr. Merriman
I've left him
my souvenirs...
the spear and the dervish
flag in my room.
Wait, damn it!
You can't go.
Where will you go?
Well, there's
other hotels.
But not like
this one.
You're part of
the furniture, man.
And who else would
put up with Fred?
When Mrs. Trotter
learns the truth,
she'll never
keep me on.
Court-martial,
you mean?
She won't ever know.
This is just between
the two of us.
No one
need ever know.
MARY: Sorry
to interrupt.
Yes, what is it,
Mary?
There's a Chief Inspector Munn
from Scotland Yard.
He wants to speak
with Mr. Starr.
Well, you'd better
show him in.
Chief Inspector
Munn?
Yeah.
I'm Major Smith-Barton.
This is Miss philips,
who runs the hotel
in the absence
of Mrs. Trotter,
and this is
Mr. Starr.
I understand
you've recently had
a laundrywoman
working here
by the name
of Mrs. Talbot.
Yes, sir.
MUNN: A lady
already well-known
to us as Mrs. Talbot,
Miss Lizzie Clark,
Mrs. Frank Corelli,
and as our recent
investigations have revealed,
under her real
married name
of Mrs. Joseph Starr.
Your wife, I believe.
Wife?
Not strictly correct,
officer...
not legally
this man's wife.
She was your wife,
wasn't she?
Yes, she was my wife.
Well, I'm afraid
I have to tell you,
Mr. Starr,
that she's dead.
Dead?
Her body was taken
out of the river
by Wapping Steps
in the early hours
of this morning.
We have reason
to believe
that she either
jumped off a bridge
or she was pushed.
Do you know
any reason
why she might have
taken her own life?
No, none.
She loved life.
The man you want
is Frank Corelli.
General Gordon...
Lizzie Starr...
...all avenged now, Fred.
"Foot forward,"
our motto.
Anything happen while
I've been away, then?
Not to speak of,
Mrs. Trotter.
No, very quiet,
really.
Oh, ahh...
Oh, watch that.
MRS. TROTTER:
Hello, Mary.
Hello, Starr.
MARY: Hello, Mrs. Trotter.
Have you had a nice time?
No, I haven't.
Ta.
What's your
news, then?
Oh, nothing, really.
Get a new
laundry maid?
MARY: Yes, well, we had one
for a few days, but she left.
Left? What was wrong
with her?
She wasn't quite
suitable,
but there's more
coming
from the agency
this afternoon.
Blimey, girl,
I'll choose her this time.
No, you won't.
It's calm as
anything today.
Yeah. Calm here, Mary,
don't mean it'll be calm
in the channel.
MRS. TROTTER:
Eh, look at my lovely bus.
It's a bit jazzy,
isn't it?
But the Bentinck style,
don't you think?
Now, you're going to
manage all right, Mary?
Of course I am.
We'll manage,
won't we, Major?
Of course we will.
Don't worry.
I'll keep an eye on things.
It's quiet at the
moment, anyway.
MRS. TROTTER: Too quiet.
Mind you, don't forget...
3 applicants coming tomorrow
from the agency.
I know.
Look after Miss Hayward,
the bishop's daughter.
I don't want the church
coming down on our heads.
We'll be
quite all right.
Now you go on.
You'll miss
your train.
Blooming count
and his French chateau.
I should have never
agreed to it.
But it's Champagne
country.
Yeah. I'll be sloshed
all the time.
What kind of holiday
is that?
I can't stick holidays,
especially foreign ones.
I'm all on edge.
The worst of it is,
when I come back,
everything's a mess.
Good luck, madam.
And give my regards
to La Belle France.
Can you drive
this thing, Major?
Of course I can.
I've driven
trickier things than this.
I once drove a steam engine
to Allahabad.
Oh, she fusses.
Does she think
we're useless?
Easy to run this
place...runs itself.
HAYWARD: I want to see
Mrs. Trotter.
She's gone away, miss.
Can I help?
My maid has found
a cockroach
in her bedroom.
Show the porter,
Morgan.
It's dead.
I killed it.
It's a big fellow.
See that, Mary?
It was
in me slipper.
I'm very sorry,
Miss Hayward.
I don't wish
to be awkward.
One expects to find
creepy-crawlies
in the countryside,
but when one comes
to the Bentinck...
it won't happen
again.
I'll have
a scout round.
What concerns me most
is that cockroaches are
usually found in kitchens.
Oh, no, miss.
Our kitchens
are spotless.
You can come
and see.
They're spotless,
our kitchens,
aren't they,
Mr. Merriman?
Well, cleaner than some,
I daresay.
Yes, well,
come along, Morgan.
Harrod's.
Bishop's
daughter.
Killing God's
creatures, too.
She only comes
to buy clothes.
A mutton dressed
as Lamb of God.
A letter for you.
What?
A young woman left it,
back door just now.
Acquaintance of yours?
That's right.
Slight acquaintance, yes.
Keep an eye
on things, will you?
I won't be long.
Eh? Eh?
Joey.
Well, you do know me,
don't you?
Here. I bought you
a drink.
It's your pub.
Noisy, isn't it?
What did you say?
Nothing.
Well, how are you, then?
Looking all right.
Smart uniform.
I'm sorry.
I'm not me best.
What are you
doing here, Lizzie?
What do you want?
To see you,
that's all.
There's no law,
is there?
Tough to find, you were.
Tramped all over London.
I'd still be looking
if I hadn't bumped into,
uh...Corporal Philpott.
Do you remember him?
Big ears.
He's a baker's
assistant now.
Well...
You never think of me,
what become of me?
If I was alive
or dead, even?
I thought of you.
Evidently.
You wouldn't be here
otherwise.
Now just say
what you want
and get on your way.
I want a job, Joseph.
Job? But I can't
give you one.
You could help.
No.
Why not? Must be
something in that hotel.
Cleaning, scrubbing.
I'm not proud.
Please, Joey.
I'm desperate.
Desperate?
Do you think it's been
easy for me on me own?
I don't believe
you've been
on your own, Lizzie.
Oh, yes, I have,
more often than not.
I'm not a whore!
I never was.
All right, all right.
Calm down.
I'm not asking
for money, Joey.
I ain't got none,
but I'm not asking for any.
I just want a job
and a bit of respect,
like what you've got.
Well, you must have
had jobs.
Yeah. Sweatshop
making trousers
12 hours a day
for a lousy shilling.
I was a barmaid
in Stepney once.
That was nice.
Then a bicycle store.
Well, what was
wrong with that?
I didn't like it,
that's what was
wrong with it.
I was worth more
than that once.
You thought so.
I don't want to talk
about that.
It's finished.
I've got my life
settled now,
and I don't want you
barging your way
back into it.
I'm sorry, Lizzie,
but you'll have to
look elsewhere.
Do they know about you
at the Bentinck?
What?
Your past, Joey.
Tell them, did you?
You wouldn't.
You bitch.
Yeah, well...
It's what life
makes you, isn't it?
Oh, not you, gal.
You always was one.
I wish I'd never
set eyes on you.
Never fair on me,
you wasn't.
Do your worst.
There's nothing going
for you at the hotel.
There is...
laundry maid.
I heard that woman say
when she went
off in the bus.
I could do that easy.
No.
Please, Joey.
It's only till
I get on me feet,
and I'll move on.
I promise.
You won't breathe
a word?
What do you take me for?
I can't fix it
for you.
You'll have to
get it on merit.
You could give me
a reference.
You'll have to
tidy up.
Oh, Joey.
Hmm! They're
not laundry maids
to my way of thinking.
The short one reminds
me of my sister.
MORGAN: Mrs. Cochrane.
Miss Hayward's eggs
are overcooked.
4 minutes! That's what
she's asked for,
and that's
what she's got.
But they're overcooked.
Good morning.
You're from the agency
for the post
of laundry maid, is it?
Mary, Mary.
What?
I haven't
interviewed them yet,
have I, Mr. Merriman?
First impressions
are all-important.
The eye tells you.
Which eye?
I'll decide,
thank you.
Will you come in,
please?
Hello.
Yes?
I've come
about the laundry job.
Oh.
Stormy night.
Oh, was it?
Yes, sir.
Gout's playing up.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Can I get you
a cab, Admiral?
You can get me a drink...
a large brandy.
Uh, Mr. Merriman...
uh, you're wanted
in the laundry room.
What for?
I think it's to vouch
for your lady friend.
The admiral
wants his usual.
And have you had
any experience
of this work before,
Mrs. Talbot?
Well, only in
me own home, miss.
Oh, you haven't
worked in a hotel?
No. No, I haven't,
but I mean,
it's the same, isn't it?
Washing, drying, ironing...
just like a big family.
Yes, I suppose
it is, really.
Well, now, uh...
I sort out all
the different things
into piles, do I?
White linen, colors,
body linen, mus...
Oh, look. There's a great
big ink splodge on this.
Yes, there is.
How would you
remove that?
Uh...give it a good rub,
soap and water?
No. You need
salts of sorrel
for ink marks.
Oh. Well,
I'll soon pick it up.
I'm sure I will.
Oh, yes,
it's just like home.
What employment
have you had?
Oh, uh, well,
after me husband died,
I...I had to get work
where I could, didn't I?
Oh, Mr. Starr,
Mrs. Talbot says
that you're acquainted.
LIZZIE: Yes,
that's right.
Mr. Starr was my late
husband's best friend,
weren't you, Mr. Starr?
Sergeants together.
He was with my husband
when he was killed,
weren't you?
Brought his things
back for me.
Very kind.
Yes. It's true
I've known Mrs. Talbot
for some years now.
We hadn't seen each other
for ever such a long time,
and then yesterday,
we bumped into each other,
and he said this job
was going, so here I am.
Ever so grateful.
Yes, well,
if you'll wait
outside a moment,
Mrs. Talbot.
Right you are.
Oh, I don't know.
What do you think,
Mr. Starr?
She's the best
I've seen,
but she's had
no experience.
Maybe I should
see some more.
Well, laundry's
in a bit of a mess.
Yes, it is.
Do you think I should
give her a chance?
Why not?
All right,
since you know her.
Yes.
Will you come in,
please, Mrs. Talbot?
The job is yours.
Thank you, miss.
The wages are
15 shillings a week
and all meals.
I hope that is
satisfactory.
Yes, miss. Uh,
ain't no chance
of my living in,
is there?
Oh, no, I'm afraid not.
If you're finished
with me, ladies.
Oh, yes, thank you,
Mr. Starr.
Lovely man.
Oh, Starr,
don't forget...
luggage down
from number 14.
Oh, right, Major.
Thank you.
What is your function
here, Major?
Are you the sort
of manager
while
Mrs. Trotter's away?
Good heavens, no,
dear lady.
No official post.
Guest, like yourself.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Please don't apologize.
I suppose I have
come to be
a sort of
friend and adviser.
Keep an eye on things
in loco parentis.
Grand vizier
who attends to the needs
of favorite guests.
Oh, flatterer.
What?
Come and join our little
bridge party this evening.
We need a fourth.
I've tugged in
old Admiral Swain
and a dear
headmistress friend:
Gertie Manners...
lots of fun.
We'll take them on,
shall we?
Oh, yes.
Um, delighted.
Uh, s-splendid.
8:00.
Don't be late, now.
All right, love.
Oh, yes,
Mrs. Cochrane.
We're having our tea
in a minute.
You'll come
and join us?
When I finish
this here.
Mary...Miss philips...
was saying
you're a widow.
Is that right?
Yeah.
I'm a widow, too.
Oh. Hard life, eh?
Yeah. Mr. Cochrane
has been gone
14 years
come August.
We was on holiday
in Margate.
He went for a bathe
after a big dinner.
I told him not to.
Still, my children
were good to me.
Have you got
children,
Mrs. Talbot?
Call me Lizzie.
No, I haven't. No.
Only married 6 months.
Oh, what a shame.
Yeah.
Tall, handsome he was,
my Jack.
Big shoulders.
Lovely man.
And he was killed
fighting
when
Mr. Starr was, eh?
That's right. Yes.
Side by side
at the battle
of Omdurman.
Now, you sit
over there, Lizzie,
opposite Mr. Starr.
Thanks.
Oh, that's a nice dog,
Mr. Starr. Is it yours?
Yeah. Fred.
Hello, Fred.
Inseparable friends,
eh, Mr. Starr?
Yeah, well, you always did
like animals, didn't you?
In Malta...
Oh, thanks,
Mrs. Cochrane.
Do you remember that big,
white rabbit we had...
That Jack looked after?
I didn't know
you was ever
in Malta, Mr. Starr.
Oh, yeah, that's where
they were.
Rifle brigade,
second battalion,
before they went to Egypt.
You was in
the rifle brigade?
Quartermaster sergeant...
I think, was it?
MERRIMAN: You kept that
a dark secret.
Well, not all men
like to boast
about their fighting
days, Mr. Merriman.
We all know you was
in the Crimea.
Help yourself, love.
I wonder how
Mrs. Trotter's getting on
in La Belle France.
We might get
a postcard from her soon.
Quite a holiday
for us without her,
I may say.
We got 3 leaving
tomorrow, Mr. Starr:
Sir John Thornton...
good riddance...
and Mr. And Mrs. Peel...
Americans.
That leaves us with...
7 guests left.
I hope we fill up soon,
or Mrs. Trotter will kill us.
Proper tiger, is she...
Mrs. Trotter?
She's your employer.
Go on, Fred.
In you go.
What the hell
are you...
I just took
a bath.
You could have...
it's all right.
I asked Mrs. Cochrane.
Oh, I feel human
again. Smell.
Real soap.
Mrs. Cochrane
give it me.
This is my room!
Oh, is it?
You know
damn well it is.
No, I didn't.
How could I know?
I thought
it was spare.
Anyone see you
come in here?
I don't think so.
What's it matter?
I was only looking
for somewhere
to change.
Well, hurry up
and get out.
Oh, don't be hasty
with me.
I've had a hard day.
I worked like a slave
in that laundry.
I made a good
impression, haven't I?
Not on me, you haven't.
Why not?
Too much blabbermouth.
Well, I didn't know
you hadn't told them
nothing!
Some bits you're
not ashamed of.
Well, it suited me
to tell them nothing.
I've built up again
from scratch. I'm a new man.
Well, what did you
tell them?
They must have asked.
I'd better know.
It's just a blank,
convenient for me
for others to fill in
how they wish.
Now you've come,
and the questions
will start,
and I'm not as fluent
with lies as you are.
They'll catch me out.
I'm sorry.
I won't say
another word.
If they ask me,
I don't know.
Right, Joey?
Oh, I look quite
beautiful. Ha ha!
I've kept me figure,
you've got to admit.
Bloomin' miracle.
Would you like to
take me for a drink?
No. I can't, not tonight.
I'm on duty.
Oh. Well, see you
tomorrow, then.
Um...
Where are you living?
Whitechapel.
It's all right.
Quite quick
on me bike.
Yeah, this bike...
where'd you get it from?
I was give it!
By me boss
at the bicycle store...
leaving present.
Lizzie.
Yeah?
Living on your own,
are you?
Of course on me own.
One room,
just like this.
Good night.
Here. What
happened?
A nasty young thug
give it to her
on her way to work.
Punched her.
Yeah. About 15
he was.
It was a whole gang
of them
pummeling up
this little runt.
Florence nightingale
goes to the rescue.
I got this
for me pains.
The sooner you're out
of that East End,
the better.
Don't you agree,
Mr. Starr?
It's no place for a poor
young woman on her own.
MARY:
Mrs. Talbot...
Hey, look.
Kids, on her way
to work.
It's all right.
It's nothing, really.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I'm fine now.
Thanks, Mrs. Cochrane.
Well, when
you're ready,
I need clean linen
for rooms 5 and 7:
sheets, pillowcases,
and towels.
I've got to iron
the pillowcases yet.
I'll bring them up meself
when they're aired.
Mrs. Cochrane,
there's a dinner
party tonight
for Monsieur
Plangeot,
the diplomat, for 6.
Me own sheets, these.
Don't tell no one.
Thought I'd use
the opportunity.
I'll take you home
tonight.
We're getting
some funny looks.
They think
you're my old man
and it was you
done this
and you're trying
to make it up.
That's what they're
thinking, is it?
Yeah, it is.
Not good for
your reputation.
What do you care
about my reputation?
I do.
Does it hurt?
Nah. Blooming kid.
Caught by now,
I hope he was.
Just wait till I get
me hands on him.
The rest of you
is all right.
Oh...yeah.
What I've seen.
I look better
in the summer.
Eh?
When I come back
from the hop picking.
Brown as a berry, I was.
Hop picking?
Yeah. Oh, it was
lovely.
Just like
an holiday.
Went down
to Kent.
Slept out
under the stars.
Romantic.
Any good, was you?
Of course I was.
Born to it.
Quick fingers.
I come back
with nearly 3 quid
after a month.
Mind you, you got
to be young and hardy.
Some of the old ones...
God, it was pathetic.
Let me die young.
No, don't say that.
I mean it, Joey,
honest.
Some of the ones
round my place...
you should see them.
There was one of
them...
she was
so feeble-minded,
she couldn't find
her own front door.
I used to see her
in the street,
stumbling along.
They found her last week
dead in bed
with lice
all over her.
It's worse
in the hospitals
with old people.
They kill them off
with special white potions.
Stop them cluttering up
the earth.
That's what
I've been told.
A wise mercy,
it's called.
Cor, never let that
happen to me.
I'd rather slit
me throat.
Hey!
Are you listening?
Who's he?
What?
Over there,
watching us.
I don't know.
Hey, Joey,
tell you what.
Why don't you come
hopping with me
next summer?
Who'd look after Fred?
Bring him, as well.
He'd like it.
No, he wouldn't.
It's not our sort of life.
You don't know
till you tried it.
You might
surprise yourselves.
Fresh air...
Oh, I long
for fresh air.
The fug down
Whitechapel.
Why is he looking
at you like that?
Who?
Him. He knows you.
Oh. Him.
Yeah, well...
He come and talked
to me the other day
while I was waiting
for you.
Nuisance, was he?
No. Well,
he's gone now.
Stop worrying
about him.
Let's have
another drink.
No. We've had enough,
haven't we?
Hey, it's only beer,
you know.
It's not gin,
the harlot's ruin.
Come on.
I'll take you home.
Don't bother.
I've got me bike.
You're not biking home
in your state.
Look, Joey, I...
I don't want you
to see my place.
It isn't nice.
Come on. I'm hungry.
We'll get some
jellied eels.
All right,
if you must.
But I warned you.
Hey, I've got
some halibut at home
if it ain't
been nicked.
Great. I quite fancy
a bit of halibut.
How long
have you been here?
All winter.
Lucky to get it.
Oh! Bloomin' meter.
You got a penny?
Yeah. Here.
Ta.
What's this?
What?
Here.
Oh! Ha ha!
Insects' violent death.
Told you not to come.
Lizzie!
Whose are these?
I couldn't tell you.
I might
have guessed.
No. I don't know
whose they are.
I have to share
this place.
Oh, come on!
It's the truth.
Ask the landlord.
3 bob a week
I have to pay, sharing.
Who with?
Don't ask me.
It changes.
Sometimes a man,
sometimes a woman.
We have it in shifts.
We don't see each other.
It's the rule.
The same bed?
Of course the same bed.
Ain't another, is there?
Now you know why
I come to find you.
At least we got
clean sheets tonight.
Will you stay, Joey?
You can if you want.
Oh! Face
ain't pretty,
but the rest of
me...
Mr. Starr?
So, you was
at Omdurman, was you?
Don't talk
about it much, do you?
MARY: Oh, yes.
Do tell us about it,
Mr. Starr.
No, not if he doesn't
want to, Mary.
Perhaps the memories
are too painful.
MARY: Are they,
Mr. Starr?
What do you want
to know exactly,
Mr. Merriman?
Oh, your part in it,
Mr. Starr,
as a quartermaster sergeant
of the second battalion
of that fine regiment,
the rifles.
Well,
some of the old sweats
didn't think much of us
when we arrived.
The hussars
and the highlanders,
they'd been stuck
in the desert a long time,
saw us coming,
fresh out of Malta,
good morale...
Ha ha ha!
They called us
weekend trippers,
but we soon showed them.
On the marches,
we had less men fall out,
us and the grenadiers,
than any other
British battalion.
Who were you fighting
exactly, Mr. Starr?
Uh, the dervishes, Mary,
led by the infamous
Khalifah.
They was avenging
the murder
of General Gordon
at Khartoum
12 years previous.
Yeah.
Vengeance.
That's what they told us.
And you beat them,
did you?
Oh, yeah,
we beat them,
but the truth is,
our worst time
was the journey
getting there
down the Nile.
Jammed in steamers.
Terrible, that was.
The battle itself
was quite tame
after that for us,
though the truth is,
the only fighting
we really saw
was when we got
the order to double up
behind the Seaforths',
on a small rise.
Oh, nice view we had,
but the trouble is,
we were sitting targets.
That's when poor Jack
copped it,
right next to me.
Terrible.
Well, after that,
memories include
camping on the top
of a graveyard one night;
dead camels, donkeys,
horses, and other things;
and a stench bad enough
to kill anyone.
Was it you lot looted
the Mandi's tomb?
Not the rifles,
Mr. Merriman, no.
And back to Malta
after that.
Well, it was certainly
a notable victory...
Gordon avenged
and the benefits of our
civilization bestowed
on the benighted
heathen.
Ah, bring back
any trophies, Mr. Starr?
Yes, a broken spear
and a dervish flag
in my room in a trunk,
if you care to look
at them sometime.
MARY: Yes, well, uh,
it's been lovely
hearing about it,
Mr. Starr,
but I think we better
get back to work.
Right.
Are you quite sure,
Miss Hayward?
Of course I'm sure.
I'm not in the habit
of making false
accusations,
and it's absolutely
disgraceful
after I've been coming
here all these years.
What's happened?
Miss philips,
you have a thief
in your hotel.
Uh, perhaps we could
talk this over
in private.
People should know.
They should be warned.
Shall I come,
too, madam?
Oh, yes, Morgan.
Come along, come along.
MAJOR: Uh, do please
sit down, Miss Hayward,
and explain
to Miss philips.
Thank you, Major.
Yesterday morning,
I left 7 sovereigns
on my dressing table...
shopping money.
After I came back
from my morning walk,
there were
just 4 sovereigns.
Yesterday?
Well, why didn't
you tell us sooner,
Miss Hayward?
I beg your pardon?
Uh, Miss Hayward wanted
to make quite certain...
well,
of course I did.
I searched high and low.
Didn't I, Morgan?
MORGAN:
Yes, madam.
Before coming to
the regrettable conclusion
that the money
had been stolen.
But I did your room
myself yesterday.
Your chambermaid's
away sick.
Nobody else
went into your room
except your own maid.
What are you
suggesting?
Uh, nothing. Nothing.
Of course
it wasn't Morgan.
She's been with us
for 17 years.
Well, it wasn't
any of our staff.
I can vouch
for them all.
I think that is a matter
for the police to decide.
The police?
Uh, Miss Hayward,
dear lady,
consider a moment.
Your room left unattended,
no lock on the door...
Anyone...staff,
visiting servants,
a guest even...
surely not a guest!
It can't entirely
be ruled out.
So you see, the police...
Awkward questions
all round.
What do you suggest,
then, Major?
Leave it to me.
To you?
I'm not without experience
in this sort of thing.
The army, you know.
I remember once
in Kabul...
Oh, well...
Yes, I'm sure
the Major
can handle it,
Miss Hayward.
Don't call
the police.
We can deduct
the missing money
from your account.
Yes, of course we will,
absolutely,
and I shall start making
inquiries right away.
Excuse me.
Thank you, Major.
What's going on,
Major?
Miss Hayward.
Woman complaining.
Some money taken.
Always unpleasant,
this sort of thing.
Bad feeling,
hue and cry,
then it turns up
in her handbag,
unless it's the maid,
of course.
What, Morgan?
Sour, embittered,
takes advantage
of a hotel visit,
diverts suspicion.
I don't think she's
got the brains,
that one.
No? No, probably not.
Oh, well, token
investigation, I suppose,
list of suspects,
but you'd never prove it.
By the way,
Merriman tells me
that you were
in the rifle brigade.
Yes.
Second battalion, Malta?
That's right.
Fascinating.
Did you ever serve
with a Captain Mayhew,
an old friend of mine?
Mayhew?
Uh, no, Major.
He's a good man.
I must bring him
round sometime.
You can have
a chinwag.
No, I'm not much taken
with chinwagging, Major,
about the past.
"Foot forward,"
my motto.
Come on, Fred.
Let's get some fresh air.
Evening,
Mr. Merriman.
Evening,
Mrs. Talbot.
Mr. Starr upstairs?
Uh, no, sorry.
He's out with his dog,
I think.
Could I be
of assistance?
Oh.
No, don't matter.
Uh, night,
Mrs. Cochrane.
I'm going home now.
Night, love.
Now, there's no reason
to think it's her.
You've got a nasty,
suspicious mind, Fred.
ADMIRAL: Brandy!
Postcard
from Mrs. Trotter.
She says...
"The crossing
was awful,
"and the weather
is rotten,
and the French
count is a..."
I can't read
that word.
"Little devil
who's only got one
thing on his mind."
So she's cutting
short her visit
and returning home
on Wednesday.
Don't worry, Mary.
I've solved the case
of the missing money.
You've solved it?
Who was it?
Simple matter
of elimination.
First of all, rule out
staff and guests...
unthinkable.
That's
what I thought.
Leaves the visiting
servants.
Now, 3 selections...
first, Lady Sutton's
maid Elsie,
plump and pretty filly.
Rule her out.
And there's the Admiral's
man Tompkins,
old sea dog,
like his owner. Him out.
Leaves the Frenchman.
Monsieur Plangeot.
Yes. Now, his valet,
slick-haired, smarmy chap.
Never took to him much.
Room just across
the corridor. Easy access.
But they left this
morning for Paris.
Just my point,
don't you see?
Can't follow it up.
Explained that
to Miss Hayward,
bunch of spring flowers,
and Heigh Ho! says Rowley.
Oh, that's a brilliant
deduction, Major.
So we can forget
all about it, can we?
Oh, absolutely.
Home and dry.
Miss Hayward's mail,
if you please.
Just a minute.
I haven't got
all day.
Thank you.
Morning.
Busy?
Busy? I'm always busy
in this place.
When are they going to
get another chambermaid?
Can't keep
tramping up and down
them stairs all day.
Well, it's better than
being stuck in here
all the time.
You meet people.
Yeah.
Where was you
last night?
I was looking for you.
I was on duty.
Oh, no, you wasn't.
You was out
for a walk.
I thought you was
avoiding me for some reason.
Now,
why would I do that?
No idea.
Tired of me,
I expect.
After the other
night?
Oh, I know men.
Get what you want...
Lizzie...
Yeah?
What's the matter?
Uh, nothing.
Hey, Joey,
you will get me
out of that
place, won't you?
You said you would.
Somewhere close,
so we can meet
more often.
Well, we see
each other every day.
Well, yeah, but,
I mean, we can't...
You know.
Can't we?
No! Not in here!
Of course not!
No? Sorry.
I'm forgetting myself.
Hey, are you
going to wash that?
Uh, yeah.
I'll give you
a hand.
No, don't be daft.
It's my job, not yours.
Now go on,
leave us in peace.
Oh, all right.
Lizzie...
Joey...
See you tonight,
will I?
I'm not sure. Maybe.
Joey...
Kiss me.
Oh, excuse me.
Yes?
What do you want?
Miss Hayward would
like these done
by tomorrow,
properly done.
We're leaving,
and I can't say
I'm sorry, either.
Goings-on.
Thieving.
Thieving?
And other things.
Things taken, and all
swept under the carpet
with a bunch of flowers.
We're not stupid
in Derbyshire.
I don't know what
you're talking about,
and would you mind
going? I'm busy!
Unmoral and heathen.
That's what London is.
Where's your master,
Fred? Eh?
Where is he?
Oh, Mr. Merriman.
Uh, I was looking
for Joseph.
Uh, Joseph, yes.
On an errand,
he said.
Errand?
Yeah. I'm looking
after Fred tonight.
I see.
Thanks.
Uh, not that way,
Mrs. Talbot.
What are you
doing here?
I might have
brought him back.
Well, we've got
our story.
I'm a tenant,
sharing.
Yeah.
If only you was.
Now, don't be like
that. Come here.
LIZZIE: No!
I'm sorry, Mrs. Talbot.
Now, what have you got
in your bag there?
Nothing.
Liar!
Here.
That's the last
you're getting,
so make the most of it.
3 nicker. Lovely.
Do you hear me, Frank?
It's too risky.
They're onto it.
The guests
are complaining.
There's one for you
and 2 for me.
I don't want it.
Here.
Take it and get out!
Go back to sea,
anywhere.
I'm finished with you,
Frank.
Do you get it?
Just go away and leave
me alone, will you?
Why?
Gone soft, have you?
Soft job?
Yeah, well,
whose idea was it?
Bloody hard job,
if you want to know.
I'm worn out.
It's him, is it?
Your old loverboy?
He's too much
for you. Aw!
Get away!
Wait a minute.
I don't mind what
you get up to, missy,
long as you
remember one thing...
I'm your protector.
You?
That's right, and you
do as I tell you.
No, Frank, not anymore.
I told you...
Aah!
Stinking
little whore!
What did you say?
Whore!
From the gutter!
Don't you
call me that!
LIZZIE: Aah! No! No!
Stop!
Set up, we was, Fred.
Cunning bitch!
I should have learned my lesson
years ago in Malta.
That was
before your time, Fred.
I should have learned
my bloody lesson!
Let me in, Joey.
Please let me explain.
Go away.
I'll scream.
I'll bring the whole
hotel down
if you don't
let me in.
Joey!
Oh, Joey.
Say what you want quick
and then get out!
It was his idea,
Joey.
It wasn't me,
I swear it.
He said find you,
get a job here,
and then
start nicking.
I didn't want to.
I refused,
but he hit me, Joey.
The other morning...
My face...
That wasn't kids.
It was him, Joey.
What could I do?
He'd have killed me.
Well, maybe
he should have.
What?
Nicking money
for a rotten pimp!
I couldn't help it.
Oh, listen,
Joey, please.
Listen to me.
I was skint.
I needed somebody.
He come along.
He was better
than nothing,
and then I met you
again, and I...
I couldn't
get away from him.
I tried...
But he got his
claws in me, Joey.
I never wanted him.
I wanted you.
You had me once.
You had your chance.
Don't hold that
against me.
I was young.
I was stupid.
I was just a kid.
I've always
loved you.
Rifleman Williams?
It never
meant nothing.
You was away,
maybe killed.
I was scared.
He took advantage.
Oh, they always do,
don't they?
It's never your fault.
Just a poor victim,
aren't you,
all your life?
You don't understand.
You don't
even try to.
You just
judge people.
It's easy, that is.
I loved you...
But you asked
too much of me.
I'm not a...a saint,
I know I'm not,
but there is
some good in me.
You was always
too high-and-mighty
to see it, damn you.
Oh, you're
blaming me now?
Well, why not?
It can't all
be my fault.
I loved you.
I know you did.
I worshipped you.
Oh, stop it.
And when...
when I saw you again,
my mind went back
to Malta, and I...
Them blessed bells.
Do you
remember them?
I do.
Oh, Joey,
we can still do it.
This hotel,
I like it here.
We...
We can be happy.
No.
You bring shame
on me always.
You ruined me once,
but not again, missy,
not again.
Now get out!
Go on! Get out
where you belong!
Oh, no, Joey,
you can't!
Don't send me
back there, please!
He's waiting, Joey!
Get out of my room!
Please, Joey!
He's waiting!
Out!
No!
Please.
Gone, Fred.
Gone...
And good riddance.
Uh, excuse me,
Admiral.
Uh, Major.
The admiral says
he's had some money taken
from his room
yesterday afternoon.
Oh, has he?
The French fellow had gone
by yesterday afternoon,
so it can't be him,
can it?
Well, I never
seriously thought
it was him.
Do you think
he could have
imagined it?
Eh?
No? It does happen
sometimes.
People hear there's
a thief about,
they all start
losing things.
No. Doubt
that he'd settle
for a bunch
of spring flowers, either.
Brandy...
on the house?
Very good, Major.
MORGAN:
Major Smith-Barton,
where is the porter?
I've been ringing for him.
Miss Hayward wants
her luggage carried down.
Well, where is she?
Does Mr. Starr know?
I haven't seen him,
either.
Starr's wanted...hall.
Well, we don't know
where he is.
STARR: He's here.
Mr. Starr,
do you know
what's happened
to Mrs. Talbot?
What are you dressed
like that for?
I'm leaving.
You can't leave.
Why?
For private reasons.
Fred and me think
it's best
for all concerned.
Private?
It's not connected
with Mrs. Talbot,
by any chance?
Yes, I'm afraid
it is...
Loosely connected
with her.
I'm sorry for
the inconvenience, Mary.
SMITH-BARTON: But
look here, old chap,
we must have
a proper explanation
of all this...
desertion under
fire, otherwise.
Sit down and tell us,
Mr. Starr.
Where did you get
them bruises from?
Uh, I was out
last night at a pub.
SMITH-BARTON:
I don't believe you.
MARY: No,
neither do I.
Well, it's quite simple.
It's Mrs. Talbot
who's been taking money
from the rooms.
I can't say how much,
I'm afraid,
but since she came here
at my recommendation,
Fred and me think
it's only right and proper
that we should take
part of the blame.
Oh, but that's
silly.
It's not your fault.
It's not a reason
to leave.
Now, come on, Mr. Starr.
You just sit down
and tell us
all about it.
Now, come on.
We're all friends here.
Right, yes.
Starr, you and I
had better go upstairs
to the hall.
No, Mary.
I'll handle this.
MORGAN: Porter!
Oh...
Sit down.
Start
at the beginning.
Well, they were
good times in Malta.
What?
Life out there before
we went off to Egypt.
That's when I met her...
Lizzie...
uh, Mrs. Talbot.
Well, a lot of them
were after her.
Not many pretty girls
out there.
She took to me,
for some reason.
Happy as larks,
we were.
But she had
a husband,
didn't she...
Jack, was it?
What?
Sergeant
killed at Omdurman.
No such man, Major.
Only me she had...
Or so I thought.
But you weren't
married to her,
were you?
Married?
No, sir.
Common-law wife?
That's right, sir:
my woman.
Well, go on.
Well...
Went off to Egypt,
fought, and come back.
And found her playing
around, did you?
That's right, sir.
There was
this rifleman...
rifleman Williams,
his name was.
Tall;
bushy, black eyebrows;
fond of cycling.
Well, I'd had me suspicions
before I left,
but when I come back,
it was obvious.
I confronted them,
failed to get
a satisfactory denial,
and lost me temper.
The sun, Egypt,
and the idea of vengeance
is partly to blame...
Partly the beer
I'd drunk that evening.
Anyway,
I slammed this pimp
on the head
with a rifle butt
and cracked
his skull.
Oh, he lived, fortunately,
but I paid my dues.
Court-martial?
Yes, sir.
Found guilty:
dishonorable discharge,
2 years in the glass house,
lost me pension,
they took
me medals away.
Your friend captain Mayhew
will tell you, sir.
He spoke
in my defense.
Good heavens.
8 years ago,
all that was.
It's the reasons
for my reticence
in all matters military.
So now,
if you don't mind,
I think
I'll take my leave.
Why?
Pride, sir.
It was all right
when nobody knew.
Just about live
with that, but...
Now the subject
of common gossip...
You always
were the subject
of gossip, Starr.
Yes, sir. Well, maybe
I could live with that.
But not the truth.
Not them knowing,
no, sir.
Now, come on, Fred.
On our way.
Oh...
You might tell
Mr. Merriman
I've left him
my souvenirs...
the spear and the dervish
flag in my room.
Wait, damn it!
You can't go.
Where will you go?
Well, there's
other hotels.
But not like
this one.
You're part of
the furniture, man.
And who else would
put up with Fred?
When Mrs. Trotter
learns the truth,
she'll never
keep me on.
Court-martial,
you mean?
She won't ever know.
This is just between
the two of us.
No one
need ever know.
MARY: Sorry
to interrupt.
Yes, what is it,
Mary?
There's a Chief Inspector Munn
from Scotland Yard.
He wants to speak
with Mr. Starr.
Well, you'd better
show him in.
Chief Inspector
Munn?
Yeah.
I'm Major Smith-Barton.
This is Miss philips,
who runs the hotel
in the absence
of Mrs. Trotter,
and this is
Mr. Starr.
I understand
you've recently had
a laundrywoman
working here
by the name
of Mrs. Talbot.
Yes, sir.
MUNN: A lady
already well-known
to us as Mrs. Talbot,
Miss Lizzie Clark,
Mrs. Frank Corelli,
and as our recent
investigations have revealed,
under her real
married name
of Mrs. Joseph Starr.
Your wife, I believe.
Wife?
Not strictly correct,
officer...
not legally
this man's wife.
She was your wife,
wasn't she?
Yes, she was my wife.
Well, I'm afraid
I have to tell you,
Mr. Starr,
that she's dead.
Dead?
Her body was taken
out of the river
by Wapping Steps
in the early hours
of this morning.
We have reason
to believe
that she either
jumped off a bridge
or she was pushed.
Do you know
any reason
why she might have
taken her own life?
No, none.
She loved life.
The man you want
is Frank Corelli.
General Gordon...
Lizzie Starr...
...all avenged now, Fred.
"Foot forward,"
our motto.
Anything happen while
I've been away, then?
Not to speak of,
Mrs. Trotter.
No, very quiet,
really.
Oh, ahh...
Oh, watch that.
MRS. TROTTER:
Hello, Mary.
Hello, Starr.
MARY: Hello, Mrs. Trotter.
Have you had a nice time?
No, I haven't.
Ta.
What's your
news, then?
Oh, nothing, really.
Get a new
laundry maid?
MARY: Yes, well, we had one
for a few days, but she left.
Left? What was wrong
with her?
She wasn't quite
suitable,
but there's more
coming
from the agency
this afternoon.
Blimey, girl,
I'll choose her this time.