The Duchess of Duke Street (1976–1977): Season 2, Episode 10 - Shadows - full transcript
Charlie returns to London and the Bentinck after he's sustained a serious head wound at the front. He puts on a cheerful and brave face, but his situation is far more grave, as Louisa and the Major suspect. The Major recommends a top Harley Street specialist, who examines Charlie and informs Louisa that, at best, Charlie will lose his eyesight gradually, but inevitably.
♪ She's only a bird
in a gilded cage, ♪
♪ a beautiful sight to see... ♪
STARR: There is a war on, madam.
WOMAN: I'm quite aware
there is a war on, Starr.
I have a cousin at
the front to prove it.
I merely wish to know
whether this is still an hotel
or whether it has
become a hospital...
A music hall.
WOMAN, LAUGHING: Stop
it! My husband's watching!
Not to mention other things.
It's still a hotel, madam.
- MAN: Merriweather!
- MERRIMAN: Eh?
- Another drink, man.
- Oh yes. Excuse me.
WOMAN: Miss Phillips,
I have been coming to the
Bentinck now for 11 years,
and while I appreciate
we're living in difficult times,
there are limits.
I ordered my breakfast
for 9:00 this morning.
It never arrived.
I'm sorry if things aren't quite
functioning as normal, Miss Dean
but Mrs. Trotter's
volunteered to open
the hotel to convalescing
officers, you see.
Most guests find it easy
to go and help themselves.
All hands to the pump, you know.
There's some drunk bleeder...
Ooh, Pearl, please! Language.
It's all right, dear.
I'll deal with it.
You come with me, dear.
I really can't stay.
I'm sorry.
I'm afraid at my
age, Miss Phillips,
handling the pump is
rather out of the question.
I shall leave in the morning.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Who's that?
Miss Dean.
No, that urchin.
That was Pearl.
Pearl. Can't we
do better than that?
No, we can't. Beggars
can't be choosers.
Excuse me, Colonel.
If you wouldn't
mind, that's my chair,
and Fred gets a little
upset, you see, sir.
It's not a dog's home, is it?
Oh, no! Major, there's no room.
We're jammed full.
I asked Mrs. Trotter
to tell you this morning.
But they've got their chits.
What am I supposed
to do about it?
You'll have to tell them
to send no more, sir.
MAJOR: It's all rather
chaotic at the war office...
OFFICER: I've heard about
this place before the war.
All the nobs come
here, you know that?
That's why they brought us, eh?
What?
Well, I'll have a
scag around upstairs.
Follow me, would you?
I think the end's in sight.
Oh, thank God for that.
You're taking long enough.
Patience.
It's all right for you.
I'm a busy woman.
Weren't my idea, none of this.
You said it would
only take a day or two.
Did I? Well, for any
fashionable painter, yes,
to catch the face
you show to the world.
I'm after something different.
That's why you changed
me face 50 times, is it?
Hoping to stumble on it by luck?
Not luck, my dear.
Well, perhaps that's
enough for today, hmm?
Right.
Oh, blimey.
Yeah. Well...,
..still think
the mouth's too big.
It is. It's deliberate.
Oh, thank you.
The hands were my
biggest challenge.
Hands that have known the
rough and tumble of the kitchen,
yet retained a delicacy.
Artist's hands.
Yeah, well.
Can't stand about
all day waffling to you.
You going to pop around
later for a nightcap?
Yes, I may, I may. Hmm.
Ta.
I shall miss my little
sessions with you.
Takes me mind off things.
I feel like a ship without
a rudder half the time.
And now, alas, you no
longer need me. Your...
..warlord returns.
Yes, I should like to meet him.
I'm very grateful to him.
If he hadn't
survived his wounds,
I should have been
left with a tragic face,
and that would have been a pity.
How is he?
Oh, I think he's all right.
Getting the DSO has
bucked him up no end.
Yes, of course.
You know, I should like to
paint all the VCs and DSOs
to see what they have in common.
Do you really think
the mouth's too big?
Well... Come again tomorrow.
We'll have another look, hmm?
Oh, blimey, I think
you do it on purpose.
Look, I'll come tomorrow
for the sake of me mouth,
but that's the last time, Colly.
All right?
Mm-hmm.
I mean it.
Have it your own way,
and I'll see you out.
No, no. Don't bother.
Toodle-oo.
Is this the convalescent
home for wounded officers?
Charlie!
My dear old bean! Wait a minute!
STARR: Welcome back, milord.
Thank you, Starr.
Well good Lord. Who's this?
Fred 2, milord.
Fred? But...
It's a girl.
Short for Fredericka, sir.
Ah.
And congratulations
on your DSO, milord.
Thank you, Starr.
Is Mrs. Trotter about?
MAJOR: No. She's
having her portrait painted.
STARR: For posterity, milord.
- Can I take your things?
- Oh, thank you.
Yes, that's right.
Collinghurst insisted on
painting her, didn't he?
- Yes. Sit yourself down.
- Thank you.
MAJOR: Look, um, we weren't
expecting you till Monday.
I couldn't stick that
hospital another minute.
Yes, but I...I put some
fellows in your sitting room.
I'll go and get rid of them.
No, don't do that. Is
my bedroom still free?
Bedroom? Yes.
That's all I need.
Ha ha! Champagne.
Oh, sorry, Tommy.
I'm not allowed it.
Oh. Oh, dear. How dreadful.
Devil with these
head wounds, eh?
How are you feeling?
Oh, not too bad. Fine, really.
Shell, wasn't it?
Yes. Tiny bit of shrapnel,
just there, back in April.
They took it out in France,
left me there, seemed
to forget about me.
Then they shipped me
back a few weeks ago.
Head's intact, brain's
intact, sight's intact.
Damn lucky, really.
What about you?
What happened to you?
Oh! Absolute
bathos. You tell him.
No. You tell him.
Well, eventually they
got down to the dregs,
called me up.
There I was,
first day of action,
guts wobbling with fear.
Got shot in the ass by
one of me own chaps,
or so they tell me.
It was very painful to sit down.
I'm sorry, Tommy.
What cruel luck.
Yes, well, I made myself useful,
organizing impromptu
entertainments
and so forth.
Hey, you're just
in time for tonight.
We've arranged a
little surprise...what?
What are you doing here?
You going to send me back?
Here, now, you
haven't run out...
No, no. It's
perfectly all right.
Starr.
STARR: Madam?
Fix us a pot of tea.
STARR: Very good, madam.
CHARLIE: Excuse me, gentlemen.
TOMMY: I say, you're not
going to let us down tonight,
are you, Major?
Oh, well, if you
put it like that...
Louisa.
Home again, eh?
Yes.
Here! Stop playing
that thing, man.
I can't hear myself drink.
Here.
Have some of
this, keep you quiet.
Who's paying for it?
I don't know, do I? Not me.
I'm broke to the world.
Who's for a game, then?
Me...and you. Come on.
What are we doing here?
Well, the major
brought us, didn't he?
Enjoy it while you can.
"Make yourself
at home," he said.
Home? It's not
much like my home.
Oh, come on, Brian. Relax.
You make me jumpy, you do.
Ah! Tea!
For us?
Oh, no, I'm sorry. This
is for Lord Haslemere.
Lord who?
Lord Haslemere. These are
his rooms by right, and he's here.
He'll be up in a minute.
Who put you in here?
The major.
Oh, well, I'm sorry.
There's been a mistake.
You'll have to go.
Bloody hell. Chucked
out for a bloody lord.
I knew it.
Lord Haslemere, for your
information, is a captain
in the Coldstream Guards,
and he's won the DSO, and
he's been very badly wounded.
Now will you leave?
A Welsh girl?
Yes, I'm Welsh.
First Welsh girl
I've seen in months.
And a pretty one.
Where do you come from?
OFFICER: Come on.
Let's pack up and go.
Not so fast. This
young lady and I
have things to talk about,
things of local importance.
It's quieter in the bedroom.
Let me go. Oh, come on, now.
You're not going to
disappoint me, are you?
We're the same breed.
Please! You're hurting my arm.
OFFICER: Let go of her.
All I want is one little kiss.
Let me go!
You stupid Welsh bastard!
Do you want us kicked
out of here altogether?
Broke my bloody leg. Get off!
I won't forget that, boy!
- You all right?
- Yeah.
MERRIMAN: Mr. Shepherd wants
us downstairs in the hall, Mary.
Poor old Evelyn.
Yeah, I saw him
just a few hours before.
Grenadiers were next-door to us.
His trench, the
whole lot of them,
just wiped out...the
day before I got this.
Oh, Lord.
Practically all our old friends.
What'll happen to us?
We're going to concentrate
on the living, Charlie.
But we can't forget.
Oh, sorry to interrupt, but
we're just about to begin.
You coming?
LOUISA: No, not tonight, Tommy.
I got me accounts to do.
You carry on without us.
Don't make too much noise.
Oh, but you must come.
I mean, we can't do
it without you tonight.
CHARLES: Well, I want to hear.
Come on. Come with me.
LOUISA: All right.
Hey!
Hey!
CHARLES: Where should we sit?
STARR: Sit here, will
you, madam, please?
And you there, milord.
LOUISA: I hope it's not
too long, whatever it is.
Thank you, Starr. Thank you.
My lord...and ladies
and gentlemen.
The staff of the
Bentinck Hotel...
..and friends...ha ha!
Are proud to present a song
in honor of Mrs. Trotter.
I wrote it myself...
the words, not the tune.
Get on with it, then.
Oh, very well, then.
Right. Thank you.
SINGERS: The words.
TOMMY: Oh, lord. Oh, dear.
Yes. The words.
TOMMY: Right. Can
we start again, please?
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter,
what shall we do? ♪
♪ We wanted to write a song to
show we think the world of you, ♪
♪ But when we went to write
it, we couldn't make it rhyme. ♪
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter, isn't it a
blooming shame? ♪
♪ First the major had a
go, which didn't get us far, ♪
♪ then we passed the duty
on to Fred and Mr. Starr. ♪
Oh, Lord. Is it me?
Uh... ♪ La dee da dee dee ♪
♪ I was asked to lend a hand ♪
♪ but I didn't have one free. ♪
TOGETHER: ♪ Finally we decided
it was all beyond our talents ♪
♪ All sat down and had a drink
and thought of other things, ♪
♪ Felt a pang of sad regret,
the major, he had lost his bet, ♪
♪ blow it all, we gave it
up, and shouted out. ♪
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter!
What shall we do? ♪
♪ We wanted to write a song to
show we think the world of you, ♪
♪ But when we came to write
it, we couldn't make it rhyme. ♪
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter, isn't
it a blooming shame? ♪
Very touching.
Now a song from you, Louisa.
Oh, no!
Charlie, take over the piano.
Come along, Charlie.
Thank you, thank you.
LOUISA: What
should we do, Charlie?
Well, I'm hopelessly
out of practice,
whatever it is.
How about, uh...
Keep the home fires Burning?
How does that go? Um...
- That's the one.
- Something like that?
Ahem!
♪ Keep the home fires burning ♪
♪ Now our hearts are yearning ♪
Sorry, sorry.
What's the matter?
I just...got dizzy, that's all.
Starr. Come on,
we'll get you upstairs.
TOMMY: Uh, don't
worry, everybody.
It's all perfectly all right.
Come on, my dear. Come along.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Yes...now... Now we'll all sing.
LOUISA: Don't worry,
boys. Just a bit dizzy.
MRS. SHEPHERD, MEN JOINING
IN: ♪ Keep the home fires burning ♪
♪ While your hearts
are yearning ♪
MRS. SHEPHERD: Though
the lads are faraway...
♪ Though the lads are faraway ♪
♪ They dream of home ♪
MRS. SHEPHERD:
There is a silver lining...
♪ There's a silver lining ♪
♪ Round the dark cloud shining ♪
♪ Turn the dark
clouds inside out, ♪
♪ When the boys come home. ♪
Oh! Well done!
What's this lot doing
in here? Get them out.
MAJOR: I'm sorry. It's
my fault. I wasn't expecting
Charlie back until Monday.
LOUISA: Come on, out!
STARR: We've nowhere
to put them, madam.
LOUISA: I don't care about that.
CHARLES: No, let them stay.
Well, that's the idea, isn't it,
to offer the Bentinck to
convalescent officers?
Let them stay in here.
I'll go in the bedroom.
Miss Dean's leaving
tomorrow, madam.
We can transfer them
across to her room
in the morning.
Yeah, all right,
but I want all this lot
cleared out before you go.
It ain't a bleeding barracks.
We ought to get you
back to that hospital.
Oh, no, no. Don't.
Don't send me back to
that loony bin, please.
I'll be all right. It's just...
..too much
excitement, that's all.
Don't worry.
Minor setback,
only to be expected.
Ate a hearty
breakfast, I'm told.
Yeah.
Ready, then?
STARR: Good morning, milord.
Good morning, Starr.
MARY: Ooh! I'm sorry, milord.
CHARLES: No, no.
- Are you all right, milord?
- Yes.
They're for a flying
officer in number 9.
He's potty on detective stories,
so I said I'd get him
Mr. Merriman's lot.
Morning, Charlie.
Morning, Louisa.
W-where are you off to?
Colly's studio.
Last sitting for me
bleeding portrait.
Major's taking me in the bus.
You care for a ride?
Well, yes, of course.
You mean, you were
actually going without me?
Well, I was hoping
you'd be a good boy
and stay in bed this morning.
I feel fine this morning.
Never felt better.
Come on.
Are you sure you feel up to it?
I'm sure.
MAJOR: A little fresh
air will do him good.
Do you really
think he's all right?
As right as any of them
that's been out there, Mary.
It's the nervous system
that takes the buffeting.
LOUISA: There's been a bit
of controversy about the mouth.
CHARLES: Oh, no.
The mouth's perfect.
And the colors of the dress
set against the background...
perfectly judged.
I think you've captured her.
I'm lost in admiration.
Congratulations.
I'm overwhelmed, thank you.
What are you going
to do with it, then?
Well, certainly,
I shall exhibit it.
And I shall buy it.
There you are, then,
Colly. Made yourself a sale.
MAJOR: Hang very
nicely in the hall, won't it?
LOUISA: Blimey, no.
Don't want to look
at meself all day.
Anyway, it's not for
the Bentinck, Toby.
It's for me.
I shall have it in my
rooms above the fireplace.
The Bentinck can
have it when I'm gone.
Can we take it with us now?
No. Let me keep it for a
day or two, will you, to...
..tidy it up?
Lord Haslemere, please.
Would you sit for me...
When you have the time?
Me?
It will give me the greatest
pleasure to paint you.
Yeah, go on,
Charlie. Tit for tat.
All right.
I might even buy yours...
if it's good enough.
Ok.
COLLINGHURST: Can we
start soon, say, in a day or two?
Well, yes, we'd...we'd better.
I may have to return
to France, depending.
LOUISA: Well, you don't have
to go back for a few weeks.
Got to rest up for a bit.
Now, don't you worry, Colly.
I'll see you get him.
Come on.
What about me?
Is my face of any interest?
Um...
No.
LOUISA: You wait your turn.
Good-bye.
And once again, congratulations.
Good-bye, Lord Haslemere.
Sorry. My fellow
officers chucked me out.
They don't appreciate music.
I'm sorry about what
happened last night.
No manners, some people.
That is forgotten now.
Do you mind if I stay?
No, not at all.
Thank you.
My name's Brian
Spedding, by the way.
- What's yours?
- Miss Phillips.
Miss Phillips?
MRS. SHEPHERD:
Mary, dear, have...
Oh! I'm sorry.
Didn't mean to
interrupt anything.
You're not.
Mrs. Cochrane wants those menus.
Oh, yes. Here they are.
Excuse me.
So it's Mary, is it?
I had an uncle
played the violin.
He tried to teach me.
Ooh, no, I can't play now.
I couldn't play then.
You play quite well, do you?
Yes, of course.
I just heard you.
Mary.
Yes.
Would you like me to
play some more for you?
I will if you want.
Sit down.
CHARLES: A little bit
down on the right, I'd say.
Uh...
Yeah...that's fine. Fine.
Thank you.
Well, what do you think of it?
I was wondering if he
quite got the nose, milord.
The nose?
I think it's lovely.
Yes.
Is that all, milord?
Yes, thank you, Starr.
They'll come and take it
away in a couple of weeks
for an exhibition, but I had
to have it in the meantime.
I'm sorry they left your
room in such a mess, milord.
You'd think as officers,
they'd know better.
Still, I suppose they're used to
some poor private
cleaning up after them.
S-sorry. What?
Nothing. I was just chattering.
MARY: And Mr. Merriman said
when he took him
dinner this evening,
he couldn't find his
knife and fork properly.
Everything he did... He
seemed to miss things
and was angry with himself.
Yeah.
Do you think we should
call his doctor, ma'am,
at the hospital?
I don't know. What do you think?
The problem is getting Charlie
to admit there's anything wrong.
But I do have a suggestion,
for what it's worth.
A surgeon friend of mine...
we were at school
together, actually...
Ernest Horsfield,
I'm sure he'd
take a look at him.
What kind of surgeon?
Brain surgeon. Harley street.
Top man.
Always was. Captain of Cricket.
All right. Get him here.
This is ridiculous.
It's absurd. It's
quite unnecessary.
I'm afraid you've
been brought here
under false
pretenses, Sir Ernest.
There is nothing the
matter with my sight
or any other part of me,
and I'm sorry you've
had to waste your time.
My dear fellow, I just happened
to be downstairs...
like hell you were.
With my old friend Toby, here.
He was talking about you,
telling me about
your heroic deeds
and your wounds. He...
..mentioned your dizzy
spell the other evening,
and I merely offered
to take a look at you.
I can easily go.
I will go if you insist.
I'm sorry. That was
extremely rude of me.
I do apologize.
Good heavens, I
quite understand.
I find myself flying
off the handle
at the slightest cause,
and I've been no nearer
the front than Boulogne.
Well...what do
you want me to do?
Come and sit down, will you?
Now, this dizzy spell.
Was it the first since
you left hospital?
Yes, but, well, they did warn me
to expect minor reactions.
Quite.
Any pain? Headaches?
Nothing to speak of.
Read this, will you?
"Bapaume captured."
And beneath it?
"26,000 prisoners taken
and over 100 guns."
We're winning at last.
What's the time by your clock?
17 minutes past 4:00.
Good.
Now I want you to get up
and walk across to
the piano, will you?
Now come back to me.
Sit down again.
Now, let's have a look.
Just look straight ahead.
Do you ever experience any...
Visual hallucinations?
I mean, flashing
lights, unformed objects,
rings, colors?
No. Nothing like that at all.
No specific pictures?
Like a field, landscape...
Lady by a babbling brook?
Good Lord, no.
That's the only lady
I have a vision of.
HORSFIELD: Is that Mrs. Trotter?
CHARLES: Yes. Don't
you recognize her?
Awfully good. Who painted it?
Collinghurst.
Oh, yes.
Now, look into my right eye.
How many fingers
am I holding up?
3.
Now?
1.
And now?
3.
Do you ever get
sensations of weakness
in your hands and legs?
Well, I get pins and
needles occasionally.
I thought my eyes were on trial.
May I look at the wound?
Oh, yes.
I was operated on in France.
Yes. Mckinnon, wasn't it?
Yes. Well, how
did you know that?
I thought you were
just passing by.
Neat and tidy...
But curiously obstinate
healing up, hmm?
Well, I don't know how long
these things are
supposed to take.
No. Quite.
Now, we'll just
have another look.
Straight ahead again.
You ought to offer to
play your violin up there.
When do you get
time off in this place?
Oh, we're not
often free, I'm afraid.
I'd like to see you...alone.
Well, if you can stay
awake long enough,
come down to the dispense
for a cup of tea at midnight.
I don't promise you'll
have me to yourself.
STARR: Arf arf!
The ladies of our village, then,
they thought
they'd make a start.
Our milkman's now a woman,
And the coalman is a tart.
That's not in the
poem, you know.
You're a very naughty girl.
It's hard to be exact on
one brief examination,
but certain things are
apparent, I'm afraid.
The head wound
has impaired the sight,
and I think there could
still be a tiny fragment
of splinter buried in there.
The optic disk at
the back of the eye
where the nerve
fibers lead to the brain
is atrophied.
What does that mean?
Well, looking on
the bright side,
he could stabilize.
His sight could
remain as it is now
the rest of his life.
Or there could be
further deterioration.
You mean, he'll go blind?
It's something we
have to face up to.
Well, can't you operate?
I could, but too many risks
so soon after the
recent operation.
I think we have
to wait a little.
Just watch it get worse?
There's really no choice.
He can lead a normal life,
but you must keep an eye on him.
He finds distances
difficult to judge.
Could be a danger to himself,
out in the street, for instance.
And I want you to
let me know at once
if you notice any
weakness in his limbs...
a slight paralysis
of the hand, limp,
anything like that.
I'll see him again
in a fortnight.
A proud man, isn't he?
Strong will. He
may try and fool you.
Be vigilant.
Good-bye, Mrs. Trotter.
Toby.
MAJOR: I'll see you out.
Major.
I don't want the staff to
know about this, understand?
Why, of course.
Thank you, Merriman.
Very good, milord.
What did Mrs. Cochrane
come up with in the end?
Some trouts, milord,
eggs, asparagus,
and strawberries.
Don't we get an hors d'oeuvre?
Oh, not permitted
these days, milord,
by order of the government.
Food rationing.
Even Mrs. Trotter
can't get round that.
Yes, I see.
Well, I suppose it's
reasonable enough.
Well, under the
circumstances, milord,
it's a miracle.
LOUISA: Charlie?
Thank you, Merriman.
Uh, we'll eat at...
9:00 on the dot.
MERRIMAN: Very good, milord.
Oh, Charlie, this
is a nice surprise.
More than you
deserve after getting
that eminent
headhunter to see me.
Did he confide his mumbo
jumbo to you afterwards?
No. Wouldn't have
understood it if he had.
I am quite well, you know.
Yeah, I know you are.
These things
take time, that's all.
You should see the
other poor blighters.
I am one of the lucky ones.
And in future, I
will be the judge
of whether I need to
see anybody or not.
That understood?
Aye, aye, captain.
So, that's enough
about my state of health.
Now let's talk about
us and our future.
I don't think the war can
last very much longer.
We're making great
strides every day.
Bapaume's been taken,
and with Foch in command,
we should break through
the Hindenburg line
in the next month or so, and
that should be the end of it.
Which means that if we
stick to our original agreement
to get married
when the guns stop,
we should be wed by Christmas.
Hang on a minute, Charlie.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Well, you do still
want to marry me?
Yeah, yeah. Of course I do.
Just need a bit of time
to think about it, that's all.
Look, I know
what's on your mind.
It's the Bentinck, isn't it?
But you don't have to
close it down, Louisa.
We really don't have
to spend very much time
at Bishopsleigh, you know.
We'll make this our home,
make a separate
flat for ourselves.
Are you cold? You're shivering.
No, no.
I say, bit of luck. Harry
Tate's just dropped in.
Promised to do his
turn for us. You coming?
Not just at the moment, old man.
What?
Oh.
Oh, I'm sorry. Yes.
Life as usual.
How did you finally leave him?
I retired with a headache.
He was rambling on, rather.
I might not have been
there half the time.
The whole evening, some sort
of act of bravado, do you think,
convincing himself
that all was well?
Well, he must know
something's wrong.
He spilled the wine twice.
Do you think he
detected your anxiety?
I hope not.
I mean...
This whole question
of marriage...
..is now rather tricky.
Why?
My dear Louisa...
You think just because
he's going blind, I'd chuck him out?
No, good Lord, no,
but it does put a
different slant on things,
I mean, from his point of view.
He's not going
to like the feeling
of being dependent
on you, is he?
Well, he's got to be
dependent on someone.
Might as blooming well be me.
Yes, but...it must
be his decision.
Not yours.
That's all I'm saying.
He must be given the truth,
the medical truth.
Don't you agree?
Who's going to tell him?
I can see the future.
In the tea leaves?
Just like my Auntie Gwyneth.
Give me your hand.
What's the matter?
Don't you want to
know your future?
Does it frighten you?
No. I don't believe
in all that rubbish.
All they'll ever tell you
is you'll get married,
have lots of children,
and live happily ever after.
You won't marry.
Who says? I will if I want to.
You won't marry me.
Well, I wasn't expecting to.
Because I'm going to be killed.
Oh, now, where does it say that?
Come on. Show me.
I've got my marching
orders...back to France.
I shall be killed quite soon.
I've seen my death.
I've seen the spot,
the curve in the road.
It doesn't frighten me.
You'll be with me.
But that's silly.
I'll be here. That's nonsense.
Wait and see.
Uh...
Any tea, Mary?
Oh, yes.
What happened upstairs, then?
What? Oh, you
mean the dinner party.
Well, I'm not at
liberty to say, Mary.
Betraying a confidence,
that would be.
But I think we can
expect an announcement
of some weight and gravity
in the not-too-distant future.
That young man's special, is he?
Don't be daft.
May I remind you,
officers are not
allowed in the dispense.
Do you mind turning your face
more towards the window?
That's it. That's perfect.
Sorry. Is it too bright?
No, no. I like the light.
Seems to have died on me.
Care for a stroll?
Well, why not?
I'd like to hear about
your little show sometime...
In detail...
From the horse's mouth.
You don't mind
talking about it, do you?
When I was in
hospital, I made a vow...
Not to spend the rest of my life
boring people with
my war reminiscences.
You can make an exception of me,
can't you, a fellow soldier?
It's awfully
frustrating, you know,
living this war secondhand,
living off titbits.
Well, if you want to know,
it was a bloody mess.
Bungled orders,
no great heroics.
Just a mess.
All right?
Yeah, fine. Pins and needles.
Ah.
CHARLES: Can you
imagine war on a day like this?
God mocks in mysterious ways.
It's nearly over, if we're
to believe the newspapers.
Then what, I wonder?
You and Louisa,
you'll get married?
She talked about it?
Hinted.
And rumors among
the staff, of course.
The day the guns stop.
That was our pledge in Boulogne.
I've been living for the day.
Now, look, old chap, I'm afraid I
have rather a disagreeable task,
something that has to be said.
Horsfield spoke to us
after your examination,
and the fact is...
I'm afraid the
news isn't too good
about your sight.
Nothing definite, of course.
Things could stay as they are.
He emphasized that, but...
Thank you, Toby.
You knew already, did you?
I wasn't sure.
I mean, I can see
you now quite well,
those people over there...
most things, most of the time...
and then suddenly,
for no reason at all...
Damn it, they said it would pass
at the hospital.
I didn't tell Louisa,
didn't want her to worry.
What did Horsfield say exactly?
Is it weeks, months? How long?
He didn't set a time.
One doesn't know.
Yes, well...
I know.
It's getting worse, every day.
And she won't marry
a blind man, is that it?
Oh, good Lord, no.
Not in the least.
She'd marry you tomorrow.
That's not in doubt.
Take me home, will you?
Good luck, gentlemen.
Nice medal you're wearing.
Yes. Battle of
Omdurman, that was.
Care to swap places?
If I was a little younger, yes.
What's age got to do with it?
There are young men
turned 80 out there.
STARR: Good luck, sir.
You off now, Brian?
It's yours.
Ooh, but I can't take it...
Go on.
Keep it safe. Play
it if you want to.
That way we'll stay in touch.
But you'll come back for it.
Thank you for the
hospitality, Mrs. Trotter.
Yes, thank you.
LOUISA: Good luck, boys.
OFFICER: Cheerio,
Major. Got to be going now,
back to bloody France.
MAJOR: Oh, really? Good-bye.
- Charlie?
- Louisa...
...I wouldn't.
Not for a bit, if I was you.
LOUISA: Charlie?
What have you done
with this bleeding door?
Charlie, open...
Charlie.
You've had all afternoon.
Now we got some
talking to do, you and me.
Charlie!
A bolt?
STARR: He asked
for it special, madam,
and, uh, not to
tell you about it.
There's never been
no bleeding bolts
in this hotel.
He let Merriman
in, food and drink.
But only Merriman. I had a try.
That's right, madam.
Mr. Merriman said
he ate his food all right.
He seemed quite well,
but rather withdrawn.
He plays the piano a lot.
I know. I've heard him.
Thank you, Starr.
He won't even see Mrs. Trotter.
That's what I can't make out.
Lovers' tiff, do you think?
A bit more than
that, I'd say, Mary.
Is that tea tray ready
for number 7, dear?
Oh, yes. Here it
is. I'll take it up.
No. You have a rest. I'll do it.
Oh.
He wanted biscuits.
We haven't any.
STARR: If he's ill, they
should call a doctor.
MERRIMAN: No, he's not ill,
not in the accepted
sense of the word.
What's the matter
with him, then?
With who, dear?
Lord Haslemere.
We know what the
matter is - he's going blind.
Eh?
Oh, I thought everybody knew.
The major told my
husband 2 days ago.
That's the last
secret you'll ever get!
Be reasonable.
It's bound to get out.
LOUISA: Yeah, with
your blabbermouth.
Don't blame Toby,
please, Mrs. T.
It might yet all
turn out for the best.
You see, well, I had an idea.
You've heard of St. Dunstan's,
the place in Regent's Park?
Yeah. What about it?
Well, I'd been reading
about it in the newspapers,
so we thought we'd pop along
and pay them a visit, didn't we?
Tell them about Charlie.
And?
TOMMY: We met a
chap called Ian Fraser.
Nice fellow. Runs the
place with Arthur Pearson.
Well, they were very
interested in Charlie,
being his lordship, that
sort of thing. Prestige.
They agreed to send
someone back with us
to tell Charlie about
the work they're doing
for blinded servicemen.
They thought Charlie
might like to help.
MAJOR: And we
thought, just the thing
to buck him up a bit.
He's outside now.
Who is?
This Captain Mason.
Will you meet him?
Reckon Charlie
will see him, do you?
Well, he might.
Worth a try, what?
Yeah, all right.
You see, he was blinded himself.
Merriman, milord, come
to clear away the tea.
And there's a visitor, milord.
- No, I said...
- Lord Haslemere?
MERRIMAN: Captain Mason, milord,
from St. Dunstan's,
Regent's Park.
I'm sorry to barge in like this.
My name's Roger Mason.
H-how do you do?
Uh, you better sit down.
Chair on your right.
Ah.
Thank you.
C-can I get you a drink?
No, thank you.
2 friends of yours
came to see me,
Major Smith-Barton
and Lieutenant Shepherd.
They told me what
happened to you.
I'm very sorry.
Yes, well, it hasn't
quite happened yet.
No.
No.
Mine was instant...
At Arras.
The shock is greater initially,
but if it has to happen at all,
perhaps my way
is better than yours.
At least that's what
they say at St. Dunstan's.
Do you know of the
work we're doing there?
We're making quite a
splash in the newspapers.
Yes, I've heard
of it, but I'm afraid
I can't see how I
can be of any help.
Well, perhaps we
can talk about it.
Oh, sorry.
I've brought some
stuff along which...
which might interest you.
All right, I've got it.
COLLINGHURST: I knew at once,
I have to confess.
A man in the
process of going blind
is a gift for any painter.
Do you want me to continue?
I want him as he
was, not like this.
Better to be killed, isn't it?
Sight's more precious than life.
For an artist, yes.
He's an artist!
MASON: Most mornings
before breakfast,
we go for a row on the lake.
Young shop girls
volunteer to cox our boats.
Morale-boosting
start to the day.
It's attitude, you see.
Tell a man he's afflicted,
and he'll believe it.
But try and make his life
as normal as possible, and...
Come and visit us. Will you?
If you like what we're doing,
you could help us run the place.
I need hardly tell you,
your name and connections
would give us an enormous lift,
at least in the matter
of raising money.
The blind leading the blind.
It's possible.
That's what we've discovered.
I'll leave the braille
and the watch with you.
It's not as difficult
as it seems.
Come tomorrow and
meet Arthur Pearson
and Ian Fraser.
I think you'll get on
rather well with them.
Can I come rowing on the lake?
Oh, yes. Splendid. 7 AM?
Right.
I'll just get my coat
and see you down...
While I still can.
♪ If I knew that
someone cared for me, ♪
♪ I would let the world go by. ♪
♪ Someone who was true... ♪
Uh...can you stay for a while?
Mrs. Trotter in full voice
might also be good for morale.
I can hear. I'd love to stay.
This way.
♪ ...today, ♪
♪ Just to hear
someone softly say ♪
♪ Let the great big
world keep turning ♪
♪ Just so long as I've got you ♪
♪ For I only know
that I want you so, ♪
♪ And there's
no-one else will do. ♪
♪ You have simply
set me yearning, ♪
♪ And forever I'll be true. ♪
♪ Let the great big world
keep on turning round, ♪
♪ Now I've found
someone like you ♪
Splendid.
Come on! Come on!
Keep up on the right!
Forward!
What the hell's going on?
Sergeant, I gave you
an order! Are you deaf?!
You there. We're lost.
We want to know the way!
The way! We want to
know the way, damn you!
Charlie.
What are you doing?
I don't want earth on top of me!
Charlie, it's me!
They're shoveling earth on me!
No, they're not. It's a dream.
What's happening?
Nothing. You're all right.
You just lie back and rest.
Shell burst... Quite near...
Like an explosion in my mind.
It wasn't a dream.
- Shall I call a doctor, madam?
- Oh, feel his hands!
It wasn't a dream.
I think I should call a doctor.
A click in my mind...
Go and telephone
Horsfield. I'll stay with him.
Fields...
Hedges...
Young corporal had
his hand blown off...
Something he said.
Do you remember?
Blackberries, that's it.
He said, it's on his...
Lips...
Stained with the juice.
Faces like squashed fruit.
Louisa?
I'm here. Louisa.
Yes, love. What is it?
What are you doing
here? Get back.
Can't you see the sky's lit up?
There's no place for you here!
You're not there
anymore, Charlie.
There's no more fighting.
You're home now.
When the guns stop...
Yeah, they stopped
for you, Charlie.
Home.
That's right.
Not that hospital, please.
Louisa.
Will you come
with me tomorrow...
Rowing on the lake with me?
Yeah.
STARR: Morning, madam.
Uh...
It's 6:30, madam.
I was wondering about
his lordship's call, madam.
He asked me to call him
because he was planning
to go rowing with Captain
Mason on the Regent's Park lake.
But Mary's told
me about last night.
No, no. Don't call
him. He's sleeping.
Very good, madam.
Milord.
Milord?
Do you feel like
something to eat, milord?
Some nice scrambled eggs? Hmm?
I'm sorry I was a
nuisance last night.
Oh, you had a bad
dream. That's all.
Louisa?
She stayed up with you.
She's having a little rest now.
What time is it?
It's just gone half past
2:00 in the afternoon.
Now, you eat this
if you feel like it,
but don't force yourself.
It's very quiet.
It's Sunday.
Would you like me
to fetch Mrs. Trotter?
No, no. Don't disturb her.
Charlie.
Did you have a nice rest?
Yeah, thanks.
How are you?
Very peaceful.
See that tree out there?
I've never really
noticed it before.
It's funny, Louisa.
You only see what
you want to see.
Charlie, I've been
thinking about
this marriage of ours.
I don't...want to
talk about that.
Not at the moment.
If I pull through this...
of course you'll
pull through it.
Listen, I...
I had something to do today.
What was it?
Rowing on the lake.
I telephoned Captain Mason.
Oh, yes. That was it.
He said you could
go when you like,
not to worry about it.
They want me to help them.
Yeah, I know. I think
that's a good idea.
Listen, do you think
you could light...
My hand seems...
Thanks.
I was thinking about
Lottie last night.
There's a look of
her in your portrait,
have you noticed?
I can see it quite clearly.
Charlie, I don't want
to be depressing,
but...you think you
ought to go back
to that hospital for a bit?
Is that what Horsfield says?
No, no. I haven't spoken to him.
I tried to get him last night.
He's in Manchester.
So small, this room.
Eh?
You know, if you
close your eyes,
you can still see pictures...
Vividly.
Is that true for the blind?
You can see the exact
layout of a garden, for instance,
where the paths join.
Faces, too.
Our gardener...Samson...
So called because
of his great strength.
He used to carry
me on his shoulders.
I see him so clearly.
Sorry.
Mad as a hatter...
Like last night.
What was I saying last night?
Oh, you were
chattering on a bit,
about the war.
Don't remember a thing.
Extraordinary.
Do you think I ought
to go back to hospital?
I'd much rather stay
here, but if I'm a nuisance...
Oh, don't be silly.
Mustn't cast a
blight on the place.
No, you stay here.
Mary and me will look after you.
She's a trained
nurse. I'm not so bad.
It's a funny thing, Charlie,
all we've been through
together, you and me.
We've never been on
an even keel, have we?
I mean, either
you're picking me up,
or I'm picking you up...
a couple of old drunks.
Remember that time you was
coming back from your lady love,
with me staggering
back from the market,
collapsing in your arms
at 5:00 in the morning?
What a way to start something.
Tuppenny blooming romance.
Well, from now on, and I
don't care what you say,
we're going to
do things different.
We're going to start off with
a blooming great wedding
when the guns stop,
just like we promised ourselves.
Then we'll do this place up,
get ourselves a bit of privacy.
Go up to Yorkshire,
do a bit of hunting.
Ain't never seen me
on a horse, have you?
Well, I haven't been on one,
but I've done harder things.
Then we'll entertain
all them country ladies,
give them a dinner
they'll never forget.
Charlie?
Charlie...
in a gilded cage, ♪
♪ a beautiful sight to see... ♪
STARR: There is a war on, madam.
WOMAN: I'm quite aware
there is a war on, Starr.
I have a cousin at
the front to prove it.
I merely wish to know
whether this is still an hotel
or whether it has
become a hospital...
A music hall.
WOMAN, LAUGHING: Stop
it! My husband's watching!
Not to mention other things.
It's still a hotel, madam.
- MAN: Merriweather!
- MERRIMAN: Eh?
- Another drink, man.
- Oh yes. Excuse me.
WOMAN: Miss Phillips,
I have been coming to the
Bentinck now for 11 years,
and while I appreciate
we're living in difficult times,
there are limits.
I ordered my breakfast
for 9:00 this morning.
It never arrived.
I'm sorry if things aren't quite
functioning as normal, Miss Dean
but Mrs. Trotter's
volunteered to open
the hotel to convalescing
officers, you see.
Most guests find it easy
to go and help themselves.
All hands to the pump, you know.
There's some drunk bleeder...
Ooh, Pearl, please! Language.
It's all right, dear.
I'll deal with it.
You come with me, dear.
I really can't stay.
I'm sorry.
I'm afraid at my
age, Miss Phillips,
handling the pump is
rather out of the question.
I shall leave in the morning.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Who's that?
Miss Dean.
No, that urchin.
That was Pearl.
Pearl. Can't we
do better than that?
No, we can't. Beggars
can't be choosers.
Excuse me, Colonel.
If you wouldn't
mind, that's my chair,
and Fred gets a little
upset, you see, sir.
It's not a dog's home, is it?
Oh, no! Major, there's no room.
We're jammed full.
I asked Mrs. Trotter
to tell you this morning.
But they've got their chits.
What am I supposed
to do about it?
You'll have to tell them
to send no more, sir.
MAJOR: It's all rather
chaotic at the war office...
OFFICER: I've heard about
this place before the war.
All the nobs come
here, you know that?
That's why they brought us, eh?
What?
Well, I'll have a
scag around upstairs.
Follow me, would you?
I think the end's in sight.
Oh, thank God for that.
You're taking long enough.
Patience.
It's all right for you.
I'm a busy woman.
Weren't my idea, none of this.
You said it would
only take a day or two.
Did I? Well, for any
fashionable painter, yes,
to catch the face
you show to the world.
I'm after something different.
That's why you changed
me face 50 times, is it?
Hoping to stumble on it by luck?
Not luck, my dear.
Well, perhaps that's
enough for today, hmm?
Right.
Oh, blimey.
Yeah. Well...,
..still think
the mouth's too big.
It is. It's deliberate.
Oh, thank you.
The hands were my
biggest challenge.
Hands that have known the
rough and tumble of the kitchen,
yet retained a delicacy.
Artist's hands.
Yeah, well.
Can't stand about
all day waffling to you.
You going to pop around
later for a nightcap?
Yes, I may, I may. Hmm.
Ta.
I shall miss my little
sessions with you.
Takes me mind off things.
I feel like a ship without
a rudder half the time.
And now, alas, you no
longer need me. Your...
..warlord returns.
Yes, I should like to meet him.
I'm very grateful to him.
If he hadn't
survived his wounds,
I should have been
left with a tragic face,
and that would have been a pity.
How is he?
Oh, I think he's all right.
Getting the DSO has
bucked him up no end.
Yes, of course.
You know, I should like to
paint all the VCs and DSOs
to see what they have in common.
Do you really think
the mouth's too big?
Well... Come again tomorrow.
We'll have another look, hmm?
Oh, blimey, I think
you do it on purpose.
Look, I'll come tomorrow
for the sake of me mouth,
but that's the last time, Colly.
All right?
Mm-hmm.
I mean it.
Have it your own way,
and I'll see you out.
No, no. Don't bother.
Toodle-oo.
Is this the convalescent
home for wounded officers?
Charlie!
My dear old bean! Wait a minute!
STARR: Welcome back, milord.
Thank you, Starr.
Well good Lord. Who's this?
Fred 2, milord.
Fred? But...
It's a girl.
Short for Fredericka, sir.
Ah.
And congratulations
on your DSO, milord.
Thank you, Starr.
Is Mrs. Trotter about?
MAJOR: No. She's
having her portrait painted.
STARR: For posterity, milord.
- Can I take your things?
- Oh, thank you.
Yes, that's right.
Collinghurst insisted on
painting her, didn't he?
- Yes. Sit yourself down.
- Thank you.
MAJOR: Look, um, we weren't
expecting you till Monday.
I couldn't stick that
hospital another minute.
Yes, but I...I put some
fellows in your sitting room.
I'll go and get rid of them.
No, don't do that. Is
my bedroom still free?
Bedroom? Yes.
That's all I need.
Ha ha! Champagne.
Oh, sorry, Tommy.
I'm not allowed it.
Oh. Oh, dear. How dreadful.
Devil with these
head wounds, eh?
How are you feeling?
Oh, not too bad. Fine, really.
Shell, wasn't it?
Yes. Tiny bit of shrapnel,
just there, back in April.
They took it out in France,
left me there, seemed
to forget about me.
Then they shipped me
back a few weeks ago.
Head's intact, brain's
intact, sight's intact.
Damn lucky, really.
What about you?
What happened to you?
Oh! Absolute
bathos. You tell him.
No. You tell him.
Well, eventually they
got down to the dregs,
called me up.
There I was,
first day of action,
guts wobbling with fear.
Got shot in the ass by
one of me own chaps,
or so they tell me.
It was very painful to sit down.
I'm sorry, Tommy.
What cruel luck.
Yes, well, I made myself useful,
organizing impromptu
entertainments
and so forth.
Hey, you're just
in time for tonight.
We've arranged a
little surprise...what?
What are you doing here?
You going to send me back?
Here, now, you
haven't run out...
No, no. It's
perfectly all right.
Starr.
STARR: Madam?
Fix us a pot of tea.
STARR: Very good, madam.
CHARLIE: Excuse me, gentlemen.
TOMMY: I say, you're not
going to let us down tonight,
are you, Major?
Oh, well, if you
put it like that...
Louisa.
Home again, eh?
Yes.
Here! Stop playing
that thing, man.
I can't hear myself drink.
Here.
Have some of
this, keep you quiet.
Who's paying for it?
I don't know, do I? Not me.
I'm broke to the world.
Who's for a game, then?
Me...and you. Come on.
What are we doing here?
Well, the major
brought us, didn't he?
Enjoy it while you can.
"Make yourself
at home," he said.
Home? It's not
much like my home.
Oh, come on, Brian. Relax.
You make me jumpy, you do.
Ah! Tea!
For us?
Oh, no, I'm sorry. This
is for Lord Haslemere.
Lord who?
Lord Haslemere. These are
his rooms by right, and he's here.
He'll be up in a minute.
Who put you in here?
The major.
Oh, well, I'm sorry.
There's been a mistake.
You'll have to go.
Bloody hell. Chucked
out for a bloody lord.
I knew it.
Lord Haslemere, for your
information, is a captain
in the Coldstream Guards,
and he's won the DSO, and
he's been very badly wounded.
Now will you leave?
A Welsh girl?
Yes, I'm Welsh.
First Welsh girl
I've seen in months.
And a pretty one.
Where do you come from?
OFFICER: Come on.
Let's pack up and go.
Not so fast. This
young lady and I
have things to talk about,
things of local importance.
It's quieter in the bedroom.
Let me go. Oh, come on, now.
You're not going to
disappoint me, are you?
We're the same breed.
Please! You're hurting my arm.
OFFICER: Let go of her.
All I want is one little kiss.
Let me go!
You stupid Welsh bastard!
Do you want us kicked
out of here altogether?
Broke my bloody leg. Get off!
I won't forget that, boy!
- You all right?
- Yeah.
MERRIMAN: Mr. Shepherd wants
us downstairs in the hall, Mary.
Poor old Evelyn.
Yeah, I saw him
just a few hours before.
Grenadiers were next-door to us.
His trench, the
whole lot of them,
just wiped out...the
day before I got this.
Oh, Lord.
Practically all our old friends.
What'll happen to us?
We're going to concentrate
on the living, Charlie.
But we can't forget.
Oh, sorry to interrupt, but
we're just about to begin.
You coming?
LOUISA: No, not tonight, Tommy.
I got me accounts to do.
You carry on without us.
Don't make too much noise.
Oh, but you must come.
I mean, we can't do
it without you tonight.
CHARLES: Well, I want to hear.
Come on. Come with me.
LOUISA: All right.
Hey!
Hey!
CHARLES: Where should we sit?
STARR: Sit here, will
you, madam, please?
And you there, milord.
LOUISA: I hope it's not
too long, whatever it is.
Thank you, Starr. Thank you.
My lord...and ladies
and gentlemen.
The staff of the
Bentinck Hotel...
..and friends...ha ha!
Are proud to present a song
in honor of Mrs. Trotter.
I wrote it myself...
the words, not the tune.
Get on with it, then.
Oh, very well, then.
Right. Thank you.
SINGERS: The words.
TOMMY: Oh, lord. Oh, dear.
Yes. The words.
TOMMY: Right. Can
we start again, please?
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter,
what shall we do? ♪
♪ We wanted to write a song to
show we think the world of you, ♪
♪ But when we went to write
it, we couldn't make it rhyme. ♪
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter, isn't it a
blooming shame? ♪
♪ First the major had a
go, which didn't get us far, ♪
♪ then we passed the duty
on to Fred and Mr. Starr. ♪
Oh, Lord. Is it me?
Uh... ♪ La dee da dee dee ♪
♪ I was asked to lend a hand ♪
♪ but I didn't have one free. ♪
TOGETHER: ♪ Finally we decided
it was all beyond our talents ♪
♪ All sat down and had a drink
and thought of other things, ♪
♪ Felt a pang of sad regret,
the major, he had lost his bet, ♪
♪ blow it all, we gave it
up, and shouted out. ♪
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter!
What shall we do? ♪
♪ We wanted to write a song to
show we think the world of you, ♪
♪ But when we came to write
it, we couldn't make it rhyme. ♪
♪ Oh, Mrs. Trotter, isn't
it a blooming shame? ♪
Very touching.
Now a song from you, Louisa.
Oh, no!
Charlie, take over the piano.
Come along, Charlie.
Thank you, thank you.
LOUISA: What
should we do, Charlie?
Well, I'm hopelessly
out of practice,
whatever it is.
How about, uh...
Keep the home fires Burning?
How does that go? Um...
- That's the one.
- Something like that?
Ahem!
♪ Keep the home fires burning ♪
♪ Now our hearts are yearning ♪
Sorry, sorry.
What's the matter?
I just...got dizzy, that's all.
Starr. Come on,
we'll get you upstairs.
TOMMY: Uh, don't
worry, everybody.
It's all perfectly all right.
Come on, my dear. Come along.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Yes...now... Now we'll all sing.
LOUISA: Don't worry,
boys. Just a bit dizzy.
MRS. SHEPHERD, MEN JOINING
IN: ♪ Keep the home fires burning ♪
♪ While your hearts
are yearning ♪
MRS. SHEPHERD: Though
the lads are faraway...
♪ Though the lads are faraway ♪
♪ They dream of home ♪
MRS. SHEPHERD:
There is a silver lining...
♪ There's a silver lining ♪
♪ Round the dark cloud shining ♪
♪ Turn the dark
clouds inside out, ♪
♪ When the boys come home. ♪
Oh! Well done!
What's this lot doing
in here? Get them out.
MAJOR: I'm sorry. It's
my fault. I wasn't expecting
Charlie back until Monday.
LOUISA: Come on, out!
STARR: We've nowhere
to put them, madam.
LOUISA: I don't care about that.
CHARLES: No, let them stay.
Well, that's the idea, isn't it,
to offer the Bentinck to
convalescent officers?
Let them stay in here.
I'll go in the bedroom.
Miss Dean's leaving
tomorrow, madam.
We can transfer them
across to her room
in the morning.
Yeah, all right,
but I want all this lot
cleared out before you go.
It ain't a bleeding barracks.
We ought to get you
back to that hospital.
Oh, no, no. Don't.
Don't send me back to
that loony bin, please.
I'll be all right. It's just...
..too much
excitement, that's all.
Don't worry.
Minor setback,
only to be expected.
Ate a hearty
breakfast, I'm told.
Yeah.
Ready, then?
STARR: Good morning, milord.
Good morning, Starr.
MARY: Ooh! I'm sorry, milord.
CHARLES: No, no.
- Are you all right, milord?
- Yes.
They're for a flying
officer in number 9.
He's potty on detective stories,
so I said I'd get him
Mr. Merriman's lot.
Morning, Charlie.
Morning, Louisa.
W-where are you off to?
Colly's studio.
Last sitting for me
bleeding portrait.
Major's taking me in the bus.
You care for a ride?
Well, yes, of course.
You mean, you were
actually going without me?
Well, I was hoping
you'd be a good boy
and stay in bed this morning.
I feel fine this morning.
Never felt better.
Come on.
Are you sure you feel up to it?
I'm sure.
MAJOR: A little fresh
air will do him good.
Do you really
think he's all right?
As right as any of them
that's been out there, Mary.
It's the nervous system
that takes the buffeting.
LOUISA: There's been a bit
of controversy about the mouth.
CHARLES: Oh, no.
The mouth's perfect.
And the colors of the dress
set against the background...
perfectly judged.
I think you've captured her.
I'm lost in admiration.
Congratulations.
I'm overwhelmed, thank you.
What are you going
to do with it, then?
Well, certainly,
I shall exhibit it.
And I shall buy it.
There you are, then,
Colly. Made yourself a sale.
MAJOR: Hang very
nicely in the hall, won't it?
LOUISA: Blimey, no.
Don't want to look
at meself all day.
Anyway, it's not for
the Bentinck, Toby.
It's for me.
I shall have it in my
rooms above the fireplace.
The Bentinck can
have it when I'm gone.
Can we take it with us now?
No. Let me keep it for a
day or two, will you, to...
..tidy it up?
Lord Haslemere, please.
Would you sit for me...
When you have the time?
Me?
It will give me the greatest
pleasure to paint you.
Yeah, go on,
Charlie. Tit for tat.
All right.
I might even buy yours...
if it's good enough.
Ok.
COLLINGHURST: Can we
start soon, say, in a day or two?
Well, yes, we'd...we'd better.
I may have to return
to France, depending.
LOUISA: Well, you don't have
to go back for a few weeks.
Got to rest up for a bit.
Now, don't you worry, Colly.
I'll see you get him.
Come on.
What about me?
Is my face of any interest?
Um...
No.
LOUISA: You wait your turn.
Good-bye.
And once again, congratulations.
Good-bye, Lord Haslemere.
Sorry. My fellow
officers chucked me out.
They don't appreciate music.
I'm sorry about what
happened last night.
No manners, some people.
That is forgotten now.
Do you mind if I stay?
No, not at all.
Thank you.
My name's Brian
Spedding, by the way.
- What's yours?
- Miss Phillips.
Miss Phillips?
MRS. SHEPHERD:
Mary, dear, have...
Oh! I'm sorry.
Didn't mean to
interrupt anything.
You're not.
Mrs. Cochrane wants those menus.
Oh, yes. Here they are.
Excuse me.
So it's Mary, is it?
I had an uncle
played the violin.
He tried to teach me.
Ooh, no, I can't play now.
I couldn't play then.
You play quite well, do you?
Yes, of course.
I just heard you.
Mary.
Yes.
Would you like me to
play some more for you?
I will if you want.
Sit down.
CHARLES: A little bit
down on the right, I'd say.
Uh...
Yeah...that's fine. Fine.
Thank you.
Well, what do you think of it?
I was wondering if he
quite got the nose, milord.
The nose?
I think it's lovely.
Yes.
Is that all, milord?
Yes, thank you, Starr.
They'll come and take it
away in a couple of weeks
for an exhibition, but I had
to have it in the meantime.
I'm sorry they left your
room in such a mess, milord.
You'd think as officers,
they'd know better.
Still, I suppose they're used to
some poor private
cleaning up after them.
S-sorry. What?
Nothing. I was just chattering.
MARY: And Mr. Merriman said
when he took him
dinner this evening,
he couldn't find his
knife and fork properly.
Everything he did... He
seemed to miss things
and was angry with himself.
Yeah.
Do you think we should
call his doctor, ma'am,
at the hospital?
I don't know. What do you think?
The problem is getting Charlie
to admit there's anything wrong.
But I do have a suggestion,
for what it's worth.
A surgeon friend of mine...
we were at school
together, actually...
Ernest Horsfield,
I'm sure he'd
take a look at him.
What kind of surgeon?
Brain surgeon. Harley street.
Top man.
Always was. Captain of Cricket.
All right. Get him here.
This is ridiculous.
It's absurd. It's
quite unnecessary.
I'm afraid you've
been brought here
under false
pretenses, Sir Ernest.
There is nothing the
matter with my sight
or any other part of me,
and I'm sorry you've
had to waste your time.
My dear fellow, I just happened
to be downstairs...
like hell you were.
With my old friend Toby, here.
He was talking about you,
telling me about
your heroic deeds
and your wounds. He...
..mentioned your dizzy
spell the other evening,
and I merely offered
to take a look at you.
I can easily go.
I will go if you insist.
I'm sorry. That was
extremely rude of me.
I do apologize.
Good heavens, I
quite understand.
I find myself flying
off the handle
at the slightest cause,
and I've been no nearer
the front than Boulogne.
Well...what do
you want me to do?
Come and sit down, will you?
Now, this dizzy spell.
Was it the first since
you left hospital?
Yes, but, well, they did warn me
to expect minor reactions.
Quite.
Any pain? Headaches?
Nothing to speak of.
Read this, will you?
"Bapaume captured."
And beneath it?
"26,000 prisoners taken
and over 100 guns."
We're winning at last.
What's the time by your clock?
17 minutes past 4:00.
Good.
Now I want you to get up
and walk across to
the piano, will you?
Now come back to me.
Sit down again.
Now, let's have a look.
Just look straight ahead.
Do you ever experience any...
Visual hallucinations?
I mean, flashing
lights, unformed objects,
rings, colors?
No. Nothing like that at all.
No specific pictures?
Like a field, landscape...
Lady by a babbling brook?
Good Lord, no.
That's the only lady
I have a vision of.
HORSFIELD: Is that Mrs. Trotter?
CHARLES: Yes. Don't
you recognize her?
Awfully good. Who painted it?
Collinghurst.
Oh, yes.
Now, look into my right eye.
How many fingers
am I holding up?
3.
Now?
1.
And now?
3.
Do you ever get
sensations of weakness
in your hands and legs?
Well, I get pins and
needles occasionally.
I thought my eyes were on trial.
May I look at the wound?
Oh, yes.
I was operated on in France.
Yes. Mckinnon, wasn't it?
Yes. Well, how
did you know that?
I thought you were
just passing by.
Neat and tidy...
But curiously obstinate
healing up, hmm?
Well, I don't know how long
these things are
supposed to take.
No. Quite.
Now, we'll just
have another look.
Straight ahead again.
You ought to offer to
play your violin up there.
When do you get
time off in this place?
Oh, we're not
often free, I'm afraid.
I'd like to see you...alone.
Well, if you can stay
awake long enough,
come down to the dispense
for a cup of tea at midnight.
I don't promise you'll
have me to yourself.
STARR: Arf arf!
The ladies of our village, then,
they thought
they'd make a start.
Our milkman's now a woman,
And the coalman is a tart.
That's not in the
poem, you know.
You're a very naughty girl.
It's hard to be exact on
one brief examination,
but certain things are
apparent, I'm afraid.
The head wound
has impaired the sight,
and I think there could
still be a tiny fragment
of splinter buried in there.
The optic disk at
the back of the eye
where the nerve
fibers lead to the brain
is atrophied.
What does that mean?
Well, looking on
the bright side,
he could stabilize.
His sight could
remain as it is now
the rest of his life.
Or there could be
further deterioration.
You mean, he'll go blind?
It's something we
have to face up to.
Well, can't you operate?
I could, but too many risks
so soon after the
recent operation.
I think we have
to wait a little.
Just watch it get worse?
There's really no choice.
He can lead a normal life,
but you must keep an eye on him.
He finds distances
difficult to judge.
Could be a danger to himself,
out in the street, for instance.
And I want you to
let me know at once
if you notice any
weakness in his limbs...
a slight paralysis
of the hand, limp,
anything like that.
I'll see him again
in a fortnight.
A proud man, isn't he?
Strong will. He
may try and fool you.
Be vigilant.
Good-bye, Mrs. Trotter.
Toby.
MAJOR: I'll see you out.
Major.
I don't want the staff to
know about this, understand?
Why, of course.
Thank you, Merriman.
Very good, milord.
What did Mrs. Cochrane
come up with in the end?
Some trouts, milord,
eggs, asparagus,
and strawberries.
Don't we get an hors d'oeuvre?
Oh, not permitted
these days, milord,
by order of the government.
Food rationing.
Even Mrs. Trotter
can't get round that.
Yes, I see.
Well, I suppose it's
reasonable enough.
Well, under the
circumstances, milord,
it's a miracle.
LOUISA: Charlie?
Thank you, Merriman.
Uh, we'll eat at...
9:00 on the dot.
MERRIMAN: Very good, milord.
Oh, Charlie, this
is a nice surprise.
More than you
deserve after getting
that eminent
headhunter to see me.
Did he confide his mumbo
jumbo to you afterwards?
No. Wouldn't have
understood it if he had.
I am quite well, you know.
Yeah, I know you are.
These things
take time, that's all.
You should see the
other poor blighters.
I am one of the lucky ones.
And in future, I
will be the judge
of whether I need to
see anybody or not.
That understood?
Aye, aye, captain.
So, that's enough
about my state of health.
Now let's talk about
us and our future.
I don't think the war can
last very much longer.
We're making great
strides every day.
Bapaume's been taken,
and with Foch in command,
we should break through
the Hindenburg line
in the next month or so, and
that should be the end of it.
Which means that if we
stick to our original agreement
to get married
when the guns stop,
we should be wed by Christmas.
Hang on a minute, Charlie.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Well, you do still
want to marry me?
Yeah, yeah. Of course I do.
Just need a bit of time
to think about it, that's all.
Look, I know
what's on your mind.
It's the Bentinck, isn't it?
But you don't have to
close it down, Louisa.
We really don't have
to spend very much time
at Bishopsleigh, you know.
We'll make this our home,
make a separate
flat for ourselves.
Are you cold? You're shivering.
No, no.
I say, bit of luck. Harry
Tate's just dropped in.
Promised to do his
turn for us. You coming?
Not just at the moment, old man.
What?
Oh.
Oh, I'm sorry. Yes.
Life as usual.
How did you finally leave him?
I retired with a headache.
He was rambling on, rather.
I might not have been
there half the time.
The whole evening, some sort
of act of bravado, do you think,
convincing himself
that all was well?
Well, he must know
something's wrong.
He spilled the wine twice.
Do you think he
detected your anxiety?
I hope not.
I mean...
This whole question
of marriage...
..is now rather tricky.
Why?
My dear Louisa...
You think just because
he's going blind, I'd chuck him out?
No, good Lord, no,
but it does put a
different slant on things,
I mean, from his point of view.
He's not going
to like the feeling
of being dependent
on you, is he?
Well, he's got to be
dependent on someone.
Might as blooming well be me.
Yes, but...it must
be his decision.
Not yours.
That's all I'm saying.
He must be given the truth,
the medical truth.
Don't you agree?
Who's going to tell him?
I can see the future.
In the tea leaves?
Just like my Auntie Gwyneth.
Give me your hand.
What's the matter?
Don't you want to
know your future?
Does it frighten you?
No. I don't believe
in all that rubbish.
All they'll ever tell you
is you'll get married,
have lots of children,
and live happily ever after.
You won't marry.
Who says? I will if I want to.
You won't marry me.
Well, I wasn't expecting to.
Because I'm going to be killed.
Oh, now, where does it say that?
Come on. Show me.
I've got my marching
orders...back to France.
I shall be killed quite soon.
I've seen my death.
I've seen the spot,
the curve in the road.
It doesn't frighten me.
You'll be with me.
But that's silly.
I'll be here. That's nonsense.
Wait and see.
Uh...
Any tea, Mary?
Oh, yes.
What happened upstairs, then?
What? Oh, you
mean the dinner party.
Well, I'm not at
liberty to say, Mary.
Betraying a confidence,
that would be.
But I think we can
expect an announcement
of some weight and gravity
in the not-too-distant future.
That young man's special, is he?
Don't be daft.
May I remind you,
officers are not
allowed in the dispense.
Do you mind turning your face
more towards the window?
That's it. That's perfect.
Sorry. Is it too bright?
No, no. I like the light.
Seems to have died on me.
Care for a stroll?
Well, why not?
I'd like to hear about
your little show sometime...
In detail...
From the horse's mouth.
You don't mind
talking about it, do you?
When I was in
hospital, I made a vow...
Not to spend the rest of my life
boring people with
my war reminiscences.
You can make an exception of me,
can't you, a fellow soldier?
It's awfully
frustrating, you know,
living this war secondhand,
living off titbits.
Well, if you want to know,
it was a bloody mess.
Bungled orders,
no great heroics.
Just a mess.
All right?
Yeah, fine. Pins and needles.
Ah.
CHARLES: Can you
imagine war on a day like this?
God mocks in mysterious ways.
It's nearly over, if we're
to believe the newspapers.
Then what, I wonder?
You and Louisa,
you'll get married?
She talked about it?
Hinted.
And rumors among
the staff, of course.
The day the guns stop.
That was our pledge in Boulogne.
I've been living for the day.
Now, look, old chap, I'm afraid I
have rather a disagreeable task,
something that has to be said.
Horsfield spoke to us
after your examination,
and the fact is...
I'm afraid the
news isn't too good
about your sight.
Nothing definite, of course.
Things could stay as they are.
He emphasized that, but...
Thank you, Toby.
You knew already, did you?
I wasn't sure.
I mean, I can see
you now quite well,
those people over there...
most things, most of the time...
and then suddenly,
for no reason at all...
Damn it, they said it would pass
at the hospital.
I didn't tell Louisa,
didn't want her to worry.
What did Horsfield say exactly?
Is it weeks, months? How long?
He didn't set a time.
One doesn't know.
Yes, well...
I know.
It's getting worse, every day.
And she won't marry
a blind man, is that it?
Oh, good Lord, no.
Not in the least.
She'd marry you tomorrow.
That's not in doubt.
Take me home, will you?
Good luck, gentlemen.
Nice medal you're wearing.
Yes. Battle of
Omdurman, that was.
Care to swap places?
If I was a little younger, yes.
What's age got to do with it?
There are young men
turned 80 out there.
STARR: Good luck, sir.
You off now, Brian?
It's yours.
Ooh, but I can't take it...
Go on.
Keep it safe. Play
it if you want to.
That way we'll stay in touch.
But you'll come back for it.
Thank you for the
hospitality, Mrs. Trotter.
Yes, thank you.
LOUISA: Good luck, boys.
OFFICER: Cheerio,
Major. Got to be going now,
back to bloody France.
MAJOR: Oh, really? Good-bye.
- Charlie?
- Louisa...
...I wouldn't.
Not for a bit, if I was you.
LOUISA: Charlie?
What have you done
with this bleeding door?
Charlie, open...
Charlie.
You've had all afternoon.
Now we got some
talking to do, you and me.
Charlie!
A bolt?
STARR: He asked
for it special, madam,
and, uh, not to
tell you about it.
There's never been
no bleeding bolts
in this hotel.
He let Merriman
in, food and drink.
But only Merriman. I had a try.
That's right, madam.
Mr. Merriman said
he ate his food all right.
He seemed quite well,
but rather withdrawn.
He plays the piano a lot.
I know. I've heard him.
Thank you, Starr.
He won't even see Mrs. Trotter.
That's what I can't make out.
Lovers' tiff, do you think?
A bit more than
that, I'd say, Mary.
Is that tea tray ready
for number 7, dear?
Oh, yes. Here it
is. I'll take it up.
No. You have a rest. I'll do it.
Oh.
He wanted biscuits.
We haven't any.
STARR: If he's ill, they
should call a doctor.
MERRIMAN: No, he's not ill,
not in the accepted
sense of the word.
What's the matter
with him, then?
With who, dear?
Lord Haslemere.
We know what the
matter is - he's going blind.
Eh?
Oh, I thought everybody knew.
The major told my
husband 2 days ago.
That's the last
secret you'll ever get!
Be reasonable.
It's bound to get out.
LOUISA: Yeah, with
your blabbermouth.
Don't blame Toby,
please, Mrs. T.
It might yet all
turn out for the best.
You see, well, I had an idea.
You've heard of St. Dunstan's,
the place in Regent's Park?
Yeah. What about it?
Well, I'd been reading
about it in the newspapers,
so we thought we'd pop along
and pay them a visit, didn't we?
Tell them about Charlie.
And?
TOMMY: We met a
chap called Ian Fraser.
Nice fellow. Runs the
place with Arthur Pearson.
Well, they were very
interested in Charlie,
being his lordship, that
sort of thing. Prestige.
They agreed to send
someone back with us
to tell Charlie about
the work they're doing
for blinded servicemen.
They thought Charlie
might like to help.
MAJOR: And we
thought, just the thing
to buck him up a bit.
He's outside now.
Who is?
This Captain Mason.
Will you meet him?
Reckon Charlie
will see him, do you?
Well, he might.
Worth a try, what?
Yeah, all right.
You see, he was blinded himself.
Merriman, milord, come
to clear away the tea.
And there's a visitor, milord.
- No, I said...
- Lord Haslemere?
MERRIMAN: Captain Mason, milord,
from St. Dunstan's,
Regent's Park.
I'm sorry to barge in like this.
My name's Roger Mason.
H-how do you do?
Uh, you better sit down.
Chair on your right.
Ah.
Thank you.
C-can I get you a drink?
No, thank you.
2 friends of yours
came to see me,
Major Smith-Barton
and Lieutenant Shepherd.
They told me what
happened to you.
I'm very sorry.
Yes, well, it hasn't
quite happened yet.
No.
No.
Mine was instant...
At Arras.
The shock is greater initially,
but if it has to happen at all,
perhaps my way
is better than yours.
At least that's what
they say at St. Dunstan's.
Do you know of the
work we're doing there?
We're making quite a
splash in the newspapers.
Yes, I've heard
of it, but I'm afraid
I can't see how I
can be of any help.
Well, perhaps we
can talk about it.
Oh, sorry.
I've brought some
stuff along which...
which might interest you.
All right, I've got it.
COLLINGHURST: I knew at once,
I have to confess.
A man in the
process of going blind
is a gift for any painter.
Do you want me to continue?
I want him as he
was, not like this.
Better to be killed, isn't it?
Sight's more precious than life.
For an artist, yes.
He's an artist!
MASON: Most mornings
before breakfast,
we go for a row on the lake.
Young shop girls
volunteer to cox our boats.
Morale-boosting
start to the day.
It's attitude, you see.
Tell a man he's afflicted,
and he'll believe it.
But try and make his life
as normal as possible, and...
Come and visit us. Will you?
If you like what we're doing,
you could help us run the place.
I need hardly tell you,
your name and connections
would give us an enormous lift,
at least in the matter
of raising money.
The blind leading the blind.
It's possible.
That's what we've discovered.
I'll leave the braille
and the watch with you.
It's not as difficult
as it seems.
Come tomorrow and
meet Arthur Pearson
and Ian Fraser.
I think you'll get on
rather well with them.
Can I come rowing on the lake?
Oh, yes. Splendid. 7 AM?
Right.
I'll just get my coat
and see you down...
While I still can.
♪ If I knew that
someone cared for me, ♪
♪ I would let the world go by. ♪
♪ Someone who was true... ♪
Uh...can you stay for a while?
Mrs. Trotter in full voice
might also be good for morale.
I can hear. I'd love to stay.
This way.
♪ ...today, ♪
♪ Just to hear
someone softly say ♪
♪ Let the great big
world keep turning ♪
♪ Just so long as I've got you ♪
♪ For I only know
that I want you so, ♪
♪ And there's
no-one else will do. ♪
♪ You have simply
set me yearning, ♪
♪ And forever I'll be true. ♪
♪ Let the great big world
keep on turning round, ♪
♪ Now I've found
someone like you ♪
Splendid.
Come on! Come on!
Keep up on the right!
Forward!
What the hell's going on?
Sergeant, I gave you
an order! Are you deaf?!
You there. We're lost.
We want to know the way!
The way! We want to
know the way, damn you!
Charlie.
What are you doing?
I don't want earth on top of me!
Charlie, it's me!
They're shoveling earth on me!
No, they're not. It's a dream.
What's happening?
Nothing. You're all right.
You just lie back and rest.
Shell burst... Quite near...
Like an explosion in my mind.
It wasn't a dream.
- Shall I call a doctor, madam?
- Oh, feel his hands!
It wasn't a dream.
I think I should call a doctor.
A click in my mind...
Go and telephone
Horsfield. I'll stay with him.
Fields...
Hedges...
Young corporal had
his hand blown off...
Something he said.
Do you remember?
Blackberries, that's it.
He said, it's on his...
Lips...
Stained with the juice.
Faces like squashed fruit.
Louisa?
I'm here. Louisa.
Yes, love. What is it?
What are you doing
here? Get back.
Can't you see the sky's lit up?
There's no place for you here!
You're not there
anymore, Charlie.
There's no more fighting.
You're home now.
When the guns stop...
Yeah, they stopped
for you, Charlie.
Home.
That's right.
Not that hospital, please.
Louisa.
Will you come
with me tomorrow...
Rowing on the lake with me?
Yeah.
STARR: Morning, madam.
Uh...
It's 6:30, madam.
I was wondering about
his lordship's call, madam.
He asked me to call him
because he was planning
to go rowing with Captain
Mason on the Regent's Park lake.
But Mary's told
me about last night.
No, no. Don't call
him. He's sleeping.
Very good, madam.
Milord.
Milord?
Do you feel like
something to eat, milord?
Some nice scrambled eggs? Hmm?
I'm sorry I was a
nuisance last night.
Oh, you had a bad
dream. That's all.
Louisa?
She stayed up with you.
She's having a little rest now.
What time is it?
It's just gone half past
2:00 in the afternoon.
Now, you eat this
if you feel like it,
but don't force yourself.
It's very quiet.
It's Sunday.
Would you like me
to fetch Mrs. Trotter?
No, no. Don't disturb her.
Charlie.
Did you have a nice rest?
Yeah, thanks.
How are you?
Very peaceful.
See that tree out there?
I've never really
noticed it before.
It's funny, Louisa.
You only see what
you want to see.
Charlie, I've been
thinking about
this marriage of ours.
I don't...want to
talk about that.
Not at the moment.
If I pull through this...
of course you'll
pull through it.
Listen, I...
I had something to do today.
What was it?
Rowing on the lake.
I telephoned Captain Mason.
Oh, yes. That was it.
He said you could
go when you like,
not to worry about it.
They want me to help them.
Yeah, I know. I think
that's a good idea.
Listen, do you think
you could light...
My hand seems...
Thanks.
I was thinking about
Lottie last night.
There's a look of
her in your portrait,
have you noticed?
I can see it quite clearly.
Charlie, I don't want
to be depressing,
but...you think you
ought to go back
to that hospital for a bit?
Is that what Horsfield says?
No, no. I haven't spoken to him.
I tried to get him last night.
He's in Manchester.
So small, this room.
Eh?
You know, if you
close your eyes,
you can still see pictures...
Vividly.
Is that true for the blind?
You can see the exact
layout of a garden, for instance,
where the paths join.
Faces, too.
Our gardener...Samson...
So called because
of his great strength.
He used to carry
me on his shoulders.
I see him so clearly.
Sorry.
Mad as a hatter...
Like last night.
What was I saying last night?
Oh, you were
chattering on a bit,
about the war.
Don't remember a thing.
Extraordinary.
Do you think I ought
to go back to hospital?
I'd much rather stay
here, but if I'm a nuisance...
Oh, don't be silly.
Mustn't cast a
blight on the place.
No, you stay here.
Mary and me will look after you.
She's a trained
nurse. I'm not so bad.
It's a funny thing, Charlie,
all we've been through
together, you and me.
We've never been on
an even keel, have we?
I mean, either
you're picking me up,
or I'm picking you up...
a couple of old drunks.
Remember that time you was
coming back from your lady love,
with me staggering
back from the market,
collapsing in your arms
at 5:00 in the morning?
What a way to start something.
Tuppenny blooming romance.
Well, from now on, and I
don't care what you say,
we're going to
do things different.
We're going to start off with
a blooming great wedding
when the guns stop,
just like we promised ourselves.
Then we'll do this place up,
get ourselves a bit of privacy.
Go up to Yorkshire,
do a bit of hunting.
Ain't never seen me
on a horse, have you?
Well, I haven't been on one,
but I've done harder things.
Then we'll entertain
all them country ladies,
give them a dinner
they'll never forget.
Charlie?
Charlie...