Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 1, Episode 4 - The Path of Duty - full transcript

- Everything always happens at once.

- Now, remember I'll be
back by six o'clock.

- Never you fear, Mr. Hudson.

- Rose can help Alfred
wait to see you.

- Her ladyship hadn't been so particular.
Take her some fruit up, so she says.

- Poor old soul.

May not be long for this world.

- Well, I'd better away, then
or I'll miss my train.

- Now, mind Alfred, and you too Rose,
I want everything just so

- for Miss Elizabeth
when she gets here.

- And Lady Kasseltone's invited for tea,
and I wouldn't be surprised if



- Mr. James doesn't drop in as well.

- Now, I want everything
ship-shape and Bristol fashion.

- Aye, Aye, sir.

- Yes....well, I'd better away, then.

Oh, I hope you get there in time.

- Ah, couldn't it just be one of those
wee (taros) most likely, Mrs. Bridges.

- And, Rose, see that the
cucumber sandwiches

- are much (less) flavored on top
of the cake stand.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson, and I do hope
you're mother ain't too poorly.

- Thank you, Rose,
and Alfred...

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Eh, careful when you're
handing 'round the teacups.

- Lady Kasseltone is a wee bit absent-
minded and none too steady with her hands.

[ Emily coughs ]
Emily, behave yourself.



- Eh, well I don't like it,
but I haven't got any choice.

- Not when her ladyship
was so particular.

- Hey, he's forgot his grapes.

- Oh, Mr. Hudson!
- Yes

- You forgot your grapes.

- Dear me, thank you, Rose.

[ Door closes ]

She's a good age,
old Mrs. Hudson.

Ah, I don't so much need
the grapes as hallelujahs.

- So go to heaven and all.
Sure...Sure, heaven's waiting for her.

- That's enough of your
religious mania.

- Emily, when you die you die,
and that's an end of it.

Aw, Mrs. Bridges.

Well, sparkle, girls.
We're all alive in this house.

And, there's work to be done.

[ Slap ]

Just because Mr. Hudson's out,
that doesn't put you in charge.

- And, Emily, when you've cleared up,
start cutting the bread

- for the cook and the family.

- And mind, you're not
cutting them for heroes.

- Nice thin slices.
- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

I wonder if we'll notice any
difference in Miss Elizabeth

now she's done her schooling
and all that.

Oh, I don't think nothing
could change Miss Elizabeth

for the worst, anyhow.

Well, she's all right, Miss Elizabeth.
Not one of your hoitsy-toitsy ones.

What d'you say, Mrs. B?

Oh, finicky with her food
ever since she was a tiny mite.

Aw, you must go to say
better than that, Mrs. Bridges.

[ Clock chimes ] I speak as I find.

- Listen, it's gone three o'clock, you get
around and up and change, Rose.

- Here, I'll finish that for you.

[ Front door bell rings ]

[ Opens door ]

- Good afternoon, my lady.

- Good afternoon, Alfred.
Where's Hudson?

- He had to go out, my lady.

- Indeed.
- Mrs. Hudson was indisposed.

- Mrs. Hudson?

- Hudson's mother, my lady.
- Oh.

- Her ladyship's in the morning room.
Shall I announce you, my lady?

- Naturally, but not in that
graveyard voice,

- or you won't be heard
across the room.

- Very good, my lady.

[ Opens door ]

- Lady Kasseltone.

- Marjorie.
- Aunt Kate.

[ Kiss ] What a pretty dress.

- Now, my dear, you must
teach that young footman

- of yours to speak up.

- He announced me as
though I were tragic news

- even if I am,
which is quite possible,

- the name should nevertheless
be heard, and clear,

- so that one is not to, uh,
expected to be like

- Lady Kasserel, Kasserussel
or Kasselbridge.

- James [ Kiss ]

- You're looking thinner.
You should eat more.

- Ha.

- And who is this?

- Oh, may I present my friend,
Lieutenant Watson,

- my great aunt, Lady Kasseltone.
[ Heel click ]

- How do you do, Lady Kasseltone.
James has often spoke of you.

- Kindly, I hope.

- No, not at all.
Not unkindly. Ha.

- Mo-Most kindly.

- I say.

Quite.

- Sit down, Billy and you, too, James.

- I do wonder what has
happened to Elizabeth.

- She should have
been here by now.

- So this is to, uh, welcome
Elizabeth home from Germany?

- Yes, Aunt Kate, we thought
it would be nice for her.

A tea party for Elizabeth,
but no tea and no Elizabeth.

- I have rung for
the tea, Aunt Kate.

- The boat train was due in at
the Liverpool Street an hour ago.

- Oh, was it?
- Umm.

- You were very punctual, Aunt Kate.

Let's hope Elizabeth's train was, too.
I'm playing bridge at seven-thirty.

[ Bell ring ] Ah!
There she is, thank heavens.

For what?

- Uhh, that Elizabeth has arrived.

- Safely.

[ Front door opens ]

- Hello, Alfred.
- Welcome back, Miss Elizabeth.

- I'll help Pearce with the luggage.

- Rose!

- Oh, welcome home, Miss Elizabeth.

- Oh, it's nice to see you back.

- It's nice to be back.
But where's mother?

- They're all in the morning room, Miss.
- Who?

- Lady Kasseltone, Mr. James and another
young gentleman. - Oh, dear.

- Shall I take your hat and coat?
They are waiting tea for you.

- Oh, no, I must go upstairs first.
- Oh.

- Come with me, Rose.
- Yes, Miss.

- I'm done.
- You'll go meet all them with me.

Whew! Safe and sound, then.

What d'you mean?

I thought you might be mown
down by the new motorcars.

Ha!

Are you ready to meet
your maker, Mr. Pearce?

Readier than you are,
I daresay, Elijah.

You' better take this luggage
up to Miss Elizabeth.

Who d'ya think I am,
a common footman?

I have the tea things
to see to.

Hudson's out.

Oh, Rose, it's nice to be home.

Yes, it is nice to be home.

We all missed you, Miss Elizabeth.

Oh, I missed you, too, Rose.

I am to maid you.

As Roberts is so busy
with her ladyship.

Oh, why?

- Well, it's the London season.
[ Knocking ]

- [ Pearce ]: Your trunks, Miss Elizabeth.

- Ah, put it by the bed.

[ Door slams shut ]

Thank you, Pearce.

I'm afraid that was very heavy.

- [ Breathing heavy ]
Not too bad, Miss Elizabeth

It's full of books we had to study.
You've no idea of how many.

Goethe, Schiller, Heine.
Thank you, Rose.

Ohhh. [ Sigh ]

I'm in such a whirl.

London seems so big and bustly
after Dresden, and the traffic!

All those smelly motorcars.
I suppose I'll get used to it.

Mr. Hudson says you father's
thinking of getting a Daimler motorcar.

How fashionable!

How is father, anyway?
Is he well?

Oh, yes, Miss.

Good, I'm so looking
forward to seeing him.

There's so much I can
discuss with him, now.

D'you read much, Rose?

Well, I like a good read,
but I don't get much time, Miss.

Well, what do you
consider a good read?

Well, Mrs. Humphrey Ward, perhaps.

Mrs. Humphrey Ward!

- I see I must take you in hand, Rose.
- Oh, it may not be worth the trouble, Miss.

Now, don't you think we
should go downstairs?

'Cause Hudson?s gone to see his mother.

And I've got to help Alfred
with the tea.

Well, you go on down.
Tell Mother I won't be a jiffy.

Miss Elizabeth, it's so nice having you home.

Thank you, Rose. And Rose...
I'm glad you're going to look after me.

Thank you, Miss.

[ Door closes ]

[ Sighs ]

[ Outdoor serenade starts ]

[ Shouting ] Here, catch!
(You catch, from me.)

[ Windows closes ]

Oh, Ermintrude.
Ermintrude.

[ Kiss ]

No, no, no, no, no.

When you become a woman
you must put away childish things.

[ Kiss finger ]

- (Love), darling.
Welcome home.

- Here's Aunt Kate.

- Oh, sorry, Aunt Kate.

- That's all right, my child.
You may kiss me.

- Now, let me look at you.

- No. No, Germany has not
done much for you.

- Never mind.

Oh, but it has, Aunt Kate.
It has done so much.

- Elizabeth.

James, how lovely.

- May I present my friend, Billy Watson.
My sister, Elizabeth.

How do you do, and
what do you do?

- I soldier, actually.

Oh, how disappointing. I'd quite
made up my mind you were a poet.

- Had you really?
I say.

- Sit down, darling, and have your tea.

- And how was the channel crossing?

It was rough, very rough.

But I didn't mind.

I stayed on deck most of the time.
It was so exciting.

I trust, Miss Bellamy,
you were not indisposed?

Oh, no, no. No, I have
an excellent stomach.

- Tea, Aunt Kate?

- Uh, thank you, and I will
have another of those

cucumber sandwiches,
if there any left.

- There are, Aunt Kate.

- A handsome husband dauphin
found them here.

- Don't be so childish, James.

- Thanks.

Uh, how did you find Germany, Miss Bellamy?
I believe they have a magnificent army there.

I'm afraid I just don't notice
the army, Mr. Watson.

They have some wonderful
musicians and philosophers.

- Uh-huh, they only, well, that's
not much in our line. Is it James?

- We're very good at tennis though.
Do you play tennis, Miss Bellamy?

- I prefer the piano.

Really, oh. Anyway, well that's a strum
on the piano in the evening

will be altogether delightful with
a spot of chatter, or isn't it?

To chatter through music does not strike
me as very delightful, Mr. Watson.

Frau Beck always said that music
should be given one's full attention.

The Germans were always
a dogmatic people.

If you remember, Marjorie,
I suggested Switzerland.

The Swiss are far more accommodating.

The Germans are a little serious.
I agree, Aunt Katie, but they are

enormously good people
and very learned.

- Goodness and learning are all very
well below a certain level of income.

I'm sure Father is both
very good and very learned.

Oh, good chaga chata, try to
trip up you're old Aunt Kate.

Your father is an exemplary politician
and wears his knowledge lightly.

Now, get the child a cup of tea before
she slaughters us all with German logic.

- We were talking of your coming-out.

- Oh, yes. Lady Landerndry is giving
a ball at the end of the month.

- Your father and I thought it
would be an exciting occasion

- for you to make your debut.

- With the dance after the Prime Minister
at Carlton Gardens.

- Several important young
conservatives will be there.

Splendid, then we can have
some good political conversations!

Don't forget, Elizabeth, that
too many opinions can prove

indigestible at seventeen.

Perhaps we will see you at
Ranelagh next week for the polo.

- I'm afraid we'll be too busy
getting Elizabeth her new clothes.

You'll have to do something
about her hair.

Why?

- Well, if you can't see that, child,
I'm afraid it's going to get up your

business for your mother.

What do you think, James.
Am I a fright?

[ Sigh ] Well, you have to, uh, make
something of yourself, Elizabeth.

- Will I?

Won't I do it then?
What do you think, Mr. Watson?

Uh-huh, Miss Bellamy, I think you're
perfect in your natural state. Uh-huh, ha.

No, no, of course I could be wrong.

You do think I'm a fright.

- Oh, Miss Bellamy,
you're just a too, too, t...

Far too, Elizabeth, I fear.

- James, tell Elizabeth about
your polo match last Saturday.

Oh, yes, yes, it was terrific.
The best game of the season.

D-Do you like polo, Miss Bellamy?

No, no, not really.

I think sport is awfully boring.

Uh, uh, well, I...I think
I'd better be going.

[ Heel click ] Lady Marjorie
thank you for allowing me to call.

[ Heel click ] Lady Kasseltone.

[ Weak hell click ] Miss Bellamy.

- James.
- I'll see you out, old chap.

Thank you very much.

Please excuse me, Mother...
Aunt Kate...Elizabeth.

- Well, I don't think you made
much of a conquest there.

- Should I have done?

- Really, Mother, I know
you're just off the train.

- In any case he seemed
a very wooden young man.

- A man of wood can be
very dependable.

- Your late, great uncle
was a man of wood.

- You must learn to listen
more and think less.

Yes, Aunt Kate.
Sorry, Mother.

- German philosophy will not help you
to fill your card at Londonderry House.

- Remember that, my child.

- And be warned.

- Goodness, have they
starved you at Frau Beck's?

- On the contrary.
They increased my capacity.

How was the old lady, then, Mr. Hudson?

Oh, not too spry, Mrs. Bridges.
It's her chest, you know.

Could you do with
a nice cup of tea?

- I certainly could, Mrs. Bridges.
- Emily.

- Get Mr. Hudson a cup and saucer
and make a fresh pot of tea.

Look sharp, now, Emily.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Everything go off
without a hitch, Alfred?

- No hitches on our side, Mr. Hudson.

- And what does that
enigmatic remark portend?

- Miss Elizabeth had a few bricks
in her hand which she proceeded

- to drop on the
drawing room carpet.

- Finicky and fussing I'll be bound.

- Far from it, Mrs. B.
She walked through a lovely cake

- as if she'd been
shipwrecked for a month.

- That'll be enough disrespect
from you, young man.

- Cup of tea, Miss Roberts?

- Well, I wouldn't say no.

- Where's Rose?

- Unpacking for Miss Elizabeth.

Some have greatness
thrust upon them.

[ Next: Little rose, little rose,
little red rose on the heath. ]

Listen to this, Rose.

R?slein, R?slein, R?slein rot,
R?slein auf der Heiden.

- That's you, Rose. R?slein.
- Very...Very pretty.

German can be a very
beautiful language,

as in songs like this one.

This is by Schubert.

- Words by Goethe. Music by Schubert.
- I say.

- Have you heard of Schubert, Rose?
- Yes, Miss.

Good!

- Oh, Miss Elizabeth.
- Yes, Rose.

- Do you really
read all them books?

Hm, hm, well, not always
from cover to cover.

We read the passages
Frau Beck directed us to read.

I think I shall improve
your mind, Rose.

Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.

But not tonight.
Tonight I'm all at sea, still.

So strange to be home again.

I think I could go to practice for
half an hour on the drawing room piano.

Oh, Miss Elizabeth.

We've got to finish your unpacking and
then change you and do your hair for dinner.

No, I feel like practicing.

Oh, dear Rose, YOU finish
my unpacking, and don't worry.

I can change and
do my hair in a jiffy.

[ Door opens and closes ]

[ Sound of a Chopin waltz
from the drawing room ]

[ Music continues ]

[ Door opens ]

Listen...Elizabeth really
plays quite nicely.

Yes, yes, I suppose she does.

I..I do she were more...

More what?

Well, more sensible.

You can hardly expect seventeen
year old sisters to be sensible.

(Well that better than sex life.)
I wish she were more like other girls.

Be patient.

I wish she were more stunning.

I thought she'd stunned
us all completely.

Billy was very put out.

- I could see that.

- And so were you.
I could see that.

Aren't you dining at home tonight?

No, I promised to
dine with Billy in the mess.

You don't think Elizabeth will mind
her first night home?

I'm sure she won't, darling.

[ Kiss ]

- I'm very fond of her.
- Of course you are.

And take that worried frown off your brow
and get along with you.

- Have a good time.
- Thanks, Mother.

- And James.
- Huh?

- You weren't so clever there
yourself when seventeen.

Huh-hu, No, I suppose not.

(Why don't we put Elizabeth
to found there.)

[ Waltz plays on ]

(And then our way) to the Black Forest,
which is absolutely (devie).

It makes you imagine witches and warlocks
and all sorts of brothers Grimmsy.

- Ow!
- Well, I'm sorry Miss Lizzie.

but you will keep
bobbing about.

No. Wretched, wretched hair.

Let it just hang down
or cut off or something.

Like one does for
an ordinary mortal.

I don't know what you mean
by that. I'm sure every shop girl

is just as particular
with her hair.

The difference being that
she does it herself.

Oh, a nice mess you'd make
of it, I'd be bound.

Rose, don't be naughty.

I did it myself almost
every night in Dresden.

Um, we needed no ghost from
the grave to tell us that.

What a funny expression.
Where did you hear it?

I don't know, Miss. Where that one hears
expression and figures pop into you head.

Yeah, but I think that is a quotation.

Rose, get me my Bartlett's edition
of quotations. It's by the bed.

- Not now, Miss Lizzie, I've got to do
your hair for dinner. - Oh, drat dinner!

Drat hair! Drat, drat, drat!

- Miss Elizabeth. I must do you hair!
- Oh, for heavens sake, Rose,

leave me alone!

Oh, Miss Lizzie, what a temper.

When we were such good friends.

And so we are, Rose dear,
if only you wouldn't fuss so.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish to go
to Lady Landerndery's beastly ball

looking like a stuffed peacock.

I'm sure I'd be lucky enough
to get half the chance, Miss.

Nonsense.

I mean to do something
with my life.

- [ Knocking ] May I come in?
- Father!

- How's my (daughter)!
- Daddy!

Ha, ha, ha. Wild as ever. Uh, what
are we gonna to make of her, Rose?

- A flaming beauty? Eh?
- It won't be for want of trying.

Oh, Father, it's so good to see you!
[ Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss ]

Ah, you too, my dear. Now Rose
wants to get on with your hair.

You look as though you've been dragged
through a hed...hedge backwards.

All right, but stay with me, please.

But, of course.

Well. [ Sigh ]

And how was the good Frau Beck?

Oh, we got on very well.

She sends you her
Recht herzlichen gr??.

Danke sch?n, fr?ulein.

So, work done, now it's
play for a time, eh?

Oh, not too much play,
I hope, Father.

Oh, nonsense, (lanolin)
will be good for you.

Even fun, I should think,
after provincial Germany.

Besides, I want my girl
to shine in society.

I won't be a junior minister
forever, you know.

In fact, if Rose weren't here, I might
tell you there was hope of a cabinet post.

Father, how wonderful!

Oh, Rose is as secret as the tomb.

But, it's not settled, of course.

A great deal depends on
one's family in these matters.

No, Father, you're too important.

Oh, no. No politician ever gets
to the top on his own, Elizabeth.

He has a brilliant wife behind him,
or even...an enchanting daughter.

[ Sigh ] I'm not very good enchanting.

- You just wait until
your mother and Rose

- have finish teaching a few spells.
[ Kiss ]

- It won't come easily to you,
you know.

You're not your father's
daughter for nothing.

I've suffered greater agonies
in the drawing room

than ever in a
House of Commons debate.

- Really?
- Oh, yes.

- But, what I can stomach, you can.
Of that I feel sure.

- For my sake, (then).

[ Kiss ] Well, I must go and change,
or I shall be late.

- I'm dining at home tonight,
with the pride of the Bellamys.

- Oh.
- Huh, huh, huh.

But, that's it, Rose.

I am going to enchant.

A scheme of pink chiffon, gold-spangled
net and fine appliqu? lace.

A (keine) of line is imparted
to the figure by the lace

carried down the center-front
flanked by clusters of

pink chenille fringe
sparkling with diamonte.

- It sounds like a fireworks display
at the Crystal Palace...

Be serious and take an interest.

What d'you think of
this hair style, my lady?

Oh, that's nice, Rose,
that's very nice.

You have excellent taste.

(When I give enough what
about this one?)

Elizabeth, what are you doing?

Darling, do try and put your mind
to the business on hand.

Madame Dubois wants the material
for your ball dress in a week

and we haven't even
chosen a (style) yet.

But, don't you think that's pretty?

Yes, Mother.

What are you grinning for?

I want a tip, don't I?

Saucy.

[ Door closes ]

Now that'll be the material
for Miss Elizabeth's ball gown.

Oh, say, can I see it?

Now, keep your
wet hands off it.

- Alfred!
- What is it?

Take this parcel upstairs.

Will you get on
with the scrubbing?

They shall have linen
bonnets on their heads.

They shall not gird themselves
with anything that causes sweat.

- Where's Rose?
- Upstairs with zee dressmakeur.

She hasn't changed the linen
in the master's bedroom.

The whole place is (tapsel-tiery).

[ French dressmaker and
Lady Marjorie discuss

Miss Elizabeth's measurements
in French and English ]

- Ninety-two centimeters.

[ Knock on door ]

- Package from Soreses
for your ladyship.

[ Door closes ]

- Thank you, Rose.
Bring the scissors here.

- Et maintenant, Madame Dubois.

- Regardez.

- Oh!
- Like it?

- Oh! Oh, c'est ravissant!
- Isn't it?

- Et qu'en suplesse.
Oh, c'est magnifique!

- C'est royale.

Where's Rose again?

Where d'you think?

The drawing room grate
has not been attended to.

You can't expect a lady's maid to get
down on her hands and knees to a grate.

Lady's maid now approaches
a head house parlor maid, Emily.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Wash you hands and face
and go and find Rose for me.

- What, me go upstairs?

Yes, and look sharp about it.

- Oh, yes, Mr. Hudson.

Are you engaged this dance,
Miss Bellamy?

Uh, no.

No, no, consult your program.

- She should pretend
to be shortsighted.

- Well, whatever for?
- [ Elizabeth laughing ]

- That's considered attractive.
- [ Elizabeth laughing ]

Says so, in my own chart.

[ Elizabeth and James
laughing heartily ]

Now, once again.

Uh, ho, ho, uh, ho,
you people go up with the line?

- Huh? - [Elizabeth laughs ]
- Huh? - [Elizabeth laughs ]

[ Indistinct ]
That I have the pleasure?

You may take the risk, Lord Chumbly.

Ah, delightful.
Now come on, Rose, the music.

- Ah, right, now, come on.
Here, right foot. - Tra la la

boom di ay,
tra la la boom di ay,

tra la la boom di ay,
tra la la boom di ay.

tra la la boom di ay,
tra la la boom di ay,

tra la la boom di ay,
- tra la la boom di ay,

- tra la la boom di ay,
- tra la la boom di ay.

- [ Emily ] Rose!
[ Laughter ]

- Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth,
but Mr. Hudson wants Rose,

- And he told me to
come up and get her.

- [ Emily cries ] And even the...
- I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth.

Tra la la boom di ay,
tra la la boom di ay.

tra la la boom di ay,
tra la la [ Laughing ]

[ Knock on door ]

Come in.
[ Door opens ]

You sent for me, Mr. Hudson?

Yes.

It is half past eleven, a-girl, and the
drawing room grate is not done yet.

I will not have you neglecting
the work you're paid to do.

I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson.
It won't occur again.

Where have you been
since breakfast?

I've been helping Mr. James
teach Miss Elizabeth to galott.

Good grief, did she not learn
to galott in Germany.

What did she go there for?

It seems it was all book learning.

Book learning is no use
to a young lady.

And another thing, Rose.
I agreed with her ladyship

that you should attend to
Miss Elizabeth for a bit,

seeing that Miss Roberts
has got her work cut out,

but don't abuse
your privileges, mind.

No, Mr. Hudson.

It seems that Miss Elizabeth's
coming out is worse than a

censure debate in parliament for
setting the whole house on edge.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

That'll be all, Rose.

And get that grate
done immediately.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

[ Humming ] Tra la la boom di ay,

tra la la boom di ay,
tra la la da ti da.

Walk toward me.

Turn.

Walk away.

Turn.

Smile.

Extend your hand.

Two fingers for acquaintance.
Three for a family friend.

And now sit.

Very good.
You really are improving.

And now what
do you talk about?

The weather. It's always safe
to begin with the weather.

I follow my partners lead.

If he's interested in racing,
I'm interested in racing.

If cards, cards.
No personalities no politics.

Not even to politicians?

Especially not to politicians.
They want to enjoy themselves.

I don't suppose any young man
will come near my anyway.

That we'll have to see.

But if you are a wallflower,
what do you do?

I talk, animatedly, to my chaperone.

And if a young man turns up,
I keep talking and smiling.

And don't forget. Let him think he's
interrupted a scintillating conversation.

You'd scarcely noticed you
were not engaged for the dance.

You'd been unaware of the music.

And I accept him,...ha,...
with delighted surprise.

Oh, Mother. What is the difference
between this and being in action?

Don't try to be shocking,
and do sit properly.

- My dear!
- We're in here, dear.

- Wonderful news about
the Landerndery?s ball.

The king and queen are
going to be there.

I've spoken to Frances Knowles,
and Elizabeth is to be presented.

Richard, how splendid.

Frances suggests that
Aunt Kate present her.

Du lieber Gott! [ Good heavens! ]

Haven't you finished yet, Rose?
I want to see it.

There.
Go and have a look.

[ Gasp ] Oh, what have you done?

Is that really me?

[ Laughing happily ]

What on earth
are you doing, Rose?

Ah, practicing.

Well, I'll not have the servant's hall
turned into a hair dressing salon.

[ Emily giggling ]

Come down at once, Emily.

- Take that bird's nest off your head.
- Ha, ha, ha.

[ Pearce ]
- You're sure lookin' Cinderella.

[ Emily ]
Lead me to my coach, fella.

[ Laughing ]

You get on with the saucepan, or you
might be finished before midnight.

Poor little old cinders. Here, what's it
all been made of then, Rose?

I'm practicing Miss Lizzie's hairstyle
for the Londonderry Ball.

Come over here.
Could you do one for me,

so I could wear up the feathers on the
secondary heights. [ Laughing ]

Why aren't you waiting
outside with the carriage?

They ain't ready yet, that's why.

Here, you ought to practice
on Mrs. Bridges. [ Laughter ]

Lovely head of hair, that. [ Laughter ]

Plenty of scope.
Something to get your hands into.

Ha, ha, ha, ha.

All right. All right.

Keep your hair on. [ Laughter ]

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

You'd better get on
with the mending, Rose.

You're not a lady's maid
all the time, you know.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

[ Bell rings ]

Well, now, that's me.
We're off. [ Pearce sighs ]

Will you go tonight, then?

Naw, one of them working class clothes
men they're all closing Sloan's Square.

- So long, gorgeous.
- Oh, you....- Ha, ha, ha.

[ Discussion of Elizabeth's ball
gown in French and English ]

Rose, put those against the skirt.

[ Knock ] May I come in the
work shop? - Sweat shop!

Just a moment, Richard.

Rose, quickly, Miss Elizabeth's tiara.

Thank you.

There. Lovely.

All right, Richard, you
can come in now.

Well, [ Door closes ]
what do you think?

Oh, yes, yes.
Very nice, indeed.

[ French ]

So tight!

It's all very well, but
don't expect me to breathe.

Oh, of course not. You'll be
carried into the ball,

sat down on the wallflower's bench,
and that'll be the end of you.

It's no joking matter.

The best I can manage at the moment
is a stiff-legged hop.

Well, the hop
is all the rage this season.

[ Humming and dancing ]

Wha-What about the hair?

Rose is in charge of that.

Rose, show Mr. Bellamy
the style we've chosen.

Enchanting.

I see I'm going to be
a very proud father.

Well, don't look so gloomy, lad.
Ha.

It's not the Second Coming, you know,
only the Londonderry's Ball.

You won't look so smug
on the Day of Judgement.

Is that right, cocker?
Heh, heh, heh.

Not when you smell the
fires of Hell burning.

Oh, I donno, the company there
might be a darn sight more larky

than the other place.

I shouldn't like to carry
your weight of sin.

You don't like carrying nothing.

- Now then, you two, look sharp.
We'll be leaving any minute.

Horses ready, Mr. Pearce?

Groomed and shining like coal.

[ Albert whinnies like a horse ]

And we're ready to meet
our maker, if need be.

Well, that won't be necessary
for the moment. Carry on Mr. Pearce.

[ Alfred trips Pearce ]
Alfred!

You may call the rest of the staff.

Are you sure you won't take
a glass of sherry, Aunt Kate?

Marge and Elizabeth may
be a few minutes, yet.

No, thank you, Richard.

Since I'm to be seated
on the Prime Minister's left,

then I prefer to keep a clear head.

Huh, maybe he'll fire an
unexpected question at you.

- Such as your views
on the Irish question.

Such as why my cousin Charles
refuses to serve in his cabinet.

I can hardly inform him,
between mouthfuls of roast duck,

that cousin Charles thinks
he's the most ineffectual

prime minister we've had
since Lord North.

- So how will you answer?

Oh, I shall become very feminine,
change the subject to the

- Italian Gardens at Southwald.
- Huh, huh.

- Is he going on with the ball?
- Who?

- Mr. Balfour?
- I doubt it.

He doesn't care much
for social functions.

James, you must
dance with your sister.

- Oh, naturally.
- And your Aunt Kate.

Now, that'll be a pleasure.

Fiddlesticks.

- Are they ready, Hudson.
- Shortly, sir, the carriages are at the door.

[ Ahem ] I have taken the liberty
of assembling the staff, sir.

To see Miss Elizabeth, sir.

Excellent idea.

Well, come along, then.

We'll go out and meet
them in the hall.

[ Door opens ]

Good evening, Mrs. Bridges.

Good evening, sir.

They're just coming,
and then it's beautiful!

Why, I..I do beg your pardon, sir.

I'm sorry to have
kept you waiting.

Oh, mademoiselle.
Mademoiselle.

[ Ohhs and ahhs while
repairs are made ]

[ Indistinct ]
Disaster, isn't it?

Very, very fine, dear.
You look charming.

Thank you, Aunt Kate.

How shall we go?

I shall go in Aunt Kate's
carriage with, uh, James,

and you and Elizabeth
can go with (Kips).

That'll give you more room.

Come along, Kate.

Yes, we've got quite a way you know
to Covent Gardens.

[ Party's cheerful chatter ]

[ Staff's cheerful chatter ]

Well, I think you did a very
good piece of work there, Rose.

Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

I feel this calls for a small
c?l?bration, eh, Madame?

Oh, Monsieur Hudson.

Ah, Seeing that we have
the honor of a guest from France,

I dare say that we can lay our hands
on a wee bottle of Ch?teau Lafite 91.

[ More cheerful chatter ]

Come along, then, let us all
repair downstairs.

[ More cheerful chatter ]

I...I...Shall we sit down here?

Why not?

Uh...could I get a...(waterite)?

No, thank you.

Uh, uh, I believe
this is our waltz.

I'm still giddy from the polka.
Will you excuse me, Mr. Watson?

Gladly.

Uh...i...i...if you insist.

I do insist.

Oh, please feel free to find another
partner if you want to dance.

I...i...if you're sure?

Quite sure.

I say, it's awfully decent of you.

Elizabeth?

What on earth?
Where's Billy?

Waltzing.

How about you?

Not waltzing.

Ah, but I've engaged you
for the first three dances.

I relinquish the pleasure.

Ah, uh, oh, Elizabeth.

Why can't you take
an interest in these?

Instead of...sulking out
here on your own.

I prefer it out here.

But you won't get another
partner unless you show yourself.

I don't want another
partner, thank you.

And I refuse to sit among
those (Rafendell) dowagers

listening to their vicious gossip.

If you could only see your face.
It's not a funeral, you know.

Why can't you smile
and be happy?

Because I'm not happy, James.
I'm hating every minute of it.

- I don't think I can stand anymore.
- You're not even trying.

If I have to stay here much longer
I shall screek out loud.

Why can't you be more
like other girls, eh?

Ha.
There you are.

I do hope I haven't
kept you waiting.

You're like a flash of lightning.

Right now, I present my sister
Elizabeth, Miss Cynthia Cartwright.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

Isn't it a wonderful ball and
such a (devie) band.

- Well, it's a matter of...
- Excuse us. Come on.

There you are Elizabeth. Have you
seen your father and Aunt Kate?

- No. - This is (very) what
you needed, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

- Mother, may I present
Miss Cynthia Cartwright.

- How do you do?

- Good evening Lady Marjorie.

- I believe we met
at Cannes last year.

- That was [ Indistinct ].

- Oh, yes, of course, I remember.
You were wearing a very pretty hat.

- [ Indistinct conversations ]

- There you are. I was
beginning to worry.

- Don't fuss, Marjorie.
The whole party has just arrived.

- Where's Elizabeth?

Oh, she was sitting
there a moment ago.

Bringing in the queen.

They're going to start in.
Now, we don't want to be late.

James.
Where's Elizabeth?

She was here a moment ago.

She's disappeared.

The presentation's about to start.
Go and find her.

Where on earth could
she have gone to?

Oh, she probably had an attack of nerves
and has gone to the cloak room.

I'll go and see.

Thank you.

Tell her she must hurry.

[ Announcement ]

What could she be doing.
Really it's too bad of her.

Well, if she doesn't come in a moment,
I'll have to go in without her.

[ Announcement ]

She's going to be late.
The silly girl.

She was sitting on that
sofa a moment ago.

She must have
slipped away deliberately.

I'll never forgive her.

[ Announcement ]

- She's not in the cloakroom,
and I've looked everywhere.

Richard, what shall we do?

- The footman downstairs shed...
said she left a few minutes ago.

She had her cloak on, and ran
out through the front door.

- She left the ball by herself?
- She can't have.

[ Announcement ]

I'll have to go in and explain. She
must have taken leave of her senses.

[ Announcement ]

Oh, Richard, how could she
let us down like this?

How could she?

[ Clock chimes;
carriage arrives ]

That's them.

Come on, wake up a-girl, they're back.
Your young lady will want undressing

and put into bed.

Oh, oh Lord.

If the life of a lady's maid
isn't (to your shillies).

I know. I know.

[ Door closes ]

Hudson, where's Miss Elizabeth?

Sir?

She must have come home?

I don't think so, my lady.
I, I at least I didn't hear her.

Did you, Miss Roberts?

Oh, no, no, Mr. Hudson.

- Well, Rose. - Yes, sir.
- Go and find Miss Elizabeth.

- Oh, but...
- Do as you are told.

Go and look in her room.

Brandy in the morning room, Hudson.

Very good, sir.

Everything is all right, I trust?

We're not sure, Hudson.
Fetch the brandy.

Yes, sir.

Proper do, isn't it Mr. Hudson?

It is neither proper nor
a do, Mrs. Roberts.

[ Knock on door ]

Miss Elizabeth.

[ Knock ]

Miss Lizzie.

[ Knocks and opens door ]

Miss Elizabeth.

Well.

She's not in her room, sir.

I see.

That will do, Hudson.
I think we'd better go to bed.

Very good, sir.

Rose can wait up
for Miss Elizabeth.

Yes, sir.

After all you've done for her.
To behave like this.

Never mind that, now.
Where is she?

An innocent 17 year old girl
loose in the streets of London.

I think we ought to
notify the police.

Oh no, James. Suppose the
newspapers got hold of it.

What can she be
thinking of?

Has it occurred to you that something
may have happened to her?

Nonsense, she's more than
capable of taking care of herself.

No, she's just done
this to annoy us.

Elizabeth is not like that.

No? What about her
behavior at dinner?

I know, I know.

Interrupting Hugh Cecil and
quoting yards from some

obscure German philosopher.

I don't think he minded.

He was very startled.
I can assure you of that.

Oh, it was a pretty awful
showing you must admit.

Well, talking won't help.
I think you two better go to bed.

I'll wait up for her.

If she's not here by daylight,
I'll telephone the police.

Come along James.
I'm exhausted.

Good night, Richard.

It was to have been such
a happy evening for all of us.

Elizabeth, it seems,
had other ideas.

[ Sigh ]

Is there anything I can do, Father?

No, thank you, James.

You better go to bed.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

[ Clock chimes two o'clock ]

[ Clock chimes ]
[ Knock on door ]

[ Loud knocking ]

[ Clock chimes;
Rose unlocks door ]

Miss Elizabeth.

(Tell me to sit up),
for goodness sake.

(Twenty-one after two.)
[ Door closes ]

You father's half out of his mind!

Where have you been?

I ran away from the ball.

Oh, Rose, it was awful!

What d'ya mean, you, you ran away?

'Twas sickening.
Absolutely sickening!

All those ridiculous stuffed shirts.
Those repulsive flirting females.

The great yawning boredom
of their chatter.

What do you think of the ball?
What do you think of the band?

What DO you think of the weather?

And did you SEE the king's
filly race at Newmarket?

Oh, God, it was more
than I could stand.

So I...ran away
through the front door.

You ran away?

Oh, the SHAME of it all.

Shame indeed.

No, not the running away, silly.

The shame of all that
waste and extravagance

when outside ther...there's
so much poverty and hardship.

Where've you been all this time?

I've been walking
through the streets.

How people stared.

Police constable:
"Are you all right, Miss?"

"Oh, yes, officer.
Don't bother about me."

"Look after the hungry,
the weak, the oppressed."

"I'm from a good home.
Goodnight, officer."

Goodnight London.

Oh, I'm exhausted.

Your father's waiting up for you.

Oh, no, I can't face him, now.

Coward.

What did you say, Rose?

Coward!

- I should slap your face!
- I'll slap yours!

Rose!
Don't Rose me.

You stand around in your finery,
looking a proper mess and all.

Everything we've all done for you
turned to ridicule. Don't Rose me!

Oh, you don't understand
what you're talking about.

No, I'm ignorant, no doubt.
I didn't go to Germany.

All I know is, your father and mother
are worried out of their minds

and you sit here complaining
'cause you was invited to the

grandest ball of the season.

The season. What season?

All seasons are alike
to the poor and hungry.

What do you care
about poor people?

You only care about yourself.

You ran away. You're a coward,
and you'll break you father's heart.

Hold your tongue, Rose!

Father will understand.

Of course he will.
'Cause he loved you.

He may even
forgive you, in time.

Though your mother never will,
and I never will!

You?

What on earth has
it got to do with you?

You mind your place.

I'll mind mine when you mind yours.

Rose!

Don't keep saying Rose
in that hoity-toity way.

I know what my place is.

I put sticks through the grates,
light the fires, make the tea,

draw the bath, serve the breakfast,
make the beds, change the linen,

answer all the bells.

I know what my place is, all right.
Do you know yours?

I know it's not my place
to argue with you.

Oh, you don't like
a few whole truths.

You're a spoiled brat.

When you don't like something,
you run away from it.

All full of grand reasons
and love of the poor.

But when a house maid
tells you what she thinks

of you soon put her
in her place back in...

Rose, it isn't true!

Then prove it.

Go and apologize to your father.
He's waiting upstairs.

No, I can't.

I won't.

There you are...coward.

Will you stop saying that, Rose.
You make me so angry.

- Good. So am I.
- All right.

Just give me one reason,
one good reason

why I should conform
to all this silliness

when I hate it so.

Oh, I'll give you a reason.
And you know it as well as I do.

- Your father...
- All right, I did my best for his sake.

I sat through dinner
trying to be intelligent

but nobody wanted to listen.

'Course they didn't
want to listen to you.

You're only seventeen. You
ain't got nothing to say yet.

I've got plenty to say.

Then you'd best keep it to yourself.

I won't be able to keep
my hands off you much longer.

What a maid.

You listen, Rose!
Ow, it's hurting. I'll tell.

I'll bet you would and all.

- [ Lizze whines ]
- Now, sit down and listen to me.

I do my work as best I can,
'cause one day I mean to be

a proper lady's maid
to a proper lady.

Now, Mr. Hudson runs this
house like a clockwork machine.

And Mrs. Bridges may be an old cow,
but she cooks her dream and

I knows it's a pleasure
to put on the table.

We're the bottom
of the ladder, see.

Were the...the will to the cart.
And we're content it should be so

'cause the master's a proper gentlemen,
what we really like and respect

and does his work right
in the houses of parliament,

and my lady's a beauty
and very gentile.

And we feel that...we...this whole house
is a part a London society.

London society. The parrot house
of the zoological gardens.

London society I said, and
London society I meant.

Well, that's the hub of
the empire, isn't it?

The empire on which
the sun will never set.

[ Sigh ] If you can't feel the glow of
that like I can, I'm sorry for you.

I don't suppose you've ever been
up Piccadilly on a Saturday night

on top of an omnibus.

Oh, uh, that's when you
feel its great heart thumping.

That's when you're
proud to be part of it.

I know my place all right.

I'm proud of my place.

As long as you're all of you,
know yours and keep to it.

[ Sigh ] How would it be if I
was to go singing and dancing

in the drawing room,
or sliding down the banisters?

And (some) of us do
step out the line.

If you're not a proper lady, then
I don't want to be your lady's maid.

That's all I've got to say.

[ Sniff ] Now you can tell on me,
[ Sniff ] and have me turned out.

- [ Sobs ] - I wish you would
slide down the banisters.

Oh, Rose.

I love you very much.

And I am sorry if
I was rude to you.

I don't blame you for giving
me a piece of your mind, but

I've got a mind, too, you know.

I know what I've done
is dreadful for Father.

I know I've got to eat humble
pie for the time being, but

I'm not going to be cowed, Rose.

There are ideas stirring
in this great city.

Oh, I...I don't understand
everything, I

I'm uncertain and
muddled sometimes.

But, if only half of what I read
is true, then London society

may be heading for a
nasty surprise.

What, then they're wicked books
and ought to be burned.

No, Rose, they're good
and difficult books.

And they're written by
good and serious men.

[ Gasp ] I told you I don't
understand everything, but

I mean to one day.

Well, you are cleverer than me.

No, Rose, I'm not cleverer than you.

I'm not worse or better either.

I love you very much.

More like a sister than servant.

Oh, then, that's not right,
and I've overstepped my place.

Oh, damn your place!

Oh, Miss Elizabeth.

And now, just for your sake,
I'm going to be brave

and face up to Father.

[ Sigh ]

Now, give me a kiss, and
say we're friends again.

[ Sigh ] [ Kiss ] [ Hug and comfort ]

- Lead me to the slaughter.
- [ Sigh ] Oh.

Where is he?

In the morning room.

Come with me, Rose.

Very good, Miss Elizabeth.

[ Sigh ]

We should knock.

Good luck.

- And remember, he loves you.
- [ Sigh ]

[ Door opens ]

Miss Elizabeth, sir.

Eliza.

[ Kiss and hug ]

[ Door closes and sighs ]

[ Sighs ]

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