Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 1, Episode 5 - A Suitable Marriage - full transcript

Elizabeth decides not to marry Angus and is captivated by a German-baron visiting England at Christmas.

[ Kiss ]

Hudson.

Sir?

Bring some champagne to the
drawing room when I ring.

I think a bottle of the Krug.

Very good, sir.

- Well, Angus, my boy.
- I'm sure you had

a very good idea what
I want to talk to you about.

Yes, I have a faint inkling.

Well, uh, shall we have some brandy.

Thank you, sir.



That'd be most pleasant.

Coffee, darling?

No, thank you, Mother.

Don't be so restless.

Ohh, what's taking so long?

They can't be discussing his prospects.
All England knows Angus owns half Scotland.

- I remember when you father was asking for...
-Oh, Mother, please!

Go on bell, ring.

What for?

Oh, that's how we know, stupid.
But that's the sign.

From heaven.

Oh, for Mr. Hudson
to take up the champagne.

- For the engagement.
- Anybody would think

it was you's betrothed
to the young Scottish lad.



Oh.
Aren't you excited?

I must admit to enlivening
an otherwise routine week.

Hmm. He's lovely, isn't he?

Lovely.

Very suitable.

But I never thought we'd
marry an Angus, some how.

The...an Angus what?

His name.

See, I always thought she'd marry
a...a...a Michael, or William.

Or a Peregrine or an Arbuthnot.

Oh, you've got no romance
in you, you haven't.

[ Slurp ]

[ Piano playing ]

Oh, Mother.

Oh, dearest, don't be nervous.
Your father will handle it all beautifully.

I don't think I can
go through with it.

What's the matter, darling, you...

You know Angus so well,
and you like him so much.

That's...just the trouble.

I like him, but...
I don't love him.

D'you really mean that?

Yes I think I do.

Well, then...You'd better
think about it very seriously.

What sort of person
would you marry, Alfred?

Let's see uh. It wouldn't be
your coloring for a start.

It'd be, uh,...fair.

Fair?

And Christian.

Oh, that gives you a lot
to choose from.

And they'd have
a certain notoriety.

What? D'you mean wicked?

Aye, wicked.

Would you marry
a wicked person?

Definitely.

[ Hudson singing ]

- Soft suds, that's the only way.
- Ha. What?

Now, that Miss Elizabeth's
chosen a Scotsman.

Aren't you, Mr. Hudson?

I must admit to a
certain satisfaction.

Ah, like the cat's
got at the cream.

Sir, it must be clear to you
from the frequent visits to your host

that my designs are honorable
intentions on your daughter.

In short, I'm asking you
for her hand, you know.

I didn't know you
could speak Welsh.

Well, Angus, I think that's
covered all the details.

All that's left for me now
is to offer you my warmest

congratulations and...
welcome you into the family.

Thank you very much, sir.

Well, let's have another drink.

And I'll...break the happy
news to the ladies.

[ Door opens; bell rings ]

Here it is.

That's it.

(Ambusule), Rose. Keep calm.

Well, it's not every day that something
like this happens, Mr. Hudson.

Thank heavens for that.
But there's no knowing

of the capriciousness of
modren young girls nowadays.

Here...was he gettin' at me?

I don't know. Mr. Hudson
speaks in riddles like the Sphinx.

Hudson.

Yes.

You can take that back.
It won't be needed.

Thank you.

Elizabeth.

I'm very sorry Angus dear,
but I can't marry you.

You can't mean that.

I'm sorry, but I've
changed my mind.

What is this?
Or what's happened?

Oh, but please try to understand.

Angus, you're very sweet
and very kind, and you're

going to make someone
a wonderful husband, but...

not me.

[ Sigh ] Miss Elizabeth!
You led me to believe...

I know, and I, I blame myself.

I just hope that one day
you'll forgive me.

Oh, it's got nothing to do
with you, believe me.

Perhaps I'm just not made
for marriage. I...I don't know, I...

I don't think I shall marry
for a long time, anyway.

I have to see the...
possibilities of life first.

[ Sigh ] You say that as the life at
Longbrae with me had no possibilities.

As it could have, Elizabeth.

Oh, yes, we'd have to live
there most of the time, true.

But you'd love the lochs and
the moors,...and we'd travel.

We'd go to other countries, as well.

And we'd have fine children
to love and to look after.

And to be proud of.

It's no good, Angus.

I hope you've thought
about this very carefully.

Yes, I have Father,
really I have.

I'm sorry I've caused
so much trouble.

[ Door slams shut ]

Maybe she'll change her
mind again, with time.

Knowing Elizabeth as I do,
once she has made up her mind

to do something, there's precious
little one can do to change it.

Uh, believe me Angus, you have my...
my sympathy and my affection.

Thank you, sir...I value it.

[ Sigh ] I think, perhaps, there's
little point in my staying any longer.

Yes, Angus...I understand.

[ Opens door ]

Hudson.

Mr. McAllister is leaving.

Very good, sir.

Well, goodbye, my boy.

I'm sorry.

Yes, well,...goodbye sir.

[ Knock on door ]

Come in.

[ Door shuts ]

Oh, Papa, I'm sorry.

No, no, my darling, it...
it was just that...

Angus seemed, in the view
of your mother and myself, to...

to embrace all the virtues.

Embrace all the virtues?

It would take a superman
to embrace all the virtues,

and a very dull superman, too.

You're misunderstanding me.

I know,...deliberately.

I only mean well.

I know you do, Papa, and you make
things much easier just by being there.

Poor Angus...D'you think
I hurt him very much?

Given time, he'll get over it.

And find a much
nicer girl than me.

I would like to be married,
but not yet.

And not to dear, sweet Angus.

I mean, can you imagine me banished
to all those acres in Inverness-Shire.

I'd be lost to you both
and to myself.

But, my girl knows best.

And I only want her to be happy.
[ Kiss ]

My dear, I do sympathize.
Daughters can be such a trial.

I sometimes wish were back
in those simple, barbaric days

when things were just arranged,
just a fait accompli.

My bill, please.

Of course, Paul Angus MacAllister,
for all the evidence of his ability,

is just a teeny bit of an encumbrance.

You know he pursued
Agatha all last spring.

She had to be quite
(real strict) with him in the end.

Really?

Dick, my dear fellow.
Uh, may I join you?

Adam. Of course.
Do sit down.

Thank you.

Will you have a drink?

- Thanks very much, old boy.
- Purvis!

- What will you take.
- A whisky and soda.

I say,...there's the most
jolly rumor circulating

that your daughter snubbed
old Amos MacAllister's son.

Is it really true?

Well, if you chose
to put it that way.

Well, I must say.
Couldn't be more delighted.

Have you, I'm sorry for the boy.
He's not a bad, young cove.

But anything that sets old
Amos' nose awry has me

prancing with delight!
Ha, ha, ha.

Heh, heh, but I hope there
will be no political repercussions.

The Scots are just too sensitive about it.
They'll probably start wanting home rule again.

[ Both laugh ]

Oh, Rose, I seem to have
caused so much trouble.

D'you think I should
have married him?

No, Miss. Lizzie, not if
you didn't love him.

He was so suitable.

Yes, I know, but all the same.

Have you ever had
your young man?

What, Miss. Lizzie?

The one you nearly married.
To take my mind off myself.

He was killed, Miss. Lizzie.
I thought you knew.

Oh yes, Rose, I'm sorry.

There, why you see I was
only thinking of myself.

Oh, we must remedy this immediately.

How?

A series of outings, uh, new interests.

Painting exhibitions, concerts,
and you shall accompany me.

- Me, Miss. Lizzie?
- You, Rose.

And we shall start this very afternoon,
...if we can find something suitable.

Uh, Alfred, have you seen Rose?

It's her afternoon off, Mr. Hudson.

Yes, yes, I know that, but she
promised to help me decorate

that infernal Christmas tree.

Why, well, she's going with Miss. Elizabeth
to one of them foreign concerts.

- How much, please.
- To shilling, please, Miss.

- Thank you. Keep the change.
- Thank you. Good night.

Well, Rose, aren't you
glad you came?

Your first Lieder concert.

- And wasn't Helena Gerhart splendid?
- Yes Miss Lizzie.

- Oh, Rose, you weren't listening.
You were bored stiff.

- I wasn't.
- Yawing, I still bore you.

Well, I, I think it takes
a bit of getting used to.

You're quite right,
and you shall get used to it.

We'll go again.

Look, it's snowing quite hard.

Perhaps we shall have
a white Christmas.

I think you better go in, Miss Lizzie.
You'll get your death of cold.

And so will you, Rose.

I'll see you later.

And thank you very much
for taking me, Miss Lizzie.

It was very kind of you.

Nonsense, I enjoyed taking you.

[ Rings door bell ]

[ Door opens ]

- Ah, Miss Elizabeth.
- Thank you, Hudson.

It's snowing. When are you
going to decorate the tree?

Shortly, Miss, I'd better take
your coat in case it's damp.

I trust you enjoyed the concert?

Very much, thank you, Hudson.
I took Rose.

So I was informed, Miss.

Well, it was her afternoon off.

Indeed.

Is Mother at home?

Yes, Miss, she is receiving
a visitor in the drawing room.

Ah, friend or foe?

Beg pardon, Miss?

I mean, should I go in or
slip by the door unnoticed?

I think her ladyship
would be pleased to see you.

The visitor is foreign.

You make it sound as if her ladyship
is positively threatened, Hudson.

How foreign? Just a little bit
foreign, like a Scotsman?

He's a German gentleman.

I understand he made your
acquaintance in Dresden.

- Oh?
- A Baron von Rimmer.

[ Singing ] Von Rimmer, von Rimmer.
Kommen sie himmer.

Baron Klaus von Rimmer.
We met at the (Tezent's) tennis party.

(Tezent's)?

Tennis?

Yes, darling, you remember.

She has every reason to forget,
Lady Marjorie. I remember she was

suffering with a grievous head cold.

It was very gallant of her
to attend at all.

Oh, yes, now I remember.
Oh, forgive me, Baron

I was in misery that day.

On the contrary,
you looked enchanting.

Only your game
was a little affected.

[ Sigh ]

The baron is staying in London
for a few weeks to study...

Banking methods over here
at the Deutsche Reich's Bank.

I hope you'll forgive my
presumption in calling on you.

It's no presumption, Baron.
We're delighted to receive you.

Aren't we, Elizabeth?

We should be more than
delighted, Mother dear,

we should be deeply honored.

That of all the people the Baron
must know in London

he should have singled us out.

We scarcely exchanged more than six
words at the (Tezent's) tennis party.

- Elizabeth!
- Oh, no, please.

At first, let me say I have
very few friends in London.

I was feeling lonely in my
lodgings in Victoria and

I remembered that among the six
words I exchanged with a certain

delightful Fraulein Bellamy were
included the names Schubert and Goethe,

who between them produced
some of the finest Leider sounds...

- But, I've just finished...
- For us just run into the Baron.

Isn't that a coincidence?

You've been hearing the
exquisite Gerhart.

Yes, she was superb.

(Ist enna daschem mandischen
s?ngerin die ich kenne.)

- You know Helena Gerhart?
- Yes.

I was once privileged
to study with her in Munich.

Tell us about her, please.

With pleasure.

Did you make much of it, then?

What's that, Mr. Hudson?

The concert of course.

Oh, it was lovely.

When you got used to it.

I hoped you aren't fooled into
thinking it was the cat's whiskers

in musical entertainment.

No, I've got a mind of me own.

And I hope it stays
your own, Rose.

There are dangers being maid to a
headstrong young lady like Miss Elizabeth.

Oh, what's she done
to upset you, Mr. Hudson?

Nothing in particular.

I'm referring more to the matter
of respect. It has to work both ways.

Hu-hu, I know that.

All very well packing young
mistresses off to foreign parts

to advance their education, but it's not
altogether a good thing, in my opinion.

They get taken advantage of.

Oh, in what way?

Oh, heads filled up with foolish ideas.
Manners forgotten. Loyalties questioned.

And don't think it's not
calculated by the foreign teachers.

There's a special name for it.

Well?

Subversion, if you want to know it.

That is a deliberate pulling up the roots
of a country through its young men

and young women. Twisting their
minds so that in a time of crisis...

[ Rose laughing ] Oh, Mr. Hudson!

You're not suggesting that
our Miss Lizzie...

I'm not suggesting anything, Rose,
I'm simply giving warning.

The signs are all there.

Pray God I'm wrong.

What signs, Mr. Hudson?

Mr. Hudson has some funny notions.

That's enough of that.

Carrying on again about them
dirty foreigners again, are you?

And that's enough from you,
young man.

I thought it were, Mr. Hudson.

But her ladyship asked me
to inform you that the Baron

is staying for dinner.

Uh-huh, no sooner than I returned from
Dresden they went to work on me.

Preparing me for the season.
You know about the season?

Oh, yes, of course, the season.

- Really, darling.
- It's true!

While I was aching to talk about
music and philosophy and the people I met

they had me walking and dancing
and bobbing up and down

- like one of Professor Pavlov's dogs.
- Heh.

That's a terrible exaggeration.
We simply asked she shouldn't

go into the room like a battering ram.

Oh, Mother, how indelicate,
a battering you at the very the least.

Ha, ha, ha. Same sort of
problem in your family, Baron?

- Oh, yes, my mother with my little sister.
- Ah.

I see. You take their side?

You prefer young ladies to be
simply frivolous and vain.

Very well, that's how
you shall have it.

The room for compromise.
You can express yourself

within the framework of society

How, Baron?

When I am told it is not
ladylike, indeed, worse.

It is a serious disadvantage
for a girl to be so clever.

My Aunt Kate's words.

How could I express myself?

I'm the educated daughter
of a politician, and I'm expected

to discuss the weather.

No politics?

You see, Baron, because
of my husband's position

there is a real danger that Elizabeth
could be taken advantage of.

Oh, yes, I see.

What my dear mother really means
is that she's afraid I might misbehave

and cause a scandalare.

But, I'd never compromise my Papa.

I love him far too much.

Um,...well you're getting
a glimpse into our society, Baron.

How does it compare
with yours in Germany?

Most similar, sir, in spite
of Elizabeth's protest.

But, then, I'm much
in love with England.

- Why?
- Why?

Yes, you've seen very little of it.

Oh, it's not the quantity.
It's the quality of life

that charms me.

And, uh, I must declare an interest.

I have a cousin by marriage
who was related to Queen Victoria.

- More than we can boast of.
- Ha, ha.

But, I'm...very much concerned
for England, now that these intrepid

Liberals have taken power.

Why do you use that word intrepid?

Because they wish to disarm.

Don't write us off too soon.

There's still the election to come.

In Germany Mr. Balfour is much admired.

Even if he sees Germany
as a potential enemy,

and has taken measures
to strengthen our defenses?

All countries have the right
to protect their own shores.

And the more everyone is protected,
the less possibility of war.

I'm sure your father
would agree with me.

You would spend money on arms
which might more profitably help

the poor and uneducated.

It's the poor and uneducated
who first need our protection.

I'm sure we'd all agree with that,
but the conversation is becoming

much too serious. Can't we
think of a more diverting topic?

Tell us about you lodgings, Baron.
Did you say they were in Victoria?

Yes, they are.

After your terrifying
experiences in Victoria,

I only hope that this
is free of bedbugs.

I have no such fear.

Now then, I take it
you have no valet.

That is so. My uncle who's
anxious I should make this trip

virtually incognito, and I
should have no special favors.

He is the director
of the bank I'm studying at.

What will he say, now I've found
myself such a delightful home?

Well, but you must be looked after.

You shall be valeted by Alfred, here,
for the duration of your stay.

That would seem (athrober).

You are very kind.
Thank you.

Mother, dear, how impulsive you are.
Whatever will the gossips say?

Don't be idiotic.

Alfred.

Alfred.

Yes, Baron.

King Alfred ?ber the cakes.

So I am told, Baron, but it's my
duty, usually, to hand them around.

My dear, there's no point
in hiding the fact.

You've unearthed a potential lion after his
spanking debut at the Morrison's last night.

How did you come by him?

I didn't come by him, Prudence.

You make me sound some
sort of beachcomber,

on the qui vive a (pavillion-puller).

Not a bad description.

Don't you think this might be
a bit heavy for spring?

- Oh, no Lady Prudence.

Show me something
in a lighter weight, girl.

If you really want to know,
he came by us.

You mean he just
materialized on the doorstep?

More or less.

Elizabeth met him
very briefly in Dresden.

Well, well, so she's captured a baron.

I'm surprised, dear, I must say.
After her rather unorthodox

behavior since her return.

Not exactly the glittering
belle jeune fille.

Ah, now that's much more my color.

- Yes, and it's softer.
- Umm.

Yes, I like this.
It..it has style.

Give me ten yards.

- Do you wish we it sent, Lady Pru...?
- No.

Have it wrapped and
taken out to my carriage.

[ Sigh ] I suppose he is a baron.

I mean a real one.

Well, of course he his.
He's a true blue Junker.

The de Tocquevilles know his family

Oh, well, that's a relief.

One hears such dreadful
stories these days.

One's confidence in foreign
gentlemen is apt to be blunted.

Oh, now that would make
a lovely dress for dear Agatha.

She can wear bright colors.

Is he in love with her?

With Elizabeth?

Well, of course, who else
are we talking about?

It's much to early to talk of such things.
She's only known him a week.

Actually, I think it's rather the opposite.

She's not at all impressed by him.

Oh, well then you must bring him
to dinner with us without delay.

Agatha's home and
looking quite ravishing.

Prudence, I have no intention
of parading him like a prize bull.

Nonsense, Marjorie, what else
would you do with him?

Yes, that would definitely suit Agatha.

Send me six yards.

- With pleasure, Lady Prudence.

[ Piano playing ]

Bravo, bravo.

(Farhen sich my deutschen musik
in England gitz farhen auf der compositzen.)

Zum beispiel?

Elgar.

Ja, vielleicht.

Vielleicht?

- Now, here is a tune, listen.
- Tune. - Listen.

[ Elizabeth chuckles ]

- You're laughing at me.
- [ Elizabeth laughs ]

All the time you make fun of me, why?

My protection against you.

You need protection?

Like the poor and uneducated.

[ Singing ] Deutschland,
Deutschland ?ber alles.

- [ Elizabeth ] ?ber alles in der Welt,
- [ Baron ] God save our gracious King,

- [ Elizabeth laughing ]
- [ Baron ] Long live our noble King.

[ Both laugh ]

We make a good harmony, don't we?

Now,...you play.

Oh, no, please.

Oh, yes, I insist.

Since you claim to have
studied with Helena Gerhart.

The stage is yours.

[ Baron plays fluently ]

- You sing?
- [ Elizabeth signals "no" ]

[ Door closes ]

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Hudson.

Good morning, Lady Marjorie.

Oh, good morning, Klaus dear.

Did you sleep well?

- To borrow an English expression:
Like a top, Lady Marjorie. - Good.

- Good morning, sir.
- Good morning, Baron.

Scrambled eggs, I think.

And some coffee, please.

Aunt Kate writing from Monte Carlo.

She said she's all right, but the
place is infested with...Frenchmen.

Well, that's not surprising, is it?

No.

Good news, I hope, in the world.

I beg your pardon?

Newspaper.

Oh, yes.

What are your plans
for the day, Klaus?

Well, Elizabeth has promised to take
me to the houses of parliament.

Oh, that'll be nice.

Have we chosen an interesting day?

Eh, not at all, I'm afraid.
Most of it'll be taken up

by some minor fishing squabble.

A naval matter?

Are you particularly
interested in naval matters?

Hmm, the sea's in our family.

I thought it was banking.

Both: One uncle is a banker;
another an admiral.

Huh. Christmas card from that
fearful Lady Mackwood.

Funny how she's always (the third).

Will you be at the
House today, sir?

I shall be later, but this
morning I have a meeting.

(A material for fureal defense?)

It's not a secret, is it?
Elizabeth told me.

What did I tell you?

- Morning, Mother dear.
- Morning, darling.

- Morning, Father.
- Morning, darling.

You must forgive my curiosity, sir,
but I'm, ah, as you may have judged,

a keen student of politics.

(Tangerie. Devie.)

- In the theory, or the practice of?
- Both.

- Uh, tea or coffee, Miss Elizabeth?
- Coffee.

This is from (Tendy Martinger)
back in England.

We must ask her over.

Perhaps we could talk sometime.

Her handwriting hasn't improved.

- I should be delighted, Baron.
- This evening?

Not this evening, Klaus.
We're going to the de Tocquevilles

then on to the opera.

- Sometime soon, I hope.
- Oh, surely.

If you'll excuse me a moment.

- Ow.
- Oh, dear.

Can I do anything?

No, uh, thank you.
With Alfred's help.

Did you want to speak to me?

Yes, uh, [ Clears throat ]

Is it serious?

Oh, no, nothing that can't be worked out
with Alfred seeing to it.

What?

You mean the spill?

No, I meant the relationship
between Elizabeth and our guest.

Ha, ha, ha.

And I thought I detected something
across the table between them.

Well, now you come to mention it,
yes I think there has been a change.

Why, darling, does it worry you?

No, not yet.

He is a Junker, you know.

One of the best and worthiest
families. She could do worse.

Oh, yes. He could be a
tradesman's son with radical views.

[ Laughing ] Oh, really.

[ Alfred enters singing ]
We sang, we sang, we two.

The outies of power.
The amen...

You're lookin' very pleased
with yourself.

We're in love.

Who's "we"?

We, yes, ah, in a manner
of speaking.

What are you talking about?

Being but the reflections
of our masters.

- Oh, Alfred. Get off.
- Ah, dat, tat, taaa.

- Mrs. Bridges's here.
- Dat, tat, taaaa.

- Put me down.
- Ha, ha, ha.

Laughing, Mr. Hudson?

Don't you believe in love?

I believe in it.

If it's kept in its place.

Down.

But not between us and them, eh?

Foreigners.

D'you wanna know something?

Germany's beginning to appeal to me.
I've been hearing a lot about it lately.

When?

In the course of my duties.

Why don't you go there, then?

D'you know I might, and all.

What's this?

Huh?

Oh, I was wondering
when you'd notice it.

D'you like it?

Where'd you get it?

It's a present from my master.

The baron gave you that?

I serve no other master.
Not at the moment, anyway.

[ Loud ] Well.

What's wrong? There's no law
against getting present, is there?

It is Christmas, Mr. Scrooge.

Well, you got what you asked for.

I was spellbound.
Such pomp and tradition.

[ Indistinct German? ]

[ Big Ben chimes ]

Your Thames is very wide here.

Not so wide as the Rhine at (Koess).

But more important.

Are we as great as the fatherland?

Oh, in some ways, greater.

- Your empire.
- Cracking.

- System of government.
- Poof.

The men it produces. Men like
your father, incorruptible.

[ Laughing ]

Why do you laugh?

He's a clergyman's son.

It must show.

And he wouldn't thank you for it.

Makes him sound like
one of those old diehards.

[ Tugboat whistle ]

He's more liberal?

Oh, careful. He's, uh,
what shall we say, open minded.

- Flexible, I think.
- Flexible.

Hmm, what you have to realize about
Father is, he married into the party.

Oh, he was very clever, anyway,
to Oxford (at least),

but he owes his career
entirely to my mother's family.

Diehards.

Yes, rather.

I think he feels trapped
on the home front.

That's why he's concentrated
more on foreign affairs.

I, I may be wrong.

I assume from what you say,
that he's dependent on

your mother's family financially.

Oh, yeah, everybody knows that.

Is he ambitious?

Much as the next man.

But, it would need a courageous,
perhaps unorthodox step for him

truly to break free.

Yes.

Have you...something to suggest?
[ Chuckles ]

- Sorry about the delay. I had
something to discuss with the speaker.

- It's freezing out here.
Come in and have some tea.

[ Piano playing ]

[ Door opens ]

- Oh, there you are, Baron.
- Good evening, sir.

[ Door closes ]

I was just admiring your chandelier.

Oh, really. Nothing very
remarkable about it.

Are you sure?

Reminds me of one I once
saw in Florence.

Very beautiful, and
very valuable.

Baron, let's stop
all this. Shall we?

You clearly have a proposition to make.
Why don't you frankly declare yourself?

And then I can call off the hounds,
who are at this very moment

making an exhaustive study
of your background.

Nothing would give me
greater pleasure.

My business card.

I see.

Well, I was never convinced
by your banking story.

So, they're employing young barons
to do their sales talk these days?

I thought you might have known that.

Come on, Rose.
Tell my the symptoms.

Ho, ho, you're asking me, Miss Lizzie?

Yes, you read Hilda's
Home Companion.

Isn't that what they're
always concerned with?

Oh, I think it's a bit
different in there.

Oh, why should it be?
It's the same for all of us.

We all get the same pain.

You've got a pain, Miss. Lizzie?

- Yes, Rose.
- Where about?

All over.
It's rather delicious.

For the fact is,
I don't like him very much.

- You don't like him?
- No.

Can you believe that?

I love him...I think.

But, I don't like him.

Oh, Rose, isn't it marvelous.
Aren't you happy for me?

Yes, Miss Lizzie.
I am happy.

Someone isn't....Who.

Oh, it's nothing like that.

And I know I shouldn't
say anything, really,

but it's Mr. Hudson.

Hudson?

Yeah, well,...it's nothing
against the baron personally.

It's just a general
disliking of the foreigners.

He will keep going on about it.

He's heard that there are
thousands of Germans

already in this country
on the south coast,

working as waiters and hairdressers,
but, they're all really trained soldiers

and if there ever should
be an invasion they'll all rise up

and slaughter us in our beds.

[ Elizabeth laughs ]

So you see your country,
not France, as our aggressor.

Oh, yes, of course. Don't you?

Germany plans to absorb
Holland into her empire.

We have seventy million people.
We want commercial preeminence.

England has only forty million.

France the same.
So, you'll have to join forces.

And the low countries
will be the battlefield.

Can't be long delayed.

Particularly if the Liberals
gain power and try to disarm.

In the event of war, I don't think
you'd find us unprepared.

That is not enough, sir.

To maintain peace and avert catastrophe,
your fleet must actually be superior.

And your German munitions company
have suggestions to keep us superior,

in the interests of peace?

Mr. Bellamy, there are many in my country,
artists, physicians, philosophers,

and ordinary people...who are appalled
at the upsurge of nationalism,

who seek only to live their lives
in a peaceful and united Europe.

And some of them work
in armaments firms?

- Yes, why not?
- Oh, come now, Baron.

We all know about the gentleman
who sell arms to both sides

and stand back and watch them engage.

What is it you have to sell?

It's a new form of naval gun mounting
for His Majesty's battle ships.

These are some, uh,
preliminary details and costs.

You will see, as you study it,
it's far superior to anything

that Vickers has to offer
at the present time.

Well, naturally, of course,
otherwise you wouldn't be here.

If, i..i..any deal of this sort would give
you access to many of our naval secrets.

Most of your secrets are
known to us already, I'm told.

- As I continually emphasis, we seek only...
- Yes, yes. Tell me

why didn't you approach our government,
...from the proper channel?

I'm sorry, sir, you are former
Under-Secretary of State for the Admiralty

and a member of the
Committee of Imperial Defence.

Are you not a proper channel?

I was referring to your
befriending of my daughter in Dresden,

and your subsequent maneuverings
into my household.

Oh, my dear chap,
I don't particularly mind.

I was just curious to know how
you fellows operate these days.

I admit I had to gain access
to your confidence.

Using Elizabeth?

Yes, 'twas my method.

But it was in your best interests, too.

My company couldn't openly
approach the British government.

The selling of arms is a most
delicate matter for all concerned.

So really, you're just
testing the bath water?

A little more positive than that, I hope.

But, uh, as for the feelings
which have developed

between Elizabeth and myself here,
this is a separate matter

and will remain separate from
any dealings we might have.

Well, I don't see how you can
divorce the two things entirely,

- but, no matter. - (As a person),
you are mistrustful.

Sir, I have the greatest
respect for your daughter.

I would never do anything
to hurt her feelings.

Yes, all right. I've no doubt
she can take care of herself.

Uh, tell me, uh, what are you
expecting me to do with these papers?

When you've satisfied
yourself they're genuine,...

to use your influence and persuade
your government to enter a contract

with my company.

But, haven't you come
to the wrong chap.

I mean, I'm no longer part of this
government, nor likely to be.

You remain on the
Committee of Imperial Defence.

And that is what matters to us.

Perhaps I should add that
the contract would be made,

for obvious political reasons,
to a Swiss subsidiary

which my company
will control, of course.

Quite.

Well, Baron,...I'll look through
these papers, and if I see fit...

And it goes without saying,
should you be interested

in a substantial shareholding
in this Swiss company,

I mean you personally,
can be arranged.

I see, yes.

Such financial interlockings
between our two countries

- can only enhance the prospects of peace.
- Indeed.

However, there's plenty of time
to discuss this side of things.

You see this new design is...

Oh, sorry, am I interrupting?

[ Speaks German ]

[ Replies in German ]

- Thank you, Purvis.
- Thank you, sir.

You've read the documents?

- Rather.
- What d'you think of the bona fide?

- Oh, absolutely.
- And the price?

Very fair.

So, under normal circumstances
we might have bought.

Why not buy now?

Oh, my dear Admiral.
It's obvious what's behind it.

They're trying to set up an intelligence
organization right in our very midst.

Well, don't you agree?

I can't deny it's possible.
Thank you.

But you've got to consider
the types you're dealing with.

Thieves are moments creatures.

They're above nationalistic considerations.

I mean just look at their
pedigrees as individuals.

Half the nations of Europe
in their power.

They're in it purely and
simply for the loot.

What about their agents,
men like Von Rimmer?

- They're dedicated Anglophobes.
- Uh huh. - Hmm.

Very interesting specimens.

I say...

Is it true what I hear about
this fellow and your daughter?

Oh, never mind that.

Oh, no, no, no, no.
I'm sorry.

Well, uh, let's just think for a minute.

Uh, military speaking
they shall be (closer).

And it's politically sound,
vis-?-vis the election of the Liberals.

Yes, we could whip up a scare
about Turpitz's ever-growing fleet.

Exactly.

And, uh, on the personal front...

I take it you've been
offered a hefty bribe?

- Umm.
- Well, haven't you?

Shares in a Swiss bank.

- Um, standard procedure.
- Is it?

Of course. Oh, I forgot,
you're new to this game.

Yes, so...personally,
we'd start the game.

We?

You'd count me in, wouldn't you.

Ki-talley-ho and off to the east
and away we go.

Ho, ho, ho. Couple of
shifty profiteers, huh?

Huh.

Will you never be persuaded?

I can't forget my humble
and pious origins.

- I know, Dick...and that's you epitaph.
- Huh.

Meantime,
what do we do about the baron?

We can't make a move against him,
until we've actually agreed to be corrupted.

Well, uh, yes, uh,...uh, these people
usually have a few incriminating

documents they want us to sign.
We'd better wait for them, I suppose.

We'll need a witness.

Well, that's easy enough.

I think the best thing is
to rig up a meeting.

Say, uh, dinner at
your house next week?

- He plans to leave next Tuesday.
- Monday, then.

Sort of fond farewell.

You agree?

Good.

It, it's time we passed on one of them.

In Germany Christmas Eve is the
truer moment of Christmas.

Tell me about it.
What do you do?

Well, uh, in my family, father and
mother decorate the Christmas tree.

Nobody is allowed to see it until they
have finished and the candle is still lit.

Father rings a little bell, and we
all go in and we look at the tree,

and the children sing carols,
and we all open our presents.

Go on.

Well, uh, we always have snow
for Christmas.

And the pine trees around the house
stand out white against the sky.

And the stars glitter
in the cold.

It's beautiful, like fairyland.

Tell me some more.

Then we have our great
big Christmas dinner.

We have goose every year.
It's a tradition in my family.

And we have lots of wine.

And...we all have the feeling
there's no other place on earth

to be on Christmas Eve.

Can you understand that?

Not even here, with me?

Of course, with you--
but not here--there.

Then take me with you.

To Germany tomorrow?

Why not?

Your family.

Oh, they wouldn't mind.
Take me with you, please.

I love you.

I want to share everything with you.

I, I want to be with your
family on Christmas Eve.

I want to see your candles lit
and hear your carols.

Please, Klaus...
It would make me very happy,

and I'd make you happy, too,
I promise you.

No, it's not possible.

Next year, perhaps.

My bill, please.

There you are, darling.
I was beginning to worry.

Our dinner guests
will be going in an hour.

You must forgive me, Lady Marjorie,
it was entirely my fault.

- After the exhibition which was enchanting.
- Boring.

He persuaded me to have
tea at Ganderswich

- which was delicious.
- Delicious.

It's only that Elizabeth takes
so long to dress, these days.

Oh, Mother, how unfair.

Now, you know you do, darling.

You spent all of my
trim tree with Rose.

- Hello, Papa.
- Goodnight [ Kiss ]

[ Elizabeth trips ]
- Oh.

Good evening, sir.

I have the agreement
regarding the Swiss company.

You colleague is coming tonight?

Yes.

I also have preliminary
contracts with the (dealing's) staff.

I think neither he nor yourself
will be disappointed.

- That, of course, will take some time.
- Oh, of course, of course.

But tonight we set the
wheels in motion.

- Will you excuse me, Lady Marjorie?
- Yes, of course.

- Your bath's ready, Baron.

Thank you, Alfred.

It suits you.

Thank you, Baron.

You have been using this?

[ Loudly ] Yes?

Yes, yes.

You stupid...you stupid, stupid boy!

- A little touch was all.
- I don't care for myself.

You can take...take what you want!

But, what about the family.
What will Elizabeth, her father,

her mother say, if you serve
them dinner and you stink. Stink!

Sorry, herr. Sorry, herr.

So you should be.

- I'm...not worthy, herr.

No, you're not worthy.

However...on you feet.

[ Loud ] Up, I said!

And now, come here.

And be forgiven.

[ Alfred sobs ]

Miss Elizabeth, you're lying
on that frock I put out for you.

- You'll spoil it.
- I don't care.

He's leaving, and I want to go with him.

He'll be coming back.

I don't see why he should,
since he doesn't love me.

Of course he loves you.
Whatever makes you say such a thing?

Oh, I don't know.

Run me a bath.

You haven't got time.

Besides, the baron has
taken over the hot water.

The baron,...then I shall go
and step into it with him.

Miss Elizabeth, how can you
even imagine such a thing!

[ Laughing ] Don't be so shocked, Rose.
We're living in modern times.

[ Rose opens a door. Sees a sight.
Door's slammed shut. ]

- Good evening, Lady Prudence. Mr. Adam.
- Good evening, Hudson.

We're not together, Hudson.

We both arrived on the doorstep
at exactly the same moment.

A pure accident.

[ Rose crying ]

Delightful vision of
a lady in distress?

A mad house.

Rose,...

You get away from me.

Rose, how dare you behave
like that in front of the guests!

I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson, but I...
[ Sobbing ]

What's the matter with you?

Do you know why she's crying?

Don't ask me.
It's nothing to do with me.

[ Bell rings ] Right, upstairs.
You serve the drinks.

Go on with you now!
Look sharp!

[ Rose sobs ] All right, Rose, now
you tell me what this is all about.

I can't, Mr. Hudson, but,...
I'm all right now.

Promise.

I can't think why
I was invited tonight.

And at the last minute.

Sorry, (it was my husband). But he
insisted we get someone for Adam.

Who could I honestly
know but a friend?

It's most unfortunate as far
as I'm concerned.

I thought it was common knowledge
I can't be in the same room

as Mr. Adam's league.

He once grossly insulted me
in some matter.

I think you might have
shown us more tact.

But that was ages ago.

And anyway I always
wondered if it was quite true.

It was true.

It's high time you made it up.

[ Door opens; Elizabeth speaks ]
Ah, Klaus, there you are.

I think you know
Lady Prudence, don't you?

Oh, yes.

- Good evening.
- Baron, I don't think you've met

Adam Blangridge,
Baron Klaus von Rimmer.

What do you think?

Yes, he runs the type.

That, uh, strong Teutonic
bone structure.

Dashing for the ladies.

When do we get the
documents to sign?

After dinner.

(Who with the port's idea?)

(Felice Fosse.)

Absolutely.

My dear Baron,
we shall miss you terribly.

You've added luster to an
otherwise dim season.

You'll find some excuse
to return in the new year?

Unfortunately, the Deutsche Reich's
Bank has only given me only

a limited number of their letters
to study, and I've exhausted them all.

Then you must return
on your own steam.

If you'll forgive the vulgarity.

I'm sure Elizabeth would wish it.

If they won't have you here,
then you must come and stay with me.

The most eligible widow in London
and a handsome young baron

under the same roof.
What would the gossips say?

I've got the baron here and now
to return to us in, uh,...January.

But after your elections.

We shall parade you
on the hustings.

Then they'll have to give
us women the vote.

- Ma'am, my dear.

You look younger
and lovelier than ever.

Thank you.

Prudence, dear.
Come and look at this.

I picked it up
in Southerby's the other day.

Oh, it's enchanting.

(I have a question I've longed to ask you.)
With the greatest of pleasure.

What did you do to Prudence
in Sevastopol? [ Laughter ]

- Mother wants me to play
for you after dinner. Will you?

- Well it won't please me.
I shall probably cry.

- Then Rose must get you a handkerchief.

- [ German reply ]

Kauf.

[ Light conversations ]

Mr. Hudson, could I have
a word with you, please.

No, Rose.

Please, Mr. Hudson....

Pull yourself together.

[ Indistinct ]

Are you absolutely sure about this?

Have you told me everything?

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

But, you must understand.
I've never in all my days...

All right, Rose, I understand
your feelings.

You go downstairs
to the dining room.

Oh, I couldn't, Mr. Hudson.

I couldn't serve at table tonight.

Not with Miss Elizabeth there,
and me knowing what I know.

I still think he's...

I have got to keep working, Rose,
so she's kept from knowing.

What about Alfred?

You leave Alfred to me.

He won't be there.

And Rose...

keep all this to yourself,
do you understand?

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Good girl.

Off you go now.

I hear these new dreadnaught
battleship things are absolutely

no use at all, Sir. Adam.

They sink if you so much
as look at them.

That may well be, dear Lady,
if they come under your hypnotic gaze.

Go downstairs and wait
in my pantry.

Stay there and talk to no one
until I've seen you.

Off you go, now.

- Hudson, rum's nearly ready.
I think we are.

Very nearly, my lady.

- Hudson, where's Rose?

She has duties in the
dining room Miss Elizabeth

- Oh, bummer. I wanted her
to fetch me a handkerchief.

Might I have a brief
word with you, sir, in private?

What, now, Hudson?

If you would, sir.

It is possible of course, sir,
that the girl was mistaken.

No, Rose, would never speak on such
a matter unless she were certain.

That was my opinion, too, sir.

I take it the gentleman
will not be staying for dinner.

On the contrary, Hudson, it's a matter
of vital government importance

for the baron remain in this house
for the next two hours, at least.

I have a detective inspector arriving
from Scotland Yard at ten o'clock.

He'll ring at the back door.
[ Alfred overhears ]

And see that he's attended to
until I specifically call for him.

I understand, sir.

And Hudson, I rely on
your absolute discretion,

and ask that you deal with Alfred.

I will, sir.

In the meantime, will you
ring the gong for dinner?

Certainly, sir.

What did Hudson want?

Oh, nothing, just some
domestic problem.

Why didn't he come to me?

I really couldn't say.

Then I shall ask him.

No, Marjorie, you won't.
Not on this occasion.

I insist.

And I said no, Marjorie.
Be ruled by me just once in a while.

I'll explain it all later.

Is it your intention that we
should continue our vendetta

to our grave, Sir Adam?

What vendetta, dear Lady.
I was not aware of...

You know perfectly well
what I am referring.

An incident in Sevastopol
some years ago,

when you wounded me deeply.

- Were we deep sea fishing?
- What?

The only woman I ever
remember wounding deeply

was a lady I once went
deep sea fishing with.

I caught her by accident
with a harpoon.

If I was a gentleman I would
have demanded satisfaction.

And as a gentleman, madame,
I should have been forced

to give it to you.

Oh, you are as
incorrigible as ever.

That goes without saying.

Incorrigibles ripen with age,
like most other fruits.

Excuse me.

[ Note about the detective ]

I have to make an urgent
telephone call.

Will you please excuse me?

Of course.

Did I tell you dear Agatha has been
invited to Beava for the weekend?

Oh, good. That's nice.
It's so boring for her.

[ Dinner gong ]
Shall we have dinner?

It's no good, Mr. Hudson.
I can't go through with it.

Rose, here they come.

[ Sigh ] How delightful always
to enter the Bellamy dining room.

It's a feeling of happy anticipation.

And happy returns.

Thank you, Hudson.

Where's that lugubrious
footman of yours, Marjorie?

The one who always
makes me laugh.

Yes, Hudson, where is Alfred?

He's indisposed, my lady.

Will you be waiting for the baron
before commencing, sir?

Certainly, Hudson, of course.

So, uh, we are to have
a German baron for dinner?

I hope he tastes
as good as he looks.

Well, I'm sure he'll be more
to my taste than some of your

dreadful jokes, Sir Adam.

Well, so that we won't starve,
I'll go and look for him. Shall I?

Will you excuse me?

Sweet child. I can't help observing
how very much in love she seems to be.

[ Door closes ]

His room's gone empty.

- His clothes aren't in the cupboard.
- What?

He's gone.

It's so awful.

That I should have
invited him to stay.

A pervert in our house.

You weren't to know.

Then to corrupt our footman
and take him away.

Or perhaps they deserved each other.

Poor little Elizabeth.
She was so in love with him.

What on earth shall I tell her?

And she's too young to be
exposed to such things

it would destroy
so much for her.

I'll go up to Elizabeth
in a moment.

Alone.

Richard, she must never know.

I want you to leave this to me.

And trust me.

[ Kiss ]

He was a spy, Rose.

D'you know about spies?

Yes, Miss Elizabeth.

An agent who sells
deadly weapons.

Using me, I suppose, to get to
Papa and compromise him.

D'you think that's bad?

Yes, Miss Lizzie.

But, Father was too clever for him.

He brought in Sir Adam, who's a
celebrated spy catcher for the navy.

You'd never think it.

They were going to arrest him.

He must have realized so he left.

Without a goodbye.

To get home in time for Christmas.

Missing the Brixton's sale, anyway.

I'll finish now, Miss Lizzie.

It's all right.

Good night, Rose.

Good night, Miss Elizabeth.