Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 2, Episode 13 - A Family Gathering - full transcript

Subtitling by
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

[Doorbell ringing]

Rose, take these
before I drop them all.

Very good, madam.

Any news of Edward?

Hospital said he broke his leg
in three places.

Oh, those kitchen stairs
are a deathtrap.

I know.

Lady Prudence is collecting
those when she comes to tea.

Right.

Everything all right
chez Madame Yvonne?



Fine, thank you, Rose.

Except that some people
seem to think

it's unnecessary to pay
for what they buy.

Here, you should get the police
on them.

Commit half the peeresses
into prison?

I wouldn't mind.

Oh, who's hat?

Beg pardon.

Who has left an extremely shiny
silk hat on the hall table?

And a somewhat elaborate cane.

Mr. Bellamy has a visitor,
madam, in the drawing room.

Well, he should know better.

Who is it?

Mr. Karekin.



Mr. Karekin is hardly
a visitor, Rose.

ROSE:
No, madam.

Of course we're in your debt,
Karekin,

very much so, as my wife
told you in our letter.

But you must remember,

lam only a humble member
of the opposition.

Who nevertheless held office
under the Crown.

RICHARD:
True.

And son-in-law to the late
Earl of Southwold.

Yes, but that fact does not
empower me to grant honours.

Only Mr. Asquith
can recommend that --

Julius!

Nobody told me you were here.

RICHARD: Elizabeth,
we are discussing business.

Julius and I are partners
in business, the hat business.

Yes, my dear,
but these are matters

of rather more importance
than ladies' hats.

Oh, are they?

I'm sorry.
I'll go away then.

I shall take you to lunch
at The Ritz if you wish.

I'm lunching today, thank you,
Julius.

Then I shall call and see you
later at the shop, if I may.

By all means do. I'll not
disturb you any further.

Excuse me.

As I was saying, there's little
I can do for the moment,

especially since the House rose
yesterday for the spring recess.

All the same,
if my offer could eventually

reach the ears
of the party treasurer...

I'll do what I can.

I can't say more.

Tell me, Karekin,
what exactly are your politics?

JULIUS:
In what sense?

You have friends
in the Liberal party

yet you offer to finance
the Conservatives.

Are you by any chance
backing two horses at once?

I'm a foreigner, Bellamy.

I'm not impressed by your
English, two-party system.

Only for your own
personal advancement.

JULIUS:
Quite.

Your frankness does you credit.

Thank you.

Nevertheless, in this country,

gentlemen are expected to favour

only one political cause
at a time,

as they would favour
only one woman at a time.

True, Bellamy, but as
I'm constantly reminding

your charming daughter,

I am no gentleman.

Quite.

It was good of you
to receive me.

Not at all.

Hudson,
Mr. Karekin is leaving.

Can I call you a cab?

JULIUS: Thank you, no.
I have my car.

Good morning, Lady Marjorie.

MARJORIE:
Ah, Mr. Karekin, how nice.

Mr. Karekin is leaving, my dear.

Are you just in or going out?

On my way out, to The Times
Book Club in wigmore Street.

Might I perhaps drive you there
in my motor car?

Oh, how kind of you.

Are you sure
it's not out of your way?

Hudson,
I'll be back to luncheon.

And we're expecting
Lady Prudence for tea.

HUDSON:
Very good, my lady.

Oh, she couldn't
not marry him anyway,

not while she's still married
to Mr. Kirbridge.

In name only.

That's all it ever was,
name only.

Oh, no, she couldn't marry him.

I should think not indeed.
Marry a man like that.

Like what, Miss Roberts?

Like Mr. Karekin.

Well, he's rich,

very attractive,
and kind and thoughtful.

Put a turban on his head

and he'd be out of
"The Arabian Nights."

Ha!
That's right, Arabian.

One of them Eastern potentates

with a different wife
in every port.

I think you'll find that
Mr. Karekin is Armenian,

Mrs. Bridges, not Arabian.

Oh, well, it's all the same.

All coffee-coloured, oily hair,
and rings on their fingers.

- And bells on their toes.
-[ Doorbell rings]

And bells to answer.

Joan.
Front door.

JOAN:
Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Ah, that'll be the postman.

Oh, can't really
see myself wearing this

in the royal enclosure.

Can you?

It is a bit gaudy, but it
gives you a certain authority.

Authority?
Ha!

The authority of a madame
over her girls, I should think.

Well, that looks a bit better.
It's a bilious colour, though.

Hope these are on approval.

PRUDENCE:
Oh, dear me, yes.

I sent word to Elizabeth
by Agatha

to let us have a few hats
to try on

for the dear child's wedding.

MARJORIE: Isn't it funny
we've never met Clive?

Oh, Clive's all right.

Family's clergy,
yeoman farmers mostly,

but there's no money there.

I've warned the girl
she may have to rough it.

Yes,Joan?

The afternoon post, my lady.

Thank you.

P&O. James.

Oh, how exciting!

You can take the tea things,
Joan.

JOAN:
Very good, my lady.

It's from the ship,
posted at Brindisi.

On his way home?

Yes, from India.

"We dock at Tilbury on May 5th."
That's next week.

"Hope to be home in time
for dinner.

Am bringing Phyllis."

Phyllis?
Marjorie, he's not...

"Am bringing Phyllis Kingman
home with me for a few days

before she goes to Leamington
to say with her aunt.

She's a topping girl,
marvellous horsewoman,

and a good looker.

I'm sure you and Father
will like her.

I hope you do because I've
already popped the question,

going through the Suez Canal,
actually,

and she said yes,
so we're sort of..."

Engaged.

"Engaged."

Will there be anything further,
my lady?

No, thank you, Joan.

Is there any more?

"So looking forward
to getting home.

How are all at Eaton Place?

Your loving son, James.

PS. I forgot to mention

that Phyl's pater is a major
in the Army veterinary corps,

awfully nice chap and first rate
with polo ponies."

Well, Marjorie dear,
I'd better leave you

and get these wretched hats
home.

Well, at least she's not
a servant.

Let's hope she's not pregnant.

Hardly likely
with her father a vet.

A horse doctor?

That's right.

A veterinary sergeant
is qualified to look after

sick animals of all kinds, Joan.

I know, Mr. Hudson, but in
the Army, he sees to the horses.

I mean, they don't have goats
and pigs in a cavalry regiment.

They have horses.

Now, don't be flippant, my girl,

or I'll have to send you
out of the room.

What's more important
is "What sort of girl is she?"

If she's a decent girl, her
father can be a chimney sweep.

Hah, that's a change of tune
coming from you, Miss Roberts.

I gave up hope years ago, Rose,

of Captain James ever marrying
into the nobility.

Not after Sarah, eh?

HUDSON: Let's have a wee bit
of respect now, please.

If Captain James has chosen
a fiancée,

she will be entitled
to recognition

by the staff of this house

whatever our private feelings
may be.

Now, get on with your tea,
all of you.

Corsets --
top drawer, left-hand side.

Corset laces --
top drawer, right-hand side.

Camisoles --
second drawer, left-hand side.

Drawers --
second drawer, right-hand side.

All petticoats laid out neatly
in the third drawer down

and all stockings put in
a silk bag next to them.

Well?

Hasn't Miss Lizzie
got nice things?

Mm, she has.

Not as nice as her ladyship,
of course, but then she's older.

And it's Mrs. Kirbridge until
you've been here a bit longer.

Yes, I see, Rose.

ROSE:
I only call her Miss Lizzie

'cause I've been looking
after her ever since...

Well, ever since
she was Miss Lizzie.

Corsets --
top drawer, left-hand side.

Corset laces --
top drawer, right-hand side.

Camisoles --
second drawer, left-hand side.

Drawers --
second drawer, right-hand side.

All petticoats laid out neatly
in the third drawer down

and all stockings put in
a silk bag next to them.

Right.

What dress shall I put out
for Mrs. Kirbridge for dinner?

Oh, I don't suppose she'll have
time to change tonight.

It must have gone
half past 7:00.

JOAN: Shall I turn her bed down,
then?

Might as well, just in case.

JOAN:
In case of what?

In case...

Never mind.

Well, this is her bed.

I mean, she does sleep here.

Never know these days.

- what?
- Nothing.

Get out a nightdress.

You'll find it
in the bottom drawer.

Lay it neatly on the chair

with her negligee and slippers
facing outwards.

JOAN:
Why?

Why?

So she can slip into them easy.

If you're gonna be
a lady's maid,

you've got to learn all the
little tricks, haven't you?

I'm not sure I want to be
a lady's maid.

And draw the curtains
on the landing!

JOAN:
Yes, Rose.

[Knock on door]

I'm sorry if I startled you.

Did you think perhaps
I was a thief

trying to break into the shop
and steal the cash?

There's precious little cash
to steal, Julius.

Besides, you said this morning
you were coming.

But not this late.

I've kept you waiting.

I wasn't waiting for you.

I was working, trying to tidy up
this wretched desk.

There's no time for it
during the day.

How is trade?

It's all right.

Outstanding accounts.
Many?

A few.

Lady Appleby, £14.

The honourable
Mrs. Charles Ravenscroft,

£69 pounds, twelve and six.

October the 15th.

Do you mean to say this woman
hasn't paid her account

for six months?

Mrs. Wenner, Lady Joan Cray,
the Viscountess de Verney.

I don't call that a few.

Why hasn't your electricity
account been paid

since last January?

I've no idea.

Do you come here
simply to criticize

my running of the business?

The object of running
a business, Elizabeth,

is to make money, is it not?

Anyway, I came here to ask you,

since you declined my invitation
to lunch,

if you would accept
my invitation to dine,

this evening, now.

I'm not dressed to dine.

I'm very grubby,
and I'm rather tired.

JULIUS:
As you wish.

Who's Lady Blanche Cumpton?

Lady Blanche Cumpton.
Why do you ask?

Because Jeannette told me

that while I was taking
some hats home this morning,

where, incidentally,
you were closeted

for some unknown reason
with my father,

a certain Lady Blanche Cumpton
came in

to choose three hats
for herself,

the account to be sent

to a Mr. Julius Karekin
at Albany, Piccadilly.

Well?

Well, I wondered if she might be
some relative of yours.

No, you didn't.

You wondered if she were an old
or new lady friend.

Well, the answer to that
is quite new.

I met her at a bridge party
last week.

She's the younger daughter
of a marquis.

So, within a few months
of our meeting,

you buy three hats from my shop
for another woman?

JULIUS:
Why not?

What sort of a man are you?

A philanderer.

Then what do you want from me?

JULIUS:
A friendship.

Are you sure it isn't
the friendship of my parents,

for what they can do for you?

I was foolish and naive enough

to think I was being loved
for myself,

but I wasn't, was I?

Every kindness you've shown me,
every kiss, every caress,

has been calculated
to further your career,

to advance you in society,
hasn't it?

Hasn't it?

I warned you from the beginning

that I was a snob
and an adventurer,

but you were not deterred.

So now you're casting me off
like one of last year's hats.

You're casting yourself off,
my dear.

I've invited you to dine with me
this evening,

to go on as friends.

But I will not be pinned down

into making any false
declarations of love to you.

I never have.

I'm dishonest about many things
but never about love.

You're a charming companion,
Elizabeth,

to lunch and dine
and talk and sleep with,

but I am not in love with you.

Well, since you're so critical
of the way I'm running this shop

and on familiar terms, it seems,

with most of the titled ladies
in London society,

I suggest you take over.

I'm sure you can extract
from them the money they owe

for their idiotic hats.

I'm going home.

I've brought you
some nice cold roast beef.

You shouldn't have troubled,
Rose.

I said I wasn't hungry.

Well, you've got to eat
some time.

And Mrs. Bridges wants to know,
would you like the sweet?

It's chocolate blancmange.

No, thank you.
Nothing else.

I'm really not hungry.

Did you explain
I had a headache?

Yes, I did,
and her ladyship said

if you've still got it
tomorrow morning,

she's sending for Dr. Foley.

I'm not ill, Rose.

I just don't think I could face

another evening down there
with them,

answering
their endless questions.

What about, Miss Lizzie?

You know what about.

"Are you still seeing him?

Is he your lover?

Does he know about Lawrence?

How rich is he really?"

Oh, it's only natural
for them to want to know.

After all,
you are their only daughter.

Well,
James will be home tomorrow,

so perhaps that will take their
attention off me for a change.

Yeah, well, let's hope
you can cheer up a bit

for your brother's homecoming.

That's more like it.

Are you still seeing him?

I don't know.

We had words tonight
at the shop.

For the first time,
I was really angry with him.

What's he done to you?

Why do all men have to behave

as if all women are stupid,
silly creatures?

He said that?

He thinks I'm incapable
of running

a simple little business
like a hat shop.

Well, in that case, why did
he give you one as a present,

if he thought
you couldn't manage it?

Oh, it was a gesture, Rose.

Something glittering to dangle
in front of my eyes

like a Christmas toy
for a child.

Dazzle it and make it obedient.

And now he blames me for all
the bad debts and the losses.

So I told him he could run
the beastly shop himself,

and I walked out.

ROSE:
Is that all?

Just because he...

Well, there was another reason
but I...

Well, I think
you've given up too easy.

If women can't manage shops
and businesses,

how can they be expected to vote
in Parliament?

You're right, Rose.

You're absolutely right.

Now, I don't know
what went on tonight

between you and Mr. Karekin,

but I do know one thing.

You've got to show him

that you're not a soft,
silly woman

what can't manage
her own affairs.

You go back there tomorrow night
and sort out the accounts.

All right.

And if he tries to interfere,

you just tell him to mind
his own business

and you'll mind yours.

And it is yours
'cause he give it you.

ELIZABETH:
Yes.

That's more like my Miss Lizzie.

Elizabeth!

Elizabeth!

I say, where is the girl?

HUDSON:
Mrs. Kirbridge left word

to say she'd be in later
for dinner, sir.

She had business to attend to
at her shop.

Her shop?

Yes, my daughter runs a hat shop
in Mayfair.

- How unusual.
- It sounds rather fun.

Well, if the servants
could show us to our rooms...

I'll do that, when they've
taken up the luggage.

Oh, pity Elizabeth
not being here.

Still, we can see the old girl
later.

Well, why don't we all go
upstairs to the drawing room

and sit down?

Personally, I found waiting
for the boat to dock

somewhat tiring on the feet.

MARJORIE: Yes.
Come along up.

We'll have tea
in the drawing room, Hudson,

when they've taken up
the luggage.

Very good, my lady.

And tell them not to bang about
with my small trunk.

It's got some very fragile
china ornaments in it.

Something we bought for you
and James' father in Bombay.

Your house is quite deluxe,
isn't it?

James said it was.

When this idiotic fool of a native groom
forgot to fasten his girth tight

and they were in full cry
after a very fast pig

when Father's horse stumbled
and his saddle slipped.

Father went under Panther's
belly at full gallop.

- How very uncomfortable.
PHYLLIS: Oh, it was.

He got kicked in the eye
and had to let go.

He had an awful fall.

He broke his rib
and bruised his pelvis.

But he said afterwards
he'd had a splendid day.

He's going to have a crack
at the Carda Cup this year.

I say, I'd love
another piece of cake.

Phyllis rides jolly well
herself, Mother.

I'm sure she does.

I'm afraid a gentle canter
in Rotten Row

is all we can offer you here.

Oh, I'll be shopping mostly
while I'm in town,

get myself some decent clothes.

Oh, you can buy yourself a hat
at my sister's shop.

- Can't she, Mother?
- Yes.

How long will your father
be stationed in India?

They were due home last spring,

but he got offered a brigade
posting and it meant promotion,

so they'll be stopping on
for another three years.

I'll be staying in Leamington
with my aunt Hilda --

She's my mother's sister --
until...

Well, until James and I
can make some plans.

Yes, yes, quite.

Of course you must stay here
with us while you're in London.

Oh, I will.
Thank you, Lady Marjorie.

Perhaps you'd like to come up
now and see your room.

Oh, thanks awfully.

Stay and talk to your father,
James.

Yes.

James doesn't look
a bit like you, does he?

Much more like his father.

I look like my father,
or so my mother says.

Well, James,
it's good to have you back.

It's good to be back.

By the way, I managed to save
a bit of pay out there.

In fact, my bank account's
in credit

for the first time since...

Well, since I went away.

Phyl's been marvellous.

She helped me
stop spending money.

Does she know
why you were seconded?

Well, I did tell her.

About?

Just about being in debt.

Oh, that's all right.

I know I'm not supposed
to mention the subject,

but I would like to know,
purely out of curiosity,

what happened to Sarah.

She left us after all.

She became fond of a chauffeur
we took on,

a welsh fellow called Watkins.

They left together to start up
a garage, I believe.

JAMES:
Married?

Oh, yes, yes, he married her.

Good.

Good, I hope she'll be
all right.

Yes.

Well, perhaps you'll be relieved
to know she was having a baby

when she left.

Probably had it by now.

So no harm was done
when she lost...

Oh, no, no, none.

Good.

Phyllis seems a nice girl.

Strong character, I feel.

Yes.
She's very determined.

Oh, yes, one can see that.

I'm very lucky, you know.

She could have married
anyone she liked.

You're really sure she's
the girl you want to marry?

I mean, you have given plenty
of thought to this, haven't you?

Oh, yes.

Yes, I'm extremely fond of her.

But you are in love?

Oh, yes.
I really am.

I know I am.

I see.

Good.

Now, tell me, when do you rejoin
your regiment?

Well, I see my colonel
on Thursday.

I've got some leave
of about three weeks,

and then it depends.

On what?

Well, I don't know how you
and Mother feel about this,

but I'm thinking of leaving
the Army

and trying to earn some money.

Are you?

I thought I might join one of
those merchant firms in the city

who trade with the Far East.

Any particular one in mind?

Well, I met this fellow in
Calcutta who works for Jardines,

and he said
he'd introduce me to them.

Well, quite honestly, Father,

life in the household cavalry
is very idle these days.

You know,
strictly for rich, young men

with nothing better to do.

Possibly, but you'll still be
on the reserve of officers,

won't you, in case of war?

War?
Where?

In Europe, James.

Not unthinkable, I'm afraid.

Well, if war does break out,
I'm quite ready.

I've been in action
since I last saw you.

Didn't I tell you?

Oh, yes, you wrote your mother,

about a skirmish
on the Afghanistan border.

Your letter nearly
frightened her to death.

Well, it only lasted
half an hour,

but it was quite thrilling.

This patrol I was commanding
got shot at by these tribesmen

from the side of a hill.

Still, I now know what it's like
to be under fire,

and I don't expect
German bullets

would sound any different.

Took on four more
indoor servants

and a man to do the garden.

One simply has to out there.

They're bone lazy,
those wretched natives.

James, I've put Miss Kingman
in the blue room.

Phyllis, Mother.

Yes, of course, darling.

I do hope you'll be comfortable.

Oh, I will be.

Well, come along down
and meet the servants.

If you'll excuse us.

Yes.

RICHARD:
Cheer up, Marjorie.

He could have done a lot worse.

Oh, these middle-class
Army people.

Just because they employ dozens
of native servants,

they think themselves equal
to everyone.

Backbone of the empire, my dear.

They sweat it out in places you
and I wouldn't be seen dead in.

Awful garrisons,

camps and bungalows in Africa,
India, Malay states,

and God knows where else.

Pestered by flies
and limp from the heat.

I think if they can find a bit
of comfort, they deserve it.

I just wish she wouldn't
talk to Hudson

as though he were
an Indian houseboy.

Well, she's the sort of girl
who will learn quickly.

Besides, she's nervous.

Am I so frightening?

Not frightening, my darling,
just a little awe-inspiring

for the daughter of an Army vet.

A wee suggestion more cheese,
Miss Roberts?

- No, thank you, Mr. Hudson.
- Mrs. Bridges?

I've done.
Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

Ruby, plates.

Ah, Hudson.
Sorry, we're disturbing you.

No, no,
we've quite finished, sir.

May I bring in my fiancée?

Oh, indeed, sir, please.

Do sit down, all of you.

So, this is the servants' hall.

How very cheerful
and comfortable.

I do hope we're not intruding
on your meal.

- Not at all, Miss.
- I just wanted to meet you all.

Well, this is Miss Kingman.

This is Mrs. Bridges
who cooks for us.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Very pleased to meet you.

Splendidly, of course.
Hudson you've met.

Roberts, who looks after Mother.

How do you do?

Rose, who looks after my sister
and everything in the house.

Ruby, who helps Mrs. Bridges,

and, oh, I haven't met you,
have I?

Oh, this is Joan, sir,
the new under house parlourmaid.

Yes.

Well, we mustn't keep you
from whatever you're doing.

Was India nice, Captain James?

Oh, yes, I enjoyed it very much,
thank you, Rose.

It's a very nice country.

Did you shoot any tigers, then,
Mr. James?

JAMES:
No, Mrs. Bridges.

But I did go out
on one tiger hunt.

Didn't get a shot, though.

Still, I brought back
Miss Kingman instead.

Thank you!

I'm sure we would all like to
offer you our congratulations,

sir, on your engagement.

Thank you very much, all of you.

I'm sure we shall get along
famously.

- Good evening.
- Good evening, sir.

Good evening, miss.

Nice, strong-looking girl.

Healthy.
That's something.

Stuck up, I'd say.

She'll keep him in order,
if anyone can.

Do you know, I reckon
he's a bit scared of her.

Not a bad thing neither.

Captain James
wants a strong woman.

Needs not wants, Rose.

Needs a strong woman.

Besides, you never know,
one of these days,

she might be the mistress
of this house.

Isn't that so, Mr. Hudson?

Aye, it is possible
Mrs. Bridges.

ELIZABETH:
Jeannette?

What are you doing here
at this time of night?

Oh.

I've just been making some sense
and order of your accounts.

There was no need.

I came round for precisely
the same reason.

Elizabeth.

You're still angry with me.

No, I'm not angry.

What, then?

I'm just a little disappointed,
I suppose.

I'm sorry.

Julius, I know you've always
told me what you were like.

You were very honest about that.

I hope so.

But, you see,
I didn't believe you.

I thought that at last

I'd found someone
I could trust and lean on

and be loved by exclusively
and tenderly as I thought I was.

I made a very foolish mistake.

I fell in love with you.

It was very silly of me,

because, of course,
it was all an illusion.

It was just a silly dream.

You've been reading too many
cheap novels, Elizabeth.

The world is not like that.

You should not be
so hopelessly romantic.

You're bound to be injured.

I wanted so much
for us to be in love,

properly in love.

I thought you wanted an affair.

I dreamed of something more.

It was my fault.

Well, there's very little
I can say,

except to beg you not to spoil
our few happy months together

with bitter recriminations.

We are both adult people.

You are a married woman.

Let us preserve for always

what was just
a charming incident

in both our lives.

Yes?

Yes, I'll try.

PHYLLIS:
James.

JAMES:
Phyllis!

What in heaven's name?

You can't come in here
dressed like that.

Well, I can't get dressed

because you've got the key
to the big trunk.

Oh, dear, look,
I'll go upstairs at once.

If you could bring the key up.

JAMES:
It's all right.

Come here.

Only joking-

What if the butler
should come in?

Hudson is a man of the world.

Let me go, James.

I don't want to.

Elizabeth!

There you are!

My brave, bronzed brother.

Mind, you'll strangle me.

Let's look at you.

What's all this
about a hat shop?

I'm sorry.
This is my sister, Elizabeth.

Miss Kingman.

Hello, Elizabeth.

How do you do?

I came down to get the key
for my trunk.

Oh, I see.

How's life?

What about...

What about what?

Nothing.

ELIZABETH:
Lawrence?

You were going to say,
"What about Lawrence?"

Weren't you?

Yes, but I already know.
Mother wrote and told me.

So, you're Mrs. K.
but without Mr. K.

That's about right, James.

Lawrence and I are what is known
as separated.

It was all for the best,

so don't let's talk about it
anymore.

I expect it's a great thrill
for you

to have your dear brother
back again, isn't it?

May the 6th tomorrow.

Mother's birthday.

Or had you forgotten?

No, I hadn't forgotten.

I gather we're to have a little
dinner party to celebrate it.

Family dinner.

Just the six of us.

Then it won't be
exclusively family, will it?

I'm looking forward
to meeting your friend.

Mother says
he's enormously rich.

Aren't you clever?

ELIZABETH:
Julius may not come.

Oh, why?

He may be too busy.

That would be a pity.

Well, if you'll excuse me,

I think I shall go
and dress for dinner.

And if you wish to complete
your toilet upstairs,

I'm sure James will excuse you.

JAMES:
Sorry about that.

It's all right.

My sister takes a little time
to get used to people.

I expect she's very fond of you.

And perhaps a little jealous.

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Not in bed yet?

No, not quite.
Anything wrong?

Nothing.

Just felt like a little talk,
that's all, before turning in.

Nice surprise.

Well, it's been very much
James' day.

As I've spent the whole evening

trying to make my future
daughter-in-law feel at home,

I think it time I paid some
attention to my own daughter.

Oh, Father, how sweet.

Do you mind if I get into bed?

No, please do.
You'll catch a cold.

I'm sure Phyllis
is a splendid girl.

Probably just what James needs
for a wife,

but I hardly think
she's the sort of person

that needs to be made to feel
at home.

That's what your mother said.

The truth is
she's trying too hard,

overanxious to make
an impression.

Father, I don't know what to do
about Julius.

I'm so deeply in his debt.

You still seeing him?

Your mother
seemed to think that...

What?

RICHARD: That things
had cooled off between you.

Yes, they have.

But how can I let him go out
of my life owing him so much?

You owe him nothing, Elizabeth.

He bought you as he tried to
buy us, your mother and me.

It may have cost him
the lease of this house

and the price of a hat shop,

but he got what he wanted and
don't you forget it, my dear.

I don't wish this to sound harsh
or indelicate,

but I think you ought to know

that as a result
of my introducing him,

at his own request, to Sir
William Gates and Lord Newton,

Julius Karekin has been asked to
advise the Conservative party

on financial investment
and expenditure.

He's become a close friend
of Arthur Balfour's

and is a candidate
for the Athenaeum.

He has had his...

ELIZABETH:
Pound of flesh.

If you wish to put it that way.

I do.

Put him out of your mind,
Elizabeth.

Father, what's wrong with me?

I want so much to be married,
happily, and have children.

Just to be ordinary.

Perhaps I never will be.

Oh, it's just that the right man
hasn't come along yet,

that's all.

But he will one day.

Plenty of time.

Is there?

I'll put out the light.

You get some sleep.

Father, what would I do
Without you?

There.

Ohh.

You get some sleep.

Right, take the cellar keys
and get out six bottles

Right, take the cellar keys
and get out six bottles

of the Heidsieg '98.

Mind you, don't drop them, Rose.

Six bottles!

Phew, that's a lot of champagne
for six people.

Here, that's a bottle each.

Hoo, they'll be halfway round
the Marble Arch

afore they get
to the fish course.

Today is her ladyship's
birthday, Rose,

and Captain James is home
and engaged to be married.

Twin events which call
for a family celebration.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

They want to dine
at half past 8:00, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, Mr. Karekin will not be
dining after all, Mrs. Bridges.

Her ladyship telephoned
Lady Prudence

to come and make up the number.

Ooh, Lady Prudence.

Oh, well,
that's more like family.

I'd sooner have her
to my birthday dinner

than that
coffee-coloured Arabian.

Armenian, Mrs. Bridges.

Here you are, Mrs. Bridges.

- All for you.
- Ooh, Rose.

Then see how you get on
with cooking the dinner.

All right, Rose, go and get the
dining room laid for luncheon.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, what a nice letter
from Nanny webster.

You never catch her forgetting
a family birthday.

Oh, dear, her writing's
getting so shaky.

I'm not surprised considering
she was almost blind

when she left here last year.

How kind people are to remember.

And thank you again, my darling,
for the beautiful pendant.

I shall wear it tonight.

Oh, isn't it a lovely morning.

So it should be
for your birthday.

And James' first day home.

Where is James, by the way?
I haven't seen him this morning.

He breakfasted early and walked
through St. James' Park

with your father.

I have to go out now, darling,
so will you take care of Miss...

- Phyllis.
- Yes, Phyllis.

Be nice to her.

Yes, I'll try.

It says in The Morning Post

the king's confined to his room
at Buckingham Palace

with a bad attack of bronchitis.

Oh, dear.

Well, the doctors will get him
well again. They always do.

Good morning, Elizabeth.

Phyllis.

Dear.

There, now, what would you like
to do this morning?

Well, I had thought of going
to the Army & Navy.

It's not far from here, is it?

No, not all that far.

I have to order some things
for my father.

Well, then,
I shall accompany you.

If you will allow me to.

That would be splendid.

Perhaps we could walk.
It's a fine morning.

Phyllis,
I want to apologize to you.

I was insufferably rude
yesterday.

Please forgive me.

Oh, dear me, that's all right.
I don't mind.

It's no excuse for bad manners,
but I'd...

Well, I'd just...

I was feeling sorry for myself
and rather wretched

and I took it out on you.

Don't mention it.

I do understand.

I'm glad you and James
are going to marry.

And I hope we can be
great friends.

Oh, I know we shall, Elizabeth.

Let's get our hats on
and go shopping.

I shall try to cheer you up.

Oh, hello, darling.

All alone?
Where's Phyllis?

Upstairs gossiping to Elizabeth.
They'll be down soon.

Sherry, Mother?

MARJORIE:
Ah, no, I'll wait.

They get on remarkably well,
don't they?

Yes.

I'm glad.

She's a very friendly girl.

Yes.

And I'm sure she'll make
a charming and a good wife.

I know she will, Mother.

She doesn't mind
about you leaving the Army?

Not a bit.

She's happy
with whatever I decide.

Of course, being the wife of
a captain in the Life Guards

is very different

from being the wife of a clerk
in a trading company

in Leadenhall Street.

JAMES:
Oh, but, Mother.

Yes, I know it's only
for a short time

while you're learning
the business.

But your salary
will be very small.

You'll have to live
very simply and economically.

I just don't want
your relationship

to be under too much of a strain
from the outset.

You do know what I mean,
don't you?

I can assure you, Mother, that
Phyllis would be happy anywhere.

We are in love with each other,

and we believe in a lot
of the same things.

We're going to provide you with
lots of lovely grandchildren,

so don't worry.

No, I won't.

Ah, there you all are.

Come and have some sherry,
Phyllis.

Oh, thank you, Lady Marjorie.

Did you two find what you wanted
at the Army & Navy?

Yes.

Yes, and then we had tea
at Gunter's

We had so many parcels we could
hardly get into the cab.

Lady Prudence Fairfax, my lady.

MARJORIE:
Pru.

Many happy returns,
my dear Marjorie.

Oh, what a lovely
family gathering.

Ah, you must be Miss Kingman.
How do you do?

How do you do?

Miss Lizzie hardly touched
her dinner.

She's heartbroken, poor soul.

Well, in my opinion, she's well
rid of that Armenian creature.

Most unsuitable.

Well, anyway, Miss Kingman
made a good, healthy meal.

Two helpings of fish and
goodness knows how many potatoes

with her veal.

Isn't that what you said, Rose?

Yeah, but she's got
Captain James.

Miss Lizzie's got no one.

Rose, fetch some wine glasses
from the pantry.

Ooh, bubbly!

The old ones, not the best.

With the master and her
ladyship's compliments.

- Ooh!
- For us?

Aye, two bottles, Mrs. Bridges.

The master suggested
we might care to celebrate

the events of the day down here.

I'm quite partial to a glass
of champagne from time to time.

Oh, well, on special occasions.

Here we go now.

Ohh, there she blows.

Now, hold it steady, now, Rose.

Lovely.
Mrs. Bridges.

One for Miss Roberts.

Come on, Joan, my girl,
over here.

You have a wee drop as well.

Only a wee drop for her.

There we are now.

Well, this is
a pleasant surprise.

Prudence, dear.

Oh, thank you, Richard.

You know, you shouldn't
spoil me like this.

After all, I'm really an
intruder on a family occasion.

That's nonsense, Pru,
and you know it.

We all look on you
as one of the family.

Don't we, James?

Oh, well, personally,
I have the greatest difficulty

in stopping myself
from calling you Aunt Pru,

even though you're no relation.

Ah, James, what a sweet thought.

All the same,
"Aunt Pru" rather conjures up

a stern, elderly spinster
with an ear trumpet,

not an elegant lady of fashion
like Lady P. Fairfax.

Dear James.

Elizabeth.
- Thank you, Father.

Now, drink it slowly, Elizabeth.

We don't want to have
to carry you up to bed.

James.

Well, my clears, I thought today
called for a little celebration

at 165 Eaton Place

because not only is it

the anniversary of the birth
of my precious wife,

we also have to welcome home
from India...

- Our precious son.
- Our gallant captain.

That's better.

And a warm family welcome,

and that includes you,
my dear Prudence, to Phyllis,

who is about to become

a charming new member
of our tribe.

Many happy returns of the day,
Marjorie.

And I know I speak
for all of us here

when I express the hope
that we may long continue

in the service of...

-[ Doorbell ringing]
- Front door.

In the loyal service
of our present employers.

To the family.

The family.

Front door, Rose.

Put your glass down.
See who it is.

They're not expecting anybody
else, are they, Mr. Hudson?

Not as far as I'm aware of,
Mrs. Bridges.

[Doorbell ringing]

Yes.

Wotcha, Rosie.

ROSE:
Sarah!

Where's the family?

Upstairs.

Here, what you doing coming in
by the front door?

Would you kindly announce us,
Rose?

Will I kindly what?

Well, it's your duty to announce
visitors, isn't it?

Here, you two get down there.

Come back, Sarah.
You can't go up there.

Oh, don't worry, Rose,
we'll announce ourselves.

[All talking]

I think he's exaggerating.

Hope you don't mind us
barging in, my lady,

but I just wanted to wish you
happy birthday.

Ooh, that's a very nice
drop of wine.

HUDSON:
Miss Roberts.

Well, just a drop.
I'm very partial.

It's very kind of them,
I must say.

Mr. Hudson, come quick.

What is it, Rose?

Thomas Watkins and Sarah,
large as life.

- what?
- where?

Upstairs in the drawing room.

They pushed past me,
said they'd come to call.

Well, you should have
stopped them, Rose.

I couldn't.

They was halfway up the stairs
afore I could blink.

Well, they've as much right
to be up there as anyone.

I mean,
they're not servants no more.

Whether they're actually
in service or not

is purely academic, my girl.

They are of the servant class
and, as such, have got no right

to go barging
into the drawing room,

especially under
the circumstances.

And with Mr. James up there,
too.

How dare they?

Watkins and Sarah were with us
here for a while, weren't you?

That's right, my lady.

We've got
this garage business now.

Buying and selling motor cars,
up in north London.

It's Kilburn, actually.

Thanks to a little windfall.

And Sarah's baby's due
next month.

That's splendid.

You're looking well, Sarah.

Oh, am I, my lady?

Ah, Hudson.

Evening, Mr. Hudson.

It's us, Mr. Hudson!

Ah, yes, good evening.

RICHARD:
Yes, Hudson?

Sir.

Do you want something?

Oh, no, sir.

I simply wanted to say

that if Mr. and Mrs. Watkins
would care to...

Some of the staff downstairs

would very much like
to see you -- them.

Mrs. Bridges, Rose.

I'm sure they would, Hudson,
in a minute.

I just want to give you
your present first, my lady.

Oh, Sarah, how very kind of you.

You shouldn't have done that.

She used to work here
as under house parlourmaid.

Really?
- Mm.

He was our chauffeur.

Then they got married and left.

She's pretty.

Sarah, it's a beautiful scarf.

Well,
it's not exactly your style,

but it is with our very
best wishes, me and Tom,

that is Mr. Watkins and myself,
my lady.

Thank you both.
I'm very touched.

It's our pleasure, my lady.

Everything all right
at the garage, Watkins?

Flourishing, thank you, sir.

Yeah, he's kept ever so busy
mending motor cars all day long,

ain't you, Tom?

Oh, that's good.

Well, perhaps you would both
like to go with Hudson now

and see the others?

Oh, yeah, well,
I want to show Rosie me hat.

Rose, that is.

Ta-ta, everybody.

Yeah, we'll go and taste some
of Mrs. Bridges' fruitcake.

Excuse us, my lady.

Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

Ah, what a surprise that was.

- Mm.
Extraordinary.

Looking very prosperous,
I thought.

I'm not surprised.

The motor-car trade, that's
the thing to be in these days.

I wouldn't mind.

Better than ladies' hats anyway.

Better than domestic service,
I should think.

Even in this noble house.

He'll get on, that young man,
I always said he would.

I think I'll just step out
onto the balcony

for a breath of fresh air.

Are you all right, James?

Oh, don't come out, Phyllis.

You'll catch cold without a wrap
or something.

Of course I won't.
It's warm.

Oh.

There you are,
the lights of London.

The heart of the empire.

Home.

Listen.

A sort of humming sound.
Can't you hear it?

Yes, it's coming from over
there, towards Victoria Station.

What's coming from towards
Victoria Station?

A sort of murmuring sound.

A train perhaps?

No, no.
Shh, listen.

It sounds like
a huge crowd of people.

- I'm afraid that's what it is.
- what?

There's a huge crowd
outside Buckingham Palace

just standing there,
Waiting for news,

has been since teatime.

Is the king very ill?

The man I met in the club
this afternoon said

they thought he might not live
through the night.

Well, oughtn't we to have
cancelled our dinner?

I saw no reason to spoil
a family evening.

Poor man.

Yes, it's a bad business with
Asquith being out of the country

and everything else.

If he does...

Well, he's had
such a short reign.

12 horsepower.

She's tuned up nice now.

She can do 35 miles an hour
downwind.

Honest, he drives ever so fast,
Tom does.

I'm terrified sometimes.

I mean,
what if a wheel come off?

Aye, well, we'll be getting
another motor oar soon.

I mean now that petrol sales
are picking up.

Well, how's Rosie, then?

Very well, thank you, Thomas.

THOMAS:
Miss Lizzie?

She's fine, too.

Seems a long time
since Greenwich, eh?

You, Mrs. Fellows and her leg.

Good days, weren't they?

While they lasted.

[Telephone rings]

Tell you one thing.
Bit like a sweat shop.

THOMAS: well, you must have
a drop more of this, then.

ROSE:
Oh, I've got plenty.

THOMAS:
Mrs. Bridges, what about you?

[Telephone rings]

Hello.

Mr. Richard Bellamy's residence.

Yes.

Sir John who?

Oh, yes.

Hold the line, if you please.

Where will they live, then?

Well, here for a while.

I mean, if James is going to
work in the city,

they'll have to be here.

Mm, you'll have a full house.

Yes, with Elizabeth home.

And not likely
to fly the nest again?

Well, not for the moment,
but one never knows.

Oh, our house is going to seem
very empty

Without Agatha clumping about
all over the place.

MARJORIE:
You've got Archie.

He sleeps most of the time now.

He's either asleep in a chair
at the club or a chair at home

or in his bed at night.

We've hardly exchanged a word
for three years.

Really?

He's getting old, my dear.

We're all getting old.

Oh, don't be so depressing.

Excuse me, my lady,

the master is wanted
on the telephone.

Yes, Hudson.

What is it?

Sir John Alexander, sir,
from the palace.

Oh. I'll take it
in the morning room.

THOMAS:
...past 9:00.

[ Laughter]

Ooh, that's plenty.

You always did like it.

If you don't mind,

I think we should put
the champagne away now

and disperse quietly.

Mr. Watkins, I expect you'd like
to take Sarah home.

Has something happened,
Mr. Hudson?

The king is dead.

[Bell chiming]

I wonder what sort of king
the new one will be.

Worthy.

Not the same.

Jack Alexander said

the queen sent for Mrs. Kepple
this afternoon

to come over and sit with him.

1901 to 1910.

The children will have
a new date to learn

for their history examinations.

Nine years
isn't very long for a reign.

Not quite a decade.

I wonder what the next 10 years
will be like.

Are you cold, Marjorie?

Just a shiver down my spine.

You ought to have something
round your shoulders.

It's all right.

Only someone walking
over my grave.

Come in, now.

Ah, I must go home soon.

Are you two coming in?
You'll catch cold out there.

ELIZABETH:
It's all right, Father.

It's quite warm.

Leave the children.

They'll come to no harm.

They're young-

Subtitling by
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)