Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 2, Episode 8 - Out of the Everywhere - full transcript

Subtitling by
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

[Clock ticking]

[ Hoofbeats in distance ]

[Bell rings]

That'll be them now.

Oh, Hudson.

Yes, sir?

Get some champagne, will you?

The, uh, special reserve.

Very good, sir.

Oh, Mrs. Kirbridge
has had a daughter.



Oh, really, sir?

That's very nice, sir.

Yes, a daughter.

Well.

[Sighs]
Well.

I still wish she hadn't chosen

to have it
in that dreadful nursing home.

Well, you know Elizabeth and her
fashionable unfashionable ideas.

It's so much more agreeable
at home.

What's so wrong
with having it at home?

Because everybody does, my dear.

Nursing homes are so antiseptic
and impersonal.

Avant-garde.

Have you seen a small notebook?



Thank heavens
it was an easy birth.

I shudder to think what a lot
of perfect strangers

would have done if there'd been
any complications.

The perfect strangers
are people trained

to cope with such exigencies.

A little, black notebook.

I'd written a draft notice
for The Times.

It's not the same thing at all.

Anyway,
it's a lovely little baby.

Yes.

Glad it wasn't a boy.

Why?

Different responsibility.
Oh, very different.

- Now, there are complications.
- Perhaps.

Schools, careers,
much more public altogether.

And girls can be hidden away,
forgotten?

Well, they are easier to handle.

Ah.

Yes.

Girls are better.

It's a little baby girl.

And that's all?

That is the information
that was imparted to me, yes.

Isn't that just like a man?

Doesn't know what the baby's
weight is nor nothing.

Nor whether her mother was
all right -- just as important.

Didn't you even hear if
Miss Elizabeth was all right?

No, Sarah,
Mr. Bellamy simply said,

"Kindly fetch
some special reserve, Hudson.

It's a little baby girl."

Oh-ho. Men!

Honestly.

EDWARD: Can't we have
some champagne, Mr. Hudson?

I mean, we should
wet the baby's head, as well.

Quite right, Edward.

Fetch the special reserve.

I think a drop of beer
might be in order.

A drop, Edward.

Oh, and while I remember it,

you can fetch that perambulator
down from the front hall

and put it out in the area
before somebody falls over it.

EDWARD:
Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- And, Edward?
EDWARD: Yes, Mr. Hudson?

- You may bring a quart of beer.
EDWARD: Oh, yes, Mr. Hudson.

After all, yes,
it is a bit of an occasion.

A bit of an occasion!
[ Chuckles ]

Bet it was more than a bit
of an occasion

when you arrived, Mr. Hudson.

MRS. BRIDGES: we're only born
once, you know, Mr. Hudson.

I don't recall much of it
myself, Mrs. Bridges.

I was very young at the time.

[ Laughter]

Oh, Mr. Hudson.
He is a wag.

Here we are, then, the very best
reserve -- mild and bitter.

So we can drink Miss Elizabeth's
health and, um...

And?

We don't even know her name.

Lucy Elizabeth.
The full name?

I think just Lucy.

MARJORIE:
Read it out again.

"Kirbridge, on the 17th inst.
at the Hallam nursing home,

to Elizabeth, the wife
of Lawrence Arthur Kirbridge,

a daughter, Lucy."

Mm, I think you're right.
Yes, that is better.

Ah, Hudson, thank you.

Well, no, I am not so sure.

"A daughter, Lucy Elizabeth".

- Oh, Richard.
-[ Cork pops ]

Well, it's awfully important
to get these things right.

Let's ask Hudson.

Hudson, "Lucy Elizabeth"
or just plain "Lucy"?

Oh, they're both very pretty
names, sir, for a little girl.

Yes, absolutely.

But I think just plain,
unvarnished "Lucy"

is best for this occasion.

I trust she'll be neither plain
nor unvarnished

as a young lady, sir.

That's very good, Hudson.

Very good, Hudson, yes.

- That'll be all.
- Thank you, sir.

Oh, Hudson.

Yes, my lady?

Uh, Nanny Webster
will be arriving on Friday.

That doesn't give you
much notice, I'm afraid,

but we thought
she ought to settle in

before Mrs. Kirbridge comes home
with the baby.

You all know each other.

It won't be like
a new nanny coming.

She met Sarah, too,
down at Southwold, so --

Something troubling you, Hudson?

Oh, no, my lady, it's, uh --

it's just that I thought perhaps
Nanny Webster had retired.

- You mean you hoped she had.
- I beg your pardon, sir?

Nothing will keep old nanny
from an addition to the family.

- No, my lady.
MARJORIE: Friday, then.

Perhaps you'd tell
the other servants.

Very good, my lady.

RICHARD: Have a bottle
of champagne downstairs.

- Oh, thank you very much, sir.
- To welcome the baby.

- Sir.
- And Nanny Webster.

Yes, sir.

I can feel the house
beginning to shake already.

I'm glad it was a little girl.

'Cause the clothes.

You can really dress
a little girl.

Most women want boys,
I can tell you that, my girl.

Most women wouldn't say thank
you for a girl, not first off.

Well, in the circumstances,
it's probably just as well.

Well, I like girls.

Sugar and spice and all things
nice, eh, Miss Roberts?

Well, she's hardly chosen
the most convenient time.

With Rose away, one has
hardly time to turn 'round.

Well, you don't have to worry

about turning 'round,
Miss Roberts.

There's no one after you.

I think there ought to be more
babies born into this household.

I could do with a drop of that
every day.

Keep me going-

I wouldn't mind if there was
one born every minute.

I'd look after them all.

I'd be the best nursery nurse
in the whole world.

Maid, Sarah -- nurserymaid.
That's what you're trained as.

Not a nurse, Sarah.
That's medical.

And you're a domestic.

I must write and tell Rose,
tell her all about it.

She'll be furious she was away,
missing everything like that.

Oh, I wouldn't half look after
that little baby.

I'm sure you'll be an excellent
nurserymaid, Sarah.

Miss Elizabeth
won't half be proud.

And doubtless you'll be
of great help to the nanny.

There ain't gonna be no nanny.

No?

Miss Elizabeth never made
no mention of no nanny.

Are you kept especially informed
of every move?

Well, what was
all that training for

if it wasn't
for looking after babies?

For helping, Sarah.

Nursemaids are there
to help the nanny.

No mention was made.

Well, you obviously know best.

Yes.

Anyway...

I've got something to do,
if you'll excuse me.

As if a family like this
would do without a nanny.

I wonder who the baby's like.

Like her mother, I'll be bound.

Like a little monkey.

Oh, Edward.

Really, Edward.

Well, it's only a baby.

And you were never once one
yourself, I suppose.

[ Clucking ]

You're like a couple
of old chickens.

Huh.
No doubt he was born like that.

[ Clucking ]

Oh, well, I've got
too much work to do.

I can't keep on all this
toing and froing and --

Toing and froing?

I can see we're gonna have some
of your tiddly cakes, Mrs. B.

-[ Laughing ]
- That's enough of your cheek.

Ohh.

MISS ROBERTS: well, really?
Whatever did you think?

Yes.

Well, what do you
think of this, then?

EDWARD:
Blimey!

Blimey's right.
What's all that, my girl?

This is my official uniform,
that's what all that is.

My official nursemaids uniform.

"My official
nursemaids uniform."

MRS. BRIDGES: well, you won't
be needing it yet a while.

Not be needing it?
My official duties start...

from the day the baby's born.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Go and take it off.

Got to get upstairs
and get all that nursery...

Miss Elizabeth will not be home
for at least another week.

We're shorthanded as it is,
so go and take it off.

SARAH: Mrs. Bridges,
I would remind you that I am --

There is work to be done
in the linen room.

I would remind you,
Mrs. Bridges,

that I am no longer employed in
the capacity of linen-room help.

Airs and graces.
Really, some people.

As Miss Elizabeth's
direct help in the nursery.

Poppycock.

A nurserymaid's just as much
as a servant as any of us.

That's not what they said
when they trained me.

I haven't got time
to sit here arguing with you.

I've got something better to do.

Miss Elizabeth will not be home
for at least another week.

-"In my official uniform."
- Aah.

- Oh, Edward!
- Oh really, Edward.

Now look
what a mess you've made.

- HUDSON: Ladies.
- MRS. BRIDGES: Really.

Just before you return
to your respective duties,

the master has decided --

- To chop off our heads.
- That's quite enough, Edward.

Some strong tea for you,
I think.

No, the master has permitted us
a bottle of champagne

-to wet the new baby's head.
- MRS. BRIDGES: Oh.

That's very nice.

Furthermore, a new member of
the staff is about to join us.

Fetch some glasses, Edward.

Well, not quite a new member,
in fact.

Someone who is, in fact,
familiar to most of us.

HUDSON:
Nanny.

I had to ring twice.

I hope this is not a symptom
of domestic disorder.

Certainly not, Nanny.
You merely anticipated me.

I had to ring for you twice.

I see you've taken
to wearing spectacles, Hudson.

Well, of course,
you're getting on now.

I only need them
for close work, Nanny.

Really?

Oh, these small London houses.

I hope everything is in order,
Hudson.

For instance,
while I was waiting for you

to answer the door,

I had time to notice the baby's
perambulator in the area.

Now, that hardly seems
the place for it.

It'll rust in wet weather.

Kindly see that it's brought up

and kept in here
in the front hall in future.

I shall see to it at once.

Yes, I see I shall have my work
cut out, as usual.

Well, may we not proceed?

It's disconcerting enough

to be kept waiting interminably
outside.

Her ladyship will receive you
in the morning room, Nanny.

Nanny Webster, my lady.

Oh, thank you, Hudson.
Send Sarah up to me, will you?

Very good, my lady.

Fancy leaving a perambulator
in the area.

Ah, honey.

Edward?
EDWARD: Yes, Mr. Hudson.

The area is hardly
the most suitable place

-for the perambulator.
- But, Mr. Hudson --

Why don't you bring it up here
into the front hall?

- But, Mr. Hudson, you --
- At once, Edward.

You may find Sarah
somewhat high-spirited at first.

- Do sit down, Nanny.
- Thank you, my lady.

You remember her, of course,
from Southwold.

I'm afraid she was rather,
well, unfortunate.

Unfortunate?
Yes, my lady.

Have you got your corsets off?

- Nanny.
- Oh.

Well, whatever she was
or might have been,

she's very keen on helping
to bring up the baby.

I think you'll find
her enthusiasm quite touching.

But I don't want to concern
myself with her feelings.

I merely wish
for somebody to help

with the menial tasks
around the nursery.

You know, it can't be good for
you to be without your corsets.

But it's much more comfortable.

Ah, Sarah, come in.

You wanted me, my lady.

You remember Nanny Webster,
of course, from Southwold.

Oh, yes, my lady.

You take your time.

Huh, absurd.

Quite absurd.

Absurd.

I suppose this was perpetrated

by one of those fashionable,
modern decorators.

Quite unsuitable.

This is the night nursery.

Well, I know.

What are these?

- They're feeding bottles.
- Feeding bottles?

Well, we shan't be needing those
for months.

- Put them away.
- Oh, yes, we will.

Miss Elizabeth's
bottle-feeding the baby.

- Is she, indeed?
- Yes, Nanny.

I shall have words with madam
when she returns.

A baby should always be fed
by mother.

I suppose you approve of these
fashionable, modern notions.

Well, go down
and fetch up the nursery lunch.

But the baby's
not even home yet.

She'll have her dinner down here
with us.

I tried to tell her that,
Mrs. Bridges,

but she won't budge, honest.

Who does she blimmin' well
think she is?

Ooh. Duchess of Southwold
or something?

She says from now on,

she's to have all her meals
in the nursery.

Oh, well, she can think again.

And she says you're to out
all the fat off her meat.

What? If she imagines
I've got nothing better to do...

Now, what's all the trouble,
Mrs. Bridges?

It's Nanny, Mr. Hudson.

She won't have her meals
down here with us.

- won't she?
- No. She's ever so determined.

I said to her...

Lady Muck is too grand to have
her dinner down here with us.

She hasn't changed.

Perhaps for today, Sarah,
just for today,

since Nanny's just arrived.

Yes. I expect everything
will be all right

when Mrs. Kirbridge gets back.

Welcome home, Mrs. Kirbridge.

Thank you, Hudson.

I must say,
it's nice to be home.

Edward, would you
take my case up for me?

EDWARD:
Yes, madam.

Can I have a peep, madam?

Oh, ain't she lovely?

ELIZABETH: That's what everyone
keeps saying.

SARAH:
She got a lot of hair.

I never realized
they had so much hair.

She's ever so like you, madam.

Rubbish. They all look like
the late queen -- babies.

Where's my mother, Hudson?

Oh, her ladyship is out, madam.

We weren't expecting you
till teatime.

Oh, I couldn't stand that place
another moment.

There you are, Sarah.
There's your charge.

I'm dying for a glass of sherry.

Will you take her up to Nanny
for me?

Now, then.

Ain't you
a little lambykins, eh?

Isn't she a little lambykins,
Mr. Hudson?

Oh, very nice.

Hello, baby.

Oh, she has got a lot of hair,
hasn't she?

I had none at all
when I was born, so I believe.

SARAH: Come on, now.
We'll go upstairs.

Give me that child.

- It's all right, Nanny.
- Give me that child.

I've been waiting, my girl,
Waiting for you.

I was just talking
to Miss Elizabeth.

It's not your place,
a girl the likes of you.

Mind little Lucy. You're
holding her ever so tight.

And don't be familiar with baby.

She is "baby" to you
at all times.

You're in no place
to be familiar with baby.

You're to have nothing
to do with her at all.

Do you understand?
Nothing at all.

[ Hoofbeats ]

Oh, at last.
Here they are.

MARJORIE:
Priscilla dear.

And Harriet.

I'm so sorry
we've kept you waiting.

Well,
we conscientious godparents,

we were a little early,
weren't we, Harriet?

Morning, Priscilla, Harriet.

A telegram arrived
just as we were leaving.

I'm afraid my father's
had another stroke.

Oh, dear.

I'll have to go back
to Southwold again tomorrow.

Has the vicar not arrived yet?

Well, we haven't seen anyone
so far.

S-Shall we go in, do you think?

No, we were to meet outside.

What do you think
of your godchild, Priscilla?

Delightful.

Does she bite?

[ Hoofbeats ]

Elizabeth looks
frightfully well, doesn't she?

Lawrence, there was really
no need for you to come.

Just for the sake
of appearances, that's all.

We must do things correctly.

What about afterwards
at Eaton Place?

There'll be champagne.

I shan't let you down.

Good morning.

VICAR: Lady Marjorie,
forgive my tardy appearance.

A parish meeting delayed me.

Are we all gathered?

MARJORIE:
Yes, I think we are.

If we could start, Vicar.

I have to be back at Westminster
by noon.

Ah, yes, of course.
Affairs of state, what?

Well, come on in, everybody,

and we will baptize this child
without further delay.

Oh, Lord, I do so hope
I don't have to hold the infant.

I'm always so terrified
its head's going to drop off

or something ghastly.

[Both chuckle]

[Organ music playing]

Godparents.

Baby.
Splendid.

Need the baby.

A-And you'll be the father.

I'll be the father.

No doubt about that.

No doubt at all.

VICAR: Has this child
been already baptized or no?

Uh, no.

Dearly beloved,

for as much as all men
are conceived and born in sin

and that our saviour Christ

saith, "None can enter
into the kingdom of God

except he be regenerate

and born anew
of water and of the Holy Ghost,"

I beseech you to call upon
God the Father

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

that of his bounteous mercy
he will grant to this child

that thing which by nature
she cannot have,

that she may be baptized
with water and the Holy Ghost

and received
into Christ's holy church

and be made a lively member
of the same.

There, that's better, eh, baby?

Yes.

Here you are, Nanny.
I'll do that.

You don't want Mrs. Bridges'
best gammon and parsley

-getting cold, do you?
-What I want and don't want

is a matter for myself
and myself alone.

Oh, Mrs. Bridges says you was
extra partial to gammon --

Mrs. Bridges can hold her tongue
about my partialities.

Yes, Nanny.

You have to
fold the corners, girl.

Don't just trample them
under the mattress

as if they was
old handkerchiefs.

No, Nanny.

There.

There.

Yes.
Yes, baby.

Ah, ah, be careful
with those robes, girl.

They have to go back
to Southwold.

Priceless things, those robes.

[Sighs]

That is not a dress
for baby's afternoon walk.

I suppose you want to make
everybody in Eaton Place

think we've gone down
in the world.

If you think we can
tolerate ironing like that

in the nursery,
you're making a big mistake.

I spent half an hour on that
yesterday.

I can only say I am sorry that
you have wasted half an hour.

I'll iron it again.

You will wash it again,
that's what you'll do.

And you'll starch it and iron it

and go for it
in nursery standards.

Yes, Nanny.

And next time,

you will remember that it is
silk for the afternoon.

But, Nanny, yesterday --

Now, don't be impertinent.

Giving back answers.

You're very lucky
to be even allowed in a nursery.

A girl like you.

I can't eat this.
It's cold.

I will not eat cold food.

I suppose I shall have to
content myself

with the custard, as usual.

We seem to live on nothing
but custard these days.

-[ Baby crying]
- Oh.

Ah, ah.
I will attend to baby.

We told you, we do not wish you
to handle baby at any time.

You're here to assist,
not to handle.

- I was only gonna rock her.
- Don't answer back.

And what are you doing
with those?

They should be airing.

I was going to air --

Things should always be aired

before putting them
on the child.

There, there.

Come on, come to Nanny.

Come to Nanny.

There's Nanny's little girl.

There's Nanny's girl.

There.

That's it.

[Grunts]

Well, pass me that bottle,
whatever it is.

There.

You clumsy, stupid girl.
Can't you do anything right?

- Nanny, it was you!
- You're lucky it wasn't broke.

Now, listen to me, my girl,

one more instance
of your impertinence,

one more instance of your
appalling, slovenly ways,

and I'll have you dismissed.

Nurserymaid, indeed.

It's quite clear to me
that you're more suited

to the scullery
than to the nursery.

You should be washing dishes
and scrubbing floors.

Just don't let me ever see you
handling this baby

when my back is turned.

Not ever.
Do you understand?

- But Lady Marj--
- Not ever.

There's a good girl.

ELIZABETH;
What is it?

Madam?

ELIZABETH:
Yes, Sarah, what do you want?

W-Well, madam --

I haven't much time, Sarah.

I do hope
it's something important.

Well, it is a bit urgent, madam.

You haven't chosen the best
of moments, have you?

Oh, this wretched hair of mine.

It's just that I think you
ought to know what's going on,

-if you see what I mean.
- No, I don't see what you mean.

- Oh, I do miss Rose.
- Yes, madam.

Well, you see, it's about Nanny,

well, that is,
me and Nanny, really.

Oh, dear, the very first evening
I'm asked out,

and there has to be
some little drama.

I don't actually want to be
bothered with it now, Sarah.

I don't want to bother you,
madam.

It's not that at all.
It's about the baby.

My measurements have gone back
to precisely what they were.

What do you think of that,
Sarah?

It normally takes one months

to recover one's figure
after having babies.

Yes, madam,
but, um, getting back to Nanny.

It's not just that she's old.

I mean, there's nothing wrong
in being just old,

but she don't seem to be able
to manage proper,

as you would wish.

My gloves.

You see, madam,

I don't think she's suitable
to look after a baby.

Not a little baby,
really she isn't.

And are you suitable to tell me?
Really, Sarah.

Who could be more suitable
to look after a baby than Nanny?

You're talking nonsense.

I'm not, madam.
I've seen her do things --

Nanny Webster has been in this
family since my mother was born.

She brought me up.
She brought up my brother.

She brought all of us up.

And if that doesn't
make her suitable.

I'm just afraid
she'll do something foolish.

I hardly think she's the sort of
person to do something foolish.

Now, would you get me my wrap?

And if you think that perhaps
you are more suitable than Nan--

My wrap.

I should have thought you
would have been able to cope.

I didn't know I'd have to cope
with Nanny.

I need a new dress.
I need lots of new dresses.

Look, perhaps if you had a word
with her, madam.

Sarah, the very reason
for Nanny Webster being here

is so that I do not have to keep
going to have a word with her.

It is your baby!

My bag.

You haven't hardly seen her
since you come home.

Pass me my bag.

Not proper.

Sarah!

You don't really care about her,
do you?

Stupid, impudent girl!
Get out of here.

Yes, madam.

My first evening out,

and you have to come sneaking
in here to me

with your wretched servants'
tittle-tattle.

You may go!

- Oh, my wretched hair.
-[ Door slams]

Mmm, delicious.

Very good.
Thank you, Mrs. Bridges.

I don't how I manage,
all this toing and froing.

Froing and toing.

Meals in odd places,
special orders.

Then half of it's left.

As if my work
wasn't hard enough.

You manage because you're
a saint, Mrs. Bridges.

Did you see that blackberry
and apple last night?

Came back down untouched.
Untouched.

Might just as well
have been moldy.

Oh, it was a very nice pie,
Mrs. Bridges, one of your best.

Absolutely, Mr. Hudson.

[Burps]

Pardon.

SARAH:
God's truth.

MISS ROBERTS: Here comes
the bearer of good tidings.

Them stairs --
I'll get fat legs.

What's the damage tonight,
then, Sarah?

What's the news
from the battlefront?

She don't like gravy with a lot
of fat in it, Mrs. Bridges.

What?

SARAH: And in future, she'd like
a separate gravy made special

in a little jug.

Oh, she would, would she?

We'll soon see about that.

Where are you going,
Mrs. Bridges?

To see Nanny
about her special gravy.

Now, Mrs. Bridges --

- we'll soon see about that.
- Mrs. Bridges, I would --

It is nothing to do with you,
Mr. Hudson.

Can't expect you to begin
to understand

how a cook feels
when she's been insulted.

Fatty gravy, indeed.

No, I-I'm quite sure
I cannot possibly imagine

the pain you are feeling,
Mrs. Bridges.

When she left all that

beautiful gammon and parsley
the other day.

It is just a question
of dignity.

Yes.

And my dignity has been hurt,
Mr. Hudson, I can tell you.

Nothing hurts
a cook's dignity more

than chance remarks
about her gravy.

Oh, we all know what
an excellent cook you are,

Mrs. Bridges,
and we all appreciate it.

But if Nanny Webster chooses to
fiddle about with the good food,

that, then, is Nanny Webster's
loss, not yours.

We don't want her to think that
she's getting the better of you.

Oh, well,
if you put it like that.

Let her stew in her own juice,
eh, Mrs. Bridges, not yours?

That is the general idea,
Edward, yes.

Perhaps you're right.

- Yes.
- Good.

But I'm having no more
special orders.

SARAH:
You lot.

Honestly.

All you lot care about

is whether Nanny wants the fat
out off her meat

or whether she likes your stupid
blackberry-and-apple tart.

Huh, such eloquence.

Not whether she's a fit
and proper person

to look after a little baby.

We thought that was
your concern, Sarah,

your private territory.

For all you lot care, she could
be standing it on its head

and feeding it neat gin,
for all you lot care.

Of course, we all know
how much you do, Sarah,

how much you care.

Yes, you do, Miss Roberts.

HUDSON:
Sarah!

I've just been discussing
the matter of one's dignity,

and Mrs. Bridges, being a woman
of sufficient experience,

understood
what I was talking about.

It does not enhance us
as servants to lose our dignity,

and I would remind you, Sarah,
of that fact.

And I'm surprised I even need
mention it to you, Miss Roberts.

Now, I want no more
of this time-wasting squabbling

between servant persons --
no more of it.

Do you understand?

We've got a house to run.

We must make sure
that it is run efficiently.

That means a little baby's
got to learn to run efficiently.

HUDSON:
Sarah.

So she can fit into
your neat pattern of things,

into your lovely,
Well-run household.

Oh, Sarah, I've had quite enough
of your melodramatics.

You -- You dramatize everything
quite out of proportion.

And since you're
constantly reminding us

of how you're no longer in
the employ of the kitchen floor,

I will be extremely grateful
if you confine your dramas

to the floor where they belong,
the nursery floor.

Oh, you don't understand,
any of you.

[ Sobbing ]

And you can take that stupid
look off your face, Edward.

Now then, little Lucy,

Now then, little Lucy,

first of all,
We're gonna soap you all over.

Make a nice, clean girl, eh?

That's right.

Now then, to rinse it all off.

Oh, ever so careful.

There you are.

Mind your head.

Oh, that's nice, isn't it, eh?

Brr.

A little swim.

That's right.

Rinse it all off.

You don't want to stay in
too long.

You'll get cold, won't you?

Now then, mind your head.
That's it.

Oh.
There's a clever girl.

There you are now.

Oh, is that nice, eh?

Now you're a pretty girl,
isn't you?

When you grow up, you're
gonna be the prettiest girl

in the whole of Eaton Place.

Probably be a princess.

Marry a prince
if there's one going.

Shall we sing
a little song now, eh?

Warm up.

♫ London Bridge
is falling down ♫

♫ Falling down, falling down ♫

♫ London Bridge
is falling down ♫

You hussy.

I expressly told you

you were to have nothing to do
with that child.

- It's all right, Nanny.
- It is not all right.

I'll have you dismissed.

- But, Nanny, it's all right.
- Give me that baby.

- Honestly, Nanny.
- Give me that ba-

Aah!

Ohh.

You stupid, clumsy girl.

Yes.

Just as well
I was only practicing.

If only her ladyship were home,
I could tell her.

I've weighed out them raisins.

She'd listen. I could tell her.
She'd understand.

Oh, fuss, fuss.

No, Mrs. Bridges, you've no idea
what it's like up there.

- Oh.
- Honestly, Mrs. Bridges,

I'm afraid to leave that baby
alone...with her.

[ Chuckles ]

We won't let any harm
come to baby, will we?

'Course we won't.

'Cause Nanny's looked after
you all, hasn't she,

for nearly 50 years.

There's Lady Marjorie.

That's Granny.

Granny.

Hm.

And his young lordship
and Uncle James

and then Mummy
and now baby Lucy.

[ Baby fusses, cries]

Oh, we want our supper,
don't we?

'Course we do.

Must be getting late.

Oh.

[Grunts]

Oh, this room is so dismal.

We must have some more light on
here, mustn't we?

We shan't be able
to see what we are doing, hmm?

-[ Crying continues]
- All right, all right.

Oh, doesn't seem
to make much difference.

Gas was much more satisfactory.

Now, what was I gonna do?

Oh, yes.

Oh, if only that wretched,
stupid girl

would leave everything ready.

If only she knew her job.

That's right.

Aah!

Oh.

It was only in odd patches
at first.

Just odd patches.

[ Baby crying ]

All right, my love,
Nanny's coming.

[Grunts]

There.

All right, my pet,
don't you worry.

No.

Nanny look after you, yes.

There you are.

Oh, dear,
going to do your old crying.

That's a good girl.

There.

There.
Nanny look after you, won't she?

Mm.

Just as she's looked after
all the rest.

Yes.

There.

Yes, and you need Nanny,
don't you, my sweetie?

Yes.

And Nanny there.

You need Nanny, don't you?

[ Baby crying ]

[Crying stops]

[Crying resumes]

[Knock on door]

Yes?

[ Door opens ]

Madam?

Ah, Sarah!
Sarah, come in.

I feel just in the mood
for a chat.

Madam --
- Oh, I'm so bored up here.

Now, how is everything?

Well, that's what I want to talk
to you about.

Everything, that is.
- Good, good.

I'm just in the mood
to hear everything talked about.

Yes, well --

How's the baby?

The baby?

- The baby's fine.
- Good.

She's still taking her bottle
all right?

Yes.
Well --

And you're managing better
with Nanny now.

Well, not exactly.

That's what I want to talk
to you about.

Not again. No more tales
from the nursery floor, please.

They are not tales
from the nursery floor, madam.

They're tales
concerning your baby.

Sometimes, Sarah, I find you
most dreadfully sullen,

particularly when I'm in
the middle of such a good book.

Oh, I'm sorry, madam.

I didn't mean your baby to
interfere with your good book.

Not only sullen, Sarah,
but rather impertinent.

Because I agreed you should
help look after the baby,

it doesn't follow that I agreed

you should help look after me,
as well.

It's not that at all.

It's just...

I love that little baby
like she was me own.

You mean you'd like
to make her your own?

No.

Well, you can't,
because she's mine.

I'm sorry, Sarah,
but I'm just very tired still.

And I'm tired of people

coming in and out of my room
all day long

with various stupid theories
about babies

and what to do with them
and what not to do with them.

I'm just very tired still.

Perhaps you don't fully realize

just how tired one feels
after you've had a baby.

I know how you feel.

And it's because of that

that I want to make sure
that little Lucy's looked after

the way a baby
should be looked after.

Because I do know how you feel.

I'm sorry, Sarah.

That was very thoughtless.

I should have remembered.

Nothing left to remember now.

Tell me what's the matter.

Well, ever so early
this morning,

I heard the baby crying,

so I crept down
to the night nursery,

and I seen the baby lying there.

Now we've got rid
of all that nasty windies,

we go back in our cot, shall we?

Yes, of course we will.

What a good baby it is.

Oh.

What a silly old Nanny we are,
aren't we?

There.
That's better, isn't it?

- Now we'll have a --
- Nanny.

[ Gasps ]
Oh, Elizabeth, you startled me.

Hello, Nanny.

Nanny likes people
to knock on the nursery door

before they come in.

It's essential
for the avoidance of accidents.

Well, coming creeping
into a room like that

can make something silly occur.

Sorry, Nanny.

Nursery discipline
is nursery discipline,

and everybody must observe it.

Yes, Nanny.

Now, once you give in
to one thing,

it's the foot in the door.

And a nursery can go downhill
faster than anything.

One moment law and order,
the next moment chaos.

Of course, Nanny.
I understand.

Hmm. Nanny would be
very surprised if you do.

Remembering your idea
of tidiness,

I should be very surprised

if you had a notion
of what I'm talking about.

I do understand, Nanny.
Really I do.

You've never been one
for babies, have you, Elizabeth?

Other little girls loved
their dollies, but not you.

You'd always be rather
playing around with the dogs

or clambering up trees.

And every Christmas,

your poor father would bring you
beautiful dolls,

prettiest you could wish to see,

but they just sat on the
nursery shelf gathering dust.

Complete waste of money.

Perhaps Lucy might like
all my old dolls.

Oh, she might.

She has no daddy
to buy them for her.

- Nanny. Nanny, I was --
- You know, in my opinion,

it was a great pity
about that business, Elizabeth.

A nice young man like that, and
you couldn't be happy with him.

Nanny, I did not come here
to talk about --

Things aren't always
what we expect.

I want to --

Now, Nanny doesn't like people

standing about in the nursery
gossiping,

so I think it would be just
as well if you were to go now.

Nanny.

We must allow nothing to
interfere with nursery routine.

- I actually came to ask --
- Run along, dear,

and Nanny will bring baby down
to see you after tea.

I shall be out.

Oh, well, that's entirely
your own affair.

As I said, you were never one
for playing with your dollies.

Nice to see you back, my lady.

Sir.

You must be bored stiff
of saying that, Hudson.

Sir?

Up and down to the country
like I don't know what.

Jack-in-the-box.

How's everyone, Hudson?
The baby, how's little Lucy?

ELIZABETH: Mama.
- Oh, hello, darling.

I must speak to you at once.

You look so much better. Doesn't
she look better, Richard?

- Mm.
- Not nearly so tired.

- Now, has --
- Mama, I have to speak to you.

It's a matter of great urgency,
really.

Don't bother to inquire

after your poor old grandfather,
will you?

You might be in danger
of seeming concerned.

I'm sorry, Papa.
How is he?

A little better
but still very ill.

What's the matter, darling?

Do we have to talk about --
in the hall?

Let's go inside.

Well, what is this matter
of great urgency?

It's Nanny and the baby.

RICHARD:
Nanny and the --

My dear, I'm sure
you'll quite understand

if I retire to the club
at this moment.

I'll be back in time for dinner.

- Mama --
- Now, calm yourself, darling.

Sit down.

I didn't believe Sarah at first,
but I do now.

Didn't believe Sarah about what?

About Nanny.

You see, Sarah came to me and
said that Nanny wasn't suitable,

that she was too old
to look after a baby,

and naturally,
at first I thought --

- That she was jealous.
Exactly.

But I believe her now,
because I've seen it for myself.

Mama, she can't even carry
the baby properly

Without bumping into things.

I can't think why
she doesn't wear spectacles.

She'd never admit
to needing them.

The other night she fell asleep
with the baby in her arms,

and Sarah found her
almost suffocating her.

Nanny's always been so reliable.
I just can't believe this.

You'll have to send her back
to Southwold.

She's not fit
to look after a baby,

and she's too old to be told.

- You tried telling her, did you?
- Yes.

Remembering your relationship
with her,

that must have been
a somewhat difficult task.

She won't be told anything,
least of all by me.

"Now, Elizabeth,
you know what you're like,

and you never did like dolls."

As if that had anything
to do with it.

I'll speak to her.

Yes, but speak to Sarah,
as well.

You must hear
what she has to say.

I intend to hear
what they both have to say.

[ Door opens ]

She'll see you now, Nanny.

MARJORIE:
Ah, come in, Nanny dear.

Now, Nanny has a host of things
to do in the nursery, my lady.

Never mind about them.
Come and sit down next to me.

Now, you like your coffee
nice and sweet, don't you?

I've very little time
for sitting about gossiping.

I know, but I've hardly
had time to talk to you

since you arrived,
so I do feel a bit guilty,

especially
as there seem to have been

one or two
unforeseen difficulties.

Difficulties?

Yes, I hadn't realized there'd
be quite so many complications.

NANNY:
That young girl, that Sarah,

she's the only complication,

with her head full
of fiddle-faddle.

She'd be the bane
of any nursery.

It must be a great strain
for you.

A great strain indeed.

Well, for someone like you

to have to cope with
all these extra complications.

I'd be all right
if I could be left alone

to get on with my work,

if I could just be left
in peace.

Nanny dear, you see,
I was afraid of this,

of it proving too much for you.

It was grossly unfair of me
to drag you out of retirement

without explaining properly

that I-l only wanted you
to supervise, as it were.

Supervise?

And not to feel
you had to run the whole --

Supervise?

I've been a nanny all my life,
not a supervisor,

whatever that may be.

I nannied you when I was
hardly more than a girl.

Yes.

You were always beautiful.

The best of all my babies.

Oh, fiddly little china
you have nowadays.

There's nothing substantial
in this house.

It was a wedding present, Nanny.
Don't you remember it?

From Lord and Lady Salisbury.

Oh.

Which reminds me,

James sent this from India
for Lucy's christening.

A little late, I'm afraid.

Oh!

Oh, there.
What is it?

It's a -- It's a teething ring,
isn't it?

NANNY:
Teething ring?

MARJORIE:
There.

You can take it up to her,
can't you?

Very well, my lady.

It is going to be too much
for you, isn't it, Nanny,

with the stairs and everything?

And, you see, we do really need
someone who's a little stronger.

But, Lady Marjorie --

Now, Nanny,
I know that you'd soldier on

without saying a word,
and I blame myself entirely

for not considering all the
problems, especially the stairs.

You've been listening
to tittle-tattle, child.

It was thoughtless of me,
to say the least,

to expect you to manage those
on top of everything else.

Everything el--

Yes, the stairs, I'm afraid,
are a little much for me.

Of course, nurserymaids are
the worst sort of gossip I know.

We had one at Southwold.
Oh!

I passed your cottage
when I was at Southwold.

It's so pretty

and so convenient for you
to share with Miss Bains.

That Miss Bains is an extremely
untidy old woman.

And the roses are so lovely
at this time of year.

[ Sniffles ]

So, thank you, Nanny.

Yes.

And, of course, I'll make
all the necessary arrangements.

Yes.
[ Sniffles ]

Yes.

Of course, it is the stairs
more than anything.

But the baby needs me.

Oh, I'll bring Lucy to see you.
We'll all come and see you.

You were never clumsy.

No.

We'll come and see you.

You've got your corsets
off again.

Oh, Nanny.

Are you coming upstairs, madam?

Upstairs?
What for?

To have tea with us --
me and Lucy.

Yes, all right.

Goodbye, my pet.

[ Smooches ]
Goodbye, Nanny.

I trust you'll have
a pleasant journey back, Nanny.

Thank you, Hudson.

I'm glad to say I've always been
a good traveller.

Always.

Subtitling by
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)