Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 3, Episode 3 - A Change of Scene - full transcript

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Oh, it's in print at last.
Congratulations!

Come out rather well, I think.
I've found a misprint already.

No, I think it looks
absolutely splendid.

Well done, Father.
Can I borrow this?

You can keep it.

I've inscribed
the first copy for you.

Thank you, Father.

I shall take it to the city
with me.

I'm sure it's more interesting
than the price of tea.

Oh, here.
Your letter.



Oh. Bunny Newbury asked me
to go shooting next weekend.

- I don't think I'll go.
- Well, why not?

You don't get out enough
these days.

Father!
You used to say I was always...

Dashing around?
- Yes.

Yes, well it has been
rather a quiet household

these past few months.

Change of scene
will do you good.

- Who else is going to be there?
- He doesn't say.

Just, "Come down next weekend.
Bring your gun."

Says he can supply me
with a loader.

I suppose I could take Edward.

Not that he knows anything
about guns.

Why not take Hudson?
He's an experienced loader.



I always found him
an excellent valet.

Hudson?
He wouldn't want to come.

Why on earth not?
He's country born and bred.

Whenever your mother and I
took him to Chatsworth,

he was delighted.

Possibly, but he'd find it

far beneath his dignity
to accompany me.

He and I haven't always
seen eye to eye.

Have we?

Now you have
a very good opportunity

to show you bear him
no ill will.

Ask him.

Oh, all right.
But I bet he won't want to come.

He thinks this house
would fall to pieces

if he wasn't here
to look after it.

Well, in that case
it'll do Hudson good

to know that
he's not indispensable.

JAMES: [Chuckles]

Oh, and here is the key
to my wine cellar, Mrs. Bridges.

I don't feel like giving it
into the hands of Edward.

I've told him that if he
needs it, he can ask you for it.

Very good, Mr. Hudson.

Well, I hope you have a pleasant
stay in Somerby Park.

The Marquis of Newbury
is quite young, I believe.

Only inherited last year,
Mrs. Bridges.

A rather rackety
young gentleman.

Oh, dear.

Nevertheless, I expect to find
a well-run household

as his lordship's mother,
the dowager marchioness,

is still in residence,
his lordship being unmarried.

Well, it'll make a nice change
for you, Mr. Hudson.

A change is not everything,
Mrs. Bridges.

I would much prefer
to stay here at my post.

I don't really want to go
at all.

Well, why do you go, then?

Well, one just does, you know?

I sometimes think
that people in society

are like migrating birds.

Well, they flock to Ascot,
and they flock to Goodwood,

and they flock to...

Scotland for the grouse and back
to England for the pheasant.

Thank you.

And they don't know
why they do it.

It's just that
everyone else does.

[Laughing ] You're
absolutely right.

Shall I stay at home?
Would you like me to?

Me?
What have I got to do with it?

Don't you think you'll miss me?

I doubt it.

With the amount of work
your father's given me to do,

I shall be much too busy.

[ Typing ]

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I think his lordship

is consulting
with the head keeper, my lord.

Don't worry, Makepeace.
I'll look after myself.

Ah, Kitty and Cocky
here already.

What a surprise.

Charles.
I'm so glad to see you.

We quite thought that everyone
was arriving this morning.

I suppose "come to lunch“
and "come to tea“

do look rather alike
in Bunny's handwriting.

Yes, they do.

Talking of tea...

Yes, I really do think
that poor old Makepeace

is getting quite senile.

I told him he could bring in tea
a quarter of an hour ago.

Perhaps he felt he should wait
for the rest of the guests.

Or even for our hostess.

Oh, Dolly will be having tea in
her boudoir with Mr. Weinberg.

So much smarter to have
a tame Jew than a poodle,

and much more useful.

It's too funny to think of him
sitting up there,

taking tea, and advising Dolly
about her investments.

I wish he'd advise us
about ours.

Well, perhaps if Kitty's
nice to him, he will.

Well, I admired his tweed suit.

I never once said it made him
look like a bookies runner.

[ Laughs ]

I really don't know
what more I can do.

Mm. I suppose darling Diana
will be with us.

Diana the huntress
pursued by a Bunny --

That's quite a reversal.

Such a lovely girl.
Not quite as young as she was.

I suppose Bunny does mean to
pop the question this weekend.

Oh, Cocky,
what are you prowling about for?

Hunting for cigarettes.

- Your case is empty, is it?
- What?

Um...
Yes, I-l think it is.

Oh.

I seem to have one after all.
Isn't that lucky?

There was a girl on the train.
A very pretty little thing.

- COCKY: Oh, really?
- Mm.

Not very chatty.
Golden hair and big blue eyes.

COCKY:
I say, golden hair!

Yes, it could be
the youngest Grey girl.

So pretty, and almost an idiot.

- Anyone else coming?
- Only James Bellamy.

Oh, James is coming.
Good.

It's so embarrassing, his mother
having gone down on the Titanic.

One feels quite inhibited
about mentioning water.

Cocky, you had better drink soda
with your whiskey

while you're here.

Oh. Yes.

Wasn't James Bellamy rather keen
on Diana at one time?

Was he?

In that case, I wonder
why Bunny's asked him.

Perhaps it was Diana's idea.

Perhaps it was.

Make sure they put the car
under cover, Hudson.

Very good, sir.

Cocky, we've got some...

Ah. Tea, darling.
Do you take milk or lemon?

I say, Diana, I'm deathly glad
you could come.

Are you, Bunny?

Mm, it is rather good of me
to come

when you invite people
like Kitty Danby.

She's such a cat.

I suppose she is rather awful.

Yes, of course she is.
So why did you ask her?

I don't know, really.

Trouble is, Bunny, you never
know why you do things.

It gets rather boring.

- Diana, darling.
- Hello, Kitty.

Hello, Diana.

Captain Bellamy, my lord.

Oh, Jimmy.
Jimmy, I'm glad you could come.

Now, um -- Oh, Kitty.

Kitty, you know Jimmy Bellamy,
don't you?

Yes, I do.

But don't expect me
to be polite to him.

He behaved very badly when we
were playing croquet at Wilton.

He hit my ball
into the shrubbery.

And when I went to look for it,
he didn't even follow me.

I apologize for my bad manners
and my bad taste.

- Hello, James.
Charles.

I didn't expect to see you.

I thought you were
a city gent now.

Ah, well, even city gents
get time off for good behaviour.

[ Laughs ]

Now, look, Jimmy,
I want you to meet Miss Grey.

Now, he's going to tell you
all about buying tea in India

and shipping it back to England.

Oh, gosh, that sounds
terribly interesting.

Well, I don't know about that.

Diana!

- Hello, James.
- How simply splendid.

I didn't know
you were going to be here.

I thought you loathed
shooting parties.

Do I?
I must have forgotten.

Come on. Have a scone.
They're delicious.

JAMES: Hello, Cocky.
Found the food, as usual.

COCKY: Mm-mm...

You haven't got any tea,
have you?

- No.
- No.

You're quite right.
They're absolutely delicious.

Do you remember
the cinnamon toast

we used to have
down at Southwold?

Yes.

I remember my first weekend
there when I was so frightened,

biting into a piece and spilling
butter all down my dress.

Your grandmother
was beastly about it.

She called you a hoyden.

What would she say about me now?

Just the same.
Grandmother never changes.

I say, Jimmy, would you mind
looking after Miss Grey?

She doesn't know a soul, and she
hasn't had anything to eat.

I'll feed her.

Have you heard
from Elizabeth lately?

I had a postcard last week
from Toronto.

- Oh, really?
- Oh, yes, she's got...

Mr. Hudson?
Good evening.

Ah, good evening, Mr. Breeze.

- Very nice to see you, I'm sure.
- Thank you.

The chauffeur
brought the car 'round,

but there doesn't seem to be
anyone to carry in the luggage.

Oh, there should be
someone about.

Oh, Henry.

Fetch in Captain Bellamy's
luggage, will you?

Righty-O

You didn't come
on the London train, then?

No, we drove down
in Captain Bellamy's motorcar.

One of those little open things,
is it?

It is.

Now, that's one thing I hate.

You get blown about,
your gentleman gets dusty,

and what's the point of it all?

The train gets there quicker
and more comfortable.

His lordship wanted me
to go up to London with him

in his motor last week.

I said, "Much obliged, my lord,"
I said,

"but I think we'll serve better

if you drive, I go by train,
and I'll be there in time

to help get the luggage
out of the dickey --

if it hasn't fallen out
on the way."

Ohh, you wouldn't have
talked like that

to his late lordship,
Mr. Breeze.

Oh, there's a good many things
done in this house, Mr. Hudson,

that wouldn't have suited
his late lordship.

- HUDSON: Take care of that!
- Yeah, watch it, Henry.

You'll have Captain Bellamy
Without any shirts.

- I'll take the gun.
- Gun room's in here.

Thank you, Mr. Breeze.

Captain Bellamy's in the, uh,
blue dressing room, Henry.

Righto, Mr. Breeze.

You might show Mr. Hudson
his room at the same time.

He's in the west wing,
next to Mr. Gilmore --

Lord Charles's gentleman.

Uh, that bag is mine.

You may carry that too,
if you will.

Yes, sir.

Well, very nice to have you
with us, Mr. Hudson.

Tea will be served shortly
in the servants' hall.

And we should be very happy,
I'm sure, to welcome you

to the upper servants'
sitting room after dinner.

Thank you, Mr. Breeze.

- Mr. Breeze?
- Yes, Mr. Hudson?

Does Mr. Makepeace take his tea
in the servants' hall?

Mr. Makepeace?
Oh, dear me, no.

He has his tea
in the housekeeper's room.

- Mrs. Kenton, I believe.
- That's right.

Mr. Breeze, I wonder
if you'd be good enough

to have a message conveyed
to Mrs. Kenton

to the effect that Mr. Hudson
would like a word with her.

Very good, Mr. Hudson.

Now, Jimmy, you won't need
a loader, will you?

No, no, thanks.
I've got Hudson.

Who's shooting?

Well, there's you, me,
Cocky, Charlie, Max Weinberg,

and one or two what my mother
will call aborigines --

you know, harmless locals.

[ Laughs ]

Oh.

JAMES: who on earth is that
with your mother?

BUNNY: Max Weinberg.

He's a highly successful
financier whose hobby,

which he practices
rather less successfully,

is being
an English gentleman.

He used to advise the old king
on his investments,

and he now advises my mother.

He likes coming down here for
the shooting and the hunting,

and that's how
he gets paid for it.

He's got two pairs
of Purdey specials,

both brand-new,
costing about £400.

So he can shoot four beaters
Without even reloading.

[ Laughs ]

I'll have to put him on
the outside, fiddle the draw.

Then he can't do too much harm.

- Good evening, Charles.
- Good evening, Lady Newbury.

James, how very pleasant
to see you here again.

Good evening, Lady Newbury.

- How's your dear aunt?
- Very well.

She and I had such an
interesting time in the summer,

helping Daisy warwick organize
teas for miners' wives.

Poor things.
They were quite overawed.

But they did appreciate it
so much.

You must come and meet
Max Weinberg.

Now you're working in the city,
he might be useful to you.

Max, this is Captain Bellamy.

- How do you do?
- Captain Bellamy.

What an excellent speech
your father made

on the financial provisions
of the Home Rule Bill.

Ah, I'm glad you approve.

I approve whenever a politician
talks sense about money.

Doesn't happen often.

[Both chuckle]

CHARLES:
Max, how are you?

Are you coming shooting
with us tomorrow?

I might.

I'd do almost anything to avoid
spending the morning

listening to Kitty Danby saying
unpleasant things about people.

If you disagree with her,
you sound like a prig.

If you don't,
you feel ashamed afterwards.

Come and stand with me, then.
Like old times.

Remember shooting rabbits
with me down at Southwold?

Yes.
I had to retrieve them.

I got blood all over my dress,

and there was a frightful row
when I got home.

You make it sound as though

I did absolutely nothing for
the first 16 years of my life

except make things difficult
for you.

You did.

So, what are you gonna
do about it now?

James, Miss Grey and I
are trying to decide

Whether or not your grandmother

is related to her aunt,
Lady Threadgold.

- Do come and settle it for us.
- Oh.

Well, Lady Southwold --
that is my grandmother --

That was too bad of Jimmy.

What is?

Well I asked him down here
for Miss Grey,

and he's not, uh...

Not doing his duty.
[Clucks tongue]

When you ask people to stay,

you expect them to fit in,
you know, do their bit.

It doesn't make a pattern
unless they keep in their place.

And where is my place?

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Ah, Mr. Hudson.

You're Captain Bellamy's valet,
I believe.

You wanted to speak to me.

Mrs. Kenton...

...I think there has been some
very natural misunderstanding.

I am not, strictly speaking,
Captain Bellamy's valet.

I owe the position of butler
to Mr. Richard Bellamy

and to the late
Lady Marjorie Bellamy.

Captain Bellamy's valet, Edward,

would normally
have accompanied him.

But since there was
shooting involved,

and Edward
is not experienced with guns,

I offered to take his place
for this occasion

and act as valet-loader.

Well, I'm sure Captain Bellamy
appreciates it.

Nevertheless,
you're in this household

in the capacity of valet.

And if you wish
to complain to me

about your place
in the servants' hall...

Complain about my place?
Oh, certainly not.

As far as my place is concerned,

I think I shall be content
to quote the old Scottish saying

and remark that,

"Where the MacGregor sits
is the head of the table."

No, no, Mrs. Kenton.

In my own house in Eaton Place,
I am, as it were,

master belowstairs.

I don't expect anyone to
question my authority there,

and I would not dream of
questioning your authority here.

It was merely that I felt

that some slight embarrassment
might arise later

if it was realized

that the situation
had been misunderstood.

I'm sure I shall find it
an interesting experience

to take tea
in the servants' hall.

It will remind me of my old days
as a footman at Southwold.

[Knock on door]

A-All right, Betsy.
You can lay the table.

Mr. Hudson, perhaps you'd care
to stay and take tea

with Mr. Makepeace and myself,
just for this afternoon.

Thank you, Mrs. Kenton, but I
must unpack for the captain.

He'll be wanting to change

since we traveled down by motor,
and it was rather dusty.

Well, perhaps you'd care
to return in half an hour.

Thank you, Mrs. Kenton.
That would be very pleasant.

[ Door closes]

- Sherry, sir?
- Oh.

You haven't got any cocktails,
have you?

- No, sir.
- Oh.

Oh, well.

It really is
too deliciously amusing

to see Dolly Newbury and Bunny
like two overanxious sheepdogs,

trying to herd James Bellamy
in the direction of Miss Grey.

Mm. And he keeps slipping out of
the pen and joining Diana,

leaving Bunny with Miss Grey.

Oh, poor Bunny.

I'm sure he's invited Diana down
with the express intention

of getting engaged to her
before the weekend was over.

Wouldn't it be too amusing

if she got engaged
to James Bellamy instead?

Shall we see
if we can contrive it?

Why not?

I hope they're looking after you
all right, Hudson.

Quite satisfactory,
thank you, sir.

I am acquainted with
his lordship's valet,

and the housekeeper seems to be
a very agreeable woman.

Good. Just as long as they're
making you comfortable.

Very comfortable,
thank you, sir.

- What time are we starting?
- At 9:00, sir.

Are we going on after lunch?

No, sir, I understand
the ladies are driving out

to join you for luncheon.

It is pleasant to see
Lady Diana Russell again, sir.

Yes.
Yes, very pleasant.

She was always a great favourite
of her ladyship's.

I remember her ladyship
saying to me once,

"Lady Diana is coming to dinner,
Hudson.

We must ask Mrs. Bridges to make
that raspberry pudding

she's so fond of."

I don't remember Lady Diana
dining at Eaton Place.

I think it was when
you were in India, sir.

Yes, I remember
when Lady Diana arrived,

she asked
if you were going to be there.

And she seemed very disappointed

when she heard
that you were not.

As it is
rather a chilly morning, sir,

I think perhaps you should wear
a guernsey under your jacket.

I'll get it out so that you can
put it on after breakfast.

Oh.
Thank you, Hudson.

Mr. Makepeace, did you want
any other glasses

besides the claret?

Huh? what?

We've packed the claret glasses.
Do you want tumblers as well?

Don't you come here
asking me questions.

I'll tell you what to do
soon enough.

Don't you come bothering me.

No, Mr. Makepeace.

I hope you're putting in some
rugs and chairs, Mr. Makepeace.

The gentlemen
will sit on the ground,

and I don't want his lordship's
new suit all nasty green stains.

The ground?
He won't sit on the ground.

Not with his arthritis.
He'd never get up again.

I'm talking about his
young lordship, Mr. Makepeace.

His late lordship is dead.

I know he's dead.

What are you talking about?

HUDSON:
Good morning, Mr. Makepeace.

Good morning.
Good morning.

Who are you?

Do I know you?

Mr. Hudson.

Butler to Mr. Richard Bellamy

and the late
Lady Marjorie Bellamy.

Ah, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Your guests in the house,
are they?

Captain Bellamy is staying here.

Ah, yes. Yes.
That's what I thought.

Just tasting the claret.

Lordship's very particular
about his claret.

Always has been.

I remember
for the old queen's jubilee,

we gave a supper
to 150 estate workers.

And his lordship said,

"Give them claret, Makepeace,"
he said.

"Let them try the real thing
for once."

I daresay they would
just as soon have had beer.

That's what I said.

"My lord", I said, "they'd just
as soon have beer," I said.

But he said, "Let them try
the real thing for once."

But of course
it wasn't his best claret.

Do I know you?

Hudson, Mr. Makepeace.

I had the pleasure of taking tea

with you and Mrs. Kenton
yesterday.

Ah, yes, yes.

I thought I knew your face.

Bunny says the weather's
been very bad this summer,

lot of young birds dying.

We've had a lot of trouble
with vermin at Brondesbury.

Good God.

- Morning, Major Danby.
- Morning, Mr. Weinberg.

Those gaiters of yours are going
to get a bit muddy, aren't they?

Oh.

My man's very good
with gaiters, you know?

He used to be
with Lord Harcourt.

Really?

Is that a diamond tiepin?

It looks like it.

It's no use.

I can't get used to seeing
the fellow here.

I mean, good God, one might
as well invite one's tailor.

- Good morning, good morning,
- Good morning.

We should have good sport today,
I think.

Oh, I hope so.

I'm looking forward to trying
my new Purdey guns.

Oh, a magnificent pair.
Special short barrels.

You must see them.

What guns do you use,
Captain Bellamy?

Me? Oh, I use the same gun
I've used for 10 years.

Hammer action, built for
my grandfather in 1885.

I don't particularly
want to change now.

Weinberg, I hear
your firm's financing

this new railway in Uganda.

Is that likely
to be profitable soon?

I'm afraid I have no information
on that at the moment.

Come on, you chaps.
Early start.

Come on.

Extraordinary, these Jews are.

They never talk about anything
but money.

[indistinct talking, laughter]

Number one.

Morning.

- Good morning.
- Thank you.

- Seven.
- Lovely morning.

Two.

Number five.

- Thank you.
- Three.

Six.

Six. Ah, Weinberg,
you're next to James, all right?

Oh, jolly good.

You never know.

He might hit
a tail feather or two.

[ Laughs ]

[indistinct talking]

I'm glad you could come, James,

We've not seen you about
much lately.

Still, I suppose,
in the circumstances,

you've not
really had much choice.

Hmm?

I gather Diana specially
saw to it that you were asked.

- Did she?
- So I believe.

May not be true, of course.

That's you, I believe.

Oh, Mrs. Cochrane-Danby,
I've found your piece of sky.

That is almost too exciting
to bear.

Perhaps you'd very kindly
put it in for me, Miss Grey.

Yes, of course.

Oh, it really is
appallingly cold.

Miss Grey, I wonder
if you'd ring the bell

for the footman
to make up the fire.

CELIA:
Yes, of course.

Um, do you think we should?

Well, since the alternative
is to freeze to death,

I'm quite sure we should.

Oh. Yes.

Oh, shooting parties
are really such a bore.

Either one is left alone
to amuse oneself until teatime

or else one goes to have lunch
in a muddy field

with the ruination
of one's boots and gloves.

And the men come in at 4:00
with splitting headaches,

fit for nothing but dozing
in front of the fire

and tumbling into bed.

Usually their own.

I really don't know why I come.

Don't you?

At least we know
why James Bellamy's come.

And I don't mean
for the shooting.

Oh?

Oh, my dear Diana.
Surely you know.

Know what?

Well, James said
he wouldn't come at first.

But then Bunny told him
you would be here,

so he changed his mind.

-[ Note plays]
-[ Gasps ]

Dear.
Now I've betrayed a confidence.

Oh, it really can't be helped.

Well, it's a long time

since you and I were out
in the country together, Hudson.

Indeed it is, sir.
Makes a pleasant change.

Tell me, do you ever regret

not becoming a gamekeeper
like your father?

I have never believed

in dwelling
on what might have been, sir.

[Whistle blowing]

[ Gunshots ]

I'm going for a walk.

Over you, sir.

[Gunshot]

Hudson, if you see Mr. Weinberg

pointing his gun
in this direction,

fall flat on your face.

I certainly intend to.

[ Laughs ]
Very good, sir.

You see that, Hudson?

A left and right, sir.

Very good shooting, sir.

It was indeed.

Good morning, Lady Newbury.

Dear Celia,
how charming you look.

Mrs. Danby.
Always so striking.

[ Chuckles ]
Lady Newbury.

Now, are we ready?

I think we can all fit
into the landau.

Where's Lady Diana?

She went for a walk. I think
she's probably already there.

Ah, yes.
She and my son are such friends.

It's quite delightful
to see them together.

KITTY: Quite.

[ Gunshots ]

HUDSON: Ah, you're a wee bit
ahead of that, sir.

[Gunshot]

Good shot, sir!
That one's hard hit, sir.

- Oh, hello.
- My lady.

I took you at your word.
Is that all right?

Yes.

Yes, if I'd got two pairs
of guns like Mr. Weinberg,

it would help Hudson load.

My lady.

I'd rather sit here, thank you.

Nice shot, sir!

BUNNY: Luncheon!
Luncheon!

Come on, pick up!

Come on. Pick up everyone.
Luncheon!

Come on, James.
Luncheon.

Luncheon, every...body.

Hello, Bunny. I came to see
how you were getting on.

Oh, I say, Diana,
how simply ripping.

Well, you shoot very well,
Mr. Weinberg.

Thank you.

I never believe
it's worth doing anything

unless one does it well.

Mr. Makepeace,

do you think we ought to get
the hayboxes out of the break?

What's that?

Not yet.

We don't want
the food to get cold.

Better get the glasses out.

[indistinct talking]

- Did you shoot well?
Beautifully.

[indistinct talking]

Where shall we all sit down?

My lady.

Get some chairs out of the tent,
quickly.

Set them 'round the table.

Thank you.

HUDSON:
Now, quickly, quickly.

Do you wish the hot food
put out, Mr. Makepeace?

Mustn't get it out too soon.
I-It'll get cold.

The ladies and gentlemen
are here, Mr. Makepeace,

ready for their luncheon.

What? what?

Oh, get the hayboxes
out of the break.

Set some food out on the table.

Would you care to come
and sit down, Mr. Makepeace?

I daresay you're feeling
a wee bit tired

after all your exertions.

A bit tired.
Yes, yes.

Have a -- Have a sleep.

This way.

[indistinct talking]

WOMAN:
James, you sit there.

Give me a hand.
Here we are.

All right, Mr. Makepeace.
Up we go.

You got ahold of him.

Right.

Get those hot patties
handed 'round at once.

I'll open some wine.

Is that the hot pot
for the heaters?

Set it out behind the tent.
Quickly now, quickly.

[indistinct talking]

My lady.

Where's Makepeace?

He's feeling unwell, my lady.

I see.

It's very kind of you
to help us out.

My lady.

[indistinct talking]

Hudson. Hudson, make sure you
get something to eat yourself.

Oh, yes, sir, I shall have
something presently.

Thank you so much.

Miss.

Or would you prefer
ginger wine, miss?

Oh, yes, please.
I love ginger wine.

I'll get some at once, miss.

Remarkable loader
you have there.

Oh, no, he's really our butler.

But he acts
as a valet-loader sometimes.

Butler, valet-loader,
and diplomat.

Quite a valuable object.

[indistinct talking]

I hope everything
went all right, my lady.

Yes, thank you, Mrs. Kenton.

Poor old Makepeace
was feeling rather unwell.

I think it must have been
the cold.

Yes, my lady,
it does affect him.

I hope the luncheon
didn't suffer.

Oh, no.

That man of Captain Bellamy's
was very helpful.

Everything went off splendidly.

Oh, Mrs. Kenton,
we must remember that man.

What's his name?
Hudson?

If ever our dear old Makepeace
should think of retiring,

that is exactly the kind of man
we should be looking for.

CHARLES: Looks quite
an interesting hand.

KITTY:
Oh, well played, partner.

That's a bit of luck.
Kitty?

Do you play bridge, Miss Grey?

Oh, no.
I wish I did.

I shall have to
get someone to teach me.

- I should be glad to teach you.
- Would you really?

You want to watch out for Cocky,
Miss Grey.

He's much more dangerous
than he looks.

Oh, Mrs. Cochrane-Danby,
I'm sure he isn't.

BUNNY: Come on, Cocky, you don't
play nearly well enough

to teach Miss Grey.

Much better let James do it.

Oh, I-l assure you, nothing
would give me more pleasure,

but Diana
has faithfully promised

to teach me a new patience

so I can teach my grandmother
when we next go to Southwold.

Oh, well, Bunny, I must admit

you do play a much better game
than I do.

Miss Grey, I gracefully resign.

Of course.

Um...

Miss Grey, um,
I'm not much of a teacher.

Oh, dear.
And I'm so dreadfully stupid.

Yes.

No.
No, no, of course you're not.

Do you really want to learn
a patience?

Not in the least.

And if it's
a really fiendish one,

I'm sure my grandmother
knows it already.

CELIA:
[Giggling ] Oh, dear!

I've forgotten whether you said
the ace is high or low.

I pity that little creature.

There's probably
a hidden genius underneath.

She's pretty enough.
But a little out of her depth.

She tries to do all the things
her mother has told her to do.

Oh. And what has your mother
told you to do?

Oh, the usual things.

Marry well.

Only her idea of marrying well
is not the same as mine.

What's yours?

I think it ought to be
something more

than agreeing to share
the same house and butler.

Yes.

I sometimes wish I'd been born
in something-or-other BC,

when people lived in caves
and men and women got married

just so as to huddle together
for warmth

and stop each other
being frightened of the dark.

Are you frightened of the dark?

Sometimes.
Aren't you?

Sometimes.

Would you like to
huddle close to me for warmth?

Try me.

I say, I think Miss Grey would
learn to play much better

if we all four played together.

What a good idea, Bunny.

We got tired
of playing patience anyway.

- BUNNY: Oh, good.
- CELIA: Hello, Diana.

BUNNY:
Miss Grey...

- Oh, Mr. Hudson.
- Yes, Mr. Breeze?

Message from Mrs. Kenton
for you --

Would you care to join her
for breakfast tomorrow morning?

8:30, if that
would be convenient.

Quite convenient.
Thank you, Mr. Breeze.

Thank you.

Sugar?
- Thank you.

Mr. Makepeace doesn't
usually join me

for breakfast these days,

so it's very pleasant for me
to have company.

People don't always realize
that the life of a housekeeper

in a large household
can sometimes be rather lonely.

"Uneasy lies the head
that wears the crown," eh?

Exactly.

I expect you find that at, um --
Where is your house?

Eaton Place.

Ah, it is a much smaller
household there.

Oh?

- Salt?
- No, thank you.

Yes, Mr. Bellamy,
though a member of Parliament,

lives in a comparatively
modest style.

Especially since the tragic
death of her ladyship.

Yes, quite.

What does
the household consist of?

Myself, the cook,
the house parlourmaid,

footman, housemaid,
and kitchen maid.

Dear me,
that is a small household.

You must sometimes feel that
such a very restricted staff

hardly exercises your abilities.

I've never
really thought about it.

Oh, the trouble with our line
of work, Mr. Hudson,

is that there are
not many opportunities

of getting to the top.

I remember my dear mother
saying to me,

when I first came here
as kitchen maid

all those years ago --

"Ethel", she said,

"work hard, and work will be
its own reward."

Oh, I little thought when I
crept in through those gates,

too frightened even to look up,
one day I'd be housekeeper.

I often think to myself, "if
only Mother could see me now".

Aye,
there's a great satisfaction

in reaching the top of the tree.

Some people might think
that the responsibilities

of the Newbury butler
are almost too great.

Not only Somerby Park and
the house in Grosvenor Square --

of course that's kept
fully staffed at all times --

but the house in Scotland
as well.

I see.

Some toast, Mr. Hudson.

And perhaps you'd be kind enough
to ring the bell.

I think we should like
some hot toast.

Certainly.

Yes, the Newbury butler
has to be a man

who is not afraid
to take command.

He needs to have
a natural authority.

Not everyone has.

No.
No, that's very true.

Her ladyship
was remarking to me yesterday

how very much she appreciated

the way you helped everything
to go smoothly

at the shooting luncheon.

I was only too glad
to be of service.

Of course, Mr. Makepeace
will be retiring soon.

Oh, indeed.

Some hot toast please, Betsy.

- I brought some, ma'am, please.
- Is that fresh?

Oh, yes, ma'am.
Just this minute made.

Very well, Betsy.

Thank you.
Please.

Oh. [Chuckles]
Thank you.

Of course I know

that you're perfectly suited
now, Mr. Hudson.

Yes, certainly.

But if you should ever decide
that you wanted a change

and felt that you would like
the post of butler at Somerby,

I think I can safely say
that it would be yours.

Of course
I don't know if the idea

would be likely
to appeal to you.

It would certainly be
a challenge.

And one I think
that you'd enjoy.

Yes, I would.

Well, if you should decide
to leave your present position,

you've only to write
a letter to me here,

and the matter would be settled.

Marmalade?

[indistinct talking, laughter]

BUNNY:
Wait for me!

Diana! James!

Wait.

His lordship
and Lady Diana Russell

make such a fine couple.

We're expecting some happy news
shortly, you know?

Captain Bellamy and Lady Diana
are also old friends.

Ah.

But when it comes to marriage,

I think a marquis
takes precedence

over a commoner, don't you?

Who is coming to church?

- Celia?
- Yes, of course, Lady Newbury.

- DIANA: I still say I won.
- JAMES: I won by a nose.

But your nose
is longer than mine.

Well, that's the luck
of the game.

Oh, come along, Bunny,
or we'll be late.

You're reading the lesson
this morning.

BUNNY: Oh.

And I'm sure Diana will want to
come too, to keep you company.

I shall come to keep Diana
company and to cheer you on

when you turn over two pages
instead of one.

I wish you wouldn't.

I feel such a fool when I get to
those "begets" and "begats."

All right, we'll stay here.

I think we should
try to fill the pew.

- DIANA: All right, we'll come.
JAMES: I'll get my gloves.

- DIANA: I'll get my hat.
JAMES: Race you upstairs!

Childhood friends, you know?
Quite like brother and sister.

Come along. we'll go on ahead,
and they can follow us.

Quite like brother and sister.

It really is too bad
that we didn't have a bet.

- On what?
- On the Lady Diana stakes.

Oh, I'll bet with you,
if you like.

But we should both bet
the same way.

- Oh?
- On James Bellamy.

- No, I'll bet on Bunny.
- Oh, you can't be serious.

She's head over heels in love
with James.

She was head over heels in love
with him before,

but he hadn't any money.

Now he has
the Southwold inheritance,

and she means to have him.

But does he mean to have her?

Bunny does.

10 guineas?

10 guineas.

Weinberg, you can hold
the stakes.

Or would you
like a bet yourself?

I never bet on human beings.

They're much too unpredictable.

[ Dog barking ]

- Evening, Mr. Hudson.
- Good evening.

Mr. Hudson.

Good evening, Mr. Makepeace.

Been out for a stroll?

Aye, that's one of
the advantages

of being in the country.

There's not much pleasure

in strolling about
the London streets.

Mm.
I was born in London.

I'd as soon walk down
the Old Kent Road

as through a field of daffodils.

You'll be off tomorrow, then?

Yes, Captain Bellamy
has to go to his office.

Oh, I'll be sorry to see you go.

It's a big responsibility,
this place.

Yes, it must be.

I didn't notice it so much
when his old lordship was alive.

But now, when it comes
to maintaining standards,

it's all on my shoulders.

I know what you mean.

I sometimes think
that going into service

is like getting married.

You live in the same house,
you back each other up,

quarrel sometimes,

but you make
your lives together.

- And then the master dies.
- Or the mistress.

And you're expected to carry on
just as if nothing had happened.

But you can't.

It's a question of loyalty,
you see?

Yes.

It's a question of loyalty.

BUNNY:
I say, what shall we do?

BUNNY:
I say, what shall we do?

What -- What about charades?

- No.
- Oh, no, no.

We've done all the easy words,

and we can never guess
the difficult ones.

Sardines!

Sardines.
Oh, what a good idea.

Now, who shall hide?
James?

Oh, right.

Oh, I say, my mother
wouldn't approve on a Sunday.

It does make so much noise.

Only because last time

Charles would insist
on hiding in the attics

and frightening
all the housemaids into fits.

Why don't we roll
the carpets back and dance?

We could turn the lights out
and dance by candlelight.

Oh, so romantic.

But unfortunately
we've no orchestra.

Bunny, where's your gramophone?

Or better still, Bunny,
why don't you play for us?

You play ragtime so marvellously.

[indistinct talking]

Yes, it would be awful good fun.
Don't you think so, Miss Grey?

Oh, gosh, yes.
Simply divvy.

Well, I'll ring the bell
for the candles.

Charles, James, and Cocky,
you roll the carpet back.

We'll roll the carpet.
Down by the fire.

[Piano music playing]

Oh, what a shame.

If Bunny is playing, he won't
be able to dance with Diana.

It's positively Machiavellian.
You're trying to nobble my nag.

Not too bad, was it?
Ali's fair in love and war.

Thank you.

You work in the city, I believe.

Yes, yes.
Worst luck.

Oh, don't say, "Worst luck."
Say, "Thank God."

Do you know the phrase
I hear most often

in English country houses?

"What shall we do?"

All those intelligent
and capable young men and women

saying, "What shall we do?"

They sneer at me
for being in business.

Oh, yes, I'm well aware of it.

I like to hunt and shoot,
go racing.

I don't want the trouble
of a house of my own,

so I put up with it.

It amuses me to come away
for weekends, and so I do it.

But if I had to be one of
those idle young men,

marry one of those
idle young women,

I'd put my Purdey special
to my head and shoot myself.

By the way, if you should happen
to have any money lying about,

that new Australian tin mine
might be quite a good idea.

[ Chuckles ]

- Good night.
- Good night.

[Piano music continues]

[indistinct talking]

[ Laughter]

That's all right, Hudson.
Thank you.

Very good, sir.

Good night, sir.

Good night.

[ Door opens ]

[ Door closes]

Hello.

You don't mind, do you?

- Hey, what's up?
- That beast!

Cocky Danby.

He said if I dropped a glove
outside my door,

he'd pay me a visit.

- So I did.
- You did?

Cecile's there, my maid.

She thinks every man who comes
near is going to rape her.

[ Laughs ]
Should be interesting.

That's what I thought.

Quick, turn the light out.
I think he's coming.

Oh, yes.

He said he sleeps
in his dressing room,

so Kitty wouldn't hear him.

JAMES: [Laughs]

[Laughing ] He's taking
his shoes off.

CECILE: Oh!
[Shouting indistinctly]

[ Laughter]

[Shouting continues]

COCKY:
[Speaking indistinctly]

Shut the door.

[Laughter continues]

Oh, I enjoyed that.

Even if Cocky didn't.

Shall I take you
back to your room?

Don't bother.

JAMES:
Good night.

You know Bunny
wants to marry me?

Yes. He's not
nearly good enough for you.

No.

Goodbye, Mr. Hudson.

It's been a great pleasure
to have you with us.

Thank you for making my stay
so enjoyable.

Mr. Hudson.

I hope to hear from you
very shortly.

I say, Diana, I know you think
I'm a fearful bore, but, uh...

What?

Well, uh, Diana...

...will you marry me?

Why not?

Oh. You're back.

Hello, Hazel.

Did -- Did you have a good time?

Have you ever been to a party

and thought
you were enjoying yourself...

...and then suddenly
wanted to come home?

[Bell rings]

Hudson.
Thank heavens you're back.

I've just received this letter
from Lady Southwold.

- She's arriving this evening.
- In London, sir?

Here, Hudson.

She's coming up for some charity
or other tomorrow morning

and wants to stay here.

- Very good, sir.
- Not very good at all.

Not with a group of Liberal
gentlemen dining here,

including Mr. Churchill.

Her ladyship
would be mortally offended.

Quite so, sir.

But our business is important,

and I don't want to
put the dinner off.

Might I suggest, sir,

that Captain James might escort
Lady Southwold to the theatre?

The theatre?

"Sweet Nell of Old Drury."
Mr. Fred Terry.

I believe Lady Southwold
very much admires it.

Yes, you're right, Hudson.

Her ladyship has a particular
weakness for Fred Terry.

[ Chuckles ]
It's extraordinary, really.

Is Captain James free?

I asked him if he had any
engagements for this evening,

sir, and he said
that he had not.

Then perhaps we could prepare
a cold supper

upstairs in the drawing room.

And her ladyship need never
meet my guests at all.

- Hudson, you're a wonder.
- Sir.

Miss Forrest has gone
to the British Museum

to check some documents for me.

Perhaps when she returns,

you'll consult with her
about the arrangements.

Oh, I suppose her ladyship could
have Miss Elizabeth's room.

Oh, but then she's bringing

that extremely disagreeable
companion of hers.

What can you do about her?

I think Rose will be able
to manage Miss Hodges, sir.

Yes.
I expect she will.

Hudson, I don't know
what we should do without you.

Send Edward 'round for
the theatre tickets, will you,

and telephone Captain James.

Very good, sir.

By the way Hudson,
Captain James tells me

you had a bit of a domestic
crisis at Somerby Park

and that you saved the day.

Oh, hardly that, sir.

Well, he said you were
a pillar of strength,

and he was very proud of you.

Thank you, sir.

[ Door closes]

Oh, Mr. Hudson.

I didn't like to mention it
in the servants' hall,

but Edward was a bit hurt

that you didn't give him the key
to the wine cellar.

He said it made him feel
that you didn't trust him.

I'll have a word with him.
I think I was wrong.

It's good for him to learn
to take responsibility.

Thank you, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, Mr. Hudson,
it is good to have you back.

We've all missed you.

But I expect you enjoyed
yourself at Somerby Park.

Nice to be working
in a big house again.

It made a pleasant change,
Mrs. Bridges.

For a while.

[Door opens, closes]

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