Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 4, Episode 4 - Women Shall Not Weep - full transcript
Edward and Daisy marry before he's sent to France and Georgina becomes a volunteer nurse.
Subtitling by
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)
Welcome back, sir.
RICHARD: You shouldn't
have waited up, Hudson.
I'm very late.
The train was delayed for
an hour outside King's Cross.
- Air raid warnings.
- Yes, sir.
I've been out on street duty
myself, sir.
Only just returned.
RICHARD: Oh.
No bombs round here, I hope?
HUDSON: No, sir.
We heard there was a zeppelin
over the Humber, sir,
but they think it was
driven off by our guns.
RICHARD:
Thank goodness for that.
They had one over Newcastle,
you know...
Going for Naval dockyards
on the Tyne...
Where I've just been
with the First Lord.
Everything all right at home?
Oh, I'm afraid Mrs. Bellamy
has had to go over to wimbledon
for a few nights, sir.
I understand Mr. Forrest
has been taken ill.
RICHARD: Oh, dear.
Serious?
HUDSON: I couldn't say, sir.
Mrs. Forrest telephoned
madam this morning.
Afterwards,
Mrs. Bellamy told Rose
her father
had contracted pleurisy.
She left a note for you, sir.
RICHARD: Oh, yes.
HUDSON: And Edward is here, sir,
complete with facial adornment.
RICHARD: What?
He's attempting
to grow a moustache, sir.
He's been granted
48 hours leave.
As you know, he and Daisy
are going to be married
tomorrow afternoon,
a church wedding at 3:00 PM.
With your permission, sir,
they're planning a small
celebration tea afterwards
in the servants' hall,
before Edward reports back
for the draft.
RICHARD: The draft?
Tomorrow?
You mean Edward is going
to France already?
Tomorrow night, sir.
RICHARD: I see.
HUDSON: He'll be going over
there as a married man, sir.
Yes.
Well, you'll all
have to do your best
to keep Daisy cheerful
while he's away.
Quite, sir.
[Distant explosions]
[Door closes]
Any more news?
JAMES: Yes, sir, a whole batch
of signals from 24th Division.
The Boche have
counter-attacked again,
and they're now falling back
to these new positions.
I'm afraid we came up too late
to keep up the impetus
of yesterday's offensive.
TEMPLE: I know.
Corps Commander's
very bitter about it.
Said it wasn't Haig's fault,
it was the Commander-in-Chiefs.
He should never
have kept 11 Corps
under his own personal command
with the French forcing us
onto the offensive.
JAMES: Yes.
Look at the result.
TEMPLE: I'm afraid chlorine gas
is no substitute
for fresh troops and guns.
JAMES: I agree, sir, especially
when the wind changes.
It's a damn bloody mess,
this battle.
[Telephone rings]
Captain Bellamy.
Sir.
Yes, the BGS is here, sir.
It's the Corps Commander
for you, sir.
TEMPLE: Oh.
Temple, sir.
Oh, I see.
3rd Cavalry and the Guards.
Yes, I agree, sir,
and the sooner the better.
I'll inform all neighbouring
formations at once, sir.
Very good, sir.
He wants
the 3rd Cavalry Division
to be brought up tonight
to stiffen the defences
around Loos,
and the Guards Division to be
brought up at first light
to fill in a very dangerous gap
here caused by the --
what should I say,
the retirement?
JAMES:
I would say rout, sir.
TEMPLE: Oh, well,
let's be charitable.
Say withdrawal.
I mean, damn it all,
they're absolutely green troops.
First time in battle.
Can you wonder?
JAMES: Not really.
TEMPLE: Well, let's hope
your chaps can stop the rot
in the centre.
JAMES: Yes, they're used
to that sort of thing.
TEMPLE: Oh.
Glass of port, James?
JAMES: Thank you, sir.
TEMPLE: Thought this might
cheer you up.
JAMES: Why not?
TEMPLE: I think I can guess
how you're feeling, James.
I hated it at first,
seeing all my friends
going off to battle with arrows
and pins on the map.
MAN: Operations Room,
11th Corps.
JAMES: Yes, it's hell.
TEMPLE: I used to feel like
tearing off my red tabs,
grabbing the nearest staff car,
and driving like hell
to the forward positions.
But we can't do that, old chap.
We've got a job to do back here,
that's the trump.
JAMES: The trouble is
I'm perfectly fit.
You, you got a cushy job
because your leg was wounded
at Le Cateau.
TEMPLE: Cushy?
That's what they call it.
TEMPLE: You mustn't worry
what people say.
The chaps out there
may do the fighting,
but somebody's got
to do the thinking.
JAMES: Yes, sir.
TEMPLE: I've certainly got
some thinking to do.
Oh, well, I think I'll creep
into my camp bed
and catch a couple
of hours sleep.
Goodnight, James.
JAMES: Good night, sir.
[Telephone rings]
MAN: Operations Room,
11th Corps.
Oh, yes.
71st Brigade --
40 officers lost,
741 other ranks.
73rd Brigade --
54 officers lost,
1 , 150 other ranks.
They seem to be holding up 11th.
Right.
I'll pass that on.
[Knock on door]
There was a letter
for you this morning,
Miss Georgina, from France.
Did you get it?
Oh, yes I did.
Thank you, Rose.
ROSE:
Oh, that's all right then.
It was on the hall table.
GEORGINA: Yes, I went down early
in my dressing gown.
ROSE: Oh, I see.
Nice getting letters.
Yes, it is.
ROSE:
Well, what shall I put out
for you to wear today,
Miss Georgina?
GEORGINA: Oh, let me see.
What am I doing today?
Harrods this morning
for shopping,
lunch with Harry Gurney
at The Queens.
Oh, and then to the Duchess
of Somerset's bazaar
for the wounded with Harry,
Martin, and Angela.
Back here for tea,
and then to the station
to see Harry and Martin
off tonight.
I think my checked dress, Rose.
Very good, miss.
So you'll be busy
all afternoon then.
GEORGINA:
Sounds like it, doesn't it?
ROSE: Only, well, Daisy was
hoping you'd see her
in her wedding dress
before she left the house.
GEORGINA: Oh, dear,
it's today, isn't it?
Daisy and Edward's wedding.
I wonder if you'd mind if --
well, she's just upstairs
slipping it on 'cause
I'm going to put a tuck in it.
GEORGINA: Yes, I'd love
to see her in it, Rose.
Tell her to come up at once.
Where is she?
ROSE: Only upstairs, miss.
Daisy?
- Yes.
- Can you come?
- But I'm just doing this.
ROSE: As you are,
to Miss Georgina's room.
- Miss Georgina?
- Yeah.
- Oh, just a minute.
- Hurry up.
ROSE: She's just coming.
GEORGINA: I do hope she won't
mind me missing her wedding,
only it's these friends of mine,
they're going to France tonight.
Yes, miss.
So is Edward.
I know.
Can't Mr. Bellamy --
No, he's too busy.
Mrs. Bellamy's
gone to see her father.
Oh, dear Rose.
Don't you worry, Miss Georgina.
We'll see Daisy and Edward
married off all right.
You just leave it to us.
[Knock on door]
GEORGINA: Come in.
DAISY: Oh, is it
all right to come in?
ROSE: Yes, come on.
GEORGINA:
Oh, Daisy, it's lovely.
How clever of you, Rose.
Oh, we all had
an hand in it, miss.
Daisy put
the waistband on herself,
Mrs. Bridges sewed on the lace,
I out out the material
to the pattern and Ruby...
Ruby done something.
GEORGINA:
And what did Hudson do?
Mr. Hudson told us all
to get on with
our proper work, miss.
But if we had done,
Daisy would have had to get
married in her...undies.
[Laughter]
GEORGINA: Turn round
and let me see the back.
DAISY: Do you like it?
GEORGINA: It's beautifully made.
You know, you ought
to start a shop, Rose.
ROSE: Oh.
GEORGINA:
After the war, perhaps.
Madame Rose of Bond Street.
ROSE: Oh!
Slip it off, but careful, mind.
GEORGINA: You mustn't let Edward
see you in it, must she?
DAISY:
Oh, that's all right, miss.
Edward's gone home
to his family in Walthamstow,
and he'll be coming to the
church with them this afternoon.
ROSE: He's going
to get an omnibus
from Liverpool Street
to Victoria and then walk.
- Good luck, Daisy.
- Thank you, miss.
Here, I hope he gets there.
ROSE: I'm sure he will.
Thanks very much, Mrs. Bridges.
You've done us proud.
Hasn't she, Charlie?
Better than the old cookhouse,
eh, Eddie?
[Laughter]
DAISY: Well, isn't anyone
going to make a speech?
ROSE: Mr. Hudson?
HUDSON: Oh, I think it is
customary at a wedding feast
for the best man
to get to his feet
and address
the assembled company.
EDWARD: Of course it is.
Come on, Charlie, on your feet.
CHARLIE: What, me?
Yes, you, Mr. Wallace.
Oh, don't force him if he's shy.
DAISY: He's not shy,
are you Charlie?
He wasn't shy with me
in the vestry
when we were signing
the register.
- What's this, what's this?
- Don't tell tales, Daisy.
I haven't said nothing.
All right, I'll own up.
I'll confess.
Confess?
What have you done, Mr. Wallace?
CHARLIE:
It was like this --
when Edward was
signing the register,
his back was turned, you see.
- So Daisy and me --
- No, Charlie.
CHARLIE: Daisy and me, we had
a quick kiss and a cuddle
in the corner, all among
the choirboy surpluses.
Out.
Out, vile seducer.
You're no friend of mine,
let alone my best man.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, you naughty boy.
In front of your mum
and dad, too.
ROSE: Well, now we know
Charlie ain't so shy,
what about that speech?
EDWARD: Yeah.
Come on, Charlie, come on.
Give us a speech.
Come on.
[Clears throat]
Mrs. Bridges, Mr. Hudson,
members of the staff
at 167 Eaton Place.
165.
165 Eaton Place.
Mum, dad, gran,
me lords,
ladies, and gentlemen.
Come on.
Shh!
Me lords,
ladies, and gentlemen.
Well, you've forgotten
the bride and bridegroom.
- I was coming to that.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
CHARLIE:
Bride and bridegroom.
It gives me very great pleasure,
on this auspicious occasion,
to wish the pair of them
long life and happiness.
- Oh, that's nice.
- That's all.
[Laughter]
HUDSON: Well done.
[Applause]
Another slice of chocolate cake,
Mrs. Barnes?
No, I don't think so.
MRS. BRIDGES: Mrs. Hardcastle?
Mrs. Hardcastle?
Uh, Gran's a bit deaf,
Mrs. Bridges,
but I think she's had enough.
MRS. BRIDGES:
And how about you, Mr. Wallace?
EDWARD: Oh, don't you give
Charlie any more.
It's bad for your indigestion,
isn't it, Charlie?
It's ever so rich, it is,
Mrs. Bridges'
gateau de chocolat.
ROSE: Oh, listen to him.
Do they teach you French
in the army?
EDWARD: Here, can you see
our Sergeant Major
talking French, Charlie?
DAISY: Oh, uh, so where
did you learn then, Eddie?
EDWARD:
I picked up a few words.
ROSE: Picked up a few words
from that French maid
of Lady Newbury's
up at Somerby, eh?
DAISY: Cecile?
That's who it is, Ceci-
EDWARD:
Yeah, well, I may have done,
but it'll come in handy out
there, won't it, Charlie,
the odd word of froggy,
especially with all them
mademoiselles in
the estaminets, eh?
DAISY: You're a married man now.
I don't think you'll find much
time for dillydallying
in with the rnademoiselles, Edward,
not once you reach
the battle area.
You'll be kept hard at it,
my lad, digging trenches
and continuing your training
until you go up into the line.
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
[Bell rings]
- Oh, morning room.
- Oh, I'll go up.
ROSE: Oh, no, you won't.
You're stuck down here
with Daisy and your family,
while you've still
got the chance.
Is that clock right, Mr. Hudson?
Uh, just about, Edward.
I see.
ANGELA: All weekend.
He proposed to her on Sunday
night, and they're engaged.
GEORGINA: Lucky Julia.
Simon's father's absolutely
rolling in money.
MARTIN: Naturally.
His father's a banker.
I say, are vve having
any more teacake?
GEORGINA: Yes, we are.
At least I think we are.
Rose, can we have
some more teacake
and a little more jam,
if there is any?
ROSE: Very good, Miss Georgina.
GEORGINA: Captain Adams
and Mr. Gurney
are both rather hungry
and there'll be nothing for them
to eat on the leave train.
MARTIN: Only stale buns and
canteen cocoa on the platform.
HARRY: Don't you be rude
about canteens.
My Aunt Mabel works in one
on wednesdays and Fridays.
Cutting sandwiches
or pouring out cocoa?
Washing up dirty cups
and plates.
And she's over 70.
My mother rolls bandages at
St. James's Palace all morning,
then walks up
to the Ritz for lunch
smelling strongly of iodine.
Talking of walking up
St. James's Street,
I have to be back at
Wellington barracks by five.
I'm marching the blasted draft
to the blasted station.
Oh, lovely.
With a band?
- With our band.
- The regimental band.
GEORGINA:
Oh, which way will you go?
MARTIN: Birdcage walk,
Parliament Square, Whitehall.
ANGELA: Good. You and I
and Harry can get a taxi
and intercept them at the corner
of Trafalgar Square.
MARTIN: As long as you
don't embarrass me by waving
and blowing kisses
to the guardsmen.
I can't stand
that sort of thing.
Martin, don't be so blasé.
HARRY: He loves it, really,
all those pretty girls
running alongside the column,
holding up their babies,
shouting,
"Wave goodbye to Daddy."
GEORGINA: Oh, really, Harry?
Thank you, Rose.
Oh, by the way,
how did Edward's wedding go off?
ROSE: Oh, very nicely, miss.
Quiet but nice with no hitches.
- Who's Edward?
- Our footman.
He got married this afternoon
to our under-housemaid.
HARRY: Good for him.
GEORGINA: And he's off
to France this evening.
- First time out?
- Mm-hmm.
MARTIN: Poor chap.
Like Harry.
HARRY: Don't rub it in.
GEORGINA: ls Daisy going to see
Edward off at the station?
ROSE: Yes, miss.
GEORGINA: Poor Edward.
Is he very nervous?
ROSE: A bit.
Just married, eh?
Some honeymoon.
Tell him not to worry.
It's not all that bad out there.
ROSE: No, sir.
GEORGINA: Would you tell him?
Yourself?
What, me? Now?
Tell your footman?
What can I tell him?
Not to worry.
It might help him.
Would you?
- Well, if you insist.
- Oh, good.
Rose, is Edward
still downstairs?
ROSE: Yes, miss, with Daisy.
Will you ask him to come up,
and Captain Adams
will tell him what
it's like at the front.
He's been in the trenches
already, you see.
ROSE: Yes, miss.
MARTIN: Wh-What am I supposed
to say to the chap?
ANGELA: Don't frighten him.
Tell him it's all rather fun.
HARRY: Is that fair?
MARTIN: Why not?
Anything to keep him
cheerful in the boat
and in the cattle truck
going up to the line.
After that, he'll be too busy
to get a shock.
ANGELA: They've probably
told him all sorts
of gruesome things
at his training depot.
- Do you think so?
- More than likely.
I know what some of these
hard bar Sergeant Majors
can be like once they've tasted
action themselves.
Take pleasure in scaring
the hide off the recruits.
GEORGINA: All the same, coming
from someone like you, Martin --
Come in, Edward.
Oh, close the door.
EDWARD: Oh, yes, miss.
Well, how does it feel to be
a husband, Edward?
All right, miss.
Long as the wife
behaves herself while I'm away.
[Chuckles]
Yes, well it was just to say
it's not all that bad out there,
not all the time.
EDWARD: Yes, sir.
MARTIN: You get short,
sharp spells
in the trenches,
which are pretty good hell.
Patrols, working parties,
the occasional trench raid,
plenty of shelling
and mortaring.
It's just luck then.
All you can do is keep your head
down and say your prayers.
But you do get out of the line,
into billets, for rest periods,
even do a bit of training.
And that means
a comfortable bed,
drink a bit of cheap wine,
game of cards,
kick a football about.
If your rest area
hasn't been evacuated,
you can talk to French people,
go out with the girls,
that sort of thing.
GEORGINA: Martin!
He's only just got married.
EDWARD: That's right, miss.
Don't forget to mention
what you told me
about inspections
by visiting Generals.
You have to be cleaned up for
them, shaved, rifle well-oiled.
I see, sir.
That usually means you're
going in to big attack.
Still, it's not all that bad
out there, not all the time.
At least you're among friends.
You can have a good laugh
every now and then,
with a bit of luck.
You may bump into
Captain James somewhere.
That's right, miss.
MARTIN: Good luck anyway.
EDWARD: Thank you, sir.
HARRY: It's my first time,
too, you know.
Oh, yes, sir.
MARTIN: Just keep
your head down, Edward,
and don't give
those snipers a chance.
EDWARD: I won't, sir.
Well, goodbye, Edward,
and good luck.
Thank you, miss.
[Door closes]
GEORGINA: Thank you, Martin.
That was sweet of you.
And you, too, Harry.
Poor young man.
Just so much cannon fodder.
HARRY: What about me?
ANGELA: Well, you're an officer.
HUDSON: Have you enjoyed
your leave?
I'm glad you did.
It was a lovely service,
wasn't it?
I thought it went very well.
EDWARD: Well, they --
they all seem to think
it's quite a lark out there.
MRS. BRIDGES: Who do?
EDWARD: The two gentlemen
upstairs with Miss Georgina,
offices in the Guards
they are, Grenadiers.
Already been in the trenches,
one of them, and, well,
he said it's not all fighting,
and you do get a chance
to have some fun back
at the billets in between.
That's right, Edward.
HUDSON: I'd be out there myself,
by God, if only they'd let me.
I envy you, Edward, my boy.
[March playing]
Listen.
ROSE: Another lot
off to the station.
One thing, though.
It's not just me, is it?
I mean, we're all
in this together.
Hundreds and thousands of us.
Daisy.
[Soldiers marching]
Well, come on,
cheer up, everyone.
This is supposed
to be a wedding.
It's not a funeral.
CHARLIE: That's right!
Let's cut the cake!
DAISY: Oh, yeah, Charlie.
HUDSON: That's a good idea.
Come on.
EDWARD: Ready? Ready?
Yay!
HUDSON: Hooray!
CHARLIE: Right,
what about a song then?
ROSE: Good idea.
Um...
♫ It's a long way ♫
♫ to Tipperary ♫
♫ It's a long way to go ♫
♫ It's a long way to Tipperary ♫
♫ to the sweetest girl I know ♫
♫ Goodbye, Piccadilly ♫
♫ Farewell Leicester Square ♫
ROSE: Edward will be
all right.
He's too cheeky to get himself
killed, Edward is.
ALL: ♫ Right there ♫
RICHARD: What is it, Hudson?
HUDSON: Just to see if
the fire was all right, sir.
RICHARD: Oh, yes.
Must tell Daisy
not to light the fire
so early in the evening.
Got to save coal.
HUDSON: Yes.
I have already mentioned it
to her, sir.
RICHARD: Well, if things
don't improve soon,
we shall have to start
burning wood in the grate.
Is Miss Georgina in?
HUDSON: No, sir.
She went out just now.
She's seeing some friends off
at the station and dining out.
RICHARD: I see.
HUDSON: May I get you
some whiskey, sir?
RICHARD: Yes.
Yes, you may, Hudson.
Did you manage to get Edward off
to the altar this afternoon?
Oh, yes, sir.
Everything went off
very well, sir.
His parents came
and his grandmother.
RICHARD: Good.
HUDSON: I took the liberty of
allowing Daisy off this evening,
to go with him to the station.
RICHARD: Quite right, Hudson.
Let's hope it won't be
too distressing for her.
[Man shouting orders]
[Man shouting orders]
MAN: 'ten hut!
[Shouting orders indistinctly]
EDWARD: Oh well, if the old
engine runs out of steam,
perhaps we won't get as far
as Folkestone, eh, Charlie?
Cheer up, Dame,
you never know.
Look, I'll write you a nice,
long letter every day.
Promise.
Charlie, have a read
of my comic, eh?
CHARLIE: What, now?
EDWARD: Yeah.
Um, inside the carriage.
I think Daisy's got something
to say to me in private.
CHARLIE: Oh, I see.
Make myself scarce, eh?
EDWARD: Yeah.
Well? Talk.
What shall we talk about, eh?
Here, here, I bet Mr. Hudson's
going to miss me,
having to clean all
the silver himself now,
not leave it for me to do
on my weekend leaves.
And don't you let Rose
go taking advantage of you.
She will, you know.
She'll have you running
up and down those stairs
if I'm not there.
Daisy.
Oh, Daisy, love, don't, love.
Train'll be going soon.
Come on, Daisy, cheer up,
please, love.
Hey, look, there's Miss Georgina
down there with her friends.
Look, by the bookstall.
Well, look at them.
They look cheerful enough.
And you behave yourself
down at Malton Priory.
I've heard about
Cynthia's house parties.
General post around the bedrooms
and breakfast in dressing gowns.
HARRY: No, really?
ANGELA: I do wish you
could come, Martin.
Well, I'll need you
to protect my honour.
MARTIN: I would willingly,
my dear, if I wasn't going to be
otherwise engaged
over the next few months.
An all-male soirée
in northern France.
You aren't going to Malton
Priory, are you, Georgina?
GEORGINA:
Oh, I haven't been asked.
Anyway, I hardly know them.
I've just met Lady Prescott once
at Charlotte's wedding.
You write
and tell me all about it.
ANGELA: Well, don't they
censor the letters?
MARTIN: Not yours, darling.
Only ours.
I hate going back off leave.
After a fortnight
of clean sheets and edible food,
it's such a damned awful shock
to one's system.
Oh, dear,
I wish they wouldn't.
HARRY: Wouldn't what?
ANGELA: Oh, nothing.
MARTIN: Come on, Harry,
all aboard.
HARRY: Right-O.
MARTINI I'll get this.
I'll go through here.
Here we are, come on.
I'm bound to get some leave
sooner or later, Daisy.
And when I do,
I'll probably bring back
a bit of shrapnel, eh?
Or a Boche helmet for a souvenir
for the servants' hall
mantelpiece eh?
Or that and a bottle
of froggy vin ordinaire
for Mrs. Bridges
to get tipsy on.
I tell you what, Daise,
why not pop off home, eh?
We've said our goodbyes,
and don't wait
for the train to go.
Well, go on, you skip off.
Perhaps you could ask
Miss Georgina
to give you a lift home
in her taxi.
Well, if you ask her nicely.
You could wait for her
by the exit.
DAISY: [Sobbing] I couldn't.
I'll not ask her that.
I'll be all right.
EDWARD: Oh, come on.
You're not frightened
of Miss Georgina, are you?
She's always been
extra nice to you.
DAISY: It's not that.
I just don't want her to see me
like this, that's all.
Not like this, Eddie.
EDWARD: I see.
DAISY: Still...
I will go off home
before the train goes,
if you don't mind.
EDWARD: Yeah.
It's all right.
DAISY: I'll get an omnibus
to Hyde Park Corner.
EDWARD: Yeah.
Well...
give us a kiss then.
Come on.
They'll all be doing it
in a tick.
[Sniffles]
Take care of yourself, Daisy.
[Whistling]
[Whistle blows]
[Whistle blows]
Bye.
Look out for them.
[Whistles blow]
- Be good.
- Bye!
- Bye!
- Bye!
CHILD: Bye! Bye!
Bye! Bye! Bye!
Bye! Bye!
WOMAN: Bye!
MAN: Goodbye, Harry!
Bye-bye, Harry!
WOMAN: So long, Les!
Come on, Georgina,
or we'll never get a taxi.
GEORGINA: What?
ANGELA: Come along.
Oh, don't stand there gawping.
It's only a hospital train
coming in.
GEORGINA: I know it is.
ANGELA: It's morbid to stare.
Oh, you'll only be in the way.
GEORGINA: You go on.
I'll get a bus home.
I want to stay.
ANGELA: You won't like it.
Besides, we said we'd meet
Dippy and Sylvia
at the castle and join
their slumber party.
GEORGINA: Well, you go.
I want to stay.
Explain to them for me,
will you?
ANGELA: If you must.
I'll telephone you tomorrow.
- All right.
- Bye.
WOMAN: Excuse me, dear,
but you're really rather in
the way unless you want to help.
GEORGINA: Could I?
WOMAN: Yes, you can.
I'm shorthanded tonight.
Mrs. Duffy's just lost
her son at the front,
so you can help hand out
mugs of cocoa if you're game.
GEORGINA: Certainly.
WOMAN: Off you go.
Oh, just a minute.
Have you got a pocket?
GEORGINA: No.
WOMAN: Offer them
a cigarette each.
GEORGINA:
Would you like a cigarette?
They were so grateful.
WOMAN: Can you manage three?
GEORGINA: I'll try.
Cocoa?
MAN: Thank you, madam.
GEORGINA: Would you
like some cocoa?
I could help you drink it.
[Coughs]
I'm so sorry.
Could you manage a cigarette?
There.
MAN: I-I-I
GEORGINA:
Perhaps you ought not to talk.
Th--
Thank--
Thanks...
for the fag, miss.
Nice face...
lady.
Nice face...
miss.
That's right.
[Gasping]
He couldn't manage the cocoa.
WOMAN: Who, dear?
GEORGINA: The boy over there
on the stretcher.
But I gave him a cigarette.
WOMAN: That's the idea.
WOMAN: I expect you'd like to go
home now, wouldn't you?
Thanks for your help.
GEORGINA: Do you know if there's
anywhere on the station
where I can sign up
for war work?
You want to be a nurse,
don't you?
The AD headquarters is at
Devonshire House, Piccadilly.
Tell them you want to volunteer
for hospital work.
GEORGINA: Thank you.
GEORGINA:
Good morning, Hudson.
HUDSON:
Good morning, Miss Georgina.
GEORGINA: I won't be
dining in tonight.
HUDSON: Very good, miss.
GEORGINA:
How do you like my uniform?
HUDSON:
Oh, very smart indeed, miss.
GEORGINA: I'm starting
my nurse's training today
as a VAD at Guy's Hospital.
HUDSON:
So I understand, miss.
GEORGINA: Who knows, maybe one
day, I'll nurse at the front.
HUDSON: Indeed, miss.
I was under the impression it
was necessary to be 23 or more
for a young woman
to nurse in the war zone.
GEORGINA: Oh, it is,
but when the time comes,
I shall lie about my age.
That sort of lie is considered
patriotic, Hudson,
and not at all wicked.
Everyone does it.
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
RICHARD: Who was that slamming
the front door, Hudson?
HUDSON: Oh, Miss Georgina, sir.
Off to her nursing
and very excited about it.
RICHARD: Good. I'm glad she's
got something useful to do.
HUDSON: Oh, I understand
there will be
no dining room luncheon
today, sir.
RICHARD: No, Hudson, I shall be
at the Lord Mayor's banquet,
in Mansion House, but dining in.
I don't know about
Miss Georgina.
HUDSON: Miss Georgina has said
not to expect her back
for dinner, sir.
RICHARD:
Well, unless Mrs. Bellamy
comes home this evening,
I shall be on my own, I suppose.
HUDSON: Very good, sir.
RICHARD:
Thank you, Hudson.
HUDSON: Sir.
[Clock chiming]
Well, I think she's got
a lot of pluck,
Well, I think she's got
a lot of pluck,
seeing as how she's not been
brought up used to it.
I mean, as I told her so myself
this morning, I couldn't do it,
not bandaging up all them
horribly wounded soldiers
and seeing them
in pain and that.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Rose, Rose!
ROSE:
Oh, I'm sorry, Daisy.
Well, she's not been brought up
used to scrubbing floors.
MRS. BRIDGES: Well,
there's lots of young ladies
doing war work now, Rose.
Driving ambulances,
helping in the factories,
taking over the men's jobs
what's away at the front.
Dukes' daughters
and all sorts.
I don't see anything so special
about Miss Georgina
wanting to do her bit.
Considering she's been
gallivanting about
all this last year,
going to debutante dances
and luncheon parties and that.
Well, I reckon she's lucky
being able to go off
to do something to help the war.
Not like us just sitting here.
I'd like to do war work,
I would.
Your war work, Daisy,
is making our zips,
knitting socks for Edward,
and helping me keep this place
cleaned and dusted,
that's your war work.
DAISY: I've heard of servants
in other houses doing war work,
part-time like Mr. Hudson
does with the specials.
Why can't we?
ROSE:
Better ask Mr. Hudson why.
HUDSON: You are privileged,
Daisy, to be employed
in the household of an important
member of the government,
of the Civil Lord
of the Admiralty,
who is responsible,
with the First Lord and others,
for the conduct
of the war at sea,
the operations
of the British fleet,
defending our shores
and our lifelines
against the German U-boats
who are out to sink
our merchant ships
and starve these islands
into submission.
I don't see what
that's got to do
with Daisy wanting to do
war work, Mr. Hudson.
I am endeavouring to explain
to the girl, Mrs. Bridges,
that her "bit," as she puts it,
consists of helping Rose
and the rest of us to ensure
the smooth running of this
important house, war or no war.
It would be a disgrace
if Captain James
were to return here on leave
and find the place filthy dirty
with no staff
to wait on him.
Now you know, Daisy.
Yes, Mrs. Bridges.
Mr. Hudson, would it be all
right for me to get my hat on?
Get your hat on, Ruby?
ROSE: Well, it's Ruby's
afternoon off, Mr. Hudson,
and Daisy and me
said we'd do the washing up
so she could get off
while there's still
a bit of the day left.
Oh, very well.
Where were you intending to
spend your afternoon off, Ruby?
RUBY: I'm going for
a walk, Mr. Hudson.
MRS. BRIDGES: Where?
RUBY: Um, Kensington Gardens,
Mrs. Bridges.
I'll take some bread
and feed ducks.
MRS. BRIDGES: Well, mind you,
don't get talking
to no soldiers.
Talking to no soldiers?
How can she help it
with the war on?
The streets and parks
are full of soldiers,
all fighting for our safety.
MRS. BRIDGES:
That's as may be, Rose.
Ruby knows that she is not
allowed to talk to soldiers
while she's still employed
in this house.
And she knows it.
DAISY: Why? In case she
catches scarlet fever?
Or is it khaki fever now?
ROSE: What about Edward,
he's a soldier,
Isn't she allowed
to talk to him?
MRS. BRIDGES:
Now, don't you get cheeky.
Away and get your hat on, Ruby.
RUBY: Thanks, Mr. Hudson.
I don't like the look
of that girl.
How do you mean, Mrs. Bridges?
ROSE: You mean
she don't look well?
MRS. BRIDGES No, she's healthy
enough is our Ruby.
No, it's that kind of shifty
look she has sometimes,
as if she's up to something.
Like meeting some
young fella in the park?
DAISY: Go on.
MRS. BRIDGES: l wouldn't
put it past her
and not say
nothing to nobody.
HUDSON: While wishing
in no way to detract
from Ruby's worthy
and blameless character,
I feel that a young man would be
hard pressed for company
who sought a romantic
association with our Ruby.
MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, well, I
suppose she's upset by the war,
all the upheavals and that.
Wretched creature.
HUDSON:
Possibly, Mrs. Bridges.
MRS. BRIDGES: I suppose
We're all upset by the war.
Ah.
Oh, well, I must go up
and have me lay down.
Tell Ruby to fetch me up a cup
of tea directly she comes in.
Oh, and Mr. Hudson,
don't forget to ask the master
about them pheasants
Mr. Coombes sent up.
And don't you girls
let the fire go out.
DAISY: No, Mrs. Bridges.
[Mrs Bridges yawns]
ROSE: Well, come on, Daisy.
We've got work to do.
Even if some people haven't.
Ah...
Ah, well.
Let's see now.
[Ringing]
Hello.
Sloane 3082.
Oh, yes, madam,
I'll see if he's in.
Hold the line one moment,
if you please.
Hello.
Mrs. Bellamy
is on the line, sir.
One moment, sir, if you please.
I'll connect you.
[Door closes]
- Who was it?
- Mrs. Bellamy.
ROSE: Oh, is she coming back?
HUDSON: I'll go up and find out.
Well -- Well,
that is good news.
I'm delighted.
Oh, everything's as well
as can be expected.
You'll be coming back to
a trouble-free household.
Yes.
Well, goodbye, my dear.
Mrs. Bellamy will be back in
time for dinner tomorrow night.
HUDSON: Oh, very good, sir.
RICHARD: Seems Mr. Forrest
is much better.
HUDSON:
I'm very glad to hear it.
Oh, excuse me, sir.
Mrs. Bridges wondered
if you'd care
for some roast pheasant
for your dinner.
Mr. Coombes sent up three brace
last week from Southwold.
Quite frankly, Hudson,
I don't think
I could face game tonight,
if you'd tell her.
HUDSON: Yes, sir.
RICHARD: Perhaps
you'd better explain I spent
three hours today
at the Lord Mayor's banquet,
stuffing myself
with turtle soup, oysters,
and mountains of beef.
HUDSON: Indeed, sir.
RICHARD: Do you know, Hudson,
I sometimes wonder
if people who ought to know
realize the gravity of this war.
There was the Mansion House
today packed with people,
all the trappings,
scarlet and braid liveries,
aldermen in chains, maces,
toast masters, port, cigars.
Hard to believe that
We're fighting backs to the wall
for the survival
of the British Empire.
Perhaps it's the way
in which the British
best show their
defiant spirit, sir.
The spirit of Drake
playing boules
before engaging
the Spanish armada.
Yes, Hudson,
perhaps you're right.
I couldn't help feeling
a little guilty --
all that food.
- Thank you, Hudson.
- Sir.
ROSE: Oh, excuse me, sir,
but Mr. Hudson's wanted urgent
in the servants' hall.
HUDSON: Sir.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, no, you don't, my girl.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, no, you don't, my girl.
RUBY: But I have done already,
Mrs. Bridges.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Well, it's not accepted.
RUBY: But it's not for you
to say, is it, Mrs. Bridges?
It's for the master
and Mrs. Bellamy to say.
MRS. BRIDGES: That's enough
of your lip, my girl.
It is not accepted
and that's that!
HUDSON: What is not accepted,
may I ask?
MRS. BRIDGES: Ruby's notice.
I've told her.
HUDSON: Ruby, is this true
what Rose tells me?
Speak the truth now, my girl.
RUBY: I am speaking the truth,
Mr. Hudson.
I'm giving notice
because I've got work outside.
- You've got what?
- Work outside.
Sneaks off on her day out
without saying a word to anybody
and goes and gets herself a job
in a munitions factory,
down by the river.
Then walks in as bold as brass
and says she's leaving
the master's service.
ROSE: You see, Mr. Hudson,
you have to work full-time
in munitions.
They won't let you sign on
for part-time employment.
MRS. BRIDGES: And what
am I going to do
without a kitchen maid,
tell me that?
It's bad enough with Edward away
and Rose and Daisy
doing half his work,
you out evenings
on air raid duty.
Oh, now calm yourself,
Mrs. Bridges.
It's not as if
they're entertaining
all that much upstairs.
There's only the master here
at the moment
and Mrs. Bellamy
when she returns tomorrow.
I don't care what you say.
I can't manage meals,
not upstairs meals and
downstairs meals in this house,
without a kitchen maid.
And if Ruby cares
to walk out on us --
RUBY: I'm not walking out,
Mrs. Bridges.
I'm going to help make shells
for the artillery.
Well, like it says
in those posters,
they want keen
and willing girls.
Keen and willing girls?
And they pick you!
Ha! They must be hard up.
Well, it's patriotic
to make shells.
Where did you go
to sign on, Ruby?
Not to Kensington Gardens,
I presume.
No, Mr. Hudson,
down the East End.
Well, I saw this poster,
you see,
asking for girls to work in this
factory down by docks and...
so I took a tram down there
and a lady put me on.
It's putting gun powder
into shells, you see.
And you have to wear special
gloves and masks.
It's at Silvertown near Woolwich
and, well,
you get very good pay.
34 shillings
and 9 pence a week.
I think you'd better
come upstairs
and see the master, Ruby.
Tell him yourself
what you've told me.
MRS. BRIDGES: Yes, and I think
I'd better come, too,
as the injured party.
So kindly ask him
if he'll see me, as well.
HUDSON: Very well, Mrs. Bridges.
Ruby, come along.
34 shillings and 9 pence!
Then we'll just have to manage
without her, that's all.
MRS. BRIDGES: I don't know what
madam's going to say, I'm sure.
RICHARD: I am sorry,
Mrs. Bridges,
but since Mrs. Bellamy's away,
the decision must rest with me.
MRS. BRIDGES: Very good, sir.
If them's your orders, there's
nothing more I can do about it.
RICHARD: Now you must see,
Mrs. Bridges,
that I cannot possibly,
in my official position
in the government, refuse to
allow one of my servants
to give notice
and volunteer for war work.
If I did,
I should be severely criticized.
I know it's hard on
all of you downstairs,
and Mrs. Bellamy and I will try
and see there is no undue strain
on the household
in these difficult days.
But, sir, I --
HUDSON: That would be
much appreciated, sir.
But Ruby must be free
to give notice
and go into a munitions factory
if she wishes to do so.
When do you wish to leave, Ruby?
Well?
Well, if I could
give madam notice now, sir,
and start on Monday week.
RICHARD:
Very well, Ruby.
RUBY: I'm sorry, sir.
Nothing to be sorry about, Ruby.
Your action is most commendable.
The army and the navy
need shells, God knows,
and you're to help make them.
I'm sure we shall all miss you
after such a long time
in service here.
RUBY: Thank you, sir.
I'll inform Mrs. Bellamy
when she returns tomorrow.
RUBY: Yes, sir.
RICHARD: Well, good luck, Ruby,
in your new employment.
- Thank you, sir.
- That's all.
Get downstairs, look sharp.
RICHARD: Thank you,
Mrs. Bridges and um...
MRS. BRIDGES:
Yes, sir.
I'm sure we can manage, eh?
We shall just have to try,
shan't we?
[Voice breaking]
Very good, sir.
Go on, Ruby, get downstairs!
[Door closes]
HUDSON: Thank you, sir.
RICHARD: What?
HUDSON: I thought it best for
both Ruby and Mrs. Bridges
to hear your decision from
your own lips, as it were,
rather than from mine.
RICHARD: Yes.
Thank you, Hudson.
HUDSON: Yes, sir.
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
GEORGINA: Oh, Rose, you haven't
waited up for me?
ROSE: Oh just to give you
something to eat
and put you to bed, miss.
Mrs. Bridges left you something
nice on a tray,
and soon as I've tucked you up,
I'll bring it up to you.
GEORGINA: Rose, I'm so tired,
I really couldn't eat a thing.
ROSE: Oh, well, you've had
a long day, miss.
GEORGINA: I had to see
the matron before I left,
and then I got on the wrong bus.
ROSE: What was it like
at the hospital?
GEORGINA:
I'm in a ward for women,
most of them elderly.
Today, I had to wash an old
woman with a skin disease,
empty a lot of pans,
and scrub out a dispensary.
ROSE: No wounded soldiers?
GEORGINA: Not one.
I'm afraid my dream of being
a sort of Florence Nightingale
was just a dream.
Subtitling by
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)
Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)
Welcome back, sir.
RICHARD: You shouldn't
have waited up, Hudson.
I'm very late.
The train was delayed for
an hour outside King's Cross.
- Air raid warnings.
- Yes, sir.
I've been out on street duty
myself, sir.
Only just returned.
RICHARD: Oh.
No bombs round here, I hope?
HUDSON: No, sir.
We heard there was a zeppelin
over the Humber, sir,
but they think it was
driven off by our guns.
RICHARD:
Thank goodness for that.
They had one over Newcastle,
you know...
Going for Naval dockyards
on the Tyne...
Where I've just been
with the First Lord.
Everything all right at home?
Oh, I'm afraid Mrs. Bellamy
has had to go over to wimbledon
for a few nights, sir.
I understand Mr. Forrest
has been taken ill.
RICHARD: Oh, dear.
Serious?
HUDSON: I couldn't say, sir.
Mrs. Forrest telephoned
madam this morning.
Afterwards,
Mrs. Bellamy told Rose
her father
had contracted pleurisy.
She left a note for you, sir.
RICHARD: Oh, yes.
HUDSON: And Edward is here, sir,
complete with facial adornment.
RICHARD: What?
He's attempting
to grow a moustache, sir.
He's been granted
48 hours leave.
As you know, he and Daisy
are going to be married
tomorrow afternoon,
a church wedding at 3:00 PM.
With your permission, sir,
they're planning a small
celebration tea afterwards
in the servants' hall,
before Edward reports back
for the draft.
RICHARD: The draft?
Tomorrow?
You mean Edward is going
to France already?
Tomorrow night, sir.
RICHARD: I see.
HUDSON: He'll be going over
there as a married man, sir.
Yes.
Well, you'll all
have to do your best
to keep Daisy cheerful
while he's away.
Quite, sir.
[Distant explosions]
[Door closes]
Any more news?
JAMES: Yes, sir, a whole batch
of signals from 24th Division.
The Boche have
counter-attacked again,
and they're now falling back
to these new positions.
I'm afraid we came up too late
to keep up the impetus
of yesterday's offensive.
TEMPLE: I know.
Corps Commander's
very bitter about it.
Said it wasn't Haig's fault,
it was the Commander-in-Chiefs.
He should never
have kept 11 Corps
under his own personal command
with the French forcing us
onto the offensive.
JAMES: Yes.
Look at the result.
TEMPLE: I'm afraid chlorine gas
is no substitute
for fresh troops and guns.
JAMES: I agree, sir, especially
when the wind changes.
It's a damn bloody mess,
this battle.
[Telephone rings]
Captain Bellamy.
Sir.
Yes, the BGS is here, sir.
It's the Corps Commander
for you, sir.
TEMPLE: Oh.
Temple, sir.
Oh, I see.
3rd Cavalry and the Guards.
Yes, I agree, sir,
and the sooner the better.
I'll inform all neighbouring
formations at once, sir.
Very good, sir.
He wants
the 3rd Cavalry Division
to be brought up tonight
to stiffen the defences
around Loos,
and the Guards Division to be
brought up at first light
to fill in a very dangerous gap
here caused by the --
what should I say,
the retirement?
JAMES:
I would say rout, sir.
TEMPLE: Oh, well,
let's be charitable.
Say withdrawal.
I mean, damn it all,
they're absolutely green troops.
First time in battle.
Can you wonder?
JAMES: Not really.
TEMPLE: Well, let's hope
your chaps can stop the rot
in the centre.
JAMES: Yes, they're used
to that sort of thing.
TEMPLE: Oh.
Glass of port, James?
JAMES: Thank you, sir.
TEMPLE: Thought this might
cheer you up.
JAMES: Why not?
TEMPLE: I think I can guess
how you're feeling, James.
I hated it at first,
seeing all my friends
going off to battle with arrows
and pins on the map.
MAN: Operations Room,
11th Corps.
JAMES: Yes, it's hell.
TEMPLE: I used to feel like
tearing off my red tabs,
grabbing the nearest staff car,
and driving like hell
to the forward positions.
But we can't do that, old chap.
We've got a job to do back here,
that's the trump.
JAMES: The trouble is
I'm perfectly fit.
You, you got a cushy job
because your leg was wounded
at Le Cateau.
TEMPLE: Cushy?
That's what they call it.
TEMPLE: You mustn't worry
what people say.
The chaps out there
may do the fighting,
but somebody's got
to do the thinking.
JAMES: Yes, sir.
TEMPLE: I've certainly got
some thinking to do.
Oh, well, I think I'll creep
into my camp bed
and catch a couple
of hours sleep.
Goodnight, James.
JAMES: Good night, sir.
[Telephone rings]
MAN: Operations Room,
11th Corps.
Oh, yes.
71st Brigade --
40 officers lost,
741 other ranks.
73rd Brigade --
54 officers lost,
1 , 150 other ranks.
They seem to be holding up 11th.
Right.
I'll pass that on.
[Knock on door]
There was a letter
for you this morning,
Miss Georgina, from France.
Did you get it?
Oh, yes I did.
Thank you, Rose.
ROSE:
Oh, that's all right then.
It was on the hall table.
GEORGINA: Yes, I went down early
in my dressing gown.
ROSE: Oh, I see.
Nice getting letters.
Yes, it is.
ROSE:
Well, what shall I put out
for you to wear today,
Miss Georgina?
GEORGINA: Oh, let me see.
What am I doing today?
Harrods this morning
for shopping,
lunch with Harry Gurney
at The Queens.
Oh, and then to the Duchess
of Somerset's bazaar
for the wounded with Harry,
Martin, and Angela.
Back here for tea,
and then to the station
to see Harry and Martin
off tonight.
I think my checked dress, Rose.
Very good, miss.
So you'll be busy
all afternoon then.
GEORGINA:
Sounds like it, doesn't it?
ROSE: Only, well, Daisy was
hoping you'd see her
in her wedding dress
before she left the house.
GEORGINA: Oh, dear,
it's today, isn't it?
Daisy and Edward's wedding.
I wonder if you'd mind if --
well, she's just upstairs
slipping it on 'cause
I'm going to put a tuck in it.
GEORGINA: Yes, I'd love
to see her in it, Rose.
Tell her to come up at once.
Where is she?
ROSE: Only upstairs, miss.
Daisy?
- Yes.
- Can you come?
- But I'm just doing this.
ROSE: As you are,
to Miss Georgina's room.
- Miss Georgina?
- Yeah.
- Oh, just a minute.
- Hurry up.
ROSE: She's just coming.
GEORGINA: I do hope she won't
mind me missing her wedding,
only it's these friends of mine,
they're going to France tonight.
Yes, miss.
So is Edward.
I know.
Can't Mr. Bellamy --
No, he's too busy.
Mrs. Bellamy's
gone to see her father.
Oh, dear Rose.
Don't you worry, Miss Georgina.
We'll see Daisy and Edward
married off all right.
You just leave it to us.
[Knock on door]
GEORGINA: Come in.
DAISY: Oh, is it
all right to come in?
ROSE: Yes, come on.
GEORGINA:
Oh, Daisy, it's lovely.
How clever of you, Rose.
Oh, we all had
an hand in it, miss.
Daisy put
the waistband on herself,
Mrs. Bridges sewed on the lace,
I out out the material
to the pattern and Ruby...
Ruby done something.
GEORGINA:
And what did Hudson do?
Mr. Hudson told us all
to get on with
our proper work, miss.
But if we had done,
Daisy would have had to get
married in her...undies.
[Laughter]
GEORGINA: Turn round
and let me see the back.
DAISY: Do you like it?
GEORGINA: It's beautifully made.
You know, you ought
to start a shop, Rose.
ROSE: Oh.
GEORGINA:
After the war, perhaps.
Madame Rose of Bond Street.
ROSE: Oh!
Slip it off, but careful, mind.
GEORGINA: You mustn't let Edward
see you in it, must she?
DAISY:
Oh, that's all right, miss.
Edward's gone home
to his family in Walthamstow,
and he'll be coming to the
church with them this afternoon.
ROSE: He's going
to get an omnibus
from Liverpool Street
to Victoria and then walk.
- Good luck, Daisy.
- Thank you, miss.
Here, I hope he gets there.
ROSE: I'm sure he will.
Thanks very much, Mrs. Bridges.
You've done us proud.
Hasn't she, Charlie?
Better than the old cookhouse,
eh, Eddie?
[Laughter]
DAISY: Well, isn't anyone
going to make a speech?
ROSE: Mr. Hudson?
HUDSON: Oh, I think it is
customary at a wedding feast
for the best man
to get to his feet
and address
the assembled company.
EDWARD: Of course it is.
Come on, Charlie, on your feet.
CHARLIE: What, me?
Yes, you, Mr. Wallace.
Oh, don't force him if he's shy.
DAISY: He's not shy,
are you Charlie?
He wasn't shy with me
in the vestry
when we were signing
the register.
- What's this, what's this?
- Don't tell tales, Daisy.
I haven't said nothing.
All right, I'll own up.
I'll confess.
Confess?
What have you done, Mr. Wallace?
CHARLIE:
It was like this --
when Edward was
signing the register,
his back was turned, you see.
- So Daisy and me --
- No, Charlie.
CHARLIE: Daisy and me, we had
a quick kiss and a cuddle
in the corner, all among
the choirboy surpluses.
Out.
Out, vile seducer.
You're no friend of mine,
let alone my best man.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, you naughty boy.
In front of your mum
and dad, too.
ROSE: Well, now we know
Charlie ain't so shy,
what about that speech?
EDWARD: Yeah.
Come on, Charlie, come on.
Give us a speech.
Come on.
[Clears throat]
Mrs. Bridges, Mr. Hudson,
members of the staff
at 167 Eaton Place.
165.
165 Eaton Place.
Mum, dad, gran,
me lords,
ladies, and gentlemen.
Come on.
Shh!
Me lords,
ladies, and gentlemen.
Well, you've forgotten
the bride and bridegroom.
- I was coming to that.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
CHARLIE:
Bride and bridegroom.
It gives me very great pleasure,
on this auspicious occasion,
to wish the pair of them
long life and happiness.
- Oh, that's nice.
- That's all.
[Laughter]
HUDSON: Well done.
[Applause]
Another slice of chocolate cake,
Mrs. Barnes?
No, I don't think so.
MRS. BRIDGES: Mrs. Hardcastle?
Mrs. Hardcastle?
Uh, Gran's a bit deaf,
Mrs. Bridges,
but I think she's had enough.
MRS. BRIDGES:
And how about you, Mr. Wallace?
EDWARD: Oh, don't you give
Charlie any more.
It's bad for your indigestion,
isn't it, Charlie?
It's ever so rich, it is,
Mrs. Bridges'
gateau de chocolat.
ROSE: Oh, listen to him.
Do they teach you French
in the army?
EDWARD: Here, can you see
our Sergeant Major
talking French, Charlie?
DAISY: Oh, uh, so where
did you learn then, Eddie?
EDWARD:
I picked up a few words.
ROSE: Picked up a few words
from that French maid
of Lady Newbury's
up at Somerby, eh?
DAISY: Cecile?
That's who it is, Ceci-
EDWARD:
Yeah, well, I may have done,
but it'll come in handy out
there, won't it, Charlie,
the odd word of froggy,
especially with all them
mademoiselles in
the estaminets, eh?
DAISY: You're a married man now.
I don't think you'll find much
time for dillydallying
in with the rnademoiselles, Edward,
not once you reach
the battle area.
You'll be kept hard at it,
my lad, digging trenches
and continuing your training
until you go up into the line.
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
[Bell rings]
- Oh, morning room.
- Oh, I'll go up.
ROSE: Oh, no, you won't.
You're stuck down here
with Daisy and your family,
while you've still
got the chance.
Is that clock right, Mr. Hudson?
Uh, just about, Edward.
I see.
ANGELA: All weekend.
He proposed to her on Sunday
night, and they're engaged.
GEORGINA: Lucky Julia.
Simon's father's absolutely
rolling in money.
MARTIN: Naturally.
His father's a banker.
I say, are vve having
any more teacake?
GEORGINA: Yes, we are.
At least I think we are.
Rose, can we have
some more teacake
and a little more jam,
if there is any?
ROSE: Very good, Miss Georgina.
GEORGINA: Captain Adams
and Mr. Gurney
are both rather hungry
and there'll be nothing for them
to eat on the leave train.
MARTIN: Only stale buns and
canteen cocoa on the platform.
HARRY: Don't you be rude
about canteens.
My Aunt Mabel works in one
on wednesdays and Fridays.
Cutting sandwiches
or pouring out cocoa?
Washing up dirty cups
and plates.
And she's over 70.
My mother rolls bandages at
St. James's Palace all morning,
then walks up
to the Ritz for lunch
smelling strongly of iodine.
Talking of walking up
St. James's Street,
I have to be back at
Wellington barracks by five.
I'm marching the blasted draft
to the blasted station.
Oh, lovely.
With a band?
- With our band.
- The regimental band.
GEORGINA:
Oh, which way will you go?
MARTIN: Birdcage walk,
Parliament Square, Whitehall.
ANGELA: Good. You and I
and Harry can get a taxi
and intercept them at the corner
of Trafalgar Square.
MARTIN: As long as you
don't embarrass me by waving
and blowing kisses
to the guardsmen.
I can't stand
that sort of thing.
Martin, don't be so blasé.
HARRY: He loves it, really,
all those pretty girls
running alongside the column,
holding up their babies,
shouting,
"Wave goodbye to Daddy."
GEORGINA: Oh, really, Harry?
Thank you, Rose.
Oh, by the way,
how did Edward's wedding go off?
ROSE: Oh, very nicely, miss.
Quiet but nice with no hitches.
- Who's Edward?
- Our footman.
He got married this afternoon
to our under-housemaid.
HARRY: Good for him.
GEORGINA: And he's off
to France this evening.
- First time out?
- Mm-hmm.
MARTIN: Poor chap.
Like Harry.
HARRY: Don't rub it in.
GEORGINA: ls Daisy going to see
Edward off at the station?
ROSE: Yes, miss.
GEORGINA: Poor Edward.
Is he very nervous?
ROSE: A bit.
Just married, eh?
Some honeymoon.
Tell him not to worry.
It's not all that bad out there.
ROSE: No, sir.
GEORGINA: Would you tell him?
Yourself?
What, me? Now?
Tell your footman?
What can I tell him?
Not to worry.
It might help him.
Would you?
- Well, if you insist.
- Oh, good.
Rose, is Edward
still downstairs?
ROSE: Yes, miss, with Daisy.
Will you ask him to come up,
and Captain Adams
will tell him what
it's like at the front.
He's been in the trenches
already, you see.
ROSE: Yes, miss.
MARTIN: Wh-What am I supposed
to say to the chap?
ANGELA: Don't frighten him.
Tell him it's all rather fun.
HARRY: Is that fair?
MARTIN: Why not?
Anything to keep him
cheerful in the boat
and in the cattle truck
going up to the line.
After that, he'll be too busy
to get a shock.
ANGELA: They've probably
told him all sorts
of gruesome things
at his training depot.
- Do you think so?
- More than likely.
I know what some of these
hard bar Sergeant Majors
can be like once they've tasted
action themselves.
Take pleasure in scaring
the hide off the recruits.
GEORGINA: All the same, coming
from someone like you, Martin --
Come in, Edward.
Oh, close the door.
EDWARD: Oh, yes, miss.
Well, how does it feel to be
a husband, Edward?
All right, miss.
Long as the wife
behaves herself while I'm away.
[Chuckles]
Yes, well it was just to say
it's not all that bad out there,
not all the time.
EDWARD: Yes, sir.
MARTIN: You get short,
sharp spells
in the trenches,
which are pretty good hell.
Patrols, working parties,
the occasional trench raid,
plenty of shelling
and mortaring.
It's just luck then.
All you can do is keep your head
down and say your prayers.
But you do get out of the line,
into billets, for rest periods,
even do a bit of training.
And that means
a comfortable bed,
drink a bit of cheap wine,
game of cards,
kick a football about.
If your rest area
hasn't been evacuated,
you can talk to French people,
go out with the girls,
that sort of thing.
GEORGINA: Martin!
He's only just got married.
EDWARD: That's right, miss.
Don't forget to mention
what you told me
about inspections
by visiting Generals.
You have to be cleaned up for
them, shaved, rifle well-oiled.
I see, sir.
That usually means you're
going in to big attack.
Still, it's not all that bad
out there, not all the time.
At least you're among friends.
You can have a good laugh
every now and then,
with a bit of luck.
You may bump into
Captain James somewhere.
That's right, miss.
MARTIN: Good luck anyway.
EDWARD: Thank you, sir.
HARRY: It's my first time,
too, you know.
Oh, yes, sir.
MARTIN: Just keep
your head down, Edward,
and don't give
those snipers a chance.
EDWARD: I won't, sir.
Well, goodbye, Edward,
and good luck.
Thank you, miss.
[Door closes]
GEORGINA: Thank you, Martin.
That was sweet of you.
And you, too, Harry.
Poor young man.
Just so much cannon fodder.
HARRY: What about me?
ANGELA: Well, you're an officer.
HUDSON: Have you enjoyed
your leave?
I'm glad you did.
It was a lovely service,
wasn't it?
I thought it went very well.
EDWARD: Well, they --
they all seem to think
it's quite a lark out there.
MRS. BRIDGES: Who do?
EDWARD: The two gentlemen
upstairs with Miss Georgina,
offices in the Guards
they are, Grenadiers.
Already been in the trenches,
one of them, and, well,
he said it's not all fighting,
and you do get a chance
to have some fun back
at the billets in between.
That's right, Edward.
HUDSON: I'd be out there myself,
by God, if only they'd let me.
I envy you, Edward, my boy.
[March playing]
Listen.
ROSE: Another lot
off to the station.
One thing, though.
It's not just me, is it?
I mean, we're all
in this together.
Hundreds and thousands of us.
Daisy.
[Soldiers marching]
Well, come on,
cheer up, everyone.
This is supposed
to be a wedding.
It's not a funeral.
CHARLIE: That's right!
Let's cut the cake!
DAISY: Oh, yeah, Charlie.
HUDSON: That's a good idea.
Come on.
EDWARD: Ready? Ready?
Yay!
HUDSON: Hooray!
CHARLIE: Right,
what about a song then?
ROSE: Good idea.
Um...
♫ It's a long way ♫
♫ to Tipperary ♫
♫ It's a long way to go ♫
♫ It's a long way to Tipperary ♫
♫ to the sweetest girl I know ♫
♫ Goodbye, Piccadilly ♫
♫ Farewell Leicester Square ♫
ROSE: Edward will be
all right.
He's too cheeky to get himself
killed, Edward is.
ALL: ♫ Right there ♫
RICHARD: What is it, Hudson?
HUDSON: Just to see if
the fire was all right, sir.
RICHARD: Oh, yes.
Must tell Daisy
not to light the fire
so early in the evening.
Got to save coal.
HUDSON: Yes.
I have already mentioned it
to her, sir.
RICHARD: Well, if things
don't improve soon,
we shall have to start
burning wood in the grate.
Is Miss Georgina in?
HUDSON: No, sir.
She went out just now.
She's seeing some friends off
at the station and dining out.
RICHARD: I see.
HUDSON: May I get you
some whiskey, sir?
RICHARD: Yes.
Yes, you may, Hudson.
Did you manage to get Edward off
to the altar this afternoon?
Oh, yes, sir.
Everything went off
very well, sir.
His parents came
and his grandmother.
RICHARD: Good.
HUDSON: I took the liberty of
allowing Daisy off this evening,
to go with him to the station.
RICHARD: Quite right, Hudson.
Let's hope it won't be
too distressing for her.
[Man shouting orders]
[Man shouting orders]
MAN: 'ten hut!
[Shouting orders indistinctly]
EDWARD: Oh well, if the old
engine runs out of steam,
perhaps we won't get as far
as Folkestone, eh, Charlie?
Cheer up, Dame,
you never know.
Look, I'll write you a nice,
long letter every day.
Promise.
Charlie, have a read
of my comic, eh?
CHARLIE: What, now?
EDWARD: Yeah.
Um, inside the carriage.
I think Daisy's got something
to say to me in private.
CHARLIE: Oh, I see.
Make myself scarce, eh?
EDWARD: Yeah.
Well? Talk.
What shall we talk about, eh?
Here, here, I bet Mr. Hudson's
going to miss me,
having to clean all
the silver himself now,
not leave it for me to do
on my weekend leaves.
And don't you let Rose
go taking advantage of you.
She will, you know.
She'll have you running
up and down those stairs
if I'm not there.
Daisy.
Oh, Daisy, love, don't, love.
Train'll be going soon.
Come on, Daisy, cheer up,
please, love.
Hey, look, there's Miss Georgina
down there with her friends.
Look, by the bookstall.
Well, look at them.
They look cheerful enough.
And you behave yourself
down at Malton Priory.
I've heard about
Cynthia's house parties.
General post around the bedrooms
and breakfast in dressing gowns.
HARRY: No, really?
ANGELA: I do wish you
could come, Martin.
Well, I'll need you
to protect my honour.
MARTIN: I would willingly,
my dear, if I wasn't going to be
otherwise engaged
over the next few months.
An all-male soirée
in northern France.
You aren't going to Malton
Priory, are you, Georgina?
GEORGINA:
Oh, I haven't been asked.
Anyway, I hardly know them.
I've just met Lady Prescott once
at Charlotte's wedding.
You write
and tell me all about it.
ANGELA: Well, don't they
censor the letters?
MARTIN: Not yours, darling.
Only ours.
I hate going back off leave.
After a fortnight
of clean sheets and edible food,
it's such a damned awful shock
to one's system.
Oh, dear,
I wish they wouldn't.
HARRY: Wouldn't what?
ANGELA: Oh, nothing.
MARTIN: Come on, Harry,
all aboard.
HARRY: Right-O.
MARTINI I'll get this.
I'll go through here.
Here we are, come on.
I'm bound to get some leave
sooner or later, Daisy.
And when I do,
I'll probably bring back
a bit of shrapnel, eh?
Or a Boche helmet for a souvenir
for the servants' hall
mantelpiece eh?
Or that and a bottle
of froggy vin ordinaire
for Mrs. Bridges
to get tipsy on.
I tell you what, Daise,
why not pop off home, eh?
We've said our goodbyes,
and don't wait
for the train to go.
Well, go on, you skip off.
Perhaps you could ask
Miss Georgina
to give you a lift home
in her taxi.
Well, if you ask her nicely.
You could wait for her
by the exit.
DAISY: [Sobbing] I couldn't.
I'll not ask her that.
I'll be all right.
EDWARD: Oh, come on.
You're not frightened
of Miss Georgina, are you?
She's always been
extra nice to you.
DAISY: It's not that.
I just don't want her to see me
like this, that's all.
Not like this, Eddie.
EDWARD: I see.
DAISY: Still...
I will go off home
before the train goes,
if you don't mind.
EDWARD: Yeah.
It's all right.
DAISY: I'll get an omnibus
to Hyde Park Corner.
EDWARD: Yeah.
Well...
give us a kiss then.
Come on.
They'll all be doing it
in a tick.
[Sniffles]
Take care of yourself, Daisy.
[Whistling]
[Whistle blows]
[Whistle blows]
Bye.
Look out for them.
[Whistles blow]
- Be good.
- Bye!
- Bye!
- Bye!
CHILD: Bye! Bye!
Bye! Bye! Bye!
Bye! Bye!
WOMAN: Bye!
MAN: Goodbye, Harry!
Bye-bye, Harry!
WOMAN: So long, Les!
Come on, Georgina,
or we'll never get a taxi.
GEORGINA: What?
ANGELA: Come along.
Oh, don't stand there gawping.
It's only a hospital train
coming in.
GEORGINA: I know it is.
ANGELA: It's morbid to stare.
Oh, you'll only be in the way.
GEORGINA: You go on.
I'll get a bus home.
I want to stay.
ANGELA: You won't like it.
Besides, we said we'd meet
Dippy and Sylvia
at the castle and join
their slumber party.
GEORGINA: Well, you go.
I want to stay.
Explain to them for me,
will you?
ANGELA: If you must.
I'll telephone you tomorrow.
- All right.
- Bye.
WOMAN: Excuse me, dear,
but you're really rather in
the way unless you want to help.
GEORGINA: Could I?
WOMAN: Yes, you can.
I'm shorthanded tonight.
Mrs. Duffy's just lost
her son at the front,
so you can help hand out
mugs of cocoa if you're game.
GEORGINA: Certainly.
WOMAN: Off you go.
Oh, just a minute.
Have you got a pocket?
GEORGINA: No.
WOMAN: Offer them
a cigarette each.
GEORGINA:
Would you like a cigarette?
They were so grateful.
WOMAN: Can you manage three?
GEORGINA: I'll try.
Cocoa?
MAN: Thank you, madam.
GEORGINA: Would you
like some cocoa?
I could help you drink it.
[Coughs]
I'm so sorry.
Could you manage a cigarette?
There.
MAN: I-I-I
GEORGINA:
Perhaps you ought not to talk.
Th--
Thank--
Thanks...
for the fag, miss.
Nice face...
lady.
Nice face...
miss.
That's right.
[Gasping]
He couldn't manage the cocoa.
WOMAN: Who, dear?
GEORGINA: The boy over there
on the stretcher.
But I gave him a cigarette.
WOMAN: That's the idea.
WOMAN: I expect you'd like to go
home now, wouldn't you?
Thanks for your help.
GEORGINA: Do you know if there's
anywhere on the station
where I can sign up
for war work?
You want to be a nurse,
don't you?
The AD headquarters is at
Devonshire House, Piccadilly.
Tell them you want to volunteer
for hospital work.
GEORGINA: Thank you.
GEORGINA:
Good morning, Hudson.
HUDSON:
Good morning, Miss Georgina.
GEORGINA: I won't be
dining in tonight.
HUDSON: Very good, miss.
GEORGINA:
How do you like my uniform?
HUDSON:
Oh, very smart indeed, miss.
GEORGINA: I'm starting
my nurse's training today
as a VAD at Guy's Hospital.
HUDSON:
So I understand, miss.
GEORGINA: Who knows, maybe one
day, I'll nurse at the front.
HUDSON: Indeed, miss.
I was under the impression it
was necessary to be 23 or more
for a young woman
to nurse in the war zone.
GEORGINA: Oh, it is,
but when the time comes,
I shall lie about my age.
That sort of lie is considered
patriotic, Hudson,
and not at all wicked.
Everyone does it.
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
RICHARD: Who was that slamming
the front door, Hudson?
HUDSON: Oh, Miss Georgina, sir.
Off to her nursing
and very excited about it.
RICHARD: Good. I'm glad she's
got something useful to do.
HUDSON: Oh, I understand
there will be
no dining room luncheon
today, sir.
RICHARD: No, Hudson, I shall be
at the Lord Mayor's banquet,
in Mansion House, but dining in.
I don't know about
Miss Georgina.
HUDSON: Miss Georgina has said
not to expect her back
for dinner, sir.
RICHARD:
Well, unless Mrs. Bellamy
comes home this evening,
I shall be on my own, I suppose.
HUDSON: Very good, sir.
RICHARD:
Thank you, Hudson.
HUDSON: Sir.
[Clock chiming]
Well, I think she's got
a lot of pluck,
Well, I think she's got
a lot of pluck,
seeing as how she's not been
brought up used to it.
I mean, as I told her so myself
this morning, I couldn't do it,
not bandaging up all them
horribly wounded soldiers
and seeing them
in pain and that.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Rose, Rose!
ROSE:
Oh, I'm sorry, Daisy.
Well, she's not been brought up
used to scrubbing floors.
MRS. BRIDGES: Well,
there's lots of young ladies
doing war work now, Rose.
Driving ambulances,
helping in the factories,
taking over the men's jobs
what's away at the front.
Dukes' daughters
and all sorts.
I don't see anything so special
about Miss Georgina
wanting to do her bit.
Considering she's been
gallivanting about
all this last year,
going to debutante dances
and luncheon parties and that.
Well, I reckon she's lucky
being able to go off
to do something to help the war.
Not like us just sitting here.
I'd like to do war work,
I would.
Your war work, Daisy,
is making our zips,
knitting socks for Edward,
and helping me keep this place
cleaned and dusted,
that's your war work.
DAISY: I've heard of servants
in other houses doing war work,
part-time like Mr. Hudson
does with the specials.
Why can't we?
ROSE:
Better ask Mr. Hudson why.
HUDSON: You are privileged,
Daisy, to be employed
in the household of an important
member of the government,
of the Civil Lord
of the Admiralty,
who is responsible,
with the First Lord and others,
for the conduct
of the war at sea,
the operations
of the British fleet,
defending our shores
and our lifelines
against the German U-boats
who are out to sink
our merchant ships
and starve these islands
into submission.
I don't see what
that's got to do
with Daisy wanting to do
war work, Mr. Hudson.
I am endeavouring to explain
to the girl, Mrs. Bridges,
that her "bit," as she puts it,
consists of helping Rose
and the rest of us to ensure
the smooth running of this
important house, war or no war.
It would be a disgrace
if Captain James
were to return here on leave
and find the place filthy dirty
with no staff
to wait on him.
Now you know, Daisy.
Yes, Mrs. Bridges.
Mr. Hudson, would it be all
right for me to get my hat on?
Get your hat on, Ruby?
ROSE: Well, it's Ruby's
afternoon off, Mr. Hudson,
and Daisy and me
said we'd do the washing up
so she could get off
while there's still
a bit of the day left.
Oh, very well.
Where were you intending to
spend your afternoon off, Ruby?
RUBY: I'm going for
a walk, Mr. Hudson.
MRS. BRIDGES: Where?
RUBY: Um, Kensington Gardens,
Mrs. Bridges.
I'll take some bread
and feed ducks.
MRS. BRIDGES: Well, mind you,
don't get talking
to no soldiers.
Talking to no soldiers?
How can she help it
with the war on?
The streets and parks
are full of soldiers,
all fighting for our safety.
MRS. BRIDGES:
That's as may be, Rose.
Ruby knows that she is not
allowed to talk to soldiers
while she's still employed
in this house.
And she knows it.
DAISY: Why? In case she
catches scarlet fever?
Or is it khaki fever now?
ROSE: What about Edward,
he's a soldier,
Isn't she allowed
to talk to him?
MRS. BRIDGES:
Now, don't you get cheeky.
Away and get your hat on, Ruby.
RUBY: Thanks, Mr. Hudson.
I don't like the look
of that girl.
How do you mean, Mrs. Bridges?
ROSE: You mean
she don't look well?
MRS. BRIDGES No, she's healthy
enough is our Ruby.
No, it's that kind of shifty
look she has sometimes,
as if she's up to something.
Like meeting some
young fella in the park?
DAISY: Go on.
MRS. BRIDGES: l wouldn't
put it past her
and not say
nothing to nobody.
HUDSON: While wishing
in no way to detract
from Ruby's worthy
and blameless character,
I feel that a young man would be
hard pressed for company
who sought a romantic
association with our Ruby.
MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, well, I
suppose she's upset by the war,
all the upheavals and that.
Wretched creature.
HUDSON:
Possibly, Mrs. Bridges.
MRS. BRIDGES: I suppose
We're all upset by the war.
Ah.
Oh, well, I must go up
and have me lay down.
Tell Ruby to fetch me up a cup
of tea directly she comes in.
Oh, and Mr. Hudson,
don't forget to ask the master
about them pheasants
Mr. Coombes sent up.
And don't you girls
let the fire go out.
DAISY: No, Mrs. Bridges.
[Mrs Bridges yawns]
ROSE: Well, come on, Daisy.
We've got work to do.
Even if some people haven't.
Ah...
Ah, well.
Let's see now.
[Ringing]
Hello.
Sloane 3082.
Oh, yes, madam,
I'll see if he's in.
Hold the line one moment,
if you please.
Hello.
Mrs. Bellamy
is on the line, sir.
One moment, sir, if you please.
I'll connect you.
[Door closes]
- Who was it?
- Mrs. Bellamy.
ROSE: Oh, is she coming back?
HUDSON: I'll go up and find out.
Well -- Well,
that is good news.
I'm delighted.
Oh, everything's as well
as can be expected.
You'll be coming back to
a trouble-free household.
Yes.
Well, goodbye, my dear.
Mrs. Bellamy will be back in
time for dinner tomorrow night.
HUDSON: Oh, very good, sir.
RICHARD: Seems Mr. Forrest
is much better.
HUDSON:
I'm very glad to hear it.
Oh, excuse me, sir.
Mrs. Bridges wondered
if you'd care
for some roast pheasant
for your dinner.
Mr. Coombes sent up three brace
last week from Southwold.
Quite frankly, Hudson,
I don't think
I could face game tonight,
if you'd tell her.
HUDSON: Yes, sir.
RICHARD: Perhaps
you'd better explain I spent
three hours today
at the Lord Mayor's banquet,
stuffing myself
with turtle soup, oysters,
and mountains of beef.
HUDSON: Indeed, sir.
RICHARD: Do you know, Hudson,
I sometimes wonder
if people who ought to know
realize the gravity of this war.
There was the Mansion House
today packed with people,
all the trappings,
scarlet and braid liveries,
aldermen in chains, maces,
toast masters, port, cigars.
Hard to believe that
We're fighting backs to the wall
for the survival
of the British Empire.
Perhaps it's the way
in which the British
best show their
defiant spirit, sir.
The spirit of Drake
playing boules
before engaging
the Spanish armada.
Yes, Hudson,
perhaps you're right.
I couldn't help feeling
a little guilty --
all that food.
- Thank you, Hudson.
- Sir.
ROSE: Oh, excuse me, sir,
but Mr. Hudson's wanted urgent
in the servants' hall.
HUDSON: Sir.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, no, you don't, my girl.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, no, you don't, my girl.
RUBY: But I have done already,
Mrs. Bridges.
MRS. BRIDGES:
Well, it's not accepted.
RUBY: But it's not for you
to say, is it, Mrs. Bridges?
It's for the master
and Mrs. Bellamy to say.
MRS. BRIDGES: That's enough
of your lip, my girl.
It is not accepted
and that's that!
HUDSON: What is not accepted,
may I ask?
MRS. BRIDGES: Ruby's notice.
I've told her.
HUDSON: Ruby, is this true
what Rose tells me?
Speak the truth now, my girl.
RUBY: I am speaking the truth,
Mr. Hudson.
I'm giving notice
because I've got work outside.
- You've got what?
- Work outside.
Sneaks off on her day out
without saying a word to anybody
and goes and gets herself a job
in a munitions factory,
down by the river.
Then walks in as bold as brass
and says she's leaving
the master's service.
ROSE: You see, Mr. Hudson,
you have to work full-time
in munitions.
They won't let you sign on
for part-time employment.
MRS. BRIDGES: And what
am I going to do
without a kitchen maid,
tell me that?
It's bad enough with Edward away
and Rose and Daisy
doing half his work,
you out evenings
on air raid duty.
Oh, now calm yourself,
Mrs. Bridges.
It's not as if
they're entertaining
all that much upstairs.
There's only the master here
at the moment
and Mrs. Bellamy
when she returns tomorrow.
I don't care what you say.
I can't manage meals,
not upstairs meals and
downstairs meals in this house,
without a kitchen maid.
And if Ruby cares
to walk out on us --
RUBY: I'm not walking out,
Mrs. Bridges.
I'm going to help make shells
for the artillery.
Well, like it says
in those posters,
they want keen
and willing girls.
Keen and willing girls?
And they pick you!
Ha! They must be hard up.
Well, it's patriotic
to make shells.
Where did you go
to sign on, Ruby?
Not to Kensington Gardens,
I presume.
No, Mr. Hudson,
down the East End.
Well, I saw this poster,
you see,
asking for girls to work in this
factory down by docks and...
so I took a tram down there
and a lady put me on.
It's putting gun powder
into shells, you see.
And you have to wear special
gloves and masks.
It's at Silvertown near Woolwich
and, well,
you get very good pay.
34 shillings
and 9 pence a week.
I think you'd better
come upstairs
and see the master, Ruby.
Tell him yourself
what you've told me.
MRS. BRIDGES: Yes, and I think
I'd better come, too,
as the injured party.
So kindly ask him
if he'll see me, as well.
HUDSON: Very well, Mrs. Bridges.
Ruby, come along.
34 shillings and 9 pence!
Then we'll just have to manage
without her, that's all.
MRS. BRIDGES: I don't know what
madam's going to say, I'm sure.
RICHARD: I am sorry,
Mrs. Bridges,
but since Mrs. Bellamy's away,
the decision must rest with me.
MRS. BRIDGES: Very good, sir.
If them's your orders, there's
nothing more I can do about it.
RICHARD: Now you must see,
Mrs. Bridges,
that I cannot possibly,
in my official position
in the government, refuse to
allow one of my servants
to give notice
and volunteer for war work.
If I did,
I should be severely criticized.
I know it's hard on
all of you downstairs,
and Mrs. Bellamy and I will try
and see there is no undue strain
on the household
in these difficult days.
But, sir, I --
HUDSON: That would be
much appreciated, sir.
But Ruby must be free
to give notice
and go into a munitions factory
if she wishes to do so.
When do you wish to leave, Ruby?
Well?
Well, if I could
give madam notice now, sir,
and start on Monday week.
RICHARD:
Very well, Ruby.
RUBY: I'm sorry, sir.
Nothing to be sorry about, Ruby.
Your action is most commendable.
The army and the navy
need shells, God knows,
and you're to help make them.
I'm sure we shall all miss you
after such a long time
in service here.
RUBY: Thank you, sir.
I'll inform Mrs. Bellamy
when she returns tomorrow.
RUBY: Yes, sir.
RICHARD: Well, good luck, Ruby,
in your new employment.
- Thank you, sir.
- That's all.
Get downstairs, look sharp.
RICHARD: Thank you,
Mrs. Bridges and um...
MRS. BRIDGES:
Yes, sir.
I'm sure we can manage, eh?
We shall just have to try,
shan't we?
[Voice breaking]
Very good, sir.
Go on, Ruby, get downstairs!
[Door closes]
HUDSON: Thank you, sir.
RICHARD: What?
HUDSON: I thought it best for
both Ruby and Mrs. Bridges
to hear your decision from
your own lips, as it were,
rather than from mine.
RICHARD: Yes.
Thank you, Hudson.
HUDSON: Yes, sir.
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
GEORGINA: Oh, Rose, you haven't
waited up for me?
ROSE: Oh just to give you
something to eat
and put you to bed, miss.
Mrs. Bridges left you something
nice on a tray,
and soon as I've tucked you up,
I'll bring it up to you.
GEORGINA: Rose, I'm so tired,
I really couldn't eat a thing.
ROSE: Oh, well, you've had
a long day, miss.
GEORGINA: I had to see
the matron before I left,
and then I got on the wrong bus.
ROSE: What was it like
at the hospital?
GEORGINA:
I'm in a ward for women,
most of them elderly.
Today, I had to wash an old
woman with a skin disease,
empty a lot of pans,
and scrub out a dispensary.
ROSE: No wounded soldiers?
GEORGINA: Not one.
I'm afraid my dream of being
a sort of Florence Nightingale
was just a dream.
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