Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 5, Episode 1 - On with the Dance - full transcript

It's July 1919 and everyone is celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Hudson allows the servants to go watch the victory parade, Georgina marches with her fellow nurses and James attends at the Royal pavilion. Richard and his new bride Virginia return to London and begin to search for a new home. James however is having difficulty moving on, still feeling the aftereffects of the wounds he suffered and most of all, the loss of his wife Hazel. The house is too large for just he and Georgina and despite his pleas that Richard and Virginia take up residence at 165 Eaton Place, Virginia insists they find a home of their own. Faced with no other option, James give the servants a months notice and plans on selling the house. Georgina suggests they invite Virginia's two children for an afternoon and it leads to a surprising outcome.

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ROSE: There you are.

LILY: Well, it's all dark.

ROSE: Well, we'll let the blind
up and open the window.

There you are.
Oh, right.

LILY: Oh, it's stuck, Rose.

ROSE: Go on, let me.

[Marching band playing]

LILY: What's this room, Rose?

ROSE: It's a day nursery,
leastways it used to be,

when the Major and Miss Lizzie
was children.



Hasn't been used for a long time
now, oh, not since --

not since before the war.

LILY: Oh,
can you see anything?

ROSE: I can't.

I can't get me
shoulder through.

LILY: Oh, well,
can I try then please?

ROSE: If I can't,
you won't be able to.

Come on, we'd best go
downstairs.

Oh, this place could do
with a good airing.

LILY: What's in all them
cupboards, Rose?

ROSE: Oh, toys
and books mostly.

Belonged to the Major
and Miss Lizzie

when they was children.

Not so many now.



Mrs. Bellamy gave a lot away

to the poor children
in the East End.

Seeing as how she didn't have
no kiddies of her own.

Come on.

Close the door and I'll lock it.

LILY: Yes, Rose.

HUDSON: Here, listen.
Can you hear it now?

MRS. BRIDGES: Not the Victory
March already?

HUDSON: It's due to pass
through Belgrave Square

at say 20 minutes
to 11:00 exactly

according to the newspaper.

RUBY: Mrs. Bridges?

MRS. BRIDGES: What is it, Ruby?

RUBY: I can hear a band
in street outside.

MRS. BRIDGES: Yes, Ruby,
it's the Victory March.

What Mr. Hudson and me was just
speaking about.

ROSE: Mr. Hudson.

Mr. Hudson, you can't see
from the nursery window

on account of them bars
being in the way.

LILY: It's getting ever so near,
Mr. Hudson,

it must be
on Pond Street by now.

ROSE: Couldn't we slip out

to the corner of
Eaton Place and watch?

Only, Miss Georgina
will be going past soon,

marching with the VAD's, and we
might get a glimpse of her.

There's to be tanks going past
and sailors and soldiers...

ROSE: Please, Mr. Hudson.

Well, we can't have all
the servants scampering

out of the house at once, Rose.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, go on, Mr. Hudson.

Let them go out
and see what they can.

After all, it isn't every day
we have a procession

at the end of the street.

Oh, very well.

Just down to the corner of

Belgrave Street
and no further mind.

Now behave yourselves!

No pushing or shouting
on the pavement.

ROSE: Thanks, Mr. Hudson.

RUBY: Can I go, too,
Mrs. Bridges?

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, I suppose so.

RUBY: Oh, I'll go
and get me hat on then.

ROSE: Oh, come
as you are, Ruby.

You don't need a hat,
it's warm outside.

HUDSON: Away with you, then.
Take care.

[Mr. Hudson laughing]

MRS. BRIDGES: Aren't you going
out to see it, Mr. Hudson?

Oh, no, I'm too old to be pushed
around in crowds

by young policemen,
Mrs. Bridges.

It's not dignified.

Besides, the Victory March
is bound

to be reported in great detail
by the newspapers

with plenty of pictures,
no doubt.

MRS. BRIDGES: I'd like to see
it, come to think of it.

HUDSON: Do you wish to go
with the others?

MRS. BRIDGES: No, I do not,
but I would like to see it,

seeing as how they're coming
so close to the house.

- Then you shall, Mrs. Bridges.
- what?

HUDSON:
I'll take you to a place where

you'll really see
something of it.

MRS. BRIDGES: What, out?

HUDSON: Not out, in.

MRS. BRIDGES: Where?

HUDSON: Upstairs.
Come along.

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, but
out of window Rose says --

HUDSON: Never you mind what Rose
said, just you follow me.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Where did you get that from?

HUDSON: Oh, it was
my father's, Kate,

for deer stalking on the hill
when he was head gilly

for Lord Inverforth
in Argyllshire.

Come along now,
quickly, quickly.

MRS. BRIDGES: Yes.

HUDSON: We'll just be in time,
if we make haste.

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, hold on,
Mr. Hudson.

I'm not as young as I was.

There, see?

Oh, yes.

There's hundreds of soldiers
marching along,

all with their bayonets
gleaming in the sun.

Look at them generals
riding in front.

What lovely horses.
You have a look.

Aye, that'll be Sir Douglas Haig
and Marshal Foch.

Oh, there's the Naval detachment
now, all spit and polish.

I can't read the names
of the ships on their caps.

It's too far away.

Any sign of the nurses yet?

Oh, there's hundreds of fighting
troops to go by first.

But they'll
have started out by now.

Won't she feel proud, marching
in the victory procession?

That little girl
from Southwold.

Our little Miss Georgina.

Aye.

She'll be a proud
wee lass today.

Oh, thank God that's over.

My feet are
bloody well killing me.

JAMES: Georgina!
- GEORGINA: Well, they are.

JAMES: How far do you reckon
you marched today?

GEORGINA: One of
the Queen Alexandra's behind us

said she'd read in the paper
it was over five miles.

JAMES: Jolly good for you.
Keep you slim.

GEORGINA: Oh, it's all very well
for you sitting down

in a covered stand
all the time.

JAMES: Oh, I didn't sit down
all day.

Stand up and hand out
the free souvenir programs

to all the high ups,
including an Indian prince

who handed me five pounds.

GEORGINA:
Did you give it back?

JAMES:
I had to, unfortunately.

GEORGINA:
All I want to do now

is tear off this wretched
uniform and burn it.

But I don't think
I'll ever get up the stairs.

JAMES: Do you want me
to carry you up?

GEORGINA: Oh, you couldn't,
I'm a dead weight.

On second thoughts,
perhaps I won't burn my uniform.

Might be needed again one day.

JAMES:
I sincerely hope not.

Oh, Hudson, we're back
and we're half dead.

Miss Georgina's
Walked over five miles

and she's got sore feet.

HUDSON: Oh, indeed, Miss.

JAMES: Did -- did you see
the procession?

HUDSON: Oh, yes, sir,
from the drawing room balcony.

The maid servants went down to
the corner of Belgrave Street.

GEORGINA: It was a funny feeling
marching so near to the house.

HUDSON: I understand Rose
and the others

caught a wee glimpse
of you, Miss.

They were very
proud and excited.

JAMES: Yeah,
wasn't it worth sore feet?

Well, I'm glad
they managed to see it.

I'm not doing any good
sitting here.

I must go
upstairs and change.

JAMES: Hmm, so must I.

Come on,
I'll give you a hand.

HUDSON: Oh, mind where you're
going, my girl.

LILY: Oh, I'm ever so sorry,
Mr. Hudson.

I didn't expect
you'd be standing just there.

HUDSON: Well, I was, wasn't I?

LILY: I know, and I'm ever so
sorry, I didn't mean it, honest.

HUDSON: Well, Miss Georgina's
gone up to change.

Make haste now
and run her bath for her.

LILY: I was just going to,
Mr. Hudson.

HUDSON: Then come downstairs
for your tea, it's gone 4:00.

LILY: Yes, Mr. Hudson.

And thanks for letting us see
the procession, Mr. Hudson.

It's something
I'll never forget.

She went by ever so close
to where we were standing.

We could almost touch her.

And Rose, she shouted out
"Miss Georgina" to her...

She couldn't hear us you see --
for the band.

ROSE: Mr. Hudson,
tea's nearly ready.

MR. HUDSON: Thank you, Rose.

ROSE: And you'll never guess
who's in the servants' hall,

come to see us.

HUDSON: I've no idea.

ROSE: Best go in
and see for yourself.

HUDSON: Edward, Daisy.

EDWARD: Hello, Mr. Hudson.

They just popped in for a cup
of tea and to see how we was.

EDWARD: That's right.

I see.

DAISY: Well, you haven't changed
a scrap, Mr. Hudson.

Has he, Eddie?

EDWARD: Oh, no.
But I have, eh, Mr. Hudson?

Have you, Edward?

DAISY: Well, yeah,
he's shaved off

his tash,
haven't you noticed?

And let his hair grow.

I'm what they call
a civilian now,

Mr. Hudson,
a door to door salesman.

Yes, he goes round
from house to house,

ringing the doorbells,
selling hairbrushes, shoelaces,

combs and that
out of a suitcase.

Well, only temporary, mind.

He's thinking
of chucking that in,

getting a more permanent
situation as storernan

in a furniture place
out Romford way.

That's right,
and then we can buy

a nice little house
out in the country

with a garden,
and Daisy can have her baby.

Daisy's expecting
come Christmas time, Mr. Hudson.

So I observe.
Congratulations, both of you.

ROSE: I'm going to knit
something nice for it.

[Laughter]

There you are.

MRS. BRIDGES: There we are.

HUDSON: And how soon do you
expect to take up

this new situation, Edward?

EDWARD: Oh, I -- I wrote off
an answer to the advert

last night, so I should hear
this week I expect.

HUDSON: I see.

ROSE: Oh, that's Lily,
come in your place, Daisy.

Mr. and Mrs. Barnes,
what used to work here.

LILY: Oh, good afternoon.

Hello.

EDWARD: Er, Lily, eh?

Oh, I feel sorry for you, Lily,
yeah, working under Rose.

You ask my wife what she's
like -- proper old fusspot,

never satisfied, are you, Rose?

ROSE: Here, you two see
the victory procession?

DAISY: Oh, couldn't manage it.

Eddie was out working
at his job.

He hasn't got time for
no victory processions.

EDWARD: No, mind you the bus
I was on got held up

for half an hour
while the procession

marched down
the Lambeth Road.

I could hear the band,

only I couldn't see it,
only the crowds.

ROSE: We all saw it, didn't we?

Leastways all but Frederick.

He went with the Major
to the Royal Pavilion

outside Buckingham Palace,
so he got the best view of all.

DAISY: Who's Frederick?

ROSE: Oh, that's Frederick.

You remember him, Edward,
Trooper Norton.

Used to be
the Major's soldier servant.

Well, he's working here now
as footman, aren't you Fred?

FREDERICK: That's right.
Good afternoon.

Well, how's the 'nobs then?
Flourishing?

The 'nabs?

ROSE: I think Edward's referring
to the family upstairs.

HUDSON: Then he should say so.

DAISY: Well, why should he?
He's not working here no more.

HUDSON:
For your information, Edward,

the Major and Miss Georgina
are in residence here,

and both flourishing,
as you put it.

His Lordship and Lady Bellamy
went over to Versailles

for the signing
of the peace treaty,

and remained in Paris
for their honeymoon.

ROSE: Hmm, I expect they'll be
wanting to move into a new house

when they come back,
with her ladyship's children.

EDWARD; what?

All you lot here just to wait on
Miss Georgina and the Major?

DAISY: I shouldn't fancy you've
got enough to do, have you?

HUDSON: Frederick,
if you can spare a moment?

FREDERICK: Yes, Mr. Hudson.

HUDSON: Before you commence your
tea I should like to go through

the cellar book with you
and check the port wine.

His lordship will be taking
a number of bottles

with him which
should be earmarked.

If you would kindly come with me
to the pantry?

FREDERICK: Certainly,
Mr. Hudson, at once.

HUDSON: I shall be making you
responsible from now on,

Frederick, for checking
and ordering

the spirits and minerals.

FREDERICK: Very good,
Mr. Hudson.

Huh! wonder that bloke
doesn't salute Mr. Hudson

every time he gets an order.

Well, he is the type.

Frederick is
a very good footman, Edward.

RUBY: Oh, but he's ever so
quiet, though, not like you was.

ROSE: Lily and me think he's
quite good looking, don't we?

LILY: Yes, that's right.

EDWARD". Yeah, we“, er --

well, Daisy and me
can't stop too long.

Got to be getting back,
haven't we, love?

Going for a walk through
Hyde Park,

see all the singing and dancing.

They've got fireworks later.

You people gonna
see the fireworks?

No, not tonight.

And we are not "people"
neither, Daisy.

LILY: Is it all right
to go in there?

Well, only, Rose said
to draw the curtains

now it's nearly dark.

FREDERICK:
Well, they're not in there.

LILY; Oh!

FREDERICK: The Major ordered
Whiskey and soda

before they left the dining
room, but I can't find him now.

LILY: Oh, perhaps
they've gone out then.

FREDERICK: Better take this
back downstairs,

wait 'til he rings
or something.

LILY: Well, shall I go
and ask Mr. Hudson?

FREDERICK:
No, don't do that, Lily.

I keep asking Mr. Hudson
what to do.

I don't want to
look helpless, do I?

LILY: Well, I'd best go in there
and draw the curtains.

You suit yourself.

ROSE: Hello, Fred.
That for me?

FREDERICK: Soda, miss?
Say when.

ROSE: No, don't,
you'll splash the walls.

FREDERICK: It's for the Major,
but I can't find him.

ROSE: Can't you?
He's up in his room.

FREDERICK: Oh, I see.

Always goes up to his room
these days after dinner.

I think he finds the house
a bit quiet and dull.

So it is.

FREDERICK: I'll take this
up to him then.

ROSE: That's right.
Don't forget to knock.

- FREDERICK: Eh?
ROSE: Knock.

FREDERICK: Well, Mr. Hudson said
never to knock on doors.

ROSE: Oh, you always knock
on bedroom doors and that.

And besides, Miss Georgina's
in there with him.

FREDERICK: Oh, I see.

GEORGINA: Oh, listen to this.

"Who's who in Paris.

Among society notables to be
seen at Maxim's toasting

the peace treaty in champagne
were Sir Thomas and Lady Reed,

the Honourable Mrs. Arthur
Caldwell with a large party,

and téte-é-téte in a corner,
handsome Viscount Bellamy,

former Civil Lord of
the Admiralty, dining with his

dazzling new wife Virginia,
who was Mrs. Charles Hamilton.

Lady Bellamy told me she
and Lord Bellamy would be

returning to London shortly
to look for a town house."

JAMES: Hmm, good luck to them.

“JAMES: How are your feet?
- GEORGINA: Oh, rested, thanks.

[Knock on door]
JAMES: Oh, who is it?

FREDERICK: Excuse me, sir.
Your whiskey and soda.

JAMES: Ah, come in, Norton.

GEORGINA: Norton?

It's Frederick,
isn't it, Frederick?

FREDERICK: As you wish, Miss.

JAMES: Norton to me.

Trooper Norton,
always will be.

- FREDERICK: Soda, sir?
JAMES: Thank you, Frederick.

FREDERICK: Sir.

JAMES: Little did I realize
when you used to bring me

my revolting stew in a mess tin
in the dug-out

with all the shells
bursting outside,

that one day you'd be serving me

a whiskey and soda
in my own house.

Well, I bet
you didn't either, eh?

FREDERICK: Did occur to me as
a possibility, sir.

When I came here with your kit
after you was posted missing.

JAMES: Well, how uncanny,
everyone thought I was dead.

FREDERICK: I didn't, sir.

JAMES: Really?

He had faith,
didn't you, Frederick?

Must have had, Miss.

[Bang], crack]

FREDERICK: It's only fireworks,
sir, in Hyde Park.

Oh, they're just starting.

Lovely golden and green sparks.

Whoops, that went high,
it must have been a rocket.

Do come and look, Jumbo,
it's such marvellous colours.

JAMES: Clo-- close the window
will you, Georgina?

GEORGINA: Why?

JAMES: Because I -- I want you
to hear a new record

I've just
bought at Selfridges.

It's a new jazz band playing
rather a jolly tune.

You -- you listen to this.

[Jazz music plays]

HUDSON: You've not finished
the housework already, Rose?

ROSE: Yes, Mr. Hudson, all done.

HUDSON: But it's not 11:00 yet.

ROSE: Well, we didn't have
very much to do.

You can put them brooms
and that dustpan away, Lily,

cupboard in the passage, dear.

LILY: Yes, Rose.

ROSE: Oh, and when you're done
you can sit down

and get on with
your darning.

LILY: Yes, Rose.

MRS. BRIDGES:
She's a good girl that Lily.

Quicker than what Daisy was,
I shouldn't wonder.

ROSE: Oh, yes,
she's quite willing.

Bit wasted, though,
if you ask me.

What do you mean by that, Rose?

ROSE: Here what with the drawing
room and the study being shut up

and the late
Mrs. Bellamy's room,

not to mention the morning room
not being used hardly.

MRS. BRIDGES: Not being used?

Well, where do they sit then,
the Major and Miss Georgina?

ROSE:
He sits in his room mostly.

HUDSON: Miss Georgina spends
much of her time out these days,

Mrs. Bridges, visiting friends
and going to parties.

ROSE: And she's up by 8:00 most
mornings and makes her own bed.

MRS. BRIDGES: That'll be
her training I expect.

She's learnt it
in the hospitals.

I keep telling her,
leave your room for Lily to do.

But she's up, washed, dressed,
all her clothes tidied

long before Lily's got a chance
to get up to her.

HUDSON: What is it, Frederick?

FREDERICK:
I've cleaned the silver

and put it away,
Mr. Hudson, anything else?

HUDSON:
Not that I can think of.

Oh, unless you'd care to brush
the Major's gray suit,

the one he wore last night.

FREDERICK: I have done,
Mr. Hudson.

And put his uniform away.

HUDSON: Oh, very well.

Then you'd best consider

the next hour or so your own,
Frederick.

FREDERICK: Thank you,
Mr. Hudson.

Seems to me Rose is right.

There's not enough work
for a full staff

to do in this house,
not any more there isn't.

Aye, that's the truth of it,
Mrs. Bridges.

ROSE: Some of us is going to
have to look for new places.

Don't have to be
a fortune teller to see that.

[Telephone rings]

Hello, Sloane three oh --

Oh, yes, yes,
good morning, my lord.

Oh, yes.
Yes, I see.

I trust you and Lady Bellamy
had a pleasant sea voyage.

Very good, my lord.

Oh, yes, yes, I'll look them out
for you, have them all ready.

Yes.

I will certainly inform
the Major, my lord.

Very good.
Thank you.

They're back from Paris,
safe and sound,

his lordship and Lady Bellamy.

MRS. BRIDGES: Staying at
the Hyde Park Hotel again?

Aye, but he wants two or three
of his suits, a cigar case,

and a few other items
he left behind here.

Coming over to fetch them
at tea time.

I'm to inform the Major.

MRS. BRIDGES: I see.
How did he sound?

HUDSON: Remarkably cheerful,
Mrs. Bridges.

And who's to blame him.

Well, I'll go upstairs
and look out his things.

Why not take Frederick with you?
Could help you pack the cases.

Give him something to do.

I can manage without Frederick,
thank you, Mrs. Bridges.

RICHARD: Settling down
all right are you?

RICHARD: Settling down
all right are you?

Very well indeed,
my lord, thank you.

RICHARD: Good,
I thought you would. James!

FREDERICK: The Major's upstairs,
my lord, in his sitting room.

- Oh, I see.
- This way, my lord.

RICHARD: It's all right,
Frederick.

I can find my own way.

FREDERICK:
Very good, my lord.

RICHARD: You get on
with your other work.

I'm sure
you've got plenty to do.

James.

JAMES: Oh, welcome back, Father.

RICHARD: Don't get up.
Good to see you.

Everything all right?

JAMES: Yes, yes, I suppose so.

Well, how was Paris?
Did you -- did you enjoy it?

RICHARD:
Oh, it was fascinating.

Versailles was like one great
international garden party.

JAMES: Yes, we read about you
and Virginia in The Sketch.

RICHARD:
Oh, you did, did you?

Well, I just came round
to fetch a few things.

Hudson's packing
a valise for me.

JAMES: So I gather.

RICHARD: With your permission,
of course.

JAMES: He doesn't need
my permission, Father.

RICHARD:
He's your butler, James.

JAMES: And yours.

Well, I no longer
live here, do I?

Do you prefer to sit up
here in your room?

JAMES:
The morning room depresses me.

I would have thought it
rather more depressing

to shut yourself up
in here all day.

After all,
the life of the house

always centered round
the morning room.

Yes, that's what Georgina says.

RICHARD: Then why do it?

JAMES: I don't know,
I seem to prefer my own company

to anybody else's these days.

I don't know why, just quite
happy to sit up here

with my own books and things.

You must try
and cheer up, James.

It's not easy, Father.

I know, I know.

Well, it's very quiet
in the house, I can see that.

The servants
haven't got enough to do.

I-- I can't give them all
notice, not all of them,

not after all these years.

RICHARD: No, no, no,
of course not.

JAMES:
Otherwise one would seriously

have to think of
selling this house,

and for one thing,
Where would Georgina go?

I mean she has no other home
but this, until she marries.

Besides I want to live here.

It's my home.

Was mine, too, James.

Yes.

Have -- have you
and Virginia found anywhere yet?

A house, well, Virginia's seen
one or two she likes

but nothings settled yet.

You know, it takes time.

Then live here, Father, please.

It would save you having to --
well, to find somewhere else.

I can't manage it alone.

Please?

RICHARD: Well, it's a kind
thought and I'm very touched.

I'm sure Virginia
would be too, but...

But what?

Well, Virginia would
have to decide, you see.

It must depend on her.

Yes, yes I suppose so.

After all, she is my wife.

She'll be the mistress
of whatever house

we choose to live in.

She's entitled to have her say.

But surely you could persuade
her to move in here.

There's plenty of room,
God knows.

Yes, yes, there is,
there's plenty of room,

but as you know
she has very much

a mind of her own,
she's not someone

to be talked around easily
once her mind is made up.

JAMES: Yes, but you haven't
actually bought anywhere yet.

Surely you could persuade her.

RICHARD:
I'll talk to her about it

this evening,
that much I promise.

But don't put too much
faith in it, James.

You must remember
that newly married people

usually prefer
some degree of privacy.

JAMES: Well, with two children
dashing about the house?

RICHARD:
Well, Alice and William

are her children, James,
not mine.

Yes, I see.

Well, don't even bother
to ask her, Father.

I can see you're not
in favour of the idea,

so let's just
forget all about it, shall we?

RICHARD:
What's the matter, James?

JAMES: Nothing, Father.

You've had
a rotten deal, old boy,

don't think we aren't
all aware of that.

Beastly time with the war
and then losing Hazel.

But we have to go on in life,
not just turn our backs on it.

You're alive,
you have enough money to live on

in some degree of comfort.

Time to start a new life,

to find something
worthwhile to do.

Don't give up, James.
Don't give up.

Well, I'll speak to Virginia
about what you suggest,

it's the least I can do.

JAMES: Thank you, Father.
I'm sure you'll do your best.

RICHARD: I must find Hudson,
see if he's packed my case.

JAMES: Yes.

RICHARD:
Oh, give my love to Georgina.

Virginia's and mine.

Yes, yes, she'll be
back sometime, I suppose.

HUDSON:
May I call you a taxi, my lord?

RICHARD: Oh, yes, thank you,
Hudson, if my things are ready.

HUDSON: All packed in their
case, my lord.

LORD BELLAMY: Yes, I see...

Will you be sending over
for the remainder

of your
belongings later?

So that I can
instruct Frederick

to have these packed
and ready?

RICHARD:
I may, Hudson, I'm not sure.

HUDSON: My lord.

RICHARD: Until her ladyship
has decided on a house, we --

well, I might as well
leave my things here,

rather than clutter up our rooms
in the Hyde Park Hotel.

HUDSON: Quite, my lord.

RICHARD: Well, I think I'll sit
in the morning room

while you telephone
for a taxi.

HUDSON: Oh, I'm not certain
that Rose has raised

the blinds yet
or aired the room.

It's all right, Hudson,
it doesn't matter.

I'm afraid since the Major comes
downstairs so rarely these days,

and Miss Georgina's
so often out...

Hudson, it doesn't matter about
the state of

the morning room,
just get me a taxi.

No doubt the Major will be
closing down the house

altogether in due course
and dispensing with the staff?

I have no idea, Hudson.

Don't ask me to look
into the future.

Things are far from settled.

Quite, my lord.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Ruby, fetch a tray.

RUBY: With a cloth on?

MRS. BRIDGES: With a cloth on.
It's for the Major's supper.

He's having it upstairs
by himself at half past 8:00.

Look sharp.

Well, which is it to be?

HUDSON:
I don't know, Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES: You don't know?

HUDSON: I do not.

MRS. BRIDGES:
But you went upstairs

specially to find out.

HUDSON: In his lordship's Words,
things are very unsettled.

I should think they are
unsettled.

I know I am.

And that goes for
the entire staff, Mrs. Bridges.

I'm Well aware of it.

However, his lordship will
decide in his own time.

MRS. BRIDGES:
She will, not him.

HUDSON: Well, we must be patient
and wait and see.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Yes, I suppose so.

HUDSON; Shh.

MRS. BRIDGES:
That cloth's filthy!

Get a clean one
out of the drawer.

RUBY: Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

Good morning, Hudson.

HUDSON: Good morning, my lady.

RICHARD: Hudson.
HUDSON: My lord...

The Major gave orders for you

to be shown into
the drawing room, my lord.

RICHARD: Oh, did he?
I see.

HUDSON: Rose has opened up
one end of it, my lord.

RICHARD: Oh, then we'll go up.

Don't bother, Hudson,
we can make ourselves at home.

HUDSON: I'm afraid
the Major had to go out.

He should be back shortly.

VIRGINIA:
Well, We're early anyway.

RICHARD: Come on, Virginia.

HUDSON: I've put a decanter
of sherry in there, my lord.

RICHARD: Good.

VIRGINIA: I've never seen
your drawing room.

RICHARD: Come in, my dear.

God, it smells musty.
I do apologize.

VIRGINIA:
What a beautiful room.

RICHARD: Yes, it was once.

Looks more like
a furniture store now.

Seen some interesting happenings
in its time.

VIRGINIA: I'm sure this house

is full of memories for you,
my darling.

RICHARD: inevitably.

VIRGINIA: I think that's partly
why I'm so anxious

for us to live in our own house
somewhere else.

RICHARD: Yes.

Well, let me give you
some sherry.

VIRGINIA:
Just a little, please.

RICHARD: I know that James
is very anxious

to speak to you
about his suggestion.

VIRGINIA: Which is why

we're invited to lunch today,
isn't it?

Rather wish he hadn't
raised the matter.

RICHARD: Why not?

VIRGINIA: You're putting me

in a very awkward position,
Richard.

RICHARD: I am?
Oh, come now, Virginia.

You knew very well that we were
both invited here

to discuss the future
of this house.

Yes, and what am I
to say to him?

I don't want to
come and live here.

Now --

I know it's a beautiful house,

but it's not my home,
it's not even yours any more.

Come now --

Richard, that little house
in Clarendon Street

would be perfect for us,

and I could make it
so comfortable and charming.

There's plenty of room here,
for the time being.

VIRGINIA: No!

Please, don't try to force me.

JAMES: Oh, Father, Virginia.

Sorry, I had to go to the bank
to get some money, Virginia.

VIRGINIA: I've just been
admiring your drawing room.

Such elegance, that ceiling.

JAMES: Yes, yes, it's um --
it's a splendid room, isn't it?

We thought we'd open it up
for a change,

sort of celebrate
your return.

- VIRGINIA: To London?
JAMES: To Eaton Place.

Oh, I see Hudson's
used his initiative,

brought up the sherry --
have you both...

RICHARD: Yes, we helped
ourselves, James.

JAMES: Good.

RICHARD: Virginia and I have
seen a fine little house

in Clarendon Street
just north of Hyde Park.

Oh.

Yes, it's just about perfect

for your father and me and --
and at a price we can afford.

Yes, I see.

Did you mention to Virginia
what I said the other day?

RICHARD:
Yes, James, yes, I did.

But as you know --
well, as I told you,

a woman who has married again
with her own children

quite naturally...

VIRGINIA: Oh, James,

come and sit down and let me try
to explain it to you.

JAMES: There's no point,
Virginia.

There's really no point.

VIRGINIA: James, please come
and sit down.

I do understand how you feel,
please believe that.

I know that
it's very sad and quiet

for you all alone
in this house.

Perhaps you'll want
to sell it eventually

and find some comfortable room
somewhere to live.

JAMES: And where is Georgina
going to go?

Can you tell me that?

This house is her home.

Well, it's mine, too.

And since the house is mine,
the responsibility

for Georgina is mine as well,
no longer my father's.

Yes, I understand that, James.

But there are more --

JAMES: And what --
what about the servants?

If I have to sell this house
they'll have to

be given notice, all of them.

After all these years,
that is unthinkable.

I know that, James, I know...

But you must see this from
my point of view as well.

I have married your father,
whom I love very dearly.

And now we both look forward
to a new life together,

a fresh start,
away from all our sad memories.

I have my two children
to consider.

I want them to grow up
in a home that's theirs,

not someone else's.

You've been through so much
in this house, James,

you and your father.

Happy times and sad times,
as well.

I know that those memories
and the house itself

will belong to you both forever,
but in the past.

Now the war's over now, James,
and we all hope that

you can find a new kind
of happiness and a new life.

And allow your father
to find his happiness

and his new life, as well.

Yes, I suppose so.

I -- I can't argue
with what you say.

Well, the idea of you two coming

to live here
was just a thought.

A silly thought.

I'd hoped you'd understand.

And my -- my greatest wish is
for you and Father to be happy.

And Georgina will get married
one day I suppose,

have a house of her own.

Meanwhile, it's just that --
well, six people to wait on

one tiresome, bad tempered,
unemployed widower.

What's the sense in it, eh?

Luncheon is served, sir.

Oh, thank you, Hudson.

Now, come along, Virginia,

I want to hear all about
Versailles and tell me how --

how - how was Paris?

VIRGINIA:
Oh, it was so exciting.

Did your father tell you
that we went to

an American Embassy reception
and President Wilson was there?

JAMES: Morning, Hudson.

HUDSON: Good morning, sir.

JAMES: Are they ready?

HUDSON:
In the servants' hall, sir.

JAMES:
Well, we'd better go down.

HUDSON: Sir.

ROSE: Major's coming,
Mrs. Bridges.

JAMES: Good morning.

MRS. BRIDGES: Morning, sir.

HUDSON: The staff, sir.

JAMES: Yes, thank you.

Please sit down,
Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES: Thank you.

JAMES: Well, I um --
I expect you can all guess

why I asked you
to see me this morning.

Well, I'm afraid this is
a very sad occasion for me,

because as you may have heard,
my father and stepmother

are going to move into a house
on their own,

and since Mrs. Bellamy's death,

I have felt unable to justify
living by myself

in so large a house as this one
with -- with a full staff.

So I'm afraid the time has come
for me to say...

my thanks to you all

for the years of
devoted and loyal service.

At any rate, those of you

who've been with us
since before the war.

To thank you all
and I'm afraid to say

that the time has come for me
to think of selling this house

and moving into rooms.

So obviously I can no longer
maintain a full staff.

So if you could all

consider yourselves under
a month's notice,

I mean to give yourself time

to find positions
in other households.

I really and truly am sorry
that such a time should come,

and I can only repeat my --
my grateful thanks to you all.

That's --
that's all I wanted to say.

If I might be permitted, sir,
to speak on behalf of us all.

We had anticipated such
an eventuality as this,

and please be assured
that we understand

your difficult position.

We have talked among ourselves,

ever since it became clear
that there were difficulties

such as you describe, sir.

And I'm authorized to say on
behalf of all of us below stairs

that we are ready
and willing

to continue in your service
for reduced wages, sir.

If that could in any way

influence you
to change your mind,

at least for the time being.

Well, that's um -- that's very
good of you, Hudson.

Of -- of all of you

and naturally I'm very touched
by your offer.

But -- but it really isn't
a question of your wages.

You see, this house is far
too big for me on my own,

and Miss Georgina and I...

We -- we've reached
the end of a chapter.

And that's really all I can say.

Thank you.

Very well.

About your duties now,
all of you.

MRS. BRIDGES: Come along, Ruby,
help me with the vegetables.

ROSE: After all these years, eh?

MRS. BRIDGES: You'll get another
place easy enough, Rose.

You're healthy and young --
so will Lily and Frederick.

ROSE: I suppose so.

MRS. BRIDGES:
I'm not so sure about you, Ruby.

RUBY: I'll find work in a hotel.

Easy, Mrs. Bridges, I've seen
advertisements in newspapers

for kitchen maids for hotels
and boarding houses.

And they pay good money
nowadays.

MRS. BRIDGES: Well, you'd better
go out and find yourself

such a job then.

RUBY: I shall.

ROSE: I suppose
you'll be thinking

of retiring now,
Mr. Hudson?

That is, if you've
got enough saved.

HUDSON:
I hadn't anticipated

giving up service
yet a while, Rose.

ROSE: If it's a question of
finding a little house somewhere

and putting some money down,

there's always the money that
my Gregory left me in the bank,

and you could have some
if it would help.

HUDSON: Oh, that's
a very kind thought, Rose,

and much appreciated.

But you'll need all your
savings for yourself.

In old age, a woman can become
needy sooner than a man.

Oh, as long as I'm blessed with
good health, I shall continue

in service as butler, provided
a suitable place can be found.

Otherwise, there will always be
odd jobs to be filled,

perhaps as porter at a club

or one of these new
apartment houses.

ROSE:
Well, we've had a good run.

HUDSON: Aye.

The very words
Mrs. Bridges used the other day.

All good things come
to an end, eh?

That's the only way
to look at it, Rose.

I'd best go sort out
the laundry.

GEORGINA: Am I late?

JAMES: No, no, Hudson hasn't
announced lunch yet.

GEORGINA: Oh, good.
I was having a dancing lesson.

We did the fox trot
and the black bottom.

JAMES: You -- do you want
a glass of sherry?

GEORGINA: No, thank you.

Oh, cheer up, Jumbo.
It's a lovely day.

JAMES: Oh, maybe outside.

Not indoors, not in this house.

GEORGINA: What do you mean?

JAMES: Well, I've just given
the servants a month's notice,

all of them.

Wasn't a very agreeable
occasion.

GEORGINA: Oh, darling,
you are going to sell then.

JAMES: Well, what choice
do I have, Georgina?

I can't go on here, now.

Well, you -- you'll just have to
cuckoo with Val or Courteney

or live at Southwold
for a bit or something.

GEORGINA: Yes, I see.

Oh, well, I'll find a bed
somewhere, don't worry about me.

JAMES: I do.
I do worry about you.

GEORGINA: Well, you mustn't.

What's more important
is that you find

a comfortable flat or --
or rooms.

JAMES: Oh, that's no problem.
I'll find somewhere.

It's those wretched servants.

All that goodness and loyalty.

Their faces will haunt me
for the rest of my life.

Oh, don't.

JAMES: You know they offered to
go on for less wages.

GEORGINA:
Oh, dear, how awfully weepy.

I do wish
you hadn't told me that.

Anyway I -- I think
they've been happy here.

It's been like a home to them
for such a long time, hasn't it?

JAMES: Hmm, it has.

GEORGINA: Try not to
think about it.

Tell me some news.

I haven't seen you since
Wednesday.

JAMES: Ooh, there
hasn't been much news.

It's been pretty quiet here.
I had a letter from Father.

He and Virginia are bringing
the children down next Friday.

William's got
a dentist appointment

and Alice needs some
new clothes or something.

They're staying
at the Hyde Park Hotel again.

I'm longing
to see the children.

Couldn't we, um,
invite them to tea one day

while they're in London?

JAMES: Hmm, at Gunther's?

GEORGINA: No, here.

JAMES: Oh, are you suggesting
I should entertain

those two brats, while father
and Virginia go shopping?

- Yes, I am.
JAMES: Ooh.

Oh, I'll be here to help you.
I adore children.

Oh.

Well, if you're
going to take part.

Now, mind you do.

LILY: They're done,
Mrs. Bridges.

But Rose says could they have
another plate of sandwiches

in the dining room please,
and more jelly?

MRS. BRIDGES:
What? more sandwiches!

LILY: Well, that's what Rose
said to say, and more jelly.

MRS. BRIDGES:
I don't know, I'm sure.

Only the children have eaten up
all what was

on the table, and Miss Georgina
says they're still hungry.

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, poor mites.

That's what comes
of living in big hotels.

Ruby, fetch
out the fishpaste, again.

I'll out some more bread.

RUBY: Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, dear, goodness me.

Oh, I'll put them in the lift
when they're ready, Lily.

You'd better go on up
with that jelly

and there's a fresh
jug of lemonade.

LILY: Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, my goodness.

I hope them two cakes
will be sufficient

what I made for them special.

HUDSON: Lily, where are you
going with that?

LILY: Well, back in
the dining room, Mr. Hudson.

HUDSON: Have they not finished
their tea yet?

LILY: Oh, no, Mr. Hudson.

Master William's had a whole
plate of sandwiches,

and there's more coming up
from the kitchen.

And they've had two iced cakes
and a full jug of lemonade.

HUDSON: Yeah, to wash
it all down, no doubt.

LILY: That's right,
Mr. Hudson.

HUDSON: Oh, as long
as the wee bairns

are not ill on the dining
room carpet.

LILY: Oh, no, Mr. Hudson.

Miss Georgina will see to that.

MRS. BRIDGES: What time are

the children being fetched,
Mr. Hudson?

HUDSON: Oh, about half past 6:00
or so, Miss Georgina thinks.

[Whistle]

MRS. BRIDGES: Ruby, whistle.

RUBY: Who is it?

Ow!

MRS. BRIDGES:
Whatever's the matter, Ruby?

RUBY: Someone blew in me ear.

Who is it?

WILLIAM". Is that you, Alice?
Can you hear me?

ALICE; what?

RUBY: It's Ruby.
Who do you want?

ALICE; what?

RUBY: Ruby.
Who is it?

ALICE: Did you say something?

WILLIAM: Where are you?

ALICE: Upstairs.

RUBY: It's children
monkeying about what whistled.

MRS. BRIDGES: Little devils.

[Laughs]
[Whistle]

RUBY: There.
- HUDSON: Leave it, Ruby.

They're doing no harm...
yet.

I'm talking from upstairs.

ALICE; what?

WILLIAM: What?

The bedroom landing,
two floors up.

WILLIAM: The bedroom landing
two floors up.

Now look out,
because I'm going to blow.

Mind your ear.

Oh, it's cold.

GEORGINA: There you are Alice.

ROSE: She's been talking
to Master William upstairs.

GEORGINA: Have you? well, you
come along with me now,

we'll go into the drawing room
and I'll teach you Chopsticks.

ALICE: What's that?

GEORGINA: It's a funny tune
on the piano.

We can play it together.
Thank you, Rose.

It was a pleasure,
Miss Georgina.

ALICE:
Goodness, what a huge piano.

GEORGINA:
Hmm, it's a very good one.

But nobody ever plays it,
nowadays.

ALICE: Can I open the lid?

GEORGINA: Yes, just a minute,
let's take this off.

There.
Hope it's still in tune.

- Come and sit beside me.
- Can I play?

We're going to play together.
Have you got enough room?

ALICE: Yes, thank you.

GEORGINA: Give me your fingers
and I'll show you Chopsticks.

It's very easy -- I was taught
it by some soldiers in France.

It goes...

Listen, someone's playing
the piano.

Steady on, not too fast.

WILLIAM:
Can I play the piano, too?

GEORGINA: Oh, may I play
the piano please?

Yes, you may.

Come and sit here
and you can play the top bit.

ALICE: I'm playing the bass.

WILLIAM: The what?
ALICE: The bass.

Give me your hands and I'll put
your fingers on the right notes.

Ready?

GEORGINA: Very good.

That's it and down.

[Laughing]

MRS. BRIDGES: Ask the Major
what time he wants his dinner,

would you please, Mr. Hudson?

HUDSON: Yes, indeed,
Mrs. Bridges.

[Banging piano keys]

HUDSON: Would you listen
to the wee rascals, now?

MRS. BRIDGES: That piano hasn't
been played for years.

Not since Miss Lizzie
left home.

GEORGINA: Very good, Alice.

Down...

That's it.

Oh, I'm sorry, James,
are you being deafened?

I'll stop them if you like.

JAMES: Oh, no, no,
it's all right.

I was just wondering if, um,

William would like to come
and see my train.

Would you care to see
Uncle James's train, William?

Yes, please.

JAMES: Yes, well, you come
upstairs with me

and I'll show it to you.

ALICE:
Please, may we do it again?

GEORGINA: Yes, all right.

Ready?
One, two, three, go...

RICHARD:
Everything all right, Hudson?

HUDSON: Oh, yes,
indeed, my lord.

VIRGINIA:
Oh, dear your poor piano.

RICHARD: It never gets played.

It'll do it good
to get a good thumping.

Come on, let's go and sit down.

HUDSON: Oh, my lord...

RICHARD: Oh, I forgot.
Of course, it's all shut up.

Let's use the drawing room.

WILLIAM: Alice, come up
and see the train. Alice.

GEORGINA: All right,
We're coming.

ALICE: William, did you hear me
playing a tune?

RICHARD: They appear to be
enjoying themselves.

VIRGINIA: Oh, I'm sure they are,

but are you, Hudson,
and the others?

Oh, yes, my lady.

Things have been
quite lively in the house

since the children
finished their tea.

RICHARD: I think they've gone up
to the nursery now.

VIRGINIA: I must round them up
and take them away

before they
wreck your house.

RICHARD: Well, let's go
and assess the damage, shall we?

JAMES: Around past the station,
you see?

JAMES: Around past the station,
you see?

There it goes, down --

Oh, dear! Overturned.
Still nobody hurt.

Let's set it up again.
We'll set it up again.

WILLIAM:
Can I set it up this time?

JAMES: Oh, yeah, sure, here you
are, you -- you have a go.

I'll find you the key.
Where's the key gone?

ROSE: Little cups and saucers,
look, for their tea.

And even a tiny milk jug.

GEORGINA:
ls there a shawl, Rose?

ROSE: Oh, I'll have a look,
Miss Georgina.

GEORGINA: Thank you.

JAMES: There you go,
there we are.

Very good.

It's quicker on its own.

Now then, hang on, we'll attach
this one on the back now.

Here we are then, that should go
in there like that.

ALICE: Look, Mummy,
a tiny milk jug for the dolls

to have their tea.

VIRGINIA: Oh, yes,
isn't it small?

JAMES: Oh, hello, Virginia,
Father.

Pass us that
drop of oil will you?

It's sticking a bit just here
the track.

- WILLIAM: This?
JAMES: Yeah.

VIRGINIA:
Come along now, children,

I'm afraid it's time
to go.

ALICE: Aw!

- ALICE: Mummy.
- WILLIAM: Not yet.

Yes, yes, yes, we must,
it's gone half past 6:00.

Now come along downstairs
and get your coats on.

ROSE: I'll go and fetch
their things, my lady.

VIRGINIA: Thank you, Rose.

GEORGINA:
Alice and I have been playing

the piano together,
haven't we?

Rather well, we thought.

ALICE: Yes, and blowing
the whistle.

Mummy, it's such a lovely house,
you can talk through

the whistle to someone upstairs
all the way from the basement.

WILLIAM: And there's lots of
rooms to hide in and cupboards.

GEORGINA: For hide and seek.

VIRGINIA:
Yes, I'm sure there are,

but you must say goodbye now
and come downstairs.

ALICE: Please...
Oh, Mummy.

VIRGINIA:
We mustn't outstay our welcome.

Oh, you could never do that,
Virginia, and you know it.

GEORGINA: Couldn't they stay
for just another

half an hour, please, Virginia?

RICHARD: Why not let them
if they're having fun?

ALICE: I want to stay here
forever and ever.

Don't you, William?

Oh, yes, so that we can

blow the whistle
to each other every day.

RICHARD: Come on, let's go down.

JAMES: Right, I'd come down
myself, Father, but we're having

a bit of trouble with this
signal aren't we, William?

VIRGINIA: Very well, but just
for half an hour.

GEORGINA: Would you like to see

if you could find another dress
for this one?

JAMES: See if we can
pull that one.

Now then, stop it there,
there you go.

Hook that in there,
more fuel supply.

[Soft piano playing]

[Music stops]

RICHARD: Go on playing.

VIRGINIA: No, I mustn't.

GEORGINA: Oh, that was lovely.

JAMES: Play it again.

VIRGINIA: Some other time.
Where are they?

GEORGINA: Oh, Rose is getting
their coats on.

VIRGINIA: Thank you both
for giving them

such a lovely afternoon.

GEORGINA: We enjoyed ourselves,
didn't we, James?

JAMES: Haven't laughed so much
for years.

It is a pity they can't stay.

ROSE: Beg pardon, my lady.

We're just gonna
see Mrs. Bridges.

Shan't be a minute.

ALICE: We're going
to thank her for our tea.

VIRGINIA: Oh, I'd like to take
them down to the kitchen. May I?

JAMES: Of course.

VIRGINIA: Thank you.
Thank you, Rose.

ROSE: Very good, my lady.

RICHARD: Rose?

Would you ask Hudson to think
about getting us a taxi?

ROSE: Very good, my lord.

VIRGINIA:
Mrs. Bridges?

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh.
Good afternoon, my lady.

VIRGINIA: The children just
wanted to come

and thank you for
their tea.

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, it was
a pleasure I'm sure, my lady.

VIRGINIA:
This is William and Alice.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, my goodness gracious me.

And did you enjoy
your teas, my dears?

ALICE: Yes, thank you.
It was a lovely tea.

WILLIAM: Especially the jelly.

[Laughing]

MRS. BRIDGES:
Especially the jelly.

Ho ho, my goodness me.

Well, next time
Mummy brings you here to tea

I'll make you
some of my strawberry tarts.

How would that be?

VIRGINIA: Oh, they'd love that.

MRS. BRIDGES: I hear Miss Alice
is quite a musician, my lady.

VIRGINIA: Not really yet,
but she's going to start lessons

on the piano,
as soon as we settle in London.

Oh, yes, my lady.

VIRGINIA:
Well, we mustn't keep you.

Say goodbye to Mrs. Bridges,
children, and then we must go.

- ALICE: Goodbye, Mrs. Bridges.
- WILLIAM: Goodbye.

MRS. BRIDGES: Goodbye, my dears.

Thank you, Mrs. Bridges,
you've been so kind.

It's been
a pleasure, my lady.

It really has been.

HUDSON: His lordship is up
in the drawing room, my lady.

VIRGINIA: Thank you, Hudson.

HUDSON: Your taxi should be here
in two or three minutes.

VIRGINIA: Thank you.

JAMES: Well, the servants loved
having them here.

GEORGINA: Especially Rose.

JAMES: Yes, they seem remarkably
cheerful considering

they're under a months notice.

RICHARD: What did you say?

JAMES: Well, what else
could I do, Father?

I can't go on living here now.

They said goodbye
to Mrs. Bridges,

so as soon as the taxi comes --

RICHARD: Yes, yes, we must go.

JAMES: Here you are, William.

[Loud pop]
Popgun for you.

Now, mind you don't shoot
Alice with it.

GEORGINA:
And this is for you, Alice.

Rose made a little bonnet
for it.

ALICE: Oh, thank you.
How lovely.

VIRGINIA: Rose seems to have
a wonderful way

with children,
better than my old nanny.

GEORGINA: Well, yes, she has.

She'd make a marvellous
children's maid.

Who'd do the housework?

Well, Lily, we only need
one housemaid now,

isn't that so, James?

Oh, yes.

And Frederick would valet

Uncle Richard
as well as you, James.

Would he?

GEORGINA: Yes, and Lily's such
a good housemaid that,

Well Rose would have the time

to be Virginia's
lady's maid, as well.

That -- that is if...

Yes, if...

Does there really
have to be an if?

HUDSON: Your taxi is here,
my lady.

VIRGINIA: Oh, thank you, Hudson.

Well, thank you,
Georgina and James,

for looking after
these two for me.

They've had a lovely time,
you've really spoiled them.

GEORGINA: That's all right.

I think you'd better telephone
the agent

tomorrow morning, Richard,
and withdraw the offer

for that house
in Clarendon Street, don't you?

Virginia, are --
are you sure?

You know what you're saying,
I mean please --

Oh, yes, I'm sure, Richard.

I may be a pretty stubborn
and obstinate person,

but I do know when I'm beaten.

Now come along children,
if you don't --

ALICE: Mummy, does that mean
We're going to stay forever?

VIRGINIA:
I don't know about forever.

If you don't get
downstairs this minute.

Now don't run so...

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