Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 5, Episode 5 - Wanted - a Good Home - full transcript

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Oh, Bert, they're awfully good.

Alice, do look.

Oh, they are good, Bert.

Thank you kindly, your ladyship.

God bless you.

And you, Master William,

you be a good boy
when you get to school.

Yes, Bert, I will.

Come along, children.

[Bell ringing]



You really shouldn't give silver
to that sort of person, Alice.

ALICE: Poor Bert --
he was so wounded in the war

and he has to keep
his poor, sick mother.

That's his story.

ALICE: Uncle Richard
gives him a sovereign

every Sunday after church
when we walk up the park.

Well, that's different.

Oh, look.

Oh, I wish we had a dog
to take to the park.

Don't dawdle, Alice.

I can't think why William has to
Walk in that silly way,

even though he has hurt his leg.

Oh, he mustn't walk
on the lines,

in case there are bears
in the areas



and they might eat him.

It really is high time
you went away to school.

Yes, Miss Treadwell.

Front door, William.

I was going to tell Bridgey
and the others --

I said the front door, William.
Please ring the bell.

And you do not call
Mrs. Bridges, "Bridgey."

Yes, ma'am.

[Bell rings]

How do you spell Hamilton?

H-A-M...I - L...T-O-N.

Fancy...

Master William
having a school number.

It's just like being in prison.

I don't know,
every blessed thing

having to have a label
sewn on it.

You're lucky.

When the Major went
to his school,

every initial had to be
sewed on by hand.

None of your shop fancy labels
in them days.

I remember Rose sewing
for weeks.

And we had a special
sewing woman used to come in,

help with
Lady Marjorie's things.

Mrs. Woodcock, her name was.

Comic name.

She was really fat.

Just like a jelly.

But, my word, she could sew.

Fancy initials, coronets,
anything you like.

One day Eddie and I'll have
a nice little boy

like Master William.

There'll be time enough for that

when you've got
a good bit more put away.

Every week we put something
in the post office savings.

I should hope so,
after last time.

What happened last time
wasn't our fault.

I mean,
it was everyone the same.

The government said it was
a country fit for heroes

and then they didn't give
no one no work.

I wish I could have a little
kiddie to send to school.

You're well enough
as you are, Ruby.

Remember last time you went off.

Got yourself blowed up.

And you're not even married yet.

I know, and it says in paper
there's a shortage of men

and too many women.

What's that horrible smell?

Oh!
It's Master William's toffee!

ALICE: Gym vests -- two.

ROSE: Gym vests -- two.

Cricket boots, brown canvas --
one pair.

That's odd, I thought cricket
boots were always white.

Cricket boots, brown canvas --
one pair.

Stiff collars -- four.

ROSE: Stiff collars -- four.

Oh, I suppose they must be
for Sundays.

ALICE: Yes.

ROSE: Difficult to pack.

Oh.

I can manage, Miss Alice.

I'm sorry, Rose.

It's silly to mind so much.

I mean, winkie doesn't seem
to mind.

It's not as if it was me
going away to school

for the first time or anything.

He can be a little pest
sometimes,

but I sort of got used to him.

ROSE: I think it's nice.

If you didn't show you cared,
it wouldn't say much, would it?

No.

Come on, then.

Combinations -- two.

Oh, no, that's only
for winter terms.

Uh, bathing bags -- one pair.

Oh!

Bathing bags?

[Laughs]

Nice big ginger cake
and a plum cake,

half a dozen jars
of potted fish paste.

Scrumptious.
- And all manner of jarns.

- Strawber"?
- Yes.

And raspberry and apple
and blackberry,

oh, and some
of my homemade marmalade.

Though for the life of me,
I can't think why schools

can't provide
their own preserves.

They wouldn't be as good.

Oh, now, you're quite right
there, Master William.

Because they'd be factory made.

It was the same when the Major
went to his preparatory school.

Yes.
It's the same tuck box.

Many's the time
I remember packing

this tuck box for the Major.

I think it is traditional
that all schools,

I mean, private schools,
take advantage of the parents

in providing such expensive
items as jam and honey.

Oh, there's honey, too.

Such items as jam and honey,

thereby saving on their own
overall budgets.

Well, I never did.

However did you find that out,
Mr. Hudson?

I came upon the fact somewhere
in my reading, Mrs. Bridges.

Now, there's a really educated
man for you, Master William.

Where did you go to school,
Mr. Hudson?

I went to the local
village school

in Argyllshire, Master William.

A grand wee school,
first-class education.

RUBY: Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, Ruby, I almost forgot.

Oh, Ruby's made a surprise
for you, Master William.

What is it, please, Ruby?

Go on, Ruby, you tell him.

Well, it's homemade toffee.

You just have to give it
a little tap.

Should break up nice.

There.

There we are.

You have a piece, Bridgey.

Oh, well, just a little piece.

Thank you, Master William.

Mr. Hudson?

Oh, mustn't eat it all now.

And my old teeth, you know.
No, thank you.

Ruby?

Oh, Ruby!
oh!

Now say, "Pussy."

pussy...

You go straight
into the scullery

and take that
out of your mouth at once.

Oh, I don't know.

That girl, she always
has to spoil everything.

Now, I'll wrap this
in greaseproof paper.

Then it won't get all sticky.

Thank you -- We're allowed
sweets on Sunday,

but only thruppence a week
pocket money.

Well, that's good.
That's very sensible.

Teach you thrift.

And mind you're a good boy

and clean your teeth
after every meal.

Then you won't never
have to go to the dentist.

Yes, Bridgey.

ALICE: Although many were sunk
and more greatly damaged

by the fire of the Dutch, they
swarmed round the great ships

with wonderful tenacity.

And while the larger vessels
fought their guns

against those of the men-of-war,

the smaller ones
kept close to them,

avoiding as much as possible
their formidable broadsides

but keeping up a perpetual
musketry fire

at their bulwarks and tops.

-"Bullocks."
- What?

"Bullocks," not "bulwarks."

Oh.
"Bullocks" and tops.

Throwing stink pots and shooting
burning arrows through the ports

and getting alongside
under the muzzles of the guns

and trying to climb up
into the ports.

"This is mighty unpleasant,
Your Honour," Tim said as a shot

from one of the Dutch men-of-war
struck the craft they were in,

crashing a hole
through her "bullocks"

and laying five or six
of her crew upon the deck,

killed or wounded
by the splinters.

Is that what happened
to Michael, Mummy?

Yes, darling, more or less.

That's enough reading now.

Oh, Mummy, it's an absolutely
wizard book.

Can't Alice
just finish the page?

No, it's very late.
You can finish it tomorrow.

But tomorrow I'll be at sch--

All right, you can take the book
with you.

Yes.
Thank you, Alice.

Oh, Alice, ask Rose to come up,
will you?

Yes, Mummy.

Now, what about your prayers?

- Can't I say them in bed?
- No.

God bless Mummy and Alice
and Uncle Richard

and Aunt Georgina and James
and Rose and Mrs. Bridges

and all the others downstairs.
And Bert.

And Daddy and Michael in heaven.
Amen.

And Miss Treadwell.

Oh, lor', yes.

PS. And Miss Treadwell.

Who's Bert?

Bert's a pavement artist.

One of my best friends.

Darling, you must promise
to go on saying your prayers

every night at school.

Yes, Mummy.

You can say them in bed -- Well,
unless the other boys kneel.

Do what they do.

Yes, Mummy.

There, how's that?

That's fine.

And perhaps it would be best
not to take Albert to school.

But, Mummy!

Yes, I suppose it would.

Oh, he'll be all right here,

Waiting for you
when you come home.

Yes.

ROSE: You'll know soon enough.

Rose has a surprise for you.

A surprise?
For me?

Yes.
For both of you.

Do hurry UP!

I'll be back in ten minutes
to tuck you both up.

- Put your slippers on.
- Come on.

Where is it?

Put it on properly, I don't want
you catching a cold.

And don't run --

Shut your eyes.
Are they shut?

Shut your eyes.
Are they shut?

- Mine are.
- No cheating.

Now, you can come in, but don't
open your eyes 'til I say so.

All right, now.

WILLIAM: Oh, gosh, a dog!

ALICE: Darling dog!

Oh, Rose!

It's so's you won't miss
Master William so much.

But it's mine, too.

Oh, yes, of course it is.

Oh, he's lovely.

I'm glad you like him.

Can we go and show Treddie?

Yes, of course you can.

- I'll take him.
- You can bring the basket.

ROSE: Oh, well that's not
very generous, Miss Alice.

[Muffled, excited voices]

Oh, Miss Treadwell, look!
Look!

Look, Miss Treadwell, look what
Rose has given us -- a dog!

Yes, yes, I can see that without
having it thrust in my face.

Her ladyship said
it would be all right,

seeing as how Master William
was going away to school.

Oh, did she?

I hope it's house-trained.

Oh, yes.

You see, I saw this notice
in a shop window in Pont Street

saying, "Good home wanted
for dog."

So I made inquiries.

Very nice family,
going to Canada.

I see.

What shall we call it, Rose?

Oh, it's already got a name,
Miss Alice.

What?

Thimble.

Thimble.
Darling Thimble.

What a perfect, divine name.

Oh, darling.

Sorry I'm rather late.

Endless meetings.

Civil servants love talking
and talking

and never coming to their point.

Poor darling, you look tired.

Yes, I am rather.

Will you forgive me if I don't
change for dinner?

Yes, of course.
Don't be silly.

Mrs. Bridges would much
prefer it, I'm sure.

There's a cheese souffle first,

and if you were late,
it could be disastrous.

Oh.

Ten years ago,
I wouldn't have dreamed of it.

VIRGINIA:
Nobody minds these days.

Oh, Hudson will.

He thinks I'm getting slack
and slovenly.

And he's probably right.

I think you ought to see
the doctor.

Just to see if everything's
all right.

Well, I went to see Dr. Foley
this morning.

Everything's fine.

Just getting rather old,
that's all.

And working much too hard
on far too many committees.

Well, they do need me.
Or so they say.

George Curzon, of all people,
came over to see me

at the dining room yesterday
and said what splendid work

I was doing
for the League of Nations.

All the same, I still think

you could get out
of this French trip.

Oh, no, no, not possibly.

King and queen are going.

And I'm on
the War Graves Commission.

But I have got a perfectly
splendid idea.

I'm going to take you with me
on Friday.

Oh --

And then on to Baden-Baden
for a week, to rest,

and then to the Martels'
near Aix.

They never stop asking for us,

and they're absolute
old darlings.

Do they speak English?

Oh, lord, yes.

He was Ambassador
to washington.

And they've got one
of the best chefs in France.

Well, I suppose it would be
a good idea

to be out of the house
while the servants

do the spring cleaning, and --
oh, and I do love France.

Good, I'll wire the Martels

in the morning
and fix everything up.

[Laughs]

Excuse me, my lady,

are you and his lordship
ready for dinner?

Yes, quite ready,
thank you, Hudson.

In that case, my lady,
dinner is served.

Oh, ye-- oh, no,
not that one, Rose,

no, it's a bit bright.

I remember my other son
being absolutely horrified

when I turned up
to his confirmation

wearing a rather
conspicuous hat.

What about this one, my lady?

Well, that couldn't embarrass
William, could it?

- No.
- Thank you, Rose.

There.

Oh, Rose, I wish we could
take you with us

when we go abroad on Friday.

Oh, don't worry about that,
my lady.

I've got plenty to do,

sorting through your clothes
and everything.

I do believe I'm dreading today
even more than William.

Well, they do say
it's worse for the mother.

Yes, I -- oh, Rose,
we ought to be going.

Oh, thank you.
And my -- Yes.

Yes, I'll carry that.
Thank you, Rose.

I'm not sure about this hat.

Oh, I'm very sure, my lady.

Oh, well, I can't change it now.
Thank you.

Oh, you off then, now,
Master William?

Uh, yes.
Well, goodbye, Mrs. Bridges.

Goodbye, Master William.
And be a good boy.

The holidays'll be round
in no time.

Yes, Bridgey.

DAISY: That's right,

the summer'll be here
before you know it.

Yes, well, goodbye, all.

Goodbye.

Well. He do look comic
in those clothes.

Comic?

You tried looking at yourself
in the mirror lately?

He's a proper little gentleman,
he is.

Oh, he is.

And what a comfort
to his mother,

after all the tragedies
there's been in that family.

Well, we're all ready now.

Car's waiting.

Goodbye, Mr. Hudson.

Goodbye, Thimble.
Be good.

Goodbye, Miss Treadwell.

Goodbye, Fred.

I'm sorry I can't come
down with you, William,

but take that with you

in case of emergency.

Thank you, Uncle Richard.

Oh, good, darling, you're ready.

You're sure you've got
everything?

Yes, thank you, Mummy.

Good -- Alice.
Bye-bye, darling.

Be good, won't you?
And take care of Thimble.

Goodbye. Don't be late.

Mm. Back about 6:00.

Come on, then, darling,
mustn't be late.

Rose, goodbye.

Oh!
Take care.

RICHARD: Goodbye.

He was so very brave
and cheerful.

And grown up.

I was really proud of him.

The novelty of it
is quite exciting.

I usually find the second term
is worst, especially for boys.

I hope Alice will be all right.

Oh, I'm sure she will.

Alice is by no means
a stupid girl.

But she does find it difficult
to concentrate.

I think things will be better
with William away.

We shall be able to do
proper school hours

and evening homework.

Oh, Lady Chivers is very anxious
that Jennifer should come again

on weekday mornings.

Very well.

You don't think that Jennifer
will hold Alice back?

I shall not allow her to,
Lady Bellamy.

No, I know you won't.

It's such a relief to be able
to go away, leaving Alice,

and, indeed,
the whole household,

in such capable hands.

I hope that will be understood
by everyone in the house,

including the butler.

What, Miss Treadwell?

That I am to be responsible
in your absence.

Oh.

Oh, yes, I shall make that
quite clear.

Good.

I hope the dog
will be a success.

I hope it will not be another
disruptive influence.

Oh, no, I don't think so.

Rose is willing
to look after him

during school hours
and that sort of thing.

Yes.

Well, good night,
Miss Treadwell.

Good night, Lady Bellamy.

It didn't seem so bad when
Michael went away to Osborne.

William seems so small
and defenseless.

He'll be all right.

He has good manners, knows how
to get on with people,

and when to keep his mouth shut.

It's the bumptious ones
that get into trouble.

He's just so very young.

Oh, but that's the age.

Why?
Other people don't.

The French don't.

I don't know why.

We're the only nation
in the world

that tears
the male patrician child

from the bosom of his family
to be subjected to football,

cold baths,
and Latin infinitives

at the tender age
of eight years.

Yes.

Oh, just suddenly I wish we
weren't going away tomorrow.

Well, I think
it's a jolly good idea.

Change will do you good.

I really don't like
leaving Alice.

Well, Miss Treadwell's
perfectly competent, isn't she?

Oh, yes, I think so.

I don't like her very much.

We're not supposed to like
governesses, are we?

At least this one seems
a stayer,

which in my experience
is a rarity.

I shall never forget the trouble
we had with Elizabeth

and her governesses --

they used to come and go
like clockwork mice.

-[Laughs]
- Mostly Elizabeth's fault.

Oh, she was a little devil.

There was one rather pretty,
shy, little French woman.

Elizabeth found out
she had a silly crush on me

and forced the poor creature to
race her down the back stairs

on a tin tray
and give her free sweets

or she'd give her away
to Marjorie.

[Laughs]

Girls are much nastier
than boys.

- No.
- Oh, yes they are.

They have far more imagination.

All the same, I can't see Alice

getting Miss Treadwell racing
downstairs on a tin tray.

No.
Alice is a nice child.

She has her moments.

But she can be abominably
obstinate,

and we all spoil her.

Yes, you're right,

it's probably quite a good thing
We're going away tomorrow.

Come on.

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
a stately pleasure dome decree."

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a...

stately pleasure dome decree."

Where do you think
Xanadu is, Thimble?

Somewhere beyond the round pond,
I should think.

But you wouldn't know, being
only an ignorant sort of a dog.

Don't put your face
near the dog, Alice.

Oh, he'd never bite me.

That's not the point.

You should never allow a dog
to lick you

or put your face near it.

Dogs are dirty creatures.
Think of the places they go.

And I thought I said
he was not to be allowed

in the school room
during working hours.

Preparation time is just as much
working hours as any other.

[Bell rings]

School room, Frederick.

Whatever can she want now?

They've had their tea.

Marvelous, that boy.
Never complains.

She has him up and down them
stairs like a Egyptian slave.

If he's been up once today,
he's been up 20 times.

Now, if that had been Edward.

Edward never shirked his work

when he was footman,
Mrs. Bridges.

Now he's doing two jobs
instead of one,

he's being flogged to death.

RUBY:
Aye, and he don't half moan.

I've never heard him moan.

He's been washing down
and polishing

that wretched motor car
since 2:00 this afternoon.

He's still got all his
Lordship's suits

to sponge and press.

All Frederick's got to do
is answer the bells.

If the governess
wants something,

that is what the footman
is here for.

With them all away,
there is very little else

to occupy, uh,
any of you, come to that.

So if Miss Treadwell
should wish anything --

Well, we start
spring cleaning tomorrow.

Rose is going to help me
with the chandeliers.

You really shouldn't, Rose.

It is not your place.

Not my place?

I think I know my place,
Mr. Hudson.

What with Lily away
on her holidays --

it's not something
you can do on your own.

There's a distinct knack
with chandeliers,

especially in London, with all
the fog and smoke on the glass.

She can't keep still, that girl.

Fidgety

Would you take the dog to Rose's
room, please, Frederick?

Yes, Miss Treadwell.

I'm sure Frederick
can manage, Alice.

That's it.

MISS TREADWELL:
Do sit up properly, Alice.

All the money your mother spends

on dancing lessons
and deportment.

I don't know.

She said to give the dog
to you, Rose.

- Oh. Did she say anything else?
- No.

Did Miss Alice seem upset?

Well, not as I noticed.

Oh.
Thank you, Fred.

And then you give the pieces
a wipe over

with this powder blue,
before the final polish,

and that gives the glass
an extra sparkle.

Oh, I thought that was just
for looking glasses.

Oh, no, all glass.

There was an old house maid
called Ida

at Southwold, taught me that.

She taught me so much,
it was really --

Thank you, Frederick.

Who does she think she is?

Miss High and Mighty, eh?

You should have refused
to take it in to her.

I'm not in the habit
of disobeying orders, Daisy.

She asked Frederick to serve her
coffee in the morning room

and Frederick consulted me.

I could see
no reasonable grounds

for refusing her request.

[Rose scoffs]

Miss Treadwell is
the governess in this house.

And before she left,
the mistress asked me

to do my best to see
that she was comfortable.

Well, all very well,
her being comfortable,

but who ever heard
of a governess

being served coffee
in the morning room?

Couldn't the old cow
see we was working?

Rose!

I am sure she has two eyes
in her head,

the same as everyone else.

Oh, could you not find
some other way

to occupy yourself
this afternoon?

With her ladyship's clothes,
for instance.

I tell you, Mr. Hudson,
if her ladyship was here --

She is not here, Rose.

So let's be sensible.

That's right, Miss Alice.

That's mixed nice and smooth.

Now, the next thing you have
to do is to fold the flour in.

Gently but firmly.

That's right.

Now, let's have the tin, Ruby.

There you are, you see,
now there's the tin

all papered and buttered.

And when you've mixed that, you
pour the contents into the tin,

we bake in a moderate-hot oven
for about a hour.

Makes a delicious cake.

That's a French receipt,
it's called Genoese paste.

Genoese paste.

Yes. would you like me
to give you the receipt?

Oh, would you, Mrs. Bridges?

I'd like so much
to be a good cook.

Oh, not that you'll
have to do much cooking

in your position in life,
my dear.

But still, what I
always says is,

if the mistress of the house
knows what's what,

if you understand my meaning,

everybody in the kitchen
is kept on their toes.

Mrs. Bridges, the tartlets
should be ready now.

Ruby, don't interfere.

I know when the tartlets
will be ready.

Do you think they will be ready
now, Mrs. Bridges?

Shall we have a look and see?

Oh, well, now, there,
just look at that.

Nice and crisp and as short
a crust as you could wish for.

And I'll tell you something,
Miss Alice,

Ruby couldn't make tartlets
like that,

not in all these years,
not in a month of Sundays.

I'm sure you could, Ruby.

I'm sure Ruby'll make a very
good cook, one day.

One day.
When pigs have wings.

Miss Alice, Miss Treadwell
is asking for you.

If you would kindly
go up to the school room.

Oh, well, we'll have to go on
with it another time, my dear.

And mind you have a nice wash
and tidy up before you see her.

HUDSON: Mrs. Bridges,

would you be so kind as to come

into the servants' hall
for a moment?

It's really wonderful, the way
that girl has with pastry.

Oh, Ruby, just tidy up
the table, would you?

I would like Ruby to come, too,
if you please, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, all right.

What's all this about,
then, Mr. Hudson?

Ah, Rose, will you step
into the servants' hall, please?

- Oh, well, I ought to --
- You may bring the dog, too.

Daisy, that's enough.

Well, what is it?

I want you to listen.
This applies to all of us.

The governess does not wish
Miss Alice

to visit the servants' quarters
anymore.

ALL: What?

Now, please, please, listen.

In future, when you
come upon Miss Alice

in the normal course
of your duties,

you will all treat her
with that polite formality,

just as you would treat any
other member of the family.

How comes this then
all of a sudden, Mr. Hudson?

That's what I'd like to know.
- So would I, too.

It appears that Miss Alice has
been somewhat backward

and inattentive
with her work lately.

And the governess believes that
associating with the servants

has not been beneficial
to her concentration.

Piffle.
"Associating with the servants."

Well, I'm going to treat
Miss Alice

just the same
as I always have done.

So there.

Mrs. Bridges, sh-

Oh, go in and tidy up the table,
like I told you.

Then come in
and lay up here for us.

Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear,
Mr. Hudson.

How long is this going on for?

I've no idea, Mrs. Bridges.

Well, if you ask me,

it's going to get worse
before it gets better.

That I'm sure of.

JENNIFER:
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

JENNIFER:
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Wrote the poem "Kubla Khan"
in 1797.

It was said he dreamt it,
and, when disturbed

by a person from Poorlook,
wrote it down.

Thank you, Jennifer.

Now, Alice, will you begin to
recite the poem, please?

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
a stately pleasure dome decree.

Where -- Where" something,
"the sacred river, ran

Stop. Now, what is the name
of the sacred river?

Jennifer?

Alph.

Correct.

Go back, please, Alice.

"Where Alph please,
Miss Treadwell,

isn't that a bit silly?

Continue with the poem,
please, Alice.

"Where Alph

[Giggling]

What is so funny?

"Where Alph

[Both giggling]

When you've both quite finished,

you will write out the entire
poem four times.

But, Miss Treadell,
it's nearly 11:00.

We were going to take Thimble
down to the park.

Well, we are not now
going to the park.

Let this be a lesson to you

not to be so vulgar,
rude, and silly.

You may proceed.

Poor little thing,
hasn't been out all morning.

Must be bursting.

It wasn't my fault, Rose.
Miss Treadwell kept us in.

Well, why didn't you say
something?

I did, Rose, honestly.

Alice, go to the school room
at once.

ALICE: Stay.

I thought this dog was supposed
to be house-trained.

How dare you
disobey my orders, Alice?

- I haven't.
-"I haven't, Miss Treadwell."

I haven't, Miss Treadwell.

I expressly forbade you
to talk to the servants

or go to their quarters.

Rose is my friend.

My dog has to live in her room
because of you.

Don't be insolent with me.

You shall be punished
for your behaviour.

MRS. BRIDGES: Bread and water.

Never heard nothing like it.

Like medieval torture.

I suppose she expects
a slap-up dinner.

I gather Miss Alice
has been very disobedient.

There was an altercation
concerning Rose and the dog.

Poor little thing.

Miss Alice can be very willful
and obstinate on occasions.

She's a sweet angel of a child,
that girl.

And clever, too.

It's the way people are treated,
that's what I say.

Animals, too.

After all, she's only
a little girl, still.

Well, when I was her age,

I'd run away from mill
to work in service.

And from the look
of this saucepan,

it's a pity you didn't stay
in the mill.

ROSE: I don't care
what anyone says,

I never could stand that
dried-up stick of an old woman.

She's more like a witch.

Oh, really, Rose, you're just
being childish.

ROSE: I am not.

I love Miss Alice.

She's a real darling.

And that woman hates her.

She shouldn't be allowed near
children, much less in charge.

Well, Master William
seemed fond enough of her.

She can't be all bad.

Pooh!

School room supper ready yet,
Mrs. Bridges?

Yes, Frederick.

Bread and water for Miss Alice

and some nice tepid, congealed
stew for Miss Treadwell.

She won't like it.

You just take it up to her
and stop answering back.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

Thimble.

Oh, Thimble!

Golly!

What are you doing, Alice?

Nothing.

Nothing?

You lied to me, Alice.

Look, I'm sorry.

I'll pay for a new pair,
really, I will.

Thimble didn't mean to.
Honestly!

Little dog, you're not fit
to be in the house!

No,, Miss Treadwell, please!

No, no!

I hate you!
You horrid --

How dare you!

Go to your room this minute!

Wait 'til your mother
hears of this!

Go to your room!

You wished to see me?

Yes, Hudson, I did.

Firstly, will you give
my compliments to Mrs. Bridges

and tell her that my supper
was quite inedible.

I'm sorry, miss,
I will speak to her.

One would have thought
in a house like this

one could expect something
properly cooked, even if simple.

Yes, miss.

MISS TREADVVELL:
Now, about the dog.

I'm afraid I find its presence
in the house

a disturbing and disruptive
influence.

It cannot go on.

I have decided, therefore,
to take it

to the veterinary surgeon to be
disposed of in a humane manner.

I'm sure that Rose could keep
the dog

in some safe place
until Miss Alice --

I find Rose has singularly
failed to look after the dog

as I was promised she would.

I see.

Have you mentioned this
to Miss Alice?

I think that is hardly
your concern, Hudson.

No, miss.

Will you please see that
the animal is placed in a basket

or some other similar receptacle
and brought to the hall

at 10:00 tomorrow morning?

I shall require a taxicab

and the services of the footman
to carry the animal.

Thank you, Hudson,
that will be all.

But her ladyship gave
Miss Treadwell the authority

before she left.

She said to me, "The governess
is to do as she thinks fit

in everything
concerning Miss Alice."

Those were her very words.

Yes, but we're not going to do
what she thinks fit,

'cause we don't think it's fit,
do we, Mr. Hudson?

She's up there, Mr. Hudson.

Where is the dog?

I'm sorry, Miss Treadwell,
it appears it has been mislaid.

You mean it has been
deliberately mislaid.

Hidden, in fact.

Not as far as I know.
Rose reported to me that --

Where is Rose?

She is downstairs, miss.

I wish to know the whereabouts
of the dog, please.

Hudson, will you please ask
the staff

the whereabouts
of Miss Alice's dog?

Rose?

Oh, you asking me?

Yes, Rose, we are asking you.

Well, Miss Treadwell,
in the first place,

my name isn't Rose,
it's Miss Buck,

and please don't forget it.

I'm Lady Bellamy's maid,
and as such,

I don't have to answer to
anybody in this household

except my mistress,

least of all a governess.

Secondly, that dog don't belong
to you, me, nor anyone else.

It belongs to Miss Alice,
and she loves it.

- Where is it?
- I don't know where it is.

And if I did know,
I wouldn't tell you.

You'd be the last person
in the world I'd tell,

'cause you can't stand seeing
people fond of each other,

like Miss Alice
is fond of Thimble,

I'm fond of her,
and she's fond of me.

It drives you mad with jealousy,
don't it?

Rose!

Will anyone tell me
the whereabouts of the dog?

It, it --

MISS TREADWELL:
Well?

It run away.

MISS TREADWELL:
Bosh!

So this is
a conspiracy of silence.

Well, I hope you all know
what you're doing.

That's all I can say.

I've had a telegram
saying Lord and Lady Bellamy

are returning tomorrow.

And God help you all.

That's torn it.

Oh, lor'.

What's the matter with her?

It has run away, hasn't it?

Yes, Ruby, of course it has.

And it's none of your business,
anyway.

Now, come into the kitchen
and help me with the vegetables.

After all that, where is it?

It's in our room,
over the garage.

[Giggling]

[Bell ringing]

[Bell ringing]

I've finished my prep,
Miss Treadwell.

Please, may I go down
and see Thimble?

No, you may not.

But I said I was sorry.
I really am sorry.

I'll tell Mummy it was all
my fault and everything.

I should think so, too.

Please, please may I go down
and see Thimble?

He is my dog.

I've told you once, no.

Just do as you're told.

I'm going down to see Thimble.

I haven't seen him all day.

I don't care what you or Mummy

or Uncle Richard or anyone say.

MISS TREADVVELL:
Alice! If you must know,

the dog is no longer there.

What?

What --

You haven't.

You couldn't have!

According to the servants,
it has run away and is lost.

But darling Thimble! How awful.

We must go and look for him,
everyone.

I mean, lost in London, with all
the cars and the buses!

He's probably gone to the park.
Oh, it'll be shut by now.

Have you rung
the police about him?

The dog is nothing to do
with me.

But I must go and see Rose.
I must.

You will not see anyone
or leave this house

until your parents
get back tomorrow.

I must!

[sobbing]

He's on Daisy's bed,
sleeping sound as a bell.

I reckon that little dog's
the only one in this household

who will sleep sound tonight.

What are you up to now, Rose?

It's for Miss Alice.
To tell her.

I'll push it under the door.

That old cow must be asleep
by now.

Oh, I think you're being
most unwise, Rose.

- Why?
- Telling Miss Alice.

Well it isn't human not to.

Do you know, I could even
hear her crying

when I went up
to air their bed for tomorrow.

Nevertheless,
a child in her state

should not be told any secrets.

She'll blurt it out.

And then that woman will have
the dog along to the vet's

first thing,
before her ladyship returns.

Oh, I hadn't thought of that.

Perhaps you're right.

Oh, Rose, tell me.
Tell me please.

Miss Alice.
You'll catch your death.

What's happened to Thimble?

Oh, Miss Alice.

I'm afraid your wee dog
is missing, Miss Alice.

We're doing everything we can
to find him,

and the police
have been informed.

Oh, so it's true!
Oh, Rose!

Oh, well, we'll probably
find him in the morning.

Can't have gone far,
can he, Mr. Hudson?

Oh, no, no, probably someone's
taken him in for the night.

And after all, he has got his
name and address on his collar.

But what if he's been hurt
or run over?

Well, then, we should know.

The police would tell us.

Yes, so no news is good news.

Come along, Miss Alice,

you go upstairs to bed
and try not to worry.

I'll be up
to tuck you in later.

Will you pray for Thimble,
please?

Certainly, Miss Alice.

How I hate that woman.

Any news of Thimble, Daisy?

None that I know of, Miss Alice.

They're back!
It's the car!

It's Mummy and Uncle Richard.

Alice, look at your hair.
Do it at once!

I don't care!

I trust you had a good trip,
my lord.

Excellent, thank you, Hudson.

Food was wonderful.

Don't tell Mrs. Bridges, though.

Will you be requiring breakfast,
my lady?

No, we had some
on the boat trip.

Oh, but some coffee would be
nice, wouldn't it, darling?

- Oh, yes, please.
- Ah, Frederick.

Very good, Mr. Hudson.

Excuse me, my lord,
I wonder if I might

speak to you a moment --

Alice!
Oh, Alice, darling.

- Alice.
- Hello, Uncle Richard.

How are you, darling?

Terrible.
Everything's awful.

Everything's gone wrong.

Come in here, quickly.

Poor, darling Thimble's lost

and no one can find him
anywhere.

And Miss Treadwell's been
dreadfully horrid.

Rose thinks she's a bit cuckoo,
and so do I.

You mustn't believe
a word she says.

Excuse me, my lady,

the governess would like
to speak to you.

Hudson, we've only just
come off the train.

This matter is extremely urgent,
Lady Bellamy.

All right.

Oh, Alice, darling, run upstairs
and help Rose unpack.

Please, darling.

And thank you, Hudson.

My lady.

We were so sorry to hear
about the dog.

If you ask me, the servants
are hiding it.

It's not lost at all.
It's all part of their plot.

Plot?

I suppose Hudson's been telling
you a pack of lies about me.

Miss Treadwell,
I have known Hudson

for a great number of years,
and I can assure you,

he is one of the most honest men
I have ever met.

What has been the trouble,
Miss Treadwell?

Every single person
in this house

has conspired to subvert
my authority, Lady Bellamy.

The ladies' maid
has been impertinent

and has insulted me to my face
in front of the others.

The butler has disobeyed
my orders and lied to me.

The cook has tried to poison me.

And the footman laughs at me
behind my back.

Never in all my experience
have I come across

such a disagreeable, mutinous
pack of servants.

No wonder your daughter is such
a tiresome, willful girl

when she's allowed
to mix with them.

She actually struck me,
that girl.

She needs a good beating.

She -- she's the one
that needs the discipline

of a boarding school,
if anyone does.

There is good news
about the dog, my lady.

It has been found in the mews.

Oh, uh, good, Hudson.

There, you see,
what did I tell you?

The second you return,
the dog is miraculously found.

The sooner it's got rid of
and put to sleep, the better.

Put to sleep?

Yes, it's a dirty,
destructive animal.

Half the trouble in this house
has been caused by that dog.

It's upset Alice, it's upset me.

It sounds to me, Miss Treadwell,

as though you would be happier
away from here.

I can assure you, Lady Bellamy,

I wouldn't have stayed another
second in this house

had it not been for a sense of
duty to you and Lord Bellamy.

Well, that's very loyal
of you, Miss Treadwell,

but we're back now,
so you needn't worry.

Can I suggest two weeks' salary,
in lieu of notice?

So I'm to be thrown out
like a -- like a --

Miss Treadwell,
you yourself suggested that --

I suggest that you get rid
of Rose and that -- that butler,

and then you might get some
control over your daughter.

I think that is a matter
for us to decide.

I see.

I knew you wouldn't listen
to me.

You never do,
you sort of people.

No wonder your servants run riot
the minute your back's turned.

Miss Treadwell.

Very well, I'll go
with pleasure.

Four weeks' salary,
it should be,

if you look at the usual
terms of employment

as laid down by the agencies.

All right, four weeks' salary.

Thank you.

Oh, dear.

I really think she is quite mad.

Oh, I do hate rows.

I wonder if I've got
enough money

to pay her without going
to the bank.

How much did you pay her?

One pound ten a week.

Let's see,
perhaps I can manage.

There you are.

Thank you, darling.

Would you pour me out
some coffee?

I really feel quite giddy.

RICHARD: Poor woman.

She really seems to hate
servants and dogs.

And little girls.

RICHARD: Not a very good
recommendation for a governess.

What on Earth
has been going on here?

And what are we
going to do with Alice?

Well, now,
we must talk about that.

Poor darling Thimble.

Poor darling Thimble.

What a dreadful thing to happen
to a darling little dog.

Do you know, last night,
we were all --

Isn't it wonderful news
about Thimble, Miss Treadwell?

Aren't we going to the museums?

You can do whatever you like,
as far as I'm concerned.

I'm no longer in charge of you.

Mummy!

Put your finger on the knot,
Ruby, you're not lacing boots.

Miss Treadwel's leaving!
She's been sacked!

MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, I say.

Miss Treadwel's leaving!
Isn't it wonderful news?

Thank you all
for finding Thimble.

Oh, my lady.

I think this chiffon
had best go to the cleaner's

Oh, yes.

Some clumsy Frenchman
spilt some wine over it.

I hope it'll come out.

Oh, I should think so.

They're very clever
at what they can do nowadays.

My lady, I hope you don't think

that I deliberately disobeyed
Miss Treadwell.

No, of course not, Rose.

If I did, it was
but for Miss Alice's sake

and poor Thimble.

I'm so glad Miss Treadwell's
leaving, Mummy.

Yes, darling, I'm afraid
Miss Treadwell has been,

well, rather silly
about everything -- I'm sorry.

Need I have another governess?

I've just been talking
to your Uncle Richard

about that very thing.

He thinks it would be best if
you went to a daily school.

There are several
very good ones in London.

Oh, yes, please, Mummy.

VIRGINIA:
Well, we'll have to see.

I've just had a letter
from William.

ROSE: Oh, how's he getting on,
my lady?

Listen, Rose.

"Dear Mummy,
I hope you are well.

I am very well.

We had a lecture
about lifeboats.

It was very good.
I'm in dorm B. Must stop now.

Lots of love to everyone,
including Treddie and Thimble.

FPS. Tell Treddie I came second
in maths last week

and thank her
for her funny postcard."

I've never known a taxicab
take quite so long.

Oh, it's coming from the rank
in Sloane Square.

It will be here directly, miss.

Goodbye, Miss Treadwell.

Goodbye, Alice.

Come on, Thimble.

Your taxicab is here.

Goodbye, Miss Treadwell.

Goodbye, Hudson.

Liverpool Street Station,
please.

Look,Rose,
aren't Bert's pictures lovely?

Yes, miss, they are very nice.

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