Original subtitles

(PANTING)

(PANTING)

(COUGHING)

Oh.

Bea, you okay?

-I'm fine. -No, you're not. Look at you.

You're shaking.

I think it was the rabbit stew.

No one else got sick.

Look, maybe you should rest,

-and I'll go ask Lady Hoxley... -No, no.

She's already looking for an excuse to send us home.

Anyway, there's no need. I can work.

-Now, don't be silly. -I just needed to be sick.

Really, I feel much better now.

Come on.

Well, no one else was there. I couldn't resist.

Oh. And which room was this?

NANCY: The ballroom. ESTHER: Right.

NANCY: So I can see myself in the big, long mirror opposite,

and I've got the drapes wrapped around me

-like an exotic velvet ball gown. -(LAUGHING)

And I start imagining that I'm Scarlett O'Hara.

Is that from John?

NANCY: You know, remember the dance scene?

Mmm-hmm.

So, I'm swishing about to the music in my head,

and suddenly I hear a voice next to me.

(IN POSH ACCENT) "Oh, what on earth do you think you're doing?"

Lady Hoxley?

And how long had she been standing there?

Long enough.

(ALL LAUGHING)

How is he?

Oh, homesick.

Hey, have you heard from Harry yet?

WOMAN 1: I would have died on the spot.

WOMAN 2: What did you say to her?

NANCY: Well, what could I say?

(IN AMERICAN ACCENT) "Well, fiddle-dee-dee.

"I appear to have wandered into a fantasy of my own creation."

(ALL LAUGHING)

Late last night,

the Condover airfield was hit

in a bombing raid.

That's less than 20 miles away.

This was a properly camouflaged airfield.

How did the Germans know to target it?

-Got my telegram, then. -(SNICKERS)

Someone is tipping off the enemy.

Make no mistake. These are dangerous times.

If you think you see anyone suspicious,

I want you to report it directly to me.

-Do we report him, too? -(SNICKERS)

Be vigilant.

The enemy could be closer than you think.

Dismissed.

Hey, where are you going?

A duty.

-Jammy! -Yeah. Have fun, girls.

Esther.

A word, please.

ANNIE: You're not going to work in that, are you?

You'll die of heatstroke.

I'm just a bit chilly.

Right. That is it.

I am requesting that you take sick leave.

No. Don't. I told you, I want to work.

But you're obviously coming down with something.

Anyone else think that Tucker's talents are wasted here?

You know, he should be advising Churchill.

The war would be over in a week.

What's up?

Bea's a bit under the weather today, Billy.

Bea, if you're not feeling well, you should rest.

Get your strength back.

Would everybody please stop fussing? I said I'm fine.

How often do you post the women's letters?

Well, twice a week.

-I've got some to go today. -Good.

I want you to read them first.

What? I, I can't do that.

From now on, you read everything that comes in and out of here.

But what right do we have?

Well, you heard what I said before.

People's lives are at stake.

Well, that's got nothing to do with my girls.

-They're patriots, all of them. -Don't be naive, Esther.

A sympathiser doesn't have horns and a tail.

They fit in.

Popular. Likeable, even.

They calculate everything to avoid suspicion.

Read the letters.

If you find anything, anything at all,

you bring it to me.

Is that understood?

What, then,

what do I do if they notice the mail's been tampered with?

Not my problem.

(FREDERICK SIGHS HAPPILY)

Morning, Sarge.

Just... Just milking the cows. (CHUCKLES)

Nice day for it.

Can I rely on you?

Yeah.

What's he on about?

Nothing.

And that bucket's filthy.

Hello.

Thought I'd see how you're getting on,

make sure you're earning your keep.

Oh, you've caught the sun.

-Not painful, is it? -Oh, a bit, but I'm tough.

-I'm sure you are. -(CHUCKLES)

Personally, can't stand sunburn.

Old army trick, though.

Soak a rag in water and vinegar

and then dab it all over the body.

Oh, lovely. Eau de chip shop.

Don't knock it. It's all the rage in Paris.

(PLANE FLYING OVERHEAD)

(NEIGHS IN ALARM)

-Are you all right? -Oh.

No, I'm fine.

Oh, I haven't fallen off my horse since I was child.

Well, it was all my fault. I distracted you.

No, no, not at all. It's this blasted leg.

-I can't hold on properly. -Lord Hoxley.

No, I'm fine, really. It's just my pride that's hurt.

No, no, no. Look.

He's limping.

Oh, stay there. Stay there.

Shh, Caesar, Caesar.

Caesar, it's okay. It's okay, boy. It's okay.

-(NEIGHS IN DISTRESS) -Oh, gosh. Oh, gosh, come on.

Come with me.

What is it?

I'm glad you asked me that,

because one day my wisdom will serve you well.

That, my lad,

-is carrot whisky. -Carrot whisky?

Lesson number one,

if you find yourself with too many carrots and not enough gobs to chew them,

don't waste them.

Ferment them. (CHUCKLES)

Not just a hat stand, I think you'll find.

Oh.

Oh, I've been waiting two weeks for this.

Probably do with a bit longer,

but I'm not a patient man. (LAUGHS)

The moment of truth.

(SLURPS)

(GRUNTING)

-That'll put hairs on your chest. -Yeah?

You got to grow them first.

Now, I've got two full buckets in the barn.

I think I can flog them,

-but we're gonna need some bottles. -Flog it?

Who's gonna buy carrot whisky?

(CHUCKLES)

BILLY: Bea.

Bea.

There's easier work you can do, you know.

You gonna help me, or what?

Bea, slow down.

No.

What's got into you today?

Nothing.

You just leave me alone.

-What's going on, Bea? -(SOBBING)

Has something happened?

Well, talk to me.

I can't. You'll hate me.

I could never hate you.

I'm pregnant.

What?

How can you be? Did somebody force you?

It was that GI from the dance. (SOBBING)

Him?

Well, why didn't you... You can't possibly have seen him...

You're starting to show already. It happened that night, didn't it?

You'd only known him five minutes

and you let him sweet-talk you into going off with him alone?

What did you think was gonna happen, you stupid girl?

I'm sorry, Annie. I'm so sorry.

Please, you have to help me.

Well, of course I'll help you.

I mean, I've tried lifting heavy things, but nothing works.

You have to help me get rid of it, Annie.

I heard you took a fall.

It's not like you.

Are you all right?

It was nothing.

Haven't you called Benedict?

-No. -Why on earth not?

Because I know what I'm doing.

Don't be ridiculous.

You need a vet.

Please. Don't call him.

Ellen, the man's a butcher.

How can you even think of doing such a thing?

-I've got no choice. -No, I won't let you.

When they find out I'm expecting, they'll send me home

-and Dad'll kill me. -That is an innocent child, Bea.

-You have no right to end its life. -And what about my life?

Don't take it out on me just 'cause you can't have a baby.

(CRYING)

Bea.

Bea, I'm sorry.

I'm afraid it's not good news.

There's a severe fracture to the cannon bone.

Worst place.

There's nothing we can do.

It's a shame. He was a handsome horse.

-Well, wait a minute. -Thank you, Benedict.

-Would you mind dealing with it? -Of course.

Wait a minute. Don't I get a say in this?

If we can take the weight off his leg,

surely there's a chance it'll heal.

And how, pray tell, do you propose to do that?

By suspending him in a sling.

I've seen it done.

In the Great War, a general's horse broke his leg in exactly the same place,

and they suspended it for a few weeks,

and then it made a full recovery.

No doubt the general's horse was young and fighting fit.

Well, I admit Caesar is a year or two older,

but he is in peak condition.

To keep such a horse inactive and in pain

would be inhumane.

Not to mention impractical.

Where were you thinking of dangling him from, Lawrence?

A tree? A bridge, perhaps.

No, I'm sorry.

It's very unfortunate, but Caesar simply has to go.

LAWRENCE: Perhaps you should shoot me along with it.

-What? -I said, perhaps you should shoot me

along with it.

I've got a bad leg. I'm getting on a bit.

(HORSE NEIGHS)

I'm sorry, but I'd like you to go.

Now, please!

You can't be serious about this.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

(CLANKING)

(BEA SNIFFLING)

(SNIFFS)

(COUGHS)

-(SPEAKING ITALIAN) -(LAUGHING)

And, uh, Nancy.

Watch yourself.

Billy, you haven't seen Bea, have you?

No, not since earlier.

Listen, have you had a row or something?

Oh, yeah, but it's nothing serious.

It's just Bea being impossible, you know.

Not just a hat stand, I think you'll find.

Ah, good lad.

You're learning fast. (CHUCKLES)

Sort through them, see if any of them fit.

Lesson number two,

you never know when you might need a cork.

Hello, there.

Hello, hey.

Oh, what's happened to you, then? Hey?

You need a hand, sir?

-Uh, Lawrence, please. -Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Just, that's it. Just in here.

What's it for?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Try me.

(WOMAN CRYING)

Bea?

That's it.

How big is the horse?

Yes, you're right.

It needs to be a little higher, doesn't it?

Well, maybe if we... No.

-Sir, could we just... -Quiet one second, Joyce.

I need to concentrate.

If we built a scaffold,

then may... No. See, that'll just take up too much time.

-No, but if we used... -What we need to do

is find something on the farm we can use, somehow.

We've already got the scaffold with a winch in it

for clearing out the well,

so if we could extend the legs,

then maybe we could make a sort of hammock and suspend him.

What do you do in peacetime, Joyce?

Oh, I'm a hairdresser.

She's up there.

-Billy, I'd rather you didn't. -I just want to see her.

Please, I'd like to talk to her alone.

And we have fish paste. Anyone for fish paste?

And this one is, hmm, what do you know? Fish paste.

You! No talking!

Esther, what are you doing out here?

I, I just wanted to bring this.

It's such a hot day, I don't want no one getting dehydrated.

-Oh, thanks. -Yeah.

I'll see to it.

-(COUGHING) -There you are.

That's it.

Do you think I've hurt the baby?

I hope not.

Annie, what have I done?

Bea.

Bea, look at me. Look at me.

-I've been so stupid. I'm sorry. -No.

-What I said about you... -It doesn't matter any more.

What's important is what we do now.

This GI of yours, what was his name?

Why? What are you gonna do?

I just want to talk to him.

It's no use.

I've tried.

What?

I've been to the barracks. He won't see me.

The cheek!

Right. Well, I'll make him see me,

even if I have to chain myself to them gates.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

(LAUGHING AND CHATTING INDISTINCTLY)

Stand up!

Stand up! Yes, you!

I'm talking to you!

You like laughing, huh?

What were you laughing at before with the English woman?

Answer me!

-(SPEAKING ITALIAN) -What's he saying?

-(SPEAKING ITALIAN) -Hey, speak English!

Speak no English. Only Italian.

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

Ow! Damn!

Do you want me to take a look, sir?

No, no. It's all right. Thank you.

I think I've got it.

If do you mind my asking, erm...

Why are you going to all this trouble?

Well, don't you think he's worth it?

No, of course I do.

It's just, well, people like you don't normally...

Don't normally get their hands splintered.

Yeah. No offence.

None taken.

My father kept horses.

When I was 15, I helped him birth a colt.

As a reward, he was given to me.

He was so handsome.

Headstrong.

But more than anything, he was special because he was mine,

my first horse.

You never forget the freedom of riding your first horse.

Never.

You know we are gonna have to do more to support this.

What happened to him?

Hmm?

Your first horse.

Oh. The Great War.

In those days, the army could seize civilian horses

to use in the cavalry,

and when they came for him, I tried to hide him.

I rather foolishly thought

that they'd taken all the others, perhaps they'd spare this one.

And they found us, of course.

I had to watch them lead him away,

knowing that he was destined to charge into a hail of bullets.

Pointless.

Anyway, Caesar rather reminds me of him,

and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let him go so easily.

Nancy speaks Italian.

You've heard her?

No, she's too clever for that,

but not clever enough,

because her secret's out.

Just a question of proving it.

You'd, uh, you better look at this, then.

-Were you planning on showing me? -Of course, I was.

Look, she's a good girl.

When is it a crime to speak Italian?

Since they declared war on us.

I knew it.

I knew there was something about that girl that couldn't be trusted.

Thank you, Esther.

(SIGHS)

So, Joyce, tell me, where are you from?

I'm from Coventry.

Oh, really?

I say, you weren't there when the...

No, I was in Birmingham visiting my husband.

Goodness.

But my parents, they were both in the house when the...

Well, it's gone now.

Everything's gone.

I'm so sorry.

Now I've just got my husband to worry about.

He's in the RAF.

All you can do is pray.

I know he's doing his duty, and I take comfort in that. I do.

It's just...

Well, he's all I've got.

Hey, perhaps God will take that into account.

I don't know how you cope.

Work hard,

laugh when you can,

and don't dwell on things you can't change.

Annie, where are you off to?

Look, you can tell your father he can drop me pay if he wants.

-I just need an hour. -No, that's not it.

I don't care about that. Listen, listen.

If Bea's in some kind of trouble, I want to help.

She's fine. This is family business. Leave it alone, please.

You better mind yourself back there. He might kick.

Think it's gonna be strong enough?

There's only one way to find out.

Shush, now.

Ready?

One, two, three, up.

(NEIGHING)

(GRUNTING)

He's off the ground.

He's off the ground.

Oh!

(JOYCE LAUGHING)

We've done it.

Oh, we've done it.

Do you even know what you're looking for?

Please just stay out of my way.

-But this isn't right. It isn't right. -Be quiet!

Will you just promise me that you won't accuse her of anything?

Not yet. You get that letter translated, at least.

Of course I'll get it translated.

In the meantime,

I want you to watch her every move.

And don't let her go to town.

I don't want her talking to outsiders.

How am I supposed to keep her here? She's not a prisoner.

Just do it, Esther.

If she's a sympathiser,

she's a risk to us all.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

I'm looking for a GI by the name of Cal Gillespie.

Are you here on official business?

Well, no, but it's important I speak with him.

CAL: I can handle a broad being ugly if she's got a good caboose.

You slay me, Gillespie.

I mean, I like a nice rack,

but it makes no difference from behind, though, right?

Oh, let's get a beer.

Did you follow me here?

If you won't tell me what's going on with Bea,

-I'll find out for myself, thank you. -I've told you,

this isn't any of your concern.

You're not the only one who cares about her.

I know that, but I'd rather handle this on me own.

Handle what?

It's the Yank from the dance, isn't it?

He's the reason Bea's so upset.

They won't tell me where he is.

Oh, it's a rare English delicacy.

It takes years to ferment.

Better than warm beer?

Of course it is.

In the Savoy, they charge 5 shillings a glass.

But for you gents,

I'm willing to part with the whole bottle for 4. Hmm?

You won't get a better price than that anywhere else in the world.

(CHUCKLES) Yes.

Ha! (CHUCKLES)

-It's a pleasure doing business with you. -SOLDIERS: Cheers.

MAN: And don't let me catch you in here again.

How did you do?

(CHUCKLES) Good lad!

I knew you'd shift them.

Oh, lesson number three,

always remunerate the workers.

No, no. You don't have to say anything.

You've earned it. Off you go.

All right, son.

Annie? What are you doing here?

I could ask you the same question, Dad.

So, I have this uncle who works at MGM.

-In Hollywood? -Sure.

I, uh, I'll give him a call about you.

You kind of remind me of a young Betty Grable.

ANNIE: Isn't that what you said to our Bea?

Oh, no, it was Greer Garson she reminded you of.

I don't know what she's talking about.

Well, I'm talking about my sister.

You Yanks are all the same.

No, you...

Thanks a lot.

Which one was your sister?

About three months ago, the dance at the manor house.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, I remember.

So what do you want?

I want to talk in private.

Well, that's too bad,

because I'm gonna sit here and finish my drink.

But, please. It's important.

Either spit it out or beat it.

-Hey, how about I shove that drink... -I can handle this.

Oh, I get it.

Billy here is all bent out of shape because he's sweet on your sister.

Am I right, farm boy?

I bet a cute girl like that wouldn't give you a second glance.

I can't say I blame her.

Look, fine. If you won't go outside, then...

(WHISPERING)

(SCOFFS)

Are you kidding me?

Any one of these guys could be the father.

You mean, she...

(GROANS)

You son of a...

-(GRUNTS) -Get back!

(BOTH GRUNTING)

What are you and Finch up to?

-Answer me! -Nothing. I swear.

You won't get into trouble.

Just tell me what Finch is selling.

You're hurting me.

Get out!

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

(FIGHTERS GRUNTING)

I'll kill you!

(BOTH GRUNTING)

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

That's it! Break it up!

Everybody out! Come on!

That's enough, lads! Outside! (BLOWS WHISTLE)

He's using this grotesque contraption

without the slightest thought for our concerns.

BENEDICT: But what can I do?

Lord Hoxley doesn't want me anywhere near the beast.

Am I the only one who cares for this animal's welfare?

Something must be done.

But if it's Lord Hoxley's horse...

Lord Hoxley doesn't own this property or anything on it.

The decision is mine.

Now, are you going to do what you're paid for,

or am I going to have to shoot the horse myself?

Is this how you represent your country?

Brawling with American servicemen in pubs?

Have you no self-respect?

The Americans came here to help defend us.

Is this how you repay them?

You're right. It won't happen again. Can I go now?

You will stand here until I finish what I have to say.

It's okay.

I respect what you do with the war effort and that,

but I don't answer to you and I never will.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

I see you've learnt your attitude from your father.

He doesn't seem to think he has to answer to anyone either,

not even the law.

Perhaps I should have him investigated.

Black market trading's a serious offence.

-Hey, what, what are you doing? -It's not your concern.

But wait. Wait! Does Lord Hoxley know you're here?

I receive my instructions from Lady Hoxley. Now stand aside.

No. I'm not gonna let you shoot that horse.

-I'm afraid you have no choice. -No! Please!

Oh!

Oh!

Lord Hoxley!

Come quickly!

(GUNSHOT)

I'd keep running if I was you.

(GUNSHOT)

(BOTH LAUGHING)

LAWRENCE: Got him.

(CHUCKLING)

I think Sergeant Tucker's on to us.

Eh? How do you mean?

He suspects us for definite.

Oh, well, suspecting ain't knowing.

That's lesson number four, by the way.

(COINS JINGLING)

Oh, you hear that?

That is the sound of the little man winning.

Remember that.

You see, there's always a big man there ready to tell the little man what to do.

Hmm.

You couldn't tidy around a bit, could you?

You made a right mess with that whisky.

Where...

Where'd you get a hold of that?

I found it in the barn.

And used that for the whisky?

I use that for my liquid fertiliser.

You don't think...

Well, it wouldn't kill anybody, would it?

No, no. Of course it wouldn't.

Would it? No, no, no.

No, it might make people a bit sick,

but there's no harm in that, is there?

Bea.

-What happened to you? -I met Cal.

He hit you?

Well, it was an accident, really.

-He was trying to get to Billy. -What was Billy doing there?

Look, it's a long story.

The important thing is that Cal knows.

And?

I'm sorry, Bea.

Look, if it's any consolation, you're better off without him.

Does that mean Billy knows, too?

I hope you're proud of yourself.

You scared the living daylights out of that poor man.

He'll never set foot on this land again.

Good.

Don't be absurd, Lawrence.

What about the farm?

Who's going to take care of the animals? You?

Well, why not?

I know a lot more than you give me credit for.

Then you should know there's no room for sentimentality.

Then that's you in a nutshell, isn't it?

You'd rather prolong a poor animal's suffering than do the decent thing.

You're a coward, Lawrence.

We both know that, don't we?

I should have known you weren't man enough for the job.

(WHISPERS) Look, he defended your honour.

Hello.

Billy.

Bea, where are those potatoes? They need boiling.

I'll take them.

Nancy?

-Can I talk to you a sec? -Yeah, sure.

Can we go for a walk, please?

(SNORTING SOFTLY)

He wants you to spy on me? Why?

He wouldn't say. Look, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.

Tucker's not been right in the head since the last war.

He don't trust anyone, but, um, I just thought you should know.

Yeah. Thanks, Billy.

Hey, Lord Hoxley said that you helped him save his horse today.

Oh, no. I didn't do much. Mostly him, really.

That's not what he said.

What did he say?

He said he couldn't have done it without you.

(GUNSHOT)

(JOYCE SOBBING)

Lawrence? Lawrence!

(CRYING) How could you?

What are you doing here? You've no right to be here.

Either of you!

Thank you. Thanks, son.

Sergeant Tucker.

Hurry up.

-That's all of them? -Every last one.

Is he following us?

No.

Liquorice?

(INAUDIBLE)

Enjoy your walk?

ESTHER: Where have you been?

Just in the fields. Why?

When I ask you to peel potatoes, I don't expect you to run off.

Oh, I didn't run off. I just went for a walk.

Well, in future I would appreciate being told.

Fine. I'll do the potatoes now, if you want.

It's too late. I've done them meself.

(SIGHS)

Sorry. I know you were fond of that horse.

(SIGHS)

(SNIFFLES) It would have worked.

Keeping the weight off his leg I'm sure it would have worked.

Then why on earth did you shoot him, dear?

Seems you're an even worse coward than I thought.

(GROANS)

He had Billy pummelling him from the front, me kicking him

on the backside and Martin choking him from behind.

Nine years old and fighting in pubs already.

Suppose I should scold him.

Come on. Who was it? Who's been going through my things?

What are you talking about?

My books, my clothes. They've all been tampered with.

Well, is there anything missing?

That's not the point. I want to know who's responsible.

It was you, wasn't it?

I'm not interested in your stuff.

Look, I've seen the way you look at my clothes.

What did you do, try them all on or something?

Nancy, I wouldn't touch anything of yours if my life depended on it.

-You stink of vinegar. -Oh!

Stop it. Stop that!

I said, enough!

That's it, Nancy.

There's no more trips into town until I say otherwise.

Me? What about her?

No arguments. You'll do as you're told.

Esther, that's not fair!

Someone's been going through my private things.

That's no excuse to be fighting with the other girls.

Oh, so it's all right for Annie and Martin to fight with people.

You should make up your mind.

You mind your tongue. You'll miss the film tonight as well.

(SCOFFS)

(SIGHS)

(SIGHS)

All that money.

I held it in my hands for just a few, short hours.

There's a cruel God up there.

Well, look on the bright side, Dad.

-At least nobody drank the stuff. -(CHUCKLES)

Hang on. There's only 11 bottles there.

(MARTIN CHUCKLING)

Martin?

(GROANING)

(FARTS)

(RETCHING)

-(ALL LAUGHING) -Martin, what are you like, eh?

I'm looking for Annie. I need to talk to her.

Uh... The girls are all up at the manor house.

(BILLY SIGHS)

NARRATOR ON NEWSREEL: The interest of our King and Queen in the welfare

of their people is a very real thing.

The well-being of the poorest among us is a matter of concern

to the whole royal family.

Their Majesties paid a visit to the LCC housing estate

on Hackney Marshes, and, of course, it was a great day for the residents.

At Newton Heath, the King inspected one of the aircraft factories

and met some of the men who are working to make Britain supreme in the air.

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

(FILM PLAYING IN DISTANCE)

Oh.

Erm, are you not watching the film?

I don't really feel like it.

Do you ever feel like you're being punished for something,

but you don't know what?

All the time.

Listen. Erm...

(STAMMERING) About earlier...

Please. You don't have to explain.

I'm so sorry about Caesar.

(SIGHS) Sorry.

(LAUGHING)

I need to speak with you.

What about?

Please. Outside.

Stay and watch the film. I'll be right back.

(CROWD LAUGHING)

BEA: What have you said to her?

Annie wasn't the only one fighting, you know.

Bea, no. It's Harry. (SOBBING)

He's been killed in action.