Original subtitles

CHOIR SING: Ding Dong Merrily On High

My sister Diana's divorce was like a bomb going off in our family.

My father took it as a body blow

that one of his own daughters

should be seen by the world as a scarlet woman,

and it caused him very deep shame.

Consequently, we were all hunkered down in the country again,

where we were determined to enjoy the festive season.

Ah.Ah.Lovely.

So hungry.

Bravo.

Thank you, Anne. Thank you so much.

Now...

What shall we do with our presents for Diana?

You will not give her any presents.

You will not visit her, see her,

speak to her or write to her.

Is that understood?

OTHERS: Yes, Father.

"Till death us do part" is the marriage vow,

a vow you take before God.

Indeed.

Now, let's not let the vegetables get cold.Mmm.

And as for that trumped-up hog of a man

that she has attached herself to,

I will not have his name mentioned in this house. I forbid it.

But he might be prime minister one day. Then we'll have to speak it.

Unity, the British people will not accept a fascist government.

Isn't this so lovely?

Try some Brussels sprouts, my darling.

Thank you, Muv.Look at Italy.

Fascism has restored it to greatness.

Unity!And the same could happen in Germany, so why not here?

Do be quiet.

Stop talking about things that you know nothing about.

Sprouts smell delicious. Can I interest you, Pam?

Oh, yes, please, Naunce.

Am I not allowed to express an opinion, then?

When you have more experience of the world,

when you have fought for your king and country in the trenches,

when you have debated in the House of Lords,

then, and only then, may you offer an opinion.

Understood? Hmm?

Well, as women aren't allowed to do either of those things,

I think it's completely un...

Is that understood, Unity?!

Not really, no.

I think we should all be entitled to express our opinions in this family.

In that case, you may be excused.

All I am asking...

Leave the table!

Now!

Of course, there was no danger of me becoming either

a scarlet woman or a political extremist.

I was simply struggling to earn a shilling

while facing life as a soured old spinster.

The man I loved had gone -

gone to seek his fortune in America.

He had left me forever.

DOOR OPENS

He's back.What?

Hamish. Ollie just called.

Said he'd seen him at The Ritz. Missing you like crazy, he says.

Can't hack life without you.

He's in London?

So, look, before you get any ideas, I have to tell you something.

What?

I'm pretty certain that deep down...

..Hamish prefers men.

No, no. No, he doesn't. Why does everyone say that?

He doesn't, we've discussed it.

He assures me not.

Of course he doesn't admit it.

Bloody hell, a man can be thrown in jail for that.

But I was at school with him.

I've witnessed him in action.

You've actually seen him in bed with another boy?

I've been in bed with him.

Look, it was boys fooling around.

Lots of boys go through that phase at Eton.

But there's a difference between the boys who go through that phase

and the boys for whom you know it is not a phase.

So for you, it was just a phase? Yes.

But for him, it's a lifetime predilection?

How on earth can you tell?

Obviously, I can't be certain, but my very, very strong...

Why would he tell me he loves me so often

and with such conviction if he didn't?

Because he does love you. Just, not, I don't think, in a romantic way.

I just don't want to see you hurt,

so I called him and said

unless he has a ring and a rock-solid proposal,

he's not to contact you again. All right?

GUNSHOTS OUTSIDE

To my mind, the trick with a dictator like Farve

was to avoid a direct challenge.

Sooner or later, he would inevitably relent.

So, I simply kept quiet and carried on exactly as before.

DOORBELL RINGS

It's me!

Ah. Sorry, train was late.

I missed the bus and had to wait for ages.

Oh, I am desperate for a cup of tea.

Nard, are you all right? What's the matter?

She's dead.Who?

His wife. Mosley's. He just telephoned.

No.

Completely out of the blue. It's knocked him for six.

Oh, good God.

Well, what happened?

"Lady Cynthia Mosley has died aged just 34 from peritonitis

"following an emergency operation for appendicitis.

"The devoted wife of Sir Oswald Mosley

"leaves behind her three young children."

Oh, look, and there's a picture of the poor little orphans.

They're not orphans, they've still got a father.

Listen. "Sources close to Lady Cynthia

"say that she had been unhappy for many months,

"although the reason for her unhappiness is not disclosed."

Look, and in the very next column, a picture of Nard.

Like it's her fault.

"Dr Kirkwood, who attended Lady Cynthia in her final illness,

"said that in the end, she had not the will

"to fight the infection that had taken hold of her."

She'd lost all hope. Oh, my God.

Diana will be hated.

This juicy topic kept the London gossip machine fuelled for weeks,

as poor Diana became increasingly isolated.

I didn't know she was upset about me.

I thought they had an understanding.

I mean, he made it perfectly clear he could never divorce her,

so when I left Bryan,

I'd made up my mind that we would simply be lovers.

Lovers forever, hopefully.

Honestly?

You didn't mind him being married to someone else?

No. I have no interest in marriage now.

Once was enough, thank you.

And being a mistress rather suited me.

All the romance, but none of the...

..restrictions of being a wife.

Although now, of course,

I suppose he is free to make an honest woman of you, eventually.

Oh, God, he's not free.

Her sisters have gathered round him like a coven.

Of course, they blame me for her death. They hate me,

and they've completely fenced him in.

I haven't heard from him for days.

I have to face the fact that it may all...

..be over.

But you've given up so much for him.

Oh, darling.

NEWSREEL:The Prince of Wales

has been visiting deprived areas of Britain affected by unemployment

and industrial decline.

There's nothing like a brush with royalty to boost morale.

And in Germany, the new Chancellor, Adolf Hitler,

receives a rapturous response from the crowds in Berlin,

as he becomes the second fascist dictator to rise to power in Europe,

alongside Mussolini in Italy.

This one-time labourer now wields complete authority

over more than 60 million people.

CROWD CHEERS ON SCREEN

You don't really think that that could happen here, do you?

I hope so.

Fascism is the only answer to the world's problems right now.

But the rich would still get richer under fascism.

I mean, that can't be right.

It's just the survival of the fittest, Boud.

It's the natural order of things.

You should read Mosley's book.

Diana's right, it all makes perfect sense.

You should read some of my books.

The only way forward is the overthrow of capitalism

and an end to inherited wealth.

Communism? Never.

Yes! It's the only way.

All very well debating it.

We need to get involved, Boud. Properly.

Oh, you are kind to pitch up in support.

Of course.

Great hair, Bobo.

Tres elegant. Yes, you could almost pass

as a perfectly presentable young lady.

Don't take any notice of her.

Now, now, we bring cake.

Obviously, Farve doesn't know we've come, but Muv does.

And she sends a Dundee.

Ah. The thaw begins?

Yeah, looks like it.

She misses you like mad, Nard.

So does he. He just won't admit it.

He now blames your whole divorce

on the evil, ruthless Mosley corrupting an innocent you.

Mosley's not evil.

Thank you, Bobo.

Shall we get started?

Let's ring for some tea, shall we?

DOORBELL RINGS

Mosley?

It's a visitor for Miss Nancy, madam. A Mr Hamish Erskine?

Hamish. What's he doing here?

Shall I show him in, madam?

Yes.

Right, we'll leave you to it.

Why?

Because we have a prior engagement that we are,

oh, dear, really rather late for. Do we?

We really must dash.

Mr Erskine, miss.

Thank you.

Darling.

How nice to see you.

How on earth did you find me here?

Your brother told me.

Oh, right.Because...

..because I have something to say to you.

The thing is...

..I'm engaged to be married to Kit Dunn.

Kit Dunn? Kit Dunn?!

I'm sorry.

I wanted to tell you in person and to apologise and to explain.

But she's... But she's so...stupid!

Well, I don't think that's quite fair.

I mean, she's not as clever as you.

No, but you said the only woman in the world you could marry was me.

I know.I mean, you hardly know her!

You can't love her! Kit?! What's going on?

It was just a, you know, whirlwind romance. I'm really sorry,

but it's going to be announced in The Times tomorrow

and I didn't want you to find out like that.

Oh, you utter shit.

I know.

I hope that you can forgive me

and that one day we can be...friends?

Just get out.

Just bloody get away from me! Get away!

SHE SOBS

All quiet on the western front.

Babies and sisters all asleep.

Honestly, darling, it's his loss.

You never liked him, did you?

Sorry.

But you can, and will, do so much better.

Will I?

When?

In a couple of months, I'm 29.

And come on, if you're single beyond 30, you're finished.

Oh, God. Look at us.

What a pair we are.

Tomorrow, I've to go to court for my divorce.

Then we'll officially be two old maids.

Two crotchety old ladies,

dressed in black with alarming teeth.

Just smoking our pipes

and drinking sherry all day.

Sleeping pill?

How many have you got?

It was apparent from a very early age

that Unity was the naughtiest sister of all.

Anything my parents sought to discourage

simply drove her further towards it.

Can I help you, miss?

Yes.

I'd like to join up, please.

Oh, yeah? Well, we do have a ladies' section, as it happens.

Vera?

One for you.

Right, how old are you?

I'm 18 and three quarters.

And why is it you want to join up?

Well, I've read his book twice, and all of his speeches.

I think he's brilliant.

I've read Hitler's and Mussolini's books too,

so I know the theory side of things,

but I want to become an activist.

I want to go on marches,

hand out leaflets, recruit new members.

Very good.

I want to be part of the struggle to overthrow the present government

and see the establishment

of a strong fascist state in this country.

One that puts the "great" back into Great Britain.

Well, I have to ask,

because we do sometimes get undesirable girls

who just want to have a bit of fun with the men.

So, name?

Mitford.

Unity Valkyrie Mitford.

Hello.

He won't marry her.

I'll give you £500 if Hamish actually marries Kit Dunn.

I'm glad it's finally over.

It had gone on for far too long and was doing you no good at all.

Whereas all this public humiliation is doing me the world of good.

Two more, please.Of course.

Chin up, my darling. Who cares what the public thinks?

Now, we just need to get you some decent clothes, maybe a new haircut.

Hey!Oh, Joss, you old bugger.

How are you? Sorry, can I pinch a cigarette?

Peter, you old scrounger.

Do you know the Honourable Nancy Mitford?

Not well enough.

The dishonourable Peter Rodd.

We have met, I think.

Hmm, maybe.

Well, erm, you two can entertain each other

while I avail myself of the facilities.

So...

Thank you.

..I heard about you and Hamish.

Oh, God.No, no.

I only say it to get the elephant out of the corner.

I mean, Lord knows I've had my own share of romantic disasters.

Much, much worse than yours.

I must say, I'm utterly sick of it all, aren't you?Love?

No, the silly games people play in the name of love.

Dammit, I'm nearly 30,

the time has come to stop all that and get serious.

I know it sounds a terrible cliche,

but it really feels time to get married

and have a houseful of mewling infants.

A proper, solid life.

Actually, come to think of it, you and I would be a great match.

What do you say? We could be married by Christmas.

We don't actually know each other.

Oh. Well, I've a fairly standard background.

Wellington, then Oxford.

I'm the second son, so no inheritance, sadly.

And so far, I've loafed about the world,

I've frittered away my talents

and generally failed to live up to my parents' expectations.

Hmm.But all that has changed since I turned over my new leaf

and now I have an actual job with an American bank in the City.

Ooh, a job. Impressive.

I mean, it's a hateful bloody job,

but it has what my father calls "prospects",

so I'm sticking to it. You?

Well, I am the first-born.

But as a girl, no inheritance either, obviously.

And no school, nor university, of course - ditto the girl thing.

In fact, apart from being taught French and horse riding,

I'm completely uneducated.

And therefore, a job is beyond my reach, sadly.

Nevertheless, you've written two very funny novels,

so I hear, and pieces for Tatler and Vogue.

That must generate a few quid?

Well, it keeps me in shoes.

Actually, I know a fair bit about you and your family,

thanks to your sister's love life being splashed in all the papers.

And I know Joss, of course, who adores you.

And I'm afraid I even know bloody damnable Hamish.

Oxford?Mmm. It's a stupidly small world.

And on top of all that, I've fancied you from afar for years.

You have a superb body.

And so on the face of it, as I say, we're the perfect match.

Of course, that still begs the question of sexual chemistry.

So crucial in a marriage, wouldn't you say?

And we can't know about that until...

Well?

Well, what?

Will you marry me?

Touche.

Jolly good show, old man.

Thank you.

Hello, darling.

Hello.Thank you for coming here.

I'm sorry, I simply can't risk us being seen together

in public right now.

The damn press, they're all over me.

Of course. I understand.

I wanted to explain in person

that I shall be going away for a bit.

Right.

After the funeral, I need to recharge

and prepare myself for a big push this autumn.

On the back of Hitler's success in Germany,

I feel sure that we can achieve the same thing here,

so I've decided I'm going to summer in France.

Have a complete rest, you know.

With?

Well, Alexandra has offered to take me to her place on the coast.

Just the two of you? You and your dead wife's sister?

God, it's...it's not like that.

There's nothing in it. Nothing at all.

Right, well.

Have fun, darling. Goodbye.

Diana! Honestly, Diana.

SHE GASPS

Ready? One, two, three. Great. I'm going to try not to...

OK.

Well done. JAZZY MUSIC PLAYS

I thought we'd broke it. We didn't break it!

The last few weeks have been the absolute most fun I've ever had.

And I very much blame you for that.

I apologise unreservedly.

I'm glad this all started out as a joke.

Maybe it's the only way either of us would have taken it seriously.

Mmm.

Did you and Hamish ever...?

What?

You're worried I might be soiled goods?

No.Isn't the whole "virgo intacta" thing rather an outdated idea?

No, it's not that. It's just,

I'd like to know if I can, you know, look Hamish in the eye

next time I bump into him at Quaglinos.

You can.

Good.

And you?

Well, I don't think you'd expect or want

a man of my age to be a virgin, would you?

Hey, come on.

It's all behind me now, ancient history.

A chap just wants to feel

that the woman he wants to...

..be his wife...

..is...all his.

SHE LAUGHS SOFTLY

When Farve realised

we were all visiting Diana in spite of his edict,

he was forced to capitulate.

After all, she was family.

Oh, thanks so much for letting me use you as a dressing room.

It's just that Farve has absolutely banned anything political,

so I told him I'm having tea with you,

then we're off to the cinema. You won't forget, will you?

Of course not.Thanks.

Last week, I sold more copies of The Blackshirt than anyone else,

and this week, I want to break my own record.

Any word from Mosley?

Nothing.

He must be enjoying the French air too much.

Couldn't you write to him?

One must never tug at men's sleeves, Bobo.

It has quite the reverse effect.

Besides, I'm thinking of taking a trip abroad myself.

Bryan has the children in Ireland for a whole month,

so I'm free to travel.

I wondered if you'd like to come with?

Where to?

Germany.

Germany?

See for ourselves how the fascist system works

now that it's actually in government?

God, yes! Oh, Nard, the other members are going to be so jealous.

Or is it a secret?

Not at all. Tell who you like.

Anyway, now that I have my divorce settlement,

we are independent women with independent means.

We can do whatever we like.

Thank you so much.

Hello, David.

It's nearly three o'clock. How long can a luncheon take?

He's not going to say no, is he?

Darling, I don't really know.

I mean, obviously he can't stop us getting married,

but I would like his blessing.

You've waited over ten years for this moment,

I can't see another ten minutes will make much difference.

And to be honest, I never thought we'd see the day.

Oh, thank you.

But I do hope that you're absolutely certain about this,

because I just couldn't bear the disgrace of another divorce.

Of course I'm sure.

The trouble with young people nowadays

is that they expect marriage to bring total happiness,

and they're completely wrong.

Marriage takes a great deal of forbearance and compromise

and, well, sacrifice, actually.

Well...

Congratulations.

MUSIC PLAYS

Well, there you are, then.

Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it.

The thing is to relax.

For some reason, it's customary.

Oh, by the way,

I had a letter from your father's solicitor yesterday.

What on earth about?

He says he's not going to make any kind of financial settlement on us.

Such a bore.You asked him?

Of course. I asked my lot too, but nothing doing there either.

I did say Farve's got barely anything left since the Crash.

Oh, come on. He's got this place, and a whack of land.

Anyway, I hope he continues to pay you your allowance,

or we will be very much on Mean Street.

You'll have to write a bestseller.

Right, I'd better pop back to my room

before the servants clock I'm gone.

Oh, don't frown, darling. Makes you look old.

I love you.

Night.

Night.

FERVENT CHEERING

CHEERING CONTINUES

WOMAN SCREAMS EXCITEDLY

CROWD CHANT

Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!

Nancy?

Nancy! Please, please, please.

Nope. Out of the question, Stubblow.

But I've never been one and I might never get to be one,

and it would be all your fault.

If I had you, I would have to have you all,

and that would be five bridesmaids' dresses.

Far too expensive.

And you know how hard up Farve is these days.

Sorry, Stubbs. And Prod and I can't afford it either.

We're going to be terribly poor ourselves, at least to start with.

You're not poor. You can't say that. I mean, look at all these presents.

Well, not poor-poor, but certainly not rich.

You know a housewife died of starvation this week?Oh, darling.

She had £2 a week to feed seven babies on.

She went without so that her babies might live - that's poor.

But this is... This is disgusting by comparison.

It's so clearly not fair. Can't you see?

I'm afraid, darling, life isn't fair.

That's why it's so incredibly important

to be grateful every day for what you have,

and to be kind and considerate to those less fortunate.

And I don't see how I personally could have helped that poor mother.

But there are things we can do.

We can march, campaign, work in soup kitchens.

Or sell all of this

and give the money to the socialist cause.

That is enough, Decca. That's enough, thank you.Ugh!

Another vase.

I'll have 25 vases in this house, but nothing to sit on.

Darling, don't complain. People are so kind to send you presents.

No, I'm very grateful, for all of it,

and especially to you and Farve for organising the whole event.

She's home.

Oh, how grown up she looks.

Thanks, driver.

She does look different.

She looks like a fascist.

At the end, there were the most beautiful lights flashing across

and there were 400,000 people there to celebrate him coming to power.

Imagine!

You should have seen it, Boud. Euphoric. All because of him.

You went to a Nazi rally?

Good God, Farve will actually kill you if he finds out.

It was without doubt the best moment of my life so far.

And everyone there was just so nice to us.

No, they're ruthless bullies.

That's not true, Boud. I've seen it for myself.

The people worship him. It's amazing.

It's like floating in an ocean of love.

What on earth has got into you?

You sound like a...a cult member.

Come on, Stubbs, I don't want you infected with this.

You can tell me about it later. Goodnight.

So, did you hear him speak?

He was...

..electrifying.

You should have seen it, Boud.

I should have hated it.

And him. You know I would.

For the first time in my life, I felt properly alive.

Just in that moment, I saw my destiny.

Destiny? What do you mean?

For years, I have been downtrodden in this family,

like Germany has been by Europe.

But it no longer signifies.

Germany has risen,

and soon, I too shall rise.

Thank you.

Diana!

Diana.

Didn't you get my letter?

I've been dying to see you.

In public?

What if you're recognised?

I don't give a damn.

I've missed you.

Oh? Really?

I hear you went to the Nuremberg Rally.

Yes.

Fascinating, seeing him in action,

how he operates.

How he hypnotises those vast crowds.

Impressive.

Well, I look forward to hearing all about it.

Wait, wait.

I've realised how much you mean to me.

I love you.

And only you.

Come on, then.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of our wedding,

Peter and I had rented a dear little house in the suburbs.

Finally, the wait was over, and I was going to be a wife.

And...here is your wedding present.

In situ, I absolutely love it. Thanks so much.

Ta-da!

Please, have a seat.

It fits in very nicely.

I must say, you've arranged it all to perfection, given your budget.

And no maid, so I've cleaned the whole place myself.

Never worked so hard in my life. Look. But somehow, I'm loving it.

Of course you are. It's your first very own home.

Mm.Has Peter seen this wonderful transformation?

Ah, he's coming today after work.

And by this time tomorrow, you'll be Mrs Peter Rodd.

Miss Mitford is finally off the shelf. At the age of 97.

And she doesn't look a day over 80.

THEY LAUGH

And you look well.

Very well, in fact.

Mosley? All back on, then?

Yes.

Right.You don't approve.

I can't quite stomach the whole Blackshirt thing,

all that marching about and saluting the leader.

You haven't met him properly yet.

At least meet him, listen to him, before you dismiss him out of hand.

Yes. Yes, sorry, you're right. You're right.

And I'm glad that you're happy in love again. Now look at us both.

And I wish you all the very best of luck for tomorrow.

Thank you.

DOORBELL RINGS, KNOCKING AT DOOR

Oh?

Need a piss, pronto.

Oh, dear.

Bit of pre-match nerves?

Yes.

I'll leave you to it.

Good luck, darling.

See you in church.

Bye.

So, after a long and frankly tedious debate,

I told them they could shove it.

What?

Stuff it up their arse. You've resigned?

I will not be ordered about by idiots!

So how are we going to pay the rent?

Oh, fuck the rent. Don't you get it? I'm free.

No, we can't fuck the rent.

We have to pay the rent, or else they'll kick us out.

And I've just got the whole place arranged nicely.

Well, you pay the bloody rent, then. Why must it always be the man?

"Isn't that a rather outdated idea?"

Oh, what?

You want to call the wedding off?

Call the whole bloody thing off. I don't care.

If it's just all just going to be about money...

I thought you wanted a new life, a more stable...

What you don't understand is that it's all a massive gamble -

life, marriage.

I never thought you'd say yes.

You were the third damn woman I proposed to that week.

HE CHUCKLES

You said yes.

HE LAUGHS

CHURCH BELLS PEAL

Three, two, one.

Can you move slightly closer together for me? Lovely.

Three, two, one.

Tom?Yeah?

Three, two, one. Thank you.

See, that wasn't so bad, was it?

Do you think they've crashed and died?Maybe.

Sorry, sorry, I just need a moment.

Er, driver? Pull over.

Can I ask you something?

Yes, of course.

Do you like him?

Oh, pumpkin.

It really doesn't matter whether I like him or not, does it?

But if you're having doubts...

..then we can jolly well turn around and go right back.

And I will sort everything out.

Thank you, darling.

I'm going to miss you.

I'm not going anywhere.

My brother, Tom, my sisters and my parents all pulled together

to make my big day a truly special one.

You look wonderful.

Still reeling from Diana's scandalous divorce,

the family needed something to celebrate.

To show a united front to the world.

Little did we know

it would be our last hurrah for years to come.

And how was I feeling as I prepared to walk down that aisle?

Well, amazing what a girl will do on the rebound, isn't it?

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