Original subtitles

From the long old night with an ocean breeze to the damp and to the rain of

London city.

We come from the sun to live in the cold. I miss Nirav, I watch my coconut

Let's keep the music sweet, wind up your waist and feel the heat.

You mentioned reply.

Well,

I'm not feeling very... Monday morning blues, eh? What happened to your fun

-filled weekend?

I do not have Monday morning blues, sir, and my weekend was only fun -filled up

to a point.

Well, then which point was that?

The point where I met my old friend Rosie.

You remember Rosie, don't you, sir?

Oh, yes, wasn't she rather attractive? Oh, yes, she worked for Theo over at

little branch in Greenwich. Oh, dear, poor old Theo. How is he? Still

with the complexities of the Junior Savers Club, is he?

Not quite.

Oh, has he been given the... No, Theo's been promoted to run the New Docklands

branch, and Rosie's going with him as principal secretary.

Should have seen her face as she told me. It was all I could do, not that...

Theo! Well, thicker than she are, for she swanned off, leaving me in a wake of

crumbs from a mushroom vol -au -vent.

Theo!

How did he do it? The man's barely competent.

I'll tell you how. He got married.

Sir? The young lady's name is Caroline, graduate of a Swiss finishing school.

Devastatingly attractive, witty, father has more connections than British

telecom, and she didn't seem to be a lobster that would put Parisian chefs to

shame.

They started putting in big clients at their social soirees. Top brass got

Windevich and Robert Sebald's brother.

Huh? Well, do try and keep up, sir. Oh, yes, the old boy never, OK?

Yes, well, by all accounts, Caroline is neither old nor a boy.

These days, unless you're prepared to play the corporate game, opportunities

just don't come along.

And that means marriage and socialising.

When was the last time you even had as much as a pint with Parkinson's?

Parkinson's? It's just a manager's assistant.

Well, you've got to start somewhere.

And as marriage seems out of the question, though, of course...

A marriage of convenience.

A partnership.

Well, if I could find someone suitable.

Yes.

I might consider it.

But as there's no one, looks like I'm stuck here for the present.

You see, we'll never get on with that attitude.

What do you mean?

My attitude's very positive.

We're learning Spanish, gaining to Europe and all of that.

Yes, well, unless things start to improve soon, you'll be going alone.

It'll be adios, amigo.

Rochelle Jackson requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of Ebony

Elite, the new nightclub for black achievers. I like it.

Only wealthy, dynamic, and stylish candidates will be selected to apply.

Only the wealthy, stylish, and dynamic have been selected.

Ebony Elite.

I expect my invites in the post.

Nobody could open a club like this without inviting Desmond Ambrose.

Especially since they've invited you.

I am dynamic.

I'm stylish.

All I need is to meet a rich widow at this club, and then I can start to work

the wealthy bit.

Did you know that Desmond's Barbershop had become the regular home for

Cogn... Cogn... Oh, what is it, Matt?

Cognoscenti. The in crowd.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Cognacplenty. The in crowd.

I've only been asked to join a very selective new club.

If it is what I think it is, it's so selective, everybody I've spoken to this

morning has been selected.

Except you, Desmond.

Go along, get a few complimentaries in, you know what I mean?

It's all right, Des, we'll fill you in on what you missed.

Oh,

Desi. Desi is spending another week with us.

Yes, he's most positively...

Phil, last time, dude.

She was really filled to bits last time.

Are you on Daisy's duty today?

Yeah, short straw.

Hey, Matt.

Returning your tone on the history of the Gambia. Most engrossing.

Well, thank you, Daisy. You didn't find it too controversial?

Negativo. But let's lock heads on some of the points I've marked.

Well, uh... Yes, of course.

Matthew, you meet your match, eh?

Who would have thought there were so much brains in such a small head?

Never mind all that intellectual stuff, Daze. You want to take a few lessons

from the university of life.

Here, Claude. What do you reckon to that, then?

We are the Cognac... Cognac... Cognacenti.

Cognacenti? Where do you learn a word like that?

Have you been ODing on the alphabetic spaghetti?

No. It's one of my new ways.

I learn five a week.

And what's your answer this week, Daisy?

Yes, it would be interesting to see if we understand them.

After all, it's never too late to learn, eh, pork pie?

I'm up to the Ds.

Who can spell daguerreotype?

D.

Sorry, I never got past A, B, C.

It's easier for me.

Actually, it's an early form of photography.

We'd better give them something simpler, baby.

OK.

Debonair? Oh, I know that one. D -E -B -O -N -A -I -R.

Suave and sophisticated.

Very good, sir. He only knows that because he used to have debonair jazzy D

the side of his trumpet case. Oh, you remembered, my sweet.

We've had D part, or she'll get D tension.

And Gloria learned a lot about that when she was at school.

There you go, boys.

Thank you, Shannon.

Desmond.

Oh, um, dearest.

Did anything come in the pulse for me this morning?

Yes.

Some bills.

Now, speaking of which, did you see that money I left out for the milk and

newspaper? No, I don't even get to read the newspapers these days.

Sit down. I'll be with you in a minute. Are you sure nothing came in the mail?

Oh, yes.

I received an invitation to a new club.

Oh, that's great, Cheryl.

You can come along with us. We're going to have a bit of a bop.

You speak to my wife like that and I'll give you a bit of a bop.

Don't worry, Desmond. It's not something that I would be interested in. Do you

know anyone that might be?

Yes, it would be a shame to waste it.

I'll give it to Michael.

Mother, did I have some wine in here?

some friends around the other night. Your father said she could drink it.

It was either that or his beer.

It was a simple choice to make.

No, it was just pure a bottle of Rioja.

Well, go on, our friends had a soup. You'll have time drinking it.

How's one of your father's beers?

No, it's all right.

Since I've educated my palate, beer seems a little rough on the taste buds.

Well, my palate needs some secondary education.

Move your foot.

You haven't been invited to Ebony Leith as well, have you, Father?

Oh, did you get one?

Yeah. So did I.

Your father didn't, and he's in one of his moods about it.

I'm not in a mood.

You probably want to fill up the place with attractive women so that long

-sleeves like Michael could prey on them.

Perhaps I will go, then.

You see, what they do is, Father,

they simply... select the most prominent people from the community.

You obviously didn't make the grade.

Now, the point of this place is to meet people.

My kind of people.

Movers, shakers, high rollers.

Old age pensioners and upperclassmen.

Watch out, Daisy. Don't go too near Michael. He might not have eaten yet.

Shut up.

You're late tonight.

I tried the detention.

I went to the library to get some more books.

Daisy, it's really good that you're so... keen on learning, but you must

some fun, too.

Make friends.

Enjoy yourself.

Yeah, I have lots of fun. Lots of friends. She's right, you know. When I

off this morning, she was surrounded by a mob of kids who wanted to be her mate,

and the same tonight.

Why join a club to make friends, Michael? Take a lesson from Desi. Just

yourself. Natural, charming, and witty.

On second thoughts, join a club.

Good evening and welcome to Ebony Elite.

to Ebony Elite.

I'm Rochelle Jackson, the co -owner, and you look like a man I've got to get to

know. Michael Ambrose.

Bang. And what you care for a drink?

Cheers. Welcome.

Busy.

Good turnout.

First nights are always like this.

It's the people with staying power we're after.

Do you have staying power, Michael?

Yes,

I think so.

Excuse me.

I've got a bit of a thirst on.

Came straight from the squash. Ooh, play hard, too, huh?

I've just got to find out every little thing about you.

Every little thing?

Oh, boy, boy.

Remember, they can't see you either.

Come on, I'll get you carrot juice.

Sir Michael, banking is just the tip of the Ambrose iceberg.

Yes, I've diversified into areas where I'm a sort of constant group.

Smart cookie.

You get a lot of close shades in that business.

Well, you could say that.

Care to go once around the floor?

Rochelle, I'm an Ambrose.

And we never do anything like this.

Yep. This is the life the Prince was made for, boys.

I got cocktails and water all women.

These cocktails are delicious.

They have obviously used the best African fruits.

This is the best West Indian rum.

what it's doing.

Well, Augustus, what do you reckon to the decor then, eh?

Yes, it's quite math, wouldn't you say? What, what?

I think you've had enough of your talking, buddy.

Well, quack it.

Let's hit the dance floor.

Come on.

Excuse me, sir, your bill.

I'm the history.

I'm a poor student.

And I'm a struggling pensioner.

Invitation got sent to some absolute no -no's by the staff.

No deal.

So does the importance to keep up certain standards in a place like this.

is. I mean, you can't just let any of us wrap in, can you? Well, no.

Welcome to Ebony Elite.

Yes, indeed, Mandy.

How was your evening, sir?

Truly wonderful, Mandy.

Don't tell me you met someone who owns a garden centre. No, Mandy. Last night, I

met a woman.

Yes, it can be a bit daunting the first time.

Rochelle Jackson, a princess, a goddess, and an heiress.

Oh, is that all?

She was like a female version of me.

Smart, ambitious, go -getting.

Scheming, manipulative.

You were right. If one can't spend one's life on the benches in the B team,

you've got to get out there and play hardball.

Strange. All this time I thought I was working for Michael Ambrose. I was

actually working for John Barnes.

Are we still under our Spanish session this evening, sir?

Not tonight, Mandy. I'm seeing Rochelle.

Oh, so much for me learning my new phrase, then. Oh, do it to me now, then.

you sure? Oh, come on, Mandy. We haven't got all day.

Very impressive.

What does it mean?

I cry like a wounded matador, tossed on the cruel horns of unrequited love.

It's not going to get you very far in a high street bank in Madrid, now, is it?

Will there be anything else, sir?

Yes, a cup of decaf and a slip and a treat.

Yes, well, as you're the go -getter, sir, I suggest you go get it yourself.

was doing, I decided to give him a bit of help.

Desmond Ambrose. Oh, you could be so wicked.

By the end of the evening, Rochelle Jackson thought Michael's surname was

I loved him discussing the size of the Ambrose diamond.

Well, I'm glad I gave you that invitation.

You were like the only dog in the street without a bone.

But I don't think Ebony Elite is our kind of place. Why that?

Well, it's for the people who miss when they kiss.

Yes,

ma 'am, what happened to yesterday's tips?

Well, it's in the tin, darling.

There you go, ma 'am.

Thank you.

I'll take Daisy to school today.

Oh, it's no trouble, ma 'am.

Yeah, it's no trouble.

And Gloria's doing a great job.

All the same, I'll do Daisy duty today.

Oh, there's your tea and coffee.

Refreshing after your night on the town? Come along, Daisy.

Well, well, well.

If it isn't the Pagan Cognou, what's it?

I suppose you come to brag after last night.

Yeah, well, we did say we'd throw you in, didn't we? Ah, yeah.

And I have to say, it was unbelievable.

Yes, totally unbelievable.

They only wanted to join, didn't they, Matt?

Oh, yes.

They were most insistent at one point.

We was treated like kings. I was almost crowned.

I saw stars the whole night.

I can't be done with that paparazzi, though.

Nah, that garlic gives me wind.

I stopped at the caviar and smoked salmon.

Were there any young ladies?

Young ladies, Des?

Oh, the talent was dynamite. And when we hit that dance floor... Oh, don't tell

me it went off.

I've only known you a few hours yet.

I've always known that when the right man came along, a few hours is all it

would take.

I knew after only a few minutes.

Minutes, hours.

I had a gut feeling after seconds. Did I say minutes?

I knew instantly.

So impulsive.

Are you this way in all your business dealings?

Well, I try to keep a cool head.

Victor, more champagne.

Tell me more about your family, Michael. Your father was fascinating.

Well, let's not talk about him. Tell me more about your background.

Dad was an oil.

He got bored and moved into gold and racehorses.

Anybody in your family into horses, Michael?

Yes, I have an eccentric uncle who takes a keen interest.

Does he have stables? No, he lives in a council flat.

I said he lives in a council flat.

It's a little mining town in the northern provinces of Australia.

He has a stud farm there.

Oh, maybe we could do business. I mean, this club thing is just a little hobby

of mine.

Do you have any little hobbies, Michael?

Yeah.

Learning to speak Spanish, actually.

The only language people like us need to know is the language of the almighty

dollar.

Whatever country you're in, it speaks loud and clear.

I think we'd make a great team, Michael.

And I just don't mean in business.

Would we?

Yes, we would.

But, um, I've never been one for whirlwind romances.

Whirlwind?

Honey, Hurricane Michelle has got you in her eye.

And there's no escaping this baby.

There's something we want to talk to you about.

Beam me up, Scotty.

Hi, everyone.

Oh, I was just in time for an Ambrose family conference.

Oh, dear.

Who's for the high jump?

That?

Gloria?

Well, who's that?

Daisy. Well, that's because you've been spending too much time with Gloria.

Have I done something wrong?

Yes, Daisy.

It's about all the newspaper money.

And the tips that you've been taking.

What? I didn't steal it. I suppose it leapt into your pocket as yours. Pass

them. I borrowed it.

Look.

The kids at school didn't like me. They said I was too smart by half.

But I remember from the home, when you've got things that other people

they become your friends.

So you gave them money?

And sweets.

It's all here, Mother.

How much she took, who she gave it to and when.

My friends, now what do they want around you in a playground?

I mean, I'm going to pay it back.

I've even worked out the interest you'll all get.

11 .5 % APR over a six -month period.

That seems a little generous. Now, I would suggest... What kind of friends do

you think you can buy?

Not very good ones.

They vanish faster than your money.

Be yourself, Daisy.

Making real friends takes time, not money. Isn't that right, Michael?

Yes, absolutely.

Yeah, they used to call Michael clever clogs at school as well. Oh, God.

He never had to buy his friends.

And believe me, if Michael doesn't have to, no one does.

Just always tell the truth about yourself, Daisy.

You see, there's no point in pretending to be something else.

You always get find out in the end. You'd agree with that, won't you,

I'm sorry.

I won't do it again.

I promise.

Then we'll say no more about it.

Well, you can pay the money back by sweeping the shop.

And making a tea. And doing the dishes.

That's an excellent idea.

Even Desmond's got his domino slop.

And Michael's got a whole club full of his kind of people. High -rolling,

and shaking, hard -hitting, self -starting, go -getters.

I've decided not to take up the option of the Ebony Elite membership.

What?

So expensive for you, Michael.

Well, let's just say that there's a price that even I'm not prepared to pay.

I'll go back to my Spanish lessons with Mandy.

Can I come? I can speak Spanish.

What can you say in Spanish, Daisy?

Or you'll ever need to know.

What? Buenos dias, senor.

No, silly.

Hasta la vista, baby.