Original subtitles

You can tell we've been out for a month.

Picket's started to shrink.

Ah, hey, you'd think you were one of us to look at him, wouldn't you, eh?

He's not a big boozer.

Goes to Junction when he goes.

Stands by himself at corner of bar in fest room, looking to enter tap room.

I reckon he'd like to come through, only he can't because he knows we're there.

Well, he gets paid for it, doesn't he?

He can have it from me.

All that responsibility.

It's not all that's ever been a manager that knows.

Every man's hand against him when there's a dispute on.

Nobody loots the entire.

He gets the kicks, they get the loot.

Tony said that, you know.

A red-haired mate of thine?

R.H.

Tony, the daft sod.

Professor.

Booker's education chap.

He put it a bit different, mind.

The odium of capitalism without its profits, he said.

They're getting out much, you know.

Hey, does the missus know there's a here?

Yes, she bloody doesn't.

I asked him to remember the dead.

Tell him he's sure a member at ruling class.

Just pats opposite sides to him to rile him.

If she sees me on picket lines, she'll go on

for a week about me taking his side against her.

I've only come for somebody to talk to.

Well, I'll go over and talk to her, then.

Hey, she's getting her right swing to her, hasn't she?

Does she ever, er, pitch the wand?

That's buggered it.

I'll go out when Alan comes.

You can only have two at a time.

Why did he miss 20 past?

They were late off shift.

He told us to come on.

Will they keep him on work until the men go back?

Why, they say they will.

Well, they'd better.

There'd be nothing to spare even with him working with this one coming on.

What are you looking at me like that for?

Nay.

I suppose you'd have deputies out and all.

I didn't come here to talk about strike.

You didn't come here to talk about anything judging from what we've had so far.

You've got a lot to say for yourself and all, haven't you?

Do you want the top button of your shirt?

My collar strangles me when I fasten it.

She's a growing lad, aren't she?

What are you fiddling with down there?

My cap.

Nip to front door and see if Alan's coming.

Go on.

Go on, you can come straight back.

He's going to be like you.

Awkward.

Have you seen Toby lately?

Not since the day he gave that letter to Sam.

How long would it take Harry to get here from Canada?

Well, does it matter now?

You know it matters.

You know very well it matters.

It was you that warned me, wasn't it?

You've been proved right, haven't you?

I take no pleasure from it.

Poor old Dad always having to say, I told you so.

I take no pleasure from it.

I've got to get that divorce, Dad.

Don't worry, lass, it'll come.

It's a week or more to be born, but I see it already on the bed beside me.

At night when they...

they turn the lights down and the women start to whisper.

What have I done, I say to it.

What have I done?

And I can see it in Alan when he comes here.

We just talk around it.

There's no joy in it for us because we're bringing a bastard into the world.

I'll go and see Toby again, didn't I, Fred?

I didn't just take him as a father for Sam, Dad.

No, that's not true, I did.

In the beginning, I did.

But now, look, if it wasn't for this, I'd

have everything that you'd wanted me to have.

To be happy and cared for and have a place in life.

It'll be right, I promise.

Dad, you won't hold it against the baby, will you?

What me and Alan have done.

You know me better than that.

And Sam.

He's not Harry, Dad.

He's more you than Harry.

Aye, well... They're what we make them, Dad.

Polly?

I don't think there's anybody in yet.

You're a union man, aren't you?

I'm on the launch committee, aye.

Secretary, as a matter of fact.

Well, you'll be able to tell me how long I'm going to have to make this lot last.

No wages, no dole.

Well, there'll be strike pay from the union.

Ten pop a week, I've heard.

I've heard right, haven't I?

Is he not in, then?

Well, there are two, Mr Barrowcloughs.

You can take your pick, this is one of them.

Barrow?

George?

He's your dad, I'm after.

He's gone to Cuddy to see Aldora.

How do I go and tell him?

There's a meeting with Murchin Monday.

Bit off, it's just two o'clock.

Right then, I'll let him know.

Bit of a surprise for him, eh?

Why?

I told him we should stand firm on that 7%.

We'd not be seeing Murchin if he'd closed door, would we?

Well... Well, I'll let you tell your dad about Monday, then.

And I shouldn't worry about them groceries if I were you, missus.

Bouncing bugger!

Sounds to have the right idea to me.

What does that know about it?

I told him we should stand firm, he said.

We'll settle for six on the end, like my dad said.

Your dad didn't get a meeting with Murchin, did he?

I knows not about it!

I know where this lot come from, and it didn't come from your dad, I know that much.

They're my mam's, aren't they?

Paid for by your frank.

And if Pitt closes, he'll be the only one working, won't he?

Murchin wouldn't see him if he was going to close Pitt.

I knows not about it!

All the picket, weren't you?

I wonder when that'll come up.

Yeah, getting your name took a bit of management, so you can be a martyr like

your dad and stop off work for eight years.

Every other word that says it contradicts itself.

My dad said compromise.

And they shouted him off platform till the night.

But he took no rancour.

Except to help him to organise.

And they were right in what he said.

They were right, and they turned their backs on him.

He's worth ten of that, Bowsy booger!

You played Judas yourself when it were all over, didn't you?

You come home and you're sat in the chair and you

said, Nay, but he's wrong this time, you said.

Nay, but he's put a foot wrong this time, you said.

Well, I've had time to think now, same as a lot of others.

And he rode the nose out about it.

Will you say that once more and I'll wrap this bag round your ears.

Go on, then.

Tell us what the nose.

Tell us all about it.

Hello, love.

I left Gram out at bag.

Ah, well, look, I've put your groceries in the school room.

No, I'm off to the club.

Out at work and off to the club?

Oh, for my dead body, you are!

Then they can get deaded, cos I'll tell these summat.

I've 12 pints due from a draw last Sunday, and I'll tell these summat else.

I'm going to sup them, every drop, now.

Tonight.

And when I've supped them, I'm going to shove

me tongue inside glass and lick up Tidemark.

That's what I'm going to do.

Mum?

Mum coming tomorrow, then?

Aye, we thought we'd turn and turn about.

Alan should be here by now, Sam.

He said that before.

Don't cheeky, Mum.

No, he's right, I did, only... Bus should be here front clock.

I'll go.

He's bored stiff.

He should have stopped at home, then.

He wants it both ways.

He wants to come, but when he gets there, he can't help being bored.

You don't get it both ways.

The sooner he learns it, the better.

He's just a lad.

Is his schoolwork any better?

Did Frank say?

He just talks all round it when I ask him.

Frank says he's improving.

We're only allowed two.

I'll wait outside.

Since we're one too many.

Fucking Sam.

Go with your grandad for a bit.

What for?

Because I asked you to.

Go on, you can come back later.

Sam.

How are you?

Pampered.

Don't want to come back to floor screaming.

Thanks for seeing Sam.

The Mum does it all.

She's coming tomorrow.

They're taking turns to save fares.

I...

They're all counting their pennies.

But they won't put the deputies out.

You'll be right, will you?

Aye.

I shall be right.

You wish you were out with the others, don't you?

You'd still be on face if it wasn't for us, wouldn't you?

What is it?

I've no rights, do you know that?

No rights.

If you wanted to have it adopted, there's nought I could do.

Nought at all.

It stops where you choose what.

I don't come into it.

They'd just shove an order for maintenance on me if out goes wrong between us.

Who's been telling you all that?

I went to the library and looked it up.

When?

When we first knew.

And you've kept it to yourself all this time?

Not man enough to lock it up for good, was I?

And you like this.

Well, I'm glad you've said.

Well, there'll be nothing between us, not from me and Herod.

Well, you know that, don't you?

Well, go on, say you know it.

Aye, I do.

I know it.

Taken me a long time, has it?

To come to you like you wanted me to.

Well, I've said it.

Well, go on, say something then.

I'm... I'm full.

I'll make up for all the other time.

We both will, for each other.

I can't give you them ten years that I had with Harry, but...

if I could, I would.

No matter.

We're right now.

Aye.

We're right now.

That's cross one off.

That's got one.

I've not supped it.

Aye, and when we get at last, they'll say it's forgetting, not supping.

I know.

They'll need a few more greyers on the head before they catches me with that one.

Did you fetch the one, then?

I'll fetch thee one in a minute.

Junction's empty.

Well, there's a stoppage, isn't there?

Constipation, there means.

Twelve pints on slate from draw last Sunday, right?

A pint, Osbert.

When did that number come off?

Yeah, not mine, lad.

Percy Hancock's.

I ducked Thor for him up at Top Church yesterday.

I reckon that's whether they strike or they keep on dying.

Has, er...

has Barrett been in?

He were round my mum's house looking for me dad ten minutes back.

I told him we should stamp firm, he said.

Bouncing bugger.

There's to be a meeting, then.

We're mating.

So he said.

Must be all right on bar-taking till that gets round.

It means nowt.

But that would be as well if your dad didn't show his face in here.

Why shouldn't he show his face in here?

Well, you know how it'll be, the way things are.

Aye.

Go on, tell me.

I don't know.

I know not, me.

Well, it's going again him, isn't it?

Who says it is?

Oh, if there's to be a meeting, we're mating, I mean.

So there knows what'll be said at this meeting that'll go again him?

Nay, I don't.

There doesn't know what the outcome'll be.

How the bloody hell do I know what the outcome'll be before they've had it?

Well, I said it's going again him.

Just cos they're having a meeting.

Anybody can have a bloody meeting.

We're having a meeting now, me and they.

What's clever about it?

Doubt.

But it's better to have a meeting than not one, isn't it?

Is it?

Aye.

Well, isn't it?

Even if nothing comes out of it?

Well, aye.

Well, what happens then if nothing comes out of it?

Well, I suppose...

taking it by and large.

Another meeting.

Enough for you?

Aye.

What are you reading?

Is it a love book?

A love book?

Sam goes to the library every Friday for Ethel.

He gets a love book for his aunt and a thriller for his uncle.

Well, you could call it a love book, I suppose.

Read me a bit.

I might like it.

He took out a pile of shirts and began throwing them one by one before us.

Shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine flannel, which lost their folds as

they fell and covered the table in many-coloured disarray.

While we admired, he brought more, and the soft, rich heat mounted higher.

Shirts with stripes and scrolls and plaids, in coral and apple green and

lavender and faint orange with monograms of Indian blue.

Suddenly, with a strange sound, Daisy bent her

head into the shirts and began to cry stormily.

They're such beautiful shirts, she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds.

It makes me sad because I've never seen such beautiful shirts before.

You never got that gramophone you always wanted.

Well, just as well.

Not much use without records, like a car without wheels.

I'll go.

Oh, is Jack Barrowclough in?

He's over at Cuddy.

It's Mr. Fawcett, isn't it?

Aye.

Will you come in, Mr. Fawcett?

Er, nay.

Nay, I'll not hang around.

When's he back?

Half-past eight bus.

Aye.

Right.

Thanks, lad.

I'm in me pip-muck.

Can they tell?

That looks all right to me.

I washed meself in beck best as I could afore I got bus.

I got our Doris to wait at Pit Gates for me coat.

It were best I could do to get here in time.

The fields aren't a place, don't they?

Who's they come for?

My mam.

She's dying.

I'm sorry to hear that, Rowley.

He did sit here, didn't he?

Doris?

She's gone, Rowley.

Must have been just before we got here.

Nurse doesn't know.

Angie's gone to fetch her.

Aye then, Jack.

Aye then, Rowley.

Jack.

Toby.

Polly telephoned thee, did she?

Aye.

Why, since I's asked.

Aye, there's a write to come if I wants to.

I've heard from him.

You are hurry?

Aye, following on to the other one.

He give me another address.

So they can write to me again, can they?

Aye.

He wants me to send him his fare.

I see.

So we will be coming back.

You want it, don't you?

If it means she'll get the divorce through.

Best row, Dabham.

What's up, Toby?

Eh?

Don't you want him back?

Don't know that I can face him.

You face him.

I've changed towards him, I think.

I don't like him like I used to.

He's showing me face it's bound to.

That money he took...

It weren't just the brass jacket.

Were him tucking it, he could have had it had he asked.

Aye, that's been trouble.

What he's asked, he's been given.

And you intend I don't do much for his own good.

But he could have had it had he asked.

To go and leave Ardora with?

No, no, no, of course not.

Not for that, Jack.

No.

I thought about it a great deal.

Thought about it a great deal.

I've changed towards him in part.

No, there's a part that doesn't change, Appen.

They wrap themselves around you in their bands and you can't let go.

Not altogether.

He did, we isn't.

Did he?

I don't know.

Appen, that's what he's coming back for?

He's wasting his time if he does it.

You can't come between father and son, Jack.

Can't I?

I'll show thee whether I can or not.

Not that I blame thee.

It's not that I blame thee.

He's sold his right.

As young Sam, though, there's an obligation.

Sam's got his mother.

This lad, she... she wants to wed.

He is a decent enough lad.

They'll not want, but he can help it.

Lots of them can't these days, though.

Help it.

You're all out now at Skeleton, aren't you?

It's in the trade, is it?

Nay, Jack, I'm not getting on it.

They say your merchant's a devil.

Aye, we're forked tongue and all.

Aye, it'd be grand if there was someone else.

Someone else what?

I remember old Johnny up at Gospel Hall.

They'd all be there, he used to say, stalking the fires of hell.

And the names were all on the tip of his tongue, but he never dared to say them.

Not after Banty Jordan threatened him with ten rounds up on the loom.

Aye, on my list for heaven, I'd likely be Johnny's list for hell.

Under manager of hell.

Now, that'd be the job if I could pick these stalkers.

Shall I send him fare, Jack?

He'll not come back without it.

We need him for that divorce, we need him for nought else.

What thou needs him for is up to thee to me.

Oh, and there's two pairs of his socks to be mended, and they're in an old

collocation in the middle of the front kitchen.

Are you listening to me?

Aye.

Give them to me ma'am and she'll see to them.

Aye, I will.

Well, don't forget.

Nay, I'll not forget.

Comes all this way to visit me, then sits

there with his head in the clouds, miles away.

I took thee with me.

We haven't been.

But we went that day on the sidecar we borrowed.

Still worried about Clutch, are you?

Aye.

We keep... taking it out and looking at it, don't we?

What?

That day.

Aye.

How's me mum managing?

Dad only tells me what he wants me to know.

She's coping.

It's good old Frank again, isn't it?

Aye.

They'll be chucking us out in a minute, will they lad?

He went to lavatory.

I'll go and get him.

Time for off then.

You don't have to look so pleased about it.

Nay.

Don't like sitting around in hospitals, do you?

I'd be a funny chap if I did.

Love to everybody.

Aye.

Toby's come.

Why didn't he come in?

He didn't want to take up anybody's time.

He said he'd come back again Sunday.

No more news of Harry then?

He's got an address for him.

Better than that.

Better?

He's coming back.

From Canada?

Aye, he's coming back.

He's not coming back to me, Dad.

I know that.

But we've got him for what we want him for, haven't we?

The divorce.

Time's gone against us.

Better late than never.

We've to go.

Say goodbye to them, Mum.

Bye, Mum.

Be good for your gram.

See you tomorrow.

Bye.

We'll wait outside for thee.

I've just been round to light our Alan the fire.

I thought he'd be sleeping round here with Sam stopping at Polly's.

There's a bed for him.

Seems he'd rather stop on his own than mope.

He's just like a man for you, isn't he?

Aye.

Well, breastfeeding that did for women, you know.

We've got to stop at home, look after the bairns, while they go out and shape life.

If it wasn't for that, we'd be out in the world making a much better job of things.

Aye, he should have put busts on men.

I'm glad you came round.

I'm bolting the door on George Barraclough tonight if he's not back home by ten.

So I should stop me his with cotton wool, if I were you.

What's he been up to now?

He won twelve pints of beer on a draw at the club.

And he's not coming in my house with twelve pints of beer inside him.

I should think so on all.

Me.

You remember me name then?

Ethel.

You remember Ethel, do you?

I don't get much time off.

You'd have come to me funeral though, wouldn't you?

What did you promise me when you left here?

You promised you'd not lose touch.

Stop grousing.

Give her a cup of tea.

She's still here.

She seemed right enough to me.

Hi.

What's the preference then, a lad or a lass?

A lass would be bastard to her.

You should put it out of your mind.

I can now expect other folks to if I don't.

I pray for a lad, Jack, who can stand up to it.

Pray?

That still does a bit of that, does it?

Sometimes I feel I could.

That doesn't help.

I talk to me sin instead.

First sign is that they know.

I'm not a strong-minded chap.

Is that what I am then?

I'll tell thee, Somet, I'll have more to worry at

thee from yon other than from that that's yet to come.

Aye, Jack, you'll hear me.

Did thou hear that then?

Aye.

Thou knows that, doesn't thou?

Nurse.

Yes, love?

I've got backache and pains here.

How long?

Half an hour and enough.

Have I started?

Is it your first?

No.

Then you ought to know better than me, didn't you?

I'll be back in a minute.

Bit early to take you to the labour.

Can't get away from it, can you?

What?

The labour.

You know what Mr Barwin said?

From the cradle to the grave.

I'll be back in a minute.

He sent a chap from Pitt offices last week to get a machine number from Face.

Never been down before.

Anyway, when he got down there, there was nobody spared to take him.

So they gave him a pony to follow.

Well, he got out of its tail and he got there all right.

But coming back, the pony set off at a gallop.

He fell over trying to keep up, smashed his lamp and the pony took off.

Next shift found him.

Half out of his mind, wandering about like a lost soul.

He thought he'd got lost in tall workings.

Has it supped up?

If I've not, there's a bloody drain all in bottom.

Too often say it does, but...

Filling up where it's got round.

It's not like looking on Brightside, is it?

Kidding this job on.

Don't you want a settlement then?

They won't even give us dawn, ask if I want a settlement.

I could have settled for six, like my dad said.

So we come out for a month and we still only get six.

Well, supposing Barrett holds out for seven?

He never gets seven and he knows it.

Well, if he settles for six, that puts your dad in the right.

Your dad stood up at the meeting and said it.

And Barrett went with the men against him.

So he fights for seven and settles for six and a saver, like Boog does to him.

Here's Barrett now.

If he'd get that Monday, we could have had it straight off.

Not get it Monday, we'd be out the market and couldy behind him.

My dad says they'll not come out for us.

I said so myself.

Barrett's face tells me we're wrong.

Bouncy bugger.

Why didn't you settle in Durham?

I didn't, that's all.

Folks not to your liking?

No, no, they were grand.

What's going to happen if they close the pit?

What is there for us?

What makes you think I can answer that, Mum?

You're educated.

Didn't they teach you to think about these things?

I took history.

It connects.

Is that where we are then?

History?

We're all part of that, Mum.

What part would you say we were?

The suffering past, I hope.

From 20 years on.

1956.

You'll be 30 then, young Sam.

Is it the pit for him then?

I don't know, it depends.

Answer me straight, Frank.

Well, there aren't the places, not for the brightest even.

You got a place?

Yeah, I was lucky.

Though one or six or more of us could have got it, I wasn't even the best.

I was just lucky in the exam, that's all.

He's not bright enough?

He could be, but... his heart's just not in it.

I see.

So it is the pit, then.

Except happened there's not going to be a pit.

They happen every strike, these threats.

Suppose this time it's true.

Suppose it does come to an end.

Is it war, like your dad says?

Is that all we've got to look to?

It could be.

I see.

It doesn't have to be, Mum.

If it does close... the pit.

I want you to go.

Go where?

Anywhere away from here.

We shall be back on relief, and what you earn will get taken off it.

You've your own life to live.

You're not keeping us all your days.

That's not how I look at it.

It's how we look at it.

I promise your dad I've talked to you.

Still wants me to get out and get on, does he?

For your own good.

Aye.

And I want it too, for your own good.

You're chucking me out?

You know better than that.

I suppose I'll not go?

Don't you want to get on in life?

Do you know what you're saying?

Is that what it means, getting on in life?

Turn me back on you, leave you to the means test?

You know what I mean.

I know what you think you mean.

If staying here would have meant you could have helped young Sam.

There are plenty of other young Sams I'll be able to help, Mum.

I'm not ambitious, you see.

Not in the way you mean.

I'm doing what I want to do.

You want me to turn me back on that as well?

You can do it in better places than this.

I don't understand you at all.

I'm doing what I want to do, where I want to do it.

What more could I ask?

And anyway, it's not going to come to that.

There's an awkward street that runs right through this family.

You mean you've lost the argument?

You can have it out with your Dad.

He won't lose.

You've lost the argument?

Clever dick.

I promise you, Mum, I'm fishing ships.

I'll cut across to Baxter's.

It'll be open by the time I get there.

I'll be sleeping with Uncle Frank tonight.

I'll see you there in the morning.

Hello, Barclough.

I'd like a word.

Aye.

I'd best come inside then.

All right?

I'm coming a bit faster now.

We'll move you into the labour ward in a bit.

Don't I know you?

Aren't you from Skeleton?

I know you.

You jacked Barclough's lass, aren't you?

Don't worry, we'll look after you.

Sure you'll not have some tea, Mr Fawcett?

No, no, Mrs Barclough.

Thanks all the same, but I shall have to get back.

I've chased your lads out, haven't I?

Aye, often worked in scullery.

I'm sorry to have chanced embarrassing you by coming here, Barclough.

You could come here in broad daylight for all it worries me, Mr Fawcett.

I'm not a young chap after making a reputation for myself.

It was you that told Barrett to put me up for Chet Weyman, wasn't it?

I told him I thought you were owed it.

I knew he'd done it to please somebody.

You know, my dad put in for Chet Weyman years ago.

The management of the pit where he'd worked wouldn't have him.

There was a two-year court case over it.

So that's how you come to persuade me, ain't you?

You learn as you go along, don't you?

That's a pity.

There's a note I can offer in return.

After bed now.

No argument.

Can I have a drink?

Come on.

How many years is it since the Sankey Commission said the pit should be nationalised?

Must be 15 at least.

You know, I turned a corner when I read that report.

What was it they said?

The present system of ownership and working stands condemned.

And some other system should be substituted for it.

A lot of good it did us.

They weren't a committee of pit men or socialists, Barraclough.

Most of them were experts, businessmen, baronets.

Aye, and they've not been forgiven by their own.

You can never forgive your own, can you?

I'll not defend myself to you.

Because I did what were right with what God gave me.

I'm not criticising you either.

I mean, we both come from the same root.

I was given the chance to branch out, that's all.

You're not talking to daft Billy, Mr Fawcett.

You don't have to defend yourself to me, not in this house you don't.

I've put my notice in, Barraclough.

I see.

So all right, then.

He's closing shop, his mate, isn't he?

He offered me Martin.

I didn't feel able to take it.

You got a bit put by, have you?

A bit.

I've earned every penny, Barraclough, though it's little enough.

I know not about investment, except that I've worked to keep others in idleness.

In your position, you'll know better how folks can live and give note in return.

I shall be due for retirement in a few years' time.

It's a poor, thin sacrifice.

Thought of your dad, did you?

You know, I can feel his shoulders under me when you say that.

We spent our lives paying off debts that nobody asked us to pay.

They fought for us because we lived in them as a hope of something better for tomorrow.

When is it going to be something better for today?

There's note to be done for Skeleton.

He's going to make us bleed, like he said, is he?

If Cody and Martin come out, he'll make them bleed too.

Is that why you've come?

It seemed worth the walk.

You crossed the line when you made that walk, didn't you?

Only back where I started.

Look, I shall have to ask you not to say that I told you this.

I've a lad that's under manager, not so far from here.

That pigeon you lost, did she never come home?

No.

She never did.

Do her a better cloth, isn't it?

I'm sorry about your mum, Rory.

I'm waiting for her things.

I saw your dad.

You're all right, are you?

Aye, I think so.

I think I am.

I'm sorry, Rory.

Aye, it's...

It's a loss, isn't it?

Does the same.

Up and down like a bloody ball.

Perhaps it's what they call an optical illusion.

Well, perhaps he stood still, and I was moving up and down.

Well, that's had a few pints, George.

Get him out of the head, eh?

That's obsessed with him.

Don't text him at all, so...

Then a lot more.

But leave him be, eh?

We'll see no more of him when they vote a committee next year.

He's looking at me.

Say he's something that could be.

It's all in their mind, George.

Where's the dad, Barraclough?

He spoke to you, George.

Did he?

I haven't heard him.

It's the deaf lad.

Don't aggravate him, George.

It's now.

It's all in their mind, so...

Did they not hear me?

Said somewhat, did they?

I asked thee where the dad was.

Well, he's not here, is he?

What's the wanting for?

Somewhat I want to have out with your dad.

Standing on a platform, laying the law down about chaps filling dirt.

Don't mention the names.

One of them that fills it will know who he meant.

Thou fills it.

We all fill it.

It falls into tubs when they're going out by.

Somebody chucks a stone in to get rid of it.

Do they?

Aye.

I never thought of that myself.

Fancy that.

He's had his bloody day.

He'd best keep his bloody mouth shut in future or something.

If he kept his mouth shut, it'd be worse for thee, Kirby.

Oh?

Nine years out of work for someone like thee.

Thou knows what thou'st asking for.

Ah!

Hey, hey.

Try it.

Come on, try it.

Give me what I'm asking for.

Come on.

Get him back.

Get him back.

Get him back.

Get him.

Get thyself home.

Tell him what your own bugger said.

Ne'er mind what he said.

Get thyself home on dot.

Come on.

He was standing for thee, Jack.

When he stands for me sober, I'll take he.

How much has he spent?

Note.

He'd twelve pints to come on the roll.

He's six still to come.

I'd best get him out of his roll then, hadn't I?

Osbert!

So, he wed at last, you had dick.

Aye.

Aye.

Living with your mam, are they?

Aye.

And Mrs. Ollens met her match.

Do they fight much?

He plays rugby for Cuddy, Ethel says.

Me?

Me?

Oh, come on, spit it out.

I've nowhere to go.

What's up then?

I left Mrs. Ollens this afternoon.

Has she sacked you?

I went to me mam's but me dad was there and I couldn't tell her.

What couldn't you tell her, love?

Arthur.

Mrs. Ollens' chap.

He tried.

He tried to make me.

Yeah, all right, all right then.

Just take it easy, love.

I can't go back.

The bugger.

I can't go back, me.

You'll not go back.

There's no room for me at home now, dick-sweat.

Nowhere to go.

Oh, yes, you have.

You've here.

Here?

Oh, I couldn't, me.

I couldn't, not here.

Because of our Alan.

I couldn't.

Just tell me what else you can do then.

It'd embarrass him, me.

Where's your things?

Mrs. Ollens.

But... Hey, Norfish.

You've got your fritters instead.

Eileen?

She'd know where to go.

She'll stop in here for the night.

You'll have to fetch her things for Mrs. Ollens.

Now let me tell you something, both of you.

We've all got feelings of one sort or another.

And without food to put in your belly and a place to sleep at night, you might as

well leave this world as soon as convenient.

You forget what's been.

Live with things as they are, for better or for worse.

You understand?

Ethel!

Ethel!

There's plenty worse off than you.

Ethel!

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

How I wonder what you are.

What a bloody life.

There we go, love.

Come on, love.

One more go.

One more push.

One little push.

That's a good girl.

There we are.

That's a good girl.

You're a very good girl.

You've got a beautiful little boy.

Now hold this.

There we are.

That's a good girl.

There, you can relax now.

Sister, she's haemorrhaging.

Nurse, go and get a make-shift.

Tell her to get the doctor.

There we are.

Waking up at this time?

It was him.

Thought better of it.

What?

I mean, enough bother with the grammars, it is.

I'll say, I had a nightmare.

I'd get out and make room for somebody else if I doubted about me.

Out of what?

Off you go.

What are you doing up?

I had a nightmare.

What did she say?

I'll not repeat it now.

You're allowed back in.

Be thankful.

Where did this start on me, is she?

I wouldn't have too much to say for myself if I were you.

Have you seen the time?

Aye, it's late.

They went down to Welfare to try and see Barrett.

I'll take a walk that way.

Don't tell him I said out.

It's not often he's out at this time.

Just a walk.

Aye.

Now stop licking with that and get it drunk.

You should be asleep.

I had a nightmare.

So you said.

I'm used to my mum seeing me off.

You're a big lad now, you shouldn't need seeing off.

I mean, when I have nightmares, she reads to me.

Oh, it's no good asking me to read to you, love.

Not in that light.

Your gran's glasses aren't right.

Will you see me upstairs then?

Aye.

I'll see thee upstairs.

Dad?

They said at the bar you... You all right, Dad?

Of course I'm right.

Sent to fetch me?

No, I fancied a dew.

About a bad lie, aren't they, lad?

Worrying about me, is she?

Aye, a bit.

It's not often the Dad stops out, is it?

What are you looking at me for?

Have you never been drunk?

No.

I can believe that.

Brews and starters were more like thee, and that would be a blessing for some.

Shamed on me.

Shamed on me, aren't they?

I'm not ashamed of you, Dad.

Ah, that's an odd lad.

You'd think I were carrying smallpox in here tonight, except for one or two.

I could have told them, though, couldn't I?

I've found out what it feels like to be raped, and to keep your trap shut.

Well, could you and Martin come out?

Barrett thinks so.

And you?

Happen they will, for a day or two, till they get the wind of things.

And then what?

Then they'll go back again.

What else can they do?

What I said at the meeting the other night, we're all found out.

All found out.

It was right to be said.

We're back where we started, Frank.

Doctor's come.

He's come too late.

They used to make theirself known like that.

So we're right now.