Original subtitles

[light orchestral music]

- Everything always happens at once.

Now, remember I'll be back by six o'clock.

- Never you fear, Mr. Hudson.

Rose can help Alfred wait at tea.

- If her ladyship hadn't been so particular,

take her some fruit up, so she said.

- Poor old soul.

- May not be long for this world.

- Well, I'd better away, then

or I'll miss my train.

Now, mind Alfred, and you too Rose,

I want everything just so for Miss Elizabeth

when she gets here.

And Lady Kasseltone's invited for tea,

and I wouldn't be surprised

if Mr. James doesn't drop in as well.

Now, I want everything ship-shape and Bristol fashion.

- Aye, aye, sir.

- Yes, well, I'd better away, then.

- Oh, I hope you get there in time.

- Ah, it'll just be one of our wee taros,

most likely, Mrs. Bridges.

And, Rose, see that the cucumber sandwiches

are much displayed on top of the cake stand.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

And I do hope you're mother ain't too poorly.

- Thank you, Rose,

and Alfred.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Careful when you're handing 'round the teacups.

Lady Kasseltone is a wee bit absent-minded,

and none too steady with her hands.

[Emily coughing]

- Emily, behave yourself.

- Yes, well, I don't like it,

but I haven't got any choice.

Not when her ladyship was so particular.

- Hey, he's forgot his grapes.

- Oh, Mr. Hudson!

- Yes?

- You forgot your grapes.

- Oh, dear me, thank you, Rose.

- She's a good age, old Mrs. Hudson.

- Ah, I don't so much need for grapes as hallelujahs.

- She'll go to heaven and all.

Sure heaven's waiting for her.

- That's enough of your religious mania.

Emily, when you die, you die and that's an end of it.

- Aw, Mrs. Bridges.

- Well, sparkle, girls.

We're all alive in this house.

And, there's work to be done.

- Just because Mr. Hudson's out,

that doesn't put you in charge.

And, Emily, when you've cleared up,

start cutting the bread for the cucumber sandwiches.

And mind, you're not cutting them for elephants.

Nice thin slices.

- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

- I wonder if we'll notice any difference in Miss Elizabeth,

now she's done her schooling and all that.

- Oh, I don't think nothing could change Miss Elizabeth,

for the worst, anyhow.

- Well, she's all right, Miss Elizabeth.

Not one of your hoity-toity ones.

What d'you say, Mrs. B?

- Oh, finicky with her food ever since she was a tiny mite.

- Aw, you must know to say better than that, Mrs. Bridges.

[clock chiming] - I speak as I find.

Listen, it's gone three o'clock,

you better hurry up and change, Rose.

Here, I'll finish that for you.

[door bell rings]

- Good afternoon, my lady.

- Good afternoon, Alfred.

Where's Hudson?

- He had to go out, my lady.

- Indeed.

- Mrs. Hudson was indisposed.

- Mrs. Hudson?

- Hudson's mother, my lady.

- Oh.

- Her ladyship's in the morning room.

Shall I announce you, my lady?

- Naturally, but not in that graveyard voice,

or you won't be heard across the room.

- Very good, my lady.

Lady Kasseltone.

- Marjorie.

- Aunt Kate.

- What a pretty dress.

Now, my dear, you must teach that young footman

of yours to speak up.

He announced me as though I were tragic news.

Even if I am, which is quite possible,

the name should nevertheless be heard, and clear,

so that one is not to,

expected to be like,

Lady Kasserel, Kasserussel, or Kasselbridge.

James.

You're looking thinner.

You should eat more.

- And who is this?

- Oh, may I present my friend, Lieutenant Watson,

My great aunt, Lady Kasseltone.

- How do you do, Lady Kasseltone.

James has often spoken of you.

- Kindly, I hope.

- No, not at all. [laughing]

Not unkindly.

MMost kindly.

I say.

- Quite.

- Sit down, Billy and you, too, James.

I do wonder what has happened to Elizabeth.

She should have been here by now.

- So, this is to welcome Elizabeth home from Germany?

- Yes, Aunt Kate, we thought it would be nice for her.

- A tea party for Elizabeth,

but no tea and no Elizabeth.

- I have rung for the tea, Aunt Kate.

- The boat train was due in at the Liverpool Street

an hour ago.

- Oh, was it?

- You were very punctual, Aunt Kate.

- Let's hope Elizabeth's train was, too.

I'm playing bridge at 7:30.

[bell ring]

- Ah!

There she is, thank heavens.

- For what?

- That Elizabeth has arrived.

Safely.

- Hello, Alfred.

- Welcome back, Miss Elizabeth.

I'll help Pearce with the luggage.

- Rose!

- Oh, welcome home, Miss Elizabeth.

Oh, it's nice to see you back.

- It's nice to be back, Rose.

Where's mother?

- They're all in the morning room, Miss.

- Who?

- Lady Kasseltone, Mr. James and another young gentleman.

- Oh, dear.

- Shall I take your hat and coat?

They are waiting tea for you.

- Oh, no, I must go upstairs first.

- Oh.

- Come with me, Rose.

- Yes, Miss.

And your room is all ready.

- Safe and sound, then.

- What d'you mean?

- I thought you might be mown down by the new motorcars.

[Pearce guffaws]

Are you ready to meet your maker, Mr. Pearce?

- Readier than you are,

I daresay, Elijah.

- You better take this luggage up to Miss Elizabeth.

- Who d'ya think I am, a common footman?

- I have the tea things to see to.

Hudson's out.

- Oh, Rose, it's nice to be home.

Yes, it is nice to be home.

- We all missed you, Miss Elizabeth.

- Oh, I missed you, too, Rose.

- I am to maid you.

As Roberts is so busy with her ladyship.

- Oh, why?

- Well, it's the London season, innit?

[knocking]

-[Pearce] Your trunks, Miss Elizabeth.

- Ah, put it by the bed.

- Thank you, Pearce.

I'm afraid that was very heavy.

- [gasping] Not too bad, Miss Elizabeth.

- It's full of books we had to study.

You've no idea of how many.

Goethe, Schiller, Heine.

Thank you, Rose.

[sighing]

I'm in such a whirl.

London seems so big and bustly after Dresden,

and the traffic!

All those smelly motorcars.

I suppose I shall get used to it.

- Mr. Hudson says you father's thinking

of getting a Daimler motorcar.

- How fashionable!

How is father, is he well?

- Oh, yes, Miss.

- Good, I'm so looking forward to seeing him.

There's so much I can discuss with him, now.

D'you read much, Rose?

- Well, I like a good read,

but I don't get much time, Miss.

- Well, what do you consider a good read?

- Well, Mrs. Humphrey Ward, perhaps.

- Mrs. Humphrey Ward!

I see I must take you in hand.

- Oh, it may not be worth the trouble, Miss.

Now, I do think we should go downstairs,

'cause Hudson's gone to see his mother,

and I've got to help Alfred with the tea.

- Well, you go on down.

Tell Mother I won't be a jiffy.

- And Miss Elizabeth, it's so nice having you home.

- Thank you, Rose.

And Rose?

I'm glad you're going to look after me.

- Thank you, Miss.

[sighing]

[light orchestral music]

- Here, catch!

[man shouting]

Oh, Ermintrude.

Ermintrude.

No, no, no, no, no.

When you become a woman you must put away childish things.

- Love, darling.

Welcome home.

Here's Aunt Kate.

- Oh, sorry, Aunt Kate.

- That's all right, my child.

You may kiss me.

Now, let me look at you.

- No, no, Germany has not done much for you.

Never mind.

- Oh, but it has, Aunt Kate.

It has done so much.

- Elizabeth.

- James, how lovely.

- May I present my friend, Billy Watson.

My sister, Elizabeth.

- How do you do, and what do you do?

- I soldier, actually.

- Oh, how disappointing.

- I'd quite made up my mind you were a poet.

- Had you really?

I say.

- Sit down, darling, and have your tea.

And how was the channel crossing?

- It was rough, very rough.

But I didn't mind.

I stayed on deck most of the time.

It was so exciting.

- I trust, Miss Bellamy, you were not indisposed?

- Oh, no, no.

No, I have an excellent stomach.

- Tea, Aunt Kate?

- Uh, thank you,

and I will have another of those cucumber sandwiches,

if there are any left.

- There are, Aunt Kate.

A handsome husband or 10,000 a year.

- Don't be so childish, James.

Thank you.

- How did you find Germany, Miss Bellamy?

I believe they have a magnificent army.

- I'm afraid I just don't notice the army, Mr. Watson.

They have some wonderful musicians and philosophers.

- That's not much in our line, is it, James?

We're very good at tennis though.

Do you play tennis, Miss Bellamy?

- I prefer the piano.

- Really?

Oh.

Well a strum on the piano in the evening

will be altogether delightful

with a spot of chatter, or this and that?

- To chatter through music does not strike me

as very delightful, Mr. Watson.

Frau Beck always said that music

should be given one's full attention.

- The Germans were always a dogmatic people.

If you remember, Marjorie,

I suggested Switzerland.

The Swiss are far more accommodating.

- The Germans are a little serious, I agree, Aunt Kate,

but they are enormously good people and very learned.

- Goodness and learning are all very well below

a certain level of income.

- I'm sure Father is both very good and very learned.

Oh, good child, don't try to trip up you're old Aunt Kate.

Your father is an exemplary politician,

and wears his knowledge lightly.

Now, get the child a cup of tea before she slaughters us all

with German logic.

- We were talking of your coming-out.

- Oh, yes?

- Lady Landerndry is giving a ball at the end of the month.

Your father and I thought it would be an exciting occasion

for you to make your debut.

We're down first with the Prime Minister at Carlton Gardens.

Several important young conservatives will be there.

- Splendid, then we can have

some good political conversations!

- Don't forget, Elizabeth,

that too many opinions can prove indigestible at seventeen.

- Perhaps we will see you at Ranelagh next week

for the polo.

- I'm afraid we'll be too busy

getting Elizabeth her new clothes.

- You'll have to do something about her hair.

- Why?

- Well, if you can't see that,

child, I'm afraid it's going to be an uphill business

for your mother.

- What do you think, James, am I a fright?

- [sighing] Well, you have to,

make something of yourself, Elizabeth.

- Will I?

Won't I do as I am?

What do you think, Mr. Watson?

- [chuckling] Miss Bellamy, I think you're perfect

in your natural state.

[laughing]

No, of course I could be wrong.

- You do think I'm a fright.

- Oh, Miss Bellamy, you're just a too, too--

- Far too, Elizabeth, I fear.

- James, tell Elizabeth about your polo match last Saturday.

- Oh, yes, yes, it was terrific.

The best game of the season.

Do you like polo, Miss Bellamy?

- No, no, not really.

I think sport is awfully boring.

- Well, I think I'd better be going.

Lady Marjorie thank you for allowing me to call.

Lady Kasseltone.

Miss Bellamy.

James.

- I'll see you out, old chap.

- Thank you very much.

- Please excuse me, Mother, Aunt Kate, Elizabeth.

- Well, I don't think you made much of a conquest there.

- Should I have done?

Really, Mother, I'm only just off the train.

In any case, he seemed a very wooden young man.

- A man of wood can be very dependable.

Your late, great uncle was a man of wood.

You must learn to listen more and think less.

- Yes, Aunt Kate.

Sorry, Mother.

- German philosophy will not help you

to fill your card at Londonderry House.

Remember that, my child.

And be warned.

- Goodness, have they starved you at Frau Beck's?

- On the contrary.

They have increased my capacity.

- How was the old lady, then, Mr. Hudson?

- Oh, not too spry, Mrs. Bridges.

It's her chest, you know.

- Could you do with a nice cup of tea?

- I certainly could, Mrs. Bridges.

- Emily.

Get Mr. Hudson a cup and saucer and make a fresh pot of tea.

- Look sharp, now, Emily.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Everything go off without a hitch, Alfred?

- No hitches on our side, Mr. Hudson.

- And what does that enigmatic remark portend?

- Miss Elizabeth had a few bricks in her hand

which she proceeded to drop on the drawing room carpet.

- Finicking and fussing I'll be bound.

- Far from it, Mrs. B.

She walked your lovely keg

as if she'd been shipwrecked for a month!

[Alfred laughing] - That'll be enough disrespect

from you, young man.

- Cup of tea, Miss Roberts?

- Well, I wouldn't say no.

- Where's Rose?

- Unpacking for Miss Elizabeth.

- Some have greatness thrust upon them.

- Listen to this, Rose.

[speaking foreign language]

That's you, Rose: Roöslein.

- Very pretty.

- German can be a very beautiful language,

as in songs like this one.

This is by Schubert.

Words by Goethe, music by Schubert.

- Fancy!

- Have you heard of Schubert, Rose?

- Yes, Miss.

- Good!

- Oh, Miss Elizabeth?

- Yes, Rose?

- Do you really read all them books?

- Well, not always from cover to cover.

We read the passages Frau Beck directed us to read.

I think I shall improve your mind, Rose.

- Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.

- But not tonight.

Tonight I'm all at sea, still.

So strange to be home again.

I think I could go to practice for half an hour

on the drawing room piano.

- Oh, Miss Elizabeth!

We've got to finish your unpacking, and then change you,

and do your hair for dinner.

- No, I feel like practicing.

Oh, dear Rose, you finish my unpacking, and don't worry.

I can change and do my hair in a jiffy.

[light piano waltz]

- Listen.

Elizabeth really plays quite nicely.

- Yes, yes, I suppose she does.

I do wish she were more...

- More what?

- Well, more sensible.

- You can hardly expect seventeen year old sisters

to be sensible.

- Well, perhaps I don't mean sensible,

I just wish she were a bit more like the other girls.

- Be patient.

- I wish she were more stunning.

- I thought she'd stunned us all completely.

- Billy was very put out.

I could see that.

- And so were you.

I could see that.

Aren't you dining at home tonight?

No, I promised to dine with Billy in the mess.

You don't think Elizabeth will mind her first night home?

- I'm sure she won't, darling.

- I'm very fond of Elizabeth.

- Of course you are.

And take that worried frown off your brow,

and get along with you.

Have a good time.

- Thanks, Mother.

- And James?

You weren't so clever there yourself at seventeen.

- [laughing] No, I suppose not.

Rather a pity we can't send Elizabeth to Sandhurst.

[light piano waltz]

- And then we went on a visit to the Black Forest,

which is absolutely deviant,

and makes you imagine witches and warlocks

and all sorts of Brothers Grimms things.

Ow!

- Oh, I'm sorry Miss Lizzie!

but you will keep bobbing about so.

- Wretched, wretched hair.

Why can't it just hang down or be cut off or something.

Why can't one live like an ordinary mortal.

- I don't know what you mean by that.

I'm sure every shop girl's just as particular

with her hair.

- The difference being that she does it herself.

- Oh, a nice mess you'd make of it, I'd be bound.

- Rose, don't be naughty.

I did it myself almost every night in Dresden.

- We needed no ghost from the grave to tell us that.

- What a funny expression.

Where did you hear it?

- I don't know, Miss.

Where does one hear expressions?

They just pop into you head.

- Yeah, but I think that is a quotation.

Rose, get me my Bartlett's Familiar Quotations,

It's by the bed.

- Not now, Miss Lizzie, I've got to do your hair for dinner.

- Oh, drat dinner!

Drat hair!

Drat, drat, drat!

- Miss Elizabeth, I must do you hair!

- Oh, for heaven's sake, Rose, leave me alone!

- Oh, Miss Lizzie, what a temper.

And we were such good friends.

- And so we are, Rose dearest, if only you wouldn't fuss so.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish

to go to Lady Landerndery's beastly ball looking

like a stuffed peacock.

- I'm sure I'd be lucky enough to get half the chance, Miss.

- Nonsense.

I mean to do something with my life.

-[Mr. Bellamy] [knocking] Elizabeth, may I come in?

- Father!

- How's my Liza!

[both laughing]

Wild as ever.

What are we gonna to make of her, Rose?

A flaming beauty, eh?

- Well, sir, it won't be for want of trying.

- Oh, Father, it's so good to see you!

- Ah, you too, my dearest.

Now Rose wants to get on with your hair.

You look as though you've been dragged

through a hedge backwards.

- All right, but stay with me, please.

- Well of course.

Well. [sighing]

And how was the good Frau Beck?

- Oh, we got on very well.

She sends you her [speaking foreign language]

- [speaking foreign language]

So, work done, now it's play for a time, eh?

- Oh, not too much play, I hope, Father.

- Oh, nonsense, London will be good for you.

Even fun, I should think, after provincial Germany.

Besides, I want my girl to shine in society.

I won't be a junior minister forever, you know.

In fact, if Rose weren't here,

I might tell you there was hope of a cabinet post.

- Father, how wonderful!

Oh, Rose is as secret as the tomb.

- But, it's not settled, of course.

A great deal depends on one's family in these matters.

- No, Father, you're too important.

- Oh, no.

No politician ever gets to the top on his own, Elizabeth.

He has a brilliant wife behind him, or even,

an enchanting daughter.

- I'm not very good enchanting.

- You just wait until your mother

and Rose have finish teaching a few spells.

It won't come easily to you, you know.

You're not your father's daughter for nothing.

I've suffered greater agonies in the drawing room

than ever in a House of Commons debate.

- Really?

- Oh, yes.

But, what I can stomach, you can.

Of that I feel sure.

For my sake, yes?

Well, I must go and change, or I shall be late.

I'm dining at home tonight, with the pride of the Bellamys.

- Oh.

Well, that's it, Rose.

I am going to enchant.

- What do you think of this, Elizabeth?

A scheme of pink chiffon, gold-spangled net,

and fine appliqué lace.

A cleaving line is imparted to the figure

by the lace carried down the center-front,

flanked by clusters of pink chenille fringe,

sparkling with diamonte.

- It sounds like a fireworks display

at the Crystal Palace.

- Do be serious and take an interest.

- What d'you think of this hair style, my lady?

- Oh, that's nice, Rose, that's very nice.

You have excellent taste.

Oh, now, Elizabeth, what about this one?

Elizabeth, what are you doing?

Darling, do try and put your mind to the business on hand.

Madame Dubois wants the material for your ball dress

in a week and we haven't even chosen a style yet.

But, don't you think that's pretty?

- Yes, Mother.

- What are you grinning for?

- I want a tip, don't I?

- Saucy.

Now that'll be the material for Miss Elizabeth's ball gown.

- Oh, say, can I see it?

- Now, keep your wet hands off it.

Alfred!

- What is it?

- Take this parcel upstairs.

Will you get on with the scrubbing?

- They shall have linen bonnets on their heads.

They shall not gird themselves with anything

that causes sweat.

- Where's Rose?

- Upstairs with the dressmaker.

- She hasn't changed the linen in the master's bedroom.

The whole place is tapsel-tiery.

[speaking foreign language]

- Depends where the inches are.

[speaking foreign language]

92 centimeters.

[knocking]

-[Alfred] Package from Soreses for her ladyship.

- Thank you, Rose.

Bring the scissors, will you.

[speaking foreign language]

- Oh!

- Like it?

[speaking foreign language]

- Isn't it?

[speaking foreign language]

- Where's Rose again?

- Where d'you think?

- The drawing room grate has not been attended to.

- You can't expect a lady's maid

to get down on her hands and knees to a grate.

Lady's maid, my foot, she's my head house parlor maid.

Emily! - Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Wash you hands and face and go and find Rose for me.

- What, me go upstairs?

- Yes, and look sharp about it, my girl.

- Oh, yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Are you engaged this dance, Miss Bellamy?

- [laughing] No.

- No, no, consult your program.

- She should pretend to be shortsighted.

- Well, whatever for? [Elizabeth laughing]

- That's considered attractive.

Says so in Home Chat.

[Elizabeth and James laughing]

- Now, once again.

[grunting]

[mumbling]

- [laughing] No, yes!

[laughing] No!

- May I have the pleasure?

- You may take the risk, Lord Chumbly.

- Ah, delightful.

Now go on, Rose, the music.

Now, come on.

No, right foot.

Here we go, come on!

Tra la la boom di ay,

tra la la boom di ay,

- Rose!

Pardon, Miss Elizabeth, but Mr. Hudson wants Rose,

and he told me to come up and get her.

[crying] And even the--

- I do beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth.

- Come on, hey!

[James singing]

[knocking]

- Come in.

- You sent for me, Mr. Hudson?

- Yes.

It is half past eleven, girl,

and the drawing room grate is not done yet.

I will not have you neglecting the work you're paid to do.

- I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson.

It won't occur again.

- Where have you been since breakfast?

- I've been helping Mr. James teach Miss Elizabeth

to galott.

- Good grief, did she not learn to galott in Germany?

What did she go there for?

- It seems it was all book learning.

- Book learning is no use to a young lady.

And another thing, Rose.

I agreed with her ladyship that you should attend

to Miss Elizabeth for a bit,

seeing that Miss Roberts has got her work cut out,

but don't abuse your privileges, mind.

- No, Mr. Hudson.

- It seems that Miss Elizabeth's coming out

is worse than a censure debate in parliament

for setting the whole house on edge.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- That'll be all, Rose.

And get that grate done immediately.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Walk towards me.

Turn.

Walk away.

Turn.

Smile.

Extend your hand.

Two fingers for acquaintance.

Three for a family friend.

And now sit.

Very good.

You really are improving.

And now what do you talk about?

- The weather.

It's always safe to begin with the weather.

I follow my partners lead.

If he's interested in racing,

I'm interested in racing.

If cards, cards.

No personalities, no politics.

Not even to politicians?

- Especially not to politicians.

They want to enjoy themselves.

- I don't suppose any young man will come near my anyway.

- That we'll have to see.

But if you are a wallflower, what do you do?

- I talk, animatedly, to my chaperone.

And if a young man turns up, I keep talking and smiling.

- And don't forget: let him think he's interrupted

a scintillating conversation.

You'd scarcely noticed you were not engaged for the dance.

You'd been unaware of the music.

- And I accept him,

with delighted surprise.

Oh, Mother.

What is the difference between this and being in action?

- Don't try to be shocking, and do sit properly.

We're in here, dear.

- Wonderful news about the Landerndery's ball.

The king and queen are going to be there.

I've spoken to Frances Knowles,

and Elizabeth is to be presented.

- Richard, how splendid.

- Frances suggests that Aunt Kate present her.

[speaking foreign language]

- Haven't you finished yet, Rose?

I want to see it.

- There.

Go on, have a look.

- [gasping] Oh, what have you done?

Is that really me?

[laughing]

- What on earth are you doing, Rose?

- Ah, practicing.

- Well, I'll not have the servant's hall turned

into a hair dressing salon.

Come down at once, Emily.

Take that bird's nest off your head.

[Rose laughing]

- Oh, look, you're sure look at Cinderella!

- Lead me to my coach, fella.

[giggling]

- You get on with the saucepan,

or you won't be finished before midnight.

- Poor little Cinders.

Here, what's it all in need of then, Rose?

- I'm practicing Miss Lizzie's hairstyle

for the Londonderry Ball.

- Oh, yeah, could you do one for me,

so I could wear up the feathers on the secondary heights?

[laughing]

- Why aren't you waiting outside with the carriage?

- They ain't ready yet, that's why.

Here, you ought to practice on Mrs. Bridges.

[laughing] Lovely head of hair, that.

Plenty of scope. [laughing]

Something to get your hands into.

- Cheeky!

- All right, all right.

Keep your hair on. [laughing]

- You'd better get on with the mending, Rose.

You're not a lady's maid all the time, you know.

- No, Mrs. Bridges.

[bell ringing]

- Well, now, that's me.

We're off.

- Will you go tonight, then?

- No, one of them working class plays,

where they're all courting Sloan's Square.

So long, gorgeous.

- Oh, you!

[speaking foreign language]

- Rose, put those against the skirt.

[speaking foreign language]

-[Mr. Bellamy] [knocking] May I come into the work shop?

- Sweat shop!

- Just a moment, Richard.

Rose, quickly, Miss Elizabeth's tiara.

Thank you.

There, lovely.

All right, Richard, you can come in now.

Well, what do you think?

- Oh, yes, yes.

Very nice, indeed.

[speaking foreign language]

- It's so tight!

[speaking foreign language]

It's all very well,

but don't expect me to breathe, will you.

- Oh, of course not.

You'll be carried into the ball,

sat down on the wallflower's bench,

and that'll be the end of you.

- It's no joking matter.

The best I can manage at the moment is a stiff-legged hop.

- Well, the hop is all the rage this season.

[Mr. Bellamy humming]

What about the hair?

- Rose is in charge of that.

Rose, show Mr. Bellamy the style we've chosen.

- Enchanting.

I see I'm going to be a very proud father.

- Well, don't look so gloomy, lad.

It's not the Second Coming, you know,

only the Londonderry's Ball.

- You won't look so smug on the Day of Judgement.

- Is that right, cocker?

[laughing]

- Not when you smell the fires of Hell burning.

- Oh, I dunno, the company there

might be a darn sight more larky than the other place.

- I shouldn't like to carry your weight of sin.

- You don't like carrying nothing.

- Now then, you two, look sharp.

We'll be leaving any minute.

Horses ready, Mr. Pearce?

- Groomed and shining like coal.

- And we're ready to meet our maker, if need be.

- Well, that won't be necessary for the moment.

Carry on Mr. Pearce.

Alfred!

You may call the rest of the staff.

- Are you sure you won't take a glass of sherry, Aunt Kate?

Marge and Elizabeth may be a few minutes, yet.

- No, thank you, Richard.

Since I'm to be seated

on the Prime Minister's left at dinner,

I'd prefer to keep a clear head.

- Maybe he'll fire an unexpected question at you.

- Such as your views on the Irish question.

- Such as why my cousin Charles refuses

to serve in his cabinet.

I can hardly inform him, between mouthfuls of roast duck,

that cousin Charles thinks

he's the most ineffectual prime minister

we've had since Lord North.

- So how will you answer?

- Oh, I shall become very feminine,

change the subject to the Italian Gardens at Southwald.

- Is he going on with the ball?

- Who?

- Mr. Balfour?

- I doubt it.

He doesn't care much for social functions.

James, you must dance with your sister.

- Oh, naturally.

- And your Aunt Kate.

- Now, that'll be a pleasure.

- Fiddlesticks.

- Are they ready, Hudson?

- Shortly, sir, the carriages are at the door.

I have taken the liberty of assembling the staff, sir.

To see Miss Elizabeth, sir.

- Excellent idea.

Well, come along, then.

We'll go out and meet them in the hall.

- Good evening, Mrs. Bridges.

- Good evening, sir.

- They're just coming, and they look beautiful!

Why, I do beg your pardon, sir.

- I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

Oh, mademoiselle, mademoiselle.

-[All] Oh!

[speaking foreign language]

[all laughing]

- Disaster averted

- Very, very fine, dear.

You look charming.

- Thank you, Aunt Kate.

- How shall we go?

- I shall go in Aunt Kate's carriage with James,

and you and Elizabeth can go with Pearce.

That'll give you more room.

Come along, Kate.

- Yes, we've got quite a way you know to Carlton Gardens.

[all talking]

- Well, I think you did a very good piece

of work there, Rose.

- Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

- I feel this calls for a small célébration, eh, Madame?

- Oh, Monsieur Hudson.

- Ah, seeing that we have the honor of a guest from France,

I dare say that we can lay our hands

on a wee bottle of Château Lafite 91.

[all exclaiming]

Come along, then, let us all repair downstairs.

[all talking]

[bouncy orchestral music]

[people applauding]

- Shall we sit down here?

- Why not?

- Could I get a waterice, Miss Bellamy?

- No, thank you.

[grand orchestral music]

- Oh, I believe this is our waltz.

- I'm still giddy from the polka.

Will you excuse me, Mr. Watson?

- Gladly.

[stuttering] If you insist.

- I do insist.

Oh, please feel free to find another partner

if you want to dance.

- If you're sure?

- Quite sure.

- I say, it's awfully decent of you.

- Elizabeth?

What on earth?

Where's Billy?

- Waltzing. - What about you?

- Not waltzing.

- Ah, but I've thought he was engaged

to you for the first three dances?

- I relinquished the pleasure.

- Oh, Elizabeth.

Why can't you take an interest in things,

instead of sulking out here on your own.

- I prefer it out here.

- But you won't get another partner

unless you show yourself.

- I don't want another partner, thank you.

And I refuse to sit among those dratted old dowagers,

listening to their vicious gossip.

- If you could only see your face.

It's not a funeral, you know.

Why can't you smile and be happy?

- Because I'm not happy, James.

I'm hating every minute of it.

I don't think I can stand anymore.

- You're not even trying.

- If I have to stay here much longer I shall scream aloud.

- Why can't you be more like other girls, eh?

Ha.

There you are.

- I do hope I haven't kept you waiting.

-[James] You were like a flash of lightning.

May I present my sister Elizabeth, Miss Cynthia Cartwright.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- Isn't it a wonderful ball and such a devie band.

- Well, it's a matter of fact, I--

- Excuse us.

- There you are Elizabeth.

Have you seen your father and Aunt Kate?

- No. - This is where we were

to meet him, isn't it?

- Yes, it is.

- Mother, may I present Miss Cynthia Cartwright.

- How do you do?

- Good evening Lady Marjorie.

I believe we met at Cannes last year.

- On the knoll.

- Oh, yes, of course, I remember.

You were wearing a very pretty hat.

[all talking]

Oh, there you are, I was beginning to worry.

- Don't fuss, Marjorie.

The Royal party has just arrived.

Where's Elizabeth?

- Oh, she was sitting there a moment ago.

[regal orchestral music]

- The King and Queen!

We aught to start going in, now.

We don't want to be late.

- James.

- Yes, Father?

- Go and find Elizabeth

- She was here a moment ago.

- She's disappeared.

The presentation's about to start.

Go and find her.

- Where on earth could she have gone to?

- Oh, she probably had an attack of nerves

and has gone to the cloak room.

- I'll go and see.

- Thank you.

- Tell her she must hurry.

[man announcing girls' names]

- What could she be doing?

It really it's too bad of her.

- Well, if she doesn't come in a moment,

I'll have to go in without her.

[man announcing girls' names]

- She's going to be late, the silly girl.

- She was sitting on that sofa a minute ago,

she must have slipped away deliberately.

I'll never forgive her.

[man announcing girls' names]

- She's not in the cloakroom,

and I've looked everywhere.

- Richard, what shall we do?

- The footman downstairs said,

said she left a few minutes ago.

She had her cloak on, and ran out through the front door.

- She left the ball by herself?

- She can't have.

-[Announcer] Lady Kasseltone and Miss Elizabeth Bellamy.

- I'll have to go in and explain.

She must have taken leave of her senses.

-[Announcer] Lady Kasseltone.

- Oh, Richard, how could she let us down like this?

How could she?

[regal orchestral music]

[clock chiming]

[horse hooves crunching on gravel]

- That's them.

Come on, wake up a-girl, they're back.

Your young lady will want undressing and putting to bed.

- Oh, oh Lord.

- If the life of a lady's maid isn't all cherries, Rose.

- I know, I know.

- Hudson, where's Miss Elizabeth?

- Sir?

- She must have come home?

- I don't think so, my lady.

At least, I didn't hear her.

Did you, Miss Roberts?

- Oh, no, no, Mr. Hudson.

- Rose?

- Yes, sir.

- Go and find Miss Elizabeth.

- Oh, but sir--

- Do as you are told!

Go and look in her room.

Brandy in the morning room, Hudson.

- Very good, sir.

Everything is all right, I trust?

- We're not sure, Hudson.

Fetch the brandy.

- Yes, sir.

- Proper do, isn't it Mr. Hudson?

- It is neither proper nor a do, Mrs. Roberts.

- Miss Elizabeth?

Miss Lizzie?

Miss Elizabeth.

- Well?

- She's not in her room, sir.

- I see.

That will do, Hudson, I think you'd better go to bed.

- Very good, sir.

- Rose can wait up for Miss Elizabeth.

- Yes, sir.

- After all you've done for her,

to behave like this!

- Well, never mind that now.

Where is she?

An innocent 17 year old girl loose in the streets of London.

- I think we ought to notify the police.

- Oh no, James.

Suppose the newspapers got hold of it?

What can she be thinking of?

- Has it occurred to you

that something may have happened to her?

- Nonsense, she's more than capable

of taking care of herself.

No, she's just done this to annoy us.

- Elizabeth is not like that.

- No?

What about her behavior at dinner?

- I know, I know.

- Interrupting Hugh Cecil and quoting yards

from some obscure German philosopher.

- I don't think he minded.

- He was very startled, I can assure you of that.

- Oh, it was a pretty awful showing you must admit.

- Well, talking won't help.

I think you two better go to bed.

I'll wait up for her.

If she's not here by daylight, I'll telephone the police.

- Yes, come along James.

I'm exhausted.

Good night, Richard.

It was to have been such a happy evening for all of us.

Elizabeth, it seems, had other ideas.

[sighing]

- Is there anything I can do, Father?

- No, thank you, James.

You better go to bed.

- Goodnight.

[clock striking two]

[clock bells ringing]

[soft knocking]

[loud knocking]

[clock chiming]

[rapid knocking]

- Miss Elizabeth!

Come in and sit down, for goodness sake.

Whatever's happened to you?

You father's half out of his mind!

Where have you been?

- I ran away from the ball.

Oh, Rose, it was awful!

- What d'ya mean, you ran away?

- Twas sickening, absolutely sickening!

All those ridiculous stuffed shirts,

those repulsive flirting females.

The great yawning boredom of their chatter.

What do you think of the floor?

What do you think of the band?

What do you think of the weather?

And did you see the king's filly race at Newmarket?

Oh, God, it was more than I could stand.

So I, ran away through the front door.

- You ran away?

- Oh, the shame of it all.

- Shame indeed.

- No, not the running away, silly.

The shame of all that waste and extravagance, when outside,

there is so much poverty and hardship.

- Where've you been all this time?

- I've been walking through the streets.

How people stared.

Police constable, "Are you all right, Miss?"

"Oh, yes, officer.

"Don't bother about me,

"Look after the hungry, the weak, the oppressed.

"I'm from a good home.

"Goodnight, officer."

Goodnight London.

Oh, I'm exhausted.

- Your father's waiting up for you.

- Oh, no, I can't face him, now.

- Coward.

- What did you say, Rose?

- Coward!

- I should slap your face!

- I'll slap yours!

- Rose!

- Don't Rose me.

You stand around in your finery,

looking a proper mess and all.

Everything we've all done for you turned to ridicule.

Don't Rose me!

- Oh, you don't understand what you're talking about.

- No, I'm ignorant, no doubt.

I didn't go to Germany.

All I know is, your father and mother are worried,

out of their minds and you sit here complaining

'cause you was invited to the grandest ball of the season.

The season!

What season?

All seasons are alike to the poor and hungry.

- What do you care about poor people?

You only care about yourself.

You ran away.

You're a coward, and you'll break you father's heart.

- Hold your tongue, Rose!

Father will understand.

- Of course he will.

'Cause he loves you.

He may even forgive you, in time.

Though your mother never will,

and I never will!

- You?

What on earth has it got to do with you?

You mind your place.

- I'll mind mine when you mind yours.

- Rose!

- Don't keep saying Rose in that hoity-toity way.

I know what my place is.

I put sticks through the grates, light the fires,

make the tea, draw the bath, serve the breakfast,

make the beds, change the linen, answer all the bells.

I know what my place is, all right.

Do you know yours?

- I know it's not my place to argue with you.

- Oh, you don't like a few whole truths.

You're a spoiled brat.

When you don't like something, you run away from it,

all full of grand reasons and love of the poor,

but when a house maid tells you what she thinks of you,

you soon put her in her place fast enough!

- Rose, it isn't true!

- Then prove it.

Go and apologize to your father.

He's waiting upstairs.

- No, I can't, I won't.

- There you are: coward.

- Will you stop saying that, Rose.

You make me so angry.

- Good, so am I!

- All right.

Just give me one reason, one good reason,

why I should conform to all this silliness

when I hate it so.

- Oh, I'll give you a reason.

And you know it as well as I do.

Your father--

- All right, I did my best for his sake.

I sat through dinner, trying to be intelligent,

but nobody wanted to listen.

- 'Course they didn't want to listen to you.

You're only seventeen.

You ain't got nothing to say yet.

- I've got plenty to say.

- Then you'd best keep it to yourself.

- I won't be able to keep my hands off you much longer.

- What a lady.

- You little!

Ow, Rose, you're hurting, I'll tell!

- I'll bet you would and all.

[Elizabeth whining]

Now, sit down and listen to me.

I do my work as best I can,

'cause one day I mean to be a proper lady's maid

to a proper lady.

Now, Mr. Hudson runs this house like a clockwork machine.

And Mrs. Bridges may be an old cow,

but she cooks her dream and her meals are a pleasure

to put on the table.

We're the bottom of the ladder, see.

We're the, the wheels of the cart.

And we're content it should be so,

'cause the master's a proper gentlemen,

what we really like and respect and does his work right

in the houses of parliament.

And my lady's a beauty and very gentile.

And we feel that, we,

this whole house is a part a London society.

- London society.

The parrot house of the zoological gardens.

- London society I said, and London society I meant.

Well, that's the hub of the empire, isn't it?

The empire on which the sun will never set.

[sighing] If you can't feel the glow

of that like I can, I'm sorry for you.

I don't suppose you've ever been up Piccadilly

on a Saturday night on top of an omnibus.

Oh, that's when you feel its great heart thumping.

That's when you're proud to be part of it.

I know my place all right.

I'm proud of my place.

As long as you, all of you, know yours and keep to it.

[sighing] How would it be if I was

to go singing and dancing in the drawing room,

or sliding down the banisters?

No more must you step out the line.

If you're not a proper lady,

then I don't want to be your lady's maid.

That's all I've got to say.

[sniffing] Now you can tell on me and have me turned out.

- I wish you would slide down the banisters.

Oh, Rose.

I love you very much.

And I am sorry if I was rude to you.

I don't blame you for giving me a piece of your mind,

but I've got a mind, too, you know.

I know what I've done is dreadful for Father.

I know I've got to eat humble pie for the time being,

but I'm not going to be cowed, Rose.

There are ideas stirring in this great city.

Oh, I don't understand everything,

I'm uncertain and muddled sometimes.

But, if only half of what I read is true,

then London society may be heading for a nasty surprise.

- Well then they're wicked books and ought to be burned.

- No, Rose, they're good and difficult books.

And they're written by good and serious men.

I told you I don't understand everything,

but I mean to one day.

- Well, you are cleverer than me.

- No, Rose, I'm not cleverer than you.

I'm not worse or better either.

I love you very much, more like a sister than servant.

- Oh, then, that's not right, and I've overstepped my place.

- Oh, damn your place!

- Oh, Miss Elizabeth.

- And now, just for your sake,

I'm going to be brave and face up to Father.

[sighing]

Now, give me a kiss, and say we're friends again.

Lead me to the slaughter.

- Oh!

- Where is he?

- He's in the morning room.

- Come with me, Rose?

- Very good, Miss Elizabeth.

[sighing]

- Wish me luck.

- Good luck.

And remember, he loves you.

Miss Elizabeth, sir.

- Eliza.

- Oh.

[yawning]

[slow orchestral music]