Original subtitles

Subtitling by Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

Good afternoon, sir.

Will you be joining her ladyship for tea?

Is that crumpets under the dish cover?

Hot buttered teacakes, sir.

- Then I will. - Very good, sir.

- Oh. You're early. - Yes.

I told the chief clerk,

since I'd finished the cargo list he gave me to check,

I could see no reason to sit twiddling my thumbs till 5:00,

so I came home early.

- Going to have tea with you. - That's nice.

Thank you, Hudson. And we'll need another cup.

HUDSON: My lady.

And tell Mr. Bellamy tea's ready, will you?

Oh, I understand the master will not be requiring tea, my lady.

He's working on in the study and not to be disturbed.

- Has Miss Forrest left yet? - Not yet, my lady.

Then we shan't need another cup. Thank you, Hudson.

I bet Father wishes he'd never started

on Grandpapa's biography.

Oh, I think he's quite enjoying the work.

It's just that his publisher

wants the manuscript by the end of the month,

and he still has two or three chapters left to write.

Huh. Damn hard work, I should think.

Yes, darling.

All right, Mother, I can sense the rebuke.

I finished work early and came home for tea.

Father is still working and hasn't time for tea.

Well, my work is so dreadfully boring.

It's not living. It's existing.

Thank God for the weekend.

You know your father and I are driving down to Syon tomorrow.

You'll have to entertain yourself this weekend.

Yes.

Oh, by the way, such a happy letter

and a parcel from Elizabeth.

She sends what she calls a "phonograph record" for you.

Gloves from Macy's in New York for me

and a book for your father.

"Everybody's Doing It."

- Everybody except me. - what do you mean?

Nothing.

Elizabeth says it's the latest craze in America, this ragtime.

Yes, I know.

She and Dana and little Lucy are going to meet us

off the boat on the 16th.

Oh, it'll be lovely to see them.

Yes, lovely for you and Uncle Hugo and Aunt Marion.

And then we go up to Montreal.

The president of the Canadian Pacific

is letting us use his private railway coach

right across to Alberta.

We'll stay at Uncle Hugo's ranch in Calgary and...

Darling, what is the matter?

Nothing is the matter.

I know you'd like to come with us.

So would your father.

But he's got work to do and so have you.

Well, Father's work is at least interesting.

Any work is interesting if you let it be.

I'm sorry if you're bored, darling,

but thousands of young men

slave away in offices every day to earn a living.

Why should you complain?

Especially after all the trouble your father took

to get you into the firm.

I will not spend the rest of my life

worrying about how much tea we can ship

from Hong Kong to London

simply to be gulped down by silly women in drawing rooms.

You're drinking tea.

Only because it's too early for whiskey.

Anyway, it was your idea to leave the army.

To make some money, you said.

Yes.

By the time I'm a director. I shall be over 40, half-dead,

out in Calcutta with malaria and a rotten liver.

You know, it's not very kind of you to talk like that.

Just when I'm going abroad for a month or more.

You know how I worry about you.

I'm sorry, Mother.

You will help your father and the servants,

won't you, while I'm away?

I mean, let them know about being in or out to meals.

- That kind of thing. - Yes.

Something else troubling you?

Phyllis?

I don't think so.

You've written to her, haven't you?

I saw the letter on the hall table.

Yes. Yes, I did write to her.

I thought I should congratulate her.

She's got herself engaged to a fellow in Skinner's Horse

called Jack Pettifer.

He's on the viceroy's staff out there.

A very worthy fellow with a ginger moustache.

I'm glad.

So am I.

You were right to be honest with her before it was too late.

I hope so.

There are plenty of other girls.

Yes.

I think I'll take this upstairs and play it.

Thank you for my tea.

All right, darling.

[ Typing ]

You finished?

Yes, Mr. Bellamy. That's Chapter 15 all typed.

Capital.

Oh, I managed to find the passages you wish to quote

from the Lansdowne correspondence.

They're marked there.

Thank you.

Well, I think you've done enough for one day.

You get along home.

I'd like to come again tomorrow, if it's convenient,

and finish off the last two chapters,

ready for your correction on Monday morning.

Well, yes, if you don't mind giving up part of your weekend.

I've nothing particular to do.

Yes, by all means.

Just ring the bell, and Hudson will show you in here.

Would you care to leave your machine over night?

Oh, if I may.

It is rather heavy.

And if my train is crowded...

Well, it wlll be.

The Metropolitan's always crowded on a Friday evening.

♫ "Everybody's doing it" ♫

♫"Everybody's Doing It Now"♫ playing ]

What on earth is that noise?

It's a gramophone, I think, Mr. Bellamy.

Coming from upstairs.

Must be my son.

He's keen on the latest ragtime music,

this dreadful syncopated jazz.

Like everything else from America,

it's too fast, too noisy.

Well...

I'll say goodnight, then, Mr. Bellamy.

Yes.

Well, good night, Miss -- Miss Forrest.

[Sighs]

JAMES: Good evening. - Good evening.

- Just off? - Yes.

I hope my father's not working you too hard.

Oh, no. Not at all.

Oh. Please.

[Rain falling]

Oh. Have you got far to go?

It seems to still be raining.

Oh, no. Only as far as Sloane Square.

Oh, you live in Sloane Square?

No. I get my train from there. To Wimbledon.

Ah. Then I must wish you a restful weekend.

Oh, I'm coming back tomorrow

to finish off Mr. Bellamy's typing.

Oh, dear. Then you must rest on Sunday.

I expect I shall. Goodbye.

[ Door closes]

There. That's them gone.

Oh, thank goodness.

I'm badly behind with her ladyship's packing.

Well, I have offered to help you, Miss Roberts.

You wouldn't know what to put in, Rose.

She doesn't even know herself what to take.

I should think it'd be warm in Canada this time of year.

Oh, not in the Rockies, Mrs. B.

No, they have snow in the Rookies all the year around.

And grizzly bears.

How do you know?

I've seen pictures in magazines.

It's hot in America, and it's cold in Canada.

You'll have to pack everything she's got, eh, Miss Roberts?

Well, hardly. we're only taking four cabin trunks.

Four?

Huh, what, three for her ladyship's clothes

and one to put you in, eh?

Save paying the fare, wouldn't it?

Don't be ridiculous, Edward.

Oh, I don't know. Seems like a good idea.

If they packed you in a trunk across the Rockies,

at least the red Indians wouldn't get you

when they hold up the train.

- Edward, really. - Oh, Edward.

No, honestly, Mrs. B.

They -- They swoop down onto the railway line

from the rocks above, and then they scalp all the passengers.

So if you're not hidden in a trunk,

you mind you keep your hair on.

It's about time you started reading something better

than Chips and Comic Cuts, Edward.

Oh, cup of tea, Mr. Hudson?

Oh, that would be most welcome, Mrs. Bridges.

Ruby, fetch a cup for Mr. Hudson.

Ruby!

Yes, Mrs. Bridges?

A cup for Mr. Hudson! Or I'll have your scalp.

Captain James is up and about, I presume.

Do you mean Mr. James?

No, I do not, Rose.

The young master may have chosen

to relinquish his military duties for civilian life,

but he is nonetheless entitled by custom

to be known by his rank of captain.

Oh, I'm glad of that.

"Captain James" always sounds quite romantic.

Gives him an air of sort of nobility.

Well, it's about the only thing that did.

Miss Roberts, please.

Well, I suppose he'll get up sometime today.

Are you saying Captain James is still in bed?

Oh, yes. He's awake, though.

He's just lying there, playing with his blessed gramophone.

I've been in twice to try and do his room, but --

Well, I daresay he's tired,

working hard in that office all week.

We are all tired, Mrs. Bridges.

Edward, you better clear away the breakfast

from the dining room.

What happens if he comes down wanting it?

It has gone half-past 11:00.

Breakfast has never been served in this house

at half-past 11:00, never will be.

- Not as long as I'm butler here. - No, Mr. Hudson.

Well, look sharp, then, Edward.

And I'll be wanting to know what my orders is for lunch.

Captain James is lunching out, Mrs. Bridges.

He told me so last night.

Ah. That's all right, then.

That just means a tray in the study.

That is correct, Mrs. Bridges.

I can take Miss Forest's luncheon tray

just before we have ours.

♫ watch them throw their shoulders in the air ♫

♫ watch them throw their shoulders in the air ♫

[ Music slows down, distorts]

[Sighs]

[ Typing ]

- Morning, sir. - Morning, Edward.

Oh, if you were requiring breakfast, sir,

I've just cleared the dining room.

But I can get you some if you'd like, sir.

No, no. I'll wait for lunch now.

- Overslept. - Yes, sir.

Have the master and her ladyship left?

Oh, yes, sir. At 11:00, sir.

Really?

[Typing continues]

- Oh. - Hello.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

It's quite all right.

I was, uh -- I was just looking for this week's Punch.

I thought maybe my father might have, uh...

Aha. There it is.

I, uh -- I expect -- I expect

you've got quite a bit to do, have you?

Just one more chapter.

You've been hard at it all morning, haven't you?

I'm sorry if I disturbed you.

This machine is very noisy, I know.

Oh, good heavens. No, no, no. You didn't disturb me.

I...

Well, I just looked in to see if you were all right.

Yes, I am. Thank you.

Got everything you need?

Yes, I have, thank you.

My parents have gone away for the weekend, you see.

Yes. I understand they have.

And they asked me to see that you had everything you wanted.

Yes, I have. Thank you.

Your butler is arranging for me to have lunch on a tray

so that I can work on.

Oh, is he? I see.

[ Typing ]

I'm looking forward to reading my father's book.

Do you think it'll be a success?

Of course it will. It's very interesting.

I had no idea that Lord Southwold

was such a progressive underneath.

Was he? Was he? I didn't know.

Yes.

He did introduce two bills in the Lords

to reform the Upper House --

one in 1898 and one in 1907.

But they wouldn't listen to him.

- Oh. - He was very human too.

And he loved his family very much, didn't he?

Especially his grandchildren.

Well, it...

It comes out in the letters to Lady Southwold.

The dowager, that is.

I remember, as children,

we always spent Christmas at Southwold.

Grandpapa rather spoilt us, I believe.

Your father has found such a charming photograph of him --

and you and your sister Elizabeth,

aged 10 and 8, in a pony cart.

It's going in the book.

Here it is. It's...

- It's very sweet. - Of me?

[ Laughs ]

I look like an angry little chimpanzee.

No, you don't.

Well...

I must be getting on. I still have a great deal to do.

Oh, no, no. Look, it's, uh...

It's gone midday. Why not rest for a while?

No. No, thank you.

Your lunch will be here soon.

Yes. I expect it will.

Tell me, have you been doing this sort of work for sometime?

You mean secretarial work?

Yes.

About 10 years.

Though, of course, I've only been trained to typewrite

for three years.

Before that I worked in a drapers, in Surbiton,

looking after their accounts.

Oh. You've been working a long time.

I've only just started.

Were you not an officer in the Life Guards?

Yes.

And now I'm a clerk

with Jardine Mathesons in Lombard Street,

the Far Eastern trading company.

Also helping in accounts.

In the tea department.

I see. It sounds very interesting.

So, having that much in common,

I wonder would you think it too forward of me

to ask you your Christian name?

Oh.

Unless of course you'd rather not.

Oh, no, of course not. I don't mind.

I was christened Hazel Patricia.

Hazel.

Because you've got hazel eyes.

No.

No, I think it was my father's love of shrubs

that made him choose my name.

[ Laughs ]

A charming name and most appropriate.

I expect it was a good year for hazels, was it?

I don't wish to seem discourteous, Captain Bellamy,

but your father is most anxious to revise the last two chapters

on Monday morning.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

It was most wrong of me to ask you such a personal question.

It's all right.

I...

...think it's because I find myself becoming...

...interested in you as a person.

And perhaps a little curious.

I think you should remember that I am an employee in this house.

I work for your father.

I prefer to look upon you as a guest in my father's house

who happens to be helping him with his manuscript.

For money, Captain Bellamy?

- what difference does it make? - well, if...

Besides, I want to know more about you.

About your home, your life, your family.

What you think and feel.

Well?

I am an unexceptional person, Captain Bellamy.

Ohh.

My life and background are --

They're ordinary and -- and uninteresting.

I find it difficult to believe

that someone in your position in society

should be in any way interested in someone like me.

Unless you are making a study of ordinary middle-class life

in the outer suburbs of London.

Oh, I assure you, Miss Forrest,

I am making a study of no such thing.

I simply feel a desire to know you...

...a little better.

And I shall consider it a great favour

if you would allow me to call you Hazel,

at least for the weekend.

Oh, excuse me, sir.

Miss Forrest's luncheon.

[Sighs]

Hmm.

Take the cold tongue and salad downstairs, Hudson,

and lay up for two in the dining room.

For two, sir? In the dining room?

Yes, Hudson. I shall be lunching at home today after all.

And Miss Forrest will be joining me.

Won't you?

When you've done, Ruby,

give them potatoes a prod, see if they're ready.

Then you can lay up the table.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

What we having today, then, Mrs. Bridges?

A nice piece of roast mutton and onion sauce --

what we won't have to worry over, for once.

Boiled potatoes and cauli.

And a nice treacle tart.

Oh, that should stick to my ribs, all right.

I take it there's no upstairs lunch today.

Only Miss what's-her-name.

I've sent her up a slice of cold tongue and salad on a tray.

No nice leftovers from the dining room today, Miss Roberts.

I'm not particularly hungry, myself.

Think what you'd be having if you was

at the Duke of Northumberlands place

with her ladyship.

I hear told they have got a French chef at Syon Park.

Haute cuisine.

All garlic and cream sauces and that.

How does that tickle your fancy, Miss Roberts?

What I fancy is getting

her ladyship's trunks packed by Tuesday.

That's what concerns me,

not haute cuisine at the Duke of Northumberlands.

Anyhow, I've been to Syon three times.

The housekeeper there sends me a card every Christmas.

Mrs. Raglan. Very nice woman.

Mrs. Bridges? Ruby?

There will be luncheon upstairs.

BRIDGES: what?!

Edward. Leave that silver. Come in here at once.

Look sharp, now.

Captain James decided to stay in, then, has he?

Impudence.

Captain James has ordered luncheon in the dining room

at quarter past 1:00 for himself and -- and the typist.

He's not!

You heard what I said, Mrs. Bridges.

[ Laughs ] Trust Captain James.

He's got an eye for her now, has he?

This is not a matter for jest, Edward.

Go and lay two places in the dining room.

Hurry up, now.

Wine glasses or tumblers, Mr. Hudson?

Tumblers, Edward. And a jug of barley water.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

What in the name of heaven am I supposed to give him to eat, eh?

Ruby!

Well, that means we shan't get ours on time.

Shall I be required to wait at table, Mr. Hudson?

No, Rose, I will supervise.

[Bell rings]

That'll be Captain James ringing from the morning room.

Edward, see what he wants. I'll be in the pantry.

And get that table laid.

It -- It's a beautiful room.

Yes. Yes, this is the morning room.

Although my parents spend all day in it

when they're on their own.

The drawing room upstairs is for more formal occasions

like dinner parties and reception.

It's an awful lot to keep clean.

Well, yes.

Yes, well, Rose sees to that. She's the head housemaid.

Well, we only have one at the moment.

Mother has been trying to find an under-housemaid,

but they're very hard to find nowadays.

You rang, sir?

Oh, yes, Edward. Bring me a sherry, will you?

Oh, not for me -- uh, thank you.

Nonsense.

You must have a glass of sherry before your lunch.

And two glasses, Edward.

Yes, sir.

You do seem to have an awful lot of servants.

Well, no.

As I said, we don't have an under-housemaid.

Or a pantry boy. Or a housekeeper.

Still, we manage.

Or they do.

I suppose Lady Marjorie and Mr. Bellamy

have to entertain quite a bit.

Being in political circles, I mean.

-Is something troubling you? - No.

You keep looking at your watch.

Well, I did promise that I would finish off my work today.

And I do have a great deal to do.

Oh, don't worry, don't worry. You'll have time.

Lunch will be here soon.

Meals are always on time in this house

under the redoubtable Mr. Hudson.

And with Mrs. Bridges running the kitchens

like the engine rooms of a battleship,

things go pretty smoothly, as a rule.

Ruby!

Fetch up some more potatoes.

Peel 'em and pop 'em in with that lot.

They'll have to be mashed for upstairs.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

Wait! Larder first.

I've got some pork chops in there.

Fetch me in a couple, and look sharp.

We'll have to do applesauce for them, then,

won't we, Mrs. Bridges?

We will. You're learning, my girl, you're learning.

What green vegetables

are you going to give them, Mrs. Bridges?

Spinach. So you'll have to wash it and pick it over.

Now, look sharp. And bring me in the butter.

Oh. Lord.

Thought we were gonna have a nice, quiet weekend.

Ah!

Edward. What's that?

It's sherry he wanted for the morning room, Mr. Hudson.

Sherry!

Shall I take it in or not, Mr. Hudson?

No, Edward.

For a start, those are the best glasses.

I'll fetch the old ones from the pantry cupboard.

Here. Give me that tray.

Go and get the dining room table laid.

Oh, yes, Mr. Hudson.

JAMES: It was this little place called Razmak

on the Afghan border.

These chaps had been raiding our camp at night

and trying to steal our horses.

So we sent out a patrol, which I was in command of...

I'm boring you, aren't I?

Not at all. It sounds most thrilling.

No, no. I had meant that we should talk about you.

But you're so quiet and modest about yourself,

here we are talking about me.

And that wasn't my intention.

I do assure you, Captain Bellamy,

I find your adventures

on the North-West Frontier most absorbing.

I really do.

Now, since you have allowed me to call you Hazel,

I really must insist that you call me James.

Now, that's fair, isn't it?

After such a short acquaintance?

We are living in the second decade

of the 20th century, Hazel.

Aren't we?

Yes.

So...

All right.

If you like, I will.

I will what?

I will, James.

There, that's better.

Thank you, Hudson.

Will there be anything further, sir?

No.

I take it lunch will be ready soon.

Luncheon will be served

at a quarter past 1:00, sir, as you ordered.

Good.

By the way, we'll have a bottle of the Cantenac with our lunch.

My father has this wonderful claret.

You wait till you taste it.

Begging your pardon, sir,

but I'm afraid I cannot serve the Château Brane-Cantenac, sir.

Why not? I know it's not all been drunk.

We had a bottle with our dinner last week.

There are certain difficulties.

Oh, what difficulties?

If I might see you, sir. In private.

If you wouldn't mind, sir.

Very well.

If you'll excuse me.

Yes, of course.

What is all this, Hudson?

I preferred not to speak in front of the secretary, sir.

But I must point out

that I cannot serve the master's best claret.

There are only two bottles left.

I ordered one, Hudson, and I expect you to serve it.

I am sorry, sir,

but I am not to serve the Château Brane-Cantenac '93, sir,

Without special instructions.

Whose instructions? My father's?

Are you asking me to go against the master's wishes, sir?

Did my father forbid you to serve that claret?

He would not wish it to be served at luncheon, sir.

Especially in his absence.

Hudson, are you saying he told you so?

I am not lying, sir.

I know the master's general wishes

as regards the best claret,

and I'm endeavouring to carry them out in principle.

He would not wish the wine to be served on...

on such an occasion as this.

You mean because Miss Forrest,

a secretary who earns her own living,

is lunching with me in the dining room, is that it?

I can only remind you, sir,

that I believe the master would not wish it.

Not today, sir.

And let me remind you, Hudson,

that whatever your private views may be,

and in the absence of my parents,

I am in charge in this house.

Now, Miss Forrest is my guest for lunch.

In the situation, I expect my orders to be obeyed.

Yes, sir.

Then do as you're told.

Yes, sir.

Oh. There you are, Mr. Hudson.

We kept yours warm.

Ruby, fetch Mr. Hudson's dinner.

EDWARD: Pass the salt, Rose.

ROSE: what? - Salt, please.

Ta.

Well, for the life of me, I can't see why Captain James

shouldn't have his lunch in the dining room.

Nor with Miss Forrest, neither, not if he wants to.

If you can't see the unsuitability

of such an arrangement, Rose,

then perhaps it's time you looked for employment

in a different kind of household.

Pooh.

It's you as always says

that things have got to be done proper,

even when the master and her ladyship are away.

It's not quite the same thing, Rose.

Well, I agree with Rose.

After all, it is his house, and he does live here.

Your opinion is not sought on this matter, Edward.

- Get on with your dinner. - Yes, Mr. Hudson.

I'm sure Mr. Bellamy's typist

is a perfectly respectable young woman, Rose.

But she's not a lady.

Now, will someone kindly pass me the onion sauce?

I may be sent out to India again one day.

The Calcutta office.

That's a long way from the North-West Frontier.

Oh, yes.

A very different climate and a very different way of life.

I shall probably end up in Calcutta with a liver.

Most people seem to.

Thank you.

I do hope not.

I have always longed to visit the Far East.

Is it very wonderful?

Oh, yes.

Yes, I saw the Himalayas at sunrise once.

Was it a very inspiring sight?

Well, it should have been.

But it was after a rather wild party in the mess.

I had fallen down in the garden and given myself a black eye.

[ Chuckles ]

They were good days.

Tell me, have you been abroad much yourself?

No.

I've never been further from Wimbledon

than a day's excursion to Margate for Easter.

Oh, I was in Newcastle once but not for long.

JAMES: Oh, and what were you doing in Newcastle?

Oh, it -- it's something I'd really rather not talk about.

Leave the coffee, will you, Hudson?

Very good, sir.

[ Door closes]

They're annoyed with me, aren't they, James?

Annoyed? who?

Your butler.

He disapproves of me having my lunch with you.

I can sense it.

It is not for Hudson to approve or disapprove.

I could feel his angry looks

going through me like -- like knives.

Hudson doesn't run this house.

Well, I don't feel very comfortable sitting here, James.

And if you'll excuse me,

I think I'd really rather go back to the study.

Oh. I don't mean to sound ungrateful.

It was terribly kind of you to keep me company

and give me such a nice lunch, but...

But, anyway, I did promise your father to have the work finished

and ready for him by Monday morning.

No need to say more, Hazel.

I understand completely.

Come along now.

Mind you don't break nothing today, Ruby.

The mood Mr. Hudson's in, he'll knock your block off.

So would Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, look at the time. It's gone half-past 2:00.

I'm never gonna be there. Not by 4:00.

- Not by omnibus, Rose. - Don't worry, Edward.

I'll speak to Mr. Hudson about it.

Speak about what, Rose?

Oh, Edward's supposed to have the afternoon off.

He's going out to Putney to see his granny, aren't you?

- Yeah. - I was aware of that.

If he's got to clear away in the dining room,

it's gonna make him ever so late getting there.

I was gonna suggest that I did it instead. I'm quite willing.

Very well, Rose.

If you wish to assist me, I've no objection.

- Away and get changed, Edward. - Oh, thanks, Mr. Hudson.

Here, ta, Rose. You are a brick.

Don't forget to take that seedcake to your granny,

or Mrs. Bridges will skin you alive.

Oh, yeah. Where is it?

- On the kitchen table. - Oh, ta. Cheerio.

[Telephone rings]

Yes, sir.

Hello, Hudson. I want to talk to Lord Newbury.

I take it you have the number there.

I'll have to look it up, sir.

If you'd replace your receiver, I'll ring through in a minute.

Telephoning to Lord Newbury now.

That'll mean a night out on the tiles.

Rose!

Rose, come in here will you, quickly.

Quickly.

Newbury. Lord Newbury.

Look up the number for me, will you?

I must have left my specs somewhere.

Newbury, Marquis of. Grosvenor 2316.

Thank you.

Hello?

Would you connect me, please, with Grosvenor 2316?

[Telephone rings]

Hello.

Oh, thank you. Is that Newbury House?

I want to talk to his lordship.

Hello, Bunny. Jim here.

I say, can you collect me in your motorcar,

save me the cab fare out to Hurlingham?

Hmm? Well, it's on your way.

Splendid. Splendid, that'll be topping.

Well, if we can't find any girls, we'll play singles.

What? For a sovereign? Done.

Oh, and decide what were gonna do tonight.

No, Bunny, not the Ritz. I'm stony broke.

Mm-mm. The Troc perhaps.

If we can rake up some girls.

No. No, I haven't.

Not at the moment. No one in particular.

I know what you're thinking, Mr. Hudson.

You're thinking that our Captain James

has been up to his old tricks again, aren't you?

I don't know what you mean by "old tricks," Rose.

Oh, like with Sarah and everything.

The young master has always shown a regrettable disdain

for young females of his own class.

What, do you mean he likes them common?

I don't think that matters very much anymore.

Not nowadays.

Not with everything going all topsy-turvy now.

Then I wonder what you or I or any of us

are doing in domestic service, Rose.

If a hired typist can sit at luncheon in this dining room

drinking the master's best claret,

I might as well go out and stand for Parliament.

Mr. Hudson!

Proper standards must be maintained

in this household, Rose.

Her ladyship's standards.

Or there's no future for any of us.

None.

Oh, Mr. Hudson.

You're getting things all out of proportion.

You don't want to let Captain James upset you.

Anyhow, her ladyship'll be back again tomorrow.

Take that tray downstairs, Rose, if you would.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

[ Door closes]

[Hooves clopping]

[Carriage passing 1

-[ Engine running] - I would like...

I beg your pardon, miss.

[Vehicle passes]

I have left my typewriting machine in the study.

Mr. Bellamy said I might.

Yes, miss.

And I shall be here at the usual time on Monday morning.

Good day.

[ Door opens ]

If you'll pardon me, sir?

Yes, what is it, Hudson?

I would like to speak to you, sir, if I may,

on a personal matter.

As long as it doesn't take too long.

I shall be going to Hurlingham to play tennis

as soon as Lord Newbury arrives.

It won't take long, sir.

Well?

I feel bound to inform you, sir,

that the staff were very much upset

by the last-minute arrangements made for luncheon today.

Oh.

You had informed me yesterday evening

that you would be lunching out.

I, myself, was particularly upset

by the orders I received from you, sir,

regarding the service of the claret.

Then you had no cause to be.

I fear I must disagree with you, sir.

What?

I have reflected on this matter very carefully, sir.

Well?

I am the butler here.

And I think you will appreciate

that the master and her ladyship rely on me --

indeed expect me -- to maintain order

in the running of this house

and see to it that things involving the staff

are properly carried out --

the ordering and service of meals

at the proper time and so forth.

Lately, I have found increasing difficulty, sir,

in assimilating your personal orders in the house

with the method and routine as laid down by her ladyship.

I fear today has proved

that I no longer enjoy the authority of a butler here,

which makes it impossible for me

to continue in your parents' service.

Therefore, I shall see the master and her ladyship

on their return tomorrow and...

and ask them to accept a week's notice.

That is all I have to say, sir.

If you'll excuse me.

Are they back, Hudson?

The master and her ladyship are in the morning room, sir.

JAMES: Oh, hello. -[ Door closes]

How are things down at Syon? Did you have a good drive back?

What the devil do you think you've been doing, James?

- what? - You know damn well what I mean.

Well, how can I till you tell me?

And don't you be flippant.

Hudson's just been in to see us.

Well?

He's given us a week's notice.

And you know why. Don't you?

Well, he did mutter something yesterday about leaving --

for the simple reason

that I ordered lunch in the dining room,

which evidently didn't fit in with his plans.

Also, I think, because I ordered him

to serve a bottle of wine from the cellar.

Well, quite frankly, I didn't think he'd carry out his threat.

Well, he has.

And I leave for Canada on wednesday.

That means your father will be left her with no butler.

Exactly.

Well, all I can say is he'd be better off without Hudson

if he continues in his present mood.

Hudson happens to be a very good butler, James.

As good as you'd find anywhere.

He's served your mother and me well since before you were born.

He's a man of high principles.

And as you well know, he cares deeply for our family --

its welfare and honour.

And he expects things to be done correctly.

Then he should obey my orders when I give them.

Your orders?

Yes, my orders. I live here.

Yes, and what sort of orders, eh?

You did put Hudson in a very difficult position, darling,

by inviting your father's typist to lunch in the dining room

and ordering that bottle of wine.

What was the wretched man to do?

He knows I do not allow my best claret to be drunk at luncheon.

You were showing off to Miss Forrest, weren't you,

trying to impress her.

I was not showing off!

I was showing her the common courtesy of lunching with her,

as a token of what I hope is your gratitude, Father,

for all the extra work she has done for you over the weekend.

It is not for you to extend courtesies to my secretary.

I thought it was about time somebody did.

Her lunch -- if you can call it lunch --

was brought to her in the study on a tray.

- Those were my orders, James. - And no business of yours.

What right have you got

to countermand your mother's orders?

James, how could you, of all people, think it suitable

for Miss Forrest to have lunch in the dining room?

She happens to be extremely nice and very respectable.

I've no doubt she's respectable.

But she can't have much taste or judgment

to have accepted your invitation in her position.

Why not?

Because she's helping father type his manuscript

and lives in Wimbledon?

Darling, you're being deliberately blind.

If you invited Miss Forrest to have supper in a restaurant,

nobody would object.

But to take her into the dining room

and expect the servants to wait on her

and to humiliate Hudson in front of a woman of her class --

I did not humiliate Hudson.

You placed him and the other servants

in and impossible position.

With the result you upset them all downstairs

and Hudson is leaving.

All I can say is

if he chooses to leave over so trifling a matter, let him go.

I have no intention of letting him go, James.

You're going to see Hudson and apologize to him.

- Oh, Richard, no. - I say yes.

You can say it was an error of judgment

and apologize to the man.

No, I won't have my son

apologize to a servant in a situation like this.

What are you thinking of?

Hudson is not an ordinary servant.

He's not to apologize to Hudson or any of them.

Good gracious, if anyone should apologize, it's your typist

for daring to think it right for her

to have lunch in the dining room.

She could have refused. I blame her.

Well, I don't.

It was I who invited her to lunch.

And Hudson made her feel extremely awkward.

I've no doubt she was highly embarrassed

by the whole situation.

If she had any decency, she'd resign.

In fact, I think, in view of the situation,

you should terminate her engagement here at once.

I shall do nothing of the kind, Marjorie.

To start with, she has at least another week's work

clearing up papers and God knows what else.

And for another,

I am not allowing Miss Forrest to be made a scapegoat

for your son's gross stupidity.

Look, Mother, I am perfectly prepared to go to Hudson,

admit I made a mistake, and ask him to reconsider his decision.

- There. - No, James, I don't want that.

And I don't want any more said about it tonight.

We'll just give Hudson time to cool off.

I'll probably have a word with him in the morning.

By that time, he'll have packed his bags and gone.

I think not, Richard.

And you really must leave these things to me.

Ooh.

Your father and I

are having a little cold supper in a few minutes.

Have you dined?

Uh, yes, yes. At the club.

If you'll excuse me.

Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear.

[ Door closes]

[Door opens, closes]

HUDSON: Supper is served, my lady.

Oh, thank you, Hudson.

Shall we go in?

♫ Please don't ask him what it means ♫

♫ 'Cause I simply love that Hitchy-Koo ♫

♫ Hitchy-Koo, Hitchy-Koo, Hitchy-Koo ♫

[Music continues playing]

I still can't see why you had to go and give in your notice.

Can't you?

Are you telling me you're walking out of here

and her ladyship going off to Canada wednesday?

There was no other way of drawing their attention

to Captain James's carryings-on.

It was time to put a stop to it, in my opinion.

Oh. I see.

I have no doubt his father has given him a piece of his mind.

At all events,

the young whippersnapper's gone crawling off to his room.

And them not speaking to each other, eh?

Sounds to me as if her ladyship took his part.

Doesn't she always?

A nice thing for her ladyship --

going off wednesday for two months

and leaving a nasty atmosphere in the house.

I daresay I shall consider

my position very carefully, Mrs. Bridges,

between now and wednesday.

I hope you will.

It's only three days.

A-And I put the key to your jewellery case

in your black handbag, my lady.

Thank you, Roberts.

I just hope you'll have enough warm clothing for the boat

in the one cabin trunk.

The other three go down into the hold, I understand,

and we shan't see them again until we get to New York.

No, that's right.

You know that the break's coming at 10:00?

Yes, my lady. So Hudson told me.

To take you, Lady Southwold's maid,

and Lord Southwold's valet to the station.

Edward's going too to take care of the luggage.

Very good, my lady.

Well, t-that's everything done, then.

Why don't you go and wait in the servants' hall

till the break comes, Roberts?

Very good, my lady.

Oh, I just hope it gets here in time.

I promise you we won't miss the boat train.

- Don't worry. - No, my lady.

-It's just that I get train fever, my lady.

Excuse me, my lady. - Yes, Hudson.

I was hoping to see the master and yourself today, my lady,

before your departure.

Oh, well, Mr. Bellamy's just gone 'round to Pont Street

to the chemist to try and get me something

in case of seasickness.

Shouldn't be very long.

Unless you'd like to talk to me alone.

In the circumstances, my lady, I would.

I just wanted to say

I acted in haste giving notice on Sunday night.

And I would now ask your ladyship and the master

to consider the whole incident closed.

Nothing could please me more, Hudson.

If you're really quite sure

you want to continue in service with us.

I am quite sure, my lady.

What made you change your mind?

Only one consideration, my lady.

Whatever may have been done and said in this house

since the weekend --

and some bitter things have been said, my lady,

both above and belowstairs --

I could not, on the eve of your ladyship's departure,

abandon my post here.

I am aware that my resignation

has caused not only trouble for Captain James

but a certain difference of opinion

between the master and yourself.

And I would not care to see you leave behind

any sense of disharmony in your house, my lady.

That's very thoughtful of you, Hudson.

And I'm most relieved.

Perhaps you would convey

my feelings to the master, my lady, as soon as possible.

- Yes, of course I will. -[ Door opens]

Oh, beg pardon, my lady.

Just to say the luggage break's arrived.

Thank you, Edward.

Well, Hudson, perhaps if you'd go and see to things.

Very good, my lady. And thank you.

Goodbye, Ruby, and be good.

All ready, Miss Roberts. Luggage is all in the van.

Very well. Well, g-g-goodbye.

- Goodbye. - Come on.

- Goodbye. - Mind how you go, Miss Roberts.

- Bon voyage, Miss Roberts. - watch how you go.

That's everything in the motor, my lady.

Good. Well, perhaps, we had better go.

Servants and luggage have left, I take it?

Five minutes ago, sir.

Edward will see the trunks onto the boat train, sir,

and find the reserved seats.

By the way, Captain James and I

hope to catch an afternoon train back from Southampton,

so we shall be here in time for dinner.

Very good, sir.

Well, Marjorie...

Take care of everything, won't you, Hudson?

Indeed, my lady.

- A pleasant voyage, my lady. - Thank you.

My apologies, Hudson.

It won't occur again.

Yes, sir.

This time next week, she'll be in New York.

Miss Lizzie.

Oh, well.

Oh, shall I return these reports

to the House of Lords library, sir?

I've copied out the items we needed from them.

Yes, send them back.

Oh, and please return these diaries

to the librarian at Southwold before they get lost.

- Yes, of course. -[ Door opens]

Oh. Sorry to disturb you, Father.

Yes?

Just returning your copy of Punch.

- I borrowed it. - Oh, thank you.

Thank you, James. You off to work?

Yes.

It's such a lovely morning,

I thought I'd walk part of the way.

I need the exercise.

RICHARD: Yes, well, you'd better get off, then.

- Goodbye, Father. - Goodbye.

Miss Forrest.

This is wonderful NEWS, Miss Forrest!

Just listen.

This is from Mr. Sayers at Macmillan's

"This is to advise that you that Mr. Frederick Macmillan and I,

as well as two other directors,

have now read the draft manuscript

of your life of Lord Southwold and feel you would like to know

that we are unanimous in our praise of the work,

finding it informative, entertaining, well documented,

and in every way a most excellent and acceptable

political biography."

He goes on to say,

"We hope to send it for printing in early June."

That is good news, Mr. Bellamy.

You must be very pleased.

Oh, yes, I'm delighted.

And relieved.

If only this letter had arrived three days ago

before my wife left for Canada.

How thrilled she would have been.

Could you not write and tell her the news at once?

Oh, there's no point.

Time my letter got to New York, she'd be halfway across Canada.

I see. What a shame.

Could you not send her a wireless message to the ship?

A marconigram.

Yes, I'll do that. Then she'll get it at sea.

Well done, Miss Forrest!

Shall I take down the message?

Yes. And Edward can run 'round to the Marconi office with it.

So a wireless message to Lady Marjorie Bellamy,

estate room number 6,

aboard white Star liner RMS Titanic,

en route from Southampton to New York,

date April 12, 1912.

My message reads,

"Macmillan's delighted and impressed with manuscript.

Take good care of yourself.

All my fondest love, Richard."

Subtitling by Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)