All language subtitles for Upstairs, Downstairs s01e09 Why Is Her Door Locked

[ Door bell rings ]

[ Opens door ]

Nasty cold again this morning.

Couldn't hardly see you
from across the street.

Why six pints?

Oh, says so here.

Found it on the doorstep.

Oh, Mrs. Bridges must have left it
last night when she came in.

Don't know why. We've
got plenty in the larder.

It's that thick.

There was this motorcar in
Belgrave Square crawling,

- with a lad walking in front of it
carrying a lamp. - [ Laughing ]

Proper pea souper, huh.

- Mind how you go with Daisy.

- Ah, she'll go all right. She can
see the dark with her blinkers on.

[ Humming ]

Mr. Hudson, I couldn't take
Mrs. Bridges her morning tea.

Why not?

I couldn't get into her room.
Her door's locked.

Did you knock?

Twice!
She didn't answer.

Eh, seems that Mrs. Bridges
has slept in this morning, Rose.

Was her day out yesterday.

I fail to see the connection.

I'll take these to the larder.

Are you sure her door was locked?

Oh yes, Mr. Hudson.

I tried ever so
hard to open it.

- Maybe she didn't come back.
I didn't hear her come in last night.

Neither did I.

D'you think something
could have happened to her?

I mean, you never know
in the fog.

Maybe someone slit her throat
down one of them dark alleys.

Like Jack the Ripper.

No, not Mrs. Bridges, Doris.
Jack the Ripper liked 'em

a wee bit younger than that.

More your age.

Rose, you better go up and see.
Maybe she's ill.

Oh yes, Mr. Hudson.
Gimme that cup 'o tea

and you get on with the range.

It's cold now.
If she gets cold tea...

- Serve her right
for oversleeping late.

Now, Rose, that's enough of that.

[ Knock on door ]
Mrs. Bridges seven o'clock.

[ Louder ]
Mrs. Bridges.

[ Faint noise inside ]

[ Loud knock ]

- Mr. Hudson.
- What is it, Rose.

I couldn't rouse her, but I could
hear sounds coming from her room.

Ah, better just leave her,
then and get on.

We'll try again in half an hour.

Well, I best get all started
with upstairs breakfast, then.

Yes, and take this down,
if you please, Rose.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

[ Clock strikes ]

- Morning.
- Morning, my dear. [ Kiss ]

You're up bright and early.

- There's rather a lot to do today.

- Anything startling in the paper?

Nothing much.
Oh, Curson's got his way.

He's seeking election to sit in
the Lords, among the Irish peers.

- Without an acre of Irish land.

At least his voice will be heard
at Westminster once again

after years in the wilderness.

Never was a public servant
so shamefully treated.

When I think what that man
did for India.

Well, tell him so next week,
when he dines here.

Um, I shall.

I must be going soon.
I'm seeing my tailor's this morning.

- Would you ring for Hudson, please.
- Uh, huh.

- It's time for me to (make)
Mrs. Bridges again.

[ Pulls servant call ]

Why do you say that?

She's been so moody lately.
We never can see eye-to-eye

on the subject of desserts.

She seems to have changed
in the last few weeks.

Perhaps she's had a secret offer
from someone outside.

Um, that is possible.

Mrs. Van Groeben raved about
our dinner party the other night.

She asked if we had a French
chef come from Paris.

And what did you say?

I said we have a very old
and a rather temperamental

widow from Bristol.

She said she thought the dinner
worthy of Rosa Louis, herself.

Praise indeed.

- You rang, my lady?

Yes, Hudson,
send Mrs. Bridges up would you?

Beg pardon, my lady, but
I'm afraid it appears that

Mrs. Bridges has slept
in this morning.

- She hasn't been down
for her breakfast, yet.

Not down yet?
But it's nearly ten o'clock.

Uh, quite, my lady.

Someone better go up
to her room and rouse her?

We've tried, sir.
Rose has been up twice,

but.

What?

She wasn't able to get in, sir.

The door was locked.

Why is her door locked?

It was her day off, yesterday, sir.

Well, what's that
got to do with it?

Are you suggesting she came home
intoxicated or something?

Oh, no sir.

You're sure she's in her room?

Yes, my lady. There wasn't
any answer, but Rose said

she distinctly heard sounds
coming from inside the room.

I'll go and see to it
at once, my lady.

It really is too bad.

One gives her ever consideration.
and she behaves like this.

It appears that the price
I must pay for her superb

skill in the kitchen.

But I distinctly wanted her
to be her best next week.

To impress the Italian ambassador?

And Curzon.

The Crewes are coming, too.

And F. B. Smith.
He likes good food.

[ Locking her door ]

Ah, Mrs. Bridges.

Her ladyship is waiting
for you, Mrs. Bridges.

In the morning room.

What is that woman doing?
It's gone ten o'clock.

Oh, my goodness.
I must go.

Luncheon at your club?

Yes, with little George Chesterfield.
I'll see you this evening.

[ Opens door ]

Mrs. Bridges.

There you are.

You'd, uh, better go in.

Please come in, Mrs. Bridges.
I've been waiting for you. [ Door closes ]

Did you have a...
pleasant day off yesterday?

Yes'um, I did.

I understand from Hudson
that you've had no breakfast.

Not hungry, me lady.

It's no business of Hudson's.

I beg your pardon!

I said it's nothing to do with Hudson
what time I come down of a mornin'.

I'm afraid I don't
agree with you.

Hudson is responsible for the
smooth running of this house.

And I'm responsible
for the meals, me lady.

I know you are, Mrs. Bridges,
and I expect you to be punctual

for meals in the servant's hall,
and to set a good example

to the others. I also expect
you to observe my rules,

one of which is that I will not
have the servants in this house

locking their bedroom doors!
I thought I made that quite clear!

Why was your door locked this morning
when Rose tried to rouse you?

Well?

I've a right to my privacy, me lady,
without the under-servants...

poking and prying into my affairs.
Huh.

[ Sobbing ]
Everyone's against me.

All talking and whispering
behind my back.

Saying as how was...my fault
Emily done herself in.

I know what they're saying

They're all against me.

[ Sniff ] I know I'm not
wanted in this house.

Nor appreciated neither.

[ Sobbing ] So, I best give in
my notice and clear out.

And that's all I have to say.
Thanking you, my lady.

- Mrs. Bridges,
come back here at once.

- I'm giving in my notice, me lady.
- No, Mrs. Bridges

you're doing nothing of the kind.
Now, calm yourself and sit down.

Come along now, sit down.

Thank you, ma'am.

Now then.

What's the matter with you
these days?

Aren't you going to tell me?

[ Shakes head ]
I can't.

You haven't been yourself
for some weeks, have you?

No, I haven't.

Are you unwell?

[ Gasp ]
I get these headaches.

Sharp pains through me head,
me lady.

Everything...
seems to be on top of me.

And I...can't stop crying.

I lie awake...
thinking about that...poor dead girl.

[ Sobbing ]

If I scolded her sometimes
it was only to make her a

better kitchen-maid,
and to get on in service.

I trained under a strict cook meself,
me lady at Southwold.

You've got to be firm with them.

Oh, that...when...Emily killed herself...
it's like if I lost my own daughter.

She's was like that... [ Crying ]

Mrs. Bridges.

Would it surprise you
to know that I, too,

lie awake at night
thinking about Emily?

It was a terrible shock to all of us,
but we must try and get over it.

I miss her in my kitchen.

I miss that girl.

She was a good girl.

Oh, now, dry your tears, and
try not to think about it anymore.

Yes, me lady.

You've been here such a long time,

and I like to think
that we are old friends.

If these headaches continue,
I'll have you examined by Dr. Pholbe.

Thank you, me lady.

It's just since...sometimes I feel...

What?

Lonely, me lady.

You see, since Bridges was took,
15 years ago, now, come April,

I've had no one.

I mean no one what belongs to me.

I've got my friend in Victoria but,...

It's not the same.

It's not like...someone is...
belongs to you.

It isn't, me lady.

Mrs. Bridges,...perhaps we should
discuss the meals, now.

If you're quite ready.

Mrs. Bridges?
[ Rattles door ]

It's (Ann), Mrs. Bridges.
[ Rattles door ]

I'm coming in sweep.

[ Rattles door ]

[ Hearing sounds ]

Mrs. Bridges!

[ Voices from morning room
discussing meals ]

- Mr. Hudson.

What is it, Alice?

- I forgot to tell you.

What, girl?

There's a funny sound coming
from Mrs. Bridges' room.

- Can't be.
- But there is, Mr. Hudson.

Mrs. Bridges happens to be in
the morning with her ladyship.

But I heard it.

- Thump, thump, against the wall.
- No, you're imagining things, girl.

I'm not, Mr. Hudson, honest.

Well, why didn't you go in
and see what it was?

The door was locked, Mr. Hudson.

Not again?

Could there be thieves in the house?

I have no idea, Alice.
You'd better come with me.

Wait here and I'll get the
master key from my pantry.

Listen.

...Mrs. Bridges?

That's daft.

- She wouldn't do anything like that.
- I couldn't open the door at all.

You come up with me, Alice.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- And Doris...
- Yes, Mr....

If Mrs. Bridges comes back down here
while we're upstairs

don't say anything about this.
D'you understand?

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.
- Come along, Alice.

[ Knock on door ]

[ Rattles knob ]

But, there was a noise, Mr. Hudson.
I swear there was.

[ Thump sound ]

Isn't it?

There it is.
[ Thump, thump ]

Can't you hear it, Mr. Hudson?

Aye, there is someone in there.
Right enough.

Just you stand here, Alice.

Is there any danger?

You can never be sure.

Just keep well out of the way.

I'll...unlock the door.

[ Unlocking door ]

[ Shouting ]
Right now!

[ Door slams open ]

[ Closes door ]

Very good, my lady.

Kicking me.
Get down there.

Go.
Get out.

Beat it.

[ Locking door ]

[ Mumbling ]

Doris.

And how you, Doris?

Emily!

Come and give...old Mrs. Bridges a hand.

And some.

Who calls my little spots of...
[ Sobbing ]

Where'd it come from, eh?

That's what I'd like to know.

Some relative, I expect, asked
Mrs. Bridges to mind it for her

while she's in the shop.

Well, why'd she lock the door, then.
Nobody would harm it, would they?

She could a brought it down here.
We'd have given it some milk.

You're quite right.

That's because it's not
been honestly come by.

She's stolen that baby.

[ Gasp ]

What's gonna happen to her?

Will she be arrested?

No.

Mr. Hudson's speakin'
to her ladyship, now.

So we'll soon know.

I'd best be getting
back to the kitchen.

She'll be needing me now.

[ Door opens ]

[ Door closes ]

[ Mrs. Bridges rocking ]

May I have the saucepan that's
in your arms, Mrs. Bridges?

- Rock...kabye baby be...
on the tree top.

When the wind blows...
cradle...will drop.

Down will fall baby...
cradle...and all.

[ Front door closes ]

Thank you, Hudson.

I came as quickly
as I decently could.

We were in the middle of lunch
when the message came.

What's happened?

- Mrs. Bridges isn't well, Richard.
She's in rather...serious trouble.

Trouble?

Last night in the fog on the
way back from her day off she...

took a baby from it's
perambulator outside a shop.

Took a baby?

Stole it from it's parents.

[ Sniff ]

I'd been visiting my friends,
a Mrs. Graves.

She used to be cook
to Lady Wallingford.

She's retired now, sir.

[ Door closes ]

I come across this pram outside
a greengrocer's.

Nobody mindin' it.

Such a lovely baby laying there.

Smiling at me.

I stopped to see (son).

I touched his little hand.

Oh, I couldn't help but touch it.

When it's tiny fingers
curled 'round mine...

I felt as if I had
to pick it up, sir.

- Wouldn't no harm, after all,
so I mean there was nobody there.

I knew it was wrong, sir, but...

I just couldn't help it.

I only wanted to hold it to me,
just for a minute, sir.

But, you see, it was cold
and foggy, and so...

I took a shawl off of the pram and...
wrapped the little mite up in it...

Still nobody come out of the shop.

And then I...

You what?

Started to walk with it, sir,
in my arms...

'round the corner...
down the street.

Which street?
Where was this?

- She doesn't remember, Richard.

Where is the child, now?

Oh.

Being cared for, sir,
in the servant's hall.

Oh, my God.

[ Bridge's sobbing ]

They never tried to stop you?
Nobody saw you take it?

The thick fog, sir. You can hardly
see your hand in front of your face.

What on earth made you
do a thing like that?

Have you thought of the
parents of the child?

What they must be going
through at this very moment.

The terrible anxiety?

- Richard, please.

But I'm sorry, but whether
Mrs. Bridges acted on some

sudden impulse or not,
the fact remains that

some wretched mother is searching
all over for London for a

a stolen baby. That baby happens
to be here in this house.

I'm sorry, my dear,
I couldn't help it.

It just come over me.

Mrs. Bridges, are you...
are you sure you can't

remember which street
you were in?

Do you have you any idea of the shop?
A greengrocer, you said.

It was a greengrocer.
I know that, now.

I don't know what street.
It was...somewhere

in Victoria near my friend.

Somewhere in Pimlico.

She better go up to her room
for the time being.

Perhaps she'll remember
after she's calmed down.

Go with her, Hudson,
then come back here.

- Very good, my lady.
- I'm sorry, my lady.

Come along, there Mrs. Bridges.
I'll see you upstairs to your room.

You'd better have a wee lie down,
Mrs. Bridges.

- Of course, the police have got
to be informed. - Richard, no!

How else are we to
trace the parents?

We can't allow Mrs. Bridges
to be carted off by the police.

It would kill her.

Besides, I've an important
dinner party go give next week.

How can you think about
dinner parties at a time like this?

Because I have to, Richard.

I have to run this house and
entertain important people for your sake.

How can I do that
without my cook?

I can't find a new cook
in a minutes notice.

Marjorie, I am trying to be very...
very patient with you.

A child has been stolen
from its pram by Mrs. Bridges.

The parents have got to be found
at once, and the child returned.

That's all that matters.

If you think that we could
find out where it came from

- we could send it back.
- Oh.

Along with some sort of explanation.

Marjorie, you've quite lost your reason!

You are trying to...
You ask me to bypass

the normal course of the law.
To shield a person who is guilty

of a criminal offense.

Mrs. Bridges is not a criminal, Richard.

She's ill.

She's been through a lot lately.
She needs rest and care.

No doubt.

And it's our responsibility
to look after her our servants

when they get into trouble.

There's trouble and trouble,
and this is a...a bad case of

child theft and the police have got
to be told whether you like it or not.

[ Sigh ] And that's what
we have to do, my dear.

Will there be any further
instructions, sir?

No, Hudson.

Thank you, sir.

Hudson!

- My lady?
- I have an idea.

Am I right in thinking that you
have a friend in the police force?

Yes, my lady, Sergeant McKay,
out on Gerald Road.

I thought you had.

- I think we ought to be very
careful, my dear. - I shall be.

Hudson, how would it be
if you were to...bump into

Sergeant McKay somewhere around
by Gerald Road police station?

I understand perfectly,
my lady.

- Do you, Hudson?
- Indeed, sir.

I understand the need
to trace the parents

of the wee baby, and return their
property to them immediately.

Without involving the police.

Put it that way, sir?

And you think you can?

If luck is on my side, sir.

And, providing of course that
her ladyship and yourself will not

be requiring me for the
rest of the afternoon.

Oh yes, that's understood.

Now, all we need is the address
of the people in the strictest

confidence, of course.

You can rely on me, sir.
My lady.

- And Hudson. - Sir. - Not a word to
the other servants for the time being.

Oh, naturally, sir.

[ Opens door;
closes door ]

Rose?

Rose. Where are you, Rose?

- Ah, Rose.
- Shhh.

Baby's asleep.

We've only just
got him off, Mr. Hudson.

Little devil. He's that wakeful.

I am going out, Rose, on a very
important errand for the master.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

When Edward gets back
from his afternoon off

inform him he that may have to
deputize for me at dinner

in case I'm not back in time.

[ Door opens
and closes ]

Just to see if the
fire's all right, my lady.

Oh, yes, perhaps another
piece of coal, Rose.

Turn much colder?

Yes, my lady,
but the fog's not quite so thick.

That's good.

Hudson's still not back?

Not yet, my lady.

[ Front door closes ]

Oh, if that's Mr. Bellamy,
tell him I'm in here, will you?

Yes, my lady.

[ Opens door ]

- Her ladyship's in the morning room.
- Any news? - No sir.

- I gather Hudson's
not back yet? - No.

[ Closes door ]

Now over three hours.
What could have happened to him?

You assume the policeman
ought have been there.

He may have had
to wait for him.

- Come on duty? - Hmm.

That's a possibility.

[ Door opens ]

- The evening paper, sir.

[ Door closes ]
Thank you, Rose.

Is anything there?

About a stolen child?

Not than I can see.

Will there be anything else,
my lady?

Eh, yes Rose, what
time can we dine?

Oh, anytime you wish,
my lady. It's all ready.

Uh, will I tell Edward
to ring the gong?

Yes, in ten minutes.
We won't change.

Very good, my lady.
I just hope it tastes of something.

Sure, it will, Rose. They are
being absolutely splendid, Richard.

What's that, my dear?

The servants. I say they're
being simply marvelous.

Rose and Doris have
cooked the dinner,

and Alice is busy
looking after the baby.

That's very commendable, Rose,
we're very grateful.

Oh, I'm sure we don't
mind doing a bit extra, sir,

if it's to help Mrs. Bridges.

Will that be all, my lady?

Yes, thank you, Rose.

You know they really are the
most extraordinary people.

I mean that woman causes
so many upsets downstairs

with her moods and tantrums, yet
they're all ready to cover up for her.

- Domestic servants are more loyal
by nature than...politicians. - Hmm,

- Ah, Hudson.
- My lady.

We were worried about you.

I trust you'll pardon me
for coming straight in

- as I am servant for certain, - When?
- I'm really sorry, sir.

It began to sleet a wee bit
when I reached Eaton Square.

Well, uh, what news?

I am able to report, sir, my lady,
that I have ascertained the identity

of the baby's parents.

- Well done (Hammond).
- Where they live?

Yes, sir.

It seems that a...a baby was
reported stolen from its perambulator

outside the premises of
Mrs. Walsh and Sons,

the fruiter (res) of Luper Street,
my lady,

between the hours of
5:30 and 6:00pm last evening.

And the parents?

Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Webber,
sir, of 96a Vauxhall Bridge Road.

I also memorized the address, sir.

I wonder what sort of people?

Oh, middle class, my lady,
but quite respectable,

- I understand. - You must order
the motor at once.

I still don't like this, Marjorie.

- I think we ought to inform
the police first. - But, you agreed!

Oh, very well. Tell Pearce to bring
the motor around at once.

Very good, sir.

Yes, Hudson, and ask Rose
to have the child well wrapped up

ready for travel and brought
up to the hall.

You know you'll have to wait
till we get back.

Very good, my lady.

[ Door opens ]

How much will you offer these
people as compensation?

We [ Door closes ] shall wait and
see what their circumstances are.

[ Sound of motorcar ]

[ Knock on door ]

[ Opens door ]

- Mrs. Webber...[ Indistinct ]...
quite done wrong.

- Don't distress yourself.
May we come in?

[ Mother sobbing ]

We're not very tidy.

[ Mother sobbing ]

Is your husband at home,
Mrs. Webber?

- There's a motorcar outside, Lily.

Is that Johnny, back?

He's been fine, Lizzie.

These people found him.

This lady and gentleman, Arthur.

They brought him back
just a few minutes ago.

Warm and safe and all right.

Well, we're very
grateful, I'm sure.

Where was the child found?

Oh, let me introduce
myself and explain.

Here's my card.

Oh,...I see.

Uh, Mr. Webber, I must
hasten to assure you.

Neither my wife nor I
were responsible

for taking your child from
its pram last evening.

The fact is that we regretted
very much a certain member

of my domestic staff had
an unfortunate lapse,

a quite irrational longing
to posses the child.

She regrets the action very much.

What was her name, the woman
who stole our kiddy?

Uh, well I hardly think
that's relevant, Mr. Webber.

Of course there's the
question of compensation.

We realize that you and your wife
have suffered a great deal of anxiety.

Yes, we both think you're entitled
to some form of restitution.

- I'm asking you a simple question,
Mr. Bellamy. - I would have thought...

Who..stole..our..baby?

I would have thought it best
for you to accept a modest sum

as a token of our apologies for...

For what one of you maids has done.
Is that it?

Mr. Webber, the woman in question,
happens to be our cook.

Now, are you willing to accept
our apologies for what has happened.

Tell the police the child has been
found and leave it at that?

I think you'd be well advised
to do so, and so save

a lot of unnecessary fuss.

Oh, you do, do you?

Arthur?

No, Lily.

If people like them think
they can buy their way out,

of having their underpaid
and overworked domestic

servants had up in court,
they're very much mistaken.

Who said anything about court?

The woman who stole
our infant, Mr. Bellamy,

is either a criminal or lunatic.

In either case she ought to be
behind bars where she can't

snatch any more infants
from their prams.

As for you offer of
compensation, sir,

I see from your card you're
a member of parliament.

You should know better than
to try and impede the law

by offering a man a bribe.

I see not point in continuing
this conversation. Come on, Marjorie.

[ Door opens; closes ]

What you gonna do?

Wait and see.

Oh, don't do anything
foolish, Arthur.

We've got Johnny back.

Don't cause anymore trouble.

Not with the likes of them.

They always come out on top
in the end, and you know it.

People like that.

I know they do, Lily.
That's just my point!

[ Opens door ]

So when Miss Roberts told her
ladyship she couldn't get the

stain out of her gray coat,
she used very snap talk.

Best keep out of her way, then.

What I can't understand is why
Mrs. Bridges didn't get the push.

I mean causing all that trouble.

Can't afford to lose her, that's why.
She's too good a cook.

Besides, they took the baby back
to his home. There's have an end to it.

What a lark.
Havin' a baby to take care of.

Even if it was only
for a few hours.

Eh, Rose?

He was all right.

Dear little thing.

I'd love to have a baby.

Oh, I dare say,
your turn'll come one day.

And if it does, let's
hope it's intentional.

[ Bell rings ] Oh, front door.
Listen, (Lea).

- We better get out of here
in case it's visitors. - Oh.

[ Door opens ]

Mr. Hudson,...

- we've done in the morning room.
- Very good, Rose. Well, hurry up

and get downstairs. [ Clapping hands ]
There's someone at the front door.

Oh come on now,
quickly, girl, quickly.

[ Opens front door ]

Is this Mr. Richard Bellamy's residence?

It is.

I understand there' a cook
employed on these premises.

And that is so. The back door
is down the steps, and...

Just one moment, if you please,
I am a police officer,

Detective Inspector Cape.

I should like a word
with your master.

In what connection,
if you don't mind my asking?

A report received concerning an
incident that took place last evening,

now kindly fetch your master.

Better come in.

Oh, I'll go and inform Mr. Bellamy.

[ Door closes ] His permission is
required before Mrs. Bridges

can interrupt her duties
in the kitchen.

Wait here, please.

[ Closes door ]

Excuse me, sir.
There's a gentleman from the police,

Detective Inspector Cape.

He wants to see Mrs. Bridges.

Show him in now, will you?

I understood, sir, the baby
was returned last night.

Oh, no, Hudson, the matter's
far from closed.

I rather expected this.

Should I fetch Mrs. Bridges?

Not yet. Just leave this to me.

I've heard about this
Inspector Cape, sir,

from my friend,
Sergeant McKay, at the station.

I understand he's a holy terror.

Yes? Well, he's not going to
terrorize me. You show him in.

Very good, sir.

[ Opens door;
finger snap ]

Detective Inspector Cape, sir.

Come in (our room), will you Inspector?

I'll try not to keep you waiting, sir.
I understand you have your

- parliamentary duties to fulfill.
- Right.

I'll spare you 20 minutes or so.
That will suffice?

Should be sufficient, sir.

Well, do sit down.

No, thank you, sir.

Now, sir.

A Mr. Arthur Webber of
96a Vauxhall Bridge Road

reported to Gerald Road
Police Station at 6:30 on

Wednesday evening that
his wife had returned from

the shop since later
with some distress

to say that their baby was
missing from its perambulator.

The discovery was made when
she come out of the greengrocer

shop in Luper Street.

Particulars were taken, and
calls sent out duly to all

constables on the beat to keep
a watch out for the missing child.

Yes, I know all about this.

I've not quite finished, sir,
if you don't mind.

Very well.

Go on.

This gentleman has since reported
to the police that his infant was

returned to his address
unharmed at 7:45 last evening

by yourself and your wife.

Is that correct, sir?

Yes, that's quite correct.

I would have thought that
would of finished the matter.

I tried to explain
to this man Webber,...

If a child was stolen by
a woman in your employ,

as Mr. Webber claims, sir,
then I shall have no alternative

but to charge her
with kidnapping.

Now look, Inspector, is this
absolutely necessary?

I'm afraid it is, sir.

On the evidence before me,
it's my duty to charge her,

under The Offence Against Young
Persons Act of 1861.

You mean to say, you're
going to arrest my cook

in this house, and take her
off to the police station?

Yes, sir?

I should be glad if you'd call her,
if she's on the premises.

Of course she's on the premises.

She's in the kitchen
cooking our lunch.

Then you'll have to do without
your lunch, won't you sir?

And you can keep your
impudent comments to yourself.

You'd best inform the mistress
of the house, sir, had you not?

[ Sigh ]
Yes, I certainly will.

[ Pull servant's call ]

How long do you expect
to keep Mrs. Bridges in custody?

She'll be charged now, sir,
detained overnight, and

appear in court in the morning.

You're perfectly within your...
rights, of course,

and you must do your duty.
I'm only sorry this man Webber

felt it necessary to make
an issue of the incident.

[ Door opens ]

- You rang, sir?
- Yes, Hudson.

Will you ask her ladyship
to come down?

I think she's upstairs
in her room.

Very good, sir.

And uh, Hudson, will you warn
Bridges to stop whatever she's doing,

and get her hat and coat on.

The police want to...
ask her some questions...

at the station.

I understand, sir.

With your permission, sir,
I'll keep this news from the staff

for the time being.

If you can, Hudson.

Thank you, sir.

[ Opens door ]

My wife will be down shortly.
[ Door closes ]

There is one more question, sir.

Well?

How did you know where
to return the infant?

I note you failed to report
your discovery to the police.

I don't like your tone, Inspector.

Don't you, sir?

I must remind you that
the failure to report

the discovery of a felony
may be taken as acting as

an accessory after the fact.

I am aware of the law.

You're talking to a former
minister of the crown.

And I am carrying out my duties
as an officer of the law, sir.

In view of your position, I shall
of course overlook the matter

on this occasion.

But I must warn you, in future
not to go about offering money...

Mr. Webber knows perfectly well
that money was offered

to him and his wife as a
gesture of compensation.

They didn't take it,
did they, sir?

That is their business!

Richard, what's all this about
Mrs. Bridges being arrested?

- It's quite outrageous.
- Marjorie, this...

is Inspector Cape of the
local police. My wife.

Good morning.

Well.

The inspector is acting
quite correctly, Marjorie,

according to the law.

I suggest we offer him
a glass of sherry

until Mrs. Bridges is quite ready.

[ Sigh ]
Don't take on, Mrs. Bridges.

I'm sure your friend'll be all right.

[ Sniffing ]
Heavens! I (hope) so.

Of course she's old and
got no one.

The police come to fetch you.

She'd have given 'em
your address, see.

[ Sobbing ]
Yes.

It's not like Ivy
to be took sick.

She's always had good health.

It's this friend of hers,
you understand Doris,

down near Victoria.
She's been taken to the hospital.

She's asked to see Mrs. Bridges.

Alice says there's
a detective in the hall.

Oh yes, yes, well as I explained
to Alice and the others

the, uh, the police have
come to take Mrs. Bridges

to her friend's bedside.

Oh, I see.

And now, get on with your work,
Doris. There's a good girl.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Ah, Mrs. Bridges.

I'll tell them you're ready.

[ Opens door ]

Mrs. Bridges is ready, sir,
in the hall.

Oh uh, thank you, Hudson.

Help her go, Rose.

Mrs. Bridges will you go
with the Inspector, and

try not to worry.

Very good, sir.

Will it be all right, sir?
I mean to go out...

The front door?
Well, of course.

[ Door closes ]

That poor, wretched woman.

She looks as if she's
going to the gallows.

We must telephone to
Harry Compton, at once.

What on earth for?

Good heavens, Richard, if the
Lord Chief Justice can't get this

ridiculous case stopped, nobody can.

Now, listen to me, Marjorie,
I've already tried to bypass

the law once to save your
cook from going to prison.

There must be something we can do,
and she's your cook, too.

Well, there's precious
little we can do.

See after the Magistrate's Court tomorrow,

ready to give evidence
of her good character.

That's something, I suppose.

I shall also call Jeff Dillon
this afternoon and ask him

to send one of his juniors
into court tomorrow.

If he's got any sense,...
he'll plead guilty

and ask for a remand on bail.

Remand for what?

Well I hope the magistrate's
progressive enough

to remand over a doctor's report.

Yes, but supposing the doctor
says she's not fit enough

to go on working?

I'm sure Dr. Farleigh would be
very sensible about that.

Ah well, if it's Dr. Farleigh.

Oh, naturally, I sort of suggest having
her examined by my own doctor.

Then again they might not permit it.

But if they do there's
nothing more to worry about?

If it happened that way, no.

But it's a bit "if"....I want
to be sure of the magistrate.

Some of them think
like this man Webber.

If this one does,...he'll refuse
to listen to any excuses

and clap her in jail.

Yes, I suppose so.
And then where will we be?

Sorry old chap....It's not in
my power to stop this case.

Not now.

You could refuse to give
evidence to the prosecution.

Then there'd be no case to answer.

Why should I....Eh?

For one thing to save the heavy costs
of court proceedings, Mr. Webber.

Which falls, you should know,
on the overburdened taxpayer.

[ Scoff ] You ought to be
in parliament yourself, old chap.

Why don't you swap
places with his nips, eh?

Because I know better than
to seek a higher station in life

from the one into which I was born.

I am proud and honored to serve
a noble and distinguished family,

and I know my place.

Well, I wouldn't stand for it.

Running up and down stairs,
bowing and scraping,

and answering bells
like a monkey on a stick...

We all serve a master, Mr. Webber,
unless we happen to be

King Edward, himself,...
which we are not.

I've no doubt there's someone at
your place of work superior to you

whom you must address as "sir"
and treat with respect due to

his rank in the firm.

I've got an employer, yes.

"Our Old Strickers", we call him.

Mr. Strickland, our chief clerk.

And you call him "Strickers"
to his face, do you?

- No, not exactly.
- There you are, then.

And you respect him,
this man Strickland,

whom you must address as "sir"?

Respect him? He's the
biggest fool in the department.

We all laugh at him.

So, you work for a fool.

I work for a man of charm
and character, Mr. Webber.

He's a member of parliament

and married into one of the
great, ruling families of the land

with 400 years of political
influence behind them.

Huh.

And you ask me if I'm content
with my position in life.

All right. I'll be a butler,
then, to some duke.

Think you could get me a position?

You'd have to acquire a very
different attitude towards

domestic service, I fear,
before any self-respecting

family would allow you to
announce their guests or

wait at their table.

You can't take a joke,
can you?

Some things are not a subject
to a jest, Mr. Webber.

So I cannot persuade you
to withhold your evidence

tomorrow and avoid a
great deal of unpleasantness?

As I said, Mr. Hudson,
it's out of my hands now.

The law must take its course.

Then I'll not impose
on you any further.

Goodnight.

[ Opens door
and closes ]

Is Hudson not ill again?

Why do you ask that?

I was wondering why he
asked for time off this evening.

The only time he ever does.

He didn't give a reason.

[ Door opens ]

- Yes Hudson?
- My apologies, my lady.

- Might I speak to you
a moment, sir? - Yes, you may.

[ Closes door ]

I would very much like
to visit the police court

tomorrow morning, sir,
if you would permit it.

-You, Hudson?
- Yes, my lady.

You'll find a bit of it
distressing, Hudson,

sitting there watching
Mrs. Bridges in the dock.

I'm acquainted to a certain
extent with the processes

of the law, sir, after a number
of visits to the public gallery

at the Old Bailey.

How gruesome of you, Hudson.

Not at all, my lady.
I often go to the

Central Criminal Court
on my days off to hear

the great advocates plead.

Just as one would visit
Lord's Cricket Grounds there

to watch Ranjet Singhi or
Doctor Grace at the wicket.

I do not go to gaze
with morbid curiosity

in the faces of the
murderers, my lady.

I see. Well, there's no reason
why you shouldn't go,

as long as the household
functions properly

during your absence.

I would naturally insure
that it does, sir.

But Hudson don't you think
it might upset Mrs. Bridges

if she caught sight of you
on the public benches?

I have in mind taking a small
part in the proceedings, my lady.

If it can be arranged.

Taking part?

If I could be called to the
witness box, sir, I think I

could make a useful
contribution to the hearing.

You mean as a witness
to her character?

Something of the kind, sir.

I would have to see the
solicitor acting for Mrs. Bridges,

if she were to have
such a privilege.

Furthermore, I would need to make
arrangements with the clerk of the court

to see Mrs. Bridges
before the hearing.

As a matter of fact, I called and
suggested to them this afternoon,

someone from that office
will have tending tomorrow.

You could speak to him,
whoever he is, as soon as

he gets into court.
But just tell him who you are.

Thank you very much sir,
my lady.

[ Door opens ]

What an extraordinary request.

I hope he won't say something
rash and make matters worse.

Oh, I think if you learn Hudson,
my dear, he's nobody's fool.

[ Magistrate ] And you thought, no doubt,
that in the thick fog, nobody would

see you take the infant
from its perambulator?

I never thought about it
either way, sir.

About getting caught.

I took the baby because
I felt I ought.

As if I wanted to hold it
in me arms, sir, and

love the little mite.

I never stopped to
think about it being...

some other woman's baby, I...

I just, uh...I carried it
in me arms, sir, and

keep it warm,

and safe.

You had no idea whatsoever
of the identity of the owner

or her address?

No sir.

There was no question of any
intention of returning the infant.

Your aim was to steal
and keep the property.

I wanted to take
it back after, sir, but...

it was too late.

- If I may intervene here,
your worship, - Yes.

I ought to make it quite clear
that the plea of not guilty to theft

is based on a momentary
loss of responsibility

on my client's part.

Uh, this has been due to
certain recent stresses

at her place of employment,
and a psychological condition

of the accused woman's mind
-- a temporary one --

in respect of which I'm asking
to bring further evidence.

Very well.

I call a Mr. Angus Hudson, please.

Do you solemnly swear
that the evidence

you shall give before this court

is the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth

- so help you God?
- I do.

You are Angus Hudson
employed as butler

at the premises of
Eaton Place

where, as we have heard,
the accused is employed as cook.

I am, sir.

How long have you
known the accused?

Approximately 12 years, sir.

I still can't understand
why Mr. Hudson told us

she was going to visit
her friend in hospital.

To spare Mrs. Bridges
feelings, I expect.

Not being nice for cook
to be arrested by the police

in front of all the other servants.

She won't come back
if she goes to prison.

No, she won't.

Is it true Mr. Hudson's
going to watch?

I suppose so.

I'm surprised at Mr. Hudson.

- It's morbid.
- What?

Going to a public hanging.

Why?

People go to funerals.
That's not morbid.

It's showing respect.

Isn't it?

So from what you've observed
of the moods and general behavior

of the accused belowstairs
during the last few weeks

would you say she was suffering
from severe nervous strain.

- Most definitely, sir.

And what do you think
was the cause of this?

She was particularly upset by
the recent suicide in the house

of a young kitchen maid
who worked under her.

Being a very lonely person
with no relatives or dependents.

She come to regard the
young girl as...like a daughter.

They were very close.

And you agree with the
evidence of Dr. Farleigh

as to her nervous condition?

I do, sir.

And I would like to add that
I believe Mrs. Bridges

is badly in need
of love and affection

and a sense of being wanted.

- She is a brilliant cook, your worship,

-and was highly regarded in that
capacity by my employers.

But, in the personal sense,
she has no one to care for

except for an elderly woman
friend of some years standing.

And nobody to care
for her or advise her

or look after her.

It is for that reason that
I have offered her marriage.

We are both unattached
persons, your worship.

And it occurred to me that
if I could undertake to keep

the accused lady happy
and cared for in the future,

during our continued service
with Lady Marjorie Bellamy,

and in later years when
we'll have perhaps retired,

your worship might see his way
to overlook this unfortunate lapse,

and be assured, sir, that with
me to help and guide her

such a thing would
never occur again.

- And further more, sir...
- Yes, yes, thank you, Mr. Hudson.

You may stand down now.

- Thank you.
- Sir.

Your worship.

Oh, your worship, in view of
what you have heard

I am asking you
to dismiss this case.

[ Whispering ]

It seems to me, Bridges, that
a large number of people

have gone to a great deal
of trouble to obtain your

acquittal on this charge.

- Taking everything into consideration

- I am prepared to accept the
theft of Mrs. Webber's child

- as due to a momentary
lapse of responsibility

- brought on by severe
mental strain and depression.

You have a good
position in service,

a thoughtful employer
and a most loyal colleague

in the butler, Mr. Hudson.

So I'm going to bind you over for
three months on good behavior,

and hope that you will not have
occasion to appear before me again.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Ha, I've never heard anything like
it outside the House of Commons

or the High Courts of Justice.

Marshall Hall, himself,
could not have done better.

He can't really mean he
wants to marry Mrs. Bridges!

That's what he said in court,
and he's asked her.

But I gather she
wants to wait.

But at least the gesture
helped get her off!

[ Door closes ]

Begging your pardon, my lady.

Hudson, what's all this I hear?

Making a speech in court, and
offering to marry Mrs. Bridges?

I must apologize to my lady,
and to the master,

for not asking your permission
before offering my hand

to Mrs. Bridges in marriage.

The truth is that the idea
only occurred to me

last night in my pantry
when I was pondering

ways of helping Mrs. Bridges
out of her troubles.

But has she accepted you?
That's the point.

We discussed the matter in
her cell at the police station,

my lady, shortly before the hearing.

And what did she say?

She was very touched, my lady.

She agreed that we should both...
being unattached, as it were

reserve ourselves for each other
in the not too distant future,

whilst continuing meanwhile in
your ladyship's service as before.

That seems a very
satisfactory arrangement.

Where is Mrs. Bridges now?

Waiting outside in the hall,
my lady, she...

She would very much like to
come in and say something

to you, if you wouldn't mind.

Yes, of course, Hudson,
send her in.

Thank you, my lady.

[ Opens door ]

- [ Emotionally ] Oh, my lady!
- There, there, Mrs. Bridges.

All over now.

I'm so ashamed, my lady.

- Can you ever forgive me?
- I've told you. It's all over.

The matter will never be
referred to in this house again.

You've all been
so good to me.

Mr. Bellamy and I have
done nothing except

to return the child
to its parents.

It's Hudson you have to thank.

Yes, my lady.

- Congratulations, Mrs. Bridges,
on your exciting plans.

Hudson, get a bottle of Krug 98 to
the servant's hall and celebrate.

Oh, thank you, sir.
That's very good of you.

What I want to do now, my lady,
is to get back into me kitchen

and get on with me job.

Of course you do, Mrs. Bridges.

Don't forget we've this important
dinner party next Thursday.

We'll discuss the menu
in the morning.

I want you to give us
a really special dinner.

Excuse me, my lady, if I may
intervene on this point...

You're not in court now, Hudson.

Oh, no sir...
it was just to say that

Mrs. Bridges has been
through a good

deal of anxiety and
distress lately, my lady.

I was, therefore, planning
for her to spend a few days

with a sister of mine
in Folkston, if you would

consider giving her some time off.

Also, I've heard of an excellent
cook who would be only too

pleased to come in for the dinner
party on Thursday evening.

You never said none of this
to me, Mr. Hudson.

The idea was to surprise you
with a wee holiday,

- Mrs. Bridges.
- I'm not going on no wee holiday.

Begging your pardon, my lady.

D'you think I'm going
off to Folkston

leave my kitchen to
some outside cook!

When we've got important
people to dinner?

I'm very grateful for
the thought, Mr. Hudson.

Well!

- You're not a husband yet,
are you Hudson?

So it would seem, sir.

No, he's not.

Well, if you really feel
you can manage Thursday.

I'll be up in the morning,
my lady, with some ideas

for a main course.

And, this time I won't be late.

Very well, Mrs. Bridges.

Huh.

Huh.

[ Opens door ] - Oh, and Hudson.
- Sir.

[ Door closes] - We're most grateful.
- It was a pleasure, sir.

My lady.

[ Opens door;
closes door ]

I remember when he was
a young footman at Southwald,

My mother always
said he would get on,...

the Scots always do.

Well, if luncheon will be a
little bit late today,

it can't be helped.

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