Original subtitles

How old are you, Nobby?

18.

All right, 15.

You have the liver of a 45-year-old, and...

(HE GROANS)

A fairly unhealthy 45-yea-old at that.

-Do you feel it? -Lumpy. Rough to the touch.

-Hypertrophic cirrhosis. -What's that then?

-You're poisoning yourself, Nobby. -What with?

Gin, brandy, ale, stout, Scotch.

Need I go on?

It's good to see you again, Nobby.

Find Mr Clark a bed.

No, I told you...

You came in here in state of collapse.

This time, you're staying.

(SHE SIGHS)

(SHE KNOCKS ON DOOR)

Come in.

Oh! I came to check you were up.

I haven't slept a wink.

-You nervous? -Not really.

Here.

Yes.

I suppose so, a little. It feels like cheating.

Cheating yourself, sleeping in the day.

And this heat, it's stifling.

Well, you should have rested.

-How are you going to make it through the night? - Oh.

101.

Open your mouth.

Put out your tongue for me.

A little closer. You'll see nothing from there.

Closer.

That's better. Nice and cosy.

Now, the tongue is furred and the breath...

(BOY RETCHES)

-15th case today. -(BOY VOMITS)

It's this bloody heat.

For the notes, diarrhea and vomiting.

Another?

It sweeps through the slums whenever the temperature goes above 70.

They're dropping like flies.

Find him a bed in Charlotte.

Yes, Doctor.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Come in.

Thank you for coming so quickly, Sister.

I trust the air at Bexhill has restored you.

Quite restored, thank you, Miss Luckes.

I wouldn't have called if we weren't under the most terrible pressure.

-D and V? -I've never known it as bad.

We're losing children hand over fist.

14 last night. 10 the night before.

We're desperate for nurses of your experience.

(DOOR OPENS)

(SQUEAKING)

Good evening, Probationer. Your shoes squeak. Change them.

This is night duty, remember.

Nothing must disturb the patients' rest. Do you understand?

Yes, Sister.

And a good evening to you, too, Sister.

Sister, this is Mr Clarke and his notes.

Nobby!

Well, if it isn't my favourite nurse.

-Bed 4, Probationer. -Yes, Sister.

This way, Nob...Mr Clark.

Alcoholic cirrhosis.

That's the chap. Saline purge, 20 grams of chloral every four hours and...

Keep him off the sauce.

-Sauce, Doctor? -Ardent spirits, Sister Russell. Strong liquor.

Oh, I see.

Keep a weather eye, a slippery customer is our Nobby

Sulphonal if he gets jumpy.

(CHILD CRIES)

Put him next to bed 7 where I can keep a closer watch.

Poor little mite's as weak as water

Excuse me, Sister.

Howard is very poorly again.

-I have changed his napkins, but it's still coming through green. -Castor oil and opium.

-Sister Gulland, a moment if you please. - Good evening, Matron.

You know Sister Spencer, I think.

Thank goodness you've come. It's all hands on deck, as you can see.

-I'll leave you to it. -You know what they say, a hot May makes for a fat churchyard.

Bowls, bedpans and urinals must all be cleaned after use and put back in their places.

Yes, Sister.

There are fermentations to be renewed, ice packs to be filled.

I'll need temperatures taken every four hours.

-Yes, Sister. -Corporal Dixon.

Blood pressure and pulse need to be taken every ten minutes.

But leave him to me for now.

Acquaint yourself with the notes of the other patients.

Tea and toast at midnight.

-Good evening, Matron. -Good evening, Sister.

Shall we walk the ward?

You know, of all the aspects of nursing, it's night duty I miss the most.

Do you know why?

Because night duty brings out the real nurse.

It rubs off the polish.

The more silver is rubbed, the brighter it shines.

But base metals soon shows its character.

Bed 3 is uncomfortable.

And bed 7, the red needs straightening.

-Good evening, Sister. -Matron.

Thank you all for coming and especially at such short notice.

Needless to say, this is a crisis.

It's going to be a hot night and a bloody long one by the looks of things.

Gentlemen, The London has always been poor,

but in 5 weeks, Mr Morris' estimate, we're not just poor...

We're closed.

(MAN COUGHING)

Evening, squire.

Here's hoping.

Nobby Clark, at your service.

Go on, then.

Joseph Levy. Pleased to meet you.

Here, never forget a dial.

Don't you run that kosher cafe off Leman Street?

The one those Bessarabias they did over.

I stopped bunging them ten bob a week, so they come round, smashing my windows.

Why don't they go home, the lot of them?

I mean, begging your pardon, 'cause you're one of them and all, ain't you?

No, I bloody am not. I'm a London Jew.

They're foreign Jews. Flooding in here.

I'd like to chiv the lot of them.

Uh...

This is a hospital ward, not a public house.

You're not even undressed. I told you to get undressed.

-Sorry, miss. -Back to your bed, now.

Not my colour, miss. Sorry.

-Ah! You're not having my titfer? -Alright, then I'll trade you.

The hat, for this.

Now, into your jimjams.

-What's all this in aid of then? -Damned if I know.

It's a bloody nuisance, whatever it is.

-Can't get out of it, old boy. -Out of it!

I can't bloody well get into it!

Let it cool a little and use a teaspoon.

And if you can keep that down, carbonated bismuth.

10 grains, suspended in some albumin water.

Probationer Goodley, would you see to Oliver for me?

He's the little boy with Ichthyosis simplex.

He needs his glycerine massage.

I'd do it myself, but I must get...

Oh, and Dr Sequeira wanted Oliver to have that cone of sherbet.

-Yes, of course. -Will you be alright?

-Yes, Sister. -And, Probationer, whatever you do,

don't flinch.

He's over there.

Don't go in there, miss, there's a crocodile in there.

Shh!

Hello, Oliver.

-This is for you. -What is it?

I don't know. Shall we have a look?

Oooh! (LAUGHS)

Ah, good evening, gentlemen. En guard! Ha-ha!

I don't go anywhere without it.

You never know who you're going to meet.

The night is ours. Come. Thank you

-Please, sir, it's my baby. -Sorry, my dear. The hospital is closed.

Oh, please, sir. Could you just...

-Let's get a crack on, Culpers. -Please, sir...

(HE WINCES)

Is that nice?

(MEN COUGH AND SPLUTTER)

Let's make you a little more comfortable, Mr Hooley.

-Upsie... -Oh, shouldn't you get Sister to help you?

It's alright, I can manage.

(HE GROANS)

Oh! I'm so sorry.

Don't worry, miss. Just straighten us out.

(MAN COUGHING)

(HE GROANS)

-Is something hurting? -Yeah, my feet.

Would you believe it?

Don't tell me, they're growing back.

I'll change these dressings and fetch you something for the pain.

Looks familiar.

Yours, I believe, Mr Clark. I'm returning it.

Very decent of you, I'm sure.

You'll find it empty.

-You what? -I flushed it down the lavatory.

That was French, that was.

Do you have any more alcohol about your person?

Me?

You wound me, Sister.

You don't trust me.

I'm cut to the quick. Really, I am.

-What's this? -It's a nail file.

Some nail!

Oh! Oh, that! Why didn't you say?

I would have told you about that, it's just... that's not really booze.

That's more in the line of your medicine.

Leave the medicine to us, Mr Clark.

Call me Nobby.

Any more?

No more, I promise.

Cross my heart and hope to die.

Don't you lift your hat to a lady?

Begging your pardon, miss.

Please, miss. It's just one little nightcap, that's all, just one.

Dixon! Damn...

Miss...

'Ere, Levy, you ain't got a drop put by, have ya?

'Ere, miss, have you got one for me?

No, I haven't. Go to sleep, Nobby.

Here. Drink this. It's brandy.

That's it.

Thirsty, gentlemen?

I'm drier than a wooden gob, mate.

-Oh, jolly good. Good evening. -Good evening, Fenwick.

Let's go through.

Pol Roger '83. Excellent choice, Mr Fenwick.

Gentlemen...

The King.

Hm, splendid.

I confess there's an ulterior motive to my invitation this evening.

How shall I put this?

Since the unfortunate, um...

Departure of Dr Cameron...

-RIP and all that... -Indeed, has left me somewhat in the lurch.

I need a new house surgeon, you see.

That's why I arranged this evening.

There are only two gents in the running for the job.

And I'm looking right at 'em.

(BABIES CRY)

-There's a good girl. -I think it's finished now, miss.

It's beef tea, Maudie. Have a sip.

Just try to keep it down.

There's a good girl.

That's it.

Now just relax, Reggie.

Now swallow, dear.

(HE RETCHES)

There's a brave boy. There's a brave boy.

Oh, dear God!

Am I going to die, miss?

Of course you're not going to die, Dora.

'Cause I don't want to go to Jesus yet.

Just a little more.

Oh, no. (CHILD VOMITS)

Oh...

Oh, please!

There's sepsis here. Behind the flap.

That's why it feels hot.

They will have to open the wound and put in a drain.

What's wrong now?

How do you feel, Mr Hooley?

Aren't you in pain?

-I'm not as much now, not since the brandy. -Brandy?

-Did you give him brandy? -I checked his notes, it's what he always has.

Just an hour early, that's all.

On whose authority, may I ask?

Sorry, Sister, but he was in pain. I was only trying to...

Of course he was in pain. Pain tells us when something is wrong.

I was quite specific as to your duties and you have seen fit to act on your own behest.

Nurses do not prescribe medication, and you are not a nurse, not yet.

Not ever, if you carry on like this.

Mr Dean requests a telephone on the theatre floor.

We've managed perfectly well without one and shall continue to do so.

Three and a half pounds of butter per week for the children's wards.

Very well, but good dripping when it's available.

So, in toto, the tradesman's bills for this quarter amount to...

7,500 pounds, Mr Chairman.

Do we not have the funds in any of the accounts?

I'm reminded of a certain camel and a certain straw.

Do you wish me to make an application for an extension of the loan?

No.

Water pipes, telephones, drippings. What's the point of penny pinching here and there

when we're looking down the barrel of a gun?

The meeting's closed, gentlemen.

We've done everything we can.

Thank you. I'm sure you have wives waiting for you.

Um... Begging Mrs Morris' pardon but not you, old chap.

We'll go through these numbers again and see if we can't weave some magic.

Nice steady hand, Mr Fenwick.

In another life, I think I would have made a damn good butcher.

Or a murderer!

(HE LAUGHS)

Some might say I already am!

Come on, Culpers, get into those sprouts.

(BABY CRIES)

Maud?

Maud?

Maud?

She's gone.

Lay her flat, straighten her legs.

No, watch.

Sometimes you have to leave your fingers here a minute or two.

Fold her arms across her chest.

Good.

(SHE GASPS)

It's rather melted.

-I thought I made it clear that we would never... -What shall I do with it?

The ice cream, I mean.

-Put it in the bowl. -Oh.

Do you need a handkerchief?

No. No, thank you.

Really, Bedford, it's half past 10 at night. What are you doing here?

Oh, I'm not sure. There was an emergency committee meeting, and I...

I just wanted to see you.

Well...now you have.

I couldn't ask for a glass of water, could I?

Yes.

-Here. -Thank you.

Are you alright?

I have come over a little...

-I have come over a little un... -Please, sit down, sit down.

Loosen your collar.

(HE GASPS)

Put your head between your knees.

(HE GASPS)

Oh.

I'm so sorry.

There's so much I wanted to say, and I...

Well, now of course I can't say it!

Perhaps, um...

Yes, perhaps it's best you don't.

Shall I call you a cab?

Well, yes, of course, you're right, I must go.

-Are you sure you're alright? -No, I'm fine, thank you. Um, I...

Yes?

I think I've mislaid a stud.

I'll send it on to you.

Thank you.

Eva...

I'm sorry.

Just go home.

(DOOR OPENS)

(SHE SIGHS)

(DOOR CLOSES)

Damn! Damn thing!

(SHE GASPS)

(BABY CRIES)

(BABIES CRY)

"Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward

"Into the valley of Death

"Rode the six hundred.

"'Forward the Light Brigade!'

"Cannon to right of them,

"Cannon to left of them,

"Cannon in front of them"

-Tennyson? -If you say so.

My old man used to recite it.

Said it gave him bottle.

God knows I'm going to need it now, Dad.

"When can their glory fade?

BOTH: "O the wild charge they made!

"All the world wonder'd.

"Honour the charge they made!

"Honour the Light Brigade,

"Noble six hundred!"

(SHE WEEPS)

You're going to need another operation, I'm afraid, Mr Hooley.

As soon as possible.

We can do it on the ward when a doctor becomes available.

Probationer...

You are on report.

Expenditure, 37,045 pounds.

-There's a shortfall... -Yes.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

-Lord Rothschild! -Bertie!

-Come in. -Sydney.

Mr Morris.

No, thank you.

I'm afraid I'm the bearer of some bad tidings, well, potentially.

Go on.

I've come straight from the meeting and the board has decided against my advice

to go ahead with the plans to build a Jewish hospital...

-Exclusively for Jews. -You know what this means, don't you?

All our Jewish support, and presumably yours, too, will go to the new hospital.

My patronage was never in question here.

I shall always support The London financially.

But what about the other Jewish benefactors? Without them...

I put our case as forcefully as I was able.

Irony.

We Jews, rejected, rejected, rejected right across Europe.

Accepted at last in the East End of London, and we don't want it.

I said to them, this is our chance to be...included, but they don't hear me.

They don't want to hear me.

Let me ask you something about this Jewish hospital.

Would they turn me away if I was sick? Would they?

Because we wouldn't turn them away, we don't turn them away. Our Hebrew wards are full.

-What's the name of this hospital? -Sydney, please

The London. We treat Londoners, we treat all sick people. Jews, Gentiles,

Hottentots if they need it, anyone!

Are they really prepared to sacrifice that?

Try and see it their way.

You talk about London, but that's not London out there.

Not to them. It's Poland.

It's Russia, it's...Latvia.

They don't speak English.

They don't eat English food, they don't sing English songs.

They're Jews.

They've got their own synagogues, why shouldn't they have their own hospital?

That's what they think, that's how they see it.

They think they are right.

Are they wrong?

-Are they? -Yes, I think they are.

I think so, too.

But they don't.

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye who are sick."

All "ye".

And he was a Jew, Nattie.

I'm sorry, Sydney.

Really, I am.

That's the essence of my article. You see, there are certain presentations

of intracranial meningitis that deserve separate consideration.

And tell me, how has this article of yours been received?

Well, it's generated some interested correspondence.

What about you, Culpin?

Have you read your learned colleague's magnum opus?

-I'm afraid I haven't had that pleasure. -Pity.

Pity?

Let me tell you something.

My father practised medicine in the Bush for 15 years.

He believed in getting his hands dirty.

There are women waiting at the gates of The London right now

as we sit here, theorising, drinking champagne. Your learned articles!

Whatever happened to the people? Excuse me.

I saved three people's lives today.

How did I do that?

With these? With this?

Partly.

But I couldn't have done it without knowledge.

Articles. Generations of doctors at my elbow,

from Hippocrates and Galen right through to Frederick Treves.

We are fortunate enough to stand on the shoulders of giants.

Sit down, Mr Culpin.

-Do you mind if I join you? -Of course.

Cigar?

What makes you do this?

Do you really want to know?

I was walking with my father.

I was no more than seven or eight years old, I suppose,

and I saw a woman crouching in a doorway.

She was dressed in rags, head bound.

So I asked my father for a shilling.

I crossed over to her,

feeling rather good about myself no doubt,

and...I put the coin into her hand

Her hand was completely rigid.

She had frozen to death.

I can still feel the touch of her cold fingers, Morris.

That's why I do this.

And because I feel guilty.

Guilty?

For having something...

Everything...that's denied to them.

Listen.

(A BABY CRIES)

-Hold the leg still, please, nurse. -Yes, Doctor.

-Still, you have to hold it still! - Yes, Doctor.

Press here.

-Swab. -Sister?

DOCTOR: Pipe down in there, will ya?

I'm trying to get some kip!

I'll see to this.

Go back to sleep, Mr Gould.

There's nothing to worry about.

Go to sleep, now. There's nothing to worry about.

Go to sleep, Mr Clark.

There's nothing to worry about.

Go to sleep. There's nothing...

There's nothing...

(DOCTOR SHOUTING ORDERS)

Go to sleep.

Go...

(SAWING)

-(PIANO PLAYS) -What about a bit of G&S?

(LAUGHTER)

* Take a pair of sparkling eyes Hidden ever and anon

* In a merciful eclipse...

* Do not heed their mild surprise having passed the Rubicon

-* Take a pair of rosy lips... -Pipe up, Culpin!

* Take a figure trimly planned

* Such as admiration whets

* Be particular in this...

-Oh, God help me! -* Dainty little hand

* Fringed with dainty fingerettes

* Press it, press it in parentheses

* Ah...

* Take all these, you lucky man

* Take and keep them if you can If you can

* Take all these, you lucky man

* Take and keep them if you can

* If you can

(SNIFFING)

Oh, no! No!

Sister, there's...

Whatever's the matter?

I should have checked.

I missed the temples check.

It was a mistake. It could happen to anyone.

I'm not anyone.

-I'm Sister. -Yes, Sister, sorry, Sister.

Why have you had your hand in the porridge?

Levy!

Mr Levy!

-What are you doing here? -Joseph. As if you don't know.

No!

We watched your grandfather enter into rest.

We watched your father enter into rest, and now,

we will watch you

-enter into rest. -No, you bleeding won't! Ow!

Don't take on so. It'll turn up, I'm sure.

I don't know who I'm supposed to be any more.

(SHE SOBS)

Get back to work, Probationer.

Yes, Sister.

(SHE WEEPS)

(SHE LAUGHS)

(SOBBING)

What're you doing out of bed, Mr Levy?

What? And listen to those two?

What two?

What?

Let's fetch you back into bed.

(BABY CRIES)

(INDISTINCT VOICE)

No, he must have been gone before I came in.

What with Mr Levy on the floor.

It's not your fault, I'll go.

Do you know what I look for in a house surgeon?

Dedication, authority, pluck, and the ability to drink me under the table.

-Fetch me a cab, would you? -Of course, sir.

But most of all, gentlemen,

I look for instinct.

Gut feeling.

I've learned to trust my instinct

And it is my instinct that led me to the decision I'm going to put to the committee.

-Cab, Mr Fenwick. -Yes, I'm coming.

You're my man, Mr Lawes.

I shall recommend you.

* Take a pair of sparkling eyes

* Hidden ever and anon...

No hard feelings, old chap.

None taken.

* Take a pair of rosy lips...

(HE SOBS)

Look at them.

They're not dead.

I tell you, look at them wriggling.

Crawling.

Like maggots.

Like fat maggots.

I can see them.

I can see their eyes,

looking at me.

Little...pink eyes.

Teeth like pigs.

Oh, God...

Get back, get back!

It's all right, I'm here.

Get off me!

Let go of me.

No, I won't.

I won't let go of you. I'll never let you go.

No! Please. Look at me. Look at me.

I'm so scared.

I'm so bloody scared.

I know.

(HE SOBS)

So am I.

Can't sleep?

In three and a half hours' time,

Nurse Goddard will enter my study and put a tray on the table.

Tea, toast, marmalade and a rasher of bacon.

She'll say good morning, I'll say good morning.

I'm sorry, Eva, I don't...

A nurse has brought me my breakfast every morning at the same time for 30 years.

Always the same.

Tea, toast, marmalade and bacon.

And do you know something?

I've never questioned it.

I've never said, No, I want an egg.

I've never thought of changing it.

I don't think I've ever even tasted it.

I never thought it could be different.

I'm a porridge man myself.

Just once, I would have liked to feel my heart beating and a man's arms around me.

What do I tell my girls?

Is this the price they have to pay?

I don't know what to say.

There's nothing to say, Sydney.

Yes, there is.

You've no idea how much you mean to the people around you,

to me, to the staff, to the nurses.

These men and women down here, at the gates, when they stretch out their arms,

they are stretching them out to you. You are The London.

Never, ever underestimate what you've achieved here, Eva.

God bless you.

Have a heart, missy!

(VOICES BEGGING FOR ENTRY)

Sister...

Sister, we have to find space for these children.

There are no beds, Matron. What about the empty ones?

We haven't changed the sheets.

Well, do so, and put them two to a bed, head to toe.

You two, over here. Use that bed, follow me.

Now, lie down. Get some rest.

Thanks, Mum.

Dear Lord,

please accept ,these innocent souls into your tender care.

It is your will that they have been taken from us.

Let them rejoice in your love forever.

-(DOOR OPENS) -Amen.

No, please, don't get up.

I just came to see how you were, all of you.

What is it, Probationer Goodley?

My fingers are sore.

From sewing shrouds.

One after another.

I lost count in the end.

This one girl, she...

She died in my arms.

Ever so quiet, she was.

And I thought,

why has she been taken and I have been spared?

I mean, it's so unfair.

Open the curtains.

We're in God's hands, Laura.

Never forget that.

Mourn the dead, but our business is with the living.

-Mr Elkinson. -Yes, Sister.

Could you see this goes to Dr Walton?

-Certainly, Sister. -Thank you.

Probationer Bennett. I hear you're a good mimic.

-Is that right? -Um...

I hear you impersonate me.

May I see it?

-Really... -I insist.

The most important four words a nurse must learn,

"Can I help you?" Or is it, "Mine's a double gin"?

(LAUGHTER)

Remember, ladies. The London expects the impossible and...

And...

(SHE LAUGHS)

That's very good.

I must recommend you for the Christmas concert.

Now, today is a new day.

And you'd better be getting off to your beds.

Um, Probationer Bennett.

I've been reading Sister Russell's ward notes for Wellington

Oh!

-She says you have the makings of a good nurse. -Oh!

-But that she's had to report you. -Oh!

Now, if we have to talk about this again,

it'll be in my office with your bags packed.

-Do you understand? -Yes, Miss Luckes.

Good.

(SHE EXHALES)

(DOOR OPENS, DOCTOR SINGS)

-* Take all these, you lucky man -(SHE GASPS)

* Take and keep them if you can

* If you can... Open the door, Stan. I'm ready for anything.

-* Take all these, you lucky... * - Morning.

* Da-da-da-dee

* If you can

FENWICK: * Take a pair of sparkling eyes

* Hidden ever and anon

* In a merciful eclipse

* Do not heed their mild surprise having passed the Rubicon

-* Take a pair of rosy lips... -Pipe up, Culpin!

* Take a figure trimly planned

* Such as admiration whets

* Be particular in this...

Hangover cure. It looks like you need it.

* Fringed with dainty fingerettes

* Press it, press it in parentheses

* Ah...

* Take all these, you lucky man

* Take and keep them if you can If you can

* If you can