Original subtitles

You leave me alone, will you?

You leave me alone.

I know you're there!

You listen to this.

There is money, a large sum,

due to me from the sale of my pedigree cattle in the Argentine.

And there is also money to come from the standard oil company

who have chartered four of my tankers.

In all, about £40,000.

When this comes, naturally, I will have no more need of financial assistance

and will return my order book, reference number 86-27946.

I will also pay to the government £10,000,

which should more than cover anything I have received.

The balance to go to the treasury

to be used for any purpose the prime minister wishes.

My solicitors, messieurs kean, Duncan, and McKenzie

will be dealing with these matters.

Meanwhile, as you are aware,

the powers that be have again increased the rates

and they are demanding from me immediate payment of 10 shillings and six pence,

and also six pence more every week.

I enclose their account for you to see.

I can't pay it."

Yours respectfully, Margaret Ross, Mrs.

47 shoal street, countess of erde,

dame of the order of the garter, doctor of law,

assistance book reference number 8627946.

"P.s. I need a pair of shoes.

The ones I have let in the rain.”

Morning, Mrs. Ross.

Well, what's the latest?

Are they still at it?

Yes, good morning, sergeant.

Yes, they were listening this morning.

Well, I've been thinking, you know, why don't you get rid of that wireless set of yours?

That's the answer. “Yes.

Yes, but what about the pipes and all the other things?

Yes, of course, I'd forgotten about them.

Well, it all takes time, you know?

We have got a man left in time.

Is he out now?

Oh, yes, he's always on the job, he's very brave.

One of the best we've got.

Yes, but there is something new.

They've had the key cut,

and they get in when I'm out visiting friends and go through my private papers.

Is that so?

I'll have to make note of that.

Yes, it's definitely not the dolans.

The dolans went some weeks ago.

And Indians are now living in the house,

one of them has a beard,

and there's a white woman who may be held against her will,

I don't know.

Yes, well, we'll change our line of investigation, Mrs. Ross,

I'll put the vice squad onto it.

And thank you very much for letting us know.

I'm very much obliged, yes, and happy new year.

He can take you in his loving arms and cleanse you with his blessed spirit.

God bless you, lad.

That's right, send out a message!

- Hallelujah! - Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Praise the lord.

Sit down you dozy old cow.

Hallelujah!

Quiet!

Quiet!

No one will get anything to eat in here today

unless this noise is stopped immediately.

Now sit down, sit down all of you.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Aren't you? Yes.

Now you will all sing a hymn, then you will get your soup.

- Understand? - Yes, sir.

- Right. - Good.

Shall we gather at the river?

Where bright angel feet have trod

with its crystal tide forever

flowing by the throne of god?

Yes, we'll gather at the river

the beautiful, the beautiful river

gather with the saints at the river

that flows by the throne of god

on the margin of the river

washing up its silver spray

we will walk and worship ever

all the happy golden day

yes, we'll gather at the river

the beautiful, the beautiful river

gather with the saints at the river

that flows by the throne of god

god bless you.

Thank you.

God bless you.

- Come to service on Sunday. - You must be kidding.

God bless you.

God bless you.

Mrs. Ross, over here please.

Hi, Mrs. Ross.

I got your letter.

You've got 10 and six I think it was to pay at once.

- Is that right? - Yes, and I want a pair of shoes.

Yes, all right. Well, now you get the 10 and six now,

and you must go down and pay the bill as soon as you can.

- Will you do that? - Yes.

I'll do it tomorrow morning after I've done my charity work.

Good, you do that.

Well, now about the shoes,

I'll send someone to see you before the end of the week.

Try and stay at home in the mornings, will you?

I sometimes have to go out quite early in connection with personal matters,

to see my lawyer and so on.

Oh, I know, yes, but if you could just stay at home in the morning for the next few days,

it would be a great help to me, you see.

Very well, Mr. Conrad.

One never minds obliging a real gentleman.

My husband, although his qualities weren't apparent to everybody,

had the makings of a gentleman.

You see, I married beneath me.

Do you ever hear from your son?

He sent me a huge bunch of flowers yesterday.

Roses.

It was my birthday.

Oh, well, that was nice of him.

He never forgets.

Are you there?

But this is precisely what we as a party shall be looking to in the future

and paying strict regard to moreover.

We are not a party that pays lip service

to the old age pensioner at election time

and then conveniently forgets.

The problem, the major problem of old age is undoubtedly loneliness.

A great many old people live entirely alone, unvisited and unwanted,

living day in and day out in small rooms without company or friends.

Poor old souls.

We are going to be their friends.

And I put it to you that at the next election

we should all go forward and cast our votes

in the light of what I have said here today and in the light...

Now you leave me alone, do you hear up there?

You leave me alone!

You get away from there.

Do you hear?

You get away.

You get away from there.

Let me in, it's me.

I know who it is, I know.

You go away from there, do you hear?

But it's me, mum, Charlie.

Who?

Charlie.

Charlie who?

Charlie, mum.

Your Charlie, your son.

Well, your father isn't at home.

He hasn't been at home for 20 years, you stupid old mare.

I didn't come to see dad, mum,

I came to see you, darling.

What for?

I've got something for you.

What?

A present.

Hello, mum.

Where is it?

What, darling?

- Is that it? - This?

Oh, the present you mean.

No, no, this isn't it.

Where is it then?

It's a surprise.

Let me in and I'll give it to you.

You can't stay the night.

I haven't got the guest room made up.

That's all right, I'm not on the strand.

I just want to come in and see you for a minute or two, that's all.

I pay a visit to me own mother, can't I?

Yes.

Well, here we are then.

Been to a wedding, have you?

You've got confetti in your hair.

Confetti?

Yeah.

Oh, forget it.

Well, we're not gonna stand here all night, are we?

Let's go into the ideal home exhibition.

You can put your broom down, you don't need that, it's not full moon.

What have you done in here then?

Done?

Look, why don't you... l mean, can't you...

Look, here's a couple of quid.

Buy yourself... get yourself...

Look, when's your birthday?

Go and spend it on something.

Soap or something.

Thank you, Charlie, you always were a good boy.

Yes, well, don't get hysterical.

Look, I'm going to the room, ma, I'm not leaving.

I just want to get something.

I'll be back in a minute.

Make us a cup of tea or something.

Ooh.

What's he doing in there?

- Did you get it? - What?

What you were looking for.

No, it doesn't matter now.

What was it?

It doesn't matter.

Well, I'm gonna go now.

Oh, I've just poured you a cup of tea.

Oh, I'm sorry, I just looked at the time and it's late.

I'll see you then.

I haven't seen your father for quite a time.

Well, that's no great loss, is it?

I'll be off then. All right.

Charlie? What?

Where's your parcel?

What parcel?

You had it under your arm.

Oh, the parcel.

I left it out here.

I'll pick it up on the way out.

Look after yourself then.

Shall I see you?

Yes, I'll be back again soon, about a week.

Charlie?

Charlie?

Well...

Won't keep hot for a week.

Can you deny that?

Didn't he give me money?

What?

I didn't ask for it.

He gave it.

Sticks and stones, that's all it is.

You oughta mind your manners, you stupid bitch.

Who needs it?

Well, get lost.

And you.

- Oh, my. - Oh, I beg your pardon.

Oh, excuse me, miss, miss, miss.

- Mrs. Ross, does she live here? - Who?

- Mrs. Ross. - Some old bird who lives down there.

Why don't you knock and find out?

Oh, right, thanks.

I could have thought of that myself.

Why didn't Mr. Conrad come himself?

Oh, well, he's busy, you see, so I do his outside calls.

Um, you've... you've got another room apart from this, have you?

Yes.

Ah, may I see it?

Just routine, while I'm here, you know, but it doesn't matter.

There's nothing in the room.

No... oh, that's fine then.

Just a quick look while I'm here, eh?

Oh, this way, is it?

Read a lot, don't you, Mrs. Ross?

Yes, I've always been a great reader.

We always had a library at the old house.

Fond of a good read myself, books and that.

Of course you...

Hm.

Ever thought of getting rid of those old newspapers?

They clutter up the place a bit, don't they?

I like to keep them for reference.

Yes, yes, of course.

They're a bit dangerous, you know, if there's a fire or anything.

I'm very careful.

Well, dirty too, they collect the dust.

Well, I keep them.

I might want to look at something.

Yes, right.

Right, now about those shoes you wanted.

Is that the only pair you have?

Just these.

I'v e-

I've caught it onto something.

Yes, yes, well, fine, yes,

we can manage to do something about those.

Oh, yes, we'll see you within a day or two about these.

I like a nice style though, nothing racy.

Gally out to play, gally out to play!

Wickle-wackle, wickle-wackle, gally out to play!

Something in the path, something in the path!

Turn your toes, turn your toes, something in the path!

Oh, John, I thought you were gonna do the washing up while I was out.

The kid's been crying all afternoon.

Oh, my gosh, come down, look at the state of this.

I couldn't help it, if he's crying and I try to look after him.

You know you sit... you sit down here all day.

What do I do? I go out and earn some money.

You should have come back before.

Sit there and just sit around the house all day watching the bloody television.

If you would have come back, I would have gone out and looked for a job.

I'm gonna take the television away tomorrow and then you'll...

You want the money? I've got the money...

You've got the money!

You really make me sick.

If you would have come back before, I would have...

I can't come back before, they won't let me cut away early.

I don't know why I married you.

Young lady.

- Young lady. - Yes, what?

Why don't you escape?

- Do what? - Escape.

Take a chance, run away now.

What are you talking about? Run away? Who from?

From that vile man who's holding you against your will.

Against my what?

I know.

I know how he treats you.

You go to the police and you'll get protection.

What have I got to be protected from?

From him, from that Indian.

Now, listen, listen.

You mind your own sodding business.

Nobody asked for your advice so don't give it.

Oh, yes, and another thing, the other night you was bashing on the ceiling with something, weren't you?

Otherwise, I'm telling you, I'll come down here, I'll bash your door in,

and once I'm in I'm just as likely to bash you in too.

So keep your bleeding nose out of it or else you're the one that'll need protecting.

Who are you talking to down there?

Nothing to do with you.

So you get the message, do you?

And don't you start giving me that police stuff either,

otherwise I'll be the one... I'll be the one who will go the police

and they'll cart you off to the bleeding nuthouse.

Now what do I do...

Out of sight...

I'll put them out of sight, I'll get them sorted out.

He won't look in the cupboard.

Oh, what's that?

Haven't seen that before.

Where did that come from?

Oh, god.

Oh, my god.

In the drawer.

Are you there?

"Dear Mr. Conrad,

I am glad to tell you that my money has arrived at last

and I will no longer have to accept charity or insult."

Not meaning you, of course,

you have always been a gentleman,

but another so-called civil servant, who was far from civil,

although paid out of taxes that are ruining the few people

of good birth and breeding that are left.

"I will not now have to get rid of, to use his own coarse expression,

the papers and books I have collected for many years.

Being a reader, which is rare these days, when very few are educated.

Although so much is spent on schools and teachers, et cetera.

And there is so much ignorance even amongst so-called civil servants,

not referring to you..."

Mr. Conrad, as I said already,

I have no complaint about you,

but only gratitude and kind thoughts.

"I may go abroad for the winter to the unique charms of the unspoiled Bahamas,

and so I will not need my national assistance book anymore

and I will return it later today with thanks for past favors."

P.s. I enclose a pound for you to buy a present for yourself.

A woman took an epileptic fit just before you come in.

They took her in another room.

- Ms. turping, please. - She is not long for this world.

Tell that.

- You can tell just by looking at them. - Mr. grogan, please.

Well, they're better off out of it, really, aren't they?

Right, when are you starting work?

Tomorrow, sir, first thing.

I'm starting work first thing tomorrow.

To get me working boots and overalls.

I've seen you here before, haven't 1?

Possibly.

I doubt if you'll see me here again.

Mm-hm. La-Dee-bloody-dah.

She jumped the queue, did you see that?

Who wrote this?

Who wrote it?

Mr. Hewett, sir, the foreman.

Next please.

His handwriting bears a strong resemblance to your own.

Does it, sir?

Yes, it does.

We can't give you a Grant.

Are you calling me a liar?

- Won the pools, have you? - Are you trying to say I wrote this myself?

No.

What then? Your husband come out of jail?

Certainly not.

Who do you think you are then, lady muck?

Not that I'm bothered about your bloody affairs 'cause I'm not.

There's such a thing as good manners, you know?

My money has arrived, that's why I shan't be here again.

What money?

The money from my late father's estate.

You're kidding.

I beg your pardon.

I'm not like some, you know.

They can't bear anybody to have a better luck.

- Jealousy, isn't it? - Iexpect so.

Oh, that's what it is, shines in the faces.

Still if you've never had it you never miss it, do you?

I'm just telling you we can't...

I had a cousin, you know, on the premium bonds.

Well, a bit, only £25.

I never asked for a penny.

I didn't begrudge it her.

Gosh, it didn't do her any good.

It changed her, did it?

No, she had it stolen.

She put it in her handbag, can you credit it?

She drew it out of the post office and put it straight in her bag.

Well, no, that's a lie, she spent a bit.

I'll remember you, you bastard.

You'll get the end of a bottle in your face one of these nights.

Jolly good.

Now get away before I call the police.

But she had £10, £10 nicked.

I've got more than that in my purse at this moment.

You haven't.

- Next, please. - Look.

Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Ross, please.

Well, that's me.

I must go.

Well, I'll wait for you, missus.

You won't be long, will you?

No, I shan't be long.

Why should you wait for me?

We're not friends.

I'll be frank with you, missus.

It's not often I get the chance to meet a real lady.

This is a real treat for me.

I see.

I see.

Mrs. Ross, over here please.

Ooh, god, it's coming on cold.

You feel it, don't you, when you haven't got wool next to your skin.

Yes, there is a chill in the air.

Still, they'll be open soon.

I don't suppose you'd do me the honor of joining me in a refreshment.

Oh, I never drink.

Oh, I don't mean drink.

I mean, not drink.

I wouldn't suggest that to a lady like yourself.

No, I mean, a port, perhaps, a glass of port.

We can sit at a table near the fire and have a warm and a chat.

You couldn't take harm at that, could ya?

You can eat sausages and mustard and sip your port friendly-like

and get in out of the cold.

And for the occasion, I mean...

But it is something of an occasion.

Of course it is, lady like you.

Here, let's get on this one.

I know just the place.

I don't usually travel by bus.

No, well, it's all variety, isn't it?

Where does this bus go to?

I have to be back, you see.

Oh, just the other side, just the other side.

- Fares please. - Two fives please.

I have to be back to see my lawyers.

Well, they'll wait.

After all, you're paying 'em.

Is it much further?

No, next stop.

You'll thank me when you get there.

Where are we?

Oh, it's on the estate, dear, on the new estate.

I don't know this part of town.

No, well, you wouldn't, would you?

I expect you went everywhere with a chauffer.

It's just up here, love.

I think I ought to go home.

Oh, it would be a pity now, wouldn't it, dear?

We're right on top of it.

They get a good class in here, you know.

We'll sit in that corner by the fire.

Go on, love.

You make yourself comfortable.

A large port and a small gin please.

Oh, and I'll have some sausages.

That's yours, love.

You don't mind me calling you love, do you?

I mean, I'm not being familiar, it's just force of habit.

Not at all.

You said I'd have a sausage.

Of course I did, what a memory.

Can you bring the sausages, love?

Coming.

I'll forget me own name next.

Like I said, this is one of the better class places.

Here we are.

It'll have to be fingers, I'm afraid,

but I always think it adds to it, don't you?

Well, of course you wouldn't know.

Your father, god rest him.

What took him?

Took him?

Cheers.

Yes, I mean, how did he pass over?

He died in the service of others.

Oh, well, it's better if they go quick, isn't it?

Five months every night I went to the hospital for me mother.

Five months.

And, of course, they're only keeping her alive with tubes, you know.

Like that, do you?

It's not unpleasant.

We always have a bit of port at Christmas, you know, after the queen's speech.

- It's very warming. - Watch me.

Bit of sausage, plenty of mustard.

And wash it down.

So how are you girls doing?

Fine, thanks.

When... when my affairs are settled,

perhaps I should be able to offer you a place in my household.

Ah, god bless you, love.

We lived, when I was a child,

in the palace.

What palace was that, love?

Crystal?

It was a bishop's palace.

My father was a bishop.

Oh, was he?

Yes.

Tell us about it.

We danced.

We danced for hours

till the morning.

All of the young men wore white gloves.

Oh, we were so happy.

The carriages were waiting.

Yes, I think they're outside now.

Up you get.

It was like a Christmas card.

Of course, yes.

You tell me about it.

Where is this?

Am I home now?

Yes, this is home, love.

Are you there?

Yes, in there, dear.

Who are these people?

Were they invited?

Hey, get up, get out of that chair.

We're playing cards.

Did you hear me? Get off.

There you are, love.

You sit down there and make yourself comfortable.

Hey, shut that thing off.

Come out here a minute, you two, I want a word with you.

We're playing cards.

Come on.

Come on, mavis, you as well.

Listen you, I don't want any bloody lip out of you.

When I tell you to do something, do it.

All right, I did it, didn't I?

- Who is she then? - Never you bloody mind,

and take that fag out of your mouth.

You can both get off and get your father.

Well, I'm not going out again, I've just come in.

Oh, did you?

Now you're starting up.

- Just go and get him. - Don't know where he is.

Where do you think he is?

You don't need two bloody guesses for that, do ya?

Just go and get him and tell him to get back here.

What for?

Just tell him I want him.

- Tell him there's some money in it. - Money?

Yes, I thought you'd pick your ears up at that.

Now you do as you're told and you might get yours yet.

Go on.

Go on, mavis, go with him.

Sorry I left you, dear.

Just getting the kids off to bed.

They're a great comfort, children.

Oh, yes. Wouldn't be without them.

Let me have your bag, dear.

Now you have a nice sip of that.

It's all right, it's what you've been drinking.

After dinner...

Yes, we'll have something in a minute.

After dinner, the ladies used to leave the dining room.

The gentlemen would sit with their Brandy and smoked cigars.

They used to sit with their glasses and their cigars,

talking and laughing.

Talking and laughing.

Who is she then?

She's drunk. She's just a drunken old biddy.

Yeah, I can see that. I said, "who is she?"

I met her at the assistance, she's Mrs. Ross.

- Ten quid. - That's right, yes.

Well, what did you bring her up here for?

She'll have the police on us if we touch this.

Oh, credit me with something, will you?

I gave her a few drinks and brought here when it was dark.

She couldn't find me, nor this street again.

All right, all right.

Where did an old scarecrow like that get ten quid from anyway?

What do you care?

Oh, that's right, take the lion's bloody share.

I deserve half, don't I?

After all, I paid for the drinks.

Hey, what about us, mom?

Yeah, we was to get our share for fetching you.

You know what you'll get, don't you?

Did you take all she got in the bag?

No, I left her a silver.

After all, I didn't want to leave her with nothing, did 1?

Big-hearted Bella.

Here, see what's left.

Split it between you.

Has she got an address in there?

- What do you want her address for? - Is this it, dad?

What do you want her address for?

We've got to get her home, haven't we, away from here.

She's out for the night.

What are you talking about? We can't walk her home through the streets, can we?

Oh, shut up, will you?

Here. Get out, borrow your uncle Billy's handcart, bring it around the back.

Do me with your bloody headaches, ooh, you want your bloody head examined, you do.

And bring some sacks.

You've just talked yourself out of any more, you did.

Anybody can take it.

Keeping it, that's what counts.

Go on, make some tea.

About all you're good for.

Hit the brake, son.

We'll dump her up there, she can walk the rest of the way.

- Past seven. - Are you sure?

- Yeah. - Did you look it up in the paper?

Oh, no.

Listen, I'll tell you something, I'm not going to wait for him if he's late again.

Harry?

Harry, come here quick.

- What's the matter? - Down there.

Is she dead?

I don't know.

What do you think we ought to do?

Don't touch her.

Don't touch her, that's for sure.

- Any sign yet? - No.

It'll be some time yet.

Well, let us know.

Excuse me, sir.

What she signed this off, dame of the order of the garter?

Yes.

Well, that's nothing.

You see, she, uh...

No, well, it's nothing, it changes every time.

I see.

I suppose, I suppose the money must have come from her son.

Hm?

Oh, yes.

Have you found him yet?

Yes, he's inside.

You still need to talk to her, do you?

Well, not really, but it ties up the loose ends.

I mean, there's no doubt who did it, he's already confessed.

An old friend of his.

Thinks the world of his mom.

Any changes, doctor?

Well, responding, but no use to you, I'm afraid.

Right. Well, you better give us a call then, sister,

you know, when she's ready, no panic.

Thanks for your help, sir.

I don't suppose there's anything I can do either.

No, not at the moment, sir.

Are you a relation?

No.

No, I'm not anything really.

I just know her from work.

- Is she going to live? - Oh, yes.

Well, recover, shall we say?

Let's just try it once.

What's your name?

- Ross. - Ross, that's right.

Margaret Ross.

- Margaret. - Margaret.

So, your whole name is...

Margaret Ross.

Margaret Ross, that's excellent, excellent.

Shall we try just once more?

Now, try and give me the whole name, will you?

What's your name?

Margaret Ross.

That's very good.

Very good, indeed.

She is responding, is she?

Responding isn't quite the term I'd use.

- Do you smoke? - Yes, thank you.

I'm sorry, I can't offer you one.

Responding, no, it's...

It's more of a stripping down process, actually.

It's a question of...

How shall I put it?

Well, it's a question of taking off layer after layer

of old wallpapers until you get down to the bare plaster.

There's a saying, you know.

Strip off the phony tinsel

and you get down to the real tinsel underneath, something like that.

No, but she's...

She's much smarter than the average.

It's a very interesting case, actually.

Well, what have you stripped off her so far, hm?

Well, as you know,

she has quite a lot of titles and possessions.

One has to approach it very gently.

But, gradually, one by one,

she's yielding up the herds of prized cattle

and the fleets of merchant ships.

- Tankers, wasn't it? - Hm?

Tankers. I must say I half believed in them.

Today, what did we get today?

Oh, yes.

Yes, today we got the bishop's palace.

She'd been there, of course.

There's always a germ of reality.

As a domestic.

And so it goes on until she finds out who she truly is

and what she really owns.

Yes, that must be a very rewarding moment

when you tell the Mrs. rosses that they're nobody and nothing.

We've also made some progress.

We've traced the husband.

A gentleman from the assistance board wants to see you, Archie.

Why up here? Why not down in the hall?

Oh, well, it's a private matter, Mr. Ross.

I'd like to see you alone.

Oh, well, come on in, sir.

I'm usually out looking for work this time of the day,

but stopped today, the old chest, you know.

These boots let in the rain.

Excuse me, I'll take my old rags off this chair.

Oh, thank you.

Well...

Cigarette?

Oh, thank you, sir.

Ta.

You're a married man, aren't you, Mr. Ross?

Uh, in a manner of speaking.

Put it this way, I could well be.

Haven't seen the lady wife for many years.

She might be dead for all I know.

She's not dead, Mr. Ross.

- Isn't she? - No, she's been very ill, but she's getting better.

- You're sure it's my wife you've got? - Oh, yes, we're sure.

Margaret Ross, may 2nd, one son named Charles.

Charlie, yeah, that's ours.

- What's happened to him? - Oh, I'm sorry to say

my information is he's in prison.

Is he now? What for?

Robbery with violence.

She became ill about the time he was arrested.

Mm, not surprised.

But she had very good attention.

She made an excellent recovery.

Oh, I'm glad to hear that.

Wasn't a bad soul when I knew her, bit older than me, of course.

Mm.

You, uh, ever thought of going back to her?

No.

No, there's no sense in that.

Think about it.

A lot of people have become very interested in your wife, Mr. Ross.

- What sort of people? - Doctors, social workers,

public health visitors, me.

She's still your legal responsibility, you know?

If you ever do get a job, you'll be responsible for her maintenance

and we'll be after you for it.

Now we've found you, we can always find you again.

Why is everyone so bleedin' interested all of a sudden

to bring me back to her?

- Did she ask you to come here? - No, no.

Mister, I've got my pride, you know?

You're in this dump, she's in a hospital.

But she's got a flat to go to when she comes out, she's on her own.

You're not getting any younger, either of you.

We're only suggesting this for the benefit of both of you.

I don't know.

I don't know.

What happened to her?

Pneumonia.

I suppose I could go back to her if things were worked out, you know.

Such as?

Like, how do I get there?

Well, we'll give you a travel warrant.

Well, it isn't that I mind going back.

It's just the appearance of it.

- How do you mean? - Well, my appearance.

Not exactly, am I?

Couldn't go in like this. I mean, that would put her right back in the hospital.

We'll fix you up with a suit and a pair of boots.

That'll set you up a bit, won't it, in pounds?

Let me put you straight, Mr. Ross.

You won't be given any money.

I'll see the wvs and salvation army.

They'll fix you up between them.

You mean charity, sir?

Somebody's castoffs?

Listen, Ross, I've seen you cadging coppers in the street.

You're a bum, a drunk.

The last time you took a job was five years ago

and you left that after your first wage,

so don't give me any guff about being too proud to take clothes from the wvs.

I'll see you get kitted out, but you get no money, do you understand?

I need a meal on the train.

Give me a quid for the lot.

Five Bob.

That's for the shave and the haircut.

And you get another five Bob when you get on the train and that's your lot.

Okay, I'll manage somehow.

Right.

Bit of a change anyway.

What's she look like nowadays?

I don't know, they didn't send me a photograph.

You're not gonna judge a beauty contest, you know, you're just going home.

I believe you haven't seen your wife for a number of years.

That's right, ma'am.

- She's been very ill, you know? - So they tell me.

Pneumonia, wasn't it, ma'am?

Yes, she was in a very poor way.

Serious thing, I believe, when they catch it in the head.

Well, she's responded well to treatment,

but a great deal is going to depend on you.

Now, can you be relied on?

Well, ma'am, I know my record is a bit spotty.

There's no sense in not being open about it,

but I'll do what I can to make up.

Well, I do my best, I can't say more than that.

How are you off for funds?

M a' am?

Did you get any national assistance on arrival?

Oh, yes, they treated me very well.

Gave me ten Bob, I had a shave and a spruce

and got myself a new hat.

After all those years, I want her to see me at my best.

- You understand that of course? - Mm, well, I'm afraid

we don't have much in the way of funds

for this sort of disbursement, but I'll give you a pound.

This should tide you both over until you get your wife home

and then you can see them again.

Thank you, ma'am. Very good of you.

Come, Mrs. Ross.

Maggie?

Hello, Archie.

Any more fares, please?

Fares?

Fares, please. What do we want?

Well, I don't know, you're the one that's going somewhere, not me.

- Cable street. - Eighth then, get off at green mann.

How many? Two?

Uh, two.

Got any change?

Thank you.

Any more fares, please?

Fares, please.

Is this it?

You got your key?

Got your key, have you?

Let's have another one cut.

I told you I'll pay tomorrow.

Shut up.

Here, let me do it.

Ah, not bad at all.

Done very well for yourself.

Very well, indeed.

Ah, take your coat off.

Take your coat off.

Sit down.

Sit down.

Well, now, what have you got to eat?

Not much here, is there?

I saw a fish and chip shop down the street.

I'll go and get some, shall I?

And you'll make some tea.

You can manage that, can you?

You can do that, can't you?

All right, get on with it.

Shan't be long.

Bleeding zombie.

Oh.

Yes, very fair.

Enjoyed that, didn't you?

Rock salmon.

Well, here we are again after all these years.

You think I've changed much?

You've changed, I can tell you that.

Didn't recognize you in the hospital, didn't recognize you.

It's only natural, I suppose.

I was ill.

What do you do all the time?

I was ill.

Yes, I know that.

I collected you from that place, didn't I?

Well, what do you do?

Do you think about me?

Never mind, don't upset yourself.

You're all right now.

Well, I think I'll take a turn out.

Have a look around.

Find my bearings.

You'll be all right, won't you?

You'll be all right?

I shan't be long, I'll take the key.

Don't make too much noise while I'm out.

Archie.

Charlie.

Hello, dear.

Thought you could be done in for this nowadays.

So I could, so keep it quiet.

Pretend you're Sean Connery.

- Are you coming? - How much?

Special tonight, love.

Thirty Bob. “Thirty Bob?

You'll have to pay me more than that.

You can afford that, can't you?

Out of your old age pension.

Well, then, seven and a tenner.

Where?

- Up the Lane. - You must be joking.

Seven and a tenner up a Lane for a knee-trembler?

- What then? - Five Bob.

Give it to us then.

Spread over 18 months.

Come on, love. I'm celebrating.

I got remarried today.

You still awake?

Don't worry, old lass.

You've got nothing I want.

Scratch my belly and let me go.

Rally foes, tickle my toes, scratch my belly and let me go.

Rally foes, tickle my toes, scratch my belly and let me go!

Oh, finished, have you?

I didn't know you were out there,

otherwise I'd have given you a hand.

Well, I think I'll go out and get the paper,

see what jobs are going.

Want anything bringing in, shopping and that?

- Yes. - What do you fancy?

I'll get some kidneys or something, shall 1?

They're nice, aren't they?

I like a few kidneys fried up.

Well, you better give me some money, haven't you?

Yes.

What's up?

Nothing.

Have you lost something?

- I think so. - Money?

- Yes. - How much?

A pound.

Don't fret, it could happen to anybody.

Know what we'll do, we'll go down to the national assistance

and see what they can do about it.

- I don't want to. - Why not?

Nothing wrong in losing something.

Where do you think you dropped it?

- I don't know. - Well, think.

What shops did you go to yesterday?

Cochran's.

I tell you what we'll do.

You'll write a little note saying you've lost it

and I'll take it down to the national assistance, eh?

You've got some paper?

Let's see, cigarette packet will do.

Here we are.

Here, I've got a pencil.

Yes, where did she lose the money?

Like she says, either in Cochran's or between there and the house.

You've been back to the shop, I take it?

- Oh, yes. - You reported the loss to the police, of course?

Oh, yes.

Well, if you'll just sit down over there for a few moments,

I'll go and telephone the police station

just to make certain the money hasn't turned up since you were there.

You do that. You'll have to get up a lot earlier for Archie.

Next, please.

Nurse Edith cavell was the biggest spy this country's ever had.

Oh, yes. Who'd she play for then? Chelsea?

Ross?

Well, it hasn't turned up.

Oh, dear.

Frankly, I doubt if it will.

Now because your wife has been ill and because I know her very well,

I'm going to pay you the pound.

But I shall send someone to see her tomorrow.

I don't like people losing money.

It's a careless thing to do.

I want to impress on Mrs. Ross that she mustn't do it again.

Good of you, sir, I'll tell her, too.

Of course it'll make it much easier if I'm lucky enough to get a job.

Well, I think I can help that too.

I've got something that should be right up your street.

When you leave here, go and see the vacancies clerk.

He'll give you a card and you'll be interviewed tomorrow morning.

Wonderful news.

What kind of job might it be, sir?

Doorman at a cinema.

Oh, wonderful.

Nice and healthy in the open.

The healthiest jobs, Mr. Ross, are the ones you keep.

I'll just get your money.

Can any of you drive a car?

I said, "can any of you drive a car?"

- Yeah. - Come on then.

This chap can drive he says.

- Are you a good driver? - I used to be a chauffer.

If you're so good, why aren't you working?

- No license. - No license, Mr. fish.

No license, Mr. fish.

No license don't bother me, but, uh, why not?

Well, I borrowed a car once.

Can you handle a buick?

I can handle anything that goes on wheels.

Just a buick is good enough for now.

For this afternoon I need you, that's all.

You'll get a quid.

I don't know about no license.

Thank you, Mr. fish.

Like a saucer of milk, would you?

Come on.

Come on.

Oh, next time.

Next time.

Andy will pay you and tell you where to take the car.

Thank you, Mr. fish.

I'll be glad to drive you again.

Look, I've got all the drivers I need.

- You needed one today. - It just happened.

Come on, dad.

Put in a word for me, will you?

I could do with a quid on the side now and again.

Forget it, dad, you was just lucky today.

What are you thinking about?

What?

You're afraid of me, aren't you?

No.

Why don't you talk to me, then?

Bloody conversation now and then.

You've got things to talk about, haven't you?

It's bloody ridiculous carrying on the way you do!

Well, I don't want for people to talk to me, you know.

I know people glad to discuss things with me, politics and things.

- You left me. - What? What did you say?

- You left me. - What's that got to do with it?

We're not talking about that, are we?

I'm back here now, I'm here to stay.

Damn ridiculous carrying on the way you do!

People have got to talk, you know!

Morning, Andy.

And they're coming in, the current choice moving slowly halfway...

Who are you talking to?

- When? - Just now.

Nobody.

You have the wireless on?

No.

That's funny.

Thought I heard someone.

Well, don't stand there with your mouth hanging open.

Make a drop of tea.

- Where's the paper? - Paper?

This morning's mirror, I left it here.

- It's gone. - I can see that.

Where?

I used it in the dustbin.

This morning's paper?

I haven't read it yet.

I've got to study it.

Listen, I don't know what you've been used to, but now I'm here

I want all those bloody papers saving.

You understand?

Want them all saved.

I'll tell you when to throw them out!

- Dad, I want you. - Yes, Andy.

- Driving me today. - Is the boss sick?

You know your trouble, dad?

You're nosy.

- Is that Jack's car? - Yeah, Mr. fish's car.

- Where is he? - I don't know.

- Who are you waiting for then? - Andy, I'm driving Andy today.

Listen, Andy, you better watch it, the word is out.

- What? - Gonna do ya, mate, if they catch up to ya.

Ah, get stuffed.

- Trouble? - Trouble from that lot?

Slags.

Uh, dad, get the bag out of the backseat, will ya?

You poor old bitch.

You're on your own again.

Archie? Yes.

Where is he?

All right, so he's not here.

Where is he, missus?

Would a belt across the jaw help you remember?

He hasn't come home.

- She don't know. - Missus.

Missus, you tell him, when he comes in

you tell him Mr. fish wants to see him in a hurry.

You got that?

Tell him we're looking for him and we'll keep on looking till we find him.

Understand?

Right.

We'll be back.

- You're stuck. - Yeah, just a bit.

It's this one.

Hello, Mrs. Ross.

What are you doing here?

Where's your husband?

I don't know.

You don't know where he is?

He hasn't come home.

- Since when? - A long time.

He went out and didn't come back.

I haven't any money.

Oh, why did he go away, have you any idea?

Perhaps it was those men.

What men?

Two men came to the house looking for him.

I wouldn't describe them as gentlemen.

Did they say why they wanted to see him?

No.

Shall I report it to the police, Mr. Conrad?

No.

No, I'll, um, I'll find out about it.

I'll see to it.

You liked having him back with you, didn't you?

I mean, are you sorry he's gone?

Not him.

Are you?

Yes.

Got her back, have we?

Yes.

Shall we gather at the river?

Where bright angel feet have trod

with its crystal tide forever

flowing by the throne of god

yes, we'll gather at the river

the beautiful, the beautiful river

gather with the saints at the river

that flows by the throne of god

on the margin of the river

washing up its silver spray

we will walk and worship ever

all the happy golden day

yes, we'll gather at the river

Are you there?