All language subtitles for 23_one

[Indistinct chatter]

Woman, voice-over:
Did you ever go to WhitstabIe

and see the oyster
parIors there?

My father kept one.

I was born in it.

That's my sister AIice.

She was a good girI, AIice,

and my best friend
as weII as my big sister.

That's my father.

Best WhitstabIe natives
you'II ever taste.

Right you are, sir.
Coming.

But this isn't
about him or AIice

or my brother Davy
or my mother.

It's about me,
Nan AstIey,

and I was nothing then.

I was bareIy 18.

My Iife had hardIy started.

But open an oyster, and it's
Iike a secret worId in there,

and that's how it was with me.

I didn't see how
my Iife couId have

any surprises
waiting in it.

I suppose I was content with
my oyster girI's existence.

AII right then, Nan.

HeIIo, Freddy.

Go for a IittIe
waIk, then?

Yes, aII right,
then.

I don't mind.

Nan, voice-over:
That was our IittIe routine.

I'd meet him when they
brought the boat in,

and we'd go for a IittIe waIk...

and a IittIe spooning.

We weren't what
you'd caII ''fast.''

It was expected,
reaIIy, but...

I never knew how
I was supposed to feeI.

[Singing with piano]

Tony Reeves was
sweet on AIice.

He was undermanager

at the Canterbury
PaIace of Varieties.

Mother thought him
a bit rapid,

but you couIdn't
not Iike him.

[Reeves speaks indistinctIy]

Ding-dong, ding-dong!

[Laughter]

I heard that from
GuIIy SutherIand himseIf.

Hey, you mustn't miss
his show next week.

It's a stunner!

I'II get you in the circIe
for gaIIery price.

That's very kind
of you, Mr. Reeves.

Tony! Tony!

We know each other
weII enough by now.

WeII, we shouId
Iove to come.

Is it aII right if Nan's
Freddy comes aIong, too?

Reeves: Of course.
The more the merrier.

He's not ''my''
Freddy, Mother.

He isn't yet,
but he'd Iike to be.

Is that about
the shape of it?

[Drum roII]

[WhistIes]

Announcer: And now, Iadies and
gentIemen, a very speciaI treat.

For those of you
who are connoisseurs

of eIegance and top cIass--

[Laughter]

Miss Kitty ButIer!

[AppIause and cheering]

What do you think?
Pretty smart?

Not haIf bad,
I shouId say.

I'm foIIowing in
Father's footsteps,

FoIIowing me
dear, oId dad.

He's just in front
with a fine, big gaI,

So I thought
I'd have one as weII.

[Soft, indistinct singing]

Oh, Rosie.

Dear Rosie.

There's a rose
in my heart...

for you.

Catch.

[CymbaI cIangs]

[AppIause]

Good-bye!
Good-bye! Come again!

Announcer:
Miss Kitty ButIer!

[Cheering and appIause]

And now, Iadies and
gentIemen, the one and onIy

Mr. GuIIy ''He'II tickIe
your fancy'' SutherIand!

[Cheering and appIause]

Hey, Iadies and gentIemen!

[Indistinct]

What's up?
Just a bit--

Do you want me
to come?

No.

Are you
aII right, Nan?

Nan?

SutherIand: I've seen that
face somewhere before.

HeIIo?

[JingIing]

You what?

[JingIing]

She did!

I'm aII right
now, reaIIy.

Why don't you go
back then?

Come on, now.
Keep me company.

Oh, it must be wonderfuI
to work here.

Aye, some of
the time it is.

Enjoying the show?

Oh, yes!

Anything
in particuIar?

Kitty ButIer.

I've never, ever seen
a girI Iike her.

[Indistinct]

She's got it off,
hasn't she?

Like a proper boy.

AII the waIk,
aII the business.

But then she's not.

You've got to remember
that, Nancy.

WeII, of course
I know that.

WeII, that's
aII right, then.

[ChuckIes]

Oh, I wish I couId come
and see her every night.

WeII, there's no reason
why you shouIdn't.

I can put you up in one

of the boxes,
if you Iike.

They're hardIy ever
taken on a weeknight.

ReaIIy?

Nan, whispering:
AIice.

AIice.
[Moaning]

How do you feeI when
you're with Tony?

What a question.

Same as you when you're
with Freddy, I suppose.

I don't feeI
anything much

when I'm
with Freddy.

WeII, perhaps you shouId
be showing him what to do.

If you don't Iike him,
chuck him then.

PIenty more fish
in the sea.

It's not I don't
Iike him.

Yeah, I know.

He's just not ''the one.''

You'II find someone
you reaIIy Iike, Nan.

Promise?

You wait.

You'II meet someone who'II
have your head spinning

and your Iegs turning
to jeIIy and--

And what?

You'II find out.

Now shut your eyes
and go to sIeep.

Kitty:
Oh, Rosie.

Dear Rosie.

There's a rose
in my heart...

for you.

[AppIause and cheering]

But now I come
to Iook around,

there's a Iot of pretty
girIs down here as weII.

[Crowd murmurs]

Put out the Iights,
Lymsman.

Let's have a Iook at you.

WeII, we're spoiIed for
choice this evening, gents.

Catch.

[CymbaI cIangs]

[AppIause]

Good-bye!
Come again!

[Footsteps]

Here she comes then.

How was she
tonight, Nancy?

Nan: Just as good,
if not better.

She's not a reaI
boy, you know.

I know she's not.

You ask me, I think
there might be

some young chap in
the orchestra pit

she's got
her eye on.

I just hope
young Freddy

don't catch on!

[Laughter]

Nan: I wish you'd aII
mind your own business!

Nan: When I see her,
it's Iike...

Oh, I don't know
what it's Iike.

When she waIks on
stage, she makes me

want to smiIe
and weep at once.

She makes me sore, here.

I never, ever saw a girI
Iike her before.

I never knew that there
were girIs Iike her.

I don't know what it is.

I don't know what's the
matter with me, AIice.

Do you think
I'm cracked?

I don't think you shouId get
too keen on that girI, Nan.

Why ever not?

They're...not Iike us,
peopIe Iike that.

They don't Iead naturaI
Iives, you know.

I think you shouId
forget about her, Nan.

You don't
understand, AIice.

I don't want to taIk
about it anymore.

Nan, voice-over:
It wasn't any use,

teIIing me to forget
about Kitty ButIer.

As if I couId.

And...I didn't see
why I shouId.

Freddy: Nancy, you can
go as far as you Iike.

Don't worry.
I'II teII you if it hurts.

No! I don't want to.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

I just don't want
that, Freddy.

I'm serious,
you know, Nan.

We can be engaged.

WeII, then it wouId be
aII right, wouIdn't it?

Can't we just go on
as we are?

You don't reaIIy
care for me at aII.

I do, though.

No, you don't.

You just Iike to keep me
there, tagging aIong Iike.

If you reaIIy cared for me,
you'd Iet me do it.

WeII, then...I don't
care for you.

Oh, Nan!

Oh, don't take it
Iike that, Nan!

I didn't reaIIy
mean it!

Nan, voice-over:
But I did.

I meant it!

And if what Freddy wanted
was onIy human nature,

so was what I wanted!

But what was it I wanted?

I didn't know,

but I knew it had something
to do with Kitty ButIer.

We said good-bye
with a tear and a sigh

And whispered aII the pretty
things that sweethearts say.

You promised
you'd never forget me.

I promised
I'd aIways be true.

Oh, Rosie.

Dear Rosie.

There's a rose
in my heart...

for you.

[GiggIes softIy]

[GaveI pounds]

Announcer: Miss Kitty ButIer,
Iadies and gentIemen!

Kitty:
Good-bye! Come again!

Announcer: And now,
Iadies and gentIemen,

the one you've aII
been waiting to see...

[Announcer continues
indistinctIy]

SutherIand: Hey,
Iadies and gentIemen!

[Laughter]

[Indistinct]

...as a friend wouId,

and knocks on door.

[SutherIand continues
indistinctIy]

Sorry, um--

No, no, no, no.

Nothing to be
sorry about.

You're just
the person I wanted.

I've got
a message for you.

Someone wants
to see you.

Who?

Shh, shh, shh.

Come in!

Reeves: Here she is,
Miss Nancy AstIey.

Miss ButIer, I'II
take up no more

of your
vaIuabIe time.

May I say again, a
deIightfuI evening,

a rare treat.

Miss AstIey,

a pIeasure to make
your acquaintance.

WaIter BIiss
at your service.

Good night, Iadies.

Mr. Reeves.

I'm very pIeased to
meet you, Miss AstIey.

Do have a chair.

So...you're ''my''
mystery admirer.

I thought it was GuIIy

you came to see
very night.

Then somebody toId me
you aIways went out

after I had finished.

Is it reaIIy me
you stay for?

Yes.

[Distant Iaughter]

I'm sorry.

Now I'm here, I can't
think of what to say.

WeII, it was me
who sent for you,

so you needn't
say anything

if you don't
want to.

But I do wish you'd
teII me what it is

you Iike so much.

I'm very vain,
you see.

I do Iove to hear nice
things about myseIf.

I Iike everything.

Your costumes
and your songs

and the way
you sing them.

And the way you move

and the way you smiIe
and your voice.

You seem so very
gay and boId.

It makes me happy
just to hear you.

And I think your hair
is beautifuI.

TruIy?

GuIIy says it's Iike
guinea pigs' fur.

WeII, he's wrong.

WeII, I'II teII him
you said so.

[ChuckIes]

Do you mind if I
cIean my makeup off

whiIe we taIk?

So...what about you?

I know that you're
a friend of Tony's.

Is he your
sweetheart?

No.

No, he's courting
my sister AIice.

Is he? Hmm.

So, what about you?

Have you got
a sweetheart?

No.

Nor have I.

So, where do you
come from

and where do you
work at?

WhitstabIe.

I work in
an oyster house.

An oyster house?
Like the song.

As I was going down
Bishop's Gate Street,

An oyster girI
I happened to meet.

Into her basket,
I happened to peep

To see if she had
any oysters.

I do hope I haven't
offended you,

Miss AstIey.
No! No.

There's nothing wrong
with oyster girIs.

I think they're
rather nice,

if you're
an exampIe of them.

Miss ButIer--

Oh, caII me
Kitty, do.

And what can
I caII you?

Nan.

Thank you.
You're very kind.

I was going
to ask...Kitty...

why did you think of it
in the first pIace?

Dressing Iike a boy

and cutting your hair
short and everything?

Oh, wouIdn't you if
you had the chance?

Men have
aII the fun.

Besides, there's
too many girIs

in this business.

Most of them wouId
do anything to

pIease the manager,
and you won't find

me pIaying those
games, Nan.

And I Iove
my costumes

and being abIe to
stride about

and give them a bit
of cheek.

Don't get me wrong...

I do Iike being a girI
as weII, you know.

WeII...what do you
think?

Pretty smart or
a bit of a Ietdown?

I shouId say so.

No.

Oh, no.

You're a dear girI!

But I can't stop
and taIk

any Ionger this
evening, Nan.

GuIIy's taking us
aII out for supper,

and what GuIIy
wants, GuIIy gets.

But you'II come and see
me again, won't you?

You couId come
before the show

and heIp me dress,
if you'd Iike.

ReaIIy?

Of course reaIIy.

Then I shaII.

Starting next Monday.

And now we shaII have
to say good night.

Miss AstIey.

You smeII Iike--
I know.

Like a herring.

[ChuckIes]

Not a bit Iike
a herring.

Like a mermaid.

[ChiIdren Iaughing]

Nan, voice-over:
I toId myseIf to be sensibIe.

Perhaps she hadn't meant it,
or she might think better of it.

Kitty: Like a mermaid.

[Echoing]
Like a mermaid.

Nan, voice-over: And so I became
Kitty ButIer's dresser,

and her best paI, too.

And we were together
aII that season.

[Women shouting out]

[CymbaI cIangs]

Good-bye! Come again!

Announcer:
Miss Kitty ButIer!

CarefuI, Kitty.

Don't turn that poor
girI's head.

Nan, voice-over:
What wouId she think

if she knew the part she pIayed
in my fierce dreamings?

[Door opens]

[Gasps softIy]

[ChuckIes softIy]

Nan: You hoId it Iike this,
fIat sheII on top.

Then, you put the point of
the knife in the hinge, see?

HoId it steady.
Mustn't waste any of the Iiquor.

That's the best bit, some say.

That's the fIesh.

You cut that Ioose.

And now you may eat it.

[GiggIes]

WeII done,
Miss ButIer.

Thank you.
Thank you, Nan.

And this is
your room.

Very cozy.

Oh, it feeIs funny,
you being here.

Come. Sit by me.

I'm sure your mother
wouId disapprove.

I am just about dying
for a smoke.

You're Iucky to have
a proper famiIy.

Such a nice one, too.

I've never had
a proper famiIy.

How do you mean?

Oh, you don't
want to know.

Let's just taIk about
happy things.

Now, I think, if I had
a famiIy Iike yours,

I'd never want
to Ieave home.

Nan...I have something
to teII you.

It's a piece
of good news,

and you must promise
to be happy for me.

Do you remember the man
who was with me

the first night
you came 'round?

Mr. BIiss?

WeII...he's offered me
a contract in London

working in
the haIIs there!

He says I'm too good
for the provinces.

He says London
needs to see me,

and I need to be
seen there.

He thinks I couId be one
of the reaIIy big names, Nan.

I've got to take it.

Oh, yes.
I say that you have.

I am happy for you,
Kitty.

You don't Iook it.

WeII...I'm seIfish.

I'd be unhappy
to see you go.

And I'II be unhappy
to Ieave you behind.

TruIy?

WouId you come
with me, Nan?

Come with you?

If your mother and father
wiII Iet you, of course.

I mean, you--you'II
have a proper wage,

not much, but enough
if we share a room.

Yes!

Do you reaIIy think
you might?

And do you think
they'II Iet you?

I suppose you couId
aIways come back home

if you didn't Iike it.

Didn't Iike it?

I'd do anything
to go with you!

I'd go even if they
said I wasn't to!

They couId Iock me in my
room, and I'd cIimb out

the window and waIk
aII the way to London

to be with you!

I Iove you more than
anyone or anything!

I do!

Remember when you
gave me this?

When you picked me out
of aII the others?

You did, didn't you?

You chose me.

Yes.

Yes, I did.

And I didn't know
then I was choosing

the very best friend
I've ever had.

Nan, voice-over:
They didn't try to Iock me in.

They couId see my heart was set
on going to London with Kitty,

and they couIdn't bear
to see me grieve.

There.

Don't spend it aII
in the same shop.

You wiII write us,
won't you, Nan?

Of course I wiII.

WeII, visit
when you can.

Good-bye, Mother.

Nancy, what am I going
to do without you?

Take care now.

I shaII.

[Horse neighs]

[BeII rings]

[Train hisses]

Miss ButIer!

What a pIeasure!

WeIcome to
the gay metropoIis.

And Miss AstIey,
Iate of WhitstabIe.

Off goes his bonnet
to an oyster girI.

You're very weIcome,
my dear,

more so than
I can say.

Kitty: Go on, Nan.

And Miss ButIer!

FoIIow me, porter!

[GiggIing]

BIiss: Come aIong!
Keep up, man!

Make way!

[ChiId singing]

[BeIIs chiming]

Nan, voice-over: Mr. BIiss
kindIy took us to our new home,

Mrs. Dendy's TheatricaI
Lodging House...

Miss ButIer,
aIIow me.

in Brixton.

There we are.

WeII, we'II be safe
here, Iadies.

Mrs. Dendy: Oh, I've aIways
Ioved theatricaIs,

and my mother before me.

...himseIf once
feII down these stairs.

Here is Signor CoreIIi.

[Laughter]

Mrs. Dendy: You'II get
no troubIe from him.

He Ioves those doves.

Man: Ready to go
for you Iadies.

Oh, they're very
nice gents.

No troubIe at aII.

3 more up here,
Signor CoreIIi!

One more to go.
Come on up now.

[Laughter]

This wiII be yours.

Got a IittIe
entrance haII

as weII
as the bedroom.

Won't mind doubIing
up, I hope.

Kitty: Not at aII.

[Mrs. Dendy speaks
indistinctIy]

We're a bit cIose
to the raiIway.

You'II get used to
that after a whiIe.

[Man speaking indistinctIy]

[SoftIy]
Are you asIeep?

No.

Are you homesick,
Nan?

Do you miss AIice?

Not reaIIy.

How your heart
beats.

Do you Iike this,
Nan?

Mmm.

If you knew how I'd
Ionged for a sister.

You'II be my sister
now, won't you?

Nan, voice-over: I didn't want
to be her sister.

[ExhaIes]
I do Iove you, Nan.

I wanted to be her
sweetheart.

Night-night.

Man: Ladies and gentIemen.

I give for your pIeasure this
evening, Miss Kitty ButIer.

[AppIause]

HeIIo.

I've just come down
from Brighton.

[Audience boos]

There's a Iot of pretty girIs
down there, you know.

But now I come to Iook around,

There's a Iot of pretty girIs
down here...

FoIIowing in
your father's footsteps

Is a matter for each boy.

And foIIowing in
your father's footsteps

Is a thing I much enjoy.

My mother caught me
out one evening

Up the West End,
on a spree.

She said,
''Where are you going?''

And I answered,
''Don't ask me''

I'm foIIowing in
my father's footsteps.

FoIIowing my dear oId dad.

Who's just in front
with a fine, big gaI,

So I thought I'd
have one as weII.

They don't Iike me, Nan.

They don't Iike me.

[AppIause]

My dear, your first night
in the capitaI.

They were warming to you.

Give the word
a chance to spread.

They'II be eating
out of your hand

by the end of the week.

Do you reaIIy think so?

I'd stake my Iife
on it, Kitty.

I promise you,
I swear to you,

there is no match
to your act in town.

I promise you.

You promised you'd
never forget me.

I promised I'd
aIways be true.

Oh, Rosie.

Dear Rosie.

There's a rose
in my heart...for you.

[AppIause]

Nan, voice-over:
But he was right.

It didn't happen
by the end of the week,

but after a few months,

they couIdn't get enough of her.

[AppIause]

A triumph!

Oh, a triumph!

Now we've got them.

Now, Kitty,
get changed quickIy.

The manager of the AIhambra
wants to meet you.

The AIhambra?
Yes.

You won't mind,
wiII you, Nan?

It'II aII be
business taIk.

Your chance for
an earIy night.

Nan, voice-over: I did mind,
but what couId I do?

I was proud of her success,

but terrified it wouId
take her away from me.

I wanted to keep her cIose,
as cIose as my own skin.

I've just been down
to the seaside.

There's a Iot of pretty girIs
down there, you know.

Come to think of it,

There's a Iot of pretty girIs
down here, too.

I'm foIIowing in
Father's footsteps.

FoIIowing me dear oId dad.

He's just in front
with a fine, big girI,

So I thought I'd
have one as weII.

I got taIking to
an oyster girI.

She couId suck an oyster
rather weII.

Oh, Kitty.

I Iove you.

Love you.

Love you.

[Door opens]

[ExhaIes]
Oh, it's you.

I'm sorry.
I don't know

what came over me.

WeII, don't be
sorry, Nan.

You're the very thing.

You Iook more Iike a boy
than I do.

Give us a turn.
Go on.

No.
I'm shy.

I couId quite faII
for a boy Iike you.

Come here and give me
a kiss.

What a handsome feIIow.

I can't resist him.

Just wait tiII
WaIter sees you.

I don't want him to.

WeII, I think it couId be

just the thing
he's Iooking for.

They're taIking about
deveIoping my repertoire, Nan,

and, weII, to go on
with a paI

might be just
the very thing.

HeIp me, Nan.
We'II show him

first thing tomorrow.

Nan, voice-over:
But aII I couId think was that

she had kissed me on the Iips,

and yet I was no nearer
to decIaring myseIf.

Was it possibIe that
she feIt as I did?

I couIdn't risk it.

[GuIp]

Ready?

Uh-uh.

[Both Iaugh]

My God, that's it.

Why didn't I see it before?

Oh, this couId be
sensationaI.

Didn't I teII you?

Doesn't she Iook quite
the bobby-dazzIer?

It's as if she was born to it.
Let's try a IittIe song.

No, no.
I couIdn't.

Yes, you couId.

You know aII the words
to aII the songs.

Come on, WaIter.
''Father's Footsteps.''

[PIays upbeat tune]

To foIIow in your
father's footsteps

Is a matter
for each boy.

[Whispering]
Good.

And foIIowing in
Father's footsteps

Is a thing
I much enjoy.

My mother caught me
out one evening

Up the West End,
on a spree.

She said...

''Where are
you going?''

But I answered,
''Don't ask me.''

Kitty and Nan: We're foIIowing
in Father's footsteps.

FoIIowing me dear oId dad.

He's just in front
with a fine, big gaI,

So I thought I'd
have one as weII.

We don't know
where we're going.

But when he gets there,
I'II be gIad.

We're foIIowing in
Father's footsteps.

Yes, we're foIIowing
me dear oId dad.

WaIter: BiII from BowbeIIs
and his shy brother Bob.

How about that?
[Laughs]

We'II get some
songs to suit you,

Suits made to measure...

And we shouId do something
about that hair.

There we are, Miss.

Or perhaps I shouId
say, ''Sir.''

RemarkabIe.

Now I'm Iike you.

WaIter: Ladies and gents,

Your very own favorite
with a speciaI treat,

For the first time
in this or any other haII,

It's 2 for the price of 1 ,

It's Kitty ButIer and Nan King.

Kitty: I'm rather shy.
[AppIause]

I'm rather shy.
I'm rather shy.

I'm rather shy.
I'm rather shy.

Nan: AII right.

Come on, Bob.
They won't eat you.

Oh, I don't know, BiII.
I'm rather shy.

Oh, I don't know what
I'm going to do with him.

He's the best partner
anybody couId wish for,

But he's a IittIe bit
backward in coming forward,

if you know what I mean.

Listen, and I'II
teII you.

Come on, Bob.

Last Sunday
was a hoIiday.

We scrubbed up
nice and cIean.

And took a IittIe
stroII about

Around the viIIage green.

We saw a coupIe of
pretty girIs

As they were
passing by.

I say the...
was spiffing.

And I'm sure one
winked her eye.

Oh, I don't know,
BiII.

You better
Ieave me out.

[Indistinct]

[GargIing]

But it's
very easy, Bob.

You never know
untiI you try.

Oh, I don't know,
BiII.

I'm rather shy.

Come on, Bob.
You're not funking it.

WeII, I don't know
what to do, BiII.

...Leave the stage!

Come here
and I'II show you.

Man: Sorry.

You come up
very softIy

And you take her
by the hand.

Like this?

That's right.

Look tenderIy
into her eyes.

And she wiII understand.

Like this.

[Laughter]

Then Iean
a IittIe cIoser

And steaI
a IittIe kiss.

[Birds chirping]

Oh, I can't.
I'm too shy.

No...

Oh, just try it.

What? Like this?

I think he's been
taking private Iessons.

What do you think?

ShouId we ask him?
Now, Bob.

Mm-hmm?
Own up.

Where did you Iearn
to kiss Iike that?

I couIdn't teII you,
BiII.

I'm rather shy.

Nan: He's rather shy.
Kitty: I'm rather shy.

He's rather shy.
I'm rather shy.

He's taking
free Iessons

In giving girIs
the eye.

Where did you go
Iast Friday

When you...sky?

I'm going to
teII you, BiII.

2, 3.

WaIter: Come on!

I'm rather shy!

[AppIause]

[Cheering and appIause]
WaIter: Thank you, thank you.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

WeII done, Kitty.

It's aII for you, Nan.

Thank you.

Bravo.

CongratuIations,
my dear.

You've done weII
for yourseIf,

there, BIiss.

I'II give these 2
a booking

anytime you Iike.

Oh, that's very
good of you.

CharIie Frobisher.
The Empire.

Here we are, girIs.
Best tabIe in the pIace.

WaIter: WeII.

Here's to BiII
and his shy brother Bob.

How does it feeI
to be a star, eh, Nan?

AII right.

It feeIs aII right.

[WaIter Iaughs]

[AppIause]

Come and have
a dance, Kitty.

WaIter: Go ahead.

It wouId be a pIeasure
to watch you.

AII right.
I wiII.

[Laughs]

[Cheering and appIause]

[Laughter]

HeIIo.

WeII, don't you
know me?

Jimmy Burns.

I was in the pit
this evening,

doubIing up here
for a bit of

pocket money.

WeII, I don't know
how I Iike you best,

in skirts or trousers,
and that's a fact.

[Laughs]
I don't know how

I Iike myseIf best.

WeII, then, it's nice
to have the choice,

ain't it?

WouId you fancy
standing up with me,

for a IittIe
twirI around?

Oh, go on.
Say you wiII.

I don't think I couId.

I've had too much cham.

WeII, that's
aII the better.

Up you come.

[GiggIes]

That's it. Now.

Who's going to
Iead, then?

You or me?
[Laughs]

You can, if you Iike.

[Both Iaughing]

Oh! Oh, I'm getting...

...You've spoiIed
my dress.

Soon put that right.
[Laughs]

No, get off.
Get off.

[Both Iaughing]

I'm going.

You can come or not,
as you Iike.

I'd better go.

But--

Nan: Kitty!

Kitty, wait.

What's the matter?

What did you think
you were doing

making a fooI
of yourseIf

with that horn pIayer?

We were onIy
Iarking about.

Larking about?

His hands were
aII over you.

Sometimes I don't think
you care about

my feeIings at aII, Nan.

Oh, Kitty.

If you knew...

I hate the way
you make me feeI.

May I reaIIy
touch you?

Oh, Nan.

I think I shaII die
if you don't.

I do Iove you, Nan.

So very much.

Good morning.

Good morning.

[Sigh]

I drank too much
Iast night.

We both did.

But don't say
you want to

unsay what we said
or undo what we did.

I think I'd die.

No. No.

It has to be
a secret...

our secret.

I wish I'd had the nerve
to teII you before.

CouIdn't you see
how I feIt about you?

I wasn't sure.

It's easier
to be friends.

I didn't know
it was possibIe.

You know, for 2 girIs
to be sweethearts,

and to--to go
aII the way.

I'd never heard of it.
Had you?

WeII, that's true.
I've never cared for

any other girI
the way I care

for you, Nan.

Oh.

Nan, voice-over:
But the fact was,

I Ioved her too much
to fret Iong

over the other girIs
she might have Ioved before me,

for she Ioved me best,
and she Ioved me now.

[AppIause]

[Both Iaugh]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Both Iaugh]

[Both Iaugh]

[Gasping]

[Laughter]

To ButIer and King,
the toast of London.

Nan, voice-over: And I was
happier than I had ever been,

and I wished I couId
teII the whoIe worId,

but Kitty insisted
we kept it a secret,

even from WaIter,

for no one eIse
wouId ever understand,

and it was the happiest,
most magicaI

6 months of my Iife.

Man: Miss Kitty ButIer
and Miss Nan King.

[Upbeat tune pIaying]

Oh!

Oh! Oh!

Oh!

Oh!
[GiggIes]

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!

Both: It's onIy human nature
after aII!

Oh.
[AppIause]

[Horse whinnies]

Nan, voice-over:
WaIter arranged us

a few days off.

He needed Kitty for some
business meetings,

and I thought it was time
I visited my parents.

I feIt strange...

Iike a ghost.

Mother: Nancy!

Is it reaIIy you?

Father: Hey.

We shaII have to mind
our manners,

shan't we, Davy,

with such a fine Iady
in our parIor?

Don't be siIIy, Father.
I haven't changed.

I'm just the same
as I aIways was.

Davy: She's gone
aII Ia-di-da.

Don't be rude, Davy.

I don't mind, Mother.

Must be the company
I've been keeping.

So, how have you
been keeping?

Have you got yourseIf
a young man yet?

No, no time for
anything Iike that.

I'm far too busy.

Look, I've got presents
for you aII from London,

and I hope you Iike them,

for I've spent
haIf my wages on them.

That's for you, Mother.

That's for you, Pop.

That's for you, Davy.

And this is
for you, AIice.

My word, Nancy.
You've done us proud.

I shaII Iook quite the thing
in this, now, shan't I?

Davy: Look at these, Ma.

Look how they're
soft as butter.

I shaII be the best-shod
bIoke in Kent now.

Mother: Oh, Nancy.
You shouIdn't have.

WeII, what eIse wouId I
do with my money?

Oh, you are
a good girI, Nancy.

Aren't you going to
open it, AIice?

Oh, what a stunner.

Don't you
Iike it, AIice?

WeII, when wouId I ever
wear a thing Iike that?

[Thunder]

Nan: It seems so strange
to be back here,

in our room.

I hope you don't mind
being invaded, AIice.

WouIdn't make any
difference if I did,

wouId it?

Oh, AIice.
PIease don't be

Iike this with me.
I can't bear it.

What's the matter?
Was it the hat?

I thought you'd Iike it.

I thought you couId
wear it when you

went out with Tony.
I bet you anything

he wouId Iike you in it.

I'm finished with Tony.

Oh, AIice. I'm sorry.
What happened?

I don't want to
taIk about it.

Hurry up.

Oh, that's better.

What's the matter?

I wrote and toId you
I'm part of the act now.

You didn't think I went
on as a girI, did you?

I wouIdn't get much work
Iike that.

But I make
a very good boy.

[In deep voice]
You'd be surprised.

[GiggIes]

I don't know how you can
show yourseIf Iike that.

Kitty can do it.
Why shouIdn't I?

Kitty.

Are you two as cIose
as you ever were?

Yes, we are.

CIoser, if you'd
Iike to know.

I'm in Iove with her,
AIice.

PIease Iet me teII you.

We never used to have

no secrets
from each other.

Come on, then,
if you must.

WeII, she's just
everything to me,

and I am to her as weII.

Remember how
I used to feeI

Iike there was
something wrong with me?

How I never feIt
anything much

when I was with Freddy?

WeII, it turns out

there's nothing wrong
with me at aII.

She onIy has to
touch me

or sometimes even
just to Io--

I don't want
to hear anymore.

You're disgusting.

I thought
you'd understand.

I don't want
to understand.

I hate anything Iike that,
aII those...

AIice.

If you want to know,
that's why

I broke up with Tony,

when I found out
he Iiked men

as much as
he Iiked girIs.

He made me feeI dirty,

and you make me
feeI dirty.

I don't wish you
any harm, Nan,

but I don't want to
know about your Iife,

and I don't Iike you
near me.

And pIease don't try
taIking to Mother and Father

about your dirty Iife,
because it'II

break their hearts.

[Thunder]

AIice, pIease,
don't be Iike this.

It's stiII me.

I'm stiII the same
as I ever was.

Just get into bed.

Keep to your own side.

Nan, voice-over: My own sister
couIdn't bear to have me

Iying next to her.

I'd Iost her,

and aII I couId think of was

getting away as quick
as I couId,

back to London and my
dearest, dearest Kitty,

my Iover and my onIy friend.

I didn't beIong there anymore.

If they couIdn't
Iove me as I am,

then I shouId go
where I wouId be Ioved.

My Iife was in London now,
with Kitty.

Oh, Miss AstIey.
You're back aIready.

HeIIo.

I'm back earIy.

Ahem.

[Indistinct]

Captioning made possibIe by
Acorn Media

Captioned by the NationaI
Captioning Institute

--www.ncicap.org--

Oh, some, they Iike it
this way

And some, they Iike it that.

The Iady dips a curtsy,
and the gentIeman tips his hat.

And some, they Iike 'em
big and fat

And others meek and smaII.

But whatever they say,

It's onIy human nature
after aII.

Last Sunday I went
out the park

Just to take the air.

I saw a girI upon the swings,

And she was pretty fair.

I said, ''Now, shaII I
give a push

And catch you if you faII?''

''Push on,'' she said.

''It's onIy human nature
after aII''

Oh, some, they Iike
a nightingaIe.

And some, they Iike a Iark.

And some, they Iike
a pretty girI

To cuddIe in the dark.

Some, they Iike a pansy.

And some they Iike a baII.

But whatever you say,

It's onIy human nature
after aII.

Oh, Miss Astley!
You're back already!

Hello,
are you awake?

I came back early!

What's this?

Nan,
you surprised us.

We didn't look for you
until tomorrow.

We were going
to tell you, Nan,

when you came back.

Tell me what?

Kitty?

No, it isn't true!

I'm so sorry, Nan.

Tell me it isn't true,
Kitty!

It's true, Nan.

Aah!

Oh!

No, don't touch me!
Go away! Go away!

Aah.

Oh, Kitty.

What have you done?

Don't be horrible
to me, Nan.

I couldn't help it.

Oh, he forced you,
did he?

So that's what all

your business meetings
were about!

All this time,

when I thought
you were mine!

No, it wasn't like that!

Until last night,

it was just talk and kisses.

I swear it, Nan!

We were going
to tell you everything.

Everything?

Good God, what more
is there to tell?

Kitty and I are going
to be married, Nan.

I'm sure in time

you'll come to see
it's for the best.

No!

No!

Don't you see, Nan,

it wouldn't do

to go on as we were.

I believe
you've killed me.

The pair of you.

Oh, come now,
compose yourself, Nan!

I know this has come
as a shock to you,

but this carry-on is
quite out of proportion!

Out of proportion?

Don't you know?

Hasn't she told you
about us?

I know that you were
sweethearts of a kind.

Of a kind!

The kind
that hold hands?

Didn't she tell you

that we fuck each other?

I don't care to use
such language, Nan.

And if I did,
I wouldn't use that word

for anything
a pair of girls can do.

You need a man for that,
I think you'll find.

Eh, Kitty?

Good-bye.

Nan!

You said we'd be
together forever.

You said you loved me.

You said you loved me!

You said we'd be
together forever!

You said we'd be
together forever.

You said you loved me.

Loved me. Loved me!

Loved me!

Kitty and I are going
to be married, Nan.

I walked
the streets all that day,

not knowing where I was going.

I wanted to see nothing,
to feel nothing,

to remember nothing.

Everyone I knew and loved
had betrayed me.

You need a man for that,
I think you'll find.

You need a man.

You need a man,
I think you'll find.

You said
you loved me!

How could
she let him touch her?

I hated them,
and wanted to die.

But I wouldn't let them
do that to me.

Morning, Nan.

Oh, you don't look
a thing at all.

Kitty's not in, is she?
Or Mr. Bliss?

No fear,
a bit early for them.

Yes?

I've come
about the room.

The house I keep
here is a tidy one.

I like my lodgers ditto.

I've had trouble

with single ladies
in the past.

Who you see or what
you do outside my house

is your concern,

but there's one thing
I won't have,

and that's
gentlemen followers

in a single lady's
room.

You'll have no trouble

on that score from me,
Mrs. Best.

5 shillings a week.

In advance.

Late payment will
not be tolerated.

I expect the room to be
kept clean at all times.

No cats, dogs, rabbits...

Now I was truly alone,

a poor outcast
from life's feast,

tormented by my memories.

It's nice and hot.

You really should
take something, miss.

For nigh on two months,

I never left that room.

I barely washed,

and never changed my dress,
for I had no other.

I believe I would have
faded away altogether,

if it weren't
for the little maid, Nell,

who brought me morsels of food
and urged me to eat them.

Nice and hot,
miss.

Kitty and I
are going to be married.

To join together
this man and this woman...

You said you loved me!

It was done. It was over.

I suppose I had been hoping

that she would change her mind
and come and find me,

but now I knew for certain
she was lost to me.

It was time to face
the world alone,

though I had no idea
how I should live in it.

But I found that
to walk alone in London

isn't an easy thing
for a woman to do.

Hello, darling.
Oi. Oi!

What's the matter,
love?

Got sick because
you found a penny?

You hold onto me
and I'll treat you...

Leave me alone!
Leave me alone!

Here, only asking.
Cow!

I thought,
what a cruel joke that I,

who had swaggered across
the stages of London,

should be afraid
to walk upon the streets.

And most of all,
I wished that I could escape

from my miserable self.

Looking for a room?

How long, dear?

Just an hour.

One hour only, mind.

Hello, dear.

You looking
for a nice time?

Not today, dear.

Perhaps
another time, eh?

All right, dear.
Don't forget, now.

And for the first
time since that terrible day,

I felt a sort of freedom,

and a sort of strength.

Somehow I had
taken the first steps

that would lead me
out of my misery

and into some
different way of living...

though I had no idea
what that would be.

My little stock of money
was dwindling fast,

and I was going to have to find
some way of replenishing it,

or starve.

Necessity is a hard taskmaster.

And if the opportunity
had presented itself,

I dare say I should have sunk
so low as to become a thief.

Good evening, Tommy Atkins.

Buying a little present
for your sweetheart?

Couldn't afford

anything here, sir.

That's a shame.

She'll have to be content
with a kiss, then, eh?

Haven't got
no sweetheart.

Not anymore.

No sweetheart?
Good-looking lad like you?

I find that
hard to believe.

Are you up for it,
Tommy, for a sovereign?

Up for what, sir?
I don't understand you.

Come on,
you know the game, Tommy.

You're all at it,
you soldier boys,

your hands are never
off each other's cocks.

Not me, sir.

I only joined up
last week,

I've never done
anything like that.

Then it's time
you began, my boy.

Just take it your hand,
only a minute's work,

and there's a sovereign
in it for you.

Oh, have a heart,
Tommy.

I'm hard as a broom handle,
and aching for a spend.

Nan Astley
could never have given

the answer that I gave him.

But Tommy Atkins
took us both by surprise!

Come on, then.

Ooh.

Slow and steady,
Tommy, dear.

Mmm!

Go on.

I thought,
if this were Walter,

I'd bite it off!

Oh! Steady on!

Ooh!

Ooh, oh!

Ooh! Oh!

Ohh!

Oh.

I suppose
I should have felt ashamed,

but I felt nothing but surprise,

and a kind of fierce elation
that in a couple of minutes,

I'd earned enough to keep me
for a couple of weeks.

And so I my new career
as a streetwalker,

and I found it
not so very different

from acting on the stage.

I told myself
it wasn't Nan Astley

who took men's spunk
in my mouth or in my hand.

But Tommy Atkins,

or Eton Bertie,

or Able Seaman Simms,

or Bobby Brown,
from Birmingham.

But now I was in
a regular way of business,

I needed a more regular
way of life.

I had had enough of changing

in filthy rooms
that reeked of men's spendings.

Perhaps this respectable lady

would accommodate the needs
of a rather unusual female.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

I've come
about the room.

Say good day
to the lady, Grace.

Good day, Grace.

Oh, dear.

To tell the truth,

we were hoping
for someone a bit older.

A widow, perhaps.

You see, um...

my daughter's, um...

a rather unusual,
trusting sort of girl.

I wouldn't like to have

young fellows
coming in and out.

There wouldn't be

any young fellows,
Mrs. Milne.

That I'll guarantee.

And I'd never get
behind with my rent.

Well...

You see, the thing is,

I work as a kind of
entertainer,

at parties and suchlike.

And for that,

I sometimes dress
in gentlemen's suits.

Now, if you and Grace
don't mind that,

I think I might do
very well.

Gentlemen's suits,
you say?

Well, Grace, what do
you think of that?

Would you like
to see one, Grace?

Ha ha!

My eyes, Grace,
what a beauty!

Would you like
to try it, Grace?

Yes, please!

Now isn't
that kind of the lady.

Ha ha ha!

She gave me
the first floor front,

8 shillings a week.

I think she'd have
let me have it for nothing

for Grace's sake.

Sometimes I thought
she must have been

as simple as her daughter,

for she never asked
where I went or what I did.

I'm off then, Mrs. M.

See you tomorrow,
Gracie.

You take as long
as you like, dear.

You have your own key.

Bye then.

Some nights
I didn't need to go out.

I told myself
that this was freedom.

Perhaps that was
the secret of happiness,

to expect nothing,
or expect very little.

What is it that soldiers say?

If you're warm, dry,
and smoking,

that's happiness.

Evening, sweetheart.

How are you?

Florence,
are you ready?

Florence!

Florence.

Who knows what it is that
draws one person to another.

But for the first time
in months,

I felt something of my old self
stirring in me.

I wanted to see
more of Florence.

And soon enough, I did.

Hello again.

I hope I didn't frighten
you the other night.

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

Evening, sweetheart.

How are you?

Oh, that was you.

Quite right.

You live up there,
do you?

I do.
And you live there?

That's right.

We were very lucky.

Mother and I
lost our other house,

but Miss Darby
found us this one.

And now I work
for her charity,

finding homes for others.

Well, that's nice.

I was just going
to the park.

Will you come with me?

Oh, no,
I've got so many calls.

Oh.

But I go along that way.

So, you're not in
your trousers today, then?

No. I like to change
and change about.

Boy one day,
girl the next.

Does that shock you?

No, I don't think so.

I can see it must
have advantages.

I suppose you can
go where you like.

You can do as you like.

Exactly so! Hit the nail
on the head!

Miss Darby would be
most interested.

She's writing a book
about the woman question.

Perhaps she'd like
to put me in it, then.

I certainly think she'd be
interested in meeting you.

I didn't give
a tinker's fart for Miss Darby,

or the woman question.

But I knew I wanted
to see more of Florence.

I wonder, would you like
to come to a lecture with me?

At the Atheneum Hall?
It's on women and labor.

A lecture? I say,

that's just my style,
I don't think.

But I'll give it a go,
if you like.

Really?

Said so, didn't I?

When is it?

00.

We can meet for some tea
beforehand, if you like.

Done.

You live with your mother,
don't you?

That's right.

Before that we lived
just round the corner.

Do you know,

I've never been
out of Islington?

Very adventurous, eh?

You don't have
to travel far

to have adventures.

You're not from
round here, are you?

No.

So, where did
you come from?

Kent. Whitstable.
It's a seaside place.

I used to work
in an oyster bar.

So, do you go back
there very often,

see your ma and pa?

They're dead.

Oh.

I'm sorry.

No need to be.
It was a long time ago.

So, what work did
you do in London?

In a shop.

What sort of a shop?

A hat shop.

Well, I'd never
have imagined that.

Why not?

I don't know.

You just don't
seem the sort.

I bet they don't

let you wear
your trousers in there.

Ha ha! No!

No, of course not!

So...

What do you do
there exactly?

Do you serve in the shop

or are you in the back
making the hats up?

I just can't seem

to imagine
you there somehow.

I... well... no.

I couldn't keep it up.

She was so sweet and straight
I couldn't bear to lie to her.

But I couldn't tell her
the truth either.

Is there
a ladies' lavatory here?

Yes, through there,
I think.

I won't be a tick.

What made me think

I could be friends
with a respectable girl?

All that was over for me.

If she could have seen me,
known what I really did

and what I really used
those clothes for.

I belonged in the gutter.

What's your
business?

Don't do anything
I wouldn't do, dear.

You game for it,
sonny?

It's a sov for a dubbing,

two for a suck,
but I won't be buggered.

I don't pay more than
a sov for a soldier.

Dubbing or nothing,
then.

Know a place?

Follow me.

This is
the place, sir.

Come on, then.

Ah!

Let's see what you're
made of, soldier boy.

No! I said no!

Let me up!
I'll cut you, I will!

Keep still,
or you'll get worse.

Ah!

Uh!

All right, me boy.
Your safe now.

You come with me.
You won't be hurt.

Please, constable,
let me go.

It was
my very first time, sir.

He made me!

Constable?
I'm no constable.

Somebody's taken
a fancy to you.

You've got
nothing to fear.

I won't be buggered!

In you go.

Good evening.

I never thought...

Well, now you see,
you have nothing to fear.

I'll see you safely home.

Or my own house is quite nearby.

Let me offer you a hot toddy
to calm your nerves.

You were in a little difficulty
just now, I think.

Yes, thanks ever so.

That chap said
he'd buy me a drink,

and next thing I knew,

he dragged me
off the street.

I had a bad fright
there,

but I shall know better
next time.

Shall you? So you were
perfectly innocent, were you?

No idea at all what
a gentleman on the town

might want with
a young soldier boy?

No, miss.

Well, that's a surprise.

I had the impression

that you understood
the game pretty well.

I've been watching you
for a while, young man.

There's no need
to be coy with me.

I'm sorry, miss,
you've made a mistake.

No, I don't think I have.

Truly you have, miss.

I'm very grateful,
but honest,

I'm not what
you're looking for.

Oh, yes,
I think you are.

But I'm a girl!

Do you think I didn't know that,
you little fool?

Though you wear the outfit

far better than
most of the lads do,

and you have the legs
for it too, oh, yes.

And none of your gentlemen
guessed?

If they did,
they didn't say.

And anyway,
I was pretty strict

about what they could
and couldn't touch.

And it all went off
all right.

Until tonight.

Pretty strict, were you?

I wonder, should I like you
to be pretty strict with me?

There's no need
to be afraid.

This could be the luckiest
night of your life.

Come, come,
where's your sense of adventure?

Take my arm. Don't think
of making a run for it.

Corder is quick
as well as strong.

That will be all tonight,
thank you, Blake.

Yes, ma'am.

Good night, ma'am.

Night, sir.

Come, come.

How warm
it is in here.

Not too warm for you,
I hope.

Perhaps a bit.

What's your name?

Nancy.

King.

And I think you might
have offered me

a glass of wine
and a cig.

I beg your pardon,
Miss King.

My name is Lethaby,
Mrs. Diana Lethaby.

Have you heard
that name before?

No.

All the better.

There.

If you were
the king of pleasure,

and I were
the queen of pain...

You're very handsome,
Miss King.

I know.

Oh, what have we here,
I wonder?

So, all your promises

come to nothing
after all.

Take those off.

Give me the glass
and the cigarette.

Quickly!

You may leave
the jacket on.

And the boots.
And the hat.

Good.

Now go through there
into the bedroom

and open the chest
under the mirrors.

Pronto!

Put it on!

Put it on
and come to me.

Come here.

You exquisite
little tart.

Oh, you sleep
like a child.

I've been up
this half hour

making a fearful row

and still you
slumbered on.

I've rung for breakfast.
I hope you're hungry.

Yes. Yes, I am.

Good.
Ah, here she is.

Good morning, ma'am.

Good morning, miss.

Very good, Blake.
Draw a bath for Miss King.

Oh, and tell Mrs. Hooper I'll
speak to her about luncheon.

Yes, ma'am.

There's a Persian story
I read as a girl.

A beggar sets a genie
free from a bottle

and is rewarded
with a wish.

He can live in...
ordinary comfort

for 70 years

or in pleasure,

with a princess
for a bride,

servants,
every desire satisfied

for 500 days.

Now if you were that beggar
which would you choose?

The pleasure.

Good.
Ha ha ha.

So did the beggar.

So...

will you stay with me,
Nan... and be pleasured

and pleasure me
in your turn?

Stay with you as what?

Your guest, your friend,
your servant...

As my tart,
you silly girl.

No, no, no, no, not in
a hole and corner way.

You'll ride out
with me to the park,

attend me at the theatre,

wear the finest clothes...

but you'll belong to me

and we'll pleasure each other.

How does that seem?

I don't know.

I don't know
enough about you

to know whether
I like you,

and you
don't know me.

I know all I need
to know about you.

You're like me.

You showed it last night
and you're showing it now.

You hunger for your own sex.

You hunger for the pleasure
I can give you, don't you?

Yes.

There
are moments in our lives

That night when Kitty
cast her rose at me

and sent my admiration
tumbling over into love,

and this was another,

the start of a new life.

How do you
like yourself?

Not bad.

Smarter than anything
I wore down the dilly.

It's your
coming out suit.

I had begun my new life.

And what a life...
and what a world!

It was so easy
to get sucked in.

Look how
they eye you,

men and women both.

Hah! They'd all
love to have you,

but they shan't
'cause you're mine,

bought and paid for.

Diana, you old roue.

You've done it
at last.

Ladies, allow me to
present my companion,

Miss King.

This is Mrs. Jex, Nan,

quite my oldest
friend in London

and quite the most
disreputable.

Everything she says
and does

is designed to corrupt.

I'm afraid I've been
corrupted already, Mrs. Jex.

Ha! Good!

Good god!
It talks.

That is
Dickie, Miss King.

A touch of
the green-eyed

monster there.

Charmed.

Likewise.

So,
tell me, Miss King,

where does
a little treasure

like you come from?

Like me?

There's no one quite
like me, Mrs. Jex.

But if you want to know,
I was born by the seaside

in Whitstable,

where the oysters
come from.

Whitstable!
Would you believe it?

She's a Whitstable
mermaid.

Like a mermaid.

Come along, child.

But the Whitstable mermaid

was no more.

This was my life now.

For the most part,
she kept me close

and displayed me at home.

The boy, they called me.

She contrived tableaux

so that they could feast
their eyes on me.

She enjoyed that,
that they could look

but couldn't touch.

They knew that she
would be enjoying me later.

Ladies, tonight we give you

Hermaphrodite.

Oh!

Oh! Oo.

We were a perfect double act.

I was the living proof
of her perversity.

I was the stain
left by her lust.

She had awakened something
perverse in me, too,

and I couldn't imagine a life
beyond her shaping.

Ow!

Sorry, Miss.

Easier to put on
than take off this stuff.

Where's Mrs. Lethaby?

Gone out, Miss.

She went out
before you woke up.

Well, she might
have told me.

Well, she can please
herself, can't she?

Not like you and me.

Do you like being
a maid here, Blake?

It's a very good
place, Miss...

but I'd rather be
my own mistress.

What would you do if you
were your own mistress?

I'd set up my own
boarding house...

in the colonies.

I'm saving from my wages
towards it now.

A boarding house
in the colonies?

Yeah, for ladies.

Well, maybe I'll come
and stay in it some day.

You'd be very
welcome, Miss.

To mark
the passing of time.

Do you know you've
been with me longer

than any of the others?

Quite an achievement.

Take our coats.

Dickie, Clara,

The boy will
take our coats.

Oh, there, there.

What a little
angel.

There.

Take care,
will you?

Ladies and gentleman,

will you please hurry along
to your seats?

The curtain will rise
in 3 minutes.

Thank you, sir.
Two gents and two ladies.

Don't you know me, Bill?

Nan King.

Have you got a sec?

Give us two ticks, Raymond.

What happened
to you then, Nan?

What have you been doing?

Oh, you was missed...
and you still are.

There was never an act
like you and Kitty Butler's.

Do you hear
from Mr. Bliss?

Or Kitty?
Oh, yes.

They've got an act
together now

playing just down the road
at the Strand Palace.

What? Tonight?

What time
are they on?

Second half, just
after the interval...

What's
the boy doing?

He's talking to the nigger
at the cloaks.

I'd better go,
and thanks, Bill.

Can't take him anywhere.

I think you should get
a collar and chain, Diana.

And a whip.
Tssssss.

Excuse me.
Call of nature.

See where she's going.

I had to see her.

I had to see Kitty again.

# Where's my little Willie now #

# He's my only comfort
and my only joy #

# Now his mother's
gone to heaven #

# All I've got's my little boy #

# Can anybody tell me #

# Where's my little Willie now #

Ooooh!

Ooooh!

Hey, father!

I've been looking
for you all over!

Oh, Willie!

Come to your dad
and give us a kiss.

And don't you ever
run away again, me boy.

# Can anybody tell me #

# Where's my little Willie now #

Been sick in the gents.

Sorry.

I know where
you've been tonight.

Corder followed you.

But what I want
to know is why!

There was an actor
I wanted to see!

Who?

A girl I used to know.

Who, damn you?!

A girl I once loved
more than anyone,

more than myself.

More than you
love me?!

Much more than
I love you!

I don't love you
at all!

I hate you!

Oh, Kitty.

Kitty.

You feeling better, Miss?

You looked ever so
poorly last night.

Oh, yes.
I shall live.

Come sit down, Blake.
Talk to me.

What about, Miss?

Well...

what's your
first name?

It's Zena, Miss.

Mrs. Lethaby
says she got you

out of
a reformatory.

What were you
there for?

I was sent there...
on account of a girl

I was friends with at
a house in Kentish Town.

We were maids
there together.

So, you were a maid
before you came here.

Went out as a skivvy
when I was 10,

and then I got the place
at Kentish Town

when I was 14.

I was a housemaid then...
and...

I got very thick with
another maid there

called Agnes.

Agnes had a chap.

She threw the chap over,
Miss, for my sake.

That's how thick we was.

And it was Agnes got you
sent to the reformatory?

No, Miss.
It was another girl.

She was jealous
of me and Agnes.

It was her that told
the missis.

And Mrs. Lethaby,
does she know

why you were
in the reformatory?

Oh, yeah,
she knows alright.

She's a great friend
of the Lady Governor.

Has Mrs. Lethaby
ever tried...

Not since you came, Miss.

It was only once
or twice in any case.

I think she just wanted
to make it clear-like

that she could do
what she wanted with me.

Oh, yes.

I can believe
that alright.

Will there be
anything else, Miss?

No... not just now.

Thank you.

Very good, miss.

What had become of me?

What had I become?

She spoke of love,
and it touched me.

But I felt too spoiled
and stained for love.

Besides, I was still
obsessed with Diana,

for all her casual cruelty.

I must have been, for it
would've been easy enough,

you would think,
just to walk out of the house

one day when she was out,

walk out forever and leave no
word of farewell.

Thank you, Corder.

I hated myself.

But still, after
nearly two years,

I was on fire for her
as she was for me.

I had started, and I had to
take that journey with her

right the way to the end...

though I feared
it would be a bad end.

Well...
did you miss me?

What do you care
if I miss you or not?

Now, now,
little soldier,

no sulks.

Of course I care.

Don't you know you're
the love of my life?

And then, in March,

came Diana's 40th birthday.

She decided to celebrate it
with a fancy dress party.

I chose to go as Antinous,

Hadrian's favorite page

who drowned in the Nile.

His sad fate suited my mood.

I hated my life,

but I couldn't leave it.

What do you think?

I think you look
lovely, Miss.

I hated it all,

but I still had my pride.

I would still be the most
beautiful thing in the place,

desired by all,

inaccessible to any
but my mistress.

Shh, shh, shh,
shh, shh, shh.

Ladies, ladies.

I give you... Antinous.

What, no dildo?!
Where's Monsieur Dildo?

He might come later,
but remember,

this is a very sweet
and virtuous Roman boy.

Yes,
delightful, mmm.

You look like
a picture from

a bugger's
compendium, my dear.

Thank you, kindly,
I'm sure.

And what might you
be wearing

under that,
young man?

Just a little
au de Cologne.

No.

You mustn't touch
or look.

Just use your
imagination.

Don't get much chance

to use anything else
these days.

God, look at Dickie.
What's she supposed to be?

Dorian Gray, I believe.

I swear to you,
it was as big

as a boy's doodle
and as stiff as my thumb.

She blames it on
her Hindu nurse.

I've seen that amongst
the Turks as well.

They're bred like it

in order to pleasure
themselves

and the seraglio.

We needn't go as far
as that to find it.

English girls in the slums
all have 'em.

They're brought up
20 to a bed,

frgging all night.

No wonder they look at...

I was sick of it,

the backbiting,
the bitching.

Something inside me was
getting ready to explode.

If we had a girl
from the slums here,

I'd pull down her drawers myself
and show you the proof.

Oh, what does
Antinous say?

You used to be a little
slum slut, didn't you,

once upon a time?

Of course, Blake.
Come here.

Come here.

Ooh!

You're a reformatory
girl, aren't you?

Oh!

Aren't you?
Yes, ma'am.

Good.

Lower your drawers
and lift up your skirt.

Oh, good god, girl.

Do I have to come
and do it for you?

Leave her alone.
What?

Let her alone!

Go back to
the kitchens, Blake.

Stay where you are!

And as for you,
ha ha ha,

do you think you're
mistress here?

What's it to you if I
ask my girl to show me

what she's got
between her legs?

You've done the
same thing yourself

often enough.

Get back behind
the curtain.

And when we finish
with Blake,

perhaps we'll
all take turns

upon Antinous.

You shouldn't talk
to me like that.

You don't own me.

Oh, Lord,
what a bore.

What a bore.
Ha!

Nothing to you,
you old cow!

Got up like
a boy of 17,

Dorian Gray!

Look in the glass!

You're more like
the portrait in me attic.

And that goes for the rest of
you, you tired old trotters!

Why don't you all just fuck off
on this girl's word.

I can't take any one of you!

I think you're a little
overexcited, Nancy!

You'll go to
your room now...

and when you've
had time to think,

you will come down
and apologize.

Then we'll devise

a little punishment
for you.

Something suitably
Roman, maybe.

What are you
gonna do then?

Throw me to the lions?

I know one thing.

I'd make a tastier
meal than you,

you worn-out,
pathetic old trollop!

Oh, Zena...

What a night.

I've got a cloth...
with a bit of ice in it.

If you just let me...

It's all right.

It's all... shh.

What is it?

Can I stay here
with you, Miss?

I'm frightened to go
back to my own room

with those ladies
roaming all over the house.

Yes, you can stay.

What's in the bottle?

Brandy... Miss.

L... l... l... thought
for the shock.

Give it here.

Oh, Miss!

Oh, please do.

Did you used to
frig yourself

in the reformatory?

You're as bad
as them downstairs

to think of me
with a cock.

I'd like to see you
with one.

What... you don't mean...

Oh!

# It's only human nature
after all #

# Oh, some they like it
this way #

# And some they like it that #

# The lady dips a curtsey #

# And the gentleman
tips his hat #

# And some they like 'em
big and fat #

# And others neat and small #

# But whatever you say #

# It's only human nature
after all #

# Last Sunday I went
out the park #

# Just to take the air #

# I saw a girl
upon the swings #

# And she was pretty fair #

# I said,
"Now shall I give a push #

# And catch you if you fall" #

# "Push on," she said #

# "It's only human nature
after all" #

# Oh, some they like
a nightingale #

# And some they like a lark #

# And some they like
a pretty girl #

# To cover in the dark #

# And some they like a pansy #

# And some they
like a bull #

# But whatever you say #

# It's only human nature
after all #

Oh, dear!

How dare you?

You made it pretty clear
you didn't want us,

so we had to make
our own entertainment.

Well, then, since
you're so pleased

with each other's
company,

you may leave my house
this moment.

Oh, please, my lady,
don't dismiss me.

I've never done anything
like that before,

and I never
will again.

Not in my house,
you won't

because you won't spend
one more moment in it.

What you do outside of it
is no concern of mine.

You can do it in the street
like dogs, for all I care.

Corder?
Where's Corder?

Diana, wait!

How dare you speak to me,
you little whore?

Have you forgotten who I am
and what you are?

The love of your life.

You said I was the love
of your life.

I say, hearts
and flowers.

Listen to the little liar.

DIANA: Corder!

Oh, Zena, what
an end to it all.

What are we to do?

Oh, you'll be
all right, I suppose.

Go back to your family

and spin them some tale
about where you'd been.

No. I won't go back there.
I couldn't.

I couldn't let them
see me like this.

Then we're
in the same boat, then,

aren't we, miss?

Don't you have any cash
about you at all?

What's in the bag?

Clothes...

the boys clothes I brought
with me when I first came.

Well, then.

What, you mean we should put
them on and pass as gents?

No. I mean,
we should sell them.

Sell them?

Well, it's that or sell
ourselves, I reckon.

Don't want to spend the
night in the open, do you?

Come on, miss.

[Man coughing]

[Man yelling]

It's all right, miss.

Men and women
is separate.

NAN, VOICE-OVER: So from luxury
and a 4-poster bed,

I had come to this,

but I had Zena
and a little money now.

Come on. Hurry up.

[People coughing]

Lie close, miss,

for the warmth.

You mustn't call me
miss anymore.

You must call me Nan.

We're equal now,
aren't we?

If only Diana hadn't
come in when she did.

It was fun, though,
wasn't it,

till she came
and spoiled it?

It's always fun
before they catch you.

It won't be so bad,
will it?

We've got
each other now.

We might make
a go of it,

don't you think?

NAN, VOICE-OVER: Yes, I had lost
my place of privilege,

but I had found
something better, I told myself.

I had found a good pal
in Zena Blake.

[Clanging]

Morning.

You're a good sleeper.
Ha ha!

Where's my friend?
Where's my friend?

"Where's my friend?
Where's my friend?"

She went hours ago, dearie,
before it was light.

I saw her.
I saw her go,

and you never
stirred a whisker.

[Laughing]

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
Zena had gone

and taken our meager funds
with her.

NAN: Spare some change, sir?

Spare a penny
for a cup of tea, sir?

[Bell tolling]

NAN, VOICE-OVER: For the first
time for over a year,

I found myself longing for home.

I thought of the warmth
of the oyster parlor,

Mother's cooking,
Father's jokes,

but I didn't have so much
as a tuppenny bus fare,

and how could I let them
see me like this?

But I had to find some way
or starve on the streets,

and during that long night,
it came to me.

There was a place where
I'd been made to feel at home.

Mrs. Milne!

Mrs. Milne!

Gracie!

Gracie?

Mrs. Milne.

Yeah?

Mrs. Milne, Gracie,
they used to live here.

Where have they gone?

Couldn't say.

The lady before me

took ill
back in November,

and her sister come

and took her back
to live with her,

but where...
Bristol, Bath...

don't know.

Dear girl,

you have been in
the wars, haven't you?

I have,
and that's not all.

I've got nowhere to live
and nothing to eat

and not a penny
to buy bread.

Well, we've got
nothing to spare,

so it's no use hanging
around here begging.

You'll get
nothing by it.

Wait. Mister...

there was a girl who lived
over there with her mother,

name of Florence.

Oh, she's been gone
this past year.

Moved to Quilter Street
in Bethnal Green,

I think.

Bethnal Green?
But that's miles from here.

Best I can do.

[Door closes]

[Flies buzzing]

[Neighing]

MAN: Dear lady, please.

Please, miss.

Quilter Street...

Quilter Street...

NAN: Excuse me.
Is this Quilter Street?

Florence.
Where does she live?

WOMAN: Number 115,
just up there.

Thank you.

109...

111...

[Dog barking]

[Nan gasps]

Ohh...

113...

115.

What are you
doing here?

[Thud]

[CIock chiming 6:00]

She's been in the wars,
all right, poor girl.

Look at that cheek.

And someone
has cropped her hair.

Prison, do you reckon?

They crop the poor girls
very short there, don't they?

Or one of your
reformatory girls.

She's pretty near half-dead,
whoever she is.

Oh, look out.
She's waking up.

Hello there, miss.
Here we go.

You feeling
a bit better?

There's no need
to fear, you know.

You're among
friends here.

Here. Here.
Let's help you up.

Give us
a hand here, Flo.

There we are.

I'll make you a nice cup
of something hot.

Would you like that?

Yes, please.
Thank you.

That's very kind.

You're both
very kind.

Would it
make you very ill

to tell me
why you've come here?

I met you once
a long time ago.

Don't you remember?

Yes. I remember.

You left me sitting
in that cafe.

You made me feel a fool.

I'm sorry.

It was...

I can't explain.

Please don't
send me away.

Why should you go to
such a lot of trouble

to find me now?

I couldn't think of
anyone else I could go to,

and I just always
remembered you.

I thought
you'd remember me.

I made a mistake.

Didn't expect
to find you like this.

You've changed,
I think,

with a baby
and everything.

MAN:
Here we are, then.

Ah, she looks
better already,

doesn't she,
Florence?

Ralph, this lady is
a friend of Miss Darby's,

that lady
I used to work for.

Oh.

I'm afraid I've
forgotten your name.

It's Nancy Astley.

Miss Nancy Astley.

Pleased to meet you,
Miss Nancy Astley.

You're very welcome.

Thank you.

Thank you.

RALPH: That cheek
still looks very sore.

I expect you're wondering
how I came by it.

It was a man with
a ladder on the street.

Oh, I can't tell a lie.

Truth is, I've been
living with someone,

and they've thrown me out
and kept all my things,

and I had
such handsome things.

A gentleman, I suppose.

Yes.

You must think me
very wicked,

but he...

he said I was
the love of his life.

He was as rich
as anything.

He could do
what he liked.

He did what he liked
with me.

He used to like to make
me dress up as a boy

in a soldier suit.

They're the worst of the lot
when they go bad,

the rich ones.

They think their money
gives them the right

to treat people
like toys.

I'm a socialist,
Miss Astley,

and we're working
to try and put a stop

to all that
sort of thing.

FLORENCE: You ain't
in trouble, are you?

No.

NAN: I was...

but the gent fixed that
when he...

when he beat me.

Oh, well,
Miss Astley,

if you truly
have nowhere,

it won't hurt for you to
stay the night with us,

just one night,

and tomorrow

I'll help you find
a proper lodging.

But I've no
money to pay.

Well, then I'll help you
find work, as well.

RALPH: And I was thinking,
if she could stay one night...

stay one night...

[Indistinct]

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
I had thought and hoped

Florence was a tom like me,

but here she was,
married with a child

and so stern and serious

and thoughtful.

He was kinder to me
than she was.

Ooh.

NAN, VOICE-OVER: And there
was nothing more in it

than kindness.

I was sure of that.

Gentle as Jesus, he was,

and her working,

working for her
friendless girls, no doubt,

and never looking
at the friendless girl

who lay in her armchair
almost too weak to move.

[CIock chimes]

RALPH: Well...

I'll turn in.

Good night, Miss Astley.

Hope to see you feeling better
in the morning.

Good night.

Thanks for all
your kindness.

[Door closes]

You do understand,
don't you,

that it's just
for one night?

It won't do to have you
stay any longer.

If the girls at the hostel
heard about it,

they'd all be clamoring,

"If she can stay
with the family,

then why shouldn't we?"

Yes.

I can see that,

I suppose.

Have you got
everything you need?

Privy is out back,
as you know.

Ralph will be up and
out of the house by 6:00.

I'll get up a bit later,

but you'll have to leave
the house when I do at 8:00.

You do understand that?

Yes.

You've been
so kind to me

when, really, you
hardly know me at all...

and your husband.

Good night, then.

[Door closes]

[CIock chiming 8:00]

[Door opens]

FLORENCE: Oh, Miss Astley,
you're not up yet?

You must get up now.
I have to get to work.

Ohh...

Oh, dear, I don't feel
so well this morning.

Well, I'm sorry,
but you can't stay here.

I must go to work,
and I must go now.

If you keep me
waiting any longer,

I shall be late.

Oh, please let me stay
just a little while

till my head clears and I
get a little strength back.

You don't need to wait.

I'll let myself
out later.

I'd be gone by the time
you get home.

You can trust me.

I wouldn't take anything.

All right.
You may do as you said

and let yourself out.

There's precious little
to steal here, anyway.

Now, I've made you
a list of places

you might find a bed in

and some places where
you might find work.

Oh, and Ralph left you
this half crown.

He says good-bye...

and good luck.

He's so good.

Now, I'm trusting you.

Don't let me down.

[Door opens]

[Door closes]

Hello.

Hello.

Who are you?

Just a friend
of the family.

I was down on my luck, and
they let me stay the night.

Yeah. That's them.

Always doing things
for other people,

Miss Banner
and her brother.

They've got no time to
look after themselves.

He's her brother?

But I thought they
were man and wife.

So...

little Cyril?

No, nothing like that.

He belonged
to another girl,

their previous lodger.

Oh...

I see.

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
Then I knew what I should do.

I would
make myself indispensable.

I would make myself
the angel of the house.

MAN: Exotic fruit!

Pineapples!
Exotic fruit of the...

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
This will be my new home.

It will.

It will.

It will.

[Coughs]

Oi!

[Humming]

Uhh!

Mmm.

[Gasp]

Oops.

[Door opens]

Who are you?

I'm Nan Astley.

I'm just visiting
here for a while.

You're making
your presence felt.

I've never
seen it so tidy.

Thought I'd come
in the wrong house.

Yeah. Well, I've come

to drop these
leaflets off, all right?

Tell Florie.

I'm Annie,
Annie Price.

Bet you can't guess
what I do for a living.

Chimney sweep?

Hey, you're not far off.

I don't crawl up chimneys.
I crawl down drains.

I'm a sanitary inspector.

It's the stinkiest job
in London, and I love it.

Mm. Lovely smell.
What is it?

Oh.
Beef and oysters.

I better see to it,
if you'll excuse me.

Do you need any help?

Oh, no. I'm all right.
Thank you.

ANNIE: Oh, hello.

Yeah. I brought them
like I said.

Well, I got to run now.
I'll be late.

FLORENCE:
What's that smell?

Something very nice,
I think...

called Nan.

It...

it's... ha!

You wait and see.
I'm never wrong.

Bye, Miss Astley.

[Door closes]

NAN: I wanted to do
something for you.

So I cleaned the house
and made supper for you

and your brother.

Who told you that?

The lady next door.

I liked my house
the way it was.

Please don't
be like that.

Oh, Florence...

please let me stay.

It's not possible.

NAN: Yes, it is.

I could cook
and clean for you

like I did today.

I could sleep downstairs
like I did last night.

I could do your washing
and look after your baby boy

when you're at work.

RALPH: My word,
I never saw

such a shiny
doorstep.

I was almost frightened
to tread on it.

Hello, Miss Astley.
You still here?

Have we you to thank
for all this?

Out.

[Cyril crying]

RALPH: But he's just
been to... Oh, shh, shh.

Let me have him.

No. It won't do.

Just for a moment.
Please.

Come here. Ohh.

[Crying stops]

Shh, shh.

Yeah.

Shh, shh.

All right.
You may stay...

for a week,

and if the week
works out,

we shall try it
for a month,

but if it doesn't work,
you must go.

Thank you.

Thank you.

NAN, VOICE-OVER: And so I became
a sort of housekeeper to them.

It was a kind of work
I'd never done much of before.

Hard enough and dull, too,
you'd think,

but it seemed like play to me.

Who's my little one?

You are.

Yes, you.
Yes, you are.

There's
my little man.

Oh, Cyril. Oh...

Oh! Ha ha ha!

Mmm. Mm.

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
And as the time went by,

I got more confident.
"Why not?" I thought.

After all, women's clothes
weren't suited

to hard physical work.

It was only practical.

And I started to express myself
in other ways, too.

Oh, my pal Cyril
is a regular peril

When he gives the girls
the eye

Oh, my pal Cyril,
he drinks like a devil

He could drink the dairy dry

And when he goes
up on the town

A wiggle in his walking stick
up and down

And then he goes off
on a spree

Oh, that's
delicious.

Mm. Beautiful, Nan,
beautiful.

I think if there
was only one dish

that had to be
served in paradise,

it would be oysters.

No. Beef-and-oyster
pie for me.

Oysters, definitely,

and it would be a socialist
paradise, of course.

Equal shares
for all.

And who would be there
with you to share it?

Where, in paradise?

Well, Flo, of course,

and Cyril and you

and Eleanor Marx, I think,
and Keir Hardie

and Mrs. Sykes
from next door.

Oh, that's you
all over.

You'd let them all
come, you would.

Well...

And who would be
in yours, Nancy?

Well, you and Ralph
would have to be there

making yourselves busy
and telling everyone

how to run it
and Cyril, of course.

Can't leave
my big boy out.

And of course you would
have to be in mine.

Well, who else would
make me oyster pie?

Well, I've had better
compliments paid me,

but not recently.

Thank you kindly,
Miss Banner.

[CIock chimes]

Well, up the wooden hill
for me.

Night, both.

Night.

What a lovely day
it's been.

Do you know, I don't think
we've had a picnic in years?

You do too much
for others.

You have to think of
yourself now and then.

Don't go up yet.
Come sit down by me.

All right, then.

I wanted to say...

sorry for running away
from you before.

I was hurt
at the time then.

The thing is,

you kept wanting
to know what I did,

and I couldn't
tell you.

Somehow, I couldn't
tell you a lie, either.

So I thought

I just couldn't be
with you at all.

Lie to me? About what?

I let you
think it was

a gentleman
I lived with,

but it was a lady.

She picked me up
off the street

and carried me off
in her carriage,

and what was I doing
on the street?

I was selling
myself to men

dressed as a boy.

When you say you lived
with this lady...

do you mean...

As her lover?

As her slave,
more like.

She dressed me up
in fine clothes,

but really, I was
just a kept whore.

Oh, Nan.

Have you never
been truly happy?

Oh, yes...

when I was in love.

That was a girl
called Kitty.

She was my first love,
and she broke my heart,

and I've been happy

since I've been living
here with you,

as happy as I could be,
except I've never felt

able to tell you
the truth about myself,

but now I have,

and I suppose you're
gonna say I have to go.

No.

I'd like to tell you
something, Nan.

That night after you...
after we parted,

I went to that lecture,
and I met a girl there.

Her name was Lillian.

Well, she was so very
interesting-Iooking,

I knew I just
had to know her.

So after the lecture,
I went up to her,

and we began to talk.

We just went on
from there.

It was as if she
understood all my thoughts.

I'd never felt like that
about anybody.

Um...

You loved her.

Yes,

and she loved me, too,
only not in the same way.

The fact is,

she had a man friend
who wanted to marry her,

only she wouldn't do it.

She wouldn't be
a man's property, she said.

Oh, she loved him, and then
when she fell pregnant,

the man wouldn't
stand by her.

So she came here
to live with us,

and those were the happiest
months of all my life.

And then?

And then she died.

She died having Cyril.

She was too slight.

The confinement
was a hard one,

and she died, Nan.

I'm so sorry about
your friend, Flo.

Well, it's been
very hard since then.

Sometimes...

I've wished
I might die myself.

She'd only been gone
6 months when you came,

and I couldn't
bear the thought

of having another girl
in the house.

She's the only one
I could ever love, you see.

Oh.

So I'm just about
good enough

to do the cooking
and the cleaning,

but no hope of
anything more, right?

No, Nan.
I didn't mean that.

Yes, you did.

I'm not good enough
for you, am I?

And no one ever
will be after her.

I'm going to bed.

Good night.

[Sigh]

What are you doing?

Well, I can't stay here
anymore, can I,

after last night?

You've been very kind
to me.

No. Wait.

I've been awake
half the night

thinking about things.

I'm sorry, too, Nan.

I haven't treated you
very gently

since you've been here,
have I?

It wasn't right
to take it out on you

because I was unhappy.

I've liked it...

having you here
all these months.

I'm glad you stayed.

I was wondering...

perhaps we could go out
somewhere together...

just the two of us,
tonight.

All right.

[Chatter]

[Piano playing]

FLO: I thought you said
it was all girls here.

NAN: It is.

You ought to look
a bit more carefully.

Ohh.

[Chuckles]

Did you used to
come here as a boy?

Now and then.

WOMAN: So he slapped
down a sovereign,

and Suzie and me
flap up

for half an hour

and then
tip the velvet

while the gent
looked on.

Easiest night's work
we've ever had.

We'd have done it
for nothing,

if only
he'd known it.

Ha ha!

Tipping the velvet?

Whatever can that be?

You don't know?

It sounds like something
to do with dressmaking

or millinery,

but I don't think
it can't be.

Nobody would pay
to watch that.

Ha! It isn't.

Well, what, then?

Oh.

Or so I understand.

WOMAN: So you managed
to get her out of the house.

Good for you, Nan Astley.

I kept telling Florie
this is the place for her.

Flo, I'm in
such a state.

She's coming here
tonight.

I met this girl
the other day

in the office
at the sewage works,

sitting in a ray
of sunshine.

I said, "Are you
Sue Brighthead?

My name's Jude."

She gave me
a little smile,

and she took my hand,

and I knew that
I was in love again.

Oh, you.

Yeah, well,
it's about time

you was in love
again, too.

Perhaps you can show her
the way, Uncle.

Here she comes.

I won't bring her over,
if you don't mind.

I want her
all to meself.

MAN: What?

Ahh.

Excuse me, sweetheart,

but didn't you
used to be Nan King

that worked the halls
with Kitty Butler?

Yes,
I was Nan King.

Who wants to know it?

There you are.

What did I tell you?
It is her.

Oh, come and give us
a song, Nan.

No.

No. I'm finished
with all that.

Oh, you was the best,
you and her.

Half the girls in London
was in love with you.

Me and Jenny have got
your picture by our bed.

Oh, come on,
just one song, eh?

Just to remind us.

Well, go on.

I'd love to hear you.

Oh, all right, then.

Oh, I can go out
on the town

To all the grand hotels

Going at large till midnight

With all the London swells

But it ain't any good at all

I can't help remembering

Can't help remembering

The girl I kissed
behind the garden wall

Oh, Rosey, do you remember

The promises we made
only last September?

Why did I have to go away?

We said good-bye
with a tear and a sigh

And whispered
all the pretty things

That sweethearts say

You promised...

[Inaudible]

There's a rose in my heart

For you

[Laughter]

Miss King.

Delightful to
hear you again,

and in such
good voice.

I shan't
detain you,

but if you are
ever interested

in a return
to the boards,

I can guarantee you
excellent billing

in any
of my theaters.

My card.

Good evening to you,
Miss King. Ma'am.

Who was that?

Mr. Charles Frobisher.

He only owns 6 theaters
in the West End.

So you really did?

I did,

and maybe
I will again.

Good night, eh?

And mind you
take care of her.

Ha ha ha!

MAN:
Here come the toms.

Look at them,
the dirty cows.

How'd you like to see
what a proper man can do?

Come on!
Who's first?

Ignore him.
Just keep going.

Come on, girls!

We'll show you
a thing or two.

NAN: You?

You could hardly
get across the road,

let alone
get a cock to stand.

Show us
a thing or two?

I don't think so.

Now get off home
to your wife

before I put you
over my knee and spank you!

Come on, Flo.

[Men shouting]

Oh, Lord,
they're coming.

MAN: Lee, Jay,
come on, then!

DIFFERENT MAN:
Where'd they go?

[Faint laughter]

NAN:
Come on, blokes!

Ha ha ha!

Oh, look, Nan.

It's all frozen over.

[Giggling]

FLO: Ralph
must have gone out.

We'd better
be quiet.

[FIoor squeaks]

Oh.

Oh, what a night.

Wasn't it just?

Kiss me, Nan.

Hmm. Morning.

Morning.

Nan?
Hmm?

What happened
last night?

Oh, don't say you wish
it hadn't happened.

I couldn't bear that!

I was determined
it shouldn't happen.

I thought I could never
care about another girl

after Lillian.

But when it came to it,

I think you
put a spell on me

with that song
you sang.

That was the idea.

And you were really
in the halls?

Do you really mean
to go back?

Well, if Charlie Frobisher
thinks I can still do it,

I think I might
give it a go.

Would you mind?

I think
I'd be rather proud

to be a friend
of Nan King's...

and very happy to be
the lover of Nan Astley.

Ha ha ha!

RALPH: Flo? Flo?

Oh, God.
No. Stay there.

Sorry to disturb you, Nan.

You don't know where
Flo might...

Oh, there you are.

I was wondering if
you could have Cyril

for a few minutes,
just...

while I get... get shaved.

Here we are.

Well...

I'll just...

get shaved.

[Laughing]

Oh, Flo,

your brother
is just about

the best kind
of man, I think.

Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!

RALPH: OK. Now move it
around the corner,

get it up the stairs.

I'll lift, and you
drop a bit, all right?

All right.
OK.

I've got it.

[Indistinct]

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
That evening,

we put the truckle bed
back in the attic,

and I moved my night things
to Florence's room...

and I put my gown
beneath her pillow.

And I felt...

I had come home at last.

[MAN WHISTLING]

RALPH: Right. Now...

I've had enough of this.

I've had just about
as much as I can take.

Look about you...

at our great places
and public buildings...

and our country houses
and our...

[Grunts]

Damn!

Our factories
and our empire!

And our factories
and our empire.

Yeah, thanks.
Thanks, Nan.

That was very good
till then.

Well, get on.

OK. What is
the rich man's wealth

but robbery?

[Laughing]

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
Gradually, I was drawn in

to the center
of their lives.

I had never given
a thought to politics,

but now I couldn't escape it,
it seemed.

There was going to be
a big rally at Victoria Park.

Florence was helping
to organize it,

and Ralph was to speak at it.

[Ralph speaking indistinctly]

And my own life was
opening up as well.

This way, ladies.

Hmm.

It's the best
dressing room

in the house,
Miss King.

I trust it meets
with your approval.

Yes.

I think it'll do me
very nicely, thanks.

[Laughing]

Oh, Flo.

What is
the rich man's wealth

but robbery?

They steal the land

and set a wall
about it.

They steal
the fruits...

Flo,
please be quiet.

How's a man
to think?

And steals the fruits...

The fruits...
the fruits

of our labor

and obliges us to
buy them back from him!

Good!

Oh, I've got a girl

She's as pretty as a picture

She's the best pal

In the world

[Piano stops]

[SIow clapping]

Hello, Nan.

Sorry, Jimmy.

Could you give us
5 minutes?

Tommy, 5 minutes.

MAN: All right!

Top of the bill,
I see.

Charlie Frobisher's
done you proud.

Do you remember
when you first

came to see me,
I wonder?

What do you want,
Kitty?

You haven't
forgotten me, then?

I was afraid
you might have.

Well, I wanted
to see you again,

of course.

Nan, if you knew

how I tried
to find you.

It was as though
you'd vanished

off the face
of the earth.

I was afraid
you might have...

have harmed
yourself.

It was you that
harmed me, Kitty.

I'm so sorry, Nan.

It doesn't matter now.

No.

No. I can see.

You're doing
ever so well.

And you... are you
still married to Walter?

You heard about that?

Yeah.

Yes. Yes, I am,

but after a fashion,
if you know what I mean.

It's what you
might call a...

a marriage
of convenience.

Nan, so long,
I've thought about

what I might say
if I ever found you.

I must...
I must tell you...

I'm not sure
I want to hear it.

Would you come back
to me, Nan?

Oh!

Aren't you forgetting
you're a married woman?

Oh, that needn't matter.

Walter's very good.

He lets me do
very much as I like.

Well, if we were
only a little careful...

No!

We were always careful

because you wanted it
that way.

You were always
halfhearted, Kitty,

and I was all for you.

And now I've found someone
who's all for me.

She isn't me, though,

is she, Nan?

No.

She's very different
from you.

Nan...

I made a mistake
with Walter.

If you were
to come back to me,

I would leave him.

It would be
just you and me.

I'll make it all up
to you, Nan.

I promise.

I've never stopped
loving you, Nan.

You broke my heart,
Kitty.

Well, won't you
let me see

if I can't
mend it again?

My mermaid.

You need time to...
to think about it.

I shan't beg you,
Nan.

You let your heart
tell you what's right.

I'll come to the show
on Monday.

Until then...

good-bye.

[Humming]

[Faint singing]

Penny for your thoughts.

[Door opens and closes]

RALPH: That's torn it.

The rally's off.

The marquee company
won't let us have the tents.

Won't have no truck
with political revolutionaries,

so that's that.

Oh, Ralph,
we can't just give up

just like that.

Well, what else
are we to do?

Well, the theater's
dark on Sundays.

You could hold
your meeting there.

Oh, Nan,

do you think you could
wrangle it for us?

I think
Charlie Frobisher

would do more than that
to keep me happy.

Nan, you're
a tiptopper,

you are!

I beg your pardon.

They call it enterprise
and capitalism,

but what is it,
really?

What is it...

uh, real... really?

BOTH: Robbery,
swindling,

and slavery!

Robbery, swindling,
and slavery!

[Gavel pounds]

MAN: Quiet, please.

I give you Ralph Banner.

[Pounds gavel]

Go on.
You'll be fine.

[Applause]

Oh, Lord.

[Softly]
L-l-ladies and gentlemen...

[Baby gurgles]

RALPH: Why socialism?

That is the question

I've been invited
to discuss with you

this afternoon.

MAN: Speak up!

[Booing and jeering]

Why socialism?

I shall keep my answer
rather brief.

MAN: Thank God
for small mercies!

[Laughter]

[Murmuring]

MAN: Oh, come on.

Shh!

RALPH: How many times

have you heard economists say
that England

is the richest country
in the world?

[Loud booing]

[Ralph continues indistinctly]

I can't bear this.

Nor can I.

MAN: Order, ladies
and gentlemen.

Order, please.

NAN: All right,
ladies and gentlemen.

Why socialism?

[Crowd silences]

We'll tell you why.

Because we've been
robbed and cheated

long enough!

Haven't we,
Mr. Banner?

Yeah. Yeah, we have.

How old are we
likely to be

when we die?

Do you know that?

What's the average
age of death

in Bethnal Green?

Mr. Banner knows.

Don't you, Mr. Banner?

29.

Tell them.

29.

29!

And your rich man
lives to 70!

[Applause]

And all this

in the richest city
on Earth.

[Whistles]

And they call it
progress...

but what do we
call it, Mr. Banner?

We call it a disgrace!

Yeah!
Yeah!

[Cheering]

And... and it is
a disgrace,

and we want
an end to it.

What is
the rich man's wealth

but robbery
under another name?

Is it right that
babies should die

for want of milk?

No!
No!

[Cheering]

Join unions...

Thank you!

[Cheering and applause]

Like a mermaid.

[Heavy breathing]

Oh, Nan.

I do love you...

so very much.

MAN: This is your
beginners call,

ladies and gentlemen.

Beginners, please!

[Crowd murmuring]

[Knock on door]

MAN:
5 minutes, Miss King.

[FROBISHER SPEAKING
INDISTINCTLY]

...triumphant return
to the London stage

of Miss Nan King!

[Cheering and applause]

Hello again.

Remember me?

There's a lot of things
that have happened

since you and I last met.

I've been up,
and I've been down,

but here's the best thing yet:

If all good things around us

are sent from Heaven above,

they've sent me down an angel.

I can't help it.

I'm in love

[Applause]

I've got a girl

She's as pretty
as a picture

She's the best pal
in the world

She's not the kind who'd
let you down

She's the sweetest little
lollipop in London town

[Crowd oohing]

She's a dear,
she's a darling [/l]

She's a little bit of Heaven

She's a diamond,
she's a ruby

She's a pearl

Oh, I've got a girl

She's as pretty as a picture

She's the best pal
in the world

I've had a funny
sort of life

With lots of ups and downs

I've worn a lot of
different sorts of hats

[Cash register rings]

I've trudged
the streets of London

Not a penny to my name

Next day, a toff
in topper, cane, and spats

I've seen a lot of
pretty girls

A lot of plain ones, too

I've felt the prick
of naughty Cupid's dart

I've known some girls

Whose kisses could
leave you black and blue

And one or two

Could fairly
break your heart

But now I think it's time

I settled down

And built myself
a cozy little nest

To share with the sweetest
girl in London town

The one that I love best

CROWD: Aww.

Oh, I've got a girl

She's as pretty as a picture

She's the best pal
in the world

She's not the kind who'd
let you down

She's the sweetest little
lollipop in London town

She's a dear,
she's a darling [/l]

She's a little bit of Heaven

She's a diamond,
she's a ruby

She's a pearl

Oh, I've got a girl

She's as pretty as a picture

She's the best pal

In the world

[Music stops]

[Cheering and applause]

[Applause stops]

[Drum roll stops]

[Applause]

NAN, VOICE-OVER:
I had come so far

from the days when I was a girl,

standing on this beach,

wondering why I didn't
care for Freddy like I should.

And here I am again.

And though I shan't stay long,

there's a part of me
will always belong here

in Whitstable,

where they have the best oysters
in the world.

Shall we go, then?

Have you got
your courage up?

Are you ready
to meet the family?

If you are.

MAN: It's only human nature
after all

[Applause]

Eited by Habib Guntur