All language subtitles for mr.selfridge.s01e01 coot

Not too night and tidy. Pile them up.
I want Treasure Island in here.

Aladdin's Cave. Very good. Very
good.

Great work, Henri. You're a genius.

Well done, ladies. We are making
history here.

Mr Selfridge, if these figures...
Not now, Crabb.

We have a store to open. All well in
accessories, Miss Mardle?

We are missing half the ribbon
consignment.

Improvise. I know I can rely on you
and your excellent assistants.

Can't we, ladies?
ALL: Yes, Mr Selfridge.

That is the spirit.
I'm proud of you all.

Well, get on with your work.

Miss Bunting, all going to plan here
in the fashion department?

Yes, Mr Selfridge. We are going to
dazzle the world.

Yes, Mr Selfridge.

What do you think, Grove? Your honest
opinion.

Honesty, Chief? Do you really think
London is ready for all this?

Ready for it? London is crying out
for it.

We're giving them style, glamour,
razzmatazz.

Once they see what we have done
here,

there'll be no turning back.

Hmmm. I don't know.

Those are the very finest kids, sir.
I'm sure they are.

I'd like to see some more.
What would you like to see, sir?

Well maybe I don't know until I see
it.

Why don't we get a whole lot of 'em
on the counter

and then we can see what we like.

That's not how it's done here, sir.
Come on.

Let's have a little bit of fun.

No, please, sir.
You'll get me into trouble.

You only live once.

All right.

That is more like it.

Which pair would you choose out of
the whole lot?

These. Why is that?

I love the colour and the softness
of the leather.

It's finest Nappa from Florence.

Try 'em on.

Go on. Don't be scared.

What a great choice. What's your
name?

Agnus Towler, sir.
Agnus Towler.

Might I be of any assistance, sir?

Oh, no, thank you. This young lady is
doing just fine.

May I enquire if sir actually
intends making a purchase?

What if I said I was just looking?
This is a shop not an exhibition!

I've had my eye on you for a while.

I suggest that you hop it.

Thank you for your time,
Miss Towler. It's been a pleasure.

Ah. Miss Towler.

You can collect your cards. You're
dismissed.

But I didn't do anything. We don't
need your sort here.

And don't expect any references.

Agnes, I'm glad I caught you.
Someone left this for you.

(BRASS BAND MUSIC)

(INHALES AND EXHALES DEEPLY)

This Selfridge seems to have a
high opinion of himself.

Well, he's American. That's what
they're like.

Gentlemen, welcome to Selfridge and
Waring.

You know, you're standing on the
very spot

where the biggest and best
department store in the whole world

is shortly going to rise up out of
the rubble.

With respect, sir, we're standing in
a hole in the ground

at the dead end of Oxford Street.

This is no ordinary hole.

This is a million dollar hole.

And in less than one year...

Yes. ONE year. ..this will be the
live end of Oxford Street.

Gentlemen, this is the best site
in London.

Ah, here's my partner. Mr Waring.

Better late than never. Come join
the party. Stop!

Now!

A word with you in private,
Selfridge.

It's over. I'm pulling out.

What the hell are you talking about?

You've ignored all our agreements.

This ridiculous band. To entertain
the construction workers.

Hiring staff when your store isn't
even built yet.

Your reckless advertising policy.
The whole thing is madness.

We shook on this. You gave me
your word as an English gentleman.

I'm sorry. These things happen.
I will ask just one thing.

What's that? Don't breathe a word to
anyone until we're up and running.

You swear to that. All right.
Then I consider myself released.

Goodbye, Mr Waring.

(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)

Gentlemen, my assistants will give
you all the literature you need

about my new store.

Now, if you have any questions, my
door is always open to you.

Mr Selfridge, how's the partnership
with old Waring holding up?

Who wants to know?
Frank Edwards. London Evening News.

I know who you are even if our paths
haven't crossed.

People tell me that you are one
of the best connected men in London.

I know it from top to bottom, sir.

The press will always be friends
of mine in my store.

We're gonna be making news,
Mr Edwards.

And I can put you ahead of the pack.

I put aside a huge advertising budget
for the right sort of papers.

But I need to be talked about by the
right people.

It would be a pleasure to show you
the town.

Woman, lovely woman. What a sex you
are.

_ I haven't been out of school long

_ And I haven't really found my way

That is the one and only Ellen Love.

_ ..won't be too long

She's perfect.
I won't ask what for.

_ I've studied up on Pitman's
Shorthand

_ My typing's really very neat

_ I know he thinks I'm quite
efficient

_ But I hope he thinks I'm also
rather sweet

_ He's everything I ever dreamed of

_ He's got me in a giddy sort of
whirl

Can we go round to see her
afterwards?

_ And when he gives dictation

_ I get this tingling sensation

_ I'm so happy to be his

_ New girl

_ New girl _

Is that you, Miss Towler?
Yes, Mrs Payne.

Payday today, I believe.
Yes, Mrs Payne.

So you'll be down with the rent
later? Yes, Mrs Payne.

She's been on about that rent
all day.

You'd better go down and give it
to her.

I haven't got it, George.
What?

It wasn't my fault. There was this
customer. Monday, it was.

I've been looking for another place
all week. What are you telling me?

I've been dismissed.

Christ!

It's all right. It's going to be all
right. I will get another job.

How we gonna pay the rent now?
Why does it always have to be me?

Why can't you get a job?
Do you not think I've been trying?!

I've been everywhere. I've tried
everything!

Let go, George.

I'm sorry, Agnes.

Christ. If I thought you were gonna
turn out like him. I'm not.

I didn't mean it, Agnes.

Agnes, what are we gonna do?

I daresay I could find my way
blindfold backstage

in any theatre in London.
Here we are.

Ah, yes.

(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Who is it?

An old friend. And a new one.

Frank Edwards. Come on in, then.

I haven't seen you in a long while.

Now I see you I can't think
why I stayed away.

Allow me to introduce my good friend
Harry Gordon Selfridge.

Delighted to meet you.
Do make yourselves comfortable.

Champagne? None for me, thanks.

Mr Selfridge.

THE Mr Selfridge?
I guess I must be.

Well...

I was knocked out with your
performance this evening, Miss Love.

So he was. He couldn't keep his eyes
off you. No more could I, of course.

Well, that's the compliments dealt
with. What do you boys want?

If it's my company for the evening,
I have to disappoint you.

I'm already spoken for.
That is a bitter blow.

In fact, I must get dressed.
If you will excuse me.

Of course. Forgive the intrusion.
Oh, no.

I didn't mean you had to leave.

I'll pop behind the screen.
Quite decent you see.

So, Mr Selfridge,

you're the man who knows
what women really want, are you?

Gives one a funny feeling
to think that here's a man

who knows us inside out.

(SIGHS)

I was rather hoping you might come to
see me in the office sometime.

I have a proposition that I might
want to put to you.

A proposition? Well, I am very busy
but I am intrigued.

I'm sure I could try and fit you in.

Wonderful.

Here's my card. Miss Love.

Thank you...

Mr Selfridge.

Pa? Hey, Pa!

We missed you.

Oh, Mom. Well, son, it's a long way
from Battle Creek. That it is.

Hello, my love. Hello.

Mwah!

Come on. I'll show you around.

Watch your step.
Get out of the rain.

Take a look, kids. Go on.

VIOLETTE: Come on.

Thank you.

Who wants to see upstairs?
ALL: Me!

Gordon, you're straight ahead.

And girls, I thought you'd all like
to share.

Oh, Harry.
I had it shipped in from Paris.

Box sprung.

I have missed you so much.

You won't get a moment's peace
from me.

Just like it was in Chicago?
Just like.

Morning, Mr Selfridge. Hiya,
Mr Crabb. Everything hunky dory?

I wouldn't exactly say that, Mr
Selfridge. Why not?

I'm concerned that Mr Waring's money
is not in yet.

Oh, don't worry, Crabb. Everything is
gonna be fine.

I hope you made it clear there's an
element of urgency.

We've already spend #20,000 on
advertising.

There's a demand in for ground rent
of #10,000.

The builders are refusing to move
forward without bill payment.

I said, "Don't worry." It's my job to
worry, Mr Selfridge.

Well, do it somewhere else. There's
a good fellow.

Sir, the new heads of department are
here.

New heads of department?
Gonna get ahead of the game.

Crabb, meet your new colleagues. All
well, Miss Blenkinsop?

Oh, yes, Mr Selfridge.

Good morning to you all.
ALL: Good morning, Mr Selfridge.

Well, don't you all look fine
and dandy.

First off, I'd like to say
congratulations.

You are in at the beginning of
something amazing.

The other business houses may have
started from lowly beginnings

but, with your help, Selfridges will
be born great.

I know you don't know each other yet
but let me just tell you

you have been picked out because you
are the cream of the crop.

The best that London has to offer.

You're all wondering why I have
employed you without a store to put you in.

I am giving you the opportunity of a
lifetime.

12 months to scour the world for the
finest merchandise.

WE are going to show the world how
to make shopping thrilling.

Any questions? Mr Selfridge,
when you say, "No expense spared"

how literally are we to take that?
Absolutely literally.

I want product range and I want
product quality.

I want merchandise that people will
desire.

Merchandise people don't even know
they will desire

until they see it right in front of
their eyes.

Now, I expect great things from you.

Pack your bags, ladies and gentlemen.
Go and bring the world to Selfridges!

(BELL RINGS)

It does all seem awfully ambitious.
Too good to be true.

I know.

I left Debenham and Freebody rather
in the lurch.

I'm sure they wouldn't take me back.

I don't know how I'd manage if it
didn't come off.

I mean, the store's not even built
yet.

I've heard whispers that he hasn't
got the money together yet.

These things are most likely spread
about by jealous rivals.

Yes. Of course. Of course.

All the same.

Mr Crabb!

We can rely on our salary until the
store opens, can't we?

I have an invalid wife at home.
Absolutely, Mr Grove.

All is in order.

Ice cream, I guess.
Ice cream.

We'll have a whole department
for ice cream.

Make sure it's real American ice
cream. Of course.

Gordon. Toys and guns.

Toys and guns. Make a list of the
best kind.

Beatrice. Can't we have a special
place for children to play?

While the moms are shopping?
That is a great idea, B.

Good morning. Good morning. Listen
to this.

(READS) Mr Selfridge's ideas are
grandiose

and his confidence boundless.

We shall await with interest to see
whether that confidence is misplaced.

(STONY SILENCE)

And this fellow here accuses me of
tempting people to dishonesty

by proposing to put the goods out on
open display!

Out into the garden, children.

What is it with the press over here?

It seems as if they WANT us to fail.

LOIS: It's a beautiful morning.

There's always prejudice against
something that's new.

But can't they give a fellow a
chance? They will.

Once they see the store for real.

The garden is so beautiful this
morning.

Why don't we join the children? Hm?
I'm late. I'm sorry.

But I will see you later.
Oh. All right.

(BRISTLES SCRATCH A TILED FLOOR)

Come on, girl. Those floors aren't
going to scrub themselves.

Good morning, sir. Morning.
Good morning, Mr Selfridge. Morning.

Good morning.
ALL: Morning, Mr Selfridge.

Have you seen the papers?
Yeah. Not so good.

They'll change their tune once they
see how much we're gonna put into advertising.

And when their wives tell 'em what a
great place we are to shop at.

You clearly haven't seen this.
What?

Waring's pulling out. What?

He promised me. I have to say, I did
warn you, Mr Selfridge.

He swore he'd keep it out of the
papers.

Mr Selfridge? Mr Selfridge! Yes!

Am I to understand that you knew
about this already?

He did say something last week. So
much for English gentleman's agreements.

And you thought it proper not
to inform me, as Head of Finance,

while you authorised all sorts of
expenditure

without the capital to back it up?

Mr Crabb, this is business. It
happens all the time.

You realise it's going to be
difficult to find a backer at this late stage?

And in the event you do find
someone,

they'll know we're in a poor
position with building about to start.

I hate to think what rate
of interest they'll make us pay!

Well, you're just a little ray of
sunshine, ain't you, Mr Crabb (!)

Mr Selfridge, I left a very good
position to join you

but I have to say that the reckless
way that you conduct your business,

dismays and yes... frightens me.

It frightens me too sometimes,
Mr Crabb.

Hold your nerve. Keep your head
down.

Let me handle the rest. I think
we should redouble the advertising.

(PHONE)

Ye-ah.

Frank Edwards. Just the man.

Lady Mae is a wondrous woman.

Really she's Lady Loxley
but everyone calls her Lady Mae.

Used to be a good-time girl before
she snaffled Lord L.

Knows everyone who is anyone in
London.

She could get you an investor at the
drop of a hat.

Lady Mae, may I introduce my good
friend Harry Selfridge.

Surely not the Selfridge we've been
hearing and reading about?

The very same. Well, we are
honoured.

The honour is all mine, Lady Mae.

Is Lord Loxley in town? No, Frank.
Lord Loxley is in the country.

Lord Loxley is generally in the
country and I'm generally in town.

There are so many different ways to
run a marriage, don't you think?

And to never see each other. That's
one of the very best.

I second that.

Excuse me.

Come and sit down with me, Mr
Selfridge.

So, you've been creating quite a
stir, haven't you?

I certainly hope so. And yet, London
don't seem to care for you.

Oh? How do you make that out?

London doesn't like being shown how
to do things.

Especially by outsiders.
Is that how you feel too?

Not necessarily.

I rather like being shown how to do
new things.

Especially by a man who knows what
he's about.

But...people like us aren't used to
going shopping.

It's not considered smart.
A gentleman will visit his tailor.

A lady will send for her dressmaker
and so on.

We are going to have to change the
fashion.

We? Hm.

Oh, yes. Of course.

That's why you're here.

Oh, no. I would never...
I do read the papers, Mr Selfridge.

You need a new backer and you need
him fast

or your visit to our island will be
cut rather short.

What you read in the papers ain't
necessarily so, ma'am.

But I am flattered that you take
such an interest.

We do like to give our ex-colonials
a helping hand when they need it.

Who says that I need a helping hand?
Everyone, Mr Selfridge.

(SNIGGERING)

Tony. Oh. You're a disgrace.

I know. I know. Don't be a bore.

Try not to make an exhibition of
yourself, darling.

How did the audience go? She's quite
a woman.

Is that her son she's with?
Son?

Good job you didn't say that to her!

No, that's young Tony Travers. He's
her lover. Is that so?

That's Lady Mae for you.

Good evening, sir.
May I take your coat, sir?

Oh, very good of you to wait up for
me, Fraser but there's no need.

I like to ensure everybody is safely
home before I bolt the door, sir.

Ah. I guess you do.

Everything all right, sir?

Everything is fine, Fraser.
Absolutely fine.

I'm glad to hear it, sir.

Good night, sir.

Hey, Pa.
You should be asleep.

Pa, what's a huckster?

He's a man who buys and sells things.

Oh.

Why do you ask?

Well, it's just one of the kids at
school said

"Your guv'nor is nothing but a
common huckster."

What did you say? Well, it sounded
insulting so I knocked him down.

Well, he probably did mean for it to
be insulting

but there's nothing wrong with being
a huckster.

You tell him one day you're gonna
run the firm

and he's gonna be asking you
for a job. OK? Yes, Pa.

All right. Get some sleep.

Good night, Pa. Good night.

Hey.

I fell asleep.

You smell so good.

Did you have a good time?

I had an interesting time.

But I'm so glad to be back here
with you.

Flatterer!
It's the God's honest truth, Rose.

There's no-one in the world
I'd rather be with than you.

Are you doing all right, son?

Maybe we shouldn't have come, Ma.

You're in trouble, right?

I'm in over my head.

You've been in over your head before
and come out of it fine.

Anyway, what's the worst that could
happen?

Bankruptcy. My family out on the
street.

We came from nothing.
We're not going back there.

There must be something you can do.

There is someone who can help me find
an investor

but I do not wanna be beholden.

Is that your pride talking?
No, it's my gut.

This person could be very dangerous.

So? Outsmart them.

To sup with the devil you need a
long spoon.

You taught me that.

You know, Harry...

..if your father could see you now,
he'd be so proud. No!

What? Just don't talk to me about
him.

What do you mean?
Your father was a hero.

You remember him any way you please
but as I remember it,

it was always just you and me.

Lady Mae.

I'm surprised and flattered you're
here again so soon, Mr Selfridge.

I wanted to introduce you to
my friend, Lady Mae. Henri Leclair.

Just arrived from America.

Are you an artist, Monsieur Leclair?
You have the look of one.

Actually, Henri is the best window
display man in the world.

And here we all are.

How delightful.

What can I offer you gentlemen?
Champagne?

None for me, thanks. I don't drink.

I would be delighted. We'll have
champagne, please, Pimble.

And coffee.

Monsieur Leclair, tell me what it is
that you do.

Oh...erm...

I don't dress women like fashion
designers do.

I dress space.

Each Selfridges window will be like
a painting.

And the people looking in imagine
themselves

in the story we are telling.

Maybe in the window there is
handsome young man

and his beautiful lady and
he's looking at her with passion.

Maybe they are going motoring.

You'd put a motor car in the window?

Yeah. Why not?

How fabulously extravagant. Who's
driving?

The lady or the gentleman?

That's a good question.

I must say, Mr Selfridge, yours does
seem a thrilling enterprise.

One I would love to share with my
friends.

And we must be the best of friends,
mustn't we, Harry.

Of course, a lady in my position
occasionally needs a favour.

I may call on you from time to time
in that regard.

Mightn't I?

One good turn always deserves
another.

Then we understand each other.

Are you fond of shooting?

S-Shooting?

I think you might enjoy it.

Come down to the country on Friday.

There's someone I'd like you to
meet.

Monsieur Leclair, as you are a man
of taste,

will you make sure that Mr Selfridge
arrives in the latest knickerbockers?

Knickerbockers?

I do so enjoy a shapely calf.

I'm going to be straight with you,
Selfridge.

I choose my business ventures
as I choose my horses.

With the horses, I look them
straight in the eye

as I'm looking at you now and I take
a view.

I'm generally right but if I'm not.

Well, don't waste time. It's
straight off to the knacker's yard.

I happen to think you're all right.
If it turns out I'm wrong...

All right?

All right, Mr Musker.

Make sure you have your references
ready.

No interview without a reference.

Mr Selfridge doesn't like haughty
and he doesn't like obsequious.

Friendly and respectful.
That's the watchword.

The Chief wants men and women who
are ambitious

and wish to better themselves.

No flirting. No love affairs if they
want to keep their jobs.

And female assistants who marry will
have to leave.

Make sure they know that.

There are five applicants for every
position.

So we can afford to pick the very
best.

Look at their shoes, their
fingernails.

And above all,
look deep into their eyes

and see if you can't fathom their
souls.

Yes, miss?

If you please, sir. I've come to see
the master.

Mr Selfridge.

I've come about a position.

Here? In the house?

No. In his shop. I'm a shop girl.

But don't you know this is
Mr Selfridge's private residence?

Well, this is the address he gave
me.

Look. He gave me his card.

Please. I've come ever such a long
way.

Come in, Miss.

Would you wait over there, please,
miss?

I'll go and see if Mr Selfridge is
at home.

(DOUBLE DOORS SLAM OPEN)

Now, what's all this about?

If you please, sir. I was...erm...

I was hoping there might be a
position for me. I hardly think...

I served you on the glove counter at
Gamages...

..l-last year.

Agnes Towler.

And you were so kind as to buy
these for me.

Oh, of course. I remember.

I was very demanding. You were very
patient.

The floorwalker was very tall.

So, you want to leave Gamages
and come work for me, is that right?

I was dismissed, sir.

Really? Why was that?

Erm...conduct unbecoming, sir.

It was... It was that same day.

He said I shouldn't have let you
behind the counter

and get the stock out.

I'm so sorry.

It's all right. I never liked it
there, sir.

I'd much rather come and work for
you.

All the... All the girls are talking
about Selfridges.

You have no idea what it's like to
work for me, though.

I won't tell a lie, sir. Work's
been...

It's been very hard to get any work
these past months.

And without a reference, you see...

I got you into this mess. The least I
can do is give you a chance now.

Come tomorrow morning. 9am sharp. And
ask for the Chief of Staff.

Y-Yes, Mr Selfridge.
Thank you, Mr Selfridge.

Fraser. Yes, sir.

Get Miss Towler a cab home and pay
for the driver.

Certainly, sir. This way, Miss.

Sorry. Too tall. Next.

Thank you. Move along, please.

Thank you. Next.

Thank you. Move along.

I'm sorry, sir. All right. Move
along.

Next. Thank you. Move along, please.

Thank you. This side, Miss.

Thank you. Next.

Thank you. Would you wait there,
please?

This is a game, isn't it?

I hope I remembered to wish behind
my ears.

Nervous? A bit.

Bet you'll be fine.
Miss Towler.

Oh, that's me. Good luck.

GROVE: Thank you. Could you wait
there, please?

Hands.

Previous experience? I worked on the
glove counter at Gamages.

References?

I haven't got any.
I'm sorry, Miss Towler. Next.

But I explained to Mr Selfridge.

YOU explained to Mr Selfridge?

Yes. And he said to speak to the
Chief of Staff.

Did he indeed? Well, we shall see
about that.

Mr Grove! Yes, Miss Mardle.

I have a Miss Towler. Miss Towler.

Yes. I have a note about Miss
Towler.

It's very irregular. Well, who are
we to reason why.

Straight from the Chief himself.

Well, it would seem, Miss Towler,
that you are a special case.

You will be starting as a senior
assistant in Accessories.

And I must tell you that Accessories
is my department.

Which means you will be reporting to
me.

Mr Colleano.

Mr Conway.

I don't see anything special about
her. No. Nor me.

Ah, ladies. Please follow me.

Mr Selfridge himself wants to have a
look at you.

Good morning, ladies.
ALL: Good morning, Mr Selfridge.

Like the uniforms?
Oh, yes, Mr Selfridge.

Glad to hear it because I designed
them myself.

Learnt your scripts? Yes, Mr
Selfridge. Give me the first floor.

First floor for menswear, luggage
and hairdressing.

Please stand clear of the closing
doors.

Thank you, ladies. Good as poetry.

Come on, ladies. Get to work.

We open in a week.

Miss Towler.

We have three girls in this
department but four in Accessories.

So, if Miss Towler doesn't work out,
I'd like to know about it.

Thank you, Miss Mardle.

A place for everything

and everything in its place, Miss
Towler.

And memorise as you go.

To work in Accessories is to work in
the most exacting department.

Ignorant people think we deal in
little trifling things.

But the accomplished Accessories
Assistant has at her fingertips

over 6,000 separate items of
merchandise

and I shall expect you to know them
all and locate each one

at a moment's notice. Is that
understood?

Yes, Miss Mardle.

I can't imagine what they were
thinking of.

Appointing someone so young as a
senior assistant.

But still. I can see you make a good
effort at presenting yourself.

I just hope you won't let it go to
your head.

I won't, Miss Mardle.

I should hope not.

I shall be watching you very
closely, Miss Towler.

And you two. Have you nothing to do
but stare?!

Get on with your work. Not long till
we open.

Every second counts.

Horrid old cat.

And little Miss Towler.

Our colleague. Senior assistant, if
you please.

She's a bit of gutter slush if ever
I saw one.

It's Ellen Love!

It's not! It is! It's never!

Please, Miss Love.

Will you sign your photograph for
me, please?

Of course I will, dear.

And now could one of you kindly
direct me to Mr Selfridge's office?

Oh, of course, Miss Love. Should you
like to take the stairs or lift?

Oh, the lift I should think,
don't you?

This way, please.

Mr Selfridge's office, please.
Certainly, Miss.

Haven't I seen you before, dear?

Yes, Miss Love. We were both in the
chorus of Frilly Dolls at the Gaiety.

Mabel.

That's right. What larks, eh?

I haven't given up, you know.
Nor should you.

(LIFT PINGS)
Fourth floor, Director's Offices.

Lovely diction, dear. Thank you.

So, what's Mr Selfridge like as an
employer?

He's very particular, Miss but he's
very kind as well.

Very particular and very kind.

I shall tell him you said that.
Oh, no, miss. Please don't.

Why not? I don't think he would like
to think he was talked about.

I think he'd love it.

(Most men do.)

Miss Love to see Mr Selfridge.

If you'd like to follow me.

Miss Love.

(CLEARS THIS THROAT)

Well, here we are.

Here we are.

No chair.

I don't like people hanging around,
present company excepted.

I'll just sit here, then.

(HALF LAUGHS)

I need people to understand the
essence of Selfridges.

Beauty, elegance, quality.

I want your face and your figure on
all our posters.

You already embody the spirit of the
age.

Women want to be like you and men
want to...

Well, let's just say they want you
to be their sweetheart.

To put it delicately.

So...

..what do you think?

I'm not going to give up the stage,
you know.

I don't want you to.
One will enhance the other.

And a little money will change
hands?

Of course. It's a very important role
and you'll be handsomely recompensed.

Well... I must say it does seem like
fun.

Though it's not the proposition I
thought you'd have in mind.

Oh. You're disappointed.

I'm honoured by your proposition.

And delighted to accept.

Well, you know where to find me.

Every night barring Sundays.

So what was she like, Aggie?

Very nice.

You don't mind being Aggie.

I always think of it as a sort of
scullery maid's name.

Oh. Not that I'm casting
any aspersions.

Oh, dear. The things that come out
of my mouth.

No offence taken I hope.
None at all, Kitty.

We used to have a cat at home called
Kitty. (SNIGGERS)

Oh, Miss Mardle, isn't it? Yes.

And this is your little treasure
house. Yes. Ladies.

How can I help you Mr Leclair?

I'm looking for something. I don't
know what it is yet. Maybe me.

I need one detail for a window that
is almost complete.

In this particular window, I am
creating a...

..a picture.

Like a scene from a play. You
understand?

A play in a theatre. A play in the
theatre. I understand perfectly.

Good. So, we have two young ladies in
a garden.

One of them is turning. Looking out
like this.

Her hand shading her eyes as if she
is waiting for someone.

The other is seated. Looking down
at something in her lap.

And that something, that je ne sais
quoi,

is the focus of the whole picture.

So you want us to suggest what she
might be holding.

This girl in the window. Exactly.

That little something that will
complete the picture.

I have it all except that one thing
so...

Well, really, Mr Leclair, you cannot
expect us to do your job for you.

Oh, no. No. No. No. Of course.

And you're very busy here. Forgive
me. Please carry on.

Mr Leclair. Sir.

Erm...I thought, maybe, something
like this?

A silk flower. Hm-mm.

Well, it wouldn't fade, would it?

It's very practical.

And you think this colour?

To stand out. Against the green.

Well, it would do that.

People might think that she was
given it as...

As what?

Well, as a token of love, as it
were.

A token of love?

Very good. I will think about it.

Miss Towler.
Coming, Miss Mardle.

(CLEARS HIS THROAT)

What time would you like to dine
tonight, Ma'am?

Mr Selfridge telephoned to say he
wouldn't be in this evening.

He telephoned, you say?
Yes, Ma'am.

We will dine at 7:30 as usual. Thank
you, Fraser.

Very good, Ma'am.

(SIGHS)

That's three nights this week.

It's nice to have a little time
together.

Not much chance of getting a word in
edgeways when he's around.

Indeed.

_ I haven't been out of school long

_ And I haven't really found
my way

Hello, there. You got the job, then.

Yes. In Accessories.

And you? I'm a waiter
in the Palm Court Restaurant.

Oh, it's supposed to be beautiful.

Do you want to come and see?

I couldn't. What if we were caught?
Come on. Just a quick peek.

In a couple of days, this place will
be heaving with customers.

Why not? You only live once.

_ He's everything I ever
dreamed of _

Oh, it's magical.

Do you like working here?
It's all right.

Of course we haven't had any
customers. We've been practising.

I could practise on you if you like.

Will this table suit, Miss?

Come on. No-one's gonna come.

All right, then.

Thank you.

Now, what can I get you, Miss?

Oh, I don't know. I've never been
to a place like this.

Well, might I suggest a glass of
sherry, Miss?

Erm... All right, then.

Just a small one.

Actually, I feel bad about this.
What if someone catches us?

They won't but if they did, I'll say
it's all part of my training.

I'm so keen, I even carry on after
hours.

There you are, Miss Towler.

One small sherry.

Well, aren't you going to have one?

Drinking with the customer, Miss?
Strictly against the rules.

But if you'll insist...

..I'll have a sip of yours.

(SNIFFS)

Delicioso.

I'm gonna own a place like this
one day.

Are you? Definitely.

How about you?
Head Buyer in Accessories.

Oh, I don't know.

We've only just got here, haven't
we? Nothing wrong with ambition.

Nothing wrong with having dreams.

Selfridge himself started out
delivering newspapers.

Well, I... I'd love to learn about
window dressing.

Well, there you are, then. A bit of
an artist on the quiet, are you?

I think you've got hidden depths.
No, I haven't.

No. I've got a nose for these sort
of things.

I think you are a bit special,
Agnus Towler.

I should go.
Well, hang on a bit.

Look. Have you seen the telephones
we got here?

You can phone anybody you like on
the house.

I don't know anybody with a
telephone.

(LAUGHS) Come on, then.

Let's have a dance instead.
No, I really have got to go.

There's someone waiting for me.
Come on. Really.

All right. Of course, Miss.

Where were you? You're late! Who's
this?

Victor Colleano. Pleased to meet
you. Take your hands off her!

George, don't take on. Take on? I'll
give you take on!

You need to learn some manners my
friend. I said, "Get off her!"

George!

Leave him. You can do better than
that. He's my brother.

George. Calm down. What is it?

He's found us, Agnes. He's tracked
us down.

Come on.

Oh, no!

We didn't think there was an actual
fire, Chief but it's hard to tell.

It is a very sophisticated system.
Sophisticated?!

It has soaked every window in this
entire store

for no reason whatsoever.

Mr Selfridge. We have never
installed something so advanced.

There are bound to be some teething
problems. No.

No teething problems. Henri.
Mr Selfridge.

Not now.

Can it be fixed?

Impossible.

But we've done the impossible
before.

Mr Selfridge, if the sprinklers go
off inside the store,

the insurance company say they won't
cover us.

They say the system's untested.

It's all these innovations, Mr
Selfridge.

I don't see how we can proceed.

Miss Blenkinsop.

Gather the staff. I want everyone
down here in 15 minutes.

Apart from you, Crabb.

Who will be on the telephone with
the insurance company

doing your job.

This store IS opening tomorrow.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

STAFF: Good morning, Mr Selfridge.

They said we couldn't do it.

Some are still saying we won't.

Can't be done, they say.

But we are going to prove them wrong.

(APPLAUSE)

I want to tell you that I am proud
of each and every one of you,

the way that you have risen
to this challenge.

And today will be no exception.

We may be here until midnight
working in a common cause,

to create the finest
house of business

that London, that the world
has ever seen!

(APPLAUSE)

We are going to open on the day,
and on the dot of nine.

So don't worry about whether
the fellow next to you is ready -

make sure that you are!

Ladies and gentlemen,
we are in this together.

To work is elevating,
to accomplish is superb.

(APPLAUSE)

All set?
Yes, Mr Selfridge.

(CHUCKLING) Very good. I like this.

All set?
Yes, Mr Selfridge. Nice.

All set for tomorrow?
Yes, Mr Selfridge.

Very good, very good. This display is
just a little bit too neat and tidy.

We don't want them to be afraid
to touch the goods.

If I just pull one out like this,
you see?

It's more of an invitation.

Once they've got one of these
in their hands,

they won't want to let 'em go.
Yes, Mr Selfridge.

But otherwise, well done,
Miss Towler, well done. I have high hopes for you.

All set for tomorrow?
I think so, Mr Selfridge.

You think so? Any doubt?
No, Mr Selfridge. All set here.

That's what I like to hear.

All set for tomorrow?
Good. Very good.

All set? All set?

MISS BUNTING: Come on, Doris,
you should've finished that by now!

The waist's too big! I shouldn't
be doing fashion anyway. I'm Accessories.

You need to stitch the back.
I'll run down to haberdashery.

All set for tomorrow?

Yes, sir. All done sir.

Good work. Thank you, Mr Selfridge.
Thank you, sir.

ELLEN: Do stop, Nancy,
you're shaking the floorboards!

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

(SQUEALS WITH EXCITEMENT)

Oh, Nancy!

Ellen!

This, my dear,
is my ticket out of here.

(SQUEALS AND GIGGLES)

(SIGHS)

Night, Mr Selfridge.

(PIANO PLAYS)

What's so fascinating out there?

Would you believe
it's starting to snow!

It looks like it's settling too,
of all the damn things!

People won't let a little
bad weather put them off.

Just when you think you've covered
every loophole.

I dare say it'll all be gone
by the morning.

Well, let's pray it is.

NEWSPAPER SELLER: Selfridges store
opens today! Read all about it!

(COMMOTION)

(TICKS)

(PLAYS FANFARE)

It's just wonderful, Harry.
Ain't it just?

Congratulations, Harry! Absolutely
top-notch, the whole caboodle!

Mr Selfridge!

Musker and I are so pleased with
what you've done with our store.

We've brought all our friends
to see just how clever you are.

Why thank you, Lady Mae.

Do encourage them to purchase
before they go.

Mrs Selfridge? I'm Ellen Love.

I expect Harry's told you
I'm the Spirit of Selfridge's!

Congratulations.

That must be quite a responsibility
for you, Miss Love.

Well, who knew a shop
could be this glamorous?

Is there no end to your
husband's talents? Ellen?

Frank!
How good to see you.

Isn't this wonderful?

Great day, Crabb. Great day.

As a spectacle, Mr Selfridge.
As a spectacle.

Good night, Mr Crabb.