All language subtitles for theShellSeekers-faye-xvid

[wheezy breathing]

[wheezing continues]

You shouldn't
go home.

You're
a sick woman.

I don't feel sick.

I just feel tired.

You had
a heart attack.

I had a hiccup.

You need to rest.

I've rested enough.

We won't accept
responsibility

For what
happens to you.

I don't expect you to.

It's my life,

And I'll do
what I please.

Here we are.

This way.

Would you mind putting
the suitcase down there?

I shall.

Thank you.

Fine.

I'll put these
on the table.

That will be fine.

Would you like
a cup of tea?

I bought biscuits.
I usually make my own.

Maybe tomorrow.

No, thanks.

Nothing else
I can do?

No, thank you.

I'll be fine now.

You've done
enough already.

There we are.

Thank you very much.
Can you find your way out?

Yes, certainly, mum.

[classical music plays]

Mother!

What in Heaven's name
is going on?

Hello, Nancy.

I've just spoken
to Dr. Maurice.

He says you've
discharged yourself.

No. I escaped
on a rope of sheets.

Honestly, mother.
You can't leave hospital
without telling us.

Well, why not?

You're a sick woman.

But I feel fine.

Not according to
Dr. Maurice.

Please, mother,
go back.

I'm sorry,
but you're
going to have

To carry me out of here
feet first.

Mother, you've
reached an age

Where your health
demands care.

If you won't
return to hospital,

You must move in
with us.

Nonsense.

I'm staying here.

Have consideration
for others.

I worry about you.

I can't come over every day
just to see if you're alive.

Would you like
some lunch?

George and I love you.

I'm not talking about
staying with us forever.

Just a few weeks till
you get your strength.

I won't be able
to sleep at night

Knowing
you're alone.

It's my birthday
at the weekend.

George thought
we might have a party.

Mother, please.

Won't you come
stay with us?

I've asked
Noel down.

He's anxious
to see you.

Perhaps we'll even
hear from Olivia.

Mother, please.

It's doctor's orders,
not only mine.

Do it for me.

All right.

And thank you for
tending the house
while I was away.

� happy birthday
to you �

� happy birthday,
dear Nancy �

� happy birthday
to you �

Ah. Well done.

Did you
make a wish?

Oh! No, I forgot.

I did.

It's not your birthday,
stupid.

[man]
Melanie.

I wish you'd turn into
a big, fat pig.

Rupert.

They're
only teasing,
grandmamma.

Your great-grandmother's
come a long way, Melanie.

Be a nice young lady.

I hear you
discharged yourself

From hospital,
Mrs. Keeling,
just like that.

Just like that.

Did you
pull out tubes?

Oh, no.

Did Noel
tell you that?

I thought you'd
be impressed, ma.

Melanie, tell me,

Did you like
the riding habit
I had made for you?

Yes,
great-grandmamma.

And it
fits you well?

Yes, thank you.

You do spoil her,
grandmamma.

Noel tells me
your father

Was Lawrence stern
the painter.

Well, yes.

My grandfather had
a painting of his.

Really?

Rupert,
did you enjoy

The treasure island
I sent on?

It was
your granddaddy's

When he was a boy.

Yes, I got it.
Thanks.

We've got it somewhere
in the country.

I met your
grandfather

When he first entered
the house of lords.

He was charming.

A bit
old-fashioned
in his tastes.

I can't believe
he approves

Of your dressing
like that.

Oh, don't worry.

I think it's
delightful,
really.

I like your
new girlfriend,
Noel.

She's much nicer
than the last one.

I so approve
of young people
these days...

For the most
part.

Cake, grandmamma?

Mother baked it
herself--

One of Sophie's
recipes.

I tried to stop her,
but she insisted.

Oh, I loved it.

I missed being
in the kitchen.

No, thank you.

Your mother's
pastries were always
too French for me.

I wish I'd known
my daughter-in-law

Would be here,
Nancy.

We haven't seen
each other
since forever.

No, darling.
Not quite forever.

Your coming was
such a surprise.

Why didn't you tell me
you were coming?

It's your birthday.

It was a surprise.

I made Noel promise
not to tell.

It's a shame about
you're being so ill,
Penelope.

For a time,
I thought
we'd lost you.

Oh, dolly,
it isn't that serious.

I'm glad
Nancy and George
took you in.

We try keeping her off her feet,
but she won't listen.

Given
your condition,

Wouldn't it be best

To take to your bed
permanently?

Oh, no, dolly.

I'm feeling fine,
thank you.

I was telling Nancy

I think my constitution
is almost as tough as yours.

Uh, coffee, everybody?

Mother,
I'll do that.

I insist, Nancy.

Did you read
the times today?

One of your
grandfather's paintings

Is up for sale.

Really?
Does ma know?

Yes.

I can't imagine
they'll get much for it.

Lawrence stern's been
out of vogue for years.

His paintings are
typically greeted

With rounds
of critical sneers

And sell
for tuppence.

It's embarrassing.

Noel,
please don't talk

About grandfather's
work like that.

I remember him.
You never knew him.

Does your mother
have much
of his work?

No. Two unfinished panels.

Truly hideous--oops.

Sorry, Nancy.

And his last one,
the shell seekers?
It's lovely.

Well, it's not bad.

'tis a bit old-fashioned,
you must admit.

She only keeps it because
it's of her and Sophie.

Her mother.

She died in Cornwall
during the war.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Yes. Ma never
quite got over that.

We used to spend
the Summer in Cornwall.

It's lovely there.

Mother spent
summers there, too,

When she was young.

And she lived there
during the war.

I was born there.

Yes. Ma's forever
talking about it.

In fact, she told me
this evening

She means to go back.

There you are.

You want a hand?

Oh, no, thank you.

I enjoy
straightening up
after a big party.

Sort of
puts life in order.

Are you going to
drive back tonight?

Yes. Dolly insists.

Oh, what
a difficult woman.

How do you manage?

She's my mother-in-law.

One learns.

What was he like,
your husband?

Ambrose?

Oh, very charming.

Very handsome.

Dolly absolutely
adored him.

I don't think
she's ever forgiven me
for taking him away.

Noel's a little bit
like Ambrose, actually.

He could charm you
into anything.

Nancy takes after dolly.

Family first.

She knows her own mind.

I think
it's Olivia, really,
who takes after me.

I'll be back in a minute.

You refuse to be
concerned, don't you?

I mean, consider
the possibilities.

What possibilities?

She can barely
manage house expenses.

What if something
else happened?

She could
live to be 90.

Where does that leave
George and me?

We've got this house
to keep up, two children
to put through school,

And now
an invalid mother.

[telephone rings]

Without any help
from Olivia.

[Noel]
you choose to live
in this barn of a house...

[George]
hello?

[Nancy]
you have
no consideration...

[George]
yes, I will.

[George]
hello, Olivia!

Nancy did write
to you when it--

How could we?
You've no phone.

No, she's
discharged herself.

She's staying here.

Well, the doctors--

Yes. All right.

Oh, thank you.

Hello.

Olivia?

Oh, it's so good
to hear your voice.

She reversed
the charges,
of course.

No, I'm fine now,
really.

There's no need
to come.

Don't make it long, Penelope.
Calls from that part
of the world can be expensive.

No, please,
don't come.

No, I'm really
fine now.

I--I just need
some quiet.

Well, it's
difficult to get
in a hospital...

Or--or anywhere
for that matter.

[knock knock]

Yes?

Thank you
for the cake.
It was lovely.

Not at all.

I'm sorry
about this evening.

Dolly was a surprise
to me, too.

Well, it's over.

How's Olivia?

Basking
on the beach,
I suppose.

She wants me to visit.

Naturally,
you said no.

I'm going, Nancy.

Mother, no.

I want you here.

I overheard
your argument
with Noel.

I'm not an invalid.

I'm 63.

And I have survived,

If I'm to believe
that idiot doctor,

A heart attack.

Yes, but I can
still touch, see,

Hear, smell.

I can look after myself,

Discharge myself
from the hospital.

And if I so desire,

I can go
and visit Olivia.

I'm searching
for something.

I don't know
what it is.

I do know
it isn't here.

I appreciate your concern.

But I'll be fine.

Mama!

Mama!

Oh, darling.

I can't believe
I'm really here.

You look wonderful.

You look so well.

Did you manage
the flight?

Yes,
it was lovely.

You look
wonderful, too.

I look better
than I did before.

I'm not at my best.

There's someone
I want you to meet.

Mama, this is Cosmo.

How do you do,
Mrs. Keeling?

Penelope.

Penelope.

Welcome to Ibiza.

Oh, thank you.

All those years
I was chained to London,

I couldn't imagine this.

There is quite a little
British community here.

Cosmo's been here,
what, 15 years?

Fell in love
with the place.

First sight.

Here we are.

Cosmo rents the house
from a man in town.

The plumbing's
a bit erratic,

So just
keep flushing.

He grows
his own vegetables.

And I've got
a vineyard.

He's an absolute wonder.

Oh? She never
tells me that.

Isn't it beautiful?

Oh, it's lovely.

It's years since
I've seen the sea.

Antonia!

Hello!

That's my daughter.

She simply
lives in the water.

I think
she has gills.

Have some more wine.

Yes, please.
It's delicious.

He makes it
himself.

God makes it.
I merely supervise.

Excuse me.

That's a lovely dress.

Thank you.

Rose Pilkington brought
it back from morocco.

I hope it's
not too special.

It's a special
occasion. May I?

Oh, of course.

Would you
care for one?

No, thank you.

Cosmo used to be
a 50-cigarette
a day man.

I worked in a London bank
for over 20 years.

One day the old
heart said enough.

And I came here
to recover.

Brought Antonia with me.

And...

We've simply never left.

It's a wonder
he's not bored.

I've got a thousand
things to do--

The boat, the house,
vineyard.

Shelves full of books.

Six goats,
three dozen chickens,

Minus one.

The heart attack
was the best thing

That ever
happened to me.

No. Second best.

I thought he was
a dreary sailor
first.

He was showing
British tourists
around the island.

Then he showed
me around,

And I changed
my view entirely.

Hola, senora.

�cuanto valen
los melones?

250.

Gracias.

He's a bit
older than I.

But Lawrence
was older
than Sophie.

You always said
they were happy.

Oh, 30 years older.

It must have been
a remarkable
marriage.

Oh, it was.
You're happy, too, then?

Oh, yes, mama.

I do miss
London sometimes.

I miss my work.

But we can't
have everything,
can we?

Oh, look at those.

Would you like one?

I'd love one
just like that.

Buenos dias.
�todo bien?

Bien. �usted?

S�, gracias.

[bell tolling]

I love the sound
of bells.

I was never
very religious,

But I do love
the bells.

They're waiting
for us at the dock.

Here we go.

All right.
I'll wait
in the boathouse.

O.K.

Hi!

I'll see you tomorrow.

You look as if
you had a good time.

Oh, yes.
I could've stayed
all afternoon.

Look what I made.

I collected shells
like that

When I was a child.

Our souls'
abandoned holes--

My mother
called them.

I thought we could
shrink in size
like Alice

And slip back
into them again.

I know what you mean.

I feel as if I were born
in those waves.

I used to dream
I had a fish's tail.

Isn't that silly?

No, not a bit.

I longed for one.

Mermaids
must feel so free,
I always thought.

You know, like
flying underwater.

That's what the sea
reminds me of--

Some special
sort of...

Happiness.

My parents had it.

And, uh...

Looking at Cosmo
and Olivia...

I think of them.

She's lovely.

I worry about her,
though.

Well, all good parents
worry about their children.

So do the bad ones.

You raised her well.

Oh, I spoil her.

She forgives
my faults, you see,

Whereas my ex-wife
couldn't.

It's been very difficult
for Antonia--

Her parents being apart.

She only sees her mother
once a year.

Yes, well,
divorce is very hard
on everyone.

That's why I'm so glad

That Olivia's here
with us.

Antonia needs
a woman's influence.

Uh-huh.

So do I, of course.

I'm glad
you're here, too.

Oh, so am I.

It wasn't until I felt
this lovely warm sand
between my toes

That it came back to me.

I love the sea.

Stay then.

Oh, I can't.

I'm absolutely
determined this year

To make my garden
into something special.

I only hope
I can still do the work.

Why not hire someone?

I'm not sure
I could manage the expense.

Olivia says
you were always
splendid at that--

Bringing up
three children

Almost
single-handed,

Taking in boarders,

Soup always simmering
in the kitchen,

Constant visitors.

It wasn't all like that.

That's what
she remembers.

You know how little girls

Always dream
of fairy tale princes

Whacking through the thorns
to rescue them?

Little boys dream, too.

But they're brave sailors,
you see?

They dream of the siren

Who will someday
trap them and tame them.

This particular sailor
has been caught

In your daughter's net.

And you know something?

I rather like it.

Dad, Emily's got
plenty of milk.

Get her to feed
those two little ones.

The big one's
getting more.

I'll give you a hand.

What is it?
What's wrong?

They want you
for managing editor.

And Cosmo won't leave
the island.

Never.

Does he know about this?

No.

Don't you think
you should--

Mama, this is
the first time
in my life

I haven't
been working.

I think
some part of me
needs to work.

But I thought
that you were happy here.

Yes...

But not complete.

You may not be complete
without him.

I need to prove to myself
that I can handle this job.

I've worked for it
all these years.

Sounds as if you've made
your decision.

I want you
to talk me out of it.

I can't do that.

I want the best
for my children,
yes, but...

Love isn't always the best,
though, is it?

You loved daddy.
Look how that turned out.

You loved your children,
and look at us now.

Nancy trapped
in that miserable marriage.

Noel climbing
social ladders

Without a thought
for anyone.

Mama, if I turn this down,

I may grow to resent Cosmo.

And if you love him
and leave,

You may have nothing
but regrets.

You ask my permission
to be happy,

You have it.

You ask my advice...

I have none to give.

You must talk to Cosmo,

Not to me.

You all right?

I'm just
a bit tired.

Not far to go,
mama.

Ice cream?

Yes.

None for me,
thanks.

Come on, you.

Why don't we sit
for a few minutes?

We could go back.

Oh, of course not.

Come along.
Sit down.

Whew.

They were Sophie's.

Lawrence's gift to her,

Instead
of an engagement ring.

I want you to have them.

I tried to think

What my mother
would've done.

Mama, I can't.

Take them.

And know that
whatever you decide,

No matter
how difficult it is,

It will be
the right thing.

Oh, mama.

If I ask you
to marry me,

Will you stay then?

Darling,
please understand.

I can't continue
without you.

Don't say that.
It's not forever.

I'll be back
for weekends, holidays.

I need you here.

Cosmo, please...

Don't make it
so difficult.

That's my job.

Oh, Mr. Plackett.

Hello, Mrs. Keeling.

I hear
you've been ill.

I'm better.

I'm looking
for a gardener.

Mr. Plackett.

Be right with you.

Dotty old bird.

I need someone part-time
on a regular basis.

What sort of work?

Weeding, replanting,
clearing out--
that sort of thing.

Talk to him then.

Danus!

[honk honk]

Danus Muirfield.

Penelope keeling.

Sorry.

That's all right.

[woman]
Mr. Plackett!

Coming.

Is it good?

Yes. Like home.

Where's home?

Edinburgh.

How did you
end up down here?

I was in
the university.

What were you studying?

I was going
to be a lawyer.

I didn't like it.
Prefer this.

Why so far from home?

[horn honks]

There's someone here.

Hello, Nancy.

How nice to see you.

Hello, mother.

You look well.

Everyone's envious.

How are the children?

Oh, fine.

And George?

What is it?

Have you seen this?

Oh, my goodness.

200,000 pounds.

I can't believe it.

Suddenly
everyone likes them.

You got a fortune
hanging in your house.

Oh, dear, yes, well,

That's very nice,
isn't it?

George thinks
you ought to sell.

If you don't,
it must be insured.

That costs a fortune.

So George thinks--

Surely I must have
a say in this.

The point is, they're
much too valuable to keep.

So George thought--

The paintings
are mine.

I must decide
what I'm going
to do with them.

I'm all set.

I'll see you Thursday.

Thank you, daunts.

Who's that?

My new gardener.

How can you afford him,
mother? Really.

Now, please, you've
got to listen to reason.

Nancy, I'd rather
not discuss this
just now.

Just sell
the panels then.

You can keep
the shell seekers.

Six weeks ago,
you couldn't have cared less
what happened to them.

But things have changed.

You're a wealthy woman
on canvas.

If you sell
the paintings,

You can have a gardener,

Housekeeper, nurse.

You can't do anything

Until you've sold
the paintings.

200,000 pounds is enough.

The money you give away
when you're alive

Is worth twice what
you give away dead.

Meaning I should
give it to you.

Better us
than the government.

What would you do?

The children's
school fees are due.

Melanie needs
new clothes.

And George's
club fees are late.

And I've--

George put you up to this,
didn't he?

I'm not paying
George's club fees.

I'm not sending
your children

To those expensive
boarding schools.

If you'd been
less ambitious
for yourselves

And spent more time

Teaching
your children manners,

Perhaps they would've
been happier today.

Mother, be fair.

You show more interest
in your garden, than me.

If it's money you need,
go to dolly.

She's been
more than generous so far.

She bought you
all the clothes you wanted,

Gave you horses,

Big coming-out parties,

The big white wedding
you said you needed.

Fine. I couldn't afford
those things.

I tried to help you then,

But you said
that you didn't
need my help.

If you need help now--

When did you
ever help me?

Dolly was always
around for me,
never you.

You can't believe that.

I thought
I was unwanted

Until Noel was born.

Then I saw you
neglect him,
like you did me.

I didn't neglect you.

Olivia's the only one
you really cared for.

That's simply not true.

I wanted that love,

But it was
never there for me.

Was it?

Was it?

Nancy.

Nancy!

Yeah,
I'll call them back.

[woman on speakerphone]
it's a young lady.

Just take a number.

Long distance
from Ibiza.

She says it's urgent.

[telephone rings]

Yes?

Mother, it's me.

I'll have to call
you back, darling.

No, wait.

It's Cosmo. He's had
another heart attack.

Mama...

He's--he's dead.

Oh, dear.
Come in. Come in.

And what
did you do then?

Oh, Lord,
well, why did you
tell her that?

Because it's a really
stupid thing to say.

You have to learn
to keep your mouth shut.

Nancy? Na--oh.

Now what's happened?

Ma won't sell
the paintings.

Why should she?
Can't say I blame her.

Look what I found
in the cupboard.

Where'd you get it?

It was grandfather's.
I nicked it from mother's

When she sold
the London house.

Could I keep it?

No, you cannot.
Only for tonight.

[doorbell rings]

Ah, right, come on,
that's my driver.
We better go.

Hello, Olivia.
It's Noel.

Call me when you
get in, please.

What's this?

What?

Hole in the pocket.

Perhaps
something's fallen
into the lining.

Some money.

I doubt it.
Not in our family.

Ah, here we go,
a piece of paper.
Maybe it's a fiver.

Oh, no, a letter.

Lawrence stern.

Give it to me.

The house
wasn't ours.

If you
hadn't offered,

I wouldn't have
any place to go.

But I won't stay long.

You will stay
as long as you like.

My children scream at me
for living alone.

They'll be very pleased.

And I love your company.

I never knew anyone
who died before.

I loved him so much.

Time passes.

You'll come to terms.

[knock knock]

She'll sleep now.

You've been very good
to her, Olivia.

Oh, mama.

No regrets, my darling.

No regrets.

This time, I think
you're going too far.

Oh, come on, Nancy.

You can't expect me
to do it alone.

What are
we supposed to do
if you find them?

They may not exist
just because
the letter said so.

First, let's get them.

We don't know how many
or what their value is.

If it's a great deal,

We'll share it
with her.

I think it's unfair.

So is she.

Honest, ma.
I'm worried.

The papers
are full of it--

Elderly people living alone,
horrible things happening.

Only last week,
I read of two fires
near Sirencester

In places
just like this.

Well, I don't smoke.

Oh, Antonia,
this is my son Noel.

Antonia's staying
with me.

Yes, Olivia said.

Oh, I'm sorry
about your father.

Thank you.

One of the fires

Started in
the woman's attic--

Two much clutter,
old wiring.

You ought
to clean yours out.

I don't have time.

Danus is in the garden.

Go and introduce yourself.

I'll do it myself.

I've got
the weekend.

I won't throw
anything away

Without
your approval.

I just don't want
you going up
in flames, ma.

Hello.

I'm Antonia.

And I'll wager
anything you're
Danus Muirfield.

Would you like
a biscuit?

No, thanks.

It's a perfect name--

For a gardener, I mean.

Some people have names
that are exactly right

For who they are.
You agree?

Charles de Gaulle,
the savior of France,

Benito Mussolini,
a big brute of a name,

My father's name
was Cosmo,

Man of the world.

It was nice meeting you.

When I was a boy,

We had a rector
in our church called
Mr. Paternoster.

[clatter upstairs]

Oh, remember bear?

Couldn't go to sleep
without him.

Oh, what
a dreadful mess
this all is.

Goodness, gracious.

Oh, look.

Well, you never were
a champion speller.

My goodness.

Oh, here are your
letters from Eton.

My, but you were
so homesick.

I remember
your first letter.

You'd only been gone
two days.

I was so upset,

I almost went and
brought you back home.

Don't, ma.
It's in the past.

Please.

There's no sense
in keeping them.

Noel.

Go through
those other boxes.

See if there's
anything you want.

The rest we can
cart away or burn.

These can start
the fire.

How could anyone
do this?

Destroy such memories?

I could never
burn mine.

Could you yours?

I wouldn't know.

Some of these things--

We'll have to drive them
to the dump, I suppose.

You'll have to,
not me.

I don't drive.

Here.

I had to do this
with my father's things--

Throw them away.

It's difficult--
just tossing them out.

Things that
mean nothing to you...

But meant a great deal
to someone else.

I'm sorry.

I want you to meet
a new friend of mine.

Richard, this is
my daughter Penelope.

How do you do?

Richard's training
for the front.

He also plays chess.

I've wondered what Americans
do here for entertainment.

Who's this?

Nancy.
Say hello, darling.

Hello, Nancy.

Penelope's husband
is missing in action.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Dodging German tanks,
I imagine.

I'll be doing
that soon.

Could I take
your picture?

No.

Do you mind?

All right.

You needn't be as wary
of German tanks

As you should be
of British cars.

I beg your pardon.

I saw you last week
nearly knocked off
your feet.

Hello, mother.

Nancy.
I was just looking

At an old photograph
of you.

Remember?

No. It was such
a long time ago.

Olivia says
her friend's daughter
is living here with you.

Yes. Antonia.
So you needn't worry.

And Noel's here.

Yes, I know.

He said he wanted
to clear out your attic.

Is he upstairs?

Yes.

Nancy?

Would you--
would you like to go back

To Cornwall with me?

I know it's all changed
and I shan't know anybody,

But I'd love
to take you back,

To share some memories.

I'm sorry, mother.
I can't.

I can't
leave the children.

And I've got
so many things to do
around the house.

And George is helpless
when I'm not there.

Perhaps...Later on,

When things
are slower.

I'll be upstairs
if you need me.

Did you find them?

Oh, hello.

So you decided
to come after all?

Most likely
she threw them away.

She never
threw away anything
in her life.

I know.
It's all up here.

Look at this.

She even saved
your baby clothes.

No. He must
have sold them.

Sold what?
What are you looking for?

Memories.

Don't lie to me, Noel.

It's nothing
in particular.

Don't lie to me.

Show her the letter.

It's, um, from one
of grandfather's clients.

It's about a sketch
for the Tratso garden.

He probably made sketches
of all his paintings.

They'd be worth
a small fortune

If they still exist.

And what
were you going
to do with them,

Sneak them out
behind my back?

Of course not, ma.

Well,
you've got to sell.

The money you give away
while you're alive

Is worth twice--

Yes. Yes. I know.

But why? How much
do you need?

Just a share of it.

You've got
three children.

You could unload
a certain amount--

Keep a bit
for yourself.

What would you
do with it?

Ah. Commodity broking.

Well, I--I need
a bigger flat for that--

One that I
can work from.

And then there
are certain circles

I have to break into.

I'd have to entertain--

I'm expected
to sell my paintings
for your advancement?

Oh, ma.

I can't believe
what I'm hearing.

You're just
like your father.

Please.

You don't give
a hoot about me,

My house, my
father's paintings.

They're all I have
left of him, Noel.

Lawrence is dead.

We're your children.
You owe us.

I don't owe you
anything.

To love us, then.

Mother, we only want you
to make the right decision.

You want me to do

What you
want me to do.

Well, I'll
sell the paintings
when I choose.

Just the sketches then.
Have you seen them?

Did Lawrence
sell them?

Thank you
for clearing out
the attic.

You went too far, Noel.

I'm no criminal.
You're as bad
as she is.

I need the money.
So do you.

That's no excuse
for sneaking
behind her back.

Oh, stop being
so noble.

In the end,
it comes down
to cold cash.

She has it.
We need it.

There's such a thing
as subtlety.

Choose a side,
Nancy.

Stop sitting
on the ruddy fence!

Hello. I have an appointment
with Mr. Brookning.
Penelope keeling.

Yes. He's
expecting you.

Penelope.

Oh, Roy,
how are you?

It's been
a long time.

I've been
rather reclusive
in the country.

I was a student
of her father's
when we met.

My libido
was in its prime,

And I hadn't
the least idea
what to do with it.

How are the children?
I haven't seen them
in years.

They're doing
quite well.

And so are you, Roy.

Lawrence said I'd
make a better dealer
than a painter.

As usual,
he was right.

Sophie?

The last he did of her
before she died.

He could never
bring himself

To put it on canvas.

Where did these
come from?

I've had them
for years.

They were hidden
in the back
of my wardrobe.

I'd forgotten
about them.

Hidden?

Well, I didn't
want Ambrose
to find them.

His gambling
got so bad,

He was selling
everything
he got hold of.

I don't know
what you saw in him.

You were
mother and father
to your children.

Admit it.

Yes. Well, we've
all managed somehow.

What do you think
I could get for these?

5,000...

Apiece.

How soon?

Six months.
We'll auction them
in new York.

Ah.

Roy, I need
some money now.

I'm going to make
a Journey.

I'm going back.

I don't know why,
but I simply must.

How much do you need?

1,000 or so.

I wish I could talk you
out of selling.

They'll be worth more
in a year.

No. I've made up
my mind.

Thank you.

Are most men
like you?

What's that supposed
to mean?

Hard-working,
quiet...

So simpleminded.

Some.

Most are better.

You see,
you're the first man

I've really
spent time with,

Other than my father.

Are your parents
still alive?

Yes.

Don't you get on?

Average, I suppose.

Why don't you drive?

Was it an accident
or something?

Do most girls
ask as many personal
questions as you do?

Some.
Most ask more.

I never
learned to drive.

No reason
in particular.

Olivia?

Mama.

Hello, my dear.
How are you?

I finished
my meeting with
Roy Brookning--

Insurance on
the paintings.

I thought
I'd visit,

But if you're
too busy...

No, no.
Come in, please.

Roy sent his love,
incidentally.

Oh, yes.
How is he?

As always,
a dear friend.

Would you like
some tea?

I'll finish this
and we can go to lunch.

No tea, thanks.

Isn't this an
interesting office?

It's a mess now.

We're approaching
deadline.

You all right?

Yes. I'm fine.

And Antonia,
she's happy?

I think she is.

She spends lots of time
in the garden.

She likes gardening?

She doesn't, really,
but she does
like the gardener.

Olivia, I wanted
to ask you a favor.

Anything, mama.

I'm going to Cornwall.

Cohn cottage, papa's studio,
all of it.

Could you come with me?

When?

Well, right away.

I couldn't.
The issue's due
by the 15th.

I couldn't
leave now.

Yes, of course.
I just thought--

I could come
in Autumn.

No. I want to go now.

Well, perhaps Noel
could go with me.

If he drove, I'd be there
in under an hour.

Mama, I'm sorry.

Don't be.

No regrets.

Remember.

Noel?

Hello, Penelope.

Dolly. What are
you doing here?

Where's Noel?

He's picking up
the car.

I'm taking him
to dinner.

What are you
doing here?

Did he
invite you, too?

Your children
keep inviting us

To the same
functions.

No. I just happened
to be in town.

He called me here

For a financial
discussion.

He says you refuse
to sell the paintings.

Well...

I only hope you know
what you're doing.

Dolly, I'm not here
to discuss my finances.

You've never
discussed them
with me

In your life.

It's none
of my affair.

I just feel
I'm continually
expected

To bail Nancy
and Noel

Out of their
financial
difficulties

Whenever
their mother--

You're not expected
to do anything of the sort.

Somebody has to.
They're helpless.

They're capable
of looking after
their own finances.

Penelope.

I cast
no aspersions.

I'm simply saying that
in their upbringing

You never
taught them discipline
and responsibility.

If it hadn't been
for me--

I simply can't listen
to this.

What I thought
was important

Is what I was
brought up with.

That's what I gave
my children--

Not money, love.

I loved them.
I still do.

I won't have this.

You were always the most
irresponsible woman
I have ever known.

You didn't even come

To your own
husband's funeral.

That's past history.

I'm not interested--

No, it's not past.

It's never past.

Your children
are unhappy

Because of the
selfish bohemian way
you raised them

And the
thoughtless way

You treated
their father.

I never thought you
worthy of Ambrose,

And you proved me right,
didn't you?

I loved him.

You scarcely knew him.

That was the war,
dolly, not me.

We met and married
in the war.

That was Ambrose
missing in France,

Me living alone
all those years
in Cornwall.

And after the war,

It was you never
leaving us alone

That led to his debts
and his drunkenness.

Your indifference
did that.

No! It was your
constant interference.

I simply put up with
what you had created.

I tried to be
friends with you.

After Sophie died,
I needed a mother.

You never
approved of me--

Why should I approve?

Ambrose was meant
for better.

He might as well
have thrown his future
in the River.

He chose to marry me.

As for his
poor children--

You stole them from me
the moment you could.

Showering them
with gifts,

That's your
sort of love.

If my children
are poor,

It's only because
of the empty money
you used to win them over.

It's a wonder
you haven't learned

From the mess you made
of their father.

Why didn't
you stop it?

Because my children
are not my possessions.

They must do
what they want,

See whom
they want to see,

Make their
own mistakes.

And they've made plenty,
haven't they?

That's not mothering.
That's neglect.

It's more of your
bohemian independence.

I never neglected them!

Yes, you did.

Your parents'
reckless lifestyle,

That makes you
irresponsible.

My parents loved me.

I won't listen
to another word
against them.

That's what
drove Ambrose away.

Is that what you think?

Didn't he
ever tell you why?

He didn't need to.
It was perfectly clear.

It wasn't me, dolly.
It was Noel.

Noel?

I was pregnant
with him,

And the last thing
Ambrose wanted
was another child.

So he runs home to mum,

Leaving me alone

To continue
raising his children
without him.

Now look at the boy.

He's becoming
like his father--

Empty, shallow,

Wallowing in the same
self-centered shallowness
that killed Ambrose.

And that's your doing,
not mine.

But love can't hold out
against the likes of you.

Noel.

Noel.

[door slams]
oh.

[air raid sirens]

Are you all right?

Yes.

It's just
bad dreams.

What about?

My mother...
And me.

She had...
Something,

Some...
Feeling for life.

A gift
for mothering.

But she died

Before she could
pass on the secret
to me.

I'm 63 years old,
Antonia,

And my children
are grown,

And...I'm
still searching.

Would you like
to come with me
to Cornwall?

I've asked the others,

And they're all too busy.

I'd love to.

Danus, too.
I want you both.

I'm not sure if he will.

He's so private.

You get so far with him,
and it's like a gate
slamming in your face.

Well, we can ask him.

He can only say no.

I don't drive.

Penelope and I
will do the driving.

We'd like your company,
that's all.

It's just for the weekend.

We'll be back Monday.

I'll think about it.

Why do you have

Such a chip
on your shoulder
about everything?

Hasn't it
occurred to you

That she
actually wants you
on this trip?

Do it for her.

You're going,
aren't you?
That's enough.

She asked us both.

[Penelope]
my goodness.

I know, of course,
it's changed a lot,

But in many ways
it hasn't.

When looking at it
from up here,

It could be
half a century ago.

I've come here
so often in my dreams,

I can't believe
it's real--

The same buildings,
the same streets.

Somewhere inside
I...

I still feel
like a little girl.

But this is terribly
extravagant.

Yes, it was
meant to be.

Hello. Lawrence
is out for a walk.

I said I'd stay here.

Where's Nancy?

Asleep in the cottage.

She's fine.
I just looked in on her.

I got my orders.

How long?

Three weeks.

Where?

I can't say.

I hate this war.

I want it to end.

Who would have
thought it would
touch us here?

They said
we were so safe,
and then Sophie...

And now you're
going, too.

I wish it would
leave me something.

Do you hate me
for saying that?

No.

I don't hate you.

[sobs]

[honk honk]

I'm sorry.

Pen.

Hello, pen.

Richard?

I never dreamed
I'd find you here.

I don't believe it.

I simply
don't believe it.

Me, neither.

But you--you
haven't changed.

Oh, of course I have.

And then
what happened
after the service?

Well, after the war,
I, uh...Met someone,

Went into my father's
business, and, uh,
made a life--

Uneventful
sort of stuff.

And you?

Still with your husband?

No.

How about little Nancy?

I bet you're
a grandmother.

Twice.

Why did you
come back, pen?

I don't know.

To find something.

Something that
I once had...

And since lost.
Something elemental.

Something that I
still have, but I...

I can't remember
where I put it.

You know,
I'm almost twice
as old as Sophie

When she died.

I could be
her mother now.

Isn't it
astonishing?

And you?

I retired.

My son thought
it'd be a good idea
for me to vacation.

A group of us
old soldiers

Came back looking
for memories.

But for me,
not so much sights, but...

I felt so much here.

I came back...

To remember
the feelings.

What went wrong,
Richard?

What became of my life

And the babies
that I bore and loved?

I can bear anything
for myself,

But to see my children
so lost is unendurable.

It's not your fault.

Isn't it?

I woke up
in that hospital,

And thought,
"I can't leave them.

They're so miserable."

There were times
in my life...

Well--well with Sophie
and Lawrence and you--

When everything
was so bright.

But my children,
they--

They have none of that Joy
in their lives.

Sophie had it.
And Lawrence, too.

Why is it

That I can't
pass it on to them?

Perhaps it's
not something
you can pass on.

But why not?

Why is it all I have
to pass on are these?

I mean look,
look, look at these--

Ambrose and me.

Never really together.

Sophie,
gone before her time,

Leaving my life
so empty.

Their lives, empty too.

I was no Sophie to them.

Nothing very Precious
or valuable here.

I dreamed of the exotic.

And all I'm left with

Is the common collection
of the seaside tourist.

And that is what
I have given my children.

You could have
given them us.

No. It was impossible.

It was your choice,
not mine.

No. It never
was possible.

I only had Nancy.

Dolly would
have taken her.

It was never an option
to give her up for you.

We met in such
difficult times, Richard--

The war, deprivation.

Life was a day-to-day
circumstance.

We had so little choice.

But my children grew up
in relative abundance,

And yet, the choices
that they've made

Have brought them
nothing but misery.

I love them so much,

And everything
that I have done
has been for them.

And yet,
now it seems that...

None of us
has anything.

[sobbing]

They're grown now.
Let them go.

It's not what they want.

Forget what they want.

The greatest gift
you could give them

Is your own
happiness.

You know something?

Coming back, I've been
struck by the peace

And the color...

The gold of the sand,
the green grass,

The sea's blue.

I feel a bit
like Lawrence.

And, you know...

What was so remarkable
about Lawrence

Was that he took
responsibility

For his own life.

He surrounded himself
with his colors,

His work,
and the people he loved.

He was free, pen...

Because
the choices he made

Were happy ones
for himself.

That was his art.

And I'd forgotten
how much I loved you.

Past tense.

It's all
in the past today--

Sophie, the war, you.

But you can't stop us,
can you?

We're like the sea.

We just keep roaring on,
don't we?

Hello, my darling.

Sorry I kept you
waiting.

I met a friend.

Did you have
a nice day?

We wandered round
the village--

Danus and I.

It's beautiful here.

And where is he?

Sulking.

We had an argument.

He's so sullen.

It's as if he
can't love anything.

I told him
that caring for him

Was like loving
a block of ice.

May I join you?

Yes.

I used to sit here
when I was little,

Counting the boats
returning from
a night's work,

Wondering which fish
from which boat
would be my dinner.

It's hard work...

Seeing
into the future.

What about you?

You know,
the garden that
you've made for me

Is blooming
so beautifully.

Do you hope to work
for yourself someday?

That's a dream.
Not a hope.

Well, what is
your dream then?

I won't tell anyone.

A garden center--
my own,

Good business,

Hard work.

A family?

I don't think so.

Why not?

Tell me why not,
Danus.

I have epilepsy.

I've been hospitalized.

My family thinks
it's some mental disease.

I take medicine,
but it's not a cure.

I can't drive.

I'm still afraid
to have children,

Although I know
it's not inherited.

My greatest fear
is to be lost in the arms

Of the woman
I love when...

My mother's
ashamed of me.

My father also.

And in spite
of all my scientific
understanding of it,

I'm ashamed of it,
too.

Antonia isn't
ashamed of it.

She loves you,
Danus.

Don't turn away
from somebody

Who loves you
so unconditionally.

Don't deny yourself
the possibility
of happiness.

You deserve it.
We all do.

I don't expect anyone
to love me knowing this.

I mean, you might say
you love me now,

But wait till you see me
when it happens.

I don't know
how to love you.

It's been so long.

I don't know
how to love anyone.

Danus.

Danus.

Hello. Is it true?

Oh, congratulations.

I can't wait
to meet him.

Where's ma?

She'll be down
in a minute.

Would you like
tea or coffee?

No, we'll be fine.

I'll be off then.

Hello, Nancy, George.

What's wrong?

You look as though
you're at a funeral.

Where's the body?

There is none.

What?

Hello, everyone.

Thank you all
for coming.

Hello, George.

Penelope.

Where is it, ma?

You'd better
sit down.

Did you sell it?

No, I didn't
sell it.

It hasn't been
stolen, has it?

No.

What then?

I've given it away.

Good Lord.

Mother,
how could you?

You must
be joking.

To whom?

To a gallery.

What induced you
to do such a thing?

Do you know
what that picture's worth?

Well, I know what
it's worth to me.

You've all scarcely
looked at it for years.

You told us
you couldn't
live without it.

Yes, and now I want
to share it.

Completely
out of her mind.

You seem to forget,
George,

That the painting
was mine.

It never belonged to you.

You can't afford it.

You've little enough
as it is.

I promised the panels
to a private collector

For 300-odd thousand,

And the sketches will
go on sale in January.

The sketches?

You mean you knew
about them all along?

Well, I hadn't thought
about them for years.

I'd been hiding them
from your father.

And what about us?

What about your family,
your grandchildren?

How can you happily give
away their inheritance

When you know
it's the only thing--

You can have the money.

I'll take what I need
from the panels.

The rest is yours--
all three of you.

Divide it as you wish.

Mother.

I don't want
to be treated

As an invalid anymore.

If I fall down the stairs
and land in a heap for weeks,
that's my business, not yours.

We only worry
because we love you.

You've been urging me
to do this for months.

I spent some money
on myself

And returned
to Cornwall.

Is that bothering you?

I invited you all.

Oh, good reasons, mama.

Excuses.

But I think it's just
as well you didn't come

Because
I learned something.

I may not have been
the best wife

Or the best mother,

But I gave you all
that I had to give,

And now it's my turn...

To make my own decisions,

To live my life
as I see fit.

I know all of your...

Your virtues
and your shortcomings,

And I love you all
very much,

But I'm not responsible
for you anymore.

Well, I thought we might
have some lunch.

Who gets the money
from the sketches?

I'm giving it
to Antonia.

Oh.

She's not even one
of the family.

She is to me.

If I can get her and Danus
on their feet--

She'll squander
every penny

On any stray dog.

Don't be
condescending
to me, George.

For the very first time
in my life,

I've experienced the Joy

Of giving to someone
other than my children.

It's made all the sweeter

Because of the Grace
and gratitude

With which
it has been received.

And that's what you want
from us--endless thanks.

I want you to take
your money and be happy.

I wish the very best
for you, Noel.

What you do with my love
is as much up to you

As what you do
with my money.

You have so much
going for you.

Why do you
always want more?

I only want
what I deserve.

You want what
your father wanted.

If I'm wary
of your schemes,

It's because I lived
through it with him.

And that's why you
dislike me so much.

I don't dislike you.
I love you.

You have an odd way
of showing it.

I am not my father.

My life has little
to do with him or you.

You always succeeded

In making me feel
that I'd failed you.

I think you have.

Well...

Well, I'll see you
later, Nancy, George.

Would you like
a lift, Olivia?

No, I'll take
the train tomorrow.

Noel...

Please.

Bye, ma.

Nancy, I think we best
be going, too.

I think you're
foolish, Penelope,

To say the least.

Likewise, George.

Nancy.

I'll be waiting
in the car.

I think
you're terrible.

No, she's not.
She's generous
to a fault.

We should be
more than content.

She's always
loved you.

Don't start
that again.

She never tries
to understand me.

Perhaps because
you never try

To understand
anyone else.

She's always
had time for you.

She's never
given me anything.

She gave us all
a terrific start in life.

You can't blame her
for your life, Nancy.

You did that to yourself.

Who are you to say
that to me?

The beautiful,
perfect Olivia.

Perfect life,
perfect looks.

You've never had to make
a difficult decision
in your life.

You think
I'm so different from you?

You think
my life's perfect?

You think I don't want
a husband and family?

You were the perfect one
growing up,

Dolly's favorite.

I had to work
for what I have.

I made different choices,
some right, some wrong,
but they were my choices!

I don't blame them
on my mother!

Olivia, that's enough.

Nancy's right.

She has good reason

For feeling about me
the way she does.

I wasn't the best mother
to you at first.

I was very young.

I tried to cope in the
best way I knew, but...

It wasn't enough
and I'm very sorry.

But you know, Nancy,

There was a time

When you and I
were alone together.

Never that.

Remember?

Playing on the sand
all day.

Sleeping together
at night.

We'd walk out at dusk,

And we'd watch the waves

Crashing against
the rocks below.

Your grandfather
was there.

And there was
another man.

He would take you
down to the sea

On his shoulders.

Daddy?

No.

His name was Richard.

Remember?

He used to give
you chocolate

Out of his rations.

Sand castles.

We used to build
sand castles.

We were very happy
together, then.

I let him go.

I gave him up for you

Because I loved you,
my darling.

I still do.

Nervous?

Yes.

No.

I don't know.

Danus is petrified.

When he saw me
this morning,

He turned
wedding white.

I'm so happy George
agreed to give me away.

There.

You look beautiful...

Except for one thing.

They belong
with a bride.

I love you, my darling.

My daughter.

[organ music]

[wedding March plays]

Dearly beloved,

We are gathered here
in the sight of God

And in the face
of this congregation

To join together
this man and this woman

In holy matrimony

Which is
an honorable estate

Instituted
of God himself,

Signifying unto us
the mystical union

That is between
Christ and his church,

Which holy estate Christ
adorned and beautified

With his presence
and first Miracle

That he wrote
in Canaan of Galilee

And is commended
in holy writ

To be honorable
among all men.

[bells tolling]

Ma.

{{}}