All language subtitles for Small Axe 1x01 - Mangrove (English)

NOTTING HILL, LONDON, 1968

WOGS OUT

These are new men,
new types of human beings.

It is in them that are to be found

all the traditional virtues
of the English nation,

not in decay as they are in official
society, but in full flower...

Rita.

...because these men
have perspective...

Is where you been?

Note particularly that they glory
in the struggle.

They are not demoralised or defeated
or despairing persons.

They are leaders, but are rooted deep
among those they lead.

Linton, I tell you enough times yuh
catching your tail in front of here.

Just liming with the limers, man.

Get yuh backside somewhere else.

Oh, man.
Respect, bright man.

BLACK OWNERSHIP

The place stinking of varnish.

When we have cook up,
no one will smell nutting.

We need a little something to make
the place look nice, no?

Yuh asking me? And all day Kendrick
sitting on his backside.

Kendrick, run down the market and get
some flowers for our opening night.

I don't know a thing about flowers.
What if someone seen me?

Say yuh in love. Go.

Yuh see what I mean, Frank.
Good for nutten.

Miss Agnes?

- Mr Charles?
- Yes, sir?

Okay, we gonna do fish curry.
Goat curry. Mutton curry.

Yes, sir.

Me mother's crab and dumpling. But
first, we will start with the roots.

The Trinidadian barrister,
Darcus Howe,

thinks things could build
up dangerous social tensions.

The policeman who,
who frames a black man is doing so

with a confidence that the system
is going to give him a conviction.

And the section of the community
who one must call the most alienated

either are going to turn to crime

in that they are going
to be arrested anyway,

or seek their revenge against
the society in another form.

Now, at this point in time that form
has not been expressed

and I hope it wouldn't be
but one must be very direct here,

and say that the police
must either stop it

or the black community will have
to stop them doing it.

Excellent work!

A toast, a toast.
A toast to my beautiful wife Selma,

who brought this vitally important
programme together.

And to my husband, the great CLR James,
who I thank for his love and support.

And Darcus. He's a leader!
He'll make a great lawyer one day.

Yeah, he done alright, didn't he?
But let's get one thing straight:

Darcus isn't interested in being a
barrister. He is interested in change.

- To change.
- Change...

Hey, bruh.

What's happening?

Oh, so my brudda gone all bourgeois
in de ghetto.

You wanna cappuccino?

Hey, Frank. Listen,
to de Mangrove. A fresh thing.

A fresh thing, yes!

I'll drink to that.

Frank... Come on!

Come on, everybody. Let's play outside.
Come on...

You see the thing about the black
man is he's got his place.

He's just gotta know his place.

If he oversteps he's gotta
be gently nudged back in...

And then you get the odd one or two
who need more of a...

you know... just like the Micks.

What you have to understand, Dickie,
is that the army isn't up for it.

Not like the old days
when they'd have got

a small battalion together
and, bam.

Wipe the whole lot out in one go...

Did you ever want
to be in the army?

No. I grew up thinking
I'd never see my country

fighting anyone
else's war ever again.

That's why I'm Bill through
and through.

But you never wanted to, you know,
be a sergeant or anything?

I've seen enough.

- You reading Black Jacobins again?
- That's what you should be teaching.

They're primary school children,

I'm not sure they're ready
for Black Jacobins just yet.

You're never too young to start.

I've lost count of the amount
of times I've read it.

What are you on about?

One TV show and you think you're
the second coming or what?

No. But not far behind.

Oh, it's all about you, innit?

You grew up in a society where black
people were the majority, yeah?

I grew up in an environment
where I was the minority.

From day one I was judged as being
'too Negroid' to be adopted.

So don't you come at me with your lofty
words and your Black Jacobins, alright?

Look, you're right to say that
sometimes words aren't enough.

But know this... No one is going
to help us unless we help ourselves.

Yeah, you're absolutely right,
actions do speak louder than words.

And the first thing that I want you
to do is tidy up the bloody mess

that you have made in the kitchen.

Move it!

You still there? Good for nothing
but making a whole of a mess.

Yuh varnish your house like this?
You stinking up the place!

PC Pulley.
Yes, how can I help you?

I want to talk to the manager
of this fancy new... what is it?

It's a restaurant.
And I is the owner, not the manager.

- Aren't you the golden goose?
- Yeah, and we closed right now.

Smells like a sex club
to me, Mr Crichlow.

No, sir, sex club is not my thing.
We setting up for lunch...

So how about a sausage
and egg then?

Yeah, the Mangrove don't do
that kind of thing.

It's just spicy food you know.
For a particular palate.

Irregardless you have to book
to eat here.

What, with this?

No. With our reservation book.

Do I have to spell it out?

No, I understand enough.
I met many a hustler, Constable.

- What did you just call me?
- I call you Constable.

- Maybe you're an Officer now.
- I'll arrest you right now, bastard.

Arrest me for what?

I haven't forgotten your antics at your
last shithole. The Rio. Degenerates.

- Illegal gambling, ponces, nonces...
- This is a new business.

- Late night queer parties.
- It's a different kind of thing.

- Drug-dealing.
- I've never taken drugs in my life.

We'll shut you down
before you can say, eenie...

- I don't want no trouble.
- We got company...

- Hey, leave the Mangrove alone.
- Leave him alone.

- He said move.
- Leave the Mangrove alone.

- Move on, Pulley. Move on.
- Move your backside from our area.

- You not got jobs to go to?
- Get out of here, man. Get out.

Move your backside. Move.

The Mangrove is a restaurant.

It serves West Indian cuisine to people
who eat that kind of food.

Just like any other restaurant.

Greek, French, English,
for that matter. We the Mangrove.

We pay we taxes, we pay we bills,
and we pay we staff.

You gonna try and arrest
me for that, or what?

- Yes, Frank.
- Tell him, Frank. Tell him.

You can't out-smart them
blue necks, man.

No! The Mangrove ain't nothing
like the Rio.

They have no business here so long
as we keep the place clean.

End of the story.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

My name is Altheia Jones.

I am a student studying biochemistry
in this country,

but today I am here as a member
of the Black Panther movement.

I have been invited here by your
trade union

to talk you about your workers' rights
and your power as a collective force.

We have discovered,
discovered and rediscovered,

the ways in which we can overcome
the fragmentation

our people have suffered
throughout our history.

The way is through joining
the struggle

and being part
of an organised struggle.

For it is the struggle actually,
which makes us whole.

So I have come here today
to encourage you

to actively support
your trade union.

Because the virtue of lending
your voice to collective bargaining

is that together
we become stronger.

If colonialism is good for anything
it brought us together on this table.

- Sorry, where's your bathroom?
- Through the kitchen.

Excuse me.

Good evening...

Skippy never used to go home.

Skippy carries his toothbrush
in his suit pocket.

But that was the Rio.
And this place ain't nothing like that.

Cappuccino...

I think they were serving
a different type of coffee at the Rio.

Frank. A beautiful evening.
Thank you very much...

- I hope you're walking.
- No, I'm flying.

Goodnight, goodnight.

When all the girls
in town feeling bad,...

No more Yankees in Trinidad...

They going to close down
the base for good

Them girls have to make
out all they could...

Brother is now
they park up in town

In for a penny,
and in for a pound

Believe me it's competition for so

Trouble in the town
when the price drop low

So when you bounce up
Jean and Dinah

Rosita and Clemintina,
round the corner posing

Bet your life is something they selling

And if you catch them broken

You can get them all for nothing

Don't make a row, the yankees gone,

Sparrow take over now

Hey, I sorry, yeah.
I miss the bus now

See, this is why I don't wait
for nobody. I said meet me at two.

- You better be here for two.
- Look, just fifteen minutes, now.

No excuses, man.
Now we're late, and I'm never late.

The government believes
the British state,

with over a million black people living
here now, is in grave danger.

Yeah, Roddy speak truth, nuh.

But that shouldn't come as a surprise
to any of us here.

I think the Black Panthers need
to actively prepare

in order to defend the Black
institutions and businesses

that can come under threat.

Like Frank Crichlow
over at the Mangrove.

C'mon, man, Frank is not interested
in the movement...

What you mean?

We have nutten but love
for the man, Frank, alright,

but that man blood run
purer than politics.

If you can call an inveterate
gambler pure.

- No, listen.
- You're wicked you, you know.

Frank is a charming and gentle person
who doesn't realise

what he has done for our community
in simply providing us the space.

The Mangrove is now a focal point for
black people to come and sit, talk,

and exchange views.
That is a rare and precious gift.

Damn right. And that Betty
make the best roti.

But seriously talking, we need
to defend ourselves against Powell

and his Rivers of Blood nonsense,

before that stream winds
its way to our door.

Guy need to wind himself into the
sewer, damn rat. Talking foolishness.

Ladies first, yeah...

You know how long
I've been waiting?

All complaints go through
the old lady of the house...

Up! Get up, you black bastard.

- Don't fucking move!
- Where is your warrant?

Frank!

Betty!

Get down. Get fucking down.

You black bastard!
Where do you think you're...

Kenny!

If Scotland Yard can't accept
responsibility

for the raid on my restaurant,

then I have to make a report
of an illegal entry

on Friday evening of last week.

What happened?

Notting Dale CID carried out the
raid, and you can't tell me why?

It take you three days to find out
who and now you can't say why!

The Dangerous Drug Act?!

What does that have to do
with a legitimate restaurant, man?

Chuts, it's stupidness!

They're outside right now you
know, Frank. Two of them.

Shit!

I said no trouble inside this place.
No trouble, it's a restaurant.

- You want to eat? You come here to eat?
- Hold on!

I come here to offer my support
and the support of the Black Panthers.

But, yes, I want to eat, thank you.

- I'm sorry. It's a stress.
- Nothing to say sorry for.

Just as long as you ain't run out
of crab and callallo?

- So, what are you writing?
- Pamphlet. Black Dimension.

It's going to focus on the community
and the Police State in West London.

Especially that brute, Pulley.

I like the sound of that. Hold on.

The Black Panthers can
do a press release.

I don't want the Mangrove
to have a reputation

for what the police do and done.

I lived all that bother at the Rio.

This is a restaurant,
a respectable restaurant,

and I want to keep it that way.

That's not to say I ain't grateful
for all your offering of support,

but I can't make no complaint,
yah know?

It's a restaurant,
not a battleground...

I hear you.

- Food is good.
- Yah?

You know, in the Ifa tradition
of the Yoruba,

Ogun is the energy whose
machete is used to clear the path.

Ogun is the energy of iron and
Ogun is the energy of the steel pan.

Why you mention Ogun?
Why you say that?

Dunno. Perhaps I feeling
a little of that energy.

- You pan?
- Once or twice, a long time ago.

Okay. Well, let we agree.

You can have your Panther meetings
upstairs as long as you agree

to play in the Mangrove
steel band this carnival.

Oh, gosh! As long as you can't change
your mind when you listen me try?

- No, no. You want pan?
- I want pan.

- You want pan now?
- No, no.

- Look! Yeah!
- No, settle yourself.

- We made an agreement.
- We have everything you need.

Gentlemen,
some lead for your pencil.

- Royce.
- Cheers, gov.

- Not married, are you?
- No.

- Got a girlfriend?
- No. I'd like one though.

- Well, we better find you one.
- That would be nice.

Well, I hope you settle in. You're in
a foreign country now, aren't you?

- What do you mean?
- We all look after each other here.

- What?
- Quick game.

- What have I done?
- Ace of Spades. You know the rules.

What rules?

No one told him?
Well, that's not very fair, gents.

Rules are rules.

Whoever draws the ace of spades has
to go out

and nick the first black
bastard they clap eyes on.

- Nick him for what?
- You'll learn.

- This is urgent. What's your name?
- Who are you, more like?

I am Frank Crichlow,
and this is Mrs Manning.

She son, Kendrick Manning, is missing,
and we have reason to believe...

- How long has he been missing?
- Well, he disappeared from...

I didn't ask you. Did I?
How long?

Kenny's supposed to reach home
at nine. Nine o'clock.

Six hours? Nah, that don't
make a missing person.

- I know something happened to my boy.
- How?

Hey, let me tell you something.

Kendrick Manning vanished
on Tavistock Gardens

leaving his family's food
shopping on the street.

- I can repeat it for you?
- Alright, alright. Take a seat.

No. I insist on seeing him...

You having trouble understanding?
Take a seat I said!

- Frank! Calm down, calm down.
- Calm down.

Come, let we sit down, let we sit down.
We're right here.

- Come, let we sit down.
- That's it.

Davis, do we have any visitors?

Yeah, perfect timing...

Looks like he had a fall...

Calm her down. Out.

Calm down, madam.

You need to calm down.

You need to calm down.

See you, you devil!

Hey, Frank, let it go.

Go back to wherever
you come from.

How's your tea?

How many you thinking about
doing this time?

I'm going for a bigger run.

- You can read, can't you?
- Get out of my house!

Shut up, you whore!

Come on.
Come on, come on, come on.

- You'll regret this.
- You're the one who's gonna regret it.

Get out. Get out.

- Smash that for us.
- Get out of my house!

Get out.

Get out.

Police!

- Stay down.
- I haven't done nothing.

Kendrick! Don't resist.

Shut it you fucking black bastard.
Shut it!

Who want to play me
for the Mangrove?

You're joking or what?

No, I serious. Number Eight All
Saints Road. What you saying?

Look, nobody is gonna take that.

Alright, it's my business.

Come on.
What I can't give it away?

Mangrove man. Him listen?

Who do good fuh jumbie
is dem jumbie does frighten.

Me want tuh hail out de good yuh mek
fuh de people. Nutten go unseen.

But de Mangrove's a burden yuh
gonna have to carry yuhself.

Dat ah truth.

Go on, man.

Play the cards.

Pulley will sue me for criminal libel

as long as my black skin
is in Notting Hill.

I actively encourage you to go
and live in the North of England.

- In East Lancashire.
- Yeah, that could work.

I could come and visit you all
the time, maybe...

Pulley will still be able to sue my
black backside in East Lancashire.

Tunapuna. Trinidad.
I will go home...

You can't do that, Darcus, because
I'll never get to see you, will I?

At this moment in history you
could inspire a revolution.

Yeah, and how we gonna afford
to do that, then? You selfish git.

Excuse me, sorry.

- Just let me get set up, Frank.
- I will send them up in a minute.

Right, listen up, boys.
This is Mr Stedman.

I brought him down
here to help with the police.

So, listen, and listen carefully.

Go ahead, Mr Stedman.

Now, if you get stopped
and searched...

You mean when.

Yes. I mean, as a citizen of this
country you are legally intitled

to insist on having a lawyer present
before you say anything.

But how is we supposed
to say something,

if you is saying we ain't
supposed to say anything.

You're supposed to say something,
fool, you just don't say nothing.

I can see I haven't explained
it too well.

I advise you to say nothing other than
to remind them you that have the right

to remain silent and require a lawyer
present before you say anything else.

- So we is supposed to say something.
- Yes, look, the system is...

The system? The system crooked as
a damn ram's horn, that's what it is...

We were waltzing together

To a sweet, sweet melody

When they called out, 'change partners'

And you waltzed away from me

Open the door.

Tell them we're closed.

We're closed!

Police! Open the door!

What you doing?

Don't touch me!

Betty!

Get your hands off me.
Betty! Betty!

- Warrant.
- I don't care for no blasted warrant.

What in God's name is
going on in here?

You serving drinks without
a license? At this hour?

Tea. We're drinking blasted tea.

You're breaking the law of this
country, that's what's happening.

Who d'you think you are?

Opening up a restaurant, thinking
your some sort of... chief.

I opened this place for people to come
and go no matter who they are.

And that's all well and good.

But the problem is your menu.
Certain things have to be added

in order for you to continue
with your establishment.

We only serve spicy cuisine here!

You see, you people
don't really understand, do you?

You come over here with your bright
clothes, you sleep with our women,

make like you're a big shot.

But guess what?
It isn't happening.

Not on my watch.

Pulley, stop! Pulley!

You bastard! You devil!

You are a devil! You are a devil!
What's wrong with you?

You're a devil, Pulley...

Shall we go and play some music?

Crichlow?

Which leaves me to ask the question,
was the Mangrove used as a night caf�?

I find that it was.
I do not feel it's necessary for it

to be open if customers
can knock and be let in...

It's also not necessary to prove that
money has changed hands.

The defendant is fined L25

and must pay for the legal costs of all
those involved. Next.

I want a transcript
of what the judge just said.

Biting your finger nail.
What you thinking?

Nothing, Tanty.

Crapaud smoke yuh pipe.
Why you lying?

Don't play with me, child.

Me head hot.

Seems like we reaching the end
of the road, yah know...

One raid lead to another raid lead
to another raid,

then they use that as an excuse to give
me a different type of licks.

They taking away
the alcohol license now...

The police in cahoots with the council,
the council with the damn judge,

the judge with the police...

And the customers not
stepping foot in here.

Too frighten.
They ain't coming day or night.

Why the police harassing us
in this place, eh?

The business buss.

Well, you don't put water in your
mouth to spell it out, eh.

Me don't have
nobody to cook for!

The place is like a jumbie ballroom!

I ain't know why I boddering.

Frank? Frank?

Oh, Miss Tetley.

Dorothy, if you come with your belly
hungry, you're in luck.

Betty in need of a mouth to feed.

I come for give you this.

Every Sunday since me come ah England,
me ah save ah likkle ting.

Thinking about going back Jamaica,
one time.

I can't do that...

The Mangrove is part of this story
and me need to say this.

This ah the place what makes me know
this really my home from home now.

And everybody in the community say
that them need this place, too.

So this, for you.

If me stay, me a gwan cry.

Just know, Frank,
this make me happy.

Probably nothing but a shilling.

Elizabeth Crichlow! Get your dirty
fingers off that thing there.

And you sit there with
your face screw-up.

Dolston?

What?

We closing down the restaurant...

Yeah, boy. But we keeping the Mangrove
open. Twenty four hours a day open.

Yeah, you hear me correct?

I want poker games. Dice. As many
tables as the police ain't broke.

But we keeping this place open
by the hook or by the crook.

You gone cuckoo?
Close down the kitchen and what?

You can still use your long broom
to sweep up in the corner.

Yes, what you want, boy?

Wanna seat at the big
table downstairs.

Listen, we don't have no drugs
in here, you understand?

You think me stupid enough
to bring drugs in here

when them raid four times
in the last six weeks?

- Nine times.
- See? What cat can handle that?

Look, that's a man's nine lives
right there, Frank.

Come again.

Fucking business, no!

What in hell... this boy.
Stop, stop. Pull over, pull over.

Hold up. Pull up, pull over.

Leave the boy alone, man.

You alright, Benson? Yeah?

Marsha. Go up to the Mangrove
and get Mr Stedman, okay? Go. Go!

- Why you stop the boy?
- Are you interfering with police?

Yes! Why you stopping the boy?

- He matches the description.
- Description? What description?

Pulley. There's a robbery in progress.
We've gotta go. Sir.

Just your luck.

- Go and get your r'aas out.
- Shut up, you twat!

Why'd he stop you?

- No reason.
- No reason?

Come, we go. Come. Come.

Trinidad has been remade, Frank.
I saw it. I heard it.

The revolution has changed the
very rhythm of the people's speech.

They, they talking with greater
deliberation,

they pausing before
speaking and such.

It's as if it has provoked an
unconscious social patience that...

it was truly something to behold.

Yeah.

Yeah. It is a complete harassment
on this restaurant.

A complete harassment
on a Black business.

They're trying to destroy it. And all
the people they're afraid to come.

We've made complaints. We've
made complaints to the Home Office.

To my embassy. And now to you,
my local Member of Parliament...

Because the bodderation continue
and continue and I know it is

because I am a Black citizen
of this country

which is why I am being
discriminated against...

Pr-proof? What more proof you need,
man? Chuts, man.

All development come
from self-movement.

Not because of external forces
acting on the organism.

What shit you talking?

Your strategy of relying on the white
establishment will never work, Frank.

Not... Darco, not now.

I see a man before me, right, a man
of, of great patience and humility

who, unbeknownst to him,
has become a leader of his people.

CLR James have it written.

'These are new men.'

He say, 'new types of human beings,
because these men have perspective.

They are leaders, but leaders who are
rooted deep among those they lead.'

Now, he speaks of you, Frank.

He does too...

But I see this leader suffering
the consequences

of a state-sponsored attempt
to close down his business.

My brother, this government will never
take up its responsibility

to you and this community,

not unless it sees
people on the street.

Let us organise a demonstration...

We're not in Trinidad now, boy.
This is Notting Hill.

This is Notting Hill. This place,
the Mangrove, it is Notting Hill.

Whether you can recognise so or not.
This is the front line.

The Mangrove...
the, this, this, is community,

the black community
is your community.

The Black community who rely
on the Mangrove

just as much as you rely on them...

Take it to the street.
Take it to the street, Frank...

They'd just use it as an excuse
to take down the whole dam thing.

That is the truth.
If we hold a demonstration,

right, you stand to lose the restaurant
you have spent your life building.

They might use it to shut down
the Mangrove permanently.

But a demonstration
is the right thing to do.

Self-movement...

Yeah, we march.

Who dat? Who dat?

Watch it, man.

- Hi.
- So, what you have in that bag?

Just been at the butchers.
It's a surprise.

HANDS OFF MANGROVE

Hands off the Mangrove!

'The pigs, the pigs.
We gotta get rid of the pigs.

The pigs, the pigs.
We gotta get rid of the pigs'

What our Mother country seeks to do is
not just to close down a restaurant,

but to close down
what they see as a space

where Black people
can put up some kind of resistance

to day-to-day harassments
by the police.

And I believe the Mangrove
not only serves as a negative

in putting up that space
for black people.

But I believe it serves
as a positive purpose

in that people in the community
have a place to call our own,

and we as Black people have lacked
that since we were invited here.

So this attack
on a Black establishment

and our right to gather
is not an isolated event.

But a sustained campaign against
Black people by the British State,

and today we are saying
enough is enough!

Black power! Black power!

Black power! Black power!

So let we go and march,
and let we march peacefully.

Brothers and sisters.

It has been for some time now

that Black people have been caught up
in complaining to police about police.

That's right.

Complaining to magistrates
about magistrates.

Complaining to judges about judges.

We must become the shepherds
of our own destiny.

What our objective is today,
what it's going to continue to be,

is a concerted, determined attempt

to prevent any infringement
on our rights.

- Hands off.
- Black people!

Where is Pulley?

Where is Pulley?

Wait, wait, wait.
What's going on?

Shut your mouth, you fucking...

Get in there, lads.

Black Power!

People Power!

What?

Get back. Get back.

Let's go. Go!

Black Power!

- What the hell's going on?
- Hold on!

Black Power! Black Power!

I told you.

- Get back. Back off.
- Don't touch me.

Bloody savages.

Black Power!
Black Power! Black...

Take your fucking sign and fuck off...

What the fuck are you doing?

Barbara! Barbara!

Take your fucking hands off her.
Barbara! Barbara!

Get off me.
Get your fucking hands off me!

Why are you doing that? Eh?
Are you mad?

Get off me. Get off me.
Hey. Eddie!

- Altheia!
- Eddie!

Take your fucking hands off her...
Take your hands off her.

Come on, boys!

In you come.

Alright, boys.

Out the fucking lot of you
black bastards. Come on.

Alright, Frank. It's Frank.
You're nicked.

- Why're you doing this, man?
- You not happy to see me?

Man, leave us alone,
we've done nothing wrong, man.

Ian.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I've had
to bring him with me in the end.

Don't worry about it.
No, no, it's no trouble, not at all.

Hello!

So... I thought the Old Bailey
was for proper criminals.

You know, like bank robbers,
murderers and that.

It's only a courtroom if you think
about it. Nothing more.

Yeah, but we were already
found innocent.

The last magistrate threw the charges
straight out of court. And now this.

It's been nearly a year and we're
already back to where we started,

only this time at the Old Bailey.
I mean, what's it all about, Ian?

Well, you're on the front line
of change, Barbara.

So they want to try to make
an example out of you.

But they can't do that, can they?

I don't even
understand who's doing this.

So, the Director of Public Prosecutions
has introduced

a new charge of riot and affray.
It's a very serious charge indeed,

and I'm afraid they're not obliged
to explain themselves to anyone.

But, with your permission, I intend
to make it much more unpleasant

for them than it has
to be for you.

No, I'm not interested
in playing silly games.

I've got this one to worry about now.

I can't have him ending up like me.
I won't.

If the two of us get sent away... It
just makes me sick to think about it.

I know.

I thought you were retired anyway?

No. I was never retired, honestly.
And plus, the revolution's coming,

so I certainly never intended
to be practicing law when it did.

- Yeah, well, it's a nightmare, innit?
- Well, maybe we're about to wake up.

Wake up?
I just wanna wake up now, Ian.

I hoped never to see us all together
in one place again.

No offence to anybody,

but what is with this? How could this
be allowed to happen, eh?

Ay, relax man.
Where is the father, eh?

Oh, don't ask me, mate.

Sorry, I'm Ian McDonald.

I'm representing Barbara
for those that don't know.

I hope you don't mind
if I just jump in.

The trial,
as I'm sure you're all aware,

is taking place at the Old Bailey.

Somewhere normally reserved
for only the most serious of crimes.

Murder, terrorism and treason,

so this is just another example
of intimidation.

- Hello, Mr Croft!
- You look ridiculous.

Oh, thank you.

Early retirement's been very kind
to me. I highly recommend it.

I'm delighted to see you here.
Makes me feel safer already.

You don't need to worry, this is
the finest legal system in the world.

How you can trust the system
when one judge say

you're innocent of the riot and affray.

Only for them to bring the charges
then back! That don't make no sense.

Five years!

The counsel tell me to plead guilty
and accept five years jail time.

- What?
- For real, boy.

So I said I'll spend five years
with your wife.

What are you talking
about his wife for, eh?

But concerning legal proceedings
and all that skullduggery...

British courtroom is designed to keep
the defendant shackled to ignorance.

I say no more. Not in my name.
I spent enough time at the bar,

so Darcus Howe going
to represent himself.

Which bar you been to?
The Red Lion? You wanna go ah prison?

- I studied law, you know, Rhodan.
- This case isn't just about you.

It's nine defendants, Darcus.

You're making a decision
that will affect everyone.

- Me say nuh.
- Actually, that's a brilliant idea.

Darcus self-representing,
that's brilliant.

It's the perfect way to challenge
the courts archaic set up,

and really take your message inside
that building. No, it's brilliant.

Self-representing means being able
to cross-examine witnesses.

Think about that. Make objections
in the courtroom. But...

Most importantly, it allows you
to speak directly to the jury

in a manner
that I for one couldn't.

Him talking a set of shit
to the jury is never gonna help nobody.

I agree with Darcus.
I will also represent myself.

- Ah ya yie! Nobody listen to me.
- I think that's a good idea.

Oh, listen! Listen!
We need to challenge the system.

Is a system where the judge
wearing a dress,

the lawyer all put on a dress
and they all wearing a wig.

But the men are all just
himself to himself.

They speak only
himself to himself.

We mustn't be victims but protagonists
of our stories.

And what better way
of representing ourselves,

than self-representing ourselves.
He's right!

Hold on, hold on.
Everybody turn crazy or something?

It's not a game
we're playing here now.

This is our lives.
We are facing ten years in prison.

The legal system is designed
for experts.

You're harming yourselves
by pursuing this course.

You'll have to learn how to cross
examine witnesses.

It's going to be a lot
of extra work for you.

Doesn't matter,
we can all work together.

Listen, all of you heading
to the jail-house. Not me, no sir.

I agree with Mr Gordon.
This is a grave mistake.

I wish you luck
Mrs Jones-Le Cointe.

No, no, no. We don't need
luck, mister. We need justice.

We need more than that.
We need more than that for true.

Oh God, man.

Yes, man.

Over here. Name?

Mr Darcus Howe, acting counsel.

Says you're in the dock down here.
Up arms.

If you were to make
a more thorough investigation,

you'll find that I am in fact,
acting counsel.

- I should be treated as such.
- Up!

Sorry, is there...
Is there an issue here?

I can confirm that Mr Howe
is acting counsel.

Self-representing, are we?
First time for everything.

So you'll be wanting to search
me too then, yes?

No, sir.
That won't be necessary.

Right. Thank you, Darcus.
This way.

- Self-representing?
- No.

Let's have the bag.

Up arms. Round you go.
Thank you.

- Name?
- Altheia Jones. Self-representing.

Mangrove nine are innocent!
The police should be on trial!

The Mangrove nine are innocent!
The police should be on trial!

The Mangrove nine are innocent!

Clerk of the court.

Mr Mendel, please ensure
that none of the protesters

are admitted this morning.

I don't care if they have tickets.

Okay. Everyone, everyone.

Now, as you all know,

Altheia and Darcus will be representing
themselves in court today.

Meaning that they will be
able to cross examine witnesses,

make submissions to the judge
and so on.

My role, as well
as defending Barbara,

will be to act as a sort of...
bridge for those less familiar

with the legal witchcraftery
that's practised in this building.

So, I'd like to start by bringing
everyone up to speed on his Lordship.

Judge Edward Clark.
Now the good news for us

is that he's an old, cantankerous,
upper-class bully.

And Mr Short Back and Sides,
that's a good thing, is it?

Yes, it is, because it means he
won't like being wound up.

But wind him up, we must.
And wind him up, we will.

I'm struggling to understand
how you consider

antagonising the judge
to be a viable strategy.

That's just the start, Mr Croft.

We also have to find ourselves
an all-black jury.

A black jury?

Yes, okay, if you want
to pass these round.

We pay a pound for a list
of all the proposed jurors.

- Make sure everyone's got one.
- Wimbledon? Ealing and such?

Doctors, civil servants
don't understand our struggle.

You're damn right!
Their mind's made up already.

Listen, some of them
got to be black.

But if every one of us exercises our
right to reject seven jurors.

That's seven-nines.

Sixty-three.
We've got sixty-three attempts.

Exactly.

Look, ain't no matter.
The system is rigged me a tell you.

The judge man a bully.

You think him let a single black man
on the jury? Hear me counsel.

All ah youse better start listening to
him instead of running up your mouth.

Well with all due respect, Rhodan.
And to you too, Mr Lock.

I actually think that mouthing off
might be our best strategy.

We are here to defend our lives.

So we are going to be loud
and we are going to be decisive.

Step aside, please sir.

I have my ticket. Look.

If you'd like to step
to one side, please.

It's my wife on trial.
No, you have to let me in.

Sir. Step to one side.

Ya tell all need to have a ticket.
Look it's right here.

Ya blasted ragamuffin.

And you. You only standing
there not saying nothing.

Ya see how they treating me.
And the ticket right here!

And you only standing there like some
macco. Man, take your fucking ticket.

Silence. Be upstanding in court.

All persons who have anything
to do before My Lords and Ladies,

the Queen's justices draw near and give
your attention. God save the Queen.

Good morning.

Mr Hill, are we ready to proceed?

Good morning, My Lord.
Almost ready.

Before jury selection, we will discuss
access to the courtroom.

The defence will then raise concerns
about the composition of the jury...

Thank you, Mr Hill, thank you.

Good morning, your Lordship!

My Lord, some relatives
were prevented

from entering court this morning.

I'm a little disturbed that
at the very beginning of this case,

the very people who need to hear
what happens

suffered at the door of the court.

The public do not have
unreserved access to my courtroom.

- 'My courtroom,' your Lordship?
- In this instance, my courtroom.

The officers have every right
to keep out those

who are not playing an
essential part in this case.

But, your Lordship, such is the public
interest in this case

that might I actually suggest
a few extra seats be made available.

Somewhere at the rear of the courtroom,
I think we can squeeze a couple in.

You need know,
I issued the instructions myself.

And it's not a matter I wish to
continue discussing in this courtroom.

Well, justice must be seen to be done
by members of the public surely?

For Christ's sake,
get a hold of yourself man.

On the matter of extra seats...
Your application is denied.

When the jury have been sworn in,
it can be a matter...

My husband was refused admission
to the public gallery,

even though he had a valid ticket.

That is the luck of the draw
as with most things in life.

What do the defence have to say
about selection of the jury?

Yes, My Lord.

On behalf of my client and the rest
of the defendants sat,

rather uncomfortably,
in the dock today.

I am making an application
for an all-black jury to be appointed.

The decision to grant this application
would be hailed throughout the world...

as a great victory for liberty.

And why on God's Earth
would I agree to that?

Well, an all-black jury is
required in this case, your Lordship,

because they are
the only persons who qualify,

in the conditions of our modern
society, as equals of the defendants.

And are you implying that a white jury
would not treat the defendants fairly,

as they are required to do by law.

No. Not at all, your Lordship, no.

Only that, with a white jury you
cannot guarantee against persons

prejudicing the defendants solely
because they are black.

My Lord, as my esteemed colleague
Mr Howe here has enlightened me,

my request is based on
the common law of England,

which has existed for
over seven-hundred years.

Stretching as far back as the Magna
Carta, which was in twelve-fifteen,

there's a great swathe of historical
examples that give precedent

that a man should be tried
by his peers, or his equals.

So what I am asking for is something

that I am entitled
to under British law.

I'm not asking for an extension
of the law,

nor am I asking the court to make
any special concessions.

I am grateful for your argument
but your application is rejected.

Would his Lordship consider expanding
on the reasons for his judgement?

I do not regard these circumstances
so exceptional

that I should give my reasons.

My Lord, I have no precedence to state,
but I have a sense of justice.

Need I repeat myself?
The application is rejected. Move on.

My Lord. I'd ask the court
for a short adjournment

so that I might consult
with the defendants.

Your request is rejected.

A lot of very simple things are already
becoming complicated in this case.

Do not make inflammatory remarks,
Mr McDonald.

I am trying to keep things simple

because there are unrepresented
defendants in the dock.

- Do not do it again.
- Of course.

Take the Bible in your right hand.

- I swear...
- Challenge!

- Take the Bible in your right hand.
- Challenge!

- Take the Bible in your right...
- Challenge!

Exercising my right, My Lord.

Challenging the jury may be
within your judicial rights,

but I don't want this trial
to deteriorate

into a black and white contest.

If you are going to challenge,

I ask you to do it before the swearing
in begins. Understood?

Of course.

- Take the Bible in your right hand.
- Challenge!

My Lord, you've just said that all
challenges must be lodged

before the oaths commence.

As was the case. Challenge upheld.
You may leave the court.

- My Lord...
- Mr McDonald! I said upheld.

You're not doing anyone any favours
by behaving like that.

Well once Altheia and Darcus
get going Mr Croft

I'm gonna seem positively timid.
I'm just warming the old bastard up.

The judge wanna purge all ah we.
I see it in the eye, plain as day.

Every request we make
he rejects straight up.

Just a likkle sparring man.
Me wanna join in.

British justice. What a joke.
It's a disaster, isn't it, Ian.

No! It's not a disaster, no.

See, we just made a judge at the Old
Bailey discuss race in his courtroom.

He didn't want to do that.
He want to pretend this is a case

about violence, about criminals,
about malcontents.

But we have made it about what it is.
About the colour of our skin.

It's a victory, uh?

It's our first victory.

Darcus is right. It might not be
pretty but we keep it going.

An idea float eventually by itself.

Me have a idea.

For real.

On Sunday the ninth
of August in North Kensington,

a demonstration took
place against the police

which degenerated into totally
inexcusable and unacceptable violence.

There may be some in here
who believe

that they have been the victim
of injustice

at the hands of the police.

But there are others who like
parasites feed on these beliefs.

And seek to turn them
to their own advantage.

Encouraging, and sometimes
deliberately creating

hate, mistrust and violence.

Ladies and gentlemen,

this was not just a flamboyant
demonstration that got out of control.

The crown will prove, that this
demonstration was led by those

intent on fanning what they
knew to be an emotional situation.

They egged on the violence
and deliberately joined in.

These defendants are all guilty

of the serious criminal offence
riot and affray.

My Lord, I detect a certain
vagueness in the way the prosecution

has brought this new charge of affray.
As a famous philosopher once said...

I am giving you enormous
latitude here, Mr Howe.

Sit down before I find you
in contempt of court.

And take that ridiculous hat off.

- Will you please proceed, Mr Hill.
- Thank you, My Lord.

Would you like to take
the affirmation or the oath?

The oath.

Please hold the Bible
and read the oath out aloud.

I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I shall give,

shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.

Please state your name and rank.

Police Constable, Frank Pulley.

PC Pulley, when did you
join the police force?

- Nineteen-fifty-four.
- Seventeen years ago.

And in all that time, how many
complaints have been made against you?

No more than is normal. Maybe
seven or eight official complaints.

None of them have been
substantiated.

And how many times have you
been commended for service

to Her Majesty's police force?

A few times. More than a few.

My Lord, my understanding
from you is that questions

are to be focused on matters
concerning the trial.

Madam, I think the jury
will understand

that this is a member
of the Metropolitan Police

and is to be respected as such...

As long as the defendants
are afforded

the same privileges
as PC Pulley, Your Lordship.

Mr MacDonald, sit down and
be quiet. Mr Hill, please continue.

Thank you, My Lord.
Do go on, PC Pulley.

About my commendations.

In nineteen-sixty-eight I received
the British Empire medal

for gallantry whilst on duty.

Thank you.

Can you describe your role
on the day of the demonstration?

At two-fifteen p.m., myself and
three other police constables,

PC Dixon, PC Royce and PC Johnson

went to the Mangrove
in an observation van.

For what purpose?

For the purpose of identifying people
who were involved in the demonstration.

We arrived just before Howe
addressed the crowd.

What did he say?

We were going back and forth
in our vehicle,

so I couldn't make any note
of what he said.

So the demonstration then set off
from All Saints Road

in the direction of Notting Dale
police station, correct?

Correct. With Howe and
Crichlow leading the way.

I did see them also leave
the main procession to try

and get more people to join in.

Millet was selling newspapers.

I saw him approach a black woman
with a half-caste child.

And she said to him

'Go away and leave us alone, man.
You stupid troublemakers.'

Did you hear his response?

Millet told her
'You better think black, baby.

Or you die with the white pigs
when the time comes.'

Liar. No...

THE PIGS THE PIGS HANDS OFF BLACK

Did you see what started
the fighting?

I did not, no. I saw Crichlow
and Howe talking together

before joining in the main fight.

Please describe their actions for
the courtroom as you recorded it.

They were acting like savages.

Howe was encouraging the mob and
standing on a brick wall screaming,

'Kill the white pigs.'

I saw Crichlow throw a piece
of wood right at an officer.

Him and LeCointe,
both throwing bricks and bottles.

How's Darcus coping in all this?

Yeah, okay. I think he's nervous
about his coming speech.

Not that Darcus. Darcus junior.

Yeah. He's teething,
you know, so he's not sleeping.

What if he's taken into care?
Like I was?

It's not going to happen.

Well, it will if both of his parents
get sent away. It will.

I'm scared too, you know.
But we have to have faith.

Faith in the British
justice system.

Yeah.
Yeah, there's a thought.

At least they can't take yours away
from you. Not whilst it's in there.

And they can't take yours either.
Not whilst he's in here.

You gon' eat a likkle, Frank?

Just now...

What you're doing' is a good ting,
you know.

Might not feel like it but... it is.

Everybody come together over this.
Have so much food...

I can't go to the jail-house, Dol.

Justice stay upon your side, eh?

My backside maybe.

Dice fix you up, man.
A game later tonight.

No. But don't make me stop
you lose your pension.

You me pension, Frank.

You and everybody else.

- Can you take him a minute, please?
- I can't, I working.

- Yeah, well I'm working too.
- Look, I can't hear myself think!

I'm trying to prepare for cross
examining Pulley,

can you just shut up!

Come on.

I have it.
I have them this time.

My Lord. I am defending myself against
some very serious allegations

made by PC Pulley
and three other police officers

who were stationed in a van.

I would like to start by stating
my intention to question

the credibility of this witness,
PC Frank Pulley.

Noted.
Now is your opportunity.

May I ask, PC Pulley,
if you think

anybody who goes to the Mangrove
restaurant is already corrupted?

Yes, I believe so.

So frequent visitors like,

the local MP, Mr Bruce Douglas-Mann
are corrupted?

Is this what you are suggesting?

I don't know the local MP.

Are you suggesting I am corrupted?

I have been to the Mangrove
on several occasions.

I should think you are, yes.

I know the place to be a haunt
of criminals,

prostitutes,
ponces and the like.

I put it to you, that all your
comments on this case,

all the information you put
to the jury is rooted in prejudice.

It's rooted in experience of an area
I have served

as a police officer for
a considerable length of time.

- When did you join the police force?
- Nineteen-fifty-four.

Almost the same time as Detective
Inspector Stockwell joined too?

Yes.

And yet you are a constable still?

That's correct.

May I be so bold as to ask why you
have never risen through the ranks?

I left school quite young.

Truth is I've never been able to pass
the police examinations.

My Lord, I cannot see the relevance.

Mr Howe, please keep
to the incidents of August the ninth.

Very well, my Lord.

Police Constable Pulley,
you made a statement,

that at the beginning of the
demonstration during the speeches

that the crowd had started chanting.

I ask you to compare your statement

with that of your three other
colleagues present,

who had made
no mention of chanting.

They hadn't said they couldn't hear,
there is a difference.

Did you and your other colleagues
in the observation van,

did you write your statements
at the same time, in the same room?

Yes, we did. When you work
in the same room, that's normal.

Is it quite normal too,

to decide together what to put in,
and what to leave out your statements?

I'm not sure where you're going
with this, but we did no such thing.

Of course not.

Far be it from me
to imply such chicanery.

PC Pulley, can you please confirm

that this is the size of the slit
in the observation van?

It's roughly the same I guess,
yeah.

Very good guess, PC Pulley.
This is roughly the size of the slit.

Two by eight inches...

Not much bigger,
and not much smaller.

It is your testament that you,

PC Dixon and PC Johnson were
all looking through this same hole

at the same time. Correct?

- I'm sorry. Is that correct?
- Yes, that's correct.

I would like to know, PC Pulley,

how it is possible that even two men

could look through this same hole
at the same time?

Quiet, at once!

It's possible if you... It's possible
if they both look through one eye.

So, where was your face PC Pulley?

Next to PC Royce
or next to PC Dixon?

Was it like this?

Or like this?

Where was your face, Pulley?

My Lord, please direct Mr Howe
to address the witness correctly.

Constable Pulley, you know why
you are now being ridiculed?

The image of four police officers

behaving in such a manner is
worthy of ridicule, is it not?

It could make a stuffed bird laugh.

Could make a stuffed bird laugh.

PC Pulley, I suggest that
substantial and important parts

of your evidence are deliberate lies.

Deliberate and conspiratorial lies,

designed to have my freedom
taken away from me!

So, where exactly
was your face then?

Like this? Or perhaps like this?
Where was it?

I don't remember.

You don't remember.

No.

PC Royce, thirteen times you say,
you don't remember or you can't say.

PC Pulley said thirty-three
times he didn't remember.

PC Johnson, twenty-eight times.

About seventy times the three
of you say, you can't remember.

You were put
in a van to observe and record.

From beginning to end,
in order to provide information

that would give the truth
as to what took place.

I suggest you failed distinctly in your
responsibility to observe and record.

Let me ask you again.
Where was your face, PC Royce?

Where was your face?

If you do not accept
responsibility now,

history will bestow it upon you.

Pulley's signalling at the witness.

I seen him. Royce taking instruction
upon the witness stand.

Is a breach ah court,
a court breach.

Constable Pulley,
this is a very serious allegation.

I must ask that you leave
the courtroom at once.

Is only that? Shouldn't a crooked man
be lock up or something?

Will the defendant
sit down at once!

Mr Pulley...

You will not return until your fellow
officers in the observation van

have all given their evidence.

You should consider yourself lucky
that no further action will be taken.

No further questions, my Lord.

Should have been bang-up if you ask me.
Least been given some licks.

But if you hadn't shouted at the judge
we'd have had a much better chance

at a sterner punishment.

Don't give me a six for a nine.
Cause you is working for me.

- Brother, no hot up you head now?
- Gonna cool down, boy?

It's alright for you. The cunumunu
supposed to be working for me!

Me done. Me don't need no counsel.
Go on! Get out my eyeball range!

Rhodan.
Where you go to, boy?

I'll represent myself.
If them two can, me can too.

No disrespect, yah?
But ya sure you up for that?

Altheia and Darcus they put
in the work, you know?

And if you vex the judge,
that could do you more harm.

That could do all ah we more harm.

Frank! It's every man
for him own self.

It's dem and we.

Be upstanding in court.

I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence

I shall give shall be the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I shall give

shall be the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth.

- State your name and rank.
- PC Charles Wheeler.

- Where are you stationed?
- Notting Dale police station.

And how long have you been serving
in the Metropolitan police?

It's been about five years now.

And in those five years, how many
complaints have been made against you?

None. None at all.

None? And how many
commendations?

I've had three.

Could you please tell the court what
the first commendation was for?

I was involved in a rescue.

A rescue? What sort of rescue?

A father had abducted a...

It's also repetitious and irrelevant.
Where is the justice?

Sit down!

No! No, no I won't. The officer
has nothing to do with the case.

It is a complete waste of time!
Where is the justice?

The officer has nothing
to do with the case.

The officer has nothing to do
with the case.

I am warning you.
Take control of your client.

Silence in court!

Silence!

Nothing to do with the case!

Silence!

If any, of the defendants...

Whatever man,
it's a bloodclaat conspiracy, man!

If any of the defendants continue
to disrupt these proceedings

they will be taken downstairs!
Is that understood?

To let emotions settle,

we will continue with the Crown's
witness after an adjournment.

- God's sake!
- Justice!

- Bumbaclaat!
- Typical!

Come on, now. Come on down.
Clear the court.

- Ian!
- Yes?

- Talk to me, boy.
- I said, clear the court!

Take your hands off him!

Darcus do not resist.
Don't resist! Darcus!

Get in there!

What's wrong with you?

Come on, then. Come on, then.
Fight me, come on!

All of ya, come on! Fight me!

Fight me!

Ya savages!
All a' ya wicked men, ya wicked!

Ya dutty mothers, nanas skunt.
Ya skunt. All ya wicked men.

What's wrong with you?

Come on! Come on!

Ya dirty, ya dirt nanas skunt.

Ya skunt. All you wicked,
you wicked men.

Ya dirty, nasty skunt. Ya skunt!

What's wrong with you!

Let the court be upstanding.

Your Honour.

It's my Lord or Your Lordship.
Yes, Mr Howe.

My Lord. I want to bring
a matter to your attention.

Before the break, I was trying to speak
to my co-counsel, Mr MacDonald.

As acting counsel,
I'm perfectly entitled to do this.

When a prison officer,
suddenly went berserk,

manhandling me worse than
if I were a convicted prisoner.

So I said, 'hold on, please let me
have a few words with him.'

Whereupon he dragged me to the top
there, slammed me down the stairs.

I am now concerned
about my physical well-being

which I had presumed safe
at the Old Bailey.

Are there any witnesses
to these allegations?

I can confirm that Mr Howe's version
of events is correct my Lord, yes.

My Lord. My client Frank Crichlow was
also manhandled by court officers.

Thank you, Mr Woodley, but
that is quite enough on this matter...

Mr Howe, this should not have
been discussed in front of the jury...

The jury must not be concerned
with external matters

that have nothing at
all to do with this case.

Please, find a way to purge
this from your minds.

Your sole considerations are with
those events that happened last year

on August the ninth on Portnall Road.

My Lord. This is a matter
of the utmost seriousness.

And all we are asking is that it
should be dealt with accordingly.

And that is precisely what
this court intends to do.

But according to the law. I insist
that you apologise for your rudeness.

I'll apologise to His Lordship, when
His Lordship apologises to Mr Howe.

Mr Mendel, after the break I suggest
all court officers be replaced.

I see the matter ending there.

The aerobic and anaerobic organisms
transmitted by the mouth

when human teeth pierce or lacerate
the skin can cause cellulitis,

an infection that...

Thank you, Dr Chadee.

Where in your statement do you mention
punctures or lacerations to the skin?

Nowhere in your statement.

You only talk of bite marks
and indentations to the skin.

Now can you tell the courtroom,
how many days after the demonstration,

and my subsequent arrest
on the ninth of August,

was it before you examined
the police officers?

And if you need any sort of help,

it is written clearly at the top of
your statement.

- Four days.
- Sorry, so we can all hear.

Four days later.

Four days later?

Thank you. So my question is this.

In your expert medical opinion,
how much time do you have,

once these bite marks,
these indentations have been inflicted

to precisely identify
when they were made.

Oh, gosh. You quiet.

It's not a trick question.
Shall I repeat it for you?

Three hours.
About three hours.

And so, after three hours,

it is no longer possible to tell when
the bite marks were made, correct?

I've been accused of biting a
police officer who was examined by you

four days after the events,
Dr Chadee.

Four days! Someone is obviously lying
in this courtroom. Is it you?

My Lord, I must object to the phrase
used in the line of questioning.

Please rephrase your question
Miss Jones-LeCointe.

Seems like a fitting way
to end a prosecution's case

if you ask me, My Lord.

No further questions.

Dr Chadee, you may stand down.

Now that the prosecution's
case has come to an end,

we will adjourn for a few days while
legal submissions are made.

What they gonna do to try
and get us this time?

Forgive me, My Lord,
but it is evidently clear

that there are pronounced
contradictions and inconsistencies

between the Crown
and prosecution.

Therefore, if it please
Your Lordship,

the defence submit that the
prosecution's case should not proceed,

that there is no case to answer,

and that these matters should
not be left with a jury.

Much as there is a temptation to remove
your presence from this court.

I find there is a Prima facie
case to be made.

I reject your submission.

Be upstanding in court.

I don't wanna go to jail.

The only crime you've committed
is to give a space to these people.

You're a law-abiding citizen.

Your premises were overrun
by a bunch of agitators.

What ya really saying, man?

I can't help these people,
Mr Crichlow.

But I can help you,
if you plead guilty.

Is what he telling you, Frank?

Look how you screwing up your face.
Is what he telling you to do?

Plead guilty.

Plead what?
Is that what you said for real?

Mrs Jones-LeCointe, these are very
serious charges

and now that you all have to give
testimony on the witness stand.

I think it highly likely you
will be found guilty!

All a' ya wicked.
You flipping...

- What you say? Plead what?
- Guilty.

All ya better take this
fricking man out my face.

Move out my face!

Is that what you gon' do?

You can't be doing that.

Not now, you can't, Frank.
He trying to divide us.

For four-hundred years people like him

trying to divide our people,
undermine us.

This trial is another way
of doing that.

Of destroying a strong black
movement in this country.

We have to stick together.
As a collective.

The Mangrove Nine.
As a people.

It's what you telling me, boy?

That's all that matters.

I don't get it.

You want to sit in a courthouse
for the next six weeks

so we can get more time in jail?

I don't want go to jail.
You understand?

These people, they like vampires.

You think you beat them, but they keep
coming back and back, again, again.

It's like a silver bullet ain't enough.

You have to stick them
through the heart.

Then get the garlic,
then chop off their head too.

It's never enough.

The best we can hope
for is a draw. A draw.

The system rigged. It's rotten.

And what are we fighting for, huh?
For what, Altheia?

For my unborn child.

That's what.

All of this...

All of our fight...
It counts beyond us here.

This trial is more than just
about our freedom.

What is being called into question
in this case is the right of anybody,

not just us as black people, but
the right of anybody to demonstrate.

I'm not just here defending myself,
but trying to defend all of us.

But if we fold now and we let,
and we let them take over,

and we give in to them,
they will take it all from us.

And they will take it
from our children, too.

We are the example,
and we must bear this responsibility.

Please, if all ya want
to take your plea, you take it.

As is your right to.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Come back to bed.

- So where were you then?
- I told you, Portnall.

Speak up, Mr Crichlow.

If I can't hear you, how can the jury
be expected to?

I was on Portnall Road.

Where the fighting was?

So you went there deliberately to get
involved in the fighting,

which had by then, you say,
already started?

No, I told you. I already knew
where the march was headed...

Because you organised
the demonstration?

Because I was on the organising
committee, yes.

But, it was an accident
that we meet when we did.

So, let me get this correct.

You knew exactly
where the march was going

but it was just an accident that you
joined up with it again when you did?

- The whole thing was an accident.
- An accident?

Even the Chief Inspector say so.
You don't know Notting Hill.

- Possibly not.
- You understand nothing.

What I would strongly suggest,
Mr Crichlow,

is that you were at the heart
of the disturbance,

and one of its chief agitators.

Well, like I said,
you understand nothing.

- You already knew PC Pulley?
- What you yapping, man?

Everyone know the heavy mob
in Notting Hill.

So please describe PC Pulley's
standing in the community.

His standing?

Forgive me,
members of the jury.

I find it difficult to control myself
when the prosecutor chat

about the stature of Pulley.

I have known that man for ten years

and no bigger bully, no greater thug,
no greater gangster plant him big foot

in the Notting Hill in all that time.

No, sir.

Mr Gordon, I am once again granting
an enormous amount of latitude here.

Channa man!

Mr Gordon.

I was not holding the pig's
head at that point.

What were you holding?

A placard that said,
'Hands off Black people.'

And then a man came
and snatched it away from me.

A white man, tall and heavily built.
He looked like a lunatic.

I asked him what the hell
he thought he was doing,

but he just broke
the placard over his knee.

So I tried to get it back from him.

You tried to get it back from him,

even though, as you say,
he looked like a lunatic.

Not afraid of loons. Been surrounded
by them all my life.

So you attacked the man?

No, I did not. Before I knew it,
I was being arrested.

Did you resist arrest?

Course I resisted arrest.
Done nothing wrong, had I?

Did you ask where the demonstration
was going?

No. I hung around
to show my solidarity.

You see, I wasn't too concerned
with where it was going

because I'd always intended to get
myself down to prayer meeting

down at Acklam Road
at three-thirty.

- Hallelujah.
- Yeah, man...

But whilst on All Saints Road,
did you join in with the chants?

No, I did not. Although it is true
that me daughter,

she did like the one that went

'The pigs. The pigs.
We have to get rid of the pigs.'

Mr Caboo, please take the stand...

I am not Roy Caboo,
as identified by the arrest warrant.

My name is Godfrey Millett.

But, in fact and truth,
Millett is only my slave name...

I myself deny all the charges
made against me.

I do also deny saying to a black woman,

'Think black, baby, or die with
the white pigs, when the time comes.'

I am innocent of all the charges.

Over the past eleven weeks,
you have heard expressions of passion,

of emotion and perhaps of prejudice.

There was nothing illegal in police
searching the Mangrove restaurant.

They were acting within the law.
And yet, members of the jury,

you are here being asked

if you accept the testimony of the
Metropolitan policemen as truth?

The prosecution invites you
to say that you do.

Because they are officers of the law
in whom you can

and should place an absolute trust.

There is no grey area
about PC Pulley.

PC Pulley is either telling the truth,
or he is totally dishonest.

Do you really imagine that police
officers would take the risk

of making up evidence?
Of course not. They wouldn't dare.

The prosecution contends
that this demonstration,

organised and inflamed by the men
and women in the dock before you today,

was violent in manner and in tone.

It was mounted generally
and specifically against the police,

and in favour of what is called
'the black community.'

We have heard from distinguished
witnesses who described

a 'screaming mob',
that were 'behaving like savages'.

Like savages.
The prosecution says that you can rely

on the testimony of an experienced
police officer,

and, difficult as it may be, that you
are bound to accept his evidence

and faithfully to return your
verdict, of guilty.

That is the case for the Crown.

- Go on, Darcus.
- Silence...

The time is out of joint...

Oh cursed spite,

that ever a black people,
were born to set it right...

We say it's closing time...

But in a certain sense,
the matter has just begun.

For I believe that this case has opened
issues which are likely to decide

the shape and future
of British society.

I believe. And Europe.

I believe that this case
has opened issues.

It has seared the consciousness
of the Black community to an extent

that the history of Britain cannot
now be written without it.

I want to make myself abundantly clear.

Whatever verdict you come to,
I mean it when I say, 'I don't care.'

I don't care because I believe
history is on my side.

That if riot and affray carries that
maximum sentence,

the sky's the limit. I don't care.
I don't care. I don't care!

I stand accused of riot and affray.
No.

I stand here accusing those
who've been involved in conspiracy.

That's my position.

It's closing time...

Now you have heard
an awful lot about the Mangrove.

It has been portrayed by the
prosecution as an ordinary restaurant

with licensing problems.

How ignorant can people get?

How superficial,
and surface-like can people be?

It's not his fault. His masters' fault.

Black people are criminals,
ponces and prostitutes.

That is a myth that has been
created about us.

That was a statement that was made
by one police officer

who gave evidence during
this trial.

But I submit to you that
Notting Hill is a very unique community

where many people
from the West Indies live.

It is a community that was born
out of a resistance

to a series of backward attacks from
the police

that had nothing to do
with the advanced ideas

and values going around
in the twentieth century.

It has something that was located
somewhere

in the stench of British colonialism.
His masters again.

In defending themselves against
attack a community is born.

And wherever a community is born it
creates institutions that it needs.

Frank Crichlow.

He wasn't conscious of the fact that he
was forming a community restaurant.

But that sense of community,
born out of struggle in Notting Hill,

was so profound that there was
no other way for it to be

but a community restaurant.

We created the Mangrove.
We shaped it...

We formed it to satisfy
our needs...

The Mangrove is ours.
It is ours...

It's not Frank's. He lost
it to the community, he knows that.

And so when the Mangrove came
under attack from the police.

Not once, not twice but three times,
members of the jury. Three times!

We said no more.

I have been forced to take a stand
and to take a stand I will.

They prefer to call a riot
and affray inquiry

instead of an inquiry
into the police.

They prefer that,
but let it be, eh?

It's closing time...

It's closing time...

History will take its course,
so frequently a brutal one,

and we will continue to resist
intelligently and reasonably.

That is what the demonstration
was about.

An intelligent and reasonable
resistance to certain concrete facts.

Members of the jury.

After what has been an unusually
wearisome case,

a long eleven weeks in court,

at last comes the time for you
to consider your verdicts.

There have been many attacks
on people during this trial.

The prosecution accused of prejudice.

And you the jury told that
only two among you,

the two black members,
are in a position to judge.

If any of the counsel have overstepped
the bounds of propriety

in their remarks,

you should not hold that
against the defendant.

You have sworn on oaths to try this
case on the evidence you have heard.

Do not count uniforms,
and most important,

do not take into account
the colour of anyone's skin.

Silence.
Be upstanding in court...

Will the first defendant,
Mr Crichlow, please stand.

Will the foreman
of the jury please stand.

Have you reached any verdicts
upon which you are all agreed?

We have...

On count one,
the charge of riot,

how do you find the first defendant,
Mr Crichlow?

Not guilty...

On count two, affray, how do you
find the first defendant, Mr Crichlow?

Not guilty...

Will the second defendant,
Mr Howe, please stand.

On count one, the charge of riot,

how do you find the second defendant,
Mr Howe?

Not guilty...

On count two, affray, how do you
find the second defendant, Mr Howe?

Not guilty...

Will the third defendant,
Miss Beese, please stand.

On count one, the charge of riot,

how do you find the third defendant,
Miss Beese?

Not guilty...

On count two, affray, how do you
find the third defendant, Miss Beese?

Not guilty...

Will the fourth defendant,
Miss Jones-LeCointe, please stand.

On count one, the charge of riot,

how do you find the fourth defendant,
Althea Jones-LeCointe?

Not guilty...

On count two, affray, how do you
find the fourth defendant...

This has been a very unpleasant
experience for everyone concerned.

Regrettably,
what this trial has shown

is that there is evidence of racial
hatred on both sides...

The penalties I am going to impose

on the four defendants guilty
of the lesser charges,

are imposed in a spirit
of this particular season of the year,

which should be a season for promoting
peace and goodwill to all men...

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I wasn't sure,
you know. I wasn't sure...

Congratulations.

Barbara.

- Yes, Frank!
- Thank you.

- Mrs Tetley, you reach?
- Reach long time...

Lovely...

We have three jury inside of there
and they celebrating. With us.

You told me.

I never see the like.

We might ah won the battle, Frank.

But we'll see about the war.

I can't suffer another winter here,
boss. I going back home.

This we home, Dol.
The Mangrove.

I going back inside.

Yes, Frank!

- Granville?
- Liming at last.

Respect, Frank.
Respect, brother.

Little roll on the dice to celebrate?

I will catch ya soon yeah,
Granville...

The Mangrove restaurant and Frank
Crichlow continued to be harassed

for a further eighteen years.

In 1989 his name was finally
cleared at the High Court.

He accepted a settlement of L50,000,

which was the highest sum
ever paid in damages

by the Metropolitan police
at that time.

In all Frank Crichlow faced three
trials and was acquitted three times.

He pressed for an apology from
the police but never received one.

He closed the Mangrove
for good in 1992.