Original subtitles

[music playing]

[grunting]

That was 3-1 That second point [inaudible]..

Are you ready?

Fence.

Nicely.

Fence!

[shouting]

[panting]

REFEREE: That was good.

Steve wins.

[inaudible]

[inaudible]

[baby crying]

All right, Joe.

What's up?

Well, she wants a word with you, Steve.

[MUSIC - ANOTHER LEVEL, "FREAK ME"]

[SINGING] Let me lick you up and down till you say stop.

Let me--

Yeah, you should be sorry.

Pay the money.

They want something for nothing.

Not you though, ey, Steve.

You've earned what's coming to you.

I've got a little job for you.

Grand for an afternoon's work.

I don't need it, Ritchie.

Really?

I don't need it.

You used to have balls, Steve.

Yeah, I still have.

Now I've got a brain to go with it.

[chuckles] Very good.

[SINGING] --just what I mean.

24-karat gold.

Don't want the night to grow cold.

[siren wailing]

Steve, it's a one off.

Deliver the money, connect the goods, no risk.

No risk?

No risk?

Hey, jobs go wrong, remember?

You couldn't handle another stretch.

Look, Steve, it's safe.

But it have to be Joe because I won't be there for this time.

Angie's got another baby coming.

So make sure you're there to see it in the world.

[clanking]

[baby crying] WOMAN: One more.

You can do it.

One more push.

[interposing voices]

- Dr. Fraser? - Yes.

Charles Drew.

Thank you so much for seeing me.

Not at all.

Well, have a look around.

Talk to anyone you like the look of and I'll tell you they're

likely to be free.

ELIZABETH FRASER: I thought you weren't announcing

the team until tomorrow.

CHARLES DREW: It's largely been decided

already by tournament results.

And we only have discretion in the last couple of places.

What about him?

Steve McTear?

The point control.

[shouts]

CHARLES DREW: Quick reflexes, hugely competitive.

But, attitude problems.

MAN: Tim, what about defence?

Defense, Tim.

You let yourself wide open for Steve's riposte.

I'm sorry, I am.

McTear's not your man.

Have a look at some of the others.

Excuse me.

Very impressive.

Tomorrow, the National team?

I hope so.

Why?

I run a boarding school.

The fencing coach set to retire suddenly.

I need somebody.

Where's your school?

ELIZABETH FRASER: Just South of Auburn.

MAN: You ready?

And-- and you came all the way to London

to find a fencing coach?

I want the best I can get.

Is that so strange?

No.

But as of tomorrow, I won't be available.

You are tonight.

You don't know the first thing about me.

I've seen you fence.

You'd be an inspiration to the girls.

[laughs] Girls?

You really don't know anything about me, do you?

It needn't be more than a short term commitment.

Here's my card.

And that's the number of my hotel in London.

No, no, I'll have the salmon, thanks.

And can you do a mixture of the vegetables?

WAITER: Of course.

And you, sir?

Sting chips for me.

Pleasant surprise.

You're hungry then?

I only got a fiver till the end of the week.

So you came to discuss my offer?

[panting]

[moaning]

Good morning.

I have an early train to catch.

I'll settle the bill.

[door closes]

All right, gentlemen!

Thank you!

All right, time to put you out of your misery.

The team for the World Championships

will be as follows--

[interposing voices]

Winning Sheffield put me ahead of [inaudible]..

Look, I know you're disappointed.

But we have to select what we think is the best team.

I have beaten every man in this building!

Keep trying, keep winning.

You'll make the team next year.

I'm not interested in next year.

I'm talking about now!

I'm talking about you choosing the best.

Oh, yeah?

And how is this going to help your cause?

And what would help my cause, eh?

If I'd been the right school--

Oh, oh, Steve--

the decision's already been made.

Up your arse, Drew.

I am the best fencer they've ever seen.

[grunting]

Make the call, Joe.

How long?

Yeah, right.

Yeah.

Ritchie sends his love.

It's been delayed.

So we're to go to the meet and sit tight.

So what are we picking up, Fletch?

Relax, mate.

Just a few guns.

Just a few guns?

Guns?

Half a dozen MAC-10s [inaudible]

pay well over the odds. [chuckles]

No, no.

Stop the van, Joe.

All right, let's go.

Are you out of your mind?

There's 30 grand in here.

I'm not going in there alone.

I don't give a toss.

What are you-- What are we doing?

Drive on, Joe.

[engine starts]

Straight through to the left.

[groans]

HOBSON: What's he doing?

Go, go go!

[siren wailing]

[brakes screech]

Oh!

[engine starts]

Let the van go.

Do not arrest Fletcher.

Now we've got the guns then?

I don't give a shit about the guns.

I am paying for it Where's my money?

McTear took it before he run off.

[exhales deeply]

Make a few calls.

McTear won't have hung about.

He's got family in Scotland.

Get onto it.

Oy, find my money.

[suspenseful music]

[knock on door]

Angie, it's Steve.

Any sign of Joe?

You bloody idiot.

Did he make it back?

Yeah, for about two seconds.

Then he was off.

He won't say where.

STEVE MCTEAR: Angie, listen.

When you see Joe, tell him not to talk--

I'll tell him nothing from you, you bastard!

You promise you'd keep him away from all this!

He's not hard like you.

He pretends to be, but he's not.

If he goes down again--

what were you thinking of?

Having it away with Ritchie's money?

What?

What?

Who told you that?

Get off my doorsteps, Steve McTear.

[knock on door]

My God, he's alive.

Meaning?

Meaning you haven't been here in three

months, not even a phone call.

Yeah, well, I'm here now.

I can't stay long.

So can we keep it sweet?

Well, come say hello to your mom, then.

Not yet.

Lena, I need to borrow--

Steve, come say hello to mom.

Mom?

What's wrong?

LENA: She had a stroke four weeks ago.

[SOFTLY] Oh, mom.

Steve.

Stevie.

Back in a minute, mom.

It's 24 hours a day, Steve.

I haven't got any backup.

There's not a single night when I can go out and enjoy myself.

Don't the social pay?

The social?

What about you, Steve?

Have you even got a job?

I'm in training, Lena.

It's what she wanted me to do.

Sword fighting--

[knock on door]

--during in the 21st century, you little shite.

[knock on door]

MAN: Hello, Lena!

[inaudible]

Yo, right!

I hear you!

Where is he, Lena?

[doorbell buzzes]

WOMAN: Hello?

Hey, it's Steve McTear.

I come to see Dr. Fraser.

WOMAN: Is she expecting you?

No.

WOMAN: When the gates open, come up

to the main entrance in the quad, in through the main door.

And her secretary's office is on the first floor.

[music playing]

SALLIE LATHAM: [speaking french]

EMILY GORDON: Underneath his beauty which seems so--

so fevered?

SALLIE LATHAM: Fervent.

EMILY GORDON: So fervent, so touching--

SALLIE LATHAM: [speaking french]

--is hidden heart so dishonest.

SALLIE LATHAM: That's enough, Emily.

I give up on you.

You are bone idle.

Orgone has watched Tartuffe seducing his wife.

He's furious.

But we've seen how he treats his own daughter.

So in a nutshell, how would you describe Orgone?

Tracy?

A dirty old man?

[laughter]

[bell rings]

[music playing]

WOMAN: Hello there!

SALLIE LATHAM: Emily Gordon, do you

find it amusing to come to my classes

without having done the necessary preparation?

EMILY GORDON: Sorry, Ms. Latham.

SALLIE LATHAM: Dr. Fraser would like a word with you.

EMILY GORDON: Yes, Ms. Latham.

20 scholarships in the first year

represents 18% of the intake.

I'm sure I can get that to 50% in the next five years.

[knock on door]

Sorry to interrupt.

There's a gentleman here.

About the fencing job.

Emily?

Ms. Latham said you wanted to see me.

ELIZABETH FRASER: Oh, yes, yes.

Not-- not-- not now.

Come out this afternoon, thank you.

OK.

ELIZABETH FRASER: Hello, again.

Thank you, Lindsey.

Dr. Fraser.

Mr. Fraser?

No, I'm here on other business.

Steve McTear.

James Wax, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Shouldn't you be training for the World Championship?

Didn't make the squad.

ELIZABETH FRASER: Thought you were one of the best.

That's more or less what I told them.

Anyway, it's not going to happen.

So I can offer you my services here.

Going to drive you stir crazy?

No, I trained in the Royal Marines.

That's where I learnt to fence.

And you'd be free to start straightaway?

Oh, I very much.

I can't wait.

Previous coach was much more experienced than you are.

Much older.

STEVE MCTEAR: How much older?

67.

I thought you said this needn't be a long term

commitment, Dr. Fraser.

[chuckles]

Tell me, Steve, what makes a good fencer?

Fitness, point control, technique--

And passion?

Something like that.

I can't see him fitting into the staff room.

What?

Not even for five weeks?

Look if he's as good as you said,

he's going to make a hell of a difference to the fencing team.

And it certainly wouldn't harm your chances

with the Arnold Foundation to boost our sporting success.

Let me know how you get on.

Call me.

[engine starts]

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Nice view.

You said you had no interest in coaching.

I didn't.

Now I have.

And?

And you said you needed somebody.

Here I am.

I travelled 400 miles.

I don't belong here either.

Is that what your boss just told you?

Trustees don't run the school.

I do.

So what's the problem?

The problem?

The problem is that we had sex three nights ago in a hotel,

and now you've just shown up here.

You offered me a job, Dr. Fraser.

And right now, I could really use it.

Give me a chance, come on.

Come on.

What happened in London--

We're not in London anymore.

Exactly.

Exactly.

You love your job, and I love mine.

I'm glad we understand each other.

Joe Salter drove the van.

Steve McTear was there as backup.

Both have form.

Fletch says they've gone to ground.

Fletch now, is it?

Don't compromise yourself, Phil.

Tell me about Salter or McTear.

You owe me 10 quid!

Salter would be no use as a witness.

He's a basket case, but close friends with McTear.

They shared a cell for 18 months.

Salter tried to hang himself.

McTear cut him down and kept an eye on him.

McTear's solid as a rock.

He the one we want in the witness box.

So find him.

Ah, he's long gone by now.

But if anyone knows where he is, it'll be Salter.

Please tell me you've got a lead on where Salter's hiding.

Salter wouldn't have gone far.

He's got a wife and kid.

Good.

Thanks for coming, girls.

I wanted you to meet Mr. McTear, the new fencing coach.

Mr. McTear, 3/4 of the Gulf Castle fencing team--

Kirstin, Uzma, Melissa.

Come in.

And Emily, the team captain.

Hi.

ELIZABETH FRASER: So you girls thought,

when Mr. Harrison fell ill, that you wouldn't

get past the semifinals.

They're the best fencing team we've had in a generation

in Mr. Harrison's opinion.

Oh, sounds good.

[laughter]

[interposing voices]

[chuckles] All stand at ease.

[floor creaking]

Hey, the time to be alert is during the fights.

Until then, relax!

Right, I need to see how advanced you are.

Name?

Fiona Lechon, sir.

Fiona's very advanced for her age, sir.

[laughter]

All right, well, get your foils and show me, then.

Please, sir.

You have to blow your whistle.

That's what Mr. Harrison used to do.

STEVE MCTEAR: Well, I don't have a whistle.

Haven't you got anything else to blow?

[laughter]

Get your foils!

Right, let me have to look at the basics.

Kirstin, you're on the team?

Right.

Show me how to lunge.

Right, stay there.

Don't punch with the arm.

Keep it smooth.

Your body over the center.

Back foot flat.

Get your hips in.

But Mr. Harrison--

Shh.

Too far forward, you can't retreat in a hurry

if your lunge fails.

[interposing voices]

[non-english speech]

Amen.

ALL: Amen

What was all that about?

Arabic.

A message for the foreign girls.

Emily.

Do you know who the gentleman sitting at Ms. Ingrams' table

is?

That's the new fencing coach, Ms. Latham.

Oh.

PEGGY INGRAMS: Would you care to do the honors?

When available, male staff always take control.

Well, in that case, this is an order.

Serve the fish.

Do you no longer think it necessary to consult

your deputy head before appointing

a new member of staff?

He's a temporary coach, Sallie,

to fill in for poor Mr. Harrison until we find

a permanent replacement, OK?

Where exactly did you find him?

Well, not by putting an advertisement in "The Lady".

Elizabeth, there are established procedures

for this sort of circumstance.

Yes, and the semifinals for the fencing championship

are in three weeks.

So you go behind my back?

I did.

Just for a change, I'd like to see a sports team from Gulf

Castle actually win something.

STEVE MCTEAR: So the line of the shoulder

should be parallel to that of the hips.

Otherwise, that will also put a strain on the latter.

What do you think of?

[laughs] Mm.

Right, we'll work on fitness.

Mr. Harrison said that we should mainly improve--

Mr. Harrison's backside.

You work on fitness.

Everything else follows from that.

Emily, take a lunge position.

Right, you take the back foot like so.

And, Emily, you hop.

Come on, hop. - [grunts]

Hop!

Hop.

[sighs] We've only got three weeks until the semifinals.

I'll get you fit by then.

Up.

Up!

Right, pair off and get hoppin'.

Come on!

And hop!

And hop!

And smile!

[suspenseful music]

Feeling caged in?

No.

It's home from home.

Why did you come here?

Five weeks, then I'm off.

So what do you make of the team then?

I'll do me best.

What's the matter?

They're cheerful, fit, pretty.

You don't win fencing tournaments by being pretty,

Dr. Fraser.

Mr. Harrison seem to think they

were making wonderful progress.

Emily in particular.

He made her head very big, didn't he?

Oh, I thought a little self-belief help to win fights.

STEVE MCTEAR: She thinks she knows it all.

My dad used to say, if you're good at anything,

you keep quiet about it.

And if you're no good, you shut up.

She's had a difficult time at home lately.

Oh, really?

Oh, my heart bleeds.

Give her a chance, Steve.

Don't worry, Dr. Fraser.

Nobody's going to get hurt.

[groaning]

I don't know where he is.

Maybe he went back to Newcastle.

You're going to kill me, Kelvin.

[groans]

Where is he?

So all you're doing is describing

a very, very small circle.

[sighs] Right, let's look at finger work.

Emily.

Disengage lunge.

Mm-hmm.

One, two.

Doublet.

All right, stay there.

Stay there.

Now what part of the hand do we use to control the point?

Fingers.

That's right!

Not the wrist.

Try again.

Now describe a very small circle.

Make it smaller.

[groans]

Oh, dear.

You need to relax.

See you all next time!

Sir, can I make a suggestion?

Why don't you let the rest of the class work on the basics

while the team concentrate on the more advanced work?

Nah, you're not ready for advanced work, Emily.

You got too many bad habits.

Mr. Harris--

Mr. Harrison knew what he was talking about,

unlike some people.

[bubblegum pops]

Confiscated.

Magazine with pictures of naked men.

Pretty tame, really.

Still, we all have our little vices.

Sally Latham.

Steve McTear.

So, what does a Royal Marine do when he wants to relax?

Nothing you'd want to know about.

SALLIE LATHAM: Try me.

How did you wash up here anyway?

Well, Dr. Fraser kind of got me on the rebound from fencing.

National selectors turned me down.

Their loss, our gain.

Although you do realize that your main purpose here

is to bolster Fraser's ego.

You and I are but pawns in her little game.

And what game would that be?

Open access, she calls it.

I expect she thinks that you'll impress the Arnold Foundation.

Oh, has she not told you about her latest

money-grubbing venture?

Free places to local waifs and strays.

And you don't approve?

I don't approve of filling the school

with misfits and losers, no.

STEVE MCTEAR: Lower standards?

Exactly.

And encourages the working classes?

Well, no.

I wouldn't say that.

No, no.

Makes us uppity.

[footsteps approaching]

It's easy to feel cooped up.

If you ever fancy a spin, spare keys to the grey fiesta.

[engine rumbling]

Hello?

STEVE MCTEAR [ON PHONE]: Lena!

How's mom?

LENA [ON PHONE]: Where are you?

Mm, I've got myself a job so I can help out.

Oh, forget it.

Ritchie's men will kill you.

They've already put Kelvin in hospital.

I'll come back--

No way, Stevie.

You stay away.

[birds chirping]

[laughter]

Keep going.

Front foot first, [inaudible].

Bisi.

Bisi!

Target area's up here, all right?

And these are what you aim for in a woman, sir.

[laughter]

[bell ringing]

Emily, maybe you're right.

By the team fencing on the road

Oh, good.

Oh, good.

You all think I'm some kind of joke, don't you?

You don't think I know what I'm doing, eh?

Come on, sweetheart.

Ah, come on.

Ey!

Ey!

You want the mask on?

[clears throat] It's 2 nil.

[music playing]

[shouts]

[panting]

15 hits to nil, my bout.

You want to win anything, we better start getting on.

[grunts]

[music playing]

[panting]

15 second's over.

Well, you haven't done five laps already.

Here.

Keep you warm.

Oh, did it hurt?

See, that's half of your problem.

Your life's been so bloody pain free, at the slightest

bit of discomfort, you break!

You don't have to be working class to feel pain.

[panting]

Steve, you're being a bit hard on her, aren't you?

She showed me her competitive edge.

[clears throat] Why don't you come into my office?

For a bollocking?

For a word of advice.

Advice on what?

Teaching.

It's getting better.

Not from what I've seen.

Stop trying to beat her all the time.

Whatever you've been through isn't Emily's fault.

So what's the Arnold Foundation?

Oh, it's-- it's a group of wealthy businessman who may,

may pump millions into the school so that I can turn it

from a place of privilege to a center of excellence,

open to everyone.

We've just found out we're on the short list.

So they're going to pay us a visit.

And if they like what they see--

You can open the door to a few more waifs and strays.

I see.

Heard this in the staff room, did you?

From a deputy headmistress who was hoping to be made

head a couple of years ago, but they hired me instead.

Why did they hire you?

Because the school was six months from bankruptcy.

It seems in pretty good shape to me.

Yes, it is now.

Thanks.

Oh, and you're not doing too badly yourself.

I didn't go into education for the money,

if that's what you're implying.

Eh, no, no.

People like you, you never work for money.

You have vocations.

They pay me well because I'm good at what I do.

Do you want one?

What, a drink with teacher?

Yeah, fine.

And one for yourself?

Teacher has tomorrow's lessons to prepare.

Do you do that, or do you just make it up as you go along?

Hey, I do it my own way.

And it works.

Heck, bloody-- you bring me in here

for a word of advice for how to be gentle with people?

Just forget it.

And forgive me for thinking that someone who has never taught

before, who failed to get into the National team,

my appreciate a little advice.

[laughs]

I think I will have a whiskey.

You should have found out more about me

before you offered me the job.

Never thought you'd take me up on it.

So what was I, Dr. Fraser?

Another conquest?

ELIZABETH FRASER: You were the first in three years, actually.

I can say now that was a mistake.

All right, now that I'm not in the National squad, eh?

Just a Mr. Nobody.

Well, I don't have time for relationships.

Yeah, not like the good old days.

In America, I wasn't running a school.

Hey-- I'll go.

Do you always run away from your problems?

My problem is to survive.

Your problem is your anger.

Anger wins fights.

Aggression, not anger.

Not sure that you understand the difference.

All right.

Well, what is it you understand, eh?

Dispensing your wisdom to your rich kids?

Those kids in America weren't rich.

They came from much tougher backgrounds than you!

We were giving them a chance.

We did make a difference.

Yeah, yeah.

Just like you want here.

If I get the grand, Gulf Castle

won't just be for rich kids.

It'll be for whoever does best in their exams.

I want girls from the East end of Glasgow,

girls from the coast--

STEVE MCTEAR: Ah, well, that's brilliant.

You'll be able to give the poor girls

live to school every morning.

You might even be driving a Jag by then.

I'm not the enemy, Steve.

[door slams]

I've seen each of you at least once in this office this term.

Why is it whenever there's any trouble, it's you lot, hm?

The usual suspects.

It's not funny, Bisi.

If I catch any of you smoking again,

I will be writing to your parents.

Is that clear?

Is that clear?

Yes

Go on.

Push off.

Emily.

Let me tell you what your teachers are saying about you.

Somewhat you cautioned again.

One or two are pushing for a suspension this time.

It won't be long before they're asking me to expel you.

There's only so many times I can ask them

to give you another chance, remind them

of your family situation.

Can I ask you a question?

ELIZABETH FRASER: Certainly.

What do you think you're doing dragging in that oik from--

That oik, as you so charmingly call him,

may help you win the championship.

But he's teaching us the exact opposite to Mr. Harrison!

- Give him time. - Time?

We don't have any time!

You've said so yourself.

We've got the semifinals in less than three--

So stop being so bloody minded about it and make it work!

I've gone out on a heck of a limb

to give you this chance, Emily.

So don't you dare waste it.

Hm?

Go on.

I'm talking about fear, adrenaline.

You're going learn how to ride it.

There's good stuff wrapped up in it.

Aggression-- we'll work on that.

Right, who's going to go first?

Emily!

OK, why not?

No, why not?

You stuck-up bitch.

You speak to me like that again, and you

wish you'd never been born!

How are you feeling, Emily?

OK.

STEVE MCTEAR: Nah, try bloody terrified.

Bloody terrified.

STEVE MCTEAR: So terrified, your body's getting ready to run.

But you won't.

You'll face me down.

Look me in the eye.

Good.

Now tell me, I'm not scared of you, Steve McTear.

- I'm not. - [IMITATING] I'm not.

EMILY GORDON: I'm not scared.

Mm?

I think you are.

I'm not scared of you.

I'm not scared of you, Steve McTear!

I could cut off your bollocks and hang

them over the school gates!

[heavy panting]

Great.

I love it.

Get your foils.

[music playing]

Come on, focus.

Press on the attack.

Go for the hit, Kirsten!

Good!

Just forget what it looks like.

Just concentrate on how it feels.

Hah!

STEVE MCTEAR: Good!

And listen up, whenever you get a hit,

you should all be yelling.

Ela!

But Mr. Harrison said it's bad--

Uzma, Mr. Harrison isn't teaching us anymore.

Get the point on.

[grunting]

I said yell. - Ela!

Come on!

Ela!

Ela!

Ela!

Ela!

Not bad, not bad.

That's enough for tonight.

I see what you mean.

It felt really good then.

Just forget everything else in the world

except the point of your sword.

And see what your opponent's doing long before they do it.

You hit back straightaway.

It's-- it's a special zone you get into, you know,

and nothing can get to you.

You do whatever you like.

Is that how you fence?

At my best.

Most of the time, just fighting myself with hatred.

But if you get so angry, how can you forget

everything else in the world?

Hey, who's the teacher here?

Me or you?

[scoffs]

[suspenseful music]

[siren blaring]

[panting]

ANGIE SALTER: I don't want this anymore, Joe.

I want you here with me and the kids.

I am here.

I'm going to stop.

If you don't, you're not coming back.

I mean it.

JOE SALTER: Angie, I promise.

Never again.

[dog barking]

[door slams]

I can do this my own if you need to get off.

No, Dad's coming to see Fraser.

I've got a few more minutes.

Mm?

Anything serious?

The usual crap.

Money, future-- that sort of thing.

You mean, what you're going to do when you leave here?

Whether I'm even going to be here next time.

Dad doesn't think he can afford it.

And what with Ms. Latham saying I'm

going to fail on my A-levels, he can see his point.

Does he know you're captain of the fencing team?

Dad's got a lot on his mind at the moment.

So, why fencing, Emily?

[chuckles] It's silly, really.

[clears throat] I read "The Three Musketeers".

[laughs] What?

A bunch of numpties with feathers in their hats?

So why did you take up fencing?

I wanted to murder the musketeers.

EMILY GORDON: But you've never even read the book.

[engine starts]

Everything OK?

Not really.

Dad's selling our house to pay his debts.

I won't be coming back next time.

It's not decided yet, Emily.

I'm still talking to your father.

STEVE MCTEAR: Well, you bloody better be.

What kind of fencing team we're going to have without Emily?

Your dad talks like that again, he'll have me to deal with.

He won't like it.

See you tomorrow.

Alexandre Dumas and his band of daredevil heroes.

Fixing the roof.

That tarpaulin must have come loose.

[gasps] Well?

Most kind of you, Mr. McTear.

ELIZABETH FRASER: Yes, thank you so much.

My pleasure.

Well, I wouldn't want to see all these lovely books go ruined.

Peggy, if you want to go, I can lock up.

I didn't know you liked books.

Yeah.

Yeah?

I enjoy school.

Teachers told me to try for University.

What happened?

I'm supposed to be a hard man like me dad.

He didn't let you go on?

STEVE MCTEAR: When I asked him, he beat me up.

Needed stitches.

Left home the next day and joined the Marines.

What about your fencing?

He must've been impressed by that.

The night he belted me was the last time I saw him.

Best let you look up.

ELIZABETH FRASER: Don't forget what you came for.

Hey, I thought this was against the rules.

I'm not being honest with you, Elizabeth.

What the hell do you want?

I didn't want anything when I first arrived.

Nothing.

Well, maybe raid your drinks, come

and screw a few of your girls--

And?

Three years ago, I made a big mistake.

I heard my dad was dying.

I was due some leave, and I got home too late.

Funeral was a nightmare.

Every villain from Newcastle to Glasgow turned up to get

wrecked at my mother's expense.

One cousin after another was calling me a soft

git and no son of me dad's.

So in the end, I lost it.

I was up for anything just to prove them wrong.

Old contact of me dad's village called Ritchie Lowe

was organizing a drug stop.

It's nothing heavy.

Just some dope from Morocco.

Needed somebody to skipper a small boat.

Oh, God.

A grand for a night's work.

Just keeping it off the rocks in a gale.

It was pitch black.

I felt totally in control.

And I remember thinking, if only my dad could see me now.

But the only people who are watching were the cops.

They didn't catch any of the others.

I got four years.

They let me out after 2 and 1/2 for good behavior.

You can read that in the prison governor's report.

No one has to know.

Except maybe the trustees.

If this leaks out to the parents--

It won't.

How could you be so--

Get out.

I'm going to have to let him go, aren't I?

Well, the parole board have consistently

praised his behavior.

In his spare time, he would be found studying in the library

or training in the gym.

You know how many battles I fought at Gulf Castle?

If it gets out I've employed a convicted criminal in--

JAMES WAX: Elizabeth, as far as I'm concerned,

you've put your trust in a man with a difficult past.

And it turns out that he's an inspiration

to the fencing team.

Emily in particular.

Well, do you raise it with the other trustees?

Not necessary.

You've notified me, you notify the local Chief Superintendent.

You've done everything by the book.

[sighs deeply]

Gorgeous, [inaudible].

[groans]

Sir, I think I've pulled something.

Here.

Or maybe it's here.

Perhaps you'd give it a feel, sir.

[laughter]

Bisi, if you want an older man to give you one,

there's places in Glasgow where they'll pay you a tenner.

This is a fencing class.

If you want me to leave, just say the word.

No, Steve, stay.

[MUSIC - ANNIE LENNOX, "STAY BY ME"]

[SINGING] Stay by me.

And make the moment last.

Please take these lips even if I have

been kissed a million times.

And I don't care if there is no tomorrow.

I could die here in your arms.

Even if the stars have made us blind.

We're blind.

We're blind.

So blind in love.

In America, the school I was at

was near the Nantucket coast.

And one day, a couple of us went sailing.

We heard the whales singing.

[imitating whale]

[laughter]

I heard them when I was in the fog--

[imitating whale]

Fantastic.

It's bloody freezing, though.

Well, good preparation are here.

Fancy a throw?

No.

Yeah, you're right.

Wind's in the wrong direction.

[laughter]

[grunts]

Come on, Lizzie!

No.

No!

[chuckles]

Lizzie!

[panting]

See that Angie is looked after.

Make sure Joe gets to hear about it.

He won't talk.

Just wait.

No problem there.

It's Steve McTear you should be worried about!

I want my money!

What have you been doing for the past three weeks, eh?

Sitting on your arse, waiting for Steve

to pop in and say, hello?

Tell Shug to watch the flat in Glasgow.

Talk to anyone one Steve's ever had a bag of chips with.

Five grand to whoever tracks him down.

Ela!

Ela!

Ela!

Ela!

[inaudible] Right, that's enough.

Gather around.

Right, the team for the semifinals

will be Emily, Uzma, Kirstin.

Yes!

Sorry, Melissa.

Well done.

STEVE MCTEAR: Now, Melissa, you'll come along as a reserve.

Right, tomorrow's the big day.

So get a good night's sleep.

Ready to knock them dead, right?

Right.

And when you're in bed tonight,

just before you fall asleep, just practice

your moves over in your mind.

I'm talking about the semifinals, not 6 form dance.

[laughter]

Just feel yourself fencing in your dreams.

[music playing]

Ems, you coming for a smoke?

[groans]

[gasps]

ELIZABETH FRASER: You OK?

Yeah.

Just dreaming.

Don't tell me you're working.

Catching up on what I should have done last night.

You're a bad influence.

What are you dreaming about?

My mom.

She had a stroke seven weeks ago.

Oh, sorry.

Can't even speak.

Are you close?

STEVE MCTEAR: Yeah.

Paid me a visit every week time I was inside.

And she'll recover?

I don't know.

Not been able to see much of her since it happened.

You know their captain, the one

with the glasses [inaudible].

Good morning, Dr. Fraser.

STUDENT: Good morning, Mr. McTear.

STUDENT: Good morning.

STEVE MCTEAR: Change of plan.

Dr. Fraser can't come.

Got a business [inaudible].

STUDENT: Oh, no.

[inaudible]

STEVE MCTEAR: Well, nerves are not

used to you yet, so think about something totally different.

Like the school dance tonight, hm?

Who's going to be there?

What are you going to say to them?

EMILY GORDON: [chuckles] I thought you

didn't want us getting nervous.

Hey, you.

First bout is until 2:00.

So until then, what do you do?

ALL: Relax.

Very good.

I need to go outside for a while.

I'll be back before the first bout.

Don't worry.

[knock on door]

Stevie?

No, you can take it.

It's legal.

Teaching a bunch of posh girls at a sword fight.

I don't want to hear it, Steve.

Half of Glasgow is looking for you.

Can I at least see mom, Lena.

LENA: The police were here.

They've arrested Joe.

Look, forget him.

I've talked to Kelvin, right?

He'll get you on a ship.

Get out the country now, Steve.

STEVE MCTEAR: How's mom?

She's improving.

[door shuts]

Who was she?

Prostitute?

She's my sister.

Ela!

REFEREE: Hold.

Bout to Gulf Castle.

Fight [inaudible].

Well done.

Test, please.

Good luck.

En garde.

Ready?

Fence!

It's come to preoccupy you, hasn't it?

This McTear business.

Keeping a close eye on him.

And everything's under control?

Well, sorry.

Silly question.

Everything always is.

You take on problems like this precisely to prove you

can keep them under control.

Only thanks to your strong encouragement, James.

But, yes, now that he's settled in,

I feel good about him being there.

So good you started sleeping with him?

Ah.

What else did Sally Latham say?

Elizabeth, I've invested a hell of a lot of time

in Gulf Castle School.

I came all the way to America to recruit you,

I've backed all your reforms.

We make a great team.

I'm not talking about our private relationship.

I'm talking professionally.

What?

You're calling time on all that now or something?

You have responsibilities.

Responsibilities to whom exactly?

My God!

Can I not even flirt?

With a horny young member of staff?

No.

So I'm forbidden from having any kind of relationship?

That's what you just said, isn't it?

With him, yes.

I'll get the bill.

No, no, James.

You go, I'll pay.

EMILY GORDON: [grunts]

You're fencing like shit.

Oh, you think I don't know that?

You're too angry, Emily.

And whose fault's that?

Control your anger.

Don't let it control you.

Channel it.

REFEREE: You ready?

Fence!

Ela!

[buzzer beats]

REFEREE: Ready?

Fence!

Ela!

[buzzer beats]

REFEREE: Ready?

Fence!

[buzzer beats]

Ready?

Fence!

[buzzer beats]

Bout to St. John's.

4 bouts all.

[panting]

Watching this girl earlier.

She attack short.

So you step back, power your post, get her every time.

Attagirl.

REFEREE: Test, please.

Joe Salter holds his hands up to it.

Says he organized the entire job himself.

[laughs] Good lad.

Did he get bail?

No, he's in Brixton.

Who do we know down there?

Tell him to have a polite conversation with Joe.

Ask him where we'll find Steve McTear.

[music playing]

ELIZABETH FRASER: I've been looking at exam results.

Did you know that in the last two years,

every departments had a steady improvement except for French?

I get my girls through, even the ones that

are thick as two short planks.

I drill them morning, noon, and night.

They get their grade.

You mean a pass.

They'd do a damn sight better if there was

more discipline in this school.

Instead of what you encourage them

to believe that extracurricular activities--

I'm developing their individuality.

Developing their bloody arrogance.

You come in here, you turn the place

upside down with your half-baked liberal notions--

Oh, yes.

Let's hear it for the good old days.

Gulf Castle has been here a damn sight longer

than you have, Elizabeth.

In all that time, the greatest dream of its pupils

was to be a society wife or a secretary.

Sorry, Sallie.

It's just not good enough anymore.

No.

Fencing medal's seem to be the dream now.

Or should I say fencing teachers?

That has nothing to do with the running of this school.

Are you sure that's how the head of trustees sees it?

Elizabeth, if you're still here at the end of the year,

you can sack me.

I can have you out at the end of the month if I want, Sallie.

Check your contract.

[engine rumbling]

And?

Uh, we're through to the finals.

[giggling]

Well, I lost all my bouts.

But, uh, Uzma made up for it.

Good girl, Uzma!

Where are the boys?

In there.

[laughter]

The one who kept on asking me to dance.

Which one?

The tall one with the big ears.

Well, remember that Robbie Williams lookalike?

- Jason. - Jonathan.

Jonathan.

I think tonight is going to be his lucky night.

Tracy!

What?

Excuse me.

Let's call it quits, eh?

You know in that last fight when

you told me to focus my anger?

It was--

You fence better than I've ever

seen you fence before, Emily.

Yeah.

Let's call it quits.

TRACY: [giggles] [WHISPERS] Stop it.

Come out of there.

TRACY: [WHISPERS] Hurry up.

MAN: All right.

Sorry, Ms. Latham.

My office, tomorrow morning, 8:30.

And your name is?

Sinclair, ma'am.

Alexander Sinclair.

Alexander.

Nice name.

The finals aren't going to be easy.

You've got to go way beyond what you've learned so far.

So we're going to throw away the rule book.

Forget the correct way.

Stops you doing anything.

It just messes up your head.

Sallie Latham came to see me this morning.

Handed me her letter of resignation.

I've sent copies to every member of the board.

They know not everyone in the staff room shares her opinions.

Quite a few do.

Tell me, Peggy, tell me honestly--

do you think I'm going too far?

Do you think I'm trampling on everybody's sensibilities

for the sake of my reforms?

PEGGY INGRAMS: Elizabeth, remember what this place

was like when you arrived?

You single-handedly saved it.

Or is there another reason for this sudden loss of nerve?

Don't blame yourself for falling for Steve McTear.

I'd have done exactly the same at your age,

given half a chance.

Let's not forget, you spent your first 18

months here telling me you'd never

find another man like Mike.

He does make me feel good.

But I suspect he's as much a problem as a solution.

This isn't algebra, Elizabeth.

Ela!

[applause]

Emily, you're in charge.

[wooing]

Come in.

You wanted to see me?

This is Detective Sergeant Hobson.

And--

Detective Inspector Lyon, Serious Crime Squad.

Gunrunning operation in East London, four weeks ago--

we've arrested Joe Salter.

Now we want the rest of the team.

What, anyone who's ever known Joe?

HOBSON: Ritchie Lowe organized the deal.

You and Joe went along to make the payment

and collect the merchandise.

You've nicked Joe?

Well, nick Ritchie as well.

HOBSON: We did.

Difference is Joe confessed.

Well, stick a plastic bag over Ritchie's

head for a couple of minutes, and he'll confess as well.

HOBSON: We want to put Ritchie away for life.

Now any decent brief will tear Joe to pieces.

Unless we get a better witness, Richie Lowe is going to walk.

Finished?

Joe hasn't told us the whole story yet, Steve.

But we're getting there.

And we'll have to come back and arrest you.

And you'll be looking at a life sentence.

Cooperate now while you still got the chance.

And I can guarantee you'll serve no more than two years.

HOBSON: Don't force Joe to take the drop alone.

He's falling to pieces.

[scoffs] Well, you can imagine.

That doesn't bother me.

You've said you had no intention

of arresting Mr. McTear.

So I suggest we bring this conversation to a close.

Um, we'll see ourselves out.

Fine.

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

You bastard.

You selfish bastard!

When you first came here, you were on the run.

You wanted to lie low, and you thought, where better than

an out-of-the-way girls school?

So what else have you done that you're not telling me about?

Nothing.

Don't lie to me or I'll call them back.

He's not going to roll over, no matter

what we threaten him with.

I don't know, boss.

At the end there when I mentioned his mate Salter,

that got to him.

I've seen enough grasses to know.

And believe me, McTear is not one of them.

HOBSON: See, what I don't get is why she's protecting him?

You call yourself a detective?

And since you're so concerned about my safety,

there's no way they're going to pin that bollocks on me.

Joe would never rat on his friends.

I trusted you.

I forgave you.

I thought, one mistake long time ago, fair enough.

You were honest about it--

You can just shut up.

What?

So I can think?

My best mate is staring at life in prison,

and those bastards know he can't hack it.

So help him!

Help him?

Help him how?

By grassing up Ritchie Lowe?

How long do you think I'd stay alive if I did that?

How the hell did they know I was here?

Well, school rules require me, if I

employ anyone with a prison record, to let the police know.

You.

You told me it was in the past.

I thought I was doing you a favor letting the police know.

I let you keep your job!

But when you were supposed to be telling me the truth,

you were lying to me!

And now they're offering you a deal, and you're still lying!

All the time I was inside, they offered me deals.

What, you refused?

Why?

Protecting some pathetic gunrunner

or fighting the system?

Whose side are you on?

Because if you still think you're one of them,

then stop blaming the rest of us!

[door slams]

[phone dialing]

Angie, it's Steve.

When you see Joe, just tell him, uh,

Steve says to hang on in there.

And I'll try and call you again later on, yeah?

EMILY GORDON: No, dad, I'll be fine.

Yeah.

OK, you have a good trip.

Bye.

[whimpering] Oh, God.

Emily?

Was it your dad?

[sobbing] He--

[clears throat] He says everything's

going to be all right.

But it's not.

He's flying to Singapore tonight.

So he won't be there for you on Saturday?

What about you mom?

I haven't seen her in two years.

She's a city girl.

Sorry.

Hey, my dad never saw me fence.

And he never will.

Why not?

Well, because he's dead.

- Oh. - Hey.

Hey!

Stop being so soft.

You got a daddy who loves you.

Hm?

And by the time you're fencing in the Olympics,

he'll have all his business sorted out

and he'll be right there beside you.

Yeah.

Come on.

Wohoo!

[shouting]

Oh, no.

Brake!

[inaudible]

[interposing voices]

[panting]

Did I scare you?

Oh, no.

We're way beyond that.

It's pretty good wherever we are.

Yeah.

We're in that special zone you get into,

when nothing can get to you.

And you can do whatever you like?

What is it?

Fasten your seat belt, Emily.

[engine starts]

Emily, you're really special.

You're a great fencer, and you're going to get better.

But it's all about self-control.

Where to draw the line, you know?

Lena?

What is it?

Mom?

Angie saw Joe yesterday.

Ritchie had these two blokes trying

to make him say where you were.

He kept telling them he didn't know.

The bastards kept pushing him.

And then this morning--

I'm really sorry, Steve.

This morning, they found Joe hanging in his cell.

[suspenseful music]

[panting]

EMILY GORDON: You're leaving?

The minute the tournament's over, yes.

No, but you can't. You can't.

You can't go.

Please, you can't leave.

Hey.

You're going to win that All Scotland Championship tomorrow.

And that makes me proud, Emily.

I will always think of it when I'm gone.

Yeah, but I don't care about any of that.

All I want is to be with you!

Emily?

I'm in love with him.

You can do whatever you want.

But nothing will change the way I feel.

Get to your room!

[sighs] You don't even know what love is.

What the fuck are you trying to do to me?

Completely humiliate me?

There's nothing between me and her!

Tell me the truth.

Tell me the truth.

You want the truth?

Yeah, the truth is I've been training

that girl for the past five weeks, as you told me to.

And she's been learning.

She's been getting better.

She is a great kid, with a great big crush, that's all.

And I'm sorry if that hurt you.

But for me, I felt as I was doing something worthwhile

for the first time in my life.

Why are you running away again?

Because I'm in hell, Elizabeth.

My best friend is dead!

What about your own life?

Go back to London.

Start training again.

I have been on borrowed time ever since I came here.

Just [inaudible] listen.

You just listen.

You thought I came here to lie low.

But it was much more than that.

I thought this place--

I thought you were a way out.

But there's no way out, is there?

Is there?

[sobs] No.

So you forget me, Elizabeth.

OK?

Great.

You keep your eye on that prize.

You do for your children what you've done for me.

[MUSIC - PATTI LABELLE, "LADY MARMALADE"]

[SINGING] Gitchi gitchi--

A girl's boarding school?

You sure?

Yeah.

A bloke shouting out obviously I'd He's never been wrong yet.

Nice work, Danny.

Hey, Fletch, how comes you didn't manage

to turn this one up then, hm?

[scoffs]

[phone rings]

Cardinal Club.

STEVE MCTEAR [ON PHONE]: Put Ritchie on, Fletch.

Steve.

Stevie!

We were just talking about you.

Call your men off, Ritchie.

You want your money back?

I'll give it to you tomorrow.

2 o'clock, outside Glasgow Central Station.

Perfect timing.

He wants to give me my money back tomorrow.

Get on the phone to Shug.

Tell him to find McTear and stick close.

I what to know exactly where he is.

Why not wait till the meet tomorrow?

Because it's in the middle of a bloody railway station,

that's why.

It's the last if what I've earned.

Come on.

Now, I've got to see my mom.

FLO: Stevie?

[laughs]

Mom?

Oh, just dropped by with something

to help out with the bills.

Your-- your fencing is good.

[giggles]

Ela.

It's only teaching, mom.

That's a start.

Well done.

Mom, the reason why I'm here is--

there's some business I've got to settle.

LENA: It's why the police were looking for him.

They're right here.

Here in this room.

Just like when your father was alive.

Stevie, don't be daft.

No.

FLO: You've-- you've still got all your life ahead of you.

Yeah.

Yeah?

STEVE MCTEAR: Mm-hmm.

Good lad.

[suspenseful music]

[engine starts]

And now you want me to go out there

and win the championship for the glory of your bloody school?

What do you think I am, your puppet?

No, Emily.

But while you're a pupil here, I'm responsible for you.

I intervened to stop you making a hideous mistake.

You're getting rid of the most important person in my life.

What am I supposed to do?

Just turn around and forget him?

You won't forget him.

For a while, you'll reach out and--

and wish he was still there.

But he's not.

It's over.

Emily, I can't make you do anything for me.

Please try and do something for yourself.

Yeah.

Come on, let's go and win that bloody championship.

[laughs] OK.

Just go with the St. Andrews Academy team.

Don't Inhale.

Right, let's see what all the fuss is about.

He's leaving once the tournament's over.

So I can cheer for the future of Gulf Castle School?

[applause]

Where's Emily?

She's left her glove in the changing area.

How are you feeling, Emily?

Bloody terrified.

Mm.

It's part of the good stuff, you remember?

Just ride it.

Now tell me you're not scared of me.

I could cut off your bollocks and hang

them over the school gate.

That's good.

Let's go.

[suspenseful music]

Good work, Shug.

[inaudible]

Nice one, mate.

Why don't you stay by the door, Shug?

No problem.

[applause]

All right, team.

Stand up.

And look your enemies in the eye.

And let them know that if they want blood, they'll get it.

Who are those men?

[sighs] Will you do something?

Forget about "The Three Musketeers" and fairy stories.

And win your fights for me.

REFEREE: Ladies and gentlemen--

UZMA: Where's he going?

Sod him.

We'll win this without him.

REFEREE: --Fencing Championships.

The final is between St. Andrew's

Academy and Gulf Castle School.

En garde.

Are you ready?

Fence.

- Ela! - Hold.

[inaudible]

[applause]

STEVE MCTEAR: Shug!

REFEREE: En garde.

Are you ready?

Fence.

[suspenseful music]

Yes!

REFEREE: Bout to Gulf Castle.

Gulf Castle lead by 2 bouts to 1.

[sighs]

Ela! REFEREE: Hold.

Tag [inaudible].

Right, Uzma!

RITCHIE LOWE: Hi, Steve.

We wanted to see ya.

No hard feelings, mate.

Just give me my money back.

I haven't got your money, Ritchie.

So where is it?

[grunting]

Hold.

Tag [inaudible].

[applause]

Yeah, you need me to drop, don't you, Fletch?

Fat 30 grand in me pocket, did you think I'd be here?

REFEREE: Hold.

Bout to St. Anthony.

Bloody told you I tipped off the cops as well, eh?

Oh, you're full of shit, Steve.

He's full of shit.

Just like somebody tipped off the cops last time,

2 and 1/2 years in a prison cell, never

did manage to work it out.

Go for it.

Go on, Emily!

[interposing voices]

But you're lucky, Fletch, not to get caught.

Walked away from two jobs where your mates got busted.

Now wouldn't you call that lucky, Fletch?

Well?

REFEREE: 4 bout all.

Final bout.

[grunting]

REFEREE: En Garde.

Give McTear your knife.

Fair enough.

REFEREE: Fence.

[grunting]

Ela!

Ela!

REFEREE: Hold.

[applause]

Ela!

[groans]

Hold.

Tag [inaudible].

[grunts]

Ela!

[applause]

Well done!

[groans]

Ela!

Hold!

Nice work, Steve.

REFEREE: Bout to Gulf--

[cheering]

Finish the job.

[siren wailing]

[applause]

Come on, let's get out of here.

Come on.

Ritchie.

[groans]

[chanting]

[grunting]

[engine rumbling]

[music playing]

Yeah, come on.

[inaudible] come.

Fence!

Fence!

[music playing]