Original subtitles

(Big Ben chimes)

# Piano solo

(Applause)

Ladies and gentlemen.

As Miss Crichton's manager, there is something I feel I must tell you.

I am breaking my promise to her by saying this...

- Ray, please... - It's too late. You can't stop me now.

But Miss Crichton does not agree with me that the happiness and relaxation

her skill can bring to people

longing for a brief escape from the grimness of today

- is the best sort of war work she can do. - (Applause)

And so you have heard her play for the last time.

She is giving up her music for the duration.

She is determined to do something more directly connected with the war effort.

I think you will feel as I do about her decision.

And if, by your applause, you can do anything to make her change her mind...

Careful, please. You're flattening my hair.

A WAAF cap will flatten it much more. Over there, please.

You've crossed out Crichton and put Campbell.

- Yes, Crichton's my stage name. - Oh, you're on the stage.

I'm awfully keen about those fellas. What are they called?

They always make me laugh. Flanagan and Allen.

- Have you ever done a show with them? - No. I play the piano.

Well, piano playing won't be much help in the RAF.

Still, you'll learn a useful trade. In that cubicle, please.

What I really wanted to do is to drive a colonel.

- Take your things off, please. - We don't have colonels in the WAAF.

Oh. Well, a wing commander, then. Or a vice marshal or something.

What we really need at the moment are cooks.

Cooks?

- Say 99. - Hm?

Oh. 99. But do tell me, why 99? I mean, why not 35 or 100?

We prefer 99.

- I'm so thrilled to be here. It... - Don't talk, please.

Shan't be a moment.

Have you time to check?

Is this the young lady? I see you had scarlet fever. When was that?

- Oh, ages ago. I was about 14, I think. - Mm-hm.

Sorry, my dear. Afraid we can't use you.

What do you mean? Why can't you use me? There's nothing the matter, is there?

Now, now, take it easy. RAF demands a high standard of health, that's all.

But I am healthy. Aren't I? If I'm not, what's the matter with me?

- Tell me, please. - Can't do that. Against regulations.

Better have a word with your own MO.

(Door opens)

You have been a time. I've worked out all the details of the tour.

- Well, what's the verdict? - Verdict?

Don't be so dramatic. Come on.

I'm rather pleased... I'm rather pleased with the way I've worked this out.

First Malta, then North Africa, finishing up in Naples about January.

Back here next June, by which time I shall have fixed the Albert Hall.

- Oh, do listen. - I am. It sounds lovely.

Good. Then I'll tell them you'll agree.

- No, Ray. - I say, there's nothing the matter, is there?

- He didn't say you have to stay in bed? - Fares, please.

- Haven't you anything smaller? - Have you any change?

Anyone would think I was the Royal Mint or the Bank of England.

- Come on, come on. - I'm sorry. Two to Piccadilly, please.

Some people take half an hour to make up their minds.

Don't know whether they want to go to Putney Common or the Corner House.

Well, what did the specialist say? Why mustn't I book the tour?

- I'm going to die. - Look out. I can't get through here.

- You ain't made of vapour, you know. - I'm so sorry.

Lissa, I'm sure there's a mistake.

Doctors aren't always right, you know. And you're so healthy.

That's what I thought, but it seems I've had a creaky heart

ever since I had scarlet fever as a kid.

And those faints I've been throwing lately weren't just nerves or over-tiredness.

They were, well, they were it.

- But doctors don't tell people... - When they're going to die? I made him.

I said, "How would you like to spend your last few months

in some dreary nursing home buoyed up with false hopes?"

"If I've only got a short time, tell me

and I'll enjoy every moment while it lasts."

- Enjoy? - Yes, Ray.

I want to be in life for the time that's left,

not outside watching it, as I always have.

For so many years, it's been practise, practise, practise. Oh, you saw to that.

Concerts, endless train journeys.

Well, it's all over now. I'm going out into the sunshine.

I... I want to walk in the wind

and watch the waves breaking against the Cornish rocks.

I want to catch up with some of the things I've missed.

There are so many of them, Ray, and... and time isn't on my side.

It's very nice.

And the view is lovely.

Oh, yes, the view's quite one of our best attractions,

far superior to the one they have at the Grand.

Tell me, are the people here amusing? Young, I mean?

Well, most of our residents are permanents, Miss Campbell,

elderly persons, but we have some young ones to keep us lively.

You'll get plenty of refined fun.

Oh, you won't mind dressing for dinner? We feel it's good for morale.

Don't worry. This is going to be morale's big night.

Quite.

Roast duck again, damn it. Second time this week.

Albert, this sugar's down by a good half inch.

That's right. I've been making fudge.

Angus, reading at table, you know it's bad for your stomach.

Only one roast duck left. One of you'll have to have cabillaud - boiled cod.

My brother says he'll have the roast duck.

So I said, "You've got the wrong idea about me. I'm a business girl on holiday.

"I don't do those sort of things,

even if you are a pilot with some real silk stockings."

How many pairs did you get?

(Wolf-whistles)

Fancy dressing like that, and in wartime, too.

Oh, stop beefing. Plenty of men to go round.

Where?

- Cod and diplomatic pudding. - But it...

- No, no, it's all off. - What is diplomatic pudding, lad?

Bread and marge and my jam ration on top.

It wouldn't do thee much harm to have a good bellyful of it.

Good gracious me.

When I were a lad, I'd have had a good kick in t'pants

for half t'young fella gets away with.

- Do you mind if I sit down? - No, of course not.

It's nice to see a human face in these parts.

They call me Tom Tanner. I'm a Yorkshireman.

I'd never have guessed it. I'm Lissa Campbell.

I saw you come into t'room and I said to myself,

"There's a lass who's neither a gold-digger nor a frump."

And it were a fair treat.

Thanks for including me out of the frumps.

But how do you know I'm not a gold-digger?

- I know women. - Ladies' man?

Nay. I've only known one woman all me life... that counted.

- But I can judge t'others by her. - Your wife?

Aye. Nearly 40 years we had together.

- Any children? - Nay.

And I'm afraid my love-making days are over.

But I still like to see it going on.

Maybe that's why I'm a bit soft where young 'uns are concerned.

- On holiday? - Yes.

I'd hoped it was going to be the most wonderful holiday of my life.

(Scottish accent) But a doubt steals o'er my mind.

Shapes weird and strange assail me.

Weird and strange is right.

And you'll have more doubts when you see 'em out in Stiffs Alley.

- Stiffs Alley? - Aye. That's what I call t'lounge.

With them all stretched out like a lot of mummies in a row.

Pop 'em down there, lad.

- You're sure they're four-star? - Four-star, sir.

You have half a dozen of those and you'll see the Milky Way.

- Tell me, when are you going back? - Retired seven years ago.

- Me and Ellie came home to rest ourselves. - You must be lonely without her.

Aye, she were a grand lass.

Great big beautiful blue eyes, she had.

And they were that honest.

I never could abide to tell Ella a whopper.

- She were a grand lass. - Tell me, are you on holiday?

Nay. I'm a working man again.

Government dragged me out of t'cupboard when t'war started.

I'm down here to pep up mining and open up disused shafts and the like.

But I'm telling you t'tale of me life, aren't I?

- What about you? - Let's see.

British subject. Age 23.

Well, 24.

No family, no husband.

- No plans. - Hm. What do you do for a living?

I play the piano a bit. At least, I used to. I've given it up now.

This is the first real holiday I've had for years

and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Aye, well, take a sip of this, lass.

Things won't all seem so gloomy then.

- Gloomy? What do you mean? - Well, you're not happy, I know that.

But I'll not pry.

It wouldn't be a man, by any chance, hm?

No. And thanks for not prying.

Don't give it a thought, lass.

Maybe it's your health.

Well, I haven't been very well, but I'm all right now. Convalescing.

Well, you couldn't pick a better spot.

Some of t'finest scenery in England. And some grand walks.

It's a bit hilly for walking, isn't it? I wonder if I could hire a car.

Nay, I'm afraid not in wartime.

But if you're not keen on walking, reckon I know the very thing.

# Fiddle, cello, big bass drum

# Bassoon, flute and euphonium

(Hums)

# Prancing here, dancing there

# Jigging, jogging everywhere

(Hums)

# Hurrah for the Cornish floral dance

(Cry of seagulls)

(Surf crashes)

Help!

Help!

Hold on. I'll give you a hand.

Mm-hm. Give me both hands.

- I don't believe you're in danger at all. - (Chuckles)

BOTH: Ooh!

- You a strong, muscular girl? - No.

Thank heavens for that. What's your name?

- Lissa. - Mine's Kit.

- How do you do? - Well, just hanging on.

Right, dig your toes in.

What were you looking for, gulls' eggs?

- No. Molly. - Molly?

Molybdenum. If she's the girl I think she is, she's a rare piece.

- Are you a geologist or something? - No, not exactly.

- Like to see where I found her? - Yes.

See that hole in the cliff? Ventilation shaft of a derelict mine.

That's where I came out.

Very interesting, but how did you get in?

Down that old mine shaft over there.

You walked all that way underground? Weren't you afraid of the dark?

Yes, I was. I shan't do it again.

Tell me, what are you doing down here? Are you on leave?

- No. - Oh.

Mm-hm. Simple, but expensive. You're staying at the big hotel, I take it?

- I arrived last night. - Then I bags you.

I've always wanted a brunette with your kind of eyes,

but I only seem to appeal to full-blown blondes.

Life's like that. I'm partial to blunt, rugged men,

but I usually find myself saddled with old-world charmers.

We must get together. With my ruggedness and your eyes, we could go places.

I know the sort of places you have in mind.

- Now, don't go away. - I feel safer away from the edge.

If you come back, I'll use my other technique.

Behold, an old-world charmer. How's that?

Terrible. It's not your style.

(Crashing waves)

(Cry of seagulls)

(Thinks of musical theme)

Keep still, can't you?

It's gone.

How can I get you fixed in my mind if you keep on leaping about?

I didn't ask you to get me fixed in your mind or anywhere else.

Oh, yes, you did, every line of you.

You're going straight into my box of special memories.

You won't find it crowded and I'll often bring you out.

I thought only old people worried about memories.

I'll be 90 come muck-spreading.

- You debunk everything, don't you? - Mm. It's my shallow nature.

Anyway, life is far too short to be taken seriously.

Yes.

Of course, what I really need is the influence of a good woman.

- Are you a good woman? - I'm a very hungry one.

And if I don't get back soon, everything on the menu will be off.

- I'll see you tomorrow at 11 sharp. - But we haven't made a date.

We're making one now. And I like my women to be on time.

You are the most self-satisfied,

infuriating, conceited man I've ever met.

All right. 11 o'clock, sharp.

Oh, hell.

RADIO: Since the beginning of the war, it is estimated by the Germans

there are 15 million killed, wounded and missing...

Oh, nothing exciting. Turn it off, Angus.

Hm?

- One can't think of war all the time. - That's right. You look after yourself.

Don't want a nervous breakdown. Been having fun and games, lass?

Well, games, anyhow.

Makes my blood boil when I hear what our gallant allies are doing

while other people sit down and do nothing at all.

The young men, I mean. That frightful Kit something or other, for instance.

Fella who knocks about fishing and plays with bits of rock, hm?

And bits of girls. As a matter of fact, he's got a new one.

- What, rock? - No, girl.

Actress. She had a cigarette stuck in her mouth and trousers on.

- Give me a woman in a skirt every day. - Aye, they are more handy, like.

- No bet. - He met her off the London train.

You should see the way they greeted each other.

Not very obvious, but I could guess.

- He doesn't appeal to me. - I think he's charming.

I picked him up on the cliff this morning.

Happen he'll be adding you to his collection.

Happen he won't. In my own small way, I'm quite a collector myself.

- Good night, everybody. - Good night, my dear.

I knew exactly what kind she was when she came in last night.

Having no heart.

- Where is the summerhouse? - Over there, miss.

Thank you.

(Piano being tuned)

Tom. What on earth's all this?

You said last night you'd given up piano playing.

Well, I don't believe it. Musicians can't do that.

It's not exactly a concert grand, but it'll do for your strumming.

But tuning it, who taught you to do that?

I come from Huddersfield and we fancy ourselves there a bit in the music line.

I don't know why you should take all this trouble over me.

Aye, well, I'm a lonely man and I like young folk.

When you get to my age, it's nice being mixed up a bit in their affairs.

- Thank you, Tom. You're sweet. - Aye.

It's a wonder they don't put me on points.

- What time are you meeting him? - Hm?

- Yon lad, Kit Firth. - But I never said I...

- Oh, well. 11 o'clock. - I wouldn't keep him waiting.

He's going to do the running this time.

I'm not sure he's t'kind of lad that runs.

(Plays a few notes)

(Plays musical theme)

(Crashing waves)

(Cry of seagulls)

What's your name? Mine's Kit.

You're going straight into my box of special memories.

(Plays slow musical theme)

(Hits note repeatedly)

What are you doing here?

I've come to meet the most enchanting girl.

Oh, really? Well, I'm looking frightful this morning.

I put my oldest sunsuit on.

- Doesn't suit me a bit, does it? - No, not a bit.

- Good morning, Firth. How's things? - Fine. Fine.

You wouldn't be looking for Miss Campbell, by any chance, would you?

- Neat brunette with a donkey? - Aye.

- No, I wouldn't be looking for her. - I thought perhaps not.

Then there's no need for you to go to t'summerhouse.

There? No, none at all.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Is that by anyone I ought to know? - Yes. No...

At least, it will be. I've hardly started it yet.

So you write music? You play like an angel.

I knew there was something about you.

Do go on, or am I stopping the inspiration?

On the contrary, you're part of it. Well, in a way.

You see, I got the idea on the headland yesterday. Listen.

(Repeats short theme)

- I've got it. Seagulls. - And the waves breaking on the cliffs.

And this, to express some of the emotions I felt at the time.

Hm? What sort of emotions?

If I could express them in words, I wouldn't have to write music.

You know, it's rather exciting, our meeting leading to something like that.

You're not famous, are you?

You don't have Lissa Campbell written up in Piccadilly in flaming lights?

Not in the blackout, and never in Piccadilly.

I call myself Felicity Crichton. I don't suppose you've heard of me?

But I have. Many's the time I've switched you off on the radio.

Please keep it to yourself. I'd like this to be a real holiday.

All right.

Come on. I've got a friend I want you to meet.

An actress who wears trousers and always has a cigarette in her mouth?

What little bird's been whispering in your ear?

It wasn't a little bird. It was an old vulture.

Careful. You all right? Come on, then.

Hm. Not bad.

(Stutters) He be pretty, ain't her?

- It won't be no use. - Why?

We be all set for a rare wet summer.

Don't seem right to take folk's money and no roof over their heads.

- Now, we got a b-b-b... - Boathouse.

- That's right. - Hold 300, it would.

Thanks, but I'll take my chance here. This job's life and death to me.

Put your backs into it, please.

Hey, Judy! I've got a girl I want you to meet!

I'm too busy to be bothered with your girls now.

You'll like this one. She's different.

Lissa, this is Judy Martin. Lissa Campbell.

- How do you do? - Hello. Give me a light.

Ah, yes.

You are different. Most of his bits of nonsense turn out to be...

- Bits of nonsense? ...200% female.

- Alive from the neck down. - Look...

Shut up. Where's that light?

Thanks.

As a matter of fact, I'm a bit surprised about you.

- What did you expect? - Well...

I bet you heard Kit and I were having a violent affair.

- Now, look here... - Oh, be quiet, Kit.

- Yes, I did. - When we were kids, we lived next door.

I'm probably the only girl he hasn't fallen in love with.

If you've finished carving me up, could we talk about something else?

As a topic, you are somewhat exhausted. Tell me about all this.

My story is it was once a Roman amphitheatre.

Nero used to fire-watch here, when he wasn't fiddling.

I came across it and decided to stage some open-air plays.

- That's a wonderful idea. - Yes, Cornwall full of visitors.

Not too many counter-attractions. I thought it was a cinch.

- Well, isn't it? - Too many snags.

Can't get any actors. If you do, you have to pay through the nose.

Shortage of labour to get the place poshed up...

- Shortage of cash to get it started. - Have you heard from Parkinson?

- Uh-huh. He's backed out. - Oh, dear. That's torn it.

- I was relying on his 300. - Wait a minute. I've got an idea.

- Blackmail. - What?

I'm not kidding. Got the victim all lined up.

Come on. He lives in your part of the world.

Now, listen, me lad, you can't put that over on me. I've had 'em all try.

Prospectors with salted gold mines.

Company promoters who wanted to do me out of t'brass I'd earned.

But, Mr Tanner, as a representative of the ministry, I must insist.

- I'm only... - I know what you are.

But I'm here to get stuff out of t'mines, not fill in forms.

I'm here to do away with bottlenecks, and that's what you are, me lad,

a bottleneck.

All I ask is that you fill in and return the necessary departmental forms.

And all I ask is to be left alone to get on with t'job I'm here for.

So go back to Whitehall and tell 'em to stop pestering me with bits of paper,

or they can take t'job and... give it to somebody else.

And don't have so much starch in your diet.

Hello, you two. Just in time for a cocktail. Come on.

- What about? - It's all right. Go on.

- Judy! - All right, Kit. I'm coming.

- Sit thee there, lass. - We can't stay.

Kit's on his way to do a spot of blackmail.

- You're a great help. He's my victim. - Eh? What's this?

I want to introduce you to an attractive little piece I picked up yesterday.

Molybdenum. Did you say you picked this up around here?

I didn't say where. You're gonna pay me 300 quid to tell you that.

- You're daft. - It's a derelict property that can be re-opened.

I know Molly. I've mined it before. And, by the way, there's a very rich vein.

If you're right, t'information's worth thousands, not hundreds.

Why offer it at a bargain price?

He wants the money to back an open-air theatre.

Theatre? Has nobody told you we're at war?

- Everybody. Sorry we can't do business. - Hold on. What about t'molybdenum?

- Leave it where it is. - With war industries crying out for it?

- Aren't you interested in t'country? - I'm interested in L300.

Oh, there you are. Give me a light, someone.

Judy, I'd like you to meet Tom Tanner. Tom, this is Judy Martin.

- Hello. - Let's try an old-fashioned match.

Thanks.

- Are you trying to hypnotise me? - Sorry for staring, lass.

But you've got eyes just like... someone I used to know.

Never thought I'd see t'like of 'em again.

Tom, Judy's running this open-air theatre Kit wants the money for.

- What's t'proposition? - An amphitheatre overlooking the sea.

- I was putting on The Tempest. - What's gone wrong?

Backer backed out.

And you need 300 quid to get t'venture started?

I might get by on less.

Nay, I'll have nowt to do with cheese-paring. I'll let you have 300.

But I'll want agreement, mind. And five per cent on gross takings.

It's all got to be businesslike. I'm a hard man to deal with.

All right, but isn't five per cent a bit steep?

You get t'place for nowt. You don't have to pay Shakespeare.

- I have to pay the actors. - You don't have to buy scenery.

No, but the costumes cost something. Look, here... four per cent?

- Four and a half. - OK. Thank you.

But don't expect me to take personal interest.

I'm a busy man. I've too much to do to fiddle about with theatres.

Now, come on, me lads. Put th' backs into it.

Heave.

Come on.

That'll do for now. That's champion. Now you've earned a good rest.

Back on t'job in five minutes.

What's up, Judy?

Nothing at all. Why?

I thought you looked a bit worried and eyes were a bit cloudy, like.

Nonsense. Look, there's Lissa.

He used to go to kids' water sports when he was at school.

None of the other kids were a patch on him.

This isn't getting us anywhere. How much do you think I should pay for Trinculo?

- Wake up. Trinculo, how much? - Eh?

Oh, get a good man, that's all. We want nowt but t'best.

I'll just see about mending yonder balustrade and then I'm off to t'mine.

OK.

I'll just give you a hand.

There we are.

- Ah! - There we go.

Ah! This is fun.

I knew I'd find it if I looked hard enough.

- You running away from something? - No. Towards it.

Meaning?

- Nothing. Just a silly twist of speech. - You're not exactly confiding.

I don't know where you come from, where you're going to.

Look at old Tom up there. He fancies himself as the big theatre man.

Amazing how he parted with his dough. One look at Judy and - wham! - 300 quid.

I think it's because she reminds him of his wife.

He feels she's the sort of daughter he might have had.

Gosh, look at the sky. Isn't it lovely?

- You like beautiful things. - Mm-hm. And people.

It's funny in an engineer, this feeling for beauty.

Especially in mines. You're underground most of the time missing it all.

- I'm not now. - I'd have thought, with the war on...

Please, couldn't we forget the war?

Hello, Kit.

(Breathes in)

- Ah! Bisto! - No, mackerel.

My landlord caught them.

Mm. You saved my life. I forgot to get the rations.

You must be in love.

That fish is gonna be very tasty with all that delicious cigarette ash in it.

Give me another.

One of these days, you pretty little thing,

you're actually gonna buy a packet yourself.

One of these days, you ugly mug, you're going to get that thing to work.

- How about laying the dinner? - OK.

- Enjoyed yourself? - Uh-huh.

- What have you been doing today? - Oh, just work. Tom's a great help.

It's lucky he's around now that you've deserted us.

Been seeing a lot of Lissa lately, haven't you?

Pass the fish slice.

- Thank you. - Careful you don't mash them.

Yes, lots and lots of Lissa. Do you mind?

Why should I? But she might one day.

Little Miss Right, aren't you?

- Mind you don't break anything. - I'm getting quite expert.

- Oh, blast. (Glass shatters)

Caught my wrist on that nail.

- Clumsy ass. I'll tie it up for you. - It's nothing. It's only a scratch.

- I'll get some plaster tomorrow. - It's not very hygienic, but it'll do.

- No, it doesn't matter. - Hold still. I told you to be careful.

I've got to get used to going around in the dark, haven't I?

- Have you told Lissa? - No. And I'm not going to.

Hm. Well, let's eat. I'm hungry. They're done to a frazzle.

- One or two? - One.

Better have two.

You know, Lissa's not like your other girls. She's a person.

She's got her life to lead.

- I'm not stopping her. - Aren't you?

The biggest mistake of my life was bailing out of that plane.

- Wish to God I'd crashed with it. - Don't be a fool. You don't mean that.

Once it's happened, it'll only be a matter of time,

getting used to the idea.

Do you think I want to spend the rest of my life a blind man?!

Do you think I'm looking forward to it?

Life'll still be worth living, Kit.

The trouble with you is you keep up this big act,

life and soul of the party, never a dull moment,

then you slump right back with a bang.

Oh, come on.

This mackerel's all right.

Sorry, Judy. I'd no right to take it out on you.

OK. This is the last tasty supper you'll get out of me.

Next time you can poison yourself with bread and fish paste.

Judy, you don't have to worry about Lissa.

I'll see she doesn't get hurt.

You drop the pin in the well, and as it sinks, you make a wish.

But suppose you know the one thing that you really want you can't have?

Wish for a miracle. Perhaps you'll get it in the end.

Kit, would you like to see into the future, to know what's going to happen?

No. No, thank you very much.

- Are you going to wish? - Hm. What have I got to lose?

Kit.

Well, that was jolly nice. Shall we go?

Kit, surely...

Now, look here. Don't let's dissect the thing. Come on.

See that circle of stones? They're known as the Merry Maidens.

Village lasses who were turned into stone

because they were caught dancing on a Sunday.

Very interesting.

Cornwall's full of quaint conceits. Further along the road...

Kit, let's forget about the folklore and talk about us.

What happened after we'd kissed? Why did everything change so suddenly?

- I got scared. - Of what?

- Falling in love with you. - Would that be such a tragedy?

Well, it might be a bore for both of us.

I'm an antisocial type. I don't like responsibilities and obligations.

I don't want to be in love. I don't want anybody to be in love with me.

I'm all for living like the Miller of Dee.

- Who? - The Miller of Dee.

He had a theme song.

# I care for nobody, no, not I

# And nobody cares for me

Oh, I'm sorry, Lissa. Please try to understand.

Today I want to kiss you like hell.

But six months from now it might be hell to have to.

Six months from now I shan't be here to be kissed.

Hm? Oh, you mean you'll do the walking out.

Yes.

I'll do the walking out.

Hey, Spam! Come on, old cock. This is no time to stage a sit-down strike.

(Brays)

Well! Spam must have been in the tourist racket.

This is a spot everybody stops to see. This is known as the bargaining stone.

In the old days, whenever farmers did a deal, selling cattle or whatnot,

they used to shake hands through that hole to seal the bargain.

Kit, let us make a bargain.

- A bargain? - Mm-hm.

Walk out on each other when the time comes.

- How long are you gonna be here? - I don't know. Three months, perhaps.

- OK. Three months. - No strings, no comebacks.

- No questions. - No answers.

No regrets.

Never intrude upon each other's private self.

To have fun and leave it at that.

To be very nice Millers of Dee.

(Woman singing)

Ah, there you are, Judy. I'm looking for Kit.

- Why tell me? I haven't got him hidden. - Now, come, come, lass.

Nerves. Edginess.

- Better give it a rest. - Oh, I'm sorry, Tom.

I am edgy. Please give me a cigarette. I don't know where I put mine.

Thank you. All right, everybody. Relax for ten minutes. Please don't be late.

- OK, Judy. - We'll be there.

And you've no idea where Kit is?

Every idea. Find Lissa and you've got Kit.

Now, Judy, you mustn't let that get you down.

Why should it? Nothing to do with me if he wants to go traipsing over the countryside.

I'm only worried for Lissa.

Oh.

She may be taking him seriously. They sometimes do.

- Aye. - Kit's not the serious kind.

There's only unhappiness for her if she goes on.

You don't think it's different this time, that he might want to marry her?

No. No! He may fool around with girls and lead them on, up to a point.

But there's one thing I know. He'll never marry Lissa or any of them.

(Hums)

# Silver buckles on his knee

# When he comes home he'll marry me Bonny Bo...

Oh, damn.

- Don't you like whiffing? - What-ing?

Whiffing. It's the local term for catching mackerel on a string.

You mean for not catching mackerel on a string.

- Do you want to go back? - No.

I'm perfectly happy. I wish time would stop.

Hm. Well, it won't. Would you like to row through Spaniard's Cave?

Do you mean the tunnel you told me about under the point?

- You can only do it in calm weather. - It's beautifully clear today.

You can even see the Scillies.

- Can you still get there? - Hm? The Scillies?

- Plane there every day. - I'd like to go there sometime.

(Engines roar)

They're coming back from a raid.

There are two missing.

One really hasn't much right to be happy.

You may as well live in a cell and wear a hair shirt for the rest of the war.

I don't see your point.

Kit, why aren't you in something? I know you must have a very good reason...

Oh, here we go again.

You don't seem to care what people say about you. I do.

I want to be able to say, "He's not like that." And I can't.

- Loyal little woman. - You always take refuge in sarcasm

when one wants to talk about anything that really matters.

# I care for nobody, no, not I

# And nobody cares for me

I'm sorry. I'd forgotten.

Yes, I thought you had.

Can you stay there now, in the Scillies?

Yes, I've got the keys to a cottage outside Tresco.

- It's not mine, but I can use it. - Furnished?

Well, it's got beds and chairs and teacups and all that.

- Food? - In a farmhouse nearby.

It's... it's very pretty.

- The flowers must be lovely now. - They're mostly cabbages these days.

Well, there's something about cabbages, too.

Lissa, do you mean this?

- Hm. - When?

Whenever you say.

- Tomorrow? - Mm-hm.

Mr F-F-Firth!

Yes?

Mr T-T-Tanner wants 'e up at m-m-mine.

- What for? - D-Didn't tell I.

Just said it were ur-ur...

- Urgent. ...important.

Why don't you mind your own b-b-b...

- Business? - That's right.

- Do you mind if we go along? - We?

Give me moral support. Bung these inside, will you?

(Knocking) - Come in.

Ah, there you are, lad. Hello, Lissa.

I expected to find you mumbling a last fond message.

- Sit thee down, lass. - Thank you.

I've a fond message but not me last by any manner of means.

- I've right good news for thee. - Tell me quick. How much?

It's not exactly a matter of brass, though you'll get your share of that.

It's more a thing of satisfaction. We're going ahead to mine molybdenum.

Plans drawn up, lads to do t'job engaged.

Within a week, we'll be producing a metal t'country's badly in need of.

- And it can thank you. - I shall burst into tears.

I'll not embarrass thee, but I had to have me say.

OK, Tom. But can you take a word of advice?

I've been all over those old workings. They're in pretty bad shape.

Timber's rotten. As for the hanging walls...

First parties to go down will take a hell of a risk.

That's very interesting, but it's your headache, not mine.

- I don't get you. - Checked up on your mining record.

Found you were a right good man and decided to give you t'job.

- Oh, you did, hm? - Aye, lad.

And you've a man-sized task ahead of you.

Let me get this clear. Wait a minute.

You mean you're asking me to reopen the Porthmerryn mine?

Aye, I'm doing just that.

I'm sorry, Tom. Thanks and all that.

- Kit, you can't be refusing. - Nay, he wouldn't be so daft.

Has it ever occurred to you I might not want a man-sized task?

I might prefer being free, doing the things I like to.

Not grubbing about in the bowels of the earth.

- Wouldn't be danger you don't fancy? - Who does?

So they were right in what they've all been saying about thee.

Thou's no guts. Good job t'lads in forces don't have t'same ideas.

It'd be a bad lookout for all of us if they had.

Mind your own blasted business! Find someone else.

Aye, I will. I'll not let your regard for your health hold up production.

I'll do t'job myself and be damned to you.

It's quixotic but foolish, Tom, at your age.

Aye, well, I'll risk that.

OK. Come on, Lissa.

When you do, go easy on the dynamite

or you'll have the whole lot down on top of your heads.

Don't forget, Tom, keep those charges small.

- Kit, it's not... - Please, don't say it.

(Whistles Miller Of Dee tune)

# And nobody cares for me - Kit.

All right.

Attractive, this part of the country, don't you think?

Yes, very.

Mind you don't exceed the speed limit, miss!

How many miles does it do to the gallon?

(Kit whistles)

Kit, please stop.

Whoa. Whoa.

It's no good, Kit. I can't go on.

The Miller of Dee idea just doesn't work.

I see. Are you going to make me get out and walk? I will if you like.

Oh, Kit, don't. These cheap jokes after... after what we've just seen.

Oh, I know we promised not to intrude in each other's lives, but...

but if there's any reason for living as you do,

for turning down this chance today of doing something worthwhile,

something for the war, then, for heaven's sake, Kit, tell me.

Or is there nothing to tell?

No, nothing.

Then let me know this, at least.

Is it really that you're a... a coward,

that you're frightened of getting hurt, of... of dying?

Now, look here.

I told you the kind of bloke I am. I believe in enjoying myself.

I think that's what we were put in the world for.

- Do you really mean that? - Yes. Yes, I really mean that.

But I can understand you being afraid.

Everyone's afraid of dying, but... but not to care, to be so utterly selfish.

To be, in fact, like our old friend, the Miller of Dee.

It's no news to you, is it?

No.

I suppose in my heart I didn't believe you really meant it. Until now.

Well, it all seems to have been a great big misunderstanding, doesn't it?

- Goodbye, Lissa. - I'm... I'm going back to the hotel.

- Can I drop you anywhere? - No, no. It's all right.

Ooh, I'll grab these sandwiches.

You won't want them if you're eating at the hotel.

Well, cheerio. I'll see you around sometime, I expect.

Goodbye.

# Merrily shall I live now

# Under the blossom that hangs on the bough

# Under the blossom that hangs on the bough

The master and the boatswain being awake, enforce them to this place,

And presently, I prithee.

I drink the air before me, and return Or ere your pulse twice beat.

Sally! It wouldn't be a bad idea if you wore a practice costume and flat heels.

Where do I get the coupons?

Will you try the next scene? I'll be back in a minute.

- How's the telephone going? - I be near finished 'em.

Just got to put a call through to headquarters to test the line.

Hi! Kit!

Come down and give me a hand!

Well, don't take all day.

- Come on, hurry up. - All right. Keep your shirt on.

- Well, what do you want? - Help me make a list of these.

OK.

One tatty cape, in urgent need of delousing.

Put it down as Prospero's magic robe.

One pair of tights, very hairy.

Make even our Caliban look tough.

You know, Judy, you're just about the most understanding female in the world.

I bet you say that to all the girls.

Don't suppose there's a woman living who wouldn't be saying, "I told you so."

Judy, remember when we were kids,

how we used to sit on your scullery steps and blow soap bubbles?

Yes.

Sometimes no bubbles came at all, just a noise.

Then suddenly there'd be the most lovely thing floating in front of us,

all colours of the rainbow.

We'd stretch out our hands to grab it and... nothing.

You're getting a bit lyrical. What's it all in aid of?

Hm? Oh, I don't know, only I tried to grab one...

Nothing?

You'll get over it.

- You want to talk about her? - No.

Yes.

You see, Judy, she has everything I ever wanted in a woman.

Warmth, honesty, bubbliness.

Life could have been so right.

- What happened? - She got sick of my act, that's all.

- You never told her, then? - No.

Kit, it had to end soon.

It's better now than... later.

I be finished 'em now.

Place be linked up with the outside world.

- That's a relief, anyway. - I don't know.

Telephone wires carry as much bad news as good.

- You're a pessimistic bloke. - Don't know about that.

Take now. I put a call through to the exchange to test the line.

Do I hear wages be doubled or war be over? No.

- Disaster in Porthmerryn mine. - Porthmerryn?

Aye, big fall of rock. Some good lads trapped.

I told that goddamn fool to keep the charges small!

(Coughs)

There you are, miss. I've been looking for you all over. There's your Thermos.

It's coffee. The chef was a bit stingy with the sugar. I tipped a bit more in.

Thank you, Albert. I only came in for my music, but...

- I might have saved the time. - You mustn't do a thing like that.

- Good gracious. Wasn't it a good tune? - No.

Oh, what a pity. You can make a lot of money out of a good foxtrot.

Yes, I believe you can. Goodbye, Albert, and thank you very much.

Thank you, miss. But... don't you want to know what happened to your friends?

- My friends? - Mr Tanner...

- What about Mr Tanner? - You mean you don't know?

He's trapped in the mine. Only saw him at breakfast...

- Albert, what happened? - He took a party down the mine.

They started blasting and the roof fell all on top on them.

- Is he still alive? - Reckon there's a chance.

Rescue party's down another working.

Your Mr Firth thinks they can hack through.

- Mr Firth? - Yes, it was his idea.

- He's leading the rescue party. - Oh!

Is there any news?

Judy!

Judy, what's happened?

Kit sent up a message to say he could hear the men tapping.

- That was more than an hour ago. - It's moving!

Ready. Ready on the trap.

Close the trap. Lower.

- What's happened? - Are they safe?

No, they still be trapped. Mr Firth, too, I reckon.

He blasted a way through, were reaching them, when there were another fall.

'Tween them and us, bigger than the first, hundreds of tons of rock.

- What are you going to do? - Get more tackle and try again.

- What about Mr Firth? - Trapped with the others, if he be alive.

(Explosion)

Well, we're still here.

Aye, but that's t'third fall in 15 minutes and they get nearer every time.

Well, I'm bored of this place. Let's get out.

- Let's have the plan of the workings. - Under t'pile of rock back yonder.

- I didn't stop to collect it. - That's a pity.

Well, I'll have to rely on my memory, that's all. Let's see.

Mm-hm. Mm-hm.

Take cover.

- All right? - Aye.

(Dull thud)

Uh-huh. That about checks out.

What's in thou mind, lad?

Well, Tom, if we're where I think we are, just about this spot here,

only ten feet of wall separates us from a ventilation shaft.

We could blast our way through and escape.

Aye, and if we're not where you think we are...

Then there's an underwater level. It's been flooded about 20 years.

- We'll get very wet. - Inside and out.

- Aye. - There's another snag, Tom.

The longest steel for the drill I've got is a six-footer

and there's at least ten feet of rock to blast away here, so...

I shan't be able to keep the charges small.

Aye, space is a bit confined, like, for a heavy charge.

So it looks as if we'll either be drowned or blasted to death.

- That's about the size of it. - What do you say, lads?

Shall we take t'chance of rescue parties reaching us or do as he says?

We shall all be dead before rescue party reaches us.

I'd rather be drowned quick than wait for the air to give out.

Let's take a chance and not wait till the end.

I think you're right. Well, it's up to thee, lad.

- Go on. Drill away. - OK. Give...

- Sorry, Tom. One point we overlooked. - What's that?

That last fall has probably busted the air line and the drill won't work.

Bung it over, will you?

OK.

Well, here goes.

(Drilling)

It's OK. Right, get hold of that steel.

There she is.

(Hissing air)

Well, that's as far as we go.

- Right, give us the pills. - Here you are.

- Some more. - More?

Hm.

And another.

Aye, well, that ought to blow us all to bits nice and quietly.

Well, it's our only chance. Fuse.

Well, there it is, boys.

Get behind whatever you can and keep your fingers crossed.

- That means you too. - Aye, I'll take cover.

But before you fire that charge, I'd like to ask you a question.

What's on your mind, Tom?

Well, in a way, I'm almost glad this happened,

if only to know you're not t'lily-livered quitter I thought you were.

You'd no call to risk your own skin by coming down here, but you came.

Yet when I offered you a job, you turned it down. Why?

It don't make sense, lad.

Well, if we're going to be killed, it won't do you any good to know.

And if we're not, I'd still rather you didn't know.

OK, Tom?

All right, lad. And whatever happens, I'm sorry for what I said.

Thanks, Tom.

Well, boys, this is it.

We'll never see Kit again, never.

Judy, there's still hope. That explosion...

It was just another fall of rock.

He might be under it.

Why did he try and save those people? They're not his friends.

- They didn't even like him! - Shh.

Listen, everybody! They be saved, I tell you! They be saved!

- (Excited shouting) - They be right over here!

Well, he sticks his face through t'hole which he'd just blasted

and he said, "You silly old..." something or other.

"Didn't I tell you to keep t'charges small?"

Still, I'd like to know what's at t'back of all this.

- Maybe he's in t'Secret Service. - You've been reading thrillers.

No, I think he's just got an attitude towards life

and he means to keep it against all-comers.

- Even that takes courage. - What are you messing with there?

Just mending something I tried to destroy.

- I'm still leaving here. - Running away, lass?

Yes. You see, this doesn't make any difference.

Although I know he's not a coward,

there's so much he stands for that I hate and resent.

- Are you going to tell him so? - No.

I'm just going to say I'm sorry for having doubted his courage.

And then take to your heels.

As fast and as far as they'll carry me.

Braille, isn't it?

Yes.

Is it... Will it be necessary?

Yes.

Oh, Kit.

And I thought...

Why, oh, why didn't you tell me?

I couldn't.

It's pity, Lissa. I... I can't bear pity.

I dread seeing that look coming into people's eyes.

I've dreaded seeing it in yours worst of all.

Oh, my darling.

Shh.

Oh, Kit. I love you.

I love you and I was so cruel.

You know I love you.

I must have hurt you so badly.

When? How did it happen?

About a year ago, in the RAF.

A near miss by a cannon shell.

- Near miss? - Hm.

Blast. Does queer things.

Well, something pressing on the optic nerve

and when it gets to a certain point...

- How long? - About three months, at the most.

I blamed you for not taking Tom's job.

Well, I didn't want to spend my last few months underground.

But, Kit, they can't just sit back and watch you going blind.

- Can't something be done? - I could have an operation.

Then why in heaven's name don't you?

Well... I turned it down.

- What? - No, I'm not raving mad.

You see, when I first knew about this, I decided I couldn't, I wouldn't take it.

Well, that there was nothing left to live for.

Then Judy turned up. She soon put a stop to all that.

She knew what was in my mind. She never left me alone for a moment.

Poor kid. She had a pretty rotten time. I wasn't the best of company.

Anyway, she made me promise that, whatever happened,

I wouldn't take that way out.

I shall always thank her for that.

Oh, darling.

So after that I went and saw another doctor,

one of the biggest brain men living.

He told me he could operate but warned me my chances of coming through alive

were about 100 to one against.

I'd have thought you of all people would have taken the chance. I would have.

So would I.

But when I talked it over with Judy, she made me see it wasn't a chance at all,

just suicide.

The very thing you'd promised her not to do.

Don't think I wouldn't have given anything to have had it.

But Judy showed me that every alibi I could find,

every reason I could think of, was just an excuse.

An excuse to get out of fumbling my way about,

being dependent on my friends,

helped across the road by kindly strangers.

And always in the dark.

The dark.

I'm sorry about that.

Judy's a very thorough sort of person, isn't she?

Well, now you see the Miller of Dee idea in all its true glory.

It doesn't make any difference, you know.

I'm still going to walk out, no strings, no comebacks.

- You're not going, are you? - Yes, I must. I've got a lot of thinking to do.

Couldn't you stay just a little longer?

No, darling. There's something I want to work out, for both of us.

- But, darling... - Don't ask me what it is.

And... thank you for telling me.

No. Don't stop me. I...

I want to go. I must go... now.

(Knocking)

- Lissa, is anything the matter? - Yes.

- Kit? - Yes.

- Tell me, quick. - He's going blind.

Oh. So he's told you. Why wake me? I can't do anything.

- You're going to. - What do you mean?

This operation.

Have you ever backed a 100-to-one chance?

No, but they have come in and I've got a hunch...

A lot of good your hunches would be with Kit stretched out on a slab.

Judy, he's eating his heart out.

I've never seen a man so at war with himself.

Every natural instinct is urging him to take this chance.

- And I'm urging him not to, is that it? - Yes.

Well, I'll go on doing it. I've got his promise and Kit doesn't break his word.

- You're in love with him. - I thought we cleared all that up.

I've known him all my life, I like him...

You love him.

Yes.

Yes, I love him all right.

I've watched him flirt and kiss and sleep his way through a dozen affairs,

listened to his heart-throbs, given him advice.

It's one way I could keep him, by being his friend,

the girl who knew him too well to fall for him, made no demands.

It must have been hell.

It was.

All the time I was only waiting till he needed me.

Somewhere in my heart I knew I couldn't love him so much,

go through so much and never be wanted.

And when this happened, I knew what it was all for,

that at last he was going to be mine.

You'd like to have him. But you want him whole, no blemishes.

Nothing so uncomfortable as blindness.

Do you think I'd help you to get him? Do you think I'd be such a fool?

Judy, you wouldn't let him go blind to keep him.

Wouldn't I? I'd do anything to keep him. Anything in the world.

But you wouldn't keep him. Can't you see that?

Can you imagine Kit with all his love of life and beauty blind?

In six months he'd have drunk himself to death or flung himself over a cliff.

I'll be there to see he doesn't.

You're ruthless, aren't you?

Well, so am I. If you don't let Kit have his chance, I'll take him from you.

I mean it. I'll go to him now, tonight.

If I do what you say...

If he has the operation and it succeeds,

I'll go away, right out of the picture.

He'll be yours.

If you can get him.

If he dies, you'll have killed him.

I'll tell you what to say to him tomorrow.

Whoa.

- Lissa, it's going to be all right. - Yes, Kit.

We have to look beyond this immediate unpleasantness

to all the wonderful things that lie ahead.

You know what I mean.

We won't talk about it now, but that's the thought I'm keeping in front of me.

- It is all right, isn't it? - Kit!

As far away from the entrance as possible. Here you are.

- What's this? - Food.

- There's no dining car on the train. - Isn't she wonderful?

Thinks of everything. Thank you, darling.

- You'll write to us? - Hm? Oh, sure.

I'll send you a view of the hospital, mark my room with a cross.

- Make it a circle. - Oh, yes.

- I wish you'd let me come with you. - Sorry, my dear. You wouldn't get in.

The free list's suspended in that theatre.

You've got quite enough on hand with your own show.

I expect to hear you've got a smash hit on Thursday.

They won't have done anything by then?

No, they're going to keep me under observation for the first week.

- Sounds vaguely rude, doesn't it? - (Whistle blows)

Well, goodbye, Lissa.

Be good, and have that red carpet rolled out to welcome me home.

It'll be waiting.

Bye.

Well, goodbye, kid.

- Bye, Judy. - Bye, Kit!

Bye, Lissa. See you soon!

Do it like this, not like this.

OK.

When I give the signal, start the storm, but drop it down when the artists speak.

It don't seem n-n-natural. Storms don't stop for human v-v-v...

- Voices. - Orders.

(Chatter)

- All ready? Good luck, everybody. (Phone rings)

ACTORS: Good luck. - Don't forget that...

Eh, Lissa. Phone call from London.

Hello?

Yes, this is Miss Campbell.

What?

When?

But why?

Oh. All right, I see. I understand.

Thank you for letting me know.

Kit's being operated on. The surgeon doing it is being posted overseas.

It had to be today or never. We're to ring back in half an hour.

- Half an hour? But... - Leave it to me, lass.

I'll book t'call. Audience is waiting.

But, Tom, I can't go on, not yet. Not till I know.

Aye, but they're getting fidgety. They won't wait that long.

Don't you realise Kit's being operated on now?

Maybe. Still, hanging round t'phone won't help.

- Better to be working. - I can't, Tom. I can't. I can't!

Come on. We can't stay here all night.

(Audience boos and whistles)

There, lass. Thou wouldn't sell out on us like that.

I want to go on, I've never let an audience down in my life, but...

I can't, Tom, I just can't.

Judy, don't. I feel just as badly about this as you do,

but you know he would want you to go on.

You keep out of this. If it wasn't for you, he'd be here,

not on that operating table!

Well, don't worry, love. I reckon we'll just have to call t'show off.

No, Tom. We won't do that.

Ladies and gentlemen, owing to the indisposition of Miss Judy Martin,

the show won't start for half an hour.

But keep your seats, please. We've a special treat.

Now, many of you know Miss Lissa Campbell who's been staying down here.

Well, it appears she's not Lissa Campbell at all, but Felicity Crichton,

famous London pianist.

She's stepped into t'breach and is going to play us her own latest composition.

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Felicity Crichton.

Keep your chin up, lass, and let them have it.

# Cornish Rhapsody

Oh, I'm sorry, Tom. I am trying, but...

I can't help thinking what's happening to Kit.

Aye, but pull thyself together, love.

Remember Lissa out there playing. What do you suppose she's thinking?

(Discordant note, gasps from audience)

She's coming round.

- Judy. - What is it?

Kit... You were right.

If I hadn't interfered, he'd be alive now.

But I was so sure.

Everything went off fine. He's going to be all right.

You had the faith and the guts. I'd never have dared if you hadn't made me.

It was just a bluff.

I couldn't have done a thing.

You see, I'm going to die.

- Lissa. - It's true.

Oh, Lissa.

Well, isn't there a chance?

Does Kit know?

- Are you going to tell him? - I said I'd go away, didn't I?

Yes.

If only we could have had a few months together.

Judy, would it make such a lot of difference to you, just a few months?

I can't get things straight, Lissa. I'm trying to think of Kit.

If he knew, he'd make you marry him.

He'd be happy for a little while and then...

- What? - I don't know.

He'd be miserable for years remembering me. Is that what you were going to say?

It is, I know. It's true.

Oh, Lissa. Isn't there anything else I can do? Anything else?

No, it's all right.

All right. Just leave me alone, that's all, if you don't mind.

Ugh!

Now, are we all right? We must look our best when we have visitors, mustn't we?

- Oh, yes, we must. (Knocking)

Miss Campbell, come in. The patient's quite seeable.

He's just had a good wash and put on some new pyjamas,

so he's ready for anything.

- That's right, isn't it, Mr Firth? - Hm? Oh, yes, that's right, Nurse.

Well, I'll leave you, then. Don't get the patient overexcited.

(Door closes) - Oh, darling.

I thought you were never coming.

Hey, you look paler, thinner in the face. You've been worrying.

No, I haven't. I knew you'd come through.

You won't find me staring at you like a maniac any more.

No need for precious memories. I shall be seeing you for the rest of my life.

Kit, someone may come in.

What? What, Nurse Nichols? I've been training her for days.

What's it like here? Food's awful, I suppose.

- No, it's not too bad. - Are you allowed to read yet?

Mm-hm. Not too much, of course.

- Nothing wrong, is there? - Course not.

Got you a couple of magazines and some cigarettes.

Not the conventional grapes. There aren't any.

Thanks.

- Lissa, you're like a stranger. - Nonsense, Kit.

It's just because we haven't seen each other for a long time, that's all.

Do you mind if I don't stay long? I've got a tremendous amount to do.

- Packing and... - Packing?

Yes, I'm going on tour, playing to the troops. It should be rather fun.

North Africa, Gibraltar and so on.

- When will you come back? - Not for months.

I don't know exactly. I... came to say goodbye, really.

Look, Kit, I... I ought to go now.

Lissa, what is it? For God's sake, I... I don't understand.

It's just that I have to go on this tour and I'm madly busy, that's all.

- But I want you to marry me. - Kit... Don't ask me that.

- We made a bargain, remember? - But we love each other. In Cornwall...

We do love each other, don't we?

We're not in Cornwall now.

Don't let's spoil it. We always said no strings, no comebacks.

- But it's different now. - It's not different with me.

I spent too long down there and now I've got to get on with my work.

I'm sorry, Kit. I... I hope you won't feel bitter.

I must go now. I'm late and... and the shops shut so early.

Yes, it'd be a pity if the shops were closed.

Goodbye.

# Romantic piano piece

- Well, boys, what next? - How about giving us some jive, sister?

What about Silver Threads Among The Gold?

No. Pick Me Up, Daddy.

What about the one my old man used to sing in the last war?

Take Us Back To Dear Old Blighty.

I'm sure everybody listening at home will be very thrilled

to hear the boys in the desert, somewhere in North Africa,

singing this old, old favourite.

(Plays intro)

# Take me back to dear old Blighty

# Put me on the train for London town

# Take me over there Drop me anywhere...

Well, lasses and lads,

this season at t'open-air theatre's been my first venture in show business.

- And maybe it's me last. - No.

But whether or no, it's been a right happy experience.

And I'm only sorry that Judy and all of you

are going back to London tomorrow, leaving Kit and me behind.

Cut out the sob stuff. This is a party.

Aye, you're right there, lass.

Here's good luck to all of us, wherever we may be.

Good luck, Tom.

- Judy, is there? - I'm busy, Kit.

I've got to get some sandwiches.

Hadn't you better look after the guests?

Judy, do you really want to go home tomorrow?

Of course I do. I've been away from London too long as it is.

Give me a light.

BOTH: It worked.

Thank you.

Judy, remember the day you saw me off at the station?

Yes.

Well, I realised something then I hadn't thought of before.

You mean that I was in love with you?

Yes.

And I was pretty slow on the uptake, wasn't I?

You were too busy being in love with Lissa. You still are, aren't you?

I don't know. I don't think so.

Can't go on being in love with a girl who's ditched you for a keyboard.

Remember, she knew the keyboard first.

You're wonderful, Judy. You put everything in its proper perspective.

Judy, why don't we get married? It isn't one of these desperate love scenes.

We know each other too well for that.

But, well, we're used to having each other around.

I know this is a pretty shop-soiled offer, but if you would have me,

I'd do my very best to make you happy.

I'll have you, Kit.

Hm? Oh.

Well, that's fine. Now, hadn't we better get back to the guests?

Yes, I suppose we'd better. You take these.

Listen, everybody, listen! We've got some news for you.

Tell them, Kit.

Well, Judy and I are... are going to get married.

(All offer congratulations) - When's it going to happen?

Well, I suppose I ought to congratulate you both.

- Wish us happiness, Tom? - Well, of course, lass.

I wish you all the happiness in the world, if you're going to marry.

- But this is a bit sudden, isn't it? - Sudden?

I've known her since she was in her pram, haven't I, Judy?

There may be some dance music from the other programme.

# Blighty is the place for me

LISSA: That was grand. What do you want next?

SOLDIER: If you please, Miss Crichton, how about Beethoven's Sonata in G?

I don't think there's time for that.

Well, that's not dance music, either.

Come on, everybody. We need some more drink.

Enjoying the moonlight?

Let's take a little walk, shall we?

- Well, you know what's in my mind. - I can guess.

You can't go on wi' it, Judy. Kit's in love with Lissa and you know it.

He asked me to marry him, I know that.

Aye, that's what's puzzling me.

- Did he tell thee he loved thee? - Well, no, but...

Aye, I thought not.

You saw what happened when he heard Lissa's voice on the radio.

It was the unexpectedness of it, that's all. He's getting over her.

Well, maybe and maybe not.

At t'moment, he's fooling hisself that you can make a do of it, but you can't.

We will. Tom, I can be everything to him. I'm part of him, his childhood.

- I'm not afraid. - Nay, lass, his heart's tied up with Lissa.

And if he never sees her again, he's hers for life.

That mayn't be very long.

Eh? What's that?

I shouldn't tell you this, Tom, but I want you to understand about us.

Lissa's dying. The doctors have given her less than a year.

I'll not believe it.

You'll have to tell him, Judy. Lad has t'right to think for hisself.

Besides, doctors may be wrong.

They told my grandma when she were 17 she'd only three months

and she died when she were 86 from drinking too much port.

I won't tell him. I can't.

I thought thou had more sense, lass, trying to fool thouself that road.

You can't twist folk's lives just to suit thysen.

This is one time you're not going to have your own way.

You're not going to have yours.

I've been fighting for Kit for years and I'm going to keep him.

- If you try to interfere, I'll... (Kit whistles Miller Of Dee tune)

- Are you going to tell him? - No, you are.

I'll not believe that anyone with eyes like my Ellie

could cheat a dying lass of her happiness.

I'm not going to lose Kit.

- What are you conspiring about? - Oh, I...

I was just trying to persuade Tom to back the season next summer.

- Is he coming across? - He's an obstinate old devil.

- He expects too much. - Judy's a bit obstinate herself.

- But she'll come to my way of thinking. - Never.

Sounds a bit definite. Shall we go and dance?

(Orchestra plays classical music)

Now, now, do sit down and rest.

I can't, Ray. I can't.

- You'd better take your drops, anyway. - No, thank you. I don't want them.

You oughtn't to be playing, really. I told you that.

Do you think anything could stop me now?

This is what I've worked for ever since I started to play.

(Knocking)

- Miss Crichton? - Tom!

Hello, Lissa. I just popped in to wish you luck.

Let's have a look at you.

Hey! You look lovely.

I brought you these.

Thank you, Tom. They're beautiful.

Fresh from t'Scillies.

I thought they only grew cabbages there now.

Nay.

Sit down.

When... When did you come up?

- Today. - Then you've seen Kit. Is he well?

- Aye, he's right fit now. - And happy? With Judy, I mean?

- So you know about that? - That they're getting married? Yes.

Some kind friend from the hotel sent me a good-luck wire and broke the news.

I'll bet I know who that was, the old vulture.

Kit didn't... He didn't give you a message for me,

wishing me luck or anything?

No. Perhaps he meant to, but I didn't see him before I left.

(Sniffs)

Oh, come, come, lass. This won't do.

You can't go on t'platform with swollen eyes.

Oh, Tom. If only he'd sent me a word, one little word,

just to show that at least he doesn't hate me now.

I'm sorry to make a scene.

(Door opens)

(Applause)

Ready, Lissa?

God bless you, lass.

This is it, Lissa. Make your playing tell them all you want to say.

(Applause)

# Cornish Rhapsody

(Music ends, applause)

Kit!

Kit...

Lissa. It's all right.

Kit.

You came.

Judy.

Of course.

You must forgive me.

It's just nerves. I...

It was sweet of you both to come.

You managed to get back in.

Oh, yes, I pulled a few strings.

When are you getting married?

- We're not. - Judy, what on earth are you?

Keep out of this, please, Kit.

You can guess what I've got to say.

I think so, but you can't give him up now.

Do you think I'd give him up ever, if he were mine to give?

He never has been mine, least of all since you went away.

I tried to tell myself you were meaningless to him as time went on.

In my heart I knew I was lying.

And now, tonight, what the hell?

Goodbye, Kit, and thanks for trying so hard.

Now, just a minute. What's going on here?

I don't know what you both think you're up to, but this concerns me, too.

I didn't want to come here tonight, but since you made me,

let's get one point straight: I asked you to marry me, you accepted

and nothing's happened to change that.

Lissa made it quite plain how she felt about things when she walked out on me.

She didn't walk out on you.

She... I don't understand.

She'll tell you. Give me a light.

- Lissa, is it true? - Judy, what?

If I'd had a chance of keeping him, I'd have seen you in hell first.

I'll keep this, for laughs.

Judy.

Nay, nay, nay.

Darling, I keep on telling you, they can't be sure.

Oh, Kit, it's no good starting something I can't finish.

Giving you happiness for a little while and... and then...

Oh, darling.

Happiness such as we can have is worth grasping,

even it it's only for a day, an hour.

If you can stand on the highest peak for one moment,

you've had what most people strive in vain for all their lives.

- Oh, Kit, if only I could believe it. - Darling, listen to me.

You say you've only a few months.

Well, how long has anyone in the world? How long have I? A month? A year?

Well, perhaps I'll get away with it altogether. And so may you.

But we're all living dangerously. There isn't any certainty any more.

There's just today and the hope of tomorrow.

Oh, darling.

Please let's take all the happiness we can, while we can.

Don't be afraid.

All right, my darling.

I won't be afraid.

I'll never be afraid any more.

(Drone of engines)