Original subtitles

~ Are we going to reopen? ~ I'm working on it.

Michael Regan.

The police aren't pursuing a prosecution against you.

~ It wasn't Violette's fault. ~ You?

I'm asking you to dinner, not to marry me.

~ You're losing your nerve. ~ No, I'm not losing my nerve.

Trust me, I know what I'm doing.

If he thinks I'm taking orders from his son,

he's got another thing coming.

We have to give Billy what he wants.

Billy!

(COLLISION)

It's very Christian of you

to bear the responsibility of the wake, Miss Mardle.

Well, it's been a very difficult time for Mr Grove.

It's the least I can do.

Even so, you're a loyal friend.

Thank you.

Of all the people...

She was too young.

It only seems like yesterday we were all starting out together.

(DOORBELL)

Mr Selfridge, we weren't expecting you.

I came to pay my respects.

Is it a suitable time?

Yes, of course. Mr Grove is in the dining room.

Please come in.

Can I come in?

No, you can't. It's not appropriate. Please go.

She's only just been buried. Give it time, Billy.

I don't even know where Doris is laid.

The western side of Kensal Green...

for the morning sun.

The number 26 bus takes you there.

(COIN CLINKS)

What a world.

Chief,

you didn't have to come.

Well, Doris was one of us.

Thank you for the flowers.

Would you like some tea, Mr Selfridge?

Thank you, Miss Mardle, yes.

Who was that young man?

Young man?

Er... Oh...

It was a delivery boy.

I'll get you the tea, Mr Selfridge.

How are you holding up?

~ (RESTRAINED SOB) ~ It's all right, Roger.

What was she doing...

running across a road?

It's difficult to believe it was God's will.

They're crying for her...

The children.

How were they when you told them?

They don't know.

I said she was away visiting family.

I've been in your shoes.

My children got me through.

They're stronger than you think.

Small piece about you in a column today.

'The music, cocktails and charm of the enigmatic Mr Colleano

make for an intoxicating evening.'

~ Just here to give us the reviews? ~ (CHUCKLES)

I have some friends who I'd like welcomed.

They'll be in and out as they see fit.

~ And who are they? ~ Just friends, George.

Just leave their names with Elsa.

Things going well... backstage?

I'll get the rake.

How are you working it?

Well, those in the know ask for the clubroom.

And we vet them and then we take 'em through here.

Had a little flutter in here yet, George?

Gambling's not my thing.

You're missing out on one of life's joys.

If you say so.

Think you're a bit above this?

Of course he doesn't.

I can speak for myself.

I don't think I'm above this, no.

My only concern is for my friend

and our club.

Both of which are in the pink at the moment,

wouldn't you say?

I hear what's-her-name -

the Selfridge girl - hasn't been here much of late.

She's got a name. Violette.

All over between you two?

Selfridge bring you to heel, did he?

(SIGHS) Shame.

She's a draw.

I'm afraid I'm not like you, Mr Regan.

Looking for angles the whole time.

(CHUCKLES)

Dogs is dogs, Victor.

(DOOR SHUTS)

(SIGHS)

Thank you for minding them.

Children...

I have something to tell you.

Ah, Mr Crabb.

I have an appointment, Miss Plunkett.

He isn't there.

It's almost five o'clock.

We have the report to finalise for the shareholders' meeting.

~ Do you know when he'll return? ~ Your guess is as good as mine.

After the wake, my first thought was to see you.

Oh, sounds like such a difficult day.

Hm...

Brings a lot of feelings back up to the surface.

Life is fragile.

I mean, we think we know how it'll turn out.

Nothing is guaranteed.

No.

That's why we have to work hard here and now

to achieve what we desire.

And I know you.

As soon as this project's up and running,

you'll be on to the next grand Selfridge scheme.

It sounds like you want it all to be over, Miss Webb.

No. Not at all.

~ Let's go out. ~ Where?

Wherever the wind takes us.

(BOTH LAUGH)

Tabac Blond by Caron.

Straight from Paris.

What do you think?

It's beautiful.

No, Harry, I couldn't possibly take it.

(Oh, no, it's OK. I know the owner.)

(CHUCKLES)

We shouldn't be here. It feels wrong.

We must all do things that feel illicit sometimes.

Fashion next I think.

Come on.

(GIGGLES)

(CHUCKLES)

(LIFT DINGS)

How are things at the store?

I'm sure Gordon could do with me around, getting him out of scrapes.

Mr Selfridge has made it very clear there's no rush for you to return.

(CHILD CRIES)

Do you want to go to them?

I told them when I came home.

That must have been terribly difficult.

One cannot hide news of that magnitude.

No.

I have something for you.

It was Doris's.

She always spoke so highly of you.

I know she would have liked you to have it.

~ I can't accept it. ~ It's a thank you.

You don't have to thank me.

I don't have many friends.

Always so busy with work and the family.

Something like this makes you realise.

Your support has been beyond the call of duty.

Please.

I shall keep it as a memento of Doris.

Good.

Good night, Roger.

Hello, Bill. How are you? You all right?

~ Gentlemen, would you like a table? ~ No, thanks.

~ Evening, gents. ~ These are friends of Mr Regan.

Are you looking for the clubroom?

(LAUGHS) No, Mr Colleano.

~ Ah, you look beautiful. ~ (GIGGLES)

(GASPS)

Straight up or with a kick?

Oh, no, straight.

~ I'm giddy enough already! ~ (CHUCKLES)

~ (CORK POPS) ~ Ooh!

(BOTH LAUGH)

I love spending time with you like this.

So, tell me, Mr Selfridge,

do you often run riot with ladies in your store?

You know, this is the first time.

Mm... I find that hard to believe.

If I owned this place, I'd be here all the time.

Mm...

I'm going to tell you something not very many people know.

(CLEARS THROAT)

I'm not the owner of Selfridge's any more.

~ Not outright anyhow. ~ What?

I had a little trouble raising the finance for our estate,

so I had to sell off some of my shares.

~ How many? ~ 5%.

Takes my personal holding below 50%. So it's not a problem.

You shouldn't have done that.

Why not?

Well, the store is everything to you.

The store will still be here in 100 years.

I care about what's important today.

The budget can cover sideboards if we opt for the cheaper tables.

I'll see how the numbers work out.

Now, living rooms...

Late night catching up with you?

Yes...

a little.

Why don't you leave me to finish up?

Oh... Well, are you sure?

Your father's asked me to attend the shareholders' meeting this morning.

He does like an audience.

So things are still difficult between the two of you?

~ I'm finding a way through it. ~ Good.

~ Go on. I'll be fine. ~ Oh, thank you.

Keeping up to date with the Paris Peace Conference?

Horses, actually.

I thought she'd never leave.

Nancy and I have a lot to do.

Want some help?

What do you know about furnishing soldiers' houses?

Plenty.

First, I want to show you something.

What do you reckon?

Yeah, I know it's not a Rolls Royce or a Bugatti, but...

Handsome.

How can you afford it?

The club's doing all right.

Why don't you take me there tonight?

I can tell Pa I'm going to the theatre with a friend.

Yeah. Maybe.

How about we get the wind in our hair first?

I would have preferred it if you'd looked this over yesterday, Mr Selfridge.

The accounts aren't the most dazzling,

but I've tried to outline the mitigating factors.

It's first-class, Mr Crabb. Shall we go?

~ Have you read the addendum? ~ Of course.

I adore your addendums, Mr Crabb.

(LIFT DINGS)

~ Guess who's back... ~ What a surprise.

I thought you weren't back till the weekend.

We caught an earlier boat train. Serge has business to attend to.

~ Are you free for tea? ~ I would love nothing more,

but we are on our way to a shareholders' meeting.

Business, business...

As shareholders, you're more than welcome to join us.

(EMBARRASSED LAUGH)

Or you could take tea at the emporium...

~ with my compliments. ~ Oh, how generous.

What a very kind man you are.

Please don't let me keep you.

Until this evening, then.

(LIFT DINGS)

~ Oh, how lovely. ~ And I want to order some new headed paper.

De Bolotoff and De Sibour Enterprises.

Who is this De Sibour?

~ A new business partner, Mother. I told you. ~ Oh...

He's an aviator and we have grand plans.

Shall we?

You could charge the stationery to Rosalie's account.

Thank you, Madame Selfridge, but I have capital of my own.

I have some premises to look at later. Would you like to come?

I'm meeting friends. I'll see you at home.

~ Bye. Bye, Grandma. ~ Goodbye.

Let me hail you a cab.

Why, thank you!

Something happened in Paris.

Doesn't it always?

I thought these could go faster.

Are you saying I can't keep up with you? Is that what you're saying?

All right, hold on!

(SHRIEKS)

(WHOOPS)

Sales are a little flat,

but Selfridge's remains No 0.1 on Oxford Street.

Why?

Because we continue to understand what the customers want.

They want hope, they want life,

sensuality...

Death has stalked the fields of Europe for too long.

Now is the time for all of us to look to the future.

Motion to approve the report and accounts, say aye.

~ ALL: Aye! ~ Thank you.

Any questions? No...

I have one.

How much longer are you going to take advantage of your shareholders, Mr Selfridge?

~ What are you doing here? ~ Answer the question.

Lord Loxley, this is a most improper invasion.

You need to be a shareholder to attend this meeting.

Oh. Well...

5% do?

Picked them up for a song not two weeks ago.

Let's call the meeting to an end and reconvene.

I'm not running from him.

Lord Loxley, if you have something to say,

let's hear it.

I've learned of certain facts

that show Mr Selfridge runs this company

as if it were his personal piggybank.

~ What facts? ~ Erm...

A residence at Arlington Street,

four vehicles,

allowances for each of his children.

Is it not true that all of these 'expenses'

go through the chairman's account?

Is that true, Mr Selfridge?

Mr Selfridge's children are ambassadors for the store.

(SCOFFS) Ambassadors?

He has committed no crime.

Technically, perhaps not.

But what does it say about the man?

It says he doesn't care.

It says he has lost interest in this company.

~ That is not true. ~ Ah!

Such loyalty...

from the young heir to the throne.

Your leader has thrown away his majority share.

He has sold his own shares whilst they're at rock-bottom prices.

What man in this room would put himself in such a position?

I sold those shares to raise money for the Selfridge Estate.

Your vanity projects are of no benefit to this store.

How dare you!

Oh. You must be Miss Webb.

I can see now why

Mr Selfridge has spent all his time on his pet project.

That's enough!

Lord Loxley is correct. The share price has dipped of late,

which is why today I make you this promise.

Over the next three months,

your share value will increase no less than 10%.

You have my word.

(SCEPTICAL MURMURING)

Placing it all on red, Selfridge?

Thank you all for attending today. Thank you.

10%? How on earth are we going to fulfil such a promise?

We'll find a way, Mr Crabb. We always do.

I like that. That's very good.

And that fan is very beautiful.

The fan is delightful.

I need to talk to you.

I feel wholly responsible. Look, is there anything I can do?

No. I've got this covered.

They'll say this was the beginning of the end.

~ They will not. Of that I assure you. ~ We'll see.

Where did you get that information?

Mr De Bolotoff was very forthcoming,

when we were friends.

By the way, I'll be expecting a seat on the board.

You'll need more than my 5% to get anywhere near my board.

Oh, did I say I had 5%?

I should have said 7%.

Your son-in-law placed some of his wife's shares on the market last week,

which I believe entitles me to a seat.

See you at the next board meeting,

Harry old chum.

You have to accept that the arrangement is no longer possible.

~ But the boy is my own. ~ I know.

But Mrs Groves' husband is unaware of that.

~ Then he'll have to be told. ~ No!

You can't do that.

You started this, Miss Mardle.

It's up to you to finish it.

It's great to get out of the club.

I've been looking forward to seeing you.

Thought I might have seen you at the wake.

I don't like them.

I remember sitting at Ma's,

rain pouring down.

It was as though I was inside a bottle.

I wanted to scream or smash something.

That's why I like you.

Oh, right...

Brought a little light reading, did you? In case you get bored...

Hey! Give it back. You said you were going to help me, not tease me.

I'm sorry.

It's not easy figuring out how to furnish those houses.

I want to get it right.

All you need is a good table,

sturdy chairs...

.. and a comfortable bed.

Isn't that a bit Spartan?

It's what the family men dreamt of in the trenches.

A table with kids around it.

A bed to curl up with the wife.

Do you reckon you could live in one of those houses?

It depends who it was with.

Gosh.

You open in three hours.

Mind if I drive?

Dancing and drinking awaits!

A good day, sir?

When Serge arrives home, tell him to come and see me.

I'll be in the drawing room.

Night, Miss Mardle.

She's been funny all day.

Who's in the mood for a steak?

A new place just opened on Barrett Street.

Steaks direct from Argentina.

Would you like to join us for supper, Miss Mardle?

No. Thank you.

~ Can we get jelly? ~ Jelly?

Yeah, I love it, especially with the fruit in it.

You're a connoisseur, Miss Hawkins.

Tell me to mind my own business, Miss Mardle,

but you appear to be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

~ (DESPERATE SIGH) ~ Whatever's the matter?

Doris told me a few weeks ago.

I interfered. I tried to do right.

I should have just left well alone.

(SIGHS)

Billy won't go away.

If I don't do something soon, he's going to tell Mr Grove,

and I daren't think how that will turn out.

(SIGHS)

~ He has to know. ~ No!

No. I can't tell him.

~ Why? ~ Because I just...

I can't.

Is it because you don't want him thinking badly of you?

You've been carrying a heavy burden.

But he has to know.

Would you like me to accompany you?

No.

But thank you, Arthur.

Evening, Fraser.

Have I missed supper?

Mr Selfridge would like to speak with you, sir?

He's in the drawing room.

I have to congratulate you on the staff you have in stationery.

They've been wonderfully helpful.

Have you been talking to Lord Loxley about our personal financial affairs?

What? No.

Think, Serge!

(SIGHS)

We spoke when we were discussing the aerodrome maybe.

But I didn't tell him anything he shouldn't have known.

What about Rosalie's Selfridge shares?

Have you been selling them?

As Rosalie's husband, I'm entitled to buy or sell on her behalf.

Lord Loxley bought them.

He owns 7% of Selfridge's.

He will have a seat on our board.

I didn't know.

I needed to raise capital for a business venture.

So you sold us out.

~ No, it's not as it seems. ~ Get out of my sight.

Get out!

♪ UPBEAT JAZZ

We went for a picnic.

Very fancy. Where did you go?

(LAUGHS) The seaside.

Yeah? The seaside?!

I'm surprised that thing made it round the block.

It drives rather well, actually.

You let her behind the wheel, Victor?

~ It was a little smoky. ~ Nothing a Martini won't fix.

I'll line 'em up.

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

Cheer up. What's the matter with you?

Nothing.

Are you going to be in trouble, being here?

I'll be fine. I'll be home by nine...

if you let me.

Excuse me.

I don't know who it was, whether it was Pinkerton or not.

What has happened?

I sold shares in Paris.

Lord Loxley bought them.

He'll have a place on the board.

We're not welcome here any longer.

I've ruined everything.

Where's Harry?

You're exaggerating. You always exaggerate.

Look at me, Serge.

Right, out!

We won't have it in our club.

What do you think you're doing? Sling your hook.

Turn around.

It's all right, George. I know.

A roulette table we said.

That was as far as we were going to go.

I hoped it wouldn't happen,

but I knew it was a possibility when we shook hands with Regan.

What did they call it in the trenches? 'Forced march.'

Soldiers using to go loopy on it.

Why would anyone want to do that stuff for fun?

Because, George,

the world has rolled round.

People want to try things they didn't do before the war.

Why? Because they know

life is short.

And we've seen it.

Boys, kids, lives not yet lived, gone...

(SNAPS FINGERS).. like that.

Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?

You don't understand. You've got this different mind-set, George.

~ Don't show yourself up. ~ Why are you like this?

~ Like what? ~ Like YOU! Just straight the whole time.

~ You are so straight. ~ I know what goes on.

Victor, I am not an idiot!

If we let this continue, we're going to have trouble on our hands.

Oh...

I don't know if you've forgotten,

but I walked out on a job for life at Selfridge's for this.

~ I never asked you to. ~ You needed me.

I needed you?!

Listen to yourself.

Just get on the telephone to Regan and let him know what's what.

What do you think he's going to say?

'Sorry about that, mate. Won't happen again.'

What's his number?

~ (LIFTS RECEIVER) ~ No, leave it, I'll do it.

Go on. I'll talk to him.

Go on.

You just want me out of the office, don't you?

We're earning at long last.

Think of all the things we could do.

(CLUB HUBBUB)

Serge, please.

Serge, stop!

~ (SIGHS) ~ I'll talk to Pa.

Your grandmother already tried.

You don't deserve me, Rosalie.

I'm selfish...

I'm vain...

I'm pregnant, Serge.

I will not let this family fall apart without a fight.

He's family now and he betrayed us.

It wasn't a betrayal. It was foolish,

but I don't believe it was maliciously intended.

Loxley has borne a grudge against me since his wife divorced him.

He blames me. Now he sits on the board.

But that isn't Serge's fault.

He's using what we have to establish a business,

just as you have done to establish the Selfridge Estate.

I appreciate that you're trying to defend Serge,

but nothing you say will fix this.

He will have to go.

If Serge leaves...

.. so will I.

So will your first grandchild.

Oh...

What's the matter now?

Why is everyone standing around like servants?

Congratulations, Serge.

Thank you. I'm sorry for putting you in a difficult position.

I will do everything I possibly can to make things right.

(You're damn right you will.)

Fraser, champagne.

What for? Why am I the last to know?

The next generation of Selfridges are on their way, Princess Marie.

Oh, my darling, darling girl!

~ Oh, sweetheart. ~ Oh...

Vodka too, Fraser. How wonderful!

I'd...

given up on your visiting altogether.

I wasn't going to, but then I rather thought I should.

Please go through.

I can see that you're preoccupied, Josie.

Is there something you wish to say?

There is no easy way to tell you this.

But while you were away serving...

.. Doris had a brief affair.

What on earth are you talking about?

It's Ernest.

He was the product of that union.

I am so sorry, Roger.

But Ernest is not your son.

His name's Billy.

They knew each other when they were young.

And she told you this some weeks ago?

She was frightened of your reaction.

It wasn't my place to tell her what to do.

So, instead,

you plot and scheme...

You lie.

You take the child to meet its real father.

We thought we were doing right by everyone.

Was he the young man I saw outside your house?

Yes.

Ernest was with you

on the day that Doris died.

Were you en route to see this man on that day?

The accident happened on our way home.

So...

If you had not involved yourself

in matters that were none of your concern,

Doris and I would be asleep in our beds at this very moment.

I know how it must seem,

but it was an accident.

There are no accidents. People do what they should not

and then try to wheedle out of the consequences.

Now, yes, goodness knows, I wish I hadn't tried to help her.

But I told you

she was frightened.

Not as frightened as her daughter was last night.

I had to sit with her and hold her hand

until the dawn.

Oh, God...

I am so sorry.

I thought your actions in these last weeks were those of a true friend.

I AM your friend.

I see now... they were driven by guilt.

Go and get him.

~ Who? ~ The child.

No...

(SOBS)

You should go home now, Violette.

I thought you wanted me here.

What's changed?

This place has.

It still says Colleano's on the door.

What is it? What's eating you?

Victor!

Stay there.

Can you hear me, sir?

Sir, can you hear me?!

I told you to stay put.

Right, I'll call the doctor.

Wait. He bought this

from Regan's men, the ones you let stay.

A doctor will report this to the police,

and you'll have real trouble on your hands.

I'll get Violette a brandy.

Wake up!

Wake...up!

Wake up!

Go home!

Seeing Harry at the shareholders' meeting

making that promise completely off the cuff

it was just... remarkable.

He's a gambler.

It's in his bones.

He will stake everything he has

for something he wants.

This is nice.

Harry gave it to me last night.

~ We're not here for dresses and perfume. ~ I know that.

But it isn't easy.

What we're doing to him and his family...

is huge.

You need to step back, remember what we're here for.

America.

A fresh start.

You're getting too involved with him. It could ruin everything.

That man, was he OK?

He's fine.

(SIGHS)

Come on, Violette, it's time you went.

I want to stay.

You can't.

I'll walk you to the cab rank.

What is it? What's wrong?

Your father's right.

My world...

is no place for you.

I've tried to find a way to make it work.

I have.

But I can't. I just can't.

But I love you.

Love doesn't make a difference, Violette.

You're gutless, Victor Colleano!

Shh!

(BABY GRIZZLES)

Shh!

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(LAUGHTER AND CONVIVIAL CONVERSATION)

This is a beginning, not an end.

As the nation celebrates, Selfridge's will too.

~ We're giving away 100 hampers! ~ Certainly get attention.

~ Mr Gordon! ~ Billy has a duty...

Never mention his name in my presence!

I want to take a step back from us.

You can't just stop now. We could lose everything.

Your gambling room is scuppering my club.

They're a rough lot, and they're starting to keep my lot away.

'Britain at play' is just the first step.

May I ask what is the next step?

Something we've never done before.