Original subtitles

Just a final few words before we see the film.

You'll all have read about the Army, or seen old war films on the television.

Well, we haven't got any John Waynes in the Army now.

Those days are gone.

And they are just films. It doesn't happen like that in the real Army.

Over the years, things have changed in the Army.

Once upon a time, the soldier was the man who was given a gun and sent out,

"Charge the guns, lads," and he got shot.

We don't need people like that anymore, thank you very much.

We have a lot of sophisticated equipment.

Radio, radar, and computer guided artillery.

We are a much smaller army than we used to be.

We're a much more technically minded and modern army,

and we need the right people to operate the equipment.

I think we can see the film now. Thanks, Mr. Hall.

(FUNKY MUSIC PLAYING)

NARRATOR.: Don Gerrard is a Company Quartermaster Sergeant in the infantry.

It's his job to organize supplies for a complete mechanized infantry combat team.

Don Gerrard made sergeant soon after his 21st birthday.

And was promoted to his present position at 25.

One of the youngest Color Sergeants in the British Army.

Yes, I suppose 25 is bit young.

But if you've got the qualities, capabilities that the Army require to do the job,

then you'll get the rank that goes with it.

MALE NARRATOR.: You can join the Junior Army straight from school.

Most corps have a junior unit.

So, whether you're interested in the infantry, artillery, tanks, REME,

or any one of over a hundred other Army careers.

The Juniors may weII offer you the job opportunity that you've been waiting for.

- All right, then. - Not bad, but the brakes are going.

Let's have a go, then, Mick.

- Yeah. - Any pressure left in it?

- There might be. Not much, though. - I hope so.

- Well, then, get it started. I want a go. - Got it.

- Hey, coppers are here. - So what?

- We haven't done nowt. - This bike, it's been nicked!

- You slapbag! - You daft twat!

Give us helmet, here. Come on! Fucking hell. Start it up.

Come on!

(SHOUTING)

BOY: They're coming!

Jane Fletcher.

RECEPTIONIST: It's your first time here, then, Jane?

Right, just come this way.

MAN: That round here? They must be bleeding barmy.

MICK: That's more up my street. Bakery assistant.

- Putting bun in oven. - Aye, that'll be right and all.

Michael Walsh.

Right.

Now, it says here, Michael, you want to be a motor mechanic.

- Or go into engineering, something like that. - Yeah, I wanna be a mechanic, yeah.

Have you... Have you been for any jobs lately?

Have you started going after any jobs at all, yourself?

- Yeah, I've applied for stacks. - Yeah.

I look at paper everyday, and in daytime, like, I go looking for a job.

Yeah. Have you had any replies yet?

- Well, just a couple, but no vacancies. - No.

So you haven't actually been for any interviews...

- No. - at the moment?

I think I will soon, though, 'cause I've wrote for that many jobs.

I don't suppose you'd like to try something else at this stage, would you?

- Just to tide you over. - Well, what is it?

Well, there's this one for instance. It's a junior in a warehouse.

- Must be fit and strong. - What would I do?

Well, mainly unloading lorries and carrying goods from one department to another.

No, dead-end job, that.

Not going in that. Stopped on at school

to get my exam just so I could get a trade.

Well, we've got a good idea of what you've got in mind.

And if anything comes up, which we think you'll be suitable for,

we'll get in touch straight away.

(MICK WHISTLING THEME FROM JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR)

Thank you. You can leave it there.

- Okay. Thanks, love. Next. - Ta, love.

You signed in a bit late. Can you sign those forms, please?

- Yeah. - Here. Can you just sign it there?

- There. - Okay.

Can you tell when I'll get me money, please?

Well, you should get it within the next two or three days.

- If not, get in touch with Social Security. - Right, thanks.

Okay?

(POP MUSIC PLAYING ON RADIO)

MAN ON RADIO.: It's about number 19 at the moment in the Hallam charts.

We're gonna take a break, and after that come back to some more of

the "Super My Man" birthdays and anniversaries, in the request show.

(RADIO JINGLE PLAYING)

(MAN CHATTERING ON RADIO)

Hello? Is that Grange Motors please?

I'm phoning up to ask if there're any jobs vacant

for apprentice mechanics, please.

- Are you waiting for the phone? - Yes. Yeah.

- No. Thanks. - What'd he say?

Can't even be bloody bothered to come to phone. They've got no vacancies, anyhow.

Smart.

MAN: Oi, you two.

- There's an enquiry window round here. - Haven't been round here, have we?

- Well, you haven't looked very far, have you? - Yeah.

- Anyway, what you after? - Looking for a job, aren't l?

A job? There's no vacancies here, lad, I can tell you that.

Well, I wanna see a gaffer, don't l?

Look, my orders are there's nobody goes through them gates today.

What do you think we're gonna do? Blow the bloody place up?

He thinks he's Managing Director or summat, you see.

Now look, it's nowt to do with me.

I do as I'm told.

With that many lads coming here

they're sick and fed up with dealing with them in office.

Fucking shame! I've been downtown all day looking for a job.

There's no need to come with that sort of talk here.

They're not bothering to even take their names or owt.

Who has any jobs round here, anyways, and all?

Jobs, lad?

- There's none round here, as far as I can see. - It's right shit without any jobs.

I know that. I agree with you.

And I can't do nowt for you here,

so you best get off, 'cause I've got some work to do.

Thou means get on thee arse and have a cup of tea.

I'm fed up with listening to thy mouth.

Look, there's no need to be so smug.

'Cause all they need is closed circuit telly there and speakers,

and thys job fucked it.

Now look, get off, before I set dog onto thee.

Oh, where is the dog, you old sod?

He's only out back being exercised by my mate.

The mate might be, but not the dog,

- you silly old sod! - Now look, come on.

Get off, because I'm gonna fetch the police on you,

- and they'll shift thee. - Not leaving here while I've seen personnel.

Oh, but thy are.

- Come on... - Get off!

- MICK: Fuck you! - He's not fucking worth it.

Bloody couple of ignorant gets.

(ALL SHOUTING)

Like I'm bothered.

- Bus. - What?

The bus! Come on!

We can get that!

- Oh, bollocks. - Come on.

- I ain't got any money. - Oh, I haven't either.

Shit.

ALAN: Look at bloke there with uniform on, looks right smart, don't he?

- Looks neat. - With gun and that.

Bet he's warmer than us.

Well, how old us gotta be to have guns?

You think anyone would get straight in, like?

Looks good, though, doesn't it?

Look at this here. Sports.

Look at the sports I can do.

"Athletics, boxing, cricket, karate,

"rock climbing, rugby, sailing, shooting."

Be right smart, that.

Football team.

Aye, like, uh, one regiment versus another, like.

MICK: Have you seen this about this tank here? It floats.

Wouldn't mind being a mechanic and all for these.

- What did your father say about that? - He don't know. I ain't said nowt yet.

What's thine say about it?

Mother don't want me to go in, but Father says it's up to me, like.

Father says I'm nearly 18 anyway, so, like, it's up to me what I do.

Can't stop you, then, can they?

It looked all right at school that time. At school that time, didn't it?

Aye, but they're not gonna say much are they, really.

I mean, if they got back and found out they'd said owt wrong,

they'd get shot, wouldn't they?

CHILD: There's a playground. There's a slide.

Come on, lads, these weren't made for big 'uns like you.

These were made for little 'uns.

MICK: We is little. We's little in here.

Aye, you're not kidding. Come on, let's have you off. You'll break these.

Not break this, missus. Take an elephant's weight.

- Even take yours. - Oh, it's not that strong, Mick.

Come on, let's have you up and let little 'uns have a go. Come on.

- Come on. - Push off, come on.

- Let Nelly have a go. - It'll not take your weight, you know.

Hey, don't you go breaking them.

WOMAN: Look, let's have a little less mouth, shall we?

They're all alike these young 'uns.

Don't know what it's like these days.

Lip up, batty.

WOMAN: If I come over there to you, lads...

I told you what he'd say.

- Here. - Want to hear no more about it, anyway.

Anyhow, they can't stop me from going in the army.

Look, mate, until you're 18, you're under our control and that's legal.

I'll go in when I'm 18, then.

You're gonna change your mind a thousand times by then, love.

And anyway, you never know, things might get better.

Aye, they might not and all.

We look like being next, according to rumors at work.

Well, there you are. What you want to get a trade round here for?

To be made redundant, eh?

Look, army is no answer.

Thy tells me enough times how much they enjoyed it and whatnot.

Bores me to tears.

Listen, it were National Service, weren't it?

We were called up. We had to make best on it.

- All right for thee, but not for me. - Listen, when thy in army,

thy don't even knows what thy would be doing.

- MICK: Like what? - Strike breaking, riots, demonstrations,

and I'm not having a lad of mine involved in any of that.

- Now you're exaggerating. - I'm not exaggerating,

'cause I've been and seen it, haven't l?

MRS. WALSH: They've done it before, Mick.

Yes, they'll do it again. I can tell you summat,

he's not gonna be there to see it.

Not bothered what I says and all.

I will be bothered in a minute or two.

Stand just there, lad.

Take the Bible in your right hand, and repeat the oath.

"l swear by Almighty God, that I will be faithful

- "and bear true allegiance... - Allegiance.

- "...to her Majesty..." - True allegiance.

- Start again. - Start again.

"l swear by Almighty God, that I will be faithful

"and bear true allegiance to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II."

- That's it, mate. - All right, then?

Professional now.

(DISCO MUSIC PLAYING)

Right then, she's all right over there, look. Dancing over there. Hold my drink.

- I'll sup it. - Thou waint.

Don't fuck off with that drink.

DJ.: Yeah, okay good people of paradise city, time to get on your dancing feet

and boogie to the disco beat.

Have you been here before?

No, reason for this, my mate's just joined up,

so we thought we'd have a good night out, like.

- Been to Tramps? - No. Soon be one as things are turning out.

- What do you mean? - I'm on dole.

- Do you work? - Yeah, I work at Brompton and Watt.

Shoe shop?

- What's your name? - Karen.

- What's yours? - Mick.

My aunt has got a dog called Mick.

It's really fierce. Let's you get in the house,

but once you try and get out, he stands and barks and won't let you out.

- What kind is he? - Jack Russell.

Ah, be fierce then.

(CLAMORING)

- She's been dancing with him all on his own. - Oh, come on.

So what?

- So what? - Just forget it, Adam.

(CLAMORING)

Will you wait a minute? I'll just see what's happening. I won't be long.

Don't start pushing me, pal.

MAN: What are you doing?

(ALL CLAMORING)

Hey, don't start shoving her.

(WOMAN SCREAMS)

BOUNCER: Get up!

- BOUNCER: Get out! - Get off!

Fuck off!

Hey, bastard, we'll be back, and then we'll fucking have...

- MICK: Fuck off. - You, you fucking tit-heads.

- MICK: Fuck you! - You're a load of fucking wanks.

Come here again, and I'll get you next time, pal. I'm telling you.

- And there'll be a next time... - You're a load of fucking wankers!

- and you'll get it harder. - Fuck off.

BOUNCER: Look, 2:00.

- MICK: Go look. -2:00

- Oh, you bastards! - Get out of here, tosser.

MAN: (SHOUTING) Yeah, you cunts!

- Fuck off. Fuck off. - MAN: Definitely wankers!

(BOTH MUTTERING)

I was getting in with that fucking bird and all. Said she was gonna write to me.

(BOTH MUTTERING)

(BOTH LAUGHING)

MRS. WALSH: Mick?

Mick?

Mick, are you stopping in bed all day, or what?

Do you know what time it is, Mick?

Come on, Mick, do you know what time it is?

- Mick, come on, it's nearly dinner time. - Get off me, will you?

No, I won't. It's disgraceful stopping in bed till this time everyday.

Go away. I'm tired.

You're tired? You wouldn't be tired if you came to bed at night

instead of watching television, playing records till all hours.

Mick, come on, 'cause I'm not going downstairs till you're out of this bed.

You'll have a long wait, then.

It's disgraceful. Are you getting out of that bed or what?

There's no point in it. There's nowt to do anyhow.

Well, you could be out looking for a job.

What do you think I do with myself all day?

- You've no choice, Mick, have you? - It's hopeless.

They're not gonna come knocking on our door, love,

and asking if you wanted a job.

WOMAN: Just try the other one to it.

- These ones, madam? - Yeah.

BOY: They're a good pair.

WOMAN: No you're not having those. Not for school.

Why? They're brill.

If you think I'm paying hard-earned money out for those, lad, you're mistaken.

These are... They're far better these, for school.

Everybody will laugh at me in them. I'll look a right dick.

Don't talk silly. What's a dick?

Can I help you, please?

No, I was just looking.

- Is this the style you're after? - No, I'm just looking around, like.

Well, we've got more men's shoes downstairs.

All right.

- Always wanted some like that and all. - Put your shoe on,

- and I'll go and pay for these. - Oh, Mum.

- Hello, what are you doing here? - Hi.

Well, I was just passing by, I thought to drop in, like.

Very nice of you.

Well, we made no arrangements other night, did we?

We didn't have much chance, did we?

- I didn't think you'd want to see me again. - Why shouldn't l?

Well, with trouble we got into, and getting thrown out and whatnot.

Thought you might think I'm a right hooligan.

Besides, we were a bit drunk, anyhow.

- Thanks very much. - No, I didn't mean it like that, I mean...

I might have shown myself up or said something stupid.

Look, I think you'd better go. The supervisor's watching.

She doesn't... We're not supposed to talk to lads.

- Better go, then. - Yeah.

Will you meet me sometime?

- When? - Tonight.

- Can't tonight, I'm going somewhere. - Tomorrow.

Where?

Saint George's Square at the fountain.

- What time? -7:00.

It's too early. I don't finish work till 5:30.

- Half past, then. Past seven. - Okay.

- Turn up, won't you. - Of course I will.

- See you tomorrow, then. - Bye-bye.

Ta-ra.

Thought you'd changed your mind.

- What do you mean? - Well, I've already been here once,

there was nobody here, though, so I went for a walk.

I missed my bus, so I had to run down from bus station.

- Do you wanna go for a walk? - Where to?

Thought we'd go to park. Over here.

That'll be closed now, won't it? Anyway, it's a bit spooky in there in the dark.

You'll be all right with me.

There was a girl raped in there last week, and that was at 10:00 in the morning.

- Where do you want to go, then? - Shall we go to the pictures?

- Can't, no. - Don't you like the pictures?

- Depends, what's on? - Well, there's a good one on at the Odeon.

Some of the girls at work have seen it, they say it's really frightening.

Come on.

Where do you wanna go, then? Up or down?

- I can't go anyway, can l? - Why not?

I ain't got no money.

I was supposed to borrow some off me Mum and Dad,

but neither of them are in, they're on nights.

And my giro don't come through till Friday.

Well, I'll pay for you.

- I'm not having you pay. - Why not?

It's not right, is it?

Well, you can pay for me next time.

- All right, then. - Right.

Where do you want to go, then? I hope you're not short-sighted,

because I can't stand it at the front. I always get a headache.

- Go up back stalls. - Right.

I'll give you the money, you get the tickets.

MALE NARRATOR.: To most of the million and a half sun-starved vacationers

that pour into Miami Beach every year,

the purpose of the place is at once made plain.

Even the gleaming ranks of modern hotels,

turning their faces like exotic blossom to the sun,

and designed with the single purpose

of putting the visitor as rapidly and as closely as possible

- in touch with the local specialty. - Look at them two over there.

Getting stuck in.

All the art and science of 20th century America

has gone into the making of Miami Beach.

- That's my mother. - Say what?

- It's me mother. - And your dad?

No, and a boyfriend, by the looks of things.

- I'm not staying here. - Where you going?

- To sit somewhere else. - What for?

You don't think I'm gonna sit and watch them, do you?

Disgusting.

The beginning of any vacation is a moment to be savored to the fuII.

- You all right now? - Yeah.

without worry, without responsibility, and at Miami Beach...

- Do you want some of my chips? - Aren't you hungry?

Not very much. Anyway, I'm on a diet.

- You're not fat. - I could get fat, though.

My mother used to be like me when she was young.

I've seen pictures of her when she was courting.

You wouldn't think she was the same person now.

She didn't look fat to me.

She says she's heavy-boned.

- You're not from round here, are you? - No, from Newcastle.

- Some right nutters from Newcastle. - There's not.

Ought to seen the aggro when they went to United.

Newcastle's a great place.

- Wish I was still there. - Well, what are you doing down here, then?

Didn't have any choice. My dad was made redundant at work.

I don't know why he bothered, like.

He was gone six months later.

You see him much?

Well, when he's up here on a job. He's a long-distance lorry driver.

What's up?

Come on, what's up?

It's just tonight. It brings it all back.

He used to take me to the pictures every summer holidays when I was little.

Long time ago now, though.

You want that beef burger?

No, do you?

Seems a shame to waste, doesn't it?

You can have it if you want.

What time is it, anyway?

10:35.

- Twenty-five to? - Aye.

Last bus goes at twenty to.

We'll never make it in five minutes from here.

Hang on a minute.

My mother will kill me.

- Are these your block of flats? - Yeah.

Just over there.

Oh, hey, my feet.

Think you'd be able to get a decent pair of shoes with working in a shoe shop.

I'll get a pair of hiking boots the next time I go out with you.

What will your mum say?

Oh, I don't know.

Hope it's working. I'll collapse if I have to walk with them stairs tonight.

Want me to walk you up?

No, I'll be okay.

Pack it in. I'm late enough as it is.

Can I see you again?

- If you want. - When?

- I don't know. - Tomorrow.

Don't waste much time, do you?

See you tomorrow morning at shoe shop, then.

Okay.

- See you tomorrow, then. - Right.

Bye-bye.

KAREN: Go on.

- See you tomorrow, then. - Bye.

Is that you, Karen?

Karen?

- What? - Come here, I want you.

What?

What time do you think this is?

It's not late, is it?

Not late? It's after 12:00, where have you been?

Well, I missed the last bus home. I had to walk all the way.

By yourself?

It doesn't matter who I walked with, does it?

I knew it. You've been with a lad, haven't you?

So what?

You'll end up in bother, that's what.

- Coming in here this time of the night. - I haven't been doing anything.

There's no knowing what you'll get up to, pet.

You're always the same, whenever I go out.

Anyway, you need talk.

What do you mean by that?

Aye, at the pictures with that bloke. I was really embarrassed.

Disgusting.

Well, there's nothing wrong with that, anyway.

I've known him for two months.

You haven't told me about him.

I was going to when I sorted things out.

What things?

Well,

I want him to come home and meet you.

I don't want to meet him.

You'll like him. He's nice. He knows all about you.

I don't want him coming here thinking he's gonna take my dad's place.

He's not gonna take anybody's place, pet.

I don't want to meet him.

Why not?

Because he's somebody else, isn't he? I just don't want to meet him.

You don't want anything that's got anything

- to do with me, pet, do you? - You're dead right I don't.

Oh, God.

Here. Have a look at this.

- I'll have a look at teatime. - Have a look now.

No, my hands are greasy.

Listen, finding a job is more important than a bit of grease. Have a look now.

How's it coming on bike?

We're all right now.

Just got to get some parts and that, and it'll be right.

Cleaning up now.

Who's this new player United are after, then?

I don't know, I've never heard of him.

Here it is.

There's a job here, "He needs to be fit, energetic, and intelligent."

They're not asking for much, are they?

What's this here? "Apprentice fitter."

Uttley and Parsons.

Where's that?

I think it's up on East Bank, isn't it?

Up Radcliffe Road somewhere.

- Somewhere up there. It's an engineering... - Oh, aye. I know it.

- So what'd you reckon, then? - Well, I should go give them a ring, me.

- What, now? - Well, aye.

I mean, they'll not be only one that seen advert that knows.

Here, go give them a ring.

Here, I'll give you a couple.

Right. I'll see you.

- MR. WALSH: Mick! - What?

Here, you'll need this.

- What for? - Telephone number, you dozy bugger.

Hold a minute.

Here, take this pencil and all, you might need to write summat down.

- What did you get, then? - Hang on.

114.3.

114.22.

- Mine's right. - Mine's right.

No, I don't know.

Nor me, anyhow, as is happens.

Do you know how many is going to be there tomorrow, anyway?

I don't know, but I know from the application forms

there's not many taking tests. There's just a few taking first test.

From there on,

they're narrowing it down to who takes interview.

And after the interview, there'll be one lad who passes for apprentice.

A load of bother just for one job.

Worse than Miss World.

Right, we'll do some fractions now.

You're bound to need fractions and decimals if you're gonna be a fitter.

You ought to be taking me place. You're great at maths.

It was English that was my weak point. I wanted to be a nursery nurse.

My grade wasn't high enough.

What do you want to do, then?

I'd go to Bristol. That's where my dad is.

Would be great.

It's like a morgue, this place.

- Nowt to do, is there? - No.

Just think, I'd be in the army now, traveling.

Away with Alan fixing tanks.

God.

If it weren't for me dad stopping me.

Went all over, me and him together.

Every United match, home and away.

Will you take me to see United?

Oh, I don't know about that.

Go with lads, don't l?

Not fair, you lads have all the fun.

My dad would never let me go,

said it was too dangerous.

It'd spoil the fun if you were there, anyhow.

I wouldn't be able to muck about and whatnot, would l?

CROWD: (CHANTING) United! United! United!

CROWD: (CHANTING) United! United! United!

Mick.

- Mick! - What?

I don't feel very well.

You'll be all right.

I feel hot and horrible. I don't feel well.

You'll be all right.

Mick, I feel awful. It must've been that hot dog I had outside. I feel terrible.

- You're not gonna faint or owt, are you? - I don't know what I'm gonna do.

Bloody hell, it'll be all right with you fainting, carried down there on a stretcher.

Never hear end of it from my mates, they'll crucify me.

Never mind your mates. What about me?

- I feel terrible. - Well, what you gonna do?

I think I'll have to go out.

Come on. I'm coming straight back in, though.

See you.

You all right now?

No, I feel awful, I think I'm gonna have to go home.

You can't go home, it's only just started.

Stop shouting at me, will you? I feel bad enough as it is.

Sit down a bit. You might feel a bit better then.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Oh, they've scored!

Make your mind up, then. What you gonna do?

I'm going home.

Come on, then, I've missed one. Could score a bagful against this lot.

- Don't lock them. - ATTENDANT: Go on, you better be quick.

I'll be back in a minute.

Bus stop is at the end of the street.

You're rotten, you are. I'm finished with you. I don't want to see you again.

That's it. Blame me. I told you, you wouldn't like it.

Shut your face, you and your stupid football.

Look, what do you want?

I've come to walk you to the bus stop.

Doesn't matter. I can find it, you know, myself.

Look, your bus is here. Do you want me to take you home?

What for?

Well, you might faint or summat.

Don't worry. I won't do anything like that.

I'll go home with you, if you like, you know.

I don't want you to. Not after everything you said back there.

Look, I'm sorry.

It's too late now, isn't it?

We're finished, you and me, for good.

WOMAN: It's not a nudist colony, you know.

MRS. WALSH: Who are they from?

That one's from Alan.

- Oh. - From Uttley and Parsons, this one.

I've got it.

What they said?

Got an interview next Tuesday.

12:30.

Do you wanna look?

Oh, you've done ever so well, haven't you?

I'd better be going now, I'm gonna be late.

MRS. WALSH: You haven't eaten your breakfast.

I'm not hungry.

Aye, and that's why you never grow.

- Ta-ra. - Ta-ra.

MRS. WALSH: How's he going on?

All right. He's coming home at weekend.

Oh, that'll be nice for you, you'll be able to have a night out together.

Your Alan in?

- Yeah. - Didn't half look funny.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

- Is he in? - Hello, love. Alan, there's Mick here.

Go on through, love.

- All right, ugly! - How you coming on?

Smart. Sit down.

MRS. WRIGHT: I were dying to see him in his uniform,

but they wouldn't let him bring it home.

- Where's owt medals, then? - Left them down there with uniform.

MRS. WRIGHT: Don't you think he looks well, Mick?

- No. - I think he's lost a bit of weight, myself.

Oh, shut up, Mother.

Don't you think he looks taller, eh?

He seems to have shot up a bit up.

Oh, you have, you've shot up.

I see a difference, myself, in you.

Anyway, get changed, we can go out.

Get that drunk.

I better get this washing done or else it won't be dry for when you go back.

Hey, look at this, Mick.

He's got a bank account now, you know.

He says he's saving �20 a week.

He's going up in world is our Alan, ain't he? Bless him.

And to think we kept him on at school for the next year

'cause we couldn't find him a job.

What a waste of time.

He might have been a corporal by now.

- Ta, love. - Thank you, love.

- Thank you, love. Ta. - Ta.

You know when I first started it,

it was worse than school, I'm telling you.

They'll say, "Get up."

We're laying in bed, like, at about 5:00, all down arms and legs and that,

I feel right tired and knackered and that.

Didn't want to do it. I tell you, I felt like packing it in. I'd had enough.

But, like, when thy does it everyday,

you get used to it. But when I've done it, like,

when I come out of all that, I felt fucking great. I felt smart.

Sounds stupid, like, but it feels like a man when I done it.

Telling you, it feels brilliant.

I'm getting a bit bored of it round here. I wished I'd joined up with thee.

I'm telling you, you should have done. There's stacks of kids from,

who used to live round here and that, that's down there.

Thy might even have been in the same regiment.

Telling you.

See some of the fucking birds and all.

One of them, I'm telling you, a right slag, used to go out every night

and then somebody else would take her out the same night.

I tell you, I wouldn't fucking want it.

- Tell me about it later. - I'm telling thee.

Hey, I know a lassie that's seen thee with a bird.

Not going with her now, though.

But why?

Well, she was all right, I liked her,

but I got fed up, not going anymore. I've had a few since her.

When we went to Ireland, like, some of the lads have been saying, like,

there's supposed to be some great birds round here.

But there's no chance, like.

You can't go out at nights,

'cause it's a Catholic area. It's right rough, like.

- Can't go out? - Well, they can't trust nobody, like.

You might get a bird, take her somewhere, just be getting leg over,

and end up with a knife in your back.

(CHUCKLES)

I know, but...

Can't be many better ways of going out! Get a medal for that.

What?

- Killed in action. - Aye, suppose so.

What thy doing?

Thou don't want to walk to town, does thou?

ALAN: Keep a watch out. Keep looking. Keep looking.

Hang on, Vauxhall.

Think it's that one.

Where you got them from?

Got them down at the Army. A lot of them's got them.

Hang on. I think this is it.

- Fit before, this one. - Shit.

That's it. Get in. Come on.

(ROCK MUSIC PLAYING)

Thank you!

Thank you, good night and see you!

Look who's over there in that corner.

Remember that night at Genevieve's?

- Where? - Over there. In corner over there.

Remember that night we had at Genevieve's?

- When we got lobbed out? - Aye.

Them kids. They're over there.

Fucking hell, let's go and smack them up.

While they have their guard down.

There's a bird over there, she's all right.

- I wanna dance with her. - So fuck! Come on.

She's all right.

What's up, are you frightened or summat? Eh?

Look at him, he's a right... He's nowt without fucking bouncers behind him.

Come on then. Come here.

SINGER.: This is A Chinese Takeaway.

(ROCK MUSIC PLAYING)

(MEN ARGUING)

Outside, now!

Come on!

Fuck you!

You bastard!

Come on! Had enough?

Where's your fucking mouth now? Come on.

ALAN: Kick the bastard!

Bastard!

- Fuck you! - Fuck off!

- Go on. - That'll be fucking right.

- We'll be back. - Look at that silly twat.

Very fucking hard.

- You all right? - I'm knackered.

Come on, fucking hell, what are we doing now. Eh?

- Where you going? - Don't know about thee, I'm going home.

- What for? - I'm knackered.

Come on, fucking hell. We've just come out.

Come on. What about that bird you want to dance with?

- Looking like this? - Come on.

- Yes? - Come for an interview for apprentice fitter.

- Name please? - Mick Walsh.

Michael Walsh.

You want the training officer, that's through the door on your left.

- That one over there? - Across... Yeah. Across the factory floor,

on the other side.

- All right? - Yeah.

What you done to your eye?

Did it playing football.

What happened? Did someone mistake your head for a ball?

Something like that.

This where the interview is for apprentice fitter?

MAN: Yeah, I hope so.

What time's your interview?

2:45.

Mine's at 2:30.

I've been here since 1:30.

What's that?

I like to be early for interviews.

Anybody else been here?

Yeah. There's one lad gone in.

Got six O levels, that lad that's gone in.

Bloody hell, they want a brain surgeon?

What've you done to your eye?

Hurt it playing football.

Let's have a look.

It's a right shiner, looks like thy've been in a fight to me.

How've you done, then?

I don't know, really, you can't tell.

What did he ask you about?

Well, mainly about my favorite subjects

and whether you'd been in any trouble or not.

Bloody hell, they won't give you a lie detector, will they?

(ALL LAUGHING)

Not this time. Next time, maybe.

You got a light?

WOMAN: Michael Walsh?

Would you like to come this way, please?

MAN 1: You been in the wars, then, Michael?

MAN 2: You ought to see the other bloke, eh?

I don't know, he's probably still in hospital.

What do you know about engineering then, Mike?

Well, I did metal work at school.

- Did you use a lathe? - Yeah.

- And a milling machine? - Well, we never had one.

I see.

Got one in there for me?

You're keen now, lad. About pools or summat?

I hope so.

- Who's the letter for? - Me.

Eh, is it about that job?

I don't know.

Shit.

Oh, well, at least they sent you a nice letter, love.

It's more than you can say for some firms.

No consolation, that.

Well, don't be too disappointed, love.

Think about all the others who didn't get it and all.

I'm not bothered about them, am l?

Listen, I'm going up to the shops,

is there owt you want in particular for your dinner?

Don't want nothing, I'm not hungry.

So you haven't got anything that's suitable at all yet, Michael?

I wouldn't be here if I had, would l?

Well, you must keep trying you know, you mustn't give up.

It's all right you saying that, you know, you can't go on forever like this.

Well, we haven't had anything in for absolutely ages,

that's anything in your line at all.

In fact, we haven't had much in for ages in any, of any description.

Um...

Fed up with it, anyhow. Why aren't there any jobs?

There's still as many people,

they're using stuff up. All the materials and everything.

Well, it's just that things are

difficult at the moment, all over the country.

It's just the economic situation as it is.

There's stacks of jobs to be done.

End of our street, they've knocked all them houses down to build some new ones.

They haven't been built yet.

They've been knocked down for ages. My father says 'cause there's no money.

Look at all the money they're plowing into the dole

and these employment schemes temporarily.

They could plow it all into building these houses.

Just think how much money it would save, really.

- Yes. - All jobs that have gone. All apprentices.

And some houses and all. It's not right. It ain't. It's stupid.

Where the bleeding hell has thy been?

- I'm freezing. - Went for a drink.

- Where's Steve? - He's chickened out, hasn't he?

- Come on, let's get going. - Yeah, home with his own mum.

- Have you got everything? - Aye.

Here. Put them on.

Have you got no gloves?

No, shut up, Mick. Hurry up.

Christ! Thy could've washed them first.

Get them on.

PHIL: Come on, shine the torch on there, now.

- Hope they haven't mended it. - Bleeding hell.

PHIL: Get your fingers in it.

Get ready to pull.

Christ.

- Right, this time. - Got it.

PHIL: Where's the torch?

Come on.

Shut that door behind you.

You fancy a game, Mick?

Need luminous balls to play on there.

Bloody hell, bar's closed. What we gonna do now?

It'll be open in the concert room. Always is.

Come on.

We'll grab summat and go.

Come on, you silly sod. What are you trying to do?

Get us caught or summat?

- Stuart's flat's only upstairs than us. - Well, I didn't realize that, did l?

- What you looking in there for, anyway? - Might be some money in.

Are you expecting to find money in there?

What do you think they're gonna do? Leave us 1,000 quid in old notes?

That's all locked up in the secretary's safe, pal.

What are we gonna do, then?

This is what we've come for, cigarettes.

Get a right bob for these.

- Have you got a bag? - Uh-huh.

Come on, get hold of them.

All right.

Get it open, Mick.

- Ay-up, come on. - I started smelling socks.

There's a lot of room here.

Come on.

We should get at least 150 quid for these. Easy.

I know somebody who'll buy these.

Can I help, please?

Can you tell me where Karen is, please?

Oh, she's not here. She's off sick.

All right, can you tell me what's wrong with her, then?

Yeah. She's got flu. She's been off about a week.

But I'll go and fetch Mrs. Meadows. She knows what's wrong with her.

- No, it's all right. Thanks. - Okay.

(DOORBELL RINGING)

It's me. Mick.

Well, I've come to see you.

Take your coat off, if you like.

Went down to the shop, but they said you were off ill.

I've had flu but I'm getting better now.

Good view from up here, isn't it? You see right down to our estate.

It's not bad. You get used to it after a while, anyway.

So what you been doing with yourself, then?

Not much.

Did you get that job at Uttley and Parson?

No. Got narrowed down for interview, but I didn't get the job.

Shame.

You didn't tell me you had a budgie.

Nothing to tell, is there? It's only a budgie. It's just there.

- What his name? - Peter.

- Don't talk much, does he? - It's dumb, like.

You got another boyfriend yet?

No. Went out with a few, but nothing really happened.

Glad I came round?

Didn't know whether to.

I didn't know who it was at the door.

I thought it was the insurance man or something.

When I heard your voice, I nearly had a heart attack.

Didn't know what to do.

I didn't think you'd wanna see me. I thought you'd slam the door in my face.

I wouldn't do that. Not to you, Mick.

Had a rotten time since I stopped seeing you, anyway.

(KAREN SNIFFING)

What's up?

Hmm?

Come on, what's up with you?

(SOBBING)

I haven't really had flu. I've just had a cold.

It was nothing really. I'm just fed up.

About what?

Oh, it's me mum with the other feller. She's talking about getting married now.

It's just such a mess.

What's wrong with that?

I'll go get dressed.

What's up with this feller, anyhow? Don't you like him?

I don't know. I don't want to know, either.

She says I'm spoiling it for them, with my attitude.

How's it you, when you haven't even seen him?

He's got his own house, and he wants her to go and live with him,

but she won't go without me.

- I'm not going. - Do you not want to go?

- That's me mum and dad. - I guessed that.

Do you think I look like me dad?

Can't really tell. Picture's that small.

You'll be all right. Things will turn out all right in the end.

I got summat to show you outside, you know.

Outside, what?

- It's a surprise. - What's it doing outside?

I'm not telling you. It's surprise.

I'm gonna have a look, then.

No, there's plenty of time to have a look outside.

Small bed, isn't it?

It certainly is. It's only a single bed, you know.

Well, mine is much bigger than this.

You're not getting into my bed with them boots on. No way.

What do you mean? Doc Martens, these.

Is it all right if I leave me socks on?

As long as you haven't had them on weeks.

- Are you all right now? - Yeah.

(DOOR SHUTTING)

MRS. LODGE: Karen?

Karen?

Karen?

Are you in the bathroom, pet?

Karen?

Karen!

So this is what you get up to as soon as me back's turned.

Is this how you've been spending your days?

- And who's this? - Mick.

Haven't you got a tongue in your head?

I've just come to see she was all right.

It looks like it as well.

Well, you can get out. Go on, clear out.

- How dare you come in my house! - You best, Mick.

MRS. LODGE: Come on. You don't like that.

- KAREN: See you downstairs, Mick. - Who the hell are you?

- MRS. LODGE: He better not. - What's going off up here?

And you better not see him ever again.

Don't start telling me who I can see again and who I can't see again.

I'm disgusted at you, Karen.

- Honestly, I am. - What? He's me boyfriend.

I've been going out with him for ages.

- You didn't tell me anything about it. - Do I have to tell you everything?

- I am your mother, you know. - What's that got to do with it?

I thought I could trust you.

What do you think I am? Stupid or something?

They all say that.

Well, you should know, pet.

Karen, have you got no respect at all?

You shouldn't talk to your mother like that, Karen.

Everybody makes mistakes.

You just keep out of it.

- Listen, she's told me all about it... - Look, you just keep out of it as well.

Who do you think you are? Coming in here and shouting at me.

MRS. LODGE: You see, you try to bring them up decent,

and this is how they pay you back.

Can't you see? Your mother, she's worried sick about you.

- So what? - So what?

She's asked me to come round, so we can get down and have a talk about this,

- and clear the air. - Talk about what?

- There's nothing to talk about. Rubbish. - There's lots to talk about.

We've got to sit down and talk and clear the air a bit.

- What's the matter... - What for?

What for? Because I'm coming here with your mother...

Every time you hurt your mother, you know, you're hurting me.

- It's wrong the way you carry on. - Shut up! Who do you think you are?

- Do you think you're me dad or something? - Thank God I'm not your dad.

If this is how you carry on all the time.

- Look, just shut up about him. - What's the matter with you?

You just leave him out of this. He's 10 times better than you, anyway.

That's what I've gotta put up with.

- What are you doing now? - I'm going. I'm just getting out of here.

Don't be silly. Where can you go?

Anywhere. Just away from here.

- You've got nowhere to go! - Get off me!

Just cut it out.

Karen, take ahold of yourself. What's the matter with you?

- Get off me! - Now, stop it, love.

- Leave her alone, George, for God's sake... - Christ!

before somebody rings the police. The walls are like paper.

I'm not standing that from her or anybody. I'm telling you, it's a good hiding she wants.

Not from you it's not.

I'm warning you, lady.

- Get out! - Never mind, "get out."

- That's what you're short of... - Let her go, pet.

Leave her, for God's sake. Leave her alone.

GEORGE: Are you satisfied now, then?

Just shut up and get out.

(CRYING)

What happened?

Everything. We had a row and I'm leaving home.

- Where are you gonna go? - I'll go and stay with my dad in Bristol.

What's your mum say about it all?

She couldn't care less if I went and lived on Mars.

- I'll take you. - How?

I've got my bike mended, haven't l?

Where did you get the money from?

Me and Phil had an accumulation. We won on horses. Got some money.

Come on, I got you a helmet as a present.

God, am I gonna be ready for this! I'm absolutely starving.

All that fresh air makes you hungry.

How long do you reckon it'll take us to get there?

Another good two hours. We're only just outside Birmingham.

Oh, my God, I can't wait that long.

I'll bet your dad will be glad to see you.

I can just picture his face.

Still got his address?

Of course I have. What do you think I am? It's written in me diary.

I can't wait. I'll be able to get a job down there.

Sounds all right.

Well, you've got... Well, your bike's mended now,

you can come down and see me.

And then I might get a flat,

once I've been down there a while, and you can come stay with me sometime.

I can always look out in the paper for jobs there.

- It'd be all right if I got a job, wouldn't it? - Yeah.

- What would you do, though? - They make airplanes there, you know.

Do they?

Rolls-Royce make engines for them.

Be all right working for them.

- Best firm, them, you know. - Are they?

Best engines in the world.

- I wouldn't know. - I'd like to work for them.

What are the beans like?

- Bullets. - Oh, they're not, are they?

There's number 10.

- Are you going in, then? - Yeah, of course.

Yes. Can I help you?

Could you tell me if Mr. Lodge lives here, please?

- Mr. Lodge. Oh, yes. He live upstairs. - Upstairs, is it?

Yes. When you see him tell him to have his bell mended as well.

Okay.

What'd he say, then?

Said he lives upstairs.

- We're going in, then? - Yes.

Come on.

MICK: What's happened?

Must be one of them automatic switches. Go and turn it back on, Mick.

(THUDDING)

Shit.

MAN: Quiet down there. KAREN: Shh!

I've trying to get some sleep here.

MICK: Where's the light?

WOMAN: By the door.

MICK: Which door? WOMAN: This door.

I wonder which one it is.

I don't know. Try at that one.

What do you want?

We're looking for Mr. Lodge.

The man downstairs said he lived up here.

Well, who are you? What do you want him for?

I'm his daughter, Karen. I've come to see him.

There's a switch over there on the wall.

Well, look, you'd better come in. Um... Just hang on a minute.

Glad I don't live here. With the lights off, after a few jars, I'd break me neck.

Come in.

Is my dad in?

He's gone up to Warrington on a job. He'll be back in the morning.

We went to the old address on Albany Road. We got lost and everything.

We didn't know what to do, did we?

We got the address, like, from where he works.

They told us... Told us where you live, like.

Didn't expect to see anybody else here. I thought he was living by himself.

(BABY CRYING)

Are you married?

No, no. No yet, no.

Said he's tried that once and he didn't like it.

Oh, look, I'll have to go and see to the baby. I've only just got him off.

I won't be a minute.

I didn't know they had a baby. He could have told me.

- God, I feel stupid. - He might have forgot.

Don't be stupid.

Well, he might have thought it'll upset you.

- I could kill a pint. - All you think about.

He's had nothing but cold all winter.

It's this place, you know. It's running with damp.

Look, your dad will be back in the morning.

Why don't you come round and see him then?

We've got nowhere to go. We thought we could stay here with me dad.

First time down Bristol, you see. We don't know the area.

Well, there's only this room and the bedroom.

You know, don't know where I could put you.

KAREN: Well, I suppose we better go, then.

Where will you go?

I don't know. We'll find a boarding house or something.

Look, I've got a camp bed, I'll put that in the bedroom for you.

You'll have to sleep in here, all right? I'll get you a blanket.

- Thanks. - Be all right, then.

A little bit like Kevin round the eyes.

- KAREN: Is that what you call the baby? - Yeah.

MICK: After Kevin Keegan.

Oh, I don't know. Eric chose it. I don't know who it's after.

Look, I'll get that blanket.

I was gonna be called Kevin if I'd been a boy.

- Second time lucky, eh? - Suppose so.

(BABY CRYING)

(SHUSHING)

What does it feel like to have a brother, then?

- Stepbrother. - Same thing, isn't it?

(DOOR CLOSING)

(FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS)

WOMAN: He's gone upstairs.

MICK: This bacon's all right.

Look, could you hold him for me a minute while I get his breakfast?

Well, if you like. I'm not very good with babies, though.

- There you are. - I'll try.

Will you pass his teething thing over?

Do you like him?

- I like his sister better. - Stop it, you'll make me drop him.

You should've slept on there with me last night. You were freezing.

Do you think he's like me?

They're all the same at that age, aren't they?

(BABY COOING)

My finger.

That's it.

- I thought he'd be back by now, you know. - Yeah.

Was he pleased when it was a boy?

Well, he never said, but I suppose he was.

I mean, fellers like boys, don't they? Football and all that, you know?

- How old is he, anyway? - Six and a half months.

My dad didn't leave home till a year ago.

(DOOR SHUTTING)

(MAN WHISTLING)

That's him.

Hello, Karen.

What are you doing here?

Come to see you.

Then why didn't you let us know you were coming?

Well, we just came. Mick brought me on his bike.

We just came. Set off.

- When? - Yesterday.

- Yesterday? - Uh-huh.

- But where did you stop? - Oh, we stayed here.

WOMAN: I wondered who it was at the door.

- Mick slept on the sofa. I slept... - But why didn't you let us know?

- Well... - I could've got a swap

and let one of the other lads go to Warrington.

We just came. I don't know.

Well, you're here now, that's the main thing.

Right, come on, then. Tell us all about yourself.

What you've been doing since I last saw you?

- Not much. - Not much?

- No. - Well, you've got yourself a boyfriend.

I think that's about enough to be going on with, don't you?

How is your mum?

She's okay.

She does know you're here, doesn't she, Karen?

Mind, I hope you haven't come all this way without telling her.

What does it matter? I don't have to tell her.

I couldn't care less whether she knows I'm here or not.

Well, you should. She'll be round the bend.

If I know her, she'll have the police force out scouring the country looking for you.

MICK: Christ, I hope not.

It makes no difference 'cause I'm not going back.

What do you mean, you're not going back?

I've left home.

- ERIC: You've left home. When? - Yesterday. We had a row.

ERIC: Well, it must have been some sort of row for you to come all this way.

She's not bothered. She'll be glad, anyway. She got rid of me.

She must be changed a lot, then.

She'll be able to concentrate on her new boyfriend.

Oh, I see.

She's got herself a boyfriend, has she?

She's talking about getting married now. Going to live in his house.

But it's only natural. It's only natural your mum is getting married.

I mean, it gets lonely living on your own all the time.

I mean, it's just you and her.

I know that.

She's just trying to make a new life for herself while she can.

She's still young.

You don't want her to be on her own forever.

And I've made a life for myself here.

And I think it's fair that your mum should.

- Do you not? - I suppose you're right.

I just wish we could be together again.

- I better make you some breakfast, Eric. - Yeah.

I'll not be in a minute.

I'll get you another cup of tea.

It's a right mess, isn't it?

What do you mean?

Well, they can't stop here, Eric. You know that.

Well, how do you know she wants to?

Well, she wouldn't come all that way. It's obvious, isn't it?

ERIC: No, they might have just come down on the spur of the moment.

WOMAN: With a bag full of clothes? Leave it off.

ERIC: That's nothing to go by these days.

Kids are changing their clothes every five minutes.

WOMAN: Well, anyway, you better just tell her.

There's no room to swing a cat round in here as it is.

Well, I just think it's mean. That's all.

Well, it's not mean. It's being realistic.

But you better just tell her.

- Break it to her gently. - All right. I will.

You stay here.

That'll warm you up.

It's always cold in this room even with the fire on.

- You had breakfast? - Yeah.

Come on then, bonny lad. What's the matter?

Come on. There you are.

Well, what do you think of him, Karen?

He's lovely.

Suppose I'll have to start thinking about youse two now.

ERIC: You'll probably have to be getting back to work, will you, Mick?

MICK: No danger of that. Can't find a job.

Why didn't you tell me you were living with somebody else?

I mean, you must have had the baby the last time you came to see me.

ERIC: You know, well, it just didn't seem the right time.

And I know what you went through when your mum and I split up.

l... You know, I just couldn't seem to find the chance to tell you.

It would've been better than finding out like this, though.

Yeah, I suppose so.

You can't stay here, you know, love.

- You know that, don't you? - I know.

I realized that when we came last night.

I mean, you can see the size of the place, there's no room at all.

Of course we won't always be here.

We'll be moving very soon, I hope.

We'll find a nice place and settle in.

And you can come down, have a nice holiday.

- Bring Mick as well, if you like. - MICK: Be great, that.

Oh, I'm sorry, love.

It's okay.

- Are you all right? - Yes.

I'm sorry.

ALAN: That's Dean, Bob. He's from Rotherham, Dean. He's from Doncaster.

Good kid. It's a good photograph, that, I think.

KAREN: Can't tell who's who with all that stuff on.

ALAN: You need all that stuff on when you're out, I'm telling you. Now look at this one.

See, we've just... We've just been out here.

We went out to this incident up Falls Road while we were out.

- We went out to it. - MICK: What were it?

ALAN: We were just going down, two jeeps,

and some kids playing at the street corner, they started chucking milk bottles and that.

So we went in, like. Next minute it was about 300, come from all over.

Realized we could've had a full scale riot on.

What did you do then?

We send in the snatch squad, they call it.

- What's that? - When it gets like that.

That's... About four of you go to front of line,

and pick out a ringleader.

And thy's gotta go and run in and snatch him, get him out of the way.

Got four of us to do that job.

KAREN: Sounds pretty dangerous to me.

Aye, it's part of job, though, isn't it? It's what you're there for.

- MICK: Did you get him? - Who?

Ringleader?

I don't know, I got somebody.

Gave him a black and blue and all, I'm telling you, when we were done with him.

They ain't chucking no more fucking bricks at us.

That's a kid called Terry Francis.

- That one there. See that kid. - MICK: Yeah.

- He's dead now. - MICK: What happened to him?

Got shot right through there while I was there.

Brains were all over the place.

This funeral were on the television. That was when it happened.

KAREN: Did they get the person who did it?

No, we got some bastards, though. Turned every single house over.

Upstairs, kicked fucking doors down.

- Every house. Turned them all upside down. - KAREN: Sounds awful.

I'm not bothered.

Some bastard Catholics.

I'm telling you, some of them we know are IRA sympathizers.

We was in their house time and time again, just going back all the time.

Not letting them rest.

You ought to see the state of the fucking houses and all.

Little kids piss in bed, and that.

Well, Christ, wouldn't you if they bust your door down every night?

So, we're not like them and I tell you... You don't know what they're like.

They live like pigs sometimes, I'm telling thee.

Sounds like you've been having more excitement than I have, anyhow.

Here, I've got something to show you that I shouldn't have.

MICK: What is it?

Plastic bullet.

KAREN: I didn't think they were that big.

MICK: Looks like something else to me.

ALAN: Does, doesn't it!

I thought they were only supposed to be small things, just to bruise people.

Christ, that could kill somebody.

Christ, thou is all right having that hit you, isn't thou?

They've got to have summat, haven't they, when they...

We don't look for trouble.

We've got to be properly armed, and we're just there to do a job.

- That's all it is. - More than I've been doing.

Oh, why don't you get thyself in, then?

Look at me, I could be a Fullscrew in three years.

- MICK: What's that? - Corporal.

I could be a sergeant by the time I'm 25. They got some right power, them.

I'm telling you, just think about it at least.

MICK: Sounds all right to me.

You're not thinking of joining up, are you?

Well, I've got to think about summat, ain't l?

I can't carry on like this forever.

Why not? Something'll turn up.

Yeah. We've been saying that every day for the last few months.

I know what'll happen...

I know what'll happen if you join up. I'll never see you again.

Of course you'll see me.

- You'll see me on leave. - I come out on leave.

- I see him, don't l? - About letters. You know?

How often? And how often would you write? I'd get two letters and then they'd stop.

- I can just picture it. - ALAN: He wouldn't.

It's not... A couple of lads down in our regiment's got birds.

Even though, I'm not bothered. There's plenty of good birds down there, anyway.

When we're down, patrolling down at Protestant areas, I'm telling thee.

Plenty of them come up and chat you up.

In fact, hang on. I just want to tell him something.

(WHISPERING)

ALAN:...down in our regiment, I'm telling you, it's fucking...

(ALAN WHISPERING)

- Through a fence! - I'm telling you.

Wasn't barbed wire, was it?

If you're gonna talk like that, then I might as well go.

Sit down. I ain't said nowt.

Didn't sound like nowt, either.

I'm telling you, Mick. If you join up, then we may as well end it now.

ALAN: Oh, shut up.

Go on. What do you want? What you wanna drink?

- I'm going to the bar. - I'll get them.

It's all right. I've plenty of that.

What do you want? Then I can get one next time.

I'll have another pint.

- What do you want? - I don't want anything.

Come on, what do you want? I'm going to the bar.

- I don't want anything. - You might as well.

- Come on, what you want? - No. I'm positive. No, thanks.

Oh, be like that. I'm not bothered.

- Yes, dear? - ALAN: Pint of lager, please.

I wish we'd never come.

Why? He's me best mate. I only see him once every six month.

- He's trying to split us up, you know. - Is he heck.

He is. Trying to persuade you to join up and everything.

Well, that won't take much the way things are going.

Thanks very much. That's saying a lot for me, isn't it?

- I didn't mean like that, you know I didn't. - Well, how did you mean it, then?

Well, I just mean I'm fed up.

You're gonna have to decide one way or the other, you know.

I know. I just don't know what to do yet.

I couldn't stand it without you, Mick.

- Thank you. See you again in a fortnight. - Right.

WOMAN: Sign just there, please.

Come again in a fortnight with your card.