Original subtitles

SERIOUS CHARGE

Larry?

Oh now what is it?

You know.

Well, what I told you about on Thursday.

Another time, I've got to get over

to Hertford today and quick.

Brother Curley's up in front of the beaks

at the juvenile court.

Yes, I forgot about him, do you think he'll be alright?

Sure, you don't need to sweat,

first defense.

But I really must have a talk to you some time Larry.

Perhaps when you get back from court.

Yeah sure, in the espresso bar.

Come on, and make it quick, chick.

Come on!

Come on!

So naturally as you've only been in this

locality a matter of weeks,

this bench is only to raise a remand case for you.

To make further inquiries about

the boy's family and background.

That's very good of you sir.

But I would like to tell you one thing though Mr Phillips.

In our experience, and of course that isn't inconsiderable,

these acts of juvenile violence, well,

they're not always a matter of environment and upbringing.

And it's not always the fault of the parents, oh no.

A lot of the trouble lies with the lad himself.

I wouldn't argue with you there sir.

But I've had quite a few years experience

with the parachute battalion.

And we used to take in a lot of young fellows

of very much this age and type.

And I do know that if we didn't give them a fair chance,

well, a great deal more than a fair chance,

we'd never turn them into normal, average, decent soldiers.

And I'd have thought the same thing

held true of civilians.

Help (mumbles).

Well as you wish.

Will seven days be sufficient?

Oh yes, and thank you very much.

The probation officer will make arrangements for him.

Thank you sir.

Shall I push off then?

Yes I'll see to him.

Oh by the way, good luck for Saturday,

it's Manchester United isn't it?

No, we're playing the Rovers.

Oh well, as long as you beat them.

Thank you.

This juve, juvenile delinquent of yours,

are you sure you want him back in circulation?

Yes, once I've started something

I like to go through with it.

Well, there'll be a couple of papers for you to sign.

I'll drop them in at the vicarage for you tonight.

Alright, well come in and have a drink,

only, don't be late, I've got the youth club.

Thanks, I'd like to.

Goodbye.

Oh Ma'am?

Yes?

They told me to see you.

Oh yes, that's right, we're writing you a letter.

You'll get it in a few days.

Man is she for real?

A proper ho shot, and get them.

A bunch of squares, from Squaresville, England.

You know something?

They make me sick, dick.

Oh, hi Curley!

Hi!

How is it?

Man get her, I'm flying.

Hey what happened Curley?

Come on, what did the squares do to you?

Come on Curley, tell us what happened.

What happened?

Nothing happened.

Another crummy, hairy talk

from four old geezers sitting up at a table.

Just like What's My Line!

And then old (mumbles) from over.

I'm not here.

Larry's bike, I saw it outside.

Yes, he lent it to me.

Well, tell him I asked for him will you?

Thanks Curley, I'd do the same for you some time.

Mary's a nice kid, why'd you have to?

I know, I know,

but you don't want someone in your hair all the time, do you?

Or do you?

Come on.

Welcome.

Can I have a pack of cigarettes please?

Yes my dear.

Man, do you want us to buy you that for Christmas?

She new?

French kid.

Works across the vicarage.

Thank you.

Change.

Oh yes.

Think you'll remember me next time you see me?

Take it easy Larry, take it easy.

Uh huh, so this is the great Larry Thompson?

Quite a boy they tell me.

Thanks.

Any time.

You're sharp, real sharp.

You about my speak too.

Have you got a date tonight?

Yes, serving out there at the youth club.

Over there?

Church hall?

Yes, it's not so bad.

The vicar's got some pretty good new disk.

You can rock if you want to.

Man, we're gonna rock, rock.

* Rock around the church tonight *

Sure, we'll get a great charge out of that.

Do you have to be there.

Mmhm, but I'll tell you this,

Mr Phillips is alright.

He's different from the others, you know, with the collar.

None of them reverends are different.

What should we do at (mumbles) later?

Jazz it up for a bit maybe?

Now no trouble.

No, no trouble,

I wanna thank the reverend anyway.

Spoke up pretty well for me today he did.

You hear what Curley says, no trouble.

No bicycle chains, no knives.

I must go now.

How do you say?

Alligator?

Crocodile.

Man, she's for real.

Hello Tommy, good evening to you.

Hello vicar.

No, I think if he could get away from that little beast of a brother of his,

he's be perfectly alright.

Big brother's a nasty piece of work I take it?

Oh, Larry Thompson's a real shocker.

He really qualifies for that word of yours,

what was it?

A juve!

Thanks, no that was naughty of me.

Potential juvenile delinquent,

that's the correct term for your young man.

I don't know why he's mine all of a sudden,

I've only met him twice!

Well goodnight padre.

Thank you very much for showing me around.

And thank you for the strong drink.

Oh, incidentally would you like a lift?

Next week when I call for your young master Curley?

Thank you very much, if it's not too much trouble.

Well she's rather small

do you think you'll be able to fit in?

Anything you can do I can do...

Yes, I must admit I asked for that one.

Everything's ready vicar.

Yeah alright, coming.

Goodnight padre.

Goodnight.

Oh hello Miss Peters.

Hello there Naomi.

Has the vicar arrived?

Oh yes he's arrived and we think he's here to stay.

Mmm, he's dreamy.

(mumbles) Get your shoulder up inside,

that's it, that's better.

Come on feller.

Alright, jab, good, good.

Much better.

Good, good, yeah, but use your knuckles.

Don't hit with that open thumb.

Alright, good, good, good boy, good boy,

Come on, all you've got.

That's is, harder, harder, harder.

Alright, I'm getting too old.

Come on Wally.

Now you two, don't forget,

not all this educated straight left,

you've got a right as well, huh?

Alright, go on, now no black eyes, hey!

It looks as if you need this.

Hello Miss Peters, missed you.

Well, I've been trying to get the parish magazine out

because it should be at the printers by tomorrow.

Now watch his right Wally!

Watch it.

I said watch it, not sample it.

I'm sorry, the magazine.

Well it's just that it should be

at the printers by tomorrow.

That was lousy!

Close your gob.

I'm sorry, I'm with you, with you.

Well it's just that I was planning a new layout

along the lines that you suggested.

Well I think it's time we livened things up a bit.

Yes I suppose the father and I did get

a bit stuck in our ways.

Hello Vicar.

Hello John.

Well we'll talk about it later shall we?

Alright fine, perhaps when this is over?

Don't be scared.

Some tea?

Well I think you were doing alright.

Hi vicar, hows tricks?

Well fine, nice of you to come over, enjoy yourselves.

And Michelle, when you've time

would you run over to the vicarage

say I shan't be home for dinner?

Yes sir, certainly.

- Fancy a dance? - Uh huh.

Hey, hey, young man.

It's all picked for Monday.

Thank you vicar, and thank you for today too.

It's all part of the service.

But I'd like you to come and see me tomorrow.

No, it's alright, I shan't preach to you and make you pray.

Just want to sort out some of the facts.

Thank you.

Okay.

Come on Wally!

Come on.

* Just watch me shimmy to a solid beat

* My dolls real purtie Bertie, she's too sweet

* I kiss her once and then I take my feet

* Outside on the street again

* I was born on a cold December night

* Brought up in a shack

* I've been a mean mean child

* Since the day I arrived

* And now there ain't no turning back

* Not no how

* There ain't no turning back

Keep your elbows in.

Go on, tuck it in.

* Born on a cold December night

* Brought up in a shack

* I've been a mean mean child

* Since the day I arrived

* And now there ain't no turning back

* Not no how

* There ain't no turning back

Hey, what the hell?

Just me, it's getting a bit wild.

Let's quieten down a bit.

And Michelle, will you take that message for me right now, please?

Yes sir.

What's the matter?

A bit of action never did anybody any harm.

And look vicar, if you're gonna rock,

then you've gotta rock.

It's alright, I've nothing against rocking,

only take it easy, that's all.

Ah, let's get out of here.

This churchy stuff.

Square with a round collar.

There a bunch of creeps and sissies anyway.

Who you calling names then?

Easy Buster,

and if you wanna play rough.

A knife?

He's got a knife!

Go on, smash him I tell you,

smash him, what are you waiting for?

Go on, what are you waiting for boys, come on!

Now you stay where you are if you don't want

your little friend's arm broken.

Ow!

That's better.

Now listen to me,

officially I'm a man of peace.

But if you bunch don't throw down those ornaments of yours

on the table there right now,

I'm going to give myself the great pleasure

of throwing you one by one through that window.

And believe me it's quite a drop.

We were just going anyway.

Yeah, sure you were going.

But not carrying any of that cutlery

to help you settle scores in a dark alley on the way home.

How about it fellers?

Come on, do what he said.

Whose side are you on anyway?

On yours, only you don't seem to know it.

And so are the rest it seems, that's fine.

Alright then, come on, up you get.

Oh come on, let's get out of this

smashing nightclub anyway before it's raided.

Yes you may as you've forgotten something.

Pick it up.

Come on, let's get out of here.

Come on.

How about you Curley?

No contribution to put on the table?

I wasn't carrying anything.

Straight, I wasn't.

Go on then.

I'd hate to start something on your behalf,

and then not want to finish it.

Goodnight vicar.

Night.

Well there you are, what did I tell you.

Come to the church hall and see life.

Shall I?

Oh do, anything's better than this silence.

Or is it?

Gotta get out of that car.

(mumbles) You leave me alone.

Did I leave my bag?

Larry!

Larry, where are you going?

Ah, the shows over, so we're taking you with us doll.

Is it finished in there?

They're dead, strictly Deadville, England.

Well alright, I'm free for the rest of the evening.

What are we waiting for?

Let's take a hike, Mike.

Come on, let's go to the pool.

No, not for me.

So long.

Oh here, let me help.

Oh no, no, I can manage.

You know I love this room.

Of course it's very different from when we lived here.

You've made it very charming.

So, artistic if you know what I mean.

Well Howard has a fair amount of taste,

I'll give him that.

Though where he gets it from the Lord only knows.

His father and I were just a couple of philistines.

Oh really Mrs Phillips,

you do say the most surprising things.

You mean because I don't behave

like a clergyman's mother?

Mmhm.

Well, thank goodness I don't my child.

I suppose Howard,

the vicar told you what happened at the church hall earlier this evening?

He raced in and out.

Besides, he knows better than to discuss his work with me.

To start with I'm not the ministering angel type.

I'm terribly likely to say what I think

at the wrong moment to the wrong person.

And before you know what's happened,

I've put back religion a thousand years.

Cigarette?

I don't.

Aren't you lucky?

Ghastly habit.

At any rate, it's high time he got married.

Most vicars have a house full of screaming

half-starved children by the time they're 30.

Yes I suppose they do.

No, I'm not a possessive mother.

I don't believe in them.

I suppose you don't know of any eligible females?

Oh, more coffee?

No, thank you.

No peace for the wicked.

The vicarage.

Oh yes Howard.

Oh no, of course you can't, I quite understand.

We're still waiting.

Well come as soon as you can, goodbye.

Howard's sorry, but he's been delayed.

His girlfriend keeps him so late.

Girlfriend?

Let all bitterness and wrath,

and anger and clamor,

and evil speaking be put away from you,

with all malice.

And be ye kind one to another.

Tender-hearted.

Forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake,

hath forgiven you.

Oh, going so soon, vicar?

Yes, old Mrs White fell asleep on me again.

Oh dear.

She's never did that with old Mr Peters.

Oh, there you are. I obviously haven't the right way with women.

Goodnight Matron.

Goodnight vicar, thank you for coming.

But vicar, keep on trying.

The old folks need you just as much

as those young ruffians you know.

That's nice of you to say so, I'll keep trying, goodnight.

Goodnight.

Keep the noise down.

Fellers, not so much noise.

Come on, quick, hurry.

Quick, give her a hand.

Hold on to me.

Hold on to me.

Hurry up (mumbles).

Go away darling.

Go away (mumbles).

Are you sure you won't have a drink?

Quite sure.

Mrs Phillips, do you like me?

Of course Miss Peters.

Oh please call me Hester,

and don't say of course like that.

Because I like you very much.

I admire you tremendously and, envy you.

Envy me?

Your whole outlook on life.

The way you think.

I know you must feel I'm a...

How old do you think I am for a start?

Oh well really, Hester.

Go on, tell me honestly.

No I will not.

I've always found that whenever I've been asked to guess peoples ages,

I'm so terrified of saying the wrong thing

that I go to the other extreme

and say something quite ridiculous.

I'm 30.

Oh.

What's wrong with that?

Oh, let me do that.

You thought I was more?

I really hadn't even begun to think about it.

Oh but you had,

everyone does.

But I suppose 30 is quite old really,

for a girl still not to be married.

Oh I'm sure some nice young man will come along

at any time and pop the question.

One did once, 10 years ago.

It was very romantic, we were up by Longwood.

Of course that was before they built

that awful new town.

And you didn't accept him?

Oh yes, yes I accepted him.

But my father didn't.

You mean Mr Peters didn't find him suitable?

You see, my father expected such a lot of me.

When my mother died he made me take

such an active part in parish affairs and then.

It's funny.

I know exactly what Bellington thinks of me.

The old vicar's daughter.

The local do-gooder.

Sunday school teacher without a sex life.

They're quite right of course.

But it needn't have been like that

if my Father hadn't been so ill, I,

I'd have gone away years ago.

Years and years ago.

Oh I'd have gone away alright.

Hester.

30 really isn't old you know.

It is when you feel as I do.

You don't know how I dread the feeling

of becoming a dried up old spinster.

Full of frustrations and loneliness.

You see I really despise that sort of person.

Oh that's him now.

Excuse me Hester.

Hello darling, still hitting the bottle I see.

You look awfully tired young man.

A bit.

I told Michelle she can go out

for the rest of the evening.

But she's left everything in the kitchen.

Just a cup of coffee please darling.

I'll make you some fresh,

it won't take a moment.

By the way, Hester's still waiting.

Oh.

Can't you see I'm tired

have to crawl upstairs to bed?

Oh alright, I suppose she's not a bad sort really.

If you could see the smug look on your face.

A martyr about to be thrown to the lions.

Strictly out of (mumbles) this.

You're quite wrong,

that's my expression on Easter day when I'm counting the collection.

Coffee woman, and make it hot.

Hester.

Miss Peters, hello.

Hello.

Terribly sorry to have kept you waiting, I hope you haven't been too bored.

Well of course not, your mother's an awfully sweet woman.

I dunno about sweet, she's mad, mad as a hatter.

We usually lock her up the first Sunday in advent, don't let her out 'til Christmas.

Do sit down.

Well, let's see what you've cooked up for me.

Unsuspecting burgers of Bellington.

Nice, nice.

Of course I could put the acknowledgments

on another page and the list of advertisers to the back.

You know what I really ought to do

is read through what you've written before we discuss layout, isn't it?

Well that would be a help.

I wonder if you could get in something

about youth club activities, such as they are.

You mean, vicar quells teenage gang riot,

fire hoses and tear gas to be installed in the church hall.

I'm so sorry, does this worry you?

No, of course not, I love the smell of tobacco.

It's such a man-about-the-house sort of smell.

Yes, I suppose it is.

Tell me Miss Peters, I want to know what you think,

what do you make of young Thompson?

Larry Thompson?

Mmm.

Howard, I think that boy is evil,

really evil.

Steady on.

Likes to show off, he's a bit of a troublemaker,

but I wouldn't say evil.

Throwing Michelle around with her legs like that, it was really indecent.

Oh come on, go up to the swimming pool,

you'll see plenty more legs in there.

Oh you know that's quite different.

Anyhow, I hope you won't let him go to the club anymore.

I thought the object of youth clubs

was to attract the Larry Thompsons of this world,

not keep them away.

You forget I've known him since he was a child,

and I tell you Howard, if you treat these people like that,

they'll just laugh in your face.

Well, I think I'll survive that.

You see, I think of this boy, and the others like him,

I think they need help, all the help I can give them.

It's as simple as that.

Hey, keep it quiet.

Shh.

Quiet.

Here look at me I'm an hero.

Look at that one, look at that one there.

Here, stand can you darling?

Larry, do you think you ought to?

Yeah, sure, why not?

Give me one please.

Thank you.

Oh Larry, can I have a towel please?

Ask them not to make so much noise, will you?

Goodness how fast this place is growing.

Job would have been too much for father.

Even if he hadn't got sick.

You're certainly gonna have your hands full,

coping with all this.

Yes, but only if I can manage to make some sort of sense

with the youngsters.

If we don't get hold of them, in 20 years from now you can shut all the churches

and people like me will be out of a job.

Oh, I think you'll make sense alright.

I hope so.

You see these lads of 17 and 18 today,

they almost earn a mans wage,

and they want to prove that they're men.

But they don't know how to except through violence, and showing off.

Yes I know.

And the trouble is they resent all advice from anybody over 30.

How could anybody that old possibly understand what they feel?

You think of us that way Hester, you and me.

Just a couple of crummy middle-aged squares.

I may be but you're not.

I've seen the way they look at you.

In a funny way they respect you, just as I do.

Only of course not in a funny way.

I respect them too.

In fact, you know something,

it's a regular mutual admiration society.

Murder.

Larry, can I have a towel?

Go on, scram.

Thank you.

Tell me, how come I haven't run into you before?

Because I have not been here very long.

Straight from Sexville aren't you?

Why you have to use that funny American talk all the time?

I mean.

What's funny about it? The gang like it.

I think it's silly.

You're a nice boy,

you shouldn't go around like you do.

How do you mean?

Well always making troubles like you did tonight.

My father is very strict on anything like that.

You don't know what having a father is 'til you've had a load of mine.

He's a ruddy terror.

When he's on the war path and reaches for that belt of his,

then I'm halfway down the road.

Larry, you speak so funny things and so quickly.

I don't understand,

you mean your father hits you with a belt?

No, not any more he don't.

Our Larry's learned how to keep out of his way.

Clearly, poor Curley,

he didn't even dare to come here tonight,

went straight home.

He hits Curley with a belt?

Your little brother?

You're quite something Michelle.

I'm quite something what?

You're for real you're,

you're beautiful.

Oh you speak so very nice sometimes.

Me?

So very, very nice.

There's been no one in Bellington worth speaking like that to before.

You're one worth bothering about.

And now, yes?

Yes.

I'll get that (mumbles) of yours

sent back in the morning.

Oh that's alright. I can walk over.

Would you like a drink?

I'm sure there's something in the house.

No, no thank you, I must be getting back.

Well, goodnight then.

Goodnight.

Hester, it is you I hope.

Oh hello father.

Oh dear, I do hope I didn't wake you up.

No no, I was reading, you were much later than usual,

I was a little worried, that's all.

Oh father. I've never spoken to you about this before,

and well it's nine and a half years ago now but

Peter Burton, you remember?

Well when you said that I shouldn't marry him,

I always felt a certain bitterness inside me, even...

Hester, my dear...

Oh but it doesn't matter now, it's all over now.

You see I've suddenly realized that,

well there was a reason for it all.

I know all these years that I've been helping you to run the parish.

There was a reason for that too.

So that I could help someone else some day

to do the same thing and,

be a part of their life too.

You mean Howard Phillips?

Yes, he's not married, thank heavens.

And, well a vicar does need a wife.

And I certainly do think he likes me.

Oh well anyway, there's no one else

who knows the place or the people as well as I do.

It's way past your bed time, go on.

Upstairs, sleeping.

Oh Hester, I do hope everything is going to be alright.

Why shouldn't it be?

Morning!

Oh my, the early one.

Good morning.

I suppose she got you to give her a lift back?

That's right.

Did she attack you?

She what?

Not that you'd have know if she did, you're hopeless.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Hester is a very nice girl, and I quite like her.

Thank you for ironing those.

No no no no no.

You'll get paint on them.

I'll have to pack them in the bag.

I suppose you realize she's after you?

After me?

She wouldn't repeat everything I say.

Hester is in love with you.

Madame,

madame?

This swap-flakers?

This what?

Where we are finding?

You just ask Mr Price the Grocer,

he'll give them to you.

Soap flakes.

Thank you madame.

Swap-flakers.

Don't you think she dresses somewhat,

racily for a girl who's just going out shopping?

You have an evil mind.

Mrs Brown from the agency says she comes from a very nice family.

Wish I did.

Come from a nice family I mean.

Now, Hester.

Oh, Hester.

Yes.

I think it's rather sad.

30 and very frustrated,

sex rearing its ugly head.

Madam, have you no respect for my cloth?

Not a drop.

You ought to know the facts of life as well as I do,

and if you don't then you ought to go around a bit

without that dog collar of yours

and learn all about them.

What's all this in aid of?

Chuck me that rag would you?

Has it never occurred to you that Hester

might imagine she'd make an ideal vicar's wife?

Yes I'm sure she would, so long as it wasn't mine.

Howard.

If it ever comes to telling her that be careful.

Oh be so careful how you do it.

Hester the woman scorned.

Hell hath no fury.

Though Hell sounds more like your territory.

Forgive me trespassing.

Go on with you.

And if I don't see you before I go,

make lots of goals.

To hear is to obey.

And remember Hester,

because if it happens, it wouldn't be all her fault.

Number nine, that's Howard Phillips for the home side.

He's a reverend by the way.

- Oh quietly Hester, please! - Yes father.

Rather unusual these days to find one in a professional football team.

Who is the match between, my dear?

Well, his team is the one with white shirts,

I don't know about the other.

Admirable, concentrating on only one of the sides,

must make it so much easier to follow.

Now a neat pass down the line and

Farmer has moved over to take it.

Looks dangerous for Rovers.

No, a splendid interception by center-half Williams.

Now Rovers attack.

And Peters is beaten in the air, and Mo-man makes a wonderful save.

Ball now to Rovers.

Well cleared by United.

Right away up field to Webb,

two Rovers defenders in a tangle.

Outside wide to Smith, to Brown,

he shoots, and Phillips diverts it into the net!

He's scored, he's scored.

Yes, Phillips has scored after two minutes.

I thought for a moment he might have been offside.

Hester, you're deafening me.

Sorry father, but didn't you hear?

He just scored in the first two minutes,

what do you make of that?

I make it that in 90 minutes play,

he should score exactly 45 goals.

Oh father do stop it.

Strong defenders these Rovers here.

Oh, it's gone wrong.

Hello, good morning.

Oh good morning vicar.

I was watching out for you,

wanted to save you having to get out of the car.

Well, that was thoughtful of you.

Getting in is the problem though.

Good game on Saturday.

Yes, not bad.

I thought you were offside of course.

Yes, so did about four million other people on the telly.

Shall I tell you something?

So did I.

I know what you're thinking.

No, no.

Men drivers, woman drivers, it's all the same to me.

Liar.

Alright, I'm a liar.

I didn't realize you were the soccer star.

Crowd didn't seem to thing so in the second half.

No, but it's useful in your job.

Especially with the youngsters.

You should cash in on it.

Wear shorts and football boots in church instead of a surplice and cassock?

Yeah, smashing idea.

But seriously,

children worship athletic heroes, you're useful.

A lot more useful if I could swivel my hips and howl like a broken down hound dog.

Oh that's a passing phase.

Won't last, not even five years.

Maybe, but still I sometimes wonder

if we're doing any good.

Well, we're not doing any harm, surely.

Oh, there's my unfinished business that one.

Come on Curley!

We can always find out.

Police evidence proves that this lad

was a member of a gang or involved

in an orgy of this window smashing.

I know we didn't catch any of the others,

but there's very excellent reasons why this lad should be sent to an approved school,

if it's only to act as a warning.

And I contend sir, with doffens to your great experience,

that if he is sent to a borstal,

this boy is on the way to becoming a proper criminal.

I don't know him well,

but I would say he's well worth his extra chance.

I know many of them aren't,

but I would say this one is.

Well, it might be worth one chance.

It's a very difficult position.

We're anxious to try to help.

Now then if you can persuade within 10 days,

the shopkeepers who were involved to withdraw the charges,

and if you will personally

act as surety for this lads behavior in the future,

the this court may be able to quash the charge.

Well, thank you very much sir.

I thank you, all of you if that's in order.

Well it's not, but no matter.

Next case.

Oh Mr Phillips, nothing to do with this case of course,

but Saturday, were you?

Offside?

Hello.

Oh, let me take that.

Thank you dear.

It's astonishing the amount of rubbish

one takes with one.

Even if you're only going away for a week.

Oh you'd better leave that Michelle,

we can manage.

Voila.

And you'd better run off if you want to catch that bus of yours.

Thank you madame.

I'll take that Michelle.

Bon voyage, bye bye.

Oh that hair.

Don't you think that dress is a bit?

Oh well it's her day off, she can wear what she likes.

Within reason.

Howard won't stay alone in the house with her, will he?

Well, really, Hester.

But Howard will be alone tonight, what will he do about food?

He'll manage,

rustle up something for himself I expect.

But I could pop over and cook him a meal.

Oh, good gracious, I wouldn't hear of it.

As a matter of fact, Howard rather likes foraging for himself.

Have a good time.

Goodbye Hester, take care of yourself.

No, no, this'll do splendidly.

I've an enormous shopping list, I'd better get on with it.

Goodbye, see you before next week.

Alright, goodbye Miss Langton, thank you so much.

Afternoon vicar.

Hello sergeant.

Nice today, everything alright for you?

Yes, thanks, can't complain.

Except about the size of the congregations.

They'll grow with time, sir.

I hear you had a spot of bother at the church hall

the other night, those Thompson lads I imagine.

Oh, they're alright.

Wasn't really much bother.

Yeah, you saw them off, nice and proper.

Commandos they say, was it?

Well, paratroopers actually,

I was only a padre, remember.

Well, they make them jump like all the others don't they?

Don't fancy it myself.

Well, nice to see you vicar, anything I can do to help.

Airight sir, goodbye.

Bye Joe.

Hello Mary, I'll have, oh,

two pounds of those apples please,

and give me half a dozen of those oranges,

are they nice?

Hello, what's the matter?

It's nothing vicar, nothing at all.

Must be something, pretty girl like you doesn't cry for nothing at all.

It's nothing, really.

Would you like to tell me something about it?

I can't.

I might be able to help you know,

I'm much cleverer than I look.

Can't, can't tell anyone.

Well, you know where I live.

If you'd like to come along any time you're very welcome.

Well, leave it at that then shall we.

Hello Mary, it's you, come on in.

Oh, what a horrible night.

Go on in, there's a fire in there.

There's no one in here, go on in.

Go on, that's it, there's nobody here.

Take your coat off and go and sit by the fire, good there.

What about a cup of tea eh?

I think it's still warm, yes.

No?

Do you mind if I do.

Go on, sit down.

Well it's a long way from where you live.

And you wouldn't have come all this way

unless you had something very important to tell me, would you?

Hmm?

Well if you won't talk I'll have to.

It's obvious that you're in some kind of serious trouble,

so let's get to the bottom of it.

Have you killed anyone?

No.

That's a relief, all of those tears, I thought it must be at least that.

Have you robbed a bank?

Of course not.

Ah, we're getting on.

You haven't killed anyone, you haven't robbed a bank.

It's probably something quite simple then.

You going to have a baby?

Yes.

Yes I'm going to have a baby.

Well, good heavens, is it as tragic as all that?

You've seen a doctor I suppose?

I went into Carsford.

I didn't want anyone here to know.

Does the young man who's responsible know about it?

I've tried to tell him, but somehow I can't.

He doesn't see me any more.

Perhaps I could tell him, who is it?

I can't.

Do your parents know about it?

I couldn't face dad alone.

He's always been quick tempered.

I don't know what he'd do.

He could even kill Larry and.

Is it Larry Thompson?

Mary you've got to tell me now,

is it Larry Thompson?

I shouldn't have told you.

If Larry knew I'd told you.

He hates you,

he says such horrible things about you.

Let's not worry about what Larry Thompson says or thinks about me,

it's you we've got to worry about, you.

You and your baby.

I don't know, I don't know what to do.

Take it easy, we'll work out what to do.

Oh it would be better for everybody if I was dead.

Mary, I'm not gonna have you talking like that.

Mary, stop it, stop it!

I don't wanna go (mumbles).

I was better off if I was dead I tell you.

Stop it, stop it!

I can't face it, I can't.

You can face it and you will.

I can't face it.

Yes you can face it, Mary.

I didn't think I'd tell you, I don't know what to do.

If you do anything to yourself now, you'll be taking another life as well.

Do you understand that?

Do you understand?

I suppose so.

Alright then, now you're gonna swear to me,

you're gonna swear to me before God to put all thoughts of death out of your mind.

Now you swear that.

I swear.

Alright then.

I'll come round to your home after supper.

Will that do?

Well, dad goes to the pub at 9:30.

I'll be there at 9, okay?

Thank you.

Now you leave it to me,

I'll have a talk to your father,

and then you'll have to do the same.

I don't want anyone to see me like this.

Alright, come on.

You follow me.

Down through the kitchen.

Thank you vicar, thank you.

God bless you.

Hello Hester.

Hello Howard.

What on earth are you doing here?

Well my, you look worried.

Oh no, I'm alright.

I bought you some food, some eggs and things.

Thought I'd get you something to eat.

Oh that's good of you, you shouldn't have troubled.

Oh well, I'm quite sure you haven't bothered to get yourself anything.

Yes, it's alright Hester, really, I've had a snack.

Oh father, I told your mother I'd be over later in the day.

Oh really, I wish you wouldn't.

Bare, just as I thought.

Well, it'll have to be an omelette.

It's most thoughtful of you, but I've got an appointment.

Oh, not your old Mrs White again?

Go on, sit down, it'll only take a minute.

No really, I mustn't be late.

Well, I'm sure whoever it is won't mind waiting.

Oh Hester, I wish you wouldn't.

Go on, sit down.

You know something,

if I were your wife I'd see you were properly looked after,

and not left alone like this.

Hester.

Oh Howard.

Hester.

Oh my dear girl.

Oh I'm so sorry.

I don't know what to say.

I think you'd better go Hester.

Go?

You want me to go?

By which door?

I don't know what you mean.

By that door?

The one that your last caller left by?

Evening Mary.

Dead?

Mary, dead?

But, I was just on my way to see her.

Larry did everything, the doctor, the ambulance.

No, wait a minute,

what do you mean Larry?

Do you mean Larry Thompson?

Yes, Larry Thompson.

What's he got to do with it?

Well, we were on the seat together,

you know.

And Mary came across and there was the accident.

You and Larry were together,

and Mary saw you, is that what you're saying?

Yes.

Alright, go on in.

Well done Mrs Williams, you did splendidly.

Just splendidly.

I'll try and come in and see you later this afternoon.

Thank you vicar.

Goodbye vicar. Come on, love.

Sad business vicar.

Yes.

Funny how Mr Thompson can manage

to give Larry a hand.

He can never find the time when young Curley's in trouble.

I wouldn't have said young Larry was in any trouble this time.

Besides, the whole world knows

whose the apple of Bill Thompson's eye.

Still no accounting for tastes.

Come along Michelle.

Goodbye sergeant, you know where to find me if you want me.

Right, move along there.

* Got myself a crying talking sleeping walking

* Living doll

* Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a

* Living doll

* Such a roving eye and that is why she

* Satisfies my soul

* Got the one and only walking talking

* Living doll

* Take a look at her hair

* It's real and if you don't believe what I say just feel

* And lock her up in a trunk

* So no big hunk

Larry!

* Can steal her away from me

* Got myself a crying walking

Larry the vicar's outside he wants to see you.

Well, what's oldie Joe want?

I don't know.

Here, take over.

* Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a

* Living doll

What's it all about?

He didn't say.

* Such a roving eye and that is why she

* Satisfies my soul

* Got my self the only walking talking

* Living doll

I've got a date you know.

You may not want to keep it.

Go on, go and sit down.

Do you mind if I smoke?

Quite a place you've got here.

What's the matter vicar?

Staring at me like I was dirt.

Just looking at you, wondering what makes you tick.

What you're thinking about after that inquest this afternoon.

Now listen, I wasted enough of my time on the blooming inquest already.

I'm getting fed up with all this natter.

Yes, the inquest was quite a strain, wasn't it.

I dunno, I didn't mind, not really.

It'll take more than a flipping coroner to scare me.

I've got to hand it to you,

you're a hell of a fellow aren't you.

All the same, I don't think you told them

quite all you know.

I told them what I saw.

That's all they wanted to know.

What else could I have told them?

You might have told them that you were responsible for the girl's death.

Say that again!

I said you could have told them

that you were responsible for Mary's death.

Alright, well, I have witnesses to this.

Michelle!

Michelle!

You're wasting your breath, Michelle's out.

Alright, your mother then.

I'm not gonna let you get away with this.

There's no one in the house.

If you want to have witnesses, get your little friends over from the coffee barn.

I see.

No, I don't need any witnesses.

Always could take care of myself.

Must have shocked you this afternoon, when you heard that Mary was pregnant.

I get it, now you're trying to say I've been mucking about with Mary.

You've got it in one my friend.

That's exactly what I'm saying.

Now listen to...

Sit down.

Mary told me that she was going to have a baby, and your name slipped out.

She'd say any name.

But she said yours.

And I believe her.

You've got no evidence.

So if you was so blasted sure of yourself,

why didn't you speak up today, eh?

Mary was dead.

It was cruel enough it had to be mentioned at all that she was going to have a baby.

You saw what it did to her father and mother.

You saw that, didn't you?

Yes.

Well I just want you to know,

that you killed her as surely as if you'd stuck a knife in her back.

That's a bloody lie.

She was frightened and she ran in the road.

Oh no.

It wasn't fright that sent her running out into the road.

It was seeing you,

the father of her unborn child,

with another girl in your arms.

You're enjoying this, aren't you?

I know why you've got it in for me.

Because I'm not one of your little fan club.

Stupid bunch of kids who think you're great

because you kick a football about on a Saturday afternoon.

Well not this one.

So long vicar.

I haven't finished with you yet, there's another thing.

You're gonna stay away from Michelle.

I suppose you want her for yourself.

Oh, you're lucky for you you're not big enough to hit.

Now look here mister, you can't stop me seeing her if I want to.

I think I can.

What could you do?

Tell her the whole story, and the police.

Doesn't frighten me.

No, I think I know something that does.

What about your father.

Yes.

Yes, I fancy he's the one to deal with you.

Now get out.

So that's how it's gonna be, eh?

Alright.

What's the hurry?

I told you to get out.

You frightened that someone would catch you

when you're alone in the vicarage, is that is?

Oh then you stay if you want to hear me talk to your father.

People might thing things, mightn't they.

Especially when I tell them how you got me here

when there was no one else in the house.

It'll be your word against mine,

only I'm gonna get some real evidence!

Have you gone out of your...

Have you gone out of your...

You wait 'til people hear about this.

You're crazy, come here you damn little.

Who do you think you're dealing with.

Take your hands off me you filthy swine,

what do you think you're playing at,

rolling me around like that.

You little idiot, have you gone off your head?

Leave me alone!

Howard!

Oh Miss Peters.

Larry, what on earth's the matter?

He tried.

What happened, I've got to know.

Can't tell you.

You've got to.

He tried to...

He tried to interfere with me.

Lying.

I'm not.

Hester.

Let me get out of here.

Hester, for God's sake, listen to me. The boy is lying.

Oh no he's not Howard.

Hester.

Hester, will you listen to me?

Hester.

Would you go?

And if it's Mr Phillips, would you tell him

that I'm not well.

I can't possibly see him.

Good evening Mr Peters, I'm sorry to disturb you at this time of night.

I was wondering if I could have a word with Hester.

I'm afraid my daughter's not feeling very well.

I shan't keep her a few minutes.

I'm sorry Phillips, it's not possible.

She doesn't want to see anyone. I can't let you in.

Thanks.

You may as well tell me.

You see Hester's a fine woman.

All her energies have been directed to the parish,

to the community, and to myself.

So much so that perhaps it's been to her own disadvantage.

But I can't tell you how upset I am about this,

this difference that has arisen between you.

My daughter stubbornly refuses to confide in me.

Phillips, Phillips, I do beg of you,

to tell me what the trouble has been.

Oh dear.

All I can say sir is that I am not a married man,

which makes me a fair target for anybody.

I see.

Yes.

I think I know another way of putting it.

That someone was very much alive to the fact

that the vicar was a single man.

What do you mean father?

Well, you pretty well told me that you wanted to marry him.

Yes, but there was more to it than that.

I think I understand you, my dear.

You offered yourself to him.

The unfortunate thing was

that he refused you.

Who told you that?

I've just been to see him.

And he said that?

Not exactly in those words, my dear.

In fact he was most reluctant to discuss the matter.

He was very tactful but I...

I think I understood his implications.

Oh father you'd never understand, never.

Do you you think I'd resign from all my parish duties,

from the Sunday school, from the youth club,

from all that I've made a part.

For all of it you've made a part of my life.

Just because a man turned me down in marriage?

My dear.

My dear child.

Of course you're quite right.

Howard did turn me down.

But after the little scene I saw,

I know he'd turn down any woman alive.

That's what she said isn't it.

And isn't the word of your own daughter good enough for you Mr Peters?

Yes.

Of course, I've always been taught to keep my mouth shut about that sort of thing.

Yes, I appreciate your silence, Larry, but this is a most serious charge.

And for a man in Mr Phillips position, the implications are most disturbing

to put it mildly.

Thank goodness I can take care of myself, that's all I can say I mean,

some other young feller well,

stands to reason.

I've read the Sunday Papers if you know what I mean.

You trying to tell me we've got one of them down at the vicarage?

And he tried his tricks on you?

Dad, would it be alright if I...

Get out Curley, this is no place for you.

I said get out, go on!

You didn't mention a word about all this to me.

I told you dad.

I didn't want to make any trouble.

The lad's motives are quite correct Mr Thompson, nobody wants to make trouble,

but some times it can't be avoided.

Yeah, you're right.

You mean the police?

You wouldn't do that dad, would you?

I've got to.

But if I had my own way.

Take it easy Bill, take it easy.

Before you get all steamed up,

have you seen the vicar, have you asked him yourself?

Listen, if I've got...

I don't wanna know that.

Look.

As a friend, I'll walk over with you

and we'll try and sort things out, alright.

Yes, yes, part of what you say is true.

I did have a struggle here with Mr Thompson's son.

And Miss Peters did come in and see the end of it.

Only she didn't see that the boy deliberately staged the whole thing.

He deliberately wrecked the room.

The whole thing was a frame up,

and Miss Peters fell for it.

She made the perfect witness.

The only witness.

And a reliable one at that.

You'll forgive me for saying so sir, but you're new to us.

And we've already had certain talk about this girl, this French maid here.

Oh look here sergeant, first it's the boy then it's the girl.

Have you got anything else.

Oh, Miss Peters now, we know her.

We think she'd tell us the truth.

And I mightn't eh?

Yeah, I see.

It's my word against one of the most respected women in Bellingham, is that it.

That's how it looks sir.

And what do you want me to do?

Get up on my hind legs on the pulpit

and shout out to all Bellington that it's a lie?

And what did you mean dragging my son over here in the first place?

Yes, we know you must have had a reason.

Oh yes, yes, I had a reason alright.

Only I'd hoped to keep it to myself.

Alright, if you want it.

Your son, Mr Thompson,

was responsible for Mary Williams' pregnancy.

Sit down!

Sit down.

How do you know this sir?

Because Mary came here herself the night she was killed and she told me.

Did anyone else know it?

No.

Pity.

Pity, why?

Well sir.

She comes to see you the night she was killed.

You're alone in the house.

Can you prove it, that's all.

Prove it? Do I have to prove every action in life?

Yes you do!

No no no, sir.

But after all, this wasn't the first time this sort of thing had happened.

What sort of thing.

Come on now sergeant, what sort of thing?

Well you say this, you say that sir.

No one else seems to know about it.

You must admit it's rather strange that you didn't say anything about it

until Bill here came here to see me.

That's right.

Mary spoke to me in confidence as a priest.

I couldn't tell anyone.

And after she was dead it was better left unsaid.

It could only have made trouble between her family and Mr Thompson's here.

It will be sir.

Now look here sergeant, will you listen to me a minute.

The coroner's inquest decided how Mary died, not why.

And I knew,

and I accused your son Mr Thompson, right here in this room of having...

Put her in a family way.

Did you or didn't you?

- I didn't dad, honest I didn't. - Why does that vicar say you did?

He had to say something, the first thing that came into his head.

The first thing that what.

He had to cover himself.

What else could he do.

Why should a priest cook up a story like that?

He had to.

What's the matter?

Mum, tell him.

Dad got him up against the wall,

and lying was his only way out, tell him mum.

It's you that's lying you little.

You know the taste of this.

You know what I said if I ever caught you lying again.

You know, don't you.

I'm not telling no lies dad.

I didn't say anything, I didn't start no trouble.

It's a terrible thing when you can't take the word of your own son.

What about her then?

What about the Peters woman?

Do you think she'd lie for me?

Do you?

Ask her dad, go on ask her.

Before you start taking it out on me.

Alright then, that's all I need to know.

No Thompson, wait.

Now Hester.

Are you sure you're not mistaken.

Howard Phillips entire reputation

lies in your hands.

If this goes any further,

his whole life is ruined, wasted.

No I ask you, before God,

put all personal issues out of your mind.

Are you sure you're not mistaken?

I can only tell you father, what I saw with my own eyes.

Right!

No, wait Thompson, wait!

And oh,

I'd better have a pack of those kippers, please.

And get your boy to deliver them before lunch will you?

I'll drop them in myself sir.

That's alright, I'll collect them as I come back.

* Oh mad about what

* Mad about

Larry.

* Everyone says see you later

* Yes he's mad he's mad

Good morning, sir.

Sleep well?

Not really.

Probably something you had to eat sir,

it can very often happens like that.

Maybe your tummy is upset, no?

Sir, your egg it's getting cold.

Take it away.

But sir.

Take it away, it'd probably make me sick.

I'm sorry Michelle, forgive me.

I don't feel well.

Do you want me to call for the doctor?

What makes you think he'd come?

Alright (mumbles) give it a rest.

We've made the gesture anyway.

Congregate when the regular bell pullers

come back again.

I don't know when that'll be

I'm surprised to see you here.

Well, I get paid for the job, don't I?

Well, we'll hold the service anyway.

At least no one can cough during the sermon.

Vicar?

Vicar?

What is it?

First time the old lady's been here in years.

We are late.

Mrs White, what are you?

I'm sorry we re so late.

There was a mix up over the taxi.

Mrs White, what are you doing?

You oughtn't to be here at all.

You ought to be tucked up in bed.

Matron, how could you let her come?

She insisted upon coming.

Insisted.

And you?

Oh, I'm quite good at insisting too.

Hester?

Miss Peters!

Please, Miss Peters, I must speak to you.

Please, Hester, I've got to talk to you.

Not out here, somewhere we can talk privately.

Now please, you've got to do this.

You're making me very conspicuous Mr Phillips.

And yourself even more so, if that were possible.

Come here Tommy, you mustn't do that.

Come here.

I'm very sorry sir.

Michelle?

Michelle?

Michelle?

Oh vicar, good evening.

I've come to take Michelle away.

She's upstairs packing.

I'm sorry about this,

but my agency is responsible to the parents.

And seeing how things are,

so you see.

* Got myself a crying talking sleeping walking

* Living doll

* Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a

* Living doll

* Such a roving eye and that is why she

* Satisfies my soul

* Got the one and only walking talking

* Living doll

* Take a look at her hair

* It's real and if you don't believe what I say just feel

* And lock her up in a trunk

* So no big hunk can steal her away from me

* Got myself a crying talking sleeping walking

* Living doll

* Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a

* Living doll

* Such a roving eye and that is why she

* Satisfies my soul

* Got the one and only walking talking

* Living doll

* Yeah

Goodnight Charlie.

Can I have a word with you Mr Thompson?

What, over at that vicarage of yours?

Somewhere we can talk quietly.

I've got nothing to say to you.

Nothing you'd like anyway.

I appreciate your feelings Mr Thompson...

Then keep the hell out of my way.

I just want to talk this matter over sensibly.

If you weren't hiding behind that dog collar,

I know the sensible thing I'd do.

Take you outside and give you the sort of hiding that might do you some good.

I don't think that'd...

Here's your chance Bill.

Go on, kick his teeth in.

No no no, gentlemen please, no trouble.

I don't think that'd do any good to anybody,

but I want to talk to you outside just the same.

Go on, show him Bill.

Alright, come on.

Listen, I just wanted to talk to you.

Alone.

And in any case, I've no intention of starting a fight with you.

I knew it, what did I say?

Can't we go somewhere without this stupid mob?

Who are you calling a mob anyway?

Watch your words.

You know I can't hit a parson hiding behind a black shirt front.

That's a pretty cheap remark, Mr Thompson.

I know you didn't mean it.

No, you're right.

I didn't.

Now wait a minute, take it easy.

I was just trying to.

You asked for it sir.

I keep trying to explain to you

that someone's going to get hurt.

Only people never will.

Never willed this.

Now, anyone else want a go?

Alright.

Well, you'd better take care of your friend.

Go on, let's go and get him.

Howard are you?

Hello mother.

Anyway, you're here.

And I'm very glad to be back with you.

There's no need to look at me like that.

Oh stop it darling.

I suppose you've heard about it all.

I see you've got one of those.

Anonymous, that's what they called it.

They didn't spare the juicy details.

I bet they didn't.

Now it's my turn to write the details.

Who to?

The bishop.

Why?

Why, because I've no alternative.

Because I've made a fool of myself,

let myself get involved in a cheap brawl.

And what's worse, I enjoyed it.

If I could I'd have beaten the daylights

out of the whole grinning stupid lot of them.

Hell of a fine clergyman that makes me, doesn't it.

Wonderful, gentle, tolerant example I set around the place.

Worse than the bunch of hoodlums

I'm trying to clean up.

Told to carry a bicycle chain,

be like every well-dressed clergyman.

Carry a clerical cosh.

And after that long speech,

tell me, did you win?

Does it matter who won?

Did you?

Oh I knocked him cold, but I wouldn't call that winning.

What else would you call it?

Don't laugh at me mother, don't laugh.

But what I'd call winning is something

a devil of a sight harder.

Something they tell you in all the Sunday school books.

Just turning the other cheek.

It's what a clergyman preaches, it's what a clergyman's supposed to do.

Only,

I'm not very good at turning the other cheek.

Which means that I'm not a very good clergyman.

Which means that I never will be.

So it's as well I find it out right now.

Listen to me now Howard,

and listen carefully.

I'm not a church goer as you know.

Perhaps not even a Christian

in the accepted sense of the word.

But I like to think I understand what my son represents.

Whatever people say or think,

however much a story is distorted beyond recognition.

However much the Larry Thompsons of this world

are allowed to poison other peoples minds.

However much you judge your own limitations,

let's face it, your inexperience.

At least I know your God understands

the hurt you've suffered.

If he doesn't he must be a very narrow minded God.

You're still going to write that letter.

I must.

If the bishop receives it he'll only have one alternative.

I'm in his hands.

What I don't understand,

what I can't believe is why Bellington

should accept such a story.

Oh, didn't you know?

Larry Thompson had a very reliable witness.

Her reputation is beyond reproach.

A woman?

Hester.

Hester.

Oh, may I come in.

Well.

Oh I do hope I'm not disturbing Mr Peters.

No, my father's in hospital,

he's had to have some more treatment

for his arthritis.

Well Hester dear, things have certainly been humming since I went away.

Oh I suppose it was inevitable.

The only thing I blame you for,

is the clumsy way you did everything.

- I don't think I quite understand... - Yes, it really was clumsy.

If you'd handled everything better and not hurried everything so much,

you might even have pulled it off.

Mrs Phillips, it's quite useless for you to stay.

Now do let's sit down Hester.

You're talking to another woman.

Not to one of those helpless males,

who can't discuss anything important or private

without staring out of a window or looking confused.

I don't wish to be rude.

Oh you can my dear.

Because I'm going to be extremely rude to you.

You see you don't fool me a bit.

Not one little bit.

But why should I want to fool you or anyone?

For one very obvious reason.

You see, I know you had your eye on Howard.

And if you're as honest with me as I know you are

with yourself, you'll admit that it wasn't because

you wanted to be able to carry on with all your good work.

In fact far from it.

You simply wanted Howard to make love to you.

Don't you think you'd better go Mrs Phillips,

there's no good that can come from all this.

I don't agree.

Anything would be better than the way things are.

No, you wanted to go to bed with Howard.

And I don't see anything wrong in that.

But when he grew scared, poor dear,

and behaved not in the way you wanted him to,

you know the details better than I,

you turned against him.

And did everything in your power to do him harm.

Oh Mrs Phillips, this you must believe because it's true.

I never wished to do him any harm.

And yet you've hurt him as much as it's possible

to hurt any man.

How could I possibly want to hurt Howard, he's everything in the world that I admire,

he's everything in my life that I want.

Oh, yes, Mrs Phillips, I love him.

Then why?

Why allow this hideous slander to be believed?

It's the last thing on earth I wanted.

I know I did wrong to give it a meaning but,

how could I possible know that

a little bitter remark made here

in the privacy of this house,

could grow and grow until

the whole of Bellington used it

in judgment against Howard.

I think I understand.

But I'm sure you've suffered too.

But Hester,

are you going to let it go at that.

It's you they all believe, not Larry Thompson.

Oh they believe what they want to believe.

Neither Larry, nor me.

No Hester.

You are the only person who can really help now.

And I think Howard's worth helping, isn't he?

Hester.

You say you love him.

Is this what you call love?

Alright Mrs Phillips, alright.

But you'll have to tell me the details.

The exact details of what really happened that night.

Hello Larry, come on in.

Evening Miss.

Take your coat off.

Everybody out?

Yes.

Father's away until tomorrow,

here I'll take this.

What's all this about?

I'm sorry I had to ring you at the coffee bar,

I hope I didn't embarrass you,

but I had to see you tonight.

That's alright, bar was dead anyway.

Bunch of creeps if you ask me.

Help yourself to a drink.

Oh, thanks.

Can I fetch you one?

Yes I'll have one.

What'll you have?

Same as you.

Sherry?

Fine.

So tell me, what gives?

Why did you get me here tonight?

Well this business at the vicarage I,

I'm afraid it's going to end up in court.

That it?

I just wanted to make sure that we've got

our story straight.

Mine's straight enough, what's your trouble?

Well I didn't really want to say anything.

Just tell the truth can never go wrong

if you tell the truth.

Yes but I.

Oh, I get it, I think I dig you now.

You mean you might possibly understand one of my problems?

Sure, you got yourself all steamed up about this vicar,

but it didn't work out.

I could have told you were chewing concrete.

Anyway, you played your cards too fast.

All from the top of the pack.

You seem to know an awful lot about cards.

I know a lot about lots of things.

Lot's of things people don't know about in Bellington.

Believe you me.

Yes.

You're quite a boy.

Sure.

Tell me.

I was just thinking of that bunch of kids back at the espresso.

Oh, what about them?

If they could see me now.

Oh but surely you wouldn't want them to.

I mean if someone else came in here,

someone who knew you,

you wouldn't want to be seen alone here

with me would you?

Why not?

I don't know.

It's just that things have a way of looking

strangely different when somebody suddenly

charges in, don't they?

I don't get your number.

No.

But you did get somebody else's didn't you,

a little while back.

And in the same way,

if I really wanted to,

I could make things look pretty bad for you too

couldn't I?

Have you gone crazy?

Oh no not really.

This is a perfectly innocent meeting.

There's nothing wrong with you

being alone here with me.

Unless of course.

What the hell!

That's how it started, wasn't it?

Oh yes, and then I believe the flowers came next.

I get it, I get your little game.

You re quick at catching on aren't you.

That's the way you framed Howard Phillips isn't it?

And you think you can fix me?

Do you think anybody's gonna believe all this?

They believed it before, didn't they?

- Oh no, you don't get me that easy. - You haven't let me finish.

This came next I think.

Aren't I right?

And then this.

Why, you bitch!

Take your hands off me.

Keep away!

I may not.

Larry take your hands off me!

I may not want to now.

You wouldn't dare.

Oh wouldn't I?

You started this didn't you?

You thought you'd get away with that corny old trick a second time.

When I finish you won't wanna tell anybody.

Because, because...

Because what!

Because what Larry?

Oh alright, I'll go.

Unless that's Peters will you say I'm busy?

I don't want to see anybody.

Oh.

Well, the vicar's not seeing anyone.

But I suppose the law's different.

Well, I'm here unofficial like madam.

Well, how am I to know that?

Come in Mr Thompson,

go into the sitting room and I'll tell the vicar.

Howard.

Howard, you're wanted.

Is it Peters?

No, the law.

Sergeant Harrison, nothing I could do about it.

Alright, I'll see them.

I haven't done those plates I'm afraid, darling, you'll have to.

Morning.

Morning gentlemen.

Well, whatever you've come for I hope you'll make it short.

I've a lot to do.

We hoped you wouldn't mind

if we came up to see you sir,

but sort of apologizing.

I don't mind anyone at all coming to apologize.

Anything else?

No hard feeling I hope, vicar?

As far as you're concerned, none at all.

Your car outside,

I take it that you might not be leaving us after all, sir?

You take it quite wrong sergeant,

I'm leaving as soon as I can get things arranged.

Howard.

Sorry I was late Phillips, had a puncture in my tire.

Well, it's an epidemic round here lately.

Well, if you don't mind.

I have a few private and professional matters

I want to talk over with Mr Peters.

- You sure vicar, there's nothing... - Absolutely sure, thank you.

But I'm grateful to you for coming Mr Thompson, goodbye to you.

Goodbye sergeant.

Mr Peters, I want to know if you'd do me a favor.

If I can, naturally.

I'd like you to take over the vicarage if you would.

Act as my locum until the bishop sends a replacement.

It'll be a matter of a few weeks at the most.

My boy, you mustn't make such a hasty decision.

There's nothing hasty,

I've had plenty of time to myself these last few days to think in.

You see, the people in this town have asked me to,

they want me to tell you that they're

deeply distressed about this business.

They want you to forgive and forget what's happened.

To forget?

If you can.

You mean they actually want me to stay?

Oh yes they want you here my boy.

Believe me they want you very bad.

They do?

Well unfortunately I don't want them.

People who'd stoop to the cheap tricks

that they've done.

And write the filthy and obscene letters

that they've written and never the guts to show their face or sign their name.

Oh no sir.

I don't want them.

Let someone else take on this flock.

And he'd better watch out

or his sheep'll tear him to pieces.

Now excuse me I've got some packing to do.

My boy, you must believe me,

I know you've suffered.

Oh not as much as you think probably.

But you must learn to forgive,

you must learn,

you must learn to forgive these stupid, blundering

people like myself for instance.

That's just it, I can't forgive.

I don't want to either.

That's why I've got to get away from here

before I say or do something

that would make a farce of the cloth we both wear.

I still say you should come and talk quietly to me

before you take such a...

Look, I know you're trying to help me, and I appreciate it, believe me.

But at the moment I,

I can't be helped.

At the moment I've lost all faith in myself as a priest,

I've nothing but contempt for these people here,

so how can I stay in this place

and preach what I can't even begin to practice?

That God is love?

Oh no.

Naturally I'll act as locum for you, but won't you give the bishop and yourself

a month to see if you change your mind?

It would only be postponing the assumed.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Howard?

What is it?

You haven't finished yet.

What is it now?

Hester.

Hester?

How did she get in here?

I smuggled her in.

Well, you smuggle her right out again then.

No you don't, young man.

If only to go in and say thank you very much for having sorted things out.

It was quite something she did for you.

Almost a fate worse than death.

I expect she thoroughly enjoyed it.

And you can tell her from me she ought to beat more often.

It suits her.

You really are the...

Looking very pretty this morning.

Hello Miss Peters.

Hester.

Hello.

I heard what you said to father.

So the speech I had prepared isn't of much use any longer.

Except to say that I'm sorry.

Really, truly, deeply sorry.

And I hope you can forgive me.

I'm sorry too.

I realize I must have hurt you also.

You did, only I asked for it.

I said I heard what you said to my father,

would it help,

do you think you might change your mind

if I offered to clear out instead?

Oh Hester.

You've lived here all your life.

Where would you go?

That's not the problem.

Neither is your staying here.

Look.

It's not the question that I can't take it here any longer

or I'm afraid of being an Aunt Sally all over again.

It's simply that I'm not cut out for this sort of life,

I'm not the right sort to be a vicar.

How do you know?

You haven't given yourself much of a chance

to prove it, have you?

No, I'd be better off in the army as a padre.

I can always go back there.

Well, how about all the kids in the youth club?

How about all the others you were going to drag in

from off the streets and out of the coffee bars.

What about them?

It's boyish illusions, I've lost them.

If I tell you those kids need you.

No, they don't need me.

They need someone like me, but anybody could do it, your father for instance.

Well, he's my own father

so I'm the only one who can say it.

But, considering the way the people around here

have behaved these past few weeks,

and that goes for me too, his own daughter,

I'm not sure that he really did

such a wonderful job after all.

It's too late for me to change my mind,

but it's a terrible pity we didn't get to know

each other earlier.

I agree.

Then, shyness is a terrible affliction.

Good heavens, probation officer.

You go and get him.

Well, I can't, he's...

We're running out of time,

we're terribly late already.

Oh I see.

Look, will you explain, tell her we're leaving.

Oh, (mumbles) him.

But he can't, he's...

She says you can't.

You have a very important meeting of the juvenile court.

Ask her to come in, I can tell her what to do.

Howard!

What is it?

It's no use, she says she's stuck.

She can't get out of the car.

Hop in vicar, we just have time.

I've got your unfinished business in the back.

Well, if I do come,

will you promise to bring me straight back?

Yes, but we are late you know.

You get on with the packing.

Here!

Lucky she turned up when she did.

Tipped the scales.

One man against three women,

he never had a chance.

Now, you leave those cases alone!

Nothing's changed, nothing.

Alright dear, alright.

Pay no attention.

Pop them where you like.

Alright.

Here, let me take those books.

You know there's nothing wrong about that young man of mine

that a good woman won't cure.

With what I've heard of your recent carryings on you'd no longer qualify.

Well, I could always reform.

Not too much my dear.

Not too much.