All language subtitles for Mrs Henderson Presents

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Original subtitles

[dramatic music]

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

[soft music]

[soft peaceful music]

[soft music]

[upbeat playful music]

- [Pastor] For as much as it had pleased Almighty God

of his great mercy to take up to himself,

so will our dear brother here depart.

We therefore lay his body to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,

dust to dust.

[soft music]

- So sorry, my dear Mrs. Henderson.

Your husband was a great friend to my country.

- That's so kind of you.

Please join us at the house

for a small luncheon in his honor.

[soft music]

Thank you so much, Leslie.

But I think I'll take my own car.

[soft music] [car engines rumbling]

[soft music]

[sobbing]

[soft music]

- Madam.

[soft music]

- And I know that Robert would want me to be

available to help you in any way.

- Thank you so much.

- He was an estimable man.

- Yes, yes.

- And a very dangerous

business competitor. - Yes.

Oh, yes.

Excuse me.

[people murmuring]

I am bored with widowhood.

- My dear, you've just scratched the surface.

- I have to smile at everybody.

I've never had to smile at everybody.

In India, there were always people to look down on.

- People are simply being sympathetic.

After all, you have lost your husband.

- Well, I didn't mislay him.

It was most inconsiderate of Robert to die.

What on earth am I supposed to do now?

- The first rule of widowhood, my dear.

Important conversations occur at lunch.

It's really not so bad.

Widows are allowed hobbies.

- Hobbies? - Yes.

Embroidery, things like that.

- Are you mad?

- I graduated to weaving.

Would you care to see my tapestries?

- I'd rather drink ink.

- Committees are good, of course.

I serve on quite a few charities.

Once your husband dies,

it's quite permissible to help the poor.

And now there's no one to stop you buying things.

Also, of course, there's a great deal of time for lovers.

- Margot, I'm nearly 70.

- That's true.

But you're also very rich.

The one cancels out the other.

- I don't know anything about embroidery.

Ow! [groans]

- Now I believe we may call it a refuge.

Certainly we do not want any time alluding

to unwed mothers in the title.

Nor do we wish for the public to know

the purpose of the house.

- But I've told all my friends

that I'm helping to build a home for future bastards.

[coughing]

Sorry.

- Home, madam?

- I need some fresh air.

Let's drive. - Yes, madam.

[playful band music]

- I think I should see Alec.

[soft music]

Hello, Alec.

[soft music]

[bells chiming]

Let's return to London, please.

I'd rather like to visit Old Windmill Street again.

[playful band music]

- [Man] Good day, madam.

[playful band music]

[gasps]

[soft music]

- [Worker] Mind your back. [gasps]

- Laura!

What on earth? - Margot.

Renovations, dear.

- It's...

- It's a theater, it's a theater.

Isn't it delicious?

I own it.

- Own it?

- Well you told me now there was no one

to stop me from buying things, so I bought a theater.

- But I meant bracelets and earrings.

What on earth are you going to do with a theater?

- Well, I thought musical or

what do they call it in America?

Vaudeville.

Actually, I haven't thought about it.

Oh dear, what am I going to do with it?

- Clearly you need someone to run it for you.

- Oh, you think?

Oh, I knew you'd give me sensible advice.

But who?

- Oh, that's an easy assignment.

I know just the man.

He's out of work at the moment

but he's very good at running theaters.

I can't imagine where she is.

She was meant to be here 20 minutes ago.

- Well.

That's that then.

I can't hang around here all morning.

I've an important meeting to go to.

I'm sorry, old chum--

- Oh, he was terribly ill in the car.

Nerves, I imagine.

Little sweet.

Hello, Leslie. - Hello.

- Who on earth are you?

- This is Vivian Van Damm.

- Don't be silly.

That's not a British name.

- In actual fact, my father's a lawyer in Bishopsgate,

although some of his ancestors are from Holland.

- Oh dear God, you're Jewish.

- As it happens, I'm not.

- Well of course you are, dear, just look at yourself.

But the show business is filled

with Jewish people, isn't it?

One must make due.

We haven't met, I'm Laura Henderson.

- Yes, I imagined you were.

You're 20 minutes late and you're rude.

- [Leslie] Perhaps he's the wrong man.

- No, I don't think so.

Where are you going?

Leslie, where's he off to?

Do stop him.

I'm here to offer you a position.

- You can't offer me a position

if I'm walking out on you.

- But that's why I'm offering it, dear.

You've got gumption.

Oh, don't you adore that word?

And you're smoking a cigar.

Anyone who runs my theater must smoke a cigar.

It's so manly and so--

- What?

- Jewish.

I have a theater.

I have a theater.

It's just sitting there.

Waiting for a brilliant manager

to come and turn it into a commercial proposition.

A manager who might bring some enjoyment and amusement

back into the West End.

A manager with vision and courage.

And if that isn't you, then my intuition has failed me.

So by all means, hurry off, Mr. Damm Van.

- Van Damm.

- Oh, if you insist, dear.

If you insist.

- Whose idea was it to gut the building?

- Mine. - Well, well.

- There should be a sign saying Windmill Theater.

Up there, see?

- You're going to retain the name.

- Well I find it helps your driver

if the theater's named after the street.

- What do you know about the theater business?

- Oh, almost nothing.

- I have to have total control of the production side.

Is that clear?

All artistic decisions are mine.

You may voice an opinion if you must,

but I have the final say, understood?

- Of course.

I think we'll make a splendid team.

Let's go and sit down in that charming little cafe.

I'm sure its business will improve

when our musical revue opens.

- Who said we were doing a musical revue?

- Well, I assumed.

- All those decisions are mine, remember.

- [Laura] That's perfect, just there.

- Higher.

- No, no, no, no, come back.

Come back to the middle.

- Higher. - Oh!

Higher.

- [Vivian] Fine.

I've got an idea, let's go inside.

It is a radical idea.

- Oh jolly good, what is it?

- Nonstop performances.

- Nonstop?

- Yes.

Instead of two shows a day, we run our show all day long.

Five or six performances a day.

One after another.

It's never been done in England before.

Every theater here is exactly like every other theater.

No one is attempting anything new.

It's good to stir things up, don't you think?

We'd be a sensation.

- I've no idea what you're going on about,

but I do admire passion.

- Yes, well.

What else is there?

- How much will this experiment cost?

I mean, what do I stand to lose if it fails?

- Well, anything up to 10,000 pounds.

- What fun.

I'm in a sporting mood today, Mr. Van Damm.

It must be the weather.

And what'll we do?

- A musical revue.

- What'll we call it?

- Well I thought Revue-de-ville.

- Oh yes.

That's lovely.

[people chatting]

Ladies and gentlemen.

I've invited you here this evening to sip a bit of sherry.

I'm told cocktail parties are out of date.

[laughing] And to announce

the most amusing news.

The Windmill Theater will open on February the 3rd

with the most revolutionary program ever seen in England.

[murmuring] In this enterprise,

I shall be carrying on the work of my late husband

who spent a great deal of time and money

helping stage people,

especially of those in the field of variety.

- Is that true? - She's making it up.

- As you well know, these are difficult times.

So many of our delightful variety performers

have been forced onto the milk line.

- Bread line. - Bread line, bread line.

Revue-de-ville is an attempt to create--

- Employment. - Employment.

Employment for these delightful creatures.

Our productions will be guided and overseen

by our resident genius,

our brilliant general manager

who comes to us from Central Europe,

Mr. Vivian Van Damm.

[clapping]

- We won't be able to work together, you know that.

- You're a perfect match.

- So you found yourself a continental.

- Nonsense, he's as English as you or I.

But he's totally alive, don't you think?

Just something one can sense.

- Laura, you have an infatuation.

- Oh, don't be ridiculous.

It's the show business I'm attracted to.

Tomorrow we have auditions, isn't that exciting?

People come in and entertain us

and we say either stick around or buzz off.

[giggling]

[smooth jazz music]

♪ You may not be an angel

♪ 'Cause angels are so few - Thank you, next.

♪ But until the day that one comes along ♪

♪ I'll string along - Next.

♪ But when something kind of one came along ♪

♪ I'll sing along with you

- [Vivian] Next.

♪ You may not be an angel

♪ 'Cause angels are so few

♪ But until the day that one comes along ♪

♪ I'll string along with you

- Good God.

- Thank you, Miss Kramer, that'll do.

- The poor thing. - Next.

- My dear, would you just wait over there?

Mr. Van Damm, I spent many years

in the Far East with my husband,

witnessing what one might call pagan rituals.

But I've never seen anything as barbaric as this.

- Welcome to the theater.

Next.

- Very nice, dear.

Buy yourself a decent meal.

♪ 'Cause angels are so few

- Who's the young man at the back?

- [Vivian] [shushes] Concentrate on the auditions.

♪ One comes along

♪ I'll string along with you - Next.

[playful music]

We'll have him.

- We will?

We will.

[playful music]

- Next.

[playful music]

- Why do you keep looking at that boy?

- That boy, as you call him,

was the featured performer at The Pavilion.

We've snatched him away.

He'll be a big help to me, got excellent taste.

He seems to agree with all of my choices.

- Including these demented Pharaohs?

- Book them.

- Right, VD. - Are you mad?

They're not in the least authentic.

[shushes]

[playful music]

[clapping]

- And over, over, step shuffle the change.

Rip, pick up toe.

Tap into the gutter and five, six, seven, eight.

Pick up, pick up, pick up, pick up.

Necks forward and heads up.

Thank you ladies, let's change over.

Quickly, girls. - See what they're like

on the back of the scores.

And pay attention to their height.

- And over.

Step shuffle the change.

Lift, pick up toe.

Tap, tap, tap, pick up step, and now two, three, four.

Pick up, step, pick up, step, pick up, change, pick, change.

Necks forward and heads up.

- Do you find these women attractive?

- Some of them are very pretty.

- Oh yes, I can certainly see that but

do they intrigue you as a man?

- Ah.

I have other inclinations.

- Oh.

Oh, oh!

How delicious.

- [Dance Director] And use your backs, yes, girls.

Next group.

And use your back, girls.

Yes, last group.

- But Mr. Van Damm seems to have

an intense appreciation, doesn't he?

[chuckles]

- [Dance Director] Are the girls ready?

And.

- He's practically sniffing them.

- [Dance Director] And last group.

- [Vivian] Some of these girls are very good.

- Indeed.

- I'm going to call our chorus the Millerettes.

- Millerettes?

- Hmm, mill as in windmill. - What's the er for?

- What?

- Millerettes should be Millettes.

The er clogs it up.

- Millettes doesn't stand. - But it's accurate.

- [Vivian] But it doesn't sound right.

- But Millerettes sounds like a man named Miller

has a chorus line.

- We're doing a vaudeville,

not a dictionary. - There's still place

for correct English. - Millerettes is a good name

and it's not your decision.

In fact, it's got nothing to do with you.

In fact, you shouldn't be in the theater

until dress rehearsal.

In fact, I'm going to ban you.

- Don't you dare forbid me. - I'm going to ban you

from all auditions. - You haven't the right.

- I can do anything

I bloody well please. - As can I.

I shall cancel the opening. - Fine!

This show will not go on. - Indeed.

- They're ready to start again, VD.

- My dear, you must never interrupt

a perfectly good argument.

I completely lost my train of thought.

- So have I.

Come on.

Mustn't keep the Millerettes waiting.

- Oh, that name is intolerable.

It suggests midgets working in a factory.

- Millettes sounds like a medical condition.

[upbeat band music]

♪ Can't you see that all the dull days ♪

♪ And gray skies are over

♪ Can't you see that we'll be living ♪

♪ From now on in clover

♪ We're letting in the sunshine ♪

♪ It's shining everywhere

♪ We're letting in the sunshine ♪

♪ For all of us to share

♪ For all of us to share

♪ We're letting in the sunshine ♪

♪ For all of us to share

♪ All of us to share

[clapping and cheering] [upbeat band music]

[clapping and cheering]

- Stop thanking each other.

Let's find some champagne.

What a wonderful hobby, my dear.

I wonder if there are any more theaters for sale.

[upbeat music]

[soft awkward music]

- I don't understand.

We were such a success.

- And then everyone copied us.

- Now you're telling me we're a disaster?

- There's the accounts.

You're losing a fortune.

- You mean in the show business,

you can be a triumph one week and a disaster the next?

- I'm not certain it's worth going on.

- Oh, you people make me weary.

You've no courage.

What I say is stick a thing out and it will come right.

- I'm trying to save your finances.

- I don't need your protection, thank you very much.

We put on some good shows,

but they're obviously not daring enough.

Why don't we get rid of the clothes?

- Pardon?

- Let's have naked girls.

Don't you think?

Now, this has been on my mind for some time.

I never dared mention it.

I too lack courage, it seems.

Now what I propose is that we'd have

nude women in Revue-de-ville,

as they do in Paris.

Like our namesake, the Moulin Rouge, for instance.

[dog whimpering] Oh baby, it's all right.

We'll find you some milk.

Paris, after all, is just filled with

naked women wearing bananas, and dare I say it,

making everyone else go bananas in return.

Do keep up, Mr. Van Damm. - Yeah.

- It would be innovative and draw the crowds.

I would make back all of my money,

you, I imagine, would enjoy yourself

being surrounded as it were by countless breasts,

and we'd all be happy.

- What you're suggesting isn't possible.

That kind of thing isn't done here.

Nudity in England?

- You tend towards safety sometimes, Mr. Van Damm.

You're rather bourgeois, I do mean that in a kind way.

But I suspect it's not advisable in the show business.

- What you're forgetting is we need

a license from the Lord Chamberlain

for whatever we put on the stage.

He'll never approve it.

- The Lord Chamberlain? - Yes, the Lord Chamberlain.

- What, Tommy? Little Tommy Baring?

[scoffs] Don't be silly.

Well, I have of course taken that into account.

He's a very sweet man.

He and his rather dreary wife are on holiday in France,

but as soon as he returns, I'll throw a fly at him.

- Pardon?

- That's a fisherman's term, dear.

It has to do with hooking a trout.

You do lead a narrow life.

Meanwhile, do begin work on our marvelous new idea.

- Without permission?

- Oh, we found your milk.

- Mrs. Henderson's request is, of course,

entirely out of order.

- Of course, I'm well aware of that.

- Oh, Tommy.

- Laura, how wonderful to see you.

- You don't look a day older.

- What a touching little lie.

I do know a bit about why you're here, you know.

- Oh? - Mmm.

I find that lines have to be drawn somewhere,

my dear Laura.

And nudity is on the wrong side of the divide.

I've problems enough with the length of skirts.

I've had to have inches added to them

for the new Offenbach production.

- Well, we won't have that problem as we won't have skirts.

- Sir, if I may?

We have very strict rules in these areas, Mrs. Henderson.

- [sighs] This office is so stuffy.

Why don't we take a bit of a walk?

- [Assistant] Sir?

- A walk, yes, lovely.

Why didn't you return to India?

- I was only ever Robert's wife in India.

It seemed a bit absurd without a Robert.

Now I find it most amusing to run a variety show

and I'll tell you why.

Robert used to take me to musical quite often.

He was fond of them.

On the condition that I stayed behind

the curtain in the box and was never visible.

In those days, it was considered terribly improper

for a married woman to be seen at a musical.

But times have moved on.

And we must move with them, mustn't we?

Oh look, a tent.

- [Tommy] It's unusual to see a tent in the park.

- [Laura] Quite so, I had it constructed this morning.

- [Tommy] Did you obtain a license?

- [Laura] Oh come inside, you old fogey.

I've prepared lunch.

- But the be all and end all finally

is that they are naked.

- Like paintings in a museum.

These sandwiches are particularly good.

It's an excellent season for salmon.

- We haven't exactly reached salmon season yet.

- Tommy, you're so literal.

You're thinking bosoms but I'm thinking breasts.

- And what, my dear, is the difference?

- Ah, the difference is in your soul.

Cheese.

- Thank you.

Of course, paintings in a museum are still, are they not?

- Still?

- The figures do not move.

I suppose there's something in that.

Mmm, this cheese is very good indeed.

If the girls did not move--

- Tableaus?

- Precisely.

Then one might make a direct corollary

with an art gallery.

I can perhaps see the possibility

of some artistic merit.

- They never move? - Never.

- Yes, that would be like a museum.

- Which was, my dear, your suggestion.

You must be very pleased.

I'm warming to the idea.

My secretary, of course,

will be appalled. - More wine then?

- Ah yes, thank you.

Now what about, forgive me, the foliage?

- Foliage?

- You know, beneath the--

- Beneath what? Try the brie.

- Thank you, beneath the--

- I had it flown in from France.

- Excellent, the foliage beneath the--

- My husband was very fond of it.

- Of what?

- This particular cheese.

- My dear, I'm attempting to address

the disagreeable and somewhat sordid topic

of the pudendum.

- What on earth is that?

- Good heavens, woman. - Do have some more wine.

- The female part.

- Oh, the pussy.

Why didn't you say?

- I had not expected you of all people to use such language.

- That word was rather popular in the mid 19th century.

Not everyone speaks Latin, you know.

- Then I'd prefer you refer to it as the midlands.

- Oh dear.

You men do get into such a state

about the midlands, don't you?

Well, you needn't worry.

Our lighting will be so subtle,

the disputed area will be barely visible.

And anyway, we'll have a barber.

[coughing] [laughing]

- You are the most exasperating woman and you always were.

- I take that to mean you'll permit us to have a go.

- As long as no one moves, yes.

[gasps] Perhaps.

I reserve final judgment until opening night.

- I'm delighted, dear ladies,

that you all wish to be a part of our endeavor.

Thank you very much.

[soft jazz music]

- Saliva. - Behave.

- I've never realized how similar breasts are to shoes.

- What do you mean? - They come in so many sizes.

I've always personally found them rather overrated myself.

- Well, you're not a man.

- [laughs] Alas.

- All right, ladies, off you go.

[soft jazz music]

- What do you make of her?

- She's beautiful. - Yes.

- But the nipples. - Too large?

- They're not British, could be Italian.

We must have British nipples.

- And how about her?

- The right one's bigger than the left.

[giggling] [shushes]

- Her.

- Fried eggs. [laughs]

Sorry.

[giggling]

- Thank you very much.

Could you all please wait in the wings?

Thank you.

- So what basically are you looking for?

- Personality.

Something in their smile, their eyes.

- Well, I suggest you start looking in their faces.

- Yes, of course.

We're looking at the wrong kind of girl.

We shouldn't have theatricals.

Maggie, make a note.

- My dear?

- Bertie and I are going to tour the countryside

and discover some English roses.

- Oh, good.

Now you're getting the hang of it.

- It's been an unsuccessful trip, my friend.

What I'm looking for is personality.

Youth.

Beauty.

Certainly not talent.

Anyone can have talent.

And they must be well brought up.

I think many of the young women we've been seeing

come from rather awkward backgrounds.

[thunder roars] [horn beeping]

[dramatic music]

- Shine a light for the water!

[dramatic music]

- Wait, wait, the young girl is a dancer.

Excellent coordination.

That's it, come on.

Pull her up, that's it.

Come on, there we go.

There you are.

You're all right.

You're all right. - Let me see.

- Oh my God.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so embarrassed, I didn't mean to cause any trouble.

- No need to be embarrassed.

You've found a knight.

- Hmm?

- Two knights in shining armor.

My God, what a beautiful smile.

- Exquisite.

- Have you ever considered going on the stage?

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ So often out of reach

♪ Da da da da da da da

♪ And everyone

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ We often

- Peggy moved. - You moved.

- She mustn't move.

- I'm sorry, Mr. Van Damm.

- The law insists that you be absolutely still.

- Why don't we take a break?

- [Vivian] Yes, good idea.

- [Bertie] Rest your arms, girls.

Get the circulation going.

[girls murmuring]

- There's teacups and tea just downstairs.

- Oh!

Oh, it's so sweet.

You're perched in the orchestra bit like little birds.

- It feels safe down here.

- Are you all right?

- Oh yes, thank you, my arm went numb.

- I would sometimes see people in India

standing still for hours on end, my dear.

They were called fakirs.

It was all rather spiritual.

- Oh, I see.

- You must think yourself onto a higher plane.

- We'd all like to be on a higher plane now,

Mrs. Henderson.

Preferably flying over the Channel.

[laughing]

- Oh, you're the one--

- That was drowning.

- Yeah.

- Come on.

- [Laura] I like that girl you ran over.

- Why don't you and the dog

have a look at the program proofs in the office?

- You're trying to get rid of us.

- Yes, we're coming up to a delicate time.

- All the more reason for

a motherly presence. - Maggie, take Mrs. Henderson

up to the office. - Oh!

- Out. - Well, of course.

You're in charge.

- Right.

Time for you to disrobe.

- Do we have to do it now, Mr. Van Damm?

- Well, when else?

- I was just asking.

- Should've left you in the water.

- Come on, girls, let's do it.

[soft music]

- I can't.

- [Vivian] Where's she going?

- She can't face it.

- What's wrong with everybody?

- I'm sorry, Mr. Van Damm.

- There's no work outside.

I just thought, well, it's a job.

All of my friends are starving.

I was lucky to have employment.

- You can't imagine what it feels like.

We're just standing there.

- Not even my boyfriend has seen me naked.

And we've been to bed and everything.

- It's like it's medical.

- Do you think I would ever

subject you to anything improper or tawdry?

I am enabling you to earn an honest salary

in this most difficult of times.

After a hard week's work,

you can take home enough to maintain your home,

help out your parents,

and even save a little bit for the future.

And all you have to do

is display certain blessings you received from the Lord.

Why do you think God gave you all your bits and pieces?

So that you might be ashamed of them?

That you might hide them away?

Isn't great art, after all, a celebration of nature?

And that's what this is.

- Art?

- Absolutely.

You are the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa.

- The Mona Lisa wore a dress.

- Some do, some don't.

Tomorrow, we'll go to the museum.

Look at some paintings.

Botticelli.

Now, he was inspired.

Inspired by God.

If I'm placing a weighty burden on your shoulders,

then I know you have the moral strength to carry it.

Why don't we try it again, all right?

I'll see you on the stage.

- Come on, girls, let's give it a go.

I don't fancy working in my father's chemist.

- Art.

Art.

[sneezes]

Sorry.

- Actually, there is a draft in here, Mr. Van Damm.

- Well, you expect that in a theater, you expect drafts.

- What happens if we catch cold?

- Bertie, get someone to close the doors

and check all the windows, will you?

Thank you, all right? - Yes, thank you.

- Does everyone have to watch us?

- Who?

- Well, them.

- You're going to have an entire audience watching you.

- Yes, but they'll be strangers.

And they won't be standing so close, will they?

- We can hear them breathing.

- Man has to breathe.

- Heavy breathing.

- After all, it doesn't seem fair

for them to be dressed when we're not.

- Okey-doke, I know what to do.

Come on, gentlemen.

Come on, you too.

What, fair is fair.

[mumbling]

Come on.

Strip.

[mumbling] [laughing]

- You too, Mr. Van Damm.

- Don't be ridiculous.

Someone has to maintain authority here.

- Take your clothes off, please.

- No.

- Off, off.

[chanting]

- All right!

All right!

Bloody child.

- Mrs. Henderson.

Mrs. Henderson.

Mrs. Henderson, you...

- Why, Mr. Van Damm.

You are Jewish.

[dog whimpers]

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ So often out of reach

♪ You come sometime to each and everyone ♪

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ We often have to wait

♪ But still you're better late than never ♪

♪ Everyone

♪ Is in expectation

♪ Sweet inspiration of you

[clapping]

- I think I saw a priest in the audience.

- Stop it, you're hallucinating.

- Everyone looked so rich.

- Oh, I hope so.

When I take off my clothes, I close my eyes and think,

this will bring me champagne.

- I think one more day and it hasn't happened yet.

[giggling and murmuring]

- I brought the Lord Chamberlain.

He felt he had to say a few words of encouragement to you.

Now, isn't that delicious?

- Well done.

Well done.

May I be permitted to say

that, oh good heavens, good heavens, I...

What an artistic enterprise you have.

[clears throat] A testament really to the British...

- It's a magical evening. - Hmm?

- I quite understand what you were feeling.

I myself have exhibited my breasts.

I was at a party with the

Duchess of Denver and Countess Balpy.

And we took off our blouses, oh, in private of course,

and looked at each other's titties.

[giggles] My, how we laughed.

[laughs]

- Lord Chamberlain was very taken with you, my dear.

[giggling]

- Mrs. Henderson. - Mr. Van Damm.

We've had quite an evening.

The Lord Chamberlain was very pleased.

- I wanted you to meet Natalie.

- Natalie? - My wife.

- Vivian's spoken about you so often.

I just feel that I know you.

- Well.

I certainly don't know you.

Excuse me.

[soft music]

- You can be rude to me but not to my wife.

- What wife?

When did you acquire a wife?

Why haven't you told us?

- What do you mean? - You never mentioned her.

- I believe a figure of authority

must maintain a sense of privacy.

- Good heavens, a wife.

- What exactly is the problem?

- Well, who on earth said there was a problem?

Fine, have a wife if you insist.

Just don't let her interfere with any of your duties.

- Why would she do that?

- Because that's what wives do.

That's their purpose, I know.

I was a wife.

I interfered all the time.

- So sack me then.

If you're unhappy with me, just say it and I'll leave.

But don't you dare ever, ever

talk to my wife like that again.

- Oh don't you worry, I'll keep my eye on you.

- You do that.

- I hope you realize I will never, ever, ever

set foot in this theater again.

- You two behave like an old married couple.

- Well, it seems that would make him a bigamist.

- Oh.

Champagne then?

It is rather as I thought.

Your heart has stirred.

- Then I must consult a physician.

This should've been such a pleasant night.

[soft music]

♪ You told me there wasn't a lesson in loving ♪

♪ That you hadn't learned

♪ Oh yeah

♪ Oh yeah

♪ So you met someone who set you back on your heels ♪

♪ Goody goody

♪ So you met someone and now you know how it feels ♪

♪ Goody goody

♪ So you gave her your heart too ♪

♪ Just as I gave mine to you

♪ And she broke it in little pieces ♪

♪ And now how do you do

♪ So you lie awake just singing the blues all night ♪

♪ Goody goody

♪ So you think that love's a barrel of dynamite ♪

- Now, I want you to flank her.

- Flank her?

- Stand either side of her.

- Oh. - Aren't I in silhouette,

like in the picture?

- Silhouette. - Silhouette, Harry.

- The sun must rise behind you.

- Orange. - We see the rays of the sun

like in the picture.

A new dawn over the new world.

[clapping and hollering] [playful music]

- Goody, goody.

[playful music]

Goody, goody.

[playful music]

Goody, goody.

- And now--

- How-- - Do you do?

♪ So you lie awake just singing the blues all night ♪

♪ Goody goody

[upbeat music]

[soft angelic music]

[screaming] [playful music]

[clapping and cheering]

[booing]

- How am I going to explain this to Lord Chamberlain?

♪ So you lie awake just singing the blues all night ♪

♪ Goody, goody

♪ So you think that love's a barrel of dynamite ♪

♪ Hurray and hallelujah ♪

♪ You had it coming to ya

♪ Goody goody for you

♪ Goody goody for me

♪ And I hope you're satisfied

♪ You rascal you

[upbeat music] [clapping and cheering]

- Coming through.

Excuse me, Mr. Van Damm, sorry.

- I've forgotten me fin.

- [Worker] I'd love to be in charge of that.

- Good afternoon, darling. - Afternoon.

- How's your mother? - Oh she's fine, thank you.

- Have you been writing

to her every week? - Yes, Mr. Van Damm.

She told me to tell you that she's very disappointed

that I'm a starfish.

She thinks I should be a mermaid.

- Ah, I'll send her a note.

And who have we here?

- Catherine the Great.

Have you forgotten the tableau with the horse?

Come along, Mr. Van Damm, wakey-wakey.

- [Vivian] You might show a bit more respect.

I think I should've--

- [Both] Left you in the water.

- Yes.

Afternoon, girls, how are you?

- Better now, Mr. Van Damm.

- Is something wrong?

- My bum cheeks went numb.

- She was leaning ass over backwards.

- Shush. - The Alaskan tableau,

of course. - All that ice.

- But Rupert zoomed up the blood flow.

- Who's Rupert? - Well, you might ask.

- Oh, behave yourself.

- We must be cautious about too much frivolity.

The Windmill is a very serious business.

- [Girls] Yes, Mr. Van Damm.

[hollering] [laughing]

- Do I give it to the students again, sir?

- [Girls] Mr. Van Damm.

- At your own discretion, dear boy.

- It's beastly.

I can't walk into my own theater.

I hear the most wonderful things about the new performances

and I'm missing all the fun.

- Well you did say that you would never

step foot in The Windmill again.

- Quite right.

The man's a monster, I want nothing to do with him.

- You're very much like my granddaughter

who moans about the boy she has her eye on.

Adolescence and women in their eighth decade

are strikingly similar.

You obviously require a battle plan.

My second husband, the General,

always advocated attacking from the rear.

Which, although it did nothing to enhance our marriage,

did bring him some success on the field.

Just slip in there, as it were,

and establish your beachhead.

- Excuse us, this is a private dressing room.

- It's only me. [giggling]

I'm sorry, but I did not want to be seen in the theater.

Oh, I have missed your company.

I thought I'd just drop by to see if you needed anything.

Actually, if this may be our secret.

Mister what's his name doesn't know I'm here.

- We're fine, thank you, Mrs. Henderson.

- My poor dear, I'm having some cheese sent up to you.

- Cheese?

- Well, I'm not convinced you're eating enough.

- Yes, it's terribly sad, she's just skin and bones.

- Shut up, I weigh exactly what I weighed

the day I started this job, an ounce less.

- Something's wrong with her.

She's not eating chocolate truffles.

- A very, very head girl.

- So sensible.

- Well you see, it's unanimous.

You're positively scrawny. [laughs]

You may laugh, but I know men.

Men look at bosoms, my dear, but I notice bones.

[screams] What?

- Spots.

- No one will notice.

- Now, you must promise to let me know

if you have any complaints or problems.

I mean, does Mr. Van Damm,

oh my dear, I wore a similar wig to a ball in Delhi.

Didn't look nearly as becoming as it does on you.

- Thank you, Mrs. Henderson.

- You know, you remind me a bit of myself at that time.

- Too thin?

- You'd be surprised.

Now, remember not to tell anyone I've been here.

- Of course not, it's just between us girls.

- You all get on rather well, don't you?

- Yes, we're like a family.

- And there hasn't been any improper behavior, has there?

From Mr. Van Damm, that is.

- Oh he's very good to us, Mrs. Henderson.

- He's like a father, if fathers were nice.

- He treats us as what we are.

- And what is that?

- Artists.

- I have seemingly handed him a kingdom,

complete with harem.

- Then, my dear, you must infiltrate

like a delicious if overripe Mata Hari.

Might I propose subterfuge?

- Good afternoon.

- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.

Amazing, we get all kinds.

- I have a very odd feeling, VD.

[laughing]

- What I really need is a rubber trumpet, yeah.

I've had enough to join a rubber band.

- Please, no, please don't do this.

- Mrs. Henderson, you are a fraud.

[squealing]

- Don't you dare manhandle me.

- Make a fool of yourself, if you must.

- Mr. Van Damm-- - But not of me.

[shrieks]

What on earth do you think you were doing?

- I simply want to make sure

you're doing your jobs properly.

It was must unpleasant of you to grab my hairpiece.

That's made of authentic Chinese hair.

- Well, now you'll have some time.

Calm down, examine your behavior.

- My husband put me on top of a cupboard once.

You have so much in common.

[chuckling]

- I'd like you to behave.

[scoffs] No doubt your husband said that to you as well.

- Oh, Mr. Van Damm,

I just can't help myself.

- Hmm.

Well, cheerio then.

- No, don't you dare leave me here.

No, don't you dare!

Don't you dare leave me!

[playful music]

- This act's not half bad.

[playful music]

Thank you very much.

Oh. [chuckles]

- We can't have an animal onstage with naked women.

- Yes, I see that.

It's a shame.

- I've got the new song.

- [Vivian] Let's hear it.

♪ There's a lake in the park

♪ There's a house by the lake ♪

♪ There's a

Slower.

[soft music]

♪ There's a lake in the park

♪ There's a house by the lake

♪ There's a girl in the house by the lake in the park ♪

♪ And the girl in the house in the park by the lake ♪

♪ Is the girl in the little green hat ♪

♪ And tonight after eight that's when I've got a date ♪

♪ When the moon's riding high on the stars like the sky ♪

♪ With the girl in the house by the lake in the park ♪

- What?

- You better see for yourself.

♪ There's no roof upon the house ♪

♪ No trees in the park at all

♪ But she'll wait beside the lake ♪

♪ I'll be welcome at the house

♪ I'll meet her by the garden wall ♪

♪ There's a ship on the shore, there's a sailor on the shore ♪

♪ There's a girl in his arms, she's the girl I adore ♪

♪ So goodbye to the house by the lake in the park ♪

♪ And the girl in the little green hat ♪

- Hi, Mrs. Henderson.

[giggling]

[upbeat music]

- Try the river, it's Tuesday.

- Get me a taxi. - Yes, VD.

- Tea?

- Yes please, to take away.

- We need a lot of caffeine, we're exhausted.

- You're exhausted?

All you girls do is just stand there.

- And that, I am told, is the definition of a star.

[laughing]

- This has got to stop.

We're running a serious theater.

The entire West End is laughing at us.

I haven't worked for years

to achieve a position with respect

only to be perceived as a joke.

If all you want to be is a dilettante,

take your money and go someplace else.

- I can't hear you.

[ducks quacking]

I'm not simply frivolous, you know.

And I don't ever, ever want to be taken for granted.

Actually, I wish to ascertain that artists

who audition for us are being treated

with the proper respect.

It turns out they are.

I'm perfectly satisfied.

On another matter entirely,

I was thinking about billing.

The program says Mrs. Henderson Presents Revue-de-ville.

It's absolutely charming but perhaps unfair.

Shouldn't it be Mrs. Henderson Presents Revue-de-ville,

a Vivian Van Damm Production?

I rather like that, don't you?

I'm going to have a joyride now. Isn't that exciting?

[cheerful music]

- I'm not a servant!

You can't buy me off with a piece of billing!

Do you hear, bloody woman?

[cheerful music]

- Is it well stocked with petrol?

- What do you mean?

- Do you think we might make it to France?

[soft music]

I don't think I'll be back for awhile.

[soft music]

[blades whirring]

[intense music]

[bombs exploding]

[soft dramatic music]

Mr. Van Damm. - Mrs. Henderson.

- Welcome back. - Thank you.

[singing in foreign language]

[soft music]

Do you mind if I sit here for awhile?

- Suit yourself.

[soft music]

- I'm so sorry, Mr. Van Damm.

I imagine...

You have family.

- Yes.

- I can't bear feeling helpless.

I always think there's something I can do.

Sometimes, of course, there's nothing.

[soft music]

- [Server] Champagne, madam?

[hollering]

- Don't you feel a bit over-safe?

- Caution, my dear, caution.

Though we're not certain what to do about the theaters.

- Whatever do you mean?

- They're a frivolous distraction.

- Exactly what young soldiers need, wouldn't you say?

[soft music]

- There are other considerations.

Our intelligence tells us the Luftwaffe will bomb London.

- My dear, my intelligence tells me that.

- Well then, it would be dangerous

for people to congregate, won't it?

- Oh, Tommy.

Don't be silly.

Congregate underground?

Remember, my theater's beneath street level.

It's the safest place to be.

Now, let's have no more of these foolish ideas.

Oh, Tommy.

[sirens blaring] [dramatic music]

[rumbling] [dramatic music]

♪ We stand in awe and ask what part to find ♪

♪ In spite the sculpture of such flawless art ♪

♪ For there is life in every covered line ♪

♪ To charm the eye and satisfy

[rumbling] [intense music]

♪ There is no time

♪ No space of endless years

[rumbling] [screaming]

[clapping and cheering] [soft inspirational music]

- [Announcer] Fires were started again

last night in the East End.

London has awoke after the 10th consecutive night

of bombardment by the German Air Force.

- We have a huge challenge before us.

It's up to us, Revue-de-ville,

to fortify London in a way

that sandbags and their aircraft cannot do.

They may bomb our city,

destroy our homes,

kill our friends and neighbors.

But through it all, our show will continue.

We will never stop performing, and we will never close.

- [Bertie] He thinks he's bloody Winston Churchill.

- Some of our family are going, called up.

- Yes.

- Thank God our Bertie has a heart murmur.

It may be wise for some of you to move into the theater.

We have room, and because we're underground, we're safe.

Of course, we'll all have our war duties

as well as theatrical ones.

But we will pitch in, and we will do our bit.

- That was beautifully put, Mr. Van Damm.

I'm sure we will all make the necessary sacrifices.

Yesterday I wanted to buy a new hat.

I desisted.

I put the money in national savings instead.

We shall come through.

♪ Poor old London Town is falling down ♪

♪ Lots of places going up in flames ♪

♪ But if you're in the know

♪ And find out where to go

♪ You'll find the lovelies very much the same ♪

[upbeat music] [cheering and clapping]

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ Our boudoir's blown to bits

♪ We're living underground

♪ And over-drawn and on our wits ♪

♪ By day we're knitting mufflers ♪

♪ Or cutting canteen cakes

♪ But nightfall doesn't ruffle us ♪

♪ For we've got what it takes

♪ It's no longer safe to tarry at Cafe de Paris ♪

♪ So we're ladies in waiting now ♪

♪ To do our little bits

♪ Though we're in dungarees-es

♪ To hide our silken knees-es

♪ Keepin' your flag flying

♪ We're the babies of the blitz ♪

♪ Tin hats may hide our coiffures for a while ♪

♪ And shelter boots conceal our dainty feet ♪

♪ But 'neath this tough external ♪

♪ There's something that's eternal ♪

♪ Ask the Air Force or the Army ♪

♪ Or the Fleet

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ And when their leave permits

♪ We welcome back the boys

♪ Who fly the hurricanes and spits ♪

♪ Whilst bosses of munitions

♪ And tired businessmen

♪ Must park their inhibitions

♪ And make whoopee, and make whoopee ♪

♪ And make whoopee now and then ♪

♪ We'll lend sophistication

♪ To well-earned procreation

♪ We're what the doctor ordered ♪

♪ After chasing Mecherschmitts

♪ So long as there is rhythm

♪ And good meals and we are with 'em ♪

♪ They won't exterminate

♪ The babies, the babies, the babies, babies, babies ♪

♪ Of the blitz

[clapping and cheering]

[rumbling]

- Ken said you were up here.

I didn't believe him.

- Why ever not?

- It's bloody dangerous, that's why.

Come on down.

- Oh dear, oh dear.

The aircraft have passed.

Look, you can see them over the East End.

You're ever so cautious, Mr. Van Damm.

One shouldn't be overly so at times like these.

- Everyone should be cautious.

[guns blaring]

[rumbling]

You don't seem to take war too seriously, Mrs. Henderson.

- I wonder what you were like when you were young.

Rather dashing, I dare say.

And filled with hope.

My mind turns towards young men these days.

You see, Mr. Van Damm,

I take war far more seriously

than you can ever dare imagine.

[soft music]

[people chatting] [soft music]

[clapping and cheering] [soft music]

♪ That's all blue nightfall

♪ Above me

♪ Bring me that someone

♪ To love me

- No, you'll have to cover her faster than that.

- You need to be a lot faster.

- Those things weigh a ton, Bertie.

- Go on, take five minutes.

[murmuring]

- Oh my dear, how generous.

My goodness.

- Gin.

Helps steel our nerves for the air raids.

- It does seem they're no longer

bombing during the tableaus.

- Well that's because Mr. Van Damm

sent Hitler our program.

Professional courtesy between fuhrers.

[laughing]

- You're all so energetic and courageous.

We're the only theater still playing in the West End.

Then you all go out with the soldiers after the show.

It's admirable.

- Oh, but I don't.

Well, I never go out.

- My dear, why ever not?

- Before I started stripping off for a living,

I was always falling in love.

I was hopeless.

Never again.

So I've become a right little priss.

A naked spinster.

And that's the way I like it.

Who would've dreamed that standing on a stage

without any clothes on would be the safest place to be.

♪ Then deep in my arms

♪ What can he say but yes

♪ That's all blue nightfall

♪ Above me

♪ Bring me that someone to love me ♪

♪ To love me

♪ To love me

[clapping and cheering]

[people chatting]

- Could you come this way, sir?

Mrs. Henderson would like to speak to you.

- Who's the flower for?

- The girl inside the fan.

- Speak up, dear.

- The girl in the fan.

- Oh, yes.

How old are you?

- 21.

- 21?

- Too young for her, I suppose.

- Come back tomorrow night.

Sweet.

- I was always afraid that some day

I'd end up working in a florist's shop.

- And now you are. - I'm getting hay fever.

- And who is Paul?

- I have no idea.

- Are you girls decent?

Oh good, I brought someone.

This is Paul.

[giggling] - Oh, I see.

Girls, can you...

[giggling]

- I was looking forward to--

- Speak up, dear.

- Would you mind if I had a moment alone?

Thank you.

You've sent all these flowers.

- Don't be foolish, my dear.

- I recognize the name of your florist.

He can't afford this sort of thing.

- Actually, he comes from a very distinguished family.

- Mrs. Henderson.

- Well, truth is so prosaic.

He's young, that's all.

And rather well put together, wouldn't you say?

That face.

He's young.

And in five days, he goes to the front.

- And he may not come back.

And it's so lonely out there in the--

- Trenches. - Yes, I know the word.

Books have been written about the last war, Mrs. Henderson,

and I have actually read some of them.

And I suppose he saw me on stage and fell in love.

Mrs. Henderson, one night my bicycle went off the road.

And the next thing I knew, I was an illusion.

Because that's all we are up there.

But the odd thing is, I'm still in that river,

and I want to be rescued,

but not by some drum roll or applause

or a soldier's fantasy.

- Oh dear.

You're such a tiresome generation.

You all want love.

We got along very nicely without it, thank you very much.

I don't see why that boy's fantasy

is any more foolish than yours.

- Oh, damn.

- She loved your flowers, dear.

- What flowers?

[soft music]

♪ You are

♪ The promised kiss of springtime ♪

♪ That makes the lonely winters seem long ♪

♪ You are

♪ The breathless hush of evening ♪

♪ That lingers on the brink of a lovely song ♪

♪ You are the angel glow

♪ That lights a star

♪ The dearest things I know

♪ Are what you are

♪ Some day

♪ My happy arms will hold you

♪ And some day

♪ I'll know that moment divine

♪ When all the things you are

♪ Are mine

♪ Time and again I've longed for adventure ♪

♪ Something to make my heart beat a-faster ♪

♪ What did I long for

♪ I never really knew

♪ Finding your love, I've found my adventure ♪

♪ Touching your hand, my heart beats a-faster ♪

♪ All that I want in all of this world is you ♪

♪ You are the angel glow

♪ That lights a star

♪ The dearest things I know

♪ Are what you are

♪ Some day

♪ My happy arms will hold you

♪ And some day

♪ I'll know that moment divine

♪ When all the things you are

♪ Are

♪ Mine

- Trouble, boss.

- Is it that bloody woman again?

- I don't know what this time, VD.

[knocking]

- Open up.

Do you want me to knock the door down?

- You'll hurt your shoulder. - Get inside.

You can't do this. - Why not?

- You're part of our family.

- That's a terrible choice of words.

- What are you talking about? - I don't want to discuss it,

Mr. Van Damm.

- But you have to tell me what's behind this.

You owe it to me.

- My concern for the aesthetics of Revue-de-ville.

- What?

- I don't think you want a nude on stage who is pregnant.

- Christ. - Excuse me.

- We were having a private discussion.

- We have a quick change.

[muffled clapping]

- That was a particularly fine program, Mr. Van Damm.

I'm so very pleased with myself for recognizing

your latent talent. - Please, go back to the

theater, Mrs. Henderson. - However, I do have a couple

of notes of comedy routine. - We don't have time.

We have a crisis.

- Why? Whatever's wrong?

- Maureen has just sent me her letter of resignation.

- Don't be ridiculous, why would she?

- 'Cause she's pregnant.

- [Worker] Two minutes, girls.

Two minutes. - Oh, my dear.

- I need some air. - Look.

You can work in the show as a singer

for the next few months.

We'll keep you on salary until--

- I can't think clearly, I simply need some air.

- I'm so sorry, was it?

- Well, who else would it be?

He sent me a letter.

After he's deemed off, he's going back to his girlfriend.

His girlfriend, they all have girlfriends.

Crazy thing is, I fell for him.

Oh, it's not your fault, I'm a grown girl.

I knew what I was doing.

- He had such a sweet face. - They all have sweet faces.

You live in your own world, Mrs. Henderson.

I'm sorry, excuse me.

I don't want to say something I shouldn't.

I need some tea and some air.

- She said it's not your fault.

That can only mean one thing.

- Which is? - That it is your fault.

What have you been up to? - Nothing.

- Have you been giving your advice?

- I don't like these questions.

Excuse me, Mr. Van Damm.

I will take some air as well.

- You can't go out, Mrs. Henderson, sirens went.

- [Vivian] I didn't hear anything.

- A few minutes ago. - Maureen's gone out.

- Oh dear. - When?

- Just now. - Why didn't you stop her?

Where's she going? - For some air.

- [Laura] No, tea, she said.

[rumbling]

[soft ominous music]

- You foolish, foolish woman.

Look what you've done.

I thought, yes well, she's selfish and rude and eccentric,

but that goes with her class.

I can live with that.

I was a fool.

You don't know anything about the real world, do you?

[soft music]

[smooth music]

♪ Oh tropical charms, lend us your loveliness ♪

- It's not the same, let's cut the number.

- [Maggie] The boys love it, boss.

[clapping and cheering]

- Mr. Van Damm. - Yes.

- I'm from the Lord Chamberlain's office.

This is for you, going to have to close your theater.

- What?

- [Assistant] It's causing too many people

to congregate in front of it, I'm sorry.

[clapping and cheering]

- Telephone the newspapers, get them down here.

- Yes, boss.

- Maggie.

- I know where to find her.

- Tell her to come to the theater immediately.

[clapping and cheering]

Mrs. Henderson would like to see Lord Cromer

as soon as possible.

Here at the theater.

- I don't think the Lord Chamberlain is available.

- Nonsense, Mrs. Henderson wishes to see him.

Pass the message.

There's nothing I can do.

The theater is closed.

- Manners, clear a path, please.

Please, clear a path.

[shouting]

- We ain't moving until you open up the theater.

- There's nothing I can do.

- I see the press are here, Van Damm.

- Yes, I don't know how they got hold of it, sir.

[yelling]

- Good afternoon,

Mrs. Henderson. - Maggie.

[yelling]

- This way.

- There seems to be a nationwide desire

to keep this theater open.

- Nationwide?

Please don't be delusional.

I have learnt in these many years of dealing with artists

to detest imagination.

- Excuse me, excuse me.

[yelling]

- This street must be clear.

It presents a very clear public danger.

I may have to ask the police to interfere.

- I'll talk to them.

- What a commotion.

- They think the theater encourages

what they call, excuse me, over-congregating.

Seems that we're too popular.

- You mean, we'd stay open if we were a failure?

How ridiculous. - Listen, everybody.

We have no choice.

The government is forcing us to close.

One more light dimming in the heart of London.

- He's turning into Winston again.

- What Herr Hitler was unable to do,

our own leaders are determined to accomplish.

They're going to close The Windmill.

[sighs]

- Excuse me. - Excuse me.

Would you let me through.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, that's so kind of you, thank you.

Thank you, oh that's most kind, thank you.

Thank you, excuse me.

Hello, everybody.

May I, oh hello, Tommy.

May I introduce myself?

I'm Mrs. Henderson.

You might see my name on the billboard over there.

Mrs. Henderson Presents.

Well, I am that Mrs. Henderson,

and I've presented The Windmill for four years now.

Now let me tell you why.

Are you able to see me?

[murmuring]

- Here you are, ma'am.

- [Laura] Oh, that's so sweet. Are you American?

- Yes.

- Strange people, lovely manners.

Thank you, dear.

Now.

There was a war before this one.

It was meant to end all wars.

I lost my son in that war.

My only son, Alec.

He was 21.

He perished through poison gas, I believe.

On a field in France.

After, some time after,

I went to his room to clear away his things

and I discovered the most amazing thing.

What I believe you call a French postcard.

[laughing]

Photograph of a naked woman.

He'd been hiding it.

And I realized that Alec had probably gone to his death

without ever seeing a woman naked in real life.

Well, I thought that was the most awful thing.

When you lose a son in the war,

you do know, no matter what anyone might say,

that his death has been in vain.

It won't stop others from following other wars,

other young men.

Years later, after my husband had died

and I was on my own,

I decided to buy a theater and put on a nude revue

so that boys like Alec

would never be in the same predicament.

As long as The Windmill exists,

there's no need for a sad little postcard

stashed underneath a bed, is there?

[laughing]

Sometimes, my feelings towards our young men in uniform

have led me to foolish actions,

which I do in my very soul regret.

But I do know this.

That my desire to present this gift to our young men

has not been wrong.

If we are to ask our youth to surrender their lives,

then we should not ask them to surrender joy

or the possibility of joy.

And if, along the way,

we cause too many people to congregate in the street,

who gives a fiddler's fuck?

[clapping and whistling]

There, I've said it.

[sirens blaring]

Oh dear, another air raid.

Don't you think everyone would be so much safer inside?

- [Crowd] Yes.

- Oh for Christ's sake, Van Damm.

Take down that stupid sign and let your public in.

[clapping and cheering]

[upbeat music] [cheering]

♪ The sails of the windmill were turning ♪

♪ For years o'er the war had begun ♪

♪ And we know they'll keep turning for many years more ♪

♪ When the war will be over and won ♪

♪ Blow winds from the south

♪ Blow winds from the north

♪ Turn the sails of the windmill round ♪

♪ Blow winds from the east

♪ Blow winds from the west

♪ Oh the wind is a welcome sound ♪

[smooth jazz music]

- I thought so.

- You're going to ask me to come down, aren't you?

- I wouldn't dream of it.

- Now you know my secrets.

- Yes.

- And I know none of yours.

- No.

Well.

Actually, I think you do.

- We had made rather a go of it, hadn't we?

- Yes.

You're a very irritating woman,

but I wouldn't have missed this for the world.

- I feel quite the same.

Even though you're a very irritating man.

[laughs]

So we'll continue?

- I'm game if you are. - Oh, yes.

Passes the time of day.

[chuckles]

- Let's watch the rest of the show.

- You go inside.

I'll stand here for awhile.

- As you wish.

Would you fancy a dance?

- A dance? Where?

- Here.

- Won't it be dangerous?

- You're quite right, I'm a very cautious man,

but it won't be dangerous.

Not tonight.

Just one dance?

- Mr. Van Damm. - Mrs. Henderson.

♪ Blow winds from the south

♪ Blow winds from the north

♪ Turn the sails of the windmill round ♪

♪ Blow winds from the east

♪ Blow winds from the west

♪ All the wind is a welcome sound ♪

♪ Blow winds from the south

♪ Blow winds from the north

♪ Turn the sails of the windmill round ♪

♪ Blow winds from the east

♪ Blow winds from the west

♪ All the wind

♪ Is a welcome sound

[clapping and whistling] [grand band music]

[laughs]

[soft music]

- Ow, you've severed my toe.

- Nonsense, I didn't touch it.

- You're rather clumsy.

- That's not something you say

to a dancing partner. - You should've taken lessons

before issuing an invitation.

- I'm a very good dancer, thank you very much.

[soft music]

- [Laura] In India, only delicate men are good dancers.

The ungainly are not so.

- [Vivian] Listen, you old battle-ax.

- [Laura] Don't you dare speak to me like that.

[soft music]

[upbeat music]

♪ There's a lake in the park

♪ There's a house by the lake

♪ There's a girl in the house in the park by the lake ♪

♪ And the girl in the house by the lake in the park ♪

♪ Is the girl in the little green hat ♪

♪ And tonight after eight, that's when I've got a date ♪

♪ When the moon's riding high and the stars light the sky ♪

♪ With the girl in the house by the lake in the park ♪

♪ The girl in the little green hat ♪

♪ There's no water in the lake

♪ There's no roof upon the house ♪

♪ No trees in the park at all

♪ But she'll wait beside the lake ♪

♪ I'll be welcome at the house

♪ I'll meet her by the garden wall ♪

♪ There's a ship on the lake, there's a sailor on the shore ♪

♪ There's a girl in his arms, she's the girl I adore ♪

♪ So goodbye to the house by the lake in the park ♪

♪ And the girl in the little green hat ♪

[upbeat music]

♪ There's a storm on the lake, there's a ship in the storm ♪

♪ There's a girl on the ship in the storm on the lake ♪

♪ And the girl in the lake on the ship in the storm ♪

♪ Is the girl in the little green hat ♪

♪ As the ship starts to tip, she is losing her grip ♪

♪ Every dip makes her tip, not the girl but the ship ♪

♪ But the girl on the ship has the pip from the trip ♪

♪ The girl in the little green hat ♪

♪ She's been sailing quite enough ♪

♪ She's been clinging to the rails ♪

♪ She's been dying to be home once more ♪

♪ 'Cause the lake is rather rough ♪

♪ And the girl is rather pale

♪ She's glad to get her feet on shore ♪

♪ Ah, she gave up the ship and the captain and his men ♪

♪ For a round ticket trip to my arms once again ♪

♪ Now I'm back in the park with the house by the lake ♪

♪ With the girl in the little green hat ♪

[upbeat music]

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ Our boudoir's blown to bits

♪ We're living underground

♪ And over-drawn and on our wits ♪

♪ By day we're knitting mufflers ♪

♪ Or cutting canteen cakes

♪ But nightfall doesn't ruffle us ♪

♪ For we've got what it takes

♪ It's no longer safe to tarry at Cafe de Paris ♪

♪ So we're ladies -in-waiting now ♪

♪ To do our little bits

♪ Though we're in dungarees-es

♪ To hide our silken knees-es

♪ Keepin' your flag flying

♪ We're the babies of the blitz ♪

♪ Tin hats may hide our coiffures for a while ♪

♪ And shelter boots conceal our dainty feet ♪

♪ But 'neath this tough external ♪

♪ There's something that's eternal ♪

♪ Ask the Air Force or the Army ♪

♪ Or the Fleet

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ And when their leave permits

♪ We welcome back the boys

♪ Who fly the hurricanes and spits ♪

♪ Whilst bosses of munitions

♪ And tired businessmen

♪ Must park their inhibitions

♪ And make whoopee, and make whoopee ♪

♪ And make whoopee now and then ♪

♪ We'll lend sophistication

♪ To well-earned procreation

♪ We're what the doctor ordered ♪

♪ After chasing Mecherschmitts

♪ So long as there is rhythm

♪ And good meals and we are with 'em ♪

♪ They won't exterminate

♪ The babies, the babies, the babies, babies, babies ♪

♪ Of the blitz

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