Original subtitles

Subtitling made possible by

RLJ Entertainment

Where on earth have you been?!

- Germany.

- We've been frantic about you!

You weren't at the studio.

- You weren't at the hotel.

- No, I was in --

No one has been able

to contact you for weeks.

People have been writing,

telephoning.

Why?

What's happened?

Is it my parents?

No, they're well,

as far as I know.

Well, then, what has happened?

Why this urgency?

Because when no one could

get in touch with you,

we were

just a little concerned.

That's all.

Oh, for heaven's sake.

I finished the film

four weeks ago,

moved into Max's apart--

a German friend's apartment --

to work on a new idea.

That's all.

[ Sighs ]

Would you like a drink?

No, thank you.

Why didn't you tell anyone?

I wasn't aware

anyone was interested.

Jack, don't be ridiculous!

I have spent four hours

on a freezing train,

six hours waiting for a boat,

and eight hours

being tossed around --

- Jack, old man!

- John.

This is a nice surprise.

Good to see you.

Welcome home.

- So how have you been?

- Splendid.

Looked after your flat

like it was a baby.

Even bought you

a new corkscrew.

Oh, Beatrice.

Sorry,

am I interrupting something?

No, it's all right.

I was just leaving.

I'll telephone you

in the next day or two.

All right.

Good night.

I'm glad you're safe.

What an evening.

Honestly, you must meet

this Larry Cotter.

Why?

Well, he must use about a pound

of lavender pomade on his hair,

for a start.

It's a shame, really.

What he was saying

was actually quite interesting.

He's very well informed

about us,

about fashion altogether.

But I couldn't keep my eyes

off these extraordinary rings

he was wearing.

You have to admire

his nerve, though.

He suggested

we go into partnership

on some ready-to-wear scheme

he was planning.

Can you imagine?

- Are you all right, Bea?

- Mm.

Did you collect your things

from the flat?

No, I didn't.

Jack came home.

Why?

What's wrong with it?

I think it's the way

you've drawn it.

What?

Well, it's awfully similar to

Paul Allier's style, isn't it?

Well, don't you like Allier?

Well, yes, of course, but what

I want to see is Grace Keeble.

I see.

Yeah.

Within limits, I would like you

to try and fit in

with the general

House of Eliott style.

- I am trying.

- And it shows.

All I'm saying is your designs

may look good on paper,

but when Charles cuts, he has to

work from these drawings.

And most of our clients

are not seven feet tall

and two inches wide.

You want me to draw

short, fat, middle-aged women?

[ Sighs ]

I think we could,

um, compromise.

Don't you?

What do you think of that?

[ Sighs ] "Dear Miss Eliott,

for the last two years..."

Gosh.

Deuxieme vendeuse

in Maison Gilles in Paris.

Husband posting back

to the Foreign Office.

Could the gods be smiling on us

for a change?

Well, I don't know,

but I'd certainly like to meet

this, uh, Mrs. Cartwright.

I'm going to telephone her as

soon as she returns to England.

Oh.

Who's going to tell Jess?

No one, for the moment.

She has a chill,

which means we have to deal

with the day's

appointments ourselves.

[ Sighs ]

Oh, Jess.

Evie.

- [ Clears throat ]

- Hmm?

Tell me about Larry Cotter.

Oh, I told you about him

last night.

Yes, but I wasn't

listening properly.

Well, his idea was

that we design a collection

of quality ready-to-wear,

which he would then

manufacture in his workshops

and sell to certain

prestigious emporiums.

Well, didn't he go

into any more detail?

Well, he may well have done,

but quite honestly

I was so appalled

by his behavior

I didn't pay

that much attention.

You're not interested, are you?

Well, it's not something

I want to dismiss out of hand.

But not with Cotter.

We don't know anything

about him.

Apart from the fact that he

wears too much lavender pomade.

[ Laughs ]

Hey, Tilly, are you gonna

carry on working

after the baby's born?

Oh, no. I want to be at home

with the baby.

- You're leaving, then?

- Yeah.

Well, if I can manage

on Norman's wages, that is.

I can always come back here

in the summer, though.

Little sister

leaves school then.

She can look after it.

Hey, did, uh, Mrs. Quance work?

She did a spot of dressmaking

from home.

- Oh.

- Yes, quite successful too.

Who knows what she might

have done had she lived.

Oh, they're horrible things,

motorcars.

You're wife get killed, did she?

Well, what happened?

Miss Keeble!

She stepped out

from behind an omnibus

and got knocked down

by an oncoming motorcar.

Trouble was that the car

knocked her back

into the path of the bus.

Ran her over.

And that was that.

Does he want to be

a millionaire?

[ Laughs ]

I beg your pardon?

Never, but never, invest

in a businessman who doesn't.

You need a handsome return

on whatever investment you make.

Your main investment

is in his ambition.

Donald, you are so cynical.

This isn't just about

making money.

Then you shouldn't

be doing business.

Are you and your sister

playing some elaborate game

of fancy dress

for the entertainment

of a privileged few --

a rapidly declining

privileged few, I might add?

I'm sorry,

but it has to be said.

You see, I suspect your judgment

of Mr. Cotter is based more

on the way he speaks

and the smell of his hair oil --

Nonsense.

It's just we've never had

dealings with his sort before.

Well, pay close attention

to him, Bea.

He and his kind

are a new and powerful breed.

It won't be long before they

rule the fashion world here.

They already do in the States.

- [ Sighs ]

- [ Telephone rings ]

Larry Cotter.

Oh, Miss Eliott.

Look, uh,

a-about the other night --

Oh. [ Chuckles ]

Miss Beatrice Eliott.

Of course.

No, I-I'd be delighted

to show you around.

Anytime at all.

No, no, that would be wonderful.

Splendid.

Well, I look forward

to seeing you then.

Goodbye.

Doris?!

Have you got any bits of lace

in the stock room, Mr. Charles?

I think there's

some remnants of Cluny.

And there may be

some Chinese filet.

I just want to see

shapes and colors, really.

Can I have a look through?

Let me come with you.

I know where everything is.

Didn't take her long

to get her claws in, did it?

Stock room.

Betty, that's a horrid thing

to say.

Mr. Charles isn't like that.

Mm, maybe so.

I wouldn't put anything

past her.

Did you hear the way he spoke

about Mrs. Quance though?

I mean, her knocked down dead,

and him as calm as you like,

smiling and everything.

It was a long time ago, Agnes.

What would you like him to do,

burst into tears?

No, but you would have thought

he would have shown summat.

Maybe he was glad she went.

Oh, Betty!

Maybe he done it himself.

Him? Mr. Charles

is a gentlemen, though.

Oh, they're the worst sort,

Agnes.

You mark my words.

Quiet as you like

on the outside.

But how do we know

what's going on inside, eh?

Maybe he cut her up and buried

her under the floorboards.

Betty, please.

Why'd he do that, though?

So that he can marry

Miss What's-Her-Name, of course.

Oh, now that is enough!

Any more of your nonsense,

and I'm gonna go

straight to Miss Bea.

[ Whispering ] Under

the floorboards.

Hello, love.

Who does he think he is,

trying to push by there?

Oh, that's Mr. Maddox.

Miss Bea's husband.

What's she called

"Miss" Bea for, then?

I don't know.

[ Door closes ]

- Hello.

- Where have you been all day?

I called the office.

I called the flat.

I couldn't find you anywhere.

I've been with clients

most of the day.

[ Clicks tongue ] Oh.

[ Laughs ]

We have vendeuse problems again.

Would you like to join me

for dinner?

Yes, all right.

I'll call for you in an hour.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

I reckon he's got them

up his sleeve.

Want a chance

to get your own back, do you?

Yeah, why not?

- [ Laughs ]

- WOMAN: Here!

Me and Agnes got to sit here

all night like lemons, have we?

Well, I tell you what --

We'll play partners.

Me and Mave against you two.

We'll show you how to do it.

Eh, Perce?

[ Both laugh ]

Yeah, let's have

a bob on the side, eh?

Make it more interesting.

[ Inhales sharply ]

Don't know about that, mate.

Gave all my cash to my mum

last payday.

PERCY: Come on, you got

some dough, ain't you, darling?

Lend us a bob each.

Well...

Come on, sweetheart.

I'll give it back to you Friday.

Yeah, all right.

PERCY:

You're a smasher.

That's what you are.

I'm not gonna sit

and fight with you.

I'm not fighting with you.

I'm merely explaining

why I was disappointed

when you didn't show up

on the boat.

Why on earth should I have done?

You told me to go to Germany.

What is that if not a rejection?

Oh, don't be childish, Jack.

You told me to go to America.

I didn't take that

as a rejection.

Why do you think

I spent the night with you?

I haven't a clue.

All I know is that you were

obviously so ashamed

of yourself,

you didn't dare face me

the next morning.

Jack, I appreciate the offer,

but if you don't mind,

I'll take a taxi and go home

and have supper with Evie.

Now who's being childish?

All right, why did you

spend the night with me?

If it had meant

anything at all to you,

you wouldn't have sneaked off

like that.

Not a word, not a note.

I had a boat to catch.

But you wanted me

to follow you.

I wanted you

to make a free choice.

How could I do anything

when I was fast asleep?!

You could have woken up!

We're making

an exhibition of ourselves.

I'm sorry.

For what?

We've both behaved

very stupidly.

Then perhaps it's time

we stopped.

Meaning what?

Meaning we're both

sick and tired

of feeling suspicious

and betrayed.

Our marriage may be over,

but we're still fond

of each other, aren't we?

Of course.

Yes.

Then let's behave like it,

shall we?

[ Train chugging ]

[ Train whistle blows ]

- [ Clattering ]

- What are you doing?

It's, uh, bedtime, Madge.

I'll just finish this,

and then I'll be in.

Oh.

All right.

Well, uh, make sure you turn

the gas off properly, then.

Mm.

Last time

you stayed up reading,

it had been on half the night

if I hadn't come in and checked.

- Mm.

- [ Knock on door ]

Who can that be

at this time of night?

[ Door opens ]

What on earth

are you doing here?

[ Door closes ]

Who is it, Gerry?

Albert?!

Hello, Madge.

Any chance

of a bed for the night?

I mean, Albert and me dad

always have been quick

off the mark with each other,

but this one nearly

came to blows, apparently.

What, just over

that stupid old strike?

It may have been

stupid down here,

but it were dead serious

up North.

Still is.

I mean, look at me.

It's ripped

my family apart nearly.

I can't see people

getting that worked up about it.

Oh, they do.

See, me dad

went back down the mines

before the strike

was really over.

But our Albert

stayed out for months.

- And then they sacked him.

- What for?

Oh, they've got men

working longer hours

so they don't need so many.

Besides, Albert were mixed up

with the union and that.

[ Sighs ]

It's me mum I feel sorry for.

She had a nice, happy home

before all this.

Mind you, so did I.

Hmph. Men.

Spoiled little boys,

the lot of them.

[ Sighs ] Trouble is,

I can see both sides.

I'm just as torn as me mum.

How long is Albert

stopping with you?

That's what Gerry keeps asking.

I don't know.

Right.

That's the, uh, cutting room.

Now, through here is the, uh --

is the workroom.

Right.

Uh, Flora does the sleeves.

Uh, Milly does the back seams,

and, uh, Peggy puts the fella

back together.

[ Laughs ]

Now, Dot here,

she sets the sleeves in

because she's been here longest.

It's the hardest part, you see?

Oh. [ Chuckles ]

Of course you know that.

There's nothing I can tell you

about setting sleeves, is there?

- It's very tricky.

- [ Laughs ]

Do you have a separate

finishing room, Mr. Cotter?

Yes.

Uh, through here.

Through here.

Right.

Now, this is where we do

the, uh, hems

and, uh, buttonholes,

and, um, buttons.

- [ Chuckles ]

- May I?

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, uh, those are part of

a special order for Manchester.

Spring and Harris,

just off the high street.

Not the sort of thing I expect

you to be interested in.

- No.

What would you expect us

to be interested in, Mr. Cotter?

Ah, well, uh, this way,

ladies and gentleman.

Aah!

- [ Horse neighs ]

- Cut!

It's a story of passion,

betrayal, and love triumphant.

The sort of thing

you do so well.

Not anymore, I don't.

Blake stands in despair.

Suddenly he sees Emony

riding towards the castle.

Then, of course,

it pours with rain.

Ah!

You have no faith.

[ Laughs ]

Oh, I can't tell you how good

it is to see you again, Jack.

I've been trying to

get ahold of you for weeks.

- Is this the new script?

- Uh-huh.

- Ah.

- I wrote it in Germany.

"Written by Jack Maddox

and Max Keller."

Unlike you

to do a coauthorship.

Well, Max is

a very clever chap.

I worked with him

on the film in Germany.

We got on well together,

so we thought we'd do one

for this country.

Is it any good?

Read it and see.

[ Laughs ]

All right.

I'll read it tonight.

I promise.

- Thank you.

- Ready, Mr. Barak.

I'll let you get back

to your love triumphant.

It's good to have you

back in harness again.

We could do with

a new Jack Maddox picture.

- Bye, Abraham.

- Bye.

Now, you tell me a big London

store that's not in there --

apart from Harrods, of course,

but that's

just a matter of time.

Well, you certainly have

an impressive list of contacts

in the retail trade,

Mr. Cotter.

At the moment,

I'm selling cheap goods.

You know it, and I know it.

Now, the thing is I happen to be

selling quite a lot of it.

Now, what I want to be doing

is selling a lot of good stuff.

Now, have a look at this.

Paris copy.

Tenth of the Paris price.

What do you think?

Cutting's bad.

The finishing is inadequate.

There's no finesse in the line.

Miss Eliott, if I had

those skills at my disposal,

I'd hardly be

talking to you now, would I?

No, I don't suppose you would.

Mr. Cotter [Clears throat]

supposing the House of Eliott

were to enter

into an agreement with you

and produce

ready-to-wear outfits.

Who would you envisage

buying them?

Who would you envisage

engaging as a secretary?

Oh, go on.

Describe her.

Mid-20s, well educated,

well brought up, nicely spoken.

What's she gonna wear

when she meets her in-laws

for the first time?

What's her mum gonna wear

when she gets married?

I'm tempted to say not only

is it the one way in which

such a venture could succeed,

but -- and forgive me

if I speak out of turn --

it is very important

that it does succeed.

Why? We're not

in any form of trouble.

We sell some of

the finest gowns in London,

but we are still

a very small concern.

But a very successful one.

We have our niche

in London couture, certainly,

but we cannot hope to compete

on the same terms

as Maison Gilles, for instance.

We simply do not have

the resources.

So we have only two choices --

either allow ourselves

to become a poor relation

amongst the London

fashion houses

or accept what expertise

Mr. Cotter has to offer

and set off to explore

and conquer new dominions.

That may be rather

a melodramatic way

of putting things.

No, not at all, Joseph.

We value

your opinion enormously.

[ Clears throat ]

If I can be

of any further assistance.

No, thank you.

Shall we sing

the national anthem?

[ Both laugh ]

They're showing

the new Charlie Chaplin

at the weekend, Mr. Charles.

- Are you gonna go and see it?

- Like to. Are you?

If I can persuade my Gerry

out of his chair.

Now, that is much better.

I mean it. A client could really

start to see herself in that.

And the color's better too.

Better than what?

Better than the flame orange

you've used here.

It's bold, vivid!

And very unflattering

to a more mature English skin.

Customers.

Valued clients.

Don't be so cross all the time.

You really are doing very well.

Miss Eliott.

Evie.

It's my birthday on Saturday.

We're having a bit of a party

at the house.

I beg your pardon?

My birthday party.

Would you like to come?

Well, yes.

I'd like that very much.

Thank you.

About 9:00.

Bring something to drink.

Oh, you know where I live.

Jessica unwell?

She telephoned

to say she had a chill.

Oh, she is naughty.

Why she didn't just tell you

she was off to Vienna,

I can't imagine.

- Vienna?

- Yes.

She's staying

with the Deguileses for a month.

Of course, I knew this nonsense

wouldn't last a moment

once something

more interesting came up.

Do you have someone splendid

to take over from her?

Well, yes, fortunately, we do.

Good.

Oh, I do like these sleeves.

I mean,

people were actually gasping

at the last Gilles collection.

[ Sighs ]

We should let Grace

show a couple of dresses.

That would make them gasp,

all right.

How is she progressing?

Surprisingly well, actually.

Her use of color

is, mm, startling.

And she has this constant urge

to shock all the time,

but she's learning.

Are you finding her any easier

to get on with?

Let's just say

we're working on it.

Actually, she's invited me

to her party this evening.

- Really?

- Mm.

Why don't you come?

I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

Well, Donald and I are going

to a concert this afternoon.

We'll probably

have dinner later as well.

That's the third time

this week.

Is there any reason

why I shouldn't?

Of course not.

I just thought

now that Jack's home --

Evie.

Far too much water

has flowed under that bridge.

I feel I have the right to see

whoever I choose.

Don't you?

There.

I just think

I'm entitled to know

how long he's gonna be here.

You can be entitled

to a lot of things, love,

but if he don't know himself,

he can hardly tell you, can he?

- Shh!

- Why?

- He'll hear you.

- Oh, don't be daft.

I don't think it's daft wanting

to get into your own privy

on a Saturday morning.

I don't think it's daft

being a bit put out

when your privacy's invaded

by a total stranger!

He's me brother!

Well, I've only met him the once

at our wedding!

Oh, for pity's sake.

If it's a visit,

then that's fine.

If he wants to stay

for a few days

while he sorts himself out other

lodgings, that's all right too.

But if he thinks

he's gonna stay here

scrounging off us forever...

Well.

[ Slow music playing ]

Bravo.

- Bravo.

- Bravo.

- Bravo.

- Bravo.

- Bravo.

- Bravo.

Such a delightful setting

for a concert.

Have you been

to the Paris Opera?

No.

Is it very beautiful?

Stunning.

Come with me

when I visit Paris next week,

and we'll go together.

[ Laughs ]

What's the matter? Wouldn't you

like to go to Paris with me?

It's a lovely idea, Donald,

but I can't.

With no vendeuse

and quite a lot of work on,

I really can't spare the time.

Okay.

[ Laughs ]

- What?

- Nothing.

It's just refreshing to have

someone who understands

why one can't just drop

everything at a moment's notice,

who just says, "Okay."

Well, I know what it's like

to run a business.

Which is not to say

I'm not disappointed.

Was Jack a very jealous man?

Not jealous.

He just expected too much

from me, and I am too...

- Selfish?

- I beg your pardon?

That's not a criticism, Bea.

When people are as single-minded

and dedicated as we are,

they are selfish.

[ Sighs ]

They put everything they have

into what they're doing.

I guess it's one reason

I never married.

I never found a woman

who could understand that.

[ Sighs ] Or, at least,

who put up with it.

Doesn't the prospect of being

lonely ever frighten you?

I didn't say

there wasn't room for love.

Donald, I --

I'm not offering

what Jack offered.

And I'm not expecting

what he expected.

All I'm saying is...

Hell, I don't know

what I'm saying.

[ Up-tempo jazz music plays ]

[ Indistinct talking, laughter ]

It's one of the reasons

we all live in this attic.

We all have a room each

and share this as a studio.

You don't make

the clothes up here, surely.

No,

downstairs where it's clean.

I do paint

up here sometimes, though.

- Are they all artists?

- Mostly.

Oh, that bloke with the beard,

he's a sculptor.

Anthony over there,

he's a painter.

I haven't a clue

who that tall chap is.

Miles, James, Harry.

They're all

at the Chelsea Polytechnic.

That's where we all met.

Oh.

I thought you said that you'd --

I was a model there for awhile,

not a student.

Well, you know me -- anything to

earn an honest penny.

I'd have liked

to have gone to art school.

Wouldn't you?

I'd have liked to

have been a duchess,

but life

didn't turn out that way.

Shame, really.

I'm sorry, Grace.

I didn't mean to --

Miles, come and meet my boss.

Miles, Evie Eliott,

as in House of Eliott.

Miles is an illustrator --

much better than me.

But, then, most people are,

aren't they?

Don't worry about Grace.

In another life,

she was a porcupine.

Have some more beer.

Thanks.

Is your father one of these

radical, enlightened chaps,

then?

I beg your pardon?

Taking on young Gracie

as a trainee designer.

My sister and I started the

business after my father died.

I took on young Gracie.

I'm awfully sorry.

And very impressed.

Where did you train?

Beatrice and I had always made

our own clothes ever since we --

Hello.

Is this one of the new models?

- No, it is not.

- Oh.

What a shame.

I'm not going back.

I can't live under the same roof

with that man.

But just try and see it from

Dad's point of view, though.

It's one thing

you staying out on strike.

You don't have

a family to feed.

I've always paid me way.

I know, but Dad's still got the

most responsibility, hasn't he?

In which case

he should be grateful of me

and the likes of me.

[ Laughs ] I don't see

how you make that out.

Far as I can see,

your lot's just caused

more trouble for everyone.

My lot?

My lot think we've got a duty to

stand up for the rights of them

that can't stand up

for themselves,

blokes like our old man

who have got mouths to feed!

Well, if that's the case,

I don't think you've made a very

good job of it, then, have you?

Oh, stop it, the pair of you.

I think I'm entitled to express

an opinion in my own house.

Then I'm going down the pub

where I can't hear him.

Good.

Miles, these really

are beautiful.

I love this one.

Who is she?

Oh, just a model we had

a few months ago.

Oh, don't talk like that.

You treat them as if

they weren't people at all.

- I don't treat you like that.

- Only because I don't let you.

My grandmother modeled for every

artist there was, just about --

Renoir, Degas, Lautrec.

They all became famous,

but who remembers her, eh?

They remember her bottom,

though.

Her granny's bottom is

in every art gallery in Europe.

[ Laughs ]

[ Mid-tempo music playing ]

I think you should apologize.

Oh, she just can't take a joke.

Miles, do you always

draw figures?

Do you ever draw landscapes?

Hardly.

Structure fascinates me.

Just when

I think I understand it,

well, I suppose realize

that I don't.

Shall we go on to a nightclub?

What?

Come on. There's a place I know

that plays jazz till dawn.

Harry!

Stop being a pest and push off.

There's a good chap.

I'll go on my own, then.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It is rather flattering,

isn't it?

Has Miles

become your latest admirer?

[ Chuckles ]

Of course not.

He's just a personable,

talented young artist

who happens to share lodgings

with Grace.

[ Knock on door ]

He goes

to the Chelsea Polytechnic.

Yes, you said.

Actually, they're showing

an exhibition

of students' work next week.

Should we go?

Is that because

you want me to meet Miles?

Of course not.

I just thought you might like

to see some students' work.

Yes, all right.

- What is wrong with it?

- Nothing.

It's well written,

well researched,

good characters.

Then why won't Abraham

take it on?

- Has he read it?

- Yes.

So, what does he say?

He just said

it wasn't right for the studio.

That's ridiculous.

Where is Abraham?

Let me talk to him.

- He's not here.

- But his car is there.

He doesn't want to see me.

Is that it?

Sorry, old man.

Not my doing.

Is it to do

with the subject matter,

the fact

that the hero is German?

I don't know.

Abraham feels

it's too complex a story.

Perhaps if we start

making talkies.

Yes, yes.

I see.

Look, Jack,

I'm just the messenger.

Accept what Abraham says.

It's just not right

for his studio at the moment.

- How was your weekend, Madge?

- Oh, don't ask.

- Oh, sorry.

- I went to cinema with Percy.

Went to see

that new Charlie Chaplin film

you was talking about.

And we had a fish supper after.

Oh, the high life.

Well, I hope you didn't end up

paying again.

No, I did not.

He only borrows when he's lost

on the dogs or something.

He don't do it all the time.

There's no need to get

so steamed up about it.

Only taking an interest.

Well, I had a smashing weekend.

- Oh?

- Did you?

Me and Stanley went out

and treated ourselves

to a new settee

for the front room.

He found you some money

or something, then?

Oh, no, her old man just won

back all the money Percy lost.

- [ Laughter ]

- You're horrible!

Only kidding.

- Is it nice?

- Ooh, ever so smart.

Dead comfy, as well.

- Ooh! [ Laughs ]

- Look.

Oh, it's lovely.

Look at that.

Oh, me and Norman

have got to start thinking

of getting things in

for the baby soon.

Don't know how we can afford it,

though.

Well, do what Stan and me did.

Get in the H.P.

- The what?

- The never-never.

Guinea down, half a crown a week

till it's paid off.

I couldn't.

We're gonna get armchairs next.

Matching ones.

I think we have to insist

that the garments are inspected

and finished here.

Of course.

And I would like to see

substantial orders

from the buyers

before we invest in any of these

new American cutting machines.

We'll need to look for a larger

workshop fairly soon too.

Apart from the finishing

and designing,

I don't think

we can accommodate

any more

of the ready-to-wear here.

I think we have to give

our couture priority.

- Yes.

- [ Knock on door ]

Come in.

Mrs. Cartwright's here.

Uh, Tilly, please, show her in.

Oh, come on.

Nope.

Why not?

I'm a good worker.

Look, I've got good workers

crawling out of the woodwork,

begging for jobs.

Good London workers.

What do you think you're doing

with that?!

Go and get someone to help you!

It's lovely, Madge.

Oh, is it true

what they're saying, Miss Bea,

that Miss Armstrong's left

and we've got a new vendeuse?

Yes, it is. Her name

is Francoise Cartwright.

She's very charming.

I think

she'll suit us perfectly.

That's a relief.

- [ Laughing ] Yes.

- [ Laughs ]

- Oh, Miss Bea?

- Hmm?

Um, my brother Albert's

down from Lancashire.

He's, uh, staying with us

while he looks for work,

only there isn't much around,

and, well...

I don't suppose there's a job

here he could do, is there?

Well, he's not a tailor, is he?

He's a miner.

[ Sighs ]

Madge, I'm sorry.

Well, I would help

if I could but --

Oh, I know, I know.

You don't mind me asking,

do you?

Of course, I don't, no.

All right.

Good night, then.

Good night, Madge.

Hello.

- What are you doing here?

- Begging a favor.

I'm just about to --

It's all right.

I'm not staying.

I just wondered

if you'd read this for me.

It's the film scenario

I wrote in Germany.

Oh, of course I'll read it.

Abraham Barak

has turned it down flat.

Oh.

No discussion,

no talk of rewrite.

He wouldn't even

see me himself.

Thing is, I've read it

over and over again,

and I-I just can't see why

he's thrown it out.

Well, I'm not sure

I'll be able to tell you.

You must have

other friends who --

Other friends

who'd feel obliged to be polite.

I don't know anyone

quite as brutally honest as you.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Hello, Perce.

Hello, darling.

MADGE: Hello.

Did you have a good day?

No.

But it's getting better.

I'm ever so sorry.

I thought he was Percy.

Oh, with your soft head!

This is me brother, Albert.

Albert, this is Agnes.

She works with me.

Pleased to make

your acquaintance.

Likewise, I'm sure.

MADGE: Come on, then.

Let's get off home.

Right.

You all right

waiting on your own?

Do you want us to stop with you

for awhile?

No, I'm all right.

Ta, though.

- Good night, then.

- Good night.

You're being very encouraging.

Well, you know

how I feel about it.

I think ready-to-wear is right

for the House of Eliott.

Quite frankly,

I think you'll enjoy it.

There's nothing

to be frightened about.

I'll always be on hand

if you need help or advice.

You are kind.

I still wish you were

coming with me to Paris.

There will be other times.

I hope so.

Have a wonderful time.

Telephone me when you get back.

You can count on it.

[ Whistle blows ]

[ Laughs ]

Goodbye.

[ Train whistle blows ]

[ Indistinct conversations ]

MADGE: At least

he's out looking for work.

That's something.

It's the thought of Albert

sitting around the house all day

that Gerry can't stand.

BETTY: I wonder if my Stan

would be able to help.

MADGE: How?

BETTY: He always knows

if there's anything going

down the docks.

Bring Albert down there

to see him.

AGNES:

Albert's nice, isn't he?

MADGE:

That's very kind of you, Betty.

I'll do that.

BETTY: Oh, yeah --

Stan's got a fight on tonight

down at Dog and Duck

in Limehouse.

- Bring Albert down there.

- MADGE: Eh?

He sets up the odd boxing

matches in the room upstairs.

Yeah.

Why don't we all go,

make a night of it?

No thanks, Betty.

Don't think I'd enjoy

watching two grown men

beat each other up.

- Albert would like it, though.

- Agnes?

Well, I'm supposed to

be having tea with Percy.

I should really see

what he wants.

No! I will come.

Blow him.

- MADGE: Oh!

- He stood me up last night.

I waited an hour outside there,

so he can

jolly well whistle tonight.

[ Laughs ]

Good for you.

Ooh!

About time.

We would want these garments to

be sold under a separate label.

We would also want full control

over the advertising

and eventual choice of stores

in which they would be sold.

We wish to have a final say on

both the quality of the ranges

and the price

they'll be sold at.

Couldn't agree more.

And finally -- We will obviously

be required to invest

a considerable amount

in this venture,

so once we have agreed

in principle amongst ourselves,

all terms of partnership will

be drawn up by our own lawyers.

Now, is all that acceptable

to you?

Well, ladies, uh, I can't

really say just at the moment.

You've obviously given my

proposal such careful thought.

I'd, uh, like to go away and do

the same for your proposals

if that's acceptable to you.

Good day.

- He really is very good.

- Mm.

What's interesting

is the way his work changes.

Those earlier ones are

just Aubrey Beardsley copies.

These are pure Miles.

The detail on that robe.

Sir, may I present Miss Beatrice

and Evangeline Eliott.

- Hello.

- Mr. George Holt, my principal.

We are honored by your visit.

My daughter is a great admirer

of your clothes.

Thank you.

You really do have

some very impressive work

on display here, Mr. Holt --

the illustrations in particular.

Ah, yes, we've recently adopted

a new policy, Miss Eliott.

In addition

to our staff lecturers,

we now encourage established

designers and illustrators

to come in

for special tutorials.

Let me show you something.

You'll appreciate this.

Very good.

Tim Hampton became fascinated

by the pochoir process

after a lecture

by Jacques Castan.

Hampton then took his portfolio

to Gilles Caragnac.

He designs for Maison Gilles?

He illustrates their designs

for magazines and so forth.

Seems that new demands are

being made upon art every day.

If you would excuse us

for a moment,

I'd like Miles here

to meet Sir William.

I know

what you're going to say.

We do need an illustrator, Bea,

and Miles is first-class.

It is a good idea,

but we're taking on a awful lot

all at once.

Grace. Larry Cotter.

Now Miles.

I will not stand back

and let Maison Gilles

steal a march on us yet again.

We'll have a real edge

if this arrangement

with Larry Cotter goes well.

Let's sharpen it.

Superb

ready-to-wear advertising.

Superb couture illustrations.

I don't want to be

a poor relation, Bea.

No more do I.

Not full time, all right?

Whatever you say.

- Are you leaving?

- Not quite yet.

Miles, if your principal

were to agree,

would you be interested

in doing some illustrations

for the House of Eliott?

I don't know what to say.

Well, yes,

I do know what to say.

Yes, I-I'd love to.

We're not offering full-time

employment, you understand.

We could maybe pay

for two half days a week,

something like that.

Or perhaps arrange a fee

per illustration.

Anything. Anything at all.

That would be simply wonderful.

In that case,

I'll go and talk to Mr. Holt.

Oh, Evie, thank you.

You're welcome.

I mean, for speaking

to your sister about me.

Well, it means a great deal.

- [ Piano music playing ]

- [ Indistinct conversations ]

I'm looking for a bloke

called Stan Butcher.

Do you know him?

- Are you Madge's brother?

- Yeah.

I'm Betty.

Here.

This is my husband, Stanley.

Stan, this is the bloke

I was telling you about.

Albert Howell.

Oh, yeah.

Nice to meet you.

Uh, Bet says you're looking

for work down here.

What sort of thing

you after, then?

The sort that pays.

I'll do anything, me.

Well, I can't promise nothing,

but I know a bloke who might be

looking for coal workers

down East India next week.

Suits me.

I'm good at coal.

Can I get you a pint?

- No, I'm all right, thanks.

- Oh, I'll have a milk stout.

MAN: All right, darling.

Boxing tonight.

- Milk stout, please.

- Oh, Agnes, over here!

Oh, you made it, then.

Here.

What did your Percy

have to say about it?

- I don't know, and I don't care.

- Oh!

Hello, love.

What will you have?

Um, I'll have a port and lemon,

please. Thanks very much.

Well, I better get upstairs

and get things started.

Oh! [ Laughs ]

- Mr. Davenport left, has he?

- He moved out at the weekend.

- Thank you.

- So, come on, no more chitchat.

What do you think of it?

Well, I think it's one of the

best things you've ever written.

Well, that's probably because I

worked with someone else on it.

Doesn't matter.

It's excellent.

But?

I also think it's one of

the most shocking things

I have ever read.

Shocking?

[ Sighs ]

It's my fault.

I shouldn't be shocked.

By what?

[ Sighs ]

During the war...

...I would tease Evie

with those terrible drawings

in the newspaper

of the Kaiser with blood

dripping from his fangs,

spearing our gallant lads.

Where, uh, Klaus is trying

to save his friend,

I thought [Sighs]

"How dare you?"

You know, you're not supposed to

be kind and brave and heroic.

That's what we do.

You liked Klaus?

Yes.

But I didn't want to.

He was a character

that Max picked up on

from the film I made there.

He said that it was just like

his very German brother.

Of course, I'd based it on

my very English cousin, George.

So we -- we took it on

from there.

And was that film a success?

Yes, it was,

though I say it myself.

I would like to have seen it.

Don't say that

unless you mean it.

Why?

I've got some plates

from it here.

And a projector?

Everything is

still in the spare room.

Well, let's have

a lantern show.

Right.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

What's he doing?

You'd be surprised

what they can

bring into the ring with them

if they try -- blades and that.

Ain't bareknuckle illegal

down here?

Yeah.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Right!

This is a one-round

knockout finish

between Bela Polanski

on my right...

[ Booing ]

...and Pat Connolly on my left.

[ Cheers and applause ]

MAN:

Place your bets.

- All right.

- Place your bets.

Begin!

- Go on, Pat!

- [ Indistinct shouting ]

[Applause ]

Ah, yes.

[ Slow music plays ]

Now, this is the chap

we wanted to play Klaus.

It's so very different

from all your other films.

There's only so many

love stories you can tell.

You must be doing well.

Most people tell the same one

over and over again.

Well, I suppose it didn't do

Shakespeare any harm.

Cynic.

Are you comfortable like that?

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Liar.

You probably haven't sat

on the floor since you were 6.

Yes, I have.

Don't you remember?

Cushions.

That's the thing.

Shift yourself.

Old ladies like you

need all the help they can get.

[ Laughing ] Ohh!

You!

[ Knock on door ]

Good evening, Jack.

We're very happy to find you.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

You were right funny up there.

Well, I'm not used to

this sort of thing.

So tell me about

this Percy, then.

You and him

walking out regular?

You gonna come and help me

celebrate, then, darling?

Get off!

Oi!

Get your hands off her.

Push off.

Come on, darling.

Don't be like that.

- Oh!

- Hey!

Don't shove me,

you cheeky little runt.

I'll show you!

STANLEY:

Knock it off!

I said knock it off!

[ Indistinct shouting ]

[ Cheers and applause ]

Don't worry.

Everything will be all right.

- But where are we going?!

- Going out of here.

[ Russian accent ] We meet Jack

in Germany, and he is kind.

We have to leave Berlin.

There is no work.

And Jack say, "If you come

to England, you visit me."

- So here you are.

- Yes.

We arrive on boat today

and walk from station.

- You walked?

- Oh, yes.

My grandfather is very tired.

No wonder.

Bea, I'm sorry

about all of this.

Oh, don't be silly.

[ Chuckles ]

You're very kind.

I shall leave you

to look after your guests.

Good night.

It really was terribly funny.

Jack had obviously

issued the invitation

on a moment of rash impulse.

He didn't dream for a moment

they would actually

take him up on it.

[ Laughs ]

Oh, dear.

- [ Knock on door ]

- Come in.

Um, Miss Bea,

there's two policemen outside.

Oh, you better show them in.

- Good morning.

- Miss Eliott?

- How may we help you?

- I'm sorry to trouble you.

I understand you have

a Mrs. Elizabeth Butcher

working for you.

- Well, where's Albert now?

- I'm not really sure.

Well, who started the fight?

Well, it all -- Ask Betty.

Betty.

What on earth is going on?

I've been worried sick.

Albert didn't come home at all

last night.

He'll be with my Stanley.

It'll be all right.

Agnes said there was

an almighty punch-up.

How can that be all right?!

Look, Stan's got

a lot of mates he goes to

when there's a bit of trouble.

Don't worry.

Everything will be fine.

But, Betty, where is --

There's two policemen

in the office,

and they want to talk to you.

I take it you have no objection

to our presence.

As her employers,

I think we should be here.

[ Knock on door ]

Betty, these gentlemen

would like to talk to you.

Mrs. Butcher, I wonder

if you could tell us,

where can we find your husband?

Why?

We understand

there was a bit of trouble

in a pub in the East End

last night.

Mr. Butcher was involved

in a fight

with a man who ended up

in hospital.

Is it serious?

It is now, Miss Eliott.

The man died two hours ago.

Subtitling made possible by

RLJ Entertainment