Original subtitles

Subtitling made possible by

RLJ Entertainment

I hope he won't be long.

I have Miss Summerville due

at 11:00.

Evie, what is the matter?

Is there something wrong?

Daniel's been offered

a year's study bursary.

He can paint what he wants

and get paid for it,

study with some of

the best teachers in the world.

Well, that's wonderful.

What on earth's wrong with that?

Nothing, except the bursary

is to study in Paris.

Oh.

Is he going to accept it?

I don't know.

He'd have to leave

at the end of the month,

so he has to decide quickly.

What will you do?

I don't know that either.

MAN:

Miss Eliott?

BEA: Yes.

Miss Eliott,

I cannot apologize enough.

Apologize?

There's been a terrible

confusion in the office.

What kind of confusion?

Unknown to me,

the hotel manager

has booked this ballroom

to the French ambassador

and his party on the 19th.

We reserved weeks ago.

Regrettably,

no deposit was received.

BEA:

Well, we were never asked!

Please let me speak

to the manager.

I'm afraid the manager

is not available.

EVIE:

This is outrageous!

We booked!

We confirmed in writing!

I mean, we can't possibly find

another venue

at such short notice!

I'm so sorry.

Oh, for heaven's sake!

If it was up to me,

naturally, I'd...

Is that the chenille?

Yeah. It's the whole order.

That's all we wanted, isn't it?

- Evie, come on.

- Thank you.

Oh, you're back!

Miss Summerville is due

any minute.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Cartwright,

but you'll have to deal with her

yourself.

Oh, Miss Evie, I've got samples.

Please give them to Miles.

Miss Eliott --

We have just lost the venue

for the collection.

John Crowborough

will concentrate his campaign

on the factory owners,

the small businessman,

the professional people.

The traditional

Tory hunting ground.

No, no, no.

You're missing the point.

He'll aim there because he

thinks he's got the working man

in his pocket already.

Why?

TOM:

Because of his background.

Nottingham lad.

Started on the shop floor.

Made good, made millions.

He still thinks

he speaks their language.

Then, there's all the workers'

welfare funding --

the toy factory for

the employment of war widows,

the Benevolent Society

for the Green Street Mission.

In other words, I have to go

out there and persuade people

to vote against a man

generally acknowledged

to be the patron saint

of the underdog?

If you'll wait one moment,

I've asked our vendeuse

to attend to you.

Thank you.

Would you like to come this way,

Miss Harrington?

Won't keep you a moment, madame.

- Mrs. Bannister?

- Yes.

I am Françoise Cartwright,

vendeuse of the House of Eliott.

How can I help you?

I would like to see

some evening gowns.

I'm delighted to show you

some of our latest designs,

but I'm afraid I can't offer you

an appointment.

We're showing our spring

collection this weekend.

My diary is completely full

for the next three weeks.

[ Gasps ] But I'm only in town

for a few days.

I'm so sorry.

Oh, how very disappointing.

- May I help?

- You know, it's my own fault.

I should have realized

that you'd be frightfully busy.

FRANÇOISE:

Is it all right

if I go and attend

to Miss Harrington?

BEA: Of course, Mrs. Cartwright.

I'll take care of this.

Good lord!

Hello, darling.

Hello!

Um, Mother,

this is Beatrice Eliott.

Beatrice, my mother,

Faith Bannister.

I'm delighted to meet you.

Miles, you didn't tell me

your parents were in London.

- Well, I didn't actually know.

- [ Laughs ]

You must forgive me.

My husband has business in town,

and Miles has told me so much

about you all in his letters.

Why don't you all come through

to my office?

Thank you.

I shall arrange for some coffee

to be brought through.

Miles can show you some designs.

- Please sit down.

- Oh, thank you.

One way or another,

we shall find time to fit you

while you are in London.

How kind.

I'm perfectly happy

to deal with it from my office

if it'll save you embarrassment.

What does the letter say?

Just a note to refer the check

to drawer.

In other words, it's valueless.

Precisely.

Lady Crowborough.

Well, don't worry about this,

Joseph.

She's Bea's client

rather than mine.

I think it's probably best dealt

with informally between them.

I'd have offered them

my front room for the show,

but, uh, I've got the Prince

of Wales staying that weekend.

[ Both laugh ]

Shame it's not the...

Could have had a marquee.

Mm.

Hey, come on.

Finish telling me

about Lady Westlake.

I've told you

all the important bits.

Oh, Madge, you ought to see

this cottage she's offered us.

It's got two bedrooms, right,

both of them bigger

than the one we've got now.

Then there's a separate kitchen

from sitting room.

Electric cooker, if you please.

Oh!

And, uh, how does Norman feel

about it?

Ah, he's thrilled to bits.

You know,

it's good job, good pay,

me and him being together

all the time.

Feels like a new start for us.

It's probably just a slip-up

at the bank.

Sir John usually settles

Phylis' accounts on delivery.

However,

this is drawn on her account.

I don't see

there'll be a problem.

Good.

Now, I hear we had a visit

from Miles' mother.

Yes. Well, it's a shame

she arrived

in the middle of such chaos.

Did she want to order a gown?

Yes.

They're only in London

for a few days,

and as you know, there isn't

a space in the diary,

so I have invited them around

for dinner tonight.

Why don't you and Daniel

join us?

All right.

8:00?

If we ever get home, that is.

TILLY:

I haven't eaten since breakfast.

MADGE: It's always like this

at the first show.

- Hello.

What are you doing here?

- Hello, Norman.

- Hello.

Hello, Norman.

Nice to see you.

And you, mate.

You haven't packed in early

again, have you?

I've, uh, packed in permanently,

more like.

- You've what?!

- Burning your bridges a bit.

No. I've -- I've got

another job to go to.

Fred Carter really got my goat

this afternoon, so --

Well, haven't you had two words

with him?

No!

Well, not very.

DANIEL:

Hmm.

Black tie.

EVIE:

Don't scowl.

You'll have all the time

in the world to please yourself

when you get to Paris.

So I'm going, am I?

Aren't you?

Evie, I'm being asked to choose

between the two things

I want most in the world,

and they're mutually exclusive.

If I stay here, I lose

the chance of a lifetime.

If I go to Paris, I lose you.

What kind of choice is that?

You won't lose me.

I'll still be around

in a year's time.

The bursary won't.

Are you telling me to go?

No. I'm being very noble

by trying to make the decision

easier for you.

- If I did go, then...

- EVIE: I'd feel awful.

But then again,

I'd feel exactly the same

if you turn the offer down

and spent the rest of your life

resenting me.

And before you deny it,

yes, you would resent me,

and you'd be impossible

to live with.

[ Chuckles ]

You're not helping me very much.

Of course, there is

an alternative

we haven't considered.

Oh, Harry,

don't be difficult, dear.

We shall be very grateful

that he's found employment

in such congenial company.

Well, we're not doing him

any favors.

Miles Bannister is a great asset

to the House of Eliott.

You'll forgive me.

I come from a generation that

doesn't think lady's clothing

is quite the career

for a young man.

Oh, Harry, it's haute couture.

Miles tells me that engineering

is your business.

Engineering machinery,

more exactly --

precision cutters,

marine engine parts.

It's how I know your friend

John Crowborough.

Really?

Yes. We used to make

the hydraulic rams

for his mining shields.

He's hardly a friend,

I'm afraid.

Well, you'll find him

a formidable opponent, Jack,

if his politics run on the same

lines as his businesses.

EVIE:

Ah. Good evening.

Allow me to introduce you

to Miles' parents.

Faith and Harry Bannister,

this is my sister, Evangeline,

and her husband, Daniel Page.

Beatrice has been telling us

about this disaster

with the Grantchester ballroom.

It just seems to be

getting worse by the minute.

There just doesn't seem to be

anywhere in London

that could accommodate us

at such short notice.

Can you not go out of town?

That's out of the question.

JACK:

I've been thinking.

I may have a solution

to this problem.

I'll make a telephone call

after dinner.

I explained the problem

to Abraham.

He agreed

that he owed me a favor.

What do you think?

- My goodness!

- It is vast!

Well?

Well, we wouldn't have to use

all of it.

Well, don't fall over yourselves

with enthusiasm.

Well, we could set up the stage

in this area

and have the guests seated

around here.

We could create a proscenium,

disguise the, uh, changing area.

Yes, we could use screens

to some degree, I suppose.

I've just seen the

"Folies Bergère" out the back.

It was next door to the palace

of Tutankhamen.

[ Laughs ]

Daniel, what do you think?

Here you are, being given

a fully equipped film studio

on a plate,

and all you can think of is how

to re-create a London ballroom.

What would you do with it?

You're not thinking of using

the sets as background, are you?

We got four days flat

to prepare something.

Whatever we did,

it would have to be very simple.

Audience in the middle there.

Use light as if everyone's

in a film.

Make the audience turn

their heads to see,

make them work for it.

It's fantastic potential.

And you'd design it?

If you can free Miles to help.

Of course.

250 café chairs.

50 tables.

Appropriate linen and glassware.

Barax Picture Studios.

Yes, that's right.

Well, thank you. Goodbye.

Now, new invitations.

If we do half each, we can get

them in the lunchtime post.

That would be good.

Go on,

while they're both together.

Got to tell them sometime,

I suppose, eh?

You won't get a better chance.

Evie, if you're still worried

about Daniel --

- No, it's not that.

- [ Knock on door ]

- Bea, what would you do?

- Come in.

Can I have a word, please?

Well, is it important, Tilly?

We're up to our eyes.

Yeah.

Yeah, I think it is,

and I've been trying to catch

both of you all morning.

Come in, Tilly. Sit down.

I'm ever so sorry, and I know

this isn't the best time,

but I'd like to turn

my notice in.

Tilly, why?

It's old Lady Westlake.

We started to get on,

and she ended up offering me

and Norman a job there.

Doing what?

Well, me to be a companion

and housekeeper,

and Norman to do the cooking

and, you know, general handyman.

You see,

she's offered us £200 a year

and a lovely little cottage

with a garden.

It's more

than we even dreamed of.

Well, heaven knows what we'll do

without you, Tilly.

[ Sighs ]

I just hope you'll be happy.

Thank you.

When do you start?

Well, I told old Lady Westlake

I couldn't consider leaving

before you show the collection.

BEA:

Thank you.

So we agreed on the middle

of next month.

[ Sighs ]

Well, what does Norman think

of all of this?

I thought he had a good job.

[ Chuckles ]

He packed it in last night.

Ah, he hasn't been happy

at that hotel for some time.

He kept getting passed over

for a promotion,

you know, that sort of thing.

[ Sighs ]

Well, if he doesn't start

until the middle of next month,

what will Norman be doing

until then?

I haven't got a clue.

I wonder, would Norman consider

driving our new van?

Your new van?

Why can't we use

the existing sets?

There isn't the time.

Yes, there is.

Look, that against that,

that against that.

Same lines, complementary

colors, dramatic, effective.

It's a fashion show,

for heaven's sake.

That's all it ever will be

if we --

What the hell do you know

about it all of a sudden?

I'm the designer.

I'm the one...

Who's sunk so deep in skirts

for secretaries,

he's become as blind as a bat.

You arrogant, bigheaded --

I'm more involved

than you'll ever be.

In what, Miles?

In working towards this show.

You can be

as scathing as you like

about my part

in the House of Eliott,

but I'm proud of it

and I want this collection

to succeed.

And so do I, Miles.

And it will.

[ Sighs ]

Listen, the show is on Friday.

We don't have time to argue.

I'm sorry.

You do see things I don't.

You always have, Dan.

That's why you're going to Paris

and I'm not.

It'll work, honestly.

I know.

- You are going, then?

- DANIEL: Hmm?

To Paris?

Yes.

What does Evie think

about it all?

Evie thinks it's a chance

I can't afford to turn down.

How many rostra are there?

Can you remember?

I, uh --

I can't remember offhand.

I'll go find out.

- Good night.

- Good night, Miss Evie.

- Have a good evening.

- Good night, Tilly.

I wonder what Jack will say

when I tell him

that Tilly's going to work

in the Crowborough household.

Talking of handing in notices,

what would you say if I told you

I wanted to go to Paris

with Daniel?

[ Sighs ]

I would say that

with the collection upon us,

you have the most extraordinary

sense of timing.

I have thought about it

very carefully.

[ Sighs ]

Yes, I assume that you have.

Otherwise,

you wouldn't have mentioned it.

This is just such a wonderful

opportunity for Daniel.

I couldn't possibly ask him

to turn it down.

And I don't want to be

without him.

[ Chuckles ]

We've only just got married.

Yes, I understand that.

But after the collection,

you can have a honeymoon,

and then you can --

Look, Bea,

the more I think about this,

the more I realize this could be

an incredible opportunity

for me, too.

Have you noticed how similar

our designs are becoming lately?

No, I hadn't.

Well, certainly not

in this collection.

Yes, I feel we've developed

a house style.

Yes,

and we will always have that.

I just think a blast

of fresh air,

time apart would do us both

a world of good.

For a whole year?

It's not actually

as drastic as it sounds.

Paris isn't exactly

the other side of the world.

Bea, Miles and Joseph

are virtually running

the ready-to-wear side

of the business now

and doing remarkably well.

Besides, I think [sighs]

a House of Eliott Paris studio

has quite a ring to it,

don't you?

- Directions.

- Right.

This has turned out to be

a bit of all right, hasn't it?

Yeah.

Well, it's only temporary,

but it'll keep you going

till you start work

with the Crowboroughs.

Well, it's impossible to say

with the...

I-I thought you had a cottage

went with the job.

Oh, we do, but we don't start

until the middle of next month,

and we've got to be out of our

flat by the end of this month.

Well, why don't you come

and stay with us?

Eh?

Madge, you don't mind if Tilly

and Norman dig in with us

until the move, do you?

No, of course not.

There you are. It's settled.

All right. Thanks a lot.

Uh, Evie, I'm just off

to help set things up.

I'll catch a taxi.

I'll just finish up here.

[ Laughs ]

Well, Daniel's made

a wonderful job of the studio.

[ Sighs ]

It's very different, isn't it?

And what were you saying

about blasts of fresh air?

I know.

Doesn't stop me

from feeling nervous, though.

Evie, I know I was shocked

when you told me about going to

Paris with Daniel,

but, well, now I've had time

to come to terms with the idea.

I think you've made

the right decision.

DANIEL: John, bring a spot

onto me, will you?

All right, and follow me down.

Keep coming.

Tighten it a little.

That's it.

Good.

Good.

It looks marvelous.

[Applause ]

We now come to the finale

of our collection

and our new look for evening,

longer and leaner,

to enhance and grace any figure.

Two elegant ensembles

with short, velvet capes,

beautifully embroidered

in doves and flowers.

The first, dusty-pink velvet

chenille cape,

gracefully covering

a charming ombré pink dress

in lamé and chiffon.

The second outfit,

in shades of sea-green velvet

over a dress of green silk

and black-beaded tulle.

For theater or cocktails,

two early-evening outfits.

First, the longer, lean line

of this Persian coat

combines a raspberry-and-gold

embroidered jacket

over a long silk skirt,

shot with red and gold threads.

Secondly, a charming,

velvet theater coat,

gathered from the shoulder into

a long waistband and slim skirt,

which continues

our commedia dell'arte look.

The skirt below

is made of blue lamé.

Note, the waistline

on both outfits

is coming to rest

at the top of the hip.

Oh, come on, Harry.

Admit it.

You're as proud of Miles

as I am.

All right.

Well, then, tell him so.

[Applause ]

And in completion,

two formal evening dresses.

The first, in silver, gray,

and wild-pink silk,

with beadwork scattering

the bodice and hip flounces

that fall in irregular panels

around the skirt.

And finally, layers of aubergine

and rose-pink tulle and beadwork

gather around a bodice

of starburst beading over silk.

Ladies and gentlemen,

thank you for attending

the House of Eliott's

spring collection.

Good evening to you all.

How's it going?

It seems fine.

Well, is Newford yours yet?

[ Sighs ] It ought to be.

I've been campaigning

hard enough.

Hmm.

Well, you'll be glad of this,

then.

- Cheers.

This is the most exciting event

I've been to

since I was presented.

Thank you.

You know, they don't do this

kind of thing in the Midlands.

Oh! Were your parents here?

No. No, they weren't.

Well, I'm sure they'd be awfully

proud of you if they were.

Now, Miles tells me you're going

to be terribly famous in Paris!

I want to hear all about that.

The garments are listed in the

order in which they appeared.

Also, a list of stores

which will be selling

our ready-to-wear collection

as from Monday next.

Your mother never told me

they cost that much.

Well, 50 guineas

is fairly standard

for an evening gown

of this quality.

And how about the stuff

you deal with?

Oh, the ready-to-wear

is a different thing altogether.

Each gown is designed to sell

at a much more reasonable price.

But, you see,

each store will order,

say, 40 or 50 items at one time,

so you can plan ahead.

How far ahead?

Well, because we've only just

started to do ready-to-wear,

I'm now thinking about designs

for the autumn and winter

of this year.

But if this collection

is the success I think it is,

the largest stores

will want to order their stocks

a year in advance.

Really?

Providing we can attract the

investment to expand, of course.

You're trying to tell me

something?

Of course not.

TOM:

It's market day in Pound Lane.

You'll get a good crowd there

early on.

Then I want you to do

the labor exchange.

I've booked the parish rooms

for you midday

and the workingman's club

lunchtime.

And I think at best,

you should be in Bury Street

when the factory whistle blows

this evening.

All this in one day?

Talk fast.

There you are, my dear.

- Thank you.

- Is Lucy all right?

Yes. Nanny is going to take her

out in the pram later.

Oh, pity.

She could have come with us.

It's good for the image.

Nice family group.

Mrs. Mayhew, please,

come into the office.

Won't keep you a moment.

Lady Hilton,

please come this way.

I can make appointments up

to 7:00, it that will help.

All right.

Excuse me.

Uh, Mrs. Cartwright can see you

at 6:30 on Monday,

it that'd suit.

I'm ever so sorry.

Would you like a tea or coffee

while you wait?

A madhouse.

Oh, never mind.

It's Friday.

[ Laughs ]

Could you hold on

just one moment, please?

But we also need another bolt

of the olive serge.

I'll call him personally

first thing on Monday morning

and pick it up.

Oh, thank you.

It's Derry & Toms

from Kensington.

We don't deal with them.

I know that, but they want the

entire two-piece costume range,

but in almond and eau de nil.

Can I do it?

I don't know.

You're the designer.

They just want a color range

exclusive to them,

but they want to know now.

Put a 20% premium on the term

"exclusive" and say yes.

Are you sure?

In the absence of Miss Beatrice

and Miss Evangeline,

I will take full responsibility

for the decision.

A day's work

must pay a man enough

to support him through that day,

has to provide you

with the food, the shelter,

the clothing that you need.

Otherwise, you're forced

to depend on charity

for the bare necessities

or you go hungry, cold.

A living wage

will allow a working man

to support his wife and family,

as well.

If you come along

to the Black Bull

on Inkerman Street

on Wednesday night,

you'll hear more about it then.

Are you buying the first round,

then?

You support my campaign, you'll

be able to buy your own round.

And you can buy me

a large Scotch, can't you?

- [ Laughs ]

- [ Whistle blows ]

I'll see you again at

the Black Bull, Wednesday night.

[ Sighs ]

I'm exhausted.

Well, you can't afford to be,

darling.

Come on. We'll miss the start

of Crowborough's speech.

[ Sighs ]

Is it all right to do this --

eavesdrop on your opponent?

JACK:

I don't see why not.

We've as much right to be there

as the next person.

Besides, it's time we saw

the opposition in action.

I've nothing against

the living-wage campaign.

I'm not the working man

who'll be told

that his minimum wage

is all he can ever expect!

I can even stomach the gross

insult levied by Mr. Maddox

against generous, charitable

citizens such as ourselves.

"Charity," he says --

"Charity" is an immoral

and exploitative excuse

for low wages

and poor conditions.

- [ Crowd murmuring ]

- I never said that.

He calls me immoral,

a society photographer

who has been separated

from his wife,

who is constantly in the society

of models and actresses,

whose sister-in-law

brought about the downfall

of one of our most respected

Cabinet ministers?

[ Crowd murmuring ]

And he's the director

of a company well-known

for its employment

of sweatshop labor.

Didn't play that badly, did I?

Oh, come on.

You've had a face like

a wet weekend all night.

Yeah, well, I'm just fed up.

That's all.

What, with me?

Yeah, with you, the Pig &

Whistle, work -- everything.

Steady on. What have I done?

[ Sighs ] Nothing.

It's just Tilly.

She's about to start

this smashing new job.

Madge's starting hers soon.

Betty -- Betty's getting at me

every minute of the day.

And you -- you promised to help

me get a start on the stage,

and nothing's happened.

I did my best.

You're doing well.

And the halls aren't half

what they're cracked up to be.

They are!

It's fun and it's exciting

and it's glamorous!

Look, love, forget it.

It's tough.

A little thing like you'd

get eaten for breakfast.

Are you saying

I'm not good enough?

Oh, you're good enough,

all right.

You're very good indeed.

[ Sighs ]

It's just, well,

it's safe in the pub, isn't it?

Safe? I don't want safe!

I want the Hackney Empire!

And if you won't help me

get there,

I'm gonna have to do it

on me own, ain't I?

What surprises me is the scale

of Beatrice's company.

I had no idea ladies' fashion

was such big business.

Oh, yes.

It's a bit of a rod

for their own backs, actually.

The success of both the couture

and the ready-to-wear

collections

far surpassed

their expectations.

I'm a director in name alone,

but even I can see

that the Eliott business

is gonna have to expand

if it's to cope

with this new demand.

Lunch will be ready

in 10 minutes.

I only ever intended

to see where Miles worked.

We really didn't expect

this kind of hospitality.

[ Sighs ]

Well, I'm afraid

you won't find us

particularly good company today.

We're still smarting from

Crowborough's attack last night.

I'm sorry.

I know he is a friend of yours.

No friend, Beatrice.

- Harry.

- It has to be said, Faith.

Was he slanderous?

No, not exactly slanderous.

He just twisted the truth

to make it sound appalling.

And there was nothing I could

say or do to put matters right

without -- well, without

making things even worse.

He insulted Jack, Evie, myself.

His wife is one of our clients,

for heaven's sake.

Yes. That sounds like his style.

Let me tell you both something.

10 years ago,

I was a director at one

of Crowborough's companies.

We had a falling out of

the various business practices

that I was expected to condone,

and I resigned.

His subsequent lies about

my involvement nearly ruined me.

- Really?

- What happened?

Nothing.

We should have gone

to the police,

but I was younger then

and terrified of scandal,

and however innocently,

we had been involved.

You tell your man to take a

close look at Crowborough, Jack.

I think you'll be surprised

at what lies hidden away.

Yes?

Please, can I come in?

What for?

I'd like an audition, please.

It's Sunday.

Don't audition Sunday.

Sorry.

[ Crowd murmuring ]

Oi!

I thought I told you

to clear off!

AGNES:

I'm sorry.

Well, it's just I came all the

way from Battersea to audition,

and I know what you said,

but I just wanted to see

what it was like in here.

Audition for what?

Singing.

I'm sorry.

Hey.

You play piano?

I've got an accompanist,

but, um, he -- he ain't

very well today.

[ Sighs ]

All right.

Give us your dots.

Thanks.

I'm terribly sorry.

Please, let me.

It's all right.

It's only a fairing.

Um, c-c-can I pay for it?

No.

I'll win her another one.

Night-night, then.

Night.

Good night.

Yes. That's lovely.

Thank you.

Will you take that to

Lady Crowborough's car, please?

Thank you.

Shall I add that

to your existing account,

or would you prefer to settle

separately?

My...

I'm afraid the bank

returned your check to us.

[ Laughs ] How silly.

John's been concentrating

so much on his election,

he's forgotten to transfer

my allowance.

- Be dealt with immediately.

- Thank you.

Beatrice, I know our husbands

are competing politically,

but I do hope

whatever the outcome,

you and I will remain friends.

I hope so, too.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

[ Sighs ]

Don't be so despondent.

You handled it really well.

All he did was question you

about Crowborough's allegations,

which you answered

with honesty and dignity.

Do you think so?

And then got on with

the serious business of the day.

Did you have the chance to do

any research on Crowborough yet?

A little.

I've got my lawyer and a couple

of other people onto it.

I'm beginning to hear

some very interesting rumors.

Agnes?

Yes, Mr. Wint?

A gentleman telephoned

to speak to you.

I've taken a message this time,

but in future,

I would be grateful

if you would not give

the office number

to your theatrical colleagues.

Yes, Mr. Wint. Sorry.

You're to call a Mr. Beaumont

at the Hackney Empire

with reference to your

performance on Friday.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I would have got you a free

ticket if I'd have thought.

Derry & Toms have agreed

to the conditions,

so I've drawn up a contract.

And Miles is happy

with the colors?

Perfectly.

20% premium

on an existing range.

I'm amazed they agreed.

I would have preferred

to consult you, but --

Well, neither of us was here.

I know.

Joseph, this is excellent.

Thank you.

I'll get it off straightaway.

[ Sighs ]

Why do I feel redundant?

Because Joseph has shown

he can make important decisions

without us.

Well, with me in Paris and you

concentrating on designing,

we're going to need him.

Financial director.

And managing director.

Hmm.

Crowborough Copper, a company

in deep financial trouble,

publishing a false prospectus in

order to attract new investors.

Ah, yes.

The northern Rhodesian

mine workers' hospital.

After five years, there doesn't

appear to be a hospital.

There's no building,

no staff, no site even,

just a bank account naming John

Crowborough as sole signatory.

Receipts for goods

which have never existed

so that Crowborough can show

a trading loss for tax purposes.

What do you want?

I want you to withdraw your

candidature from this election.

[ Chuckles ]

I don't know where you got

all this, Maddox,

though I can hazard a guess.

But [chuckles] it makes

no difference.

The election is tomorrow.

And the newspapers go to print

tonight.

Then publish and be damned.

You've lost already.

BEA: Well, I don't know if this

article will help the election,

but it must certainly ruin

Crowborough's career.

Serve him right.

Bea, this is very formal.

I thought you were great friends

with the Bannisters.

Well, I think Harry wants

a proper meeting

with the directors

because he wants to invest

in the company.

Really?

Well, he's hinted

he's interested in us.

Well, bite his hand off

at the elbow.

We shall see.

Now, I must go.

I promised Jack

we'd cast our votes together.

Well, wish him luck.

Tell him Daniel and I

will join you later.

- Okay. Bye-bye.

- Bye-bye.

MADGE:

We're all going.

Charles has organized

a charabanc.

We can go backstage after,

then on for a bit of supper.

It's gonna be

a right good night.

You know what you have to do.

Agnes, I'm really sorry

for not believing what you said

about being a singer.

That's all right.

Uh, put Betty's name

on the list, Charles.

She wants to come, too.

- Madge?

- Yeah?

Have you seen this?

MADGE:

Oh, aye.

Good for Mr. Maddox.

That's what I say.

TILLY:

Yeah, but what about me?

I'm gonna go work

for the Crowboroughs, remember?

It won't make any difference

to you.

They won't take it personally.

Good evening, my lords,

ladies and gentlemen,

and welcome to another

thrilling, artistic,

balletic, comedic,

and dramatic entertainment

at the Hackney Empire.

[ Breathing heavily ]

What's happened?

I can't do it.

Do what?!

Look, Agnes,

the reason I went back

to playing in pubs

was I get so nervous.

Yeah, but you've got to play

for me!

I can't do it on me own!

You've never wanted me

to do this, have you?!

You've stood in me way

all along!

No!

Look, Agnes, you're good.

I...didn't want to lose you.

- That's all.

- [ Laughter ]

I didn't want to lose you.

Now, may I introduce to you

Mr. Barney Kemp

accompanying the lovely,

lissome, and lustrous

Miss Agnes Clarke!

[ Cheers and applause ]

I ain't going on without you.

We going or what?!

All right, then.

[ Cheers and applause ]

[ Piano plays ]

♪ I'm in a nice bit of trouble,

I confess ♪

♪ Somebody with me

has had a game ♪

It was a high turnout.

That means they were interested,

at least.

- Yes, but --

- [ Telephone rings ]

Jack Maddox.

All right. Thank you.

Time to go back.

They finished counting.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

As returning officer, I give you

the results of the ballot

in the election of

the parliamentary representative

for the London bureau

of Newford.

William Bennett, Liberal,

3,160 votes.

John Francis Crowborough,

standing

for the Conservative Party,

8,247 votes.

John William Maddox for

the Independent Labour Party,

8,902 votes.

[ Cheers and applause ]

I declare John William Maddox

to be the Member of Parliament

for the bureau constituency

of Newford.

[ Cheers and applause ]

If you and Charles

want to wait here,

we'll go in

and say we've arrived,

and then we'll come out

and show you where to put

our things.

- Oh, Charles!

- Oh!

[ Sighs ]

Well, looks like they've fallen

on their feet here, doesn't it?

I certainly hope so.

Hello?

Hello?!

PHYLIS:

[ Sobbing ]

Lady Westlake.

Lady Westlake.

Oh, I thought

something happened to you.

Mr. and Mrs. Foss.

I had forgotten about you.

Is Lady Crowborough all right?

Only we were downstairs --

Lady Crowborough's husband

has left her.

Mr. Maddox's campaign

has exposed his corruption

to the world

and made him bankrupt.

I am so sorry.

There is no longer any need

for your services.

What?

LADY WESTLAKE: I am forced

to sell this house

and all its contents

if he is to escape prison

and my daughter

is to escape ruin.

John Crowborough left

many iniquitous debts.

He...

Is still my daughter's husband,

Mrs. Foss.

I will not have her disgraced

further.

What are you gonna do?

I've taken a room

in a nearby nursing home.

We've given up our home!

We've given up our jobs!

We've given up everything!

As have I, Mr. Foss.

As have I.

Now, I've had long conversations

with you, Joseph,

and with Bea and Jack,

and I've looked closely

at the House of Eliott.

I've come to the conclusion that

the time is right for expansion.

Based on its recent successes,

you'd like to expand,

but you've not yet investigated

the finances involved.

Is that an accurate assessment?

More or less.

You'll find here

a current statement

of the affairs

of Bannister and Sons,

and you'll also find a draft

proposal for my investment

over a number of years

and the terms attached.

This is a very substantial

sum of money, Mr. Bannister.

HARRY:

It is, yes.

What do you want in return,

Harry?

I want Miles to have a stake

in the House of Eliott.

You want him to become

a director?

No, not quite.

I want Miles to become a full

partner in the House of Eliott,

on the same terms

as Beatrice and yourself.

[ Clears throat ]

Evie.

Well, I don't object

in principle,

as long as he continues

to accept guidance from us

in design terms.

Jack.

Well, I can only speak

on a personal level.

I've seen how much easier things

have been for you and Evie

since Miles has been here.

So I have no objection.

BEA:

Joseph.

I echo Mr. Maddox.

He's a creative

and intelligent young man.

I think we're very lucky

to have him.

Well, you appear to have

your answer, Mr. Bannister.

Not quite.

What do you mean?

Well, it rather depends.

Forgive me if I trample

on sensibilities here,

but I perceive that the days

of haute couture are numbered.

My investment rests

on the assumption

that the House of Eliott

will ease its way

out of that particular side

of its enterprise

and concentrate fully

on the ready-to-wear market.

That's impossible.

I'm not suggesting

an immediate change, Evie.

A gradual transition,

a shifting of emphasis

over the next couple of years.

Absolutely not.

Why not, Evie?

[ Chuckles ]

Because the House of Eliott

is founded on haute couture.

Ready-to-wear feeds on ideas

created by haute couture.

Mr. Bannister isn't suggesting

scrapping it just like that.

I know exactly

what he's suggesting.

Are you in favor of this?

I can see

the financial advantages.

This isn't personal, Evie.

For heaven's sake, Bea,

tell them.

[ Sighs ]

Evie, I would dearly like

to spend more time

with Jack and Lucy,

and now Jack's an MP,

I shall have to spend more time

with him.

I can only do so much by myself.

You're going to be in Paris,

away from it,

away from what's happening here.

I don't believe

I'm hearing this.

Harry wishes to invest

in the future of a business

that will expand and change

with changing times.

Evie, let's be realistic.

We've seen our client list drop

by 15% this year,

despite the success

of our collection.

Now, that's nothing to do

with our designs,

but it has everything to do

with the numbers who can afford

or are willing to pay

haute couture prices.

I don't like it any more

than you do,

but if the House of Eliott

is to be here 10 years from now,

then under the circumstances,

I think Harry is only predicting

the inevitable.

Perhaps we should vote on it.

Well, I don't think

we've ever done this before,

but, uh, all those

in favor of Harry's proposal

to make Miles a partner

and expand the business

as suggested?

I think it's the right way

forward, Evie.

[ Sighs ]

Well, you'll go forward

without me.

Go to the high street

with its mediocrity.

I wish you joy of it.

Does the board want

my resignation in writing,

or will a verbal statement

suffice?

Evie, there's no need for this.

EVIE:

Good afternoon.

There's a huge sky-lit studio

upstairs.

You'll have to come and stay

once we get settled in.

MILES:

Yes, I'd like that.

Well, I hope you're satisfied!

I thought Grace was a snake

in the grass,

but by God, could she have

learned a few lessons from you.

- What's going on?

- Ask him.

I'm sorry, Evie.

It wasn't my idea, I promise.

Will somebody please tell me

what's happened?

His father has used the promise

of a massive investment

to buy him a partnership

in the House of Eliott,

on condition

that the couture side,

everything I have worked for all

of these years, gets phased out!

They voted me down --

Jack, Joseph, Bea!

They all voted me down!

Well, what did you say?

I've resigned.

Well, then, go and un-resign.

Don't be absurd.

We won't even be here.

If they can outvote me now,

they can take whatever decisions

they like.

If it's the only thing stopping

you fighting your corner,

well, then,

we won't go to Paris.

Are you prepared to see

all your work go down the drain

and start again from scratch?

I don't have a choice.

DANIEL:

Yes, you do.

You can stay here and fight.

Well, what about Paris?

What about the bursary?

That you set up to try

and separate me from Evie?

Do you seriously think

I'd leave my wife behind

for you?

- MILES: I really didn't mean --

- It's up to you, Evie.

If you still want to go

to Paris, then fine.

But if you want to stay,

then I'm right behind you.

[ Sighs ]

Thank you.

I'll talk to her.

She will see

how reasonable that --

My apologies.

I shouldn't have stormed out

like that.

[ Clears throat ]

I wish to say I've changed

my mind about resigning.

Evie, this is the way forward.

No, I don't agree.

I can't do anything

about Miles becoming a partner.

You've already seen to that.

But don't imagine getting rid

of couture will be so easy.

I've changed my mind

about going to Paris.

I'm going to stay here.

And so long as I remain a

director of the House of Eliott,

I will fight you

every step of the way.

Subtitling made possible by

RLJ Entertainment