Original subtitles

Phil, Phil, Phil, from your mother.

Not to Phil?

Why don't you open the post in the evening, darling,

after we've had a drink or two?

- Louise?

Hmm?

Can't we make a contribution for distressed gentlefolk?

They must be joking.

That's what we are.

Oh, here's one from my publisher.

Well, don't open it.

Why not?

Perhaps the novel has taken off after all.

Well?

Oh, the publisher's figures for the last six months.

Let me see.

I still haven't earned my advance.

Never mind, darling.

Honestly, I just don't understand it.

The reviews are good, here and in America.

Yet, we're just about broke.

Well, it's probably way over people's heads.

Oh, I had aimed it someone lower.

Then it's before its time.

First novels often are.

I should never have left the foreign office--

security, bowler hat, umbrella.

Hmm, portrait of the unsuccessful author

as a young man.

Change your photographer.

Don't answer that.

It's the bank.

What, at 9 o'clock in the morning?

2692.

"Dear sir,

Yes, he is.

Who is that, please?

Yes, would you hold on a minute?

It's for you, uh, Susan Mandeville.

Susan Mandeville?

Mm-hmm.

She's married to Mark Mandeville,

the big film producer.

Then you had better speak to her.

Hey, maybe it's about the book.

Hello?

Mr. Medway? - Yes.

Hi.

This is Susan Mandeville.

I don't suppose you know me from Adam?

As a matter of fact, I do know who you are.

Oh, great, then we can take a giant step forward.

I just rang to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your novel.

Really?

Well, that's very good news.

And I was wondering if you'd, uh, well, if you'd care

to take me to lunch one day?

Oh, yes, of course, Mrs. Mandeville.

I would ask you, but I know

how gallant you Englishmen are.

You'd insist on paying.

Oh, uh, yes, absolutely.

You see?

How does Monday look?

Uh, yes, Monday's fine.

Do you like Blundells?

Blundells, yes, of course.

1:15?

Blundells, 1:15.

Great, I'll book the table, shall I?

They know me there.

Thank you.

See you then. - Sure.

Bye.

Bye-bye.

She likes the book.

Do you think her husband wants to make a film of it?

Well, I've heard he never makes

a film without her approval.

Lunch at Blundells a bit expensive.

We'll manage.

Hey, it'll be worth it.

Just one moment, Mr. Medway.

Marvelous, all this modern technology.

Yes, sir, it saves a great amount of trouble.

Ah, I don't have 40 pounds in my account.

I'm afraid not, Mr. Medway.

OK, let's be bold.

Of this total, I shall draw out 37 pounds.

How is Mrs. Medway?

Any minute now.

What are you hoping for, a boy or a girl?

I don't even mind, really.

I mean, there's not so much difference to begin with,

is there?

Um, she won't be wanting to cash a check this afternoon,

will she?

Wouldn't think so.

Why?

Because after I've cashed this one,

the balance of your joint account will be exactly 63p.

A gentleman always keeps his account in credit.

I'm sure our manager would appreciate that, Mr. Medway.

What is this?

Please, do.

Ah.

Good morning, sir.

Hello.

I am meeting Mrs. Mandeville.

I believe she reserved a table.

Indeed, she has, sir.

Will you care for a drink at the bar

first, or go straight to the table, perhaps?

Uh, to the table, I think.

I never drink at lunchtime.

That's very wise, sir.

May I take your coat?

Thank you.

Hello.

Please, sir.

Follow me.

How do you like this one, sir?

Would you perhaps care for a mineral water

while you are waiting, sir?

Thank you.

With ice and lemon, very refreshing.

Yes, indeed.

Would you care to see the menu, sir?

Oh, yes, I'd like to. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you both very much.

Grapefruit salad, 1.75, my God.

Roast beef, 7 pounds 80.

Thank you.

And the sir?

A bit later, perhaps.

Very good, sir.

Sir, table 9 just asked me for tea.

Well, do we have any?

How many times do I have to tell you?

I've got it.

Hello.

Senora Mandeville.

Hello, Rinaldo. How are you?

Nice to see you again.

I am fine, thank you.

Your guest has arrived.

- Hello. - Hello.

How are you?

How are you?

Mr. Medway?

- Yes. - Hi.

I'm Susan Mandeville.

It's so nice to meet you.

I am very pleased to meet you.

Gosh, am I late?

No, no, I was early.

You English have the loveliest manners.

May I?

Thank you.

Ah, Renaldo.

Madam.

Thank you.

Bonjourno, Senora Mandeville. Snowman

Bonjourno.

Your usual, senora?

Si, Carlo.

Champagne cocktail.

Now I am going to call you Tony, OK?

- Please, do. - And you must call me Susan.

- Susan. - The menu, Senora Mandeville.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Oh, what's on the trolley, Renaldo?

Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Oh, no, no, it's too much.

I'll just look at the menu.

Thank you, senora.

Thank you, sir.

I'm on a new diet.

Oh, good.

I mean, uh, good.

As a matter of fact, I'm on a diet myself.

Oh, come on.

You're kidding.

You're as skinny as a bean pole.

Want to keep it that way.

Why not try the chef's salad?

It's very good here.

As you recommended it, that's what I'll have.

I hope you didn't think I'd gone crazy,

telephoning you like that.

No, of course not.

I am very glad that you like the book.

I do, very much, indeed.

I'm flattered.

I've always heard that you're an excellent judge of writing.

Oh, thank you.

Particularly of novels that would make successful films.

Mm, I did have quite a reputation for that.

Mind you, some of the novels I like

wouldn't make very successful films.

In which category would you place mine?

Yours?

Hmm.

Well, to be honest, I think your no--

Are you ready to order, Senora Mandeville?

Now you mustn't laugh, Renaldo,

but we're both on very strict diets.

That is because it is Monday, madam.

Most of our guests are on a new diet on Monday.

Mrs. Sopwith has just ordered a slice of cold ham [inaudible]

But on Wednesday, she will be back for the special Wednesday

trolley.

What's that?

You know, Senora Mandeville, steak and kidney pudding.

Oh, yum, mm.

Have you decided?

Yes, I'll have two tiny lamb cutlets with no fat.

Very good, madam.

On the pink side?

Mm, on the pink side.

And a side salad?

Yes, a little one.

And to start with, some smoked salmon, perhaps?

Renaldo, you know I shouldn't.

Just a sliver?

Just a sliver.

Thank you, madam.

And you, sir?

Just the chef's salad.

Nothing to start with?

Nothing, my diet, you see.

Of course, senora.

Mm.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Did I say something funny?

Oh, no, of course not, it's just that sitting here

in a restaurant with a clever young writer

reminds me of something that happened in Los Angeles years

ago.

In Hollywood?

Mm-hmm, have you been there?

No, no, no, I have always wanted to go.

Aha, another film buff.

Yes, oh, those old movies.

I know. Aren't they great?

They're so fast.

They're funny, easy to follow.

Romantic.

Mm, thank you.

Did you watch "The African Queen" the other night?

Yes.

Yes, marvelous, Bogart and Bacall.

Bogart and Hepburn.

Oh.

Oh, yes, that's right.

Don't you think that in my book--

- Some wine with your meal, sir? - Susan?

I don't suppose I should with my new diet.

Senora.

Maybe just a little.

Sonsierra '78, perhaps?

Perfect,

Well, not for me, but perhaps a half bottle?

I am sorry, sir.

There are no half bottles.

Very well, a bottle.

Sir.

Anyway, this young writer-- thank you--

had invited me to lunch.

And I had ordered, uh, plank steak,

baked potato with sour cream and chives--

you see, I wasn't on a diet then--

French beans, cauliflower.

Oh, and I started with a dozen Blue Point

oysters and had a chocolate souffle for dessert.

What we used to call in two at a times a groaning board.

Mm, then the waiter brought the check.

And, uh, this young man--

Don't tell me.

He didn't have enough money to pay the bill with,

I mean, with which to pay the bill.

Exactly, it was very--

Here we are, madam.

--embarrassing.

Ooh, that looks great.

Some black pepper, madam?

Please.

Can't I tempt you?

Sorry?

Just a thimble full?

Well.

Could we have another glass, Carlo?

Si, senora.

No, thank you.

So what happened?

Well, when I had assessed the situation,

I made the excuse of going to the little girl's room.

I got hold of the manager, and he

solved the problem like that.

How?

He came up to the table.

And he said to this fellow, with a perfectly straight face, that

on Friday lunch was on the house for everyone whose last name

began with the letter F.

Well, it couldn't have been Frederick Forsyth.

Oh good heavens, no, he's never needed a free lunch,

has he?

No, no, it was Donald Fairweather.

Oh.

F for Friday, see?

Today is Monday. I am Medway.

The point is from that day on, Donald Fairweather

has never looked back.

He's had one bestseller after another.

Indeed.

Mm.

I have seen this done on old British films.

Now you mustn't make me laugh.

Why not?

Well, a woman never forgets a man who's made her laugh.

Oh?

Well, that can't be bad.

Your health.

Let's talk about your book.

Yes, let's.

Is it really your first novel?

Yes.

It's amazing.

Your understanding of women is quite remarkable.

You're married, of course.

Yes.

Children?

Our first is very much on the way.

Oh, how nice.

Did she, uh, did she mind your having lunch with me today?

Oh, good heavens, no.

I mean, she understands business lunches.

Tell me, did you find it visual?

I mean, when you read it, did it--

uh, what's the expression-- jump off the page?

Parts of it did, yes.

Which parts in particular?

I thought the confrontations between Michael

and his mistress were excellent.

Those bitter, stand-up battles, my God,

how one understands them.

Excuse me, Mrs. Mandeville.

Thank you.

The thing I really admire about your writing

is your command of la--

Excuse me.

Your command of language, it's very gripping.

Thank you.

And what about characterization?

Do you think the part of Grace is

a good acting role, and the minister for that matter?

Excuse me, madam.

What would you like for your salad?

Oh, uh, could I have some red cabbage, some cucumbers,

and, uh, mushrooms, please.

The part of the minister might be, but I--

Anything else, madam?

Uh, yes, uh, artichoke hearts and tomatoes.

And Grace is certainly not on the side of the angels.

- Surely, that's a plus. - That depends--

Any dressing, madam?

Uh, yes, French dressing, please.

Susan.

My God.

I guess she didn't hear me.

Show Mrs. Litmayer to number five, table by the window.

Oh, Renaldo, you remembered.

Madam.

Sir.

Howdy.

Susan, honey.

Melanie, hi.

Why, I heard you were back in the old country.

Yes, I finally made it.

And how is Peter?

Oh, he's just fine.

Oh, we were so pleased to hear your news.

Thank you.

Well, hello there.

Uh, Tony, this is Melanie Litmayer.

Melanie, Anthony Medway.

How do you do?

Hi, honey.

Hello.

Hi.

Tony's a writer.

We were just discussing his new novel.

Why, Susan Mandeville, you're still collecting

clever, young authors.

Oh, that' Charming way of putting it, Melanie.

What's it called, honey?

Oh, the novel?

Uh, "Angels and Ministers of Grace."

"Ministers of Grace?"

Well, what on earth does that mean?

Well, you see, the heroine's name is Grace,

and she is married to a minister.

Ah, you mean she is married to a clergyman?

No, no, the other sort, uh, political.

Oh.

You really ought to read it, Melanie.

I think you'd, uh, both enjoy it.

Now you sit down and get on with your drink.

Now you tell me all about it.

Is it sexy?

Enough for you.

Well, not really sexy, no, not in that sense of the word.

Well, in what sense of the word then?

Well, I mean to say there's no gratuitous sex or violence.

It's on a higher level, Melanie.

I'm not sure you'd understand it.

What, no contorted bodies, no groans?

Hey, doesn't anybody beat up what-- what's her name--

Grace?

There is a certain amount of that, yes.

How much?

What, the violence, the price, or the sex?

Why, the price, honey.

8 pounds 95.

OK, I'll buy it.

My Bruce is away this weekend.

Oh.

Oh, Oh, Shaun, this is Susan Mandeville.

She and I are very old friends.

Hi, Susan.

Hello.

I'm very pleased to meet you.

Thank you.

Well, goodbye, Mist--

Mr. Medway.

I really do look forward to reading your book.

Mind you, if Susan likes it, you will be made.

Uh, Susan has such very good taste.

Bye, honey.

Bye.

Come on, Shaun.

I'm starved.

I do hope we meet again.

What a character.

Yes, is she in the film business?

Oh, good heavens, no.

No, she's married to a cattle rancher in Texas.

Oh, not him, Bruce.

That's where all the money is nowadays.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

Your salad, madam.

Well, it's a sort of, um, action novel, really, very

little dialog, full of action--

something, you know, funny, fast, easy to follow.

I wouldn't have thought that was your style.

Excuse me, Mrs. Mandeville.

It still seems a very popular format.

And a chef's salad for you.

I know.

But, uh, that should never be a writer's main consideration,

though, should it?

The first rule in this business is to do what you do best.

After all, there's only one Hitchcock.

Oh, true, but with a carefully constructed plot--

Oh, look.

They have given me four cutlets.

They are very small.

My poor diet.

To get back to my book--

Would you like some red wine with your lamb, senora?

Mm, lovely.

A small carafe of house red, please.

All right?

Sure.

Yes, sir.

Tell me what-- what kind of a deal does one get from selling

a book to a film company?

That depends.

On what?

On whether it's a bestseller or just a good book.

If it's a bestseller, say.

About 250,000.

As much as that?

Oh, and more, someone like Herald Robins

gets the earth before he puts pen to paper.

Mm, and, uh, for one like mine, say,

what could I expect to be offered?

The reviews are good.

I think with a good agent, you might--

hi.

Oh, Tony, I know it's rude, but I really must say hello.

Will you forgive me?

Oh, no, of course.

I'll be right back.

- Everything all right, senora? - Perfect.

Could you save me a [non-english],, Renaldo?

Oh, madam, I'm afraid--

None left?

Alas.

Never mind, better without.

But I will check for you.

Hello.

Hello.

How are you?

Hi.

It's so nice to see you.

It's nice to see you, too.

In luck, senora, the last one.

Oh, look at that. Make a note.

I have now abandoned my new diet.

Coffee, madam?

Not for me, this is plenty.

Sir?

Uh, no, thank you.

Keeps me awake all afternoon.

Brandy, perhaps?

No, thank you.

Cigar?

Just the bill, please.

Thank you, sir.

Mm, mm, it's delicious.

Bill for table 15.

Yes, sir.

It's so gooey.

You want some?

Oh, no, thank you.

What are you staring at?

Seat table 4.

Sorry, sir.

Wasn't that, uh, Stephanie Langran you spoke to?

You know her.

No.

No, no, no, no, that super biography she

wrote of Neil Guinn. - Mm.

Thank you, sir.

I think they made a film of it.

They did, a very successful one.

I believe, uh, a Mark Mandeville production.

That's right.

It's delicious.

I have decided to put myself out of suspense.

Hmm, sounds serious.

In your honest opinion, do you think Mr. Mandeville would be

interested in filming my book?

Frankly, I don't know, Tony.

Uh, why don't you ask him?

Mr. Medway. - Yes?

Telephone.

For me?

Yes, sir.

Excuse me.

Everything to your satisfaction, madam?

Mm.

Tony, Tony, it's me.

Is something wrong?

Listen.

I hope I'm not too late.

I'm going to the hospital.

You're what?

No, not really, but if you told

her that, then you'd have to leave without paying the bill.

Ah, um.

Why are you mumbling like that?

Louise, darling, you remember our honeymoon?

Yes, of course, I do.

Remember our lovely, little restaurant?

Yes, where they brought the phone at the--

table.

Exactly.

Oh, so she's sitting right next to you?

Yes.

And you've already paid the bill.

Yes, darling.

Sorry, darling.

Oh, well, love to all.

Bye.

That was my wife.

Something wrong?

No, no, no, she forgot to tell me we're going to some literary

do tonight.

There you go, sir.

Well, I, uh--

Tony, there's something I've got to ask you.

And, uh, I don't know quite how to begin.

What is it?

Did you base your character Michael on my ex-husband?

I beg your pardon?

On Mark, oh, come on.

You must have.

On Mark Mandeville--

Yeah.

--your ex-husband?

Hadn't you heard?

Oh, Mark and I have been divorced for over two years.

No, I--

I thought somebody ought to warn you.

What do you mean, warn you?

Well, Mark hates that kind of caricature,

and I think he might sue you.

Sue me?

Susan.

There you are.

Where have you been?

Monday, haircut.

I forgot.

I want you to meet Tony Medway.

Tony, this is Peter, my fiance.

Hello, Tony.

Susan's been raving about your book.

Oh, great.

She has the darnedest nose for talent.

If she thinks you're good, you've

got nothing to worry about.

Uh, you're not by any chance a film producer?

Not Not me, I'm in the restaurant business.

I'm sorry.

I should have told you.

This is Peter Blundell.

He owns this place.

That's why she comes here.

She likes to keep it in the family.

Did you enjoy your lunch?

Oh, yes, yes, very much.

Now I'm about to become the wife

of a boring, old restaurateur.

So you've left the film business for good?

I'm afraid so, but I don't mind one bit.

Congratulations.

Well, goodbye, Tony.

Goodbye.

And good luck with the book.

Thank you.

Tony, it's been just wonderful meeting you.

And remember, if you go on writing from your heart,

you'll be a happy man.

Thank you.

Bye.

Oh, thank you for the lunch.

Don't mention it.