Original subtitles

(Theme music playing)

Come on.

(Barks)

Why should the sea

always make me think of mama, Floy?

Does it, dearest?

I'm sure the waves are trying to say something.

Come and play with us, Paul.

- Are you ill again? - I'm much better, thank you.

- (Dog barks) - See, dearest? There's your friend.

Who is that individual, miss?

His name is Toots, Mrs. Pipchin.

I believe he goes to Dr. Blimber's school.

Dr. Blimber's young gentlemen are no concern of ours.

He and Paul often talk to one another.

If he should approach you again,

I may have to lodge a formal complaint with Dr. Blimber.

- But, Mrs. Pipchin-- - here is Major Bagstock, aunt.

Master Bitherstone?

Your guardian is here, Master Bitherstone!

Berry's very fond of you, isn't she?

- Of course. - Why?

Paul, dear.

Why? How dare you ask such a thing?

Why are you fond of your sister?

Because she's very good, and there's nobody else like Florence.

Well, there's nobody like me, I suppose.

That's a very good thing.

Paul dear, you mustn't say such things.

Come, Berinthia.

Really!

He is the oddest child in this world.

Such an old-fashioned little soul;

so very singular in character and conduct

that I cannot bring myself to like him

as well as I could wish.

Well, boy, working hard at your studies?

- School, boy... - Good afternoon, Major.

(Chuckles) Good afternoon, ma'am.

Paul: Where's Bengal, Floy?

Bengal?

Where that boy's parents live.

It's in India, a long long distance off.

- Weeks off? - Months.

If you were in India, Floy,

I should die.

And so should I if you were there.

What are you thinking about?

You.

- (Clock ticking) - What are you thinking about me?

I'm thinking how old you must be.

You mustn't say such things as that, young gentleman. That'll never do.

Why not?

Because it's not polite.

It's not polite of you to eat all the mutton chops and toast

and leave none for the rest of us, cook says.

Cook is a wicked, impudent, bold-faced hussy.

- What's a hussy? - Never you mind.

Remember the story of the little boy who was gored to death

by a mad bull for asking questions.

If the bull was mad,

how did he know that the boy had asked questions?

I don't believe that story.

You don't believe it, sir?

No.

Not even it if was a tame bull?

No.

(Whistling)

- Mr. Brogley. - Mr. Gay.

Uncle Sol, is anything the matter?

Mr. Brogley?

The fact is, Mr. Gay,

there's a little payment on a bond debt.

How much?

370 odd, overdue.

And as the broker,

I'm in... possession.

In possession?

Uncle?

Don't let it put you out none, Mr. Gay.

It's just an execution,

quite private.

Uncle Sol?

I come myself, because of keeping it

quiet and sociable.

You know me.

Oh, uncle, please don't cry.

Mr. Brogley, what shall I do?

Don't despair, uncle.

Try and keep a good heart. There's a dear fellow.

Brogley: I should recommend you

to look up a friend and talk it over.

Of course.

Uncle Sol, I'll fetch Captain Cuttle.

He'll know what to do.

Oh, Wal'r's told me, Sol.

Oh, between us, we'll fight through it.

You'll see.

What, not so hove to, eh, gills?

Y-You just lay your head

well to the wind.

What?

Oh!

See...

What Cap'n Edward Cuttle

has brought.

You don't suppose that property's of any use, do you?

The amount needed is 370 odd.

All's fish that comes to your nets, I suppose.

- Certainly. - Yeah.

But sprats ain't whales.

Who's the creditor, Sol?

It's a matter of security, ned,

for Wally's father.

An old bond.

I've paid a good deal of it.

Times are bad with me,

and I can't do any more just now.

- Not a word before Wally. - Oh.

Well, uh, you've got some money, haven't you?

- Yes yes. - Yeah.

But the little I have got isn't convertible.

- Hmm? - It can't be got at.

Oh.

I've been trying to do something with it, you see, for Wally,

and now it's here and there, and...

As good as nowhere.

I'm behind the times, ned.

- Oh, Sol. - Oh, yes, a long way.

The stock had better be sold.

It's worth more than the debt.

And I'll go somewhere and die on the balance.

Oh, aye! What do you mean to do with Wal'r, then?

Well, old Sol and his wooden midshipman

had best be broken up together.

There there there.

Sol, hey, you just lay your head

well t-to the wind.

We'll fight through it. You'll see.

Those things ought to be sold now, Wal'r.

Your uncle will die of it.

But what else are we to do, Captain Cuttle?

Let me think, lad.

Let me think.

Aha.

We must leave no stone unturned.

Stone.

Stone.

- Stone. - Stone?

Stone!

Dombey! Now, there's a stone for you.

Wal'r, I've got it. Your governor's the man to advance the money.

- Mr. Dombey? - Run, run to the office, lad,

and see if he's there!

But it's Saturday.

Mr. Dombey will be in Brighton.

Then Wal'r and me will go to Brighton...

On the afternoon coach.

Ma'am!

Sir.

Joe Bagstock has not had the happiness of bowing to you

for a considerable time, ma'am.

Joey has been hardly used.

Has his luminary been out of town perhaps?

I have been much engaged lately, sir.

My time is nearly all devoted to some very intimate friends,

and I'm afraid I have no time to spare,

even now.

Good afternoon.

Damme. The woman used to love

the ground I walked on.

Who is that gentleman?

I compliment you

on your acquaintance, Lucretia.

My dear Louisa, if Major Bagstock should approach,

and I appear at all reserved

or under any constraint with him,

will you promise me not to notice?

My dear, what mystery is involved

in that remarkable request?

The Major has been...

Particular in his attentions,

very particular indeed.

Is he in good circumstances?

I have every reason to believe that he is wealthy.

Have you given him no encouragement, my dear?

If I were to say, Louisa,

that I have not encouraged Major Bagstock... slightly,

I should not do justice to the friendship

that exists between you and me.

But that is past, long past.

Between the Major and me there is now...

A yawning chasm.

My heart is...

Elsewhere, Louisa,

and I will not feign to give encouragement

where I cannot give my heart.

Oh, dear, he's coming over.

Major Bagstock at your service, sir.

I have the honor of addressing Mr. Dombey, I believe.

- You do. - A great name, sir,

a name that a man is proud to recognize.

You are good enough to rate it higher than it deserves, Major.

Oh no, sir,

that isn't the Bagstock vein at all, sir.

You don't know Joey b.

He's a blunt old blade, is Josh.

No flattery there, nothing like it.

I believe you to be in earnest, sir.

- My daughter Florence. - Charmed.

Oh. (Laughs)

Those eyes will play the devil with the youngsters before long,

- and the oldsters, too, if it comes to it. - Stand up, Paul.

And this is my son Paul.

I am already indebted to my little friend

for the honor of this introduction, sir.

We have met before at Mrs. Pipchin's.

You will certify for Joseph Bagstock, dear sir?

Your son is with Mrs. Pipchin?

Son of Bitherstone of Bengal, sir.

The boy's father and myself were sworn friends.

I am merely his guardian. The lad's a fool.

Really?

Joe Bagstock never minces matters, sir.

He is not blind to the boy's defects.

He's a fool!

My little friend here

is destined for a public school, I presume.

I am not quite decided. He's, uh...

He is delicate.

Then you are quite right, sir.

None but the tough fellows live through it at Sandhurst.

You may sit down again, Paul.

Are you staying here at the bedford, Mr. Dombey?

Yes. I usually come down to Brighton

once a week with my sister and her friend.

This is my sister Mrs. Chick.

- Charmed. - I believe you're acquainted with Miss Tox.

Indeed, sir.

Your family monopolizes Joey's light.

There has been no ray of sun for poor Joey b.

Since his luminary met you, sir.

Miss Tox has been kind enough

to show a great deal of interest in Paul, Major.

Then I am jealous of my little friend.

If you will permit me, sir, I shall have the honor

- of calling upon you in town. - My pleasure.

Ladies.

Miss Dombey.

Young sir.

Your servant, sir.

Quite the military man, Paul.

We must look for him in the army lists.

He is really something more than just a military man, Louisa.

He seems to have a remarkable sense

of the importance of things unconnected with his own profession.

I think we might invite him to dinner.

I compliment you, Miss Tox, on your acquaintance.

See yourself as Mrs. Dombey, do you, ma'am?

I think not.

You underestimate Joey b., ma'am.

He's tough and devilish sly.

Walter.

Papa, Walter's here, and he won't come in.

- Who? - Walter, papa.

Walter Gay who found me years ago when I was lost.

You'd better tell him to come in.

Really, Louisa, that child's manners have become very boisterous.

What is it, Gay? Who sent you down here?

I beg your pardon, sir, but I've not been sent.

I have been so bold as to come on my own account.

And who is this?

This is Captain Cuttle, sir.

(Shrieks, whimpers)

I'm afraid, sir, that I take a very great Liberty in coming here.

Say what you have to say.

It is entirely a private and personal matter, sir.

And Captain Cuttle here,

who is a very old friend of my poor uncle's,

- and a most excellent man, sir... - Oh, Wal'r, Wal'r.

...was so good as to offer to come with me.

Well, go on, Wal'r. Go on.

Therefore, sir...

Therefore, I've come down to Brighton with him, sir,

to say that my poor uncle is in very great distress.

Through the gradual loss of his business

and not being able to make a payment,

he's in danger of losing all he had and breaking his heart.

In your knowledge of him as a respectable man, sir,

if you could do anything at all to help him out of his present difficulty,

we could never thank you enough for it.

My poor uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune,

and quite unable to do anything for his own relief.

Exactly how much is it you want?

It is a very large sum owing, sir--

more than £300.

Cuttle: Aye. Aye, aye.

(Clears throat)

There's a few then.

Half a loaf's better than no bread at all,

and the same remark holds good for crumbs.

A annuity of £100

per annum, also ready to be made over.

Well, if there's a man

chock-full of science in the world,

it's old Sol gills.

And if there's a lad of promise,

a lad...

Overflowing with milk and honey,

it's his nevy.

What was this debt contracted for?

Who is the creditor?

Ah! Eh...

He don't know, but I do.

It come of helping a man what's dead now.

More particulars in private, if agreeable.

Papa, please help.

Come here, Paul.

If you had money now, as much money

as young Gay has talked about-- look at me, Paul.

- What would you do? - Give it to his old uncle.

Lend it.

Would you like to begin to be Dombey & Son today, Paul,

and lend this money to young Gay's uncle?

Yes, please, and so would Florence.

Girls have nothing to do with Dombey & Son.

- I asked if you would like it. - Yes, papa.

Then you shall do it.

You will see Mr. Carker first thing on Monday morning.

He will take care that one of my people releases your uncle

from his present position by paying the amount at issue,

and that such arrangements are made for its repayment

as may be consistent with your uncle's circumstances.

Wal'r!

You will consider that this is done for you by Master Paul.

Thank you, Mr. Dombey, sir.

Thank ye, Cap'n Paul.

I wish no more to be said. Please leave now.

Oh, my dear sir-- uh, pardon me, Mr. Dombey,

but I think, in the nobility of your character

and its exalted scope, you have overlooked a matter of detail.

- Indeed? - The gentleman with the... the instrument

has left upon the table...

- You, sir. - (Quiet chatter)

Take these things away. I'm obliged to you, Miss Tox.

Oh. (Gasps)

Come, Paul.

(Gasps, whimpers)

You see now, Paul,

how powerful money is,

and how anxious people are to get it.

Young Gay came all this way

to beg for money,

and you have let him have it

as a great favor and obligation.

Sit down, Florence.

Will you never behave like a Dombey?

- Hello, Dombey. - Hello, Mr. Toots.

- What are you thinking about? - A great many things.

You're a very small chap, Dombey, but I like you.

I like you, too.

Shake hands.

- How are you, Dombey? - Very well, thank you.

Your father is rich, ain't he?

Oh, yes. He's Dombey & Son.

- And which? - And son.

Oh.

- Who's your tailor, Dombey? - My sister's dressmaker.

Mine's burgess & company.

Fashionable but very dear.

Are you fond of waistcoats? I am.

If you had to die, Toots,

don't you think you'd rather die in the moonlight?

Don't know about that?

When the sky is clear?

Good afternoon, Mr. Toots.

How do you do, Miss Dombey? I'm very well, thank you. How are you?

I'm very glad to see you.

It's of no consequence.

- And how do you do, Miss Dombey? - You're going?

Go back to work, lad.

All for you, Wally.

We have a report of a junior

dead in the agency in Barbados.

I propose to reserve a passage for the successor.

Good.

Good.

You don't care who goes, I suppose?

We have nobody here.

It is no very precious appointment.

Carker.

- Yes? - West indies, you say?

- Yes. - Send young Gay.

- Nothing could be easier. - Call him.

- Gay. - Mr. Carker, sir.

Mr. Dombey wishes to see you.

How long have you been with the house?

Eight years, Mr. Dombey, sir.

I understand from Mr. Carker

that your uncle's circumstances are still not good.

No, sir.

You will be pleased, then, that you are to be appointed

to fill a junior position in one of our counting-houses.

A promotion, Gay, means an increase in wages.

Thank you, Mr. Dombey, sir.

I'm sending you to Barbados.

- Barbados? - In the West Indies.

You will not go at once, of course.

There will be an interval of several weeks before your passage can be booked.

Shall I remain there, sir?

"Remain there, sir?"

What do you mean? What does he mean, Carker?

Live there, Mr. Dombey, sir.

Well, certainly, you will live there.

You will explain to him in good time about the usual outfit and so on.

That's all, Gay. He needn't wait, Carker.

You needn't wait, Gay.

Unless he has anything to say.

No, sir. I hardly know--

I'm very much obliged, sir.

See that these are taken down to the warehouse as soon as possible.

- Yes, Mr. Carker. - Excuse me. Mr. Carker, sir?

Do you think it possible, sir, that Mr. Dombey might change his mind?

You are an excitable youth, Gay.

You should endeavor to calm down a little.

West indies, eh, Wally?

I can hardly believe it, Mr. Perch.

How am I going to break the news to uncle?

Could be a terrible blow.

Wally, old chap, do you think you could arrange

to have a supply of preserved ginger

sent home when you get out there?

It's Mrs. Perch, see.

Another confinement.

Ginger helps her.

Just a cheap jar or two, eh, Wally?

West indies, eh?

Oh, aunt, do come!

I did not hear you knock, Berinthia.

- But, aunt-- - calm yourself.

- Aunt-- - what is the matter?

- Our dear little Dombey. - Well?

We were in the schoolroom.

So pale, aunt. So wretched.

I believe he's very sick, Mrs. Pipchin.

I must take him home at once.

Berinthia, send for a doctor.

He must not be moved until he's been examined.