Original subtitles

(Theme music playing)

Ah!

Poll, old girl, you ain't seen our Biler lately, have you?

I suppose he's doing well at that there instrument shop?

I'm sure he's doing beautiful, Mr. Toodle.

I'm glad he ain't got to be all secret-like no more.

- Don't look well, do it, poll? - 'Course it don't.

There.

Come on, then.

You see, my little loves,

whatever you're up to in an honest way,

it's my opinion as it's best to be open.

If you find yourselves in cuttings, or in tunnels,

don't you play no secret games.

Keep your whistles going, and let's know where you are, eh?

(Laughing)

- Eh... - (Knock at door)

Who can that be, then, eh?

How do you do, Richards? May I come in?

Why, of course, miss. Come in, do.

- Thank you. - It's Miss Tox, father.

You've almost forgotten me, sir, I daresay.

Oh, no, ma'am, no,

but we've all on us got a little older since then.

- (Laughs) - Sit down.

And how do you find yourself, sir?

Hearty, ma'am, thank ye.

How do you do, little one?

And how do you find yourself, ma'am?

Did the rheumatics keep off pretty well?

Father!

We must all expect to grow into them as we gets on.

Thank you.

I have not felt any inconvenience from that disorder yet.

Then you're very fortunate, ma'am.

Many people at your time of life is martyrs to it.

I'll tell you directly, Richards, what I've come here for.

You may be aware that a little difference

has interposed itself between me and some of my friends,

and that where I used to visit a great deal, I do not visit now.

How our little coolness has occurred

is a matter of no moment.

It is sufficient for me to say

that I have the greatest possible respect for, and interest in,

Mr. Dombey...

And everything that relates to him.

Any intelligence of the proceedings of that family that reaches you, Richards,

will always be most welcome to me.

I have heard, miss, as how the old lady's died,

Mrs. Dombey's mother.

She had another of her fits, by all accounts.

It carried her right away this time.

That was some time ago now. Christmas Eve, Susan said.

Well, you remember Susan, miss? Susan Nipper?

Oh, indeed, I do. Miss Dombey's maid. (Chuckles)

Do go on, Richards. What news have you of Mr. Dombey?

Well, miss, Susan says he stays away from his office these days,

and lets his manager run things.

Susan says as how he's taken to spending a great deal of his time

with a military gentleman with a blue face.

Susan says a deal too much, if you ask me.

Leastways, I think it were blue she said.

That he should neglect his firm for that monstrous person.

What else, Richards?

That's all, miss. I ain't seen Susan for two or three weeks.

Thank you.

Thank you, my dear.

Perhaps there are ways in which I could be useful to you.

Could I teach your children something?

- Oh, well-- - oh, miss.

Oh, if you will allow me, I could bring a few little books,

and everything can go on around me just as if I were not here.

You can go on with your mending or ironing.

And you, sir, could smoke your pipe without minding me.

Well, thank you, ma'am. I like a bit of backer of an evening.

Polly: Thank you, miss.

Well, not another word about it.

I do hope you will not object to our being very good friends,

and to my coming here when I like without being a stranger.

Bless you, ma'am. Come whenever you like.

Oh, thank you.

Well, goodbye for the present, then.

Good night, miss.

- Good evening to you, sir. - Goodbye, ma'am.

I must beg leave to have a few words with you.

Tomorrow.

There is no time like the present, madam.

Tomorrow.

I think you scarcely understand

who and what I am.

I think I understand you very well.

You are too expensive, madam. You are extravagant.

You waste a great deal of my money

in cultivating the kind of society that is useless to me.

I consider it a not unreasonable return

for the worldly advancement you now enjoy

that you correct your conduct.

I insist upon it.

You insist? To me?

Furthermore, to teach you better management of this establishment,

I have engaged the services

of a very respectable reduced person from Brighton

who will act as housekeeper, a Mrs. Pipchin.

Did I ever tempt you to seek my hand?

Did I use any art to win you?

Please allow me to pass.

Did you really think I loved you?

Such conversations are wholly unnecessary.

Since our marriage, you have been arrogant to me,

and I have repaid you in kind.

We are a most unhappy pair.

I feel no tenderness towards you,

and you would care nothing for it if I did.

But we are linked together,

and in the knot that ties us others are bound up.

Sir,

for Florence's sake,

if you will promise to forbear on your part,

I will promise to forbear on mine.

I cannot entertain any such extraordinary proposal.

Then go.

Our first and last confidence is at an end.

I place my reliance, madam, upon your improved sense of duty.

(Bell tolling)

(Gasps)

Mr. Dombey.

Leave us.

May I be permitted to inquire after Mrs. Dombey?

Mrs. Dombey is quite well, thank you.

- You don't remember that boy, I suppose? - Should I?

One of that family from whom you took a nurse.

Perhaps you may remember having charged yourself with his education.

That boy.

- He does little credit to his education. - A young rip, I'm afraid.

He seemed to feel that he had some claim upon you.

He was constantly trying to dog your heels with his petitions.

Carker, I know you do not limit your regard for me

to mere business relations.

Mr. Dombey?

I wish to talk to you about my wife. Sit down.

Mrs. Dombey and myself are not quite agreed on some points.

She has expressed various opinions in which I do not participate,

and I am afraid I have failed to convince her

of the expediency of immediately altering her conduct.

I have therefore decided, Carker,

that you shall be my confidential agent.

Henceforth, if I have

any message of objection or remonstrance,

I shall express my opinion to my wife

through you.

Forgive me, but do I misconceive you?

Is there in this an intention to...

Humble Mrs. Dombey's pride?

You do not misconceive me.

She must understand that my will is law,

and that any opposition to me is both monstrous and absurd.

We in the city know you better.

I wish you to have the goodness to inform Mrs. Dombey

that her show of devotion to my daughter

is displeasing to me.

It is likely to be noticed, and will induce people

to contrast Mrs. Dombey and her relations towards my daughter

with Mrs. Dombey and her relations towards myself.

She will certainly not serve Florence by any such display.

I shall be proud to execute your trust.

Then there is nothing more to be said, and I wish you good day.

(Horse neighs)

(Groans)

- (Knock at door) - (Laughs)

Tell him that it is not my hour for receiving visitors.

I must take the liberty of pressing for an interview, Mrs. Dombey.

I am deeply grieved to have to inform you, madam,

that Mr. Dombey has met with an accident in riding.

- Papa? Is he badly hurt? - There is no cause for alarm, Miss Dombey.

His horse threw him, and he was stunned for a moment or two,

- but he soon recovered. - Poor papa.

I do assure you that he is in no kind of danger.

However, I regret he may have broken his arm. He was certainly very shaken.

Where is he?

The accident occurred immediately outside the office,

and he was taken back in again until a doctor could attend.

I have arranged for a carriage to bring him home,

but I rode on ahead myself to warn you.

Mr. Dombey has asked me to request the new housekeeper--

Mrs. Pipchin I think is the name--

to make up a bed in his study.

He prefers to be downstairs.

I shall see to it at once.

Thank you.

May I beg the favor of a minute's audience?

- Is your business urgent? - Very.

But I wish to spare Miss Dombey the knowledge of what I have to say.

If you are charged by the man you just left with any message for me,

do not attempt to deliver it, for I will not receive it.

I must entreat you in the most earnest manner

to be cautious in your demonstrations of regard for Miss Dombey.

What do you mean?

Mr. Dombey's instructions were

that I should inform you that your demeanor towards his daughter

is not agreeable to him and must cease.

He has said that your continued show of affection

will not benefit its object.

Is that a threat, Mr. Carker?

I am bound to say that Mr. Dombey,

already being predisposed against his daughter,

might take steps to alienate her from his home

if relations continue between you.

I am sure you would not wish

to injure Miss Dombey's position

and ruin her future hopes.

Leave me, please.

I shall be here constantly

in my attendance upon Mr. Dombey

and in the transaction of business.

Would you... please...

Leave me, Mr. Carker?

Has Mr. Carker gone home yet?

Long since. A precious piece of goods he is.

If ever he wants a reference, don't let him come to me for it.

Now, Susan, don't.

It's all very well to say "don't," Miss Floy,

but begging your pardon, we're coming to such passes

that it turns all the blood in a person's veins

into pins and needles with their points all ways.

Oh, I don't mean nothing against your ma-in-law.

She's always treated me as a lady should,

but when we come to Mrs. pipchinses and having them put over us,

and standing guard outside your pa's door like crocodiles,

we are growing to be outrageous.

Well, Susan, papa thinks very well of Mrs. Pipchin.

Well, she acts like early gooseberries on me, miss,

and that's a fact.

- (Metal clanking) - It's very late.

I shan't want anything more tonight.

Oh, Miss Floy, I often wish for them old times

when I used to sit up with you hours later than this.

I shall never forget who was my companion when I had none.

Now go to bed, Susan dear.

Good night, Miss Floy.

Florence?

(Clock chiming)

Did I disturb you?

I'm sorry.

Shouldn't you be in bed?

I was uneasy, not knowing how papa was

and not seeing you tonight.

I have not been feeling well.

Have I offended you in some way?

No.

I think I must have done. Please, tell me what it is.

- Oh, Florence. - Oh.

Listen to me.

It is better...

Necessary...

It must be...

That the confidence that has been between us must be broken off.

Our association must be less... frequent.

To be estranged?

Partially, not wholly.

But why?

I cannot tell you.

It is neither for me to say nor for you to hear,

- but always remember this, Florence-- - (sobbing)

In my heart I am still the same to you

and always will be.

(Clock chiming)

Mr. Dombey: Who is it?

(Softly) Susan, you know you often said you would, and now you must.

Who is it?

(Birds chirping)

What do you want?

If you please, sir, I wish to speak to you.

I have been in your service, sir, 12 years,

waiting on my young lady,

and there never was a dearer or a blesseder young lady,

and I ought to know a great deal better than some,

for I have seen her in her grief, and I have seen her in her joy,

- and there ain't been much of that, I can tell you. - How dare you, woman!?

- (Bell clangs) - Faithful service gives me the right to speak, I hope!

- Leave the room. - Begging your pardon, sir,

but to speak respectful and without offense,

I've made up my mind to say this, and say it I will.

There ain't a person in your service, sir,

that stands more in awe of you than me.

Hundreds of times I thought of speaking to you, but never been able to till now.

Mrs. Pipchin! Is nobody there?

I have seen Miss Floy strive and strive

when nothing but a child, so sweet and patient!

And I've seen her sitting nights together,

half the night through, her crying

so I could hardly bear to hear it!

And I have seen her with no help and no encouragement from you, sir,

grow up to be a lady that is the grace and pride

of every company she goes in.

And I've always seen her cruelly neglected!

You don't know your own daughter, sir!

You don't know what you're doing to her, and it's a wicked, sinful shame!

- What's this, Susan Nipper? - "What's thi--" "what's this," madam?

As head of this household, you have good reason to inquire!

Do you call it managing this establishment

to leave a person like this at liberty to burst into my private rooms?

I exceedingly deplore it, sir.

Nothing could be more irregular.

I regret to say, sir, that this young woman

is quite beyond control.

She's been spoiled by Miss Dombey and is amenable to nobody.

If you find people in my service, Mrs. Pipchin,

who are not to be controlled, you know what to do, I hope.

Indeed I do, sir.

Susan Nipper,

a month's warning from this hour.

Now leave this room immediately, or I'll have you carried out!

Oh, I'm going this minute!

I've been in this house a dozen years, waiting on my young lady,

and I won't stay in it one hour longer

under notice from a person owning to the name of pipchin!

Assailed by the impertinence of woman servants.

Pack your things directly, Susan Nipper!

How dare you talk in that way about a gentlewoman who has seen better days?

Ha! I pity the better days that have seen you.

And you needn't bother yourself to come and make a noise outside my door,

or contaminate the keyhole with your eye!

- I'm going just as quick as I can! - Oh!

I come to say goodbye, Miss Floy.

Susan, what am I going to do without you?

Don't, Miss Floy, please. I'm not a marble doorpost, dear.

I wouldn't have that pipchin see me cry for worlds.

Won't you tell me why you're going?

Oh, don't ask, miss, please.

But what will you do? Where will you go?

Don't you worry about me, miss.

I've got money in a bank, and I'm going to stay with my brother in essex, and--

I'm going to speak to Mrs. Dombey.

Oh, no! No, Miss Floy!

Don't put in a word for me! You'd only wrong yourself with your pa!

Oh! Oh, bless you, my own precious!

Forgive me any harm I've done.

(Soft piano playing)

I expect you know, Mrs. Dombey,

I have instructed Mrs. Pipchin there'll be company for dinner tomorrow night

to celebrate the anniversary of our marriage.

Not a large party-- 12 or 14--

my sister, Major Bagstock, and some others.

I do not dine at home tomorrow.

There are appearances in these things which must be maintained.

If you have no respect for yourself, madam--

I have none.

Carker, have the goodness to inform Mrs. Dombey

that if she has no respect for herself, I have respect for myself,

and I insist upon the arrangements for tomorrow.

Tell your sovereign master, Mr. Carker,

I will speak to him on this subject when we are alone.

I have authority to speak to you when and where I choose.

Your daughter is present.

My daughter will remain present.

It is my pleasure to speak here and now.

Then you shall.

I wouldn't stop you now if the room were burning.

It is natural enough

you should object to hear in anyone's presence

that you have a rebellious spirit within you

which you cannot curb too soon.

I will do nothing that you ask.

I am not accustomed to ask, madam. I direct.

I will hold no place in your house tomorrow.

I will not be exhibited anymore

as the slave you purchased!

Mrs. Dombey so far forgets herself

I must bring this state of matters to a close.

Then tell him, Mr. Carker, to release me.

Madam?

Tell him that I wish

for a separation between us,

that there had better be one.

Tell him that it can take place on his own terms,

but that it cannot be too soon.

Do you know who I am, madam?

Do you know what I represent?

Do you seriously imagine I'd permit my name--

my name-- to be handed about

by any common person in such a connection?

No, Mrs. Dombey...

There is no possibility of a separation between you and me.

I will not allow myself to be thwarted by anybody.

Permit me, sir.

Painful as my position is

in seeming to entertain an opinion different to yours,

I must ask, Mr. Dombey,

had you not better consider

the question of a separation?

You mistake your position in offering me advice on such a point.

Perhaps you mistake my position.

Not at all, sir. You were employed--

ah, for the humiliation of Mrs. Dombey.

Yes, I had forgot.

I do beg your pardon.

(Diogenes whimpering)

(Whispers) Diogenes.

- (Diogenes whimpering) - (Whispering)

Florence.

Don't look at me. Don't come near me!

At what time was this? Think carefully.

- W-Well, sir, she asked for-- - madam.

Uh, madam asked for the carriage about 10:00, sir,

but it were now midnight afore she came back--

afore madam came back.

I came in to help madam with her boxes.

Boxes? You said her clothes were thrown over the floor.

- Yes, I know, sir, but-- - but what?!

The inner dressing room is locked, and the key is gone.

Then unlock it, woman. You have a duplicate key.

- Where did you take her? - Brook Street, sir.

Brook Street? What address? What number, man?

I beg your pardon, sir. I don't recall.

But madam were met there by the gentleman.

What gentleman?

Just answer the master, Jinks.

What gentleman was it?

The gentleman from the firm, sir, the manager.

- Carker. - Papa, what has happened?

Why did you not bring your mistress home?

She, uh-- madam dismissed me, sir.

Said she wouldn't be coming home-- uh, madam wouldn't.

- Very well, Towlinson. - Jinks.

But this is the deed of settlement on your marriage.

She's left me.

Oh, papa. Go after her.

Go after her?

You go after the slut!

You've only been in league with her!

Go on! Go with her!

(Barks)

(Barks)

(Theme music playing)