Original subtitles

[♪♪♪]

KENTON: Dear Mr. Stevens:

You will be surprised to hear from me after all this time.

You've been in my thoughts since I heard Lord Darlington had died.

We read that his heirs put Darlington Hall up for sale

as they no longer wished to maintain it.

As no one would buy such a large house,

the new earl decided to demolish it and sell the stone for 5000 pounds.

We also saw some rubbish in the Daily Mail which made my blood boil:

"Traitor's nest to be pulled down."

One hundred and eighty guineas?

One hundred and eighty? Have we done?

Ladies and gentlemen, a great highlight of the sale:

Lot 414,

the fine Elizabethan portrait, A Portly Gentleman.

I'll start the bidding at 2000 guineas.

Two thousand guineas, thank you.

Two-two.

Two-four.

Two-six.

Two-eight.

Three thousand, three-two, three-four, three-six.

3800.

Four thousand guineas. Four and a half thousand.

Five thousand.

And a half.

Six thousand.

And a half.

Seven thousand.

And a half.

Eight thousand.

And a half.

Nine thousand.

And a half.

Ten thousand guineas is bid.

And a half.

Eleven thousand.

And a half.

Against you, sir, at eleven and a half thousand guineas.

All done at eleven and a half thousand guineas.

KENTON: I was very relieved to read how an American millionaire

named Lewis saved Darlington Hall

so you wouldn't be turned out of your home after all.

Is it the same Congressman Lewis

who attended His Lordship's conference in 1936?

[♪♪♪]

Oh, Mr. Stevens, I so often think of the good old days

when I was the housekeeper.

It was hard work

and I have known butlers easier to please than our Mr. Stevens,

but those years with you were among the happiest of my life.

You must have a completely different staff now.

Not many of the old faces around anymore.

There's not much need for the small army of footmen

that Lord Darlington employed.

[♪♪♪]

My own news is not very cheerful.

In the 7 years since I last wrote, I have again left my husband

and, sad to say, my marriage seems to be over.

I'm staying at a friend's boarding house in Clevedon.

I don't know what my future is.

Since Catherine, my daughter, got married, my life has been empty.

The years stretch before me and if only I knew how to fill them.

But I would like to be useful again.

Burned again? Yes, I'm sorry, sir.

The rule in the kitchen has always been

cook cooks the cooked breakfast while her assistant toasts the toast.

Why don't we get her a pop-up toaster?

We need not a new gadget but a revised staff plan, sir.

A staff plan, huh? I didn't know we had one.

A faulty one, unfortunately. Uh-huh.

Sir, quite recently

you were kind enough to suggest that I go on a little holiday trip

around the country.

Hmm. Absolutely. Certainly, take a break. See the world.

Thank you, sir.

When did you last see the world?

Uh... The world always used to come to this house, if I may say so.

You may say so.

Take off when I'm in London next week.

I tell you what, you take the car.

Take the Daimler. Good Lord, sir, I couldn't.

You and that Daimler belong together.

You were made for each other.

That's most kind of you, I must say, sir. Most kind.

I'd meant to travel the West, where I understand we have splendid scenery.

And I might incidentally be able to solve our problems while I'm there.

A former housekeeper, at present living in Clevedon, has indicated

that she might be prepared to return to service.

What's this, your girlfriend?

Or a former attachment?

Oh, no, sir.

No, but a very able housekeeper.

A most able housekeeper.

I was just kidding, Stevens.

Sorry.

You know what I like best about your papers?

These obituaries.

Every son of a gun gets this stately funeral oration.

It's not an art we have in the States. Indeed, sir.

Thank you, Stevens.

Mr. Lewis.

[♪♪♪]

STEVENS: Dear Mrs. Benn,

I propose to reach Clevedon on October 3rd around 4 p.m.

I'd be grateful for a line from you

to reach me at the post office at Collingbourne, near Hungerford,

where I'm planning to stop.

[♪♪♪]

Mrs. Benn, I always said you possess an amazing memory.

Our new employer is indeed Congressman Lewis,

though he's now retired from political life in the U.S.

He's taken up residence at Darlington Hall, soon to be joined by his family.

But I regret to say we are woefully understaffed for a house this size.

Mrs. Benn, will you permit me once again to sing your praises?

Let me state that when you left to get married

no housekeeper ever reached your high standard in any department.

[BARKING]

[MAN HUMMING]

STEVENS: I well remember your arrival at Darlington Hall.

You came somewhat unexpectedly, one might even say impulsively

while we were dead in the middle of the Charlgrove meet.

That day is marked in my memory in another way as well.

It was the last time His Lordship

was happy to welcome his neighbours, as in the old days.

Of course, it had been years since any of them had coaxed him to hunt.

It was never a sport His Lordship enjoyed or approved of.

[BARKING]

Ah.

Good morning, Ayres. My lord, nice to see you.

[HORSE WHINNIES]

[CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Excuse me, sir.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER CONTINUES]

[♪♪♪]

[MEN COAXING HORSES]

STEVENS: I fear I may have been a little unwelcoming, even a little short.

You presented the best references I've ever seen.

Which proved to be well-deserved.

Though, I confess, I did have my doubts, on account of your youth.

No gentlemen callers allowed, of course.

Forgive my mentioning it, but we've had those problems before.

Inside the house too.

The previous housekeeper ran off with the under-butler.

If two staff members decide to get married, one can say nothing.

What I find a major irritation

are those persons who go from post to post looking for romance.

Housekeepers are particularly guilty here.

No offence intended, of course. None taken.

I know how a house is at sixes and sevens once the staff start marrying.

Yes, indeed.

Might I have a word, sir? Of course.

My lord, it's regarding the under-butler

and the housekeeper who ran off last month.

[GRUNTS]

Bad business. How are you managing?

I've found two first-rate replacements.

Miss Kenton, a young woman with excellent references.

Very pleasing demeanour. Appears to be very able.

And a man with considerable experience.

Older and happy to be under-butler. Name?

Stevens, sir.

Stevens? Yes, sir.

That's your name. He's my father, sir.

Really?

Couldn't do better. I'd like to see him sometime.

He's outside the door.

Good. Bring him in.

Thank you, my lord.

Father.

Mr. Stevens, how do you do?

My lord. Very good man here, your son.

He serves the house well. I don't know what we'd do without him. Proud of him?

Very, my lord.

Quite right too.

Yes.

Glad to have you with us.

Thank you, my lord.

Oh, Stevens... Sir?

What are we at dinner tonight? Fourteen? Sixteen?

Twelve, sir. DARLINGTON: Right.

Thank you, my lord.

[♪♪♪]

[BELL RINGING]

[PANTING SOFTLY]

[SIGHS]

Oh, Mr. Stevens. Yes?

This pitcher seems out of place here. Dining room. Well spotted.

[BELL RINGING]

KENTON: Hello, William, how are you? STEVENS SR: Good day, Miss Kenton.

[♪♪♪]

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Hello. Mr. Stevens.

I thought these might brighten your parlour.

Beg your pardon?

They might cheer things up for you.

That's very kind of you. Um...

If you like, I could bring in some more for you.

Thank you

but I regard this room as my private place of work

and I prefer to keep distractions to a minimum.

Would you call flowers a distraction, then?

I appreciate your kindness. I prefer to keep things as they are.

But since you are here, there is a small matter I wanted to mention.

I happened to be walking past the kitchen yesterday morning

and I heard you call to someone named William.

May I ask who you were addressing by that name?

I should think I was addressing your father.

Oh.

There are no other Williams in this house.

True.

May I ask you in future to address my father as Mr. Stevens?

If speaking of him to a third party, you may call him

Mr. Stevens Sr. To distinguish him from myself.

So I would be most grateful to you, Miss Kenton.

I don't quite understand what you're getting at.

I am the housekeeper in this house, and your father is the under-butler.

I am accustomed to addressing under- servants by their Christian names.

Hmm.

If you would stop to think for a moment

you'd realise how inappropriate it is

for one such as yourself to address as William

someone such as my father.

It must have been very galling for your father to be called William

by one such as myself.

My father is a person from whom

if you'd observe him more, you may learn things.

I'm grateful for your advice, but do tell me

what things might I learn from him?

I might point out that you're

often unsure of what goes where and which item is which.

I'm sure Mr. Stevens Sr. Is very good at his job

but I can assure you that I'm very good at mine.

Of course. Thank you.

If you will please excuse me.

Miss Kenton...

[DOOR CLOSES]

Oh, well. Heh, heh.

[PEOPLE CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

My compliments to cook.

What a lovely piece of crackling.

[WOMEN GIGGLING]

I'm sure you said something witty. Share it with the rest of us.

I said the sprouts is done the way I like them. Crisp-like, not mushy.

STEVENS: Sprouts "are" done, not "is" done.

Isn't that right, George?

Yes, Mr. Stevens.

Forgive the correction, as I would have done

at your age for the sake of my education.

I'm sure even you have ambitions to rise in your profession.

Oh, yes. I want to be a butler, to be called Mister,

sit in my own pantry by my own fire, smoking my cigar.

I wonder if you realise what it takes to be a great butler?

Takes dignity, that's what it takes.

Thank you, Mr. Stevens. Dignity, that's right. Dignity.

The definition from our quarterly The Gentlemen's Gentleman:

A great butler must be possessed of dignity...

In keeping with his position.

There was this English butler in India.

One day, he goes in the dining room and what's under the table?

A tiger.

[ALL GASP]

Not turning a hair, he goes to the drawing room.

[CLEARS THROAT]

"Excuse me, my lord," and whispering, so as not to upset the ladies:

"I'm sorry. There appears to be a tiger in the dining room.

Perhaps His Lordship will permit use of the twelve-bores?"

They go on drinking their tea. And then, there's three gunshots.

They don't think nothing of it. In India, they're used to anything.

When the butler is back to refresh the teapots

he says, cool as a cucumber:

"Dinner will be served at the usual time, my lord.

And I am pleased to say there will be no discernible traces left

of the recent occurrence by that time."

[CHUCKLING]

I'll repeat it. "There will be no discernible traces left

of the recent occurrence by that time."

Wonderful, Mr. Stevens. Thank you, Mr. Stevens.

Wonderful story. That's the ideal that we should all aim for. Dignity.

[BELL RINGING]

For you, Mr. Stevens.

Thank you.

It's for Mr. Stevens Sr., Mr. Stevens.

Thank you, Miss Kenton.

KENTON: Mary.

Put Mr. Stevens Sr.'s plate with cook to keep it warm.

MARY: Yes, Miss Kenton.

Thank you.

Not at all, Mr. Stevens.

[SIGHING]

[♪♪♪]

[GROANS]

[CLATTERING]

[CLATTERING CONTINUES]

If you're searching for your dustpan, it is out on the landing.

My dustpan?

Your dustpan. You've left it on the landing.

I haven't used a dustpan. Really? It must be somebody else.

I don't follow you. My mistake, no doubt. One of many.

Morning, sir.

[CLATTERING]

I've invited Giscard Dupont D'Ivry as the French delegate.

He'll never come!

I just had word of his acceptance.

Dupont is fanatically anti-German. His speech in Geneva in '33

made me ashamed to be an ally of the French.

It's not the English way.

DARLINGTON: No, it is not.

This is the purpose of our conference, to discuss these matters informally,

far from the to-do of an international conference,

in the friendly and relaxed

atmosphere of one's home.

We may bring round the French to our point of view.

And that of the Germans.

I'm sorry to interrupt, but how can we associate with the Germans?

With the Nazi Party! They have torn up and trampled every treaty

and are a growing threat to Europe, not to mention a brutal dictatorship.

DARLINGTON: My dear boy, when I was in Berlin, I saw at last a happy German people

with jobs, bread, pride in their country and love of their leader.

CARDINAL: And what about the Jews?

[♪♪♪]

Did His Lordship wish to exchange the Chinaman in the cabinet room

with the one outside the door?

Chinaman? Yes.

The Chinaman from the cabinet room is outside this door. See for yourself.

I'm busy at the moment.

Just pop your head outside this door and see for yourself.

I'll look into the matter in due course.

You think it's a fantasy?

A fantasy on my part due to my inexperience?

I'm busy in this room, Miss Kenton.

I shall wait.

Outside.

Look!

Is that not the wrong Chinaman? I am very busy.

Have you nothing better to do than stand around?

Look at it and tell me the truth.

Keep your voice down. What would the other servants think

of us shouting about a Chinaman?

And I would ask you

to turn around and look at the Chinaman.

[♪♪♪]

It is a small mistake.

Your father is entrusted with more than he can cope with.

Let me pass.

Your father left the dustpan on the floor.

He left polish on the cutlery and confused the Chinaman.

Recognise this before he commits a major error!

You can't talk to me like this. I'm afraid I must.

I'm giving you serious advice.

Your father should be relieved of a number of his duties for his own good.

Whatever he once was, he no longer has the same ability or strength.

I thank you for your advice.

Perhaps now I can go about my business.

I never meant to keep you from your business.

Thank you.

It's vital that we've agreed a common policy before the arrival of

your Frenchman. What's his name? Giscard Dupont D'Ivry.

We also expect the American delegate,

Congressman Lewis, to arrive on the same day.

Who is he, this American?

He's an unknown quantity. A young congressman from Pennsylvania.

Sits on some sort of powerful Foreign Affairs Committee.

Heir to one of those American fortunes.

Meatpacking? Trolley cars?

Or dry goods? Ha-ha-ha.

What are dry goods?

Something that Americans make a lot of money in.

DARLINGTON: No, I think Mr. Lewis' fortune comes from cosmetics, actually.

[GROANS]

It's old Mr. Stevens!

Get a cushion, quickly. A blanket!

[GROANS]

[MEN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

The silver! The silver!

Oh, my lord. Sorry.

You'll be all right.

Thank you, sir. I'm sorry. What happened?

He tripped with the tray. I saw it from the window.

This has never happened before.

May I telephone the doctor? Yes, do.

I'm sorry. DARLINGTON: Don't worry.

I'm sorry.

DARLINGTON: Oh, Stevens.

Ah, yes.

Your father feeling better?

He's made a full recovery.

Good.

We don't wish to see anything of that sort ever happen again, do we?

I mean, your father collapsing. Indeed not, my lord.

And it could happen anywhere.

At any time.

The first of the foreign delegates will be here in less than a fortnight.

We are well prepared, my lord. I'm sure you are.

What happens within this house could have

considerable repercussions on the course that Europe takes.

It means a great deal.

And it means a great deal to me personally.

I had a German friend, Karl-Heinz Bremann.

We fought on opposite sides in the war.

We always said when it was over, we'd sit down and have a drink

like gentlemen.

The Versailles Treaty made a liar of me.

Yes, a liar, Stevens.

Because the terms we imposed were so harsh that Germany was finished.

One doesn't do that to a defeated foe.

Once your man's on the canvas, it ought to be over.

My friend Bremann was ruined by inflation.

Couldn't get a job in postwar Germany.

Killed himself.

Shot himself in a railway carriage between Hamburg and Berlin.

Since then, I've felt it my duty to help Germany and to give her

a fair chance.

So this conference is crucial

and we can't run the risk of any accidents.

There's no question of your father leaving.

You're simply being asked to reconsider his duties.

Of course, my lord. I understand fully.

Good.

I'll leave you to think about it, then, Stevens.

Thank you, sir.

[DOOR CLOSES]

[♪♪♪]

You. Sir?

I'm short-handed in the dining room. I can use you in the servery.

Thank you, Mr. Stevens, sir. Smarten up. Look sharp.

[BELL RINGING]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Good morning.

I might've known you'd be up and ready for the day.

I've been up for two hours.

That's not much sleep. It's all the sleep I need.

I've come to talk to you.

Talk, then. I haven't got all morning.

I'll come straight to the point. Do, and be done with it.

Some of us have work to be getting on with.

There's to be a very important conference in this house next week.

People of great stature will be His Lordship's guests.

We must all put our best foot forward.

Because of Father's recent accident

it has been suggested that you no longer wait at table.

[GRUNTS]

I've waited at table every day

for the last 54 years.

It has also been decided that you should no longer carry heavy trays.

Now, here's a revised list of your duties.

Look, I fell

because of those paving stones.

They're crooked.

Why don't you get them put right before someone else falls?

You will read the revised list of your duties.

Get those stones put right.

You don't want those "gentlemen of stature" breaking their necks.

No, indeed, I don't.

[♪♪♪]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Mr. Stevens?

What is it?

You have what we can call a roving commission.

In other words, you can exercise your own judgement,

within certain limits, of course.

Now, here are the mops, and... Here.

Are these me mops? Right. Your brushes.

And me brushes?

And me mops. That's right.

What do you want me to do with them?

I think you know what to do with them, Father. Look for dust and dirt.

If I find any dust or dirt,

I go over them with this mop.

That's right.

Now, I suggest you start off

with the brasses on the doors.

There's that door there. Then the door that's open.

And then there's this door here...

[STEVENS SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

Here's your polish. And duster.

History could well be made under this roof over the next few days.

Each and every one of you

can be proud of the role you will play on this occasion.

[♪♪♪]

Imagine yourself the head of a battalion,

even if it is only filling the hot-water bottles.

Each one has his own particular duty

or her particular duty, as the cap fits.

Polished brass, brilliant silver, mahogany shining like a mirror.

That is the welcome we will show these foreign visitors

to let them know they are in England

where order and tradition still prevail.

[♪♪♪]

Thank you, Brian.

My lord?

Mr. Lewis, the American, has arrived.

He was expected tomorrow. What have you done with him?

Mr. Lewis has been shown upstairs.

Oh, Stevens?

My godson, Cardinal, will shortly become engaged to be married.

Indeed, sir. I offer my congratulations.

Thank you, Stevens.

Heh.

I feel very responsible for the boy.

He is my godson, and his father was my closest friend, as you know.

And now that he's gone, well,

I feel in place of a father to him.

I've appointed him as my secretary at the conference.

He's been jolly thorough in helping me to prepare.

I realise this is a somewhat irregular thing to ask you to do.

I'd be glad to be of any assistance.

I'm sorry to bring this up

but I just can't see how on earth to make it go away.

You are familiar with the facts of life?

My lord? The facts of life.

Birds, bees. You are familiar, aren't you?

I'm afraid I don't quite follow you.

Let me put my cards on the table.

I'm so busy with this conference. Of course, you are too,

but someone has to tell him.

In a way, it would be easier for you.

Less awkward.

I'd find the task rather daunting, I'm afraid.

I might not get to it before Reginald's wedding day.

Of course, this goes far beyond the call of duty.

I...

I shall do my best.

I'd be grateful if you'd try. It'd be a lot off my mind.

There's no need to make a song and dance of it. Just convey the facts.

Oh, God! Stevens!

[GROANS]

Sorry. Most sorry, sir

but I do have something to convey to you rather urgently.

If I may, I'll come to the point.

Perhaps you noticed this morning the ducks and the geese by the pond?

Ducks and geese? I don't think so.

Well, perhaps the birds and the flowers, then

or the shrubs, the bees...

I've not seen any bees.

It's not the best time to see them. What, the bees?

What I'm saying is that, with the arrival of spring,

we shall see a most remarkable and profound change

in the surroundings.

I'm sure that's right. I'm sure the grounds are not at their best now.

I wasn't paying attention to the glories of nature

because it's worrying...

Dupont D'Ivry has arrived in a foul mood, the last thing anyone wants.

M. Dupont D'Ivry has arrived? Half an hour ago, in a foul mood.

In that case, excuse me. I'd better go and attend to him.

Right you are. Kind of you to talk to me.

Not at all. I've one or two words more to convey on the topic of

as you put it most admirably,

the glories of nature.

But it must wait for another occasion.

I'll look forward to it. But I'm more of a fish man.

Fish? I know all about fish.

Freshwater and salt. Heh.

Ah. All living creatures would be relevant to our discussion.

Excuse me. I had no idea that Monsieur Dupont D'Ivry had arrived.

Thank you.

[CLOCK CHIMING]

[MEN SPEAKING IN FRENCH]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

STEVENS: May I be of assistance, sir?

Oh, the butler.

I have sore feet, so I need a basin with warm water and salts, please.

I'll arrange that with the housekeeper, sir.

[MAN SPEAKING IN FRENCH]

Warm water and salts as soon as possible.

[BOTH SPEAKING IN FRENCH]

How do you do? But I speak English.

Good. That's lucky for me. I'm Jack Lewis, the U.S. Delegate.

Could we speak privately soon?

Yes, of course.

But I have blisters due to some sightseeing they made me do in London.

I had already seen the Tower of London.

Uh-huh. I've discovered that things are not moving

in a direction that I think you would approve of.

Oh?

[SPEAKS IN FRENCH]

[♪♪♪]

[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]

[CHATTERING IN GERMAN]

[BELL RINGING]

German rearmament is a fact to be accepted.

It's in our own interest to have a free and equal Germany.

Not a prostrate nation

upon whom an unfair peace treaty was imposed 16 years ago.

Those who've been in Germany

can only thrill, as I have, to the signs of rebirth.

- To assist Germany in her virile struggle for economic recovery

including support for her fair demand for equality of armaments

and universal military service for German youth.

If we, in postwar Europe...

I need more water. I need another basin to bathe my feet.

Follow me, sir.

Excuse me.

[BOTH SPEAKING IN FRENCH]

We have to talk. STEVENS: This way, sir.

My friend, I am in agony. Too tight shoes. I blame myself.

Vanity.

We must do some fast manoeuvring to restrain the Germans.

Please come this way, gentlemen.

Butler, please, could you help me with my feet... Shoe?

Yes, of course. Take it off.

What they said about equality of arms for Germany, military service...

Mr. Stevens. Yes.

Sorry, sir. I'll manage.

What?

[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

Your father's been taken ill, sir.

Where? Outside the Chinese bedroom, sir.

Germany wants peace as much as we do. She needs peace.

Here, let me help you with that.

Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

Um, thank you, Charles. Um...

Take a basin of hot water and salts

to Mr. D'Ivry in the billiards room. Is that understood?

Yes, Mr. Stevens. Good. Do it.

Father?

[GROANING]

Mr. Stevens. Yes?

I have more time than you to look after him. I've called the doctor.

Thank you, Miss Kenton.

Thank you.

Doctor. Yes, hello, Stevens.

Your father's not so good, I'm afraid.

Thank you.

If he deteriorates, call me, will you?

How old is he, 70, 72?

Seventy-five, sir. I see.

If he deteriorates, let me know. I will, sir. Thank you, doctor.

[DOOR CLOSES]

[♪♪♪]

[BELLS RINGING]

WOMAN: More haste, less speed.

[CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

There's something missing.

What is it?

The spoon from the cruet set, sir. Good.

Well observed.

Now, never touch the lip of the glass.

Good.

[WHISTLING]

Glass first, and then...

Is everything in hand downstairs?

Oh, yes.

We're preparing the last dinner of the conference.

You can imagine the kitchen.

But is everything in hand? Yes, I think we're up to scratch.

Are you feeling any better?

There's something I have to tell you.

I have so much to do. Why don't we talk in the morning?

Jim,

I fell out of love with your mother.

[♪♪♪]

I loved her once.

The love went out of me when I found her carrying on.

A good son.

Proud of you.

I hope I've been a good father.

I tried me best.

You better get down there

or heaven only knows what they'll be up to.

Go on.

Go on!

We'll talk in the morning.

[CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

[CLINKS GLASS]

On the last day of our conference

permit me to say how impressed I have been

with the spirit of goodwill that has prevailed.

Goodwill for Germany.

And with tears in my eyes,

I see that everyone here has recognised

our right to be, once again, a strong nation.

With my hand on my heart, I declare

that Germany needs peace

and desires only peace.

Peace with England

and peace with France.

[GUESTS APPLAUDING]

Thank you very much.

I, too, have been impressed,

yes, deeply impressed

by the genuine desire for peace manifested at this conference.

Unlike our American colleague,

we in Europe know the horrors of war.

And whether we are French or English or Italian or German

our one desire is to never have to experience them again.

Indeed.

D'IVRY: Impressed, or I may say touched,

by the words of goodwill and friendship I have heard,

I promise you that I shall do my utmost

to change my country's policy

towards that nation which was once our foe but is now,

I may venture to say, our friend.

[GUESTS APPLAUDING]

[WHISPERING INDISTINCTLY]

Ladies and gentlemen,

the United States doesn't want war any more than you do.

On the other hand, neither do we want peace at any price

because some prices, you may find,

are too outrageously high to pay.

But let's not get into that now. We may have to soon enough.

For the moment, let us raise our glasses to Lord Darlington

in gratitude for his magnificent hospitality.

Lord Darlington. ALL: Lord Darlington.

Lord Darlington, ahem...

Lord Darlington is a classic English gentleman of the old school.

Decent and honourable and well-meaning.

So are all of you.

All decent, honourable and well-meaning gentlemen.

It's a pleasure and a privilege to visit with you here.

But

now, excuse me, I must say this,

you are, all of you, amateurs.

And international affairs should never be run by gentlemen amateurs.

Do you have any idea of what sort of a place the world is becoming?

The days when you could act out of noble instincts are over.

Europe has become the arena of Realpolitik, the politics of reality.

If you like real politics.

What you need is not gentlemen politicians, but real ones.

You need professionals, or you're headed for disaster.

So I propose a toast, gentlemen,

to the professionals.

[MEN MUTTERING INDISTINCTLY]

Mr. Stevens. What?

Well, I've no wish to enter into a quarrel

on our last evening together.

But let me say this. What you describe as amateurism

is what I think most of us here still prefer to call honour.

Miss Kenton would like to see you concerning your father.

DARLINGTON: I suggest that your professionalism means greed and power

rather than to see justice and goodness prevail in the world.

I've never concealed from myself that what we were asking of Germany

is a complete break from the tradition of this country. Thank you.

[ALL APPLAUDING]

Miss Kenton. Yes.

Mr. Stevens, I'm very sorry.

Your father passed away four minutes ago.

Oh, I see.

I'm so very sorry.

I wish there was something I could say.

Will you come up and see him?

Well, I'm very busy at the moment. In a little while, perhaps.

In that case, will you permit me to close his eyes?

I would be most grateful. Thank you.

Miss Kenton.

My father would wish me to carry on. I can't let him down.

No. Of course.

Thank you. Of course.

[PIANO PLAYING]

[SINGING IN GERMAN]

[WHISPERING] Stevens. Hello, sir.

I'd really like to continue our little chat sometime.

Yes, sir? About nature.

Ah. You're right.

I should come back when everything's burgeoning.

Yes, sir. Indeed.

As I said before, my main interest has always been in fish.

When I was small, I kept tropical fish in a tank.

Indeed, sir. I harboured quite a passion for them.

I'll have another drop of that, if you don't mind.

You all right?

I'm perfectly all right.

Not feeling unwell?

No, sir. A little tired, perhaps.

[CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

Wonderful!

What a beautiful example of German culture you've brought to this house.

Thank you. Very nice.

I hope there's no hard feelings.

Oh, my dear good chap.

I like a good, clean fight. Giving as good as one gets, what?

I have the greatest respect for the English. I love it here.

My family brought us here as kids, so I feel at home.

Anyway, thank you.

Excuse me.

You all right?

Yes, perfect, my lord.

You coming down with a cold or something?

[MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY]

It's been a long day.

It's been a hard day for both of us. Yes, sir.

Well done. Thank you sir.

TRIMMER: Darlington. Trimmer.

Miss Kenton. Mr. Stevens.

My condolences.

It was a stroke. A severe stroke. He wouldn't have suffered much pain.

Thank you for telling me.

There's a distinguished foreign gentleman in the billiard room

in need of attention.

Urgent?

His feet.

Feet?

Yes.

I'll take you to him. If it's urgent.

It is urgent. The gentleman is in pain.

Mr. Stevens.

My condolences.

Thank you. That is most kind of you.

Miss Kenton. Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

[CLOCK CHIMING]

Good afternoon.

My name is Stevens. I'm hoping there's a letter for me.

Stevens, Stevens...

I'll just check for you, sir. James Stevens.

Ah, yes.

I'd like two apples, please. There you are, Mr. Stevens.

You are touring in these parts? I'm on my way to Clevedon.

How much is that? That'll be threepence, please.

And you'd be coming from?

Oxfordshire. Whereabouts?

Hmm? Sorry? Whereabouts in Oxfordshire?

Darlington.

That rings a bell. Wasn't there a Lord Darlington? Some sort

of Nazi, got us in the war?

I'm the butler there, and my employer

is Mr. Lewis, an American gentleman.

I didn't know the former owner.

Your change.

[♪♪♪]

KENTON: I should be glad to meet you at the Sea View Hotel, opposite the pier.

We'll have such a lot to talk about, and I'll have many questions.

Except for you, I've lost touch with all our friends at Darlington Hall.

But that's no wonder.

It was long ago and a lot has happened in between.

Who could keep track of all the people His Lordship once employed?

My lord, you rang?

Have the young German ladies arrived? They're outside.

I'd like to say hello to them, practise my German.

They do speak excellent English. Good. Well, ask them to come in.

This is Elsa and this is Irma.

[SPEAKS IN GERMAN]

I'm asking about their journey.

It was long, my lord.

[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]

I asked if they like the weather.

We are grateful to you, my lord, for letting us come here.

Our parents are very grateful.

Not at all. Miss Kenton will look after you.

Won't you? Indeed, my lord.

Welcome to Darlington Hall.

[SPEAKS IN GERMAN]

Thank you, my lord. Thank you, my lord.

Will there be anything else? No, no.

[♪♪♪]

DARLINGTON: Sir Geoffrey.

Good to see you.

How do you do?

Well, come in.

Mr. Benn. Mr. Stevens.

Gentlemen, if you'd like to wait here for a while.

[BELL RINGS]

Hi, Mr. Benn! Miss Kenton.

Aren't you still at Stanton Lacey? I'm with Sir Geoffrey now.

You haven't changed one bit. I'll let you get on.

Perhaps we'll meet later. I hope so.

MAN: But, gentlemen, you speak of Jews and Gypsies, Negroes and so forth.

But one has to regard the racial laws of the Fascists

as a sanitary measure, much overdue, in my opinion.

Imagine trying to enforce such a rule in this country...

You cannot run a country without a penal system.

Here we call them prisons. There, they call them concentration camps.

Uh, Stevens, is there any meat of any kind in this soup?

STEVENS: I think it's mushroom stock, sir.

Mushroom ends and skins, onion and celery. No meat at all.

Cold water, and then cook adds sherry.

I hear you have a Labour fellow from your constituency.

Over there, they've got rid of all that trade union rubbish.

Believe me, no workers strike in Germany.

And everyone's kept in line.

No wonder this country is going down the drain.

It is internally diseased.

I think there may be butter in the croutons. Do you know?

I'm afraid there may be.

[GRACIE FIELDS' "ROLL ALONG, PRAIRIE MOON" PLAYS]

♪ Roll along, prairie moon ♪

You've made a cosy little nest here.

Seems to me you must be a well-contented man.

Hmm.

In my philosophy, Mr. Benn,

a man cannot call himself well-contented

until he has done all he can

to be of service to his employer.

This assumes that one's employer

is a superior person not only in rank or wealth

but in moral stature.

And in your opinion, what's going on up there has "moral stature"?

I wish I could be sure.

But I'm not.

I've heard some very fishy things. Very fishy.

I hear nothing.

Ah, listen.

That's so touching, isn't it?

♪ Tell him too, I've been true ♪

To listen to the gentlemen would distract me from my work.

♪ There's a wonderful light ♪♪

Ah, Miss Kenton.

It's fresh soda.

Oh. Thank you, Mr. Benn.

Would you be joining us?

Oh, thank you, but it's very late and I have an early start.

Good night.

Good night, Mr. Stevens. Good night, Miss Kenton.

Good-looking woman.

Hmm?

Miss Kenton.

It was never the same after she left Stanton Lacey.

I handed in my own notice six months later.

I'd be lost without her.

A first-rate housekeeper is essential in a house like this

where great affairs are decided between these walls.

DARLINGTON: Good morning. My lord.

My lord.

[♪♪♪]

DARLINGTON: "We do the Jews no injustice when we say that the revelation of Christ

is something incomprehensible and hateful to them.

Though he apparently sprang from their midst,

he embodies the negation of their whole nature.

The Jews are far more sensitive about this than we are.

This demonstration of the cleft that separates us Europeans from the Jew

is not given in order to let religious prejudice

with its dangerous bias, settle the matter,

but because the perception of two fundamentally different natures

reveals a real gulf."

[CLATTERING]

Stevens.

We have some refugee girls on the staff now, I believe.

We do.

Two housemaids, Elsa and Irma.

You'll have to let them go, I'm afraid.

Let them go, my lord?

It's regrettable, but we have no choice.

You must see the whole thing in context.

I have the well-being of my guests to consider.

My lord...

May I say

they work extremely well.

They're intelligent, polite and very clean.

I'm sorry, but I've looked into this matter very carefully.

There are larger issues at stake.

I'm sorry, but there it is.

They're Jews.

Yes, my lord.

Thank you.

I'm amazed you can stand there as if

you were discussing orders for the larder. I can't believe it!

Elsa and Irma are to be dismissed because they're Jewish?

His Lordship has decided. There's nothing for you and I to discuss.

Without work, they could be sent back to Germany.

It is out of our hands.

I tell you, if you dismiss my girls tomorrow, it will be wrong!

A sin, as any sin ever was one!

There are many things you and I don't understand in this world.

His Lordship understands fully and has studied the larger issues at stake,

concerning, say,

the nature of Jewry.

Mr. Stevens...

I warn you,

if those girls go,

I shall leave this house.

Oh, Miss Kenton.

Please.

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

These references, I have to tell you

are quite reserved.

Why did you leave your last employment?

They didn't want me anymore. STEVENS: Why not?

I don't know.

They just didn't want me anymore.

They say she works well.

Would you please wait outside?

[CLOCK CHIMING]

She's unsuitable. Not at all. I want her.

She'll be under my supervision. She's not suitable.

She'll do well. I'll see to it.

Well, then, it is entirely your responsibility.

Weren't you leaving because of the German girls?

I'm not leaving.

Oh?

I've nowhere to go. I have no family.

I'm a coward.

No, no.

Yes. I am a coward.

I'm frightened of leaving, and that's the truth.

All I see out in the world is loneliness, and it frightens me.

That's all my high principles are worth.

I'm ashamed of myself.

[♪♪♪]

Miss Kenton...

You mean a great deal to this house.

You're extremely important to this house, Miss Kenton.

Am I?

Yes.

Now, look here, um,

if you're really sure about her, you'd better call her back in.

[BELL RINGS]

KENTON: Miss Hull.

Miss Hull, we would like you to start next week.

You're responsible to Miss Kenton. She'll explain the house rules.

Number one: No gentlemen callers, or other such.

Yes, sir. Good.

Welcome. Thank you, sir.

Well done. I'll show you to your room.

[♪♪♪]

[ENGINE SPUTTERS]

[THUNDER RUMBLES]

Hello, excuse me.

STEVENS: I'd forgotten how much petrol the Daimler uses.

It's an impractical motor to be going about the country, Mister...

Smith. Harry Smith. It's a privilege to have you here in Moscombe.

It's a privilege to be here. Your health, sir.

Dr. Carlisle usually drops in around now. He'd enjoy meeting you.

He's a gentleman like yourself.

SMITH: I don't know what you call a gentleman.

It's a name every man in this country has a right to.

There's Harry Smith now, giving you an earful of his philosophy.

SMITH: We English,

have the advantage and privilege of expressing our opinions

and voting for Parliament. That's what we fought Hitler for.

Have you had much to do with politics yourself?

Um, not directly as such, no, particularly in these days.

Perhaps more so in the early 1930s and just before the war.

My concern was more international affairs.

Or foreign policy, so to speak.

Not that I ever held high office, mind you.

No, any influence I exerted was, uh, in an unofficial capacity.

Excuse me, sir.

Have you ever met Mr. Churchill?

He came to the house occasionally. Again, in the early 1930s.

SMITH: He was a bloody warmonger!

Honestly, Harry! We wouldn't have won the war without him.

Not content to fight Germans, he sent troops in against the miners.

MAN: What about the war? SMITH: Yes, all right.

He did well in the war, but he should've stepped down.

MAN: And Mr. Eden? SMITH: He made a right bugger of Suez!

Yes, I met Mr. Eden. Yes, occasionally.

How do you do? Richard Carlisle.

Rotten luck about your car, but nice to have you.

Everyone has been most kind. He says he knows foreign affairs.

CARLISLE: Is that so, indeed?

In an unofficial capacity.

He knows Mr. Churchill. MAN: And Mr. Eden.

Really?

Yes, well, it was my good fortune to have consorted

with many men of influence from Europe and from America.

And, um...

Uh, well, Mr. Taylor,

I really feel I ought to retire now because I'm feeling rather tired.

No wonder, sir. Running out of petrol

then having to hear Smith's political opinions. Heh, heh.

Just step this way, sir.

I'm going to Stanbury in the morning. I'll give you a lift

and we could pick up a can of petrol on the way.

I'd hate to inconvenience you. Not at all. Would 7:30 suit you?

You'll enjoy talking to Dr. Carlisle. Oh, watch this step.

Excuse Harry Smith.

He will go on about his politics. I don't mean he's not right.

Democracy is why we fought Hitler, and we lost a few lads in this village

including our son here.

Dunkirk.

I'll get you a blanket.

I've left a razor and soap on the basin.

Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

[MEN CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

MAN: I was merely saying that you cannot go wrong if you

listen to the opinions of your man in the street.

They're perfectly entitled to give an opinion

on politics or whatever questions...

They've got no qualifications!

Of course they have!

Stevens.

Mr. Spencer would like a word with you.

My good man, I have a question for you.

Yes, sir.

SPENCER: Do you suppose the debt situation regarding America

factors significantly in the present low levels of trade?

Or is this a red herring,

and the abandonment of the gold standard is the cause of the problem?

I'm sorry, sir, but I am unable to be of assistance in this matter.

Oh, dear. What a pity.

Perhaps you'd help us on another matter.

Oh, no.

SPENCER: Do you think

Europe's currency problem would be alleviated by an arms agreement

between the French and the Bolsheviks?

I'm sorry, sir, but I'm unable to be of assistance in this matter.

Very well, that'll be all.

One moment, Darlington, I have another question to put to our good man here.

My good fellow,

do you share our opinion

that M. Daladier's recent speech on North Africa

was simply a ruse

to scupper the nationalist fringe of his own domestic party?

I'm sorry, sir. I am unable to help in any of these matters.

SPENCER: You see, our good man here is "unable to assist us in these matters."

Yet we still go along with the notion

that this nation's decisions be left to our good man here

and a few millions like him.

You may as well ask the Mothers' Union to organise a war campaign.

Thank you, Stevens.

Thank you. Thank you, sir.

You certainly proved your point.

Q.E.D., I think. MAN: No, not at all!

MAN 2: Oh, yes, he has!

[♪♪♪]

CARLISLE: What did you make of the citizens of Moscombe? Not a bad bunch.

No, sir.

Mr. And Mrs. Taylor were extremely kind.

I say, I hope you don't think me very rude,

but you aren't a manservant of some sort, are you?

Um...

Yes, sir. I am, indeed.

In fact, I'm the butler of Darlington Hall, near Oxford.

It wasn't my intention to deceive anyone.

Don't explain. I can see how it happened.

Darlington.

Wasn't there a Lord Darlington involved

in that appeasement business that got us into the war?

Sorry, I never knew that Lord Darlington.

My employer's an American gentleman, Mr. Lewis.

Lord Darlington was among those who tried to make a deal with Hitler.

Then there was a case after the war

where he sued a newspaper for libel.

The Express, was it? News Chronicle?

I couldn't say, sir. Anyway, he lost.

He was lucky, really, not to have been tried for treason.

There it is, just ahead.

[♪♪♪]

Sir, I must confess

that I failed to tell you the truth.

I did know Lord Darlington, and I can declare that he was a truly good man.

A gentleman through and through,

to whom I'm proud to have given my best years of service.

That should get you to the next petrol station.

Thank you very much, sir. I'm most grateful.

But did you

share his opinions?

Who?

Lord Darlington.

I was his butler. I was there to serve him,

not to agree or disagree.

You trusted him.

Yes, I did. Completely.

But at the end of his life, he himself admitted that he'd been... mistaken.

That he'd been too gullible, and he'd let himself be taken in.

I see.

Yes.

Thank you, sir. You've been most kind.

Thank you.

Just keep going straight up here, and turn left at the first crossroads.

I say, I don't want to be a bore, but I'm intrigued.

Where do you stand on all that?

If a mistake was to be made, wouldn't you rather have made your own?

Forgive me for being so inquisitive.

Not at all, sir.

In a very small way, I did make my own mistake.

But I might have a chance to set mine right.

In fact, I'm on my way to try and do so now.

Yes.

Try the ignition.

[ENGINE TURNS OVER]

Thank you, sir. I'm most grateful for your help.

Good luck. It's been interesting talking to you.

[♪♪♪]

DARLINGTON: Oh, Stevens.

Good morning.

Lord Halifax was impressed with the silver.

I told him it was all your doing. Sent his compliments. Well done.

Thank you, sir.

I've been meaning to ask you...

That business last year about the Jewish maids,

I suppose there's no way of tracing them?

That would be difficult. I tried to get them a position in Surrey.

There was room only for one, and they didn't want to be separated.

Well, try anyway. One would like to do something for them.

It was wrong, what occurred.

I'm sorry about it. Very sorry.

Good morning. Good morning.

Um...

He asked about the Jewish girls.

Elsa and Irma? He wondered where they were.

He said it was wrong to dismiss them.

I remember you were as distressed as I was about it.

As you were?

You thought it was right and proper that they should be sent packing.

Now, really, that is most unfair.

Of course I was upset. Very much so.

I don't like that happening here.

I wish you'd told me. It would've helped me to know you felt as I did.

Why do you always have to hide what you feel?

[DOOR OPENS]

Lizzie.

Have you finished the lavender bags? Yes, Miss Kenton.

Good.

All right. Thank you, sir.

I take my hat off to you.

That girl's come along very well. You were right and I was wrong.

Look at that smile on your face. Hmm, what smile?

That tells a story in itself. Wouldn't you say so?

What story's that? She's a pretty girl, don't you think?

Is she? Mm.

You don't like pretty girls on the staff. I've noticed.

Might it be that our Mr. Stevens fears distraction?

Can it be that Mr. Stevens is flesh and blood and cannot trust himself?

You know what I'm doing?

I'm placing my thoughts elsewhere while you chatter away.

Why is that guilty smile still on your face?

Not guilty, simply amused by the nonsense you sometimes talk.

It is a guilty smile. You can't bear to look at her.

You didn't want her. She was too pretty.

You must be right.

You always are.

[LAUGHS]

Charlie!

[MUTTERING INDISTINCTLY]

[CLOCK CHIMING]

Lizzie, aren't you supposed to be turning down the beds?

Well, you better get on with it, then.

Have you told her yet? You better get on with it, then.

What can I say to her? She'd never understand.

Why not? She's old. She must be at least 30.

Perhaps she doesn't feel old.

Who do you think those flowers are for she's been picking?

Come here. Give us a kiss.

Flowers. Hmm?

Flowers.

You're reading.

It's very dim. Can you see?

Yes, thank you.

What are you reading?

A book.

Yes, but what sort of book?

It's a book, Miss Kenton. A book.

What's the book?

Are you shy about your book? No.

What is it?

Is it racy?

Racy?

Are you reading a racy book?

Do you think racy books are to be found in His Lordship's shelves?

How would I know?

What is it?

Let me see it. Let me see your book.

Please leave me alone.

Why won't you show me your book?

This is my private time. You're invading it.

Is that so? Yes.

I'm invading your private time, am I? Yes.

What's in that book?

Come on, let me see.

[♪♪♪]

Or are you protecting me? Is that what you're doing?

Would I be shocked?

Would it ruin my character?

[♪♪♪]

Let me see it.

Oh, dear.

It's not scandalous at all.

It's just a sentimental old love story.

Yes.

I read these books,

any books,

to develop my command and knowledge of the English language.

I read to further my education, Miss Kenton.

I really must ask you, please,

not to disturb the few moments I have to myself.

[BELL RINGS]

[SNIFFS]

Come in.

KENTON: What is it?

I'm wanting to give you my notice, please.

Oh.

Why?

Charlie and me, we're getting married.

Oh, Lizzie...

Have you thought about this carefully?

Yes, Miss Kenton, I have.

You've been getting on well here and could have a fine career before you.

Charlie and me's getting married.

Charlie and I.

I wish I knew what to say to you.

I've seen this happen so many times.

A young girl rushing into marriage only to be disappointed in the end.

What about money?

We don't have any.

But who cares?

You'll find it's not easy to live poor.

We have each other.

That's all anyone can ever need.

Very well.

If you're so sure.

Yes, Miss Kenton.

Thank you.

Good luck.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

[BELL RINGS]

We did all we could for them.

I told him

I had my eye on him as a possible under-butler

in a year or so.

But, no, Mr. Charlie knows best.

She's sure to be let down. Mm.

No use crying over spilt milk.

Besides, we have far more important matters to discuss.

Next week's meeting. Now... Must we discuss it tonight?

Sorry?

I'm tired.

I've had a busy day. Don't you realise that?

I'm very tired.

I'm very, very tired.

Don't you understand?

Miss Kenton, I...

I owe you an apology. I thought

these quiet evening talks were useful to our work.

But now I see that they're a burden to you.

I was only saying I was tired tonight.

No, no. You're right.

Our meetings are a burden after a long day.

Perhaps we'd better discontinue them.

They're useful. It was only tonight.

I thank you for the cocoa.

In the future, we shall communicate only during the day.

If necessary, by written message.

I wish you a very good night.

Mr. Stevens.

[♪♪♪]

I shall be taking my day off tomorrow.

I'll be back in the house by 9:30.

Certainly.

Good night.

[♪♪♪]

I'm glad to be out of it, I can tell you.

There was something about Sir Geoffrey and his Black Shirts

gave me the creeps.

Mr. Stevens says we should run the house

and leave the rest where it belongs.

You don't agree, Mr. Benn. No.

Nor do I, really.

If I don't like something, I want to say "stuff it,"

if you'll pardon the expression, Miss Kenton.

But then I suppose I'm not a real professional, like Mr. Stevens.

It's Mr. Stevens' whole life.

Well, it's not mine.

And to tell you the truth,

I don't want to go back in service.

What would you do instead, Mr. Benn? Tom's the name.

Tom.

What employment would you take up?

I'd really like to be on my own.

Start a little shop somewhere, newspapers and tobacco.

Or a boarding house in the west country, where I come from.

Clevedon's a good place for a boarding house.

Would I get you another shandy?

Well, it's almost 9:30...

Go on!

It's your day off, isn't it?

You're not in the army, due back in the barracks.

All right, then. Good.

Half a shandy, please.

What about yourself, then, Sarah?

That's a serious sort of a name.

They called me Sally when my mum was alive.

Sally. That's nice.

Is it your intention to remain in service?

It's a good profession, when you have a position.

Mr. Stevens says we're fortunate... We're not talking about him.

We're talking about you.

Supposing,

someone asked if you'd like to come in on a boarding house by the sea?

What would you say?

Well, I don't know.

It's a theoretical question, so I haven't given it any thought

Mr. Benn. Tom.

Supposing it wasn't theoretical,

Sally?

It's been years since I've been called that. It feels funny.

Nice, though?

Yes.

[CHURCH BELL TOLLING]

It's very late.

[MEN CHATTERING]

Will there be anything else?

What?

Oh, Stevens.

No. No.

Thank you. Good night. Good night, my lord.

[THUNDER RUMBLES]

Mr. Cardinal, good evening.

CARDINAL: How are you? Very well.

Delighted. And your wife? Very well too, sir.

STEVENS: Good evening, sir. Stevens.

How are you? Very well, sir.

I've gone and got myself in a bit of a mess with arrangements.

Would His Lordship put me up?

I'll tell him you're here. Thanks.

I hope there's nothing special tonight.

His Lordship expects some gentlemen after dinner.

I'll keep my head down, then. I've got to write my column anyway.

You're in time for dinner, if you like. I hoped I would be.

How is my godfather? Fit?

Very well. Some refreshment?

Thank you. Some whisky would be lovely.

Who's he expecting tonight? I am unable to help you there.

What, no idea?

No idea at all, sir. Huh.

I'll keep my head down all the same. I think it's a good idea, sir.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Come in.

[DOOR THUDS]

Ah, Miss Kenton.

Mr. Cardinal has just arrived, out of the blue.

He'll expect his usual room.

I'll see to it before I leave.

You're going out?

I am indeed.

It's Thursday.

Of course. I'd forgotten. Sorry.

Is something the matter?

No, no. Uh...

Some visitors are arriving, but it doesn't involve you.

We agreed that Thursday is my day off,

but if you need me urgently...

No, it's perfectly all right. Thank you.

Mr. Stevens. Yes?

I have something to tell you.

My friend,

the man I'm meeting, Mr. Benn.

Mr. Benn. Of course. Yes.

He has asked me to marry him.

I am thinking about it.

I see.

He's moving to the west country next month.

Hmm.

I'm still thinking about it.

I thought you should be informed of the situation.

Yes, thank you.

That's most kind of you.

Well...

I trust you'll have a most pleasant evening.

Thank you.

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Is there something special tonight? Eh?

Are your visitors special?

Can't tell you, my boy. Strictly confidential.

So I can't sit in on it? On what?

Whatever it is that's taking place. Absolutely not.

Can't have someone like you sticking your nose in. A journalist.

What do you call it, a "newshound"?

No, it wouldn't do at all.

Once you've had your food, you'd better make yourself scarce.

CARDINAL: It sounds pretty special to me.

[♪♪♪]

[CARS APPROACHING]

DARLINGTON: Good evening, prime minister.

Sorry, we've been delayed. I understand.

Lord Halifax.

[CHATTERING]

Very nice to see you. This is Mr. Fraser.

How do you do, Mr. Fraser?

[♪♪♪]

[CAR APPROACHING]

Good evening, Your Excellency.

Please wait here, Your Excellency. I'll inform His Lordship.

Thank you.

[IN GERMAN] Herri Met de Bles painted this. Sixteenth century.

[IN GERMAN] The background must be the Lake of Garda.

A wonderful battle scene. Very well presented.

This is particularly fine.

Note it down for later.

Ambassador. [IN ENGLISH] Lord Darlington.

[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]

How do you do?

[♪♪♪]

We don't intend to involve the whole British Empire in a war

simply because of a quarrel in a faraway country

between people of whom we know nothing.

To my mind, the whole of Czechoslovakia

isn't worth a single one of our own young men.

We have a small, noisy and corrupt war group here

who don't realise that you Germans are marching into your own back yard.

The Führer is a man of peace to the depth of his soul,

but he won't allow a small second-rate country

to thumb its nose at the 1000-year German Reich.

[TALKING INDISTINCTLY]

[BELL RINGS]

I'll get it.

Come on, wake up!

Stay awake!

Could you confirm that this lady is on the staff here?

Yes, of course. She's the housekeeper.

Thank you, sir.

May I? Of course.

Sorry to have alarmed you.

Just security, miss.

I trust you've had a pleasant evening.

Well, did you have a pleasant evening?

Yes, thank you. Good.

Would you like to know what took place?

[EXHALES]

I have to return upstairs.

There are important events taking place tonight.

Ah. When are there not?

[♪♪♪]

I accepted his proposal. Miss Kenton?

I accepted Mr. Benn's proposal of marriage.

My congratulations.

I am prepared to serve out my notice.

But if you'd release me earlier, I'd be grateful.

Mr. Benn is planning to leave for the west country in two weeks.

I'll do my best.

Now, please excuse me.

Mr. Stevens.

Yes, Miss Kenton?

After all the years I have been here, you have nothing else to say?

You have my warmest congratulations.

You've been a very important figure

for Mr. Benn and me.

Oh, in what way?

I tell him all sorts of things about you.

I tell him stories about you. About your habits.

About your mannerisms.

He finds it very funny, especially when I show him how

you pinch your nose when you put pepper on your food.

That always has us in stitches.

Does it, indeed?

Heh.

Well, please,

excuse me, Miss Kenton.

Good night.

Ah.

Thanks.

We've been friends a long time, haven't we?

Yes, sir.

I look forward to a chat when I'm here. Thank you, sir.

Would you care to join me in a drink?

That's most kind of you, but no, thank you.

You all right?

I'm perfectly all right.

Not feeling unwell, are you?

No, no. A little tired, perhaps.

I bet you're tired. What is it, about 1:00?

Come on.

I want you to sit down.

Well, sir, I really... Um...

Mm-mm.

Look, um...

I didn't come here by accident.

You know that.

I had a tip-off, you see,

about what's going on now in the library.

Ah, yes, sir.

I wish you'd sit down. I'm your friend

and you're holding that tray as if you're about to wander off!

Now, come on. Sit down, damn it!

Thank you, sir.

That's better.

Now, look, I don't suppose the prime minister is in the library, is he?

Prime minister, sir? Mm.

In the library... You don't have to confirm it...

- are our prime minister, our foreign secretary and the German ambassador.

Any idea what they're talking about? I'm afraid not.

Tell me, Stevens, don't you care at all?

Aren't you in the least bit curious?

It's not my place to be curious about such matters.

Not your place.

And supposing I told you that His Lordship

is trying to persuade the prime minister

to enter into a pact with that bunch of criminals in Berlin?

I'm certain His Lordship is acting from the highest and noblest motives.

Don't you see? That's exactly what makes it so abominable!

Twisting these high and noble motives to their own foul ends!

You do, please, realise that His Lordship's been the most

valuable pawn that the Nazis have in this country

precisely because he is good and honourable?

If I weren't so drunk, I could make you understand!

Sir,

I do understand.

His Lordship is working to ensure peace in our time.

Peace in our time on their beastly terms!

Remember that American here at the conference?

Called Lord Darlington an amateur, out of his depth?

Well, he was right.

He was dead right.

I hardly have to tell you how I feel towards His Lordship.

I care about him deeply, and I know you do too.

Yes, I do indeed.

Then aren't you desperate to see him make this mistake?

He's being tricked! Don't you see? Or are you as deluded as he is?

Oh, dear. Now I've probably offended you.

No. Not at all, sir.

Not at all.

You must excuse me.

There are other gentlemen calling for me, sir.

Mr. Stevens.

Yes?

You mustn't take anything I said to heart.

I was very foolish a little while ago.

Miss, Kenton, I haven't taken anything you said to heart.

In fact, I can hardly recall anything you did say.

I was just being very foolish.

I simply haven't time to stand here with you, engaging in idle talk.

I suggest you go to bed now. You must be very tired.

Good night, Miss Kenton.

Oh, damn it!

Blast!

[KENTON WHIMPERS]

[KENTON CRYING]

Miss Kenton...

[SNIFFLING]

Yes, Mr. Stevens.

Miss Kenton, I...

I'd been wanting to tell you...

It's the small alcove outside the breakfast room.

It's the new girl, of course,

but I find it has not been dusted in some time.

I'll see to it.

Thank you.

I knew you would have wanted to be informed.

Miss Kenton.

[DOOR CLOSES]

[SOBBING]

[♪♪♪]

[WOMAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]

Hello, Sally.

Hi, Tom.

You all right, then? Yes.

How are you?

I'm good.

Could we, uh?

Could we talk for a moment, please? Just for a moment.

We'll have to be quick because I'm going out.

It won't take long.

All right, then. We'll have to go into the lounge.

Afternoon. Hello.

Nice little place, isn't it?

The sort of quiet little boarding house I had in mind for us.

Like other things, it didn't work out.

What did you want to say?

I saw Catherine yesterday. She had some interesting news.

She's expecting. Oh, my goodness!

[CLEARS THROAT]

She wants us both over for tea on Sunday.

I could come and get you.

We could go together on the bus.

Yes, well, we'll see about that.

House is that empty without you.

I can't tell you.

You cut yourself shaving.

Oh, yeah. I know.

Can't seem to do anything right these days.

KENTON: I so often think of the good old days

when I was housekeeper at Darlington Hall.

Those years with you were the happiest of my life.

Would you like more tea?

Um, yes, please. Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

Miss Kenton. I'm sorry, Mrs. Benn.

Sorry, I was delayed. That's all right.

Please sit down.

So...

I've ordered some fresh tea. Lovely.

Would you like some cake? No, thank you.

Sure? All right. It's a special occasion.

Good.

Uh, waitress?

Could we have some cake? Yes, of course.

Ah.

It's been a long time. Yes, indeed.

You haven't changed at all.

Well, ha, ha.

A little, perhaps.

We've all changed, I think.

I'd have known you anywhere.

Oh.

[LAUGHS]

How long's it been? Twenty years?

Yes, just over, I think.

The tea should be along.

["BLUE MOON" PLAYING]

MALE SINGER: ♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ You saw me standing alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪♪

We read about the suit for libel.

It's a shame

calling His Lordship a traitor. Those papers will print anything.

They should have lost the case.

Yes.

When His Lordship went to court,

he sincerely expected he would get justice.

Uh, instead, the newspaper increased its circulation, and His Lordship's

good name was destroyed forever.

And, uh...

Afterwards, in his last years, well,

quite honestly, Mrs. Benn,

his heart was broken.

I'd take him tea in the library, and he'd be sitting there

and he wouldn't even see me, so deep was he in his own thoughts.

And his, uh...

He'd be talking to himself

as though he was arguing with someone.

There was no one, of course, um.

No one came to see him anymore.

What about his godson, young Mr. Cardinal?

Mr. Cardinal was killed in the war. Uh, waitress.

May I have my bill, please?

I'm very sorry.

Yes.

I know you remember Darlington Hall in its best days

and that's how His Lordship deserves to be remembered.

But perhaps the good days are back, now that Mr. Lewis is here

and Mrs. Lewis is arriving shortly.

Very fortunate to have you running the house.

We still have problems, Miss Kenton. I'm sorry. Mrs. Benn.

We still have staff problems. You mentioned it in your letter.

And, um...

Frankly, I've been thinking of going back in service.

Good...

But now the situation has changed for me.

If I take up any work, it will have to be

here in the west country

because Catherine, our daughter, is expecting a baby.

So I would like to be near her.

Of course.

And to be near our grandchild as he grows up.

Naturally. Or her, if it's a little girl.

Yeah.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

When I left Darlington Hall, all those years ago,

I never realised I was really, truly leaving.

I believe I thought of it as simply another ruse

to annoy you.

Heh.

It was a shock to come out here and find myself actually married.

For a long time, I was

very unhappy.

But then Catherine was born, the years went by and one day

I realised I loved my husband.

You see, there is no one,

no one in the world who needs me as much as he does.

[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS]

But still there are times

when I think I made a terrible mistake with my life.

Yeah.

I'm sure we all have these thoughts

from time to time.

[SEAGULLS SQUAWKING]

Heh.

Yes.

CROWD: Ooh! Oh. Oh.

[APPLAUDING]

Heh.

People always cheer when they turn the lights on in the evening.

I wonder why.

They do say

that for many people, the evening's the best part of the day.

The part they most look forward to.

Is that so?

What do you most look forward to?

Oh, uh...

Getting back to Darlington Hall, principally,

and straightening out our staff problems.

You were always able to do that.

And you had quite a few to straighten out, as I remember. Heh.

Yes.

Always was work, work and more work

and will continue to be so, I have no doubt.

[♪♪♪]

Mr. Stevens, don't you wait! That bus is always late.

Come in out of the wet.

You must take good care of yourself.

You too, promise me that. Oh, yes, I promise.

Do all you can to make these years happy for yourself and your husband.

We may never meet again, Mrs. Benn.

That is why I am being personal, if you will forgive me.

Thank you, Mr. Stevens.

Oh, here it comes. It's on time for once.

[♪♪♪]

Thank you. And thank you so very much for coming.

It was so very kind of you.

It was so nice to see you.

It was a pleasure to see you again. Goodbye.

Take care.

Goodbye.

[♪♪♪]

Ah, Stevens.

You scared me. Where'd you come from?

Good morning, sir.

You like the suit?

Very good, sir.

Thank you.

[HUMMING]

Good.

[♪♪♪]

LEWIS: Watch the chandelier there.

Okay.

[CHATTERING]

You're really getting things going here. This is wonderful!

Thank you, sir.

I've had to ask another three girls from the village to come up.

And I can promise you that the house will be ready

and in shape by the time Mrs. Lewis arrives.

That sounds good. Thank you, sir.

I'm expecting a possible new housekeeper this afternoon.

A Mrs. Ruth Muspratt.

Excellent references. She was matron at a boys' school in Sussex.

A matron, huh? Yes, sir.

Huh.

Sounds like she'll keep us from misbehaving.

I certainly hope so, sir. Good.

Good, Stevens. Very good.

This is where we had that banquet back in '35. Remember?

We all stood up and delivered ourselves of our principles.

God knows what I said. Sure got worked up about it, though.

What did I say, anyway?

I'm sorry, sir, I was too busy serving

to listen to the speeches.

[♪♪♪]

We got a visitor here.

STEVENS: Be very careful.

Come here. That's a boy. Come on.

Oh, oh, oh.

Okay. Easy does it.

Come on!

I suggest we be quieter.

You don't want to startle it.

It'll come down.

[PIGEON COOING]

I think if we leave the window open...

Good.

Very still.

Go on. Out! Come on. Out!

Well done.

[♪♪♪]

Well done, sir.

[♪♪♪]

[BIRDS CHIRPING]