Original subtitles

It's early. Come back to bed.

Stop! I was nearly late for work twice last week.

Hmm. Let's make it really late then.

It's all right... It's all right for you, Mr Leclair.

It doesn't matter what time you turn up.

You'd just be off, being artistic.

I don't want to lose my job.

But you might want to... What?

Make yourself...

presentable. Oh.

Agnes! I've been meaning to thank you.

What for? Inspiring me.

I went straight to Mr Selfridge. My heart was pounding.

But I gave him the ice cream idea, and he said yes.

Aw! Victor, good for you!

Now I've got to do the same thing with my backer.

Make sure she gives me a straight answer. How could she say no?

You're Victor Colleano! Get out of it.

Here. Watch out.

There you go, Miss Towler. Ready for work.

You'd prefer to go riding than come in to the store today?

Well, Pa...if you wouldn't mind.

Maybe I could come some other week? I suppose not.

It's just one problem with that.

What's the problem? This week, next week?

Well...

next week, we do not have Sir Ernest Shackleton coming in.

But still, maybe you can meet him another time.

You mean it, Pa? Shackleton!

Coming to our store? Our store. OUR store, is it?

(PIANO SCALES BEING PLAYED) Oh, Lois, look, flowers from Harry.

That's so sweet. The bouquet is for Miss Rosalie, Ma'am.

Flowers! (GASPS) For me?

They're for me to practise my drawing.

Look, it's Mr Temple's card!

(PIANO SCALES CONTINUE) Give them to me.

Give them to me!

And the card.

Fraser, could you return these to Mr Temple,

and if any more are sent from that address,

could you just refuse them at the door? Certainly, Mrs Selfridge.

Thank you. (PIANO SCALES PLAY)

He only wanted to do something encouraging,

seeing as he seems to be banned from this house.

You are a 17-year-old girl.

A grown man has no business sending you flowers.

Your mother's quite right, Rosalie.

You want to treat me like a baby, then I'll act like a baby.

I'm staying in my room. I'm not coming to the store later!

You will do as I say, young lady. What's wrong with Rosalie?

That man has been in our house and used Rosalie to get to you,

and you didn't think fit to tell me? I'm sorry, Harry.

I thought I'd handled the situation. You handled it poorly by the looks of things.

I made a mistake. So, can we just think of Rosalie,

how best to handle this for her? I will wring his neck if he comes near her again.

And what about you, Rose?

He seems to be pretty persistent for a man

who simply painted your portrait.

What's that supposed to mean? You tell me.

I told you...

nothing happened between us.

MAN: Can I get some service, please?

WOMAN: Is there ANYONE here to help me?

Excuse me?

Where is everybody?

What's going on, Grove? There are staff missing from every department.

And we opened our doors a full five minutes late.

I have to confess, I have no idea, Mr Selfridge.

An outbreak of dysentery, perhaps.

You hear of these things. Then surely we would have received word.

Any notes been delivered? Any telephone calls?

Nothing. Not a word. Only two serving on Accessories.

You're our Chief of Staff, aren't you?

But where's our staff?

Excuse me.

Mr Selfridge, Miss Mardle. Oh. (COUGHS)

Miss Mardle, where's your staff? It's just myself and Miss Miller. I'm completely mystified by it.

If your department has taken time off for some London Spectacle,

I'll be really annoyed, Miss Mardle. Of course, Mr Selfridge.

I-I hardly imagine they would be. Wouldn't you say so, Mr Grove?

I really don't know what to think.

Miss Hawkins, where have you been? (BREATHLESS) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Miss Mardle.

Bond Street underground station. We got stuck.

I managed to get free because my carriage wasn't in the tunnel.

I expect the rest will be along shortly, Mr Selfridge.

Excuse me. Service! Oh, excuse me.

Right, well, Mr Grove...

you know what we have to do.

I'll be wearing grey. The gloves have to be complimentary.

I feel these may not be conservative enough.

Too conservative by far, in my opinion.

Try these on.

Imagine the red against the grey.

Conservative coat, and then that little twist of excitement

that the French have mastered so well.

You think so? Well, what do you think?

That's what's my Pa always says.

Why, I love them, young man.

(MR SELFRIDGE CHUCKLES)

You've got ecru, orchid, flax, various off-whites and ivories.

I want as many textures as possible.

Have we got silk and gauze? Oh, I'll get them to you.

Right now, I need to focus on manning the department.

I'm down three staff with Miss Towler on the Antarctica window.

I don't mean to leave you in the lurch. Oh, I'll be fine. The window's of vital importance.

London will want to see how we pay tribute

to Sir Ernest Shackleton and his doughty men.

My being short of help is hardly up there with glaciers and crevasses now, is it?

In another life, you would have made a formidable explorer yourself.

In another life, I'd be chess champion of Great Britain. Who knows - perhaps I still might.

Mr Crabb, how can I help you?

How can I help YOU, Miss Ravillious?

(MOUTHS) I'm sorry, Madam, I couldn't quite hear.

(MOUTHS)

Oh, yes. Of course.

Mr Crabb, would you mind asking Miss Mardle

to assist in this department?

You could take her place in Accessories.

What item of undergarment was Madam wishing to see?

This is very nice.

I have the perfect, little beret to go with this intricate plaid. But too fussy, I fear.

Oh, but tartan is perfect for a jacket.

See the pattern against your skin.

Now, jaunty little beret atop,

matching drawstring purse, burnished dark leather gloves.

Just perfect! I have the ideal worsted wool for you.

Hmm. Maybe this is a little too plain.

I'll take some coffee and I'll come back.

Miss Mardle, it may be different in Accessories,

but the cardinal rule in the Fashion Department

is to listen - listen properly, to the customer's requirements.

We believe in the power of suggestion in Accessories.

You might want to take that on board.

I know how to run my own department. While you are here, you will do things my way.

Last time I checked, this was a department store not a dictatorship.

Ladies! Ladies! Please.

Thank goodness. Staff.

I realise as Heads of your respective departments,

this has been a difficult morning for both of you.

You may return to your own position, Miss Mardle. Thank you, Mr Grove.

ALL MUTTER: Sorry, Mr Selfridge. Don't worry.

Transport problems happen. (APOLOGIES CONTINUE)

No, couldn't be helped.

You see, Gordon, it's important to support the people who work here.

Mr Grove.

The Station Master has sent word to you personally, Mr Selfridge.

I hardly expect an apology for delays on the train.

It was a body on the tracks that caused the delays, Mr Selfridge.

They have identified the body through her personal belongings.

I'm very sorry, sir.

It was Miss Bunting.

She erm...she fell on the line earlier this morning.

Miss Bunting.

They found this in her purse.

It's addressed to you personally, Mr Selfridge.

Who's Miss Bunting, Pa?

Why did she fall in front of a train? Pa?

Pa...if she stole from you...

didn't you HAVE to sack her?

Well, the straight answer is yes, but life runs crookedly sometimes.

She stole to buy medicine for someone she loved.

And I never let her explain that to me.

(DOOR OPENS) Mr Edwards to see you, Mr Selfridge.

Oh. Miss Blenkinsop, why don't you take Master Gordon

to the Soda Fountain? Certainly, Mr Selfridge.

Hello, Master Gordon. Here to see Shacks, the hero of all heroes?

Yep. 97 miles from the South Pole and he turns back.

Turns back! To save the lives of his men.

That's a mark of a true leader, eh?

Harry, old boy, I'm here to tell you that today is your lucky day.

Ah, it doesn't feel like it, Frank. It will be when you hear what I've got to say.

I'm all yours!

What? Uh...change of ownership at the paper.

My face and my politics no longer fit.

So, in a nutshell, I need a job.

Today may not be the best day, Frank. I was thinking Press Officer, or...

Let me-let me think about it.

Sorry, old boy, but if the loan sharks find out I'm unemployed, I might be in a spot of bother.

Harry?

Are you listening?

I'm sorry, Frank. Today's not a great day for me to think about taking on anyone new.

Good to know where a fellow stands.

Miss Miller...I was looking for you.

Oh, sorry I wasn't at my station, I was...

I was just...

You did everything you could for Miss Bunting, Doris.

You mustn't think there was anything else you could have done.

She must've lost all hope to do a thing like that.

We all feel guilty when something awful like this happens.

I can't help thinking...

I should just have simply written her a reference myself.

I can understand how desperate she must have been, tending for an invalid at home.

It isn't easy.

Your late wife, of course. It must be bringing it all back for you.

And here I am, crying in a corner.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

You're a kind and caring person, Doris.

I tell you what...

Miss Bunting always enjoyed your time in the tea room together.

What say we share a cup of tea in her honour there, this evening?

Would that help?

Yes, I think it would.

Thank you, Mr Grove.

You think I'm being unfair.

Making decisions over your head.

Yes, actually.

And...you're not even explaining why

Mr Temple is fine for painting your portrait, but not fine for tutoring me.

Tutoring you, when it's quite clear

that you've developed an infatuation for him? Who says...?

Here's what I want to explain to you, darling.

You're a young girl. Oh, not that again.

Hear me out.

Allowances can be made for young girls

behaving in an inappropriate manner.

But when a man turns up at a house without prior invitation

from a girl's parents' and then remains in a room...

un-chaperoned with that young girl,

and then sends her flowers though he's been told to stay away,

well, it'd be a very poor mother indeed

who wouldn't worry about... such a man.

Maybe you'll be a mother yourself one day.

I'd like to think that I showed you the right example.

I'm not saying your feelings aren't real, sweetheart.

I have this sort of...pain in my stomach when I think of him.

And the right man at the right time will take that pain away.

To your stations, ladies, please.

(MUTED CHATTER) Back to work now.

We've all had a nasty shock, but we do have a store to run.

Doris! That's the second glove stretcher you've dropped today.

Sorry, Kitty.

I can't get Miss Bunting out of my head.

You'll just have to pull yourself together.

Same as the rest of us.

I need to know I can rely on junior staff.

Well, of course you can rely on me, Kitty.

And I think - I think that now that I'm Senior Assistant -

it would be better if we used our formal titles.

Well, how-how do you mean, Kitty? How do you mean...Miss Hawkins.

Very well...

Miss Hawkins.

Thank you, Miss Mardle.

I think Mr Leclair will find these accessories most helpful.

My condolences on your former colleague, Miss Mardle.

Friend, Miss Ravillious.

And indeed, I wish I had been a far better friend to poor Miss Bunting.

Mr Selfridge. Can you see to arrangements for...

Miss Bunting's funeral? Certainly, Mr Selfridge.

Make sure we cover all costs.

Would you like me to attend the funeral on your behalf, Mr Selfridge?

Thank you, but I'll be attending on my own behalf.

Sir Ernest will be arriving in five minutes, Mr Selfridge.

Do you still intend to greet him personally?

Of-of course I do.

He'll be very upset.

If only...if only Miss Bunting hadn't given up all hope.

Life is full of 'if onlys'.

I should be here, I could be there.

This path or that path?

Do we know what we really want?

Us being...

well...complicates things, doesn't it?

I need a few moments of your time, Miss Towler.

Back in our department. Certainly, Miss Ravillious.

You wanted me for something, Miss Ravillious?

I'm not a fool, Miss Towler.

Let's begin there and move on from that point.

Yes, Miss Ravillious.

I specifically asked for you to join my department.

If you are indulging in an inappropriate relationship,

then I need to consider how that will affect my department.

However, allowances might be taken into account

in the case of true and unavoidable feelings.

But you'll need to tell me...

are you in love with Mr Leclair?

No.

I erm...I like him very much, but no, I'm not in love with him.

Then think of your career, Agnes.

Harry Selfridge! Good to see you beyond the poker tables.

I won't be quick to put myself up for a trouncing again.

Great to see you again, Sir Ernest. Oh, Ernest, please, Harry.

I keep having to look over my shoulder whenever someone says sir.

Last photographs, gentlemen, if you don't mind.

Sir Ernest - When will you return to Antarctica?

Do you think the South Pole can still be bagged for His Majesty?

Oh, uh...what about you, young man? What's your name?

Uh, erm...erm...Gordon, sir.

Gordon Selfridge. Ah, a chip off the old block eh?

Well, I'm sure you've a question. Most young fellas have.

I-I'd like to know what you think would make a good leader.

That's a good question. I'll have to think about that.

The thing is, when you're up to your unmentionables

in trying to be a good leader, you don't have time to think about what that is.

Wouldn't you say so, Harry? I would certainly agree with you there.

If you'll excuse us, gentlemen.

Would you care to see our new outdoor equipment, Sir Ernest?

I'm not an easy man to impress, Harry.

Well, exploring Selfridge's is no ordinary experience.

Besides, we have a little surprise for you.

(KNOCKING)

Frank. What a nice surprise.

Ellen, a party. That's two rejections today. I'm liable to break out in a rash.

(LAUGHTER IN BACKGROUND) Sounds lively. Come in.

We are rehearsing Tony's new play.

Or, at least, we were until things took a frivolous side.

Travers.

Frank. So, who's been rejecting you, Frank?

Shall I go and beast them for you? Oh, would that you could.

But I'm afraid it's our mutual friend.

Mr Selfridge. I see.

Oh, cheers. Right, let's try something slightly...

Come and lend us your expertise with words, Frank.

Tony thinks we're nearly there, but I'd like your opinion.

Editorial is more my thing, to tell the truth.

Don't sell yourself short, Frank.

I'm sure you could help us with a few little snippets of information.

I say, this is hot stuff.

We like to think so.

I'm hoping it's going to turn my career around, Frank.

Yes.

Shall I top you up?

Well, well, well. It's the very model we took South.

Right down to the specially designed, air-cooled, four litre engine.

Harry, I am confounded.

The darn thing worked for all of two minutes,

but, still, it paid its way in photographs. We know how that works.

What have you found, Master Gordon?

Ah. Finnesko, we call those.

Lapp boots made from reindeer leg fur.

Is that what you use to line the sleeping bags?

You know your stuff and no mistake. It's horrid though when it starts shedding and ends up in your mouth.

This is a fine display. You must've gone to endless trouble.

You're not the only one I was trying to impress. A certain young man's clued up on his exploring equipment.

Grove...

how are the staff doing? Are they bearing up?

Of course, chief. I think everyone just wishes Miss Bunting had come to one of us.

And these gloves? Can you hazard a guess?

Erm...wolf skin?

Indeed. From Mollers of Drammen, I'm assuming?

Of course. The finest fur specialists in all the world.

If you ever go exploring, young man, be sure to put in your order with Mollers.

Pa wants me to run the store someday. It's just..

I don't think I'll fit in exploring, as well.

Where do you think all this wonderful stuff comes from, Gordon?

There's a lot of exploring to be done right here.

How many staff, Harry? Over 3,000.

That's a heck of a lot of people to lead, young man.

Give me a raggle taggle handful, out on a block of ice any day.

George Towler! What are you doing on the shop floor?

You're not supposed to be up here. It's all right. I've a good mind to report you.

Get back down to the loading bay.

My foreman made me store porter for the day,

with a view to a full-time promotion.

It's my big chance.

I thought you might be pleased for me, Miss Kitty.

Yes, but...

Maybe I was a bit...

Good luck to you, George.

Go on. Say it then.

Say what, Miss Hawkins? Say I've let a bit of power go to my head,

and I've been behaving like a...

..like a complete idiot.

Oh, Doris. Oh, Kitty. Oh, Doris!

'Make friends make friends, never ever break friends. If you do -' 'You'll catch the flu'.

Do you want a cuppa and a curranty bun after work then?

Oh, oh, I've already got plans this evening, Kitty.

Tomorrow instead?

Mm-hm. Tomorrow it is then.

Mr Perez?

I have heard Fortnum and Mason are promoting a special afternoon tea.

I wondered if you'd like me to check out what they are offering.

A little jaunt you mean, Mr Colleano?

No, I don't think so.

I just thought Mr Selfridge loved the ice cream idea.

Remember? I thought he might be pleased...

if you could get any information.

Hmm. Yes, maybe you're right.

Be quick as you can, we've got to set up for the lecture.

And of course, you'll bring the information to me and not to Mr Selfridge direct.

Of course, Mr Perez.

What do you think? I love it.

But we need something to bring it back to...

Humanity? Hmm. Yes, I like the sentiment.

So do I.

Forgive me, I should introduce...

Agnes Towler. Pleased to meet you.

Valerie Maurel. Enchantee.

The erm...the 'look' in New York, may I ask?

No. Paris, from top to toe. Of course.

Of course.

Well, I could get on with the window,

if you want to spend some time with Miss Maurel?

Uh...the window is all yours, Miss Towler.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

Yes? Mr Colleano's here, Lady Loxley.

To discuss some menus.

Show him in, Fludd.

(CONTINUES TYPING)

Victor.

I don't remember any discussion about menus.

I'm here about the restaurant. The one I told you about?

Now, look, just hear me out. It's the perfect location.

Near all the shops. Great for trade.

Now, I told you Victor, I won't be rushed on this.

You barge in here without invitation.

If I decide to help, it will be on my terms.

It could be ages before we find a spot like this again.

'We'? If you were to back me, we'd be in it together.

You'd get an excellent return. You're mistaken if you think my allowance from Lord Loxley

would run to that level of financing.

But you know people, don't you?

You're always on the look out to back the next sure thing?

Victor, Victor, dear heart.

It isn't like finding a backer for a...well, a Mr Selfridge, say.

You're young, you're unknown and you're unproven.

Ah. I get it.

We have fun, don't we?

I enjoy your company. Don't you enjoy mine?

Course I do. But you shouldn't have said you'll help me if you had no intention of doing so.

Ooh! That's me told off.

Look, Victor, I might be able to help.

But it could take some time.

And why such a rush?

There will be other restaurants, and you'll be that much more mature.

So...

why fall out over such a trifling matter.

Trifling to you.

But I suppose, so am I.

No.

Oh, no.

You're very special to me, Victor.

Not special enough for you to believe in me, though.

And that's what counts the most with me.

So, I reckon it's goodbye, Lady Loxley.

No hard feelings, eh?

Victor!

Don't be so...

You'll regret this.

Victor?

Are you happy with this light? Yes, we'll start with this one.

Well?

Fortnum and Mason - you haven't reported to me.

Oh, sorry, Mr Perez.

It's just we've been off our feet since I got back.

Apparently, they haven't got around to it yet.

Mate of mine is a waiter there. He's promised to keep me updated.

Thank you.

Rose. Ma.

Welcome!

Rosalie couldn't come? Oh...she's here somewhere. Hmm.

There she is.

Who's that young man she's talking to?

It's uh..

Roddy Temple.

Here, at my store? I'll speak to him. I'll handle Mr Temple, Rose.

You will leave and not return. You will not speak to any member of my family ever again.

Shackleton's lecture is open to the public, is it not?

I make polite conversation with a charming young lady.

That charming young lady happens to be my daughter.

Well, your wife had plenty to say to me.

I'd stop now.

I don't know why she stays with you.

I mean, she's sweet and she's funny.

Don't presume to talk about my wife.

Yet, you publicly humiliate her with the likes of Ellen Love.

You don't deserve a woman like Rose. I will throw you out.

See, this is the problem, you think you can control everything,

don't you, Selfridge? Well, you can't.

Even though she may not be able to admit to it just now,

your wife is in love with me. Don't talk about my wife.

Don't take me on.

What can you do to me? I can destroy you.

Can you? One word from me and there isn't a gallery on Earth

that will exhibit so much as one of your doodles.

I can see to it that your work is publicly mocked by the art critics.

Do you want to take that chance?

You are a silly boy. Now get out.

Before I throw you out.

Mr Temple has a prior engagement.

Accompany him to the street. The back exit.

Victor...

did you speak with your backer? Yes, I did.

And...? You weren't going to take no for an answer. What did she say?

She said no.

Oh. Well, you've got to laugh.

I hope it doesn't put you off. You've got great...spirit.

You'll find another backer. I have every belief in you. That's what keeps me going.

Peas in a pod, the two of us. We can do things for ourselves.

We don't need anyone else to...

Perhaps you allow Mr Colleano to attend his business.

I have yet to be offered any form of refreshment.

Champagne, Lady Loxley? Yes.

That would be appropriate to celebrate our new business venture.

How do you mean? I'll see Lord Loxley tomorrow

about acquiring the finance for your restaurant.

Even if it means I have to endure a visit to the ghastly country.

What made you change your mind?

All that need concern you

is that you remember that you will be in my debt.

I hope I make my self clear.

So, you see, dear heart...

I do believe in you after all.

You don't believe in me.

You believe in getting your own way.

So, I reckon, that'll be a thanks, Lady Loxely...

but no, thanks.

I'll get your champagne.

The sense of loneliness in a place like that...

it must be extreme, don't you think?

You don't need to go to Antarctica to experience loneliness, Miss Ravillious. How right you are.

It can be a difficult lot for us women.

If you don't find the right man, you work forever.

If you do find the right man, you can't work.

So unfair when you consider how capable we are, Miss Mardle.

Don't you think?

You're quite right, Miss Ravillious.

It's why I joined the Suffragettes.

Seems to me, it's really about justice,

but it's also about women being there for one another.

That way, one don't have to face whatever the future holds,

entirely on one's own.

Do you know, I'd never thought of it like that.

You're welcome to attend a weekly meeting with me, if you'd like, Miss Mardle.

I think I'd like that very much, Miss Ravillious. Thank you.

(MUTED CHATTER)

Ladies and gentlemen, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

(APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you about 'cold'.

A cold so cold, it's hot.

There we stood, the furthest South ever.

A mere 97 miles from the South Pole.

But we were nearly out of food.

And I had to make a choice...

between epic success - the conquering of the South Pole -

but with undoubted loss of life amongst my men.

Or epic failure.

Well, as you know, I chose epic failure and received a knighthood.

(LAUGHTER)

Because that's the kind of country we are.

We don't always measure in terms of success,

but in how hard a man has tried.

And so we turned for home,

and the bitter struggle to retrace our steps.

Only the thoughts of our loved ones to keep us going.

Home - so, so far away.

(APPLAUSE)

Bravo! Bravo. Bravo!

(SHOUTS OF BRAVO CONTINUE)

(MURMURINGS TO ATTRACT MR SHACKLETON'S ATTENTION)

Excuse me, gentlemen. Excuse me.

Thank you, Ernest. I think we all learned something from your fine lecture.

Well, it was a pleasure, Harry.

I've been thinking about your question, young man.

I think my real purpose as leader was quite simple...

to bring my men in from the cold, each and every day.

If you remember that, Master Gordon, I think you'll fit nicely

into your father's rather large footsteps.

Thank you. Crabb, get me all the Heads of Departments in my office in five minutes.

Yes, Mr Selfridge.

Mr Shackleton, sir?

"I take with me the happiest memories

of my time in the Selfridge work family.

Please tell everybody not to be sad for me.

I've simply moved on to the place that seems right -

to be with the person I loved most in the world.

My dear mother.

Yours sincerely, Miss Flora Bunting."

I let one of our own out into the cold.

This can never happen again.

Thank you, all. Safe journey home.

Good night, Mr Selfridge.

Well said, Mr Selfridge. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Grove.

To Miss Bunting.

To Miss Bunting.

That's what I thought, Mr Grove. You are absolutely right, Doris.

A lovely way of looking at it.

Thank you, Fraser. Thank you, Fraser.

Didn't it just make you want to visit Antarctica?

Rose, I'm going to commission another portrait of you.

I don't think Mr Temple captured you properly.

I don't think I care for another portrait.

Thank you anyway. Rose?

He says you're in love with him.

Believe what you want to believe, Harry.

Tell Mrs Selfridge I've gone out. Thank you and good night.