- 7/31/2015
Night Ride (1937)
70 min | Drama | June 1937 (UK)
Two truck drivers fired by the crooked trucking firm they worked for start their own company. Their former boss, worried about the competition, tries everything he can to drive them out of business, from sending his pretty daughter to seduce them to having his henchmen sabotage their trucks.
Director: John Paddy Carstairs
Writers: Ralph Gilbert Bettison, Julian Vedey (story)
Stars: Julian Vedey, Wally Patch, Jimmy Hanley
70 min | Drama | June 1937 (UK)
Two truck drivers fired by the crooked trucking firm they worked for start their own company. Their former boss, worried about the competition, tries everything he can to drive them out of business, from sending his pretty daughter to seduce them to having his henchmen sabotage their trucks.
Director: John Paddy Carstairs
Writers: Ralph Gilbert Bettison, Julian Vedey (story)
Stars: Julian Vedey, Wally Patch, Jimmy Hanley
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
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00:03:06I remember my wife used to say,
00:03:09George, she used to say,
00:03:11a drop of spirit on a cold night is permissible.
00:03:15Just to keep the other spirits away.
00:03:17She was right.
00:03:20Look what John said.
00:03:29Sorry.
00:03:36He's a damn fool.
00:03:38Not in a hurry himself the moment anybody else pass.
00:03:46I'll have to pass.
00:04:06You hurt?
00:04:07No.
00:04:08But look what you've done to my mudguard.
00:04:09Your mudguard?
00:04:10What made you do a crazy thing like that?
00:04:12Lucky for you, you weren't killed.
00:04:13Yes, I can quite believe it, the way you drive.
00:04:15Didn't you hear my hooter?
00:04:16That's got nothing to do with it.
00:04:17You were going much too fast.
00:04:18I was doing exactly...
00:04:19George, it's no good arguing.
00:04:20I happen to know that there's a speed limit for commercial vehicles.
00:04:24Oh, and carrying passengers too.
00:04:26I suppose you're allowed to take anyone you like for a ride.
00:04:29You'd do better if you kept your mind on your business.
00:04:31You'd do better if you considered other people.
00:04:33For the last few miles you've been dawdling up the middle of the road,
00:04:35refusing to let me pass.
00:04:36When I sounded my hooter, you deliberately swung out.
00:04:38Well, you've done what you wanted to do.
00:04:40You've stopped my passing.
00:04:41Now, if you're satisfied with the trouble you've caused,
00:04:42I suggest you get this thing out of the way and get going.
00:04:44Unless you want to play some more.
00:04:46One moment.
00:04:47You're not going to get away with this.
00:04:49What's your name?
00:04:50Smith.
00:04:51All of us.
00:04:52You'll find us in the telephone book.
00:04:54Benson.
00:04:55Dick Benson.
00:04:56I work for Wilsons in Marsden.
00:04:58If you expect to get any change out of them, you'll be unlucky.
00:05:00Oh, we'll see about that.
00:05:02Is that all you want?
00:05:03Oh, that's quite enough.
00:05:07Oh, by the way.
00:05:08You dropped this.
00:05:13After you.
00:05:14See you.
00:05:28Roland of the Ministry of Transport
00:05:30who is going to give us a short talk on how to avoid accidents
00:05:33and the importance of courtesy on the road.
00:05:35Mr. Roland.
00:05:38What a basket of fish.
00:05:40Can't she get you into trouble?
00:05:42Like to see her try.
00:05:43We are five minutes late, that's all.
00:05:45We'll have to hurry.
00:05:46I've got to call in at Tony's.
00:05:48Are you mad?
00:05:49We won't have time.
00:05:50We're going to make time.
00:05:51Tony will never forgive me.
00:05:53Besides, I promised him I'd call in.
00:06:13How's the man in the chair?
00:06:23Good old Dick.
00:06:24Lovely, isn't he?
00:06:25I knew he was a good boy.
00:06:29Not afraid of Uncle Dick, are you?
00:06:31Gibby, go and tell your father I'm here.
00:06:34Father, Dick's here.
00:06:35He's got a lady with him.
00:06:36She's pretty, too.
00:06:37Oh, Dick, I'm so pleased to see you.
00:06:41You're late tonight, aren't we?
00:06:43You stopped on the road?
00:06:44Got somebody I want you to meet, Tony.
00:06:46Hey, go on, in the kitchen.
00:06:47All of you, go on, in the kitchen, everybody.
00:06:50You what, Tony?
00:06:51This is Miss...
00:06:53Jean Morley.
00:06:54On her way to London.
00:06:55Oh, pleased to meet you.
00:06:56A friend of Dick.
00:06:57He's a friend of mine.
00:06:58I'm going to cook you something.
00:06:59I got the spaghetti.
00:07:00No, Tony, no.
00:07:01No time, just coffee.
00:07:03How's business?
00:07:04Very good, thank you.
00:07:05Everything is very good.
00:07:07All the truck drivers, they stop at the Caffe Napoli.
00:07:12Gee, she's ill.
00:07:13No.
00:07:14No.
00:07:15You know what is the matter?
00:07:16This girl is starving hungry.
00:07:18Bring her inside, quick.
00:07:22Go on, you get inside, quick, everybody.
00:07:24Go on, inside.
00:07:25You're around my feet all the time.
00:07:29Tony will soon look after you.
00:07:32Here, poor girl.
00:07:33You eat some of this spaghetti and you'll soon feel better.
00:07:36Well, as a matter of fact, I...
00:07:37I know you think you got to pay, Tony.
00:07:39But it don't matter.
00:07:40You eat the spaghetti.
00:07:41The spaghetti at the Caffe Napoli is famous.
00:07:43You eat...
00:07:44How long has it been since you had anything to eat?
00:07:45Never mind how long.
00:07:46We eat first and we talk afterwards.
00:07:49Here, you have some of this Chianti and you'll soon feel strong.
00:07:53Well, we've got to be going, mate.
00:07:55We've got to get to Manchester by eight.
00:07:57The schedule gets worse and worse.
00:07:58You're right.
00:07:59Yes, it's even hard work for the lovers.
00:08:01Right.
00:08:02If old Bill should look in on his way down from Liverpool,
00:08:04don't forget to remind him that he owes me half a dollar for the big fight, will you?
00:08:06No, no.
00:08:07He can leave it with you, see?
00:08:08Yes, yes, all right.
00:08:09Right.
00:08:10So long, old...
00:08:11So long, old China.
00:08:12Good luck, old boy.
00:08:13Remember me to old Nedboe.
00:08:14Aye, aye.
00:08:15Good luck, boy.
00:08:16Good luck.
00:08:17Quarter to eight.
00:08:18Let's taunt it.
00:08:19It's always the same if you have anything to do with women.
00:08:21Unreliable, that's what.
00:08:23So you don't like the girl, eh?
00:08:25You are a woman hater.
00:08:26Yes, that's me.
00:08:27I've had a basin.
00:08:28Oh, no, you are wrong.
00:08:30Look at my brother Tony.
00:08:31He was very happy.
00:08:32His poor wife loved him very much.
00:08:36You're telling me he really did it with abundance.
00:08:41Don't you tell Tony.
00:08:45Finished already?
00:08:46Thank you so much.
00:08:47I feel fine now.
00:08:48There.
00:08:49You see?
00:08:50Tony is right, eh?
00:08:51Come on, Lightning.
00:08:52All right, old.
00:08:53Ready now.
00:08:54Oh, but Jean, she's not gone with you.
00:08:56She's not strong enough yet.
00:08:58But I can't stay here.
00:08:59Oh, yes, you do.
00:09:00You stop here tonight with my sister, Lucia.
00:09:02Is that a grand idea?
00:09:03And then we pick up in the morning.
00:09:04Come on, shut up.
00:09:05We're due in at eight.
00:09:06Thanks ever so, Tony.
00:09:07Good night, Jean.
00:09:08Keep your fingers crossed.
00:09:11You want it?
00:09:12Bye-bye.
00:09:13Bye-bye.
00:09:14Bye-bye.
00:09:15Bye-bye.
00:09:16Bye-bye.
00:09:17Bye-bye.
00:09:18Look after her, Tony.
00:09:19Bye-bye.
00:09:20Bye-bye.
00:09:21Bye-bye.
00:09:22Bye-bye.
00:09:23Bye-bye.
00:09:24Bye-bye.
00:09:25Bye-bye.
00:09:30Bye-bye.
00:09:31Bye-bye.
00:09:32Bye-bye.
00:09:33Bye.
00:09:55Eva, what did I tell you?
00:09:57Always on time.
00:10:00Now don't worry about the car. Mr. Archer will soon have that fixed up for you.
00:10:04We'll make it look like new.
00:10:06Oh, it doesn't matter so much about the car.
00:10:08If only that man hadn't been so insulting.
00:10:10So he was rude to you, was he?
00:10:12Rude? I hope all your drivers aren't like that.
00:10:15I assure you this is the first complaint we've ever had.
00:10:18I'll talk to Benson myself and see that he apologizes.
00:10:20Oh no, don't bother. I don't want to make a fuss.
00:10:22Not at all. I'm very glad you told us.
00:10:24If only he hadn't talked to me in front of that other girl.
00:10:28True, he had a girl with him.
00:10:30Oh yes, in the driver's seat. I suppose he was giving her a lift.
00:10:33You know very well our drivers are not allowed to carry passengers.
00:10:36Yes, Mr. Wilson, that's understood.
00:10:38Apparently it isn't. That's what's wrong.
00:10:40But please, Daddy, I don't want to make any trouble.
00:10:43That's all right, my dear. I'll see you when I come home tonight.
00:10:45Now you run along and leave this to me.
00:10:47Oh yes, I almost forgot. There we are. Admiral of the fleet.
00:10:50That looks something like me.
00:10:52Oh, Fred will be delighted. That completes his set.
00:10:54Thanks, Cherv, you're an angel.
00:10:56He's Mr. Benson to you.
00:10:58Oh, why, Peter.
00:11:02Oh, look who's here. Fancy meeting you.
00:11:05That's what the Governor wants to see us about.
00:11:07Yes. I hope he'll teach you some better manners, too.
00:11:10Oh, don't worry. You can't cause us any trouble.
00:11:12I'm one of the best drivers they've got around here and they know it.
00:11:15That's right. Mr. Wilson always says to me,
00:11:17Elf, me old child, or he says,
00:11:19I don't know what we'd do without you and Benson.
00:11:21You being the boy David, I suppose.
00:11:23The Governor thinks quite a lot of me.
00:11:25You'll find he thinks quite a lot of me, too.
00:11:28You know I don't think I like her.
00:11:30She can't cause us any trouble.
00:11:32She's got a glint in her eye. I've got a catatomb like that.
00:11:35He ain't half a man, sir.
00:11:40Good evening, Mr. Wilson.
00:11:41Evening, Benson.
00:11:42Evening, Hans.
00:11:43Evening, sir.
00:11:44I suppose you know why we sent for you.
00:11:46Yes, sir. I had a bit of trouble on the road tonight.
00:11:48Exactly. Well, what happened?
00:11:49It was a girl, sir.
00:11:50Yes, but she believed that she was too, sir.
00:11:52Wouldn't get out of our way and we tried to pass her
00:11:54and she deliberately swerved out and we smashed her wing.
00:11:56I suppose you realise that she...
00:11:58Leave this to me, Archer.
00:11:59Well, what did you say to her?
00:12:01Not much chance to say anything, sir.
00:12:02One of them modern young girls, thoroughly spoiled.
00:12:04Yeah, too much money, I don't know what to do with it.
00:12:06Pretty though, it's probably her parents fault.
00:12:08If they'd have turned up and spanked her when she was a kid,
00:12:09they might have done...
00:12:10Did you tell her all this?
00:12:11No, sir, but I'd have liked to.
00:12:13Ah, listen, Benson.
00:12:14I've already heard the young lady's version of what happened.
00:12:16But you didn't believe her, did you, sir?
00:12:18I have no reason to doubt her.
00:12:20She happens to be my daughter.
00:12:23You've been with the firm long enough, you know that.
00:12:25You know perfectly well I expect my drivers
00:12:27to extend courtesy to other users of the road, don't you?
00:12:29Yes, sir, but...
00:12:30He wasn't exactly rude, sir.
00:12:32No, and I suppose you didn't have a girl in front of you.
00:12:35Oh, yes, sir, but...
00:12:37And I gave her a lift.
00:12:38And that's strictly against our regulations.
00:12:41Yes, sir.
00:12:42I'm sorry, Benson, but I can't allow this among my drivers.
00:12:44I have no alternative but to dismiss you and Higgins.
00:12:48You can't blame Alves. It's entirely my fault.
00:12:50You can both get your pay envelopes from the cashier.
00:12:52But, Mr. Wilson...
00:12:53That is final, Benson.
00:12:54I'm afraid it's no good you coming to me for references.
00:12:57We won't, sir. We'll keep that part dark.
00:12:59Yes, working for Wilson's hardly the thing to brag about.
00:13:02Well, good night, Mr. Wilson.
00:13:04Glad to have met you socially.
00:13:11Oh, Sheriff, Miss Wilson left you this.
00:13:15Nice sense of humour.
00:13:17You are ready, eh?
00:13:18Well, look, you forgot your book this morning.
00:13:20Tomorrow, you don't forget any more, you see?
00:13:22Now, everybody ready for school?
00:13:24Your face is dirty.
00:13:25That's right. Now, go on.
00:13:26Goodbye. Adieu.
00:13:28Goodbye. Va bene. Va bene.
00:13:32Twenty-four coffees, two shillings.
00:13:34One pork pie, three pence.
00:13:36That's two and three pence. That'll make ten lire.
00:13:39Seventeen cup of tea, three apples, that's...
00:13:42Here, let me help you.
00:13:44You can do this?
00:13:46Used to be my job.
00:13:48Oh, that's very interesting.
00:13:52Hello.
00:13:53Hello, Alf.
00:13:54Hello, Lou.
00:13:56Wish that was Wilson's daughter.
00:13:58Would you like a nice cup of coffee yet?
00:14:00No, I'll have a nice cup of Prussic.
00:14:02Donny, Nick and Alf are here.
00:14:06Hello. Feeling better this morning?
00:14:08Fine, thanks. All ready for my long ride.
00:14:10Oh, right. You'll have a nice long walk.
00:14:12You very early this morning, Nick?
00:14:14Yeah, well, we've been working pretty hard
00:14:16and boss gave us a holiday.
00:14:18Yes, a nice long one.
00:14:19Long one? I don't understand.
00:14:21We've got the sack, the last card.
00:14:23Oh, they must be crazy.
00:14:25But what do they do it for?
00:14:27Well, the bird we crashed last night
00:14:29was the governor's daughter.
00:14:30Bird eagles, eh?
00:14:32And she got you sacked?
00:14:33Not exactly, but she gave them helping hands.
00:14:35Then what are you going to do now?
00:14:37We'll get another job.
00:14:39After all, I'm a pretty smart driver.
00:14:41Yes, we'll be all right. We hope.
00:14:44If only we had our own lorry.
00:14:46Make money hand over fist.
00:14:48Be the smartest team on the road.
00:14:50If you had your own truck,
00:14:52how much a week can you earn?
00:14:54Oh, about 30 quid.
00:14:56Yes, and if I owned the Bank of England,
00:14:58I'd only work the accident.
00:15:00A lorry, it cost how much?
00:15:03Too much.
00:15:04A hundred pound down?
00:15:05Three pound a week.
00:15:06I got a hundred pound.
00:15:08I put the money up.
00:15:10Boy, it's too much of a gamble, Tony.
00:15:12Tony like a gamble.
00:15:13Yeah, but lots of other snags.
00:15:15Insurance and tax.
00:15:17You telling me what to do with my own money?
00:15:19You serious, Tony?
00:15:21Sure, it's a deal.
00:15:22No, I can't.
00:15:24I'm telling you it's a deal.
00:15:26You and me, Dick, we are partners.
00:15:28Well, there's a place over the road
00:15:29going for next to nothing.
00:15:30We can garage it there.
00:15:31Sure, and Alfie can be our relieved driver.
00:15:34Relieved, Tony?
00:15:35Relieved, relieved.
00:15:36What's the difference?
00:15:37It's all the same thing.
00:15:38We in the transport business now.
00:15:40Tony, we're going to need a secretary, aren't we?
00:15:42Sure, sure.
00:15:43Well, I know the very girl.
00:15:45But I don't know if she gets on too well with lorries.
00:15:48Do you, Jean?
00:15:49Yes.
00:15:50There you are.
00:15:51You see, now you got yourself a real job.
00:15:53You secretary to Spinelli and Benson.
00:15:56Right.
00:15:57Spinelli and Benson, the smartest team on the road.
00:15:59Always on time.
00:16:01Always on time.
00:16:02Hear, hear.
00:16:11Hello, Dick.
00:16:12I got the good news for you.
00:16:14Another customer?
00:16:15No, but soon we're going to have plenty of customers.
00:16:18We going to advertise.
00:16:20Advertising's expensive, Tony.
00:16:22No, we going to put it in the Marsden Gazette.
00:16:24It's no good, Tony.
00:16:25Yes, it is when the people who want the lorries,
00:16:27they see that and they come to us.
00:16:28Yes, but we can't waste any more money.
00:16:30No, but we going to put it in the Marsden Gazette.
00:16:32It's no good, Tony.
00:16:33Yes, it is when the people who want the lorries,
00:16:35they see that and they come to us.
00:16:37Yes, but we can't waste any more money.
00:16:39I think Dick's right, Tony.
00:16:40There's only one thing to do, Tony,
00:16:42and that's to sell out the lorries and cut your losses.
00:16:45Look here, I think you're crazy.
00:16:47Poor Dick.
00:16:48You get so easy down hearted.
00:16:50We never get any business like that.
00:16:52When the customers come,
00:16:53we got to put on a bluff and look smart.
00:16:55Yes, but the customers don't come.
00:16:57Put it down, Al.
00:16:58How many times I tell you,
00:16:59it's the last cigar.
00:17:00It's for the customers.
00:17:01But it'll go moldy.
00:17:02It's a pity to waste it.
00:17:03Tony, there's only one thing to do.
00:17:05And, Tony, don't worry.
00:17:07There's only one thing to do.
00:17:08And, Tony, don't do it.
00:17:10Tony, never give in.
00:17:14There you are.
00:17:15What do I tell you?
00:17:16The customer.
00:17:17Now, you sit down there and take a letter.
00:17:19You take something and you go over there.
00:17:22You have, you got to show me.
00:17:24No, wait a minute.
00:17:25Wait a minute.
00:17:28Now, show me.
00:17:37Mr. Miggs to see you, sir.
00:17:38Oh, dear sirs.
00:17:40We very much regret,
00:17:42but we're so occupied.
00:17:44We're so busy.
00:17:45Our lot is so full up
00:17:47that we cannot accept
00:17:48your kind offer of the contract.
00:17:51Excuse me, Mr. Miggs.
00:17:53Please sit down.
00:17:55I'd like you to meet our staff.
00:17:57My co-director, Mr. Benson.
00:18:00Mr. Higgins.
00:18:02My managing foreman.
00:18:05My secretary.
00:18:07I see you're very busy, Mr. Spinelli.
00:18:10I won't keep you for a moment.
00:18:12That's all right.
00:18:13We're never too busy to talk business, is it?
00:18:15Well, certainly we're not.
00:18:16Oh, please, sir.
00:18:17Have a cigar, Mr. Miggs.
00:18:20Now, all I want from you, Mr. Spinelli,
00:18:22is quite a simple...
00:18:23You couldn't have come to a better firm, sir.
00:18:25Spinelli and Benson are the best.
00:18:26Oh, of course.
00:18:27Our trucks, they are of the finest.
00:18:29Yes, you possibly saw the one outside.
00:18:31That's one of our fleet.
00:18:33Yes, a very fine machine, I'm sure.
00:18:35But even a machine won't last forever.
00:18:37You know, there must come a time...
00:18:39That's right.
00:18:40That's always on time.
00:18:41That's our motto.
00:18:42Oh, excuse me, please.
00:18:46Hello.
00:18:47Yes, Spinelli speaking.
00:18:50I want to know when I can expect a settlement of my rent.
00:18:53It's already two weeks overdue now.
00:18:55Oh, you got there, did you?
00:18:57Oh, that's very good.
00:18:59And I hope you got there on time.
00:19:01What are you talking about?
00:19:02Yes, that's fine.
00:19:04Well, my man, I'll see you get a rise next week.
00:19:07I want my rent.
00:19:09Hello, hello, hello.
00:19:11Mr. Benson, our number four lorry has arrived in Manchester.
00:19:16Please make a note of this.
00:19:20We'd like to know where all our lorries are.
00:19:23Now, Mr. Mills, how many lorries you require?
00:19:26Lorries?
00:19:27Oh, but I don't require any lorries.
00:19:30You don't want my lorries?
00:19:32I'm sure they're very good lorries, Mr. Spinelli.
00:19:35But I was wondering whether you have any dependents or relatives dear to you.
00:19:39You're pulling my leg?
00:19:41No, no, Mr. Spinelli.
00:19:42I represent the Planet Insurance Company.
00:19:44And I have a policy here which I am sure would interest you.
00:19:47Do I understand you are trying to sell me insurance policies?
00:19:51Yes, that's the idea.
00:19:52Now, let me explain.
00:19:53I don't want you to explain.
00:19:55You can get out.
00:19:56I think you're running preposterous.
00:19:58I'm sorry, Mr. Spinelli, but I don't want a businessman like yourself.
00:20:01Basta! Basta!
00:20:02No, that's liable.
00:20:04This way.
00:20:07Mr. Spinelli's a very funny man, you know.
00:20:09The Italian blood.
00:20:10He killed a man once.
00:20:12Yes, the vendetta, you know.
00:20:14Well, the three cartridge on him.
00:20:15Excuse me.
00:20:17Good day.
00:20:23I'm trying to be calm.
00:20:26I'm trying to be cool and collected.
00:20:30But this mix makes me mad.
00:20:33My blood's beginning to boil.
00:20:35Oh, never mind about him, Tony.
00:20:37Come in.
00:20:39May I come in?
00:20:42I hope you'll excuse this intrusion.
00:20:45What do you want?
00:20:47Well, I...
00:20:48What are you trying to sell me?
00:20:51I don't want to sell you anything.
00:20:53Then are you trying to do business with me?
00:20:55No, no, I...
00:20:56What are you here for?
00:20:58Well, really, I...
00:21:00If you'll get out of it, please!
00:21:02But if you...
00:21:04I...
00:21:05Don't allow it! Get out of here!
00:21:07Yes, yes, yes, of course.
00:21:08Get out of here!
00:21:09If you'll allow it, I'll explain one moment.
00:21:11What's going on here?
00:21:12Ah!
00:21:13Mr. Benson.
00:21:15Here.
00:21:16You don't remember me.
00:21:18Gander.
00:21:19George Gander, my name is.
00:21:20You very kindly helped me one night on the road, just outside Edie.
00:21:24How do you do, Mr. Gander?
00:21:25Yes, you remember, don't you?
00:21:27Well, now, I spoke to Wilson,
00:21:29and he told me that you were starting a business of your own.
00:21:32Now, I travel in cement,
00:21:34and I need quite a lot of transport.
00:21:36I was wondering if you'd care to handle my work for me.
00:21:39Oh, Mr. Gander, would we like to handle your transport?
00:21:43Tell me, this is a friend of mine, Mr. Gander.
00:21:46Pleased to meet you.
00:21:47A friend of Dick is a friend of mine.
00:21:50So sorry, excuse me, little mistake.
00:21:54With the compliments of the firm, Mr. Goosey.
00:22:25Hello.
00:22:28Hello.
00:22:29Yes, put him through.
00:22:32Hello.
00:22:33Yes, of course we deliver.
00:22:35Always on time.
00:22:36Yes.
00:22:37Three lorries.
00:22:38Okay.
00:22:49Contract for deliveries.
00:22:51Okay.
00:22:52Contract for deliveries.
00:22:53Okay.
00:22:57Contract for deliveries.
00:22:59Okay.
00:23:04Jean!
00:23:05Yes?
00:23:06Come here.
00:23:07It's a new kind of machine.
00:23:09It's no good.
00:23:10It don't understand English.
00:23:12I only have it here for Dick.
00:23:14They say all the good offices have it,
00:23:16so we got to have it.
00:23:19Why don't you work here like you used to?
00:23:22It does look more important, Tony, if I'm out today.
00:23:25No.
00:23:26This room is empty without you.
00:23:28Absolutely empty.
00:23:31Hello, fair lady.
00:23:33Oh, thanks.
00:23:34What's the trouble, Tony?
00:23:35It's a, this a new kind of contraption.
00:23:38You'll soon get used to it.
00:23:40After all, we're a growing business.
00:23:42Therefore, in view of this and other considerations,
00:23:45we regret we cannot renew our contract with your firm.
00:23:48Second this month.
00:23:49Yes, Mr. Wilson.
00:23:50No good sitting there saying yes, Mr. Wilson.
00:23:52Something's got to be done about it.
00:23:53I know, sir.
00:23:54What I want to know is why Spinelli and Benson
00:23:56are supposed to be a more reliable firm than ours.
00:23:58Oh, they're not more reliable.
00:24:00Maybe they're not, but they're getting our business
00:24:02and it's got to stop.
00:24:04There's not room for two trucking companies in Marston.
00:24:06Well, couldn't we buy them out?
00:24:08Probably.
00:24:09But I mean, with their businesses doing so well,
00:24:11they can want a fancy price and we can't afford it.
00:24:13Well, how about undercutting their prices?
00:24:15There again, it would cost money.
00:24:17Why the devil should we let this little wop Spinelli
00:24:19and his truck-driving pal get the better of us?
00:24:22I agree with you, sir.
00:24:23Something's got to be done, Arch, and you've got to do it.
00:24:26And you can't waste any time.
00:24:27It isn't going to be easy.
00:24:29You remember when Miltons decided it would be cheaper
00:24:32to do their own haulage?
00:24:34Yeah.
00:24:35We persuaded them to change their mind.
00:24:39I suggest similar tactics.
00:24:42Are you giving me a free hand?
00:24:44Yes.
00:24:46You can do exactly as you please,
00:24:48provided you don't implicate the firm in any way.
00:24:51All right, Mr. Wilson.
00:24:53Leave it to me.
00:24:55The man to see you, Mr. Archer.
00:24:56What's it about?
00:24:57He wants a job.
00:24:58So do a lot of other people.
00:24:59We're not taking on any drivers just now.
00:25:01I've plenty of experience with lorries.
00:25:03There isn't a single vacancy.
00:25:04You'd better leave your name with my secretary
00:25:06if anything turns up.
00:25:07Thank you, Mr. Archer.
00:25:09Where did you work before?
00:25:10Spinelli and Benson.
00:25:11Oh.
00:25:12Why'd you leave them?
00:25:13They're supposed to be a pretty good firm.
00:25:15They may be.
00:25:16I couldn't get along with them.
00:25:17Why not?
00:25:18I'm not going to be told how to do my job
00:25:19with people just starting in the business.
00:25:21All right.
00:25:22Call around in the morning.
00:25:23We ought to be able to do something for you.
00:25:25Have a seat.
00:25:26Thank you very much, Mr. Archer.
00:25:27It's very good of you.
00:25:28That's all right.
00:25:29Report tomorrow.
00:25:31How'd you like to get fired?
00:25:33Instead of going and getting your money from us?
00:25:36It all depends.
00:25:38Spinelli and Benson have got rid of a driver.
00:25:40There might be another job for you there.
00:25:42OK.
00:25:43I get it.
00:25:48I don't want to drive anymore.
00:25:51Plenty for me to do going out and getting business.
00:25:54But Dick, you're our best driver.
00:25:56Yes, and of course the business comes to us.
00:25:59Yes, I know, Tony, but it's not really necessary for me to drive.
00:26:03Don't know how glad I'll be to get off that driving seat.
00:26:06All right, Dick.
00:26:07Dick, you work very hard and you want the rest.
00:26:11Tony and Dick, we never disagree.
00:26:14No.
00:26:15Thank you, Tony.
00:26:17Come in.
00:26:20There's a chap here named Carson.
00:26:22I might do for Onslow's job.
00:26:23Will you see him, Governor?
00:26:24All right.
00:26:25Show him in.
00:26:26I'll be going, Tony.
00:26:28Don't you better see this man as well, Dick?
00:26:31Not essential, but will if you want me to.
00:26:35Good day, Mrs. Spinelli.
00:26:36Good day, Mr. Benson.
00:26:37So you want to drive for us?
00:26:39That's it.
00:26:40You have experience?
00:26:41I've been five years at Wilson's.
00:26:42Dick, Mr. Benson knows me.
00:26:44He's all right, Tony.
00:26:45What for did you leave Wilson's?
00:26:47Mr. Benson knows you work hard for five years and what do you get?
00:26:50He's right.
00:26:51All right.
00:26:52We pay union wages.
00:26:53Okay.
00:26:54I'll help you take him outside and show him around.
00:26:56Good.
00:26:57Thanks, Mrs. Spinelli.
00:27:00Well, I'll be getting along, Tony.
00:27:01Where are you going?
00:27:02Well, if you must know, I'm going to buy myself a new suit.
00:27:06You're a lady killer.
00:27:09I've got an idea.
00:27:11You take Jean with you and buy her lunch, eh?
00:27:13Like to come, Jean?
00:27:14I could use a good businesswoman.
00:27:16Sure, is that right, Tony?
00:27:17No, you go with him.
00:27:18He's all right with you.
00:27:19Then he won't waste his money.
00:27:22What we save on the suit, we'll spend on the lunch.
00:27:24Go on, you two.
00:27:25Go on.
00:27:28What about this one, sir?
00:27:29A really beautiful pattern.
00:27:31Very fashionable just now.
00:27:32And on some body of your figure and coloring.
00:27:34How much is it?
00:27:35Nine guineas.
00:27:36It's nice, isn't it, Jean?
00:27:38Yes, but this one looks just as good to me.
00:27:40How much is that one?
00:27:42That's a six guineas.
00:27:43Not nearly such a good material, of course.
00:27:45I think this will suit you better, Dick.
00:27:47All right, we'll take that one.
00:27:49I'll just take your measurement, sir.
00:27:51Well, it's General Benson, isn't it?
00:27:53How are you these days?
00:27:55Hello, Mr. Wilson.
00:27:56That fellow of yours is getting on very well, I'm told.
00:27:58Well, I'm always glad to see young fellows get on.
00:28:00Thanks very much, sir.
00:28:01Why?
00:28:03Oh, well, healthy competition is always good for trade, eh?
00:28:06Oh, there you are, father.
00:28:08Haven't you finished yet?
00:28:09Yes, my dear, but I've just talked to young Benson.
00:28:11You remember my daughter, Ruth, don't you, Benson?
00:28:14Oh, only too well, Mr. Wilson.
00:28:17Miss Morley, Miss Wilson, Mr. Wilson.
00:28:20We shall hope to see something of you.
00:28:22What about asking him around for lunch one day, Ruth?
00:28:24Why, yes.
00:28:25Yes.
00:28:26If you'll come.
00:28:27No, no.
00:28:28There you are, father.
00:28:29I knew he wouldn't.
00:28:30I'm afraid Mr. Benson doesn't like me very much.
00:28:32Well, that's not fair, Miss Wilson.
00:28:34All right, then prove it by coming to lunch.
00:28:36All right.
00:28:37What about Wednesday?
00:28:38Just me.
00:28:39I'll send the car for you.
00:28:40Goodbye, Mr...
00:28:41Goodbye, Mr. Benson.
00:28:42Till Wednesday.
00:28:43Goodbye, Benson.
00:28:48Why do you like that?
00:28:49Wilson and his ritzy daughter asked me to lunch.
00:28:51Not going, are you, Dick?
00:28:53Why not?
00:28:54It's very nice of them.
00:28:55Besides, Wilson's an important man to know.
00:28:58But she's the girl who got you the sack.
00:29:00Yeah, I didn't realize that at the time,
00:29:02but that was the best thing she could have done for me.
00:29:05Wilson's tailor, too.
00:29:07Told you they were good people.
00:29:10Here, just a moment.
00:29:13Which was the material Mr. Wilson chose?
00:29:15Oh, this one, sir.
00:29:16How much is it?
00:29:17Nine guineas.
00:29:18Well, will you show me something worth ten?
00:29:29It's a long run, but I can do it easily if the weather holds.
00:29:44Weather forecast's all right.
00:29:46May be fog later.
00:29:59So long, Rogers.
00:30:01Good luck, mate.
00:30:07We didn't hear from Rogers since he left the plow marsh.
00:30:11He should have phoned us by now.
00:30:13Maybe he's behind schedule and didn't want to stop.
00:30:15I hope you're right, miss, but it's the first time it's happened.
00:30:18Anyway, I'll let you know as soon as he phones through, governor.
00:30:20You know, it's a difficult journey.
00:30:22I'm worried for Rogers.
00:30:23He's a good man.
00:30:24I know, but Dick is still our best driver.
00:30:28Look, check from the lumber company.
00:30:30Good.
00:30:33Dick's late this morning.
00:30:35Another one of those parties at the Wilson's, I suppose.
00:30:38Yes, he said something about it last night.
00:30:40Well, I don't like this boy mixing with these flasher people.
00:30:43It's not his kind at all.
00:30:45Oh, don't you worry, Tony.
00:30:47Dick's all right.
00:30:48He must have some fun sometimes.
00:30:50You don't fool me.
00:30:52You don't like it yourself.
00:30:55I don't like him leaving all the work to you, Tony.
00:30:57Otherwise, it's no business of mine.
00:31:00Hello, everybody.
00:31:01Good morning, Dick.
00:31:07That's a good, eh?
00:31:09Party, eh?
00:31:11Yes, and what a party.
00:31:13Those Wilson's certainly know how to have a good time.
00:31:16Oh, a letter from the lorry people.
00:31:17They want to quote us on an eight-tonner.
00:31:19No, I don't want to buy another lorry.
00:31:21Oh, why not, Tony?
00:31:22Four's not much of a fleet.
00:31:23I don't buy another lorry until I can use it all the time.
00:31:27Tony, why not?
00:31:28If only you'd listen.
00:31:29I know you think I'm too conservatory.
00:31:31Well, as you don't understand, I'll explain it to you.
00:31:34There you see it all.
00:31:36Look, give it a once-over.
00:31:38You see, we've been running level now for five weeks.
00:31:42It's a pretty picture.
00:31:44But I still think another lorry would help us.
00:31:46What for?
00:31:47You want another lorry to put on the street for advertisement?
00:31:49Now, don't argue, you two.
00:31:51Let's forget the lorry for today.
00:31:52We've plenty of other business to settle.
00:31:54Look, do you want to accept this?
00:31:56I've just had a phone call from Rogers.
00:31:58He's had a bad smash.
00:31:59Is he hurt?
00:32:00Rogers is all right.
00:32:01But the lorry's...
00:32:02What's happened to the lorry?
00:32:03Radiator smashed.
00:32:04Is the engine all right?
00:32:05As far as he can tell.
00:32:07How did this happen?
00:32:08The steering went.
00:32:09But it's our newest lorry.
00:32:10I know that, miss.
00:32:11And if you ask me, there's something very fishy about it.
00:32:14Rogers is careful enough.
00:32:16And I know the engine was all right yesterday.
00:32:17I checked it myself.
00:32:18You think somebody do this?
00:32:21I can't say, but I think we ought to make sure.
00:32:23Oh, don't talk a lot of rot.
00:32:24It's probably faulty construction.
00:32:26The lorry people will have to pay.
00:32:28I suppose it isn't, Dick.
00:32:29Someone ought to take a look at it.
00:32:31I've asked Rogers to see it isn't touched.
00:32:33That's quite right.
00:32:34You go, Dick.
00:32:35You'd be able to tell at once.
00:32:36You think I'm going on a wild goose chase across country like that?
00:32:39Not me.
00:32:40But this smash cost a lot of money.
00:32:42I'm sorry, Tony.
00:32:43I've got a date.
00:32:44Oh.
00:32:45So your date is more important than the business, eh?
00:32:48Maybe.
00:32:51All right, Alf.
00:32:52You go.
00:32:53Right, I'll go.
00:32:54And you telephone me as soon as you get there.
00:32:58What a load of rot.
00:33:00Nobody's likely to tamper with our lorries.
00:33:02That's not the point, Dick.
00:33:03Tony's right.
00:33:04We ought to make sure.
00:33:05Oh, so you're going to start telling me about business too, huh?
00:33:08Yes, I am.
00:33:09And you're going to listen to me, Dick.
00:33:10All right, shoot.
00:33:11Driving a lorry's not good enough for you these days.
00:33:13You can't even be bothered to attend to the business you know so much about.
00:33:16Tony can do all the work while you gather round with that Wilson crowd.
00:33:20Oh, so my friends aren't good enough for you, huh?
00:33:22Your friends have nothing to do with it.
00:33:24You told me once that nothing was going to stop you getting on.
00:33:26Well, what are you doing now?
00:33:28Just because you've got some money in your pocket and some girl who's got nothing better to do dates you?
00:33:32That's exactly what you would say.
00:33:33There's only one thing that matters to you, and that's business.
00:33:35Maybe it isn't.
00:33:36If you weren't such a swollen-headed idiot, you'd realize what a damn fool you're making of yourself.
00:33:44Stop it.
00:33:49Here, you!
00:33:50Yes, you!
00:33:53You called me, lady?
00:33:54That was the idea.
00:33:55I was looking for Mr. Benson.
00:33:57Oh, Mr. Benson very busy.
00:33:59Got a lot of work.
00:34:00Will you fetch him?
00:34:01I tell you, lady, Mr. Benson got a lot of work to do.
00:34:05He's very busy.
00:34:06Well, I don't know who you are, Mr. Benson.
00:34:08I tell you, lady, Mr. Benson got a lot of work to do.
00:34:11He's very busy.
00:34:12Well, I don't know who you are, but if you know what's good for you, you'll tell him I'm here.
00:34:16He's expecting me.
00:34:17The name is Wilson.
00:34:18Miss Ruth Wilson.
00:34:20Is that so?
00:34:21Well, I don't care if you're Venus de Milo.
00:34:24He's still very busy and has got a lot of work to do.
00:34:29Oh, hello.
00:34:30Did you see that little man that I was talking to?
00:34:32Yes, Miss Wilson.
00:34:33Who is he?
00:34:34Oh, that's Mr. Spinelli, Mr. Benson's senior partner.
00:34:37Spinelli.
00:34:38They're people one does find in the lorry business, doesn't one?
00:34:41Yes.
00:34:42I suppose you noticed that at Wilson's.
00:34:44And what do you do here?
00:34:46I'm the secretary of the company.
00:34:48Oh, really?
00:34:49A businesswoman?
00:34:50I suppose you would call me that.
00:34:52Still, it is rather nice to have something useful to do with one's time, isn't it?
00:34:56Hello, lady.
00:34:57Hello, Dick.
00:34:59I'll see you after lunch, Mary.
00:35:08So, that's Miss Wilson, eh?
00:35:10What do you think of her, Tony?
00:35:12She's a...
00:35:14I only know the word in Italian.
00:35:19Come on, we've got a business to do.
00:35:21We've got to write to the insurance company for the lorry.
00:35:25And we've got to write to the Italian brick company.
00:35:28We're going to take their contract.
00:35:30And we're going to write to Mr. Kendall.
00:35:33Mr. Kendall!
00:35:34We're going to write him a letter.
00:35:35Not only a letter, you know.
00:35:37Personal stuff we're going to say.
00:35:39Dear George, we...
00:35:41I hate him, Tony. He's such a...
00:35:44There, there.
00:35:46I know.
00:35:47You love him.
00:35:49I know.
00:35:50But there's nothing we can do about it.
00:35:54I know.
00:35:55I'll take you to lunch, eh?
00:35:57We have nice Italian lunch and a bottle of Barbera.
00:36:00What do you say?
00:36:04I certainly must hand it to you, Marshal.
00:36:06It seems to have worked so far.
00:36:08For once they didn't deliver on time.
00:36:10They'll probably lose the brick contract.
00:36:12I must drop a hint to Reed of the Marston Gazette.
00:36:15Get it on the front page.
00:36:17Unfortunate accident of Marston Lorry, hm?
00:36:19That's the idea.
00:36:21Now, what's this?
00:36:22Cash? Ten pounds?
00:36:23That's Carson.
00:36:25It's worth it.
00:36:26I still think we ought to buy them out.
00:36:28Some of their contracts are worth having.
00:36:30Candace, for instance.
00:36:31I'll give them a few more weeks.
00:36:33All right. I'll keep Carson on the job.
00:36:35By the way, the young Benson's coming to lunch.
00:36:38You'd better stay.
00:36:39Oh, thanks.
00:36:40He's running around with Miss Wilson, isn't he?
00:36:43He probably hopes to marry into the family.
00:36:46Well, let him go on hoping.
00:36:48It may be useful when we want to make a deal.
00:36:51There they are now.
00:36:53Steer clear of business.
00:36:54I get it.
00:36:57Why, hello, Benson.
00:36:59Glad to meet you, uh, socially.
00:37:02Oh, I'm sorry about that, sir.
00:37:04That's all right. I'm glad you turned up.
00:37:07Have a glass of sherry.
00:37:08Sherry? Oh, nonsense, father.
00:37:10We want a drink with a kick in it.
00:37:12Come along, Dick, and I'll mix you something that's good for what ails you.
00:37:17Hope it is good.
00:37:18Ah, you wait.
00:37:19It's known as Wilson's Whistlewetter.
00:37:21And supplied to all best lorry drivers.
00:37:24Listen, I was a good lorry driver anyway.
00:37:26All right, don't be annoyed.
00:37:28That's what makes you different from the others.
00:37:30That's what all the girls say.
00:37:32Have a cigarette?
00:37:38Thanks, I will.
00:37:46Here, try this.
00:37:52Ooh.
00:37:53Why is there dancing coming along?
00:37:55You should know.
00:37:56Never danced with anybody else but you.
00:37:57Not even your secretary at the office?
00:37:59Not even with her.
00:38:00Anyway, she's not my secretary, she's Spinelli's.
00:38:02Oh, that's your story.
00:38:04No, it's true.
00:38:05Anyway, I'm not very popular there just at present.
00:38:08Don't get on with their old-fashioned ideas.
00:38:10Oh, the big trucking man, huh?
00:38:12That's enough of that.
00:38:17New radio, huh?
00:38:18Hmm, switch it on.
00:38:28Your dancing's improved, too, but...
00:38:31But what?
00:38:32Well, you didn't hold me as though you were afraid of me.
00:38:35Is that better?
00:38:36Hmm.
00:38:37You like dancing with me, don't you, David?
00:38:39Yes.
00:38:40Good.
00:38:41Because I like dancing with you, too.
00:38:43You mean that?
00:38:44Yes, I mean that.
00:38:52Ahem.
00:38:53The judge shall be served, Miss Ruth.
00:38:59But this is the second accident in three weeks, Mr. Spinelli.
00:39:02You're telling me.
00:39:03It's a cost to me plenty.
00:39:05And it costs us plenty, too.
00:39:07In fact, my firm have decided not to insure your lorries without increasing your premiums.
00:39:11But our premiums are already high.
00:39:13Those are our terms.
00:39:14We're not satisfied that your drivers are exercising reasonable care.
00:39:18My drivers?
00:39:19They're all good drivers.
00:39:20Maybe, but other firms don't have these measures.
00:39:22How much increase do you want?
00:39:24Twenty-five percent.
00:39:25Otherwise you insure my lorries?
00:39:27No, I'm afraid that's final.
00:39:29Oh, you're making me bankrupt.
00:39:31You're ruining my business.
00:39:33I'm sorry, but those are my instructions.
00:39:35Good day, Miss Morley.
00:39:36Good day, Mr. Spinelli.
00:39:40Oh, this is terrible.
00:39:42The business's all gone to pieces.
00:39:44One day, everything was fine.
00:39:47And now...
00:39:48Yes, everything was fine.
00:39:50Spinelli and Benson were getting good contracts.
00:39:52And that's what caused the trouble.
00:39:55You know, I think perhaps you're right.
00:39:57Maybe this accident is not accident.
00:40:00Hello, everybody.
00:40:02Hello, Dick.
00:40:03I've got news for you, Tony.
00:40:05I hope it's good news.
00:40:06Mr. Wilson wants to see us both in his office tomorrow.
00:40:09Oh, if Wilson wants to see us, why don't he come here?
00:40:12Well, he's a very busy man, Tony.
00:40:14Besides, I think he wants to make us a proposition.
00:40:16Well, I don't want him to propose to me.
00:40:18I'm not a go.
00:40:19Oh, but Tony...
00:40:20No, I want to see Wilson.
00:40:22You know, I think it's a causality, it's a trouble what we got.
00:40:25Tony, you don't even know the man.
00:40:27He's a very charming fellow.
00:40:28Tony's got enough to worry about, Dick, without...
00:40:30I suppose you've been putting all these crazy ideas into his head.
00:40:33No, it's nothing to do with the deal.
00:40:35I tell you, Dick, I want to see Wilson.
00:40:37I want to go.
00:40:38Oh, Tony.
00:40:39I don't go.
00:40:42Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
00:40:48So it's taken them three days to make up their mind.
00:40:52And they've turned up at last.
00:40:54An unfortunate accident on Monday.
00:40:56Probably had something to do with it.
00:40:59Surely, Mr. Benson and Mr. Spinelli.
00:41:05Hello, my boy.
00:41:06Hello.
00:41:07How do you do, Mr. Spinelli?
00:41:09Hello, Mr. Spinelli.
00:41:10I'm looking forward to meeting you.
00:41:11Thanks.
00:41:12Cigar?
00:41:13No, thank you.
00:41:14Ah, you don't smoke.
00:41:15Now, you've probably guessed that I'm very interested in the growth of your little company.
00:41:19You and I, Mr. Spinelli, are the only members of the trucking business in Marston.
00:41:24That's quite right.
00:41:25And our business has reached that point where we must expand.
00:41:29A marvellous year, Mr. Spinelli.
00:41:31Our total tonnage has increased by leaps and bounds.
00:41:34Then you're a very lucky man, Mr. Wilson.
00:41:36Co-directors have suggested...
00:41:38Mind you, I must be frank and admit that I'm not at all for the idea myself.
00:41:42But instead of buying new lorries and building ourselves a new garage,
00:41:46we should make you an offer for your plant and goodwill.
00:41:49That's very interesting.
00:41:52How much do you offer?
00:41:54A thousand pounds.
00:41:56Tell me, Mr. Wilson,
00:41:58if my business is only worth a one thousand pounds,
00:42:02what for do you want to buy?
00:42:06You're a shrewd businessman, Mr. Spinelli.
00:42:09I won't attempt to bargain with you.
00:42:11What sort of figure do you want?
00:42:13I don't want a figure.
00:42:15I don't sell.
00:42:17But Tony, we're being offered a fair price.
00:42:19Don't you think your attitude is rather unreasonable, Mr. Spinelli?
00:42:22Unreasonable?
00:42:23What for unreasonable?
00:42:24My business is also very good.
00:42:26I had a very good year.
00:42:28Maybe so for the moment.
00:42:30This is a boom period.
00:42:32But the reaction may come at any moment now.
00:42:34Everything points to it.
00:42:35Excuse me, Mr. Wilson.
00:42:37I ask you one question.
00:42:39If you are expecting a slump,
00:42:42what for do you want to expand?
00:42:45Oh, we have certain contracts.
00:42:47Old customers.
00:42:49Excuse me, gentlemen,
00:42:50but when I come here, I say to Dick,
00:42:52I don't think I sell.
00:42:55Now I am certain.
00:42:57What do you think, Dick?
00:42:59I think it's a fair price, but the decision doesn't lie with me.
00:43:02I suggest that you think it over, Mr. Spinelli.
00:43:04I don't sleep on it, Mr. Wilson,
00:43:07because I don't sell my business at any price.
00:43:10One moment, Mr. Spinelli.
00:43:12You force me to be frank with you.
00:43:14We want your business and we're going to get it.
00:43:16Yes.
00:43:17You forget we're a larger company with greater resources.
00:43:20From now on, we're going to undercut your prices.
00:43:23We shall both lose money, and it will take time.
00:43:26But there can be no doubt as to the final result.
00:43:29That we're going to see.
00:43:31Are you still decided, Mr. Spinelli?
00:43:33Yes, Mr. Wilson.
00:43:36And now, I speak frank with you.
00:43:40Maybe Tony Spinelli is not a big businessman.
00:43:45He's only a little, small, ignorant Italian.
00:43:50But there's one thing Tony Spinelli understands,
00:43:54and that is a fight.
00:44:04Well, it don't look so good now, does it?
00:44:08Well, one lorry in the repair shop for a week didn't help.
00:44:11No, Jean, we don't kid ourselves.
00:44:13We lose contracts all the time,
00:44:15and those we keep, we got to take less money.
00:44:18Look, since the Wilsons are giving us a beating, Tony,
00:44:20how long can we stay the course?
00:44:22Maybe three weeks, four weeks, and no more.
00:44:25We'll always have Gander's contract, and some of the others.
00:44:28Yes, but they don't go to four lorries.
00:44:30Cheer up, Tony, we're not beaten yet.
00:44:32No, perhaps you're right, we don't give up hope, eh?
00:44:35We got just one more big chance.
00:44:37You mean the Elton Engineering Company?
00:44:39Yes.
00:44:40I don't think they've even approached Wilsons.
00:44:42If we get that contract, then we don't worry no more.
00:44:45Better keep six lorries going.
00:44:47We simply must get it, Tony.
00:44:49Tony keep his fingers crossed, like Dick.
00:44:54Hello? Alf?
00:44:56Right, fine.
00:44:58Right, fine.
00:45:00Alf's arrived at Ploughmarsh.
00:45:02Va bene.
00:45:13All you have to do is to swing the tail across.
00:45:17Here he comes. Get on his side a bit.
00:45:25Now.
00:45:33Good. You feel better now yet?
00:45:36I could not do with a drink.
00:45:41Now you hurt your leg. You are not able to run away from Lucia.
00:45:45My legs are all right. It's my arm what's copped it.
00:45:48I don't suppose I shall ever be able to squeeze a waist again.
00:45:54Hello, Alf.
00:45:56I've come to see how you feel.
00:45:58Oh, sitting up and taking nourishment.
00:46:00Blimey, Dick, you look like a nice pretty rabbit.
00:46:02I'm going to a party.
00:46:04If I can find my way there, I'd like pea soup.
00:46:06Hey, Dick, you're going to put on your big overcoat.
00:46:09Otherwise you'll catch a cold.
00:46:11I'm all right, Tony.
00:46:14Still working, eh?
00:46:16Yes, we've got a lot to do.
00:46:18You know, the trouble with you is you work too hard.
00:46:21It's here, Tony. It's here.
00:46:23What's the matter? Want a football pool?
00:46:25It's an engineering company. We quoted them for a working contract.
00:46:28What did they say?
00:46:29I haven't opened it yet. I didn't dare without you.
00:46:31Well, give it the whip.
00:46:32You keep calm.
00:46:34Here we are.
00:46:38Elton Engineering Company.
00:46:40Director, Sir Archibald Fraser. Chairman, the right honourable...
00:46:42Oh, don't read all that, Alf. Read the letter.
00:46:44All right, girl. Give us a chance.
00:46:46We thank you for your favour of November the 1st.
00:46:48As you are probably aware,
00:46:50we have received estimates from several other firms,
00:46:53and after due deliberation,
00:46:55we have decided to place our business with Arthur Wilson & Co.
00:47:02So that's that.
00:47:04Nasty smack in the eye.
00:47:06Oh, Dick, that was really our last hope.
00:47:09I don't see what you're worrying about, Jean.
00:47:11But what are we going to do?
00:47:13Do what we should have done a long time ago.
00:47:15What do you mean?
00:47:16Sell out to Wilson.
00:47:17Oh!
00:47:19Tony, you've asked for this and you've got it.
00:47:21Your advice.
00:47:22Your advice, eh? And sell to a bunch of crooks.
00:47:24Tony, why must you be so obstinate and pig-headed?
00:47:26I was pig-headed. And what are you?
00:47:28You're so bloomin' swollen-headed that your hat don't fit you no more.
00:47:31Please stop, you two.
00:47:32Dick Tony's only trying.
00:47:33I suppose he can say what he likes to me.
00:47:34I suppose it's my fault this has happened.
00:47:36Yes, it is.
00:47:37If you make a work instead of making whoopee,
00:47:39the impression we get is some place.
00:47:41But you, oh, no.
00:47:42The fancy clothes.
00:47:43The lorry business is...
00:47:44You're right, it's not. I'm sick to death of it.
00:47:46And the lorry business is sick to death of you, too.
00:47:48If you... Why don't you get out?
00:47:49That's exactly what I'm going to do.
00:47:50And I won't be...
00:47:52All right, that suits me fine.
00:47:54And I hope you don't.
00:47:55And Tony Spinelli don't change his mind.
00:48:00Would you like a sandwich?
00:48:06He's only a kid, Governor.
00:48:08You don't want to take any notice of what he says.
00:48:11He lost his temper. He didn't mean it.
00:48:14Kid or no kid, I won't turn him back.
00:48:19I won't let him talk to me like this.
00:48:24Spinelli and Benson, we...
00:48:28We built it up.
00:48:31We worked hard.
00:48:33An explosion occurred late this evening at the Cranthorpe Colliery.
00:48:37It is believed that several men are trapped in the galleries.
00:48:40Rescue parties are already attempting to reach the men,
00:48:44but grave anxiety is felt at the pit head.
00:48:47It will be 18 hours before we reach them.
00:48:49But we'll be able to move faster when the gas clears away?
00:48:52Even so, it'll be midday tomorrow.
00:48:54Aye, and by that time, the poor devils will drown.
00:48:56Is there no way of repairing those pumps?
00:48:58None at all. The explosion completely wrecked them.
00:49:00And the water's rising.
00:49:11My old woman won't give it to me.
00:49:13She told me not to get my feet wet this morning.
00:49:15It did look like rain, then the fog came on.
00:49:18The paper said there'd be fog on Friday.
00:49:20First time they've been right for months.
00:49:22It would happen on a payday.
00:49:24Our only hope is to get in new machinery.
00:49:27If it arrived by early morning, we might be able to hold back the water.
00:49:31But this fog, we can never get it through.
00:49:33Well, we've got to try.
00:49:35Hello, get me a Marsden 400.
00:49:46Sir, we have to walk.
00:49:48Yes, it's funny.
00:49:50Hello.
00:49:53Hello, my boy. Glad to see you.
00:49:56Very glad to see you.
00:49:58Just because we happen to be rivals in business,
00:50:00no reason to change our personal feelings, eh?
00:50:02Certainly not, sir.
00:50:04We didn't think you'd get here, Dick. The fog's so terrible, isn't it?
00:50:06I wouldn't let that spoil my fun.
00:50:08There you are, Claude. Didn't I say he was Johnny?
00:50:10Yes, yes.
00:50:11Dick, I want you to meet Claude Dunstan.
00:50:13Very old friend of mine, just there from the Riviera.
00:50:15Yes, the weather's frightful there, too.
00:50:17Do you know the Riviera, Benson?
00:50:19No, I can't say I do. I've never been there.
00:50:21Oh, really?
00:50:22Excuse me, Mr. Wilson. You're wandering on the phone.
00:50:24It's important.
00:50:26Oh, very well.
00:50:28Excuse me. I'll see you all later.
00:50:31Talking of fog, I remember a terrible fog when I was in New York.
00:50:34Do you know New York, Benson?
00:50:36No.
00:50:37Oh, really?
00:50:38Well, you must excuse Claude and me now.
00:50:40I promised to introduce him to Maxwell.
00:50:42Oh, you don't mind, Benson. Business, you know.
00:50:49Who is it?
00:50:50It's the Elton engineering people. I think you'd better talk to them yourselves.
00:50:53What's the matter?
00:50:54They want us to deliver special pumping machinery to Cranthorpe.
00:50:57Oh, why not?
00:50:58It's got to go tonight.
00:50:59Oh, we're crazy.
00:51:00Apparently it's urgent. There's been a colliery explosion.
00:51:03Yes, but a foggy night like this, they can't expect us to...
00:51:05That's what I told them, but they wouldn't listen. Wanted to talk to you personally.
00:51:08Oh.
00:51:09Hello?
00:51:10Yes.
00:51:11Wilson speaking.
00:51:12Yes, Archer told me.
00:51:14My dear chap, you haven't a hope.
00:51:17It may be a matter of life and death, but I tell you, it's an impossibility.
00:51:21No.
00:51:23What do you expect me to do? Drive it myself?
00:51:26I tell you, if we can't do it, nobody else can.
00:51:29Do as you like. Good night.
00:51:36Hello, Elton.
00:51:38I know, Elton, but if Wilson's refused to deliver the stuff,
00:51:41you must get it here some other way.
00:51:43I know the fog's terrible, but I tell you, these men's lives depend on it.
00:51:48Surely there are other trucking firms in Marston.
00:51:51One of them might tackle the job.
00:51:53Who?
00:51:54All right, try them and ring me back.
00:52:03And I have you for not taking me.
00:52:08Hello?
00:52:09Yes.
00:52:10Mr. Spinelli?
00:52:11Yes.
00:52:12It's for you, Tony.
00:52:14Hello.
00:52:15Hello.
00:52:16Who?
00:52:17Elton Engineering Company?
00:52:20Yes, this is Tony Spinelli.
00:52:23Of course they can't do it, not in this fog.
00:52:26Ah.
00:52:28Well, if you want me to, maybe I'll try.
00:52:33What?
00:52:35What?
00:52:37All right, I guarantee.
00:52:40Listen to my friend.
00:52:41If Tony Spinelli guarantee, then that's a guarantee.
00:52:44Of course I can get through.
00:52:46Yes, I load up the machinery and you ring the order right away.
00:52:51Okay.
00:52:52What is it, Tony?
00:52:53Colliery disaster.
00:52:55They want Elton's machinery quick.
00:52:57Wilson won't deliver it in the fog.
00:53:00This is where we get the contract.
00:53:02But you're in the same boat as Wilson's, Gardner.
00:53:04You'll never get a driver to go out on a night like this.
00:53:07But how can you possibly get there, Tony?
00:53:10Elton can't drive with his arms.
00:53:12I got to get that contract.
00:53:14I drive by myself.
00:53:15But you're such a terrible driver, Gardner.
00:53:17Look who's talking.
00:53:18If Tony Spinelli say he do it, he do it.
00:53:21Come on, we go to the garage.
00:53:25Where's Ruth, anyway?
00:53:26I expect she's in the bar, sir.
00:53:32You needn't hold me as if you're afraid of me, Claude.
00:53:35You like dancing with me, don't you, Claude?
00:53:38Oh.
00:53:39May I butt in?
00:53:43What do you want?
00:53:44I want to talk to you, Ruth.
00:53:45Oh.
00:53:46Oh, yes, if you'll excuse me.
00:53:48I've forgotten rather important telephone call.
00:53:51What's the idea of sending poor Claude away like that?
00:53:54What's the idea of walking out on me like that?
00:53:56Who is this girl?
00:53:57I don't know her.
00:53:58I don't know her.
00:53:59What's the idea of walking out on me like that?
00:54:01Who is this fellow, Claude, anyway?
00:54:03He's Dunstan, son.
00:54:04The soap miller.
00:54:05So that's the attraction.
00:54:07Well, what if it is?
00:54:08I suppose you try this dancing act on all your friends.
00:54:10What I do is my own business.
00:54:12Of course, if you're going to be jealous.
00:54:14I'm not going to be jealous.
00:54:15I think I have a right to be.
00:54:16All the trouble with you, Dick,
00:54:17is that you think far too much of yourself and everything else.
00:54:20That's got nothing to do with it,
00:54:21but I'm not going to stand for you.
00:54:22Well, you won't stand for it.
00:54:23That is good.
00:54:24Now, listen to me, Dick.
00:54:26We've had fun running around together.
00:54:28But when you start behaving like this,
00:54:30it isn't amusing any longer.
00:54:32I don't do things that don't amuse me.
00:54:35In other words, I can clear out while you amuse yourself
00:54:38with this Claude fellow.
00:54:39Really, Dick, you're being surprisingly intelligent.
00:54:42No, I'm being lucky.
00:54:44Matter of fact, as I stood outside that door just now,
00:54:47I realized that you were the sort of girl I admired.
00:54:50But behind that pretty face of yours,
00:54:53there's a blank wall.
00:54:55I came to say goodbye.
00:54:58I say, I hope I'm not butting in.
00:55:00Oh, come along in, Claude, and mix me a drink.
00:55:03Mr. Benson is just going.
00:55:05Pity.
00:55:06Won't you stop for a short one?
00:55:08No, thanks.
00:55:09I'll make you a plantus punch.
00:55:11I remember when I was in Jamaica.
00:55:12Ever been to Jamaica, Benson?
00:55:14No, I haven't.
00:55:15You have a drink.
00:55:16You're going to need one.
00:55:17I say, look here.
00:55:18If you've been rude to Ruth...
00:55:19Now, careful, or I might mix you a plantus punch.
00:55:21Oh, yes?
00:55:22Yes!
00:55:27May I?
00:55:29After all, I did buy them.
00:55:45What are you doing here to this time of night?
00:55:48Saw a light and I came in.
00:55:50Tony's driving to Cranthorpe with some machinery.
00:55:52He'll never do it.
00:55:53He's crazy.
00:55:54It's impossible.
00:55:55It's the Elton contract.
00:55:56If he does it, it's ours.
00:55:58It's even then impossible.
00:56:00That's the way I go.
00:56:01Through Ploughmarsh, right down Priesty and the route.
00:56:04Then take the left fork.
00:56:05Better if you take the right fork.
00:56:06There's a white curve.
00:56:07After Gemley, take the main road.
00:56:10Tony, you're crazy.
00:56:11You'll never get through in this fog.
00:56:12Why don't you let me come with you?
00:56:13Will you really go, Dick?
00:56:14Of course.
00:56:15Two of you might get through.
00:56:17You've been driving ships.
00:56:19I drive alone.
00:56:21Tony, if Dick goes with you...
00:56:22I am going with you.
00:56:23No, Dick, you're not.
00:56:25You're too much gentleman to drive with Tony Spinelli.
00:56:28Besides, you left the business
00:56:31and you've got no more interest in this firm.
00:56:34I know, Tony.
00:56:35I'm sorry.
00:56:36Tony Spinelli never changes his mind.
00:56:39I drive alone.
00:56:40Tony, you're as bad as he is.
00:56:41You're both...
00:56:42Ploughmarsh.
00:56:43Write it down, please.
00:56:44Ploughmarsh, Gemley, Draysborough, Market, Walton.
00:56:47Hello?
00:56:48Mr. Archer?
00:56:49They've got that lorry out.
00:56:50He's going to Cranthorpe.
00:56:51Right.
00:56:52Hold on.
00:56:53That double-crossing whoops Spinelli
00:56:55is jumping our Elton contract.
00:56:56I have no hope in this fog.
00:56:58I can't afford to take a chance.
00:57:00Carson must fix it, whatever happens.
00:57:02Right.
00:57:03Carson, you've got to fix it.
00:57:04I have been working on it.
00:57:05They mustn't make it, understand?
00:57:07Well, I did my best, Mr. Archer.
00:57:08I may have fixed it, but I can't be sure.
00:57:11Please be reasonable, Tony.
00:57:12Tony, I know the road.
00:57:13Let me drive.
00:57:14I drive alone.
00:57:24Darling, I'm sorry for everything.
00:57:27One for the road.
00:57:28Keep your fingers crossed.
00:57:49Can't get rid of me as easy as that, Tony.
00:57:51Take over when you're tired.
00:57:55The gas is clearing, and we're doing well.
00:57:57What about the water?
00:57:58That's the trouble.
00:57:59I think it's going to beat us.
00:58:04Hello?
00:58:05Yes?
00:58:08Yes.
00:58:11Fine.
00:58:12Try and tap through to them and tell them
00:58:13they must hold on.
00:58:14The machine is on its way.
00:58:15Elton's found a firm that'll bring it.
00:58:22Special apparatus on way.
00:58:27Digging through.
00:58:31Hold out.
00:58:34They're repeating it.
00:58:37Special apparatus...
00:58:42on way.
00:58:44Hello?
00:58:45Yes?
00:58:47Hello?
00:58:48Yes?
00:58:50Oh, they have.
00:58:51Good.
00:58:52They're loading up the machinery now.
00:58:54Fine.
00:58:57All ready.
00:58:58You've got to get through.
00:58:59The lives depend on it.
00:59:00Don't you read what it says on their lorries?
00:59:02Always on time.
00:59:03Best of luck.
00:59:05Good luck, boys.
00:59:13Won't be so easy now we've left the main road.
00:59:16Here, look out.
00:59:17What's the matter?
00:59:20There's something wrong with the steering.
00:59:22Have a look at it.
00:59:41This will take some time, Tony.
00:59:43Yes, but suppose something happened to them
00:59:45and they couldn't get to a phone.
00:59:47Don't be silly.
00:59:48If anything did happen,
00:59:49it isn't likely they're both to be hurt.
00:59:51Well, that's very cheering off.
00:59:53Now, now.
00:59:57Well, let's fix that.
01:00:01Come on, I'll take over for a bit.
01:00:04Come on, I'll take over for a bit.
01:00:21Buck saved us that time.
01:00:23What do you mean?
01:00:24If we'd have been going fast,
01:00:26it would have been the end of Spinelli and...
01:00:28And Benson.
01:00:30Right, Dick?
01:00:31Sure.
01:00:33Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh, heh.
01:00:37Hey, that's what happened to Rogers, do you remember?
01:00:41Yes, I do.
01:00:43Chances of it being an accident twice are 100 to 1 against.
01:00:47That's what I think.
01:00:49Any of our drivers on the road?
01:00:51Yes, Matthews.
01:00:52He's at Gemley.
01:00:53He's staying there for the night.
01:00:54He phoned through at 7 o'clock.
01:00:56About 15 miles from here.
01:00:57Yes, he's at the Three Bells.
01:00:58Then there's Onslow.
01:01:00He's another 30 miles on at Ledwick.
01:01:02Right, we'd better get in touch with them both.
01:01:13Hello, Matthews?
01:01:14Yes.
01:01:15There's a Spinelli and Benson lorry coming through.
01:01:17It's got to be stopped somehow.
01:01:19All right, Mr. Archer.
01:01:20I'll do what I can.
01:01:22Yes, I'll block the road with my lorry.
01:01:23That should fix them.
01:01:56Take it easy, Dick.
01:01:57We've got to get there.
01:01:59Don't go any slower, Tonio.
01:02:00We'll never get there on time.
01:02:02We've got to get there on time.
01:02:04I don't care about the contract.
01:02:07I don't care about the lorry.
01:02:09Those poor devils in the mine.
01:02:12We've got to get them out.
01:02:19You'd better slow down, Dick.
01:02:21We're coming to a curve.
01:02:30Look out!
01:02:39Who's that?
01:02:40It's Spinelli and Benson.
01:02:41I tried to stop you.
01:02:42Didn't you see my torch?
01:02:43What are you doing with this thing stuck right
01:02:44across the middle of the road?
01:02:45Broke down.
01:02:46Can't make it go.
01:02:47Oh.
01:02:48One of Wilson's trucks, eh?
01:02:49Yes.
01:02:50It's all right, Tony.
01:02:51I know a road farther back.
01:02:52You can't do that.
01:02:53You've got to help me.
01:02:54No, we've got no time.
01:02:55We've got to get out of here.
01:02:57No, we've got no time.
01:02:58We're busy.
01:02:59You can't be too busy to give me a hand.
01:03:01No, we've got no time.
01:03:02We've got to get somewhere.
01:03:03We've very little time.
01:03:04Don't stop.
01:03:11Hey!
01:03:12You!
01:03:13Bring back my lorry!
01:03:17Any news?
01:03:18Not yet.
01:03:19We'd have heard if anything had happened to them.
01:03:22But the women out there, what can I tell them?
01:03:24They're almost at the end of their time.
01:03:25I know.
01:03:26Tell them we're doing all we can.
01:03:28There's quite a crowd with them.
01:03:29The Padre's there.
01:03:30Tell them.
01:03:31Tell them there's every hope.
01:03:37There's not a chance in this fog.
01:03:39It must be morning by now.
01:03:41I expect they're all awake up there.
01:03:43We can't tell what the time is.
01:03:45Probably much earlier.
01:03:47If this water doesn't stop soon.
01:03:49Don't worry.
01:03:50They'll get the pumps working in no time.
01:03:56Quite subtle, sir.
01:03:57Wilson is after us.
01:03:58I'm sorry, Jody.
01:03:59I...
01:04:00I know.
01:04:01You've been a fool.
01:04:02All right.
01:04:03We forget all about it.
01:04:05Now, what?
01:04:06How long it take Matthews to find his lorry?
01:04:09Won't do him a lot of good if he does.
01:04:12Why not?
01:04:13He's got the gun.
01:04:14He's got the gun.
01:04:15He's got the gun.
01:04:16He's got the gun.
01:04:17He's got the gun.
01:04:18He's got the gun.
01:04:19He's got the gun.
01:04:20He's got the gun.
01:04:21He's got the gun.
01:04:22He's got the gun.
01:04:23He's got the gun.
01:04:24He's got the gun.
01:04:25Why not?
01:04:26He's got the key.
01:04:34Hello.
01:04:35Yes, speaking.
01:04:36What?
01:04:37They've gone on, eh?
01:04:38All right.
01:04:39They're sold.
01:04:40They got by Matthews.
01:04:41What?
01:04:42They say they're still on slow.
01:04:56We'll have to walk ahead again.
01:05:12No, not yet.
01:05:13As long as I see the curve, I'm OK.
01:05:21What's that?
01:05:22I don't know.
01:05:23I'm going to have a look.
01:05:24I'm going to have a look.
01:05:36What was it, Tony?
01:05:39Tony!
01:05:43Tony!
01:05:54Tony!
01:06:19Yes?
01:06:20Yes?
01:06:21Miss Armstrong's there again.
01:06:22What?
01:06:23Hasn't come back?
01:06:24I'll take him to the phone the moment he comes in.
01:06:26What the devil could have happened to him?
01:06:28I don't know.
01:06:43Now that we got on slow, I'd say got to finish Wilson.
01:06:47We got to hand him over to the police when we arrive.
01:06:50When we arrive?
01:06:52What the fuck?
01:06:53He's got to clear a little now.
01:06:55Those poor devils in the mine.
01:07:01Not much longer now, mate.
01:07:03No.
01:07:04I'm sorry, Mrs. Lloyd.
01:07:05We're doing all we can.
01:07:07Without the pumps...
01:07:09Oh, my God.
01:07:23They've got him.
01:07:29We got there, didn't we?
01:07:31Always on time.
01:07:33Always on time.
01:07:38Hello?
01:07:39Yes.
01:07:41What's that?
01:07:42They got there?
01:07:44You're fired.
01:07:46And so are you.
01:07:52Hello?
01:07:53You have?
01:07:54Good.
01:07:55Sure we get there.
01:07:58And on time.
01:08:00And we saved a man's life.
01:08:02Sure.
01:08:03They've done it, Alf.
01:08:04They've done it.
01:08:05Oh, how lovely.
01:08:08Blimey, that's torn it.
01:08:10I said you beat that football match.
01:08:12Yeah.
01:08:15Get back.
01:08:16Oh, darling.
01:08:18Jean, will you marry me?
01:08:20Yes.
01:08:24One mile.
01:08:30THE END
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