For Services Rendered by W. Somerset Maugham

Oldtuberadio

For Services Rendered - in this incisive state-of-the nation play, it is 1932 and the progressive Ardsley family seem to be managing their lives very well. But in reality, each of them is fighting for survival. Starring David Calder, Sian Thomas and Louise Brealey.   Do you enjoy the variety on Oldtuberadio? Like, Share and Subscribe to be notified of our new shows #radio #crime #thriller #drama To Support this channel please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldtuberadio https://ko-fi.com/oldtuberadio98 https://www.patreon.com/oldtuberadio https://locals.com/Oldtuberadio

Transcript

00:00:00Lazy Boat

00:00:23How you expect to make a dime that way?

00:00:47Is it tea time, Gertrude?

00:00:49Go down to the tennis court and tell them that tea is ready.

00:00:52Very good, Mum.

00:00:53Where would you like to sit, dear?

00:00:55Anywhere.

00:00:59What have you been doing all the afternoon?

00:01:01Nothing very much. Knitting a bit.

00:01:05Ethel's here.

00:01:08Howard's coming to fetch her on his way home from Stanbury.

00:01:11I suppose he'll be as tight as a drum.

00:01:13Oh, Sidney.

00:01:15What rot it all is.

00:01:17Does Ethel really think we don't know he drinks?

00:01:20She's proud.

00:01:22She doesn't want to admit that she made a mistake.

00:01:24I shall never stop asking myself what on earth she saw in him.

00:01:27Everything was so different then.

00:01:30He looked very nice in uniform.

00:01:32You and Father ought to have put your foot down.

00:01:34They were madly in love with one another.

00:01:37When all that slaughter was going on, it seemed so snobbish to object to a man because he was just a small tenant farmer.

00:01:45Did you think the war was going on forever?

00:01:48No.

00:01:49But it looked as though the world would be a changed place when it stopped.

00:01:53It's funny when you think of it.

00:01:56Everything goes on in the same old way.

00:01:59Except that we're all broke to the wide and a few hundred thousand fellows like me have had our chance of making a good job of life snatched away from us.

00:02:07Cheer up, Mother.

00:02:12No one can say I didn't do my bit.

00:02:15They're just coming.

00:02:17The others are coming as soon as they've finished the set.

00:02:20Hello, Sydney.

00:02:21Hello.

00:02:22How are you today, Sydney?

00:02:24You're looking very well.

00:02:26Oh, I'm all right, thanks.

00:02:28Busy as a bee, as usual, I suppose.

00:02:31You're simply amazing.

00:02:32Let me give you some tea, Gwen.

00:02:35I do admire you.

00:02:36I mean, you must have a great strength of character.

00:02:39A will of iron.

00:02:40I remember when I was ill last spring and they kept me in a darkened room for nearly a week.

00:02:44It was quite intolerable.

00:02:46But I kept on saying to myself, well, it's nothing compared to what poor Sydney has to put up with.

00:02:52And you were quite right.

00:02:53One lump of sugar?

00:02:54Oh, no.

00:02:55I never take sugar.

00:02:56It's Lent all the year round for me.

00:02:59It's a marvel to me how you pass the time.

00:03:02Charming women like you are very sweet to me.

00:03:05And my sisters are good enough to play chess with me.

00:03:08I improve my mind by reading.

00:03:11Oh, yes.

00:03:12Braille.

00:03:13I love reading.

00:03:15I always read at least one novel a day.

00:03:17How's the farm, Ethel?

00:03:18We're making the most of the fine weather.

00:03:20Must be so interesting living on a farm.

00:03:23Making butter and all that sort of thing.

00:03:25One's at it from morning till night.

00:03:27It keeps one from thinking.

00:03:29But of course you have people to do all the rough work for you.

00:03:32What makes you think that?

00:03:34You don't mean to say you do it yourself.

00:03:36How on earth do you keep your hands?

00:03:38I don't.

00:03:40Here are the others.

00:03:42Tea!

00:03:43Tea!

00:03:44Tea!

00:03:45Tea!

00:03:46By George, they made us run about.

00:03:48Hello, Sydney.

00:03:49How were you playing?

00:03:51Lois and me against Eva and Collie.

00:03:53Of course, Wilford's in a different class from us.

00:03:55A forehand drive of yours is devilish.

00:03:57I've had a lot of practice.

00:03:59You know, playing in tournaments on the Riviera and so on.

00:04:02Of course, he was too old for singles.

00:04:05But a few years ago he was one of the best doubles players in Cannes.

00:04:08I don't know that I play any worse than I played a few years ago.

00:04:11Well, you can't expect to get across the court as you used to when you were young.

00:04:14I mean, that's just silly.

00:04:16Gwen always talks as if I was a hundred.

00:04:18What I say is, a woman's as old as she looks and a man's as old as he feels.

00:04:23It has been said before.

00:04:25How would you like your tea?

00:04:27Oh, Mother, I'm sure they want a drink.

00:04:29Clever girl, Lois.

00:04:31What would you like?

00:04:33Well, a glass of beer sounds good to me.

00:04:35What about you, Collie?

00:04:36Ah, that suits me.

00:04:37I'll tell Gatians.

00:04:38Tell your father that if he wants any tea, he'd better come now.

00:04:42Very well.

00:04:43Damn convenient for your husband having his office in the house.

00:04:46He's got a private door so that he can slip away without the client seeing him.

00:04:50Ah, the beer, the beer.

00:04:52Father's just coming.

00:04:55Who wants to see you, Collie?

00:04:56Oh, does he?

00:04:57That doesn't look good, old man.

00:04:59When a solicitor wants to see you, it's generally that he has something disagreeable to say to you.

00:05:03Hurry up and drink your beer, and we'll give them their revenge.

00:05:06It'll be getting dark soon.

00:05:08Oh, are you going to play again, Wilfred?

00:05:10Don't you think it's time we went home?

00:05:12What's the hurry?

00:05:13You take the car, I'll have another set, and I'll walk back.

00:05:16Oh, if you're not coming, I'll wait.

00:05:18Oh, come on.

00:05:19You can trust me out of your sight just this once.

00:05:22I promise to be a good boy.

00:05:24Oh, right.

00:05:25A brisk walk won't do your figure any harm.

00:05:28I'll come as far as the door with you, Mrs Seeders.

00:05:30Where's my stick, Evie?

00:05:31Here it is.

00:05:34I think I'll totter down to the court and see how you all play.

00:05:37I'll come with you, shall I?

00:05:38I think I'd better get some fresh tea for Father.

00:05:40Hurry up, Evie.

00:05:41The light will be going.

00:05:42Quite a minute.

00:05:43What should we do in this house without Evie?

00:05:47What would Evie do without us?

00:05:49You can't sacrifice yourself unless there's someone you can sacrifice yourself for.

00:05:53You're a cynical bloke.

00:05:55And ungrateful.

00:05:56Not at all.

00:05:57It's jam for Evie to have an invalid to look after.

00:06:00If she could make me see by saying a magic word, do you think she'd say it?

00:06:04Not on your life.

00:06:05Come on, give me your arms.

00:06:07They're a copper for a blind man, sir.

00:06:10I'll just go and hunt for that ball.

00:06:14I think I know more or less where it is.

00:06:16Give me a shout when Evie comes.

00:06:18Good-looking girl, that.

00:06:21Nice, too.

00:06:23And she's got her head on her shoulders.

00:06:26Plays a good game of tennis.

00:06:29Funny she shouldn't have been snapped up before now.

00:06:32If I was a young fellow and single, I shouldn't hesitate.

00:06:36She hasn't got much chance here, poor thing.

00:06:38If the devil is there, she can marry in a place like this.

00:06:42I wonder you don't have a cut in yourself.

00:06:44I'm fifteen years older than she is.

00:06:46And I haven't got a bean.

00:06:50I say, old man, I suppose you wouldn't do me a favour.

00:06:53Of course I will, old boy. What is it?

00:06:55Well, to tell you the truth, I'm in a bit of a hole.

00:06:58Business has been rotten lately.

00:07:00I know it has.

00:07:01And I don't know when things are going to improve.

00:07:04I can tell you I'm damn glad I got out when the going was good.

00:07:07I sold out at the top of the market just in time.

00:07:10Lucky.

00:07:11Lucky be damned.

00:07:12Clever, I call it.

00:07:14Look here, old man, I hate asking you,

00:07:16but I'm terribly hard up just now.

00:07:18I should be awfully grateful if you could lend me a bit.

00:07:21Why, my dear boy, of course I will.

00:07:24I'm always glad to oblige a friend.

00:07:27How much do you want?

00:07:28That's awfully kind of you.

00:07:30Could you manage two hundred pounds?

00:07:34Oh, I say.

00:07:36That's real money.

00:07:38I thought you were going to say a tenner.

00:07:41Two hundred pounds is quite another story.

00:07:44It's not very much for you.

00:07:46I'm not made of money, you know.

00:07:48My investments have gone down like everybody else's.

00:07:51Believe me, I haven't got more than others.

00:07:53I haven't got more than I can spend.

00:07:55I'm in a most awful jam.

00:07:57Why don't you go into the bank?

00:07:59I'm overdrawn already.

00:08:00They won't lend me a bob.

00:08:01But haven't you got any security?

00:08:03Not that they'll accept.

00:08:04Then what do you expect me to lend you the money on?

00:08:06I'll give you my word of honour to return it as soon as I can.

00:08:09I can, my dear old boy.

00:08:11You're a damn good chap and a DSO and all that sort of thing.

00:08:15But this is business.

00:08:17You've known me for six months now.

00:08:19You must know I'm honest.

00:08:21I know it's hard for you fellows who've been axed.

00:08:23When I heard you'd been in the Navy, of course I came to you for my petrol and tyres and repairs.

00:08:29I paid all my bills on the nail.

00:08:31I've given you a good service.

00:08:33I know you have.

00:08:35I'm very sorry your garage hasn't proved a good proposition.

00:08:39But I really don't see that I'm called upon to make you a present of 200 pounds.

00:08:44I'm not asking it as a present.

00:08:46I'm awfully sorry old boy, but there's nothing doing.

00:08:51I wonder if Lois has found that ball yet.

00:09:01What's the matter?

00:09:02You're looking terribly depressed.

00:09:03Oh, er, I'm sorry.

00:09:06Tell me what the matter is.

00:09:07It wouldn't interest you.

00:09:09Why do you say that?

00:09:10Don't you know that anything that concerns you interests me?

00:09:13Oh, that's very sweet of you.

00:09:15I should like you to look upon me as a friend.

00:09:18I do.

00:09:19Well, tell me what it is then.

00:09:21Perhaps I can help you.

00:09:22I'm afraid not.

00:09:23I think you've got troubles enough of your own without sharing mine.

00:09:25Oh, you mean looking after Sidney?

00:09:27I don't look upon that as a trouble.

00:09:29I'm glad to do what I can for the poor boy.

00:09:31It's very good of you all the same.

00:09:33Looking after Sidney helped me bear the loss of poor Ted.

00:09:37Was that the man you were engaged to?

00:09:39Yes.

00:09:40I was terribly unhappy when he was killed.

00:09:42I'm afraid I was rather morbid about it.

00:09:45No one can't afford to give in, can one?

00:09:47I mean, life is given to us and it's our duty to make the best we can out of it.

00:09:51Naturally, one gets over everything in the course of time.

00:09:56It's rather strange that you should never have married Collie.

00:10:00I never had anything to marry on.

00:10:02Oh, money isn't everything.

00:10:04A clever woman can manage on very little.

00:10:06I must have a look around and see if I can't find someone to suit you.

00:10:09I'm afraid I'm too old now.

00:10:11Oh, what nonsense.

00:10:12You're just the same age as I am.

00:10:14Between you and me in the gatepost, I don't believe there's a girl who wouldn't jump at the chance if you asked her.

00:10:19I'm not likely to do that.

00:10:21Are you waiting for her to ask you?

00:10:23Well, that's wanting almost too much.

00:10:25I suppose it is really.

00:10:26After all, a nice girl can't do much more than show a man she's not indifferent to him and leave him to draw what conclusions he pleases.

00:10:33I've got an awful headache.

00:10:35I wonder if you'd tell the others that I can't play tennis again today.

00:10:39Perhaps Ethel will make up a four.

00:10:41Oh, my dear.

00:10:42Of course, you mustn't play.

00:10:43That's quite all right.

00:10:45Oh, there you are, Father.

00:10:47We've all had tea.

00:10:48I had someone with me.

00:10:50How are you, Stratton?

00:10:52Run along, Evie.

00:10:53I'll help myself.

00:10:54I want to have a word with our young friend.

00:10:56All right.

00:11:00I've just seen Radley.

00:11:02Yes.

00:11:03I'm afraid I haven't got very good news for you.

00:11:08He won't wait?

00:11:09He can't wait.

00:11:11Then what's to be done?

00:11:13Well, the only sensible thing is to file your petition.

00:11:16That's ridiculous.

00:11:18It's only a matter of £187.

00:11:21I'm sure if I can hang on a little longer, I can manage.

00:11:25When does Radley want to be paid?

00:11:27The first of the month.

00:11:29I've just got to get the money before then, that's all.

00:11:32You've had a hard struggle and you've deserved to succeed.

00:11:35You know, you needn't worry about my fees.

00:11:38We'll forget about them.

00:11:40That's very kind of you.

00:11:42Well, just not a bit of it.

00:11:44Believe me, no one would be sorrier than I if you're beaten.

00:11:48Stratton.

00:11:49You'd rather put your eggs in the one basket, didn't you?

00:11:53Everything.

00:11:54If I go bust, I haven't a shilling.

00:11:57I'll be thankful if I can get a job driving a motor bus.

00:12:00Well, I hope we won't come to that.

00:12:03How are you, Leonard?

00:12:05Oh, Stratton.

00:12:06Just in time for a cup of tea.

00:12:08Stratton.

00:12:09Don't bother about us if you want to go and play tennis.

00:12:12No, I'm not playing anymore.

00:12:15I'll hop it.

00:12:17Goodbye, Mrs. Artsley.

00:12:19Are you going already?

00:12:20I'm afraid I must.

00:12:22Well, goodbye.

00:12:23Come again soon.

00:12:24Goodbye.

00:12:25Will you have some tea?

00:12:30No, thank you.

00:12:31Collie looks rather worried.

00:12:33Is anything the matter?

00:12:35I'm told his garage isn't doing any too well.

00:12:38It's the same old story.

00:12:40All these ex-officers.

00:12:42They go into business without knowing anything about it,

00:12:45and by the time they've learned how many beans make five,

00:12:48they've lost every bob they've got.

00:12:50It's very hard on them.

00:12:51Well, of course it is.

00:12:53But what's to be done about it?

00:12:55The nation can't afford itself the luxury of supporting an army of officers it has no use for.

00:13:00Well, is this just a friendly call, Charlie, or are you hunting a patient?

00:13:06Personally, I am in robust health.

00:13:09Thank you very much.

00:13:10That's what you say.

00:13:11I expect your blood pressure's awful.

00:13:13Get along with you.

00:13:15Haven't ever had a day's illness in my life.

00:13:17Well, don't blame me if you have a stroke.

00:13:19I always have my suspicions about a man who looks as well as you do.

00:13:23As a matter of fact, I wanted to have a little talk with Charlie about Eva.

00:13:27She's been very jumpy lately.

00:13:30Oh, that's only your fancy, my dear.

00:13:32She's getting a little old maidish.

00:13:35The great thing is to give her occupation.

00:13:38Fortunately, Sydney gives her plenty to do.

00:13:41Sydney keeping pretty fit?

00:13:42As fit as can be expected.

00:13:44Poor old Sydney.

00:13:46The only thing we can do is to make things as easy for him as we can.

00:13:50Well, it's been a great blow to me.

00:13:52I was hoping he'd go into the business.

00:13:55He'd have been able to take a lot of the work off my hands now.

00:13:58I've paid for the war all right.

00:14:00He has too, in a way.

00:14:03Well, yes, of course, of course.

00:14:04But he's got used to it.

00:14:06Invalids do, you know.

00:14:08Well, it's lucky I've got my health and strength anyway.

00:14:12I must go back and do a good job of work.

00:14:17Leonard's a wonderful fellow.

00:14:19He always looks at the bright side of things.

00:14:21It's a strength.

00:14:22You've spoiled him.

00:14:23I've loved him.

00:14:25I wonder why.

00:14:26I can't imagine.

00:14:28I suppose because he never sees further than the end of his nose,

00:14:31and I've always had to take care that he didn't trip over the obvious and hurt himself.

00:14:36What did you want to say to me about Evie?

00:14:39I want her to come and see you.

00:14:42She's been losing weight.

00:14:44I'm uneasy about her.

00:14:46I'll have to talk to her.

00:14:48But, you know, I'm more concerned about you.

00:14:50I don't like this pain you've been complaining of.

00:14:53I don't think it's very important.

00:14:56I suppose most women of my age have it now and then.

00:14:59I've been thinking about it.

00:15:00I want you to let me make a proper examination.

00:15:03I'd hate it.

00:15:04I'm not a bad doctor, you know, even though I am your brother.

00:15:07You can't do anything for me.

00:15:09When the pain gets bad, I take an aspirin.

00:15:12If you won't let me examine you, I shall go to Lennon.

00:15:15No!

00:15:16Don't do that.

00:15:17He'll have a fit.

00:15:18Come along, then.

00:15:19Now?

00:15:20Yes, now.

00:15:21I disliked you when you were a little boy and used to make me bold to you,

00:15:28and every year that has passed since then has made me dislike you more.

00:15:33You're a wrinkled old hag, Charlotte.

00:15:35And women ought to be young and pretty.

00:15:37But upon my word, there's something about you that I can't help like you.

00:15:41Hello, Uncle Charlie.

00:15:43Tennis is off.

00:15:45Evie says Collie's got a bad head.

00:15:47He's gone home.

00:15:48I'm taking your mother off to have a look at her.

00:15:51Oh, mother, he will.

00:15:52No, darling, of course not.

00:15:54Uncle Charlie's an old foxpot.

00:15:57Do you want me to take myself off?

00:15:59No.

00:16:00Sit down.

00:16:01Would you like a drink?

00:16:02Not at the moment.

00:16:04Let's have a talk.

00:16:08The days are drawing in.

00:16:10Oh, how I hate the winter.

00:16:12Must be pretty grim down here.

00:16:14The wind.

00:16:15When do you go south?

00:16:17Oh, not for another month.

00:16:19Shall you take a house here again next year?

00:16:21I don't know.

00:16:23Would you like me to?

00:16:25Naturally.

00:16:26It's awful when there's no one at the manor.

00:16:29Do you know, you're a very pretty girl.

00:16:32It doesn't do me much good.

00:16:34I wonder you don't go on the stage.

00:16:36I can't go on the stage just like that.

00:16:38With your looks, you could always get a job in the chorus.

00:16:41Can you see father's face if I suggested it?

00:16:44You haven't got much chance of marrying in a place like this.

00:16:47Oh, I don't know.

00:16:49Someone might turn up.

00:16:50I believe you'd be a success on the stage.

00:16:53One has to have training.

00:16:55At least a year.

00:16:56I'd have to live in London.

00:16:58It costs money.

00:16:59I'll pay.

00:17:00You?

00:17:01Well, what do you mean?

00:17:03Why not?

00:17:04I mean, it's absurd at this time of day to be conventional.

00:17:08What do you think Gwen would say?

00:17:10She needn't know.

00:17:11Anyhow, it's too late.

00:17:13I'm twenty-six.

00:17:15One has to start at eighteen.

00:17:17It's extraordinary how the years slip by.

00:17:20I didn't realise I was growing up till I was twenty.

00:17:23I vaguely thought of becoming a typist or a hospital nurse.

00:17:27But I never got beyond thinking of it.

00:17:30I suppose I thought I'd marry.

00:17:32What will you do if you don't?

00:17:34Become an old maid?

00:17:36Be the solace of my parents' declining years?

00:17:39I don't think much of that.

00:17:41I'm not complaining, you know.

00:17:43Life's so monotonous here.

00:17:45Time slips by without your noticing it.

00:17:49What made you suggest that just now?

00:17:51Paying for my training?

00:17:53Oh, I don't know.

00:17:55I was sorry for you.

00:17:56You don't give me the impression of a philanthropist.

00:18:00Well, if you must know, I'm crazy about you.

00:18:05And you thought I'd show my gratitude in the usual way?

00:18:08I never thought about it.

00:18:10Oh, come off it!

00:18:12You're not angry with me.

00:18:14It's not my fault I'm just dotty about you.

00:18:16After all, you are old enough to be my father.

00:18:18I know.

00:18:19You needn't rub it in.

00:18:21I think it's just as well that you're going away in a month.

00:18:25I'd do anything in the world for you, Lois.

00:18:29You're a monstrous old man.

00:18:31If I were a properly brought up young woman,

00:18:33I should ring for a flunky and have you shown the door.

00:18:37God, how I love you.

00:18:39It's a relief to be able to say it and all of it.

00:18:42I can't make out how you never guessed.

00:18:45It never occurred to me.

00:18:47Does Gwen know?

00:18:48Oh no, she never sees anything.

00:18:49She hasn't got the brains of a louse.

00:18:51You're not going to make a nuisance of yourself, are you?

00:18:54No.

00:18:55I'm going to leave you to think about it.

00:18:57That's not necessary.

00:18:59There's nothing doing.

00:19:00I can tell you that at once.

00:19:03Take care, there's someone coming.

00:19:05Well, here I am.

00:19:07Hello, Howard.

00:19:08Oh, I've caught you, have I?

00:19:13What are you doing with my sister-in-law, Cedar?

00:19:16Eh?

00:19:17You be careful of that man, Lois.

00:19:19He's up to no good.

00:19:20Oh, shut up, Howard.

00:19:22I know him.

00:19:23He's just the kind of fella to lead a poor girl astray.

00:19:26Howard, you've had a couple.

00:19:28I know I have.

00:19:29And I'm feeling all the better for it.

00:19:32What I mean to say is, leave the girl alone, Cedar.

00:19:38A poor motherless child, an innocent maiden, I appeal to your better nature.

00:19:43Do you know what the matter with you is, Bartlett?

00:19:45I do not.

00:19:46You're tight.

00:19:47Me?

00:19:48I'm sober as a judge.

00:19:50How many drinks do you think I've had today?

00:19:51More than you can count.

00:19:53On the fingers of one hand, maybe.

00:19:55But not on the fingers of two.

00:19:57It wants more than that to make me tight.

00:20:00You're getting older.

00:20:01You can't carry your liquor like you used to.

00:20:03Do you know, when I was an officer,

00:20:05I could drink a bottle of whiskey at a sitting and not turn a hair.

00:20:09Here's the doctor.

00:20:11We'll ask him.

00:20:13Oh, Howard.

00:20:14I didn't know you were here.

00:20:16As large as life?

00:20:17Been into Stanborough.

00:20:18Market day today.

00:20:20Do you know what this chap says?

00:20:22He says I'm tight.

00:20:25Uncle Charlie and Dr Prentiss, as one man to another, tell me, am I tight?

00:20:31Don't mind hurting my feelings.

00:20:33I'll bear it, whatever you say, like an officer and a gentleman.

00:20:37Shunt!

00:20:38I've seen men a lot tighter.

00:20:40You examine me.

00:20:41I want to get to the bottom of this.

00:20:43Tell me to say British Constitution.

00:20:45Say British Constitution.

00:20:47I've already said it.

00:20:48You can't catch me that way.

00:20:50Howard!

00:20:51Howard!

00:20:52Had a good day?

00:20:53Ethel!

00:20:54Hello, Howard.

00:20:55Hello.

00:20:56How was business?

00:20:58Rotten.

00:20:59Everybody's broke.

00:21:00Farming.

00:21:01What a game.

00:21:02What I ask you is, why the government don't do something?

00:21:07Well, they've promised to.

00:21:08Why are they going to keep their promises?

00:21:10You know they're not, I know they're not, and they know they're not.

00:21:14The only thing is to grin and bear it, as we've grinned and borne it all these years.

00:21:18Are we the backbone of the country or not?

00:21:22I've never heard a member of parliament who didn't say so.

00:21:25I know what I'm talking about.

00:21:26Of course you do.

00:21:27Then why does he contradict me?

00:21:28I wasn't contradicting you.

00:21:30I was agreeing with you.

00:21:32Were you, old boy?

00:21:35Well, that's damn nice of you.

00:21:38You're a sport.

00:21:39I've always liked you, Sydney.

00:21:41Hello.

00:21:42Oh!

00:21:43Gwen!

00:21:44I'm like a bad penny.

00:21:46I was just passing your door and the maid told me Wilfred was still here, so I thought

00:21:51I'd step in for him.

00:21:53Of course.

00:21:54What's the idea, Gwen?

00:21:55I didn't think you'd want to walk all that way.

00:21:58You said you were going home.

00:22:00I remembered.

00:22:01I had some things to do.

00:22:02Good God, surely I don't have to explain why I want to walk.

00:22:05It seems so silly when the car is there.

00:22:08You're making a fool of yourself, Gwen.

00:22:11How rude you are, Wilfred.

00:22:13It's maddening that you can never trust me out of your sight for ten minutes.

00:22:17You're so fascinating.

00:22:19I'm always afraid some bald, bad woman will be running after you.

00:22:24Come on, then.

00:22:25Let's go.

00:22:27Towersome creatures, men, aren't they, Mrs. Ardsley?

00:22:30Goodbye, Mrs. Ardsley.

00:22:32Thank you very much.

00:22:33It's been a lovely afternoon.

00:22:35So kind of you to ask us.

00:22:37I hope you'll come again very soon.

00:22:40Bye.

00:22:43What's the trouble?

00:22:45What a fool of a woman.

00:22:47I bet he gives her hell in the car.

00:22:50Listen to Howard.

00:22:55He's tired out, poor dear.

00:22:58One of the cows has something the matter with her and he was up at five this morning.

00:23:02Let him sleep for a little, Ethel.

00:23:04Sydney, haven't you better come in?

00:23:06It's beginning to get quite chilly.

00:23:08All right.

00:23:09How's the new rouger been lately?

00:23:15Bearable?

00:23:16You know.

00:23:17Poor Howard.

00:23:19Poor Howard.

00:23:20He works so hard.

00:23:21I'm glad to see him get a few minutes rest.

00:23:22Well, you work hard too and you get no rest.

00:23:23Would you marry him over again if you could put the clock back?

00:23:24Why, of course.

00:23:25Howard's been a wonderful husband.

00:23:26Evie.

00:23:27Sydney would like a game of chess.

00:23:28All right, mother.

00:23:29I'll come.

00:23:30Don't you hate chess?

00:23:37I loathe it.

00:23:38Poor Evie.

00:23:39Well, it's one of the few games Sydney can play.

00:23:40I'm glad to do anything I can to make life a little easier for him.

00:23:42That horrible war.

00:23:44The chances are it'll go on like this till we're all...

00:23:47All right, well, we're all...

00:23:49Oh, what is it?

00:23:50T-shirt me?

00:23:51Well, it's one of the few games Sydney can play.

00:23:53Well, it's one of the few games Sydney can play.

00:23:55I'm glad to do anything I can to make life a little easier for him.

00:23:56That horrible war.

00:23:59this till we're all weary old women. I'll go. At all events, you've got your

00:24:08children, Ethel. Oh, I've got nothing to complain of.

00:24:29A Reuben, a Reuben, I've been thinking, said his wifey dear. Now that things are peaceful and calm, the boys will soon be back on the farm. Mr. Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin. He pulled his chair up close to mother and he asked her with a grin,

00:24:55How, how, how, how you gonna keep them down on the farm after they've seen Paris? How you gonna keep them away from Broadway? Just the rocks, paint the town. How you gonna keep them away from farms? That's a mystery.

00:25:14They'll never wanna see a rake or plow. And who the heck can probably boo a car? How you gonna keep them down on the farm after they've seen Paris? How you gonna keep them down on the farm after they've seen Paris?

00:25:33How you gonna keep them down on the farm? How you gonna keep them away from farm? That's a mystery. And that's a proven when he meets his car. He'll kiss his cheek and holler, ooh la la. How you gonna keep them down on the farm after they've seen, after they've seen Paris?

00:26:01How you gonna keep them down on the farm after they've seen Paris?

00:26:09Uncle Charlie's car's just driven up. Do attend to the game, Evie. It's your move. He's been here rather often lately. Well, you know what he is. He will farce.

00:26:19You're not ill, Mother, are you? No, only old. I doubt whether even Uncle Charlie can do very much about that. That's what I tell him.

00:26:27Dr. Prentiss. How are you all? Don't let me disturb your game. Queen's knight to Queen's bishop third. Chilly today.

00:26:40Have you arranged something? Yes. Three o'clock tomorrow afternoon. That'll suit very well. Where's Lurs? Playing golf with Wilfred. She said she'd bring him back with her. And Collie's coming in so that we can have a rubber or two of bridge.

00:26:53Oh, that'll be nice for you, Sidney. King's knight to Queen's third.

00:26:58That's an idiotic move, Evie. There's no reason why I shouldn't make it if I want to.

00:27:02You must protect your bishop. Play your own game and let me play mine. Evie.

00:27:05You won't look ahead. Good God! Don't I spend my life looking ahead. And a damn cheerful prospect it is.

00:27:12My dear. What on earth's the matter with you? Oh, nothing. I'm sorry. I'll protect my bishop. Queen's bishop pawn to Bishop's fourth.

00:27:23I'm afraid that's not a very good move. It'll do. There's not the least use playing chess unless you're prepared to give it some attention.

00:27:27Oh, can't you stop nagging? It's enough to drive one insane. I didn't mean to nag. I won't say another word.

00:27:35I'm sick of it!

00:27:37Oh, dear, come on! Yuggie! Evie, what's the matter with you? You mustn't lose your temper because you're losing a game. That's childish.

00:27:46As if I cared whether I lost or won. I hate the filthy game. I think it's very boring myself.

00:27:51Sidney has so few amusements. Why should I be sacrificed all the time?

00:27:55My dear, we thought you liked it. I'm sick of being a drudge! I am very sorry. He's blind. But it's not my fault. I am not responsible for the war. He ought to go into a home.

00:28:05Oh, how cruel. How callous. He took his chance like the rest of them. He's very lucky not to have been killed.

00:28:10That, of course, is a matter of opinion. It's monstrous that he should try to prevent anyone else from having a good time.

00:28:15I thought it was a privilege to be able to do what we could to make life easier for him when he gave so much for us.

00:28:21I've given enough!

00:28:27What's the matter with her?

00:28:29She wants a man, that's all.

00:28:31Oh, Sidney, don't. That's horrible.

00:28:33But it's not unnatural.

00:28:35You mustn't take any notice of what she said to you.

00:28:38I knew it already.

00:28:40Fifteen years is a long time.

00:28:41If you could bear it, there's no reason why others shouldn't.

00:28:44It was easier for me, you know.

00:28:46Being blind is an occupation in itself.

00:28:49But, of course, it's hard on the others.

00:28:52At first it gives them a sort of exaltation to look after you.

00:28:55And then they take you on as a matter of course.

00:28:57But in the end, human nature being what it is, you've become just a damn bore.

00:29:00You'll never be a bore to me, Sidney.

00:29:05I know.

00:29:07You've got that queer, incomprehensible thing that's called mother instinct.

00:29:13I suppose I ought to go to Evie.

00:29:18I'd leave her alone for a little longer.

00:29:21Mrs Cedar asked me to give you this, ma'am.

00:29:25Oh.

00:29:27Is she in the drawing room?

00:29:30No, ma'am. She's waiting in her car.

00:29:32I'll ask her to come in.

00:29:34Very good, ma'am.

00:29:36How very strange.

00:29:38What is it?

00:29:40It's from Gwen. She asks if she can see me alone for a few minutes.

00:29:43I'll get up, then.

00:29:44I'll go, too.

00:29:45I wonder what she wants.

00:29:47Probably an address or something.

00:29:48Well, she could have telephoned.

00:29:49Am I right in thinking she's a very silly woman?

00:29:52Quite right.

00:29:59Mrs Cedar.

00:30:02How do you do?

00:30:04I hope you don't think it very strange my sending in a note like that.

00:30:07I simply had to see you.

00:30:09Do sit down.

00:30:10We shan't be disturbed.

00:30:13I think I'd better come straight to the point.

00:30:16It's always a good plan.

00:30:17You know that I'm Wilfred's second wife?

00:30:20No, I didn't.

00:30:21He's my second husband.

00:30:24We fell very much in love with one another, and there were divorce proceedings.

00:30:28We've been married for 12 years.

00:30:30It's also long ago.

00:30:31I didn't see any reason to say anything about it when we came down here.

00:30:35It was nobody's business but your own.

00:30:37We've been awfully happy together.

00:30:38It's been a great success.

00:30:40I imagine he's a very easy man to get on with.

00:30:43Of course, he's always been very attractive to women.

00:30:46That's a thing I'm no touch about.

00:30:48He's got a way with him that takes them.

00:30:50And he pays them all kinds of little attentions that flatter them.

00:30:53But of course it doesn't mean anything.

00:30:55It seldom does.

00:30:57It's the kind of thing that's quite likely to turn a girl's head.

00:30:59It would be silly to take him seriously.

00:31:02After all, he's a married man, and I would never divorce him, whatever he did.

00:31:07Never.

00:31:08My dear, you said you were coming straight to the point.

00:31:11Aren't you beating about the bush a good deal?

00:31:14Don't you know what I mean?

00:31:16I haven't an idea.

00:31:18I'm very relieved to hear it.

00:31:19Won't you explain?

00:31:21He won't be angry with me.

00:31:23I shouldn't think so.

00:31:25He's been paying a lot of attention to your Lois.

00:31:27Oh, my dear, don't be so ridiculous.

00:31:32They're together all the time.

00:31:34Nonsense.

00:31:36They play tennis and golf together.

00:31:38They're playing golf now.

00:31:40There are very few men for your husband to play with during the week.

00:31:43It's been nice for them both.

00:31:45You don't mean to say you're jealous of that.

00:31:48I know he's madly in love with her.

00:31:50Oh, my dear, that's only fancy.

00:31:52How do you know that she isn't in love with him?

00:31:55He's old enough to be her father.

00:31:56What does that matter?

00:31:57A lot, I should say.

00:31:59I don't want to hurt your feelings, but you know,

00:32:02a girl of Lois's age looks upon you and me, your husband and mine, as older than God.

00:32:08It isn't as if there were a lot of men here.

00:32:11A girl can't pick and choose in a place like this.

00:32:14Now, I'm afraid I think you're not being very polite.

00:32:18I'm sorry.

00:32:20I don't mean to be rude.

00:32:22I'm so utterly miserable.

00:32:25You poor dear.

00:32:27I'm sure you're mistaken.

00:32:29And in any case, you're going away soon and that'll end it.

00:32:32Then you do think there is something to end?

00:32:34No, no, no, no.

00:32:35End your fear, I mean.

00:32:37I dare say men of that age are often rather taken by bright young things.

00:32:42I think a sensible wife just shrugs her shoulders and laughs.

00:32:46Her safety is that the bright young things look upon her husband as an old fogey.

00:32:50Oh, I hope you're right.

00:32:54If only you knew the agony I've been through since I found out.

00:32:59I'm sure I'm right.

00:33:01And if there is any truth in what you think, I'm convinced that a fortnight after you've left here, he'll have forgotten about her.

00:33:08Hello.

00:33:10Are you here, Gwen?

00:33:11Yes.

00:33:12Your mother wanted to see me about the sale of work.

00:33:14I'm just going.

00:33:15Wilfred's here.

00:33:16Is he?

00:33:17Give him my love and tell him not to be late for dinner.

00:33:21You're going to play bridge, aren't you?

00:33:23Yes.

00:33:24Collie and Howard are coming.

00:33:25They'll have a man's four.

00:33:27Wilfred says your brother plays just as well as if he could see.

00:33:30Yes, it's rather marvellous.

00:33:32Of course we have special cards.

00:33:34Oh.

00:33:36Pretty chain, that is, you're wearing.

00:33:38I've never seen it before.

00:33:41I bought it the other day when I went to Stanbury.

00:33:44How extravagant of you.

00:33:45I didn't know anyone could afford to buy pearls now.

00:33:48It's only cost a pound.

00:33:50Aren't they real?

00:33:51Of course not. How could they be?

00:33:53I think I know something about pearls.

00:33:55I would have sworn they were real.

00:33:57They do make them marvellously now.

00:33:59I wonder if anyone bothers to have real pearls at all.

00:34:04Goodbye, Mrs. Ardsley.

00:34:06Goodbye, my dear.

00:34:15Louise, dear.

00:34:17I've been thinking, you look rather piqued.

00:34:20Don't you think it would be a good idea if you went to stay at Aunt Emily's for a week or two?

00:34:24I should hate it.

00:34:25You'll have to go before the end of the year.

00:34:28Much better to go now and get it over.

00:34:30It's so incredibly boring.

00:34:32Think about it a little.

00:34:33I can't have you not look in your vest, you know, or I shall never get you off my hands.

00:34:39Oh, here's Collie.

00:34:42Alice's answer.

00:34:43You'll find Sidney in the drawing room.

00:34:46Lois?

00:34:48You're early.

00:34:49I had an appointment with your father, but he's had to go out.

00:34:52I'll go along to the drawing room.

00:34:54Right-o.

00:34:58Lois?

00:34:59Hello.

00:35:00Where are you?

00:35:01In the dining room.

00:35:05How's Collie's here? Why shouldn't we start?

00:35:07Howard's coming.

00:35:08I know, but there's no reason why you shouldn't play a rubber or two before he does.

00:35:12Come in a minute, will you?

00:35:13Why?

00:35:14Shut the door.

00:35:17It's shut.

00:35:20These pearls you gave me.

00:35:22They are false, aren't they?

00:35:23Of course.

00:35:24How much did they cost?

00:35:25I told you, a pound.

00:35:27Gwen's just been here.

00:35:29Why?

00:35:30Oh, I don't know.

00:35:31Shame to see Mother about the sale of work.

00:35:33Oh, is that all?

00:35:35She's been very funny lately.

00:35:37She says they're real.

00:35:38What does she know about it?

00:35:39She says she knows a great deal.

00:35:41Is she right?

00:35:44I wouldn't swear she wasn't.

00:35:45Why did you say they were false?

00:35:48I didn't think you'd take them if you thought they were real.

00:35:51Naturally.

00:35:53What are you doing?

00:35:54I'm going to give them back to you.

00:35:55You can't do that now.

00:35:56You'll give the whole show away.

00:35:57There's nothing to give away.

00:35:58No, isn't there?

00:36:00You don't know Gwen.

00:36:01She got the tongue of a serpent.

00:36:02I can't accept a valuable pearl necklace from you.

00:36:05At all events, you must go on wearing it to a go away.

00:36:09How much did you pay for it?

00:36:10My dear, it's not very good manners to ask what a present costs.

00:36:15Several hundred pounds.

00:36:17I shouldn't wonder.

00:36:19Do you know, I've never had a valuable thing in my life.

00:36:22I shall be scared stiff of losing it.

00:36:26Don't give it a thought.

00:36:28I'm not a very poor man, and if you do, I shall survive it.

00:36:32I might never have known.

00:36:34I might have worn it for years under the impression it was worth nothing.

00:36:37That's what I hoped for.

00:36:38I'm so terribly in love with you.

00:36:42Give me a kiss, Lois.

00:36:46You do like me a little, don't you?

00:36:48Yes.

00:36:50Do you think you could ever love me?

00:36:52It wouldn't be much use, would it?

00:36:54I'd do anything in the world for you.

00:36:57I'd know I could make you happy.

00:37:00After all, you don't want to stay in this deadly little place all your life.

00:37:04What are you asking me to do now?

00:37:06Run away with you?

00:37:07What?

00:37:08And be chucked the moment you were sick of me. Thank you.

00:37:11I'll settle £20,000 on you tomorrow.

00:37:13If you don't like to run away with me, you needn't.

00:37:16Don't be such a donkey.

00:37:18Gwen would divorce me if I made it worth a while, and then we'd be married.

00:37:22I've always understood that when the gay seducer had worked his wicked will on the village maiden,

00:37:26he screamed like a hyena at the thought of making an honest woman of her.

00:37:29Oh, Lois, don't laugh at me.

00:37:31I love you with all my heart.

00:37:34I wish to God I was 20 years younger.

00:37:37I want you so awfully.

00:37:40I want you for keeps.

00:37:44Let's go and play bridge.

00:37:46Sydney's getting impatient.

00:37:48And Howard says if you don't come along at once, you'll have to marry the girl.

00:37:51I didn't know you were here.

00:37:52We've only just come.

00:37:54Oh, well, if Howard's here, you don't want me.

00:37:57All right, we'll start a rubber.

00:37:59But come and cut in later, won't you?

00:38:01I hear Evie's been making a scene.

00:38:02Has she?

00:38:03About what?

00:38:04Oh, I don't know.

00:38:05Nerves.

00:38:06She ought to get married.

00:38:07Who can she marry?

00:38:08Poor dear.

00:38:09Collie.

00:38:10They're just about the same age.

00:38:11I think it would be very suitable.

00:38:12Wilfred says he's going smash.

00:38:13They could manage.

00:38:14Nobody's got any money nowadays.

00:38:15But one gets along somehow.

00:38:16Even a marriage that isn't quite satisfactory is better than not being married at all.

00:38:17Is that your experience?

00:38:18I wasn't talking of myself.

00:38:19I haven't got anything to grumble at.

00:38:20Wilfred wants me to run away with him.

00:38:21I don't know.

00:38:22I don't know.

00:38:23I don't know.

00:38:24I don't know.

00:38:25I don't know.

00:38:26I don't know.

00:38:27I don't know.

00:38:28But one gets along somehow.

00:38:31Even a marriage that isn't quite satisfactory is better than not being married at all.

00:38:34Is that your experience?

00:38:36I wasn't talking of myself.

00:38:38I haven't got anything to grumble at.

00:38:40Wilfred wants me to run away with him.

00:38:44Wilfred?

00:38:46What do you mean?

00:38:49Why?

00:38:50He says he's in love with me.

00:38:52The dirty old man.

00:38:55Well, I don't understand.

00:38:57what does he suggest? Well I suppose his idea is to keep me till he gets his

00:39:03divorce and then I suppose his idea is to marry me. The beast! I'm getting on you

00:39:09know I'm 26. Lois! What have I got to look forward to exactly? Getting jumpy

00:39:16like Eva or making the best of a bad job like you? I have my children Howard has

00:39:22his faults like everybody else but he's fond of me he looks up to me. My dear you

00:39:27have a wonderful character. I haven't. Do you think I haven't seen what a strain it

00:39:31is on you sometimes? Of course it's a hard life. I ought to have known it would be

00:39:35when I married a tenant farmer. But you didn't expect he'd drink. I don't suppose

00:39:38he drinks any more than most men of his class. Have you ever really quite got

00:39:42used to him? I don't know what you mean. Well he's common isn't he? Are you quite

00:39:50sure that you and I are any great shakes? Lois you're not really thinking of going

00:39:55away with that man? No not really. It's only that it's rather exciting to have the chance.

00:40:01What are you two girls doing in here? Discussing frocks and thrills I'll be bound.

00:40:06How are you father? Oh chatter chatter chatter all day long I know you. It's a marvel to me that you never get

00:40:13tired of talking about clothes. Collie's here isn't he? Yes he's playing bridge.

00:40:20Well run along both of you and send him in here. I want to see him. All right.

00:40:25Kiddies well? Oh yes. It's a fine thing for them living on a farm like that. Grand thing a country life.

00:40:31They've gone back to school now. Yeah of course of course. Best thing in the world for them.

00:40:35Happiest time of their lives.

00:40:41How do you do? You went in when I turned up at the office just now. No I've got

00:40:47someone waiting that I thought you better not meet and I wanted to see you before I

00:40:52saw him. So I came through my private door. I'm just as glad. I'm not used to solicitors

00:40:58officers and I'm afraid I've always rather intimidated. I'm afraid I've got

00:41:04something very serious to say to you. Oh Lord. I'm sure you'll realize that it's

00:41:10not very pleasant for me to find myself in my present position. I suppose that

00:41:14means the game's up. Have I got to file my petition? The bank wrote to you last month

00:41:20telling you that you were overdrawn and that they wouldn't cash any further

00:41:24checks you drew until your account was put in order. Yes. And after that you

00:41:28gave several post-dated checks in payments of various accounts. I was being

00:41:33pestered for money all over the shop. Well you were hopelessly insolvent. How did

00:41:39you expect to meet them? I thought something would turn up. Don't you know that

00:41:45that's a criminal offense? What rot? It's the sort of thing anyone might do when he

00:41:49was up against it. Well not without going to jail. Good God you don't mean to say

00:41:53they're going to prosecute. I can't expect the injured parties to take it lined up.

00:41:57But it's absurd. They know I didn't mean any harm. It's almost incredible that you

00:42:01should be so un-business like. What should I know about business? I was in the Navy for

00:42:07twenty years. Well I'm afraid you've been very unwise. Then what's going to happen? The

00:42:15bank manager is in my office now. You must be prepared for the worst Connie. A warrant

00:42:22will be applied for. Does that mean I shall be arrested? Well of course you'll be

00:42:27released on bail. I'll arrange that. If you elect to be tried by a jury the

00:42:32justices will refer the case to the Court of Sessions. My own opinion at the

00:42:36moment is that the best thing you can do is to plead guilty and throw yourself on

00:42:40the mercy of the court. But I'm not guilty. Don't be such a fool. You're just as

00:42:46guilty as a thief who sneaks ten bob from your till when no one is looking. What

00:42:50will they do to me? Well in consideration of your previous good character and your

00:42:55record in the Navy I have little doubt the judge will be lenient. Well I should be

00:43:02very disappointed if you get more than three to six months in the second

00:43:05division. You don't care do you? My dear boy don't think I'm happy about it. In my

00:43:12profession one often finds myself in very disagreeable situations. But I don't

00:43:17remember having found myself in a more painful one than this. Fortunately most

00:43:20people get over seeing the other fellow come a cropper. But it's not only the

00:43:23pleasant social relations we've always had with you. But that you should have got

00:43:27the DSO and been in command of a destroyer. It all makes your fall so much more distressing.

00:43:36I'm afraid it also makes it more disgraceful. They'll take my DSO away from me. I suppose

00:43:43so. I suppose it doesn't occur to you that when a fellow has served the country for twenty

00:43:49years in a job that's unfitted him for anything else it's rather distressing and disgraceful that

00:43:54he should be shoved out into the world with no means of earning his living and nothing between

00:43:57him and starvation but a bonus of a thousand pounds or so. I can't go into all that. Though

00:44:03of course it is a good point to take up at the trial. I'll make a note of it. Well of course

00:44:09the answer is that the country was up against it and had to economise and if a certain number

00:44:15of individuals had to suffer it can't be helped. When I was torpedoed during the war they fished

00:44:20me out. God, what a bit of luck I said. Who I never knew.

00:44:28Well, you mustn't despair. I've been a hunting man. It's a very good plan not to take your fences

00:44:36before you come to them. Now look here. I must be off. There's whiskey and soda on the sideboard. You help yourself to a drink. I'm sure you want it.

00:44:47Goodbye, my boy. I'll let you know bad things as soon as I hear. Goodbye.

00:44:54Oh, I beg your pardon. I was looking for my bag. I didn't know anyone was here. I was just going. Please don't. I won't disturb you. What are you talking about? Surely you can come into your own dining room.

00:45:22I wasn't speaking the truth. I knew you were here. And my bag's upstairs. I wanted to see you.

00:45:29What about? Everyone knows you're in difficulties. Father let for all a hint at luncheon. I knew he was seeing you this afternoon.

00:45:38It's kind of you to bother, Evie. I've had rather a rough passage, but at all events I know where I am now.

00:45:45Won't you let me help you?

00:45:47My dear, how can you?

00:45:48It's only a matter of money, isn't it?

00:45:50Er, only is good. I've got a thousand pounds that my godmother left me. It's invested. And I've always dressed myself on the interest. I could let you have that.

00:46:01I couldn't possibly take money from you. It's out of the question.

00:46:04Why? If I want to give it to you.

00:46:05It's awfully generous of you, but...

00:46:07You must know how frightfully fond I am of you.

00:46:09It's very nice of you, Evie. Besides, your father would never hear of it.

00:46:13It's my own money. I'm not a child. Why shouldn't I buy an investment in your garage? I mean, then it would be just an investment.

00:46:22Your father doesn't think much of me as it is. He'd think me a pretty mean skunk if he thought I'd induced you to put your money into an insolvent business.

00:46:29You keep on talking of father. It's nothing to do with him. It's you and I that are concerned.

00:46:34I know you're a damn good sort and you're always going out of your way to do things for people, but there are limits.

00:46:41Perhaps you'll want to get married one of these days and then you'll find your thousand pounds devilishly useful.

00:46:46I shall never have a better use for it than to give it to someone who means so much to me as you do.

00:46:51I'm awfully sorry. God knows I want the money, but I really can't take it from anyone like you.

00:46:58I thought you liked me.

00:46:59I like you very much. You're a jolly good friend.

00:47:02I thought perhaps someday we might be more than friends.

00:47:08After all, if we were engaged, it would be very natural that I should come to the rescue when you were in a hole.

00:47:16But we're not engaged.

00:47:18But why shouldn't we pretend to be? Just for a little while, I mean.

00:47:22You could always break it off when you got straight.

00:47:25My dear, what on earth put such an idea into your head.

00:47:29You won't understand.

00:47:32How can you be so cruel?

00:47:33I'm not cruel. I'm awfully grateful to you.

00:47:36I can't say any more than I have.

00:47:40It's so humiliating.

00:47:43I'm dreadfully sorry. I don't want to hurt your feelings.

00:47:47After all, I'm not so old as all that.

00:47:51Plenty of men have wanted to marry me.

00:47:53I don't doubt that for a minute.

00:47:58I'm quite convinced that one of these days you'll find someone that you really like,

00:48:01and I'm sure you'll make him a perfectly grandwife.

00:48:04I'm sorry.

00:48:11I'm sorry.

00:48:11Where's Collie?

00:48:37How should I know?

00:48:38We want him for bridge.

00:48:39Well, you can see he isn't here, can't you?

00:48:42He was here.

00:48:43Well, he isn't here now.

00:48:45Temper, temper.

00:48:47What price the angel of mercy now?

00:48:49You're very funny, aren't you?

00:48:51Terribly amusing.

00:48:53I know what you're doing.

00:48:55You've been asking him to marry you.

00:48:58You drunken brute.

00:49:01Damn you!

00:49:02Blast you!

00:49:03Well, I thought you were playing bridge.

00:49:27No, your father wanted to see Collie and Sidney and Wilfred are having a game of piquet.

00:49:32So you seized the opportunity to have a drink on the quiet.

00:49:34My dear girl, I had to have something to pour myself together.

00:49:38Evie's been swearing at me.

00:49:39Such language, my dear.

00:49:41Called me a drunken brute.

00:49:43I mean, it shakes a champ's morale when a properly brought up young lady forgets herself like that.

00:49:47Are you obliged to drink?

00:49:48Well, in a manner of speaking, I am.

00:49:51My poor old father died of drink, and his poor old father died of drink.

00:49:55So it's in the family, see?

00:49:57It's rotten for Ethel.

00:49:59She has a lot to put up with, poor girl.

00:50:01You don't have to tell me.

00:50:02I know it.

00:50:04Fact is, she's too good for me.

00:50:05Much.

00:50:06That's what I say.

00:50:07She's a lady.

00:50:09I mean, you only have to look at her to know that.

00:50:11I can be a gentleman when I want to, but I don't want to all the time.

00:50:16I like to have a good old laugh now and again.

00:50:20She never does.

00:50:22The truth is, between me and you, she has no sense of humour.

00:50:26I dare say, after being married to you for 15 years, it's worn rather thin.

00:50:30I like a girl who's had a bit of fun in her.

00:50:33Let's have a good time while we're alive, I say.

00:50:36We can do all this sitting quietly, won't we, when we're dead and buried.

00:50:40There's something in that.

00:50:42Pity you wasn't old enough then.

00:50:44I'd have married you instead.

00:50:46Complimentary, aren't you?

00:50:47You're not half the lady what Ethel is.

00:50:50And you're a bit of a devil, I shouldn't wonder.

00:50:52You and me would get on like a house on fire.

00:50:55You're drunk.

00:50:55No, I'm not.

00:50:57I'm cold stone sober.

00:50:59And I like you better drunk.

00:51:01Give me a kiss, honey.

00:51:03Do you want your face slapped?

00:51:04I don't mind.

00:51:05The nerve of it.

00:51:06Come on, be a sport.

00:51:08Go to hell.

00:51:09I would with you.

00:51:09How dare you!

00:51:13Oh, come off it.

00:51:14You don't mind.

00:51:15You liked it.

00:51:16It almost made me sick.

00:51:18You stink of cows.

00:51:20A lot of girls like that.

00:51:21Makes them go all fine.

00:51:22You filthy beast.

00:51:23Want another?

00:51:24If it weren't for Ethel, I would go straight to Father.

00:51:27Don't make me laugh.

00:51:28Look here.

00:51:30Why don't you come up to the farm for a few days?

00:51:32We could have a grand old time.

00:51:34I don't know what you take me for, Howard.

00:51:36Don't talk that sort of rot to me.

00:51:37You're human, same as I am, aren't you?

00:51:39What's the good of mouldering away without having a bit of fun in your life?

00:51:42You come up to the farm.

00:51:44Now the kids have gone to boarding school.

00:51:45Their room's empty.

00:51:46If you're not drunk, you're crazy.

00:51:49No, I'm not.

00:51:50You'll come, my girl.

00:51:52And what makes you think that?

00:51:53Because I want you.

00:51:55And you know I want you.

00:51:56And there isn't a thing that takes a girl like that.

00:51:59By God, I want you.

00:52:04Oh, Mother.

00:52:06I've just been telling this young woman she ought to come up to the farm for a few days.

00:52:10She looks to me as if she wanted a change.

00:52:12I'm glad you agree with me.

00:52:14Only a little while ago I was suggesting that you should go and stay with Aunt Emily for two or three weeks.

00:52:20I've been thinking it over, Mother.

00:52:21I dare say you're quite right.

00:52:24When do you think I'd better go?

00:52:25Well, the sooner the better.

00:52:27Tomorrow.

00:52:28All right.

00:52:30I'll send the old girl the wire and tell her I'm coming.

00:52:33You needn't do that.

00:52:34I've just written to her to say that you'll arrive in time for dinner.

00:52:37Have you?

00:52:39You domineering old lady.

00:52:41You're a very good girl, Lois.

00:52:43I didn't think you'd disregard my wishes.

00:52:45I don't think I am a very good girl.

00:52:49But you are a darling old woman.

00:52:51Oh, isn't it heavenly, just heaven on earth to be with you.

00:53:10Oh, isn't it heavenly, just heaven on earth to be with you.

00:53:30I don't think you're a proud girl.

00:53:30Don't think you are a big girl.

00:53:31I don't think I am a very good girl.

00:53:32I don't think I am a devil on earth to be with you.

00:53:37I don't think I am a fool.

00:53:37I think I am a fool.

00:53:39I don't think I am a fool.

00:53:40You are a good girl, I don't think I am a fool.

00:53:42Oh, isn't it heavenly

00:54:04Just heaven on earth to be with you

00:54:09How do you do? Mother's out. She'll be back to tea. She's gone to Stanbury.

00:54:29Were you going without saying goodbye to me?

00:54:30I thought Mother would say it for me.

00:54:33Don't go, Lewis.

00:54:35Why not?

00:54:36Why are you going?

00:54:37Mother thought I wanted a change.

00:54:40I generally spend a fortnight with Aunt Emily once or twice a year.

00:54:44She's my godmother and she says she's going to leave me something in her will.

00:54:47I was going up to London tomorrow to settle that money on you.

00:54:50Don't be silly. As if I wanted that.

00:54:54If I ran away with you, I wouldn't take it.

00:54:56You might have given me the last fortnight.

00:54:59It means nothing to you and so much to me.

00:55:01How did you know I was going?

00:55:03Gwen told me.

00:55:04How did she know?

00:55:05Your mother rang up.

00:55:07Oh.

00:55:07Are you quite sure it was about the sale of work that Gwen came to see your mother yesterday?

00:55:12She wouldn't have dared.

00:55:13You don't know Mother.

00:55:15She'd never let anyone say a word against any of it.

00:55:18You've only seen her when she's being nice.

00:55:20She can be as stiff as a poker if one tries to take a liberty with her.

00:55:24Gwen spotted the pearls, all right.

00:55:26Oh, I forgot.

00:55:27I can give them back to you now.

00:55:29Won't you keep them?

00:55:30Please.

00:55:31It can't hurt you and it'll give me so much pleasure.

00:55:35I don't see how.

00:55:37As far as you're concerned, it's just throwing away money.

00:55:40I want to be able to think that you're wearing something I gave you.

00:55:44I want to think that they have the warmth of your body and they touch the softness of your neck.

00:55:50Are you awfully in love with me?

00:55:55Awfully.

00:55:56Strange, isn't it?

00:55:58I wonder why.

00:56:00I'm broken hearted, Lewis.

00:56:03I know you don't love me and there's no reason why you should.

00:56:07But you might.

00:56:09I'd do anything in the world to make you happy.

00:56:12It's curious.

00:56:13Lewis, it does give one rather a funny feeling to know someone's in love with you.

00:56:18When Gwen told me you were going, the whole world went black.

00:56:21She tried to say it casually, but she knew she was thrusting a dagger in my heart and she watched my face to see me rise.

00:56:28Poor Gwen.

00:56:29I suppose people can be rather foul when they're jealous.

00:56:32Oh, damn Gwen.

00:56:33I can only think of myself.

00:56:35You're everything in the world to me and everyone else can go to hell.

00:56:39It's my last chance, Lewis.

00:56:41Is there nothing I can say to persuade you?

00:56:49Nothing.

00:56:51I'm done. I'm finished.

00:56:53I don't think so.

00:56:55You'll get over it.

00:56:57When are you going to the Riviera?

00:56:58It's only a joke to you.

00:57:01Oh God, I hate being old.

00:57:05Why haven't the curtains been drawn?

00:57:07Oh, Wilfred.

00:57:09How are you today?

00:57:10I'll turn on the lights.

00:57:11It is a foul day.

00:57:15I'll be getting along.

00:57:17We shall be seeing you again soon, I suppose.

00:57:19I expect so.

00:57:22Goodbye.

00:57:23Give my love to Gwen.

00:57:25Goodbye.

00:57:28What's the matter with him?

00:57:30He seems all funny today.

00:57:32I didn't notice that he was any different.

00:57:33Are you taking the 5.50?

00:57:35Yes.

00:57:36Oh, that gives you a nice time to have tea.

00:57:38Ethel's coming in.

00:57:39I know.

00:57:39She wants me to take some partridges to Aunt Emily.

00:57:42Tea ready?

00:57:43It's not five yet.

00:57:44Thank God for the fire.

00:57:46I hate that gas stove in my room.

00:57:49Mother's not back yet, I suppose.

00:57:50No.

00:57:51She said she'd be into tea.

00:57:53I'll put a record on, shall I?

00:57:54Oh, for goodness sake, don't.

00:57:56Drives me mad.

00:57:57Oh.

00:57:58All right.

00:57:58I'm rather jumpy today.

00:58:01I suppose it's the east wind.

00:58:03Give me my knitting, Lois, will you?

00:58:11I wonder if Collie will turn up.

00:58:13I rang up to ask him to come in to tea.

00:58:16He hasn't been at the garage all day.

00:58:19How's everybody?

00:58:20We've brought the partridges.

00:58:22We'd better be hung for a couple of days.

00:58:24Got many birds this year, Howard?

00:58:25A few.

00:58:27What's that you're doing?

00:58:28Knitting?

00:58:29Put on the gramophone here if you want to.

00:58:31I'll put it on.

00:58:39I'm afraid it won't be very amusing for you at Aunt Emily's.

00:58:43I've sure worried a lot.

00:58:44Let's hope she'll die soon and leave you a pocket.

00:58:46You've got very little to leave.

00:58:49Turn off that gramophone.

00:58:51What's the matter?

00:58:53Something dreadful's happened.

00:58:55I thought I'd better come in and tell you at once.

00:58:57Collie?

00:58:59How do you know?

00:59:00What is it, Father?

00:59:01There's been an accident.

00:59:03Collie's been shot.

00:59:04Shot?

00:59:05Who'd by?

00:59:05Well, I'm afraid he shot himself.

00:59:08Good God.

00:59:08Is he dead?

00:59:09Is he dead?

00:59:10Yes.

00:59:12You.

00:59:13Evie.

00:59:14You killed him.

00:59:16You fiend.

00:59:18I...

00:59:18What are you talking about?

00:59:21You fiend.

00:59:23You beasts.

00:59:25Evie.

00:59:25Leave me alone.

00:59:26You could have saved him.

00:59:29You devil.

00:59:30I hate you.

00:59:32Are you mad, Eva?

00:59:34You hounded him to his death.

00:59:37You never gave him a chance.

00:59:38Oh, good heavens.

00:59:38We gave him chance after chance.

00:59:41He begged for money.

00:59:43He begged for time.

00:59:45And not one of you would help him.

00:59:47Not one of you remembered that he had risked his life for you a hundred times.

00:59:52You brute.

00:59:53Oh, what rubbish.

00:59:54I hope you're shamed before the whole world.

00:59:58Let everyone know that a brave and gallant gentleman went to his death because there wasn't

01:00:03a soul in this bloody place who would lend him two hundred pounds.

01:00:07That's pretty language, Eva.

01:00:09In point of fact, two hundred pounds wouldn't have helped him.

01:00:13It would have saved him from going to jail, that's all.

01:00:15Jail?

01:00:16Yes.

01:00:18A warrant for his arrest was issued this morning.

01:00:20Poor Collie.

01:00:21I can't bear it.

01:00:23Oh, no.

01:00:24Cruel.

01:00:26Cruel.

01:00:27Now, now, my dear.

01:00:28Now, don't take it so much to heart.

01:00:32Well, of course, the whole thing is very unfortunate.

01:00:35No one regrets it more than I do.

01:00:37The poor fellow was in a hopeless mess.

01:00:40And perhaps he took the best way out of a situation that could only have thrown discredit

01:00:45on the uniform he'd worn.

01:00:46But he was alive and he's dead.

01:00:48Well, he was a very nice fellow and a gentleman.

01:00:50Unfortunately, he wasn't a very good businessman.

01:00:53As if I cared if he was a very good businessman.

01:00:55Well, there's no reason why you should, but his creditors did.

01:00:58He was everything in the world to me.

01:01:01Oh, my dear.

01:01:02What an exaggerated way to speak.

01:01:04You ought to have more sense at your age.

01:01:06He loved me.

01:01:07And I loved him.

01:01:08Now, now, now, now, don't talk such nonsense.

01:01:10We were engaged to be married.

01:01:13Since when?

01:01:14Since ages.

01:01:16Well, my dear, you're out of that.

01:01:19Well, he was in no position to marry.

01:01:22It was my only chance.

01:01:23You have a good home.

01:01:26You'd much better stay here.

01:01:28Why should I be sacrificed all the time?

01:01:31Why should I be at everybody's beck and call?

01:01:34I am sick of being put upon.

01:01:36I am sick of you.

01:01:37I am sick of Sidney.

01:01:39I am sick of Lois.

01:01:40I am sick of you all.

01:01:41Damn you.

01:01:43Damn you.

01:01:44Stop it.

01:01:45Stop it.

01:01:45What's the matter with her?

01:01:58Hysterics.

01:02:00Upset you?

01:02:01I'm frightened.

01:02:03I'll telephone for Uncle Charlie.

01:02:05I think she wants a doctor.

01:02:06I'll put her on the dining room sofa.

01:02:17Are Ethan and father with her?

01:02:19Yes.

01:02:21Our old girl gave you quite a turn, didn't it?

01:02:23I'm frightened.

01:02:25It's not serious, you know.

01:02:28Why do you do that?

01:02:30I don't like to see you miserable.

01:02:32I'm quite sober.

01:02:34Better take your arm away.

01:02:36Ethel can come in at any minute.

01:02:38I'm terribly fond of you, Lois.

01:02:41Don't you like me?

01:02:43Not much.

01:02:44Shall I come over and see you when you're staying at Aunt Emily's?

01:02:47Why should you?

01:02:48Lois.

01:02:50Isn't human nature funny?

01:02:52I know with my mind that you're a rotter and I despise you.

01:02:56Isn't it lucky you can't see into my heart?

01:02:59Why?

01:03:02Oh, I see what you mean now.

01:03:04Well, that's quite okay.

01:03:06Give it time, girlie.

01:03:08I'll wait.

01:03:09You swine.

01:03:15Uncle Charlie's on his way around now.

01:03:17How are you going to get to the station?

01:03:20I'll drive you if you like.

01:03:21It's all arranged.

01:03:22Prentice has come.

01:03:25They're putting Evie to bed.

01:03:28I'll go and see if I can do something.

01:03:30Yeah.

01:03:37Sydney, did you know anything about her being engaged to Collie?

01:03:43I don't believe she was.

01:03:45Oh.

01:03:47Do you mean to say you think it was pure invention?

01:03:50I shouldn't wonder.

01:03:51But I think she'll stick to it.

01:03:53After all, no one can prove she wasn't.

01:03:55Oh, it's a terrible thing about poor Collie.

01:03:58No one can be more distressed than I.

01:04:02He may have been a very good naval officer, but he was a very poor businessman.

01:04:07Well, that's all there is to it.

01:04:11We might put that on his tombstone.

01:04:14It'll make a damn good epitaph.

01:04:15If that's a joke, Sydney, I must say I think it's in very bad taste.

01:04:20You see, I feel I have a certain right to speak.

01:04:24I know how dead keen we all were when the war started.

01:04:29Every sacrifice was worth it.

01:04:32We didn't say much about it because we were rather shy, but honour did mean something to us.

01:04:38And patriotism wasn't just a word.

01:04:42And then, when it was all over, we did think that those of us who'd died hadn't died in vain.

01:04:47And those of us who were broken and shattered and knew they wouldn't be any good in the world

01:04:51were buoyed up by the thought that if they'd given everything, they'd given it to a great cause.

01:04:56And they had.

01:04:57Do you still think that?

01:05:00I don't.

01:05:02I know that we were the dupes of the incompetent fools who ruled the nations.

01:05:07I know that we were sacrificed to their vanity, their greed and their stupidity.

01:05:13And the worst of it is that, as far as I can tell, they haven't learned a thing.

01:05:18They're just as stupid as they ever were.

01:05:21They muddle on, muddle on, and one of these days they'll muddle us all into another war.

01:05:26Oh!

01:05:27And when that happens, I'll tell you what I'm going to do.

01:05:30I'm going to go out in the streets and cry,

01:05:32Look at me!

01:05:35Don't be a lot of damned fools.

01:05:36It's all bunk what they're saying to you about honour and patriotism and glory.

01:05:40Bunk, bunk, bunk.

01:05:42Look, you've had a lot to put up with, Sidney, I know that.

01:05:45But don't think you're the only one.

01:05:48No one wants another war less than I do.

01:05:52But if it comes, I'm convinced you'll do your duty.

01:05:56So far as in you lies.

01:05:58As you did it before.

01:05:59It was a great grief to me that when the call came, I was too old to answer.

01:06:06But I did what I could.

01:06:08And if I want it again, I shall be ready again.

01:06:12God, give me patience.

01:06:14You have a whiskey and soda, old boy.

01:06:16You'll feel better.

01:06:16The fact is, Sidney, you think too much.

01:06:20I dare say you're right, Father.

01:06:23You see, I have little else to do.

01:06:27I'm thinking of collecting stamps.

01:06:29Oh, my, now, that's a very good idea, my boy.

01:06:33Well, if you go about it cleverly,

01:06:34there's no reason why it shouldn't be a very sound infestment.

01:06:42Hello, Mother.

01:06:44Poor Collie's killed himself.

01:06:47Yes.

01:06:49I've heard.

01:06:50I'm sorry.

01:06:50Evie's in rather a state about it.

01:06:53I'll go to her.

01:06:55Oh, Charlie, I was just coming upstairs.

01:06:58I wouldn't.

01:06:59I've given Evie a hypodermic.

01:07:01I'd rather she was left alone.

01:07:02Take a puke, Charlie.

01:07:04I'm going back to the office.

01:07:07I'll be along for tea in a quarter of an hour.

01:07:10Very well.

01:07:11I say, I think I'll just go along to Collie's Garrett.

01:07:14One or two bits and pieces I've got my eye on.

01:07:17I'll just as soon make sure that nobody sneaks them.

01:07:19Tell us we'll all come back for her.

01:07:21It shan't be long.

01:07:26What did the specialist say, Mother?

01:07:28What specialist, Sidney?

01:07:29Come off it, darling.

01:07:30You don't generally favour your family with a very detailed account of your movements.

01:07:35When you took such pains to tell us exactly why you were going into Stanbury this afternoon,

01:07:39I guessed that you were going to see a specialist.

01:07:41Oh, I'd never believe a word doctors say to me.

01:07:45Don't mind me.

01:07:46Tell me about Evie.

01:07:48I hardly know yet.

01:07:50It may be it would be better if she went into a home for a few weeks.

01:07:54She isn't mad.

01:07:55She's very unbalanced.

01:07:57I was just coming round when Sidney telephoned.

01:08:01Murray rang me after he'd seen you.

01:08:04Why didn't he mind his own business?

01:08:05It was his business.

01:08:07Would you like me to leave you?

01:08:09No, stay if you like.

01:08:15But go on with the knitting and pretend you don't hear.

01:08:18All right.

01:08:20I'm afraid Murray could only confirm my diagnosis, Charlotte.

01:08:24I had an idea he would, you know.

01:08:27You stick together, you doctors.

01:08:28He agrees with me that an immediate operation is necessary.

01:08:32I believe he does.

01:08:33When I spoke to him on the telephone, he said you were hesitating a little.

01:08:37Not at all.

01:08:38I didn't hesitate for a minute.

01:08:40I'm delighted to hear it.

01:08:42I'll make all the arrangements and we'll have it done as soon as possible.

01:08:45I'm not going to be operated on, Charlie.

01:08:49My dear, I must be frank with you.

01:08:51It's the only chance we have of saving your life.

01:08:54That's not true, Charlie.

01:08:56It's the only chance you have of prolonging my life.

01:08:59For a few months or a year, perhaps.

01:09:01And then it'll start all over again.

01:09:04Do you think it's worth it?

01:09:06I don't.

01:09:07You have your husband and your children to think of.

01:09:10I know.

01:09:11It would be a frightful expense.

01:09:14If I got over the operation, I should always be an invalid.

01:09:17I should have to have a nurse.

01:09:19I should be much more bothered than I was worth.

01:09:22Well, that's unkind, Charlotte.

01:09:23And it's untrue.

01:09:26You've known me a great many years, Charlie.

01:09:30Haven't you noticed that when I once make up my mind, I don't change it?

01:09:34You're a damn fool, Charlotte.

01:09:36I've often wondered in the past how I should take it if I was told that I was going to die.

01:09:43I've wondered if I'd scream or faint.

01:09:47You know I didn't do either.

01:09:49It gave me a funny sort of thrill.

01:09:52I felt as if I'd drunk a glass of port on an empty stomach.

01:09:56I had some shopping to do at Stanbury afterwards.

01:10:00I'm afraid I was rather extravagant.

01:10:03I felt so gay and light-hearted.

01:10:05That's more than I do.

01:10:07It shows how right Leonard is when he says it's silly to take your jumps before you come to them.

01:10:13Oh, damn Leonard!

01:10:14I'm free.

01:10:16Nothing matters very much anymore.

01:10:20It's a very comfortable feeling.

01:10:22And the rest?

01:10:24Oh, the rest, my dear, is between me and the pale, distant shadow that is all you clever people have left me of God.

01:10:34I admire your courage.

01:10:37I should like to think that I should have enough to follow your example.

01:10:41There is one thing I am going to ask you to do for me.

01:10:44My dear, anything in the world.

01:10:46I don't want to suffer more than I need.

01:10:50We've always had a great deal of affection for one another, Charlie.

01:10:53I suppose we have.

01:10:55You doctors are a brutal lot and there's no end to the amount of pain you can bear in other people.

01:11:01I will do everything medical practice permits me to save you from suffering.

01:11:05But I'm going to ask you to do something more.

01:11:08I'll do even that.

01:11:17That's all right.

01:11:20You might ring the bell, Sydney.

01:11:22I'm simply dying for a cup of tea.

01:11:23I didn't know you were back, Mother.

01:11:32Oh.

01:11:32I was going up to see Evie, but Uncle Charlie thought I'd better wait.

01:11:37She's quite comfortable.

01:11:39Where's Lois?

01:11:40She's in her room.

01:11:41She's just coming.

01:11:44Oh, Gertrude.

01:11:45If anyone calls, I'm not at home.

01:11:47Very good, ma'am.

01:11:48I'll take myself off.

01:11:49Don't be stupid.

01:11:50I'm going to stay and have a cup of tea.

01:11:52I have other patients, you know.

01:11:54They can wait.

01:11:59Hello.

01:12:00You ought to be starting soon, Lois, or didn't you?

01:12:03I've got time yet.

01:12:04It won't take me five minutes to get to the station.

01:12:06Well, give Aunt Emily my love.

01:12:08Her chrysanthemums ought to be coming on just now.

01:12:12Mrs Cedar has called, ma'am.

01:12:14I told her to say I wasn't at home.

01:12:16I said you wasn't, ma'am, but she says it's very important.

01:12:19Tiresome woman.

01:12:20Tell her I've just come back from Stanbury and I'm very tired.

01:12:24Say, will she forgive me, but I don't feel up to seeing anybody today.

01:12:31I'm sorry to force myself on you.

01:12:33It's a matter of life and death.

01:12:34I must see you.

01:12:35I'm not very well, Gwen.

01:12:37Don't you think you can wait till tomorrow?

01:12:38No, no, no.

01:12:40Tomorrow it'll be too late.

01:12:42Oh, God, what shall I do?

01:12:44Well, since you're here, perhaps the best thing would be to sit down and have a cup of tea.

01:12:49Lois and Wilfred are going to elope.

01:12:52My dear, don't be so silly.

01:12:54You're making a perfect nuisance of yourself.

01:12:56It's true, I tell you.

01:12:57It's true.

01:12:59Lois is going to spend a fortnight with my sister-in-law.

01:13:01She's not going to your sister-in-law's.

01:13:05Wilfred's meeting her at Stanbury.

01:13:07They're going to London.

01:13:08What are you talking about, Gwen?

01:13:10I heard every word you said on the phone.

01:13:14When?

01:13:15Just now.

01:13:16Ten minutes ago.

01:13:17I'm not such a perfect fool as you thought me.

01:13:20I've had an extension put up into my room.

01:13:24Can you deny that you spoke to Wilfred?

01:13:26No.

01:13:27You said, Wilfred, it's a go.

01:13:28And he said, what do you mean?

01:13:29And you said, I'm trusting myself to your tender mercies.

01:13:33You're for it, my boy.

01:13:34I'm going to elope with you.

01:13:35She was joking with him.

01:13:38Funny joke.

01:13:39He said, my God, you don't mean it.

01:13:41And she said, I'll get out of the train at Stanbury.

01:13:43Meet me in the car and we'll talk it over on the way to London.

01:13:47Is it true, Lois?

01:13:49Yes.

01:13:50You damned fool, Lois.

01:13:52Oh, Lois.

01:13:53I've never done you any harm.

01:13:55I've been a good friend to you.

01:13:57You can't take my husband from me.

01:14:00I'm not taking him from you.

01:14:01You lost him years ago.

01:14:03Oh, you're young.

01:14:06You have plenty of chances before you're through.

01:14:08He's all I've got.

01:14:09If he leaves me, I swear to you that I'll kill myself.

01:14:16But why have you come here?

01:14:18Why didn't you go to your husband?

01:14:20He won't listen to me.

01:14:22Oh, what a fool I've been.

01:14:24I ought to have known when I saw the pearls.

01:14:27What pearls?

01:14:28She's wearing them now.

01:14:30She pretends they're false, but they're real.

01:14:32And he bought them for her.

01:14:35Take them off, Lois, and give them to Gwen.

01:14:36Oh, do you think I'd touch them?

01:14:42He hates me.

01:14:44I begged him not to leave me.

01:14:46He said he was sick to death of me.

01:14:49He pushed me over.

01:14:53He's gone.

01:14:55He's gone to join her.

01:14:58Gwen, Gwen, don't give me like that.

01:15:02Oh, don't let her go to him.

01:15:05You know what it feels like to be old.

01:15:09You know how defenceless one is.

01:15:11She'll regret it.

01:15:13He'll throw her aside when he's tired of her,

01:15:15as he's thrown all the others aside.

01:15:19He's hard.

01:15:21And cruel.

01:15:23And selfish.

01:15:24If that's true, if he's all you say,

01:15:26I should have thought you were well rid of him.

01:15:28I'm too old to start fresh.

01:15:30I'm too old to be left alone.

01:15:32He's mine.

01:15:36I went through the divorce court to get him.

01:15:39I swear to you before God that you shall never marry him.

01:15:43He forced his first wife to divorce him because she hadn't money.

01:15:46But I've got money of my own.

01:15:48I'll never divorce him.

01:15:50Nothing would induce me to marry him.

01:15:52Take him if you want to.

01:15:54He'll come back to me.

01:15:56He's old.

01:15:56He tries to keep up.

01:15:57It's all a sham.

01:15:58I know the effort it is.

01:16:00He's tired to death and he won't give in.

01:16:04What good can he be to you?

01:16:07You ought to be ashamed.

01:16:09When?

01:16:11Money.

01:16:12Oh, curse the money.

01:16:15He's a rich man and you haven't got a bob between you.

01:16:18You're all in it.

01:16:19All of you.

01:16:21You all want to get something out of it.

01:16:24You brutes.

01:16:26You beasts.

01:16:28Come, Mrs. Cedar.

01:16:29We've had enough of this.

01:16:30You go too far.

01:16:31You must get out of this.

01:16:32I won't go.

01:16:33If you don't, I shall put you out.

01:16:35I'll make such a scandal that you'll never be able to hold your heads up again.

01:16:39That's enough now.

01:16:40Get out.

01:16:40Leave me alone.

01:16:41I'm going to take you home.

01:16:43Come on.

01:16:43I'm sorry to have exposed you to this disgusting scene, Mother.

01:16:53You're not really going off with that man, Lois.

01:16:56I am.

01:16:57You can't be in love with him.

01:16:59Of course not.

01:17:01If I were, do you think I'd be such a fool as to go?

01:17:04Lois.

01:17:05If I loved him, I'd be afraid.

01:17:08You don't know what you're doing.

01:17:10It would be awful and unnatural if you loved him, but there would be an excuse for you.

01:17:16Has love done very much for you, Ethel?

01:17:18Me?

01:17:19I don't know what you mean.

01:17:21You've been a good wife and a good mother and a lot of good it's done you.

01:17:25I've seen you grow old and tired and hopeless.

01:17:29I'm frightened, Ethel.

01:17:32Frightened.

01:17:32I wasn't obliged to marry.

01:17:35Mother and father were against it.

01:17:36You could have stayed on at home like Evie.

01:17:39So can I.

01:17:40I don't want to become like Evie.

01:17:42Mother, can't you do something?

01:17:45It's so awful.

01:17:46It's such madness.

01:17:47I'm listening to what Lois has to say.

01:17:50You're not running away from anybody here?

01:17:55Oh, my dear.

01:17:56That isn't at all in my character.

01:17:58I thought that perhaps someone had been trying to make love to you.

01:18:02Oh, Ethel, don't be so silly.

01:18:04Who is there to make love to me in this godforsaken place?

01:18:08When did you decide, Lois?

01:18:10Half an hour ago.

01:18:11Have you considered all the consequences?

01:18:14If I did that, I should stay here twiddling my thumbs till my dying day.

01:18:19It's not a very nice thing that you're doing.

01:18:22I know.

01:18:23It'll be a dreadful blow to your father.

01:18:25I'm sorry.

01:18:27And the scandal won't be very nice for us.

01:18:29I can't help it.

01:18:31What's to happen to you if he chucks you?

01:18:33Darling, you are years older than I am.

01:18:37And a married woman.

01:18:38How can you be so innocent?

01:18:40Has it never occurred to you what power it gives to a woman when a man is madly in love

01:18:45with her and she doesn't care a row of pins for him?

01:18:48Ethel, go and tell your father tea is ready.

01:18:57I'll go and put on my hat.

01:19:01I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mother.

01:19:04I don't want to cause you pain.

01:19:07Have you quite made up your mind, Lois?

01:19:09Quite.

01:19:10That is what I thought.

01:19:11Then perhaps you had better go and put on your hat.

01:19:16What about father?

01:19:17I don't want him to make a scene.

01:19:20I'll tell him after you've gone.

01:19:30Are you going to let her go, Mother?

01:19:33How can I stop her?

01:19:34You can tell her what the surgeon told you this afternoon.

01:19:37Oh, my dear.

01:19:38With one foot in the grave, it's rather late to start blackmail.

01:19:41She wouldn't go, you know.

01:19:43I don't think she would.

01:19:46I can't do that, Sydney.

01:19:48I should feel like apologising for every day I lingered on.

01:19:52She might change her mind.

01:19:53She's young.

01:19:55She has her life before her.

01:19:57She must do what she thinks best with it.

01:19:59Aren't you afraid she'll become an awful cropper?

01:20:02She's hard and selfish.

01:20:04I don't think she's stupid.

01:20:05She can take care of herself.

01:20:09She might be a stranger to hear you speak.

01:20:12Does it sound unkind?

01:20:14You see, I feel as if nothing mattered very much anymore.

01:20:19I've had my day.

01:20:21I've done what I could.

01:20:23Now those who come after me must shift for themselves.

01:20:26You're not frightened at all?

01:20:30Not a bit.

01:20:32I'm strangely happy.

01:20:34I'm rather relieved to think it's over.

01:20:38I'm not at home in this world of today.

01:20:40I'm pre-war.

01:20:43Everything's so changed now.

01:20:45To me, life is like a party that was very nice to start with,

01:20:49but has become rather rowdy as time went on.

01:20:51And I'm not at all sorry to go home.

01:20:57I've told Father he's just coming.

01:21:01Mother?

01:21:03Evie's coming down the stairs.

01:21:07I thought you were lying down, Evie.

01:21:09I had to come down to tea.

01:21:11Collie's coming.

01:21:12Collie?

01:21:13He'd have been so disappointed if I hadn't come.

01:21:15You've put on your best dress.

01:21:17It is rather an occasion, isn't it?

01:21:19You see, I'm engaged to be married.

01:21:22Evie, what do you mean?

01:21:23Collie's coming here this afternoon to talk to Father about it.

01:21:26Don't say anything about it till he comes.

01:21:29Let me give you your tea, darling.

01:21:32I don't want any tea.

01:21:33I'm too excited.

01:21:35What are these pearls doing here?

01:21:37You can have some if you like.

01:21:39This.

01:21:40They're mine.

01:21:41Can I really?

01:21:43It'll be an engagement present.

01:21:45Oh, Lois, that is sweet of you.

01:21:47Collie always says I have such a pretty neck.

01:21:49Now, what about this cup of tea?

01:21:53Hello, Evie.

01:21:53All right again?

01:21:54Oh, yes.

01:21:55There's nothing the matter with me.

01:21:56All ready to start, Lois.

01:21:58Yes.

01:21:59Well, now, don't cut it too fine.

01:22:01I may look you up one of these days, Lois.

01:22:03I've got to go over to Canterbury to see a man on business.

01:22:06Don't suppose I should be able to get back for the night, Ethel?

01:22:09No.

01:22:10I'll come over and fetch you in the car, Lois, and we'll do a picture together.

01:22:13That would be grand.

01:22:15Well, I must say, it's very nice to have a cup of tea by one's own fireside and surrounded

01:22:23by one's own family.

01:22:24If you come to think of it, we none of us have anything very much to worry about.

01:22:30We have our health.

01:22:31We have our happiness.

01:22:34Things haven't been going too well lately.

01:22:37But I think the world is turning the corner, and we can all look forward to better times

01:22:42for the future.

01:22:44This old England of ours isn't done yet, and I, for one, believe in it and all it stands

01:22:50for.

01:22:50God save our gracious King.

01:22:56Long live our noble King.

01:23:01God save our King.

01:23:04Send him victorious, happy and glorious.

01:23:13Long to reign over us.

01:23:18God save our King.

01:23:43God save our King.

01:24:12For services rendered by W. Somerset Maugham was adapted and directed by Lou Kemp

01:24:26and starred David Calder, Sian Thomas and Louise Brealey.

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