- 6/27/2025
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Thank you so much for being part of this community!
👉 https://ko-fi.com/timelesstvandfilm
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TVTranscript
00:30I'm talking to me in the kitchen, love. I've got everything on.
00:33Of course I don't. The kitchen's the best place to talk anyway.
00:45I was in the print shop when you phoned, so I thought I'd call rather than ring back.
00:49Oh, you needn't have bothered, love. It's nothing very desperate.
00:53Just an impulse and I picked up the telephone.
00:55I know where those impulses usually originate.
00:58Safton?
00:58Yes.
00:59Well, this one did anyway.
01:01I'm beginning to feel a bit embarrassed about living under his roof and not paying my way.
01:06Well, it looks to me as if he's getting a very good bargain.
01:09Oh, well, I'd have to cook wherever I was. I don't mind that.
01:11But I would like to be a bit more independent.
01:15Place of my own.
01:17I was wondering if I could buy myself a little flat or something.
01:20No problem, then.
01:22No problem, then. LSD.
01:23Well, there's the little bit that Jack left me, of course, but if I use that, I'll have to think what I'm going to live on.
01:29Well, what I wanted to ask you was the dividends due soon, isn't it?
01:35Is there any chance it might be up this year?
01:36Well, I doubt it, frankly.
01:38Well, there should be a little something, but...
01:40Oh, you don't look too hopeful.
01:41Well, I don't like to build up your hopes, Helen.
01:43I don't want to ask Safton.
01:44You get the feeling he likes you to be dependent on him?
01:48Oh, well, yes, I do.
01:50He hasn't been near the works for more than a month.
01:52Comes of it hard when you've been working your guts out.
01:56No interest, no caring.
01:59Hello, Tony.
02:00Hello, Clever.
02:02I didn't know you were coming to dinner.
02:03Well, I'm not. I'm just off.
02:06Well, the table's late for four.
02:07Your father phoned.
02:08He wants to wine and dine a very good friend, as he put it.
02:12I didn't know he got one.
02:14Oh, well, we're obviously going to learn something this evening.
02:16Well, the father's definition of a very good friend.
02:29Oh, hello.
02:31Hello, Clever.
02:32I was beginning to get worried.
02:34It's so late.
02:34Oh, I'm sorry.
02:36It's a full-time job looking for one.
02:42Hey, you've been pubbing.
02:44Oh, yes, I've had one.
02:47No, I tell a lie.
02:49Two.
02:50Well, only two?
02:51That way, so late.
02:53Oh, I wish I had a pint for every interview I've had.
02:58Thank you, Mr. Ashton.
02:59Thank you for coming to see us.
03:01Thank you very much.
03:02We'll let you know.
03:03Oh, well, maybe they will.
03:06After all, we can manage, can't we?
03:08We can scrape by.
03:10Yeah, scrape by.
03:14Oh, Sheila, I want you out of that naffy job.
03:16I want a decent house so we can bring the kids back.
03:19I know you do.
03:21And we're not breaking into my gratuity or mum's money,
03:24because that's for the house.
03:26It doesn't have to be a mansion, you know.
03:27Oh, God, what a day.
03:35Sitting across one desk after another.
03:39Being interviewed by those that had it cushy.
03:42The ones that stayed at home and got it all sorted out for themselves.
03:47Being bloody patronised.
03:50Your head hasn't been hurting you again, has it?
03:54Yes, a bit.
03:55Oh, dear.
03:57Never mind.
03:59I've got you a lovely supper.
04:01Oh, look, I'll get something.
04:04Oh, I know you will.
04:05Of course you will.
04:05I promise you, Sheila, I will.
04:06And don't you promise me, either.
04:08If you go doing that, you'll think you're being patronised for my sake.
04:12You just promise yourself.
04:13You're, um, you're not at the hospital now, then?
04:21No, not the same one, no.
04:23I was about to move anyway.
04:24One of us had to when we got married.
04:26Oh, yeah, of course.
04:28It's not done, is it, doctor and nurse?
04:30Freda said.
04:32Oh, thanks.
04:35Well, uh, she shouldn't be long now.
04:37Oh, it's all right.
04:41How long has it been, Doris?
04:43Long.
04:43Since you left the hospital.
04:46I don't know.
04:47Months, I suppose.
04:48Nobody seems to know where or why.
04:51Yeah, it was a bit sudden.
04:53Sorry.
04:53Ah, there she is.
05:00Hey, smashing news.
05:02I changed duties next week.
05:03Same time as yours.
05:04We can actually sleep together.
05:06Uh.
05:08Oh, Doris.
05:10Remember me?
05:12Well, where have you been all this time?
05:14Oh, around.
05:16So you're back at home, then?
05:17No, I came straight here.
05:19Freda's been very worried about you.
05:21Oh, I kept meaning to write,
05:22but I was never much of a writer at the best of times, was I?
05:25Well, have you eaten?
05:27Not so as you'd notice.
05:30Well, come to the kitchen and give us a hand.
05:32You can work off an appetite while we chat.
05:34I haven't had a meal like that since my mother died, brother, sir.
05:56Oh, any coffee, Helen?
05:59Yes, just about.
06:00Trevor?
06:01Hmm.
06:02Thanks.
06:03It's very good of you to go to all this trouble.
06:05No trouble, Sefton.
06:07No trouble.
06:07Shall we go in here, Trevor?
06:10Sit down.
06:11Here.
06:11Yes.
06:12Here.
06:13No.
06:13I've got a drop of brandy.
06:15Good.
06:23So.
06:23Um, exactly what business are you in, Mr. Haas?
06:28Oh, I spread it fairly widely.
06:30You know, I have several companies.
06:31Nothing you can't sell these days.
06:32It's getting hold of the stuff.
06:34Now, take these victory in Europe celebrations they're all planning.
06:38One of my companies got hold of a load of old signal rockets,
06:41and those things they throw in battle training, thunder flashes.
06:45Councils are simply fighting for them for firework displays.
06:50Yes, I dare say the Jerry's have got some of that stuff to spare.
06:54That's a thought.
06:55Yes, isn't it?
06:57How to make contact, then?
07:00Yes, how?
07:02You're not stationed over there by any chance.
07:05Oh, sorry.
07:07The odd unexploded mine is all I can put you into.
07:09Tony, give your aunt a hand, would you?
07:12Yes, there's a nice thought.
07:14And close the door, if you don't mind.
07:16Certainly, Father.
07:19Now, here we are.
07:21Cheers.
07:23Cheers.
07:26Now, the next thing we've got to get rid of is this damn coalition government.
07:30It's to be hoped so.
07:32Damn controls.
07:33Paper quarters crippling the print works.
07:35Really?
07:37Things are a bit tricky, aren't they?
07:38Oh, no, no, no.
07:39Nothing I can't cope with.
07:41We shall ride it.
07:42I'm not without a bob or two, you know.
07:44I'm relying on it.
07:46No, no, thanks.
07:47Another pal of mine, his sister's in Whitehall.
07:50She says that after victory in Europe, Churchill's resigning for proper elections.
07:56Political parties again.
07:57It'll be a landslide.
07:58It controls out private enterprise in.
08:01And with not a house built in the last six years, thank God I've got a foot in the building
08:06tray.
08:06It'll be just like after the last lot.
08:09It'll be a damn sight better.
08:10They weren't knocking him down so fast, were they?
08:13Yes, it's been a long, hard day, but the sun's coming out at last, eh?
08:20I, er, I hope you've got a bob or two as well.
08:23Indeed I have, but most of it's tied up, same as yours.
08:26Which brings us back to that printing works.
08:28Yes?
08:30Not going to be any trouble on that score, is there?
08:33Don't worry.
08:34I can get enough votes to sell.
08:42What did Uncle Erwin come round for?
08:45Oh, he just popped in to say hello on his way home.
08:50You sure I'm not expected to go back in?
08:54Are you curious about what's going on?
08:57You?
08:59I'd listen at the keyhole if it wasn't so dumbed undignified.
09:02What do you think?
09:04Well, you don't have to be a genius to see that he's up to something.
09:07Like trying to sell the works again?
09:10Yes, I thought it occurred to me.
09:12I think I'll pop out for a bit.
09:15Do you mind?
09:17No, I can manage the rest.
09:19Totally good.
09:22Oh, er, any unlikely event of his asking for me.
09:27Tell him I've gone to the plough, will you?
09:35Nobody will change their minds from last time, Tony.
09:37Why should they?
09:39I don't know.
09:39But Father and this chap, Howells, have got their heads together.
09:44He's obviously up to something.
09:45When isn't he?
09:47Hmm.
09:47No, he could be quite wrong.
09:49But I thought you ought to know.
09:52Anyway, I must go, Uncle.
09:54Goodbye.
09:55Goodbye, Tony.
09:56Ah, uh, trunks, please.
10:11So that's what it was all about.
10:19What?
10:19What was all about?
10:21Sefton's little dinner party.
10:24Tony thinks he's going to sell the works, it seems.
10:26Not again.
10:27Well, that's what Tony thinks.
10:28Helen could do with the money, I think.
10:33I couldn't blame her if she weakened.
10:34She won't.
10:36She didn't last time.
10:37Why should she now?
10:38Well, I had a chat with her tonight.
10:40I got the impression she's very short.
10:41Maybe she needs the cash more than the dividend once a year.
10:44Not much of a dividend at that.
10:46Well, they could all say that.
10:48With John taking a teacher's training course,
10:50one share would come in very handy.
10:52Well, sell then, Margaret.
10:54Not likely.
10:56And John wouldn't let me, anyway.
10:58He thinks a lot of you, you know.
10:59That's more than can be said for Sefton.
11:02It's the last thing you could say for him.
11:05Heaven knows why.
11:06There have been times when you could have dropped him in the cart
11:08and he'd had to have managed the place by himself.
11:10Well, Sefton, I'd like to see his hands
11:12grinded with printer's ink.
11:16We're poles apart, Margaret.
11:17He'll never see things as I see them
11:18and I'll never see them as he does.
11:21He's set on selling the place
11:23and nothing else matters a damn.
11:24He's out to talk just one of us round.
11:26Anyone will do.
11:27He'll have a business for sale
11:29out in the papers before he can say knife.
11:31Oh, come on now, Dad.
11:32No one in the family would do a thing like that to you.
11:35David did.
11:42It, um...
11:44It isn't a man, is it?
11:46What do you think that?
11:47Oh, I don't know.
11:48I just wondered.
11:50I mean, if I can help.
11:50But then, of course, I don't know if I can, do I?
11:54Unless you want to tell me.
11:55Talk about it.
11:57No, I don't want to talk about it.
12:01Well, don't you think your parents might be worried?
12:03I doubt it.
12:05Well, do you think you ought to tell them you're all right?
12:07Yeah, I will.
12:09Not just yet, though.
12:11Well, you know the hospital sent them that letter
12:13telling them your training was, uh...
12:16I don't know what's the word they used.
12:18I terminated.
12:21Oh, it doesn't matter.
12:23Nothing does.
12:26I am right, aren't I?
12:28It is a man.
12:29We were going to be married
12:34when he got demobbed.
12:37We were, really.
12:39He rented this seminary, the camp at Warrington.
12:46American.
12:48Yeah, you always did say I was young, mad, didn't you?
12:53And now it's over.
12:54Is that it?
12:55Yeah, that's it.
12:59Oh, Doris, did you think it couldn't happen to you?
13:04He's gone back to America, hasn't he?
13:08Dallas.
13:10Demobbed.
13:12Where he's married already.
13:14Children, probably.
13:16Yeah, two.
13:19Oh, don't look like that, Frida.
13:22He was different.
13:22He never even looked at other girls.
13:26Oh, Doris.
13:29David.
13:30Didn't your Uncle Sefton once say
13:32that he might have something for you?
13:34Well, he knows I'm looking.
13:37If he had, I think he'd say.
13:39I'm not going begging, Sheila.
13:41Well, even if he hasn't,
13:43he must know plenty of business people.
13:45I mean, people who were looking for somebody.
13:47Well, somebody like you.
13:49Look, I'll find what I'm after without anybody's help.
13:51Then we're in nobody's debt.
13:55Well, what are you after?
13:58What do you think I'm after?
14:00We've never had.
14:01That's what I'm after.
14:05You really think, then, that money would make all that difference?
14:09Well, it helps, doesn't it?
14:10I mean, you can't do much without it.
14:12It's nice to go shopping with, isn't it?
14:14Mm-hmm.
14:15What about a decent school for the children when they come back?
14:21Nice home.
14:22The bedroom you can walk into
14:24without worrying about the bloody floor going through.
14:26Oh, come on.
14:28It wasn't all that bad.
14:29We had some good times before the war, didn't we?
14:32What, living in a slum?
14:38Nicky and the money for a pint out of the gas meter.
14:40You never did that, did you?
14:42Didn't I?
14:43Right.
14:44It looks just what we're after.
14:46Far out of Liverpool.
14:48Fifteen minutes.
14:49The tram routes on both roads, either side.
14:51Perfect.
14:52Asking price?
14:53You mean, what am I asking?
14:56Oh, it belongs to you.
14:58Freehold.
15:00And you'll sell it to our company when we form it?
15:03At current market prices, all right?
15:05Making a bit on the side, eh?
15:07Wouldn't you?
15:08If you were to suit up a piece of land, wouldn't you do the same?
15:10Oh, I'm not complaining, so long as I know.
15:13When controls are off,
15:14we'll be able to build down near 200 houses on that side.
15:17More if we squeeze them in tight.
15:23Yes, my theory is that Hitler isn't dead at all.
15:27He escaped to South America.
15:29Oh, yes.
15:30Wouldn't surprise me a bit.
15:32Oh, well.
15:33Free to pop round in the morning, Trevor.
15:34I may have some news.
15:36Um, 10.30?
15:38Do fine.
15:41Now, Tony.
15:42Good night.
15:42Good night.
16:12Edwin.
16:13You found him, didn't you?
16:15Oh, yes.
16:19Well, what could he say?
16:23I'm going round to Edwin's to talk business.
16:25I warned him I might.
16:30Oh, it affects you too as well, so we'll all go together.
16:34You've got it all cut and dried, have you?
16:36You don't know what you're talking about, Tony.
16:38I can add two and two together, though, Father.
16:40Father, when you say you want to talk business with Edwin, whose welfare do you have in mind?
16:46Shouldn't my welfare count, then?
16:48Anyway, I'm not telling the story twice.
16:51We should go, Tony.
16:51I'm not going round there like a puppy on a lead with no idea of what sort of proposition I'm supposed to be supporting.
16:57It's in your interest as much as anybody.
16:58But is it in Uncle Edwin's interest?
17:00What?
17:01He's given 35 years to Briggs and Son.
17:03He's been paid for it, hasn't he?
17:05A damn sight more than he'd have earned down the pit.
17:07And that's the thanks we owe him for all he's done.
17:08We don't owe it to him to keep the place in the family, I'll tell you that.
17:11Say that.
17:15Are you coming or not?
17:17I've got things to do.
17:19Please yourself.
17:21I've never counted on your support anyway.
17:24You're not going to get it.
17:28You should be there, Tony.
17:29No, you tell me what he says.
17:31Tony, you should be...
17:31Look, it's no point.
17:32He won't listen to anything I've got to say.
17:35Believe me, I've got my reasons.
17:36You can't talk to his generation.
17:48They know nothing.
18:06Uh, hello.
18:09Yes, I'd like trunks, please.
18:21There we are, then.
18:22Balance sheet for the year ended 31st of March, 1945.
18:27I'll send copies to Joe and your Philip.
18:29That leaves one for me and one for Tony.
18:32Well, that's funny.
18:34There's one missing.
18:35I told that blasted accountants girl, one for each.
18:38Here you are.
18:39I'll share Dad's.
18:40And that's about the only sharing there's going to be by the look of it.
18:43We've made a loss.
18:45I didn't think there'd be much to show this year, but...
18:48That's right.
18:49Loss for the year to March 31st, 1945.
18:54203 pounds.
18:56It's the first time Briggs and son haven't made a profit since father bought his first handprinter.
19:01Well, we all know the reasons for it.
19:02Paper rationing, printing controls, machines.
19:04We can't get parts for.
19:07Those works are as efficient as any you'll find in this day and age.
19:10It's no reflection on the way you run the place, Edwin.
19:13Nobody's said that.
19:14Well, if anything's to blame, it's the war, Uncle, and that's nearly over.
19:17Thank God.
19:18It could drag on against the Japs.
19:20Who knows how long?
19:21And how long can we go on with the way these figures are going?
19:26Well, the farm can't go on losing money.
19:28I can see that, Sefton.
19:29Helen, it's the first loss ever.
19:33You don't need to wait for the annual meeting to know there'll be no dividend this year.
19:38No profit to pay it out of.
19:39The shareholders will get nothing.
19:41Well, that doesn't mean we won't make a profit next year.
19:44Have you got some other reason for wanting to sell out?
19:46Anybody against selling after this needs putting away in Whittingham Asylum.
19:50Because if we don't sell soon, there'll be no capital left either.
19:53Just four walls and machinery not worth shifting except a scrap.
19:57If it's as bad as you say it is, who's going to buy it?
20:00Oh, there's always somebody, Edwin, if you look.
20:03And when we find him, we should grab him with both hands.
20:09Come on, Jimmy, wake up.
20:11Now, look, clean that mug out of there and give that form a wipe and get on with it.
20:18Good morning, Uncle.
20:42Good morning, Tony.
20:44I didn't realise we were doing as little as this.
20:46I don't expect you did, but you've seen the balance sheet as I take it.
20:50Yes, Aunt Helen put me in the picture.
20:52You know what's in your father's mind?
20:55No, I don't.
20:56You know, you came round last night waving sheets of figures
20:58and trying to sell the place over our heads.
21:00But you must have known.
21:01You telephoned.
21:03I knew something was in the wind.
21:04I didn't know what.
21:05You didn't bother to find out.
21:09I thought you were on my side in all this.
21:13Here, Jimmy, I told you to give this a wipe.
21:16I'm not taking sides, Uncle, until I know what the game is.
21:20I came down here this morning to see for myself.
21:26I can see why the place is losing money.
21:27It sounds to me he doesn't know you're here.
21:42Have you done this off your own, Bat?
21:44Well, no.
21:45I mean, no, he doesn't.
21:47I did promise him I'd do something when I could.
21:51I haven't forgotten.
21:52The wheels are in motion.
21:54Not turning as far as a delight,
21:56but in a few months there may be an opening for him.
21:59Oh.
22:00Well, thank you.
22:01That's very nice.
22:02But until then...
22:04I can't pull Jobs out of a hut, Sheila.
22:08I know.
22:09It's just that he's a bit proud.
22:11You know, David.
22:12And what about you?
22:17You've got the sense to know
22:18when you can't afford to be too proud.
22:20Oh, we can't.
22:22It was your mother-in-law
22:23that knew which side Edwin's bread was buttered on.
22:26Never Edwin.
22:28Well, when you've got two kids,
22:29you've got to face the facts, haven't you?
22:31What sort of a job are you after?
22:33I don't know anything.
22:35Look, I'd better go...
22:35No rush, no rush.
22:37Just stay where you are.
22:46Ah, good morning, Trevor.
22:48Come in.
22:49Morning, Sefton.
22:51Er, we won't start for a minute.
22:54I've got somebody with me.
22:57You might like to meet her.
22:58Hmm.
22:59Oh.
23:07Sheila.
23:08Mr. Howells.
23:09Mrs. Ashton, my nephew David's wife.
23:13Very nice to meet you.
23:14Oh, how do you do?
23:16Don't know of anybody looking for a likely ex-RAF officer,
23:19do you, Trevor?
23:20Do well properly handled.
23:21Your husband?
23:22Yes.
23:23What's his line?
23:24Well, flying aeroplanes.
23:27Not much shortage in that line these days, is there?
23:29But he worked his way up, you know.
23:30He finished an officer.
23:33Persuasive, is he?
23:33Yes.
23:34Oh, yes.
23:34I think you could say that.
23:35He can talk, all right.
23:36Hmm.
23:37I've got a company starting.
23:38Gonna need young men on the ball.
23:40You can tell him to come and see me.
23:42Oh, I will.
23:43That's marvellous.
23:45The only thing is...
23:46He doesn't know she's here, Trevor.
23:47A bit of a proud chap, you know.
23:49Oh, that's all right, love.
23:51Got an envelope, Sefton.
23:52A plain one.
23:53Yes.
23:53Oh, he's going to be away from home sometimes.
24:11If he gets the job.
24:16Does that worry you?
24:18It does worry some wives, isn't it?
24:20He was away in the forces, wasn't he?
24:29Complain to me if it's more than's good for you.
24:32My number's on here.
24:33Phone any time.
24:35Oh, that's very kind of you.
24:39Here we are.
24:42Oh.
24:43Thanks.
24:44What's his name?
24:47Oh, David Ashton.
24:54Well, that's simple.
24:56You can say it was put through the door if you don't want to wait for the post.
25:00I'll see you up, Sheila.
25:02Thank you very much, Mr.
25:10Thanks.
25:14Well, something may come of it, if not, will try again.
25:16Only as long as David doesn't find out.
25:18Well, thank you so much.
25:20Bye-bye.
25:21Bye-bye, love.
25:26Some blokes don't deserve the wives they get, do they?
25:28Oh, he's a smart enough chap.
25:30Could do well if he knuckles down to it.
25:32You'll have to if I'm paying.
25:34Well, what's the news?
25:36Oh, the Times says we can expect the victory announcement at any hour now.
25:40Well, I mean, the print works.
25:45The wheels are turning, Trevor.
25:46The wheels are turning.
25:4948 hours at the most is my estimate.
25:52Hey!
25:53Hey, what about Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Leith?
25:57No enthusiasm for Cary Grant.
26:00Um, ooh.
26:02Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Go-Kart in To Have or To Have Not.
26:05Boris Karloff in the House of Frankenstein?
26:14Oh, please, Rita, give it a rest.
26:17Why don't you want to go to the pictures, then?
26:20I told you I didn't before you started.
26:22It was him talking like Humphrey Bogart
26:24that got me keen on him in the first place.
26:29Well, what do you want to do?
26:31I mean, you can't just sit around here all day, you know.
26:33Doris, it just isn't good for you.
26:35Who are you?
26:36I'm going on your nerves, aren't I?
26:39No, you're not.
26:42Look, it isn't the end of the world, Doris, you know.
26:45You fell for someone, you've been living with him,
26:48and now he's gone.
26:51You're better off without him, you know.
26:53You are.
26:53Really, you are.
26:55Look, in a few weeks' time, you'll have forgotten all about it.
26:57You'll have a new job, meet new people,
27:00and no-one need ever know it ever happened.
27:02Is that what you really think, Freda?
27:03Yes, of course it is.
27:04I know it doesn't say...
27:05You're wrong, you know.
27:05No, I'm not.
27:07Look, in a couple of months...
27:08You're going to make me say it, aren't you?
27:10Say what?
27:11That I'm pregnant.
27:16Then you're only against selling because of Edwin.
27:18It's his livelihood, Sefton.
27:20He tried to explain it to you when this came up last year,
27:22but I'm afraid you'll never understand him.
27:24So we've all got to suffer for Edwin's sake.
27:27What suffering have you done?
27:29Supposing we specify in the sale that Edwin stays on as manager.
27:33Would the new owners agree?
27:35Well, they might.
27:36We don't know till we ask.
27:37Would Edwin agree?
27:39He'd be a fool if he didn't.
27:41You astonish me, Helen.
27:42Why can't you accept my judgment in a business matter?
27:46I don't look on it as just a business matter.
27:49Making coffee.
27:50Oh, hot and strong, please.
27:51I need it.
27:52Not for me, thank you.
27:53I hope you're thinking about what you're going to do after your demop comes through.
28:04Yes, I've been thinking about it quite a lot, as a matter of fact.
28:06Why?
28:07Because the way things are going, we shall all be looking for jobs.
28:10All right.
28:15Tony Briggs.
28:18Oh, hello.
28:19Yes, he's here.
28:20Mr. Fraser, will you?
28:25I don't know any Fraser.
28:27He didn't say you did.
28:32Sefton Briggs.
28:37Yes, you are correctly informed.
28:40Just a minute.
28:42Tony, tell Helen I've changed my mind about that coffee.
28:45Righto.
28:45Go on.
28:50Might I ask how you know the works is up for sale, Mr. Fraser?
28:57We haven't put it on the market.
29:01Oh.
29:03And was the friend who whispered in your ear called Trevor Howells by any chance?
29:09No matter.
29:10You're very discreet, Mr. Fraser.
29:12I like that.
29:12Now, look, why don't we get together?
29:18Hmm, I went down to the works this morning.
29:20It's clearly no hive of industry.
29:24Uncle Edwin's obviously very worried.
29:26He practically accused me of letting him down.
29:28You aren't going to, are you?
29:30No.
29:31Something's got to be done.
29:33Yes, but what?
29:35You stubborn shareholders may be interested to know that I've just had a Mr. Fraser on the phone,
29:41interested in buying the printing works.
29:43Oh, yes.
29:44The point is, he's got publishing interests, magazines, and licenses for paper.
29:50It makes a difference.
29:51Yes, it does, as a matter of fact.
29:52So this is probably the last chance we'll ever have of getting a decent price.
29:57Think on that.
29:58Let me know when you agree to sell.
30:01It's a last chance, mind you.
30:08Hello, darling.
30:09Hello, darling.
30:10Did you go to the hospital?
30:11Yeah.
30:12How did you get on?
30:14Oh, six injections today.
30:15Oh, God.
30:16Must be a record.
30:20Um, this came through the letterbox for you, David.
30:25Oh, are somebody saving on stamps?
30:27Mm-hmm.
30:28Well, it's a private delivery service, I should think.
30:36Trevor W. Howells, Esquire.
30:39Um, isn't there anything written on the back of it, then?
30:42Hey, get this.
30:51Mr. Briggs tells me you could be the man that I'm looking for.
30:54Come and see me, T.W.
30:57T.W.H.
30:58Trevor W. Howells, Esquire.
31:01Managing Director, Mersey House, third floor.
31:06Now, there's a man.
31:07Trevor W. Howells, Esquire.
31:10Doesn't wait for me to go to him.
31:12He's come to me.
31:13He hasn't actually come to you now, David.
31:15What?
31:15I mean, he's approached me, you know, the man I'm looking for.
31:18No, could be.
31:18He says could be the man.
31:20We'll be out of here before VE Day.
31:21Oh, look, David, you haven't got the job yet.
31:23Now, don't count your chickens.
31:24Listen, if he's bothered to come round here and shove that through the door, it's cert,
31:27Sheila.
31:27It's the big chance.
31:28No, don't say anything.
31:30Just say yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
31:32Don't be so excited.
31:32For God's sake.
31:33Come on, let's look on the bright side.
31:35Supposing that he doesn't.
31:36Now, supposing he doesn't.
31:37If he doesn't, he doesn't.
31:38Well, that's tomorrow.
31:39Let's, today, well, let's just be, I don't know, let's be bloody optimistic for once,
31:45shall we?
31:46Come on.
31:49John not back from his parents yet?
31:51No.
31:52If old Margaret is here, we're staying another day.
31:54Well, what's Sefton up to now?
31:59Waiting to see who gives way first, I suppose.
32:02You mean Tony or you?
32:03Well, Tony could be thinking.
32:06I don't know.
32:07Yes, I wondered about that this morning.
32:09I mean, what's happened?
32:11What is there to think about?
32:12I sensed it before we heard about this man who's interested in buying.
32:16What man?
32:19Oh, I thought Sefton would have told you.
32:22No.
32:23And Tony hasn't either.
32:25Well, he wants the works to print his magazines.
32:28Well, ideal for that.
32:30If we were selling.
32:31Sefton tried to tell us that the figures last year weren't going to affect his price.
32:36Well, that's true.
32:37He'd be bringing his magazine work in.
32:40I've got no argument against that.
32:43I'm home, Dad.
32:44Hello, Aunt Margaret.
32:48What did Phil have to say, Dad?
32:49Phil?
32:50Well, I didn't have time to read it.
32:51You know, an airmail.
32:52I put it down somewhere.
32:54I thought it was the...
32:55Oh, yes, here we are.
32:57Delayed by enemy action.
33:00It's not from Phil.
33:02It's from Joe.
33:02Father.
33:14How much of the work's worth is it going to the same?
33:16Why do you ask?
33:17The family agreed to sell, that is.
33:18Oh, well, if we could get $20,000, we should grab it.
33:23Why?
33:26Well, there could be circumstances.
33:28That could be, mind you.
33:31In which I might agree to the sale.
33:35Oh, at this time of night.
33:37Edwin, come in, lad.
33:50I'm returning your visit, sir.
33:52You couldn't have timed it better.
33:53Tony's beginning to get some sense into his head.
34:03There are some conditions, Father.
34:05Don't forget that.
34:06No, no, of course not.
34:07I'm sorry, Tony.
34:08I'm not interested in conditions.
34:10There's nothing you can do, Edwin.
34:12I've got 55% in favor of selling.
34:15Let's have a drink on it.
34:17I wrote to Joseph in explaining what happened last time.
34:19I've just had a letter back from her.
34:20Well, she says you simply asked her to sell her shares to you
34:25without explaining the situation at all.
34:27There was no point in going into figures.
34:29I'm not talking about figures.
34:30I'm talking about the way people feel.
34:33Well?
34:35Now Jo knows the situation.
34:36She's changed her mind.
34:37She's voting with me.
34:38Good health.
34:50Oh, can you hang on a minute?
34:58Look, just a minute.
35:00I'm not dressed yet.
35:02Oh.
35:04Who is it?
35:05Special delivery for Mrs Ashton.
35:08David.
35:10Well, who do you think it was, a milkman?
35:11Oh, lovely.
35:14Oh.
35:15Did you get it?
35:17Well, it's been offered, yes.
35:18And you took it?
35:19Yeah, that's right.
35:21Oh, David.
35:23Anything up the top shop, young lady?
35:24Oh, darling, that's marvellous.
35:27Come on, then.
35:27Tell me, what did he say to you?
35:28What happened?
35:29Uh, well, yeah.
35:31We said, uh...
35:34Morning, Mr Ashton.
35:36And I said...
35:38Morning, Mr Howells.
35:40Wendy Starked.
35:41Monday.
35:42Yes.
35:42And what sort of a job is it, then?
35:44Give me a chance.
35:45Give me a chance.
35:46Well, it's, uh...
35:48It's good.
35:48It's not just a piddling nine-to-five to them, you know.
35:51No, no, no.
35:51The more we work, the more money we make.
35:54And what do you have to do?
35:56Selling.
35:57Well, it's a new technique.
35:59This, uh, company's run by...
36:01The company of Howells is run by a bloke called Skinner.
36:03He's all right, but he seems to flannel a bit.
36:05Oh.
36:06Well, we're selling pre-war reconditioned radios.
36:09Oh.
36:10What do you have to do?
36:12Well, I follow up any inquiries to the ads, and then I sell them the pricing model.
36:16Oh.
36:17What's selling door-to-door?
36:19Well, look, it's a stepping stone, Sheila.
36:28Oh.
36:30Is that the main attraction, then, is it?
36:32Look, Sheila, I know I'm not going to be the manager right away, but, you know, even if I did get a commission,
36:37but once I'm in, the commission will count.
36:40The sky's the limit, and I'm going to be the best.
36:43But you've got to trust me, Sheila.
36:47Oh, look, let's stop talking, eh?
36:48Come on, not another bloody word.
36:50Come on, I want to show you something.
36:51Hey, just a minute.
36:53I'm not dressed yet.
36:55Oh.
36:56Yes, as you can see, they're kept in splendid condition.
37:05How many in an hour will this one print, Mr. Briggs?
37:08I haven't got the exact output of each machine.
37:12Get me thrashed, a lad.
37:15You can see why this year's figures aren't as good as they should be.
37:18We're with much more capacity than we're using.
37:21Shortage of paper, I suppose.
37:22Well, it's just as well, some of these machines look as if they're on their last legs.
37:27Yes, we can't get the parts either, you see.
37:30Oh, they'll start to come through much quicker now.
37:33We hope.
37:35I'm afraid it's going to be a long, hard drag for some time yet, Mr. Briggs.
37:45We'll be able to commandeer a certain amount from the Germans, won't we?
37:50The spoils of victory.
37:52What makes you think that they'll be in any better state than us?
37:55Let's go.
38:25Yes, Sefton.
38:31Mr. Fraser, our manager, Mr. Ashton, my late sister's husband.
38:37How do you do?
38:38I was just commenting on the condition of some of the machinery.
38:41Tell me, Mr. Ashton, what is the output per hour of the old wharf, please?
38:46A maximum, just over 900.
38:51I need to know these details before we can talk priceless.
38:54Well, some of the machines are just about on the last legs.
38:57He knows that, Edwin.
38:58I was explaining about the parts situation.
39:01The ones in actual use are sound enough.
39:03Very well organized, is it?
39:06The general layers, I mean.
39:07It was designed for maximum capacity working, Mr. Fraser.
39:10It's possible to improve on it, though.
39:13In what way?
39:14I was just thinking out loud.
39:17It is always possible to improve, isn't it?
39:19If it had been possible, I'd have done it.
39:21It's not just parts we've been short of, Mr. Fraser.
39:25It's men, too.
39:26Yes, well, that's certainly going to improve, isn't it?
39:28You employ women here a lot, do you?
39:32We always have.
39:34Cheap labor, Mr. Fraser.
39:36But is it good policy, though?
39:38I said we did it.
39:40I didn't say it was my policy.
39:43Excuse me.
39:43You know, I've often thought the layout could be improved on.
39:53Oh?
39:54Then what would your suggestion be, Mr. Briggs?
39:57You tell me yours.
40:02I mustn't let her depress you, Freda.
40:04I know she's an old friend of yours.
40:05You were right last night.
40:08She is pregnant.
40:11Oh.
40:12That does make it tough.
40:14It's so unfair.
40:16I mean, there must be hundreds of women who are dying to have children, and there's Doris.
40:22And there is Doris, who's going to have one, and would do anything not to.
40:28Are you very concerned about her?
40:29Yes, I'm going to help her.
40:32Well, we will.
40:33We'll do everything we can.
40:34She can stay here if she wants, or we'll try and find her somewhere else to live.
40:37And when the time comes, we'll help her through that.
40:41You'll be more used than I am then, I expect.
40:42Hmm.
40:44And then what?
40:46Well, that's rather up to Doris, isn't it?
40:48I mean, if she wants the child adopted, I can organise...
40:50Ian, wouldn't it be better if she didn't have it at all?
40:53Well, possibly, but there's not much we can do about that, is there?
40:57Why not?
40:57Well, you know very well why not.
41:00Well, you're supposed to say you like it.
41:26Well, of course I'd like it.
41:30Who wouldn't?
41:33But...
41:34But what?
41:35Well, how much is it?
41:37Seven hundred and ninety-five.
41:41Well, you won't get a mortgage, will you, if you haven't got a job?
41:46I don't need a mortgage.
41:48I have got a job.
41:50Yeah, but that's going to take all the money you've got, David.
41:53And supposing you don't like the job, what are you going to do then?
41:56I'll find another one.
41:58You can't take any old job, though, David.
42:01Not with a face like this one.
42:02Oh, Sheila, don't look on the black side all the time, love.
42:07Look, I need this house.
42:09I need something to work for.
42:12Me and the kids not enough for you, eh?
42:14It's the same thing, yeah.
42:18Look, you, the kids and the house.
42:22Us and the place we live in.
42:25It'll be something to work for, Sheila.
42:27You're scared of it, aren't you?
42:31Yeah, well, it's a far cry from that other old place.
42:33Yes, and so it bloody well should be.
42:37Don't be scared of it, eh?
42:39Can we go inside?
42:47But it happens, though, doesn't it?
42:48If the mother's life is in danger,
42:50or might be if she had the child,
42:52or if she might be a mental wreck as a result, yes.
42:55And I suppose that is the law?
42:56Yes, it's all so common sense.
42:59I mean, there's little point in bringing a child into the world
43:01if the mother's going to die,
43:03or go out of her mind.
43:05As far as I know, Doris isn't in that kind of danger.
43:08Well, maybe she isn't, but she's a human being, Ian.
43:10I mean, she didn't ask to be put in that situation.
43:12It happened to her.
43:13She's a victim.
43:15Oh, I see.
43:16An immaculate corruption, was it?
43:19Well, no.
43:21The baby's the victim. Doris had the choice.
43:23Oh, as simple as that, is it?
43:24Oh, maybe she thought the chap was going to marry her.
43:27It would have been better if she'd made damn sure.
43:29Oh, typical male attitude.
43:30Oh, rubbish.
43:31Look, I see much more of this than you do.
43:33Every day, in fact.
43:35Now, if I were to ask them,
43:36was it worth it, which I obviously don't,
43:38I know exactly what their reply would be.
43:40Oh, no, you don't.
43:41How many babies have you had?
43:43Anyway, I'd be very surprised
43:44if Doris accepted your solution in the end.
43:47As surprised as I am at you for suggesting it.
43:49You're a nurse, Frida.
43:50Yes, and I also happen to be married, don't I?
43:52So that problem isn't likely to arise for me.
43:55Look, even if I've never been pregnant,
43:56it doesn't mean to say I don't understand how she feels.
43:59Yes, I'm a nurse,
44:00but in case you haven't noticed lately,
44:02I also happen to be a woman.
44:04As if I could forget.
44:05We must now devote all our strength and resources
44:28to the completion of our tasks,
44:32both at home and abroad.
44:35Advance Britannia!
44:38Long live the cause of freedom!
44:41God save the king!
44:44The Prime Minister has made the historic statement
44:47of the end of the war in Europe.
44:51The ceremonial sounding of the ceasefire
44:53is made by the buglars of the Scots gardens.
45:02Thank you for that.
45:05Here, we're at a hurry, I'll be late.
45:06And where do you suggest we celebrate our VE Day?
45:09Oh, I don't know.
45:10Where would you?
45:11How about dining out?
45:12I'd love to, but do you think we'd get in anywhere?
45:14Well, I'll phone around
45:15and have somewhere arranged for you
45:16by the time you get back.
45:17Even if it's only that Chinese place,
45:19Quok Fong's, down by the docks.
45:21What do you mean, only?
45:22It's my favourite.
45:23Ah, well, you may very well be in luck, then,
45:25because I suspect that all the nice places
45:27will be crowded out.
45:30I wonder how Doris is celebrating her VE Day.
45:33Oh, she'll be all right.
45:35Yes.
45:37Strange it didn't come back, though, isn't it?
45:39We've had a very bad year,
45:41and I'm more than ever convinced
45:43that now is the time to sell
45:45before things get worse.
45:46Why should they?
45:47Please, Margaret, let me finish.
45:49I say that now is the time
45:50because we've had a very attractive offer
45:53from a man called Fraser.
45:57A very attractive offer.
45:59I think somebody's supposed to ask how much.
46:03How much, Sefton?
46:04His first offer was for 19,000 pounds,
46:08and I told him we wouldn't consider it.
46:11I told him that the business was worth 25
46:13if it was worth a penny,
46:14and we came to a very reasonable compromise.
46:18Which was?
46:20Mr. Fraser has made a firm offer
46:22of 22,000 pounds.
46:29I know it's a difficult decision to make,
46:32and I know that I'm not the only one
46:34who'll be sorry to see the business
46:35go out of the family.
46:38But I've thought about it,
46:39and I'm convinced in my own mind
46:40that it's the only sensible thing to do.
46:43Helen?
46:45There's more than one side to this,
46:46isn't there, Sefton?
46:47Yes, there is.
46:48Answer me this, Sefton.
46:50If Mr. Fraser's making you such a good offer,
46:53he must be pretty confident
46:54that he can make the firm pay.
46:55Well, if he can make it pay,
46:56why can't we?
46:57He's a younger man than I, Amerwin,
46:59and he'll be bringing business in.
47:01You and I should be bringing business in
47:02when paper rationing allows us to take it on.
47:06I've done my share.
47:07The trouble is,
47:09you're not really interested anymore, are you?
47:10It's no good attacking me, Edwin.
47:12This is a straightforward business decision
47:14we've got to make.
47:15It's not a matter of personalities.
47:17It's pounds, shillings, and pence.
47:19And that's exactly where we differ.
47:26It's not just pounds, shillings, and pence.
47:29It's people.
47:31Personalities isn't the right word.
47:33People.
47:34You've got a very loyal staff, Saffron,
47:38which might surprise you.
47:40Surprises me sometimes.
47:42You can't just sell them like so many lumps of coal.
47:45We've been over all this before.
47:47Half of them have been away fighting.
47:49For us.
47:50God knows why,
47:51when you see what's happening behind their backs.
47:55What are they going to come home to?
47:56I got offered a better job.
48:04But I didn't take it.
48:05Do you remember that?
48:06You didn't like Pringle.
48:07That's why.
48:08I prefer to stay where I am.
48:09That's why.
48:10That's the point.
48:12When I saw how another works is run.
48:14A bigger works.
48:17What happens then?
48:18With your smart suits
48:20and your cut-glass accents, eh?
48:21Will they care that Joe's got to watch his back,
48:26that Harry's liable to fly off the handle,
48:28that Nora's lost her gym?
48:31No, the place will be run by men pushing buttons in London.
48:34Maybe that's going to be happening everywhere anyway, Uncle.
48:37You can decide that, Edwin, for yourself.
48:39Mr. Fraser has already agreed to keep you on as manager.
48:43After what he said about the layout of the place?
48:45I specifically asked him.
48:47As part of the deal.
48:48As another lump of coal.
48:50I didn't particularly like Fraser, anyway.
48:53Edwin, you can't have it both ways.
48:56Well, Margaret, let's all hear it.
48:57Well, I know I'm a bit out of my depth,
49:00but I suppose if they were forced to keep Dad on...
49:04Look, what I mean is...
49:06We know what you mean, Margaret.
49:08It will be written into the contract.
49:10They can't wriggle out of it.
49:12Oh, well, that means Dad can't be fired, so that's all.
49:15Whether I suit them or not,
49:17whether I get on with them or not,
49:19they're stuck with me, aren't they?
49:22Well, that won't work either.
49:24A man gets on with his bosses by doing his job properly or he gets out.
49:30I say we should keep the works,
49:33not be panicked by one bad year.
49:36Make it pay.
49:37Nobody's tried to do that harder than you, Edwin.
49:39I acknowledge that.
49:40Well, the war's over.
49:41Things will be different.
49:42We hope.
49:44Look, can I say something?
49:46I mean, do we have to decide this today?
49:48Aren't we rushing it?
49:49Couldn't we hang on, Adele?
49:50Yes, what's the hurry?
49:51Mr Fraser wants the printing works quickly.
49:54If we dilly-dally, he'll go somewhere else.
49:56It may be our last chance, Frida.
49:59Oh, I see.
50:00Does that mean you've ought to sell?
50:04No.
50:05No, I'm against selling.
50:09So am I.
50:15Look,
50:15I can understand you're wanting to hang on.
50:18But if we go on losing money for very much longer,
50:22there won't be any jobs for these people to come back to.
50:27You haven't said anything yet, Helen.
50:30No, but I've been listening and wearing things up.
50:32Your share would be 5,500 pounds.
50:35That's not what I meant.
50:38You're fighting a lone battle, Edwin.
50:41I think you should give Mr Fraser a chance.
50:44He might be very good for all you know.
50:46Can't you understand?
50:48I want a chance to do it myself.
50:51There's too much at stake, Edwin.
50:53You mean I'm too old.
50:54Past it.
50:54That's what you mean, isn't it?
51:00Right.
51:01We've all had our say.
51:03Those in favour of selling.
51:08I'm sorry, Edwin.
51:10I'm sorry.
51:11Dad?
51:19Oh, Dad, wait a minute.
51:20Wait a minute.
51:20Wait a moment.
51:41Bye.
51:42Bye.
51:42Bye.
51:43Bye.
51:44Bye.
51:44Bye.
51:45Bye.
51:46Bye.
51:46Bye.
51:47I don't know.
52:17I don't know.
52:47I don't know.
53:17I don't know.
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