Tipping the Velvet. (2002) Part 1 of 2.

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First broadcast 9th/16th October 2002.  A provincial young woman follows her heart, and a beautiful male impersonator, to London.  Rachael Stirling - Nan Astley Richard Hope - Mr. Astley Monica Dolan - Alice Astley Annie Hulley - Mrs. Astley Peter Kelly - Davy Astley Benedict Cumberbatch - Freddy Johnny Vegas - Gully Sutherland Dean Lennox Kelly - Tony Reeves Alexei Sayle - Charles Frobisher John Bowe - Walter Bliss Jim McManus - Tricky Reeves Keeley Hawes - Kitty Butler Bernice Stegers - Mrs. Dendy William Sleigh - Barber Daniel Mays - Jimmy Burns Michael Kilgarriff - Music Hall Chairman Susie Valerio - Singer Sarah Waters - Audience Member Jodhi May - Florence Banner David Webber - Bill Theresa Watson -Mrs. Best Milly Gregory - Mary David Spinx - Rough Man Sally Hawkins - Zena Blake David Simeon - Middle-Aged Gent Tilly Vosburgh - Mrs. Milne Heather Dickinson - Grace Milne Paul Ready - Renter Alice Edward Clayton - Rough Customer Carl Chase - Corder Anna Chanellor - Diana Lethaby Janet Henfrey - Mrs. Jex Sara Stockbridge - Dickie Sarah Crowden - Woman with pipe Di Botcher - Woman with Cigar Hugh Bonneville - Ralph Banner Eleanor McCready - Tramp Lady Sam Graham - Man at Mrs. Milne's Louis Alderton - Baby Cyril Angela Curran - Mrs. Sykes Diane Beck - Annie Price Alex Kelly - Gay Girl Janet Fullerlove - Elsie Nick Bartlett - Drunk Man Michael Kilgarriff - Music Hall Chairman

Transcript

00:00:09I don't know.

00:00:29Oh, my God.

00:01:08Did you ever go to Whitstable and see the oyster parlours there?

00:01:14My father kept one. I was born in it.

00:01:18That's my sister, Alice.

00:01:21She was a good girl, Alice, and my best friend as well as my big sister.

00:01:28That's my father.

00:01:30Best whistable natives you'll ever taste.

00:01:31Right you are, sir. Coming.

00:01:35But this isn't about him.

00:01:37Or Alice.

00:01:38Or my brother, Davy.

00:01:40Or my mother.

00:01:46It's about me, Nan Astley.

00:01:50And I was nothing then.

00:01:52I was barely 18, and my life had hardly started.

00:01:56But open an oyster, and it's like a secret world in there.

00:02:01And that's how it was with me.

00:02:11I don't see how my life could have any surprises waiting in it.

00:02:15I suppose I was content with my oyster girl's existence.

00:02:23All right, then, Nan?

00:02:25Hello, Freddie.

00:02:27Go for a little walk, then.

00:02:29Yes, all right, then.

00:02:30I don't mind.

00:02:36That was our little routine.

00:02:38I'd meet him when they brought the boat in, and we'd go for a little walk.

00:02:43And a little spooning.

00:02:45We weren't what you'd call fast.

00:02:48It was expected, really, but I never knew how I was supposed to feel.

00:02:57Tony Reeves was sweet on Alice.

00:03:00He was under-manager at the Canterbury Palace of Varieties.

00:03:04Mother thought him a bit rapid, but he couldn't not like it.

00:03:09All right, you boggers.

00:03:10Ding-dong, ding-dong.

00:03:13I had that from Gully Sutherland himself.

00:03:15Hey, you mustn't miss this show next week.

00:03:17It's a stunner.

00:03:18I'll get you in the circle for gallery prices.

00:03:20How's that?

00:03:21That's very kind of you, Mr Reeves.

00:03:23Tony, Tony.

00:03:24We know each other well enough by now.

00:03:26Well, we should love to come.

00:03:28Is it all right if Nan's Freddie comes along, too?

00:03:30Of course.

00:03:30The more the merrier.

00:03:31He's not my Freddie, mother.

00:03:32He isn't yet, but he'd like to be.

00:03:34Is that about the shape of it?

00:03:39Come on.

00:04:01And now, ladies and gentlemen, a very special treat

00:04:05for those of you who are connoisseurs of elegance and top-class style,

00:04:12Miss Kitty Butler!

00:04:30What do you think?

00:04:31Pretty smart.

00:04:32Not half bad, I should say.

00:04:34I'm following in father's footsteps

00:04:37Following me dear old dad

00:04:40He's just in front with a fine big gal

00:04:43So I thought I'd have won as well

00:04:47Let's pray.

00:05:05Let's pray.

00:05:52Dear Rose, there's a rose in my heart for you.

00:06:37Goodbye.

00:06:38Goodbye.

00:06:39Come again.

00:06:40Congratulations.

00:06:44And now, ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Mr Gully, he'll tickle your fancy, Summer!

00:06:59Hey, ladies and gentlemen, I'm out of time, have you?

00:07:02I've just been on my own seat.

00:07:03It's at the seaside.

00:07:05You want me to come?

00:07:06You're all right, then?

00:07:08Who's this?

00:07:09Ben.

00:07:11I've seen that face somewhere before.

00:07:14Hello?

00:07:17You what?

00:07:20She did?

00:07:24I'm all right now, really.

00:07:26Do you want me to go back up?

00:07:28Come on, then.

00:07:30Keep me company.

00:07:32Oh, it must be wonderful to work here.

00:07:35It's summer time, it is.

00:07:36You enjoying the show?

00:07:37Oh, yes.

00:07:39Anything in particular?

00:07:40Kitty Butler.

00:07:41I've never, ever seen a girl like her.

00:07:44Oh, you've got an eye for it, young Nancy.

00:07:46She's got it off, hasn't she?

00:07:47Like a proper boy.

00:07:48All the walk, all the business.

00:07:49But then she's not.

00:07:51You've got to remember that, Nancy.

00:07:53Well, of course I know that.

00:07:54Well, that's all right, then.

00:07:57Oh, I wish I could come and see her every night.

00:07:59Well, there's no reason why you shouldn't.

00:08:01We could put you up in one of the boxes, if you like.

00:08:03They're hardly ever taken on a weeknight.

00:08:06Really?

00:08:11Alice.

00:08:14Alice.

00:08:14What?

00:08:16How do you feel when you're with Tony?

00:08:18Oh, what question.

00:08:21Same as you when you're with Freddie, I suppose.

00:08:25I don't feel anything much when I'm with Freddie.

00:08:28Well, perhaps he should be showing you what to do.

00:08:33If you don't like him, chuck him, then.

00:08:35Plenty more fish in the sea.

00:08:36It's not I don't like him.

00:08:38Yeah, I know.

00:08:39He's just not the one.

00:08:41You'll find someone you really like, then.

00:08:43Promise?

00:08:45You wait.

00:08:46You'll meet someone.

00:08:48You'll have your head spinning.

00:08:49Your legs turning to Jamie.

00:08:52And you...

00:08:53And what?

00:08:55You'll find out.

00:08:57Now shut your eyes and go to sleep.

00:09:04Oh, Rosie.

00:09:08Dear Rosie.

00:09:10There's a rose in my heart.

00:09:15For you.

00:09:24But now I come to look around.

00:09:26There's a lot of pretty girls down here as well.

00:09:30Put up the lights, limesman.

00:09:32Let's have a look at you.

00:09:35Well, we're spoilt for choice this evening, gents.

00:09:41Catch.

00:09:47Goodbye.

00:09:48Come again.

00:09:51Here she comes in.

00:09:52How was she tonight, Nancy?

00:09:55Just as good, if not better.

00:09:56She's not a real boy, you know.

00:09:58I know she's not.

00:09:59You ask me.

00:10:00I think there might be some young chap in the orchestra pit she's got her eye on.

00:10:03I just hope young Freddie don't patty on.

00:10:06I wish you'd all mind your own business.

00:10:15When I see her, it's like...

00:10:17Oh, I don't know what it's like.

00:10:19When she walks on stage, she makes me want to smile and weep at once.

00:10:23She makes me sore here.

00:10:25I never, ever saw a girl like her before.

00:10:28I never knew that there were girls like her.

00:10:31I don't know what it is.

00:10:32I don't know what's the matter with me, Alice.

00:10:34Do you think I'm crack?

00:10:35I don't think you should get too keen on that girl, then.

00:10:37Are you ever not?

00:10:39Not like us, people like that.

00:10:41They don't lead natural lives, you know.

00:10:43I think you should forget about her, man.

00:10:46You don't understand, Alice.

00:10:47I don't want to talk about it anymore.

00:10:49It wasn't any use telling me to forget about Kitty Butler.

00:10:53As if I could.

00:10:55And I didn't see why I should.

00:10:57Well, that's it.

00:10:58You're holding as tight as you like.

00:11:00Don't worry.

00:11:01I'll tell you if it hurts.

00:11:04No!

00:11:05I don't want to.

00:11:06What's the matter?

00:11:07Nothing.

00:11:08I just don't want that, Freddie.

00:11:10I'm serious, you know, man.

00:11:12We could be engaged.

00:11:15Well, then it would be all right, wouldn't it?

00:11:16Can't we just go on as we are?

00:11:18You don't really care for me at all.

00:11:20I do, though.

00:11:21No, you don't.

00:11:22You just have to keep me there tagging along like.

00:11:25If you really cared for me, you'd let me do it.

00:11:28Well, then, I don't care for you.

00:11:31Oh, man.

00:11:32No, don't take it like that, man.

00:11:35I didn't really mean it.

00:11:37But I did.

00:11:38I meant it.

00:11:39And if what Freddie wanted was only human nature, so was what I wanted.

00:11:44But what was it I wanted?

00:11:47I didn't know.

00:11:48But I knew it had something to do with Kitty Butler.

00:11:51We said goodbye with a tear and a sigh.

00:11:57And whispered all the pretty things that sweethearts say.

00:12:02You promised you'd never forget me.

00:12:07I promised I'd always be true.

00:12:13Oh, Rosie.

00:12:16Dear Rosie.

00:12:19There's a rose in my heart for you.

00:12:28He calledanos.

00:12:32There's a rose.

00:12:37There's a rose in my heart.

00:12:38He came.

00:12:38He called me.

00:12:39He came to you.

00:12:39Man.

00:12:42Sch нами at first Thanksgiving.

00:12:43He put your door at the start- 운동.

00:12:43Then he came to you.

00:12:43Three years ago.

00:12:43He said goodbye.

00:12:44He called me.

00:12:46He called me to leave me.

00:12:49I replied with my friends.

00:12:50ESSENIが I told you like.

00:13:12Hey, skinny butter, ready to do it.

00:13:16Goodbye, come again.

00:13:19And now, we want you all to be ready to do it.

00:13:23The King of...

00:13:32Hey, ladies and gentlemen.

00:13:38I guess you haven't visited, as a friend would.

00:13:41And an Ops out door.

00:13:44Dony, I...

00:13:47No, no, no, no, no.

00:13:48Nothing to be sorry about.

00:13:50You're just the person I wanted.

00:13:52I've got a message for you.

00:13:55Someone wants to see you.

00:13:57Oh.

00:14:54Come in!

00:15:00Here she is.

00:15:02Miss Nancy Astley.

00:15:07Miss Butler, I'll take up no more of your valuable time.

00:15:11May I say again, a delightful evening, a rare treat.

00:15:19Miss Astley, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

00:15:22Walter Bliss, at your service.

00:15:27Good night, ladies.

00:15:32Mr. Reeves.

00:15:40I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Astley.

00:15:43Do you have a chair?

00:15:52So, you're my mystery admirer.

00:15:54I thought it was Gully you came to see every night.

00:15:57Then somebody told me you always went out after I'd finished.

00:15:59Is it really me you stay for?

00:16:00Yes.

00:16:09I'm sorry.

00:16:10Now I'm here, I can't think of what to say.

00:16:13Well, it was me who sent for you, so you needn't say anything if you don't want to.

00:16:17But I do wish you'd tell me what it is you like so much.

00:16:19I'm very vain, you see.

00:16:21I do love to hear nice things about myself.

00:16:23I like everything.

00:16:24Your costumes and your songs and the way you sing them.

00:16:28And the way you move and the way you smile and your voice.

00:16:30You seem so very gay and bold.

00:16:34It makes me happy just to hear you.

00:16:36And I think your hair is beautiful.

00:16:39Truly.

00:16:40Gully says it's like guinea pig's fur.

00:16:42Well, he's wrong.

00:16:43Well, I'll tell him you said so.

00:16:48Do you mind if I clean my makeup off while we talk?

00:16:57So, what about you?

00:16:59I know that you're a friend of Tony's.

00:17:01Is he your sweetheart?

00:17:03No.

00:17:05No, he's courting my sister Alice.

00:17:07Is he?

00:17:09Hmm.

00:17:10So, what about you?

00:17:12Have you got a sweetheart?

00:17:15No.

00:17:17Nor have I.

00:17:21So, where do you come from and what do you work at?

00:17:24Whitstable.

00:17:26I work in an oyster house.

00:17:28An oyster house?

00:17:29Like the song?

00:17:31As I was going down Bishop's Gate Street to an oyster girl,

00:17:34I happened to meet into her basket.

00:17:36I happened to peep to see if she had any oysters.

00:17:42I do hope I haven't offended you, Miss Ashley.

00:17:44No.

00:17:46There's nothing wrong with oyster girls.

00:17:48I think they're rather nice if you're an example of them.

00:17:52Miss Butler?

00:17:53Oh, call me Kitty, do.

00:17:54And what can I call you?

00:17:56Nan, thank you.

00:17:58You're very kind.

00:18:00I was going to ask Kitty.

00:18:02Why did you think of it in the first place?

00:18:05Dressing like a boy and cutting your hair short and everything.

00:18:08Oh, wouldn't you if you had the chance?

00:18:11Men have all the fun.

00:18:13Besides, there's too many girls in this business.

00:18:15Most of them would do anything to please the manager

00:18:17and you won't find me playing those games, Nan.

00:18:20And I love my costumes and being able to stride about

00:18:22and give them a bit of cheek.

00:18:26Don't get me wrong.

00:18:30I do like being a girl as well, you know.

00:18:34Well, what do you think?

00:18:42Pretty smart or a bit of a letdown?

00:18:44I should say so.

00:18:45No.

00:18:47Oh, no.

00:18:49You're a dear girl.

00:18:51I can't stop and talk any longer this evening, Nan.

00:18:53Gully's taking us all out for supper

00:18:55and what Gully wants, Gully gets.

00:19:01But you'll come and see me again, won't you?

00:19:03You could come before the show and help me dress if you'd like.

00:19:07Really?

00:19:08Of course, really.

00:19:10Then I shall.

00:19:14Starting next Monday.

00:19:17And now she'll have to say goodnight.

00:19:20Miss Asley.

00:19:39You smell like...

00:19:41I know.

00:19:41Like a herring.

00:19:44Not a bit like a herring.

00:19:49Like a mermaid.

00:19:59I told myself to be sensible.

00:20:02Perhaps she hadn't meant it.

00:20:04Or she might think better of it.

00:20:08Like a mermaid.

00:20:10Like a mermaid.

00:20:15And so I became Kitty Butler's dresser.

00:20:19And her best pal, too.

00:20:21And we were together all that season.

00:20:25Come on, baby!

00:20:26Come on, baby!

00:20:29Come on, baby!

00:20:30Come on, baby!

00:20:32Come on, baby!

00:20:34Come on, baby!

00:20:35Come on!

00:20:36Come on!

00:20:37Be careful, Kitty.

00:20:39Don't turn that poor girl's head.

00:20:42Come on, baby!

00:20:43Come on, baby!

00:20:45Come on, baby!

00:20:47Come on, baby!

00:20:48What would she think if she knew the part she played in my fierce dreamings?

00:20:57Come on, baby!

00:21:16Come on, baby!

00:21:18Hmm.

00:21:40you hold it like this flat shell on top then you put the point of the knife in

00:21:46the hinge see hold it steady mustn't waste any of the liquor that's the best bit some say

00:21:55that's the flesh you cut that loose and now you may eat it

00:22:11thank you thank you and this is your room

00:22:22very cozy it feels funny you being here

00:22:31come sit by me I'm sure your mother would disapprove I am just about dying for a smoke

00:22:42you're lucky to have a proper family such a nice one too

00:22:46I've never had a proper family how do you mean oh you don't want to know let's just

00:22:51talk about happy things I think if I had a family like yours I'd never want to leave home

00:23:04Nan I have something to tell you it's a piece of good news and you must promise to be happy

00:23:09for me

00:23:11do you remember the man who was with me the first night you came around Mr Bliss

00:23:18well he's offered me a contract in London working in the halls there

00:23:24he says I'm too good for the provinces he says London needs to see me and I need to be

00:23:27seen there

00:23:29he thinks I could be one of the really big names Nan

00:23:32I've got to take it oh yes I see that you have I am happy for you Kitty

00:23:41you don't look it well I'm selfish I'd be unhappy to see you go

00:23:49and I'll be unhappy to leave you behind

00:23:53truly

00:23:54would you come with me Nan

00:23:58come with you

00:23:59if your mother and father will let you of course

00:24:00I mean you'll have a proper wage not much but well enough if we share a room

00:24:04yes

00:24:06do you really think you might and do you think they'll let you

00:24:09I suppose you could always come back home if you didn't like it

00:24:11if I didn't like it

00:24:12I'd do anything to go with you I'd go even if they said I wasn't to

00:24:15they could lock me in my room and I'd climb out the window and walk all the way to London

00:24:19to be with you

00:24:19I love you more than anyone or anything I do

00:24:32remember when you gave me this

00:24:36when you picked me out of all the others

00:24:40you did didn't you

00:24:42you chose me

00:24:44yes

00:24:45yes I did

00:24:47and I didn't know then I was choosing the very best friend I've ever had

00:24:55they didn't try to lock me in

00:24:57they could see my heart was set on going to London with Kitty

00:25:01and they couldn't bear to see me grieve

00:25:05there

00:25:10don't spend it all in the same shop

00:25:13and you will write us won't you then

00:25:16of course I will

00:25:17we'll visit when you can

00:25:21goodbye mother

00:25:24thanks

00:25:25what am I going to do without you

00:25:35take care now

00:25:38I shall

00:26:04I'll have one

00:26:05go

00:26:25Miss Butler, what a pleasure.

00:26:29Welcome to the Game Metropolis.

00:26:32And Miss Ashley, late of Whitstable.

00:26:34Off goes his bonnet to an Oyster girl.

00:26:41You are very welcome, my dear.

00:26:43More so than I can say.

00:26:47Go on, then.

00:26:50And Miss Butler.

00:26:53Follow me, Porter!

00:26:59Follow up! Keep up, help!

00:27:01Good one!

00:27:15Oh, my back.

00:27:27BABY!

00:27:29BABY!

00:27:30BABY!

00:27:35BABY!

00:28:11Mr. Bliss kindly took us to our new home, Mrs. Dendy's Theatrical Lodging House, in

00:28:18Brixton. Oh, I've always had Theatricals. And my mother before me. So Henry Irving himself

00:28:30once fell down these stairs. Evening, Signor Corelli.

00:28:39Don't get no trouble for me. He loves those gums. Oh, they're very nice, gents. No trouble

00:28:48at all. Three more up here, Signor Corelli.

00:28:56This'll be yours. You've got a little entrance hall as well as the bedroom. You won't mind

00:29:01doubling up, I hope. He loves what? He's going to use two eggs and a doll's outside.

00:29:06They're perfect. We're a bit close to the railway. We'll get used to that in a while.

00:29:14Come on, Douglas.

00:29:34Are you asleep? No. Are you homesick, Nan? Do you miss Alice? Not really.

00:29:58Oh, your heart beats. Do you like this, Nan? Hmm. If you knew how I'd longed for a sister,

00:30:11you'll be my sister now, won't you? I didn't want to be her sister.

00:30:18I do love you, Nan. I wanted to be her sweetheart. Night-night.

00:30:26Ladies and gentlemen, I get your pleasure this evening, Miss Kitty Bacar.

00:30:48Hello. I've just come down from Brighton. There's a lot of pretty girls down there, you know.

00:30:58So, following your father's footsteps is a motto for each boy. And following your father's footsteps is a thing I

00:31:07much enjoy.

00:31:08My mother put me out running up the West End on a screen. She said, where are you going? And

00:31:17I also don't ask me.

00:31:22I'm following your father's footsteps, following the dear old dad. He's just in front with a fine big gal, so

00:31:31I thought I'd have one as well.

00:31:48They don't like me, Nan. They don't like me.

00:31:58My dear, your first night in the capital, they were warming to you. Give the word a chance to spread.

00:32:04They'll be eating out of your hand by the end of the week.

00:32:06Do you really think so, Walter?

00:32:08I'd stake my life on it, Kitty. I promise you, I swear to you, there is no match to your

00:32:16act in town. I promise you.

00:32:19You promised you'd never forget me. I promised I'd always be true. Oh, Rosie.

00:32:32Dear Rosie, there's a rose in my house for you.

00:32:48But he was right. It didn't happen by the end of the week. But after a few months, they couldn't

00:32:55get enough of her.

00:33:06A triumph! Oh, a triumph! Now we've got him. Now, Kitty, get changed quickly. The manager of the Alhambra wants

00:33:12to meet you.

00:33:13The Alhambra?

00:33:13Yes, you won't mind, will you, Nan. It'll all be business talk. Your chance for an early night.

00:33:17I did mind. But what could I do? I was proud of her success, but terrified it would take her

00:33:25away from me. I wanted to keep her close. As close as my own skin.

00:33:36I've just been down to the seaside. There's a lot of pretty girls down there, you know. Come to think

00:33:43of it, there's a lot of pretty girls down here, too.

00:33:47I'm following in father's footsteps, following the dear old dad. He's just in front with a fine big girl, so

00:33:56I thought I'd have one as well.

00:34:01I got talking to an oyster girl, she could suck an oyster rather well.

00:34:12Oh, Kitty. I love you. Love you. Love you.

00:34:33It's you.

00:34:36I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.

00:34:38Well, don't be sorry, Nan.

00:34:41You're the very thing. You look more like a boy than I do.

00:34:46Give us a turn. Go on.

00:34:48No. I'm shy.

00:34:59I could quite fall for a boy like you. Come here and give me a kiss.

00:35:11What a handsome fellow. I can't resist him.

00:35:26Just wait till Walter sees you. I don't want him to.

00:35:30Well, I think it could be just the thing he's looking for.

00:35:32We were talking about developing my repertoire, Nan.

00:35:34Well, to go on with a pal might be just the very thing.

00:35:37Help me, Nan. We'll show him first thing tomorrow.

00:35:42But all I could think was that she had kissed me on the lips,

00:35:46and yet I was no nearer to declaring myself.

00:35:51Was it possible that she felt as I did?

00:35:56I couldn't risk it.

00:35:58I couldn't risk it.

00:36:13Ready?

00:36:15Mm-mm.

00:36:24My God, that's it.

00:36:27Why didn't I see it before?

00:36:30Aha!

00:36:31Oh, this could be sensational.

00:36:34Didn't I tell you?

00:36:35Doesn't she look quite the Bobby Dazzler?

00:36:36It's as if she was born to it.

00:36:38Let's try a little song.

00:36:39No. No, I couldn't.

00:36:41Yes, you could.

00:36:41You know all the words to all the songs.

00:36:43Come on, Walter.

00:36:44Father's footsteps.

00:36:50To follow in your father's footsteps

00:36:54is a motto for each boy.

00:36:57And following in father's footsteps

00:37:00is a thing I much enjoy.

00:37:03My mother caught me out one evening

00:37:05up the West End on a spree.

00:37:08She said,

00:37:10Where are you going?

00:37:13But I answered,

00:37:15Don't ask me.

00:37:19We're following in father's footsteps,

00:37:23following the dear old dad.

00:37:25He's just in front with a fine big gal,

00:37:28so I thought I'd have one as well.

00:37:33We don't know where we're going,

00:37:36but when he gets there I'll be glad.

00:37:39We're following in father's footsteps,

00:37:42yes.

00:37:44We're following the dear old dad.

00:37:48Bill from Bow Bells

00:37:51and his shy brother Bob.

00:37:55How about that?

00:37:56We'll get some songs to suit,

00:37:57new suits made to measure.

00:37:59And we should do something about that hair.

00:38:24There we are, miss.

00:38:26Or perhaps I should say, sir.

00:38:33Remarkable.

00:38:44Now I'm like you.

00:38:50Ladies and gents,

00:38:52your very own favourite with a special treat.

00:38:56For the first time in this or any other hall,

00:39:01it's two for the price of one.

00:39:03It's Kitty Butler and Nan King.

00:39:09I'm rather shy.

00:39:11I'm rather shy.

00:39:13I'm rather shy.

00:39:14I'm rather shy.

00:39:15I'm rather shy.

00:39:16All right.

00:39:17I'm rather shy.

00:39:18Come on, Bob.

00:39:19They won't eat you.

00:39:20Oh, I don't know, Bill.

00:39:21I'm rather shy.

00:39:22I don't know what I'm gonna do with him.

00:39:24He is the best brother anybody could wish for,

00:39:26but he's a little bit backward

00:39:27and coming forward,

00:39:28if you know what I mean.

00:39:30Listen, and I'll tell you.

00:39:31Come on, Bob.

00:39:35Last Sunday was a holiday.

00:39:37We scrubbed up nice and clean

00:39:39and took a little stroll about

00:39:41around the village green.

00:39:43We saw a couple of pretty girls

00:39:45as they were passing by.

00:39:48I say, my boy, what a spitting peb.

00:39:51I'm sure one won't arrive.

00:39:55Oh, I don't know, Bill.

00:39:57You better leave me out.

00:39:59He's going like a...

00:40:01Well, it's very easy, Bob.

00:40:05You never know until you try.

00:40:07Oh, I'm sorry.

00:40:09Oh, I don't know, Bill.

00:40:11I'm rather shy.

00:40:13Come on, Bob.

00:40:14You're not funking it.

00:40:16Well, I don't know what to do, Bill.

00:40:18Well, I don't know what to do, Bill.

00:40:19Leave the stage!

00:40:20Come here, and I'll show you what to do.

00:40:22I'm trying to do her!

00:40:22Sorry!

00:40:22You come up very softly

00:40:24and you take her by the hand.

00:40:30Like this?

00:40:32That's right.

00:40:35Look tenderly into her eyes

00:40:37and she will understand.

00:40:39Like this?

00:40:42Then lean a little closer

00:40:45and steal a little kiss.

00:40:50Oh, I can't!

00:40:52I'm too shy!

00:40:53You're not!

00:40:53I am!

00:40:54Just try it!

00:40:56What?

00:40:57Like this?

00:41:10I think he's been taking private lessons.

00:41:12What do you think?

00:41:13Should we ask him?

00:41:14Now, Bob.

00:41:15Mm-hmm.

00:41:16Oh, no.

00:41:16Where did you learn to kiss like that?

00:41:19Oh, no.

00:41:20I couldn't tell you, Bill.

00:41:22I'm rather shy.

00:41:24I'm rather shy.

00:41:25I'm rather shy.

00:41:26I'm rather shy!

00:41:28I'm rather shy!

00:41:28I'm taking private lessons

00:41:29and giving girl the eye.

00:41:32Where did you go last Friday

00:41:34when you couldn't know from the side?

00:41:36One, two, three.

00:41:38I couldn't tell you, Bill!

00:41:41One, two, three.

00:41:42Come on!

00:41:43Oh!

00:41:43Oh, my God!

00:41:44The judge!

00:42:05Thank you very much.

00:42:06You're welcome.

00:42:07Well done.

00:42:09Over you, man.

00:42:12Bravo.

00:42:13Congratulations, my dear.

00:42:15You've done well for yourself there, Bliss.

00:42:17I'll give these two a booking any time you like.

00:42:20Well, that's very good of you.

00:42:24Charlie Furbisher, The Empire.

00:42:26Here we are, girls.

00:42:27Best table in the place.

00:42:32Well, here's to Bill and his shy brother...

00:42:36Well, how does it feel to be a star, eh, Nan?

00:42:39All right.

00:42:41It feels all right.

00:42:56Come and have a dance, Kitty.

00:42:59Go ahead.

00:43:00It'll be a pleasure to watch.

00:43:02All right.

00:43:02I will.

00:43:06for you, everyone.

00:43:10Go, go, go, go.

00:43:13You, Lord.

00:43:14Go, go.

00:43:21Go, go, go, go.

00:43:23Go, go.

00:43:25Go, go, go, go.

00:43:55Hello, what do you know me?

00:43:58Jimmy Burns, I was in the pit this evening, doubling up here for a bit of pocket money.

00:44:03Well, I don't know how I like you best, in skirts or trousers and that's a fact.

00:44:08I don't know how I like myself best.

00:44:10Well then it's nice to have the choice, ain't it?

00:44:12Do you fancy standing up with me for a little twirl round?

00:44:15Oh go on, say you will.

00:44:17I don't think I could, I've had too much shan.

00:44:19Well that's all the better. Up you come.

00:44:23That's it.

00:44:24Now, who's going to lead then? You or me?

00:44:27You can if you like.

00:44:55Come on, give me the fish.

00:44:57You've spoiled my dress.

00:44:58Soon put that right.

00:45:00No! Get off! Get off!

00:45:06I'm going. You can come or not, as you like.

00:45:12I'd better go.

00:45:13What?

00:45:15Kitty!

00:45:17Kitty, wait!

00:45:23What's the matter?

00:45:25What did you think you were doing making a fool of yourself without the horn player?

00:45:28We were only larking about.

00:45:30Larking about?

00:45:31His hands were all over you.

00:45:32They were.

00:45:32Sometimes I don't think you care about my feelings at all, Nan.

00:45:36Oh Kitty.

00:45:39If you knew!

00:45:41I hate the way you make me feel!

00:46:07No!

00:46:09No!

00:46:11No!

00:46:13No!

00:46:14No!

00:46:15No!

00:46:16No!

00:46:18No!

00:46:19No!

00:46:30May I really touch you?

00:46:33Nan.

00:46:38I think I shall die if you don't.

00:46:43Nan.

00:46:50Nan.

00:46:51Nan.

00:46:59Oh, my God.

00:47:22I do love you, Nan, so very much.

00:48:00Good morning.

00:48:03Good morning.

00:48:07I drank too much last night.

00:48:09We both did.

00:48:11But don't say you want to undsay what we said or undo what we did.

00:48:14I think I'd die.

00:48:15No.

00:48:17No.

00:48:21But it has to be a secret.

00:48:24Our secret.

00:48:35I wish I'd had the nerve to tell you before.

00:48:38Couldn't you see how I felt about you?

00:48:41I wasn't sure.

00:48:43It's easier to be friends.

00:48:45I didn't know it was possible.

00:48:47You know, for two girls to be sweethearts and to go all the way.

00:48:52I'd never heard of it.

00:48:53Had you?

00:48:54Well, it's true.

00:48:55I've never cared for any other girl the way I care for you, Nan.

00:48:58Oh.

00:49:05But the fact was, I loved her too much to fret long over the other girls she might have loved

00:49:12before me.

00:49:13For she loved me best.

00:49:16And she loved me now.

00:49:18Wow.

00:49:19Wow.

00:49:33Wow.

00:49:35Wow.

00:50:45To butler and kin, the toast of lunch.

00:50:47And I was happier than I had ever been.

00:50:50And I wished I could tell the whole world.

00:50:53But Kitty insisted we kept it a secret, even from Walter, for no one else would ever understand.

00:51:00And it was the happiest, most magical six months of my life.

00:51:05It was Kitty butler and Miss Nan King.

00:51:28It's time to hear the nature of truth!

00:51:41Walter arranged us a few days off.

00:51:43He needed Kitty for some business meetings.

00:51:46And I thought it was time I visited my parents.

00:51:48I felt strange.

00:51:52Like a ghost.

00:52:07Nancy!

00:52:09Is he really you?

00:52:14Hey!

00:52:16We shall have to mind our manners, shall we, Davy?

00:52:19You're such a fine lady in our parlour.

00:52:21Don't be silly, Father.

00:52:22I haven't changed.

00:52:23I'm just the same as I always was.

00:52:24She's kind of lardy-dart.

00:52:26Don't be rude, Davy.

00:52:27I don't mind, Mother.

00:52:28Must be the company I've been keeping.

00:52:30So, how have you been keeping?

00:52:32Have you got yourself a young man yet?

00:52:35No!

00:52:36No time for anything like that.

00:52:38I'm far too busy.

00:52:40Look, I've got presents for you all from London,

00:52:42and I hope you like them, for I've spent half my wages on them.

00:52:45That's for you, Mother.

00:52:47Oh.

00:52:47That's for you, Pa.

00:52:49That's for you, Davy.

00:52:52And this is for you, Alice.

00:52:58My word, Nancy, you've done us proud.

00:53:02I shall look quite the thing in this now, shalln't I?

00:53:05Look at these, Ma.

00:53:07Look, Alice, soft as butter.

00:53:09I should be the best-shocked bloke in Kent now.

00:53:11Oh, Nancy, you shouldn't have.

00:53:13Well, what else would I do with my money?

00:53:16Oh, you are a good girl, Nancy.

00:53:21Aren't you going to open it, Alice?

00:53:28Oh, what a stunner.

00:53:37Don't you like it, Alice?

00:53:39Well, when would I ever wear a thing like that?

00:53:48It seems so strange to be back here, in our room.

00:53:53I hope you don't mind being invaded, Alice.

00:53:55It wouldn't make any difference if I did, would it?

00:53:57Oh, Alice, please don't be lightest with me.

00:54:01I can't bear it.

00:54:02What's the matter?

00:54:03Was it the hat?

00:54:05I thought you'd like it.

00:54:07I thought you could wear it when you went out with Tony.

00:54:09I bet you anything, he would like you in it.

00:54:11I can't finish with Tony.

00:54:12Oh, Alice, I'm sorry.

00:54:14What happened?

00:54:15I don't want to talk about it.

00:54:16Hurry up.

00:54:22Oh, that's better.

00:54:29What's the matter?

00:54:31I wrote and told you I'm part of the act now.

00:54:34You didn't think I went on as a girl, did you?

00:54:35I wouldn't get much work like that.

00:54:37But I make a very good boy.

00:54:40You'd be surprised.

00:54:42I don't know how you can show yourself like that.

00:54:47Kitty can do it.

00:54:48Why shouldn't I?

00:54:49Kitty.

00:54:50Are you two as close as you ever were?

00:54:53Yes, we are.

00:54:56Closer, if you'd like to know.

00:55:00I'm in love with her, Alice.

00:55:04Please, let me tell you.

00:55:06We never used to have no secrets from each other.

00:55:09Come on, then.

00:55:10If you must.

00:55:14Well, she's just everything to me.

00:55:17And I am to her as well.

00:55:20Remember how I used to feel like there was something wrong with me?

00:55:23How I never felt anything much when I was with Freddie?

00:55:26Well, it turns out there's nothing wrong with me at all.

00:55:29She only has to touch me or sometimes even just to look.

00:55:32I don't want to hear any more.

00:55:33You're disgusting.

00:55:36I thought you'd understand.

00:55:38I don't want to understand.

00:55:39I hate anything like that.

00:55:40All those...

00:55:43Alice.

00:55:44If you want to know, that's why I broke up with Tony.

00:55:47When I found out he liked men as much as he liked girls,

00:55:50he made me feel dirty.

00:55:51And you make me feel dirty.

00:55:53I don't wish you any harm, Nan,

00:55:55but I don't want to know about your life

00:55:56and I don't like you near me.

00:55:57And please don't try talking to mother and father

00:56:00about your dirty life

00:56:01because it would break their hearts.

00:56:09Alice, please don't be like this.

00:56:12It's still me.

00:56:14I'm still the same as I ever was.

00:56:16Just get into bed.

00:56:18Keep to your own side.

00:56:30My own sister couldn't bear to have me lying next to her.

00:56:35I'd lost her.

00:56:37And all I could think of was getting away as quick as I could.

00:56:41Back to London and my dearest, dearest Kitty.

00:56:44Kitty, my lover and my only friend.

00:56:50I didn't belong there any more.

00:56:52If they couldn't love me as I am,

00:56:55then I should go where I would be loved.

00:56:57My life was in London now.

00:57:00With Kitty.

00:57:06Oh, Miss Astley, you're back already.

00:57:09Oh, Miss Astley, you're back early.

00:57:11I came back early.

00:57:20Run for one more.

00:57:29What's this?

00:57:30Nan, you surprised us.

00:57:33We didn't look for you until tomorrow.

00:57:35We were going to tell you, Nan, when you came back.

00:57:37Tell me what?

00:57:39Kitty?

00:57:43No.

00:57:44It isn't true.

00:57:48I'm so sorry, Nan.

00:57:49Tell me it isn't true, Kitty.

00:57:53It's true, Nan.

00:58:01No, don't touch me!

00:58:02Go away!

00:58:03Go away!

00:58:08Oh, Kitty.

00:58:12What have you done?

00:58:13Don't be horrible to me, Nan.

00:58:16I couldn't help it.

00:58:17Oh, he forced you, did he?

00:58:19So that's what all your business meetings were about?

00:58:22All this time when I thought you were mine?

00:58:26No, it wasn't like that.

00:58:28Until last night.

00:58:30Just talk and kisses, I swear it, Nan.

00:58:35We were going to tell you everything.

00:58:37Everything?

00:58:40Good God, what war is there to tell?

00:58:42Kitty and I are going to be married, Nan.

00:58:44I'm sure in time you'll come to see it for the best.

00:58:46No!

00:58:52No!

00:58:53No!

00:58:55Don't you see, Nan?

00:58:56It wouldn't do to go on as we were.

00:58:58I believe you've killed me.

00:59:01The pair of you.

00:59:02Oh, come now, compose yourself, Nan.

00:59:04I know this has come as a shock to you,

00:59:05but this carry-on is quite out of proportion.

00:59:08Out of proportion?

00:59:10Don't you know?

00:59:12Hasn't she told you about us?

00:59:14I know that you were sweethearts of a kind.

00:59:16Of a kind!

00:59:17The kind that hold hands!

00:59:19Didn't she tell you that we fuck each other?!

00:59:21I don't care to use such language, Nan.

00:59:24And if I did, I wouldn't use that word

00:59:26for anything a pair of girls can do.

00:59:29You need a man for that, I think you'll find.

00:59:32Hey, Kitty.

00:59:39Goodbye.

00:59:53You said you'd be together forever.

00:59:55You said you'd love me.

00:59:57You said you'd love me.

00:59:59You said we'd be together forever.

01:00:01You said we'd be together forever.

01:00:03You said you'd love me.

01:00:05Love me.

01:00:06Love me.

01:00:07Love me.

01:00:08Love me.

01:00:09Love me.

01:00:10Love me.

01:00:20Kitty and I are going to be married.

01:00:26I walked the streets all that day, not knowing where I was going.

01:00:30I wanted to see nothing, to feel nothing, to remember nothing.

01:00:36Everyone I knew and loved had betrayed me.

01:00:41You need a man for that, I think you're all right.

01:00:45You need a man for that, I think you're all right.

01:00:48You need a man for that, I think you're all right.

01:00:52You said you loved me!

01:00:57How could she let him touch her?

01:01:00I hated them and wanted to die.

01:01:04But I wouldn't let them do that to me.

01:01:11Morning, Nan.

01:01:14Oh, you don't look at her thing at all.

01:01:16Kitty's not in, is she? Or Mr Bliss?

01:01:19No, for you. A bit early for them.

01:01:32Thank you very much.

01:01:35Good night.

01:01:40Thank you very much, dear.

01:01:41Thank you very much.

01:01:41You're welcome.

01:01:41Oh, my God.

01:02:11Yes?

01:02:12I've come about the room.

01:02:13The house I keep here is a tidy one.

01:02:15I like my lot of ditto.

01:02:17I've had trouble with single ladies in the past.

01:02:20Who you see or what you do outside my house is your concern,

01:02:24but there's one thing I won't have,

01:02:25and that's gentleman followers in a single lady's room.

01:02:29You'll have no trouble on that score from me, Mrs Best.

01:02:39Five shillings a week.

01:02:41In advance.

01:02:46Late payments will not be tolerated.

01:02:49I expect the room to be kept clean at all times.

01:02:52No cats, dogs, no nits.

01:02:57Now I was truly alone.

01:03:00A poor outcast from life's feast,

01:03:03tormented by my memories.

01:03:27It's nice and hot.

01:03:29You really should take something, Miss.

01:03:40Oh, my gosh.

01:04:09Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:13Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:15Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:21Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:22Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:23Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:25Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:27Ha, ha, ha, ha.

01:04:31For nigh on two months, I never left that room.

01:04:35I barely washed and never changed my dress, for I had no other.

01:04:39I believe I would have faded away altogether if it weren't for the listeners.

01:04:43It was my little maid Mary, who brought me morsels of food and urged me to eat them.

01:04:47Nice enough, miss.

01:05:01Kitty and I are going to be married.

01:05:05Kitty and I are going to be married.

01:05:07To join together, Elizabeth.

01:05:11Oh!

01:05:14You said you're not me!

01:05:17Kitty!

01:05:17It was done.

01:05:18It was over.

01:05:20I suppose I had been hoping that she would change her mind and come and find me.

01:05:25But now I knew for certain she was lost to me.

01:05:28It was time to face the world alone.

01:05:31Though I had no idea how I should live in it.

01:05:35But I found that to walk alone in London isn't an easy thing for a woman to do.

01:05:40Hello, darling.

01:05:41Hey!

01:05:42Hey!

01:05:44What's the matter, love?

01:05:45Not six months have found a penny?

01:05:47You pluck the old line with me now, did you?

01:05:50No!

01:05:50Leave me alone!

01:05:51Leave me alone!

01:05:51Come on, dear!

01:05:53Don't be asking!

01:05:55Yeah!

01:05:55I thought, what a cruel joke that I, who had swaggered across the stages of London, should

01:06:01be afraid to walk upon the streets.

01:06:04And most of all, I wished that I could escape from my miserable self.

01:06:21Yeah!

01:06:23Yeah!

01:06:45Looking for a room.

01:06:47How long, dear?

01:06:48Just an hour.

01:06:51One hour only, mind.

01:07:13Hello, dear.

01:07:14You looking for a nice time?

01:07:19Not today, dear.

01:07:20Perhaps another time, eh?

01:07:22All right, dear.

01:07:24Well, don't forget now!

01:07:27And for the first time since that terrible day, I felt a sort of freedom and a sort of

01:07:33strength.

01:07:34Somehow, I had taken the first steps that would lead me out of my misery and into some different

01:07:40way of living.

01:07:42Though I had no idea what that would be.

01:07:48My little stock of money was dwindling fast, and I was going to have to find some way of

01:07:53replenishing it, or starve.

01:07:56Necessity is a hard task, master.

01:07:58And if the opportunity had presented itself, I dare say I should have sunk so low as to

01:08:02become a thief.

01:08:06Good evening, Tommy Atkins.

01:08:08Buying a little present for your sweetheart?

01:08:10Couldn't afford anything here, sir.

01:08:12It's a shame she'll have to be content with a kiss then, eh?

01:08:15Haven't got no sweetheart.

01:08:16Not anymore.

01:08:20No, sweetheart.

01:08:21A good-looking lad like you, I find that hard to believe.

01:08:24Are you up for it, Tommy?

01:08:25For a sovereign?

01:08:27Up for what, sir?

01:08:27I don't understand you.

01:08:28Oh, come on.

01:08:29You know the game, Tommy.

01:08:30You're all that.

01:08:31You soldier boys.

01:08:32Your hands are never off each other's cocks.

01:08:35Not me, sir.

01:08:36I've only joined up last week.

01:08:38I've never done anything like that.

01:08:39Then it's time you began, my boy.

01:08:40Just take it in your hand.

01:08:42Only a minute's work.

01:08:43And there's a sovereign in it for you.

01:08:46Oh, have a heart, Tommy.

01:08:48I'm hard as a broom handle and aching for a spend.

01:08:52Nan Astley could never have given the answer that I gave him.

01:08:56But Tommy Atkins took us both by surprise.

01:09:07Come on, Ben.

01:09:18Slow and steady, Tommy dear.

01:09:28Go on.

01:09:38I thought if this were water, I'd bite it off.

01:09:41Oh, stay on.

01:09:43Oh.

01:09:47Oh!

01:09:49Oh!

01:09:52Oh!

01:09:53Oh!

01:09:55Oh!

01:09:56Oh!

01:09:57Oh!

01:09:58Oh!

01:10:01Oh!

01:10:02Oh!

01:10:05Oh!

01:10:06Oh!

01:10:07Oh!

01:10:13I suppose I should have felt ashamed

01:10:15but I felt nothing but surprise

01:10:17and a kind of fierce elation

01:10:19that in a couple of minutes

01:10:21I had earned enough to keep me for a couple of weeks

01:10:25and so I began my new career as a streetwalker

01:10:29and I found it not so very different

01:10:31from acting on the stage

01:10:33I told myself it wasn't Nan Astley

01:10:35who took men's spunk in my mouth

01:10:37or in my hand

01:10:39but Tommy Atkins

01:10:41or Eton Bertie

01:10:42or Ava Seaman Sims

01:10:44or Bobby Brown

01:10:45from Bermondsey

01:11:02but now I was in a regular way of business

01:11:04I needed a more regular way of life

01:11:13I had had enough of changing in filthy rooms

01:11:17that reeked of men's spendings

01:11:18perhaps this respectable lady

01:11:21would accommodate the needs

01:11:22of a rather unusual female

01:11:26good afternoon

01:11:28good afternoon

01:11:38I've come about the room

01:11:57say good day to the lady grace

01:11:59good day grace

01:12:02oh dear

01:12:04to tell the truth

01:12:05we were hoping for someone a bit older

01:12:07a widow perhaps

01:12:09you see

01:12:12my daughter's

01:12:12a rather unusual

01:12:14trusting sort of girl

01:12:16I wouldn't like to have young fellas coming in and out

01:12:19there wouldn't be any young fellas

01:12:20mrs. Milne

01:12:21that I'll guarantee

01:12:23and I'd never get behind with my rent

01:12:25well

01:12:26you see the thing is

01:12:27I work as a kind of entertainer

01:12:29at parties and such like

01:12:30and for that

01:12:31I sometimes dress in gentleman's suits

01:12:33now

01:12:34if you and grace don't mind that

01:12:36I think I might do very well

01:12:40gentleman's suits you say

01:12:42well grace

01:12:43what do you think of that

01:12:44would you like to see one grace

01:12:54well my eyes grace

01:12:55what a beauty

01:12:57would you like to try it grace

01:12:59yes please

01:13:00well now isn't that kind of a lady

01:13:21she gave me the first floor front

01:13:23eight shillings a week

01:13:25I think she'd have let me have it for nothing

01:13:27for grace's sake

01:13:29sometimes I thought she must have been as simple as her daughter

01:13:32for she never asked where I went or what I did

01:13:36I'm off then Mrs. M

01:13:37see you tomorrow Gracie

01:13:39you'll take as long as you like dear

01:13:40give your own key

01:13:42bye then

01:13:50some nights I didn't need to go out

01:13:52I told myself that this was freedom

01:13:55perhaps that was the secret of happiness

01:13:57to expect nothing

01:13:59or expect very little

01:14:01what is it the soldiers say

01:14:03if you're warm

01:14:04dry and smoking

01:14:06that's happiness

01:14:11evening sweetheart

01:14:12how are you?

01:14:14come on Florence

01:14:16get ready

01:14:18Florence

01:14:20Florence

01:14:21who knows what it is

01:14:23that draws one person to another

01:14:24but for the first time in months

01:14:27I felt something of my old self stirring in me

01:14:30I wanted to see more of Florence

01:14:32and soon enough

01:14:33I did

01:14:39hello again

01:14:41I hope I didn't cry on you the other night

01:14:43I'm sorry I don't

01:14:44evening sweetheart

01:14:45how are you?

01:14:47oh that was you

01:14:48quite right

01:14:49you live up there do you?

01:14:50I do

01:14:51and you live there?

01:14:52that's right

01:14:53we were very lucky

01:14:54mother and I lost our other house

01:14:56but Miss Darby found us this one

01:14:58and now I work for her charity

01:15:01finding homes for others

01:15:03well that's nice

01:15:05I was just going to the park

01:15:06will you come with me?

01:15:07oh no

01:15:08I've got so many calls

01:15:10oh

01:15:11better go along that way

01:15:13so you're not in your trousers today then?

01:15:16no

01:15:17I like to change and change about

01:15:19boy one day

01:15:20girl the next

01:15:21does that shock you?

01:15:23no

01:15:23I don't think so

01:15:25I can see it must have advantages

01:15:28I suppose you can go where you like

01:15:30you can do as you like

01:15:32exactly so

01:15:32hit the nail on the head

01:15:34well Miss Darby would be most interested

01:15:36she's writing a book about the woman question

01:15:39perhaps she'd like to put me in it then

01:15:41I certainly think she'd be interested in meeting you

01:15:44I didn't give a tinker's fart for Miss Darby

01:15:47or the woman in question

01:15:49but I knew I wanted to see more of Florence

01:15:52I wonder

01:15:54would you like to come to a lecture with me?

01:15:57at the Athenaeum Hall?

01:15:58it's on women and labour

01:16:00a lecture?

01:16:01I say that's just my style I don't think

01:16:05but I'll give it a go if you like

01:16:07really?

01:16:08said so didn't I?

01:16:10when is it?

01:16:11Thursday

01:16:12six

01:16:14we could meet for some tea beforehand if you like

01:16:16done

01:16:20you live with your mother don't you?

01:16:21that's right

01:16:23before that we lived just round the corner

01:16:25you know I've never been out of Islington

01:16:28very adventurous eh?

01:16:29you don't have to travel far to have adventures

01:16:35you're not from round here are you?

01:16:37no so where'd you come from?

01:16:39Kent

01:16:41Whitstable

01:16:41it's a seaside place

01:16:43I used to work in an oyster bar

01:16:47did you go back there very often?

01:16:49see your ma and pa?

01:16:52they're dead

01:16:54oh

01:16:55I'm sorry

01:16:56no need to be

01:16:57it was a long time ago

01:17:01so what work do you do in London?

01:17:04in a shop

01:17:05what sort of a shop?

01:17:07a hat shop

01:17:09well I'd never have imagined that

01:17:11why not?

01:17:12I don't know

01:17:13you just don't seem the sort

01:17:16I bet they don't let you wear your trousers in that

01:17:19no

01:17:21no of course not

01:17:30so

01:17:32what do you do there exactly?

01:17:35you

01:17:36you serving the shop

01:17:37or are you in the back making the hats up?

01:17:40I just can't seem to imagine you there somehow

01:17:43I

01:17:45well

01:17:47I couldn't keep it up

01:17:48she was so sweet and straight

01:17:51I couldn't bear to lie to her

01:17:53but I couldn't tell her the truth either

01:17:58is there a lady's lavatory here?

01:18:00yeah through there I think

01:18:02I won't be a dig

01:18:22what made me think I could be friends with a respectable girl

01:18:27all that was over for me

01:18:30if she could have seen me

01:18:31known what I really did

01:18:33and what I really used those clothes for

01:18:37I belonged in the gutter

01:18:44watch it now

01:18:45how's business?

01:18:48can't do anything I want to do dear

01:18:57you going for it sonny

01:18:58it's a sword for a dubbing

01:19:00two for a suck

01:19:00but I won't be buggered

01:19:01I don't pay more than a suck for a soldier

01:19:04dubbing or nothing then?

01:19:06no place?

01:19:07follow me

01:19:27this is a place sir

01:19:28come on in

01:19:29come on in

01:19:29let's see what you've made of

01:19:31soldier boy

01:19:32no I said no

01:19:33let me up

01:19:34I'll cut you

01:19:35I will

01:19:36keep still

01:19:37or you'll get worse

01:19:44all right me boy

01:19:46you're safe now

01:19:47you come with me

01:19:49you won't be here

01:19:51please constable

01:19:51let me go

01:19:52it was my very first time sir

01:19:54it was my very first time sir

01:19:54it was my very first time sir he made me

01:19:55constable

01:19:57constable

01:19:57I'm no constable

01:20:00somebody's taking a fancy to you

01:20:03you've got nothing to fear

01:20:06I won't be buggered

01:20:09in you go

01:20:14good evening

01:20:17I never thought

01:20:18well now you see you have nothing to fear

01:20:20I'll see you safely home

01:20:22or my own house

01:20:23is quite nearby

01:20:24let me offer you a hot toddy

01:20:26to calm your nerves

01:20:27you were in a little difficulty

01:20:28just now I think

01:20:29yes

01:20:30thanks ever so

01:20:33that chap said he bought me a drink

01:20:34and next thing I knew

01:20:35he dragged me off the street

01:20:36I had a bad fright there

01:20:38but I shall know better next time

01:20:39miss

01:20:39shall you

01:20:40so you were perfectly innocent

01:20:42were you

01:20:43no idea at all

01:20:44what a gentleman on the town

01:20:45might want with a young soldier boy

01:20:48no miss

01:20:48well now that's a surprise

01:20:50I had the impression

01:20:52that you understood the game pretty well

01:20:53I've been watching you for a while young man

01:20:55there's no need to be coy with me

01:20:57I'm sorry miss

01:20:57you made a mistake

01:20:58no I don't think I have

01:20:59truly you have miss

01:21:01I'm very grateful

01:21:02but honest

01:21:02I'm not what you're looking for

01:21:04oh yes I think you are

01:21:05but I'm a girl

01:21:06do you think I didn't know that

01:21:07you little fool

01:21:08though you wear the outfit

01:21:10far better than most of the lads do

01:21:12and you have the legs for it too

01:21:13oh yes

01:21:14and none of your gentleman guessed

01:21:18if they did

01:21:19they didn't say

01:21:20in any way

01:21:21I was pretty strict

01:21:23about what they could

01:21:23and couldn't touch

01:21:24and it all went off alright

01:21:26until tonight

01:21:27pretty strict were you

01:21:29I wonder

01:21:30should I like you

01:21:32to be pretty strict with me

01:21:35there's no need to be afraid

01:21:36this could be the luckiest night

01:21:38of your life

01:21:39come come

01:21:40where's your sense of adventure

01:22:04take my arm

01:22:06don't think of making a run for it

01:22:08quarter is quick as well as strong

01:22:23that'll be all for tonight

01:22:25thank you Blake

01:22:25yes ma'am

01:22:26night ma'am

01:22:27night sir

01:22:31come come

01:22:59there's no need to be

01:23:04how warm it is in here not too warm for you I hope perhaps a bit what's your name Nancy

01:23:14King and I think you might have offered me a glass of wine and a cig I beg your pardon

01:23:19Miss

01:23:19King my name is Leatherby Mrs. Diana Leatherby have you heard that name before no all the better

01:23:36there if you were the king of pleasure and I were the queen of pain you're very handsome Miss King

01:23:45I know

01:23:54what have we here I wonder

01:24:06so all your promises come to nothing after all take those off give me the glass and the cigarette

01:24:15quickly you may leave the jacket on and the boots and the hat

01:24:45good now go through there into the bedroom and open the chest under the mirrors

01:24:49Hunter

01:24:51Let's go!

01:25:21Let's go!

01:25:58Put it on.

01:26:00Put it on and come to me.

01:26:17Come here.

01:26:29Put it on and come to me.

01:27:01Put it on and come to me.

01:27:21Put it on and come to me.

01:27:27You exquisite little tod.

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