01x12 - Episode 12

[bunniefuu]

MAN: Rise.

[People standing]

[Organ playing]

Look ahead to a life
worth living

Full of hope, full of faith,
full of cheer

To a life that
is made for giving

Without stint,
without shame, without fear

Look ahead
to the One who leads us

To the Lord
who guides our ways

We shall follow,
follow, follow

We shall follow Him
all our days

Captioning made possible by
Acorn Media

Hello, David.

Chris?

Yes. It's really me.

It's wonderful
to see you.

You don't have to say that
if you don't mean it.

You must have thought
you got rid of me forever.

Don't worry, David.
It's just a flying visit.

Well, look, um,
come to the house.

Headmaster's house, eh?
What luxury.

Oh, I want you to meet
a friend of mine,

Ulrich Meyer
from Germany.

Come on, Ulrich.
Don't be shy.

Come and shake hands
with Mr. Powlett-Jones.

He's a very kind man

and a very old friend
of mine.

I'm very pleased
to meet you, Ulrich.

Thank you,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

Oh, mustn't forget
the cheese.

Ulrich's just lost
his father, David,

and his mother died
a year ago.

We've been together
for about 6 months--

Ulrich and I, that is,
not the cheese.

The cheese
is quite fresh, I hope.

Anyway,
I have adopted you,

haven't I, Ulrich?

Miss Forster
has been very kind.

Come along.

My goodness,
what a tea.

Ulrich, could you
eat the last scone?

No, thank you,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

I'm quite full.

Oh. Well, I...

You do do yourself well,
David.

Tea and scones--

hardly the lap
of luxury, is it?

You should have been
where I've been.

You're looking well, too.

Put on weight,
haven't you?

Yes. Very much
the picture

of the successful
headmaster.

I, um...

I haven't
really changed,

you know, Chris?

I hope not.

Could 1?

So, uh...

what have you
been doing?

Where have you been?

Oh, everything,
everywhere.

I did try to write
when I could.

Not often enough.

Well, one thing
led to another,

but things really seem
to be working out for me now,

touch wood.

It's an odd feeling.

Good, though?
Oh, yes.

You see, when I finished
my thesis in Canada,

my professor in Toronto
was so pleased with it,

he got me a grant
to research

into trade union history
in Canada

and the United States,

and that led
to what I'm doing now.

Refugee work.

Yes. The workers'
leaders are far more

internationally-minded
over there.

Do you know Harry Morgan,
the miners' leader?

Yes.
I've heard of him.

He's a wonderful man.

Welsh, of course.
He's still got an accent

as thick
as your brother's,

and he took me
under his wing,

made sure I really
understood

what I was writing about,

and got me in
everywhere,

and when I'd finished,
he read it all through,

and he said, "Very nice.

Now how would you like
to do something useful?"

And he got me a job with
this refugee organization

working from Paris.

I've been working for them
in Munich ever since,

and it is good to be
doing something useful.

Well...

[Whistle]

And here you've been
all this time.

Yes. I'm afraid so.

Chris, um, do you
mind my asking--

when you were in
Canada, did you--

Did I see Rowley?
Yes, I did.

I, um...

I'd rather not go into
that now, if you don't mind.

It's still a bit messy
and complicated,

but I think it's going
to work out all right.

Yes. Of course.
I didn't mean to pry.

Actually, what I did
want to talk about--

do you think we could have
some more scones?

Yes. Of course.

Mrs. Martin's
always got some.

Ulrich, could you go
to the kitchen

and ask Mrs. Martin

if you could fetch us
some more scones?

Oh, that's all right, Ulrich.
You sit down.

CHRIS: No, no.
Ulrich will go.

He likes to practice
his English.

He'll find
his own way,

won't you, Ulrich?

[Door closes]

Sorry about that.

I'm asking for favors
again, of course.

You're used to that
from me.

Go on.

I don't know if you
have any idea

what it's really like
over there.

No. You can't have.

The English papers either
print nothing at all,

or they think Hitler's
a jolly good chap.

Hmm, and I can't say
I take to him much.

Ulrich's Jewish,
of course.

His father
was a jeweler.

Just a small shop.
Watch repairs and so on.

Last July, a bunch
of Brownshirts

dragged him out
of the shop

and kicked him to death
on the pavement outside.

Ulrich saw it happen.

Oh, my God.

I--I'd heard of such
things happening, but--

But you never thought
they'd come so close.

Even Bamfylde's
not an island, David.

I'm afraid Ulrich
may still be

in a state of shock
even now,

as if he can't
take it in.

Yes. Well,
I can understand that.

I'd like you
to take him on,

if you think
you could help him.

You see,
the organization

has decided to pay
for the cost

of a boarding school
education in England,

and I recommended
Bamfylde.

I told them
it was a school

that really cared about
the individual welfare

of the boys,

and I wouldn't trust him
to anybody else.


despised Bamfylde.

I seem to have changed,
then, don't I?

Oh, I still think
it's insular

and privileged,
all right,

but a privileged haven
is just what he needs.

Well, I can't look
after him myself,

and then I won't let him
go to anybody else.

You're the best man
I know.

Will you take him?

Oh, Chris,
of course I will,

if you'll take us,

but it's not going
to be easy for him.

Nothing's going to be
easy for him now.

Oh, well done,
Ulrich.

Come and sit down
over here.

Yes, we have been
talking about you.

Something good,
I hope.

Ulrich, how would
you like to come

and be
a student here

at Mr. Powlett-Jones'
school?

If you think
it would be good for me,

I shall be very contented.

Well, it'll be a new
experience for me,

sewing name tapes
into all those vests.

I can't believe
he's going to need

everything
on this list.

Oh, yes.

Oh, and a rugger kit, too.

I don't suppose
you've played rugger,

have you, Ulrich?

Rugger?

I don't think I know that,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

Well, you'll find out
soon enough.

In two weeks.

Well, we look
forward to it.

Don't worry, Chris.
We'll look after him.

I'll, uh, put him
in Molyneux's house.

Moly's got a gift
for lame dogs and misfits.

He's not a lame dog,
David.

Sorry. I know you'll do
your best for him.

Good-bye, David,
and thanks.

See you soon.

Both of you.

[Car engine starts]

Think I've got him
in the right place, do you?

Oh, undoubtedly.

Now, I might observe
in passing

that while Molyneux

is an excellent
nursemaid,

he has other
qualities

that might be
worth developing.

Well, of course he has.
He's an excellent teacher.

I'm glad you
agree with me.

Do you
find it cold?

No.

I find it
damn cold.

You know, Molyneux
might, for example,

make a very
good shot

at the Upper
Sixth Arts,

steering them to
the right colleges,

advising on careers.

I've already got a very
good man doing that, Howarth.

Mm-hmm.

I must admit I share
your high opinion.

However, I do think
that some thought

might be given to
grooming my successor.

I had no idea you were
thinking of retiring.

I'm not thinking of
retiring exactly, David.

I'm thinking
of doing something

a little more final
and permanent than that.

Oh, come on, man.

If you only knew
how I long

for my warm,
little room.

Yes.

Brookes.

Uh, nous...

nous...

Yes.

Nous avons
en allez.

No.

Wheeler!

Nous en...

Oh, no, no, no.
Try again.

Nous...nous...

sommes en allons?

No. Anybody?

[Class groans]

Meyer.

Nous nous
en sommes allés.

Tres bien.
Merci beaucoup.

Je vous en prie,
monsieur.

[Chuckling]

You're putting us
all to shame, Meyer.

We shall have to pull
our socks up.

I beg your pardon, sir.
I don't understand you.

[Laughter]

Don't worry, Meyer.
You're doing very well.

That's all I mean.

Thank you, sir.

Wheeler,
something to say?

Me, sir?

Yes, you, old chap.

No, sir.

What a shame.

I do so treasure your
little sayings, you know.

Right, then.
Whitmarsh, page 43,

exercise one,
and I want to be amazed

by your brilliance.

All right, Brookes?

Yes, sir.
Splendid.

No, it's not on
the syllabus, Marsh-Rhodes,

but it may well come up
in the general paper

or even
at the interview.

Well, you must have
some opinions, surely.

Yes, of course, sir.

Well, come on, then.
Let's hear them.

Well, sir,
it's obvious.

Jerry's the same bird
as he always was.

[indistinct]

He's got to be
sat on now,

or there will be
another world w*r,

only this time,

we've got to be ready
for the swine.

Oh, rubbish!

I, um,

I hope you put it
a little more elegantly

if it does turn up,
Marsh-Rhodes.

Well, surely he's wrong
as well as inelegant.

Isn't a new armaments race
the best way

of bringing about
another w*r?

If a country wants
a peaceful solution,

then civilized discussion
is the best way to get it.

Perhaps you've heard
of an organization

called the League of
Nations, Marsh-Rhodes?

A talking shop.

They can talk their
heads off in the League,

and Hitler laughs and goes
his own sweet way.

Oh, dear.

Oh, can't you
persuade him, sir?

I don't know because,
to be quite frank,

I don't know
where I stand myself.

Of course, I favor
civilized discussion,

but to take
an uncomfortable example,

Ulrich Meyer's father
was a pacifist.

That didn't stop the Nazis
from kicking him to death.

Exactly.

The only language they
understand is brute force.

Or you, it seems.
All right!

Let's hold it there.

Too many opinions
and not nearly enough facts.

We'll leave the general point
until Tuesday,

by which time you will
have both been to the library

and read up all you can
on the League of Nations

so that you can bring along
actual instances of decisions

which have been
effective or ineffective,

and that means combing
the back copies of the Times--

the foreign news,
not the leaders.

All right,
Marsh-Rhodes?

Yes, sir.

Good.

All right. Let's hear
from someone else. Nixon.

Have you read
"The Road Back," sir--

sequel to "All Quiet
on the Western Front"?

No. I haven't.

Well, it tells you

what the Jerry
front-line troops found

when they went home
after the w*r.

The whole country
had been taken over

by the w*r profiteers.

Yes. Well, that's hardly
peculiar to Germany, Nixon.

Oh, yes, I know, sir.

It's almost
as if there had been

an international
conspiracy.

Well, you can hardly
blame the fighting man

in a way, can you?

He comes home
without any honor--

perhaps he can't
even get a job--

and all around him,

he sees these
Jewish financiers

who got fat on the w*r
he's been fighting.

Why, I know it seems
a bit harsh to say it, sir,

but, well,

from the ex-serviceman's
point of view,

the Jews are getting no
more than they deserve.

Do you see
what I mean, sir?

That's the most
utter--

Yes. I'm-{I'm glad you
brought it up, Nixon.

Well, it's what a lot
of people think, sir.

My father--

Yes, I daresay,

but let's consider
a few flaws in your argument.

First...

the w*r profiteers were not,
for the most part, Jewish.

The biggest of the lot--

the House of Krupp,
for example.

Secondly, Hitler's th*gs
are hardly selective

in their Jewish victims.

Ulrich Meyer's father
was a small jeweler.

What did he deserve,
Nixon? Hmm?

Thirdly, the Jews have
always been persecuted--

in Russia, in Spain,
in England--

not because of what they do,

but because
they're recognizable--

a convenient scapegoat
for when things go wrong.

The truth is very simple--

that when bullies are feeling
sorry for themselves,

they look for victims.

I'm surprised you fell
for that one, Nixon.

BOY: Hey, Jerry.
Hey, Jerry.

Oh, cut it out,
Harrison.

What do you want?

What do you want,
Jerry?

Why do you
call me "Jerry"?

My name is Meyer.

Because you're a Jerry,
aren't you, Jerry?

Jerry is a Jerry,
isn't he, chaps?

You're a fool.

Come on, Jerry.
Want to prove it?

Oh, come on, Harry.
Leave him.

Want to fight?

Why should I
fight you?

You're a fool.

Right, then. Come on.
Come on, Jerry.

You're not a coward,
are you, Jerry?

You boys!
Over here.

Harrison.
Sir?

What did you
call Meyer?

I'm waiting,
Harrison.

Jerry, sir.

Why?

Because he's
a German, sir.

And you think that's
funny, do you?

Well, do you?

Not really, sir.

Good. Neither do I.
Come here.

Meyer is in
this country

because
he's a victim

of German persecution,
Harrison.

It must seem to him
a cruel irony

when silly
little boys here

persecute him for being
a German, mustn't it?

Yes, sir.

Know what irony means,
Harrison?

Not really, sir.

Get out of my sight,
the 3 of you.

See me in the house room
after break.

Yes, sir.

Can you wait
a second, Meyer?

I'm very sorry
about all this.

Has it happened
before?

Oh, yes,
Mr. Molyneux.

I expected it.

They will...get fed up
with it soon, I think.

Yes. I'll see to it
that they do.

May I ask you a favor,
Mr. Molyneux?

Yes. Of course.

I request you
not to punish them.

Do you?

I'll make sure there
aren't any reprisals,

if that's what
you're worried about.

If they're ignored,

they will soon stop,
I think.

It makes things
a little difficult for me

if you make me--
what is it--

the teacher's pet.

I didn't think
I had done that, Meyer.

Perhaps I used
the wrong expression.

They don't hurt me,
Mr. Molyneux.

They're only boys.

You're only a boy, too.

Yes, but I am older.

MOLYNEUX: I felt
as if he was older

than me
for a minute.

Anyway,
I took his advice.

I hope I did right.
I just thought

I ought to let you
know about it, P.J.

Yes, thank you.

I'm sure you did
the right thing.

Ulrich's really
quite outstanding.

Howarth tells me
he's holding his own

in English classes.

Yes. I thought he might.

But that's with boys
only a year younger

than himself,

and it's a foreign
language to him.

He streaks ahead

in my French lessons,
of course.

I really think
we should promote him.

No. I'd rather
he was left where he is

for the time being.

He's giving us the clearest
possible indication

that he wants to be
accepted on his own terms.

I only hope
that Bamfylde

can rise
to his expectations.

Old Christy
thought he might.

Oh, did she?

Well, for a fire-eating
socialist,

that's quite
a concession.

[Chuckling]

How is she,
by the way?

Dare I ask?

She's fine. She's looking
for another seat.

I think she fancies
her chances this time.

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Yes, Ulrich.

You wanted
to see me?

Ifitis
convenient, sir.

MOLYNEUX:
Oh, I'm off anyway, P.J.

Choir practice.

Everything all right, Meyer?

Yes.
Thank you, sir.

Good. I'll see you later.

Yes.

Right, then,
Ulrich.

What can I do for you?

Sir, I have made
my report

to Miss Forster.

Would you approve it
for me?

Um, letters home
are private and personal.

We don't censor mail here.

You don't really want me
to read it, do you?

No, if it is not
the custom.

I wish to be treated
like the other boys.

Fine.
Then you will be.

Thank you, sir.

Is, um, everything
all right?

Have you made
any friends yet?

No. Not yet.

But no enemies?

No, sir.

Good.

Is there anything else?
Anything bothering you?

Sir, I've been chosen
to play rugby football.

Have you now?

Yes.
For the house

called
Scotch Extra side.

Oh, well,
that's splendid.

I shall make a point
of coming to watch you.

It's all right, Ulrich.
It is the custom.

You cut along now,
will you?

Yes. Thank you, sir.

Come on, Havelock's!

MAN: Put your backs
into it!

Lie further back, Meyer.

HARRISON:
Fall on it, man!

Come on, Havelock's!
Get in there!

[Whistle]

Come on, Havelock's.

Come on.

Well-played, Meyer.

BOY: Come on.

Havelock's, now.

Let's go,
Havelock's!

[Whistle]

HARRISON:
Well-played, Havelock's.

BOY: 3 cheers
for Hanover.

Hip!
Hooray!

Hip!
Hooray!

Hip!
Hooray!

DIFFERENT BOY:


Hip!
Hooray!

Hip!
Hooray!

Hip!
Hooray!

HARRISON:
Well-played, Meyer.

Damn good effort.

I'll stand you a tea
in the tuck-shop.

Ah, right. Yes.

Uh, sorry to have
kept you waiting, Garside.

Did you bring
the accounts?

Mm-hmm.
No problems?

None, except
the old familiar one.

Ah, well, I think we might
be able to beat that.

Tough game today.

You look
as if you enjoyed

every minute of it.

Would you like a drink
before we get started?

Not too early for you?

No, thank you.

Oh, and this
telegram came

when you were out.

Oh?

Not bad news, I hope?

My mother's dead.

Oh.

Oh, I'm very sorry.

Please accept
my sympathy.

I didn't realize
that you had a parent

still living,
Headmaster.

I should have gone
down to see her.

I was going to,
but...

Well, you've been busy.

I didn't make
the time, you see.

I didn't realize
how ill she was.

Yes.

Well, I...

I believe
it's always like that.

Well, you won't want
to have to be bothered

with this stuff now.

I'll speak to Sir Rufus,
shall I?

Uh, yes. Thanks.

Leave it to me, then.
I'll see myself out.

I should have that
drink now, if I were you.

Very good of you
to come.

Pity you had to wait
until she died.

You never wrote
to tell me.

You needed an invitation,
did you,

to come and see
your own mother?

You wouldn't have made me
feel very welcome.

All right.
I feel guilty about it.

I should have come
much more often.

I know it, and it
makes me feel rotten.

All right.

Nothing to do
with me, boy.

It was Mam wanted to
see you, not me.

Who are you
looking for now, then?

No one important for you
to talk to down here.

Just people.

Christine Forster.
I asked her to come.

Why do you want to bring her
down here for?

She's not family.

She's got nothing
to do with us.

She's part of my life.

I don't doubt it.

And we are not?

Well, no harm done.

It looks like she
couldn't be bothered.

See, boy, the thing
that made me boil

was that right to the last,
she was talking about you

and how bloody wonderful
you are

and how proud
of you she was

and how she
wanted you here,

but she could understand
how busy you were

with all them boys
to look after,

and I had to say,
"Yes, Mam. Too bad, that,"

instead of telling her

you were sitting
on your a*s down there,

and you didn't give
a damn about us.

You know
that's not true.

Look.
We can't argue here.

They're waiting
for us.

I don't want to ride
in the car with you.

Oh, Emrys,
don't be so stupid.

Don't you
call me stupid, boy.

Tell them
I'll walk on after.

I got legs.

Suit yourself.

[Engine starts]

[Engine starts]

[Shovels digging]

Emrys.

Yes?

I was afraid
I'd missed it.

My car broke down
just outside Newport.

Took me an hour and a half
to get going again.

I was very sorry
to hear about your mother.

Oh, yes?
Why is that, then?

Well, I know how much
she meant to you and David.

He often talked about her.

Look. Didn't he mention
that I was coming?

Yes, he did.
Now, just.

I'd arranged to take him
back to Bamfylde

when it was over.

Yes. I can see you wouldn't
want to stay long,

either of you.

Half a day
is long enough

for a bit of slumming.

It was never that
for me, Emrys.

Still in politics,
are you?

Not as a candidate
at the moment,

but I'm still working
for the party.

And you?

Still the same.

Nothing much changes
around here, see?

You and David,
you can measure

how far
you've come, like,

and very smart
and successful

you both look, too.

You'll be wanting to go over
to the house now, then?

Look. I didn't want
to cause any upset.

If you tell David
where I've left the car,

he can meet me there.

Oh, I wouldn't
hear of that.

You can't go
without a cup of tea

and something
to eat.

You go over
to the house now.

Well, all right.

Aren't you coming?

No.
I'll be over later.

I'm going
for a walk.

I want to think.

You sure it's all right--
my just turning up like that?

So long as you don't
park that car

outside the house,
that's all.

Hey, your uncle wants
another sandwich there.

Oh, I'm very glad you
could come down, David.

Very glad.

I hadn't realized how many
people cared for her.

Now, there, you do
surprise me, David.

A very remarkable
woman, your mom.

Very highly regarded
around here, she was.

I felt as if I never
really knew her

as an adult.

Oh, yes,
it often happens

when the children
go away.

She was very proud
of you, you know.

Whenever I came
around to see her,

she would read me
one of your letters,

and you know,

if there hadn't been one
from you that month,

she would read me one
she'd read me before.

I don't suppose
my Emrys liked that much.

Oh, anything
his mom did

was all right
with Emrys.

Yes, and he's going
to make his mark, too,

you know.

In politics, you know.

Won a union scholarship
to Ruskin College.

Well, he can take
that up now.

I'd be surprised if he's
not in Parliament

in 5 or 6 years.

They do say Nye Bevan
thinks very high of him.

He never said
anything to me.

No. I don't
suppose he would.

Well, why should he?

You were never
very close, eh?

No.

One thing your mom
did often

say to me,

she wished
you'd marry again.

I, uh...

I never met your
wife, did I, David?

No.

I think you
would have liked her.

Yes, yes.

[Sigh]

Here we are.

Now...

how about a drop
of this?

Where did you
get that?

Your Auntie Nellie
filled it up for me.

Seemed to think
I needed looking after.

"Yes. Thin you are,
my lovely,

like a little whippet."

[Chuckling]

Very concerned about me,
your Auntie Nellie was.

Thanks.

Thanks for coming,
Chris.

I don't think I could
have coped with it all

without you there.

Oh, come on.

I'm the one who
can't cope with things.

You're the one
who gets leaned on.

Not this time.

Every time
I go back home,

I always feel
completely cut off

from everything
or else

like a guilty
little boy.

That's a strange thing
to say.

I've done my growing up
somewhere else.

I feel as if they
won't have that.

I should have stayed.

I should have
grown up there.

I feel as if
I've done them wrong.

Now your mom
is not there

to tell you it's all right,
to make you better.

Yes.

Stupid, isn't it?

I can't tell you
what is right to feel.

I can't be your mom, David.

No.

What can you be
to me, Chris?

A friend, I hope.
For always.

I'm not sure
about anything else.

I didn't tell you what
happened about Rowley, did 1?

When I saw him in Canada,

he was still refusing
to divorce.

He kept pretending
he wanted reconciliation.

I knew he was having
an affair with a woman

at the university,

so, in the end, I...

went to a private detective,
had them followed,

and faced him
with the evidence.

He tried to bluster,
and he just caved in.

The whole thing
was so disgusting

and pathetic
and sordid.

It's all over, Chris?
You're free?

Yes, but don't you see?

I started out
in love with Rowley.

It all finished
in such a mess,

so I certainly don't want
to rush into marriage again.

I don't feel I can trust
my own feelings anymore.

Chris, it's not going
to be enough for me

just to be your friend.

It wouldn't work,
David.

It wouldn't be fair
on either of us.

There are so many
other things I want.

None of them
fit in with you.

Chris, I--
And don't tell me

that you'd leave
Bamfylde.

I think you've done
the right thing

with your life,

for you, that is,

and for the school.

I think you're
a wonderfully kind

and clever man, David,

and every time I see you,

I feel like
going straight to--

Well...

better not go into that.

I just wish our lives
fitted together a bit better,

that's all.

Couldn't they?

Not now.

I can't see a time
when they will.

David, I do think
it's wonderful

what you've done
for Ulrich.

Makes me so happy
to see him now.

I didn't do much,
you know?

He did it
for himself--

him and Bamfylde.

It's your school.

You seem to have
softened your attitude

to Bamfylde.

Yes, I think I have.

Not enough to want
to live there myself,

and, of course,
when I get into power,

I'll nationalize you
like a shot

so the children who really
deserve to go there

get a chance.

But I'd insist on keeping on
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

Well, that's a relief.

Because I think
he's a wonderful man.

[Engine starts]

You're telling me

you want to start
the building program now

as well as modernize

the present
accommodation?

Uh, well, actually,

we're thinking
of something

on an even larger scale,
Sir Rufus.

Huh?
A prep department.

Prep department?

A prep school
within Bamfylde itself.

We'd have very few rivals
in the west country.

If I might put a word in,
in every economic depression,

you'll always find
a few firms

who forge ahead
and prosper.

They profit through
others' timidity,

and I see no reason
why Bamfylde

shouldn't prosper
in the same way.

Exactly.
Good man, Garside.

My goodness, me.

Marie Stopes has got
a lot to answer for.

Who?

Marie Stopes
and her family planning.

There's not a lot
of little boys about these days.

Let's get our fresh air
into Bamfylde, eh?

Well, it seems
you're asking me

to be a gambler.

I've never
been a gambler,

but I must say I find
your positive attitude

very refreshing.

How long
will it take you

to prepare a detailed
proposal, P.J.?

ALGY: He's going
to come around, David.

Ellie, Sir Rufus
is going to come around.

Oh, good.

You mark my words.
In 10 days' time,

the governors will be
voting the school

a 10,000 overdraft.

Really?
As much as that?

Oh, at least.
At least.

New buildings
and a prep school.

Oh, isn't it
exhilarating?

What do you think

about all this
high finance, David?

Well, it's all
a bit frightening.

Oh, there's nothing
frightening about money.

It's there to be used.

My father
went through £40,000

before he was


Really?

It's easily done
at the races

and great fun,
apparently.

Although it did lower
my marriage prospects.

I had to marry
a younger son.

Hmm.

No need to look at me
like that, David.

I was a younger son once,

and I tell you why
you're so disturbed

by all this money talk.

Oh, why is that, then?

Because you find it
absolutely fascinating.

You love it, man,
and that's quite all right.

A headmaster must be
a businessman.

There's nothing wrong
with that,

providing you're proud
of your product.

Of course not.

We want as many little boys
into your prep school

as we can possibly get

because we're going
to give them

the best education
they can get

anywhere in the world.

It's as simple
as that, is it?

Of course it is,

and I hope you noticed
my master stroke.

Marie Stopes
and the family planning, eh?

I told Sir Rufus about
Marie Stopes, Ellie.

I'm sure that's
what did the trick.

Ah, Sir Rufus
has never heard

of Marie Stopes.

No, but he didn't much
like the sound of her,

did he, eh?

[Chuckling]

Now, Ellie--oh, Ellie,
that's empty.

Kitchen.

Oh, kitchen. Yes.

What Marie Stopes
neglected to point out

is that in
childless marriages,

one partner will often
play the part

of the missing child.

That's strange.

I've never thought of yours
as a childless marriage.

No. Of course
you haven't.

Nobody ever does.

Tell me, David,
do you still find time

to see that young woman
of yours?

Chris. Yes.

When she can
spare me the time.

I still feel the same way
about her.

And what about her?

I don't know.

She still won't talk
about marriage.

Perhaps she's wise.

Yes.

You know, David,
we've both wished

to see you
happily married again.

Thanks very much,
but I...

I don't think there's
much chance of that.

In fact, I think Chris

might be going away
altogether soon.

Oh?

Yes. She's been
short-listed

for Open Shore south.

Safe Labor seat.

Backed by party
headquarters.

Seat in Parliament.

Well, she won't
need me then.

"The bachelor's life
does have its consolations,""

as Howarth keeps saying.

Well,
it's damnably lonely.

[Sigh]

Hello.

Chris.

What on earth
are you--

I hope you don't mind
my just appearing like this.

No notice.

Something is the matter.
What's wrong?

I didn't get
the nomination

at Open Shore,
that's all.

But I thought it was
nearly a certainty.

So did I.

Henshaw got it,
the pacifist.

Unanimous vote.

Oh, Chris, I am sorry.

Could I have
a drink, please?

Yes. Of course.

[Sigh]

Nothing to do with being
a woman this time,

or not much.

It's just they're incapable
of facing facts.

That's not just a tragedy
for me and for them.

It's a tragedy
for the party

and for the country
in the long run.

Thanks.

[Sigh]

Well, it's certainly the end
of my political career.

Oh, surely it can't
be that bad.

What on earth
did you say?

They asked me where
I stood on disarmaments,

and I told them.

I told them about Italy.
I told them about Spain.

I told them about Germany.
I told them about Ulrich.

They didn't care for that.

I told them they don't
even know what's going on

in their own damn country.

I said if we don't make
a stand against fascism,

we'll end up another
bloody dictatorship

under Mosley
or someone worse.

Do you know what
that chairman said to me?

He said the only way
to stop it

is by Christian example.

Disarmament on our part
is a gesture

that everybody else
would follow.

How's that
for wishful thinking?

Well, you don't
have to convince me.

I'm afraid I may have been
a little bit rude to him

at that point,

but he was very kind,

and he thanked me
for my frank

and vigorous statements.

Wished me a comfortable
journey home.

Unanimous vote.

Was that today?

No. Tuesday.

I spent most
of that night crying--

just like a woman, eh?

Well, since then,
I've been thinking.

I've been thinking
very hard about myself.

This might sound
self-pitying,

but I think it's objectively
true to say that...

that my life up until now

has been a waste
and a failure.

Oh, Chris, don't--

No. Let me finish.

I think it's been
a waste and a failure.

I honestly can't see
that it's been my fault.

Anyway...

I can't fight anymore.

Not on my own.

I'm giving myself up,
David...

if you still want me.

Oh, Chris,
of course I do.

You know I do.

Well...

here I am.

Oh.

The divorce was finalized


I didn't want to tell you
till I was sure.

You are sure?

Yes, I am.

I do love you, David.

I think I've loved you
all the time.

It was just...

Oh, God, I'm sorry
I've treated you so badly.

Oh, you haven't.

I will be good now.
I promise.

I won't let you down.

I really think
I can do it.

I'll be a nice, ordinary,
good headmaster's wife.

You couldn't be
ordinary.

Yes, I can.
I want to be.

It will be all right, David.
I promise.

Oh, David.

You've got
such a lovely face.

I still hate
school holidays.

The place always
seems so bleak.

Howarth says Bamfylde
improves vastly

with our boys.

Well, I can't say
I agree with him.

Well,
David and Christine

will be back from
their honeymoon soon.

Ah, yes.

Desperate for a bit
of company, I daresay.

You know honeymoons.

[Chuckling]

What on earth
do you mean?

Just girlish prattle.

I can remember
our honeymoon

as if it
was yesterday.

Bognor Regis.

Mmm.

Unbeatable--
Bognor Regis.

Hmm.

Not Paris, though.

Oh, well, no, no.

Of course it's not
Paris, is it?

Did you want
to go to Paris?

Hmm.

Yes, I did,
actually.

Well, you never
told me that.

It doesn't matter.

Bognor Regis
was all right.

Bognor Regis was really
very satisfactory, Algy.

Hmm.

Oh, dear.

It's tripe.

"Gras-double a la lyonnaise"
is tripe.

Wasn't that
what you wanted?

Uh, well,

I just pointed
at random, actually.

[Laughing]

Well, it's those damned
hand-written menus,

and French was never

my strongest subject
anyways.

David, you should have
let me order.

The gentleman
always orders.

Yes. Well, now you see
what you get for being

such an old Welsh
stick-in-the-mud.

Go on now.
You ordered it now.

Well, don't I get
any sympathy?

No. Not from me,
you don't.

You're stuck
with me as well.

Come on, then.
Be a brave boy.

I think I might
get to like it.

[Laughing]

Well, that's a relief.

Oh, perhaps.

Well, what are going to do
this afternoon, then?

We haven't been to
the Jeu de Paume yet.

Well, I think that's a bit
of a morning thing, do you?

Hmm.
Les Invalides, then?

Hmm.
No?

Napoleon's tomb
has no old appeal for you?

Well...

let's see, then.

Actually, um...

what I thought
was, um...

perhaps go back
to the hotel

for an hour or so.

Ooh, David,

what a dreadful
waste of time.

Splendid. Bye.

Bye, sir.

Good-bye, Douglas.
Good-bye now.

Cheerio, sir. See you
later on at the debate.

Yes. I look forward
to it.

Thanks very much,
Mrs. Powlett-Jones.

Thanks for coming.

I hope we weren't
too boring.

Of course you weren't.
I enjoyed every minute of it.

What I want to know is,

when are you
going to invite me back?

Oh, really?

Well, don't look
at me, Nixon.

Seize your chance
while you've got it.

Sunday?
at 6:00?

Perfect.

Do you care
for kippers at all?

Of course I care
for kippers.

I'm mad about kippers.

Nixon's
an expert.

But only
on kippers.

[Laughter]

Go on. Off with you.
I'll see you Sunday.

Look forward to it.

Cheerio, sir.
See you later.

Yes. I'll see you.

Thank you for the tea,
Mrs. Powlett-Jones.

See you on Sunday,
Mrs. Powlett-Jones.

Yes. Good-bye.
Good-bye.

Well,
Mrs. Powlett-Jones.

[Chuckling]

Well,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

Was I all right?

You were
absolutely splendid.

You reminded me of...

Oh, it's all right,
David.

If I reminded you of Beth,
I must have been splendid.

Don't worry.
I can cope with that.

Did you
really like them?

Of course I did.
They're so funny.

I wish they didn't feel
they have to talk

about politics
all the time.

I'd much rather talk
about kippers.

[Chuckling]

Oh, that reminds me.

Molyneux says
they've started

a Fabian Society
in Challacombe.

They're very keen
to have you along

to speak to them.

Oh. Get me out
of it, could you?

Really?

I thought you'd jump
at the opportunity

to get out and meet
some new people.

I don't want to meet
any new people.

Shall I tell you
what I would like

more than anything else?

What?

I'd like you
to put out your pipe,

get out of this chair,

and take me upstairs
to bed right now.

What, now?

Yes, now.

Um, it's not against
the rules, is it?

[Chuckling]
No.

It's just that
I have to be over

in Big School
for the debate.

Oh. Oh, yes.

Oh, well.
Just a thought.

I'm sorry, Chris.
It's a damn nuisance.

Don't make a fuss.
I've got plenty to do.

Well, I'll, uh...

I'll see you later.

[Murmuring]

[Cheering]

Come on, Bamfylde!

DAVID: Well, that's
fine then, Moly,

if you can get
around as many

of the younger
Old Boys as you can.

MOLYNEUX: Right.

And try and make it
clear to them

we're not after
their life savings.

Just a few hours'
work

to help Bamfylde
along.

Don't worry.
I'll inspire them.

HOWARTH: And I'll
speak to Algy Herries

when I see him
this evening.

Look. I'm sorry,
but I must dash.

Oh, Molyneux.

His energy
is truly daunting.

You think you've got
the stuff in you

to be a head?

I doubt it.
Hmm.

That's what he thought
when he was your age.

We used to drink gin
together

and share our sorrow.

It's good to see him
dashing off

to his connubial embraces.

Very heartwarming.

I don't suppose you'd care
to stroll up to my rooms

for a modest glass or two
of the bachelor's friend.

Thank you.
I'd like that.

Come on, then.

[Door closes]

[Footsteps]

[Door opens]

Sorry I'm late, Chris.

Do you want a drink?

No, thanks.

It's going to be
absolutely splendid.

What is?

Oh, Founders Day,
of course.

It appears we're off
to a flying start.

Oh, did I tell you?

Old Algy Herries is
going to come over

and do his Gilbert and
Sullivan party piece.

Yes.

Something wrong?

I just sometimes wish
that you could say



without mentioning
Algy Herries' name,

that's all.

I don't talk about him
that much, do I?

I don't happen to find him
as fascinating as you do,

and I hate the way
you're turning yourself

into an imitation
of him.

Oh, I'm sorry.
Don't take any notice of me.

No. Go on. I want
to know what you mean.

No. I shouldn't
have said anything.

I don't know what
I'm talking about.

You're a marvelous head.

It's the way
that you go around

being such
a jolly good chap,

as if there was nothing
in the world,

except Founders Day
and jolly concerts

and rugger cups.

All right, Chris.
What's the matter?

Well, I'm frightened.
None of it seems real--

you playing at being
Algy Herries

and me playing
at being Beth.

I am not playing
at being Algy Herries,

as you put it,
just because I happen

to admire qualities
in him--

You can't say 10 words
without mentioning his name!

Oh, don't be
ridiculous!

And if you choose
to play at being Beth,

well,
that's your affair.

It's not what I want.

I never want it
from you.

It's the only thing you'll
ever be satisfied with.

And there's another thing.

I'm pregnant.