Mr Burton (2025)

[bunniefuu]

German aircraft

carried out a number of attacks

on Great Britain last night.

The raids, which lasted

for several hours,

were scattered over many parts

of the country.

Enemy aircraft have been

reported over towns

on the south coast, the west of England,

the north Midlands and the Northwest,

as well as over the London area.

There are reports from Germany

that our bombers attacked

industrial targets there

Spring, Mr Burton I had been

thinking to give up on it.

Yes, Ma Yes, indeed.

Will you be writing this morning?

Certainly, that is my plan.

Oh Then I shall keep sotto voce.

Do you have everything

you need, Mr Burton?

Yes Yes, thank you, Ma.

OK

Slowly! Slowly

? All things bright and beautiful

? All creatures great and small

? All things wise and wonderful

Good morning, Mr Burton.

Good morning, everyone

Please sit down

I have the results

of your latest endeavours

Dolan Excellent

Morgan Handwriting.

Please don't make me tell you

again Otherwise, excellent

Driscoll.

- Where is Mr Drisco"?

- He's sick, sir.

Sick? We", that explains something.

Uh, Evans?

How many Es in "elementary"?

Uh, three, sir.

"Three, sir Please try and use a" of them.

Otherwise, good.

The rest of you, fair Hand them out.

Whose is this?

That's mine, sir

Jenkins, we may not

judge a book by its cover,

but we cannot judge a book

with no cover at a...

If a national paper shortage

cannot persuade you to look after them,

I shall have to persuade you myself.

Henry V, Prologue "O for a Muse of fire".

End of school tomorrow, by heart.

But, sir, it's

the Neath game tomorrow.

They made me openside

Shut up.

End of school tomorrow, prompt

Find me here.

"O for a Muse of fire."

What is a muse?

- Anyone?

- A poet's bit of skirt

In a year and three months' time,

most of you will be in uniform.

Some of you may be asked

to go out and ki",

and may face death yourselves Why?

We", I shall tell you You will be fighting

for what is good and right and beautiful,

"and this is the essence

of a" those things.

Picture the scene.

Agincourt On one side,

the English and the Welsh.

King Henry and Fluellen.

And on the other,

a force five times our strength.

The French with their banners

and horses and spears.

"God's arm strike with us!"

"'Tis a fearful odds."

But wait.

Wait.

Then

a single arrow flies!

Are you quite sure, Mr Burton?

Please don't come on my account.

In the absence of a theatre, Ma,

there's nowhere I would rather be

Fine work, Hirth.

Magnificent, Herr Kommandant.

So, the curtain rises on Canada

Heavy new blows

have fallen on the Italian

navy and merchant fleet

in their home waters,

as well as in the central Mediterranean

and off the coast of North Africa.

Most of the credit

goes to our submarines

"Then ca" we this the field of Agincourt

fought on the day of Crispin Crispianus".

If you say so, Mr Burton

I'd like a word

with your openside, Mr David,

if you don't mind Just for a moment

Come on, boys!

Push, push, push Get it

"We" played.

- What happened to you?

- Mr Burton

I was expecting you at half past three.

I did wait for you, sir, I did - Ah.

Are you suggesting I was late?

We", it's the truth.

"Then you'" know the Prologue, of course.

"O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend

the brightest heaven of invention".

"A kingdom for a stage, princes to act

and monarchs to behold

the swelling scene".

"Then should the warlike Harry,

like himself

assume the port of Mars,

and at his heels".

Fine - "Leash'd in like hounds,

should famine, sword and fire".

Thank you, Jenkins

I can do it all, sir.

"No, no, that'" do.

Yes, sir.

It's not much of a punishment,

to be honest with you.

I bloody loved it

I am the ghost of Taibach future.

Come into my arms, little one.

Ah

- What are you doing here?

- Homework.

Hmm See you later

Where the hell have you been again?

Why? What's it to you?

School ended at half past three

this afternoon

If you think I'm going to spend

the rest of my life

slaving down that blasted hole

so you can have - So what?

You're going to throw me out, are you?

Let me tell you.

If your father was less of a drunkard.

Don't you dare Don't you bloody dare

Richie

Homework?

I brought you some cocoa.

Diolch.

Don't think too badly of him,

Richie He's worried, is a...

His chest.

That's two shifts

he's had to miss this week.

I'" go back to Ponty

That'd be the best thing.

"Dad'" have me One less mouth

for Elfed to worry about

Richie, don't be daft.

There's two to a bed in Ponty as it is.

How would you get to school?

Just try to keep your head down a bit.

Do your homework, play your rugby.

Just make something of yourself

Ah.

One of yours, Mr Burton?

No, Ma, not one of mine.

The BBC have given me

some more production work.

Oh.

We", perhaps not a bad thing,

just at the moment.

I wonder if it wouldn't do you good

to look outward for a time.

You are right, Ma, as you ever are.

It is spring, after all.

Still it is the theatre that I miss.

Hmm.

There is nothing to replace it - No.

Not the wireless, not the cinema.

No.

We used to put on plays

when I was a girl at the YMCA.

Oh, I did love those It was

such a nice little stage.

Ma, how long

have I lodged here with you?

Twelve years, or 15?

And you have never before

told me that you are an actress?

Oh No, I

I'm quite sure I was terrible

We", you must tell me, who did you play?

Well, oh

Well, I did play Juliet once.

Ma! I curse the day

that I missed your Juliet!

Oh, Mr Burton

Aye, anyway, Libretto,

the horse was called, man.

And damn me if he didn't bloody win.

You can say what you like

about gambling, boys,

but I haven't seen more money

in a single place to this day.

Never mind a round My father

must have bought a drink

for every man in Pontrhydyfen

So, of course, come stop-tap,

it fell to me to wheel the

bugger back home up the hi...

And an heroic climb it was,

I'm telling you.

By the time we reached his gate,

I was blowing like a winding engine.

"Never forget the brakes

on a wheelchair, boys"

Huh?

Oh.

Our Richie

Jeanie, get a pint for the boy

and I'll have another one myself

We" now, bachan, bachan.

That's the kind of interruption I like.

Where was I, then? Aye.

Never forget the brakes on a wheelchair.

There's a lesson for you now

I stopped for a minute to catch my breath.

The next thing I know,

the old man was careering down the hi",

shouting and screaming

and beating the side of his wheelchair,

"Come on, Libretto Come on"

"Come on."

The speed he was going I tell

you, I shall never forget.

"Come on, Libretto."

Down Station Road, past Dan-Y-Bont,

and I heard him one last time, "Libretto".

And whack.

Old Thomas met the pillar

of the aqueduct.

k*lled him stone dead

Bloody true,

boys, bloody true!

Oh Mr Burton It's on.

Elgar

George never liked him

I could never understand it.

George was wrong, Ma.

Simple as that

No room at the inn

Still with us, is it?

I expected you would be

I've got some news for you, I have.

I found you a job.

Elfed, what are you talking about?

One pound eight a week

Good position One for life.

He's at school You know he can't work.

When I was his age, I'd been

working for three years,

six days a week.

But, Elfed

I can't Next year, I've got

the School Certificate.

I shan't have this family

falling short any longer.

He's not going down the mine.

No No, he's not.

A job has come up at the Co-op.

Haberdashery department

Our naval aircraft

made another successful attack

on a convoy in the Mediterranean.

And they and the RAF

have bombed many objectives

in Sicily and North Africa.

A U-boat has been damaged

and captured

by aircraft of the Coastal

Command and ships of the navy

Good morning, Mr Burton.

"And summer's lease

hath a" too short a date."

Anyone?

- Sonnet 18, sir.

- Sonnet 18 Thank you, Dolan.

Please sit down.

Have we mislaid Mr Jenkins?

Left he has, sir.

Oh, really? I was not informed.

We", we shall have

to try to survive without him.

A new half-term is upon us

and we must address ourselves

to the Gothic.

In the shape of The Castle of Otranto.

Haunted passageways,

horrid, inexplicable.

No Not that way.

Dear me, how many times

do I have to show you?

Take both shoulders.

Now lift up the collar

and flatten the lapel.

The lapel Do you even know

what a lapel is?

For.

Has my copy of the Radio Times

been delivered?

Just this minute, Mr Burton - Ah

I'm sorry for the wait You know how it is.

Thank you

Good Lord, look at this lamp!

Quick! Put those lights out!

Get out, all of you!

Close the door! Quick!

Place isn't fit for a dog to be in

Rather be here than on

the other side of that tunnel

I know that.

The point is, five men or 50 of us,

I tell you, we're on the edge

of an expl*si*n

that can blow us all to hell!

Production was by PH Burton.

Mr Wales, the chief inspector

Morning, Mr Burton - Morning.

"We"

Jenkins So

this is where you've been.

Yes, sir Can I help you, sir?

Oh, yes This, uh, jacket.

A seam needs some attention.

Yes, sir Of course, sir.

So, why have you stopped

attending school?

I, um.

Well well, circumstances, sir.

At home, see.

I understand.

I must say, it's too bad, sir.

Cos I always liked your lessons,

especially

I'm still reading your books,

I am The ones you set.

Which?

We", Shakespeare, sir.

We", I'm glad to hear that at least.

You must keep reading, Jenkins

There's nothing more important.

Thank you.

And, uh, good luck.

I, uh.

I heard your play the other

night, on the wireless.

Oh?

It was fine work, it was

We", thank you, Jenkins.

Jenkins.

If you're interested in the theatre,

I have recently started

a dramatic society at the YMCA

where you'd be very welcome.

You're putting on plays then,

sir, are you? Like at school?

Yes.

You'd be very welcome Give it a try.

Ah, yes, that is good, sister,

to think of that.

But, I, uh, I don't want to sell them.

You see, my mother gave

them to me on her deathbed.

Jenkins.

Ah, come in Come in.

Join us

Uh, can we get Jenkins a chair?

Welcome

You auditioning then, are you?

I thought I'd give it a go, see.

So, Jenkins, we're reading

sections of our play,

The Bishop's Candlesticks.

And, uh, we", why don't you

jump right in?

We need someone to play our Convict.

Um, Convict begins on page nine,

is it, Baynham?

Uh, yes, top of page nine, sir.

Now, Jenkins,

the Convict is a fugitive.

And he's starving.

And he is armed with a knife

as he comes into the Bishop's house.

Yes, sir.

Don't worry Just just give it a go.

Right The clock strikes 12

Bennett, you be our clock.

Dong.

- Let's have some wind.

- Dong

Of you go.

Dong.

Dong Dong.

If you call out, you are a dead man!

But, my friend, as you see, I am reading.

Why should I call out?

Can I help you in any way?

I want food I'm starving

I haven't eaten anything in three days.

Give me food quickly Quickly, curse you.

Good Very creditable First go.

Um, I'm wondering.

If he's desperate, uh

he doesn't want to be discovered.

Maybe we could try him, uh

Quieter?

Quieter Good idea

"If you ca" out,

you are a dead man.

Better

Thank you, my lovely.

Best be quick about it, mind.

Going to the theatre, I am, see.

My boy's in a drama there

Acting, is it?

Children in a thousand, I got

Break a leg, you two

It means good luck.

- Here we are, Ma.

- Thank you, Mr Burton.

"And, uh, I'" see you after the show.

Right And the very best of luck.

Oh I'm not supposed to say that, am I?

We only paid for standing.

My father's coming tonight, he is.

Don't say anything more Kiss

me and give me your blessing.

I'm going to bed

If you call out,

you are a dead man!

- Line?

- My friend.

My friend, as you see, I am reading.

Why should I call out?

Can I help you in any way?

I want food I'm starving

I haven't eaten anything in three days.

Give me food Quickly, curse you.

But, certainly,

my son, you shall have food

I will ask my sister

for the keys of the cupboard.

Sit down.

I have a wolf inside me

tearing at my entrails.

Tearing me apart

We thought you was wonderful,

Richie, wonderful!

It weren't so bad, was it?

- Where's Daddy?

- Got held up, I expect.

Right.

Mrs Jenkins?

Mrs James, Mr Burton.

This is my husband, Mr Elfed James

I'm Richie's sister

He lives with us, you see.

Oh - How do you do?

How do you do? Well,

you should be very proud

Richard excelled himself this evening

I'm only sorry he's no longer

attending school.

He did love your lessons, Mr Burton.

Always on about them, he was.

Well, if there's anything I can do

Richard is an intelligent boy.

He could do a lot better

than working in that shop.

I-I-I do understand these

are hard times for everyone,

but it might be possible to have

him reinstated in school

I heard the applause Bloody marvelous

Tremendous.

Please excuse me, Mr Burton

and thank you, again.

Thunderous, it was A mighty roar

I could hear it out here!

Come on.

"These are hard times

for everyone"

I knew what he meant.

Like I've not done and supported that boy

since he was two years old.

He's willing to give Richie

another chance.

The boy's had chances

up to his eyeballs, man

I mean, what about us?

What about those who has to carry him?

He's an important man

Call that sort a man, do you?

Elfed.

All right Give me one good

reason why I should help him.

When has he ever helped me? Or you?

Cos no one in this family has

ever finished their education.

Not one of us, never.

Elfed.

It's one more year

Not even that, ten months.

Then he' " be ca" ed up to

the forces, like it or not.

"You'" never have to support him again.

The boy has to pay his way.

What if I paid my way

and went to school?

I'd believe that when I saw it

I could do it, I could, honest.

I can't stand the Co-op no more, see? I

I'll do anything, I will I promise.

Then prove it.

Ta-ra then

Good work, you

See you tomorrow

I think Jenkins has

a strong case for reassessment

I believe he shows considerable

intellectual promise.

It's very unusual that

a reinstatement will be awarded.

But it is our job

to assess a child's potential,

not judge him by his past.

Haven't got any old papers

for us, have you?

Let me have a look, now.

Here we are

Sixty-three papers I got for

you, Edith Two up on last week.

How much do you want for them, then?

Shilling?

Jenkins has told me that

it is his ambition, long held,

to become a teacher himself.

To give back to the community

that has supported him.

I believe that what Jenkins will gain

from completing his education

will be repaid many times over,

to the benefit of this town

for generations to come.

If you'd like to wait outside,

we can make a decision.

Thank you

Morning, Mr Burton.

Good morning, everyone.

And, uh, welcome back, Jenkins.

Sir

We", we", we"I Jenkins on fire watch.

Jolly good.

What are you reading?

James Joyce, it is, sir - Oh, yes?

Ah.

Not the best advertisement for

the Irish educational system.

I wanted the chance to

well, thank you properly, I did

For getting me back into school.

"Just pass your exams

That's a" the thanks I ask.

If there is one thing to be said

for the blackout,

it's the clarity of the skies.

Look See Mars setting?

- There's a flicker of red?

- Yeah.

You know.

I once spent a night under

the stars in the Mojave Desert.

The Mojave Desert? In California?

Have you been to Los Angeles?

Did you meet anyone famous?

Well, as a matter of fact, I did Um.

Eddie Cantor

Dorothy Lamour - Dorothy Lamour?

We actually became quite friendly

I was on a theatrical exchange

Six months' sabbatical.

Mr Burton?

Yes, Jenkins?

There is something

I wanted to ask you.

Or-or you know, tell

you, really, I suppose.

- Oh, yes?

- I was thinking, see

that I might

want to be an actor.

You would like to be an actor?

I know it's not usual,

but I wondered if, you know,

if you thought that I could.

I could do it, sir I know I could.

- If you was to help me.

- If I were to help you.

Yes Yes, yes, sir You know?

If If you were to help me

I don't mean to be unkind, Jenkins, but

it's been a long day.

"And a" I want for now

is to wonder at the stars

and for no one to drop

an incendiary on us

- Thank you, sir.

- Thank you, Mr Burton.

Thank you, sir - Thank you, sir.

Jenkins, have you got a moment?

Are you free this afternoon?

I can be, sir.

Right then, Jenkins Follow me.

Where are we gonna go then, sir?

"Go" not "gor."

"Go" Go Go - Up there.

Don't throw stones

into lonely holes without

knowing where they're going.

Read that sign for me.

"Please close the gate."

"Gate" not "gairt."

Gate.

"Please close the gate."

"Please close the gate."

Listen to the vowel sounds.

An actor must know how

to extract their fu" value

"Please close the gate".

"Please close the gate."

Now.

Please close the gate.

Huh? Oh.

Pitch Pronunciation Emphasis.

These are the skills

you must learn to employ.

Are we gonna talk by 'ere

then, sir, are we?

Going Go-ing.

And, please, Jenkins, the word is "here",

not "by 'ere".

"H'yere"

- Shorten the vowel "Here".

H'yere.

Aspirate.

Have you heard Heather Hodder

is here at the hotel

happily having hysterics? Here.

Here.

And, in answer to your question,

yes, we are

I don't think Mrs Smith

would appreciate our company

under the circumstances.

Now then Henry V.

Let us start with the Chorus speech,

with which, of course, you are familiar.

The Chorus is an incantation, as it were.

Your task is simply

to deliver the meaning

of what is, after all,

an unusual form of speech,

Elizabethan blank verse.

Let's hear it.

O for a Muse of fire,

that would ascend the brightest

heaven of invention.

Stop.

That is mostly dreadful.

Right Stand firm Plant your feet.

Shoulders back Head erect.

Good.

Let's give it another try.

Are you able to hear me?

Yes.

O for a Muse of fire

that would ascend the brightest

heaven of invention.

Are you able to hear that?

Yes.

Good Now you have a try

O for a Muse of fire

that would ascend.

Stop.

Was I shouting?

No.

Volume, Jenkins,

is of secondary importance.

Distinctness, this is what you must learn.

Now, I would like you to scream,

as loud as you can.

Scream?

Scream

And again

Screaming, as with shouting,

is simply moving as much air

out of your lungs as you can,

and straining your vocal cords

to make a sound.

Projection, on the other hand,

filling a theatre,

that is a matter of using

the muscle in your diaphragm,

here, and your lungs, here,

so that you can control

the flow of air, retain clarity,

and make a significant

increase in volume.

Your task, therefore, is to distinguish

between these two things.

So, stay here until nightfall if necessary,

and I will see you in the morning.

First lesson, I believe.

Are you leaving me h'yere? Here.

Scream and scream

until you can find a way for it not to hurt

I know it sounds primitive,

but it will be effective.

Scream

Louder

"Everything a" right up there, is it?

Yes, thank you.

Sss Shh Fff.

Mah

Jenkins Mrs Smith, my landlady.

How do you do?

Jenkins feels that

he would like to be an actor.

Oh, is that a fact?

Your voice is raspy, uncontrolled

and completely lacking in range.

"Indeed, we may we" be wasting our time.

O for a Muse of fire

that would ascend the brightest

heaven of invention.

My kingdom for a stage, princes to act,

and monarchs to behold

the swelling scene

Dear me, that voice.

A voice you can work on

He has a good face.

A good face, and eyes like a cat.

If you want to be

a professional actor,

it must be

not because of encouragement

but in spite of discouragement.

You have promise.

But without discipline,

promise will remain unfulfilled"ed.

An old actor once told me that

nobody can play Shakespeare

until he can recite all

six verses of the First Psalm

in a single breath.

"Blessed is the man that walketh

not in the counsel

of the ungodly, nor standeth

in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful,

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and in His law

doth he meditate day and night,

and he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper ""

Did you know that already?

Not in English, I didn't

O for a Muse of fire that was.

"The rain comes pittering pattering down,

plippetty, plippetty plop".

"The farmer drives his horse to town,

"- clippetty, clippetty clop"

- Richard.

"The rain comes pattering,

horse goes clattering,

- "clippetty, clippetty clop"

- Richard! For God sakes, boy!

Don't you see what this teacher is doing?

We", you wouldn't understand,

would you?

You're an intellectual brute.

Richie.

You

talking like that, you

you're not just talking to me, you know.

"You're talking it at a" of us.

Your sister, your father, your mother.

Everybody you come from

Look, I.

I'm not so good at the Welsh, I know that.

But I know who I am.

Now, your voice,

that's your birthright, it is.

Your voice

Oh, I do feel so q*eer.

Did you put something funny

in the champagne?

Yes The bubbles

It took me hours Every single

little bubble put in by hand,

rather gently.

Don't you think I deserve

just a little reward for that?

Oh, no

I'm not going to budge

from here until I get that kiss

and I'm sitting very comfortably

You won my bet? You?

Presumptuous insect! I won it.

What did you throw those

slippers at me for?

Because I wanted to smash your face

I'd like to ki" you, you selfish brute.

The creature is nervous, after a".

Ah Would you? Claws in, you cat.

How dare you show your temper to me?

What's to become of me?

Head back.

That hurt?

No.

No, no, doesn't 'urt.

"Hurt" Aspirate.

What on earth is the matter, Richard?

The show went we".

Yeah, we", now I go back

to Caradoc Street.

There What is wrong with that?

I'm not much wanted there.

Oh, I hardly believe that.

Your sister dotes on you.

It's Elfed that's the problem.

He hates me He's crushing me.

Honestly, Mr Burton,

I can't stand it anymore

I don't know what I'm going to do.

There's no space in my father's house.

There we are.

That should be serviceable

for tomorrow night.

I'd rent a room,

if I could find one.

We", of course,

Mrs Smith has a vacant room.

- I can move in with you!

- Hmm?

I'm quite sure Elfed

and especially your sister

- wouldn't want you to.

- Could you ask her, Mr Burton?

For me? Could you? Just ask her.

Dear me, no I

I shouldn't have mentioned it.

You see?

When push comes to shove

nobody wants me.

I'm sorry, Richard.

I cannot pretend that

I don't have my misgivings

I've never had a lodger of such an age,

and how can he afford

five shillings a week?

But, I-I-I do have other concerns.

As you know, teaching a young

man here, that is one thing.

But having him living in the house?

It's bound to fuel

speculation.

We", you do not need to worry

about me, Ma.

"Yes, but I do worry,

a" the same, Mr Burton.

Besides, this may be quite academic.

His sister and brother-in-law

may well not agree.

Thank you, Mr James.

Please.

- Good afternoon, Mrs James.

- He"o, Mr Burton.

- Shall I take that for you?

- Coat.

As you know,

Richard has asked me

if he might move

the few streets from here

to Mrs Smith's house,

where I currently reside.

But

I should say at once, however,

I think there are a number of reasons

why this might not be a good idea.

But it was your idea, the boy did tell me.

It is true, that, uh

unthinkingly, I

I did mention a vacant room.

So you won't take him on?

I do not wish to imply any lack

of commitment to Richard.

As you know, I have

dedicated a lot of time to him.

Enlisting him in the RAF Cadet Force,

and helping him with his schoolwork

and craft of acting.

And, indeed, he has been made

remarkable progress

in all these areas.

We might even consider university.

University?

But to move out of the family home is.

Well, it's a considerable step.

Is he old enough?

Is he responsible enough?

So you would pay his rent?

After long consideration,

I would be prepared to meet.

Then I think you should

take him on, Mr Burton.

Please.

Take him on.

Where is Richard?

Upstairs, he is.

Perhaps we should discuss this

together in the same room.

"Well, I'" go fetch him, then.

Mrs James

Richard is your son much more

than he is your brother.

I know how much you love each other.

Please, tell me, what is it

you want me to do?

If you take him, Mr Burton,

"it'" be the answer to my prayers

Hello?

Eight o'clock, Richard

Ma likes us to be prompt.

A" right.

Perhaps you could tidy your bedroom

after breakfast, Richard.

P'rhaps - Per-haps.

Per-haps.

- Enough?

- Hmm.

Good morning - Morning, Ma.

- How did you sleep?

- Like an innocent.

Right No, no, I'm sorry, Richie,

but that that really will not do here.

Right No.

Use the edge towards you Right?

No, no, no, no No, no, no

Bring it Bring it to your mouth.

Right? Dear me.

Well!

Right - That's better.

"And whatever you do, don't

speak with your mouth fu"

Oh, for goodness' sake

I thought I could smell something!

Well, I only have

the two pairs, Ma.

Right Well, honestly,

there's more hole than sock

Did your mother never think.

"It's a" right, Ma.

I was only two I don't remember

anything about her.

We", it's a good job I'm here

Myself and Mr Burton.

Right We", finish your breakfast,

and then take them off,

"and I'" if I can't find some fresh ones.

- What's that?

- Hmm?

Oh Nothing

Yes?

Do you never

get lonely, living on your own?

A cultured person is never lonely.

"The lips of time

leech to the fountain head".

"Love drips and gathers,

but the fallen blood shall calm her sores".

"And I am dumb to tell a weather's wind

how time has ticked

a heaven round the stars".

That's wonderful - Isn't it, though?

God knows what it means.

Where'd you find it?

Well, I've got PH's library, don't I?

I even have his socks

You know, Richie.

You're not a bit like I thought you'd be.

How so?

"I thought you'd be more, we"

all hands

You know what I mean.

And you never not with me.

Yeah, we", that's because

I'm a gentleman.

You do want to though, don't you?

Of course I bloody want to.

Good.

Why on earth would you think I don't?

I dunno It's nothing

Richard?

I would like you to repeat

your mathematics paper.

My mathematics?

But, PH, you said it was good.

Good, yes, but, uh

good is not good enough

But I want to be

an actor, not a professor

Richard.

To be an actor, you will need to

move in certain social spheres,

and, as it happens, the RAF

have a new six-month scholarship

for several cadets

to study at Oxford University.

And my friend, Sir Cyril Cooke,

is in charge

Oxford?

Oxford, yes.

But, uh your marks

will need to be excellent So.

You have an hour from now

and if you do not better your mark,

I will set you another.

Yes, PH.

Oh, and Richard?

If you continue to be late

for our appointments,

I may be forced

to reconsider our arrangement.

Do I make myself clear?

Sorry.

I, um.

Uh.

I didn't know you was writing

for the theatre, PH.

Yes.

Although, as you can see

not to the satisfaction

of HM Tennent Limited.

Well, your work's good enough

for the BBC.

A regional service of the BBC.

I did have a job in London We...

The offer of a job, at least.

But then the w*r broke out.

You mean, you don't want

to be a teacher?

No Don't misunderstand me.

I believe teaching is a noble profession

I suppose I didn't think

I'd spend so much of my life doing it.

But the Ministry of Labour

considers my talents, such as they are,

better suited to the classroom

than Broadcasting House.

And thus.

I fell out of step with the London stage.

So, have you written other plays, then?

Too many, perhaps.

So, writing must also be pursued

in spite of discouragement.

I suppose it must.

PH, no one understands the stage

like you.

I know that for certain

I mean, your work as a director.

I watch it in wonder I do.

And if you hadn't been h'yere

Been here.

We", I dunno.

We never would have met.

I must show you something.

Now, they are only minor roles,

and there will be fierce competition.

"Emlyn wants Welsh actors."

"Mr Emlyn Williams is looking for

several Welsh actors and actresses

for small parts in his new play".

"Types wanted vary from young

people to character actors"

I could inform him of our interest.

Of your interest.

Emlyn Williams

I do know Williams a bit.

Thank you.

You should get some sleep.

O for a Muse of fire

that would ascend

the brightest heaven of invention.

A kingdom for a stage, princes to act

and monarchs to behold

the swelling scene.

Then, should the warlike Harry,

like himself,

assume the port of Mars,

and at his heels, leashed in like hounds,

should famine, sword and fire

crouch for employment

He really is a changed boy

these days, Cyril.

In the ATC, on the fire-watch rota,

and his marks have improved

beyond all recognition.

Well, you know I respect

your judgement, PH

I will support you, of course.

Although, to be candid,

I do foresee certain problems.

His background, for instance

He's a miner's son, isn't he?

Not that I have anything against

miners' sons, of course,

but, um, they are hardly the

type that Oxbridge smiles on.

And then

there is the matter of the surname.

How How do you mean?

The boy's name is Jenkins

Yours is Burton.

He lives with you

and it will inevitably lead to questions.

And with competition for

the RAF scholarship so fierce.

Anyhow, best get on

This w*r isn't winning itself.

Yes Yes, of course Thank you, Sir Cyril.

Look, PH, I know a man's name

shouldn't hold him back

in this day and age, but

you know how these things work

The drops are dripping

That's Dic Jenkins's boy, that is

It's not, is it?

Living with that teacher

- Guess what he's after.

- Yeah

More tea, PH?

Oh Yes Thank you, Richard.

Richard.

We need to discuss your

application for a scholarship

to Oxford University.

Right.

As you know,

this is an enormous opportunity.

And, thankfully,

Sir Cyril has agreed

to support the application.

Lovely.

But there is a a caveat.

He believes that my putting you forward

as a concerned teacher

will raise awkward questions

about your living arrangements.

I see.

For me to put you forward,

and for that to be accepted

without question,

would require me to

to take legal responsibility for you.

What do you mean, legal?

Adopt me?

Think of this as a means

to an end, a formality, but

inevitably, this would require you to.

Change my name?

Fine.

Change it.

Right.

Um, in order to do that,

we would need the permission

of your current legal guardian.

Who's that? Is it Cis?

No I'm afraid not

Who the bloody hell is this?

It would a"ow me to go to university.

Perhaps even to Oxford.

I need you to sign it.

"The infant, Richard Walter Jenkins,

shall, from the date hereof,

absolutely renounce and abandon

the surname of the parent,

Richard Walter Jenkins

and shall bear the surname

of the adopter,

Philip Henry Burton

and shall be held out to the world

and in all respects treated

"as if he were, in fact,

the child of the adopter"

We", boy

you need to know.

This won't come for nothing

Fifty pounds?

And how would you like the notes?

Uh, five-pound notes will be fine

He's from Scotland, isn't he?

Stay here.

PH - It's for the best

Hey.

Do you want any more?

I've got another ten

We", lad.

Looks like the boys are right.

They said you'd turned into a poofter.

Hmm

We'll pop this in the post

on the way home.

I, uh I think I need to take a walk.

Of course.

I-I'll meet you for dinner.

Maybe we'll open a bottle

Richie?

Ah, there you are

Thought you'd get me drunk, did you?

Of course not.

I thought, uh, well,

we have things to celebrate.

Do we not? Or mark, at any rate.

Your exam results, and.

We ", a" we have achieved together

Richie You'll wake up Ma.

"- I'" shut this door

Mr Burton?

Do you really think I'm that stupid?

Do you think I don't know

what you're up to?

What What are you talking about?

You know very we"

what I'm talking about.

Richard - Good old PH, eh?

How he, um

clothed me.

He fed me.

A" out of the goodness of his heart

Richard, let me make you a cup of tea.

It's the worst-kept secret

in f*cking Port Talbot.

Richard.

It's been an eventful day A long day.

And you I'm sure you need some sleep.

Do you think I don't know

what it is that you want?

Richard

I have done everything for you,

everything that you requested,

and I have asked for nothing in return.

Nothing, except to

to see you flourish as an actor.

Yes, perhaps a little gratitude,

but good God.

In a matter of weeks,

you will be auditioning for Daphne Rye

Daphne Rye.

Perhaps the most influential

casting director in the country.

And she will be paying you

particular attention.

Do you suppose these things

happen by chance?

Or-or-or are you in some way

special? Is that it?

Richard?

Well, is it?

Richie What on earth are you doing?

Come down, will you?

I need to talk to you

I am sorry if we disturbed

you last night, Ma

Well, no you didn't disturb me.

Let me make you some tea.

I am afraid we may have

to find you a new tenant.

Mr Burton.

I don't want to say that

I was afraid this would happen,

because - I know.

I don't want to speak ill of Richie,

however terribly he's behaved

because I've become so fond of the boy.

Do you remember

that first play at the YMCA?

We...

That's how he's been to me,

right from the start.

Scared and hunted, I suppose you'd say.

We could have given him

all the kindness in the world,

and nothing was ever

going to change that, ever.

"But to throw it a" back at me?

I know.

But who else, Mr Burton?

You must know that.

Who else does he care about so much?

I'm afraid it is a boy

we are looking for

But she could pass

for a boy, Miss Rye, isn't it?

There is a w*r on, after all.

Yes, Mrs Barron, but it is a boy

we are looking for.

Please, take a seat to the left.

Donald Brown.

Donald Brown?

No? Very we.

Richard Burton

Stand up straight

Don't forget to smile.

Ah, yes You're Philip Burton's boy.

Yes, Miss Rye.

I, um.

I've, uh, I've memorised

the lines you sent.

Carry on, then.

What do I want with stories

when I got the hay to get in?

I 'aven't read a story,

not since I was in bed

from the stallion throwin' me.

I got to think about other things.

Like girls.

And what is the sky like for tomorrow

and the taste of a pint.

And girls.

Thank you May I see your profile?

You can see the other

side too, if you like.

Is it particularly different?

You tell me.

Dear me, you are a bold one, aren't you?

You cannot imagine.

And your availability? You're in the RAF?

I see Philip mentions a scholarship.

Yes In April, the RAF

are sending me to Oxford.

Exeter College.

Till then, my time is yours.

Stay and take a seat, if you would.

David Cecil.

- David Lovely to see you again.

- Nice to see you too.

Did you receive the play?

Marry, then sweet wag,

when thou art king,

let not us that are squires

of the night's body

be called thieves of the day's beauty.

Thou sayest well,

for the fortune of us

that are the moon's men

doth ebb and flow like the sea

being governed, as the sea is,

by the moon.

No, Richard These are comic scenes.

Can't you make it a little lighter?

Hal is a truant,

a boy who seeks enjoyment

rather than respectability.

As you keep telling me.

So, what exactly are you failing to grasp?

You yourself seek enjoyment,

do you not?

Day and bloody night, as far as I can tell.

Everywhere, in fact,

except here, where it matters.

It's five o'clock - Thank you

Rich.

That is your last.

Do you understand? You need

to pull yourself together

I am perfectly intact

You are arseholed.

Again, Richard,

any other actor would give.

Actors!

Actors!

I f*cking hate actors.

Them and their their make-up.

You know, what kind of man

wears make-up? I ask you that.

Give me leave to tell you

once again that at my birth

the front of heaven

was full of fiery shapes.

Here he is.

The English Glendower.

And behold, the Welsh Prince Hall

The indignity of it

Mel

Understudy to the drunken son

of a drunken bloody miner.

What?

It was just a joke, Rich.

Although, let's face it.

Let's face what?

Rich!

Jesus Christ You broke my nose!

- It's just a scratch.

- Richard, come with me.

At last I thought

you would never capitulate.

Make sure it doesn't go on my shirt or tie.

Just what the hell is wrong with you?

Four bloody days until opening night

I told Tony you were

the only actor for the part.

And I promised him I would sort you out.

You?

Sort me out?

Nobody can sort me out.

Richard, I do in fact have a limit

399, Mrs Smith speaking.

Oh, Rich Richie

Richie, Richie, what's the matter?

Uh No, Richie, no

Richie, no, it's terribly late.

It's gone one o'clock I couldn't possibly.

No, Richie Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.

Ma.

"I'm not at a" sure this is a good idea

I think I should telephone him.

Mr Burton, there's not a cat's

chance that he's awake yet.

He was very much the worse for wear.

But he made it clear

that he needs you, urgently.

- But just to leave like.

- I shall call by the school

and explain the situation.

Now, Mr Burton,

Richie is your responsibility.

Now, I know that you didn't

part on the best terms,

but the fact remains, this is your duty.

If he needs you, then you must go

Mr Burton.

Richard.

Ah

You don't recall, uh.

You spoke to Mrs Smith

on the telephone last night.

Dear God.

I must have been drunk

Is Ma we", then?

She is in excellent health.

Good.

A" right, everyone, we are moving on.

We're going back to

Part I, Act Three, Scene Two

Harry, if I could have you here,

upstage left, and Richard here.

Oh, and the throne will be

down here, downstage right,

with a marvellous white light from above.

All right Here we are

The lords have just scattered.

The King, the Prince Thank you, Harry.

I know not whether God will have it so

for some displeasing service

I have done,

but thou dost in thy passages of life

make me believe

that thou art only marked

for the hot vengeance

and the rod of heaven

to punish my mistreadings.

So please Your Majesty, I would I could

"quit a" offences, I.

Um.

Could a"?

With as clear - No I have it.

I I shall.

I shall.

I, uh

I shall hereafter, my thrice gracious lord,

be more myself.

You skipped an entire page

there, Richard.

We're a matter of days away,

and you're still not off-book.

Yes, I am aware of that.

We will do that again

Uh, Daphne?

Who is this person

in my rehearsal room?

"He's with me, Tony I'" explain later.

A" right, let's get on with it.

Let's pick it up again from the top

Harry, please, in your own time

Richard.

It's been four years

since I was last in Stratford.

I shall go to the Holy Trinity,

pay my respects.

You've visited the grave?

No Not yet.

So.

What did you think?

Good.

Yes, uh Interesting.

Do you want to - Good

Good.

Then I'm finished for the day.

Care for one?

No, uh, not for me, thanks.

You see, I am the son of a miner.

At five o'clock, a miner starts drinking.

Of course.

Well, I.

"I wish you a" the very best with it.

Go on then.

Te" me your thoughts.

Here.

We", candidly, Richard,

my thoughts are these.

Firstly, you are not a miner,

you're an actor.

You're an actor with three days

to salvage what might be

the opportunity of your career.

The chance to establish yourself

as a classical actor

in the most prestigious theatre

in the world.

Do you not understand

the magnitude of that?

Somewhat - Good.

Then I propose we find some food

and get down to work.

"I know you a", and will awhile uphold

the unyoked humour of your idleness".

"Yet herein will I imitate the sun."

Try again.

"I know you a",

and will awhile uphold

the unyoked humour of your idleness".

"Yet herein will I imitate the sun."

You understand this character, Richard.

You know that he's not

some thigh-slapping youth.

Yes, Hal is a young man,

but he's always aware of his destiny.

That, on the death of his father,

he will have to turn away

from Falstaff's irreverence

and the drunken life of the tavern.

He will transform into a king,

and, like a king,

lead his country

as a king must, by example.

You must trust your instincts, Richard.

All right, stop Stop, stop!

I tell you to shout, and you

whisper I tell you to laugh

I am not some straight man

to your funny lines.

It is a comic scene.

We're in the tavern, a world of ribaldry.

Look, why don't you try doing it like.

There is no other way I will be doing it

Richard, I am your director!

And you shall have

my performance Nobody else's.

Nobody else's? Then what exactly

is he doing here?

Tony Tony, honestly,

I think you should go with it

I know it's different,

but I think it is working.

Bloody Welsh.

Over the Marches you come,

out of the mountains,

raiding our cattle

You don't come to contribute.

You're just bloody raiders.

A grammar school boy.

Not a prince Not a lord.

Three hundred years

and we're still transported by his words.

Tomorrow, Richie.

Sound trumpets.

Let our bloody colours wave.

And either victory

or else a grave.

Morning, Rich.

Tim.

Your friend's looking for you.

Your, uh Your acting coach.

He's not my acting coach.

Well, then, uh

you know, whoever he is.

I, uh, thought we might discuss

the coronation scene.

I have a six-hour performance.

Of course Of course, but

there's a line towards

the end of the scene

which underlines

the scale of the transformation

he has undergone.

I need some air.

Mr Burton?

Would you mind signing this?

Dear me, look at that.

"What the he" were they thinking?

Thank you

Are you still here?

Richie?

Yes What is it?

What do you mean?

I have been waiting for you

for nearly two hours.

Yes And I will be along

when I'm good and ready

Richie, I remind you,

I was summoned here to help you.

I, too, am a busy man.

Do you think you can just turn up

after eight years?

Eight bloody years And

and have me do your bidding?

Like I'm your schoolboy again?

Richie I cannot talk here Let's go away.

Just who the hell do you think you are?

I am one of the most promising

young actors

in this whole bloody country.

And you?

Remind me.

Who are you?

Oh, Richie.

Oh, Richie - Ma.

Oh, it's so wonderful to see you.

I know.

Mr Burton telephoned yesterday

and so I told him

that we'd keep it a surprise.

But he's managed to get me a ticket.

Oh, Richie, you must be so proud.

He said it was all he could do

just to get the one,

what with both of you

working on the play, so.

Yes.

Isn't this a wonderful place?

Mr Burton has told me so much about it

I can't believe I'm really here.

Oh, Richie.

If all the year

were playing holidays

to sport would be as tedious as to work.

So when this loose behaviour I throw off,

and pay the debt I never promised

By how much better than my word I am

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

It's unforgivable what I said.

Unforgivable and entirely untrue.

I was drunk.

Again.

It was no excuse.

I owe you

everything.

I've never said it to you

I've never even

apologised So.

So, I thank you and I apologise now.

Truly, with all my heart.

I'm afraid.

I am I'm afraid.

I'm not like you.

I'm just a bloody fake.

I'm half an actor.

And I'm jealous and proud

and selfish and spiteful.

And you are everything.

You're strong Truly, you are.

And this play, PH

this is everything we worked for.

And I'm terrified.

I'm terrified.

Please.

Help me.

Come back

I have to go

Now, Hal,

what time of day is it, lad?

Thou

art so fat-witted with drinking of old sack

that thou hast forgotten

to demand that truly

which thou wouldst truly know.

What a devil hast thou to do

with the time of day?

Unless hours were cups of sack,

and minutes capons,

and clocks the tongues of bawds

Do not think so; You shall not find it so.

And God forgive them

that so much have swayed.

Your Majesty's good thoughts

away from me.

To tell you that I am your son.

Why doth the crown lie there

upon his pillow,

being so troublesome a bedfellow?

Oh, polished perturbation.

Golden care

that keep'st the ports

of slumber open wide

to many a watchful night.

My King, my Jove,

I speak to thee, my heart.

I know thee not, old man.

Fa" to thy prayers.

How ill white hairs

become a fool and a jester.

I have long dreamt of such a kind of man.

But being awaked,

I do despise my dream

Bravo!

Wonderful, thank you

Of course

Richie.

Act Five, Scene Five.

The modulation of your voice It was.

Well, your stillness, it was really.

Uh, I was really.

Well, I, uh, I have never.

What?

Can a man not hug

his own bloody father?