are you there? you're awake mm-hmm I had a disagreeable dream. what? something I thought we'd grown out of in first year
theology God on a cloud.
with a sort of... pink electric light bulb behind his head. judging people parting sheep from the goats that sort of thing. what did God look like? oh that's that's the most
ridiculous thing he bore a remarkable
resemblance to dr. Salter. quite striking cherubim and all that stuff and nonsense your mother will find cherubim dreadfully vulgar. she she wouldn't give give them shelf room
in porcelain cherubim... it's not true I suppose not. I shan't have to wait very
long to find out. no I mean it's not really true
you dreamt that. is it? there was some sort of
judgment going on. you shouldn't worry about that. judgment.. I should like you to know... it's not been so simple. not all so straightforward as it might have looked [singing] Minister: jesus said Minister: I am the resurrection and
I am the life I am the resurrection and the
life sayeth the Lord. he that believeth in me though he
were dead yet shall he live. and whosoever liveth and believeth in me
shall never die. shhhh! Henry I do think you should shh. why should the trendy kid get away
with castrating the Prayer Book? Minister: blessed be the name of the Lord the eternal God is your refuge and underneath are
the everlasting arms I am sure that neither death nor life nor
Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor
height nor depth nor anything else in all creation nor any other creature. [singing] Minister. we hardly expected to see you
at the funeral of a notorious left-wing cleric not representing the government are you?
I'm representing no one but myself. for me this is a very personal ocassion. friend of the family? an old old friend. certain things transcend
political differences. Simeon Simcox was a great man. a tremendous influence
on my life. you will excuse me won't you gentlemen [all talking at once] where could it possibly have come from? what? that wreath it's appalling it's only a wreath mother [hymn singing] gran? gran? the barometer's in the sitting room. it's funny that's the only thing Peter
got really excited about. the desk is through here. is that the one?
yeah that's the one. let's get this stuff moved.
and the clock. she said I could take the
barometer and the clock. would you want a clock for? how about telling the time? he was a national figure. his fame spread far beyond
this church, this parish, this valley of Rapsone. on every public issue for
the last 50 years he was there. fighting for the right as he
saw it. determined as he so often said to build Jerusalem in England's green and
pleasant land. one of the many obituaries
in the national press suggests that he
may have been a bit of a saint if so he was a saint smoking a pipe dressed in that old tweed
jacket with leather patches. we came to laugh at.
and know so well. gran? gran? oh it's today it would need a miracle. she should
never have come. a miracle to divide one bottle of strictly non South
African anti-apartheid sherry among a dozen thirsty mourners. I don't suppose
he'd of managed it. not one for miracles my father here's a drop of brandy we used to do an absolutely
super Brahms Requiem when old Backstead
was at Hartscombe. now of course it's all
this taped stuff. Agnes shouldn't have come.
not after all the things she's said. Agnes has always enjoyed
anything at all tragic. it was summer holidays
she always found so harrowing. we had I Did it My Way from
a machine at Bill Backstone's cremation. so long as it wasn't the
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. what did you say? oh nothing absolutely nothing no sort of
will surfaced yet? I was always pestering
Simeon to make one. Agnes I'm so glad you came. Simeon would be so glad. would he? he always like you. he always
regarded you as a challenge. I've gotten rather tired of being
regarded as a challenge. such a crowd. they won't expect to eat
anything would they? I thought I just go into the
kitchen and put out some biscuits. Oh Lorna what a wonderful
little brick you are. I do think it's embarrassing of
you to come. I know Henry's embarrassed. why should Henry be embarrassed?
it's not his funeral is it? I'll go and get some
biscuits. hello Leslie what are you doing here? paying my respects as I grew up with you all. did you? can't say I noticed you
growing up. of course not I hope you approved of the service I think we managed to strike just
the right note of reverent informality. I think you struck
an absolutely ghastly note Bulstrode. that castrated edition of the prayer
book may be perfectly suitable to bless the union of a couple of primpers from
the happy hairdo in hearts - telling phrase mr. Simcox. you always have such a
telling turn of phrase. your newfangled prayers have
no place in the Christian burial of a priest of the
Church of England. we have to make things clear for
the common man. however common the man, he always
understood the old prayer book perfectly well. ask the right honourable
Leslie Titmuss. powerful turn of phrase. no wonder he's always
off to America. so many funerals. Elsa Fairhazel. the Contessa. I'm quite exhausted. I'm sorry my father should
have consulted your engagements. that is very naughty Fred. I was devoted to Simeon. sometimes I think he
disapproved of me for not being black well I am discriminated against too.
I told him so often horrid little man in
the fish shop in Hartscombe absolutely declines to serve me. it seems so strange. a service at Rapstone church and Simeon
silent throughout the proceedings. must apologize mrs. S. sorry
I turned up late. it was strange
not to hear his voice. but nothing would have made me
miss the old man's funeral. why ever not Leslie? I remember how good he was
to me when I was a young man. how good you all were. is that what you remember? sad occasion of course.
beautifully done. except for that wreath. now mother. my secretary ordered it actually oh dear. well you really
shouldn't have done it Leslie. it's the sort of thing you used
to do when you're a little boy. you really mustn't spend
your money on... foolish things I'll always be grateful. wonder what he must be grateful for. I remember he
was always bringing us presents. so embarrassing things he'd saved up for - or things he'd nicked
from Woolworths. Dorothy: Simeon! Simeon. it's Leslie.
Leslie Titmuss. Simeon: why Leslie whatever
have you go there? it's for you mr. Simcox. I got it for you. Leslie you must learn not to do
things like that. Leslie Titmuss comes bearing gifts. how exciting.
do let me see. it's a present mr. Simcox. this is the most beautiful object.
my dear isn't it's the most beautiful object? what is it it's got written? a present from Cleethorpes. hmm that was kind and
thoughtful of you Leslie my dear wasn't that kind
and thoughtful? Leslie as you're here how about doing
some gardening? the nettles and the weeds? what a good idea Leslie. we shall treasure this Leslie.
we shall keep it on the mantelpiece. do we have to? of course but it's hideous. hideous things are something we have to put up with.
we can't turn a blind eye to them. that wouldn't be right. I can shut my eyes to a present from
Cleethorpes any day of the week. we can't offend the boy. we really can't. why not? he's such a
particularly nasty child. that's not a particularly Christian
thing to say. perhaps God made nasty
people so we could find out who is nice. Freddy! [jazz music playing] Freddy. your father's trying to
write to the bishop. what about? what they're doing to the black man in
Africa if you must know. he has important letters. that was a black man singing. Fat's Waller.
and you turned him off. try not to be silly Freddy. what are you doing Henry just writing a novel. what's a novel? a picture of our society from top to
bottom. a human story. is it difficult? very difficult. for some people. I bet it's not as hard as getting rid
of these nettles. well why do it then? your mom's giving me half crown. my parents exploit you.
it's the beer money. I don't get any beer money. they do. Simcox ales in Haresford. that's what keeps the family going
so they can exploit the workers. just because you live in Skirfield. they think everyone who lives in Skirfield
is there to be exploited they wouldn't ask me
to cut down nettles. your mom says she's asked you
but you won't never do it. when the revolution comes
they'll be the first to go. where will you be Henry
when the revolution comes? probably in charge. it's gone! father's barometer's gone. she's taken it. what on earth are
you talking about? Francesca your Frankie.
I said she could have it. I think Gramps would have liked Henry to
have the barometer. as the eldest son in
the family I think he's entitled to have it. why? is Henry starting out on a career
as a weatherman? Henry was always to have
the barometer and the clock. and as the only writer in the family
he has to be entitled to the desk. that was to be Henry's. she left a note
when they took it. darling grandma came
this morning for the stuff. didn't want to disturb you
but it was the only day we could get the van. brutes, robbers, barbarians. Francesca the Hun. I have to be getting back to
Hartscombe for surgery. the young. all the tact and
delicacy of a drunken crowd of looting mercenaries. it's appalling. Henry's right.
you'll have to speak to her Henry. just a few things so they can remember
Simeon. a barometer what a devil be able to barometer for they don't have weather
in Tufnell Park yeah no sort of consideration consideration all
Francesca's consideration is reserved for South American gorillas underprivileged
Eskimos and one parent Lane lesbian families living in Greater Manchester.
oh I forgot whales. huge great bloody whales swimming about in a sea spouting
and sucking their young and never ever realizing that all the concern most
girls lavished on their parents all the reverence most decent minded daughters
might feel at a death in the family is entirely concentrated on their bloated
inarticulate blubbery bodies. we were never like that. well we we had to do this movie my father it's
cool it's only a few scenes or something festive to entertain mother for God's
sake Frederick why can't you fall in and do the thing properly? it’s all right for you
you’re Macbeth. I have to be Duncan I have to get murdered. you've got much the best
par.t where’s father anyway? he's upstairs getting changed. he knows how to do it
exactly. of course he does. he keeps on telling us he played the part at school.
why I stood rapt in the wonder of it came missives from the king who all
hailed me stained rector we - ah it's young Harry Stokes isn't it you wanted to see
us rector it was the talk you usually give us before a marriage yes of course
and this is Cissy. Cissy Bigwell. it must have slipped my mind.
come along it Oh over this don’t. take me home Harry. we best come back another
time rector. count these for me will you Fred? Leslie Titmuss is going to Hartscombe grammar
he's done well there's got his wits about him I'd like to go to Hartscombe
grammar. I suppose no one can have everything he wants. I mean I thought you
believed in everyone being equal don't you believe in everyone going to Hartscombe
grammar? I don't know why I have to go to Knuckleberries perhaps it's the
will of God it's much better for you and Henry to be away at school anyway you
know your uncle Pym went to Knuckleberries. and of course your father. so you arranged
for us to go there too. I suppose I did. so it's the will of God.
extraordinary child you do come out with some things.
bloody awful place this. isn't it pretty terrible? yes my dad told me it will be
bloody awful ghastly grub and I'd be homesick and miss my mum's cooking
buddies that'd be worth it all because I meet useful friends.
you look like a nice sort of friend for me to meet Simcox minor. I'm not all that
useful. really why? I turn on people what I'll eat the mum to trust me then I turn
on them I'm well known for being treacherous well couldn't you be useful
friend for me just then too and you start being treacherous look as long as we're
friends let's go down to the music hut why the music hut? because nobody here
learns the double bass. my dad knows why we've got lebraun available because that
acne Ernie Bevan and sis differed craps they keep all the brown and peaches and
white wine for themselves. sit down. and the same goes for liqueur
chocolates. when they can get their sticky fingers onto them. bet your father
says the same thing doesn't he. about the Labour government. he doesn’t. doesn’t he?
my father's a socialist. sorry you must be bloody poor come here on a charity
place? my father's not especially poor. in fact I think he owns most of a brewery.
Simcox Ales you know that sort of nonsense. he owns the best parts of a
brewery and he's a socialist? have a Tia Maria center. he must be bloody crackers revelations chapter 21 verse 2 and I
John saw the holy city New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband what is the great virtue of an
English public school what did I for instance get out of Knuckleberries? I
got a great deal I mean there's no use in having a sensible education what we
all need is something to rebel against really I only have this advice for you
all be rebels while you're young or what on earth will you be left with in your
old age how did all those die Tom? some say they
was got quietly my crossbow bolts. some say they was dazed in an old car
headlights and a rifle did ‘em. but those particular ones I'm prepared to take
my oath passed over peaceful in this been eating a lot of venison have you?
breakfast dinner and tea. there's nothing better than a deer’s
brains on toast for breakfast. how they been treating you Fred? Oh badly
terribly badly. what did they do to you at school? half starve us and make us
sleep in dormitories where the bogs freeze. and hit us quite often. they teach us
Latin poetry so slowly you can't ever understand what it's all about. and make
us go on cross-country runs where you have to break the ice and wade through
streams I cut my legs on the ice this term. you’re
privileged that's what. you are you're part of the privileged classes oh. is
that what we are? been a bad year for pheasants has it? has for the strong nope
picton house some say it's due to a nasty outbreak of raisins soaked in
brandy put on fish hooks. but you wouldn't know anything about that now
would you Tom. why don't we ever have deer’s brains for breakfast? could you try
not be quite so revolting? what did you meet a balding is disgusting enough my
profiles rather good oh you don't see it except when you're asleep no no I mean
profile of me in this week's New Statesman as a caricature. I do wish
you'd try to keep out of the New Statesman Simeon. it’s so embarrassing Tom Nowt
has deer’s brains every morning of course he doesn't dazzle them in his
headlights and shoot them out of his old banger with a two two rifle oh no. Simcox
minor do shut up. I'm trying to read The Times. wherever have you been Fred?
I've been down to Tom's old hut in Hanging Wood. you’re not to go there again.
what do you mean? I wouldn’t have thought that remark was particularly obscure. I
don't want you to go there again why why shouldn't I? because I am telling him not
to… for once in your life my father doesn't want me to come down
here and see you anymore not when you gets back from school?
not ever. why do you think that is? he's got his reasons most likely what
reasons? wouldn't he tell you? no well then I don't suppose he would well
there's a new boy head chap called Strove. Magnus Strove I know him. he lives
near our house. well I was talking to him and he said he had to go. he was late for
his music lesson. don't you understand Simcox? he's
learning the double bass. Nubble what did you do the actual instrument it's under
the hut. cheerio Nubble. what seems to be the
matter now? Simeon it’s dr. Salter Simeon he gets this wretched chest and his
voice is going. keep the sermons shorter. congregation will be delighted. I don’t suppose you've got a spot of
brandy left over from Christmas? I’ll see if I can find anything. surely you’re going to take
my temperature aren't you? I doubt if that's gonna do
you much good. Dorothy thought that we
should call you in. can't imagine why. surely a man of your persuasion ought to be
grateful for a touch of flu. don't want to hang about
in this Veil of Tears do you? fellas like you ought to get to the queue
for heaven as quickly as possible. for a doctor you have a remarkably
simple-minded view of the Christian religion. Christian religion? I thought it was based
on the extreme desirability of death. a lesson I wish my patients
would all learn. duty of the sick in my opinion. get out of
the way. make room for some healthy breeders. you take the bishop
of Worsefield - that's amazingly generous
of you Dorothy. never knew a fella so remarkably coy
about meeting his maker. bishop not well then? the good Bishop has never
been quite the same since you made him stand up all night in a drafty Cathedral
to protest about the South African government. you can't blame me of course
it was remarkably effective. as soon as the dear old Boers heard that you and the
bishop had gone without a night's sleep they decided to elect a blackamoors
prime minister or isn't that what happened? I've missed you. you don't have to get sick to see me get this made up from Hartscombe if you like
don't him no particular harm. one of the great mysteries in life - ah please
spare us the mysteries. ... is why you ever chose to
become a doctor. why did you
choose to become a parson? only one reason. neither of us could hold down a
decent job at a biscuit factory. all these little colds of his. is there
nothing you can recommend? recommend? take up hunting. not for killing the
foxes no that's not the point. they do you a wonderful death on a hunting field. one minute you're up in the air
sun in your face frozen air your nostrils
giving a hedge a clean pair of heels then you come smack on the hard ground
break your neck it’s over in a second. I saw Agnes sitting outside in the car
doesn't she want to come in? no don't think so. she's like her father. can't
stand the sight of illness. - what you're doing for the holidays?
- sitting in the car. he likes going to look after the old people.
I want to be a nurse. he says he won't allow it. he says wanting to be a nurse just shows
an unhealthy interest in disease. - I got a boat on the river.
- a rowing boat?
- yes a boat on the river. have you got any better at guiding it? I've always been quite good at guiding it. I don't know just as long as you don't get
us out in the middle of the river then want to go urgently. oh you
remember that. did you think I wouldn't? - you going to Charlie Fanner’s party?
- everyone's going to Charlie Fanner’s. they've asked everybody. it's a sort of
national event. they've been even asked Leslie Titmuss. Leslie Titmuss of course you are - I look terrible.
- to me you look beautiful. oh you always say that. you'll say that
when I'm old and my face is covered in tram lines and my teeth falling out. Charlie wouldn't like you to miss her party. easy to say I look beautiful. it's like...
how are the crops, good planting weather. I can't face all these people. only children. Charlie's party. our one social event of the year. - we got all the children from the cottages
- sounds tremendously exciting what do you expect me to do?
slip into the Chanel so you and I can play sardines together. look at me. I will scream if you tell
me I look beautiful. Charlie’s all tricked out in her party dress. I hope you haven’t told her
that she looks beautiful. it wasn't so boring during the war. at least there were Americans. an occasional bomb
that missed Worsfield. I'm sorry we couldn't
keep the war going to entertain you a little longer. come on miss Charlie. your mother
told you to make an entrance. - mummy's not here.
- well she'll be down presently. your father's waiting for you. Charlie? pray silence for the birthday queen.
[singing Happy Birthday] we're beginning the game of murder. come on
gather round. come on now. this one is the murderer.
and this one is the detective. and all the others of blank okay
dig in. [knock on door] [making gruesome scream] ahem what you doing in here?
hiding I suppose. doesn't seem very important what's that?
old magazines. piles of them. know who that is? Charlie's mother. she's beautiful. Lady Grace Fanner
enjoying a joke in Cannes. she's wearing pajamas.
pajamas in public. poor Charlie. to have a mother who's so
beautiful. heaven sake Fred. what on earth
are you doing? doing a hundred and one butterfly
caresses. doesn't it arouse you to a purring picture of passion at all? feels
like having insects crawling all over you. [music] laughing] get out! how dare you! [door slams] [crying] [chocking sounds] [high pitched scream] Child: oh mummy mummy I'm scared! cheer up young fella you're not dead yet is he all right? he'll survive. I suppose you know
what tricks your family's been playing. tricks? your boy playing games. he scared my lad to death.
we had to have dr. Salter to him. yes I was there. I'm sorry. he's mixing with
people he ought not mix with. well surely you'd like him
to widen his horizons. I would not. I'd like him to stay at home in Scofield when
he's back from school. mind his own business. minding our own business is
what I said great store by rector. you had that ornament long have you? uh no umm not. have you ever in fact been to Cleethorpes? well now you come to mention it
no I don't think I have. well I have visited that resort and I bought a
memento a keepsake to mark the occasion rector. can I ask you to explain the
presence of this ornament on your mantelpiece? yes as a matter of fact your
boy gave it to me. you took it from my Leslie? without a word of inquiry to his
family I suppose you'd have no objection to my removing it from your possession. no
objection no objection in the world. as a matter of fact for my wife its removal
might be the cause of some relief I imagine so. young people would never strain
to dishonesty mr. Simcox if those that should know better didn't encourage them
in it. my dear mr Titmuss I never had a - good day to you rector. from now on it'll be formal
communications only on the business of our respective parish councils. fine
words on the subject of socialism might come to you very easy but that hardly
explains the acquisition of other person's little ornaments. it's nothing urgent but mr. Jackson Cantelow is
waiting to see you in the surgery. your father wasn't
interested in money it pains your mother to talk about money.
Henry's only interested in writing for the cinema and you can live a pure and
unselfish existence writing out chits for days off work and tending to the slightest
whims of your National Health patients. oh it's all very fine and
elevated no doubt to be totally uninterested in money when you've got
plenty of it but now you haven't mr. Fredrick Simcox.
the plain fact of the matter is that now you haven't. I never expected
money. never? I supposed my father would give anything he had to my mother. well
let me tell you now for years I've been urging your father to make a will. now I
hear from a firm in Worstfield a very small firm police court business that
sort of thing it seems your father went into them entirely without my knowledge
and made a will quite recently. he left none of his considerable wealth to your
mother and the strange thing is she doesn't seem in the slightest degree
worried. but if he didn't leave her the brewery holdings… 30% of the shares.
approximately ten at a quarter million Nica at present-day values. then who did
it leave them to? that Frederick is another thing about your family that I
find quite incomprehensible. he left the whole bloody shooting match to the right
honourable Leslie Titmuss MP. absolutely in Freehold and for ever. it’s not his real will is it? he couldn't
have meant to ignore us in favor of that jumped up little squirt Leslie Titmuss.
I always found it difficult to discover what his real will was. quite honestly
that's perfectly obvious. either it's a forgery - by a cabinet minister? it's been
known. or Titmuss leaned on him or the old man went stark raving mad. which
judging by his behavior is, in our barristers opinion, by far the most
likely explanation. our barrister? of course Fred. I'm looking after your
interests as well. we're all in the same boat you know. as a family we either sink
or swim together. how much do we really know about our Father? how much do we
want to know? well take sex for instance. what do you want to do with it? do try
and be serious from a moment thank you. the sex life of our Father - it's
something I'd rather not think about. we all came into existence as the result of
a momentary embrace by our parents which we find it impossible to imagine. you
talk exactly like him. we all assumed that we were the result of our own
particular immaculate conception. you mean I talk like our father? no you talk
like dr. Salter. it can't have been an isolated incident. counsel want examples
of eccentric behavior. is sex eccentric behavior? if you happen to be a clergyman
yes. I'll ask mother. I didn't think you should do that. I'm afraid I'll have
to. I don't believe those are the sort of questions that our mother would care to
answer. I'm afraid I'll have to make systematic inquiries and there was his
peculiar political beliefs. a raving red. but of course that's it. suppose
he was spying for the Soviets and Leslie Titmuss got wind of it it. was simply a
case of blackmailing the rector. I suppose you think that's funny. I think
you've got to a dangerous age. really? what age is that? the age when you sit by
yourself in the Sheridan club drinking too much brandy and dreaming about spies. thank you very much for dinner Henry and
good night [chanting, singing] peaceful demonstrations.
what peaceful demonstrations ever altered the course of
history? can you really imagine the October Revolution when brought off by a
collection of vicar’s sons carrying sandwiches. they're not sandwiches. do
you think Mary Antoinette was scooged out of Versailles because half a dozen
Labour MPs and a few women pushing prams? idea's ridiculous. why are you here then? I think in
my position I ought to stand up and be counted
well I'll count you then. one. you really are excessively childish
sometimes Fred. what is your position anyway? Oh
the first novel about to be published it's obvious the artists got to take a
stand. which artist? me of course. do try and grow up Fred.
that basket looks bloody heavy. yes you want to carry it? not
particularly. I mean she sent us out here with this thing full of quiche and
homemade patee and that cheese that's been dripping out of a muslin bag in the
larder for a week. we are here to try and make a gesture Fred for peace in our
generation and all you seem to be able to do is prattle on about the contents
of a picnic basket. [chanting, singing] I've got a new novel coming out in the autumn.
wonderful. how are you? your new novel? it's your only novel. Agnes by a road just a road somewhere I'm doing something with my father. there's
an absolutely horrible pub where they have ghastly music an absolutely
repulsive food. thought it might be a
good place to go. I could borrow my
father's car and meet you there. but don't bother or not if you don't
want to. I do I'm on my way. Dorothy don't. guilt is a malignant
disease. you find it all so simple but it's not really
as simple as that. [Blue Suede Shoes playing] two pints of bitter please.
why do you like that so much? I don't know. my mother liked
everything nice. you never talk about her she was beautiful.
oh a great beauty. a buzz bomb got her. anything can happen my father says.
so I quit worrying too much about staying alive. does he really mean that?
does your father mean everything he says? yes I think so.
a new heaven and a new earth. my father says yours is always talking
about. what he wants things to be better yes. not like before the war. not with
unemployment and dole. hard faced businessman in charge of everything.
there's nothing particularly wrong in that is that? thank you pretty idea. you don't want an h-bomb falling on
Worsfield do you? worse beer perhaps if you said parts of Rapstone Manor.
what's he doing to stop it? what can he do? he's marching. at least he believes
in it enough to march. absolutely inedible. shall we dance to
the rock music? all right. [Twilight Time playing] you're quite good at this.
sense of rhythm. has it been away Cambridge national
service all that drumming you do. I'm part of the group at Hartscombe.
we're gonna play a dances. make some money. you're obviously better at dancing
than you are at marching. I didn't want to march. why? I thought I had something
better to do. shall we have another drink? I'm gonna finish my curry I'd like another pint.
all right. I'll drive oh don't tell me you're good
at that too. how appalling. [engine starting] lights. so far so good there's a lot more people sleeping
up at the Town Hall. beatniks and weirdoes with guitars. Fred must be with them. I suppose so.
trust Fred to go and get himself lost. he'll never end up banning anything. well as long as he's alright. [kissing, moaning] what do you think? beats 101 butterfly caresses. you remember.
Charlie's party. no I don't remember. what do you call this then? heavy petting.
70% of fifteen-year-old Americans at the climax point two to five times a week. how on
earth do you know that? a boy called the Arthur Nubble smuggled the
Kinsey Report into school.. how disgusting. I hate heavy petting. it's Yank. is it? yes terribly Yank. let's get out the
car at least. isn't it a bit wet? for god's sake you didn't
mind marching in it. why don't they turn out the light? no one can find the switch [groaning] [moaning and heavy breathing] Stop! [crunching sound] will it matter? not much don't suppose goodnight Fred. I'll drive now. shall we go dancing again? possibly peace through fear is not particularly sensible to me. God had the same idea once. goodness through the fear of Hell fire. not one of his most brilliant
notions I can't remember the fire of hell ever stopping much slaughter co-presenting mini wars. can't we stop putting all our
faith in a man-made scientifically organised version of the everlasting
bonfire. that is why we have taken a long walk singing together to show that
man cannot live by fear alone. [applause] what was the floor like at the town hall? hard. dear little Fred. you're
such a hopeless liar. may I come in? is it the noise? are you
writing a sermon? are you expecting one?
what do you mean? bit odd this need that people seem to
feel about sermons. I can ever
understand it myself often on Sundays and I look down on those
upturned faces I have an irresistible urge to say Oh for heaven's
sake go home to lunch. stop flattering yourselves that you have sinned. what would
you want a sermon about? I don't want a
sermon at all. about the March. don't tell
me I made the slightest difference to the march. no one could have noticed
whether I was there or not. don't be modest Fred. don't feel
grand enough to be modest. I expect you to think all that
marching is quite futile. perhaps the good it does is to
those people who take part in it. perhaps it makes them feel
that they're not simply leading dull materialistic lives.
it all sounds rather self-indulgent to me. sorry we're not pure enough for you.
you can achieve the same result with Simcox's best bitter and it's not half
so hard on the feet. or with any inexpensive pleasure like like what oh
never mind. how did you know anyway? how did I know what? that I left the March. Leslie told me. Leslie? Leslie Titmuss. Leslie Titmuss.
I can't believe it. that boy is making
something of his life. you know he works in the brewery now. in
the office. he's going to evening classes his father told me that he's anxious to
take up some sort of public service like spying on my movements. why? why for god's sake? shouldn't one speak to the rector
if one has spiritual problems mr. Frederick? don't bother with the mr. Fredrick. am I one of your spiritual problems? no
no Fred of course you aren't. I just happened to mention I saw you up earlier
thought your father would like to know that. when I ought to have been with him
banning the bomb? well I don't
agree with that exactly oh don't you? we need the bomb Fred.
well you might need it. it might come in frightfully handy for you in the
Accounts Department at Simcox brewery. it may be absolutely vital for you in
your daily cycling to work from Schofield. does anyone else has the slightest use for it?
think of England. what? think of England Fred. the defense
of freedom. what on earth's happened to you? you should learn about that. about what?
about the defense of freedom you going on the Swans Nest on
Saturday night? dinner dance at the Young Conservatives dress is formal you want to join the
Young Conservatives Fred. you want to make something
of yourself. [horn honking] dr. Salter.
I have absolutely no objection to your battering down Rapstone church but it'd
be much obliged if you didn't do it with the backside of my Alvis.
oh is it damaged at all? in! in? in. in. Dora Nowt's about to drop Tom's fifth. she's a very reasonable woman. always manages it before lunch time. buy a couple of pints.
I was going - my daughters gone to London. don't
tell me you have anything better to do. London? yes gone to stay with her aunt Molly. she wanted
to admire the holes in the latest exhibition of stone carving or some such
fascinating occupation. she's gone to the Henry Moore's. that's the fellas name.
that's what she's gone to. pass me my bag there should I come in with you? for God's sake you'd
only faint stay exactly where you are how much have you got?
three pounds ten shillings. Magnus. that's not very much.
it's plenty. come on come on success? who knows? don't suppose you're any good
at darts are you? thank you
I'm sorry about the car. if that's all the damage you've done.
I expect to pay of course Oh your your father's money?
it'd be a miracle. I could do
it in installments getting ready cash out of a wealthy socialist
in a dog collar would require the talent of Moses.
striking the rock in the desert. charity according to your Reverend
Father begins and other people's homes. I don't think that's very fair.
do you want to argue with me? not really no. pity it's becoming a damn dull lunch. let's play darts. middle for little did Agnes tell you?
tell me? tell me what? about me and the car. about you and the car. of course. she told me all
about you and the car. everyone seems to
tell everyone everything they're only secrets. foolish having them of course your family uh rather given to
secrets hmm? my family? yeah must be the religion
that does it. a secret sort of business religion. and all that whispering to God
behind other people's backs. damn funny though. old Simeon leading the multitude
to the promised land of peace and all that nonsense. and you playing truant in
order to bust up my motor. you think he's wrong to March? I'm not in the business
of right and wrong. I'm in the business of collywobbles on housemaids knee. and I
pull them out of the womb thump 'em on the backside and let him get on with it.
that's enough isn't it? I suppose so. Agnes told me about her mother beautiful auburn-haired girl soft voice died for the sake of a frock. you don't love Agnes do you? no it's none of my business
what you get up to but you might be
happier if you don't fall in love. I knew it. I knew you turn out
to be a bloody awful darts player. you told your father. what did I tell him? about us. what is there to tell? I should have thought something do you? you told him about the car oh about that.
everyone seems to tell everyone everything I'm not accustomed to lie to my own
father. how's Henry More? who? sculptor. as far as I know he's perfectly all
right. such ridiculous questions you do ask. and how's aunt Molly? almost as well as
Henry Moore. who did you stay with then? just some people. people I
was at college with that's all. where do they live these people? well aren't you quite
extraordinarily nosy I thought you never told lies to your
father well honestly no one could ever accuse
you of not telling lies to your father when you were in London - when I was in
London I wasn't here was I? now I'm here why don't we try
make the best of it. [screaming] please! do what you can! now then... Charlie it's time you went up to your room. [screaming] [crying] you like Biggles. a propeller set behind two
exposed seats revolved slowly beside it stood a tall thin man in flying kit he
one of the fellows on the new course shortly yes
mr. Stafford replied. ever been in the air no sir
what's your name? Bigglesworth sir I'm afraid it's a bit of a mouthful but that
isn't my fault. most people call me Biggles for short hmm
a slow smile spread over the face of the instructor. sensible idea he said all right Biggles what did you say to her? oh nothing very
much I think I said that her age my my friends were thinking of dances and
being presented at court. it was the time when one was brought out. with you Charlie
I told her there's nothing much to bring. can't you say anything else about
her? when I was Charlie's age
we didn't have a brass farthing. daddy's miserable army
pension. mother always in debt I just have to scrounge dresses from my chums.
used to fill my evening bag with bits from cocktail parties to have a lunch.
how the poor live. all the same. I never wore the same
party frock twice . that sounds a
considerable achievement. I was typing letters for old lady Nabof
dreadful charities and I danced till 5 o'clock every morning. can you see your
precious trades union members working such hours? their night shift probably
doesn't entail much dancing. you're angry. just because I tell Charlie
what I think. don't you want me to
be honest with her? it might be better to be kind. at least take an
interest in her. you find everybody interesting I don't. I believe that a lot of people were manufactured
when God was thinking of something else. like the next cocktail party? try not to be blasphemous
Simeon. please. do try not to be blasphemous Simeon. come for a spot of tea?
I sent for him. Charlotte is having one of her
ridiculous tantrums it's the excitement I suppose. she's excited
about the Young Conservative dinner dance. poor Charlotte doesn't
get many treats. the handkerchief is for
display purposes only. mother. don't blow your
nose on it Leslie will you? mother I do know. stop
fussing with a boy. you could wear it in your sleeve. when I was in
service a lot of gentlemen used to carry the white dinner handkerchief in
the cuff. we'll have it in the display pocket. I don't know why the boy has to
be sent out looking like a tailor's dummy. when I was in service with mr.
Doughty Strove at Picton House pre-war when I were in service - George: yes I think we've all had our fill
of when you were in service. it was dress for dinner every night except Sundays. Sundays it was casual
clothes and cold cuts naturally. with beetroot and a lettuce salad. but
every other night it was one gong for dressing and then half an hour later the
gong for dinner. yes Elsie we do know all about it. can I borrow the Prefect? George, they'll all be there
with their own transport. I supposed it'll stop people talking. least you won't be hanging around the bus stop
dressed like a waiter. he looks handsome doesn't he George rather see him looking handsome at 8:30 in the
morning when we've got our annual audit of the brewery. gonna be late. 7 to
7:30 goodbye Leslie it does look well on you. don't be late back. don't you feel proud of him George?
seeing him go like that why should I feel proud? Young Conservatives I was when the word
young and young revolutionaries young men and women trying to sweep away all
our old country's standards. you know well up to Swans Nest
there was a moment of aberration... [cross talking] but now England has
come to its senses. charles the second's is back.
boffing the girls. Doughty Strove is back where he should be in
the House of Commons father smiling [applause] good old father. I don't know why they
don't replace him with a cardboard cut out. there will be dancing Joe Sneeping and
his Orpheans. Riverside Stompers. I stand corrected.
and the bar will be open until midnight I understand it's a question of buy or own
drinks from now on. let joy be unconfined. no sleep till dawn when youth and
pleasure meet. [applause] I wish Nicholas wouldn't recite poetry. he just
makes a fool of himself when he recites poetry. [music, chatter] you know Doughty Strove
of course. yes he's my uncle.
is he really? his son is Magnus. over there. he's my cousin actually.
do you know Magnus? well well not really my people know the family. your people? my mother excuse me. [music, chatter] do you know who puts up the nomination for
the YC committee? does mr. Doughty Strove have some say? in what? the general committee
you know. while I'm not looking as far as the F and GP yet. would sir Nicholas
be the fellow to get in touch with? such a fool. sir Nicholas? no Magnus. he's such a cretin. that's a Nicholas's daughter. she looks awfully left out. bullseye! I say you're not leaving are you? no no. not at all. of course not. terrifically good fun. jolly party isn't it? you think so? oh yes! wouldn't care to dance would you? not really.
shall we? they're fun these doos aren't they?
I said these doos are pretty good fun. course there's a serious
point behind them. I mean I don't suppose I'd come here if I
didn't want to get on in the Young Conservatives. I say, Titmuss. I say old boy
who's your tailor? like your bow tie old fellow. must have took hours to get
it tied properly. [laughing] good god Titmus. you old cheater! where did you get that suit?
Saville Row? [cross talking, teasing Titmuss] impeccably clean? yuck! take it off Titmuss! may I have it back please thank you. Magnus you don't actually
know that fellow do you? course I know him. his mother
was our skivvy. [faint dance music] it was all good fun. was it? oh that's
alright really just excited my mother wouldn't have let them behave like that
my mother would have given them one look they'd have all of knelt down and kissed
her hand like slaves. they all fell in love
with her at dances. they'd have obeyed her.
breathlessly. I expect she was very beautiful. so she keeps telling me you've lost your tie. yes. I think you look jolly nice. that dress.
isn't it horrible? please tell me it's horrible.
she made me wear it. would you like
to have a go on the river? might be a bit
of fun I suppose it might [singing Some Enchanted Evening] [faint music, sound of oars] you got nice hair too. first thing I noticed about you
when I saw you this evening. don't say that. I noticed that. please don't say
things like that to me [Tarzan yells] [laughing] [splash] bastards bastards!
