A Feather in Her Hat (1935)

[bunniefuu]

Here it is.

Seven years after the w*r.

And has anybody got a bob in his pocket?

No.

There ain't a bob in the crowd.

Every blasted mother's son of you, will sleep on a bench in this park tonight.

But where will the elegant Lords and Ladies sleep?

Where would you sleep if you were a Lord, my friend?

Me? Why, I'd sleep in a feather bed in the finest chamber of my summer palace.

An excellent idea. Precisely what I should do.

Let's hear from the West End gent. Right.

A word from The King's messenger.

You are here.

Because you have neglected your opportunities.

Education and an appreciation of values would have kept you above all this.

Go home!

Go home and instil into your children ..

An appreciation of the finer things of life.

Give them the opportunity to rise above you.

For you are .. trash.

It is my privilege to call you what I like.

Because I am no better myself.

Where I come from doesn't matter, and where I'm going to, matters less.

There is .. a reason.

Perhaps it lies .. in limpid eyes.

Or perhaps .. in memory of ..

Shrieking shells and bleeding things.

But here I am!

Myself and my friend.

Let me introduce you to the Genii of the bottle.

To you, my friends.

And to The King.

Hey! Make way for a drinking man.

What happened to him? His bottle got him.

There you are Mr Swell.

As downy a bed as you would find in Buckingham Palace.

Come on now, up with you.

What's that?

Is there some reason why I should go along with you my good woman?

There is no reason why you shouldn't.

Oh, listen to her.

Who are you, if I may ask?

Are you going to stay here until a Bobby comes along and whacks you on your feet?

Or are you going to come along home?

There's a hooker of brandy waiting on you.

Well now.

That has a decent ring to it somehow.

Especially on a quivering morning when a man's flesh is particularly weak.

Oh.

My arm, Lady ..?

My name is Clarissa Phipps. Miss or Mrs?

My husband is dead. Oh, I'm sorry.

w*r? No. Plumbing.

Somebody fetched him one with a piece of lead pipe.

What's your name? Courtney.

Randolph Courtney.

"Captain" Courtney, if you want to bother.

w*r?

Yes .. w*r.

Well .. here we are.

Come in.

You run this place yourself? Yes .. I live in the back.

It ain't much. But of a day, it's snug.

Yes .. yes, it is cosy.

A feeling of "home" about it.

You're a tidy woman, Mrs Phipps.

Do you think you might like it here, Captain?

One could do a great deal worse, I'm sure.

There was a mention of a finger or two of brandy, eh?

This place ain't bad as homes go.

And a lady who could earn a few quid a week.

Could be some help to a man.

If a man could be some help to her.

You are the traditional rose, blooming on the waste heap, Mrs Phipps.

It came out of a grey morning.

My appreciation, dear lady.

Last night in Hyde Park. Oh, yes.

I made some sort of a speech, didn't I?

You said the young-uns should be taught the fine things.

And so they should.

Good brandy.

Do you mind?

But a grown boy now. If he had the right upbringing.

There ain't no reason why he shouldn't be a gentleman. Is there?

But what is ..

Your interest in young ones, and their possibilities?

Hey Mum! How about some scoffings, Mum?

Hello.

I see.

Richard .. is that the way to come into a room?

Don't you see there is a gentleman present?

And it's "breakfast" you ask for, and not "scoffings".

Who are you? You're a Toff, ain't you?

This is Captain Courtney. And he's a gentleman.

And you ain't to use no such word as "Toff".

Hello. Where'd you come from?

Well now .. It's bad manners to ask questions.

Is that the way you get into your clothes? Look at you.

With your knickers over your nightgown. Get up there and get dressed.

Quick. Hurry. Alright, Mum. Half a mo'.

Richard.

Come here.

Let me hear you say:

"Half .. a .. moment."

Half .. a .. moment.

Is that what the Captain said?

He said "harf".

H .. A .. R .. F.

No, Pobjoy. I know you.

Now listen. I just dropped in to tell you I've been thinking things over.

And I might come up a trifle on the price.

Now, how about �1,100 for the shop and property?

What did I say to your last offer, Pobjoy?

Well, you know eleven hundred is eleven hundred.

A shop that's made me a good living for twenty years or more is a friend indeed.

Am I one to turn my back on a friend? Good day, Pobjoy.

Now think it over. Mind, it's a good offer for a pig in a bag, Clarissa.

It's your head what's in a bag if you think I'll ever sell this business.

My corpulent friend.

Oh, indeed.

Clarissa, will you stop climbing up and down those steps.

You are not an acrobat.

Oh come now, Dr Phillips. Why don't you be nice and go home?

It will be you that will be the death of me with your nerves and your doubts.

Clarissa, must I tell you again, that the nerves of your stomach ..

Are like this?

A shock or excitement of any kind .. And I'll be having acute indigestion.

If you have another such att*ck as you had two years ago. - I'll snuff out.

My nerves are fine, Doctor.

Don't forget your pills. Right.

Do you know, for years I've been looking forward to being twenty-one.

I thought it would be like, like awakening in a new world.

And yet here I am, and I feel no different to yesterday.

But you are different, Richard.

You're not like any of us on Little Egbert Street.

Like me, for instance.

You're educated, and I'm not.

You know all about plays and good music.

And who painted this picture and that.

And I don't know anything. This doesn't alter one fact.

What?

We're good friends and we like each other. So what else matters?

I hope nothing else matters.

What do you mean, Emily?

Oh, nothing.

It's getting late. I suppose we ought to go.

Yes, Mum is expecting me early. This is the day-of-days, you know.

Then I'll see you .. Tomorrow night.

Well, goodnight, Richard. Goodnight, Emily.

And Richard. Huh?

Happy birthday.

Well, it was a lovely dinner, Mum. May I open this now?

One moment, Richard. You've achieved 21 honourably.

Here's hoping the promise you showed as a youngster, is fulfilled in manhood.

Keep your head up and remember, you're as good as the best of them.

You've been great to me, both of you. Oh no ..

We've only done what we were here to do.

What have you got there, Richard? A bank book.

A thousand pounds.

Why, Mum .. A thousand?

That's what it says, don't it?

It's yours. What about it?

It's credited to Richard "Orland". My name is Phipps.

I don't understand it.

Your name ain't Phipps. My name is not .. oh Mum ..

And I ain't your mother.

Oh come now, old girl. You don't mean that.

That's what I said, didn't I?

You're twenty-one. I've kept my promise.

And done what I said I'd do.

You're to leave here now. That was the agreement.

Agreement? What agreement? What on earth are you talking about?

The money is yours.

It was left me by your mother. To give to you when you became twenty-one.

You are to take it, and find a place to live.

Where you can be with your own kind. My own kind?

But who is my mother, and why should she leave me in your care?

She was a fine lady.

She was an actress.

A great actress. Yes, but ..

I'm saying nothing more.

But you say my name is "Orland". Who is my father?

Well maybe "Orland", ain't your name, exactly.

But that's near enough.

The boy has a right to know whose blood flows in his veins, Clarissa.

No. I haven't.

I don't care who they are.

They didn't want me. Now I don't want them.

You've taken their place, you and the Captain. So, I'll stay here with you.

No .. you won't stay here.

My instructions was to pay you the money and tell you to be off.

That's what I'm doing.

You are to go away from Little Egbert Street.

It has to be, Richard.

It ain't always what we want to do.

Maybe I have got kind of used to having you here, too.

We don't like to give up them what's been close to us.

But that's the way it has to be sometimes.

But I .. You've got to go, Richard.

You've got to go because ..

Well ..

It's the best for you too, Richard.

But .. but I don't want to go.

You will go.

You will go because it is the agreement.

You'll go because I said you would.

And I'm a woman of my word.

Why wouldn't she tell me more about my parents?

Probably because they are still living.

And they can't acknowledge me?

It gives one an odd sort of feeling.

Lonely, if you know what I mean.

Don't hold any bitterness towards them.

After all, you don't know the true circumstances yet.

An actress .. I wonder ..

By Jove, I think I have it.

Come along.

I remember her telling me she had worked for an actress before you were born.

A personal maid, I think she said. Let's see now.

I hope she doesn't slip back while we're ..

Her we are.

Julia Trent. A famous actress of twenty-odd years ago.

I don't think I look at all like her. I don't know, Richard.

Let's read one of the letters.

Clarissa worked for her. She knew she could trust Clarissa.

It adds up to something, doesn't it? Let's see what she has to say here.

"No-one will listen to me read Shakespeare."

"No-one ever would, except you and Mr Bentick."

The name "Bentick" sounds familiar.

By Jove, I have it.

He was an explorer of sorts, discovered some lands in the Arctic or something.

Do you suppose that ..? Wait a moment.

Don't get alarmed. I shan't look him up. It's not that, it's that ..

Commodore Bentick was lost on one of his trips.

They never found him.

Oh.

You see. An awkward situation must have presented itself.

Evidently, there was nothing else to do. Something of a tragedy.

So you can understand why it will have to remain .. a closed book.

Of course.

It says Julia Trent Anders.

Anders? She must have married.

Eleven, John Square, Bloomsbury.

[ Door knocks ]

[ Door knocks ]

What luck. Oh.

What do you want?

Does Mrs Smith live here?

Mrs Reginald Smith. No. Our name is Anders.

We have practically everything but a Mrs Smith. Sorry.

Oh, I don't care about Mrs Smith. Not personally, I mean.

I was told she let rooms and I'm looking for somewhere to live.

I .. I suppose you don't let rooms by any chance, do you?

Why, no. But I don't see why not.

We have dozens of rooms and people always stay in them but they never pay.

You would want to pay, wouldn't you? It's the customary thing, isn't it?

I wouldn't know. When would you want it? Now. And only one.

Unless they come in groups.

Could you run to four pounds a week?

Would that be reasonable or not? We could ask someone.

If it isn't, perhaps we can manage for meals, too.

You couldn't pay in advance, could you?

I have got five pounds with me.

Oh for goodness sakes, come in out of the rain.

Put them there.

I suppose you are studying, while you're near the museum?

Well, not studying, writing. I'm a playwright.

Are you? Why? London is thick with playwrights.

Yes, but there are playwrights .. and playwrights.

And playwrights, etcetera. Isn't that what I said?

Paul, please! Julia, I've lost patience.

What have I got? Honour or distinction? Enough! You are not in the theatre.

And whatever else, my work is important. I must have peace and quiet.

If I may interrupt.

And never is anybody paid. For three months they have not been paid.

Three? Dear me, I'm sure it was four. What becomes of the money I give you?

That's the very question I was asking Pauline just the other day.

Wasn't I dear? Where are you? Oh, will you call her, my dear boy?

Oh, there you are. Tell your father, darling.

Tell him what?

What we were just discussing. What was it, Paul?

Who is this young man?

Well, I was .. Oh, I thought you were Leo.

He's a perfect stranger who wants to come and live with us.

Does he insist on coming here? He does, and he's willing to pay.

In fact, he has paid.

I don't quite understand ..

Father, would you please go and pay the tradesmen.

Yes. Go and pay them, Paul.

Things do adjust themselves, don't they?

They seem to.

And I am sure you'll love it here, Mister ..

What is your name? My name is "Phip .."

"Orland" .. "Richard Orland".

Oh really. Ours is "Anders".

And now we must be business-like. You really should see your room.

Give him a nice one dear, won't you.

We want you to like it here.

Come along.

Oh, sorry.

I think your mother is very sweet. Julia? Adorable, but not my mother.

Oh, but I gathered .. Is it so amazing?

Father married seven times.

Mrs Anders has been in the theatre, hasn't she?

Years ago. She appeared under the name of "Julia Trent".

You don't think I'm too inquisitive? You must know if you're staying here.

There isn't a lot to know except we're a bit mad and don't pay regard to rules.

But we do have early dinners. And we have lovely parties.

Yes. I imagine.

We have one tonight if you care to come. I'd like to.

Consider yourself invited. Do you like the room?

Yes, very nice. I suppose that's all, isn't it. Bye ..

Goodbye and thanks.

How much is that? One and ninepence, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Oh, how do? Good evening, Mrs Vining. How are you?

Alright. Ann tells us how you'll be leaving Little Egbert Street.

Hmm. I think so. You've come into some money, I hear?

Now, will that be good news for little Emily Judson now or not?

I don't know, I'm sure. I hope so. Excuse me.

Oh how do, Captain.

Well, what next? That's all I've got to say.

If that's all then, I won't detain you.

Hello Richard. Hello, Captain.

Well, Richard.

Have you found a place to live? Yes. And something else.

What? I don't want you to feel hurt.

You didn't break your word. It was quite by chance that I found out.

Who are you talking about? My mother. I found her.

You ..?

How?

You didn't tell her who you are? No, and I don't intend to.

I've taken a room in her house.

Oh.

How did you find her?

Well, I'll take the blame for that, Clarissa.

I remembered that bundle of letters you had saved.

You might be better off by minding your own business, Captain Courtney.

Unquestionably. But frankly, I thought it was only fair the boy should know.

And what do you know about what's fair, and what ain't fair?

You are not to tell her who you are.

I can't very well, under the circumstances, can I.

What happened when you met her?

Well, nothing. I met her and I liked her immediately.

Not as much as I like you. I suppose it's because I've always been with you.

You'll get to like her better, after a bit.

Of course. It's merely a matter of adjusting yourself.

It all seems so strange and unbelievable.

It like .. like a chapter out of a book, isn't it.

Or a play.

Yesterday I was Richard Phipps. Today I'm ..

Say, it would make a play, wouldn't it?

A boy brought up in ignorance of his parentage, goes to live with his mother.

He finds a new world.

It would make a great play.

Then, why don't you write it?

Oh, I say Mr Pobjoy! Here, have you heard the news?

Clarissa Phipps' son ain't her son. And never was.

Go on, who says so? He's going away.

Not away from London? Why not? He's got enough money.

He might take it into his head to go to China. Who knows?

All I hope is that you've had your understanding with him.

Oh, there hasn't been anything like that. We're only friends.

Well, he's been walking out with you, hasn't he?

Now, a thousand pounds is a tidy sum, Emily.

I don't care about that.

When is he going away? This very day.

So you'd better hurry if you've got anything to clear up with him.

Well, here we are.

Put your hat on.

Do you think I'll pass for one of them?

You are one of them.

I'll run out and get a cab.

Well, Mum .. I'm ready to go.

You've got everything packed that you need.

And don't call me "Mum". Well, you don't mind, do you?

Mum.

Hello. Having someone to dinner? Just the Captain and myself.

Why three?

How?

I have set places for three, haven't I?

Force of habit. What are you having?

Roast beef. And Yorkshire pudding?

Yes, I thought that we might have some.

I suppose I'll have to get used to "a la" this, and "au gratin" that.

There will be a lot of things I'll miss .. won't there?

I ..

I want to thank you for everything.

It couldn't have been much fun raising somebody else's child.

Oh, I was paid for it. Bringing you up was no trouble at all.

Seeing as how you was a good boy .. most of the time.

Part of the time, I wasn't.

Someday, I want to make up for it.

Don't say that. You don't owe me nothing.

I owe you more than I can ever repay you.

Look, Mum. I've got more than I need. Won't you let me share it with you?

No, no .. I won't have it.

Someday, when you've wrote a big play and then ..

You'd like to give me a little something. Alright.

How's that?

Yes, I suppose that will have to be alright.

Goodbye.

No crying, Mum.

Richard .. Richard!

Come on, dear.

Well .. what is it?

Nothing.

I don't suppose you want a valet, do you?

And remember me to the Buck of Dukingham.

Where did you get your top hat?

Richard .. Richard.

Emily.

I heard about everything. I'm glad for you.

I wanted to tell you but I had no chance.

I'll drop into the shop tomorrow or the next day.

Oh would you, Richard? Of course I will.

Goodbye Mum. Goodbye Captain, and thanks.

So long Richard, old boy.

You're an original of some sort, aren't you? Isn't he dear?

I hope so. Of course you are.

You're not the least bit suave or charming.

I despise charming boys.

Thank you, Madam.

When you're through with him, send him to me "collect" will you dear?

Gladly.

You dear boy.

You came through that without a scratch. Yes, I met everybody.

I remember only one name. Sir Elroyd?

Did you see I let him know you were a playwright?

It was nice of you. Why did you bother? I have to do nice things.

I'm a nice girl, didn't you know? I suspected it.

Leo! I was sure you wouldn't come.

Well, that's a good sign. Worried? Suppose I were?

Let's get married. Will you witness the answer, my friend?

Mr Orland - Mr Cartwright. A, a playwright. B, a producer.

C, a charming girl.

I suppose you are my wealthier rival? I'm not very wealthy I'm afraid.

I should think you're streets ahead. As much as two pounds.

By the way, have you?

I forbid you to lend them to him. Confound it, Pauline. It's not funny.

We might have made a strike then. We must have some money if we get married.

That reminds me. Are we?

If you'll excuse me, I have to go and help Julia.

Hold on, I'm proposing to you, Pauline. Try it on father.

Oh, she always stops me with that one.

I'll fix it. Let's find Anders. There he is. Come on.

Hello Lady Entwistle. Everything under control?

Winterbottom.

Thank you.

Mr Anders. Yes?

I thought we might have a glass together. I brought one over for you.

Thank you. To your lovely daughter.

By the way Mr Anders, would you have any objections to her becoming my wife?

Yes!

Would you like it if I shall leave?

No, don't bother. Do you know Mr Orland?

Why, yes .. Good evening, young man.

Haven't you been here before?

Yes. I live here.

Oh yes, yes. Mr Moorland, I remember.

I was just about to tell Orland all about your great experiments.

Mr Anders is going to rid London of fog. Is such a thing possible?

Someday, someday.

I've been trying to get him to put the thing up as a remedy.

On the theory that more people get up in the fog than go to bed in one.

Pah!

Paul, I'm going to do my recitation now.

And if you attempt to go to sleep I vow I shall throw something at you.

But Julia, it is all so tiresome.

Well, of course. That's because you have no appreciation of art.

Hello Leo. Julia.

Oh. It's you, isn't it. Mister .. Orland.

Oh yes of course. You know Mr Anders?

Well, yes. How do you do, sir?

I'm glad you dropped in this evening. Come again sometime.

Thanks. I will.

Mister Orland.

Excuse me.

Well goodbye, old man. She's a little hard on the ears, but a good old soul.

She was the rage of London.

Not the greatest actress that ever lived, of course.

But such stage presence, such personality.

Oh, where have you been dear boy?

Sit close to me.

Well, she's dying to return to the stage.

You've simply got to do a play with her, Elroyd. I insist.

It's an idea. The public might warm up to the return of an old favourite.

Yes, I'd consider doing it, if I could find a suitable vehicle.

May I take that as a tip, Sir Elroyd?

Oh, you write don't you? Yes, certainly.

Well, if you have anything you think would fit her, I'd be glad to read it.

Well, I've created an opportunity for you.

I think I'd better be jogging along, too.

Jogging along .. where?

Oh, some place over the horizon.

You mean .. leave here?

It seems to be the next move, doesn't it?

My job is finished. And I didn't do so badly with the boy, did I?

A "gentleman" .. as ordered.

You did alright. You earned your brandy.

I've had a happy glass or two.

And I'm glad that we struck some sort of a balance.

You don't like it here?

The old place has its attractions. Good brandy.

I can think of another, but ..

Oh well, we won't go into that.

He wanted to stay.

He wanted to stay now.

You would be thinking of leaving, now that you know that I'm alone.

I ought to have some protection against .. burglars.

Good morning. Looking for someone? Oh, good morning.

I thought I might run into a housemaid or something.

She is no more. It's every man for himself. What do you want?

Oh nothing. I dare say I can pick up a manual of some kind at a stationers.

A manual? For what? How to make a bed, in 4 easy lessons.

I've wrestled with it for days but don't seem to have any luck.

You can't manage? No.

I lay the covers on this way, and I lay them that way .. I toss them on.

It makes no difference. They will stick out.

What? My feet.

You see, I prefer them covered. Some prefer one in and one out.

You do? I didn't say me.

Why are you laughing? Well, it makes a pretty picture.

One little foot tucked up, and one tucked away.

Here, where are you going? To show you how to make a bed.

Well, it's in a pretty bad state. Perhaps I'd better tackle it myself?

Oh, be quiet.

Is this the way you sleep? No, no. That's the way I made it up.

Oh .. round the other side, please.

Take hold of the sheet. You have to be clever to do things like this.

Now the bottom.

There. That's right.

Now pull it up straight.

Simple enough, isn't it. Can you cook too?

No. Only when I have to. That is, when we lose a cook, which is every week.

Now the top sheet.

Well?

Oh, I'm sorry. It struck me that Leo might be very lucky.

Then again, he might not be. Tuck it in.

Oh, it isn't Leo. I gathered that .. I may end up marrying him, unless ..

Unless?

Unless someone nicer comes along.

Don't you think you'd better fix that top now?

Oh .. did I do that?

You know, making a bed is mostly a matter of controlled reflexes.

Leo is a dear, isn't he? Yes. A nice chap, but ..

But what?

Well, I think you want to marry someone rather more substantial.

Like who?

Well, like somebody who does things or attempts to do them.

Pull the top down.

Like someone who attempts what, for instance?

Well anything .. oh, did I ..

Did I tell you I started my play? Not really?

Got half the first act. Good work.

If you think you can do as well with a broom, I'll go down and get you one.

Take hold.

What have you done with the watercolours?

Oh .. there they are.

I took them down. They gave me nightmares.

Thanks. I painted them.

Oh. I'm sorry, but ..

I know nothing of modern art. My opinion doesn't matter.

I hope it doesn't.

I did like one though. Look, I left it up. See?

That's the only one I didn't paint.

Hmm.

Richard dropping in for dinner now and then has a decided effect on the menu.

Shouldn't he be here by now? Probably delayed a bit by the fog.

And, do you like where you are? Oh, great. Everyone is nice.

Julia's a good sort and Pauline's grand.

She taught me how to make my bed this morning.

Who is Pauline? The maid? Why, no. She is Anders' daughter.

She's young, about your age, I should say.

Is she pretty?

No, I shouldn't say pretty. Attractive, you know. Lots of personality.

Hold on, the fog is coming up. We'd better be moving.

But we can't get home now. It will be thick before we've gone very far.

Well, we can take a cab.

Yes, sir?

Three Little Egbert Street. Very good, sir.

Are you going to Clarissa's? For dinner.

I'll drop you off at home first.

Home .. you know I haven't any.

There is your aunt.

She wouldn't care if I never came back.

I wouldn't either.

Richard .. do you have to go to Clarissa's?

Can't we go somewhere?

But she's expecting me.

We could stop off at some place where we could have dinner.

Just you and me.

Never mind about me.

Never mind about me. Get the passengers out.

Somebody call an ambulance.

Stand back!

Stand back.

Alright. Take it easy. The bloke at the bottom is hurt.

Anybody sent for an ambulance? Yes. It's coming.

Get the passengers out.

He's hurt pretty bad, governor.

Why do you keep spoiling your appetite by nibbling on them things?

Because the void within demands filling.

Now, out with you!

You know, I've been standing over a hot stove all day.

And when the time comes to eat, all you'll be able to do is sip brandy.

That must be Richard now. I'll start the Yorkshire pudding.

Captain .. Clarissa.

He's hurt. Who's hurt?

Richard has been hurt.

Hurt? How?

Where is he?

He's at St Marks.

Steady old girl. Be calm.

Here. Let me help you on with your coat.

Got a cab, Emily? It's waiting.

Keep your head old girl. We'll be there in a few minutes.

Come, Paul. You can read the paper later.

Good morning, darling. Good morning Julia, morning, father.

Good morning. Did you say one or two eggs?

Paul. Yes?

Always I have said.

"Einstein's theory thrown into doubt by new discovery."

Paul. No theories for breakfast, please.

Did you call Mr Orland? Yes.

But this is very important, my dear. That can come later, Paul.

Is he coming down?

He isn't in his room. He wasn't home last night.

He wasn't home last night? Dear me ..

You don't suppose?

Paul, Mr Orland wasn't home last night. Good.

"The theory of relativity advanced by the famous Dr Einstein was shaken by .."

Paul, if you must read aloud, do read something that will interest us.

Very well, my dear.

"Fruitless search for clues in trunk m*rder."

"Prominent star is mentioned in waiver from divorce."

"Cab crashes in farm."

Oh, the waivers and divorce. What star was mentioned?

Isn't that young man's name "Richard Orland"?

Yes. What is it?

Would it be he?

"A young man identified as Richard Orland."

"Was injured last night."

"When a cab in which he was riding crashed into a street light."

"He was taken to .."

St Mark's Hospital.

Just a moment, please.

Mr Orland was removed from the hospital this morning.

Where have they taken him?

To number 3, Little Egbert Street.

Little Egbert Street? Uhuh.

Thank you. Not at all.

He is better? Yes.

But he's in no condition to have visitors.

Oh no, I didn't expect to see him.

I just dropped by to ask about him.

You'll tell him I was here, won't you? Yes, I'll tell him.

Someone's in the shop.

If you don't mind, I'll wait a minute. I wanted to ask about flowers.

Alright, Emily.

Ah .. would you be wanting something?

No, I was looking for someone but I may have the wrong address.

Who might that be? Richard Orland.

Oh.

They tell me at the hospital they brought him here.

I see .. who are you?

Pauline Anders.

How do you do.

I'm Clarissa.

Clarissa? You wouldn't know that, would you.

I was Richard's nurse when he was little.

And when he got hurt, I had him brought here.

Oh, this isn't his home?

Oh no. He wouldn't be living here.

Would you like to see him? If I may.

Is he badly hurt? Oh no. Just a little in the ribs.

Nothing to worry about. It was nice of you to come to see him.

But he said you was nice.

Are you glad that I'm here?

Well of course, Emily.

I never thought you'd want to be seeing me again. - Why?

Well, if you hadn't met me on the bridge the accident wouldn't have happened.

Don't be silly, Emily.

What's this? I thought you'd gone.

I wanted to see Richard.

Hello Pauline. Hello, Richard.

Thoughtful of you to come.

How did you find out? It was in the papers.

Emily.

This is Miss Anders.

How do you do. How do you do.

I'm glad you weren't badly hurt.

I can still take nourishment.

I won't stay. Please do. Sit here.

Please sit down, Miss Anders.

Emily was just going, wasn't you, Emily?

Yes.

If you will excuse us. Come, dear.

I hope you're up and around soon, Richard.

Very happy to have met you. Thanks for dropping in, Emily.

Oh, that's alright.

Poor kid.

She's never had much of a chance. What a shame.

We've known each other, ever since we were this high.

I was brought up on this street. In this very house, as a matter of fact.

I didn't know. Mrs .. "Clarissa", is it?

She told me she was your nurse. That's her way of putting it.

I've always been with her.

It was only recently I learned that she wasn't my mother.

What you might call "bad news".

I'd rather she hadn't told me.

Why did she?

Oh, part of the bargain.

People were something or other around town.

Father d*ed, mother embarrassed. That sort of thing.

I wouldn't mind very much, except that it makes one feel sort of ..

Apart.

I know how you must feel.

I'm sorry I was a little annoyed with you a while ago.

Were you annoyed? Why?

Because sometimes I'm inclined to be a trifle mean .. but it's worn off.

I suppose any day we'll be hearing of him marrying off to someone like her.

And then we'll be seeing no more of him.

But I guess we've got to expect that sort of thing, ain't we?

Hello Captain .. I was just telling Emily here.

How interested Richard had became, in that lovely Miss Anders.

Oh .. Miss Anders? Oh, yes.

And you know why, don't you? On account of me, that's why.

She's afraid I might have her Richard.

I know what you've been saying to him behind my back.

Why should you care whether I have him or not?

He ain't nothing to you. He ain't your son.

While you're here, I'll have your room cleaned up. And throw out some pictures.

You know, I might see something in them now I couldn't see before.

What?

Well, perhaps a suggestion of you.

I can think of something much more interesting to look at.

Tell me. Me, in person.

You stupid man. I won't stay here another minute.

Come again tomorrow, please.

Well .. Tomorrow .. promise?

Alright. Tomorrow then.

Oh, you're not going so soon, Miss Anders?

I'm sorry, but I must.

Miss Anders .. Captain Courtney. How do you do?

How do you do? Won't you stay for a bite of lunch?

No thank you. Though I'll come again if I may.

Oh do. Goodbye. Goodbye.

Emily .. Emily!

May I drop you somewhere?

Oh, no thank you. I'm not going very far.

Oh, well there is no need to walk. Won't you get in?

Thank you.

Mr Orland was telling me something about you.

You were children together, weren't you?

Well, we sort-of, grew up together.

He used to walk out with me before he left Little Egbert Street.

You mean .. you were engaged?

We would have been if he hadn't gone off.

Oh.

What do you do with your socks? Huh? Wear them.

And how you wear them.

Here's a pair of Richard's. Not a hole in them. Look here.

What's a hole or two in a pair of socks? Gives them character.

Hello Richard. How are you getting on? Finished, completed, done.

Thank heaven.

Finished.

"The Song Of Sixpence". The song of sixpence.

One title's as good as another I think. If there's a play at the back of it.

And that's the trouble. Don't you like it?

I don't know. It comes to a sudden climax. I'm not sure that's good.

What happens to the boy? What boy?

The boy that went to the new house. And found his mother.

Oh, I lost that story in the shuffle. I couldn't find an ending to it.

This play happens to be about the woman who married a man ..

Believing herself to be in love with an old sweetheart.

And what comes of it?

She goes away with her sweetheart, but finds it's the husband she really loves.

It's pretty ancient stuff.

An old formula will do if well written.

Which this one probably isn't. However, I'd like to hear it read.

Will you read Stevens in the climax, Captain. I'll be the butler. And ..

How about me acting the lady? Alright.

We'll have a lesson in histrionics.

Look here, you old walrus.

I'll have you know that once, I was one of the 40 geisha girls.

In the 79th production of The Mikado.

Now, you read your part, and I'll read mine.

I am properly squelched, my dear.

On with the show, Richard. Right. Here goes.

You're sat down, Captain. Reading a paper.

Mum. Go into the shop and come in after me when the Captain says "Margaret".

And say it so I can hear it. And don't try to be funny.

Pardon, sir. What is it, Briggs?

A lady sir. She told me not to mention her name.

But it's Mrs Stevens, sir.

Margaret?

Margaret!

Oh.

Yes, John.

Margaret. You may go, Briggs.

I don't think I understand.

I said dear, I don't think I understand. Oh, heavens. I'm so excited.

Now wait. Hold on, where is it?

Oh.

But you do, John. It was I who never had to do it.

But I understand now. Everything.

Well?

But what of Jerry?

Oh. My turn?

Oh, let me see .. oh, yes.

I left him at the boats.

A thousand memories flashed through my mind.

Little tender ones of quiet hours and intimate things.

I couldn't do it, John. So I came home.

And this is where I want to stay.

If I may.

If .. if you want me.

I too have had memories, Margaret. Some that I'd like to live again.

Then, let's start over. At the old beginning.

Oh, it's splendid. Simply splendid!

And you wrote this for me, you dear, dear boy.

Oh, it's grand. It's just like a play I did years ago.

What was the name of that? Oh, it doesn't matter. But it was a success.

If it's like something that's been done before ..

Whatever, it's just the sort of thing the public would want to see me do.

And it is so beautifully written.

Oh, Pauline, what do you think? Must I tell?

Richard has written me the most wonderful play.

He's a genius. A prodigy of genius.

I would never have suspected it. Who is going to produce this great masterpiece?

Why, Sir Elroyd Joyce of course. I'm going to telephone him immediately.

Oh, I adore you for this, Richard. I can't wait to tell Sir Elroyd.

I'm so excited!

She seemed to like it, didn't she? Yes.

A bit of luck if Elroyd agrees to produce it. - Yes.

Yes .. rather a nice morning, isn't it?

Rather.

I'd have come to see you but I couldn't, really.

That's alright.

It is so far over there and ..

I don't think you cared whether I came or not, particularly.

But I did. Why should you?

Why should I feel that you're just about the nicest girl in the world?

You shouldn't.

But I do .. and there it is.

And what are we going to do about it?

It's the darling-est play I've ever read, and I'm sending it to you.

Well, Julia, I'm rather busy. I don't know when I could read it.

You must read it tonight. Promise. And when can you talk with Richard about it?

Well .. here. Tomorrow at ten. Tomorrow at ten. He'll be there.

Your play is nicely written.

You have a flair for dialogue. Quite a bit of talent.

Thank you, sir.

But unfortunately, it's not one I care to do at the moment.

Yes, but Julia Trent thought that .. Julia Trent is an actress.

Actresses know nothing about plays. They see only the part.

Some other Producer might take a chance on it.

I might myself if it were a less expensive production.

But don't get discouraged. I'm glad to read anything you write, my boy.

Bye-bye. Goodbye, sir.

You sure you're not dead, Clarissa? I ain't here to prove nothing.

You record enough blood pressure to burst the heart of an average man.

In that case, maybe it is the Captain you should examine instead of me.

Only .. he ain't no average man.

No heavy foods.

You mean, I ain't to eat nothing I like?

No wine. No liquors.

How about a good cigar now and then?

And no excitement of any kind.

These are orders.

Alright .. give me my pills and I'll be off.

No pills this time, Clarissa.

They wouldn't help.

I hate pills anyhow. They give me .. I'm serious.

Clarissa, why don't you sell the shop and move out into the country?

What would I be doing in the country now?

At least you would be quiet, and you would have to rest.

I don't know how you've held on this long.

I ain't ready to go yet .. not yet.

Goodnight, Doctor.

Goodnight, Clarissa.

Well Richard, I'm glad you dropped round.

It's always a bit lonely here without the old girl.

She's stepped out to see Doctor Phillips. She'll be back soon.

What's the matter with her?

Her stomach's been ragging her a bit lately.

Hello Mum. Oh, hello.

What are you doing here? You've been to Doctor Phillips?

You're not ill, are you?

Why live in the West End if you're going to spend all your time a worrier?

Now, listen. I'll pop in whenever I want to. Don't forget I'm of age now.

The amount of gassing you do, anybody will think you're as old as the Captain.

If I had chin-whiskers old girl, I'd say you were yanking them.

Seriously, Mum .. are you alright?

Well, outside, I've been somewhat dazed.

At the comical things that are being said around here. I'm in perfect health.

Now, if you'll turn me loose, I'll take off my hat and coat.

What about your play?

Oh, the play?

Well, everything is going to be alright.

They don't like it.

Sir Elroyd said I had a lot of talent.

But he didn't want to buy it. What's the difference?

I can write another.

But what's the matter with this one? I liked it.

Didn't you, Captain? Yes, I did.

If I were a manager, I'd produce it.

So would Sir Elroyd, if it weren't for the expense.

Oh .. I see.

Does it cost so much to put on play now?

Yes.

I'm afraid it does.

Oh.

I just remembered something.

Sorry to leave you for a bit, Richard.

You and the Captain have some brandy and I'll be right back.

You're not leaving again, are you? Why not? - You just came in.

So I comes and I goes. So, what about it?

I often wonder what goes on underneath those ridiculous hats of hers.

But you never painted anything that looked like anything before.

You're not repeating something you've heard?

But this seems to have a certain .. tenderness.

You are not in love?

How do these things get around?

It's that young Richard Orland.

It's that so-and-so Richard Orland.

Whatever made you fall in love with him?

I think the law of supply and demand had something to do with it.

Don't let's talk about him anymore. Is it really that serious?

I'm painting a pastoral. That must indicate something.

It's so silly. He would have to be an unsuccessful playwright.

If he was someone important, I wouldn't have noticed him.

I don't see why you are so annoyed. If you love him, why don't you marry him?

He isn't available.

Some funny little tilt-nose has first call.

I shouldn't say that.

She's a nice enough girl I suppose, except that I ..

Oh Julia, what am I to do?

Forget him.

Why should I think twice about such an impossible man? I won't do it.

There doesn't seem to be much else to think about.

Julia, I'm really in a mess.

There, dear. I know how you feel. I loved someone when I was young.

Just as you love Richard. Then I married your father.

After that, nothing mattered.

There is the telephone. Answer it. It may be someone wanting money.

Just say the cheque is in the post.

Hello. Who is this?

Oh, hello .. it is Sir Elroyd.

I'm not sure that I want to talk to him. He's been a complete disappointment.

I dislike you intensely.

But you're like all managers. Small, stupid, selfish.

I can't imagine why you called me.

What's that?

Oh, you darling! You perfectly, perfect darling.

How lovely. Oh, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me.

If course. I'll be over within the hour. I'll bring him with me. Goodbye.

He's reconsidered. He's going to produce Richard's play. Isn't it wonderful?

Oh .. well, aren't you happy?

No.

But think what it will mean to me, and to Richard.

I am thinking of it, and if the play is a success, she'll never give him up.

Where are you going?

I'm going to be the one to tell him if I fall to pieces at his feet.

Well.

Sykes. Yes?

What kind of wine are you serving? It's the wine the Captain ordered.

What about the beef? She'll be rare.

You has my personal guarantee.

And the pudding? Steaming hot, covered in brandy sauce.

The Captain, now. Did he select the brandy?

And there is a gentleman what knows his brandy.

Here!

Clarissa. Here. What now, Pobjoy?

Here's the documents. Sealed, signed and delivered.

To take effect from this day, as agreed upon.

Now, am I invited to this very feast, or am I not?

How are you when you are in your beer, Pobjoy?

The more beer I take the more I become as I was in the beginning .. silent.

Alright then. You're invited.

But don't let me hear you talking .. Mum's the word.

How much? - Two bob, sir. There you are.

He's coming.

He's coming.

But why the pub? I'd much rather have dinner at home.

Oh, you know how the old girl is. This is something of an event.

And she fancies it calls for a bit of a celebration.

We wishes .. to drink to your blooming success tonight, Richard.

Hear, hear!

Of course, as we bought tickets to it, we wants to see something for our money.

It's nice of you .. every one of you to turn out like this.

And I want to promise you I will do all I can to merit your good wishes.

What's wrong, dear?

Richard. Don't he seem worried about something?

Just nerves. Opening night of his first play is something of a strain you know.

It ain't that.

You get them around the table and start things. I'll lay it on now.

Alright, dear.

Mum, you shouldn't have done that.

Well, tonight.

I wanted a party in honour of a young man that I brought up from an infant.

And here it is.

I'd have much rather had a quiet dinner at home. Just you, the Captain, and I.

It ain't the party, what's upsetting you.

It's something else. What could upset me?

My first play opens tonight. I'm on my way to success.

The world is mine, isn't it?

Is it?

I uh .. I reserved you three seats.

Why do you prefer sitting in the gallery?

Up in The Gods is where you find out what's good about a play.

But, it's much nicer in the stalls.

Something is wrong, Richard.

You can see and hear much better.

Oh Mum, I told you. Nothing's wrong.

I just thought there might be.

Miss Anders. She'll be there, won't she?

Yes. She'll be there.

You are fond of her, Richard.

Yes. Have you told her?

How can I tell her? Why not?

You are going to be a success. She's one of your kind.

You're forgetting something, aren't you?

You mean, because ..?

But if she loves you. It couldn't make any difference.

How can I ask her to take my name when I haven't got a name?

I couldn't do it, Mum. I ..

Oh well, it's alright.

Only it ain't .. is it?

How much is that? Two and ninepence, sir.

Ten bob! I don't think I've got any change.

I've got change, Richard. That's alright, Captain.

Did you see Richard's name in electric lights as we drove up?

Yes, I saw it.

You don't seem to be very happy about his success.

You didn't say two words coming in the cab.

I had nothing to say.

Will you wait here, Mum? I'll get the tickets.

It's real nice going to a play when you're guests of the author, ain't it?

Look at all the people with their fine clothes and elegant manners.

It makes a person feel sort of out of place, don't it, Emily.

I'll join you later. Do you mind going in alone?

Tickled to death. Thanks.

Don't be long, Richard. I won't.

See you later.

Well, here we are. Ready?

My arm, dear?

Your arm, my Lord. With pleasure, Princess.

And these are the golden stairs, Princess.

And they say that Paradise is at the top, My Lord.

We're hoping it is. It is.

Your play is going to be a great success, Richard.

You're very sure of that, aren't you.

There's no fooling me about plays. I've seen too many of them.

Do you remember, when you was a wee Chappie ..

How we used to climb these very stairs?

We never missed a play, did we. It was fun when you were small.

But you was always wanting to go some place during the best part.

I must have been a little nuisance. No. Just a little boy.

But never a nuisance.

Half a moment. What is it, Mum?

Nothing.

Maybe I had a might too much to eat.

What with the champagne and pudding.

There.

Do you remember what you used to call food when you were small?

What? Scoffings.

No. Did I?

Maybe that didn't raise the Captain's eyebrows.

I should imagine it did. Good old Captain.

What's the matter, Mum? Nothing. I ..

I was just thinking. What about?

About the good old Captain.

It's the stairs. They're too much for you.

No.

No, they ain't.

Yes they are. I should have made you sit in the stalls.

Here we are. Hold on a moment. No, no, no.

Richard, put me down.

Now, you carried me about when I was young.

It's my turn now. And what have you got to say about that?

Home, James.

Now Richard, put me down.

There.

Come on, hop out of it. Can't you see you're in the wrong seat?

Not after I've been here for 20 minutes.

But can't you see the "Reserved"? Take a notice.

Thank you. Thank you very much. You had better take the inside seat, Emily dear.

Hello, Richard. Good luck tonight.

Just in time for the curtain. I'll run along. I hope you like it.

Hey, you with the feather in your head. Sit down.

Sit down yourself. I'll see you after the last act.

Richard. I just wanted to say, I hope your play goes well.

We all do, my boy.

Will you sit down in front?

Richard.

Hey "Feathers". Off with the bonnet.

Oh, come on down here and take if off if you can, you old gasbag.

She's running off with that curly-headed fellow.

Why not, says I. She's a nothing.

Shut up.

It's a good play ain't it, Emily?

I'd like it even if it wasn't good.

Because .. Richard wrote it, eh?

Yes.

You think I don't like you because I don't want you to have Richard.

That ain't so, Emily. I do like you.

Only.

There's Richard where he belongs. With Miss Anders.

She's the reason why you can't ever have him.

Just in time, dear.

Now let's see.

Hold my hand.

A thousand memories flashed through my mind.

Little tender ones.

Of quiet hours and intimate things.

And I couldn't do the job. So I came home.

And this is where I want to stay .. if I may.

If .. you want.

I too, have memories, Margaret.

Ones that I'd like to live again. Then let's start over.

From the old beginning ..

Author!

Author!

He's going on the stage. Steady, girl. Steady.

I'm afraid I'm too nervous and excited to say very much.

Except that I'm glad you liked it.

It probably wouldn't have amounted to very much.

Without the magnificent performance of Miss Julia Trent.

And I want to thank her publicly, for making my play possible.

It was her interest and influence that made Sir Elroyd stage the production.

Thank you.

Do you see him, Captain?

Richard .. my baby.

My own .. baby boy.

She's fainted. Yes, yes.

Julia Trent? Over here, my boy.

There we are, Julia.

Isn't it too lovely? Really the credit is all yours, darling.

What would any of us have done without your play? Isn't that so, Elroyd?

Quite true.

Oh, I can't believe that. But anyhow, thanks a lot.

Now we can have a lovely supper on the stage. We always did in the old days.

Patience, Julia. I've sent for the caterers.

And we'll have a bit of celebration in honour of our star.

And author.

You darling. I knew you wouldn't forget. Now I must hurry and change.

Come along Elroyd. Goodbye, darling.

Come on, Paul. You surprised me, Julia.

You were good .. marvellous!

Well, you're a success now.

Success is the achievement. That's what you want most?

I think so. Writing a play isn't it.

What then?

Pauline. I want to tell you something.

It's difficult to explain, but I want you to try and understand.

Richard.

Hello, Emily. Clarissa's been taken.

Clarissa? In the gallery. She collapsed.

Where is she? They took her home.

Alright. Sorry.

Is it serious?

Who knows. They told me to get Richard.

You're fond of him, ain't you?

Yes, but I .. Don't. He'll be needing you.

You're better for him than I'd be. Even if he'd have me.

Which he wouldn't.

He loves you.

Clarissa told me.

Here, what's all this noise about? Clarissa?

She ain't here. Where is she?

She's at number sixteen.

You know, I bought the shop. Here, what's your hurry?

I got ..

Captain, where is she?

Steady, boy .. she's quite ill.

Mum.

Richard.

Yes, Mum?

I lied to you.

I am your Mum.

I never wanted it ..

To be any other way.

You won't hold it against me?

I did it .. because I wanted you to have ..

Quality.

And you have, Richard.

You have.

She believed herself to be a very ordinary woman.

And she was anything but that.

She had one purpose. To give you the opportunities that she had missed.

She willed herself to live until that had been accomplished.

When she made her goal .. she relaxed.

She let go and ..

I wish she could have held on for just a little longer.

She sold the store for money to produce your play, because she believed in you.

She overlooked nothing.

Not even in the matter of rewards.

Mine ..

Is a little place in the country.

With a garden .. and a tree or two.

It would have been pleasant ..

If she and I could have taken the last few hurdles together in some such place.

It doesn't seem to hold so much for me now.