Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, The (1947)

[bunniefuu]

[bells jingle]

Good morning, Mr. Noggs.

Mournful one for old Nickleby.

Only fourpence, though.

That will please him.

Thank you.

Good morning.

[Ringing bell]

[Knocks on door]

Ah. So our friend
Mr. Bray doesn't relish

the thought of debtor's prison.

I thought he'd send
the money somehow.

He hasn't.

Hmm. I know something
of that hand.

My brother's dead,

and the window and both children
are in London,

confound them!

Anything else you want?

Not now.

I must go out.

Reasonable.
Very reasonable.

Never did anything for me,

and I never expected it,

but the breath is no sooner
out of his body,

then the family looks
here for support.

What are they to me?

I never saw them.

That will cost you
a pretty Penny.

I can't keep them.

They must find something.

If they won't do it
for themselves,

I shall.

[Bells jingle]

Is Mrs. Nickleby at home, girl?

♪ Hannah

who is wanted?

Are you miss la what's her name?

Creevy, la Creevy.

A miniature, I presume,

and a very strongly marked
countenance for the purpose.

I have no money to throw away
on miniatures, ma'am,

and no one to give
them to if I had.

I came to see my sister-in-law
Mrs. Nickleby.

Oh. Then you want
the second floor.

Hannah, show the gentleman up.

What name?

Nickleby.

Mrs. Nickleby,
here's Mr. Nickleby.

Uncle Ralph.

Good morning, sir.

Nicholas, I suppose.

And how do you do, ma'am?

Ah. You must bear up
against sorrow, ma'am.

I always do.

Mine was no common loss.

'Twas no uncommon loss, ma'am.

Husbands die everyday
and wives, also.

And brothers, too, sir.

Yes, sir, and puppies
and pug dogs likewise.

[Crying]

When my wife d*ed,
ma'am, many years ago,

I learned to survive
the calamity.

Doubtless, you will do the same.

Well, ma'am, you say in your letter
there's nothing left, hmm?

And you spent
what little you had

in coming all the way to London
to see what I can do for you.

I'd hoped you might do something

for your brother's children.

It was his last wish.

I don't know how it is,

but whenever a man dies
without property,

he seems to think
it gives him the right

to dispose other people's.

And this is Kate.

What sort of work
is your daughter fitted for?

She was the cleverest girl

in a school of 25.

Or was it 55?
Well, anyway, I...

We must try and get
you apprenticed.

And you, have you
ever done anything?

No, sir.

I suppose you are
willing to work.

Of course I am.

Then listen.
This caught my eye this morning.

You may thank your lucky stars.

"Education at Mr. Wackford
Squeers' academy,

dotheboys hall," and so on
and so on and so on.

"N.b.: an able
assistant wanted.

"Annual salary £15.

A master of arts
would be preferred."

There. Let him get that,
and his fortune's made.

If he doesn't like it,
let him get something for himself.

But he's not an N.B.,

M.a., master of arts.

That, I think, can be got over.

But it's so far away, mama.

Shh, Kate.

Nicholas, I wish you
would say something.

If I'm fortunate
to be appointed, sir,

what will become of my mother,
my sister?

In that case but not otherwise,

they will be provided for by me.

Then I'll do anything you wish.

I'm very pleased to hear it.

We'll visit
Mr. Squeers tomorrow.

He's in town and attends
daily from 1:00 till 4:00

at the Saracen’s head...

Every wholesome luxury,
Mr. Snawley,

that Yorkshire can afford.

Every comfort of an home
that a boy could wish for.

A father in me and mother
in Mrs. Squeers.

Could I have a few
words with you?

By all means.

Up to what age
will you keep the boys?

Just as long as the quarterly
payments are kept up.

What are they, natural children?

We have a good many of them.

No. They ain't.

The fact is, I'm not the father,
Mr. Squeers.

I'm only the father-in-law,
as you might say.

I married the mother.

Oh, is that it?

£20 per annum,
I believe, Mr. Squeers.

Guineas, Mr. Snawley.

Pounds for two,
I think, Mr. Squeers.

Very well.
Payment in advance of course.

Uh, they ain't great eaters.

Mr. Squeers?

Why, it's Mr....
Yes, sir.

Won't you be seated?

Good day, Mr. Snawley.

Ralph Nickleby's my name.

You've advertised
for an able assistant.

Here is my nephew Nicholas,
straight from school

with everything he learnt there

fermenting in his head

and nothing fermenting
in his pocket.

Hmm.

I'm afraid, sir,
I'm not master of arts.

Well, that is an objection.

Here. Let me put this matter
in its true light.

A young man,
wholly ignorant of the world.

Look at him.
Think of the use he can be

in half a dozen ways.

Your uncle's recommendation
has done it, Mr. Nickleby.

From this moment you are
nominated to and installed

in the office of first assistant
master of dotheboys hall.

Thank you, Mr. Squeers,
very much indeed, sir.

And thank you, uncle,
for getting me this opportunity.

I shan't forget your kindness.

You better go home and pack up,

what you have to pack.

The coach starts
at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

Be here the quarter before.

[Crying]

Now, now, my little man.

There's nothing to cry for.

[Cries]

Ow! Ohh!

[Cries]

Man: all baggage ready
for the York coach, please.

All baggage ready, please.

Your milk and water, sir.

Twopenn'orth?

Here's richness.

When I say, "number one,"

the boy nearest the window
may take a drink.

Mrs. Nickleby:
And she never saw her son again,

never in all her life.

I was just saying to Kate...

No. I won't listen to myself.

Just you make yourself
useful to this Mr. squires,

as I know you will,

and you'll rise to be a partner

in the establishment
in no time at all.

Come on, come on, come on

hold that noise, boy!

I want more breakfast.

I'll give you more breakfast!

Anybody else want more?

No, sir.

That's right.
Subdue your appetites, my dears,

and you've conquered
human nature.

Oh, there you are.

Get them boys on top
of the coach, will you?

That can't be the schoolmaster surely.

He does seem an odd-looking man.

So was Dr. Johnson.
All these bookworms are.

Well, I never expected...

I expected to find
you here, ma'am.

A house of mine
in town is empty.

I can put you in there
rent-free till it's let.

Of all the kindness!

Do you hear that, Kate?

A house, and in town, too.

That would be
near you, I suppose.

East end.

Oh. Oh, well, all the same.

After all, it's
somewhere to live.

My clerk Noggs
will take you down there

as soon as the coach is gone.

Oh, thank you.

Good morning.
Most delightful of you.

Furthermore, I've found
a situation for Kate

with a milliner and dressmaker.

Milliner?

And dressmaker, ma'am.

Mantalini's,
a very well-known house.

The York coach is leaving now.

Hurry up there.

Good-bye, uncle.
Good-bye, Nicholas.

I trust you'll
take care of them.

Good-bye, mother.

Kate, you'll write to me?

Bless you, love.
Good-bye.

[Bell tolling]

That's right, Nickleby.
You get up on top.

I'm afraid of one
of them boys falling off,

and that's £20 gone.

All right behind it?

All right.
Let her go!

[Fanfare]

Good-bye.
Good-bye.

Good-bye.
Good-bye.

Squeers: hello, there!

[Horse snorts]

Here we are!

Nicholas:
dotheboys hall, sir?

That's it.
You needn't call it a hall down here.

The fact is, it ain't one.

Where the devil
have you been, Smike?

Please, sir.
I fell asleep over the fire.

Fire? What fire?
Where's the fire?

Only in the kitchen, sir.

Missus said as I was sitting up,

I might go in for a warm.

Missus is a fool.

We feel more wakeful
in the cold.

See to the pony, then the boxes,
then the boys.

Hurry up, Nickleby.
This wind's fit to blow you down.

[Wind howling]

It's cold enough up here,

yet the boys
is always getting fevers.

Obstinacy, that's what it is.

Woman: is that my squeery?

There you are, me love.

And how's my squeery?

Quite well, me love.

And how are
the pigs and the cows?

All right, every one of them.

That's a blessing.

Boys are bobbish, I suppose.

Oh, they're well enough.

The new young man, my dear.

Good evening.

Hmm.

Better give him
a shakedown for tonight.

Phoebe! Phoebe!

Nickleby, come in here
and take your things off.

Phoebe!

Cubby, Duncans.

Ha! What they want writing
letters to them boys,

I don't know,

when they can't read.

What do you want?
Have you...

Has nothing been heard
about me, sir?

Devil a bit.
Not a word and never will be.

A pretty thing.
Left here all these years

and nothing paid
after the first 6.

Mrs. Squeers:
In here with them.

We'll put you in your regular
bedroom tomorrow.

Let me see.
Who sleeps in Brooks' bed, me dear?

Brooks'?
There's Jennings,

little bolder, graymarsh,

and what's his name.

So there is.

Yes. Brooks is full.

There's a place
somewhere, I know.

I think that Smike's
turning silly.

I hope not.
He's a handy fella for rough work.

That will do, Phoebe.

Remember, Nickleby,
7:00 in the morning.

I shall be ready, sir.

The pump's in the yard.

You'll find a bit of soap
in the kitchen window.

Blow that light out
as soon as you can now.

Candles cost money.

Don't like the look of him,

nasty, stuck-up monkey.

Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Thank you.

[Bells ringing]

Ah. You've had your breakfast.

I've had some porridge, sir.

[Belches]

Then you're ready for work.

I wasn't able to wash.

Of course you wasn't.
The pump's froze.

Never mind.
A dry Polish is almost as good.

Dreadful things.

It's brimstone morning,
and I can't find

the school spoon anywhere.

We purify the boys' blood
now and then.

Purify, fiddlesticks.

We don't buy brimstone
and treacle for that.

They have it part because
it keeps them from ailing

and part because it spoils
their appetites.

It comes cheaper than
breakfast and dinner.

Here's the blessed thing.

He were sleeping on it.

A most invaluable woman, that.

More than a mother to them boys.

[Whip]

10 times more.

She does things for them boys

that half the mothers going

wouldn't do for their own sons.

I can well imagine that, sir.

We had a boy d*ed
here early last winter,

young dorker.

Mrs. Squeers was
as partial to that lad

as he'd been her own.

The attention that boy
got in his illness,

the motherly love
what was showered on him.

Dry toast and warm tea

offered him every
night and morning

when he couldn't
swallow anything.

That's my son, that is.

Little Wackford.

The image of his mother and me

and a bit more beside.

Yes. That boy dorker
had a candle in his bed

till the very night he d*ed

and the best dictionary
set up to lay his head on.

This is our shop, Nickleby.

Mrs. Squeers:
No, you don't.

All at once,
or I'll have the hide of you.

Next boy, come on.

Please, ma'am.
That boy's got my clothes on.

That will do!
You shut up

and mind your own business!

Now then.
Is that physicking over?

Just over.

Wackford, you can do that later.

Bring the basin and come
with your mother.

Hurry up. Places.

And stop that sniveling,

or I'll give you
something to snivel for.

Well, boys, I've paid
my half-yearly visit to London,

and you'll be glad
to see I've come back

as strong
and as vigorous as ever.

Hip, hip.

[Mumbling]
hooray.

That will do.
First class.

English and philosophy.

Brooks, spell window.

W-I...

W-I-n, win, d-e-r, der, winder,

a casement.

Go out and clean them.

We go on the practical
mode of teaching.

When a boy learns his subject,

he goes out and does it.

Graymarsh, spell botany.

Graymarsh: b-o...

B-o-t, bot,

t-I-n, bottin,

n-e-y, bottiney,

noun substantive,
knowledge of plants.

Out you go, and take the snow
off the garden paths.

You, what's your name,
what's an horse?

It's a... a beast, sir.

So it is.
An horse is quadruped,

and quadruped's Latin for beast.

See that you're perfect in that.

Go and look after my horse

and rub him down well,
or I'll rub you down!

It's washing day tomorrow,

and I want the coppers filled.

The rest of the class,
go and draw water

until somebody tells you
to leave off.

Now that's our system, Nickleby.

What do you think of it?

It's a very useful one at any rate.

You're right there.

Now just take the second class

and explain them some reading.

[Indistinct chatter]

"The pilgrim's progress."

"As I walked through
the wilderness of this world,

"I lighted on certain place
where was a den,

"and I laid me down
in that place to sleep,

and as I slept,
I dreamed a dream."

Demmit!
What, Nickleby!

Of course, demmit, I remember.

Your niece.

Follow me, my dear,

will you?

They all follow me,

always did, demmit, always!

Woman: Mr. Nickleby.

Good morning.

This is my niece, ma'am.

I spoke to you about
a vacancy for her.

You remember?

Just so.

What work can you do, child?

I can turn a hem, ma'am,
or sew a seam.

And that is all?

She can learn.
Oh, quite,

and I can do with
another pair of hands.

We keep 20 young women
constantly employed here.

Yes, and some of them
demned handsome, too.

Mantalini, do you want
to break my heart?

My senses' idol!

Not for 20,000 hemispheres

populated with little,
uh, ballet dancers.

Alfred.

Ahem.

The hours are from 9:00 to 9:00.

There's extra work when we're
very full of business,

for which I allow
payment as overtime.

Your wages shall average

from 5 to 7 shillings a week.

Yes, madame.

You can begin as soon
as it's convenient.

She can begin now.

Oh. Very well.

Come into the showroom.

There. Now you are provided for.

I'm very much obliged
to you, uncle.

I've merely done my duty.

I hope that you'll do yours.

I'll do my best.

I'm very pleased to hear it.

You'll find your way
home this evening?

Good-bye then.

Good day, ma'am.

Good day, Mr. Nickleby.

Oh, miss Knag, this young person
is beginning here today.

Try her with some
easy work at first.

Very good, madame.
I quite understand.

And she might come
into the showroom with you.

Her appearance will...

It will suit
very well with mine.

How very clever of you
to think of it.

That way.

Demmit! Who'd have
thought old Nickleby

would have had such a demned pretty,
young creature

for a niece, eh?

If it weren't for
your wicked extravagance,

we wouldn't have to
keep borrowing from him

or employing his poor relations.

My life and soul.

Ohh!

Parrot:
demmit! Demmit!

[Screeches]

You'll work here, miss Nickleby.

You better begin by hemming
this petticoat.

If you want anything,
come to me.

Thank you.

[Tittering]

[Woman claps]

[Tittering stops]

Where are you from?

From Devonshire.

Oh, I don't mean that.

Where did you work before?

Nowhere.

Oh, nowhere.

Oh, superior, aren't we?

[Laughter]

[Claps]

That's enough!
Dinner's over!

Rise.

For what we have received,

may the lord make us
truly thankful. Amen.

Amen. amen. amen.

Nickleby, I'm going out.

You'll have to take the rest
of the classes by yourself.

You can do that, I suppose.

Yes, Mr. Squeers.

Smike.

You needn't be afraid of me.

You've been here
a long time, haven't you?

Since I was 5,
they tell me, sir.

I don't know.

Don't you remember
your mother your home?

No, I don't remember.

I don't remember anything.

Someone must have
brought you here.

Your father perhaps.

He wasn't my father.

I don't think he was.

I was afraid of him.

I was glad to leave him.

Glad? But surely,
you're not happy here.

Happy?

Phoebe: Smike!

Beg pardon, Mr. Nickleby.

Smike, miss Fanny's back,

and you're to fetch her box
upstairs quick as you can.

♪ Fanny Squeers is jealous ♪

♪ Fanny Squeers is jealous ♪

oh, stop it, Wackford.

♪ Hilda price has gone
and got spliced ♪

♪ so Fanny Squeers is jealous ♪

is that you, Phoebe?

Where's that lazy
hound of a Smike?

He were with Mr. Nickleby.

Not there.
Over here.

That will do.
Go on outside.

♪ Hilda price has gone
and got spliced ♪

ow!

You'll never get spliced,
you won't.

Phoebe!

Yes, miss?

Was it a pretty
wedding, miss Fanny,

over to miss price's?

Come on.

She must have made
a lovely bride

and done well by herself,
too, hasn't she?

Well enough for her,
I have no doubt.

Who's Mr...
Nickleby?

He's the new assistant.

You ought to see him.

He's a real gentleman born

if ever there was one.

The way he talks and acts

and carries on.

And you've only to look at him.

Such beautiful eyes he's got

and such a sweet smile,

and as for his legs...

Phoebe, that's quite enough.

Oh, but, miss, you ought
to see him for yourself.

First, write
the address at the top

and then the date,
17th of December, 1830.

[Knock on door]

Come in.

I'm sorry, father, but...

Oh.

I beg your pardon.

I thought my father
was... or might be...

Dear me.
How very awkward.

Mr. Squeers is out.

Oh, how tiresome.

I'm sorry I intruded.

I'm sure...

It must look so very strange.

I only wanted my pen mended.

Perhaps I can do it for you.

Oh, no, no, no.
I couldn't

put you to the trouble.

Hard nib or soft?

Such a sweet smile.

What did you say?

Dear me.
I was thinking

of something else
for the moment.

As soft as possible,
if you please.

Oh. I quite forgot.
I'm miss Squeers.

I imagined that.

Did you really?

There's a strong
family resemblance.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

Very awkward of me.

Oh, not at all.
It's my fault, mine entirely.

Very... so embarrassing.
I scarcely know what I...

Careful. You're biting
your nib off now.

Oh.

Oh, dear me!

Fanny: what do you mean,
"quick as you could"?

I sent for you 10 minutes gone.

Don't you run from me,
you lying, little pig you!

Smike was having his supper.

I told him to finish it.

If you have any objections,

you better make them to me.

I didn't see you where there,
Mr. Nickleby.

It's quite all right of course

now that you explained.

There's no call to run away.

Pa's still out,
and ma's with him.

You can have a glass
of port if you like.

Come and sit down.

Thank you.
I'm going to bed.

Nobody's kind to me!

I wish everybody was dead!

I wish I was dead, too!

[Sobbing]

[Door slams]

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Mr. Nickleby likes you,
doesn't he, Smike?

Oh, yes, he does,

and you've been having
a fine, idle time

since he's been here.

Wait till I tell father.

Just wait!

Smike!

Where the devil are you?

Smike!

Where's that Smike?

Is he hiding somewhere in here?

Smike!

He's not here, sir.

Where is he then?

At the bottom of the nearest
pond for all I know.

Come on.

Someone knows where he is!

[Grunt]

Sneaking off
up the York road, he was.

Oh, he was, was he?

Each boy, keep his seat.

Nickleby, to your place.

Stand a little out
of the way, my dear.

I've hardly room enough.

Have you anything to say?

I was driven to do it.

Oh, driven, were you?

Then I'll have to spare you.

I'll flog you within
an inch of your life

and spare you that.

Hee hee hee!
Ha ha ha!

Let that boy go.

Hold your tongue!

You've done him enough harm.

Get back to your desk!

I've seen it these
last few weeks,

nothing but blows and strikes.

I'm in my rights!

Your rights?
To b*at and starve these boys?

This isn't a school.
It's a hell on earth.

You young scum!

Ohh! I...

Mrs. Squeers:
Oh, help!

He's k*lling my squeery!

Stop it, you dirty hound you.

Stop it!

Help!

[Sobbing]

Squeers: ow! Oh! Ow!

Ohh! Help!

He's k*lling my squeery!

Ow!

Stop it! Help!

[Sobbing]

[Wheezes]

Aah! Hoo hoo!

[Sobbing]

Come, Smike.

[Mumbles]

[Mrs. Squeers moans]

He's dead!
He's m*rder*d!

My squeery!

Squeery!

Squeery, say something.

[Groans]

Fanny:
"to Mr. Ralph Nickleby, esquire.

"Sir, my pa requests
me to write to you,

"the doctors being doubtful whether
he will recover the use of his legs,

"which prevents his
holding a pen.

When your nephew had
done this to him"...

Ohh!

"And jumped upon him
with his feet

"and also language,

"which I will not pollute
my pen with describing,

"he assaulted my ma
with dreadful v*olence

"and drove her back comb
several inches into her head.

"The monster, having
satiated his thirst for blood,

ran away."

"Taking with him a boy
of desperate character,

who he had incited
to rebellion."

"My pa begs that
if he comes to you,

"you will let the assassin go,

"as he is sure to be
hung before long,

"which will save us trouble

and be much more satisfactory."

Pretty.

Very pretty.

I recommend you against
my convictions,

and what is the result?

Conduct for which you might
hold up your hand

at the old Bailey.

It isn't true!
Nicholas, tell him!

He was ill-treating the boy.

I'd do the same again.

Ralph: penitence.

I never would have believed it.

Mama, please.

What have you done with him?

Did you take this boy away,
or didn't you?

The boy's in my charge
until I can find him a home

or give him one myself.

The whole thing proved,
even on his own confession.

One thing is proved.
But uncle!

Let me say a world.

Of what I have done
for you, my niece,

or I intended to do,
I shall say nothing,

but this boy, headstrong
and willful as he is,

shall not have
one Penny of my money!

Knowing full well
the consequences,

he has come back to be a burden

on his sister's scanty wages.

Very well.

I have no wish to desert
you, ma'am, or Kate,

but I will not help him
or those who do help him.

But I can't renounce my own son,

even if he has done all you say.

Mama, you know he hasn't.

I don't know what to think.

Never mind.
We can go to the work house

or the refuge for the destitute.

Wait, sir.

You needn't leave here.

I shall be gone in one minute.

No, Nicholas!

Don't go away again, please.

Kate, I never meant
to stay here with you.

When I'm away,
you will be helped.

Mother sees that,

and she's right.

Bless you, Kate.

I'm taking you
at your word, sir,

but if you break it...

I beg your pardon.

I... I'm in your way perhaps.

Oh, no, not at all, thank you,

but if I'm in yours...

No.

There doesn't seem
to be very much.

No. It's so hard to find
work of any kind.

You understand of course,

my secretary must make himself
master of foreign policy,

run his eye over all accounts
of public meetings,

get up a few little arguments
now and then

on the effects of returned
cash payments,

the exportation of bullion,

the emperor of Russia,

bank notes,
and all that kind of thing,

and then of course wait
in the lobby every night

in case I need fresh cramming,

and during debates,
sit in the gallery

and point me out to people

as the celebrated Mr. Gregsbury

and any other little eulogium
that might strike you.

And for salary in round figures,

15 shillings a week
and find yourself there.

15 shillings?
That's not much.

[Ding]

[Knock on door]

Door, Matthews.

I mean for the duties
and responsibilities.

Door, Matthews.

Secretaries.
Nothing else.

Tuition?

Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs,
to instruct the daughters in French.

A shilling per week
per each miss Kenwigs

and a shilling over until the baby
can take it out in grammar.

Thank you.

My aunt's pen.

Le plume de ma tante.

Girls: le plume de ma tante.

My uncle's...

Hold on a minute, sir.

Do you consider French
a cheerful language?

Yes. I'd say that it was.

Oh. It's very much changed
since my time, then,

very much.
My uncle's...

What is the French for water?

L'eau.
L'eau.

And you call that
a cheerful language.

Ha ha ha!

Shall the gentleman
go on, uncle?

Oh, yes, yes, let him go on.

My uncle's garden.
Le jar...

[crying]

[Crying]

The daughters I could manage,
even the uncle,

but the baby was
too much for me.

Ha ha ha!

I must find real work somewhere,

and then there's Smike.

He can't go on hiding forever

in one wretched, little room.

We're leaving
London, Mr. Noggs.

But I could look after the boy.

And bring down trouble
on your own head?

Better you've never see him,

know nothing of him.

I must go,

but there's one thing
I wanted to ask.

It's about Kate and my mother.

If anything should happen...

I'll let you know.

You didn't need to ask.

Thank you.

I'll write to you.

I'll send an address
as soon as I can.

Don't you forget then.

I'm not likely to.

I haven't so many friends

that I shall forget my best one.

[Pennywhistle playing]

Mind out there!

Man: Madeline.
Madeline.

Hurry up. We haven't
all day, Madeline.

I'm just coming, father.

Let me take those.

We met before at the agency.

Yes.

I remember.

Man: Madeline.
What is it, Madeline? Who is...

This gentleman's
just helping me, father.

We've no money, young man,

it that's what
you're hoping for.

Please, father.

Get the rest of the luggage,
and let's be off.

Man: just a minute!
Oh, no, you don't.

Trying to do a flit, eh,

trying to q*eer
my pitch for me, eh?

I'm not to partial to
that kind of lark, see?

Leave my father alone.

You've no right to.
Let him go!

Stop that, my little lady.

Take your hands off her!

That will do, young shaver.

This is not your business!

I'll soon make it mine!

Please!

There's nothing you can do.

Here's my warrant
of debts unpaid

to the sum of £1,700,
detaining creditors...

Yes, yes.
There's no need

to cry my finances
all over the town.

You'll accompany me forthwith

and present yourself
at the king's bench prison before noon.

He's not well.
I must go with him.

If you wants to live with him,
you can apply.

Go on.

Might as well use the hackney.

Nicholas: if there's
anything I can do,

any message to friends.

No. There's nothing.

You're very kind.

I only wish I could
do something, too.

Thank you.

Man: come on. Come on
if you're coming.

Cheer up, governor.

Perhaps they'll live
in the rules.

The rules?

Lodgings just
outside the prison.

Pay so much a week
for the privilege.

Giddyap there, doggie.

Only 12 more.

Tired, Smike?

No. I'm not tired.

Well, if you're not, I am.

Let's try in here.

Landlord!

I shouldn't have come with you.

I'm nothing but
a trouble to you.

A trouble?
You're far from that, Smike.

I'm only too glad
of your company.

You haven't enough money
even for yourself.

If it hadn't been for me...

Yes, gentlemen?

We're looking for some supper

and a room perhaps afterwards.

Supper? I'm a bit short tonight.

I'll tell you what.
There's a gentleman in the parlor

who's ordered a beefsteak
pudding and potatoes,

and there's more
than he can manage.

If I ask leave, I have no doubt
you could sup with him.

We're very dusty and dirty.

Oh, lord love you.
Why, it's only Mr. Crummles.

Smike.

Don't you believe
what I've said?

Tried to go away when
we were in London.

I couldn't.

You want a hot meal
and a good sleep,

and I want no more talk
of that kind,

understand, Smike?

Landlord: all right.
I knew it would be.

Come this way, gentlemen.

Wait till you see them in here,

the way they're going on it.

Thrust, parry.
Thrust, parry.

More fire, boys.
Make the spark fly.

Under, over.
Good work!

1, 2, into him.

1, 2, reverse!

1, 2. That's better.

Mr. Vincent Crummles,
this is the young gentleman, sir.

Aha.

Ha ha ha!

There's a picture.
The little one has him.

If the big'un does not counter
in 3 seconds,

he's a dead man.

Bravo, boys, bravo.

That will be a double encore.

What do you think of that, sir?

Very good indeed.

If only they were
a little better match.

Match? Why, that's
the essence of the combat,

that there should be
a foot or two between them.

How else are you gonna get up
the sympathies of the audience?

I see. I beg your pardon.

Ah. The ample pleasures
of the table.

Now, gents, draw up
and make yourselves comfortable.

I'm glad you thought
well of the combat.

We open at Portsmouth
the day after tomorrow.

The company are there already.

My son, take your had off.

My sons and I are
on our way to join them.

Where are you bound for?

We're making for the coast.

We thought if there
were nothing ashore

we might get work aboard
some ship or other.

With practiced hands
as plentiful as oysters?

There's not a skipper would think

you're worth your salt.

Tell me, has no other profession
occurred to you

that a young man
of your figure and address

could take up?

Can't say it does.

No? Then I'll tell you one.

The stage!
The stage?

The theatrical profession!

I'm in it myself,
my wife is in it,

my children are in it.

I had a dog that lived
and d*ed in it from a puppy,

and my chaise-pony goes
on in "timour the tartar."

I'll bring you out
and your friend, too.

Capital countenance
for the starved business.

Say the word.

But I've never acted
a part in my life

except at school.

Genteel comedy
in your walk and manner,

juvenile tragedy in your eye,

and touch-and-go farce
in your laugh!

Could I live by it?

Live by it?
Like a prince.

Why, with your salary
and your friend,

you'd earn a pound a week.

Well, Smike, what do you...

Ah. The arms of Morpheus.

And with a run of good houses,

nearly double the money.

What do you say?

Good.

Crummles: here we are, my boy,

the home of the drama!

[Neighs]

Hurry, boys.
We're late.

A good pony at bottom.

His mother was
on the stage, too.

We'll find my wife rehearsing,
no doubt.

Astonishing woman!

Mrs. Crummles was
the original blood drinker.

She had to give it up, though.

Did it disagree with her?

Not so much with her as
with the audiences

ah, what a woman, what a woman!

Mother of 6 children,
3 of them alive,

and all upon the stage.

Extraordinary.

Extraordinary indeed.

Farewell!

Alone.

Alone in the African jungle

and married to an outlaw!

The first time I saw
that admirable woman,

Nickleby, she stood on her head

on the butt end of a spear

surrounded by blazing fireworks.

Such grace...

[Sniffs]

Coupled with such dignity.

I adored her from that moment.

Mrs. Crummles:
And yet another blow!

My daughter lost!

Wild beasts best me path!

Ohh!

Mrs. Crummles, my darling,

allow me to introduce
Mr. Nicholas Nickleby

and his friend!

I'm very glad to meet you, sir.

Ohh! In half an hour,
the sun will set,

and then, then where shall I be?

The end of act iv, scene 2,

"the mortal struggle."

A most heart-rending piece.

Ah. The infant phenomenon,

miss Ninetta Crummles, age 10.

She's practicing for
our little ballet interlude,

"the Indian savage
and the maiden."

The idol of every
place we go into.

How old do you say she was?

She is 10.

Amazing.

Mr. Folair, Mr. Nickleby.

Very happy to know you, sir.

How do you do, sir?

Beautiful pirouette, darling.

Talent there, gentlemen.

Did you ever see such a setup?

Do you mean the infant phenomenon?

Infant, humbug, sir.

She's only 10 after all.

10? She's been 10
for the last 5 years at least,

but she's no taller.

Up late every night

and kept on a diet of gin
and water unlimited from infancy.

Crummles: folair!

Onstage!

Onstage!

[Indistinct chatter]

Everybody's here, Mr. Crummles.

Silence, please!

[Bang and scream]

Silence.

[Sniffs]

Now, ladies and gentlemen,

we'll call "the mortal struggle"
for tomorrow, Saturday.

On Monday morning,
we shall read a new piece.

The name is not known yet,

but there will be good parts
for everyone.

Mr. Nickleby, a new performer

of genius and learning,
will take care of that.

What? But I...

On Monday morning
at 10:00 everybody, please.

Woman: everyone at 10:00.

Mr. Crummles,
I can't write a play.

I'm afraid you misunderstood.

And by Monday morning?

My invention isn't equal to it.

Invention? What's that
to do with it?

You said you could
read French, didn't you?

Yes.

There. Turn that into English

and put your name
on the title page.

What do you say, dear?

We must consider the question
of suitable parts.

Quite, quite.
I'll tell you what.

You shall study Romeo
when you've done that piece.

Romeo?
It will do very well,

and you might get up
rover while you're about it

and Cassio and Jeremy Diddler.

Ah. The apothecary for you

and Polonius and Tony Lumpkin.

Oh, and bottom the Weaver.

Well, I doubt if...

You can easily knock them off.

One part helps
the other so much.

It's all there, cues and all.

Come along, my dear.

Miss Bray waiting to see you.

Bray?

Hmm. Daughter of the old man,
I suppose,

or it's his sister.

Miss Bray.

I hadn't expected anyone
so young or so...

You've come to clear
the debt, I take it.

No.

I came to ask if you...

You and Mr. Gride would give
my father another chance,

set him free.

Set him free?

My dear child,
your father has been arrested.

Nothing can free him now

until he has paid
both his debts.

Surely you must know the law.

I know nothing of the law.

I only know that this imprisonment
at his age...

But you're not in the prison
itself surely.

You're in the rules.

It's not so bad there.

Bad enough, Mr. Nickleby.

If you would only give us...

My dear miss Bray,
I've already told you

I can do nothing.

As for Gride,
he will tell you precisely the same.

Your father was once
a man of wealth.

Before he squandered his money,

he should have thought
of the consequences.

[Bell dings]

Now I have some work to do.

Good night, sir.

Good night, my dear.

[Indistinct chattering]

Mrs. Nickleby:
An old family friend saying to me...

What was his name now?

It began with a "V"
and ended with a "C,"

but whether it was Watkins or...

No. It couldn't have been that.

Uncle, I...

Ah, my dear.

As you see,
were just talking about you.

Kate, my love, you're to dine

with your uncle
at half past 6:00 tomorrow.

I'm having a small party
of business friends,

and your mother has promised me

you shall keep house for me.

I'm sure you won't
mind obliging me.

I shall be very glad
to of course, uncle,

but we don't finish work
until 9:00.

I've already spoken
to madame Mantalini.

You may leave early.
Oh.

Well, of all the fortunes.

Come in good time
in a hackney coach.

I'll pay for it.

Good night and, uh,
god bless you.

I have an idea
your uncle has taken

a strong fancy to you.

That's quite clear.

Let me see.
Your black silk frock

will be dressy enough

with that pretty, little scarf

and a plain band in your hair.

Man: well, if this is
a discounting dinner, hawk.

All I have to say is
devil take me

if it wouldn't be a good plan

to get discount every day.

You'll have plenty
of it in your time.

Nickleby will tell you that.

What do you say, Nickleby?

Am I to be a good customer?

It depends entirely,
milord, on circumstances.

On your lordship's
circumstances.

And here's our hostess
wondering why the deuce

someone doesn't
make love to her.

No. Indeed. I... I...

There. She can't look me
in the face and deny it.

I'll hold any man £50 she can't.

Done! Within two minutes.

Pike, you're the timekeeper.

Please don't make me
the subject of your bets.

[Laughter]

Uncle, do ask them not.

Ralph: why not, my dear,
if the gentleman insists.

It's done in a moment.

Oh, I don't insist.

If miss Nickleby makes
the denial, I lose,

but I'd be glad to see
those bright eyes of hers,

especially as they favor
the table so much.

So they do,

and it's too bad of you.

[Laughter]

How goes the enemy?

One minute gone.
Bravo!

Won't you make an effort

for me, miss Nickleby?

You needn't trouble yourself
to inquire, my buck.

She and I understand each other.

Time?
Minute and a half gone.

Get the money ready.

[Laughter]

Ask my niece not to leave

until I have spoken to her.

Thanks. That's a girl of spirit.

We'll drink her health.

Miss Nickleby and those bright
and beautiful eyes.

All: miss Nickleby.

An unexpected pleasure...

Your niece, I mean.

Designed to surprise you,
lord Frederick.

Nickleby knows well enough how
to please a new client.

Speaking of clients, Mr. Gride,

I was honored yesterday
by a visit from Bray's daughter.

She merely wants to set
the whole course of law in reverse,

free her father without
payment of his debts.

What an optimistic young lady.

Yes... but rather
a good-looking one.

You see, Nickleby,

the estate is large enough,

but the ready cash is not.

That's the deadlock.

Now, I'm wondering...

You mean it's no go?

I never digest my dinner
and business at the same time,

nor should you.

Come to my office one day.

You're a deuced
good fellow, Nickleby.

Hawk said you'd
come to the rescue.

The most knowing card
in the pack,

I always called him.
Eh, hawk?

Where the devil is he?

Ah, how delightfully studious.

And such eyelashes.

Upon my soul, they're perfect.

Now, why did I speak and destroy
such a pretty little picture?

Let me go!

Oh, no.
I want to talk to you.

Let me go!

Let me leave here, please.

Just a moment.

Sit down, my dear.

I advise you, sir,
to rejoin the party.

Hmm.

You wanted our young friend,
didn't you?

If he'd found his way
in here instead of me,

you would have been
a little blinder

and a little deafer, eh?

Who brought him to you?

Without me, what chance
would you have

to land him
in that net of yours?

It's a large net,
and rather full.

I shouldn't like anyone
to be choked in the meshes.

Hmm.

Now, Kate.

I won't stay in this house
a moment longer.

You must calm yourself, my dear.

Yes. Yes, you should go.
Of course you shall.

What that man said was true.

You brought me here for...

For your business.

My dear child,
how could I know this would happen?

I sent the fellow off
quickly enough.

You saw that for yourself.

Think no more of it.

I shall say nothing
of this to your mother.

After all, it was
only an incident.

1,000.
Many a thanks.

Thank you, milord.

Nickleby's losing by it.
Take my word.

He wouldn't give those
terms to everyone.

I wouldn't.

Heh heh!

That, um, niece of yours...

Devilish pretty girl.

She is considered so, I believe.

[Bells jingling]

Where does the beauty live, eh?

I should like to
have another peep.

I'm sure, milord, no good would
come of your knowing.

Oh, come.

You know you're going to make
a fortune out of me.

Let me see her again,

and I'll never deal
with anyone else.

If you could come back later...

But I had a letter,

just before Kate
left this morning,

or didn't leave, rather.

Confound you, Nigel!
I told you to show Mrs. Nickleby...

Oh, there you are, after all.

Kate, my dear.

I was sure if you
had been engaged,

you'd have said so
in the letter.

And in that case, of course,

you wouldn't have written it.

I couldn't quite make out
why we had to come, but...

Oh.

I beg your pardon.

[Door closes]

Allow me to present
my sister-in-law.

You're the mother
of miss Nickleby,

the delightful creature we met
when last we dined here?

No, I can't believe it.

Milady is too young for that.

Mrs. Nickleby:
But I assure you...

Sir mulberry hawk.

Lord Verisopht.

A great pleasure.
How do you do?

Milord, sir mulberry.
Really, I...

Now that we've met mom,

we must improve
on the acquaintance.

I have a private box
at the opera.

The opera!

If you and your daughter
would do me the honor...

It's a new opera on Saturday,

first performance.

Come, now. A refusal
is out of the question.

I'll send my carriage for you.

You are so very pressing.
I scarcely know what to...

Kate, do you hear?

Yes, mama, but...

Of course.
We shall be delighted.

Capital.
Now we must be off.

Good day, Nickleby.

I will see you out.

Eh? What?

Oh, are we going?

Good day, miss Nickleby.

Good day, Mrs. Nickleby.

I shall look forward
to Saturday.

Two more handsome,
delightful gentlemen, I never saw.

And titles, both of them.

What a wicked girl not to tell
your mother you'd met them.

I declare, you must have
had some reason for it.

Please, mama,
must we go to the opera?

[Woman singing opera]

[Man singing]

Delightful.
Quite delightful.

And so different
from Shakespeare.

I'm always ill
after Shakespeare.

It's the most
extraordinary thing.

This is the most happy evening
for me, my dear.

Suppose we slip out
for a little supper together?

Your mother won't miss you.

What do you say?

Why, Kate, my dear,
you've gotten quite pale.

It's nothing, mama.
You imagined it.

I was thinking the same,
Mrs. Nickleby.

Your daughter needs country air.

Now, I have a little place
near windsor.

Windsor?

A few hundred acres.

Why not let her come down
there next weekend?

Accompanied by yourself,
of course.

Lord Frederick
will be there, too.

Well, really, this is too kind.

Isn't it, Kate?

Just think of it.
Hundreds of acres.

It could do you
all the good in the world,

won't it, lord Frederick?

She's more than...

[Singing continues louder]

just now, it occurred to me

it reminded me of the day
you caught that dreadful cold

the very evening
that gentleman called

whose father and mother
married a large bishop.

Or were they married by one?

I'm sure you must...

[Continues indistinctly]

Crummles: a glooming peace

this morning with it brings;

the sun for sorrow
will not show his head.

Go hence to have more talk
of these sad things;

some shall be pardoned
and some punish-ed:

For never was a story
of more woe

than this of Juliet
and her Romeo.

[Cheering and applause]

Capital, my boy, a prince of a Romeo.
Take it.

I was quite swept off my feet,
I was, really.

I'm out of stout, love.
Would you be a dear?

Now I have another novelty.

What's that,
the performing pony?

Oh, no, we never
come to the ponies

till everything else has failed.

A bespeak, my boy.

A benefit night in your honor.

Excuse me.
This just came on the London coach.

From Newman Noggs.

Is it bad news?

"No wish to alarm you,

"but your uncle
being the man he is

"and his friends
the men they are,

"events may soon occur which would put
your sister in sore need of protection."

[Crummles humming]

Mr. Crummles,
I hope you'll forgive me.

I shall have to
leave the company.

Leave? At the height
of your success?

Nonsense.

I just heard from London.

Oh, a superior offer.
I'll double it.

It's nothing of that kind.
My sister needs me.

Oh? Short of money,
I suppose,

and the mortgage threatening.

Ha ha! How often I've played
in that situation.

My boy, after your bespeak,

you'll be able to send
her every Penny she needs,

more than that.

You're very kind, Mr. Crummles,

but you don't understand.

It's not really
a question of money.

Family affection.

Advice from a brother on
an affair of the heart.

You must write her, my boy.

I'll help you
with the letter myself.

You better read this.

What?

You can see how serious it is.

Seems so ungrateful of me.

If there was anything else
I could do...

You must go.

You must go at once.

There's not a moment to lose.

What drama.

What drama!

If I could take
the morning coach...

Yes, yes, by all means.

Attention, everyone!

Attention, everyone!

Smike, you'll be safe here
with Mr. Crummles, won't you?

I wanted to go with you.

I'm afraid you can't do that.

I'll send for you immediately things
are more settled.

We shall see him off first thing tomorrow,
the entire company.

Costumes from the funeral scene,
ways and means, act III.

Everyone much affected.

[Sniffs]

And the infant phenomenon
to present a bouquet.

Afterwards, a full rehearsal
for the entire company.

"Romeo and Juliet"?

No, no. We have no Romeo.

[Crying]

If you have tears,
forbear to shed them now.

Save them for the departure.

Mr. Crummles,
at great personal sacrifice...

My Romeo was notorious.

I can well believe it.

It'll take more than that
to save the day.

Off you go, my boy,
and make ready.

And remember, our good wishes go
with you every inch of the way.

Thank you, sir,

for all the goodness
you've shown to Smike and me.

I know you'll look after him.

Thank you, everyone,

for all your help
and your kindness.

I shall never forget you.

Adieu.

Good-bye.

We'll see you off tomorrow.

Good-bye, Molly.

[Woman crying]

Born for the lamps, too.

Crudden, call the pony
for tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

[Sniffs]

Acton court.
10 minutes, gentlemen.

[Indistinct chatter]

the old woman thinks we
are doing it for her health.

So they both come down
to windsor tomorrow, eh?

Yes. The old mare
goes out to grass,

and then the little filly
shows up aces.

[Men chuckling]

Come, let's give her the first glass
of the new Magnum.

Little Kate Nickleby!

[Laughter]

Men: Kate Nickleby!

Just a minute.

The little Jade,

she's a worthy imitation
of her uncle Ralph.

Hanged back to be
the more sought after.

That's going to
raise the interest.

Will you come outside
for a moment?

Upon me soul,
a mysterious stranger.

Name your business here
or nowhere.

The lady you named is my sister.

My business, you'll guess.

Are you coming outside?

No.

[Chuckles]

So much for the errand boy.

Man: London coach
just leaving, sir.

[Horn tooting]

I must say, hawk,

I still think you should have accepted

the fellow's challenge.

And I still think otherwise.

He was within
his rights, you know.

I'm not interested
one way or the other.

Eh?

What the devil?

You going to answer
for what you said?

To you, no!

You call yourself a gentleman?

Oh, go to the deuce!

Let go her head.
You'd better.

Let her go, I tell you.

Get off!

Not till you...

Aah!

Aah!

[Grunting]

[Knocking on door]

All right.
I'm just coming. I'm just coming.

Bless my soul!

Kate. I must...

Nicholas: I went away
on one condition:

That you would care
for my mother and Kate.

I left them to you,

and this is how you treat them.

Young girls like
to imagine things.

Kate is no exception.

Kate imagined nothing.

She told me nothing
of her trouble.

Your loose-tongued friends
made it clear enough.

You broke your promise,

and one day, you'll pay for it.

I see...

An I.O.U.
Of some kind,

due on some indefinite date.

You can sneer if you want to.

I may be young, I may have
no money and no experience,

but I know the difference
between good and evil,

and I know how people
of your type come to an end.

[Bells jingling]

From the very first,

you took advantage
of my helplessness.

I should have known better
than to trust you a second...

I've heard enough!

As for your mother
and your sister,

from now on,
you can care for them.

I fully intend to.

You'll never make use
of my sister again

for your business schemes.

Of course, they will have to
leave the home I've provided.

They've already left it!

They never want to see it again...
Or you.

I'll tell Mr. Nickleby.

Some of those things you said...

Oughtn't to have said them.

But they was good to hear.

It's easy enough to talk.

I have to make good my words.

Miss Bray is here.

Who?

Miss Bray?

Are you in or out?
You didn't tell me.

Perhaps you don't want
to see anybody.

Well, my dear?

I had to come, Mr. Nickleby.

It's my father's health.

For some time now,
he's not been very strong,

and yesterday, he had an att*ck.

The doctor always told him
to be careful of his heart.

Dear me.

If this imprisonment
has to go on,

I don't know what might happen.

You don't expect me
to cancel the debt,

to say nothing of Gride?

Oh, no.

If you could see your way to...

Reduce the interest, I suppose.

Yes.

Father can earn nothing.

The little
I manage to make is...

Barely enough to keep us
in the rules,

out of the prison itself.

After paying the interest
to you and Mr. Gride,

what chance have we
to pay off the debts?

How can we ever be free?

Child, child,
you must not distress yourself.

You'd do a great deal
to free your father, wouldn't you?

Yes.

Perhaps something
can be managed.

Something even more practical

than a reduction
in the interest.

I shall come in tomorrow
or the day after...

That's very kind of you.
Thank you.

Have a word or two
with your father,

and then, of course,
we shall have to see Mr. Gride.

Man: how much?

I thought two pounds a week.

Ha ha ha!

Is that asking for so very much?

Might as well ask for the moon.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning.

I'll wait till you finish
with the young gentleman.

What's this one under tuition,

knowledge of French required?

Dancing master.
Now, sir?

Just a moment, young man.

Am I to understand you
are seeking employment?

If I can find it, sir.

And you speak French?

Fairly well, sir.

Education... a great thing.

I never had any.

Come along with me.
But I...

Not another word.

[Bells tolling]

I saw it in "the times" that
you were in London again.

Regular as the clock, sir.

What do you think
of Wackford Jr.

As a specimen
of dotheboys hall feeding?

I brought him up to show
parents and guardians.

He has flesh.
He has firmness.

Look at them tears, sir.

There's oiliness.

Yeah, he looks well, indeed.

And are you quite recovered

from that young
scoundrel's att*ck?

I've only just started, sir.

I was one blessed bruise
from here to there.

Vinegar and brown paper
from morning till night.

You might have thought I was
a big brown paper parcel

chock full of
nothing else but grounds.

I should like a word with you.

Wackford,
run and buy yourself a tart.

Pastry makes their flesh shine.

Parents like it.

Now, sir?

I suppose you're not dolt
enough to forgive or forget

the v*olence done to you
by that nephew of mine...

Devil a bit.

Or to lose an opportunity
of repaying him.

Show me one.

Where is he?

I know where he is.

We shan't lose track of him.

Tell me, who was this boy
he took with him?

Was he young or old?

He might have been nigh 20

and was just beginning
to be useful about the place.

I had hopes of him even earning
me a bit in the village.

Perhaps he will yet.

My nephew will find it
harder than he thinks

to get the better of me.

Mother! Kate!

What happened?

Everything's happened.
Everything is settled.

Did you speak to your uncle?

Yes, but never mind about that.

Don't you want to hear my news?

I only wish we could.

I went to the agency.

Lo and behold, there he was.

Kate: who was?

Mr. Cheeryble,
the chubbiest, tubbiest,

most wonderful old gentleman
you've ever seen.

I never have seen him.

I'll show him to you.

Oh.

White cravat, double chin.

Very portly.

[Laughing]

[Deep voice]
Young man,

you are looking for work,
are you not?

And you speak French,
do you not?

But how do you know that?

Not another word, young man.

Follow me.

[Normal voice]
And off we go...

Into the city,

down threadneedle street,

off to the left,
off to the right,

and up front of his door.

Open the door,

and what do you think's inside?

Another Mr. Cheeryble...

White cravat, double chin,

very portly.

Twins!

As you say, madam.

And the first
Mr. Cheeryble says

to the second Mr. Cheeryble...

[Deep voice]
"Brother Ned,

here's just the young gentleman
we've been looking for."

Oh!
Oh!

"And he even speaks
French, brother Ned."

Oh, but what has that
got to do with...

Shh. Silk importers.
Do half their business with France.

"Young man,
we offer you the vacant stool

"in our counting house

at a salary
of 120 pounds a year."

Oh, 120?

"Just to start with, of course.

"And as they're looking for somewhere
to live, brother Charles,

why can't they have
the little cottage at bow?"

Cottage?

A real home again.

Bow... it's the sweetest little village.

Oh!

What is it, Smike?

Are you sure they'll want me?

Of course they will.

This is your home now.

I'm sure I heard a hackney.

Here we are, mother.
This is Smike,

just back from Portsmouth.

Any friend of Nicholas
is more than welcome.

And this is my sister, Kate.

I've heard so much about you.

We are only just settling in,

so I hope you'll forgive us

if there's not much
in the house, I mean.

[Nicholas chuckles]

Mrs. Nickleby:
Well, now, Nicholas,

much as you'd like me
to stand here talking,

I have so much to do.

Then we mustn't
keep you, mother.

So like your dear papa.

Never able to keep
his thoughts on one subject

for two minutes together.

Now, what was I saying?
Oh, yes.

Flowers for
miss la Verzey's room.

You know, a fine
Saturday morning like this

always puts me in mind of...

[Men talking indistinctly]

I'll wager no one dragged you
so far out of the city

this last 10 years.

Here we are.

They must have been profiteers.

Mrs. Nickleby.

It is, yes.
Good morning.

I am Frank Cheeryble,
and this is mister...

Cheeryble?

Not one of the brothers, surely?

A nephew, ma'am,
but also in the firm.

And this is Mr. Linkinwater,

our confidential clerk.

How nice.

Kate's my daughter.

Mr. Cheeryble, Mr. Linkin.

Oh, I've got it wrong.

Well, now do come inside.

We were strolling by this way,

and we thought we'd call to see

if you were
settling in comfortably.

Of course, in Devonshire,
the earwigs always used to fall in

around tea on Sunday evenings.

What in the world?

Pardon me.
Oh!

Let me help you.
There.

Oh.

Very kind of you.

I want to get to the kitchen.

Oh, but I haven't
introduced them.

Heh heh heh!

Isn't there some work
you can put me to?

Please come in and sit down.

No, no, miss Nickleby,
I insist on helping.

Now... what can I do?

Well, if you could
put the books away.

Oh! That doesn't sound
very arduous.

I'm a very good furniture mover,
you know.

And as for hanging
pictures, well...

Oh, no.
I must dust them first.

Oh, forgive my ignorance.

In my bookshelves, they only get
dusted if they're taken out.

So the dry and dusty authors

get dustier, still, I suppose.

Naturally.
It's a very good system.

You can tell at a glance what's
worth reading and what isn't.

Oh, miss la Creevy did that.

It can't be you, surely.

It is.

I should never have guessed it

were it not for the brooch.

She is no flatterer,
this miss la... uh...

Nicholas: Creevy.

Better not let her hear you.

Kate, Nicholas,

Mr. Lavenderwater's found out
how to light the boiler.

Isn't it the cleverest thing?

Well, Mr. Cheeryble,

that's Kate's miniature
you have there.

Isn't it a most
delightful likeness?

This is miss la Creevy.

Oh, I...

I was just admiring your work.

Nicholas:
especially the brooch.

Quite the sweetest portrait
I've ever done.

Now, come, everyone.

It's homemade cordial.
At least, I think it is.

Well, did you collect the money?

I couldn't.
His lordship wasn't in.

At this hour?

Wasn't hawk there?

Gone abroad.

Or going.

Abroad? Hawk?

Had to run for it
after the duel.

What are you babbling about, man?
What duel?

What story is this that
you've been fobbed off with?

No story. They had an argument,
him and lord Verisopht,

about hawk's accident.

Accident.
Attempted m*rder.

Go on.

Go on!

His lordship said
hawk was to blame.

Well, they'd been drinking.

Tempers ran high.
So they fought it out.

Pistols.

His lordship lost.

You mean to tell me that he's...

Dead as a doornail.

That's why he wasn't in.

Dead.

Your nephew has lost an enemy,

and you have lost 6,000 pounds.

That's enough!

[Bells jingling]

Buried him at twickenham.

Get out!

[Knock knock]

Are you at home?

No!

News, Mr. Nickleby.

Wackford's done it, he has.

I seen him, didn't I, father?

You did, my boy,

and you shall have
the best button-over jacket

the new boys bring down
as a reward.

And another thing...

I found the very man for you.

You might remember Mr. Snawley.

He's done it!

His capital b's and d's
are exactly like mine.

And not a figure scratched out.

There ain't such a young man
in all London.

Well said, Tim.

I'm certain our young friend
will succeed in no time.

Didn't I say so,
brother Charles?

Brother Ned, you did.

Come into our room,
Mr. Nickleby.

Just look at those
b's and d's, Mr. Ned.

I have only to look at your face,
my dear fellow.

They're written there
as plain as on the ledger.

[Chuckling]

We have to go to the continent.

We have to go to the continent.

So, for the next month or two,

frank will be in charge here.

He will have much to occupy him.

So we want you
to take off his hands

a little matter
he's been attending to.

It concerns a father and child.

They're in financial
distress, Mr. Nickleby.

The mother was
an old friend of ours.

She's been dead now some years.

We're anxious to help
for her sake

and the girl's.

But if her father knew,

he'd make her life a misery.

Yes, brother Charles.

Yes, brother Ned.

He always resented our friendship
with the mother.

In fact, he seems
to resent everything.

So we're doing what we can
without his knowledge.

The child has some
artistic talent,

and we have become...

Dealers in the fine arts.
Eh, brother Ned?

Yes, brother Charles.

[Chuckles]

[Man shouting]

Excuse me, sir.

I'm looking for
Mr. Bray's lodging.

Next landing.

Thank you.

Lodgings, he says.

Ha! Yes.

With a turnkey for the landlord.

[Door opens]

You're miss Bray.

I never thought we'd meet again.

I didn't even know your name,

where to find you.

It seemed too much
to hope for a third time.

You were so kind that day.

I had no chance to thank you.

Bray: who is it, Madeline?
What do they want?

I'm from your friends,
the Cheerybles, the dealers.

I shall be coming in future.

Miss Bray, many times since, I...

Madeline. Madeline!

Yes, father.

Please come in.

You may remember
this gentleman, father.

He helped us the day we...

Left home.

Never mind that.
What's his business here?

I've called about
a pair of handscreens.

My employers ask you
to proceed with them.

And I'm to pay for the two drawings
with many thanks.

See the money's right, Madeline.

Open it, my dear.

It's quite right,
father, I'm sure.

Sure?

How can you be sure?

5 pounds.

Well, is that right?

Yes.

Well, get it changed.

Get me a newspaper.

Buy me some grapes.

There'll be other things,

but you can go out again later.

What are you waiting for?

A receipt?

No, sir.
There's no need for that.

No need?
What do you mean?

Do you think you bring your paltry
money here as a gift? Is that it?

Father.

Give him a receipt.

Just because you can't
appreciate the time and taste

bestowed on the goods
you deal in,

I suppose you think
you give your money away.

Good day, sir.

Thank you.

The way my father spoke to you...

He's been very ill.

He's worse than usual, is all.

I've forgotten it already.

Thank you.

Miss Bray?

Miss Bray, I'm not very good

at disguising my feelings.

My interest isn't confined
to my mission here.

If there's anything I can do
for you at any time,

I want you to know you
have only to call on me.

I still don't understand it.

Ralph Nickleby become
a charitable institution.

Now, now.

What's that to you?

You're getting the money
Bray owes you paid in full.

That's more than you
ever expected.

And more than Bray
or his daughter expected, either,

I warrant.

His daughter!

Of course!

Good-looking
as well as optimistic, eh?

Does Bray suspect
your intentions?

He should do.
Heh heh heh!

I've asked his daughter's
hand in marriage.

Marriage?

Oh, so that's the story, is it?

Somebody to grace
your table, eh?

One who can't run away
like your little niece did

when the clients
start their wagers.

Married for business
as well as pleasure, eh?

Good day, Mr. Gride.

[Gride chuckling]

Ah, miss Bray.

Or may I now presume
to call you Madeline?

Going out, my dear?

I was, for my father.

Do, then.

I trust I'll have time enough
to enjoy your society

in more congenial surroundings.

[Knock on door]

Bray: come in.

Well, Bray,

I've come for my answer.

Shh!

The girl may hear you.

She's gone out.

Besides, if she hadn't,
what would it matter?

You've had time enough
to give her...

A hint of your wishes.

A hint?

Do you think I have to hint
to my own daughter?

I was about to add
that a hint from you

is doubtless the equivalent
of a command.

Do I take it as settled, then?

I don't know.

It seems a cruel thing.

Cruel? It would make
a good marriage.

Why, hundreds do it every year.

The girl might fancy
a younger man, I suppose.

She'd like to fall in love.

Can't she see
what this means to you?

You are an ill man, Bray,

but you're not
too ill to recover.

If only you had your freedom.

Gaiety is your element...

France, with the money
to support you there in luxury.

And what's the reverse
side of the picture?

A pauper's grave out there.

She understands that
well enough.

Then she understands
her plain duty.

Nicholas, I thought
you'd never be home.

Oh, my dear,
I'm so glad you've come.

I really didn't know
what to do for the best.

It was only this afternoon.

I wasn't in, and mama
couldn't stop them.

Stop who?
What's happened?

Smike's gone.

Gone? What do you mean?

Taken away.

Two men came.

That schoolmaster
was one of them.

Squeers!

And a Mr. Snawley,
the other one said his name was.

A most unpleasant man.

He said he was Smike's father.

He had a birth certificate
to prove it,

and letters, too.

He's going to hand him back
to Mr. Squeers.

Poor soul.

He was just planting
the window box there,

and the look on his face,
I'll never forget it...

Not Mr. Snawley's face,
I don't think.

But perhaps now I should
call him young Mr. Snawley,

being the son of that...

Oh, mama, what kind of a father

to send him back to Squeers?

You should have stopped them.

But they were so violent.

[Knock on door]

Oh! Who's that?

Kate: Mr. Noggs!

I've come to warn you
about the boy.

He's gone already.
He's gone.

Halfway to Hampshire by now.

I mean, Yorkshire.

But there's no coach
till tomorrow.

The saracen's head!

I've never thrashed a boy
in a coach before.

There's inconvenience in it,

but the novelty gives it
a sort of relish, too.

Not feeling quite so
bumpish, are you, now?

I must go home.

You'll be home
very soon, you will,

in the peaceful
village of dotheboys.

Ha ha ha!

Your mother will be fit
to jump out of her skin,

Wackford, when she
hears about this.

I caught hold of his leg
when you brought him in, didn't I?

Like a good'un.

You always do
as your father does,

and when you die,

you'll go right up to heaven,

with no questions asked.

What a girl.

What a delicious girl.

I'll teach you to
stop running off.

[Laughing]

[Laughter]

You can't put a finger on me.

I know the law.

He's to come back
with me, he is.

Nicholas:
I thrashed you once.

If that's not enough...

[Yelling]

Squeers: there, there.
Do get up.

Come on, get up.

Come, Smike.
I'll help you.

Ohh.

You haven't heard
the last of this!

So, kidnapping boys, would you?

Heaven bless me.
He...

There's laws against kidnapping!

I got a witness!

Wackford knows the nature
of an oath!

Wait till the next assizes!

[Yelling]

Where are you?

Poor boy.

It seems impossible.

Why? What is it?

All those years back...

Poor boy.

Now, come, Smike.

I'm not hungry.

But you must eat
to build up your strength.

Nicholas will be angry with you,

and I shall be angry, too.

You won't be angry.

Yes, I shall.

Now are you going to
finish it for me?

Come in. Come in.

Supper's nearly ready.

Nicholas, my dear.

Oh, why you're not with them.

He's not with you, I mean.

He had to stay behind
to see someone.

A message came this afternoon.

Then that explains everything,

I suppose.

Well, this is a pleasure.
Heh heh heh!

Kate's in the garden,
Mr. Cheeryble.

Why don't you go out there

and tell her you're in here?

That is, I mean, well...

You see, you can,

if you make up your mind to it.

Only because you made me.

Is there anything else
you'd like?

Then I'll go in.

Oh. It's you.

I couldn't knock
at this bedroom door.

Better, I hope?

Yes, thank you.

Good.
Then you'll forgive me

if I steal her away from you.

Tell me, miss Nickleby,

do you believe that
history repeats itself?

Why do you ask that?

I was thinking of the last family
that lived in this cottage.

They were a mother,
son, and daughter, too.

I only hope that life here

will be as kind
to you and your family

as it was to them.

It has been kind already.

It's brought us new friends...
Your uncles,

Mr. Linkinwater, and... You.

But what happened
to the other family?

Do tell me.

Well, the mother lived here
to a ripe old age,

the son made a career
in the city,

and the daughter met
a young man and married him.

She always said
that this cottage

brought her a lifetime
of happiness.

You seem to have
known her quite well.

She was my mother.

I think that history does
repeat itself sometimes.

Don't you... Kate?

5 years old, eh?

When the schoolmaster
first took him in.

And the man that brought him
wasn't his father.

Yes, it all fits.

What does?

Date, facts, everything.

Answer him if you can,
Mr. Ralph Nickleby.

Smike? And uncle Ralph?

You mean there's
some connection?

Do I? Perhaps I do.

Well, we shall soon know.

I'll have a free hand tomorrow.

He hasn't asked you
to the wedding, has he?

Wedding? Who?

Didn't you know?

Your uncle!

Getting married.

20 years since his wife d*ed.

Now he suddenly
decides to take another.

Married? Uncle Ralph?

Your doing in one way, you know.

You stopped him using your sister
as a bait for his business.

If he marries miss Bray,
he's got her for good.

Not miss Bray
who lives in Southwark,

in the rules of the prison.

That's the one.

But she couldn't!

She can't know what he is.

She knows,

but old Bray's deep in debt,

and even my generous employer

couldn't leave his father-in-law
in the king's bench.

[Door opens]

You.

I heard of your marriage.

I came to beg you
to reconsider it.

You don't understand.

I understand everything.
I know what you're doing.

But I know my uncle, too.
No one better.

Your uncle?

If what he's done to
his own family isn't enough...

To my mother, my sister, to me.

You can't marry him.

You don't know
what it would mean.

My father's dying in this place.

I must get him out of it.

I won't disguise it.

I've been through
great unhappiness.

If you'd only wait,
just a week or two.

My employers are abroad.

They're expected back soon.

I'm sure if they knew, they'd...

No.

No, I've taken
so much from them.

Besides, if I were
to disappoint father now...

You haven't seen him as I have,

growing weaker every day.

He's better already at
the thought of leaving here.

I won't put it off,
even for an hour.

He's playing on your feelings.

I'm his daughter.

I'm not unhappy now.

I'm happy at all I can achieve
for him so easily.

How can you be happy?
How can you ever be?

Miss Bray,

Madeline, I have no right
to interfere, I know that,

but from the first
moment I saw you,

at the agency,

I've held you
in the deepest regard.

And since then, I've come to...

No.
No. I beg of you.

I'm not here because of that,
believe me.

It's not from any thought
of my own feelings.

I don't presume to imagine

you've even spared me a thought.

Why should you?

I have, many times.

You must go.

What are you doing here?

I'm here to save miss Bray
if I can, from you.

It's no business of yours.

You'd better go
while you can save your skin!

If you were a younger man...

Please!

I'm ready to come.

No, I won't let you.

I must. I must!

Come.

Kate, speak to her.

If there's anything I can say
to beg you to listen to my brother...

The girl, too.

A whole parcel of them.

I advise you to leave here,
my lady.

I can use force
with your brother.

You can use force with me.

I've no doubt you'd like to.

Will you go?

No, I'll not go!

From the moment
we came to London,

you thought you could
do as you liked with us.

Mama trusted you.
We all did.

We found you out now,

and we're free of your charity.

I'm not afraid of you.

If you won't get out,
I'll have you turned out, the pair of you!

Where's Bray?

No, let me, please!

Bray!

Ralph: Bray!

If you don't want that daughter
of yours to change her mind...

[Knocking on door]

Are you there?

Father!

Father!

Father! Father!

Ohh!

[People murmuring]

You will leave that girl here.

She's free now.

There's nothing
you can do to touch her.

[Door opens]

[Door closes]

Ralph: Noggs.

Take down this letter.

"To Mr. Squeers,

the saracen's head, snow hill."

Hmm.

"I have decided

"to finance any legal action
you may care to take

against my nephew."

Ho ho! Ho!

He isn't there?

Who isn't?

Mr. Squeers.

He's at bow street
police station.

You're lying.

Oh, no, I'm not.

And Mr. Squeers
hasn't been lying, either.

Mr. Squeers has confessed
to conspiracy

with regard to
a birth certificate

and certain letters
purporting to prove

that a Mr. Snawley
was the father.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Don't you?

Mr. Squeers says otherwise.

So does Mr. Snawley.

So do the police.

Hold your tongue,
you treacherous, sneaking...

I've held my tongue
for 15 years,

stood by helpless while
you ruined many another

as once you ruined me.

You ruined yourself.

You'd sell your soul
if you had one for a little gin.

But I wouldn't sell
my own flesh and blood.

And it's not only little Kate
I'm thinking of.

I've seen the boy, Smike,

the living image of his mother,

of your wife.

My wife?

Didn't know
I knew that, did you.

That you had a son?

Your wife d*ed,
but the child lived,

and you had to keep
his birth a secret

or the money would have
gone to him.

You put him out
with a poor family, didn't you,

to bring up as their own?

You paid them well for it,
haven't you, ever since?

Well, they didn't keep the boy.

It isn't true.

They put him to school
in Yorkshire.

They put him in dotheboys hall.

They cheated me.

Yes. They cheated you,

just as you've cheated
hundreds of others.

In the gutter for this.

And I'll deal with you, too.

Will you? Will you?

I've waited all these years

for a chance to
settle our account,

and now at last it's come.

The police have been here,

and I've told them everything.

There'll be another
charge against you now...

Depriving your own son
of his birthright,

robbing him of a fortune.

They'll transport you
for that, you know.

Ha ha ha!

They'll confiscate
every Penny you've got!

Ha ha ha!

You can't escape now.

It doesn't matter where you go.

Off to see a lawyer, is that it?

See if he can help you.

Or are you going to
bring the boy home?

Own him as your own son,

give him back the money?

No use, no good.

Nothing can help you now...
Money or lawyers!

It doesn't matter where you go!

You're too late!

Ha ha ha!

Too late! Ha ha ha!

[Door opens]

There's such a change in him.

What did the doctor say?

There's nothing we can do.

Only wait.

[Sobs]

It's me, Smike.

Don't let her know.

I... I...

I didn't mean to keep it.

Keep what?

Kate.

He loves her.

She loves him.

Couldn't... bear...
to see it.

Forgive me.

[Thunder]

[Ringing]

Noggs, voice-over:
I've seen the boy, Smike.

The very image of his mother,
of your wife.

Ha ha ha!

They'll transport you for that.

Ha ha ha!

It doesn't matter what you do.

You can't save yourself.

You're too late.

Too late.

Transport you.

Can't escape.

Yes, just as you cheated others.

Depriving your own son
of his birthright,

robbing him of a fortune.

Nothing can help you now...
Money or lawyers.

No escape.

You're too late.

Too late.

Too late.

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

And let us try
to remember always

the beautiful words of the marriage
service we have just heard.

For richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,

to love and to Cherish,

in death us do...

I didn't have 3 bridegrooms.

Not that I was ever
short of suitors.

I must have had
a dozen at least.

Let me see.
There was young Lukin, Mogley, Tipslark...

He was hung afterwards.

Then there was cabbery, smifser,

the young gentleman who went
to the same dancing school.

Oh. And my poor, dear husband,
of course.