Dance with a Stranger (1985) Movie Script
1
I still believe
We were meant
for each other
I still believe
That you're mine
and no other
It can't be right
we should part this way
With our love all aflame
Forget who's to blame
Our love cannot die
I still believe
We shall soon be together
I still believe
This is our stormy weather
I live again
And I love again
When I'm holding you
in my arms
Though my heart
is breaking
I still believe
[laughing, chattering]
[crowd chattering]
[crowd counting loudly]
One, two, three, four,
-five, six-- good
-Evening, Mr. Cussen.
Okay.
[counting continues]
[crowd continues counting]
Now will you go out
to supper with me?
[continues]
[tempo slows]
[chattering]
You've brought us to
den of vice, Desmond.
[man] you should feel
at home then.
These places
are glorified brothels.
[man] And who are you?
The glorified brothel keeper.
Uh, David Blakely, Ruth Ellis.
Ruth Ellis, David Blakely.
Charmed.
[David] You're a dark horse,
Desmond.
I wouldn't have thought
a sink of iniquity like this
was quite your style.
[man] Cliff Davis.
Will you dance with me?
[tango music playing]
[laughs]
Any complaints?
I want a pianist.
What's wrong
with the record player?
Nothing,
but we should have both.
People like pianists.
It will pay off, Morrie.
Don't Be stingy.
You know me, Ruth.
Part of the fun of having money
is the pain of parting with it.
Do we get a pianist?
Give it a try.
[sighs]
And we should have book
matches printed
with the club's name
on it to give away.
It's all publicity
and costs nothing.
Here, look at these.
The Clue Club. The Embassy.
Everybody gives them away.
No.
We're attracting a different
class of customer now, Morrie.
They're all punters.
The toffs like a bit of spit
and sawdust.
[scoffs] Well, they're
not getting it in my place.
[thumping, girl laughing]
Going at it a bit vigorous,
aren't they?
I'm not planning to stay
Here forever, Morrie.
I want to work
for myself someday.
Don't cross the boss, Ruth.
All right, go ahead
and order your book matches.
They'll bring
the ceiling down at this rate.
[bedsprings squeaking]
[couple moaning, laughing]
-[music on radio]
-Shut up, you dirty devils!
[Morrie] They're working.
Andria will be home
from school soon.
I don't want him hearing that.
If he's brought up in
this place, he'd better
start getting used to it.
He isn't going to be
brought up here.
When the toffs want to
get rid of their nippers,
they send them to Eton.
[chuckles]
Would you dance
with a stranger
On a night made for love
Would you dance
with a stranger
'neath the starlight
above
And in the shadows
Far away from the crowd
In one sweet moment
Would a kiss be allowed
There's a thrill
that comes stealing
[continues, indistinct]
With the compliments
of the gentleman at the bar.
Hmm. It's that pompous
little pillock friend
of yours, Desmond.
Would you dance
with a stranger
Do join us, Mr. Blakely?
Hello.
I hope this is the real thing.
The drinks in these places
are usually watered down.
Watered
or half-inched, darling.
Cheers.
Where are you going?
[Ruth] I must attend
to my customers.
[conga music playing]
[continues]
Are your eyelashes real?
Everybody says
they'd look better on a girl.
I think they look
very nice on you.
Where do you live?
Over the shop.
-Can I take you home tonight?
-Yes.
[sighs] I love you.
Everybody does.
Why should you be different?
I want you to love me.
Oh, yes. [laughs]
I wish you didn't work
in this place.
You talk too much,
Mr. Blakely.
Has Desmond ever slept
in this bed with you?
No.
Come to think of it,
he must be the only man
in London who hasn't.
[laughs]
Some people have no shame.
Some people have
enough for everyone.
-Do you know a Mrs. Ellis?
-Yeah, upstairs, mate.
Sign there, please.
[vacuum cleaner noise]
Thank you.
[engine whining,
brakes squealing]
[Ruth screaming]
David! Come on, David!
[laughs]
David!
Wouldn't you see more if
you wore your glasses, Ruth?
Men don't make passes at
girls who wear glasses.
-It would drive me mad.
-What?
-You must miss so much, Ruth.
-I'm vain.
[Ruth squealing]
[engine accelerating]
Now, Ruth,
you'll have to go down a bit.
No, up a bit, up a bit.
Lovely. David, down.
-Cut your legs off.
Thank you.
-[snaps shutter]
[Cliff] Smile, please.
Watch the birdie.
-Kick the squirrels.
-[laughing]
-[shutter snaps]
-Lovely.
Come on, Carol.
You can do better than that.
This is fabulous grub.
No doubt,
but I'm not hungry.
-You cold?
-No. Is my nose red?
You'd be warmer
sitting in the car.
Thank you.
[girl in distance]
David! David!
Who's that?
Oh, the kind of girl my mother
would like me to marry.
Come over here! Come on.
[engines revving]
Are you really
interested in all this?
I'm interested
in having another drink.
You do a great picnic.
You must have been up all night
rattling your pots and pans.
You're a smashing girl, Ruth.
I'd really like to fuck you.
Do you know that?
Don't let David see you
flirting with me, Cliff.
What if he does?
Will he hit me?
No, he'll hit me.
Shall I wait for you, ma'am?
[laughs]
You can get pinched
for Impersonating a cabbie,
Desmond.
Look, it's all right.
The meter doesn't work.
I prefer The Zephyr.
-[taps on counter]
-Excuse me.
I want two dozen red carnations
sent to Mr. David Blakely,
Assistant catering manager,
the Hyde Park Hotel,
Knightsbridge.
Dear Mr. Blakely,
Congratulations on your
forthcoming marriage.
Please return
front door key immediately.
[David] You can keep your
bloody flowers, Mrs. Ellis.
My front door key,
and don't shout.
-Andria's asleep.
-"Andria's asleep."
What am I doing mixed up
with a divorced nightclub
hostess with two children?
If you don't like it,
David Blakely, you can lump it.
You won't find
another one like me.
You're all the same.
The key.
No... I'm keeping it.
I'll call the police if
You don't leave me alone.
You can call the Brigade
of Guards for all I care.
Shall I put them in water?
They cost a fortune.
Who told you I was engaged?
Desmond.
I didn't think you'd care.
You should have told me.
I... thought you'd send me
away if I did.
I fancy you too much.
[cheerful music playing]
Come on, Des. Shake it
around a bit before you go.
What are you
doing tomorrow, Ruth?
I'm going to see my sister.
-Would you like a lift?
-Oh, would you mind?
No, my pleasure.
I'll ring you.
[David] One more, Christine.
-[Christine] The bar's closed.
-I'm not just any old customer.
Stand and deliver.
-Put it on the slate.
-No more booze
and no more credit.
Look, squire,
the lady said the bar's closed.
-[grunting, laughing]
-[women shrieking]
[David continues laughing]
All right, mate. Sorry, mate.
It's okay. It's okay.
Everything all right,
gentlemen?
Some of your customers
are a bit short on manners,
Mr. Conley.
It won't happen again, Roy.
-Have a drink at our table, Roy.
-No, thanks.
See you, gentlemen.
Do you want me to lose my job?
It's not my fault.
Ask her.
I only wanted a drink.
Here, take this.
I'm going.
Sit him down
before he falls down.
[sighs]
If he thinks he's spending
another night with me,
he's got another think coming.
[Christine] Sure.
Is your horrible appearance
the result of having
a good time?
Can I go upstairs now?
For a minute.
Could you come with me?
I won't be long.
[opens cash register, sighs]
Looks nice.
I think I'll cash up
in the morning.
Have you seen
my glasses anywhere?
Here.
Don't get snotty
with me, Christine.
You take him too seriously.
I don't take any
of them seriously.
They've still got their
mother's milk dribbling
down their chins.
Why is it that you can drink
all night without
getting sloshed?
-I'm a professional.
-Hmm.
And now I want to sleep,
so will you shift yourself
and go home to your mother?
I can go in the morning.
Go now.
I can't sleep without you.
They were looking for the fish.
Did they find it?
I've got to take
a packed lunch.
You've got to stop
causing trouble downstairs.
The customers don't like it.
And neither do I.
I'm a privileged customer.
I don't mind high spirits,
but yours have a knack
of turning nasty.
Anybody would think we were
talking about the Ritz
instead of a tatty little
drinking club for deadbeats.
You wouldn't be allowed to
drink on credit at the Ritz.
You spend too much time
with Cussen.
He's a friend.
He's after you.
So what?
Not that he'd ever dare
do anything about it.
Except follow you around
like a little dog.
You know what they say
about still waters.
[laughs]
His waters aren't still,
they're stagnant.
Leave me alone, Mrs. Ellis.
Go to sleep.
It's late.
And you've got
another busy day tomorrow.
That's more
than can be said for you.
[sighs]
I want my dinner money.
In my bag.
-Have you had something to eat?
-I wanted porridge.
I haven't got any.
I know.
I suppose that's why
you wanted it.
Andy!
-Wake David and give him this.
-[water bubbling, spilling]
-I've combed it once.
-Once a year isn't enough.
-I'm not a baby.
-Yes, you are.
Do you think it's good
for Andy to live over
a gin palace
and under a knocking shop?
I have nothing to do
with that side of the business.
You're an awful mother.
I'll have a proper home
for him soon and Georgina.
I think it's unnatural for
a mother to give her baby up.
George is her father.
Why doesn't he take Andy?
-He doesn't want Andy.
Andy Isn't his.
-[David scoffs]
God, your life's
so complicated.
Then get out of it.
I'm going to France.
Why?
Le Mans.
-What's that?
-A 24-hour race
with sports cars.
You'll never be as good
as your other racing
driver friends.
Oh, don't talk to me
about things you know
nothing about.
You don't work hard
enough at it,
and you drink too much.
When is this race?
Soon.
If your fiance thinks
anything of you,
she should start getting you
into proper shape.
Otherwise, you won't last
five minutes, never mind
24 hours.
Leave her out of it.
[scoffs]
Poor cow. Somebody
should have warned her.
Somebody should have
warned me about you.
If you really feel like that,
then leave me alone
and get out of here.
I'll send you a postcard
from France.
France isn't far enough. Out.
Next time you see me,
I'll be rich and famous.
-[waves crashing]
-[cawing]
[Ruth laughing] He's happy.
[both laughing]
Thank you.
So is Andy. Look.
So am I.
Are you sure?
You've made the sun shine
for the first time this year.
Like a banana?
-No, thanks.
-Don't blame you.
They're terrible things,
aren't they?
Let's have one for the album.
-Andy!
-Andy!
Look at the camera!
[Desmond] Have you thought
about what's going to happen
to him when he gets older?
[Ruth] I want him to go
to boarding school.
Yes, that's probably
the best thing.
If you're gonna go on
working at the club.
Can't see me giving
the club up.
Can you afford
a boarding school?
Not at the moment.
If you're strapped for cash,
you know I'd always help out.
Thanks, Des. Come on.
Happy snaps.
He may be camera shy,
but I'm not.
[Ruth chuckling]
[Desmond] You're good at this.
I like it.
-I picked it up in my camera
club days.
-[shutter snaps]
But we had to show
a bit more than leg.
[shutter snaps]
That's when I came to
the conclusion
that all men are mad.
-They never had film
in their cameras.
-[shutter snaps]
Have you?
-[bells ringing]
-[Desmond] Ah, you see?
-You have a go.
-No, I'm never
any good at these.
-All you've got to do is put
the money in.
-Any more pennies?
[indistinct]
[Ruth] What's that?
"Cuddlesome."
[both laughing]
-Did you mean what you said?
-About what?
-About sending Andy
to boarding school.
-Yes.
-I'll pay you back when I can.
-You don't have to worry
about that.
[shot fired]
You're a good shot.
Will Andy mind being
away from home?
Whenever I've asked him
about it, he seemed
very keen on the idea.
Then we ought to start
getting some information
together about it.
If he can find a decent place,
he could start next September.
Shall I have a go?
Yeah.
Hold it way into your shoulder.
Pull that back.
Take aim. That's it.
Fire.
-[shot fired]
-[both laughing]
[fanfare]
[rooster crows]
[newsreel narrator] Fifty-eight
entries make a quick
getaway at the start
of the Le Mans 24-hour
Grand Prix sports car race.
This year it promises
to be a battle royal
between the Ferraris
and the British Jaguars.
[engine roaring]
Among the 300,000 spectators
Is playboy diplomat Rubirosa
and the fabulous Zsz Zsa Gabor.
Night falls and still
the race goes on.
The three Ferraris
are going well,
But the jaguars have
had trouble with sand
in their petrol.
Sterling moss is out
of the race.
In driving rain, Gonzales
and his codriver, Continos,
hold onto their lead.
Then the British leylander
skids into trouble.
Eric Thompson
and Dennis Ball
are out of it now.
The 24 hours will soon be up.
The jaguar draws nearer
Gonzales in a desperate
all out bid.
But it's the Ferrari
that comes in to win.
Only a hundred
and five seconds in front
of the British car.
[engine revs]
Too bad Britain couldn't
quite pull It off for
the second year running.
[Andy reading] "An interesting
Point was the presence
"of four generations of
one family at this party.
"otherwise, there were
very few grown-ups.
"there were Caroline's lovely
Mother, miss Oliver Fitzherberg,
"her grandmother,
miss Harold Hague,
And her great-grandmother,
Miss Tennyson Shafto."
Try something else.
"I was interested to hear
that other young girls
finishing at..."
"Finishing at les..."
Les, um...
I don't know that word.
Oh, it's French... I think.
Les ambassadrices.
What does it mean?
It's the name of a finishing
school in Switzerland.
What do you do there?
It's where young ladies go
To finish their education.
They learn to cook
and sew and fill in
divorce papers.
Did you go to one?
[laughs] No.
Can I stop now?
Yes. You read very well.
[sighs]
Gorgeous or gruesome?
-Gruesome.
-[laughs]
I've told you not to
tell lies to your mother.
[sprays perfume]
I've got to go now.
-Is he gonna be there?
-Who?
Bedtime.
He's making a racing car.
it's called The Emperor.
How discreet.
Who is he?
I want a pair of goggles.
Not the toy ones, real ones.
For Christmas, can I?
[door closes]
[second door opens, closes]
[Ruth, indistinct]
[Ruth giggling]
Let's go.
[cheerful instrumental music]
[crowd applauding]
-I thought he was still
in France.
-So did I.
But there's always
a great deal of
difference between
what David says
and what he does.
-How's your rumba?
-As good as yours.
[rumba music playing]
-Have you been here before?
-No.
We should try it sometime,
see if it's as good as they say.
[gasps] You're getting
very bold, suggesting
a dirty weekend.
-I'm sorry.
-[laughs] Only teasing.
Don't be embarrassed.
You're so shy sometimes.
Is that another way
of saying I'm boring?
-I calm down when I'm with you.
-You always seem calm to me.
-Ah. I've never lost
my temper with you.
-No.
You're lucky.
It's not a pretty sight.
Whenever I lost my temper
with my soon-to-be-ex-husband,
we always ended up fighting.
[Desmond] He hit you?
[Ruth] Sometimes
I was glad he did.
I used to hear myself
going on and on at him,
And I wished I could stop
because the sound of my voice
was driving me mad.
He asked for what he got.
Poor old George. He's as
glad as I am that it's over.
But he's come out of it
worse than I have.
-[Desmond] He's got
the little girl.
-I'll get her back one day.
But he's belting the bottle
worse than ever now.
God knows why he's still
employed as a dentist.
He's better at knocking
teeth out these days
than he is at putting them in.
Whenever I'm with you, Desmond,
All I do is talk about myself.
You must get sick of it.
You should tell me to shut up.
-[laughs]
-[music stops]
-Glad you made it.
-Hello, Ruth. Drink?
Um... See you later.
Oh.
[laughs]
Would you like to dance?
[music playing]
[Desmond sighs heavily]
A bottle of champagne, please.
How much is that doggy
in the window woof, woof
I do hope
that doggy's for sale
I must take
a trip to California
You dance like an ape.
-When did you get back?
-Weeks ago.
You stayed away this long.
Why spoil it now?
I suppose I must miss you.
Your mother wouldn't like
to hear you talk like that.
-I saw you dancing with her.
-Hmm?
-Very touching.
-[laughs]
I can't wait to invite her
to one of my coffee mornings.
[music playing]
-[cork pops]
-[Ruth laughing]
Oh, that came out easy.
-[Cliff] what are we
celebrating?
-My divorce.
[music resumes]
Cheers.
I still believe
We were meant
for each other
I still believe
You belong to no other
Has your divorce
really come through?
Just wishful thinking.
We should part this way
With our love all aflame
Forget who's to blame
Our love cannot die
I still believe
We shall soon be together
I still believe
This is our stormy weather
I'll live again
And I'll love again
When I'm holding you
in my arms
Though my heart
is breaking
I still believe
[doorbell rings]
[buzzing]
Bounce my brains,
look who's here.
What do you think you're doing?
Get out.
Good baby-sitters are hard
to find. I'm one of the best.
I suppose you picked the
technique up from your nanny?
-Yes.
-Maybe your nanny should
come and work for me.
I'm afraid she's still got her
hands full looking after me.
I see you helped yourself
to the scotch.
It's all part of your
villainous employer's generous
home entertainment allowance.
It still has to be paid for.
We're neither of us working to
support the idle aristocracy.
You exaggerate
my social standing.
I don't give a fiddler's fuck
about your social standing.
You've no business letting
yourself in when I'm not here.
On your way.
At least Andy
was pleased to see me.
I'm going to teach him to
drive when he's old enough.
You won't be around that long.
-Don't play the fool.
-I don't like being
without you, Ruth.
Go and say that
to your fiance.
I don't have one anymore,
I broke it off.
-You callous swine.
-I love you.
You've got a funny way
of showing it.
Well, It's never happened
to me before.
Well, what are you
going to do about it?
I'm flat broke, Ruth.
Have you squandered
your inheritance?
What's left of that's got
to go into The Emperor.
I'm paying ant a tenner
a week to work on it.
I thought your tycoon
stepfather was sorting
that out for you.
He's interested,
but he won't put any money
into it.
I don't blame him.
You lost the French race,
didn't you?
You know we did.
Do you really think you're
a good driver, David?
-You've seen me race.
-I've never seen you win.
Do you think I should
chuck it in then?
I'm not saying give it
up altogether,
just keep it on as a hobby.
I only care about cars, Ruth.
The Emperor is not just
going to be a race winner.
It's going to be a prototype
of car that could sell for
a thousand each.
-Are you panicking?
-Yes.
I know the feeling.
-I want to come here
and live with you.
-Don't be silly.
You can't run away from home
just because your parents
want you to stand on your
own two feet for once.
Prove to your stepfather
That you're serious
and capable
of sticking to one thing,
and he'll start
coughing up again.
You can't live here anyway.
Morrie wouldn't like it.
He'd start charging me rent.
Couldn't you go back
to tarting for him?
Don't call me a tart.
I hate everything you did
before you met me.
Take two aspirins and tell me
how you feel in the morning.
I'm going to bed.
I've got a business to run.
I want you to marry me.
Why? Are you pregnant?
I shan't have any peace
until we're married.
I've never had any peace.
I think about you all the time.
-[sighs]
-We have to be together.
It's not fair.
I don't want to
quarrel with you.
[sobbing]
[soft saxophone music]
[engine revving]
[sighs] Just wait here
a minute, will you?
Why?
I want to check
my mother isn't there.
Wouldn't her car be
parked outside
if she was knocking back
the gargle with
the village idiots?
Sometimes they walk to the pub.
If you think I'm sitting here
while you warm your ass
in the inglenook,
you've got
another think coming.
You said you wouldn't make
a fuss if I brought you here.
If you're going to meet
my mother,
I've got to break you to her
as gently as possible.
Now we both smell
the same. Run along.
I'll talk to the turnips
till you get back.
[horses approaching]
[indistinct chattering]
[indistinct chattering]
All right.
Would you like to see the house
or are you still angry with me?
-Take me to see the house.
-[starts engine]
[birds chirping]
-Well, do you want
to see inside?
-No.
Your mother would fall on
a shooting stick if she knew
I had been in her house.
-Do you want to see the garden?
-No.
What do you think?
I was expecting something
more on the lines of
the Palace of Versailles.
[laughs]
Does your mother like
the way you smell?
-You asked me
to bring you here, Ruth.
-And that you did.
Take me back to London.
-Give it a chance.
-Just drive, David.
-[piano]
-[phone rings]
Hello?
-Yeah, okay.
-[hangs up receiver]
Andy wants you upstairs.
We're here.
That's it. Straighten that.
You look very smart.
All my clothes have got
my name in them.
[chuckles]
[Desmond] Oh, look at that.
Hey, I need everything.
-This is my new school uniform.
-Is it?
[Andy] This is my trunk.
Good.
[laughs] I need a drink.
-Anyone else?
-I must get back.
Make sure he puts
everything away properly,
won't you, Desmond?
-[David] when do you go?
-[Andy] Tomorrow.
[David laughs]
-You can't take this.
-Why?
They'll pull his
legs off, and yours.
-Did they do that when you
Were at school?
-Mm-hmm.
-[Desmond] He's teasing you,
Andy.
-[David] new pen?
It's got a gold nib.
[David] Good. A present?
From uncle Desmond.
Take your uniform off
now and hang it up, Andy.
[woman] He's grown up.
-You look so nice.
-All my clothes have got
my name on them.
Still working on The Emperor?
[David] It's all I ever do now.
Most people think I'm flogging
a dead horse.
[women continue
fussing over Andy]
He's a good
mechanic, Findlater.
-When do you reckon she'll be
ready to race?
-I don't know.
In the spring, maybe.
-It will be worth it
when you win.
-If I win.
-Can I come and watch you win,
David?
-[Desmond] No, Andy.
You'll be at school.
[laughs]
[party music playing]
[laughing]
[crowd laughing, chattering]
[Carol] You already owe
him three weeks' wages,
-And he hasn't said anything,
has he?
-I don't need reminding.
Then don't talk about him as
if he's some kind of sponger.
-[baby fussing]
-[Anthony] What's up?
[David] Carol's nagging me
again about bringing Ruth
and owing you money.
-I'm with her on both counts.
-[continues fussing]
[shushing] Come on.
Oh, come on.
-[crying, shushing continues]
-I think she'd like
me to marry her.
[screaming]
-[laughs, continues shushing]
-[continues screaming]
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday,
dear Anthony
Happy birthday to you
[all cheering]
It's a lovely party, Carol.
Happy birthday, Anthony!
[laughs]
Darling. Darling.
Darling, first slice.
[Cliff] How long has Carol
been off her food, Ant?
-She eats like a bird.
-My son told me
birds eat twice their own
weight every day.
[David] Did they teach
him that at his new school?
[Carol] Must be such a relief
not to have him under
your feet anymore.
He loves it.
It's worth every penny.
[laughing]
She's only sorry Desmond can't
afford to send him to Eton.
You despicable little shit!
How dare you mention
Andy's school fees.
You're so fucking disloyal,
betraying me in front
of that po-faced cow.
I bet she wasn't so high
and mighty when you were
poking the ass of her--
[slams car door]
[piano music playing]
Would you dance
with a stranger
On a night made for love
Would you dance
with a stranger
'neath the starlight above
And in the shadows
Far away from the crowd
In one sweet moment
Would a kiss be allowed
- There's a thrill
that comes stealing
-Have a good evening.
'neath the soft violins
What a wonderful feeling
Here's where romance begins
If you'll pardon
the question
It's a lovely suggestion
Would you dance
with a stranger
[singing from far away]
-She sounds like a cockatoo
with a cleft palate.
-I've heard worse.
I wish she'd give me the sack.
I'd Like to have a sense
of grievance.
You were born with
a sense of grievance.
She's the one
who'll get the sack
if she doesn't watch it.
She's making a real fool
of herself over lover boy.
Who's his piece tonight?
-It's not his sister.
-[laughs]
If anyone's a fool,
it's old droopy drawers.
Can't he see
she's stringing him along?
I'd like someone to adore me
that much. I'd despise them.
-You despise everyone.
-[chuckles]
Your yank isn't throwing around
much money tonight.
He's broke.
Don't talk so daft, Barbara.
There's no such thing as
a penniless yank.
I suppose we'd better get
our busy little tits back
into the bullring.
Come on, Wilf.
Cough up.
-I was a
conscientious objector.
-Oh, well...
[indistinct]
I see you're not wearing
your campaign medals
tonight, Mrs. Ellis.
-We weren't decorated for
the war work I did.
-Munitions?
-Service corps.
-[both laughing]
-Have you see the state
of this record?
-What?
This record I gave you,
look at it!
-Scratched to hell!
-It's worn out
because I play it all the time.
[David] I suppose every bloody
customer has been handling it.
Oh, for god's sake, what
did you want me to do?
Put it in a safe deposit box
in the bank?
It's the only bloody thing
you ever have given me!
Stop behaving like
a spoiled brat!
[gasps]
-You stupid little swine!
-[David breaks record]
-[gasps]
-Out!
[sighs]
I'm sorry.
Give the gentleman a drink.
A word, Ruth.
[breathing heavily]
-I--
-Do me a favor.
Don't say you're sorry.
-It's the bloody booze.
-Stop drinking.
And you.
[sniffs] It must be
something in you.
Every man you get your
claws into ends up like this.
I mean... [sniffs]
The mad dentist didn't turn
violent until he married you.
[scoffs] You must like it.
I love it.
I love it, I love it!
I've lost my bloody job
because of you.
I'm going to sleep.
Not in my bed, you're not.
You get out of here,
and you don't come back!
[whimpering]
You always say that!
All of you.
And whether you like it
or not, I always stay.
[soft saxophone music]
-Good morning, Arthur.
-Good morning.
[knocks]
[Ruth] Won't be long.
Come in.
Why don't you let your hair
go back to its natural color?
No, I'm a blond now.
-I didn't know you wore
false eyelashes.
-[laughs]
I'll wear anything
that improves on nature.
-What?
-Be still.
[laughing]
Are you wondering
about my teeth now?
I know they're real
because I've seen your
toothbrush in the bathroom.
Oh, that's just to fool you.
Can I shave
your mustache off, Desmond?
No.
[cars honking]
-Are you sleeping with him?
-Yes.
You're disgusting.
It's cold,
and I want to go home.
We could go to a hotel.
I can't sleep without you.
-I can't.
-Is Desmond home?
-He's away till tomorrow.
-We could go to his house.
That's really low.
I know.
But can I come?
Where is his bedroom?
I always feel like a
refugee when I'm with you.
Does he want you to marry him?
I think so.
Well, has he asked you?
He won't ask.
Why not?
He's too afraid
I might turn him down.
Get the eiderdown.
[tense instrumental music]
Come on then.
Come on. If you're going to.
[TV announcer] They are in town
tonight with eight members
of their family,
all pearlies, with close on
a quarter of a million buttons
between them.
Congratulations,
Bert and Beth Matthews,
on their golden wedding.
Hampstead must have been
a very different place when
you married in 1905.
[TV continues]
[Desmond] Hello! We're back.
[clears throat]
-What were you doing in there?
-Nothing.
Were you looking for
your Christmas presents?
-Hungry?
-Yes.
-What about you, Des?
-I need a drink.
-[laughs] And me.
-I suppose you'll want gin.
-[Desmond] Brandy for me.
-In there.
[TV continues, indistinct]
-[groans]
-Knackered, Des?
-Yes, I am. It's all
that shopping.
-[chuckles]
Would you like a cigar?
Yes, please.
Big or little?
Uh, big one.
[Christmas music on TV]
[Desmond sighs]
Thank you.
[continues]
[humming along]
[car engine running]
[grunts]
[Desmond]
You've been with Blakely.
He brought Andy's present.
He hit me. He was blind drunk.
I had to get him away
before he upset him.
Have you seen a lot of him
While you've been living here?
Yes.
And gone to bed with him?
Yes.
Where?
Hotels.
And here when I've been away?
Yes.
And he hits you?
[sighs] You know what
he's like when he's had
too much to drink.
-He doesn't know
what he's doing.
-That's no excuse.
No.
Desmond, you've been
so good to me and Andy.
Don't tell me
how good I've been.
I should never have come
Here when I left the club.
I asked you to come.
[sighs] I'll move out anyway.
-Where to?
-[sighs]
The way I'm going,
I'll end up in the Salvation
Army hostel if I'm not careful.
-[Desmond sighs]
-You look terrible.
So do you.
-Here's my card.
-Thank you.
-I am Mrs. Ellis's
closest friend.
-Oh.
Now, if there is any problem,
like illness or anything,
-Then you must get
in touch with me.
-Yes.
You'll find my office
and home phone number there.
Right, right.
[knocks]
If there's anything you need,
Mrs. Ellis, you know
where to find me.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'll leave you now.
I'll see you later, Ruth.
[Desmond] I'll probably
be 'round a fair bit,
just to see how
you're getting on.
Bye.
Are you going to monopolize
that machine much longer, dear?
Excuse my mother, ma'am.
She's not used to doing
her own washing.
[woman mumbling]
-Why aren't you at work?
-I wanted to see you,
so I drove down.
If you keep doing impulsive
things like that,
-you'll end up the way
I did and get sacked.
-[laughs]
We could go to the pictures
or we could go out and eat.
Can't we afford to do both?
How much money have you got?
Not a lot.
What's up? Are you missing
Andy or something?
A bit. He seems very little
to be living away from home.
I'm pregnant.
Shall I have an abortion?
-No.
-Why not?
One more won't make
any difference now.
-Don't talk like that.
-[starts engine]
Oh! What on earth is going on?
This is the only place
I don't get nagged.
Don't count your chickens.
Do you realize you owe me
five weeks' wages?
You know you'll get it.
-Sold any cars this week?
-Two.
This bloody thing.
I'd be finished by now
if we didn't have to work
on it part-time.
-She's coming along.
-She's not coming
along fast enough.
I've entered her for a race.
Oulton park, April 2.
-She's not ready
for that, David.
-She'll have to be.
-What's panicked you?
-Nothing.
Is it that bloody woman again?
She's pregnant.
[David] You and Carol are
the best friends I have.
I don't want to
quarrel with you.
So long as you're involved
with that woman, you'll be
quarreling with everybody.
[Anthony] it could be
Cussen's kid. Use your
common sense, David.
You're not stupid enough to
let her fool you with the
oldest trick in the book.
-[David] she's had
a rough life.
-We've all had rough lives.
If you marry her,
she'll drag you down to her
level because she's incapable
of rising to yours.
-You've only got
to look at her.
-I like the way she looks.
-What should I do?
-[Anthony] look...
You've entered The Emperor
at Oulton in April.
Worry about that, not her.
[tense music]
I thought I'd either find you
in here drinking yourself stiff
or hiding up your nanny's skirt
at the ancestral home,
you gutless cretin!
You thought you were safe
in here, surrounded by all
these toffee-nosed twats
who think the sun shines
out of your porthole.
Didn't you?
I suppose they're all under
the false impression
you've got a shred
of decency in your body.
You cowardly, treacherous,
two-faced mockery of a man.
If you don't want to have
anything to do with me,
I wish you had the nerve
to say it to my face.
Then I wouldn't be so ashamed
of ever having had anything
to do with you.
-I'm sorry about this.
-[man] Who's with this lady?
-You only care
about number one.
-Let me get her out of here.
[Ruth] When you're in trouble,
you expect the whole world
to rally 'round.
You turn my stomach!
Everything about you stinks
of hypocrisy and fear!
I don't know which smells
the most disgusting!
You're devoted to her,
aren't you, Desmond?
You bring her all this way
just so she can make
a fool of herself.
You know what
you'll be doing next?
You'll be making her dresses,
bleaching her hair.
-For now, you
chauffeured her here.
-You can chauffeur her back.
Ow!
All right, all right. No, no,
Leave her. Leave her, David.
Leave it. Leave it.
Leave it. Leave it!
[car door closes]
-[starts engine]
-Come on.
[sighs]
[traffic passing slowly,
horn honking]
[running man] Hey, taxi!
Thank you.
-How did you get here?
-I followed your scent.
Did you drive?
-[Ruth scoffs] That drunk?
-Who cares?
Everybody's as blind as
you are in this weather.
I wouldn't have come out if
I'd known it was for this.
You know exactly why
you came out, Mrs. Ellis.
Don't walk away from me
when I'm talking to you.
Would you like to hit me again?
-You ask for it.
-Yeah, and I damn
well get it, don't I?
I keep hoping you'll change,
and you never do.
I can't help it.
A good luck charm.
You're still wearing yours.
It's to protect me.
Against devils and vampires.
I can't see your face.
I don't want to be seen.
[Ruth gasping]
[engine accelerating]
[engine whining, thumping]
Oh, thank God he's all right.
I completely forgot
he was coming home.
I was so involved
with Georgina,
I missed the train back.
How is she?
She's beautiful, Des. I could
hardly bear to leave her.
You're a liar, Ruth.
Andy's headmaster
phoned your landlady
to find out what's happening
to him in the holidays.
And she phoned me because,
as far as she knew,
you and your husband,
Mr. Ellis, had gone
to the races.
I'm sorry.
Why in Christ's name
Doesn't he leave you alone?
He's only interested
in himself. He doesn't give
a damn about anyone else.
What about Andy? Hmm?
He'd have been alone all
night if I hadn't been here.
Doesn't Blakely think
about things like that?
A child alone all night?
The whole thing's filthy.
He's treating you
as though you were a tart.
A kid's left to fend
for himself.
It isn't right.
When David asked me to watch
The Emperor race, I just went.
-Nothing else mattered?
-No.
Not even your son?
I forgot.
I'm sick of seeing you
on your knees
to someone who
treats you like dirt.
Has he been hitting you again?
I don't know.
Surely even you must know
when someone's beating the--
Please, don't.
You look like a ghost.
Where will Andria sleep?
I've arranged for a camp bed
with the landlady.
I feel like my brain's
trying to jump out of my head.
[gasps]
[exhales]
[gasps]
[knocking]
[David] Are you all right now?
I'm still bleeding.
Otherwise,
I'm as fit as a fiddle.
Why are you here?
You've been trying to get hold
of me all week, haven't you?
-So your friends
did tell you I phoned.
-Yes.
But you didn't try
and call me back.
Well... I was busy.
I'm sorry about the baby.
Weren't you interested
in knowing how I was?
I didn't like thinking
about it.
Was it a boy or a girl?
I don't like talking about it.
I'll wait until my
tranquilizers start working.
Why are you taking
tranquilizers?
To calm me down.
I've been asked to drive for
the Bristol team at Le Mans
this year.
-Is that good?
-[laughs]
It means I've hit
the jackpot as a driver.
This is the official
team photograph.
I got one for you
and one for my mother.
You should have seen their
faces at home when I told them.
All of a sudden, they've
got to take me seriously.
You've got to come to
France with me.
After the race,
we could have a holiday.
You've never
been abroad, have you?
What will you do
with The Emperor?
It's not important now.
We can probably sell her
for scrap metal.
-Let's go out tonight
and celebrate.
-[door opening]
-Hello.
-Hello.
-How's school?
-It's nice.
There's an Easter egg,
-but you can't eat it
until Sunday.
-All right.
-Would you like to go to
the fair tomorrow afternoon?
-Yes, please.
-What time?
-[David] Um... Half past 3:00.
I'll pick you up later.
[door opens, closes]
Still engaged?
They've taken
the phone off the hook.
I'm sure there's nothing
To worry about, Mrs. Ellis.
He said he'd be here.
Would you mind looking
after Andria while
I try to find David?
Of course. I'm sure your
husband's all right, Mrs. Ellis.
Anything could have
happened to him. He might
have had an accident.
He stood you up, Ruth.
Nothing is the matter with him.
Look, Des, if you don't want
to take me over there, say so
and I'll get a cab.
[knocking]
[continues knocking]
-[banging on car]
-This has gone far enough.
I'm entitled to smash
this thing up.
-I paid for half of it!
-You want to get arrested?
-[Ruth] Go home, Desmond!
-Not without you!
Now for god's sake, stop
making a fool of yourself.
-I know you're in there,
David! David!
-Ruth. Ruth.
[Ruth] Is the au pair dropping
her drawers again for you,
David?
[officer] I don't want to
run her in, sir, for
a lovers' tiff.
[officer #2] did you
Damage the car, madam?
I'm entitled to.
I paid for half of it.
[Desmond] Ruth, it's not
worth it. Think of Andy.
It's Andy he's let down!
He promised
to take him to the fair.
[officer] Who's Andy?
Is he the boyfriend?
It's her son.
I'll take her home.
You thinking
of buying it, blondie?
Yes, I might.
[engine starts]
[indistinct chatter afar]
[laughing]
-Let me put my arm
around you for support.
-[girl giggling]
Ten minutes at the most.
-Now don't worry. He's a very
good driver.
-[girl laughs]
[footsteps, laughing]
[car door closes,
engine starts]
Your chauffeur, madam.
It's the au pair.
I was right.
Ruth, I'm taking you home.
Andy's been on his own
long enough.
Has he had something to eat?
Yes.
That vile pig,
David Blakely, promised
to take him to the fair.
Is Andy at your
place or mine?
Uh, he's watching
television at mine.
-Oh--
-Hmm?
[laughs] How did I get here?
I brought you and left you.
I see.
What happened?
-There was a party going on.
-Where were you?
I was just up the road.
I was just standing
in the road.
-There was lots of noise.
-Yes.
The window was open,
and somebody was
giggling a lot.
I had an idea it was
someone I knew.
Ruth, it's midnight.
I kept walking away
and coming back.
-I know it's the au pair.
-[shushing]
-He pulled the blind
down in her room.
-[continues shushing]
You think Blakely's with her?
He's up to his old tricks.
Whatever he's up to,
you'll still have him back.
I know.
[TV announcer] The energetic
champ with the jumps
is pogo stick expert
Charlie Macy of Sussex.
He's getting in a bit
of practice before
attempting to set a record
by staying on the pogo
stick for a half an hour.
that means 1,000 jumps.
[TV announcer continues,
indistinct]
[TV announcer] He's a
Professional golfer, really,
and rides this steel pole
with a spring in it just
for a hobby.
Personally, we'd rather ride
a kangaroo.
All the same, good luck
with the record, Charlie.
-That's enough.
-[turns off TV]
I'm sick of hearing it!
-Go and play, Andy.
-Where?
[Desmond] Anywhere!
-There was no need
to upset him.
-[Desmond laughs]
Being upset
is nothing new to Andy.
Bad enough David let him down
without you going on at him.
So now I'm as rotten
as Blakely.
Of course not.
Oh, but I am, Ruth.
I could be worse
than both of you put together
if I let myself.
You'd think more
of me then, wouldn't you?
No.
-Yes. Yes.
-No.
-[struggling, shrieks]
-Get off me!
If I'd treated you like
a punch bag instead of a woman
you would have thought
that baby you lost was mine
instead of Blakely's.
It could have been mine.
[sighs]
Yes. [laughs]
Ruth.
[both giggling]
I'll go get Andy.
[Ruth singing]
I still believe
[humming]
Be together
I still believe
This is our stormy weather
[engine running]
[chattering]
[chattering continues]
-Could you cash me
a check, Jerry?
-How much?
Tenner.
David.
-[David gasps]
-[Ruth fires again]
[David coughing]
[Ruth]
Get out of the way, Clive!
[Ruth fires twice more]
[gasping]
Will you get the police?
[soft saxophone music]
[soft saxophone music]
[jazz music]
I still believe
We were meant
for each other
I still believe
That you're mine
and no other
It can't be right
we should part this way
With our love all aflame
Forget who's to blame
Our love cannot die
I still believe
We shall soon be together
I still believe
This is our stormy weather
I live again
And I love again
When I'm holding you
in my arms
Though my heart
is breaking
I still believe
[laughing, chattering]
[crowd chattering]
[crowd counting loudly]
One, two, three, four,
-five, six-- good
-Evening, Mr. Cussen.
Okay.
[counting continues]
[crowd continues counting]
Now will you go out
to supper with me?
[continues]
[tempo slows]
[chattering]
You've brought us to
den of vice, Desmond.
[man] you should feel
at home then.
These places
are glorified brothels.
[man] And who are you?
The glorified brothel keeper.
Uh, David Blakely, Ruth Ellis.
Ruth Ellis, David Blakely.
Charmed.
[David] You're a dark horse,
Desmond.
I wouldn't have thought
a sink of iniquity like this
was quite your style.
[man] Cliff Davis.
Will you dance with me?
[tango music playing]
[laughs]
Any complaints?
I want a pianist.
What's wrong
with the record player?
Nothing,
but we should have both.
People like pianists.
It will pay off, Morrie.
Don't Be stingy.
You know me, Ruth.
Part of the fun of having money
is the pain of parting with it.
Do we get a pianist?
Give it a try.
[sighs]
And we should have book
matches printed
with the club's name
on it to give away.
It's all publicity
and costs nothing.
Here, look at these.
The Clue Club. The Embassy.
Everybody gives them away.
No.
We're attracting a different
class of customer now, Morrie.
They're all punters.
The toffs like a bit of spit
and sawdust.
[scoffs] Well, they're
not getting it in my place.
[thumping, girl laughing]
Going at it a bit vigorous,
aren't they?
I'm not planning to stay
Here forever, Morrie.
I want to work
for myself someday.
Don't cross the boss, Ruth.
All right, go ahead
and order your book matches.
They'll bring
the ceiling down at this rate.
[bedsprings squeaking]
[couple moaning, laughing]
-[music on radio]
-Shut up, you dirty devils!
[Morrie] They're working.
Andria will be home
from school soon.
I don't want him hearing that.
If he's brought up in
this place, he'd better
start getting used to it.
He isn't going to be
brought up here.
When the toffs want to
get rid of their nippers,
they send them to Eton.
[chuckles]
Would you dance
with a stranger
On a night made for love
Would you dance
with a stranger
'neath the starlight
above
And in the shadows
Far away from the crowd
In one sweet moment
Would a kiss be allowed
There's a thrill
that comes stealing
[continues, indistinct]
With the compliments
of the gentleman at the bar.
Hmm. It's that pompous
little pillock friend
of yours, Desmond.
Would you dance
with a stranger
Do join us, Mr. Blakely?
Hello.
I hope this is the real thing.
The drinks in these places
are usually watered down.
Watered
or half-inched, darling.
Cheers.
Where are you going?
[Ruth] I must attend
to my customers.
[conga music playing]
[continues]
Are your eyelashes real?
Everybody says
they'd look better on a girl.
I think they look
very nice on you.
Where do you live?
Over the shop.
-Can I take you home tonight?
-Yes.
[sighs] I love you.
Everybody does.
Why should you be different?
I want you to love me.
Oh, yes. [laughs]
I wish you didn't work
in this place.
You talk too much,
Mr. Blakely.
Has Desmond ever slept
in this bed with you?
No.
Come to think of it,
he must be the only man
in London who hasn't.
[laughs]
Some people have no shame.
Some people have
enough for everyone.
-Do you know a Mrs. Ellis?
-Yeah, upstairs, mate.
Sign there, please.
[vacuum cleaner noise]
Thank you.
[engine whining,
brakes squealing]
[Ruth screaming]
David! Come on, David!
[laughs]
David!
Wouldn't you see more if
you wore your glasses, Ruth?
Men don't make passes at
girls who wear glasses.
-It would drive me mad.
-What?
-You must miss so much, Ruth.
-I'm vain.
[Ruth squealing]
[engine accelerating]
Now, Ruth,
you'll have to go down a bit.
No, up a bit, up a bit.
Lovely. David, down.
-Cut your legs off.
Thank you.
-[snaps shutter]
[Cliff] Smile, please.
Watch the birdie.
-Kick the squirrels.
-[laughing]
-[shutter snaps]
-Lovely.
Come on, Carol.
You can do better than that.
This is fabulous grub.
No doubt,
but I'm not hungry.
-You cold?
-No. Is my nose red?
You'd be warmer
sitting in the car.
Thank you.
[girl in distance]
David! David!
Who's that?
Oh, the kind of girl my mother
would like me to marry.
Come over here! Come on.
[engines revving]
Are you really
interested in all this?
I'm interested
in having another drink.
You do a great picnic.
You must have been up all night
rattling your pots and pans.
You're a smashing girl, Ruth.
I'd really like to fuck you.
Do you know that?
Don't let David see you
flirting with me, Cliff.
What if he does?
Will he hit me?
No, he'll hit me.
Shall I wait for you, ma'am?
[laughs]
You can get pinched
for Impersonating a cabbie,
Desmond.
Look, it's all right.
The meter doesn't work.
I prefer The Zephyr.
-[taps on counter]
-Excuse me.
I want two dozen red carnations
sent to Mr. David Blakely,
Assistant catering manager,
the Hyde Park Hotel,
Knightsbridge.
Dear Mr. Blakely,
Congratulations on your
forthcoming marriage.
Please return
front door key immediately.
[David] You can keep your
bloody flowers, Mrs. Ellis.
My front door key,
and don't shout.
-Andria's asleep.
-"Andria's asleep."
What am I doing mixed up
with a divorced nightclub
hostess with two children?
If you don't like it,
David Blakely, you can lump it.
You won't find
another one like me.
You're all the same.
The key.
No... I'm keeping it.
I'll call the police if
You don't leave me alone.
You can call the Brigade
of Guards for all I care.
Shall I put them in water?
They cost a fortune.
Who told you I was engaged?
Desmond.
I didn't think you'd care.
You should have told me.
I... thought you'd send me
away if I did.
I fancy you too much.
[cheerful music playing]
Come on, Des. Shake it
around a bit before you go.
What are you
doing tomorrow, Ruth?
I'm going to see my sister.
-Would you like a lift?
-Oh, would you mind?
No, my pleasure.
I'll ring you.
[David] One more, Christine.
-[Christine] The bar's closed.
-I'm not just any old customer.
Stand and deliver.
-Put it on the slate.
-No more booze
and no more credit.
Look, squire,
the lady said the bar's closed.
-[grunting, laughing]
-[women shrieking]
[David continues laughing]
All right, mate. Sorry, mate.
It's okay. It's okay.
Everything all right,
gentlemen?
Some of your customers
are a bit short on manners,
Mr. Conley.
It won't happen again, Roy.
-Have a drink at our table, Roy.
-No, thanks.
See you, gentlemen.
Do you want me to lose my job?
It's not my fault.
Ask her.
I only wanted a drink.
Here, take this.
I'm going.
Sit him down
before he falls down.
[sighs]
If he thinks he's spending
another night with me,
he's got another think coming.
[Christine] Sure.
Is your horrible appearance
the result of having
a good time?
Can I go upstairs now?
For a minute.
Could you come with me?
I won't be long.
[opens cash register, sighs]
Looks nice.
I think I'll cash up
in the morning.
Have you seen
my glasses anywhere?
Here.
Don't get snotty
with me, Christine.
You take him too seriously.
I don't take any
of them seriously.
They've still got their
mother's milk dribbling
down their chins.
Why is it that you can drink
all night without
getting sloshed?
-I'm a professional.
-Hmm.
And now I want to sleep,
so will you shift yourself
and go home to your mother?
I can go in the morning.
Go now.
I can't sleep without you.
They were looking for the fish.
Did they find it?
I've got to take
a packed lunch.
You've got to stop
causing trouble downstairs.
The customers don't like it.
And neither do I.
I'm a privileged customer.
I don't mind high spirits,
but yours have a knack
of turning nasty.
Anybody would think we were
talking about the Ritz
instead of a tatty little
drinking club for deadbeats.
You wouldn't be allowed to
drink on credit at the Ritz.
You spend too much time
with Cussen.
He's a friend.
He's after you.
So what?
Not that he'd ever dare
do anything about it.
Except follow you around
like a little dog.
You know what they say
about still waters.
[laughs]
His waters aren't still,
they're stagnant.
Leave me alone, Mrs. Ellis.
Go to sleep.
It's late.
And you've got
another busy day tomorrow.
That's more
than can be said for you.
[sighs]
I want my dinner money.
In my bag.
-Have you had something to eat?
-I wanted porridge.
I haven't got any.
I know.
I suppose that's why
you wanted it.
Andy!
-Wake David and give him this.
-[water bubbling, spilling]
-I've combed it once.
-Once a year isn't enough.
-I'm not a baby.
-Yes, you are.
Do you think it's good
for Andy to live over
a gin palace
and under a knocking shop?
I have nothing to do
with that side of the business.
You're an awful mother.
I'll have a proper home
for him soon and Georgina.
I think it's unnatural for
a mother to give her baby up.
George is her father.
Why doesn't he take Andy?
-He doesn't want Andy.
Andy Isn't his.
-[David scoffs]
God, your life's
so complicated.
Then get out of it.
I'm going to France.
Why?
Le Mans.
-What's that?
-A 24-hour race
with sports cars.
You'll never be as good
as your other racing
driver friends.
Oh, don't talk to me
about things you know
nothing about.
You don't work hard
enough at it,
and you drink too much.
When is this race?
Soon.
If your fiance thinks
anything of you,
she should start getting you
into proper shape.
Otherwise, you won't last
five minutes, never mind
24 hours.
Leave her out of it.
[scoffs]
Poor cow. Somebody
should have warned her.
Somebody should have
warned me about you.
If you really feel like that,
then leave me alone
and get out of here.
I'll send you a postcard
from France.
France isn't far enough. Out.
Next time you see me,
I'll be rich and famous.
-[waves crashing]
-[cawing]
[Ruth laughing] He's happy.
[both laughing]
Thank you.
So is Andy. Look.
So am I.
Are you sure?
You've made the sun shine
for the first time this year.
Like a banana?
-No, thanks.
-Don't blame you.
They're terrible things,
aren't they?
Let's have one for the album.
-Andy!
-Andy!
Look at the camera!
[Desmond] Have you thought
about what's going to happen
to him when he gets older?
[Ruth] I want him to go
to boarding school.
Yes, that's probably
the best thing.
If you're gonna go on
working at the club.
Can't see me giving
the club up.
Can you afford
a boarding school?
Not at the moment.
If you're strapped for cash,
you know I'd always help out.
Thanks, Des. Come on.
Happy snaps.
He may be camera shy,
but I'm not.
[Ruth chuckling]
[Desmond] You're good at this.
I like it.
-I picked it up in my camera
club days.
-[shutter snaps]
But we had to show
a bit more than leg.
[shutter snaps]
That's when I came to
the conclusion
that all men are mad.
-They never had film
in their cameras.
-[shutter snaps]
Have you?
-[bells ringing]
-[Desmond] Ah, you see?
-You have a go.
-No, I'm never
any good at these.
-All you've got to do is put
the money in.
-Any more pennies?
[indistinct]
[Ruth] What's that?
"Cuddlesome."
[both laughing]
-Did you mean what you said?
-About what?
-About sending Andy
to boarding school.
-Yes.
-I'll pay you back when I can.
-You don't have to worry
about that.
[shot fired]
You're a good shot.
Will Andy mind being
away from home?
Whenever I've asked him
about it, he seemed
very keen on the idea.
Then we ought to start
getting some information
together about it.
If he can find a decent place,
he could start next September.
Shall I have a go?
Yeah.
Hold it way into your shoulder.
Pull that back.
Take aim. That's it.
Fire.
-[shot fired]
-[both laughing]
[fanfare]
[rooster crows]
[newsreel narrator] Fifty-eight
entries make a quick
getaway at the start
of the Le Mans 24-hour
Grand Prix sports car race.
This year it promises
to be a battle royal
between the Ferraris
and the British Jaguars.
[engine roaring]
Among the 300,000 spectators
Is playboy diplomat Rubirosa
and the fabulous Zsz Zsa Gabor.
Night falls and still
the race goes on.
The three Ferraris
are going well,
But the jaguars have
had trouble with sand
in their petrol.
Sterling moss is out
of the race.
In driving rain, Gonzales
and his codriver, Continos,
hold onto their lead.
Then the British leylander
skids into trouble.
Eric Thompson
and Dennis Ball
are out of it now.
The 24 hours will soon be up.
The jaguar draws nearer
Gonzales in a desperate
all out bid.
But it's the Ferrari
that comes in to win.
Only a hundred
and five seconds in front
of the British car.
[engine revs]
Too bad Britain couldn't
quite pull It off for
the second year running.
[Andy reading] "An interesting
Point was the presence
"of four generations of
one family at this party.
"otherwise, there were
very few grown-ups.
"there were Caroline's lovely
Mother, miss Oliver Fitzherberg,
"her grandmother,
miss Harold Hague,
And her great-grandmother,
Miss Tennyson Shafto."
Try something else.
"I was interested to hear
that other young girls
finishing at..."
"Finishing at les..."
Les, um...
I don't know that word.
Oh, it's French... I think.
Les ambassadrices.
What does it mean?
It's the name of a finishing
school in Switzerland.
What do you do there?
It's where young ladies go
To finish their education.
They learn to cook
and sew and fill in
divorce papers.
Did you go to one?
[laughs] No.
Can I stop now?
Yes. You read very well.
[sighs]
Gorgeous or gruesome?
-Gruesome.
-[laughs]
I've told you not to
tell lies to your mother.
[sprays perfume]
I've got to go now.
-Is he gonna be there?
-Who?
Bedtime.
He's making a racing car.
it's called The Emperor.
How discreet.
Who is he?
I want a pair of goggles.
Not the toy ones, real ones.
For Christmas, can I?
[door closes]
[second door opens, closes]
[Ruth, indistinct]
[Ruth giggling]
Let's go.
[cheerful instrumental music]
[crowd applauding]
-I thought he was still
in France.
-So did I.
But there's always
a great deal of
difference between
what David says
and what he does.
-How's your rumba?
-As good as yours.
[rumba music playing]
-Have you been here before?
-No.
We should try it sometime,
see if it's as good as they say.
[gasps] You're getting
very bold, suggesting
a dirty weekend.
-I'm sorry.
-[laughs] Only teasing.
Don't be embarrassed.
You're so shy sometimes.
Is that another way
of saying I'm boring?
-I calm down when I'm with you.
-You always seem calm to me.
-Ah. I've never lost
my temper with you.
-No.
You're lucky.
It's not a pretty sight.
Whenever I lost my temper
with my soon-to-be-ex-husband,
we always ended up fighting.
[Desmond] He hit you?
[Ruth] Sometimes
I was glad he did.
I used to hear myself
going on and on at him,
And I wished I could stop
because the sound of my voice
was driving me mad.
He asked for what he got.
Poor old George. He's as
glad as I am that it's over.
But he's come out of it
worse than I have.
-[Desmond] He's got
the little girl.
-I'll get her back one day.
But he's belting the bottle
worse than ever now.
God knows why he's still
employed as a dentist.
He's better at knocking
teeth out these days
than he is at putting them in.
Whenever I'm with you, Desmond,
All I do is talk about myself.
You must get sick of it.
You should tell me to shut up.
-[laughs]
-[music stops]
-Glad you made it.
-Hello, Ruth. Drink?
Um... See you later.
Oh.
[laughs]
Would you like to dance?
[music playing]
[Desmond sighs heavily]
A bottle of champagne, please.
How much is that doggy
in the window woof, woof
I do hope
that doggy's for sale
I must take
a trip to California
You dance like an ape.
-When did you get back?
-Weeks ago.
You stayed away this long.
Why spoil it now?
I suppose I must miss you.
Your mother wouldn't like
to hear you talk like that.
-I saw you dancing with her.
-Hmm?
-Very touching.
-[laughs]
I can't wait to invite her
to one of my coffee mornings.
[music playing]
-[cork pops]
-[Ruth laughing]
Oh, that came out easy.
-[Cliff] what are we
celebrating?
-My divorce.
[music resumes]
Cheers.
I still believe
We were meant
for each other
I still believe
You belong to no other
Has your divorce
really come through?
Just wishful thinking.
We should part this way
With our love all aflame
Forget who's to blame
Our love cannot die
I still believe
We shall soon be together
I still believe
This is our stormy weather
I'll live again
And I'll love again
When I'm holding you
in my arms
Though my heart
is breaking
I still believe
[doorbell rings]
[buzzing]
Bounce my brains,
look who's here.
What do you think you're doing?
Get out.
Good baby-sitters are hard
to find. I'm one of the best.
I suppose you picked the
technique up from your nanny?
-Yes.
-Maybe your nanny should
come and work for me.
I'm afraid she's still got her
hands full looking after me.
I see you helped yourself
to the scotch.
It's all part of your
villainous employer's generous
home entertainment allowance.
It still has to be paid for.
We're neither of us working to
support the idle aristocracy.
You exaggerate
my social standing.
I don't give a fiddler's fuck
about your social standing.
You've no business letting
yourself in when I'm not here.
On your way.
At least Andy
was pleased to see me.
I'm going to teach him to
drive when he's old enough.
You won't be around that long.
-Don't play the fool.
-I don't like being
without you, Ruth.
Go and say that
to your fiance.
I don't have one anymore,
I broke it off.
-You callous swine.
-I love you.
You've got a funny way
of showing it.
Well, It's never happened
to me before.
Well, what are you
going to do about it?
I'm flat broke, Ruth.
Have you squandered
your inheritance?
What's left of that's got
to go into The Emperor.
I'm paying ant a tenner
a week to work on it.
I thought your tycoon
stepfather was sorting
that out for you.
He's interested,
but he won't put any money
into it.
I don't blame him.
You lost the French race,
didn't you?
You know we did.
Do you really think you're
a good driver, David?
-You've seen me race.
-I've never seen you win.
Do you think I should
chuck it in then?
I'm not saying give it
up altogether,
just keep it on as a hobby.
I only care about cars, Ruth.
The Emperor is not just
going to be a race winner.
It's going to be a prototype
of car that could sell for
a thousand each.
-Are you panicking?
-Yes.
I know the feeling.
-I want to come here
and live with you.
-Don't be silly.
You can't run away from home
just because your parents
want you to stand on your
own two feet for once.
Prove to your stepfather
That you're serious
and capable
of sticking to one thing,
and he'll start
coughing up again.
You can't live here anyway.
Morrie wouldn't like it.
He'd start charging me rent.
Couldn't you go back
to tarting for him?
Don't call me a tart.
I hate everything you did
before you met me.
Take two aspirins and tell me
how you feel in the morning.
I'm going to bed.
I've got a business to run.
I want you to marry me.
Why? Are you pregnant?
I shan't have any peace
until we're married.
I've never had any peace.
I think about you all the time.
-[sighs]
-We have to be together.
It's not fair.
I don't want to
quarrel with you.
[sobbing]
[soft saxophone music]
[engine revving]
[sighs] Just wait here
a minute, will you?
Why?
I want to check
my mother isn't there.
Wouldn't her car be
parked outside
if she was knocking back
the gargle with
the village idiots?
Sometimes they walk to the pub.
If you think I'm sitting here
while you warm your ass
in the inglenook,
you've got
another think coming.
You said you wouldn't make
a fuss if I brought you here.
If you're going to meet
my mother,
I've got to break you to her
as gently as possible.
Now we both smell
the same. Run along.
I'll talk to the turnips
till you get back.
[horses approaching]
[indistinct chattering]
[indistinct chattering]
All right.
Would you like to see the house
or are you still angry with me?
-Take me to see the house.
-[starts engine]
[birds chirping]
-Well, do you want
to see inside?
-No.
Your mother would fall on
a shooting stick if she knew
I had been in her house.
-Do you want to see the garden?
-No.
What do you think?
I was expecting something
more on the lines of
the Palace of Versailles.
[laughs]
Does your mother like
the way you smell?
-You asked me
to bring you here, Ruth.
-And that you did.
Take me back to London.
-Give it a chance.
-Just drive, David.
-[piano]
-[phone rings]
Hello?
-Yeah, okay.
-[hangs up receiver]
Andy wants you upstairs.
We're here.
That's it. Straighten that.
You look very smart.
All my clothes have got
my name in them.
[chuckles]
[Desmond] Oh, look at that.
Hey, I need everything.
-This is my new school uniform.
-Is it?
[Andy] This is my trunk.
Good.
[laughs] I need a drink.
-Anyone else?
-I must get back.
Make sure he puts
everything away properly,
won't you, Desmond?
-[David] when do you go?
-[Andy] Tomorrow.
[David laughs]
-You can't take this.
-Why?
They'll pull his
legs off, and yours.
-Did they do that when you
Were at school?
-Mm-hmm.
-[Desmond] He's teasing you,
Andy.
-[David] new pen?
It's got a gold nib.
[David] Good. A present?
From uncle Desmond.
Take your uniform off
now and hang it up, Andy.
[woman] He's grown up.
-You look so nice.
-All my clothes have got
my name on them.
Still working on The Emperor?
[David] It's all I ever do now.
Most people think I'm flogging
a dead horse.
[women continue
fussing over Andy]
He's a good
mechanic, Findlater.
-When do you reckon she'll be
ready to race?
-I don't know.
In the spring, maybe.
-It will be worth it
when you win.
-If I win.
-Can I come and watch you win,
David?
-[Desmond] No, Andy.
You'll be at school.
[laughs]
[party music playing]
[laughing]
[crowd laughing, chattering]
[Carol] You already owe
him three weeks' wages,
-And he hasn't said anything,
has he?
-I don't need reminding.
Then don't talk about him as
if he's some kind of sponger.
-[baby fussing]
-[Anthony] What's up?
[David] Carol's nagging me
again about bringing Ruth
and owing you money.
-I'm with her on both counts.
-[continues fussing]
[shushing] Come on.
Oh, come on.
-[crying, shushing continues]
-I think she'd like
me to marry her.
[screaming]
-[laughs, continues shushing]
-[continues screaming]
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday,
dear Anthony
Happy birthday to you
[all cheering]
It's a lovely party, Carol.
Happy birthday, Anthony!
[laughs]
Darling. Darling.
Darling, first slice.
[Cliff] How long has Carol
been off her food, Ant?
-She eats like a bird.
-My son told me
birds eat twice their own
weight every day.
[David] Did they teach
him that at his new school?
[Carol] Must be such a relief
not to have him under
your feet anymore.
He loves it.
It's worth every penny.
[laughing]
She's only sorry Desmond can't
afford to send him to Eton.
You despicable little shit!
How dare you mention
Andy's school fees.
You're so fucking disloyal,
betraying me in front
of that po-faced cow.
I bet she wasn't so high
and mighty when you were
poking the ass of her--
[slams car door]
[piano music playing]
Would you dance
with a stranger
On a night made for love
Would you dance
with a stranger
'neath the starlight above
And in the shadows
Far away from the crowd
In one sweet moment
Would a kiss be allowed
- There's a thrill
that comes stealing
-Have a good evening.
'neath the soft violins
What a wonderful feeling
Here's where romance begins
If you'll pardon
the question
It's a lovely suggestion
Would you dance
with a stranger
[singing from far away]
-She sounds like a cockatoo
with a cleft palate.
-I've heard worse.
I wish she'd give me the sack.
I'd Like to have a sense
of grievance.
You were born with
a sense of grievance.
She's the one
who'll get the sack
if she doesn't watch it.
She's making a real fool
of herself over lover boy.
Who's his piece tonight?
-It's not his sister.
-[laughs]
If anyone's a fool,
it's old droopy drawers.
Can't he see
she's stringing him along?
I'd like someone to adore me
that much. I'd despise them.
-You despise everyone.
-[chuckles]
Your yank isn't throwing around
much money tonight.
He's broke.
Don't talk so daft, Barbara.
There's no such thing as
a penniless yank.
I suppose we'd better get
our busy little tits back
into the bullring.
Come on, Wilf.
Cough up.
-I was a
conscientious objector.
-Oh, well...
[indistinct]
I see you're not wearing
your campaign medals
tonight, Mrs. Ellis.
-We weren't decorated for
the war work I did.
-Munitions?
-Service corps.
-[both laughing]
-Have you see the state
of this record?
-What?
This record I gave you,
look at it!
-Scratched to hell!
-It's worn out
because I play it all the time.
[David] I suppose every bloody
customer has been handling it.
Oh, for god's sake, what
did you want me to do?
Put it in a safe deposit box
in the bank?
It's the only bloody thing
you ever have given me!
Stop behaving like
a spoiled brat!
[gasps]
-You stupid little swine!
-[David breaks record]
-[gasps]
-Out!
[sighs]
I'm sorry.
Give the gentleman a drink.
A word, Ruth.
[breathing heavily]
-I--
-Do me a favor.
Don't say you're sorry.
-It's the bloody booze.
-Stop drinking.
And you.
[sniffs] It must be
something in you.
Every man you get your
claws into ends up like this.
I mean... [sniffs]
The mad dentist didn't turn
violent until he married you.
[scoffs] You must like it.
I love it.
I love it, I love it!
I've lost my bloody job
because of you.
I'm going to sleep.
Not in my bed, you're not.
You get out of here,
and you don't come back!
[whimpering]
You always say that!
All of you.
And whether you like it
or not, I always stay.
[soft saxophone music]
-Good morning, Arthur.
-Good morning.
[knocks]
[Ruth] Won't be long.
Come in.
Why don't you let your hair
go back to its natural color?
No, I'm a blond now.
-I didn't know you wore
false eyelashes.
-[laughs]
I'll wear anything
that improves on nature.
-What?
-Be still.
[laughing]
Are you wondering
about my teeth now?
I know they're real
because I've seen your
toothbrush in the bathroom.
Oh, that's just to fool you.
Can I shave
your mustache off, Desmond?
No.
[cars honking]
-Are you sleeping with him?
-Yes.
You're disgusting.
It's cold,
and I want to go home.
We could go to a hotel.
I can't sleep without you.
-I can't.
-Is Desmond home?
-He's away till tomorrow.
-We could go to his house.
That's really low.
I know.
But can I come?
Where is his bedroom?
I always feel like a
refugee when I'm with you.
Does he want you to marry him?
I think so.
Well, has he asked you?
He won't ask.
Why not?
He's too afraid
I might turn him down.
Get the eiderdown.
[tense instrumental music]
Come on then.
Come on. If you're going to.
[TV announcer] They are in town
tonight with eight members
of their family,
all pearlies, with close on
a quarter of a million buttons
between them.
Congratulations,
Bert and Beth Matthews,
on their golden wedding.
Hampstead must have been
a very different place when
you married in 1905.
[TV continues]
[Desmond] Hello! We're back.
[clears throat]
-What were you doing in there?
-Nothing.
Were you looking for
your Christmas presents?
-Hungry?
-Yes.
-What about you, Des?
-I need a drink.
-[laughs] And me.
-I suppose you'll want gin.
-[Desmond] Brandy for me.
-In there.
[TV continues, indistinct]
-[groans]
-Knackered, Des?
-Yes, I am. It's all
that shopping.
-[chuckles]
Would you like a cigar?
Yes, please.
Big or little?
Uh, big one.
[Christmas music on TV]
[Desmond sighs]
Thank you.
[continues]
[humming along]
[car engine running]
[grunts]
[Desmond]
You've been with Blakely.
He brought Andy's present.
He hit me. He was blind drunk.
I had to get him away
before he upset him.
Have you seen a lot of him
While you've been living here?
Yes.
And gone to bed with him?
Yes.
Where?
Hotels.
And here when I've been away?
Yes.
And he hits you?
[sighs] You know what
he's like when he's had
too much to drink.
-He doesn't know
what he's doing.
-That's no excuse.
No.
Desmond, you've been
so good to me and Andy.
Don't tell me
how good I've been.
I should never have come
Here when I left the club.
I asked you to come.
[sighs] I'll move out anyway.
-Where to?
-[sighs]
The way I'm going,
I'll end up in the Salvation
Army hostel if I'm not careful.
-[Desmond sighs]
-You look terrible.
So do you.
-Here's my card.
-Thank you.
-I am Mrs. Ellis's
closest friend.
-Oh.
Now, if there is any problem,
like illness or anything,
-Then you must get
in touch with me.
-Yes.
You'll find my office
and home phone number there.
Right, right.
[knocks]
If there's anything you need,
Mrs. Ellis, you know
where to find me.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'll leave you now.
I'll see you later, Ruth.
[Desmond] I'll probably
be 'round a fair bit,
just to see how
you're getting on.
Bye.
Are you going to monopolize
that machine much longer, dear?
Excuse my mother, ma'am.
She's not used to doing
her own washing.
[woman mumbling]
-Why aren't you at work?
-I wanted to see you,
so I drove down.
If you keep doing impulsive
things like that,
-you'll end up the way
I did and get sacked.
-[laughs]
We could go to the pictures
or we could go out and eat.
Can't we afford to do both?
How much money have you got?
Not a lot.
What's up? Are you missing
Andy or something?
A bit. He seems very little
to be living away from home.
I'm pregnant.
Shall I have an abortion?
-No.
-Why not?
One more won't make
any difference now.
-Don't talk like that.
-[starts engine]
Oh! What on earth is going on?
This is the only place
I don't get nagged.
Don't count your chickens.
Do you realize you owe me
five weeks' wages?
You know you'll get it.
-Sold any cars this week?
-Two.
This bloody thing.
I'd be finished by now
if we didn't have to work
on it part-time.
-She's coming along.
-She's not coming
along fast enough.
I've entered her for a race.
Oulton park, April 2.
-She's not ready
for that, David.
-She'll have to be.
-What's panicked you?
-Nothing.
Is it that bloody woman again?
She's pregnant.
[David] You and Carol are
the best friends I have.
I don't want to
quarrel with you.
So long as you're involved
with that woman, you'll be
quarreling with everybody.
[Anthony] it could be
Cussen's kid. Use your
common sense, David.
You're not stupid enough to
let her fool you with the
oldest trick in the book.
-[David] she's had
a rough life.
-We've all had rough lives.
If you marry her,
she'll drag you down to her
level because she's incapable
of rising to yours.
-You've only got
to look at her.
-I like the way she looks.
-What should I do?
-[Anthony] look...
You've entered The Emperor
at Oulton in April.
Worry about that, not her.
[tense music]
I thought I'd either find you
in here drinking yourself stiff
or hiding up your nanny's skirt
at the ancestral home,
you gutless cretin!
You thought you were safe
in here, surrounded by all
these toffee-nosed twats
who think the sun shines
out of your porthole.
Didn't you?
I suppose they're all under
the false impression
you've got a shred
of decency in your body.
You cowardly, treacherous,
two-faced mockery of a man.
If you don't want to have
anything to do with me,
I wish you had the nerve
to say it to my face.
Then I wouldn't be so ashamed
of ever having had anything
to do with you.
-I'm sorry about this.
-[man] Who's with this lady?
-You only care
about number one.
-Let me get her out of here.
[Ruth] When you're in trouble,
you expect the whole world
to rally 'round.
You turn my stomach!
Everything about you stinks
of hypocrisy and fear!
I don't know which smells
the most disgusting!
You're devoted to her,
aren't you, Desmond?
You bring her all this way
just so she can make
a fool of herself.
You know what
you'll be doing next?
You'll be making her dresses,
bleaching her hair.
-For now, you
chauffeured her here.
-You can chauffeur her back.
Ow!
All right, all right. No, no,
Leave her. Leave her, David.
Leave it. Leave it.
Leave it. Leave it!
[car door closes]
-[starts engine]
-Come on.
[sighs]
[traffic passing slowly,
horn honking]
[running man] Hey, taxi!
Thank you.
-How did you get here?
-I followed your scent.
Did you drive?
-[Ruth scoffs] That drunk?
-Who cares?
Everybody's as blind as
you are in this weather.
I wouldn't have come out if
I'd known it was for this.
You know exactly why
you came out, Mrs. Ellis.
Don't walk away from me
when I'm talking to you.
Would you like to hit me again?
-You ask for it.
-Yeah, and I damn
well get it, don't I?
I keep hoping you'll change,
and you never do.
I can't help it.
A good luck charm.
You're still wearing yours.
It's to protect me.
Against devils and vampires.
I can't see your face.
I don't want to be seen.
[Ruth gasping]
[engine accelerating]
[engine whining, thumping]
Oh, thank God he's all right.
I completely forgot
he was coming home.
I was so involved
with Georgina,
I missed the train back.
How is she?
She's beautiful, Des. I could
hardly bear to leave her.
You're a liar, Ruth.
Andy's headmaster
phoned your landlady
to find out what's happening
to him in the holidays.
And she phoned me because,
as far as she knew,
you and your husband,
Mr. Ellis, had gone
to the races.
I'm sorry.
Why in Christ's name
Doesn't he leave you alone?
He's only interested
in himself. He doesn't give
a damn about anyone else.
What about Andy? Hmm?
He'd have been alone all
night if I hadn't been here.
Doesn't Blakely think
about things like that?
A child alone all night?
The whole thing's filthy.
He's treating you
as though you were a tart.
A kid's left to fend
for himself.
It isn't right.
When David asked me to watch
The Emperor race, I just went.
-Nothing else mattered?
-No.
Not even your son?
I forgot.
I'm sick of seeing you
on your knees
to someone who
treats you like dirt.
Has he been hitting you again?
I don't know.
Surely even you must know
when someone's beating the--
Please, don't.
You look like a ghost.
Where will Andria sleep?
I've arranged for a camp bed
with the landlady.
I feel like my brain's
trying to jump out of my head.
[gasps]
[exhales]
[gasps]
[knocking]
[David] Are you all right now?
I'm still bleeding.
Otherwise,
I'm as fit as a fiddle.
Why are you here?
You've been trying to get hold
of me all week, haven't you?
-So your friends
did tell you I phoned.
-Yes.
But you didn't try
and call me back.
Well... I was busy.
I'm sorry about the baby.
Weren't you interested
in knowing how I was?
I didn't like thinking
about it.
Was it a boy or a girl?
I don't like talking about it.
I'll wait until my
tranquilizers start working.
Why are you taking
tranquilizers?
To calm me down.
I've been asked to drive for
the Bristol team at Le Mans
this year.
-Is that good?
-[laughs]
It means I've hit
the jackpot as a driver.
This is the official
team photograph.
I got one for you
and one for my mother.
You should have seen their
faces at home when I told them.
All of a sudden, they've
got to take me seriously.
You've got to come to
France with me.
After the race,
we could have a holiday.
You've never
been abroad, have you?
What will you do
with The Emperor?
It's not important now.
We can probably sell her
for scrap metal.
-Let's go out tonight
and celebrate.
-[door opening]
-Hello.
-Hello.
-How's school?
-It's nice.
There's an Easter egg,
-but you can't eat it
until Sunday.
-All right.
-Would you like to go to
the fair tomorrow afternoon?
-Yes, please.
-What time?
-[David] Um... Half past 3:00.
I'll pick you up later.
[door opens, closes]
Still engaged?
They've taken
the phone off the hook.
I'm sure there's nothing
To worry about, Mrs. Ellis.
He said he'd be here.
Would you mind looking
after Andria while
I try to find David?
Of course. I'm sure your
husband's all right, Mrs. Ellis.
Anything could have
happened to him. He might
have had an accident.
He stood you up, Ruth.
Nothing is the matter with him.
Look, Des, if you don't want
to take me over there, say so
and I'll get a cab.
[knocking]
[continues knocking]
-[banging on car]
-This has gone far enough.
I'm entitled to smash
this thing up.
-I paid for half of it!
-You want to get arrested?
-[Ruth] Go home, Desmond!
-Not without you!
Now for god's sake, stop
making a fool of yourself.
-I know you're in there,
David! David!
-Ruth. Ruth.
[Ruth] Is the au pair dropping
her drawers again for you,
David?
[officer] I don't want to
run her in, sir, for
a lovers' tiff.
[officer #2] did you
Damage the car, madam?
I'm entitled to.
I paid for half of it.
[Desmond] Ruth, it's not
worth it. Think of Andy.
It's Andy he's let down!
He promised
to take him to the fair.
[officer] Who's Andy?
Is he the boyfriend?
It's her son.
I'll take her home.
You thinking
of buying it, blondie?
Yes, I might.
[engine starts]
[indistinct chatter afar]
[laughing]
-Let me put my arm
around you for support.
-[girl giggling]
Ten minutes at the most.
-Now don't worry. He's a very
good driver.
-[girl laughs]
[footsteps, laughing]
[car door closes,
engine starts]
Your chauffeur, madam.
It's the au pair.
I was right.
Ruth, I'm taking you home.
Andy's been on his own
long enough.
Has he had something to eat?
Yes.
That vile pig,
David Blakely, promised
to take him to the fair.
Is Andy at your
place or mine?
Uh, he's watching
television at mine.
-Oh--
-Hmm?
[laughs] How did I get here?
I brought you and left you.
I see.
What happened?
-There was a party going on.
-Where were you?
I was just up the road.
I was just standing
in the road.
-There was lots of noise.
-Yes.
The window was open,
and somebody was
giggling a lot.
I had an idea it was
someone I knew.
Ruth, it's midnight.
I kept walking away
and coming back.
-I know it's the au pair.
-[shushing]
-He pulled the blind
down in her room.
-[continues shushing]
You think Blakely's with her?
He's up to his old tricks.
Whatever he's up to,
you'll still have him back.
I know.
[TV announcer] The energetic
champ with the jumps
is pogo stick expert
Charlie Macy of Sussex.
He's getting in a bit
of practice before
attempting to set a record
by staying on the pogo
stick for a half an hour.
that means 1,000 jumps.
[TV announcer continues,
indistinct]
[TV announcer] He's a
Professional golfer, really,
and rides this steel pole
with a spring in it just
for a hobby.
Personally, we'd rather ride
a kangaroo.
All the same, good luck
with the record, Charlie.
-That's enough.
-[turns off TV]
I'm sick of hearing it!
-Go and play, Andy.
-Where?
[Desmond] Anywhere!
-There was no need
to upset him.
-[Desmond laughs]
Being upset
is nothing new to Andy.
Bad enough David let him down
without you going on at him.
So now I'm as rotten
as Blakely.
Of course not.
Oh, but I am, Ruth.
I could be worse
than both of you put together
if I let myself.
You'd think more
of me then, wouldn't you?
No.
-Yes. Yes.
-No.
-[struggling, shrieks]
-Get off me!
If I'd treated you like
a punch bag instead of a woman
you would have thought
that baby you lost was mine
instead of Blakely's.
It could have been mine.
[sighs]
Yes. [laughs]
Ruth.
[both giggling]
I'll go get Andy.
[Ruth singing]
I still believe
[humming]
Be together
I still believe
This is our stormy weather
[engine running]
[chattering]
[chattering continues]
-Could you cash me
a check, Jerry?
-How much?
Tenner.
David.
-[David gasps]
-[Ruth fires again]
[David coughing]
[Ruth]
Get out of the way, Clive!
[Ruth fires twice more]
[gasping]
Will you get the police?
[soft saxophone music]
[soft saxophone music]
[jazz music]