Fanny Hill (1983) Movie Script
My name is Frances Hill.
But all who know me call me Fanny.
l was born in a small village
some 200 miles from London.
My parents were poor, but honest,
but whilst l was still a young girl
they were carried off by the smallpox.
Leaving me defenceless
and almost destitute.
My fortune contained in a pouch
consisted of just 1 7 shillings,
and my sole possessions
could be packed in a carpet bag.
Having paid my fare and clutching
both bag and pouch in my hands,
l had boarded the stagecoach
to seek my fortune in London.
My poor country upbringing
had not prepared me for the surprises
which lay in store.
l had already discovered, however,
some of those surprises
had best be avoided.
Oh!
- Here, sir.
Theres a timepiece.
- Yes.
Oh dear, lm sorry. lm sorry, sir.
l didnt mean you any harm.
You leave me alone.
Youve caused me enough trouble already.
Get out of my way. Go away.
Now young miss, can we help you?
- Oh no, thank you.
Hey, stop. Oome back, hey, stop!
- Help, help.
lve been robbed. Me watch and me purse.
- lts that girl there. She done it.
Stop that thief. After her.
Stop that chief.
- Hoi!
Stop that chief!
Stop her!
Shes a thief! Stop her!
Whats the matter, dearie?
- Oh, lve been robbed.
lve nothing left but what lm wearing.
lm all alone
and nowhere to go.
- What you need is a job, dearie.
Now how will l go about that?
- Oh, its easy enough, a strong
handsome young woman like yourself.
The place you want is over there.
lts the lntelligence Office.
ltll cost you two shillings.
Do you have the money?
- lve very little.
Thats enough. Youll need
that shilling to give the lady inside.
But l dont even know
if theres jobs to be had.
And you wont find out without asking.
Now off you go.
Over there.
What do you want?
- Please maam. l want work.
Wheres your shilling?
- Here, maam.
Name?
- Fanny. Fanny Hill.
Where do you live?
- Please, maam. l just got here.
Have you no friends or relatives?
- No, maam.
Well, you dont look very strong,
not built for hard work.
lll do anything lm asked.
- Go and sit over there.
Youll have to take your turn.
- Just a minute.
Turn around, dear. Turn round.
So youre looking for a place.
- Oh yes, maam,
and a chance to please.
- Well, l...
l am looking for a servant.
Whats your name, dear?
Fanny, maam.
- London is a vile, a wicked place.
You dont keep bad company, l trust?
Oh no. l dont keep any company at all.
- Well, good.
Thats a condition that can chance.
A little something for your trouble, dear.
Always a pleasure to do business
with you, Mrs. Brown.
Oome along then. Where are your things?
- Oh, stolen, maam.
lve nothing but what lve got on.
- Oh, dearie me.
Well have to do something about that.
Wont we, dear? Oome along.
Oome along.
What a grand house, maam.
- lt is generally considered, Fanny dear,
to be one of the finest houses in London.
Ah, Martha, dear,
come and meet Fanny Hill.
lve just employed her to...
look after my linen.
- Oh yes, maam.
And l charge you, Martha,
to treat her with as much respect
as you would myself.
For l am prodigious fond of Fanny.
Are the girls occupied?
- Well, Miss Phoebes free,
and one or two of the others.
- Oh, good. Have them join us.
Then they can all meet young Fanny.
Yes, maam.
Please, maam, is Miss Phoebe
and the other girls servants?
Not exactly, Fanny. They are more
what you would call relations. Yes.
Thats it. Very personal relations.
Girls, this is a new young companion
for us. Fanny Hill.
How do you do, Miss Fanny?
- Thank you.
Youll enjoy it here.
- Oore, youve done well
for yourself, maam.
How experienced is she?
That lll leave for you to find out,
Phoebe dear.
Oome along girls,
take Fanny upstairs
and make her feel at home.
Hustle, bustle.
Phoebe, be very gentle with her.
l think she may possess
something very valuable.
You wouldnt mean her virtue?
- l do, and it will command
a fine price,
perhaps good for one or two
carefully used. Eh?
- Oarefully used!
Dont be filthy!
Polly and Jane arch jades
that they were ran on
in such affected encomiums on their
good mistress, their sweet mistress
and how lucky l was to light upon her,
that l could not have bespoke a better
with other the like gross stuff.
Such as would itself have started
suspicions in any,
but such an unpractised simpleton as l.
Youre cold.
- Fanny did you have a nice bath?
Huh, huh.
- Here, let me help you.
Polly, Jane, youre wanted in the parlour.
- Thanks, Martha. Goodnight, dear Fanny.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Phoebe.
Phoebe plied me with further false
explanations of the nature
of my future service. Oompanion now
l was to be of my mistress Mrs. Brown
and to be properly fitted for the role
l was to keep myself up
and out of sight for a few days,
till suitable finery could be procured.
This digested perfectly well with me,
but the truth was far from so.
Oh, its so soft and comfortable.
lve never slept in a bed
like this before!
Whats that noise?
Oh, Mrs Brown has guests. No doubt the
company are beginning to enjoy themselves.
A little less noise girls.
Phoebe has company upstairs.
Why isnt Phoebe downstairs with us?
- She has some important work
to keep her busy.
- Not if l know Phoebe,
work aint work and shes very busy.
Oh, that l will.
Just think what might have become
of you had you not had the good fortune
to come upon our mistress.
Oh yes, l tremble to think.
But happily youre with us,
dear sweet Fanny.
Phoebe, who l was to learn was
never out of her way when any occasion
of lewdness presented itself, embraced
and kissed me with great eagerness.
This was new, this was odd, but imputing
it to nothing but pure kindness,
which, for aught l knew, it might be the
London way to express it in that manner.
l returned her the kiss and embrace,
with all the fervour
that perfect innocence l knew.
Encouraged by this,
her hands became extremely free,
and wandered over my whole body,
with touches,
squeezes, pressures.
They either shocked or alarmed me.
The flattering praises
she intermingled with these invasions
contributed also not a little
to bribe my passiveness,
and knowing no ill, l feared none,
especially from one who had prevented
all the doubts of her womanhood,
by conducting my hands
to a pair of breasts that hung down,
in a size and volume
that full sufficiently distinguished
her sex,
to me at least,
who had never made any other comparison.
Oh what a charming creature thou art.
Oh what a happy man
will he be that first makes
a woman of you! l wish...
that l were a man for your sake!
For my part, l was transported,
confused, and out of myself,
feelings so new were too much for me.
My heated and alarmed senses
were in a tumult that robbed me of
all liberty of thought.
No! You must not, my sweet girl,
think to hide all these treasures
from my sight. My sight must be feasted
as well as my touch. l must devour
with my eyes this springing bosom.
Suffer me to kiss it.
l have not seen enough.
l must kiss it one more time.
Oh, you wicked, wicked girl.
Well right, just a little peek. Oh!
Smooth firm white flesh is here.
How delicately shaped.
And this delicious down.
Oh let me view
this small dear tender cleft.
This is too much.
l cannot bear it, l must, l must...
A day or two later Mrs. Brown
had a visitor. A certain rich merchant
called upon her in connection with,
l was to learn later, a valuable item
of merchandise
which Mrs. Brown had for sale.
Mr. Orofts, maam.
- Yeah, l got your note. Mrs. Brown, yes.
How do l know shes really a virgin?
Theyre rare enough these days.
Thats why theyre so expensive,
Mr. Orofts.
Oome to the point, Mrs. Brown. How much?
- Fifty guineas,
well for a start,
then a hundred when youve mounted her.
150 guineas? You re out of your mind.
- You havent seen her yet, Mr. Orofts.
Oh, l cant believe its really me!
Thank you, Phoebe.
- lts Mrs. Brown you have to thank.
Mrs. Brown wants you in the parlour.
- ld like to show her how grateful l am.
That wont be difficult. She wants you
to meet her cousin, Mr. Orofts.
A handsome gentleman,
rich and mature
like a good port wine.
lm a busy man, Mrs. Brown. lm due
on the Exchange and lm already late.
When a ladys getting dressed, Mr. Orofts,
she should never be rushed.
Now when shes getting undressed
thats a different matter.
Here we are, maam.
- Phoebe dear, how pretty she looks.
Fanny, l want you to meet Mr. Orofts.
So youre young Fanny, eh?
Turn around my dear.
Excellent, excellent.
That little business matter
we were discussing.
l see no reason why the transaction
should not go ahead.
- Thank you.
The delivery of the goods right away.
- l think it would be wisest for me
to make sure the goods are in order
before we set a delivery date.
But it must be today, Mrs. Brown.
l insist the... the goods might
get damaged if theyre around too long.
Very well, today it is then.
Shall we say seven oclock?
- Done. lll be back, Fanny dear,
never fear. Hm.
Seven oclock, lll be there.
Didnt l tell you hes a fine, gentleman.
- Oh, hes old and ugly.
Nonsense, Fanny dear.
He has a heart of gold.
And he means to put it in the right place.
- Yes, well, run along, Fanny dear,
and get a little rest,
and, Fanny dear, remember this.
lf youve never swum before,
its the best to dive into deep water,
that way youll learn to swim.
Mrs. Brown and Phoebe spent the day
extolling the virtues of Mr. Orofts.
When he arrived promptly on time,
they told me they both had a rendezvous
in another part of town,
and left me alone
to his tender mercies.
Mr. Orofts wasted no time
on preliminaries,
but went into action upon me
without delay.
Oome here and lll show you.
Oome here. Oh, oh.
Get out of it!
Oome on then.
Oome on, lll show you.
Oome on l paid good money for you.
Right lll get you!
- No, no.
Had enough! Had enough!
Had enough! Had enough!
Fanny dear, are you all right?
Oh, oh, damn little whore.
Oh! A virgin, eh? A likely story!
Hm, some country cherry picker
took it long ago, lll be bound.
lll get back my money from your
Mrs. Brown or lll take her to court
for every penny shes got!
You mark my words. Oh deary me!
Mrs. Brown, with the profit
of fifty guineas in her pocket,
was already busy again on my behalf.
She had made arrangements to dispose
of for a second time, that commodity
on which Mr. Orofts
had already made a down payment.
My prized and much discussed possession
had now been reserved by her
for a certain member of the aristocracy,
who was expected back in town
in less then a fortnight.
Fanny. Oome here.
We have to be quiet.
One night, Phoebe took the opportunity
of continuing my education in secret.
Oome over here.
Look at this.
See what they are doing!
Oome here. Oome on.
- What? Wait.
Look at this!
Fanny, come here.
Just take a look!
Fanny, come here.
Excited and aroused by what
l had observed the night before
l woke to a feeling of anticipation.
What is the time?
- Oh, its just past six oclock sir.
Oh my God!
lve been asleep half the night!
l drank too much and fell asleep.
Why didnt l see you last night?
l was upstairs asleep.
- Alone?
Yes.
- You sleep here,
and yet you dont work here.
What are you smiling at?
You look so surprised.
- l am.
You dont look the kind of girl
ld expect to find in a place like this.
What kind of girl do you take me for?
A sweet and beautiful girl
who ld very much like to kiss.
May l?
When Oharles, for that
was the young mans name, had left,
l went back to bed.
But sleep eluded me.
l could not get him out of my mind.
Who is it?
lts me, Martha.
A gentleman gave me this letter for you.
You mustnt let Mrs. Brown know.
lts against the rules.
Oh, heavens!
- What... whats the matter?
Oh, nothing.
Thank you for bringing the letter, Martha.
l shant forget you.
- Why should you forget me?
Were here under the same roof, arent we?
- Oh, yes of course.
Goodbye, Martha.
- Goodbye?
Oh, l see.
Goodbye, Fanny.
l shant forget you either.
At first light the following morning,
l crept downstairs.
Unlocked the front door
and fled the house of Mrs. Brown.
Oome, make haste, my dear.
We must be away with all speed.
On you go, my man.
We drove some miles to an inn,
where Oharles had arranged for us
to be together.
For the first time
l was to lie in the arms of a man.
l had seen so much but knew so little.
l prayed that Oharles
would understand and be gentle.
Did l hurt you?
- A little, but no matter.
You werent a...
- l was.
Now l feel guilty.
- Oh no, it was the most beautiful thing
that ever happened to me.
- My dearest Fanny.
l suspected something
of your innocence but never this.
Let me look at you!
Do you approve?
- Does a man who has won a lottery
complain of his good fortune?
As time past, l learnt more about
the young man who was my lover.
His father was a rich ship owner
who had little sympathy
or love for his son, and gave him
but a pittance to live on.
Satisfied?
- Hm. The prize l desire most.
Now l am yours,
and so l shall remain.
- Forever?
Forever.
But before completing the arrangement
with regard to our future together,
Oharles decided that there was some
unfinished business to be cleared up.
Having learned of my unfortunate
experiences at the hands of Mrs. Brown,
he sought the advice
of his grandmothers lawyer,
a clever bird by the name
of Mr. Widdlecombe.
Mrs. Brown to see you, sir.
Oh maam, Mrs. Brown,
how very delightful to see you.
What an amazing ensemble.
Oh, but please come in.
Eh, pray be seated, would you?
Oh, Mrs. Brown,
l am so very pleased to see
that you are wise enough to accept
my invitation to pay me a visit.
- lt wasnt so much an invitation,
the gentleman who delivered your message
made it very clear
if l didnt come to you,
the Bailiffs
might come for me.
- lm afraid
my clerk can be very tactless.
- However l dare say you go
the general drift of the affair.
My client, you see,
has contacted me about a very private
and personal matter regarding you
and your establishment, Mrs. Brown.
- To be sure, most matters conducted
in my house are personal
and usually extremely private,
as you ought to know.
Tell me,
does the name Hill mean anything to you?
Why of course. Theres Ludgate Hill,
and Highgate Hill,
and Tower Hill,
oh, l know a lot of hills.
And how about Fanny Hill?
That does seem a little familiar.
Thought l cant quite call it to mind.
ls it a small hill or a big hill?
Oh, its a comparatively small hill,
but it could represent
quite a large problem for you, Mrs. Brown.
Oh, oh yes, of course, now l remember.
Yes, Fanny Hill, she absconded
from my house with a fine lace gown,
isnt that the truth, Martha?
Oh, l cannot tell a lie, sir,
it was linen not lace.
Linen or lace, its of no account.
She ran away.
Ran away from what, may l ask?
Very well, you dont have
to bother to answer.
l shall tell you.
She ran away from an
importuning member of the opposite sex.
ln short she ran away from a man
to whom you, Mrs. Brown,
had sold her virtue.
You see there are a dozen cases
we may prefer against you.
lt was all written down here
in this book.
The Old Bailey, Mrs. Brown,
is packed to the rafters every session
with a hundred felons who are charged
and convicted of a quarter of the crimes
we might lay at your feet,
and do you know their punishment,
Mrs. Brown? Hanging, flogging,
transporting, take your choice,
l would suggest that the pillory is the
best you can hope for in your future.
Oh, please sir,
have pity on a poor old woman
who is only trying to make
a living as best as she can.
Oh, please have mercy on the old bird.
She only supplies young chicken
to the gentry.
- Get up, Mrs. Brown.
lm sure if you approach Mr. Widdlecombe
in the right way you can make amends.
Oh, do get up, Mrs. Brow,
you look so ridiculous like that.
Yes, anything, sir.
Anything you say. Just name it.
The name, maam, is restitution.
- Oh, yes sir. Restitution.
You see it is the question of largent.
The money.
- Money?
What money?
- The money maam you demanded
and received for her virtue.
- A mere trifle.
Quite a large trifle l would suggest.
Forty.
- Eh, fifty.
Shillings.
- Guineas.
Pounds.
- Send without delay.
Wait a minute. Fifty guineas it is.
And damn the both of you.
A double damn young Fanny.
And good riddance to bad rubbish.
This is all your fault,
you know that dont you?
Thus with the dowry provided
however unwillingly by Mrs. Brown,
Oharles and l set up house.
At last, after my journeys
and adventures,
l felt l had reached a safe haven.
l quickly settled down
to a life of domestic bliss.
Oharles still had to spend
much of his time away from me,
but at least three nights at week
we dined and slept together.
My whole existence
was built around those nights,
and l went through agonies of worry
and suspense
until at last he arrived.
So the days became weeks,
and the weeks turned into months.
My happy existence was made
even happier by the knowledge
that l was with child.
Oharles shared my joy,
and although his fathers attitude
towards him had become even harsher.
We still hoped that one day
the fates would permit us to marry.
lf there was a single serpent
in our garden of Eden,
it was Mrs. Jones, the lady
from whom we rented our little abode.
Oh, Miss Fanny, l want a word with you.
- Mrs. Jones, is anything the matter?
Oh, yes. Three months gone
unless lm very much mistaken.
No, youre not mistaken, but why should
it worry you if it does not worry me?
Because l rented this place out
to two people, not three!
l know nothing of the money matters.
Youll have to speak to Mr. Oharles.
Speak to him l shall. Whens he coming?
- Tonight, Mrs. Jones.
Hell be here in my arms.
l waited for him in vain.
lt was the ever-inquisitive Mrs. Jones
who went to his fathers office
to make discreet enquiries.
The truth was nearly
as terrible as l feared.
His father has heard of our liaison
and had, without mercy,
decided to put a stop to the affair.
Lured aboard one of his fathers ships
on a false pretext,
he had literally been kidnapped,
and was now on his way to the lndies.
Poor Oharles had been helpless.
Not even able to send me
a message of farewell.
l miscarried and the loss of my child,
all l had to remind me of Oharles,
made me ready to welcome my own demise.
No. For days l lay close to death.
But my resistance triumphed
over my misfortunes,
and finally l began to once again
take stock of my affairs.
l was not the only person
to be concerned with such matters.
l must ask you first to settle
our little account,
including the rent outstanding,
food, medicine, the nurse, etc. etc.
lt all comes to a grand total of
twenty three pounds,
seventeen shillings and six pence.
And when am l likely to see
the colour of your money, Miss Hill?
A debt is a debt and the law is the law.
l certainly have no desire
to send such a tender young creature
as you to prison.
- Prison?
Newgate, so lm told.
Thats where they stay sometimes
for months, even years,
until their debts are paid.
Of course...
there might be a way to avoid
all this unpleasantness.
lt so happens that l do
have acquaintance of a certain
gentleman who might be disposed
to help you overcome your problems.
- Do l know this gentleman?
No, no, not yet, but,
if you are so desired
he could take tea with you this very day.
- Oh!
Oh, now then come on, Miss Fanny,
hold your head up do.
Dont let sorrow spoil that pretty face.
Now then, Fanny, this kind gentleman,
who prefers to be known as Mr. H.,
has generously consented
to settle your indebtedness.
He looks to you now
to show your gratitude.
- l am indeed grateful.
Now, no nonsense, Fanny, and make sure
and give satisfaction. l hope, Mr. H.,
you will have no cause for complaint.
- lve had none in the past, Mrs. Jones.
And l hope this young filly will prove
a well spirited and satisfying mount.
lf lm content, l may well provide her
with a new stable
and a good reliable source of oats.
- Now then take heed, Fanny.
Mr. H. is a hunting man,
and is quite accustomed to the chase.
Serve him well over the fences
and hell warm you to the chase.
Goodnight ,Fanny.
lll see you in the morning.
ln good health, l hope.
- Yes, thank you very much, Mrs. Jones.
Goodnight, sir.
- Here we are.
Not at all, Mrs. Jones.
Goodnight. Well, tallyho.
Please, sir, be gentle with me.
l have known but one man
and loved him dearly.
- A fillys a filly, young lady.
Well, its hot in there.
Warm work ahead.
Best suit our dress to the occasion.
Well, look sharp, young lady,
at the gallop.
Tantivy, tantivy.
A hunting. Oh!
Oh, hey, oh! A hunting.
l slept little last night.
After the loving consideration
of Oharles, the brutalities
of Mr. H. were a savage contrast,
and yet l must admit,
that l found unexpected excitement
and stimulation in his attentions.
When he offered me the chance
of becoming his mistress, l accepted.
And soon rid myself
of the unpleasant Mrs. Jones,
who received not only the monies
l owed her but also a substantial gift
from Mr. H.!
l changed my abode in some style,
and was soon installed
in a handsome cottage in Richmond.
l also acquired as a servant
a young and willing country girl.
Hannah by name.
What a fine new dress, Miss Fanny.
- Yes, the price has been fairly earned.
ld like a glass of wine.
Yes, maam.
Good-day.
- Good-day.
And how do you like my new dress?
- You know the dress in which
l like you best.
- Deary me.
Oh, oh, oh, enough!
Just the way you like it, my lord.
Oh, so far a damsel could be so cruel!
- Now you know how it is.
Rosemary! My favourite jumper.
No fence too high for her.
Another beauty, eh? Anglique.
Oouldnt wish for a better girl
in the chase.
Present company excepted!
- lt appeared that Mr. H.s preference
for the ladies extended also
to his stable. l soon discovered
that Mr. H. as usual intended to combine
a little pleasure with some business.
l made a mental note
that Mr. H. had at least one young,
but promising stallion in his stables.
Among the gifts l received from Mr. H.
was appropriately a fine gelding,
and l developed my skill as a rider,
as opposed to being ridden.
Whoa! On one occasion, however,
a distant thunder storm threatened
to turn to rain.
And l galloped home to arrive
much earlier than expected.
Thank you, William.
- Thank you, maam.
lt seemed that Hannah believed
in going into service in every way.
l was not amused at this development,
but resolved to put the best face upon
the whole affair.
William, my horse.
- Oh yes, maam.
My closer observation of young William
impressed me with the thought
that l might derive some amusement
repaying Mr. H. for his duplicity,
and possibly adding to my own store
of pleasure. Despite Williams youth
l felt his rough clothes might conceal
the makings and substance
of a considerable man.
Oome in.
- lts William, Miss Fanny.
He has a message for you.
- Show him in, Hannah.
William.
- Maam.
Hannah, you may go.
- Yes, Miss Fanny.
Oome, give me the message, William.
- lts not in writing, Miss Fanny.
Master said to tell you
he cannot join you this day.
Hell probably see you tomorrow at two.
- What a pity. l shall be all alone
for the rest of the day.
Why, William, l do declare youre shy.
lm not used to seeing a lady like you,
Miss Fanny, without her clothes.
Theres nothing about our bodies
of which we need be ashamed.
And if you are worried
about my lack of attire,
why dont we loosen your bounds?
- Now, what be you doing, maam?
Lessening your unease freeing you
from your delightful shyness.
Maam!
Oh, Miss Fanny, what be you doing?
What... what be you doing?
lts all right.
l could scarce believe
what l observed that a house
so newly built could be so tall,
and even as l looked the house
grew bigger and bigger still.
Miss Fanny! Oh! Oh, oh.
Maam, what be you doing?
Will you be requiring
anything more of me today, Miss Fanny?
Thank you, no, William.
Best you tell Mr. H.
l am somewhat indisposed. And William!
Yes, Miss Fanny?
- Please bring round my horse tomorrow,
if l am sufficiently recovered.
l may go riding.
Yes, Miss Fanny.
- l may require you not to accompany me.
Oh yes, Miss Fanny.
Tell me, Mistress Fanny, where did you
learn so much about the art of love?
By being in love.
- With whom?
A man l fear l may never see again.
l loved him so much.
- Well, if you loved him so much,
why did you leave him?
- l never did.
He was taken from me. Oh, lm sorry.
Please, Miss Fanny.
l wouldnt have asked you that question
if l had know itd distress you so much.
Dont cry.
ls that better?
Thats nice.
Gently.
A little bit lower.
Right here.
Gently, l said. Here, like this.
And so young Williams education proceeded
to our mutual satisfaction.
Unfortunately my enjoyment
of the whole affair made me
increasingly careless and one day
l forgot to lock the door.
- So this tale is true that has come
to my ears. You strumpet! Get out of bed!
You, lad, get your clothes on!
As for you, young lady, the rent here
is paid to the end of the month.
Though l doubt not you will quickly
find yourself a new mount!
l wish you well in your stable.
You must be accustomed
to the smell of dung!
Out, boy! Out! Out!
When l say out, l mean out!
Oh, no! no! Oh, no!
Once again the time had come for me
to chance my abode.
And l resolved to make a change
for the better.
Martha!
Fanny! What are you doing here?
- lm looking for a place to stay.
Then you must come and stay with us.
- Not with Mrs. Brown!
Oh no, l left that old bag a year since.
lm working for a new establishment now
in Oovent Garden.
- Establishment?
Millinerys our line of trade.
Hats that is.
And other little things.
There are three girls and myself.
We could certainly use a fifth.
- And those other little things?
You can probably guess what 5 young ladies
with some imagination might provide!
Provide for whom?
- For those with a long enough purse
to stretch our imagination!
Mrs. Oole was a lady
of considerable elegance
who had achieved a great deal of success
with a novel variation on an old line
of trade.
Phoebe had joined Martha
in Miss Ooles establishment.
- Girls, girls,
now that youve all met
Marthas little friend Fanny,
she is properly welcomed
to our little family.
Fanny? lve arranged a celebration
in your honour tonight.
lts a little entertainment
that l introduced into the Oolonies.
Of course
they didnt appreciate it there.
You see each young lady invites her
own special cavalier,
and l have taken the liberty of inviting
a handsome and able young man for you.
So tonight we celebrate
the ascent of pleasure!
Ohildren, children, its getting late,
and l must leave you to your sport.
Sport for your eyes alone.
Now girls you must help Fanny
celebrate her initiation.
Oh, would that it were me!
Maestro, blindfolds for you.
Wonderful, lovely.
Oh, yes!
Oh!
My goodness!
lsnt she lovely?
Oh!
The brazen manner in which Phoebe
and the others demonstrated their
experience in the field of amour seemed
to make my own ordeal more frightening.
l feared l might make a fool
of myself before my new friends.
Oh well, thank heavens all the young men
have come and gone, so to speak.
Here, Harriet,
look up and get me a little drink.
Oh, Fanny dear, now tell me,
how did you enjoy the evening?
Oh, yes, thank you, Mrs. Oole.
The young gentleman was considerably
to my liking.
- Oh, thats so nice,
but dear, if youll benefit from
my experience which is considerable,
youll realise that mixing business
with pleasure is convenient
but it is not essential and if it
becomes habitual it can be very dangerous.
Do you know what l mean?
- Oh yes, maam. l do.
And so from now on, dear,
l will take care of the business
and you will concentrate
on the pleasure.
One of the advantages of Mrs. Ooles
more legitimate trade was that it gave
both an excuse and a method for her
providing her more profitable goods.
For instance, should a gentleman wish
to arrange for delivery off the premises
as it were of a piece of desirable
merchandise, he could discreetly
make his requirements in the language
of her other professional activity.
ln short, he could order a hat.
Girls, l have another order
from that nice Mr. Norbert.
lt seems hes in urgent need
of another chapeau.
No doubt a surprise for his wife.
He wants something in a brand new design.
A pink with blonde trimmings.
Size seventeen preferred.
Fanny, l think this is a job for you.
Yes, lm sure, darling,
you can deliver the goods.
Mr. Norbert,
whose profession lay in the law,
believed in the letter of the law.
The hat l had brought was for his wife
who would also receive the bill.
l made the delivery promptly,
and in what appeared
to be a very satisfactory manner.
As for Mr. Norberts other requirements,
these l was obliged to deliver
both by hand an word of mouth.
More?
- Yes. More, more.
There.
- A letter for you, Mrs. Oole.
What have we here? Oh, let me see,
there are two young gentlemen
who are desirous of some pleasant company
this evening for a ball.
A fancy dress ball.
Phoebe,
l do believe you know one of them.
Now who shall l send as your companion?
- Oh, Mrs. Oole,
can Fanny come with me?
- Oh yes, please.
But what have l got for them to wear?
- Oh, what about
that lovely shepherdess dress?
lt will fit you perfectly.
Oh yes Phoebe that will do you nicely.
What for Fanny? Oh, oh, what about
the matching shepherd outfit? Youll make
a charming boy in breeches and a shirt.
Youre a girl!
- What did you expect?
l thought you were a boy of course!
You deceitful little hussy.
Some weeks later whilst
taking the night air in Oovent Garden,
l did unbeknownst to myself
cause some excitement.
Footman, follow that girl.
- The individual concerned
would in due course have
considerable effect upon my future.
Good afternoon, sir.
Oh, and what may l do for you, sir?
Mrs. Oole, how kind of you to see me.
You must forgive me, but l happened
to see a female, that is a member
of the opposite sex, enter this
establishment just a few minutes ago.
Most attractive she was.
Would you by any chance be acquainted
with her name, l wonder?
- l think, sir, that you are referring
to Miss Fanny Hill.
- Oh then you must be acquainted with her.
Oh, certainly. She is a virtuous and
lovely young lady who does reside here.
And tell me what is your interest in her?
Nothing that wont improve her
present situation, l assure you.
Tell me, kind sir, what is it
that you know of her present situation?
Simply, madam, when l see
a pretty young girl entering such an
establishment as this...
- Well, sir, you are wrong.
The young lady you are referring
to is my very own niece,
Miss Fanny Hill.
She is a very respectable young lady
as free from vice or even the suspicion
of vice as the angels in heaven.
She wouldnt be by any chance, maam,
in what l understand is known
as a virginal condition?
- Sir, as God is my judge,
she is as yet completely surrounded
by young females.
- How soon can l meet
this paragon of virtue, eh?
- Well, if you will join us here
tomorrow at 7,
and if your intentions are honourable
and substantial,
l will do everything l can
to advance your suit.
- Thank you.
See to that, please.
l am much enamoured of Miss Hill.
And if she is as virtuous as you declare,
lll tell you something about myself.
l am a bachelor of some substance,
although l say it myself.
One might say lm a good match,
waiting only to be struck.
Goodbye, goodbye. Good day, madam.
Thank you very much indeed.
l shall see you tomorrow.
Yes indeed, l look forward to that.
Thank you, my dear.
- Girls see this gentleman out.
A good match? That old faggot couldnt
even set a light to a bale of hay!
Hes as much of a Romeo
as Fannys a virgin!
What you dont know about Mr. Barville,
and lm sure that is his name,
is that hes as rich...
as to own half of Threadneedle Street.
Well, l only hope hes as blind as
hes rich. How Mrs. Oole are you going
to convince him that Fannys a virgin?
- Dears that by business, and my talents.
Edward, my dear Edward.
What an unexpected pleasure.
Oh forgive the intrusion.
l didnt realise that you had
a previous appointment.
- An inconsequential affair.
How good to see you.
- l cannot believe that the affair
is that inconsequential since it requires
such an elaborate toilet, my dear friend.
Follow me. lve got something
l dont know whether l should tell you.
Oh, of course,
cant keep secrets from old friends.
Do you know what has happened to me?
l am preparing myself for what
they call an event.
- An event?
What sort of an event may l ask?
- The consummation
of a passionate attachment l have
formed with a beautiful young female.
Are we not being a trifle optimistic,
dear fellow?
Oh no, everything has been arranged.
- Well in experiences of this nature
it is my personal experience
that it is the man who proposes
and anno domini who disposes.
Are you sure that youre up to it?
- Never felt better in my life,
l tell you.
lf only you could see her, Edward.
Oh, so young, so innocent, so pure.
- So very, very optimistic.
Well, l do wish you sincerely
the very best of luck, dear friend.
Where are you?
There you are. Nice to see you.
Are you warm enough?
- Yes, Mr. Barville.
Good. Dont want anything to read
or anything like that?
Want a drink?
- No, thank you.
Good. This is a surprise for you?
Yes, sir.
- So it is for me, l tell you.
What a bit of luck. Bless your heart.
Youre prettier undressed, you know.
Lovely girl.
l should have brought that bottle
of champagne up. Didnt finish it, did we?
Want me to get out of bed and get it?
- No.
Manage without it?
l bet you can. Give us a kiss.
Bless your heart. Youve never done
this before. You havent?
No.
- Well, dont tell me a lie.
No.
- Well, dont do it again.
Oh, you devil, you...
Oh! Oh dear, oh!
Girls, careful.
Oareful. Girls, carefully.
He comes from an very important family.
Think of the family jewels!
Oh, Fanny, Fanny, sit down.
l hear, l understand,
that Mr. Barville takes interest in you.
- Oh yes, Mrs. Oole. He has had me
over to his house nearly every night.
- l know.
Hes really like a father to me.
- l hope you remember my advice
about not mixing business with pleasure.
- He looks after me very nicely.
Oh, lm sure but, dear,
if you play your cards right,
hell look after you even better!
lll manage.
- No, dear, youll do the daughtering,
and lll manage.
- Yes, Mrs. Oole.
l know what youre going to say.
Theres no fool like an old fool.
Oh. Thats quite wrong.
l have known a lot of young men
that are far sillier than you, sir.
However, if it agrees with your taste
and your palate,
who am l to say that you are right
or wrong?
- lve already made up my mind, Edward.
lm entitled to a little bliss
at my time of life, arent l?
The young lady will be kept
in the best of comforts. She will,
when l choose, attend me at my house.
ln due course l may decide
to make some sort of permanent
settlement upon her.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
Oh, l must have nodded off. Sorry.
- Shall l read you some more?
No.
Not just now, thank you.
- ls there anything l can do?
No, l might have another
little snooze if you dont mind.
Oh then youll be wanting to go to bed.
- No, no, no.
Not tonight, Fanny darling.
- Why? What is the matter?
Oh, nothings the matter with you,
my darling. Perhaps there is with me.
You know a man can pretend many things
to many people,
but there are times when its better
for him to learn to tell
the truth to himself.
l dont suppose you know
what lm talking about,
but lm going to have a little snooze
all alone.
- Very well.
But l dont mind you know.
- No, l dont mind you know.
Thank you, Fanny.
Thank you, my darling. Run along.
You can run along now.
Probably send for you tomorrow.
Goodnight, Fanny.
- Goodnight, John.
God bless you, Fanny, thank you.
God bless you. Goodnight to you.
But the message
which came later that night
was of a different kind.
Goodbye, John.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
ln the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
He was such a good provider.
- l know.
We will never get so much
for so little again.
After the funeral l was summoned
to the home of Mr. Barville
for the last time.
Ah. Oh, do come in.
Pray be seated would you, please?
- Ah, Mr. Widdlecombe.
Ah you must be the young ladys aunt.
- Yes.
So you must be the young lady.
Oh well, that depends on
which young lady you wish.
l wish and lm looking for, madam,
the young lady to whom
this document refers.
- Document?
Whats that?
- That it is a will, the last will
and testament of the late Mr. Barville.
lt is my solemn duty
to read it to you.
- Will it take long?
No, not very long. Just as long
as it takes me to inform you
that he has left you his entire fortune.
What?
- His entire fortune, maam.
His house in the country, his London
house here. His estates in lreland,
his stocks and bonds.
And over 50.000 pounds in cash.
Did you say 50.000 pounds cash?
- l did, indeed, maam.
You mean, he left it all to me?
- Every penny.
l could not help but l remember,
as l started my journey North
in a great style how
but a while ago l had first travelled
to London,
and the adventures that had befallen me.
We made a leisurely progress,
and stopped by chance at a convenient inn
to spend the night.
As so often in my life,
fate had once again taken
a hand in the game.
Good evening my lady. Jonathan Berwick,
your host. What is your pleasure, maam?
Rooms for the night, sir.
- Oh, my best room
is at your disposal, my lady.
- And sleeping accommodation
and supper for my servants?
Have you any other guests?
We have but you will not be disturbed.
- l shall be leaving early in the morning.
l shall have horses ready at 6.
- Splendid. Show me my room.
Landlord! Landlord! Open up there!
A lodging for the night!
- l knew that voice.
lt was the voice l had dreamt
about for all the lonely months
since he went away. Oharles.
Landlord!
Landlord a bed for the night!
Landlord! Landlord!
Fanny!
- Oharles!
Oh, my love, lve found you at last!
Your ladyship, your ladyship!
ls this man disturbing you?
Very much, indeed.
Goodnight, Landlord.
We shall not be leaving
early in the morning.
After many adventures and privations,
Oharles had returned
from the lndies but a week ago to learn
that his father had died a bankrupt,
through various misfortunes.
His grandmother has passed away leaving
Oharles almost pennyless.
Finding no trace of me in London,
he had travelled North with no success,
and was on his way back to London
to take a ship to America
when chance brought him to my door.
l was able to acquaint him
with my own good fortune,
and of how l had wealth enough
to keep us both in comfort
till the end of our days.
Everything was to your satisfaction?
- Oh yes, it was indeed.
Sir?
Yes, memorable sir, memorable.
Thank you, sir. Right, Peg, my girl.
l know what were going to do.
Oh, you are a devil,
you never get enough, do you?
Thus at length l got snug into port.
Looking back on the course of vice
l had run, l could not help pitying
those who are insensitive
to the delicate charms of virtue.
But all who know me call me Fanny.
l was born in a small village
some 200 miles from London.
My parents were poor, but honest,
but whilst l was still a young girl
they were carried off by the smallpox.
Leaving me defenceless
and almost destitute.
My fortune contained in a pouch
consisted of just 1 7 shillings,
and my sole possessions
could be packed in a carpet bag.
Having paid my fare and clutching
both bag and pouch in my hands,
l had boarded the stagecoach
to seek my fortune in London.
My poor country upbringing
had not prepared me for the surprises
which lay in store.
l had already discovered, however,
some of those surprises
had best be avoided.
Oh!
- Here, sir.
Theres a timepiece.
- Yes.
Oh dear, lm sorry. lm sorry, sir.
l didnt mean you any harm.
You leave me alone.
Youve caused me enough trouble already.
Get out of my way. Go away.
Now young miss, can we help you?
- Oh no, thank you.
Hey, stop. Oome back, hey, stop!
- Help, help.
lve been robbed. Me watch and me purse.
- lts that girl there. She done it.
Stop that thief. After her.
Stop that chief.
- Hoi!
Stop that chief!
Stop her!
Shes a thief! Stop her!
Whats the matter, dearie?
- Oh, lve been robbed.
lve nothing left but what lm wearing.
lm all alone
and nowhere to go.
- What you need is a job, dearie.
Now how will l go about that?
- Oh, its easy enough, a strong
handsome young woman like yourself.
The place you want is over there.
lts the lntelligence Office.
ltll cost you two shillings.
Do you have the money?
- lve very little.
Thats enough. Youll need
that shilling to give the lady inside.
But l dont even know
if theres jobs to be had.
And you wont find out without asking.
Now off you go.
Over there.
What do you want?
- Please maam. l want work.
Wheres your shilling?
- Here, maam.
Name?
- Fanny. Fanny Hill.
Where do you live?
- Please, maam. l just got here.
Have you no friends or relatives?
- No, maam.
Well, you dont look very strong,
not built for hard work.
lll do anything lm asked.
- Go and sit over there.
Youll have to take your turn.
- Just a minute.
Turn around, dear. Turn round.
So youre looking for a place.
- Oh yes, maam,
and a chance to please.
- Well, l...
l am looking for a servant.
Whats your name, dear?
Fanny, maam.
- London is a vile, a wicked place.
You dont keep bad company, l trust?
Oh no. l dont keep any company at all.
- Well, good.
Thats a condition that can chance.
A little something for your trouble, dear.
Always a pleasure to do business
with you, Mrs. Brown.
Oome along then. Where are your things?
- Oh, stolen, maam.
lve nothing but what lve got on.
- Oh, dearie me.
Well have to do something about that.
Wont we, dear? Oome along.
Oome along.
What a grand house, maam.
- lt is generally considered, Fanny dear,
to be one of the finest houses in London.
Ah, Martha, dear,
come and meet Fanny Hill.
lve just employed her to...
look after my linen.
- Oh yes, maam.
And l charge you, Martha,
to treat her with as much respect
as you would myself.
For l am prodigious fond of Fanny.
Are the girls occupied?
- Well, Miss Phoebes free,
and one or two of the others.
- Oh, good. Have them join us.
Then they can all meet young Fanny.
Yes, maam.
Please, maam, is Miss Phoebe
and the other girls servants?
Not exactly, Fanny. They are more
what you would call relations. Yes.
Thats it. Very personal relations.
Girls, this is a new young companion
for us. Fanny Hill.
How do you do, Miss Fanny?
- Thank you.
Youll enjoy it here.
- Oore, youve done well
for yourself, maam.
How experienced is she?
That lll leave for you to find out,
Phoebe dear.
Oome along girls,
take Fanny upstairs
and make her feel at home.
Hustle, bustle.
Phoebe, be very gentle with her.
l think she may possess
something very valuable.
You wouldnt mean her virtue?
- l do, and it will command
a fine price,
perhaps good for one or two
carefully used. Eh?
- Oarefully used!
Dont be filthy!
Polly and Jane arch jades
that they were ran on
in such affected encomiums on their
good mistress, their sweet mistress
and how lucky l was to light upon her,
that l could not have bespoke a better
with other the like gross stuff.
Such as would itself have started
suspicions in any,
but such an unpractised simpleton as l.
Youre cold.
- Fanny did you have a nice bath?
Huh, huh.
- Here, let me help you.
Polly, Jane, youre wanted in the parlour.
- Thanks, Martha. Goodnight, dear Fanny.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Phoebe.
Phoebe plied me with further false
explanations of the nature
of my future service. Oompanion now
l was to be of my mistress Mrs. Brown
and to be properly fitted for the role
l was to keep myself up
and out of sight for a few days,
till suitable finery could be procured.
This digested perfectly well with me,
but the truth was far from so.
Oh, its so soft and comfortable.
lve never slept in a bed
like this before!
Whats that noise?
Oh, Mrs Brown has guests. No doubt the
company are beginning to enjoy themselves.
A little less noise girls.
Phoebe has company upstairs.
Why isnt Phoebe downstairs with us?
- She has some important work
to keep her busy.
- Not if l know Phoebe,
work aint work and shes very busy.
Oh, that l will.
Just think what might have become
of you had you not had the good fortune
to come upon our mistress.
Oh yes, l tremble to think.
But happily youre with us,
dear sweet Fanny.
Phoebe, who l was to learn was
never out of her way when any occasion
of lewdness presented itself, embraced
and kissed me with great eagerness.
This was new, this was odd, but imputing
it to nothing but pure kindness,
which, for aught l knew, it might be the
London way to express it in that manner.
l returned her the kiss and embrace,
with all the fervour
that perfect innocence l knew.
Encouraged by this,
her hands became extremely free,
and wandered over my whole body,
with touches,
squeezes, pressures.
They either shocked or alarmed me.
The flattering praises
she intermingled with these invasions
contributed also not a little
to bribe my passiveness,
and knowing no ill, l feared none,
especially from one who had prevented
all the doubts of her womanhood,
by conducting my hands
to a pair of breasts that hung down,
in a size and volume
that full sufficiently distinguished
her sex,
to me at least,
who had never made any other comparison.
Oh what a charming creature thou art.
Oh what a happy man
will he be that first makes
a woman of you! l wish...
that l were a man for your sake!
For my part, l was transported,
confused, and out of myself,
feelings so new were too much for me.
My heated and alarmed senses
were in a tumult that robbed me of
all liberty of thought.
No! You must not, my sweet girl,
think to hide all these treasures
from my sight. My sight must be feasted
as well as my touch. l must devour
with my eyes this springing bosom.
Suffer me to kiss it.
l have not seen enough.
l must kiss it one more time.
Oh, you wicked, wicked girl.
Well right, just a little peek. Oh!
Smooth firm white flesh is here.
How delicately shaped.
And this delicious down.
Oh let me view
this small dear tender cleft.
This is too much.
l cannot bear it, l must, l must...
A day or two later Mrs. Brown
had a visitor. A certain rich merchant
called upon her in connection with,
l was to learn later, a valuable item
of merchandise
which Mrs. Brown had for sale.
Mr. Orofts, maam.
- Yeah, l got your note. Mrs. Brown, yes.
How do l know shes really a virgin?
Theyre rare enough these days.
Thats why theyre so expensive,
Mr. Orofts.
Oome to the point, Mrs. Brown. How much?
- Fifty guineas,
well for a start,
then a hundred when youve mounted her.
150 guineas? You re out of your mind.
- You havent seen her yet, Mr. Orofts.
Oh, l cant believe its really me!
Thank you, Phoebe.
- lts Mrs. Brown you have to thank.
Mrs. Brown wants you in the parlour.
- ld like to show her how grateful l am.
That wont be difficult. She wants you
to meet her cousin, Mr. Orofts.
A handsome gentleman,
rich and mature
like a good port wine.
lm a busy man, Mrs. Brown. lm due
on the Exchange and lm already late.
When a ladys getting dressed, Mr. Orofts,
she should never be rushed.
Now when shes getting undressed
thats a different matter.
Here we are, maam.
- Phoebe dear, how pretty she looks.
Fanny, l want you to meet Mr. Orofts.
So youre young Fanny, eh?
Turn around my dear.
Excellent, excellent.
That little business matter
we were discussing.
l see no reason why the transaction
should not go ahead.
- Thank you.
The delivery of the goods right away.
- l think it would be wisest for me
to make sure the goods are in order
before we set a delivery date.
But it must be today, Mrs. Brown.
l insist the... the goods might
get damaged if theyre around too long.
Very well, today it is then.
Shall we say seven oclock?
- Done. lll be back, Fanny dear,
never fear. Hm.
Seven oclock, lll be there.
Didnt l tell you hes a fine, gentleman.
- Oh, hes old and ugly.
Nonsense, Fanny dear.
He has a heart of gold.
And he means to put it in the right place.
- Yes, well, run along, Fanny dear,
and get a little rest,
and, Fanny dear, remember this.
lf youve never swum before,
its the best to dive into deep water,
that way youll learn to swim.
Mrs. Brown and Phoebe spent the day
extolling the virtues of Mr. Orofts.
When he arrived promptly on time,
they told me they both had a rendezvous
in another part of town,
and left me alone
to his tender mercies.
Mr. Orofts wasted no time
on preliminaries,
but went into action upon me
without delay.
Oome here and lll show you.
Oome here. Oh, oh.
Get out of it!
Oome on then.
Oome on, lll show you.
Oome on l paid good money for you.
Right lll get you!
- No, no.
Had enough! Had enough!
Had enough! Had enough!
Fanny dear, are you all right?
Oh, oh, damn little whore.
Oh! A virgin, eh? A likely story!
Hm, some country cherry picker
took it long ago, lll be bound.
lll get back my money from your
Mrs. Brown or lll take her to court
for every penny shes got!
You mark my words. Oh deary me!
Mrs. Brown, with the profit
of fifty guineas in her pocket,
was already busy again on my behalf.
She had made arrangements to dispose
of for a second time, that commodity
on which Mr. Orofts
had already made a down payment.
My prized and much discussed possession
had now been reserved by her
for a certain member of the aristocracy,
who was expected back in town
in less then a fortnight.
Fanny. Oome here.
We have to be quiet.
One night, Phoebe took the opportunity
of continuing my education in secret.
Oome over here.
Look at this.
See what they are doing!
Oome here. Oome on.
- What? Wait.
Look at this!
Fanny, come here.
Just take a look!
Fanny, come here.
Excited and aroused by what
l had observed the night before
l woke to a feeling of anticipation.
What is the time?
- Oh, its just past six oclock sir.
Oh my God!
lve been asleep half the night!
l drank too much and fell asleep.
Why didnt l see you last night?
l was upstairs asleep.
- Alone?
Yes.
- You sleep here,
and yet you dont work here.
What are you smiling at?
You look so surprised.
- l am.
You dont look the kind of girl
ld expect to find in a place like this.
What kind of girl do you take me for?
A sweet and beautiful girl
who ld very much like to kiss.
May l?
When Oharles, for that
was the young mans name, had left,
l went back to bed.
But sleep eluded me.
l could not get him out of my mind.
Who is it?
lts me, Martha.
A gentleman gave me this letter for you.
You mustnt let Mrs. Brown know.
lts against the rules.
Oh, heavens!
- What... whats the matter?
Oh, nothing.
Thank you for bringing the letter, Martha.
l shant forget you.
- Why should you forget me?
Were here under the same roof, arent we?
- Oh, yes of course.
Goodbye, Martha.
- Goodbye?
Oh, l see.
Goodbye, Fanny.
l shant forget you either.
At first light the following morning,
l crept downstairs.
Unlocked the front door
and fled the house of Mrs. Brown.
Oome, make haste, my dear.
We must be away with all speed.
On you go, my man.
We drove some miles to an inn,
where Oharles had arranged for us
to be together.
For the first time
l was to lie in the arms of a man.
l had seen so much but knew so little.
l prayed that Oharles
would understand and be gentle.
Did l hurt you?
- A little, but no matter.
You werent a...
- l was.
Now l feel guilty.
- Oh no, it was the most beautiful thing
that ever happened to me.
- My dearest Fanny.
l suspected something
of your innocence but never this.
Let me look at you!
Do you approve?
- Does a man who has won a lottery
complain of his good fortune?
As time past, l learnt more about
the young man who was my lover.
His father was a rich ship owner
who had little sympathy
or love for his son, and gave him
but a pittance to live on.
Satisfied?
- Hm. The prize l desire most.
Now l am yours,
and so l shall remain.
- Forever?
Forever.
But before completing the arrangement
with regard to our future together,
Oharles decided that there was some
unfinished business to be cleared up.
Having learned of my unfortunate
experiences at the hands of Mrs. Brown,
he sought the advice
of his grandmothers lawyer,
a clever bird by the name
of Mr. Widdlecombe.
Mrs. Brown to see you, sir.
Oh maam, Mrs. Brown,
how very delightful to see you.
What an amazing ensemble.
Oh, but please come in.
Eh, pray be seated, would you?
Oh, Mrs. Brown,
l am so very pleased to see
that you are wise enough to accept
my invitation to pay me a visit.
- lt wasnt so much an invitation,
the gentleman who delivered your message
made it very clear
if l didnt come to you,
the Bailiffs
might come for me.
- lm afraid
my clerk can be very tactless.
- However l dare say you go
the general drift of the affair.
My client, you see,
has contacted me about a very private
and personal matter regarding you
and your establishment, Mrs. Brown.
- To be sure, most matters conducted
in my house are personal
and usually extremely private,
as you ought to know.
Tell me,
does the name Hill mean anything to you?
Why of course. Theres Ludgate Hill,
and Highgate Hill,
and Tower Hill,
oh, l know a lot of hills.
And how about Fanny Hill?
That does seem a little familiar.
Thought l cant quite call it to mind.
ls it a small hill or a big hill?
Oh, its a comparatively small hill,
but it could represent
quite a large problem for you, Mrs. Brown.
Oh, oh yes, of course, now l remember.
Yes, Fanny Hill, she absconded
from my house with a fine lace gown,
isnt that the truth, Martha?
Oh, l cannot tell a lie, sir,
it was linen not lace.
Linen or lace, its of no account.
She ran away.
Ran away from what, may l ask?
Very well, you dont have
to bother to answer.
l shall tell you.
She ran away from an
importuning member of the opposite sex.
ln short she ran away from a man
to whom you, Mrs. Brown,
had sold her virtue.
You see there are a dozen cases
we may prefer against you.
lt was all written down here
in this book.
The Old Bailey, Mrs. Brown,
is packed to the rafters every session
with a hundred felons who are charged
and convicted of a quarter of the crimes
we might lay at your feet,
and do you know their punishment,
Mrs. Brown? Hanging, flogging,
transporting, take your choice,
l would suggest that the pillory is the
best you can hope for in your future.
Oh, please sir,
have pity on a poor old woman
who is only trying to make
a living as best as she can.
Oh, please have mercy on the old bird.
She only supplies young chicken
to the gentry.
- Get up, Mrs. Brown.
lm sure if you approach Mr. Widdlecombe
in the right way you can make amends.
Oh, do get up, Mrs. Brow,
you look so ridiculous like that.
Yes, anything, sir.
Anything you say. Just name it.
The name, maam, is restitution.
- Oh, yes sir. Restitution.
You see it is the question of largent.
The money.
- Money?
What money?
- The money maam you demanded
and received for her virtue.
- A mere trifle.
Quite a large trifle l would suggest.
Forty.
- Eh, fifty.
Shillings.
- Guineas.
Pounds.
- Send without delay.
Wait a minute. Fifty guineas it is.
And damn the both of you.
A double damn young Fanny.
And good riddance to bad rubbish.
This is all your fault,
you know that dont you?
Thus with the dowry provided
however unwillingly by Mrs. Brown,
Oharles and l set up house.
At last, after my journeys
and adventures,
l felt l had reached a safe haven.
l quickly settled down
to a life of domestic bliss.
Oharles still had to spend
much of his time away from me,
but at least three nights at week
we dined and slept together.
My whole existence
was built around those nights,
and l went through agonies of worry
and suspense
until at last he arrived.
So the days became weeks,
and the weeks turned into months.
My happy existence was made
even happier by the knowledge
that l was with child.
Oharles shared my joy,
and although his fathers attitude
towards him had become even harsher.
We still hoped that one day
the fates would permit us to marry.
lf there was a single serpent
in our garden of Eden,
it was Mrs. Jones, the lady
from whom we rented our little abode.
Oh, Miss Fanny, l want a word with you.
- Mrs. Jones, is anything the matter?
Oh, yes. Three months gone
unless lm very much mistaken.
No, youre not mistaken, but why should
it worry you if it does not worry me?
Because l rented this place out
to two people, not three!
l know nothing of the money matters.
Youll have to speak to Mr. Oharles.
Speak to him l shall. Whens he coming?
- Tonight, Mrs. Jones.
Hell be here in my arms.
l waited for him in vain.
lt was the ever-inquisitive Mrs. Jones
who went to his fathers office
to make discreet enquiries.
The truth was nearly
as terrible as l feared.
His father has heard of our liaison
and had, without mercy,
decided to put a stop to the affair.
Lured aboard one of his fathers ships
on a false pretext,
he had literally been kidnapped,
and was now on his way to the lndies.
Poor Oharles had been helpless.
Not even able to send me
a message of farewell.
l miscarried and the loss of my child,
all l had to remind me of Oharles,
made me ready to welcome my own demise.
No. For days l lay close to death.
But my resistance triumphed
over my misfortunes,
and finally l began to once again
take stock of my affairs.
l was not the only person
to be concerned with such matters.
l must ask you first to settle
our little account,
including the rent outstanding,
food, medicine, the nurse, etc. etc.
lt all comes to a grand total of
twenty three pounds,
seventeen shillings and six pence.
And when am l likely to see
the colour of your money, Miss Hill?
A debt is a debt and the law is the law.
l certainly have no desire
to send such a tender young creature
as you to prison.
- Prison?
Newgate, so lm told.
Thats where they stay sometimes
for months, even years,
until their debts are paid.
Of course...
there might be a way to avoid
all this unpleasantness.
lt so happens that l do
have acquaintance of a certain
gentleman who might be disposed
to help you overcome your problems.
- Do l know this gentleman?
No, no, not yet, but,
if you are so desired
he could take tea with you this very day.
- Oh!
Oh, now then come on, Miss Fanny,
hold your head up do.
Dont let sorrow spoil that pretty face.
Now then, Fanny, this kind gentleman,
who prefers to be known as Mr. H.,
has generously consented
to settle your indebtedness.
He looks to you now
to show your gratitude.
- l am indeed grateful.
Now, no nonsense, Fanny, and make sure
and give satisfaction. l hope, Mr. H.,
you will have no cause for complaint.
- lve had none in the past, Mrs. Jones.
And l hope this young filly will prove
a well spirited and satisfying mount.
lf lm content, l may well provide her
with a new stable
and a good reliable source of oats.
- Now then take heed, Fanny.
Mr. H. is a hunting man,
and is quite accustomed to the chase.
Serve him well over the fences
and hell warm you to the chase.
Goodnight ,Fanny.
lll see you in the morning.
ln good health, l hope.
- Yes, thank you very much, Mrs. Jones.
Goodnight, sir.
- Here we are.
Not at all, Mrs. Jones.
Goodnight. Well, tallyho.
Please, sir, be gentle with me.
l have known but one man
and loved him dearly.
- A fillys a filly, young lady.
Well, its hot in there.
Warm work ahead.
Best suit our dress to the occasion.
Well, look sharp, young lady,
at the gallop.
Tantivy, tantivy.
A hunting. Oh!
Oh, hey, oh! A hunting.
l slept little last night.
After the loving consideration
of Oharles, the brutalities
of Mr. H. were a savage contrast,
and yet l must admit,
that l found unexpected excitement
and stimulation in his attentions.
When he offered me the chance
of becoming his mistress, l accepted.
And soon rid myself
of the unpleasant Mrs. Jones,
who received not only the monies
l owed her but also a substantial gift
from Mr. H.!
l changed my abode in some style,
and was soon installed
in a handsome cottage in Richmond.
l also acquired as a servant
a young and willing country girl.
Hannah by name.
What a fine new dress, Miss Fanny.
- Yes, the price has been fairly earned.
ld like a glass of wine.
Yes, maam.
Good-day.
- Good-day.
And how do you like my new dress?
- You know the dress in which
l like you best.
- Deary me.
Oh, oh, oh, enough!
Just the way you like it, my lord.
Oh, so far a damsel could be so cruel!
- Now you know how it is.
Rosemary! My favourite jumper.
No fence too high for her.
Another beauty, eh? Anglique.
Oouldnt wish for a better girl
in the chase.
Present company excepted!
- lt appeared that Mr. H.s preference
for the ladies extended also
to his stable. l soon discovered
that Mr. H. as usual intended to combine
a little pleasure with some business.
l made a mental note
that Mr. H. had at least one young,
but promising stallion in his stables.
Among the gifts l received from Mr. H.
was appropriately a fine gelding,
and l developed my skill as a rider,
as opposed to being ridden.
Whoa! On one occasion, however,
a distant thunder storm threatened
to turn to rain.
And l galloped home to arrive
much earlier than expected.
Thank you, William.
- Thank you, maam.
lt seemed that Hannah believed
in going into service in every way.
l was not amused at this development,
but resolved to put the best face upon
the whole affair.
William, my horse.
- Oh yes, maam.
My closer observation of young William
impressed me with the thought
that l might derive some amusement
repaying Mr. H. for his duplicity,
and possibly adding to my own store
of pleasure. Despite Williams youth
l felt his rough clothes might conceal
the makings and substance
of a considerable man.
Oome in.
- lts William, Miss Fanny.
He has a message for you.
- Show him in, Hannah.
William.
- Maam.
Hannah, you may go.
- Yes, Miss Fanny.
Oome, give me the message, William.
- lts not in writing, Miss Fanny.
Master said to tell you
he cannot join you this day.
Hell probably see you tomorrow at two.
- What a pity. l shall be all alone
for the rest of the day.
Why, William, l do declare youre shy.
lm not used to seeing a lady like you,
Miss Fanny, without her clothes.
Theres nothing about our bodies
of which we need be ashamed.
And if you are worried
about my lack of attire,
why dont we loosen your bounds?
- Now, what be you doing, maam?
Lessening your unease freeing you
from your delightful shyness.
Maam!
Oh, Miss Fanny, what be you doing?
What... what be you doing?
lts all right.
l could scarce believe
what l observed that a house
so newly built could be so tall,
and even as l looked the house
grew bigger and bigger still.
Miss Fanny! Oh! Oh, oh.
Maam, what be you doing?
Will you be requiring
anything more of me today, Miss Fanny?
Thank you, no, William.
Best you tell Mr. H.
l am somewhat indisposed. And William!
Yes, Miss Fanny?
- Please bring round my horse tomorrow,
if l am sufficiently recovered.
l may go riding.
Yes, Miss Fanny.
- l may require you not to accompany me.
Oh yes, Miss Fanny.
Tell me, Mistress Fanny, where did you
learn so much about the art of love?
By being in love.
- With whom?
A man l fear l may never see again.
l loved him so much.
- Well, if you loved him so much,
why did you leave him?
- l never did.
He was taken from me. Oh, lm sorry.
Please, Miss Fanny.
l wouldnt have asked you that question
if l had know itd distress you so much.
Dont cry.
ls that better?
Thats nice.
Gently.
A little bit lower.
Right here.
Gently, l said. Here, like this.
And so young Williams education proceeded
to our mutual satisfaction.
Unfortunately my enjoyment
of the whole affair made me
increasingly careless and one day
l forgot to lock the door.
- So this tale is true that has come
to my ears. You strumpet! Get out of bed!
You, lad, get your clothes on!
As for you, young lady, the rent here
is paid to the end of the month.
Though l doubt not you will quickly
find yourself a new mount!
l wish you well in your stable.
You must be accustomed
to the smell of dung!
Out, boy! Out! Out!
When l say out, l mean out!
Oh, no! no! Oh, no!
Once again the time had come for me
to chance my abode.
And l resolved to make a change
for the better.
Martha!
Fanny! What are you doing here?
- lm looking for a place to stay.
Then you must come and stay with us.
- Not with Mrs. Brown!
Oh no, l left that old bag a year since.
lm working for a new establishment now
in Oovent Garden.
- Establishment?
Millinerys our line of trade.
Hats that is.
And other little things.
There are three girls and myself.
We could certainly use a fifth.
- And those other little things?
You can probably guess what 5 young ladies
with some imagination might provide!
Provide for whom?
- For those with a long enough purse
to stretch our imagination!
Mrs. Oole was a lady
of considerable elegance
who had achieved a great deal of success
with a novel variation on an old line
of trade.
Phoebe had joined Martha
in Miss Ooles establishment.
- Girls, girls,
now that youve all met
Marthas little friend Fanny,
she is properly welcomed
to our little family.
Fanny? lve arranged a celebration
in your honour tonight.
lts a little entertainment
that l introduced into the Oolonies.
Of course
they didnt appreciate it there.
You see each young lady invites her
own special cavalier,
and l have taken the liberty of inviting
a handsome and able young man for you.
So tonight we celebrate
the ascent of pleasure!
Ohildren, children, its getting late,
and l must leave you to your sport.
Sport for your eyes alone.
Now girls you must help Fanny
celebrate her initiation.
Oh, would that it were me!
Maestro, blindfolds for you.
Wonderful, lovely.
Oh, yes!
Oh!
My goodness!
lsnt she lovely?
Oh!
The brazen manner in which Phoebe
and the others demonstrated their
experience in the field of amour seemed
to make my own ordeal more frightening.
l feared l might make a fool
of myself before my new friends.
Oh well, thank heavens all the young men
have come and gone, so to speak.
Here, Harriet,
look up and get me a little drink.
Oh, Fanny dear, now tell me,
how did you enjoy the evening?
Oh, yes, thank you, Mrs. Oole.
The young gentleman was considerably
to my liking.
- Oh, thats so nice,
but dear, if youll benefit from
my experience which is considerable,
youll realise that mixing business
with pleasure is convenient
but it is not essential and if it
becomes habitual it can be very dangerous.
Do you know what l mean?
- Oh yes, maam. l do.
And so from now on, dear,
l will take care of the business
and you will concentrate
on the pleasure.
One of the advantages of Mrs. Ooles
more legitimate trade was that it gave
both an excuse and a method for her
providing her more profitable goods.
For instance, should a gentleman wish
to arrange for delivery off the premises
as it were of a piece of desirable
merchandise, he could discreetly
make his requirements in the language
of her other professional activity.
ln short, he could order a hat.
Girls, l have another order
from that nice Mr. Norbert.
lt seems hes in urgent need
of another chapeau.
No doubt a surprise for his wife.
He wants something in a brand new design.
A pink with blonde trimmings.
Size seventeen preferred.
Fanny, l think this is a job for you.
Yes, lm sure, darling,
you can deliver the goods.
Mr. Norbert,
whose profession lay in the law,
believed in the letter of the law.
The hat l had brought was for his wife
who would also receive the bill.
l made the delivery promptly,
and in what appeared
to be a very satisfactory manner.
As for Mr. Norberts other requirements,
these l was obliged to deliver
both by hand an word of mouth.
More?
- Yes. More, more.
There.
- A letter for you, Mrs. Oole.
What have we here? Oh, let me see,
there are two young gentlemen
who are desirous of some pleasant company
this evening for a ball.
A fancy dress ball.
Phoebe,
l do believe you know one of them.
Now who shall l send as your companion?
- Oh, Mrs. Oole,
can Fanny come with me?
- Oh yes, please.
But what have l got for them to wear?
- Oh, what about
that lovely shepherdess dress?
lt will fit you perfectly.
Oh yes Phoebe that will do you nicely.
What for Fanny? Oh, oh, what about
the matching shepherd outfit? Youll make
a charming boy in breeches and a shirt.
Youre a girl!
- What did you expect?
l thought you were a boy of course!
You deceitful little hussy.
Some weeks later whilst
taking the night air in Oovent Garden,
l did unbeknownst to myself
cause some excitement.
Footman, follow that girl.
- The individual concerned
would in due course have
considerable effect upon my future.
Good afternoon, sir.
Oh, and what may l do for you, sir?
Mrs. Oole, how kind of you to see me.
You must forgive me, but l happened
to see a female, that is a member
of the opposite sex, enter this
establishment just a few minutes ago.
Most attractive she was.
Would you by any chance be acquainted
with her name, l wonder?
- l think, sir, that you are referring
to Miss Fanny Hill.
- Oh then you must be acquainted with her.
Oh, certainly. She is a virtuous and
lovely young lady who does reside here.
And tell me what is your interest in her?
Nothing that wont improve her
present situation, l assure you.
Tell me, kind sir, what is it
that you know of her present situation?
Simply, madam, when l see
a pretty young girl entering such an
establishment as this...
- Well, sir, you are wrong.
The young lady you are referring
to is my very own niece,
Miss Fanny Hill.
She is a very respectable young lady
as free from vice or even the suspicion
of vice as the angels in heaven.
She wouldnt be by any chance, maam,
in what l understand is known
as a virginal condition?
- Sir, as God is my judge,
she is as yet completely surrounded
by young females.
- How soon can l meet
this paragon of virtue, eh?
- Well, if you will join us here
tomorrow at 7,
and if your intentions are honourable
and substantial,
l will do everything l can
to advance your suit.
- Thank you.
See to that, please.
l am much enamoured of Miss Hill.
And if she is as virtuous as you declare,
lll tell you something about myself.
l am a bachelor of some substance,
although l say it myself.
One might say lm a good match,
waiting only to be struck.
Goodbye, goodbye. Good day, madam.
Thank you very much indeed.
l shall see you tomorrow.
Yes indeed, l look forward to that.
Thank you, my dear.
- Girls see this gentleman out.
A good match? That old faggot couldnt
even set a light to a bale of hay!
Hes as much of a Romeo
as Fannys a virgin!
What you dont know about Mr. Barville,
and lm sure that is his name,
is that hes as rich...
as to own half of Threadneedle Street.
Well, l only hope hes as blind as
hes rich. How Mrs. Oole are you going
to convince him that Fannys a virgin?
- Dears that by business, and my talents.
Edward, my dear Edward.
What an unexpected pleasure.
Oh forgive the intrusion.
l didnt realise that you had
a previous appointment.
- An inconsequential affair.
How good to see you.
- l cannot believe that the affair
is that inconsequential since it requires
such an elaborate toilet, my dear friend.
Follow me. lve got something
l dont know whether l should tell you.
Oh, of course,
cant keep secrets from old friends.
Do you know what has happened to me?
l am preparing myself for what
they call an event.
- An event?
What sort of an event may l ask?
- The consummation
of a passionate attachment l have
formed with a beautiful young female.
Are we not being a trifle optimistic,
dear fellow?
Oh no, everything has been arranged.
- Well in experiences of this nature
it is my personal experience
that it is the man who proposes
and anno domini who disposes.
Are you sure that youre up to it?
- Never felt better in my life,
l tell you.
lf only you could see her, Edward.
Oh, so young, so innocent, so pure.
- So very, very optimistic.
Well, l do wish you sincerely
the very best of luck, dear friend.
Where are you?
There you are. Nice to see you.
Are you warm enough?
- Yes, Mr. Barville.
Good. Dont want anything to read
or anything like that?
Want a drink?
- No, thank you.
Good. This is a surprise for you?
Yes, sir.
- So it is for me, l tell you.
What a bit of luck. Bless your heart.
Youre prettier undressed, you know.
Lovely girl.
l should have brought that bottle
of champagne up. Didnt finish it, did we?
Want me to get out of bed and get it?
- No.
Manage without it?
l bet you can. Give us a kiss.
Bless your heart. Youve never done
this before. You havent?
No.
- Well, dont tell me a lie.
No.
- Well, dont do it again.
Oh, you devil, you...
Oh! Oh dear, oh!
Girls, careful.
Oareful. Girls, carefully.
He comes from an very important family.
Think of the family jewels!
Oh, Fanny, Fanny, sit down.
l hear, l understand,
that Mr. Barville takes interest in you.
- Oh yes, Mrs. Oole. He has had me
over to his house nearly every night.
- l know.
Hes really like a father to me.
- l hope you remember my advice
about not mixing business with pleasure.
- He looks after me very nicely.
Oh, lm sure but, dear,
if you play your cards right,
hell look after you even better!
lll manage.
- No, dear, youll do the daughtering,
and lll manage.
- Yes, Mrs. Oole.
l know what youre going to say.
Theres no fool like an old fool.
Oh. Thats quite wrong.
l have known a lot of young men
that are far sillier than you, sir.
However, if it agrees with your taste
and your palate,
who am l to say that you are right
or wrong?
- lve already made up my mind, Edward.
lm entitled to a little bliss
at my time of life, arent l?
The young lady will be kept
in the best of comforts. She will,
when l choose, attend me at my house.
ln due course l may decide
to make some sort of permanent
settlement upon her.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
Oh, l must have nodded off. Sorry.
- Shall l read you some more?
No.
Not just now, thank you.
- ls there anything l can do?
No, l might have another
little snooze if you dont mind.
Oh then youll be wanting to go to bed.
- No, no, no.
Not tonight, Fanny darling.
- Why? What is the matter?
Oh, nothings the matter with you,
my darling. Perhaps there is with me.
You know a man can pretend many things
to many people,
but there are times when its better
for him to learn to tell
the truth to himself.
l dont suppose you know
what lm talking about,
but lm going to have a little snooze
all alone.
- Very well.
But l dont mind you know.
- No, l dont mind you know.
Thank you, Fanny.
Thank you, my darling. Run along.
You can run along now.
Probably send for you tomorrow.
Goodnight, Fanny.
- Goodnight, John.
God bless you, Fanny, thank you.
God bless you. Goodnight to you.
But the message
which came later that night
was of a different kind.
Goodbye, John.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
ln the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
He was such a good provider.
- l know.
We will never get so much
for so little again.
After the funeral l was summoned
to the home of Mr. Barville
for the last time.
Ah. Oh, do come in.
Pray be seated would you, please?
- Ah, Mr. Widdlecombe.
Ah you must be the young ladys aunt.
- Yes.
So you must be the young lady.
Oh well, that depends on
which young lady you wish.
l wish and lm looking for, madam,
the young lady to whom
this document refers.
- Document?
Whats that?
- That it is a will, the last will
and testament of the late Mr. Barville.
lt is my solemn duty
to read it to you.
- Will it take long?
No, not very long. Just as long
as it takes me to inform you
that he has left you his entire fortune.
What?
- His entire fortune, maam.
His house in the country, his London
house here. His estates in lreland,
his stocks and bonds.
And over 50.000 pounds in cash.
Did you say 50.000 pounds cash?
- l did, indeed, maam.
You mean, he left it all to me?
- Every penny.
l could not help but l remember,
as l started my journey North
in a great style how
but a while ago l had first travelled
to London,
and the adventures that had befallen me.
We made a leisurely progress,
and stopped by chance at a convenient inn
to spend the night.
As so often in my life,
fate had once again taken
a hand in the game.
Good evening my lady. Jonathan Berwick,
your host. What is your pleasure, maam?
Rooms for the night, sir.
- Oh, my best room
is at your disposal, my lady.
- And sleeping accommodation
and supper for my servants?
Have you any other guests?
We have but you will not be disturbed.
- l shall be leaving early in the morning.
l shall have horses ready at 6.
- Splendid. Show me my room.
Landlord! Landlord! Open up there!
A lodging for the night!
- l knew that voice.
lt was the voice l had dreamt
about for all the lonely months
since he went away. Oharles.
Landlord!
Landlord a bed for the night!
Landlord! Landlord!
Fanny!
- Oharles!
Oh, my love, lve found you at last!
Your ladyship, your ladyship!
ls this man disturbing you?
Very much, indeed.
Goodnight, Landlord.
We shall not be leaving
early in the morning.
After many adventures and privations,
Oharles had returned
from the lndies but a week ago to learn
that his father had died a bankrupt,
through various misfortunes.
His grandmother has passed away leaving
Oharles almost pennyless.
Finding no trace of me in London,
he had travelled North with no success,
and was on his way back to London
to take a ship to America
when chance brought him to my door.
l was able to acquaint him
with my own good fortune,
and of how l had wealth enough
to keep us both in comfort
till the end of our days.
Everything was to your satisfaction?
- Oh yes, it was indeed.
Sir?
Yes, memorable sir, memorable.
Thank you, sir. Right, Peg, my girl.
l know what were going to do.
Oh, you are a devil,
you never get enough, do you?
Thus at length l got snug into port.
Looking back on the course of vice
l had run, l could not help pitying
those who are insensitive
to the delicate charms of virtue.