Leave Now (2018) Movie Script
[ghostly disembodied voices of a
young girl, Lily, and her mother]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Sweet Pea?
Come here.
[Lily] I dreamt about the man again.
[Mother] Put your head here, Lily.
There. There's nothing to be frightened of.
It was just a dream.
Come now. What was the last thing
that made you smile?
[Lily] I can't think of anything.
[Mother] Of course you can.
Think about the nice things we did today.
[Lily] I don't remember.
[Mother] What did we do this morning?
Where did we go? Who did we see?
Can you remember?
[Lily] All I can see is the man.
[Mother] Oh Lily, don't you remember
walking down to the Harbour?
We walked hand in hand down Harbour Street.
Who did we go to see?
[Lily] Oh yes! I remember now.
You pulled my bonnet over my eyes.
[Mother] The sun was
very bright, wasn't it?
[Lily] I had to shut my eyes.
[Mother] And what happened
when you shut your eyes?
What did you say to me straight away?
[Lily] Cinnamon buns!
I remember, I could smell Mr Sampson's
cinnamon buns!
That's who we went to see.
[Mother] And what did Mr Sampson do
when we got there?
[Lily] We bought two cinnamon buns,
and he gave us an extra one.
He said he makes three
extra buns every day.
One for the King, one for the the
[Mother] Prime Minister.
[Lily] Pry Minister, and one for Lily Barr!
[Mother] And who is Lily
Barr when she's at home?
[Lily] Me!
[Mother] That's right. One for Lily Barr.
[distant moan and bolting
of heavy metal door]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes Sweet Pea?
[Lily] Why is this house
so dark all the time?
[Mother] I've told you.
It's only dark when no one lives here.
[Lily] I wish someone
would come and live here.
I wish they would.
We're thinking of going away.
I think that's a good idea.
Will you be OK?
Of course.
We can come back any time.
You can ring any time.
I'll be fine.
You could do with a holiday.
Yes.
Actually we could.
Actually, um...
We booked the time off a while back.
It's just not been the right time to...
Where will you go?
Well, the other night when you
showed me the photos?
I'd love to see it.
You've spoken so much about it.
I wonder how much it's changed.
Why don't you come?
Play gooseberry? No.
Anyway, I don't feel like it.
I want to stay here.
I need to stay here.
Things to see to you know?
I can come tomorrow.
Mark's got work in the
morning and we're not...
I'll be fine.
I'll see you before you go.
I've come to collect my husband.
Right.
John?
I have someone here to collect her husband.
It's um
Daniel Montefiore.
Daniel Montefiore?
OK.
He'll be up in a minute,
if you could take a seat.
[receptionist typing at computer]
[door opens]
Rose.
Your husband.
Is that it?
It's what you ordered.
[Rose] Laura.
[Laura] The code for the alarm is?
[mobile rings]
I can remember when you were born.
One eight six two.
[Mark] Matthew, Hi!
[Rose] You know, the
last time we were there
was just the year before.
We kept meaning to go back, but
life.
You were probably conceived there.
Front door shiny Yale and Chubb,
back door rusty Yale,
you can call at any time.
[Rose] Thank you.
Conceived, what?
You wouldn't remember.
There's a new Russian takeaway.
I can cook.
Well a bit meaty actually.
[Rose] Go! I'm fine.
I'll call you. About seven, probably.
Oh you've got to be kidding.
Mark?
You've got to be kidding.
Well where?
Berlin.
Both of us?
You know we've got to go.
It's such a big opportunity.
Huge, potentially.
It's just
Just a bit sudden, that's all.
No shit.
Look Matthew said
he'll cover for Seb and...
How long?
A week.
Maybe less.
When?
Now.
Taxi's booked for an hour.
Lucky we're already packed then.
That's what Matthew said.
[mobile phone - incoming message alert]
Hello, you've reached the offices
of Paradise Cottages,
I'm sorry no one's in to answer your call,
please leave a message
with your name and number
and we'll call you back
as soon as possible.
[beep]
Oh Hello, I'm calling on
behalf of Laura Hewitt,
she's booked a two-week
holiday at Nine Paradise,
unfortunately she's been called away
on urgent business,
and um I'm really sorry but um
I'm coming instead.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] I did try to think of nice things.
[Mother] Did you dream about the man again?
[Lily] He stood by my bed.
I was awake, and he stood by my bed.
[Mother] Poor Lily.
Come here and rest your head by mine.
You only dreamt that you were awake.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
[Lily] Then how do you know?
How can you be sure?
[Mother] There is no
one in this house but us.
Just the three of us.
[Lily] Promise?
[Mother] Promise.
[Lily] Is that why it's so dark?
[Mother] Lily. Look carefully.
Is it really so dark?
Can't you see something?
[Lily] I'm not sure.
Is it the man?
It looks like the man.
[Mother] It's just a shirt, Sweet Pea,
hanging on the stairs.
Do you see it now?
[Lily] Oh yes, I can see it.
[Mother] You see.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] Where is the light coming from?
[Mother] The light?
Well I think it means someone
is coming to visit us.
[Lily] Who?
[Mother] Oh Lily, it's hard to say.
[Lily] Will she be nice to us?
[Mother] She'll be very nice.
[Lily] We will be able to see her?
[Mother] Of course we will.
[Lily] Will she be able to see us?
[Mother] Well, Sweet Pea, that depends.
[Lily] Depends on what?
[Mother] It depends on whether she
knows where to look.
[owl hoots from outside]
[handle creaks]
[owl hoots from outside]
[electrical click]
[owl hoots]
[floorboards creak]
[electrical click]
Merde!
[answerphone beep]
Hello, this is Rose Montefiore
from Nine Paradise,
I'm calling because I have a
problem with the shower.
[mobile phone vibrates]
- Hello?
- Hi Mum!
- Oh hello Laura...
- Berlin calling.
- You made it.
- I hate it.
Well you might as well make the most of it.
Always the optimist Mum.
Anyway why aren't you
answering the landline?
That's because I'm not at home, that's why.
- Where are you then?
- Guess.
You stole my booking.
Well, be a shame to waste it.
Lucky you! Oh I wish I was there.
Yeah, it's good isn't it.
Oh no hang on, gotta go, sorry I'll...
Oh don't worry, don't worry,
OK, I'll we'll speak later.
Yes sorry, bye.
Yes we'll speak later. All right.
- Bye Mum, bye.
- Bye bye, Sweet Pea.
Sweet Pea?
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] She can't see us, can she.
[Mother] No. Not yet.
[Lily] Will she see us tomorrow?
[Mother] We have to be patient.
All we can do is wait
for her to come to us.
[Lily] Isn't there anything
we can do to help?
[Mother] You can't gather
water in a basket, Lily.
[Lily] But you can make it wet.
[inaudible]
[squawking seagulls]
[door buzzer]
- [Rose] Hello?
- Electrics?
- Oh right, for the er
- Aye.
Right. Come in.
Trouble with your shower?
Yes, it keeps cutting out.
And the kitchen lights go off
when the doorbell goes.
Aye? [Laughs] That's a new one on me.
Where's your fuse box, Mrs er
Well they didn't give me your name, sorry.
Montefiore.
Titus.
- Over there, Titus.
- Right.
Nothing wrong here by the look of it.
Looks like a rewire.
Pretty recent, I'd say.
[shouts] Rob? What's it say?
Clear.
Should be OK.
OK!
[door buzzer]
I dunno love.
Must've been a coincidence.
I don't know what to
say Mrs Monty er fury.
Your electrics, there as sound as a bell.
No pun intended. [Laughs]
I mean, I couldn't have done a better
job myself, could I Robbie?
Aye, yer see these new modern
fuse boxes, they're a bit sensitive.
Sometimes trip for no reason at all.
I don't think you've got
anything to worry about.
Well look, give us a call if you've
got anymore trouble
Mrs um
Call me Rose.
Aye, aye.
Thanks for the biscuits, Mrs Montefiore.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Who were those men today?
[Mother] I think they came to help.
Did you like them?
[Lily] I liked the one that looked at me.
[Mother] Do you think he saw you?
[Lily] Yes.
[Mother] I think your imagination is
running away with you again!
[Lily] I think she looks a bit sad.
[Mother] Yes. I think she does too.
[Lily] Can we cheer her up?
[Mother] All in good time, Lily.
[Lily] Can I sit next to her?
[Mother] Of course. She'd like that.
Lily, meet Rose.
Rose, meet Lily.
[Lily] Rose is my favourite name.
[Mother] You see. She is happy now.
[door buzzer]
Who is it?
It's Robbie.
I think my dad left his multimeter here.
In the fuse box cupboard.
We need it for a job first thing tomorrow.
I'm really sorry to call so late.
The lights have tripped again.
I thought they might.
Really?
My dad, he's
He means well, but he doesn't really
Really what?
He's just always right. Always has been.
So I just keep schtum.
And you think you know what the problem is?
The doorbell cable,
it's shorting somewhere, needs replacing.
The shower,
well, I'd have to get into the roof void.
Sometimes, rewiring,
they take a few shortcuts.
I mean they shouldn't, but they do.
What the eye doesn't see
if you know what I mean.
I'll just
These holiday lets, do
everything on the cheap.
I'm sure they do.
I could swing by myself tomorrow,
Sunday, it's my day off.
What about your dad?
Doesn't need to know.
Ten o'clock all right?
I thought you said you
had a job on tomorrow?
I meant Monday.
Good night, Robbie.
[disembodied voice]
[Lily] Good night, Rose.
[Rose] Titus?
[Rose] Read it.
But don't just read it.
Think about the meaning, and the value
of every line.
Of every word.
What he says, and what he means.
Are they the same thing?
How he uses different
rhythms to alter the mood.
And why.
Take a look at a copy of the manuscript.
Why does he cross the word "death"
not once, but twice.
Why does he choose to hide the
thing that is most important?
What was happening to Keats at the time?
He was a young man of twenty-six
so why was he writing about death?
Why "kisses four"?
Why not two, or seven?
[Rose's voice becomes distant and
inaudible under music]
Just around the corner,
at the edge of your vision.
Meaning creeps in from the back door
and hides in the attic
for you
you
and you
to find it.
[knock on door]
It's
Now?
Yup.
[Titus] You don't live round here, do you.
[Rose] No. On holidays.
Couple of weeks.
Aye. That's right.
Holiday cottage.
Hm-mm.
On your own?
That's how I like it.
I can't say as I blame yer
For not living round here, I mean.
- Oh but it's beautiful!
- Pft! Yeah right.
[Titus] What do they say um
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?
Aye. That.
Tell you what.
I fuckin' hate electricity.
I mean I don't know what the fuck it is.
I mean I can rewire a house
and all that, no problem.
But what is it?
I've spent my entire working life
fuckin' about with this stuff
that you can't see.
I mean you can't see it!
What's that about love, eh?
Well, no, sometimes you can see it,
you know, if you get it
wrong, if you see what I mean.
I've had a few fuckin' shocks in my time.
But what is it, eh?
Where does it come
from? Where does it go to?
How does it go around?
I mean what the hell is it?
It's fuckin' invisible, that's what it is.
Silent.
I mean you can see
You know, steam and coal and fire and water
but - pft!
- Not this stuff.
Fuckin' weird if you ask me.
But we put it into our houses, eh?
And we turn on our lights
and our fuckin' microwaves
and our hoovers and our TVs and it's like
fuckin' black magic
that's so bloody powerful
it can knock you off your feet!
Sometimes even kill yer, just like that!
Sometimes I lay awake
Just thinkin' about it.
Fuck knows why I do it.
Fuckin' hate the stuff.
Aye.
Oh, and then there's fuckin' gravity, eh?
Don't get me fuckin' started on
gravity, eh, I mean what's that all about?
How do you work that one out, eh?
It's a mystery, isn't it?
Fuckin' right it is.
I mean, I couldn't be more amazed
if I'd seen a fuckin' ghost!
Now that you say it.
[Titus] Aye.
Aye well um
I don't want to keep yer.
Thanks for the breakfast Mrs Monty er
How do you say it?
Montefiore. You're welcome.
Aye. Well, er,
enjoy your book.
[door buzzer]
[Rose, distant] Oh, Robbie, sorry about
this morning, so sorry.
It's very good of you to do this.
I hope it won't take long.
[Robbie] I'll just get you up and running
for now, see what needs to be done.
You'll have to speak to
your agent in the morning.
Oh, I hope I'm not
Force of habit.
I saw your dad this morning, Robbie.
Did yer?
[Rose] Yeah that's partly why I missed you.
Don't worry I didn't say anything.
I hope I didn't stop you from doing
anything nice this evening.
[Robbie] I might go out later.
Take some pictures. I do that a lot.
I mean I want to go to
college but my dad, he's
Well, what state was he in?
Looked like a late night, I must admit.
[Robbie] Sweet was he?
Yes, very.
Sobered up by then I suppose.
Yeah, I suppose.
[Robbie] Looks like they
never removed the old cable.
Photography, that's interesting.
Someone's put a firewall over it.
I need to take it down.
You all right with that?
Whatever needs to be done.
[crackle of old gramophone record]
[gentle piano lullaby]
[music continues]
[music builds in intensity]
[music becomes darker in mood]
[music becomes increasingly ominous]
[electrical click]
[piano lullaby returns]
[music stops]
Robbie?
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Is he dead?
The man in the roof?
[Mother] Well, Sweet Pea,
we would know if he was, wouldn't we?
[Lily] I thought I saw him.
[Mother] Yes he was here,
but he didn't want to stay.
He allowed the waves to beat him back.
[Lily] Well he was here. I saw him.
[Mother] And part of him still is.
[Lily] When will the
lady be able to see us?
[Mother] When she's
ready, Lily. And not before.
[Lily] But that might be too late.
I want to talk to her now.
[Mother] I know you do.
[Lily] How can I talk to
her if she can't hear us?
[Mother] We'll think of
something, Sweet Pea.
[Mother] Lily.
It's time to go back to bed now.
[distant ambulance siren]
[Titus] I was thinking about your birthday.
I'd like to do something special,
for your eighteenth.
I saw a lens on line. It was a good deal.
Aye, but I was thinking about
something that would last you
you know, something like a tattoo.
I'd pay for a tattoo.
Jim'll give me a discount. Well not that
that's the point, mind, but
So, don't tell me, you've got some
good news, and some bad news.
Robbie. You're a very lucky young man.
Good job you're fit and healthy,
looks like no harm done.
Apart from your hand. We'll need to keep an
eye on that over the next few weeks.
There'll be a bit of scaring,
but that's a bit of a result
all things considered.
I don't know what the fuck he was
thinking. Silly bugger.
If you'd like to sign this form you can go.
Here and here.
I know it's none of my business but
you have a license, don't you?
Aye.
It's just I've had our health
and safety sniffing around.
I guess someone will be giving you a call.
Just thought I'd mention it. Thank you.
So. Tattoo?
I mean you can have whatever you like.
Good idea?
Yeah. Thanks Dad.
It's a really great idea.
Aye.
- [Rose] Laura?
- [Laura] Hi Mum.
- Hi, how are you? How are things?
- Oh, difficult.
I know it can be a bit stressful.
Yeah.
Don't read too much into
it. There's a lot at stake.
Not enough if you ask me.
Well you know I'm a bit old school,
but just be there for him.
Yeah, right.
I know, I know, it cuts both ways.
Anyway. Enough. What about you?
Me? I'm fine! It's really lovely actually.
And?
Oh I'm reading, and walking,
the last thing I wanted to do really but...
- What did you do about...
- I'm glad.
Dad?
Oh. I brought him with me.
Oh.
I know, it's stupid but, I told you
[dialogue inaudible under ominous music]
Woah!
- Mum, are you all right?
- I'm sorry I made you jump.
- Mum, what's up?
- Laura, I'll call you later.
- Mum! Are you all right?
- Later this evening. Yes I'm fine, OK?
Bye. Bye.
I think I'm going to come and... [beep]
You're safe. All done.
Thank you.
[Radio plays pop music in background]
What are we doing?
A bit of unfinished business, son.
Can't leave a customer
in the lurch like that.
And you, you need to
get back on your horse.
Oh and I was thinking, what's the name
of that favourite band of yours?
Silus.
Aye. Silus, yeah.
Well that'd be nice.
They're not going to be my
favourite band forever.
Well all right then, how
about just a picture or a
Or a star sign maybe, yeah.
You know I've always
fancied one of those myself.
Never got round to it.
Not yet anyways.
Cancer.
Yeah. Aye er well
Your mum'd like that.
OK.
Good idea.
What the fuck is this?
What in fuck's name?
Jesus fuckin' wept!
They've only gone and taken
away my fuckin' license!
Fuck!
Jesus.
I'll give 'em fuckin'... where's the...
Fuckin' phone? I'll give 'em fuckin'...
Where the fuck's the fuckin' phone?
It's all my fault innit.
It's not your fault!
Now where's the phone?
Revoke my fuckin' license?
I'll revoke their fuckin' arses.
Bastards.
Don't you worry son, it's not your fault.
I'll put 'em straight.
[phone beeps]
Watch and learn, son, eh?
Watch, and learn.
[ringing tone]
Fuckin' bastards.
Hello.
- Hello I want to speak...
- Welcome to Eastgate council.
If you wish to speak to an adviser,
- press the hashtag at any time.
- Fuckin' hell.
For planning... [beep]
We are experiencing high levels
of inquiries at this time.
Shit!
- Eastgate Council apologizes... [beep]
- Fuckin' hell.
Watch and learn son.
Your call to Eastgate
Council is important to us.
Press the hashtag to speak to an adviser...
Shit! [Beep]
You are held in a queue.
For recycling and rubbish... [beep]
You are held in a queue.
Please listen carefully
to the following options.
Argh fuck!
[radio stops]
Right.
Come on.
Let's go.
- What do you mean let's go?
- I mean, let's go!
We've got a job to do and we're
going to do it, so come on!
You're just making things worse, Dad.
Well.
Thanks for your help son.
[electric door buzzer]
- Titus?
- Morning! Er
Bit of unfinished business I believe.
Your shower you know.
Don't want a repeat of that last
shockin' experience, eh? [Laughs]
I'm sorry Titus. It's already been done.
The council, they er
The council?
It's Health and Safety, you know.
Aye, aye.
Aye, I see.
All right then. Well
You know where I am if you want anything.
Thank you Titus.
I'll be off then.
See you around.
Aye.
[Rose] Robbie?
Mrs Montefiore.
How's your electrics?
It's been made safe for now.
I think they'll have to tear the place
apart and start over again once I'm gone.
Yeah. It's what it needs.
I don't want to disturb you I
Was reading by the Harbour and I saw you.
No it's fine. The light's gone now anyway.
How's your hand?
Nah, it's fine.
Got away with it really.
You must have been really scared.
I was.
Yeah, but
It's funny though, I mean
I'm sorry it happened, but
I'm glad it did.
Everything looks different now.
Life is more
Precious, you mean?
No.
I don't mean that.
Everything looks literally different.
I don't know it's like
people look different. Things.
Cars, shops,
knives and forks.
It's like
I'm looking at the world in
color for the first time.
Sometimes I think I can see the wind.
Sounds bloody stupid, dunnit.
No.
What you reading?
John Keats.
He's a poet.
Yeah. I've heard of him.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean
Have you read anything?
Nah. I'm more technical.
Radios. TVs.
Take 'em apart and put 'em back together.
And cameras.
It really is beautiful.
I think it's a shithole.
A god-forsaken excuse of a town.
I mean, I'd like to get out
of here but my dad, he's
lost, I suppose.
He's been on his own a long time.
Don't know what would
happen to him if I left.
Borrow it.
Oh, I dunno.
Call it teacher's instinct.
You a teacher?
Well, I used to.
I'm having a break.
Yeah OK. I'll read it.
Bring it back when you're done.
- You know where I live.
- Mrs Montefiore?
I never said thank you.
For
You're welcome.
Have a good evening.
Oh, Robbie?
Do you know how a Phonograph works?
A what?
An Edison Phonograph.
You took it down from the loft.
Oh that thing.
Yeah I could probably work it out.
Hm. I'd appreciate that.
- When you bring the book back.
- OK.
[documentary plays on TV in background]
What's this?
- [Titus] What's wrong with you?
- Nothing.
You've had it done haven't yer?
Eh? You've only gone
and had it fuckin' done!
[laughs]
Hey, I've gotta be honest with you son,
I didn't think you'd do it!
- I'm fuckin' proud of you son! [Slap]
- Jesus Christ!
- What the fuck d'yer think yer doing?
- I'm sorry!
- Yeah, you bloody will be!
- I'm sorry.
Come on then, let's have a look.
Nah I'm going to bed.
No no no, come on, show me, I want to
see my birthday present.
It's really sore. Look, in the morning.
I'm going to bed.
Show me. Come on. Money like that
don't grow on trees you know.
You're pissed. And I'm going to bed.
Come on son. You're
mother would be proud of yer.
Yeah? Well.
I want to fuckin' see it.
Leave it Dad. You can
see it in the morning.
I wanna see it now.
I want to see it now.
Come on son.
What is it?
"O what can ail thee"
Knight knight-at-arms
"Alone and palely loitering?"
[mumbles] What the fuck is that?
I mean what the fuck is that?
"O what can ail thee."
[sound of thunder from outside]
I don't understand,
this isn't a fuckin' tattoo,
this is a fuckin' wind-up.
What the fuck was Jim thinking?!
I mean some bastard's put him up to this!
I put him up to it.
It's what I wanted.
But I don't understand son.
Knight at fuckin' arms?
What fuckin' ails thee?
I mean what the fuck have you done?!
It's poetry.
Poetry?!
It doesn't fuckin' rhyme!
What was wrong with Bryan fuckin' Robson or
Kevin fuckin' Keegan or even
David fuckin' Beckham? Eh?
Anything but that fuckin' piece of shite!
What ails thee?
I'll tell you what fuckin' ails thee,
that cost me 200 fuckin' quid, that's
what fuckin' ails me son!
You said anything I liked.
Two hundred fuckin' quid?
Yeah? And I'm out of a job?
Because you decided to climb into
somebody's fuckin' roof...
For no fuckin' money, mind...
Climb into somebody's fuckin' roof
and get yourself fuckin' electrocuted,
you stupid little shite!
[heavy rain outside]
Your mother'd be ashamed of yer,
I'm ashamed of yer.
30 years it took to build
this fuckin' business up
and you brought it crashing down with one
of your stupid fuckin' harebrained schemes!
I wish you'd fuckin' died up there!
Aye. Piss off college boy.
What fuckin' ails thee.
[door slams]
[loud thunder clap]
[sound of heavy rain]
[spooky singing voice]
[voice sinks]
[nightmarish singing voices]
[sound of electrocution]
[small child's terrified scream]
[electric gate being closed]
[mournful singing]
[distant echoey scream]
[sound of gramophone slowing down]
[sound stops]
[complete silence]
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Why is she so sad?
[Lily's whispered
thoughts] I don't understand.
[Mother] Because she
loves him and misses him.
[Lily] If only she could hear us,
we could talk to her.
[Mother] We already
have talked to her, Lily.
She just doesn't know it yet.
[whisper] What's in the box?
[Lily] How did we talk to her?
When? I don't remember?
[Mother] No. Perhaps you don't.
You were only five years old.
[whisper] I want to see what he looks like,
can I see Mummy?
[Lily] I'm nine now, aren't I.
[Mother] I suppose you could say so.
[Lily] Then why can't I remember?
[Mother] Well, let me see.
Uncle Felix came to see us.
He stayed for Christmas. Surely
you remember that.
You came home from school and Uncle
Felix was there, waiting for you.
He had a present for you.
[whisper] When is she going to get up?
Why doesn't she get up?
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] I think she can
hear us in her sleep.
[Mother] Perhaps.
[Lily] But when she wakes
up, she can't remember.
[Mother] Ah, yes, that is so.
Only if you wake up in the middle
of a dream do you remember it.
[Lily] I wish I could wake her up.
I wish I could.
[loud knock on door]
[loud knock]
[sound of heavy rain from outside returns]
[loud knock]
[Robbie] He's lost his
license and he blames me.
He's right really, it was a stupid mistake.
That's no reason to hit you.
Yeah but then
That's not really what this is about.
To be honest, this is all your fault.
Oh really.
Poetry's for queers and Nancy boys.
So, he hit you for reading poetry.
No.
He wanted me to have a tattoo.
For my 18th.
It's what his dad did for him.
He said I could have anything I wanted.
Of course he didn't mean that.
He wanted a football team or
Something.
I went for Keats.
I should've known it would wind him up.
Perhaps that's why I did it.
You know
I'm kind of glad he hit me.
He's a sad bastard and
I feel sorry for him but
I can't live with him any longer.
Do you have anywhere to go?
I've got friends.
Robbie.
Why did you come here?
[disembodied voice]
[Lily] Tell her Robbie!
[Robbie] I was just
passing and I saw your light.
There is something else.
Since my accident
[Lily] You can see us!
Doesn't matter.
Let's get this sorted.
[phonograph motor starts]
[crackle]
[recorded voice]
It is now Boxing Day.
The rain means Oliver has been
riding his new bicycle
inside the house,
much to the consternation
of his poor mother,
and to the great
amusement of everyone else.
Lily's doll's house has kept her
quiet for two whole days.
We have just returned from our
Boxing Day walk in Ellington Park
and will be partaking
of pheasant for dinner.
The children are now going to sing
"In The Bleak Midwinter".
[recording of children singing]
[singing continues]
Well done...[fades to next recording]
This is Uncle Felix.
It is Christmas Eve, 1914.
We are currently at war with Germany.
Drove down this morning from
London in the Austin.
Hit a top speed of 45 miles per hour!
My sister Martha is
admirably holding the fort
whilst Eric is at the
Front, fighting the Hun.
The children can barely contain themselves.
Oliver is leaping about
the house like a gazelle!
Lily tries to calm herself by reading,
but throws herself at her
mother every five minutes
begging to open her presents now.
My sister is the very model of patience.
The tree is looking quite magnificent
and all is in place for a most
wonderful Christmas.
There is talk of snow.
And now Oliver and
Lily would like to wish...
[clunking sound as the gears jam]
[distant rumble of thunder from outside]
I can mend it.
Those sweet children.
It's like listening to ghosts.
Long dead by now.
I wonder if they lived here.
These could have come from anywhere.
Let's pretend they did.
Another?
I'm tired.
Let's sort it out tomorrow.
These people are not going anywhere,
and neither are you
With this weather.
You can have the sofa.
Talk to your dad, will you?
He's not listening.
He can't.
We haven't really talked for years.
[Rose] Do it anyway.
Sometimes people listen
when you least expect it.
[distant thunder]
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] She looks cosy.
[Mother] She's getting warmer too.
[Lily] You mean like hide-and-seek?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea.
Just like hide-and-seek.
[Rain and distant thunder]
[Lily] Good night, Robbie.
Good night, Lily.
[sound of seagulls from outside]
[crows cawing]
[phonograph motor starts]
[wind blows]
[crows cawing]
[footsteps echo]
[phonograph motor starts]
Dear Daddy, this is Lily speaking.
We have had a lovely Christmas.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] I'm nine now, aren't I.
[Mother] I suppose you could say so.
[Lily] Good night Daddy.
Lots of love to you.
[mobile phone text alert]
[beeps from phone keypad]
[beeps from keypad]
[ringing tone]
Welcome to the messaging service.
The person you are calling is not avail...
[beeps from keypad]
[ringing tone]
Hello?
Oh hello, I wonder if you could help me.
My name is Rose Montefiore,
I'm trying to track down someone
who might have been a relative of yours?
I'm sorry?
I'm trying to track
down a relative of yours?
A relative?
Yes. Um. Oliver Barr.
He was born in 1910 or so?
Who wants to know?
- Well I'm doing some...
- It's a long time since anyone asked after him.
Why do you want to know?
There's a house with some old recordings
and I'm trying...
What recordings?
There's some old wax cylinders,
recorded in 1914,
I found them in the loft and
I'm trying to track down...
Ask at Winterstoke.
I beg your pardon?
If you really want to know
you can ask at Winterstoke.
Winterstoke?
Look it up. I don't know
any more than that.
I can't help you any more. Goodbye.
[traffic noise]
Son?
I I didn't mean anything by it, son.
I didn't mean a word of it.
I was pissed. Upset.
I'll get my job back.
Oh come on Son!
We're a team aren't we?
I can't do this without yer.
I've got to go.
Go where?
Pete's.
Pete's? What for?
He might have some work for me.
But you've got a job here, Son.
You don't need me Dad.
You really don't.
Of course I need yer.
We're a team I tell yer.
Come on Son. Don't be so silly.
Come home.
I'm not coming home Dad.
How am I goin' to get a license?
You'll be fine.
[owl hoots, dog barks]
[Front door opens and closes]
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Mummy?
Where is Oliver?
[Mother] It's hard to say, Lily.
[Lily] When will he come then?
[Mother] Tomorrow.
Or the day after.
[Lily] Or the day after that.
[Mother] I told you.
Everyone comes when they are ready.
[distant sound of tap dripping]
[tap drips]
[tap drips]
[tap drips, louder, closer]
[tap drips, louder still]
[Lily] I can see the man again.
[tap drips]
[Mother] Where is he?
[tap drips]
[Lily] He's in the bed.
Next to her.
[music conveys approaching menace]
[loud dripping sound]
[music increases in volume]
[screams]
God! What the hell are you doing here?
What do you mean what
the hell am I doing here?!
You might as well shoot me!
Well the agency gave me the keys
when I told them who I was so...
Why didn't you call?
I left you two messages!
Well I forgot my charger.
We went swimming there.
It was foolish.
There was no lifeguard. Well
Not in those days, anyway.
I got into trouble
and he saved me.
It was probably just a few seconds and er
Not as dangerous as it felt.
But I thought I had lost everything.
I lost a shoe.
I knew I couldn't live without him.
I'm sorry you didn't have more time.
Five years or 50, Laura,
it doesn't make a difference.
[owl hoots]
[floorboards creak]
[knock on door]
[Rose] Laura?
Before you leave tomorrow
there's something I want to do?
[Rose] I'd like you to come with me.
[Laura] OK.
[phonograph motor starts]
Dear Daddy. This is Lily speaking.
We have had a lovely Christmas.
Thank you for your Christmas card.
We hope you are having
a nice time in France,
and giving the Hun what for.
We miss you very much and look forward
to seeing you when you return.
Oliver is playing hide-and-seek
and we haven't seen him for an hour.
French Rose knows where he is,
but she won't tell me.
Good night, Daddy.
Lots of love to you.
Return.
Oliver is playing hide-and-seek
and we haven't seen him for an hour.
French Rose knows where he is,
but she won't tell me.
French Rose knows where he is,
but she won't tell me.
[voice distorts]
Oliver is playing hide and seek
And we haven't seem him for an hour.
[voice pitch drops]
French Rose knows where he is
But she won't tell me.
[phonograph slows, voice drops]
Good night Daddy.
Lots of love to you.
This is not what I thought you meant.
This is not what I thought I meant either.
So we're going to break in.
We're going to walk in.
Without permission.
Uninvited, yes.
And what are you expecting to find?
I'm not expecting to find anything.
Then why are we here?
[Laura] So
You call up someone you don't know,
completely out of the blue,
someone who could be mad, for all you know,
and she sends you here,
to find someone who was definitely mad,
and you actually do it.
You know I'm sensing a theme
running through all of this.
[Rose] Come on, Laura.
Where is your Enid Blyton spirit?
Where would you rather be?
Here? Or in Berlin?
I want to be in this space.
I want to see the wind.
You know you don't have
to sprinkle him anywhere.
He's no weedkiller, Laura.
I mean you can keep him
Them
If if you want.
I don't keep things.
You can't expect to
move on after three weeks.
Oh yes I can.
That's what I do.
I'm ready to say goodbye.
It's just that there's some
Unfinished business
That needs to be dealt with,
and I don't know what it is.
[Rose] O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge has withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.
O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel's granary is full,
And the harvest's done.
I see a lily on thy brow,
With anguish moist and fever-dew,
And on thy cheeks a fading rose
Fast withereth too.
I met a lady in the Meads,
Full beautiful - a faery's child,
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.
I made a garland for her head,
and bracelets too, and fragrant zone;
She looked at me as she did love,
And made sweet moan.
I set her on my pacing steed,
And nothing else saw all day long,
For sidelong would she bend,
And sing a faery's song.
She found me roots of relish sweet,
And honey wild, and manna-dew,
And sure in language strange she said...
"I love thee true".
She took me to her Elfin grot,
And there she wept
and sighed full sore,
And there I shut her wild wild eyes
With kisses four.
And there she lulled me asleep,
And there I dreamed...
Ah! Woe betide!
The latest dream I ever dreamt
On the cold hillside.
I really thought he'd be here.
I know.
You know it's like the last piece
of the jigsaw is the easiest.
Stupid.
Of course he's not here.
What are the chances.
Oliver Eric Barr.
Admitted 13th November 1928.
Schizophrenia.
Discharged 4th April 1965.
Where did you find this?
Still there, filed away.
Still in alphabetical order.
Down the back of the sofa.
[sound of stormy sea and wind]
[storm abates]
[foghorn]
[slow music of suspense and anticipation]
[dialogue inaudible under music]
[music continues over inaudible dialogue]
[inaudible]
[music continues]
[music continues, becoming more ethereal]
[mobile phone ring-tone]
Hello?
Mrs Montefiore?
Yes.
Rose Montefiore?
Yes.
This is Jessie Barr.
You phoned me a few days ago about Oliver.
Mrs Barr?
I'm sorry if I was a bit short with you,
it was a bit of a shock.
Things have changed since we spoke.
I'd like to see you.
Do you still have access to those
recordings, Mrs Montefiore?
Those wax cylinders?
[Jessie] Sometimes I
think he was misdiagnosed.
Sometimes I think he was just a
frightened lonely little boy,
with a big imagination.
He came out of Winterstoke more mentally
disturbed than when he went in.
They tried to control the voices with
medication and therapy, but
It didn't really work.
The voices just faded slowly over time.
I'd say these last ten years he was,
well if not happy then not unhappy.
Or so he seemed.
But then recently the
voices came back again.
Mostly Lily, his sister,
and his mother, Martha.
Oh they troubled him.
Especially these last few weeks.
I think he'd like to hear
them once more for real.
I think he'd be content with that.
[phonograph crackle]
This is Uncle Felix.
It is Christmas Eve 1914.
We are currently at war
with Germany [fades out]
[fades in] is admirably holding the fort,
Whilst Eric is at the Front
fighting the Hun [fades out]
[fades in] tree is
looking quite magnificent
and all is in place for a most
wonderful Christmas.
There is talk of snow.
And now Oliver and Lily would like to
wish everyone a Happy Christmas!
[Oliver] Dear Mummy,
Daddy, Uncle Felix and Lily.
Have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
Uncle Felix has let me
open a big present early.
It's a recording machine. That's how
you can hear me talking.
It's quite exciting and I love it.
Thank you Uncle Felix, it's the best
Christmas present ever!
I am allowed to make
one recording each day.
I want to make a recording everyday.
It is seven o'clock and
we now have to go to bed.
[Lily] Happy Christmas to Mummy, Daddy,
Oliver, and Uncle Felix.
We are all looking forward to the snow,
and opening all our
presents under the tree.
Mummy let me open two
presents on Christmas Eve.
It is a lovely doll's
house from Uncle Felix,
and a beautiful doll from Daddy.
He sent it all the way from France.
I'm going to call her Rose.
My French Rose.
Good night Daddy. Lots of love to you.
[Mother] And now it is time for bed.
Good night, Lily and Oliver.
Good night Oliver.
[Robbie] I need to return that.
[Titus] Aye. Well.
Off with you then Son.
I'll come and visit you.
Aye, well, that'd be grand.
Aye.
I'll be off then.
Aye.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] I think the man has gone.
I can't see him anymore.
[Mother] Can you see the New Moon?
[Lily] No.
[Mother] But you know it's there.
[Lily] And I will see it tomorrow.
[Mother] Or the day after that.
[Lily] Was he a nice man?
Sometimes he frightened me.
[Mother] I don't think he meant to, Lily.
He was just trying to find his way home.
[door buzzer]
I was just on my way to the station.
I wanted to say goodbye.
That's kind. Where are you going?
College, after all.
I'm glad to hear that.
What changed?
My dad.
Maybe both of us.
Well,
good luck with it.
You're dad will be fine, I'm sure of it.
He's changed jobs.
Wants to work outdoors.
Are you leaving too?
I have an errand to run and then...
Oh, before I forget
Thanks for lending this to me.
Keep it.
No I'm done with it, thanks.
Well, I'll be off then.
Goodbye Robbie.
I'm sorry about your husband.
Don't be.
He's much happier now.
Do you really believe in all that stuff?
No.
That's why I think he's much happier now.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] She's leaving, isn't she Mummy.
[Mother] Yes Lily.
She is.
[Lily] You promised she would see us.
But she didn't.
[Mother] There are
different ways of seeing, Lily.
She knew we were here.
Sometimes, that's the best way.
[Lily] And what was her name?
I can't remember her name.
[Mother] No, I can't remember either.
But I do seem to remember it was
a very beautiful name.
[Lily] Like mine.
[Mother] Yes, Lily.
Like yours.
[Mother] Lily?
[Lily] Yes Mummy?
[Mother] Look into the garden.
[Lily] Why? Is it the man?
[Mother] No Sweet Pea.
The man is sleeping now.
[Lily] Then who is it?
[Mother] Look!
Down by the cherry tree.
Who do you think it might be?
[Lily] Oliver? It's Oliver!
Oliver, where have you been? I've been
looking everywhere for you!
[Mother] Oliver, what have you been doing?
You've been gone nearly an hour!
[Oliver] I was playing hide-and-seek Mummy.
I lost track of time.
[Mother] Well next time
don't be gone for so long.
We were getting worried about you.
Now. Go and play nicely with Lily.
[Lily] Come on Oliver! Do you want
one of my cinnamon buns?
I saved one for you.
[Oliver] Not now Lily! I
want to make a recording.
[Lily] Well I want to
play with my doll's house.
[Oliver] I don't want to play with
your silly doll's house.
I want to record something.
[Lily] Come on. You can be the man
who turns up to fix things.
[Oliver] I don't want to!
[Lily] You can make the lights come on.
[Oliver] I don't want to
make the lights come on
[Lily] When will the light come back?
[Mother] Tomorrow.
Or the day after.
[Lily] Or the day after that.
young girl, Lily, and her mother]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Sweet Pea?
Come here.
[Lily] I dreamt about the man again.
[Mother] Put your head here, Lily.
There. There's nothing to be frightened of.
It was just a dream.
Come now. What was the last thing
that made you smile?
[Lily] I can't think of anything.
[Mother] Of course you can.
Think about the nice things we did today.
[Lily] I don't remember.
[Mother] What did we do this morning?
Where did we go? Who did we see?
Can you remember?
[Lily] All I can see is the man.
[Mother] Oh Lily, don't you remember
walking down to the Harbour?
We walked hand in hand down Harbour Street.
Who did we go to see?
[Lily] Oh yes! I remember now.
You pulled my bonnet over my eyes.
[Mother] The sun was
very bright, wasn't it?
[Lily] I had to shut my eyes.
[Mother] And what happened
when you shut your eyes?
What did you say to me straight away?
[Lily] Cinnamon buns!
I remember, I could smell Mr Sampson's
cinnamon buns!
That's who we went to see.
[Mother] And what did Mr Sampson do
when we got there?
[Lily] We bought two cinnamon buns,
and he gave us an extra one.
He said he makes three
extra buns every day.
One for the King, one for the the
[Mother] Prime Minister.
[Lily] Pry Minister, and one for Lily Barr!
[Mother] And who is Lily
Barr when she's at home?
[Lily] Me!
[Mother] That's right. One for Lily Barr.
[distant moan and bolting
of heavy metal door]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes Sweet Pea?
[Lily] Why is this house
so dark all the time?
[Mother] I've told you.
It's only dark when no one lives here.
[Lily] I wish someone
would come and live here.
I wish they would.
We're thinking of going away.
I think that's a good idea.
Will you be OK?
Of course.
We can come back any time.
You can ring any time.
I'll be fine.
You could do with a holiday.
Yes.
Actually we could.
Actually, um...
We booked the time off a while back.
It's just not been the right time to...
Where will you go?
Well, the other night when you
showed me the photos?
I'd love to see it.
You've spoken so much about it.
I wonder how much it's changed.
Why don't you come?
Play gooseberry? No.
Anyway, I don't feel like it.
I want to stay here.
I need to stay here.
Things to see to you know?
I can come tomorrow.
Mark's got work in the
morning and we're not...
I'll be fine.
I'll see you before you go.
I've come to collect my husband.
Right.
John?
I have someone here to collect her husband.
It's um
Daniel Montefiore.
Daniel Montefiore?
OK.
He'll be up in a minute,
if you could take a seat.
[receptionist typing at computer]
[door opens]
Rose.
Your husband.
Is that it?
It's what you ordered.
[Rose] Laura.
[Laura] The code for the alarm is?
[mobile rings]
I can remember when you were born.
One eight six two.
[Mark] Matthew, Hi!
[Rose] You know, the
last time we were there
was just the year before.
We kept meaning to go back, but
life.
You were probably conceived there.
Front door shiny Yale and Chubb,
back door rusty Yale,
you can call at any time.
[Rose] Thank you.
Conceived, what?
You wouldn't remember.
There's a new Russian takeaway.
I can cook.
Well a bit meaty actually.
[Rose] Go! I'm fine.
I'll call you. About seven, probably.
Oh you've got to be kidding.
Mark?
You've got to be kidding.
Well where?
Berlin.
Both of us?
You know we've got to go.
It's such a big opportunity.
Huge, potentially.
It's just
Just a bit sudden, that's all.
No shit.
Look Matthew said
he'll cover for Seb and...
How long?
A week.
Maybe less.
When?
Now.
Taxi's booked for an hour.
Lucky we're already packed then.
That's what Matthew said.
[mobile phone - incoming message alert]
Hello, you've reached the offices
of Paradise Cottages,
I'm sorry no one's in to answer your call,
please leave a message
with your name and number
and we'll call you back
as soon as possible.
[beep]
Oh Hello, I'm calling on
behalf of Laura Hewitt,
she's booked a two-week
holiday at Nine Paradise,
unfortunately she's been called away
on urgent business,
and um I'm really sorry but um
I'm coming instead.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] I did try to think of nice things.
[Mother] Did you dream about the man again?
[Lily] He stood by my bed.
I was awake, and he stood by my bed.
[Mother] Poor Lily.
Come here and rest your head by mine.
You only dreamt that you were awake.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
[Lily] Then how do you know?
How can you be sure?
[Mother] There is no
one in this house but us.
Just the three of us.
[Lily] Promise?
[Mother] Promise.
[Lily] Is that why it's so dark?
[Mother] Lily. Look carefully.
Is it really so dark?
Can't you see something?
[Lily] I'm not sure.
Is it the man?
It looks like the man.
[Mother] It's just a shirt, Sweet Pea,
hanging on the stairs.
Do you see it now?
[Lily] Oh yes, I can see it.
[Mother] You see.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] Where is the light coming from?
[Mother] The light?
Well I think it means someone
is coming to visit us.
[Lily] Who?
[Mother] Oh Lily, it's hard to say.
[Lily] Will she be nice to us?
[Mother] She'll be very nice.
[Lily] We will be able to see her?
[Mother] Of course we will.
[Lily] Will she be able to see us?
[Mother] Well, Sweet Pea, that depends.
[Lily] Depends on what?
[Mother] It depends on whether she
knows where to look.
[owl hoots from outside]
[handle creaks]
[owl hoots from outside]
[electrical click]
[owl hoots]
[floorboards creak]
[electrical click]
Merde!
[answerphone beep]
Hello, this is Rose Montefiore
from Nine Paradise,
I'm calling because I have a
problem with the shower.
[mobile phone vibrates]
- Hello?
- Hi Mum!
- Oh hello Laura...
- Berlin calling.
- You made it.
- I hate it.
Well you might as well make the most of it.
Always the optimist Mum.
Anyway why aren't you
answering the landline?
That's because I'm not at home, that's why.
- Where are you then?
- Guess.
You stole my booking.
Well, be a shame to waste it.
Lucky you! Oh I wish I was there.
Yeah, it's good isn't it.
Oh no hang on, gotta go, sorry I'll...
Oh don't worry, don't worry,
OK, I'll we'll speak later.
Yes sorry, bye.
Yes we'll speak later. All right.
- Bye Mum, bye.
- Bye bye, Sweet Pea.
Sweet Pea?
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] She can't see us, can she.
[Mother] No. Not yet.
[Lily] Will she see us tomorrow?
[Mother] We have to be patient.
All we can do is wait
for her to come to us.
[Lily] Isn't there anything
we can do to help?
[Mother] You can't gather
water in a basket, Lily.
[Lily] But you can make it wet.
[inaudible]
[squawking seagulls]
[door buzzer]
- [Rose] Hello?
- Electrics?
- Oh right, for the er
- Aye.
Right. Come in.
Trouble with your shower?
Yes, it keeps cutting out.
And the kitchen lights go off
when the doorbell goes.
Aye? [Laughs] That's a new one on me.
Where's your fuse box, Mrs er
Well they didn't give me your name, sorry.
Montefiore.
Titus.
- Over there, Titus.
- Right.
Nothing wrong here by the look of it.
Looks like a rewire.
Pretty recent, I'd say.
[shouts] Rob? What's it say?
Clear.
Should be OK.
OK!
[door buzzer]
I dunno love.
Must've been a coincidence.
I don't know what to
say Mrs Monty er fury.
Your electrics, there as sound as a bell.
No pun intended. [Laughs]
I mean, I couldn't have done a better
job myself, could I Robbie?
Aye, yer see these new modern
fuse boxes, they're a bit sensitive.
Sometimes trip for no reason at all.
I don't think you've got
anything to worry about.
Well look, give us a call if you've
got anymore trouble
Mrs um
Call me Rose.
Aye, aye.
Thanks for the biscuits, Mrs Montefiore.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Who were those men today?
[Mother] I think they came to help.
Did you like them?
[Lily] I liked the one that looked at me.
[Mother] Do you think he saw you?
[Lily] Yes.
[Mother] I think your imagination is
running away with you again!
[Lily] I think she looks a bit sad.
[Mother] Yes. I think she does too.
[Lily] Can we cheer her up?
[Mother] All in good time, Lily.
[Lily] Can I sit next to her?
[Mother] Of course. She'd like that.
Lily, meet Rose.
Rose, meet Lily.
[Lily] Rose is my favourite name.
[Mother] You see. She is happy now.
[door buzzer]
Who is it?
It's Robbie.
I think my dad left his multimeter here.
In the fuse box cupboard.
We need it for a job first thing tomorrow.
I'm really sorry to call so late.
The lights have tripped again.
I thought they might.
Really?
My dad, he's
He means well, but he doesn't really
Really what?
He's just always right. Always has been.
So I just keep schtum.
And you think you know what the problem is?
The doorbell cable,
it's shorting somewhere, needs replacing.
The shower,
well, I'd have to get into the roof void.
Sometimes, rewiring,
they take a few shortcuts.
I mean they shouldn't, but they do.
What the eye doesn't see
if you know what I mean.
I'll just
These holiday lets, do
everything on the cheap.
I'm sure they do.
I could swing by myself tomorrow,
Sunday, it's my day off.
What about your dad?
Doesn't need to know.
Ten o'clock all right?
I thought you said you
had a job on tomorrow?
I meant Monday.
Good night, Robbie.
[disembodied voice]
[Lily] Good night, Rose.
[Rose] Titus?
[Rose] Read it.
But don't just read it.
Think about the meaning, and the value
of every line.
Of every word.
What he says, and what he means.
Are they the same thing?
How he uses different
rhythms to alter the mood.
And why.
Take a look at a copy of the manuscript.
Why does he cross the word "death"
not once, but twice.
Why does he choose to hide the
thing that is most important?
What was happening to Keats at the time?
He was a young man of twenty-six
so why was he writing about death?
Why "kisses four"?
Why not two, or seven?
[Rose's voice becomes distant and
inaudible under music]
Just around the corner,
at the edge of your vision.
Meaning creeps in from the back door
and hides in the attic
for you
you
and you
to find it.
[knock on door]
It's
Now?
Yup.
[Titus] You don't live round here, do you.
[Rose] No. On holidays.
Couple of weeks.
Aye. That's right.
Holiday cottage.
Hm-mm.
On your own?
That's how I like it.
I can't say as I blame yer
For not living round here, I mean.
- Oh but it's beautiful!
- Pft! Yeah right.
[Titus] What do they say um
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?
Aye. That.
Tell you what.
I fuckin' hate electricity.
I mean I don't know what the fuck it is.
I mean I can rewire a house
and all that, no problem.
But what is it?
I've spent my entire working life
fuckin' about with this stuff
that you can't see.
I mean you can't see it!
What's that about love, eh?
Well, no, sometimes you can see it,
you know, if you get it
wrong, if you see what I mean.
I've had a few fuckin' shocks in my time.
But what is it, eh?
Where does it come
from? Where does it go to?
How does it go around?
I mean what the hell is it?
It's fuckin' invisible, that's what it is.
Silent.
I mean you can see
You know, steam and coal and fire and water
but - pft!
- Not this stuff.
Fuckin' weird if you ask me.
But we put it into our houses, eh?
And we turn on our lights
and our fuckin' microwaves
and our hoovers and our TVs and it's like
fuckin' black magic
that's so bloody powerful
it can knock you off your feet!
Sometimes even kill yer, just like that!
Sometimes I lay awake
Just thinkin' about it.
Fuck knows why I do it.
Fuckin' hate the stuff.
Aye.
Oh, and then there's fuckin' gravity, eh?
Don't get me fuckin' started on
gravity, eh, I mean what's that all about?
How do you work that one out, eh?
It's a mystery, isn't it?
Fuckin' right it is.
I mean, I couldn't be more amazed
if I'd seen a fuckin' ghost!
Now that you say it.
[Titus] Aye.
Aye well um
I don't want to keep yer.
Thanks for the breakfast Mrs Monty er
How do you say it?
Montefiore. You're welcome.
Aye. Well, er,
enjoy your book.
[door buzzer]
[Rose, distant] Oh, Robbie, sorry about
this morning, so sorry.
It's very good of you to do this.
I hope it won't take long.
[Robbie] I'll just get you up and running
for now, see what needs to be done.
You'll have to speak to
your agent in the morning.
Oh, I hope I'm not
Force of habit.
I saw your dad this morning, Robbie.
Did yer?
[Rose] Yeah that's partly why I missed you.
Don't worry I didn't say anything.
I hope I didn't stop you from doing
anything nice this evening.
[Robbie] I might go out later.
Take some pictures. I do that a lot.
I mean I want to go to
college but my dad, he's
Well, what state was he in?
Looked like a late night, I must admit.
[Robbie] Sweet was he?
Yes, very.
Sobered up by then I suppose.
Yeah, I suppose.
[Robbie] Looks like they
never removed the old cable.
Photography, that's interesting.
Someone's put a firewall over it.
I need to take it down.
You all right with that?
Whatever needs to be done.
[crackle of old gramophone record]
[gentle piano lullaby]
[music continues]
[music builds in intensity]
[music becomes darker in mood]
[music becomes increasingly ominous]
[electrical click]
[piano lullaby returns]
[music stops]
Robbie?
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Is he dead?
The man in the roof?
[Mother] Well, Sweet Pea,
we would know if he was, wouldn't we?
[Lily] I thought I saw him.
[Mother] Yes he was here,
but he didn't want to stay.
He allowed the waves to beat him back.
[Lily] Well he was here. I saw him.
[Mother] And part of him still is.
[Lily] When will the
lady be able to see us?
[Mother] When she's
ready, Lily. And not before.
[Lily] But that might be too late.
I want to talk to her now.
[Mother] I know you do.
[Lily] How can I talk to
her if she can't hear us?
[Mother] We'll think of
something, Sweet Pea.
[Mother] Lily.
It's time to go back to bed now.
[distant ambulance siren]
[Titus] I was thinking about your birthday.
I'd like to do something special,
for your eighteenth.
I saw a lens on line. It was a good deal.
Aye, but I was thinking about
something that would last you
you know, something like a tattoo.
I'd pay for a tattoo.
Jim'll give me a discount. Well not that
that's the point, mind, but
So, don't tell me, you've got some
good news, and some bad news.
Robbie. You're a very lucky young man.
Good job you're fit and healthy,
looks like no harm done.
Apart from your hand. We'll need to keep an
eye on that over the next few weeks.
There'll be a bit of scaring,
but that's a bit of a result
all things considered.
I don't know what the fuck he was
thinking. Silly bugger.
If you'd like to sign this form you can go.
Here and here.
I know it's none of my business but
you have a license, don't you?
Aye.
It's just I've had our health
and safety sniffing around.
I guess someone will be giving you a call.
Just thought I'd mention it. Thank you.
So. Tattoo?
I mean you can have whatever you like.
Good idea?
Yeah. Thanks Dad.
It's a really great idea.
Aye.
- [Rose] Laura?
- [Laura] Hi Mum.
- Hi, how are you? How are things?
- Oh, difficult.
I know it can be a bit stressful.
Yeah.
Don't read too much into
it. There's a lot at stake.
Not enough if you ask me.
Well you know I'm a bit old school,
but just be there for him.
Yeah, right.
I know, I know, it cuts both ways.
Anyway. Enough. What about you?
Me? I'm fine! It's really lovely actually.
And?
Oh I'm reading, and walking,
the last thing I wanted to do really but...
- What did you do about...
- I'm glad.
Dad?
Oh. I brought him with me.
Oh.
I know, it's stupid but, I told you
[dialogue inaudible under ominous music]
Woah!
- Mum, are you all right?
- I'm sorry I made you jump.
- Mum, what's up?
- Laura, I'll call you later.
- Mum! Are you all right?
- Later this evening. Yes I'm fine, OK?
Bye. Bye.
I think I'm going to come and... [beep]
You're safe. All done.
Thank you.
[Radio plays pop music in background]
What are we doing?
A bit of unfinished business, son.
Can't leave a customer
in the lurch like that.
And you, you need to
get back on your horse.
Oh and I was thinking, what's the name
of that favourite band of yours?
Silus.
Aye. Silus, yeah.
Well that'd be nice.
They're not going to be my
favourite band forever.
Well all right then, how
about just a picture or a
Or a star sign maybe, yeah.
You know I've always
fancied one of those myself.
Never got round to it.
Not yet anyways.
Cancer.
Yeah. Aye er well
Your mum'd like that.
OK.
Good idea.
What the fuck is this?
What in fuck's name?
Jesus fuckin' wept!
They've only gone and taken
away my fuckin' license!
Fuck!
Jesus.
I'll give 'em fuckin'... where's the...
Fuckin' phone? I'll give 'em fuckin'...
Where the fuck's the fuckin' phone?
It's all my fault innit.
It's not your fault!
Now where's the phone?
Revoke my fuckin' license?
I'll revoke their fuckin' arses.
Bastards.
Don't you worry son, it's not your fault.
I'll put 'em straight.
[phone beeps]
Watch and learn, son, eh?
Watch, and learn.
[ringing tone]
Fuckin' bastards.
Hello.
- Hello I want to speak...
- Welcome to Eastgate council.
If you wish to speak to an adviser,
- press the hashtag at any time.
- Fuckin' hell.
For planning... [beep]
We are experiencing high levels
of inquiries at this time.
Shit!
- Eastgate Council apologizes... [beep]
- Fuckin' hell.
Watch and learn son.
Your call to Eastgate
Council is important to us.
Press the hashtag to speak to an adviser...
Shit! [Beep]
You are held in a queue.
For recycling and rubbish... [beep]
You are held in a queue.
Please listen carefully
to the following options.
Argh fuck!
[radio stops]
Right.
Come on.
Let's go.
- What do you mean let's go?
- I mean, let's go!
We've got a job to do and we're
going to do it, so come on!
You're just making things worse, Dad.
Well.
Thanks for your help son.
[electric door buzzer]
- Titus?
- Morning! Er
Bit of unfinished business I believe.
Your shower you know.
Don't want a repeat of that last
shockin' experience, eh? [Laughs]
I'm sorry Titus. It's already been done.
The council, they er
The council?
It's Health and Safety, you know.
Aye, aye.
Aye, I see.
All right then. Well
You know where I am if you want anything.
Thank you Titus.
I'll be off then.
See you around.
Aye.
[Rose] Robbie?
Mrs Montefiore.
How's your electrics?
It's been made safe for now.
I think they'll have to tear the place
apart and start over again once I'm gone.
Yeah. It's what it needs.
I don't want to disturb you I
Was reading by the Harbour and I saw you.
No it's fine. The light's gone now anyway.
How's your hand?
Nah, it's fine.
Got away with it really.
You must have been really scared.
I was.
Yeah, but
It's funny though, I mean
I'm sorry it happened, but
I'm glad it did.
Everything looks different now.
Life is more
Precious, you mean?
No.
I don't mean that.
Everything looks literally different.
I don't know it's like
people look different. Things.
Cars, shops,
knives and forks.
It's like
I'm looking at the world in
color for the first time.
Sometimes I think I can see the wind.
Sounds bloody stupid, dunnit.
No.
What you reading?
John Keats.
He's a poet.
Yeah. I've heard of him.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean
Have you read anything?
Nah. I'm more technical.
Radios. TVs.
Take 'em apart and put 'em back together.
And cameras.
It really is beautiful.
I think it's a shithole.
A god-forsaken excuse of a town.
I mean, I'd like to get out
of here but my dad, he's
lost, I suppose.
He's been on his own a long time.
Don't know what would
happen to him if I left.
Borrow it.
Oh, I dunno.
Call it teacher's instinct.
You a teacher?
Well, I used to.
I'm having a break.
Yeah OK. I'll read it.
Bring it back when you're done.
- You know where I live.
- Mrs Montefiore?
I never said thank you.
For
You're welcome.
Have a good evening.
Oh, Robbie?
Do you know how a Phonograph works?
A what?
An Edison Phonograph.
You took it down from the loft.
Oh that thing.
Yeah I could probably work it out.
Hm. I'd appreciate that.
- When you bring the book back.
- OK.
[documentary plays on TV in background]
What's this?
- [Titus] What's wrong with you?
- Nothing.
You've had it done haven't yer?
Eh? You've only gone
and had it fuckin' done!
[laughs]
Hey, I've gotta be honest with you son,
I didn't think you'd do it!
- I'm fuckin' proud of you son! [Slap]
- Jesus Christ!
- What the fuck d'yer think yer doing?
- I'm sorry!
- Yeah, you bloody will be!
- I'm sorry.
Come on then, let's have a look.
Nah I'm going to bed.
No no no, come on, show me, I want to
see my birthday present.
It's really sore. Look, in the morning.
I'm going to bed.
Show me. Come on. Money like that
don't grow on trees you know.
You're pissed. And I'm going to bed.
Come on son. You're
mother would be proud of yer.
Yeah? Well.
I want to fuckin' see it.
Leave it Dad. You can
see it in the morning.
I wanna see it now.
I want to see it now.
Come on son.
What is it?
"O what can ail thee"
Knight knight-at-arms
"Alone and palely loitering?"
[mumbles] What the fuck is that?
I mean what the fuck is that?
"O what can ail thee."
[sound of thunder from outside]
I don't understand,
this isn't a fuckin' tattoo,
this is a fuckin' wind-up.
What the fuck was Jim thinking?!
I mean some bastard's put him up to this!
I put him up to it.
It's what I wanted.
But I don't understand son.
Knight at fuckin' arms?
What fuckin' ails thee?
I mean what the fuck have you done?!
It's poetry.
Poetry?!
It doesn't fuckin' rhyme!
What was wrong with Bryan fuckin' Robson or
Kevin fuckin' Keegan or even
David fuckin' Beckham? Eh?
Anything but that fuckin' piece of shite!
What ails thee?
I'll tell you what fuckin' ails thee,
that cost me 200 fuckin' quid, that's
what fuckin' ails me son!
You said anything I liked.
Two hundred fuckin' quid?
Yeah? And I'm out of a job?
Because you decided to climb into
somebody's fuckin' roof...
For no fuckin' money, mind...
Climb into somebody's fuckin' roof
and get yourself fuckin' electrocuted,
you stupid little shite!
[heavy rain outside]
Your mother'd be ashamed of yer,
I'm ashamed of yer.
30 years it took to build
this fuckin' business up
and you brought it crashing down with one
of your stupid fuckin' harebrained schemes!
I wish you'd fuckin' died up there!
Aye. Piss off college boy.
What fuckin' ails thee.
[door slams]
[loud thunder clap]
[sound of heavy rain]
[spooky singing voice]
[voice sinks]
[nightmarish singing voices]
[sound of electrocution]
[small child's terrified scream]
[electric gate being closed]
[mournful singing]
[distant echoey scream]
[sound of gramophone slowing down]
[sound stops]
[complete silence]
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Why is she so sad?
[Lily's whispered
thoughts] I don't understand.
[Mother] Because she
loves him and misses him.
[Lily] If only she could hear us,
we could talk to her.
[Mother] We already
have talked to her, Lily.
She just doesn't know it yet.
[whisper] What's in the box?
[Lily] How did we talk to her?
When? I don't remember?
[Mother] No. Perhaps you don't.
You were only five years old.
[whisper] I want to see what he looks like,
can I see Mummy?
[Lily] I'm nine now, aren't I.
[Mother] I suppose you could say so.
[Lily] Then why can't I remember?
[Mother] Well, let me see.
Uncle Felix came to see us.
He stayed for Christmas. Surely
you remember that.
You came home from school and Uncle
Felix was there, waiting for you.
He had a present for you.
[whisper] When is she going to get up?
Why doesn't she get up?
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] I think she can
hear us in her sleep.
[Mother] Perhaps.
[Lily] But when she wakes
up, she can't remember.
[Mother] Ah, yes, that is so.
Only if you wake up in the middle
of a dream do you remember it.
[Lily] I wish I could wake her up.
I wish I could.
[loud knock on door]
[loud knock]
[sound of heavy rain from outside returns]
[loud knock]
[Robbie] He's lost his
license and he blames me.
He's right really, it was a stupid mistake.
That's no reason to hit you.
Yeah but then
That's not really what this is about.
To be honest, this is all your fault.
Oh really.
Poetry's for queers and Nancy boys.
So, he hit you for reading poetry.
No.
He wanted me to have a tattoo.
For my 18th.
It's what his dad did for him.
He said I could have anything I wanted.
Of course he didn't mean that.
He wanted a football team or
Something.
I went for Keats.
I should've known it would wind him up.
Perhaps that's why I did it.
You know
I'm kind of glad he hit me.
He's a sad bastard and
I feel sorry for him but
I can't live with him any longer.
Do you have anywhere to go?
I've got friends.
Robbie.
Why did you come here?
[disembodied voice]
[Lily] Tell her Robbie!
[Robbie] I was just
passing and I saw your light.
There is something else.
Since my accident
[Lily] You can see us!
Doesn't matter.
Let's get this sorted.
[phonograph motor starts]
[crackle]
[recorded voice]
It is now Boxing Day.
The rain means Oliver has been
riding his new bicycle
inside the house,
much to the consternation
of his poor mother,
and to the great
amusement of everyone else.
Lily's doll's house has kept her
quiet for two whole days.
We have just returned from our
Boxing Day walk in Ellington Park
and will be partaking
of pheasant for dinner.
The children are now going to sing
"In The Bleak Midwinter".
[recording of children singing]
[singing continues]
Well done...[fades to next recording]
This is Uncle Felix.
It is Christmas Eve, 1914.
We are currently at war with Germany.
Drove down this morning from
London in the Austin.
Hit a top speed of 45 miles per hour!
My sister Martha is
admirably holding the fort
whilst Eric is at the
Front, fighting the Hun.
The children can barely contain themselves.
Oliver is leaping about
the house like a gazelle!
Lily tries to calm herself by reading,
but throws herself at her
mother every five minutes
begging to open her presents now.
My sister is the very model of patience.
The tree is looking quite magnificent
and all is in place for a most
wonderful Christmas.
There is talk of snow.
And now Oliver and
Lily would like to wish...
[clunking sound as the gears jam]
[distant rumble of thunder from outside]
I can mend it.
Those sweet children.
It's like listening to ghosts.
Long dead by now.
I wonder if they lived here.
These could have come from anywhere.
Let's pretend they did.
Another?
I'm tired.
Let's sort it out tomorrow.
These people are not going anywhere,
and neither are you
With this weather.
You can have the sofa.
Talk to your dad, will you?
He's not listening.
He can't.
We haven't really talked for years.
[Rose] Do it anyway.
Sometimes people listen
when you least expect it.
[distant thunder]
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] She looks cosy.
[Mother] She's getting warmer too.
[Lily] You mean like hide-and-seek?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea.
Just like hide-and-seek.
[Rain and distant thunder]
[Lily] Good night, Robbie.
Good night, Lily.
[sound of seagulls from outside]
[crows cawing]
[phonograph motor starts]
[wind blows]
[crows cawing]
[footsteps echo]
[phonograph motor starts]
Dear Daddy, this is Lily speaking.
We have had a lovely Christmas.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] I'm nine now, aren't I.
[Mother] I suppose you could say so.
[Lily] Good night Daddy.
Lots of love to you.
[mobile phone text alert]
[beeps from phone keypad]
[beeps from keypad]
[ringing tone]
Welcome to the messaging service.
The person you are calling is not avail...
[beeps from keypad]
[ringing tone]
Hello?
Oh hello, I wonder if you could help me.
My name is Rose Montefiore,
I'm trying to track down someone
who might have been a relative of yours?
I'm sorry?
I'm trying to track
down a relative of yours?
A relative?
Yes. Um. Oliver Barr.
He was born in 1910 or so?
Who wants to know?
- Well I'm doing some...
- It's a long time since anyone asked after him.
Why do you want to know?
There's a house with some old recordings
and I'm trying...
What recordings?
There's some old wax cylinders,
recorded in 1914,
I found them in the loft and
I'm trying to track down...
Ask at Winterstoke.
I beg your pardon?
If you really want to know
you can ask at Winterstoke.
Winterstoke?
Look it up. I don't know
any more than that.
I can't help you any more. Goodbye.
[traffic noise]
Son?
I I didn't mean anything by it, son.
I didn't mean a word of it.
I was pissed. Upset.
I'll get my job back.
Oh come on Son!
We're a team aren't we?
I can't do this without yer.
I've got to go.
Go where?
Pete's.
Pete's? What for?
He might have some work for me.
But you've got a job here, Son.
You don't need me Dad.
You really don't.
Of course I need yer.
We're a team I tell yer.
Come on Son. Don't be so silly.
Come home.
I'm not coming home Dad.
How am I goin' to get a license?
You'll be fine.
[owl hoots, dog barks]
[Front door opens and closes]
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Mummy?
Where is Oliver?
[Mother] It's hard to say, Lily.
[Lily] When will he come then?
[Mother] Tomorrow.
Or the day after.
[Lily] Or the day after that.
[Mother] I told you.
Everyone comes when they are ready.
[distant sound of tap dripping]
[tap drips]
[tap drips]
[tap drips, louder, closer]
[tap drips, louder still]
[Lily] I can see the man again.
[tap drips]
[Mother] Where is he?
[tap drips]
[Lily] He's in the bed.
Next to her.
[music conveys approaching menace]
[loud dripping sound]
[music increases in volume]
[screams]
God! What the hell are you doing here?
What do you mean what
the hell am I doing here?!
You might as well shoot me!
Well the agency gave me the keys
when I told them who I was so...
Why didn't you call?
I left you two messages!
Well I forgot my charger.
We went swimming there.
It was foolish.
There was no lifeguard. Well
Not in those days, anyway.
I got into trouble
and he saved me.
It was probably just a few seconds and er
Not as dangerous as it felt.
But I thought I had lost everything.
I lost a shoe.
I knew I couldn't live without him.
I'm sorry you didn't have more time.
Five years or 50, Laura,
it doesn't make a difference.
[owl hoots]
[floorboards creak]
[knock on door]
[Rose] Laura?
Before you leave tomorrow
there's something I want to do?
[Rose] I'd like you to come with me.
[Laura] OK.
[phonograph motor starts]
Dear Daddy. This is Lily speaking.
We have had a lovely Christmas.
Thank you for your Christmas card.
We hope you are having
a nice time in France,
and giving the Hun what for.
We miss you very much and look forward
to seeing you when you return.
Oliver is playing hide-and-seek
and we haven't seen him for an hour.
French Rose knows where he is,
but she won't tell me.
Good night, Daddy.
Lots of love to you.
Return.
Oliver is playing hide-and-seek
and we haven't seen him for an hour.
French Rose knows where he is,
but she won't tell me.
French Rose knows where he is,
but she won't tell me.
[voice distorts]
Oliver is playing hide and seek
And we haven't seem him for an hour.
[voice pitch drops]
French Rose knows where he is
But she won't tell me.
[phonograph slows, voice drops]
Good night Daddy.
Lots of love to you.
This is not what I thought you meant.
This is not what I thought I meant either.
So we're going to break in.
We're going to walk in.
Without permission.
Uninvited, yes.
And what are you expecting to find?
I'm not expecting to find anything.
Then why are we here?
[Laura] So
You call up someone you don't know,
completely out of the blue,
someone who could be mad, for all you know,
and she sends you here,
to find someone who was definitely mad,
and you actually do it.
You know I'm sensing a theme
running through all of this.
[Rose] Come on, Laura.
Where is your Enid Blyton spirit?
Where would you rather be?
Here? Or in Berlin?
I want to be in this space.
I want to see the wind.
You know you don't have
to sprinkle him anywhere.
He's no weedkiller, Laura.
I mean you can keep him
Them
If if you want.
I don't keep things.
You can't expect to
move on after three weeks.
Oh yes I can.
That's what I do.
I'm ready to say goodbye.
It's just that there's some
Unfinished business
That needs to be dealt with,
and I don't know what it is.
[Rose] O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge has withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.
O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel's granary is full,
And the harvest's done.
I see a lily on thy brow,
With anguish moist and fever-dew,
And on thy cheeks a fading rose
Fast withereth too.
I met a lady in the Meads,
Full beautiful - a faery's child,
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.
I made a garland for her head,
and bracelets too, and fragrant zone;
She looked at me as she did love,
And made sweet moan.
I set her on my pacing steed,
And nothing else saw all day long,
For sidelong would she bend,
And sing a faery's song.
She found me roots of relish sweet,
And honey wild, and manna-dew,
And sure in language strange she said...
"I love thee true".
She took me to her Elfin grot,
And there she wept
and sighed full sore,
And there I shut her wild wild eyes
With kisses four.
And there she lulled me asleep,
And there I dreamed...
Ah! Woe betide!
The latest dream I ever dreamt
On the cold hillside.
I really thought he'd be here.
I know.
You know it's like the last piece
of the jigsaw is the easiest.
Stupid.
Of course he's not here.
What are the chances.
Oliver Eric Barr.
Admitted 13th November 1928.
Schizophrenia.
Discharged 4th April 1965.
Where did you find this?
Still there, filed away.
Still in alphabetical order.
Down the back of the sofa.
[sound of stormy sea and wind]
[storm abates]
[foghorn]
[slow music of suspense and anticipation]
[dialogue inaudible under music]
[music continues over inaudible dialogue]
[inaudible]
[music continues]
[music continues, becoming more ethereal]
[mobile phone ring-tone]
Hello?
Mrs Montefiore?
Yes.
Rose Montefiore?
Yes.
This is Jessie Barr.
You phoned me a few days ago about Oliver.
Mrs Barr?
I'm sorry if I was a bit short with you,
it was a bit of a shock.
Things have changed since we spoke.
I'd like to see you.
Do you still have access to those
recordings, Mrs Montefiore?
Those wax cylinders?
[Jessie] Sometimes I
think he was misdiagnosed.
Sometimes I think he was just a
frightened lonely little boy,
with a big imagination.
He came out of Winterstoke more mentally
disturbed than when he went in.
They tried to control the voices with
medication and therapy, but
It didn't really work.
The voices just faded slowly over time.
I'd say these last ten years he was,
well if not happy then not unhappy.
Or so he seemed.
But then recently the
voices came back again.
Mostly Lily, his sister,
and his mother, Martha.
Oh they troubled him.
Especially these last few weeks.
I think he'd like to hear
them once more for real.
I think he'd be content with that.
[phonograph crackle]
This is Uncle Felix.
It is Christmas Eve 1914.
We are currently at war
with Germany [fades out]
[fades in] is admirably holding the fort,
Whilst Eric is at the Front
fighting the Hun [fades out]
[fades in] tree is
looking quite magnificent
and all is in place for a most
wonderful Christmas.
There is talk of snow.
And now Oliver and Lily would like to
wish everyone a Happy Christmas!
[Oliver] Dear Mummy,
Daddy, Uncle Felix and Lily.
Have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
Uncle Felix has let me
open a big present early.
It's a recording machine. That's how
you can hear me talking.
It's quite exciting and I love it.
Thank you Uncle Felix, it's the best
Christmas present ever!
I am allowed to make
one recording each day.
I want to make a recording everyday.
It is seven o'clock and
we now have to go to bed.
[Lily] Happy Christmas to Mummy, Daddy,
Oliver, and Uncle Felix.
We are all looking forward to the snow,
and opening all our
presents under the tree.
Mummy let me open two
presents on Christmas Eve.
It is a lovely doll's
house from Uncle Felix,
and a beautiful doll from Daddy.
He sent it all the way from France.
I'm going to call her Rose.
My French Rose.
Good night Daddy. Lots of love to you.
[Mother] And now it is time for bed.
Good night, Lily and Oliver.
Good night Oliver.
[Robbie] I need to return that.
[Titus] Aye. Well.
Off with you then Son.
I'll come and visit you.
Aye, well, that'd be grand.
Aye.
I'll be off then.
Aye.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] Mummy?
[Mother] Yes, Sweet Pea?
[Lily] I think the man has gone.
I can't see him anymore.
[Mother] Can you see the New Moon?
[Lily] No.
[Mother] But you know it's there.
[Lily] And I will see it tomorrow.
[Mother] Or the day after that.
[Lily] Was he a nice man?
Sometimes he frightened me.
[Mother] I don't think he meant to, Lily.
He was just trying to find his way home.
[door buzzer]
I was just on my way to the station.
I wanted to say goodbye.
That's kind. Where are you going?
College, after all.
I'm glad to hear that.
What changed?
My dad.
Maybe both of us.
Well,
good luck with it.
You're dad will be fine, I'm sure of it.
He's changed jobs.
Wants to work outdoors.
Are you leaving too?
I have an errand to run and then...
Oh, before I forget
Thanks for lending this to me.
Keep it.
No I'm done with it, thanks.
Well, I'll be off then.
Goodbye Robbie.
I'm sorry about your husband.
Don't be.
He's much happier now.
Do you really believe in all that stuff?
No.
That's why I think he's much happier now.
[disembodied voices]
[Lily] She's leaving, isn't she Mummy.
[Mother] Yes Lily.
She is.
[Lily] You promised she would see us.
But she didn't.
[Mother] There are
different ways of seeing, Lily.
She knew we were here.
Sometimes, that's the best way.
[Lily] And what was her name?
I can't remember her name.
[Mother] No, I can't remember either.
But I do seem to remember it was
a very beautiful name.
[Lily] Like mine.
[Mother] Yes, Lily.
Like yours.
[Mother] Lily?
[Lily] Yes Mummy?
[Mother] Look into the garden.
[Lily] Why? Is it the man?
[Mother] No Sweet Pea.
The man is sleeping now.
[Lily] Then who is it?
[Mother] Look!
Down by the cherry tree.
Who do you think it might be?
[Lily] Oliver? It's Oliver!
Oliver, where have you been? I've been
looking everywhere for you!
[Mother] Oliver, what have you been doing?
You've been gone nearly an hour!
[Oliver] I was playing hide-and-seek Mummy.
I lost track of time.
[Mother] Well next time
don't be gone for so long.
We were getting worried about you.
Now. Go and play nicely with Lily.
[Lily] Come on Oliver! Do you want
one of my cinnamon buns?
I saved one for you.
[Oliver] Not now Lily! I
want to make a recording.
[Lily] Well I want to
play with my doll's house.
[Oliver] I don't want to play with
your silly doll's house.
I want to record something.
[Lily] Come on. You can be the man
who turns up to fix things.
[Oliver] I don't want to!
[Lily] You can make the lights come on.
[Oliver] I don't want to
make the lights come on
[Lily] When will the light come back?
[Mother] Tomorrow.
Or the day after.
[Lily] Or the day after that.