Men Are Not Gods (1936) Movie Script
That awful, fidgety man.
He's muttered the words
all through the play.
My dear, don't you know who he is?
Frederick T.H. Skeates,
the critic on the Daily Post.
Good evening, Mr Skeates, sir.
Lovely evening, isn't it, sir.
Is it?
Good evening, Mr Skeates.
I can give you 65 lines. Will that do?
Good evening, Mr Skeates.
- Take this down, Ann.
Opening night, Othello.
Tragedy by William Shakespeare.
Evening, Mr Skeates.
I don't want to say good evening.
Why aren't you taking this down?
Opening night, Othello.
What a day. We come out with
32 pages tomorrow. Sensational news.
A resolution passed at a session
of the League Of Nations today.
For a new session of
the League in which ..
The sessions of the League would
be laid down for next year.
Ann, don't tell me news. Take this down.
I felt you'd be interested.
You never read papers.
Ann, will you write ..
Well then: Opening night.
Othello. And so on and so on.
Musical sequences by
Samuel Coleridge Taylor.
Once more, after a long interval.
The London stage presents
us with this, the most ..
Tragic .. of all Shakespeare's plays.
Othello.
Where the human soul
gropes .. yes, gropes.
And is lost in the
pitch-black caverns of ..
When the London theatre
takes it upon itself ..
To let this play of
Shakespeare's stand forth ..
In a new light .. it must at least
provide itself with actors ..
Who possess the soul ..
In which to bring the
poet's characters to life.
But.
I only want to know if you really need
65 lines for your review tonight.
I don't know yet.
Why are you butting in?
The sheet is crammed full except
the 65 lines reserved for you.
I need 20 for my obituary.
A member of parliament slipped
roller-skating this morning.
A dead cert he passes away in the night.
Why should he? A man can slip up
roller skating without fatal results.
Mr Skeates, the man is 93 years old.
The nurse promises to ring up
when the sad event takes place.
Take your 20 lines, only get out.
- Yes, sir.
Ann, I saw a lovely girl today.
I'd marry her like a shot.
Like to see her picture?
Isn't she sweet?
Fool.
Oh run along, Tom.
- Thank you, Mr Skeates.
The man is a perfect pest.
Never in his own office.
Where on earth does he do his work?
Go on, Ann. Go on. Take this down.
Tommy's as mad as a hatter.
But he has something, Mr Skeates.
He has. You ought to read his articles.
I don't even read my own articles.
Let alone Mr Stapleton's.
I think you're absolutely right not
to read newspapers, Mr Skeates.
It only puts one in a bad temper.
- Oh.
Keep the 20 lines, Mr Skeates.
The 93-year MP has picked up a lot.
He toys with the idea
of marrying his nurse.
Stapleton .. please go.
Apropos, nurse.
When do we get married, Ann?
Oh get out, Tommy.
Please go.
- Yes, sir.
Please take this down.
Now where were we .. oh yes.
The .. title role of Othello
was taken by an actor ..
Entirely new to the London stage.
Mr Edmond Davey.
We are accustomed to actors who ..
Bravely make the most of a small part.
Mr Edmond ..
Davey .. puzzles us by
making the least of a big one.
Modesty is one of the Moor's virtues.
But diffidence is no ..
Virtue in the actor who plays the Moor.
Certainly, Mr Davey was
very nicely blacked.
He'll forgive me.
Or perhaps he will not.
If I mention.
That for an actor to imagine.
That Othello's passion
is only skin deep ..
Is as though Cyrano de Bergerac couldn't
see further than the end of his nose.
Mr Edmond Davey's Othello was,
apart from his black make-up.
Wan and colourless.
His love .. was without passion.
His jealousy .. without rage.
In the great murder scene in the ..
Last act.
Mr Davey was so phlegmatic ..
That one did not for one moment ..
Fear for Desdemona's life.
What's that?
This is Mr Skeates' office.
Who is it, please?
There's a lady on the phone
for you. She won't give her name.
I never converse with nameless ladies.
I'm very sorry. Mr Skeates
can't speak to you just now.
The part of Desdemona was
taken by an actress likewise ..
New to the West End stage.
Miss Barbara Halford.
An artist with great depths of soul.
Deserving of a better partner.
[ Telephone ]
What is it now?
This is Mr Skeates' office. Who is ..?
It's the same lady who called before.
She says it's very important.
It is very important?
It's very important to
establish here and now.
That the performance of tonight ..
Does not signify a gain ..
For the English theatre.
Mr Edmond Davey.
Is by no means ..
The ideal Shakespearean hero for
whom we have waited so long.
Support parts were played by actors long
known to the public and valued by them.
Write that out, take it down to the
composing room and .. goodnight.
Good evening, Mr Skeates.
A lovely evening, isn't it.
- Couldn't be better.
Mr Skeates, please.
- I'm sorry, Madam. Mr Skeates ..
Don't say I can't see him.
I've got to. Where is he?
I'm sorry Madam, but Mr Skeates
is no longer on the premises.
It isn't possible.
He can't have left yet.
He must be in the building.
I'm sure he's writing his review.
I telephoned only a few minutes ago.
So it was you on the telephone?
I ought to be very grateful to you.
You saved my pompom twice.
That's Mr Skeates' secretary.
Wait a minute, Katharine.
- Very well, Madam.
Listen, you've got to help me.
Is that the notice of tonight's Othello?
Yes. I'm sending it to the comp's room.
Please tell me, is it good or bad?
You'll be able to read
it yourself tomorrow.
At 7am the newspapers will be on sale
on every street corner in London.
Goodnight.
- I can't wait until then.
I must know before the notice
goes to print whether it's good or bad.
But you must realize,
I can't tell you that.
I'm Barbara Halford.
I played Desdemona tonight.
Now perhaps you'll tell me
what the notice says.
Barbara Halford?
- Yes.
Well, since you rescued
my pompom I'll tell you.
Mr Skeates wrote very well about you.
It's not me I'm interested in.
I've come about Edmond Davey,
the man who played Othello.
What does Mr Skeates say about him?
If he's the way Mr Skeates described him
he'd better look around for a new job.
I'm afraid I feel a little faint.
Could you get me a glass of water?
- Why, of course.
Listen to me.
As it stands at present, Mr Skeates'
notice will not be printed.
Are you mad?
Open that door at once.
No. I'm not mad and I'll not open
that door until the notice is altered.
A bad notice from Skeates is death to an
actor. It means the ruin of his career.
Edmond Davey's career
is not going to be ruined.
He was bad tonight. I know.
Hopeless. But it was only tonight.
He was nervous, unsure of himself. He'd
never played in a London theatre before.
But he'll be better tomorrow.
A thousand times better.
He is definitely a very great actor
and that notice has got to be altered.
This is amazing.
Never before in the history of theatre
have I heard of a leading lady ..
Going out of her way to get a
good press for the leading man.
I'm not only his leading lady.
I'm his wife.
Halford is only my stage name.
My husband has no idea I'm here.
He would never have let me come.
But you can help me.
Mr Skeates must be made to go
to the play again tomorrow night.
Then he'll see my husband
give a real performance.
We can't do anything.
You must realise that.
Ann, Ann.
Come on, Ann. Buck up.
It's Hades in the comp's room as
you've not sent the review down.
Go to press in ten minutes.
- Righto, Tommy. I shan't be long.
Alright, I'll wait.
I want to go to the funfair
in Piccadilly Circus.
Have some luck and win on
the pintables, so hurry up.
Listen, you can help me. You're the only
person who can help me find Mr Skeates.
How can I find him
at this time of night?
But you've got to. I appeal to
you as one woman to another.
You're young and likely don't know
what it is to be in love with anyone.
But when you do, you'll understand.
Please, please find Mr Skeates for me.
Alright. I'll see what I can do.
I don't know what ..
I'll see what I can do.
I'll wait outside.
This is Mr Skeates' secretary.
Is Mr Skeates home yet?
Oh.
[ Mr Skeates ]
'I don't even read my own articles'.
Daily Post.
Daily Post.
Paper.
Daily Post.
Waiter.
A pint of bitter.
- Yes, sir.
In a tankard.
Very good, sir.
A pint of bitter in the
can, for Mr Skeates.
Would you point out Mr Skeates to me?
Yes, sir. It's the gentleman sitting
down under the portrait of Dr Johnson.
Thank you.
Pardon me. Mr Skeates?
- What?
My name is Edmond Davey.
Forgive this intrusion.
I specially wanted to speak to you and
was told you lunch here every day.
I suppose you do recognise me?
I played Othello last night.
May I sit down for a moment?
I must thank you, Mr Skeates. You're the
only critic who had good words for me.
Of what?
I know that on last night's performance,
I didn't deserve your praise.
I was nervous, unsure of myself with
my first appearance in London.
But your review, coming at a moment when
I'd lost every bit of faith in myself ..
Was a wonderful encouragement.
It was an inspiration.
Mr Skeates, allow me to
shake you by the hand.
Goodbye, and thank you.
Don't tell me it's a lovely evening.
Miss Williams. I want to speak to you.
Mr Skeates, you're here already?
- Yes, Miss Williams. I'm here already.
Do you want to dictate, Mr Skeates?
- No.
I don't want to dictate, Miss Williams.
- Sensational news today.
The eclipse of the sun
was prevented by fog and ..
And the plenary session of
the League of Nations has ..
I know, Miss Williams.
I know. I've read the paper.
Since when do you read
the newspapers, Mr Skeates?
Since today.
- That's what I always say.
People shouldn't read newspapers.
It just puts them in a bad temper.
Ann Williams, what explanation
can you offer me for this?
For what, Mr Skeates?
- For this.
'Concert in the park. Guards bands
play nightly from 7:30 to 10pm'.
Not that. The article under it.
'Opening of the exhibition
of ornamental plants'.
No.
This .. this .. this.
'Mr Edmond Davey ..'
'Is the ideal Shakespearian hero for
whom we've waited for so long'.
Pah. Miss Williams.
Is this Edmond Davey
a relation of yours?
No .. no, Mr Skeates. He's ..
He's no relation of mine.
No relation at all.
Then you're in love with him?
Mr Skeates .. how could
you think such a thing?
You did something for this man
that a woman will only do ..
For the man she loves.
Put me through to the Staff Manager.
That's alright, Mr Skeates.
I understand perfectly.
I'm going.
Goodbye, Mr Skeates. I've ..
I've been very happy with you.
I'll leave you this for a keepsake.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
What happened?
- What did Mr Skeates say?
Just what I expected.
Mister Noble, I must have an advance.
I haven't a penny.
I lost all I had on those slot machines
in Piccadilly Circus last night.
More, out of sheer
gratitude, I'll warn you ..
Don't use the one on
the left as you go in.
You know, the electric
football match. It's phony.
I'll get it investigated
by Scotland Yard.
But first of all, I must have
an advance on my salary.
Look here, I must have some money.
Got anything for me?
- For you, Miss Williams?
I'll see.
Ann. What are you doing here?
What do you think I do in the
cashier's office, tap-dancing?
If it's dough you're after,
I can tell you now, it's MTG.
I've reasoned with him for hours
to give me an advance on my salary.
I'll get my money alright.
- It's just come up.
Half a week, nine hours overtime,
minus health insurance.
Makes two pounds, eleven
shillings and fourpence.
Thank you.
There you are Tommy,
without any risk or trouble.
What does all this mean?
- Shush.
I'll lend you some. How much do
you want? 10-bob, 15-bob?
I don't borrow money from women.
Lend me a quid.
I'll pay you back Saturday.
Alright.
Now why on earth did they give
you money and me none?
Hey, toad in the hole.
How is it other people can get
money in advance and I can't?
What is this favouritism?
Oh shut up, Tommy. This isn't
an advance, this is salary.
Salary?
What, in the middle of the week?
Yes, and I shan't get any
at the end of the week.
Be an angel darling and hand this in
to the editor for me. Personal column.
What?
'Capable young secretary, expert typist,
newspaper experience. All office work'.
I think I'll put 'attractive' instead
of 'capable'. It has more effect.
What's it all about?
First, you get money in the middle of
the week, and then you're writing Ads?
It's very simple, Tommy.
I've got the sack.
You got the sack?
Are you deaf? I've got the sack.
Say it again.
Once and for all, I've got the sack.
Why have you got the sack?
Because Mr Skeates read the
paper this morning. Goodbye.
That's not legal grounds for dismissal.
- In this case it is.
You tell me here and now what's
been going on. Out with it.
Don't shout. I'm not your
That's the point.
or anything to anyone who shouts at me.
Right, I ask you in a whisper.
Why did you get the sack?
That's very much better
and now I'll tell you.
I've been shut out on
account of Othello.
Goodbye.
Don't take that seat. I saw it first.
You're a lot of rowdy, uncultured
barbarians. That's what you are.
It's perfectly disgraceful
treating people like this.
Where are my mints? Where are my mints?
Where are my mints? Give me my mints.
What's the idea?
- I want my mints.
It's absolutely a disgrace.
Where's my shoe?
Where is my shoe?
Have you got my shoe? Where is my shoe?
I haven't seen your shoe.
I'm going to complain to the management.
Buy a seat to see a performance, and you
get kicked around like a rubber ball.
Chocolates .. chocolates.
Chocolates? I'd give them poison.
How anybody put up with this
theatre .. in my opinion ..
Look what they've done to me.
They've ruined my suit.
Three guineas I paid for this.
Listen.
Better take a box next time.
I could easily have done it.
I only had to say the word.
But you couldn't think of
the word, could you.
Nothing to joke about.
I'll let you know it's thanks to me
that Othello plays here this evening.
It says to me Othello never got wrote.
I'm the author, see.
It's a silly show anyway.
That's where I'm with you, duck.
I ain't interested in it either.
What's going on in there?
Why do the people shout like that?
- They ain't people. They're actors.
The first act has started.
I fetch my life and being
from men of royal siege.
And my demerits may speak unbonneted
to as proud a fortune as this.
Who is that speaking?
Treat yourself to a program, duck.
It's all inside, you know.
Sixpence for the program and sixpence
for the hire of the opera glasses.
Aye, to me.
She is abused.
Stolen from me, and corrupted by spells
and medicines bought of mountebanks.
For nature so preposterously to err.
Being not deficient,
blind or lame of sense.
Sans witchcraft could not.
Whoe'er he be that in
this foul proceeding ..
Hath thus beguiled
your daughter of herself.
And you of her?
The bloody book of law
you shall yourself read.
In the bitter letter
after its own sense.
Though our proper son
stood in your action.
Humbly, I thank Your Grace.
Here is the man. This Moor.
Now it seems, your special mandate for
the state affairs hath hither brought.
We are very sorry for it.
What in your own part
can you say to this?
Most potent, grave
and reverend signiors.
My very noble and approved good masters.
That I have taken away this old
man's daughter. It is most true.
True, I have married her.
The very head and front of my
offending hath this extent no more.
Rude am I in my speech and little
blessed with the soft phrase of peace.
For since these arms of
mine had seven years' pith.
Till now some nine moons wasted.
They have used their dearest
action in the tented field.
And little of this great
world can I speak.
More than pertains to
feats of broil and battle.
And therefore, little shall I grace
my cause in speaking for myself.
Yet, by your gracious patience ..
I will a round unvarnished tale deliver.
Of my whole course of love. What drugs.
What charms.
What conjuration and what mighty magic.
For such proceeding am I charged withal?
I won his daughter.
Oh now, forever.
Farewell the tranquil mind.
Farewell content.
Farewell the plumed troop and the
big wars that make ambition virtue.
Oh, farewell.
Farewell the neighing steed
and the shrill trumpet.
The spirit-stirring drum,
the ear-piercing pipe.
The Royal banner and quality, pride,
pomp and circumstance of glorious war.
Farewell.
Othello's occupation's gone.
And in such cases, men's
natures wrangle with inferior things.
Though great ones are their
object. Nay, it is even so.
For let our finger ache.
And it indues our other more healthful
members even to such sense of pain.
Nay, we must think.
Men are not Gods.
Nor of them look to such
observances as fit the bridal.
I kiss'd thee .. ere I kill'd thee.
No way but this .. killing myself.
To die ..
Upon a kiss.
Hello Edmond, hello Barbara.
My dears, it was grand, it was colossal.
We've made it. You should
hear what they're all saying.
The pick of the London public was
there and the entire aristocracy.
Let me tell you one thing.
If Skeates hadn't given that
notice we'd have packed up.
We'd have played to rows of empty seats.
- Yes, I know.
Come along, my boy.
You have to meet some people.
Miss Williams? How lovely.
- I didn't mean to drag you away.
I'm delighted to see you.
- I saw the play.
I simply had to say you were right.
He is a great actor.
I think so anyway.
Thank heavens it turned out alright.
Look at the people congratulating him.
How do you do, and
may I introduce you ..
You must come and have supper with us.
- I can't, Miss Halford.
I haven't been home.
I'm still in office clothes.
That doesn't matter, really.
Here he is.
Darling.
Why disappear like that?
They want to praise you as much as me.
It was your success as well as mine.
- Don't be silly.
They don't want to see me. It's your big
night. That's all that matters to them.
For heaven's sake stop being
so noble. I can't stand it.
I insist on your coming down to the
restaurant and showing yourself.
But darling, we can't go down now.
We have a guest.
This is Ann Williams of
the Daily Post. My friend.
How do you do.
How do you do.
Katharine, will you tell the
waiter to serve supper now.
The usual for Mr Davey.
I see you're having supper with us.
Dry or sweet?
Pardon?
My husband asks if you want
dry or sweet champagne.
The champagne?
Well really, I think I prefer sweet.
You come and sit here.
- Thank you.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure you're only having
supper upstairs because of me.
We always have supper upstairs.
Well, tonight's success.
- Thank you.
I was thirsty.
You've no idea how hot
it is up in the gallery.
Were you at the theatre?
Of course I was.
And if you'll let me say so.
You were a magnificent Othello.
Your love was full of passion.
Your jealousy full of rage.
You played the great murder scene
in the last act so powerfully that ..
Miss Williams is quoting Mr Skeates.
She's his secretary, darling.
Was.
What do you mean?
Aren't you still his secretary?
Not just at present.
Certain differences of opinion
have arisen between us.
Questions of stage technique.
So I prefer to retire for a while.
You see, my husband doesn't
take supper as we do.
He has to be very careful.
He's on a special diet.
Oh that's so humbug, diet and suchlike.
Take it from me. The best cure for the
stomach is to eat what you jolly please.
The more the better.
My colleague Tommy Stapleton says
people who diet are being too careful.
And Tommy ought to know.
He writes the obituaries.
If he could see me here now
at the Savoy, he'd throw a fit.
Tommy is frightfully jealous.
Just like you, Mr Davey.
I mean .. jealous like you as Othello.
Not like you .. as you.
No fear. He's always badgering
me to marry him but I won't.
Why not?
I don't know.
Tommy is sweet, but ..
I don't think it would work out.
You see, we're in the
same profession .. and ..
It's no good for two people to marry
if they're in the same profession.
A man's job ought to be ..
A man's job ought to be rather
a mystery to a woman.
Something that ..
Inspires her with respect.
How else can a man inspire a woman
with respect if not with his profession?
And there's another thing.
If they're .. if they do the same job,
they're always together, they're ..
They're always in each other's
pockets and that simply can't last.
They're bound to get on each
other's nerves in no time.
Present company always
excepted, of course.
Oh dear.
I feel so funny.
It must be the champagne.
It would be lovely to walk home.
Along by Hyde Park.
And the grass smells so delicious.
If you must walk home,
I'll come with you.
I don't think that's a good idea.
Remember to be careful. The night air.
Your solicitude is flattering, Barbara.
We can't let Ann walk
home alone at this hour.
I wasn't suggesting she walk alone.
If you object to my walking,
I take her by taxi.
Now you're being absolutely ridiculous.
A draughty taxi late at night.
She's alright. She's not a baby.
You make me uncomfortable.
Anyone may think I'm an invalid.
Darling, you would be if I didn't
take care of you. Put your fork down.
Very well. But somebody
has got to take her home.
I shall take the young lady home.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
And don't forget. Best love from
me and thanks for a lovely supper.
And au revoir, au revoir.
Oh that champagne, that champagne.
Whee .. ooh.
There must have been something in
that champagne. Where's my key?
Here is the key.
Tommy.
Hello, Ann.
Tommy, what are you doing here?
I'm waiting for the girl I
was once in love with.
Oh Tommy, what does she look like?
Do you happen to have a
photograph of her in your pocket?
No, I haven't a photograph of her.
But I've got a photograph
of someone else.
Someone thoughtless,
unkind and debauched.
Debauched?
That was the champagne.
There must have been
something in that champagne.
Tommy, what's this?
The tangible proof that
you don't love me, Ann.
But it's cigarettes.
- You're right. Cigarettes.
I didn't buy them, I won them.
I won them at the Piccadilly funfair.
The machine on the left as you go in.
You know, the electric football match?
That told me everything.
If you're lucky at that phony football
match, you must be unlucky in love.
My dear Tommy, I fail to see the
slightest connection between love ..
And Piccadilly Circus.
Ann, grant me one last favour.
Give this to the new obituary
man in the morning.
What do you mean, the new obituary man?
- My last article.
'Obituary. It is with deepest regret ..'
'That We announce the sudden
demise of our esteemed colleague ..'
'On the editorial staff of our paper'.
'Who was carried off in the
prime of life by a broken heart'.
'Mr Thomas Newbiggin Stapleton'.
Tommy, is your middle name 'Newbiggin'?
'Newbiggin'?
Really?
Tommy, that's marvellous.
Newbiggin.
In the future, I shall
always call you Newbiggin.
Goodnight, my dear Newbiggin.
- Stop and hear what I have to say.
I saw Skeates.
He said you're infatuated by that actor.
I think it's pretty disgusting
and silly for a girl like you ..
To get all romantic about a man
who blackens his face every night.
Like Al Jolson.
'You are abused'.
'Stolen from me and corrupted by spells
and medicines bought of mountebanks'.
That's nonsense.
It's not nonsense. It's Shakespeare.
Act 1. Scene 3.
Tommy .. Tommy.
Tommy.
- Mrs Williams.
Worthy relic to the worthy
Captain W. Williams, deceased.
Late of the Canadian Mounted Police
invested with the British Empire medal.
'Your daughter'.
'I say again, hath made a gross revolt'.
'Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortune
in an extravagant wheeling stranger'.
'Of here and everywhere'.
- Tommy, have you gone mad?
You are waking all my lodgers.
- Oh.
'From hence, trust not your daughters'
minds by what you see them act'.
Shut up.
It must be something in the champagne.
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Hello. Hello?
Who's there?
Who is it?
Hello?
Mister Skeates.
So when one wants to
find one's secretary.
One, either has to go to the theatre.
To Othello .. or to the Royal Academy.
Mr Skeates, it's simply by chance.
You mustn't think that I'm always here.
- No.
Your Edmond Davey has
taken the town by storm.
His picture hangs in the Royal Academy.
In the offices of the film companies.
And in the hearts of the women.
- But Mr Skeates.
Ah .. I'm bound to admit.
That Edmond Davey is a great actor.
The old critic was wrong.
The young heart was right.
But Mr Skeates, you're mistaken.
At the time I .. altered your review.
I didn't even know him.
But you loved him
unconsciously at the time.
Every woman unconsciously
loves every man on earth.
Though she may not know him personally.
Consequently, when she meets him.
That love .. functions .. automatically.
Mr Skeates.
Tell me what to do.
You know more about life than I do.
I've never been in such a situation.
You must put the whole
thing out of your mind.
Why, the fellow is married.
Now go to the country
for .. for a fortnight.
To the Cotswolds.
Take your fishing rod with you.
Have a good rest. Fishing.
Then come back to us.
And the newspaper.
You are absolutely right, Mr Skeates.
Of course.
You are absolutely right.
Ann, dear.
This telegram came for
you a little while ago.
A telegram?
Maybe it's an answer
to my advertisement.
Miss Williams. You're here already.
Listen, will you go in and wait.
I shan't be a minute.
It's something important. So sorry.
But Miss Halford ..?
This way, Miss.
Barbara.
Barbara.
Barbara.
Hello. Give me the
hall porter, will you.
It's Mr Davey speaking.
Is my wife downstairs?
She's just gone out? I see, thank you.
Give me the hall porter again.
Listen, there's a young
lady coming to see my wife.
Tell her Miss Halford isn't in.
Send her away, send her away.
Say she's very sorry, but she is ..
What?
She's been shown up?
Where is she?
Here I am.
I'm terribly sorry. I had no idea you ..
- But I had no idea that you ..
And did ..
Did you overhear what
I said on the phone?
Yes.
Yes.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
Oh.
Are these for me?
No. For your wife.
I came a few minutes ago. Mrs Halford
had to go out. She asked me to wait.
She said she'd be back soon.
She was looking for something, but ..
I couldn't understand what
she was looking for.
Yes. I think I understand.
I'm accustomed to it from her.
You see, in private life
the parts are reversed.
Desdemona is the jealous one.
Othello is the victim.
Poor Barbara .. she always
thinks I'm with another woman.
She'll be glad when she gets back and
sees there's no reason to be jealous.
No reason? I'm not so sure.
I really am with another woman.
Why, you are ..
- Here. With you.
Yes, I know you are. But ..
It isn't that kind of thing.
I'm not dangerous.
How can you possibly
say that about yourself?
Whether a woman is dangerous or
not depends entirely on the man.
You're dangerous to me.
So dangerous, that I went out just
now when I heard you were coming.
My danger must have passed off quickly,
since you came back almost at once.
I can't explain it. I hardly got to the
street when I felt I had to come back.
And was too hot for you in the
street and you were thirsty.
Will you have some tea?
- Yes, I was thirsty. But not for tea.
Since the night you had supper
with us I often think of you.
About your simplicity, your laugh.
You must have some tea
or some orangeade.
Stay here.
You're something very new to me.
Something I've never known.
For me, you're the ..
The representative of the great public.
The symbol of the unreserved seat.
The gallery.
With its capacity for enthusiasm.
I've never had personal
contact with the public.
I'm cut off from the
outside world by my wife.
But your wife loves you.
I've seen the way she looks at you.
- Yes. She loves me, she ..
Takes care of me. She looks after me.
But a man sometimes needs a
woman who loves him differently.
Differently?
As you love me, for instance.
As I love you ..?
What do you mean?
I'll answer that question another time.
Don't look round. My wife
is just coming into the room.
What?
Pull yourself together.
Smile.
Edmond, you're here.
Miss Williams, I'm so sorry.
You see, I was obliged to ..
I had to ..
I tried to entertain our
guest while you were away.
How about some tea?
I came back on purpose
because I was thirsty.
Yes .. tea.
I'm so sorry, Miss Halford.
I'm afraid I can't stay any longer.
I've got to get back to the office.
Mr Skeates is expecting me.
You're back with Mr Skeates? I am glad.
- Yes, I am back.
I'm sorry you must go, but you must come
another afternoon. Tomorrow or Sunday?
I'm afraid I can't. We're frightfully
busy at the office just now.
Goodbye.
Darling, how can you put
up with a wife like me?
You know, I believe she's hurt,
because I kept her waiting.
Run after her and say
something nice for me, will you.
Of course I will. If I can catch her.
You?
What do you want?
- I followed you.
Barbara sent me.
I'm to say something nice to you.
I don't want to hear any more from you.
You go away and leave me alone.
Anyone might see us here in the park.
Hyde Park belongs to
the lovers of London.
So Hyde Park belongs to us.
You are absolutely crazy.
We are not lovers.
You sort of, sort of ..
Fascinate me, but that's
because you're a great artist.
I'm not only an artist.
I'm a man and I want
to be loved as a man.
What good is it to me to sit here as you
say I fascinate you as a great artist?
How can you say that? We've only
been together once before in our lives.
I've been with you much more often.
That night, remember?
I walked home with you in the spirit.
We went on foot by Hyde Park palings.
The grass smelt so delicious.
You're wrong. I drove home with your
maid. The taxi reeked of petrol.
Aren't we together every evening?
Othello on the stage.
You in the gallery.
How can you say that?
You can't possibly have seen me.
I don't see you but I feel you.
Your eyes seem to burn down into mine.
My eyes. It's the lenses
of my opera glasses.
I wanted to send you a box but
I was afraid to scare you off.
I wish you had. At least it would
make the gallery attendants sit up.
And after every act I always heard your
hands out of the thousands .. clapping.
You'll feel my hands
clapping in a minute.
Don't move, don't move.
Pardon me just one moment.
Please stay just as you are.
Or you will spoil my little picture.
Poor old thing.
If you won't stay for me
please do if for her.
Just for the foreground.
I've nearly finished.
Nearly finished.
Listen here, Mr Davey.
I confess quite openly.
Yes .. I do love you .. but ..
I've never taken anything belonging
to anyone else and I never will.
And you belong to someone else and
to a woman I think very highly of ..
Just because she loves you.
You won't be taking anything
away from her, Ann.
I've got to make you understand.
I'm not an unscrupulous scoundrel ..
Who just leaves his wife when he
finds someone he likes better, but ..
I'm only human and I can't
fight against my own heart.
I don't want to leave my wife, but
I don't want to leave you either.
This isn't just an ordinary
selfish seduction, Ann.
I need you to keep me sane.
You don't know what it's like to
be persecuted by jealousy.
We've got to be together sometimes.
Anywhere where I can find
you when I need you.
A little flat out in Hampstead.
A room, a house. Anywhere you like.
Somewhere where I can get you
when I can't bear it any longer.
And find you alone .. waiting for me.
That's every man's ideal picture.
'Alone and waiting for me'.
Every man's geometry.
The triangle. Himself at the apex and
two women, right and left, at his feet.
And you tell me this isn't an
ordinary selfish seduction?
When you're bored with the
Savoy you come to Hampstead.
When you're bored with Hampstead
you return to the Savoy.
No, no. My dear Mr Edmond Davey.
I'm not participating
in that combination.
Goodbye, Mr Davey.
Well I see you again?
- Never.
Be at the theatre tonight at 8:30.
- Never again.
Tomorrow, here. Same time.
I'll be waiting.
Then you will wait forever.
Ann, dear.
I should so like to see Mister
Edmond Davey as Othello.
Won't you please take me with
you when you go this evening?
I'm sorry, Miss Wall. I'm not going.
You're not going this evening?
- No, not this evening.
Or tomorrow or the day
after or ever in all my life.
[ Radio ]
"Most potent, grave and
reverend signiors."
"My very noble and
approved good masters."
"That I have ta'en away this old
man's daughter, it is most true."
"True, I have married her."
"The very head and front of my
offending hath this extent, no more."
"Rude am I in my speech, and little
blessed with the soft phrase of peace."
"For since these arms of
mine had seven years' pith .."
"Till now some nine moons wasted."
"They have used their dearest
action in the tented field."
"And little of this great world can I
speak more than pertains to feats .."
"And therefore, little
shall I grace my cause."
"Yet, by your gracious patience."
"I will a round,
unvarnished tale deliver."
"Of my whole course of love."
"What blood, what charm."
"What conjuration and
what mighty magic."
"For such proceedings
I am charged withal."
"I won his daughter."
"Her father loved me, oft invited me."
"Still question'd me the story
of my life, from year to year."
"The battles, sieges, fortunes,
that I have passed."
No, no.
No, no, no, no!
No .. no.
[ Car radio ]
"She loved me for
the dangers I had pass'd."
"And I loved her,
that she did pity them."
"This only is the
witchcraft I have used."
I knew you'd come.
It's too bad that the sun is
not shining, today of all days.
You realize now that we
belong together, Ann?
Yes.
You know it is better for three
people to be happy together ..
Than for all three to be unhappy apart.
Yes.
May I take that place in Hampstead?
Yes.
Who's there?
There's a lady to see Miss Halford.
Miss Halford hasn't come yet.
I wanted to speak to Miss Halford.
- What is your business?
I wanted to offer her
something for sale.
I hear she's a connoisseur of pictures.
- We're not connoisseurs of pictures.
It's a real bargain.
Practically a gift.
I am convinced that madam
will be interested.
We are not interested.
- I'm sure madam will be charmed.
It's an idyll .. made in Hyde Park.
We don't care for .. idylls.
There.
So pretty. So sweet.
The green grass, the lake, the
loving couple in the foreground.
All so true to nature.
Young man, young lady.
Great love.
What does the picture cost?
- Thirty pounds.
And cheap at the price. Dirty cheap.
I could get twice that if I
went to a newspaper.
You see, the gentleman in
the picture is celebrated.
I recognised him at once.
Although he wasn't made
up black on this occasion.
I'm sure Mrs Edmond Davey ..
Would be willing to pay thirty
pounds for such a pretty picture.
If you can persuade her,
I'll give you ten percent.
Ten percent?
- Yes, that's three pounds.
Three pounds. Well ..
Would you give me five pounds?
Five pounds?
Alright, five pounds.
That leaves twenty-five pounds for you.
Mercy! What have you done?
With that hole in it, the picture
is worth ten pounds less.
It only costs fifteen pounds now.
There is another hole.
- You're mad. Give it to me.
My picture.
And now it's worth
another ten pounds less.
And I keep the picture.
I'm going to fetch the
police. You're mad.
I'll stop you.
And just let me tell you this.
I tell you I'll give you some excitement
about this picture if you don't get out.
You good for nothing,
blackmailing old hag.
You vixen you.
Miss Williams.
I've came to you as I
came to you once before.
About my husband.
I'm afraid I've no time, Miss Halford.
Mr Skeates may be in
at any moment and I ..
I don't want to lose my
job for the second time.
I'm sure that Mr Skeates won't mind when
he hears that it was I who detained you.
Well.
What can I do for you, Miss Halford?
My husband is in love
with another woman.
I've come to ask you to
speak to the girl he loves.
And tell her that she
mustn't take him from me.
But why must I be the
one to tell her that?
Because you helped me once before.
Because I feel that you're the only
decent person in this business.
Tell her she's got to give him up.
To her, perhaps it's only an adventure.
But to me, it means my .. whole life.
Oh.
And suppose this girl ..
Really loves him?
Suppose it isn't ..
Just an adventure for her?
Then she must give him up just the same.
Not because I'm his wife.
That would be an empty reason for trying
to hold him, however much I loved him.
But ..
But?
We're going to have a child.
Does your husband know?
No, I haven't told him yet.
I couldn't tell him while he was
thinking of another woman.
Thank you for coming straight to me.
Miss Halford.
You shall have your husband back.
Why didn't Ann ..
Why didn't Miss Williams
come to see me herself?
She thought what's written
in black and white ..
Can't be so easily retracted
as the spoken word.
Did she want an answer?
- Nope.
You wonder what I'm
waiting for, I suppose?
I wouldn't have put it quite so bluntly.
- I would.
And I'll answer bluntly too.
I'm waiting to see your famous
face after you've read the letter.
I understand.
You are Tommy Stapleton.
Ann's colleague on the newspaper.
I work in the office next to her.
'I'm absolutely firm in my resolution.
It has to be over between us'.
'You belong to Barbara
as long as she lives'.
You wanted to see my face.
Well.
Here is my face.
Thanks. That will do.
Anyhow, I'm glad to have met you.
Perhaps you'll hear from me shortly.
Something of interest to your paper.
Delighted.
I write the obituaries.
'As long as ..'
Mr Davey.
What is it?
Miss Halford rang from the
theatre to see if you're still here.
It's 8 o'clock, and the
performance soon begins.
Say I'm on my way. I'm coming now.
Very good, sir.
'As long as ..'
'As long as she lives'.
Kitty, I can't understand
why he's so late.
He's usually in before this.
Good evening, Mr Davey.
Good evening, Mr Davey.
Kitty, he didn't come in.
He's gone straight into his room.
How extraordinary.
Matches.
Bring me the whiskey you were hiding.
I beg your pardon, sir?
- The whiskey.
The whiskey?
- Whiskey.
Very good, sir.
Hello Mr Skeates, I'm looking for Ann.
She's finished with the dark horse.
The worthy daughter of Captain Williams
has returned from darkest Africa.
Honestly, Mr Skeates.
I can't understand Ann.
I had a look at this Othello,
in white I admit, but ..
I can't imagine how she fell for him.
What did he say to the letter?
- Say? He didn't say anything.
He just smiled. Like this.
Ah .. like that?
- Yes.
Now listen, Mr Skeates, you're
an expert in the theatre.
Wouldn't you think that a fine, known
actor would be able to do more than ..
Just produce a thin smile?
Ann .. Ann.
Ann.
Mr Skeates, where's Ann?
- Ann isn't here. She's at the theatre.
I thought she wasn't going anymore.
She wanted to see him.
For the last time.
[ Singing ]
A poor soul sat sighing
by a sycamore tree.
Sing all a green willow.
Willow .. willow.
Her hand on her bosom.
Her head on her knee.
Sing willow, willow ..
Willow ..
The fresh streams ran by her,
and murmured her moans.
Sing willow, willow, willow.
Her salt tears fell from her ..
And softened the stones ..
Sing willow .. willow.
Willow ..
Sing all a green willow
must be my garland.
Let ..
Let nobody blame him.
His scorn I approve.
I called my love false love.
But what said he then?
Sing willow .. willow.
Willow ..
Willow ..
Feeling poorly, my girl?
Like a glass of water?
No thank you.
Mr Davey, your entrance
for the murder scene.
They are here, please, Mr Davey.
It is the cause ..
It is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you,
you chaste stars.
It is the cause.
Yet I'll not shed her blood.
Nor scar that whiter skin
of hers than snow ..
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else
she'll betray more men.
Put out the light.
And then.
Put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister.
I can again thy former light
restore, should I repent me.
But once put out thy light, thou
cunning'st pattern of excelling nature.
I know not where is that Promethean
heat that can thy light relume.
When I have plucked the rose,
I cannot give it vital growth again.
It must needs wither.
I'll smell it on the tree.
Ah balmy breath, that dost almost
persuade justice to break her sword.
One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead, and I
will kill thee, and love thee after.
One more, and this the last.
So sweet was ne'er so fatal.
I must weep, but they are cruel tears.
This sorrow's heavenly,
it strikes where it doth love.
She wakes.
Who is there?
Othello.
- Aye, Desdemona.
Will you come to bed, my Lord?
Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?
- Aye, my Lord.
If you bethink yourself of any crime
unreconciled yet to heaven and grace.
Solicit for it straight.
Alas, what may you mean by that?
- Do it, and be brief.
I will walk by.
I would not kill thy unprepared spirit.
No, heaven forfend,
I would not kill thy soul.
Talk you of killing?
- Aye, I do.
Then heaven have mercy on me.
- Amen, with all my heart.
I hope you will not kill me.
- What?
And yet I fear you.
For you are fatal then
when your eyes roll so.
Yet why I fear you I know not,
since guiltiness I know not.
But yet I feel, I fear.
Think on thy sins.
They are loves I bear to you.
- Aye, and for that thou diest.
Such death's unnatural
that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion
shakes your very frame.
These are portents.
And yet I hope, I hope,
they do not point on me.
Peace .. and be still.
What the deuce is wrong?
He plays at twice his usual pace.
What's happened?
Not that I know of.
Sweet soul, take heed. Take heed
of perjury, thou art on thy deathbed.
Aye, but not yet to die.
- Yes, presently.
Therefore confess freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath ..
Cannot remove nor choke the strong
conception that I do groan withal.
Thou art to die.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
- I say, amen.
Banish me, my Lord, but kill me not.
- Down, strumpet.
Kill me tomorrow. Let me live tonight.
- Nay, if you strive ..
But half an hour.
- Being done, there is no pause.
But while I say one prayer.
- It is too late.
Stop. Stop .. stop, stop!
Stop. Stop, stop!
Don't go on.
Stop. Don't go on. Stop.
Let me go.
Curtain. Quick. Curtain.
Edmond.
Barbara.
Someone get a doctor.
Here she is.
I've had my eye on the girl all evening.
Shush.
Katie, shut that door.
Here, take this.
Ann, it's alright.
Ann, they've all gone.
You're alright now.
Pull yourself together.
Shush.
It's alright, doctor.
It's only nerves.
I'll take care of her.
Thank you so much, doctor.
Ann.
Please, everything is quite alright.
Ann.
Now listen. It's alright.
They've all gone now.
But you mustn't go on acting.
Not tonight or tomorrow. Not ever.
Alright. I promise.
And if I'd had my way she'd
have stopped a long while ago.
A woman in her condition.
Barbara.
It's nothing, dear.
Take no notice of Katharine.
- Nonsense.
He has to know sooner or later.
Why didn't you tell me before?
Why?
Why?
You want me to answer that question?
Why?
Oh ..
Why?
Oh you fool.
Barbara.
That comes of not
looking at my knitting.
Or you might have seen for yourself.
Ah .. there you are, ducks.
Feeling better now, eh?
What a shamozzle. Ha.
Now here's your little bits and
pieces. I found them upstairs.
Thank you.
- Anything I can do for you?
No thank you.
No, Edmond.
Don't explain anything.
I've nothing to forgive you for.
When things go wrong
between husband and wife.
The wife is always just as
much to blame as the husband.
Oh no.
- Yes.
My dear, there is so much truth in
the words I say every night on stage.
Men are not Gods.
And now.
Now go and find Ann.
And say something nice to her.
Now you go home and have a good sleep.
You'll be alright in the morning. Ahem.
That's not the way out, Miss.
This is.
Thank you.
You've saved me from
doing something terrible.
You must forget it.
It's all straight between
you and Barbara now.
She'll have her child to mother.
But .. what will become of you?
I shall go on being ..
What you once said I was.
The representative of the gallery.
The symbol of the unreserved seat.
The enthusiastic audience.
And applause.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I much regret to inform you.
That Miss Halford and
Mr Davey have been ..
So upset by the unexpected occurrence
which you have just witnessed.
That they're quite unable to go on
with this evening's performance.
I hope that you will ..
I hope perhaps that even
Shakespeare may forgive us.
If .. on this occasion only.
We allow Desdemona to live.
Thank you so much.
Long live our gracious King.
Long live our noble King.
God save our King.
Send him victorious.
Happy and glorious.
Long to reign over us.
God save our King.
..s-d..
He's muttered the words
all through the play.
My dear, don't you know who he is?
Frederick T.H. Skeates,
the critic on the Daily Post.
Good evening, Mr Skeates, sir.
Lovely evening, isn't it, sir.
Is it?
Good evening, Mr Skeates.
I can give you 65 lines. Will that do?
Good evening, Mr Skeates.
- Take this down, Ann.
Opening night, Othello.
Tragedy by William Shakespeare.
Evening, Mr Skeates.
I don't want to say good evening.
Why aren't you taking this down?
Opening night, Othello.
What a day. We come out with
32 pages tomorrow. Sensational news.
A resolution passed at a session
of the League Of Nations today.
For a new session of
the League in which ..
The sessions of the League would
be laid down for next year.
Ann, don't tell me news. Take this down.
I felt you'd be interested.
You never read papers.
Ann, will you write ..
Well then: Opening night.
Othello. And so on and so on.
Musical sequences by
Samuel Coleridge Taylor.
Once more, after a long interval.
The London stage presents
us with this, the most ..
Tragic .. of all Shakespeare's plays.
Othello.
Where the human soul
gropes .. yes, gropes.
And is lost in the
pitch-black caverns of ..
When the London theatre
takes it upon itself ..
To let this play of
Shakespeare's stand forth ..
In a new light .. it must at least
provide itself with actors ..
Who possess the soul ..
In which to bring the
poet's characters to life.
But.
I only want to know if you really need
65 lines for your review tonight.
I don't know yet.
Why are you butting in?
The sheet is crammed full except
the 65 lines reserved for you.
I need 20 for my obituary.
A member of parliament slipped
roller-skating this morning.
A dead cert he passes away in the night.
Why should he? A man can slip up
roller skating without fatal results.
Mr Skeates, the man is 93 years old.
The nurse promises to ring up
when the sad event takes place.
Take your 20 lines, only get out.
- Yes, sir.
Ann, I saw a lovely girl today.
I'd marry her like a shot.
Like to see her picture?
Isn't she sweet?
Fool.
Oh run along, Tom.
- Thank you, Mr Skeates.
The man is a perfect pest.
Never in his own office.
Where on earth does he do his work?
Go on, Ann. Go on. Take this down.
Tommy's as mad as a hatter.
But he has something, Mr Skeates.
He has. You ought to read his articles.
I don't even read my own articles.
Let alone Mr Stapleton's.
I think you're absolutely right not
to read newspapers, Mr Skeates.
It only puts one in a bad temper.
- Oh.
Keep the 20 lines, Mr Skeates.
The 93-year MP has picked up a lot.
He toys with the idea
of marrying his nurse.
Stapleton .. please go.
Apropos, nurse.
When do we get married, Ann?
Oh get out, Tommy.
Please go.
- Yes, sir.
Please take this down.
Now where were we .. oh yes.
The .. title role of Othello
was taken by an actor ..
Entirely new to the London stage.
Mr Edmond Davey.
We are accustomed to actors who ..
Bravely make the most of a small part.
Mr Edmond ..
Davey .. puzzles us by
making the least of a big one.
Modesty is one of the Moor's virtues.
But diffidence is no ..
Virtue in the actor who plays the Moor.
Certainly, Mr Davey was
very nicely blacked.
He'll forgive me.
Or perhaps he will not.
If I mention.
That for an actor to imagine.
That Othello's passion
is only skin deep ..
Is as though Cyrano de Bergerac couldn't
see further than the end of his nose.
Mr Edmond Davey's Othello was,
apart from his black make-up.
Wan and colourless.
His love .. was without passion.
His jealousy .. without rage.
In the great murder scene in the ..
Last act.
Mr Davey was so phlegmatic ..
That one did not for one moment ..
Fear for Desdemona's life.
What's that?
This is Mr Skeates' office.
Who is it, please?
There's a lady on the phone
for you. She won't give her name.
I never converse with nameless ladies.
I'm very sorry. Mr Skeates
can't speak to you just now.
The part of Desdemona was
taken by an actress likewise ..
New to the West End stage.
Miss Barbara Halford.
An artist with great depths of soul.
Deserving of a better partner.
[ Telephone ]
What is it now?
This is Mr Skeates' office. Who is ..?
It's the same lady who called before.
She says it's very important.
It is very important?
It's very important to
establish here and now.
That the performance of tonight ..
Does not signify a gain ..
For the English theatre.
Mr Edmond Davey.
Is by no means ..
The ideal Shakespearean hero for
whom we have waited so long.
Support parts were played by actors long
known to the public and valued by them.
Write that out, take it down to the
composing room and .. goodnight.
Good evening, Mr Skeates.
A lovely evening, isn't it.
- Couldn't be better.
Mr Skeates, please.
- I'm sorry, Madam. Mr Skeates ..
Don't say I can't see him.
I've got to. Where is he?
I'm sorry Madam, but Mr Skeates
is no longer on the premises.
It isn't possible.
He can't have left yet.
He must be in the building.
I'm sure he's writing his review.
I telephoned only a few minutes ago.
So it was you on the telephone?
I ought to be very grateful to you.
You saved my pompom twice.
That's Mr Skeates' secretary.
Wait a minute, Katharine.
- Very well, Madam.
Listen, you've got to help me.
Is that the notice of tonight's Othello?
Yes. I'm sending it to the comp's room.
Please tell me, is it good or bad?
You'll be able to read
it yourself tomorrow.
At 7am the newspapers will be on sale
on every street corner in London.
Goodnight.
- I can't wait until then.
I must know before the notice
goes to print whether it's good or bad.
But you must realize,
I can't tell you that.
I'm Barbara Halford.
I played Desdemona tonight.
Now perhaps you'll tell me
what the notice says.
Barbara Halford?
- Yes.
Well, since you rescued
my pompom I'll tell you.
Mr Skeates wrote very well about you.
It's not me I'm interested in.
I've come about Edmond Davey,
the man who played Othello.
What does Mr Skeates say about him?
If he's the way Mr Skeates described him
he'd better look around for a new job.
I'm afraid I feel a little faint.
Could you get me a glass of water?
- Why, of course.
Listen to me.
As it stands at present, Mr Skeates'
notice will not be printed.
Are you mad?
Open that door at once.
No. I'm not mad and I'll not open
that door until the notice is altered.
A bad notice from Skeates is death to an
actor. It means the ruin of his career.
Edmond Davey's career
is not going to be ruined.
He was bad tonight. I know.
Hopeless. But it was only tonight.
He was nervous, unsure of himself. He'd
never played in a London theatre before.
But he'll be better tomorrow.
A thousand times better.
He is definitely a very great actor
and that notice has got to be altered.
This is amazing.
Never before in the history of theatre
have I heard of a leading lady ..
Going out of her way to get a
good press for the leading man.
I'm not only his leading lady.
I'm his wife.
Halford is only my stage name.
My husband has no idea I'm here.
He would never have let me come.
But you can help me.
Mr Skeates must be made to go
to the play again tomorrow night.
Then he'll see my husband
give a real performance.
We can't do anything.
You must realise that.
Ann, Ann.
Come on, Ann. Buck up.
It's Hades in the comp's room as
you've not sent the review down.
Go to press in ten minutes.
- Righto, Tommy. I shan't be long.
Alright, I'll wait.
I want to go to the funfair
in Piccadilly Circus.
Have some luck and win on
the pintables, so hurry up.
Listen, you can help me. You're the only
person who can help me find Mr Skeates.
How can I find him
at this time of night?
But you've got to. I appeal to
you as one woman to another.
You're young and likely don't know
what it is to be in love with anyone.
But when you do, you'll understand.
Please, please find Mr Skeates for me.
Alright. I'll see what I can do.
I don't know what ..
I'll see what I can do.
I'll wait outside.
This is Mr Skeates' secretary.
Is Mr Skeates home yet?
Oh.
[ Mr Skeates ]
'I don't even read my own articles'.
Daily Post.
Daily Post.
Paper.
Daily Post.
Waiter.
A pint of bitter.
- Yes, sir.
In a tankard.
Very good, sir.
A pint of bitter in the
can, for Mr Skeates.
Would you point out Mr Skeates to me?
Yes, sir. It's the gentleman sitting
down under the portrait of Dr Johnson.
Thank you.
Pardon me. Mr Skeates?
- What?
My name is Edmond Davey.
Forgive this intrusion.
I specially wanted to speak to you and
was told you lunch here every day.
I suppose you do recognise me?
I played Othello last night.
May I sit down for a moment?
I must thank you, Mr Skeates. You're the
only critic who had good words for me.
Of what?
I know that on last night's performance,
I didn't deserve your praise.
I was nervous, unsure of myself with
my first appearance in London.
But your review, coming at a moment when
I'd lost every bit of faith in myself ..
Was a wonderful encouragement.
It was an inspiration.
Mr Skeates, allow me to
shake you by the hand.
Goodbye, and thank you.
Don't tell me it's a lovely evening.
Miss Williams. I want to speak to you.
Mr Skeates, you're here already?
- Yes, Miss Williams. I'm here already.
Do you want to dictate, Mr Skeates?
- No.
I don't want to dictate, Miss Williams.
- Sensational news today.
The eclipse of the sun
was prevented by fog and ..
And the plenary session of
the League of Nations has ..
I know, Miss Williams.
I know. I've read the paper.
Since when do you read
the newspapers, Mr Skeates?
Since today.
- That's what I always say.
People shouldn't read newspapers.
It just puts them in a bad temper.
Ann Williams, what explanation
can you offer me for this?
For what, Mr Skeates?
- For this.
'Concert in the park. Guards bands
play nightly from 7:30 to 10pm'.
Not that. The article under it.
'Opening of the exhibition
of ornamental plants'.
No.
This .. this .. this.
'Mr Edmond Davey ..'
'Is the ideal Shakespearian hero for
whom we've waited for so long'.
Pah. Miss Williams.
Is this Edmond Davey
a relation of yours?
No .. no, Mr Skeates. He's ..
He's no relation of mine.
No relation at all.
Then you're in love with him?
Mr Skeates .. how could
you think such a thing?
You did something for this man
that a woman will only do ..
For the man she loves.
Put me through to the Staff Manager.
That's alright, Mr Skeates.
I understand perfectly.
I'm going.
Goodbye, Mr Skeates. I've ..
I've been very happy with you.
I'll leave you this for a keepsake.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
What happened?
- What did Mr Skeates say?
Just what I expected.
Mister Noble, I must have an advance.
I haven't a penny.
I lost all I had on those slot machines
in Piccadilly Circus last night.
More, out of sheer
gratitude, I'll warn you ..
Don't use the one on
the left as you go in.
You know, the electric
football match. It's phony.
I'll get it investigated
by Scotland Yard.
But first of all, I must have
an advance on my salary.
Look here, I must have some money.
Got anything for me?
- For you, Miss Williams?
I'll see.
Ann. What are you doing here?
What do you think I do in the
cashier's office, tap-dancing?
If it's dough you're after,
I can tell you now, it's MTG.
I've reasoned with him for hours
to give me an advance on my salary.
I'll get my money alright.
- It's just come up.
Half a week, nine hours overtime,
minus health insurance.
Makes two pounds, eleven
shillings and fourpence.
Thank you.
There you are Tommy,
without any risk or trouble.
What does all this mean?
- Shush.
I'll lend you some. How much do
you want? 10-bob, 15-bob?
I don't borrow money from women.
Lend me a quid.
I'll pay you back Saturday.
Alright.
Now why on earth did they give
you money and me none?
Hey, toad in the hole.
How is it other people can get
money in advance and I can't?
What is this favouritism?
Oh shut up, Tommy. This isn't
an advance, this is salary.
Salary?
What, in the middle of the week?
Yes, and I shan't get any
at the end of the week.
Be an angel darling and hand this in
to the editor for me. Personal column.
What?
'Capable young secretary, expert typist,
newspaper experience. All office work'.
I think I'll put 'attractive' instead
of 'capable'. It has more effect.
What's it all about?
First, you get money in the middle of
the week, and then you're writing Ads?
It's very simple, Tommy.
I've got the sack.
You got the sack?
Are you deaf? I've got the sack.
Say it again.
Once and for all, I've got the sack.
Why have you got the sack?
Because Mr Skeates read the
paper this morning. Goodbye.
That's not legal grounds for dismissal.
- In this case it is.
You tell me here and now what's
been going on. Out with it.
Don't shout. I'm not your
That's the point.
or anything to anyone who shouts at me.
Right, I ask you in a whisper.
Why did you get the sack?
That's very much better
and now I'll tell you.
I've been shut out on
account of Othello.
Goodbye.
Don't take that seat. I saw it first.
You're a lot of rowdy, uncultured
barbarians. That's what you are.
It's perfectly disgraceful
treating people like this.
Where are my mints? Where are my mints?
Where are my mints? Give me my mints.
What's the idea?
- I want my mints.
It's absolutely a disgrace.
Where's my shoe?
Where is my shoe?
Have you got my shoe? Where is my shoe?
I haven't seen your shoe.
I'm going to complain to the management.
Buy a seat to see a performance, and you
get kicked around like a rubber ball.
Chocolates .. chocolates.
Chocolates? I'd give them poison.
How anybody put up with this
theatre .. in my opinion ..
Look what they've done to me.
They've ruined my suit.
Three guineas I paid for this.
Listen.
Better take a box next time.
I could easily have done it.
I only had to say the word.
But you couldn't think of
the word, could you.
Nothing to joke about.
I'll let you know it's thanks to me
that Othello plays here this evening.
It says to me Othello never got wrote.
I'm the author, see.
It's a silly show anyway.
That's where I'm with you, duck.
I ain't interested in it either.
What's going on in there?
Why do the people shout like that?
- They ain't people. They're actors.
The first act has started.
I fetch my life and being
from men of royal siege.
And my demerits may speak unbonneted
to as proud a fortune as this.
Who is that speaking?
Treat yourself to a program, duck.
It's all inside, you know.
Sixpence for the program and sixpence
for the hire of the opera glasses.
Aye, to me.
She is abused.
Stolen from me, and corrupted by spells
and medicines bought of mountebanks.
For nature so preposterously to err.
Being not deficient,
blind or lame of sense.
Sans witchcraft could not.
Whoe'er he be that in
this foul proceeding ..
Hath thus beguiled
your daughter of herself.
And you of her?
The bloody book of law
you shall yourself read.
In the bitter letter
after its own sense.
Though our proper son
stood in your action.
Humbly, I thank Your Grace.
Here is the man. This Moor.
Now it seems, your special mandate for
the state affairs hath hither brought.
We are very sorry for it.
What in your own part
can you say to this?
Most potent, grave
and reverend signiors.
My very noble and approved good masters.
That I have taken away this old
man's daughter. It is most true.
True, I have married her.
The very head and front of my
offending hath this extent no more.
Rude am I in my speech and little
blessed with the soft phrase of peace.
For since these arms of
mine had seven years' pith.
Till now some nine moons wasted.
They have used their dearest
action in the tented field.
And little of this great
world can I speak.
More than pertains to
feats of broil and battle.
And therefore, little shall I grace
my cause in speaking for myself.
Yet, by your gracious patience ..
I will a round unvarnished tale deliver.
Of my whole course of love. What drugs.
What charms.
What conjuration and what mighty magic.
For such proceeding am I charged withal?
I won his daughter.
Oh now, forever.
Farewell the tranquil mind.
Farewell content.
Farewell the plumed troop and the
big wars that make ambition virtue.
Oh, farewell.
Farewell the neighing steed
and the shrill trumpet.
The spirit-stirring drum,
the ear-piercing pipe.
The Royal banner and quality, pride,
pomp and circumstance of glorious war.
Farewell.
Othello's occupation's gone.
And in such cases, men's
natures wrangle with inferior things.
Though great ones are their
object. Nay, it is even so.
For let our finger ache.
And it indues our other more healthful
members even to such sense of pain.
Nay, we must think.
Men are not Gods.
Nor of them look to such
observances as fit the bridal.
I kiss'd thee .. ere I kill'd thee.
No way but this .. killing myself.
To die ..
Upon a kiss.
Hello Edmond, hello Barbara.
My dears, it was grand, it was colossal.
We've made it. You should
hear what they're all saying.
The pick of the London public was
there and the entire aristocracy.
Let me tell you one thing.
If Skeates hadn't given that
notice we'd have packed up.
We'd have played to rows of empty seats.
- Yes, I know.
Come along, my boy.
You have to meet some people.
Miss Williams? How lovely.
- I didn't mean to drag you away.
I'm delighted to see you.
- I saw the play.
I simply had to say you were right.
He is a great actor.
I think so anyway.
Thank heavens it turned out alright.
Look at the people congratulating him.
How do you do, and
may I introduce you ..
You must come and have supper with us.
- I can't, Miss Halford.
I haven't been home.
I'm still in office clothes.
That doesn't matter, really.
Here he is.
Darling.
Why disappear like that?
They want to praise you as much as me.
It was your success as well as mine.
- Don't be silly.
They don't want to see me. It's your big
night. That's all that matters to them.
For heaven's sake stop being
so noble. I can't stand it.
I insist on your coming down to the
restaurant and showing yourself.
But darling, we can't go down now.
We have a guest.
This is Ann Williams of
the Daily Post. My friend.
How do you do.
How do you do.
Katharine, will you tell the
waiter to serve supper now.
The usual for Mr Davey.
I see you're having supper with us.
Dry or sweet?
Pardon?
My husband asks if you want
dry or sweet champagne.
The champagne?
Well really, I think I prefer sweet.
You come and sit here.
- Thank you.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure you're only having
supper upstairs because of me.
We always have supper upstairs.
Well, tonight's success.
- Thank you.
I was thirsty.
You've no idea how hot
it is up in the gallery.
Were you at the theatre?
Of course I was.
And if you'll let me say so.
You were a magnificent Othello.
Your love was full of passion.
Your jealousy full of rage.
You played the great murder scene
in the last act so powerfully that ..
Miss Williams is quoting Mr Skeates.
She's his secretary, darling.
Was.
What do you mean?
Aren't you still his secretary?
Not just at present.
Certain differences of opinion
have arisen between us.
Questions of stage technique.
So I prefer to retire for a while.
You see, my husband doesn't
take supper as we do.
He has to be very careful.
He's on a special diet.
Oh that's so humbug, diet and suchlike.
Take it from me. The best cure for the
stomach is to eat what you jolly please.
The more the better.
My colleague Tommy Stapleton says
people who diet are being too careful.
And Tommy ought to know.
He writes the obituaries.
If he could see me here now
at the Savoy, he'd throw a fit.
Tommy is frightfully jealous.
Just like you, Mr Davey.
I mean .. jealous like you as Othello.
Not like you .. as you.
No fear. He's always badgering
me to marry him but I won't.
Why not?
I don't know.
Tommy is sweet, but ..
I don't think it would work out.
You see, we're in the
same profession .. and ..
It's no good for two people to marry
if they're in the same profession.
A man's job ought to be ..
A man's job ought to be rather
a mystery to a woman.
Something that ..
Inspires her with respect.
How else can a man inspire a woman
with respect if not with his profession?
And there's another thing.
If they're .. if they do the same job,
they're always together, they're ..
They're always in each other's
pockets and that simply can't last.
They're bound to get on each
other's nerves in no time.
Present company always
excepted, of course.
Oh dear.
I feel so funny.
It must be the champagne.
It would be lovely to walk home.
Along by Hyde Park.
And the grass smells so delicious.
If you must walk home,
I'll come with you.
I don't think that's a good idea.
Remember to be careful. The night air.
Your solicitude is flattering, Barbara.
We can't let Ann walk
home alone at this hour.
I wasn't suggesting she walk alone.
If you object to my walking,
I take her by taxi.
Now you're being absolutely ridiculous.
A draughty taxi late at night.
She's alright. She's not a baby.
You make me uncomfortable.
Anyone may think I'm an invalid.
Darling, you would be if I didn't
take care of you. Put your fork down.
Very well. But somebody
has got to take her home.
I shall take the young lady home.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
And don't forget. Best love from
me and thanks for a lovely supper.
And au revoir, au revoir.
Oh that champagne, that champagne.
Whee .. ooh.
There must have been something in
that champagne. Where's my key?
Here is the key.
Tommy.
Hello, Ann.
Tommy, what are you doing here?
I'm waiting for the girl I
was once in love with.
Oh Tommy, what does she look like?
Do you happen to have a
photograph of her in your pocket?
No, I haven't a photograph of her.
But I've got a photograph
of someone else.
Someone thoughtless,
unkind and debauched.
Debauched?
That was the champagne.
There must have been
something in that champagne.
Tommy, what's this?
The tangible proof that
you don't love me, Ann.
But it's cigarettes.
- You're right. Cigarettes.
I didn't buy them, I won them.
I won them at the Piccadilly funfair.
The machine on the left as you go in.
You know, the electric football match?
That told me everything.
If you're lucky at that phony football
match, you must be unlucky in love.
My dear Tommy, I fail to see the
slightest connection between love ..
And Piccadilly Circus.
Ann, grant me one last favour.
Give this to the new obituary
man in the morning.
What do you mean, the new obituary man?
- My last article.
'Obituary. It is with deepest regret ..'
'That We announce the sudden
demise of our esteemed colleague ..'
'On the editorial staff of our paper'.
'Who was carried off in the
prime of life by a broken heart'.
'Mr Thomas Newbiggin Stapleton'.
Tommy, is your middle name 'Newbiggin'?
'Newbiggin'?
Really?
Tommy, that's marvellous.
Newbiggin.
In the future, I shall
always call you Newbiggin.
Goodnight, my dear Newbiggin.
- Stop and hear what I have to say.
I saw Skeates.
He said you're infatuated by that actor.
I think it's pretty disgusting
and silly for a girl like you ..
To get all romantic about a man
who blackens his face every night.
Like Al Jolson.
'You are abused'.
'Stolen from me and corrupted by spells
and medicines bought of mountebanks'.
That's nonsense.
It's not nonsense. It's Shakespeare.
Act 1. Scene 3.
Tommy .. Tommy.
Tommy.
- Mrs Williams.
Worthy relic to the worthy
Captain W. Williams, deceased.
Late of the Canadian Mounted Police
invested with the British Empire medal.
'Your daughter'.
'I say again, hath made a gross revolt'.
'Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortune
in an extravagant wheeling stranger'.
'Of here and everywhere'.
- Tommy, have you gone mad?
You are waking all my lodgers.
- Oh.
'From hence, trust not your daughters'
minds by what you see them act'.
Shut up.
It must be something in the champagne.
[ Telephone ]
Hello.
Hello. Hello?
Who's there?
Who is it?
Hello?
Mister Skeates.
So when one wants to
find one's secretary.
One, either has to go to the theatre.
To Othello .. or to the Royal Academy.
Mr Skeates, it's simply by chance.
You mustn't think that I'm always here.
- No.
Your Edmond Davey has
taken the town by storm.
His picture hangs in the Royal Academy.
In the offices of the film companies.
And in the hearts of the women.
- But Mr Skeates.
Ah .. I'm bound to admit.
That Edmond Davey is a great actor.
The old critic was wrong.
The young heart was right.
But Mr Skeates, you're mistaken.
At the time I .. altered your review.
I didn't even know him.
But you loved him
unconsciously at the time.
Every woman unconsciously
loves every man on earth.
Though she may not know him personally.
Consequently, when she meets him.
That love .. functions .. automatically.
Mr Skeates.
Tell me what to do.
You know more about life than I do.
I've never been in such a situation.
You must put the whole
thing out of your mind.
Why, the fellow is married.
Now go to the country
for .. for a fortnight.
To the Cotswolds.
Take your fishing rod with you.
Have a good rest. Fishing.
Then come back to us.
And the newspaper.
You are absolutely right, Mr Skeates.
Of course.
You are absolutely right.
Ann, dear.
This telegram came for
you a little while ago.
A telegram?
Maybe it's an answer
to my advertisement.
Miss Williams. You're here already.
Listen, will you go in and wait.
I shan't be a minute.
It's something important. So sorry.
But Miss Halford ..?
This way, Miss.
Barbara.
Barbara.
Barbara.
Hello. Give me the
hall porter, will you.
It's Mr Davey speaking.
Is my wife downstairs?
She's just gone out? I see, thank you.
Give me the hall porter again.
Listen, there's a young
lady coming to see my wife.
Tell her Miss Halford isn't in.
Send her away, send her away.
Say she's very sorry, but she is ..
What?
She's been shown up?
Where is she?
Here I am.
I'm terribly sorry. I had no idea you ..
- But I had no idea that you ..
And did ..
Did you overhear what
I said on the phone?
Yes.
Yes.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
Oh.
Are these for me?
No. For your wife.
I came a few minutes ago. Mrs Halford
had to go out. She asked me to wait.
She said she'd be back soon.
She was looking for something, but ..
I couldn't understand what
she was looking for.
Yes. I think I understand.
I'm accustomed to it from her.
You see, in private life
the parts are reversed.
Desdemona is the jealous one.
Othello is the victim.
Poor Barbara .. she always
thinks I'm with another woman.
She'll be glad when she gets back and
sees there's no reason to be jealous.
No reason? I'm not so sure.
I really am with another woman.
Why, you are ..
- Here. With you.
Yes, I know you are. But ..
It isn't that kind of thing.
I'm not dangerous.
How can you possibly
say that about yourself?
Whether a woman is dangerous or
not depends entirely on the man.
You're dangerous to me.
So dangerous, that I went out just
now when I heard you were coming.
My danger must have passed off quickly,
since you came back almost at once.
I can't explain it. I hardly got to the
street when I felt I had to come back.
And was too hot for you in the
street and you were thirsty.
Will you have some tea?
- Yes, I was thirsty. But not for tea.
Since the night you had supper
with us I often think of you.
About your simplicity, your laugh.
You must have some tea
or some orangeade.
Stay here.
You're something very new to me.
Something I've never known.
For me, you're the ..
The representative of the great public.
The symbol of the unreserved seat.
The gallery.
With its capacity for enthusiasm.
I've never had personal
contact with the public.
I'm cut off from the
outside world by my wife.
But your wife loves you.
I've seen the way she looks at you.
- Yes. She loves me, she ..
Takes care of me. She looks after me.
But a man sometimes needs a
woman who loves him differently.
Differently?
As you love me, for instance.
As I love you ..?
What do you mean?
I'll answer that question another time.
Don't look round. My wife
is just coming into the room.
What?
Pull yourself together.
Smile.
Edmond, you're here.
Miss Williams, I'm so sorry.
You see, I was obliged to ..
I had to ..
I tried to entertain our
guest while you were away.
How about some tea?
I came back on purpose
because I was thirsty.
Yes .. tea.
I'm so sorry, Miss Halford.
I'm afraid I can't stay any longer.
I've got to get back to the office.
Mr Skeates is expecting me.
You're back with Mr Skeates? I am glad.
- Yes, I am back.
I'm sorry you must go, but you must come
another afternoon. Tomorrow or Sunday?
I'm afraid I can't. We're frightfully
busy at the office just now.
Goodbye.
Darling, how can you put
up with a wife like me?
You know, I believe she's hurt,
because I kept her waiting.
Run after her and say
something nice for me, will you.
Of course I will. If I can catch her.
You?
What do you want?
- I followed you.
Barbara sent me.
I'm to say something nice to you.
I don't want to hear any more from you.
You go away and leave me alone.
Anyone might see us here in the park.
Hyde Park belongs to
the lovers of London.
So Hyde Park belongs to us.
You are absolutely crazy.
We are not lovers.
You sort of, sort of ..
Fascinate me, but that's
because you're a great artist.
I'm not only an artist.
I'm a man and I want
to be loved as a man.
What good is it to me to sit here as you
say I fascinate you as a great artist?
How can you say that? We've only
been together once before in our lives.
I've been with you much more often.
That night, remember?
I walked home with you in the spirit.
We went on foot by Hyde Park palings.
The grass smelt so delicious.
You're wrong. I drove home with your
maid. The taxi reeked of petrol.
Aren't we together every evening?
Othello on the stage.
You in the gallery.
How can you say that?
You can't possibly have seen me.
I don't see you but I feel you.
Your eyes seem to burn down into mine.
My eyes. It's the lenses
of my opera glasses.
I wanted to send you a box but
I was afraid to scare you off.
I wish you had. At least it would
make the gallery attendants sit up.
And after every act I always heard your
hands out of the thousands .. clapping.
You'll feel my hands
clapping in a minute.
Don't move, don't move.
Pardon me just one moment.
Please stay just as you are.
Or you will spoil my little picture.
Poor old thing.
If you won't stay for me
please do if for her.
Just for the foreground.
I've nearly finished.
Nearly finished.
Listen here, Mr Davey.
I confess quite openly.
Yes .. I do love you .. but ..
I've never taken anything belonging
to anyone else and I never will.
And you belong to someone else and
to a woman I think very highly of ..
Just because she loves you.
You won't be taking anything
away from her, Ann.
I've got to make you understand.
I'm not an unscrupulous scoundrel ..
Who just leaves his wife when he
finds someone he likes better, but ..
I'm only human and I can't
fight against my own heart.
I don't want to leave my wife, but
I don't want to leave you either.
This isn't just an ordinary
selfish seduction, Ann.
I need you to keep me sane.
You don't know what it's like to
be persecuted by jealousy.
We've got to be together sometimes.
Anywhere where I can find
you when I need you.
A little flat out in Hampstead.
A room, a house. Anywhere you like.
Somewhere where I can get you
when I can't bear it any longer.
And find you alone .. waiting for me.
That's every man's ideal picture.
'Alone and waiting for me'.
Every man's geometry.
The triangle. Himself at the apex and
two women, right and left, at his feet.
And you tell me this isn't an
ordinary selfish seduction?
When you're bored with the
Savoy you come to Hampstead.
When you're bored with Hampstead
you return to the Savoy.
No, no. My dear Mr Edmond Davey.
I'm not participating
in that combination.
Goodbye, Mr Davey.
Well I see you again?
- Never.
Be at the theatre tonight at 8:30.
- Never again.
Tomorrow, here. Same time.
I'll be waiting.
Then you will wait forever.
Ann, dear.
I should so like to see Mister
Edmond Davey as Othello.
Won't you please take me with
you when you go this evening?
I'm sorry, Miss Wall. I'm not going.
You're not going this evening?
- No, not this evening.
Or tomorrow or the day
after or ever in all my life.
[ Radio ]
"Most potent, grave and
reverend signiors."
"My very noble and
approved good masters."
"That I have ta'en away this old
man's daughter, it is most true."
"True, I have married her."
"The very head and front of my
offending hath this extent, no more."
"Rude am I in my speech, and little
blessed with the soft phrase of peace."
"For since these arms of
mine had seven years' pith .."
"Till now some nine moons wasted."
"They have used their dearest
action in the tented field."
"And little of this great world can I
speak more than pertains to feats .."
"And therefore, little
shall I grace my cause."
"Yet, by your gracious patience."
"I will a round,
unvarnished tale deliver."
"Of my whole course of love."
"What blood, what charm."
"What conjuration and
what mighty magic."
"For such proceedings
I am charged withal."
"I won his daughter."
"Her father loved me, oft invited me."
"Still question'd me the story
of my life, from year to year."
"The battles, sieges, fortunes,
that I have passed."
No, no.
No, no, no, no!
No .. no.
[ Car radio ]
"She loved me for
the dangers I had pass'd."
"And I loved her,
that she did pity them."
"This only is the
witchcraft I have used."
I knew you'd come.
It's too bad that the sun is
not shining, today of all days.
You realize now that we
belong together, Ann?
Yes.
You know it is better for three
people to be happy together ..
Than for all three to be unhappy apart.
Yes.
May I take that place in Hampstead?
Yes.
Who's there?
There's a lady to see Miss Halford.
Miss Halford hasn't come yet.
I wanted to speak to Miss Halford.
- What is your business?
I wanted to offer her
something for sale.
I hear she's a connoisseur of pictures.
- We're not connoisseurs of pictures.
It's a real bargain.
Practically a gift.
I am convinced that madam
will be interested.
We are not interested.
- I'm sure madam will be charmed.
It's an idyll .. made in Hyde Park.
We don't care for .. idylls.
There.
So pretty. So sweet.
The green grass, the lake, the
loving couple in the foreground.
All so true to nature.
Young man, young lady.
Great love.
What does the picture cost?
- Thirty pounds.
And cheap at the price. Dirty cheap.
I could get twice that if I
went to a newspaper.
You see, the gentleman in
the picture is celebrated.
I recognised him at once.
Although he wasn't made
up black on this occasion.
I'm sure Mrs Edmond Davey ..
Would be willing to pay thirty
pounds for such a pretty picture.
If you can persuade her,
I'll give you ten percent.
Ten percent?
- Yes, that's three pounds.
Three pounds. Well ..
Would you give me five pounds?
Five pounds?
Alright, five pounds.
That leaves twenty-five pounds for you.
Mercy! What have you done?
With that hole in it, the picture
is worth ten pounds less.
It only costs fifteen pounds now.
There is another hole.
- You're mad. Give it to me.
My picture.
And now it's worth
another ten pounds less.
And I keep the picture.
I'm going to fetch the
police. You're mad.
I'll stop you.
And just let me tell you this.
I tell you I'll give you some excitement
about this picture if you don't get out.
You good for nothing,
blackmailing old hag.
You vixen you.
Miss Williams.
I've came to you as I
came to you once before.
About my husband.
I'm afraid I've no time, Miss Halford.
Mr Skeates may be in
at any moment and I ..
I don't want to lose my
job for the second time.
I'm sure that Mr Skeates won't mind when
he hears that it was I who detained you.
Well.
What can I do for you, Miss Halford?
My husband is in love
with another woman.
I've come to ask you to
speak to the girl he loves.
And tell her that she
mustn't take him from me.
But why must I be the
one to tell her that?
Because you helped me once before.
Because I feel that you're the only
decent person in this business.
Tell her she's got to give him up.
To her, perhaps it's only an adventure.
But to me, it means my .. whole life.
Oh.
And suppose this girl ..
Really loves him?
Suppose it isn't ..
Just an adventure for her?
Then she must give him up just the same.
Not because I'm his wife.
That would be an empty reason for trying
to hold him, however much I loved him.
But ..
But?
We're going to have a child.
Does your husband know?
No, I haven't told him yet.
I couldn't tell him while he was
thinking of another woman.
Thank you for coming straight to me.
Miss Halford.
You shall have your husband back.
Why didn't Ann ..
Why didn't Miss Williams
come to see me herself?
She thought what's written
in black and white ..
Can't be so easily retracted
as the spoken word.
Did she want an answer?
- Nope.
You wonder what I'm
waiting for, I suppose?
I wouldn't have put it quite so bluntly.
- I would.
And I'll answer bluntly too.
I'm waiting to see your famous
face after you've read the letter.
I understand.
You are Tommy Stapleton.
Ann's colleague on the newspaper.
I work in the office next to her.
'I'm absolutely firm in my resolution.
It has to be over between us'.
'You belong to Barbara
as long as she lives'.
You wanted to see my face.
Well.
Here is my face.
Thanks. That will do.
Anyhow, I'm glad to have met you.
Perhaps you'll hear from me shortly.
Something of interest to your paper.
Delighted.
I write the obituaries.
'As long as ..'
Mr Davey.
What is it?
Miss Halford rang from the
theatre to see if you're still here.
It's 8 o'clock, and the
performance soon begins.
Say I'm on my way. I'm coming now.
Very good, sir.
'As long as ..'
'As long as she lives'.
Kitty, I can't understand
why he's so late.
He's usually in before this.
Good evening, Mr Davey.
Good evening, Mr Davey.
Kitty, he didn't come in.
He's gone straight into his room.
How extraordinary.
Matches.
Bring me the whiskey you were hiding.
I beg your pardon, sir?
- The whiskey.
The whiskey?
- Whiskey.
Very good, sir.
Hello Mr Skeates, I'm looking for Ann.
She's finished with the dark horse.
The worthy daughter of Captain Williams
has returned from darkest Africa.
Honestly, Mr Skeates.
I can't understand Ann.
I had a look at this Othello,
in white I admit, but ..
I can't imagine how she fell for him.
What did he say to the letter?
- Say? He didn't say anything.
He just smiled. Like this.
Ah .. like that?
- Yes.
Now listen, Mr Skeates, you're
an expert in the theatre.
Wouldn't you think that a fine, known
actor would be able to do more than ..
Just produce a thin smile?
Ann .. Ann.
Ann.
Mr Skeates, where's Ann?
- Ann isn't here. She's at the theatre.
I thought she wasn't going anymore.
She wanted to see him.
For the last time.
[ Singing ]
A poor soul sat sighing
by a sycamore tree.
Sing all a green willow.
Willow .. willow.
Her hand on her bosom.
Her head on her knee.
Sing willow, willow ..
Willow ..
The fresh streams ran by her,
and murmured her moans.
Sing willow, willow, willow.
Her salt tears fell from her ..
And softened the stones ..
Sing willow .. willow.
Willow ..
Sing all a green willow
must be my garland.
Let ..
Let nobody blame him.
His scorn I approve.
I called my love false love.
But what said he then?
Sing willow .. willow.
Willow ..
Willow ..
Feeling poorly, my girl?
Like a glass of water?
No thank you.
Mr Davey, your entrance
for the murder scene.
They are here, please, Mr Davey.
It is the cause ..
It is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you,
you chaste stars.
It is the cause.
Yet I'll not shed her blood.
Nor scar that whiter skin
of hers than snow ..
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else
she'll betray more men.
Put out the light.
And then.
Put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister.
I can again thy former light
restore, should I repent me.
But once put out thy light, thou
cunning'st pattern of excelling nature.
I know not where is that Promethean
heat that can thy light relume.
When I have plucked the rose,
I cannot give it vital growth again.
It must needs wither.
I'll smell it on the tree.
Ah balmy breath, that dost almost
persuade justice to break her sword.
One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead, and I
will kill thee, and love thee after.
One more, and this the last.
So sweet was ne'er so fatal.
I must weep, but they are cruel tears.
This sorrow's heavenly,
it strikes where it doth love.
She wakes.
Who is there?
Othello.
- Aye, Desdemona.
Will you come to bed, my Lord?
Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?
- Aye, my Lord.
If you bethink yourself of any crime
unreconciled yet to heaven and grace.
Solicit for it straight.
Alas, what may you mean by that?
- Do it, and be brief.
I will walk by.
I would not kill thy unprepared spirit.
No, heaven forfend,
I would not kill thy soul.
Talk you of killing?
- Aye, I do.
Then heaven have mercy on me.
- Amen, with all my heart.
I hope you will not kill me.
- What?
And yet I fear you.
For you are fatal then
when your eyes roll so.
Yet why I fear you I know not,
since guiltiness I know not.
But yet I feel, I fear.
Think on thy sins.
They are loves I bear to you.
- Aye, and for that thou diest.
Such death's unnatural
that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion
shakes your very frame.
These are portents.
And yet I hope, I hope,
they do not point on me.
Peace .. and be still.
What the deuce is wrong?
He plays at twice his usual pace.
What's happened?
Not that I know of.
Sweet soul, take heed. Take heed
of perjury, thou art on thy deathbed.
Aye, but not yet to die.
- Yes, presently.
Therefore confess freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath ..
Cannot remove nor choke the strong
conception that I do groan withal.
Thou art to die.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
- I say, amen.
Banish me, my Lord, but kill me not.
- Down, strumpet.
Kill me tomorrow. Let me live tonight.
- Nay, if you strive ..
But half an hour.
- Being done, there is no pause.
But while I say one prayer.
- It is too late.
Stop. Stop .. stop, stop!
Stop. Stop, stop!
Don't go on.
Stop. Don't go on. Stop.
Let me go.
Curtain. Quick. Curtain.
Edmond.
Barbara.
Someone get a doctor.
Here she is.
I've had my eye on the girl all evening.
Shush.
Katie, shut that door.
Here, take this.
Ann, it's alright.
Ann, they've all gone.
You're alright now.
Pull yourself together.
Shush.
It's alright, doctor.
It's only nerves.
I'll take care of her.
Thank you so much, doctor.
Ann.
Please, everything is quite alright.
Ann.
Now listen. It's alright.
They've all gone now.
But you mustn't go on acting.
Not tonight or tomorrow. Not ever.
Alright. I promise.
And if I'd had my way she'd
have stopped a long while ago.
A woman in her condition.
Barbara.
It's nothing, dear.
Take no notice of Katharine.
- Nonsense.
He has to know sooner or later.
Why didn't you tell me before?
Why?
Why?
You want me to answer that question?
Why?
Oh ..
Why?
Oh you fool.
Barbara.
That comes of not
looking at my knitting.
Or you might have seen for yourself.
Ah .. there you are, ducks.
Feeling better now, eh?
What a shamozzle. Ha.
Now here's your little bits and
pieces. I found them upstairs.
Thank you.
- Anything I can do for you?
No thank you.
No, Edmond.
Don't explain anything.
I've nothing to forgive you for.
When things go wrong
between husband and wife.
The wife is always just as
much to blame as the husband.
Oh no.
- Yes.
My dear, there is so much truth in
the words I say every night on stage.
Men are not Gods.
And now.
Now go and find Ann.
And say something nice to her.
Now you go home and have a good sleep.
You'll be alright in the morning. Ahem.
That's not the way out, Miss.
This is.
Thank you.
You've saved me from
doing something terrible.
You must forget it.
It's all straight between
you and Barbara now.
She'll have her child to mother.
But .. what will become of you?
I shall go on being ..
What you once said I was.
The representative of the gallery.
The symbol of the unreserved seat.
The enthusiastic audience.
And applause.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I much regret to inform you.
That Miss Halford and
Mr Davey have been ..
So upset by the unexpected occurrence
which you have just witnessed.
That they're quite unable to go on
with this evening's performance.
I hope that you will ..
I hope perhaps that even
Shakespeare may forgive us.
If .. on this occasion only.
We allow Desdemona to live.
Thank you so much.
Long live our gracious King.
Long live our noble King.
God save our King.
Send him victorious.
Happy and glorious.
Long to reign over us.
God save our King.
..s-d..