The Forsytes (2025) s01e04 Episode Script

The call of duty.
Is it to ourselves ?
Or to others ?
Each generation
debates the dilemma
Follow the money,
or follow your heart ?
June and I agree -
you mustn't reproach yourself.
The children.
It's not as if
you left them unprovided for.
They'll inherit a considerable sum
when they reach their majority.
They will.
And I understand the struggle.
The power of first love.
And when there are consequences
I've cut ties with her, Frances.
There's nothing more to be said.
And for that,
June and I are grateful.
So, may we now turn our
attention to the Carterets ?
Race you ?
On Figaro ?
He's slower than treacle !
I feel quite neglected.
Two weeks, and not even a postcard ?
- Surely he can't be that busy ?
- I don't know
Well, personally, I'm
enjoying the peace.
So much less drama.
I doubt Jo would agree with you.
Monty. Yes !
Once the dust has settled,
we need to implement the
succession without delay.
Why the urgency ?
I waited a long time
to become chairman.
Nothing prepares you
for the loneliness
the lack of a mentor
everyone waiting for you to fail.
So I want you to take on the mantle now,
while I'm still here to guide you.
And since Soames is away
we can use his absence.
To do what ?
To assure the doubters
that you, and not he,
are the man for the job.
When will you tell them ?
I've already written to my father.
I told him that Forsyte & Co
should explore new markets,
that I intend to set up
an office here in Paris,
where I can have complete autonomy.
- Won't he applaud that ?
- No.
He'll want me in London
fulfilling his lifelong ambition
to thwart his brother.
Believe me, I'd do a better
job than my cousin, but
I've told him
I need a new challenge.
You have me.
Am I not challenge enough ?
You are
Let me see, what are you ?
A wild thing.
A wood nymph.
A goddess.
I saw the sun rise today.
What ?
Where ? When ?
In the gardens.
You went out alone ?
I love the early morning light.
But my darling,
we're husband and wife now.
We should want
to do everything together.
Everything ?
Is that not what marriage is about ?
Of course.
Next time, I'll wake you.
Ah, Forsyte.
Is it true ?
Soames missing in action ?
Yes. On his honeymoon.
Poor excuse, I grant you.
Can I help?
Ceylon Gold.
Sir Jimmy Buckland's venture.
- Soames told me it's a gold mine.
- Literally.
Good !
Count me in
to the tune of
That's your choice, of course,
Mr Culley, but
I'd advise against.
Sir Jim has a dubious safety record,
prone to accidents
and rumoured fatalities.
- I really wouldn't
- And ?
If there are a few careless
labourers lost down a mine ?
Small price to pay
for such fabulous returns.
Couldn't agree more.
James Forsyte.
Allow me to expedite your purchase.
This way.
With me.
Mrs Barrington !
Hannah, what a lovely surprise.
My dear Louisa !
You don't look a day older !
Oh, that's kind of you to say !
How's it been ?
A struggle, but so much worse
if you hadn't stepped in.
I take no credit.
I gave you a helping hand.
The rest you've done yourself.
How
inspiring !
And to that end
I have a favour to beg.
Of course. Anything.
I hesitate to ask.
It would involve a risk.
And it concerns my
forthcoming fundraising event.
June !
Tsar Philip of Culver Street ?
June Renegade of Hyde Park.
Thank you.
I thought you might not come.
It was very impertinent
of you to ask me.
But perhaps you think the rules
of polite society don't apply to us.
Perhaps I think them petty.
- Parochial ?
- Irrational.
Seriously, can men and
women not be friends ?
Do friends accept gifts ?
Keats !
Recite me one.
"When old age Shall
this generation waste
"Thou shalt remain In
midst of other woe than ours
"A friend to man
To whom thou say'st"
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty
"That is all ye know on Earth"
"And all ye need to know."
Where shall we live ?
Versailles ?
The Tuileries ?
The Champs Elysees ?
When I was tiny, we lived
in three rooms above a baker's shop.
And my father bought me a canary.
But my mother said that wild things
should never be kept in cages
so she let it fly away.
No doubt to be eaten by a cat.
Well, three rooms won't do for us.
We shall need to entertain,
forge connections
Now you're about to discover
my guilty secret.
Mama never taught me
how to play the hostess.
That's it.
Our marriage is over.
You realise we'll have
a housekeeper, servants
And your mother will think me
woefully lacking.
I'm sure she already thinks
I've led you astray.
"Led me astray" ?
Have you ?
My father taught me university
was a waste of time and money.
Likewise, Europe the Grand Tour.
So at 16, I was on the floor
of the Stock Exchange,
"learning the ropes".
Don't mistake me,
none of it was wasted, but
now ?
Is my duty to the company
or to myself ?
You haven't led me astray.
You've set me free.
Someone's all of a glow.
Must be the ride.
The wind was bracing.
Suits you.
You should go more often.
I think I will.
- So, the hunt is on.
- Yes.
Will it be a chase or a trap ?
Frances will have it all planned.
She learnt from the master.
Utterly brazen.
Might as well stick her on a plate
with an apple in her mouth !
Olivia sends her regrets.
She's visiting the Fitzgeralds.
She and young Anthony
have formed an attachment.
Oh, how delightful.
That was quick !
Poor Cyril finds it all
so confusing.
Shall we find you a little treat ?
- Why don't you ?
- There we are, my dear.
Have you met Mrs Parker Barrington ?
She's back in London.
I'd be happy to introduce you.
Oh, no. No need.
I knew her in Geneva
when she was first married.
Sweet girl.
Husband an absolute stick!
She and I hiked the Matterhorn together.
And I I understand you have
an extensive collection of moths.
- Yes.
- I've been longing to know,
what distinguishes a
moth from a butterfly ?
Well,
in fact, they do have things in common.
Both belong to
the Lepidoptera species -
from the Greek "lepis",
meaning scale,
and "pteron", meaning wing.
Fascinating.
Well, that could hardly
have gone better.
June was transformed !
You did her very proud.
It was a splendid evening.
Do you really think
she's had a change of heart ?
It would certainly
make things easier.
Soames ! Finally.
I trust he's announcing
his imminent return.
Not coming home ?
Oh, my heart, I shall faint.
- Can it be true ?
- It must be her doing.
Well, you can't deny she's
a bewitching little creature.
What can he be thinking ? Setting up
on his own in Paris, of all places ?
Although with Soames gone,
might a fellow step up ?
What fellow ?
Someone with expertise
on risk, investment.
Gambling, you mean.
And for the mantle
of "favoured child".
Think about it, Freddie.
With Soames away, you and I are the
pre-eminent pair of our generation.
Nobody is to hear of this !
- Understood ?
- Of course.
On my honour.
My heart will break.
How shall we live
without him ?
Prepare yourselves.
- Is he serious ?
- No, he's clever.
If Jo gets the chair,
do you see Soames taking orders ?
This way, he gets to be
master of his own domain.
- Good thinking.
- No, not good ! Defeatist !
Jo mustn't be allowed
to get the chair.
Soames must return
and fight his corner.
I need to send a telegram.
Dear Mrs Forsyte,
so good of you to come.
Did I hear there may
soon be exciting news
about your daughter
and young Horatio ?
I couldn't possibly comment.
Lady Carteret herself
dropped a hint.
She's asked me
to donate to her charity
for the reclamation of fallen women.
And I wondered whether you
might be persuaded to join us ?
Of course,
one must support any scheme
that takes these wretched
creatures off the streets.
Perhaps we can find ways
to alleviate their wretchedness.
They're both very hot.
Try to get some sleep, my darlings.
I don't like it,
what Mrs Barrington wants you to do.
She couldn't have
asked me at a worse time.
With all these Forsytes
buzzing around.
She wasn't to know. I've never told
her who the children's father was.
If you do it
it could ruin you.
An invitation to Frampton Park.
What's that ?
The Carteret family seat !
Am I invited ?
I think we both know you're
the main attraction, my love.
Irene, my friend !
Look at you two !
And here is my dear husband.
My friends from the corps de ballet -
Yvette, Colette, Patrice, Victor.
- Bonjour.
- Ravi.
- Bonjour !
- Enchante.
Bonjour !
- Bonjour !
- Enchantee.
- Let's go !
- Come on ! Come on, everyone !
Come on, let's sit down.
My dear friends !
It's magnificent !
- So, Champagne ?
- Are you ready, guys ?
We're celebrating, aren't we ?
No way !
You absolutely must try
our house specialty,
absinthe.
Come on, round up !
- Absinthe !
- Absinthe !
Come on, everyone.
Look, look, look.
Cheers !
It stings a little,
but it's good, isn't it ?
How could I be so stupid ?
I thought if I appeared compliant,
then
Mama would be more sympathetic,
would take my wishes into account.
- But But now that it's
- Frampton Park.
Yes.
That can only mean one thing.
He intends to propose.
I suppose we'll never meet again.
I wish it could be otherwise.
Perhaps you should marry me !
I think I'd prefer it.
No
I really would prefer it.
June, let's be serious.
How on earth would we live?
- I'd have my settlement.
- There'll be no settlement.
If your father refuses his consent,
and believe me, he will
- We Then we'll run away.
- And live on what ?
I have debts, no reputation. I'm yet
to secure a meaningful commission.
Sometimes I live on cocoa for a week.
But none of this matters
if we love each other!
I shouldn't have said that.
But you did.
And so?
That's great !
Yes, sir ?
When will we have the pleasure
of seeing you dance with us ?
When will I join them
at the corps de ballet ?
I have a recommendation letter
from Mrs. Lanner in London.
No way !
If I can join them
at the start of the new season.
La Sylphide, Giselle.
Champagne.
But what do I see ?
You don't like absinthe ?
One can have too much of a good thing.
So
do you intend to make a habit
of advising clients against
sure-fire investments ?
What's this ?
Ceylon Gold.
As predicted, colossal profits.
But it seems Jo is unable
to conquer his squeamishness.
And I doubt I ever will.
You should ask Dartie.
I'm sure he's made of sterner stuff.
Did I hear my name ?
Sir Jimmy Buckland's gold mine.
Shares currently showing
a 40% uplift.
I like the sound of that !
The purpose of this firm is solely
to make a profit for its clients.
But if the heir apparent
shows queasiness at its methods
is he really
acting in our best interest ?
It appears Horatio Carteret
is partial to June.
Well !
Think of that !
When we go to Frampton Park,
I believe he will ask for her hand.
And he's the heir,
which eventually means, of course,
that June herself
will be Lady Carteret.
Just what those high-and-mighties need.
A bit of spark and personality.
Feather in your cap, my dear.
And to you too, June, of course.
Assuming her father consents ?
Why wouldn't he ?
Can you think of a reason ?
Not unless June can.
My love ?
Sorry, I was miles away.
What was the question ?
Is there any reason
I shouldn't consent
to you marrying Horatio Carteret ?
Yes, I believe there is.
On account of the fact
that I'm already engaged.
His name's Philip Bosinney.
He's an architect, one of
the new school, and very bright.
He lives on Culver Street.
It's also his office.
He's still awaiting his first
commission, but he's so talented,
he's sure to be in great demand
once the word gets out
Darling, that's enough.
No-one finds this remotely amusing.
Oh, I don't know.
I met him at the opera.
He's a modernist and utterly rejects
outmoded traditions such as
Asking a father for his daughter's
hand before he proposes ?
Well, actually
I proposed.
Wha?
Of course you did!
Am I to understand there's actually
some truth to this ridiculous?
June what are you doing?
Following my heart.
Oh, dear.
But how did?
Where could?
Tell her. It's out of the question.
June, a word, please.
- Did you know anything about this ?
- Why would I ?
We know she likes to confide in you.
Perhaps she thought
I would disapprove.
Which, obviously, you do.
You don't understand. He's not
like anyone I've ever known.
He cares about things that matter,
about right and wrong.
He doesn't want to control me.
He wants me to be just who I am.
And that's unlike anyone
you've ever known ?
Yes !
So I should meet him.
What is it ?
Why are you looking at me like that ?
May a man not look upon
his most treasured possession ?
Am I really such a thing ?
And more.
How could I have done this ?
Failed to communicate
the Forsyte imperative.
Seize the crown, lead
instead of playing second fiddle.
What's been the point of my life,
if not to set my son on the chair ?
Is that what you put
in your telegram ?
Obviously not !
I told him if he didn't take
the next train home from Paris,
I'd come and drag him home
by his earlobes.
Well, that'll do it.
This way, sir
Mr Bosinney.
Please.
Ladies, you've done me the honour of
inviting me to join your campaign.
And while I suspect
that the scale of my donation
may have influenced your choice
I hope I may have something
more than guineas to offer.
No doubt you think me presumptuous.
Daring to aspire
to the hand of an heiress.
As you can see, my cuffs are frayed,
my coat is worn,
and to demonstrate the gulf between
us, you invite me to a place
whose membership fee
is four times my annual salary.
Actually
I chose it because it's round
the corner from your office.
Tell me about yourself.
I'm a radical.
I decline to bow to convention.
My family is undistinguished.
My studies have left me in debt.
So if you've come here to tell me
that I must look elsewhere
I've come here to ask
why you love my daughter.
I've never met anyone like her.
We see the world in the same way.
She's spirited and brave.
And, yes, I love her.
- And if you don't believe me
- And what if I do believe you ?
You've supported this cause
long before I arrived.
The hostels you fund
for the women you save,
the clergy you pay to instruct them
in the error of their ways,
the homes you find
amongst the childless gentry
for their wretched offspring.
No-one can doubt
the rigour of your purpose.
But what is the ultimate
aim of your charity ?
Punishment ?
Moral superiority ?
Or material assistance ?
Let me introduce to you
a lady whose history
you may find instructive.
And some of you know me.
You honour me with your custom.
Been kind enough
to invite me into your homes.
Ten years ago,
I was penniless, homeless.
Mrs Parker Barrington
heard of my distress.
She could have judged me
made a reckoning of my failings.
But instead,
she asked me how she could help.
She found me lodgings,
a midwife, sustenance.
She asked me
what skills I possessed
and employed me as a dressmaker,
recommended me to her friends.
Many of you have helped
to make me what I am today.
Not a burden on society
but a contributor.
Heart-warming story,
but there's a vast
difference between you
and the women that we try to help.
You are not what we call "fallen".
And if I was,
would I deserve the workhouse ?
My children removed ?
Myself consigned
to penitence and shame ?
Widowhood and poverty are not sins.
I wasn't a widow.
My children were born
out of wedlock.
Their father
died
before they were born.
Now do you judge me ?
Do I appear less deserving to you now ?
Not to me.
And not, I hope, to any here.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Forgive me, I must go.
You don't strike me as a
fortune hunter.
How would you support her ?
I, well
That is, at present I can't.
But I have prospects. I'm currently
seeking a major commission.
But is money the be-all and end-all ?
It is for those who are used to it.
I can't agree to this marriage
until
you've completed
your first commission.
Till then,
I consent to an engagement.
I have no doubt we'll be
seeing a lot of each other.
I'm here, my darlings.
I'm here now.
You agreed to an engagement ?
Why ?
He's impulsive, argumentative
and currently without means.
Could be years before he makes
his first commission.
Exactly !
And by then, the romance
will have lost its sheen
or stood the test of time.
And you're willing
to take that chance ?
What is this ?
You living vicariously
allowing June to do what you
always regretted not doing ?
Not in the slightest.
I'm wholly at peace
with my decision.
I knew it !
You were never
going to consent because
you've no idea how it feels
to truly follow your heart !
So go on, tell me !
We give you permission
to get engaged.
And now we assure the outside world
that we couldn't be happier.
No, no, no, no. Paws off the table,
Pudding, you know the rules
There you are.
Is there a pact to lower
the tone of this family ?
First Soames, now June ?
Has no-one regard for pedigree ?
You'll note the lack of announcement.
June's engagement ?
No surprise. I wouldn't advertise
such a mismatch.
No wonder the engagement party's
"close family only".
Poor Frances had such high hopes.
She must be so disappointed.
Did I ever tell you that, when
I was five, I fell into the Seine ?
- Where were your parents ?
- Beside me.
But I could swim, so my mother
was happy for me to take risks.
She was a gambler.
Like you,
with other people's money.
I take calculated risks.
Like chancing your happiness
with someone you barely know ?
Come with me, I have a surprise.
Isaac mentioned June's engagement.
We couldn't be more delighted.
Of course,
June could've had her pick,
but we believe that young people
should follow their hearts.
I wholly agree.
I want to thank you
for joining us the other day.
I hope you were persuaded of the cause.
Dear Louisa, she's such a shining
example of what can be achieved.
Yes, yes, very commendable.
Still, it's a struggle, with
two little ones to take care of.
And when they both
go down with a fever
Well, I-I'm so sorry,
I have to dash.
I'm expected at the
Devonshires' for luncheon.
Are they very sick ?
Scarlet fever, apparently.
Poor darlings.
'Giselle, Act I: Pas Seul -
Pas De Deux' by Adolphe Adam
Oh, wasn't it wonderful ?
And I meet the directeur next week.
And just think, if he accepts me,
you can come and pick me up
every night after the performance.
Oh, you should meet
Yvette's brother !
He's a painter, he comes
to watch all of the rehearsals.
I honestly just can't wait
for you to see me dance.
Just imagine ! You can meet me
at the stage door every night.
And when we're
settled in our new apartment
we could go
to the Cafe des Fleurs
And when we're settled, shall we
invite your family to visit ?
Yes. Yes, of course.
My love
There's something
I haven't mentioned.
A telegram from my father.
- Is he well ?
- Beside himself
that I told him my plans in a letter,
when I should have
done it face to face.
What was I thinking ?
I believe I must return.
Cut short our honeymoon ?
And my audition ?
Should I rearrange ?
By all means. But you must see
I owe my father an explanation
in person.
Of course.
Of course, I do see that.
So let's return to London
and settle things
once and for all.
Afternoon, sir.
How do we know that this fellow
isn't some money-grubbing
opportunist ?
What is Frances thinking ?
She will know that
when the heart is set on something,
the more it's forbidden,
the more it's craved.
Surely, you don't imagine
June wants this boy
just to prove she can have him ?
I once knew a couple of young men
who pursued the same girl
simply so the other
wouldn't get her.
Let me fetch you a drink.
- Something amiss ?
- What ?
No, nothing to concern you.
No-one would believe
we used to be best of friends.
It was a long time ago.
Before the old man
pitted us against each other.
Yes. "Shape up!"
"Make sacrifices."
Was it a sacrifice ?
For you ?
Alexandra ?
No more than it was for you.
I do sometimes wonder
where she disappeared to.
As do I.
Still
it all turned out for the best.
Emily and you.
Edith and I.
Yes.
Splendid women.
Saved us from ourselves.
I almost feel sorry for him.
Don't.
Did you see his hat ?
He left it on a chair,
and Emily mistook it for a cat.
Uncle James, you look as if you'd
like to commission a new house.
And here's Phil,
just brimming with clever ideas.
I suspect your uncle's perfectly
content with his own house.
But should the opportunity
ever arise,
I'm sure you could come to
my office and view my portfolio.
There, now !
What a kind invitation.
Well, here we are.
Frances and I ask you to join us
in raising a glass
to the newly engaged couple.
- June and Philip.
- June and Philip !
How to thwart a rebel ?
Take away their cause.
Are they?
Please tell me they're not.
They're not.
Their fever's passed.
They're sleeping.
Thank God.
sync & corrections FunnyBell