1 00:00:29,703 --> 00:00:31,232 She told me once: 2 00:00:32,206 --> 00:00:35,229 "When we read a story, we inhabit it; 3 00:00:36,065 --> 00:00:40,549 the covers of the books are like a roof and four walls: 4 00:00:41,418 --> 00:00:42,633 a house." 5 00:00:43,989 --> 00:00:46,457 She, more than anything else in the world, 6 00:00:46,665 --> 00:00:49,306 loved the moment when you've finished a book 7 00:00:49,446 --> 00:00:51,218 and the story keeps playing 8 00:00:51,357 --> 00:00:53,582 like the most vivid dream in your head. 9 00:00:55,563 --> 00:00:57,717 And after that, she loved taking long walks 10 00:00:57,856 --> 00:01:00,984 to clear her mind of all the emotions and feelins 11 00:01:01,123 --> 00:01:03,175 the book had started within her. 12 00:01:39,459 --> 00:01:40,850 That very morning, 13 00:01:41,477 --> 00:01:45,266 after hazy years of reading, walking 14 00:01:45,578 --> 00:01:48,185 and mourning the death of her husband, 15 00:01:49,228 --> 00:01:50,583 Florence Green woke up, 16 00:01:50,722 --> 00:01:52,982 knowing exactly what she wanted to do. 17 00:01:53,224 --> 00:01:54,753 She was going to open a bookshop 18 00:01:54,892 --> 00:01:57,221 in the little village where she had ended up living. 19 00:01:58,020 --> 00:01:59,793 I am convinced this new bookshop will be 20 00:01:59,932 --> 00:02:01,774 everything you say it is, Mrs. Green. 21 00:02:02,017 --> 00:02:03,686 But, of course, for now I can give you 22 00:02:03,826 --> 00:02:05,736 no definite commitment on behalf of the bank. 23 00:02:06,084 --> 00:02:08,239 The decision does not depend upon me. 24 00:02:08,830 --> 00:02:10,186 And I have your honest assurance 25 00:02:10,325 --> 00:02:11,925 that you've had ample experience in the trade? 26 00:02:12,203 --> 00:02:13,697 I learned the trade very thoroughly 27 00:02:13,834 --> 00:02:15,192 when I was a girl, 28 00:02:15,433 --> 00:02:17,589 and I don't believe it's changed greatly since then. 29 00:02:18,109 --> 00:02:20,196 And more importantly, I know... 30 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:22,907 I love reading. 31 00:02:23,255 --> 00:02:25,375 Well, it would do little harm 32 00:02:25,513 --> 00:02:27,007 to let you know one or two things. 33 00:02:27,356 --> 00:02:29,927 Consider them words of advice, if you prefer. 34 00:02:30,310 --> 00:02:31,354 This is the way I... 35 00:02:31,493 --> 00:02:32,673 She had a great heart, 36 00:02:33,056 --> 00:02:34,898 and enormous patience. 37 00:02:35,767 --> 00:02:38,444 But not even these two virtues were strong enough 38 00:02:38,686 --> 00:02:42,370 to bear the grandiloquent and patronizing tones 39 00:02:42,508 --> 00:02:44,422 of Mr. Keble, the Hardborough banker, 40 00:02:45,185 --> 00:02:48,661 whom everyone called Mr. Potatohead behind his back. 41 00:03:02,702 --> 00:03:06,318 I should tell you that there are those who believe 42 00:03:06,595 --> 00:03:09,098 there are other possible uses for the Old House. 43 00:03:09,236 --> 00:03:12,260 Though of course there's always the possibility of a resale... 44 00:03:12,540 --> 00:03:14,452 But I've no intention of reselling, Mr. Keble. 45 00:03:14,591 --> 00:03:15,598 Not in the slightest. 46 00:03:16,363 --> 00:03:18,797 What else do people think the Old House could be used for? 47 00:03:19,108 --> 00:03:20,498 Why have they done nothing about it 48 00:03:20,639 --> 00:03:21,611 in the past seven years? 49 00:03:21,749 --> 00:03:23,209 There were birds nesting in it, 50 00:03:23,384 --> 00:03:26,026 half the tiles were off the roof and it stank of rats. 51 00:03:26,233 --> 00:03:28,006 Wouldn't it be better to fill the place with books 52 00:03:28,146 --> 00:03:29,222 for people to look at? 53 00:03:29,431 --> 00:03:31,030 I read before going to sleep, 54 00:03:31,447 --> 00:03:33,810 and usually drift off to the Land of Nod 55 00:03:33,951 --> 00:03:34,993 by about the third page. 56 00:03:35,408 --> 00:03:36,486 So you see? 57 00:03:36,834 --> 00:03:39,059 Don't you realize how useful books can be? 58 00:04:08,777 --> 00:04:12,982 The weather in this part of the world was totally unpredictable. 59 00:04:13,642 --> 00:04:16,214 Sometimes all four seasons could be present 60 00:04:16,354 --> 00:04:17,779 in a single morning. 61 00:04:24,973 --> 00:04:29,109 That sunny day she left the bank feeling angry, proud, 62 00:04:29,248 --> 00:04:31,647 impatient, and terribly alive. 63 00:04:32,863 --> 00:04:35,018 She was going to pursue her dream 64 00:04:35,156 --> 00:04:37,730 and nobody, not even Mr. Potatohead, 65 00:04:37,869 --> 00:04:39,258 was going to stop her. 66 00:04:43,534 --> 00:04:46,036 Hello, Mrs. Green, are you busy? 67 00:04:46,660 --> 00:04:49,720 Hello, Mr. Raven. Not at the moment, why? 68 00:04:50,764 --> 00:04:53,197 Can I, uh, throw the rope to you? 69 00:04:54,204 --> 00:04:55,213 Yes, of course! 70 00:04:56,498 --> 00:04:58,514 Watch out! It's very slippery, 71 00:04:58,652 --> 00:05:02,232 that's how Ethan broke his leg yesterday but I'm well aware... 72 00:05:02,441 --> 00:05:05,917 that you are a woman who don't frighten easily. 73 00:05:06,056 --> 00:05:07,446 How do you know that? 74 00:05:08,871 --> 00:05:13,077 Rumor has it that you're about to open a bookshop here. 75 00:05:15,857 --> 00:05:18,081 Why do you feel it's something daring? 76 00:05:18,847 --> 00:05:22,288 The only person here who reads is Mr. Brundish. 77 00:05:22,845 --> 00:05:24,096 And I don't think he's gonna be 78 00:05:24,443 --> 00:05:26,075 leaving home to be your customer. 79 00:05:26,319 --> 00:05:28,299 I think I saw him yesterday on the hill. 80 00:05:28,440 --> 00:05:29,934 Well, caught a glimpse of him, anyway. 81 00:05:30,074 --> 00:05:33,063 I imagine you had a long conversation. 82 00:05:33,202 --> 00:05:35,530 Oh yes, never stopped talking! 83 00:05:36,226 --> 00:05:37,546 Farewell. 84 00:05:38,380 --> 00:05:40,848 Good luck, Mrs. Green! 85 00:05:41,613 --> 00:05:43,595 Do you not read, Mr. Raven? 86 00:05:45,540 --> 00:05:46,478 I don't. 87 00:05:47,140 --> 00:05:49,746 Books leave me exhausted. 88 00:05:51,344 --> 00:05:53,117 Real life is enough for me. 89 00:06:08,132 --> 00:06:09,871 Mister Brundish lived alone 90 00:06:10,008 --> 00:06:12,372 in the oldest house in Hardborough. 91 00:06:13,136 --> 00:06:15,813 He didn't particularly like his own company, 92 00:06:16,266 --> 00:06:18,317 but after long years of battle 93 00:06:18,663 --> 00:06:21,825 he had reached a lasting truce with himself. 94 00:06:22,972 --> 00:06:25,476 He adored books with the same passion 95 00:06:25,614 --> 00:06:28,534 with which he detested his fellow men. 96 00:06:29,925 --> 00:06:31,698 He often cherished the fantasy 97 00:06:31,838 --> 00:06:33,644 that the volumes he devoured from morning to night 98 00:06:33,781 --> 00:06:35,798 hadn't been written by human beings, 99 00:06:36,355 --> 00:06:39,691 but had appeared through spontaneous generation. 100 00:06:40,734 --> 00:06:43,028 There was nothing that bothered him more 101 00:06:43,167 --> 00:06:44,973 than the portraits of writers 102 00:06:45,113 --> 00:06:47,581 often included in certain editions. 103 00:07:35,928 --> 00:07:37,909 It's not red. 104 00:07:38,534 --> 00:07:41,768 It's a... very deep maroon, 105 00:07:41,907 --> 00:07:43,748 or a... rust. 106 00:07:44,409 --> 00:07:46,250 Anyway, how is the Old House? 107 00:07:46,425 --> 00:07:47,919 Hmm? How are you coping? 108 00:07:48,441 --> 00:07:51,082 Well, Sam Wilkins was in, and fixed the bath, and tiled the roof 109 00:07:51,220 --> 00:07:54,488 and repaired the cistern as best as he could, anyway. 110 00:07:55,705 --> 00:07:58,729 That place is... like an old fossil. 111 00:07:59,146 --> 00:08:01,161 Even the straw is 500 years old. 112 00:08:01,301 --> 00:08:02,830 All right. Arms up! 113 00:08:04,845 --> 00:08:05,784 There. 114 00:08:07,069 --> 00:08:09,017 You are still gonna move in there, aren't you? 115 00:08:09,190 --> 00:08:11,240 I spent my first night there last night. 116 00:08:11,380 --> 00:08:13,360 What? So soon? 117 00:08:13,604 --> 00:08:15,133 I told everyone to watch out. 118 00:08:15,759 --> 00:08:18,263 But nobody actually thought you were gonna move into the Old House, 119 00:08:18,401 --> 00:08:20,730 - what with the damp and all. - Oh, yes, I know they didn't, 120 00:08:20,868 --> 00:08:22,050 but it was fine. 121 00:08:22,398 --> 00:08:24,414 A bit creepy in the night, but that's... 122 00:08:24,867 --> 00:08:26,777 because I'm not used to it yet, I suppose. 123 00:08:28,272 --> 00:08:31,888 I should think the wood in an old house like that creaks everywhere. 124 00:08:37,169 --> 00:08:39,463 I'm afraid red isn't really for me. 125 00:08:40,784 --> 00:08:43,252 And it doesn't look very good on me from behind, but... 126 00:08:44,225 --> 00:08:45,650 Perhaps if I stand against the wall 127 00:08:45,790 --> 00:08:47,145 most of the time I'm there... 128 00:08:48,675 --> 00:08:51,386 - Too red, don't you think? - It's not... 129 00:08:52,185 --> 00:08:53,089 It's not red. 130 00:08:53,505 --> 00:08:56,773 It's a very deep maroon. 131 00:08:56,913 --> 00:08:57,572 Yes. 132 00:08:58,335 --> 00:09:00,319 You'll get used to it, in time. 133 00:09:01,533 --> 00:09:02,681 Need a bit of jewelry. 134 00:09:02,820 --> 00:09:04,801 - Make it stand out. - Yes. Yes. 135 00:09:05,461 --> 00:09:07,581 - Are you sure? - Well, of course I'm sure. 136 00:09:07,720 --> 00:09:09,528 It's not every day that the General and Mrs. Gamart 137 00:09:09,668 --> 00:09:11,786 - invite you to a party, is it? - No. 138 00:09:12,865 --> 00:09:15,715 Oh, stop agonizing! 139 00:09:15,958 --> 00:09:16,898 You look... 140 00:09:17,905 --> 00:09:19,086 lovely. 141 00:09:19,850 --> 00:09:21,971 Anyway, when you get there, you won't have to worry about how you look. 142 00:09:22,111 --> 00:09:23,084 No one'll mind you. 143 00:09:23,361 --> 00:09:25,203 You'll probably know all the guests, anyhow. 144 00:10:32,701 --> 00:10:34,230 I... I'm Florence Green. 145 00:10:34,995 --> 00:10:37,220 I'm the one opening the little bookshop. 146 00:10:37,358 --> 00:10:41,044 That's it, of course! 147 00:10:41,183 --> 00:10:43,547 Got it right away! 148 00:10:44,415 --> 00:10:45,632 Ah! Of course! 149 00:10:45,805 --> 00:10:49,455 Violet was very interested in that matter. Mm... 150 00:10:50,079 --> 00:10:53,904 She wanted one of those conversations of hers... 151 00:10:55,398 --> 00:10:57,346 ...with you about the bookshop. Hmm. 152 00:11:05,269 --> 00:11:07,284 She's rather caught up right now, 153 00:11:08,083 --> 00:11:10,900 but I believe she wishes to talk to you later. 154 00:11:16,773 --> 00:11:17,643 So, uh... 155 00:11:18,234 --> 00:11:21,014 What sort of stuff are you going to have in your shop? 156 00:11:21,257 --> 00:11:23,170 Well, um... 157 00:11:24,454 --> 00:11:26,088 - Basically books. - Mmm. 158 00:11:26,679 --> 00:11:29,738 They don't publish many books of poetry these days, do they? 159 00:11:29,877 --> 00:11:31,894 I... I don't see too many about. 160 00:11:32,414 --> 00:11:34,533 Well, I... I shall have some poetry, of course, 161 00:11:34,674 --> 00:11:37,628 but it doesn't sell quite so well as other things, 162 00:11:37,767 --> 00:11:39,260 like novels and essays. 163 00:11:39,783 --> 00:11:42,528 It... It'll take me some time to find out 164 00:11:42,668 --> 00:11:44,161 what kind of stock I'll be bringing in... 165 00:11:44,301 --> 00:11:45,448 Of course. Mmm. 166 00:11:45,761 --> 00:11:47,221 For the moment I've mainly ordered classics, 167 00:11:47,359 --> 00:11:49,619 Thackeray, Dickens, Keats... That sort of thing. 168 00:11:52,399 --> 00:11:54,206 "It is easy to be dead. 169 00:11:54,936 --> 00:11:57,231 Say only this... 170 00:11:57,959 --> 00:11:59,351 they are dead." 171 00:12:01,540 --> 00:12:03,140 Do you know who wrote that? 172 00:12:03,626 --> 00:12:04,391 No. 173 00:12:04,528 --> 00:12:06,616 I'm... I'm so sorry, I don't. 174 00:12:25,974 --> 00:12:27,677 I know who you are. 175 00:12:29,868 --> 00:12:31,398 You must be Mrs. Green. 176 00:12:32,057 --> 00:12:33,274 Yes. 177 00:12:33,551 --> 00:12:36,019 And I know who you are, of course, Mr. North. 178 00:12:36,194 --> 00:12:38,175 Ah-ha! 179 00:12:38,418 --> 00:12:41,302 Though I... I've never had an invitation to The Stead before, 180 00:12:41,442 --> 00:12:43,596 - I expect you come here often. - Oh, yes. 181 00:12:43,841 --> 00:12:46,481 I do get invited frequently. 182 00:12:48,253 --> 00:12:50,026 Oh, thank you. You're very kind. 183 00:12:50,166 --> 00:12:51,382 Ooh, Not very. 184 00:12:51,799 --> 00:12:53,085 Here you go. 185 00:13:03,858 --> 00:13:05,597 You live on your own, don't you? 186 00:13:06,016 --> 00:13:08,134 You've just moved into the Old House. 187 00:13:08,411 --> 00:13:09,422 All by yourself? 188 00:13:12,376 --> 00:13:13,383 War widow. 189 00:13:16,858 --> 00:13:17,867 I know. 190 00:13:19,293 --> 00:13:21,377 Have you never thought of marrying again? 191 00:13:23,115 --> 00:13:24,020 No. 192 00:13:25,304 --> 00:13:26,173 No. 193 00:13:26,729 --> 00:13:29,266 The problem is I was very happily married. 194 00:13:29,405 --> 00:13:30,275 How odd. 195 00:13:30,831 --> 00:13:32,153 I was always under the impression 196 00:13:32,292 --> 00:13:34,376 that it is precisely when a woman is widowed 197 00:13:34,793 --> 00:13:36,531 that she starts to get happy. 198 00:13:43,935 --> 00:13:47,932 Are you sure you've received the proper advice to run a business? 199 00:13:53,250 --> 00:13:55,301 I've never met you before now, Mr. North, 200 00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:58,080 but I assume, because of your work, 201 00:13:58,220 --> 00:13:59,680 you would be someone who would appreciate 202 00:13:59,818 --> 00:14:01,382 having a bookshop in Hardborough. 203 00:14:04,164 --> 00:14:05,310 Uh... 204 00:14:05,588 --> 00:14:08,298 I am sure you know writers at the BBC, 205 00:14:08,438 --> 00:14:10,350 and... and thinkers, and so forth. 206 00:14:10,490 --> 00:14:13,930 And I trust they come down here from time to time 207 00:14:14,070 --> 00:14:16,570 to... see you, and get some fresh air. 208 00:14:16,779 --> 00:14:18,622 Ha! 209 00:14:18,795 --> 00:14:20,429 If they did come... 210 00:14:21,091 --> 00:14:22,654 I wouldn't quite know what to do with them. 211 00:14:22,794 --> 00:14:26,234 I mean, writers will go anywhere where there is free drink. 212 00:14:26,372 --> 00:14:29,223 I'm not so sure about thinkers. 213 00:14:32,107 --> 00:14:36,035 Anyway, I think that Kattie, my so-called girlfriend, 214 00:14:36,174 --> 00:14:37,426 would look after them. 215 00:14:37,773 --> 00:14:39,754 Well, at any rate, you must both come to my shop. 216 00:14:39,893 --> 00:14:41,249 I shall rely on you. 217 00:14:41,770 --> 00:14:43,717 On no account. 218 00:14:49,034 --> 00:14:50,703 Madam, would you like some canapes? 219 00:14:51,016 --> 00:14:52,545 Why are you wearing red? 220 00:14:53,378 --> 00:14:55,742 Red's a color that only looks good on housemaids 221 00:14:55,881 --> 00:14:57,133 out on their day off. 222 00:14:57,341 --> 00:15:00,400 It's not red, it's a... It's a deep maroon. 223 00:15:11,382 --> 00:15:12,947 My dear lady. 224 00:15:14,754 --> 00:15:16,422 Florence, isn't it? 225 00:15:16,561 --> 00:15:17,708 Yes. 226 00:15:18,126 --> 00:15:19,760 I have been wanting to speak to you since you arrived, 227 00:15:19,899 --> 00:15:21,568 but my guests seem to have nothing better to do 228 00:15:21,705 --> 00:15:23,407 than steer me away from my priorities. 229 00:15:23,617 --> 00:15:25,529 Thank you so much for coming! 230 00:15:25,772 --> 00:15:27,927 - Thanks... for inviting me. - It's such a pleasure! 231 00:15:28,135 --> 00:15:29,769 It's such a lovely party, really. 232 00:15:29,907 --> 00:15:31,681 Everyone is talking about your new venture. 233 00:15:31,820 --> 00:15:33,800 You have such a great nose for business! 234 00:15:33,974 --> 00:15:35,711 - Well, yes, but it's... - Bruno! 235 00:15:35,851 --> 00:15:38,216 Have you been introduced to my husband? 236 00:15:40,163 --> 00:15:42,734 Come and tell Mrs. 237 00:15:42,943 --> 00:15:43,949 - Miss... - Green. 238 00:15:44,367 --> 00:15:46,522 ...how delighted we are to see her. 239 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:48,885 And to think we've all been praying 240 00:15:49,024 --> 00:15:51,005 for a good bookshop in our little town, 241 00:15:51,145 --> 00:15:52,535 haven't we, Bruno? 242 00:15:52,743 --> 00:15:54,691 Of course, my dear. There's no harm in praying. 243 00:15:55,107 --> 00:15:57,471 Things would probably go much better 244 00:15:57,609 --> 00:15:59,208 if we all prayed more. 245 00:16:00,946 --> 00:16:04,352 Just one thing, Mrs. Green, and a very small one at that. 246 00:16:04,978 --> 00:16:08,523 You haven't actually moved into the Old House, have you? 247 00:16:08,664 --> 00:16:10,817 Yes, I've been there over a week. 248 00:16:14,570 --> 00:16:15,718 But there's no water. 249 00:16:16,171 --> 00:16:18,359 Sam Wilkins connected the pipes for me. 250 00:16:18,916 --> 00:16:21,973 Don't forget, Violet, you've been in London a good deal lately, 251 00:16:22,114 --> 00:16:24,859 and you haven't been able to control everything. 252 00:16:25,659 --> 00:16:27,293 Why shouldn't I have moved in? 253 00:16:27,430 --> 00:16:29,898 I believe I can spare you many disappointments, 254 00:16:30,038 --> 00:16:31,741 and maybe even a bit of money. 255 00:16:32,261 --> 00:16:34,660 I... In fact, I hope to help you. 256 00:16:36,258 --> 00:16:39,282 There are other much more appropriate locations 257 00:16:39,597 --> 00:16:42,307 in Hardborough, especially for a bookshop. 258 00:16:43,038 --> 00:16:46,652 I'm afraid we are all so used to seeing the Old House empty 259 00:16:47,070 --> 00:16:50,961 that we've procrastinated year after year... 260 00:16:51,206 --> 00:16:52,874 You have practically showed us all up 261 00:16:53,014 --> 00:16:54,785 by being in such a hurry, Mrs. Green. 262 00:16:55,098 --> 00:16:59,755 But the fact is that many of us are not at all convinced 263 00:16:59,894 --> 00:17:04,343 by the sudden transformation of the Old House into a shop. 264 00:17:04,933 --> 00:17:08,063 Many of us believe it should be a kind of... 265 00:17:09,313 --> 00:17:11,085 local arts center. 266 00:17:11,539 --> 00:17:14,631 Fine, Violet, you could pray for that also. 267 00:17:15,604 --> 00:17:18,906 Chamber music in summer, lectures in winter... 268 00:17:19,150 --> 00:17:23,633 There is simply no other old house that has the right... 269 00:17:27,318 --> 00:17:28,534 ambience. 270 00:17:29,056 --> 00:17:32,497 I've been negotiating this sale for over six months, so... 271 00:17:33,088 --> 00:17:36,147 You see, it's hard for me to believe 272 00:17:36,284 --> 00:17:38,891 there's anyone left in Hardborough who doesn't know about it. 273 00:17:39,029 --> 00:17:41,707 In fact, I'm sure they all know. 274 00:17:41,949 --> 00:17:45,043 And we have one great advantage, 275 00:17:45,183 --> 00:17:47,234 it would be a shame to just... 276 00:17:47,893 --> 00:17:49,179 throw it away, 277 00:17:49,492 --> 00:17:53,002 which is that now we have exactly the right person 278 00:17:53,141 --> 00:17:56,375 to take charge of the matter... I mean to take charge of the Center. 279 00:17:56,722 --> 00:17:58,842 You do understand, don't you? 280 00:17:58,981 --> 00:18:01,763 Why don't you think it over for a bit? 281 00:18:04,021 --> 00:18:06,627 - Ah! Sonia! - Mrs. Gamart... 282 00:18:06,767 --> 00:18:08,330 How wonderful you look! 283 00:18:09,303 --> 00:18:11,528 Her feet and head ached 284 00:18:11,979 --> 00:18:15,246 and she regretted having taken the seamstress's advice 285 00:18:15,385 --> 00:18:17,576 as to the color of her dress. 286 00:18:18,305 --> 00:18:19,488 That was all. 287 00:18:20,078 --> 00:18:22,615 Not for one moment did she think about the consequences 288 00:18:22,754 --> 00:18:26,265 that her modest act of inhabiting Old House would bring upon her. 289 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:34,433 You look radiant. 290 00:18:36,066 --> 00:18:37,596 Isn't that Lord Gosfield? 291 00:18:37,804 --> 00:18:41,490 My word! What a guest list this evening, Violet. 292 00:18:42,115 --> 00:18:43,575 Thank you. 293 00:18:46,493 --> 00:18:48,127 - Lord Gosfield. - How do you do? 294 00:18:48,475 --> 00:18:51,464 How difficult it has been to try to reach you this evening! 295 00:18:51,602 --> 00:18:55,356 I hope Bruno has told you about our new Hardborough Center... 296 00:18:55,496 --> 00:18:57,895 - Oh, yes. - ...for music and the arts? 297 00:18:58,172 --> 00:18:59,805 We were just talking about it. 298 00:19:08,773 --> 00:19:10,164 Mrs. Green! 299 00:19:10,998 --> 00:19:12,458 - Hello. - Mr. Deben. 300 00:19:12,596 --> 00:19:14,265 - Good morning. - I'm glad I caught you. 301 00:19:14,404 --> 00:19:17,150 - How are you? - Very well, thanks. Very well. 302 00:19:17,289 --> 00:19:20,382 Um, I wanted to ask you about my shop. 303 00:19:20,520 --> 00:19:22,779 I want to speak to you about my shop. Um... 304 00:19:23,267 --> 00:19:24,692 - It's up for auction. - Yes. 305 00:19:24,831 --> 00:19:28,864 Not until April. Could be later, still... 306 00:19:29,246 --> 00:19:32,234 Um... Well, the fact is, I... 307 00:19:32,928 --> 00:19:37,517 I'd much prefer to reach a private agreement before that. 308 00:19:38,525 --> 00:19:41,340 As you've expressed a certain interest in the property 309 00:19:41,860 --> 00:19:45,755 and since you are not going to remain in the Old House... 310 00:19:46,971 --> 00:19:50,550 Well, I trust that you'll appreciate that I'm too busy 311 00:19:50,691 --> 00:19:53,506 to pay attention to any rumors I hear. 312 00:19:55,833 --> 00:20:00,179 Well, it stands to reason you'll be making an offer on other premises. 313 00:20:02,646 --> 00:20:05,567 There's been a misunderstanding, Mr. Deben, but... 314 00:20:05,878 --> 00:20:09,458 Yes, but it doesn't matter in the slightest, and I, um... 315 00:20:09,772 --> 00:20:12,553 I... I should like to be able to help you. 316 00:20:13,630 --> 00:20:15,890 Mrs. Gamart was, um... 317 00:20:16,097 --> 00:20:20,024 kind enough to tell me about her idea for an arts center. 318 00:20:20,164 --> 00:20:22,770 From which, I am sure, every one of us 319 00:20:22,908 --> 00:20:24,751 living here in Hardborough would benefit. 320 00:20:24,890 --> 00:20:29,756 And I believe she is the one who was searching about for premises, 321 00:20:30,243 --> 00:20:33,164 and what could be better than your fish shop? 322 00:20:37,056 --> 00:20:39,246 Yeah... I see. 323 00:20:40,357 --> 00:20:42,443 Well... You've been extremely kind. 324 00:20:43,069 --> 00:20:46,163 - Thank you for your help. - You're welcome, Mr. Deben. 325 00:20:46,788 --> 00:20:49,151 - Well, good morning. - Yeah. Thank you, Mrs. Green. 326 00:20:49,639 --> 00:20:53,009 Florence had managed to live life thus far 327 00:20:53,147 --> 00:20:56,657 by pretending that human beings were not divided 328 00:20:56,798 --> 00:21:00,968 into exterminators and exterminated, 329 00:21:01,420 --> 00:21:04,478 with the former at any moment predominating. 330 00:21:16,852 --> 00:21:18,243 Ah-ha! 331 00:21:18,416 --> 00:21:20,676 I... I didn't know if you'd be down in London or... 332 00:21:20,815 --> 00:21:24,396 London? No, I'm here. Well, I think I am. 333 00:21:27,278 --> 00:21:28,601 - May I? - Yeah. 334 00:21:29,192 --> 00:21:31,449 Um... Nescafe? 335 00:21:31,694 --> 00:21:34,057 Oh, I... I've never tried it. 336 00:21:34,681 --> 00:21:36,421 I have heard of it, but I... 337 00:21:36,733 --> 00:21:39,270 I'm told it's not made with boiling water. 338 00:21:39,548 --> 00:21:41,564 Yeah. 339 00:21:50,672 --> 00:21:52,270 This is all much too small for you. 340 00:21:52,408 --> 00:21:54,460 Oh, I know, I know. 341 00:21:57,239 --> 00:22:00,646 You know? I'm glad that you've, uh, dropped in. 342 00:22:02,002 --> 00:22:04,888 No one else compels me to face the truth. 343 00:22:06,831 --> 00:22:09,960 Well, that's fortunate, because I've come to ask you a question. 344 00:22:11,247 --> 00:22:13,228 When Mrs. Gamart was talking at her party 345 00:22:13,368 --> 00:22:15,696 about the ideal person to run an arts center, 346 00:22:15,835 --> 00:22:18,685 it was you, of course, that she had in mind, wasn't it? 347 00:22:19,380 --> 00:22:20,666 It wasn't me. 348 00:22:21,186 --> 00:22:22,439 Sorry. Violet's party? 349 00:22:26,886 --> 00:22:28,938 Did she expect me just to move out of my house 350 00:22:29,077 --> 00:22:32,344 and, probably, for that matter, out of the town altogether 351 00:22:32,866 --> 00:22:36,550 assuming that you would come to the Old House to... 352 00:22:37,522 --> 00:22:39,295 manage everything? 353 00:22:40,060 --> 00:22:41,625 If she'd been referring me, 354 00:22:41,798 --> 00:22:44,334 I doubt very much that she would have used the word "manage". 355 00:22:50,104 --> 00:22:51,182 Ah... 356 00:22:52,399 --> 00:22:54,484 Do you fancy Nescafe or... 357 00:22:56,988 --> 00:22:57,892 not? 358 00:22:58,133 --> 00:22:59,977 No. No, neither, thank you. 359 00:23:00,219 --> 00:23:01,783 - Are you sure? - Yes. 360 00:23:02,341 --> 00:23:04,806 - Do you mind if I...? - Oh, no, please. 361 00:23:05,572 --> 00:23:08,075 I should probably get going. 362 00:23:08,213 --> 00:23:09,777 Are you? Really? 363 00:23:10,681 --> 00:23:12,975 Yes. Thank you anyway. 364 00:23:13,775 --> 00:23:15,930 Well, it's, um... It's lovely to see you. 365 00:23:22,324 --> 00:23:24,757 Well, from what I've heard, 366 00:23:24,897 --> 00:23:27,573 and practically by chance, you were starting to think twice 367 00:23:27,748 --> 00:23:29,311 about the whole bookshop operation. 368 00:23:29,624 --> 00:23:31,083 Well, then you've heard wrong, 369 00:23:31,223 --> 00:23:32,404 Mr. Thornton. 370 00:23:32,820 --> 00:23:34,976 I am here to demand that all unresolved matters 371 00:23:35,116 --> 00:23:37,061 be resolved as quickly as possible, 372 00:23:37,200 --> 00:23:39,702 so that I might set up the bookshop without further delay. 373 00:23:40,259 --> 00:23:42,519 - But I... I was told that you... - What? 374 00:23:43,005 --> 00:23:44,257 That I'd be leaving the Old House, 375 00:23:44,396 --> 00:23:46,132 which is, by the way, my only home? 376 00:23:46,654 --> 00:23:49,713 There are many other vacant properties in Hardborough 377 00:23:49,853 --> 00:23:53,538 and, as it happens, I have a list of some of the more out of the way ones. 378 00:23:53,675 --> 00:23:55,586 I expect no further delays, Mr. Thornton. 379 00:23:55,726 --> 00:23:57,499 Please have all pending papers sent to me. 380 00:23:57,638 --> 00:24:00,002 And once again, I am ever so grateful for your help. 381 00:25:05,518 --> 00:25:07,395 Is there something I can help you with, boys? 382 00:25:07,570 --> 00:25:10,696 - We are Sea Scouts, ma'am. - Yes, so I see. 383 00:25:10,975 --> 00:25:12,783 And just what is it that you are doing here? 384 00:25:12,921 --> 00:25:14,868 Mr. Raven told us to stop around. 385 00:25:15,043 --> 00:25:16,675 What would you like us to do? 386 00:25:19,386 --> 00:25:21,750 Well, I want all the bookshelves put up in there. 387 00:25:21,890 --> 00:25:23,105 Do you think you can manage that? 388 00:25:23,315 --> 00:25:25,504 How many hand drills can you get us, ma'am? 389 00:25:27,032 --> 00:25:29,536 How long have you been waiting here, in the pouring rain? 390 00:25:31,656 --> 00:25:33,150 If I can find the keys... 391 00:25:33,705 --> 00:25:35,515 Okay, hurry up! 392 00:25:53,761 --> 00:25:58,279 When Mrs. Green opened the first box of books she had ordered, 393 00:25:59,147 --> 00:26:03,248 all the problems and obstacles of those past few days simply vanished. 394 00:26:04,326 --> 00:26:09,053 With each edition, the faces and the words of Mrs. Gamart, 395 00:26:09,540 --> 00:26:10,582 the banker, 396 00:26:11,070 --> 00:26:12,285 her lawyer, 397 00:26:12,807 --> 00:26:14,232 and Milo North 398 00:26:14,719 --> 00:26:16,631 all faded away. 399 00:26:18,473 --> 00:26:19,828 And for a moment, 400 00:26:20,177 --> 00:26:24,382 she felt that her late husband, whom she had loved so dearly, 401 00:26:24,798 --> 00:26:26,953 was with her once again. 402 00:26:35,711 --> 00:26:39,327 And this was her happiest momet in the bookshop. 403 00:27:16,275 --> 00:27:20,168 Very, uh, lonely job, yours. 404 00:27:20,618 --> 00:27:23,781 Oh. Sorry about the waders. 405 00:27:24,894 --> 00:27:26,944 I don't feel in the least bit lonely. 406 00:27:32,053 --> 00:27:34,834 That shelf in there is a fifth of an inch crooked. 407 00:27:35,702 --> 00:27:38,518 And that plastering looks hideous. 408 00:27:39,944 --> 00:27:42,168 You can let them know the next time you see them. 409 00:27:42,759 --> 00:27:45,503 No. No, it all looks wonderful, Mr. Raven. 410 00:27:45,644 --> 00:27:47,765 I couldn't be happier with the work the boys have done, 411 00:27:47,903 --> 00:27:49,119 honestly. 412 00:27:49,641 --> 00:27:52,246 Is that you, Wally? Were your ears burning? 413 00:27:52,698 --> 00:27:54,263 What are you doing here, boy? 414 00:27:54,402 --> 00:27:55,757 I've a message for Mrs. Green. 415 00:27:55,897 --> 00:27:58,643 - From whom? - From Mr. Brundish, Mr. Raven. 416 00:27:59,025 --> 00:28:00,103 What? 417 00:28:00,694 --> 00:28:03,231 He just came out of Holt House and handed you a note? 418 00:28:03,370 --> 00:28:04,829 No, he leaned out of the window 419 00:28:04,968 --> 00:28:08,166 and told me to go and give this to Mrs. Green. 420 00:28:09,349 --> 00:28:11,364 I don't see how this can be for me. 421 00:28:11,885 --> 00:28:13,866 I've never spoken to Mr. Brundish, ever. 422 00:28:14,005 --> 00:28:15,361 I can't believe he even knows my name. 423 00:28:15,500 --> 00:28:17,343 And whenever I run into him on the headland 424 00:28:17,481 --> 00:28:20,435 he always goes off like a shot, as if he's just seen a ghost! 425 00:28:20,574 --> 00:28:22,243 I'm certain he'll know who you are. 426 00:28:22,591 --> 00:28:24,467 He finds out about everything that happens in town. 427 00:28:24,606 --> 00:28:25,821 I don't know how he does it. 428 00:28:26,239 --> 00:28:28,569 Don't you worry about the envelope's black edges? 429 00:28:28,708 --> 00:28:30,446 He ordered those envelopes back around 1919, 430 00:28:30,585 --> 00:28:33,330 when they were all returning from the First War, and... 431 00:28:33,781 --> 00:28:35,972 Mrs. Brundish died... 432 00:28:36,666 --> 00:28:38,405 during their honeymoon. 433 00:28:38,578 --> 00:28:41,151 Oh, yes. How did she die? 434 00:28:42,088 --> 00:28:43,722 She was drowned... 435 00:28:44,869 --> 00:28:46,260 crossing the marshes. 436 00:28:47,269 --> 00:28:49,215 She had gone to pick some blackberries 437 00:28:49,353 --> 00:28:51,369 to bake a pie for Mr. Brundish. 438 00:29:02,595 --> 00:29:03,673 "Dear Madam..." 439 00:29:03,881 --> 00:29:05,619 I would like to wish you well. 440 00:29:06,732 --> 00:29:08,539 Back in my great grandfather's day, 441 00:29:08,677 --> 00:29:10,415 there was a bookseller in the High Street, 442 00:29:10,555 --> 00:29:13,301 who, if my memory serves me correctly, 443 00:29:13,508 --> 00:29:16,359 knocked out one of his customers with a desk pad 444 00:29:16,499 --> 00:29:18,445 when he became annoying. 445 00:29:19,522 --> 00:29:21,328 There'd been some delay in the arrival 446 00:29:21,467 --> 00:29:25,083 of the latest instalment of a new novel, I believe... 447 00:29:26,229 --> 00:29:28,420 I believe it was Dombey and Son. 448 00:29:29,704 --> 00:29:31,199 As of that day, 449 00:29:31,340 --> 00:29:33,113 no one has plucked up courage enough to sell books 450 00:29:33,250 --> 00:29:35,788 in this forsaken coin of the world. 451 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:38,534 This is a great honor you do us. 452 00:29:39,576 --> 00:29:44,268 I should undoubtedly visit your shop one day if I ever went out, 453 00:29:45,034 --> 00:29:48,857 but nowadays I rather make a point of never doing that. 454 00:29:49,725 --> 00:29:51,776 In spite of everything, 455 00:29:51,985 --> 00:29:54,697 should you deem some literary novelty worthy, 456 00:29:54,834 --> 00:29:57,406 please, don't hesitate to send it to me. 457 00:29:58,415 --> 00:30:02,517 In the case of biographies, it's better, I find, 458 00:30:02,655 --> 00:30:05,053 if they are about good people, 459 00:30:05,193 --> 00:30:08,530 whereas novels are much more interesting if they are about nasty people. 460 00:30:09,224 --> 00:30:12,700 Please have the same boy who delivered this letter bring them to me 461 00:30:12,840 --> 00:30:16,211 with a note, obviously, indicating their price. 462 00:30:16,732 --> 00:30:17,880 Yours... 463 00:30:19,200 --> 00:30:20,554 respectfully..." 464 00:30:21,145 --> 00:30:22,501 "...Edmund Brundish". 465 00:30:24,411 --> 00:30:25,907 My first customer. 466 00:30:32,163 --> 00:30:34,424 Come round later and I'll give you a package for Mr. Brundish. 467 00:30:34,563 --> 00:30:35,953 Thank you, Mrs. Green. 468 00:30:43,286 --> 00:30:44,711 You'll probably need a bright young helper 469 00:30:44,851 --> 00:30:47,318 in the afternoons, in case it gets busy. 470 00:30:49,056 --> 00:30:51,246 I was thinking of one of the Gipping girls. 471 00:30:51,384 --> 00:30:53,608 Mrs. Gipping is more or less up to date on the matter, 472 00:30:53,747 --> 00:30:57,083 and I thought about asking her which of her daughters might suit you the best. 473 00:30:57,814 --> 00:31:01,777 I think her youngest, Christine, is the cleverest, 474 00:31:01,917 --> 00:31:04,314 but she probably wouldn't give her up to you 475 00:31:04,453 --> 00:31:05,914 for that precise reason. 476 00:31:34,240 --> 00:31:35,840 Good afternoon, Mr. Thornton. Welcome. 477 00:31:35,978 --> 00:31:37,195 Thank you. 478 00:32:16,748 --> 00:32:18,869 Fahrenheit 451. 479 00:32:20,050 --> 00:32:22,240 What kind of book is this? 480 00:32:33,293 --> 00:32:35,481 You're Christine Gipping, aren't you? 481 00:32:36,490 --> 00:32:39,165 I would have thought your older sister would... 482 00:32:39,304 --> 00:32:41,007 My elder sister spends all her time 483 00:32:41,147 --> 00:32:42,189 with Charlie Cutts. 484 00:32:42,328 --> 00:32:44,483 In fact, on my way over here, 485 00:32:44,622 --> 00:32:47,611 I saw their bikes hidden under fallen leaves, over by the crossroads. 486 00:32:48,133 --> 00:32:50,427 You won't have any trouble like that with me, though. 487 00:32:50,949 --> 00:32:52,791 Those things aren't happening to me yet. 488 00:32:53,103 --> 00:32:54,842 And I find boys to be repulsive. 489 00:32:57,725 --> 00:32:58,699 Um... 490 00:32:59,047 --> 00:33:00,923 And what about your other sister? 491 00:33:01,236 --> 00:33:03,809 She spends all her time at home, minding Margaret and Peter. 492 00:33:04,122 --> 00:33:05,407 They're the little ones. 493 00:33:06,901 --> 00:33:10,307 You mustn't think I don't want to consider you for the job. 494 00:33:10,446 --> 00:33:13,193 It's just that you don't really look old enough... 495 00:33:14,060 --> 00:33:15,103 or strong enough. 496 00:33:15,903 --> 00:33:17,643 That's hard to say after first glance. 497 00:33:18,058 --> 00:33:20,596 You look old, but you don't look strong. 498 00:33:20,804 --> 00:33:23,620 It's all the same anyway. We're all available. 499 00:33:24,349 --> 00:33:27,513 But my elder sister will be absent from work half the time 500 00:33:27,652 --> 00:33:29,772 and the middle one won't show up. 501 00:33:29,910 --> 00:33:31,405 Just a warning. 502 00:33:31,578 --> 00:33:33,803 And I should also let you know I don't like reading. 503 00:33:33,942 --> 00:33:35,751 I like Geography and Maths. 504 00:33:42,388 --> 00:33:45,585 I'll come round this afternoon and discuss things with your mother. 505 00:33:46,178 --> 00:33:49,060 And don't worry, I won't force you to read. 506 00:33:49,063 --> 00:33:50,278 As you wish. 507 00:33:51,008 --> 00:33:53,928 All she'll is that I can work every day after school, and all day Saturday. 508 00:33:54,067 --> 00:33:57,369 And you can't pay me less than twelve shillings and six pence a week. 509 00:33:58,584 --> 00:34:01,086 Oh, and to tell me to shut up if I speak too much. 510 00:34:01,226 --> 00:34:02,547 What about your homework? 511 00:34:02,721 --> 00:34:04,945 Oh, I can do that when I get home, 512 00:34:05,190 --> 00:34:06,302 after tea. 513 00:34:09,707 --> 00:34:11,169 I like your cardigan. 514 00:34:12,731 --> 00:34:14,086 Did you knit that yourself? 515 00:34:14,226 --> 00:34:15,686 It looks like it would've been very difficult. 516 00:34:15,825 --> 00:34:17,320 It was in the magazine Women's Issue, 517 00:34:17,528 --> 00:34:19,857 but the instructions were for short sleeves. 518 00:34:20,934 --> 00:34:23,366 You have no children, Mrs. Green? 519 00:34:23,368 --> 00:34:24,272 No. 520 00:34:26,565 --> 00:34:28,580 - Should I have? - I don't know. 521 00:34:29,101 --> 00:34:32,369 People always say life's passed by women who have no children. 522 00:34:34,525 --> 00:34:36,193 There aren't enough cards on display. 523 00:34:36,541 --> 00:34:38,104 Shall I put some more out? 524 00:34:38,555 --> 00:34:39,807 Hm. 525 00:34:43,144 --> 00:34:48,705 They really should be ordered into romance and nature, or something. 526 00:34:52,876 --> 00:34:54,822 Um, is this what you call romance? 527 00:34:55,065 --> 00:34:56,838 Oh, my God. 528 00:34:56,976 --> 00:34:58,089 What are these? 529 00:34:58,854 --> 00:35:00,523 I haven't even see them before. 530 00:35:00,661 --> 00:35:03,650 Those sales reps really don't know what they're sending you! 531 00:35:03,791 --> 00:35:05,146 We've got to throw them away. 532 00:35:05,284 --> 00:35:07,265 I'm sure there's a few people in this village 533 00:35:07,403 --> 00:35:09,733 who wouldn't mind getting these posted through their letterbox! 534 00:35:09,873 --> 00:35:11,923 You're right. 535 00:35:12,270 --> 00:35:14,598 - What...? - Stop looking at them! 536 00:35:14,739 --> 00:35:15,954 You'll be corrupted! 537 00:35:16,545 --> 00:35:19,256 - Where's the bin? - Don't throw them in the bin! 538 00:35:21,550 --> 00:35:23,567 Come on, have a cup of tea. 539 00:35:28,918 --> 00:35:31,108 Why's Christine so late? 540 00:35:31,559 --> 00:35:34,064 Because she's been working for this lady. 541 00:35:34,342 --> 00:35:35,315 Why? 542 00:35:36,078 --> 00:35:37,677 Because she has a shop full of books 543 00:35:37,817 --> 00:35:39,068 for people to read. 544 00:35:39,207 --> 00:35:40,424 Why? 545 00:35:41,848 --> 00:35:43,343 I don't know. 546 00:35:51,129 --> 00:35:52,901 Good afternoon, Mrs. Gipping. 547 00:35:53,457 --> 00:35:54,778 Come in, Mrs. Green. 548 00:35:54,918 --> 00:35:56,551 Let's have a talk. 549 00:35:57,071 --> 00:36:00,165 I'm not sure if Christine has already spoken to you about the 12 shillings. 550 00:36:00,374 --> 00:36:02,632 Yes. Yes, yes, she did. 551 00:36:14,276 --> 00:36:15,458 "Dear Madam, 552 00:36:15,980 --> 00:36:18,029 Spare yourself the trouble of sending more books of poetry 553 00:36:18,169 --> 00:36:20,254 or spuriously complicated novels. 554 00:36:20,464 --> 00:36:22,931 Please, at your earliest convenience, 555 00:36:23,070 --> 00:36:25,051 send more books by Ray Bradbury. 556 00:36:25,711 --> 00:36:28,560 Yours respectfully, Edmund Brundish." 557 00:36:42,395 --> 00:36:45,835 Very soon, Mrs. Green's business began to thrive. 558 00:36:46,289 --> 00:36:49,658 Her days were fully occupied from morning to night. 559 00:36:50,109 --> 00:36:54,002 And for a short time she forgot about everything concerning Mrs. Gamart 560 00:36:54,142 --> 00:36:58,489 and her plans to turn Old House into an arts center. 561 00:37:16,214 --> 00:37:17,881 - Good morning, Mrs. Green. - Hello, Wally. 562 00:37:18,160 --> 00:37:20,350 Thank you for doing me this favor. 563 00:37:21,010 --> 00:37:21,878 Here you are. 564 00:37:23,199 --> 00:37:25,598 Would you like to come on an outing, Christine? 565 00:37:26,466 --> 00:37:29,074 I can't, we've got a new stock arriving tomorrow. 566 00:37:29,802 --> 00:37:30,916 Okay, then. 567 00:37:31,125 --> 00:37:32,063 Goodbye. 568 00:37:40,160 --> 00:37:42,490 Wouldn't you like to go on an outing? 569 00:37:44,297 --> 00:37:46,903 No. I like Wally, but... 570 00:37:47,841 --> 00:37:50,553 Yes, I know. You did tell me you find boys repulsive. 571 00:37:51,560 --> 00:37:53,159 But, believe me... 572 00:37:55,036 --> 00:37:56,671 you'll get over it. 573 00:37:57,678 --> 00:37:59,173 Yeah, I suppose. 574 00:37:59,486 --> 00:38:02,128 It's just that I prefer to be here, 575 00:38:02,789 --> 00:38:04,283 in the bookshop, with you. 576 00:38:04,804 --> 00:38:06,228 It's fun working here. 577 00:38:07,167 --> 00:38:08,941 Even if I don't like reading. 578 00:38:44,948 --> 00:38:47,346 Mrs. Green, they're dirtying the cards. 579 00:38:49,120 --> 00:38:50,475 We must let them browse. 580 00:38:50,613 --> 00:38:52,664 It's part of the tradition of a bookshop. 581 00:38:52,803 --> 00:38:55,793 Yes, but they leave everything in such a mess, and don't buy anything! 582 00:38:56,383 --> 00:38:57,635 Miss? 583 00:39:08,096 --> 00:39:09,244 Florence. 584 00:39:09,939 --> 00:39:12,476 Mr. North. What a surprise. 585 00:39:13,761 --> 00:39:16,020 Hmm... 586 00:39:16,680 --> 00:39:19,044 It seems Violet isn't going to get her own way. 587 00:39:19,914 --> 00:39:22,695 - Has she stopped by here yet? - We haven't been open very long. 588 00:39:22,832 --> 00:39:25,543 She will. She'll appear, eventually. 589 00:39:25,752 --> 00:39:27,699 She's far too much self-respect not to. 590 00:39:28,150 --> 00:39:33,677 Ah! I'm sure she is simply dying of curiosity. 591 00:39:34,130 --> 00:39:36,805 - She'll be quite welcome. - Are you making any money, yet? 592 00:39:36,944 --> 00:39:38,195 Not yet. 593 00:39:38,333 --> 00:39:39,933 You really need something like this. 594 00:39:41,638 --> 00:39:42,575 This is volume one. 595 00:39:43,235 --> 00:39:45,252 Is there a volume two? 596 00:39:46,398 --> 00:39:49,214 Yes, but I've, um, lent it to someone, 597 00:39:49,353 --> 00:39:50,430 or left it somewhere. 598 00:39:50,813 --> 00:39:53,768 You should keep them together, as a set. 599 00:40:00,683 --> 00:40:02,039 Lolita. 600 00:40:02,908 --> 00:40:04,227 Have you read it? Is it any good? 601 00:40:04,367 --> 00:40:06,141 It'll make you rich, Florence. 602 00:40:06,626 --> 00:40:09,302 Yes but, is it any good? I only stock good novels. They don't move fast, you know? 603 00:40:09,442 --> 00:40:11,423 According to Graham Greene, it is a master piece. 604 00:40:12,083 --> 00:40:14,482 Although there are those who think otherwise. 605 00:40:16,116 --> 00:40:18,409 Thank you for suggesting it, I... 606 00:40:18,931 --> 00:40:22,059 sometimes feel the need of good advice. You're very kind. 607 00:40:23,900 --> 00:40:25,918 You're always making that mistake. 608 00:40:29,845 --> 00:40:31,269 Until next time. 609 00:40:45,484 --> 00:40:48,683 We have the blue one at home. It has Westminster Abbey on it. 610 00:40:49,274 --> 00:40:51,291 But it goes all the way round the tin. 611 00:40:53,688 --> 00:40:55,113 I'll put the heater on. 612 00:40:56,538 --> 00:40:58,935 Mum says those paraffin heaters aren't very safe. 613 00:40:59,944 --> 00:41:04,288 They're not dangerous, as long as you remember to clean them out properly 614 00:41:05,367 --> 00:41:08,529 and don't pour the liquid in from both sides at once. 615 00:41:09,119 --> 00:41:12,422 You must never do that, ever, do you hear me? 616 00:41:14,819 --> 00:41:17,843 I like this old tray. You could leave it to me in your will. 617 00:41:18,018 --> 00:41:19,408 What? 618 00:41:20,069 --> 00:41:22,501 I don't think I really want to start thinking about my will just yet. 619 00:41:24,586 --> 00:41:26,498 But when I do I'll try to remember that. 620 00:41:26,706 --> 00:41:28,861 You will? Are you sure? 621 00:41:30,599 --> 00:41:31,954 Is the tray from Japan? 622 00:41:32,371 --> 00:41:33,728 No, it's... 623 00:41:34,215 --> 00:41:35,882 Chinese lacquer. 624 00:41:37,134 --> 00:41:39,567 My grandfather brought it back from Nanking. 625 00:41:40,678 --> 00:41:42,555 He was a great traveler. 626 00:41:43,182 --> 00:41:46,831 I don't think they even make lacquer like this in China anymore. 627 00:41:48,811 --> 00:41:49,959 Thank you. 628 00:42:03,272 --> 00:42:06,955 I was wondering if you'd like me to help you with your school work or something? 629 00:42:08,136 --> 00:42:11,159 - We could read things together, maybe, or... - There's nothing to read. 630 00:42:11,299 --> 00:42:14,253 They give you some pictures and say: "Which one is the odd one out?" 631 00:42:14,393 --> 00:42:17,069 Or they give some numbers like, um... 632 00:42:17,418 --> 00:42:22,908 ...eight, five, eleven, nine, twenty-two and sixteen, 633 00:42:23,117 --> 00:42:25,168 and you have to say which one comes next. 634 00:42:28,540 --> 00:42:31,077 Can't begin to know which one came next. 635 00:42:33,788 --> 00:42:36,429 - You're not cold, are you? - No. 636 00:42:38,098 --> 00:42:39,558 That Milo is a ferret. 637 00:42:39,905 --> 00:42:42,581 He smiles just like a ferret. I wish he'd just go to hell. 638 00:42:42,721 --> 00:42:44,458 Stop it, Christine! 639 00:42:45,153 --> 00:42:48,247 You're too nice. He's a nasty piece of work. 640 00:42:48,384 --> 00:42:50,644 When I'm older I'm gonna try and be like him. 641 00:42:50,784 --> 00:42:52,245 It's much more practical. 642 00:42:58,327 --> 00:43:00,482 I know you don't like reading, 643 00:43:00,620 --> 00:43:04,651 but there's a book I'm afraid you must read. 644 00:43:05,347 --> 00:43:06,633 What's it about? 645 00:43:06,981 --> 00:43:08,198 It is about... 646 00:43:09,657 --> 00:43:12,369 good pirates and evil children. 647 00:43:12,854 --> 00:43:14,660 Promise me you'll just at least just... 648 00:43:14,870 --> 00:43:16,400 open it one day. 649 00:43:16,644 --> 00:43:19,702 Well, if you let me have the Chinese tray in your will, 650 00:43:19,840 --> 00:43:21,127 I can try. 651 00:43:22,829 --> 00:43:23,733 Deal! 652 00:44:24,280 --> 00:44:25,915 "Dear Mr. Brundish. 653 00:44:26,539 --> 00:44:30,049 Enclosed you will find a copy of a novel that has just been published: 654 00:44:30,328 --> 00:44:31,093 Lolita. 655 00:44:31,614 --> 00:44:33,907 I must confess my bewilderment with it. 656 00:44:34,672 --> 00:44:39,085 I would like to know your sincere opinion of it and ask for a bit of advice: 657 00:44:40,269 --> 00:44:43,571 do you think it is a suitable book to be sold in my bookshop? 658 00:44:44,474 --> 00:44:47,081 Yours sincerely, Florence Green. 659 00:44:47,672 --> 00:44:49,688 P.S. If you do not like the book, 660 00:44:49,825 --> 00:44:51,392 there's no need to pay for it." 661 00:45:09,011 --> 00:45:10,195 Stop it! 662 00:45:11,897 --> 00:45:13,948 Stop it! I surrender! 663 00:45:53,571 --> 00:45:55,726 Hello, Mrs. Gipping. Is everything alright? 664 00:46:00,940 --> 00:46:03,059 I thought you should know as soon as possible. 665 00:46:03,997 --> 00:46:07,508 Mr. Brundish has asked me to deliver him a fruit cake on Sunday. 666 00:46:08,828 --> 00:46:10,705 And he has also asked me to ask you 667 00:46:11,019 --> 00:46:14,217 if you would like to stop by Holt House for tea that same afternoon. 668 00:46:16,997 --> 00:46:18,144 This Sunday? 669 00:46:18,282 --> 00:46:19,499 Why, yes. 670 00:46:20,924 --> 00:46:21,793 Yes. 671 00:46:22,419 --> 00:46:24,123 Yes, all right, I... 672 00:46:24,470 --> 00:46:26,902 Yes, I'll send him a note. Thank you for the message, Mrs. Gipping. 673 00:46:27,042 --> 00:46:29,336 I've never delivered a cake to Mr. Brundish before. 674 00:46:31,769 --> 00:46:33,438 I hope this doesn't become a habit. 675 00:46:40,179 --> 00:46:41,814 Mrs. Green! Is it true? 676 00:46:41,952 --> 00:46:44,210 Are you having tea at Holt House this Sunday? 677 00:46:44,350 --> 00:46:46,505 - Yes, Mrs. Keble, it is true. - Oh! 678 00:46:46,715 --> 00:46:49,147 Is there something I should know before I go there? 679 00:46:49,284 --> 00:46:52,274 - Mrs. Green. - Mrs. Deben, how's Mr. Deben? 680 00:46:52,588 --> 00:46:54,743 Still having trouble finding a buyer for the fish shop, 681 00:46:54,882 --> 00:46:56,306 - I gather? - Poor thing. 682 00:46:56,897 --> 00:47:00,200 I bet the General and Mrs. Gamart are seething about the matter. 683 00:47:00,651 --> 00:47:02,910 They've never been invited to Holt House, you know. 684 00:47:03,119 --> 00:47:04,961 Oh, no, yes, I've heard. 685 00:47:05,344 --> 00:47:07,639 So, Holt House for tea, eh? 686 00:47:07,880 --> 00:47:09,861 He so jealously guards his privacy 687 00:47:10,280 --> 00:47:12,782 after the tragic death of his beloved wife. 688 00:47:17,578 --> 00:47:22,027 Well, I sell him some books, and, um... 689 00:47:22,478 --> 00:47:24,668 ask for advice about the bookshop. 690 00:47:25,084 --> 00:47:26,754 - Did you, now? - Oh, right. 691 00:47:28,249 --> 00:47:29,605 Well... 692 00:47:29,744 --> 00:47:32,316 Well, I should get back there, I suppose. 693 00:47:32,523 --> 00:47:36,173 - Well, it's tipping down, innit? - Cats and dogs! 694 00:47:36,486 --> 00:47:38,642 - Good afternoon. - Good afternoon. 695 00:47:38,779 --> 00:47:40,274 "Advice about the bookshop"? 696 00:47:40,517 --> 00:47:42,359 What does she need advice for? 697 00:48:41,760 --> 00:48:43,776 Hello? 698 00:48:44,993 --> 00:48:46,488 Mr. Brundish? 699 00:49:12,901 --> 00:49:14,882 Come into the dining room. 700 00:50:23,563 --> 00:50:25,579 You asked me a question. 701 00:50:26,550 --> 00:50:27,942 Yes, I did. 702 00:50:28,671 --> 00:50:30,131 About a new novel. 703 00:50:31,175 --> 00:50:34,963 You were thoughtful enough to ask me a serious question, 704 00:50:35,205 --> 00:50:37,744 thinking I would be impartial. 705 00:50:38,611 --> 00:50:42,678 You undoubtedly thought I was quite alone in the world. 706 00:50:43,305 --> 00:50:45,842 Never! I did not for one second... 707 00:50:45,981 --> 00:50:49,457 I imagine you've been told all kinds of things about me. 708 00:50:49,595 --> 00:50:51,716 - All bad. - No. 709 00:50:52,480 --> 00:50:53,557 Really! 710 00:50:53,976 --> 00:50:56,234 I am a widower, I'm sure you've been told. 711 00:50:56,373 --> 00:50:58,842 I imagine you've also been told that my wife died 712 00:50:58,979 --> 00:51:01,551 whilst gathering blackberries to make me a pie, 713 00:51:01,691 --> 00:51:06,071 which is the latest version going around town. 714 00:51:06,208 --> 00:51:07,566 Well, uh, 715 00:51:07,703 --> 00:51:10,936 none that have been circulating are true. 716 00:51:13,370 --> 00:51:15,003 - She didn't drown? - No. 717 00:51:16,636 --> 00:51:17,993 Um... 718 00:51:18,478 --> 00:51:21,189 In the sixth month of our marriage, 719 00:51:21,328 --> 00:51:24,352 we both, having been best of friends, 720 00:51:25,081 --> 00:51:26,610 decided that 721 00:51:26,751 --> 00:51:30,019 a friendly separation would be for the best. 722 00:51:30,818 --> 00:51:31,929 She lives in London. 723 00:51:32,590 --> 00:51:34,745 I haven't seen her for 45 years, 724 00:51:34,884 --> 00:51:38,326 but according to my information, she's still in very good health. 725 00:51:39,749 --> 00:51:41,557 Although apparently... 726 00:51:41,939 --> 00:51:45,310 she's put on quite a lot of weight. 727 00:51:46,910 --> 00:51:48,856 She always loved sweets, 728 00:51:49,170 --> 00:51:54,695 although I can ever remember her baking a cake in her life. 729 00:51:57,024 --> 00:51:59,840 I suppose for the people of Hardborough it is more picturesque 730 00:51:59,977 --> 00:52:04,774 to imagine Holt House inhabited by a mourning widower. 731 00:52:05,088 --> 00:52:09,361 As you already know, literature has done a lot of damage. 732 00:52:10,405 --> 00:52:13,324 Those damned Bronte sisters, for example, 733 00:52:13,638 --> 00:52:16,557 by whom you have not included a single copy 734 00:52:16,695 --> 00:52:20,206 in those packages to me, for which I am ever so grateful. 735 00:52:20,833 --> 00:52:23,405 I imagined you would have read them already. 736 00:52:25,454 --> 00:52:29,625 One of the Gipping girls, the third one, 737 00:52:30,148 --> 00:52:32,267 lends you a hand in your shop, I believe. 738 00:52:32,406 --> 00:52:35,048 And that is all the assistance you have at your disposal. 739 00:52:35,501 --> 00:52:38,733 I have a bookkeeper who comes in from time to time, and... 740 00:52:38,942 --> 00:52:40,330 then there's my solicitor. 741 00:52:40,540 --> 00:52:43,425 Tom Thornton. You won't get very far with that one. 742 00:52:44,780 --> 00:52:47,527 I can't say I'm very fond of Mr. Thornton. 743 00:52:51,349 --> 00:52:52,739 You know, Mr. Brundish, 744 00:52:53,711 --> 00:52:59,413 there is a certain responsibility about trying to run a bookshop. 745 00:53:01,638 --> 00:53:02,889 I imagine there is. 746 00:53:03,479 --> 00:53:06,259 Especially if not everyone approves of it. 747 00:53:06,921 --> 00:53:09,632 There are certain people, 748 00:53:09,771 --> 00:53:13,038 who are rather put out by your bookshop. 749 00:53:13,559 --> 00:53:17,521 Mrs. Green, I refer to Violet Gamart, 750 00:53:18,147 --> 00:53:20,268 who had other plans for the Old House, 751 00:53:20,406 --> 00:53:24,682 and who now, it seems, has taken further offence to something. 752 00:53:25,828 --> 00:53:27,356 I'm sure that she... 753 00:53:28,121 --> 00:53:30,519 means well. 754 00:53:30,868 --> 00:53:34,240 Means well? Violet Gamart? 755 00:53:35,733 --> 00:53:36,880 That harpy? 756 00:53:38,515 --> 00:53:40,322 What she wants is an... 757 00:53:40,600 --> 00:53:42,442 arts center. 758 00:53:43,414 --> 00:53:47,794 Now I ask you, what the hell does this damned village need with an arts center? 759 00:53:47,933 --> 00:53:50,227 And how could art have a center? 760 00:53:50,366 --> 00:53:52,521 But she's got it into her head that it does, 761 00:53:52,660 --> 00:53:56,240 and that's the reason she wants to get rid of you, and she won't stop... 762 00:53:56,727 --> 00:53:58,048 until she does. 763 00:54:00,861 --> 00:54:02,219 She can't do that. 764 00:54:03,261 --> 00:54:05,660 It's my bookshop. It's my home. 765 00:54:07,709 --> 00:54:10,872 People like Violet Gamart... 766 00:54:11,672 --> 00:54:14,245 have made me what I am, Mrs. Green. 767 00:54:15,008 --> 00:54:17,893 Thanks to her connections and acquaintances, 768 00:54:18,102 --> 00:54:22,621 Mrs. Gamart is a very powerful woman, does that not concern you? 769 00:54:29,294 --> 00:54:30,545 No. 770 00:54:35,202 --> 00:54:37,983 May I get back to the reason for my visit? 771 00:54:40,624 --> 00:54:45,038 I am thinking of making a first order of Lolita... 772 00:54:45,734 --> 00:54:49,383 of 250 copies, which would be a considerable risk. 773 00:54:50,497 --> 00:54:54,561 Of course I'm not consulting you in a business sense, that would quite wrong. 774 00:54:54,735 --> 00:54:57,065 All I want to know before I put in the order 775 00:54:57,204 --> 00:55:00,088 is whether you think it is a good book, 776 00:55:00,957 --> 00:55:06,241 and whether you think it is right that I should sell it in Hardborough. 777 00:55:08,466 --> 00:55:12,636 I do not attach as much importance as you do, I dare say, 778 00:55:13,157 --> 00:55:15,555 to the notions of right and wrong. 779 00:55:16,494 --> 00:55:19,621 I have read Lolita, as you asked me to. 780 00:55:20,213 --> 00:55:21,811 It is a good book, 781 00:55:22,298 --> 00:55:24,904 and therefore I think you should try and sell it to the people of Hardborough. 782 00:55:25,044 --> 00:55:27,685 They won't understand it, but that's all for the best. 783 00:55:28,173 --> 00:55:30,294 Understanding makes the mind lazy. 784 00:55:56,638 --> 00:55:57,611 Thank you. 785 00:56:08,039 --> 00:56:09,984 Thank you, Mr. Brundish. 786 00:56:13,391 --> 00:56:15,302 Well, I've given you my opinion. 787 00:56:16,971 --> 00:56:20,064 Let me tell you what it is I admire 788 00:56:20,620 --> 00:56:22,184 about human beings. 789 00:56:23,089 --> 00:56:25,138 What I value most 790 00:56:25,938 --> 00:56:29,344 is the one virtue they share with gods and animals, 791 00:56:29,727 --> 00:56:35,080 and which I will therefore no longer refer to as a virtue. 792 00:56:35,219 --> 00:56:36,156 I mean... 793 00:56:38,172 --> 00:56:39,076 courage. 794 00:56:41,057 --> 00:56:42,901 And you, Mrs. Green... 795 00:56:44,533 --> 00:56:48,566 possess that quality in abundance. 796 00:56:53,153 --> 00:56:54,440 I would like... 797 00:56:56,420 --> 00:56:57,984 I would like to help. 798 00:57:02,919 --> 00:57:04,416 You make me believe... 799 00:57:06,014 --> 00:57:08,204 once more, in things... 800 00:57:11,366 --> 00:57:14,633 things I thought forgotten. 801 00:57:39,205 --> 00:57:42,404 Thank you for the tea, Mr. Brundish. Everything was delicious. 802 00:57:43,202 --> 00:57:44,802 Well, please... 803 00:57:45,601 --> 00:57:47,964 come again when you wish. 804 00:57:48,417 --> 00:57:50,051 And good luck with, um... 805 00:57:51,128 --> 00:57:52,135 Lolita. 806 00:57:53,630 --> 00:57:55,021 Yes, thank you. 807 00:57:55,542 --> 00:57:58,288 I mustn't let myself worry. "Where there's life, there's hope." 808 00:57:58,427 --> 00:58:01,833 God! What a horrifying thought. 809 00:58:07,950 --> 00:58:09,446 Yes. 810 00:58:12,780 --> 00:58:14,068 Thank you... 811 00:58:15,109 --> 00:58:17,125 for your advice, Mr. Brundish. 812 00:58:17,472 --> 00:58:18,725 My pleasure. 813 00:58:21,367 --> 00:58:24,910 Do you think Dandelion Wine will be coming soon? 814 00:58:25,780 --> 00:58:29,813 I must say I can't thank you enough for introducing me to Ray Bradbury. 815 00:58:30,716 --> 00:58:32,802 I'll have Wally bring it round. 816 00:58:35,999 --> 00:58:39,058 Or maybe I will bring it... 817 00:58:41,073 --> 00:58:42,011 to you. 818 00:58:45,765 --> 00:58:46,913 Well... 819 00:58:47,920 --> 00:58:49,450 I would like that very much. 820 00:59:32,863 --> 00:59:35,330 We've never had so many of the same one before. 821 00:59:37,657 --> 00:59:39,223 Such a long one! 822 00:59:40,369 --> 00:59:42,279 This book is already famous, Christine. 823 00:59:42,419 --> 00:59:44,226 Everybody has heard of it. 824 00:59:44,677 --> 00:59:49,023 Though I don't suppose they ever expected to be able to buy it here in Hardborough. 825 00:59:50,274 --> 00:59:53,750 What they won't expect is to find two hundred and fifty copies. 826 00:59:59,276 --> 01:00:01,397 You've really lost your head over this one. 827 01:00:03,343 --> 01:00:06,228 "4th of September, 1959: 828 01:00:06,471 --> 01:00:08,314 Dear Mrs. Green, 829 01:00:09,634 --> 01:00:13,944 I have in my possession a letter from John Drury & Co..." 830 01:00:15,855 --> 01:00:19,471 "...legal representatives of Mrs. Violet Gamart of The Stead, 831 01:00:20,547 --> 01:00:25,067 to the effect that the current state of your window display 832 01:00:25,206 --> 01:00:28,473 is attracting rather undesirable attention 833 01:00:28,646 --> 01:00:32,260 from both potential and actual customers. 834 01:00:33,233 --> 01:00:35,528 Their client likewise assures 835 01:00:35,668 --> 01:00:38,518 that she feels personally affronted 836 01:00:38,655 --> 01:00:43,000 by the fact that she, in her position as Justice of the Peace 837 01:00:43,141 --> 01:00:46,338 and Chairman of numerous committees, list enclosed herewith, 838 01:00:46,511 --> 01:00:50,648 must carry out her shopping expeditiously." 839 01:00:52,453 --> 01:00:53,845 "Dear Mr. Thornton, 840 01:00:54,436 --> 01:00:56,625 You have been my solicitor now for several years, 841 01:00:56,764 --> 01:00:59,093 which allows me to infer that 'acting for me' 842 01:00:59,302 --> 01:01:02,742 means 'acting energetically on my behalf.' 843 01:01:03,125 --> 01:01:05,802 Have you even seen the window display for yourself?" 844 01:01:07,331 --> 01:01:09,069 "Dear Mrs. Green, 845 01:01:09,207 --> 01:01:11,709 in response to your missive of the 5th of September, 846 01:01:12,440 --> 01:01:14,872 I have attempted on two occasions 847 01:01:15,011 --> 01:01:16,680 to approach your shop window, 848 01:01:17,548 --> 01:01:20,294 but found it impossible. People from all around..." 849 01:01:20,433 --> 01:01:22,309 - Understood? - Yes, Mrs. Green. 850 01:01:22,692 --> 01:01:24,189 "Dear Mr. Thornton, 851 01:01:24,986 --> 01:01:27,036 What exactly is your advice, then? 852 01:01:27,767 --> 01:01:30,234 Yours truly, Florence Green." 853 01:01:31,452 --> 01:01:34,164 "I think we should eliminate the agglomeration. 854 01:01:34,303 --> 01:01:37,466 Stop your customers from assembling 855 01:01:37,604 --> 01:01:40,036 in the narrowest part of the High Street 856 01:01:40,176 --> 01:01:42,296 before any formal complaint is made. 857 01:01:42,678 --> 01:01:45,284 And I also think we should put an end 858 01:01:45,424 --> 01:01:50,776 to the sale of this banal and sensationalistic novel by V. Nabokov 859 01:01:50,916 --> 01:01:54,148 that has given rise to so many complaints." 860 01:01:55,018 --> 01:01:56,652 Yes, Mrs. Green. 861 01:02:00,022 --> 01:02:01,760 "Dear Mr. Thornton, 862 01:02:02,142 --> 01:02:04,471 a good book is the precious distillation of a master's spirit, 863 01:02:04,609 --> 01:02:08,469 embalmed and preserved for the purpose of achieving a life beyond life, 864 01:02:08,606 --> 01:02:12,779 which is why it is undoubtedly a necessary commodity. 865 01:02:12,917 --> 01:02:15,628 Yours sincerely, Florence Green." 866 01:02:16,914 --> 01:02:18,373 "Dear Madam. 867 01:02:18,755 --> 01:02:21,954 With regard to your request for an express prohibition 868 01:02:22,094 --> 01:02:24,318 concerning Mrs. Florence Green..." 869 01:02:24,456 --> 01:02:28,697 "Dear Madam, with regard to your request..." 870 01:02:29,288 --> 01:02:34,745 "...we regret to inform you that, after having been duly advised... 871 01:02:34,918 --> 01:02:37,280 It would be best to drop this matter, 872 01:02:38,184 --> 01:02:42,981 as the reported crowds seem to have been curbed by the local police." 873 01:02:45,867 --> 01:02:48,266 "My deepest, deepest apologies, Mrs. Gamart". 874 01:03:10,371 --> 01:03:12,176 Why won't you come to London? 875 01:03:12,629 --> 01:03:14,054 I can't think of anything worse than living in London! 876 01:03:14,194 --> 01:03:15,967 You know how I feel about people. 877 01:03:16,105 --> 01:03:17,670 I mean, look at this, look at this! 878 01:03:17,809 --> 01:03:20,172 - It's absolutely stunning! - Well, I'm not staying here. 879 01:03:20,518 --> 01:03:22,013 What do you mean you're not staying... 880 01:03:22,153 --> 01:03:23,127 Where are you going? 881 01:03:23,265 --> 01:03:24,724 Oh, for goodness sake! 882 01:03:24,864 --> 01:03:28,235 Do you have to just keep storming off like a...? 883 01:03:40,226 --> 01:03:42,416 I'm just sick of people like Violet! 884 01:03:42,556 --> 01:03:44,467 - What? - I can't take it anymore, Milo! 885 01:03:44,709 --> 01:03:47,803 Wait. Just be careful, otherwise you're gonna slip! 886 01:03:48,082 --> 01:03:49,194 Hold on. Wait! 887 01:03:49,401 --> 01:03:50,688 Oh! 888 01:03:51,105 --> 01:03:53,468 What on earth are you doing sitting there, Florence? 889 01:03:54,338 --> 01:03:57,049 I... I don't know why I go out for walks. 890 01:03:57,188 --> 01:03:59,585 Walks are for pensioners, and I should get to work. 891 01:03:59,725 --> 01:04:01,046 Is there room on that step for me? 892 01:04:01,185 --> 01:04:03,515 - Oh, yes, of course. - I'm Kattie, Mrs. Green. 893 01:04:03,686 --> 01:04:05,877 - Florence. - Milo's told me so much about you. 894 01:04:06,017 --> 01:04:09,735 Kattie wouldn't believe that there were any nice spots in Hardborough, 895 01:04:09,874 --> 01:04:13,246 so I brought her out here to see for herself. 896 01:04:13,731 --> 01:04:16,617 And what is it that you do at the BBC, Kattie? 897 01:04:16,756 --> 01:04:18,702 - I work for the RPD... - Oh. 898 01:04:18,842 --> 01:04:20,753 Recorded Programs Department. 899 01:04:20,963 --> 01:04:23,568 Monitoring expenses... Not exactly exciting. 900 01:04:23,706 --> 01:04:25,133 Well... 901 01:04:25,271 --> 01:04:27,669 We've just been for lunch with Violet Gamart. 902 01:04:28,296 --> 01:04:30,972 We gave her a chance to not disapprove of us. 903 01:04:31,458 --> 01:04:33,753 Mrs. Gamart was very kind. 904 01:04:34,828 --> 01:04:36,081 Well, not really. 905 01:04:36,395 --> 01:04:38,967 I don't like kind people. 906 01:04:39,557 --> 01:04:41,504 Yeah, except for Florence. 907 01:04:42,824 --> 01:04:44,250 Don't flatter me. 908 01:04:51,373 --> 01:04:54,780 I get the feeling that you work less and less every day. 909 01:04:55,442 --> 01:04:56,900 Don't forget the BBC is a Corporation, 910 01:04:57,040 --> 01:04:59,681 and that your salary is paid for with public funding. 911 01:04:59,821 --> 01:05:01,071 Kattie deals with that. 912 01:05:01,383 --> 01:05:03,573 She is in charge of my expenses sheet. 913 01:05:06,668 --> 01:05:08,579 Well... 914 01:05:09,379 --> 01:05:11,047 Are you not cold, my darling? 915 01:05:11,325 --> 01:05:14,523 Perhaps it's time we ought to tootle off back to our humble abode 916 01:05:15,044 --> 01:05:17,964 and leave Florence alone, lost in her thoughts. 917 01:05:19,701 --> 01:05:21,752 I think I'll stay here a little longer. 918 01:05:22,170 --> 01:05:23,594 As long as I'm not bothering you. 919 01:05:23,732 --> 01:05:25,680 No, not at all. 920 01:05:44,482 --> 01:05:46,359 Milo told me you're a widow. 921 01:05:46,638 --> 01:05:48,549 Yes. Yes, I am. 922 01:05:49,174 --> 01:05:50,495 "A Widow". 923 01:05:51,574 --> 01:05:55,988 Such a strange, dark word, don't you think? 924 01:05:57,691 --> 01:05:59,740 My husband died, um... 925 01:05:59,949 --> 01:06:01,375 sixteen years ago. 926 01:06:04,190 --> 01:06:05,614 How did you meet? 927 01:06:06,310 --> 01:06:09,752 We met at a bookshop, actually. In London. 928 01:06:13,679 --> 01:06:16,042 We were in love from the first moment, 929 01:06:16,529 --> 01:06:18,302 We had to organize the, um... 930 01:06:18,545 --> 01:06:22,924 Organize and classify the poetry section together at Muller's. 931 01:06:29,283 --> 01:06:31,266 He used to read aloud to me every night. 932 01:06:32,378 --> 01:06:35,715 Pepys and George Eliot, and Thackeray... 933 01:06:36,826 --> 01:06:39,954 "Never give a lady a restive horse". 934 01:06:43,152 --> 01:06:44,856 We loved that one. 935 01:06:47,845 --> 01:06:49,513 We were very happy... 936 01:06:50,347 --> 01:06:53,510 Busy doing a million things and... Nothing. 937 01:06:54,692 --> 01:06:56,080 And then the war came. 938 01:06:56,603 --> 01:06:59,975 But I still have his letters, all his letters, and I... 939 01:07:00,426 --> 01:07:02,406 I can still... 940 01:07:03,589 --> 01:07:07,134 hear his voice in my head when I read them. 941 01:07:11,061 --> 01:07:13,740 Milo didn't do you justice when he described you to me. 942 01:07:13,981 --> 01:07:17,074 Oh, dear. Spare me from Milo's appraisal, 943 01:07:17,214 --> 01:07:19,369 I don't think I want to know what he thinks of me. 944 01:07:19,542 --> 01:07:22,045 I still don't know what he thinks of me. 945 01:07:24,200 --> 01:07:26,356 Or if he feels something for me. 946 01:07:27,883 --> 01:07:30,456 Or, for that matter, if he feels anything at all. 947 01:07:33,446 --> 01:07:35,254 I guess that's part of his thing. 948 01:07:36,886 --> 01:07:38,903 Keeping you guessing all the time. 949 01:07:41,440 --> 01:07:42,481 You know what they say: 950 01:07:43,316 --> 01:07:45,053 with that kind of man, you'll never know whether 951 01:07:45,193 --> 01:07:47,418 he's hiding a rich inner world, or... 952 01:07:49,156 --> 01:07:50,617 absolutely nothing. 953 01:07:56,523 --> 01:07:58,331 He will never read aloud to me. 954 01:08:10,878 --> 01:08:12,235 Aunt Vi! 955 01:08:20,229 --> 01:08:24,364 So your bill is already having its third reading. Excellent! 956 01:08:24,503 --> 01:08:28,119 And I have you to thank for all your inspiration, Aunt Vi. 957 01:08:28,430 --> 01:08:29,856 Whatever do you mean? 958 01:08:30,066 --> 01:08:32,290 The idea came to me during your party last spring. 959 01:08:32,532 --> 01:08:35,208 Your wonderful campaign in favor of an arts center 960 01:08:35,348 --> 01:08:37,536 could become a reality with a bill like this. 961 01:08:37,780 --> 01:08:40,526 And other communities could benefit as well from... 962 01:08:40,873 --> 01:08:43,168 philanthropists such as yourself. 963 01:08:43,828 --> 01:08:46,819 Well, I've only done what I felt was right. 964 01:08:49,284 --> 01:08:51,648 The Access to Places of Public Value Bill 965 01:08:51,786 --> 01:08:55,783 will make sure that town councils can acquire their historic properties 966 01:08:55,923 --> 01:08:58,008 by compulsory purchase for public use. 967 01:08:58,357 --> 01:09:00,269 - Isn't it wonderful? - Oh, 968 01:09:00,546 --> 01:09:02,771 I'm sure your father is smiling down on us from heaven 969 01:09:02,910 --> 01:09:04,788 with great pride at this very moment. 970 01:09:04,926 --> 01:09:07,775 I'm so glad we arranged to meet today, of all days. 971 01:09:07,916 --> 01:09:10,418 Precisely when the bill has been approved. 972 01:09:11,806 --> 01:09:13,649 Do you fancy fish for lunch? 973 01:09:13,824 --> 01:09:15,596 I know a wonderful place around the corner. 974 01:09:15,803 --> 01:09:18,653 I'm afraid living in Hardborough puts you off eating fish anywhere else. 975 01:09:18,794 --> 01:09:20,427 It's so fresh down there! 976 01:09:20,566 --> 01:09:21,888 It's so true. 977 01:09:22,165 --> 01:09:23,521 A spot of tea, then? 978 01:09:24,076 --> 01:09:25,294 Perfect. 979 01:09:25,606 --> 01:09:27,761 Then I shall continue with what I was doing. 980 01:09:28,039 --> 01:09:30,854 I have a sick friend who needs my attention. 981 01:09:31,132 --> 01:09:34,018 You're such a wonderful and generous woman, Aunt Vi. 982 01:09:40,899 --> 01:09:43,576 - -MRS. - Carry on with your work. 983 01:09:43,715 --> 01:09:45,105 Heads down. 984 01:09:46,495 --> 01:09:49,832 Eyes down. Keep... On with your work. 985 01:09:54,524 --> 01:09:56,402 No need to get up, children. 986 01:09:57,304 --> 01:09:58,521 I'm the Inspector. 987 01:09:58,660 --> 01:09:59,981 No, you're not. 988 01:10:01,197 --> 01:10:04,326 I'm sorry, I... I don't believe I know you. 989 01:10:04,639 --> 01:10:05,611 Mrs. Traill. 990 01:10:05,924 --> 01:10:07,210 The name is Sheppard. 991 01:10:07,801 --> 01:10:10,130 If you would be so kind, you may examine my certificate 992 01:10:10,270 --> 01:10:12,249 from the Ministry of Education Authority, 993 01:10:12,493 --> 01:10:15,378 which authorizes me, under the Shops Act of 1950, 994 01:10:15,829 --> 01:10:19,235 to visit any school where I have cause to believe 995 01:10:19,375 --> 01:10:20,766 that there are children studying 996 01:10:20,903 --> 01:10:23,232 who also engage in some sort of work. 997 01:10:23,372 --> 01:10:24,624 Work? 998 01:10:24,867 --> 01:10:26,848 I can assure you they'd all love to have a job, 999 01:10:27,508 --> 01:10:30,288 but outside of family businesses and newspaper deliveries, 1000 01:10:30,427 --> 01:10:32,617 you tell me what else awaits them out there. 1001 01:10:33,000 --> 01:10:34,217 And by the way, 1002 01:10:34,598 --> 01:10:37,518 I don't remember you ever visiting here before. 1003 01:10:37,830 --> 01:10:40,959 Well, due to staff shortages, our visits are not quite as frequent 1004 01:10:41,097 --> 01:10:42,594 as we would like them to be. 1005 01:10:43,289 --> 01:10:45,340 So who suggested you come this time? 1006 01:10:53,436 --> 01:10:58,094 There is only one who has a steady job after school. 1007 01:10:59,519 --> 01:11:02,197 Christine Gipping, who works regularly. 1008 01:11:02,960 --> 01:11:03,829 Where? 1009 01:11:06,401 --> 01:11:08,313 At the Old House bookshop. 1010 01:11:10,121 --> 01:11:11,684 Stand up, Christine. 1011 01:11:15,091 --> 01:11:17,107 If you'll excuse me. 1012 01:11:17,836 --> 01:11:19,019 This is the girl. 1013 01:11:19,158 --> 01:11:21,000 Miss, would you mind coming with me? 1014 01:11:32,086 --> 01:11:33,373 Good day. 1015 01:11:33,825 --> 01:11:34,833 Good day. 1016 01:11:53,045 --> 01:11:55,722 I don't want you to think I hold anything against you. 1017 01:11:56,277 --> 01:11:57,458 The law is the law. 1018 01:11:57,598 --> 01:11:59,336 That's the main thing I came to say. 1019 01:12:04,620 --> 01:12:06,288 Experience is important. 1020 01:12:06,913 --> 01:12:10,041 The dropouts all say they won't hire us without experience, but where can we get it? 1021 01:12:10,284 --> 01:12:13,031 But we always tell Christine that if she needs references 1022 01:12:13,170 --> 01:12:14,734 she only has to come to you. 1023 01:12:15,498 --> 01:12:18,626 Yes, of course. All she has to do is ask. 1024 01:12:19,599 --> 01:12:22,727 Christine's a wonderful girl, Mrs. Gipping, and I'm... 1025 01:12:23,770 --> 01:12:26,517 very, very, very fond of her. 1026 01:12:28,498 --> 01:12:32,842 But now she'll have an opportunity to concentrate on her studies. 1027 01:12:33,920 --> 01:12:35,866 She doesn't want to give up earning money. 1028 01:12:36,144 --> 01:12:37,917 No, of course not, but... 1029 01:12:38,681 --> 01:12:40,975 I suppose after what happened at the school, it's... 1030 01:12:41,115 --> 01:12:43,026 Well, we've been looking round a bit. 1031 01:12:43,304 --> 01:12:45,980 And we hope they'll be hiring her to work on Saturdays at the new bookshop. 1032 01:12:51,784 --> 01:12:53,141 New bookshop? 1033 01:12:53,452 --> 01:12:56,339 Yes, they will open very soon, you know, in Deben's. 1034 01:12:57,624 --> 01:12:58,980 The fish shop. 1035 01:13:10,170 --> 01:13:12,256 I had no idea. 1036 01:13:12,394 --> 01:13:15,107 You really must keep an eye on the competition, Mrs. Green. 1037 01:13:17,086 --> 01:13:19,207 You'll give Christine those references, won't you? 1038 01:13:21,535 --> 01:13:23,934 She had no way of knowing this, 1039 01:13:24,559 --> 01:13:28,800 but the new bookshop was not an enterprise like her own, 1040 01:13:29,391 --> 01:13:31,059 but an investment, 1041 01:13:31,304 --> 01:13:33,876 by the simple-minded Lord Gosfield, 1042 01:13:34,014 --> 01:13:38,463 on the advice of the General and Mrs. Gamart. 1043 01:13:50,558 --> 01:13:54,174 - Thank you for coming, Mrs. Green. - No need to thank me, Mr. Keble. 1044 01:13:55,980 --> 01:13:58,553 Do you realize how very little working capital 1045 01:13:58,727 --> 01:14:00,152 - you have at present? - Yes. 1046 01:14:00,291 --> 01:14:01,750 It's rather difficult not to notice. 1047 01:14:01,890 --> 01:14:03,766 I'd dare say things have taken quite a dip 1048 01:14:03,904 --> 01:14:05,711 in your business of late, haven't they? 1049 01:14:06,755 --> 01:14:08,771 But I thought you might like to know 1050 01:14:08,909 --> 01:14:11,344 there's a possible buyer for your shop. 1051 01:14:14,158 --> 01:14:15,515 Thank you very much. 1052 01:14:22,118 --> 01:14:23,092 Mr. Keble... 1053 01:14:23,752 --> 01:14:26,532 The shop is not for sale. 1054 01:14:27,401 --> 01:14:28,826 Message received. 1055 01:14:29,485 --> 01:14:30,632 Thank you for coming. 1056 01:14:30,911 --> 01:14:33,763 It has been an incalculable help. 1057 01:14:50,202 --> 01:14:51,106 Well... 1058 01:14:54,406 --> 01:14:56,005 I really shall miss you. 1059 01:14:57,848 --> 01:14:59,550 I don't want to go, you know? 1060 01:15:00,210 --> 01:15:02,297 I don't want to work in that other bookshop. 1061 01:15:03,234 --> 01:15:05,321 My mother, she simply doesn't understand... 1062 01:15:05,459 --> 01:15:08,726 No, please. You mustn't worry about that. 1063 01:15:09,282 --> 01:15:10,429 How can I not worry? 1064 01:15:10,673 --> 01:15:13,070 You can't run this place by yourself. 1065 01:15:13,593 --> 01:15:15,644 And no one in this village will help you. 1066 01:15:17,936 --> 01:15:18,979 No, I... 1067 01:15:19,327 --> 01:15:22,666 I shall manage, absolutely. I... I shall manage. 1068 01:15:26,036 --> 01:15:27,773 I do hope you'll come by 1069 01:15:28,260 --> 01:15:30,693 from time to time, in the evenings, and... 1070 01:15:30,971 --> 01:15:32,432 I won't have the time. 1071 01:15:35,176 --> 01:15:36,567 Yes. No. 1072 01:15:37,818 --> 01:15:40,114 No, of course you'll be... You'll be busy. 1073 01:15:43,518 --> 01:15:46,299 I... I've got something for you. 1074 01:15:51,825 --> 01:15:54,190 Now you won't have to wait until my funeral. 1075 01:15:58,185 --> 01:15:59,751 You're so kind, Mrs. Green. 1076 01:16:03,817 --> 01:16:05,277 You're so bloody kind! 1077 01:16:34,959 --> 01:16:38,192 Good afternoon, Florence... Mrs. Green. 1078 01:16:38,540 --> 01:16:39,930 Mr. Brundish. 1079 01:16:41,527 --> 01:16:44,204 How are things coming along, down there? 1080 01:16:45,803 --> 01:16:47,298 Um... 1081 01:16:50,739 --> 01:16:53,485 I... I think you know as well as I do, don't you? 1082 01:16:54,770 --> 01:16:57,307 Indeed, I do know. Some of it. 1083 01:16:59,393 --> 01:17:01,096 What do you intend to do? 1084 01:17:01,652 --> 01:17:02,800 Do? 1085 01:17:06,378 --> 01:17:08,499 Is there anything I can do? 1086 01:17:09,716 --> 01:17:10,829 Yes. 1087 01:17:19,204 --> 01:17:20,108 No. 1088 01:17:22,402 --> 01:17:23,376 Carry on. 1089 01:17:25,009 --> 01:17:26,921 That's what I was going to do. 1090 01:17:30,015 --> 01:17:31,717 Florence... 1091 01:17:32,864 --> 01:17:36,478 I would very much like to have met you at another time in my life. 1092 01:17:37,381 --> 01:17:39,572 In another life, altogether. 1093 01:17:43,464 --> 01:17:45,341 But I'm going to do what... 1094 01:17:46,036 --> 01:17:49,095 small thing is in my power to help you. 1095 01:17:54,344 --> 01:17:58,584 Mr. Brundish, it's... 1096 01:18:00,391 --> 01:18:02,998 It's very warming to hear and I... 1097 01:18:04,180 --> 01:18:06,961 so appreciate. I, um... 1098 01:18:08,524 --> 01:18:09,636 You mustn't... 1099 01:18:10,088 --> 01:18:11,896 - There's nothing you... - I... 1100 01:18:12,174 --> 01:18:15,927 I will have a word with her. I will talk to that woman. 1101 01:18:16,276 --> 01:18:18,361 She might just listen. She might... 1102 01:18:20,272 --> 01:18:23,054 put an end to this loathsome harassment. 1103 01:18:26,390 --> 01:18:27,954 You'd really do that? 1104 01:18:29,309 --> 01:18:30,630 Really? 1105 01:18:31,428 --> 01:18:33,827 Come out of your seclusion for me? 1106 01:18:34,663 --> 01:18:36,366 Indeed I will. 1107 01:18:38,520 --> 01:18:42,620 I don't know that it shall be of much use, but I'm willing. 1108 01:18:43,838 --> 01:18:46,340 I could just put a bullet through her, but... 1109 01:18:53,465 --> 01:18:56,002 ...I'm not sure that would be to your liking. 1110 01:19:01,043 --> 01:19:03,301 I don't know how to ever thank you. That's... 1111 01:19:04,621 --> 01:19:06,429 That's the most, um... 1112 01:19:09,974 --> 01:19:12,095 noble gesture... 1113 01:19:13,172 --> 01:19:15,327 anyone has ever made for me. 1114 01:20:32,869 --> 01:20:35,234 You work too hard, Florence. 1115 01:20:35,859 --> 01:20:38,431 I try to concentrate. Please, put these down. 1116 01:20:38,570 --> 01:20:41,107 They've only just come in and I haven't checked them yet. 1117 01:20:43,750 --> 01:20:46,704 Surely you have to succeed if you give everything you have. 1118 01:20:47,606 --> 01:20:48,753 I can't see why. 1119 01:20:49,345 --> 01:20:51,916 Everyone gives everything they have, eventually. 1120 01:20:52,682 --> 01:20:55,600 We all die. Dying is hardly success. 1121 01:20:55,740 --> 01:20:58,069 You're too young to bother about dying. 1122 01:20:59,910 --> 01:21:02,240 I believe Kattie might snuff it. 1123 01:21:02,831 --> 01:21:05,369 She... She wastes so much energy. 1124 01:21:05,576 --> 01:21:07,002 How is Kattie? 1125 01:21:08,947 --> 01:21:10,164 No idea. 1126 01:21:12,042 --> 01:21:14,648 As a matter of fact, she's left me. 1127 01:21:16,002 --> 01:21:18,609 She's, uh... She's gone to live with someone else. 1128 01:21:18,889 --> 01:21:19,931 In Wantage. 1129 01:21:21,181 --> 01:21:22,399 She's... 1130 01:21:23,338 --> 01:21:25,005 He works in the World Service. 1131 01:21:29,872 --> 01:21:32,896 I'm opening my heart to you. 1132 01:21:36,718 --> 01:21:38,526 We are having a special moment, aren't we? 1133 01:21:43,114 --> 01:21:46,069 I expect you've told everyone else in Hardborough who'd listen to you. 1134 01:21:46,207 --> 01:21:48,709 But it affects you particularly, 1135 01:21:48,849 --> 01:21:51,700 because I'll have so much more free time as of now. 1136 01:21:52,013 --> 01:21:56,079 I'll be able to work here, part time, as your assistant. 1137 01:21:57,259 --> 01:21:59,485 I guess you must miss that little girl. 1138 01:22:05,671 --> 01:22:07,652 Christine learned a great deal while she was here, 1139 01:22:07,791 --> 01:22:10,189 and she was extremely nice with the customers. 1140 01:22:10,329 --> 01:22:11,928 Not as nice as I can be. 1141 01:22:14,603 --> 01:22:15,785 So, um... 1142 01:22:16,689 --> 01:22:19,226 How much can you pay me? 1143 01:22:26,317 --> 01:22:28,368 I gave Christine twelve shillings and six pence a week, 1144 01:22:28,506 --> 01:22:31,531 and I don't feel able to offer any more than that at the moment. 1145 01:22:31,843 --> 01:22:33,754 If you're interested in the job, you may come by 1146 01:22:33,893 --> 01:22:36,222 in the afternoons for a few weeks and try it out. 1147 01:22:36,363 --> 01:22:37,614 Trial period. 1148 01:22:38,030 --> 01:22:40,081 But please only remember I didn't offer you the job. 1149 01:22:40,219 --> 01:22:42,686 - You asked yourself. - Has anyone ever told you 1150 01:22:42,826 --> 01:22:45,051 you have a marvelous pair of ankles? 1151 01:22:45,573 --> 01:22:47,031 Oh, do shut up. 1152 01:22:48,005 --> 01:22:49,360 Go home! 1153 01:23:11,605 --> 01:23:15,672 "Shower down thy love, O burning bright! 1154 01:23:16,680 --> 01:23:21,406 For one night or the other night Will come the Gardener in white, 1155 01:23:22,796 --> 01:23:26,238 and Gathered flowers are dead." 1156 01:23:26,758 --> 01:23:28,322 Christine! 1157 01:23:28,705 --> 01:23:30,270 You'd better watch out, Mr. North. 1158 01:23:34,822 --> 01:23:39,168 What unpleasant expressions they teach you in that school! 1159 01:23:39,515 --> 01:23:41,461 I didn't come here to see people of... 1160 01:23:41,843 --> 01:23:43,165 your sort. 1161 01:23:47,335 --> 01:23:48,588 Why, um...? 1162 01:23:50,185 --> 01:23:52,654 Why are you not helping Mrs. Green anymore? 1163 01:23:53,488 --> 01:23:54,774 She misses you. 1164 01:23:56,163 --> 01:23:59,049 She's got you, hasn't she? You're always in and out. 1165 01:24:03,844 --> 01:24:05,894 They say they won't let her keep the bookshop. 1166 01:24:06,207 --> 01:24:08,502 "They say"? Who say? You say? 1167 01:24:08,642 --> 01:24:10,102 You know very well who. 1168 01:24:10,796 --> 01:24:12,498 They have other plans for the Old House. 1169 01:24:12,673 --> 01:24:15,558 Why do you even care, you little shrimp? 1170 01:24:16,496 --> 01:24:18,096 They say she can't keep it, 1171 01:24:19,380 --> 01:24:20,561 they'll go after her. 1172 01:24:20,806 --> 01:24:22,127 They'll take her to court. 1173 01:24:22,474 --> 01:24:24,351 She'll have to swear to tell truth, 1174 01:24:24,560 --> 01:24:27,202 the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 1175 01:24:27,444 --> 01:24:31,338 Hm. Well, we must hope that it doesn't come to that. 1176 01:24:32,797 --> 01:24:35,717 I never had time to sit around when I was her assistant. 1177 01:24:36,307 --> 01:24:39,471 No wonder. You're a child. 1178 01:24:40,408 --> 01:24:41,452 Or a woman. 1179 01:24:42,459 --> 01:24:45,344 Neither of them have any idea how to relax. 1180 01:24:46,109 --> 01:24:47,499 You'd just better watch out. 1181 01:24:47,639 --> 01:24:50,384 I've come to get this. It belongs to my mum. 1182 01:25:45,057 --> 01:25:46,414 Thank you. 1183 01:25:54,335 --> 01:25:55,798 Give me a moment. 1184 01:26:22,073 --> 01:26:25,202 What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Brundish. 1185 01:26:25,897 --> 01:26:28,122 Um, please, have a seat. 1186 01:26:31,179 --> 01:26:32,293 Thank you. 1187 01:26:36,880 --> 01:26:38,514 I have come to ask you something. 1188 01:26:38,652 --> 01:26:40,772 I don't know if this is the proper way to do so, 1189 01:26:40,911 --> 01:26:42,442 but I can't think of a better one. 1190 01:26:42,684 --> 01:26:44,874 If you're not in the mood for questions, 1191 01:26:45,013 --> 01:26:46,682 you should say so now. 1192 01:26:48,002 --> 01:26:49,915 Would you like some tea? 1193 01:26:51,165 --> 01:26:54,119 I... I don't want your tea. 1194 01:26:54,813 --> 01:26:57,769 I want you to leave Florence Green alone. 1195 01:26:59,020 --> 01:27:02,044 - Did she ask you to come see me? - Certainly not. 1196 01:27:03,191 --> 01:27:07,048 She's simply a woman who wants to keep a bookshop. 1197 01:27:08,161 --> 01:27:10,073 If Mrs. Green has reason to complain, 1198 01:27:10,210 --> 01:27:12,367 I suppose she should turn to a solicitor. 1199 01:27:12,715 --> 01:27:15,842 Though I believe she's rather given to changing her legal advisors. 1200 01:27:15,980 --> 01:27:19,108 The bookshop is draughty, impossible to mortgage a second time, 1201 01:27:19,248 --> 01:27:20,743 and, from what I've heard, damp. 1202 01:27:20,881 --> 01:27:22,863 Leave her alone. The woman has done nothing to you. 1203 01:27:24,114 --> 01:27:25,504 Has it not occurred to you, 1204 01:27:25,817 --> 01:27:28,458 as someone who must be extremely concerned 1205 01:27:28,772 --> 01:27:31,066 about the welfare and the future of this place, 1206 01:27:31,377 --> 01:27:34,924 that a building of such historical interest could be put to a better use? 1207 01:27:35,306 --> 01:27:38,364 Old age is not the same thing as historical interest. 1208 01:27:38,502 --> 01:27:41,389 Otherwise you and I would be far more interesting than we are. 1209 01:27:41,597 --> 01:27:45,108 I repeat, I want you to leave my friend Florence Green alone. 1210 01:27:45,246 --> 01:27:46,742 Alone! 1211 01:27:52,718 --> 01:27:58,489 Well it appears your friend has failed to take the law into consideration, 1212 01:27:59,149 --> 01:28:02,277 something which I have observed on several occasions. 1213 01:28:02,450 --> 01:28:05,197 If that is the case, I can have nothing to say in the matter. 1214 01:28:05,476 --> 01:28:07,213 The law will have to take its course. 1215 01:28:07,352 --> 01:28:09,785 Are you referring to a law that didn't exist a year ago, 1216 01:28:09,924 --> 01:28:12,739 and that Parliament approved behind our backs? 1217 01:28:13,155 --> 01:28:15,658 I'm talking about an order for compulsory purchase. 1218 01:28:15,798 --> 01:28:17,848 Or an eviction, which is the proper term. 1219 01:28:17,988 --> 01:28:20,802 Did you put your precious nephew up to drafting that bill? 1220 01:28:21,047 --> 01:28:24,730 I won't deny my nephew's bill may affect the bookshop, 1221 01:28:24,870 --> 01:28:28,728 as it is essential the premises must have remained empty for five years. 1222 01:28:28,866 --> 01:28:31,821 That would undoubtedly apply to the Old House. 1223 01:28:32,098 --> 01:28:37,276 But there are so many regulations to be considered, Mr. Brundish. 1224 01:28:38,076 --> 01:28:41,483 Ordinary mortals like myself, and of course like you, 1225 01:28:41,969 --> 01:28:43,846 would hardly know where to begin. 1226 01:28:44,125 --> 01:28:46,627 I am in politics, and subsequently, 1227 01:28:46,767 --> 01:28:48,955 am fairly familiar with bureaucracy, 1228 01:28:49,094 --> 01:28:50,832 but this goes way beyond me. 1229 01:28:51,180 --> 01:28:55,560 We wouldn't even know how to find the right person to write to. 1230 01:28:55,768 --> 01:28:58,791 Madam, I know perfectly well who to write to. 1231 01:28:59,139 --> 01:29:01,885 Over the past years, if I hadn't made it my business to know, 1232 01:29:02,025 --> 01:29:04,458 I would have lost several hundred acres of marshes, 1233 01:29:04,597 --> 01:29:06,751 some farming land and two pumping mills. 1234 01:29:07,132 --> 01:29:10,714 This is why I am certain that, if nothing has been done so far, 1235 01:29:10,852 --> 01:29:13,910 we can still form a common front against them. 1236 01:29:15,302 --> 01:29:18,743 We can certainly think of ways of making the move easier, 1237 01:29:18,882 --> 01:29:20,238 if it is actually made. 1238 01:29:20,757 --> 01:29:23,539 There are still plenty of other places to let 1239 01:29:23,678 --> 01:29:26,457 in larger towns than Hardborough. 1240 01:29:26,598 --> 01:29:28,127 That's not what I'm talking... 1241 01:29:28,266 --> 01:29:31,047 You should be talking about what I am talking about! 1242 01:29:45,157 --> 01:29:47,104 I wish I could do something more. 1243 01:29:50,789 --> 01:29:53,327 I assume, then, that you intend to do nothing. 1244 01:30:01,980 --> 01:30:05,039 But you mustn't speak to me that way, Mr. Brundish. 1245 01:30:08,654 --> 01:30:11,051 You don't realize what you are saying. 1246 01:30:11,956 --> 01:30:14,528 You seem to think I'm an outrageous person. 1247 01:30:15,152 --> 01:30:16,300 Is that it? 1248 01:30:19,635 --> 01:30:21,861 I can't answer that question "yes" or "no." 1249 01:30:22,661 --> 01:30:26,206 I suspect that by "outrageous" you mean "unexpectedly offensive." 1250 01:30:26,345 --> 01:30:29,508 And the truth is that you have been fairly offensive, but also... 1251 01:30:31,941 --> 01:30:34,478 repulsive, Mrs. Gamart. 1252 01:30:35,486 --> 01:30:38,753 That is, you have behaved exactly as I expected. 1253 01:34:22,692 --> 01:34:24,534 Good afternoon, General. 1254 01:34:25,715 --> 01:34:27,768 You wouldn't like a book, would you? 1255 01:34:30,373 --> 01:34:32,217 Not exactly. Um... 1256 01:34:33,640 --> 01:34:35,308 I just came to say... 1257 01:34:37,777 --> 01:34:39,516 A good man has left us. 1258 01:34:45,249 --> 01:34:46,779 I believe... 1259 01:34:47,092 --> 01:34:50,081 you knew Edmund Brundish quite well, did you not? 1260 01:34:51,610 --> 01:34:52,896 I feel as though I did, but... 1261 01:34:53,034 --> 01:34:56,023 Well I never crossed words with him at all. 1262 01:34:57,067 --> 01:34:59,223 He was in the first mess, of course. 1263 01:35:00,647 --> 01:35:02,211 But not in the Suffolks. 1264 01:35:05,200 --> 01:35:07,877 He signed up for the Air Force, I believe. 1265 01:35:10,273 --> 01:35:11,769 He wanted to fly. 1266 01:35:12,951 --> 01:35:14,097 How odd. 1267 01:35:18,025 --> 01:35:21,778 It was also odd that he came to see us that very morning. 1268 01:35:22,508 --> 01:35:26,332 He wanted to speak to your wife, I imagine. 1269 01:35:27,131 --> 01:35:28,348 Yes, you're quite right. 1270 01:35:28,485 --> 01:35:30,642 Violet told me all about it. 1271 01:35:33,909 --> 01:35:37,906 He made a great effort to go see her... 1272 01:35:39,331 --> 01:35:42,007 to congratulate her on her idea. 1273 01:35:45,378 --> 01:35:49,236 I'm referring to the arts center. 1274 01:35:54,345 --> 01:35:56,050 Hm. I'm sorry I... 1275 01:35:56,396 --> 01:35:58,656 didn't get a chance to speak to him. 1276 01:36:01,645 --> 01:36:05,259 I must say, I would never have imagined him 1277 01:36:05,538 --> 01:36:08,215 being interested in art. 1278 01:36:10,542 --> 01:36:11,934 But, well... 1279 01:36:14,922 --> 01:36:17,217 A good man has left us. Hm. 1280 01:36:22,186 --> 01:36:25,593 Anyone could suffer an attack like that, if you, uh... 1281 01:36:26,323 --> 01:36:28,896 If you think about it. Hm. 1282 01:36:34,281 --> 01:36:37,201 You mustn't be late for your lunch party, General. 1283 01:36:40,469 --> 01:36:42,659 Leave my house and don't ever come back. 1284 01:36:45,369 --> 01:36:46,758 And please... 1285 01:36:47,594 --> 01:36:50,930 don't you or your wife ever again malign 1286 01:36:51,348 --> 01:36:53,539 a man who had more dignity... 1287 01:36:54,858 --> 01:36:56,701 sensitivity... 1288 01:36:58,264 --> 01:36:59,377 and compassion, 1289 01:36:59,620 --> 01:37:02,331 than either of you will have in your entire... 1290 01:37:08,031 --> 01:37:09,874 Don't ever say his name again. 1291 01:37:14,529 --> 01:37:15,990 And forget mine. 1292 01:37:22,317 --> 01:37:23,429 But she... 1293 01:37:25,061 --> 01:37:27,114 - Violet... - Leave! 1294 01:37:37,888 --> 01:37:40,528 So it seems that I have been evicted 1295 01:37:40,806 --> 01:37:42,822 by the city of Flintmarket. 1296 01:37:43,031 --> 01:37:45,917 As we mentioned during our last phone conversation, 1297 01:37:46,194 --> 01:37:48,175 it seems there is a new Parliament bill 1298 01:37:48,314 --> 01:37:50,086 l which allows Flintmarket Council 1299 01:37:50,225 --> 01:37:53,145 to take over ownership of the Old House. 1300 01:37:53,424 --> 01:37:54,153 Yes. 1301 01:37:54,744 --> 01:37:57,247 And I should like to know, if I may, 1302 01:37:57,558 --> 01:38:00,930 where the Council obtained the funds necessary 1303 01:38:01,070 --> 01:38:02,391 to throw me out. 1304 01:38:03,154 --> 01:38:05,971 They apparently found a benefactor. 1305 01:38:06,109 --> 01:38:09,169 What concerns me is if the Old House is 1306 01:38:09,306 --> 01:38:11,114 considered to be habitable or not. 1307 01:38:11,532 --> 01:38:14,765 If it turns out that it is unfit for human habitation, 1308 01:38:14,938 --> 01:38:17,163 or indeed subsidence is threatened... 1309 01:38:17,545 --> 01:38:20,326 Well, then it will be impossible to demand compensation. 1310 01:38:20,847 --> 01:38:21,923 You won't see a penny. 1311 01:38:22,549 --> 01:38:26,443 I'm inhabiting it, and I'm still human. 1312 01:38:28,945 --> 01:38:30,543 It's not even as damp as all that. 1313 01:38:30,682 --> 01:38:33,983 In the summer it's really quite dry, and in midwinter it's... 1314 01:38:34,124 --> 01:38:36,453 Here is an inspection of the cellars, 1315 01:38:36,731 --> 01:38:38,190 according to which, 1316 01:38:38,780 --> 01:38:41,457 the property is standing in half an inch of water. 1317 01:38:44,099 --> 01:38:46,776 Sorry, wh... What inspection? I... 1318 01:38:49,000 --> 01:38:51,746 I wasn't informed of any inspection, I don't think. 1319 01:38:51,883 --> 01:38:54,040 Apparently on several occasions 1320 01:38:54,179 --> 01:38:55,985 when you were absent from the property, 1321 01:38:56,125 --> 01:38:58,175 an expert in masonry and plastering, 1322 01:38:58,315 --> 01:39:00,331 a Mr. John Gipping, 1323 01:39:00,817 --> 01:39:05,335 was sent by the council to inspect the condition of the walls and the cellars. 1324 01:39:06,205 --> 01:39:09,228 John Gipping? Christine's father? 1325 01:39:09,992 --> 01:39:12,633 We assume he entered peaceably. 1326 01:39:12,773 --> 01:39:15,138 I don't remember letting him in myself. 1327 01:39:15,520 --> 01:39:19,100 Oh, your assistant, Mr. Milo North. 1328 01:39:19,898 --> 01:39:22,054 Everyone will assume he acted as your servant, 1329 01:39:22,193 --> 01:39:24,244 and was following your instructions. 1330 01:39:26,016 --> 01:39:27,303 Have you any... 1331 01:39:28,379 --> 01:39:29,456 comments? 1332 01:39:43,430 --> 01:39:45,515 - No. - What leaves us in a difficult position 1333 01:39:45,654 --> 01:39:49,477 is the fact that Mr. North has also signed a statement, 1334 01:39:49,650 --> 01:39:50,971 according to which, 1335 01:39:51,216 --> 01:39:53,022 the level of dampness in the property 1336 01:39:53,160 --> 01:39:54,726 has affected his health, 1337 01:39:55,386 --> 01:40:00,495 making him unable to accept any type of ordinary employment. 1338 01:40:37,199 --> 01:40:38,276 Why? 1339 01:40:41,055 --> 01:40:42,481 There is no why. 1340 01:40:44,081 --> 01:40:47,904 They asked me persistently, so, you know... 1341 01:40:48,147 --> 01:40:50,963 I just simply thought... I'd best do it. 1342 01:40:53,150 --> 01:40:55,133 Oh, if you're looking for a new assistant, 1343 01:40:55,689 --> 01:40:57,252 I understand Christine is available. 1344 01:40:57,392 --> 01:41:00,347 She, uh... She's no longer working at the new bookshop. 1345 01:41:00,868 --> 01:41:02,363 She... 1346 01:41:03,231 --> 01:41:06,047 She tried to sell Lolita to... to the vicar! 1347 01:41:08,689 --> 01:41:09,731 Florence! 1348 01:44:23,604 --> 01:44:25,691 Mrs. Green! Mrs. Green! 1349 01:44:25,933 --> 01:44:27,845 - Christine. - Mrs. Green. 1350 01:44:29,861 --> 01:44:31,217 Mrs. Green. 1351 01:44:31,355 --> 01:44:32,538 Bye. 1352 01:44:36,256 --> 01:44:37,299 Mrs. Green... 1353 01:44:37,438 --> 01:44:38,341 For years to come, 1354 01:44:39,001 --> 01:44:41,088 I will remember how she tried to smile 1355 01:44:41,227 --> 01:44:43,348 looking at the book I had in my hands. 1356 01:44:49,082 --> 01:44:51,029 Then, she realized 1357 01:44:51,236 --> 01:44:52,905 what I had done. 1358 01:45:17,234 --> 01:45:19,772 She had fulfilled the dream 1359 01:45:20,364 --> 01:45:22,623 and they'd snatched it away from her. 1360 01:45:23,872 --> 01:45:26,271 But what she possessed deep down 1361 01:45:26,410 --> 01:45:29,818 was something no one could ever take away from her: 1362 01:45:30,859 --> 01:45:32,147 her courage. 1363 01:45:38,680 --> 01:45:42,920 And it was that courage and her passion for books 1364 01:45:43,303 --> 01:45:45,179 that she bequeathed to me, 1365 01:45:45,978 --> 01:45:48,934 along with the Chinese lacquerd tray. 1366 01:46:03,460 --> 01:46:08,571 How right she was when she said that no one ever feels alone 1367 01:46:09,336 --> 01:46:10,796 in a bookshop. 1368 01:46:12,297 --> 01:46:15,297 Synced by Peterlin