In "I Wanted to Be with You," Jean Ashton appears to be suffering from an illness or severe depression, prompting concern from her family as they navigate the challenges of wartime life in Liverpool.
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TVTranscript
00:00["Pomp and Circumstance"]
00:30["Pomp and Circumstance"]
00:38I don't want to set the world on fire.
00:45I just want to stay right here and be spoiled.
00:50Oh, push that a bit closer, will you, Megs?
00:52Well, what for?
00:56That's better.
00:58I'll get you the coat.
01:05You're very house-proud all of a sudden.
01:07It was Robert's.
01:08Yes, I know it was Robert's, but if we're not going to use it,
01:10shouldn't we put it in a glass case or something?
01:13I don't think that's a very nice thing to say.
01:15Aye, it makes you a lot, Megs soldiering.
01:17Makes you face facts, too, though.
01:19Yes, well, you just keep your facts away from Mum, that's all.
01:21Well, it's not Mum I'm talking to, it's you.
01:23Oh, what have I done?
01:25Well, you're all tiptoeing round her.
01:27Do you think it's right?
01:28Well, what else can we do?
01:29We're always going to church business, too.
01:31Yeah, she's always gone to church.
01:33Yeah, but not twice every Sunday.
01:35There'll be seances next.
01:36Oh, don't talk nonsense.
01:38It just seems wrong.
01:39It's not helping her.
01:40Well, what are we supposed to do?
01:41Bring Robert back?
01:42Well, now he's being hard.
01:44Look, you've been here three weeks.
01:45We've lived it all through it, Phil.
01:47There is no easy way.
01:49Well, maybe we do tiptoe around her, as you say,
01:51but it's like trying to do it in class.
01:53It isn't easy, Philip, and shut up now.
01:55I'll say she comes.
02:00You're back from the hospital already?
02:02Yeah, it was just a quick two-minute check-up.
02:04Did they pass your fit?
02:06Is your leave up?
02:07No, it's not up, old misery.
02:10What's this?
02:11Oh, I've been trying to match some water down the elbows.
02:14It's warmer than the one you're wearing.
02:16You need something warmer in this weather.
02:18That's right.
02:19You go on coddling me.
02:21Will they...
02:22Will they let you stay much longer?
02:25Mum, I'm on leave for ages yet.
02:27I've told you.
02:30Oh, they ought to leave you alone.
02:34You've done your share.
02:35Do you know that's just what I said to the Secretary of State for War?
02:39I'm entitled to have one of you back.
02:41Well, you've got me, so you make the most of me.
02:44I suppose you haven't forgotten it's his birthday tomorrow.
02:47No.
02:48And Freda's coming home.
02:49Yes, I know.
02:50And we're going to have a party.
02:53Party?
02:55Yeah, and am I looking forward to it.
02:58Are you?
02:59Oh, you bet.
03:00Just like old times.
03:01Yes, it'll be nice.
03:03Just like old times.
03:07I...
03:10Right, I'll go and put this pullover away.
03:13Yes, well, you were doing a fair old amount of tip-toeing yourself then, weren't you?
03:26Gin?
03:34Oh, hello, Phil.
03:35Hi, Dad.
03:36Nice to see you again.
03:37How are you?
03:38Fine.
03:40Oh, hello, Phil.
03:41Hi, Dad.
03:42Nice to get home in daylight for a change.
03:44Here.
03:45For tomorrow night.
03:46Oh, great.
03:47We told Mam we were going to have a bit of a do.
03:49Ah.
03:50Was she pleased?
03:51It'll do her good.
03:52Yes, I'm hoping it will.
03:54I'm hoping something will, son.
03:56I don't mind telling you.
04:10Oh.
04:12You found the key, then?
04:14Yes, I found it.
04:16I leave it there in case little brother turns up.
04:21Nice to see you.
04:23And you.
04:32Mmm.
04:34Now, why does that remind me of Christmas?
04:37Because it was Christmas I was last here.
04:40So it was.
04:43What a long time ago, that seems.
04:46Yes, well, I haven't had a chance before now.
04:50How long?
04:51Day after tomorrow.
04:53Nice.
04:54If you'll have me.
04:58Mmm.
05:00Oh, I'll have you.
05:02Look, I want to get out of this rubbish.
05:04Come and talk to me.
05:06Come and talk to me while I change.
05:15Oh, um, you're going out?
05:18Yes, I'm going out.
05:20Well, Freda's in there. She just got here.
05:23Well, uh...
05:26Give her my love.
05:29Oh.
05:31Four entrepreneurs a week.
05:33I should think we'll all be able to retire at 50,
05:35including Mr Beveridge.
05:37Sir William Beveridge to you, madam.
05:39Well, get my vote, anyway.
05:41Four entrepreneurs a week to get rid of disease and squalor.
05:44If it works.
05:45Well, it's going to be tried and measured whether it works or not.
05:48Look, a man, say, with a wife and two kids
05:51gets 56 bob a week all the time he's not working.
05:54And all that time his kids are still eating.
05:56We're not going to go back to the same old routine,
05:58whatever old Sefton says.
06:00I wouldn't think your Uncle Sefton would necessarily be against it.
06:03Oh, come off it, Dad.
06:05Just because his lad have got to put up with it
06:07doesn't mean to say they like it.
06:09Oh, has anyone got any soap handy?
06:11Soap?
06:12I've got a ladder starting.
06:14Chuck it over while I've got the tackle out.
06:16With me or without me?
06:18Well, if you think I'm going to have you on my lap...
06:21There's a lad down the road joined this new Commonwealth Party.
06:25Priestley had something to do with it.
06:27You probably haven't heard of it, though.
06:29They know damn well there isn't room for a third party on the left.
06:32They can afford to seem liberal.
06:34Well, they don't want us just to do or die these days, you know.
06:37We've got the Army Bureau for Current Affairs.
06:40They tell us what an ideal society they want us to be.
06:43They want us to be the best in the world.
06:45They want us to be the best in the world.
06:47Current Affairs.
06:48They tell us what an ideal society they want us to die for.
06:52Oh, no.
06:54Not another.
06:56What do you think's going to happen about your eyes, Phil?
06:59Well, they're going to clear up it's in.
07:01Altogether?
07:02So they tell me.
07:03Shouldn't think the Army will let me go, you know.
07:05You, um...
07:06You won't say anything to, um...
07:08Not now?
07:09No, of course not.
07:10I think she believes it.
07:12Yes, I know.
07:14You're, uh, never going to believe this.
07:18All right, throw it over.
07:23Ooh.
07:25Almost.
07:31This gentleman wanted to...
07:33Hmm?
07:35Uh, see you, Freda.
07:37Hello.
07:38Hello.
07:40I was putting the car away and I found this. I assumed it was yours.
07:42Oh, yes, it is.
07:43Thought you might need it.
07:44Probably will.
07:45Oh, Dad, this is, um...
07:47Ah.
07:48It's the front legs of the horse, isn't it?
07:50Yes, that's right. We met at Christmas, didn't we?
07:52I picked you up when we were in the pantomime.
07:55Yes, yes, I remember.
07:57This is my brother, Philip.
07:59Mr. McKenzie.
08:00Hello.
08:01My sister, Margaret.
08:02And, uh, you've met John.
08:05Hmm.
08:14DOG BARKING
08:20You'll be passing it in a minute.
08:25But never mind.
08:32Don't stop.
08:35It's just a heap of ruins now.
08:39Bricks, wood and the wallpaper.
08:45Don't stop.
08:48Don't look.
08:58Huh.
09:00The wallpaper.
09:02I'm glad Mother didn't see it.
09:05I'm glad she'll never know.
09:12Pretend it isn't there.
09:16Pretend.
09:22Don't look.
09:27DOG BARKING
09:31It's just a heap of ruins now.
09:38Floors that held you up.
10:00DOG WHIMPERS
10:21Hmm. Spoiling him again, then?
10:23I'm not spoiling him, I'm spoiling me.
10:25Doesn't it get on your nerves?
10:27No, but it's his teeth spoiling thing, isn't it?
10:29Where are the biscuits?
10:30What goes, then?
10:31Look, hadn't you better see to, um...
10:33Has he gone yet?
10:34Look, after listening to Dad and our fill on beverage for the last half an hour,
10:38I only hope he isn't operating tonight because his nerves must be shattered.
10:41Oh, you've certainly kept it quiet, haven't you?
10:43Kept what quiet?
10:45Look, you know what your trouble is, don't you?
10:48You've been seeing too many films.
10:49I mean, what inspired this little dream?
10:51Dr. Kildare?
10:53Look, he's about the same age as Lionel Barrymore anyway.
10:56Oh, rubbish!
10:57He's very nice.
10:59Look, he lives at the back here, so he gave me lift home, that's all.
11:04And I suppose I'd better tell you he's picking me up tomorrow.
11:06Where at the back does he live?
11:08The far-end house on the Crescent.
11:09Not the one with the lovely garden?
11:11The one with the lovely garden.
11:12What's it like inside?
11:13Oh, now, there's clever, isn't it?
11:16When it just so happens, I've never been inside.
11:19Oh, see, you're just as bad as Mum.
11:22Little Frieda in Love by Ruby M. Ayers.
11:25Pass me the scalpel, sister.
11:27And he looked into the deep pools that were her eyes.
11:30He's only a lift, dear.
11:33Satisfied?
11:35Not satisfied.
11:36Disappointed.
11:38And you're getting very hard these days, in case you didn't know.
11:41I know, it's very sad, isn't it?
11:43Still, never mind.
11:44Mr. Wright will come along one day, I'm sure.
11:46Only not too soon, I hope.
11:49Excuse me.
12:20Oh.
12:21I suppose you won't want this, then?
12:23I'll drink it, Mrs. Foster.
12:24You don't have to drink it just to oblige me.
12:26I'll drink it, I'll drink it.
12:29Were there any calls for me today?
12:31Not on the telephone.
12:33Mrs. Ashton called.
12:34Jean? Oh, did she?
12:36What did she want?
12:37She didn't say.
12:38She said she might call round tomorrow.
12:39Did she say how Mother was?
12:41She said she'd been to see her.
12:44Yes, well, I don't suppose there's any change.
12:46There never is.
12:50It's peculiar, isn't it?
12:54Eh, peculiar.
12:56What, Mr. Sefton?
12:58Life, Mrs. Foster.
13:00You wait.
13:02You sit and you wait.
13:05Oh, no, really.
13:07And just before I came over here, I had this Stutz Bearcat.
13:11It's a bit of a museum piece, but boy, could she go.
13:14Wow.
13:17I miss it most of all, I guess.
13:19It?
13:20The car.
13:21Oh.
13:23Is it true that you blokes put whiskey in your beer?
13:26Say that again.
13:27Well, is it true that you blokes put whiskey in your...
13:30Hey, that's cute, you know?
13:32What is?
13:33The way you say you blokes.
13:35That's cute.
13:36Well, is it true?
13:38Oh, yeah.
13:40Yeah, we swing from the trees with our tails, too.
13:43Touché.
13:47You have your own newspapers, don't you?
13:50Newspapers?
13:51Oh, yeah, sure.
13:53And movies and radio.
13:55And the good old PX, of course.
13:57Hey, look, you folks need anything, you just let me know, huh?
14:00Yeah.
14:03Oh.
14:04Anyway, look, I gotta go now.
14:07I said I'd see this buddy of mine outside a place called...
14:13called a Café de Paris.
14:15You can tell me where I can find that place?
14:17It isn't there anymore.
14:19Oh, is that so?
14:21Perhaps he meant where it was when it was there.
14:24We still talk about places as if they were still there.
14:27Oh, sure.
14:28Well, I guess you think we're pretty stupid and awful, huh?
14:31Good heavens, no.
14:33Not stupid at all and certainly not awful.
14:36Oh, yeah, well, look, it's great of you to see me, huh?
14:39And thanks for the drink.
14:41The conversation.
14:43And I tell you what, be my guest, huh?
14:47Well, it's whiskey.
14:49We make it here, but we can't get it.
14:51No, the PX get everything.
14:53I guess that's what they mean by lease-lend.
14:56They gave us a list, see, of your rations and the things you can't get.
15:00So we don't take unless we give back, right?
15:03That's very good of you, sir.
15:05Pleasure.
15:06And now, look, tomorrow night,
15:08why don't you both come out with me someplace, huh?
15:11Well, we certainly weren't doing anything special.
15:14Yes, why not? Fine.
15:16About the same time, here.
15:18Yes, that's all right.
15:20Great.
15:25A pleasure to meet with you.
15:27Uh, yeah, likewise.
15:34Goodbye, Mac.
15:35See you tomorrow.
15:41Goodbye.
15:55Hello, love.
15:57Where have you been?
15:59Out.
16:00Well, I wouldn't even have known that if John hadn't happened to see you.
16:05I went to see Sefton, but he wasn't in.
16:09I think I'll go upstairs straightaway, if you don't mind.
16:14Good night.
16:20Good night.
16:39DOOR CLOSES
16:55I thought you were going to leave the washing up for me.
16:58Yes, well, it's done now,
17:00and Margaret will know what to do about tea.
17:03I'll be back before you go to bed, I expect.
17:07Um, I'm going to see Sefton.
17:10I went to see him last night, but he wasn't in.
17:14Yes, you told me.
17:17I'll see you later, then.
17:26Bye, Mum.
17:27Hey, where's Margaret?
17:29She's taken John George...
17:31taken John George for a walk in the park.
17:33Oh.
17:34Go off, there's one thing I hate more than Sunday.
17:37It's Saturday afternoon with nothing to do.
17:40Where's Doris?
17:41Working.
17:42She is on days and I'm on nights and never the twain shall meet.
17:46Ooh.
17:47What did you used to do on a Saturday afternoon
17:50when you were footloose and fancy free?
17:53Er, tennis, mostly.
17:55What, you in your little shorts in the middle of January?
17:58Well, what about the pictures?
18:00I did have a chance to go and see Gone With The Wind again
18:03I'm a soldier now, what do you say to that?
18:05I don't know, what am I supposed to say?
18:07You should have heard what Doris said.
18:09It appears she goes out with American soldiers,
18:11means you're well on the way to hell and damnation.
18:14Well, it depends who he is, I suppose.
18:16Hmm.
18:20Clark Dable's joined up, did you know?
18:23Oh, so that's why the Germans have brought their reserves
18:26back from Stalingrad.
18:30Oh, I think he's gorgeous.
18:32He was a bit too old for you, though.
18:33Oh, I don't know.
18:34I quite like older men, actually.
18:36Well, some of them.
18:40Freda.
18:41Hmm?
18:43While I was away, I mean,
18:45after they'd sent the telegram saying I was missing...
18:49Yeah?
18:51Asked nothing, really.
18:53I just wondered...
18:54Oh, Dad, Mum's gone out, did she tell you?
18:56Yes, she did this time.
18:58Nurse Ashton, shouldn't you be in bed still
19:01if you're on nights?
19:02Oh, I slept late this morning.
19:03Tonight's me day off.
19:05Anyway, I promised Margaret I'd root in the attic
19:07for some music she wants to play at Phil's party.
19:09Sorry I can't be with you,
19:11but my escort arrives at seven.
19:14The party?
19:15Good heavens.
19:16What's wrong?
19:17Your mother won't be here.
19:18But it's her you're doing it for, really, isn't it?
19:20No, she said,
19:21Margaret knows what to do about tea
19:23and I'll expect I'll be back before you go to bed.
19:27It never struck me when she said it.
19:30She must have forgotten.
19:37I'm sorry.
19:41I don't know why.
19:43I suddenly wanted Mother.
19:45Jean, love, Jean.
19:48Come on, sit down.
19:52I'm sorry, love.
19:54Come on, love.
19:55Sit down.
20:00Now, what is all this, for heaven's sake?
20:04I don't know.
20:06I want to see Dr Woolley.
20:09We should see somebody else.
20:12I mean, no disrespect to Woolley,
20:14but he should have packed up years ago.
20:16He knows it.
20:17He only keeps on out of a sense of duty
20:19because there's a war on.
20:21I want to see him.
20:22He's not the young chap that came into practice
20:24when you were alas, you know.
20:27He's a very old man.
20:29He's as old as I feel and that's pretty ancient, I can tell you.
20:33I still want to see him.
20:35You're a very obstinate woman, do you know that?
20:38Haven't you been to this chap you mentioned at all?
20:41No.
20:43I'd have gone to see Dr Myles if he'd still been there,
20:46but he isn't.
20:48He's sefton.
20:50Very well, then. Very well.
20:53Do you want to see him here?
20:55If he can manage that.
20:57I'm sure he will.
20:59Don't say anything to them at home, please.
21:02But Jean, if you're not well, they should know.
21:04No.
21:06They don't fuss and...
21:09I don't know.
21:11I don't seem able to put up with people fussing.
21:14I just don't seem able.
21:16All right, then, if that's what you want,
21:18I'll keep quiet for the time being.
21:26You're a good man, Sefton.
21:28No, I'm not.
21:30I know how to look after me own, though.
21:35Ah.
21:37Here we are, then.
21:39That's the stuff. What would we do without Mrs Watteray?
21:42I think I'll go upstairs.
21:44I must find those photographs.
21:46That's right. You do.
21:48I'll wait down here.
21:56SIGHS
22:00Anything I can do?
22:02She wants to see old Willie.
22:04Oh?
22:06She might as well see the plumber.
22:08Haven't they got their own doctor?
22:10He's gone in the army. She doesn't like the new chap.
22:13I'm not altogether sure that's the real reason, though.
22:16She seems confused.
22:18She keeps talking about people we were at school with.
22:22I can't remember half the names.
22:34LAUGHS
22:38You look like a penguin, darling.
22:42Thanks.
22:44No, don't get sulky.
22:46I mean, it just isn't you. It doesn't even fit, anyway.
22:49Yeah, I can see that myself, you know.
22:51I mean, you're just not the...
22:53the urbane, sophisticated type, thank God.
22:58I like you exactly, and in every detail, as you are.
23:02You know what? You make me feel like an animal.
23:05You have exactly the same effect on me.
23:08Isn't that what we are, darling?
23:10We're not exactly a couple of Easter mystics, are we?
23:13Or would you rather spend the evening sitting cross-legged on the floor,
23:16contemplating your navel?
23:18No.
23:20I'd rather spend it here with you than at that bloody Savoy.
23:23Now, don't tempt me.
23:26We have a social duty to perform.
23:28We are entertaining one of our glorious allies.
23:32Or rather, we're giving him the chance of entertaining us.
23:36You aren't really going to pay that bill, are you?
23:39What do you think? It cost me two weeks' pay last time.
23:42That's the spirit that made Britain great.
23:45You're a pet, aren't you?
23:47Hello, Sefton?
23:50Is Jean there?
23:52Yes, she is.
23:56Shall I get her for you?
23:58If you could just remind her it's Philip's birthday
24:00and we're having a little party for him tonight.
24:02It's the family.
24:03Oh, I see. I'll tell her you're having a party.
24:05She did know, but from something she said when she was going out this morning,
24:10it looks as if she's forgotten.
24:13Yes, well, I'll remind her then.
24:15She's upstairs at the moment, looking through some old photographs.
24:18Something that Mother asked for.
24:20Though I dare say by the time she gets them, she'll have forgotten she asked.
24:24Oh, I see. Well, she didn't tell me why she was coming to see you.
24:27We're all getting a bit forgetful in our old age, aren't we?
24:31Edwin...
24:33Has Jean seemed a bit peaky to you lately?
24:37Oh, yes, she has, as a matter of fact.
24:40We'll have to keep an eye on her, won't we?
24:43All right, I'll tell her about the party.
24:45Thanks, Sefton.
24:46I take it you won't object to me coming?
24:48Now, I'm the one who's forgetting I'm supposed to invite you.
24:50I'll bring a little something with me, of course.
24:52It'll be gratefully received.
24:54It's dams and wine so far.
24:56Goodbye, Sefton.
25:04Come on, love. Put your feet up.
25:16I'll take it you're finished.
25:20There's nothing like trouble for bringing people together, is there?
25:23No, more's the pity.
25:25Somehow I've got to get my hands on a bottle of scotch.
25:28I suppose your Harry couldn't oblige?
25:31Oh, he could oblige, I'm sure, but...
25:34Oh, no, Mr Sefton.
25:36No?
25:37No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
25:41I'm sure, but...
25:43Oh, no, Mr Sefton.
25:45No?
25:46No...
25:47No, Mr Sefton!
25:49Oh.
25:50It'll have to be the club, then, if I'm lucky.
25:52I'll nip round there now.
25:54If Dr Willie comes before I get back,
25:56ask him to hang on, then give me a ring at the club.
25:58I shan't be more than five minutes or so, if you can care to wait.
26:01And there might be a glass of scotch for him.
26:04Tell him that.
26:05And keep your eye on Mrs Ashton, if you don't mind.
26:11DOOR SLAMS SHUT
26:18Oh... Ow!
26:22I tried to get away to one of the civilised groups once.
26:27When they caught me, I thought I'd had it.
26:29They didn't have much time for me after that.
26:31You didn't come back till after they heard about Robert, did you?
26:35Um, no, no.
26:37No, I had a bit of a barney with Mags yesterday about Mum.
26:40Hmm?
26:41I don't know, perhaps the best thing is to sit it out,
26:44but I just wish she wouldn't treat Dad the way she does, that's all.
26:47She blames him, you mean, for Robert?
26:49Yeah, yeah. Poor old devil.
26:51I mean, he only did what a lot of others had to do,
26:53but she seems not to have to talk to him,
26:55or when she looks at him, she looks straight through him,
26:58as if he doesn't exist.
26:59But it's when he tries to pretend that it's not really happening
27:02that it really gets me.
27:03When he smiles, you can hear the hinges creaking.
27:06I suppose it is because of Robert.
27:08What else can it be?
27:09Spur a nice little damper on my homecoming, I don't mind telling you.
27:12Well, I know that sounds selfish, but if it goes on like this,
27:15I shall be glad to get back.
27:17Ah, do you two have to cob the whole table?
27:19There's a nice little space for it over there.
27:21Oh, well, mind your heads, then.
27:23Ah!
27:24Oh, been polishing the family silver?
27:26Mm, my contribution to the feast.
27:28Very obliging, I reckon, since I won't be here.
27:30What time's the boyfriend calling?
27:34Say that again and I'll crown you.
27:37What?
27:38You know what.
27:40Boyfriend.
27:43Oh, you little devil!
27:45Phil, I'm...
27:46Oh, um...
27:48Yes, uh, that...
27:49Sorry, that must be George... George Oates.
27:51Fred!
27:52I think...
27:53Just you wait till I get hold of you!
27:55I said quit! I said quit!
28:01All right, quit, I said, quit!
28:08LAUGHS
28:12Whoever gave Robert a trumpet for Christmas?
28:14A bell-topper? I'm trying to get this homework done.
28:18God, Robert.
28:19Give him another blast.
28:21That's it.
28:22Oh, look at him.
28:24Oh, isn't he sweet?
28:27Isn't he sweet, Edwin?
28:29LAUGHS
28:31What is it, Doctor?
28:33It's not you must worry over, love.
28:36You've been...
28:37You've been under very considerable strain and...
28:40Well, coming down to it,
28:42you're not as young as you were, love.
28:45Miles has gone, eh?
28:47What's a new chap like?
28:49Another old has-been like me?
28:51Well, he... he's quite young, actually.
28:54Is he?
28:55I ought to go and see him.
28:56These young doctors, they can run rings round us old chaps, you know.
29:02No, it's... it's...
29:04It's not just that, I...
29:07I don't know, I...
29:10I know.
29:14I know.
29:15My medicine tastes better.
29:17Well, there you are.
29:18It'll do you more good than a walted pie.
29:20Now, don't worry about getting confused.
29:23We all get...
29:24Your brother gets confused.
29:26He confuses me with the plumber.
29:28Isn't that right, Mrs Foster?
29:30He'll be sorry you couldn't stay.
29:32Well, tell him... tell him I'll give him a ring.
29:34Aye.
29:35You tell him that.
29:36Now, mind...
29:37Monday.
29:38By the way,
29:40how was that young rascal I brought into the world
29:43almost 30 years ago?
29:45Now, what was his name?
29:46Don't tell me!
29:48Philip!
29:50He's in the Air Force.
29:52It was David, actually.
29:54Well, there you are.
29:55You see, my memory's slipping too.
29:58Goodbye, love.
29:59Goodbye, Dr Willie.
30:04No, no. I'll let myself up.
30:08I'll put me coat on
30:09and then I'll take that to the chemist for you.
30:12No, no, no.
30:13I can get him on the way back.
30:14Oh, he'd never forgive me!
30:16I... I really ought to be getting home.
30:19He'll see to it when he comes back.
30:21Now, come on. Lie down.
30:22Come on, get those legs up.
30:24That's right.
30:26I'll get you a rug from the other room.
30:30You let the well ones do the running around.
30:34He was seven pounds four ounces, David was.
30:38And you worry about your memory.
30:43You should never have married her.
30:47Give me some more whiskey, will you, darling?
30:50Look, you haven't forgotten we're going out, have you?
30:52Well, if I can't walk, you'll just have to carry me, won't you?
30:55I like getting sloshed in the afternoon.
30:57Reminds me of before the war.
31:00Hey, what do you reckon he'd say if he walked in here now?
31:03Who?
31:04Your daddy.
31:06He'd throw nine pink fits and Mother would retire to Bognor.
31:09Especially when she saw I hadn't made the bed.
31:12You're taking a bit of a chance then, aren't you?
31:14Good God, they wouldn't dream of coming without making a phone call first.
31:18I mean, they wouldn't actually want to walk in on something.
31:22You take a lot of chances, don't you, Grace?
31:24I'm not sure I like that.
31:27You know, I used to dream about somebody like you.
31:32Try to make me jealous, darling.
31:34No, no, I mean, you know, in here.
31:37A dream, not somebody you could actually touch.
31:40How very unsatisfactory.
31:43Why are you laughing at me?
31:45Because you're so sweet.
31:48I mean...
31:50I mean, I'm just another chap to you, aren't I?
31:53Eh?
31:54I mean, don't you ever want to just, you know, talk to me?
31:58You know, just to me.
31:59Now you're getting possessive again.
32:01Yeah, of course I'm bloody well possessive.
32:03I mean, what's wrong with that?
32:04Nothing, darling.
32:05With houses and horses and land and things.
32:08But not with people.
32:10Oh, who's that?
32:12The great American dream.
32:13Our friend who's going to entertain us.
32:15What's he coming here at this bloody time for?
32:17Because I told him to.
32:21Oh!
32:23Excuse me.
32:33Where the flippin' heck has Mags put my stockings?
32:36Are you talking to me?
32:37No, I'm talking to myself.
32:39Oh.
32:41Well?
32:42Well, why don't you ask Mags?
32:44Because she isn't back yet, is she?
32:46Oh.
32:48Do you want me to give your regards to Gwyn?
32:50Gwyn?
32:51Gwyn Roberts.
32:52The chap I was at Oxford with.
32:54You surely haven't forgotten Mags's wedding, have you?
32:56You don't still write to him.
32:58Oh, I shouldn't I?
32:59Oh, I thought you had ideological differences, that's all.
33:02About what?
33:03Well, I got the idea that you were voting for Uncle Sefton these days.
33:08Oh, now don't insult my intelligence, Fred.
33:10Oh, he's not such a bad old stick.
33:12He gave him the house while you were away, you know.
33:15Or at least he gave Dad the mortgage
33:17and shoved the money up to pay for it.
33:19And what else has happened whilst I've been away that nobody's told me about?
33:22Oh, nothing much apart from Margaret's other baby
33:25and all that business with, uh...
33:28Um, I think she must have burnt those stockings.
33:33What other baby?
33:37We're stillborn.
33:39I think I'd better go and look upstairs.
33:41Fred!
33:43Mags can't have had another baby.
33:45John wasn't...
33:48I think you'd better come clean, Fred.
33:51Oh, why can't I keep my big mouth shut?
33:53Yes, well, it's a bit late now, isn't it?
34:00Look, we weren't going to tell you
34:03because we thought it would be nice to have someone in the house
34:06who could look John straight in the eye.
34:09Well, what happened?
34:12She met this chap at a concert.
34:15She didn't go out for ages except to school
34:18and then she suddenly started going to concerts and things.
34:21She made herself believe John was dead, you see.
34:24I mean, you weren't here, you didn't know what it was like.
34:27So don't start throwing stones.
34:29I'm not throwing any stones.
34:35Does she still see him?
34:37No.
34:39Was she very keen on him, then?
34:42Yes.
34:44Poor old Mags.
34:47Well, it's not been too bright for the rest of us, you know.
35:02Ah, Mrs Foster, my little foray was successful, you see.
35:06Where's Mrs Ashton?
35:08I was going to ask you that.
35:10She was here with Dr Willie.
35:12I left her on the couch while I went for the prescription.
35:14Dr Willie's been, then?
35:16Yes, he couldn't stay. He said he'd ring you later.
35:18Well, she can't be so bad, then.
35:20Perhaps she's gone upstairs.
35:22Oh.
35:26Mrs Ashton?
35:28Mrs Ashton?
35:33No, she's not up there.
35:35She must have gone on home, then.
35:37I've got these tablets for her.
35:39Oh, well, I'll take them with me. I'm going round there later on.
35:42Yes, we're going to have a little celebration, Mrs Foster.
36:05Alleluia. Alleluia.
36:11Sorry about the washing, Mum.
36:14I got dopey itch last trip.
36:17They don't rinse out the soap, you know.
36:19Robert says he's made me his next of kin.
36:21I'm sorry about the socks, Mum.
36:23I mourn him.
36:25Oh, it's bigger than the sock, eh?
36:27I mourn him. Oh, God, I do.
36:29Come on, give us a smile, Mum.
36:31Give us a smile, eh?
36:33I wanted to be with you.
36:37To know how it was.
36:41Not for you to be with strangers.
36:45They're not strangers, Mum.
36:49They're maids, Mum.
36:52I just wanted to be with you.
37:03Oh, well, how about that?
37:05Oh, John.
37:08You know, I don't think this party is a very good idea.
37:11Oh.
37:12Well, don't look at me. I didn't ask for my birthday to be celebrated.
37:15Didn't even ask to be born.
37:16Well, we're all going to be sat around, grinning like a lot of maniacs to cheer Mum up.
37:19It'll be more like a funeral tea than a party.
37:22Oh, don't say things like that.
37:23Well, whose idea was it, anyway?
37:25It was yours, love.
37:26No, it wasn't.
37:28Come to think of it, it was Dad's.
37:30Ah, go on. Blame it on Dad.
37:33Well, it was. And you know why.
37:36All right, then. Cancel it.
37:38It's not as if we've got hundreds of guests coming, is it?
37:40Uncle Sefton's coming.
37:41He can't, then. Look, cancel what?
37:44What's all the fuss about?
37:45There's going to be six of us sitting around a table,
37:47having a piece of cake, a cup of tea, an ice natter, all bright and smiling.
37:51What's wrong with that?
37:52I'll tell you what's wrong with it.
37:54Because Mum will sit there throughout with a face like the Rock of Gibraltar,
37:57with Dad trying to look as if he'd won the Irish sweeps,
37:59but he knows we haven't,
38:01and it'll all fall flat as a pancake.
38:04Well, let's stop pretending it's something special, then.
38:07It's just my birthday.
38:09I mean, if the poor old devil thinks he's going to work some miracle on Mum, well...
38:13That's life, isn't it?
38:16Do you know, if this lot ever comes to an end,
38:19somebody's going to decide it just isn't worth it.
38:21What isn't?
38:22Marriage. Where else do all the problems come from in this family?
38:25You're a cynic, Fred.
38:26Well, if it wasn't for marriage, we wouldn't be a family, would we?
38:29Well, heaven protect me from it, anyway.
38:31Well, that's where marriages were supposed to be made, in heaven.
38:34Uh-oh, it's more like the other place, if you ask me.
38:37You know, I don't understand it.
38:39What?
38:40Well, they've been married for over 30 years,
38:42and, well, it's always seemed sort of perfect to me.
38:44Rosy-coloured spectacles, love.
38:46Oh, yes, and what did you see that I didn't, Mr Clever?
38:49A class difference, or...
38:50I was wondering when you were going to drag politics into it. Rubbish.
38:55Oh, well, my mum and dad come from more or less the same background.
38:59I wouldn't say theirs was a particularly happy marriage.
39:01Well, good Lord, I'm not suggesting it's the only thing.
39:03What do you take me for?
39:05No, I just thought I'd mention it.
39:07Well, Dad having to work for Mum's brother, that's helped a lot, hasn't it?
39:10She takes Dad's side more often than she does Uncle Sefton's.
39:12Does she? I wonder.
39:14And how often does she take his side, just because she's his wife?
39:17And how often does he know that that's why she does it?
39:19She does it, and that's the main thing, isn't it?
39:21Is it?
39:25I wonder if Mum ever really wonders what life would have been like
39:28if she had married into her own class.
39:30I'm not saying it would have made any difference,
39:32but when your life hasn't turned out the way you expect it,
39:35you do sometimes wonder about these things.
39:37And what good does that do?
39:39I'm not saying it does any good, I'm saying it happens.
39:43How is she so?
39:45She's had a very happy life, apart from...
39:47Oh, apart from Robert and apart from David and Phil being away and me and...
39:53..this rotting old war.
39:55MUSIC PLAYS
40:22APPLAUSE
40:26Excuse me.
40:28You were really terrific out there, you know that?
40:30London's just one long party these days, thanks to you chaps.
40:34You know, they never used to open at this time.
40:38Oh, a party from which the odd face disappears, eh, Dave?
40:43Sometimes they come back.
40:45Yeah, the lucky ones do, you mean.
40:49And London's not much of a party in the back streets of Bermondsey,
40:52is it, Grace?
40:54Blitz of smithereens.
40:57Ration queues working their bloody guts out in overtime.
41:01And no back street black market restaurants.
41:05He's from the north.
41:07It's got nothing to do with it.
41:11Or maybe it has, I don't know.
41:14And I'm no Red, Grace.
41:16Don't knock our glorious allies.
41:19Yeah, well, let's drink to that, shall we?
41:22Waiter.
41:24Now, this is on me.
41:25No, no, not on me, Mac, if you don't mind.
41:27Well, just this once, then.
41:31David's one of those democratic types.
41:34Well, I'm a democrat myself.
41:36Oh, are you? Well, tell us about the States, Mac.
41:39Oh, what I don't know about the States, honey,
41:41would fill all the books evacuated from your British Museum library.
41:45You know, I was bored the other day, so I went there.
41:47Good, you must have been bored.
41:50Ah, here we go.
41:55Haus und Weinbruch.
41:57What?
41:58Well, that's kraut.
41:59It means, may you break your neck and your leg.
42:02My old man was a kraut.
42:04I got two nice aunts in Hamburg.
42:07You ever flown over Hamburg, Dave?
42:10Yeah, I've dropped bombs on Hamburg.
42:13Bombs on Hamburg?
42:15Some war.
42:18Grace!
42:22Dad, where have you been hiding?
42:24Me hiding? Me?
42:26You, you were hiding.
42:29Come and join us.
42:30Yeah, come and join us.
42:31Oh, yes, you know, I mean, join us, do.
42:34Your friend here does not wish it.
42:35Oh, don't be so silly. Of course he wishes it.
42:37I know, let's go back to the flat.
42:39I thought we were going to the Savoy, love.
42:41Not if your friend doesn't wish it.
42:43For God's sake, tell him that you wish it.
42:45Anything the lady wishes, you know.
42:47I'll see you two back at the flat.
42:49Come on, everybody, we're going to have a party.
42:51Let's go back to the flat. Come on.
43:01Well, shall we dance?
43:04That is a certain kind of woman, I guess.
43:08That'll be right.
43:11Look, I'm sorry I pushed my nose in.
43:13I usually don't get the scent so strong.
43:16That's all right.
43:18As you say, you're a long way from home.
43:20Yeah.
43:23You married?
43:28You?
43:29Yeah.
43:31I miss her like hell.
43:35Come on, let's go.
43:36It's okay.
43:42Well, anything I can do to pass the time?
43:46Blanket bath? Bedpan? Enema?
43:49Oh, don't be disgusting.
43:50I'll settle for the blanket bath.
43:52Oh, well, will you?
43:56Oh, I was wondering how long that would last.
43:59Um, well, I'll bring him down.
44:03When's he coming, then?
44:06Who?
44:07The elderly gentleman who's giving you a lift.
44:09Oh, about half an hour's time in his wheelchair.
44:13Well, if you really want to do something,
44:15you could give me a hand with the sandwiches in the kitchen.
44:18Yes, all right.
44:21It's a pity you can't stay.
44:24Oh, geez.
44:26I'm sorry.
44:27I'm sorry.
44:28I'm sorry.
44:29I'm sorry.
44:30I'm sorry.
44:31Oh, geez.
44:32Still, I'm glad you got out of it.
44:35I'm glad one of us is untouched by it all.
44:39Untouched?
44:41Yeah, I suppose that's why I went, really.
44:43Oh, and you never are all together, are you?
44:47Untouched, I mean.
44:48Hey, I'd better go and see about those sandwiches.
44:50Yeah.
44:51Ah.
45:02I'll go.
45:08Ah, come in, won't you?
45:10Am I early?
45:11Well, a little bit, you know.
45:12Our clock has stopped.
45:13I'm not terribly early.
45:14Not all that much.
45:15Come through, won't you?
45:16How many more do you want me to do?
45:17She's making sandwiches.
45:18You don't mind coming in the kitchen, do you?
45:19No, thank you very much.
45:21Come in.
45:27I said, how many more do you want me...
45:31Oh, it's you.
45:32I'm early.
45:33Yes.
45:34Our clock's stopped.
45:35Well, I've only got to put my coat on.
45:36No, no, please, finish what you're doing.
45:37Well, I was only passing time, you see.
45:38Please.
45:39You won't mind if I close this, will you?
45:41No.
45:44Please carry on.
45:45I'm in no hurry at all.
45:46Oh, well, all right then, just for a moment.
45:48You see, it's Phil's, my brother's birthday,
45:50and they're having a sort of family party.
45:53And you can't be here?
45:54No.
45:55Oh, would you like one?
45:58Well, I'd like one very much.
45:59Thanks.
46:02Mr. McKenzie, I was...
46:04There's an I before the McKenzie.
46:06It stands for Ian.
46:07Oh, I couldn't, I mean...
46:08Well, if you feel so desperately about it, it doesn't matter.
46:11Well, no, it's just that every time I looked over your shoulder,
46:14I'd see a matron.
46:15Good heavens, really?
46:17Yes, really.
46:18Well, that's very strange,
46:19because every time I looked over your shoulder,
46:21I'd see a matron too.
46:22Oh, now you're laughing at me.
46:23I'm not.
46:24I mean it.
46:25She terrifies me.
46:26Truly?
46:27Truly.
46:39You don't like this song very much, do you?
46:41Possibly you don't like me answer.
46:44Yeah, possibly.
46:47Come on, come on!
46:49That's enough, huh, buddy?
46:54Come on, baby, take it easy, huh?
47:01Okay, everyone, come on, let's go.
47:06Right, nice.
47:08See you again soon.
47:09Right, see you later.
47:10Bye-bye.
47:11Bye.
47:16Why don't you ring your wife and tell her you're coming?
47:20She's not on the phone, love.
47:23We live in a midden, you see, in Liverpool.
47:26You wouldn't understand.
47:29You see, underneath this nice cloth,
47:31I'm just a young, rough lad from Liverpool,
47:35only not so young these days.
47:37So?
47:40We're not in the same class, Grace.
47:43I'm sorry, Dave.
47:44You just may have been mad today, you and that big stupid map.
47:47Oh, that man-to-man bit, not talking to me.
47:51Oh, lovely.
47:55It's probably nothing it ever is these days.
47:59Put the light on.
48:01I'm going to open the curtains.
48:03I want the light on.
48:06It's all right.
48:08You're not afraid of the dark, are you?
48:13When I was a kid, I wanted the light on him better.
48:17My mother used to say,
48:20there's nothing in the dark to make a child frightened.
48:24She was right, I'm sure, at the time.
48:29You're not going to help me, are you?
48:33You're not going to be any good for me in the end, are you, Grace?
48:37Oh...
48:38You know, people like you used to scare me stiff.
48:42They've got a lot of searchlights out there tonight.
48:45Oh, I hope I'm not wanted on the ambulances.
48:50I think she...
48:52My mother, she wanted me to be a doctor.
48:56You'd have had a lovely bedside manner, darling.
49:00I said you're not going to be any good for me in the end, are you, Grace?
49:05You're so scared of me, you make me sound like a medicine.
49:09Scared of you?
49:10Yeah, you'd like that, wouldn't you?
49:13I'm sorry to disappoint you because I'm not anymore.
49:17You don't disappoint me, Pat.
49:20You see...
49:22There's somebody who hangs on to me a little bit
49:26like I hang on to you.
49:28You know...
49:30Slap in the face and back you come for more.
49:35I just hope that when she looks at me,
49:37she doesn't feel the same way as when I look at you.
49:42Because it's not nice, Grace.
49:45Not the way I was brought up, it's not nice.
49:48You're learning, aren't you?
49:51They only have plushies at the paper shop.
49:53Sammy at the barber's let me have some Virginia.
49:59It's three to go on.
50:00It's two to go on.
50:02Then you're off.
50:07I'm not going to ask you to leave.
50:09I'm not going to ask you to leave.
50:10Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
50:12I'm sorry.
50:13I'm sorry.
50:15Sorry.
50:17I'm sorry.
50:18Frieda gone?
50:20Yes. Off with her old man in the wheelchair.
50:23Old...
50:25Oh, oh, yes. I'll see what I can make.
50:28Where's John George?
50:31Spawning it up in his high chair. He'll let us know when it's finished.
50:39Margaret? Mm?
50:43Ready to start work soon?
50:45I mean, proper work.
50:47Yes.
50:49We could start looking for a place.
50:53Oh. It's getting you down too, is it?
50:57They'll be better on their own.
51:00People usually are.
51:03Yes. I'm sorry.
51:06It's just there's something about this house that...
51:09That gets on your nerves?
51:11In a way.
51:13I want things to be as they were. You and me, I mean.
51:17Yes, I want that too.
51:20Anybody at home?
51:22Oh.
51:24Yes, well, it was as quiet as the grave when I came in the hall.
51:28I thought you'd all gone out.
51:30Phil and Dad have gone to the pub.
51:32Have they, Joe? Where's your mother?
51:34Isn't she with you? No.
51:36Dad said you'd be coming together.
51:38She left to come home early.
51:41At least three hours ago. Hasn't she rung or anything?
51:44I'll see to him.
51:48Did she say she was coming home?
51:50Now you mention it, she didn't.
51:52Oh, here.
51:54Put this with the other bottles.
51:56Oh, thanks.
51:58Hope you like dams and wine.
52:02I wonder where she is, then.
53:11THE END
53:21The story of the Ashtons continues in A Family at War, next week.