The Years Between by Daphne du Maurier

Oldtuberadio

The Years Between Daphne du Maurier's 1945 stage play dramatised for radio by Jill Hyem  In the early 1940s, Diana Wentworth's MP husband, Michael, is reported missing - presumed killed in action.  Once over the shock, she builds a new life - taking over Michael's seat in parliament, and falling in love with a much more suitable man.  But on the eve of their wedding, a phone call brings Diana shattering news….  CAST Diana Wentworth …. Diana Quick Michael Wentworth …. Roger Allam Richard Llewelyn …. David Collings Robin Wentworth …. Peter England Sir Ernest Foster …. Frederick Treves The Vicar …. Derek Waring  Director: Cherry Cookson Saturday Playhouse: Sat 13th May 1995 14:30 on BBC Radio 4 FM  Do you enjoy the variety on Oldtuberadio? Like, Share and Subscribe to be notified of our new shows #radio #crime #thriller #drama To Support this channel please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldtuberadio https://ko-fi.com/oldtuberadio98 https://www.patreon.com/oldtuberadio https://locals.com/Oldtuberadio

Transcript

00:00:00Oh, look, Diana, you see the trout leaping?

00:00:08You should have brought your rod.

00:00:09I can fish when I'm on my own.

00:00:11I love the view from here, don't you?

00:00:14The river, the trees, the fields, stretching down to your farm.

00:00:21The church spire in the distance.

00:00:24It's all so tranquil.

00:00:26You'd never think there was a war going on.

00:00:29Yes.

00:00:30We are very lucky.

00:00:32And there's poor Michael.

00:00:37God knows where.

00:00:39You still haven't heard from him?

00:00:40No.

00:00:42Mind you, that doesn't mean a thing.

00:00:44He was always the world's worst correspondent.

00:00:46All those speeches and papers, but he could never write a letter to his wife.

00:00:52I'd better be getting back.

00:00:55Why don't you come and have supper with us, Richard?

00:00:57Won't you put Nanny out?

00:00:58She's never put out by you.

00:01:02You're so easy.

00:01:05Not like Michael.

00:01:06He was always throwing her into a tizzy.

00:01:08I think she quite misses it now he's not here.

00:01:13You will come, won't you?

00:01:14After all, it's your eggs we'll be eating.

00:01:15I'd love to.

00:01:17Thanks.

00:01:17I do have an ulterior motive, too.

00:01:20I need your advice on some more beastly money matters.

00:01:23Anytime.

00:01:24What would I do without you?

00:01:25Mrs. Wentworth?

00:01:27Hello, Nanny.

00:01:28I can't be that late for supper.

00:01:29Oh, Mrs. Wentworth.

00:01:31Thank goodness.

00:01:33I've been looking everywhere.

00:01:34What is it?

00:01:35Sir Ernest Foster's here.

00:01:37He wants to see you urgently.

00:01:40Is it something to do with the gun?

00:01:45Oh, my God!

00:01:47The Years Between

00:01:56By Daphne du Maurier

00:01:58Adapted for radio by Jill Hyam

00:02:01With Diana Quick as Diana

00:02:05Roger Allum as Michael

00:02:07David Collings as Richard

00:02:09Frederick Treves as Ernest

00:02:12And Peter England as Robin

00:02:15Ah, Mediterranean Sea.

00:02:28Well, strain your eyes in that dark corner, Robin.

00:02:32Put away your book.

00:02:33There's a good boy.

00:02:34Do the blackout while I lay the tea.

00:02:36It's too early yet.

00:02:38Nan?

00:02:38Yes?

00:02:39Is the Mediterranean really as big as it looks on the map?

00:02:42You're the one at school.

00:02:43You should know better than me.

00:02:45It looks enormous here.

00:02:47I'm sure an aeroplane wouldn't have much chance of being found once it was forced down.

00:02:51Help me get the tea now.

00:02:53I've managed to get honey as a treat.

00:02:55Come here, Sandy!

00:02:57You're not going indoors.

00:02:58There's Uncle Richard's!

00:03:01Hello, Uncle Richard.

00:03:03Hello there.

00:03:04No!

00:03:04Sandy, not with all that money.

00:03:06Lie down.

00:03:06Lie at it.

00:03:07I said lie.

00:03:08Lie.

00:03:09Good boy.

00:03:10The magic touch.

00:03:12So, what have you been up to, young Robin?

00:03:15I've had a cold.

00:03:16Hello, Nanny.

00:03:16Good evening, Mr Llewellyn.

00:03:18Nanny wouldn't let me go out.

00:03:20I would have come over to the farm.

00:03:22Have you come for tea?

00:03:24If Nanny has any to spare...

00:03:25Of course.

00:03:27Go and wash your hands, Robin.

00:03:28Yes, Nanny.

00:03:29And close the door.

00:03:30We don't want any drafts.

00:03:35Mrs Wentworth's not back yet?

00:03:37No, sir.

00:03:38She said she'd take the 310 and trust to getting a taxi at the station.

00:03:43No news, I suppose.

00:03:45No, sir.

00:03:46Was she expecting to hear anything in London?

00:03:49I don't know, sir.

00:03:50She said so little to me.

00:03:53You know how she's been ever since she heard.

00:03:56Sort of shut up in herself.

00:03:59And I think how she's lived for the Colonel all these years.

00:04:05I'm sorry.

00:04:06I know how you feel, Nanny.

00:04:09But you mustn't give way.

00:04:11A house would fall to pieces but for you.

00:04:13It's the way it happened that made it seem so dreadful.

00:04:17The plane crashing and no trace found.

00:04:20I know.

00:04:21It's all been such a strain on her.

00:04:23And Robin's not himself.

00:04:25I wish to heaven I could do more to help.

00:04:27Oh, but you do, sir.

00:04:29Just knowing you're there means so much to Mrs Wentworth.

00:04:32She was saying so the day she went to London.

00:04:34Was she?

00:04:35People know where they are with you.

00:04:38Thank you, Nanny.

00:04:40I must get your tea.

00:04:41Nanny.

00:04:42Yes, sir?

00:04:43I want you to feel, if you're ever worried about Mrs Wentworth or Robin, you can call on me.

00:04:49Thank you, Mr Llewellyn.

00:04:52The Colonel never spoke to me that way.

00:04:54Not all the time I've been with them.

00:04:56But then he was, is, is, a gentleman of moods.

00:05:04Do you think there's any hope, sir?

00:05:07Very little, I'm afraid.

00:05:08Really good scones, these.

00:05:15Shall I pour you some more tea?

00:05:17Yes, please.

00:05:19There's a chap at our school called Dawson.

00:05:21His father was killed last year.

00:05:23Tough luck.

00:05:25I say, it's getting a bit dark, isn't it?

00:05:27What about the blackout?

00:05:28You do that one, I'll do this.

00:05:29Uncle Richard?

00:05:32Hmm?

00:05:33I've decided not to go into the army after all.

00:05:35Oh, why's that?

00:05:37Well, I never wanted to, really.

00:05:40But Daddy was so keen being in the regiment that I felt I had to.

00:05:44Now I can do as I like.

00:05:46Well, there's plenty of time to decide these things.

00:05:49I don't suppose Mummy would mind.

00:05:51She only agreed with Daddy because she had to.

00:05:53There's heaps of things I'd like to do that I've never had a chance to up to now.

00:05:58Fishing, for instance.

00:06:00I'll take you sometime if you like.

00:06:01Would you?

00:06:02Perhaps you could teach me about farming too.

00:06:05I might decide to farm like you.

00:06:07Delighted.

00:06:08Any time.

00:06:08I'm glad your leg kept you out of the army.

00:06:13She's back!

00:06:16Hello, darling.

00:06:17You're awfully late.

00:06:18Oh, blame the railways.

00:06:20Is your cold a bit better?

00:06:22He's gone completely.

00:06:23Only Nanny won't believe me.

00:06:25Hello, Diana.

00:06:25Richard, how lovely.

00:06:28I was hoping you'd come.

00:06:30Oh, dear, how I hate train journeys these days.

00:06:34What did you do in London?

00:06:36Were there any bombs?

00:06:37No.

00:06:37Did you go to the house and hear any debates?

00:06:39Not this time.

00:06:41The postman is a great one for politics.

00:06:43He says nothing will ever be the same when the war's over,

00:06:46that everyone will have lost so much and gained so little.

00:06:48I say, Robin, do me a favour.

00:06:52Take Sandy into the kitchen and give him a rub down.

00:06:55He's too filthy to bring in here.

00:06:57All right.

00:06:58I'll feed him too.

00:06:59Sandy.

00:07:00Come on, boy.

00:07:01Come on.

00:07:01There's a good boy.

00:07:02Come on.

00:07:03I think the postman was right, don't you?

00:07:07Nothing will ever be the same again.

00:07:09But I wish he wouldn't put it in such a depressing way.

00:07:13He's a depressing sort of chap.

00:07:14I suppose we'll all get a little harder and more bitter as the war goes on.

00:07:18Already people have altered since last year.

00:07:20There's not that defiant gaiety there used to be when the bombs were falling every night.

00:07:25It's all become a drab routine.

00:07:27That tends to happen, you know.

00:07:29Danger is a great stimulus.

00:07:30We shouldn't need a stimulus.

00:07:32We ought to feel that kind of inspiration all the time.

00:07:36Diana, did anything happen when you were in London?

00:07:40Why do you ask?

00:07:41Well, when you went away last Friday, you seemed so lost and helpless.

00:07:47And for the past three months you've been like that, ever since you got the telegram.

00:07:52But now, tonight, although I know you're dog-tired, there's a different look about you.

00:07:58Here we are.

00:07:59Nice pot of tea.

00:08:00Oh, thank you, Nan.

00:08:01Drink it while it's hot now.

00:08:03Yes, I will.

00:08:06You're right, Richard.

00:08:08I feel different.

00:08:11I've made a decision.

00:08:14I'm going to stand for North Arcee in Michael's place.

00:08:18Don't look so shocked.

00:08:20I'm sorry, but...

00:08:21You don't think I'm capable of doing it?

00:08:23No, it's not that.

00:08:25Ernest Foster and the others are very keen.

00:08:27They say I'm practically certain to be returned unopposed.

00:08:31You'll remember Michael's fantastic majority.

00:08:33I don't think you'll find any difficulty in being returned.

00:08:36What, then?

00:08:36Are you sure Michael would have approved?

00:08:41But, of course.

00:08:42That's what decided me.

00:08:44It's for his sake I'd be doing it.

00:08:46I know what he meant to you, Diana.

00:08:50What he'll always mean.

00:08:51I've lived here long enough to know you never thought about yourself.

00:08:54Or even Robin, very much.

00:08:56Only of Michael.

00:08:57He was the centre of the world you created for him.

00:09:01And now that world has crashed.

00:09:04Do you really want to take his place?

00:09:07Isn't that something he might have misunderstood?

00:09:12Resented, even?

00:09:13You think I've certainly become ambitious, I suppose.

00:09:18That I want some sort of reflected good.

00:09:20No.

00:09:21Of course I...

00:09:22Well, you're absolutely wrong, Richard.

00:09:24I've never had any kind of personal ambition.

00:09:27I never wanted to be anything more than a background for Michael.

00:09:30Ever.

00:09:31Now, as for taking his place, that would be impossible.

00:09:34I wouldn't even try.

00:09:35Then why?

00:09:36So that he won't be forgotten.

00:09:39Oh, don't you see?

00:09:41This way I can follow his views, his ideals, as closely as possible.

00:09:47I've thought of nothing else all this week in London.

00:09:50It's not a sudden, reckless impulse or some kind of dope to stop me thinking.

00:09:55You don't believe me, do you?

00:09:56I can see it in your face.

00:09:58It's not that.

00:10:00Oh.

00:10:01Oh, answer it for me, would you?

00:10:02Hmm.

00:10:06Hello, the old manor.

00:10:08Yes, yes, she's just come in.

00:10:09Who is it, please?

00:10:11Oh, hold on, I'll get her.

00:10:15It's, uh...

00:10:16It's Ernest Foster.

00:10:18Oh, he said he'd ring to confirm things.

00:10:21Oh, Lord, what shall I say?

00:10:22Shall I ask for longer to think it over?

00:10:24Or say I've changed my mind?

00:10:26Or what?

00:10:27Tell me what to do, Richard.

00:10:28I can't advise you, Diana.

00:10:30It's something you have to decide for yourself.

00:10:32Good evening, Ernest.

00:10:44Yes, I have.

00:10:46I stand by everything we agreed upon yesterday.

00:10:52Well, I suppose I could come up again after the weekend.

00:10:58Thank you very much.

00:10:59Good night.

00:10:59Well, that's that, then.

00:11:05I've done it.

00:11:09Oh, Diana, my dear.

00:11:13You're so damn tired.

00:11:16It was true what you said.

00:11:18I'm not doing this for Michael's sake.

00:11:19I'm doing it for myself.

00:11:21No, no.

00:11:22I am.

00:11:23You were right about Michael.

00:11:25He's been my whole life.

00:11:27These last few months have been hell.

00:11:31And then, up in London, I suddenly realized my life doesn't belong to him anymore.

00:11:39It's mine.

00:11:40I can do what I like with it.

00:11:43And, oh, Richard, I suddenly felt...

00:11:48free.

00:11:49Free.

00:11:49As if I was young again.

00:11:52Do you think he would understand?

00:11:56I don't know.

00:11:58You know what he was like.

00:12:00So alive.

00:12:02His personality was so strong.

00:12:04He seemed to put out the light in other people.

00:12:07You felt that, didn't you?

00:12:08I know he thought I was a dull stick.

00:12:10I'm probably right.

00:12:11No, not dull.

00:12:12Far from it.

00:12:14But Michael, in spite of his brilliance, had a funny sort of childishness about him at times.

00:12:21He needed so much love and understanding.

00:12:25You were happy with him, weren't you?

00:12:27Happy?

00:12:28I don't know.

00:12:30I've never thought.

00:12:32What I was feeling never seemed to matter.

00:12:35It was just Michael.

00:12:37His needs.

00:12:39His comfort.

00:12:40I was thinking just now, when Nanny brought in the tea, how he would have hated our pigsty way of living.

00:12:47We still had staff when he went away.

00:12:48And now, Nanny cooking and me making the beds.

00:12:52He'd have a fit.

00:12:54You won't be able to make beds when you're an MP.

00:12:56Oh, yes, I shall.

00:12:57Well, and if I can't, I shall ring up the farm and ask you to leave your old pigs and do them for me.

00:13:04I'm going to need your help, Richard.

00:13:07Badly.

00:13:09Are you?

00:13:10You know, I've no head for business or anything like that.

00:13:13You'll have to look after all my money affairs while I make my speeches.

00:13:16And you'll have to help me write them, too.

00:13:19And if the hecklers throw dead cats, you'll have to rescue me.

00:13:23The prospect.

00:13:25The post.

00:13:27All right, Mummy.

00:13:28I'll go.

00:13:36One for you.

00:13:37A printed one.

00:13:39Official paid.

00:13:40What does it say?

00:13:43It's nothing.

00:13:44Just the telephone account.

00:13:47I'll go and finish feeding Sandy, then.

00:13:48You will help me, won't you, Richard?

00:13:55I'm not sure I can do it on my own.

00:13:57And so, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for granting me the privilege of representing you as the member for North Arlsey.

00:14:12I promise you that I shall do my utmost to carry on the torch that my husband lit, and to work as he did, to make not only this constituency, but the whole country a better place to live in.

00:14:31Well, darling, you see, I told you I could do it.

00:14:40Not without you.

00:14:41For our aim is to create a unified educational system that will cater for boys and girls of all ages and backgrounds.

00:15:34Congratulations, my dear.

00:15:39You're really making your mark.

00:15:41How proud Michael would be.

00:15:52I won't keep you any longer, except to say thank you for coming along to the debate and for listening to me.

00:15:58And to those of you who have sons and husbands fighting, may you see them soon.

00:16:06I wish to all of them a safe and speedy return.

00:16:09Well done, Diana, that you do the trick.

00:16:14Yes, very misplended.

00:16:16An excellent speech, Mrs. Wentworth.

00:16:18Thank you, Vicar.

00:16:19I hope it was better than the one I made the first year.

00:16:21When you called old General Bradshaw General Brandy.

00:16:24Probably because you gave me a swig before I went on.

00:16:27Oh, well, you certainly have got them moving again.

00:16:30I only wish they were more like you in Parliament.

00:16:32They might get a move on.

00:16:34I couldn't agree more, Vicar.

00:16:35She's a jolly good friend.

00:16:37Oh, you stop that now, Robin.

00:16:38I hope you'll all come back to the house for a drink later.

00:16:41Oh, thank you, my dear.

00:16:42You want me to nip back and get things organised?

00:16:44Oh, Richard, would you be an angel?

00:16:46We'll have them on the terrace, shall we?

00:16:54I can recommend this sherry here, Sir Ernest.

00:16:56Yeah, try again.

00:16:58Pass the cigarettes round, would you, Robin?

00:17:00You know, Diana preached a sermon for me last week.

00:17:03Church was packed, just like the cinema on a Saturday night.

00:17:07Matt's in at 11, featuring Diana Wentworth.

00:17:09The trouble is that she's gone and spoiled the form for me.

00:17:13No one will ever listen to a word I say again.

00:17:16That's what the postman said to Nanny.

00:17:18Shh!

00:17:18Good heavens, look at the time.

00:17:20I really must go.

00:17:21I require practice in exactly ten minutes.

00:17:24Oh, thank you so much, Diana.

00:17:26Let me see you out.

00:17:29I bet the trout are rising.

00:17:31Are you a fisherman, young man?

00:17:32Rather.

00:17:33Richard taught him.

00:17:34He's become an enthusiast.

00:17:36May I run down now?

00:17:37Try my luck?

00:17:38All right, darling.

00:17:38I'm sure Sir Ernest will excuse you.

00:17:40Of course.

00:17:41Goodbye, sir.

00:17:42Goodbye.

00:17:44They grow up so fast, don't they?

00:17:47Terrible.

00:17:48Twelve last month.

00:17:49So, no more meetings for a month, eh?

00:17:52If you're sure you can manage without me.

00:17:55We can't, but we shall have to.

00:17:58Richard is a lucky man.

00:18:00What exactly are the plans?

00:18:03We're going to get married very quietly in London,

00:18:06and then just have a fortnight in Scotland.

00:18:09Richard can't leave the farm any longer,

00:18:11and I must be back for the conference.

00:18:12Well, my very best wishes to you both for the future.

00:18:15I'm sure you'll be very happy.

00:18:17So am I.

00:18:19And, er, how does young Robin feel about it?

00:18:22We haven't told him yet.

00:18:23No one knows but you and Nanny.

00:18:26But there'll be no problem there.

00:18:27He adores Richard.

00:18:30I'll get a diner.

00:18:32No escape for the famous.

00:18:33Will Mrs. Wentworth open the new hostel for paralytic parsons next week?

00:18:37No, she will not.

00:18:39Will Sir Ernest take a personal call?

00:18:42Can't she leave you in peace for a day?

00:18:44I told the floozy not to ring me in business hours.

00:18:47It's a man, actually.

00:18:49Take it on the study extension, if you like, Ernest,

00:18:51so no one will hear your guilty secrets.

00:18:54If every cabinet minister let us blame us for life as I do...

00:18:57The gossip columnists would have nothing to write about.

00:19:05Tired?

00:19:06Bit.

00:19:07Stay awake a moment longer.

00:19:09I'll have something for you.

00:19:10It's a pre-wedding present.

00:19:15Oh, Ricky.

00:19:17Close your eyes and I'll put it on.

00:19:19There.

00:19:21It's beautiful.

00:19:23Where did you find it?

00:19:24Just a little shop.

00:19:26Thank you, darling.

00:19:29Why do you spoil me, Sir?

00:19:31You know perfectly well why.

00:19:33Oh, it'll be so lovely in Scotland, just the two of us.

00:19:41But I give you a warning.

00:19:43None of your five-mile walks before breakfast.

00:19:46You shall have your breakfast in bed every morning.

00:19:49Uncle Richard!

00:19:50Oh, he went down to the river.

00:19:52What's the matter?

00:19:52I've hooked a whopper.

00:19:54Come and see.

00:19:55You better go.

00:19:57Why did I teach that boy to fish?

00:19:59Coming!

00:20:07Hello, Ernest.

00:20:10Has...

00:20:10something happened?

00:20:12Yes.

00:20:15They've been trying to get us for hours.

00:20:18The telephone must have been ringing while we are all the fate.

00:20:22I think you should have another drink, Diana.

00:20:24We can't be that serious.

00:20:25I'm afraid it is.

00:20:27Here.

00:20:28What is it?

00:20:30Drink that.

00:20:30For God's sake, tell me.

00:20:37I don't know how to.

00:20:38Is there a government crisis?

00:20:40It's not a political crisis.

00:20:42It's a personal one.

00:20:44I'm afraid you and Richard won't be able to go away.

00:20:49But, Ernest...

00:20:50Now, listen to me, my dear.

00:20:53That was my brother, John, on the telephone.

00:20:56He's the one who was in command of the Destroyer Valiant.

00:20:59He was speaking from Portsmouth.

00:21:01They docked there five hours ago.

00:21:03I still don't see what was...

00:21:05They have with them on board someone who wants to see you.

00:21:09Someone who was picked up by John's ship from an isolated spot near the German coast.

00:21:13And who, for the last three years, has been making his way through occupied countries...

00:21:17while the world believed he was dead.

00:21:25Michael.

00:21:27Yes.

00:21:29John says he wasn't hurt.

00:21:31Not injured in any way.

00:21:33Though God knows what he's been through.

00:21:37He's just completely exhausted.

00:21:39The only thing he craved was sleep.

00:21:41He was still asleep when they docked at Portsmouth.

00:21:43And as soon as he woke, he asked for you.

00:21:48Michael.

00:21:50John is not on shore now with the CNC at Portsmouth.

00:21:52He wants us to motor down there tonight.

00:21:54Oh, Ernest.

00:21:58My dear, I wish I knew what to say to you.

00:22:03You know, I'm a very old friend of you both.

00:22:06The thing to cling to is that Michael is alive and well.

00:22:11Yes.

00:22:13I expect you'd rather be alone for a while.

00:22:16Please.

00:22:17Well, take your time.

00:22:20No need for us to start for an hour or two.

00:22:23That is amazing, Robert.

00:22:25Oh, my God.

00:22:30Would you rather I told him?

00:22:33No.

00:22:35No.

00:22:36I'll go and make the arrangements, then.

00:22:52I don't believe it.

00:22:54It's a champion.

00:22:56How much do you think it weighs?

00:22:57Oh, it's three pounds at least.

00:23:00Here's Mummy.

00:23:01Come and see what I've caught.

00:23:02Blow me the young blight has landed the biggest fish.

00:23:05What's happened?

00:23:08I need to talk to you, Richard.

00:23:12What's the matter, Mummy?

00:23:13Go along, Robin.

00:23:14Leave us alone.

00:23:15But...

00:23:16Do as I tell you.

00:23:22What is it?

00:23:24It's Michael.

00:23:27He's alive.

00:23:30He's come back.

00:23:31They found him somewhere near the German coast.

00:23:37He's not wounded or anything.

00:23:38He's come right through Europe.

00:23:41I don't know.

00:23:42I...

00:23:42I couldn't take it in.

00:23:45No.

00:23:46They want me to go down to Portsmouth with Ernest tonight.

00:23:51Yes.

00:23:52Of course.

00:23:52He'll come back.

00:23:56Expecting to find everything the same.

00:23:59He'll want his home again.

00:24:02All the things he loved.

00:24:06Yes.

00:24:07He mustn't be worried about anything.

00:24:09He'll need peace and quiet.

00:24:11We must keep it from him about you and...

00:24:15us.

00:24:17He must find everything unchanged, mustn't he?

00:24:21You think that's for the best?

00:24:28I can't go through it alone.

00:24:31You'll help me, won't you?

00:24:33Please, Ricky.

00:24:36Please.

00:24:39You know I will.

00:24:40You'll have to be at the farm, of course, for the time being,

00:24:42until...

00:24:43until we can make plans.

00:24:47He'll expect to find you here, about the place.

00:24:49It'll seem quite natural that you've been helping me.

00:24:51I can explain how wonderful you've been over business matters and everything.

00:24:56And how you've helped Robin.

00:24:59Robin.

00:25:03Someone's got to tell him.

00:25:09The Colonel.

00:25:12Alive?

00:25:12Oh, madam.

00:25:15Mrs. Wentworth is going down to Portsmouth with Sir Ernest this evening.

00:25:19He's talking to his show for now.

00:25:22We understand the Colonel's quite all right.

00:25:24She's just very tired.

00:25:26He's had a terrible time.

00:25:28Yes, sir.

00:25:29Nanny, I think you're the best person to tell Robin.

00:25:31I simply don't know how to do it.

00:25:35I'll do my best.

00:25:37You must make him understand that Mr. Llewellyn and I...

00:25:40That there's no question now...

00:25:44Mrs. Wentworth is anxious, Nanny, that the Colonel should come home...

00:25:49to find nothing changed.

00:25:52Yes, sir.

00:25:53I understand.

00:25:54I think Robin's old enough to realize what's happened.

00:25:59I'll try and talk to him myself.

00:26:03Oh, Richard.

00:26:05There'll be a lot to do.

00:26:07There'll be the Colonel's room to get ready and...

00:26:10he'll expect everything as it used to be.

00:26:13Oh, Mr. Llewellyn.

00:26:16Madam, I...

00:26:17I'll do everything I can do to help.

00:26:22Would you answer it, Nanny?

00:26:24Say, I can't take any calls tonight.

00:26:27Yes, madam.

00:26:30Hello?

00:26:31Hello?

00:26:33Who is it?

00:26:34I can't hear you.

00:26:37It's a trunk call, madam.

00:26:39Hello?

00:26:41Yes, it is.

00:26:44One moment, sir.

00:26:47It's him.

00:26:48The Colonel.

00:26:50I'd better leave.

00:26:52Richard!

00:26:55Good night.

00:26:57Hello?

00:27:06Michael?

00:27:09Oh, Michael.

00:27:12Darling.

00:27:12He's coming home this evening.

00:27:25I know.

00:27:26Your mother, telephone.

00:27:28It was on the wireless, about him escaping through all those enemy territories.

00:27:33Did you hear?

00:27:34Yes.

00:27:35He's a real hero, your father.

00:27:38You must be very proud of him.

00:27:39Yes.

00:27:40I imagine how impressed the boys at school will be.

00:27:44Uncle Richard?

00:27:46Yes?

00:27:47I wish...

00:27:50I know, Elsa.

00:27:53I don't want things to change.

00:27:55They're bound to, Robbie.

00:27:57Will you still come and see us?

00:27:59Your father will want to be alone with Mummy to begin with.

00:28:02But you and she will still be friends, won't you?

00:28:05Of course.

00:28:06But that'll be different.

00:28:10She won't need me so much now.

00:28:13It's not going to be easy for any of us.

00:28:17Your father's going to have a lot to adjust to as well.

00:28:21But we must try to help each other through.

00:28:23Can I still go fishing with you?

00:28:30Is everything all right?

00:28:32Where's Robin?

00:28:33I think he's over at the farm.

00:28:35We left the colonel at the gate.

00:28:37He wanted to walk up through the woods, though I tried to persuade him not to.

00:28:41The doctor wanted him to stay longer, but he insisted on coming home at once.

00:28:45That's only natural, isn't it?

00:28:47Oh, Nan, he looks so strained and tired.

00:28:54I brought down some extra groceries and I managed to get some wine.

00:28:58I tried to get the room right, but somehow...

00:29:00Oh, that is good of you.

00:29:03He hasn't asked any questions about his home, us, anything at all.

00:29:07And he's told me nothing about himself.

00:29:10The doctor said he was suffering terribly from reaction.

00:29:13More than anything, he must have peace and quiet.

00:29:18He won't be worried from the village.

00:29:20I've seen to that.

00:29:22And I believe the vicar said a word in church yesterday.

00:29:27Mr. Llewellyn was here earlier.

00:29:30He said if there was anything he wanted him for, anything special, he'd come over.

00:29:34But he wouldn't be coming otherwise.

00:29:38He didn't leave a letter?

00:29:41No, ma'am.

00:29:46Oh, these came this morning.

00:29:49A poor postman could hardly walk up the drive.

00:29:51They're mostly for you, but there's a few for the colonel.

00:29:54Messages of congratulation, I suppose, they'll all have to be answered too.

00:29:58You'll have to get Miss Jameson down from London to do that.

00:30:01Miss Jameson?

00:30:04I'd forgotten for the moment I had such a thing as a secretary.

00:30:08Does the colonel know about you being a member of...

00:30:10No, not yet.

00:30:12Excuse me, madam.

00:30:13Is this box to go in the kitchen?

00:30:15Oh, yes, please.

00:30:17Nanny, this is Venning, the colonel's new servant.

00:30:19He joined us today.

00:30:21Good evening.

00:30:22Good evening.

00:30:24We should be able to manage all right, then.

00:30:26I have Mrs. Willis coming in every morning.

00:30:30And she's promised to come in during the evening for an hour to help with the washing up.

00:30:33But I just wish she will.

00:30:34I dare say Venning will help with that, too.

00:30:37Oh, well.

00:30:38Yes, madam.

00:30:39Well, come along, then.

00:30:41Nanny will show you to your room, and then we can open the groceries and the wine.

00:30:45If you'd like to follow me.

00:30:47Home, sweet home.

00:31:05Welcome back, darling.

00:31:09All right.

00:31:10Not too tired.

00:31:11Where's the old cabinet?

00:31:16What?

00:31:18Oh.

00:31:20And we had it moved out of the way upstairs.

00:31:22It seemed to take up so much space.

00:31:24All to the room, somehow.

00:31:26Odd.

00:31:28And the table has been shifted, too, hasn't it?

00:31:32I don't think so.

00:31:34I used to imagine this when I was out there.

00:31:40All seemed so clear and distinct.

00:31:44There were always roses in a white bowl.

00:31:48There's the bowl.

00:31:50But alas, no roses.

00:31:52I'm afraid I've had to let the garden go.

00:31:54Thompson was called up.

00:31:57I'll have the old cabinet move down in the morning.

00:32:00Good.

00:32:00And now I come to think of it, that table isn't right.

00:32:05We used to have the flap up.

00:32:07No, no, don't bother.

00:32:08It doesn't matter.

00:32:09Oh, you've overdone it.

00:32:10Walking up like that.

00:32:11Put your feet up and relax a little.

00:32:15Would you like your dinner in bed tonight?

00:32:17God, no.

00:32:17I'm not a blasted invalid.

00:32:19The doctor said you needed all the rest you could get.

00:32:23Doctors are a bunch of fools and hypocrites.

00:32:25All I need is this.

00:32:29Where's Venning?

00:32:30Unpacking your things.

00:32:31Do you want him?

00:32:32I thought he might open that case of drink.

00:32:34Oh, Nanny and I can do that.

00:32:36Nanny?

00:32:38Lord, I was forgetting her.

00:32:40She's been absolutely splendid.

00:32:43Turns her hand to everything.

00:32:45I don't understand this servant business.

00:32:47Why can't you pay them more?

00:32:49It's not a question of money, darling.

00:32:51They've all been called up.

00:32:53Well, Venning will do the dirty work.

00:32:55Venning?

00:32:56Venning is upstairs.

00:32:58Can I do anything?

00:32:59Nanny?

00:33:01Nanny.

00:33:03Welcome home, sir.

00:33:05Return of the soldier.

00:33:07And all the trumpets had sounded for him on the other side.

00:33:12How are you, Nanny?

00:33:13Very well, thank you, sir.

00:33:16He hasn't changed much, has he, madam?

00:33:19A little thinner, perhaps, but otherwise just the same.

00:33:22Yes.

00:33:23Just the same.

00:33:24Only rather more difficult than before.

00:33:26You can't be a fugitive for three years and get away with it entirely.

00:33:30No, sir.

00:33:32Our starved I was most of the time.

00:33:35Practically naked.

00:33:36Oh, Michael.

00:33:37Don't worry, I'm not going to force my lurid tales upon you.

00:33:42I'll save them for the House of Commons.

00:33:47As Colonel Wentworth walked into the stranger's gallery, cheers echoed from end to end of the historic building.

00:33:55Or didn't they?

00:34:01All right, Nanny.

00:34:02Would you go and open that box of wine in the kitchen?

00:34:06Yes, madam.

00:34:06Oh, poor Nanny.

00:34:11She's never been at ease with me since I told her that Robin was the worst man-a-child in the country.

00:34:16She's very devoted to all of us.

00:34:20Fidelity is always touching.

00:34:23That's a hell of a lot of correspondence you've got there.

00:34:26What's it all in aid of?

00:34:27The conquering hero?

00:34:29I expect so.

00:34:30You're turning them over like one of those grim committee women who run things with such dire efficiency.

00:34:36Perhaps I do.

00:34:37You'll have to drop it then, now I'm home.

00:34:39Stop fidgeting, Diana.

00:34:41Come and sit down.

00:34:42Oh, later.

00:34:42I must just go and give a hand with that crate first.

00:34:46Venning can do that.

00:34:47What's the damn fellow for?

00:34:51Run, rabbit run, rabbit run.

00:34:55What are you doing with my rod?

00:34:57I'm sorry.

00:34:59I didn't know you were back.

00:35:00I...

00:35:00Never mind the rod.

00:35:02Come here, let's have a look at you.

00:35:03My God, you look so different.

00:35:09You were a little chap in shorts when I went away.

00:35:12I'm twelve.

00:35:13You still take that teddy bear to bed with you?

00:35:15Good Lord, no.

00:35:17Nan gave it to an evacuee ages ago.

00:35:21I hope you're quite well.

00:35:23That's uncommonly considerate of you.

00:35:26I might be worse.

00:35:28And what of yourself?

00:35:29I'm fine, thank you.

00:35:31The war news is good, isn't it?

00:35:33We're bombing the Germans to blazes.

00:35:35Are we?

00:35:36Tell me, what's happened to the old iron gates at the entrance to the woods?

00:35:41Oh, Mummy gave them for salvage.

00:35:44Salvage?

00:35:45Don't you know?

00:35:46Iron railings were melted down everywhere and turned into bombs.

00:35:50Mummy made a speech about it the other day.

00:35:52She did what?

00:35:54Oh, um, nothing.

00:35:57Does Mummy often make speeches?

00:35:59Yes, no.

00:36:01Sometimes.

00:36:02I expect you saw a lot of men killed where you've been, didn't you?

00:36:06I saw a hell of a lot who'd have been happier killed.

00:36:10But tell me more about the iron gates.

00:36:12That's much more important.

00:36:13I don't really know anymore.

00:36:15I think I'll go and see what Mummy's doing.

00:36:17Mummy went to see what Nanny was doing.

00:36:20I expect they're seeing about supper.

00:36:23It's made a bit of extra work, you see.

00:36:25You're coming home.

00:36:27I'm sorry.

00:36:29Oh, careful.

00:36:31Sorry.

00:36:32Where shall I put the drinks, sir?

00:36:34Oh, stick them anywhere.

00:36:35Move that junk off the table.

00:36:39Have you come across an old brown velvet jacket hanging in the wardrobe upstairs,

00:36:43on the left as you go into the room?

00:36:45There's nothing hanging in any of the wardrobes, sir.

00:36:50No, I suppose there wouldn't be.

00:36:52Shall I pour you one, sir?

00:36:54Yes.

00:36:58Thanks.

00:36:58And can you pass me those letters on the side?

00:37:02Will there be anything else, sir?

00:37:04You might ask Nanny if all my clothes were given away.

00:37:08Yes, sir.

00:37:09Let's see now.

00:37:13Colonel Wentworth, Colonel Wentworth, Mrs. Wentworth, M.P.

00:37:21Mrs. Wentworth, M.P.

00:37:27Diana?

00:37:30Diana?

00:37:30I'm sorry about your brown jacket.

00:37:34Venning just asked me.

00:37:35You see, there were all these bombed people, and we never thought...

00:37:38Never mind the jacket.

00:37:40What is it?

00:37:42Is this true?

00:37:44Mrs. Wentworth, M.P.

00:37:46Yes.

00:37:54My God, how damn funny!

00:37:58And how long have you been one of His Majesty's faithful commons?

00:38:02Ever since you...

00:38:03You went.

00:38:06It was for your sake I did it.

00:38:08And they pressed me, Lord Gresham and Ernest Foster and the others.

00:38:11What was your majority?

00:38:13I was unopposed.

00:38:14Sob stuff, I suppose.

00:38:15Widows' weeds and so on.

00:38:17Perhaps.

00:38:17My husband gave his life for his country, and for those of you who hold his memory dear...

00:38:21Please, Michael!

00:38:22Well, isn't that the line you took?

00:38:23It never fails.

00:38:25You're angry.

00:38:26Why should I be angry?

00:38:27It's the funniest thing I've heard in ages.

00:38:29I told you when you were sorting through those letters that you look like a woman who sits on committees.

00:38:34What a shot in the dark.

00:38:36Michael, darling, of course it's a surprise to you.

00:38:39It was to me.

00:38:40I never thought for a moment I was capable of carrying out the work I do today.

00:38:44What else have you achieved besides giving away my gates for salvage?

00:38:48The gates?

00:38:49Oh, the salvage drive is just a local thing.

00:38:52No, I mean work in the house.

00:38:54We got the education bill passed.

00:38:56I was on the committee and they used one or two of my suggestions.

00:38:59My, oh, my.

00:38:59It will have a tremendous effect on the schools.

00:39:02They're considering a form of national service, too.

00:39:04Are they indeed?

00:39:05And we're hoping to get the housing bill through during the next session.

00:39:09Oh, Michael, the things I've learned.

00:39:11The living conditions we've allowed to exist all these years.

00:39:14And yet we call it a civilized country.

00:39:17So it is.

00:39:18Damn civilized compared to the countries I've come from.

00:39:21Yes, but that's different.

00:39:22Is it?

00:39:22Go on.

00:39:25Tell me more about your housing bill.

00:39:27I have the report somewhere.

00:39:28You shall read it after supper.

00:39:30There won't be a single house after the war, or a flat, or a tiny cottage without a bathroom.

00:39:36And that's just one small step.

00:39:37Supposing people don't want baths?

00:39:39Oh, they won't get away with it.

00:39:40Inspectors will go around to make sure the baths are used.

00:39:42anners.

00:39:48You think it's a waste of time, I suppose.

00:39:51None of it keeps you happy in your monkey house.

00:39:57I'm sorry.

00:39:58I didn't mean to hurt you.

00:40:02Just that I've been living all these months in such a different world.

00:40:08I know.

00:40:10I do understand.

00:40:11No, you don't

00:40:14I told you just now that when I was out there

00:40:17I used to imagine this house

00:40:19this room

00:40:20I saw nothing changed

00:40:23and I'm not the only one

00:40:25all those ordinary chaps

00:40:27they want to come back to the life they knew

00:40:29a pint of beer in the pub

00:40:32pictures on a Saturday night

00:40:33the woman they love

00:40:34they don't want to come home to conscription bills

00:40:36and compulsory baths

00:40:38I've described it all so badly

00:40:40No, too well

00:40:41But, Michael, you wouldn't have us put the clock back

00:40:44and return to where we were before

00:40:46Why not?

00:40:49I

00:40:49thought

00:40:52we were fighting for a new world

00:40:55Was the old one so bad?

00:41:00Well

00:41:00I don't know

00:41:02But I think we all feel rather differently

00:41:06about it here at home

00:41:08Safe in an English churchyard

00:41:10snore the businessmen who won the war

00:41:13While by the foreign seas they crossed it

00:41:17Happens lie the men who lost it

00:41:20Oh, Michael

00:41:24I wanted your homecoming to be so peaceful

00:41:29And now I've spoiled it for you

00:41:33Now I'm to blame

00:41:34I might have known the picture couldn't quite come true

00:41:38The Iron Gate's gone

00:41:40Let's forget all about it, shall we?

00:41:51Let's forget all about it, shall we?

00:41:53Will you also forget that I'm a member of Parliament?

00:41:56You enjoy it

00:41:59Don't you?

00:42:01Yes

00:42:01Yes, I do

00:42:03What is it, Venning?

00:42:07The, um, nurse

00:42:09wishes to know about the time for dinner, madam

00:42:11Tell her we'll be ready in half an hour

00:42:14I never used to eat this early

00:42:16In those days, Nanny didn't have to act as cook

00:42:18as well as everything else

00:42:19It suits us better this way

00:42:22I'm surprised Nanny and Venning

00:42:34don't have to eat with us

00:42:35in this brave new world of yours

00:42:36Of course not

00:42:39Thank God for that

00:42:41All I want is to be alone with you

00:42:46Yes, darling

00:42:49You won't mind Robin, though

00:42:54He eats supper with me as a rule

00:42:56So long as he goes to bed directly afterwards

00:42:58I say, this chicken's good

00:43:01It came from the farm

00:43:04Old Richard's still in charge now?

00:43:09Yes

00:43:09How is he?

00:43:13Very well

00:43:13Not married or anything?

00:43:18No

00:43:19I'm surprised

00:43:21I'd have thought one of those buxom land girls

00:43:24would have snapped him up by now

00:43:25Well, they haven't

00:43:30What does Richard think about you

00:43:37gadding round the country as a Member of Parliament?

00:43:39I think he's

00:43:41used to it

00:43:43Like everyone else

00:43:45Except me

00:43:46What would you like to do after dinner?

00:43:55I'd like us to sit in the library together

00:43:57and listen to a bit of music

00:43:59The way we used to

00:44:01Where's that tapestry work you used to do?

00:44:23I gave that up a long time ago

00:44:25It was so restful

00:44:28Yes, but it wasn't any use to anyone

00:44:30This is a balaclava helmet

00:44:33I have a working party in the village

00:44:36and everything goes up to a central depot

00:44:38It's true

00:44:39What do you think about when you're knitting the committee stage of the housing bill?

00:44:47No

00:44:48No

00:44:51I was just thinking

00:44:53How strange it is

00:44:55You and I sitting here together

00:44:59Just like old times

00:45:01Almost as though

00:45:02As though nothing

00:45:06had ever happened

00:45:07Has anything happened?

00:45:10No

00:45:12Of course not

00:45:15Only the war

00:45:19Hello, boy

00:45:39No, stop that

00:45:40You'll knock me over

00:45:41Hello, Robin

00:45:42Just in time to help me muck out the pigs

00:45:45Terrific

00:45:46I've got a note for you

00:45:47From Mummy

00:45:48Here

00:45:49Thank you

00:45:51And she says

00:45:53Why haven't you been to visit us?

00:45:56I've been pretty busy

00:45:58I went down to Wales for a few days last week

00:46:00Was that instead of Scotland?

00:46:03In a way

00:46:04It was a pity you couldn't go

00:46:05Couldn't be held

00:46:07How is Mummy?

00:46:10All right

00:46:11I hope she isn't overdoing it

00:46:13She must have quite a bit on her plate one way or another

00:46:16Yes

00:46:16And

00:46:19Your father

00:46:20Is he getting used to being home again?

00:46:23I don't think he's frightfully keen on Mummy being an MP

00:46:26It must have come as a bit of a shock

00:46:29Yes

00:46:29Uncle Richard

00:46:32Hmm?

00:46:35Dad wants me to go fishing with him

00:46:37You don't mind, do you?

00:46:42Of course not, Robin

00:46:43He's your father

00:46:46I am most grateful for your message of congratulation on my husband's miraculous return

00:46:57I am at present rather uncertain of my movements

00:47:02And under the circumstances

00:47:04I feel it best to refuse your kind invitation

00:47:08To speak at the annual meeting of the British Women's Council

00:47:14Your sincere answer

00:47:15Was there anything else?

00:47:18Miss Gower asked you down on Wednesday week, if you remember, for an inspection

00:47:22I left it open

00:47:24Because I thought you might be especially interested

00:47:27I am

00:47:28But I don't see how I can manage it

00:47:31Diana, look, it's too bad

00:47:33These books are absolutely green with mildew

00:47:35Are they?

00:47:36Yes

00:47:36My first editions, too

00:47:38And where the devil do you think I found them

00:47:40In an old box in the garage beside a lot of junk

00:47:43Oh, darling, I'm terribly sorry

00:47:45I'll go through all of them later

00:47:46But I must get through these letters first

00:47:50You say that every morning

00:47:51And yesterday you went through till lunchtime

00:47:53And then dashed off to some totally unnecessary meeting in the afternoon

00:47:56It wasn't unnecessary, Michael

00:47:58It was very important

00:47:59A lot of women yattering about nothing at all

00:48:01Your wife is a very busy person, Colonel Wentworth

00:48:04You've said it, Miss Jameson

00:48:06So damn busy she hasn't time to look after her home or her husband

00:48:09Go ahead, both of you

00:48:11Don't mind me, I won't interrupt your affairs of state

00:48:14Where were we, Miss Jameson?

00:48:16About that letter to Miss Gower

00:48:19Perhaps I should ring her personally

00:48:22Then there's only the message you promised to send to the big GTC rally at Westminster

00:48:27You remember we started it

00:48:29And then we were interrupted

00:48:32Oh, yes

00:48:33Hmm

00:48:34Let's see

00:48:36Um

00:48:37Nothing will matter to you any more now

00:48:41But your duty to your country

00:48:44Just as you once played for the side in hockey or lacrosse

00:48:48And thought only of your school team

00:48:50So now you will put aside all thought of personal selfishness

00:48:56And become one small unit in the great army of women

00:49:04That is helping in so

00:49:09So large a measure to win this war

00:49:13The girls of today are the women and mothers of tomorrow

00:49:26Much of the responsibility of today will rest upon your shoulders

00:49:32We none of us want to return to the, um, uh, the slack

00:49:39Go as you please, Britain

00:49:41That existed before the war

00:49:43But side by side with our menfolk

00:49:48Michael, please, it's impossible to concentrate

00:49:52Will you repeat that, Miss Jameson?

00:49:58Side by side with our menfolk

00:50:00We shall build a saner

00:50:03Stronger Britain

00:50:04Where slackness and inefficiency will not be tolerated

00:50:08Where everyone will work for the community

00:50:12And our children will be brought up

00:50:14To service

00:50:16Duty

00:50:18And obedience to the state

00:50:21Christ, what an outlook

00:50:23Who do you say is going to listen to that tripe?

00:50:26The Westminster Division of the Girls' Training Corps

00:50:29You mean to tell me that old Gresham and Ernest Foster and the rest

00:50:32Talk that language too?

00:50:33What's wrong with it?

00:50:34Before I left this country

00:50:35I remember making a speech in the house about freedom

00:50:37The right for every man to think for himself

00:50:40Choose for himself

00:50:41And do as he bloody well pleased

00:50:43I understood that was what we were fighting for

00:50:45So it is

00:50:46You could have fooled me

00:50:46I think, Miss Jameson, we'd better leave this until tomorrow

00:50:49I've spoilt your train of thought

00:50:52It doesn't matter

00:50:53Oh, but it does

00:50:54Those girls are the women and mothers of tomorrow

00:50:56You mustn't keep them waiting

00:50:57Goodbye, Mrs Wentworth

00:50:59How many words per minute, Miss Jameson?

00:51:02Sixty-five

00:51:03Admirable efficiency

00:51:05Well

00:51:10What about your duty to your husband

00:51:13And cleaning some of this mildew off his books?

00:51:16I'm afraid they're spoiled

00:51:17I'm very sorry

00:51:19Seeing you're so hot on service and efficiency

00:51:21It's a pity you don't exercise it more in your own home

00:51:24Who left them to moulder in the garage?

00:51:26I did

00:51:26I put them there for salvage

00:51:28The first editions must have got mixed up with the other books

00:51:31We had this salvage drive

00:51:33And the village promised to donate five hundred books

00:51:36My dear girl

00:51:36Do you honestly believe that if all the books in the house were boiled down to a pulp

00:51:40They would help the war effort in the slightest?

00:51:46Michael

00:51:46What's happened to you?

00:51:50Nothing

00:51:50Why?

00:51:53You've changed so

00:51:54Three years ago you had so much enthusiasm and drive

00:51:59You believed in this war as a crusade against evil

00:52:03And now that it's nearly over you make a mockery of everything

00:52:08You say I've changed

00:52:10What about you?

00:52:13Three years ago you were quiet and gentle

00:52:15You had that wonderful quality of stillness that was the thing I loved most about you

00:52:21And I come home to find a managing restless woman who's always going to meetings

00:52:29Or having interminable conversations on the telephone

00:52:31I can't help it

00:52:32And don't pretend it's just patriotism

00:52:34It's become your life

00:52:35You are that sort of woman

00:52:37It's not true

00:52:38Oh yes it is

00:52:39The woman I married died with me when I crashed into the sea in 1942

00:52:44I've tried very hard to be the woman you remembered

00:52:49God don't tell me

00:52:50I've seen you forcing yourself to play a part you'd forgotten

00:52:54Not only you but Robin, Nanny, the house itself

00:52:57Plunging back into a past that none of you wanted

00:53:00Oh Michael

00:53:04I'm not blaming you or anyone

00:53:07The dead should not return

00:53:11You mustn't say that

00:53:13We were happy once

00:53:16Well we're not happy now

00:53:19Are we?

00:53:20Not your fault, not mine

00:53:22The years between

00:53:25For you, no doubt

00:53:30Hello?

00:53:34Oh hello, Ernest

00:53:35Yes, he's here with me now

00:53:38He's very much better, quite himself again

00:53:40Whenever you like

00:53:43It's Ernest

00:53:45He wants to come down and see you today

00:53:47Tell him to go to hell

00:53:48Tell him to go to hell

00:53:48He'll be delighted to see you

00:53:51There must be heaps of things you want to discuss

00:53:53And I want to see you

00:53:55The news is wonderful, isn't it?

00:53:58I can't believe it's really true

00:53:59No

00:54:00No, we haven't talked about it much

00:54:05No, as far as I'm concerned

00:54:08There's only one thing to be done

00:54:10I must stand down

00:54:13For Michael

00:54:15Oh, but surely there's no question about it

00:54:19All right

00:54:20Well, why not come right away

00:54:22Have lunch with her

00:54:23Well, after lunch then

00:54:26Fine, we'll see you later

00:54:30Bye, Ernest

00:54:32What exactly were you saying to him?

00:54:37What I feel is right

00:54:38You must go back to the Commons where you belong

00:54:40And I, I shall return to the home I seem to have neglected

00:54:45When did you first think about this?

00:54:47Directly you came back

00:54:48No, I'm lying

00:54:50Before I went to Portsmouth

00:54:52That first evening when Ernest told me you were safe

00:54:55This Parliament stuff means a lot to you, doesn't it?

00:54:57Yes

00:54:58At least I thought it did

00:55:00Now I'm not so sure

00:55:02I've made you doubtful, haven't I?

00:55:04Here I am like an evil ghost

00:55:06Breaking your new world to pieces

00:55:08Oh, I don't want a new world

00:55:11I only want the people who live in it to be happy

00:55:16With compulsory baths, compulsory babies

00:55:18You deliberately misunderstand everything I try to tell you

00:55:21Perhaps I do

00:55:22Perhaps because I want you still and quiet like you were before

00:55:25I want it to be winter and the curtains drawn

00:55:27With you there on the sofa doing some tapestry

00:55:29And Robin asleep upstairs with his teddy bear

00:55:32The old world for which I fought

00:55:36And did not die

00:55:38I failed you

00:55:41When you needed me most

00:55:43Would you really stand down for me?

00:55:47Chuck politics aside and be the one I knew

00:55:49If it would only make you happy

00:55:51Yes

00:55:52But would it make you happy too?

00:55:57Look who's come to visit me at last

00:55:59Richard Coeur de Lyon

00:56:01Greetings

00:56:02Michael

00:56:03It's good to see you in one piece

00:56:05Hello Diana

00:56:07Why the devil haven't you been to see me before?

00:56:10I've been pretty busy, I'm afraid

00:56:11The fact is

00:56:13Robin was over at the farm

00:56:14And he fell into the stream

00:56:16I ran him a bath and wrapped him up

00:56:18And I came over to a change of clothes

00:56:20I couldn't find Annie in the kitchen

00:56:22Your elaborate excuses are entirely unnecessary

00:56:25Have a glass of beer

00:56:26Is Robin quite all right?

00:56:28Oh yes, yes

00:56:28He got soaked through, that's all

00:56:30It wasn't deep

00:56:31I'll go and see about some clothes for him

00:56:34Excuse me

00:56:35Three weeks I've been back

00:56:38And not a sign of you

00:56:39I didn't think you would want outsiders

00:56:42Butting in on your first few weeks at home

00:56:44You're one of the family

00:56:46To Robin at any rate

00:56:47He seems to spend all his time at the farm

00:56:49Oh, thanks

00:56:51Cheers

00:56:52Yes

00:56:53Diana tells me you've given her a hand with money matters

00:56:57And helped her in a hundred ways

00:56:58I'm very grateful

00:57:00At least I could do

00:57:02I suppose the war hasn't touched you at all

00:57:07Only indirectly

00:57:09Do you really think it's all but over?

00:57:12Question of hours, I'd say

00:57:14We'll be caught napping, of course

00:57:15As unready for peace as we were for war

00:57:17And it's going to take the devil of a time

00:57:19To clear up the mess

00:57:20And I suppose you'll know more about that part of it

00:57:22Than anyone over here

00:57:23Our people will listen to you, won't they?

00:57:26The soldiers have done so already

00:57:27I don't give a damn about the politicians

00:57:29Take a few

00:57:30You know

00:57:32What impressed me enormously

00:57:34Was the work of the underground movements

00:57:36Did you come across many of them?

00:57:39The resistance chaps, I mean

00:57:40Only live with them day and night

00:57:43For the best part of three years

00:57:44It must have been pretty difficult evading capture

00:57:47Oh, not so bad

00:57:48Once things got organised

00:57:50And I could get my reports through to this country

00:57:52Reports?

00:57:54Every day, by wireless

00:57:55From my somewhat mobile HQ

00:57:59You talk as though you were on some official job

00:58:02I was

00:58:05I don't follow

00:58:06Somebody had to do the spade work

00:58:11Hadn't they?

00:58:13Somebody who knew the countries

00:58:15Spoke the languages

00:58:16Someone who was supposed to have gone to glory

00:58:19When his plane crashed in the Mediterranean

00:58:22But you mean

00:58:23It was all planned?

00:58:27The crash, everything

00:58:29Yes

00:58:30Meticulously

00:58:32And you did it

00:58:35Deliberately

00:58:36Knowing that Diana would believe you did

00:58:38There was no choice

00:58:39One weak link

00:58:41And the scheme would have failed

00:58:42I suppose you're the most

00:58:46Courageous man I've ever known

00:58:49Not courageous

00:58:51Just filled with a sublime conceit

00:58:55Does

00:58:55Diana know?

00:58:58Not yet

00:58:58I

00:59:02I

00:59:02I don't

00:59:04Think I should tell her if I were you

00:59:06You think a woman wouldn't understand?

00:59:09She might find it difficult

00:59:10I mean all those

00:59:13Months of anguish

00:59:14I don't know why I told you

00:59:17A

00:59:19Sudden impulse

00:59:20We've never known each other very well

00:59:24Have we?

00:59:26No

00:59:26Well

00:59:28Here's to our closer friendship

00:59:30I'm afraid that's not very likely

00:59:33What do you mean?

00:59:35I'm leaving the farm in a few days

00:59:37For good?

00:59:39Yes

00:59:40I've taken a small holding in Wales

00:59:42What on earth for?

00:59:45I was brought up there

00:59:46I've always loved the place

00:59:48And if this war is really ending

00:59:50There'll be plenty of work for me to do there

00:59:52I say

00:59:53Richard

00:59:54I am sorry

00:59:55Diana and Robin will miss you so much

00:59:57I don't think so

00:59:59Not now they've got you home again

01:00:01You took an awful risk

01:00:05Didn't you?

01:00:06When you crashed into the sea

01:00:08Yes

01:00:09Sometimes

01:00:11Out there

01:00:12I wondered what I should feel like

01:00:15If I came home and found that Diana had married again

01:00:17God

01:00:21It was one of my worst nightmares

01:00:23Instead of which I returned to find her a blasted politician

01:00:28Have some more beer

01:00:31No

01:00:32No

01:00:32Thank you

01:00:32I

01:00:33I must get back to the farm

01:00:34Here's a sweater and a pair of shorts

01:00:38So untidy

01:00:39Things all over the place

01:00:41Have you heard Diana?

01:00:42Richard's going to leave us

01:00:43Leave us?

01:00:46What do you mean?

01:00:46Going back to the land of his father's

01:00:49Taking a farm in Wales

01:00:50Richard

01:00:50That's a very sudden decision, isn't it?

01:00:56Not so very sudden

01:00:57When do you propose to go?

01:01:04In a few days

01:01:05War will be over any time now

01:01:08I'd like to be in Wales when the aftermath begins

01:01:11Help straighten the muddle

01:01:13The aftermath

01:01:14That goes for all of us

01:01:18I suppose

01:01:19It will take us the rest of our lives

01:01:22To straighten out the muddle this war has made

01:01:24Who's being bitter now?

01:01:29Why don't you stay to lunch?

01:01:32Uh, you know

01:01:33Robin will be waiting for his clothes

01:01:35Venning can take them across to the farm

01:01:38Tell him he must stay, Diana

01:01:40Yes

01:01:41Why not?

01:01:43If we're not going to see much of you in the future

01:01:45Talking of which

01:01:46Let's find out what the latest news is

01:01:48Yesterday

01:01:52At 2.41

01:01:53Grand Admiral Dönitz

01:01:55Designated head of the German state

01:01:57Signed an act of unconditional surrender

01:02:00Of all German land, sea and air forces in Europe

01:02:04Hostilities will end officially

01:02:06At one minute after midnight

01:02:08His majesty of the king

01:02:10Will broadcast to the nation

01:02:12And the world

01:02:13This evening

01:02:14At nine o'clock

01:02:15Peace finds us somewhat

01:02:22Ill-prepared

01:02:23Good afternoon, Venning

01:02:38Oh, Sir Honest

01:02:39I'm rather early

01:02:41I expect the colonel is still having lunch

01:02:42They're just finishing, sir

01:02:44May I take your coat?

01:02:47Oh, thank you

01:02:48Wonderful news, isn't it, sir?

01:02:50All over at last

01:02:51Yes, indeed

01:02:52And now the real work begins

01:02:54That's true

01:02:55How do you find the colonel, Venk?

01:02:58Oh, up and down, sir

01:03:00He has his bad taste

01:03:03Still, he'll be able to put all that behind him now

01:03:06Tell them I'm here, would you?

01:03:09I won't stir them

01:03:10I'll wait in the library

01:03:11Yes, sir

01:03:12My dear Ernest

01:03:16Why the Gestapo entrance?

01:03:18Come along and have some cheese and coffee

01:03:19Cheese and coffee, be damned

01:03:21Don't you know the war's over?

01:03:23I had heard

01:03:24Besides, I want to talk to you before seeing Diana

01:03:27I'd better shut the door, then

01:03:29You're looking better?

01:03:33More like your old self again?

01:03:34Perhaps to you, not to others

01:03:36The war has been straight enough for all of us

01:03:39But for you it must have been intolerable

01:03:41On the contrary

01:03:42Responsibility sat very lightly on my shoulders

01:03:44Michael, I was only told the whole story of what you did a couple of days ago

01:03:49At first, I could hardly believe it

01:03:52I'm not surprised

01:03:53It was a crazy thing to do

01:03:54Perhaps

01:03:55But your work has helped us to achieve victory six months earlier than we expected

01:03:59And now it's only a question of putting out the flags

01:04:02But for those who really know

01:04:04The work has only just begun

01:04:06Well

01:04:08What is it you wanted to see me about?

01:04:11The reward for my labours?

01:04:14Are you about to hand it to me on a silver selva?

01:04:16You know perfectly well why I've come

01:04:18Yes, damn you

01:04:19It's no use, Ernest

01:04:21I'm not going back again

01:04:22It's someone else's turn

01:04:23But you know what's needed in Europe, Michael

01:04:26Better than anyone over here

01:04:28You've spent three years living close to the people

01:04:30Looking at the world with their eyes

01:04:32Yes

01:04:32Three years they can't give me back

01:04:35You're not the man to shrug your shoulders and leave them alone

01:04:37Now the fighting's over

01:04:39Aren't I?

01:04:40That's where you're wrong

01:04:41I've lost three years because of the people of Europe

01:04:45Three years and a lot more besides

01:04:47Now I'm going to make up for the time I've lost

01:04:50I want to get to know my wife and son all over again

01:04:52I want to rebuild my own home and to hell with other people

01:04:56Of course, if you feel as strongly as that

01:04:59There's no more to be said

01:05:01God knows, after what you've been through

01:05:04You have a right to put your family first

01:05:07Three years was a long time to lie dead

01:05:11Isn't that just what I've been trying to tell you?

01:05:17Ernest

01:05:17Why didn't you come into the dining room?

01:05:21What are you two discussing so secretly?

01:05:23A matter of national importance

01:05:25Which has been badly received

01:05:27You sound very solemn

01:05:28Do I come into it?

01:05:29My beloved wife, Ernest

01:05:32Feels the safe seat of North Arlsey rocking from under her

01:05:36I must admit her political position is unique

01:05:38Who do you think is the legal member for North Arlsey?

01:05:42Hello, sir, Ernest

01:05:43Colonel Wentworth, believed by the constituents to be lying peacefully under foreign waters

01:05:48Or the charming and conscientious wife who succeeded him

01:05:51What's your opinion, Richard?

01:05:53As one completely unbiased

01:05:56Surely that's a matter for you and Diana to discuss together

01:05:58What a model of discretion

01:06:00No taking sides

01:06:01What an agreeable companion you must be

01:06:04Won't you have some coffee, Ernest?

01:06:08He's already been asked

01:06:09Ernest, why don't we continue our unprofitable conversation in the garden?

01:06:13I shall see you later, Diana

01:06:15Yes, of course

01:06:16Thank you for lunch

01:06:19I must be getting back to the farm

01:06:21Can I come with you?

01:06:23Robin, I want to talk to Uncle Richard

01:06:25Would you mind leaving us alone for a little while?

01:06:27Yes, all right, Mum

01:06:28Do you grudge even five minutes alone with me?

01:06:35Diana

01:06:35You haven't been near me once

01:06:37Not once in the past month

01:06:38And when I stoop to sending you messages by Robin

01:06:41You don't even answer them

01:06:43I'm sorry

01:06:43And now you're going away

01:06:45What else can I do?

01:06:49Don't you love me anymore?

01:06:50Love you?

01:06:52Christ

01:06:53Do you know what it's been like for me these days and nights?

01:06:57Oh, Ricky

01:06:58Dad

01:06:59Can we go fishing tomorrow?

01:07:01Yes

01:07:01Bring you around, Rob

01:07:02You see

01:07:05That's why I have to go away

01:07:08Don't let's pretend to one another

01:07:11Do you want me to visit you when Michael's not there?

01:07:15To meet you secretly in the woods?

01:07:19Do you want me to be that sort of man?

01:07:21I don't know

01:07:22I can't go on like this any longer

01:07:26Oh, my love

01:07:27I've tried so hard to be the same for him

01:07:31The one he wants

01:07:32The one he used to know

01:07:34But it's no use

01:07:36I'm not that woman anymore

01:07:38But he loves you

01:07:40Even so

01:07:42I'm not even sure of that

01:07:44He's so different

01:07:45So bitter and strange

01:07:47Oh, I know he's been through hell

01:07:50And I shouldn't criticize

01:07:51But none of our interests are the same

01:07:55None of our thoughts

01:07:56We're just not in tune anymore

01:08:01Well

01:08:08What are we going to do?

01:08:13Are you thinking of telling him about everything?

01:08:17I don't know

01:08:18Would you really do that?

01:08:21Come away with me to Wales?

01:08:23If only

01:08:24Shall I tell you what would happen if you did?

01:08:27We'd find a little happiness together for a time

01:08:30We'd

01:08:30We'd build a cottage in the wilds

01:08:33And think only of ourselves

01:08:35And then

01:08:36Gradually

01:08:37His shadow would come between us

01:08:39And there'd be no peace

01:08:41Anymore

01:08:42Only doubt

01:08:45And guilt

01:08:46I'm right, aren't I?

01:08:49And if I stay with him

01:08:50And you are alone

01:08:51Do you think that will give me peace of mind?

01:08:53I don't know

01:08:54But he is your husband

01:08:56And you have Robin

01:08:59That'll always be a bond between you

01:09:02We were going to be so happy

01:09:04You and I

01:09:04Yes

01:09:06It's the little things I miss so much

01:09:08You going through my speeches with me

01:09:11Correcting my grammar

01:09:13You doing my income tax?

01:09:15Our funny suppers on a tray

01:09:17Other people snatch happiness and find a middle way

01:09:20It wouldn't be so difficult for us

01:09:23But we are not other people

01:09:24We're neither of us

01:09:26Any good at deception

01:09:27I

01:09:27I love you too much to snatch at happiness

01:09:30That's why I'm going away

01:09:33Richard, this may be the last time we're alone together

01:09:37Will you

01:09:41Kiss me?

01:09:43You

01:09:55You do know how much I love you

01:09:59Yes

01:10:00I'll

01:10:05I'll go out the back way

01:10:08Goodbye

01:10:11Is anything the matter?

01:10:26Oh

01:10:26Michael, I didn't see you

01:10:29No, why should there be?

01:10:31You look a bit pale

01:10:32Where's Richard?

01:10:34He's gone

01:10:35Elusive fellow

01:10:36I was just telling Ernest here

01:10:39About your stirring message

01:10:40To the girls' training corps

01:10:41I wish you'd keep your mockery to yourself

01:10:44Here we are, Ernest

01:10:45The efficient Miss Jameson

01:10:48Has left her a carbon copy

01:10:50The climax of the speech about the stronger, saner Britain

01:10:53Please, Michael

01:10:54Our children shall be brought up to service, duty and obedience to the state

01:10:59Damn good thing too

01:11:00Thank you, Ernest

01:11:01Oh yes

01:11:02The girls of the GTC will come away bursting with enthusiasm

01:11:05But does Diana really mean it?

01:11:08Are any of us here prepared to sacrifice ourselves to service, duty and obedience?

01:11:14Sometimes there is no alternative

01:11:16Rubbish, there is always an alternative

01:11:18We can throw our cap over the mills and say to hell with this

01:11:20Isn't that so?

01:11:22Diana?

01:11:23I don't know

01:11:24Wouldn't you like to try?

01:11:25Just as an experiment?

01:11:28For months I've been trying to persuade Diana to run away with me

01:11:31But alas, she will insist that members of Parliament don't do these things

01:11:34But I don't intend to be a member of Parliament much longer

01:11:37As I've already told you

01:11:39Now Michael is home, I've no right to the seat at all

01:11:42There'll be a general election in a few weeks anyway

01:11:45You know, Ernest, her face alone is good for a couple of thousand votes

01:11:48No, Michael, I'm serious about this

01:11:49Ernest, you believe me?

01:11:51Of course I do

01:11:52But I assure you, the people of North Arsley would far rather be looked after by you than this madman

01:11:58Anyway, he tells me he's going to forsake public life and take his ease

01:12:02He turned down my proposal before I even made it

01:12:05And what was your proposal?

01:12:07Ernest and his fellow conspirators want me out of the way again

01:12:11He's come down to offer me a job, which I declined to take

01:12:15What kind of job?

01:12:17A kind of benefactor-cum-policeman

01:12:20Won't you tell me the truth, Ernest?

01:12:23He's talked in riddles ever since he came back

01:12:26I know nothing of his life these past three years except what I've read in the newspapers

01:12:30He doesn't want to tell me about it

01:12:32Too many ghosts looking over my shoulder

01:12:34Perhaps Michael wants to spare you the history of his three years, Diana

01:12:38Just as you might want to spare him yours

01:12:42Anyway, you can take from me that your husband is one of the bravest men alive

01:12:47Oh, no, he's not

01:12:48He's an almighty coward

01:12:50He's so afraid of being hurt that he would like to walk the world blindfold with his fingers in his ears

01:12:55Michael!

01:12:56Hello?

01:12:57I'm back!

01:12:58There's the poor devil I'm sorry for

01:13:00He's the one who'll have to pay for all the mistakes we make

01:13:02Hello, darling

01:13:03Come on in, Robin

01:13:05Ever drunk champagne?

01:13:07I don't think so

01:13:08Well, we're going to drink it now

01:13:10Venning!

01:13:10Champagne at three in the afternoon

01:13:12What better way to bring in the piece?

01:13:15Yes, sir?

01:13:15Venning, I found a bottle of champagne in the cellar and stuck it in the study

01:13:18Bring it, and glasses too, for us and for yourself and Nanny

01:13:21Oh, thank you, sir

01:13:22We're going to drink to the future, Robin

01:13:25And rejoice that your father is with us again

01:13:28And your mother is going to be the first woman Prime Minister

01:13:31Oh, Ernest

01:13:32Where's Uncle Richard?

01:13:34He went back to the farm

01:13:36He ought to have been here

01:13:37To drink to the future, too

01:13:39Is this right, sir?

01:13:41Bollinger 28

01:13:42Couldn't be more right

01:13:43Come in, Nanny

01:13:44I know your teetotal, but I want you both to join us in a glass of champagne in honour of the occasion

01:13:49Thank you, sir

01:13:50Wonderful sound

01:13:51Isn't this the stuff people drink at weddings?

01:13:54Yes, that's right

01:13:55And occasionally at funerals of the better sort

01:13:58When the deceased is safe beneath the ground

01:14:01Has everyone got a glass?

01:14:06Yes, yes, sir

01:14:07Well then

01:14:08To your brave new world, Diana

01:14:12What a beautiful evening

01:14:23A fitting one for peace

01:14:25The birds think so, too

01:14:27More coffee, Ernest?

01:14:30No, thank you

01:14:31You mustn't let me forget the time

01:14:33I've got to drive back to London before dark

01:14:35Can't you stay and hear the church bells?

01:14:38They're all going to ring again tonight

01:14:39Before the nine o'clock news

01:14:41Ours are going to ring in the village here

01:14:43Aren't they, Mummy?

01:14:45Not like on Sundays

01:14:46No, the genuine peal like we had before the war

01:14:50Do you remember when we last heard that, Diana?

01:14:53No, when was it?

01:14:54That Sunday in September, before war was declared

01:14:57We went to church together

01:15:00You were wearing a blue check suit

01:15:03Suddenly the siren went

01:15:05You put out your hand to me

01:15:07It was in the middle of the creed

01:15:10Yes

01:15:11I remember now

01:15:13A long time ago, that

01:15:15Anyway

01:15:17You both came out of it unscathed

01:15:19Oh, yes

01:15:20We were the lucky ones

01:15:23Come and show me the blue border, Diana

01:15:27And we'll pretend the war never happened

01:15:29Alas, the blue border went a long time ago

01:15:32There's a lot of beetroot there now

01:15:34Why don't you take a look at that?

01:15:35Why not?

01:15:36Matter of fact, I've become rather addicted to beetroot

01:15:39I hate it

01:15:40I think I might go and sort out the rest of my books

01:15:43Do you want me to help you, Dad?

01:15:45No, it's all right

01:15:46I might go over to the farm, then

01:15:48See what Uncle Richard is doing

01:15:50How do you feel about him going to Wales?

01:15:55He's rotten

01:15:55I'm sure he doesn't really want to go

01:15:57The farming's not half so good there

01:16:00You like him, don't you?

01:16:02You bet

01:16:02He taught me to fish

01:16:04With my rod

01:16:05We didn't know you'd be coming back

01:16:07No

01:16:08That must have made rather a difference

01:16:11It'll seem strange without him

01:16:13Though lately, of course, he hasn't been here like before

01:16:16Before I came home?

01:16:20Well, yes

01:16:21Yours wasn't such a bad war, was it, Robin?

01:16:26We had a bomb once

01:16:28Half a mile away

01:16:29There's an enormous crater still

01:16:31I wasn't thinking about bombs

01:16:34Tell me something, Robin

01:16:40What plans did you and Mummy have for your Easter holidays?

01:16:46If I hadn't come home

01:16:49Oh, I was going to stay with Dawson

01:16:51That's a school friend of mine

01:16:53For part of the holidays

01:16:55While Mummy and Uncle Richard were...

01:16:57Yes

01:16:58It's all right

01:17:00You can tell me

01:17:01We're in Scotland

01:17:03Scotland?

01:17:06Whereabouts?

01:17:07Some little cottage

01:17:09Uncle Richard had taken

01:17:10They were going to do all the cooking themselves

01:17:13Then Mummy had to be back before the 29th

01:17:17Because of a meeting in London

01:17:18And we were all three going to the flat

01:17:21To have a week doing theatres and things

01:17:23Before I went back to school

01:17:25I'm sorry I spoiled the plan

01:17:30You couldn't help it

01:17:33Run along to the farm now

01:17:36Are you sure you don't want me to help with the books, Dad?

01:17:40I don't think I'll bother with them after all

01:17:43I'll see you later, then

01:17:44Hmm

01:17:45Lenning?

01:17:55Lenning?

01:17:58Lenning?

01:17:59Sir?

01:18:00I shall be going up to London this evening with Sir Ernest

01:18:02Will you pack a suitcase with my pyjamas, shaving kit, usual things?

01:18:06Sir?

01:18:06And I shall want you to travel up by train in a day or two

01:18:08I'll let you know what I need

01:18:10Sir?

01:18:11All right, Lenning

01:18:11I suppose we'll have a national government for the next few years

01:18:18The country won't be prepared for such violent changes all of a sudden

01:18:22I'll see some new faces, I dare say

01:18:25Which will be quite a good thing

01:18:27I'm getting tired of a lot of the old ones

01:18:29No one's going to start a revolution

01:18:31What about me?

01:18:33Oh, you're not in the running, Michael

01:18:34You've opted for peace and quiet

01:18:36I've changed my mind

01:18:37What do you mean?

01:18:39The starving millions want a leader to take them into the land of promise?

01:18:42Very well

01:18:43I take back my refusal

01:18:45Ernest, your offer is accepted

01:18:46This isn't a joke, is it?

01:18:48I was never more serious in my life

01:18:50I shall come up to London with you tonight

01:18:52I must go and see to things

01:18:53What's he talking about?

01:18:56I had a feeling he wouldn't back out of it

01:18:58What is it you're asking him to do?

01:19:01The government want him back in Europe

01:19:02But this time in the political field

01:19:05There's no one better equipped for the job

01:19:07I still don't understand

01:19:09Is it really true you knew nothing of your husband's work all these years?

01:19:13What work?

01:19:14How much do you know?

01:19:16Only what I've read in the papers

01:19:18What else is there for me to know?

01:19:22Very great deal

01:19:23Michael was in touch with our people over here

01:19:26From the very first moment he landed in Greece

01:19:28What?

01:19:30He's been in contact with them by wireless for the past three years

01:19:33He built up a secret organisation

01:19:35People who watched and waited

01:19:37And sent messages to him from the occupied countries

01:19:39It was those people

01:19:41In the Balkans, Holland, Belgium

01:19:43Who helped our armies on the continent

01:19:45All due to Michael's help

01:19:47Michael did that?

01:19:49With the risk of exposure and death

01:19:51Hanging over him day and night all that time

01:19:53When did you find out?

01:19:56Only a few days ago

01:19:57His identity was known only to one or two people

01:20:00Certainly not to an ordinary politician like myself

01:20:03Like you and like all his friends

01:20:05I believe that Michael Wentworth crashed into the sea in 42 and was drowned

01:20:09You mean...

01:20:11It was all a blind?

01:20:15Yes

01:20:15How could he have been so cruel?

01:20:18The best soldiers have always fought the hardest wars

01:20:20How could he leave like that?

01:20:23Smiling and cheerful

01:20:24Knowing what he was going to do

01:20:26He happens to be rather fond of his country too, Diane

01:20:29Oh, you believe that

01:20:30You think he gives a damn

01:20:32You've heard him laugh at all the things we've been trying to do here at home

01:20:35Do you think he cared for one moment?

01:20:38Or cared whether I broke my heart or married another man?

01:20:41Oh, my dear

01:20:42I do want to love him as I loved him before

01:20:46You're very unhappy, aren't you?

01:20:49Yes

01:20:50There's a terrible conflict in your mind

01:20:52You've given love and loyalty to two men

01:20:55And you've had to choose between them

01:20:57Oh, there's never been a question of choice

01:21:00Michael came first, always

01:21:02But you want your choice to be justified, don't you?

01:21:07Richard is a fine, unselfish man

01:21:10He made me feel a person in my own right

01:21:14He can live without you

01:21:16Michael can't

01:21:18He's managed well enough for three years

01:21:20Don't you see?

01:21:21That's the only thing that kept him sane

01:21:23The thought of you and Robin and all this

01:21:25If I could believe that

01:21:29It would make everything else bearable

01:21:32I'm ready when you are, Ernest

01:21:36I'll tell you what we'll do

01:21:38We'll get roaring drunk tonight to celebrate the peace

01:21:41If Diana wasn't such a wet blanket

01:21:44She'd come up with us

01:21:45But it wouldn't do for Diana went with MP

01:21:48To be seen fighting in the streets

01:21:50The girls' training corps might get to hear of it

01:21:52I'll come with you if you really want me to

01:21:55No, you'll be far happier down here with Nanny and Robin

01:21:57What are your plans?

01:22:00Does Venning know?

01:22:01Have you given orders about packing?

01:22:03Yes, everything's laid on

01:22:04I'm a quick worker when I get going

01:22:06You can give me a bed tonight, can't you, Ernest?

01:22:08Yes, of course

01:22:08Why didn't you go to my flat?

01:22:10Your flat?

01:22:12Oh, I'd forgotten about that

01:22:13Do? You haven't seen it yet

01:22:15I don't think I'd want to

01:22:17I'd feel wrong there

01:22:20Oh, what nonsense

01:22:22Why doesn't Diana come up in a few days

01:22:24And both of you go to the flat?

01:22:26You won't be off for a while, I imagine

01:22:28Yes, why not?

01:22:31Where will you be going this time?

01:22:34Germany, I suppose

01:22:34To join the fun and frolic with the rest

01:22:36Michael, Ernest's told me the truth

01:22:40About what you did

01:22:42How very indiscreet of you, Ernest

01:22:45To give away state secrets

01:22:47Isn't it time your wife knew something about your life?

01:22:50My dear chap, it's always a mistake to find out too much about anybody else's life

01:22:54And the closer you are to someone, the less you ought to know

01:22:57Cynical nonsense

01:22:57Do you really mean that, Michael?

01:23:00Of course, my sweet

01:23:01What about a little drink before we go, Ernest?

01:23:05Not for me

01:23:06Actually, I haven't the slightest idea what I'm going to do

01:23:08Nor is Ernest

01:23:09But I suppose first thing tomorrow morning

01:23:11I shall be dragged like a reluctant schoolboy

01:23:14Before a lot of old gentlemen

01:23:15And they will talk me over for a week

01:23:17And then decide to send me in a special plane

01:23:19To some godforsaken spot

01:23:21And this time I really shall fall into the sea

01:23:24Stop that now, Michael

01:23:25Well, I'll just go and tell the chauffeur

01:23:28That we're leaving

01:23:29Ernest being tactful

01:23:34Is it really necessary for you to dash off with him this evening?

01:23:40Once I've made up my mind about a thing

01:23:42I like to be off and away, you know that

01:23:44Anything else is anti-climax

01:23:46Why are you doing this, Michael?

01:23:49Is it a sudden wave of patriotism?

01:23:52It isn't that, is it?

01:23:55Not exactly

01:23:56What then?

01:23:59You came to a decision today, didn't you?

01:24:01That was difficult for you to make

01:24:02Don't ask me how I know

01:24:04I understand

01:24:06Oh, my God

01:24:07And I thought

01:24:07If you could win your battle, so could I

01:24:11I suddenly realised that if we are going to make any future for Robin

01:24:15For ourselves

01:24:16I've got to help those people in Europe

01:24:19Just as you're going to help those over here

01:24:21There can be no sitting back yet a while

01:24:24Not for our generation

01:24:26That's the way you used to talk to me

01:24:30If you really feel like coming up in a few days

01:24:35It'd be nice to see you

01:24:38Here's this young fellow back

01:24:40Why don't we take him with us, sir?

01:24:42He wouldn't want to come

01:24:43Why are you going to London, Daddy?

01:24:45I've got to see some people

01:24:46When are you coming back?

01:24:48I'm not sure

01:24:49You must come up with Mummy in a few days

01:24:50And join him at the flat

01:24:52Before I go back to school?

01:24:53Yes

01:24:54Smashing

01:24:55I'll see you out there, Michael

01:24:56Me too

01:24:57What's the fastest your car's ever done, sir, Holmes?

01:25:00About 60 miles an hour

01:25:01Don't come out

01:25:03I hate anyone waving goodbye from a doorstep

01:25:07It gives one such a feeling of finality

01:25:09There are so many questions I haven't asked you

01:25:12I wouldn't bother if I were you

01:25:14Will you promise to tell me next time you pretend to plunge into the sea and drown?

01:25:19Next time I'll take you with me

01:25:21And we'll make a proper job of it

01:25:23I believe you enjoyed it, Michael

01:25:26Never thought of me at all

01:25:29I didn't think of anyone

01:25:31You remember the Irish airman?

01:25:34I quoted him to my sergeant pilot before we crash-dived

01:25:37Nor law nor duty bade me fight

01:25:41Nor public men nor cheering crowds

01:25:44A lonely impulse of delight

01:25:47Drove to this tumult in the clouds

01:25:51Good night, my darling

01:25:54Good night

01:25:58Goodbye, Daddy

01:26:07See you soon

01:26:08The bells

01:26:12Mummy

01:26:13Mummy, the church bells

01:26:16Can you hear them?

01:26:18Yes, darling

01:26:19Who are you ringing up?

01:26:21Uncle Richard?

01:26:22No, Miss Jameson

01:26:23I bet he's listening to them too

01:26:25Number 32, please

01:26:27Is that Miss Jameson?

01:26:29Have you got that message to the GTC that we were working on this morning?

01:26:33That's right

01:26:35Good, because I want to alter the end

01:26:38Yes

01:26:39Just put instead

01:26:42We hope to build a wiser, happier Britain

01:26:46Where our children and ourselves

01:26:50Shall grow in courage

01:26:52Face

01:26:53And understanding

01:26:55Yes, that's all

01:26:58Thank you, Miss Jameson

01:26:59Good night

01:27:00Hello, Nan

01:27:03Aren't the bells wonderful?

01:27:05Aren't they lovely?

01:27:08Venning tells me the Colonel will be away for some time

01:27:10Yes

01:27:12The government want him for a very important post

01:27:17Will it be abroad?

01:27:20I'm afraid so

01:27:22Uncle Richard is going away too

01:27:24To Wales

01:27:25Yes, he told me

01:27:26Can we go up and see Daddy before he goes, Mummy?

01:27:29Yes, darling

01:27:31It's strange, isn't it?

01:27:35I was saying to Venning in the kitchen

01:27:36All over the country

01:27:38People have been longing and waiting

01:27:40Praying for this day to come

01:27:42And now that it's here

01:27:44It's been just like any other day

01:27:46The war's over

01:27:49Peace has come

01:27:50And I suppose we shall all go back to being

01:27:53Just the same as we were before

01:27:56Shall we?

01:27:58I wonder

01:28:02The Years Between

01:28:15By Daphne du Maurier

01:28:16Was adapted for radio by Jill Hyam

01:28:19Diana Wentworth

01:28:22Was played by Diana Quick

01:28:23Michael Wentworth

01:28:25By Roger Allum

01:28:26And Richard Llewellyn

01:28:28By David Collings

01:28:30Sir Ernest Foster

01:28:33Was played by Frederick Treves

01:28:34Robin

01:28:36By Peter England

01:28:37Nanny

01:28:38By Tessa Worsley

01:28:39By Tessa Worsley

01:28:40Attenham

01:28:55I'll be there too.

01:28:59wert

01:29:00By Daphne

01:29:00Must be there now

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