Original subtitles

Good night, sweetheart.

All my prayers are for you.

Good night, sweetheart.

I'll be watching over you.

Tears and parting may make us alone.

But with the coming,

a new day is born.

Singing in the mirror.

Yeah.

Ta -da!

Carrie, it's beautiful.

Dolce and Gabbana.

It's not Italian. That Mussolini's no friend of mine.

No, they're on our side now, Phoebe. Well, not on Hitler's side anyway, don't

worry. No, I saw it, liked it, thought how great you'd look in it. I love it.

Me in this, singing in a cocktail lounge.

Yeah, Phoebe, I know that Noel Coward said you have a lovely voice. And you

have. You have. It's just... Well, it's a long way from Whitechapel to Tin Pan

Alley. It's not so far from the West End, though, is it?

It's the Street of Broken Hearts, Phoebe.

What did you say?

I said it's the Street of Broken... No, before that.

It's a long way from Whitechapel... No, before that.

You've got a lovely voice.

Gary, what a lovely thing to say. Do you really think so? Have I really? Yes,

but... Well, it's no good reaching for the moon.

I could have a go, Gary, at being a singer.

Why not?

You never know till you try.

You could write me a song.

It's not that easy, Phoebe. I have to be in the mood.

Well, I expect I can help you with that.

No, I mean, you know, I have to have inspiration.

Well, it's like being struck by lightning.

No, it's not.

I'd not, if I was struck by lightning.

So I just after.

She had hair like a brillo and she walked without bending her knees.

No, I mean, it comes as a surprise.

That's what Aunty Ethel found.

And that's the course you've lost it.

Of course I haven't lost it.

That sort of raw talent never deserts you.

Then why can't you write more for me?

Well, I could.

Bet you couldn't. Yeah, of course I could. Go on, then. All right, I will.

WLTM. Would love to meet.

G -S -O -H.

Good sense of humour.

NS. No sex.

Non -smoker.

Right.

It's a mine -filled lonely heart.

Here's one.

Attract opera lover, WLTM, tall blonde guy, GSOH, 25 -30, NS for stimulating

relationship.

And on what grounds do you qualify?

I don't smoke, she can't have everything.

Any good?

It's wartime stuff. It's your kind of thing, isn't it, son?

Um, well, yeah, it is.

Um, I can let you have Fiverr.

See, quite honestly, I've got quite a lot of this stuff.

Phoebe Sparrow.

Where did you get this?

Oh, it's mine.

My mum's during the war. That's her name in there.

What's up, then?

That was hers as well.

There were a lot more of them, but they got broke over the years.

Five of you, OK?

Um, I need your name and address.

Why? I need to know who you are.

Why, the stuff's not dodgy.

No, no, no, no.

For my benefit. It must have records and receipts, you know.

Chaos, otherwise. Probably have a nervous breakdown or something.

Please, your name and address.

Michael Sparrow.

Paradise Hotel.

Slaughterhouse Lane acne, all right.

Michael Sparrow.

Michael Sparrow.

Michael Sparrow. Yeah.

That's your name, Michael Sparrow? Yeah.

You're Michael Sparrow?

Is he a bit deaf?

No, he's a bit gobsmacked.

Have you got any more of this stuff?

Oh, there is more, yeah.

Quite a bit more, but I didn't know whether you'd be interested. Yes, yes, I

I am interested.

I have to see you again, son.

Um, Sunday.

On Sunday. Or whenever's convenient.

All right. When?

You said Sunday.

No, no, um, tomorrow. Come tomorrow. Um, about seven, okay?

Okay.

Fiver? Oh, uh... Um,

your mum. Gary, you don't want to know.

What about my mum?

Is she still...

She knows you're selling this stuff, does she?

Do you think I'd nick stuff off my own mother?

That was my son.

My son, Michael.

Michael Sparrow. My son.

He's a big lad for a two -year -old, isn't he?

Ron, did you see him?

He was virtually in rags.

No, I've got to help them somehow.

Well, next time you see him, slip him a couple of grand. No, no, not a handout.

Go back.

Change his life.

Make sure he doesn't end up living in Slaughterhouse Lane. If that's his real

address, it's a bit Charles Dickens, isn't it?

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

Look, when he comes back tomorrow, you're going to have to follow him for

Find out where he really lives.

I've got to find out more about him, Ron.

I've got to find out if Phoebe is still... Is that a good idea, Gary?

These things are better left alone.

It is the policy of my company, Nature Boy Worldwide, never to test our

on animals, to use only renewable and environmentally friendly ingredients,

to donate 10 % of our profits to third world causes.

In this way, we hope to show that beauty needn't be beastly.

Back away from podium.

Wave, smile, wave again.

Catch heel on carpet, fall on bum, look complete pram.

What's all that clap, clap, wave, wave Elvis has left the building?

It's the Millennium Conference, Gary. I have been asked to speak.

Everyone will be there.

I won't.

No, of course you won't. Me with Tony Blair on one hand and Peter Mandelson on

the other.

When your fingers go to sleep.

A chance to make a real difference, Gary.

Big business helping the poor and downtrodden, helping to change people's

Wouldn't you like to be able to do that?

Yes, I would.

There is every chance that I shall feature strongly in the Millennium Dome

Scratch and Smith module.

Well, I'd certainly pay to see that.

Does the word negative mean anything to you, Gary?

Less than nothing.

Sorry. Had an upsetting day, you know.

This down -and -out came into the shop and reminded me of someone I used to

know.

Really down on his luck.

That's why we need movers and shakers.

That's why I'm on my way to the House to submit my speech to the Millennium

Committee.

I've called it.

We must change the future because we cannot change the past.

Depends which way you're travelling.

A point of stout, Gary lad. A point of stout.

Well, you've suddenly got a sharp eye for detail, Reg. I'll give you that

I've been looking at it and thinking it's a bit like life in a funny old way.

But more like a pint of stout. Oh, yeah, much more like a pint of stout. I agree

with you there.

But sometimes you look at life from a certain angle and it seems a bit black.

Like a pint of stout?

Exactly. But if you look at life from a different angle... It looks even more

like a pint of stout. Yes.

No.

Where's Michael?

Marge is taking him and Frankie to a birthday party.

Oh. Down a craze.

Well... Let's have a look, then.

What? My song.

Come on, let's hear a few bars.

Oh, Phoebe, I haven't had time.

You promised.

Well, there is a war on, you know. Tell her, Reg.

Oh, yes, definitely a war on, Phoebe. You can't argue with that.

It's only a song. He's written hundreds.

Shut the one she's after, Gary.

Songs don't write themselves.

Yeah, I can vouch for that, Phoebe.

How long did Yellow Submarine take?

Yeah, not a lot in that one, is there?

What do you mean, not a lot?

We all live in a Yellow Submarine, a Yellow Submarine, a Yellow Submarine.

We all live in a... Yeah, all right, all right.

Well, there's no need to have a go at Reg.

It's my right, I'll have a go at whoever I want. All right, have a go at me,

then. Right, I will.

I'm sorry, Gary, it doesn't matter. I'm just being daft, innit?

Thinking of myself up there with Vera Lynn and Marlena Dietrich.

I've written it.

Well, more or less written it. I just need some words and notes.

I knew you wouldn't let me down.

MGBGT.

NBG.

You should play tonight yourself.

I've tried that. Only got one reply.

That was from a bloke who works on an oil rig.

Come on, Gary, you've got two wives. You know what women want. You do it. Write

me an ad.

I haven't the time.

Oh, really?

But I've got time to follow your son through the highways and byways of East

London. All right, all right. I'll do it after this.

What are you doing?

Writing a song for Phoebe.

One kiss, one sigh. Words and music by Benny Bingham.

You're ripping it off.

Yeah, of course. I'm not a songwriter, am I? So you're stealing someone else's

song? No. Look.

Written in 1946, two years after me.

If anyone's nicking it, he is.

And what about Benny Billings royalties?

Check with the music publisher. Song never made a penny.

Look, I'm not ripping anyone off.

The lot is about it, then.

So, nothing you want to keep?

What for?

I don't know.

Sentimental value?

I can't afford to be sentimental when you don't know where the next strong

lager's coming from, son.

What? I don't know.

You remind me of somebody I can't think of who it is.

Well, lots of people say that.

One of those faiths, you know.

Very ordinary faith. Very common.

Reminds people of... Right, 20 quid.

What? 30.

Oh, OK.

50.

All right, yeah? Yeah, 75.

75 pounds. I'm sorry, it's the best I can make.

Lovely, thank you. All right, all right. 100.

100 quid. That's my last one.

Blimey, you drive our bargain, don't you?

All right, I'll take it.

I've got it now. I know who you remind me of.

My dad.

When he was younger, of course, but there's quite a resemblance.

Only he was taller.

Not quite so weedy.

Much better looking.

Goodbye. Very nice.

Audience people love it.

Audiences?

I'm not sure about that. Everyone looking at you.

Doesn't it make you feel a bit queer?

No more than usual, my dear.

Now, listen.

Why don't I arrange a little appearance at the Raindrop Club? Your debut.

You could wear that pretty dress.

Well, hold on. Oh, I'd love to.

Yeah, but I don't think she's ready, do you?

Well, the song needs a lot of work. Surely not.

Oh, yeah. Yeah, twiddly bits are all wrong.

The twiddly bits and the bits between the up and down bits.

Twiddly bits are Gary's speciality. In Hollywood, they loved his twiddly bits.

Of course, my dear. Anyone with his grasp of twiddly bits is bound to

Oh, I'll go.

He's been a bit restless.

I simply loved your twiddly bits, dear boy.

A little reminiscent of Cole Porter.

Oh, you think so? I'm a great fan of his. Oh, really?

I must introduce you. He has a remarkable eye for fresh talent.

Thanks for the warning.

Oh, I didn't hear Noel leave.

He's quite light on his feet, isn't he? Oh, definitely.

How's Michael?

Oh, he's fine. Just a bad dream.

You know, Gary, I look at him sleeping in his little cot and I think to myself,

what'll happen to him?

What'll he become?

I don't mean will he be prime minister or film star.

Just... will he be happy?

Of course.

Of course he will.

He's a lovely little fella, our son.

Yes. Yes, he is.

I'd do anything to make him happy.

Me too.

Me too.

Michael does live in Hackney. The Paradise Hotel is a flop house between a

shop and a place that specialises in slightly soiled wedding dresses.

Is this wise, Gary?

Wouldn't it be better to leave well enough alone?

And condemn my own son to a life of misery?

I can't leave him in Hackney, Ron. That's tantamount to child abuse.

You think so?

I had quite a lively evening down there.

Went into a pub, had a fair few lagers, debated geopolitics with a lady wrestler

who had a pierced ear, nose and throat.

Fell over a couple of times and then got a doner for the bus.

You ate a doner kebab?

What was it like?

It was very tasty once I got it to keep still.

Look, I haven't got it.

I'll get it, but I haven't got it now, all right?

Look, Saturday, I'll... I'll have the money for you Saturday.

Oh, God.

I thought you were one of Knacker John's every month.

Who? Knacker John owns the rooms.

Why do they call him Knacker?

You owe him a few months' rent, mate. You'll soon find out.

What do you want?

Um, the record you sold me.

I looked it up in the catalogue and it's a rare first pressing.

Worth much more than I paid you for it. And I've brought the difference.

How much?

Five hundred.

Blimey, son.

You could have made a bloody good profit there.

Yeah, well, honesty's the best policy.

Didn't your parents ever teach you that?

We're at first precedent. I wonder where she got that from, then. Your dad got

it for her.

Um, don't you think?

Oh, yeah.

He was in MI5 during the war, my dad.

Lays hands on most things.

Remember he gave me a transistor radio once?

It's funny, because as far as I know, they haven't been invented by then.

Well, I expect it came from America. You know, he had contacts at the embassy.

How do you know?

Well, you know, MI5, CIA, nodding a wink, really.

Sounds like a nice bloke, your dad.

Records, radios.

Well, good at presents.

Not so good at being around when you needed him, always sloping off

I used to think he'd got another woman tucked away somewhere. No, I'm sure it

wasn't like that. You mustn't think that, Michael.

Well, what's he to you?

Well, I just think it's better to think well of someone if you don't really

know. Yeah.

Yeah, that's a nice way of putting it, thanks, son.

What became of your dad?

Do I know?

Lost touch with him?

Well, I got in a bad company and I did some time and I couldn't face him after

that. You know how he is, son. Oh, don't call me son.

I mean, the name is Gary.

Gary what?

Gary Sparrow.

No.

Spanner. Gary Spanner.

Spanner!

Old English trade name.

Bridge builders, you know. Span this, span that.

What about your mum?

Is she still alive?

Yeah. Rent, you tow rag.

Where's the rent?

How many times do I have to tell you? No rent, no knackers. You take your hands

off him.

You lay one finger on him and I promise you, I promise you that I will break

your legs, then I will break your arms and then I will jump up and down on you

until you're porridge.

Venom! You take one step, you see what you get.

You are looking at a killing machine.

Here, that's what I owe you.

And a month in advance.

Right.

Fair dues.

Enough said.

Credit where credit's due.

Warren!

Thanks, Sam.

It's a pity to be out the door. I was reached there for a minute.

And a minute's not long enough, is it?

You all found him?

Yeah, I... Look, do you fancy some...

I'll try to simply let you go.

But I've tried that trick before.

You're not supposed to be here, dear boy.

Reg can't keep a secret.

She didn't tell me she was appearing tonight.

No, she's a bit nervous. I think she wanted to see what it felt like being on

stage.

She's wonderful.

Yes, so is the song. My publisher is keen to snap it up.

Publish the song?

Of course. Make it your royalty.

Royalty? Why not?

The money will be rolling in, good boy.

Well, if they did publish the song, could we arrange that the royalties went

Michael? Into a trust fund or something?

Nothing easier.

What a sweet thought.

My mother used to like that song.

She still does.

I mean, my wife. She still likes it.

I used to live round here.

As a kid, you know.

I thought I'd come back, have a look.

Old haunts, you know.

Then I heard the music.

You've been away, have you?

No, no, no.

I live abroad.

Moved to New Zealand.

Great business opportunities. Wonderful for the kids.

You're in the music business, are you?

No, no, no. What made you think that?

Oh, it's just you...

You knew about the record?

No, no.

I'm an engineer.

Bill Bridges.

Mind you, my dad was a musician. He wrote a song once, made a few bob. Not a

lot, but enough to give me a good start in life.

Good Lord.

My mother used to have a dress exactly like this.

How much?

Oh, it's not for sale.

Oh. Surely, I mean... My wife would look wonderful in this.

Your wife?

20 quid.

20, right, thank you.

15, sorry.

10, 10 quid. Just call it a fiver, best I can do.

Okay, fiver.

Yes, well, um...

I think I'd better be... You said a great

country for kids, New Zealand.

Yes, so it is, yes.

You've got children, then? Yes, yes. Boy and a girl.

What are their names?

Phoebe, after my mother.

And your son?

Dennis.

What about you?

Yeah, I've got a son.

Doesn't really know me, though.

That's a shame.

Yes, it is.

You know, you... You remind me of somebody and I can't think who it is.

Yes, I can.

You're going to think this is Darth, but... You remind me of my dad.

When he was younger, of course, but there's quite a resemblance.

When he was taller.

Not quite so slim.

And better looking.

Well, I wasn't going to mention that.

Cheerio. I'll see you.

Ah, I doubt it.

Back to New Zealand tomorrow.

Bye.

Have a safe journey.

Have I just missed Yvonne Sparrow, Queen of the Recycled Tutip? Yeah.

Yep.

I'm out in the cold, huh?

Yvonne's conquering the world with her pre -packed algae.

Phoebe's hogging the spotlight in 1944.

Well, I'm glad you're here.

Right, who's for a takeaway, then? I'd love to, mate, but tonight I have an

appointment with someone of the opposite sex.

all the loggers. They're for you, mate. They're a thank you for that ad you

wrote for me. It really did the trick.

Sad fat geezer gagging for a WLTM on busses like that.

Brilliant. 27 responses and climbing down the truth. Brilliant. Why didn't I

think of that?

Absolutely brilliant.

Well, I'm pleased for you. I'm just going off to meet number 14.

Busy, busy, Gary. It's like a fairy tale.

No sleep in beauty. Hey, Goldilocks, let's get bare. It's time to put Humpty

together again.

Thanks, Gary, and see you.

Hi -ho!

I'm glad everyone else is happy.

me? Did I look good? I didn't look nervous, did I? Did it go all right?

Um, yes, yes, no, and yes, except for when Ken Livingston kissed you.

I've just come home to change.

Champagne reception at number ten.

Oh, yeah.

Select few, I suppose.

Oh, look, Gary, love.

Do you remember how miserable I was last year?

Yes. Well, all this, it's like a fairy tale and...

And I'm enjoying it, of course I am.

But I'm still me underneath.

Are you?

Yeah.

Can I have a look?

Yes, you can, but not now.

Don't wait up, Gary.

I expect to be hobnobbing till dawn.

Yes, well, you can hob, Yvonne, but leave it at that.

Oh, I'm glad you're back, Gary.

More do you worry about me if I'm late?

She thinks I won't get set upon in the blackout.

Reg, you're a policeman.

You're supposed to stop other people getting set upon in the blackout.

Yeah. Well, that's why I can't afford to get set upon meself.

Miss Phoebe?

Raindrop Club.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, I thought she might be there.

Off you go, Reg.

No, you go ahead, Gary.

I'll get back home to Margie.

Nice, isn't it? Knowing someone's worried about you.

Makes you feel like you belong.

Even if it was a long time before you felt you belonged, when you really

to belong all along.

Good night, son.

Go well tonight?

They love me.

Yeah?

Wow, could be the big time for you now, Phoebe.

Name in lights.

Actually, you might want to change that.

Phoebe Sparrow.

Doesn't sound very starry, does it?

How about Phoebe Minnelli?

That's a number one hit, that's what you mean.

You're my number one, Gary.

It's not for me, you know, showbiz. I've told them at the club I'm chucking it

in. Oh, no, no, no. You mustn't do that.

No, you're good. You're very good.

You mustn't quit just for my sake.

No. No, it's for my sake.

I love singing, but I don't want the rest of it.

Doing tours away from home, never here to put Michael to bed.

Me and you seeing even less of each other than we do now.

No.

It's not the life for me.

It's been fun, though, and I'm glad that Noel's going to get the song published.

I think I'd like to sing it again, just one more time.

OK.

Raindrop Club tomorrow night. I'll be there.

No, Gary.

Here and now.

Come on.

Just for us.

So tell me why your tender kiss hello

becomes a kiss goodbye.

I don't know why you always have to go.

Oh, why I have to cry.

You turn our love from good to bad.

The only love I ever had One kiss,

one sigh, hello, goodbye