Original subtitles

Why wouldn't you go to the shop for your mother?

Sam, I spoke to thee.

What?

I said, why wouldn't you go to the shop for your mother?

She didn't ask me.

I heard her ask you.

I didn't hear her.

You know she doesn't like going to Mercer's.

What did she go for then?

Because it's handy.

She told it's because they look at her.

I heard her.

She doesn't like going.

Because they look at her.

Choose what the reason is.

The next time she asks you, you go.

All right?

They look at me and all.

How do you mean?

They look at you?

They look at me.

Same as look at your mum.

Look, I'm asking you, Sam.

Next time, you go.

All right?

It were a lot.

No, you didn't lift the snack up enough.

I forgot the lard.

I'll be done in a bit.

I'll go.

You go and get your sleep.

That's what you'll do.

I'm on afternoons next week.

I can catch up in between.

We can't go on like this.

Not like this.

We can't.

Go and lay a bath out for us in scullery.

There's a lad.

Sam!

Good lad.

Don't be sharp with him.

It worked.

Harry used to shout at him all the time.

Happened he'd feel at home then if I did a bit more.

We tipped all round him trying to make up for Harry.

He should have gone to the shop for you.

He was stood at Ginnle as I came past.

The women.

He shouldn't take notice.

They're trying to get rid of us.

You know they are.

Why didn't somebody tell us we were coming amongst a nest of cuddy chapel folk?

Your dad, for instance.

He wouldn't have known.

Not round here.

Wouldn't he?

He used to say there were nobody he didn't know within a 20-mile ring round Skeleton.

Alan.

Dora.

You've found us then.

I had a bit of a job.

I don't know, Galway.

Ran the gauntlet, did you?

Quivering curtains.

Were they all out at bat watching me?

I'll fetch Kettle.

Aye.

They found out we're not married.

We knew they would, of course, only they're making a meal of it.

She's taken it badly.

Would have been better off in Skeleton.

Would have been a far day, wouldn't it?

Then we'd have been left in peace.

Dad sent you, did he?

See if you're ready to give up yet.

Ethel sent me.

Ethel?

She's starting with baby.

She asked for you to come.

I came to see if you could.

Of course I'll come.

Yes, I'll come.

Let me know if anybody comes round from the offices about that tub of bottomless.

He claims there was dirt dropped into it between here and Fayess.

He reckons he's being picked on.

Aye, him and a lot more.

Aye, they're after the lot of us, not just him.

Now then, sir, will you be at home tonight?

I could be, for the right chap.

What's to do?

There's somebody coming to see you.

Should I be in or out then?

Nay, it's up to thee, lad.

Are you coming for bus?

Aye, it's a walk away.

Special's brought them down.

Half an hour, they said.

And I've only just walked them bloody face.

Come into the chairman's office with me.

They'll serve a grand mug of tea in there.

His toner's caught again.

I'll have to mend it when we get there.

Sam, come on.

Lance.

Aye.

I'll be able to keep an eye on him when he gets to Skeleton.

Sam?

When they transfer him to our place after the holidays.

Who says they're going to transfer him?

You've not been told then?

Didn't Sam bring a note from school?

He brought the note to us.

He hung devil.

They were given one.

Oh, they've been given one, all right.

Watkins at our place told me he'd had one to say he was coming.

He ranted on a bit.

He doesn't like that sort of thing.

What sort of thing?

I don't need to tell you why they're moving him.

Aye.

Aye, I need telling.

Why?

This one's a church school.

Ours is council.

Because of me and Dora then?

Yeah.

And they'd take it out on the lad?

The sins of the fathers.

Do you know the Reverend does?

No.

By name, of course.

He preaches the same sermon twice a year.

The poorer you are, the wider the gates of heaven shall be opened unto you.

He gives us something to look forward to.

Don't tell Dora about that note.

He could have lost it.

I doubt it.

Or opened it and messed up the envelope.

I did that once with a letter from grammar school addressed to Dad.

I thought it was a complaint.

But it was a report to say I was honest and had integrity.

We all have feet of clay, perhaps.

And a guilty conscience.

I don't think we can carry on round here.

Maybe you could move back to Skeleton.

It's another Christian community, of course.

But the heathen are far more, perhaps.

According to gospel law, they do.

I'll talk to the lad about that note.

It'll not be easy.

He's changed towards me.

Changed in what way?

He cheeks me.

And I can't come back at him somehow.

Does the Dora?

No, she pulls me up if ever I'm sharp with him, but it's not that.

I feel him watching me.

I don't know.

That day he came back, the day we went to see Aunt Bike, that's when it started.

He'll probably be in my class at Skeleton.

That won't be easy.

There'll be a bus for him every day if we stop here.

There's hours empty up Long Row.

Two bob a week more than these and mend your own roof.

And there'll be bus fares on top.

Give a safe job.

Aye, that's on the credit side.

On the debit side, there's your dad.

Oh, he'll come round.

We've none of us turned out as he wanted.

He wanted me to better myself away and I've come back to the muck.

George married Ethel, who can't stand the sight of Dad.

And Dora?

The chap's not born that'd fit Dad's spec for Dora.

He'll come round, though.

He might soften to her, but never to me, he won't.

Who's the agent for Long Row these days?

It's Harrison Cuddy, innit?

Well, he'd know any road.

Might be worth a try.

He makes his back.

Oh, aye.

His office window's open.

Bessie Kidd in pit offices told me when that window's open he's in there, she said.

Can't stand his own stench, eh?

They say he's kind to animals.

Always asks about ponies, they say.

Come to bleed us, has he?

That's what he said, wasn't it?

He was going to make us bleed.

Leave that to Fawcett.

Fawcett's a manager.

Does as he's told and they make it worth his while.

Who's coming to see me, then?

Barrett, lodge secretary.

Oh, aye.

They want you on committee.

Do they?

Well, they made you check women.

You might have guessed.

We haven't had one yet that wasn't on committee.

He said no to me at the time.

Well, he said I thought you'd stand.

That's what I told him, anyway.

Did you?

Well, you seemed set on it last Easter.

I was.

I've had the taste of a job since then.

You know why Barrett wants you, don't you?

To make him look respectable.

Not liked, isn't Barrett?

Not liked, sir, if he was.

He spends too much of his time upstairs talking to Fawcett.

He thinks the lads don't notice it.

They'll think of it what they want to think, right or wrong.

He's not a speaker, neither, you see.

Oh, they're good lads, by and large.

But there's not one of them a speaker.

There were some lively old meetings in Welfare in the old days.

You and Harry Crossman.

Folks remember that.

There's nobody goes nowadays.

It's like a temperance meeting.

So it's a speaker, the one?

I do miss speaking front floor, if I were you.

You can't see what a lot of old-day buggers we are when you're looking at platform.

If I turn down this nomination, I shall lose my job, shan't I?

You're paid by the men.

They voted you in.

You can't go back on that.

Till next time round.

Them that's voted in can get voted out again, saw that?

I'd sooner be at the mercy of the management than some of that lot.

Well, they could be out when he called.

He'd learn what it's like to be a rentman.

Nicely stewed.

Are you ready for it?

It's up to thee, I know.

You can take a little stroll when he's due.

Come and see me at my spare time job.

It's not as cosy as this, man.

Not when you're lively.

Aye, well, one day happen.

They'll come one day, all right.

I'm up at Top Church doing a bit of grave digging.

What are you doing on there?

Filing points on nails.

I thought nails had points.

Not when you finish knocking them out of old wood, wrong road, they don't.

George.

What shift are you on next week?

Tonight's.

You'll not have to complain if it makes a noise, you know.

It?

I don't know of any it.

All right.

All right, then, the bairn.

Wish you wouldn't keep calling it it.

I never answered to it.

Never met anyone called it in me life.

I said you'll not have to complain if the bairn makes a noise.

I'll not complain.

Would you put that in writing?

If I can slip through them across road having a row, I can slip through anything.

George.

Don't do it, love.

Don't do what?

Make a noise when I do.

I didn't, did I?

Yes, you did.

Didn't know I did.

Well, you did and don't.

Else I shall want to stop and it's good for me.

I don't see how I can stop if I don't know what I'm doing.

Try, for God's sake, put a cork in it.

All right, love, steady down.

I'll not do it again.

Don't get aerated.

Don't take it like that, love.

I'm sorry, love.

I didn't mean to run touch you.

It's just I do get a bit... you know.

Aye, I know.

How are you, then?

I'm all right.

A bit, erm...

A bit on edge, like.

Aye.

Aye.

I'm a bit on edge.

Never mind.

It'll not be long now.

Well, erm, I must be off out for a bit.

Again?

Only down to allotments.

Oh, am I not to have company, then?

I'll ask me mam to come in.

Oh, aye, and me.

Don't forget to ask me.

Aye, and me.

And ask me.

Lovely.

Me and me mam.

What's wrong with that?

They sit there talking about all the pregnancies they can remember that went wrong.

That's what's wrong with that.

Birth's not a natural phenomenon to them, too.

It's a bloody impossibility.

Well, it's better than me making noises, isn't it?

Oh, if I could get out of this chair.

Ah, we've not got on so well since they got rooted in that chair, now, have we?

Oh, well, it'll not be for long.

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

Well, let me know what goes on, then.

Aye, I'll let you know.

Aye, and remember what I said.

They've done their work.

They took nine years of their life for it.

Let somebody else have a go.

Can I leave you, then?

For good and all.

I want to go to Cuddy, that's all.

Don't say things like that.

Well, you'll not be first, will you?

I shall not be the second, neither.

I know.

Do you?

Better than if you'd stood in a church and said, till death us do part.

I already said that and the fat lot it meant.

If it wasn't for what's inside me, I wouldn't

bother all that much about marriage, would you?

Aye.

Aye, I would.

Think you'd have me tired, then, do you?

No.

Only that you'd think twice before you left me.

It's nice to be back, isn't it?

Is it?

I never thought I'd be glad to come back to Skeleton, even if it is just for a visit.

We're not all that far away.

You know what I mean.

Aye.

When things aren't straight in life, you're better off with your own.

Only I'd always be a reminder to Dad.

But I'd shamed him.

He'd not want me back now.

There's a feeling in the village.

Oh, about what?

Oh, it's just an edge to things.

Nothing you can put your finger on, but it's there.

Is it because Machen's come?

Aye, I suppose it'll have got round.

Well, he's left us alone up to now, more or less.

Cos it's been quiet, I suppose.

Only because I've kept things quiet.

Stop mole-ills from growing into mountains.

They trust you, that's why.

Trust?

Well, more than Machen, I suppose.

What has he come for?

I'm not sure.

The percentage of dirt in the coal's been going up.

The agreement says 7%, but we've been up to 12 lately.

Profits are falling.

We're well down compared to his other two pits.

Does he blame you?

He hasn't said as much, but he looks at me as if he does.

The facts are there.

He knows I can do no better.

He knows what I know.

It's a damn sight harder to keep things going here than it is at Cuddy and Martin.

There's a lot of militancy.

It's bred in the place.

It's bred by people like Machen.

Why here and not at Cuddy and Martin?

Why do we always have to have a finger pointed at us?

There's a couple of works north of Martin.

And two more pits.

And not so many folk.

We had more houses than jobs here, even before we closed that second seam.

If you work in Skeleton, you work in the pit.

And coal's getting a sight harder to come by here now.

The men know that as well as Machen does, don't they?

They feel threatened.

We feel threatened too.

I wonder if they know that every time the profits fall, we're threatened.

We pick clothes and the job's finished.

No real prospect of another.

They know as much about profit as we do.

What they don't know and what they fear is what goes on in Machen's mind.

The fear of their kids growing up with rickets

and the look of their wives when they're on dole.

He doesn't have to meet them on the streets, in the shops.

They're nothing but blank faces to Machen.

The only time he can put a name to a man is if he's causing trouble.

He had me up just before I came home.

He wants to move the militants back to Skeleton,

that have drifted over to Cody and Martin.

A deputy and a shot-fire or two to start with,

just so they don't feel there's something going on.

Well, the Union suspects something.

Nay, he's a poor specimen, Barrett.

They've barricaded off his check away, ma'am, but he's not a Union man these days.

He's got the taste of a job, poor devil.

He'd have been out of a job still if I hadn't had a word with Barrett.

You know, I expected Machen to block me there.

He knows Barraclough's reputation.

Your check away men are generally militants because

they're paid by the men and can't be victimised.

Machen didn't object.

Well, when I told him Barraclough was a back number, he seemed almost disappointed.

It's as though he were looking for somebody to cause trouble.

It was a long winter that.

Our Angel had young Tommy in the January.

Or was it the February?

Anyway, she'd gone upstairs and Mrs Trooper had come round.

And they're all coping nicely.

And they'd just got to the point where Mrs Trooper were telling her to push.

Push, she says.

And light went out.

And not one of them had a penny to put in meter.

Cassie Oil came into the world that winter and

they had no water because pipes were froze.

The men walked all the way to Stubley Reservoir

with a wash tub on a bogie and broke the ice.

And she were twins, you know, were Cassie.

Only the other one died.

I never knew that.

Well, they kept it quiet as far as they could.

Nobody ever knew why.

I know why.

And you'll not say, will you?

I don't see why I shouldn't at this distance.

I do.

Because little somethings have big somethings.

Why don't you go and talk to your Uncle Frank?

I talked to him on the way here.

I saw young Fred outside with a pig's bladder.

Now, what he really wants is to see his Uncle George, isn't it?

Is he on shift?

No, he's not.

He's down at the allotment.

At least that's what he told me, so off you go.

Hey, and if he's not there, you'll come back and tell me and I'll mark his card.

He's quiet today.

Sam?

Ain't it time you went upstairs?

No, it isn't.

I'm sorry to disappoint you.

Oh, there is one thing you can do for me, though.

You can get a drawer ready.

Didn't you get that cart from Adam Eakins?

Ah, she'd let it go to her cousin.

It's the bottom drawer of that set in our room.

Do you know, if I've asked George once to do it, I've asked him a dozen times.

Goes deaf on me sometimes.

And there's a pillar in the bottom of her tea chest up there.

That'll do for a mattress.

Better not leave it too late, missus.

I've never known Bertha Trooper to run.

She'll not have to run for me.

Uncle George!

Uncle George!

Oh, it's they.

Me aunt Ethel said you were here.

What is the want?

Can I talk to you?

No, I'm busy.

Can I come and help?

Look, I've got summer down.

I'll see thee later.

Sam!

I'll see thee later, eh?

Right?

I promised Alan I'd not say anything about it to Sam.

Well, I've not promised anything.

That's the first I've heard of a letter from school.

Why don't you leave it to Alan?

It'll help him get close to the lad.

Don't you think his mother should be close to him?

Aren't you?

I was till Harry went off.

He's gone further and further away from me as Sam.

And now, when he goes out the door, I don't follow.

I'm shut in, in that house.

You're all right.

You and Alan.

All right?

What does all right mean?

Well, he cares for you a lot.

He makes that plain enough.

Too plain, Appen.

Plain enough for everybody to see and talk about.

Is it the house?

Well, I'm not really against the house.

I'm content with the house.

I'm content with him.

I've... I've most of what I want in life, except...

peace of mind.

Maybe I've no right to that.

You have as much right to it as anybody.

Oh, you try telling Dad that.

I thought I had the right to bend things to suit me.

And he wore me out with me, only because that's what I thought he'd say.

I... I didn't believe him.

I said I had no option, but I had the option all the woman have.

Live on me own for the rest of me life and bring me lawful child up.

You'll bear a bastard, he said.

Well, I'm bearing one, aren't I?

You're bearing a child, daughter, nothing else.

Oh, you try telling him that out there.

God, if we could have just got away, if there'd been work somewhere else...

It's no different away.

I came back.

And why did you?

Because I didn't want to go in the first place.

I'm not a nest-leaver, I suppose.

Dad wanted me to go.

If I'd have been a lad, I'd have got away.

Would you promise me something?

I can.

That you'll help Sam with his schoolwork.

Look, I know it's a way for you to come, but if you could just come now...

I'll do what I can.

It's something to please Dad, anyway.

And I want Sam to go up from here as soon as he can.

We've none of us done what he wanted, have we?

Has it never struck you that he doesn't know what he does want?

Dad?

He had a big reputation once for fighting the bosses.

Maybe he still has, I don't know.

He needs a target, Dad.

He knows more what he doesn't want than what he does want.

When it comes to clearing the ground, he's dead on.

But what's he going to build there?

Little white houses.

Hmm?

Nothing.

There's something he said to me once.

Little white houses.

He mostly spoke for his big brothers, but I asked for you.

Can I come with you?

I'm not afraid now.

I'm off down to wreck.

Play cowboys with Tommy Jameson.

The one that you used to play with.

He's all right, it's Tommy.

We need to up him up right low.

Here's your grandad.

Up to me, sheep.

I'll say it again.

When you come back to Skeleton, after the holidays...

What's this then?

Coming back to Skeleton?

That's got a tongue in the head, hasn't it?

It's taking a time, isn't it?

Mending that ball?

It's done.

I'll take it round.

Make sure they scald it right.

It's been used for all sorts, that ball.

We don't want no accidents.

Another mouth to feed.

You sound like your dad.

Don't let our Georgie say that.

Not another mouth to feed, another mouth that's hungry.

There's a difference.

I'll take it round.

She came then.

I thought she might not.

Why did you think that?

The way things are between her and her dad.

Ah, well... How are they, do you think, her and Alan?

Suited.

I don't doubt that.

There's talk around.

She feels it.

It's one of those streets that considers itself a cut above others.

Don't ask me why.

If only her divorce had gone through.

No news?

They've not found him yet.

Them solicitors of Toby's.

Not that they try all that hard, I suppose.

Happens she's in the same boat.

That woman he went off with.

If she is, wouldn't he want a divorce as much as Dora does?

Depends what he thinks of her, doesn't it?

A man that'd go to the other side of the world...

and leave his flesh and blood to fend for themselves without thought.

I feel sorry for that woman.

He did it once, he could do it again.

Do you think he'll ever come back?

If he does, he'd better keep out of your dad's way.

We go on, don't we?

Go on what, love?

Breathe in.

I've got a customer for you.

Two slices of bread and dripping.

He never told me he were hungry.

He told me.

I want to see a clean pair of hands first.

Go and scrub your hands in the scullery.

He told you he were hungry, did he?

Shut that scullery door.

Has he said anything to either of you since he came?

About school.

He told you, then?

Watkins told me.

He had a note from Cuddy.

You said note to me?

I told Alan Durkin.

He said he wanted to tell him himself.

They gave Sam a note to give to Dora, but he didn't produce it.

You know why?

We thought he'd likely read it and gotten a sweat because he'd opened it.

Or because of what he'd read into it.

He'd only say it was to be moved.

It wouldn't give reasons.

He's worked out his own reasons.

What they are, I don't know.

But whatever it is, it's something he thinks he did.

You know why they moved him?

Dora.

A crucified bugger.

Jack!

Sandy Coltard has worked at Skeleton.

He's on Cuddy's school board, isn't he?

He was, aye.

And he's on the branch committee here as well.

He's one of us.

And what are they that live in our Dora's street?

They make her feel she can't leave the house for the way they look at her.

Landed gentry.

I warned her how it'd be.

I tried to stop her, but what's done is done.

Have you told her that's how you feel?

No.

Have you spoke to her since?

She spoke to me.

Folks all round then, aren't they, Jack?

Not least to women there.

What have you told him?

Have you made out up as to why he's to be moved to Skeleton?

No, not yet, I've not.

I said there'd be a reason it'd be not to do with him.

You'd better get your thinking cap on then.

He'll believe it when he hears it.

Well, at least you've not got George under your feet.

Most fellas'll be standing and sitting and standing like musical chairs.

Biggest thing that's ever happened to him, he says.

And where is he?

Down at the allotment.

Have you got coal coming?

Blast!

Doesn't usually bring his horse and cart into the house.

Well, somebody has been busy.

It's a cot.

I made it.

Down in the shed.

No lad of mine's been born in a drawer.

It's a cot.

I made it for a surprise.

It's, um, it was a nice thought, love.

What a surprise.

Well, it's, uh, still a bit rough, of course.

It needs finishing off, like.

But there's no nail sticking up or out like that.

Is it right way up?

Of course it's the right way up.

Of course it is.

I had to make it from bits cos I had no tools.

But I've cleaned it all.

It's clean.

Yes, I'm sure it is.

You don't like it, do you?

It was a nice thought, love.

I wasn't born in a drawer!

We had a cot and we all went in it one after another.

I'm no good with wood.

I never was.

I'm fisty, that's what I am.

Good for stringing coal, that's what I am.

Now, don't take on George.

You can't see it.

It's a cot.

With money put by, we could buy one.

There's other things we need more.

I've saved on my spends.

You what?

I've been saving for months.

And I know where we can get one on cheap and all.

Go on, Ethel, eh?

I shall be back on pay soon, I know I shall.

We shall need every penny we've got.

I can't stand the sight of that bloody drawer!

Go after him, Dora.

I bet he's spent hours on that.

I, um... I shall go upstairs when he's come down.

George?

Eh, I'll take no comfort.

She knows you meant well.

What good's meaning well?

What good's that when you're left with a drawer?

Did it take you long?

Three weeks.

Three weeks sneaking out to the shed at night.

And I suffered in more ways than one.

Off down to club again, she'd say, and me in my condition.

She didn't say that, maybe, but that's what she meant.

And I kept me trap shut.

I said not.

I suffered.

Well, then me'll have to put up with a drawer like us not when ours is born.

Biggest thing that's ever happened to me, is this?

She knows that.

Does she?

You'd not think so, would you, from where she carries on?

Did you like it yourself?

The work was straight, more or less, and the

wood was smooth, and legs as strong, and...

No.

I didn't, as a matter of fact.

But I like it better than a drawer.

Anyway, we shall see, shan't we?

See?

I'm not beat yet.

Oh, no.

I'm not beat yet.

Thou shalt have stopped on thine, George.

Has thou been sling'd pick again, George?

Help him at the top, George.

How is she?

She won't let us send for Mrs. Trooper yet.

Oh, don't worry.

I'll send without asking, when she's right.

She's on about George still, because she's hurt his feelings.

She wants the drawer.

Where's his, er... cot?

May wanted to chop it up for firewood, but I said no.

Not for 24 hours.

It's out the back.

Drawers are for putting things in, not forks.

So they can put that back where it belongs.

Well, anything, lad?

God, Evans, what have you done?

Where is she?

She's gone upstairs.

It's not... It hasn't... Oh, don't be daft, lad.

It'll be hours yet.

Well, where did you get these?

Mind your own business.

Don't you speak to our mother like that, George Baraclough.

Oh, I didn't mean... I mean... Bloody hell.

Where ever did you get the money, George?

They're brand new.

Guilty conscience, George.

So that drawer gives me a guilty conscience, now tells.

That bloody drawer.

I provide, don't I?

Don't I?

I provide.

Aye.

Well, I provided.

Where ever did he get the money?

Word is there's not to be any, agent.

Machen's taking charge.

When was he not in charge?

You don't think old Thomas had a free hand?

Well, he was on the spot.

I mean, Machen had to buy me what he said to a certain extent.

What's worrying you, Barrett?

12% dirt in coal, that's what's worrying me.

12% now and then happen, it's a bad stretch.

Oh, it's nearly twice what we're allowed under old dirt agreement.

We took some hammer for that.

When you shovel dirt to waste, you do it for naught.

Unless you have a fair percentage.

If they cut the percentage down, it's the same as a drop in wages.

There's a feeling among lads that that's what Machen will be after.

12% average is bloody rubbish.

He can't claim that.

I should know, I'm Chet Weyman.

There's a tub or two comes up at that, and one or two motties we could mention.

But 12% average and never.

Lads are worried about Doe, should he come to a fight.

A reduction in dirt is a loss of wage.

We claimed Doe last time, we lost mine.

There's a feeling Machen might try to close Seaman Hall.

It'll close before so long, any road the way things are down there.

Do you think we should fight an inroad on these percentages?

It depends what he offers, doesn't it?

If it's what I think it'll be, you want me to stand firm.

Fawcett's looking worried and all since Machen come back.

He's not a bad chap in Fawcett, you know.

I've met one or two as well, worse.

He's got his job to look to, like the rest of us.

Like you and me, you mean?

Aye, like you and me.

Especially me, eh?

I mean, that's what you've come about, isn't it?

You want me to stand for the branch.

I've gathered that much.

Well, you don't have to put it to your eye.

Not to do with me being made Czech Weyman, then?

No, I mean, that meant partly for services rendered like.

And partly for services to come.

Look, we would like you back on the committee, Jack.

We would.

So, I can think about it.

Oh, I suppose so.

I mean, time's running on a bit, you know.

It does run on a bit, this time.

If you could let me know tomorrow.

I think I could.

I think I could do that, I would.

Oh, you know my lad, Frank?

I do.

He was teaching up north.

I had no more sense than to come back here.

I'll hear from you tomorrow, then.

I wouldn't be surprised.

You could do.

Ah, well, um... Well, it's getting on a bit, this time.

You'll hear from me.

I couldn't help playing him a bit.

He doesn't like me very much.

He's got to ask me, but he doesn't want to.

He's hoping I'll turn it down.

And will you?

I've got some figures I've written down here.

I can work out a percentage for me.

I'll tell them to them.

Am I to get a straight answer?

Upsetting yourself at a time like this.

It's not me that's upsetting me, it's you.

What have I done?

You have bought a cot and a pram, and I want to know what with.

Oh!

Oh, if you make that noise again, I'll get out of this bed and I'll crown you.

You think I've spent that brass you saved, don't you?

Well, haven't you?

I couldn't very well, could I?

I've not been trusted to know where it is.

No, but you found it, didn't you?

Tell me where it is, and I'll bring it you.

Oh, you're not catching me.

Look, if I found it, it's not there, and if it's not there, I can't bring it you.

If it's there.

I said if.

I can save two vanos.

Oh, well, I've worked that out and all.

If you'd saved all your spends, and you'd not soaked any ale, and you'd

not smoked any fags, you'd still not have a quarter of that money.

And that being so... Oh, no.

I didn't.

Oh, no.

I did not.

You did not what?

Lie about my wage.

I've been straight.

Oh, no.

You're spoiling it for me.

Spoiling what?

This.

You and me now.

We're on our own for the last time.

There was a...

You've spoiled it for me.

There was other things we needed more.

Look, if you don't trust me, ask our daughter to check.

She'll bring it you.

Shut up.

You give me no credit.

Now, other chaps would have boozed it away.

I do give you credit.

And I've been straight.

I have been straight.

Shut up and sit down.

All right, then, are you?

I'm right enough.

Did you work that out for yourself?

Us being on our own for the last time?

Of course I did.

And if we'd not come to a row, I bet you'd not have said, would you?

Happen.

Happen I would.

Sit a while.

Quiet, like.

Just you and me.

I'll see you then.

Upstairs?

Aye.

Everything ready?

Aye, it's all ready.

I'll call you when I want you.

They keep coming, don't they?

One after the other.

Where's your mate?

He's gone for his tea.

Tommy Jameson kicked him.

He's a bad lad, that Tommy Jameson.

I like your tea better than it could be, Gran.

Come on in.

Gypsy's coming.

Where, Gran?

Never you mind where.

Come on in.

Gypsy's coming.

Well, tell her to take her out then.

I'll live in fear for the rest of us lives.

You're a foolish woman, Polly.

It's bad when there's a bairn coming, I know it is.

I'm going to Ethel's through it that way.

Not a word when she knocks.

I'll make it nine percent.

Nine point two, to be accurate.

As much as that.

I didn't think it'd be that much.

Nothing like twelve percent, though.

It's still too bloody much.

There's a big stick coming, lad.

I can feel the shadow of it now.

Come back at Christmas!

Superstition.

Women.

It's their guard against the threats of life.

Well, we've enough of them.

The Gypsy's warning.

I wish this damn government could hear the Gypsy's warning.

They'll pay for the way they disregard Coe when

Germany starts chucking its weight about again.

Again?

They think they can stave it off this time.

But they'll not.

They'll suffer for it and it's an all worse look.

And when they want the coal they need, what will they find?

Pits closed with good coal in them.

Machinery on its last legs.

And men with no food and a fire in their bellies and

their muscles turned to pat through years on dole.

I've seen them at the boxing booth when the fair's come round.

Chaps that were giants in the day, when I first started teaching at the school here.

I've seen them strip off and get into the ring against some well-fed pro.

Their flesh tight and their ribs sticking through like fire bars.

I hope they can stay on their feet for three

rounds and win ten bob to take home to their bands.

Fathers of kids, I teach some of them.

There'll be a price to be paid and a price beyond that.

And where it'll stop, who knows?

She's gone.

If they cross the threshold when there's a band coming, it's doom.

I've never heard that one before.

I know it is.

Well, you could have kept her at door.

Suppose she put her foot across.

Oh, I've never heard such rubbish.

She's a nice little woman, that.

How about pegs off her every year?

If it's out it's to the way round, it's good luck, not bad.

Nay, it's not, is it?

She wants you to go up.

Clear the decks, then.

Stand by for orders.

Keep that water going.

You come and sit at scullery, lad.

Give me a jug and I'll get thee a quart of ale.

You sit at scullery and...

He's a young chap, Barrett.

He's on his way to a union job, same as Alan Deakin

would have been if he'd stopped with the lads.

Nothing wrong with that, Dad.

There shouldn't be, should there?

But there is where he's concerned.

It's like putting on a uniform to him.

Off to war for medals and glory, playing at being a militant.

He doesn't know what it means, and the lads know he doesn't.

But he's a bit of education, so we need him.

He can write letters and talk to the managers with proper use of words,

so we need him.

You know what they want me for in his terms?

They want me for a rabble-rouser.

Because... because I talk Collier's talk.

Not manager's talk, because that's what I am.

The men look up to me and the others look down.

I'm to be used, and I'm weary of it.

Then turn it down.

And lose me job?

The first I've had in nine years.

Are you listening, then, to your Grandad?

Aye, Grandad.

Aye, you listen.

Listen and learn.

You'll learn more about human nature here than you will at college, am I right?

Aye, you're right enough there.

And when you've learnt that, you'll learn something else.

But it's the last thing we ever take account of, is human nature.

What is it?

Last thing we take account of, Grandad.

She told me where she'd put her money and asked me to look.

It's gone.

No, it's still there.

Wherever did he get it?

Hey, he's on his third quart and he wants another.

Oh, May, you shouldn't.

What sort of state's he going to be in?

A better state than he'd be without it.

More hot water.

And I need some help.

I'll go up.

Can you put that other big pan on, love?

Dora.

Dad.

How was it then?

Shall I be long now?

You don't come over all that much.

Don't I?

Dakin not with you?

No.

I'll not stop.

I'll be in the road.

You could stop for me.

Can I see me Uncle George?

Why isn't Scullery?

Sup, Inezzie?

Hi.

I'm glad you've come.

Are you?

I've said things I shouldn't have.

I've got things wrong.

I don't think you've got things wrong.

Dead right, I'd have said.

I left out what I damned other folk for not doing.

I took no account of human nature.

No more did I.

I've learnt better now.

We have to make the best of it.

You mean we've made us bed so we can lay on it?

I wouldn't do better than that.

We're in work, all of us, and better times will come.

We can see it through till then, can't we?

I called to see if you were done.

What are you doing here?

Can I talk to thee outside?

I'll go.

There's no need for that.

Is there?

I've been to see Harris at Cuddy about this house that's empty up the road.

Your Frank told me about it.

If thou want'st to come back, it's a chance.

How much is it?

Seven bob a week.

That's a lot.

We shall not get another.

I thought, if it's what thou want's...

to come back, I'll have to go straight there and let him know.

And is it all right by you?

Aye.

Aye, it is.

We'll take it, then.

We'll take it.

Have a sup of ale.

Sorry, I thought there was somebody else.

There's not somebody else.

There's Sam, aren't there?

Aye.

I come to see me, and I couldn't let thee in.

Aye.

Uncle George, I've done something bad.

Me and thee both, then, lad.

Wicked?

Aye, wicked.

I bet it's not as wicked as mine.

I bet it is.

Well, you tell me, then, and I'll tell thee.

Jessie Crossley at school asked me to show

her something, and I did, and she told of me.

She did?

Aye, and they're sending me back to Skeleton,

and me grandad thinks it's cos of something else.

Well, it's because she told of me.

Well, she asked you to show her, didn't she?

Aye, and I showed her.

And what did she say when you showed her?

She laughed.

That's what they get for being obliging.

She bet me I didn't know what it were for.

They did, though.

No.

So, er, so she told thee?

She told me, aye.

Then she said mine were a funny one, she said.

Funny?

Funny, she said.

How many, er, how many has she seen like?

Dozens, she said, only not to be shown like.

Only at mixed bathing and such.

She said she'd seen the Vickers.

Some lad?

What were it that showed her?

I showed her me bellybutton.

George!

George!

It's a girl.

All right?

Hi.

Come on.

George?