Original subtitles

It's a bit of a mucky mess, isn't it?

Ah, what's that, old reet?

Where's the set gone, the daddy?

Don't know, Charlie.

It happened to the eels, happened.

Well, I make a few jobs, ain't I, Roald, all being well?

No jobs without profit, Toby.

You bought it out right, I take it?

Oh, I... didn't out much for it, mind.

Ah.

Well, let's have a look in here.

Uncle Josh, can I have a key for the shed?

It's locked.

Well, I've not locked it.

I'll give you my key when your granddad give you them pigeons.

When you come back from that school last year.

I've took it off him.

I've locked it.

What for?

Someone in this room right now knows what for.

It's not me, is it, eh?

It's not me.

Well, if it's not me and it's not there, what you going on about?

It must be Aunt Jane.

Aunt what?

Fitz says his dad's Aunt Jane.

He heard his mum say so.

Oh, aye?

And what's it mean, then, since I seems to know all about it?

Well, it's growing old, isn't it?

Aye, well, aye.

It's growing old.

So, er...

So you think your Aunt Ethel's growing old, do you?

She isn't, she.

I'd not let her hear you say that if I was you.

Not as old as you, though.

Yeah, cheeky.

You're not a fledgling any more, you know.

You leave school next month.

You'll answer for what you say in future.

Understand?

Fred's getting long trousers when he leaves school.

Fred's dad's at work.

You'll get your long ones when we can manage it.

When's that?

I told you, when we can manage it.

You're not meant to only pair a pair of these in a row, you know.

There'll be plenty of others.

Are you sure you don't know what she's going on about the shed for?

My pigeons need to be fed.

Well, your Uncle Frank's got a key.

Only don't let on, I told you.

Thanks.

Sorry.

Oh, he's in a rush, isn't he?

He didn't stop to ask after that key again, did he?

No, no, he didn't.

I'm glad to see you didn't side with him for once.

He'll not get it.

Shall I have an interview with him?

Interview about what?

Smoking in the shed.

Tabends all over the floor in that corner where I got that box of treaties from.

Where are they getting them from, do you think?

That'll be young Fred, that.

Aye, and young Simon and all.

He thinks he's a man because he's about to leave school.

Hey, did you see him with your razor the other day?

I'll have a word with him.

Oh, no, you won't.

I know your choice of words.

I'll have a word with him.

Who's locked it?

Me aunt, I thought.

What's she locked it for?

Uncle George will have been up to something.

Like taking his hoop there for a bit of peace.

Here's me key.

Only bring it back, mind.

Aye, I will.

I'll have the exams when school ends.

No, why?

Wish we were having exams.

I'd do better, wouldn't I?

I have been doing better, haven't I?

Aye, you've been doing a lot better.

I hope to be having exams.

I'll fetch key back.

Go on then.

Tell me it's my fault.

Why should I do that?

Because it bloody is.

You know what he was asking you just now, don't you?

If he'd be going to Pitt, has he been working better?

Aye, the last six months or so.

Felt it coming towards him, I suppose.

I warned him.

I did that much years back.

You get your head stuck into them books, I said, or I'll be Pitt for thee.

What do you know when you're that age?

There'd be no way.

The road things are.

Not the pit or anywhere.

They're not taking anybody on as far as I know.

Most of last year's leavers haven't been a stroke since they left.

And the years before.

I should have let Toby help.

He'd have paid for him at school, wouldn't he?

I kept him tied to me principles.

They're not bad principles, Dan.

Had I the right?

It's not an easy question to answer.

Your mother used to say that it's human nature

to want more for your own than for your own kind.

She said I'd proved it by wanting more for our Dora.

Well, I put that right.

I want the same for him as for everybody else.

Same chances, any rule.

Well, same as his own kind.

Well, what have I proved, Frank?

That we need a new educational system.

Too late for him.

Ah.

He didn't chuck him in at the deep end altogether.

He tried with that school you sent him to.

The fact that he used that turned out.

Not your fault.

Back to blaming the system, are we?

Shouldn't we?

I always have done.

Changed your mind?

No, you have not.

I ask myself one question, that's all.

Nobody can answer it but me.

Have I done all I could have done with what I got given me?

He'll need to ask that of himself one day.

Church-going man, Charlie?

Weddings and funerals, christening or two maybe.

I've none of me own.

I thought you weren't wed.

What's that to do with it?

You're a naughty man, Charlie.

I know.

True, I go home mostly to an empty house, but

there's nobody to get their hands in me pockets.

Well, what do you think?

Can we do something with it?

I wish you'd asked me before you bought it.

Nay.

I bought it for a few houses up and back mainly.

And a bit of land.

It was only when you said you'd government orders to subcontract I thought to myself,

well, Jackie Weston's done his tip, hasn't he?

Aye, well, he does no work for me.

I don't know what his set-up is.

Now, I can put some second-hand machinery in your way.

I can even find you a manager.

You'll want a manager, I suppose?

I shall have to carry on with your shop, aye.

I can't give that up.

Now, I can tell you what we're paying, then if you work out your costs,

you'll know what's in it for you, won't you?

Well, I don't expect to make a fortune overnight, my.

You'll not, I promise you.

I've always wanted to have a crack at something like this.

Cheap labour's your best card.

You've no competition for labour round here.

Ah, well, I'll be glad there are jobs, I can tell thee.

There's not a man in work in some of these streets.

Though there's a rumour they're going to open Skeleton Lane Pit again.

Aye, they live on rumour when there's no work.

Any road, it's women you want, not men.

Aye, but it's all money coming in the house.

Bit needed round here is a place like this.

Fancy yourself as a social benefactor, Toby?

No, no, no, of course not.

I'm glad to hear it.

On the other hand... On the other hand, nothing.

You pay your way in this business or there's an out for anybody.

Where'd you get them from?

All these.

Me dad.

Buys for a week at a turn.

See him going to shops.

I take them off bottom of pile.

Can't he tell?

I shove an empty packet there.

Then when his next lot come, I change them over.

He'll come to empty packet in time, though.

He did once.

He thought me mam had them.

They had a right barney.

She said he worked shop, thought we'd hiddle in him.

Course I know he's drunk most of the time.

So she gets them from Holland's now.

I put them back now.

When I can.

When I've got brass.

He'll have to pick when he leaves school next month.

Aye.

Me dad's got me on haulage.

He's well in with Teddy Underwood.

That's why I've got to go to Gospel Hall.

What's that going to do?

I don't know.

I've not decided yet.

Either of you seen a hearth brush in here?

There's one there.

How'd you get in?

Me uncle Frank has a key.

I see.

Right you are.

Forgotten how to cook?

Jam and bread'll not hurt you for once.

Once?

I'm beginning to forget they sell out else.

If I told you it were fish and chips last night, you'd have known no difference.

The state you were in.

I'd pay for it.

I'd give you brass.

I'd want you to eat it if I can't bloody see it.

What the hell are you looking for in there?

The safety pin.

That last button that was left on me trousers.

At it again, Ruby.

What?

I must think I'm bloody daft putting empty packets back.

Oh, we're not back to that again.

Thieving bitch.

Memory like a sieve, you, haven't you?

I've got bloody eyes!

Well, you something!

I packed up smoking three weeks back, didn't I?

So it can't be me that's taken your bloody fags, can it?

Take that bitches down and get over that chair.

Hold your hands out.

Wash them.

Only before you do, there's something we've got to talk about, isn't there?

You feel badly done to?

No, Aunt Ethel.

You'll be leaving school in a month, won't you?

Think you're a man already, do you?

No, Aunt Ethel.

You'll be wanting longans too, won't you?

Well, answer me.

Yes, Aunt Ethel.

Where did you get them cigarettes from?

Fred got them.

Where did Fred get them from?

Don't know.

You mean you're not going to tattle-tale?

All right, well, we'll leave that one.

But cigarettes cost money, don't they?

And so do longans, don't they?

Now, which would you rather have?

Longans.

Is that firm?

Yes, Aunt Ethel.

No more cigarettes?

No.

Right.

You shall have your longans the day you leave school.

All right?

Yes, Aunt Ethel.

I don't know how, but you'll have them.

If you let me down...

If you let me down, I'll get the scissors and I'll cut them off above the knee.

Do you understand?

Yes, Aunt Ethel.

Go on, wash your hands.

Wanting this?

Aye.

I offered him a jam jar earlier, but he reckoned nothing to it.

There we are.

Champion old-mender of skeletonry.

Got to be champion at something, haven't you?

Old-mending's mine, it seems.

Thanks.

You're coming to the welfare tonight, aren't you?

Well, I'll come if you promise you don't have to sing on me own.

They don't audition for the chorus.

They've to take what comes.

Oh, that's a nice start to getting interested.

I'm including myself.

They do a nice show, The Society.

That one last year.

I split me sides when they sang that song... Three little maids from school away...

and on come three fattest women in skeleton.

That's what I said.

They've to take what comes.

It'll be an interest for you, anyway.

Oh, can you get me a cabbage from the allotment, love?

I'll go now.

Big, little, or middling?

Biggest you can find.

How are you getting on?

You two?

Well, he's a bit shy, Polly.

I didn't ask you if he was shy.

I'm his mother.

I asked if you were getting on.

Aye, I suppose so.

There's worse things than settling for comfort in life.

I'll say no more than that.

I'll be getting back.

I've left Lesney's cot.

Toby!

Polly!

Get me up for lost, have you?

It's been a fair time.

Ah, well, I don't mind to come round once or twice.

Just for a bit of a chat, but I'm not the best of memories, am I?

No fault of yours, Toby.

Your master wouldn't agree with you.

Is he about?

He won't be so long.

Did you want him?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

It were more you than him.

I bought that old chapel at South Skeleton.

I've come from there just now.

I've a mind to turn it into a little sewing factory.

The work's there.

Work?

I've been promised one or two contracts.

One or two.

Place is standing empty.

Getting out if you don't try, do you?

Work for women?

Ah, well, same class of work as Weston's at Cass.

On a smaller scale, of course.

But same rate of pay?

Well, it would have to be, wouldn't it?

There's plenty of women round here.

A jumper to chance up a job at Weston's.

Yeah, aye, but this is on your doorstep and I just thought... I'll pass in the end.

You've a daughter-in-law next door, haven't you?

You've only got to say if you think she'd be interested.

She'd jump at it.

And Eileen.

I could see two kids for them.

Except I can use the sewing machine, you know.

What about me?

I don't think Jack would thank me for that.

I don't suppose George would like it either.

But why not?

It's work, isn't it?

Be a job for a lad, too.

I've finished.

I've run out of stuff.

I'm on me last.

So am I, I said, mate.

Go out and put in room till Mr. Donovan gets back for some more.

Where's Alice?

She went out back with some boxes.

I think I'll just pack these for her.

Oh, why wouldn't you if I were you?

She'll get uppity again.

She likes to do them herself.

I wonder how the men are getting on.

They're managed this far.

They don't say much, do they?

He was a bit surly when I went to fetch Les last night.

George?

George!

What's he said?

It wasn't so much what he said.

It was more of a sort of look he had.

It's better than being at home, isn't it?

Don't tell him that, for God's sake.

I'll wait till this lot start putting their pressure on.

It's been a Bobby's job up till now.

He won't put pressure on you, won't Mr. Donovan.

He's got a crush on you.

You flick there, he'll be daft.

Hey, what are these any road?

You mean to tell me you've been making them for

three weeks and you don't know what they are?

Not to ask.

They're shrouds.

You're what?

They're shrouds.

It's a government order Toby got from somebody.

It says they're making them for the next war.

And paper coffins, thousands of them.

You're pulling me leg.

Well, it's what it told me.

Don't let go of it George.

You haven't burnt the bread yet George.

Can I get a tea ready George?

Do you always get your own tea?

When the resort I do.

Don't you have rugs on the floor?

We did have.

They weren't out then.

I thought your dad worked on the face.

He does.

Does he get a lot of money on the face?

Spends it on bows.

Him and me mum.

They spent ten bob on it.

Down at Brown Cow in Galwick.

You think I'm swanky don't you?

It's right.

Don't put that jam all over the place.

Can Sam have some?

No, he can't.

Why not?

Because he's got others to feed him.

I'm ready to eat.

Give me a chance to draw a breath.

I need to draw some in the time they spent gassing you that Colby woman.

Oh, you're looking for a fight are you?

Heard out from your dad then?

Dad?

Why?

Went off to Canada with your woman didn't he?

They don't talk about it.

Don't they?

Why don't you talk about it?

That's better isn't it?

It went out.

It grew all about.

She's past that stage of course.

Eh?

I thought for a minute they were going to open the shirt and offer her a bit.

Come on.

I'll pop the imprimed scullery.

Have you got note to do round at your house?

If you don't like me company say so.

Eh, I can take it or leave it.

Have you done your dusting yet?

I don't want you to start.

I take enough off women in the street without you starting.

Anyway, you're ashamed as I am.

You're in the same position as me.

What's shaming about it?

I'm doing a job aren't I?

I'm earning me keep.

Your mother worked as hard as I did all her life.

Why should I be ashamed to take over from her?

I'm surprised at you.

I wouldn't have thought it of you.

You wouldn't have thought what of me?

As you do women's work.

Somebody has to do it, who's going to do it if we don't?

You might at least leave off wearing that bloody apron.

Why should I there for a purpose?

You realise young Sam will be starting at Toby's hen house Monday?

It's a bloody skirt he'll be wanting, not long pants.

Aye.

Women and kids working and look at us.

I'd have had young Les to look after as well as her if I hadn't put me foot down.

Hadn't you better go and start getting a meal ready.

They like their meals to be ready when they come home from work they knows.

Have you heard from Alan again?

No, just that money he sent I told you.

Anyway I put it in the post office with the rest.

What rest?

Well he sent more than he need this last year, it's kept mounting up.

What's he doing here if you've more than you need?

Well I came for some for meself.

Write down on clothes and things.

What do you think the money he sent is for?

Well I couldn't take it for things like clothes.

I mean it's not as if...

Well I just couldn't that's all.

You care for his child you're entitled to his money.

Hey we're off home.

Home?

There's half hour yet.

No they'll not have no more stuff here today.

We're to come back at morning.

I know now what George meant when he talked about a bad week.

Can't organise can't that Toby can he?

Where on earth did you get those from?

She's got an admirer.

Don't be daft.

Mr. Halliday brought them for me from his garden.

It was a nice thought that's all.

Well where's ours then?

Hi.

Toby.

Can you stay behind a bit Mrs. Barrowclough?

I'd like to have a word with you.

Have you washed them clothes George?

Not very clean are they George?

Not as clean as I get them George.

God I can't stand much more of this.

I won't stand much more of this.

Nay dammit do a right job Jack.

Busy?

Now don't you start.

What have I said?

We've enough to put up with from clacking women in the street.

We aren't used to starting.

Nay dad I didn't mean anything.

You better not neither.

Can I help?

Why is there something I've not done?

Tell me if there is.

I don't claim to be perfect, I don't claim that.

Something burning?

I've a pie in the oven.

Here use this cloth.

Stand back a bit.

Just in time.

Is it?

That looks perfect to me.

I'll put it back in and leave door ajar.

Grand smell.

Is it?

That tickles your juices does that.

Does it?

Well it stops there till your mam gets back so you can stop licking your lips.

She's enjoying isn't she?

Going out to work.

You reckon?

Aye it's a change for her.

Till novelty wears off.

Let's hope it don't wear off too soon.

Aye she could do with a change.

She'll be breadwinner when you've gone the way things are shaping.

Who said I was going?

Oh you'll not be here all your days.

You're courting aren't you?

Who said I was courting?

Well you're going out with Eileen Brady twice a week.

All into music and dramas.

For God's sake don't start gossip like that dad.

If you've got to go on like that you might as well wear a bloody apron.

Ma'am.

What's up?

Why don't we all put bloody skirts on and have done with?

Me.

Me out working.

Is that what's causing it?

No no we're not wrong with that.

What is it then?

I said something about him courting Eileen

Brady and he went up like a bloody haystack.

He's shy Jack.

Shy?

Well I'm his dad aren't I?

So I can talk to him can't I?

Not about girls you can't.

He's not like that.

What is he like Polly?

He's one on his own.

Always has been.

Well you know he has.

He's shy.

Is he courting her or is he not?

Well I don't know.

He'd like to I think.

I don't know.

I try not to ask him because I know it embarrasses him.

She'd be better off with him than waiting for that deserter Ardora settled on.

Alan went off to earn a living.

Did he?

Or to shut his eyes to the damage he did when

she died bringing his bastards into the world.

He turned his back on what reminds him.

Some of us can't do that.

Some of us have to go on living with... I know that if anybody does.

Have you made a pie?

Aye.

Aye?

I can smell it.

Smells grand.

I don't know what you mean.

You don't have to come.

Why shouldn't I?

Don't you want me to?

It's you that doesn't want to.

What I'm saying is you don't have to come just because I've asked you.

Can't I speak for meself?

That's what I'm saying.

Look, you say I don't want to come.

I say I do.

Aren't I supposed to know me own mind?

Oh, well, if you don't want me to come... It's not that I don't want you to.

Look, Frank, what are you trying to say to me?

Well, if you won't say it, what can I do?

What can I do?

There's nothing to say.

Isn't there?

Nothing with any...

You never know till you try.

I know.

Oh, I've no patience with you.

I don't blame you.

Well, what do you expect?

Nothing.

And that's what you'll probably get, isn't it?

I'm sorry.

Look, I've got to go to me mam's to fetch Les.

Are you stopping or going?

And when she got there, the cupboard was bare.

I told you it was.

Don't know why you bothered looking.

Why is it bare, George?

I can't manage on what you give me.

That's why it's bloody bare.

Well, has it all gone on food?

It's not gone on it.

Oh, no.

You can get off that tack.

I've not had a pint for weeks and you buy me fags.

Oh, no.

It's one loaf a day and another for me, isn't it?

What do you mean by that?

Well, when I went breadwinner, I used to come home and give them me full wage.

After a long, hard battle.

Well, I did any road.

That's what I did.

Only you don't, do you?

How did we get on to this?

I've been thinking, that's why.

I've been thinking.

Oh, what's your conclusion?

You should give me a full wage like I used to do.

That's my conclusion.

It's not like yours used to be, you know.

I don't know what it is, do I?

Since I've not got to be told what you keep back for spends.

You think I was right, then?

Right about what?

Well, when we had that row about you handing

over your wage, you think I was right, do you?

Oh, I would not say that.

You're better.

What are better?

Well, if it's right for me to give you my full wage now,

it must have been right for you to give me your full wage.

Unless there's one law for you and another for me.

Well, there isn't or shouldn't be.

I was right, then.

Now, right or wrong, George, it's a simple question.

Well, I'm in some respect... I'm in all respect, George.

I was right.

Aye.

What's right for me is right for you.

There's there.

Now.

There.

My full wage.

It's not much, is it?

Ah, no, well, you see, I'm a woman.

And I'm not worth the same as a man.

And we've had a bad week, too.

Like you used to have sometimes.

Can I have me spends?

How much?

Well, same as I used to give you, fair's fair.

Ah, fair's fair.

I know you used to say you couldn't manage, but I'll do my best.

Here.

Yes, George.

Hang on.

If I give you same as I used to have...

Yes, same every week I used to give you, good weeks and bad weeks.

But if I give you same as I used to get, I'll

only have half what you had to manage on.

Oh, I know.

I know what you mean.

You know, I've been through it all.

But you don't need as much as I used to get.

Don't I?

Why not?

Well, you don't drink and you don't smoke.

What difference does that make?

Well, of course it makes a bloody difference!

I never used to ask you what you did with yours.

I just give it to you.

Now, can I have me spends, please?

Well, I can't manage on what's left after that.

Oh, times I used to say that.

And do you remember what you used to say to me when I did?

Do you remember what you used to say?

You used to say what I'm saying to you now.

You'll have to bloody manage.

You've been leading me up garden path, haven't you?

I've been making a point, that's all.

You've been having me on, haven't you?

Oh, I'm hungry, George.

I do like my tea when I come home.

I've done me best for it.

I've scrubbed, I've skivvied, I've washed till me hands is wet raw.

You're not telling me anything I don't know, George.

You're speaking to the voice of experience.

You crafty monkey, leading me on.

You led yourself on, lad.

I'm not stopping dance with thee.

Oh, for what use you are, you might as well not.

The minute you get in, you start.

Here you are.

Take this with you.

You usually do when you go, don't you?

Me ornament.

I've seen that coming for years.

Is he upset about something?

Life's getting him down.

Hey, have you me key?

It's not under stone where I usually leave it.

I thought you might have been in for something.

No, I've not.

Have you tried door?

I mean, I'm happy you didn't lock it.

Oh, I'm not.

I didn't think to try.

Hey, I've got some bad news for you.

Bad news?

Yeah, you know when Toby Wilson asked me to stop back tonight?

He wants us to take a cutting us wage.

What for?

Well, this chap he's getting orders from can't give him a

cent for the next lot and he's had to bring his price down.

He wants us to work for 60 hours and pay us for 50.

He wants 10 free hours off us.

We only get the same as Weston's pay, don't we?

Yeah, I know.

I told him.

We'd not take a penny less.

Did I do right?

Aye, you did.

Is it a strike then?

Looks as though it might be.

It'll be worse for you than it is for me.

We weren't all that much better off, you know.

It's just...

we were earning it.

Look, I'll come back when I've seen to less.

Yeah.

Uncle George sent me.

I thought that might.

He sent me for his coat.

What have you got there?

His apron.

E, there's something for you upstairs.

It's on our bed.

Up you go.

Eileen.

Alan.

Are you going to sleep up there?

Coming.

They fit you.

Walk up and down a bit.

They'll do.

Two pairs.

One for work, one for best.

It's better than I promised you, isn't it?

Stand back a bit.

You look a right little man.

Start work on Monday.

Why didn't you wait me?

You were well away.

You were ready for your breakfast.

I'll see to that.

I might as well keep me hand in.

There'll be no need, the way things are looking.

We've been off for a fortnight now.

We shan't be going back.

Who says so?

If Ethel's got out to do with it, we shan't.

There's more than her to consider.

She keeps us from flagging.

She'll not let us give in if Toby sticks to that offer.

Sooner him than me.

What?

Having her to contend with.

I dare say you've had that said about you before now.

Don't you think she's right?

You have a case.

Would you go back?

The way things are, I'd not.

Then give her credit.

She's making us stand like you used to do.

Don't you like to see women sticking up for themselves?

I suppose I shall have to get used to the idea.

You will, I promise you.

There'll be plenty of women in work if this war comes.

They'll need to stick up for themselves.

So it's to be share and share alike in future, is it?

Eh?

Housework.

It's wash day today.

We could make a start there.

Do it together.

Nay, I never said that, Polly.

Oh, didn't you?

I thought you said someone took your hand.

Well, no.

Keep me hand, I said.

Do it when you feel like it, you mean?

Aye, something like that.

It doesn't get you down, does it?

I don't know.

I'll have to try it and see.

There's a new world around the corner, they say.

Do they?

I can feel it coming.

Did you hear the racket on the street last night?

Huh?

Alan Deakin coming home from the club.

Ah.

Been chucking his brass around, they tell me.

It's his brass, Dad.

You'll regret it.

I suppose he'll go back to sea again when it's run out.

They told Ethel not.

What's he reckon he's doing, then?

I'll ask him.

No good asking me.

He's not seen them short, though, given that.

Look, Barrowclough's been killed.

When?

Last night.

I only just heard.

Ethel's round with Ruby now.

She's having a hard time of it.

She says, can you go round?

Aye, I'll go.

Is this your breakfast?

Give it to our Frank.

What happened, then?

They brought a few others over from Cuddy to clear a fall.

From Cuddy to where?

Skeleton.

They were having an inspection.

Crofty said Lord Scarton wants to buy Machen out and open Skeleton up.

Bloody rumours.

It's possible.

We've had one after another.

They've all come to know.

Teddy Marshall's to be under manager, so they say.

We've never had one as close as that.

Has anybody asked him?

Wouldn't say, would they?

I used to be a mate of his, didn't I?

Why don't you ask him?

Fred love, where's your mother?

I'm going down.

I don't want to rest.

You've hurt.

What have I done to deserve it?

I've told her she should rest, but she'll not.

I've been up all night.

All night I've been up.

You should have sent for somebody.

We thought he'd just been hurt at first.

Stan Armstrong took me to infirmary.

And that was the first we heard.

Oh, but he's been lovely to me though, Stan.

I'll put kettle on.

I'll do it.

Well, I'll have to carry on, haven't I?

She's drunk.

I know.

I could smell it.

There's no sign of a bottle anywhere.

It's Fortunate Water Tank.

Where she has it from, me dad?

Have you had your breakfast, love?

No.

It's not in the house as far as I can see.

It was lovely.

It was my Bert.

A lovely husband.

And a lovely father.

I'm glad I looked after him.

Well, you've nothing to reproach yourself with, have you?

If you've done what's right.

I can't have him back till next week.

There's to be an inquest.

Well, there's my lad.

He's my breadwinner now, aren't you, love?

Come to your mother.

He's a good lad.

And he loved his dad.

Didn't you, love?

I'll get your hand with that.

I can manage.

Bit of work you must need.

No.

It's fast off.

Didn't hear you come in.

What's this about you leaving?

Ethel told me.

What should you leave for?

My mam's upset about it.

With us being in same house.

Well... You know.

I see.

Well, that'll not be here much longer.

I thought you weren't going back to sea.

There's a war coming.

I know Chamberlain's got his bit of paper, but it's coming all the same.

Unless we'll be safe, I'm gonna be called up.

Any road?

My money's running out.

It's money for you in post office.

Your money, but I saved from what you sent.

Frank.

Alan.

It's yours, is that?

Not mine.

Wages.

If you like.

For housekeeping for you.

If you want it that way.

If that's what you want.

I've got a door set for Mrs. Hollands.

Do you want it, Alf?

Thanks.

Gran says I can come and sleep with you tonight.

Shall I?

If she wants.

Gran says these are sweet beans off bakery floor.

Is she right, do you think?

I got an early mum once.

I haven't seen her since then.

Water in our house tastes funny.

Funny?

Aye, funny.

I emptied a bottle of my mum's gin into a water tank.

Funny taste, gin.

Want to come and taste it?

In a bit.

What's she left here?

I left cork floating.

So she'd think it'd come out.

I know what she'll say, though.

What?

She'll say, what have I done to deserve this?

She says she'll come in a minute.

She's only in next street at her friend's.

Thanks, Polly.

I'm sorry it's turned out this way.

These contracts weren't quite what I thought...

I think I'd better let Ethel do talking, Toby.

Out from your area lately?

I wouldn't have imagined you'd be interested.

Nay, I just wondered.

I'd not have brought his name up if Jack had been here.

It dies hard with Jack.

Never wed that lassie ran off with.

Nay.

Well, that's the way of it, isn't it?

He'll have learned what regret is.

I'm sure he will.

By the time we regret, it's too late.

Aye.

Hello, Polly.

Hello, love.

Nay, sit yourself down.

I'm not used to chaps standing for me.

Except me husband, of course.

Well, is it good news or bad?

It's no better.

What, same offer as before?

Aye, it's ridiculous.

Who are you?

I'm spokesman here.

Well, it is.

It's the best I can do.

If the answer's no, I shall have to close down.

I know what my answer'd be.

Will you be told?

So, that's final then, is it?

It's the difference between running at a loss and breaking even.

There's no question of profit.

I'm being offered 25% less for these contracts than I worked for the first one.

How's that, Toby?

This is my argument.

I wasn't talking to thee.

How is it the Westerns can pay what they do?

They do direct.

I'm on subcontract.

Too many middlemen?

I suppose that's the root of it, aye.

And these are supposed to work ten hours a week to

make money for them before they get out for themselves?

It's not money for me, though, Jack.

Oh, no, it's not, are they?

Nay, it's not.

Westerns have got a uniform contract.

They're advertising work.

There'll be a queue there next Monday, and I'll be in it.

Nay, they'll not.

Beat by the own kind, Toby.

Aye, I suppose that's the way it is.

They'll make a jungle of it.

I'm sorry it's turned out this way.

They've got the smell of it already.

War.

Easy profits.

Fortunes to be made.

The best investment there is.

Human misery.

I must try for replacements.

There'll be blacklegs.

I must carry on the best I can.

It were a change while it lasted.

We shall not go short any roll.

We needed that work.

For as little as it brought in.

And a job for Sam.

There's a job for Sam.

A job?

He'll come with me.

I've seen Terry Marshall.

It were right what they said about skeleton opening.

He wants me for on-setter.

And Sam'll come with me.

I'm a firm promise.

What about...

What about me, Dad?

I asked him about thee.

He says he can't fix too many out of one family at one time.

It wouldn't be fair to others.

And he's right and all.

But thy turn'll come, and soon.

They want him cold to fight a war with.

It's not closing yet, is it?

What's up with him?

He was fretting.

You've done well by him.

I had nothing else to do.

Nowhere else to go.

You got on with your mum, didn't you?

I missed her when she went.

I had to go.

Not just for work.

We knew why you went.

Sometimes wondered if you'd ever come back.

You stopped with him.

You waited for me.

I... I waited for you.

I shall stop.

Will you?

I shall not go off again.

You want me to go?

Not if you don't want.

It's up to you.

But Buzz is gone.

He's gone round to Eileen's to borrow Alan's Dudley for you.

Isn't that ready?

There it is.

Go upstairs and put your boots on.

Eileen.

Oh, it's thee.

Still here, then?

Why shouldn't I be?

You were going on about not stopping when you first came home.

Have you got work yet?

Not yet.

Eileen said we could borrow the Dudley for Sam.

He starts at pit with me today.

Say it, then, if I must.

She'd turn in her grave, is that it?

Somewhat like that.

No blame to thee.

That's for me to decide.

Nobody knows but me.

Years back, before you ever... No matter now.

Quiet in the head, is she?

I'll let thee have it back.

Is he ready, then?

He's gone upstairs to put his boots on.

You'll watch out for him?

I'll do that.

And you'll not be hard on him?

It'll be hard.

We out ought to have to contribute.

I'll make it no harder.

If he has to go, there's nobody I'd rather he went with than you.

And she'd have felt same.

Is thee Dudley?

Sir.

Got the snap tin?

Aye.

Let's be off, then.

I'll see you tonight.

Aye.

Your meal will be ready.

Aye.

Let's be off.

Let's be off, then.

They've gone.

Aye, I saw them from bedroom window.

They'll be almost there by now.

Aye.

It hurts.

Aye.

It hurts.

Nay, Emma.

Nay.