Original subtitles

♪

♪

[Bob whistling]

♪

[Whistling]

♪

Man: ♪ Day by day ♪

♪ My dreams are coming true ♪

♪ Day by day, I'm more in love with you ♪

♪ When you have your arms around me ♪

♪ I'm nearer and nearer to heaven ♪

Is that one or two pints of Burton?

Uh, one.

♪ Day by day how sweet the love affair ♪

♪ Slow but sure, you're answering my prayer ♪

- Good evening, Mr. Eccles. - Good evening.

Ah. Thank you very much, sir.

Eccles: Good evening, Ella.

Evening, Mr. Eccles.

♪

You're looking very smart tonight.

It's funny you should say that because it crossed my mind

only this morning that this hat of mine

has seen better days.

Governor: Old favourite 'eh, Mr. Eccles?

Bob: Good evening ladies. Welcome.

What can I get you?

Eccles: What do you think, Ella?

I'm sorry, Mr. Eccles?

My hat--past its prime, do you think?

Well, I suppose a new one wouldn't do any harm.

Violet: I'll have a Bass. What are you having, Jenny?

Come on, dear. Have something.

My friend's not very well.

Bob: Indigestion, is it? Violet: That's right.

♪

[Footsteps]

[Door opens and shuts]

♪

Bob!

Bob: Hello.

- What's the time, Bob? - 'Bout half past.

♪

Well... Bob.

Well, Ella.

Brushing his precious hair.

Bob: That's right.

I'm surprised at you, Bob,

talking to those creatures.

You and your "John O'London's Weekly"!

What's wrong with my "John O'London's Weekly?"

Nothing, Bob.

Glad to know you got such literary tastes.

"Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."

You read this?

- Almost. - I say!

That's only the first volume.

There's another 6 to go.

What'd he want to write all that for?

I couldn't tell you.

Oh.

I suppose, I'd better decline and fall downstairs.

See you.

♪

Cold enough for you, ladies?

Ella: It is a bit parky, isn't it?

♪

You make a lovely fire, d'you know that?

Thank you.

Governor: Mr. Eccles, you're in early tonight.

Eccles: Good evening.

Ella: Evening, Mr. Eccles.

Your usual, is it?

Yes, I'll have my usual.

- Cold tonight, isn't it? - Yes, it is.

I'm half frozen.

Ta.

[Cash register dings]

- Oh, well. - Oh, well what?

- What? - Just "Oh, well what?"

Oh.

You said, "Oh, well," so I said, "Oh, well what?"

Well, one often says, "Oh, well," doesn't one?

Does one?

What are you doing in there, Bob?

What's up?

Nothing.

You've got a new hat, haven't you?

Ah!

You notice everything, don't you?

It's very nice.

You're responsible for this, you know.

- Am I? - Yes.

You told me I needed a new one.

- I didn't. - Yes, you did.

"A new one wouldn't do any harm," you said.

Don't you remember?

That's hardly the same as telling you.

I took it as an order.

You shouldn't take orders from me.

Oh, shouldn't I?

Are you interested in the theatre at all?

The theatre?

Yes, I like the theatre.

The reason is I happen to have two tickets

for the new play at the Apollo.

- Oh, yeah? - And I was wondering

whether you might like to come.

Me? I can't afford it.

It's not a question of affording.

They'll only go to waste otherwise.

That's ever so kind of you, but I can't just

take an evening off.

They're for a matinee.

Oh. Well, that's not much better

because my only free afternoon is a Thursday.

It's a Thursday matinee.

I've got to go somewhere on Thursday.

- Have you? - Yes.

Thanks ever so much all the same.

- Can't you put it off? - It'd be a bit difficult.

- Not impossible? - Well--

Don't you want to come?

- Yes, I do-- - Then why not?

You just said you liked the theatre.

- Yes, I do. - Then come.

Seems a pity to miss the chance, hmm?

- Heh. - Heh heh.

Eccles: That was pretty good, wasn't it?

Ella: Oh, yes. Yes, it was.

Yes. Well worth the trouble.

Now the question is where are we going to have tea?

We're gonna have tea, are we?

You're free, aren't you?

Well, I suppose I am... really.

Right.

Ella: Heh.

Eccles: Are you sure you won't have anything with that?

- A little fancy or the like? - No.

I thought you beautiful young people liked to stuff

yourself with pastries.

I daresay that beautiful young people do,

but if you're not beautiful.

Now what do you mean by that?

- Milk? - Yes, please.

You haven't answered my question.

All I'm saying is that no doubt beautiful people

do like eating pastries, but if you're not beautiful...

♪

you don't.

- Sugar? - No, thank you.

So what about the beautiful young people who don't like

eating pastries?

Well, I--I don't know about them.

- But you must. - Why?

You just told me that you yourself

don't like eating pastries.

Mr. Eccles, I'm sure you understand what I'm saying

I'm not beautiful.

Ah.

♪

That was a wonderful play, Mr. Eccles.

- You liked it, did you? - Oh, yes.

I'm ever so grateful.

Well, there'll be lots more of that.

♪

What part of the world do you live in?

I'm over at Chiswick at present.

- Very nice. - Yes, it's all right.

I have my sister-in-law staying with me

at the moment.

One's relations can get very trying at times.

Yes.

But then these army people are often like that,

aren't they?

Mm.

So your family are army people, then?

Old army people, yes.

I'm sure you know the type.

Not really, no.

My brother was in the army, but he was just a private.

- He got killed in the war. - Dear, dear.

Were you in the army, Mr. Eccles?

No, I wasn't as a matter of fact.

♪

One does get lonely, don't you find?

You don't get lonely, do you?

Why do you suppose I asked you out?

I don't know.

Why did you ask me out?

I took to you.

Do you get lonely?

I should say.

It isn't nice, is it?

Haven't you got any friends?

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Well, if you can call them that.

Friends who want to take advantage.

Why would they want to do that?

Well, I suppose if one's got a little something put by.

- That's not right, is it? - It certainly isn't.

You wouldn't take advantage, would you?

No, I wouldn't.

Of course, it's very nice to be in a position to--

- Yes. - As far as one can.

♪

May I?

♪

Jenny: Here we are. Bob: After you.

♪

Careful, Ella.

♪

You haven't told me anything about yourself.

There's nothing to tell.

Oh, I'm sure there is.

Affaires de coeur, for example?

No, not at the moment.

Surely you have.

You can confide in me, you know.

I haven't, honestly.

What about that young fellow in the pub?

Bob, you mean?

Yes, that's right. Bob.

What about him?

He's good-looking enough.

Yes, he is good-looking, isn't he?

But there's nothing between you?

No, no, there isn't.

- Bob isn't interested in me. - I see.

- And I'm not interested in him. - Aren't you?

Good heavens, no.

I suppose we're just waiting for Mr. Right then, are we?

- Is that it? - Maybe.

Mr. Right, eh?

I can make my own way now Mr. Eccles,

thanks all the same.

- Eh? What? - It's been a lovely evening.

Has it?

Yes, and I'm sure I'm ever so grateful.

Eh? Eh? What? What?

You shouldn't be doing this, you know.

Mm? What?

I said you shouldn't be doing this!

- What? Mm? - I really must be going.

You little devil, you.

- I really must-- - Aren't you, eh?

Thanks ever so much, Mr. Eccles.

Goodnight.

[Door opens]

♪

And what was you gettin' up to last night?

Knocked about the West End a bit.

Meet your lady friends, did you?

I don't know what you mean.

You'll be gettin' entangled with one of them creatures

if you're not careful.

Bob: By the way, I saw you last night.

- Did you? - Yeah.

With that Eccles fellow.

- Where? - In the street.

Oh.

Was I... doing anything?

What d'you mean?

In the street when you saw me.

You were just walking.

What else would you be doing?

Oh. Nothing.

- Was it good? - What?

The theatre.

That's where you went, wasn't it?

Oh, yeah.

Yes, it was good.

He's nice.

- Mr. Eccles? - Nice looking, too.

- Is he? - Yeah.

But he's old.

We're all getting on.

I suppose we are.

- Hello, Ella. - Hello.

She's not been too well, poor dear.

Stiff neck.

She's always smuggling men in. Thinks we don't know.

She keeps her eye on you, though, doesn't she?

Oh, yeah. She's good like that.

Drives your stepdad mad, though.

How is he?

Doesn't speak to me for days on end.

Comes in drunk at all hours.

I found him cookin' eggs at 3:00 the other night.

Mum...

I've started seein' someone.

[Tea kettle whistling]

Oh! Oh.

[Whistling stops]

He's a real gentleman.

- Is he? - Oh, yeah.

Army people, I believe.

What's he after?

I don't know.

Nice looking, is he?

He's all right.

Getting on, of course.

That's sometimes better, isn't it?

I mean, he really is getting on.

Well, perhaps he's learnt some sense.

Anyway, we'll see.

He hasn't tried...

to carry on at all, has he?

Oh, no, none of that.

- I wouldn't allow it. - No.

Well, I think you ought to keep in with him.

I suppose I ought.

[Door slams]

[Footsteps]

[Door shuts]

Ahh. You see?

- You mustn't mind. - But what have I done?

You've done nothing.

- Mmm. - Come on, now.

Don't cry.

Don't let him see you're hurt.

I better get his tea.

♪

You shouldn't.

♪

Bye, Mum.

♪

You're a bit late.

Had to wait ages for a bus.

A letter came for you.

I shoved it under your door.

♪

Eccles, voice-over: My dear Ella, I write this to say that,

if the weather is in any way clement tomorrow,

I shall be in Lyons' Corner House in Coventry Street

at 3:45 p.m. sharp.

I shall not expect you to be there

and will wait only 5 minutes,

but if you would care to meet yours truly--

and on no account are you to put yourself out--

that is where I shall be.

♪

- You like chrysanths, do you? - Yes, I do.

I'm fond of them myself.

Especially with those double buds.

I rather thought you'd like them.

I think that's very sweet of you.

- Do you? - Yes, I do.

I'm glad you turned up.

I don't know what I'd have done with them if you hadn't.

You told me not to come if it was raining.

Ah, well, we have to take risks, don't we?

I bet you're always buying girls flowers.

Heavens, no!

I'm not the sort chap to...

hang around stage doors or whatever.

Not that I'm not broadminded

or that I haven't had... feelings.

No.

The younger generation, though, has gone

absolutely mad, don't you think?

- Yes. - They stop at nothing, do they?

- No. - They certainly don't.

♪

So what have you been up to?

Nothing much.

- Been to see my mother. - Oh, yes?

How is she?

Not too well, I'm afraid.

Couldn't we help her out in some way?

That's very kind of you, but I don't see how.

A little help of a certain sort's worth

a pound of pity, don't you think?

Well, I don't know.

Besides, it may not be too long before I have

the right to help, eh?

How do you mean?

You know.

I don't.

Honestly, Mr. Eccles.

Mr. Eccles?

Suppose we try Ernest, eh?

You'll have to sooner or later.

Yes, I suppose I will.

Anyway, I really ought to make a move, Mr.--Ernest.

I've got to get back for the evening shift.

We must do something about this job of yours.

Yes. Well... thank you for this afternoon.

A pleasure, Ella.

Next Thursday, yes?

♪

Ella: All right, are you...

- Ernest? - Eh?

- Are you all right, I said. - Mm.

Good.

[Gasps]

You mustn't!

- You mustn't. - Eh?

No, you really mustn't.

- What are you kissing me for? - Because I want to.

- Why? - Because I do.

But why?

- Because-- - What?

Because I love you.

- No, you don't. - But I do.

How could you love me?

I don't know, but I do,

and you love me, don't you?

I don't know you well enough, do I?

And besides, I'm not in your class.

- Now what's that matter? - It does matter.

It just wouldn't work.

What would your family say?

It's what I want, not them.

Yes, but what would we be to each other, like?

It's not as though we'd be engaged or anything, is it?

We could be.

But that'd mean we're gonna be married

or something like that.

And what if we were?

You wouldn't marry me.

I would. I love you,

and that's all that matters.

Couldn't you marry me, Ella?

I don't know you.

But you'll get to know me, wouldn't you?

I want you, Ella.

I'm so lonely.

Are you?

You don't think I'm too old?

Course not.

You mustn't think like that.

I can't help it.

I'm scared of losing you.

- You're so young and beautiful. - No, I'm not.

- Oh, you are. You're lovely. - I'm not.

You know you are.

Say you love me a little.

You do, don't you?

- Well... - Just a little?

I suppose so.

Oh, my Ella!

♪

It changes everything, doesn't it, love?

Yes.

When did you first know?

- Know what? - That you cared for me.

Perhaps--perhaps I didn't ever know.

You're teasing me, aren't you?

- No. - You little puss!

I might have to give you a big squeeze.

- I don't think so. - Eh? What?

- You're hurting. - Eh?

You little tease! Heh heh heh.

♪

I want to tell the whole world!

What?

That we're going to be engaged.

I wouldn't do that.

Look, why don't we keep it secret?

For a while, anyway?

Why?

I'd just like it to be, that's all.

Little ladies like to have their little secrets,

don't they?

Now, now, what's going on in that pretty little head

of yours, eh?

- Oh, nothing. - Eh?

Little Brown-Eyes-Puzzle-Head?

Well, you talk like our engagement's all fixed,

and it can't be, can it?

I mean, we're not the same class,

I'm not educated. I'd let you down.

- Of course you wouldn't. - I would, though.

I'm not a lady, and that's all there is to it.

Silly little puss!

I mean, imagine me being introduced to your family,

and there's my family, too.

They're only poor, you know.

You might not like them.

Well, I don't have to meet them.

You would if we were married.

Anyway, we love each other, and that's what matters.

But Ernest...

I love it when you say Ernest.

what I'm saying is we ought to think about it.

Do you know what's going to happen in a moment?

What?

I'm going to give you a big kiss

if you're not careful, or else a good spanking.

- I don't know which. Eh? Eh? - Oh!

Ha ha ha!

Ella's got a bit of news.

She's started seeing a gentleman.

Oh. Met him in the pub, did you?

Yes. He... pops in from time to time.

- Oh. - Lives in Chiswick.

Army people.

What's his name?

- Eccles. - Eccles?

Yes.

Ernest Eccles.

Ernest Eccles? Oh.

I've got a bit of news, too.

Ella: Have you?

You might be going on your travels, my dear.

- Travels? - Yes. To India.

I happened to bump into Mrs. Beckinsale--

I was her housekeeper, oh, 20 years ago now--

and she'd recently met Mrs. Sanderson-Chantry,

who's off to India with her husband

and two little children and wants a really reliable girl

to look after them.

Well, I naturally thought of my little niece,

and the long and the short of it is Mrs. Sanderson-Chantry is

most anxious to meet you,

and as I read it, it's as good as in the bag.

30 shillings a week, my dear, and you'd be off in 6 weeks.

Ella: So you think there's a chance?

Of course. If you write the right sort of letter.

I wouldn't dwell on the fact that you're

a barmaid, dear.

Give the impression that it's more of a hotel than a pub

and don't forget to wear that nice new coat

and hat of yours.

Eccles: You're having second thoughts, aren't you?

Ella: No. Why, are you? Eccles: No. No.

It's not a question of me. It's other people.

Your sister-in-law.

There's been a fine old how-d'ye-do.

Oh, yes?

They don't think it'd be a suitable match.

Perhaps they're right.

What would you think if one of your relations went

and married a barmaid?

I wouldn't think anything.

Oh, yes, you would.

You'd think she was after your money.

But you're not, though.

How can you be so sure?

Because I understand you.

I know every little thought that's going on

in that dear little head of yours.

I thought we might fix up a meeting some time.

With your sister-in-law?

I'm sure she'd like you, and if you were to wear

that smart hat and coat of yours--

I thought we were keeping it secret.

-But if we're to be married -So when do you think

that'll be?

- Oh, 2 or 3 months. - 2 or 3 months?

Or even before if we got things in order.

You see, that's why I wanted to talk about it.

I'd like to get the ring next week,

and then you'll really be mine,

and I won't ever let you go.

- Won't you? - Hmm.

♪

Neighbor: You got the message then?

Your mother's been up two nights without a wink.

- How is he? - Not too good.

He was taken ill a few nights ago.

Terrible pain he's been in.

What did the doctor say?

Well...

But miracles can happen, believe me,

and we're looking after him ever so well, I promise.

- Hello, Mum. - Oh.

You look ever so tired.

Neighbor: She's a saint.

You've been very good. Thank you.

I'll leave you to it.

Pop back later, see how you are.

What did the doctor say?

He might last a week, a fortnight, maybe.

There's not much hope.

♪

I've, uh, been through his papers.

Oh, yeah?

You'll have a little something coming, Ella.

He's got quite a lot put by.

Has he?

About £500.

♪

- That much? - Mm-hmm.

♪

Of course, he could get better.

Well, let's hope he does.

Yes.

Why use expletives when ordinary,

decent words will do?

This fellow I read about, instead of saying,

"Damn and blast," used to say, "Mice and mumps."

Now I think that's a really good idea, don't you?

- Yes. - "Mice and mumps."

Got it off his chest, hadn't said

anything he regretted.

"My giddy forefathers" is enough for me.

- Is it? - But all these Bs,

they get on my nerves.

- Can't stand Bs, can you? - No.

Ds are bad enough, but Bs!

And then all this dragging in of the deity--

not that I'm a religious man, although I think there's

something there, don't you,

something which looks on and guides us,

don't you think?

Maybe.

I suppose, in fact, I am a religious man really.

I certainly believe in the power of prayer.

Don't you?

I don't really know.

Oh, but you must, you must.

It's so easy, once you've started,

to get in touch with the spirit upon the waters.

- Is it? - I can see I'll have to

take charge of your spiritual as well as your bodily welfare,

although I suspect the little ladies are

more worried about high heels than heaven, eh?

♪

Something for you, Ella.

Oh. Thank you.

♪

Woman, voice-over: 5 Amprey Gardens, NW3.

Mrs. Sanderson-Chantry thanks Miss Dawson

for her letter and would be obliged

if she would call to talk the matter over

between 2:00 and 3:15 on Friday afternoon.

E. Sanderson-Chantry."

[Doorbell rings]

[Dog barking]

♪

A punkah. Yes, it's a fan,

a piece of material on a pole.

- Electric, is it? - Good heavens, no.

It's worked by a man on the veranda.

He lies out there with the string attached

to his big toe and slowly wiggles it.

I see.

Oh, you'd get the hang of things soon enough.

Now is there anything you would like to ask me?

No, madam. Everything seems quite clear.

[Dog barking] Buster, quiet!

Your aunt was right.

It would seem you're suited to the post,

but there is a little snag which I feel I ought to mention.

There was another girl, whom I interviewed

some weeks ago, who was-- well, to be frank--perfect.

The problem is she hasn't yet been able to decide

whether or not to accept the post,

so at this very moment-- oh, Buster, do shut up--

it's rather impossible of me to make you an offer.

Do you know when--when you might be knowing, madam?

A few days at the very most.

Ella: Then perhaps you could let me know...

madam, when you hear.

Of course I will. [Dog barking]

Oh, Buster, you are naughty!

Personally, I doubt that she'll accept,

but then...

I'm so glad to have met you.

Likewise, madam.

[Indistinct chatter]

Man: Excuse me.

Ella: Yes?

Are you the famous Ella?

- That's right. - I thought so.

You and I have a mutual friend, I think.

- I don't think so. - Oh, yes, we have,

and I must say old Eccles has very good taste.

Oh! She blushes very nicely, too, doesn't she?

You must be making some mistake.

No mistake, believe me.

He told me all about you.

Ooh! Quite a little spitfire, too.

- Heh heh heh. - Heh heh heh.

[Cash register dings]

Bob: You all right?

Yeah, I'm all right.

I see your friend's at the pictures this week.

- Who's that, then? - Richard Dix.

- Oh, him. - I thought you might like

to go and see him tomorrow.

- Can't afford it. - I'll take you.

You are free, aren't you?

♪

Ella, voice-over: Mr. E. Eccles,

12 Mountford Street, Chiswick, London.

Don't meet today. Afraid engaged. Ella.

Man: ♪ Are the stars out tonight? ♪

♪ I don't know if it's cloudy or bright ♪

[Laughter]

♪ But I only have eyes for you ♪

You shouldn't be spending your money on me.

You enjoyed it, didn't you?

Yes, it was lovely,

but what you need is a wife to look after you.

You may be losing me before long.

How d'you mean?

Don't tell no one, will you?

- No. - Honest?

Cross my heart.

Well...

I got a job.

What kind of job?

Looking after kids in India.

- India?! - Yeah.

My aunty got me this interview with a family

up in Hampstead.

They're off to India, and they need someone

to look after the kids.

That's great.

And it's all fixed, like?

Not quite, no.

They're waiting to hear from this other girl,

but if she says no, then the job's mine.

I should take it, shouldn't I, Bob, if they offer it?

Oh, yeah! India?! Just fancy!

Ain't half bad, is it?

An' she's a real lady, too. Hmm.

What's a real lady?

A real lady?

Well, a real lady, of course.

Like you, you mean?

Being a lady isn't what you are.

It's how you are,

and I'm just as much a lady as some of those anyway

with the way they go on.

Who are those, then?

Those that are, I suppose.

Oh, then there is a real kind of real lady?

Don't talk so silly!

- You won't miss me, will you? - You bet I will!

No, you won't.

You got your girl to think about.

What girl?

Well... if you ain't got one now,

I expect you will one day.

I daresay I will... one day.

♪

[Alarm clock ringing]

♪

[Click, ringing stops]

♪

Letter for you, Ella.

Thank you.

- Nice sort of a day, ain't it? - Heh.

♪

Mrs. Sanderson-Chantry: Mrs. Sanderson-Chantry regrets

not having been able to write before

and wishes to say that she is now suited.

She hopes Miss Dawson has been put to no inconvenience.

E. Sanderson-Chantry.

India's off.

- What? - That job in India.

- They don't want me. - Oh. I'm sorry.

Yeah.

I suppose that girl took it.

She must've.

Oh, well.

[Sneezes]

Sorry to hear about your cold.

- How is it? - Still there.

As a matter of fact, I was wondering

about your telegram.

Had someone died?

No. I just couldn't come, that's all.

You must have money to burn, sending telegrams

whenever you fancy.

There's nothing wrong with a little extravagance

from time to time.

I hope that's not going to be your attitude in future.

- So what did happen? - I had to go out.

- Oh, yes? Who with? - With Bob as a matter of fact.

- Who? - Bob.

- Bob? - Yes, Bob.

You don't mean the waiter, do you?

- Yes, I do. - I didn't imagine

I'd be having a waiter as a rival.

- Don't be silly. - Oh silly, am I,

for not being best pleased at having

all my plans upset because you thought

you'd go out with a waiter?

Bob's as good as anybody,

and I was feeling fed up with you at the time.

- Fed up? With me? - Yes.

Really, I think you forget our positions.

Oh! What positions?

Just because you're well off doesn't make you God Almighty.

And at least Bob doesn't send his friends round

- to spy on me. - What do you mean?

- You know very well. - I'm sure I don't.

That man you sent to the pub to look me over.

- When did he come? - See? You do know!

I will not be discussed and spied on

like you were buying a horse.

I have got feelings, you know.

So you don't like my oldest friend?

If that's your oldest friend, I can only say

I don't like his manners.

That doesn't surprise me, the company you keep.

- Watch out! - I'm sorry, I'm sure!

Can't you hold it higher?

You really are pushing your luck, young lady!

- There's no need to shout. - I wasn't shouting!

There you go again.

I have to tell you, my patience is fast running out.

Well, you can always call it a day.

- I wouldn't mind. - Oh, wouldn't you?

- No, I would not! - I think you would!

You've got an eye on the main chance all right.

Don't think I don't know!

Ohh!

[Crying]

Ella! Come back.

♪

Come back!

Ella?

♪

Bob?

[Knock on door]

Bob? You up, Bob?

Eh?

Ella: It's gettin' on.

[Indistinct chatter]

[Ding]

Ivy... fancy seeing you.

It's your stepdad.

He's better.

Happened last night.

His temperature dropped, and there he was sitting up

right as rain, giving your old mum

an 'ard time, as normal.

It warmed your heart to hear 'im back on form again.

It's a sort of miracle, Ella, and I felt I just had

to come an' tell you so you wouldn't be worryin'

yourself sick over Christmas.

♪

[Thud]

[Door opens]

[Footsteps]

♪

[Door shuts]

♪

Ooh. Good job Christmas comes

but once a year, eh, Ella?

It was a lovely day, guv. Thanks ever so much.

How's the missus?

I don't think we'll be seeing much of her today.

There'll be a few sore heads this morning.

Who's a popular girl?

Eccles, voice-over: Dear Ella, Christmas is upon us once again,

and I am not the man to harbour anything,

least of all a grudge.

I never was.

Funny, but there you are.

I now see I was as much in the wrong as you

over our little flare-up.

You look so pretty when you're in a pet, by the way.

The truth is, I get attacks of the blues

at times, and then I am very crotchety.

If I am ever to be your hubby, you will have to know

my moods when they come along.

When shall we meet?

Toodlums still has to give his little puss

her Christmas present.

[Door shuts]

♪

What wretched weather we're having!

[Thunder]

Hardly seasonable, is it?

The rooftops should be covered with snow,

but the good, old-fashioned Christmas

seems gone forever.

You are always in my thoughts,

more than I would care to tell,

so let us forget the past and look to the future.

Yours, Ernest.

♪

- Ella? - Yes, guv?

Could I have a quick word?

Course you can.

It's about Bob.

Has anything happened to him?

No, no, no, no.

It's just that...

he's gone.

I know he's gone.

He went to Brighton yesterday for his holiday.

Gone for good, I mean.

He came back this afternoon, not long after you'd popped out,

as a matter of fact.

Said he was going back to sea.

Something he's always wanted to do,

and he's decided that now's as good a time as any,

so--so he settled up with me,

packed a few things, and off he went.

Honest as they come, that boy.

He left a special message for you.

He sent his love and said

he was sorry he couldn't see you.

We'll all miss him.

He was a nice lad.

♪

Ella, voice-over: Dear Mr. Eccles,

thank you for your letter.

I've been thinking about things and have decided

we would never be suited to each other.

We're not in the same class,

and I do not love you enough.

I thank you very much indeed for the kind interest

you have shown in me,

but this is final I'm afraid.

I'm sorry if you have been put to any inconvenience.

Yours regretfully, Ella.

["I Only Have Eyes For You" playing in movie]

♪

Bob: Ella!

What you doin' here?

Oh, I been to the pictures.

What are you doin' here?

I thought you had gone to sea.

Not till next week.

Oh.

Do you fancy some tea?

Come on.

Why'd you leave so sudden?

I was gonna write to you.

- No, you weren't. - I was, Ella, honest.

I wouldn't forget you.

Waitress: Here you are.

Bob: You be mother.

So where you goin'?

Iceland first of all.

That's a funny place to go.

We're sailing Wednesday.

When did you decide to leave?

I've been thinking about it for a while.

I wasn't doing much good here.

Weren't you?

I wasn't going nowhere, was I?

So what you doin' with yourself at the moment?

Oh, I'm making do.

You left all your books behind.

- I don't want them. - But you love them.

I don't need them anymore.

You have them.

As a present.

Thank you.

It's strange

you not being there in the next room.

I used to hear you moving about.

I used to hear you sometimes.

Oh, Bob,

you shouldn't have gone and done it.

♪

Things have to change sometimes, don't they?

♪

I better go.

♪

Will you write?

Bob: Yeah, I'll write

if you'll answer.

Ella: Oh, I'll answer.

Will you post this for me, please?

Mr. Eccles, eh?

Still mad about you, is he?

Don't know.

You've no time for him, have you?

He's too old,

and I'm young, aren't I?

Course you are.

Don't you worry, Bob.

And you will write, won't you?

Yes.

And don't forget to post that letter.

No, I won't.

Here's my bus.

Well... oh!

Bye, Ella.

Goodbye, Bob.

♪

You got to kiss me, you know,

cos it's goodbye for good.

♪

Driver: Homerton Station.

[Bell rings]

♪

Thank you.

♪

♪