Original subtitles

Did you ever go to Whitstable and see the oyster parlours there?

My father kept one.

I was born in it.

That's my sister Alice.

She was a good girl, Alice, and my best friend as well as my big sister.

That's my father. Best Whitstable natives you'll ever taste.

Right you are, sir. Coming.

But this isn't about him, or Alice, or my brother Davy, or my mother.

It's about me, Nan Astley.

And I was nothing then. I was barely 18, and my life had hardly started.

But open an oyster, and it's like a secret world in there.

And that's how it was with me.

I didn't see how my life could have any surprises waiting in it.

I suppose I was content with my oyster girl's existence.

All right, then, Nan?

Hello, Freddie.

Let's go for a little walk, then.

Yes, all right then. I don't mind.

That was our little routine.

I'd meet him when they brought the boat in, and we'd go for a little walk.

And a little spooning.

We weren't what you'd call fast.

It was expected, really, but I never knew how I was supposed to feel.

Tony Reeves was sweet on Alice.

He was under-manager at the Canterbury Palace of Varieties.

Mother thought him a bit rapid, but he couldn't not like it.

All right, you bugger. Ding-dong, ding-dong.

I had that from Gully Sutherland himself.

Hey, you mustn't miss his show next week. It's a stunner. I'll get you in

the circle for gallery prices. How's that?

That's very kind of you, Mr Reeves.

Tony, Tony.

We know each other well enough by now.

We should love to come.

Is it all right if Nance Freddy comes along too? Of course.

He's not my Freddy, Mother.

He isn't yet, but he'd like to be. Is that about the shape of it?

A special treat for those of you who are connoisseurs of elegance and top-class

style.

Miss Kitty Butler!

What do you think?

Pretty smart.

Not half bad, I should say.

I'm following in father's footsteps Following me dear old thou He's just in

front with a fine big gal So I thought I'd have one

Rosie there's a rose in my heart for you

Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Mr.

Gully. He'll tickle your fancy.

Hey,

ladies

and gentlemen, I've had the time of it. I've just been on my own seat. It's at

the seaside.

You want me to come? You all right now?

Who's this?

Ben?

I've seen that face somewhere before.

Hello?

She did?

I'm all right now, really.

Do you want to go back home?

Come on, then.

Keep me company.

Oh, it must be wonderful to work here.

It's summertime, it is.

Are you enjoying the show?

Oh, yes.

Anything in particular?

Kitty Butler.

I've never, ever seen a girl like her. Oh, you've got an eye for it, young

Nancy. She's got it off, hasn't she? Like a proper boy.

All the walk, all the business.

But then she's not.

You gotta remember that, Nancy.

Well, of course I know that.

Well, that's alright then.

Oh, I wish I could come and see her every night. Well, there's no reason why

you shouldn't.

I could put you up in one of the boxes, if you like.

They're hardly ever taken on a weeknight.

Really?

Alice.

Alice.

How do you feel when you're with Tony? Oh, what a question.

Same as you when you're with Freddie, I suppose.

I don't feel anything much when I'm with Freddie.

Well, perhaps he should be showing you what to do.

If you don't like him, chuck him, Nan. Plenty more fish in the sea. It's not I

don't like him. Yeah, I know.

He's just not the one.

You'll find someone you really like, Nan.

Promise?

You wait.

You'll meet someone who'll have your head spinning and your legs turning to

jelly. And you... And more!

You'll find out.

Now shut your eyes and go to sleep.

Oh, Rosie.

Dear Rosie, there's a rose in my heart

for you.

I come to look around there's a lot of pretty girls down here as well put out

the lights linesman let's have a look at you well we're spoilt for choice this

evening gents here

she

comes in How was she tonight, Nancy?

Just as good, if not better. She's not a real boy, you know.

I know she's not.

You ask me, I think there might be some young chap in the orchestra pit she's

got her eye on. I just hope young Freddie don't catch on.

I wish you'd all mind your own business.

When I see her, it's like...

When she walks on stage, she makes me want to smile and weep at once.

She makes me sore. Here.

I never, ever saw a girl like her before.

I never knew that there were girls like her.

I don't know what it is.

I don't know what's the matter with me, Alice. Do you think I'm cracked?

I don't think you should get too keen on that girl, Nan.

Why are you ever not?

They're not like us, people like that.

They don't lead natural lives, you know.

I think you should forget about her, Nan.

You don't understand, Alice. I don't want to talk about it anymore.

It wasn't any use telling me to forget about Kitty Butler.

As if I could.

And I didn't see why I should.

That's it. You're holding as tight as you like.

Don't worry.

I'll tell you if it hurts.

No! I don't want to.

What's the matter?

Nothing. I just don't want that, Freddie.

I'm serious, you know, Nan.

We could be engaged.

Well, then it would be all right, wouldn't it? Can't we just go on as we

are? You don't really care for me at all.

I do, though. No, you don't.

You just have to keep me there, tagging along like, if you really cared for me,

you'd let me do it.

Well, then, I don't care for you.

Oh, Nan, no, don't take it like that. Nan!

I didn't really mean it.

But I did.

I meant it.

And if what Freddie wanted was only human nature, so was what I wanted.

But what was it I wanted?

I didn't know.

But I knew it had something to do with Kitty Butler.

He said goodbye with a tear and a sigh and

whispered all the pretty things that sweethearts say.

Dear Rosie, there's a rose in my heart for

you.

I'm visiting as a friend would

Sorry, I... No, no, no, no, no.

Nothing to be sorry about.

You're just the person I wanted.

I've got a message for you.

Someone wants to see you.

Who?

Here she is.

Miss Nancy Astley.

Miss Butler, I'll take up no more of your valuable time.

May I say again, a delightful evening, a rare treat.

Miss Astley, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Walter Bliss, at your

service.

Good night, ladies.

Mr. Reeves.

I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Hasley.

Do have a chair.

So, you're my mystery admirer.

I thought it was Gully you came to see every night.

Then somebody told me you always went out after I'd finished.

Is it really me you stay for?

Yes.

I'm sorry. Now I'm here, I can't think of what to say.

Well, it was me who sent for you, so you needn't say anything if you don't want

to. But I do wish you'd tell me what it is you like so much.

I'm very vain, you see.

I do love to hear nice things about myself.

I like everything.

Your costumes and your songs and the way you sing them and the way you move and

the way you smile and your voice. You seem so very gay and bold.

It makes me happy just to hear you.

And I think your hair is beautiful.

Truly.

Gully says it's like guinea pig's fur.

Well, he's wrong.

Well, I'll tell him you said so.

Do you mind if I clean my make-up box while we talk?

So, what about you?

I know that you're a friend of Tony's.

Is he your sweetheart?

No.

No, he's courting my sister Alice.

Is he?

So,

what about you?

Have you got a sweetheart?

No.

Nor have I.

So, where do you come from and what do you work at?

Whitstable.

I work in an oyster house.

An oyster house?

Like the song?

As I was going down Bishopsgate Street to an oyster girl, I happened to meet

into her basket, I happened to peep to see if she had any oysters.

I do hope I haven't offended you, Miss Astley. No, no.

There's nothing wrong with oyster girls.

I think they're rather nice if you're an example of them.

Miss Butler.

Oh, call me Kitty, do.

And what can I call you?

Nan.

Thank you, you're very kind.

I was going to ask, Kitty, why did you think of it in the first place?

Dressing like a boy and cutting your hair short and everything.

Well, wouldn't you if you had the chance?

Men have all the fun.

Besides, there's too many girls in this business.

Most of them would do anything to please the manager and you won't find me

playing those games, Nan.

And I love my costumes and being able to stride about and give them a bit of

cheek.

Don't get me wrong.

I do like being a girl as well, you know.

Well, what do you think?

Pretty smart or a bit of a letdown?

I should say so. No.

Oh, no.

You're a dear girl.

I can't stop and talk any longer this evening, Nan.

Gully's taking us all out for supper, and what Gully wants, Gully gets.

You'll come and see me again, won't you?

You could come before the show and help me dress, if you'd like.

Really?

Of course, really.

Then I shall.

Starting next Monday.

And now she'll have to say goodnight.

Miss Astley.

You smell like... I know.

Like a herring.

Not a bit like a herring.

Like a mermaid.

I told myself to be sensible.

Perhaps she hadn't meant it.

Or she might think better of it.

And so I became Kitty Butler's dresser.

And her best pal, too.

And we were together all that season.

Be careful,

Kitty.

Don't turn that poor girl's head.

What would she think if she knew the part she played in my fierce dreamings?

You hold it like this, flat shell on top.

Then you put the point of the knife in the hinge.

See? Hold it steady.

Mustn't waste any of the liquor.

That's the best bit, some say.

That's the flesh.

You cut that loose.

And now you may eat it.

Thank you. Thank you, Nan.

And this is your room.

Very cosy.

It feels funny, you being here.

Come, sit by me.

I'm sure your mother would disapprove that I am just about dying for a smoke.

You're lucky to have a proper family.

Such a nice one, too.

I've never had a proper family.

How do you mean?

Oh, you don't want to know.

Let's just talk about happy things.

You know, I think if I had a family like yours, I'd never want to leave home.

Nan, I have something to tell you.

It's a piece of good news, and you must promise to be happy for me.

Do you remember the man who was with me the first night you came round? Mr

Bliss?

Well, he's offered me a contract in London, working in the halls there.

He says I'm too good for the provinces. He says London needs to see me and I

need to be seen there.

He thinks I could be one of the really big names, Nan.

I've got to take it.

Oh, yes.

I see that you have.

I am happy for you, Kitty.

You don't look it.

Well, I'm selfish.

I'd be unhappy to see you go.

And I'll be unhappy to leave you behind.

Truly?

Would you come with me, Nan?

Come with you?

If your mother and father will let you, of course.

I mean, you'll have a proper wage. Not much, but, well, enough if we share a

room. Yes!

Do you really think you might?

And do you think they'll let you?

I suppose you could always come back home if you didn't like it. If I didn't

like it, I'd do anything to go with you. I'd go even if they said I wasn't to.

They could lock me in my room and I'd climb out the window and walk all the

way to London to be with you. I love you more than anyone or anything. I do.

Remember when you gave me this?

When you picked me?

Out of all the others.

You did, didn't you?

You chose me.

Yes.

Yes, I did.

And I didn't know then I was choosing the very best friend I have ever had.

They didn't try to lock me in.

They could see my heart was set on going to London with Kitty.

And they couldn't bear to see me grieve.

There.

But don't spend it all in the same shop.

And you will write to us, won't you, Nan?

Of course I will.

We'll visit when you can.

Goodbye, Mother.

Nancy.

What are we going to do without you?

Take care, Nan.

I shall.

And Miss Astley, Lady of Whitstable.

Off goes his bonnet to an oyster girl.

You are very welcome, my dear.

More so than I can say.

Go on, then.

And Miss Butler.

Follow me, Porter!

Mr. Bliss kindly took us to our new home, Mrs. Dendy's Theatrical Lodging

House in Brixton.

You don't get no trouble from him. He loves those guts.

There's the girls and the ladies.

Oh, they're very nice gents. No trouble at all.

Three more up here, I think you'll come ready.

Come on, girls.

Come on, let's go. I'm not falling out.

This'll be yours.

You've got a little entrance hall as well as the bedroom.

You won't mind doubling up, I hope. It's not hot.

It's going to be two pegs in a doll's ass, I think. Perfect.

You're a bit close to the railway.

Are you asleep?

No.

Are you homesick, Nan?

Do you miss Alice?

Not really.

Oh,

your heart beats.

Do you like this, Nan?

Mm.

If you knew how I'd longed for a sister... You'll be my sister now, won't

you?

I didn't want to be her sister.

I do love you, Nan.

I wanted to be her sweetheart.

I've just come down from Brighton.

There's a lot of pretty girls down there, you know.

But now I come to look around, there's a lot of pretty girls down here, you know.

To follow in your father's footsteps is a motto for each boy.

And following in your father's footsteps is a thing I much enjoy.

My mother caught me out one evening up the West End on a spring.

She said, where are you?

He's just in front with a fine big...

your first night in the capital they were warming to you give the word a

chance to spread they'll be eating out of your hand by the end of the week do

you really think so i'd stake my life on it kitty i promise you

i swear to you there is no match to your act in town i promise you you

There's a rose in my house for you.

But he was right.

It didn't happen by the end of the week.

But after a few months, they couldn't get enough of her.

Oh, a triumph!

Now we've got them. Now, Kitty, get changed quickly. The manager of the

Alhambra wants to meet you.

The Alhambra? Yes, you won't mind, will you, Nan? It'll all be business talk.

Your chance for an early night.

I did mind.

But what could I do?

I was proud of her success, but terrified it would take her away from

me. I wanted to keep her close.

As close as my own skin.

I've just been down to the seaside. There's a lot of pretty girls down

there, you know.

Come to think of it, there's a lot of pretty girls down here, too.

I'm following in father's footsteps, following the dear old dad.

He's just in front with a fine big girl, so I thought I'd have one as well.

I got talking to an oyster girl, she could suck an oyster rather well.

Oh, Kitty.

I love you.

Love you.

Love you.

I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me.

Well, don't be sorry, Nan.

You're the very thing.

You look more like a boy than I do.

Give us a turn, go on.

No, I'm shy.

I could quite fall for a boy like you.

Come here and give me a kiss.

Just wait till Walter sees you.

I don't want him to.

I think it could be just the thing he's looking for.

We were talking about developing my repertoire, Nan, and to go on with a pal

might be just the very thing.

Help me, Nan. We'll show him first thing tomorrow.

But all I could think was that she had kissed me on the lips, and yet I was no

nearer to declaring myself.

Was it possible that she felt as I did?

I couldn't risk it.

Ready? Uh-uh.

My God, that's it!

Why didn't I see it before?

Oh, this could be sensational.

Didn't I tell you?

Doesn't she look quite the Bobby Dazzler? It's as if she was born to it.

Let's try a little song.

No, no, I couldn't.

Yes, you could. You know all the words to all the songs.

Come on, Walter.

Father's Footsteps.

To follow in your father's footsteps is a motto for each boy.

And following in father's footsteps is a thing I much enjoy.

My mother caught me out one evening up the West End on a spree. She said,

Where are you going?

But I answered, Don't ask me.

We're following in father's footsteps.

Following the dear old dad He's just in front with a fine big gal So I thought

I'd have one as well We don't know where we're going

But when he gets there I'll be glad We're following in fatherless footsteps,

yes We're following the dear old dad

Bill from Bow Bells?

And his shy brother, Bob.

How about that?

We'll get some songs to suit, new suits made to measure.

And we should do something about that hair.

There we are miss or perhaps I should say sir

Remarkable

Now

I'm like you Ladies and

gents

I'm rather shy.

I'm rather shy.

I'm rather shy.

I'm rather shy. I'm rather shy. I'm rather shy. I'm rather shy.

I'm rather shy. Come on, Bob. They won't eat you. Oh, I don't know, Bill. I'm

rather shy.

I don't know what I'm going to do with him. He is the best brother anybody

could wish for, but he's a little bit backward in coming forward, if you know

what I mean.

Listen, and I'll tell you.

Come on, Bob.

Last Sunday was a holiday.

We scrubbed up nice and clean and took a little stroll about around the village

green. We saw a couple of pretty girls as they were passing by.

I say, but what a spiffing pad, I'm sure one won't arrive.

Oh, I don't know, Bill. You'd better leave me out. Well,

it's very easy, Bob.

You never know until you try.

Oh, I don't know, Bill.

I'm rather shy.

Come on, Bob, you're not funking it.

Well, I don't know what to do, Bill.

very softly and you take her by the hand like

this that's right look tenderly into her eyes and

she will understand like this then lean a

little closer and steal it

taking private lessons what do you think should we ask him now bob oh no where

did you learn to kiss like that i couldn't tell you bill i'm rather shy

he's rather shy

Congratulations, my dear.

You've done well for yourself there, Bliss. I'll give these two a booking any

time you like.

Oh, that's very good of you.

Charlie Perbyshire, The Empire.

Here we are, girls. Best table in the place.

Well, here's to Bill and his shy brother Bob. How does it feel to be

a star, eh, Nan?

All right.

It feels all right.

have a dance kitty go ahead it'll be a pleasure to watch all right i will

Well, don't you know me?

Jimmy Burns.

I was in the pit this evening, doubling up here for a bit of pocket money.

Well, I don't know I like you best, in skirts or trousers, and that's a fact.

I don't know how I like myself best.

Well, then it's nice to have the choice, ain't it?

Do you fancy staying up with me for a little twirl round?

Oh, go on. Say you will. I don't think I could. I've had too much shan.

Well, that's all the better.

Up you come.

That's it.

Now, who's going to lead, then?

You or me?

You can if you like.

I'm going you can come or not as you like I'd better go

What do you think you were doing making a fool of yourself with that horn

player? We were only larking about.

Larking about?

His hands were all over you. Sometimes I don't think you care about my feelings

at all, Nan.

Oh, Kitty.

If you knew.

I hate the way you make me feel.

May I really touch you?

Nan.

I think I shall die if you don't.

I drank too much last night.

We both did.

But don't say you want to under say what we said or undo what we did. I think I'd

die. No.

I wish I'd had the nerve to tell you before.

Couldn't you see how I felt about you?

I wasn't sure.

It's easier to be friends.

I didn't know it was possible.

You know, for two girls to be sweethearts and to go all the way.

I'd never heard of it. Had you?

Well, it's true. I've never cared for any other girl the way I care for you,

Nan.

Oh.

But the fact was I loved her too much to fret long over the other girls. She

might have loved before me for she loved me best and She loved me

now

Oh, look out!

To Butler and King. The toast of London. And I was happier than I had ever been.

And I wished I could tell the whole world.

But Kitty insisted we kept it a secret.

Even from Walter.

For no one else would ever understand.

And it was the happiest, most magical six months of my life. Miss Kitty Butler

and Miss Nan King.

Walter arranged us a few days off.

He needed Kitty for some business meetings.

And I thought it was time I visited my parents.

I felt strange.

Like a ghost.

We shall have to mind our manners, shall we, Davy? You're such a fine lady in our

parlour. Don't be silly, Father. I haven't changed. I'm just the same as I

always was.

She's kind of la-di-da.

Don't be rude, Davy. I don't mind, Mother.

Must be the company I've been keeping. So, how have you been keeping? Have you

got yourself a young man yet?

No! No time for anything like that. I'm far too busy.

Look, I've got presents for you all from London, and I hope you like them, for

I've spent half my wages on them.

That's for you, Mother.

That's for you, Pa.

That's for you, David.

And this is for you, Alice.

My word, Nancy, you've done us proud.

I shall look quite the thing in this now, shall I?

Look at these, Ma.

Look how they're soft as butter.

I shall be the best job bloke in Kent now. Oh, Nancy, you shouldn't have.

Well... What else would I do with my money?

Oh, you are a good girl, Nancy.

Aren't you going to open it, Alice?

Oh, what a stunner.

Don't you like it, Alice?

Well, when would I ever wear a thing like that?

It seems so strange to be back here, in our room.

I hope you don't mind being invaded, Alice.

It wouldn't make any difference if I did, would it?

Oh, Alice, please don't be like this with me. I can't bear it.

What's the matter?

Was it the hat?

I thought you'd like it.

I thought you could wear it when you went out with Tony. I bet you anything

he would like you in it.

I'm not finished with Tony.

Oh, Alice, I'm sorry.

What happened?

I don't want to talk about it. Hurry up.

What's the matter?

I wrote and told you I'm part of the act now.

You didn't think I went on as a girl, did you? I wouldn't get much work like

that. But I make a very good boy.

You'd be surprised.

I don't know how you can show yourself like that.

Kitty can do it. Why shouldn't I? Kitty.

Are you two as close as you ever were?

Yes, we are.

Closer, if you'd like to know.

I'm in love with her, Alice.

Please let me tell you, we never used to have no secrets from each other.

Come on, then.

If you must.

Well, she's just everything to me.

And I am to her as well.

Remember how I used to feel like there was something wrong with me? How I never

felt anything much when I was with Freddie?

Well, it turns out there's nothing wrong with me at all. She only has to touch me

or sometimes even just a little. I don't want to hear any more. You're

disgusting.

I thought you'd understand.

I don't want to understand. I hate anything like that. All those... Alice.

If you want to know, that's why I broke up with Tony.

When I found out he liked men as much as he liked girls, he made me feel dirty.

And you make me feel dirty.

I don't wish you any harm, Nan, but I don't want to know about your life and I

don't like you near me.

And please don't try talking to Mother and Father about your dirty life because

it would break their hearts.

Alice, please don't be like this.

It's still me.

I'm still the same as I ever was. Just get into bed.

Keep to your own side.

My own sister couldn't bear to have me lying next to her.

I'd lost her, and all I could think of was getting away as quick as I could.

Back to London, and my dearest, dearest Kitty, my lover, and my only friend.

I didn't belong there anymore.

If they couldn't love me as I am, then I should go where I would be loved.

My life was in London now.

With Kitty.

Oh, Miss Astley, you're back already.

Some they like it this way and some they like it that.

The lady dips a curtsy and the gentleman tips his hat. And some they like them

big and fat and others meet small, but whatever they say, it's only human

nature after all.

Last Sunday I went up the park just to take the air. I saw a girl up on the

swings and she was pretty far.

I said, now shall I give a push? Catch you if you've all pushed on, she said.

It's only human nature after all.

Oh, some they're like a nightingale and some they're like a lark. And some

they're like a pretty girl to cut her in the dark.

And some they're like a pansy and some they're like a ball. But whatever you

say, it's only human nature after all.