Original subtitles

I don't know how to put this, Clifford,

but I'm worried about Constance.

I'm not sure we're giving her a fair chance.

Giving Constance a fair chance?

What does that mean?

I have trouble with stock phrases.

True, it isn't very well chosen.

What I mean is, living shut up here

with none ofyouth's natural distractions and pleasures,

she is bound to be unhappy.

Constance?

You think she's shut up here?

Yes, even though it is by her own will.

How unfortunate she is, being my wife.

Yes, she is. Not being your wife,

but having to share the physical misfortune which struck you

so soon after you wed

and in such a cruel way.

You're worried about Constance?

Just what do you fear?

I fear her health may suffer suddenly.

Her physical or mental health.

Nothing to drink?

They forgot the tray.

What do you suggest?

I expect you have an idea.

She should winter with me on the Riviera.

Winter? Very well. lfshe wishes to go, she's free to.

No, she's not. Her sense ofduty keeps her here with you.

She doesn't want to go.

That's my whole point.

I can't force her to go with you.

Why not, ifit's in her best interests?

She was nine when her mother died.

I didn't see, or refused to see then,

that my wife was dying of melancholy.

And she accepted it.

Yet she didn't marry a cripple.

Constance may of course winter on the Riviera.

She may do whatever she pleases.

But I can't force her to live, can I?

You could try.

Might one not consider that to be one ofyour marital duties?

I'll see where she is.

LADY CHATTERLEY

Based on D.H. Lawrence's john Thomas and Lady/ane-

PA RT I

Wragby, the Chatterleys' home in England's mining country. October 1921

Shall we stop for a while?

Will you give me your hand?

Do you feel alone, Connie?

Would you like to see other people?

Not here, no.

Not in Wragby.

Or to go away for a while?

Would that be better?

I'm not keen on going away.

- Wouldn't it be better for you? - Why?

For your spirits.

For your health.

I'm afraid you'll become melancholy.

I'm not becoming melancholy.

What's the point of going away? I'd only think ofyou.

And I would think ofyou. It's only natural.

But I'd be pleased to think you were having fun.

Don't go thinking I'm trying to stop you having fun,

no matter how superficial the amusement might be.

Don't go thinking I would stand in your way.

It's not you.

What, then?

Well, it's...

the situation.

What happened to us - to you.

What's the point ofdiscussing it?

Would you prefer to be free?

Pardon?

Would you prefer to be free of me? Completely free?

Tell me.

I'm not sure I know what you mean.

Yes, you do, Connie.

Your father accuses me of not letting you live.

In a way - In a way, it's true.

I always thought our inner life was all.

But maybe -

maybe I was wrong.

Maybe

your body needs to have fun.

Like those women who go to nightclubs

to dance tojazz music and flirt.

You seriously think I need to dance tojazz and flirt?

Perhaps, yes.

Perhaps your body needs a man to make love to you.

A man OI' S€V€F8I men.

So, there we are.

Ifyour body's life forces

escaped your efforts to harness them,

well, I wouldn't stop you satisfying them,

to restore yourjoie de vivre.

You allow me to know other men, is that it?

Oh, there's not much to know.

One body's as good as the next. It's mere animal instinct.

I shall go back now ifyou don't mind.

No, Connie, you don't understand.

Forget this conversation ifyou like.

I've no doubt been clumsy,

but please remember this:

In my own way, I do care about you.

- Parkin. - Sir?

Turn this chair around and get me started.

It'll make it easier.

Can you manage now,

or should I stay behind you?

Yes, come to the gate. That's wiser.

Thank you for your help.

You're welcome, sir. Night.

Don't worry, I'll shut it, Your Ladyship.

Thank you.

Night, Your Ladyship.

Yes, sorry. Good night.

Constance'; days were very busy.

She submitted unquestioningly to the ancient theory

that women maintain harmony

by conforming to the rigorous rhythm of domestic tasks.

On top ofthe hours spent with Clifford,

there was a time for cleaning the laundry, the furniture and the silver.

In the autumn, she oversaw the jam-making.

In the spring, she helped with the orchard and vegetable garden.

In the afternoon, when she had no visits,

she liked to sew her clothes

or make things for her friends' children.

5o, she hardly had any time now for the piano or drawing,

which had once been her passion in life.

Should I helpyou into bed?

No, I'll call Marshall. I'll read for a while.

- Good night then. - Good night, Connie.

That day, the valet was ill, and Clifford had an order for the gamekeeper.

Oh, hello.

Sir Clifford has a message.

Come in.

- Did you come before? - Oh, no.

I thought I heard a knock.

For tomorrow night's meal, for Sunday,

Sir Clifford would like two pheasants.

But you don't have to see to it now.

Tomorrow will be fine with the cook.

Very well, my lady.

That's all.

Thank you. Good evening.

Good evening, my lady.

Does my lady need anything?

No, thankyou, Kate. Good night.

Good night, my lady.

That year, it started snowing during the Christmas preparations.

Tom! The door!

Those Germans had admirable machines.

They invented some extraordinary things.

They still lost the war.

Do you know why they did?

They were too methodical.

They fired their cannon every 1 O minutes, like clockwork.

It's absurd of course.

We soon knew when we had to run or get down.

Thanks be to God I didn't fight in that war.

I never could've stood it.

Of course you would have.

You won't be killed unless you thinkyou will.

I never thought I would be.

And I never met anyone who was killed

who wasn't already convinced he would be.

The body works in mysterious ways

with some very strange effects in wartime.

One day, one of my sergeants screamed out.

Both his feet had been blown

clean off at the ankle.

I gave him some morphine

to reduce the pain.

When I went back two hours later, he was dead.

It happens. There's nothing you can do.

No vital organ is hit.

Yet one's life is destroyed.

Nothing anyone can do. Funny.

Until 1916. the German cannons outdid ours.

Ours were so old, we never knew where they'd reach.

One awful day,

our cannons killed our own men in the front line.

We received the order to charge. As I ran,

I felt a spray of hot water on my neck.

It was Wallace.

Such a decent chap. He was from Argentina.

He called to me as I ran.

I was about to answer him

when I saw him overtake me with no head.

Like a headless chicken!

He went a long way too.

I was covered in his blood.

When I was picked up shortly after in Flanders,

I realized I'd never thought I could be killed.

Not even the day I saw poor Wallace die.

What about you, Tommy?

Were you injured?

No, never.

The worst I got was being buried when a shell exploded.

It happened several times.

You shout your head off to be dug out.

Incredible how scared you can be.

You're not eating?

We should have invited fewer people.

All that conversation exhausted you.

Clifford, you're tired out. Should I call the doctor?

What's the point?

I'll let you rest then.

Have you finished, my lady?

Yes, thank you.

Help me.

anybody-

Help me.

Connie.

What's wrong?

I don't know.

What do you mean?

Seen a doctor?

No. I don't think it's serious.

I just feel a bit listless.

Can you get UP?

Right.

I see nothing organically wrong.

But you're abnormally weak, my lady.

I'll prescribe a pick-me-up,

but only you can make yourself better.

Get a change ofair.

Take your mind offthings.

Ifyou don't, I won't answer for the consequences.

Consequences?

It runs in the family.

Your mother's cancer was so abrupt.

That kind ofillness always starts with reduced vitality.

What about Mrs. Bolton?

The nurse from Tevershall?

Do you know her?

Vaguebl-

She'd bejust right to look after you.

Maybe you should ask her opinion?

Well, we have.

She's delighted by the idea and can start on Monday.

What ifl don't want her here?

That's entirely up to you.

Then the matter's settled.

Very well.

I'll take Constance back to London tomorrow.

Be reasonable, Clifford.

You should have had a nurse long ago.

The following Monday, Mrs. Bolton moved into Wragby.

Sir Clifford prefers to shave himself

Unless he's too tired.

Marshall will helpyou put him in the bath.

Very well, my lady.

I believe your bath is ready.

Thank you.

Right.

I'll leave you to it.

See you later.

Yes, see you later.

I didn't know you were here.

Sir Clifford is in bed.

Good. Thank you.

Why don't you go for a walk?

The daffodils are out by the gamekeeper's house.

You could pick some for your room.

Daffodils? Already?

I wondered where the noise came from.

I better rest for a minute before I go on.

Do you want to sit in the hut?

Yes, please.

Thank you.

Should I shut the door?

Oh, no, thank you.

It's very pretty here.

It's so calm.

I'd like to come and rest here from time to time.

Do you lock the door when you go?

Is there a spare key?

No, mine's the only one.

Couldn't you find me another one?

Another key for the hut?

Don't you understand me?

I understand you quite well, my lady. Sir Clifford might have a spare key.

Do you think so?

It's possible.

Right.

Very well.

I shall ask him.

And if he hasn't, you can get a copy ofyours made.

It shouldn't take more than a day or two.

Perhaps. I don't even know who cuts keys.

In that case, I'll see to it.

Ifmy lady tells me the day she goes, I'll give her my key.

I'll letyou know.

Good evening, Parkin.

Evening, Your Ladyship.

I came to see ifyou were back.

Sir Clifford wants his tea.

Am I late? I didn't notice the time.

I'm sorry, Clifford. I didn't realize it was so late.

Why didn't you ask Mrs. Bolton to make the tea?

Imagine ifyou found us having tea together!

Well, why not?

Where were you all this time?

I went for a walk in the forest.

The flowers are in bloom.

Look. Aren't they marvelous?

I stopped for a while at Parkin's hut.

You know, where he breeds pheasants.

Do you know ifthere's a spare key?

You can pour the water now. Mrs. Bolton's warmed the pot.

A spare key to what?

The hut.

It's so peaceful there.

Ifl had a key, I could go there from time to time.

Parkin said that you might have a spare key.

I'll have a look, but I doubt it.

I don't think Parkin wants me to have one.

Yes, that wouldn't surprise me.

Whys that?

He must think it's his territory.

It'sjust a place he goes to work.

To you it is.

He must see it as his den or his lair.

So, you think I shouldn't go there?

That's not the question.

Ifyou want to go there, you can.

The hut belongs to you, like everything else.

But Parkin might be offended.

I don't want him to be!

You're asking for too much.

Especially with such an uncouth fellow.

I was just going.

- Did you want to go inside? - No.

So, no one has a spare key?

- Not even Sir Clifford? - No.

But it doesn't matter. I can sit here for shelter.

Well, good-bye.

I'm here quite a lot these days.

When the hens start layin'.

Oh, I see.

Ifyou want some peace -

lfyou don't want me potterin' around all the time -

You don't disturb me.

I don't want to be in your way.

You won't be.

Oh, I would.

In the winter, I could've left you the key,

but not now.

I have to watch the eggs.

I don't want to drive you away.

As Your Ladyship likes.

At any other time, I could've left you the hut.

Nobody's asking you to leave.

Would I really disturb you ifl came to watch the hens?

Me? No. It's your own place. ljust thought-

What?

You wouldn't want to be alone with me.

Alone with you?

I have no reason to be afraid here with you, have I?

Afraid?

No, of course not.

Ijust thought you mightn't like it, that's all.

I do.

I like to be here when you're here.

I feel less lonely, then.

But I don't want to get in your way.

Everything belongs to Sir Clifford.

Your Ladyship can do as she likes.

Well, thank you.

I'll come sometimes.

Good-bye.

Bye, Flossie.

For a while, Constance stayed away from the hut.

She felt confused and a little humiliated.

Had she heard him correctly?

Had he really suggested adultery?

How horrid.

How dare he imagine he could steal a moment ofsexua! pleasure with me.

Sexual desire is the worst form of egoism.

A sly urge to dominate the other and extend one's own ego.

Is that what he wants, like most men today?

June 21 st.

June 21 st?

You heard Miss Allsopp got married?

The cobbler's daughter.

Old Allsopp. I remember him.

- He's still alive? - Yes.

8O years old and as nimble as a boy.

She married a man from Kinbrook.

You may not know him. A certain Willcock.

Works at the sawmill.

Well, he married her last week.

He's over 60, but even so,

they were carrying on like lovebirds outside the church.

Everyone's up in arms.

She spends hours in her dressing gown on his lap.

In the window where everyone can see them.

To think she taught Sunday school.

Do you want me to shave you?

Do you know how to?

Oh, yes, I've often done it.

Go on then.

I didn't know my lady played the piano.

We'd all forgotten.

What's going on?

Winter tells me the miners are on strike.

The board is waiting.

Is it reasonable? What about your nap?

I feel fine.

- Should I go with you? - Of course not.

How pretty!

Is it a birdhouse?

A kind ofshelter.

It's pretty.

Have the birds built their nests?

Yes, there's some blue tits.

Where?

In that copse.

I'd so like to be a bird.

I've got that spare key for you.

Really?

I'll fetch it.

Thank you very m uch.

Are you sure I won't disturb you?

You won't disturb me, my lady.

That's perfect then.

Well, good evening.

Good evening.

From then on, Constance went to the hut almost every day.

Good afternoon.

- Do you want some? - Oh, yes.

Thank you.

The next few days, Constance couldn't go to the hut.

Clifford's aunt had turned up unexpectedly

and didn't leave until two days later at teatime.

Have the eggs hatched?

Almost all of the first clutch.

Oh, they're looking at me.

She won't let me.

Isn't it charming?

It's so charming.

Lively, isn't it?

That's the liveliest one.

Is something wrong?

Oh, no.

It's so trusting.

Don't cry for that, my lady.

Put it back.

Do you want to?

Let's go in the hut.

I suppose it was bound to happen.

Yes, I think so too.

I must hurry.

Don't come with me. I'll be back soon.

Say something.

What should I say to you?

You don't regret it, do you?

Me? No.

_ B“ Wu? _ Me?

I'r'n happy-

That night, Constance was the perfect wife.

The housewife every man dreams of

Modest yet attentive,

with her big, clear eyes and calm gentleness

which so well hid her intelligence.

You're here late.

Didn't you want me to come today?

Won't people start thinking things

ifyou come every day?

I don't come every day.

And they don't know where I go.

Did you want to come in?

Just to lock up.

Are you angry about yesterday?

Not at all.

And you?

Me? Not at all.

You didn't feel as ifyou,

so to speak, lowered yourself,

by doing it with a man like me?

Lowered myself?

Why? Do you think I lowered myself?

With one ofyour husband's servants.

You're not a servant. You're the gamekeeper.

But maybe you feel as ifyou've...

lost something?

Don't think that, my lady.

It's not easy...

to call you “my lady“ and then to -

I don't want you to call me that.

I really don't.

And ifyou like me -

Do you like me?

Yes.

These things happen.

Come on, then. What's the point of talking?

You're so soft.

I can't stay long.

You came so late.

You're not cold?

You should come to my place. It'd be more comfortable.

Do you mind ifl accompanyyou?

Let me go.

I'm not stopping you.

I'll come tomorrow ifl can.

You shouldn't take to me.

We can't be together.

You'll be sorry, you know.

Good night.

Hello, Gold.

How good to see you, my lady.

I was worried about you. How are you?

Oh, I'm fine now.just fine.

- Would you like a cup oftea? - I'd love one.

I'm not disturbing you?

I'll open ajarofjam.

I've been keeping it for a special occasion.

Delicious!

You don't miss yourjob too much?

Oh, no.

Time flies when you have a child.

I always dreamt of having children and looking after them.

It's heaven.

Luke will be home soon.

First the miners, then the engineers.

Are you going along the road?

No, I'll go through the warren.

What are you doing here?

Were you going to the hut?

No, I was going home.

I went to Marehay,

and I'm on my way home.

I must be going. No one knows where I am.

I won't bother you any longer.

Come on.

Come on.

We both came together this time.

Yes.

How do I look? My dress isn't too creased?

There.

How can I ever thankyou?

What for?

Well, for this.

No reason to thank me.

But...

I just wanted to thankyou.

Well, good-bye.

Good-bye.

Sorry, I lost track of time.

I walked over to Marehay.

I saw Mrs. Flint and her baby.

Then I had tea with her.

Such a sweet baby!

His hair is so soft, it looks like feathers.

Did you wonder where I was?

We did, indeed.

We nearly called the police.

I saw you go towards the gate.

I thought you'd gone to have tea at the rectory.

I thought of it, but in the end I went to Marehay.

You should have a hot bath.

You'll catch your death of cold.

“'What ifthe fire were rekindled? What if he made her love him?'

'Let them love each other, Phoenix.

Let her go. Let them return, smitten, to Sparta.

All our ports are open to them both.

She would spare me the worry.'

'My hard -'

'I'll open my heart to you later.

Andromache is here.”

You're not going to stop there?

I don't want to bore you.

You're not!

You read Racine so beautifully.

Not as beautifully as you listen.

“Were you looking for me? Could I hope for that?'

'l am here for my son.

Since once a day, you let me see all that remains of Hector and Troy,

I was on my way to kiss him and grieve with him.'

'The Greeks, tojudge by their alarms, will soon give you more cause to cry.

As you kiss him, try to save him.”'

There. That's all for today.

Thankyou, Clifford. That was wonderful.

I don't think I can wait for Mrs. Bolton's milk.

You don't mind? I'm exhausted.

Good night. Sleep well.

Thankyou for reading that.

I hope Racine accompanies me in my dreams.

Good night.

Cards.

Three.

Two for me.

There. The night is nearly over.

Please stay a while.

I'll feel better when the sun rises.

Don't worry.

I'm right here.

END OF PART I