All language subtitles for (HBO) The Gilded Age (2022) S01E07.NLsubs (1)_track3_und

[TV static drones]

[bright tone]

[spirited orchestral music]

♪ ♪

I see it as a privilege,

to be called upon
to provide a new limb,

a new lung,
for this mighty city of ours.

[suspenseful music]

♪ ♪

Together, gentlemen,
we are taking a step forward

into our shared future,

helped by the new technology

which makes
what would have been

quite impossible
for our parents

only too possible for us
and for our children.

This is a great day
for New York,

one that should, and will,

shed glory
on every man in this room.

I thank you for your support.

♪ ♪

Mr. White.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I give you

Union Central Station.

[electricity buzzing]

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[all gasping]

- Congratulations.
- Oh, thank you.

- Bravo.
- Amazing.

Well done.

♪ ♪

Thank you, thank you.

- I'd like to see that.
Should I...

- Thank you.
- I told him...

- Gentlemen,
thank you for coming...

- Are you sure
this is the right moment?

I won't get a better one,

after the reception
he's had here.

I hope you're right.

Congratulations, Mr. White.

They like your work
quite as much as I do.

- Congratulations
to both of you.

- He's done a wonderful job,
hasn't he, Father?

- Wonderful.
- I find it very inspiring.

Architecture, I mean.

That's why
I'd like to be an architect.

- I don't understand you.
What?

- He wants to study
architecture.

- And, of course, I'd be
only too happy to help him.

Where has this come from?

- I've been trying to tell you
for some time.

No, you haven't.

- Well, I've wanted
to tell you.

But you have a job.

- Here, with me.
- I know. But--

- Mr. Russell, I think
that Larry just wants

to learn about the principles
of architecture.

After three or four years,
he could then employ his skills

in the management
of your business interests.

- Is that what you want?
- No.

I want to be an architect.

You see, Mr. White?

My son disdains
your peacemaking compromise.

I believe Larry has talent,

if that might make
a difference.

It won't.

And now I'll put your mother
and sister into the carriage.

Please see to our guests.

[quirky music]

♪ ♪

- But what do I say to Oscar
when he gets here?

What can I say?

That he has disgraced
his character?

His name?

And his mother?

Well...

What do you mean, "Well"?

- Only that all men,
or almost all,

have a fling of some sort
when they're young,

and they live to tell the tale.

- Oh. This is a tale
I'd rather were not told.

- I just think
these things happen.

How do you know?

Have you been leading
a double life?

- No, but I'm not so simple
that I don't know what goes on.

- You'll be calling yourself
a woman of the world next.

- Well, I'm not Rip Van Winkle,
Agnes.

And I understand that young men
have to sow their wild oats.

- [scoffs]
Even if that were true,

they do not have to sow them
with servants.

- What would you prefer?
An actress?

- Or a prostitute?
- Ada!

I'm going to have to ring
for my smelling salts

if you do not moderate
your tone.

You should not even know
these words exist.

Well, I do.

And I know that
well brought up young ladies

are not the girls
lighting the cigars

of their escorts
at Delmonico's.

- You are forcing me
to reevaluate your character.

I can't help that.

- The point is, he's coming
for dinner this evening,

and I don't know what to do.

I should do nothing.

Do nothing and say nothing.

But of course,
you won't listen to me.

- Mrs. Bauer asks if she might
have a precise time

to serve the first course
this evening.

Agnes?

- Ada, dear,
would you tell Mrs. Bauer

I think it would be nice
to sit down to dinner tonight

at half past eight?

Thank you, Bannister.

Well done.

That was quite a trick
with the lighting.

It was only a battery.

By the time
the station is built,

electricity will be
part of our lives.

Edison is mounting
a demonstration

- on September 4th.
- What's he got planned?

- First, he'll switch on
his plant on Pearl Street.

But later, at 10:00,

he will illuminate the offices
of "The New York Times"

on Park Row.

- How do you know
so much about it?

He invited me to attend.

I'm to meet him
for a terribly grand dinner

in time
for the evening illuminations.

- Well, why didn't you
say this before?

- I didn't think
it would interest you.

Of course it does.

All I want to know is,
how long do we have to wait

before we install it at home?

Oh, one thing.

Clay and I are meeting lawyers
after this,

so I may be home late.

- We'll get through this,
George.

We just have to be strong.

You always hearten me,

with your confidence
of victory.

What will you do with that?

You don't have a bank account.

- Perhaps I plan to open one,
Mrs. Bauer.

And I'm going to find out
who wrote that letter

to Mrs. Van Rhijn
if it's the last thing I do.

How?

It could have been anyone
in the Russells' house.

Someone will know who did it.

Whoa, there!

Cheer up, Mr. Russell.

- It can't be as bad as all that.
- Can't it?

I've quarreled with my father.

Or at least we soon will.

- Is this over architecture?
- How did you know?

- Because you told me, that day
outside Mr. White's office.

Ah.

- You must
give your father time.

He loves you.
He won't want to fall out.

- When my father loves,
Miss Brook,

there is a price to be paid.

I cannot deviate
from his ambitions.

Mother, me, Gladys,
we must all keep to the steps

he has laid down.

- You have one life,
Mr. Russell.

If you take the wrong path,
you will pay the price

for many years.

Now I must escort Pumpkin home.

Good day.

- Mistress is getting up
a party for September 4th

when Mr. Edison turns on
his electric lights.

- Why the fuss
about Mr. Edison?

We've known about electricity
for a hundred years.

And there have been
electric storms for centuries.

- But Mr. Edison has tamed it,
Miss Turner.

He has mastered it.

He knows how to make it,
how to store it, how to use it

- for our benefit.
- I think it's exciting.

Is it?

When electricity comes,
half our jobs go up in smoke.

Cooking, cleaning, it'll
all be done with electricity

before you know it.

- What is the mistress planning
for the night

when the lights are turned on?

- Not a large party,
and not here.

- It's more of a picnic.
Eight people.

Four in the landau, four
in another rented carriage.

They'll meet here at 7:00
and drive to Park Row.

They'll dine in the carriages
to make sure of a good place

and watch Edison illuminate
the "Times" building at 10:00.

Who will they get to serve?

- Two of the footmen can go
as postilions.

They'll manage.

- I wonder who she's planning
to hook into her scheme.

The Fanes will be there.

But I think she'll try
for Mr. McAllister again,

if she can persuade him
to be seen with her in public.

- I'm sure he'd be very glad
to be seen with her in public.

- Even you don't believe that,
Mrs. Bruce.

But he may tolerate it
for the sake of a good dinner

and a decent seat
for the display.

- Please give us a rest from
your nastiness, Miss Turner.

What's that, Mr. Church?

My golly.

- I thought we might practice
in here.

- We could rehearse a new
production of "Aida" in here

and still have plenty
of room to spare.

- The thing is, I assume
we need some more people.

Six more for a quadrille.

Two more girls and four men,
but don't worry.

Angela Schermerhorn
loves dancing,

and she's a cousin of mine.

And Sally Drexel.

And I can easily round up
a few young men.

- Maybe we could ask
Orme Wilson.

Why is your mother
so dead set against him?

Judging by the society pages,
his family goes everywhere.

- That's the problem.
She thinks them pushy.

The father was a war profiteer,
or so they say,

and the sister has married
Ogden Goelet,

one of the richest men
in America.

Of course, everyone thinks
he's been caught.

- So your mother doesn't trust
Mr. Wilson's motives?

- To put it mildly.
- But you do?

To put it mildly.

- In that case,
we'll definitely have him

as one of our dancers.

- We need to be able
to tell anyone we ask

when the ball is happening.

- Then we'd better call it off.
- Why do you say that?

Because you won't set a date.

Every time I ask, you refuse.

- That was before
the house was ready.

Now it is.

I'll write to Mr. McAllister
to find a date that's free.

We don't want to be
in competition.

What's changed, Mother?

- Why are you talking
as if I meant you to be

the first debutante in the city
who never made her debut?

We'll get a pianist in
for your practice.

And perhaps you have the name
of a dancing instructor?

Of course.

- The men and girls who will
join in your quadrille,

should I ask their parents
if they mind?

- Oh, no,
they'll all love Gladys.

And they're dying
to see inside this house.

Everyone is.

- Well, I'll ask them
to the ball

so they can watch
their children perform.

They mustn't miss that.

- Gentlemen, I suppose
my first question is,

have you seen the paper
that Mr. Dixon says I sent him?

- Mr. Brand?
- I've seen it.

I'm afraid it appears genuine.

We'll have a handwriting expert
examine it, of course.

But we can't expect
too much from that.

What does it say, exactly?

- "The price is ridiculous.
Find a cheaper option.

I don't care what it takes
or how you do it."

Followed by your signature.

He's lost the envelope,
but that won't help us.

Certainly sounds like me.

Can we confront this Dixon?

- There'll be
a preliminary hearing.

We'll face him there.

- But didn't we pay
the full price?

What happened to the money,
Mr. Lewis?

- Dixon claims the estimate
was submitted for payment

without his knowledge.

- So where's the money now?
- Missing.

But not traceable to him,
unfortunately.

- Doesn't that strengthen
Mr. Russell's case?

- It depends whom the judge
chooses to believe

at the hearing.

If he believes Mr. Russell,

then Dixon will go forward
for trial.

And Mr. Russell will only
be called as a witness.

But if he believes Dixon?

- Then Mr. Russell
may be charged

with manslaughter
by negligence.

That is very pessimistic.

- Mr. Russell should be ready
for the worst.

Believe me,

Mr. Russell is always ready
for the worst.

[dramatic music]

Cousin Oscar.

[door slams]

Is everything all right?

Oscar's gone.

He's angry with me,
but he has no right to be.

I'm the one to be angry.

Why? What's happened?

Oscar has disgraced himself.

With Mrs. Russell's maid.

How democratic.

It is no laughing matter.

Really.

On top of Bannister's betrayal,
it is too much.

Oscar tried to deny it.

- Are you telling this story,
or am I?

Although, why either of us
are telling it to Marian,

I do not know.

- He said they were friendly
acquaintances and that was all.

- Well, I suppose--

As if my son

would number a lady's maid
among his friends.

Even Ada thought
that was nonsense,

and she barely knows
how babies are born.

- Agnes, your anger
is making you indelicate.

So what happens now?

I want her sacked.

I want her out on her ear
by tomorrow night.

- Then you must write
to Mrs. Russell.

What would I say?

My mother always told me
never to write anything

I wouldn't want printed
on the letters page

of a popular journal.

- Then what will you do?
- I'll do nothing.

You will go and see
Mrs. Russell.

After all, you know her.
I do not.

But it isn't my quarrel.

- Your family's honor
is in danger.

Certainly it is your quarrel.

- What right have I
to ask a woman

to fire her own servant?

- It's an impossible task.
- Marian.

I may be didactic,
but I do not often give orders.

This is a direct order.
Will you defy me?

Is that what we have come to?

Did you hear the noise?

I was in the hall when Mistress
started shouting at Mr. Oscar.

Then he marched out
and slammed the door.

- Which made one less
for dinner,

And we got the rest
of the ice cream to share.

These things happen.

- You don't sound
very surprised.

With a mother and son,

there's bound to be
fireworks sometimes.

- You don't know
what it's about?

- Please, we owe it
to Mrs. Van Rhijn not to pry.

- You won't get back into
her good graces that easily.

Oh, silly me.

I've left some things upstairs
that I need to wash

before I sleep.

- She knows more
than she's saying.

- All ladies' maids know
more than they say.

[all chuckling]

- Church said you were here.
- I told him to.

I hope you don't mind
that I haven't changed.

Not at all.

Did the lawyers
keep you this late?

- No, but after they'd gone,
I stayed talking to Clay,

poor devil.

I doubt anyone's
kept dinner for him.

And?

There'll be a hearing

to determine
if a crime's been committed

and whether
it should go for trial.

- Well, haven't they already
found the man to blame?

That depends.

Some people may think the man
to blame is your husband.

- Don't joke about this,
George.

- I'm not joking.
- We can't afford a scandal.

Not when I'm so near.

I'm taking a party
to see Mr. Edison's lights,

and I've set a date
for Gladys's ball.

I'm glad to hear it.

- But it won't happen
if you're on trial.

I'd have to cancel.

- My dear,
I don't make the rules.

I will do everything within
my power to defend myself.

What more can I say?

- But I've already settled
a date with Mr. McAllister.

- Well, God forbid
I should be a disappointment

- for Mr. McAllister.
- If you think this is funny--

- I don't think it
in the least funny

that I'm facing
the possibility of prison,

and my wife is more concerned
with the date of a ball.

[door clicks]

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[bell rings]

♪ ♪

- Mr. Fortune.
- Good day, Miss Scott.

- I've left the draft
of my article on your desk.

I'll take a look.

Tell me, what are your thoughts
on electricity?

- Are you talking
about Mr. Edison's lights?

- Well, Mr. Edison
is not solely responsible.

Who else was involved?

- Namely, Lewis Latimer,
a colored inventor.

He created
a better carbon filament.

That's the thing in the bulb
that helps keep the lights on,

so to speak.

- Well, I'm sure
that Mr. Edison

will give Mr. Latimer
his due credit

at the ceremony.

[laughs]

I admire your wit, Miss Scott.

- Joking aside, I can't imagine
seeing an entire building

lit up all at once.

It's both historic
and futuristic

all at the same time.

- Well, you're not going
to have to imagine it,

because we're going to see it.

- We?
- Yes.

We're reporting on it
for the paper.

I need you to help interview
people in the crowd

and get their impressions
as well as your own.

We'll meet here on the night

and travel
to Park Row together.

- I can't believe it.
Thank you.

Well...

I've got to bring you along
to remind Mr. Edison

that a colored man will make
his technology better.

- I'm sorry I couldn't see you
this morning.

I had a thousand things
going on.

- I'm sorry to be
such a nuisance.

Nonsense.

We'll manage for ourselves,
Francis, thank you.

So how can I help?

I'm only the messenger.

- But my aunt is rather anxious.
- Anxious about what?

- [sighs]
I don't know how to say it.

Now you're frightening me.

- She asks you
to fire your maid.

- What?
- I think she's called Turner.

Am I to know why?

- She's been seeing a man
well known to my aunt.

- You must have
something more than that.

What man?

His name is not important,

but Mrs. Van Rhijn
strongly believes

that it is an improper liaison.

What proof is there?

- They were
in the street together,

and she laid her hand
on his arm.

- Is every woman
who touches a man's sleeve

in the middle
of an improper affair?

- My aunt believes
that is generally the case

when the couple
are of a very different rank.

I will speak to her,

but I cannot
guarantee anything.

Suppose it was her brother,
or even a cousin.

- We know the man,
and he is not her brother.

But I told my aunt I would need
more evidence to convince you.

Let us move on.

I'm glad you've come.
I want to ask your advice.

- Or perhaps your permission.
- Yes?

- I'm planning a picnic,
and I want to ask Mr. Raikes.

Aurora says she sees him
everywhere these days.

That's if you don't object,
of course.

Why should I object?

- Because I'm afraid
there won't be room for you.

Oh.

- We're going in two carriages,
so each place is at a premium.

A picnic in carriages?

That's a lovely idea.
What fun you'll have.

I'm jealous.
I'd love to be there.

- The trouble is,
we have only eight seats.

I've got Larry, Gladys,
Mr. McAllister,

the Fanes,
and a friend of Aurora's,

which leaves one to fill,
and we need a man to fill it.

Not Mr. Russell?

Mr. Russell is a guest
of Mr. Edison.

- Then Tom Raikes
is the man for you.

- It's so maddening of Aurora
to land me with Miss Bingham.

Otherwise
it could have been you.

More coffee?

It is quite simple.

You will be postilions
when you leave here.

Then when you get to Park Row,
you will step down from the box

and serve the dinner.

- But I don't like horses,
Mr. Church.

- You're a postilion,
not a jockey.

You won't go anywhere near
a horse.

Everything you need
for the dinner

will be packed in a hamper

and strapped
to the luggage rack.

- So she got Mr. McAllister
after all.

- The luncheon she gave him
has worked wonders.

Or do you not care to be
reminded of that, Mr. Church?

- I do not care for insolence,
Miss Turner,

from you or anyone else.

- Mr. Bannister made
such a success of it.

Get back in your cave.

- Pay no attention to her,
Mr. Church.

I don't intend to.

Now come with me,
and I'll show you

where to find
the postilion's livery.

- Why do you take him on
like that?

- He's too big
for his britches.

[bright music]

♪ ♪

Mr. Raikes?

- What are you doing here?
- Waiting for you, Miss Brook.

- But suppose
I hadn't come back?

- I'd have stayed
for an hour or so.

And then I
would have walked home.

Wouldn't be the first time.

And why today particularly?

- Because
I need to see your face

at regular intervals

to keep me
on the straight and narrow.

Any minute now, Aunt Agnes

will look out
the drawing room window,

and I'll never hear
the end of it.

- Don't you think it's time
we stopped worrying

about Aunt Agnes?

I need to see you.
To talk to you.

If you mean it,

Mrs. Chamberlain has offered to
entertain us both at her house.

We could talk there.

- Now I'm encouraged.
- Why?

- Because if you're prepared
to call on Mrs. Chamberlain,

it means you're not afraid
to take risks.

I must go.

I'll send a message.

- I'm going up to change.
Turner will be waiting.

By the way,

Miss Brook called
this afternoon

to ask me to dismiss her.

What?

You're to dismiss Turner?

Wasn't it strange?

Mrs. Van Rhijn thinks
she's been having an affair.

How does she know?

- I think the culprit
must be her son.

I'm not completely sure,
but that's what I suspect.

Oscar van Rhijn?

- I had a letter from him today.
- What did he want?

- Just to lend me
a bit of support.

- Mm.
- So will you?

- Fire Turner?
- Why? Do you think I should?

It's not for me to say.

There must be something here.

- How can anyone believe
you'd make direct contact

with some minor little cog
like Dixon?

It's absurd.

- I do write notes to people
in every department.

They can prove that.

And remember, I'm a rich man,

which means I'm a villain.

Certainly in a jury's eyes,
if it ever gets that far.

- Well, I intend
to pay it no notice.

And I've confirmed
the excursion

to watch Mr. Edison
turn on his lights.

Really? You won't cancel?

I was going to tell him
I can't come.

You'll do no such thing.

We'll face this together,
George.

We'll tell them
how it's going to be.

- If it helps you to believe
we're in control of things.

- Oscar.
- Marian.

- I hope this means
things are better

- between you and your mother.
- A little.

She won't be persuaded
of the truth,

so I've had to agree
to the lie.

Was it you who told her?

No. I didn't know.

But I wouldn't have,
even if I did.

Really?

Well, what will be, will be.

- I'm sorry
about all the upset.

I know it's the last thing
your mother would want.

- Oh, yes, my mother wants me
to have everything.

Except a life.

[laughter]

- I don't believe
I will take any lessons

from Mr. Church, thank you.

- I should teach him a lesson,
if I were you.

- A sharp one.
- [chuckles]

- You haven't worn this one
for a while.

Turner, I've been thinking,

and I wonder if it isn't time

for us to take a rest
from each other.

What?

- We don't get on
as we used to.

- Like all employers,
you set the tone.

See what I mean?

- Is this Mr. Russell's idea?
Because--

- No, but he's asked me
to give you a good reference,

and despite some misgivings,
I will.

There's no need to imply
your work's not excellent.

- He--

What were you going to say?

Nothing, Madam.

Nothing at all.

[indistinct chatter]

[quirky music]

- Ask him
when it was delivered.

- When was it delivered,
Bannister?

Just now, ma'am.

Just now.

- Before he goes,
tell him to ask John

for some tips
on serving luncheon.

Everything went so smoothly
when John was at the helm.

- What?
- Thank you, Bannister.

That will be all.

When are you going
to forgive him?

- When he has earned
my forgiveness.

- Did you have a nice time,
dear?

I think so.

I'm always overwhelmed
by Bloomingdale's.

There are more items
in that one store

than there were
in the whole of Doylestown.

- Mrs. Russell
has fired her maid.

- [gasps]
- I'm amazed.

She didn't give a hint of it
when I was with her.

- You must have been more
eloquent than you realized.

Will you write to her?

- Of course
I won't write to her.

She might write back.

- You must acknowledge
the letter.

She's done what you asked.

- Is there anything
you'd like me to do

before you get changed?

- Please thank Mrs. Russell
for this note,

but without a trace of warmth.

And have John take it over.

[tense music]

♪ ♪

What are you doing here?

Did you have me sacked?

No.

And I got you a good reference.

So I should be grateful?

That's up to you.

- How's the train crash
inquiry?

What do you care?

- I care very much that you
should emerge unscathed.

You see...

you missed something in me.

I was offering you a woman
who would devote her life

to your success, your health,
and your happiness.

Could Mrs. Russell
say the same?

I'd have loved you

to the exclusion
of everything else.

Well...

I'll say good night.

♪ ♪

Perhaps we'll meet again.

I doubt it.

[lively music]

♪ ♪

Mr. Raikes.

Ah.

This is very kind of you.

I'm delighted to help.

How do you do?
I'm Mrs. Chamberlain.

- I know.
The famous Mrs. Chamberlain.

And I see that your pictures
are quite as fine

as I've been told.

- After luncheon,
I'll show you the gallery.

But now I have business
to attend to.

If you'll excuse me.

- I suppose her business
is to leave us alone.

What would your Aunt Agnes
make of that?

- What would she make of my
being in this house at all?

- Well, I confess,
it feels very daring.

- I gather you're going
to watch Mr. Edison's electrics

on the 4th?

- Will you be
in Mrs. Russell's party?

No.

You're to travel and dine
in two carriages,

- and there's no room.
- Really?

Then why don't I cancel?
You can go in my place.

Thank you, but no.

It would spoil the numbers,
and it's settled now.

- The Fanes are coming.
- Mm-hmm.

- And a friend of Aurora's,
Cissie Bingham.

She must have taken your seat.

I don't remember her.

- She's supposed to be
a niece of Henry Flagler,

the fellow who set up

the Standard Oil Trust
with Rockefeller.

- What do you mean, she's
"supposed" to be his niece?

- Well, no one can work out
how she could be,

but he gives her
a huge allowance,

so there must be a link.

Her mother is most respectable,
at any rate,

whatever the truth of it,
and they both go everywhere.

It's odd how some people

are forgiven
their past misdemeanors,

while others,
like Mrs. Chamberlain,

must pay for them forever.

- The trick is to find your way
into the first group.

- Certainly, you've found
your way around New York.

I envy you.

Never mind that now.

What should I mind?

That I love you.

That my love for you
is the best part of me by far.

[soft music]

♪ ♪

You're a good man, Tom.

Think of your kindness to me
when I was a stranger

in desperate straits.

- Isn't it time we took control
of our own lives?

We're young, Marian.

We love each other.

What more do we need to know?

- Otherwise--
- Otherwise what?

- There are so many
distractions in New York.

So many sideshows.

It must be easy for people
to drift down the wrong path,

even when they know
the right one.

Why do you say that?

- I just want us
to be strong enough,

to take hold of our future now,
when we have the chance.

[footsteps approaching]

- Excuse me, but shall we have
some luncheon?

- She gave you no warning?
- Nothing.

Out of the blue.

I was helping her to change
for dinner when she said it.

"I think it's time
for us to part."

Had my hands on her neck
at the time.

I wanted to tighten my grip

and squeeze the life
out of her.

I wish you had.

It would have made things
simpler for us both.

- So you're leaving right away?
- I am.

But I may see to Mr. Church
before I go.

He wanted me out
as much as she did.

- Well, I shall miss
your instruction

when I get back in that house.

- Things will be easier
for you soon.

Mrs. Russell is bringing
her daughter out, at last,

so you'll be able to meet her
all over town.

That's good news.

- Go gently,
but get in there fast.

Miss Gladys can be stubborn,
but that can work in your favor

if you can make her think
she loves you.

- They got rid
of Archie Baldwin.

She'll be stronger next time.

- Why does it matter
so much to you?

- Because the she-wolf
is planning something big

for Miss Gladys,
and it would warm my heart

to see her high hopes
shattered.

Ah.

Not much of a compliment
for me.

[quirky music]

♪ ♪

- This was left for you.
- By whom?

- That lady's maid
from across the street.

- Miss Turner, is it?
- Oh.

Hmm. It seems she's leaving.

- Has she written
to say goodbye?

In a way.

And to tell me
who wrote the letter

which came while you were
serving luncheon

and I was across the road
in Mrs. Russell's house.

- I'm sorry about that.
- Well, you weren't to know.

What will you do about it?

I'm not sure.

I'll have to think about that.

They say revenge is a dish
best served cold.

♪ ♪

This is marvelous.

- I'm so pleased.
It's by Monsieur Degas.

He's one of the group
they call the Impressionists.

We were in Paris in 1863

when they mounted
their first exhibition.

It was known as
Le Salon des Refusés.

They'd been turned down

by the Académie des Beaux-Arts,
you see.

It's a favorite of mine.

You have a wonderful eye.

- Before I go,
may I offer a little

of what I've gleaned
from my own experience?

Of course.

- When you're young,
it feels a small thing

to turn your back on society,

but as the years go on,

it can be a lonely place
out there.

Make sure you are
very much in love, as I was,

or there may come a day
when the road you've taken

does not seem worth it.

And now I must leave you.

Please don't go
without coming to find me.

Ever the diplomat.

But our love will be enough.

I know it.

- You sound as if you're trying
to convince yourself.

I am convinced.

The fact remains,

I don't want a quarrel,
and I don't want a scandal.

Not if we can avoid it.

I know you mean your aunts,

but why can't
we just stand up to them?

- It isn't Aunt Ada.
She'll help us if she can.

It's Aunt Agnes.

[soft music]

Do you love me, Marian?

As much as I love you?

That's what I need to know.

What do you think?

Marry me.

Marry me now.

♪ ♪

I'll go and find
Mrs. Chamberlain

and say goodbye.

She's a clever
and interesting woman.

Although, I better not let
Mrs. Astor hear me.

Touché.

- I'd like it
a little fuller here.

If madam wishes, of course.

But I should point out that
bustles are getting smaller

- for most people.
- I am not most people.

- [door creaks]
- Agnes.

If Marian and Mr. Raikes
did come to an arrangement--

What have you heard?

[laughing] Nothing.

I just meant
that if they did marry,

you wouldn't really cut them,
would you?

Don't you want me to?

No.

Not at all.

- I'd like them
to think I would.

- It wouldn't make
much difference to Marian.

She doesn't care whether
Mrs. Astor receives her.

Maybe not, but he does.

She may think he can give it
all up without a pang,

but I know better.

- Isn't it just possible
you may have misjudged him?

It is just possible

an earthquake
may destroy New York,

but it is not likely.

This isn't right.

Hello.

What can I do for you?

- I knew you were still here,
and I wanted to see you.

Alone.

Goodness.

This sounds serious.

I want to talk some more

about my having
a career in architecture.

Not this again.

You've asked once,
and I've said no.

- So it didn't make
any difference

that Stanford White,

potentially one
of our greatest architects,

thought I might have talent?

- Great Stanford White
turned your head

when he built our house.

I don't entirely blame him.

I blame myself.

I should have been watching.

- What would you
prefer me to do?

- What you're doing now,
of course.

You must study my business
and take it over in time.

[scoffs]

What is it?

Father, you're a genius.

You made a fortune
that will go down in legend.

I doubt there are a dozen men

as successful as you
in this country.

I doubt there are a hundred
in the world.

You are very kind.

- What chance
do you think I have

of equaling that
if I follow in your footsteps?

- Well--

- I must always be
the disappointing son

of a great man.

The poor second act.
The failure.

But if I take another path
entirely, like architecture,

I have the chance
to make a mark of my own.

And my companies?

- You'll find and train men
to take them over,

who'll protect my future
and Gladys's

and make sure
the business outlives us all.

You're persuasive.

I'll give you that.

And I promise
to think about it.

But right now I have some
pressing matters of my own

which stop me concentrating
much on anything else.

The train business, I know.

Well, I'll see you
at the house.

And, Father,

I wish you luck, really.

And I wish you luck.

I wish you would.

[soft music]

♪ ♪

So she's gone,

and you've lost your spy
in the Russell house.

Yes.

But things will be easier
in the future.

Gladys's mother
is bringing her out,

and after that,
she'll be at plenty of parties

all over town.

- Besides...
- Besides what?

- It won't help with Gladys,
if she hears of it,

but it may play well
when people learn

Turner was sent away
because she and I were lovers.

- A smokescreen
to hide your true nature?

- Don't talk like that.
I hate to be defined.

- And it doesn't matter
that she was a lady's maid?

Don't be such a snob.

The ladies might
take exception,

but their husbands won't.

Did you plan this

when you first took up
with Miss Turner?

No.

But I'm a great believer

in turning
every chance encounter

to my own advantage.

[pounds table]

[indistinct chatter]

- You saw Mr. Raikes
in the street?

- You know what she means,
Agnes.

Mr. Raikes
is an old friend of Marian's,

and they met by chance.

But was it by chance?

- The point is,
I was pleased to hear

how far he's come
since he arrived,

and I thought you would be too.

Mm, has he come so very far?

- Well, he's friendly
with the Rikers now,

and the Rockwells,

and last week,
he dined with Mrs. Randolph.

- Do all his friends have names
beginning with R?

- I know you think he only
mixes with the new people--

Like Mrs. Russell. Another R.

Exactly, but it isn't true.

You know the Rikers,
and you know Mrs. Randolph.

Aurora Fane loves him.

Aurora has developed

a certain social promiscuity
recently.

- But you're fond of Aurora.
- I'm fond of you.

It doesn't mean
you are without fault.

- You are not being fair,
Aunt Agnes.

- If you are saying I am
not blinded by his looks

and so-called charm,
then you would be right.

[soft dramatic music]

♪ ♪

Oh, you're going out?

- I was of two minds
about telling you.

Mr. Fortune has asked me
to accompany him

to the turning on
of the lights.

We're both going to write
about it for the Globe.

- I'm so jealous.
- I knew you would be.

I think it's a shame
you're not going

with Mr. Raikes
to Mrs. Russell's party.

- There's no more room
in the carriage.

- She should get
a bigger carriage.

[chuckles]

♪ ♪

- Your troops
are waiting for you

in the drawing room, my dear.

And I'm leaving too.

- I wish
you were coming with us.

I like your spirit.

We won't be defeated, George.

♪ ♪

- Taming electricity
is probably

the most important innovation
of our lifetime.

- And is that something
to celebrate?

- I think so.
I wish I was there.

To see Park Row illuminated?

But with what sort of people?

Ruffians, thieves, and worse.

- Mrs. Russell's
taking a party.

I rest my case.

Miss Scott's going too.

To cover it for her newspaper.

And I will read about it,

like civilized people do.

- I'm sure Miss Scott
will be able to tell us

all we need to know.

- Oh, don't worry.
I wasn't planning to go

without your permission.

- You're very obedient
all of a sudden.

What are you planning
to spring on me?

Now go.

Ring for that
reprobate Bannister

and ask about dinner.

If possible,
I'd like an early night.

[bell ringing]

[band playing upbeat music]

♪ ♪

[indistinct chatter]

Some more champagne, ma'am?

Let me.

- Miss Bingham?
- I shouldn't, but I will.

- That ought to be my motto.
[chuckles]

- You must have a very
understanding wife,

Mr. McAllister.

Mrs. Fane watches me
like a hawk.

I do not.

But it seems a shame
that your wife isn't with us.

- Mrs. McAllister
is as happy as a clam

tucked up in Newport listening
to the sounds of the sea.

I've never been to Newport,

but one hears it spoken of
so highly.

My dear Mrs. Russell.

Of course
you must come to Newport.

- [laughs]
- I insist.

The town
is just waiting for you

to tear down its defenses
and conquer it.

- Must everything in life
present a challenge?

Everything worth having.

- But surely the point of going
there is to be by the sea.

To feel the wind in your hair
and listen to the waves.

And that's all free.

- Charming
as you make it sound,

I don't think
you have quite captured

- the spirit of Newport.
- Hardly.

You need four outfits a day,
at the minimum,

decent jewels,
and a full dance card.

I see.

- Do you know Newport,
Mr. Raikes?

Not yet.

My mother has a place there,

and we use it a lot
in the season.

- And a very nice place
it is too.

You must let me know

when you're planning to visit,
Mr. Raikes.

- I will, Miss Bingham.
Thank you.

I should make a plan at once.

You won't regret it.

- Then I shall have
to take you up on your offer.

- How is it that we've
never met, Mr. Raikes?

- In a year's time, or less,
most of the cottages...

[somber music]

♪ ♪

[band playing upbeat music]

- Thank you.
You can keep the change.

Thank you.

- How do you feel
about the light?

- Are you excited about it?
- Oh, yes, I certainly am.

- Can I quote you on that?
- Mm-hmm.

- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.

- Excuse me. I got us snacks.
- Oh?

- For you.
- Thank you.

Look.

- They're assembling now.
- Oh.

Let's get a little closer.

- Some folks I spoke to wonder
how long it will take

for colored people to have
electricity in their homes.

Mostly they're just here
to enjoy the lights, though.

[chuckles]

Well, it will be
a marvel to behold,

that much is true.

[fanfare playing]

♪ ♪

- Congratulations.
This is quite an achievement.

- This is the age
of achievement, Mr. Russell.

An age when anything
is possible.

- I like that,
and I will remember it.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ ♪

[laughs]

Ladies and gentlemen,

may I introduce
Mr. Thomas Edison!

[cheers and applause]

[indistinct murmuring]

[soft music]

♪ ♪

Ten!

all: Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One!

[dramatic music]

[crowd gasping, exclaiming]

♪ ♪

[cheers and applause]

♪ ♪

[electricity buzzing]

[cheers and applause]

♪ ♪

So beautiful. Just...

- This is a turning point
in history, Mrs. Russell.

But are we headed
in the right direction?

- We don't have a choice
in the matter, Mr. McAllister.

We must go
where history takes us.

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[bright tone]