All language subtitles for Upstairs Downstairs S05E10 The Understudy WEB-DL DDP2 0 H 264-squalor (1)_track3_[eng]

(gentle orchestral music)

(bell rings)

- Ah, Hudson.

The French Ambassador's
coming to dinner.

Monsieur Fleuriau.

- Oh, what day's that?

- Friday, week the 16th.

- Oh, no, no, no, no, I'm
playing polo that day.

-[Richard] Well, can't you
get back for the evening?

- Well, after six chuckers
at Cowdray,

I shan't be in very good form

to meet the French
Ambassador, Father.

- Oh, and I'm afraid I've
been invited to Bainbridge

for sailing that weekend.

- Well, this is a
most unfortunate,

I was counting on
you, both of you.

- Will Her Ladyship have
returned from Scotland, My Lord?

- Yes, she'll be back
on Monday, Hudson,

and she'll be here.

- Oh, well, then you
don't need us.

- But I do, I do.

It'll be a delightful evening.

Quite informal, no fuss.

I've asked George Swanburn
and his wife, Madeline.

(James chuckles)

I needed you, my dear, to
bring your own special charm

to the evening.
- Oh.

- And you, James, to take
care of the Fleuriau daughter.

- Oh, well.

- How old is she?

- Well, she's about 16.

(James and Georgina laugh)

- Oh, steady on.

- Oh, she's charming,
mature for her age.

- No, no, no, you get
William up from Eaton,

he's your man.

- Oh, good heavens, I'm not
dragging William up from Eaton

just for a dinner party.

- Uncle Richard, if you
want to make up the number,

what about Pru?

- Well, Pru's in Monte Carlo.

Won't be back till the
end of the month.

Besides, it's an extra
man I want now.

- Oh, well you shouldn't
find it too hard

to think of someone.

-[Hudson] Eight for
dinner, My Lord?

- Ah yes, Hudson.

Eight, one way or another.

You can tell Mrs. Bridges

she can start thinking
about things

before Her Ladyship returns.

- Thank you, my lord.

- We're in the dog house, do
you think I should cancel?

- Lord no, none of our business.

You all right, Hudson?

- Quite all right,
thank you sir.

My shoes catching a wee bit.

- I haven't seen Hudson
sitting in the hall before.

- No.

- Might he have been (mumbles).

Four years ago.

(diners chatter)

- Froggie Ambassador, eh?

That's something.

- Edward, I will not have
that word spoken in here.

- Not till after dinner anyway.

(diners giggle)

- Oh, it's only a term
of affection, Mr. Hudson,

from the war.

- Yeah, like you would
call the Germans Hans.

- Quite true, Rose, but
this is not wartime.

The French are our close
friends and allies.

We want them still to be
so after this dinner party.

- You know, best dinner
party we ever had

was when King Edward came
to dinner before the war.

- That's right, Ruby.
- Mm, yeah.

- Do you remember what
a tizz we all got into?

- Speak for yourself, Rose.

I wasn't in no tizz.

- Neither was I, Rose.

- 'Course not, Mr. Hudson.

Not you.

- Whose food, Rose?

Whoever's eatin' it,
that's what I always says.

- What?

- You gonna give him

some of your French cuisine,
Mrs. Bridges?

- Well, I don't know yet, Daisy.

That'll be for Her
Ladyship to decide.

I've never given French
cuisine to a Frenchman before.

(Edward giggles)

- Probably like something
simple,

like a good old English
Yorkshire pud.

(group laughs)

For a change.

- Or some of Ruby's
apple dumplings, eh?

(group laughs)
- That's right.

Special request from
the French Embassy.

They've heard about
your dumplings.

- Who told 'em, Mrs. Bridges?

- Mr. Hudson's told
their butler.

- Oh, pay no attention,
Ruby, they're only teasing.

- You know him, Mr. Hudson?

- Oh yes, as a matter of fact,
I am acquainted with him.

- You've hardly eaten
anything, Mr. Hudson.

Feeling all right?

- Yes, yes, thank
you, Mrs. Bridges.

I had two large slices
of toast and marmalade

for my breakfast.

It's taken my appetite away.

- Well there's still
three days, darling.

Could you travel overnight
tomorrow?

What?

Are you sure?

Oh, my poor darling.

Oh no, no, you must
do as you're told.

No, now don't worry.

We'll manage somehow.

Yes, now you go back
to bed and keep warm.

Yes, yes, yes.

Good bye, darling.

Virginia's caught a fever.

She thinks it might be mumps.

- Mumps, oh god.

- There's an outbreak
in the village.

Doctor's ordered her to the bed,

and she won't be
here for Friday.

Well, now we're in a pickle.

What am I to do?

- Well, can't you cancel?

I'm sure the Ambassador--

- Oh no, no, no, it's
much too late.

I could winkle Pru out of
Monte Carlo, I suppose,

or ask Lavetica, if
she might stand in.

- Who's she?

- She's an old friend
of Marjorie's.

Very old.

She's deaf and shouts
and prefers Italians.

Well, she could be in
Italy this time of year.

Can't think of anyone else.

- Well.

To avoid a diplomatic incident--

- Oh no, no, no, why should you?

This is my problem.

- Oh, don't be silly.

- Would you, really?

- I was never awfully
fond of sailing anyway.

- (chuckles) You're an angel.

Well, I must rush.

I got a committee in
the house at 11.

- These salt cellars
need polishing.

- No they don't, you can
see your face in 'em.

- Well, there must be
something you should be doing,

I'm rushed off my feet.

Every time I come in
here, you're reading.

What is it?

- It's a book.

- I can see that.

- Mr. Hudson lent it to me.

- Oh, what's it about?

- It's not for little girls.

- Oh, come on, let's
have a look.

- Yeah, what's all
this squabblin'?

- He's got this book, Rose, and
he won't show us what it is?

- Well, why should he?

It has nothing to do with you.

You can get on with your work.

- I never stop.

You'd think the whole
French Army's coming

the way I'm working,
and he sits.

- All right, let's see
what it is, then.

Oh, book about wine.

- Wine?

- That's right.

- What do you wanna
know about wine for?

- I'm interested in wine.

I want to improve my knowledge.

It's a footman's duty to
know about these things.

- Oh, no it isn't, not wine.

That's a butler's duty.

-[Daisy] Yeah, that's
right, it is.

- Yes, well, I'm not gonna be
a footman all my life, am I?

- Frederick's learnin'
up about wine.

- Oh, is he?

Yeah, well, I know
all about wine.

Ask me a question,
go on, anything.

- All right.

Where do Saint Emilion
wines grow?

- What?

- Oh, it's easy, that one.

- Yes, well, you don't have
to know where they come from.

- All right, give me the name
of four different Clarets.

- Clarets?

-[Frederick] Yeah.

- Um, Chateau, Chateau--

- Latour, Lafite, Margaux,
Haut-Brion.

Got a long way to go
to catch me up, Edward.

- James, you've got to be here.

It's only fair.

Given up my weekend.

I really do need your support.

Jumbo, please.

- All right.

All right, I'll be there,
now don't, don't panic.

You seen Mrs. Bridges
yet about the menu?

- Yes, I've rang for
her, she's coming.

- All right.

Now, the important thing is
to not let her bully you,

that's what mother always said.

Gotta be absolutely firm
and positive with her.

- What about?

I don't care what we eat.

- Mrs. Bridges, Miss Georgina.

-[James] Ah, come
in, Mrs. Bridges.

- Morning, Miss Georgina.

-[Georgina] Hello.

- Morning, sir.

- Good morning.

Now, this, uh, this dinner.

Any ideas, have you?

- Well, I did have a
mind's eye to it, sir.

If you care to hear.

- Yes, please, Mrs. Bridges.

- Yes, we'll start with
the main course,

then work outwards.

- What mother always said?

- Yes, yes, she did.

Now, and what about a filet
of beef a la pompadour,

roast potatoes--

- I was thinking of
saddle of lamb, sir.

Pomme puree, cauliflower
for the entree.

- Oh, were you.

Yes, all right, plenty
of garlic.

- Not too much.

And my onion sauce, if you
thought that was suitable.

- Yes, yes, all right.

Now then, soup.

Mulligatawny.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Mock
turtle, sir.

- What do you think, Georgina?

- Followed by filet of
sole a la colbert,

and my vol-au-vent of oysters.

- Oh yes, yes.

Must give a Frenchman oysters.

-[Mrs. Bridges] And after
the lamb, partridge.

- Oh, must it be partridge?

I've had my fill of them
lately, can't it be grouse?

- Well, the partridges are just
ready at Southwold now, sir.

With one of my salads.

Then sole braai, and meringue
or peach melba to follow,

and perhaps a little
apricot souffle?

- Mm.

Georgina?

- Oh, it all sounds lovely.

Thank you, Mrs. Bridges.

- Thank you, Miss.

- Thank you, sir.

- Mr. Hudson?

Why haven't you done the
wine yet, Mr. Hudson?

Well, I'll do it if you like.

- No, no, thank you, Edward,

that's my job at the right time.

Have you nothing else to do?

- Well, not down here, no.

His Lordship's clothes are
all laid out, and the major's.

- Yes, yes.

- I'm just waiting for
them to call me.

- All right.

- Cocktails are ready in the
drawing room, Mr. Hudson.

Fire's made up.

- This is not Paddington
Station, Frederick,

knock before you come in.

- Sorry.

- Wait.

Wait a minute.

Come back here.

Walk over there.

(shoes squeak)

Now back.

Your shoes are squeaking.

-[Frederick] But I bought
them special, Mr. Hudson.

- They are squeaking.

Now will you go and
soften them up.

There is nothing more
intolerable at a dinner party

than a footman with squeaky
shoes, go on.

And Frederick, is the
drawing room ready?

- Yes, I've just told
you, Mr. Hudson.

-[Hudson] Right, off you go.

- Well, the most
beautiful bunch of flowers

has just arrived from Our
Ladyship to Miss Georgina

wishing her luck,
isn't that nice?

- Rose, why have place cards

not been put on the table?

I told you hours ago.

- You never told me.

Anyhow, that's Daisy's job.

- Well, take them
for heaven's sake.

Here.

- Your hands are shaking.

You all right, Mr. Hudson?

- Yes, yes, I'm quite
all right, Rose,

if I'm left to change in peace.

(door slams)

(food sizzles)

- Which one's cooking order

and which one's serving
order, Mrs. Bridges?

- What did you say, Ruby?

- Well these lists,
you haven't said.

- Haven't you got no
common sense at all?

You don't start a
meal with lamb.

That's the cooking order.

Oh, you'll never learn even
if we have a thousand dinners.

Who bearded these oysters?

- I did.

- Oh.

- Well you were watchin' me.

- Oh dear, dear.

-[Rose] Mr. Hudson's
in a funny mood.

All hot and bothered.
- Yeah, I noticed that.

- I'm all hot and bothered, too,

with the help I've got here.

Ruby, where's the stew pan?

- Behind you.

- Oh.

- The opposition was
most unpleasant.

My poor pony got knock
on the knee.

Oh, those eager Americans.

- Oh, I wish Virginia were here.

- Oh now don't worry, Father.

Georgina will manage
perfectly well.

- Oh James, haven't
you changed yet?

They'll be here in an hour.

- Plenty of time.

- You look enchanting, my dear.

- Thank you, Uncle Richard.

- Is my hair all right?

- It'll do, it'll do.

Do you want a booster?

- Oh no, no, my head's
spinning enough as it is

without alcohol.

- Now, it's only the first
half hour before dinner

that's a little tricky
for the hostess,

is that right, Father?

- Now, don't you let
James tease you.

Just be your own natural self,

and you can't go wrong.

- Right, now what are
relations like with France?

I mean, are there any subjects

she ought to keep clear of?

- No.

Well, you might be careful when
you talk about the Germans.

They've just been admitted
to the League of Nations,

and the French aren't
overjoyed about it.

- Nor are we.

Are we?

- No.

- Yes, I think we are by now.

It's what the Treaty of
Locarno was all about.

European fellowship.

Well, I must go and change.

See you all in the drawing room.

- Oh dear.

Haven't had time to
brush up on my politics.

I don't know what's happening.

- It's all right for you.

I'm stuck with the 16
year old daughter.

- Just be your own natural
self, and you can't go wrong.

-[James] (chuckles) Touche.

- James, please do
go and change.

You're making me so nervous.

- All right, all right,
I'll go and have my bath.

(door knocks)

-[Rose] Mr. Hudson.

- Yeah.

-[Rose] Are you nearly ready?

It's half past seven,

and Mrs. Bridges would
like a word with you.

- Tell her I'm coming,
Rose, in a moment.

(shoes squeak)

- Well, everything's
ready upstairs,

except for the major,
who's still in the bath.

Oh, Miss Georgina looks
a real peach.

- Hm, does she?

What about me, I know
I'm not wearin' a gown--

- You look a real peach, Daisy.

(Daisy giggles)

- All right, let's
have a look at you.

Your hair's a bit messy,

and your apron could
be straightened,

but then you'll do.

Now just remember all
that I've told you.

- I've done dinner parties
before, Rose,

and bigger than what this is.

- Listen.

Anyone hear my shoes squeakin'?

- I can.

- Well, what am I gonna do?

I can't wear these old things.

- Oh, they're all right,
Fred, I can't hear 'em.

- You're deaf.

(Daisy giggles)

- Yes, thank you.
(thud clatters)

- What was that?

- It came from the pantry.

- Oh!

- Mr. Hudson?

Mr. Hudson, are you all right?

- Should we go in?

- Mr. Hudson!
- Oh!

- Don't just stand there,
go get Mrs. Bridges.

- Loosen his collar, Rose.

-[Daisy] Mrs. Bridges,
Mrs. Bridges!

- Oh my god, what's happened?

- I don't know, Mrs. Bridges.

- Quick Rose, get a doctor.

- Yes.

- What about the dinner?

- Nevermind about the dinner.

Get a doctor, Dr. Foley.
- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

- And tell them about
it upstairs.

It's all right, Angus.

Kate's here, it's Kate here.

You just had a little fall.

You'll be all right.

-[Georgina] How bad is it?

- We don't know yet.

We've got him into bed, and
Dr. Foley's examining him.

Now, we must keep calm
and decide what to do.

- Yes, well, it's too
late to cancel.

We must find someone
to take Hudson's place.

- Edward will have
to take charge.

- Edward?

What about Frederick?

- Edward's been of service
much longer than Frederick.

- Yes, but he's been
valeting and driving the car,

he's probably forgotten what
to do in the dining room.

- How can we be talking
like this

when Hudson may be
dying down there,

and all we can talk about
is a stupid dinner party?

- Sit down, sit down, be quiet.

You leave this all to us.

- I can't go on, Rose.

I can't, not knowing.

- Well, you've got to Mrs. B.

Mr. Hudson wouldn't want us

spoiling the dinner
party for him, would he?

Now, come along.

- Sauce is ready, Mrs. Bridges.

- Oh, I can't think
about sauces.

- Oh well, you've got to.

Come along, taste it,
and see how Ruby's done.

Here, just a bit.

- Garlic.

It's full of garlic.

But I near a bowl with it,
Mrs. Bridges, like you told me.

- It's ruined.

- No it isn't, Ruby's
done very well.

Anyhow, Frenchmen like garlic.

How's the soup comin' on?

- It isn't his heart Rose,
you don't think, do you?

Oh pray god it isn't
his heart, poor man.

- Well, it could be
anything, Mrs. B.

Something quite
unimportant, his digestion.

- Oh, I feel dizzy.

I shall have to sit
down for a minute.

- Yeah, come on.

Ruby, go pour a Brandy
for Mrs. Bridges.

Hurry up girl.

You have a nice Brandy,
that'll buck you up, no end.

Go on.

- Thank you, Rose.

- Don't just stand there,
Ruby, get stirring.

- Who's it gonna be, then?

- Why Eddie, of course,
he's a senior.

- Hold on a minute.

- Of course it will,
tell him, Eddie.

- Edward's a chauffeur,
footman's next in line,

strictly speakin'.

- Edward was footman here
long before you ever was.

- All right, all right.

Don't let's have an
argument about it.

- I'm not arguing about it,

I'm simply pointing out
the natural facts.

- You're pointing out nothing,
there's nothing to point out.

They'll be here in 20 minutes,
the French Ambassador.

Somebody's got to
decide something.

Oh Rose, Eddie'll do the
butler's duties, won't he?

- I don't know.

- It's only fair.

- Oh doctor, how is he?

Is he going to be all right?

- He's sleeping at the moment.

- Oh come in, Foley.

Well, what's the verdict?

- It's rather serious,
I'm afraid, Lord Bellamy.

It is a heart attack.

It's quite a mild one,

but there's always the danger
of a second attack following.

Now, I don't want to move
him tonight if possible.

He's sleeping quite peacefully,

but he mustn't wake up

and start worrying about
his duties for the evening.

- No, I quite understand.

- Uncle Richard, we must cancel.

I'm sure the French
Ambassador would understand.

- Well, in some ways,
it might be better

to carry on as normally
as possible around him.

If he feels he's let
the side down.

- Yes, yes, I agree with that.

- There's nothing more
I can do at the moment.

I'll come around first
thing in the morning,

unless there's any
change, of course,

in which case, call me at once.

- Yes.

Thank you, thank you Foley.

- Don't worry, I'll
see myself out.

Good night.

- Good night.

(bell rings)

Morning room.

Eddie?

- I'll go.

- What's the matter with you?

- Relax Daisy, don't
make a fuss!

- If they decide on Frederick,

they can say good bye to
me in this house, Edward!

They can, and you too,
if you've got any pride.

They're not going to
trample all over us!

- Here, take these, Ruby.

Soles are ready to start baking.

What's next?

- The vol-au-vent, Madam.

- Just taking them out.

- Well, put the oysters
in for now.

- I'll do that, Ruby.

- I'll do it, Rose.

I'm not all thumbs.

- Very sweet and kind
of you, Rose,

but both of you'll
make a mess of it.

-[Rose] That's right,
Mrs. B, you show us.

- You they want.

- I should think so as well.

Go on, Eddie.

- Don't push him
too hard, Daisy.

He might fall over one day.

- When you bring them
into the drawing room,

you must announce them
as His Excellency,

the French Ambassador
and Madame Fleuriau

and Mademoiselle Fleuriau.

Have you go that?

- Fleuriau.

- Now then, wine's the
most important--

- Yes, yes, James, we're
coming to that.

Now our two guests are
Lord and Lady Swanburn,

so announce them a the Earl
and Countess of Swanburn.

Is that understood?

Now.

And now the wines.

- Does he know what
we're having?

- Eh, Edward, we're
having Amontillado

with the turtle soup.

And then the champagne
to follow.

The Moet Chandon Dry Imperial.

- I think Hudson's got
all that ready, my lord.

- Good.

And then the Claret will
be Chateau Latour '06.

- And then a
Trockenbeerenauslese with the
sorbet.

- Yes.

And then what else?

- Ooh, the carving.

Edward, do you think that you
can manage the saddle of lamb?

- Oh yes, I think so, Miss.

I've often carved before
when Hudson's been away.

-[Richard] Yes, I'm
sure you have.

You'll manage splendidly,
Edward.

-[James] What's he gonna wear?

- Oh, will he fit into
Hudson's black coat?

- Mr. Hudson's?

- He can't be dressed like that.

- Well, you're not exactly
Hudson's build, are you?

- No, my lord.

(bell rings)

- I'll go.

- How is Mrs. Bridges, Edward?

- Oh, she's still
very upset, Miss.

- Yes, well, but she's
carrying on?

- Oh, yes, my lord,
with Rose's help.

- Good.

Well, wish her good luck
Edward, and good luck to you.

- Yes, good luck, Edward.

- Thank you, My Lord, Miss.

- By the way, Georgina, when
the Port's been round once,

don't forget to catch
Madame Fleuriau's eye.

- Oh yes.

- Oh, Daisy.

I want you to do
something for me.

- Miles too big, Daisy.

- Well, I'll tighten
up the strap for you.

- Come on now, hurry up.

- Bit of a loose fit, eh Edward?

- It looks better than it
would on you, great bean pole.

- Now, now, no insults, Daisy.

Come on, put Mr.
Hudson's coat on.

Give us all a good laugh.

- Why don't you go and help

instead of standing
there criticizing.

- How's that?

- Oh, oh that looks lovely.

- Is it, it's all right?

-[Frederick] Well,
where'd you get that from?

- From Mr. Green next door.

His Lordship sent me
around to borrow it.

- It's about time you uncorked
the wines, I should think.

Get some air to them.

- I'll do that, thank
you very much.

- I'll do it.

- He'll do it
- I'll do it.

- Stand still.

- Keep your voices down.

He's only next door.

- How's that look, Rose?

(bell rings)
- Good.

- Front door.

- Oh no, they're here already?

I'm not ready yet.

- Frederick, answer the door.

Daisy, go with him.

- But, but Rose, the car,

he doesn't know about
announcing if he's down--

- Don't get flustered.

-[Edward] Oh blimey, I haven't
corked the wine yet, Rose.

-[Rose] Plenty of time for
that, that's hour before dinner.

-[Edward] How I'm supposed
to do that

when I'm in the drawing
room serving cocktails.

- Frederick can do that.

Don't forget your gloves.

- Rose.

(bottles clink)

- It upsets me to see
you wearing his clothes.

- Well, it's not Mr.
Hudson's coat, Mrs. Bridges,

it's Mr. Green's from next door.

- Yes, you keep calm,
Mrs. Bridges,

everything's all right.

- It's all right.

It's Lord and Lady Swanburn.

Frederick's taken them
up and announced them.

Boy, you do look smart.

- Come on, come quick quick.

(bell rings)

Oh god, they're here.

Quick Rose, put 'em down here.

- You can't leave those
there, come on Daisy,

give us a hand.

- Frederick, what's his name?

- Who?

- The French Ambassador,
I've forgotten.

- Fleuriau.

-[James] Fleuriau.

- You're not trying
any of your tricks?

- Of course not, don't leave
'em standin' there, Edward,

open the door.

(Edward clears throat)

- Good Evening, Your Excellency.

- Good evening.

- Madame.

- Good evening.

- Am I right, it is Hudson.

- No, your Excellency.

- Because my own butler
was telling me

I was meeting the famous
Hudson tonight.

- Hudson is indisposed,
Your Excellency.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

- I am Barnes.

- And you are taking his place?

- Yes, Your Excellency.

This way, please,
Your Excellency.

- All right.

(ladies chatter in
foreign language)

- His Excellency, The
French Ambassador,

Madame Fleuriau, Mademoiselle
Fleuriau.

- They've arrived.

- My dear, you are wearing
without doubt

the most enchanting
dress I've seen in London

during the whole year.

- Oh, thank you so much.

It's from Paris, of course.

Lady Bellamy brought it back
for me on her last trip.

Why can't the English
make dresses like this?

- That plant is most
unusual, what is its name?

- You know, I haven't
the slightest idea.

- Amy will know it.

He prides himself on
being an expert.

- China is in turmoil!

When my father had
visited Saipan,

he had said through a
letter there was hope,

but now, it's Shanghai shock.

- They're usually good
for digestion,

but I caught an high
ball of a (mumbles)

that could be about to
disprove the theory.

(guests chatter)

(tray clatters)

- Going all right, is it?

- Yes, yes.

- Not here, Daisy.

Quick, take these in.

- You wouldn't serve the
Claret like this, would you?

- Yeah, what's wrong?

- What's wrong, that's
Chateau Latour, this is.

It should be decanted.

- Well, the lordship didn't
say nothing about decanting it.

- She didn't expect you
to know, that's why.

Daisy, go and get
a decanter, quick.

- Are you positive, Fred?

- If I'm not, you just
look at their faces.

- All right, I'll
do it, I'll do it.

- No, I'll do it, you
need a steady hand,

or you'll disturb the deposit.

You go and serve the oysters
and pour the champagne.

- Oh come on Eddie.

Let Mr. Know-It-All do it.

Ow!

- No filter, nothing.

(dumbwaiter rumbles)

- Mrs. Bridges, look!

- Angus!

You shouldn't be here!

You should be in bed!

- Is everything all right?

- Yes.

- Mr. Hudson.

- Oh, help me to get him back.

- The French Ambassador.

- Yes, he is enjoying himself.
- Get back.

- Yes, don't you worry.

Edward's standin' in for you.

- But Edward can't.

- Oh, I've been up there
listening, doing great.

- He doesn't know
anything about--

- Of course he knows him.

Dr. Foley says you've
got to go to bed.

- Mrs. Bridges!

They took in a raw for mutton!

(dumbwaiter rumbles)

- Ah.

Well, full marks all
around, I'd say.

- Couldn't have gone better
if Hudson had been present.

Monsieur Fleuriau was
enchanted with Georgina.

- And what about
Madame Fleuriau?

- Oh, I took care of her.

And you?

- Oh, I ended up with
an extensive course

in the history of China.

From the Ming Dynasty
to the present day.

Oh, they're certainly not
inscrutable to our sweets alone.

(Richard chuckles)

- I would just like
to thank you all

for the wonderful job
you did tonight.

I was nervous.

Well, it was the first
time I'd been hostess

for such a distinguished dinner,

but I needn't have worried,
nothing went wrong.

The Ambassador was delighted.

He complimented every
course, Mrs. Bridges.

- Oh, it's very kind of
you to tell me so, Miss.

- And as for you, Edward,
I can only say

that I know His Lordship
was as pleased as I was

at the way you handled
everything.

- Thank you.

- All of you did well.

You did Hudson proud.

I thank you most sincerely.

Good night.

- Thank you, Miss.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Good
night, Miss Georgina.

(group chatters)

-[Daisy] Yes, especially
the oysters.

- Oh come in, Mrs. Bridges.

Dr. Foley's just been
explaining to me

that Hudson's going
to have to leave us.

- Leave us, My Lord?

- Oh no, not forever,
just for a few months

for a complete rest.

Have you any ideas where
he might stay?

I was thinking of his
sister in Hastings.

- Oh, well, My Lord.

She's suffering very
bad from arthritis.

Finds it very difficult
to get about.

- Well, that's not
too promising.

He's need a lot of
careful nursing.

- Of course, there is his
old friends in Southwold.

Mr. and Mrs. Trantor,
the post mistress.

-[Richard] Oh, of course.

- And I think she done a bit
of nursing in the wartime.

- It'd be quite an undertaking
for them.

He'll be an invalid
for some time.

Do you think they could manage?

- Oh, I think so, sir.

They're a very kindly couple.

And they're very fond of Hudson.

They've known him ever
since he was a young footman

at the house.

I know they've kept up a
regular correspondence.

- Oh, that sounds ideal.

I'll write to them.

Thank you, Mrs. Bridges.

- Thank you, My Lord.

He will get all right,
won't he, My Lord?

I couldn't bear to think--

- Yes.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges, he's
one of the lucky ones.

He'll be up and about
again in no time.

- Oh, thank you, Doctor.

Thank you, My Lord.

(door knocks)

- Come in.

Ah, got my tobacco, have you?

- Yes, sir.

- Good man.

- Anything else, sir?

- Not at the moment.

- Sir.

- How's everything downstairs?

- Bit unsettled really, Sir.

We've just heard Hudson's
gonna be away from his duties

quite a while.

- Yes, I gathered.

Still, you'll manage.

You managed the dinner
all right.

- Thank you, sir.

Apart from the mix up
about the Claret.

- Oh, what was that?

I didn't notice anything.

- No, we managed to
cover it up, fortunately.

- Oh, what happened?

-[Frederick] Well, it's
all over now, Sir.

- Come on, come on, tell me.

- Well it was just, well
I happened to notice

Edward about to pour the Claret

without first decanting it,

but luckily I was there to--

(door knocks)

-[James] Come in.

- Oh, just come to
make the bed, sir.

- Yes.

(clicks tongue) Not
decanted, eh?

- Oh, just a slip up in
the general haste, sir.

He had a lot on his mind.

And as I said, luckily
I was there--

- Luckily, you were there
to save the day.

- I wouldn't put too
much on it, Sir.

- I would, I would.

Very sharp of you.

Dreadful blunder, hm?

He served our best Claret
straight from the bottle.

- Especially to a
Frenchman, Sir.

- No, no, to anyone.

Tell me, you're an expert
in these matters, are you?

- I wouldn't say expert, Sir.

- Oh come now, don't be modest.

Very useful information for
someone in your position

who wants to make his
way in the world.

Tell me, Frederick, how long
have you been with us, now?

- Seven years now, Sir.

As a footman.

- Feel you're dragging
your heels a bit, do you?

Want to move on?

- It'd be very sad to
leave your employment, Sir,

I've been very happy here.

-[James] Eh, but you don't
want to go to waste, do you?

You're clearly a
man of resource.

And ambition.

-[Frederick] I suppose
like any man,

I look to the future sometimes.

- Mm-hm.

And wonder what it
holds for you, eh?

- Yes, Sir.

- All right, Trooper Norton.

- Sir.

- Don't you try denying
it, Frederick,

I heard you with my own ears.

- You shouldn't have been
listening at all, should you?

- I couldn't help it, the way
you was blowin' your trumpet.

Charming!

- Look, he asked me if
there'd been any issues,

and I just mentioned
it casual-like.

- Casual, I'm sure!

You brought it up deliberately

just to make Eddie look
stupid, I know your game.

- Leave it, Daisy.

-[Daisy] No, I won't.

- That's right Edward.

You wanna stop your
wife puffin' and blowin'

or she is gonna get me angry.

- Now just a minute, Frederick,

she's entitled to
speak her mind.

So don't you go on at her.

If you've got something to say,

you speak to me about it.

- I've got nothing to
say to you, Edward.

I got no grudge.

- No grudge?
- But she keeps going!

- No grudge when you go
suckin' up to the major,

tellin' tales.

- Shut up, you silly cow!

- Eddie.

Eddie, don't you let him
talk to me like that.

- I'm sorry, Edward,
but I did warn you.

- Shut up, both of you.

I know my worth in this house.

I've had a talk with
His Lordship privately,

if you really want to know.

- Well, what about?

- Well, not about anything
in particular.

But I know my worth.

Anyway, it's up to them
upstairs to decide.

- Pardon me, it's up to
Mr. Hudson to recommend.

- Yeah, and you've been
suckin' up to him as well.

- That's right, Daisy, I
crept in there last night

with him struck down
with his heart attack,

and started telling
nasty tales about Edward.

- Not last night, but
these past few weeks.

Don't think I haven't
noticed you

with your fancy wine book.

- Oh shut up, Daisy.

- No, I will not.

Someone's got to do your
talking for you, Edward

'cause you're never
gonna do it by yourself.

You know you're the better man.

You're older, you've
been here longer,

and you was a corporal
in the war

and he was only a trooper.

- But at least I saw
the war out, didn't I?

And I was here when they took
you two back on sufferance.

- You dirty pig.

- You take that back, Frederick.

- I can't, it's the truth.

- You dirty, rotten,
filthy, stinking pig.

- Call me all the names
you like, Daisy.

- If I was a man I'd box your
head in for that, I would.

Eddie, you're lettin'
him walk all over you,

and you're doing nothing
about it, nothing.

- What's all this shouting?

You're making enough
noise to waken,

what's going on?

- It's just a private
discussion, Rose.

- What about?

- Who's taking over,

and Frederick's just
been attackin' Eddie.

- Taking over?

Nobody's taking over,
he ain't gone yet.

- Right, Rose, but Dr.
Foley was saying that--

- I don't care what
Dr. Foley said,

you give me the pip.

There's poor Mr. Hudson lying
there, fighting for his life,

and you've got him
buried already.

- We're only being practical.

The house is gotta
go on functioning.

- Not with you in charge,
it doesn't.

Not with neither of you,
the way you're carrying on.

It's disgusting.

(bell rings)

You disgust me, the lot of you.

- Go on, Daisy, you go.

- Daisy, can you take
this to the post for me?

It's for Her Ladyship to
thank her for flowers.

- How is Her Ladyship, Miss?

- Oh, much better.

Wasn't mumps after all,
just a bad cold.

She'll be very relieved
when she gets back.

- Well I expect it'll
all be easier when.

- When what?

- When Hudson's
successor's been announced.

- But Edward's managing,
isn't he?

- Well, he hasn't been given
instructions not to, Miss,

but I think he'd just
like to know for certain

whether the job's his or not

on a temporary basis, of course.

- I assumed it was.

- Well, he hasn't been told
anything definite, Miss,

and, well, Frederick seems to
think he's got rights to it,

and it's led to a bit of
bad feeling downstairs.

Not that I have anything
against Frederick.

- I mended your coat
for you, Miss Georgina.

Hope as though it don't show.

- Oh no, that's perfect.

Thank you, Rose.

Thank you, Daisy.

Rose.

Daisy was just saying--

- I know what Daisy
was saying, Miss,

and I wouldn't listen
to a word of it.

- But is there really
bad feeling downstairs?

- Yes.

Well.

Edward and Frederick is like
jackals, the pair of them.

I know it's none of my
business, Miss Georgina,

but I don't think neither
of them deserves the job.

I reckon that a proper
temporary butler

ought to be brought in
while Hudson's away.

Teach 'em both a lesson.

When I think of all
that he's done for them

over these years, it
makes my blood boil.

- Yes, I see.

Well, thank you, Rose.

- Have Mr. and Mrs.
Trantor replied yet?

- Not yet.

His Lordship's definitely
written to them.

It's just a matter
of time, Angus.

- (coughs) What if
they can't have me?

What then?

- Of course they can have you.

They was always so fond of you.

- I feel so lost, Kate.

All these years that it
should finish up like this.

- It's not finished, Angus.

You'll be up and
about in no time.

Dr. Foley told me so his self.

- Did he?

- Yes.

So long as you take care
and don't overdo things.

He said you was one
of the lucky ones.

- (chuckles) Lucky.

Kate, if anything should happen.

- Don't talk like that.

- No, no one must face
up to these things.

I just want to tell
you that some time ago,

I arranged to leave
all my possessions,

such as they are, to you.

- Thank you, Angus.

I appreciate that.

I've done the same for you.

- Oh, thank you.

Well, with a little money and
the beautiful gold cuff links

His Lordship gave me
after 25 years of service,

you can always sell them.

- I could never sell
them, Angus.

- Yes, if times get hard,
you never know.

- I could never sell anything
belonging to you, Angus.

- Ah, don't cry, Kate.
(Kate sobs)

You mustn't.

Is everything going all
right without me?

- No.

It's all topsy turvy.

- But the dinner as a
success, Rose told me.

- I don't know.

I think it was.

They seemed to be
pleased upstairs.

- I'm sure it was.

I'm feeling a wee bit
tired now, my dear.

I think I'll have a wee nap now.

- Yes, yes.

You have a wee nap.

There.

I'll come see you again
this evening.

- We can't judge Edward

simply over the matter
of the Claret, James.

- No, but you must agree,
a butler's prime function

is a knowledge of the cellar.

And Frederick clearly has
the edge in that department.

- Oh, Rose thinks we should
have neither of them.

She thinks we ought to
employ a temporary butler.

- I don't agree with that.

It would unsettle Hudson,

he'd think he was
being pushed out.

- I don't want to sound
callous, Father,

but Hudson doesn't really
have much say

in the matter, does he?

He must face the possibility
that when Hudson leaves

in a few days time,
it might just be

the last we'll ever see of him.

And it's the smooth running
of this house

that we must consider.

- I have spoken to Virginia
about this on the telephone,

and she strongly favors Edward,

and so do you, don't
you, my dear?

-[Georgina] Yes.

- Well, then you're
outvoted, James.

- What's wrong with Frederick?

I like his spirit,

he's a young man who
knows where he's going.

- It's not a question of what's
wrong with Frederick, James,

it's question of what's
right with Edward.

- Ah, he's soft.

A nice chap, but soft
here, where it matters.

Ah, it's not his fault,

it's probably the war
to blame for that.

And he went out to make
his way in the world,

and he failed.

- No, it's not his fault,
now this is--

- I know it sounds
callous, Georgina,

but what about Daisy, hm?

From what I've heard, she's
the drive behind Edward.

And do we really want a butler

who sits in the parlor
maid's pocket?

- Don't be silly, Daisy
isn't like that.

-[James] Now, from what
Frederick says--

- We can't put Frederick
above Edward

after Edward's performance.

Unless Hudson strongly
disapproves,

the boy must be given a chance.

(door knocks)

- Come in.

- You got a visitor.

His Lordship to see you.

- My Lord.

Rose, please.

- Good time for a visit?

- Yes, yes, My Lord.

- How are you feeling?

- Very much better,
thank you My Lord.

- Dr. Foley's very
pleased with you.

I've had a letter from
Mr. And Mrs. Trantor.

They say they'll be delighted

to have you stay for
as long as you wish.

- Oh, thank you, My Lord.

They've always been
very good friends to me.

- May I?

- Please.

- Foley says you can travel
tomorrow if you feel like it.

- Whatever you say, My Lord.

- We'll arrange for an
ambulance to take you down,

and I'm sure Mrs.
Bridges or Rose

will help you with the packing.

- I'm very grateful

for all the trouble you've
taken, My Lord.

- Oh, it's the least we can do.

After all you've done
for us over the years.

You've carried enormous
responsibility.

I don't know what we
shall do without you

these next few months.

- Well, the way I'm
feeling today,

I'm sure it won't be too long
before I'm back in Hollis.

- Now, you mustn't rush things.

Foley's very strict about that.

You just take as
long as you want.

- There's just the matter
of my successor, My Lord.

- Oh yes, I want to
talk to you about that.

I'm happy for Edward to
tide us over, if you are.

- Edward.

Yes, you don't feel he might
be lacking in experience

in matters like the cellar
and the household accounts?

- Well, we can help
him over that.

He's watched you over the years,

he must've picked up something.

- I just want to say, My Lord,

if you feel, for the
betterment of the household,

you need to employ a new butler.

- There's no question
of that, Hudson.

- I have no wish to be a burden.

I've seen so many of my
colleagues over the years--

- Yes, I know what
you're thinking,

but this post is yours
as long as you want it.

- I'm very grateful.

- When the time comes
for you to retire,

you'll be the best judge.

And what's that you're reading?

- Oh, I've taken to reading
some poetry, My Lord.

- Robert Burns?

(Richard and Hudson chuckle)

- Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Rose found it in my shelves,

I didn't know I possessed this.

- Ah.

Idylls of the King.

- The Lady of Shalott is
my particular favorite.

- Lady of Shalott?

Why I learned it in school.

Wonder if I can remember
any of it.

On either side, the
river lie long,

fields of barley and of rye

that clothe the wold
and eat the sky,

and through the field,
the road runs by,

to many towered Camelot.

Willows whiten, aspens quiver.

- Little breezes dusk and shiver

through the wave
that runs forever

by the island in the river.

- Yes.

Only reapers reaping early

in among the fields of barley.

- The bearded barley.

-[Richard] The bearded
barley, yes, yes.

- (laughs) Tirra lirra
by the river

sang sir Lancelot.

(men laugh)

- They're spouting poetry
to each other.

- What did you say, Rose?

- Poetry.

Alfred Lord Tennyson.

- Yeah, I know about him.

- You would.

- Oh, he was always so
fond of his poetry.

That means he's really
on the mend.

- You don't really disapprove
of Edward, do you James?

- Not at all.

I just thought that
Frederick deserved a hearing.

-[Georgina] Who'd want
to be a butler anyway,

it's an awful job.

- Pretty easy life these days.

Not like before the war.

No, no, Hudson's trouble
was, he wouldn't delegate.

Ran himself into the ground.

- Well it's been the
most awful few days.

Thank heavens Virginia's
back tomorrow.

- Hm, didn't you enjoy
being a society hostess?

You might have to get
used to it one day.

- Will I?

Why waste so much time?

Decisions, menus to be planned,

letters to write,
it's so wearing.

- It's all a question
of delegation.

Like commanding a battalion.

- Yes, I noticed how
commandingly you dealt

with Mrs. Bridges.

James, you've found
your true vocation,

as society hostess
in battle dress.

(giggles) You're welcome
to it, my dear.

Ow.

- They keys to the
silver cupboard.

The keys to the cellar.

The cellar book.

Remember to record every
bottle that's drunk.

And those are my
pantry accounts.

Reckon them up every week
on Saturday mornings,

and never fall behind
with settling the bills.

This house has a most
valued reputation

with the local tradespeople.

- Sorry, Mr. Hudson.

- Yes, what is it, Frederick?

- The ambulance has arrived,

I've just come to carry
your cases up.

- All right.

And this is my pantry
book of useful advice.

I've recorded over
the years privately

for whoever should
need them one day.

You may borrow it for
the time being.

- Thank you ever so
much, Mr. Hudson.

- Remember, to be a
butler in this household

is a sacred trust, Edward.

Absolute loyalty and
devotion to duty

of what is asked of you.

- I'll do my best, Mr. Hudson.

- I'm sure you will, my boy.

- Time to go now, Mr. Hudson.

- Yes, I'm ready Rose.

I'm on my way.

- Off we go.

- If there's every any
advice you need, Edward,

don't hesitate to write me,

care of Mr. and Mrs. Tantor,

the post office Southwold.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Good luck my boy.

- Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

- Ah, what's for lunch
today, Ruby?

- Rabbit stew, Mr. Hudson.

- Good, good.

(Mrs. Bridges sobs)

Come now, Kate.

Just look on it as
a short holiday.

I'll be back in no
time, my dear.

- Well, good bye
then, Mr. Hudson.

Good luck.

- Thank you, Rose.

Rose.

Take care of Mrs.
Bridges for me, will you?

- Of course I will.

(Mrs. Bridges sobs)

- He's just going Eddie,
come see him off.

- I can't get used
to all this, Daisy.

I don't think I was
cut out to be a butler.

- Of course you are.

It just takes a bit
of time, that's all.

Come on.

- Come on, Ruby.

Fetch in the din, it's
all getting cold.

Careful now, don't drop it.

Put it here.

That's right.

- Eddie.

- What?

- Grace.

- For what we are
about to receive,

may the Lord make
us truly thankful.

- Amen.

(gentle orchestral music)