All language subtitles for The Magic Box (John Boulting, 1951)

Good morning.
Good morning.

Could I speak to
Mrs. friese-Greene,
please?

Was it about a room?

Well, no. If she's
not too busy,
I'd like to see her.

Well, I'll find out.
What name is it?

I'm her husband.

Oh. Well, I'm sure she'll...
I'll go and see.

Um, would you
wait there, please?

Thank you.

[Clock chiming]

Hello, Willie.

Hello, Edith.

Are you
feeling better?

I hope you don't mind
my coming to see you here.

No, of course not,
Willie.

You see,
there's a reason.

Let's sit down.

The children were asking
after you, Willie.

Well, bless them.

How's Vincent's cold?

It's better now.

I must send him
something...

Oh, there's a nice
letter from Claude.

He is doing well,
isn't he?

Yes.

Are you sure you're
well enough to be up?

Well, you know
what the doctor said.

I'm perfectly
all right.

Never felt better.
[Sighs]

Edith, I've got some
news for you.

News?

Color... there's no doubt
about it this time.

I've got it at last.
The colors
are better than

They've ever been able
to get them before.

That's wonderful, Willie.

It's true, Edith.
You'll see.

I'm glad
you're happy about it.

I knew you would be.
That's why I came.

I wanted you to be
the first to hear it.

You know what it'll mean,
my dear, don't you?

We can be together again...
A home of our own.

Willie...

It wouldn't work.

Oh, we shall have
all the money
we need this time.

Well, this is
the real thing.

It's practically
perfect. I mean,

There's a fortune
in this. I know that.

Neither of us
will ever have to
work again.

We shall be
the idle rich. Heh.

[Chuckles]
You idle, Willie?

You're very beautiful,
my dear.

Receptionist: Sorry to
interrupt you, Edith,

But would you check
the luncheon menu?
Chef's waiting.

Oh, yes.

Sorry, Willie.

Oh, that's all right,
my dear.

As a matter of fact,
I've got rather a lot
to do today myself.

There's a big
film industry meeting
on this afternoon.

I must be there.

Oughtn't you to rest
instead of...
oh, no. No.

This is something
I must go to.

You know,
the film industry's
grown so quickly.

The people in it
just don't realize
how important it is.

If they're not careful,
they're going to
spoil it all.

Yes, of course.
[Clears throat]

Well, good-bye, Willie.

Good-bye...

Give my love
to the children.

Yes. I will.

Good morning.
Thank you very much.

Well, not at all.

What a charming man.

I know.

You're still very fond
of him, aren't you?

Yes.

Why don't you
go back to him?

Things are better
left as they are.

And I should learn
to mind my own business.

Oh, there's nothing
secret about it.
It's just that...

Well, Willie's not
the sort of person

Who should have
other people
to worry about.

He must have been
very handsome.

Yes, he was.

Successful...

The time when I met him,
I was working
in a glove shop

At 15 shillings a week.

Heh. I wanted security.

[Whooshing]

[Crowd exclaiming]

[Crowd cheering]

Come on.
There's something
I want to show you.

[Cheering]
[Fairground organ playing]

[Indistinct chattering]

[Men speaking indistinctly]

Man: Walk up! Walk up! Walk up!
Look. This is it.

Come and see the thrill of
the century... pictures that move!

Come inside and have
the thrill of your lifetime!

One copper coin...

A demonstration so real
that it'll terrify you!

[Piano playing waltz]

[Piano playing march]

[Crowd screams]

[Indistinct chattering
and laughter]

It's wonderful.

Did your
Mr. friese-Greene
really invent it?

Yeah, of course he did...
Lots of other things, too.

You'd be amazed at
all the patents he's got.
He's a grand chap.

Is he married?

Yeah, he was.
She died 2 years ago.

It must be very exciting
to work for someone
like that.

Yeah, it is.

Say, would you like
to see the laboratory?
I've got a key.

It's too late.
No, it isn't.

I can show you around.
Come on. We'll get a bus.

Are you sure
it's all right?

Oh, yes.
Of course it is.

[Whispering]
Only don't talk
too loud. This way.

We have electric light
in the lab.

We need the current
for our experiments.

Mind the steps.
I'll put on the light.

Willie:
Turn that light out!

No... Turn it
on again.

Ah.

Hello, Jack.

Oh. I'm...
I'm terribly
sorry, sir.

I had no idea
you were
still here.

I just wanted to
show someone
the laboratory.

Oh, that's
all right.

Uh, "someone"?

Oh. I beg
your pardon, sir...

My fiancée miss Jones
and miss Harrison.

How do you do?
How do you do?

Willie:
How do you do?
Please come in.

We're very sorry
to intrude upon you
like this.

Oh...
heh. We thought
you'd be in bed.

Oh. Ahem.

No, no, you're
not intruding
I'm very glad

Of an excuse
to stop. Besides...

This is Jack's
laboratory
just as much as

It is mine,
isn't it, Jack?

Uh, well...
Yes, of course it is.

We work together
very closely,
Jack and I.

What were you doing
in the dark?

I've been trying
to design something
to produce x-rays

That doctors can use.

X-rays?

Mmm. Tell them
about it, Jack.

He's so much better
at explaining things
than I am.

Well, sir...
And there's the press.

Don't forget the press.
Show them
everything, Jack.

Yes, sir.

Well, uh...

The press...
Well, that's it.

What's it do?

Uh, it prints
without using ink...

Oh.

Electrochemically.

What's this box?

[Clicking]
Don't touch that, please.

Oh, no, you mustn't
touch that. Uh, may,
may, come look at the x-rays.

Oh, I'm sorry,
I'm sure.

What is it?

It's a souvenir.

Doesn't look much,
does it?

Wouldn't part with this
for nothing in
the world.

It's my first
moving picture camera.

You've done so many things,
haven't you?

When I was making it,
I was single-minded.

It was the only
thing in the world
that mattered.

Isn't it anymore?

You see, I wanted
to capture movement,
because movement...

It's part of the beauty
of things, isn't it?

Didn't it come right?

Yes. It came
all right, in a way.

But you see,
I lost someone.

And I suppose
I lost interest.

In the beauty of things?

Possibly.

No, it wasn't that.
Of course
it wasn't that.

I think that's something
no one quite loses.

Don't you?

Edith: The following day,
he came into the shop
where I worked

To buy some gloves.

And he came in the day
after that,

And yet again
2 days later.

3 pairs in 4 days?
He's fond of gloves,
isn't he, dear?

[Orchestra playing waltz]

Glass of port?
No, thank you.

That was a lovely dinner.
Good.

Will you dine
with me again?

Yes, Mr. friese-Greene.
I'd like to.

People call me
Willie. Funny sound,
isn't it? "Willie"?

"Mr. William friese-Greene"
is very imposing.

Oh, that was the idea.

When I was a photographer,
you had to impress
the sitters.

"Willie Greene"
wasn't enough.

So, I just tacked
my wife's name onto it.

Then I put an "e" on
the green, just to make
it balance, of course.

Heh heh heh.

Do you know, when you
came into the laboratory
the other night,

I had the most
discourteous idea
about you.

I can imagine.
We interrupted your work.

Oh, no. Not that.

I thought
you were lonely.

That isn't discourteous.

Of someone
young and attractive?
Of course it is.

It was clever of you
to see it.

That must be because you know
about loneliness yourself.

Yes. That must be it. Heh.

Your bill, sir.

Thank you.

Edith: 3 months later,
we were married.

And at first,
everything was perfect.

You couldn't have found
a happier married couple
anywhere in the world.

Willie's inventions
were bringing in money.
And everything seemed secure.

[Bang bang]

We bought a new house at
dovercourt.
[Bang]

And it was there that Claude,
our first son, was born.

Soon after, Willie began
working on color film.

He spent all his time
on those color experiments.

They became
an obsession with him.

Everything we had
went into those experiments...

And a great deal
we didn't have.

As the family increased,
we began to have
money troubles.

But Willie was single-minded.
He had this... Mission in life.

He lived in a world of fences
and arc lights and filters.

And those, I found out,
are very expensive things.

We went bankrupt twice
and had to take
a smaller house in Brighton.

But it was
the same story there...
debts all the time.

We seemed to owe money
to everyone.

But Willie's color experiments
still went on...

Not that I really minded.

You see,
we loved one another.

And I believed in
what he was trying to do.

In fact, I think I would have
gone on with Willie forever.

Only one day... it was
soon after king Edward died.

One day, something happened.

Edith: Tea, Willie.

Shall I turn on
the other lights, mum?

No, thank you, Kenneth.
We can manage with these.

Hello, boys.

Boys: Good afternoon, father.

God bless this food
which now we take

And make us good
for Jesus' sake.
Amen.

Uh... Maurice...

Amen.

Amen.
Amen.
Amen.

There you are, Maurice...
All alive and kicking.

Ants' eggs...
Fit as fleas now.

Now, put them
on the floor,
Maurice,

Until you've
had your tea.

Mother, our
christening mugs
have gone again.

Yes, Kenneth.

Have we lent them
to father's friend again?

Have we, dear?

Hmm? Oh, yes.
Um, yes.

An Uncle of mine is
very kindly looking
after them for us.

Oh, I nearly forgot.

Look. What do you
think of this?

What about that?
I say.

Now, look at that
sage green. That's
a difficult color to get.

This one's pink.
Let me see.

So it is.
Look at this.

Oh, mine's
a beauty!
Lovely.

It's those new filters.
I must buy some more.

Now, get on
with your tea, boys.

Yes come along, boys.
Give them back.
Now, mother...

Oh, father, when can we
have the money for our
new railway season tickets?

You said to remind you.

So I did. Yes...
Let me think.

When do they
run out, Claude?

Oh, they have run out.
They ran out 2 weeks ago.

Then how have you been going?
Well, at this end,

They never
look at our tickets.
And at the other end,

We just get out
before the train gets
into the station

And cut across the fields.

You get out
while the train is moving?

It's quite safe, dear.
I... Walked along there

And had a good look
myself. You see,
the train slows down

Almost to a standstill
on the bend,

Just before it gets
into the station.

There's practically
no risk at all.
I did it myself.

You did what?!

I don't see why
we need tickets at all.

No, Claude. Now,
that would be cheating
the railway company.

No. As soon as
I get a check,

The tickets will be
renewed and backdated.

Yes. Where's Graham?

He's not in yet.
Now, Willie...

Perhaps the ticket
collectors caught him.

Quiet, Kenneth.

Until they get their
new tickets, I think
they ought to walk to school

For a few days.
Oh, do you?

Well, perhaps...
Boys: Oh, father...

[Bell rings]
Ah, that's Graham now.

Go along, Kenneth.
Open the door.

He's very late...
Very late.

I must talk
to that young man.
Is that you, Graham?

Kenneth:
Hello. You're late.
I say, what's up?

What's the matter?
[Door closes]

Good lord, man,
look at your face.

Look at
your clothes.

Graham... What's happened?

No, no, dear.
Let me.

Go back to
your tea, Kenneth.

Back to
your tea, boys.

[Snorting]

Was it a fight?

Yes, father.

Did you win?

No, father.

I expect you will
next time.

Now, what about
coming downstairs

And having some tea?

I'm not really hungry.

Th-thank you, father.

Willie: Well, what
was it all about?

[Sobbing]

Graham, there...

Well, well.
There, now.

Now, they have
knocked you about.

Here. There.

Come over here
and sit down.

You're tired out.

It's not as bad
as all that, is it?

Tell me all about it.

He... He said you were
a liar and a thief.

Oh, did he?

Y-yes.

Did he give any reason?

Y-yesterday, we were
talking about the moving
pictures, and...

I said
you invented them.

Yes.

Well, this morning,

He said he
looked it up at home
in an encyclopedia.

And it said that
Edison invented them.

You weren't mentioned
in it at all.

And then...
He said that...

His father said that
you owed everybody money

And never paid.

And that made you
a thief as well.

Oh...

But you did invent
the moving pictures,
didn't you, father?

Yes. I think I did.

I wasn't the only one.
But I think I was the first.

Mine was
the first patent, anyway.

There was a frenchman
called le prince
a year or so before me

Who produced a camera working on
a different principle than mine.

But it's not like
the one they use today.

And the one I invented is.

And in that sense,
I was the first.

But the encyclopedia...

He said it didn't even
mention your name.

Well...

Perhaps it isn't
a very good encyclopedia.

That's what I said.

We do
owe people money...

Don't we, father?

Yes.

I'm afraid we do.

But owing money
isn't the same as
being a thief.

Is it?

No... Not really.

Eh...

Your face needs washing
again, old chap.

You better tidy up a bit

And come down
and have your tea.

I'll ask mother if...
There's a piece of cake.

[Sniffling]
All right, father.

Father?
Yes?

He was much bigger
than I am,

Or I would have
beaten him.

I know you would.
Thank you, Graham.

Did you hear?

Yes, darling.

But you mustn't
take any notice.

I think I'll go
for a walk.

[Laughter]
Kenneth: Oh,
give me that back, Claude.

Claude, laughing:
No. I'm keeping it.

They could have
mentioned my name,
couldn't they?

They could just have
mentioned my name.

It wouldn't have
hurt anybody.

Edith: That night,
I realized something
that perhaps I'd known

For quite a long time...

That although Willie
might work as usual

And make plans for the day
when everything is going
to be successful,

That day was never
going to come.

We weren't going
to be successful.
We weren't going to be rich.

As a family, we'd be lucky
if we survived.

It wasn't until 1915
that the inevitable happened.

[Men whistling tipperary]

[Children shouting]

Mr. friese-Greene?
I'm Mrs. friese-Greene.

Good morning, ma'am.
Can I help you?

Yes, I'm the broker's man.
The landlord is
distraining for the rent.

My husband is
in London today,
but he'll be back later.

You're new, aren't you?

Yes, just helping out, ma'am,
you know? [Sniffs]

Your regular man has got
the Spanish influenza
that's going about...

Very nasty thing, I'm told.

Well, now, I like to save
all the fuss I can.

Makes things pleasanter
all around, eh?

You know the legal position,
don't you?

The landlord is entitled
to seize goods to the value
of the rent owing.

Naturally, the law projects
you, too. Certain goods
can't be seized...

Wedding apparel, bedding,

Fixtures...
Ordinary fixtures, that is.

If you had any crops growing
in the garden ripe for picking,
they wouldn't count.

[Door closes]
I say,

What a nice, big
sunny room this is.

If you had any property
belonging to the ambassador
of a foreign power,

That's exempt.

We'll put it
to the vote.
Those in favor?

Against?
Right. Carried
unanimously.

We'll do it
right away.

Oh, not you,
Maurice. You're
not old enough.

But I want to.
So do I.

Well, you can't.
You two stop here
and look after mother.

Now let's take
a peep upstairs,
shall we?

Pure formality,
of course.

These are
3 of my sons.

Oh, really? Heh heh.
Well-behaved,
I hope, ma'am...

No practical jokes
or funny business.

No, there's no need
to worry.
[Chuckling]

I'm glad of that.
I, uh,

I've some unpleasant
experiences
in my time.

Age?
17.

I didn't
get it, son.

18.
18. And you?

18.
18.

And you're 18?
Yes, sir.

All right.
Left turn. Next!

Age?

That's your lot.
Don't we get uniforms?

All in good time.
Report at the barracks
tomorrow, 10:30 sharp.

Bring your shaving kit,
soap, towel,
spare pair of socks.

Call me sergeant.
Got it?

Boys: Yes, sergeant.

16, 17, 18,

19, 20, 21,
22 pounds...

And I have to give
you 5 shillings
for your fee.

That's, right,
isn't it?

I see you know
your way about, sir.

There's your receipt.
Thank you.

I thank you for your courtesy.
Good afternoon to you, sir.

Good-bye.
Good day, sir. Good day, ma'am.

I won't say au revoir.
Heh heh heh!

2 pounds...
And 8 shillings.

That's all that's left.
You better keep it, dear.

Willie, where did
you get this money?

You didn't
borrow again?

My dear, I know nobody will
lend me money anymore.

Willie, please tell me.

I sold something.
It's not important.

What did you sell?

All right.

It was the old camera.

Oh, Willie.

It's done now.

Anyhow, all my stuff's
color nowadays.

I'm finished
with black and white.

There... 2 pounds
and 8 shillings.

Claude: Right, halt.
There you are, my dear.

You call me sergeant,
got it?

Those boys... they're always
playing soldiers nowadays.

Left, right. Left, right.
Left, right. Halt.

Left turn.

Not now, boys.

Squad, present boots.

Oh, no.

Claude!

Oh, no... Oh, no.

[March playing]

[Indistinct chattering]

[Band playing
pack up your troubles]

[Indistinct cheering]

They'll send them back,
won't they?

[Voice quavering]
They'll send them back when
they know they're underage.

I must find
their birth certificates.

They're up here
somewhere.

They had to grow up
sometime, dearest.

It's what
they wanted to do.

That's not true!

Darling...
It's not true.

I made Kenneth tell me,
but I knew it already.

They went because
they didn't want

To be a burden to us
any longer...
ohh.

So that we wouldn't
have to feed
and clothe them.

Oh, Edith.

It's the truth, Willie!

And you'd have known
it was the truth if
you weren't so blind.

But you don't see
other people.

You see colors, filters,
little bits of machinery.

And that's
the world for you.

What happens outside it
is nothing.

Children to ask to be
clothed and fed,
greengrocers,

Landlords who want
their money, they're...

They're all
the same to you.
They're all creditors.

And all that matters
is to keep them quiet

So that you can
go on with your work.

That's not fair, Edith.

I don't care whether
it's fair
or not, Willie.

I'm done
with being fair.

[Sobbing]
I'm done!

[Barrel organ playing
in background]

Edith: So, after that,
I got a job,

And I took a place
for the children and myself.

I knew that
I had to leave him,

Because he couldn't take
the responsibility of us
any longer.

Would you ever
go back to him?

You see, I know the truth
about Willie and me now.

The truth?
Look at the paper.

There on the city page,
this big film meeting
that he talked about...

You what he said,
he has to be there...

He doesn't
have to be there.

Doesn't matter whether
he's there or not.

Nobody knows him anymore...

At least, nobody
that matters.

Nobody cares
for his opinion.

What Willie Greene thinks
hasn't mattered for years.

But he doesn't know that...

Thinks he still belongs.

I think the truth is
that when I first met him,

His real life
was already over.

I never knew
the real Willie.

He was before my time.

[Gavel bangs]
Man: I, um...

I wish to impress
upon you strongly

That there has been
no behind-the-scenes attempts

To prejudice the results of
our deliberations here today.

Now, the, um, the reason
that we're met here today

Is so that the...
Cinema owners

And the people who rent
and produce films

Can work out and agree
a common policy for
the film industry as a whole.

The truth is,
lord beaverbrook,

We're in the hands
of foreigners.

And British screens
should be used
for British film...

[Crowd shouting]
Mr. chairman, nobody is

More patriotic than I am,
but our cinema is confound
without foreign films.

[Indistinct shouting]

Sit down.

Mr. chairman, we're in
this business to make money,

Not lose it.
And don't you forget it!

[Gavel banging]

This is going to end
in a riot. You'll see.

Order!

Gentlemen, i... i propose
that we forget the past.

So, if we forget the past,
we shall perhaps
be able to persuade

Willie: The past...
Some of these angry gentlemen

Forget the past...
That the committee is not...

Forget the past...
[Continues indistinctly]

Forget the past...
Forget the past...
Forget the past...

Forget the past...
Forget the past...
Forget the past...

Forget the past...
Forget the past...
Forget the past...

Forget the past...
Forget the past...
Forget the past...

Forget the past...
Forget the past...
Forget the past...

Man, German accent:
1... 2... 3...

4...Good...

6...Perfectly... Still...

Please... 10...

11... 12... 13...

14... 15... 16...

Steady... 18...

19... 20... Steady...

22. Thank you,
ladies and gentlemen!

Man, knocking:
Hurry up! Hurry up!

Oh, just a moment, sir.

Well, is it finished?

Well, I've only
just put it in.

All right. All right.

Mmm... Mm-hmm.

Yes, I'm a good
photographer...
the best in Bristol.

They all look
terribly stiff, though,
don't they, sir?

I read the other day
that in Germany,

They're working on
a photographic plate

With an exposure of
less than one second.

Think of it... one second.
What would fox-Talbot
think of it?

Ah, fox-Talbot?
Ha ha!

But why not send for
some of this stuff,
Mr. guttenberg,

And see if it works?
If it does,

People wouldn't have to
keep so still while
they're being photographed.

They could move.
Move?

But if they move, they blur.
What is this nonsense
that you speak?

Well, I didn't quite
mean that they...

Don't waste my time.
There's the broom.

Sweep up the dark room floor.
Yes, Mr. guttenberg.

[Rings]

Ah! Good morning, milady.

Mr. guttenberg,
did you take
that photograph?

Milady?
Well, look at it,
man. Look at it!

Now, this is
your own work.
Now, then...

No, no, no, milady.
What's that?

That is not
my work, milady.

What nonsense.
My daughter told
me distinctly...

This is her friend,
miss Helena friese.

And this is where
the photograph
was taken.

It's an excellent
one, and I want
my own daughter

Photographed
in exactly
the same way.

My lady, I would
with great pleasure
take the photograph

Of your daughter,
but this photograph
is not by me.

I would have my name
on the mount.

Miss friese
told my daughter distinctly.

The composition is not
such as I use.

Miss friese told
my daughter distinctly
that she came here.

I am not accustomed
to having my word...

I assure you, milady...

Mr. guttenberg, what is
this nonsense? Look!

That is
the very background.

Mr. guttenberg:
Ah, yes.

I think I understand.

Willie!

Willie!

Willie!

Yes, Mr. guttenberg?

Um... Your permit,
milady?

What is the matter
with you?

You took this?

Y-yes, Mr. guttenberg.

I think I did.
I see.

Milady, I apologize.
This photograph
was taken

In my studios.
Well, that's what I said.

Sometimes,
my assistant
is allowed

To take
the unimportant
sitters...

Children,
domestic servants.
Heh heh heh.

Miss friese is
neither a child
nor a domestic servant.

She is a friend of
my daughter's
from Switzerland.

Milady,
I did not mean...

I'm not interested
in what you meant.

If this young man
took this portrait,

Then he is the person
to photograph my daughter.

She will be here for
a sitting on Tuesday at 3:00.

Kindly see that
everything is ready for her.

Allow me.

Thank you.

If you make a good
likeness, young man,
I shall require you

To photograph me.

Good morning.

Come here!

Well?

Well, Mr. guttenberg...
Silence!

Yes, Mr. guttenberg.
Hmm.

This young
Swiss lady...

She's a friend
of yours, eh?

Yes.
Hmm. That's
very nice.

She is pretty,
you think?

Oh, yes. She is.

She's very delicate...
Very delicate.

She's been ill a lot.
And then her mother died.

And, of course,
she's living over here
with relatives just now.

You hope, perhaps
some day, to marry her?

Well, i...

Unh!

If you do not wish
to beg your bread
in the gutter,

You will obey me
when I speak.

You'll take no more photos
in these studios that
I do not order you to take.

I am the photographer here!

And if you will not
obey me, you will go!

You understand?

Speak!

Yes, Mr. guttenberg.

Helena...

Willie...

Hello.
Hello.

Mrs. josty says
you're better today.

Oh, yes.
I'll soon be very strong.

Good.
What have you got there?

You look
absolutely perfect
like that... perfect.

I'd like to photograph
you just as you are now,

In that white dress
on this wicker couch.

[Chuckling]
Oh, Willie, you can't take
the couch to the studio.

Oh, no, and I won't
be able to take you
anymore, either.

Lady poole came to see
Mr. guttenberg today.

She brought that
photograph I took of you
and showed it to him.

Oh, Willie, I am sorry.

Was he very angry?

Heh. Well, he was
a bit upset.

Do you know, Helena,
sometimes, I almost think

He must be jealous.

[Chuckling]

Why do you smile?

Oh, Willie, it's so like you.
It's obvious to everyone.

What do you mean?

That you are the better
photographer than Mr. guttenberg
and that he knows it.

Do you really
think that?

Oh. Oh, this is
for you.

Thank you, Willie.
And the other one?

Oh, that's just
a German book on lenses.

I wondered if
you weren't too tired,
if you'd translate

Some of it for me.
Oh, yes, of course I would.

But Willie, I have got
something for you, too.

Oh, thank you very...

Look.

The englishwoman's
domestic magazine?

That must be very
interesting. Thank you.

[Chuckling]
No, no, not to read.

No, someone has made
little drawings in it. Look.

By jove!
Do that again.

Isn't that wonderful?

I thought
it might interest you.

Oh, this is much more
than interesting.

This demonstrates the most
amazing principle.

Persistence of vision...
that's what this is...
persistence of vision.

Is it new?
Good gracious, no.

It's as old as the hills.
The ancient romans
knew about this.

Now, what is really
happening when you see those
pictures apparently moving

Is that the nerves at
the back of the eye,
the retina,

Are flashing
each picture separately
to the brain. See?

But the brain
retains each picture
a fraction of a second

After it's
flicked past the eye,

So that if you suddenly
remove one picture,

The brain still has
an image of it a fraction
of a second later.

And if you
immediately replace it

With another
but slightly
different picture,

It won't seem like
2 pictures at all, but like
the same one moving.

Simple, isn't it? Heh.
Yes.

Do you know, Helena,
if it's ever possible

To make a camera that
will photograph movement,

This is the principle
that will be used.

Willie...
Hmm?

Why do you work
for Mr. guttenberg?

Why?

Yes, why?

You are...
An experimenter...

Somebody who tries out
new things.

Yes, but I got
to earn my living,
haven't I?

Well, then why don't you
open a studio yourself?

Ho ho.
Oh, no, Willie, no.

I'm serious.
And annoy old guttenberg?

Oh, that would be wonderful.
Then why not?

Money. I haven't
got a farthing.

Well, there's the money
your grandfather left.

I don't think
that would be enough.

Are you sure?
I don't...

I don't know. I must
think about that.

Oh, Willie, you are
a wonderful photographer.

All you need
is a little courage.

And you'd give me that,
wouldn't you?

You know, I believe
you're right.

I shall have to choose
the right moment.

Moments of importance
choose themselves.

The sun's just
touching your hair.

It's perfect.

Girl: I don't want
my photograph taken.

Woman: Oh, now,
come along, Victoria.
Do be a good girl.

Boy: Don't be such a baby.

Girl: I don't want
my photograph taken.

Woman: Oh, now,
come along, Victoria.
Do turn round.

But she'll be so
disappointed, you know.
She wants to see

The dickey bird. Yes.

Show her
the dickey bird.

That's the idea.
Now, you hold
her there,

Gently but firmly,
a little lower.
That's the idea.

Quite comfy?
Now, nanny, you comfy, too?

There. Now, nanny,
look at Victoria.

Harry, look at me.
Now, where's
the dickey bird?

Let me see... oh, he's fine.
He's already going
to pop out.

Dickey bird is very quick,
of course, so you much
watch very carefully...

Ooh, very carefully, indeed.
Hey, what? Now, then,

Quite happy, quite still.
One moment.

Now.
I said "one moment."

That rag...
that little girl
holds a rag.

I cannot have that
rubbish in the picture.

But most of it's
not in the picture.
If it is, I can paint it out.

What is this nonsense?

[Whispering]
She won't pose without it.

With children,
one has to be firm...
gentle but firm.

See?

Oh, no, no,
please, Mr. gutten...

Now, little girl,
give that to me.

Give that to me!
No, don't.

[Screaming and sobbing]
You beast!

Aah!

Oh! Oh! Harry!
Harry, you come here!

[All shouting at once]

[Screaming
and sobbing]

I don't know
what's come over them.
They're so good as a rule.

Now, just you
behave yourself, Harry.
You need to be quiet.

Oh, Victoria,
do stop crying, dear.
It's all right.

Oh, I think I'll have to
take them home.
[Indistinct]

Oh, oh, but the photograph...
The photograph...

We'll come back another day.
Come along, both of you!

[Screaming and sobbing
continues]

[Sighs]
Such children...

They should be beaten
soundly...
[Door closes]

Wasting the time.

[Sighs]

You are a clumsy fool,
now, aren't you?

You're stupid, too... stupid.

You're always talking
about your experience.

But you haven't even
realized yet that some people
don't like being photographed!

I will not be
spoken to like this.
I am the photographer here!

No, you're a clumsy fool,
Mr. guttenberg.

And you're no photographer.

How dare you
speak to me like this!
You are finished!

I'm telling you the truth,
Mr. guttenberg!

You're finished!
Finished!

You're wrong, Mr. guttenberg!
I'm only just beginning!

[All shouting "bye"]

[Crowd cheering]

Well, your wife has a list
of the things she needs.

If the child is
to be born here, you must
call the midwife for tomorrow.

You must get in touch with me
this evening, anyway,
to say what you're decided,

So that I may make
the necessary arrangements.

I will, doctor.
And young man,

You look after yourself, too.
Are there no relations
or friends who might help?

No, not here.
Well, let me
know what you've decided.

Yes, of course.
Thank you, doctor.

[Bell rings]
Good-bye.
Good-bye.

Oh, it's
cold enough to snow!

Not a very cheerful man,
the doctor.

No.

When the shop bell
went, I thought
it might be a...

Customer.

There hasn't been
a customer for 2 days.

I don't mind going in
to the infirmary.

No, no.
But if it's better
for the baby...

No. I've seen inside
that place.

Is this the doctor's list?
Yes.

Darling, I've got to
go out now for a little.

I shan't be long.
Will you be all right?

Yes.
Sure?

Yes.

Good-bye.

[Door closes]

[Bell rings]

Good afternoon.

Hello,
Mr. friese-Greene.

How's the rheumatism?

Darling... Helena...

Hmm?

Look...

What?

All the things
the doctor ordered.

But Willie, how?

Well, I went to see
the bank manager,

And he said
he thought I was
a very steady young fellow,

And he gave me the key
to the safe.

Oh! Willie...

I'm going to make you
some hot milk right away.

[Bell rings]

Good afternoon,
madam.

Good afternoon.
I wish to have
a photograph taken.

Certainly, madam.
Now, let me see.

What day would you
care to make
an appointment?

Oh, I rather
want it done today.

Today?
Yes.

You see, I must have
the finished portraits
by tomorrow.

I'm leaving for India
to join my husband
the day after,

And my sister wants
a likeness of me as a keepsake.

I see.

Of course, if you're
not able to do it,
I shall have to go elsewhere.

No, no, no. That's quite
all right, madam.
I quite understand.

Will you kindly
step into the studio?

Thank you.

Would you care to sit down
and tidy your hair?

May I take your cape?

Would you like me
to remove my hat?

I don't think so, no.
It makes the most charming
frame for the face.

Excuse me
one moment, please.

Darling, a customer!

Willie, how wonderful.

But I've got no plates.
What do you mean?

Nothing... nothing at all.
Don't worry.

Ah, thank you,
Mr. friese-Greene.

Now, can I collect
those photographs first thing
tomorrow morning?

Certainly madam.
Eh, madam, I wonder

If I might have your
name and address...

Oh.
Just for the books,
of course.

Oh, of course. Yes.

Mrs. stukely...
Mrs. stukely...

Yes. The copse...

Copse...

Wells road.
Wells road?

Oh, and I see that
it's... Usual to
leave a deposit.

Oh, well, it's just
a professional custom...
a Guinea or something like that.

A Guinea?
I never charge
for the sitting, of course.

Oh, no.
Of course. Well...

Thank you.
Thank you
very much, Mrs. stukely.

And first thing
tomorrow morning?

Hmm? Oh, yes, yes.
Good afternoon, madam.

Good afternoon.
[Bell rings]

[Sighs]

[Clock chiming]

[Bell rings]

[Knocking]

Hello. I was
just closing up.

Those plates...
i want to redeem
one box.

But you've only
just put them in.

I know, but I've just
had a customer.
She paid.

I've got enough
for one box.

Now, now, I can't
split up the pledge like that.

It means altering my book.

Besides... i thought you
said those were
all the plates you had.

What did you use
to do the job?

I didn't do the job
at all. I just pretended to.

When she comes back
tomorrow, I'll tell the lady

I had an accident
with the plates, and then
I'll take her properly.

She'll get her photographs
all right... that is, if
you'll let me have one box.

Please, you must...
Just one box.

Mr. friese-Greene,
if you're half as good
at getting customers

As you are at getting around me,
you wouldn't be in here at all.

All right, give us the ticket.
Thank you.

[Bell rings]

It's all right, darling,
it's all right!

I've got the plates back.
Darling...

Quick... Get the doctor.

Anything I can do? No...

[Bell rings]

[Neighing]

[Clicking]

[Baby crying]

Well, Mr. friese-Greene,
you're a father.

I know.
Is Helena all right?

She's had a bad time.
You'll have to
look after her.

It's a girl. Heh heh.
That's wonderful!

Some people always seem
to want the first one
to be a boy,

But I always say
that girls bring
good fortune.

Congratulations,
Mr. friese-Greene.

Thank you.
Thank you, doctor, very much.

And I hope I'm right
about the good fortune.

[Bell rings]

Doctor, I think you are!

Good morning. Yes, sir.
Mr. friese-Greene?

I want my family photographed.
Certainly, sir.

All together?

Well, all together
and separately...
8 photographs in all.

We've decided
to start a family Bible.

Splendid, sir. I know
exactly how you feel, sir.

I'm a family man myself.
Will you step this way?

Hold it...
White still, all of you.

Helena: You have a very charming
daughter, Mr. friese-Greene.

And I have
a very clever husband.

[Piano playing]

* he's gone, the great old man

* he's gone, the great old man

* he's gone, the great old man

* oh, where is he,
oh, where is he? *

[Singing continues]

* oh, where is he?

* oh, where?

* oh, where is he?

[Indistinct]

* where can he be,
where can he be?

* oh, where can he be?

* tell us, tell us

* where, oh, where is he?

* I know not,
I know not, do... *

[Baton tapping]

Early, Mr. friese-Greene,
you came in a little too soon.

Only just a little,
but it makes all the difference.

* ba-room ba-room ba-room,
ba-room ba-room *

* I know not...

Hmm? Simple. Ha ha.

Couldn't be simpler.

Let's try it again,
shall we?

Letter... Ahem... Letter f.

[Piano plays]

* tell us, tell us

* where, oh, where is he?

* I know not,
I know not *

* do not ask of me

* sorry, but we hear him
speaking *

* high and low
we have been seeking *

* sorry, but we hear him
speaking *

* high and low
we have been seeking *

[Singing continues]

* sorry, but...

* high and low...

* we have been seeking

* high and low...

[Whispering]

* I'm sorry, but...

Ahem.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I've just received
a most important
piece of news.

I have to tell you
that for our performance
of this great work,

No less a person than
sir Arthur Sullivan himself

Has consented to come down
to bath to conduct us.

[Tapping Baton]

Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm sure you are aware
that a signal honor

Is being conferred
upon us.

We must see that bath
does its best

To rise to this
momentous occasion.

Ahem.

As time is very short,

I suggest that Mrs. Claire
and Mrs. friese-Greene

Of the ladies committee

Go at once
into the question

Of special dresses
for this concert.

Is that agreeable?

Then, the general committee
will notify you
in due course

Of the other arrangements.

Mr. friese-Greene,

Our only male soloist,

Watch sir Arthur's Baton...

[Laughter and chatter]

That will be all.

[All chattering]

Well, well, well,
Helena, so it's up to
the pair of us.

We shall need your help
Mr. friese-Greene.

Oh, yes, yes,
of course.

We must talk about it
right away, this evening.

Oh, well, in that case,
you'll have to
excuse me, my dear.

I promised to look in
on rudge.

Do you think you
and Mrs. Claire could...

Oh, Willie,
not tonight, surely.

Yes, I did say
I'd look in.

You see, we've got
the new machine
assembled.

If I were you, Helena,
I should be quite jealous
of Mr. rudge.

Oh, I am. But don't
be too late, will you?

We really have
quite a lot to settle.

No, no. I'll be home
almost as soon as you are.

Good-bye, now.

Good-bye.

Oh, it's so exciting,
isn't it?

You're right about that
condenser lens, Willie.

It does make a difference.

In fact, I think we might
redesign the optical system
completely, don't you?

Isn't it going to be
rather expensive, Mr. rudge?

Yes, I daresay,
but I think we ought to try it.

A glass of port, Willie?

Yes, please.

Oh, by the way,
I saw fox-Talbot today.

He wants to meet you.

Fox-Talbot?

[Bell over door jangles]

Helena!

Helena!

Helena.

Oh, Willie.

You just came in
at the right time.

Mrs. Claire must go now,

And we just can't decide
what color we want to use
for the sashes.

For the concert.

What color
are the dresses?

White.

Well, darling,
should they be red
or should they be blue?

Or do you think
this is rather nice?

Now let me... well...

Forgive me. You could
hardly do better than that
with white, could you?

Wine. Of course.

Helena, you have the most
brilliant husband,

And so artistic, too.

The wine it shall be.

Now, look, I must get back
to Mr. Claire.
Good-bye, my dear.

Good night.
Allow me.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yes, tomorrow.
I'm so glad

We have you here to guide
us, Mr. friese-Greene.

It's a tremendous
responsibility
on your wife and me.

Yes, yes, indeed...

No, sir,
I'll see myself out.

Yes, quite sure.
Are you quite sure?

Good night, Mrs. Claire.

Wonderful news.
Wonderful news.

Oh, no, not the concert.
It is, isn't it?

Rudge. Rudge has
some really big news.

He's going to stay
with fox-Talbot

And I'm invited over
on the 20th.

Darling.

Fox-Talbot.

That's the man
that actually
invented photography.

Isn't it wonderful?

But, Willie, the concert
is on the 20th.

Oh. Oh, is it?

Oh, uh...

That'll be all right.
Fox-Talbot's place
isn't very far out.

I'll hire a carriage
to take me there
and bring me back.

I'll be there in plenty
of time for the concert.

I'll go straight
to the assembly rooms.
Plenty of time.

Just imagine... I'm actually
going to meet fox-Talbot.

I can't believe it.

[Indistinct conversation]

Mr. friese-Greene, sir.

[Indistinct conversation
continues]

Yes, yes, yes, indeed.

Ah, Willie.

Uh, this is Mr. friese-Greene,

Whom I spoke to you about,
fox-Talbot.

Ah? Oh, yes, yes,
how do you do?

I was just telling
rudge here how interesting
I find this phantascope.

He tells me that quite
a lot of the work on it
was yours.

It's very interesting.

As I see it,
your problem is

That the images,
although presented
in succession,

Are not presented
separately in succession,

That it's only a blur.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Well, that is,
of course,

Because the divisions
between the pictures

Pass at the same speed
as the pictures themselves.

What you want is some sort
of intermittent action, huh?

That's exactly what
friese-Greene's been
onto me about.

I'm going to the concert
now, Maggie.

I've looked at Ethel.
She's sound asleep.

I don't think
she will wake.

Thank you, ma'am.
Will the master be returning
before the concert tonight?

No, no, he will be dressing
at the assembly rooms.

Oh, my, you do look lovely.

Oh, I hope everything
goes all right.

Yes, yes, it will.
Good night, Maggie.

You see, what I've been
thinking of is something

That could pass
in front of the lens,
stop, be exposed,

Then go on to make way
for another piece
to be exposed.

Paper, perhaps.

That's possible.
There are people in London

Who could help him
about that.

That's what I tell Willie.
For this kind of work,
he ought to be in London.

[Chatter]

Now, she's wearing...

[Playing]

[Singing indistinctly]

I see a face and it is alive.

I photograph it
and I have a likeness,

But something is gone.

Human beings are not still.

Their movements
are part of them.

[Singing solo]

* oh, my love...

* how cruel was
this day... *

* how cruel was
this day... *

[Soloist and chorus singing]

* how cruel was
this day... *

* he's gone, oh, where is he?

* he's gone, oh, where is he?

* he's gone, oh, where is he?

* oh, where is he,
oh, where is he? *

[Whispering]

* no sign of him
that I can see *

* no sign of him

* oh, where is he?

* oh, where

* oh, where is he?

Your husband hasn't come.
Who's going to do the solo?

* my true love
has forsaken me *

* where can he be,
where can he be? *

* oh, where can he be?

* tell us, tell us
* tell us, tell us

* where, oh, where can he be?

Helena:
* I know not, I know not

* do not ask of me

[Whispered murmuring]

[Piano plays]

Soloist:
* watching, waiting

* where can he be?

* high and low
we have been seeking... *

I want to make a camera
that will photograph movement.

And I...

Oh. I'm so sorry.

I've been talking too much.

No, no, no, no.

Most interesting,
Mr. friese-Greene.

You won't, I hope, mind me
giving you a word of advice?

No, indeed, sir.

The original thinker,
the innovator,

Mustn't mind seeming
a little foolish

To his contemporaries.

He must always
look to his star.

I understand.

In the end
he may still fail.

That's unimportant.

If he's true to himself,

He won't be too unhappy
or embittered,

Even in failure,

And will still speak
for what's good.

You will remember that,
young man.

Yes, sir.

[Carriage approaching]

[Carriage door closes]

[Bell jangles]

Helena.

Darling...

Willie...

Don't speak for a moment.

I've go so much to tell you
I don't know where to begin.

Now sit down, keep calm,
and I'll try and tell you
all about it.

Now, where to begin?
Where? Where?

The laboratory...
Absolutely amazing.

As big as
all these rooms in one,

With everything you
could possibly wish for.

Must have cost
thousands, thousands.

And fox-Talbot,
the man himself...

Willie...

Darling, I can't tell you
how exciting he was.

We talked and talked
and talked.

And he was really
interested in my ideas.

The man who invented
photography.

I can tell you,
I felt proud.

But one thing
sticks out a mile...

Making pictures move
is going to be a bigger
job than ever I dreamed of.

There are difficulties,
problems I hadn't even
thought of.

Well, glass... we've
got to get rid of glass.

Glass plates are no good.
They're no good at all.

We must find something
entirely different.

And, Helena, we've
got to go to London.

Yes, London.
They said so
as well, you see.

The instrument makers
alone... the finest
on earth.

And do you realize,
I've never even been to
the photographic society?

Willie...

No, no, darling,
now please let me finish

And I'll tell you exactly
how it can be done.

I thought it all over
in the cab coming home.

You remember that
north country chap
Arthur collings

Who was here, the one
who wanted me to go
into partnership in London?

Remember? Well,
only yesterday,

Isn't it strange...
he wrote me again.
Collings.

Friese-Greene & collings,
London.

Wouldn't it be wonderful?

I'm going to put everything
into this. Everything...

What's the time?

Oh, my dear.

Oh, my darling.

Oh, Willie.

You are detestable.

You promised to be there.
Faithfully, you promised.

I was so ashamed.

You think of nobody,
nobody but yourself.

The whole world can wait
if you have other things to do.

As long as Willie Greene
is happy, nothing matters.

You are a child,

A stupid, clumsy child...

[Sobbing]

Darling...

Dearest, I know it's no use
apologizing,

But I would like
to try to explain.

You see,
I just didn't think.

That sounds
horribly selfish, I know,

But it's the truth.

I know how it happened,
all right.

You see, I'd never met
men like that before, and...

Talking to them,

All the problems in my mind

That had seemed like
blurred images before, they...

They suddenly stood out
in sharp focus.

It was like coming out
of a fog into the sunlight.

I suppose I just got
carried away

And I forgot
everything else.

I forgot the concert.
That's how it was.

I forgot your new dress.

I may even...
Have forgot you.

It will seem strange
in London after here.

Good morning, miss tagg,
good morning.

Good morning,
Mr. friese-Greene.

Where's Mr. collings?

He's at piccadilly.

Harold is taking
colonel Parker now.

Good. Good.

Oh... Mr. friese-Greene.

Good morning, Harold.

Oh, good morning,
Mr. friese-Greene.

Good morning, colonel.

What? What's that?

Oh, Mr. friese-Greene.

Mr. collings said
to be sure and remind you

Not to forget about tonight
for you and Mrs. friese-Greene.

8:00, evening dress.

Isn't that a lovely
piece of work?

You know, these
instrument makers,

They really are...
they're artists,
craftsmen...

You see, the idea
behind this machine,
miss tagg,

Is that in this camera
I'm going to build,

Instead of pulling
the paper through,

I can perforate the edges
with these sprocket punches

And roll it through.
Then it shouldn't tear
so easily.

I think it'll work,
don't you?

Yes, it's very clever.

Mr. collings said to be sure
to remind you

Not to forget about tonight.

Tonight? Oh, no,
I won't forget.

Isn't it a lovely
piece of work?
Isn't it, miss tagg?

Yes, it's wonderful.

The toast is to messrs.
Friese-Greene and collings

And the second year
of our partnership.

May it continue
to prosper.

That's right.

Well, ladies, I've got
a little surprise here.

And what is it?

We're going to open
two new studios.

Hey, that's grand.

Oh, Willie,
you didn't tell me.

We wanted to keep it
a surprise, Mrs. Willie.

We only completed
today, my love.

Oh, how wonderful.

And where are they
going to be?

Grosvenor street
and sloane street.

And why?
Well, I'll tell you.

Because, Mrs. Willie,
your husband
is a very clever chap.

Just think, he comes up
from the provinces
to London

Hardly able to find his way
from Leicester square
to Hyde park court.

In a few years,
he's well on the way

To being the most
fashionable photographer
in London.

Well, I'm more
the businessman
and I think to myself,

If it's going to be
the thing to have
the name of friese-Greene

Be on your pictures,
we'll make it easy.

Expensive, of course,
but easy.

We'll make our fortune,
eh, Nell?

That's right.

But Willie can't be
in 4 studios at once.

Oh, he'll just do
the important sitters.

The titled ones.

The rest he'll just
supervise.

But not all the time, Arthur.

And don't forget
my experimental work.

That's part
of the agreement, too.

Of course, of course.

But let me tell you,
Willie,

We'll soon be making
so much money,

You won't want to be
bothered with experiments.

That's right,
isn't it, Mrs. Willie?

Aye, that's right.

Waiter, fill up the glasses
again, will you?

Then we'll order
some dinner.

Well, celluloid,
Mr. friese-Greene.

I want this,
in very thin strips
about 1/64 of an inch.

Oh, no, we can't get it
that thin.

Can't you?
If you can't, I will.

Let me have
some of this stuff.

Mr. collings, I have
an appointment

With Mr. friese-Greene
at 3:00.

I've been waiting
half an hour.

This is most aggravating.
Where is Mr. friese-Greene?

I haven't seen him,
Mr. collings.

He must be at one of
the other studios.

Where's Mr. friese-Greene?

I'm sorry, Mr. collings,
I don't know.

Where is Mr. friese-Greene?

I haven't seen him,
Mr. collings.

Then where is he?
You were told to find out

Where he was going
when he went out.

But when I ask him,
Mr. collings,
he only smiles.

The viscountess have been
waiting for 25 minutes.
Try piccadilly.

But I have, Mr. collings.
They told me he was here.

What's that? What's that?

They're trying
to find out

Where Mr. friese-Greene
is, milady.

Where is
this fellow?

Miss tagg!

It's absolutely disgusting.

I agree with you, milord.

Miss, tagg, find out what's
happened to Mr. friese-Greene.

But I have been trying
to find out, sir.
Nobody knows.

Nearly right, Bob.
Put plenty in this time.

Ha ha. It smells
just like...

Yes, yes. Stir it up.
Stir it up.

Now, Mrs. friese-Greene,
I must be getting
on my rounds.

It was very good of you
to call, doctor.

It's a pleasure, ma'am.

Now, remember
what I told you.

You're very delicate.
You always have been,

And you must accept
that fact.

You'll need plenty of rest,
and above all, no worrying.

Leave the worrying
to your husband.

I'll remember, doctor.

Doctor, don't mention
anything to him about, uh,

Well, about what
you've just said.

It will only upset him.

I won't have to,
as long as you do
as I tell you.

[Sniffing]

Forgive me, what is
that strange smell?

Oh, it's... it's...
It's only my husband.

He has got is laboratory
down in the basement.

Oh. I thought he was
a photographer.

Well, give him
my kind regards.

[Bell rings]
I will.

Will you excuse me?

Hello, Mrs. Willie.
Where is he?

All right, I know.
Pardon me.

My husband's partner.

Indeed?

Well, good-bye,
Mrs. friese-Greene.

Now, don't be ridiculous,
Arthur. I can't be
everywhere at once.

And I've told you time
and again how important
this work is to me.

And now let me tell you
something... listen!

I won't put up with it.
I've reasoned,
I've pleaded with you.

I've tried to be
understanding.

But enough's enough.
You haven't played
fair, Willie.

And now 8 cancellations
in 48 hours,

Including that duchess
and a Russian princess.

I couldn't have made
a decent portrait
of her anyway!

Then why'd you let miss tagg
accept the sitting?

No, Willie, it's not good
enough. You're ruining
the business.

Oh, rubbish!

It may be rubbish to you,
but I'm a businessman.

I'm not going to mess about
losing money

While you do crackpot
experiments like this. Hear?

Yes, I hear!
Give that to me.

And now I'm going
to tell you something,
Mr. collings.

You big businessmen
are all the same.

Just because you can read
a profit and loss account

And know where to sign
your name on a bill
of exchange,

You think you're entitled
to tell the rest of the
world exactly what to do.

The big business oracle.

Anything that isn't busy
making money for you
is a waste of time.

Anything
you can't understand
is a crackpot experiment.

But remember this...

If it weren't for the
crackpot experiments and
the people who make them,

Most of you businessmen
wouldn't exist at all,

Except as marketplace
peddlers!

Please, Willie, that's enough.

Oh, I'm a peddler, am I?!

Yes!

And I've got some work
to do...

Real work!
Get out of my way.

Oh, I can see
it's hopeless.

I'm not going on
with you, Willie.

I'm dissolving
the partnership.

But, Arthur, why?

I'll tell you why,
Mrs. Willie.
I can't afford it.

Look at that lot.
Bills. Bills for
all this rubbish,

But charged up
to the business.

I'm not stingy, but
I'm not a fool either.

I've had enough.
There's £1,200
in there, Willie.

You can pay it
out of your own pocket.

I'm going to see
a lawyer.

[Door slams]
Oh, ar...

Well...

That's that.

[Front door closes]

Can we pay them?

£1,200? Just about.

But there's as much again
to come in.

And so much, oh,
so much still to be done.

I can't stop now, Helena,
I can't.

No, of course you can't.

But the money.

We'll find the money somehow.
We'll find a way.

Yes.

Willie.

Hmm?

We own this house.

Don't we?

Of course, Mr. friese-Greene.

We never mind an overdraft
secured against
bricks and mortar.

That's a very nice house
you've got.

And if you'd mind just signing
there at the bottom.

There.

You opening another branch?

You see that, tom?
The ball's got to fit
much more snugly

Into the Ratchet.
Oh, yes.

See, we're getting
too much play there.

So as you're my only
relative in London,
cousin Alfred,

I naturally
thought of you first.

So we'll make money
out of it?

Certain to.
This is absolutely new.

There's nothing else
like it.

No, I suppose not.

But... Do you think people
really want to see
moving pictures?

[No audio]

Here we are,
Mr. friese-Greene.

Finished at last.

[Hammering in background]

You've done a good job
here, tom.

I think it's pretty fair, sir.

How's the celluloid going?

Oh, terrible stuff.
Makes such awful smells.

My wife can't stand it
in the home,

So I had to fit up
a lab in the city
off holborn.

Do you think it'll work?

I don't know.

To tell you the truth,
I've put so much into this,

I hardly have the courage
to make the test.

Ah, well.

Oh, by the way,
Mr. friese-Greene,
the account...

Oh, that's quite all right.
Just send it along to me
at the lab...

24 brook street, holborn.
Thanks, tom. Good day.

Good day, Mr. friese-Greene.

[Church bells chiming]

Come along, Ethel!
We're just going!

Willie, you're not ready.

Aren't you coming to church?

No, I don't think so.
Not this Sunday.

Don't you feel well?

Yes, I feel all right.
I just don't feel like
going to church.

I may see cousin Alfred.

Oh, dear.
Has he written again?

No, no. I just invited him
to come for a stroll
in the park.

You invited him?

Yes. Just to keep him
in touch with the progress

And... So forth.

All right.

Have you got the prayer books?

Yes, mama.

Don't be late for lunch.

No, no. Good-bye.
Enjoy yourselves.

We are going to church,
Willie.

What? Oh, yes, yes.
Uh, good-bye.

[Door closes]

Now, remember, bertie,
we're going to meet
your Uncle Willie.

10 to 1 he's after
money again.

So you mind your words.

Now, don't you repeat
anything you've heard me
say to your mother,

Put your cap on straight,
walk like a little
gentleman.

And keep your mouth shut.

Hello, cousin Willie.
What have you got there?

What are you turning
that handle for?

Oh, just making
an experiment.

How are you, cousin Alfred?

Oh, not so badly, thanks.

Hello, bertie.

Is that the new camera?

Yes, that's it.
I thought you'd like to be
the first to see it,

Cousin Alfred.

Does it work?

Oh, I don't know yet.

May want
some more work on it.

More work? That'll mean
more money, I suppose.

Oh... Well,
yes, possibly.

Now, what I really
want to do

Is to take some pictures
of the parade.

Will you bring
this tripod along?

I don't mind doing that.

Mind your fingers.

[Clock chiming]

[Ticking]

[Clock chiming]

Hullo.

Hello, chum.

Well, everything's quiet.

Nothing to report.

Who won the skittles?

Sergeant Prescott.

Oh.

What's that light
up there?

I don't know.

It's been on all evening.

Oh.

Well, I'll be gettin'
along now.

[Door opens and slams]

[Cat screeches]

Now, then,
where are you off to?

Come quickly!
Come and see!

Now, just a minute.
What is all this?

No, come and see!
I've got something
to show you!

Something I've done.
You must come and see!

Something you've done?

Yes, yes, come on,
I'll show you.

It's only a little way.

You see, I've only
just this minute done it.

I was frightened,
I don't mind telling you,

Ooh, frightened
out of me wits.

But I've done it,
I've done it!

And though I daresay
it's very foolish of me,

I feel I've simply
got to show someone!

And the joke is,
cousin Alfred didn't
even know what I was doing.

He just stared and said,
"hello, Willie,
what have you got there?"

And there is is!
And you can see him,

Almost as if
he were alive!

Here we are now.

It's upstairs.

Just a minute.

Huh?

Are you, uh,
are you the owner
of these premises?

No, no, I'm just
one of the tenants.

I'm the one
that makes the smells.

Friese-Greene's my name.

Oh, I see.

Is there...

Anyone else on the premises?

Oh, no, not at night.
I'm all on my own.

Oh, I see.

You lead the way,
Mr. friese-Greene, please.

It's not far up.

[Running upstairs]

Where is it?

Where's what?

What you've done.

Oh, just sit down there.
You'll see.

Now, then, would you mind
turning out your lamp?

Good.

Now, watch that white sheet.

That was Hyde park.

I recognized it.

Where's it come from?

And where's it gone to?

It's all here. Here!

Look!

That's where the Hyde park
you saw is.

Like a magic lantern.

But it moved.

Yes, it moved, didn't it?

Now, look.
I've got a strip
of celluloid film.

It's taken me years
to get to that... years.

That's the secret.

Dozens of snapshots
of Hyde park.

Only, in one picture,

The carriage is here,

The next it's here,
the next it's here,

The next it's here,
and so on.

Now look at the mechanism.

You see, the film...
That's what it's called...

Comes from this spool
over these rollers...
that's the tension...

You've got to have tension...
under this second spool
down here.

Now look in the middle.

It's a bit like
a magic lantern,

But instead of
one picture at a time,

You see 8 or more pictures
every second.

And that's what you see
on that sheet there...
8 pictures every second,

And they all merge together

Into one moving,
living picture...

See?

Of course, there's a bit
more to it than that... that.

I'm not saying it's perfect...
Far from it.

But it works.

God be praised, it works,
doesn't it? You can see that.

[Crying]

[Sighs]

You know, it's a quite
extraordinary thing.

Something you've been
wondering about
and dreaming about for...

15... 15 years.

And then,
all of a sudden...

It's there.

It's in your hands...

With a life of its own.

You must be...

A very happy man,
Mr... Friese-Greene.

Darling.

Darling?

It works.

Yes.

It works.

A moving picture.

On a sheet.

Old Alfred and his boy,
bless 'em,

Walking in Hyde park.

Oh, my dear.

Of course,
it's only a beginning,

But it does work.
You do get movement.

And that's why
all the people
in the world

Will want to see
moving pictures.

Because movement
is life.

Listen to me talking.
All the people in the world...

Why, at that rate,
in a couple of years' time
we'll be millionaires.

Millionaires!
[Cork pops]

Mr. friese-Greene,
this... Invention of yours

May be very ingenious,

But the fact remains that
you cannot pay your debts.

Don't you see?
Everybody wanted their money
paid back at once.

They wouldn't give me time.

Time?

Yes.

Time to develop
the camera commercially.

But these heavy
expenditures went on

Long after you'd sold
your rights to the patent.

I've already told you,

The work could not stop.
I had to carry on.

I don't pretend
to be a businessman.

All I know is that
people will want to see
moving pictures.

Mr. friese-Greene,

This is an accounting,
and we are concerned
with facts,

Not with your faith
in a camera.

Now, how do you
explain this?

Very well, madam,

If you make a decision
within the next 48 hours,

I'm sure our client
will let you have the house

On those terms.

Thank you.

May I keep the keys
for the present?

Yes, madam, by all means.

Thank you very much.

Madam!

Madam!

Mr. Wilson!

Mr. Wilson!

I think I ought to
warn you now

That your heart is in
a very serious condition.

Tell me, doctor,
what this means, exactly.

Well, it means that
there's very little

That medicine can do for you.

The cure is mainly
in your own hands.

I see.

If you were my patient,
you would go straight
from here to your bed

And you would stay there
for at least a year.

Your own doctor
will advise you, of course.

Perhaps you will be
kind enough to give him this.

You see, I had
an opportunity

Of examining you
during an attack.

This will be helpful to him.

No, wait a minute, please.

Mrs. Smith, will you please call
a 4-Wheeler for this lady?

[Door closes]

Hello. Here's a nice cup
of tea for you.

Thank you, dear.

How did it go?

Not very well.

But it's all over.

This house is to be sold
on the 7th.

Has everything gone?

Yes. The studios...

And the house.

Everything.

Cheer up, my dear.

It's not as bad
as all that, is it?

No.

Aren't you having any tea?

No, thank you.

There's a little whiskey
left on the shelf
over there.

Yes, that's a good idea.

We're going to have to find
some rooms somewhere.

What about a place to work?

Well, dear, I'm bankrupt
now, you see.

That means nobody will
let me have a place
without cash in advance.

And I haven't any cash.

I'll just have to find
somebody to give me a job.

I could get a place, Willie.

How do you mean?

I am not bankrupt.

I have seen a house
in Chelsea.

The ground floor
would make a studio.

There are 3 rooms
on top of the house
that we could sublet.

But, Helena, the money.
Who's going to
lend us money?

We've got the money.

I sold the jewelry
you gave me, and...

I had a little put by,
too, for a rainy day.

And now it's the rainy day,

Isn't it?

Oh, no. No, darling.

You mustn't stop me.

I have made up my mind.

I thought it might be
the laboratory...

One day.

There's space.

All the space
in the world.

No running water, though.

Yes, there is.
The very thing.

I'll put a sink in there.

I'll put the shelves
over there

And the cupboards
for the chemicals
and the books.

We'll run a bench
along there
and another bench here,

Right down the middle.

And one day we'll put
a lathe on the bench
over there,

And when these skylights
are clean,

There'll be all
the light in the world.

Willie.

I nearly forgot.

I bought you a present.

You did what?

It's your birthday.

Oh... by jove, so it is.

[Laughs]

I saw it in the place
where I sold the jewelry.

A prism.

I remembered you saying
before this trouble started

That it was something
you wanted.

A prism... darling!

Look.

Oh, there's no light now.

Never mind.
I'll show you...

But, dear, these things
are expensive.

I spoke softly
to the man.

It's a most wonderful
present.

Willie.

Hmm?

Do you remember
the night

Of the choral society
concert,

When you went to see
fox-Talbot?

Will I ever forget?

I don't think
they ever forgave me.

No, they didn't.

But I wasn't thinking
of the concert.

It was something
you told me much later.

I always remembered.

Something fox-Talbot said.

It was about inventors.

Oh, yes.

The inventor
must never mind

Seeming a little foolish
to his contemporaries.

Hmm? He must always
look to his star.

Mm-hmm.

In the end
he may still fail...

But this is unimportant.

If he is true to himself,

He will not be
too unhappy or embittered,

Even in failure,

And will still speak
for what is good.

You won't forget that,
Willie?

Willie?

[Shouting]

[Gavel banging]

[Shouting continues]

[Gavel banging]
Gentlemen, please!

[Banging]

Gentlemen, please!

Quiet! Quiet!

Gentlemen!

[Men quieting down]

I, uh...

I don't think that any, uh,

Useful purpose can be served

By prolonging this meeting.

Mr. chairman...

I therefore propose that...

Mr. chairman.

Mr. chairman,
could I speak?

Let the old man speak,

Give them time
to simmer down.

Um, will you come up
to the platform, please?

I'm afraid you can't
be heard there.

[Murmuring]

Gentlemen, i...

Just speak up a little
louder, will you, please, sir?

Oh, yes.

Gentlemen, I am not
a businessman, no.

Well, sit down,
then.

You know, when this business

Was a fairground sideshow,

I suppose you could
only speak of it

In terms of pounds,
shillings, and pence.

Oh, sit down.

[Loud murmuring]

Only a few of us
could see then...

[Men quiet down]
Shh! Shh!

It would become a sort of...

Universal language.

And it has become that, you see.

And this universal language

That could say great things,

Oh, dear,

It so often

Babbles and drivels
so foolishly.

I does, you know.
I mean, that in time,

The world...

Well, it'll tire of it.

Rubbish!

[Shouting]

If the film does not
grow up with its audience,

Then it will die.

You know,

It's only in the nursery

That children
fight and destroy

The things in their hands.

The film...

Is in your hands,

And you may not behave
like children.

You must not destroy it!

Don't.

It's... It's very easy
to be good businessmen.

It's so difficult
to grow up.

So difficult.

And...

And, so...

I ask you...

I...Ask you

To work together...

[Murmuring]

All my life, gentlemen, I...

I have tried.

[Murmuring]

There's so much...
To hope for...

So much...

There is... I have tried.

[Murmuring]

You all right, sir?

Hmm?

Oh... oh, i...

I'm perfectly all right.

Perfectly.

There's something
I wanted to say to my wife.

Something I wanted to...

Say to my wife.

I...

[Gavel banging]

Gentlemen,
in view of that appeal,

I think we might make
some endeavor

To adjust our differences

And seek a solution
of the problem...

Can I get you
a glass of water?

I'm perfectly all right.

After all, each of us
seeks the same end...

A prosperous industry.

I would urge you men
to put aside...

The children were asking...

To put aside
your suspicions...

But you did invent
the moving pictures,
didn't you, father?

You are extremely... somebody
who tries out new things.

All you need is just
a little courage.

Front, present, boots.

They'll send them back,
won't they?

They must send them back
when they know
they're not ready...

You are a child,
a stupid, clumsy child.

Face the truth, Willie!

But the encyclopedia...

You said it didn't even
mention your name.

You must be
a very happy man,
Mr. friese-green.

[Murmuring]

Afraid he's dead.

Poor old chap.

We must notify the police
right away.

What about his family?

Does anybody know
where he lives?

No. I'll try
to find out.

Let me see.
There must be some means
of identification.

Will you take that, please?

Here we are.

Mr. w. Friese-Greene.

Hear, hear.
Hear, hear.

[Applause]

Pawn ticket
for some cuff links.

A prism.

One and tenpence.

Just the price
of a seat at the pictures.