Original subtitles

The Old Curiosity Shop - Fantasy 2007 English

[ RAUCOUS SHOUTING ]

[ WOMAN CACKLES ]

[ MAN GRUNTING ]

[ SHOUTING CONTINUES ]

[ LAUGHING ]

Six, seven...

There's 12.

Here. Take it.

Small fortune.

- Thank you, sir. He'll be very grateful to you. - So he should.

Tell him I expect to see a return on my investments very soon.

Good night.

Oh, here, let me walk you out.

I can find my own way.

Very well.

[ RAUCOUS SHOUTING IN DISTANCE ]

[ BELL CLANGING ]

[ WOMAN 1 ] No!

[ SCREAMING ]

- [ WOMAN 2 LAUGHING ] - [ WOMAN 1 ] Help me!

[ SHRIEKING ] No! No!

[ INDISTINCT CHATTERING ]

[ WOMEN CACKLING ]

[ MAN SHOUTING ]

Who's there?

Kit, is that you?

Yes, miss.

Oh, thank goodness.

Come with me, I'll see you home.

I feel much safer walking with you, Kit.

Glad to hear it, miss.

I've been sent on an errand by my grandfather.

He shouldn't have sent you anywhere at this time of night.

He said it was urgent.

I'll always be here for you, miss.

I know you will, Kit.

I thought I might have lost you forever, Nell.

Don't worry. I'd always find my way home.

You should take more care, sir. It's dangerous to send...

I'll fetch your supper, Grandfather.

Erm, thank you, my boy. I'm very grateful to you.

- Are you staying for supper, Kit? - No, not tonight.

- But there's enough... - Not tonight, I said.

- We'll see you in the morning, boy. - Very well.

- Good night, miss. - Good night, Kit.

Now, make it an early start. Tomorrow we've got work to do.

Yes, sir.

Was your journey successful?

Then show me.

Now, where's my coat?

You're not going out tonight, Grandfather?

[ STUTTERING ] Yes, yes. I'm afraid I must.

[ DOOR OPENS ]

I could never stand in awe of a man as your daughter does, Mrs Jiniwin.

Are you listening to this advice, Betsy?

- Yes, Mama. - Well, good.

I'd kill myself first, then write a letter saying how he did it.

Oh, well, I'll drink to that, Mrs George.

[ CHUCKLING ]

For Daniel Quilp.

He is the greatest monster that ever lived.

[ SLURPING ]

He's a tyrant.

And my daughter is such a passive soul.

She hasn't the spirit to stand up to such a hideous,

vindictive, ugly little man.

Good evening, ma'am. Ladies.

Oh, Mr Quilp.

Didn't hear you come in.

[ MR QUILP ] Evidently.

Go on, ma'am, you were saying?

Um...

Oh, Mrs Quilp, how delightful.

You've invited a neighbour to supper

and sent out for something light and palatable.

I didn't invite anybody to supper, Daniel.

- It was... - Hush, child.

Good night, ma'am.

What?

You're not going, missus, surely?

- Thank you for your hospitality. - So soon?

Why not stop for breakfast?

[ MRS JINIWIN ] There's nothing dishonest in a bit of supper, Mr Quilp.

My daughter has the right to do as she pleases.

- You'd like to think so, ma'am. - Oh.

Oh. You look ill, Mrs Jiniwin.

You've been overexciting yourself.

It's a weakness in old women. Get to bed.

I shall go to bed when I please, Quilp, and not before.

Please do go now, Mrs Jiniwin.

- No. - [ YELLS ] Upstairs, I say!

[ DOOR CLOSES ]

I'm feel in a smoking humour, Mrs Quilp.

And will probably blaze away all night.

I'd like you to sit with me and move not an inch in case I want you.

Yes, of course, Daniel.

Oh, word of advice, my dear.

Should you ever listen to those harpies again

do you know what I'll do to you?

No, Daniel.

What will you do to me?

I'll bite you.

Erm, I'm going to need your help again, Nell.

Must I?

Yes, I'm afraid you must.

Our future depends upon it.

Another errand tomorrow morning.

Wake up.

I'm sorry, Daniel. Please forgive me.

I should hope so.

[ HUMS JOLLY TUNE ]

Betsy, my dear, what are you doing sat there?

Have you not been to bed? [ GASPS ]

[ MR QUILP ] Oh.

What a vision of loveliness.

[ SNIFFING ] Breakfast.

Breakfast!

[ STAMPING FOOT ]

Now!

[ MR QUILP SIGHING ]

Oh.

[ BELL CLANGING ]

[ MEN SHOUTING ]

You can't keep away from here, can you now?

No, sir.

This way.

Seven pounds spent already?

What has the old man done with it?

I do not know, sir.

Are you lying to me, Nell?

No, sir.

Hmm, I believe you. Who wouldn't?

Such a sweet and honest face.

You're looking pretty today, Nell.

Charmingly pretty.

How'd you like to be my wife?

You already have a wife, sir.

Mrs Quilp.

[ SNIGGERING ]

She's a clapped-out creature.

[ SIGHS ]

Oh, you'll be just the proper age for me in a couple of years.

What do you say?

I have nothing to say, sir.

Well, think about it.

Be a good girl, Nell,

a very good girl.

See if you don't come to be Mrs Quilp the second, of Tower Hill.

Work.

Your grandfather, Nell,

he's an astute man of business, isn't he?

I suppose, sir.

All this money I'm investing by way of these loans,

- they will make my fortune, won't they? - Might I go, sir?

Grandfather's told me to return directly I had an answer.

But you haven't one, Nell. [ CHUCKLES ]

You can't have one till I'm ready to give it.

You'll come with me.

Come along.

I thought you said we were going to see my grandfather, sir.

Have patience, Nell. Have patience. I've a little business to attend to.

- What kind of place is this? - Hmm?

It's a debtor's prison.

Place for people who borrowed money and never paid it back.

Excuse me.

- [ PRISONERS CLAMOURING ] - [ WOMAN ] Mr Quilp! Mr Quilp!

Mr Quilp!

[ PRISONERS CRYING OUT FOR HELP ]

[ MR QUILP ] Nell?

Nell?

Come along.

We don't want to keep your grandfather waiting, do we?

[ CHUCKLES ]

I'll tell you again, Grandfather, I wish to see my sister.

The one you keep cooped up in there, poisoning her mind against me.

You were given every chance in life.

I brought you and your sister up, alone, to be decent and honest.

And how did you repay me? By your scandalous misconduct about town.

Why are they all so upset with you, Mr Quilp?

No one likes a moneylender, Nell, especially when it's time to pay him back.

- You've squandered everything I gave you. - Listen to him, Swiveller.

He's a bitter old man and a liar, too.

It is a devil of a thing, gentlemen, when relations fall out and disagree.

Why not shake hands? Forget about the past.

Hold your tongue.

Sir, don't interrupt a chap, I say it with the utmost respect.

What do you say, Grandfather?

You're saving up a pile of money here for my sister.

Why not hand over a reasonable amount to me

and make everything once again friendly between us?

Oh, my God. Why do you hunt and persecute me?

Freddie!

Quilp, thank God.

This boy would murder me given half a chance.

- What have you been saying, Fred? - Nothing.

Well, Nell, how are you?

I suppose the old man teaches you to hate me.

Grandfather never speaks to me about you, Fred.

Yes, I can believe you there.

Lend us a shilling.

Come, Swiveller, our visits ended here, for the time being.

But I thought you wanted to see your sister.

I've seen her, haven't I?

Charmed, I'm sure.

Good day.

So much for family relations.

Thank God I acknowledge none.

Erm...

I knew I could depend on you, Quilp.

A moment, please, sir. Nell, would you excuse us?

Here.

Sign. Sign?

- What is it? - Oh, read.

It's a...

- It's a bill of sale. - Well, correct.

This is the last money I will give you.

And I make this loan on the understanding

that you will pay me back everything with my numerous investments

doubled or even trebled.

Should you fail to do so, I will have the authority

to call into being certain legal powers which you cannot presume to question.

Everything I own becomes yours

to do with as you see fit?

- Stock and property. - The Old Curiosity Shop?

Why do you ask me to sign such a document now?

[ STUTTERING ] Haven't I always paid you back?

Your debts are mounting, sir, and, um, I need some kind of surety.

No, I will not do it, Quilp.

Everything I own is for Nell's future.

Very well, there's nothing more to say.

[ DOOR OPENS ]

Wait.

I must have some ready cash

to, uh, bridge my investments.

Oh, then sign.

Is there no other way?

[ SIGHS ] Very well.

You leave me no option.

Oh, I will not ask in what good investments all my supplies are sunk.

You are a deep man, sir.

You keep your secrets close.

Yes, you're right there. I keep my secrets close.

Very close.

[ DOOR OPENS ]

[ DOOR CLOSES ]

Where shall we eat?

Well, dinner last night closes Long Acre to us.

- Beg your pardon? - I enter in this little book

the names of the streets we can't walk down while the shops are open.

- Due to our strained credit? - Correct.

It's a damned nuisance, sir.

Ah, but I've a plan to make our fortune with very little trouble, Swiveller.

You've shown me too many already, Freddie. And what have I got to show for it?

- Nothing. - Ah, but this plan is different.

Now, do you think my sister has a pretty face?

Yes. She has a pretty face.

A very pretty face.

- Fine girl for her age. - Exactly. She's still only 14.

- Oh. - And that's all the better.

Now, if I take Nell in hand and bend her to my will,

what's, with a little coaxing, to prevent your marrying her?

- She's 14, Freddie. - I don't mean now.

No. Say in two years' time.

Marry my sister and you will be the sole inheritor of my grandfather's will.

How very inviting.

- I suppose there's no doubt his being rich? - None. What do you say, Dick?

Well, I can give it a whirl, I suppose.

No harm in a bit of wooing, is there?

- And I'm a damned handsome fellow. - Quite.

Um, I'm afraid I have to dash, Swiveller.

I might be gone some time.

Possibly a very long time, if you understand my meaning.

Oh, what a touching little scene.

- Where is he? - Who, sir?

Your grandfather, Nell, the old wastrel.

He's upstairs, sir. But he's sleeping, sir.

Well, this document will wake him.

You can't go up there, sir. It's private.

Mr Quilp does what he likes in his own shop.

But this isn't his shop.

Oh, yes, Nell, it is. Or will be.

May I introduce my lawyer, Mr Brass.

What do you have here?

There must be something hidden in this junk to pay back your debts.

Gambled away everything of worth, a fortune.

Well, then you and the child are truly lost.

But where will we go, Quilp?

[ SCOFFS ]

That is no concern of mine.

- Unless... - Yes? What? Tell me.

Look, I'm at your mercy. Anything you want, just ask and I'll...

I'll agree to it.

Oh. I need a serving maid, a young girl to do for me.

What are you suggesting?

A mere child?

Nell is not for sale.

Might I ask what you're searching for, Mr Quilp?

For anything of value.

And I've no intention of leaving the old man until I find it.

[ DOOR OPENS ]

Hello, my duck of diamonds.

[ MR BRASS ] Such a treasure, Mr Quilp.

Who asked you for your opinion, Mr Brass? Be quiet.

Of course, sir. How presumptuous of me.

I need to give Grandfather his supper, sir.

Oh. May I?

[ SLURPING NOISILY ]

[ MR BRASS ] What a remarkably pleasant way he has with children.

It's most affecting. It's quite a treat to watch him.

Thank you.

Good night, sir.

[ CHUCKLES ]

[ HORSE NEIGHING ]

Let us leave here tonight.

But where will we go, Nell?

The countryside, Grandfather. Let us run away.

I love the shop as much as you do,

but we can make a home anywhere if we need to.

Like beggars?

Yes, like beggars. It is possible, Grandfather.

If we want it badly enough.

[ DOOR OPENS ]

[ MEN LAUGHING ]

[ MEN CHATTERING ]

Let us be free of Quilp tonight.

[ SNORING ]

[ BRASS SNORTS ]

[ DOOR OPENS ]

[ DOOR CLOSES ]

What's the matter, child?

It's Nell and her grandfather.

Ran away.

Nell?

Little Nell? Oh, where are they?

Brass.

Wake up, you drunken fool!

- You seen 'em? - Seen who, Mr Quilp?

Good morning, sir.

- Is the little lady of the house at home? - She's flown.

- Flown? - Gone. Both of them.

Vanished in the night.

But where have they gone, sir?

You tell me, sir. Where's that brother of hers?

Freddie? Ah, now there's a problem.

Well, I'm afraid he's done very much the same.

Ran off to France.

Got himself into a spot of bother with a girl dancing in the halls.

Not dancing any more, I'm afraid. Far from it.

Little Nelly won't be wanting these, then.

Perhaps the sly old fox has made his fortune and gone off to live in a tranquil spot,

with a distant view of the changing sea.

[ CLANGING ]

Careful! You nincompoop!

[ MR BRASS ] What's this here, sir?

Looks like a secret hiding place.

- Let me see. - Worthless papers, sir.

Nothing but outstanding debts and bills.

- A jewellery box! - Give that here.

[ PANTING ]

Empty-

I might have known.

"Everything of value, gambled away."

Well, I won't be made a fool of by a young girl and a thief.

If the old swindler gets away with this, others will do the same.

I must have justice.

Revenge.

Well, we should rest, Nell. You look tired.

I'll never feel tired again, now we're rid of Mr Quilp.

Here.

Take charge of that.

That's the last of our money. A few gold coins.

Ah. Should I ask or even beg for their return,

you must refuse me.

Do you promise me?

I promise.

Oh, there's something else I want to give you.

Here.

- My mother's locket. - Yes.

She always meant you to have it when you became of an age.

Hmm?

For the sake of her love.

Thank you.

It'll remind you of home.

And of everything that is good in the world.

Yes, all is well now.

[ GRANDFATHER ] Freedom.

Is it very much further, Mr Quilp?

The air is exceedingly dry and I suddenly feel a need of a light refreshment.

Ah, well, we are very near, Mr Swiveller. It's a moment's walk away.

Pity.

I hope this work you're offering me won't be too taxing.

I'm not usually an early riser.

Oh.

I had the sun very strong in my eyes last night.

Think of the rewards our joint venture will bring, sir.

You keep an eye on my business dealings with Mr Brass,

and I promise to find this Nelly Trent and bring her back here for you, sir.

Come, you'll be married when the girl becomes of age. I promise.

Well, that's the worst of it, Mr Quilp.

Miss Trent's fortune in perspective looks such a long way off

and I have no immediate readies.

Caution is the word, sir.

And caution is the act, sir.

But might I ask? Why do you think Mr Brass cannot be trusted?

[ BEGGAR ] Please, sir.

Any man who chooses to be my legal representative, sir...

- Need I say more? - Mmm. Quite, Mr Quilp.

[ GRUNTING ]

[ DOOR OPENS ]

Ah. There she is.

The strong arm of the law. Miss Sally Brass.

The only woman in the world with all the charm of her sex

and none of their weakness.

Hold your nonsense, Mr Quilp.

I wonder you're not ashamed of yourself talking before a strange young man.

Well, this strange young man is himself too susceptible

to your feminine charms not to agree with me, Sally.

Oh, is he indeed?

- I am. - You are.

Oh, yes. I am.

Good afternoon, sweet... lady.

Pray might we not be introduced properly, Mr Quilp?

This is Mr Dick Swiveller, Sister.

A gentleman of good family who is content, for a while,

to fill the humble situation as our new solicitor's clerk.

- On whose authority? - Mine.

If you want my continued business.

And we are very happy. Very, very happy indeed.

Well, I propose Mr Swiveller enters upon his duties at once.

[ SALLY ] And where will he sit, Mr Quilp?

On your chair, ma'am, till you can buy another.

- Mine? - Of course.

How charitable of Mr Quilp to suggest such a thing.

Sally's chair fairly vibrates with the power of the law.

It'll be your guide, your companion, and your friend.

Oh, will it?

Yes, ma'am. It will.

Well...

You'd better take it.

[ CHAIR CLATTERS ]

Mr Swiveller.

Keep an eye on Mr Swiveller, sir.

As a friend of the brother, I want him to lead us to the child.

Of course, Mr Quilp.

[ CLEARING THROAT ]

Good Lord. Who are you?

I'm from below stairs, sir.

Really?

There's a gentleman come about the advertisement.

Will you show him the lodgings?

I haven't got anything to do with the lodgings, girl. Show him yourself.

Miss Sally said I wasn't to, should she be out.

Why not?

'Cause people wouldn't believe the maid service was any good

if they saw how small I was.

They'd think they'd been short-changed.

Very well.

It's 18 shillings a week and fires in winters are eight pence a day.

What's the rent?

One pound per week and the fires in the wintertime are 10 pence per day.

I'll take 'em.

You will?

[ MAN ] Done.

What name is it, sir? In case of letters or parcels.

My correspondence is taken care of.

Good day, sir.

[ IN PUPPET VOICE ] That's the way to do it.

[ IN PUPPET VOICE ] Ooh, Mr Punch, where's the baby?

What are you doing?

- What does it look like we're doing? - We're mending our dolls.

[ MAN ] Helter-Skelter Gold Cup! Come on, roll up!

Place your bets for the Helter-Skelter Gold Cup!

[ NELL ] Why? [ MR CODLIN ] Why?

We're about to play a show at the country fair, miss.

[ MR SHORT ] And it wouldn't do to let them see the present company

- undergoing their repairs now, would it? - [ NELL ] I suppose not.

- No, of course not. - Would spoil the illusion.

Good afternoon, gentlemen.

Mr Codlin!

And Mr Short.

- Partners... - In the Punch!

- Meet the baby! - And Judy.

[ CHUCKLING ]

Come on, Nell. We must go.

Travelling far, sir?

Yes, I've been a long way.

- May we ask where... - You're travelling from, sir?

- London. - [ MR CODLIN ] Ooh!

The city of dreams, eh, Mr Short?

And nightmares, Mr Codlin! For some.

Roaming travellers, are you?

Yes, you might call us that.

- Well, take a seat. - And share a pinch of snuff.

No, thank you.

- You must be tired, sir. - After walking so far.

Yeah, why not stay a while? For the child's sake.

And see our marvellous...

[ BOTH ] Doot-da-doot!

- Oop! Boing! - [ LAUGHING ]

- Dong! - Oh!

[ BOTH ] Puppet show!

Oh, can we, Grandfather? Please?

No, I think not.

Remember why we're leaving London.

Goodbye, gentlemen.

There's money to be made.

If you're in need of any.

[ MAN ] This could be your lucky day! Roll up! Roll up!

- Money? - [ MR CODLIN ] Oh! Aye!

[ STUTTERING ] The girl could help us sew some of our dolls.

Could we stay? Please?

[ FAWNING ] Please!

[ LAUGHS ]

Very well, gentlemen.

Anything, if it makes my granddaughter happy.

That's the spirit! Come this way, sir!

- There you go... - Come this way.

[ CHATTERING CONTINUES ]

- Give me that! - Who cares?

Can I help you, sir?

Your name is Quilp?

I'm looking for the previous owners of this shop.

An old man and his granddaughter. I'm told you know them.

What's it to you?

That's my business, I will not say.

Oi! Oi! Kit Nubbles! I want a word with you!

[ MAN ] Who's the boy?

I'm afraid, sir, that's my business. I will not say.

[ MEN ] Oh!

Here you go, Nelly. Your wages.

Some bright new pennies.

- Thank you, sir. - Come.

You can't think what an interest we have in you, my dear.

- Have you, Mr Codlin? - Oh, yes!

Yeah, why don't you tell us a little bit of your history...

And if we can help you in any way...

- Rest assured, Mr Codlin... - And Mr Short...

Will! [ LAUGHING ]

- Help me, sir? - Oh, yes, my dear.

- You and your grandfather. - Mmm, why is he running away?

- He isn't. - Ah! Fibs, Nelly. Fibs...

An innocent creature cannot tell a lie!

What's your secret?

- If you excuse me, sir, I must go to him. - No, stay.

- Let go. - Of course, Nelly.

[ MR SHORT ] We'll talk later. [ MR CODLIN ] When you've more time.

- Please. Please. - Where are they?

- I haven't seen them. - What about the bird?

What's going on? Who are you?

Where's the old man and the girl?

No!

[ LAUGHS ]

Here. I don't eat babies. I don't like 'em.

It'll be as well to stop this young screamer, though,

in case I should be tempted to do him a mischief. Thank you.

[ KIT'S MOTHER ] There's a good boy.

[ SOFTLY ] They shall be found.

[ LAUGHS ]

[ DOOR SLAMS ]

[ PUNCH ] Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,

what you've got to do, is if you ever see a crocodile around here,

we want you to let me know!

Now, if you practise by saying, "Behind you".

[ ALL ] Behind you! Behind you!

There's no crocodile there.

You must have got it mixed up with something else.

Now, it's very important you tell me...

They suspect us.

And it's no longer safe here.

Come, my child. We must leave.

[ PUNCH ] Give us a kiss!

[ JUDY ] Ooh! A kiss on the lips?

- Yes! Whack! - Ow!

[ POLICEMAN PUPPET ] Open up in the name of the law.

[ PUNCH ] Oh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I'll be a good boy forever and ever and ever.

[ CHILDREN EXCLAIMING IN AMAZEMENT ]

[ ALL ] Yay!

- Thank you, boys and girls. - Thank you.

- Thank you so much. - Please give generously.

- Thank you. - You're so kind.

- Where'd they go? - There!

Mind yourselves!

- Excuse me. - Get out of the way!

- Where have they gone? - They've gone. We've lost them, you clod!

You were meant to be looking after them!

- Don't you shove me! - Oh, watch the face!

[ THUNDER RUMBLING ]

- What are you doing, Sally? - Shh! [ WHISPERING ] Peeping.

- On our lodger? - Of course.

We don't know who he is. I don't trust him.

It'd be an extremely unpleasant circumstance if he were to bounce out suddenly, my dear.

- Swiveller, fetch a bedpan. - Bedpan?

And stand against that wall. In case of violence.

Oh.

Yes, sir!

Of course, I'd be more than a match for him, but I'm the master of the house,

and the laws of hospitality must be respected.

[ HARSH SQUAWKING ]

[ WHISPERING ] What's that frightful noise?

- Might I possibly... - What is your business here?

- [ DOOR OPENS ] - [ BIRD SQUAWKS ]

Come in.

[ BIRD CLICKING ]

[ MAN ] Do you have news of where they are?

Stand aside.

Let a woman's fortitude prevail.

We'll rest here tonight, eh, Nell?

Make a fresh start in the morning.

[ GALLOPING HORSE ]

[ HORSE WHINNYING ]

[ DRIVER ] Hyah! Hyah!

[ PEOPLE CHATTERING ]

[ LAUGHING ]

What's the matter?

If only I'd gone on for a little bit longer,

my luck would've turned. I know it.

Lose today, win tomorrow.

How much money have we got left?

If we spend the money we made at the fair, we've enough to eat and sleep well tonight.

What about the money I gave you for safekeeping?

It's here.

Good.

[ DOOR SQUEAKING ]

[ THUNDER RUMBLING ]

[ COINS CLINKING ]

[ DOOR SQUEAKS SHUT ]

Ah!

[ LAUGHING ]

Gentlemen. Let us gamble.

For everything.

[ MAN ] Ooh.

[ MR QUILP ] Lend a hand here!

Bag!

Careful!

Morning, sir.

Here you are, sir.

I hope you've had a very pleasant journey, sir.

I wish you a very pleasant stay, sir.

Oh, this way, sir.

Top of the stairs, sir.

[ SIGHS ]

Ah, nectar!

Hello, there.

Don't look so startled, I'm being friendly.

Who won the helter-skelter horse race?

The helter-skelter, ma'am?

Yes, child. The helter-skelter horse race at the fair.

[ STUTTERING ] We don't know, ma'am.

Don't know? But you were there.

I saw you with my own eyes, yesterday.

You were in the company of a Mr Punch, a very low and vulgar wretch.

I think you may have been mistaken, ma'am.

[ COUGHING ] I mistake nothing, child.

You were working with two... showmen.

Do you know the two gentlemen, ma'am?

No.

Do I look like I mingle with the likes of the puppetry trade?

We beg your pardon, ma'am.

Granted, granted.

Still, I can understand you being ashamed of working with such vagabonds.

Come back here.

Come, come. Close, I say.

You'd better have some breakfast. You both look like you're in need of it.

An old man and a girl, you say?

Yes, sir. They left without paying.

Disgusting.

[ BELCHES ]

So...

[ SNIFFLING ]

What direction did they go, landlord?

I've no idea, sir, more's the pity. Just up and left.

Well...

It's bad manners.

Quite.

Eat and drink as much as you like. Don't spare anything.

It's a lovely knuckle of ham.

- How do you find it, Grandfather? - Oh, it's very tasty ma'am.

What kind of business are you in, ma'am?

Read that, child.

- "Jarley's Waxworks." - Aye.

That is me. I am the world-famous Mrs Jarley.

Jarley's is the delight of the nobility and of the royal family.

Oh, yes. [ SIGHING ] They've all patronised me.

Do you know, I've never seen a waxwork, ma'am.

Is it funnier than Punch and Judy?

Funnier, sir?

How dare you? My collection, sir, is not funny!

Oh, please, forgive me.

No jokings and squawkings like your rickety booth players, no.

Jarley's hysterical and famous waxworks is exhibiting at the Royal Assembly Rooms.

Oh.

I dare-say we'd like to visit, ma'am.

But I'm not certain.

No, we are poor people, ma'am. We have no work as yet.

I only wish we had.

You amaze me more and more.

Now, what line are you in? You know, what do you call yourselves?

- Beggars. - [ SPLUTTERS ] Nell!

Beggars! Oh.

Pass me the teapot.

Do my eyes, nose, and ears deceive me?

But you can read and that. Well, that's a mercy.

- And write, too, I shouldn't wonder. - Of course.

You'll journey with me today, I hope. Grandfather?

Well, that's marvellous, marvellous.

In the meanwhile, we'll talk about finding you some respectable employment.

You're brown by the sun, I see.

Have you been travelling far?

Pretty nigh all over the West Country, sir.

I've talked to travellers and fairground folk

from most parts of England, but none from the West Country.

I pray you can help me with the information I'm seeking.

- We'll do our best, sir. - You can depend upon us, sir.

- Especially... - If you make it worth our while.

Sir.

[ FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING ]

[ KEYS JINGLING ]

[ DOOR OPENS ]

Been at the workhouse. Do you see this?

Right. Don't say you never get any meat here.

Thank you, miss.

Don't answer back.

[ DOOR CLOSES ]

[ KEYS JINGLING ]

[ LOCKS CLICKING ]

You know them, the old man and child?

Tell me, where are they?

[ CHUCKLING NERVOUSLY ]

[ COINS CLINKING ]

Here.

A sovereign apiece.

Er... Hmm...

[ COUGHING ]

[ COINS CLINKING ]

- Thanks, sir. - Much obliged, sir.

[ MAN ] Where are they?

The last time we saw them, the old man and the girl...

They were travelling in that direction.

There.

Do you know where they've gone, sir?

I think I do, ma'am.

And it's my hope to travel to the old gentleman and the child today.

But first, I need to ask, will you let your son come with me?

Me, sir?

I'm not sure the old gentleman will want to see me.

Your presence, Kit, would assure Nell of my friendly intentions.

Why shouldn't he want to see you, sir?

There was a disagreement between us a long time ago,

which has banished us from meeting for many years.

You've been away, sir?

Yes, ma'am.

I made my fortune living abroad.

We still don't know who you are, sir.

- Why should we trust you, if you won't say? - I cannot say.

[ SIGHS ] Then my son cannot help you, sir.

Very well.

If I were to tell you my full history, perhaps then you might help me?

Perhaps we may, sir.

[ AUDIENCE APPLAUDING ]

[ NELL ] Ladies and gentlemen,

Mary, Queen of Scotland, you have been found guilty of high treason.

You must take your punishment before the great British public.

[ DRUM ROLL ]

[ PEOPLE GASP ]

[ AUDIENCE APPLAUDING ]

Here, sir. Yours and the child's wages.

Is anything the matter, sir?

[ STAMMERS ] No, ma'am.

- Another game, perhaps? - You've taken all the money I have.

- You are your own master, I hope. - Yeah. Now, don't jest with me, sir.

You could always borrow some, I suppose.

Borrow?

And when you're able, pay it back again.

And who do you propose that I should borrow from?

[ SIGHS ] Well...

If the good lady who keeps the waxworks has money

and keeps it, I believe, in a tin box under her bed,

but does not lock her door for fear of fire...

You mean rob Mrs Jarley, sir?

No, borrow, sir. Borrow. Where's the harm in that?

Think about it, sir.

The delights of bright, shining, golden coins clinking into your pocket.

Money, sir.

Winning, sir.

Game of cards, sir.

Nell?

What are you doing here? Hmm?

Is there something wrong?

Do you think gentlemen who spend their time playing cards

are honest men?

Why do ask?

[ CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY ] Why shouldn't they be honest men?

I lost some money while staying at the inn.

Unless it was taken by somebody only in jest.

Who would take money in jest?

Those who take it, take it to keep.

Then it was stolen.

Wasn't it?

Well...

Tell nobody about it and perhaps we'll find it again.

All the losses that were ever made are not worth any tears.

Why should they be? When I can win them back again.

I had a dreadful dream.

A dream of an old man in a darkened room robbing sleepers of their gold.

No, child.

- No. - Yes.

The dream was real.

Too real.

We must leave here before the dream comes true again.

- No. Nell. No, I... - Yes.

We must.

MRS JARLEY: I can't understand it, sir.

Nell and her grandfather seemed to have vanished

like winter smoke up an old maid's chimney.

Now, why should they do that, ma'am?

By your own accounts they were happy and contented here.

Well, I'd like to think so, but you can never tell with travellers.

They have restless souls.

[ MAN ] Have you any idea where they might have gone?

I'm afraid not. Oh, that poor girl. What will become of her?

I did have my suspicions about the old gentleman's state of mind.

He seemed... well, rather agitated at times.

LIGGERS: A caring man for the child, no doubt, sir.

But not altogether happy within himself. He was a...

A liar and a thief.

Good heavens! What are you doing hiding behind Mrs Fanny Firkins?

Do you want to cause us all a fright? My heart is thumping, sir, thumping!

Good day, sir. We meet again.

What is your business here, Quilp?

Oh, same as yours. I'm looking for the old man and his granddaughter.

I hope you're satisfied, sir.

Your behaviour has reduced the old man and child to beggars.

Driven them from house and home.

Why should that concern you?

Oh, the old miser owes you money, too, I bet.

Your talk is offencive, sir.

He's a thief and the girl's no better.

If you show any more impudence, Mr Quilp,

you will oblige me to beat you, you little monkey.

What did you say?

In the name of common sense,

have you any idea of the old man's whereabouts?

[ SCOFFS ] What do you take me for, sir? A gypsy conjurer?

Then we have nothing more to say to each other.

- Good day. - Is that so?

Yes. Pray, leave us.

I won't have my waxworks contaminated with interference.

- Oh, dear, no. - Get out of here.

Oh, I'll go willing, sir, but remember this.

Wherever that old man and child have gone, they cannot hide forever.

I'll make it my chief duty to find them, and when I do,

may God help 'em both.

[ WHISTLING TUNE ]

[ THUNDER RUMBLING ]

- [ GROANING ] - Lean on me, Grandfather.

Oh. I can't walk any further, child.

We have to... We have to rest.

But where are we to go?

We don't know anybody here.

Well, we'll seek out the kindness of strangers, Nell.

- I don't understand you, Grandfather. - You must...

You must beg, child.

Beg?

Yes, child, at once.

One gentleman's hat,

found floating in the river, sir,

by his counting house.

It looks very much like my husband's hat.

But we cannot be certain.

How long has Mr Quilp been missing, Mrs Jiniwin?

Oh, disappeared without a word four days ago, ma'am.

Nobody has seen him, including those who owe him money.

If he turns up anywhere, he'll float ashore somewhere in Deptford tomorrow morning,

just in time for the flea market.

Oh.

[ BETSY ] Poor Daniel.

Now, to the descriptive announcement of his death in the newspapers.

Isn't that a little presumptuous, Mr Brass?

Not if you want his life insurance, ma'am.

We must not allow grief to freeze our faculties.

Well, um, I would describe Mr Quilp as, um,

legs crooked,

short body.

- Um... - Nose?

- Pinched? - No.

- Flat. - [ MR QUILP SHOUTS ] Aquiline!

Aquiline, you old hag!

Do you call this flat? Do you?

Do you? Eh?

Risen from a watery grave!

[ THUNDER RUMBLING ]

Excuse me. Excuse me, please.

- Please. - Out of me way.

- Please. - [ MAN ] No. No.

- Please, can you help us? Please. - Move!

Please.

[ HORSE NEIGHING ]

[ MR QUILP ] I have some urgent business for you both.

[ SALLY ] Certainly, sir.

Private business. Put away your book, Mr Brass.

I don't want anything in writing.

Oh, nothing in writing.

We understand you, Mr Quilp.

It concerns that boy's new-found friendship with your lodger.

Christopher Nubbles? An extremely pleasant child.

- I don't like him. - Nor I.

The boy thwarts me and...

I owe him a grudge.

And this new friendship with your lodger

makes him a greater threat to our finding the old man and child.

How eloquent is Mr Quilp.

- Remarkable man in language. - Hush, Brother.

Come to the point, sir.

The boy insults my importance.

- He's a menace. - Precisely.

Devise your own means of keeping him away from the lodger,

and I will pay you handsomely for your pains.

- Anything for you, Mr Quilp. - Of course, Mr Quilp.

Thank you.

- Please. Please help. - [ WOMAN ] Get out of my way.

[ SOBBING ]

Nobody cares, Grandfather.

Bid to their mercy, Nell. We must eat tonight.

I... I can't, Grandfather.

If you loved me, Nelly, you'd find us money.

- Please don't make me. - I need money to exist!

- Please. No... - Do your best. I...

- Just do it! - Please, no!

Can't you see I'm desperate?

Please. Please.

[ COUGHING ]

[ GRANDFATHER ] Nell!

0h. My God!

Nell.

Can nobody help us?

In God's name!

Please! Please, somebody help us. Please!

[ HORSE NEIGHING ]

- Oh, please, help! - For God's sake, stop the carriage.

Let me help you, sir.

Try to stand. Can you stand?

[ WHISPERS INAUDIBLY ]

Oh, Kit. Come in, come in.

A word, if I may.

Now...

ls anything the matter, sir?

Matter? No. Why should anything be the matter?

You look like you're in pain, sir.

Oh, pooh-pooh. I never felt better. Mere fancy.

Now, I've been thinking. Your mother's a widow, is she not?

Oh, yes, sir. A hard-working or better woman never lived.

Ah, poor young widow struggling to maintain her family.

It's a delicious picture of human goodness, don't you think?

- Put your hat down, Kit. - Thank you, sir, but I have to get going.

No, no, no, put it down. Stay a while.

Now, what's to prevent us giving this good young woman, your mother,

a nice wage in return for a little light dusting and washing?

What do you say to that? See any objection?

How can I see any objection to such a kind offer, sir?

Very well, then. It's done! We'll say no more.

- Sammy! - Uh, yes, Sister?

- Come here and help me. - Of course.

Will you excuse me, Kit?

I got him wrong, sir. He seems a generous, honest man.

Does he?

Well, sir, if that's all, I'll best be off.

Yes, you run along, honest young fellow.

And tell your mother all we discussed.

Oh, dear me. Dear me.

- What have you lost, Sammy? - A five-pound note.

I laid it down here.

- Oh, God bless me. - What?

- It's gone. - Five pounds?

Well, never mind. What's five pounds?

The boy's honest, you know. Very honest.

Yes. It's far too mean to suspect him.

[ SIGHS IN RELIEF ]

Kit Nubbles. Come back here.

We need help here!

Blankets. Get some blankets. And get a fire lit!

- Well, Sammy? - Nothing here.

All is perfectly satisfactory.

Told you so. I wish you'd believed me.

The boy's innocent, Mr Quilp. My examination proves it.

Very well, he may go.

But first,

search his hat.

- His what? - The hat.

Mr Swiveller, if you please.

Inside the lining.

- The lining? - The lining.

Oh, I knew it.

Like his master, the boy's a liar and a thief.

KIT: I never did it.

- Please, you got to believe me. - Oh, miserable miscreant.

Is this the boy who was going to benefit from my benevolence?

Please... sir...

Honest, sir, I never stole nothing.

A constable, if you please.

Stop struggling, lad.

I never wronged anyone of a farthing, sir, honest.

Well, I only wish I could doubt the evidence of my senses,

but the dispositions are unimpeachable!

A moral funeral.

Help is at hand, Kit, I promise.

I'm afraid you won't be able to help each other now, sir.

Oh, what a disappointment for your mother,

and this kind gentleman who has trusted you so much.

Such treachery, I... I can hardly believe it myself.

You little monkey.

Drive on, coachie!

[ HORSE WHINNYING ]

Your good health.

Cheery be, Mr Swiveller.

[ COUGHS ]

- What does your mistress call you? - A little devil.

Really?

Well, to make this evening seem all the more real and pleasant,

I think I shall call you...

the Marchioness.

Oh, sir, yes. How I should like that so very much.

It makes everything between us so properly dignified, dunnit?

It does.

Tell me, do they often leave you locked up down here?

Almost always.

At least, she would...

If I didn't own her Ladyship's spare key.

How very ingenious of you, Marchioness.

Marchioness, it occurs to me that you must have been in the constant habit

of airing your eye at keyholes to know what you know.

Oh, yes, sir.

I hear things through chinks and keyholes that would make your hair curl.

Still, I never thought them capable of such an evil deed.

That poor boy.

What are you talking about, Marchioness?

[ PRISONERS CLAMOURING ]

Well, congratulations, you false witness.

[ LAUGHING WICKEDLY ]

You perjurer.

You suborners of evidence.

He has the richest of humours, don't you think, Sally?

- Mmm. - Most amazing vein of comicality.

Mmm, very droll, Brother.

Well, I... I'm pleased you think so.

The fact is, sir, any allusion to these little conspiracies of ours...

What conspiracies are you talking about, Mr Brass?

Exactly, sir. Caution. Caution.

Don't talk to me of your conspirings.

Do I know anything about you and your sister's lies?

I haven't conspired with anybody.

Quite right, sir. I shouldn't have mentioned it.

All is forgotten.

Good.

[ DOOR OPENS ]

[ FOOTSTEPS ]

[ DOOR CLOSES ]

[ WIND HOWLING ]

[ MAN ] Aces.

[ INDISTINCT CHATTERING ]

[ MAN ] Would you like to make some back, sir?

Luck might change.

Nell?

Nell!

Nell...

Oh, forgive me. God, forgive me.

[ REVEREND PRATCHETT ] She's tired herself out, sir.

No, Reverend.

She's tired of life.

I've broken her heart

with my false promises.

Then repent, sir. For good.

Before it's too late.

Confess the truth. Your serving girl is a witness.

She saw and overheard everything.

That girl's a liar.

- Still, Brother. Keep your reserve. - I congratulate you, ma'am.

You have the honour of being sister to one of the greatest rogues that ever lived.

If I may venture to say, miss, you are in every respect quite worthy of him.

How dare you suggest I had any kind of dealings...

In league with you both is, I believe, a third party,

- a felon by the name of... - Quilp.

Hold your tongue, workhouse.

Quilp is the prime devil of this whole affair, isn't he?

Be careful, sir, what you say is slander.

Yeah, how very true, Brother.

A scullery maid's word against two honourable members of the legal profession?

Who would believe her?

- Give that back to me. - He writes everything down, sir.

Hush your mouth!

He keeps a list of all the evil doings he's done.

I've seen it all through my keyhole.

Here is your evidence, sir.

Every word written down for all the world to see.

The man's a rogue.

- Oh, Sally. - Restraint.

[ SOFTLY ] Mr Quilp distinctly told you to write nothing down.

To cover his own tracks, why should I listen to him?

Oh, Sammy.

There's enough evidence here to lock you both away for life.

Oh, Sister, let us confess. Let us make it easier upon ourselves.

Quiet, do you have any idea what you're doing?

Sally, these gentlemen are offering us some kind of pardon

if we help them, are you not?

Hardly that, sir.

But I suppose your good faith might be acknowledged

when considering your crimes.

Do you hear that, Sister? Very well, then.

My answer to all these crimes and more is...

Quilp.

- No. Oh, Brother, no. - Yes, Sister, yes!

My answer to all these crimes is Quilp.

He who despises me with an icy heart.

Quilp, who gives us both the cold shoulder,

and laughs with disdain at these very matters concerning Kit Nubbles

as if he had nothing to do with it.

Whereas, in fact, he was the first to propose it.

[ SOFTLY ] Brother, you've said too much.

We're ruined, you've ruined us both.

And in ruining ourselves, Sally,

we have ruined him.

Mr Daniel Quilp hangs.

[ MOB CLAMOURING ]

Daniel!

Daniel!

Go your ways, woman, or I'll come out and scratch you.

[ PANTING ] You must leave here at once.

They're coming for you. They know the truth.

What are you babbling about, woman?

[ MOB SHOUTING ANGRILY ]

Mr Brass and his sister, they've broken your confidence.

The neighbourhood is angry, Daniel. They want revenge.

Brass! I want Brass.

If only I had you here.

If only we were face to face in this room again.

How well contented one of us would be.

[ SHOUTING ]

Let me come with you. Let me help you.

I don't want you to help me.

[ COINS CLINKING ]

Why do you hate life so much, Daniel?

[ GLASS SHATTERING ]

- You think money is everything? - Out of my way!

[ SHOUTING CONTINUES ]

[ BETSY ] Daniel?

Daniel, please.

Where are you going?

[ ICE CREAKING ]

lam your wife.

There is love in you somewhere, I know there is.

You flatter yourself, my dear.

I didn't marry you out of love.

[ CRACKING ]

[ WHIMPERS ] Daniel.

Daniel?

[ COINS CLINKING ]

[ SOBBING ]

Help! Help me! Daniel!

Help me, please. Daniel.

[ MAN 1 ] Do you see him? [ MAN 2 ] Do you see him?

Daniel? Daniel!

Come. Let's move her.

Come on, love.

[ CHILDREN SHOUTING ]

- Mother! - Kit!

[ SOBBING ]

How can I ever thank you, sir?

By letting your son make one last journey with me, ma'am.

It's time to see my daughter.

[ COUGHING ]

[ REVEREND PRATCHETT ] You did well to find us, sir.

The child is very weak.

Prepare yourself for sadness, sir.

[ MAN ] I pray we're not too late.

Master. Dear master.

What is this?

Kit? Am I dreaming?

It's no dream, master.

What you see is... ls real.

My God!

It can't be.

Yes, it's me, Father, your son.

- Your spirit? - No spirit, master.

See. It's your own...

My own flesh and blood.

I'm sorry for deserting you, Father.

- Forgive me, sir. Forgive me. - Hush. Hush. Hush. Say no more.

You have returned now and that is all we ever wanted.

Oh, this should be a joyous time,

not a tragic one.

This day will break me forever.

- Kit? - Yes, Nell.

I've come to see you, miss.

Look. Someone else is here.

Nell. This is your father, child.

My father?

I'm here now.

If you'll let me be here.

Don't... Don't try and sit up, Nell. You must rest.

I'm pleased to see you, Father.

I'm glad you've come home.

So am I, child.

See what I've caused.

[ WEAKLY ] I forgive you...

- Grandfather. - Nell.

Don't leave us.

Please.

I will never leave you.

I'm sorry, child.

I'd have done anything for you, if I could.

I know.

I love you.

I love you.

You'll live forever in my heart.

[ SOBBING ]

She's now at peace, Father.

Released.

Her soul is set free.

[ GRANDFATHER ] It is hard to take to heart the lesson that such a death brings.

That a person lives forever in those that love them

and plays their part through them in all their redeeming actions in this world.

And so do things end

like a story that is now told.