Original subtitles

Invitation for you Colin.

Oh Julie, how very kind.

Well there's two actually.

A serious one and a bun fight.

Good Heavens. You're getting married in Westminster Abbey!

Hmm, that's the bun fight.

The serious one's this evening.

In the staff room, five kegs of beer,

and no one's allowed to leave until they've been sick twice.

Well, I shall certainly look forward to that.

Have you heard anything?

What?

About who's taking over when Mr. Brittas goes?

I've been through his diary,

I go through his pockets every morning - Nothing.

Not gonna be easy is it,

finding someone to fill a giant's shoes.

Well, Gavin seems pretty keen.

Gavin?

Haven't you noticed?

The nose has been very close to the royal trousers lately.

Gavin, forgive me Julie,

he's a nice enough lad, but he could never deal

with an emergency the way that Mr Brittas does.

Well that's one thing going for him.

You're not putting that on the wall are you?

I thought I needed something to help remember him by.

Well, I don't think most of us will have any problem.

See ya.

Featherly.

Come in.

Ah Mr. Brittas, I just wanted to...

I thought I was leaving the running of the Centre to my deputy managers today, Gavin?

Er, yes I know Mr. Brittas, I just wanted to tell you...

I am rather busy packing.

I'll come back later.

Alright, alright, what's the problem?

Oh, it's not a problem Mr. Brittas,

I just wanted to let you know that the new queuing system's up and running.

Queuing system?

Yes, if you remember Mr. Brittas,

you suggested that someone might like to look into

increasing customer through-flow, and user friendliness at points of access.

Right.

Well, it's all set up in Reception,

and I've designed this form to quantify the delay quotient,

so that we can compare processing speeds with the old system.

A form! Well done.

Well, two forms actually Mr. Brittas.

One for the customer, and one self-copier for staff use.

This is very impressive stuff Gavin Featherly.

Thank you, Mr Brittas.I also wondered if a computer database might...

Thank God I've found you Mr. Brittas.

Colin!

You'll never believe what's just turned up in the basement.

I was just banging a nail in the wall...

Stop Colin. Stop right there.

Very shortly, I'll be going to Brussels, Colin.

I know Mr. Brittas, and I'm very upset about it.

And, when I'm gone Colin, who's gonna solve your problems then?

I don't know Mr. Brittas.

You're gonna have to solve your problems on your own,

so you may as well start getting used to it now.

Well, I have a feeling in this particular...

And, let's not have any feelings Colin.

Let's just think the problem through

and sort it out on our own, shall we?

What if I make a mistake?

That's how we learn Colin, by making mistakes.

I know but...

Go on Colin, get out there and make a mistake.

Now Colin.

Yes, Mr. Brittas.

Would you like me to go and see what it is Mr. Brittas?

He's got to learn how to manage on his own Gavin.

Yes, I know Mr. Brittas, I just thought...

I may have to pick up the pieces when he's done,

but it's the only way people like Colin ever learn.

Mr. Brittas?

What is it Colin?

This thing I'm not allowed to mention Mr. Brittas.

Colin! -Can I just give you the first letter?

You're on your own Colin.

Right Mr. Brittas.

You are quite sure Mr. Brittas?

He's got to do it Gavin.

In three weeks' time I won't be here, will I?

Maybe in three weeks' time, Mr. Brittas, he'll have someone else he can come to.

What?

Well I imagine in three weeks' time, Mr. Brittas, we'll have a new manager.

Ah, now that reminds me.

Yes Mr. Brittas?

Could you ask Laura to come up and see me please?

Laura?

Yes, and I can show her your new forms.

Excellent work Gavin.

Helen.

He hasn't got you doing the cleaning now has he?

We think it was the W.I. craft group.

They had a bit of a lecture yesterday about hanging their coats on the proper hooks.

Children getting all excited are they?

Sorry?

About going to Brussels?

Oh I didn't tell you. They're not going.

Not going?

No, I thought it was probably best if they stayed here -- with me.

You're not going either?

No, it's very awkward taking them out of school

and Jonathan's only just gone back after being suspended,

and there's the dog as well.

Yes?

And a friend has very kindly offered to let us stay in their house.

For seven years?

Ah, it'll be about that, yes.

This friend wouldn't be John Rawlinson by any chance?

Oh, Helen.

Oh Laura, he's got everything I want.

Huge house, lots of money.

He's got a woman who comes in and cooks,

someone else who cleans.

But does Mr. Brittas know about this?

Well, I...

You haven't told him have you? Helen, he's leaving in three weeks.

I know, I know. That's why I'm here.

You see, I wondered if it wasn't the sort of thing that might sound better coming...

Not a chance.

Oh go on Laura, he likes you. It won't take a second.

Helen, I'm not about to tell a man his wife is leaving him.

Well, couldn't you just...

No, you're on your own on this one.

It's that way! -I can't see him 'till 10 can I?

Why not?

It takes half an hour for the pills to work.

Excuse me.

Oh, if I could ask you to use our queuing system.

I beg your pardon?

Just that one of our deputy managers is testing

a scheme to avoid delays and bad temper.

If I could ask you to follow the arrows?

Do I have to?

It'd be a great help.

Also, if you could take a number.

Good morning, and welcome to Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre, Carole speaking.

Yes, I would like to... -And your number is?

Number one.

Good. How can I help you?

My name is Trap.

I'm from the Department of Social Services.

Now, I'm acting on information we have received last week.

Are you Mrs. Parkinson?

That's right, yes.

I'm investigating a report that children

are being kept in drawers behind this desk.

That's right, yes.

Now, I know it doesn't sound very likely, but I have...

What did you say?

I said yes.

You're keeping three children in drawers behind your desk?

Well, there's only one in the drawer at the moment.

She's been having some rather bad nightmares

and she's having a little lie down.

And the others? -Well, they're in the cupboard.

I don't know what they're doing.

Oh, Ben is watching the television, and Emily is doing some colouring.

Please mind the wall, sweetie.

May I see the child in the drawer?

Oh yes, but you have to be quiet, she's a very tired little girl.

You just leave her there in the dark?

You can't put a light bulb in there.

The heat cooks them.

It's not the sort of mistake you make twice, I can tell you.

The hundred pound Krupps Bessinger Mark VI,

originally designed for deep ground penetration

was detonated by a timing mechanism that proved somewhat unreliable.

From June 1940, however, it was replaced by the Mark VII.

Mark seven.

The Mark VII was also armed with a trembler,

that would trigger the detonator if it was moved.

Laura?

You wanted to see me Mr. Brittas?

Yes, if you'd like to take a seat please, Laura.

Now...

Mr. Brittas, before you start, could I say something?

Yes, of course.

I know I probably shouldn't, I have no right,

but... -Yes?

Well, you're leaving in three weeks' time,

and I just thought, I couldn't bear to let you to go

without you knowing how much you meant to me.

That's very kind of you, Laura.

I'm not talking about the respect that we all feel for you.

I love you, Mr. Brittas.

Mm?

I've loved you from the moment I first saw you

and I think I'll go on loving you for the rest of my life.

I know it's useless. We're both married

and we can never be together, but before you go....

I just wanted...

Laura?

You wanted to see me, Mr. Brittas?

Yes, if you'd like to take a seat please, Laura.

Mr. Brittas, before you start, could I say something?

Yes, of course.

I know I probably shouldn't, I have no right, but...

Go on Laura, go on, whatever it is you want to say, say it.

It's about Helen.

My wife?

Mr. Brittas, you probably don't realise this

but she's not very keen on going to Brussels.

Right.

I just thought I'd warn you.

She'll be up here in a few minutes, and she's very determined not to go.

Right. That's it, is it? -What?

There wasn't anything else that you wanted to...

To talk to me about?

Mr. Brittas, do you hear what I'm saying to you?

Your wife is planning to leave you.

Unless you do something about it, you'll be going to Brussels alone

and that's the last you'll see of her.

Yep.

Yes, yes of course, Laura, yes, I'll get onto it right away.

Could you ask him not to do that please?

I'll still be here when you get back.

In seven years?

Lots of couples have to separate at odd times in their lives, Gordon,

I mean, look at people in the Navy.

Yeah, people in the Navy have a reason for doing it, Helen.

So do we. I've explained.

Staying to look after the family dog is not what I call an explanation.

Well, what else can we do with him?

He can't live in Brussels, can he? This is his home.

Come on Helen, this has nothing to do with who looks after the dog.

Yes it is.

You and I both know what's really going on here, Helen.

This about being my wife, isn't it?

I don't know what you're talking about.

About being the wife of a European Commissioner.

You are scared, aren't you?

Scared?

Living in official residences,

entertaining presidents and prime ministers.

You think you'll look stupid, don't you?

But you are forgetting one thing, my sweet.

I'll be there.

I'll be there to hold your hand.

To show you how to behave. Tell you what to do.

I'd never let you look stupid.

Hey, you've got another emergency.

Julie, I thought I told you I wasn't to be disturbed?

Downstairs, I'd hurry if I were you.

Why can't people cope with things themselves?

Okay, if that's the way you want it.

Go for it Linda.

Hang on, hang on.

What exactly are you planning to do with that implement?

Smash a door down.

Are you talking about Leisure Centre property?

I don't think we have any choice, Mr. Brittas.

She's locked herself in.

Who has?

Carole.

Yeah, and the man from the DSS says we've got to get her out.

He's got a warrant.

Two minutes, my darling.

Come on.

Alright Carole, you can't stay in there forever.

Open the door.

Sorry Mr Brittas, but I don't think I'm coming out.

Look, Carole, listen to me.

Mr. Trap here only wants to help.

He's not going to do anything.

What are you going to do exactly?

Well, in the short term, I'm afraid I must take her children into care.

Right. All he wants to do is take your children into care, Carole.

Carole, it's not so bad.

Orphanages are very caring places these days.

It's not bread and water and beatings any more.

It's not, is it?

We'd probably arrange for foster parents in the first instance.

There you are, Carole. It'll be a foster home.

Your children will go to nice people

who'll be able to care for them properly.

No.

That is no way to talk to your leisure centre manager.

Anything wrong, Mr. Brittas?

It's Carole, she's locked herself in the cupboard again.

Do we know why?

Yeah, he's from the DSS.

He's come to take her children away.

What?

Alright Carole, this is your last chance.

I don't feel like going out there...

Well, I'm not going to have my Centre immobilised by a lady locked in a cupboard.

Linda, take the door down. -Right Mr Brittas.

Just a minute!

Mr. Brittas, there are three small children in there.

Well, what else can we do Laura?

Has anyone got a better idea?

So unfair, Tim, it's just so unfair.

Look, did he actually say he was gonna give her the job?

Well, he didn't have to, did he?

It was written all over his face.

Why, that's what I don't understand, Tim.

I mean, what's so special about Laura?

Well, she's efficient. People like her.

She's done it before.

No, I can't think.

At least if I was manager of this place, you wouldn't have to worry

about me running off after a couple of months because I was pregnant.

Touch wood, eh?

I could have gotten this place off the ground Tim. I could've made things happen,

I could have made the place hum. It's so unfair.

And she doesn't hit people on the head with croquet balls.

Alright everyone, I think we have to admit

that Carole has defeated us on this occasion.

Linda, if you'd like to take everyone through to the restroom please.

Yes Mr. Brittas.

Mr. Trap, I'll take you out to your car.

Thank you for coming. Have a nice day.

I'd better go back to my office and do some packing. I've got a lot to do.

Hang on. I'll be right back.

Ah, Mr. Brittas, I'm afraid there's been a bit of an accident...

Not so loud. We're trying to get Carole out of a cupboard.

Oh.

Sorry, Mr. Brittas, there's been an accident with a ball.

Well, deal with it, just do it quietly.

Right, Mr. Brittas.

Emergency services?

What's happened, Tim?

It's Colin.

Look, she's never going to come out if everyone keeps talking, is she?

Ambulance please. He's quite badly hurt.

Come with me, Julie.

Oh, for goodness sake, someone start up a brass band, why don't you?

What's going on, Tim?

It's a head injury, yes it's, I think it's quite serious.

What?

Thank you. It's Colin.

He's been hit on the head.

On the head? Well, get a first aid box, for goodness sake.

My goodness me, what happened?

We think it was a cricket ball.

There were two boys playing on the grass at the side, Mr. Brittas.

Now that is not allowed. Did you get their names?

Unfortunately, they were rather a long way away, Mr. Brittas.

Can we talk about this later, Mr Brittas?

I think Colin should lie down.

Into the rest room, please. Come on, in you go.

Could you keep an eye on the cupboard please?

She may come out, you know, searching for food.

Right, well done Laura.

Tim, newspapers under his head, please.

Gavin, get outside, find out the names of the culprits.

Julie, insurance forms please.

Colin, where's Colin?

You just stay right there, Colin, alright?

Where do you want this, Mr. Brittas?

What?

I wondered where you wanted me to put this?

Linda, I have one member of staff unconscious,

another locked in a cupboard,

and you want to know what to do with a croquet set?

I only thought it...

Linda, it's not exactly a matter of life and death, is it?

Put it down, come and help Tim.

Yes, Mr. Brittas.

How is he Laura? -Well, there's a lot of blood,

but I don't think it's as bad as it looks.

I think that's all we can do for the present.

Right, let's get him out to the ambulance.

Where are you going?

If you remember, Mr. Brittas, you told the ambulancemen

to come round to the back in future. You thought it was better for morale.

Come on, get outside, outside.

Mrs. Parkinson, I don't like this any more than you do,

but I have... James, please

finish your orange and then it's time for music practise.

Look, if you don't open up

I shall have to fetch the police.

It would be a lot easier if you just come out, and we could talk about it, eh?

Please? -Edelweiss...

Every morning you greet me

Small and white,

Clear and bright -She still hasn't come out then?

Sorry?

Carole. -Carole?

No.

Mr. Trap, I know it may look strange keeping children in drawers.

Singing.

What?

Is that the children?

Yes, yes they normally practise about now.

My grandmother used to sing this song to me, when I was a boy, in Salzburg.

Did she?

Oh, if my children could sing like that.

Yes. -Bless my homeland forever.

Carole, I think you can open the door now.

Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow

Bloom and grow forever

Sorry, my darling.

Had to find a couple of hooligans who attacked Colin with a cricket ball.

Fortunately, Tim and Gavin identified them with no problem.

Gordon, what's this?

What? Ah.

Is this our house? Is this where we're gonna live?

That's the Official Residence, my darling.

Why didn't you tell me?

I knew how you'd feel.

And this?

That's another one.

We have two houses?

Three, actually.

All for us? Do they give us three houses?

Don't worry, my darling, you'll have help.

They provide servants.

You never said anything about servants.

I should have told you all about this ages ago.

I just didn't want to burden you.

You get a limousine as well.

It will be a very different lifestyle.

Not the happy, carefree existence we're used to at all.

Oh, never mind.

But it's not too late. If you don't want to go,

you feel you can't cope, all you have to do is say

and that's it. I will post the relocation allowance right back.

We won't go, end of story.

This is money?

Yes, but as I said my darling, we don't have to take it.

If you feel we can't manage, then we won't go.

Oh, I think I'll manage.

Mind you, there is the children's education to worry about.

Oh, I don't know. Going abroad might be rather good for them.

And the dog?

Oh, we can put him in kennels.

For seven years?

Sell him then.

Helen Brittas, you never cease to amaze me.

The things you're prepared to do to support me.

Can I cash this now?

If you feel it's the right thing to do, my sweet.

Oh, I do Gordon, I do.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'll come back.

No, it's all right Laura, I'm going. -Going? Where?

Brussels. Can't stop, got to get to the bank before the shops shut.

What is it Laura?

Oh, it's Carole. She's been offered a job.

A job?

The DSS man wants her to teach his children music.

He's offering free board and lodging,

a thousand a month and she wants to know if should she take it.

Oh, I can't believe it.

What?

I've been making decisions for that lady

for the past five years. If she can't decide

between going off with some total stranger

or having her children looked after by responsible government officials,

I give up.

I'll tell her that.

Laura, before you go, take a seat will you please.

Now, when I asked to see you this morning,

it was because I wanted to give you something.

Oh.

Gosh, all this for me?!

What is it?

This is my Centre, Laura.

And it's all for you.

The confidential staff files, the blacklist,

the 20 year plan, it's all yours.

Oh, Mr. Brittas.

Laura, I would like you to be the new manager

of Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre.

That is a wonderful offer Mr. Brittas.

I hoped you'd think so.

And I'm more flattered than I can say.

There's just one problem.

What?

I can't accept.

Why not?

I'm going to America-- in five weeks' time.

I haven't told anyone yet, but I'm expecting a baby

and Michael wants him to be born out there, and so does Michael's father.

So -- I'm leaving.

Gavin, I've got a dead one here.

Okay, Julie, I'll get another.

Oh, thanks, Laura.

Lovely party, Julie.

Well, you don't leave a job like this every day

and I thought it was worth celebrating.

I'm looking forward to the wedding.

So am I. Oh, it's like a dream come true, Laura.

Marrying a man who owns a brewery.

Every woman's fantasy, I'd say.

Oh, it's brilliant right.

As his fiancee, all I have to do is turn up, sign me name

and they put a couple of kegs in the boot.

I think you're getting ready for a very happy marriage, Julie.

Or what I can remember of it.

And as well as the apartment in Brussels, of course,

there's the house in Meyerhaven which is vast.

It is, isn't it?

Luckily for me, the servants come down at weekends, though.

Then this is the place on Lake Como.

And this is yours as well?

Yes, it's what they call a hunting lodge.

Apparently, our nearest neighbour is Queen Beatrice,

when she's not in the Netherlands.

So when are you moving?

Well, Gordon goes out in three weeks' time,

but I have to wait a little longer until the house is sold.

It only went on the market a couple of hours ago.

Really? -Yes.

Only Gavin and I will be looking for something bigger.

I mean, the flat's a bit small for a manager to do any entertaining.

Well, you must come round, have a look.

Laura?

No hard feelings, eh?

Sorry?

About the, you know...

Oh, the job. No, no, Gavin. Congratulations.

Oh, thanks. I mean, I know we were both aiming

for the same... We'd be fools if we didn't...

Think nothing of it. The best man won.

Oh, that's really nice of you to say so, thanks.

Now, I mean, we'll only survive if we all pull together as a team.

You know, I think it's going to be quite a challenge.

Yes. Can I make one suggestion?

That's absolutely it. I want everyone to feel they

can chip in with their own contributions at any time.

I think you should do something about the beer keg.

Oh.

Hello everyone. -Carole. Hello.

This is Wilhelm, who's taken me into his house

as governess and music teacher to his children.

Oh, well done Carole.

You've made a very wise choice Mr. Trap.

It's Von Trap, actually Tim,

although he hasn't used the title since leaving Austria.

His family weren't driven out by the Nazis, were they?

Yes, they were, how did you know?

Just a lucky guess.

In fact, let me introduce you to Wilhelm's children.

Here's Lottie who's 10, Hermann who's 12,

Vernon who's 13, and Liesl who's 16 -- going on 17.

Oh, crikey, come and have a drink Carole. Wilhelm.

This way everyone.

It's funny, isn't it?

What?

How everyone seems to have found a happy ending.

Yeah, I suppose they have.

Gavin gets to be manager, which means he can make Tim a deputy.

Mr. Brittas is going to Brussels, and Mrs. Brittas seems very happy about it.

Carole's found a family. You're going to live in Chicago with a millionaire.

Billionaire, Linda.

Everyone's got what they wanted.

What about you?

Well, as a matter of fact, I had some rather good news this morning.

Linda, you've been accepted, for theological college.

Sort of hoping to be the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury.

That's wonderful.

Stop, everybody. Stop right there.

What is it, Colin? -Thank God I've found you all.

There's going to be a terrible disaster.

You're all going to die unless...

Unless what?

No, no, it's gone again.

Come and have a drink Colin.

I had it in the taxi. Why on earth didn't I write it down?

Anything in here to load, miss? -I'm sorry?

Anything to load for Mr Brittas to take down to ferry?

Oh, no no. Oh, yes.

He might want to take his croquet set.

Oh right.

How's it going?

Just wondered if you'd have time to pop in to the party?

Only it seems a shame. Everyone else is there.

This one too, guv?

Am I making a terrible mistake?

What?

Going to Brussels. Leaving this place.

Well...

You saw them today. They're like children.

The smallest problem arises, and who do they run to?

Mr. Brittas.

What are they going to do when I'm not there?

They'll manage.

I worry about them, Laura.

They're not just numbers on a payslip any more.

They're my staff.

You haven't changed your mind?

Maybe the best thing I can do is

get them to unload this van and stick everything back in The Centre.

You want this back indoors then?

Mr. Brittas, can I say something?

Sure.

I know it's difficult, but I think in any job you eventually reach a point when,

however successful you've been, it's time to move on.

I'm not sure this is the time, Laura.

I think it is, Mr. Brittas.

You have to go. Europe needs people like you.

You think so?

They have a dream there.

170 million people, all marching together towards a new dawn.

It's a wonderful dream.

Go to Brussels, Mr. Brittas.

It's made for people like you.

Take it to Brussels, Charlie.