Original subtitles

[dramatic music plays]

[drum roll]

Hold it!

Hold it.

- Let me go! - Pack it in, son!

I'm not your son!

You stupid, ignorant little muckrat!

- Give me back that knife. - You picked on the wrong man, sonny.

I ought to take you to the nick for carrying this.

Yeah, you do that.

That's all you old blokes can think of.

Knock off the young 'uns, run us into the nick.

You lot, you make a mess of everything and want to take it out on us.

- How old are you? - Fifty.

Mind your lip! How old? How old?

Seventeen.

- You live round here? - Somerset Street.

Come here, come on.

[horn beeps]

- Somerset Street. - That's where i said.

You're 17 and you think you know everything. Here, clean it up.

Son, you know nothing. Nothing.

Twenty years ago, this was all different.

You stood here and you saw a different sort of view.

Why, they've even changed the name.

Yeah, 20 years ago, they called this... Kennedy Street.

[jaunty music plays]

[man] Lovely, fresh shrimps!

Lovely fresh shrimps!

How's it going, Kip?

There's no money about. They're all skint.

Don't forget that i'm on Daisy Lee.

All right, you're on, Jess.

-[man] Lovely bloaters! Tuppence ha'penny! -[yelling] Get your bleeding hands off it!

Aw, fry your fat face!

Got a light, Kip?

What was the price of the last winner?

- Five-to-two. - Cor, ought have been ten-to-one.

Five-to-two, I tell you. Don't stand arguing the point.

You'll get me knocked off.

Hello, George. Any luck?

No, Hetty, not the smell of a job. Still, it'll come.

[man] Lovely fresh shrimps! Tuppence half a pint!

Lovely fresh shrimps!

Jimmy, look.

Come on, lovely. It's Hetty come to see you.

[baby bawls]

Come on, love.

Give Mum a smile then.

Come on.

[man] You're all the same. Why don't you leave me alone and mind your own business?

- I heard you threw up your job, Tommy. - Threw me up.

They never wanted me in the first place.

They never trusted me.

Anyway, what can you do on thirty bob a week?

You were learning a trade, carpentry.

- Carpentry! - Well, it's a good trade.

Yeah, making chairs for someone else to sit on.

- You threw up your job, Tommy? - Oh, no, don't you start on me.

I've had enough already.

Oh, and there's something else.

Fellow at your workshop lost a few tools, chisels, a plane.

- There, you see. - Know anything about them?

- I said they never trusted me. - Did you take them? i'm asking you.

I told you, I'm through with that caper.

Oh, he just mentioned it to me. He's making no charge.

Look, Tommy. Go down here.

It's a decent firm. They'll give you a start.

What is the firm, Frank? What do they make?

- Corsets. - Eh?

Yeah, they want someone to try them on.

Can you see me? Trying on stays? [chuckles]

He'd look like seven Sundays.

They want a lad in the stock room. Deliveries as well.

You go for it, Tommy, or i'll be after you.

Ah, Superman, eh?

So what?

Lend it to me when you've finished. I'd like to grow muscles like that myself.

How's the rheumatics, Bill?

Pretty rough at times.

Why don't you try rubbing the shoulder with brown ale?

No, serious, I'm told it's good.

You kidding? Waste good beer on my screws?

Ah, no.

My trouble is i've been lodging here too long.

This place is rotten with damp.

- Watch it, Tommy. - Thanks, Mr Collins.

Thanks, Mr Collins. No, Mr Collins. Certainly, Mr Collins.

What gives him the right to chase me?

- He's not a bad bloke. - He's a copper.

- You need that job. - I'll manage.

I ironed your shirt. Sewed the button on.

- I'll put it on later. - Now.

Always fussing, fussing.

Hey, just a minute.

There, that's better.

- Stew for dinner. Only wants warming. - Stew!

We live on stew.

Still, there won't be much left when you've finished, I'll bet.

I put some dumplings in it.

Ah, that's different, dumplings.

Put some meat on your muscle.

The champion feints with his right and his left goes...

I haven't got time for games. I promised to go up and see Mrs Cohen.

I shan't be long. And don't let the dinner burn.

How much can you get?

Fifteen bob or a pound.

The plane's worth a quid on its own.

I might get more.

How much do you want?

Half.

- You wouldn't cross me? - Oh, now, Tommy.

You'd pawn your own mother for a pint.

Okay, go out and flog them.

[muffled singing]

[singing]

Put them away, quickly! Put them away!

♪ I took them home and put them on a plate ♪

- ♪ As happy as can be ♪ - Oh, shut up, Kipper!

♪ I didn't left the room two ticks ♪

♪ When all the family ♪

♪ Was picking all the big ones out Picking all the big ones out ♪

♪ Talk about a man's face being full of wrinkles ♪

♪ When i saw that penn'orth of winkles ♪

Oh, shut up, Kipper! Where you off to?

Wreath for Tomkins, number 84.

Well, see they pay you. They got £15 on the insurance.

- What you got there? - Nothing.

- Where d'you get that lot from? - Picked them up.

And you was gonna sell them and say nothing about it, eh?

- That's right, Tommy. Give them here. - They're mine.

Did someone speak or did the wind blow?

They're mine, I'm selling them!

You're asking for trouble.

Now, Tommy, that's no way to speak to your mother.

Come on, fair's fair, 50-50.

He's got spunk though, Kipper, you've got to admit that.

The whole lot's not worth a pound.

I saw the probation officer yesterday.

Do you know what he said to me?

Said he thought you had brains

but he was afraid you was weak.

Weak?

- He said that, did he? - A-huh.

Weak.

I'll show him. I'll show you, too.

Makes a difference, don't it, when i've got something in my hand?

Puts me on top.

Oh, Tommy, Tommy boy.

-[yelling] - No, Mum! Mum! No, Mum, don't!

Come on, get up.

Not gonna hurt you. And keep your bloody tools.

Wilkie wants to see you.

He's got a job for you.

- Wilkie? - You heard. Come on, straighten up.

It could be the making of you.

What's the matter with you?

- A cockroach. -[she scoffs]

What's the matter? Seen hundreds of them, haven't you?

Poor little beetle.

Dead and never called me mother.

-[she chuckles] - Here, Jess, oil your tonsils with that.

Oh, lovely.

'Ere, you just reminded me, I've got a cert for you tomorrow at Hurst Park.

Now, you come straight back.

What's its name?

Yeah? What do you think my name is? I'll tell you tomorrow.

♪ Cos i'm picking all the big ones out ♪

♪ Picking all the big ones out ♪

♪ This one here's a blooming cert ♪

♪ Don't blame me if you lose your shirt ♪

[laughter]

[singing Welsh hymn "Cwm Rhondda"]

Yeah, all right, Charlie boy. I'll be there. Same time, same place. See you.

Five bob each way Tambourine, ten bob the favourite on the last.

Okay, George. What do you want?

- Mr Wilkins wants to see me. - He's busy now. Wait.

Oh, Jackie.

I may be sending a new boy down to you.

Not for this job tomorrow night.

Wait for it, can't you?

It's a kid. Put him to work in the garage.

I'll tell you when he's ready for real work.

Who is it?

Tommy Martin.

Tommy Martin.

I take care of the brother while you look after the sister, eh, Wilkie?

You don't like the arrangement?

Who am i? You're the boss, Wilkie.

Well, talk of the devil.

All right, Tommy. Come inside.

Mum said you had a job for me.

- Yes, I've got a job for you. - Well, that's it. That's why i came.

But i'm told you've got a temper.

Temper in this business... fatal.

I'm not asking any favours.

Easy, easy.

You know, I look at you

and i see myself.

Ten, fifteen years ago, I was like you.

Now, I've got this.

How? I used my head, kept my temper, see?

- Well... - Well? What d'you mean, well?

Listen, you might learn something.

We came to Kennedy Street when i was nine years old, see?

I didn't even speak the language. My folks were nothing, nothing with an accent.

I was nothing, like you.

Now it's different. I'm somebody.

My own office, my own car, 15 suits in my wardrobe.

Clean shirt every day. Everything's changed.

But i don't forget, see?

I look out there and i... I remember.

Like the smell of the street was still here in my skin.

That's why i...

That's why i'm interested in a boy like you.

You want to kiss Kennedy Street goodbye?

Well, I sympathise. Maybe i can help you.

You and your sister.

I could help you too, Mr Wilkins.

I mean, all i want's a start.

Can you drive?

Like Malcolm ruddy Campbell.

Well, there's driving and driving.

All right. Go down to West Ham. 15, Maple Street.

Ask for Jackie Swinton. Say i sent you. He'll give you a job.

- Doing what? - You'll see.

One thing, though. Don't ask too many questions, huh?

And, um... This, keep it shut, huh?

Shut!

- What's it worth? - What?

The job, I mean.

Three pounds a week.

And bonuses if you do as you're told.

Three quid?

Oh, thanks, Mr Wilkins.

I told you.

I see a boy like you, it takes me back.

[knocking at door]

- Guv, there's a Judy outside. - Tommy, what are you doing here?

- Leave it, Joe. - How d'you know i was here?

Mum told me. Come on, out of it.

Tommy and i were just talking business.

- He's got no business with you. - He wants a job.

- What job, Tommy? - I don't know yet.

You're not going to take it! You're not, Tommy!

- Who says so? - I say so.

- That's a laugh. - Listen.

You're going to take that other job if i have to drag you there by the scruff of your neck.

- Try it! - Leave him.

It's going to be all right. I've fixed him up. A good job.

Thanks, Mr Wilkins.

I remember what you said.

Very well, we've got that. Cheerio.

[indistinct chatter]

It's beaten you. Kennedy Street. Like it's beaten a good many others.

I'd like to burn it down, the whole street, every rotten house.

I'd like to stand a mile away and here it crackling.

I know what you mean.

Wilkie, you don't need Tommy. Why don't you leave him alone?

You've got enough. You don't need him.

He wants jam on his bread. You're wasting your time with him.

This street...

Look, Hetty, why don't you... why don't you think of yourself for a change?

Pretty girl like you. Think of yourself.

All right, listen, so he's your brother, you want to keep him out of trouble.

All right, let's talk about it.

Well...

I'm busy now.

Tonight, let's meet tonight, huh?

Have a bite to eat somewhere nice and quiet, in the West End?

Talk about Tommy. How about that?

No, thanks.

Look, if you're worried about clothes...

I could easily...

- Wilkie. - Get back to the club. I'm busy.

Not too busy to see her.

That stuck up little mare.

Get out, will you?

Okay, if you like being a laughing stock, that's your funeral.

Remind me to send you some flowers.

What are you sitting here for?

Aren't you going to have any dinner?

Stew!

Tommy, listen. Listen to me.

Well...

I brought you up.

I took a lot for you.

I've got a right to say something now.

Go on, no one's stopping you.

When we used to go for those walks,

up through the city to Finsbury,

I could see those houses with the front gardens and trees.

We said...

We promised we'd get a place like that together.

We dreamed of getting out of here.

There's only one way to get out.

That's no way.

Tommy, it's getting you, and if it gets you, it'll get me.

I can't fight it just for myself, only for both of us.

Let me do the fighting. Leave me alone and shut up!

[dramatic music plays]

[Tommy] This is it.

A real job, he says.

I'll show him.

Thinks i'm a kid, does he?

My hands are trembling. I mustn't let him see.

What's up?

It's all yours.

What do you mean?

I've been carrying you long enough. It's time you earned your keep.

You can do this one on your own.

Wilkie?

Come on, come on, get started.

You'll find the lorry in the next layby.

Park the van behind it. Unload.

What about the driver?

He'll be asleep most likely.

Make sure he doesn't wake up.

[engine splutters]

[Tommy] Come on, come on!

-[engine starts] - Right.

[engine roars]

There it is.

There's the lorry.

All right, here goes.

[tense music plays]

Unload the stuff, he said,

and bring it back to the warehouse,

but see the driver doesn't wake up.

There he is.

Blimey, it's a pushover.

Make sure he doesn't wake up.

Make sure he doesn't wake up.

I'll make sure. I'll make sure.

Easy. Easy.

Funny... he's got a cap like Old Bill's.

Come on, you're wasting time.

Hit him.

Hit him!

Why should i?

Why should i do Wilkie's dirty work?

Wait a minute.

What's that?

Let's have a look.

Steady.

Steady.

Got it!

Lovely grub.

This'll do you, Tommy boy.

Wilkie wants the rest of the stuff, he can come and get it.

Who's Wilkie, anyway?

All wind and water.

[lorry door bangs]

[tense music plays]

15, 16, 17, 18, 19...

20... 20 quid!

-[dramatic music plays] - Know anything about this, son?

Get away from me, I've got a gun!

Keep away. Keep away from me! Keep away! Keep away!

[engine starts]

It worked.

It worked!

Supposing he'd called my bluff?

Supposing he'd found out I hadn't got a gun?

- Hetty. - Hello, Frank.

- You seen Tommy? - Not since this morning.

Well, where was he last night?

Home. Home with me.

That's a change.

He's been working steady for weeks.

He's been working for Wilkie. Do you call that steady?

Hetty, I've got to keep an eye on Tommy.

Anyone who works for Wilkie, we have to check.

I'm not blaming you.

Why don't you get out?

Leave them. Leave them to stew.

I couldn't do that.

I know you don't feel you can trust me.

I'm a copper. Like being on the other side in a war.

But i'd give anything to help you get away from Kennedy Street,

you know that.

Yes, Frank.

I know.

Shh, shh!

- Is she asleep? - No, she's dead.

Bring it back, Alf! Bring it back!

Bring it back!

That's the second time this month he's taken my clock to pawn.

Alf? Alf?

And the yellow God forever... gazes down.

Kipper! Good old Kipper!

Good old Kipper!

Happy, laughing and gay, that's my motto.

My old dad played the Tivoli.

Oh, he never played the Tivoli. The closest he ever got to it was the Hackney Empire.

I should give you winners. Bill, lucky you're here.

Did my old dad play the Tivoli or did he not?

- Not. - That's right, Bill. You give it to him.

Well, the guv'nor gives me the sack,

I might very likely go back on the halls myself.

- Pull the other leg, mine's got bells on. - No, no, no.

I know a bloke that'll give me ten or 12 weeks booking any time i like.

You give my ears the belly ache.

Now, you're the one who ought to have been on the halls, Jess.

- What, me?! - Yes, I mean it.

Don't be silly, drink your beer.

- He's right, he's right! - Yes, Jess!

- Oh, go on! - Yes, of course, I can see you.

You've got the personality, all bottled up, let it come out.

- Here, come here, Jess, come here. - What?!

- No, I want to show you. Yeah! - Oh, no, no!

Oh, he's as mad as a banjo!

- Come on now, show us, Jess. - Well, how's this?

Oh, marvellous. Introducing Miss Jess Martin,

the nightingale of Kennedy Street.

♪ Liza, you are my donah ♪

-[harmonica plays] -♪ You are my little peach ♪

♪ Meet me around the fish shop ♪

♪ And i'll buy you a penny'orth of each Lor' luv ya! ♪

♪ No bloke shall come between us ♪

♪ Or for him i shall go ♪

♪ If i should lose me temper ♪

- ♪ Then it's what-ho Liza... ♪ -[laughter]

Ah, Reggie! My old Reggie. Have a drink.

Oh, come in, there's plenty.

- What do you want? - You! Out of it.

I'm having a drink with my friends.

You heard me. Out!

Now, now, now, old fella, that's no way to address your own, true wife.

- Shut your trap! - Ah!

Well, she's a woman, Reg.

Observe her. A woman.

I've been hearing things about you, my girl.

I slog my guts out while you traipse around with anybody you can pick up.

Ah, the moral of that is, said the duchess,

it's love that makes the world go round.

- Come on, Reg, have a drink. - Get out of it!

Here, here, here. Turn it up, you might hurt somebody.

Stop it, Reg, stop it! Leave me alone!

You're always the same. Put me down!

Stop it, please! No!

I've done nothing!

How do you expect me to manage? You never give me any money!

- No! Leave me alone! Stop it! i hate you! -[Jess laughing]

[laughing] See you later, Marge!

Oh, Wilkie.

Reg and Marge!

Where's Tommy?

I haven't seen him for a couple of days.

Oh. I've got a message for him. Tell him i want to see him right away.

I'll tell him, Wilkie. Come on in, we've got some booze.

Hetty's here.

[harmonica plays]

Come on!

Come on, Kipper. Wilkie's here!

- Give him a beer. - Eh? Well, I've got to go.

They're off at Hurst Park. The guv'nor's waiting for me.

That's right, you go.

[Kipper] Eh?

Come on, put that away now. You can do that later.

I remember my first appearance at Camberwell Palace.

Ooh, I was trembling. My hands...

Even my inside was sweating!

I had a great light shining in my eyes...

Hot... blazing hot...

And out there, nothing.

- A pit of blackness, nothing. - Shut up, Kipper.

- Give me your coat, Wilkie. - I'm not staying.

Well, have a beer.

Close the door after you.

I quite agree with you, said the duchess.

"Never imagine yourself not otherwise than what it might appear.”

No, that's wrong, wait a minute.

"Never imagine yourself not otherwise

than what it might appear to others

that what you were or might have been..."

Lewis Carroll.

"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble..."

- Take a seat, Wilkie. - Cigarette?

- Thanks. - I'm talking to Hetty.

[romantic music plays]

Am i...

Tell me... Tell me, am i poison, or what?

I didn't say anything.

No, but... the way you look at me...

Like i was... like i was dirt.

You said it, I didn't.

I'm talking to you now.

Well...

One day, I'll...

I'll wipe that look from your eyes.

In my time, I've made... I've made plenty of people sit up.

You too, before i'm through.

- You'd have to live a long time. - Sit up and beg!

You know, when ... when i was 14, I made a list of things,

a list of things i was going to get.

Well, I ticked them off, one by one, everything i wanted, I've got.

And you're on the list now.

The last item.

Oh, Hetty, I...

I could show you a good time.

- Not interested. - You and me.

What's the matter with you?

You won't even... You won't even look at me.

Like i was dirt!

Get out, Wilkie! Go on, get out!

I don't care about the mess you make of your own life, that's your business.

But i do care about Tommy. Yes, I care about him!

Tommy, I'd ram this iron right in your face.

Tommy? His life went wrong the day he was born.

[Jess] Oh, Wilkie.

Shut up.

I don't know why i bothered to come.

This dump. I've had enough of this dump.

And of you.

Are you mad?

Stone bonker crazy?

A man like that hangs up his hat to you and what do you do?

What are you waiting for, a duke?

Oh, shut up, Mum, give me some peace!

Hetty...

Can't you see that this is the chance of a lifetime?

With Wilkie behind you, you wouldn't have to sweat in that bloody shop.

You could sit around all day polishing your nails.

You could help us all, come to that.

- I daresay. - Let the girl live her own life, Jess.

Wilkie just has to crook his little finger

and 50 girls come running, but not her. Oh, no, not her. She's too proud.

You won't have to bother about me much longer, I'm getting out of here.

Getting out of here? What do you mean? You mean, you're leaving?

If it hadn't been for Tommy, I'd have left years ago.

You don't know when you're onto a good thing, my girl, and that's a fact.

- I'm going up the road. -[Bill] Where?

Up the road, I said. I'll be back.

[emotive music plays]

You're not crying, are you, Het?

No, Bill.

Good.

I'm used to it.

Another step went on the stairs this morning.

Nearly had me over.

Death trap, this place.

I hope you meant what you said, Hetty.

Get out of this place.

Don't wait for Tommy.

Get out quick.

[crowd chattering]

Oi, Tommy, where have you been?

- What do you expect with this government? - Think the other lot's any better?

Me? I've been out of work a year.

And what do you think that bloody clerk down the labour exchange told me?

He said, "You're not trying for work." Me? Not trying?

[Kipper] Quickness of the hand deceives the eye.

Watch. A one. A two.

- A three-- - Hi, Kipper.

Oh, look! Look what the wind's blown in.

- Ruined the trick. - You could never do it anyway.

Oh! Catch that whistle and flute.

Where'd you get this, eh? Where've you been?

Come into a fortune.

Bill, you ought to see our Tommy, he's all dressed up like a hambone.

Where'd you get the money for it, Tommy, eh? Where'd you get the money?

- Robbed a bank. - I earnt it.

Do you want something to eat? Shall i fry you an egg?

No, thanks, I've had my tea.

As a matter of fact, I had chicken in one of them posh cafes.

Ooh, haven't tasted chicken since the Christmas before last.

Well, good luck to him.

He's earned it, he's entitled to spend it.

Come on, Tommy. Give us a quid.

- Here you are. - Here, make it a couple.

Kipper, nip down the road and get some beer and a nice drop of short.

Tommy, where have you been?

Busy. Working.

[baby crying in background]

- How do you like it? - Nice.

I paid spot cash for it. On the nail.

Close your eyes, open your hands, and see what God will send you.

- What's this? - Money.

Five quid. For you.

- Where'd you get it? - What's the difference?

- I don't want it. - Take it.

I said i don't want it.

In your eyes, I can't do anything right.

Take it, take it.

If you don't want it, look after it for me.

No.

[mournful music plays]

- You're going? - Yes.

Wilkie? Going because of Wilkie?

Going because of me.

If he's in your hair, just tell me.

Just tell me, I'll settle him.

You're getting tough, Tommy, so tough.

I don't crawl any more.

Oh, Het, I went up the West End today.

When you've got clothes and a bit of money, everything's different.

I went into a big restaurant and ordered chicken, large as life.

"Sir," the fella said.

"Sir."

"Roast or creamed potatoes, sir?" he said.

You know what i said?

Chips, I said, chips!

Tommy, come with me.

We could both work.

We can go out sometimes. Out West, if you like.

I'm not ready.

I'm doing all right.

I'm gonna do better.

You wait.

You watch my smoke.

I'll watch it.

You taking this?

No.

Oh, Tommy, come with me.

We always said we'd stick together.

I don't want to go without you.

Tommy, please, why don't you come with me?

[emotive music plays]

Oh, Tommy.

If you want anything in this world, Het, you've gotta cut it out for yourself.

Look at them down the labour exchange.

Every day, 100 blokes after one job.

And then it's the bloody sweat shop.

What chance is there for people like us? What chance?

Look down the street. Look how many people have to go short.

And who cares?

The last square meal most of these kids had was at the Coronation tea party.

Pass the cake, please, and God save the King.

I know it's all right for us if Mum backs a few winners.

But if she don't, then you have to keep us all.

Well, I want something better than that.

I'm gonna cut something out for myself.

Just a minute, Tommy.

I've been looking for you.

Well, I'm here.

What's up?

You know what's up.

Give.

Dunno what you're talking about.

You know what i'm talking about.

£20. Give.

£20? What--

You know what £20. Give.

Tommy, is this true?

Did you do this? Did you take Wilkie's money?

Dunno what he's talking about.

Just a minute.

Come here.

That's where you got all that money, isn't it?

Wilkie gives you a job and this is the way you treat him.

Here, Wilkie. He gave this to me, he said that he earned it.

He didn't earn it.

Let him give it back.

You hear that, Tommy?

Now, you do what Wilkie says. You give that money back to him.

Go on, then. You give it back.

Where is it?

- Leave me alone. Leave me alone! - Where is it? What've you done with it?

What have you done... What's left of it!

[both yelling]

Mum, stop it! Leave him alone, leave him alone!

Now, go on, get out, you!

You've caused enough trouble. We'll get your money for you but get out now!

Come on, get up, boy.

Come on. Stop snivelling.

Who's snivelling?

Get away from that door.

Get away from that door, I said!

- Put that thing away. - This thing works, see?

- Tommy, you must be mad! - Shut up, you're the same.

All this big talk about getting away from it.

I bring you money and what do you do? Spit at me!

My money.

I'm talking now, me. I'm doing the pushing.

Pick that up. Pick it up, I said. No jokes.

- Tommy, don't-- - Get away from me! Get away!

Keep away, Hetty.

The boy's a little crazy.

If you come near me, this thing may go off, see? And it won't be my fault.

Now, get away. Get away!

Now, pick that up.

I'll count ten.

One.

Two.

Three.

Make him stop, Bill.

Four.

Use your head, Tommy.

Use your head.

Five.

- Tommy! - Don't touch him.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

- Here you are. - What do you wanna do that for?

- Give me the gun. - Why do you have to interfere? He'd have done it.

I'd have had the great Wilkie crawling.

Tommy, Tommy, don't go! Give me that!

- Let me go! Let me go! - You don't realise what you're doing.

- Let me go! - Tommy, listen!

If you go now, I'm finished with you. Do you hear me? I'm finished with you for good!

- Suits me. - Tommy, listen! Will you listen to me?

I'm not going away. I'll stay here.

I'll stay here and look after you.

I don't need looking after!

Tommy, listen, if you go out with that gun, I'll tell the police, do you hear me?

- I'll tell them! - Tell them! Tell them! I don't care! Tell them!

-[dramatic music plays] - Tommy!

[jaunty music plays on the radio]

Het, be a good 'un, lend us a couple of shillings till Friday?

I never thought i'd live to see that.

I never thought i'd live to see that.

What did you expect?

A kid like that...

drawing a gun.

I can't get over it.

I can't get over it.

I can't get over the look on his face.

Like a wolf.

I've seen that look before.

Often.

Why did it have to be him?

I tried, I really tried.

What makes boys go like that?

What does it?

I'll tell you what does it.

Take me.

Every day my old man used to...

used to hit me with a razor strap.

He didn't do it because he was angry.

He used to hit me cold. Cold, for the pleasure.

When i was...

When i was 12,

I picked up a poker and i... l hit him back.

People don't live here.

They exist, like animals.

I know how Tommy feels.

When i catch up with him, I'll beat hell out of him, but i know how he feels.

And i know how you must feel too.

Do you, Wilkie?

Yes, I think you do.

But i can't fight it any more.

I must get away from here.

I've said it a dozen times but...

this time, I really mean it.

♪ Picking all the big ones out ♪

Here we are, me lucky lads.

Hello, what have you all gone so quiet for?

Have a drink, Wilkie.

It's whisky. It's good stuff.

No, I'm going.

Oh, no, Wilkie. No, wait.

Don't go, Wilkie. No, wait! Wilkie!

- Wait, Wilkie. Don't go. - I'm running out of patience.

You said you'd clear them all out. This is a bloody public house.

I'll get rid of them right away, Wilkie.

Now she's running away. You hurt her.

No, no, no, she won't go. I'll talk to her.

Give me just ten minutes. Now, that won't kill you.

I'm not taking much more from any of you.

Don't go, Wilkie.

I'll fix it so that she can talk to you alone.

Please, Wilkie.

Please.

I'll wait outside.

Not for long.

-[harmonica plays mournful tune] -[Kipper] Beautiful!

You know, it takes me right back to the prison chapel.

Sunday evenings.

Happy days.

Happy days.

Scarper, Kip.

Eh? Here, I just brought these--

No, no, you heard. Come on, out.

Woo.

That's a dirty trick, isn't it?

I bring in the doings and you drink them all.

- See you later down the road. - Eh?

Oh... I got you, Jess. I got you.

[mournful harmonica continues]

- Where are you going? - What does it matter?

Oh, Het, you can't go.

Not like this.

Not after what's happened.

Let's have a drink, shall we?

Do us all good.

Bill, talk to her.

Have a snort, Hetty.

The last one.

All right.

That's a girl.

[mournful harmonica continues]

This'll put heart into you.

When Tommy pulled that gun...

I thought my heart was going to stop beating.

Did you?

You think i've got no feelings.

If you had any, you'd have taken us out of here years ago.

Oh, Hetty, how could i?

Once your old man had left us,

me with two kids on me hands...

Let's drink to that. Cheers.

[harmonica stops playing]

Good luck, Hetty.

So much has happened today.

Makes you think.

Tommy.

Our Tommy growing up like that.

Like a wolf.

I haven't cried a tear in 30 years.

Not one.

Now i can feel them...

crowding into my throat like i was drowning.

-[sobbing] - Jess, don't.

Poor Mum.

All those tears stuck down there for 30 years.

That's what i mean, Het.

I don't want your life to be like mine.

- That's why i want you and Wilkie to-- - No!

Oh, no, please!

Don't you see that if you had Wilkie, everything would be different. Everything!

We could all get out of here. We could get Tommy out.

I don't want to talk about it.

If only you would stay here, Het.

Then when Tommy comes back,

we could both have him. I'd be different with him, I promise.

If you only meant that, if you really meant it.

But i do, Het, if you just give me the chance to show you.

Funny...

I feel as close to you now as i did with Tommy.

Tommy.

Let's get drunk. Who cares?

- She's had enough, Jess. - You keep out of this.

I've been crawling around too long.

Whisky's good.

[mournful harmonica continues]

Makes you feel good.

Listen, that's...

That's that song that you sang that time at school.

It's my favourite song.

♪ The lilies were watching ♪

♪ ♪So cool and so white &

♪ And so i sang softly so no one could hear ♪

♪ Goodnight and God bless you ♪

♪ God bless you, my dear ♪

[mournful harmonica continues]

[harmonica stops]

Come on, Bill, we'll go up the road and have one with Kipper.

You're not going away, Hetty?

No.

No, I'm not going.

[mournful music plays]

Come on, Bill.

- Who's that? - Come on.

Wilkie.

It's Wilkie. I'm going back up.

No, you're not, he only wants to talk to her.

- I'm going up there. - No, you're not, Bill!

It's her only chance. Can't you see that?

[sleepily] Oh, it's you.

Oh, go away, I'm tired.

Where's Mum?

Where are the others?

Gone.

Oh, you get out.

You get out of here. You get out of here!

I've told you, they've gone! There's only you and me left!

- Let me go! - There's only you and me, Hetty.

Only you and me.

That's right, Hetty. You can't go on fighting the whole world.

Let me go!

- Take it easy. Take it easy, Hetty! - Let me go! Let me go!

Take it easy. We've done enough fighting, you and me, Hetty.

Please.

Hetty.

Hetty.

Hetty?

Hetty? Hetty?

Hetty...

[soft music plays]

Wilkie.

You can't take the drink.

You passed out.

How long?

What's the time?

You've been out about an hour.

It's just ten.

Are the others back?

No.

You've been just... sitting there the whole time?

The whole time. Just looking at you.

Now you know why the street's been laughing at me.

Laughing at you, why?

'Cause i had a fever.

Didn't you know?

Sure you knew.

I thought i could get anything i wanted.

I told you, remember?

The great Wilkie.

Well, I know better now.

Live and learn.

Look after yourself.

Wilkie...

[romantic music plays]

What do you want?

Wilkie...

[dramatic music plays]

Jackie, have another cigar.

Go on, have the lot.

What's the matter with you?

Both of you are sit here like you were watching a funeral.

Got something on your mind? All right, say it, say it.

Yes, say it, Jackie.

All right, Guv'nor, if you really want to know.

I'm fed up to the back teeth, right up to here.

These last few weeks, what've we done? Sweet nothing.

Sit around and wait for you. Sit around while you...

While i what?

You asked me and i'm telling you.

All you want to do is moon around that Martin piece.

- Anything else? - The point is, what do you know about her?

She's as thick as thieves with Collins.

Oh, no good talking to him, Jackie. He's gone soft.

He's in an out of there as if he lived there.

If she opens her mouth to him...

Well, you know as well as i do he's been trying to nail us for years.

- Never done it yet. - But you never know.

And now you're shooting off to Cornwall

and leaving me to hold the baby.

When have you seen them together? When? Where?

Around. You know.

Day before yesterday i saw him in the street, talking and laughing with her.

I'm only giving you the strength, Guv'nor.

Oh, wake up, Wilkie. You're so giddy you can't see straight.

Now it's Cornwall. Next thing, it'll be confetti and wedding bells.

She'll have you running a sweet shop

down the High Road before you can say "baloney".

Oh, what's the use of talking to him, Jackie?

He's in love.

He can't see anything but stars.

Get out, the pair of you.

Jackie, wait outside.

Wilkie tells me you're off to the seaside.

That's right. Cornwall.

Have a nice time. Bring me back a stick of rock.

I said i'd pick you up later.

I know but i wanted to show you the dress.

I only paid the deposit on it. I want to know if you like it.

All right. Suits you.

- What's the matter? - Nothing.

Nothing.

You haven't changed your mind about going away?

No. No, no. Sooner the better.

This street...

It's the street... the smell gets worse.

It doesn't get any better, it gets worse.

Still can't believe it.

I've got that picture at home. I've had it for years.

It's like a dream.

You can throw that away. I'll show you the real thing.

Maybe, I've been thinking, maybe we shan't come back here at all.

Wilkie, that'd make it perfect.

Perhaps we could start up a little business somewhere.

What do you mean, a little business?

What sort of business?

Maybe a little... maybe a little sweet shop down the High Road, huh?

I don't care. It really doesn't matter.

- I wonder what they say down in the street. - Who cares?

They were laughing once because you made me sweat.

God, you made me sweat.

It was like a fever.

I was moonstruck like a schoolkid.

I still am.

When you're near me like this, I still am.

Funny. I ought to hate you for what you did to Tommy.

You ought to hate me for the way i treated you.

But we don't.

I must go.

I haven't finished packing.

Jackie.

Keep this room locked up while i'm away, will you?

Look after these. What's the matter now?

You've got her lipstick all over your face.

[mournful trumpet plays]

Hetty, I've gotta talk to you.

- I can't stop now. - Now look, it's about Tommy.

Guv'nor, here.

Want any manure, mister? Good for your garden.

Only a penny a large pail.

That's all i'm short of. Go on, hop it.

Hop it!

What did i tell you, Guv'nor?

What did i tell you?

If she's your girl, it's a funny way to be carrying on.

Look at them down there. They're making a fool of you.

I'm telling you, Guv'nor, if you go away with her she'll--

[dramatic music plays]

She's ready, Wilk--

What do you want?

I want to see Hetty.

- Well, she's busy, she's got no time. - She can spare me two minutes.

I'd like to talk to you.

- Couple of minutes, in private. - I told him, you've got no time.

All right.

Blinking rozzers, poking their noses in.

So you really are going?

What do you want to see me about?

A kid broke into an office at Whitechapel this afternoon.

We just got the report.

He pulled a gun on the cashier.

A kid broke into an office so it must be Tommy?

It was Tommy, Het.

The description fits.

Did he...

Well, I mean...

- The gun-- - No, no, he didn't use it.

He didn't have a chance.

Cashier pressed the warning bell, the kid ran out.

- He got nothing. -[she sighs]

He got nothing, Het.

But don't you see that'll make him more desperate.

He'll try it again and maybe next time he will shoot.

The gun's loaded, Hetty, don't you see, it will go off sometime?

I've done all i can.

He won't listen to me. I've done all i can.

You're giving up.

I'm taking something for myself for a change.

You sound like Tommy. You should hear yourself.

Anyway, how can i help him?

What do you expect me to do, go out on the roof and call Tommy?

- Do you think he'll come running? - I know you, Het, I watched you grow.

You've got some idea in your head you can change Wilkie.

Forget it. Believe me, he's rotten, he's corrupt,

and everything he touches turns rotten too.

Everything.

He's taking me away from here.

Oh, Wilkie. Hetty's nearly ready.

That fella Collins turned up, wanted to see her in private.

I'll go and fetch her.

- Wilkie's here, Het. - All right.

You're a good man, Frank.

But you do your job and leave me alone.

Well, well...

Mr Detective Sergeant Collins in person.

Told him where we are going, Hetty?

- Oh, Wilkie, it doesn't matter. - Tell him.

We're going to Cornwall.

Some people have all the luck.

It was my idea.

I want to see if it really looks like my picture.

- It's a long way. - All the better.

279 miles.

279 miles away from here.

What are you staring at?

Is it a crime to want to get away from here?

Now, Hetty, now.

You mustn't talk to Detective Sergeant Collins like that.

- Who does he think he is? - I'm telling you, he's a copper.

And an honest copper, too.

What is it these days, Frank?

Six quid a week? [chuckles]

You know, I've always wondered about you, Frank.

About you and me.

Same street, same school.

And look at us, me a businessman and you a... you a cop.

Wilkie, let's get out of here.

You're not going in that outfit.

This?

You said you liked it?

I've changed my mind.

- Wilkie-- - I said i've changed my mind.

See if you've got something else, Het?

See if you've got something else.

I've got the blue dress.

But it's packed.

Unpack it, then.

- Wilkie, I don't understand. - I mean, change it!

Now.

Go on, unpack it. Go on, quick. Be quick about it.

Go on, quick, quick.

Yes, Wilkie, I like the other dress better, too.

You see, Frank, what i say goes.

That's the motto, isn't it, Frank?

That's the motto with all my girls.

Come on. Come on in.

[baby crying in background]

How much longer, Wilkie?

I mean, this place.

Don't you like it?

It smells of dustbins.

Who is this, Wilkie?

That's Lova.

Lova. She thought the name up herself.

Very suitable. [laughs]

Hurry up, Hetty, hurry up! Hurry up, we haven't got all night!

It's a long way to Cornwall.

How many miles did you say?

How many miles? 200 and... 270-something?

- I'll go and help her. - No, you stay here.

Hang on, Frank. Hang on for a minute.

You seem to be part of the family circle.

You don't want to miss the farewell.

This all right, Wilkie?

It'll do.

Yes, it'll do. What do you think, Lova?

What's she doing here, Wilkie?

Well, let's get moving, Wilkie.

This dump's getting me down.

Wilkie, I asked you.

And i'm telling you the trip's off!

The trip's off!

- But, Wilkie... - Now, don't you argue!

You know how i hate arguments, so don't argue.

Get out of here, do you hear? Get out, get out!

It's a pleasure.

Don't you worry, Het?

I'll take care of you.

Leave me alone, Mum. Leave me alone.

See, Frank? What i say... What i say goes, like i told you.

You know what this is?

Why, it's your warrant card.

Makes you an official copper.

That's right. And when i put it in this pocket it means i'm off duty.

So you are off duty. So what?

You dare touch me, copper, and i'll...

You'll come outside.

How does it feel?

How does it feel?!

Get up.

For this, I'll...

I'll keep you off duty for the rest of your days.

- Oh, Hetty. - Don't pity me, Mum.

Please don't pity me.

I'm so angry with myself.

I'm so ashamed

Inspector, I want to put this man in charge.

For assault.

Do you, Wilkie?

All right then. Let's go down to the station, shall we?

We'll start an investigation.

- Into everything. -[crowd laughs]

Come on, Wilkie.

[piano tinkling in background]

You know you want to curb that temper of yours a bit, Frank.

Trouble with you is you take all this too personally.

When you're a copper, you can't afford to get involved.

You do your job, you maintain the law, no comment.

I'd like to transfer to another division, sir.

A Division? Hyde Park?

Do you think this lot would be any better if they lived in decent houses?

Do you think bricks and mortar would make a difference?

Yes, I do. Wouldn't make 'em perfect, it might give them a chance to be people.

You've got stars in your eyes, Frank.

These people are here 'cause they haven't got the guts to be anywhere else.

They don't deserve any better.

Oh, maybe it's tough on the kids.

It's tough on them all, every man jack.

Half of them wouldn't work if it was offered to them on a plate.

You think they like living this way?

You've seen them yourself, Frank.

Too much. A man has a right to work.

To make his three square meals a day, to breathe air that doesn't stink.

Well, at least he has a right to that.

You see? You're getting involved.

- You sound like a red. - I sound like myself.

Colours don't interest me or politics.

I worry about people.

All right. I'll tell you one person you can start worrying about this minute.

- Who's that? - Tommy Martin.

Just had a message through he's been seen in the district.

All right, jump in, let's go.

Now the street really will be laughing at you.

But i don't care.

I know you wanted to teach her a lesson.

But let's forget her now.

I'll look after you, Wilkie.

She really has got you, hasn't she?

You really do love her.

You haven't time for anyone else, have you?

[mournful music plays]

What did you say?

You haven't time for anyone else, have you?

That's the first true thing you've ever said in your life.

[paper seller] Star News and Standard. Paper!

Czechs mobilising.

- What do you want, son? -[dramatic music plays]

- I want... - Hmm? Well?

I want to sell this coat.

I bought it here, you remember?

Paper! Czechs mobilising!

Paper! Star News and Standard!

It wasn't like that when you bought it.

I need some cash. I need some bad.

Mm-hm.

And i don't know that i can sell it.

I'll give you ten shillings, how's that?

Ten... ten bob? I paid you nearly two quid for it.

- Look at it now, sir. - Oh, make it a pound, eh? Make it a pound.

Well, you have ruined it! i mean...

Now, look at.

Twelve and six, no more.

Twelve and six?

You robbed me once, you want to do it again, eh?

Two can play at that game, missus!

No, no, don't you try that tone on me!

You won't give, I'll take, see? Now get away from that door.

Go on, stand over there! Stand over there!

You can't threaten me, sonny.

Don't call me sonny. Don't move!

Put down that gun and don't be so stupid.

Get away from me.

Kids no bigger than schoolboys

running loose with toy pistols!

- No, I will-- - Get away from me!

-[dramatic music plays] - I won't! I won't!

- Get away! Get away! - I won't!

[gunshot]

Have you seen the paper, Jess?

It's got all about Tommy in it.

Here, look.

Read it out, Jess.

"Police are tightening the cordon round the East End

in their search for Tommy Martin.

Wanted for questioning in connection with the killing of Mrs Sarah Jacobsen,

general dealer."

Want to read about Tommy, Het?

I know about Tommy.

Don't bother about that, Jess,

I've got the kettle boiling. Come over to my place and have a cup of tea.

Cheer you all up.

[dramatic music plays]

Jess, if Tommy's in trouble, he'll come back here.

Oh, I shouldn't think so.

Oh, I wouldn't tell anybody, even if he did.

Oh, this heat.

[Jess] It'll be cooler soon.

I think i'll go and lie down, Mum.

[tense music plays]

Tommy!

It's all right. There's no one here but Mum and Bill.

- Tommy! - Keep away from me.

- Bill... -[Bill] No sense in coming here.

[Tommy] It's the last place they'll think of.

When it's dark, I'll move on.

Sit down, you look dead beat.

Got any grub?

There's nothing in the house. I'll go out and get you something.

- Stay here. Stay, I said. - No, no, the fish shop will be open.

I was just going to get you some fish and chips.

Don't you trust me, Tommy?

No, I don't. And keep away from that door.

Sit down, Tommy. Here's some bread and dripping.

I'll make you a hot drink.

Getting in is one thing.

How are you gonna get out?

I'll make it.

Did you kill that old woman?

What's so terrible about death, anyway?

I'll help you, Tommy.

I'll get you some different clothes.

- I'll find Wilkie. - Wilkie?

Yes, Het. It don't matter what he's done.

He's the only one that can help us now.

I don't know what to do.

I don't know where to hide you.

I'll go and find him now.

- Get away from that door! - I'm trying to help you!

- No one can help me, no one! - Leave her alone!

She never left me alone once in her life.

Look at her. She's my mother and i don't feel anything.

What have you got to be scared of, Mum?

What have you got to live for?

Whatever you do afterwards, it can't be any worse than this.

You blame me for everything, don't you?

I done what i could for both of you.

I never left you.

I fed you. I kept you.

I know i was hard with you sometimes but what could i do?

Oh, Het, tell him. Explain it to him.

She's not to blame.

In my book, she is.

You don't know what they'll do to you if they catch you.

- You've got to let me help you! - Get your hands off me!

Happy, laughing, and gay. I backed the last winner, 100 to six.

- Tommy! - Come back!

Mum!

- What's up, Jess? I thought i heard-- - Nothing's up, nothing.

[Kipper] Look out, look out.

That's done it. She'll call the cops for certain. I know she will.

She won't do that, Tommy, whatever else she may do.

- I know her. - Your Mum's not like that, she never has been.

She'll call the cops for certain.

I know she will, I know.

Don't make it worse for yourself, Tommy.

- My mother. - Sit down.

Sit down and finish your food.

At least you can trust us.

I'm not interested.

Help him, Wilkie!

I'm telling you, I'm not interested.

I'm busy, I've got a date up West.

We've got to get him away before the police come.

You know what to do, Wilkie.

You know where to hide him.

- Oh, Wilkie, he's a kid. - He's a madman.

Yes, he's a madman.

He's got a gun.

Hetty's there.

- Kipper? - Yeah, I'll have a cup.

If it's got the strength to run out of the pot.

-[Hetty] Drink it up while it's hot. -[Tommy] Thanks.

Hello, Jess.

You go on up, Wilkie!

[baby crying]

He's up there! i heard him. He's got a gun.

- Who? - Tommy Martin!

I'm trying to tell you, I heard him.

- He's up there! -[police whistle]

[women yelling]

[police whistle]

[police whistle continues]

She's done it.

She's done it.

What did i tell you?

What did i tell you?

She's called the cops. I knew it. I knew it!

"Trust me," she said, "Trust me!"

Nice mess you've got yourself into.

[police bells ringing]

- Collins. - You can't fight everyone.

I'll give them as good as they send.

Put it away. You can never win with that.

That table, against the door. Push it against the door!

Move away. Come on.

They won't let me get back up to him!

[Bill] What's happening?

It's all right, mate. Sit down.

The world's gone stark raving mad.

It's no use. It's no use!

You've got a bad memory, boy.

I told you once.

Temper is...

Temper is a fatal thing. You let your temper run away with you.

You are so hot you...

You're so hot you can't think things out.

What do you suggest? I crawl out with my hands up?

I got no time for the cops, you know that.

You know that, too.

They'd like to see you on a cold slab.

But you can cheat them, boy, you can cheat them.

You walk out now, what can they do?

- Hang me. - Hang?

Nah.

No, not at your age, boy.

You are still, uh... You're still under 18.

We'll get you a lawyer, a good lawyer, he'll fix it for you.

You can still have the last laugh.

Use your head, boy.

Use your head, like I always said.

Sounds easy.

It isn't easy.

It isn't easy, but it's the smart way.

Be smart, boy.

Be smart.

You get in any deeper, you'll only have yourself to blame.

It's the only way.

Be smart... give.

Give.

Come, give.

Give me the gun.

-[Collins] Tommy... - Get away from that door!

-[gunshot] - No!

Tommy!

If you won't come out, let your sister go and the others.

Keep away! Keep away or i'll fire again!

Come on, Frank.

[police bells ringing]

- Switch on. - Right, sir.

Martin?

Martin? Martin?

Listen to me. Martin, are you listening?

Collins.

- Yes, sir? - Here.

You know the boy. See what you can do.

Listen, Tommy.

Listen, it's no use.

The house is surrounded.

Come out with your hands up.

Come out, now.

I bet they got a hundred police out there.

Just to get me.

Yes...

You've come a long way.

You're a murderer now.

You kill old women.

[Frank] Tommy.

We'll give you five minutes to make up your mind.

Five minutes from now.

Look, Hetty.

You saw, ...

I was trying to make the boy see sense. I was... I was getting somewhere with him.

He was just about to hand over if it hadn't been for the cops--

You! The moment you got hold of him, he was done for.

Frank Collins was right, you put the gun in his hand.

Tell Tommy he must give himself up now.

He's to throw his gun down to us and then come out.

- Hetty. - No.

All right, you go and do it yourself.

You go and get that gun from him, you won't get very far. Go on!

Hetty.

Hetty, I...

I must have you back.

I must... If i don't, I...

I don't know what i'll do.

Tommy, this is your last chance.

I'm warning you, you come out now.

There!

[crowd muttering]

This'll be the making of you, Kipper.

You get out of this lot alive,

people will pay to come and see you in a barrel.

The man who was shut up with Tommy Martin the killer, tuppence a look.

All right for three months, Tommy.

Then they forget you.

- They won't forget me in a hurry. - Yes, they will, Tommy.

Yes, they will.

Headlines one day...

on the floor the next.

[mournful harmonica plays]

Put that away. Put it away!

[baby crying]

All right, we'll cover you.

Tommy...

[sad music plays]

Funny... us sitting here.

Reminds me of when we used to go up to Victoria Park.

Remember how we'd go up there and sit by the bandstand?

We used to drink a bottle of liquorice water.

You used to drink most of it.

I told you, you're too soft.

You've gotta be hard in this world.

But i used to like snuggling up against you when i was a kid.

You were warm, like a coal fire.

When Mum had one of her fits...

remember how we used to get under blankets and try to hide?

She always found us.

Mum... I ought to have trodden on her like a beetle.

Haven't you done enough?

Do you... Do you think i was born bad?

I mean...

Do you think the mark was on me when i was born?

Nobody's born good or bad.

What's the difference, good or bad?

What's the difference?!

You're good but it got you in the end. It got you!

All this talk of good and bad!

Let Kipper go.

And Bill.

You don't want to hurt them.

We'll work it out together.

All this life and death business.

You've seen people die.

All the people down the street that Bill's twisted wreaths for.

All them people. Who killed them?

- Nobody. - Somebody, must be somebody.

This place kills most of them.

The landlord, he killed them.

- It's not a landlord, it's a company. - A company!

All them toffs who sit on that board.

Will they come after them like they came after me?

Nah, they're sitting in their houses now,

round their posh radiograms,

and they're reading about me in the papers.

They're shaking their heads and they're saying how terrible it is,

pass the biscuits, please.

All right, maybe they will get me.

- But they won't find it easy! - Tommy.

Tommy, you didn't mean to kill that old woman.

You couldn't have done, not on purpose.

No.

But who's going to believe me?

If it's the truth, they'll believe you.

[Tommy] What'll they do to me?

[Hetty] I don't know.

But if you help them,

they'll help you.

It's not too late.

You're young, they'll give you a chance.

Go to Frank.

Go down to him now, he'll help.

We'll go down together.

No. No, I won't let them take me, I won't.

I'd sooner kill myself. Anyone... anyone...

except you, Het.

Keep away from that door!

...wasn't going for the door.

I want... l want a glass of water, quick.

It's like... it's like in an oven here.

All right, all right.

You get it for me then.

Go on. Go on, boy.

Some water.

Quick.

[dramatic music plays]

You think you're very clever.

You both keep me talking while they come and get me.

Well, they won't.

It's Mr Collins!

- Tommy, don't! Don't! - Get away! Get away!

- Get away or I'll fire! -[gunshot]

[Tommy screams]

- You bloody fool! - He was just going to shoot.

Hetty...

Hetty, give me the gun.

Give me the gun.

To kill more people?

Give me the gun!

[gunshot]

Tommy? Tommy?!

[sobbing] Oh, God!

Oh, God! Oh, God!

Oh, God.

I didn't mean it. I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean to do it.

I didn't mean it. Oh!

I didn't mean it. Oh, God! Oh, God!

God forgive me! God forgive me!

I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean it! i didn't mean it!

[Wilkie] It was an accident.

She's... She's not to blame.

No one is to blame.

It was an accident.

It was an accident.

You can stand there and say that?

You can stand there and say that no one's to blame?

We're all to blame, all of us!

You killed him. Months ago, you killed him.

You said you wanted to help him.

You never helped anyone in the whole of your rotten life!

You're greedy and wicked! You're a devil!

Yes, a devil to boys like Tommy.

Your smart suits, your slick talk, and your easy money!

You fooled me once.

You blinded me.

There must be some good in the world.

There must be some place where you can live and breathe.

There must be somewhere.

I used to blame the street.

But it's you... you and people like you are the real killers!

You ought to be dead, not him!

If there is a God, and you have a conscience,

you'll pay for this for the rest of your life.

You'll live with it and die with it, and there'll be no peace for you,

no pity, you murderer! Murderer! Murderer!

[her voice echoes] Murderer! Murderer! Murderer! Murderer! Murderer!

[crowd muttering]

[baby crying softly]

Tommy! Tommy! Tommy!

[Jess yelling]

[screaming] Tommy! Tommy!

[ambulance bell ringing]

The whole world's gone mad.

Stark raving mad.

[mournful music plays]

[street hubbub]

There's only one way we'll get a job.

A war! A bloody great flare-up!

They'd want us soon enough then.

I'd rather be Prime Minister for five minutes.

That's all they need. I'd show 'em all!

[all talking loudly]

[romantic music plays]

Well, that's how it was.

Twenty years ago.

It's not so long.

That's how it was.

And now? What do you think now?

This is a flipping paradise.

No, no, that's something i learned.

Where you've got people, no paradise.

But it doesn't have to be a ruddy jungle, either.

Well, you got your trees. Hope you're happy.

[chuckles] I'm a policeman.

When i see kids like you i could get cynical.

But i know this is better, I know that.

A tree couldn't grow in Kennedy Street.

It's a wonder that so many people did.

Yes, this is better.

It's a start anyway.

A boy can grow, a man can think.

And a woman can have some kind of human dignity.

She can breathe, with a chance for her kids.

So, you thank your lucky stars, son.

And stop whining.

Can i have my knife back? Cost me a quid, that did.

Go on, hop it. Hop it.

- Any use in the kitchen? - No.

Oh, never mind.

Might come in handy in the garden, for pruning.

[mournful music plays]