Episode 3 32 Brinkburn Street

Walter, aren't you forgetting something?

-And what are you going to call yourself this time?

-I was thinking, "Sid".

You lying, scheming hound.

Grace... Oh!

-Don't talk to Ellie like that.

-She's not my mum.

Are you still looking for a room?

I want to go on the pill.

I'll be very, very careful.

It's too late for that.

-I'm still in Manchester.

-Are you mad?

-Your job's gone.

-Gone?

It's my kids... Little villains.

IVF.

-It's only a baby-grow.

-It's too much, too fast.

Cause me any trouble...

..and you'll be sorry.

'My name is Frank and this is my family home, 32 Brinkburn Street.

'It's 1931, the year before I was born,

'when the world was a very different place.

'This is the story of my family, then and now.'

HE TUNES IN RADIO # Falling in love again... #

Look what Sid's brought downstairs for us.

The King and Queen have got one of these.

May I have the honour, Miss?

Put me down first on your dance card, Gracie.

You next?

-Elizabeth?

-Not with my knees.

Do you not want to have a dance, Vi?

I couldn't.

My legs are wobbly, Nana.

Are we definitely doing the right thing? I mean, what if something goes wrong?

Maybe I should think about keeping the baby.

No. No, love.

This lady has been looking after lasses for years.

I told you, she knows what she's doing.

And you have got to be brave.

-I should talk to Mam.

-No.

No, the less people who know, the better.

And what's the point of upsetting your mam when this time tomorrow it will all be sorted, eh?

Worrying never solved anything.

What about money? How will we pay for it?

I've thought of that.

You can take this...

to the pawnbroker.

But you love your charm bracelet.

I know I do.

But I love you more.

Now, get on with you.

Evening.

It's all fun and frolics around here.

Your daughter let me in on her way out.

Violet, isn't it? Lovely-looking girl.

Oh, don't let me stop your dancing.

Just want a quick word with Wally.

Though if you fancy a quickstep, Mrs O?

-You can't keep coming here, Billy.

-Can't I?

We need to talk.

I'm with my family.

There's business to attend to, Walter.

Gracie's got the tea on.

Tea can wait.

Business...can't.

All right.

We need more sugar.

Why do we have to eat so much sugar?

Because it's in Grandma Gracie's recipe.

Obviously, I will use less sugar when I...

-..if we manage to get the IVF.

-You're doing it again, Ellie.

What choice do we have, realistically, short of winning the lottery?

Well, what about that pitch you did yesterday? What if you get that?

I haven't heard anything.

And even if it works out, it wouldn't cover everything.

No, it wouldn't. But it'd be a start. Oh, come on, Nick.

Come on, we'll think of something.

-DOORBELL RINGS

-I'll get that.

Doctor Mitchell.

Hi. Is everything OK? Is this about the IVF?

-It's not. Everything's fine, though. I'm here to see Frank.

-Oh, I see.

-I didn't know you did home visits.

-I don't.

I do however make an exception for irascible old men who make a habit of missing their check ups.

Right, OK. Go on through to the kitchen, then.

I'll collect the guilty party.

-Ah, you must be Ellie's husband? Doctor Mitchell.

-Oh, hello.

I'm telling you, it wasn't in my diary.

Oh, Doctor Mitchell.

If you're here to give me me birthday present, you're a bit early I'm afraid.

Frank, sorry. I didn't recognise you. It's been so long.

Point taken. Where do you want me?

I'm not here to examine you. I was just checking there wasn't another reason,

besides incurable awkwardness, for your third non-appearance.

-Isn't it weird to think they've all lived in this house?

-Very. Just think of all the ghosts.

Don't you start. Frank's been telling us stories about the house is cursed.

You could be on one of those ghost shows and have celebrities running around screaming.

All spooky night shots and temperatures dropping in rooms where murders took place.

-Oh, shut up, Mikey!

-Seriously. I mean, not murder, but I bet someone's died in your room.

Oh! Dad!

The bulb's gone!

I think I'm being summoned.

So, you know I can't come round every time you don't turn up.

Well, I wouldn't want you to.

You were meant to say, "I won't miss another appointment, Doctor."

You've got to understand

-the seriousness of your condition.

-What condition?

I'm tip-top. I'm running the London Marathon.

-Maybe next year.

-Come on, Dad. Be serious.

I'm fine. I'm fit as a fiddle!

-You'll make sure to ring the surgery for another appointment?

-Of course.

I'll show you out.

Thank you.

You could have told me you were working for one of my patients.

I nearly had a heart attack when you walked in. You're not stalking me, are you?

I'd see you more if I were. I didn't know Frank was your patient.

Nice surprise, though.

I'll see you soon.

Yeah, of course, it was just a bulb.

Look, if you don't stop going on about ghosts, I swear, I'll dump you.

Yeah, and guess who'll be crying, then?

All right, then, babe.

All right, bye.

"I can't wait to spend the night with you."

I hope she's worth it.

Going anywhere nice?

-Pictures.

-Oh!

How much are the tickets now, then? Half a shilling?

Something like that, yeah.

You must be earning a packet. What did you say you did?

Looks like rain... Probably only a passing shower.

Even light rain gets you wet.

Have a good evening, ladies.

Off to the pictures, indeed!

Perhaps that's where Billy Lamb is taking Walter for his quiet talk.

-Stop it, Mam.

-What, do you think they're discussing the weather?

No good's going to come of it. You mark my words.

So...how are my religious relics?

They're safe.

They'd better be.

We've got another job on tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Be at Grayson's, the debt collector's place, at three.

Is it dangerous?

'Tis if you don't come.

Close your mouth.

I can see your tonsils.

"I can't wait to spend the night with you."

I've decided what I'm going to have on mine.

What are you looking at?

What was so urgent that we had to meet in the graveyard after dark?

-I had to tell them I was going to the flicks.

-To see what?

-I don't know, Patrick, cos I'm here with you.

-New Cagney one's good.

Tell me the plot, cos I'm going to have to sound convincing.

Just mention the grapefruit.

-What?

-Grapefruit.

It's what Cagney has for breakfast in the film.

Grapefruit! He sticks it in the bird's face.

-Grapefruit! You know!

-I don't know, I haven't seen the film! Could we not just have met up in the morning?

What if Seamus has opened his trap? What if they're looking for us now?

We've been through this before and we decided to stay put, right?

-We're in a big city.

-Yeah, and I don't like it.

Every man and his dog feels he has the right to call me "Paddy".

The girls are all bog-eyed and the money isn't lasting.

Not all the girls.

Oh-ho!

There's no "Oh-ho".

A-ha, now, come on, who is she?

-Tell Uncle Pat.

-Listen, Uncle Pat, your money would last a lot longer if you didn't drink it all away.

Two black cats walked away from me this week. Two.

-Cats?

-Black cats.

Would you be sensible, man?

What attracts more attention than an Irish fella?

A new Irish fella.

They're getting used to us now. We just need to stay put.

Ellie, have you seen my fishing gear?

Dad?!

Ah, the cavalry.

Can you see if you can get my fishing rods out of that lot of mess down there?

-I'm going fishing tomorrow.

-What? Why?

-To get more exercise.

You heard the doc.

He didn't prescribe sitting for hours in the cold. You can't do that any more.

I've had carp out of that canal.

Well, it's their lucky day, then. Come on, get in your chair.

Don't get old, Ellie...

..not if you don't want to be treated like a child.

Enjoying sneaking around?

-Hey, you seen enough?

-I've seen nothing.

Keep it that way.

When are you going to tell Gracie the truth?

You what?

About losing your job.

You'd better watch yourself, Paddy.

-Or what?

-Or I'll murder you where you stand.

I'd like to see you try.

Don't start something you can't finish, Walter.

Any post, Frank?

(Did you get the money for the bracelet?)

(Good girl.)

(Now, tell the gaffer you're sick.)

(I'll meet you at the gate.)

(Mrs Bates wants us there at half past one.)

-What you two whispering about?

-If your nose were any longer you'd have to blow it in the yard.

My Harold used to shake like that. He'd been in a war.

What's your excuse?

Bet the trenches were a doddle compared to living with you.

Well! No need for that sort of rudeness, is there?

-Happy birthday, Dad.

-21 again. 'Ey, I hope there's a cheque in here!

-Happy birthday, Frank.

-Oh, smashing.

Is it a book?!

Oh, joy, I see he's ordered his usual birthday breakfast.

Yes, but I put my foot down with the fried bread.

If you can't go to the fish, you let the fish swim to you.

We're going to go down the garden centre this weekend and you can choose what you want.

-Oh, I've always fancied tropical. Oh, it's lovely, thanks.

-Happy birthday Frank!

Oh, I knew there'd be advantages to having you lot move in!

What's that, then?

Oh, that's lovely!

I found it in my room.

It's the year before you were born.

-Is it all right?

-All right? It's wonderful!

Put that wireless on, Gracie, love.

Quality apparatus, is that.

Now, where did an Irishman get the money to pay for that?

-That's the question.

-He works. He told me.

Ah, but is it a gift or a loan that wants paying back?

What you on about, Mam?

You don't get something for nothing in this life, Gracie.

Take a look at yourself in the mirror, love.

You're still a good-looking woman.

Don't talk daft.

I see what I see.

-Must have been expensive.

-Don't worry about it, Dad.

You've done us a massive favour. It's the least we can do.

-So things are OK, money-wise?

-Define "OK".

-I'm serious, Ellie.

-If the bailiffs are going to come knocking, I need to know.

-Dad, it's fine.

Yes, things are a bit tight, but they are for everyone, aren't they?

Yeah, well, if you need any help - anything - just ask.

Give over.

Right, I'm off.

And I'll see you later at cake o'clock.

-"Cake o'clock"!

-Bye!

Well, what right do you have to give a 15-year-old girl the pill? I think I'll come in, yes. Fine.

-Who was that, then?

-What?

-On the phone, who was it?

Oh, just a contractor.

Right, see you later.

Pops?

Yeah?

Is... Is everything OK?

Well, I still haven't forgiven you for not letting me see Mikey, but...

But you do know you can...

..talk to me about stuff.

Great.

Thanks, Dad.

See you later.

See you later.

Where's your charm bracelet, Nana?

Oh, I put it away.

You never take that off.

The silver was getting tarnished.

I thought getting sober, my life would improve...

but I'm probably going to have to declare myself bankrupt.

Can't you talk to Ellie about it?

Talk to Ellie!

All she wants to talk about is IVF.

And my daughter...

Well, I'm not even going to tell you what she's getting up to.

I used to blame everything on the booze, except now there's no booze.

Is that you saying a drink would make it better?

Maybe.

Here we go, Joy, this is family for you.

Now you can see where I get my devastating good looks. Check out these handsome devils.

Poppy's even written the names in.

-And who's that?

-Ah, that's my sister Nora.

I've never heard you speak of her.

No.

She died.

Nora Ogilvie, what DO you look like?!

I'm getting married!

Mother of the bride and I haven't even got a hat? Who's the groom?

Ted at school. He's got a bike.

Come here. What are you even wearing?

That antimac...

-antimaca...

-Antimacassar.

The doily thing from the upstairs chair.

-Is that Violet's Sunday frock?

-I'll get it soon, anyway.

No, you won't. That's got years left in it.

-But she doesn't fit in it any more.

-Course she does.

Doesn't. I've seen her fat tummy.

-Hi, it's me.

-Oh. You can't be long, I'm afraid.

-Are you still freaked out about yesterday?

-No.

No, just a bit shocked to see you there, that's all.

Well, it's Frank's birthday tea this evening, so maybe I can cook for you tomorrow?

-I'll check my diary!

-Now that I'm staying, everything will be better.

We don't have to sneak around. We can see each other all the time.

So...tomorrow evening?

I'll, er... I'll let you know.

OK. Bye.

DIAL TONE

Is it lunch soon, Mam? I'm starving.

We're waiting for Violet. Now wipe the table.

Edna at school's got a cat AND a rabbit.

Can I have a rabbit?

Course you can - in a pie!

Dad, can I have the card?

Mam, I've got cinema stars -

Laurel and Hardy!

-Go wake your grandmother up from her nap.

-She's gone for a walk.

That's a first. Normally only gets off her backside to have a little lie down.

Mrs O...

-Jack.

-Just bumped into your mam and Violet.

-In a mighty hurry, they were.

-Where were they?

Down near Peterson Street. Everything all right?

Fine, thank you.

-Can you finish these? I've got to nip out on an errand.

-What?!

-Watch Nora.

-Well, where are you going? Look, you can't go out. I-I-I've got... Gracie!

-I feel sick.

-No, you'll be fine. You'll be fine. You can trust me.

The sooner we get there, the sooner it'll be over.

There we are.

-Violet!

-Mam...

-How far gone are you?

-Gracie, go home, love.

I'm talking to my daughter.

-How far gone are you?

-Now, look, it's all fixed. Tomorrow, there won't be a problem.

Mam...I'll deal with this.

-BUTTON CLICKS

-Leave it off.

BUTTON CLICKS

CLOCK TICKS

I'm going out.

Stay put, chick. No going out.

Nana said that her way would be easier.

Easier?!

You think it's easier to die on a dirty table?

Shame -

your grandmother's worried about shame,

about the neighbours calling you a trollop

because you've a baby in your belly and no ring on your finger.

But you know what's worse than that, much worse?

Me having to bury you because I didn't have the guts to stand by you.

It's not just the babies that die in those places.

You made a mistake.

I'm not going to let you pay for it with your life.

Having a baby's not the end of the world, you know.

I'm 15!

There's things that I want to do.

I don't want to be stuck round here forever.

You mean you don't want to be stuck round here forever...like me?

We were engaged. He was saving up for the ring.

He said that when we were married...

Have you not got the sense you were born with? Anything that a man says

when he's trying to get his way with you should be written in water.

Where is he now?

There are other ways, you know.

-SHE SCOFFS

-Like what?

-Well, let out your dresses, and then...

-What about Dad?

We'll find a way, but we'll have to keep it from Dad.

He'd strangle you if he ever found out.

-You managed to fit me in, then?

-Billy, I've had an idea.

When I get myself back on me feet, I'll get a job, a good job, and I'll pay you back a bit every month,

and I'll knock the gambling on the head.

You've got it all worked out.

I don't think we're going to do that.

Lucky for you... this job requires a coward.

I need a man who can yell.

The gentleman I'm going in there to see, I have to show him that no man, friend or foe,

screws with Billy Lamb.

And you're...

standing lookout.

Think you can manage that?

Good lad.

The landlady's washed her husband's socks in that beer.

I might have another one.

I got you a present.

Well, I didn't get it for you. I got it for a girl,

but she never turned up. Maybe you can give it to your girl.

-What girl?

-The one you mentioned yesterday.

I was going on about all the girls being bog-eyed, and you said, "Not all,"

-and that means you have one and she's definitely not bog-eyed.

-What goes through your head, man?

Here.

It's going to take more than a couple of notes to buy two fares to America.

We agreed we were staying put. HE SIGHS

-Or did another black cat run away from you?

-You're not on your holidays.

The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it gets. James Duffy is on his way over here.

-(They're never going to send James Duffy.)

-I heard they have.

He never liked me.

Come on. America. Time for a new start.

Onward and upwards.

-CLATTERING

-Ah! >

BLOWS STRIKE, GLASS SHATTERS

Ah! Ah! >

Oi! What are you playing at?

Right, we can't wait any longer. It's time to give pussycat her tea.

Come on, dolly.

Here, puss, puss, puss. CAT MIAOWS

CAT MIAOWS

Come on. Come on.

Here, puss, puss, puss. Come on.

Come on. Come on...

SHE SCREAMS

-Happy birthday, Dad!

-Happy birthday, Frank.

-Oh! Ta.

-Yeah.

OK. Cut the cake.

I just can't face going back to more of the same.

Avoiding things is what got you into trouble in the first place, Nick.

What is it you're not facing?

-Fancy a coffee or something?

-SHE LAUGHS

-You see? Avoidance, a prime example!

-I just want a coffee.

Fine. But don't think this gets you off the hook.

CAT MIAOWS

HE CLICKS

Hello?

Hey, Nora.

Nora! Nora, talk to me, Nora.

Come on, love. Come on.

Up you come. Come on.

Nick, it's me. Where are you? You're missing the cake.

SHE LAUGHS

-Where's the bubbly?

-You'll give me a heart attack!

Oh, get away with you. You've the heart of an ox.

I didn't think it would be right to put this one in the album, Frank. I mean, someone's torn it.

-Was that your mum?

-Yeah.

So who's the man, then?

-Hey. She's hurt.

-Nora, sweetheart!

-Nora, talk to me! What's happened?

-I found her in the graveyard. She must have fallen.

-Sweetheart, open your eyes. How long's she been out?

-I don't know. I'll get the doctor. You take her.

Nora, Nora, Nora...

Tell Mam where it hurts, sweetheart. Tell Mam.

My head hurts, Mam.

Let me see.

-HE PANTS

-Nora's fallen. She's unconscious in the house.

I'm going for the doctor.

WALTER GASPS

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH RAPIDLY

-What happened?

-Dad!

Dad's here, darling.

I'm sorry. There was a kitten.

You've nothing to be sorry for.

I'm going to be... SHE RETCHES

MUSIC PLAYS

Poppy, I want you to have this.

It's me sister's, Nora - she used to collect them.

It's a family heirloom.

Oh, Frank, you can't give me this.

Yeah. You're family.

THEY LAUGH

It's so much easier talking to you than Ellie.

Oh, cos I don't judge you, so you're not risking anything.

You have been...so great.

No, seriously.

RAIN PATTERS ON ROOF

I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you.

I think it's time to go home.

No, it's definitely time to go home.

Erm...now I feel really silly.

I'm sorry. I...

Nick...go home.

You need to talk to the people that matter to you.

I just thought that you...

THEY SIGH

I'm sorry.

Give over! You'll wear the floorboards out.

Thank goodness you found her.

You're supposed to get more than three slices out of a loaf.

Give it here.

Someone else can have the crust - it doesn't suit me dentures.

She's asleep now. The doctor said to watch her tonight but she should be fine tomorrow.

Why weren't you here?

Where were you?

'Hey!

'How are you going to win a competition without a camera...?'

Hey! This has been the best birthday ever.

Hm. But you say that every year.

Every year it's true.

Hey, I can't wait to fill that tank up with fish.

It'll be like the South Seas in here.

-So you like it, then?

-Oh, I love it.

Oh, Dad,

the present I really want to give you is a grandchild.

You will. Just give it time.

It doesn't seem to be happening naturally.

Look, ever since you were this high, you've always wanted everything now.

Just be patient. It'll happen, sweetheart.

Gambling. You were gambling.

No, I...

I thought you were a better liar than that, Walter.

All these years I've had people say to me, "Why do you put up with him?" I thought you loved your kids.

-I do.

-Not enough.

I wasn't gambling!

I was...with a mate.

-Oh, please! Who's that, then? Billy Lamb, I suppose.

-No...

I should have shut the door in your face when you first came calling. I wish I'd never married you.

DOOR SLAMS

-Dad...I need to ask you something.

-Fire away.

I hate asking this, but you know earlier, when you said that you could lend us some money?

-Yeah, of course, and you said "no".

-I've changed me mind.

-Oh, that's all right. I'll get me cheque book.

-It's going to be a bit more than that.

Will you sign the house over to me?

See, I need to get a loan for IVF and this is the only thing I can think of.

I mean, if we put the house in my name, it'll still be your house.

Of course, it's always going to be your house, Dad,

and obviously we'd never, ever throw you out or anything like that,

but, Dad, I'm at me wits' end.

-It just seems like the perfect solution.

-Ellie...

-I know it's an awful lot to ask.

-Just slow down.

When you talked about a loan, I presumed you meant a couple of hundred quid for a gas bill.

-I mean, this is very different.

-I know, I know it is. I just thought...

I'll think about it, eh? OK.

KNOCKING

I just wanted to see how she was.

She's fine. I just can't get her to settle.

Can I try something?

# Too-ra, loo-ra, loo-ra... #

TV PLAYS >

Always works a treat. My mum used to sing it to me all the time.

-At least she was more tuneful than me.

-You've got a lovely voice.

Here...for when she wakes up.

She'll like that.

Are you going to sit up all night?

I couldn't sleep if I tried.

I could sit up with you, if you like?

No more singing.

Scotch. A large one.

Has Walter Ogilvie been in tonight?

Not tonight, Billy.

I'm going to wring his neck.

Watching her sleeping,

she looks like an angel.

She looks like you.

-When I saw you carrying her, I thought...

-I know.

I know.

-I should be off soon.

-Yeah, it's getting late.

I don't mean to bed, Gracie. I mean permanently.

Oh.

The thing is...

..I really hated Manchester at first and now...

-I really don't want to leave.

-Why's that?

Cos I'm falling in love with you.

-Nobody's going to get killed.

-We are, if we stay here.

Where's Dad? I don't want him finding out about the baby.

Sorry, Walt, but if you're in trouble with Billy Lamb, I don't want to be involved.

Stay away from my daughter.

You ruined my childhood and now you're trying to ruin the rest of my life.

You're not going to do anything hasty, are you?

Like what? Tell your wife?

-There's things that I really need to tell you.

-What have you two done?

-Maybe I should move on altogether?

-That's just blackmail.

-I just wanted a baby.

I should feel guilty. I feel alive.

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