Episode 5 Dancing on the Edge

CHURCH BELL RINGS

This programme contains some scenes which some viewers may find upsetting.

He didn't see you, pretty sure he didn't.

He's holding a picture of me, so he'd better not have.

Did I tell you I spoke to Eric?

No, you didn't. When did you do that?

When you arrived last night, bleeding all over the place.

And what did you say to him?

I said, "Bring a car in the morning - we need to move Louis."

And can he be trusted?

I'm not sure, we'll soon see if the police turn up now.

Who's this?

Don't know.

Eric?! What the hell is he doing bringing something that size!

Get in the car, Louis.

Not until I know where you're taking me.

-We're going west, about six miles.

-Why are we going west?

We can't have a conversation about it! Get in the car!

Got to lie right down on the seat, go on, lie down.

What the hell's she doing here?

-Don't let her get in this car.

-What?

You heard me, don't let her in.

Sarah, what you doing here?

I thought this was the only place you could come.

-I wanted to say something to Louis.

-You weren't followed, were you?

No, I wasn't. That's Pamela's car, I stayed with her last night,

nobody's going to follow her.

I need a word with Louis, just for a moment.

Sarah, we've got to go.

I have to have a word with Louis.

Some other time, Sarah.

She can follow us.

What?

You can follow us.

Right!

-Why on earth did you do that?

-She was going to follow us anyway.

Get right down!

'Jessie!

'I saw you with Jessie Taylor. I saw you arguing the night she was attacked.'

You saw Mr Luscombe in the hotel

when he maintains he was on the train to Paris.

I'm not taking any help from Mr Masterson, I promise you, Stanley.

That's the last thing I'll do.

This is so very exciting.

You told the police that you saw Julian in the hotel,

when he couldn't possibly have been there.

Come back to the hotel?

I'm not that stupid, Sarah.

What are you saying?

That you don't trust any of us?

My brother's going to be an American businessman,

and suddenly you're his partner too, Mr Masterson's.

Don't be concerned, I'm going to see a doctor now.

BELL RINGS

Get down, Louis! For Christ's sake! I told you to keep down.

Why won't you tell me where you're taking me?

-We have, we're going west.

-Why are we going out to the suburbs?

We need somewhere to put you.

The obvious thing to do is to get to Victoria, you buy a ticket,

give it to me, and I get the boat-train. We should do the simplest plan.

Oh, really?! Done this before, have you?!

The longer we leave it, the more places they'll watch,

going in the opposite direction is plain stupid.

Pull up, Eric! Pull up right now!

FOG HORN BLARES

You want to do that? Go and catch the boat-train?!

Yes. I think I should go straight there.

We'll turn round, drop you in front of Victoria Station,

and watch you being arrested within 20 seconds.

We don't have to do it like that...

And you have your passport on you?

No, it's at the hotel, and you told me not to go back there,

but one of the band could easily get it from my room and meet me.

Whilst you're sitting at Victoria Station drinking coffee, I suppose?!

For God's sake, Louis, listen to me!

Donaldson told all of us last night that the police have Harry Thornton

saying that he saw you screaming at Jessie the night she was attacked.

They've timed the drive from the airbase where you were playing

and worked out you could have easily got back in time to knife her.

And after I attacked her, I got back in the car, did I?!

Covered in blood, cos I would have been totally

covered in blood, and somehow drove up again to the hotel

so I could be seen arriving, as relaxed as could be?!!

-Yes, they think you could have done that.

-HOW?

Because you're a clever negro.

"He thinks he's such a clever negro,

"everybody knows what an opinion he has of himself!"

That is what they've decided you did.

So if you want to take your chance with the entire English legal system I'm not going to stop you, I'm not.

I don't have to be doing any of this, you realise, carrying

you around London, while the whole bloody police force is on your back.

And why are you doing it, then? I'd like to know that, Stanley.

Maybe because your last interview might make quite a good story.

HORN BEEPS

-SARAH:

-Stop that at once! Get out of the car!

All of you, get away from the car!

I don't trust her.

Well, she's here, so you've got no other choice but to trust her.

DOG BARKS

Louis! Come on.

Eric, what is this place?

It's my brother's, he's even more interested in taking things apart than I am.

-Where is he?

-He won't be back till later.

He works in a film studio, I've a key because I work with him

sometimes. We're building a projector.

-Keep away from the window!

-How long do I need to be here for?

-We need a few hours.

-Till it's dark.

-There's a meeting with Mr Masterson in two hours.

-You're going to that?

Eric and I have to, and Sarah, too, but she can join later.

Mr Wax is signing off the magazine,

we need to be there for that, if we're not then...

-They might think we're holding a fugitive.

-Exactly.

Which we are!

-What are you doing?

-I need to change your bandage.

It's all right, the bleeding's stopped.

You need a new bandage, it'll get infected otherwise.

I'm going to do this, keep still.

You want me to stay here until it's dark?!

-Yes.

-What if someone needs your brother?

-Don't answer the door!

-Keep still, please. I'm going to do this properly.

I'll get your passport, easier if I do it and I'll still have time for the meeting.

The most important thing is to get out of these, wearing this in the middle...

By the time it's night it won't matter.

-I'll get a change of clothes.

-You're expected at the meeting.

I'll get them and come straight back.

-We can't both go to the hotel.

-I won't go to the hotel.

With a change of clothes, I can do the rest. Thanks, but I don't want you all taking risks, so...

Louis, as hard as it is, you've got to stay in this room

and when it's dark we will move you.

Maybe we can find somewhere out of London for a couple of days

and then you can try to reach a port, but just promise me

you won't be stupid and try to leave.

Mr Masterson!

Is there anything I can get you, sir?

No, no, quite unnecessary. Please carry on.

You're here even earlier than I am.

Well, it's a big day, signing of the agreement,

so I thought I should be early.

Days don't get much bigger than this do they, well not for me, anyway!

Nor for me, after the signing I'm leaving the country with Mr Luscombe.

You're going today, sir?

Indeed, it's a very interesting trip in prospect,

we're flying to Cherbourg tonight, then crossing to New York

on a brand new liner, which is kind of appropriate, don't you think?

How all new ventures should begin.

I don't think I should take too many clothes,

because I will get a whole new wardrobe when I'm out there, won't I?

I'm don't think you'll need a whole new wardrobe, darling.

I'll need some very serious shoes, especially, so that when people

look at me they'll say, "My word, that young man is someone!"

I'm sure they'll find you some extremely serious shoes.

Oh God, darling!

A day of goodbyes, what a terrible prospect.

I'll cry so much.

And I will miss you so much!

You will do most of your goodbyes on the telephone, won't you?

That way you won't get delayed.

Marvellous idea, that'll be so much easier!

Then I can just say - "This goodbye has gone on long enough,

"so goodbye!"

You'll be here?

Of course I'll be here, nearly all the time.

You'll stay close by me?

Really close?

I'll stick very close.

Almost all the time.

TELEPHONE RINGS

KNOCK ON THE DOOR

-Is her Ladyship in?

-Yes, sir.

Stanley, good morning!

We've all decided to have a final cup of tea together.

A final cup of tea?

Yes, the old hotel is going up in smoke, apparently.

We're giving up our apartments here,

it's very definitely time to move on, we've all agreed on that.

Ladies.

They've been here for absolute ages.

And when one thinks back to the great things that have happened,

to the wonderful artists who played here!

I thought those days were coming back, when the Prince of Wales

came here to listen to The Louis Lester band play.

But a fight among musicians, a fatal stabbing, a girl singer dies -

and, well, it's the end of the place.

Was there a fight amongst musicians?

Well that's what the police seem to believe.

Mr Lester does appear to be the culprit, does he not?

Which is tremendously sad of course,

but until the court has pronounced, we certainly mustn't.

Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

So dark in here.

It looks like there might be a thunderstorm.

We must get to work, mustn't we, Stanley? Mr Masterson awaits!

You can come in my car.

We have to go already?!

Yes. Have to be early on our first day.

TELEPHONE RINGS RUMBLE OF THUNDER

Here he comes now!

I told him to bring the car round to the back,

but there's so many taxis out front, everybody's trying to get away.

What is it, Stanley?

What are you doing that for?

I have no secrets in front of Pardoe.

I want you to consider something.

What is that?

That Louis isn't guilty.

Well, of course, one hopes that might be the case,

but the evidence is rather damming.

There is no evidence. Of course there isn't.

But we need a little time.

We? What do you mean we?

Well, he needs somewhere to go while things calm down.

I wondered if you could help?

-If I could help?

-If we could use your house in the country for a couple of days?

No-one will look for him there.

Pardoe, stop the car.

I'm amazed you should ask, when the police are out there looking for him right this moment!

I don't know why you're amazed, we encouraged the band.

I don't see how that changes anything.

I'm stunned you should ask ME, Stanley, truly stunned.

But I am asking you, because I know, in a way, you will understand,

and want to do something.

Just for two days? We use your house, you could say you knew nothing about it,

after all I've been to the house, I could have suggested it to Louis - there's the stable block.

There was a knifing in the hotel and a girl died.

Louis is a very intelligent man, of course, but we must not be blinded.

This was always the likely outcome, a negro band in this hotel,

a fight, a stabbing.

Do you really believe that, Lavinia?

Yes, I do.

What if Mr Masterson's involved? What if he's protecting Julian?

That's impossible, quite impossible. And you know that.

Do I? I thought it was impossible, but maybe it isn't.

Stanley, if you're helping Louis...

I didn't say that, I didn't say I was.

..you could go to prison for a long time.

I know that, Lavinia.

Are you helping him?

No, I'm not. Not yet.

I'm going to be the proprietor of the magazine

and this is our first day, and I was really looking forward to it,

us working together, and you bring me this!

What do I bring you, Lavinia?

You bring me chaos.

God knows I've had enough of that in my life,

with what happened with my sons.

I know that Lavinia, of course.

For a moment I thought it had stopped...

and now this!

I don't know what you thought you were doing.

You've ruined everything,

you've ruined our day.

Lavinia!

Lavinia!

What do you think you are doing?

Looking for Carla. I'm doing an article on the break-up of the band.

-Are you indeed?!

-Yes.

Do you think anyone wants to read that now?

Maybe, we'll see. Do you know where she is?

No, I don't.

You brought the roof down on all of us, Stanley, you realise that?

-I have?!

-You brought the band here.

-WOMAN:

-I watch all day...

INAUDIBLE SPEECH

CAR ENGINE RUMBLES

WOMAN: 'We've had so many burglaries, I've lost count...

'Where are the police? Always too late...

'I tell you, we've had enough!'

Why is Pamela here?

She insisted on coming! I couldn't stop her.

Don't worry though, Louis, she wants to help, I really believe she does.

I've brought the clothes, they're in the car.

Why are they in the car?

I wanted to make sure you were still here first.

Nobody followed us, I promise!

I was keeping an eye out the whole way!

So how do they know I'm here?

I don't know! Louis, believe me!

WOMAN: 'You think we're going to put up with it?

'You don't do anything about it.

'She had five visits from the police

'and all she had stolen was a cigarette case.

'The police are never here.

'They should be!

'I'm going to write to my Member of Parliament, Herbert Stringer,

'and you're going to hear from him, I promise you will...'

Keep going! Keep going!

I've got the clothes.

And what did you say to the police?

As little as I could, they said they were investigating a burglary.

Best not go back to the car yet!

Better get you changed, Louis.

Where do you suggest I change?

We'll find somewhere.

We'll do it there.

And they're not going to notice?

We act as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

You take this suitcase, Louis, after all,

why shouldn't you be my servant? That's what they'll think.

Sit there, and I'll go and find out if I can get us in.

Sit there? In full view of everybody?

Of course, the police won't look for him here -

you've got to hold your nerve, Sarah.

Bernard, you and your friends are going to play the music for us, are you not?

I will go and see how big the space is, and if it'll suit.

I just wanted to see inside.

I hear there is a room for hire?

Of course!

There is? Then you must show me, lead the way.

I didn't bring them here - the police - I promise!

I know they didn't follow me.

It doesn't matter.

What doesn't matter?

It matters to me what you think more than anything.

-WHISPERS:

-Sarah, you can't cry.

I'm not crying. I'm not going to cry.

I shouldn't be sitting here.

If I'm your servant, I ought to stand.

Don't stand, please don't stand, talk to me.

I won't cry, I promise.

Look as if you're giving me orders about the party.

What party?

-HUSHED:

-The party you've hired me and my friends to play at.

That's not easy, to pretend, at this very moment.

Pamela's not finding it so difficult.

There's a very good reason for that, isn't there?!

She doesn't care about you the way that I do.

No, don't say anything to that or I will break down.

It hurts so much that you don't trust me.

-WHISPERS:

-You're right, we shouldn't talk about this now.

But that doesn't mean we never should.

Give me orders, about what you require,

for the entertainment at the party.

Yes, yes.

How many of you will there be, providing the music?

About ten, ma'am.

What's taking her so long?

I've got to be at the meeting, the signing of the magazine's

future, and we need to get you away from here and changed before...

I think it might well be what I'm looking for.

The lady's got to go, Ma'am.

Yes, you go, Sarah, take the car.

Take the car?!

Yes.

If the police are following the car, it's best Louis isn't in it.

But where will you go?

We'll find somewhere back in town, maybe that little club where Louis

played for the Prince that time and there was that thunderstorm.

Go to your meeting, darling, we'll take care of the arrangements.

Go!

Go!

SARAH SOBS

Let's see if this could possibly work, Bernard,

or whether it's far too pokey!

Now let's find you somewhere to change. Excuse me?

Excuse me.

This may take a little while.

Why are you here?

I'm not sure you should worry about that right at this moment, Louis.

ERIC: ..to really gain some new readers...

we have an incredible opportunity here...

Where on earth have you been, Stanley?

I've been with Lavinia, erm, Lady Cremone.

She'll be a little late.

Almost everyone seems to be late today.

Just when their future's being decided!

And Sarah will be here very soon, I think so.

Yes, we have something for her.

Eric was just showing us the new magazine, quite a transformation!

We're going to have the space for so many more pages,

I thought we needed to expand, boldly.

Our biggest new section is our cinema section,

which will have at least three particular subdivisions -

the USA, Hollywood, of course, Europe, and naturally us.

And equally exciting, I think, is this -

a special section on censorship, on movies that can't be shown here -

at least not yet - like this amazing new erotic film from Czechoslovakia,

Ecstasy - it is quite poetic but it does have full nakedness!

A few photos from that will move a hell of a lot of copies!

What do you think, Stanley?!

And there are going to be so many photographs,

about ten times more than we had.

Yes, Mr Masterson has bought a brand new camera for Sarah,

this fast-speed camera's only just come out!

I think it will cause quite a revolution in the use of photographs.

And we will show the way.

A new camera, Sarah will love that.

Stanley, I need a word with you.

What is it, Mr Masterson?

You must call me Walter.

All right, Walter, what is it?

I just wanted you to check your new salary.

It seemed to me to be a fair figure, to start with.

Do you agree with that figure?

Yes, it's, erm, very generous, course I do!

Good, as we expand further, it'll go up.

I have to ask you, Stanley, have you seen Louis Lester within the last few hours?

I have not.

You don't know where Mr Lester currently is?

No, I don't. What's this got to do with the signing?

This is the first magazine I've owned.

I think people might feel it is rather sensible of me to make sure my editor doesn't wind up in jail.

Well, that certainly isn't going to happen.

Good. I'm reassured. You've had no contact?

No.

Of course, when the police do arrest him, I'll see if I can get his last interview.

That will be a scoop, certainly.

-And in fact Mr Lester is about to be found.

-He is?

I fully expect him to be found before midnight tonight,

because I have offered a reward of £10,000

for information leading to his capture.

It's about to be announced.

You've offered a reward... of £10,000?!

Yes, why is that so surprising?

Because we all knew Louis, we all did.

It's one thing not to actually help him, but it's a little

-different offering a huge reward for his arrest!

-Is it?

I think we have to disagree, Stanley, it seemed to me

to be the right thing to do, because although I wasn't

responsible for the band being at The Imperial,

I am a resident there, I've seen what's happened to the hotel.

In any case it's done - it will be out in the first

edition of the evening newspaper, which is within the hour.

I don't think we should keep Mr Wax waiting any longer, do you?

Do I take the plunge?

Or do I have a change of heart?!

No, no change of heart,

the price was too good!

I'll go and check the luggage.

Lavinia, why are you all alone?!

Just perching here for a moment.

You mustn't ever drink alone, even coffee, terrible idea.

I was just a little early for a meeting,

and now I may be a little late.

-Walter's meeting?

-Yes.

Your life is going to be full of Walter from now on, his calls,

his telegrams, his commands!

Me too. He's taking me away, you know.

-I do know that, yes.

-He's got fingers in every pie, it's amazing, isn't it?

He doesn't ever have deep thoughts or anything like that,

but suddenly he's in every pie!

Come on, Lavinia, why are you so sad?

You can smile at that!

I am a little upset, of course, about what's happened to Louis Lester, it's a terrible business.

It is! It's shocking, quite awful!

And the news changes every minute, doesn't it?

Walter told me, this morning, that he's offered a reward, quite a big

reward, actually, for any information leading to Louis' arrest.

He's offering a reward? Are you sure?

Oh yes, it's going to be in the paper!

Well, that took long enough. They nearly fit.

Where do they come from, one of your servants?

Yes. But that's much better.

Come on, Bernard, over here, the taxi will be here any moment.

Yes, ma'am.

When the taxi arrives, Bernard, I want you to tell the driver to go

to Fortnum and Masons in Piccadilly, I need a couple of items from there.

Yes, ma'am.

You may sit with me.

-WHISPERS:

-We're not going to Fortnum and Masons, are we?

Of course not, when we're back in town, we'll head to that little music club, don't you think?

It's funny what people chose to do with their lives.

I expect my mother would like it here.

I don't think bowls is very popular with Jews, so she wouldn't find many here.

And that would make her so happy!

Don't worry, the taxi will be here at any moment.

As soon as it's dark, I'll get out of London, to Bristol or Cardiff, and get a ship.

Let's hope it's that easy.

It'll be easier on my own.

Ma'am.

Maybe.

Or maybe you're less easy to spot when you're being a servant, Louis.

There you are!

Mr Luscombe, what a surprise!

I've been saying goodbyes all over town,

and of course one of my first had to be you, Carla.

It's been such a terrible day, hasn't it?

With all those awful things in the papers about Louis,

it's not possible, it's just not possible he did anything to Jessie!

I know he can't have!

Course he didn't.

I miss Jessie awfully!

I find myself saying things to her,

there's so much I wish I had said, when I had a chance.

That's absolutely right, so do I.

It's especially true today because my sister's gone missing,

for a little while at least, and I have all these goodbyes to do in just a few hours.

You're going today?

Tonight, yes!

I really don't want to go, I hate the idea of a business job,

of belonging to someone, of not being able to do what I want,

like you can, Carla.

I won't be any more, we're having to leave this place,

the band's breaking up.

When I get to America, I'm going to look after you.

I'm going to take you out there for a holiday and tell everybody what a wonderful talent you have.

And how much you mean to me.

Mean to you?

How unforgettable you are, and our times together,

you and Jessie and me.

And how it will always be, it is, the highlight of my life.

You're holding me too tight, Mr Luscombe...

Please.

How do you want us to say goodbye, then?

I don't know...

Shake hands, like proper...

Like proper what? Like proper gentleman?!

I don't know, Carla, if I ever will be a proper gentleman,

and shall I tell you something?

Nobody I know is, absolutely nobody!

Except Mr Schlesinger, of course.

Mr Luscombe, good morning.

Carla, I have to tell you this now, I'm afraid,

tonight is the last night you can use your bedroom here.

That's our notice is it?

Just one night!

Sarah, we have a little present for you.

It's a new camera.

Thank you so much. This is tremendous.

It has an amazing telephoto lens

and a totally new high-speed shutter.

And it allows you to take pictures really quickly, as many as you want.

Louis had to move.

What? I told him!

He had to, the police turned up.

Where is he now?

-ERIC:

-I think if we start by putting this all up around the walls,

so we can see the magazine at a glance!

One can do without chairs, but not notice boards!

It's like this morning never happened at all.

Yes.

I don't think we should involve him any further.

I left Louis with Pamela.

Pamela?! Well, what was she doing there?

I couldn't stop her coming, she said they might go to that club,

you know, the one you first found Louis in.

Put those there and let's go and get the big one.

I'm going to go home in a moment

-because that's where Pamela will be able to contact me.

-Yes, they need to be able to find us.

He's offered a reward you know,

right now people are reading about it.

-So we don't have long.

-It's the first time

I've found myself wishing something terrible had happened in the news, an airship crash,

just so his reward doesn't get much space in the paper.

I've got to find out.

For Christ sake, Eric!

Good. Er, Sarah, could you help us with these boards please?

They're going to go all around the room.

Good position, is it?

-What?

-The reward? Has it got a good position?

Yes, I think you can call it that.

-Do you think it will work, Stanley?

-I'm sure it will.

So am I. Now come up and chair your first editorial meeting.

-Mr Donaldson?

-Nathan, this must be terrible for you,

all these rumours about what's happening to the hotel.

Unless something extraordinary happens the Bertram Brothers

are going to sell the place, and it's going to be demolished, and an office block put up.

Knocked down for an office block, the final insult!

-So it really is the last days of the place?

-Yes.

Well, you never know, Nathan,

-something extraordinary might happen.

-Like what?

Another buyer will ride to the rescue!

No, not even Mr Masterson would want this old pile.

We'll see. The man is very unpredictable.

While I am the complete opposite, of course.

PHONE RINGS

-Take a seat.

-I have information about the whereabouts of Louis Lester,

-the band leader.

-Oh, yes?

I didn't know whether to go to the newspapers or come here first.

You made the right decision.

I followed Mr Lester to the offices of the magazine Music Express.

-Well, you're not going to get £10,000 for that.

-No?

I saw him go inside.

You're still not going to get £10,000 for that.

I bet that's better information than anybody else has given you!

We've visited those offices, there's nobody there.

They're helping him though, aren't they? They must be.

We've visited all of Mr Lester's friends -

and we will continue to do so.

Mind that bag, Bernard, there are fragile things in there!

You'd better wait there, we don't want to give them

too much of a surprise, do we?

Is Deirdre here?

I have a visitor for you.

-You've bought Louis here?!

-Yes I have. May we come in?

Hello, Deirdre.

You can't be here long, Louis, not long at all!

We won't be long, I just need to make a telephone call,

-may I use your office?

-Yes.

What's happened to you, Louis?

Why are they saying these things about you and Jessie Taylor?

-Why do you think?

-What do you mean?

-They think I must have done it.

This won't take a moment.

PHONE RINGS

-Yes?

-Darling, it's me.

-There you are!

I've been looking for you.

-I just had to pop out.

-'But where are you now?'

I just had to do a little shopping,

I've just been to Swan & Edgar, I'm coming home.

But I need you here! You said you wouldn't leave me.

And I've got so much to arrange before tonight.

-I'll be home very soon, darling.

-Promise?

I promise.

I went to the hotel, to say some proper farewells

but everybody was so busy and so depressed - it was very upsetting!

It must have been, concentrate on getting everything packed,

darling, making sure you've got everything you want to take.

You've got to be ready for when Mr Masterson comes to pick you up

because you can't keep him waiting.

I'll be ready, be more than ready to assist Walter -

to help him buy all sorts of things! From now on,

-I'm going to do everything he says.

-That's good, darling.

-I'll see you very soon.

-Come quickly!

Why did you lie to him about where you were?

Why do you think?

Because he's the most indiscreet person in London.

-You'd rather I'd told him, would you?

-What do you know about your brother and Jessie?

What are you trying to say?

I'm saying, what happened between Julian and Jessie?

My brother didn't kill Jessie Taylor, if that's what you mean,

of course he didn't.

If you think that's the reason I'm here, out of guilt,

because Julian attacked Jessie, then you are quite wrong.

-Then why are you here?

-Because neither did you, attack Jessie.

And naturally, I don't want to see you swing for it, is that so strange?

We have spent rather a lot of time with you and the band after all, haven't we?

Oh, don't make a mess, please, dear,

this house always seems to get untidy.

I won't make a mess, Mummy. You know I'm going off tonight?

Yes, yes and I'm sure it'll be thrilling

working for Mr Masterson, he's such a capable man.

There are so few capable men nowadays.

When he arrives, we'll say a proper goodbye.

This house is full of guns, isn't it?

Stanley, your desk has arrived.

So I see.

Do you think he's trying to bribe us all?

If he is, he's left me out.

It seems to be working, doesn't it?

I've got to go, Rosie. Tell him I've gone to talk to the police,

to let me have a few minutes with Louis after he's arrested.

Where are you really going?

-Eric!

-I think I should come too.

-You don't know where I'm going.

-I have a fair idea.

You're going to help Louis move somewhere.

How did you do that anyway? You were just showing him your diagrams.

He's still looking at the diagrams, probably showing them to the police now.

You've got to go back, we can't both disappear!

If it looks odd I can't help it!

I'm not a very good liar, Stanley, so when I saw the police,

I thought I'd better pop out.

DOOR BELL RINGS

Hello, it's lovely to see you again.

No we're not going to the office today, straight through to the rehearsal room.

That's another singer, I can't stop them coming in here!

One of them is going to recognise you, Louis!

-There must be another room we can go to?

-Even just for a moment.

There's nowhere else down here. They're early.

I told you they were coming!

You'll have to go upstairs, while they're arriving,

we don't own upstairs, but it's the only place!

I want to help you, of course, but it's too difficult!

Really! It is! To the right there Louis! Right!

Just wait! Wait!

-These people are waiting...

-For a taxi.

..yes, for a, for a taxi,

and just wanted to watch while they're waiting.

I hope you don't mind. I simply love dance.

CHURCH BELLS PEAL

Miss Peters, you've been a difficult person to find.

-Have I?

-We'd just like a word with you, if we may?

It's all right, Father, the police just want to have a word.

That's right. We just wanted to ask your daughter

if she knew the whereabouts of Mr Louis Lester?

Louis Lester? His whereabouts?

No, I don't know that.

When did you last see him, Miss Peters?

A couple of days ago, at the Imperial.

A couple of days ago?

Yes, that's right. Before the stories in the newspapers.

-Yes, you must have been very shocked by those.

-I was.

Sir, if you have no objection, could we have a look upstairs?

Upstairs? What do you expect to find up there?

No, please, look upstairs, by all means.

This is my dark room, as you can see.

I'd like to look inside, if I may?

These are just my photographs.

Well, I'm very interested in photography,

we're using it more and more ourselves.

And this is a splendid collection of photos!

-Thank you.

-Especially of Mr Louis Lester.

I took a lot of photos of his band, of course.

Yes, we've heard about how much time you've spent with the band,

from er, Mr Harry Thornton at the Imperial.

Harry, he never liked the band.

-You were having an intimate relationship with Mr Lester weren't you?

-He was a friend of mine.

You were having a sexual relationship with him?

I'm not going to answer that.

No, you don't have to, I just have to look around,

all your photographs, they say it all.

-Where's your colleague?

-He's just outside the door, Miss Peters.

Would you like him to come in? It might become a little crowded.

Maybe you and I can deal with this?

You were having regular sexual relations with Mr Lester?

That's not against the law.

Not in this country, you're quite right.

but in other parts of the world it would be another matter, wouldn't it?

I didn't realise you spoke for them as well.

Now your father's Russian?

-He is.

-His real name is, er, Petroff?

It was, before he became a resident here.

Now let me put this simply, Miss Peters, your father's had

dealings with the Soviet Trade Delegation as part of his work.

Has he? I don't know much about my father's work.

Well I'm telling you that for a fact, Miss Peters.

And anybody who has dealings with the Soviet Trade Delegation

whose conduct comes under suspicion, can be

summarily deported under the Undesirable Aliens Act.

The Home Office have those powers.

If Mr Petroff's daughter was suspected of helping a fugitive

escape from justice, well then that would be a case for deportation.

So you're threatening my father, Mr Horton?

No, no, no, I'm just explaining to you what will happen

if you don't tell me what you know, what I can see you must know,

and what a talented photographer you are,

and what a future you ought to have in the professional world.

My father can't go back to Russia!

No, I understand that.

And I know that you won't want to be the reason that that happens.

So you tell me what you know, where Mr Lester is.

Or would you rather talk over the matter with your father first?

Talk over the dilemma with him?

Although I'm not sure it's that much of a dilemma for you, Miss Peters.

Now you're sensible enough to put your own future,

and your father's future first.

HAUNTING SONG PLAYS

-Mr Luscombe!

-Hello, you two.

We're staying with Uncle Arthur! Are you on a surprise visit?

I am on a surprise visit, yes.

Why? Why is it a surprise?

Because I like surprising people, and I like this garden very much.

Let's explore it together, shall we?

One of the best days of my life was spent in this garden.

I like this area particularly. Is Uncle Arthur in the house?

-He is, yes.

-Well let's not call him just yet, shall we?

-No, we won't.

-What's in the box?

Is it a present for Uncle Arthur?

You can look inside if you want.

Is it a real gun?

Yes, you can hold it if you like.

Why have you brought it with you, Mr Luscombe?

Well, I just thought I'd go for a walk with it,

see if there was anything I wanted to shoot, like a really fat

pigeon, or a revolting, mangy dog, or a particularly hideous man.

You wouldn't do that would you?

Shoot a dog or an ugly man?

No, probably not.

It would be better if one waited

until one saw somebody far more important.

Uncle Arthur! Uncle Arthur! Look who's here!

Julian, my dear fellow! To what do I owe this honour?

PIANO PLAYS

-Everything is satisfactory?

-Oh, absolutely.

Your daughter has been extremely helpful,

she has given us a lead to follow up.

I knew she would give you any information she had.

She's a good girl. She saw a little of that man, but only very little, you understand?

She told me that, yes.

Stanley, they're upstairs, if it was your idea they're here.

It wasn't my idea, Deirdre.

It wasn't a good plan, not a good plan at all!

-I can't have him here, I just can't.

-Yes! All right!

LESTER PLAYS JAZZ PIANO

The gentleman was very kind, he offered to play

so I could watch more easily and it really was a help, wasn't it, girls?

And he's quite a good player, I have to say.

From the top, one, two, three, four.

FROM OUTSIDE: Police! Open this door!

-You took your time.

-You've got to go now!

-What? Go where?

You've got to get out! You can't be found in the building!

-Deirdre!

-The police are here!

They're downstairs in my office, going through my things.

-The police are here?

-They absolutely didn't follow us.

-You can't go through the club.

-One of you in here.

-There must be a way out this way, another flight of stairs?

-There's no way.

-No other way out to the street?

-There has to be another way out.

-There isn't!

Everybody from up here has to go through the club.

There must be a cellar. Can we reach it this way?

-Can we use the cellar?

-The cellar?! We'll be trapped.

-Get down there, come on.

-I know nothing about this,

if they ask me to show them the cellar - I'll not refuse!

I think I'd better come too.

-I don't know how I'd explain why I'm here.

-Oh, Pamela!

I'll stay out here and speak to them,

they don't really know me, maybe I can lie.

It's the immigration authorities that are here, you know how

strict they are about musicians, musicians of colour especially -

how often they get deported unjustly,

well they're making enquiries about the gentleman

who was playing for you a moment ago, so if you ...

All right, have you seen a negro in this building?

Was there a negro here? A negro musician?

GIRL STARTS SOBBING

I'm afraid you've made her cry.

It's rather horrible being down here.

What on earth are you doing here, Pamela?

Why do people keep asking me that? Why shouldn't I be here?

Why shouldn't I help?

When they've gone, I'm going to get the band to come here.

So you've had the same idea I've had?

I don't know what idea you've had, but I know what I'm going to do.

-Hide yourself in the band?

-In the band?! Don't be silly.

But where can the band go?

I don't know, I've no idea.

Shhhh.

FOOTSTEPS AND CONVERSATION

If they find us now...

-Then even you won't be able to talk your way out of it.

-You'll need a lawyer very quickly.

It's too late for lawyers, I'm not sure they'd ever have helped me.

-I should've gone straight to the station, Stanley, like I said.

-We'll never know that!

Maybe you wanted to hold on to your story, take me to where

you thought was a safe location and get the scoop nobody else has got.

You really think I meant that!

I can't believe you think that's what I'd do!

I think it's a part of it, maybe not the main part.

But a little part of it.

Oh, God.

FLOORBOARDS CREAK

Here they are.

I think they've gone!

I'll make sure, you'd better stay here a moment longer.

KNOCK ON THE DOOR Come in.

-Your Ladyship?

-Thank you, Harry.

I wondered if you could find me someone to come and do my packing,

my maid's gone out for the afternoon because I thought I was leaving

tomorrow, but now I've decided to leave at once, by tonight.

Yes, of course, I'll send somebody up immediately.

-Good.

-So many people are doing this today, leaving the sinking ship!

-So I gather.

-It was a terrible thing having that band here, to have them

actually staying in this hotel. And look where it's led to.

Well I'm sure you'll survive, Harry.

Oh don't worry about me. I've all sorts of plans.

And this should help find him, shouldn't it? Such a big reward!

Indeed yes, a very big reward. Surprisingly big.

Very public-spirited of Mr Masterson.

Yes, it must be, mustn't it? What other reason could there be?

What do you mean, he isn't there?

Julian is not currently here, I thought he was with you.

No, he is not with me. I was about to come round in my car,

so that we could have a meal before we go to the airport.

Well, I'm sure he won't be long, he knows he mustn't keep you waiting.

-You've no idea where he is?

-I'm sorry, I don't.

We've already said goodbye, so I wasn't, um, really looking...

Will you ask him to telephone me at once, the moment he comes in?

I'm about to return to the Imperial Hotel, he can find me there.

Come here, please.

You and I appear to be the only ones left here, Miss Williams.

-Yes, sir.

-You know why that is?

-I don't, sir, no.

You see that? This is coverage of the assassination attempt of the American president.

What a terrible little picture that is, don't you agree?

-Yes, sir.

-If my news magazine full of photo journalism would have

been on the streets already, we could have done a great job

covering a major story, with dramatic pictures, couldn't we?

-Yes, sir.

-You see I'm not just playing at this, Miss Williams.

I really do have a vision.

I can see that, sir, yes.

But it is important that things in my life work to schedule.

The one thing I don't allow is changing my travel plans.

Mr Luscombe and I will be taking off tonight at 8:30, as arranged,

-without fail.

-Yes, sir.

How wonderful to drink in the middle of the afternoon.

I have to say, I don't like rules about when I'm allowed to drink,

-or indeed when I'm allowed to do anything.

-Quite right.

Couldn't agree more. What a perfect room this is.

You have such a wonderful life, don't you, Arthur?

So few worries and problems.

Every day I wake up and think how fortunate I am

compared to so many others.

Can I stay here, Arthur?

Just for a few days, hide inside your wonderful life?

-But you're going away, Julian.

-Well, you know what Walter's like!

He makes plans for everybody,

and sometimes you just have to find a way of saying no.

Just for a few days? You'll let me stay?

-Please.

-I will. If that's what you want.

And you won't tell anybody where I am?

Promise me, Arthur.

-You won't tell?

-I won't, no.

I've just come for my last wages, I think I'm owed a week.

Ah, um, I can't help, I'm afraid,

-that's all been taken out of my hands.

-What?

There's a phone call for you, Carla. You can take it at the desk.

Nathan, a word, if I may.

So, all the musicians are going are they? Good...

Hello, who's there?

-'Hello Carla.'

-Louis!

Did you tell them to bring their passports? Did you remember that?

I told Carla, yes, to get them all to do that, and they will.

< ..I will, good night.

That's the last one gone, but I know the police will be back soon.

-I want you out!

-Just give us half an hour.

Half an hour? You won't keep to that!

My brother's not at home.

He will be all right, won't he?

Looking for your band underneath all that?

I am. Our first poster might still be here,

they seem to keep everything.

You lied, of course, that first time.

You keep saying that, I didn't lie!

Yes, you came in here, having missed the whole thing,

and lied your head off about how good we were.

For God's sake, I didn't lie! I'd heard enough.

It was enough to set you on your way, wasn't it?

-And look where it's led.

-You don't know where it's led yet.

'My darling brother, when you get this you will already

'be in New York,

'no doubt having bought your splendid new shoes

'and maybe talking with a little bit of an American accent,

'although after only a few days that would be quick.'

Every time we got more success, I told myself

it's not going to last, they're going to move on,

they're going to find something else

they think is more...exciting,

and that's going to be OK,

because we'll still be able to make a living, and I was ready for that.

But I never thought, that I'd...

That you'd be up for murder? Well, naturally you didn't.

Just because we didn't see it coming,

-doesn't mean it was inevitable.

-That they'd hang me?

Don't you lose control, Louis!

Used to drive me mad how in control you were, but right now it would be really useful.

That's easy for you to say.

Think I'm just here for the ride? Do the interview.

'I just thought I'd put down a few thoughts about you working with

'Mr Masterson and how exciting it could prove to be for you, and also

'how much fun, because we all know how many parties he likes to hold.

'I can just imagine you dancing at the top

'of The Empire State Building and keeping half of Manhattan awake.

'Just try to listen carefully to what he says and to feed him

'plenty of cheese, of course.

'I know it's going to be a gloriously successful time for you.

'If only you can apply yourself.

'And remember to get up in the morning,

'because I won't be there to badger you.'

THUNDER

Blimey, do you remember the rain here?

It was like the end of the world!

-Of course.

-You weren't here for the hailstorm,

that was incredible!

REPEATED KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

All right, I'm coming. I'm coming.

Shhh.

What are you writing?

I'm writing a letter to explain to Walter why I will not be

going to America with him, but hiding away here with you, instead.

Of course, I'm not going to send it just yet.

Because then he might know where you are!

-Exactly, and nobody's going to know that.

-I like that...

..the idea of hiding away from all trouble.

Sometimes when I walk out into this garden,

I think I can just shut the door and live here.

I've got everything I need, food,

the occasional delightful companion would come in through

the little door in the wall, but I'd never need to go out again,

or be bothered by what's happening on the other side of the wall.

So, Louis will tell you what we have in mind,

and then I'm going to go into a little bit more detail.

I am locking up in ten minutes.

Goodness knows I've allowed you to stay so long,

-but I am now locking up.

-Thank you, Deirdre.

We're going to get a train, we're going to say that Carla

and the rest of you are going to play in Paris,

there's no more work at the Imperial and you're going there,

and I'll be the one carrying most of the luggage.

If I carry the luggage, they'll see a servant, not a bandleader.

When we get to Calais, I'll disappear,

get a ship somewhere, as a merchant seaman.

Which is what it says on your passport.

I know it sounds desperate, but it might just work.

Any man of colour trying to get on a train by himself

is going to be questioned very closely at the moment.

That's why I can't do it on my own.

You'll never all manage to get on the boat-train at Victoria,

they'll stop you.

This is true, but I have a route. The train stops at Bromley,

or South Bromley to be exact, if we use a suburban station,

there will be fewer police, and no press hanging around.

Except for me, I will travel with you to cover the concert,

I've picked up my passport especially.

Won't that draw attention? You being there?

No, no, we have to make it look like it's a real booking

as we go through customs, like Carla's

about to make her Paris debut.

-Yes, Carla?

-There's a problem, Louis.

-Yes?

-I don't have a passport.

-What?

-I don't have a passport. I've never been out of the country.

KNOCK ON THE DOOR

-Lavinia?

-Walter, I apologise for the intrusion,

but I just wanted to ask you something.

I'm a little busy as you can see, we're leaving very shortly,

the flight leaves at 8:30, so I hope you'll forgive me,

-if I continue doing this.

-Of course, Walter.

I just wanted to ask you why you've gone to the newspapers

and offered a reward for Louis Lester's arrest?

I've always done my own packing.

One of the little habits I've retained from my youth.

I like to know exactly where the things that matter to me are.

I offered the reward so that he would be apprehended quickly,

why else?

He let us down, did he not?

After we encouraged him so much,

in many places he would never have been able to mix in the way he did.

-It turned out disastrously for him.

-It did not turn out well, no.

And what about Julian?

Julian? Yes, I keep ringing him.

Do you?

Yes, I don't know where he is.

He's not at his home. His sister rang here just now,

she doesn't know where he is, either.

Do you know where he is?

I don't, Walter, no.

I need to find him in the next half hour.

I'm sure I will.

You're very fond of Julian, aren't you?

I think he shows great promise, yes.

Well, that's not what I meant, Walter.

Then you'll have to tell me what you mean, Lavinia.

Well, you have...

strong feelings for him.

You care about him deeply.

I don't have a son.

I come to this country and I find a boy who is so full of life...

..and who is not afraid.

So many people are afraid of me, but he is not.

So I find this young man

who is like a son to me,

as maybe you have with Stanley Mitchell.

You have a very powerful affection for Julian.

It's the small objects

which are most difficult to find

if anybody else packs my luggage.

What are you trying to say to me, Lavinia?

Because I'm afraid you're going to have to say it more clearly.

That your love for Julian could have led you to want to protect him

at all costs.

I would like to think it's natural to protect the ones we care for.

It's not always possible, of course.

Walter, is there something you can do for Louis Lester,

even at this late stage?

I can't imagine what that would be.

PHONE RINGS

Mr Masterson's suite...

Could that be... Could that be him?

A call, sir.

Yes?

Yes, thank you. No, immediately.

Yes, absolutely immediately, thank you.

They've found him!

You told him where I was?!

-Yes.

-Why?! You said you wouldn't do that!

I thought I had to, Julian.

He's been so generous to you.

If you really don't want that, then you need to tell him yourself.

Quite right.

Forgive me, Arthur.

Please, ring him back immediately.

I was behaving like a spoilt child,

don't either of you ever do that.

-DONALDSON:

-Can you put me through to the Masterson suite?

Thank you.

Walter, there you are.

'Julian?'

Yes, I went missing,

but I'm back now.

Without the smell of cigar smoke,

you don't recognise the place, do you?

The last days of a hotel are always horrible.

People suddenly treat you with contempt,

say things they would never have said before.

We must look to the future, Nathan.

For a start, maybe we could find Louis Lester and get some of that money.

How would we do that, Harry?

Just by thinking clearly.

Where was it Stanley first found the band?

What club were they playing at when he saw them?

What was it called, Nathan?

I can't remember.

Are you sure about that, Nathan?

As it happens,

I think I remember myself.

Let's see if I'm right.

It's time to go, Eric, please!

A few minutes yet, it has to be completely dark.

It is dark, Eric. If we stay any longer, we'll run out of luck.

I'm locking the front door in precisely four minutes.

Pamela.

Excuse me.

-Go home, Pamela.

-Why do you want me to go?

I don't want you to go, you've done a lot

but you should be at home, your brother's leaving.

Why aren't you at home with him?

I should be there, you're right,

but I'm not going to be.

Why?

Because I will be needed tonight.

How will you be needed?

Well, first of all, for this, probably.

Somebody has to pay for all the first class tickets.

I like the boldness of us all travelling first class.

I brought this money for Louis.

Well, give him the money and then leave.

No, because you're going to need me for something else,

something that might happen on the train.

I just have a feeling I might be useful.

It's time, isn't it, Eric? It has to be.

Yes, the transport's here.

Everybody make sure you have your luggage with you, make

straight for the vehicle, but don't run,

don't rush, just walk normally.

All right? Go.

PHONE RINGS

Yes.

No, he can't speak at the moment.

Louis?

I didn't know what to do, it's...

It's Sarah Peters.

Louis! I've been trying and trying!

This line has been engaged for ages.

Sarah, I can't talk now.

I so wanted to see you, but I couldn't come myself,

I might have been followed.

-The police came anyway.

-'But they didn't find you?'

Of course they didn't!

You knew they were coming, then?

I couldn't stop them.

I was weak, Louis.

I couldn't find a way of not telling them.

I'm so sorry.

It's not completely how you think it was.

I'm sure you think that about me,

maybe you have to right now, but...

'Sarah, I can't talk now.'

There's a lot of people taking risks for me,

I can't make them wait.

But we can't say goodbye like this!

We're going to have to, Sarah.

I can't say something that makes everything all right.

'I don't want you to, because'

I know everything's not all right,

so it wouldn't mean anything.

I just don't want to say goodbye like this, Louis.

It's not always possible to have the right sort of goodbyes, Sarah.

SHE SOBS

I hope you're not too late.

Good luck, Louis.

Louis, Louis! Come on, quick!

We had to move the transport, we were too conspicuous here.

My brother arranged this. Come on, get in!

-Please, get in.

-Pull the flaps down.

Louis, where you been?

Something happened.

You have to act the star remember, Carla.

When we get out, order the band around, boss Louis like a servant.

Just when I've lost my job, I have to act the star.

You think everyone you see must know.

On the train, it has to really look like the band's going to Paris.

Do it with confidence, people will believe you.

Why shouldn't you have an engagement there and be taking a servant?

Yes, I'll try.

I'm so sorry everything had to change.

Half a plan is better than no plan.

We'll get the train to Dover, then we'll see what Louis can do.

There's no passport controls before Dover.

Why can't we try to drive all the way there?

We will get stopped if we try to drive.

Walter!

I have all your luggage with me, I've taken care of everything.

I want Arthur to come, as well.

You'll come, won't you, Arthur?

Help me say goodbye to the old country?

Please!

Come on, it's a warm night, you don't need your coat.

Get the girls to bed, Mrs Courtney.

CAR ENGINE STARTS

-JULIAN:

-Please let me choose where we're going to eat.

I've decided already. I've booked a table at The Savoy,

an early meal, before we drive to the airport.

No, no, no, no, I... I have the perfect place in mind.

Please let me choose.

This is the perfect place, don't you think,

in which to say goodbye to England?

Good sausages,

normal people, of course,

milky tea.

Don't you think it's exactly right?

KNOCKING ON DOOR

Oh, I thought I heard somebody.

I was worried I was completely alone up here.

No, no, I'm here.

I thought you were leaving, Lavinia?

Well, I was, but suddenly I felt I had to stay.

I'm not sure why.

TRAIN WHISTLES

Go further down, keep going, you'll find your carriage.

Find your carriage.

-MAN:

-Sambos...

Carla, this is your carriage...

-We need the tickets.

-There you go.

A nigger band in first class,

the world's gone mad.

Get that luggage on the train right away.

-MAN:

-Get a move on, go boy...

I have to say goodbye, I have to take the transport back.

Thank you very much.

But, er, have a wonderful tour.

-Thank you.

-Wonderful concerts.

Where are you all going, may I ask?

Miss Carla is going to Paris.

I'm going to Paris with my band,

to play some special concerts.

Is that enough for you?

Yeah, they, er, like your sort of music in France, don't they?

# Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo! #

Bernard, will you close that door,

we want some peace and quiet on this journey.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Why are we still here? Why aren't we going anywhere?

-The train often waits here.

-Waits for what?

Maybe for them.

-Oh, God, are they going to search the train?

-Don't look at them.

Please, come in.

Yes, my servant has finished putting away our luggage.

Please, stay where I can see you.

I need you near me at all times,

that's why you're in first class.

I'll just be outside the door.

WHISTLE BLOWS

-MAN:

-You are their servant, the servant?

I bet they treat you worse than I would.

Why don't you go back to your own kind?

Join the rest of your jingo-jango boys back there.

A nigger band in first class...

TRAIN WHISTLES

TRAIN WHISTLES

Marvellous!

But maybe, do you think,

you could take them back and burn them a little?

I just love burnt sausages.

I'm not sure we have time for that.

Oh, it doesn't take long to burn some sausages, Walter.

Take the others back and burn them.

You want your last meal you have for a while in this country...

To be burnt sausages? Yes.

-DONALDSON:

-The sausages here are surprisingly edible.

Arthur loves it here, don't you?

Often brings his discoveries here.

I have been known to, yes.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to select a young person,

and to give them a chance,

transform their lives, just like that?

That's what we both try to do.

Of course.

And you do it so well.

I think maybe we should have more than just sausages here.