Home to Roost Land Girls

Charlie.

Taxi to dispersal.

# I I I I'd like you to hold me tight

# You are too too too too too divine

# If you want to be in someone's arms tonight

# Just be sure the arms you're in are mine

# I like your lips and I like your eyes

# Do you like my lips to hypnotise you? #

SCREAMS

Argh!

SCREAMING

Get moving!

RINGS BELL

MAN YELLS

This is Bridford. We are under attack.

Move!

Positions!

SIRENS WAIL There you go, mate.

RUMBLE OF EXPLOSIONS

Discharge as many as you can, we need these beds clear.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Doctor Channing.

How did this happen?

-A plough horse kicked me. It was stupid, I should've stood clear.

-What's your name?

-Rose. Rose Bailey.

-OK, Rose, any minute now

we're going to be flooded with casualties so there isn't time for morphine. Now this is going to hurt

but I'll be as quick as I can. Are you married, Rose?

My husband's in Burma. Agh!

Firing!

Firing! SIRENS WAIL

This is Bridford...

ROAR OF AIRPLANE OVERHEAD

-Got any children?

-A little girl.

Grace. She's been evacuated to Norfolk.

You got any visits planned soon?

-It's her birthday soon. I'm going to ask if I can... Agh!

-Well done.

You've been really brave. I think that's done it.

Can I have a splint here, please? Quickly!

Firing!

SIRENS CONTINUE TO WAIL

Firing!

MUFFLED VOICE ON RADIO

Right. Everybody move, we're going to the shelter.

Now come on, move now!

SCREAMS

AMBULANCE BELL RINGS

Let's line up the beds right against the back wall, please. Thank you.

Ah, Mrs Reeves, I need you to make sure the beds are made up properly.

-Yes.

-Thank you.

Let's put this gentleman here shall we, Doctor?

-Be careful of the floors!

-What else can I do?

-Grab those sheets, Joyce.

Connie, Iris.

These beds need making up. We'll work in twos.

-It'll be a long night.

-I thought we were safe here.

-If they can bomb a hospital, nobody's safe. Cowards.

-Chop chop, ladies.

Come on, Rose. Breathe.

Doctor, we need help here! Mrs Fisher, there's gauze on that trolley. Fetch them, quickly.

Mrs Reeves, we need to get some pillows, as many as you can find.

Press down on the wound as hard as you can.

-We need to get his leg higher than his heart.

-Lady Hoxley?

MAN SCREAMS

Iris?

That's Rose!

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

-Richard?

-Lady Hoxley.

-You're injured.

-It's nothing. I stayed to help the others but...

We managed to staunch the flow of blood.

Thank you, I'll take over now.

I need some assistance, please. We need to operate urgently.

MAN CRIES OUT

We were billeted the same day.

-Sat together on the train.

-(Come here.)

MUSIC: "Begin The Beguine" by Glenn Miller

It ain't healthy, Joyce waiting out there every morning.

Best leave her to it, eh?

Bit old for dolls ain't you, Iris?

It's a birthday present for Rose's little girl.

Thing is, I don't know where to send it.

Should I ask at Shallow Brook Farm?

-I'll sort it.

-Maybe we should cancel tonight.

Don't feel right having a party with all this going on.

I think it's just what we need, it'll take everyone's mind off things.

-Ooh, hello!

-Sorry.

-Martin, what have I said about leaving your toys lying around?

-They're not toys, they're skates.

-I don't care, just get rid

before someone breaks their neck.

I know you're a fast mover, Martin, but you don't have to propose.

-Any word on John?

-No.

Iris is there anything there for me?

-I've got to get my boots on.

-Yes, come on, girls, it's getting late.

Speaking of late, is Finch still in bed?

-Iris, one for you.

-Thanks.

-Ain't you going to open it?

-I'll read it later.

-There's one here from Bea.

-How's life in Leicester, then?

-Yeah, living with Annie's good.

Missing Billy though, bless her, and all of us.

Oh. William's taken his first steps.

Connie.

From London.

-Is it your fancy man?

-He ain't my fancy man. Not no more.

You've told him about the engagement?

Let's just say I ended it.

-Connie!

-I've got a new life now. With Henry.

Ready?

PAPER SELLER: Mail! Mail! Get your Daily Mail!

KNOCKING

We know you're in there, Sparks!

The window!

See you around, boys.

Get him!

# Doo doo doo doo wop wop doo wop

# Doo doo doo doo wop wop doo wop

# Comin' in on a wing and a prayer

# Comin' in on a wing and a prayer

# Though there's one who is gone

# We can still carry on

# Comin' in on a wing and a prayer

-# What a show

-What a show

# What a show

-# What a fight

-What a fight

# Yes we really hit our target for tonight

# With our full crew aboard

# And our trust in the Lord

# Comin' in on a wing...

# And a prayer. #

Dennis?

I'm Frank. Dennis's brother.

Oh, of course. Please, come in.

Well, we haven't seen you around here for a while.

I go where the work is, Mrs Reeves.

Do you have news about Dennis? We've all been worried.

No, um, I haven't seen him since...

Well, if you wouldn't mind showing me to my lodgings.

I'm sure you'd like to run through my duties.

I'm sorry?

Mr Finch didn't tell you? He's offered me a job.

< LAUGHTER

Lady Hoxley, may I speak with you?

I was rather hoping you would.

It's becoming cramped in the great hall.

I'd like to create an additional ward for the officers.

I've provided room and board for you and each of your men.

For which we're grateful.

I find the walking wounded in every corner of the house and garden.

Where else could you possibly go?

Absolutely not.

This is practically my last refuge. HE CHUCKLES

What's so amusing?

You haven't changed.

It's a pity I can't say the same for you.

-We'll make do with the space we have. Sorry to have disturbed you.

-Richard...

you've barely acknowledged me all week.

I've been running this hospital. If you'd ever had to work you'd understand.

Take the drawing room.

Go wherever you please.

-The man needed a job and we needed help. I thought you'd be pleased.

-We hardly know him.

We know he's worked the land all his life, that's good enough for me.

Well, you still should've told me. And if it's breakfast you want,

you're too late, the kitchen's closed.

Mister Finch!

That was my prize marrow.

A sure winner at the Wings for Victory fete this weekend,

reduced to a pulp.

Oh dear, Mrs Gulliver, I wonder how that could have happened?

Don't you act the innocent with me, Finch.

I saw your big backside fleeing the scene of the crime! You'll be hearing from the police.

Over a flattened marrow?!

Oh no. For driving while intoxicated.

Who said I was drinking?

Half the village know you spent the night on the pub floor. Disgrace!

-I'm sure we can settle this between us.

-Oh, yes, we can settle it.

With a hefty fine for destroying my garden.

I'll make it up to you. Please.

Name your price!

-What a rust bucket.

-Are we using this instead of the horse?

-Not sure. I'll see if I can find Finch.

-Yeah, good luck.

-Do you think we'll all get a go?

-Don't see why not.

-Get on, I'll start her up.

-Are you sure I'm allowed?

You're showing initiative. You'll need that for the proficiency test.

-The what?

-The inspectors are coming.

Make sure all you new girls are qualified.

See if there's anything in there about tractors.

-Maybe we should wait for Mr Finch.

-Come on, how hard can it be?

-Talk me through it.

-You, um, you crank it.

-What about this petrol thingy?

-You have to start it first.

Stop!

Argh!

You get away from there!

Show me.

-Ow!

-Can you move your fingers?

You're lucky, you could've broken your wrist.

Never touch equipment unless you've been shown what to do first!

-We consulted the manual.

-The manual?

You put it away. You ask me or Mr Finch. Understood?

-Well, who are you?

-I'm the new farm hand - Frank Tucker.

I notice you corralled a child into helping you, Mr Finch.

-I'm old enough.

-Fixing a gate is a two man job.

Well, one and a half.

You'll fix more than that gate, Mr Finch.

Never fear, your vegetable patch will be good as new.

I want the whole garden cleared.

-Eh?

-For the Dig for Victory campaign.

An act of patriotism, Mr Finch. That'll wipe the slate clean.

-That'll take ages.

-You'd better get started then, hadn't you?

At least horses don't break down.

No, they just eat your lunch when you ain't looking.

-Who's that?

-Farmer Storey's son, Walter.

His blood's up cos of what happened to his old man.

Keeps mouthing off about it in the pub.

Reckon he knows where his brother's hiding?

I don't like the look of him!

He makes me think of this man who lived on my street. Quiet, he was.

One day, chopped his wife to bits with an axe.

Just think, he'll be sleeping right across the hall from us.

-Your bed's the closest to the door, isn't it, Iris?

-Don't!

We should be grateful he's here. Finch can't run this place on his own, not with Billy gone.

That lot will have to wait. Just carry on with what you're doing.

Miss Dawson, you come with me, please.

Watch out for his chopper.

THEY LAUGH

Erect the marquee over there. Not too close to the house, please.

-I want to keep the noise down to a minimum.

-Milady.

I'm allowing a party for the villagers on the grounds this evening.

One of my land girls is marrying our local vicar.

I like to do what I can for the village.

-Good for morale especially after recent events.

-Indeed.

I shall be putting in an appearance. The people expect it.

Of course you're welcome to attend.

I'm afraid the hospital can't spare me.

I meant the invitation extends to any of your men.

Thank you, I'll put the word out. Enjoy the party.

Go right to the end.

Well go on, Miss Dawson, we haven't got all day.

LAMB BLEATS

SHE GIGGLES

LAMB BLEATS

-How much longer do we have to do this?

-Till we finish the job.

-We?!

Put your back in to it! We don't want to come back tomorrow, do we?

Mr Finch? I think I've found something.

I'm told she was born late in the season. Smaller than the others.

-Her mother's rejected her.

-Rejected her?

-Won't let her close enough to suckle.

-How could she?

-It's nature.

No room for sentiment. She'll have to be hand reared.

I won't have time for it. Hold her on your knee.

LAMB BLEATS

-Ooh!

-You're a natural.

Three times a day, until she's weaned.

It'll be your responsibility.

I notice Iris never came back.

Maybe Frank's burying her out in the woods.

-Not one pit, mind, lots of little ones.

-THEY LAUGH

He might keep going.

-'Scuse me!

-Yes, miss.

-You ain't got one for Joyce Fisher, have you?

-Yes.

-I don't want it.

-It might be good news.

-SHE SOBS

-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

He's alive!

He's alive!

-You dropped this, Miss Dawson.

-Thanks.

It's from home? You must be eager to hear the news.

-Well, you haven't opened it?

-I haven't had time.

You can spare a few moments, can't you? Family's what keeps us going.

-You can't read, can you?

-What?! Course I can.

-There's no shame in it.

-I'm not ashamed.

-I can read an' write same as anyone.

-The manual, earlier.

There was nothing about tractors. Could have caused an accident.

-You don't know what you're talking about!

-Miss Dawson!

I trust you received the wreath for the funeral, Mrs Bailey.

Not at all, it was the least we could do.

Please accept my sincerest condolences.

No. Please! Somebody!

Warrant Officer Williams.

-Are you all right?

-I'm fine.

I'm sorry, Mrs Bailey. Perhaps I could call you back. Yes.

Thank you, goodbye.

Not now, Mrs Fisher.

I'm sorry, Lady Hoxley, it's just...

-I've had word my husband's been found alive.

-I'm pleased for you.

The only thing is, the telegram doesn't say anything more.

I don't know if he's injured or...

I was hoping you could find out where he is.

Mrs Fisher, the War Office will inform you of your husband's whereabouts in good time.

For now, I suggest you return to your duties

and exercise a bit of patience.

Yes, Lady Hoxley. Sorry.

HE SNIGGERS

-Oh, yes!

-If it's Mrs Gulliver's land, shouldn't we give the coins to her?

If she wants to find them, she should've dug them up herself! Now come on, keep digging.

-There's nothing more down there, Mr Finch.

-I said dig!

-You dig!

Hey! Come back here! Hey!

I'll remember this when I divvy up your cut!

HE LAUGHS Aha! Eh? Yes.

HE WINCES AND GROANS

Hello, Henry, I've volunteered for the egg run.

I'm glad you did. I'll be right back.

I've been thinking. Seeing as how we're practically married an' that,

maybe I could come back with you tonight.

Connie, you know I would like nothing more but...

-but we must be patient.

-Must we?

Yes! Yes...

it would be a complete violation of...

Connie...

Just something for you to think about.

See you later, Henry.

-HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

-Mrs Berrington.

HE GROANS

Oh, God!

Mr Finch!

-What on earth happened?!

-It's just a flesh wound.

You've impaled yourself!

THEY GROAN

-I'll get Doctor Morgan!

-No! I'll wrap it myself.

-I'll not have you bleeding to death on my land!

-No, I must finish this garden.

Come with me this instant.

-Ow! Ooh!

-Come on now! Come on now!

Come on now! Lean on me, Mr Finch.

THEY GROAN

I didn't know the tractor could hurt anyone.

I just didn't want the others thinking I'm stupid.

You're not stupid. Anyone can see that. Did you go to school?

When I could. But my little brother got poorly a lot

-and Mum needed help with the others, so...

-Do you have the basics?

I can write my own name if I have to. You won't tell anyone, will you?

Who would I tell?

Thanks, Mr Tucker.

It's Frank.

Your letter. I could read it for you if you like.

Write a reply.

Our neighbour writes for her, but it's me Mum's words.

"Dear Iris. How is life on the farm?

"Things is much the same around here except us missing you."

The information from the Air Ministry is sketchy.

They believe your husband was smuggled across the French border

and into Switzerland. He's currently being treated at the military hospital in Woolwich.

-So he's injured?

-They couldn't say. But Mrs Fisher,

it bodes well that he was able to escape from France at all.

Please, Lady Hoxley, I have to go to him.

I've requested he be transferred here.

If he's fit to travel he'll arrive within the coming days.

Thank you, Lady Hoxley. You don't know what this means.

-Right, who's first?

-You go, Connie, it's your big night.

Well, if you insist.

-Staying for the show, are we?

-Well if you...

-You, out!

-Martin, look at you! You're filthy!

-Mum!

You're in that tub when we're done, but for now, out!

-We'll try and save you some soap!

-THEY LAUGH

Oh!

HE GASPS AND MOANS

HE SCREAMS AND SOBS

HE SCREAMS AND SOBS No!

Please, don't, you'll hurt yourself.

HE SOBS It's all right.

It's all right.

Sorry.

Thank you.

MAN SOBS

MR FINCH: # Oh, I feel like a millionaire... #

What do you think you're doing?!

-Nothing.

-Were you trying to spy on the girls?

-No, I was only...

-Don't lie to me, Martin, because I just saw you!

-I wasn't doing anything!

-If you're not prepared to own up then perhaps

you can stay in your room and miss the party.

-You can't stop me going!

-Martin!

-I'm not a kid any more!

Yes, you are, and until that changes you'll do as you're told!

Martin.

MARTIN!

Aww. Beautiful.

-Thanks for letting me wear this, Connie.

-Keep it.

-Oh no, I couldn't.

-Go on. You should have something nice for when John comes home.

-Thank you.

Right...ready, girls?

LAND GIRLS LAUGH

What's all this?

I'm donating it to the Wings for Victory fund.

-But, Martin, these are your things.

-Don't want 'em any more.

Take 'em back, love. You'll regret giving it all away.

-I can start loading the truck.

-Er, yeah.

Thank you.

Well look at you three, don't you scrub up well?

Right, let's get moving. Joyce, can you take that?

Thanks, Connie.

-Thanks again for today.

-It was no trouble.

I was wondering if...perhaps next time a letter comes, you'd read it for me again.

No.

-You'll read it yourself.

-What?!

An hour a day, no excuses, you come and see me.

You'll be reading by the time the lamb's weaned.

Watch the dress! Watch the dress!

Why don't we all sing something together!

# Don't sit under the apple tree

# With anyone else but me

ALL: # Anyone else but me anyone else but me

# No no no

# Don't sit under the apple tree

# With anyone else but me

# Till I come marching home. #

BAND PLAYS: "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree"

Isn't it grand?

You should enjoy the party with your friends.

-Don't have to pass the time with me.

-You are my friend, Mr Tucker.

Frank.

Who invited him?

Who knows.

Good evening, Mrs Reeves.

Mr Finch.

When did they let you leave the hospital?

-A week ago. Sent me home to convalesce.

-Pity your land girl

-can't say the same.

-Yes, shame about that.

But of course if I'd been there to train her.

Since when do you train any of them?

I'd worry about your OWN girls if I were you.

The likes of Frank Tucker under your roof!

If you'll excuse me, Mrs Reeves.

APPLAUSE

Thank you all so much for joining us

to celebrate on this glorious summer's evening.

After the tragic events of last week, events that touched us

all the more for having lost one of our own, it's a blessed thing for us all to rejoice.

It reminds us that we're stronger than the bombs sent to silence us.

-Rose Bailey would have wanted that.

-Hear, hear.

-So in that spirit, I'd like to thank the band

for serenading us, well done boys.

APPLAUSE

It's very fitting that we have music here tonight because it just so happens

that when Connie's eyes met mine it was over the keys of my piano.

And a few pints!

Yes. Yes, thank you, Mr Finch.

There may indeed have been ale or two involved. But it was this dark haired goddess

with the voice of an angel that truly intoxicated me,

and I've been drunk on her love ever since.

To Connie and Henry!

-ALL:

-To Connie and Henry!

APPLAUSE

BAND PLAYS: "On The Sunny Side Of The Street"

Mind if I cut in?

Yes, I do.

Why don't you run along, eh, lad? Must be past your bed time.

Martin.

I'm sure Iris will dance with you again, love.

What's he looking at?

He's just looking out for me.

You ought to watch yourself with him.

-He's a thug, just like his brother.

-That's not true.

I'm only telling you for your own good. Tuckers can't be trusted.

I'd trust him before I'd trust YOU!

What did he say to you?

-It's not worth repeating.

-No, tell me.

-He said you're dangerous.

-But I know you're nothing like your brother.

-Yeah, more's the pity.

-But he beat up Mr Storey!

-The man had it coming to him! If I had to, I'd finish the job!

SHE GASPS

APPLAUSE

There you are!

Come on! We're starting.

Ladies and gentlemen!

As you know our dear friend Connie hails from a little place

you might have heard of called London Town.

So as it's Connie's night, we thought we'd try and recreate

-a little bit of London for her, right here in Helmstead...

-SHE LAUGHS

PIANO PLAYS

# I've just been to a 'ding-dong' Down good old Brixton way

# Old Mother Brown the Pearly Queen's 100 years today

# Oh, what a celebration Was proper lah-di-dah

# Until they rolled the carpet up And shouted "Now then, Ma!"

GIRLS: # Oh, knees up, Mother Brown

# Knees up, Mother Brown

# Come on, dearie, let it go

# Ee-aye, Ee-aye, Ee-aye-oh

# It's your bloomin' birthday

# Let's wake up all the town

# Knees up, knees up

# Never get the breeze up Knees up Mother Brown

# Knees up Mother Brown

# Knees up Mother Brown

# Come along, dearie, let it go

# Ee-aye, Ee-aye, Ee-aye-oh It's your bloomin' birthday

# Let's wake up all the town Knees up, knees up

# Never let the breeze up Knees up Mother Brown! #

APPLAUSE

CHANTS FOR CONNIE TO SING

Connie!

Connie!

All right, all right, as long as Henry plays.

HENRY PLAYS THE PIANO

-Pint of ale, please, squire!

-Mr Finch!

# You had plenty money in 1922... #

You have had quite enough alcohol for one day!

I need, it Mrs Gulliver, for the pain.

You'll take the proper medication at the allotted time.

I suppose half an hour won't matter.

-A glass of water.

-# ..Get out of here and give me some money too

# He's sitting down wondering what it's all about

# You ain't got no money they will put you out... #

-Esther! You have to help me. I've been sitting in this chair and...

-There's your water, Mr Finch.

Thank you, Mrs Gulliver, for looking after Mr Finch, but I'll take over now.

It's my Christian duty to nurse Mr Finch back to health, Mrs Reeves.

-You're not his family, Mrs Gulliver.

-Neither are you!

-Which is why he should reside with me until he's recovered.

-What?! Why would he want to stay with you?!

-I've got more time to look after him than you do!

-Well I hardly think...

-Um, I think that's a good idea!

I'd be out from under your feet, wouldn't I?

Right, well if that's what you want.

WINCES

Mr Finch will be well taken care of.

# ..Be running round from door to door

-# Why don't you do... #

-Take your pill.

But don't think I'll be indulging your lusts of the flesh!

# ..Get outta here And get me some money too

# I fell for your jivin' and I took you in

# Now all you got to offer me's a drink of gin

# Why don't you do right?

# Like some other men do. #

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

More!

Maybe later.

Danny?

Danny?

Are you all right?

-Yeah, just forgot the words for a sec.

-Connie you were wonderful.

Voice of an angel, me.

< APPLAUSE IN MARQUEE

BAND PLAYS: "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing"

Mr Storey, I'd like to discuss a business matter with you if I may.

Lady Hoxley.

Rose Bailey's death was an unavoidable tragedy.

But, I feel that the injury that led to it was not.

I'm not apportioning blame, Mr Storey.

I understand you've been unwell.

But now that you're back,

I think that your farm and Mr Finch's should work together,

that way you can share all your labour and expertise.

We mustn't let our land girls be left without the proper training and support.

I trust you're happy with this arrangement?

-Lady Hoxley.

-Excuse me.

Flight Sergeant Fisher has arrived.

He was able to accompany a convoy from London.

You asked me to find you.

Yes, thank you for your diligence, Doctor Channing.

-I'll inform Mrs Fisher.

-Lady Hoxley,

-it wasn't my intention to upset you.

-There's no need to explain.

-You've made your feelings perfectly clear.

-I don't think I have.

Ellen, I'd like nothing more than to stay and dance with you...

as we did that first night.

Joyce?

It's John. He's here.

He's here now? Can I see him?

Well he's under Doctor Channing's care, I don't see why not.

Thank you, Lady Hoxley.

You've got some front showing your face in here.

Just trying to make a living.

That's funny! I thought you lot were happy to beg in the streets.

-If you've a problem with Dennis take it up with him.

-There's nothing I would like more

but he's run away like the coward that he is.

So I shall just have to deal with you.

What do you want?

To find the hole that he's slithered in to.

-And I know just the person to lead me to it.

-I don't know where he is.

And even if I did, I'd die before I'd tell you.

-Well if that's what it takes.

-You do what you have to do.

You know where to find me.

Martin!

-Outside, now!

-Mum... MUM!

-Outside!

-Mum!

-Have you been drinking?

-No.

-That's the second lie you've told me today. I can smell it on you.

-Why can't you just leave me alone?

-Don't you raise your voice to me.

-Why shouldn't I?

You're nothing but a stupid old cow!

Martin. Martin!

RETCHES

If I could, I'd sling you over my shoulder right now Connie Carter

-and carry you off home with me.

-Well I ain't stopping you.

-I know. I'm stopping myself.

I want our wedding night to be...

a combination of body, of mind, of spirit, everything you are,

everything I am, entwined together in our love.

-You can wait a little bit longer for that, can't you?

-Yeah...

Doctor Channing.

-I'm here to see my husband, John Fisher.

-He's just settling in.

I just want five minutes.

He needs to be assessed before I can allow any visitors. I'm sorry.

-I'll wait then.

-It may take some time.

-Perhaps you'd like to come back tomorrow.

-I'm fine here, thank you.

THEY SING: "Knees Up Mother Brown"

# Knees up knees up never get the breeze up knees up Mother Brown! #

Cor that's better.

See if Finch has got a bottle somewhere. I fancy a night cap.

# It's your bloomin' birthday, let's wake up all the town

# Knees up knees up never get the breeze up knees up Mother Brown. #

'Ello, Con.

What are you doing here?

I've come a long way to see you, Connie.

-Is that any way to greet me?

-I found some whisky!

-Coming!

-You can't be here.

-Don't worry I ain't going to spoil a good thing.

Good girl. There's more where that came from, I take it?

We can talk tomorrow. If you go out the front nobody'll see you.

Knew that dress would suit ya.

Tomorrow then.

-Oh, Doctor Channing...

-I'll be with you in a moment, Mrs Fisher.

John...

John... John! God...

-I missed you so much!

-Please.

John, what is it?

-Doctor!

-John?

-Doctor!

-It's me.

-John! It's me!

-I don't know who you are.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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