Episode 2 Nick Nickleby

Dad was in debt. He's lost everything!

We don't know anybody with this kind of money.

-Well, there is always your uncle!

-I just thought you wouldn't want to see us on the streets.

-Why would I care?

-The care homes are yours,

as long as you have the capital in place.

I have an investment partner, he's highly respectable.

If you could avoid some of your underage activities.

-What do you want her for?

-Hawkovsky.

She's your niece.

I have decided to give you a job in my flagship care home in Yorkshire.

What happened to you, Mrs Smike?

Sit down.

I said, "Let her go".

SIREN BLARES CAR SKIDS

So Nick and Mrs Smike were on the run, outlaws together.

Free to go wherever they liked.

SIREN BLARES

BOTH GIGGLE

Did you see the look on Squeers's face?

-"I'm in charge here."

-Boff!

They also hadn't a clue where they were going.

Nor a penny in their pockets.

A young lad and an old lady, who barely knew each other at all.

What happened, Mrs Smike? Why did Squeers put you in the cooler?

Smell that - fresh air and cow muck.

-I've missed that smell.

-Mrs Smike?

I thought it was lost...

..but then you said you saw it.

Will you?

What's so special about it?

Nothing.

It's just mine.

They take everything away.

We really should tell the police.

-ON PHONE:

-He just went mad, he beat me up for no reason,

smashed the place up.

We had no option but to call the police.

Just do whatever it takes.

So you're not angry then, sir?

No, I sent him up there to get rid of him.

If he's in jail, so much the better.

Just make sure he doesn't get away.

Ah, well, it's a bit late for that.

But the police will find him.

Look, you make sure they do and there's a promotion in it for you.

The last thing I need is Nick Nickleby coming back here

and screwing up my plans.

I'll make sure he's put away, sir. Leave it to me.

Hawkovsky is here.

Show him in.

Is Nick in trouble?

We don't keep Mr Hawkovsky waiting, Noggs, do we? Show him in!

Frannie, me darling... .

I've secured my niece for you as you requested.

You can find her at my club.

All that remains is for you to sign.

I think I will go and see the lovely Katerina first.

Please, let's not delay, Vladimir.

I have to prove that the capital is in place before the committee

will grant me the contracts for the care homes.

There will be no delay, my friend.

I will have her today.

And then I will sign the contract.

I saw them getting away.

-Yeah, but are you sure it was them?

-Yes.

The police are here.

Well, a fat man in an 'atchback.

-No uniform.

-A detective.

-Ah.

What's he doing?

He's eating a Scotch egg, I think.

Nick and Mrs Smike must've called them.

He's come to arrest Squeers.

The scoundrels took everything, Inspector.

-Trashed the place.

-Scoundrels.

Jewellery, cash,

numerous golf trophies of incalculable value.

But not your clubs, I see?

No, that's what he used to beat me.

Mercilessly.

While his accomplice perpetrated the theft.

Very nice.

What's your handicap?

How dare you, Inspector?

Isn't it obvious?

SQUEERS LAUGHS

Where are we going, Mrs Smike?

Anywhere you like. Where is it you come from?

Nowhere any more.

Everyone comes from somewhere.

We had a farm in Devon.

Let's go there.

I like Devon.

There's no point.

It's gone now.

Your dad?

We can't go there.

And we can't just keep walking.

You must be getting tired.

I'm better than I've been in years.

-BIRD CAWS

-Listen...

BIRD CAWS

..that's a peewit.

Look, Greta Bridge.

If we're quiet, we might find it.

Mrs Smike?

Think you've scared it off.

What if we go to Greta Bridge,

to the police station?

I don't trust the police, Nick.

You're an eyewitness.

-A mad old lady?

-The others will back you up.

You think so?

You can keep going if you like.

I'm going to Greta Bridge.

Something like that, Inspector?

Is there any chance you could print a few off for us?

You know what it's like with the cuts.

Anything we can do to help.

I'll post it on a few websites.

With any luck somebody will ring in.

So you're not going to launch a manhunt?

No, it's all virtual now.

With the cuts.

Let the internet do the work, whilst I...

Aw, these really are very nice.

How would you like to keep them?

Now, now, Mr Squeers.

You wouldn't be bribing an officer of the law?

My boss is a very wealthy man, Inspector

and he wants this boy captured.

Surely you could do with a bit of overtime, a nice pension top-up?

Well, me pension is a bit on the low side.

Franniekins, you're mission control.

We're...hitting the road.

SQUEERS LAUGHS

I told you, they're taking him in for questioning.

If they find out how we're being treated, it'll all change.

We'll be safe.

Oh.

Did they handcuff Mr Squeers?

It looked like he gave him a bag of crisps.

You can give prisoners crisps.

They're very soft these days.

What does it say?

-They apologise but "people kept nicking the candlesticks".

-Oh.

Why don't you come with me?

It'll be warmer in the police station.

Don't worry about me.

You must do what you think's best, Nick.

I'll be back soon.

As he settled down to wait,

Nick's one comfort was thinking of his family.

His beloved mother and sister in the care of Uncle Ralph

who had kindly put them up

at his gentlemen's club in the city of London.

It was a venerable establishment,

with a rotten underbelly of iniquity and vice

and a very well-stocked bar, luckily for me.

-Don't tell Miss Knagg.

-Who's Miss Knagg?

I wish you wouldn't bring him in here...

lowering the tone.

I'd say he was raising it.

Noggs doesn't sleep with people for money, as far as I'm aware.

What about the girl?

She's quite a beauty.

I have no great taste for beauty.

I just need her to sleep with Hawkovsky - tonight.

She may need a little cajoling, however...

make sure she goes through with it.

She may need more than that.

What do you suggest?

What does every young girl think she wants more than anything else?

I haven't the faintest.

Independence.

-Here.

-Yeah, back in a minute.

Excuse me, are you the police?

DI Belton, how can I help you, son?

I want to make a report, about the abuse at Dotheolds Hall.

-Shocking business.

-Have you arrested Mr Squeers?

Hang on a tick.

-No - we didn't do anything.

-You didn't attack Wackford Squeers?

Well, kind of, but that's not the whole story.

You'll have plenty of time to tell us.

In prison.

Not so brave now, eh, knuckle boy?

Ow!

-I thought it was him.

-Get in the car!

Where's my keys?

-Come on, we need to hurry.

-No...we don't.

You nicked his car keys?

-Nice one, Mrs Smike.

-Serves him right.

Squeers has told them a pack of lies.

Better to find that out before they get their hands on you.

Thanks.

I guess I owe you.

We're even.

You can go on alone, if you want to?

I CAN look after myself, Nick.

Yeah, I can see that.

Last thing I want to be is a burden.

You're not.

We're in this together.

My uncle...

He's the only one that can sort this out.

Why don't you call him, see what he says?

I don't have any credit.

But if we can find a phone...

I'm sure there'll be one, just around the corner.

Or hitch to London, talk to him in person.

Yeah, someone will be along in a minute.

Have you got a better plan?

SIREN BLARES

Run.

Go and enjoy yourself.

Ooh, I didn't know they did them in the black.

Wow, thanks, Uncle Ralph.

The only condition is that you come and dinner with me

at my apartment tonight.

I've got a colleague visiting

and I find these occasions difficult on my own, you see.

Don't you worry. I can chat to anyone, Ralph.

On this occasion, it would only be Kat.

Unless of course you need your mother with you at all times?

No, that's cool with me.

Good, I have arranged for you to go to a film premiere.

What? With a red carpet and the paparazzi?

Yes, Mr Noggs will accompany you.

And Miss Knagg will call you a cab.

Thanks, Uncle Ralph.

We'd better get shopping, Kat.

I will see you tonight.

SIREN BLARES

MUSIC BLARES FROM CARAVAN

Don't think they can hear you.

What shall I tell them?

I'm your nana, had a funny turn. Catch me. Ooh.

# Some find it in your lover's eyes... #

WOMAN SINGS ALONG OUT OF TUNE

# Who can deny the joy it brings

# When you've found that special thing.

# You're flying without... #

I've only just turned them off.

You come any closer and I'll straighten your short and curlies.

Ooh, lemon squash.

You feeling a bit better, Nana?

A bit, thank you, Nicky.

I'm sorry if I scared you

but it's been a while since I've had a man in here.

But I can tell that you're one of the good ones.

Nice place you've got here.

-Are you on holiday?

-We're on a mission.

20 talent contests in five weeks

every summer up and down the country.

It's a hard life but it's worth it - my little girl's going to be a star.

Milton Keynes, 7pm tonight?

I know and we've just blown a back tyre!

We're actually headed that way.

If I change the tyre, would you give us a lift, please?

I'll give you a ride anytime.

And your nana, of course.

But you don't need to worry about the tyre. Mariah's got that covered.

-Who's Mariah?

-Mariah?

-I've fixed it, Mum.

Look at the state of you!

We're going to be late.

Maybe we could give it a miss tonight?

Give it a miss?

THIS could be the one.

It's an audience vote and you'll have some fans cheering you on.

But we'll never get there in time.

RADIO PLAYS POP SONG

Hi, Uncle Ralph, it's Nick, again.

Can you please give me a call when you get this message?

It's urgent.

What's so urgent, Nick Nickleby?

Nothing.

We just have to get to London.

I don't know if we can stay for the show.

It's not easy for my Mariah.

Going up against all the locals.

Her talent outshines them all but...

it's a vicious world and we need all the support we can get.

Oh! You feel like you'd have a good, strong clap.

Good book?

You taking the mick?

No, I just...

..couldn't see what it was about.

What's it about?

Fuel injection, this bit is.

-Sounds complicated.

-Not really.

Rest your voice, Mariah, you know what happened last time.

-WHISPERS:

-What happened last time?

Nodules.

All that way to Whitby and we had to pull out at the last minute.

I think I've still got them, Mum.

-MARIAH COUGHS WEAKLY

-Have some squash.

And not another word until you're up on stage, blowing them all away.

COUGHING

No, you're all right.

Mariah, not another word.

Sorry, Mum.

LIGHT OPERA MUSIC PLAYS

Maybe I should wear my boots with it?

Not a good look, Kitty Kat - a bit studenty.

I don't think I can walk in those.

You don't have to move.

Just sit there and be beautiful.

But it's up to you, of course.

Cab's coming at eight.

I didn't dare go any more risque.

I'm still in mourning, after all.

Should I wear my boots, Mum?

Perhaps a cardie? I don't want to give Mr Noggs the wrong idea.

With this dress, what do you reckon?

I can imagine Ralph being a cupid.

But...I'm just not ready.

I wonder what Ralph's flat's like?

Oh, those'll give you terrible bunions, love.

I like them.

You're wearing that to the premiere?

I'm going to wait in the car.

I'll call her room.

I could come back here, during the film, if you like?

I just noticed you've got some...

Some bulbs need changing.

I can change my own bulbs, thank you, Mr Noggs.

Weird.

There's no answer.

Hope you don't mind me tagging along, Ralph.

But I couldn't let Kat stagger around unaided...

-I did tell her I'd be fine.

-Yes.

Oh, I knew it would be open plan!

Oh, look, Kat!

Vladimir, this is my niece, Kat.

And her mother, who won't be staying.

I can look after Kat, Mr Noggs is waiting for you.

It was a very nice gesture. but Mr Noggs is not really my type.

This is much more my kind of thing - a classy drinks do.

Charming to meet you, Vladimir.

-It is a pleasure.

-Oh, I love an accent, what is that?

Katerina.

It is a pleasure to meet you again.

MUSIC: "Around The World" by Daft Punk

Uncle Ralph, it's Nick again.

Please give me a call back on my number.

Doesn't look like he'll get back to us tonight.

What does she look like?

Mariah!

You look nice.

I forgot my lip gloss.

They said we were too late.

They're terrified of her talent.

I've told them,

if they try to keep her down, they'll have me to deal with.

Is she ready yet?

I don't think so.

Oh, you'll be knocked for six when you see her.

Look.

It's her portfolio.

You need a portfolio ready, you know,

for agents.

Bucks Fizz.

Were you in Bucks Fizz?

No, I wasn't.

Do you know what, Vladimir?

I'm sure I've seen you somewhere before.

He let us into the office, Mum.

No, no... Were you at Kate and Will's wedding maybe?

Look, why don't I take you to the premiere now?

We can grab a cab on the street.

I'm sure Mr Hawkovsky is tired of our company.

Hawkovsky? The pervert!

Kat. Get away from him.

You mustn't believe everything you read in the papers.

I've known Vladimir for many, many years,

and he's perfectly respectable.

That's what they do, Ralph.

They take advantage of your trusting nature.

-We should call the police.

-No!

I will go. I did not come here to be insulted.

Vladimir, this can be rectified.

Yes, I do hope so.

APPLAUSE

Marvin Ball, everybody!

Can he be beaten?

There's only one more act to go.

Back, again...

For the third year running...

Mariah Crummles.

Woo!

Woo...!

Is she here?

Mariah?

Woo!

Woo! Yeah!

Woo!

MUSIC: "All This Time" by Michelle McManus

# This time yesterday

# I thought I was going to die... #

AUDIENCE WHISPERS

SHE MOUTHS

# Now I'm looking far ahead

# I only see clear blue skies

# I hope this feeling lasts me

BOTH: # Until the end of time

# I don't see the things that bring me down

# Like I used to

# No

# There were times I felt like giving up

# But we came through

# All this time

# We've come a long, long way

# Waited a lifetime for today

# I'm praying this moment's here to stay

# All this time

# When everyone else said I was wrong

# You gave me a reason to be strong

# You gave me the will to carry on

# All this time. #

I did my bit, sir...

Unlike Mr Noggs.

Yes, well we have to get rid of the mother

and bring the girl around to the idea of...

Delivering a result. Quickly.

SNAPS FINGERS

Any suggestions?

I'm sure it'll be possible, sir.

If you make it worth my while.

# All this time

# We've come a long, long way

# I've waited a lifetime for today. #

La la la - now then, here you go, you deserve that.

Now, buy yourself some phone credit.

How did you know the words?

Michelle McManus. Pop Idol Two.

All that telly comes in handy.

Well done, Mariah.

Yeah, thanks. We've really done it now.

Didn't I tell you, Mariah?

You just have to stick with it and then one day...

The sky's your limit. Record deals. TV shows.

Your own brand of perfume.

We've got to come up with some proper duets for tomorrow's show.

We're really grateful for you letting us stay the night, but...

I don't think we can come with you to the show.

-We've got to get to...

-To London.

And - that's where it is. Barnet Shopping City.

Noon.

You've got to do it, Mrs Smike. It could be your big break.

I'm just happy singing. I don't want to be famous.

Is your nana mad, or what?

If you drop us off at Barnet, that'd be great.

Okey-dokey. Well, that gives me enough time...

To get you to change your mind.

Now then, let me see where I can squeeze you in.

ANSWER MACHINE: Uncle Ralph, it's Nick again.

Please give me a call back on my number.

Message deleted.

Are you having trouble sleeping, Nick?

No, I'm fine, thanks.

I've got a queen-size back there.

Plenty of room.

Nice and soft.

No, no. I prefer it...

Hard?

Here, I prefer it here.

Why don't you stay for the tour, Nick?

Your nana'd love it. And you...

We need a man about the place, me and Mariah.

Cramp! Nick...quick!

Oh, Mrs Crummles. Trouble sleeping?

Yeah, just, er...getting off.

Now I owe you again.

Never.

You got me out.

Frannie said you'd been locked up all your life.

Why did they lock you up, Mrs Smike?

Why did you lose your farm?

My dad died.

Left us in debt.

He lost everything we owned and he never said a thing.

Some things hurt too much to say.

SHE COUGHS

Are you all right?

Nodules.

CHUCKLES

Better rest your voice.

# All this time...

# When else everyone said I was wrong

# You gave me a reason to be strong... #

TOILET FLUSHES

# But we came through

# All this time

# We've come a long, long way

# Waited a lifetime for today

# I'm praying... #

Uncle Ralph. You need to do something about Dotheolds.

We've got to tell the authorities.

SNORING

PHONE RINGS

Mmm?

-Have you found him yet?

-Oh! Good morning, sir.

My nephew. Is he locked up?

Not yet, sir. Almost.

Sort it out, Squeers. Right now.

Because if he opens his big mouth and messes up my deal,

I'll hold you personally responsible.

Oh... We need to get some breakfast.

We need to find the scoundrels.

They'll be out of the country by now, man.

PHONE BEEPS

No.

-There's been a sighting.

-Eh?

Aaah!

Oh, wake up, Nick. Mrs Smike.

Mariah's missing. All her stuff's gone!

Ohh! Ohh!

Are you sure it were Mrs Smike singing?

So, she's not in prison?

She made it. She's free.

Ooh!

It's a good job I was there. What if he'd got his mitts on Kat?

Why? What would he have done?

Absolutely nothing. That sleaze is simply peddled by his enemies.

But I should have told you that he was there.

It's not your fault, Ralph.

That's why I'd like to make it up to you, Mrs Nickleby.

A luxury spa break.

Oh, look, Kat! A luxury spa break!

Ooh, we could have a seaweed wrap.

Contrary to what people might think, I'm not exactly made of money.

Now, I've made the arrangements for you,

but I was rather hoping that Kat might help her brother pay me back.

There's a job going here.

-Here?

-Yes. If you'd like it.

Ms Knagg would be happy to train you up.

Well, I've done some bar work at our fete,

just glass-collecting and stuff.

Well, there may be a little bit more to it than that.

But I'm sure you'll be a natural.

I don't understand. It's all about to happen for her.

We've worked so hard for this, for so long.

I always knew she had it in her,

and now she's going to throw it all away.

After everything I've done for her.

After everything you've done for her.

And what's that supposed to mean?

Are you sure you've been doing it for her?

Mariah?

Mariah, where are you going? Your mum's worried about you.

What? She is! You have to go back.

I'm not going back. You heard her.

She'll never stop now.

Why don't you just tell her, if you don't want to do it?

There's no point. She won't listen.

Then we have to make her.

I've only just started living my life, Mrs Crummles...

Trust me, you don't want to wait this long.

I am living it. This is what I love doing.

Maybe you should do it then.

Me?

No, no, no, no, no.

I'm well past it.

I mean, look at me.

Look at me!

Yeah, but you're a one-off.

I'm just another mum who's missed her chance.

There's no market for that.

You don't need one. You don't even need an audience.

Just...

If it makes you happy...

# Run for the sun, little one

# You're an outlaw once again

# Time to change, superman

# He'll be with us while he can

BOTH: # In the land of make believe. #

Have you never wanted to do it?

It wasn't too bad at first.

But it got worse?

She got this idea that I was good at it.

But people only voted for me cos they thought I was cute.

You're definitely not cute when you do that.

She just doesn't get it. Does my head in.

My mum's the same. I'm like, "I'm over here, Mum."

Yeah, but you've got your nana.

I've just got her.

You've not just got her.

She can't ignore all of us.

Can't she?

Why don't you come back and see?

-Mariah, thank goodness.

-Mum...

-You had me worried half to death, running off like that.

-Mum!

I don't think I can do this any more, Mum.

I'm no good at it...

And even if I was, I don't want to be a star.

I want to be a mechanic, or...something.

One day.

But now...

Now I just want to go home.

Oh, love. Why didn't you say?

Don't tell me, I know. I know what I'm like.

-But if you'd only have said then we could have...

-Shut up, Mum!

Just for one minute.

-Nice one, Nana.

-You too.

Guess we'll have to find ourselves another lift to London.

Oh, I think we owe you that much. Come on.

Oi! Stay where you are, son.

Look after Mrs Smike. I'll catch you up.

-Go! Go!

-No, don't leave me!

Get back in the car!

Don't leave, no, we have to stay together, Nick!

Nick!

Inspector? Where are you?

I've lost him.

It's because of you, isn't it?

Why my uncle's not been returning my calls?

You've lied to him too.

Please don't hurt me. The police will be here in a minute.

-This won't take long.

-I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

Don't tell me. Tell my uncle.

The truth now!

I'm busy.

You need to know, sir... It's about Nick. I was lying.

He hasn't do anything wrong. It was all me.

You need to sack me and have me arrested instead.

Is my nephew with you, by any chance?

It's all true, Uncle Ralph.

Squeers has been abusing the residents at Dotheolds.

You need to tell the police.

Of course, of course.

Why don't you just tell me where you are?

I know they provide everything,

but I thought I'd bring my own things, just in case.

-You'd better give me your phone.

-My phone?

They're not allowed. Peace and quiet and all that.

What if I need to talk to someone?

You'll be fine.

Well... You will keep an eye on Kat for me, won't you?

I mean, I know she's a big girl now, but you never really stop worrying.

We're going to be late.

SIREN BLARES

Nick Nickleby... You're under arrest.

Catch up. It's Squeers who's being arrested.

What?

Like the man said. You're under arrest, Nick Nickleby.

Is that the mother's phone?

You might as well get rid of it.

She'll be back in a couple of days.

Yes, by which time, the girl will have served her purpose.

What about Nick?

-I'm going to visit him now. In prison.

-Prison?

Do you want me to come?

Why so concerned, Noggs?

I'm not concerned.

Are you developing a conscience in your latter years?

In which case you might want to confess all your crimes to the police.

Or I could show them the file in my safe.

Was just trying to be helpful.

Indeed.

Uncle Ralph. Have you talked to them?

-I have.

-So...are they letting me out?

Well, if you're a good boy, keep your head down,

you could get out in a matter of months.

-What?

-If, on the other hand, you cause me any more trouble,

go around protesting your innocence, it could be some years.

You've lied.

-To the police?

-Take care what you say.

I shall make you prove it.

You know, don't you?

About Dotheolds. You knew all along.

Just like your father, really.

Very naive.

What do you mean? How was my father naive?

Well, he came to me. For help.

Rather surprised he did what I suggested, really.

But that was Nicholas for you... so trusting.

-So stupid.

-You.

You screwed him over.

Goodbye...

Nick Nickleby.

I will undertake an inspection of your flagship care home later today.

Stop! An inspector's coming to visit.

Look after your sister.

My sister? What's he done to her?

You remind me of me, when I first came to London.

You've got to come with me.

Where to, Nick? Have you got us a place to stay?

The dinner with Hawkovsky's tonight.

I have every confidence in you, Miss Knagg.

If you want to get a result,

there is only one way to guarantee it.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd