The Man in the White Suit

-Mr BIRNLEY:

-Now that calm and sanity have returned to the textile industry,

I feel it my duty to reveal the story behind the recent crisis.

Happily, we kept the story out of the newspapers!

The trouble began, not in my own mill,

but during my visit to Michael Corland's mill, which makes an artificial fibre like mine.

Corland is a personable young man who has impressed my daughter (!)

And he wanted me to believe

that his mill was a sound investment.

-­

-We produce 6 millions yards of filament a day.

-HOW many (?)

-6 million. Don't we, Hill ?

-­ 6 million FEET, Mr Corland.

-Feet - of course.

-Of course (!)

Good morning! I'm lunching with Mr Corland and my father.

Would you care to...?

-Michael ! Hello, Daddy.

-Don't interrupt. I'm having an illuminating tour.

-This way, Mr Birnley.

-Thank you.

-How's it going?

-Sticky.

-Why, what did he say?

-Nothing. That's the trouble.

-It's his "kingpin of industry" act. Don't let it get you down.

I'm sure he'll put up the money you want.

CRASH !

Sorry...sir (!)

Come on!

-­ It's hardly up to Birnley's.

-Quite (!)

Step this way, sir.

< SOUNDS OF BUBBLING LIQUID

BUBBLING AND BURPING

Just a moment, Green...

What's this?

I really couldn't say.

Mr Green!

Perhaps you'd explain. >

BUBBLING CONTINUES MERRILY

Well, it's...er...

Obviously, it's...

< Mr Wilkins! Yes, sir.

Is this yours?

No, sir.

Harrison! >

CHOKES

Yours? No, sir.

I thought it was his.

-Does it matter?

-Merely a matter of interest.

Fotheringay! >

Could you spare us a moment? >

What is this?

BUBBLING PLAYS A MERRY TUNE

Don't you know?

It was a special job. Who for?

Come along! Who authorised it?

Apparently you did.

BABBLE OF VOICES ARGUING

It can't just have grown there! Mr Hill, find out.

Mr Green, check Accounts. Take them the order number.

Three seven eight two five.

Three seven eight two five...

-Sorry, I shouldn't ask questions.

-On the contrary! Shall we have lunch?

I think you've seen everything.

Three seven eight two five.

Here it is.

Four thousand pounds ?!

Spent on WHAT ? Hydrogen, heavy hydrogen.

This is nonsense!

I'm aiming at designs combining the strength and simplicity of English hand-loom weavers

with Flemish colour and fire.

-If I had £100,000...

-Ahem.

-Excuse me, sir...

-After lunch.

-It's VERY urgent.

-AFTER lunch.

Where was I ?

-Don't let us keep you from anything vital.

-It's nothing.

VIOLENT CHOKING

What is it, Michael ?

It's nothing. Excuse me, please.

­ Mr Wilkins!

< Mr Corland wants you, in Accounts.

Mr Harrison!

­ They want you, too, in Accounts.

Could you tell me where Mr Corland is?

BUBBLING >

< Stratton!

< Mr Corland wants you.

Mr Corland, you can't fire me. I resign. I did what I did because there was no other way.

I had a menial job here, but Cambridge gave me a Fellowship. I should be there still.

But they were short-sighted, just as you are.

One day, someone with vision will give me a laboratory,

a proper laboratory with MODERN equipment...

..and assistants of my own. Small minds like yours stand in the way of progress.

But this is bigger than you...

-I see you've been discharged from your last six positions.

-Seven.

-Oh.

-Perhaps a change of environment...

-It must be a textile mill.

-There's a vacancy at Birnley's, but...

-They have a research lab!

-It hardly suits your qualifications. They want a works labourer.

-That'll suit me.

Nice place to leave it (!)

-Sorry!

-Don't mention it.

-You have it loaded too heavy.

-Have I ?

-Load it so you can see over the top.

-Oh yes, of course. Thanks.

-New, aren't you?

-Yes.

-Never worked in a mill before?

-Yes, several times.

I know! Leave school... into the first blind-alley job that comes along...

too old for that, into another and another... by the time you're 30, what are you?

Flotsam, floating on the flood-tide of profit. That's capitalism!

It wasn't quite like that.

-I got a scholarship to Cambridge.

-But you hadn't got an old school tie. Discrimination. I've seen plenty!

-Where were you going with this lot?

-The loading bay.

-You're going the wrong way. It's down there.

SIREN Tea up! Better leave it.

-Tea? No thanks.

-TEA BREAK. We had to fight for it!

­ Better get help. It's very delicate.

Pete, give us a hand!

Get these gentlemen some overalls.

Where's Sid?

Sid! >

Sid! >

Where's it to go?

Up to the lab. It's an electro... > An electron microscope.

Ah. At last! > I'll check this out.

Beautiful job!

No!

You must have the filament on before you switch on.

-Otherwise you'll put 4,000 volts through the cathode, blow it up.

-Quite!

-That's the specimen stage, I suppose.

-The intermediate alignment section. THIS is the specimen stage.

Could you spare someone for a while, till we get the hang of it?

-What, me?

-Not necessarily you, yourself. One of your assistants, perhaps.

Oh...

I see.

Well, I think perhaps I might manage it.

-It might be quite convenient.

-You're not too busy?

There ARE a few things, but...

-Could you let me have a corner of a bench?

-Certainly. See to that, Wilson.

I couldn't say, I'm sure. Tell her she can pay on Friday. He didn't say nothing this morning.

-Sid, what's all this? Harry says you've quit.

-Yes.

-Why?

-You see...

-You got the sack?

-Oh, no.

-I got another job.

-Where?

-At Birnley's, too.

-You haven't quit?

-Yes and no.

-I'm in the laboratory.

-A better job.

-Yes.

-More money?

-I shan't get paid.

-What?!

< We'll see about that!

-Scab labour! I'll tell the Works Committee.

-I don't WANT to be paid.

-You've GOT to be paid!

-That'll ruin everything. It's only for a few weeks.

What will you do for money?

It's a lot to ask, Mrs Watson, but can I owe you the rent for a couple of weeks?

-I shan't need food.

-No food (?)

-I'll get it somewhere.

-Of course you can stay, Mr Stratton.

-Thanks very much indeed.

-Sid, are you in trouble?

-No, everything's fine.

I've...got some money in the post office.

Not much, but have it if you need it.

I get what I need at the lab. But I'll let you know. Thanks.

Any time.

I'm even glad, Michael, that you get no money from Father.

I'm freer to say we'll get married as soon as you like.

-Er...you're very sweet, but I won't let you.

-What do you mean?

I won't let you marry me in a fit of temper. Not till you can do it in perfectly cold blood.

I must be off.

I'll look in some other direction.

-Daddy.

-Thought you'd gone, Daphne.

-I know what you think of Michael. You think all he wants is my money.

-Mine.

-It just so happens you're wrong. He'll find some other way to do the things he wants.

-Splendid!

-And he still wants ME.

-I'm glad.

So now, will you change your mind about him?

-Despite what I saw in his mills? No.

-You blame HIM for that lunatic in the place?

-It might have happened to anyone.

-The Birnley Mill (?)

I'm SICK of the Birnley Mill. The sooner I leave home, the happier I shall be!

Sorry.

HEY !

Well, all right!

< MERRY BUBBLING

Stratton, I don't see...

Daddy, just a minute!

HORN BLARES

SCREECH OF BRAKES

PLEASE don't tell your father!

So you're working for him now. Does he know?

-I can't WAIT to tell him!

-Miss Birnley, no! Miss Birnley...

-Get off!

Give me two more days...one! It's more important than anything. It'll astound the world!

-Look...you know the problem of polymerising amino acid residues?

-WHAT did you say?

-Do you know what a long-chain molecule is?

-A what?

-Do you know what a molecule is?

-No.

-Something like an atom?

-That's it! Atoms stuck together.

Cotton and silk, natural fibres, are made up of these chains.

And we've learnt to make artificial fibres with longer chains, such as rayon and nylon.

You've heard of nylon?

I think I've co-polymerised amino acid residues and carbohydrate molecules, both with ionic groups.

I believe I've got the catalyst to promote interaction between reactive groups and peptite chains.

The charges of the ionic groups will confer valuable elastic properties...

"..a great probability of polymerisation... to confer spinability..."

Just wanted something to read in bed. Goodnight, Daddy.

BUBBLING GROWS LOUDER

IT BECOMES FRANTICALLY LOUD

SUDDEN SILENCE

What's this?

Hey...

I need that!

And I'm using that!

What's all this?

I've got to see Mr Birnley.

-It's worked, I've done it!

-What?

Radioactive...fibre particles...

I thought the polymerisation would... Where are my notes?

-I've got to see Mr Birnley.

-You can't!

-I've done it, I've done it!

-Stop him!

EXCITED HUBBUB

ALARM BELL

Nurse Gamage.

-I must see Mr Birnley!

-You're fired.

-But I don't work here.

-That's right, he doesn't.

Now then!

-What's the trouble?

-He's mad, that's the trouble.

A strong sedative is what he needs.

Fantastic!

Utterly fantastic!

A lunatic, obviously. Yes, sir. Very odd indeed.

DOORBELL RINGS

-I want to see Mr Birnley. It's terribly important.

-Name?

Sidney Stratton. I work at the mill. That is...

-Do you have an appointment?

-No, but you see...

-Mr Birnley is busy now.

-I couldn't make an appointment.

-Write, or phone.

There's no question of it.

­ It's all very well, but what will the shareholders say?

­ £8,300 for sundries (?) What sundries?

Davidson will be able to answer that.

< DOORBELL RINGS

Mr Birnley's expecting you.

Please...let me explain!

What's all this? Nothing.

< INSISTENT RINGING OF BELL

BELL RINGS WITHOUT STOPPING

IT STOPS

PLEASE give this to Mr Birnley.

You should know all the details, Davidson.

­ £8,000, a detail (!)

-Hoskins must know.

-Who's Hoskins?

-He's in research.

-Can you find his private number? Well, move!

-How can it be impossible?

-Let me speak to him!

-Oh, it's you!

-Hello.

-Have you done it?

-Yes, but...

-Come in!

I'm asking you a simple question! (What is it, Knudsen?)

I don't care what his name is. I want to know what he...

Find him, and send him here!

(No, tell him to go away.)

What do you mean, you can't? You MUST know his address. He's an employee.

-Now, look here, he said to go away!

-She's gone to fetch him.

Have you gone mad? What are you talking about?

-You won't listen!

-This friend can't be so important...

C-R-A-S-H !

CRASH !

AH ! There you are AT LAST !

-Listen to me!

-Get out of my house! KNUDSEN ! You're an idiot.

-DOORBELL RINGS

-YOU'RE a pompous ass!

-Sidney!

-KNUDSEN !

FRANTICALLY RINGING BELL

You must be CRAZY ! I wouldn't give it to you even if I liked you!

-Not even if you begged me!

-Knudsen!

I won't stay another minute!

You've made an IDIOT of yourself, Father, and I'm delighted to say, you'll regret it!

-You need a good spanking.

-You don't know what he's DONE.

-What HAS he done?

He's made a new cloth that never gets dirty, and lasts for ever.

-Ridicul...

-It is, is it (?)

Do you know what a long-chain molecule is?

What if one makes one of infinite length, with optimum interchain attractions?

It means that to break the fibre, you'd have to split the molecules. It would last for ever!

AND it has a surface charge of static electricity. It repels dirt!

But maybe he hasn't done it, maybe he's talking through his hat.

On the other hand...maybe he HAS. Maybe you're talking through YOURS.

The point is, you don't KNOW. You're too pig-headed...

..to find out!

< SLAMS DOOR

< £8,300 !

DOOR OPENS >

-Stratton, come with me to Mr B...

-Ah, Hoskins.

I'm authorising Mr Stratton to continue his research here.

-I rely on you to give him everything he needs.

-Er...yes, sir.

Well, Sidney, you have a contract.

And you'll get your equipment.

Is there anything else?

-Just one thing...

-Yes, my boy?

-I've been thinking about chain reactions.

We ought to clear the lab.

-­ Clear the lab (?)

-As a precaution.

-Secrecy, you mean?

That, too!

Very shrewd. See to it, Hoskins. Not a word must get out, even in the mills.

Perhaps we'll have a surprise to spring on our competitors!

BIRNLEY CHUCKLES

MERRY BUBBLING FROM EQUIPMENT

Well, there we are.

Shall we try it now?

Or wait till after lunch?

Whatever you say.

Let's have a go now!

Oh...Mr Hoskins?

Next door. < Thanks.

Ah...Mr Hoskins, good morning. I didn't know where to find you.

Would you OK these for Accounts, please?

Hmm. That's an extraordinary amount. Is it necessary?

My dear King...

LOUD EXPLOSION

C-R-A-S-H !

It shouldn't have done that.

Accounts have sent us an estimate of £18,749, sir.

Might be worse.

-Plus £2,000 for damage to the building.

-What? Oh, I see.

-Anything else?

-Yes, sir.

Radio-active thorium. What does he want that for?

ALMIGHTY EXPLOSION

What, more? Shut the door.

Another one's due at any moment.

What is it all for, exactly?

A lot of tomfoolery. PHONE RINGS

Hoskins here.

Manchester Daily Express here. We heard you had some explosions in the laboratory.

Is there a story in it?

Must be a stupid rumour.

We are making some structural alterations (!)

But that's all.

Yes, right...goodbye.

The...

EXPLOSION

Oh-oh, there go the fireworks again!

Someone will get hurt.

It'll be Sid. HE takes all the chances.

You're the shop steward. Get him danger money!

Fat lot HE needs it! Jumped into a cushy job.

AND a cushy pay packet! He earns it!

It's Birnley's pocket he's lining.

Fat lot they care if he goes through the roof!

Me, too!

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

Well, here's hoping!

I must frankly admit that I'm discouraged - VERY discouraged.

-No-one's allowed in, sir.

-I know.

-Mr Stratton's orders, sir.

-It hardly applies to US.

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

What are we waiting for?

Would you like to?

It's easy.

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

BLEEP !

BLOOP !

SILENCE

It must have worked.

-Were you here...just now?

-Yes, why?

-My dear boy, what's the matter?

-N-nothing.

It's just...that it worked.

You mean...just now?

Stratton, you should... Why, Davidson...

We've got it all right. Look!

We've got the answer, Mr Birnley. We can go ahead now.

Fortunately, there's a chemical change at 300 degrees centigrade.

Quite remarkable!

We shall have to do a little groundwork on that, of course.

We only need to vary intermediates to make a substitute for wool, cotton, linen...whatever.

..thirty-one.

-Then there's the question of dyeing methods.

-Excuse me.

-The fibre is intractable.

-It repels dye just as it repels dirt.

We shall have to introduce the colouring matter earlier,

while the polymer is still in the melt.

-Seven...

-You won't have difficulty stitching it. The needle will pass through the weave as usual.

-If I could have paper patterns of the suit...

-Patterns?

-I'll need templates.

-I'll have the pieces cut for you.

-Shouldn't WE cut them out?

I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to.

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in!

< GALES OF LAUGHTER

What's funny about it?

It's the suit. It looks as if IT's wearing YOU.

It's still a bit luminous.

-But it'll wear off.

-Oh, no!

-No?

It makes you look like a knight in shining armour.

-It's what you are.

-Me (?)

Don't you understand what this means?

Millions of people, living lives of drudgery, fighting a losing battle against shabbiness and dirt.

You've won that battle for them. You've set them free!

The whole world will bless you.

Unbreakable (?)

That's what they say, Mr Corland.

Green, is...is that possible?

Well, with a heavy hydrogen, he might get a more complex molecule...

-In plain language, yes or no?

-It's...possible.

I'm very grateful to you, King. I...

I think the...industry will be.

Get me Sir John Kierlaw.

Oh, no, Davidson. Hardly that, surely.

When I've finished with the press, I'll see heads of all departments.

< PHONE RINGS

Yes?

One moment, please. It's Sir John Kierlaw.

Sir J...?

-All right, I'll speak to him.

-He's here!

Here?!

Michael ! So it was...

Oh.

SIR JOHN IS WHEEZING AND GASPING

­ No, no, the asthma atomiser!

PUFFING SOUND

Now.

Some fool has invented an indestructible cloth. Right?

Yes.

Where is he? How much does he want?

-We have Mr Birnley to contend with. Mr Birnley intends to manufacture and market this product.

-Certainly.

-Are you MAD ?

-I consider it my duty to do it.

-It'll knock out primary producers.

-Sheep farmers, cotton growers...

-Importers and middle-men...

Stick to the point. What about US ?

I admit some individuals may suffer temporarily, but I will not stand in the way of progress.

-The community comes first.

-YOU won't suffer much.

-Michael !

-It's the greatest step forward...

-Forward?!

-It means disaster.

-Disaster? Was the Spinning Jenny a disaster, or the mechanical loom?

For some, yes. This will FINISH output.

Just arriving now, sir.

He's the one to complain. What's this?

BERTHA: It's Sid!

-Sid!

-Hello, Bertha, hello.

-What have they DONE to you?

-It's what I'VE done. We're announcing it to the press.

-What?

-My new fibre.

-Mind!

Mr Corland, in Mr Birnley's office.

It never gets dirty (?)

-And never wears out?

-That's right.

-What d'you think? Will they go ahead with it?

-Certainly.

You're not even born yet!

What happened to the others... the razor that never gets blunt?

The car that runs on water?

No, they'll never let your stuff on the market in a million years.

-He's right. The dead hand of monopoly.

-It's not like that!

Everything's organised. We're going right ahead.

-­ But if this stuff never wears out, we'll only make one lot.

-Right!

There you are!

First, I want to apologise. I didn't recognise a genius.

-Excuse me, sir...

-I've come from Mr Birnley. One or two things...

MILL SIREN BLOWS

Lovely! Six months' work, and every mill will be laid off.

It's Birnley! Sidney wouldn't do that.

Something ought to be done. We'll get the Works Committee out.

I might offer it to other manufacturers, under licence.

-You want to build another fortune!

-May I point out that I control this process?

-Do you?

-Of course I do!

A sordid detail, Sir John.

-Well ?

-Stratton's diary of his first successful experiment is dated September 15th.

Stratton's contract with Birnley

is dated October 1st.

Er...Sir John...

LOUD WHEEZING

LAUGHING

I expect he's on his way. I'll check.

The Works Committee? Mr Birnley's busy.

N-no, I can't interrupt him now.

No, Mr Davidson, you can't go in!

-Sir John Kierlaw, Mr Cranford.

-How d'you do?

-Mr Mannering.

Mr Corland you know. This is Mr Stratton.

-What's this?

-New contract.

Sign it, young man.

What was wrong with the old one?

Er...this is a big thing, Sidney, too big for one mill.

So I brought in these other gentlemen.

I see.

INTERCOM BUZZES

-Yes?

-'It's the Works Committee...'

-I'm busy.

-'It's about Mr Stratton.'

Mr Birnley will see them later. >

I think it's all in order.

Thanks. Oh, that's ingenious! May I ?

-How much petrol as against how much ink?

-I really don't know.

Just one thing... Wilson, my assistant...

He's been a great help on this. I'd like him to get some credit.

­ Of course. We all realise the value of Mr Wilson's contribution.

When the results are published, I'd like his name to be mentioned.

There may be a...delay in publication.

Delay? Oh.

Why?

-You s-see, Sidney, we have to wait for the right moment.

-Why not now?

-To announce it now might upset the delicate balance of the market.

-Would it?

What happens when you sell the stuff?

Leave that to us.

-Just sign the document. >

-Sir John's right, Sidney.

-You ARE going ahead with production?

-Sidney, I-I...

I'd like to think this over.

We need control of this discovery.

If you want twice the amount > in that contract, we'll pay it.

-­ Quarter of a million.

-To suppress it?

Yes.

Excuse me.

INTERCOM BUZZES URGENTLY

SHOUTING AND ARGUING

Sidney...SIDNEY !

Stop him! >

CRASHING AND TINKLING OF GLASS

No-no...wait, please!

-'Yes, Mr Birnley?'

-S-Sidney... OH !

Beg pardon? Look, Miss Johnson...

Stop him! Stop him, stop him!

Stop him!

-He...he must not leave the mill.

-How CAN we stop him?

-By force.

-I won't resort to violence.

-If he sells to anyone else, we're ruined.

-We must reason with him.

-How can we, when he's not here (?)

This way, gentlemen.

Sorry, wrong floor.

C-R-A-S-H ! >

Is he...all right?

Yes.

Pity!

< FOOTSTEPS

Any news of him?

­ He's up at Birnley's.

What did I tell you? Right in their pocket!

Perhaps he can't help himself.

­ They say he had a headache. Birnley won't see the Works Committee.

< KNOCKING There!

Mr Stratton lives here? Yes, but...

­ He's going to live with Mr Birnley.

< I've come for his baggage, and to give you...

..his rent.

It's just as I told you! Sitting right in their laps (!)

Fallen to what (?)

Forty-six point...nine?

No, no...don't sell !

There's not a word of truth in it!

Yes, yes, I'll be here.

That's just the beginning! PHONE RINGS

Hello, yes?

Calcutta (?) Tomorrow'll be a nose-dive.

Just on these rumours, it's absurd!

-There must have been a leakage.

-You started it.

-Don't blame me!

Sir John's right. Keep to the point!

Only one thing will pull the market together - a denial, backed with permanent suppression.

-We've already offered him a quarter of a million!

-We can't keep him here for ever!

-I've got it! I'll let him name his own price.

-I think not, Michael.

SIR JOHN RAPS

Gentlemen!

Knudsen, this door's locked, and the key's gone.

I have it, Miss Birnley.

Sorry. No-one goes in. HE doesn't come out. Mr Birnley's instructions.

But money means nothing to this boy!

Well, what else could?

Put him on.

Women?

He didn't seem to me to be the type.

-It's often THAT type that...

-Very true.

If we could find a friend of his, who'd know how to talk to him!

Father. >

What's going on? What have you done to Sidney?

< I want to know what you've done!

Will you please...

Miss Birnley, just a minute. I'll ring you back.

Miss Birnley, I take it you know Mr Stratton quite well ?

-How well ?

-We're very good friends. Why not?

It may be useful to us. PHONE RINGS

I thought I told you... It's for you.

Sit down, Miss Birnley.

­ Miss Birnley, we're trying to buy the world rights of Mr Stratton's new discovery.

­ But he doesn't trust us.

Doesn't he? Why not?

You're the daughter of an industrialist.

You understand how reckless exploitation of anything new

upsets the balance of trade. I'm beginning to.

Good.

You want to suppress it.

-But if YOU can't persuade him, why should

-I

-be able to?

All men are susceptible, Miss Birnley. I need hardly say... you're very attractive.

Thank you.

Michael, what do YOU say? >

It's a desperate situation, Daphne, for the....um...whole industry.

Yes.

I'm beginning to realise that.

No need to explain what's at stake.

-You can see for yourself.

-I can, indeed.

-But, on the subject of price, what do

-I

-get out of it?

-Miss Birnley!

-Daphne!

I haven't much experience of such things, but I always understood it was well paid.

HORRIFIED UPROAR

I suggest two thousand.

Isn't that a little low? What about five thousand?

­ Five thousand. Agreed. Agreed.

-It's a pleasure to do business with you, Sir John.

-Well, Daphne?

And about time, too (!)

I want to talk to you, Sidney.

I never thought YOU would be on their side.

You may not believe me, Sidney, but I want what's best for you.

I...I don't like this any more than you do.

I hate this town...the mill... everything..

people who think of nothing but money-grubbing.

-Don't you feel like that?

-Yes.

I want to get away, Sidney.

I want to see something of the world beyond this dirty little town,

to make a life where there are people who know how to live.

Italy, maybe...

France...

Well, why don't you?

I can't.

But YOU could.

And YOU could take ME.

How?

I know what they offered you. You could live for the rest of your life on it, go anywhere you please.

And if you want me...

I'd come, too.

What's wrong?

I'm sorry...no.

Not even if it means me?

No.

Thank you, Sidney.

-What for?

-If you'd said "yes", I'd have strangled you!

We MUST tell the newspapers the whole story.

-That'll blow the lid off everything!

-How?

Would you stake your life on this?

Issue a categorial denial to the press.

The stuff does not exist.

It has never been invented. It never COULD be.

There is NO panic here whatsoever!

Mr Birnley will confirm that!

No, no!

-Davidson, I told you to deal with them in your own way.

-They've come out.

-What?!

-On strike.

-Strike!

-< The whole mill's out. I tried to telephone.

You were engaged.

Get them back, or there'll be a landslide!

ALL SHOUTING AT ONCE

-They want a guarantee that we're not going into production.

-We don't intend to.

-They won't take our word.

It's insanity! They're afraid of being out of work, so they down tools. What am I to do?

Get them up here, up to the house. I'll talk to them!

What are you waiting for?

-What guarantee CAN we give them? We don't control the thing.

-I don't know. Sir John...

C-R-A-S-H !

TRAIN HOOTS

It's only a matter of fivepence! You're VERY unreasonable.

-Excuse me...

-Right.

-No, no... Have you got fivepence?

-No coppers.

I must get to Manchester. It's vital. I'll pay you back. I'll give you...a hundred pounds!

-I've got money at my digs.

-Better get it, then.

And Frank...

< It's Sid!

< Hi...wait for me!

-Sid, I want to talk to you!

-Got to find a shilling.

-But your room's let.

-Where's that vase?

-Who are you?

­ It's let to an old geezer. Oh, beg pardon!

What's going on? Kindly leave!

-Sid!

-Sorry.

-Did they try to soften you up?

-They locked me in the attic.

-But you got away!

-I must go!

-I'm going to a meeting. Wait till I tell them! What a trump card!

-My train to Manchester...

-What for?

-To give the newspapers the story.

-What story?!

-My invention; how they tried to stop it. But they won't!

Whose side are you on?!

-The same as you. THEY want to stop it.

-So do we!

Sid, listen...

Sid!

Sid, don't go!

Sid...look, Sid...Sid!

ARGUING CONTINUES, WITH LOUD CRASHES AND THUDS

Will you PLEASE stop...

LOUDER CRASHING Please stop!

I'll fetch Mrs Watson.

SHE LOCKS DOOR You can't do that, that's MY room! Let him out.

Not likely! I'll fetch the police.

SIDNEY HAMMERS ON DOOR Wait a minute!

SHE LOCKS DOOR

Help!

HAMMERING ON BOTH DOORS

­ Bertha, what's up?

Harry, don't let either of them escape! Eh?!

Sid's gone mad!

He's got us muddled up with Birnley.

This is beyond belief. If Sir John was suggesting... what I can hardly believe...

My dear Birnley, let your daughter deal with Stratton in her own way.

-She had her eyes open.

-I didn't!

Yes? The Works Committee is here.

Er...mm...well, show them up.

Birnley... >

L-listen... >

< Who's that?

It's me, Daddy.

Daphne, I just wondered if you were still there.

Yes, I'm still here.

I-I want to talk to you.

Not now, Father.

Daphne...

-Birnley, don't be ridiculous! >

-She's locked in.

Crazy or not, we'll get some sense into him.

-Open the door!

->

-Daphne!

->

Open this door!

No.

Knudsen!

Ladies and gentlemen, Sir John will explain the situation.

­ We're talking to Mr Birnley, no-one else!

He'll be along in a few minutes. ­ WE'LL do the explaining!

The boot's on the other foot, now Stratton's with us.

With you (?) < That's right.

Sidney's apologies, but from now on, you'll have to...count him out.

Hello.

Hello.

KNOCKING ON HOUSE DOOR

MORE KNOCKING

Who's that?

STILL MORE KNOCKING

Well, what is it?

There's a man in that room. I know.

He's got out. Eh?!

He went that way.

All right.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Let me out!

UPROAR Listen!

­ What are we arguing for? Nobody wants to market it.

My dear friends,

you must see that our bone of contention is non-existent.

Capital and labour are hand-in-hand in this.

Each needs the help of the other.

PHONE RINGS

Yes?

Who?

Somebody called Bertha?

Who is it? 'It's me, Harry.' Harry, you...

'The kid said he'd got out. When I went in, he'd gone.' WHAT ?!

We'll get him at the station.

Michael !

Corland, take your car. I'll take mine.

Frank, you're not going with THEM ! They're not going without me!

Wait for me!

OK, Ducks, room for one more!

CAR STARTS

TRAIN HOOTING

There he is! After him!

The other way!

'Cut him off!'

SCREECH OF BRAKES

TRAIN WHISTLES

Come on, lads!

There's a light bobbing!

That's Sid!

Cheerio, Alf.

There he is!

< After him, lads!

Hey! >

What's the matter, Dad? What've you been doing?

INDIGNANT: Nothing!

Hello.

That way.

'Ere!

Don't you know > there's a strike on?

There'll be trouble if you stay here.

It's...the stability.

It isn't stable!

Mrs Watson, have you got something?

-My suit...they can see me!

-Why can't you scientists leave things alone?

What about my bit of washing, when there's no washing to DO ?

< DOGS BARKING

< There he is!

LOUD SHRIEKS OF LAUGHTER

It's coming to pieces!

We're saved!

Look! Look!

Sir John!

NOISE SUBSIDES

­ Here, lad.

Wear this.

"The crisis is over now."

"The news of Sidney's failure brought relief to the world."

"It had been a hard and bitter experience for all of us."

"But we face the future with confidence. We have seen the last of Sidney Stratton."

I see!

"At least, I...HOPE we've seen the last of him!"

Subtitles by BBC - 1986