A Tale of Two Cities

WHIP CRACKS

Get up!

COACHMAN URGES HORSES ON

Get up! Get up!

Get up!

Get up! Get UP!!

-Shall we have 'em out, Tom?

-Yes.

Your pardon, gentlemen, but I'm obliged to ask you

to lighten the load up the hill.

I think you'll have some slight difficulty in...waking my companion.

< Sir?

< Sir?!

Wake up, if you be so kind, sir.

-No breakfast for me. I never take it.

-Breakfast? We're a long way from Dover yet, sir.

Then what the devil's happening?

-We are mud-bound, sir, and have been asked to lighten the load.

-Ah.

Then it shall be lightened.

A little help for hard-working horses...

-is a worthy cause to one who detests work as much as I do.

-Indeed, sir.

Being a man of business it would be a serious disability.

No, I thank you.

-You, I presume, are not a man of business.

-Business? Lord love you, no, sir. Nothing so respectable.

-You have no cause for alarm. If I were the robber you now suspect...

-No, no.

-..is it likely that I should travel unattended to the assizes?

-You are a lion of the law?

-You flatter me.

I am a jackal rendering service to a far better-fed lion than I shall ever become. When one...

< WHOA THERE!!

HORSE WHINNIES

What do you say, Tom?

-A horse coming up at a canter.

-Coming up at a gallop. Gentlemen,

in the King's name, both of you.

It is useless, I fear, to assure you that this is no partner of mine.

< Ho, there! You!

< Stand or I shall fire!

Is that the Dover mail?

-Why d'you wanna know?

-Do you have a Mr Jarvis Lorry?

-No, Sydney Carton is my name.

-I am Jarvis Lorry. Who wants me?

It's Jerry, master. I've got an urgent despatch from T & Company.

I know this messenger well. There's nothing to fear.

I belong to Tellson's Bank. I go to Paris on business. Wait. A crown.

-Hello, you!

-Yes? >

-Come on afoot, please.

< If you're wearing a pistol, don't let me see your hand go near it.

Whoa! Hello, master.

"Wait at Dover for Mademoiselle.

"Recalled to life."

-Beg pardon, sir?

-That will serve for my answer.

-"Recalled to life."

-A blazing strange answer.

Take back that message. They'll know I received this, as if I wrote myself. Good night, Jerry.

Good night, sir. "Recalled to life"(!) Come on.

That was INDEED a blazing strange answer.

COACHMAN URGES ON HORSES

-Mornin', sir.

-Morning.

-I want a bedroom and a barber.

-Yes, Mr Lorry.

-If you please...

I wish accommodation to be prepared also for a young lady.

A Miss Manette. She will arrive by the evening mail.

-I'll have rooms prepared.

-I thank you.

-Sir?

-A bowl of punch.

-No bed, sir?

I seldom keep awake long enough to reach my bed.

Nor can I look forward to being joined by a young lady.

-You travel home to France, Miss Manette?

-I'm going to Paris.

But England has long been my home.

You know this country well?

I used to come here often before the war. It's a pleasure to be able to travel freely again.

-I fear this is my destination.

-Oh...

How very rude.

May I hope we shall meet again?

-Perhaps on the packet ship tomorrow.

-It would be a pleasure to me, Mr Darnay.

-There goes an evil-minded blaggard, if ever I saw one.

-Who, Mr Darnay?

-A most agreeable gentleman.

-NOT your Mr Darnay. The other one.

I might have known you'd have eyes for nobody else.

Ah. There you are, Sydney!

-Have you done yet?

-There.

Mm-hmm.

Yes... And you've had your bottle, I perceive.

TWO tonight.

I dined with our client.

-Rather, I watched him dine.

-You were sound in the matter of the Crown witnesses today.

-I am always sound.

-I don't deny it.

-If you'd add to it purpose, energy.

-Spare me your favourite example of the man I might have been.

-We began level at school.

-Even then I did YOUR exercises. Seldom me own.

-Whose fault was that?

-'Twas your fault, my dear Stryver.

It's been in your nature always to be driving, pressing, shouldering to such a restless degree

that I had no chance in me own life but in...rust and repose.

TRUMPET HERALDS ARRIVAL OF COACH

-Is that the mail I hear?

-Yes. If I may point a moral, Sydney...

Oh... Hello!

He-ello! What a charming creature!

Look, Sydney, here.

Most picturesque. How say you?

Come, Sydney, show some taste for once. Isn't she truly delightful?

A pretty little doll.

Sydney, if you were a fellow of any sensitiveness, any delicacy...

Oh, but then I know you never mean half you say. A pretty little doll indeed.

I am not sure, Miss Manette, how much you have learned already from the bank about this...affair.

Miss Manette, when your father married the English lady who was your mother,

I, on behalf of Tellson's Bank, was one of the trustees.

Your father, like many other French gentlemen, left his affairs entirely in Tellson's hands.

Please understand that I handle this matter as a man of business and therefore a man without sentiment.

-A mere machine.

-..I'm still waiting for you to begin, sir.

-Yes. Yes, I'm going to.

I find it difficult to relate this in such a way that you will be able to bear the hearing of it.

-I can bear anything, sir, rather than the insecurity in which you leave me.

-You speak collectedly.

That's good. Now, this story is incomplete.

It relies largely on information we have received from a man, Defarge, formerly your father's servant.

According to this man Defarge,

it appears that, one night, some 18 years ago, your father, Dr Manette,

was returning home late after attending a case in Paris,

when he received an urgent summons to the country home of a certain nobleman.

PEACOCK SCREECHES

The patient was a young peasant girl.

The doctor found her suffering from a high fever of the brain.

To keep her quiet, she had been gagged and tied with sashes.

No thought was given as to whether she might suffocate.

It would not have shortened her life by much if she had.

Although Dr Manette was able to ease her last hours, she died that day

from the violence she had suffered in body and mind.

Nor was she the only victim of that nobleman. In the stables was a boy of 17, her brother.

He was dying from a sword wound.

It was while Dr Manette attended him that he heard the full story from the servant - a man named Gabelle.

They were a family of four. My master's tenants.

So nothing they possessed was their own. Not even their bodies.

The law allows a father no right to resist a claim on his daughter.

But their father resisted.

You're aware that these nobles have the right to harness a tenant to cart? It happened to their father.

-This boy came set on revenge. My master's a swordsman.

-Doctor.

Yes, my poor fellow, I'm a doctor. Lie quiet now. Let me see to this.

-My sister...

-I've seen your sister. She is...at peace now.

My OTHER sister...all alone.

-There's a second sister, only 15, God help her.

-Who told you to bring the doctor here?

-Monsignor...

-The boy is suffering so much, I thought, perhaps...

-Get OUT!

Doctor, you were not summoned to listen to the babblings of this hind.

You... You promise?

This boy is dead.

You may forget these serfs.

I wish to impress upon you that the things you have seen and heard in this house are not to be spoken of.

'But Dr Manette had a conscience which would not allow him to heed that warning.

'He felt it was his duty to write a report of the events to the Minister.

'This action he confided only to his servant Defarge.'

I tell you, Defarge, as I know what influence these nobles have.

-Should I be prevented from keeping my promise...

-It will be carried out.

His sister is now alone, and unprotected.

I promised him to do my best to save her from that "gallant gentleman".

-My parents... In our village...

-She would be safe there.

-As safe as any child of her people may expect to be in this France.

-Then tomorrow you will see to it.

I must go to my patient.

He went out of the door. He never came back.

Murdered.

No, Miss Manette.

That was not his fate.

What, then... WAS the manner of his death?

Miss Manette, Miss Lucie,

all this time we have had no word of what befell him after he passed through that door.

We could only conjecture. We never dared to hope.

And now, after 18 years, he has been found. He is alive.

Greatly changed, no doubt, but who would not be, after all those years in that vilest of prisons?

-The Bastille...

-But he is alive. And free.

His old servant is taking care of him - that same Defarge.

He later married the girl that he had protected, and they keep a wine shop in Paris. We go there tomorrow.

COCK CROWS

Oh, Mr Darnay!

Oh...

-Madam.

-You are NOT Mr Darnay.

-Mr Carton.

-I'm so sorry.

But at your service nevertheless.

I DO beg your pardon, sir.

-I was under the impression that you were someone else.

-Would that I were.

-Providing always that my wakening was graced by so charming a lady.

-Come! The man's not yet sober!

TWO such charming ladies.

Ah. You are ready. Now, where IS that porter? Porter!

I've been to observe the sea. Our crossing should be tolerable.

-Ah. The ladies' baggage, please.

-Oh, the good fortune of some gentlemen. To be bound for France...

-with a fair lady for escort.

-We are travelling, sir, on a matter of business.

-I see.

Then may I wish you an agreeable voyage. And you, sir, an agreeable business trip.

Goodbye, Prossie. Have a good journey home.

Perhaps... Perhaps I may offer you

a small consolation, madam, for the disappointment of being left behind.

Disappointment?! If ever it was intended that I cross salt water

d'you suppose Providence would have cast my lot in an island?!

-COACH DEPARTS

-What a strange prejudice.

France has so much to commend her.

Hey!

One cask only.

-One only, Monsieur Defarge?

-Even that is more than they have the money to buy.

-The people will soon forget the taste of wine.

-Many have forgotten already.

We taste nothing but black bread and death.

We'd do well to bolt the door.

-Once the tiger's tasted blood...

-Tiger? Poor, crazed cattle.

WILD LAUGHTER

Enough, Gaspard!

Your pardon, monsieur. Strangers are rare in this quarter.

I think you're looking for me. Ernest Defarge.

My name is Mr Lorry. This is Miss Manette.

Miss Lucie.

My wife.

You'll have forgotten ME, I think.

Follow me closely.

I'm afraid of it.

Of "it"? What?

Of him.

Of my father.

Good day.

Still hard at work, I see.

Yes, I... I'm working.

We have a visitor today.

Show monsieur that shoe you are working at.

Take it, monsieur.

Now, tell monsieur what kind of shoe it is.

And the maker's name.

FALTERINGLY: It's a lady's shoe.

And the maker's name?

Um...

An...

105 North Tower.

Is that all the name you have?

Ha...

105...North Tower.

Monsieur Manette.

Do you remember nothing of me?

Do you remember nothing of this man?

Look at him. Look at me.

Is there nothing rising in your mind?

You've recognised him, monsieur?

Yes, just for a moment.

I thought at first it was hopeless, but just for a moment...

Back.

What is this?

You're...the jailer's daughter?

Who are you?

Oh, my dear. Soon you shall know my name.

All you need to understand now

is that your agony is over.

I have come to take you away.

Away from France.

To peace.

And rest.

Good gentlemen...

he understands. Thank God.

-Good morning. Is Miss Lucie at home?

-She's out walking with her father.

-How is Dr Manette?

-Progressing. He talks of practising again.

-She's very devoted.

-Well, you'd better come in.

-I have come to ask certain questions of you as well as Miss Lucie.

-Of me?

You recall a Frenchman, who talked with Miss Lucie in the Dover mail?

What if I do? He was respectable.

-I agree. He happens to be a client of mine.

-Mr Darnay?

Charles Darnay. Do you recall another passenger in the coach?

A foreigner. A man named Barsad?

-There was an evil-looking ruffian.

-Seated beside Mr Darnay?

-Yes.

Good. That is the evidence we want.

-What's all this about?

-I'm afraid my client finds himself in grave trouble.

He appears to be the victim of a pernicious plot, engineered, I'm sure, by this man Barsad.

PEACOCK SCREECHES

What do you want?!

-There's a Monsieur Barsad here to see you, Monsignor.

-Send him in.

-Father, I hate him!

-I know, child. But whilst they have these rights you know what it means to resist.

If Monsieur Charles came back...

-And he's already in prison?

-Newgate.

Awaiting his trial.

Eating and sleeping with the scum of the streets.

Excellent. A nobleman condemned to live with cattle.

My cousin will at last begin to appreciate the benefits of our own good French system.

Ah, my dear friend!

Miss Lucie.

Dr Manette.

-Mr Lorry, I'm concerned to hear from Miss Pross about our friend in the Dover mail.

-Charles Darnay. Yes.

He's to appear at the Old Bailey.

What is the charge against him?

-Having secret papers relating to naval matters which he's said to have been taking to France.

-A spy?

I don't believe it.

Nor I, Miss. I'm sure those papers were planted on his person without his knowledge.

I have engaged an able counsellor for his defence. A man named Stryver.

-He wishes me to ask if you would be willing to appear in court in Mr Darnay's defence.

-Willingly.

-Good.

I shall arrange for you to be escorted by a messenger of the bank.

RAISED VOICES

Swam ashore. Be a long time before HE takes a bath again.

-Don't look, my precious. We'll have caught jail fever already.

-I'm going as quick as I can.

Might as well enjoy the fun while you're... This'll make you laugh.

-I don't know what he's done, but I bet...

-Body-snatching.

Yes, this way, ladies. Make way!

Witnesses! Witnesses! Make way!

Follow me, ladies. Oh, no. We're too late.

Wait till the prisoners go by.

Which one's your treason, Miss?

Oh. Good-looking young fellow.

-Shame what he'll look like soon.

-Hold your tongue!

-What will they do?

-No, ladybird, no.

-What will they do if he's found guilty?

-Well, seeing as how it's treason,

he'll be drawn on a hurdle and half-hanged. Then he'll be taken down and sliced before his own face.

His insides'll be taken out and burnt while he looks on.

His head'll be chopped off and he'll be cut up into quarters.

That's the sentence.

It won't happen, precious. We KNOW he's innocent. Get us out of this place!

-Allow me.

-Oh, Mr...Carton.

The same. A new ache here, of course, but in all other respects the same.

-Follow me closely.

-I'M looking after these ladies, sir.

Heaven help them.

The Tyburn mail, a vehicle in which friends assure me I shall...one day have the pleasure of travelling.

It's a false assumption. I live by crime in what is the easiest way.

-This is where you go in. Mr Lorry will join you once he and Stryver complete their business.

-Mr Carton.

Are you acquainted with our case?

-I am PART of your case. Where the great Stryver goes, there follows his jackal.

-I did not know.

Mr Carton.

Please, you will do your best for Mr Darnay?

After such a request, I shall be doubly industrious on his behalf.

Had you any motive, Mr Barsad, apart from your sense of duty to your adopted country,

-had you any motive for denouncing the prisoner?

-None, sir.

-Not actuated by thought of gain?

-No.

If I'm offered any reward, I shall decline to take it.

What first caused you to suspect the prisoner of being a spy?

The way he was talking in the mail.

You are sufficiently experienced in the ways of spies to detect one from his conversation?

-Perhaps I am a little sharper than most.

-No doubt.

-So on account of the prisoner's conversation you decided to follow him when he alighted?

-Yes.

-As a result of which, you saw him handed certain papers by a certain "mysterious stranger".

-I did.

-You hadn't seen them before?

-How could I?

-Hadn't been in your possession?

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

-I am suggesting that you acquired these papers for yourself,

-and in the darkness of the coach, transferred them to the person...

-It's a lie.

-..who stands in the dock,

-falsely accused to satisfy your own greed for enrichment.

-It's a foul lie.

Those papers were given to him in the dockyard. I wasn't the only one that saw it.

I've said already I have no wish for a reward.

Miss Manette, we have heard evidence as to your conversation with the prisoner in the Dover mail.

-Is there anything we did not hear?

-It's impossible to recall every word.

-Impossible or inconvenient?!

I will endeavour to refresh your memory.

-Did you and the prisoner discuss the recent war with America?

-Yes.

Speak up, please! Now that I have recalled your mind to that event,

-perhaps you'll be able to tell us what was said about that war.

-The gentleman tried to explain to me...

-D'you mean the prisoner?!

-Yes, my lord.

-Then SAY "the prisoner".

The... The prisoner...

tried to explain to me how that quarrel had arisen.

-He said...

-Yes?

..He said that as far as he could judge, it was a wrong and foolish one on the part of England.

GASPS AND MUTTERING Silence!

-Anything else?

-He added, but there was no harm in the way he said this,

-it was said laughingly and...

-What did he add?!

He added that he thought George Washington might make as great a name in history as...George III.

ANGRY SHOUTS

Silence!

Thank you, Miss Manette.

Officer, look to that young lady.

Take her outside. See she gets some fresh air.

Have we your permission to continue, Mr Carton(?)

Yes, my lord.

-And that was the only time that you saw the prisoner? In the dockyard.

-Until today.

-I see the other party and him and the papers, secret like. And I says to meself, "'Ello!"

-Yes...

-Would it surprise you to learn that never has the prisoner been near that dockyard?

-What a lie!

-Look at him now and tell me if you're sure he was the man you saw.

-That's him, sir.

-You're certain?

I am, sir.

-Have you EVER see anyone sufficiently like the prisoner for you to be mistaken?

-Not as I recall.

Look well upon this gentleman, my learned friend here. Stand up.

Let the witness see you.

That's right. Remove your wig.

And now look well again upon the prisoner. How say you?

-Do you detect some resemblance?

-There is a likeness.

When I now reveal my learned friend was in Dover on the day in question,

would you agree that you might have seen him and mistaken him for the prisoner?

-Am I to take it, Mr Stryver, that we shall next have to try Mr Carton for treason?

-I trust not, my lord.

I seek to illustrate that the prisoner is not more memorable by virtue of his appearance

than many others of his age.

Whatever the verdict, I congratulate you on a most able defence.

-I have done my best, sir, and my best is as good as another man's, I believe.

-Not much better(?)

-It was on the tip of my tongue.

-Impudent fellow, my junior.

-How is Miss Manette?

-The better for being out of that court.

-The prisoner's distressed to have caused you such...agitation.

-You saw Mr Darnay?

-He asked me to tell you that with his fervent apologies.

-Will you be seeing him again?

-I would so much like to ask his forgiveness.

-For neglecting to commit perjury?

It's a grave failing in a witness.

-Let us hope that you'll be able to express your own regrets to him.

-Oh...if I might.

What does Mr Darnay expect?

The worst.

-It's the wisest thing TO expect. And the likeliest.

-Jury's back.

-Have you reached a verdict?

-We have.

How say you? Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?

Not guilty.

PEOPLE CHATTER SILENCE!

The prisoner is discharged!

I am only just beginning to feel that I belong to this world again.

It must be an immense satisfaction to you.

As to me, the greatest desire I have

is to forget that I belong to it.

It has no good in it for me. Except wine like this.

Nor I for it.

So we're not much alike in THAT particular.

Indeed, I begin to think we're not much alike in ANY particular, you and I.

I'm glad the jury thought otherwise.

-I believe it was our likeness which turned the scale against Barsad.

-You must be on your guard against him.

-I don't think he'll dare denounce me again.

-Nor anyone else.

-You deprived him of a good living.

-Perhaps my ordeal was worthwhile.

Don't take this too lightly, my friend. One acquittal usually means ruin for a common informer.

-Mr Barsad must take revenge quickly. I leave in a few days for France.

-No doubt, you'll soon be back.

Does this country not hold a certain irresistible attraction?

Why don't you call her health, Mr Darnay?

Why don't you give your toast?

What toast?

It's on the tip of your tongue.

It OUGHT to be.

It MUST be. I'll swear it's there.

Miss Manette...then.

Miss Manette...then.

That's a fair young lady to hand to her coach in the dark, Mr Darnay.

A fair young lady to be pitied by and wept for by. How does it feel? Worth being tried for one's life?

You puzzle me. I probably owe my life to you,

yet it now becomes apparent that you have no liking at all for me.

-There is nothing in your dislike of me to prevent my calling the reckoning?

-The whole reckoning?

-Yes.

Then bring me another bottle!

Good night.

Why should I like a man because he resembles me?

There's nothing in ME to like.

I am a disappointed drudge, sir.

I care for no man on Earth.

And no man on Earth cares for me.

PIERCING SCREAM

HE CRIES HYSTERICALLY

What has gone wrong?

Monsieur le Marquis, it's a child.

Why is he making that abominable noise?

-Is it his child?

-It is a pity. Yes.

He's dead! He's dead!

You killed him!

Why can you not take better care of yourselves and your children? Take that.

He's dead! You've killed him.

I know. I saw it all. Be brave, my Gaspard.

Who threw that?!

You dogs!

I would ride over all of you willingly and exterminate you from the earth.

-Drive on!

-Get up there!

PEACOCK SCREECHES

Ah, there he is, fresh from his English jail. Charles.

-My cousin Charles, monsieur.

-My respects, monsieur.

Your cousin has told me about you. A young man with strange views.

He may have moderated those views.

To me, it's preposterous that this is a farming estate,

yet there isn't one family in the village there which has even bread to eat tonight.

Let them eat grass. That's what I always say. Let them eat grass.

Charles, you do not appear to have learnt very much from your little lesson.

You speak, sir, as if my misadventure was not entirely chance.

I warned you, I will not tolerate the spreading of disaffection among my tenants!

You needn't concern yourself any more on that account. I am here only to collect my few small belongings,

-after which you'll see no more of me.

-How do you intend to live?

I must do what the noblest of my countrymen may have to do one day. Work.

-In England, for instance?

-Yes, in England.

With a name as hated as ours, France holds nothing for me. In England, I have another name.

You may as well know now, my visit there was for the express purpose of planning my future life.

-We must not keep you from her a moment longer than necessary.

-Goodbye, sir.

Goodbye.

WOMAN SCREAMS

"Drive him fast...to his tomb."

-He's here again.

-Who is?

-A man has been frightening Prossie for the past few weeks.

-He appears to haunt this street. A drunken man.

-He pretends to be drunk. How do we know he really is?

-Your father's a Frenchie. These Frenchies with all their spies.

-Let me look.

KNOCK ON DOOR

I wanted the... Doctor. Come quick.

I'll come at once. Run back and have some water on the boil.

I'll walk with him. Keep an eye on him. Just in case.

-That drunkard's gone.

-Don't wait up for me.

Good night, my darling. Good night, Miss Pross.

Doctor. I've been awaiting an opportunity to ask if I might come and see you in private.

-You're ill, Charles?

-Oh...no, sir.

-It's not my health.

-Ah.

Then, if it's what I think, you'd better come before I take surgery in the morning.

If you ask me, he's hiding behind that tree. There, he moved! I knew it.

-He's VERY intoxicated.

-Why should a drunken man trouble to hide himself from the doctor?

-Stop! It may be a prank.

-I can't. He's hurt.

It's Mr Carton.

That'll cause MORE worry for us.

He's hurt his head.

Lucie...

Beautiful Lucie...

Mr Carton?

Can you walk? Just a little way. Help me, Prossie.

Oh!

Leave him be, I say. Disreputable sot! What's he up to here? That's what I want to know!

Frightening us out of our wits and falling about all over our street.

This way, Mr Carton.

Carefully.

Down here.

My humble pardon. I...never intended to venture into this house.

-Prossie, would you brew a pot of coffee?

-I'll not leave you alone with a man in his state!

-Nonsense.

I wouldn't touch a hair of her head.

Of course not.

It's a very bad bruise. I must bathe it. And then some ointment.

-I'm not worthy of your kindness.

-No. It's not much to do.

Mr Carton, d'you reside hereabouts?

Miss Pross believes that she has frequently seen you.

-I come here every night.

-Every night?

Here?

To be near you.

Get drunk...must be near you.

My pardon.

I alarm you...

There's...no necessity to be alarmed.

I love you...

no harm to it.

Never ask...any return.

I did not know.

Why should you?

It's ridiculous.

A beautiful girl, sweet and beautiful.

A no-good drunken waster.

-D'you know what?

-Head back.

If you said, "Return that man's love."

Ridiculous.

But if you said that...

I wouldn't let you. No, I wouldn't let you.

I'd only drag you down into...misery and disgrace.

Why am I telling you all this? I never meant to speak of it.

-Now that I know, is there not SOME way in which I may help you?

-None. Hopeless.

When I first saw you,

I-I thought...

just...just for a moment...

..I thought...

I knew then...

I tried not to think of it again.

It's hopeless. Too late to start again. To strive again.

-But you can! You're young!

-Too late. A dream, all a dream, ends in nothing.

But a beautiful dream.

You inspired it.

Then have I no power for good with you? No power at all?

Keep my secret.

Never share it.

Never forget it. Do you promise?

That I promise.

Willingly.

It's all I need.

All I ask. A small matter.

When I die, one good thing to remember.

My name, my faults, my miseries, all carried in your heart.

Never shall I forget.

Anything ever I could do for you...

keep in your mind. Know that I would do it.

Anything.

Enough. Useless talk.

I only distress you.

-Not worthy of such feeling.

-What's this?!

I have coffee to sober you!

Who wants to be sober?

Believe me, Doctor, it's the last thing I want ever to part you from her again.

What I ask, as a fellow exile, is to be allowed to share this new life with you. If Lucie will accept.

Lucie, of course, is the whole world to me.

Without her, my return to life would mean nothing.

But if you are essential to her happiness, and I truly believe you are, then I must give her to you.

You shall never have cause to regret your faith in me.

-BELL RINGS

-Go speak to her. That is a patient I hear.

Doctor...before I see her, there is one thing I should tell you.

-My name in exile is not my true name.

-I take you as I've come to know you. Tell me nothing more.

-But, sir...

-No, don't speak. You've been told what happened to me 20 years ago.

If my future son-in-law is a past aristocrat, I'd prefer not to know it.

Mr Carton.

-Mr Carton!

-Miss Manette, I'm here for a moment only,

because I'm not a man who takes much time over apologies.

-I find myself owing so many it's easier to dispense with the whole business.

-Then do so.

-I would...

but for one thing.

I know from my hazy recollection that my behaviour last night was unpardonable.

That doesn't concern me - it often is. But you made me a promise which I recall clearly.

It shall be respected.

Thank you. That was my chief concern in coming here.

Lest you might simply have been humouring a drunken fool.

-Is it not often said that the truth emerges at such times?

-And true, they say.

In all my drunken babbling there was not one false word. That's what I wanted you to know.

You may rest assured that I shall never refer to this again.

Charles.

Come in, Darnay, I was about to take my leave.

-Goodbye, Miss Manette.

-Goodbye, Mr Carton.

You're not your usual loving self today, Miss Pross. No invitations to coffee(?)

-Oh, wait.

-What is it now?!

Something I should've remembered to tell Mr Darnay.

-My profoundest apologies.

-Mr Carton. You shall be the first to hear our news.

-Charles.

-We are to be married.

I congratulate you most sincerely.

I'm sure that nobody could make you happier.

For my part, I have a piece of news which will be your first wedding present.

-I came to tell you you have nothing to fear. Barsad is no longer with us.

-Oh?

He's dead. Took a false step into the river. I passed his funeral.

That's a relief indeed.

Though...he could have chosen a better moment to inform us.

-This is the right one?

-Yes, Barsad's grave.

-You said he was only a little 'un.

-He must've fattened himself up.

-HE didn't die of hunger.

-DOGS BARK, FOOTSTEPS

All quiet.

And how much is THAT worth to them medical doctors(?)

Slippery viper. Swindling honest tradesmen.

-First one I've met that didn't turn up at his own funeral.

-Lost his reputation...

now he has to make a new start.

Let's put him back.

Just like Barsad! Can't even be trusted to croak.

Good day, madame.

A glass of old cognac.

They have taken Gaspard!

Oh. Um...

Poor Gaspard.

You are acquainted with Gaspard?

I know him only as the assassin of the Marquis St Evremonde.

This is my husband.

Good day, Jacques.

You deceive yourself, monsieur. My name is Ernest Defarge.

Quite so.

But isn't it the custom for those of...certain sympathies to address one another as Jacques?

-You may address ME as Jacques.

-Who sent you here to spy on us?

-What gave you such a preposterous idea?

-No-one but a spy of the aristocrats would dare to speak to us like that.

-Or a far-sighted person?

-One who sees which way the wind is blowing.

-What wind, monsieur?

You know very well, Jacques.

The first puff of that wind swept the Marquis St Evremonde to his grave.

I think you'll be interested to have news of his cousin, the new Marquis.

He's settled in England. We know.

Yes, and getting married. Did you know that too?

You should have, for you're acquainted with his bride-to-be.

-To whom do you refer?

-Why, to Miss Manette.

Didn't she call here once to claim her father, the poor, oppressed doctor?

You see, I make it my business to find out these things.

I could be a very useful comrade...

Jacques.

-Never before have I unpacked for a man!

-Honeymoons go all too quickly.

-They shall soon be back.

-Have the guests all gone?

-Mr Carton is here. He took a nap.

I'm sure he did(!) Why our ladybird ever wanted to invite HIM I shall never understand!

Doctor! Oh...Mr Carton!

Oh, Doctor, what is it?! Mr Carton!

Mr Carton! Oh! Come quickly! The doctor...

THUNDER RUMBLES

To me, it seems a symbol. I wonder - are they having it out there?

In France, you mean?

There's a storm coming to them surely enough,

though whether by the hand of nature...

Such a storm it's likely to be, but if ever a nation's rulers invited...

Good gracious! I've been asleep.

And look at the hour! What sort of a host you must think me!

You've not slept alone. It's this excellent wine of yours.

Half-undressed... I'm truly ashamed.

-We all partook too freely.

-Not you, Mr Lorry!

Worse than either of us, Doctor. His snoring shamed the thunder.

I've...

I don't seem to remember...

Nor I. A shocking state of affairs.

-Leaving the heavens to awake us.

-THUNDER CRASHES

This is a storm indeed.

Enough to bring the dead out of their graves.

< Jack 15!

Give me something to kill with!

Jack 19.

You take it.

The armoury! That's the place for muskets!

Stand away or we shall fire!

Fire! I said, Number 2 Company, fire!

CHEERING

The guards have gone over.

Yes!

You're the one who shot the people down!

Stand aside!

Throw 'em in the north tower, quick!

What is the meaning of 105 North Tower?

-The meaning?

-Is it a captive or a place of captivity?

-Or do you want to die?!

-It is a cell number.

-Show it to me.

-Follow me.

-Come on!

DRUNKEN, CELEBRATORY HUBBUB

You found it!

In 105 North Tower.

We've got old Foulon!

-Foulon?!

-He who told us to eat grass!

He's eating grass now in the very place we last met him!

-Can you not wait a little longer before you leave for France?

-Impossible, Miss.

If you saw the chaos in Paris...

There'll be danger every mile from Calais.

They'll be too busy to interfere with an old fellow like me.

Jerry Cruncher will be my bodyguard.

-Won't you change your mind?

-Even as we speak, Paris may be afire or sacked,

our customers' property burned or plundered.

-You cannot save it.

-Maybe not.

But in a tidy business way, I can record all changes of assets.

-If there's anything of yours...

-There's nothing of mine in France!

Tell me only what the charge is!

What I did for my new master was in your interests!

-Let me only write to him!

-Father!

-Not my daughter! Hold me responsible, but not these others!

-Father, don't let them take me!

Don't blame her! What have any of these others done?

You ate whilst we starved!

Hello, Carton.

-I'm afraid Lucie's out, she and the doctor.

-I made sure they would be before I came here to deliver this.

I was visiting the bank this morning and saw it in the rack.

How did you know it was for me?

-Where did you get that?

-It was among your possessions.

-How did you come by it?

-I stole it the night Dr Manette took ill.

Curiosity impelled me to trace its noble origin.

When I saw the same name on that letter and identified you as a French nobleman,

I was prepared to discover some disgrace in your past to explain your rebirth as Darnay.

I'm sure you would have found it most welcome!

I was truly thinking more of Lucie.

Then, allow me to reassure you.

I disclaimed my title and, with it, my estate solely because this name is one of the most hated in France.

Before asking Lucie to marry me, I decided to renounce it completely, wash my hands of it.

How simple it all sounds.

Far simpler than I'd imagined.

Goodbye to France, farewell to all responsibilities.

Shall I burn that letter? You have no cause to read it.

It comes from Gabelle...

the man I left in charge of my estate.

I sent him instructions long ago to give the people their freedom.

Devil take it!

You were right to chide me.

Gabelle and his daughter have been imprisoned in La Force in Paris.

He fears for their lives.

I have been selfish.

I should have gone back to France when my cousin died, worked out and supervised all I meant to do.

Carton...I'd be obliged if you'd say nothing to Lucie of this.

She would only share my own concern about it and...

she's not in a condition now to be worried.

We... we haven't voiced it abroad yet...

Our child is due in the spring.

I see.

In view of that...I hope you won't contemplate doing anything foolish.

You must let me make my own decision.

-Lucie!

-Forgive me for disturbing you at your work...

-My work!

-You once said if there was anything you could do for me...

-And meant it.

Charles has gone to France.

You will see why. Some servants are in danger. Sydney, I must go to him.

I need a permit. I'd have asked Mr Lorry, but he's in Paris already.

-It would be most unwise to go to France now.

-I must!

You may not know, but Charles' family were aristocrats.

-Yes, I knew.

-You knew?

-Mm-hm.

-Then, you will understand...

-You can't...

-I must!

I know he's in danger! I must go to him!

-He arrived by himself?

-Yes.

-Bring him to me.

-Is Citizen Defarge here?

-Yes.

Another from the list supplied by your excellent wife.

Charles Darnay - or, as he would prefer not to be known, the Marquis St Evremonde.

Darnay? But I thought he was lost to us - living in England.

Your age, Evremonde?

My name is Darnay.

Your age, Evremonde?

27.

-Married, Evremonde?

-Yes.

-Where is your wife?

-England.

-Without doubt.

You're consigned, Evremonde, to the prison of La Force.

Just heaven! Under what law and for what offence?

We have new laws, Evremonde, and new offences since you were here.

I invite you to observe that I have come here voluntarily, in response to this appeal.

-I'm not interested.

-I surely have the right to be heard.

Emigrants have no rights, Evremonde. There's a new decree confiscating their property...

But I have no property.

..And condemning to death all who return.

Take him away.

Hello.

Monsieur Charles!

Marie!

It's good to see a friend...

..though I wish it were somewhere else. Tell me - your father?

Ah...I'm too late.

Yesterday.

-I asked to be tried with him, but they wouldn't listen.

-Thank God for that!

My cause is yours, Marie!

And it's a good cause.

We'll go out free together.

You do not know them, Monsieur Charles.

What did he ever do except be kind?

Oh, I loved him so.

Why, yes!

My wife! A pleasing day, eh?

-A beautiful day!

-47 heads!

-I've got good news for you.

-Yes?

Come here! Sit down!

The first name on your register - here, in Paris!

Evremonde?

I took him myself to La Force.

At last! Evremonde!

-Is he alone?

-His wife is still in England.

He asked me to communicate with her father. I refused.

You refused? But why? That information is the one certain way of bringing her here.

-Dr Manette has surely suffered enough.

-I'm not concerned with him!

-His daughter is an Evremonde now!

-If she's punished for her marriage, it'll mean fresh anguish for him!

Anguish? You talk to me of anguish?

What is one daughter beside a father, brother, sister, all dead at the hands of that family?

She is not of their blood.

He's married six months. What if there's a child on the way?

An Evremonde?

I've had the family for a long time on my register for extermination to the last of the line.

Isn't that so?

It is so.

Then, tell wind and fire where to stop, but don't tell me!

-Alexander Manette?

-Yes.

French? Physician? Good.

Lucie Darnay...French.

This is my daughter.

Emily Pross.

-English?

-Yes, and proud of it!

Is this your first visit to France?

-Yes, and I hope my last!

-Prossie! She's my companion.

Oh? Sooner yours than mine!

Where is the fourth passenger?

Hey!

Wake up!

Come on! Wake up!

Patience, my good citizen, patience.

It's bad enough to rob a man of his dream.

-Don't put your hand on me. I am no aristocrat.

-That's very true!

Sydney Carton, advocate.

English.

What brings YOU to France?

Your wines, my good citizen. What else?

Proceed.

They're back, master!

Don't do anything to attract their attention.

-Can't they be stopped from coming here?

-It's a convenient spot.

-Well...

-We dare not protest.

There's blood on them blades.

-It's too horrible to watch!

-Ain't it?!

I'm like you, master - scares me to the marrow, but, oh...

I just have to keep on looking!

-Mr Lorry!

-What?

-You expecting visitors?

-No.

God help them whoever they are!

It's Dr Manette!

YELLING

Stop! Stop! This is a prisoner from the Bastille.

It's true, friends - 18 years in the Bastille!

Can these be the people I used to know?

Brutality leads to more brutality. They don't even have trials now!

Don't heed it, precious! What would a banker know about it?

What have I said?

-Charles Darnay is a prisoner in La Force.

-Heaven forgive me!

We heard the news but an hour ago.

Dr Manette hopes to plead for him at the tribunal.

All will surely be well, judging by the esteem they show for him. SHOUTING

If we're still in time.

HUBBUB

Any help I gave my father was only for the good of our neighbours.

He was a kind man. He did his very best for them.

Your father was executed as an enemy of the people! Do you dare to impugn the justice of this tribunal?

How say you?

-Guilty.

-Death - within four-and-twenty fours!

Charles Evremonde called Darnay.

BOOING AND JEERING

I knew Darnay was not his true name!

Charles Evremonde, or Darnay, you are accused as an emigrant, whose life is forfeit to the Republic,

under the decree that banishes all emigrants on pain of death.

Enemy of the Republic!

YELLING

What have you to say, emigrant?

I submit that I am not an emigrant.

I left this country more than a year ago

to live by my own industry in England...

..sooner than live on the industry of the overladen people of France.

-Have you proof of this?

-YELLING

Yes, I have.

The truth of my statement will be confirmed by Dr Manette - there.

I am Alexander Manette,

prisoner for 18 years in the Bastille.

MUTTERING

I was released nearly two years ago and settled in England.

The accused was one of the first friends I made there.

He has been faithful to my daughter and myself in our exile.

She was the witness in his favour when he was tried by the English

as the foe of that country and the friend of the United States.

CHEERING

You have heard enough.

We find the accused not guilty.

CHEERING

Stop!

Hold the accused.

-You have a further charge?

-He is a denounced enemy of the Republic,

an aristocrat, one of a family of tyrants!

Denounced secretly or openly?

-Openly, Mr President.

-By whom?

Alexander Manette, physician.

I indignantly protest! That is a foul and wicked lie!

The accused is the husband of my daughter - who would believe that I could denounce my own son-in-law?

-They'll believe it when they hear this document.

-What is it?

President, I knew this Bastille prisoner, Manette, was confined in a cell known as 105 North Tower.

The day the Bastille was taken, I examined the cell and found that document.

It bears the writing of Dr Manette, which I know well.

I ask that it now be read.

"I, Alexander Manette, unfortunate physician,

"native of Beauvais and afterwards resident in Paris,

"write this melancholy paper in my doleful cell in the Bastille,

"during the last month of the tenth year of my captivity.

"I write from the fear that soon my failing memory will erase from my mind the events I wish to record,

"lest my oppressors' crimes be forever buried..."

-There he goes!

-Then we have him.

-Are you sure I'm right?

-If it ain't Barsad, I'll have me head took off. What's he worth to us?

That remains to be seen.

GIGGLING

Mr Barsad, you remember me?

You mistake me for someone else. My name is Jean Solomon.

I beg your pardon. That was tactless.

You appear to have become a person of some importance...Mr Solomon.

-What function do you perform?

-I have certain duties with regard to interrogating prisoners.

I might have guessed it - a spy!

A secret informer, just like our old friend Barsad.

That's not my name!

-Who said it was?

-There was a man of that name who resembled me, but he's been dead 18 months.

It is possible, Mr Solomon, that I might have to ask you a favour,

-some recompense for my forgetting certain particulars of your past.

-Don't dare threaten me, Mr Carton!

You remember my name? I'm flattered.

I stand in high regard here amongst the people who count.

That makes your friendship all the more valuable.

Regard it as a game of cards.

The stake I have resolved to play for is a friend among the people who count.

-The friend I propose to win, Mr Solomon, is you.

-You'll have to hold a good hand.

-I do.

Firstly, I am an Englishman with no axe to grind in France and no cause to use another name.

That's a very good card.

My second one. Mr Solomon, now in the employ of the Republican French government,

was formerly Mr Barsad in the employ of the English government, enemy of France and freedom.

That's an even better card.

Should I play the ace, Jerry?

You play it, Mr Carton!

Then fill up our friend's glass and let the ace be played quietly.

That same Mr Barsad was at one time in the employ on no less a person than the late Marquis St Evremonde.

For the love of heaven, be quiet!

I think Mr Solomon requires his cognac, Jerry.

What do you want from me?

Nothing at all - I hope. That will be determined by events now in progress.

"..I was brought to my living grave here in the Bastille with only one remaining hope -

"that my servant Defarge may have been successful in saving the poor hapless girl,

"who, alone, was left of the family exterminated by that nobleman.

"He and his descendants to the last of their race do I denounce..."

YELLING

"..To heaven and to earth!"

This is a tragic and frightful testimony indeed,

but in the name of justice I must observe that Dr Manette, either through failing memory or ignorance,

makes no mention therein of the name of this nobleman he has denounced.

I will name him!

And no-one has better cause! I was that young girl, the last one left alive in that family!

It was I who was rescued by Defarge and brought up by the fisherman!

The father, driven to death on the shaft, was my father,

the boy in the stables was my brother, that girl was my sister...

Do you think I haven't cursed the name of that vile monster?

He was the cousin of the accused - the Marquis St Evremonde!

ANGRY HUBBUB

I tell you - it's impossible.

-No prisoner has ever escaped from La Force.

-Who spoke of an escape?

-You, Jerry?

-Not me. Let's hope there won't be no need for an escape.

-Amen!

You see? We, all three, sit round this table hoping there'll be no cause to trouble you.

SHOUTING

-Is there a verdict in the Evremonde trial?

-Guilty!

Death in 24 hours!

It seems, Mr Solomon...

..that I shall have to ask you that favour.

What happened?

Oh, my precious!

Oh, Prossie...

My father is in shock. If he could only regain the power of speech...

-He must have some sleep, and then, perhaps...

-You must rest now.

Come.

-It's happened again.

-I feared it when that vile woman denounced the family of Evremonde.

-The family?

-You heard her yourself.

-I wasn't there at the end.

-You weren't there?

-I heard the verdict from the rabble in the inn.

-You're disgusting!

-Forget about me. Did you say the whole family was denounced?

-To the last of the race.

-You realise the danger in which this puts Lucie?

-Her relationship is by marriage only.

Lucie is carrying a child, an Evremonde.

He's gone to sleep.

Almost at once...

..like a child.

It's the best thing we could wish.

Sydney, you're an advocate - you must know!

There must be some form of an appeal.

-I think perhaps there may be.

-Do you really believe that?

We shall do all that's humanly possibly. You get some sleep too. He wouldn't want you to fret.

No...

I think perhaps I may sleep...

now.

Lucie...

..God bless you.

How can you be so heartless? You know there's no chance of stopping this execution.

-None.

-Why raise her hopes?

-You could waste all night taking me to task.

Attend to what I have to say. Ask me no questions and give me the promise I shall exact from you.

Lucie is in grave danger.

It depends upon you entirely to save her.

-Heaven grant that I may, but how?

-I shall tell you how.

I couldn't depend upon a better man.

Early tomorrow, have a coach ready for a rapid journey to the coast.

-It must be ready at ten o'clock.

-It shall be done.

Tell Lucie tonight what you know of the danger to her child.

Say her father's in danger too. Press upon her the urgency of leaving. Tell...tell her...

it was her husband's last arrangement.

-Tell her that more depends on all this than she dare hope.

-I will.

See Lucie and her father into a coach out here in the courtyard.

Sit with them. The moment I come to you, take me in and drive away.

I may not be in a condition to assist you. Don't look at me like that!

I am sober and deadly earnest. Promise me that nothing will make you change my instructions.

I promise.

Here, then, are my papers.

-Take them and keep them with the rest.

-You may need them tonight.

Paris is dangerous without papers.

You are not to question my instructions. Remember your promise.

I shall remember it.

I hope to do my part faithfully.

I hope to do mine.

If only the poor darling can sleep.

Huh! That one's a lot of good! Going out now to get drunk, I suppose!

No, Miss Pross, no.

Not this time.

The bravest and best of us all.

FOOTSTEPS

What do you want? Who's this?

He's a friend of Evremonde.

-He's English.

-Evremonde...?

Poor old Evremonde...!

He's got permission to say goodbye to him.

Looks like he's made a night of it!

Trying to keep his courage up.

Remember - a few minutes only.

-Carton!

-Of all people, you least expected to see me.

-You're not a prisoner?

-No. I'm accidentally possessed of a power over one your guards.

I come from your wife. You must do as I ask without question.

-Put on this coat.

-There's no escape from here. It can't be done.

You'll only die with me.

No, it's madness!

Escape would be madness, yes. If I ask you to leave, tell me I'm mad and refuse.

Carton, dear Carton, whatever you have in mind, I implore you - don't add your death to mine.

You must trust me. Take that pen. Sit down.

Write as I dictate.

Hurry, my friend, hurry.

Write exactly as I speak.

"I knew... it was not in your nature...

"..to forget the words

"which passed between us...

"..long ago.

"I am thankful...

"that the time has come...

"..when I may...

"truly prove them..."

What vapour is that?

Vapour?

I am conscious of nothing.

Write on.

"That I do...

"is no subject...

"..for regret or grief..."

Let there be no grief.

Therese, I was just coming for you.

-I've some business to do before the guillotine.

-Today's your day.

I shall be there for the 23rd head.

Evremonde? That'll bring the loudest shout!

What I have to say is not for the ears of my husband.

-Huh?

-He's a good enough Republican, but he has weaknesses.

He's weak enough to relent towards a certain doctor and his daughter.

-The wife of Evremonde.

-She will be at home now awaiting the moment of his death.

-She will be mourning.

-Yes, and it's an offence to mourn an aristocrat.

She will be in state of mind to speak against Republican justice, and I shall be there to hear.

Ah-ha!

-My cherished!

-What a splendid woman this is!

-Take this. Keep my place for me.

-You won't be late?

I shall be there when his turn comes.

RATTLING

You see?

-Is your hazard so great?

-My hazard is whether you keep your bargain.

-I shall keep it.

-To the very end? Can any man keep to a bargain like that?

-Have no fear.

I'll soon be out of harm's way, and so - please God - will they!

-My coach is still outside.

-Yes.

-Get some help. Have him taken to it.

Hurry, man, hurry!

Mr Carton...

Tell them to take him to Tellson's Bank. He has friends there.

Hey, you!

Goodbye, old Sydney.

Hey, you!

The gentleman needs a bit more help this time!

I'm not surprised - the load he had when he came in!

I wish I could afford to drink like this!

-That must be Mr Carton.

-Put him in this coach.

He can sober up on the journey. Got your papers?

Yes, we'll be fine.

You and Jerry take the second coach. Go and send Miss Lucie out now.

-The time is so near.

-Go - quickly!

-Has Mr Carton returned?

-This minute!

-Wait!

-Quick!

-Prossie!

-Stand aside!

-Never!

You can't beat me! I'm a Briton!

-That terrible woman's in there with Prossie. We can't leave her alone.

-Jerry will look after her.

GUNSHOT

< Marchand...

< Dubonnoir...

< Garneau...

Evremonde.

Four travellers to England.

Jarvis Lorry, banker, English.

-That's me.

-Alexander Manette.

Alexander Manette?

Alexander Manette?

Can it be the same?

Lucie Darnay. Of course - his daughter.

-The wife of Evremonde.

-That is so.

Evremonde has to be elsewhere(!)

Sydney Carton, advocate, English.

He's proving difficult to awaken.

I recall this Englishman.

Even our revolution couldn't keep him from our wines.

Let him dream on.

COACH APPROACHES

Ah, that's it.

20. Marchand.

21. Gabelle.

22. Dubonnoir.

23. Evremonde.

24. Garneau.

25. Carnouveche.

Monsieur Charles?

Monsieur Charles?

-I thought you were Citizen Evremonde.

-Who shall say I'm not?

You?

Are you dying for him?

And another.

May I hold your hand, stranger?

JEERING

Down with Evremonde!

-Down with Evremonde!

-Hush!

-What?

-He'll pay!

-Keep your eyes on me and mind nothing else.

-I mind nothing while I'm with you.

I shall mind nothing when I go... if they are quick.

They will be quick.

Therese! Therese Defarge! Who has seen her?

-She's never missed before.

-She won't miss this time!

GUILLOTINE WHOOSHES

CHEERING

Is the moment come?

It's come.

WHOOSH!

CHEERING

'Suddenly, I want to weep, but I must hold my tears,

'lest they think it is myself I weep for, and who would weep for Sydney Carton?'

CHEERING

'A little time ago, none in all the world,

'but somebody will weep for me now.

'And that knowledge redeems a worthless life,

'worthless but for this final moment,

'which makes it all worthwhile.

'It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done...

'..it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known.'