The Stars Look Down

*

'This is a story of simple working people,

'such as there are the world over, in all countries, at all times.

'Hear their hardships, their humour and, above all, their heroism -

'the uncomparable heroism of men who take heroism for granted

'as part of their daily lives.

'Neither plaster saints nor romantic rebels, they live these lives far from the limelight,

'without publicity and often without a spokesman,

'save when a great crisis or disaster lifts them into the headlines.

'Yet these men and women are the backbone of nations,

'the stuff of human destiny.

'Simple working people, such as there are the world over, in all countries and at all times.'

Well, Fenwick, do the men work tomorrow?

Not in Scupper Flats, Mr Barras.

-Against your union?

-The union isn't being asked to work in Scupper Flats.

On the other side of that coalface is a million tons of flood water.

I wouldn't take a chance of flooding me own mine.

Show us the plans of them old workings.

Those plans never existed. So YOU say.

You put the wind up the men.

-They wouldn't strike if the union backed them up.

-Davey.

This is your lad that's got the university scholarship.

The men aren't going to work Scupper Flats.

But the unions made the drill tests.

< We wouldn't let you go down if it wasn't safe.

30 years in this pit, Bob, now this?!

MAN: We think Bob Fenwick's right.

We're with Fenwick!

You know what it means to go against the union? Beats drowning.

You know what the union can do!

Make them show us those plans. Aye!

-But it isn't really dangerous, is it, Father?

-I'll teach them a lesson.

I hear them sound their trumpets.

The first angel sounds and then follows hail mingled with blood.

The second angel sounds and that's where a great mountain, burning with fire, is cast into the sea.

The third part of the sea becomes blood, not water, but blood.

'Tis not water that has brought us here but blood.

I hear them sound their trumpets. The first angel...

Morning, Mother.

< SWEEPING

How, then, Nicky?

I've got nothing for you this morning, Mrs Fenwick.

Thought I'd have a bit left over from the killing? I've nowt for you or your good-for-nothing family.

No-one's ever had better sons than mine. No, nor better men, neither.

-An empty belly will make your man think twice before he calls another strike.

-He had good reasons.

Aye, a clever chap, bringing misery and poverty on the whole town.

You tell him, Martha Fenwick, I'll have no begging around my shop.

..How often must I tell you to keep these doors shut?!

I've had enough of these cadgers mooching round after a kill.

Sitting up all night, stuffing your head with highfalutin rubbish.

You and your scholarships!

WHEEZING

If you don't know enough now to pass that scholarship,

the next 12 hours won't make no difference.

Why don't you go for a bit of a walk up the field, hm?

Hughie? >

Breakfast! Breakfast? Did you say breakfast? >

Oh, that's what I call a feed(!)

Oysters, pickle! Pity I'm not hungry.

If it's all the same to you, I'll just have a piece of that bread.

I don't like that kind of fun. Tha shouldn't mock good food.

You're lucky to get anything with your father clever like he is.

It isn't every man that scares miners about a drop of water, gets them to strike against the unions...

Thank you, Ma. My father wasn't for so clever, nor my grandfather.

When master of the pit commanded, men obey. They were daft enough to think of their wives and children.

Your father's cleverer than that. He can see through a seam of coal, and the flood water on t' other side,

what Mr Barras and the union can't find for all their instruments.

Barras know it's there. He's plans of them flooded workings.

-He's just taking a chance.

-Chance?

-Father has seen them.

-He's seen them at the bottom of a pint of beer.

Plans or no plans, for eight weeks, I've been sitting here useless and I'm fed up.

Aye. There's too many lads nowadays breaking their necks to get away from the pit.

I'm blessed I've ONE son who doesn't want to work with his coat on.

It isn't a coat I want to work in.

Mother wouldn't see a difference between a coat and football jersey.

-Tynecastle Utd pays Tommy Shields £5 a week. If he can get away,

-I

-can.

And I don't have to read no books to do it.

-How then, Davey?

-Grand, Joe.

-Are you going to Tynecastle tomorrow for your examination?

-Aye.

-You're lucky.

-Some day, you'll see me in Tynecastle too.

-What would you be doing, Joe?

-I won't be listening to professors!

There's money in Tynecastle, Davey.

Money? Huh! ..Morning, Davey. Hello, Dad.

London's the spot. Cummings is making three quid a week up there just singing in the street.

That's what I'm after. Three quid - just for singing!

Three quid?! I'm after big money.

Aye, you'll need it to pay me back all the money you pinch off me!

-You don't appreciate your son, Slogger. He's a capitalist.

-Aye.

You need money to have sport. You won't make money in the pit. I want sport and I want big money.

You're going to college? I'm going to look out for myself.

You can smile, Davey, but where's high-mindedness going to get you?

Wasting your time, fighting for the miners. By gum, what an ambition!

Aye. I'd sooner stay in Scupper Flats. My whippet's skin and bone. >

Me and Joe said so at the time. YOU gave Bob the first cheer.

He said so(!) Luck will save your skins.

You kidded us about them plans. I kidded nobody.

There's plans of them old workings. I saw them in Barras's office.

Nobody's gonna get ME on that coking coal. I'm not going to drown myself to keep Barras fat.

-Get out!

-I'll pay you back for this, Ramage!

-You walk out of work then come cadging for charity.

-It won't be charity you get if my wife pegs out!

-I'll slit your throat!

-Off with you or I'll put the police onto you.

-You talk as if you own them!

What's up? My missus has pneumonia.

- The doctor says she's to have beef tea. - The Ramages have tons of beef!

Just a bit of beef, I said, and I'll pay you the minute the strike's over. As God's me maker, I will.

- What did he say? - He chases me out with his cleaver.

There's not a woman in the place he's not insulted.

He's got a good stock of booze too.

We'll tell him what we think of him. We'll get that beef for Will's wife, all right.

Come on, lads!

-Help yourselves!

-Hurry, man, or...!

-Where do you keep that booze?

Stop it, you fools! This is the worst thing you can do!

We'll get no sympathy now! Stop it!

SHOUTING CONTINUES

Leave that be!

The sergeant! The sergeant!

-Ah, Fenwick!

-There's another of them in there.

# ..Never rejoices... # Ah, you, Gowlan.

He started it. His woman was up here making a nuisance of herself.

I never did nothing. Nor him, either(!) Leave him alone!

-You saw the whole thing, didn't you?

-I did an' all.

-You'd better come along too.

-Drinking on an empty stomach.

HE CONTINUES DRUNKEN SINGING

..And hell followed with him.

There went out another horse that was red. Power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth.

There went out another horse that was red. Power was given...

How then, Wept? How then, Joe?

And I beheld a horse... Got a horse for the Derby?

And I looked and, behold, a pale horse...

Three months we've had of it now.

A good job we've showed some sense at last or we'd have had to put up with it for another three months!

I'm the last man in the world to say owt against Bob Fenwick, but where's it got him? In jail!

We never had no choice...

-What if you all get drowned? You just have to stand out a few more weeks.

-A few weeks, my foot!

What have you been doing all these weeks my father's been in jail?

Everything you can to turn the men against him.

Barras will soon lose that contract and won't need you at Scupper Flats.

WE'RE the ones that have to work it. You're going to that posh college! Get back where you belong! >

And what am I going to do in that college? Educate myself to fight,

to fight for my own kind, see?

I've worked down there with you. I've coal dust pitted in my skin.

This won't wash out.

I've seen what the pit's done to some of the men here,

what it's done to me own father.

Mr Barras!

We've got a deputation, Mr Barras.

-I shan't be a minute, Arthur.

-Right, Father.

-..Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mr Barras.

Ah, young Fenwick. So you got the scholarship, eh?

-Aye.

-When do you leave?

-After my father gets back.

-Let me know when you finish college.

-I'll get you into a council school.

-It's not school teaching I'm after.

Oh, well, I'd like to see you get on anyway.

-Are you ready?

-Yes, Mr Barras.

I don't think we'll have problems.

Hey, you!

Hey, it's 10p! It's 10p!

That's three good shirts I'm putting in for you.

-Send your washing to a good woman, none of thae new-fangled laundries. Has tha got other handkerchiefs?

-Aye.

You making sure he's dressed up!

And I'm making sure his pit clothes are kept poshed up.

Maybe he'll be satisfied with them some day, same as you, Hughie lad.

Hello, Dad! Did you have a good time?

Good as a holiday, it was. Pity they wasn't licensed. Anyone seen Joe?

-No, Slogger, there's been no sign of him since the day you went in.

-You off to Tynecastle?

-Best of luck, lad. I've great faith in you.

-Thanks.

-So long, Martha.

None of MY family never needed no college education.

They was good mining stock. Same as I thought your father were. Setting himself up against master of the pit!

You know they jailed me for nowt. They got their knife into me over the strike.

That don't surprise me.

And I noticed all the witnesses as come forward to stand up for you.

At least it left 'em free to settle the strike.

-So they are ready to get the strike over?

-Aye. How's your cough been?

-This cough will never kill me.

-I don't like the idea of you going down Scupper Flats.

-Don't worry.

Just think about making your way. Some day, you're going to do something about this industry.

-The men have great hopes of you, lad.

-They don't talk as if they have.

-They think it all the same. What time are you leaving?

-Now you're back, I can go by the next train.

I'll come with you.

Oh, thank you, Martha.

-Well, we'll be getting along, Davey, shall we?

-Aye.

-So long, Hughie.

-Good luck, Davey.

-You'll be finding me in Tynecastle before three years is up.

-So long.

Well, uh, I'm off, Mother.

Aye.

Don't forget to keep my pit clothes waiting for me.

I don't expect tha'll be needing them.

Here! You'll want a bite to eat on the train.

Thank you, Mother.

Goodbye, Mother.

Goodbye, Father.

Goodbye.

Wilkinson wants ten pounds each way. His limit's five.

Take it. ..Is that you, Laura? Well, is he able to come tonight?

-Did you put it the way I asked you to?

-It's going to be all right, Joe.

Fine. The place is the Percy Grill. I'll come over to your table as if butter wouldn't melt in my mouth.

Must go. I've gotta put something off.

-Of course, if you've something more important...

-Don't be daft, Laura.

All the time I've been in Tynecastle, I've hardly set eyes on another girl.

That's it - the grill at the Percy Grill. Ta-ra.

..Sounds like poetry, doesn't it?

-Hello, Joe. Looking for Jenny?

-Hello, Phil. Yes, I want to see her.

-When are you two gonna get married?

-Some day... When business bucks up.

-Will you tell her I've some business tonight?

-OK, I'll tell her.

Joe? What's the business tonight?

-I was just looking for you.

-So I noticed. Some other girl tonight?

-Don't be daft, Jenny.

-I've hardly set eyes on another girl.

-It can't be business every night!

-I get enough of that from your mother.

-I can't help it if I have a bit of business at night. I'd sooner be with you.

-Would you?

-Course I would.

-You know me.

-Then let's have a fling like we used to. We can go to the Percy Grill.

-Percy Grill?

-Yes, where we went when we first met.

-If I hadn't this business...

Let's start afresh in the place we started in.

Joe, I'm talking to you!

-All right, I'll put it off. You get out of that fancy dress.

-All right.

-Davey! How then, Davey?

-Joe!

-Only one Joe Gowlan in Tynecastle!

-Only one Joe Gowlan anywhere!

-Get the scholarship?

-Aye. Everyone's been wondering what happened to you.

After that scandal in Ramage's shop, and Dad getting pinched, I couldn't bear the disgrace. Oh, your dad...

-That's OK. What have you been doing?

-I'm a turf accountant.

-A bookie!

-I've better fish than that to fry.

-Davey, come and have some food with me and Jenny.

-OK.

-She's my landlady's daughter.

Here she comes.

-Davey, Miss Sunley. ..Jenny, this is Dave Fenwick, a friend from the university.

-Pleased to meet you.

-What about a bit of snap?

-Aye, Lockhart's...

-Lockhart's! This is on Joe Gowlan, so shut your gob.

-Joe...

-The Percy Grill?

-Oh!

-Come on, Davey.

I think I'll have some oysters.

Mind if I leave you for a minute? One of my clients. He's the biggest foundry owner in Tynecastle.

-That's all right.

-Back in a jiffy.

-Joe's a card, isn't he?

-Yes.

Good evening, Mr Millington. Hello, Gowlan. Got something good?

I heard a whisper about Rock Boy for the 3.30. Rock Boy? ..I'll have the same.

Laura, you've met Joe Gowlan. I did meet Mrs Millington at the spring handicap.

-Mr Gowlan. Won't you sit down?

-Well... Sit down, have a drink.

Smart lad. Wasted at a bookmaker.

What was that horse you said? Rock Boy.

-Rock Boy.

-Pretty gown, Mr Gowlan. Your fiancee?

No, L...Mrs Millington. She's with my friend from university, her boyfriend.

Oh.

Stanley, didn't you mention Mr Gowlan the other day?

-Hm?

-I'm sorry, dear, I thought you did.

Something about the Carnport works?

Oh, yes. Someone was telling me... I forget who. You know, I believe you know something about coal, Gowlan.

Nothing - except I was born and bred on it! I may need a buyer for the works.

I wouldn't say no, Mr Millington. It may be possible, but don't count on it, Gowlan.

All I need is a start... I know. You're a smart lad. Well, you see...

There's only one thing I've got my heart set on. Difficult to explain. I suppose you'd call it coal.

-Coal?

-Coal mines. I'm trying to arrange a debate at the university

-on the private ownership of mines.

-Oh. Of course. A very good thing.

-No, Miss Sunley. I'm going to speak against it.

-Oh, yes, naturally.

It would be a very good thing.

It's been ever so nice meeting you, David. To think you'll have letters after your name!

-That's jumping ahead a bit, Miss Sunley.

-You're the cleverest person I've ever met.

-You bet he is.

-Is this a mutual admiration society?

-I admire you terribly.

-You seem to be getting on.

-Nose out of joint?

-I can't compete with universities!

-That's right.

-I rarely meet anybody important.

-I wish the scholarship people thought that. They might raise my allowance.

-It's time we were getting along, Joe.

-Anything you say.

-Do you go near Westgate Road, David?

-Yes.

-We'll all go together.

-We'll meet in the vestibule. Excuse me.

-She's a nice lass, that, Davey.

-Aye, she is that.

-I didn't know you had such good taste.

-Taste? Me?

No, you've the wrong end of the stick. There's nothing between us. ..Keep the change.

She's nice to me cos I stay at their place.

-YOU swept her off her feet!

-Don't be daft.

-You did!

It's a case of just going in and winning.

Joe does the whole thing in style - taxis an' all.

-Joe?! Is Jenny all right?

-Course I am, Mother.

-I thought you'd had an accident, coming home in a taxi.

-This is Mr Fenwick from the university.

-Pleased to meet you, Mrs Sunley.

-Goodness, and me in this state.

-He's as good as one of the family. I'm off to bed. Look us up sometime, Davey.

-Of course, Joe.

Good night, Davey. ..Good night, Jenny. ..Good night, Mrs Sunley.

Good night, Joe.

-Maybe we could meet again, David.

-Of course.

-We could have tea together.

-That would be fine, Jenny.

-Excuse me. I've a bit of a headache.

-Good night.

-Good night.

-Well, what about tomorrow, Jenny? I'm free after five.

-Tomorrow...

-Let me see...

-I can call for you.

-All right, then. Good night.

-Good night, Jenny. Good night.

-Good night!

Jenny!

Come here a minute!

You're not treating Joe right. He's very upset.

-If you didn't notice it, you're blind.

-Was he jealous?

He was an' all. It doesn't do a girl no good to treat a man like that. There was tears in his eyes!

I know what I'm doing. It's time I taught him a lesson.

I once taught someone a lesson and it ended with me marrying your father.

I could marry Joe Gowlan tomorrow by raising my little finger...

but I'm not going to raise it... yet.

The case for the private ownership of anything varies according to what that thing is.

The case for public ownership varies according to who puts it!

I put it this way. If private ownership of coal mines, why not private ownership of lighthouses?

-There's no way of making a profit out of a lighthouse.

-It's taken.

I do not believe everything under the sun should be publicly owned.

I might say that coal mining is not something under the sun.

-Hear! Hear!

-But that's not my point, Mr Nugent.

There is a more fundamental difference between mining and most other industries.

Coal, like iron and other natural resources, was not invented by Man.

It is merely put there by nature for Man to take.

These natural resources, these national resources,

are not merely the basis of a few industries, merely incidental to our nation's structure.

They are the basis of ALL our industries, their life blood.

They are the very foundation upon which our nation is built,

the material with which our nation is built, the sustenance with which our nation flourishes.

I resent that this great buried treasure, this source of wealth, this vital national heritage,

should be dispensed to this man or that, good man or bad,

to exploit this mine or that as and when he chooses,

to use it as a pawn in price manipulations, middle-man transactions

and as a pabulum of his self-aggrandisement.

-I resent it as I would a foreign flag on the cliffs of Dover.

-APPLAUSE

The favourite won the 2.30, Joe.

I shouldn't worry. The business is as good as yours. You got that job?

You bet your life, I did. You know where to find me, but if Jenny comes, you don't know where I am.

Got to get packed before she comes home. Hope you make your fortune. So long, Joe.

-Jenny!

-Oh, there you are, David.

-I thought you were ever so nice.

-Did you really...?

-Where's Joe?

-He said he'd be here.

-He said he'd be at Jesmond Dene yesterday.

-Maybe he thinks we like being alone together.

-Yes.

-Well done, Fenwick.

-Thanks, Mr Nugent.

-Any ambition for politics?

Well, I'm studying political science and economy and, every now and then, I read your speeches for parliament.

-Talking shop.

-Sorry. Miss Sunley, Mr Nugent.

-How do you do?

-Come and see me when you've got your degree.

-Really?

-Yes.

-I will.

-A member of parliament!

-He's one of the best. Did you hear what he said?

-He was taken with you.

-I must be off now. Goodbye.

-If you wait, I'll see you home.

-I'm late already. Ta-ta!

-Bye!

Oh, I didn't know you were in, Joe.

Hello, Mrs Sunley. What's the meaning of this, Joe?

I told her you'd never stand it. She was treating you shocking.

Worse than shocking, Mrs Sunley.

I've just got one of them anonymous letters about it. Broke my heart.

It's a disgrace, a real disgrace.

No, you shouldn't see it, Mrs Sunley. She's out with him again today.

Oh, Joe. Won't you talk with her? No, I've suffered enough. With my own best friend! It's too much.

I'd never have thought it of a fellow like Davey Fenwick.

I only hope that his intentions is honourable. I'll tell her a thing or two!

I'd sooner you didn't say anything to her at all. I bear her no ill will.

I just want her to be happy. She's a bad, heartless girl.

For two years, you've been as good as her intended then HE comes along...

I can't bear no more. I just want to be by myself.

I know how you feel, Joe. I'll make a nice cup of tea for you.

That's real kind of you, Mrs Sunley.

-Is Joe in, Mother?

-Aye, but only just.

-What do you mean?

-I'll tell you, young lady.

-Joe Gowlan is packing his bags.

-Packing?

-No man would put up with the way you've been going on.

Well, you've lost him now. You weren't so clever after all.

See where it got you? You've lost the best man that ever drew breath.

Joe!

Oh, Joe...

Oh, he's gone, has he?

-You can't say I didn't tell you.

-Don't, Mother.

-You'll never get another like him if you ever get another at all!

-Mother!

-You don't grow younger, you know!

There isn't a thousand men all lying in wait for you. You left it a bit late to raise your little finger.

To my way of thinking, that's what you'll do for the rest of your life. You don't find good fellas every day.

Mark my words, you'll finish up like your Aunt Lily - an old maid!

Jenny!

-What's wrong, Jenny?

-Don't let's talk about it, David.

Come on, then, sit down. Let me take your mack off.

What is it, Jenny?

It's Mother. She's been on at me. She's been on at me all the time.

-It's not my fault Joe Gowlan left.

-Joe Gowlan left?

I couldn't stand him, David. I couldn't stand him.

But I don't quite follow, Jenny.

-I didn't know he was mad about me.

-Joe Gowlan mad about you?

-That's what she says, David.

-I never gave him no encouragement.

-Of course.

-But he left because...

..because he found out that... I liked you more than him.

I can't help it if I love you.

She can't blame me, can she?

You love me?

I can't help it, can I?

Jenny!

And you love me too.

-Don't you, David?

-From the very first minute I saw you, Jenny.

Oh, David, I want us to be together always. I can't go back there. I want us to be married.

-Of course. I'll take you away from there the minute I can.

-Oh, David!

-The minute I get my degree and get a post...

-But, David, that's another whole year.

We couldn't wait as long as that.

Couldn't you get a post now?

-Jenny, it's not very long.

-You said you could be a schoolmaster now.

-But I don't want...

-You said you could get a post in Sleescale.

-Jenny!

-We'd have the loveliest home.

-You with all your important books and me beside you...

-But I can't throw away my scholarship.

-We must be practical.

-I AM practical. I've it all worked out.

You can get furniture on the never-never. Half-a-crown a week.

-There must be cheap houses in Sleescale.

-That's not the point.

I'd feel I...was letting everybody down so much.

-My father, then men...

-Say no more about it, David.

-Mr Nugent would drop me like a hot brick if I threw everything away.

-Not another word.

Just tell me you love me.

More than anything in the world, Jenny.

CHILDREN LAUGH

Now, there's a good way to remember this, lads. Now, watch.

LAUGHTER

-Now, what's that?

-ALL: A pit pony!

-That's right.

Scandanavia - a pit pony kicking his hind legs in the air in a strike.

If you want to remember Stockholm, that's the capital of Sweden,

it's right there on the pony's hoof. Oslo, the capital of Norway, is on his Adam's apple.

It's closing time. Go along home. Afternoon.

ALL: Afternoon!

Oh, Pat!

-So this is your last day, eh, Pat?

-Aye, Mr Fenwick.

-Did you tell your mother what I said?

-She said I got all the education I need for hewing coal.

I'll come along with you.

-Mr Fenwick?

-Yes, sir?

Wait for me, Pat.

I understand Mr Barras offered you the opportunity of coaching his son in the evening - and you refused.

-The evenings are my only chance to study for my degree.

-Hmm.

-Pity you didn't think of that before you ran away from college. You'd have your degree.

-You wished to see me?

Eh? Yes. We're getting that laughter in your class again.

I must remind you again, Fenwick, education is a serious matter.

-A child depends on it.

-In an article on modern education...

I learnt about modern education before you were born. It needs teachers with degrees.

-We may be obliging Mr Barras, but we cannot ignore your limitations.

-I'm sorry, Mr Strother.

Another thing, Fenwick. Scandanavia is not a horse.

Let me refer you to Gray's Geographical Compendium for teachers, page 173.

You will find these words, Fenwick -

"The shape of Scandanavia may be likened to that of a bear."

-A bear!

-But these boys have never seen a bear.

Precisely. We teach them two things at the same time - the shape of Scandanavia and that of a bear.

-You may go, Fenwick.

-Thank you, sir.

I hear you managed to get track of your Joe!

Aye, he's in Tynecastle, all right. I run over and dropped in on him.

I thought I'd touch him for a quid. It nearly was him touching me! Boss!

Second time he's been down this month.

-A lot of water here.

-The men aren't worried about the dampness.

-But some think it's coming from the old workings.

-That'll be enough at the end of this seam.

-Move them along again next shift.

-Yes, Mr Barras.

I'm not nagging, Pat, but you've got a good brain.

You've no right to go down the pit. You can be more use than that.

-What's wrong with the pit? It's man's job.

-I thought that when I was leaving school.

-How then, Davey!

-Hello, Hughie.

-Seen the match line-up?

-Aye.

-I had my name mentioned in the Tynecastle Chronicle.

-When are you coming up to the house?

-Jenny hasn't seen you for months.

-I'm training a lot.

..Sorry! ..Remember me to Jenny!

-You see what our Hughie thinks of pit work.

-Somebody's got to go down the pit or we'd have no coal.

-I know... Oh, Mrs Reedie. I was...

-Don't you Mrs Reedie me!

Putting stuff in my lad's head. ..In! ..Where did education get you? 45 bob a week!

When Pat's your age, he'll fetch as much as that, and no mucking about for a few years afore he does it.

Such a lot you were to do for the men! Going into parliament an' all!

How then, Mother?

How's thasel, lad?

-Father in?

-He'll be back in a minute.

-Come on in and wait.

-I'd better get along.

Jenny's got a veal and ham pie waiting for me.

Please thasel, lad.

Mother, I... I wish you'd give Jenny a chance.

You haven't been to see her all the time we've been here.

-Does she want me to go and see her?

-You don't give her a chance, Mother. She's lonely. She wants cheering up.

Wants cheering up, does she? Lonely?

Why should a woman be lonely with a man and her home to look after?

Maybe I should be lonely an' all if I thought of nothing but gadding about.

All right, Mother.

Hello, Davey. Come on in, lad.

Jenny's expecting me, Father. I'd better...

-How's she getting along?

-Oh, not so bad, Father.

I'd like to have a talk to you sometime. How's Scupper Flats?

Barras has near finished. If Scupper Flats has lasted three years, it should last another three weeks, eh?

Aye, I heard you'd soon be getting out of it. Well, I must be off. So long.

So long, Davey.

< DOOR OPENS

Hello, Jenny.

-SHE SIGHS

-What's wrong today, Jenny?

Nothing's wrong at all. I wish you wouldn't eat with your fingers.

I have such a wonderful life, I'm sure. No maid and all the lovely housework to do,

not even a wireless to annoy me in the evenings.

If I asked you to take me out tonight, you'd be insulted.

We've been going out too many evenings lately, Jenny.

-Even if we could afford it.

-You might say excuse me when you leave the table. Afford it?!

You could be giving Barras's son tuition!

I can't even call my furniture my own with the never-never man pestering me.

I even had to pay for the honeymoon.

-You'd make me so terribly, terribly happy if you'd take me out just this once.

-Oh, do be sensible.

-I want to finish this book.

-YOU want?! Doesn't matter what

-I

-want.

It never strikes you there's not a soul I can talk to!

-Why don't you try and be friendly with my people, Jenny?

-YOUR people?

-You didn't tell me your father was a jailbird!

-Jenny...

-Don't deny it.

Robbed a shop. Nice father-in-law...

Jenny!

-David, it was wicked of me.

-I shouldn't have done that.

But I deserved it, every bit of it.

I'm a bad, heartless girl. I'm just a drag on you.

-Your nerves are on edge a bit, darling, that's all.

-Yes, that's it.

-I need cheering up, David.

-Yes, of course.

-If only for your sake!

-We can go to the Percy Grill, where we first met. Let's start afresh in the place we started.

-Yes.

-Maybe you're right, Jenny. Run along, get ready.

-David, you're so sweet to me. We can catch the 5.20.

-I'll be down in a minute.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

That's the laundry. You see them. They're trying to charge me ninepence too much.

How then, son?

Mother!

Well, come in! Come in!

-She's brought Jenny homemade broth.

-Fine, Mother.

Come in!

No, that's the kitchen. Here's the drawing room.

Drawing room? Grand, isn't it?

-Maybe Jenny's tidying up the kitchen.

-Jenny thought you were the laundry. They're trying to swindle her.

The laundry never has a chance of swindling me!

Well, sit down, Mother. Here's a fine chair.

-Tea in the parlour, eh?

-Once in a while.

Shop cake?

-I'll get you a drop of port, Mother. It'll cheer you up.

-We don't want to interfere with your studying.

It's OK for one night. It isn't so often we get to talk. Here she is.

-How's that for a quick ch...?

-Visitors.

-How are you, lass?

-This is a great pleasure.

-You just caught David and me going out.

-Jenny...

-We're meeting friends in Tynecastle.

-Oh, pretty.

-Look here, we don't have to...

-No, Jenny's right. We couldn't have stopped more than a minute.

-Of course. You can easily come again some time.

-That's right, lass.

You can still have a drop of port.

I don't know what gave you the notion I'd taken to drink. The lad's trying to be pleasant.

David, hurry up. We'll be late for the train.

-What are you doing, David?

-Coming!

Come and see us again soon, will you, Mother?

-Best send you a postcard first!

-Good night, Mrs Fenwick.

-Good night.

-Good night, Mother.

-Night, Davey.

At least I've one son who's still going to the pit.

CROWD CHEER

Hughie, make a job and run wi' it!

Grand game!

Mr Fenwick? Mr Fenwick?

-Mr Strother asked me to give you that.

-Thanks, Terry.

-That lad of yours has it in him, Bob!

-Three goals!

Lovely hat trick it were an' all!

Well, you'll come up and have a bit of snap with us, Davey.

Later. I've business to see to now.

-What's the matter, lad?

-Nothing.

I hear your lad's doing well. If I sent Joe a telegram to say I was starving, he'd send me a wreath.

..Passed into the bottomless pit. Bottomless pits? We've done Scupper Flats. Let's have something cheery.

Out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth...

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

Yes...

..Sh-h-h!

..Yes, I'm expecting him over. Yes, Fenwick, what is it?

-Do you still want a tutor for your son, Mr Barras?

-Changed your mind?

-Now that I'm leaving the school...

-Oh?

-Yes, Mr Strother's just given me notice.

I heard you weren't giving satisfaction. After all the trouble I took to get you in.

-I believed I was producing results.

-If the school doesn't consider you efficient...

-I'll give you another chance.

-Thank you.

-Not on the same terms.

What was it I offered? Half-a-crown a lesson, three lessons a week.

I'll tell you what, Fenwick. I'll give you ten shillings a week for five lessons. Start tonight.

-Go along now and arrange it with my son. Good afternoon.

-Thank you.

-My dear fellow! I didn't know you were waiting.

-That's all right, Mr Barras.

-Doing well?

-A partnership in the offing.

I like to see a man get on, especially one of my men.

Well, if it isn't Davey Fenwick! How are you, Davey, lad?

-Joe.

-How are you?

-Fine. I've just pulled off a big deal.

I like to see a man getting on. Remember me to, uh...Jenny.

-Nobody knows this contract's through me?

-You don't want the men to know?

Maybe they wouldn't understand, all this fat-headed notion about Scupper Flats.

There's no reason why anyone should know.

You're worried about Fenwick noticing something. Know him well?

-I did and I didn't.

-A headstrong young man. He's just lost his job.

-Got the sack?

-Pity. He had brains.

It was a shame the way he threw himself away over a lass. I think I'll drop in on them, cheer him up.

Poor fella, losing his job an' all... J...

-How do you expect us to live on ten shillings a week?

-I'll get another post. I'll advertise in the papers.

-We can sell this house and stay with my mother.

-I'd rather starve!

I've ambition. I was meant to be a lady, not a scivvy for a failure.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Hark at him. He's here again, the never-never man.

-I'll tell him the truth. He can take his rotten furniture away!

-Don't...

Hello, Jenny.

-Remember me?

-..Joe.

-Hello, Joe. I hope you don't think I was trying to cut Jenny's throat.

-The thought never entered my head.

-What a silly thing to say, David. Come in, Joe.

-Thanks.

-It's wonderful to see you again.

-Yes, come on in.

Just for a couple of minutes.

-Been in to see your father?

-That big boozer?

-He's not a bad sort.

-Have some tea.

-I've only got a minute. I've got business with Barras. We're selling him some pumps.

-Scupper Flats has closed down.

-There wasn't much to worry about there.

-You didn't always think so.

-Jenny.

-How's life treating you?

-It's ever so nice.

-How's business, Davey?

He's doing so well. They think a lot of him at the school. Mr Barras thinks the world of him.

-He teaches his son in the evenings. Don't you, David?

-Well done, Davey.

Not doing so bad yourself, eh, Joe?

I don't grumble, but it does get a fella down - Paris this week, Brussels the next...

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Tell them I'm not in.

-My creditors have spotted your car, Joe.

David's going out tonight, Joe.

I've got business myself tonight. Hardly a second to call me own.

-Visitor for you, Joe.

-Well, hello, Dad! It is grand to see you.

Thanks for all them five quids you never sent me.

What brings you to Sleescale? Tynecastle too hot for you? You can't stop him joking.

I was just coming to see you. Just as well.

You're doing well for yourself? A lot of expenses, Dad.

We're celebrating Scupper Flats closing. Put your hand in your pocket.

I've only got five minutes. I can drink plenty in five minutes. Coming, Davey?

-No.

-Good night! ..I'm looking forward to a ride in that posh car.

DOOR CLOSES

Joe always makes me laugh.

He's a success, that's what he is.

-I could have had him by raising my little finger.

-Why didn't you?

Why didn't I? Because I was a fool, that's why! A fool!

A FOOL!

This, therefore, is the relative change between the second variable and that of the first.

If a does not differ from x, this ratio has no meaning.

I'm glad it has no meaning. It certainly hasn't for me.

-I don't want to be an engineer.

-What are we wasting our time for, then?

Father wants me to follow him into the pit. I loathe it.

-All this Scupper Flats business and everything.

-Still, the men didn't break through. Their luck held out.

Yes. Yes, it did, didn't it...

just hold out?

What's worrying you, Arthur?

-Their luck won't hold out for ever.

-Has it to do with Mr Gowlan?

Coking coal for Millington's, eh?!

Scupper Flats isn't closing down after all.

-Not sure about this money clause.

-That's a matter between me and Mr Millington.

Of course.

-How then, Joe?

-How dare you come in here!

-I'm not standing on ceremony. That's another contract for coking coal.

-You teach my son arithmetic.

I hope you've got a strike clause.

-Don't be too hasty, Davey. What do you think I'm here for?

-Well?

Millington was signing this contract and I was worrying to death about the men going back to Scupper Flats.

Why, I came over to try and stop it, and Mr Barras convinces me I'm wrong.

You told me they were certain to break through that coalface.

Remember the strike? Remember how we starved?

You said you weren't going to drown yourself to keep Barras fat!

Do you really think you can induce those men to strike, to start that misery again?

I'll get the union behind the men!

I'm going tonight to see Harry Nugent, get this case put before the union on Wednesday.

If nothing else, I'll raise a stink!

What right's he got to poke his nose in? I've money at stake.

-Think of Mr Millington's feelnigs!

-Can Fenwick influence the union?

-Maybe.

-Tomorrow, we'll try and find out what success he's had.

Tomorrow might be too late.

How's he going to get back from Tynecastle tonight?

He can't. There isn't a train.

Well, let him go and see his Mr Harry Nugent MP.

-Thank you, Mr Barras. Good night.

-Good night. See yourself out.

Gowlan! IF there was any danger, there would be plenty of warning.

At the pit, you mean? Yes, of course. Good night.

Of course.

I can convince them - give me a chance!

-You're a convincing talker, all right.

-You said you'd do something for me, remember?

Aye, "Come and see me when you've got your degree."

I'd great hopes of you. I thought you'd be the right lad to step into my shoes.

-It was a great disappointment when you didn't think it was so important.

-It's not for myself, Mr Nugent.

-Maybe. ..Want me?

-When you're done.

-Well, I'll do what I can for you, lad.

-Oh, thanks, Mr Nugent.

How are you getting back tonight?

-I'll hop onto a lorry or something. Good night.

-Good night.

-Hello, Davey! I thought you was never coming back.

-Did you, Joe?

I just had to come round to settle our difference.

-Forgive and forget?

-That's the way! It didn't seem right to let a misunderstanding come between us.

There is no misunderstanding.

That's the spirit. Two sides to every question, eh?

ENGINE REVS, CAR DRIVES OFF

Ah, I thought you were never coming back.

Where have you been all this time?

Tynecastle.

You're so quiet. Come tell me all about it.

It wasn't one of those silly old mining things, was it?

Yes, it was a silly mining thing.

David, I wish you wouldn't waste all your lovely brain on these things.

You know, I've had a great idea.

-Have you, Jenny?

-I've been thinking about you not having a job and everything.

I suddenly thought it would be good if you went to Millington's and had a talk with Joe Gowlan.

-I know he thinks a terrible lot of you.

-Does he, Jenny?

You know he does! Now, don't let's have any silly jealousy. I'm only thinking of you getting on.

-So Joe would give me a job, would he?

-Yes, but you'd have to give up all this silly idea about miners.

-People don't have any patience with that sort of thing nowadays.

-Did Joe say that?

-Yes, of...

You've always loved Joe, haven't you, Jenny?

I can't blame you...

any more than I can blame myself for falling in love with you.

Go ahead, Slogger. Aye.

Further into that barrier - a barrier that is holding back a million tons of flood water.

-They've taken drill tests.

-Drill tests!

You've been miners. You know without plans, it's impossible to be certain that your drill tests aren't wrong.

Unfortunately, we can't inspect the plans if the owner of the mines insists they never existed!

My father insists they did - and still do. Why is the owner so afraid to have them inspected?!

-We can't listen to just anyone who says he once saw plans.

-The men did - and starved for three months.

Barras wouldn't risk flooding his own mine.

There are mine owners who will take a gamble...

Here is a gamble I beg you not to be a party to!

You may have no intention of being a party to anything, and intend to do nothing -

like a man who watches a child drown in 2ft of water! He's not a party to it. He can't be accused of murder.

In the same way, if these men drown in Scupper Flats, nobody can accuse YOU of murder.

You'll say you weren't a party to it but what will your conscience say?

It is in your hands to decide if these men shall enter that deathtrap!

Your hands - and yours! Today!

At this very minute, they're stripping that barrier.

A million tons of flood water!

Mr Chairman?

Yes, Mr Wilkins?

We've all been impressed by the eloquence and sincerity of this young man.

Hear! Hear!

But is he as sincere as we think?

Mr Fenwick, when did you first decide to come here today?

Last Saturday night.

Aye. Scupper Flats had been working for three years,

-and it happened to be last Saturday that you decided to come here.

-That's when I heard about the new contract.

Aye, a contract that you knew was of great value to Mr Gowlan.

What are your personal relations with Mr Gowlan, Mr Fenwick?

We used to be friendly.

Aye, up till last Saturday night, I think, Mr Fenwick,

the night you decided to put a stop to this contract of Mr Gowlan's.

You and Mr Gowlan quarrelled?

-That has nothing to do with my coming here today.

-It was a very bitter quarrel, Mr Fenwick.

-It came to blows.

-It had no connection with my coming here.

I believe it was your wife you quarrelled about, Mr Fenwick.

Your wife has left you as a result of it.

Hasn't she?

-What's that got to do with Scupper Flats?

-If Scupper Flat's dangerous now, it has been for three years.

You didn't decide to do anything about it till last Saturday night, the night you fought with Mr Gowlan.

I put it to you that you were determined to revenge yourself upon him, and that's why you're here.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

-Gentlemen, it's obvious who has put this member up to this, and why.

-Mr Fenwick...

He gives you a false impression!

Please, Mr Fenwick... Come on, lad, you're wasting your breath.

Thank you for the trouble you've taken.

The next item on the agenda...

The question is using paint or wallpaper at the Gateport branch...

-How did you get on, Davey?

-No good, John.

-Aw.

I told you you were wasting your time, lad.

Hello, Davey. I hear you didn't pull it through. What happened, lad?

-I did my best, Father, but...

-Oh. You can't do better than your best. But I should have gone...

-Going down, Pat?

-Mr Fenwick's showing me the ropes.

I'll break you in. Davey! >

Davey, it's happened! They've asked me, Davey!

-Asked you what?

-To play for Tynecastle.

They were watching the match when I did the hat trick! I have a trial with the reserves next Saturday!

Slogger, I'm playing for Tynecastle!

I told you they has their eye on me! You wouldn't believe me!

I'm playing next Saturday!

Hey, not so hasty. Wait for the international.

Come on, don't be all day. I'm just putting in artistic touches.

You coming to see me play? Course I am, lad.

They're thinking of running excursions so as everybody can come.

Not Harry. He's got that damned whippet in the county stakes. It'll win an' all.

I'll break his neck if he doesn't. I've got a bet on him.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Woo! Mind your backs, fellas!

This isn't the scenic railway! I'm saving Scandanavia the trouble.

Come on. Let's get this propped up.

I don't see why we should slave our guts out for our Joe's benefit.

Get back quick!

Stop! The cave - come on!

SCREAMING

Come on! We'll go to the tunnel!

WHISTLE BLOWS REPEATEDLY

-Did you get that rigger company?

-Just trying them.

We want all the pumps we can get and electrical gear. Winding gear.

The Scupper line!

Hello?

We're at Scupper number five. The water's rising quick. All the tunnels are blocked.

Try the air tunnels.

-They're full of gas. The water fetched it up..

-Oh. ..Get out, both of you.

-But the rigger...

-I'll attend to that. Get out.

Hello?

Now, listen, Fenwick, carefully.

Make for the old workings. Go along the upper tunnel. The end block is a frame dam. You can knock it away.

Old workings?

The water's all at the lower level. Don't take the branches nor the left dip. Keep due east for 1,500 yards.

You DID have them plans all the time!

Come on! Come on, hurry up!

AMBULANCE BELL RINGS

WHISTLE BLOWS

Let 'em in! Barras's orders!

Come on.

My son's down there, Barras. My son - Bob Ogle! Get in and fetch him out!

That'll do no good, Tom. What's being done?

Most of the shift have got away. We're in constant touch with them.

-ALL SHOUT TOGETHER

-There's a man at the pit top, getting names.

-Mr Fenwick is cut off, but he found the old workings.

-Is Hughie there?

-I don't know.

-Can I come?

-Yes.

Stay here in the yard, Mother. It'll be all right.

BELL RINGS

Come on, Pa!

Hurry up, lads, before any more of that roof comes down.

Come on. Come on, Slogger.

Watch your step, Hughie!

- You'll not be much good to United with a broken leg! - I'd still be better than some!

Here's a sight for sore eyes.

There's no frame dam about this.

You all right, Pat, lad?

We're above water level anyway. The relief party will be drilling through before you can say Pat Reedie.

We just sit and wait.

A rest won't do us any harm, eh, Pat, lad?

Best go easy on these pit lamps.

Now, we're going to take it in turns jarring. I'll start.

Pity we lost Harry. He was looking forward to his whippet winning on Saturday.

HUGHIE: Aye. It was going to be his big day.

I'll be thinking of him when I'm playing in that trial.

BANGING CONTINUES

# Oh, my You should see us ganning

# Passing the folks along the road Just as they were stanning

# There was lots of lads and lassies there and all with smiling faces

# Ganning along the Scotswood Road To see the Blaydon Races... #

WHISTLE BLOWS

BANGING CONTINUES

We're through! >

Keep on for 300 yards. Take the right dip.

There might be half a mile there.

If only we had plans of this place, we'd know what we were getting at.

A plan wouldn't remove that. We must blast a new roadway above it.

Come on, then, let's get on with it.

FAINT TAPPING

Mr Fenwick, I feel real bad. It's me stomach, I think.

Aye. I know, lad.

Would you believe it...?

Not a lot of nourishment in them, but they're better than nowt.

Here's me with my cough drops in my pocket and I forgot all about them.

Thank you, Mr Fenwick.

What day would you say it was? Friday morning, I'd say, lad.

So it isn't Saturday yet?

No, no, nowt like that. HE COUGHS

No, it can't be, can it?

You call that pounding? We'll be here till Doomsday at this rate!

We've got to be out by Saturday.

Aye, before closing time an' all.

By gum, what I could do to a pint.

I've still got that last cough drop, lad?

Would you like it now?

Come on, lad. Buck up.

Good evening, Mr Nugent. Good evening.

We got all the men out of Globe Coal, thank God. Nearly 80 of them.

Good evening, Mrs Fenwick. Nasty business, this.

The union are feeling pretty sick they didn't listen to your son.

Aye? There isn't one of them that wouldn't eat out of his hand now.

A disaster's a disaster.

It's a chance every pit man's got to take.

I expect they'll get your men out all right, Mrs Fenwick.

Maybe. How about our Pat?! You're an MP! What are you going to do about Pat?

They're doing everything they can.

Aye, they're doing everything they can...

What's the matter, Doctor? A stroke. He's been overdoing it.

What progress are they making? There's still a chance, Mr Nugent.

Wept, Maybe we should have a service.

A service?

Let us take for our text

the 12th verse of the 8th chapter...

of the Book of John.

"I am the light of the world.

"They that follow me shall not walk in darkness,

"but shall have the light of life.

"Down in this pit, dear brethren,

"there is darkness.

"All around us there is darkness

"but the light of the world is here, even here...

"in the darkness of this pit."

What's all this preaching about? This isn't Sunday. It isn't Sunday, is it? It's not Saturday yet.

My brethren, it is our lot upon earth!

"The fourth angel sounds and another star falls in the bottomless pit...!"

Oh, put a sock in it, Wept.

I am given the gift of prophecy. I am a prophet...

Sit down, man, sit down.

I see them! I... LOW RUMBLING

There's another pole up here.

Jim? Here, we need retimbering.

Barras knew his way about here.

He's no use to us now. Nowt we can do but take a chance this way.

I've lived a rotten life.

< Rotten?

Just a boozer...

a big boozer...

The chimney's giving! Get back!

Well, we'll have to give it up. There's no chance now.

Davey?

Young Fenwick. We want you to represent the men at the inquiry.

Represent the men?

What men?

My father? Hughie?

Mrs Windhope's two sons?

Harry Brace? Slogger Gowlan? Wept? Young Pat Reedie?

What am I going to say? It was all very sad and no-one was to blame?

I know what your heart's set on, lad. You'll get your chance to fight for it. The world is like a wheel.

Your turn will come.

The way you said that, you sounded like my father.

Good night, Mr Nugent.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven,

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them who have trespassed against us,

Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from all evil,

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever,

Amen.

'And so, out of the darkness of the world that is

'into the light of the world that could be and must be

'a world purged of its ancicent greeds,

'a world in which dreams are not empty, nor sacrifices in vain,

'a world of infinite promise

'which the unconquerable spirit of man will some day forge into fulfillment.'

Subtitles by Marie Campbell BBC Scotland 2000

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