Felicia's Journey

DOO-WOP INTRO

# What a wonderful world we would live in

# With hatred and love reconciled

# If we only showed each other

# The faith in the heart of a child

# What a wonderful world we could make it

# What a wonderful place it would be

# If we had the faith of a child to act

# And the eyes of a child to see

# Then trust would replace suspicion

# And hope would replace despair

# Our tears would turn to laughter

# And wishing would turn to prayer

# What a wonderful world we would live in

# With hatred and love reconciled

# If you and I had the simple faith

# Found in the heart of a child. #

SEAGULLS CRY

SHIP'S HOOTER

We try, Mr Hilditch. We do try.

I've told you before, Sidney. It starts with the stock. Don't rely on cubes!

-What's for dessert?

-Raspberry jam steamed pudding, Mr Hilditch. I'd leave it a few minutes yet.

-I'm afraid I've got a meeting.

-I could bring it to your office.

-That would be so kind of you, Iris. Thank you.

-A pleasure, Mr Hilditch.

-Thank you.

-Morning, Mr Hilditch.

-Morning, Jimmy.

-Morning.

-Good morning.

-Have you means of identification?

-Identification?

-What's your name?

-Felicia.

-Do you have a driver's licence, Felicia?

-I-I can't drive.

-Have you ANY form of identification?

-I can't think that I have.

No letter? No documentation of any kind?

Could you step aside?

Are you a resident of the United Kingdom?

No, I'm...I'm from Ireland.

I-I'm here to see a friend.

May I look through your bag for a moment?

CHURCH BELL TOLLS

Every minute I'll be thinking of you.

Every minute you'll be by my side.

'The coach to London Victoria is now departing from Bay 6.'

Sorry! Excuse me! Could you tell me where the lawn mower factory is?

-Lawn mower?

-Yeah.

-Sorry.

-OK, thanks.

Excuse me!

-Could you tell me where the lawn mower factory is?

-Lawn mower factory, my dear? Sorry, can't help.

Thank you.

'No, Lysaght. Johnny Lysaght.'

L-Y-S-A-G-H-T.

'Hello. Could you give me the phone number for the lawn mower factory in Birmingham?

'No, a place that MAKES them, doesn't sell them.'

Once it's stored in the machine, you could dispense with all the canteen staff.

The machines back directly onto the kitchens, prepared portions load straight in,

-drop in a coin and the dishes emerge when and how they're required.

-"How" they're required?

Well, piping hot, or chilled, or anything in between.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

-Here you are, Mr Hilditch.

Fresh from the oven.

It's better, Iris. It's better. Good show!

Oh, thank you, Mr Hilditch. I'll let the others know.

It can serve drinks as well.

Just load the machine with tea, coffee, chocolate, softs.

-No more than 10 minutes labour a day. You can't lose, Mr Hilditch.

-But I WOULD lose, Ted.

I would lose my staff.

I would lose the way Iris takes the bother

to bring me up a dish of raspberry jam steamed pudding.

Food must be served by caring hands, Ted.

Not by machines.

It keeps our spirits up.

It makes us feel...

..loved.

Can I keep this?

THUNDER OF MACHINERY

MACHINERY DROWNS OUT DIALOGUE

Bye, Lou.

-Can I help you?

-Is this where they make lawn mowers?

I'm afraid not.

-Oh.

-Lawn mowers? Why?

-Well, you see, I have a friend who works in a place that makes them.

-But I'm not certain where it is.

-Oh.

You could try the Black Barrow industrial estate.

They've got a garden centre there. They might know.

If you go over the bridge... turn right... and go on until you see the signs.

OK? ..Good luck.

BELL TOLLS

Hello, Sister.

Yes, I know Johnny Lysaght.

-And you went out with him?

-I did.

You hear certain remarks about that boy, Felicia. I'm not saying it's gospel.

All I'm saying is there are certain statements made.

-What statements?

-He joined the British Army.

But Johnny went to England because he couldn't get work here!

There's better boys than that around here, Felicia.

Irish boys belong in Ireland.

Johnny's not in the Army! He works in a factory - lawn mower parts.

JOHNNY: 'How about you? Any brothers, sisters?'

-No, just me.

-Just you?

-Yes.

-And your father and mother?

-Well, my mother passed away when I was four.

There's my father and my great-grandmother.

She must be a ripe old age, is she?

-Yes, she's about 100 now.

-That's incredible!

-But your mother passed away when you were four?

-Mmm.

I'm sorry to hear that.

-STEREO ON # Angel, angel

-Whoo-oo-oo oo-oo, oo-oo...

# You are my special angel

# Sent from up above

# My faith smiled down on me

# And sent an angel to lo-o-ove... #

'Sorry, no lawn mower parts here.'

-But best of luck, anyway. I hope you find it.

-OK. Thank you very much.

# ..paradise

# I know that you're an angel

# Heaven is in your eyes

# A smile from your lips brings the summer sunshine... #

'There's no-one of that name here.'

-OK, thank you.

-Good luck to you.

# I feel your touch, your warm embrace

# And I'm in heaven again

# You are my special angel

# Through eternity

# I'll have my special angel

# Here to watch over me... #

-You didn't have any luck?

-It's not there.

-But a man gave me the name of another town.

-Yes.

I thought of Thompson Castings five minutes after you left.

It's a bit of a distance. You won't get a bus tonight.

-I'll stay here, so.

-Have you got a place?

-I'll look for one.

Marsh Lane.

There's a lot of accommodation there and it's reasonable.

-You want somewhere reasonable?

-Yes.

If you go straight up the road... take the second right...

turn left along the canal and that's Marsh Lane. I'd give you a lift,

-but I've just done me shopping.

-Thanks.

JOHNNY: 'You looked beautiful the other day.'

-Has anyone ever said that to you?

-No!

-Well, I'm saying it now.

You look beautiful now.

# But you don't need words

# Just one kiss then another

# Stepping out of the page

# Into the sensual world

# Stepping out of the page

# Into the sensual world... #

CROWD SINGS ALONG DRUNKENLY

# Then our arrows of desire

# Rewrite the speech, mmm, yes... #

# More than ever, more than ever

# Doo-doo doo-DOO-doo

# More than ever, more than ever... #

FRENCH ACCENT: 'Let me give you a little piece of advice about buying a good loin,

'or about buying anything, for that matter.

'George Auguste Escoffier, one of ze greatest French chefs,

'says in his important book Le Guide Escoffier it's a matter of provisions.

'No matter what you buy,

'the cheapest is always the dearest in ze end.

'Le moins cher revient toujours a etre le plus cher a la fin.

'So get your butcher to chop well down between each bone

'and trim each chop as for cutlets, but not separated.

'Pull the joints in ze form of a crown

'with the meat inside

'then...pinch...together.

'You take zis needle - it's very scary, I know, but it is so practical -

'and you tie them together.

'It's really fun to do, too.

'Zere! Voila!

'The crown roast of lamb may be filled with ordinary stuffing

'or filled afterwards with mashed potatoes sprinkled with parsley,

'or, and zis is MY favourite,

'with pureed turnip and apricots.

'And what better way to prepare your turnip and apricots

'than by using your new Gala Chef food processor. Now let me tell you a few words... '

PROCESSOR SPLUTTERS FEEBLY

'It is amazing. There are all these possibilities

'to add dry ingredients.

'Now this special rosemary will be the perfect garnish for our lamb.

'Mmm!

'C'est divine - vraiment!

'Let's see if ze roast is ready.

'Isn't it parfait? Last touches...

'Let's put this lovely little hat...

'It makes it very festive, you know.

'But also it's fun with kids around ze table.

'Sometimes they can pick it up and fight over it, etc.

'And here we go. I think we should taste.

'Let's have a taste and see how marvellous this is, no question.

'Mmm!

'Delicieux!

'No surprise.

ELDERLY LADY IS SPEAKING IRISH

TRANSLATION:

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER'S WORDS CONTINUE

Now listen to me, Felicia.

You cannot live in our house and keep company with a member of the British Army.

This family knows where it stands and always has done.

Think of your great-grandmother.

Her husband - your blood - was executed by the Brits, May 1916.

Sacrifices have been made and they will be honoured.

We have a duty to remember these things.

Time will not allow us to forget.

ALARM RINGS

This fellow will be back, Felicia,

but associate with him again and you will leave our house.

You're at the beginning of things, Felicia. One of these days, there'll be work for you.

'Licia, when you're a child, you take advice.

But I'm not a child, Dad.

Not any more.

I've said what I have to say. We can leave it.

You're going out, girl?

WOMAN SINGS IN IRISH

MUTTERS TO HERSELF IN IRISH

Morning!

My wife and I were worried about you. I was afraid you might have left already.

It seems that Thompson's Casting would be a waste of time.

But I've tracked down the place you're looking for.

It's about 50 miles away.

A lot of people make the journey every day. No reason why your friend wouldn't.

Ada's up there.

In the hospital, mmm.

We had that phone call last night, you see, about you.

Ada's poorly...

..you see, mmm.

But what I wanted to tell you is I've got to drive up that way

tomorrow morning on account of Ada.

What I'm saying is you'd be welcome to a seat in our little jalopy.

-Oh, I don't think I...

-No, naturally you wouldn't.

-You probably want to get up there today.

-Mmm.

-Good luck.

Toodle-oo.

Could I have the lift?

Oh, of course.

It's 6.30 sharp, though, on account of Ada.

I like to pop in and catch her before her morning tests.

-6.30's all right.

-I'll pick you up outside your B&B.

All right? See you tomorrow.

'It won't be long till you're back again?

JOHNNY: 'No. No, it won't be long.'

-Can I write to you?

-I'm not much of a one for letters.

Come here, love.

Every minute I'm gonna be thinking about you. Every minute you're gonna be by my side, all right?

-MOTORBIKE APPROACHES

-I haven't got your address.

-All right?

-Shane, boy, how are you?

-All right.

ENGINE DROWNS OUT DIALOGUE

-Are you OK, man?

-Yeah, I'm good, yeah.

Looking good.

-I'm off back to England now.

-England? For why?

-I've just gotta go back to work.

-How long have you had this?

-Three weeks now.

-Well, don't kill yourself on it.

-I'll be careful.

BUS ENGINE DROWNS OUT DIALOGUE

-Well, see you later.

-Yeah, see you.

-He didn't see we wanted to be alone.

-You didn't tell him.

-BUS DRIVER TOOTS

-Your address!

I'll send it to you. First thing when I get there.

MACHINERY DROWNS OUT DIALOGUE

SINGING IN IRISH

-I'm a friend of Johnny's, Mrs Lysaght.

-Yes?

I was wondering if you had his address.

-What do you want with Johnny?

-Just to write him a letter, Mrs Lysaght.

My son wouldn't want his address given out to all and sundry.

He wouldn't mind you giving ME his address.

-He didn't give it to you himself, then?

-No, he said he'd send it.

I was wondering if he sent it to you to give me.

-All I want to do is contact him.

-You've had enough contact with him.

'My wife and I were worried about you. It seems that Thompson's Casting would be a waste of time.

'But I tracked down the place you were looking for.

'It's about 50 miles away.'

'A lot of people who live locally make the journey every day.

'No reason why your friend wouldn't. Ada's up there.

'In the hospital. We had that phone call last night, you see,

'about you. Ada's poorly.

'Now what I wanted to tell you,

'I'm driving up there tomorrow morning on account of Ada.'

Mrs Lysaght?

Mrs Lysaght!

Mrs...!

Mrs Lysaght, please!

'I imagine your eyes as you read these words,

'your eyes will fill my heart and give me hope in these confusing days.

'Our days together seem a long time ago.

'I miss those days.

'Are you receiving these letters, Johnny? Your mother said she would send them on to you.

'I need to see you as soon as I can.'

-'You seem like a nice person.

-Well, I'm all right once you get to know me.

-GIRL GIGGLES

-'Are you married?

-No.

-It doesn't matter. Just asking.

'I'm not married, but I have to look after my mother.

'Aw-w!

-'She's getting old now.

-Is she?

-'Are you the only person she's got?

-Yeah.

-Aw! You ARE a nice man, then!

'You haven't told me anything about how you think and how you feel.

'So I don't even know if you've ever been married, or got children...

'You haven't told me anything.'

'I'm not saying that what we had wasn't special. I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for you.

'But everything's different.'

-Morning.

-Well, here we are.

-Was it all right, the B&B?

-The what?

-The bed and breakfast.

-Oh, yes. Fine.

-I'm glad of that. I wouldn't like to think I'd misled you.

Has Lysaght got you pregnant?

We're both responsible.

-How long are you gone?

-I've missed a few times.

How many?

There's no doubt about it.

Carrying the enemy within you!

Thank God your mother isn't alive to see it!

You're a whore!

You're a WHORE and you're worse than that!

Damn you to hell!

'The first time I met up with you, I could see you were in a bit of an upset.

'You're...fond of the boyfriend, are you?

'It's not difficult to believe that he's fond of you.'

I said, it's not difficult to believe that he's fond of you.

I'm having his baby.

What?

I'm pregnant.

-HE LAUGHS

-You're going to be a mother.

You'll see everyone who arrives from here.

-You going to get out and look for him?

-Yeah.

-Go on, then.

-Can I help?

-Is this where they make lawn mowers?

-We make lots of things.

-Does Johnny Lysaght work here?

-Not heard of him.

-He's about that tall with blond hair.

-Let's check the register.

This fresh rosemary will be the perfect garnish for our lamb.

Hmm...c'est divine, vraiment!

So let's go inside and see if the roast is ready.

Cut! Oh!

Joey was in the shot again. I know!

Go sit there! Could we do one more?

Of course. Really rub the rosemary... Sure.

THEY CHAT

INAUDIBLE

No.

He doesn't work here.

He said he loved me...

that we'd be together forever.

Then he left without giving me his address.

I need to find him. His mother's trying to keep him away from me.

-Well, this can be difficult.

-I don't want to bother you with it.

Another person's trouble can lift the mind, Felicia.

Do you understand me?

Don't be ashamed.

I understand exactly how you feel.

Exactly.

I've had experience.

I'll drive you back...

after I visit the hospital.

I'll just pop in, dear - find out the state of play.

I'm sorry.

I've got to stand on my own two feet, you must see that.

I was weak before.

You've helped me strengthen everything about my personality, and I feel I'm ready to go it alone.

I'll always remember our conversations, but that's it now.

I'm not even a person, I'm just part of a body men want to use!

I've got nowhere to go.

Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find the lavatory?

-Down there on the left.

-Thank you.

You're fine. You're not...hurting! You're the strong one.

Why do you need me? Why do you need my stories?

I needed you. You don't need anybody. You've got your mum.

-I'm OK. I want to go home.

-I can't get attached in my profession.

You should be happier for me. Why aren't you happy for me?

You've been wonderful and you've helped to get me where I am now.

I've just got this strength and this spirit and I just want more.

I didn't want interviews and all this crap - "Who are you? What did you do? Who's your boyfriend?"

Hi, I'm Gail. I'm a prostitute(!)

-- Sharon. - Bobby.

-Beth.

-Jackie.

-Elsie.

-You'll find others that you can relate to like me.

You'll find other people that you can connect with and talk to, that are special to you.

I'm just another ordinary person.

There are lots of people who would find your personality endearing and would love to speak to you.

TV: 'I'd give half my kingdom.

'No, give me the head of the Baptist.'

Stop it! Please don't do this. It's REALLY scary!

I'd like to go back, please.

Where are we? Please, can I go? Will you just stop the car?

Look... Don't just ignore me. Will you say something?

What...? What is wrong with you? SCREAMS

Why not just let me go?!

Just let go of me!

SCREAMS Get off!

How was that? Should we do one with Joey?

He can pluck some rosemary then follow you inside.

Ah!

Is something wrong?

Ada's not so hot.

They had to do an emergency... at five this morning.

She's not so good.

I'm sorry.

I'll be all right in a minute.

You get a shock like this, you don't want to be alone.

Both of us with a shock, Felicia.

Hmm?

I'm glad you're going to have a baby, Felicia.

It's a help to me, that.

A help?

Another life coming.

Ada going in at this particular time and you here,

and Ada concerned about you... when I told her.

"Young Irish girl," I said.

She wanted to know what you look like.

I told her you were going to be a mother.

I hope you don't mind.

I thought it might give her a lift.

We never had kids of our own.

Yes, you told me.

A great disappointment.

A child is a blessing, Felicia.

Never forget that.

A blessing.

Are you thinking of having the thing terminated, Felicia?

What?

Do they have that over there?

Abortion?

-Where?

-Ireland.

-There's...difficulties.

-Difficulties... Of course.

Well, we'll make our way back, shall we?

-My father...

-Yes?

My father says Johnny joined the Army over here.

-It can't be true.

-Of course not.

Johnny wouldn't lie to me.

No!

Johnny wouldn't lie to you. He wouldn't join the Army over here.

Come inside, we'll make enquiries. The girl at my office is very good at tracking things down.

I'm sorry, I can't be a nuisance at a time like this.

Never a nuisance, Felicia.

Never.

I don't want nothing!

Of course you don't, honey. Today, I have brought the Bible to you!

I don't want no Bible!

This is the paradise Earth.

This is the promise and the place of the Father Lord.

-You hear of the flood, honey? Noah in his Ark?

-Yes, I have.

Child, we live in a miracle! Look here at this garden, honey.

The Father Lord is gathering all things in.

-I have to get a room for the night.

-I can offer you a room, child. No charge made.

Now, what I'm doing now is pinching the turkey,

-so that I can loosen...

-'Who's making enquiries?'

-I'm a friend of the family.

I'm afraid there's been an emergency. The young man's father's had an accident.

-'What are you asking me?'

-Well, the family's uncertain which barracks the lad's stationed at,

as his father's unconscious.

-We're ringing round all the barracks in the area.

-'Name and rank?'

-Lysaght, J.

-A squaddie, I would say.

-'A what?'

A private.

'We have a Lysaght here.'

-Oh, wonderful.

-'We'll pass the message on after fatigues.'

-No.

It would be better if the family broke the news to him.

Now we know where he is, we'll...we'll contact him pronto.

Thank you.

'Now, this fine young man will help me demonstrate a novel way

'of stuffing your turkey without untrussing and trussing it.

'No, no, no - too complicated.

'I take the stuffing...

'..and fit it into a nylon icing bag, with no pipe affixed of course.

'Like this...

'fill it up.

'Completement.

'All go in... Et voila!

'Now, Joey...why don't you show everyone how easy this is?

'You just squeeze it, until the bird is full.

'Oh, Joey!

'What a mess you've made! Oh!

'Here is a piece of liver that escaped. Open your mouth.

'Oh, Joey! Open your mouth. It's very good for you.

'You know, in some parts of the Middle East...'

HE BURPS '..liver is a delicacy.

'Get a towel to help Mamma clean up.

'What a mess... Joey...' RETCHING IN BACKGROUND

One, one, one, one...!

One, one, one...!

Johnny!

It's quiet in the gathering house this time of day.

Each and every one is out and about.

-Do a lot of people live here?

-Black and white, young and old. All that are called to gather in.

You are not amongst us by chance, for there is nothing that can happen

but by the commandment that began the garden of pleasure.

Adam was taken from out of the ground of the paradise Earth,

and the commandment... was drawn in the dust.

Look close.

See the serpent spit!

'Where did you find this?'

She was quite a sensation back then, wasn't she?

Gave Fanny Craddock a run for her money. I didn't understand her.

What was the name of her little boy?

Jimmy?

Does it say?

Oh, here it is.

Joey!

-What is it, child?

-I've lost some money.

-Money?

-It was in my bag.

-What are you saying?

-I had money hidden in my bag and it's been taken.

-Not in THIS house!

-It's missing.

-Stolen? You're saying stolen!

-No, no... Not at all.

Only I left the bag when I came in.

-We provide you with shelter and true belief and now there is accusation?

-I didn't say it was stolen!

-I've no money now!

-You're asking for money, child?

No. Sorry to wake you up. There's been a terrible confusion.

-The child has lost some money!

-One of you might have seen it. Maybe it slipped out of my bag.

She says it has been stolen!

I'll do you a special price.

INAUDIBLE

Suit yourself.

Nowhere to settle, dear?

Come...keep me...company.

We meet again.

No luck with your searchings?

You're soaking wet. Come in, come in.

Give me your bag. Look at you.

Go through, it's warm in there.

-JAZZ BAND MUSIC PLAYS

-Yesterday,

you said could you help me, and I was wondering...

I was wondering if you could lend me the fare to go home.

You want to go back?

It was a mistake coming here. I shouldn't ever have come over.

What about your friend, though? Sit down.

I'll never find him.

You can't give up, Felicia, not this easily.

If your friend knew all this, he'd be doing his nut with worry.

I've had experience of this.

If he knew what you'd been going through - looking for him in a country that's so strange to you -

poor fella'd be beside himself.

-I want to find Johnny.

-Then that's what we'll do.

I'll ask the girl at the office to ring round, like I suggested.

You remember I suggested that, Felicia? Before you...?

I'm so sorry. I...

No, no. It's understandable, you scuttling off like that.

I passed that incident on to Ada.

When she had a bright moment...

..she said it was understandable.

Hmm... I only mention it,

cos I wouldn't like you to think there was any offence taken.

Is your wife getting better?

Ada died, dear.

God, I... I'm... I'm sorry.

This morning.

I've just got home.

As a matter of fact, we have to say it was a blessed release.

We have to use that expression, Felicia.

You need something to eat. Come to the kitchen.

There's a place I've heard of where the Irish boys meet up of an evening.

It's called the Barton Arms. Have you checked out the Barton Arms at all?

It's a pub.

I have high hopes of the Barton Arms.

I've a feeling in my bones.

Tell you the truth, it'd give me a lift to go out.

No go, dear?

No?

-They aren't even Irish.

-Oh. Happen the Irish lads come in later.

We'll give it 20 minutes, eh? Come on, sit down.

Bear with me, Felicia, it's just occurred to me -

I know a bloke who employs Irish labour. He's a manager of a smelting works. I'll ring him.

I'll get us some drinks. Did you want a cup of tea?

As many flowers as are available.

As long as they can be delivered immediately. Tonight.

Right, yes. Well, I'll leave the selection up to you. Yes, it's a funeral.

No dice.

Out for the evening, seemingly.

We'll move on, shall we?

Oh, uh... we haven't had our drinks yet.

I hope it's not a presumption on my part, Felicia,

but have you considered your condition at all?

It's only, I'm thinking... Whatever the outcome of tracking Johnny down is,

you don't want to let yourself get caught.

"Don't let it go too far," was always Ada's advice,

-and my own as well. Enough to say you've lost it.

-I don't want to do a thing like that.

Now, now...drink some of that tea while it's warm.

The goodness is in the warmth, they say.

I only mention it because... Ada mentioned it before she went.

But you're right. It's best left for now.

-I'll get the girl in my office to make enquiries first thing in the morning.

-She won't find him.

If anyone can find your friend, that girl can. By tomorrow,

we'll have Master Johnny in our sights.

I'll come back in a few days.

A few days?

-What are you talking about?

-I forgot about the funeral.

Listen, dear...

army life taught me something very important -

you carry on.

Chin up and march forward.

As far as Johnny's concerned, by tomorrow night, we'll know the score.

-I'll come back tomorrow night, then.

-Any time after dark.

You'll find somewhere tonight, will you?

-I'll manage.

-Are you OK in the toilet department before you set off?

-Yes, all right, thanks.

You're welcome, of course, to lay your head down here.

-I'll get you a blanket, shall I?

-Yes, please.

CLOCK CHIMES

My favourite thing was to run a bath, you know, like put bubble bath in it, scent.

Candles all around...

then walk around in her robe while it was running.

And then I'd just sink away.

And then, when I'd finished, if I had time,

I'd go into their room and I'd... dress up in her clothes.

pretend that I was needed...

..and wanted.

Not just for my body, but...

for me.

For who I was and what I could do.

That was MY little fantasy.

CHURCH BELLS RING

Morning!

Now, you will stay in the house, won't you, dear?

We don't want the neighbours to get ideas so soon after Ada.

You know, no answering the door, no...phone calls.

Hmm?

I'll be back around six.

-Bye.

-I dreamt that you met Johnny.

-That you knew where he was.

-With any luck, Felicia, that dream might come true.

Let's see what my girl turns up with, eh?

I'll pray for her.

Who?

Your wife.

Thank you, Felicia.

-Morning, Mr Hilditch!

-Morning!

-Better spot of weather, eh?

-Does your heart good. What's for lunch?

-Rissoles in batter or pork.

-How was the cod yesterday?

-Tiptop!

-I'm glad to hear it.

-Morning, Iris!

-Oh, good morning!

-Smells champion, that pork!

-Mr Hilditch.

-What is it?

-Double sausage roll!

-Oh.

-Won't you try it?

Oh...er...yes.

That's a beautiful tie you're wearing. I've not seen you in black.

Did you not l... ?

Morning!

Morning!

Hello!

PHONE RINGS

'I had an abortion six weeks ago. I had to get rid of it, and it had to be quick.

'I couldn't breathe, because every day it was growing inside me.

'It was becoming...a person, and I just...'

It made me feel ill. I didn't want it. It reminded me of what I did.

What I DO.

And so I had to go private.

'I looked in the phone book, I found a clinic. Nice place.

'The Gishford in Sheffield. The staff were really nice, friendly...'

An immediate would be wonderful!

Yes!

Right, thank you.

Thank you for fitting her in.

Thank you!

B-Bye.

'Johnny's different.

'He'd want our baby.'

You came here to ascertain that? To make sure? Is that right, Felicia?

But you never got an answer.

We have to look at it like that.

If the girl in the office had struck lucky today, it would have been a different kettle of fish.

I'm not saying it wouldn't, but she didn't.

And I'm definitely of one mind with you now.

We won't find Johnny.

Johnny'll be over on St Patrick's Day. Or Easter.

I was thinking about it the entire day. It'll be all right when I'm there, and we're together again.

Well, there's no doubt that Johnny loves you, dear.

No, the point I'm trying to make to you is...

..the situation, like, you and Johnny are in...

..could all too easily be affected by misfortune.

Ada said that, Felicia.

Ada had a considerable insight into matters of the heart.

The thing is, Felicia, you're over here now.

This isn't Ireland.

And we have certain facilities available.

What I'm saying to you is what I'd say to any daughter Ada and myself might have had.

I'm giving you the benefit of long experience. There isn't a doubt in my mind, Felicia.

I've thought of nothing else since I rested poor Ada in the ground.

There's some would call it murder.

Murder?

We're not in this world to cause pain, dear.

Of course, you have to think of yourself on occasion.

I'm not saying you don't.

But there are other people, too.

Which is something you're daily more aware of as you grow older.

What are you talking about?

No-one's denying you've been through it, but so has your dad.

And your great-gran.

Imagine them trying to hold their heads up.

There's that to think about, too.

We all...have to do terrible things, Felicia.

We have to find the courage sometimes.

Now, you're a young girl!

When you find Johnny again,

you can both...make the choice... to have a child.

But the circumstances... have to be right.

The child...

needs to be surrounded by all the love it can.

The love of the mother,

well, of course he'll have that,

but the love of the father...

and the grandfather...

and the great-great-grandmother.

Why deprive this baby of that?

I've, um...I've put by a little that I'd gladly donate

in order to do the decent thing by your family.

Anything you lend me, I'll send back.

Every penny.

I've no doubt, Felicia.

They can do an immediate at the Gishford.

A what?

It's a clinic.

They can do it at once. I asked the girl to put a call in to them.

You could be back across the water by Monday!

Back a free spirit, Felicia!

With the whole thing lifted from you.

It's what's right, Felicia, believe me. It's what's meant.

WOMAN SINGS IN IRISH

Come on, then, put your coat on.

Yeah, that's it.

Come on, let's get you home.

-Thank you. We're very much obliged.

-See she keeps warm.

-We've a journey, then I'll tuck her up.

Oh, just a minute.

-The doctor said she wasn't sleeping too well.

-Oh!

Thank you.

Come on, dear.

Come on, take it easy. We'll have you home.

Come on.

I'll go in the morning.

Yes.

£42.

If I could borrow that?

I doubt if that's sufficient, dear.

If one has a mishap, it's terrible to be short. Well, you've had experience yourself, of course.

I'll send every penny back.

And every penny it cost today.

Today was my treat, dear.

I was happy about today.

Ada would have liked today.

But you're in no state to travel, of course.

I have to go.

You weren't at all well in the car, dear.

You certainly can't set off on a journey in this condition.

I shouldn't have done it.

What's done is done, dear. No-one ever grew rich on regrets.

What about the bright side, eh?

For as long as you want it, there's a welcome at number three.

You have your own little room now.

The sensible thing would be if we took it day by day.

I had dreams...

..the whole time it was happening,

I had dreams.

I dreamt that I saw him.

Johnny and me,

walking with our little boy.

A boy, was it?

I often remember being a boy.

Drink up your cocoa, dear.

I'm sorry if I'm fatherly, Felicia.

I can't help being fatherly.

I've grown fond of you.

The first time I saw you... you were there...with your bag,

woebegone and bedraggled.

You were different from the rest.

What rest?

The others.

Beth...

..Elsie...

..Sharon...

Gaye...

..Bobby...

..Jackie...

Samantha.

All on their own journeys.

Lost girls.

I was the world to them.

In their time of need, they counted on me.

But then they wanted to go.

Just like you.

But none of them... ever came into this house.

There was never that.

Then...what was there?

Oh.

A chat in the car.

I like the chats.

Then sleep.

They were always asleep when it happened, Felicia.

When I laid them to rest.

(No!)

Ssh!

Ssh.

I couldn't lay you to rest, dear.

Not until you'd taken care of your little one.

I couldn't do that myself, Felicia.

# You are

# My special angel

# Sent from up above

# My fate...smiled down on me

# And sent an angel to love

# You are...my special angel

# Right from paradise

# I know...that you're an angel

# Heaven is in your eyes... #

KNOCKING

Good afternoon, sir! Thank you for welcoming us.

Today, we bring you the word of our Father Lord.

I myself am from Jamaica, and this is Miss Marcia Tibbits.

May I enquire, sir, if you are familiar with the Bible?

I'm afraid I'm not interested.

If we could step inside, my friend would offer you her own experiences, how SHE was gathered in.

Ten minutes is not much sacrifice. Father Lord gives us time eternal!

We live in a miracle, sir! There is a future for the one who dies.

Look here at this garden, sir. You see the fruits of the trees

and the people of all nations, huh?

Look! No iron bars are needed, sir.

For all the animals are at peace with the happy people.

Look at these bright birds as they flit here and there.

Imagine their beautiful song and the children's laughter,

filling the air!

Look, sir, as the Father Lord is gathering all things in.

Now, look here, I'm busy. I have things to do.

An Irish girl mentioned you, sir.

I remember that now as we stand here. A good man, the girl said. A helpmeet to her.

Duke of Wellington Road, she said.

Big and big-hearted was maybe the description.

She said you seemed...troubled.

Troubled?

I know no Irish people at all.

The girl make a song and dance that she was stolen from.

Nothing better than a common thief.

Soon, the folk will come from all over for our prayer jubilee.

May I ask you, sir, if you have rooms going spare in your house?

Rooms?

What are you talking about?!

Sir, the folk come to rejoice!

For the future is written in the writing of certainty. There will be fruit for all, heavy on the trees.

And the green hills stretch to the horizon, and the corn is lifted from the land!

See the foxes, sir, tamed in their holes.

And the geese, happy in the farmyard barn.

Hear the cries of the children, the voices raised in song for the Lord!

That is the promise, sir! That is the future for the one who dies!

None of us can flee the one who dies,

for the one who dies awaits us for when we, too, have been cleansed

and are ready for the paradise Earth.

There IS a solace for the troubled, sir.

What's SHE doing? What's she writing down? This IS a private house!

What is written, is the address -

3, Duke of Wellington, and the number of folk you have room for, when the jubilee is at hand.

Sir, with the folk around you, you will soon discover a heart of peace.

We understand your trouble, sir.

We have put two and two together.

-What two and two?

-The Irish girl that came to our people after you.

You helped that girl on her way! You did not pass by on the other side.

Sir, you are at one with our church!

I'm sorry. I must get on. This is not my kind of thing.

The girl was chattering. It came out like that. A confidence trickster...

She... She asked me the way.

WE would have shown her the way, sir! As we can show YOU right now!

-Oh, Lord, we give thee thanks!

-Parthians and Medes and Elamites

and the dwellers of Mesopotamia and in Judaea!

-We hear them, some from their gardens, some from the desert! Oh!

-Oh, Lord!

Father Lord!

Get up from the ground! For God's sake, get up!

Put that girl our of your mind, sir! The pain will wash away.

I'm not IN pain! I don't know what you mean by pain!

-The healing will commence!

-I am a catering manager.

I have lived in this house all my days.

I'm a respectable man! Hilditch, I am called.

We have come to gather you,

as we come every day to the houses of the other folk.

Mr Hilditch?

We are concerned for you.

Why not kneel down with us, sir?

Why not permit us to ask for guidance?

We mentioned the girl to you only to compliment you on your charity!

You are not yourself, sir.

I have seen that and have said it.

I took that girl's money...

..to keep her by me.

-I

-am the thief.

No.

No, no.

I am lonely...sometimes... in my house.

Often...

..I am lonely!

You talked about me...

to others.

You told them...I was troubled.

You said this to complete strangers!

I'm sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to upset you.

No-one's blaming YOU, dear.

Things...happen.

Things...take a turn.

We live in a miracle!

That's the promise.

That's the future.

TURNS KEY

The pain...

..will wash away.

The healing...

..will commence.

# What a wonderful world we would live in

# With hatred and love reconciled

# If we only showed each other

# The faith and the heart of a child

# What a wonderful world we could make it

# What a wonderful place it would be

# If we had the faith of a child to act

# And the eyes of a child to see

# Then trust would replace suspicion

# And hope would replace despair

# Our tears would turn to laughter

# And wishing would turn to prayer

# What a wonderful world We would live in

# With hatred and love reconciled

# If you and I had the simple faith

# Found in the heart of a chi-i-ild. #

RECORD CRACKLES

Your grandchild wasn't born, Mrs Lysaght.

Did you tell Johnny?

Did you give him any of these letters?

Wherever Johnny is, I want him to know that I'm all right.

The pain...CAN wash away.

Healing can commence.

Lost within a man who murdered...

..there was a soul like any other.

Purity itself, it surely once had been.

I remember the names of the ones he took away.

Elsie...

..Beth...

..Sharon...

..Jackie...

..Gaye...

..Bobby...

..Samantha.

I remember these names with every new face that I meet.

May we all...rest in peace.

Subtitles by Subtitling Unit BBC Broadcast 2003

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