Notes on a Scandal


Notes on a Scandal

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Transcript


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This programme contains very strong language

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This programme contains some scenes of a sexual nature

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MUSIC: "First Day Of School" - Philip Glass

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'People have always trusted me with their secrets.

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'But who do I trust with mine?'

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'You.

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'Only you.'

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'The first day of a new term.'

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'Here come the local pubescent proles.

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'The future plumbers and shop assistants

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'and doubtless the odd terrorist, too.'

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'In the old days, we confiscated cigarettes and wank mags,

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'now it's knives and crack cocaine.'

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'And they call it progress.'

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HUBBUB

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1517, Martin Luther nails his 95 points to a church door

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in Wittenberg. BELL SOUNDS

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Before we begin, for those of you who haven't delivered your reports,

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please lob in my general direction. Thank you, Bill. Thank you, Marilyn.

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-Thank you, John. Thank you.

-DOOR OPENS

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Ah, has everyone met our new art teacher? Sheba Hart.

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-Hello.

-I've asked Sheba to sit in on this meeting.

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As you all know, I regard the arts as absolutely essential

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to our policy of reform through nurture. Thank you, Chris.

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Very good. Thank you, Sue! I say, that's a big one, isn't it?

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-I'll be up till the crack of dawn!

-LAUGHS

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Anyone else not handed in their homework?

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Thank you. Lovely.

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Barbara?

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This is your report... on the history department?

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On its entire workings

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and your general thoughts for its future development?

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You'll find it's quite thorough, headmaster.

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"The history department functions much as one would expect

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"for a school of this stature and intake.

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"Examination results have been consistent for 30 years,

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"below the national average

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"but above the level of catastrophe.

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"Recommendation - no change necessary."

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Took me most of the summer to write it(!)

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'Hard to read the wispy novice.

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'Is she a sphinx or simply stupid?'

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All right, off you go, please, give me the phone.

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'Artfully dishevelled today.

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'The tweedy tramp coat is an abhorrence,

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'it seems to say, "I'm just like you."

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'But, clearly, she's not.'

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'A fey person, I suspect.

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'Fey.'

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FOOTBALLERS CALL TO EACH OTHER

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Put your shirt on!

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-I got the winner, Miss.

-Glory be(!) Shirt!

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'She has certainly rippled the waters of our stagnant pond.

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'They flock to her. Even limp little Brian had a go.

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-'Oh, the horror.'

-Hiya!

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-Oh, hello.

-That's a lovely blouse.

-What?! Oh!

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'And Fatty Hodge has pounced on her. A dubious double act -

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'the blonde and the pig in knickers.'

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I just passed the art studio, it's like Lord Of The Flies.

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Have they gone for her?

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They tore her posters down. There's a paint fight.

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They're chanting "Get your tits out for the lads."

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-Girls, too. It's carnage.

-How was madam?

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Completely lost it.

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-"Stop it, you fucking bastards!"

-You should have stepped in.

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You don't want to patronise the little lady. She'll be OK.

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-Next year, she'll be headmistress.

-Christ, would you shut up!

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Sorry, sorry.

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Char anyone? Babs?

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Milk, no sugar.

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-Sweet enough?

-Evidently.

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-SNIGGERS

-Didn't her father invent inflation?

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-You what?

-Wasn't he that academic, Donald...whatsit?

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Economics bloke - invented the word "inflation"?

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Oh yeah, I know who you mean.

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I think you'll find that Mrs Hart's father was Professor Ronald Taylor.

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He didn't invent inflation.

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He devised a theory about inflation and consumer expectation.

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SHOUTING ABOVE THE HUBBUB

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PUPILS CHANT: Fight! Fight! Fight!

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Stop it immediately!

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CHANTING CONTINUES

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Now, stop it!

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And get off him!

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Enough!

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Outside! Now!

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-You're a wanker.

-Fuck off!

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Absolute silence! Absolute!

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Why were they fighting, Mrs Hart?

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The motive was unclear.

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Davis, I know, you're a little thug.

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-Who might you be?

-Steven Connolly, Miss.

-What?

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-Steven Connolly, Miss.

-Year?

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-Year 10, Miss.

-You're the naked footballer.

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Why were you fighting? It's a perfectly simple question.

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Dunno, Miss.

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You don't know? One minute you're an inert lump,

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the next you're trying to castrate a fellow pupil.

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-Nothing occurred between these two states?

-No, Miss.

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IMITATES HIS IRISH ACCENT: Don't play the hero with me, Connolly.

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Yes! Brain, mouth, speak.

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He was saying stuff about Miss. It was bang out of order.

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-What did you say?

-I never said nothing, Miss.

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"I didn't say ANYTHING". What did you say? Come on!

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He said she's a tart. He said he gave her one up the arse.

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Do you, indeed? Odious boy. Apologise at once.

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-Sorry, Miss.

-Deputy head in the morning.

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Get back inside, both of you.

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Little towers of testosterone, you'll soon get used to them.

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Thank you so much.

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I better... I'm sorry we haven't met properly, have we? I'm Sheba Hart.

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Barbara Covett. SHEBA LAUGHS NERVOUSLY

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'Her voice is pure, as if her mouth were empty and clean.

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'As if she'd never had a filling.

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'The complexion of a white peach.

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'One can almost see her veins.

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'Her trendy politics are similarly transparent.'

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We serve them best if we teach them to read, write and add.

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'They don't need to know about the basket weavers of Chile.'

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-Barbara's keen on the basics.

-But when you started, didn't you want

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to give them a REAL education, to help them overcome

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the poverty of their backgrounds.

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Yes, of course.

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But one soon learns that teaching is crowd control.

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Come here!

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We're a branch of the social services.

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-Put that back, you!

-Get off!

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Console yourself with the gems, that's when it's satisfying.

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Then you can make a real difference.

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The rest is just cattle prod and pray.

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'I can see why others are beguiled by her.'

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Oh, hello.

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'But I wonder if she possesses the requisite heft.'

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-Do you fancy a coffee?

-Yeah.

-Sheba!

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-RINGTONE

-Sorry, I...

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-Sheba!

-Year 11s, they're a nightmare.

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-Sue! Do you want to join us for a quick coffee?

-Great!

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-I've got a bit of an announcement.

-Your leaving St George's?

-No.

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Oh, you're pregnant?

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That's fantastic! Oh, congratulations!

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-When are you due?

-June 7th.

-A summer baby, how lovely.

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I can't believe that nobody's noticed. I'm 14 weeks!

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-Didn't you see how chunky I'm getting?

-Didn't like to say.

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-Where are you having it?

-Homerton. Really nice there.

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Lovely, friendly nurses. I'm going to find out at the next scan...

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Do you want to come to lunch on Sunday?

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-Where?

-To mine, to our house.

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-Won't you be with the family?

-Oh yes, but you're very welcome.

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It's no big deal, I'll just do a lasagne or something.

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I adore lasagne!

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'Bliss!

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'A merry flag on the Arctic wilderness of my calendar.

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'One must make an effort when one receives an invitation.

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'The art of it is seeming not to.'

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'Lasagne tends to disagree with my bowels.

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'I'll ask for a small portion.'

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-Oh, I think I've got the wrong house.

-No, you're bang on.

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I'm Richard, Come in.

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Sorry, I thought, um...

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That I'd be 20 years younger and twice as handsome!

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-Bash!

-The kitchen's on fire!

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Sorry if you were out there long, the bell's knackered.

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-Hi, Barbara.

-Hello!

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Oh, what a splendid room.

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Er, what can I get you? We're semi-pro drinkers here! You name it.

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I would like a dry sherry, please.

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Erm, I think we might have some apricot brandy knocking around.

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-Erm, dry white wine.

-Done. Have a seat.

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-You must be Polly. I'm Barbara.

-Hi, Barbara.

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-Are you going somewhere?

-Excuse me?

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-You're all poshed up.

-Oh, er, I have an appointment.

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Er, later. Er, in town.

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-Have you always lived here?

-Mum inherited it.

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-It's her little joke.

-I only married her for the property. Morning(!)

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-Did Pete go? He was welcome to stay.

-He's not really into lunch.

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-Cheers.

-Mmm.

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-Are you interested in wine?

-Only the drinking part. Are you?

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Well, I spent a portion of the summer on the Amalfi coast...

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-SHOUTING

-Here's trouble.

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-..and I...

-No-no-no. Easy! Easy!

-LAUGHTER

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'I'd anticipated a suave, young lawyer and two perfect poppets.

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'Not so.

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'She's married some crumbling patriarch.

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'He's nearly as old as me.

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'And then there's the daughter, the pocket princess.

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'And finally, a somewhat tiresome court jester.'

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Ah, lovely, thank you.

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-I'm going to be a wizard.

-Oh, is that when you're grown up?

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No, he's just been cast in his school play.

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-Oh!

-I'm going to wear a cape!

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Amongst next month's cultural highlights,

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I greatly look forward to Benjamin Hart in the key role of the wizard!

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Indeed, I find myself beside myself with anticipation.

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'A rogue image swam through me.

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'Hubby's pruny, old mouth pursed at Sheba's breast.'

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MUSIC: "Funky Kingston" - Toots And The Maytals

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'After lunch, a rather mortifying family tradition.

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'They do things differently in bourgeois Bohemia.'

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# Give it to me

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# I want you to believe every word I say

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# I want you to believe everything I do

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Oh! Thank you.

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# And I got to find some way to make it

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# Music is what I've got baby

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-Come on, come on.

-No!

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# Shake it, shake it, baby

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# Oh yeah Yeah

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#Na na na

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-# Na na na na...

-MOBILE PHONE RINGS

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# Na na na na Oh yeah

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# Na na na Na-na na na na na

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# Come on Funky, funky, funky #

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-Ready?

-Watch out!

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Yes!

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Took me away for our anniversary. It was years ago.

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-When we came back, it was here.

-Ah!

-As if by magic.

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Ah!

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It was supposed to be my studio.

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It's more of a refuge, really.

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A room of one's own.

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LAUGHS Is this you?

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Mmm. It was.

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Oh! I love these. Such vibrant colours.

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Take one. Take two. Have the lot, actually.

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-I couldn't possibly.

-Honestly, no one else wants them.

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I'll treasure them.

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Must be exhausting, running a family and teaching as well.

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I can't wait for term to end.

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Roll on Christmas and a month of sod all.

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I shouldn't have kidded myself I could teach.

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It's just that I spent the last ten years looking after Ben,

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and I was desperate to get out and do something,

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and finally we get him into this great local school

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and I am free to work and...

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-You're going to be a terrific teacher.

-Thanks.

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But I'm bloody hopeless and everyone knows it.

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Children are feral. Don't let them sense your anxiety.

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How do you cope?

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Oh, I'm just a battleaxe.

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Not popular but they respect me.

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Well, you're popular with me.

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It's strange, but I can talk to you.

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'She spoke of her vile mother.

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'Her grief over the death of her father.

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'The glory days when Richard scooped her up

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'and then jettisoned wife and children

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'for what she called "a non-stop fuckfest."

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'It's a peculiar trait of the privileged -

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'immediate incautious intimacy.

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'But Sheba went well beyond the tendencies of her class.

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'She was utterly candid.

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'A novice, confessing to the mother superior.'

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Do you know, marriage and kids, I mean it's wonderful, but...

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..it doesn't give you meaning.

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It gives you an imperative, but it doesn't help you...

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My father always used to say, you know, on the Tube, "Mind the gap!"

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Um...

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Um, I don't know, it's just...

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the distance between life as you dream it...

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and life as it is.

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I know exactly what you mean.

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'A gold-star day.

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'I always knew we'd be friends.

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'Our mutual reserve inhibited us, but now it is manifest.

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'A spiritual recognition.'

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At the end of this year, many of you will enjoy Christmas...

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' "S" and I share the ability

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'to see through the quotidian awfulness of things.'

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'In a different, better age, we would be ladies of leisure,

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'lunching together, visiting galleries, travelling,

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'putting the world to rights. We would be...companions.'

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# Christ by highest Heaven adored

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# Christ the everlasting Lord

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# Late in time behold him come

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# Offspring off the virgin's womb...

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It's taken. I'm saving it for Sheba. Sorry.

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# ..the incarnate Deity

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# As man with man to dwell

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# Jesus, Emmanuel

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# Hark the herald angels sing

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# Glory to... #

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MUSIC: "Discovery" - Philip Glass

0:19:390:19:43

HE WHISPERS

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ENTHUSIASTIC APPLAUSE

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Very good! Well done!

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CHILDREN CHANT: # Hark the herald angels sing

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# Glory to the newborn King

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# Hark the herald angels sing

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# Glory to the newborn King

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# Hark the herald angels sing

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# Glory to the newborn King. #

0:21:080:21:12

BIRDSONG

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Darling, put it in the car.

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-Pop it in the car, sweetheart.

-PHONE RINGS

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Hello!

0:21:480:21:49

I need to speak to you about Steven Connolly.

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-Who?

-Let's not, shall we?

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Doubtless you're aware you committed a criminal offence.

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I'll be with you at five.

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(Let's go to the pub, OK?)

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When - when will you tell them?

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I need to know the circumstances. You must inform me of everything.

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Actually, you were there when I first saw him.

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I think you gave him a telling off.

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I gave him a slight ticking off.

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He dedicated his goal to me.

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It amused me. Nothing more.

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A few days later, he came to see me.

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-Miss, would you look at me drawings, please.

-I'll look at them in class.

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-You do art, don't you?

-I'm not allowed, I'm special needs,

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I've got to do extra reading instead.

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Did you do these at home?

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These are good.

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You can draw.

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If we pull strings for one child, the whole system will unravel.

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But he's talented! He's actually found something he believes in.

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They're all talented.

0:23:190:23:21

You found your "gem", as Sue would say.

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I said that I would teach him after school, but only if he felt like it.

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-It's the job, isn't it?

-Within specified hours and a specified curriculum.

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Barbara, he came every day for two weeks.

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Yes, I was flattered.

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And more than that, I was excited to find someone who wanted to learn.

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He imagined a sort of helicopter 500 years ago.

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It does your brain in.

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Surely must have suspected his motives?

0:23:510:23:55

I sensed he had a little crush on me, but so what?

0:23:550:23:59

It was innocent.

0:23:590:24:00

-That's so much better. You've got that knuckle.

-I've nailed it.

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-Do that again, Miss.

-Don't be silly! Off you go.

0:24:080:24:12

What are you having for tea, Miss?

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I don't know, I'll buy something on the way home.

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-Are you a good cook?

-Not really.

-You suck?

0:24:180:24:21

Go home, Steven.

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-Well, that's when you should have stopped it.

-I did.

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I told him I wouldn't teach him any more.

0:24:410:24:44

He refused to accept it, he just kept coming back.

0:24:440:24:47

Miss!

0:24:480:24:50

'It began to feel like our secret and secrets can be seductive.'

0:24:520:25:00

-Do you wanna come for a walk?

-Absolutely not.

0:25:090:25:13

-I'm going home to my family, as should you.

-Miss!

0:25:130:25:17

My dad's got the sack. He's been taking it out on me.

0:25:220:25:26

'His father had been hitting him,

0:25:260:25:27

'he didn't want to tell his mum because she was ill.'

0:25:270:25:30

Does your mother know?

0:25:300:25:33

'Kidney disease.'

0:25:330:25:34

It's taken months for an operation.

0:25:340:25:36

'He was so vulnerable.'

0:25:360:25:38

-If he does it again, you tell me.

-Thanks, Miss.

0:25:380:25:41

You're beautiful, Miss. You don't know how beautiful you are.

0:25:430:25:47

I hadn't been pursued like this for years.

0:25:550:25:58

I knew it was wrong and immoral and completely ridiculous,

0:25:580:26:03

but, I don't know, I just allowed it to happen.

0:26:030:26:09

The boy is 15!

0:26:090:26:10

-But he's quite mature for his age.

-"But" is not a helpful word here.

0:26:120:26:16

This is going to sound sick.

0:26:180:26:20

But something in me felt...entitled.

0:26:210:26:25

I've been good all my adult life, I've been a decent wife,

0:26:250:26:30

a dutiful mother, coping with Ben.

0:26:300:26:33

This voice inside me kept saying, "Why shouldn't you be bad?"

0:26:330:26:37

"Why shouldn't you transgress? You've earned the right."

0:26:370:26:41

I said get out. The rest of you get on with your work, please.

0:26:410:26:45

-HUBBUB THROUGHOUT

-Hurry up!

0:26:460:26:49

TELEVISION PLAYS

0:26:560:26:58

BEN LAUGHS

0:27:000:27:02

Sue phoned. OK if I meet her for a drink?

0:27:150:27:19

Sure, I'll put bugalugs to bed.

0:27:190:27:23

Evening, Miss.

0:27:350:27:37

Make yourself comfortable.

0:28:070:28:10

It's incredibly important we keep this secret.

0:28:100:28:14

-Does anyone know you're here?

-No.

0:28:170:28:20

Miss, I'm no genius. But I ain't a dickhead.

0:28:240:28:30

I won't tell no one. You can trust me.

0:28:300:28:34

We'd both get into terrible trouble.

0:28:370:28:40

TRAIN RUMBLES BY

0:28:510:28:54

It was easy.

0:29:020:29:05

Like having another drink when you know you know you shouldn't.

0:29:050:29:10

Can I smoke, Miss?

0:29:120:29:15

You can do what you want. Enough of this "Miss".

0:29:150:29:20

Were you a model once?

0:29:280:29:32

Well, you should've been. You're well fit.

0:29:320:29:36

-Gosh, but don't I know it!

-You're into The Streets?!

0:29:360:29:40

Well, my daughter is.

0:29:400:29:43

Is she the same age as me?

0:29:440:29:47

None of your beeswax.

0:29:470:29:50

Well, anyway, the point is, you're fit.

0:29:540:29:57

-Well, so are you.

-Do you reckon?

0:29:590:30:03

My sister thinks I look like a bollock with measles.

0:30:030:30:07

You've done my brain in.

0:30:080:30:12

HE LAUGHS QUIETLY

0:30:120:30:14

SHE SIGHS

0:30:200:30:22

-Want to do it again?

-SHE LAUGHS

0:30:400:30:42

-What?

-SHE LAUGHS

0:30:440:30:46

Yes.

0:30:480:30:50

I want to do it again. (I want to do it again.)

0:30:500:30:52

The day we met,

0:30:590:31:02

it had already begun?

0:31:020:31:04

Yes.

0:31:050:31:07

Deputy head in the morning.

0:31:070:31:10

Noble sentiment, Connolly, next time words, not fists.

0:31:100:31:15

Get inside, both of you.

0:31:150:31:17

'And you had further relations that day?'

0:31:170:31:20

We went to the art room.

0:31:220:31:23

I'm glad I was such an aphrodisiac. I was trying to help you.

0:31:230:31:26

You did.

0:31:260:31:28

I'm incredibly grateful, you've been such a good friend.

0:31:280:31:32

Not reciprocated, it seems.

0:31:330:31:36

I desperately wanted to confess to you.

0:31:390:31:43

But how could I?

0:31:430:31:45

Barbara. It would have put you in an impossible situation.

0:31:450:31:51

I so wish I had.

0:31:530:31:55

You would have made me see sense.

0:31:550:31:58

'And then I realised my fury had blinded me.

0:31:580:32:03

'There was a magnificent opportunity here.'

0:32:030:32:07

Can we go inside? I'm absolutely freezing.

0:32:070:32:10

'With stealth,

0:32:120:32:13

'I might secure the prize long-term - forever in my debt.

0:32:130:32:20

'I could gain everything by doing nothing.'

0:32:200:32:26

Look.

0:32:280:32:30

I know you have to tell them, you know the head, the school.

0:32:310:32:36

All I ask is that you wait till the New Year.

0:32:360:32:39

Please, I'm begging you,

0:32:410:32:43

-please let me have this Christmas with my family.

-Oh, you poor thing.

0:32:430:32:49

You got yourself into a state.

0:32:490:32:51

I'm not going to report you.

0:32:530:32:55

I want to help you, to support you through this.

0:32:550:32:59

You're not...not going to tell?

0:33:040:33:06

-You won't tell anyone?

-Who would it benefit?

0:33:080:33:12

Not you, or the boy, certainly not the school.

0:33:120:33:16

No, this is a private matter and we must keep it so.

0:33:160:33:20

-Yes.

-SOBS

0:33:220:33:24

-Maybe I should resign.

-Oh no! That might alert suspicion.

0:33:290:33:33

No, you must stay at school but the affair must end.

0:33:330:33:36

Your solemn promise.

0:33:390:33:41

I can't help you if you don't promise.

0:33:430:33:45

I promise.

0:33:460:33:48

So you'll tell him straight after Christmas?

0:33:500:33:54

-It's all for the best.

-I know.

0:33:540:33:57

Thank you SO much, you've been SO brilliant.

0:33:570:34:01

You tell me when it's done.

0:34:010:34:03

Oh! You never said.

0:34:080:34:09

Standard issue for spinsters. SHEBA LAUGHS

0:34:090:34:13

She's been off her food, I've been worried about her.

0:34:130:34:16

There's a terrific vet up the road, he was great with Ben's rabbit.

0:34:160:34:19

Got many people coming tomorrow?

0:34:190:34:22

-Mmm. My lot, Richard's lot - including first wife.

-Oh.

0:34:220:34:27

-And your mother?

-Oh yes.

0:34:270:34:30

-Well, happy Christmas.

-Yeah, you too, thank you so much.

0:34:300:34:35

Courage, mon brave!

0:34:360:34:37

'And bon voyage to her little leprechaun.'

0:34:370:34:42

'Sheba and I share a deep understanding now.

0:34:440:34:48

'No one can violate our magnificent complicity.'

0:34:500:34:55

No, no, no. Wait till tomorrow! Stop!

0:34:550:34:59

-THEY LAUGH

-You've been gone ages.

0:34:590:35:02

Barbara was...some school thing.

0:35:020:35:06

How's his nibs?

0:35:060:35:08

Still awake. He's madly excited. I said he could stay up for you.

0:35:080:35:11

And Polly?

0:35:110:35:14

Depressed. Er, Pete phoned, they had a row.

0:35:140:35:21

And he's not coming tomorrow.

0:35:210:35:23

You think it's bad news?

0:35:230:35:26

Well, these older men can be very dodgy!

0:35:260:35:29

LAUGHS

0:35:310:35:32

KNOCK AT DOOR DOOR OPENS

0:35:430:35:45

Did Daddy tell you?

0:35:460:35:48

-SOBS

-He's going to bin me. I know it.

0:35:500:35:55

You're lovely darling, he's clever enough to appreciate it.

0:35:550:36:00

I'm fat as fuck, Mum.

0:36:000:36:03

He'll be back.

0:36:040:36:07

-SOBS

-I can't live without him.

0:36:070:36:09

Oh.

0:36:090:36:11

'Her fetish for the boy was simply her snobbery manifested.

0:36:130:36:17

'He's working class and he likes art,

0:36:170:36:19

'as if he were a monkey who'd just strolled out of the rainforest

0:36:190:36:23

'and asked for a gin and tonic.'

0:36:230:36:26

Have you heard from that friend of yours, Barbara?

0:36:300:36:34

Bar, wakey, wakey!

0:36:340:36:38

-Lorraine was asking if you'd heard from that nice friend of yours.

-Who?

0:36:380:36:41

Jennifer Dodd.

0:36:410:36:43

Oh, she left the school.

0:36:440:36:48

She's teaching in a primary at Stoke.

0:36:480:36:51

There's a chap apparently, I heard they're engaged.

0:36:510:36:55

-LOUD HUBBUB

-But it's true, it would be insane.

0:37:000:37:02

-Is the most ridiculous time for him to sell.

-That's what I said.

0:37:020:37:06

-ALL TALKING

-..you should give me a ring.

0:37:060:37:10

It's absolute madness for him,. I am happy to speak to him...

0:37:100:37:14

..a parent or something, I am nothing of the kind.

0:37:140:37:18

Can we have gravy, darling?

0:37:180:37:21

Why can't we just have it delivered?

0:37:210:37:23

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

0:37:250:37:28

-With the market where it is...

-SCREAMS PLAYFULLY

0:37:310:37:34

This is what she's like. >

0:37:500:37:52

Ever since Ronald died she's drifted inexorably. >

0:37:520:37:56

You see her father was an exceptional man, exceptional.

0:37:560:38:00

Bathsheba's a loner, I'm afraid.

0:38:000:38:03

She's beautiful, thank God, and it got her through,

0:38:030:38:06

but it's not quite the same as possessing substance.

0:38:060:38:10

Happy Christmas.

0:38:180:38:20

What are you doing here? Everyone's inside.

0:38:200:38:23

Aren't you going to open it?

0:38:230:38:25

It's made of real fake gold!

0:38:300:38:34

Thank you.

0:38:360:38:38

What's up? I haven't heard from you.

0:38:380:38:40

I can't see you any more.

0:38:440:38:46

Sorry.

0:38:480:38:50

I just can't. It's over.

0:38:500:38:53

Why?

0:38:530:38:54

-RICHARD:

-Bash! Bash!

0:38:540:38:58

-She's not here!

-DROPS BIN BAG

0:38:580:39:03

DOOR SHUTS

0:39:030:39:05

Was that your dad?

0:39:050:39:07

No, it's an uncle.

0:39:090:39:12

Do you wanna end it?

0:39:140:39:16

Please don't look at me like that.

0:39:160:39:18

-Have you gone off me?

-No!

0:39:180:39:22

You should go.

0:39:220:39:23

Please! Don't make...

0:39:240:39:26

Just go.

0:39:260:39:28

-POLLY LAUGHS

-What colour are they?

-Is it Pete?

0:39:490:39:53

SHE SOBS

0:40:050:40:08

'I long to phone "S", but it's late.'

0:40:170:40:20

'Poor girl. All alone with her awful family.

0:40:220:40:27

'Our lives are acutely similar in so many respects.'

0:40:270:40:31

Sis!

0:40:320:40:34

Writing the old diary? I can't imagine how you keep at it.

0:40:370:40:42

-LAUGHS

-I'd have nothing to say.

0:40:420:40:45

-CAT MEWS

-Ah!

0:40:450:40:48

You know you're welcome whenever you want, not just once a year.

0:40:510:40:56

It's just that I'm rather busy at the moment.

0:40:570:41:01

Racy London life!

0:41:010:41:04

I'm glad it's so full.

0:41:040:41:06

I'm sorry about Jennifer, she was lovely.

0:41:080:41:11

Is there anyone else? Someone else who's special?

0:41:150:41:20

-I don't know what you mean.

-I didn't mean to pry.

0:41:200:41:26

SHEBA MOANS

0:41:280:41:31

-Belated Christmas present.

-Thank you.

0:41:450:41:48

Oh my word! Asprey.

0:41:520:41:56

How is she?

0:42:090:42:10

You are the most wonderful friend.

0:42:140:42:16

Any good?

0:42:320:42:34

It's a masterpiece.

0:42:360:42:38

Don't they teach you anything?

0:42:380:42:42

I used to worship her.

0:42:550:42:57

-Take it off.

-What's it for?

0:43:060:43:08

-Just take it off, please, erm, I'm still making it.

-Yeah, but why?

0:43:080:43:13

-I-it's for my son.

-But he's 12, isn't he?

0:43:150:43:18

He's got Down's syndrome.

0:43:180:43:19

You never said.

0:43:240:43:26

Sorry.

0:43:290:43:30

Sorry.

0:43:310:43:33

CAT RETCHES

0:43:450:43:46

Oh!

0:43:460:43:48

Oh!

0:43:480:43:50

-I'm sure, she's had a very happy life.

-Oh yes, she has. Thank you.

0:43:500:43:56

We could make her feel more comfortable for the next few weeks,

0:43:560:44:00

but it will be weeks rather than months.

0:44:000:44:04

You've had a terrible shock.

0:44:040:44:06

Where's Richard? I don't want to disturb your weekend.

0:44:080:44:11

-It's fine, everyone's out.

-MOBILE PHONE RINGS

0:44:110:44:16

Can they treat her?

0:44:180:44:21

He says it's just a matter of weeks.

0:44:210:44:23

SHE SOBS She's only a pet.

0:44:230:44:27

Oh no! I cried for weeks when our dog died. Weeks.

0:44:270:44:31

One does get so attached.

0:44:310:44:33

-I should leave you in peace.

-Yeah.

0:44:440:44:49

I like that top, it suits you.

0:44:590:45:01

-Oh, thanks.

-MOBILE BEEPS

0:45:010:45:04

When I was at school, if one of us had had some bad news

0:45:070:45:12

or was a bit down,

0:45:120:45:16

we used to stroke each other.

0:45:160:45:18

You know, someone would do one arm, and someone else the other.

0:45:180:45:23

It's a wonderful sensation. Did you do that at your school?

0:45:240:45:28

No.

0:45:280:45:31

It's incredibly relaxing.

0:45:310:45:34

For the giver and the receiver.

0:45:340:45:38

-Close your eyes.

-Oh!

0:45:440:45:46

No really, it doesn't work if you don't.

0:45:460:45:48

-(There's a good girl.)

-I think that's enough.

0:46:260:46:28

-Close your eyes.

-Look, I really think that's enough, Barbara.

0:46:280:46:33

There's someone in your garden!

0:46:400:46:43

He came over the wall.

0:46:430:46:44

It's probably the neighbour's boy - lost his football.

0:46:440:46:48

-He's going into the summer house. Call the police!

-It's the kid from next door, forget it.

0:46:480:46:53

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

0:46:530:46:55

"Where are you?"

0:46:590:47:00

"I've been dreaming about your hot, sweet cunt all morning."

0:47:000:47:04

"Hello."

0:47:040:47:06

"Hello."

0:47:070:47:09

Richard's on his way home.

0:47:090:47:10

No, I can't. I can't. I'll call you. Barbara! Barbara! I'm sorry!

0:47:100:47:16

I'm so sorry! Bar!

0:47:160:47:19

Please, I tried, honestly. I just couldn't.

0:47:190:47:22

I risked everything for you and in return you humiliate me.

0:47:220:47:25

I didn't mean to upset you. I need your help more than ever. Don't go like this!

0:47:250:47:30

-You promised to end it, why didn't you?

-Because I...

-What?

0:47:300:47:34

You're in love?

0:47:340:47:35

And the child, do you imagine he reciprocates your soppy feelings?

0:47:350:47:39

I dare say he's fascinated by the neurotic

0:47:390:47:42

compulsions of a middle-class lady with marital problems.

0:47:420:47:46

-Bar!

-There's nothing crueller than the adolescent boy. I know them.

0:47:460:47:49

Once he's had his fill, he'll discard you like a rag. You're not young!

0:47:490:47:54

I say this to help you, end it now.

0:47:540:47:57

-Yes...yes, I'm thinking.

-Don't think, do. Do, do, do, do!

0:47:580:48:03

Or shall I just sit here doing my nails till your husband returns?

0:48:030:48:06

-No, I'll do it.

-What are you waiting for?

0:48:060:48:09

RINGS DOORBELL

0:48:240:48:25

Mr Connolly, I'm Mrs Hart - from St George's.

0:48:310:48:36

Steven's not in trouble, I just need to talk to him about an art project.

0:48:360:48:40

-Come in, come in.

-Thank you.

-He's just upstairs.

0:48:400:48:44

It's very good of you to give him the extra lessons.

0:48:480:48:51

It's the first on the left, it's probably best to knock!

0:48:510:48:55

So that's your vicious father?

0:49:030:49:04

You wanted a sob story, I gave it to you.

0:49:040:49:06

-Made you feel like Bob Geldof.

-You lied to me!

0:49:060:49:09

Ooh, sorry, Miss! What? Would you prefer I lived in a shithole?

0:49:090:49:12

-And your mother?

-I think she's going to pull through(!)

0:49:120:49:16

What do you want? What are you doing here?

0:49:160:49:19

They're going to expel me now!

0:49:220:49:24

-No, they won't. I'll get the blame if she tells.

-As if she won't!

0:49:240:49:28

-She likes me, she might not.

-Likes you how? Like that?

0:49:300:49:33

You're giving her one an' all?

0:49:330:49:35

Why are you being so cruel?

0:49:350:49:37

Why, Steven?

0:49:370:49:39

I really like you.

0:49:410:49:42

You're a nice person and you've been cool, and it's been great. OK?

0:49:420:49:46

It was supposed to be fun, and now it's a serious thing.

0:49:460:49:51

Whatever shit you're working out,

0:49:530:49:55

you know, your husband, your kid, you.

0:49:550:49:59

I don't know. I can't help you.

0:49:590:50:04

'As my mother would have said, "The boy done her like a kipper." '

0:50:540:50:59

'She has nowhere to turn but trusty, old Bar.'

0:51:010:51:05

'She mopes and mourns for her pubescent paramour.'

0:51:120:51:16

'But she knows my interventions have saved her life.'

0:51:180:51:22

'And she is sweetly grateful.'

0:51:240:51:26

'Her betrayal hurt me more than I dare show,

0:51:270:51:31

'but I will forgive her, and heal myself in private.'

0:51:310:51:36

'She's worth it, this one.

0:51:370:51:39

'She's the one I've waited for.'

0:51:390:51:42

'She's beginning to understand that her dalliance with Master Connolly

0:51:450:51:50

'was a consequence of her dead marriage. It's a sham,

0:51:500:51:53

'fuelled only by the memory of former glories.'

0:51:530:51:57

'Whereas we are going through the fire,

0:51:590:52:02

'forging our friendship with a stronger bond each day.'

0:52:020:52:07

'In fact, we are now entering a delicate, new phase.

0:52:080:52:14

'We are silently and stealthily

0:52:140:52:18

'negotiating the terms of a life lived together.

0:52:180:52:24

'Now, more than ever, we are bound by the secrets we share.'

0:52:240:52:30

'I'm invited to drop in on them this summer,

0:52:320:52:35

'at their house in the Dordogne.'

0:52:350:52:38

'I might just do that.'

0:52:400:52:42

I once sat here discussing Elgar for three hours.

0:52:470:52:52

God, who with?

0:52:520:52:54

Just a friend, Jennifer.

0:52:540:52:57

This was our haunt.

0:52:570:52:59

We were quite chummy for a while,

0:53:020:53:04

-but, poor thing, she suffered from a terrible depression.

-Oh.

0:53:040:53:10

I tried to help but she rather unravelled.

0:53:100:53:14

-She became alarmingly deluded.

-Did she go to hospital?

0:53:140:53:19

No. No, she got a job in Stoke.

0:53:190:53:22

-When was this?

-Last summer. But I feel I should have done more.

0:53:220:53:28

I'm sure she knows you did your best.

0:53:280:53:30

-You're such a sensitive person.

-One conceals it, of course.

0:53:320:53:36

People languish for years with partners

0:53:400:53:44

-who are clearly from another planet.

-Mmm.

0:53:440:53:48

We want so much to believe that we've found our other.

0:53:480:53:51

It takes courage to recognise the real as opposed to the convenient.

0:53:510:53:57

When I was young, I had such a vision of myself.

0:54:000:54:04

I dreamt I'd be someone to be reckoned with,

0:54:050:54:08

you know, in the world.

0:54:080:54:09

But one learns one's scale.

0:54:110:54:14

-Hmm.

-I've such a dread of ending my days alone.

-Yes. We all...

0:54:170:54:24

But recently, I've allowed myself to think that I may not be...

0:54:240:54:29

Am I wrong?

0:54:320:54:34

No!

0:54:370:54:40

-Do you want to stay?

-Yes.

0:54:520:54:55

Sometimes people find it comforting to see them at peace.

0:54:550:55:00

Would you like to come back, in 20 minutes, to say goodbye?

0:55:000:55:04

SHE SOBS

0:55:040:55:06

Have you got your seatbelt on, darling?

0:55:130:55:15

-Oh, no, what the fuck?

-Oh God, not her!

-Shut up!

0:55:150:55:19

-Mum, don't get out of the car!

-Is it Portia? Oh no!

0:55:190:55:24

I've got to go back to the vet's after it is done.

0:55:260:55:29

-Will you come with me, I just can't on my own?

-Of course, I would,

0:55:290:55:33

-it's just that Ben's doing his play at his school.

-Play?

0:55:330:55:36

-We're all going, we're a bit late actually.

-Hurry up, Mum!

0:55:360:55:39

Someone has died!

0:55:390:55:40

-I know, and it's terribly sad.

-Mum!

0:55:400:55:45

-You owe me this.

-Come on!

-RICHARD:

-Ben, you make her vanish.

0:55:450:55:48

-Use your wand or something!

-He's doing a show,

0:55:480:55:51

-for the first time in his life.

-That's your choice, is it?

0:55:510:55:54

-CAR HORN

-Why not come? You'd be very welcome.

0:55:540:55:58

I thought you understood what friendship means.

0:55:580:56:00

But he's my child, he's my son. He's just a little boy.

0:56:000:56:05

Don't play the good mother with me.

0:56:050:56:08

Excuse me, what's going on? Is this some kind of coven?

0:56:080:56:10

-I can explain. Would you like me to?

-Bar's had bad news about her cat.

0:56:100:56:14

My condolences. Poor pussy(!) Now, can I have my wife back, please.

0:56:140:56:18

-I don't like your tone.

-Why is she always here?

0:56:180:56:20

What kind of fucking spell has she cast on you?

0:56:200:56:23

-BEN SHOUTS

-Ben is getting stressed. He's going to blow!

0:56:230:56:26

For God's sake, get in the bloody car!

0:56:260:56:28

Give me a minute, will you? I can handle this.

0:56:280:56:30

Oh, I'm to be handled am I, like toxic waste?

0:56:300:56:34

You see me on sufferance, I'm an imposition to be tolerated?

0:56:340:56:37

No, of course not. I love our time together.

0:56:370:56:40

I'm you're good, good friend.

0:56:400:56:41

Then stay with me.

0:56:410:56:43

-CAR HORN

-I would if I could.

0:56:430:56:44

I am desperately sorry about Portia but you can see I have to go.

0:56:440:56:48

Think very carefully, madam. Be aware of the consequences.

0:56:480:56:52

-Please don't make this any more than it is.

-Stay with me!

0:56:520:56:56

CAR HORN I don't know what I'll do.

0:56:560:56:58

-Come on, let's go!

-Look, I'll call you, I promise.

0:56:580:57:01

'They always let you down, in the end.

0:57:070:57:09

'Jennifer said I was too intense.

0:57:090:57:13

'Meaning what, exactly? That I'm loyal in my friendships?'

0:57:130:57:16

'That I will go to the ends of the Earth for someone I admire?'

0:57:180:57:21

-Shazam!

-APPLAUSE

0:57:210:57:24

RICHARD CHEERS

0:57:240:57:26

DOORBELL

0:57:340:57:36

Not disturbing you, am I?

0:57:470:57:49

It's just, er, I need to talk to you about Mrs Hart.

0:57:510:57:57

-Sheba.

-Ah.

0:57:590:58:02

It's a bit delicate. Can I come in?

0:58:020:58:05

-Tea?

-Oh, lovely, thanks.

0:58:190:58:21

You haven't got a biscuit?

0:58:250:58:27

Cheers.

0:58:340:58:35

Would you like me to take your hat?

0:58:380:58:39

Ah! Been up the Lane, White Hart Lane, home of the mighty Spurs.

0:58:390:58:44

-Were you victorious?

-3-0. Jermain Defoe. Get in there!

0:58:440:58:47

My father was a supporter of Charlton Athletic.

0:58:500:58:53

It never seemed to give him any pleasure.

0:58:530:58:58

-Where's the moggy?

-She's dead.

0:58:580:59:01

Oh, dear.

0:59:030:59:05

My condolences.

0:59:050:59:07

-Oh, is this not a good time?

-It's a very good time.

0:59:110:59:16

Mrs Hart?

0:59:270:59:29

Yeah. Erm, it's just...

0:59:290:59:33

Anything you tell me will be in strictest confidence.

0:59:330:59:36

The thing is, I was wondering if she's, um,

0:59:380:59:42

ever mentioned me.

0:59:420:59:46

Does she ever mention me?

0:59:470:59:49

Let me think.

0:59:500:59:52

No, never.

0:59:520:59:53

Actually, yes. She mentioned you had invested in a new shirt.

0:59:530:59:58

-I think it was last term.

-Lashed out on Nicole Farhi.

0:59:581:00:02

Thing is, over the last few months,

1:00:031:00:06

well, ever since I met her, really, I've...

1:00:061:00:09

Brian, are you in love?

1:00:091:00:11

-I've been a bit bloody obvious, haven't I?

-Utterly clandestine.

1:00:141:00:18

So she mentioned this shirt, then?

1:00:191:00:21

You do know she's married?

1:00:211:00:23

Yes, but she's quite flirty and you never know with people, do you?

1:00:231:00:26

Indeed you don't.

1:00:261:00:29

I wouldn't want to make a move if I'm just going to get knocked back,

1:00:291:00:32

what with staff politics and the head being such a stickler.

1:00:321:00:35

-You have to be really careful with these things.

-It's a minefield.

1:00:351:00:40

So would... I mean, do you think you could have a word with her

1:00:401:00:46

and just suss the lie of the land?

1:00:461:00:50

You'd like me to ask Mrs Hart

1:00:501:00:54

if she's inclined to commit adultery with you?

1:00:541:00:57

I don't want you to suffer more than is necessary, no one should.

1:01:001:01:06

I couldn't possibly speak for Mrs Hart, but

1:01:061:01:09

instinct tells me you might not be her type.

1:01:091:01:13

-She's got a type, then?

-It's no reflection on your attractiveness.

1:01:151:01:20

But my impression is that her preference is for the younger man.

1:01:221:01:27

Surprisingly young.

1:01:301:01:32

Boys, I'm told.

1:01:331:01:34

Naturally, she doesn't discuss any of this with me,

1:01:341:01:38

but I've been hearing rather alarming rumours about one in particular,

1:01:381:01:43

playground gossip, staff-room whispers and so on.

1:01:431:01:48

You might know the boy in question.

1:01:481:01:53

Erm...

1:01:531:01:56

Steven Connolly.

1:01:561:01:58

Year 10?

1:01:591:02:00

I think the kettle's boiled.

1:02:021:02:05

'You say the words and it's done. Easy.'

1:02:061:02:10

'Judas had the grace to hang himself.

1:02:151:02:18

'But only according to Matthew, the most sentimental of the apostles.'

1:02:181:02:23

'Is this the last night of our old life?'

1:02:251:02:28

'I wonder how long my messenger will take.'

1:02:301:02:34

'People like Sheba think they know what it is to be lonely.

1:02:391:02:43

'But of the drip, drip of long-haul, no-end-in-sight solitude,

1:02:431:02:49

'they know nothing.

1:02:491:02:51

'What it's like to construct an entire weekend

1:02:511:02:54

'around a visit to the laundrette.

1:02:541:02:56

'Or to be so chronically untouched,

1:02:561:03:00

'that the accidental brush of a bus conductor's hand

1:03:001:03:04

'sends a jilt of longing

1:03:041:03:06

'straight to your groin.

1:03:061:03:08

'Of this, Sheba and her like have no clue.'

1:03:081:03:15

PHONE RINGS

1:03:151:03:20

ANSWERPHONE BEEPS

1:03:201:03:22

"Bar, I'm SO sorry about today. It was an impossible situation."

1:03:221:03:28

"Richard's really sorry, too. Poor you."

1:03:281:03:32

"Look, why don't you come for supper?"

1:03:321:03:35

Actually, I write quite quickly,

1:03:361:03:39

It's the thinking that takes an eternity.

1:03:391:03:41

But you're never satisfied,

1:03:411:03:43

when your lecturing, you long for time to write

1:03:431:03:46

and when you've got it, you yearn to be back with your students.

1:03:461:03:50

-More coffee anyone?

-I'll have a slug, please.

1:03:531:03:57

Barbara?

1:03:571:03:59

Er, no, thank you.

1:04:011:04:02

LOUD KNOCKING

1:04:061:04:08

KNOCKING RESUMES

1:04:101:04:14

KNOCKING

1:04:161:04:21

-Yes?

-Are you her husband?

-What? Whose?

1:04:211:04:23

-Don't you dick with me, mister. Don't dick me around. Where is she?

-I don't...

1:04:231:04:28

Tell her Steven Conolly's mother wants to see her right now!

1:04:281:04:31

-Excuse me!

-Get...

1:04:311:04:34

-Slut!

-Argh!

1:04:341:04:35

-How could you?!

-Maggie!

-How could you?!

-Maggie!

1:04:371:04:40

He's only a child! My wee boy is a child!

1:04:401:04:43

-What the hell is going on?

-Ask her what's going on. Ask her!

1:04:431:04:47

-Bitch! Bitch!

-Maggie! Come on, leave them!

1:04:491:04:53

-Bitch!

-Leave them alone, Maggie!

1:04:541:04:57

Leave them alone, hey?

1:05:001:05:02

There's nothing for us here.

1:05:021:05:04

It happened, it just happened.

1:05:211:05:23

Things don't. People make things happen!

1:05:231:05:27

Do you think you're the only one who's wanted someone who's young?

1:05:271:05:30

Everyone... Everyone thinks about it, but they deal with it!

1:05:301:05:34

'By the time I took my seat in the gods,

1:05:341:05:38

'the opera was well into its final act.'

1:05:381:05:41

-You're his teacher!

-And you were mine!

1:05:411:05:44

-I'm not trying to justify it.

-THEY BOTH SHOUT

1:05:441:05:48

It's totally different, you were 20!

1:05:481:05:51

Well, he's 16 in May, he's not some innocent.

1:05:511:05:54

Of course he's innocent, he's fucking 15!

1:05:541:05:58

Are you insane?

1:05:581:06:00

If you meant to destroy us, why not do it with an adult?

1:06:001:06:03

-That's the convention. It's worked for centuries.

-It wasn't about us.

1:06:031:06:07

-Why?

-I just wanted him.

1:06:071:06:11

-WHY?

-I DON'T KNOW!

1:06:111:06:15

Well, find out!

1:06:151:06:16

MUSIC: "It's Your Choice" - Philip Glass

1:06:161:06:19

'My guilt is tempered with relief.'

1:06:441:06:47

'She assumes the boy cracked and told his mother all.'

1:06:481:06:51

'Who am I to disabuse her?'

1:06:521:06:55

Brian! Brian! Brian!

1:06:551:06:59

Brian, do stop a minute, please!

1:06:591:07:01

Today, St George's School is a solemn place.

1:07:011:07:04

A source close to the school has indicated that

1:07:041:07:06

another member of staff may have known of the relationship.

1:07:061:07:10

This is categorically denied by the local authority.

1:07:101:07:14

I've told you, Headmaster, had I known anything,

1:07:141:07:16

I would have informed you immediately. My loyalty's to the school.

1:07:161:07:20

-Brian thinks you've known for months.

-Oh, Brian thinks!

1:07:201:07:23

-And Sue Hodge.

-Will you be running through the entire staffroom?

1:07:231:07:26

If you knew and turned a blind eye, you have enabled a crime.

1:07:261:07:29

-I didn't, so I haven't. Your point?

-You're due to retire next year.

1:07:291:07:33

It would benefit everyone if you go early, with immediate effect.

1:07:331:07:36

So it's a witch-hunt. Salem comes to Islington!

1:07:361:07:39

The stress of the job, radical ideas in teaching not to your taste.

1:07:391:07:42

I've got a radical idea, your school, your disaster, why don't you resign?

1:07:421:07:47

Because I am not the confidant of a criminal!

1:07:471:07:49

Now, tell me about your friendship with Mrs Hart.

1:07:491:07:53

I think you'll find that a close friendship

1:07:531:07:55

between two consenting adults is perfectly legal,

1:07:551:07:58

even under your regime.

1:07:581:07:59

My record here is beyond reproach.

1:07:591:08:01

The majority of staff regard me as a moral guardian.

1:08:011:08:04

I've just spoken to an ex-member of our staff,

1:08:041:08:08

another of your "close friends" -

1:08:081:08:10

Jennifer Dodd.

1:08:101:08:12

As you are aware, Jennifer became unwell.

1:08:141:08:17

That's why she had to leave the school.

1:08:171:08:19

-Jennifer threatened you with a restraining order, didn't she?

-That's nonsense!

1:08:191:08:24

A fax from her solicitor -

1:08:251:08:27

she didn't want you within 500 yards of her

1:08:271:08:30

BY LAW!

1:08:301:08:32

You call that a friendship?

1:08:321:08:33

She told me that you sent her fiance a wreath.

1:08:331:08:38

Now, we wouldn't want all this to come out, would we?

1:08:391:08:44

A lifetime of dedicated service ending in shame and humiliation.

1:08:451:08:49

It's your choice, Barbara.

1:08:511:08:54

WHISPERING

1:08:551:08:59

RETCHES

1:09:121:09:13

Ah!

1:09:461:09:48

BANGING ON DOOR

1:09:491:09:51

BREATHES DEEPLY

1:09:571:09:58

'He knows it was me. Does she know, too?'

1:09:581:10:01

'More than I can bear.

1:10:031:10:04

'Is that why she's not returned my calls?'

1:10:041:10:07

TELEPHONE RINGS

1:10:181:10:19

-SHOUTING AND HUBBUB

-When's she coming out?

1:10:191:10:22

Barbara! Barbara! Have you spoken to Sheba Hart yet?

1:10:221:10:27

When's she coming out?

1:10:291:10:31

Tell us why you're friends with a paedophile!

1:10:311:10:34

Did you teach the boy at all?

1:10:341:10:36

Barbara! Barbara!

1:10:361:10:38

Barbara, how has Sheba's husband taken all this?

1:10:381:10:41

Barbarians.

1:10:411:10:44

Sorry about your job.

1:10:461:10:48

You see, the headmaster thought I knew.

1:10:481:10:50

-Did you?

-No!

1:10:501:10:54

-Where is she?

-In her lair.

1:10:561:11:00

-Your boyfriend is younger than mine!

-He's not my boyfriend.

1:11:041:11:08

You slept with a child!

1:11:081:11:10

Oh, Jesus wept! The spectre at the feast.

1:11:131:11:18

-Watch your tongue, madam.

-Frigging freak!

1:11:181:11:20

Oh, there, there.

1:11:241:11:26

Thanks for coming.

1:11:291:11:31

I'm so sorry about school.

1:11:331:11:35

Was he... thank you.

1:11:371:11:39

Was he awful to you?

1:11:391:11:40

Listen, you could say no, I completely understand,

1:11:471:11:53

but Richard, he needs time alone.

1:11:531:11:56

He's asked me to leave.

1:11:561:11:58

Can I come and stay with you, just for a few days?

1:11:581:12:01

You're welcome for as long as you like.

1:12:051:12:07

-PRESS PACK SHOUT FROM OUTSIDE

-When's she coming out?!

1:12:161:12:20

When's she coming out?!

1:12:251:12:26

Is Ben at school?

1:12:261:12:27

-Does he know what's happening?

-It's REALLY none of your business.

1:12:321:12:36

DOOR OPENS UPSTAIRS

1:12:361:12:38

-PRESS PACK:

-What about the kids?

1:12:381:12:41

-PRESS PACK SHOUT:

-Barbara!

-There she is!

1:12:511:12:53

I knew who you were when we met.

1:13:001:13:04

You were young.

1:13:041:13:07

I knew it might get tough, but I was prepared.

1:13:071:13:10

You're a good mother.

1:13:131:13:15

But at times you've been a fucking lousy wife.

1:13:151:13:18

Why didn't you come to me? You could have told me how lonely you were.

1:13:181:13:23

You never trusted me to help you.

1:13:231:13:25

I'm not saying I was so fucking fabulous, but I was here.

1:13:251:13:31

-PRESS PACK SHOUT:

-There she is! There she is! Sheba!

1:13:401:13:44

'This last month has been the most delicious time of my life.'

1:13:481:13:53

'Of course, we've had our ups and downs.

1:13:561:13:59

'The pressure is intense when two women share their lives.

1:13:591:14:05

'But, oh, what marvellous intensity it is.'

1:14:051:14:10

-It's the crone!

-LAUGHTER

1:14:151:14:17

PRESS SHOUT QUESTIONS

1:14:171:14:20

Barbara, is Sheba coming out?

1:14:201:14:23

'Circumstances are not always ideal.

1:14:251:14:29

'The swinish press,

1:14:311:14:34

'the stringent bail terms, meetings with lawyers, and so on.

1:14:341:14:39

'But all things considered, we're coping admirably.

1:14:391:14:43

'In fact, gold stars abundant.'

1:14:431:14:47

'The cuckold permits her to see their children once a week.

1:14:491:14:54

'There are usually tears and fits of teenage tantrums, too.

1:14:541:15:00

'In time, she'll recognise she's just not the mothering kind.

1:15:001:15:06

'And then Barbara will be there to comfort her -

1:15:061:15:09

'nurse, beloved friend and wise counsel.'

1:15:091:15:14

-PRESS:

-Barbara, were you pushed or did you jump?

1:16:371:16:39

If you jumped, was it into a dyke(?)

1:16:391:16:41

Is Sheba still alive? What have you done with her?

1:16:411:16:44

How's the family coping, Barbara?

1:16:441:16:46

Barbara! Barbara! Barbara!

1:16:461:16:49

Sheba?

1:16:511:16:53

What you say about me,

1:17:041:17:07

about Richard...

1:17:071:17:12

You're not fit to shine his shoes.

1:17:121:17:16

And Ben and Polly,

1:17:171:17:21

that I'd be happier without them!

1:17:211:17:24

Why did you do it?

1:17:291:17:30

Because I didn't help you collect your cat?

1:17:321:17:35

-You cost me my family.

-Take some responsibility.

1:17:351:17:38

I gave you exactly what you wanted.

1:17:381:17:43

-You'd still be stuck in that marriage without me.

-What?!

1:17:431:17:46

-You can't accept it, yet.

-You think I wanted to be here with you?!

1:17:461:17:49

You need me, I'm you friend.

1:17:491:17:51

You've put me in prison, I could get two years!

1:17:511:17:54

They'll fly by, I'll visit you every week.

1:17:541:17:57

We've so much life to live together.

1:17:571:17:59

You think this is a love affair, a relationship?!

1:17:591:18:03

What? Sticky gold stars

1:18:031:18:05

-and a strand of my hair and a receipt from Pizza Express?

-No, no.

1:18:051:18:09

It's a flat in the Archway Road

1:18:091:18:11

and you think you're Virginia frigging Woolf!

1:18:111:18:14

Where did you get my hair?

1:18:141:18:15

Did you pluck it from the bath with special fucking tweezers?

1:18:151:18:19

It's rude to read a diary! It's private!

1:18:191:18:21

We're not companions, we're not friends. You don't even like me!

1:18:211:18:24

That's not true, I only have tender feelings for you, only love. No!

1:18:241:18:28

You're barking, fucking mad. You don't know how to love.

1:18:281:18:31

You've never, your whole life...

1:18:311:18:33

Me, Jennifer Dodd,

1:18:331:18:36

you're nothing but waste and disappointment!

1:18:361:18:38

You bitter old virgin!

1:18:381:18:41

You're lonely for a reason.

1:18:411:18:42

They loathed you at school, all of them.

1:18:421:18:45

I was the idiot who bothered,

1:18:451:18:47

but only because nobody told me you're a fucking vampire!

1:18:471:18:49

So what is it, Bar? You want to roll around the floor like lovers?

1:18:491:18:53

You want to fuck me, Barbara?

1:18:531:18:54

-Please don't diminish our...

-Our what? What?!

1:18:541:18:58

Give it back! I know you.

1:18:581:19:01

Selfish and vain, you think you have a divine right.

1:19:011:19:04

You don't belong in the world, you belong here!

1:19:041:19:07

You big baby!

1:19:071:19:08

SHOUTING FROM THE PRESS PACK

1:19:081:19:11

Here I a-a-a-m!

1:19:111:19:13

Here I a-a-a-a-m!

1:19:161:19:20

We never invited you to the fucking Dordogne.

1:19:571:20:01

I'm sorry. But you specifically said if I happened to be in France,

1:20:041:20:07

I should drop in.

1:20:071:20:09

We didn't mean it!

1:20:091:20:11

Well, fine.

1:20:121:20:14

I won't come, then.

1:20:141:20:17

I asked you to lunch because I liked you.

1:20:191:20:22

I would have been your FRIEND.

1:20:221:20:25

I need more than a friend.

1:20:331:20:35

I knew her.

1:22:481:22:50

Sorry?

1:22:501:22:51

-I knew her.

-Really?!

-Mmm.

1:22:511:22:56

-We taught at the same school.

-God. What was she like?

1:22:561:23:01

A bit...

1:23:021:23:05

chilly.

1:23:051:23:06

A touch furtive.

1:23:081:23:11

A sort of absent person.

1:23:121:23:15

Oh, but I didn't know her well. May I?

1:23:151:23:19

-Do you still teach?

-No, no.

1:23:261:23:29

Retired.

1:23:291:23:31

LAUGHS Thank goodness.

1:23:311:23:34

LAUGHS You...

1:23:341:23:37

-Oh!

-LAUGHS

1:23:371:23:39

Here.

1:23:391:23:41

Thanks.

1:23:411:23:43

-I love it here.

-Mmm.

1:23:481:23:50

Spectacular at dusk.

1:23:501:23:53

I'm Barbara.

1:23:591:24:02

Annabel.

1:24:071:24:09

I wonder, Annabel, do you like music?

1:24:131:24:17

Oh. Yes.

1:24:171:24:19

-I've got tickets for Handel's Water Music at the Albert Hall.

-Oh.

1:24:191:24:24

On Saturday - you could bring a friend, if there's someone.

1:24:241:24:27

Oh no, there isn't.

1:24:271:24:29

Well, there we are.

1:24:291:24:31

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1:25:241:25:28

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1:25:281:25:33

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